* UMASS AMHERST *

312Dbt. DEbD 5255 b

IVE COLLEGE
POSITOR'

m
mm

Siiii

■'''l!lilil'!ii,;,::!

'i|!T liil

'I.mIII

l'"'

ill:';il!:l|'i;

w{

:!iiiH'

v^v-'f!

•'I'llllPf

'l r

m.'t

'Mm

i;;ii'

liiiiiliiilill

DDDDDnanDDDDDDDnDnDDDnnDDDDDDDnD

D D

D D

D D

D ^ o« H'^ss^ □

D X^ ^ ^r^ D

(—1 *f E[l ^B n ^ r~i

n ^ A rrr ifra " D

D i ^\v|) fM M D

D •? ^Ssm/ff '^ a

D Tj^^^^V D

D D

D D

D D 1

D UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS g

g LIBRARY g

D D

D D

D D

u u

D D

D D

D D

E SPECIAL COLLECTIONS g

a » ARCHIVES D

D D

D D

D ^ D

D D

D -— ■ D

D W * D
D X D
D O D

D (X D
D I D

D Ov □
D O D

DrsA D
D VII D

D . D
O _\ D
D — D

D D

n — ■ — — n

D ' D

D D

D D

DDDDDDDDDaDaDDaaaDDDDDDDDDaDDDDn

)(

^

im ai ibii

THE

NEW ENGLAND FARMER;

A SEMI-MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO

AGRICULTURE. HORTICULTURE,

AND THEIR KINDRED

ARTS AND SCIENCES;

EMBEIJJSHED AISTD ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINGS;

•HONOK ■WAITS, O'eB, ALL THE EARTH,

The art that calls heb harvests roBTU." — BryanL

S. W. COLE, EDITOR,

ATTTHOR of the AMERICAN VETERINARIAN, AND THE AMERICAN FRUIT BOOK.

VOLUME I.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY J. NOURSE,
QUINCY HALL.

18 4 9.

INDEX TO THE FIRST VOLUME.

A.

Accounts, settle by New Year, 8.
Acknowled!,nncuts, 15, 31, 79, lU, 130, 146, 1G2, 178,

301, 320, 335, 351, 367, 384, 400, 408.
Acorns, as food for swine, 235.
Address of Professor Johnston, 360.
Affection for offspring, 59.
Agricultural chemistry, 38.

education, 39 ; discussion, 145 ; advantages

of, 194.

exhibitions, (see Cattle Shows,") 353.

• experiments, precision in, 37, 358.

improvement, progress of, 167.

meeting at the State House, 49. Subjects

discussed arranged under their appropriate heads,
papers, 138.

schools, in France, 47 ; report on, in New

York, 159 ; Mount Airy, 160.

science, 296.

societies, Norfolk, and formation of, 33, 72,

210 ; libraries for, 228 ; utility of, 254

Agriculture, science in, 2 ; in Maine, 6, 199 ; legis-
lative aid to, 24, 74; importance of, 26, 98; in
New Hampshire, 77 ; neglected in Texas, 80 ; of
Massachusetts, 149 ; influence of, 231 ; remarks on,
233 ; history of, 343, 373; new discovery in, 395.

Alpine i)lants, 299.

Animal heat, chemistry of, 64.

Animals, care of, 8 ; fattening, 24 ; habits of, 27 ;
different species require different food, 62 ; rearing,
keeping, and fattening, 253 ; remedy for lice on,
299 ; various pulse of, 354. See also Cattle,
Horses, &c.

Apples, Gravenstein, Hurlbut, Portsmouth Sweeting,
15 ; Hubbardston Nonsuch, 25 ; Red Russet, Aunt
Hannah, 32 ; grafting into the pear, 40, 79 ; re-
marks on varieties, 53 ; Yellow Bellflower, Bag's
Favorite, Holmes', 79; Jonathan, 79, 90; Golden
Russet and Red Russet, 89 ; Domine, Winter
Sweet Paradise, Vandevcre, Swaar, Newtown Pip-
pin, Tewksbury Winter Blush, I^adies' Sweeting,
90 ; an ancient, 91 ; American in England, 103 ;
Novthei-n Spy, 105 ; Old Nonsuch, Peek's Pleas-
ant, 114; Danvers Winter; Sweet, 118; Philadel-
phia Pippin, 130; Talman .Sweeting, 132; Sutton
Beauty, Winter Sweet, Jones's Sweeting, Sutton
Export, 146 ; Priest Sweeting, 162 ; Strawberry
Sweet, Shawmut, 178; general remarks on, 214;
late, 225 ; Northern Spy, 281 ; as an article of food,
297 ; Summer Rose, Summer Queen, Ives's Sopsa-
vine, 320 ; Porter, 335 ; large crab, Fall Spice, Ba-
ker's Swtqt, 336; Pearmain, 351; Spice, 352;
Large Sweet, Green Sweeting, Baldwin, fine, 367 ;
Sassafras Sweet, 383 ; Porter, 405.

Apple-trees, time of blooming for fifty-two years,
213; barren, 310; monster, 319; iron as manure,
363.

Apple worm, 297.

Apricot, 147.

Architecture, rural, 58.

B.

Beans, mode of harvesting, 328.
Bee-hives, 195.
Bee-houses, floating, 267.
Beef, prospect for, 347.

Bees, disease of, 5 ; care of, 8 ; protection against
moths, 42 ; earliest food for, 67 ; the queen, 98 ;
robbers, 174 ; moths, 207, 319 ; water for, 232; to
feed salt to, 319 ; bees and the moth, 331.

Beets for winter, 210.

Biids, effects of domestication, 47 ; utility of, 91,
191, 201.

Blackberry, its utility and cultivation, 378.

Bones. See Manures.

Book knowledge for farmers, 8.

Books, interesting and useful, 356.

Borers. See Fruit trees.

Boys' Depaktmext. — Important station of boys,
farmers' boys, 13; importance of education to, 28 ;
advice to, 29 ; maxims of Washington, 44 ; econ-
omy in sleeping, 60 ; gude proverb, politeness, 61 ;
resolution, 76 ; cruelty to animals, 77 ; they should
be mechanics, sympathy, 92 ; is the bee the pio-
neer of civilization ? way domestic animals collect
their food, 108 ; prepare seed, taking care of the
pence, 124; industry, 140; early rising and ijidus-
try of birds, 156 ; utility of frogs, thought for every
day, 172; to young men, 189; do animals reason?
204 ; no weeds, evil effects of smoking, 220 ; value
of books, 23G ; little kindnesses, 236 ; lish breed-
ing, 252 ; vulgarity, learning not education, 268 ;
counsels for the young, emblematic properties of
flowers, 284 ; be kind to animals, 300 ; business
first, then pleasure, glowworm, 316 ; redbreast,
332 ; docile, sagacious bull, 348 ; jjolitenoss at
home, 365 ; what it is to be polite, 380 ; tame
fishes, 396; bad books, 365; the beautiful total
abstinence boys, 306.

Brakes, to destroy, 277.

Bridge of poles, 31.

Briers, to destroy, 362.

Brighton Market, sales for one year, 47.

Buckwheat, on raising, 177, 200.

Building, new mode of, and planting, 331. -^

Bush and root puller, 323.

Butter, preservation of, 72 ; American, 296. Se«
Domestic Department.

C.

Cabbage, analysis of, 176.

Camels, useful, 169.

Camomile, effects of on plants and insects, 344.

Carrots, the white, 50.

Carts and wagons, 359.

Caterpillars, to destroy, 67, 177.

Cattle, care of, 17; food for, 26; neat, discussion on,
85 ; horn ail, 88, 154 ; camphor, to destroy lice, 88 ,•
gadfly in, 126, 150, 402 ; diarrhoea in, 135 ; fattening,
175 ; salt for, foot ail, 190 ; to learn tke weight o^

INDEX,

199 ; Hereford and others, 250 ; the Syrian, 255 ;
Hevclord, 258; Devon, 279. Improvements in,
282: I'eediiii?, 298; Hungarian, 3G1 ; hoven in,
371 ; from the British provinces, 383.
Cattle markets, Brighton, 47 ; Palkirk, 217.
Cattle shows, remarks on. 212; of the New York
Stat;' Society, 257, 340; shows and fairs, 289;
Worcester, 321 ; Norfolk, Essex, 337 ; Bristol. 353 ;
Middlesex, 338; at Northampton, 354; Sullivan,
N. H.. 382.
Canlifiower, 201.
Cedar. .Tapau, 25.
Celery, liquid manure for, 149.
Cellars, security of, 18.
Characteristics of the age, 218.
Cheese, of Ohio, 34.
Chemical comt)ination3, 152.
Chemistry iti relation to agriculture, 278.
Cherry, the honey heart tree, 265.
Chestnuts, how to plant, 127.
Churn, thermometer, 227.
Cisterns for houses, 283.
Clay, remarks on, 283.
Clay soils, improvement of, 237.
Close, of the volume, 401 ; of the year, 401.
Clover, preparation of seed, 143.
Congratulatory, 1.

Corn, Indian, analysis of, 18 ; qualities, 49 ; to pre-
serve from wire worms, 98 ; different yields of dif-
ferent kiiuls, 115 ; selling on the cob, 123 ; for fod-
der, 150, 193, 403 ; cultivation of, 180, 197 ; ex-
ports of, 243 ; Button, 3G8.
Cottages, general remarks on, 217, 276, 281.
Cottage architecture, 308.
Country, the, favorable to local attachments, 148 ;

our, 288 ; life in the, 288,
Cows, their utility, 3 ; bone disorder in, 18, 341,
389 ; care of, 51"; exportation of, 142; bloody milk
in, 190 ; profits of one, 211 ; worked as oxen, 224 ;
to dry, 239 ; a plea for, 34',) ; amount of produce
from, 372. See Cattle, and Animals.
Cranberries, in gardens, 22 ; culture of, 164 ; rake for
gathering, 307 ; cultivation of, 383 ; on highlands,
402.
Credit, on giving, 323.

Crops, the, 243; in New England, 274; how much
do they obtain from the air, 349 ; mineral matter
for, 363.
Curculio. See Plums.

Currant, cultivation of, 68 ; black, uses of, 128.
Cultivation, pleasures of, 295.
Cut worm, to prevent its ravages, 175.

D.

Dew, remarks on, 251.

Discoveries, microscope, 299 ; new in agriculture,
395.

Ditches, blind, 235.

Ditching, 2 ; discvission on, 131.

Do well what you attempt, 294.

Dog power, 160.

Dogs, cure for distemper in, 217 ; sagacity of a grey-
hcjund and pointer, 298 ; number of, in United
States, 347.

DoMKSTic Df.partment. — Important station of
woman, wives of working men, farmer's daughter,
pork, cheese, to cure hams cheaply, cooking cran-
berries, 12; smoking hams, to purify honey,
cleansing silk, training of children, 13 ; on good
management, home education of daughters, boil-
ing water, flour bolted and unbolted, 28 ; preserva-
tion of honey, to make yeast, rich buckwheat
cakes, pickling cabbages, bean soup, effects of
habit on the infant mind, 44 ; aid children in their
Btudies, wheaten grits, or cracked wheat, common

sausage meat, to make and fine coffee, to extract
grease from clothes, easy way of cleaning the hands,
for dyers and colorers, 60 ; system, order, regularity,
indulge the curiosity of children, toast and water,
prcnaration of coffee, making yeast, 76 ; pure air
for "bread, education of farmers' daughters, 92 ; care
of preserves, &c., education of the young for agri-
cultural pursuits, egg cream, 108 ; mother's influ-
ence, to make good coffee, griddle cakes of unbolted
wheat, to take mildew out of linen, 124 ; fruits,
female culture, to make cream cheese, 140; do-
mestic happiness, vinegar, to take ink out of linen,
fifty years ago, 105 ; short chapter on bread mak-
ing', to stew celerv, 172 ; sugar for jirescrving butter,
scfence in the kitchen, 188 ; female education,
amusements, keeping lemons fresh, 204 ; making
and preserving butter, layering, 220 ; reward of in-
dustrv, currants and their products, currant jelly,
and wine, 236 ; mothers, keeping lemons fresh,
soapstono griddles, to strengthen vinegar, 252 ; boil-
ing rice, a mouther's voice, cottage potato pudding,
bread and 15htter, 268 ; domestic education, new
mode of preserving butter, improved method of
preserving milk, peeling potatoes, 284 ; female
tact, boiling potatoes, 300 ; plain advice to country
girls, lady architects, soda coffee, 332 ; eftccts of
cosmetics on the skin, shrinking flaiinel,^ 364 ;
to purify river or any other muddy water, 365 ; do-
mestic endearments, learn to cook well, substitute
for tea, 348 ; a gem, to sweeten bread without sugar,
Indian flapjacks, 380; chemistry tV.r girls, to keep
a stove as bright as a coach body by two applica-
tions a year, 396 ; education, 406 ; apple custard,
406.
Draining, pipes for, 25 ; marshes, &c., 1l ; thorough,
74 ; discussion on, 131 ; by tiles, 354 ; remarks on,
392.
Drought, notice of, 272.

Educated labor, 71.

Education, practical, 234.

Eels, taming, 202.

Enjoyment, animal, 110.

Enterprise, American, 248.

Esculent, new, 87.

Ether, effects of on plants, 47.

Experiments, should be thorough, 4 ; utility of, 404.

F.

Facts, curious, 162.

Fan mill, 67. ^ __

Farm, improvement of, 23 ; model, 138 ; great, 187.

Farmer, the, 34 ; American, 78 ; poor, signs of, 94 ;
sons of, 165; respectability of their profession,
179 ; of Mount Vernon, 258 ; every man one, 330 ;
the true, 340 ; clubs and meetings of, 344.

Farming, what constitutes good, 155 ; Penobscot,
187; "to make it profitable, 200; general remarks
on, 325 ; good, 357 ; it will triumph, 372.

Fattening food, 155.

Feeding plants, 203.

Fences, of wire, 52 ; improved, 239 ; remarks on,
381.

Fence posts, 290 ; setting, 304 ; preparing, 393.

Fish, domestic ponds. 166 ; to keep alive, 192.

Flat, new variety, 137; on growing, 167.

Floral show, 240.

Flour barrels, extensive manufactory of, 232.

Flowers, hints to lovers of, 63 ; causes of variety in
colors, 248 ; emblematic properties of, 284 ; di-
vision of, into annuals, &c., 386.

Fodder, cutting, 31, 75.

Forests, their proper places, &c., 404.

INDEX

Forest trees, i)laiitiiig, .5 ; impmtinir, 19 ; raising, 100 ;
cultivation of, 130; on raisina, 139.

Fowls, (see Poultry,) barnyard, language of, 56 ;
convention of breeders, 385 ; exhibition of, 378,
386.

Frugality. 387.

Fruit, remarks on, 9; cultivation of, 20; preparing
seeds of, 33 ; is that on the graft affected by the
stock ■ 36, 131 ; difficulties in growing, 68 ; discus-
sion on, 119 ; to keep birds from, 137 ; wliat fine,
has sprung from, 207 ; pros])oct lor fruit, 209, 226 ;
general remarks on. 215 ; effects of unripe and dis-
eased, on health, 275 ; fallen, 315.

Fruit conventions, 161, 193, 370.

garden, 292 ; of A. Lackey, Jr.. 305.

. trees, (see Grivfting,) training in Russia, 58 ;

8i)ring budding, 68 ; destructive insect, 87 ; prun-
ing stone, 106 ; importance of, and tlicir culture,
118: discussion on, 119; covering the soil about,
160; appearance of, 161; by road sides, 169;
cleaning the bark, 170; budding, 249; manage-
ment of, in the nursery, 292 ; by the road side,
298 ; to destroy borers, 310; manure for, 107.

Fuel in Paris, 312.

O.

Garden, utility of, 116, 149.

Gardening, landscape, 308.

Gates, vertical, 371 ; fann, 403.

Grist mills, portable, 99.

Gooseberry, importance and culture of, 153.

Grafting, great advantages of, 97 ; gutta percha for,
131 ; on doing your own, 133 ; composition for, 326.

Grain, cradle, 243 ; weevil in, 350.

— and grass farming, 101.

Grapes, native, 15; pruning vines, 17; potash food
for, 31 ; Isabella, 57 ; grafting, 83 ; grafting vines,
116 : management of, 122 ; to prevent vines bleed-
ing, 133, 150 ; soap-suds for, 274 ; native, 320, 335,
336, 352, 362, 368 ; culture, 339 ; Isabella, 352,
368 ; rot in, 360 ; Diana, 367 ; Catawba, 368 ;
ringing the vine to promote bearing, 370 ; prun-
ing and training, 377 ; cultivation of, 383 ; varieties
of Colonel Chase, 407.

Grasses, lucerne, 39 ; sowing seed in March, 82 ;
grass farming, 101 ; ribbon, muskeet, grama, buf-
falo, 227 ; witch, 259 ; tall, 272 ; sowing seed, 289 ;
vases and baskets of, 318, to destroy witch, 402.

Green crops. See Maniire.

H.

Hawks, to catch, 91.

Hay, saving clover, 211 ; salting, 211 ; how to dispose
of the surplus, 213 ; caps for, 241.

Hay rake, revolving, 179 ; remarks on, 229.

Haying, 229.

H^EALTH, general remarks on the subject, for croup,
13 ; to prevent cold feet, slippery elm, 14 ; bathing
in winter, for lockjaw, for asthma, for a burn, 29 ;
exercise in the open air, useful to rheumatic inva-
lids, remedy for burns and scalds, sore throat, 45 ;
good advice, children, Gl ; importance of preserv-
ing, exposure to the air, to cure warts and corns,
77 ; health of children, cure for white swellings
and felons, 93 ; wet feet, 108 ; to cure a cold, ampu-
tation without pain, 125 ; remedy for a cough, 140 ;
cure for rheumatism, 141 ; water as a beverage,
exposure to the air, 157 ; antidote to poisons, 168 ;
the headache, dressing wounds, 173 ; ventilation,
189 ; law of health, injury from bleeding, 205 ; to
preserve health, 221 ; cleanliness preventive of
cholera, 237 ; evil consequences of smoking, 253 ;
pure water the best drink, expanding the chest,
exercise, 209 ; effect of unripe and diseased fruit,
275 ; influence of cutting the hair, groaning and
crying, 285; dysentery, 300, 317; bathing, 316;
ihe tomato, burying alive, the hair, 333 ; poison

cheese, 338 ; honey, ripe fruit and dysentery, 348 ;
offei'ts of stoves upon health, 365 ; vaccination
oftentimes no vaccination, 380 ; expanding the
chest, force of imagination, artificial leech, 397 ;
the evil of late hours, 106.

Hedges. O aj^c orange for, 82 ; too tender, 143, 226 ;
hemlock lor, 323.

Hemp, Chinese, 271.

Hens. See Poultry.

Home, A\kat makes a perfect, 219.

Honev dew, remarks on, 230.

Horses, Black Hawk, 19 ; management of, 24 ; choos-
ing, 40; the eye of, 40; breeding, 55; cure for
heaves in, 62 ; blind bridles for, 62 ; galls on, 64 ;
sagacity in, 104 ; plank floors for, 105 ; urine for
cough. 115 ; cli!>ping, 142 ; cure for scratches 142;
Lady Messenger, 164 ; Morgan Messenger, 166,
197 ; effects of food and climate on, 163 ; stiff dis-
order in, 175; to train to the harness, 187; clilo-
roform for lockjaw, 191 ; cure for glanders, 207 ;
propagation of disease in, windgalls in, cure for
bone spavin, 218 ; for sore shoulders, 235 ; take
care of, 259 ; diseases in, 264 ; longevity of, 266 ;
mortality among, 272 ; one killed by bees, 272 ;
purchase of, 293 ; molested by flies, 296 ; glanders
in, and in man, identical, 307; Morgan, 314:
breaking a colt, 314; to cure stifle, 315; cutting
out haws, 319 ; to make sure-footed, 346 ; treat-
ment of open knee-joint, 350 ; shoeing, 351 ; the
Arabian, 355 ; diarrhoea in colts, 358 ; points of,
370 ; to subdue a vicio-us, 370 ; known by their
ears, 376 ; influenza in, 395 ; their utility and man-
agement, 399.

Horse power, Wheeler's, 291.

— radish, cultivation of, 347.

Horticultural Convention, North-West, 224.

Horticultural societies, Mass., 16 ; doings of, 42 ; ex-
hibition of, 208 ; annual exhibition of, 321 ; annual
show of Worcester, 322.
exhibition, 353, 356.

Horticulture, its happy influence, 126, 219.
Hot bed, to make, 107, 121.

houses, management of, 143.

Houses, color of, 222 ; of unburnt brick, 246.

How to get rich, 198.

Hybridization and fecundation of plants, 170.

I.

Idleness, 158.

Industrj', and harmony of labor, 43.

Insects, their power and effects, 10 ; aphis on trees,
47 ; remarks on, 70 ; power of, 234 ; to destroy,
239 ; destroyed by toads, 260 ; on potatoes, 260 ;
music of, 295.

Ice machine, 48.

Inventions, new, 143.

Implements, prepare, 81.

Improvement, the spirit of, 375.

Iron, amount of labor on, 363.

JL.

Labor, importance of, 151 ; is honorable, 169 ; suc-
cessful application of, 244 ; importance of well-
directed, 318 ; well applied, is profitable, 374.

Lactometer, 115.

Lands, wet. 111 ; low, improvement of, 118; clear-
ing, 197 ; hills against level, 318.

IjCaves, practical use of, 270.

Libraries for agricultural societies, 228.

Lice on animals, remedy for, 299.

Lime, (see Manure,) tests for good, 275.

Man, greatness of, 271.

Manures, and their application, 6 ; on saying, 7 ;

n

INDEX

bones, 21, 27, 62, 70; ashes for potatoes, 23;
leaves for, 2^; jjotash for grapes, 31 ; oak leaves,
31; action of jilastcr, 37; discussion on, 54, 65;
flax water, 56 ; peat, 58 ; on applying cornstalks,
69 ; soot, 71 ; burnt clay, 80 ; animal manure and
peat, 80 ; wood and coal ashes, 82 ; coal ashes, 83,
113, 18G; jieat ashes, marl, 90; action of, 90; salt
and soot, 91; human excrement, 94; lime, 100;
com[)Ost, 109; hog, 112; plaster, remarks on, 122 ;
experiments with guano, 136 ; spent dye-stuffs,
165; wool waste, 166; prepared bones, 178; soa])-
suds, 187, 266, 274; a new, 192; Bommer, 193,
273, 308 ; special, 203 ; dissolving bones, 207 ;
green craps, 215, 262 ; i)lastcr and ashes for mead-
ows, 215 ; lime and salt mixture, 217; appdication
of lime and its uses, 231 ; saving, 241 ; new mode
of pre]mring bones, 247 ; ashes for grass lands, 248 ;
compost, 261; Jatfret's, 273; fertilizing, 286; the
sinew of a'^'riculture, 286 ; tolls on, 294 ; soils on
whicli lime is useful, 312 ; patent, 315 ; effects of,
335; for nurseries, 373 ; ashes and lime for plum-
trees, 376 ; various kinds tried for potatoes, 379 ;
time to apply to mowing fields, 392 ; salt, 394 ;
analysis of, 398 ; effects of plaster, 402 ; long ma-
nure recommended, 404; for grass lands, 407.

Marl, 257.

Mechaxics' Department, Arts, Si,c. — General re-
marks, flax machine, soddering ferrules, watci-proof
glue, French polish, 14 ; land for mechanics, well
directed labor, picture varnish, court plaster, 30 ;
promptness, 45 ; manufacture of glass, to produce
the exact likeness of any object instantly on paper,
fire and water proof cement, a cement for stopping
the fissures of iron vessels, to ))revent iron from rust-
ing, to stain wood like ebony, 46 ; importance of good
tools, 61; cement for floors, 62; covering metals
with brass or bronze, to cut glass or drill glass, fi ic
blue wash for walls, 77 ; time for cutting timber, ea^y
method of breaking glass in any rcc^uircd direction,
to preserve specimens in natural history, 93 ; now
application of India rubber, a new thing in me-
chanics, 109 ; water hammer, new princii)le in the
saw mill, inaproved shoe-pegging machine, ma-
chine for carving, 125 ; gutta percha, 126 ; platina
metal, improvement on windmills, 141 ; gardening
for, philosophy of labor, 157; wetting bricks, value
of a barometer, 173 ; ink-supplying pen-holder,
artificial stone, 189 ; preservation of timber for
sleepers, 205 ; gutta percha, 206 ; elasticity, or
spring temper of metal, 221 ; time to cut timber,
237 ; new and important invention, 253 ; white-
wash, new uses for granite, 301 ; alum, important
invention, soldering cast iron with wrought iron,
285 ; new process of tanning, fire-jjroof wood,
269 ; mineral cements, 333 ; self-sustaining bridge,
fire-proof paint, to soften putty and remove glass
without breaking, 349 ; construction of ice-houses,
365 ; cheap and valiuible paint, 380 ; incombusti-
ble preparation for wood, 381 ; a dry, clay brick
press, 397 ; new invention in baking, 398 ; facts
for mechanics, 406 ; machine to make envelopes,
407.

Meeting of farmers at the State House, 50 ; at Han-
over, N. H., 79.

Melons, culture, 98 ; mountain sweet, 384.

Method necessary, 95.

Milk, as an article of diet, 139.

Milk houses, 290, 351.

Milkmaids turned pianists, 64.

Milkuans of glass, 113.

Millet, liO.

Mind, exercise of, 146.

Moon, influence of, on the weather, 270.

Mountain ash, European, 94.

Muscular system, power of, 151.

Mutton, to have tine, 185.

Nature, study of, recommended to farmers, 263.
New England Farmer, reception of, 17.
Nurseries, manuring, 373.

O.

Oats, heavy, 115 ; smut in, 305.
Obituary, 313.
Olden times, 48.
One thing at a time, 312.
Onions, raising, 155 ; different varieties, 158.
Oi-chards, utility of, 7.
Organic matter in soils, 39.
Ornament, evergreens for, 10.

Oxen, driving, 30 ; slow motion of, 79 ; education
of. 111.

P.

Pajiers, profits of, 277.

Parsnips, culture of, 154 ; fattening quality of, 363.

Pasturage, mode of, in Holland, 107 ; in England,
210.

Patent office, 95.

rights, profits of, 277.

Peabugs'", 160.

Peaches, ^lerriam, 15 ; to raise in the north, 37 ; re-
naarks on, 41 ; as to buds being killed, 131 ; on rais-
ing, 134 ; cultivation of, 178 ; Crawford's Early
Melocoton, Smith's Favorite, Southwick, 335 ;
Clarke, 336 ; Lincoln, 355 ; Chelmsford Mammoth,
and the Early Chelmsford, 352; seedling, 351.

Peach-tn^f s injured by budding, 229 ; management
of, 328.

Pears, Flemish Beauty, 9; Adams, M'Laughlin, 15$
Echassery, 32 ; Easter Beurre, Catalac, 79 ; on
raising for winter, 117; Easter Beurre, 121;
Pound, 130 ; Seckel, 147 ; on apple stocks, 276 j
Pendleton's Early York, 304 ; Watson, 320 ; Bart-
lett, 335 ; St. (ihistlian. Fall Bonchretien, Water-
town, 352; Jalousie Fontenay de Vendee, Sicullie,
351 ; St. Michael, 368 ; Belle' Lucrative, 351.

Pcarniains, 257.

Pear-tree blight. 276.

Pear-tree, the Endicott, 72.

Pea straw for fodder, 387.

Peat, 58.

Pippins, 257.

Physical geography, 303.

Physiology, facts in, 144.

Plants, cheap winter protection for, 175 ; growth o^
in confined air, 239 ; Alpine, 299.

Plaster. See Manures.

Plough, clearing obstructions to, 78.

Ploughing, depth of, 27; subsoil, 96, 99, 131, 126 {
fall, 325 ; report on, 358.

Plums, on the curculio, 137, 206, 306; Wheat, Large
Black, Imperial, Princes Yellow (Jage, 304, 313;
Autumn (iage, Cruger's Scarlet, 320 ; Jefferson,
335 ; Manning's Long Blue, 393 ; Coe's Golden
Drop, 400.

Plum-trees, management of, 328 ; ashes and lime for,
376 ; black Avarts on, 390.

Poke root, 227.

Pomological convention. North American, 166.

Ponds, artificial, 360.

Pork, j)rospoct for, 347.

Postage of seeds, scions, &c., 72.

Posts for fence, 290 ; setting, 304 ; upheaved by
frost, 367.

Potatoes, experiments on, 11, 176; sweet, preserv-
ing, 21 ; ashes for, 23 ; from seed, 35 ; culture <ind
preservation, 75 ; substitute for, 105 ; to raise good,
111; efi'ects of manure on, 126; cultivation of,
135; an earlj kind, 162; on new varieties from

INDEX,

vil

seed, 165 ; on planting different parts of tubers,
179 ; large or small for seed, 181, 198 ; on hilling,
214 ; exhaust the soil, 230 ; Graylock variety, 231 ;
saving, 242 ; rust in, 297 ; experiments on, 311 ; a
nice patch, 324 ; experiments with various kinds
of manure, 379 ; from the British pi'ovinces, 383 ;
fine variety, Irish, 384 ; early kinds, 400 ; Riley,
408.

Potato rot, 3, 21, 154, 191, 307, 370, 405.

Practical, getting more, 195.

Premises, keep them clean, 305.

Premiums, best mode of offering, 102.

Prices for agricultural treatises, 201.

Progress, spirit of, 243 ; rapidity of, 367.

Promptness important, 161.

Pruning, facts in, 112 ; summer, 226.

Poultry, importance of, 4 ; Cochin China fowl, 26 ;
Dorking hens, 35 ; new duck, 78 ; advice in, 104 ;
large, 128; Poland fowls, 147; rules for raising,
167; raising turkeys, 170; advice in, 192; profits
of hens, 196 ; an affectionate gobbler, 287 ; remarks
on hens, 309, 356 ; hen lice, 311 ; straw hens' nests,
372 ; the Canadian goose, 375 ; exhibition of, 378,
385 ; feeding, 082.

Publications, notices of, 15, 16, 32, 43, 64, 79, 97, 98,
114, 130, 146, 177, 178, 208, 224, 240, 256, 288, 336,
352, 368, 400.

^.

Queries for scientific men, 152.

Quince, apple, 329 ; a fine seedling, 352 ; Mayflower
368.

B.

Railroads, of wood, 47; advantages of, 379, in agri-
culture, 394.

Rails, last of, 50.

Railway, property, depreciation of in England, 248 ;
portable, 306.

Rainy days, industry on, 296.

Raspberries, cultivation, 143 ; soil for, 144 ; saw-fly
that infests, 164 ; theirimportance, 233; saleof, 402.

Rats, fondness for oil of anise seed, 11.

Reclaimed land, 215.

Redbreast, the, 332.

Roller, utility of, 51 ; uses of, on grass lands, 345.

Roses, perpetual, 127; soap-suds for, 274 ; to destroy
aphis on, 295.

Root culture imjiortant, 162.

Roots, put them in, 223.

Rural life, 221.

Rye, cultivation of, 22 ; without manure, 180.

S.

Sainton, taming, 202.

Salt, purity of different kinds, 144 ; for destroying
vermin and weeds, 346 ; in agriculture, 394.

Salt marsh, improvement of, 165.

Sandy jjlaius, to improve, 200.

Saw-mill, the first, 178.

Schools, neatness in, 287.

Science, in agriculture, 2, 18 ; power of, 15 ; pleas-
ures in the pursuit of, 266.

Scions, preserving, 31 ; collecting, 33.

Season, the, 376 ; and its fruits, 388.

Seeds, collecting, 33 ; of fruit trees, preparing, 33 ;
preparation and planting apple, 137 ; diffusion of,
339 ; preserving, 344.

Seed sower, imjKovcd, 147.

Sentiment, a noble, 226.

September, work in, 299.

Shad bush, 162.

Sheep, care of, 51 ; evergreens for, 81 ; Merino, 83 ;
feeding and fattening, 87 ; grubs in their heads,
91 ; in its various forms, 104 ; age of, deteriorates

wool, 123; washing and shearing, 182; how to
catch, 180 ; general remarks on, 202 ; to preserve
lambs from vermin, 233; the best Mcrinoea, 282 ;
on producing black, 319 ; sheltering, 347 ; excre-
tory duct of, 360.

Soiling, 222.

Soil, barren, 91; culture of, noble and useful, 117;
absorbs odors, 168 ; origin and diversity of, 266 ;
analysis of, 292, 389 ; nature of, 367 ; preparatioa
of, for seeds, 393.

Something to think of, 298.

Snow, warmth in, 10.

Speed of various things, 15.

Spontaneous combustion, 46.

Squash, vegetable marrow, 168 ; autumnal marrow,
185; to protect vines, 219.

Stables, keep clean, 27 ; management of, 152.

Stirring the earth, 209.

Stock, (see Animals, Cattle, &c.,) cooking food for,
11; improvement of, 63; care of, 86; roots for,
88 ; salting, 287.

Stock breeders, proposition to, 391.

Straw for bonnets, 208.

Strawberry, Black Prince, 83 ; remarks on, 89 ; New-
land's, 242, 354 ; importance of, 244 ; best varie-
ties, 258.

Strength, muscular, 319.

Striped bugs, to destroy, 175.

Stumps, to remove, 381.

Sugar, maple, 17, 73, 408.

Swine, discussion on, 50, 84 ; sulphur and charcoal
for, 95; Berkshire, 96 ; facts about, 127; fatten-
ing, 175 ; for swelling in the throat, 248 ; acorns
as food for, 235 ; remarks on breeds, 342 ; value of
Berkshire, 402 ; management of, 407.

T.

Tea, growing, in the United States, 46, 141.

Thrasher and separator, 291.

Tillage, deep, 69, 136.

Timber, time for felling, 142 ; preservation of, 245 ;
cause of decay in, 330.

Time, economy of, 240.

Toads, utility "of, 260.

Tool chest, 169.

Trees, longevity of, 27 ; transplanting, 52, 132 ; sin-
gular, in New Zealand, 62 ; beauties of, 95 ; culti-
vation of, 151 ; ornamental, 222 ; signs of vigor,
maturity and decay, 261 ; advantages of, 298 ;
transplanting, 338, 381 ; planting, 363.

Trouble, to shake off, 206.

Turnip, cabbage, 194.

Turnip seed, preparing, 208.

V.

Vegetables, to improve, 142 ; to enlarge, 143.

Vegetable cutter, 339.

Vermont farming, 96.

Veterinary practice, hydropathy in, 184.

Vintage, in France, 128.

Volume first, close of, 401.

Wagons and carts, 359.

Water, in the atmosphere, 93.

West, the wealth of, 255.

Wheat, to improve the crop, 10 ; Kloss Blue Stem,
11, 320 ; to clean, 80 ; affected by manure, 82 ;
growing in Maine, 94 ; rolling, 109 ; preparation
of seed, 113; Texas, 142; on harvesting, 242;
culture and varieties, 275 ; the midge, 278 ; smut
in, 306 ; experiments in raising winter, 327 ; rust
and the weather, 350 ; crop in Texas, 370 ; Blue
Stem or Banner, 390.

vm

INDEX.

Winds, remarks on, 53.
Winter, prc)):irc for, 3R9.
Worn 'n, professional, 2o().
Wood, impolii'v of burnint^ ^recn, 78.
Woodlands, ina!!a;4Cinoat of, 1 ; planting, 5 ; culti-
vation and iros' rvation of, 301.
Woods, preservation of, 211.

Wool, in the West. 127 ; prospect of the market, 250 ;
{general remarks on, 328.

Wool depot. White River, 198.

Wool market, review for September, 347, for Octo-
ber, 37 ; iti the South, 382.

Worcester Count)' Mechanics Association, fair o^
322.

Work, advantages of, 91.

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS

A Native Cow, 3

Flemish Reautv Pear, 9

Black Hawk itorse 19

The Cranberry 22

Hubbardston Nonsuch Apple, ' 2.5

Dorking Hens, 35

The Peach 41

Field Roller, 51

Isabella Grape, 57

Grant's Patent Fan Mill, 67

The Endicott Pear-Tree 73

Merino Sheep, 83

The Strawberry, 89

Nichols and Marsh's Patent Portable Grist-Mill, 99

Northern Spy Apple, 105

Ijactometer, 115

Easter Beurre Pear, 121

Subsoil Plough, 131

The Curculio, 137

The Improved Seed Sower and Planter, 147

Lady Messenger and ^lorgan Messenger, 163

Revolving Horse Rake, 179

Autumnal Marrow Squash, 185

Bee- Hives 195

The Birds 201

Design for a Cottage, 216

Thermometer Churn 227

The Raspberry, 233

Grain Cradle, 243

Budding 249

Honey Heart Chcrry-Tree 265

Cottage of A. A. Lawrence, Esq., 280

Wheeler's Improved Horse Power Thrasher and

Separator 291

Apple Worm, in Different Stages 297

Cranberry Rake, 307

Prince's Yellow Gage Plum 313

Bush and Root Puller, 323

Apple Quince, 329

Vegetable Cutter, 339

Lincoln Peach, 345

Arabian Horse, 355

Belle Lucrative Pear, 361

Smith's Vertical Gate 371

Pruning and Training Grape- Vines, 377

Italian or Black Spanish Fowls 387

Manning's Long Blue Prune Plum, 393

Farm Gate, 403

Porter Apple 40£

INDEX TO POETRY.

The Song of Toil 16

Thv Will be done, 32

Speed the Plough, 48

The Happy Farmer, 64

The Old Oaken Bucket 80

Gentle Words 96

Be kind 112

Music of Spring, 1 28

The Farmer's Daughter, 144

Spring, 160

Kindness to Animals 176

Let us love one another, 192

The Old Homestead 208

A World of Love at Home 224

The Sweet Brier, 340

Agricultural Hymn, 256

Old Friends together » 272

My Country, 288

Farmer's Ilvmn, 304

The Old F.itniliar Farm-House 320

Stanzas — How pleasant 'tis to wander 336

Friendship, 352

Stanzas — O, Heaven's pure Breezes, 368

The Indian Summer, 384

Singing Bird's Petition to Sportsmen 400

The Plough and Sickle, 408

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I,

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1848,

NO. 1.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTOX.

J. NOURSE, PUBLISHEK.

CONGRATULATORY.

"We recently offered a valedictory, in another
jottrnal, and we are now happy vsx greeting the agri-
culttiral community, under circumstances so auspi-
cious, in anew and more acceptable manner, in which
the labors of ourself and our many kind friends, who
aid us in the cause of improvement, will be in a
compact and durable form, circulating on their own
intrinsic merit, unencumbered and unaided by extra-
neous matter.

The Publisher will spare no expense in furnishing
a work in good taste and style, and the Editor and
Correspondents will endeavor to make it worthy a
place among the most respectable journals of other
classes, though it will be the exponent of a profes-
sion that is still in its infancy, both in art and science,
and has not, until recently, assumed an importance
even in the minds of the millions that pursue it,
much less in the opinion of a still larger number
who must live or starve, as this art flourishes or
fades.

Within a short period, great improvements have
been made in agriculture ; yet we arc just beginning
to ascend the mount of knowledge, —

" Hills peep o'er hills, and Alps on Alps arise," —

and a wide field opens before us, amply sufficient
for the range of greatest acumen and profoundest
philosophy. The most skilful in practice and the
most thorough in science will find more subjects for
investigation and experiment, than they can possibly
explore even in a long life.

Every branch, throughout the whole routine of
cultivation and economy, is suceptible of improve-
ment, from our operations against the minutest insect
that spoils the crops of the farmer, to the management
of the noblest animal that aids in his labors ; from the
humblest plant that flourishes in the meadow, to the
majestic monarch that waves in the forest. Every
mode of culture and management must be tried by
the hand of renovation ; all the various productions

of the earth must undergo a most rigid scrutiny and
the severe ordeal of exact comparison ; implements
and machines, the astonishing product of the greatest
skill, science, and practice, must be improved, or
the spirit of the age will write Teliel upon them.

"We depend greatly on valuable communications,
and the contributions of important matter, to give
variety, interest, and value to the New England
Farmer, and we invite the cordial aid of the friends
of this great cause, which is also the cause of fiatriot-
ism and philanthropj'.

On that magnanimous spirit, so conspicuous among
farmers, of diffusing widely their discoveries and
improvements for the general welfare, we confidently
rely for assistance, as it is a source from which we
may draw, and yet the fountain overflow and expand
more and more, in consequence of the liberal drafts
upon it. Such is the human mind, that the gener-
ous and benevolent acquire knowledge from its
diffusion, and the liberal soul expands by its own
munificence, and lives in the prosperity which it
creates around it.

We are but a co-laborer with thousands of others
in the vast field of improvement ; and let xis aU
strive to excel, and disseminate, broadcast, over the
land, excellence in the art of culture, nor rest satis-
fied with what we have done until the wilderness
shall blossom as a rose, and there is not a waste or
barren spot in our favored countrj', nor a single
cultivator ignorant of his profession. If there be an
individual too short-sighted to read, or too tcise to
learn, the generous and intelligent should aid in
giving him light ; and we will most cheerfully and
liberally contribute to so laudable a purpose.

MANAGEMENT OF WOOD LANDS.

The best way of managing wood lands, as to the
mode of cutting, is to take all the wood clean offal
once. Then new trees will start up under good
management, and all have an equal chance, and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

make a handsome, straight growth. The mode that
has been practised by many, is to cut off the large and
decaying trees, allowing the younger and more vigor-
ous to remain. By this course, a few trees will spread
their branches wide, and discourage any new growth.
We have seen some of the finest wood lots misman-
aged in this way ; and as the largest and oldest trees
were removed, the more thrifty increased and occu-
pied the whole land, and after a while the whole lot
contained but a light growth of scattering trees, with
no prospect of any thing new, and the land became,
in a measure, unproductive.

On the contrary, we have cut off all, and a vigor-
ous growth succeeded, which became valuable for
both timber and fuel, and for making sugar, where
the rock maple prevailed, in the course of fifteen
or twentv vears.

For the New England Farmer.
SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE.

Mr. Eiutor : The progress of knowledge in those
sciences connected with the art of cultivation, has been
wonderful during the last half centuiy. Geology,
Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology, which barely had a
name as sciences in our highest literary institutions,
fifty years ago, much less any place as established
branches of study, now have a place in the appointed
course of study in the common school. The theories
erected on our supposed philosophic knowledge are
not always, perhaps not often, successfully applied
in practice. One reason why it is so may be found
in the imperfection of our knowledge ; another, in the
widely different results in the artificial laboratory,
and the operations of the same principles in the
field.

The analysis of a plant scorns to shoAv the chemist
what food should be provided to nourish and mature
that plant ; but in the application he seldom realizes
all the influence expected, and not unfrcquently is
entirely disappointed. In the life and growth of
plants there is mystery which human knowledge
cannot solve. Approaches to the truth are the high-
est pretensions of the deepest researchers into the
laws of nature. Chemists of the highest attainments
have no perfect confidence in the successful applica-
tion of all their recommendations in agricultural
pursuits ; they advise farmers to proceed %vith cau-
tion, and never practise to great extent on any theory
till fact'i, in cai-efuUy conducted experiments, shall
have proved its correctness.

The exact delineation of experiments and the
faithful record of the results are of great utility to
farmers, and inuch of the space in an agricultural
paper should be filled with details of them. Even
those experiments, which, at first view, seem of
little or no value, may assist some man in the dis-
covery of an error, or fix his attention on some sim-
ple, though important fact, which had before escaiiod
his notice. In the records of practical results, the
farmer discovers motives to excellence in his work
which would, in a great measure, be hidden from
him in the perusal of a literary essay. What won-
derful influences have been produced, what an im-
pulse has been given to the exertions of many
farmers, in the simple narration of the practices of
Klyogg, who began his career in careful observation,
and ended it in the possession of true philosophy !

In these views it seems very desirable that our
agricultural papers should be in a form easy of pres-
ervation and repcrusal. We want to compare
present views and practices with those of by-gone
years, and learn whether actual advancement is
proportionate to the changes we witness. It is some-

times asserted, in somewhat boastful manner, that a
complete revolution has been effected in agriculture,
that labors are now governed by principles and
prosecuted with instruments unthought of in former
ages. It is not exactly so. In looking back as far
as the days of Jethro TuU, we find, in his quaint lan-
guage, intimations of nearly all the philosophical
principles on which farmers now act ; and in his cuts,
the drafts of various implements, in form, were very
similar to those now in use. Great improvements
on the theories and practices of other ages have been
made, and beyond this we have no ground of boast-
ing. The continued progress of improvements will
be most effectually promoted in critical comparisons
of our theories and practices with those both of re-
cent and more ancient experimenters.

MOKRILL ALLEN.
Pembroke, Nov. 21, 1818.

Editori.^l Remarks.

The above communication, from a veteran and
successful farmer, on the advantages of science
applied to agriculture, is worthy the particular
attention of those farmers who think that science is
of but little importance to them. We arc aware
that some sciences that have an important bearing on
agriculture, are, in this respect, very imperfectly
understood, and that men of science differ on some
points of great interest to the cultivator ; yet this is
a day of improvement, and we are constantly receiv-
ing more light from experiments conducted in a
scientific manner.

One great consideration should be always in view ;
that is, all the operations of nature are one vast
series of scientific principles, and all that can be done
by men of practice and science does not change them
one iota. The great object should be to learn what
they are, that we may aid Nature in her opera-
tions, and thus render our labors lighter and more
pleasant and productive.

For the Neic Englarid Farmer.
DITCHING.

Mr. Editor : I have been trying the eflccts of
ditcliing on my farm in Carver. I dug nearly two
miles this fall ;' and meadows that were always fuU
of water have been made perfectly dry. In all cases,
where practicable, I have dug six to ten inches in the
sand or clay, so as to perfectly drain the muddy part.
My ditches have usually been four feet -svide and
three feet deep. In sorne places I could not reach
the sand, but in most cases I was able to reach it, as
I usually ditched near the shore, so a-s to cut off the
springs, and then cut narrow ditches from one side
to the other. If the narroAV ditches did nothing
more, they drained off the sour cold water, which
will make the fodder sweet. Now it remains to see
what kind of grass w'Al take the place of the round
grass and other useless kinds. After one year, you
■v^■ill hear from me again. The farmers say I have
ruined the meadow. The mud I have carted to the
barn-yard and hog-pen, intended for dry, sandy soil,
which I think is worth more than manme without
the mixture, especially on sandy land.

Yours. S. A. SHITIITLEFF.

Brookmne, Oct., 1818.

Safe Seal. — A letter closed with the white of an
egg cannot be opened by the steam of boiling water,
like a common wafer, as the heat only adds to its
firmness.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

mMjn't^^^^^f^^i^^^^^^:^^-

KAATSKILL, A NATIVE COW.

This is the portrait of a native cow, the property
of R. Donaldson, Esq., Blithwood, Dutchess Co.,
N. Y., which was engraved foi* the Albany Cultiva-
tor. She gave thirty-eight quarts of milk per day,
in June. Age six years ; color brindle ; weight 1170
pounds. We have selected it as a good representa-
tion of our best native cows, and if not a perfect
model of beauty, proportion, and sjTumetry, it is true
to our piu-pose. As our native cattle are made up
of various races, and numerous mLxtures of these
different breeds, no animal can be presented as a
type of th^ whole ; yet the above is the general form
of our best native milkers.

Probably no race of cattle can be found which
excels our best natives for millc ; yet we experience a
serious disadvantage in not being able, generally, to
produce this valuable quality in the offspring. The
old adage, that " a good cow may have a bad calf,"
is often verified.

This is easQy accounted for. The qualities of our
finest native cows are often merely incidental, not a
fixed property ; -therefore they will not always descend
to the offspring. To remedy this evil, the very best
stock should be selected, and then, by a continued
course of judicious management, a fine race of ani-
mals would be produced, having properties of their
progenitors, as the breed would become fixed, or
what is called blood stock.

To the human race the coav is the most valuable
of all animals. She affords the best of food to all,
from infancy to old age. Milk contains all the ele-
ments of nutrition for every part of the growing
animal or being. Alone it is valuable food, and is
excellent with every species of bread, and almost
every kind of fi uit, and various other productions ;

and the products of the cow m.ny fonn a most val-
uable ingredient in almost every dish, and in many
they are absolutely necessary to their excellence ; and
they afford the advantage of condensation and preser-
vation, and become a convenient article of commerce.

Besides this excellent property in the cow, she is
also useful for many other piirposes, as well as other
animals. Her products form a preparation for our
feet, a light to dissipate the darkness of night, an oil
for various purposes ; her horns form many orna-
mental and useful articles, her flesh the richest
viands ; and with good discipline and gentle treat-
ment, she may be made a valuable and economical
instrument in labor ; and why not take exercise as
well as other prolific animals, and as well as wild
animals, that, in the same productive state, range
forest and mountain, with severe exercise, in search
of food, for themselves and offspring.

The cow being so important to our sustenance and
comfort, she should be treated with the greatest
kindness, and fed and managed with best care. C^ive
her a warm, drj' shelter, a neat and well- ventilated
house, curry often, give her a plenty of drink, and
good food, at regular periods, and she will richly pay
for all extra expense and care.

The Potato Rot. — All parts of our State seem to
be again afflicted with this terrible scourge. Every
where it has made its appearance with more or lens
virulence. Our correspondent in Essex Co. rcport-s
the crop there to be in a great measure lost. In this
neighborhood its ravages have not been so severe, but
nearly every field is more or less injured. So much
heavy rain as we have had during August and Sep-
tember has undoubtedly been one cause of its prcv;»-
lence. — VermotU Agricuitufist.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the Nno England Farmer.

EXPERIMENTS AND CONCLUSIONS.

Mr. Cole : There is great jironeness in the human
mind to form theories from single facts — to generalize
and lay down principles from isolated observations.
This aptitude to form hasty and erroneous opinions,
from few facts and experiments, is remarkable on
agricultural subjects. Hence theories and dogmas
are promulgated one year as fixed truths, that are
exploded the next. On no subject is it more difficult
to come to any certain conclusion from an exi:)crimcnt,
or even half a dozen experiments, than in agricul-
ture and kindred arts.

So many elements enter into the operation, that
much uncertainty must rest on what prodixces the
result. The infinite variety of soils, the different
qualities of manures, and the ever-varying weather,
in different seasons, will baffle the efforts of the most
acute experimenters ; and nothing but long experi-
ence, close observation, and skilful management, va-
ried for a series of years, can settle, with reasonable
certainty, any principle in agriculture. The chemist,
in his experiments, uses no articles whose strength
is not known, and then he weighs each ingredient
with scrupulous exactness, and makes his combination
with the nice and prescribed rules of science. The
agriculturist cannot, with like precision, make his
experiments, but must exercise discretion and judg-
ment in approximation to probable correctness.
Many writers for agricultural papers do not seem to
be awai'e of the difficulty of farming experiments, and
of the uncertainty of many of their conclusions.
From this arises the want of confidence, in the pub-
lic mind, in paper speculations on the subject. Did
writers for the periodical press content themselves
with stating facts, and all attending circumstances
likely to affect results in their experiments and oper-
ations, they would render much more service to the
public, and command more attention and confidence,
than in hastily spinning theories, or announcing
some supposed discovery of mighty import, fi-om a
partial and imperfect experiment, that in fact proves
worthless.

For instance, the numerous speculations, principles,
and dogmas in regard to the potato, often laid down
"with the air of infallibility, are known to every experi-
enced farmer to be nearly all merely imaginary. So
of the disease that has of late so nearly destroyed
that useful root, its cause, remedy, and prevention,
almost daily is announced some great discovery,
drawn from a single fact or experiment, that proves
fallacious. One man Mill notice a shower just be-
fore his potatoes arc struck with the rot, and he
will lay it down as the certain cause, as though that
shower e.xtended over Eui-ope and America. Anoth-
er discovers some fly or insect about his potato tops,
just before he discovers they are diseased, and then,
with flourish of trumpets, he announces the great dis-
covery of the cause.

Some assert dogmatically that the cultivated
potato has lived out its life, and must be renewed ;
others, that the disease is undoubtedly the effect of
high cultivation ; and so on to the end of the chapter,
if the chapter is ever to have an end. Such conclu-
sions, jumped at from slight observations, were finely
illustrated by a neighbor, who said his potatoes in his
long rows were but slightly diseased, while those in
the short ones were nearly all rotten. He did not,
however, lay down the dogma, that long rows were a
certain remedy, for he was a man of sense, and
sought for some explanation from other circumstances,
and recollected that in planting, he furrowed his
ground with his oxen, where he could do it conve-
niently, forming long rows, and planted his potatoes
there deeper than in his short rows, where the hoe
was used instead of the plough.

Ilis conjecture as to the cause was probably correct

in the circumstances of that particular case, of the
nature of the soil and season, so far as the virulence
of the disease was concerned ; but the experienced
farmer, who has suffered for a series of years by the
disease, knows that, under some circumstances of
season and soil, the deep-covered potatoes suffer
least, and under others, the most.

Those considerations demonstrate the necessity, in
making experiments, of great care and accuracy in
the operation, and of continuing them for a series
of years before any certain or valuable conclusions
can be drawn from them. The facts and results.
Avith so many of the cu'cumstances detailed as pos-
sible, should be yearly published, as facts for the bene-
fit of other experimenters, and as useful hints for
the practical farmer, as well as the experimenter. In
communicating such facts to the public, the nature
of the soil should be accurately described, the time
of the various operations, and character of the season
as to temperature, and moistness, or dryness, and par-
ticularly for what articles of production the seasons
are most favorable and otherwise.

RUFUS M'INTIRE.

Parsonfield, Me., Oct. 1848.

For the New England Farmer.
POULTRY

A PROFITABLE PART OF FARM PRODUCE.

Mr. Editor : There are no animals raised on a farm
that are more neglected by farmers than poultry.
They, in fact, receive but very little attention, and ai-e
rather left to take care of themselves, than fed at
regular seasons, and in other respects projjcrly
provided for. "\\'Tiy this is so, it is difficult to say,
unless it be that the profits of poultry are not supposed
to pay for the expense of feeding them. But that
tliis is a mistaken notion, the experience of those who
have bestowed care and attention in keeping poultry,
wUl Avarrant any one in asserting.

The objects of the farmer in keeping poultry are
twofold : 1st. The raising and fattening of them
for market ; 2d. Obtaining from them eggs for the
same purpose. These two articles, fowls and eggs,
are generally quick of sale, and command good
prices. If any farmer believes otherwise, let him
enter any large market stall, or grocery store, where
eggs are sold, and witness the piles that from day to
day are disposed of and replaced by others ; or, what
is far better, ascertain the amount of sales which the
egg account shows at the end of the year. Let him
ascertain, too, the amount of eggs consumed at a
single hotel in the city, or at any large confectionary
or bakery. Let him count up the probable number
of dozens consumed in a large city in a single day ;
and he will almost begin to think that the chief food
of its inhabitants is eggs — eggs — and nothing but
eggs.

So, too, of poultry. Take the following item, which
appears in a recent English journal, as in point on
the consumption of this article abroad. " Mr. Bailey,
poulterer, of London, states that one London sales-
man sells annually £100,000 worth of poultry ; that
he himself paid £81,000 last year for poultry, and
that £15,000 are paid yearly at Aylesbury for young
ducklings." That the sales of poultry in the Boston
market would present a corresponding exhibit, there
can be little doubt. Perhaps some poulterer there
might be induced to make an estimate on the subject.
In the absence of such an estimate, it may be stated,
on good authority, that in the town of Lynn are
two poulterers, who kUl, in the warm season, on an
average, one 500 and the other 300 chickens every
week for the Nahant tables. They have men spe-
cially employed to collect poultry from a large cir-
cuit in that vicinity.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

With such a cleraand, increasing every season,
will it not pay well for our farmers to keep more
fowls, to select the best variety, to feed them higher
and more regularly, and in fact to make the rearing
of poultry an object of equal importance with that of
raising swine or fattening calves ? There are many
suggestions which m^ight be offered on this question ;
but enough, perhaps, has been said to attract more
attention to it than it has hitherto received from
the farmers of Massachusetts.

ALLEN W. DODGE.

Hamilton, Njv. 11, 1848.

For the New England Farmer.

WOOD AND TIMBER LANDS, PLANTING
FOREST TREES, &,c.

Mr. Editor : The faithful injunction of " Axeman,
spare that tree," is unheeded by the pioneer. Tim-
ber he fells, he burns ; he scatters his fires, and glories
in conflagrations which deaden the forests, as though
forest trees were his natural enemies, and he was bent
upon extermination. He rarely stays his hand until
his own wants, or a good m.arket, calls for lumber.
But, alas ! he exclaims, I had some once, and knew
not its value.

His forty-acre woodlot, economized, would have
produced abundant supplies for home use, and much
for market. But he has cut the young, the thrifty,
and the straight- grained, because it was more easily
prepared for fuel. The aged, gnarled, and decaying
stand or lie as scattering monuments of his folly.
Kind Natm-e, man's best friend, attempts to repair-
these breaches in her sylvan shades, made by man's
improvidence. By her various agencies, unaided by
man, she scatters her forest seeds, and soon the pippins
of the oak, the pine, the white ash, sugar-maple, and
hackmatack, valuable varieties, make their appear-
ance, and thrive in proportion to the congeniality of
the soil. But hungry cattle and sheep are turned
to the woodlot to browse before the grasses of spring
are sufficiently grown, and the ruin is completed.
Nature now, as if disgusted with man's folly and
indolence, adopts the suggestion of Solomon, " A rod
for the fool's back," and mosses, brakes, thistles, bur-
docks, brambles, and worthless shrubbery, are her
chastisements.

Reader, have you wood and timber lands ? Guard
them from fires as you would protect the apple of
yoiir eye. If fires or the axeman's folly has injured
your lots, as soon after it as the following November,
select seeds from the best varieties of healthy trees,
growing on soils similar to those j'ou wish to plant,
and aid nature in repauing the breaches. Thus you
may cultivate the valuable, to the exclusion of the
worthless. Keep out your cattle till the young for-
est is above their reach. Spare the thrifty, and cut
the old and decaying ; fell with cai'e, to spare your
saplings.

Plant your white ash on rich, moist soils ; your
oaks win thrive on land hilly, rocky, and unfit for
tillage. Your pines will grow on almost every
variety of soil not too boggy. Your hackmatack,
more valuable than oak for knees, beams, and top
timbers for vessels, combines strength with durability,
and never corrodes the iron fastening, as does the
oak from its acidity. This valuable timber * will

* A writer in the Cultivator thinks tlie hackmatack
would thrive on upland. I am not surprised that he
should think so. When young, it grows thriftily on tol-
erably dry soil; but before it is large enough for use, a
dry rot seizes the heart, and the blacli ants eat it to a
shell. Having cut thousands of tons witlun the last
fifteen years, I am able to say, I have never found one
tree of old growth, upon upland, that was sound. Thus,
those who would plant for timber should be cautious
and select swamps and moist land.

only grow to maturity on soils too wet and miry to
bo profitable for the growth of other timber.

The alder, black ash, and cedar arc its neighbors ;
the borders of bogs and muddy streams are its fiivor-
itc locations. Millions of entirely unproductive
acres, in New England, are admirably adapted to its
growth.

Shall a commercial people longer shut their eyes
to the importance of encouraging the protecting
and growing such valuable timbers for ship-building,
as the oak and hackmatack ? And who is there that
does not know the value of white ash and white
pine for other purposes ? Yet how few protect them,
either from indolence or a fear that posterity only
will be benefited. Yet numerous facts like the fol-
lowing may bo found. Near the junction of the
Kennebeck and Sebasticook Rivers lived, forty years
since, a Mr. William Gatchell. He had occasioji
to build him a dwelling-house. In his lot, timber could
not be procured for the frame. He was then poor,
owning a piece of clay loam, destitute of wood, yet
covered with sprouts. Ho cut down the worthless,
and left the white oak and white pine. He is now
rich, and his j^roperty is timber, on that very land, loorth
several hundred dollars per acre. Good judges estimate
the increased value to be more than twelve per cent.
Yet no man calls liim a usurer. He tills a little pro-
ductive farm, lives happy, appears yet in the prime
of life, does not keep his prosjierity a secret, but
advises all to take care of their sprouts. Beyond this
he has no key to unlock the chests of Mammon,
save that he never goes to law, seldom swaps horses,
or dabbles in politics ; but always takes an agriciil-
tural paper, and pays for it. Reader, if your land
has sprouts, go and clo likewise.

JESSE SMART.

Troy, Maine, Nov. 1848.

For tli£ New England Farmer.
BEE-ROT.

Mr. Cole : I have observed this disease in the
hive for more than twenty years ; but have hitherto
been unable to learn the cause, or remedy. The bees
perish, and rot while in their cells, in the chrysalis
state, and the young in the hive are found to be a
complete mass of corrupted matter, with only here
and there some young, apparently healthy; which
invariably results in the overthrow of the hive
generally in the course of a few months, sometimes
continuing along a year or two from the commence-
ment of the disease.

My attention has been directed to this subject for
many years, and as I had come to the conclusion
that dead chrysales were produced bj^ a chill among
the j'oung, in the breeding season, I constructed
hives in such a manner that a little care would se-
cui-e the brood combs from any sudden changes of
weather ; but as this remedy seemed to be insuffi-
cient, I constructed both the hive and bee-house in
such a way that no frost would ever be found in the
hive in the coldest weather, and the sudden changes
of atmosphere during the breeding .season could
have no effect on the brood combs in the hive. I
have urged this matter with much confidence before
the public in some of my published communications ;
but still the rot continues unabated ; but like the
disease in potatoes, with increased magnitude. Bees
that are kept secure from the changes and chills of
weather, seem to be equally liable to this disease as
those are that stand out and are more exposed.

The cause of this disease among the young in the
hive appears to me to originate chiefly from an in-
efficiency in the pollen of the flowers or bee-bread,
or the lioney with which it is mixed, or some other
substance that is mixed with pollen and honey, and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

looks like milk with which the young arc fed while
in the larva state. ILre is the dijficuUij ; some of the
bees hatch and become perfect and lively working
bees, while others, from the same litter of eggs, burst
off the cap of the cell Avhere they were confined
during their dormant state, and come forth feeble and
emaciated, only " born to die," unable to perform any
labor, even without stings, while others, some with
life, but unable, through extreme weakncs?, to escape
their cell, while a majority of them remain entombed
in their little prisons without life, and all the brood
combs soon become a complete burial-ground, with
only here and there a spot where another of the
inmates of the hive could bo entombed, In this
way the hive dwindles away, and the number of
their companions so reduced that the bees are unable
to guard themselves from their enemies, the robbers,
or the moths, and are unable to raise animal heat in
sufficient quantity to make the honey warm and nu-
tritive, and they perish with cold and hunger, even
where plenty of food is at hand.

I make these remarks with a view to call the
attention of the friends of the apiary to this subject,
and if possible save this most industrious and useful
ooinurunity of insects from a pestilence which is by
far more threatening to their existence than their
formidable enemies, the moths.

JOHN M. WEEKS.

West Farms, near Middlebury, Vt., Nov. 1, 1848.

P. S. Since the potato rot commenced, in 1844,
I have lost yearly about one third part of my stock
of bees, by this disease ; and unless some remedy can
be prescribed, the management of the apiary in many
localities will be brought to a close.

J. M. W.

For the New Enijkind Farmc)\
AGRICULTURE IN MAINE.

Mr. Cole : In giving you a few hints in reference
to farming in this region, my remarks may bo some-
what desultory and wandering, or a sort of a hash.
When I say this region, I would premise that we are
located on what is frequently termed the " height of
land," situated about midway between the Penobscot
and Kennebcck llivcrs ; where any one having a taste
for rural scenery, and a soil in every respect adajitcd
to successful h\i3bandry, would find free scope for
his mental and physical powers.

The past season, with us, has been one of unusual
moisture ; is so recorded bj' the weather clerks, and
will be referred to in coming time as "the rainy
season ; " yet the bottles were scaled up for a time, at
a most important period, which enabled the farmer
to secure a most bountiful crop of hay. Corn and
oats, too, are abundant, and the ways farmers "put
in ■■' for those, especially the latter, were neither few
nor small. Our wheat crop may be regarded as a
failure ; though red bearded, sowed about the middle
of June, has yielded a fair return for labor bcstov»-ed ;
the successful growing of wheat sowed at so late a
time, is at variance with our former modes, and would
seem to denote atmospheric changes.

Of the potato, it is hardly necessary for me to
speak ; the unseen destroyer has visited alike the
cultivators of this root in every land ; but I am
strong in the faith, that he A\'ill again retire, when
the potato will resume its wonted fairness. The
failure of the two great staples, wheat and jjota-
toes, has sadly diminished the profits of farming in
Maine ; for the time has been when the farmer
could rely at all times upon bread made from the
v/heat of his raising, and meet his grocery bills with
the jiroceeds of sales from his surplus potato crop ;
nevertheless, the country has continued steadily to
advance in resources, and in all the means condu-

cive to the substantial comforts of the people. The
causes are obvious to the most casual observer ; the
country is dotted over, and apparently sowed broad-
cast, with a population unsurpassed for industry and
intelligence. We hnow no pastimes but those of pro-
ductive labor. We eat, work, and sleep, and then
we eat, work, and sleep again.

Should a circus or a caravan be approaching, they
are forthwith warned off bj' the fathers of the towns,
in fear that the purses of the dear people would be
found minus a quarter. In the improved condition
of the country, may be noticed a corresponding im-
provement in all our domestic anunals. Some half
century since, when our forests first echoed with the
pioneer's axe, when our cattle were raised on browse
and sheltered in hovels, a pair of oxen six feet in
girth were quite as much of a novelty as a yoke of
seven feet are now.

IlespcctfuUy yours,

HENRY BUTMAN.

DixMONT, Maine, Oct. 23, 1848.

For the New England Farmer.
ON MANU.R.E AND ITS APPLICATION.

Mr. Editor : The application of manure in a
manner best calculated to renovate the soil, is a
subject that can never be exhausted. Perhaps there
are few subjects, moral, religious, or political, on
which there is a greater diversity of opinion, or one in
regard to which so few are fully satisfied that their
method is perfect, and admits of no improvement.

It is, however, pretty generally conceded that our
fathers were wrong in throwing their manure out of
the barn window to be leached through the winter
without covering ; and in applying their manure to
crops, a shovelful in a hill, without any auxiliary
di-essing, and their remissness in neglecting to compost
by carting soil, mud, &c., into their barn-yards and
hog-stics. Yet we should bear in mind that they cul-
tivated comparatively a virgin soil ; thnt they were
the pioneers or sons of pioneers ; that the soil they
cultivated was less exhausted of its vegetable mat-
ter, and scarcely needed renovation. Ey continued
cultivation oiu- soil has in a measure been divested of
its primitive vigor, and needs in some shape a remu-
neration for its former exertions. At this day, there is
little disparity of opinion as to what substances are
best calculated to renovate difi'erent soils, or the
manner of composting. But as to the time and man-
ner of its application, a diversity of opinion exists.
Some contend that to top dress land with any kind of
manure is a wasteful practice ; that it should all be
turned under by the plough or buried with the har-
row. Others contend that manure should never be
covered Avith the plough ; that it buries it too deep
and it sinks into the earth, ailbrding little or no bene-
fit to vegetation. We are free to acknowledge that
no general rules can be laid down for the application
of manure, with safety, without a knowledge of the
nature of the soil; but so far as our experience ex-
tends, we think a suitable compost can be advanta-
geously applied to grass lands at a proper season ; and
as a general rule, we think that season is as soon
as may be after the crop is taken off.

In the application of manure to arable land for grain
crops, where the soil is a sandy loam, and liable to
suflcr from drought, we have invariably found it the
best policy to spread green, unfcrmcnted manure on
top, and plough it under with the plough. This sys-
tem we have practised for a series of years with satis-
factory results. By this you will perceive that wo
till adhere to our "old theory, that in such soils the
gases arise from the decomposing manure (buried be-
neath the furrow) in proper season to carry out the
crops, and that its salts never sink beyond the reach
of vegetation.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

On low lands, on soils of a tenacious character,
•where black mud or clay predominates, avo think the
application of manure on the furrow to be mixed with
the soil with the harrow is preferable ; manures
buried deep beneath such soils would be less likely
to receive sufficient influence from the sun and atmos-
phere to decompose and evolve the gases in season
to benefit the crops, besides the liability of such
lands to bo inundated and overilowcd by powerful
rains, which would leach the soil and transport much
of the manure beyond the reach of ve^-etation.

II011AC:E COLL.1MOIIE.
Pemeuoke, Mass., N'ov. 1848.

For the Neic Eiigland Farmer.
THE ORCHARD.

Mr. Editor : Now that the farmer has secured his
ample harvest, and a season of comparative leisure is
before him, it is natural that he should turn his mind
to future employments in his honest and laborious
calling. He now wisely arranges, in his view of the
coming year, which field shall bo devoted to corn and
which to wheat, which to this crop and which to that,
&c., until the next harvest almost rises in perspective
before him, as the long winter passes away.

Among things entitled to his notice, and worthy
of his care, the orchard comes in with a superior claim.
What healthful delicacies it affords his family, and at
how cheap a rate ! A few hours' labor and a little
timely care each year, and he may have a complete
cycle of choice apples, pears, plums, cherries, and
oftentimes peaches, in their several seasons, to regale
his taste and contribute to his comfort. There are
no luxuries of foreign climes so cheap, so healtliful,
and so delicious as these ; yet how shamefully is
their culture, even in this age of progress, neglected
while thousands of dollars are expended every year in
the purchase of foreign fruits, which, in too many
instances, operate to the detriment, instead of the
benefit, of the consumer. Let this money be ex^jend-
ed in fruit trees adapted to our lands and Avhat a
saving would result in a short time ! Being amply
supplied \;\th. fresh fruits, we should no longer crave
the insipid and stale ones, which are too often
picked in an immature state, in order to enable them
to bear transportation.

But, says the aged man, " I am too old to i^lant young
trees ; I should never live to see them bear." He
may not, and the young may not live to realize the
fruit of their labors. But will this give them an ex-
cuse for neglecting any of the provident duties with
regard to the future ? " Work while the day lasts,"
is an injunction applicable to temporal as well as
spiritual things, and applies to the aged as well as
to the young ; for who knows but both may enjoy the
fruit of their labors ? AVe see men, even in the latest
years of a protracted life, anxious to secure a good
bargain, in order to gain o.fcw dollars more, to be be-
queathed to thcu' children. Is it any more unrea-
sonable for them to be anxious to leave the old field
in a high state of cultivation, beautifully dotted over
with luxuriant fruit trees, ready every spring to per-
fume the air with theii- blossoms, in tribute to his
fragrance who gave thein locality, and every autumn
resting thoir rich and mellow fruit upon the lap of
earth, emblematical of his mature fall into the kind
bosom of the mother of all men r Aged men, arise
and plant, and your country will pay tribute to your
patriotism and posterity ; and as they look upon your
labors of love and kindness, will rise up and call you
blessed.

It is to the young, however, that fruit culture
commends itself with the richest inducements. And
what brighter remembrancer of youth's joyful days,
can wc have than in the tree that commenced life's

journey at our side, and is yearly giving richer and
kinder memorials of the gratitude for our care in its
protection in its ample foliage and delicious fruit ?

To the young, then, rise and plant. Yes, plant ;
sow yoiu- fi-uit seed in a mellow soil, and next sjjring,
when the young germs appear, keep them free from
weeds as you should your hearts from the vices that
surround you. When of a proper size, graft them
with your hands, and give them, through all the
period of thoir early growth, the service they may
require. What a pleasure it will be to you in old
age, after having been regaled year after year with
their bounties, to tell to all ai-ound you, "That tree
in that orchard I raised from the seed. I grafted and
transplanted it with my own hands, and by my timely
pruning gaA'e it the beautiful, open head it now
possesses. It has repaid me a thousand times for my
earnest watching and timely cares. It must soon
pass to the benefit of others, but I am happy that I
have so rich a legacy to leave them. With proper
care, it will be an ornament for years to come, and its
fruit a blessing to other generations. If they neglect
it, and let it perish for want of nurture, the loss Li
theus. Young men! now I am old, listen to my
advice, and plant, for your own pleasure and profit,
and the good of posterity. W. BxiCON.

Ellenwood, Oct. 1848.

MANURE.

There is not a farmer in all the land that is not
aware of the great importance of manure ; yet only a
few practise upon this knowledge, and gather up the
fi-agments, that nothing may be lost. Not more than
one tenth of the farmers in our country arc strict econ-
omists as to manure. A great many allow of a most
extravagant waste, by throwing their manure out
doors, exposed to drenching rains, a hot sun, and
severe fi-osts, all tending to scatter it to the winds, or
sink it into the earth. In these and various other
ways of waste, one half is lost, while exhausted lanij
and meagre crops are prominent monuments of gi-oss
negligence or want of skill.

The good farmer not only saves all his manure,
but he increases it by the addition of large quantitie.n
of mud, muck, peat, loam, sand, clay, sods, &c. All
these, composted with animal manui-es, are excellent.
The mud, clay, and muck improve the texture of
light soils ; and sand, gravel, and loam, are improvers
of heavy soils. These and various other substances,
such as sawdust, fine shavings, leaves, weeds, refuse
hay, straAv, and other litter, absorb the liquid maniu'e,
and save the solid fi'om waste, by a miixture with
the earths, which moderate fermentation, and ab-
sorb the gases, and become a good manure them-
selves.

Experiments in saving the liquid manure of animabi
in loam, and applying it to one piece of land and
the solid parts to another piece of the same size,
show that the liquid part is equal to the solid part.
The economical farmer generally has a barn ceUai-
for manure, with some earthy materials, as absorb-
ents, and to mix with the solid parts. In this way,
the quantity of maiaure may be increased two thirds,
without any reduction in its value per cord.

Those farmers who have no barn cellars, and
cannot make thorn immediately, can use various
materials, such as we have named, on the floor, to

8

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

prevent waste ; and make a shelter over the heaps.
]Jut with a good share of earth, united with it, there
will be far less waste when exposed out doors.

Some farmers put under the floor a few feet of
earth, to receive all that runs thi-ough ; others place
the earth, and use it as a bed for the cattle, and dis-
pense with the floor, and as the earth becomes wet,
it is thrown out, mixed with the more solid manure.

There are so many convenient modes of saving all
the manure, that there is no excuse for allowing one
half to go to waste. In the fall, the manure should
be removed from the barn-yard, and a liberal layer
of earth supplied to absorb the liquid manure, and
by admixture save the solid from waste. Any earth is
useful, but it is better to use that of a different tex-
ture from the soil to which it is to be applied. This
mode not only saves from waste in the yard, but it
forms a compost which prevents waste after the
manure is applied.

WORK FOR THE SEASON.

Stern December, with his scowls and frowns, his
pelting storms, freezing blasts, and fits of sunshine,
is a busy month, in which tlie farmer finds no time
to visit his friends, or sit by the cheerful fire, and
enjoy the fruits of his summer's labor, excepting the
long evenings afford a pleasant leisure-season for
social improvement.

The manure being all taken care of, and provis-
ion made to save it in future, ploughing may be
attended to in suitable weather. Late fall and early
winter ploughing improves a hard soil, destroys
witch gi-ass, and forwards spring work. Large
stones, to bo hauled in winter, should be placed on
Rmall ones, to prevent freezing to the ground.

Every anunal should be made comfortable by a
warm, dry shelter. This is not only excellent econ-
omy as to the condition of the animal, and the pro-
duction of milch cows, but in the saving of food ; for
in cold weather, particularly with animals exposed,
a large quantity of food is consumed in supplying
carbon or fuel for the lungs, by which the heat of the
animal is sustained. Every farmer knows very well
that animals eat much more in cold than in warm
weather. The difference is plainly perceived as the
weather changes.

Prepare fuel for one year. More can be done in
one day early in winter, than in two days when the
snow is deep. Economy in the use of fuel is an
important subject. A large fire in an old-fashioned
iireplaco is pleasant and healthful, owing to excel-
lent ventilation, but too expensive, as nine tentlis
of the heat are wasted.

I Provide comfortable, convenient, and wcU-venti-
lated school-houses. Our school-rooms, in these
respects, are generally far inferior to our churches
and private dwellings. Why ? Children are
crammed together in close rooms, regardless of their
health and progress in education.

Secure roots, cabbages, pumpkins, squashes, and
fruit. Protect fruit trees from cattle ; they prune
too closely and indiscriminately ; save your grain
from rats and mice ; make drains to protect tillage

lands from washing. Prune grape vines, if not
already done. Do not allow the sun to shine on
bee-hives during winter, as it invites them out-
Secure all farming implements from the weather.
There is great economy in chopping straw, hay,
cornstalks, &c., and as farmers are learning its
utility, the practice is extending.

By all means, prepare to settle all accounts by
New Year, and not only sec how your accoiint
stands with others, but adjust your account with
yourself also. See whether you are industrious,
economical, and thrifty, or becoming rather indolent
or extravagant. These evils are ajst to creep on im-
perceptibly, if Ave do not keep a strict account
with ourselves, and settle often. Continue to make
progress in useful knowledge ; never rest satisfied
Avith present attainments, lest your example influ-
ence the rising generation. Let your motto ever be,
" OuAvard ! "

BOOK KNOWLEDGE OF FARMERS:

DERIDED BY WHOM ?

With a man of any reflection and honest care for
progress in all the arts and emiDloyments of useful
industry, there are few things more trying to his
patience than to hear men, sometimes CA^en gentle-
men, AA'ho haA-e some pretensions to education, and
Avho therefore ought to knoAV better, denouncing
book knoAvlcdge, as affording any guide in practical
husbandry. Now, to all such, and especially to
practical men who succeed Avell in their business, and
Avho have ahvays something useful to impart, as the
result of their OAvn personal experience, does it not
suffice to say, " I am obliged to you for what you
haA'c told me ; your integrity assures me that it is
true, and your success couA'inccs me that yours is
the right rotation, and j-ours the proper process, since
I see that Avhilc you gather heavy crops, yo\ii- land is
steadily improving ; but now, my friend, let me ask
you one question further. What you have imparted
is calculated to benefit me personally, and unless
communicated again by me to others, Avith me its
benefits Avill rest. Noav, suppose, instead of the
sloAV and unsocial process of Availing to be interrogat-
ed, and making it knoAvn, to one by one, as accident
may present opportunities, you allow me to have
recourse to the magical ])oicc)- of types, Avhich Avill
spread the knoAvleclge of your profitable experience,
gained by much thought and labor, far and Avide
throughout the land, that thousands may enjoy the
advantages Avhich othcrAvise I only shall reap from
your kind and useful communication. Will not that
be more beneficial to society, and is it not a bencA'o-
Icnt and a Christian duty not to hide our lights
under a bushel?" Doubtless such a man, if not a
misanthropic churl or fool, Avould say, Yes. Yet the
moment, by means of types, such knowledge is com-
milted to paper, it becomes (by fools only derided)
book k)ioicled(je. — Plough, Loom, and Anvil.

FRUIT CONVENTIONS.

Wc shall, in future numbers, give the doings of
the great pomological couA^entions at Buffalo and
NcAV York, so far as relates to their decisions on the
merits of fruit. The doings of these large bodies of
intelligent men, from different and distant parts of
an extensive country, are both interesting and im-
portant.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

%.

FLEMISH BEAUTY PEAR.

Characteristics : size, large ; form, roundish,
obovate ; skin, rough, yellow, or greenish yellow
ground, with dark russet spangled and marbled over
the whole surface, and an occasional tinge or blush
of brownish-red ; stem, generally more than an inch
long, stout, in a small, narrow cavity ; calyx, small,
open, in a broad, shallow basin ; flesh, yellowish-
white, not very fine texture, juicy, melting, of a
rich saccharine, and slightly perfumed flavor. Fine
specimens are excellent, but, like most foreign, and
some native pears, it is rather variable in quality.

The Flemish Beauty is a very luxuriant grower,
and a good bearer. It needs a deep, rich, warm soil.
Ripens from September 15 to the last of October.
Best ripened in the house. It should be gathered at
an earlier stage than most other pears, even before it
has hardly attained its full size. It has received but
little attention in orchard culture. It ranks among
the most valuable varieties.

FRUiT.

To ahnost every individual in the country this
subject is important. Fruit of good quality and
condition is a delightful luxurj"-, which may be used
fi'cely with decided benefit. It is conducive to sus-
tenance and health, and it may generally be produced
60 as to be used as a matter of economy, being an
excellent substitute for more costly dishes.

^Ye are yet in our infancy in regard to Iruits,
though some cultivators have done much. Most far-
mers have but little fi-uit excepting apples, and they
are not of the best qualities in many orchards. Light
must be diffused throughout the country on this
subject, and a great change take place, before culti-
vators generally will have a good assortment of the
various species of fruit, though this desirable pur-
pose may be easily attained by any person who is
zealous to accomplish it.

Everj^ one who cultivates fruit should learn, from
the experience of others, as well as from his own.
It is well for tho5e who have extensive lands, and
a plenty of time and money, to make numerous ex-
periments for their own pleasure and others' profit ;
but those who would combine utility and pleasure,
should be cautious and avail themselves of infor-
mation already gained by long and varied experience,
else they may find, rather late in the day, much vexa-
tion, that their life is but a series of unsatisfactory
experiments, and that old age finds them just ready
for successful action.

Let the inexperienced begin with only a few fruits
of undoubted excellence, and enlarge their list as they
enlarge their store of information, by experience,
observation, reading, reflection, and intercourse with
other cultivators. In this way there will be pleasure
and profit in the pursuit, instead of loss and disap-
pointment by a contrary course.

10

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

EVERGREENS FOR ORNAMENT.

In setting ornamental trees, evergreens are gen-
erally too much neglected, so that -where we see
beautiful scenery in summer, after the season of the
"scar and yellow leaf," nothing remains but the
monotonous scene of leafless trees, and the hoarse
winds perform a dirge among the naked branches.

By interspersing evergreens among other trees for
ornament, there is a greater variety and a more
pleasing landscape in summer, and in the cold season,
the scene is checkered with something fresh and
lively, with dark-green foliage, beautifully contrast-
ed with the wliite mantle that wraps the earth,
breaking the sameness often seen in white snow,
white houses, and white fences.

Boston Common, for want of evergreens, is robbed
of all its beauty and splendor, when stern Winter
lays his icy hand upon it. As some, trees are decay-
ing on that beautiful summer spot, we advise the
trial of evergreens in their place ; and the change of
crops, by species so various, will give the advantage
of rotation in favor of success.

One of the most beautiful of all evergreens is too
much neglected. It is the hemlock, of a rich, dark
green ; and when its young shoots, of a lighter shade,
start late in spring, they form a most pleasing con-
trast with the darker hue of a previous growth ;
and then it is the most beautiful of all evergreens.
The hemlock flourishes on various soils, fr-om wet
swamps to the diy mountam top.

ENTOMOLOGY.

The science of entomology, or a knowledge of
insects, is assuming an importance with the cultiva-
tor, as these little, yet powerful enemies are becom-
ing numerous and destructive, especially on land
long cultivated ; and the greatest skill is necessary
in order to war successfully against them. The first
study is to learn their habits, that wc may attack
them in the most tender or exposed stage, or most
convenient time.

Dr. Harris, now Librarian of Harvard University,
Cambridge, has rendered essential service to the com-
munity, by his valuable treatise on " Insects Injuri-
ous to Vegetation," which is the best work of the
kind published in this country.

The following extract from an address of Judge
Darling, before the New Haven, (Ct.,) Agricultural
and Horticultural Society, on " Injurious Insects,"
portrays, in a clear manner, the extensive operations
of these formidable enemies : —

*' The Author of our being, when he created our
race, was i:)lcased to give us ' dominion over the fish
of the sea, and over the foAvl of the txiv, and over the
cattle, and over all the earth, and over every cree]^-
ing thing that crcepcth upon the earth.' We have
been in a great degree successful in asserting our
rightful dominion over all except those ^creeping
things^ the insect world. They as yet are in many
respects our masters. We must have leave from
them to enjoy even our persons, sleeping or waking,
in comfort. Fighting for it from ' seed-time to har-
vest,' wc may get 'food to eat and raiment to put
on,' but we must feed and v.car in all haste, or some
insect will expose us to starvation and rags. We

sow and insects reap ; and we content ourselves as
well as wc can with gleaning. Take for illustration
the case of one of our most valuable fruits. We plant
the seed of an apple. If some insect has not eaten
out its substance, it springs up ; but before it reaches
the surface, a grub gnaws off its root. If it comes to
the air, the cut-worm is ready to mow it down. If
suffered to grow, the plant-louse sucks out its juices.
As it increases in size, countless caterpillars, with
names unknown to most of us, besides the bag- worm
and canker-worm, names unhappily too familiar,
devoiu' its leaves ; thus depriving it at once of food
and breath. While the tree is thus devoured with-
out, other insects bore out the wood within. But
the tree blossoms, if an insect has not eaten the flow-
er buds, and the fruit sets. The plum-Aveevil puts its
new-moon mark upon the young apple, and it drops
from the tree. What escapes the weevil, the apple-
moth takes possession of for its ofFsf)ring. We may
have the apple, but we must take it with its disgust-
ing mhabitant. Fortunate the farmer of this vicinity
may bo, the present season, if he obtains from a tree
that should yield him ten barrels of fruit, ten fair
apples. This is one sample of insect depredation.
Time is not allowed me for particular reference to
other cases. Your own sorrowful recollections of
ruined crops, of fruits lost or made disgusting, of
flowers despoiled of beauty, wiU supply ample reasons
for regret, that we have failed so lamentably to ob-
tain dominion over these ' creeping things.' "

HOW TO RAISE THIRTY BUSHELS OF
WHEAT PER ACRE

WHERE YOU COULD NOT RAISE TWEXTY BEFORE.

Eds. Cultivator : Where you have a good clover
sod, let the clover grow until the first week in June ;
then take a good team and x)lough, and turn the clover
all under ; then roll the sod down fiat, and let it lay
eight or ten days ; then take a light harrow or culti-
vator, and pulverize the ground fine, and about the
25th of June sow two and a half bushels of corn to
the acre, and after harrowing it well, roll it down
smooth. About the last week in August, take your
roller and press the corn down as fiat as possible,
going round with the roller the same y<&\ you intend
to plough the land ; then plough the land as deep as
possible, and turn all the corn under ; follow with
the roller, pressing all down flat. Thus you have
two crops well mixed with the soil for manure.

Then take a light harrow or cultivator, and pul-
verize the ground fine, and sow your wheat about the
middle of September ; and if you do not have one-
third more wheat than you do where you summer
fallow, tell me I am mistaken in a cheap method of
manuring land. The corn will grow so thick that it
will keep every other plant down, and leave the
ground clean, and if there arc a few small leaves of
the corn scratched up with the harrow, it will afford
a good top dressing for the wheat.

AuuuRN, Sept. 22, 1848. IRA HOPKINS.

— Alhanij Cultivator.

Warmth of the Snow Blanket. — At the French
Academy of Science, (^larch 14th, 1848,) M. Arago
read a communication on the warmth imparted to
the earth by a covering of snow, and respecting
which there has hitherto been much skepticism. M.
Arago stated that ^l. Boussingault had ascertained
the truth of tlie theory beyond the possibility of
doubt, during the past winter. He fomid that a
thermometer plunged in snow to the depth of a
decimetre, (about four inches,) sometimes marked five
degrees of heat greater than at the surface. — Medical
TiTnes.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

11

EXPERIMENTS ON POTATOES.

We have been familiar with this valuable root from
our childhood, but the disease that has destroyed it
to so great an extent, for a few years past, has in-
duced us to collect many varieties, and cultivate
them on the same land, managing them all in the
same manner, to learn their comparative hardiness
against the disease, as well as their quality, produc-
tiveness, &c.

In a trial of fifty varieties, we learn some im-
portant facts ; but further experience is necessary to
come to satisfactory conclusions on some points, for
results vary from year to year. Last year the Peach
Blows yielded more than the Long Reds ; this year
the latter were the most productive. In some cases
we had the same jiotato from different sources, and
the product, side by side, varied twenty-five per cent.,
showing a modification, by culture, soil, or other cir-
cumstances, that seem to produce a pennanent effect
on the seed, or planted tubers.

Some varieties rot much, others not any. Yet
some of those that have not rotted with us, have
been affected with others. We think no kind is
perfectly exempt from disease, under predisposing
causes, such as wet land, warm, wet weather, &c.,
though some are proof against it under favorable
cu'cumstanees.

To have a v/ider range for selection and experi-
ment, we have raised, the present season, new varie-
ties from seed, which was collected from different
sections, and was the product of potatoes from vari-
ous parts of the world. So great was the variety,
that in raising from about two hundred plants, nearly
every one was distinct in appeai'ancc. This shows
the effects of mixing many kinds together, and that
potatoes will not generally produce the same from
seed. In some cases we raised a quart from a single
seed, planted the last of April, and some of the
tubers were medial size, showing the great facility
with which new kinds may be produced. More on
tliis subject by and bj'.

^

Cooking Food fok Stock. — There is no doubt of
the advantages, in one point of view, of the cooking
of food for some animals : this point is, that the same
quantity of food affords, when cooked, a larger por-
tion of nutrition. But h there not still a doubt as
to the advantages of a general adoption of the cook-
ing mode of feeding ? What is true and advantageous
on a large scale, will not always answer on a small
one : a dinner for one man each day Avill scarcely
pay for fuel and the wages of the cook ; but when
a hundred, instead of one, sit down to dinner, it is a
very different affah-, and the tavern-keeiDcr who
would go behindhand in the one case, could afford
to ride in his chaise in the other. Will not a similar
rule apply well in cooking food for domestic animals ?
Most tempting accounts have appeared, from time to
time, in the agricultural journals, of profitable under-
takings in feeding large numbers of swine upon
cooked food ; but I lia .-c never met with much in a
small way, upon a limited scale, that seemed worthy
of imitating.

Swine arc mentioned, because it is rather doubtful
if much or any advantage is derived in cooking for
neat cattle, mUcli cows, or for horses. Perhaps the
experiments tended to leave the subject in great

doubt as regards all animals that chew the cud. The
most decisive advantage is believed to have been
found in cooking for swine. But why is it that our
farmers have not more generally adopted it ? It is
not from the cause already adverted to, that expen-
sive process may be true economy where a great deal
of work is to be accomplished, but will not answer
on a small scale. Any farmer can boil his small
potatoes, and the meal also, to fatten his hogs at the
beginning of Avintcr, with the utensils in constant
use all the year round in his family ; but is it not
questionable economy for him to go beyond this, and
fit up an expensive boiling or steaming apparatus, to
cook the food of his few swine ? (And here it occurs
to the mind, what should not be forgotten — never
mix the meal with or use the water in which potatoes
haA'c been boiled, for the food of swine ; for it is
well known to be injurious, and to act as a medicine
to scour, as it is termed.)

When, therefore, we see so often such laudable
experiments and results in the cooking of food, urged
for general adoption, does not the old adage occur,
that we may be more nice than wise ? — Farmer's
Visitor.

KLOSS WINTER WHEAT.

A few years ago various seeds were received at
the Cultivator office, from the Commissioner of
Patents, which were distributed for experiment,
liufus M'Intire, Esq., of Parsonfield, Maine, is the
only person who has reported on it. With him it
has been very promising, and he made the following
report after the last season's experience, which we
copy from the Boston Cultivator. We should be
pleased to hear something of its origin, and of its
culture in other regions.

" My kloss white blue stem winter wheat passed
through the winter perfectly safe, but suffered from
rust and the worm. It Avas not sown last fall till I
had taken off the corn crop late in September ; thus
it did not get up much before winter. I think, if
sowed in August, it would have escaped the ravages
of the Avorm, and possibly of the rust. A small patch
soAvn early in September, Avhere early potatoes grew,
escaped the Avorm, and Avas but slightly injured by
rust. I have an acre noAv up, and looking green and
well, sown early, and half an acre sOAVcd September
22 ; so I shall have another trial of it next yeai'.
The rust on Avheat and potatoes struck this year
unusually early. In common seasons, I think my
Avinter wheat Avould have been out of the way of
it. I have great confidence that this variety of
Avheat is sufficiently hardy to stand oirr scA-erest win-
ters. It is the same kind, successfully cultivated by
Mr. DrcAV on the Kennebec. I obtained the first
specimen of you from the patent office. Can you, or
any of your readers, tell Avhere it originated, or Avhere
it is cultivated ? "

ExTKAOIiniXARY EfFECT OF OiL OF AnISESEED UPON

Rats. — It is a Avell-knoAvn fact that rats entertain an
irresistible fondness for aniscseed. A gentleman of the
name of Bayley, residing in the Hampstead road, had
occasion, a short time since, to take down a small
bottle of essential oil of aniseseed from a cupboard in
his kitchen, Avhich he accidentally let fall, and the
bottle was broken and the contents escaped upon the
floor. Before this accident, not a rat had for two
years been seen upon the premises, but in a day or
tAVO aftcrAvards they made their appearance ; and at
this time SAvarm to so great an extent that every effort
to exterminate them has hitherto proved unaA'ailing.

12

NEW ENGLAND FARIVIER.

^Domestic jB^partnunt.

In the social circle woman ranks high, even in the
ascendency ; and in the management of domestic
affaii's, in relation to the preservation and preparation
of the various productions of the earth, committed to
her care, and in the education of children, she has a
station of equal importance assigned her. In vain
the husband provides, if his helpmeet does not pre-
pare. Her place in the culinary department is no less
important, than his in the field, shop, office, or count-
ing-room. Competency, nor even wealth, should
excuse her from skill in domestic economy, and in
its general superintendence, and a constant active
part in training those under her charge in the way
they should go.

Wives of Working Men. — Speaking of the
middle ranks of life, a good writer observed, " There
we behold a woman in all her glory ; not a doll to
carry silks and jewels ; not a puppet to be dandled by
fops, an idol of profane adoration, reverenced to-daj%
discarded to-morrow ; admired, but not resi^ectcd ;
desired, but not esteemed ; ruling by passion, not
affection ; imparting her weakness, not her constan-
cy, to the sex which she should exalt ; the source
and mirror of vanity. We see her, as a wife, partaking
the cares and guiding the labors of her husband, and
by her domestic diligence spreading cheerfulness all
around her ; for his sake sharing the decent refine-
ments of the world without being fond of them ; pla-
cing all her joy, all her happiness, in the merited
approbation of the man she loves. As a mother, we
find her the affectionate, the ardent instructress of the
children she has tended from their infancy ; training
them up to thought and vhtuc, to meditation and
benevolence ; addi-essing them as rational beings,
and preparing them to become men and women in
their turn.

The Farmek's Daughter. — There's a world of
buxom beauty Hourishmg m the shades of the coun-
try. Farm-houses are dangerous places. As you
are thinking only of sheep or of curds, you may be
shot through by a pair of bright eyes, and melted
away in a bewitching smile that you never cbearat
of till the mischief was done. In towns and theatres,
and thronged assemblies of the rich and titled fair,
you are on your guard ; you know what you are
exposed to, and put on your breastplate, and pass
through the most deadly onslaught of beauty safe
and sound. But in those sylvan retreats, dreaming
of nightingales, and hearing only the lowing of oxen,
you are taken by surprise. Out steps a fail- creature
— crosses a glade — leaps a stile. You start — you
stand lost in wonder and astonished admiration !
You take out your tablets to write a sonnet on the
return of the Nymphs and Dryads to earth, when up
comes John Thompkins, and says, " It's only the
farmer's daughter." What ! have farmers such
daughters now-a-days? Yes, I tell you they have
such daughters. Those farm-houses are dangerous
places. Let no man with a poetical imagination,
which is only another name for a verj' tender heart,
flatter himself with fancies of the calm delights of
the country ; with the serene idea of sitting with the
farmer in his old-fashioned chimney corner, and
hearing him. talk of corn and mutton; of joining him
in the pensive pleasure of a pipe and a jug of brown
October ; of listening to the gossip of the comfortable
farmer's wife, of the parson and his family, of his
sermons, and his pig ; over a fragrant cup of young

hyson, or rapt in the delicious luxuries of custards
or whipped creams. In walks a fairy vision of won-
drous witchery, and with a curtesy" and a smile of
winning and mysterious magic, takes her scat jubt
opposite. It is the farmer's daughter, a living crea-
ture of eighteen ; fair as the lily, fresh as May dew,
rosy as the rose itself, graceful as the peacock perched
on the pales there by tlie window, sweet as a posy
of violets and clove giUivcrs, modest as early morn,
and amiable as your own imagination of Desdemona
or Gertrude of Wyoming. You are lost. It's all
over with you. I wouldn't give an empty filbert, or
a fi-og-bitten strawberry, for your peace of mind, if
that glittering creature be not as pitiful as she Ls
fair. And that comes of going into the country, out
of the way of vanity and temptation, and fancying
farm-houses nice old-fashioned places of old-estab-
lished contentment. — " The Hall and the Hamlet,'" by
William Howitt.

Pork Cheese. — Take the heads, tongues, and feet
of young fresh pork, or any other pieces that are
convenient. Having removed the skin, boil them
till all the meat is quite tender, and can be easily
stripped from the bones. Then chop it small, and
season it with salt and black pejaper to yovu- taste,
and if you choose, some beaten cloves. Add sage
leaves and sweet majoram, mixed fine, or rubbed to
powder. MLx the whole very well together Avith
your hands. Put it into very deep pans, with
straight sides, (the shape of a cheese ;) press it down
hard, and closely with a plate that will lit the pan ;
putting the under side of the plate next to the meat,
and placing a heavy weight on it. In two or three
days it will be fit for use, and you may turn it out of
the pan. Send it to table cut in slices, and use
mustard and vinegar with it. It is generally eaten
at supper or breakfast.

To CURE Hams in a Cheap Manner. — Lay j-our
hams in tubs, if convenient, flesh side up ; sprinkle
salt on the fleshy part ; let them drain twenty-four
hours ; then rub otf the salt, and lay them in a large
tub. Then prepare a brine bj^ dissolving one pound
of salt in one gallon of water, and to every six
pounds of salt three and a half ounces of saltpetre.
Make a suflicient quantity to cover the hams. Eoil
the brine, taking oif the scum, and while boiling-hot
pour it over the hams. Let them lie in the brine six
weeks, then take them out, drain them, and smoke
them.

Smoking hams is done as follows : Make a smoke
with corn-cobs, if you have them — if not, with
sound, hard wood, with damp sawdust thrown over
the flre to prevent a blaze. Suspend jour hams
above this at a distance, to receive the most of the
smoke. When they are a good brown color, which
will be in about three weeks, they are smoked
sulhciently.

They should then be di-icd. "\Mien dry, sew any
kind of cotton cloth over them, and whitcv/ash the
outside ; or if you have plenty of ashes in a dry
place, cover the hams with paper, and bury them in
ashes till Avanted for use. This preserves them from
bugs, and it is thought to improve their flaA'or. —
Emigi'aiit' s Hand- Book.

Cooking Cranberries. — To each quart of berries,
very shortly after the cooking of them is commenced,
add a tcaspoonful of saleratus. This will so much
neutralize the acidiferous juice which they contain,
as to make it necessary to use only one fourth part as
much sugar as would have been requisite had they
been cooked without using saleratus. — Mich. Far.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

13

Westphalia Plan of Smoking Ham3. — A room in
a garret ; fire in. the cellar ; smoke gathered in a
tunnel and led to the smoke rooms by a small pipe ;
by the time it gets there all the heaviest part of the
pyroligneous acid has condensed, and the smoke has
become cool. Nothing touches the hams but a pure,
light, cool smoke, which is allo-\ved to pass oft" by a
number of small apertures, about as fast as it is
supplied.

To PURIFY Honey. — Expose the honey to frost
for three weeks, in a place where neither sun nor
snow can reach it, and in a vessel of wood or other
substance, which is not a good conductor of heat.
The honey is not congealed, but becomes clear.

Cleaning Silk. — The following directions for
cleaning silks are by one of the first Parisian dyers :
Half a pound of soft soap, a tcaspoonful of brandy,
and a pint of gin ; mix all together ; with a sponge
or flannel, spread the mixture on each side of the
silk, without greasing it ; wash it in two or three
waters, and ii-on it on the wrong side ; it will then
look as jrood as new.

Training of Children. — The instruction of your
children cannot comiiience too early. Every mother
is capable of teaching her children obedience, humili-
ty, cleanliness, and propriety of behavior ; and it is
a delightful circumstance that the first instruction
should thus be communicated by so tender a teacher.
It is by combining affectionate gentleness in granting
what is right, with judicious firmness in refusing
what is improper, that the happiness of children is
promoted, and that good and orderly habits are es-
tablished. If children are eaiiy trained to be docile
and obedient, the future task of guiding them aright
will be comparatively easy. — Nicholh.

5oj33' department.

The boy is a man in miniature, fitting himself for
the stage of action, on which he wiU soon perform
his part in the great drama of life. How important,
then, that he prepare to become a useful man, who
shall be a blessing and ornament to society, and
happy in the consciousness of deserving the approv-
ing plaudit of " Well done ! good and faithful !"

Now, boys, if you will look back and count the
years of your past short life, you will see that you
will soon bo men, and you must bo prepared to act
as men, or old Time will drag you along to the busy
scenes of action, before you have learned the very
A, B, C, of duty. In boyhood you will lay the foun-
dation of your future character ; then see that you
build sure, that you may erect a structure that
neither the winds nor storms of life can shake or
undermine ; that you may stand unmoved amidst the
blast ; and in the calm, enjoy the sunshine of life.

Your condition as men, your character as to intel-
ligence and integrity, your elevation, or degrada-
tion, as it may be, all depend, in a great measure, on
your own exertions. Others may instruct, guide,
and advise, but the exertion is j'ours. None can act
for you. Your friends can only act with you, to
encourage and aid. But for you they cannot think

one single thought, nor fonn or carry out one
resolution.

As you will soon take the place of your fathers,
your position is so important that we devote a de-
partment to your particular interest ; yet we advise
you to read with care all other parts of the paper.

Farmers' Boys. — There is a wholesome change
going on in public sentiment, which promises to do
much for the improvement of the country, and the
condition of the people. AVe moan the change
which is taking place among the young in relation
to the great work of tilling the soil. A few years
ago, and the young men left their fathers' farms as
soon as they could get away from them — and the
fathers themselves not unfrequently encouraged
them in it. A hard hand and a sunburnt face were
deemed poor recommendations in life ; and more
genteel modes of getting a living were sought by the
young. But they are beginning to look at the mat-
ter in a different light. The dull times through
which we have passed, have opened their eyes to
the fact, that after all there is nothing lUte a farmer
to stand through all times, as they are quite content
to stay at home. The result will be, that our farms
will be to a very great extent better cultivated, and
produce more — that large farms, which are not half
cultivated, wiU be divided, and well husbanded —
and that we shall have a large and vii-tuous popula-
tion scattered all over our fertile hills. — Nashua Tel.

fyM).

We think that a few plain directions, receipts, and
hints, on this subject, will be useful to the reader.
Health is not only essential to happiness, but to the
despatch of labor and business. Every person should
learn to judge what is necessary for his health, for
he cannot, like Sancho Panza, have a physician con-
stantly at his elbow to tell him how much and what
to eat and drink, when to sleep, and when to wake,
and when he is too hot or too cold ; and as a man
must learn these things, he may as Avell exercise a
little more common sense, and judge of the impor-
tance of exercise, diet, bathing, pure air, comfort,
rest, mental emplojinent, &c., &c.

We would by no means intrude upon the province
of the medical profession, but advise, in all difficult
cases, a resort to the most skilful. But to pi-eserve
health is the grand object, and afford instant relief in
case of accident, and sudden and violent attacks,
when medical aid is not at hand, which may save
life, or prevent a course of sickness. As " an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure," we advise
particular attention to the former, as the most eco-
nomical and pleasant. We shall be cautious about
meddling with such dangerous instruments as mer-
cury, arsenic, &c., which are proper only in hands
highly skilled in their use ; but we shall recommend
such remedial means as are safe, and they are often
among the most efficacious.

For Croup or Quinsy. — For a sudden attack of
quinsy or croup, bathe the neck with bear's grease,
and pour it down the throat. A linen rag soaked in

14

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

sweet oil, butter, or lard, and sprinkled with yellow
Scotch snuff, is said to have performed wonderful
cures in cases of croup ; it should be placed where
the distress is greatest. Goose-grease, or any kind
of oily g'.-ease, is as good as bear's oil.

Equal parts of camphor, spirits of wine, and harts-
horn, well mixed, and rubbed upon the throat, is
said to be good for the croup.

Severe cases of croup have been cured by the
liberal application of cold water to the neck and
breast, then rubbing with a coarse cloth, till a glow-
is produced.

Method of prevknting Cold Feet at Bedtime. —
Draw off your stockings just before undressing, and
rub your ankles and feet with your hand, as hard as
you can boar the pressure, for five or ten minutes,
and you will never have to complain of cold feet in
bed. It is hardly conceivable what a pleasurable
glow this diffuses. Frequent washing of the feet, and
rubbing them thoroughly dry with cloth or flannel,
is very useful.

The Slippery Elm. — One of the most valuable,
as it is a well-known article in our country, is the
Slippery Elm, ( Ulmus Ftilva.) All our apothecaries
keep it, both the flower and the bark. It is generally
called slippery elm, red elm, or rough-leaved elm.
It is indigenous to our country, and what is re-
markable, yet but little known, it contains a great
amount of human nourishment ; it is medicinal
also. It is an excellent substitute for water, and you
can carry in your waistcoat pocket sufhcicnt to
subsist upon for ten days ! The shipwrecked sailor,
the soldier in Mexico, and the traveller on the prai-
ries, should never be without it. It always mitigates
hunger, and is nourishment and drink. Lot no ship
go to sea without it, no traveller fail to have it with
him, no army march without it.

iHecl)auics' IBcpavtmcnt, Tlrts, $Ci.

The mechanic, like the farmer, is a producer, and
these arc the two great classes which add wealth,
comfort, and power to a nation. They are the main-
spring that puts in motion and sustains the whole
mechanism of society. Numerous other professions
are also absolutely necessary for the well-being of
the community, and form important component parts
of the great machine which constitutes the body
politic. All acting in harmony and unity, intimately
blended, and depending on each other, complete the
great social fabric.

The labor and ingenuity of the mechanic have
made vast improvements in agriculture, by furnish-
ing superior implements and machines, that not only
lighten and expedite the labor of the cultivator, but
give more thorough culture and better operations in
almost every process.

The raw material of the fanner, in many respects,
must receive the plastic hand of the mechanic, or
artist, to give it currency and value. And his labors
are not only in the line of utility, but they contribute
largely to instruction, to improved taste, to elegance
and refinement. Fine specimens of art are mute,
yet eloquent teachers, often more impressive than
the precepts aiid didactic instruction of the living.

The beautiful and accurate engraving on our ninth
page, speaks more than tongue or pen can express, in
regard to fonn, and with the touch of the artist's
pencil, its colors would be more distinctly impressed
on the mind than by the power of language.

Mechanics, as well as farmers, can learn by reading
of the inventions, discoveries, and experience of
others, and by observation beyond their own routine
of action. Besides, most mechanics have a spot of
earth which they delight to cultivate, promoting
their health by exercise in the open air ; therefore
they will be pleased and instructed by other parts of
this paper. Their families will share also in the
pleasure and profit.

»

New Inventions. — A new flax-breaking, scutch-
ing and hackling machine has been invented by a
gentleman in St. Louis. The noti^.e which we have
seen of this machine, states, that the breaking Ls
accomplished by means of solid, polished, cast iron
rolls, ribbed in a peculiar serpentine form. Fine,
spiral, brass hackles are attached to cylinders, by
means of which the fibre is perfectly softened and
thoroughly hackled, at the same time that the break-
ing and scutching is going on. By the use of this
machine, two children can do the work of tv.-clve or
fifteen persons using common hand cleaners.

The soil and the climate of these North- "Western
States are peculiarly favorable to the growth of flax.
By the process of preparing it for market, v.ith the
fiicilities offered by such a machine, and the applica-
tion of steam to the proper rotting of the stalk, we
may anticipate the time as not far distant when this
article, flax, will be one of our most profitable agri-
cultiu'al productions. — Iowa Farmer.

The Manner of soldering Ferrules for Tool-
handles, &c. — Take your ferrule, lap round the
joining a small piece of brass- wire, then just wet the
ferrule, scatter on the joining ground borax, put it
on the end of a wire, hold it in the fire till the brass
fuses. It will fill up the joining, and form a perfect
solder. It may afterwards be turned in the lathe.

"Water- proof Glue. — Soak common glue in cold
water till it becomes completely soft without chang-
ing its foiTu ; then dissolve it in common warm linseed
oU, and apply it as usual ; it will dry quickly.

Celebrated French Polish. — To one pint of
spirits of wine add one and a half ounces of shellac,
one quarter of an ounce of gum copal, and one quar-
ter of an ounce of gum Arabic ; all the gums to be
bruised. Keep the vessel into which these are put
well corked, and let it remain in a warm place for
two or three days ; then pour o!f the clear part into
another bottle. Apply the polish to the end of a
rubber, made by rolling up a piece of firm muslin
verj^ firmly, fastened to a stick or skewer, and covered
with a firm cotton cloth, perfectly free from lint or
dust, and just moistened with a very small quantity
of cold di-awn linseed oil ; use the rubber briskly,
with a moderate pressure, in a circular direction, over
a space of about a square foot at a time, and replenish
both as the wood dries. Go over the whole surface
in this manner, and give three or four coats, accord-
ing to the grain of the wood. The operation must
be performed in a place of moderate warmth. Grad-
ually clear off the oil from the surface with the polish,
and sometimes turn the rag, otherwise the bright-
ness will not be perfect.

This polish imparts a superior brilliancy and clear-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

15

ness, is not easily scratched, and is not affected by
any moderate do<;;rcc of heat. It is not injured by
soap, and therefore can readily be cleaned by wash-
ing with snap and svatcr. — Mechanic's Nate- Book.

A French scientific journal states that the ordinary
rate, per second, of a man walking, is 4 feet ; of a
good horse in harness, 14 ; of a reindeer in a sledge
on the ice, IG; of an English race-horse, 43 ; of a
hare, 88 ; of a good sailing ship, 14 ; of the wind, 82 ;
of sound, 1038 ; of a twenty-four pounder cannon
ball, 1300 ; and of the air, which so divided returns
into space, 13,000 feet.

A man of science in his closet can do greater
things than a general at the head of an army, or a
despot with the physical power of a whole nation at
his command.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

As we have been an ex-editor for a short time, the
favors of our kind friends have so accumulated, that
we cannot in one number take room to do justice to
them ; and yet some fi-uits, intended for us, did not
reach their place of destination.

Pears, of various kinds, and superior specimens,
of Mr. Henry Vandyne, Cambridgeport.

Merriam Peach. This is a new variety, and very
promising, from Benjamin Meniam, Roxbury. It
is extremely large, — one weighed half a pound, —
roundish, slightly oval ; suture on one side ; pale
yellow, bright red blush ; flesh, yellowish, red at the
core, juicy, of a rich, sweet, luscious flavor. Early
in October. The tree very luxuriant. Some leaves
nine and a half inches long.

Gravenstein Apple, of Messrs. S. and G. Ilyde,
Newton. This is one of the finest apples for the
dessert and cooking, but, like the Porter, another
valuable kind, it comes in during an abundance of
poaches, plums, and fine pears. September and into
October.

IIuBRARDSTON NoNSucH, from tho same. One of
the best and most profitable apples. It is very sala-
ble.

HmiLBUT Apple, fi-om Mr. S. Ilurlbut, (of the
firm of S. and L. Ilurlbut, Winchester Centre, Ct.,
iiistinguished as raisers of fine Devon cattle,) a barrel
of this fine fruit. It is rather large ; flattish-conical ;
yellowish-green, mostly covered with bright red,
striped with crimson, russet aroimd the stem ; flesh
tender, crisp, juicy, of a mild, rich, highly aromatic
flavor. One of the very best, and very beautiful.
Last of October and into January. We find it to
be an excellent grower in the nursery.

Thompson Apple, of ilr. Simon Gates, raised by
his father, Mr. Levi Gates, Mercer, Me. This is a
good fruit, but too far gone for an accurate decision.
Very large and showy, being fair and of a bright red
color.

Healey Apple, of Mr. Samuel IIe;Uey, East
Weymouth. Large, fair, beautiful, of an excellent
quality. It partakes of both the fruit of the scion
and tho stock. This is the case with raanv fruits.

Native Grapes, from Colonel Lebbeus Chase, Cor-
nish, N. II. Early Isabella and Nizola grapes, more
spirited and higher flavored than Isabella, but not so
sweet. As they are early, they are well worthy of
cultivation, particularly in the north. We have, in
our nursery, fiom Colonel C, the strawberry grape,
tart and pleasant, and Coon grape, SAveet and good.
Both are early, great growers, and they endured tho
last winter, Avhich was a very trying one, perfectly
well. Our worthy friend has done much in this line,
for the good of the community. We are making
experiments on his various kinds, and hope to rear
lasting monuments to his memory.

Bull-Nose Pepper. This uncouth name is given
to the most splendid variety of peppers that we ever
saw. We liaA'e some fine specimens from Mr. John
Hill, No. 101 Faneuil Hall Market. Over four
inches ii» length, and ten inches in circumference;
the color is a brilliant red. It is used for the same
purposes as the squash, and common red peppers.

Quinces. From Mr. Robert Manning, of the Pom-
ological Garden, Salem, tlu-ce distinct kinds of
quinces ; the pear-shaped, largest at the top or blos-
som end ; the apple-shaped, largest at the base or
stem end ; and the Portugal, largest in the centre.

Portsmouth Sweeting, of Dr. Rufus Kittredge,
Portsmouth, N. H. This apple is large, A-'ery hand-
some, excellent for baking, but as they have ripened
prematurely, being a AA'inter apple, Ave cannot judge
of their dessert properties.

Adams Pear, of Mr. W. W. Baxter, Quincy.
Rather small, but of a good quality, and Avorthy of
cultivation, as it is a hardy native, and a great bearer.
We advise its trial in the north, Avhere most foreign
kinds fail.

M'Laughlin Pear, of Mr. Ebenezer BroAvn, Lynn.
It has not yet ripened to perfection. We noticed
this fruit Avhile growing in Mr. B.'s garden, and its
appearance Avas very promising. It is a hardy native
of Maine.

Isabella Grapes, of excellent quality, of Mr. S.
A. Godbold, Chelsea, AA'ho, OAA'ing to a Avarm loca-
tion and skilful management, gets fine Isabellas
almost every year, Avhile a great many often fail.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Scientific Agriculture, or the Elements of Chem-
istry, Geology, Botany, and Meteorology, applied to
Practical Agriculture; by M. M. Rodgers, M. D.,
Author of Agricultural Chemistry, &c., &c. 12mo.
280 pages. Published by Erastus DarroAv, Roch-
ester, N. Y. Sold also by J. P. JcAvett ajid Co.,
23 Cornhill, Boston.

The subjects of this work arc of the highest im-
portance in agriculture ; and from a cursory perusal
we think the arrangement is excellent, and that the
author has ably performed the difficult task of ren-
dering science easy to the practical farmer. At
another time we Avill give specimens of the work.

The Plough, Loom, and Ana'il. A monthly
octavo, at three dollars a year, by J. S. Skinner and

16

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Son, Philadelphia. Mr. S. is well known as an able
and veteran editor. The hi.story and condition of
agriculture, its claims to encouragement by govern-
ment, and the rights and privileges of farmers, are
important subjects in this Avork, and we are pleased
that they are in hands so skilful.

The Landlord and Tenant. — Riguts of Sea-
men. — Shippers and Carriers' Assistant. — These
highly valuable works, which contain, in a condensed
form, at a trifling cost, and in a style available to any
common capacity, more than can be found on the
same subjects in huge volumes, at an enormous ex-
pense, and difficult to collect, collate, and digest.
One of these little works will often save a fee of five
dollars for advice, and, by directing to a judicious
course of management, it will often save hundreds of
dollars in property, or a still larger sum in vexatious
litigation. By I. R. Butts, No. 2 School Street.

The Magazine of Horticulture, for November,
is at hand. This work, by C. M. Hovey, is con-
ducted with distinguished ability. The editor is an
original genius, and he furnishes a large share of
valuable matter, in which many new and excellent
fruits are described with great accuracy ; he is also
equally skilled in floriculture.

The Horticulturist, for November, is before us.
The editor, A. J. Downing, is eminent for his labors
in horticulture, landscape gardening, and rural archi-
tecture ; and this work is replete with interest and
valuable instruction.

Address before the Middlesex Agricultural
Society, by Hon. J. C. Gray. An able, interesting,
and sensible discourse, by one who takes a deep
interest in agriculture, and zealously labors to pro-
mote it.

Catalogue of Wasemequia Nursery, New Bed-
ford, Henry H. Crapo, proprietor, containing a de-
scriptive list of an extensive assortment of fruit
trees, also ornamental trees, shrubs, &c.

Webster's Dictionary. We call particular atten-
tion to the advertisement of this invaluable standard.
In previous works there has been a vagueness in
definitions, so that it was impossible to learn the true
meaning of words by a dictionary. This deficiency
is admirably supplied by AVebster, w'ho defines defi-
nitely, and with great accuracy and perspicuity. He
has accomplished the grand desideratum of furnish-
ing a work that is readily acknowledged a Standard of
the English Language, and it well deserves that high
distinction. It will remain a monument of laborious
genius and profound erudition, and a distinguished
landmark for future ages.

THE MASS. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY,

During the wami season, hold public exhibitions
every Saturday, in their splendid hall, where the
extensive tables and stands are usually well filled
with fruits and flowers, and the spacious room
crowded with members and visitors. In the cold
season, meetings are held in the librarj' room, where
fruits are shown, and tested by the committee.
This association possesses ample means, and it

annually distributes large sums in liberal premiums
and gratuities, and in making valuable additions to
the library. In zeal and intelligence, and in efficien-
cy in the cause of horticultiu-al improvement, it is
not excelled by any institution in this great country,
nor in the still wider world. All Europe, many other
distant regions, and our own extensive continent, are
ransacked for superior fruits and vegetables, which
are here fairly tested in our natural climate, or in the
torrid zone of a hot house.

Our Engravings are drawn and completed by
Mr. S. E. Brown, 120 Washington Street, whom we
recommend as a skilful artist.

THE SONG OF TOIL.

BY AUGUSTINE J. H. DUGANNE.

Let him who will rehearse the song

Of gentle love and bright romance ;
Let him who will, with tripping tongue,

Lead gleaming thoughts to fancy's dance ;
But let me strike mine iron harp,

As northern harps were struck of old —
\nd let its music, stern and sharp,

Arouse the free and bold !

My hand that iron harp shall sweep.

Till from each stroke new strains recoil,
And forth the sounding echoes leap,

To join the arousing song of toil ;
Till men of thought their thoughts outspeak.

And thoughts awake in kindred mind.
And stirring words shall arm the weak,

And fetters cease to bind !

And coursing, soon, o'er soul and sense.

That glorious harp, whose iron strings
Are Labor's mighty instruments,

Shall shake the thrones of mortal kings ;
And ring of axe and anvil note.

And rush of plough through yielding soil,
And laboring engine's vocal throat,

Shall swell the Song of Toil !

Olden Times in Massachusetts. — In 1627, there
were but thirty-seven ploughs in all Massachusetts,
and the use of these agricultural imjjlements was not
familiar to all the planters. Erom the annals of
Salem it appears, in that year, it was agreed by the
town to grant Richard Hutchinson twenty acres
of land, in addition to his share, on condition "he
set ujJ ploughing." — Nat. .^gis.

THE OLIO.

Nothing annoys an enemy so much as kindness.
It is an arrow that generally hits the mark.

A tailor, who, in skating, fell through the ice,
declared that he would never again leave his hot goose
for a cold duck.

Our Native Soil — The farmer's capital, which
can never be turned without •profit.

Princes and lords may flourish or may fade;
A breath can make them, as a breath has made ;
But a bold yeomanry, their country's pride,
When once destroyed, can never be supplied.

Gold Digging. — The best tools in the business,
a plough and a hoe — the best place to seek for it,
above ground.

TO AGHICOLTJRE AND ALL lib hiim Kl

ART3 A.^D [JClENiJES

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 1849,

NO. 2,

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOUIISE, Pkopeietor.

RECEPTION OF THE NEW ENGLAND
FARMER.

We have the satisfaction of finding that the New
England Farmer is meeting with a most cordial
reception. Our numerous friends whom we see, and
many others at a distance, from whom we have the
pleasure of hearing, express their hearty approval
of the work in its form, matter, and neatness of exe-
cution, and we are obUgcd to many, not only for
their kind wishes and patronage, but for their liberal
aid in its circulation.

Wo copy the following remarks from the president
of the Essex Agricultural Society, particularly for the
valuable hints they contain in regard to communi-
cations, though thus far our correspondents have
been brief. As to the small size of our page, the
deficiency is made up bj" the greater number.

To the Editor and Picblislter of the New England Farnier.

Gentlemen- : I am happy in the receipt of a paper
under this name. The well-earned reputation of a
paper so ably conducted as was your predecessor
under the stimo name, by Fcssonden and others, can-
not fail to be a favorable introduction. The form
you have chosen is much better calculated to give
it permanency than a larger page, and makes it more
easily read. If it is objected that it will not contain
»o much matter as the other forms, let those who
oiTer sucli objections, take care to divest their com-
munications of all superfluous words, and you will
have no difficulty in finding space for them. It has
become too common among writers on agricultural
•ubjects, to forward to the press their productions as
soon as they are threshed, before they are toinnotoed.
With my best wLshes for the success of your enter-
prise,

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. W. PROCTOR.

Danveiis, Dec. 14, 1848.

PRUNING GRAPE-VINES.

The best time for pruning grape-vines is late in
autumn, after the fall of the leaf. If neglected then,
the sooner it is done the better ; for if done late in
-winter, or in spring before the leaves put out, the
vines are liable to bleed. Sometimes, when they
are pruned early in winter, and there is steady cold
weather till spring, so that the ends of the vines do

not become dry, they will bleed as warm weather
comes on in spring, the same as vines cut at that
season.

If vines are rather tender, — as is the case with the
best kinds cultivated in New England, — it is best
to prune partially in fall, leaving twice as much
new wood as is needed, and finish the operation in
spring, when the leaves have started, as then the life
of the vine may be seen, and the vines will not
bleed after the plant is in foliage.

CARE OF CATTLE.

Cattle should be kept warm and comfortable in
wintei', else far more food will be necessary ; and then
they will be less profitable, than when kept in a
comfortable condition. The whole barn should be
made tight and warm, and there should be no parti-
tion between the cattle and the large, open space
called the barn floor ; or there should bo no obstruc-
tion directly before the heads of the cattle, whether
staading or lying, that they may breathe the pure
air. Rails, or bars, in front, will be sufficient.

Many of the best managers of stock have barns so
warm that water will not freeze in them in the cold-
est weather. The open space in front of the cattle
gives a good chance for pure air. In warm, dull
weather, in winter, it is necessai'y to open doors, at
some distance from the animals, that a draft of air
may pass through the barn floor, yet not blow di-
rectl}- on the cattle.

If a cattle house be made close, with a partition in
front, the steam and gases arising from the manure,
and the breath of the animals, will produce foul air,
and create disorders.

Maple Sugar. — A good man wiU make six or
seven hundred pounds in three weeks. The man that
took the premium at Auburn in 1843, kept all vesseU
clean. He run the hot sugar into conical vessels,
having a half inch hole, plugged at bottom, until the
sugar was thoroughly hard; then put three layers of
woollen cloth on top, and poured on a pint of water
every morning for three weeks in succession. The
water looked like brown molasses, and the sugar,

■wlir»n flniin liVp Innf aTirraf

19

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURE.

The various sciences that aid agriculture are com-
paratively new, and their application to this depart-
ment of industry is still more recent ; yet they have
already thrown much light on various subjects, and
have clearly explained what before seemed as mys-
teries, enabling the farmer to act understandingly,
by using the proper means to accomplish desirable
purposes. The following articles illustrate our
proposition : —

Bone DisoiinEu in Cows. — Some years ago, in the
great dairy district of Cheshire, England, the cows
failed from a waste, or falling in of the bones ; and
able chemists were called on to explain the cause.
On analysis, they found that milk contained a quan-
tity of phosphate of lime, or bone earth, and that the
same substance formed a large portion of the mate-
rial of bones. They also discovered that old lands
became exhausted of phosphate of lime, and that
common stable manures did not sufficiently supply
the deficiency. A cow, fed on an acre of land, for
seventy-five years, would carry off, in her miUc, one
ton of phosphate of lime.

As this material became exhausted, the land pro-
duced plants that contained but a small portion only ;
and that being appropriated mostly to the production
of milk, the animal had not a supply to repair the
natural waste of her bones ; hence she failed, having
what is now called the hone disorder. As a remedy,
bone meal and dissolved bones were given ; and as a
preventive, bone manure was applied to the land,
and then it produced plants for fodder that abounded
in phosphate of lime. With a renovation of the land,
the disease disappeared.

Many farmers have seen their milch cows attempt-
ing to cat bones, without being aware of the cause ;
and since this subject has been better understood,
bone meal is kept at agricultural stores, as a medi-
cine for cows that feed on old lands and become
afflicted with the bone disorder.

The English have become well skilled in this sub-
ject, and they import a vast anrount of bones from
the continent of Europe, even from the battle-
grounds ; and they also import largely from this
country, and from those very cities around which the
lands are old, and becoming barren for want of the
A'ery material for manure which is exported to for-
eign lands ; and only a few years since, some of the
produce of this manure was imported into this coun-
try, to supply a lack occasioned for want of intelli-
gence and energy in agricultural pursuits. But we
arc now leai-ning on this, as well as other subjects,
and improvements follow. When proper machinery
is in operation for grinding bones, or tlie process of
decomposition by acids and alkalies, this valuable
manure will be used exclusivelj' to enrich our own
lands, and aid in filling our own granaries, and keep-
ing our animals in healthy condition without resort
to medicines.

The following analyses show that bones are com-
posed largel)' of the phosphate of lime, and that the
same ingredient is a component part of milk, and

though but small, daily, it amounts to a large quan-
tity in the course of a year, as twenty gallons of
milk contain an ounce of phosphate of lime.

Composition of Bodies.

Organic animal matter, (gelatine,) .... 33|

Phosphate of lime, 55^

Phosphate of magnesia, 3

Carbonate of lime, 3|

Soda and common salt, 3^

Chloride of calcium, 1

100
Some analj-ses show thirty-eight parts of phosphate
of lime, and ten parts of carbonate of lime, in bones.

Composition of Milk.

Water 873

Butter, 30

Caseine, 48.20

Milk sugar 43.90

Phosphate of lime, 2.31

" magnesia, .42

" iron, .07

Chloride of potassium, 1.44

" sodium, ,24

Soda in combination with caseine, ... .42

1000

Analysis of Indian Corn. — Dr. Playfair has
recently analyzed specimens of corn of American
growth, and finds its composition as follows : —
In 100 parts —

Protein, (nutritive matter,) 7

Fatty matter 5

Starch, 76

Water, 12

100

One pound of Indian meal will absorb five pints of
water, in making it into mush or pudding, and when
sufHciently boiled, the mush will weigh four and a
half pounds.

It ^vill be seen fi'om this analysis, that corn con-
tains less protein, or nutritive matter, than wheat,
oats, or barley, but more than either rice or -j.otatoes.
It contains, in fact, thi'ce and a half times l,\j quan-
tity of nutritive matter that is found in potatoes, and
a very much larger quantity of starch, and less water.
It also possesses more fatty matter than any of those,
which is an important consideration, where the mere
fattening of animals is the object. It will bo thus
found, as an article of diet, both for man and beast,
siipcrior to potatoes, and rice, but inferior to wheat,
oats, and barley. — London Gard. Chronicle.

*

SECURITY OF CELLARS.

This subject is often neglected. By saving a few-
dollars of labor, sometimes only a few dimes, hun-
dreds of dollars are lost by the freezing of roots, fruit,
&c. A few mild winters lull people into negligence ;
then comes a real freezer, and Jack Frost walks into
the cellar, and takes possession of every tender article.
In the spring, after a very cold winter, we often hear
of farmers losing two or three, and some five or six
hundred, bushels of potatoes. Sometimes the loss
would far more than pay for making a frost-tight
cellar, that would last for ages. The onlj' safe way
is to prepare for the worst, so as to defy the greatest
degree of cold that is wont to occur.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

19

^*=^^^;!s^2:^^^^$S^

((

BLACK HAWK

For the Neto Emjland Farmer.

S. W. Cole. Sir : The out above was designed to
show the figure of the stallion and trotting horse,
•'Black Hawk," which was sii'ed by the old " Sher-
man Morgan" horse ; and has stood for the improve-
ment of stock at Bridport, Vermont, for the last four
years. lie is owned by N. II. Hill, Esq., of Boston,
Mass., who purchased him of Benjamin Thurston,
Esq., of Lowell, Mass. A^^ule in Mr. Thurston's
possession, Black Hawk frequently appeared at the
Cambridge Trotting Course, and won several purses,
varying from two hundred to one thousand dollars.

Last year, at the New York State Show and Fair,
held at Saratoga Springs, he trotted agauist "Morse's
Gray," one mile and repeat, and won with ease,
without any training. The first heat he performed
in two minutes fifty-two seconds, the second in two
minutes forty-three seconds. He has trotted a mile
in less time,' but was never used expressly for the
turf. He has trotted ten miles at two heats, in thirty-
two minutes and thirty seconds.

Three seasons ago, his services for the improve-
ment of stock amounted to eighteen hundred dol-
lars, at ten dollars for each foal. This season they
have amounted to over two thousand dollars.

Black Hawk is of a jet black color; fifteen hands
high ; thirteen years old ; perfectly sound ; and
weighs 1024 pounds ; is celebrated for sjonmetry,
action, docility, endurance, loftiness in carriage,
great speed, and for the improvement of stock. His
colts show evident signs of the " Morgan " blood,
attaining good size — stand low for their weight —
have great action and spirit — arc very playful and
mild, with heavy, waving manes and tails, and they
eeU at remunerating prices. A three year old stal-
lion, which he sired, was sold last month for eleven
hundred and twenty-five dollars.

Black HaAvk has a wide, clean, sine-v^y leg ; short
from the knee to the pastern ; short back ; deep in
the brisket ; eyes bright, lively, and piominent ;
open under the "jaws ; a lean head, face a little dish-
ing ; open nostrils, small, delicate muzzle ; teeth
and countenance savage ; action high, proud, and
graceful, moving boldly in harness ; combining,^ in
every respect, strength and beauty, and evincing
courage and power from the hind fetlock to the tip
of the car.

The Morgan horses are so well known in Boston
and vicinity, that they need no praise or description.
They are acknowledged to be the perfect " Yankee
harness horse."

Very respectfully yours,

SOLOMON W. JEWETT

Weyhridge, Vt., Nov. 22, 18-18.

To the Editor of the New E/igland Farmer.
FOREST TREES.

Sir : I am frequently intjuired of as to the best
method of getting forest" trees from England, and it
has occurred to me, that it may advance the cause
of forest culture to show how this can be done with
economy and certainty. 13oth Ilovey & Co. and the
Winships will import trees, in large or small quan-
tities, to order ; probably most of our nursery men
are in the habit of doing so ; for which you pay them
a reasonable commission. Another mode is, to
order them directly for j-ourself. This you can do,
remitting a sight biU for such an amount as you may
Avish to invest in trees to some established nursery-
man, and YOU are very certain of having an order,
so accomjianied, attended to promptly and honestly.
By knowing about the price of the U-ees in England.

m

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

you can calculate very nearly how many of each
kind of tree a certain sum will produce, I herewith
send a list of prices for transplanted forest trees of
the kinds most usually wanted. Seedling trees are
about half price, perhaps less.

English Ash, Ij to 2 feet high, per 1000, $3 00
" " 3 foet " " 4 00

.< u 4 » .< « 5 00

Mountain Ash, for each grade, $1 per 1000 higher.

Beech, 2 to 2^ feet, per 1000, $4 00

" 2i to 3 " " " 5 00

Birch, li to 2 " " '< 3 00

Scotch Fir, 1 year transplanted, " " 1 50

« « 2 " " " " 2 50

Norway Spruce, 9 to 12 inches, " " 3 25

" " 12 to 15 " " " 5 00

«♦ " 15 to 18 « " " 6 25

Larch, 1 yr. transplanted, 15 in. " " 1 50

" 1 " " 15 to 18 in. " 2 25

" 2 " " 2 feet " " 3 25

English Oaks, li to 2 feet " " 5 00

2 to 2h " " " 6 25

" 2h to 3 " " " 7 50

Turkey Oaks, one dollar higher than the above.

Austrian Pine, a valuable shady tree, one year

• transplanted, per 1000, 6 50

Sycamore, 2^ to 3 feet, 3 50

I have selected from a long price-current the
kind of trees most usually wanted, all of Avhich
thrive well in New England. They are the whole-
sale prices taken by the hundred or thousand from
the nursery of William Skirving, of Liverpool, from
whom I import all my trees. I have merely changed
the currency from sterling to American. Now, we
will suppose, that a person in the country Avho has.
no foreign correspondent, wishes to plant a piece of
ground with larches, oaks, or other trees ; he knows
about the number he will require ; he has then only
to make out the list, compute the cost, purchase of
Ilarnden & Co., or some other respectable exchange
dealer, a bill of exchange for the amoimt, enclose it
with the order to William Skirving, of Liverpool, and
he will ship them on board of some vessel bound to
Boston at a proper season and in a proper manner,
advising him of the same by steamer. I mention Mr.
Skirving, because he is the only one whose name I
now recollect, and because, from my dealings with
him, I know that the utmost reliance can be placed
upon him. It is an advantage, also, to have the
nursery near the place of shipment, as there is less
liability to accident and delay. In making up an
order, a few dollars had better be added for expenses
of shipment, in which case there wiU be nothing to
pav on arrival but the freight. R. S. E.

December 20, 1848.

Editorial Hemakks.

The above communication contains highly valua-
ble information to those who would import forest
trees, and are unacquainted with foreign nursery
men. Mr. Sku'ving sustains a good reputation, and
we take the liberty to say that the above initials indi-
cate the name of Richard S. Fay, Esq., of I^ynn,
who has shown his deep interest in the cultivation
of forest trees by liberal offers to the Essex Agricul-
tural Society for the encouragement of this impor-
tant department of agriculture. His donations for
ten years, provided there are ten competitors for the
premiums, will amount to the very liberal sum of one
tJioiisand dollars. A vast amount of good will re-
sult from this offer, as it will give an impetus to the
business, not only in that county, but throughout

the barren wastes of New England, from the favor-
able examples, and the information generally diffused.
In the first settlement of this country, there was
no cautionary voice of,

" Axeman, spare that tree,"

but the blows were dealt thick and fa3t, at random or
with injudicious design ; and the consequence is,
naked hills, bleak and barren plains, and a scarcity of
fuel and timber. But with intelligence and energy
in the renovation of forests, the short space of only
ten or tAvelve years, will present a fair promise for the
future, and the waste places will be adorned with liv-
ing monuments to the memory of those who encour-
age their production.

For the New Eytc^land Farmer.
CULTIVATION OF FRUIT.

Mr. Editor : Every man owning a lot, however
small, should embrace the earliest opportunity to
plant apples, pears, plums, cherries, grapes, &c.,
carefully selected for their rich qualities and produc-
tiveness. They are sources of pleasure and profit
too ; they are healthful necessaries of life, and they
are luxuries within the reach of all. Who does not
admire that beautiful figurative expression of " sit-
ting under our own vine and fig-tree " ? Who does
not feel grateful to his Creator, for the blessings of
life, as he walks out at morning, noon, or eve, with
his better half, and their loving prattlers, to view the
blooming trees, planted by his own hand, inhaling
the rich fragrance of their flowers or fruit ? A happy
home with these attractions will rarely be abandoned
for the foul haunts of the drunkard, gambler, or
libertine.

It is no less a matter of surprise than regret, that
comforts so necessary and easily attained, should be
so long deferred by many, and never sought by
others. A roAV of fruit trees around a garden is in
good taste, and produces much fruit, is little or no
encumbrance to the lot, and the only means of ob-
taining a product from the rich soil beneath your
wall. The young farmer should never wait to clear
all obstructions to the plough, and make his soil rich
by tilling before he can set an apple, cherry, or plum
tree. Injudicious tilling will spoil an orchard. My
neighbor has ruined a once thrifty orchard, by crop-
ping it with reheat. The soil is yet rich, but his trees
are in the yellow leaf at midswnmer, do not bear, and,
in fine, are dying. A part of the same orchard that
was fenced into the highway, has had no manuring,
cropping, or care, and that part is vigorous and bearing.

Fine trees are reared on granite soils, too rock-
bound ever to be tilled. Horned cattle should never
bo allowed in a young orchard. Hogs, and even
sheep, will soften the turf, and facilitate the growth
of trees, if not allowed to rub against them. To pre-
vent this, set firmly in the ground three substantial
stakes, of durable wood ; to these firmly nail your
boards, and form a substantial triangular fence around
each tree, from one to two feet from its trunk.

The best method of manuring, whore land Is not
tilled, and no animals admitted, is to cart, once in
tlii'ce years, flags, rushes, leaves, rotten wood, or any
worthless trash, to kill the grass sod, and retain the
moisture. Spread it from four to eight feet from the
the tree, according to size. When you have located
permanent walls and division fences, plant a row by
each. It is the best location for a rapid growth, an
ornament to your farm, and sufficient orchard with-
out encumbering tillage. If their first fruits prove
crabbed and worthless, graft with such as you know

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

21

to be good bearers and valuable fruit, never cutting
your limbs too near the trunk to make your top too
tliick and wounds too large.

JESSE SMART.
Troy, Me., Dec. 1818.

Editorial Remauks.
We have numerous instances of grain crops being
very injurious to orchards. Root crops may be ctil-
tivated to advantage among trees ; these keep the
ground light and mellow, and lead to deep and
thorough tillage. The ripened grain doubtless ex-
hausts the soil of some ingredients that are essential
to the trees or fruit.

For the New England Farmer.
POTATO DISEASE.

Ma. Editor : There is no topic, moral, religious, or
palitical, that has been so thoroughly discussed, with-
out arriving at any satisfactory result, as the potato
disease. For years our agricultural journals have
teemed with discoveries of cause and cure, and all the
remedies, lilte those of the patent nostrums of the
day. " Strike at the root of the disease, — Remove all
impure humors and restore health."

And yet a strict adherence to the rules laid down,
(and which it is said were a sovereign remedy the
last season,) are a total failure this. — The "rot"
continues. One writer avers it is atmospherical
influence, caused by the extreme drj' and warm
weather. The next season is the reverse — extremely
wet and cold : a new discovery is made, that it is
occasioned " by the extraordinary humidity, com-
bined with a peculiar state of the atmosphere."
Some theorists attribute the disease to tiies, or other
insects. Others aver that the real cause of the evil
is " a fungus or mushroom of extreme tenuity that
breeds amazingly and reproduces itself by thousands."
Some have found a remedy in planting unripe tubers,
or in renewing from the seed ; others, in the use of
plaster, salt, lime, and ashes, have saved or destroyed
their crops. Mowing the tops when in blossom
has stayed the destroyer, at the expense of the crops.
But these visionary theories ai'e exploded. Each
succeeding year finds us as much in the dark as ever.
In 18-17, the early-planted and harvested potatoes
ascaped the rot ; the long reds and late potatoes
were nearly a total loss. In 1848, the case is re-
versed : the earliest planted and eaiiiest harvested are
the most affected, whilst the long reds and other late
varieties have universally escaped — showing con-
clusively, that no general rule can be safely adopted
in the cultivation of potatoes, to avoid the rot.

All this strengthens our belief in the position wo
adopted some two years ago — that the cause and
grand panacea had not and never would be discovered.
It is as inexplicable as the caiise and spread of the
Asiatic cholera, and must ever be equally problem-
atical; yet we think the disease is on the decline,
and will in a few years cease to exist. Under these
impressions, our advice for the future is, plant just as
many potatoes as you would if the disease had never
appeared, manure them in the same manner, culti-
vate them in the same wa}% entirely regardless of
the delusive speculative theories of the thousand
and one writers who have discovered so many
sovereign reynedies, wliich are just about as valuable as
a last year's almanac. C.

Pembroke, Dec. 184:8.

Editorial Remarks.
Our correspondent is perfectly correct as to his
general views and conclusions about the cause of,
and remedy for, the potato rot; yet, notwith-

standing all have failed to show the true cause, and
assign a sovereign remedy, much light has been
thrown on the subject, which greatly aids the culti-
vator. Many causes assigned are predisposing
causes, and some remedies recommended are par-
tial remedies or preventives.

Wet lands and unfermcnted animal manures arc
predisposing causes that may be avoided, and this is
the case with other conditions or circumstances that
have an unfavorable inHuenco. Salt, plaster, lime,
charcoal powder, and other specifics that have been
recommended as remedies, though not sovereign,
often serve a valuable purpose as partial preven-
tives.

Although early planting is not a sure guard
against the rot, yet it is measurably so, as in numer-
ous experiments, and on an average of years, early
planted potatoes, or those that are early by nature,
are less affected than late planted, or late A'arieties.

Early diggiftg will not always save potatoes from
this malady ; yet it often lessens its effects, particu-
larly when we have warm, heavy rains in the fall.

A few months ago, we stated that the best and
cheapest remedy (partial remedy, it should be
called) was the cultivation of hardy kinds, that were
not liable, or not very liable, to rot ; for every cxil-
tivator is aware that there is a great difference in
different varieties. AVIien we dug fifty kinds in
September, that were planted for experiments, which
was rather early, before many rotted, one kind, the
Stockbridge, a new variety, v«ry large and beautiful,
had rotted more than all the other kinds.

PRESERVING SWEET POTATOES.

We copy from the Southern Cultivator an article
on this subject, and though the mode of preserva-
tion may be good in a mild climate, a log cabin
would not be sufficient protection in a cold region ;
yet the method of preventing decay may be good in
all climates, and when further protection is necessary
against the cold, it may be effected by covering with
hay or litter.

Last year I used a log cabin, unchinked, with dirt
floor, to save my sweet potatoes and plants. There
was a good lock on the door, and I lost none either
by rot or appropriation. Having gathered a large
quantity of pine straw and leaves from the forest,
I spread it down about six inches thick on the floor,
and then spread down potatoes a foot or more deep,
over this another layer of straw, and so on alternately,
until the potatoes were all housed. They kept per-
fectly sound, and better than any I have ever put
up. The lock secured them fi-om thieves. If S.
will try this plan, I think he will succeed. I believe
that they cannot be kept in a cellar. I have tried it,
and failed ; also tried double log cabin with inter-
filling of sand, and failed. It was too close ; they
must have air, be kept dry and dark ; the pine straw
absorbs any extra moisture in the heap.

Boxes. — That world-renowned chemist, Liebig,
says that a single pound of bone dust contains as
much phosphoric acid as one hundred pounds of
wheat. From this we can easily perceive that there
are bones wasted on every farm in this state sufficient
to manure the entire wheat crop. This, to many,
wiU doubtless appear strange, but is nevertheless true.

22

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

THE CRANBERRY.,

Much has been written on the cultivation of the
cranberry on high land, but in most cases we have
had roiDorts from partial trials. Some person sots
vines with a shovel-full of peat taken up with the
vine, and this may support it the first season ; but a
few years' experience is necessary to show the effect
of hard winters and dry summers.

One cultivator took a premium for raising four
hundred bushels of cranberries on an acre of high
land. A gentleman informed us last summer that he
had been to his place, and searched in vain for high
land cranberries. A few years since, something was
published of extensive and thorough experiments on
the cultivation of the cranberry, in a certain location,
and occasionally we heard something more on the
subject.

Last fall, the season for the crop, we examined the
result of these experiments, and though there ■was
not a single berry to mark the site, or show the object
of expenditure, there were monuments of great labor
and expense.

We name these discouragements, as the public
have been deceived on this subject, and it yet re-
mains to be proved, by fair experiments, whether the
cranberry will endure our cold and changeable win-
ters, and hot, dry summers, on dry land, or common
tillage, with common cultivation.

We have seen very fine cranberries, of spontaneous
growth, on extremely dry, hard, poor, porous soil,
where weeds could obtain but a stinted growth. This
loads us to suppose that they would do Avell in the
more advantageous situation, apparently, of good,
mellow Innd, in good condition.

We planted vines, from high and low land, last
spring, on common tillage, and gave common cultiu'e.
All that we report is, that they lived, grew but little,
and bore only a few berries. The following commu-
nication is one of the most sensible that we have ever
seen on this subject. With it we received a box of
cranberries, remarkably fresh, rich, and spirited, and
yet very tender ; being finer than those picked in the
fall, cither at that period or the present. Time and
the weather have finely ripened and mellowed them,
without any loss of good qualities.

For the New Enffland Farmer.
CuLTrv'ATiox OF THE Ckaxbeiiuy in G.vkdens.

Me. Editok : It is probably not generally known,
that the cranberry can be successfully cultivated,
like the strawberry, in our gardens ; yet such is the
fact. It is necessary, however, to prepai'e a bed of
common garden soil, not absolutely dry, in which a
portion of sand and peat has been well incor-
porated. This preparation of soil we deem important
in the cultivation of the cranberry. Possessing, as it
does, a delicate, fibrous, or hairy root, it requires a
sandy peat, in which to thrive. In the selection of
plants for the purpose of cultivation, wo prefer those
growing in low grounds, near the upland, in prefer-
ence to those found in wet, mossy meadows. We
think the autumn a favorable season for transplant-
ing the cranberry, as they can the more readily
be taken from low, wet lands. In removing the
l^lants, it is best to take up a sod of earth with them,
carefully ]ncking out the grass. These may be set in
the bed, in rows twelve or eighteen inches apart, and
if the ground is mulched with litter between the
plants, it wiU serve to keep it moist, and prevent the
growth of weeds. This will bo no longer necessary
when the vines extend and cover the ground with a
thick mat of verdui'e ; they are then less affected
with the drought, and the weeds disappear.

It may bo necessary to water the bed, in very dry
weather, and keep it clear from Avecds and grass, at
all times. The plants of the cranberry need protec-
tion in winter. This, you will recollect, it always
receives in its wild state in the meadows, by the
overflowing of them by water. My plants arc pro-
tected by covering them with the boughs of some
evergreen tree. I prefer, for this purpose, the pros-
trate branches of the juniper, or, as it is sometimes
improperly called, ground hemlock. This effectually
protects the roots of the plants from the effects of the
frost, likewise its evergreen leaves, and its fruit.

We have been in the habit of leaving a consider-
able portion of the fruit of the cranberry on the
vines during the winter. AVe find it keeps well, and
can be taken fresh from the vinos, when wanted.
The cranberries I send you wore taken from my
bed yesterday, and you will perceive a plumpness
and freshness not to be found in those dried in gar-
rets, or drowned in water, in cellars. Those persons,
who have had much experience in the cultivation of
native plants, found growing in swampy or very wet
land, will have noticed that some of them will bear
a removal, and more readily accommodate themselves
to a comparatively dry soil, than others. And I am
inclined to think the cranberry is disposed, when
removed to our gardens, and a suitable reception is
prepared for it, to accommodate itself to its new loca-
tion. Eut in order to completely naturalize it, and
render it at home, we should produce jjlants from
seeds taken from specimens under cultivation. I can
see no obstacle in the Avay of complete success, in
the cultivation of the cranberry, provided the same
care and skill is bestowed upon it, that is rendered to
other fruit.

SAMUEL P. FOWLER.

DanvepvS, New Mills, Dec. 12, 1848.

For the New England Farmer.

CULTIVATION OF RYE.

Mr. Cole : It has been a matter of surprise, that
so little attention has been given, by our farmers, to
the raising of this grain. When it is considered,
that a fair crop can be grown on land of ordinary
quality, and that the crop can be raised and gath-
ered with less labor than most other grains, no good
reason can be given why the farmer should not raise
enough for his own consumption.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

23

During the past season, there were raised on the
town farm., in Danvers, fifty-five bushels of rye, on
one and a qiiai-tcr acres ; or at the rate of forty-four
bushels to the acre. This is the best crop of the
kind that has come under our observation. For the
instruction of those who may wish to repeat the ex-
periment, I will state the prominent facts relating to
the culture.

The land is a gravelly loam, soil rather light and
shallow. In 18-45, the entire field yielded less than
one ton of hay. In 1846, it was planted with corn,
and yielded about fiftj' bushels to the acre. A full
shovel-full of manure from the hog-yard — made
from meadow-mud and slaughter-house otfal, by the
operations of a large number of swine — was placed in
each hill. In 1847, about five cords of like manure
was spread upon the land ; and the same was planted
with potatoes, and the crop was large and of good
quality. They were dug about the 20th of Septem-
ber, when the land was ploughed with four oxen,
and about one and tliree quarters bushels of rye was
sown and harrowed in. It came up well, and grew
in the most flourishing manner through the season ;
averaging from five to six feet in height. It was
harvested about the middle of July, in bright and
good condition.

The distinguishing characteristics of this cultiva-
tion were deep ploughing andfull manuring. At each
of the ploughings of the land, for three years past, a
strong team was used, and the furrows run from
eight to ten inches in depth. In this way a substra-
tum was formed for the growth and support of the
grain, that saved it entirely from injury by di'ought
— the land being rather dry. The same farmer has
succeeded for several years in obtaining very good
crops of rye ; and we think his success is owing more
to his deep ploughing, than any other cause. In fact
he has created a soil of ten or twelve inches in depth,
where there were not before more than five or six.
I offer these facts for your use, if you think them
worthy a place in the New England Farmer.
Yery respectfiilly,

J. W. PROCTOR.

Danvers, Dec. 18-18.

For the New England Farmer.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT OF A FARM.

Mr. Editor: In my intercourse amongst farmers,
I find a clas-3 of men, who, on conversing with them
in regard to making betterments on their farms, will
tell you, if they were able to improve their farms, as
they ou2:ht to be, and make thorough work, they
should like to do it ; but they do not like to begin,
because they have not time to finish to suit them.
So their farms lie year after year, without any ad-
vancement, because, forsooth, they cannot do all at
once.

Now, to such, and all. Avho are beginning with a
view to the general improvement of their farms, I
have a few suggestions to make. If a worn-out farm
is to be reclaimed, it must be kept in mind, that it is
to be done by a great number of small jobs, I may
say almost without number, some of which may be
accomplished, perhaps, in ten or fifteen minutes, with
suitable tools, after being on the ground, and which,
of themselves, are perfect, and tending to the general
result. Others, perhaps, may take several days.

In one place, the cutting of a small ditch from
the road-side, and directing the wash of the road
upon grass, and in another, ploughing a single fur-
row from a piece of low land and takiiig oft' the
surplus water, may add to the quantity and quality
of the hay twenty times more than the expenses
incurred. Again, the removal of rotten stumps and
small surface stones, and in some cases old logs on
the mowing lands, so as to admit of usinsr the horse-

rakes, thus saving time and increasing the amount of
produce.

One improvement being made, will pay the ex-
penses of another, and the increase wiU be accelerated,
like the accelerated motion of a falling body; and
almost before the improver is aware of it himself, he
will find his farm assuming a healthy appearance,
and the work, which at first seemed so difficult and
hard to be accomplished, will become a pleasure.

The first thing ]iecessary, in order to accomplish
so desirable a result, is to examine the farm in all
the dift'ercnt fields, noting the improvements which
may be made, taking that class, which may bo
made with the least expense, first ; have the improve-
ments necessary to be made fixed in the mind, so
that when there is a leisure from the common labors
of the farm, such as planting, sowing, and harvest-
ing, there may not be any time wasted in thinking
what to go about, but select some one of the im-
provements, according to the time which can be
spared, and go about it with earnestness, accomplish
it, and the fruits shall be enjoyed. — " The wilderness
and the solitary place shall be glad for them ; and
the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose."
Isaiah, 3o.

Yours respectfully,

S. M. STANLEY.

West Attleborough, Dec. 22, 1848,

Fur the New England Farmer.
ASHES FOR POTATOES.

Mr. Editor : I offer you a few remarks on the
potato. For five years I have been trying experi-
ments on raising potatoes. This year I planted early
in May, dug holes, and put in my jDotatoes, and thou
a shovel-full of coal ashes, some hard and some soft,
with wood ashes, mixed with some horse manure on
the top. The potatoes came up early, looked well,
continued perfectly healthy, and ripened well. I
dug them in September, and found them perfectly
sound, not finding a decayed potato. They have con-
tinued sound, and there is no appearance of rot.

I planted some of the same kind of seed, on
the same kind of ground, (except mud had been
spread on the furrow,) with good manure, and at the
same time ; and when I gathered them, they were
sound, but soon began to decay. Probably I shall
lose one quarter of them, and the rest are rather
soggy, while the others are mealy and good. Now,
it appears to mc the difference is owing to the kind
of manui'e, and the preserving quality of the ashes.
I hope others will try the experiment. I have no
doubt of the good effects of ashes, as others in the
vicinity lost more or less of their potato crop.
Y'ours truly,

S. A. SHURTLEFF.

Brooiclixe, Dec. 1848.

Editorial Remarks.

Some years before the potato rot prevailed, a very
skilful cultivator showed us liis mode of raising
smooth potatoes in an old garden. He put about a
half pint or a pint of coal ashes in each hill, and his
potatoes were remarkably smooth and excellent.
Previous to his using ashes, his potatoes were much
injured by worms.

lie showed us a spot where he had thrown coal
ashes to fill up a hollow, until they were too deep for
roots of vegetables to penetrate below them. In
these ashes, good potatoes and beans were growing,
which showed clearly that the ashes contained food
for plants.

i24

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

LEGISLATIVE AID TO AGRICULTURE.

In the forthcoming Transactions of the Essex
Agricultural Society, a few pages of which we have
received by the politeness of the president, John W.
Proctor, Esq., are valuable hints by this officer to the
trustees, from which we copy his remarks, in rela-
tion to legislative bounty, with a view of bringing
the subject early to the consideration of the legis-
lature.

If there is one sulijcct of more general interest to
the community than another, that subject is agri-
culture, as it is at the foundation of all other pur-
suits. This state has been one of the first in the
Union in the laudable object of encouraging agri-
cultural improvement, by enabling societies to offer
liberal premiums for superior productions, manage-
ment, and inventions. And since the happy results
of legislative bounties upon the prosperity of the
state are well known to every member of the legis-
lature, we trust that the present aid will not only be
continued, but liberal additions will be made to the
present donations, commensurate with the liberal
policy of the state, and the favorable effects from her
past munificence. We copy from the Transactions.

The continued liberality of the state, which has
enabled the Society to offer our premiums annually,
although to a limited extent, and the adoption of a
system of economy that has kept its expenditures
within the income, have had a tendency to prevent
the enlisting of new members ; especially while
those who were not members were permitted to
enjoy equal privileges, in competing for premiums,
as those who were. If care had been taken to in-
crease the funds by the addition oi seven hundred new
members, who have come upon the stage since our
operations commenced, who would have been ready
to join, if properly solicited to do so, this addition
could have been advantageously appropriated, in the
new modes of improvement, that would have been
brought forward.

In fact, those who have directed the concerns of
the society, have always felt themselves constrained,
not by the want of objects of premium, but by the
want of means to afford them, and by the desire to
give permanency to the funds, that should enable
the society to continue its operations, if, perchance,
any thing should happen to discontinue the legisla-
tive bounty. But there is no reason to fear any such
discontinuance. Whatever party may be in power
will not presume any such thing. Among all the
fanciful projects of economy that have been agitated,
we have never heard an intimation of the expediency
of withholding the bounty to agricultural societies.
On the contrary, the appropriation has been very
generally approved ; and it remains with the farmers,
themselves, to say, when, instead of six hundred
dollars annually, there shall be given one thousand
dollars annually, to each of the societies. Is this a
visionary project ? Could it not be done by a little
exertion ? Appoint your agents to solicit subscri-
bers. Let a memorial be presented to the legisla-
ture, setting forth the benefits to accrue thorefVora ;
let the other societies in the commonwealth be
solicited to cooperate ; and three chances out of
four, another year would crown the enterprise with
success. There is nothing like trying. Something
has been done for agriculture, but not so much as its
relative importance demands.

Fattening Animals. — A memoir was read to the
Academy of Sciences, at Paris, by MM. Dumas,

Boussingault, and Payan, " of researches on the
fattening of animals, and on the formation of milk."
These philosophers announce their belief that fatty
matters are formed in plants alone ; that they thence
pass, ready formed, into the bodies of herbivori, enter-
ing the chyle duct by the lactcals, and so passing
into the blood ; that the first degree of oxydation
forms stearine or oleic acid ; a further degree pro-
duces the margaric acid, which characterizes fat ; a
stiU further degree, the volatile, fatty acids — in oppo-
sition to Liebig, who traces the origin of fat to the
sugar or starch of the food. In confirmation of their
views, they show that hay contains more per cent,
of oleaginous matter than is produced in the butter
from a cow fed on this hay ; and that cows fed on
potatoes, or other roots poor in fiit, produce much
less butter. They advance an influence, which bears
much on rural economy, that a cow eliminates twice
as much fat from a given quantity of food as does an
ox; and hence the commerce of miUi and butter
deserves a high degree of attention. Some relative
experiments on fattening pigs bear out the same gen-
eral principles. — Pol. Revieio.

MANAGEMENT OF HORSES.

We have no domestic animal among us, that costs
us so much that will do a greater variety of work, or
that is so much, abused, as the horse. Like his mas-
ter, the horse is complicated in his structure, and
liable to a great many diseases ; and as he is capable
of being made to exert all his powers of body in the
efforts of speed or severe labor, nine tenths of them
are cut off in the prime of life. And yet by care and
attention, by kind and humane treatment in work-
ing and feeding, he can be made to endure a great
many years, active and strong. Mr. Pell, of New
York, has given some excellent rules for the manage-
ment of horses, which were published in the Transac-
tions of the New York Agricultural Society. Among
the good ideas which he there advanced, he obsei-ves,
" Feed them in winter on a variety of food, such as
oats, ground and whole, bran, strip stuff, beans, peas,
turnips, carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, occasionally
steamed separately and together. In summer, keep
them always confined in airy stables, and feed them
on clover, bruised grains, green cornstalks, cider
pomace, oil cake, hay, &c. Be particular to give
them three fourths of a pound of salt per week ; oc-
casionally two ounces of sulphur, and frequently
two ounces of wood ashes.

"By good keep and judicious management, a pair
of horses, perfectly sound when young, will last, and
labor constantly, twenty-five years, and to the end
will retain their spirits. I have a pair of bay horses,"
he observes, " on ray farm that are now twenty year.s
old, during which time they have never been at
pasture, and have worked daily; they have never
been incapacitated for work by lameness, or disease
of any kind, and have always been perfecth' healthy."
He also adds that he has " another pair of sorrels that
are eighteen years old, which labor daily, and wdll
do as much work as any pair of six years old."

The above statements of Jilr. Pell are worth lis-
tening to, and his advice should be followed. Much
loss would be prevented, and much suffering to a
faithful and useful animal be warded off, while the
long-continued powers for labor would amply reward
the extra cai-e and kindness thus bestowed, even if
the virtue of mercy to those brutes intrusted to our
protection wore not taken into account. — Main*
Farmer.

Bird-lime is prepai'cd from the berries of the mis-
tletoe and the middle bark of the holly ; it is boiled
till it becomes soft.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

25

HUBBARDSTON NONSUCH APPLE.

Fruit, from large to very large ; roundish, tapering
moderately and roundly to the top; sldn, smooth,
fair, rich, yellow ground, mostly covered with bright
red, dark and unbroken in the sun, striped in the
shade, generally russet around the stem, and some-
times a very few largo prominent russet specks on
other parts ; stem, medial length, rather slender, in a
rather broad, deep, regular cavity ; eye, largo, open,
in a shallow basin ; flesh, yellowish-white, tolerably
fine, crisp, juicy, of a mild, pleasant, aromatic flavor,
inclining to saccharine. In use from the latter part
of October into December. It should be used as
soon as it is in its prime, as it grows dry and spirit-
less very soon. It is hardy : we have had it growing
several years in Maine, without iirjury in the winters.
The growth is good, but not great, about the same as
that of the Porter or Jcwott's Red. The new wood
is long and slim, and covered A^ith a whitish, woolly
or furzy substance, which distinguishes it from a
spurious and worthless kind, that has a stout, naked
Bcion, resembling that of the Baldwin. It is a good
bearer, and bears about two thirds of its produce in
alternate years, and generally in even years, as, '46,
'48, &c.

The Hubbardston Nonsuch is one of our best late
faU apples, particularly for the market, where it is
very popular, bringing the highest price. Some say
that this fruit has been overrated, but those who ^ive
it good culture, get lai'gc, fair crops, and sell the
fi'uit from three to four dollars a barrel, make no such
complaint. Yet as the fruit is rather transient, it is
not adapted to extensive culture. Origin, Hubbard-
ston, Mass.

PIPES FOR UNDERDRAIMIMG.

SALT MUCK.

In your last number, you invite communications
in a plain way, from jilain men, and I avail myself
of the invitation, coming as I do under this denomi-
nation of persons.

You have an article — " Pipes for Under draining,"
— by which I learn of the intended importation of a
machine from England, for making drain pipes. I
desire to say to you, that this summer, I drained
1864 feet, and procured the pipes and flats made by
Mr. A. Price, of Middletown Point, Monmouth
county, New Jersey, at $16 per 1000 feet, at his
works. They are the half pipe, such as you see
represented in Stephens's Book of the Farm, each
pipe about one foot long, and three inches in diam-
eter, inside, of burnt clay. If any of your friends
should not be disposed to wait for the machine, this
may be to them acceptable intelligence.

I have used a great deal of salt muck to good ad-
vantage. I hope to haul up 1000 loads, this win-
ter, into my barnyard. My first experiment was
with a Siberian crab-apple tree, which I transplanted
from a place where it did not ajjpcar to thrive.
The salt muck had laid over one winter, mixed in
alternate layers with lime. A hole, about three feet
by four, and two spades deep, was dug, and filled
with this mixture, and the tree planted in the centre.
It grew very luxuriantly, full two feet for one, com-
pared with another apple-tree, (a russet,) within the
distance of thirty feet, and I have ever since been an
advocate for salt muck. T. J.

October 10, 1848. — Selected.

IIuMAX Knowledge is a proud pillar, but it is
built in the midst of a desert of ignorance, and those
who have ascended the highest have gained the most
extended view of the waste.

te

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE.

The vital importance of agriculture, in a national
point of view, may be seen in the consequence of its
neglect a few years since, when a sjieculating mania
seized the minds of the community, and the cultiva-
tion of the earth was in a great measure neglected ;
when the regular harvests of the field were of too slow
a growth, and yielded too small a profit to satisfy the
minds of those, who, blinded by visions of golden har-
vests to be reaped in a single day, looked upon agri-
culture as unworthy of a moment's regard ; and the
n.elancholy spectacle presented itself of this immense
and fertile country being under the necessity of im-
porting bread from Europe ! Had this mad career
been persisted in, it is obvious that we must, as a peo-
ple, have rapidly descended the path of national ruin.
But these schemes have passed away " like the base-
less fabric of a dream." More just and sober views
have succeeded, and this great pursuit of the nation
has been prosperous.

According to the report of Mr. Burke, the Com-
missioner of Patents, for the last year, the value of
the grain crops and the great agricultural staples of
the country, amounts, in round numbers, to eight
hundred and thirty- eight millions of dollars ; the
value of the products of orchards, gardens, and
nurseries is estimated at fifty-four millions ; the
value of live stock, wool and dairy products amounts
to two hundred and fifty-two millions ; the value of
products of the woods and forests amounts to fifty-
nine millions ; making a total of more than one
thousand two hundred millions of dollars for the
products of the soil for a single year. Prom the
same source I give an estimate of the income of the
other industrial classes. The income of all the
manufactures in the Union for the same year, is es-
timated at live hundred millions of dollars ; the
profits of the fisheries, seventeen millions ; the
profits of trade and commerce, at twenty-three mil-
lions ; and of professions, rents, banks and money
institutions, one hundred and forty-five millions ;
making a total of seven hundred and eighty-five
millions of dollars. By these estimates the amount
of the industrj' of the country for a single year
hi one thousand nine hundred and eighty-nine
millions of dollars. Of this immense sum nearly
two thii'ds is the produce of agriculture.

Here is a lesson for those who have regarded agri-
culture as of minor importance, and considered other
pursuits of more consequence ; and also to residents
of our great commercial cities, who, being accustomed
to the noise and activity of those crowded marts, have
looked upon commerce as the great leading interest
of the Union. These estimates will correct such
views, and show that, although the interest in com-
merce is great, yet, contrasted with that of agricul-
ture, it is comparatively insignificant. The same
amount of income from trade and commerce as that
of 1847, would not in fifty years equal the estimates
uf the income of agriculture for that year.

These extracts and comparisons arc not made for
the purpose of undervaluing any of the great indus-
trial pursuits of the country ; far otherwise ; — for all
the difibrcnt professions are reciprocally beneficial,
and go to sv.-ell the aggregate of national prosperity ;
— but for the purpose of rescuing the profession of
agriculture from the unjust estimate it has held in
the minds of some, and of presenting the subject in
its true light.

It is agriculture which enables tis to receive and
supply the wants of those thousands of oppressed and
destitute immigrants who arc annvially scckin.g an
asylum on our shores, from foreign oppression.

It was a successful agriculture which enabled us
so recently to send relief to the famished inliabitants
of a traasatlaiitic region ; not only to supply them

commercially, but to extend the hand of a nation's
charity.

What scene more touching than that, when the
destitute inhabitants of that distant land, hourly
sinking to the grave for lack of bread, .-aw in the
distant horizon, through the mist of death which was
fast gathering around their dying vision, the fiag of
the republic approaching, Avhose hostile appearance
would now fill the greatest nation with apprehen-
sion, but on that occasion waving over a national
ship, divested of the thunders of war, and hastening
on the wings of the wind, deeply laden with ths
means of relief to suffering and dying humanity !
Such a scene cannot be fully realized but by tha
rescued and grateful sufferers, and will forever stand
a glorious memento of the gentle charities of the
Christian life to destitute humanity, though the
billows of a mighty ocean intervened ! — NuwhaU's
Ad. before the Essex Ag. ikicicty.

Leaves for Manure. — As the season is at hand
when the leaves will be falling from the trees, it may
be well to remind our readers that they make excel-
lent compost when added to the manure heap. A
boy, with a horse and cart, can collect a large amount
of them in a short time. You will find them to
make excellent litter for cattle and horses in their
stables ; absorbing all the juices, and retaining them
while used in sj^ring. AVe have published, in some
of our former numbers, the analysis of some kinds of
leaves, made by skilful chemists, by which it has
been ascertained that they possess the dift'erent kinds
of ingredients essential to the growth of different
plants, and especiallj' of those kinds pertaining to
the genus of trees from which they fall. — Maine
Farmer.

The Ostrich, or Cochix-China Fowi,. — This
variety of fowl so far stu'passes, both in size and pow-
er, all that we have ever yet seen in the shape of
poultry, as to lead many, who have been permitted to
inspect them, to refer them to the family of bustards.
They are, however, genuine poultry. Their general
color is a rich, brown, deep bay ; on the breast is a
marking of a blackish color, and of the shape of a
horseshoe ; the comb is of a medium size, serrated,
but not deeply so, and the wattles are double. Be-
sides their gigantic size, however, these fowls possess
other distinctive characteristics, among which I may
enumerate the following : The disposition of the
feathers on the back of the cock's neck, is reversed,
these being turned upwards ; the wing is joined, so
that the jjosterior half can, at pleasure, be doubled
up, and brought forward between the anterior half
of the body. — Richardson on Dom. Fowls.

A Scotchman who fattens 1;50 head of Galloway
cattle, annually, finds it most economical to feed
with bruised fiaxsced, boiled with meal, barley, oats,
or Indian corn, at the rate of one part flaxseed to
three parts meal, by weight. — the cooked compound
to be afterwards mixed with oat straw or hay. Prom
four to twelve pounds of the compound are given to
each boast per day. Would it not be Avell for some
of oin- farmers, who stall-leed cattle, to try this or a
similar mode ? AVe are by no means certain that
ordinary food would pay the expense of cooking;
birt fiaxsced is known "to be highly nutritious, and
the cooking would not only facilitate its digestion,
but it would serve, by mixing, to render the otner
food palatable, and by promoting the appetite nd
health of the animal, would be likely to hastt^:* .ts
thrift. — Albany Culfivator.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

27

KEEP YOUR STABLES CLEAN.

As our stock all stand on plank floors, early in the
morning we first take up that part of the litter which
is not much soiled, with a fork, and place it in the
back part of the stalls, to dry during the day. We
then clean out the manure, and put it on the dung
heap. If litter be plenty, and it is an object to make
as much manure as possible, then we should let all
the litter go with the manure, and add plenty of
fresh every night for the stock to lie on. And while
on this subject, we wish to observe that if the litter
be straw or coarse hay, it ought to pass through a
straw-cutter before using it. This makes it much
easier to fork the manure in the heap, as it is not
then bound together with long straws. After remov-
ing the manure, we give the stables a slight sprin-
kling of plaster of Paris, or charcoal dust. Either of
these substances absorbs all unpleasant effluvia,
sweetens the atmosphere, and in the course of the
season, adds considerably to the value of the manure
heap.

Many farmers let their stock stand on the ground.
If the soil be dry, there is no objection to this. If
not cleaned out till spring, the manure should be
spread evenly over the surface of the stable, every
morning, a coating of ])lastcr or charcoal dust then
])ut upon it, and fresh litter added before night.
Each animal will thus make a larger quantity of
valuable manure during the season. One great ud-
vnntage follows this system, and that is, the salts
are not exposed to be washed out of the manure by
rain, nor volatilized by the sun, as when exposed to
the open air in the barnyard and other places. —
American Agriculturist.

DRAINING OF MARSHES AND WET ARA-
BLE LANDS.

By being drained, marshes which are now un-
sightly sources of disease, and as unproductive as
unhealthy, maybe converted into beautiful meadows,
at once the fountains of wealth and the guaranties
of health. All who have such lands upon their
estates, should, at once, set about to transfonn them
into arable soils. The improvement may cost time,
labor, and money, but it will pay twenty per cent.
upon the outlay' in products, besides adding largely
to the intrinsic value of such estates.

The facts here presented for consideration are
worthy of mature reflection. Mr. F. Pym, of Eng-
land, a farmer r^ great practical experience, used the
i'oUowing eitiphatic language with respect to the
value of draining lands ; " Without that necessary
operation — draining — the profitable occupation of
heavy land cannot be carried on."

F. Falkland, Esq., also of England, the author of
several agricultural %^'orks of merit, thus simis up his
views upon the importance of draining : —

"In conclusion it should bo observed, that every
attention vrhich can be paid to the prejiaration and
application of manures will be inefiectual in render-
ing soils fertile, unless due regard be given to the
removal of excess of moisture by draining, when
needful. When a soil is saturated with water, air is
excluded from the roots of the plants, and prevented
from acting upon the manure ; while the low tem-
perature produced, by continued evaporation from
the surface, has an additional powerful effect in
retarding the progress of vegetation.

'• To lay manure upon wet soils, is, in truth, to
throw money away ; but were draining universally
cfl'ectod, the whole of the now unproductive soil
of the country would, to a vast extent, be rendered
capable of receiving the benefit of the numerous
modes of fertilizing it. Its returns are immediate, as
well as compensative ; and to hesitate to drain the

land, is to hesitate to confer a benefit upon one's
self, of which a strong proof has been lately brought
forward in a statement of the profit resulting from
the drainage of four hundred and sixty-seven acres,
and the employment of the drain Avater over eighty-
nine acres of land, on the estate of Lord Ratherton,
in StrafFordshire — affording a clear annual interest
on the outlay of full thirty-seven per cent." — Geiie-
sec Fanner.

DEPTH OF PLOUGHING.

All cultivated plants are benefited by a deep
permeable soil, through which theii' roots can pene-
trate in search of food ; and although depth of soil
is not fully equivalent to its superficial extension,
it is evident that there must be a great increase of
product from this cause. For general tillage crops,
the depth of soil may be gradually augmented to
about twelve inches, with decided advantage. Such
as are appropriated to gardens and horticultural
purposes may be deei^ened to fifteen and even eigh-
teen inches, to the manifest profit of their occupants.
But whatever is the depth of the soil, the plough
ought to turn up the entire mass, if within its reach ;
and what is beyond it should be thoroughly broken
up by the subsoil plough, and some of it occasionally
incorporated with that upon the surface. The sub-
soil ought not to be broiight out of its bed, except in
small quantities, to be exposed to the atmosphere
during the fall, winter, and spring, or in a summer
fallow ; nor even then, but with the application of
such fertilizers as are necessary to jmt it at once into
a productive condition. The depth of the soil can
alone dctei'mine the depth of ploughing; and when
that is too shallow, the gradual deepening of it should
be sought by the use of proper materials for improve-
ment till the object is fully attained. Two indif-
ferent soils of opposite characters, as of a stiff clay
and sliding sand, sometimes occupy the relation of
surface and subsoil towards each other ; and when
intimately mixed and subjected to the meliorating
influence of cultivation, they will frequently produce
a soil of great value. — Genesee Farmer.

The Longevity of Trees. — A writer in the Edin-
burgh Philosophical Journal, alluding to the longevity
and size of trees, states that in Britain there are still
extant and growing oaks, and probably elms, which
Avere planted before the Conquest ; i. e. naore than
eight hundred years ago. And there arc yew-trees,
much older still. There are some at Fountain Abbey,
near Ripon, in Yorkshire, which are believed to be
more than 1200 j'cars old ; two in the churchyard of
Crowhiu'st, in Surrey, of 1450 years ; one in Bray-
bourn churchyard, in Kent, is said to have attained
the age of .3000 years ; and another atlledsor, Bucks
county, which is in full vigor, and measures twenty-
seven feet in diameter, apj^cars to be upward of 3200
years old.

Natural IIat.its of Domestic Animals. — The nat-
ural habits of different domestic animals differ very
considerably. In small and thorough-bred horses,
the pulsations of the heart are about forty to forty-
two in a minute. In farm horses they do not amount
to more than thirty-six. AVhen they are treated ill,
or even when spoken roughly to, their circulation is
increased, say ten pulsations per minute. — Cold has
great eft'ect on the pig. It is found that pigs whose
sties have a southern aspect, thrive much better
than those placed in a colder declination ; they can
hardly, perhaps, be kept too warm, or too clean."
— Cuthhert W. Johnstone, Esq., Farmer's Magazine.

28

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

JBomestic jB^partmcnt.

For the good housewife who would manage her
household ttjfairs in the most prudent and judicious
manner, and train up for useful action the tender
minds committed to lier care, this department is
designed. These subjects ai'e of a wide range, and of
many forms or phases, and they are all suscej^tible of
improvement. The good woman of the house has
her field of action, as well as the farmer ; and in her
sphere, skill, science, intelligence, and good taste, not
only contribute, as much to the happiness of the fam-
ily, a.s does the good management of the cultivator
in his hcid, but they contribute equally as much to
prosperity, and the acquisition of a competency.

Having thus presented the importance of the
subjects, in which wc hope that all our fair readers
will talic a deep interest, we would invite them to
communicate for this department. We are among
those who believe that females are not inferior in
mental powers to those who would be the "lords
of creation," and there is no reason why they should
not furnish communications for this department, as
■Koll as men, on subjects in their appropriate sphere.

HOME EDUCATION OF DAUGHTERS.

Messrs. Editors: There is a subject which might
perhaps, with propriety, find a place in your journal,
if some able pen could take it wp, and treat it ac-
cording to its importance. The subject to which I
allude is the Home Education of Daughters.

Where, but at home, are nurtured and expanded
all the iiuer feelings of our nature, all the sympathies
of the heart ? The daughter, in relieving the mother
of pressing and indispensable cares, of administering
to the wants of father, brother, or sister, enjoys
infinitely more heartfelt satisfaction, than she could
in displaying her attainments (be they ever so
numerous) in what are styled the more polite
accomplishments.

The aim of education seems to be, to fit each of us
to fill with ability and propriety our individual
station in life. A correct home education must,
therefore, be regarded as the corner-stone of all that
is truly desirable, excellent, or beautiful, in female
accomplishments. What though the superstructure
be ever so beautiful and elegant, ever so symmetrical
and tasty ; yet if the foundation be deficient, where
is the worth of the edifice ? "Who would choose it
for a resting-place ? Who would repose in it with
trust and security ?

The American mother should, above all others,
feel the importance of training her daughters to hab-
its of domestic industry, to the cares and duties of
real life, which tend to call forth the enterprise and
energies of their natures, which qualify for useful-
ness, rather than to shine and dazzle. Let the
useful, the agreeable, and ornamental, be made to
harmonize. Our daughters should be taught to feel
that a practical acquaintance with domestic labor is
OS indispensable to their thorough education, as the
knowledge of music, drawing, or the languages, and
that to understand plain needlework is much more
requisite than skill in embroidery. There is time
enough, if introduced advantageously, from infancy
to maturitj', to learn all these things. While a prac-
tical knowledge of every branch of household econo-
my detracts nothing from her accomplishments, it
adds a pleasing lustre to her character.

If, now, T have said enough to provoke some com-
petent person to take up this subject, you will not
again be troubled with communications from

Ida.
— Central New York Farmer.

Boiling Water. — We wish to correct a mistake
that prevails among many of our housekeepers,
which is, that the hotter the fire, the hotter the
water that is boiling over it. Now, the boiling point
of water is two hunckcd and twelve degrees, and
hotter than that it cannot be made, in an open vessel,
or in one covered with a loose lid, hov.'cver great the
fire under it may be. As soon as water reaches the
temperature of two hundred and twelve in the ordi-
nary state of the atmosiohcre, it commences boiling,
and any increase of heat under it only increases the
evaporation, without in any manner changing the
temperature of the water. After reaching the boiling
point, water is changed into vapor, or steam, which
absorbs the heat as fast as it comes in contact with
the water, and immediately carries it off into the
atmosphere, combined with water, in the form of
vapor. — Selected.

Flour, Bolted and Unbolted. — An article which
we first noticed in the Albany Journal of Agriculture
and Science, and the object of which is to show that
bolted is much less nutritive than luiboltcd Hour, is
now going the rounds of the public newspapers.
However great the difference in this respect, it will
be a difhcult matter to induce our housekeeijers to
adopt the use of unbolted flour, until they can be
fully persuaded that brown bread looks better than
white. There is no doubt, however, but that, weight
for weight, unbolted flour is more rich in all the
essential elements of nutritive food than the ordinary
fine flour of commerce. "But then it makes brown
bread." — Iowa Farmer.

Bojjs' ^Department.

Boys, please to consider why you are sent to
school, or directed to study at home, day after day,
and fi-om year to year. The great object is, to acquire
an education that will enable you to act with intelli-
gence, when you are old enough to attend to busi-
ness. We will give you one hint which may be fol-
lowed with ease and pleasure ; and if attended to, it
will be worth to you more than a gi'atuitous passage
to the gold regions of California, for intelligence is
conducive to happiness, and it is a treasure of whioh
none can rob or defraud you.

Here is that useful hint. In all cases, learn the
meaning of every important word you meet with in
'conversation or reading, that is not already familiar
to yoir. This you may do by inquiring of your
friends around you, at the proper time, or by con-
sulting a dictionary, or encyclopedia, or a gazetteer
or geography, for names of places. This course may
be rather difficult at first, but as you progress, your
minds will expand, and it will be a pleasure, and
after a while you will acquire a fund of knowledge
on every subject, and you will learn definitely the
nature and power of language, and not only learn
the true meaning of expressions and sentences
which you hear or read, but it will enable you to use

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

29

language correctly, and express truly any thought
you desire. At some future time, \vc may illustrate
our remarks by examples.

Good Advice to Bots. — Be brisk, energetic, and
prompt ! The world is full of boys — and men too —
who drawl through life, and never decide on any
thing for themselves — but just draggle one leg after
the other, and let things take their own way. Such
people are the dull stuff of the earth. They hardly
deserve as much credit as the wooden trees ; for the
trees do all the good they can, in merely growing, and
bearing leaves and seeds. But these drawling, drag-
gling boj's do not turn their capacities to profit, half
as far as they might be turned ; they are unprofitable,
like a rainy day in harvest time. Now, the brisk,
energetic boy will be constantly awake, not merely
with his bodily eyes, but with his mind and attention,
during the hours of business. After he learns what
he has to do, he will take a pride in doing it pimctu-
nlly and iceU, and would feel ashamed to be told
what he ought to do without telling. The drawling
boy loses in five minutes the most important advice.
The prompt, wide-awake boy never has to be taught
twice, but strains hard to make himself up to the mark,
H.S far as possible, out of his own energies. Third-
rate boys are always depending upon others ; but
first-rate hogs depend upon themselves, and after a little
teaching, just enough to know what is to be done,
they ask no farther favors of any body. Besides, it
Is a glorious tlung for a boy to get this noble way of
self-reliance, activity, and energy. Such a one is
worth a hundred of the poor, draggling creatures,
who can hardly wash their own hands without being
told, each time, how it is to be done. Give me the
boy who does his own work promptly, and well, with-
out asking — except once for all, at the beginning —
any questions. The boy who has his wits about him,
is never behindhand, and don't let the grass grow
under his heels. — Farmer and Mechanic.

^ealtl).

Bathing or Washing in Winter. — This opera-
tion, so essential to good health, is so little practised
in winter, that the very naming of the subject will
send a thrill through the sensitive frame of many of
our readers, and they will draw their gtuuncnts closer
around them, and move nearer the fire, to save them
from taking cold while reading this article.

There is but little trouble in bathing in hot Avcath-
cr, when the application of cold water to the system
is often grateful. But in cold weather, there is in
most minds a dread of water, almost as great as in
one afflicted with the hydrophobia, and bathing and
washing, in winter, ai-c generally discontinued ; and
this is one cause of colds at this inclement season.

In summer, the skin is soft and moist, and by pro-
fuse perspiration, and the frequent change of gar-
ments, the system is cleansed, in some measure,
without washing ; yet washing is necessary. But
in winter, the perspirable matter passes out to the
surface of the body, where it lodges, fonning a dry
scurf, closing the pores of the skin, and perspiration
after a while becomes impeded, and the redundant
matter is thrown inward upon the lungs, and must
be thrown off by coughing ; thus requiring a double
office of these deUcate organs, which have enough

to do in their own peculiar province, in a climate
where the thermometer often varies in twenty-four
hours as many degrees.

Infants are generally washed daily, but v/hen they
become lai-ge children, and adults, they often go six
months without this operation, so essential to health
and comfort. The face is washed often, the body
seldom. "Wiry this difference r A thorough washing
of the whole system once a week, is not a hard task,
and the advantages from it will be groat. It will not
onl}- add to health and happiness, but to life itself.
If one thinks he has not time, let him take the time
from the hours of sleep, even if he be already limit-
ed in that respect to five or six hours in the twenty-
four. He will sleep faster, after bathing, and make
up for the deficiency.

After bathing or washing in cold water, brisk rub-
bing, with a coarse cloth, will produce a pleasant
glow, and prevent injury even to a person of a delicate
constitution. But those who choose can use warm
water in a warm room. We say to our readers, as
you value health, life, and happiness, give due atten-
tion to thorough and frequent bathing and washing.
Sec that every member of the family attends to it,
at least once a month ; once a week is better. There
is no exciLse for the gross neglect on this subject, for
if any one has not a bath, or shower bath, a tub is
sufficient ; and any one who has six hours to sleep,
can take haL'" an hour for bathing, and then he will
gain an hour in sweeter, sounder, and more refresh-
ing sleep.

Remedy for Tetanus, or Locked Jaw. — We have
been furnished, by a correspondent, with the follow-
ing simple remedy for this disease, accompanied with
a request to publish.

The writei-, after alluding to a case in which a
deserving individual lost his life by having a rusty
nail run into his foot, says, —

" I would state, for the benefit of all who may
have the misfortune to encounter similar mishaps,
that a cent, or piece of copper, bound firmly over the
wound, so as to compress it, will effect immediate and
entire relief. The wound, whether made by a rusty
nail or any other substance, speedily heals, and
ceases almost instantaneously to be sore or painful.
Tarnished or rusty copper is to be preferred to pure.

" One vvuo ' doctors ' himself."
— Maine Cultivator.

Remedy for Asthma. — An individual who has
suflered much from asthma, and who had in vain
sought relief from regular physicians, wishes us to
give publicity to the following remedy : —

" Procure common blotting paper, and thoroughly
saturate it in a solution of nitre, {saltpetre,) and let it
be carefully dried by the fire, or exposure to the rays
of the sun. On retiring at night, ignite it, and de-
posit it, burning, on a plate or square of sheet zinc or
iron in your bedroom. In many cases, it is said, this
has enalDled persons painfully afflicted to enjoy their
rest." — Maine Cullivator.

To CURE A Burn. — A lady, preacher of the so-
ciety of Friends, in New York, was so successful in
curing burns, that many supposed her possessed of
the power of working miracles.

The following is the recipe for the salve : " Take

30

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

one ounce of beeswax, with four ounces of Burgundy
pitch, simmered in an earthen vessel together, with
as much sweet oil as will soften them into the con-
sistency of salve, when cool. Keep it from air in a
tight box or jar. When used, spread it thinly on
linen cloth, and apply it to the part injured. Open
the burn with a needle, and let out the water till it
heals."

illccl)anic0' department, ^rts, $^c.

Land roii Mecu.vnics. — Every mechanic, except-
ing those residing in compact cities, should have a
spot of land, in order to have transient fruits and
vegetables, fresh and in prime condition, also for the
purpose of embellishment with trees, shrubs, and
flowers ; affording, iu addition, a pleasant and healthy
exercise, during the hours of recreation, or respite
from business or labor.

Some kinds of mechanical labor are of a light,
sedentary nature, or they afford a strong exercise to
some few muscles only ; and while these are over-
taxed, others are unemployed. But gardening, par-
ticularly such operations as digging, hoeing, shovel-
hng, &c., gives exercise to all parts of the system, and
conduces to that equilibrium of action so essential to
health, refreshing rest and sleep, and that general
comfort which constitutes happiness.

" What great efTects from little causes spring !
What wealth does labor well-directed bring ! "

Importance of well-iiirf.cted Labor. — A single
stroke of an axe is of little consequence ; yet by the
continual application of that small power, properly
directed, Avhat amazing effects are produced ! The
sturdy oak and lofty pine do not simply own its
power, but whole forests fall before it, and the wil-
derness becomes a garden.

Industry, well directed, will give a man a compe-
tency in a few years. The greatest industry misap-
plied is useless.

As an example, there is my neighbor, Seth Steady,
the blacksmith, is not only an industrious man, but
his industry is applied to one object. His hammer is
heard at dawn of day, and the fire blazes in his shop,
dui-ing the evenings, from the 20th of September to
the 20th of March. Go to his shop at any time of
the day for any kind of work, you are sure to be
waited upon. The consequence is, his purse is filled
with dollars, and his cellars well filled with provis-
ions ; and that's what I call quite comfortable. Al-
though suitably liberal, and enjoying the good things
of life as he goes on, ten years of health will enable
him to purchase a good farm.

As a contrast, there is my friend Nat Notional, the
busiest and most industrious mortal in existence ; as
the old saying is, " he has too many irons in the fire,"
and with all his industry he goes behindhand.

He has a fine farm, but instead of pursuing the
cultivation of it, he flics and seizes on every new
project that occurs.

A few years ago he concluded to give up the dairy
business, in consequence of the low ])rice of butter
and cheese ; sold his cows at a low figure, and pur-
chased sheep at a high rate, for wool then command-
ed a high price. By the time he got fairly into the
raising of wool, down went the price of wool, and
up went the price of butter and cheese. He then
sold his sheep and piu'chased cows again, for cheese
was up, and wool was down. Last year, after sow-

ing a number of acres of grain, he resolved to rent
his farm, sell the grain on the ground, buy a team,
and go to hauling ; for, by a nice calculation, he had
proved that money might be made by it. A team
was procured ; but after one or two trips, he con-
cluded to sell his team, build a saw-mill, and go
largely into lumbering. The dam was completed,
the irons procured, and three foiu-ths of the expense
incurred, when, by a nice calculation, (for no one
makes nicer calculations,) he foimd that an oil-mill
would afford the best profit ; and to work he went
with great industry, building an oil-mill.

I happened to go there a few weeks afterwards,
and the whole organization of the mill was under-
going an alteration, to flt it up for a cotton and
woollen manufactory.

A quizzical friend intends to propose to him to
abandon that project and enter largely into the man-
ui!\cture of flour, and I have no doubt that he will
readily accede to the proposal.

So with all his industry and expense, he is neither
benefiting himself nor the public. — Albany Cultivulor.

To MAKE A DELICATE PICTURE YaRNISH. Take

two ounces of gum mastic and one ounce of gum sari-
darach, pulverize them to a powder, put them in a flask
or glass bottle, and add a pint of alcohol ; shake the
whole together till the gums are well mixed with the
liquor, «ind set it in a warm place to dissolve. Whoi
the gums have dissolved, strain the solution through
a fine flannel, and put it in a clean bottle, corked
tight, till wanted for use. This varnish may be ap-
plied to pictures, boxes, or other fancy articles, and
will dry in one minute, and produce a beautiful
water-proof gloss. When maps or pictures on paper
are to bo varnished, they must first be sized with a
solution of gum arable in water, to prevent penetra-
tion by the varnish ; and if the weather is cold, the
aiticle must be warmed prior to the application of
the varnish. — Scientijic American.

To MAKE Court Plaster. — Take very thin silk,
dip it in a solution of isinglass, (or fish glue,) with
water, and after it becomes drj', dip it several times
in the white of an egg.

DRIVING OXEN.

Those having the care of these useful animals,
should never drive them so fast as to cause them to
loll. A certain writer, in remarking upon this sub-
ject, says, —

♦' W^e sometimes see these animals moving so slow
in the field and on the road, that we can scarcely
tell which way they are going. This mode of driving
is wrong ; let them travel at least two miles an hour,
and stop occasionally for breath. In this way we
prevent their acquiring that sloAV pace with which
the ox is so frequently reproached ; and there is no
difficulty, with proper management, in keeping him
to this pace of two miles per hour. The driver
should never let his whip become too familiar with
his team. If he suffers it to rest on his cattle's
backs, it is very likely to lose its charm ; and a
parent might as well give his rod to his child to play
with."

In Scotland the ox is trained to a quick movement.
He is never overloaded while young, and it is said
rarely falls short of three miles an hour, as a common
"jog," either on the road or in the field. The slow,
almost imperceptible progress of some teams while
ploughing, or performing other agrestic operations, is
oftentimes painful to behold. It impresses one with

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

31

the idea of great fatigue, and can scarcely be disso-
ciated, in tlic mind of the observer, from that of
extreme exhaustion and pain. When young, the ox
is nimble and sprightly, and as susceptible of speed
as the horse. Yet, by wrong habits, he becomes
heavy and sluggish in his movements, and finally
acquires that slow, snail-like pace, which so greatly
diminishes his value, as a draught anunal, for most
purposes, and Avhich renders the driving of him
wearisome and unpleasant in the extreme. — German-
town Telegraph.

CUT FODDER.

The practice of cutting, or, as the British agricul-
turists denominate it, " chaffing " fodder, is among
the most important improvements of the age. 13 y
cutting stallvs, straw, and hay, a very large portion
will be economized, which, under the old system of
feeding, would be wholly lost. One bushel of chaifed
fodder, given in a mess tlu-ee times a day, will effect
more good than twice the amount in its natural state.
The weight of a bu-ihel of chaffed hay is probably
about five and a half pounds ; and a horse or ox
thrives more on fifteen pounds, thus prepared, (if we
may credit the results of actual experiments,) than
on fifteen pounds fed whole. This difference is
owing in part to the meal with which it is ordinarily
mixed ; but when hay is only given, the difference is
in the ratio of two to one. When cattle are fed on
loose fodder, in its natural state, a very large pro-
portion is inevitably lost : the breath of the animals
renders it unsavory, and besides, a large amount is
rejected or drawn out, and left beneath their feet.
Paiticularly is this the case with animals fed in
racks instead of troughs. — Olive Branch. '

TO BUILD A POLE BRIDGE.

Mk. Editor : Put your sleepers so that the up-
stream side of your bridge will be a little the lowest.
This, in case of overflow, will cause the current to
press the floor down, instead of lifting it. Having
laid down your poles or puncheons for floor, put a
strong pole across each end of them. Let the last-
mentioned poles be long enough to reach across the
bridge, and extend some little distance on each bank.
With a heavy mall drive two strong stakes near each
end, so as to cross above ; then lay two other heavy
poles in the forks fonned by the crossing of the stakes.
These last poles will not only sei-ve for banistering,
but will confine the bridge to its place, unless the
water rise high enough to let them out of the forks.
The same plan is a good one to confine rails or pun-
cheons on a causeway subject to overflow. — Southern
Cultivator.

POTASH A PROPER FOOD FOR GRAPE-
VINES.

Having, last year, seen it stated in a paper, that
the ashes of grape vinos contained a large amount of
potash, I caui^ed three vines, of the same size, 'to be
planted in boxes filled with equal quantities of earth,
in which I noted the following results : —

No. 1 was supplied, when necessary, with pure
water, and in a given time, increased six inches in
length. No. 2 was watered with a solution of whale-
oil soap, and in the same length of time acquired
nine inches of growth. And No. 3 I watered with
a solution of potash, and within the same period as
above, it grow eighteen inches in length !

By the beginning of November, No. 1 and No. 2
dropped their leaves, and showed no signs of fruit ;
whereas, No. 3 retained its leaves three weeks later,
and in the course of the season shot forth several

bunches of fruit, which, of coui-se, were not suftered
to grow. This shows the importance of knoMing
what kinds of salts go to form wood and fruit, in
order that we may apply such manures to the soil ais
the vine or fruit-tree requires.

I wish we could have full analysis made of our
great staple, Indian corn, including the grain, cob,
stalk, and blades. — Correspo)ulent of the American
Agriculturist,

PRESERVING SCIONS.

Scions should be cut at any convenient time from
October until the buds begin to start. When cut in
the fall, bury them in light soil. When cut in win-
tei", they may bo saved in good condition, in the fol-
lowing manner : Take a tight box, and wet it inside
and out a few times, that the boards may become
saturated with moistiu-e. Then put moist sawdust,
moss, or earth, in the bottom, or a moist mat or cloth
will answer. Lay in the scions ; the larger the
quantity, the better they keep. Place a moist mat or
cloth over them, cover the box tight, and set it in the
cellar. During winter, keep the mat on the top a
little moist, and moisten the sides of the box, about
once a month. Do not apply water to the scions, as
much moisture is injurious ; only keep them, in a
moist atmosphere. As vrarm weather comes on in
the spring, it may be necessary to moisten the mat
and the sides of the box more frequently. In this
way scions may be well kept from October to July.
Some often apply water to the scions, and drown
them, or cause them to start before set.

For the Xeio EngUmd Farmer.
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY IN NEEDHAM.

Mr. Editor: At a meeting of farmers of this
place, held at the To'wn Hall, in October last, a com-
mittee was chosen to report a plan and constitution
for an Agricultural Society. The committee subse-
quently made theu' report, and last evening the or-
ganization of \he society was completed by the
choice of the following officers, viz. : Col. Warren
Dewing, President ; Messrs. John Bird and Otis
Sawyer, Vice-Presidents ; E. K. Whitaker, Secre-
tary ; Daniel Kimball, Treasurer ; and Messrs. W.
Flagg, W. Pierce, W. M. Stedman, W. A. Kings-
bury, R. Ware, J. Fuller, Jr., and T. Kingsbury,
Directors.

The object of the society being the improvement
of the town in its agi'icultiu'al interests, a corre-
spondence and cooperation with similar societies,
elsewhere established, is respectfully solicited.

Needham, Dec. 30, 1848.

" Oak leaves," says Thaer, " are not easily decom-
posed, and contain an astringent matter, which is
highly injurious to vegetation as long as the leaf re-
mains undecomposed."

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Jilr. Aaron Sanborn, Hampton FaUs, N. H.,
a barrel of Red Russet apples, not yet in use. By the
kindness of Mr. S., we have had a few of these apples
before, and they were in use in April and May. In
size, form, color, quality, and time of keeping, they

32

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

seem to be intermediate between the Baldwin and
Roxbury Ilussot. We find it to be an excellent
grower, and it is called a good bearer. Promising,
but not yet fairly tested.

Of Mr. John M. Ivers, Salem, a variety of apples.
Aunt Hannah is of excellent flavor, about equal to
the famous Newtown Pippin, and it succeeds better
in New England, but it docs not keep so well. As
it is rather small, it is better for the private garden,
than for the market. Barker's Seedling, a small,
beautiful, red apple, of fine quality. Michael Henry
Pippin, not 3'ct in use. Mela Carla ; this holds the
first ranlc in Spain, but here it is coarse and inferior.

From Charles Downing, Esq., Newburg, N. Y., a
box of fine specimen apples. As some are not in
VAC, and we have examined only a few, we will
report on them at another time.

Of Mr. Oliver Atkinson, Lynn, a very handsome,
fair, and excellent sweet apple. New and promising.

Of Mr. J. S. Draper, Wayland, the Echassery pear,
sometimes impropcrlj' called the Ambrette. Small,
but hardy, productive, and excellent. This is usually
fine, while most winter pears are very uncertain.

To Mr. A. H. Ernst, of Cincinnati, O., we are
much indebted for various works containing the
charter, constitution, by-laws, reports, essays, &c., &c.,
of the Cincinnati IlorticuUiural Society.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Allen ONTnEGR\rE. — J. Fisk Allen, Esq. has just
got out a new edition of his work on the grape, very
nrnch enlarged and improved, forming a neat bound
volume, embellished with beautiful engraved illus-
trations, and greatly improved by valuable communi-
cations from distinguished vine- growers, in different
parts of the country, on the cultivation of the grape,
and a list of the best varieties. For this country,
this is decidedly the best work extant. It is strictly
practical, and by one of the most successful graj^e
culturists in the country.

Messrs. IIoveys' Catalogue of Pears. — This
contains a descriptive list of seventy-seven natives,
and five hundred and three foreign pears, in separate
tables. These enterprising gentlemen have long de-
voted much attention to collecting, from different sec-
tions of this country, and from Europe, various kinds
of pears, and proving, arranging, and describing
them.

Colman's Continental Agriculture. — The last
two numbers of Mr. Colman's European Tour have
just been published in one volume. It embraces the
agriculture and rural economy of France, Belgium,
Holland, and Switzerland. This work is practical,
and very interesting, particularly as it treats of those
countries that rank high in agricultural improve-
ment. Mr. Colman's clear and beautiful style gives
additional charm to any work.

Boston Al^ianac for 1349. — This neat and valu-
able annual has again made its appearance. Among
the improvements is a map of Boston and the vicin-
ity, (about twenty miles around,) engravings of the

different school-houses, history of schools, &c. It
contains a large amount of matter highly useful to
any one in Boston, or occasionally visiting the city
on busmess.

Addi-ess of General Josiah Newhall, Lynn, before
the Essex Agricultural Society, is a very sensible
discourse, containing much practical instruction, as
might well be expected from the author. We pub-
lish an extract fi-om it.

THY WILL BE DONE.

The following beautiful and pious effusion is frora
a memoir of Miss Alexander, the daughter <rf th»
late Bishop of Jerusalem :

My God, my Father, while I stray
Far from my home on life's rough way,
O, teach mo from my heart to say,
Thy -svill, O God, be done.

If thou shouldst call me to resign
What most I prize, — it ne'er was mine, —
I only yield thee what was thine :
Thy will, O God, be done.

E'en if again I ne'er should see
The friend more dear than life to me,
Ere long we both shall be with thee :
Thy wiU, O God, be done.

Should pining sickness waste away
Myjif'e, in premature decay,
My Father, still I'll strive to say,
Thy will, O God, be done.

If but my fainting heart be blest
With thy sweet Spirit for its guest.
My God, to thee I'll leave the rest :
Thy wiU, O God, be done.

Renew my will from day to day;
Blend it with thine, and take away
All that now makes it hard to say,
Thy win, O God, be done.

And when on earth I breathe no more
Thy prayer, oft mixed with tears before,
I'll sing upon a happier shore,
Thy wiU, O God, be done !

THE OLIO.

Science has sought, on weary wing,

On sea and shore, each mute and living thing.

An Awful Pause. After the clergyman had
united a happy pair, an awful silence ensued, which
was broken by an impatient youth, exclaiming,
" Don't be so unspeakably happy ! "

The miser starves himself, that his heirs maj' feast.

The Plough. Its one share in the bank of earth
is worth ten in the bank of paper.

" I say, neighbor Hodge, what are you fencing up
that are pasture for ? Forty acres of it would starve a
cow ! " " Right," replied Hodge, " I'm fencing it up
to keep the cows out."

The farmer feeds all.

A beautiful flower is the type of mortality. It
flourishes a few days, then withers, dies, and is seen
no more.

Nothing cireulatea so rapidly as a secret.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND TlL ITS

Honor waits, o'er all the earth

The art that calls her harvests forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

JANUARY 20,

1849.

NO.

3.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietok.

COLLECTION OF SEEDS, SCIONS, &,c.

The farmer is always busy. He has hardly time
to secure his crops, and prepare for winter, before
the old year is gone, and the new announces the
beginning of •.»■ ther campaign, and he must give
his attention to future operations. The winter is a
favorable time for collecting seeds, scions, potatoes,
and all new, rare, or excellent articles, with a view
to agricultural improvement.

Many of these things may be collected conve-
niently during the winter, as a person is travelling
about the country, or m!?cting with those who can
supply improved productions. If all those things
are neglected until they are wanted in the spring,
the most of them will be postponed one year longer ;
for it is impossible to do many things at one time.

The most economical and the most pleasant of
all modes of improvement, is the procuring of su-
perior productions. The best of seed costs but a
little more than the poorest ; and from a small
quantity, enough can soon be obtained to supply a
whole farm.

A single potato, of superior quality, may be mul-
tiplied, in a few years, so as to furnish seed for the
whole farm, and produce a largo increase in the
crops, or add twenty or twenty-iive per cent, to their
value by extra quality.

We once gave a friend a paper of superior parsnip
seed, and he remarked, after trying the quality of
the produce, that the seed was worth a dollar to him.
The cost of the seed Avas only a few cents. Another,
to whom we gave an ear of corn, observed that it
was worth several dollars to him, as by it he had im-
proved his whole f.Top. A single scion may be in-
creased, in a few years, so as to furnish means for the
improvement of a large orchard. From one scion
of a new and superior cherry, set rather late in
spring, we have fifteen or twenty trees in bud, and
they may be soon increased to thousands.

PREPARATION OF FRUIT SEEDS.

The seeds of all the principal species of fruits, if
not sowed in fall, should be prepared early in winter,
or by midwinter, by mixing them with moist sand

or loam, and keeping them in that condition. They
may be kept out of doors, under a shelter, or in the
cellar. The operation of the frost on them is not
necessary, excepting on plum and cherry stones,
when kejDt dry till winter.

When cherry and plum stones arc put into loam,
as soon as separated from the meat, the efl'ects of the
atmosphere and earth destroy the cement that holds
the stone together. We have thousands of these
trees from stones never exposed to frost. When
they become dry, and firmly cemented together, and
there are but a few months for them to lie in loam, and
the weather cold, so that there is less action on them,
it is best to expose them to frost.

Peach stones, for spring planting, we bury in
earth, below the action of frost, or put in earth and
set in the cellar by the last of winter, or before ;
then they are ready to plant at any time till June ;
but if exposed to frost at the surface of the earth, or
in boxes, they open and sprout too early.

NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

We are pleased to learn that a movement is made
to form an Agricultural and Horticultural Society in
Norfolk county, and that the 2>rospect is very en-
couraging. There are many gentlemen that will
most cheerfully aid in this cause, and their intelli-
gence, energy, and zeal will be a sure guaranty of
success. They will devote time and talent to th«
enterprise, and some, of their abundance, will con-
tribute liberally to the funds of the association.

One important consideration presents itself to the
citizens of every county in this state in wliich there
is no agricultural society. They contribute equally
to the general fund, from which liberal donations are
paid to societies in other counties.

But a stronger and more noble motive for action in
this useful undertaking, is the great and happy
results from such associations, in diffusing useful
information, and encouraging improvements that
have the most salutary effects on the prosperity
of the country, and those engaged in the varioiia
branches of cultivation.

In complying with the request of W., we take the
liberty to say that the gentleman is E. K. Whittaker,

34

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Esq., one of tho prime movers in this useful purpose,
who is zealously laboring for its accomplishment.
May comiilctc success attend all such laudable efforts.

For the New Eiujland Farmer.

!Mr. EniTOii : A letter was recentlj'' addressed to
General Dearborn, Mayor of Roxbury, by Elijah
Perry, E^q., of Dover, asking for his opinion upon
the subject of tho formation of an Agricultural Society
in the county of Norfolk.

The reply of General Dearborn has been placed in
my hands, a copy of which I take the liberty to send
you for publication ; and would further add, that a
call, now in circulation, for a public meetiTig, to be
holdcn at Dcdham, to carry into effect the object
proposed, will be forwarded to you in the course of a
few days. W.

IIawtiiokn Cottage, Roxbury, Dec. 18, 1818.

Deau Sir: Your letter of the 13th inst. has been
received with great pleasure, for I fully concur with
you in opinion, as to the expediency of establishing
an Agricultural Society in the county of Norfollc ; —
but horticulture should also be included ; for that
branch of rural industry is very important in many
of the towns, and is annually becoming much more
so, from the increase of population, in such as have
manufacturing establishments, and tho rapidly ex-
tending bounds of the commercial emporium of the
commonwealth.

The improvements which have been made in all
the departments of husbandry and gardening, in
Great Britain, France, Holland, and the United
States, within the last half century, are the results
of experiments performed under tho patronage of
associations, founded by the proprietors and cultiva-
tors of tlie soil.

"Whatever services I can render, in the foundation
of an AcuicuLTUitAL and IIouticultuual Society,
arc at the command of tliose gentlemen who may be
disposed to cooperate in measures for the speedy
organization of such an institution.

The culture of the earth is the basis of all the pro-
gres=iive movements of man, in the march of civili-
zation. It is the precursor of letters, science, the
arts, manufactures, navigation, and commerce ; and
those nations have ever been, and ever v.-ill be, the
most enlightened, prosperous, and powerful, which
have illustrated liy experiments, or may evince the
greatest disposition for the devclopnient of all those
branches of intelligence, and of the industrial arts.

The people of this republic have natural resources
a!id advantages for becoming the most distinguished
in individual and national independence, wealth, and
happiness, and are beyond those of any other por-
tion of the globe. It is, therefore, the imperious
duty, and for the direct interest of every citizen, to
zealously act as a determined co-laborer, for render-
ing available, both for his own and his country's
prosperity, the various, diversified, and immense
sources of advancement in all the subdivisions of
labor and intellectual proficiency which are at his
command.

The Americans are cminentlj'' industrioiis and en-
terprising, and they have only to avail themselves of
the infinite blessings wliich their vast territory and
excellent institutions of government afford, to become
the admiration of the world, from tho lofty position
which they can, must, and will obtain Mithin the
next fifty years.

Allow me to suggest tho propriety of obtaining
rignatures in as many of the towns in the county as
pos.siblc, to a recommendation, and invitation to a
meeting to be holdcn in Dedham, in the month of
Fcbruarv next, for taking into consideration tho ex-

pediency and importance of organizing an Agricul-
tural and Horticultural Society. "With assurances of
great respect,

Your most obedient servant,

II. A. S. DEARBORN.
Elijah Perry, Esq.

OHIO CHEESE.

Large quantities of cheese arc brought from Ohio
to this market, aird it is generally of excellent qual-
ity; and we are pleased to learn, by the article which
we copy below, from that excellent paper, tho Ohio
Cultivator, that this branch is so profitable in that
state.

Mr. 11. Dean, an extensive dealer in dairy produc-
tions, in Faneuil Hall Market, had this season, from
Ohio, one thousand cheeses, made to order, in size,
form, and quality, in English dairy style ; and they
ranked among the very finest from any section of the
country. A friend at our elbow, an excellent judge,
saj's ho never saw any finer cheese ; and the extra
price at which they sold was an evidence of theu-
superioritj% Mr. Dean had from the same state over
three hundred boxes of pine-apple cheese, of the
greatest excellence.

We name these fiicts to show the importance of
skill in the various branches of agriculture. In these
cases, articles of superior quality pay the farmer a
good profit, and yet bear the expense of transporta-
tion nearly a thousand miles, pay the dealer well,
and the consumer is pleased in obtaining a superior
production at so fair a rate.

Profits of Dairy Farming. — For a year or two
past there has been a rapid increase iu the dairy
business of Ohio — especially in the manufacture of
cheese — and we believe that this branch of farming
is found more profitable than most others, when
rightly managed. The following is one among many
items of the kind that could be furnished.

Orrin WiUson, Esq., of Iluntsburgh, Geauga Co.,
O., has kept seventeen cows, only, tho pvit .••^ason,
and v.-ithout any very extra keeping, has realized from
Jiis dairy the sum of six hundred and six dollar's,
wliich gives tho sum of thii'ty-five dollars and sixty-
four cents each cow. This docs not include the
calves sold, or hogs fattened from the dairy, and a
quantity of butter and cheese yet on hand.

THE FARMER.

He is a j^ublic benefactor, v,ho, by the prudent and
skilful outlay of his time and money, sliall make a
single field yield permanently a double crop ; and he
that docs this over a square mile, virtually adds a
square mile to tho national territory; nay, he does
more ; he doubles to his extent the territorial re-
sources of the country, without giving the state any
larger territory to defend. All hail, then, to the
improvers of the soil ! Health and long life to their
fortune ! May their hearts be light and their purses
heavy ; may their dreams be few and pleasant, and
their sleep the sweet repose of the weary ! May
the}- see the fruits of tiieir own labor, and may tVcir
sons rear still heavier harvests !

Most jnountains present their precipitous faces to
the sea and their slopes to the land.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

35

DORKING HENS.

The Dorking is the most distinguished race of hens
in England and in this country. They are from the
town of Dorkmg, in that country, where great pains
ai'e taken in their breeding, and large numbers are
sent thence to different parts of the kingdom, and to
other countries. These fowls are of a large size,
with short, stout bodies, and short legs. They gen-
erally have five toes, and whole chapters might be
wTitten on the subject of this extra toe being indis-
pensable to constitute a genuine Dorking, and a very
good case made out on cither side. The color varies
from pure white to brown, and to black clouded with
white.

Dorkings arc milJ, peaceable fovvls, bearing con-
finement to a limited range with patience, especially
Avhen brought up in thi^ way from their chickenhood.
The biddies arc good layers, kind and affectionate
mothers. Their eggs are piirc white in shell, and the
outer meat of a very fine, delicate texture, and de-
licious flavor, excelling the dark- colored, and coarse,
unsavory eggs of the large India fowls. The flesh
is noted for its fine texture, juiciness, and excellent
flavor. They rank with the very highest in this
respect.

The protector is usually adorned with varied and
beautiful colors ; ho is of a stately and dignified de-
portment, not naturally pxignacioxis, avoiding offen-
sive wai'fave, and the invasion of others' rights, but
fighting desperately in defence of his own preroga-
tives, and for the protection of the subjects of his
dominions.

The above engraving vras drawn from a noble pair
of fowls, which we have directly from the importer.
The protector weighed ten pounds, and notwith-
standing his large size, he is remarkable for his
agilit3% Lest some persons should take the trouble
to send orders for these fowls, w^e would remark, that
we have sent them to a distant friend, and we have
none of this race on hand.

After aU that is said of the Dorkings, or any othei-

fine races of hens, selections may be made from our
native hens that fully equal them, all things consid-
ered, though these noted breeds may excel in some
peculiar properties, as the Polands for beauty and
non-sitters, the Bantams for ornament, small size,
and harmlessncss in gardens.

POTATOES FROM SEED.

Most, if not all, of our valuable potatoes have been
raised from seed. With this valuable esculent, as
with fruits, from raising numerous kinds from seed,
we occasionally find an excellent new variety, which
may in some respects excel other kinds in general
use.

This should lead farmers to make experbncnts, as
potatoes may be raised from seed, with as little
trouble as fruit-trees, and it takes far less time to test
a new variety ; as the potato will come to perfection
in less time than a fruit-tree will attain sufficient size
to set out as a standard.

We commenced this article with a view of re^-
ommonding that the seed should be prepared the
same as seeds of fruit-trees, instead of sowing them
dry in spring. Put the seeds in damp sand or loam,
set them in the cellar, and keep them slightly moist
till the time of sowing.

If kept dry, and sowing be delayed till warm
weather, only a part of the seeds will vegetate ; but
if sowed dry in March, they will generally vegetate
freely, as they lie a while in the earth, before vegc^
tation commences, which serves as a preparation.

If the seeds be put into sand late in winter, or

early in spring, it will be in season. We received a

lot of seeds last year, rather late in the season, and

w-e put them into moist loam the last of March, and

sowed them the last of April. They carne well, and

j by extra culture we raised, the first season, some

I potatoes of medium size, say four inches long, and

1 nearly two in diameter.

36

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New EagJand Farmer.

HAS THE STOCK ANY INFLUENCE ON
THE QUALITY OF THE FRUIT OF THE
GRAFT!

Mr. Editor : In remarking on the " Ilealy Apple,"
in the first number of the Farmoi-, you observe that
•' it partakes of both the fruit of the scion and the
stock," and that " this is the case with many fruits."
I have noticed a similar opinion advanced respecting
some other applies, in our agricultural papers, and have
found it to some extent prevalent among practical
farmers.

Is this opinion a correct one r In examining the
best Avriters on vegetable physiology, they will be
found to be arrayed against it. While they admit
that the stock has often a decided influence on the
vigor or fertility of the graft, as must be evident to
every close observer, they deny that it has any on
the nature and quality of the fruit.

liindloy, in the Introduction to his Guide to
Gardening, — -which Introduction is endorsed by
Loudon with the highest encomiums, — says, " Those
who fancy that the quince, for example, communi-
cates any of its austerity to the pear, can scarcely
have considered the subject physiologically, or they
Avould have seen that the whole of the food com-
municated from the alburnum of the quince to that
of the pear, is in nearly the same state as where it
entered the roots of the former. "Whatever elabora-
tion it undergoes must necessarily take place in the
foliage of the pear, where, far from the influence of
the quince, secretions natural to the variety go on
with no more interruption than if the quince formed
no part of the system of the individual.

A few years since, in conversation on this subject
with Dr. Gray, the distinguished Professor of Botany
in Harvard University, I found that his views coin-
cided precisely with those I have quoted ; he had no
belief whatever that the fruit of the graft was in any
way aff'ected, in its quality, by the stock.

It would seem, then, that we have science
and experience at variance on this question ; or
rather, I should say, science is here opposed to what
is, by some, alleged as experience, for I have never
been able to satisfy myself that the cases which are
cited in proof of certain fruits, partaking of the char-
acter of both the fruit of the scion and the stock, are
really entitled to be considered as authorities and
settling the question. I have never seen such a case ;
and I know of no fruit that has such a character.
It seems to me far more reasonable to suppose that
there must be some mistake or false judgment in
those who pronounce upon the fr\iit supposed to
possess this double character, than that the laws of
vegetable physiology should fail in their uniformity.
Besides, these supposed cases are generally of a vague
and an equivocal character ; the fruits of the graft
have only some slight resemblance to those of the
stock ; but there is no instance of a decided and
marked character, such as an acid apple being
changed to a sweet one, by being grafted on a sweet
apple stock. Such an instance, if established, would
settle the question, and I once supposed that I had
met with it.

A friend of mine presented to nre what he called
the Sweet Golden llusset, and stated that it was
produced by grafting tlie Golden llusset, which is
rather an acid apple, upon an old stock of a sweet
apple-tree. And in confirmation of his account, he
stated that his father set the grafts, as Golden llus-
set grafts ; and that those of the natural branches
of the tree in which they were set, continued to
]>roduce sweet apples. He was positive as to the
fact of the transformation. The apples were of a
similar shape, size, and color with the Golden llusset,
but they were sweet. I found, however, on inquir-

ing among his older neighbors, that there were
formerly many trees in the town that bore a Sweet
llusset, and those who knew the fruit pronounced
this pretended Golden llusset to be identical with it;
so that no doubt was left on my mind that this was
the fruit grafted by mistake as the Golden llusset.
Are there not mmy mistakes of the same kind made
in grafting, by which many persons are innocently
deceived r

Again, if such changes take place in the quality
of fruit arriving to the character of the stock, what
certainty would there be, in grafting to any particu-
lar variety, that we should have that variety when
the graft came into bearing r But does any nursery-
man have doubts, Avhen he grafts or buds to the
Baldwin for example, that he will have a Baldwin
apple-tree ? He takes a row of seedling stocks, —
suppose one hundred or five hundred, — and inserts
buds or grafts of the Baldwin in every one of them.
The.se stocks, if they were allowed to grow up,
would doubtless produce fruit of various descriptions,
sweet and sour, bitter and insipid; summer, fall,
and winter ; but the character of the Baldwin
grafted or budded to thcin is not changed ; it re-
mains the same ; and it is known and identified by
every person who has ever tasted it.

We should expect changes, and great changes too,
if the stock has an iniiuence on the fruit of the
graft ; for if a change takes place from this cause in
any one case, why should it not in other cases r But
it is said there are difl'erences in Baldwins. But
may these difl'erences not result from other causes ?
A poor soil makes a diminutive fruit, a rich soil a
large one. The north side of a ti-ee makes a green
Baldwin, the south side a red one ; and the latter
has a plcasanter flavor, from the influence of the sun,
than the former. Many apples, too, pass for Baldwins
that arc only such in name ; and the conclusion is at
once drawn, that it is the stock that made the diff'er-
ence, when the stock has never come in contact at all
with a graft of the Baldwin.

But I will conclude by expressing the hope that
this question may be further discussed in your jour-
nal, and that those who think they have facts to war-
rant the conclusion that the stock does influence the
quality of the fruit of the graft, will produce them,
with such specifications as will give us all that is to
be known on the subject, and then produce the fruit
itself.

ALLEN W. DODGE.

Hamilton, Jan. 8, 1848.

Editorial Kemarks.

Our friend has presented this subject in a very
clear and candid manner, and brought strong argu-
ments and high authorities to support his position.
Those who have occasionally heard or read oi»r
views on this subject are aware that they arc in the
affirmative of the question at the head of this
article. We have but a few words to say on it at
present ; but as it is now fairly before our 'headers,
we should be pleased to have any facts that throw
light on the subject. Our remarks on the " Ilealy
Apple " were founded on the statement of Mr. Ilealy,
and that of a friend who had long been acquainted
with the Healy Apple, and that on which it was
grafted. We intend to investigate that subject
another season by examining that fruit on the trees.

The earth is believed to increase in heat a degree
in every fifteen or twenty yeirds iii depth.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

37

For the New England Farmer.
TO CULTIVATE PEACHES ATTHE NORTH.

Mr. Editor : There arc few pci-sons to whose taste
the peach is not a most delicious fruit ; and certainly,
at the season of its maturity, when autumnal com-
plaints, such as dysentery and fevers, prevail, there
is none more conducive to health. There is a tra-
dition of a peach-tree, the fruit of which, if eaten,
conferred immortality. But as none of the trees of
this variety have been received in this country, the
writer will content himself with pointing out to his
friends who reside a little to the north of a lino,
beyond which the poach is not able to withstand, in
the orchard, unprotected, our wintry climate, how
they may cultivate successfully, on a small scale, for
their own use, with a little care, some of the line
early varieties. For this purpose, select a few trees
budded on plum stocks, of the best early sorts, and
set them in a sheltered situation, with a southern
aspect. After having grown one season, in Novem-
ber cut back one third or more of the growth evenly
over the whole tree. Pursue this course annually.
On the approach of winter, cover the roots with
leaves, to protect them from extreme frost. Bend
in the branches towards the centre, and care-
fully tie them. Having obtained some branches of
hemlock, or other evergreens, set them in the ground
around the tree, and bring them together over the
top, and tie them snugly around the tree. In this
situation the trees may stand till all danger from
frost is over, when their covering may be removed,
and the branches released will return to their natural
position, when they will soon put forth blossoms and
leaves, and produce, in due season, a crop of fruit ;
thus amply rewarding the little care bestowed on
their protection.

JOSIAH NE^^^IALL.

Lynnfield, Jan. 18i9.

Editorial Remarks.

"We are much pleased with Gen. Ncwhall's mode
for 'peach culture in the north. The plum stocks
will render the trees dwarfish, and more hardy from
a slower growth. Slow-growing peaches, that pro-
duce the same from seed, are also adapted to this
mode of cultm-e. We have no doubt that, by this
plan, peaches may be raised in the northern part of
the Union. The warm sun, on mild days in winter,
prepares the peach for destruction by frost. Against
this, the covering of evergreens would be an effectual
preventive. They would also retard blossoming in
the spring until the season of frost is past. There is
less danger from late spring frosts in the north, than
in regions farther south, as the weather is more uni-
form, and the change from winter to spring more rapid
and regular.

For the New England Fanner.
PRECISION IN AGRICULTURAL EXPERI-
MENTS.

Mr. Editor : Mr. Colman, in his third report on the
agriculture of Massachusetts, makes some just com-
plaints of the want of precision among farmers in
making their experiments. For instance, in regard to
the effects of lime, to his inquu-ies whether they had
used it, they answered in the affirmative ; and to
the further question, whether they received any
benefit, they thought they did. AVhcn asked how
much, they could not tell. They limed the whole
piece alike ; and he mentions a number of inquiries,

to which similar answers were given, which, as he
says, proved just nothing at all. How often do we
find, in agricultural jovu'nals, statements of the success
of some particular experiments contrasted with that
of neighboring fields, perhaps over a fence, and the
like ; and from thciice an inference is drawn, so that
the result exactly jjroved a favorite hypothesis. It
is true such statements may have some little weight,
but very small to what they would, if different
portions of the same field were alternated with the
same experiment, and the result an average of the
whole.

I never was so much impressed ■« ith the impor-
tance of more discriminating experiments as when
I was lately reading two volumes of the Patent
Office Reports. I find, after wading through a huge
mass of testimouj' respecting the rot in potatoes, no
possibility of drawing any satisfactory conclusions
from it. Now, it appears to me that where testimony
shows such different results, in circumstances appa-
rently the same, and these difterent results become
numerous, the inference would be inevitable that
some hidden cause, either alone or in connection
with some visible ones, had an effect in producing
these results ; and where this proof grows so strong of
the existence of some secret agent or agents, of po-
tent energy, the groat object of our researches ought
to bo to lift or penetrate the veil that hides these
agencies from our sight.

I recollect, some years since, in reading an elabo-
rate investigation on the subject of blight in wheat,
by Mr. Colman, after mentioning some atmospheric
agencies Avhich evidently were connected with the
blight of that year, he stated that some wheat
equally exposed to these escaped, and he inferred a
susceptibility to disease in some places more than in
others. Ah ! here is the poser ; this susceptibility
to disease, or, rather, as I should say, the incipient
stage of the disease produced by causes out of sight,
must be investigated, and the cause of it ascertained
before we can render a true verdict.

But in these investigations, we not only need dis-
criminating exj)eriments, but we want a persevering
energy, that never tires ; for no subject, like agricul-
ture, has so niany, and so difficult problems to solve.
AVind and water are always in motion. Variotis
gases liberated from decaying vegetables, are always,
in warm weather, floating in the atmosphere, and
watery vapors combine with them, and when con-
densed by cold, ma J' fall in dew on the leaves of plants,
and either act as nutriment or poison, according to
their quality. If brought to the earth by rains, they
may, in addition to liberated gases, furnish food or
poison to the roots.

Here, brother farmers, is the field of investigation
set before us by Infinite Wisdom ; and the same
Wisdom has given us powers of mind sufficient to
penetrate every mystery necessary for us to explore,
in order to render earth a garden of vegetable life
and beauty, whose trees and plants shall bow them-
selves under the weight of the most abundant and
the best of fruit.

JOSEPH H. JENNE.

Peru, Me., Dec. 1818.

From the Plough, Loom, and Anvil.

SOME SUGGESTIONS ON THE ACTION OF
PLASTER OF PARIS.

The following communication from Prof. Norton,
of the school of chemistry applied to agriculture, is
the best explanation we have seen of the action of
gypsum, and of the reason why it acts powerfully on
some soils, and is inert on others. Still, it seeras^
somewhat wonderful that so small a dust of if, — half
a bushel, in some cases, to an acre — scattered over

38

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

f^rowing clover, in the sprinp;, should so soon descend,
and become incorporated with, and act upon, the
soil ; but so, it secm^, it does.

Xiiw Haven, Dec. 11, 1848.
Hon. J. S. Skixxkij.

Dear Su- : I have read with interest the various
articles in the December number of your valuable
journal; and desire to remark briefly upon one para-
graph relative to the effect of plaster of Paris, or o;yp-
sum. This paragraph is upon the ;5n9th page, and
the essential part of it as follows : " ]Mr. Stabler
states that land whifh had before been insensible to
the action of plaster of Paris, when raised by clover,
otherwise, t") a certain degree of fertility, becomes
alive to the influence of that cheapest of all ferti-
lizers, where it will act at all ; and this, like other
facts and considerations that might be adduced,
would seem to show that its action is not due to its
attraction of fcrtilizinr] powers from the atmosphere."

The idea that plaster of Paris acted wholly by the
absorption of ammonia from the atmosphere, originat-
ed with the great German chemist, Liebig ; and the
sanction of his name has given it general credence.
I believe in this matter, as in several others relating
to agricultural science, he has erred through a lack
of practical knowledge, and perhaps through the
strong temptation to promulgate beautiful theories.

I think that experience points more plainly to at
least a decided modification of his opinions. The
instance above cited is one which the ammonia
theory fails to explain. I at this moment recall one of
a yet more decided character. I know of several local-
ities, where, in adjoining fields, plaster exerts on the
one a very marked influence, and on the other is of
no use whatever. These two kinds of land are uni-
formly treated in the same manner, and always have
been ; yet this difference remains. There is no
doubt but ammoniacal manures would do good on
both of these soils ; and yet, on one of them, the use
of plaster never repays the outlay. Clearly we must
look for some new cxiilanation. This is to be found
in the chemical composition of plaster. It is com-
posed of lime and sulphuric acid, and is known to
chemists as sulphate of lime. Now, sulphuric acid is
well known to bo a powerful manure on many soils,
and it is unnecessary to praise lime. In the case of
the two adjoining fields above mentioned, the soil of
one was formed from a species of shale, which con-
tained scarcely a trace of cither of these substances ;
and that of the other from a rock Avhich had a pret-
ty good supply of both. The inference in such a
case is irresistible. We find the soil known to be
/^without the constituents of plaster benefited, while
the other remains unchanged. Now ammonia should
produce the same effect on both, if to supply it were
the use of plaster. We must, therefore, conclude
that the mineral constituents of the manure were of
primary importance here.

Mr. Stabler's case is rather different. Here the
soil must be brought up to a certain degree of fertili-
ty, and then plaster acts. This will not seem strange
when we consider the composition of the soil ; that
ton or twelve mineral ingredients are requisite to
fertility. Plaster only contains two of these ; and
if others besides be wanting, the addition of it will
<vf course not supply them. But when they are
added by green cropping or otherwise, the gypsum
tolls at once.

In all land, then, where plaster produces no decid-
ed effect, wc may expect to find the constituents of
that manure already present.

These are but hints upon a subject which would
require very many pages for its full discussion.

Plaster undoubtedly has a strong tendency to the
absorption of ammonia, and probably is often of bene-
fit in that way ; so that I would not so much con-
demn licbig's theory, as simply unite another with

it ; these two causes of benefit to the soil affording
an explanation to almost every case of perplexity.
Much is yet to be learned on this subject ; but the
above view will, I think, be found correct in its
main features, as well as practical in its applications.
I enclose a copy of the last circular issued from
our laboratory, as I cannot remember having sent
joM one before. Wc have a fine class now of ten
students, and our numbers are increasing ; but not
so fast as the demand for instruction in agricultural
science. We shall not be able to supply it in a long
period, even if our numbers are more than doubled.
I am, sir, vours, rc-ipcctfuUy,

"JOIIX P. NORTON.

AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY.

No manure can be taken up by the roots of plants,
unless water is present ; and water or its elements
exist in all the products of vegetation. The
germination of seeds does not take place without
the presence of ah* or oxygen gas.

Plants are fouird by analysis to consist principally
of charcoal and aeriform matter. They give out by
distillation volatile compounds, the elements of which
are pure air, coally matter, inflammable air, and
azote, or the elastic substance v.'hich forms a part of
the atmosi^here, and which is capable of supporting
combustion. These elements they gain either by
their leaves from the air, or by their roots from the
soil.

All manures from organized substances contain
the principles of vegetable matter, which, during
putrefaction, are rendered cither soluble in water or
aeriform ; and in these states, they are capable of
being assimilated to the vegetable organs. No one
principle affords the pabulum of vegetable life ; it is
neither charcoal, nor hydrogen, nor azote, nor oxy-
gen, alone, but all of them together, in various states
and various combinations.

Plants require only a .certain quantity of manure,

and excess may be detrimental, and cannot be useful.

Slaked lime was used by the Romans for man^ir-

ing the soil in which fi-uit-trecs grew. This we arc

informed by Pliny.

Nothing is more wanting to agriculture than ex-
periments in Avhich all the circumstances are minutely
and scientifically detailed. This art will advance
with rapidity in proportion as it becomes exact in its
methods.

Discoveries made in the cultivation of the earth
are not merely for the time and country in which
they are developed, but they may be considered as
extending to future ages, and as ultimately tending
to benefit the human race ; as aflbrding subsistence
for generations yet to come ; as multiplying life, but
likewise providing for its enjoyment.

Potatoes in general afford li-onr one fifth to one
seventh of their weight of dry starch.

One fourth part of the weight of the potato, at
least, may be considered as nutritive matter.

The principal consumption of the carbonic acid in
the atmosphere, seems to be in affording nourish-
ment to plants ; and some of them appear to be
supplied with carbon chiefly from this source. Car-
bonic acid gas is formed during fermentation, com-
bustion, putrefaction, and a number of operations
taking place upon the surface of the earth ; and there
is no other process known in nature by which it can
be destroyed btit by vegetation.

It is usual to carry straw, that can be cmploj'cd
for no other purpose, to the dunghill, to ferment and
decompose ; but it is worth experiment, whether it
may not be more economically applied when chopped
small by a proper machine, and kept dry until it is
ploughed in for the use of a crop. In this case,
though it would decompose mirch more slowly, and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

39

produce less elFcct at first, yet it3 influence would
be much more Listin<^.

Manures from animal substances in general re-
quire no chemical preparation to fit them for the
soil. The groat object of the farmer is to blend them
with earthy constituents in a proper state of division,
and to prevent their too rapid decomposition. — So-
lectod.

ORGANIC MATTER IN SOILS.

If \vc take a. small quantity of soil, and heat it in
a crucible, or on the blade of a casckuife, red hot, it
immediately turns black, like wood coal, or charred
wood. If the heat be continued, and the soil stirred
in the crucible, it soon loses its dark color, and takes
that of the earth operated on, like burnt brick. The
matter consumed by fire is the remains of vegetable
and animal substances in the soil, which are called
orrjanie matter, for they Avere produced through the
agency of vitality and organization.

All organic combustible matter consists of four
simple elementary bodies, which are variously com-
bined in vegetable and animal mould. That part of
plants, forest trees, and animals, which will make coal
when properly burnt, is called carbon. It constitutes
not far from one half of the dry weight of all plants
and animals, exclusive of the bones of the latter and
the cai'tlis that form ash in the former ; the percent-
age of carbon in animals is less than in vegetables.
It is carbon in muck and mould which renders them
so dark colored. The two simple elements oxyjen
and hydrogen, that combine in the proportion of eight
pounds of the former to one pound of the latter, and
thereby make nine pounds of pure Avater, exist pretty
largely in the organic matter of soils. The constit-
uent elements of water and carbon, together form the
main bulk, substance, and weight of all vegetables,
aad on an average more than eighty jier cent, of all
animals, beside their bones or shells. The other of
the four elements in mould, and of course in once
living beings, that slowly decay to form it, is called
itilrogen. The air we breathe contains seventy-nine
parts of this gas to twenty-one of oxygen. One
hundred pounds of wheat straw contain only one
third pound of organized nitrogen ; the same weight
of M'heat, about two and a half pounds.

The transition of dead plants, that fall to the
ground, is technically called crcmacausis, a hard
tireek compound word, which means "slow combus-
tion," because, chemically speaking, slow rotting is
not vmlikc slow burning. In this natui'al process of
decay, the elements of water, /. <?., oxygen and hydro-
gen, tiy off faster than carbon. Hence green plants
and wood of a light color form brown mould. Like
rotted naanUre, this substance is very variable in its
agricultural value. This depends in no small degree
on the quantity of ammonia, (a compound of nitro-
gen and hydrogen,) and of earthy salts which the
mould possesses. Clean jnue wood will form mould,
bxit as it yields very little ash or organized nitrogen,
its mould is of far less value than that made of peas,
clover, oats, and corn. There is a great difference in
vegetable mould, which the practical farmer should
closely study. One A^ariety may bo extremely fertile ;
another, remarkably sterile. The leaves of forest
trees form that which is of a medium quality. They
should be gatherc.l and treated as most of our readers
know how.

, We find a good many v.-orn or Avashed plantations
in our travels, that lack organic m.attor in the soil.
The point Ave are studying in this, to us new climate
and strange land, is, IIov>- shall the agriculturist cover
these naked fields Avith a rich mould, di'awing the
elements thereof from the atmosphere and the sub-
soil, AA'hich appertain alike to each acre ? Take good
care of the surface Avatcr ; plough deep ; subsoil ;

try peas and rye turned into the earth ; and all
crops that Avill serve to keep cattle, sheep, and SAvine,
Avhose daily manure Avill give new organized matter,
drawn from the air. On thin, poor soils, deep-rooted
plants and trees Avill live, Avhilst those whose roots,
like wheat, descend but a fcAV inches, pine and die.
The former find their necessary potash, soda, lime,
magnesia, phosphorus, sulphiu", chlorine, iron, and
soluble silica, deep in the earth, Avhich make the
skeleton of a plant, and Avithout Avhich no carbon,
oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen can be transformed
and organized into vegetable tissues, howcA'cr largely
they may abound in simple mould and soil, or in the
surrounding atmosphere. — Southern Cultivator.

For the New England Farmer.
AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

Me. Editor : A great deal has been said and
Avritten, yet but little done, in regard to schools or
seminaries of learning for fitting boys and young
men, by education and practical knOAvledgc, for the
business of farming. Every intelligent cultiA'ator
acknoAvledges the great aid Avhich science giA'cs to
agriculture, and the variety and extent of the
sciences that are made subserAUont to this profession ;
yet he is aAvare that the best practical knoAvlcdge is
equally important.

NoAV, the important question is, how shall the
young man learn the science and art of farming, or
hoAV shall the parent educate his boy properly for
this calling ? Schools have been established for these
purposes on A-'arious plans, and under faA'orable and
unfaA'orable auspices. Some have flourished, others
have faded.

This subject has been agitated in several of the
state legislatures, and in some, measures haA'e been
taken to encourage agricultural education ; but as it
is a noA'el subject, it has been difficult to agree on
any plan, so that but very little has been clone by
legislative aid. As it is of the highest importance,
and a subject in Avhich the whole community liaA^e a
deep interest, it is hoped that it Avill be investigated
by our legislatiA'c assemblies, and by the correspond-
ents of agricultural journals, until some effective
measures are taken to educate and fit young men for
agricultural pursuits, as well as for other profes-
sions.

A FRIEND TO AGRICULTURE.

EoiTorviiL Remarks.

Our colunrns are open for discussion and the in-
A'estigation of this subject, and Ave should be happy
to hear opinions on the best plans for agricultural
education, and the importance of our legislatures
taking some measures to promote so useful an
object.

LUCERN, OR FRENCH CLOVER.

A number of exiDcriments have been made in cul-
tivating luccrn in this country, but not Avith suffi-
cient success to lead to its general use. It is very
difficult to suit as to soil, and it requires much care
and attention, the first season, in Aveeding, stirring
the soil, &c. We find that those who have tried it
neglect its culture, AA"hich sIioaa's that it is not well
adapted to our climate, or Ave have but fcAv soils that
suit it. It Avill doubtless succeed better in the Middle
States and other mild climates, a^^ it occasionally Avin-
ter-kills here. We copy the following from Colman's

40

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

account of French agriculture, in his late publi-
cation.

LvcERX. — Lucern is cultivated very extensively
ir France, and, indeed, may be considered as their
p-eat dependence for green fodder. It is a general
^ninion that no plant will, in this respect, yield a
groptcr return. Indian corn will yield more green
ibvjd, but a crop of lucern may be got much earlier.
Three things are important in the culture of it ; first,
that the soil on which it is sown should be rich ; sec-
ond, that it should be deej:), good in the subsoil as in
the surface soil ; and third, that it should bo kept clean
from weeds. On my visit to an admirably managed
farm, about twenty miles from Paris, where every
thing indicated the most exact care and attention,
and which might almost be cited as a model farm, the
fanner informed me that his lucern, which he culti-
vated largely, was usually cut three times, and gave
him at the rate of fourteen tons to an hectare, made
into hay. A French hectare is about two and a half
acres, and this would be, therefore, a j'ield of more
than five and a half tons to an acre. A dry season
is particularly unfavorable to it. It requires a rich,
but suffers from a wet soil.

Lucern is sometimes sown among wheat or bar-
ley ; but the most certain mode of securing it against
weeds, is to plant it in narrow drills, and keep it
clean by the hoc for a time, until it becomes avcU
established. About eight pounds of seed — though
this is deemed a large allowance — are sovsti to an
acre. It will boar cutting three times a year, and will
endure in the ground eight to ten years. It does
not come to perfection the first year ; and the cir-
cumstance of its being ordinarily continued in the
ground for a term of years forms an objection to its
culture, with those who wish to pursue a regular ro-
tation of crops. Gypsum is applied to lucern with
the same success as to clover ; and the best farmers
advise to harrow it in the spring, and, indeed, after
each cutting, excepting the last cutting in the autumn.

CHOOSING A HORSE.

There is much pleasure and profit in the service of a
f!;:)od horse, but very little of either in a bad one.
There are many mean hoi-ses that make a good
appearance when taken from the hands of a jockey.
In purchasing a horse, then, trust not to the seller's
words; let yoiu- own judgment, or that of a friend,
be chiefly relied on. See that he has good fore feet
and joints, and that he stands well on his legs. See
that his fore teeth shut even ; for many horses have
the under jaw the shortest ; these will grow poor at
grass. See that his hair is short and fine ; for this
denotes a good liorse. Observe his eyes, that they
are clear and free from blemish — that he is not moon-
eyed or whitc-cyed ; for such are apt to start in the
night. A large, hazel-colored eye is the best.

Look at his knee ; see that the hair or skin is not
broke, for this denotes a stumbler. Take care that
his wind is good ; for a trial of this, lot him be fed on
good hay for twenty-four hours, take him to water,
and let him drink his fill, placing him with his head
the lowest ; if then he will breathe free, there is no
danger. See that his countenance is bright and
cheerful ; this is an excellent mirror to discover his
goodness in. If his nostrils are broad, it is a sign
that he is well winded; narrow nostrils, the contrary.

See that his spirits are good, but that he is gentle
and easily governed ; not inclined to start. In trav-
elling, mind that he lifts his feet neither too high nor
too low ; that he docs not interfere or overreach,
and that he carries his hind legs the widest. Sec
that he is well-ribbed back, and not high-boned.
The size may be determined by the purchaser. Age
from five to ten is the best. There are many tricks

practised by jockeys to make horses appear young,
but it is not consistent with the size of my book to
detect them ; all I would say is, that hoi'se's teeth,
when young, are wide, white, and even ; the inside
of their mouths is fleshy, and their lips hard and
firm. On the contrary, the mouth of an old horse is
lean above and below ; the lips are soft and easily
turned up ; their teeth grow longer, narrower, and
of a yellow color. — Selected.

THE HORSE'S EYE.

I will now inform you how, for certain, you may
know whether a horse has a strong and good eye, or a
weak eye, and likely to go blind. People in general
turn a horse's head to a bright light to examine his
eyes. You can know very little, by this method,
what sort of an eye the horse has, unless it be a very
defective one. You must examine the eye first,
when the horse stands with his hoad to the manger.
Look carefully at the pupil of the eye, in the horse ;
it is of an oblong form ; carry the size of the pupU
in your mind, then turn the horse about, bring him
to a bright light, and if, in the bright light, the pupil
of the eye contracts, and appears much smaller than
it was in the darker light, then you may be sure the
horse has a strong, good eye ; but provided the
pupU remains nearly of the same size as it appeared
in the darker light, the horse has a weak eye ; there-
fore have nothing to do with him. — Old Almanac.

GRAFTING THE APPLE INTO THE PEAR.

Has any one in this section ever tried the experi-
ment of grafting the apple into the pear ? A friend
of ours informs us that he once met with a tree of
this kind in the gardens of a friend in England, and
that the apples had a peculiar flavor, somewhat like
a pear ; and whether the flavor was peculiar to the
variety of apples, or whether it was occasioned by
the influence of the stock, he was not able to say.

As a general thing, a pear stock is more valuable
to engraft jaears upon than apples ; but as an experi-
ment in ascertaining what influence such a stock may
have upon the graft, it may be interesting.

The pear, unless attacked by the modern disease
called the blight, will live longer than the apple-tree
generally does ; and it is possible that the apjile graft,
if the union is not too uncongenial, may be the
means of prolonging the duration of the variety.
Little, or indeed nothing, is known in regard to that
at present. — Maine Farmer. •

Remarks by the Editor or the New E.vglaxd
Farmer.

"We never saw or heard of the apple growing on
the pear, until we made the experiment incidentally
last spring. In grafting and planting out in the
nursery a lot of apple stocks, among Avhich were
a number of pear stocks, som.e of the latter were
grafted with apple scions, and set out without being
recognized as pears.

On examining them in the summer, wc noticed
that sLx or eight scions had been set in pear stocks,
which was indicated by suckers from the root. Th*e
scions on the pear were nearly as large, on an average,
as those on the apple. We let them remain for ex-
periment. On a part of them, we left a pear sucker
to grow with the apple scion, to save the stock in
case the apple should fail.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

41

THE PEACH.

The peach Ls the most hiscious of all fruits, and
it is adapted to extensive cultiire. It is raised to a
moderate extent in the Xorthern and Southern States,
and it seems admirably adapted to the middle region
of our country, where there are produced on some
single farms ten to twenty thousand bushels a year.

In the north, this fruit is rather uncertain, not so
much from the destruction of the trees by severe
winters, — though this occurs occasionally, — as from
the loss of buds ; and these would not be so liable to
be destroyed, were our winters of even temperature ;
but in the coldest months in the year, we sometimes
have a spring-like day, or a week of mild weather,
which starts the buds, and renders them very suscep-
tible of injury from cold that suddenly ensues.

The interesting communication of Gen. Newhall,
on another page, shows how to obviate this difficulty,
in a small way ; and by the means he recommends,
the peach culture may be extended one hundred and
fifty miles north of its present limit. We ought also
to make improvements so as to render the peach cul-
ture, on an extensive scale, profitable, not only in
this section, but still farther north.

For many years, most of the peach stones planted
in this region, and farther north, have been raised in
the south. Many trees, set in New England, are raised
in a more southern clime, and with a luxuriant
jjrowth that renders them tender ; and in addition to

these disadvantages, most of the scions used in bud-
ding have been from kinds foreign to this climate.

Some say, all these things make no difference ; but
those who have bought knowledge dearly in the
school of experience, do not confirm such statement.
It might as Avell be said that an Ethiopian is as well
prepared to endure the rigorous cold of Greenland
as a native of that frozen region, as that southern
trees, and those that have originated in a mild, for-
eign clime, are adapted to the north.

As the peach has travelled, from a climate of per-
petual verdure, thus far north, generally enduring
the changeable winters and occasionally severe cold
of the Middle States, and often enduring the severe
test of a northern freeze, several degrees below zero,
we have reason to suppose, that, by good manage-
ment, it will bear extension still farther north. At
another time we may continue the subject. Our
readers will be pleased to have the opinions of others
also.

Spare minutes are the gold dust of time ; and
Young was writing a true, as well as a striking line,
when he affirmed that, " Sands made the mountain,
and moments made the year." Of all the portions of
our life, the spare minutes are the most faithful in
good or evil. They are gaps through which tempta-
tions find the easiest access to the garden.

42

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL
SOCIETY.

At a meeting of this association, January G, Col.
M. P. Wilder, who had long presided over its delib-
erations, devoting much time and talent to its inter-
ef>ts, retired from the chair, after a few appropriate
remarks in regard to the prosperity of the society,
expressing his grateful acknowledgments for the
confidence and respect that had been shown in his
jn-efcrment, and the kindness and support he had
received from his associates, for whom he should
chei-isli an affection next to that for family and
home.

lie then introduced Samuel "Walker, Esq., his
successor, who made a brief inaufjiiral address, ex-
pressing his gratitude for the distinction that had
been shown him, his consciousness of the responsi-
bilities and duties of the office, and his hearty desire
to cooperate with the association in promoting its
prosperity.

Hon. B. V. French, Vice President, presented the
following resolutions, which were unanimously
adopted : —

WJicrcas, Marshall P. Wilder, s-Esq., has during a
period of eight years discharged the duties of Presi-
dent of tills Society to the satisfaction of its mem-
bers ; and

Whereas, Mr. Wilder's administration has been
marked ■\\ith energy and zeal in disseminating horti-
cultural science ; and

Whereas, We believe the interest of the Society
has been greatly advanced by his services, and its
influences extended by his practical skill, and the
many specimens exhibited by him from his garden
and conservatory of almost all the varieties of fruits
and flowers ; and

Whereas, \Vc also fully believe, that the public, as
well as the members of this Society, are indebted to
him for his practical and successful labors ; — There-
fore,

Voted, That the thanks of the Society be tendered
to Marshall P. AVilder, Esq. for his services during
the period he was President thereof; and also

Voted, That a committee of three be appointed by
the Chair to purchase a piece of plate not exceeding
in value one hundred and fifly dollars, and cause a
suitable inscription to be placed thereon, and to pre-
,sent the same, with the above vote of thanks, to
Marshall P. Wilder, in behalf of the Society, as a
tribute of the regard and esteem of its members.

Mr. C. M. Hovey presented the following vote,
which Avas passed unanimously : —

Voted, That the Society's gold medal be presented
to Gen. n. A. S. Dearborn, the first President of the
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for the essential
services he rendered to the science of horticulture,
and the interest of the Society, during the period he
presided over its affairs.

Dr. E. Wight proposed the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted : —

Resolved, That this Society hold in high estimation
the eminent attainments of James E. Teschemachcr,
Esq., in the various departments of literature and
science.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Society be ten-
dered to Mr. Teschemachcr for his valuable services
as Corresponding Secretary for many years, and as
Chairman of the Committee of Publication.

Resolved, That as a token of approbation and re-
spect, and in consideration of these services, that a
piece of silver plate, of the value oi fifty dollars, be

presented to Mr. Teschemachcr ; or such other article
of like value as he may please to designate.

TTius closed the ceremonies of the New Year, with
great unanimity and satisfaction as to the past, and
high hopes for the future. Lest these things should
be regarded as unimportant by some, we would re-
mark, that the happy influence of this institute will
aid in adorning various scenes with fine fruits and
beautiful flowers thi-oughout oixr land, in monuments
that shall flourish as long as the sun shall give its
genial glow, and skill and enterprise inspirit the cul-
tivator, while the doings of many august assemblies
shall moulder in the dust, or sleep on the shelves of
the antiquarian.

PROTECTION AGAINST THE BEE MOTH.

The bee moth is too formidable for bees to contend
with, as it spreads out its web and protects itself as
it advances, and when it attacks a feeble swarm, it is
sure destruction to this useful insect. The bee can
drive man and animals of every description ; even
the noble horse Iras not only been conquered, but has
sometimes fallen a victim to their rage. Yet a con-
temi)tible worm takes i>osscssion of the neat and
beautiful hive, protects himself like a skilful and
powerful warrior, despoils the sweet home of the
bee, and converts it into a place of filth, and the un-
hap])y possessor retires in disgust from an enemy
against whom he has no means of defence.

As the winter is a good time for the constiniction
of hives and houses, the following article may be
acceptable to our readers : —

A SURE WAY TO PIIOTECT TUE BEE FKOJI THE MILLER.

Messrs. Editors : I was this summer witness, in a
western state, to a contrivance for protecting the
bee from the miller, Avhich was novel to me, and, in-
deed, to the contriver himself, until it struck his
mind in the beginning of the season.

Thinking it may be a novelty to all your readers, I
will give a description of it.

The contrivance I witnessed was this : " A bee-
house eight feet square and eight feet high, sur-
mounted by a roof running up into a spii-c, with a
weathercock. In the middle of each of the four
sides of the house was a close fitting door of suffi-
cient width and height to allow persons to enter with
ease standing erect. Within was a series of throe
shelves or platforms, one over the other, four feet
square, supported by corner posts reaching from the
ground to the toj^ of the Avails, and mortised perhaps
into cross pieces from the top of the Avails. These
platforms Avould accommodate from twelve to sixteen
common hiA'es. In the daytime, all these doors were
fastened open ; but as soon as the bees loere in at eveniny,
they were elosed. Early in the morning, they Avere
again throAvn open, and the little prisoner let forth to
his toil. In the Avinter, the doors arc to be kept
locked, excoj^t Avhen access is Avanted to the hiA'c."

By the means aboA'e stated, the miller Avas kept
completely from the hives. He Avould often be seen
coming round in the evening, and knocking in \'ain
for admittance. One morning, indeed, I believe a
fcAV millers Avere found in the house, Avhen the doora
had been closed at too late an hour in the evening
previous. But they had evidently found themselves
entirely in the dark, and had done no mischief. It
is obvious that the house, Avith its internal arrange-
ment, could be of any size that common sense may
dictate. — N. Y. Farmer.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

43

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

n.ww'AKn's Gazetteeu of Massachusetts. We
consider this the most valuable work of the kind that
has ever been published. It is not merely a gazetteer
in the usual dry, brief style, but a volume of four
hundred and fifty pages is devoted solely to this
state, ■which affords the opportunity of introducing
history and statistics, and giving various details that
are interesting, not only to citizens of this state, but
to people throughoxxt the country, particularly from
the prominent rank which Massachusetts holds in
the history of our progress as a nation. The work
is enlivened v>ith numerous instructive anecdotes.
The eminent author is extensively kno-\\Ti. Pub-
lished by Me33rs. John P. Jewctt & Co., 23 Cornhill.
We are pleased to learn that these enterprising book-
sellers are publishing a separate work of this kind
for each state in New England.

OuTi.iXES OF Improvejiexts IX ViiiGiNiA, giving
an account of numerous works, Siich as roads, turn-
pikes, &c., in operation, progress, or surveyed, with
a beautiful map of the state. Forwarded by the po-
liteness of T. II. Dewitt, Esi. It shows that a spii-it
of improvement is pervading that state, which is
loading to increased facilities of communication with
every section, which is a siu-e precursor to agricul-
tural improvements. By Claudius Crozet, late State
Engineer.

Transactions of Agricultuhal Societies. — We
have received the doings of the Worcester, Essex,
and Plymouth Agricultural Societies, each in pam-
phlet form. The plan of late, (and of the Essex
Society for a long time,) of publishing the transac-
tions in a permanent fomi, is excellent, as such mat-
tor is worthy of preservation, and should be in con-
venient form for reference. These works contain the
annual addrcas, reports of committees, statements of
applicants for premiums, essays, and other useful
matter.

Report of the First Exhuiition of the Wor-
cester Mechanics' Association. — This work indi-
cates that this institution is large and flourishing, and
that their exhibition was extensive and excellent.
We understood that it was attended by vast numbers,
and gave excellent satisfaction.

IIoRTICULTUr^VL RePORT OF THE TwENTY-FlRST

Annual Fair of the American Institute, bj-
Thomas Bridgcman and Peter R. Mead, superintend-
ents. It contains various matters interesting to the
liorticulturiit and pomologist.

PROGREGS OF INDUSTRY AND HARMONY
OF LABOR.

This, then, is the grand moral lesson of the hour
— the progress of industry and the harmony of
LABOR. That progress is already proved and illus-
trated when this society remembers, on the one
hand, what its fathers saw, and what they did, and
on the other, casts its eye on the exhibitions, and
gathers up the instructions, of this day. That har-
mony", in interest and growth, in sentiment and pur-
pose, is substantiated by this present re-union of all
the sons of labor at this annual civic triumph.

These exhibitions are teaching us that we are all
producers and all consumers. These holidays are
proving to us that the circle of all business and all
pursuits is a charmed circle, and that a single jar
any where spreads discord and disaster through the
whole. There is no such thing here as an isolated
ijiterest, nor any such man as an isolated laborer.
In the formation and growth of communities, labor
divides and subdivides itself — to the end, not that
this pursuit or that may become easier or more hon-
orable than the other, but that each and all may be
the more profitable and the more productive. Would
you say that the divisions and subdivisions of hu-
man invention in the machinery we have witnessed
to-day, with all their nice and varied improvements
from year to year, involve any encroachment on the
rights of labor r Neither with any more truth would
you maintain that any fixed department of human
pursuit, whether of the hand or the head, in the
field or the shop, in the counting-room or the ofiicc,
could be stricken out without imparting disturbance
to the whole. There is one harmonious idea run-
ning through the whole scheme and the whole fabric
of society, the whole theory and the whole piractice
of the world — and that is, increased profit and in-
creased production, — greater capacity for producing,
sustaining, educating, advancing the race. The small
and despised stream which flows through the heart
of this city, is a wiser v>itncss and a more liberal
philosopher than we. 'S^Tiat growth, and upbuilding,
and expansion of industry has it not witnessed ! It
very early beckoned to its banks a scattered, humble,
dependent colony of mechanics. It kept them up
through prosperous and adverse fortune, till now a
score of smoking shafts penetrate the sky, and fi'om
the reservoir on the north to its southern outlet, its
banks arc vocal with the hammer and the axe, the
whirling wire and the building machine, the forming
plough and the noisy plane, the fierce glow of the
furnace and the heavy M'orking of iron, the whiz of
the car-shop and the crack of the pistol — while a
host of children whom no man can number, look
towards it in the morning and in the evening for
their daily bread. If I were to call upon this pro-
ductive rivulet for its testimony, what, think you, it
would be? 'SNTiy, to bo sure, that the wire-maker
and the machine-builder combined to supply the
cotton and v/oollen mill — that the plough-maker
furnished his wares for the Avhole agricultural world
— that the iron man, with his five or six scores of
hands, was at work for everj' body — and so on to
the end of the chapter, concluding Avith this essen-
tial and impressive fact, that as this community has
increased from year to year, new churches and new
schools, a little more counsel and a little more medi-
cine, yet other stores for wholesale and retail, more
boarding-houses, and shoe-shops, and tailors and hat-
ters, and grocers, and dress-makers, were demanded
and came in upon us, till the town has become, what
we behold it to-day — all helping one another, and
THE farmer feeding thr WHOLE. I hold him to be
a suspicious friend who would scatter the seeds of
dissension where Providence and natural causes have
established a coincidence of interest ; and against
his testimony I place that ever speaking and benevo-
lent stream, as it carries down to the waters of the
Blackstone, to be diifused over yet larger communi-
ties between this and the Bay of the Narragansetts,
that large, universal truth of American life — thb
harmony of labor. — Bullock's Ad. before Worcester
Ag. Society.

Draining low lands will contribute to promote
health and profit. Generally speaking, our wet and
marshy lands are the richest in organic matters, and
become the most profitable to the owner, v.-hen thor-
oughly drained. — BiioVs Far. Com.

44

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

JBomestic Pcpavtment

■ Preservatiox of Honey. — When honey is
Btraincd from the comb, and exposed to the air, it
becomes candied, as it is called, in a few months, a
part granulating and forming sugar. This process
injures its quality very much. To prevent this un-
favorable change, put strained honey into bottles,
filling them full, then cork them tight, and set them
in a dark, cool place.

Honey in the comb, in a compact form, as it is in
small drawers, boxes, &c., adapted to improved hives,
will keep in good condition far longer than it will
when separated from the comb and exposed, as is
often the case.

We have had honey so far injured by being can-
died as to be unfit for use, and we have given it to
bees. They readily consumed all the liquid pai't,
leaving the little round grains of sugar.

To MAKE Yeast. — To two middling-sized boiled
potatoes, add a pint of boiling water and two table-
spoonfuls of brown sugar. ()ne pint of hot water
should be applied to every half pint of the compound.
Hot water is better in warm weather. This yeast,
being made without flour, wiU keep longer, and is
said to be much better, than any previouslj' in use.

Ricn Buckwheat Cakes. — Take two pints of
fresh buckwheat flour and half a pint of sifted corn
meal, mix with milk to a thin batter, add one table-
spoonful of fine salt, and two teaspoonfuls of brewer's
yeast, or an equivalent of other yeast. Leave the
whole in a stone jar, in a warm place, to rise over
night. In the morning, add a teaspoonful of salcratus
dissolved in a tablespoonful of hot water, and then
bake iimnediately.

Pickling Cabbages. — Quarter the firm head of
the cabbage ; put the parts in a keg, sprinkle on
them a good quantity of salt, and let them remain
five or six days. To a gallon of vinegar put an ounce
of mace, and one of pepper-corns and cinnamon.
Cloves and allspice may be added, but they darken
the color of the cabbage. Heat the vinegar scalding
hot, and turn it while hot on the cabbage, the salt
remaining. It is necessary to turn the vinegar from
the cabbage several times, and, scalding it, return it
again while hot. This makes theni tender. Purple
cabbages, the heads not large, but fine and firm, are
best for pickling. — Albany Cultivator.

Bean Soup. — Put two quarts of dried white
beans into soak the night before you make the soup,
which should be put on as early in the day as pos-
sible. Take five pounds of the lean of fiesh beef —
the coarse pieces will do. Cut them up, and put
them into your soup pot with the bones belonging to
them, (which should be broken to pieces,) and a
pound of bacon cut very small. If you have the re-
mains of a piece of beef that has been roasted the
day before, and so much underdone that the juices
remain in it, you may put it into the pot, and its
bones along with it. Season the meat with popper
and salt, and pour on it six quarts of water. As soon
as it boils, take ofl" the scum, and put in the beans,
having first drained them, and a head of celery, cut

small, or a tablespoonful of pounded celery seed. Boil
it slowly till the meat is done to shreds, and the beans
all dissolved. Then strain it thi'ough a colander
into the tureen, and put into it smaU squares of
toasted bread, with the crust cut ofl". Some prefer
it with the beans boiled soft, but not quite dissolved.
In this case, do not strain it ; but take out the
meat and bones with a fork.

Effects of Habit on the Infant Mind. — I trust
every thing to habit ; habit, upon which, in all ages,
the lawgiver, as well as the schoolmaster, has mainly
placed his reliance ; habit, wliicli makes every thing
easy, and casts all difficulties upon the deviation
from the wonted course. Jilake sobriety a habit, and
intemperance will be hateful and hard ; make pru-
dence a habit, and reckless profligacy will be as con-
trary to the nature of the child grown an adult, as
the most atrocious crimes are to any of your lord-
ships. Give a child the habit of sacredly regarding
the truth, of carefully respecting the property of
others, of scrupulously abstaining from all acts of
improvidence which can involve him in distress, and
he will just as likely think of rushing into an element
in which he cannot breathe, as of lying, or cheating,
or stealing. — Lord Brougham.

13 Oils' ?Dcpartmcnt.

Maxims of Washington. — Every action in com-
pany ought to be with some sign of respect to those
present.

Speak not when others speak, sit not when others
stand, and walk not when others stop.

Be no flatterer ; neither play with any one that
delights not to be played with.

Let your countenance be pleasant, but in serioiis
matters somewhat grave.

Show not yourself glad at the misfortune of anoth-
er, though he were your enemj'.

In writing or sjieaking, give to every person his
due title, according to his degree, and the custom of
the place.

Strive not with your superiors in argument, but
always submit your judgment to others with mod-
esty.

Undertake not to teach your equal in the art he
himscK professes ; it savors of arrogancy.

Being to advise or reprimand any one, consider
whether it ought to be in public or private, presently
or at some other time, also in what terms to do it ;
and in reproving, show no signs of choler, but do it
with sweetness and mildness.

Wherein you reprove another, be unblamable
yourself; for example is more i)revailing than pre-
cept.

Be not hasty to believe flying reports, to the dis-
paragement of any one.

In your apparel be modest, and endeavor to ac-
commodate nature more than procure admiration.
Keep to the fashion of your equals, such as are civil
and orderly, with respect to time and place.

Associate j-oursclf with men of good quality, if you
esteem your own reputation ; for it is better to be
alone than in bad company.

Utter not base and frivolous things among grown
and learned men ; nor very difficult questions or
subjects among the ignorant, or things hard to be
believed.

Be not forward, but friendly and courteous, the

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

45

lirst to salute, hear, and answer ; and be not pensive
■when it is time to converse.

Gaze not on the marks or blemishes of others, and
ask not how they came. What you may speak in
secret to your friend, deliver not before others.

Think before you speak ; pronounce not imperfect-
ly, nor bring out your words too hastily, but orderly
and distinctly.

Treat with men at fit times about business, and
whisper not in the company of others.

When you speak of God or his attributes, let it be
seriously, in reverence and honor, and obey your
natural parents.

Cjcaltl).

Exercise ix the Open Am. — Moderate exercise
in the open air, for the purpose of assisting the va-
rious secretions, is another essential requisite for the
production and maintenance of good health. None
can neglect this rule with impunity ; but a seden-
tary life is certainly not so detrimental to those who
live on vegetable diet. Unless sufficient oxygen be
supplied to the lungs by daily exercise in the open
air, the products of decomposition will fail to be re-
moved in sufficient quantity for the maintenance of
a healthy state ; and the assimilation of new matter
is impeded. Without exercise, also, the contractile
power of the heart and large arteries is feebly exert-
ed ; and, though sufficient to caiTy the blood to the
ultimate tissue, it is nevertheless not strong enough
to carry it through Avith the rapidity necessary for
health. The ultimate tissue being thus filled faster
than it is emptied, congestion takes place in those
delicate and important vessels which compose it, as
well as in the large veins, the office of which is to
convey the blood from the tissue to the heart. One
of the chief conditions of the body, in that general ill
state of health usually denominated " indigestion,"
is congestion of the blood in the ultimate tissue of
our organs — the brain, the lungs, the spinal marrow,
the stomach, the ganglionic system, the liver, bowels,
and all the organs concerned in the nutrition of the
body. When the system, therefore, iindebilitated' by
disease, will admit a good supply of oxygen by mus-
cular exercise, it is the best means of diminishing the
amount of venous blood, and (in conjunction with
a legitimate supply of proper food) of increasing the
amount of arterial blood ; and in proportion as the
latter preponderates over the former, shall we possess
health and muscvilar strength, as well as elasticity of
nund. — Smith's Fruita and Farinacca.

Useful TO Rheumatic I^fVALIns. — Persons afflicted
with that distressing disorder, the rheumatism, will
be glad to learn that it may be cured by a very sim-
ple remedy, which I have found to be very efficacious.
Having had two very severe attacks of this painful
malady, at the sudden commencement of cold weath-
er, to which this country is so subject, and after using
liniments and various kinds of medicines recom-
m.cnded by physicians, to no purpose, I found by
drinking a strong decoction of savin, for a few days,
it produced a speedy cure each time. Savin is one
of the evergreens, and resembles in appearance a
shade between spruce and balsam, and of a dark-
green color. This cure is confidently recommended.
— Selected.

IIemedy for Burns .vnd Scalds. — From the num-
ber of accidents which have lately taken place, and
by which several persons have been so dreadfully

burned as to cause death, we recommend the follow-
ing simple remedy, by which the pain from cither a
burn or scald is instantly relieved. Tet clarified
honey be applied on a linen rag, and in one moment
the pain will cease. This remedy has been tried
several times, and it alwaj'S relieved the moment the
honey was applied. — Newark Times.

Sore Turoat. — We have known several instances
in which this distressing complaint, even m its worst
stages, has been immediately alleviated, and speedily
cured by the following remedy. Mix a pennyworth of
powdered camphor with a wine-glass full of brandy ;
pour a small quantity on a lump of sugar, and allow
it to dissolve in the mouth every hour. The third or
fourth time generally enables the patient to swallow
with ease. — Selected.

illccljamcs' department, ^rts, $ct.

Promptness. — In every kind of business prompt-
ness is important. The farmer who neglects to se-
cure his grain or hay, when it is well prepared and
is exposed to the weather, may lose his crop by one
day's neglect. But the mechanic who neglects a
piece of work a few daj's, or even a few Aveeks, beyond
the promised time, may find no material effect on
his interest in that single case ; yet the customer
who has been dis.appointcd a few times, looks for
another workman who is more prompt ; and little
neglects, as they may be considered at first, accumu-
late in time, and form a prominent characteristic of
him who practises them ; and finally they make all
the difference between complete success and failure
in business — between a competency and independ-
ence, and want and embarrassment ; and the evil
results to the mechanic, for want of promptness, are
as serious as those to the farmer, when by neglect he
suddenly loses his crops.

As the mechanic depends on others for business,
his success depends mamly on promptness, and
every delay in fulfilling his engagement with a
customer has a future bearing, and though it may
apparently be excused, it will not be forgotten, but
will be an important consideration in future opera-
tions.

The mechanic who delays completing his work
according to agreement, sets an example of neglect
which his customer may practise upon him in regard
to payment, and thus he will sufter from the evil in-
fluence of his own conduct.

In conclusion, on this subject we will suggest, for
consideration, whether there are not some, or even
many, mechanics who neglect to perform their prom-
ises as to the completion of work. We are sorry to
say that delays arc common. A few hours past the
time may seem a trifle ; but it may affect the customer
ten times more than the value of the article, and the
effect will finally react on the business of him that is
tardy.

By diligence, and care in promising, a mechanic
may be prompt, and then he has pleasure as well as
profit in his business and labor. But with negligencs
his business is vexatious and unprofitable, and ha.

46

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

•works wirh jeluctance and discouragement. We
have not taken into consideration the icear and tear of
conscience, and its final effects on character, in making
flimsy excuses, delaying what might be accom-
plished.

M.vNUFAcrciiE OF Glass. — A correspondent of the
Christian Mirror gives the following account of the
manufacture of tumhlcrs : —

As the manufacture of the pressed glass tumblers
may not have been witnessed by many of yoiu- read-
ers, I will describe it in a fe;v words. In the first
place, they have a brass mould, consisting of a solid
mass, about as hu-gc over as a half-peck measure,
containing a hollow in it, exactly in the form of the
tumbler to be made, with a follower of brass, of the
same form, but so much smaller as to fit the inside
of the tumbler. When the two parts of the mould
are put together, the space between them is the
exact thickness of the vessel required.

In the process of manufacturing, throe men and
two boys are required. The first thing done, is for
one of the men to dip an iron rod in the melting
glass, and move it about till he has a sufficient quan-
tity of the fluid mass on the end of his rod ; he then
holds it over the hollow of the mould, and with a
pair of shears ciits off what he judges to be just
enough to constitute the tumbler. Instantly the
other man brings do-\\"n t?ie follower with level pow-
er, and the melted glass is so compressed as to fill
the cavity of the mould. He then turns his mould
bottom up, with a little blow, and the tumbler drops
red hot uj^on a stone table. One of the boys, with
an iron rod having a little melted glass on its end,
presses it on the bottom of the tumbler, and it slight-
ly adheres. He then holds it in the mouth of a
glowing furnace, turning it rapidly, till it is almost
in a melting state, -when the third man takes it, and,
whirling the rod and tumbler on a sort of arm of a
chair, he holds a smooth iron tool against the edge
of the tumbler till all the roughness is removed from
its edges, when a boy takes the rod from him, and
by a slight stroke to the end of it, drops the tumbler,
and places it in a hot oven, to cool gradually. These
five hands will make a beautiful tumbler in about
forty seconds, or about one hundred iu an hour.

To piioDUCE Till: Exact Likentss of any Object
INSTANTLY ON Pafeu,. — Tliis may be readily effected
by layiTig the paper on a table and holding a double
convex lens (a common sun-glass) over it, and then
placing a mirror over the lens, in an oblique position,
80 as to face partly towards the object that is to be
represented. The rays of light, passing from the
object to the mirror, will be reflected downward
through the lens, and produce the likeness of the
object in full colors on the paper. This experiment
may easily be made in the evening, by reflecting the
flame of the candle in this same manner, which %\ill
appeal- very brilliant on paper. Eut in order to ren-
der the rcilection of an object distinctly visible by
daylight, it may be requisite to exclude nearly all
the light from the paper, except what fivlls through
the lens. In all cases, the lens must be placed at a
distance above the paper, according to its focus, at
the distance at v/liieh it would contract the rays of
the sun to the smallest point.

FxiiK AND V^ATER- Proof Cement. — To half a pint
of milk put an equal (quantity of vinegar, in order
to curdle it ; then separate the curd from the Avhey,
and mix the whey Avith fonr or five eggs, beating the

whole well together. When it is well mixed, add a
little quicklime through a sieve, until it has acquired
the consistence of thick paste. With this cement,
broken vessels and cracks of all kinds may be mended.
It dries quickly, and resists the action of water, as
well as of a considerable degree of fire.

A Cement for stopping the Fissures of Iron
Vessels. — Take two ounces of muriate of ammonia,
one ounce of flowers of sulphur, and sixteen ounces
of cast-iron filings or turnings ; mix them well in a
mortar, and keep the powder dry. When the cement
is wanted, take one ])art of this and twenty pai'ts of
clean iron filings or borings, grind them together iu
a mortar, mix them ■\\ ith waier to a proper consist-
ence, and apply them between the joints.

To prevent Iron from rl-stinu. — Warm your
iron till you cannot bear your hand on it without
pain to yourself. Then rub it with new and clean
white wax. Put it again to the fire till it has soalvcd
in the wax. When done, rub it over with a piece
of serge. This prevents the iron fi'om rusting after-
wards. — A". Y. Far. <^ Meek.

To STAIN Wood like Eeony. — Take a solution of
sulphate of iron, and wash the wood over with it
two or three times ; let it dry, and apply two or
three coats of a strong decoction of logwood ; wipe
the wood when dry with a sponge and v/atcr, and
polish with oil.

GROWING TEA IN THE UNITED STATES.

By the following paragi-aph, copied from the New
York Journal of Commerce, it appears that an ex-
periment in the culture of the tea plant in this
country is about to be tried imder favorable circum-
stances. It is the opinion of many well-informed
persons, that it will prove successful.

The Tea Plant in the United States. — llic
planters and farmers of the Southern States Avill be
gratified to learn that seven cases of black and green
tea plants, Chinese stock, have ju3t arrived ii'om
London in the ship American Eagle, shipped by Dr.
Junius Smith, during his late vi-.it to that city.
There arc five hundred plants, of from live to seven
years' growth ; all are designed by the doctor for seed
plants. A small quantity of tea-seed was brought out
by him in the steamship Eiitannia, which was received
in London overland from tlie north-west provinces of
India. We understand the doctor designs to pro-
ceed soon to the south, with a view of forming a
plantation. More plants and seed are expected from
India and China this season, and if we may judge
fiom the progress ah-eady made, we have now the
means in hand of extending tea plantations through-
out such sections of our country as may be found
adapted to their culture. — Ohio Cultivator.

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.

At the City Gas AVorks at Philadelphia, vau'ts had
been constructed for the bituminous coal u-od in
making the gas, and into which the coal was packed
very close for the saving of room. A few weeks since,
spontaneous combustion was observed in those vaults ;
but it was put out (supposed) with but little trouble.
Last Saturday week, however, the fire burst out
again, and was not subdued without a great loss of
coal, after several hours of unremittii^g toil by the
city fire department. — Scientijic American.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

47

STATEMENT OF BRIGHTON MARKET-

For IStS.

40,784 Bocf Cattle. Sales estimated at

$1,590,570

20,553 Stores. " " "

493,272

146,755 Shcop.

2(14,159

87,090 Swine. " " "

482,295

$2,830,302

1847.

43,425 Beef Cattle. ^

20-738 Stores. Uales estimated at
lS3,5oO Sheep. ]

.<|;;2,719,462

62,015 Swiue. J

184G.

38,')70 Beef Cattle. ^

!f-'t'n5r''- Ualesestianatedat
100,350 blieep. j

$1,871,113

44,940 Swine.

1845.

48,910 Beef Cattle. ")

^fii,^';. ^S«>o»c«in,.tcd»t

$1,893,648

56,580 Swine. J

1

THE APHIS ON TREES.

AIessrs. Editors : Havin:^ a small, young orchard,
of about sixty trees, of the best cultivated varieties,
I was greatly tried on finding that the above insect
was doing great injury to the new growth. The
leaves were curled up and blackened, the young
shoots retarded in their growth, and in some in-
stances entirely killed. Jly quince and seedling
.apple-trees of the second year's growth were in a
still worse condition ; many of the tops being so
completely covered that they were destroyed.

My first remedy wa'5 a strong infusion of tobacco

— say four ounces to six quarts of boiling water.
This was placed in a suitable vessel, which v.'as held
by another perrfon, whilst I carefully bent down the
limbs, one or two at a time, and irarxiersed the ends
of them in the infusion. A few trees were treated
in this manner. The insects were killed by the
tobacco infusion ; but I thought the effect on the
young shoots and tender leaves rather injurious.

While reflecting on the subject, I remembered
having read that the biiier jrrrnciple was destructive
to insects. I seized the idea, and resolved to try it.
Tho bitter selected was the common quassia of the
shops, as being cheap and inten.icly bitter. Ilalf a
pound of the quassia chips were Ijoilcd for a few
minutes in six quarts of water. "When the decoc-
tion was cold, it was used in the same way as the
tobacco infusion, witli complete success, ancf without
any apparent injury to the leaves or new growth.
All the insects that Avcre wet with the liqiiid were
killed.

Man}' of my young seedling applc-trces, that
looked so miserably three weeks ago, arc now send-
ing out a thrifty growth, which contrasts pleasantly
with the blackened and emled foliage below, which
was nearly destroyed bj' the wood-louse.

Would strong bitter infusions destroy lice on cattle
and stock ? It is cheap and perfectly safe — safer, in
my opinion, than unguentum or tobacco.

E. G. MYGATT.

Richmond, McTIenry Co., III., .!«//?. 21, 1843.

— Prairie Farmer.

V/OODEN RAILROADS.

Mr. Clowes, of Sullivan county, N. Y., has pub-
lished some essays showing the advantages and
economy of building railroads altogether of wood
— wooden rails and wooden sleepers. The opinions

of Mr. Clowes are good and worthy of attention.
Where timber is so abundant and cheap, as it is in
our country, we think that railroads of this kuid
would not only be of great benefit, especially to our
farmers in the rural districts, but would be of great
benefit to our mechanics and merchants, who dwell
in our cities and villages also. The roads in our
agricultural districts are not good, although the tim-
ber is abundant. Now, just let some main tracks of
strong, deep, and broad wooden rails be laid through
the most central and densely-populated parts of the
country, as auxiliaries to the main lines of the iron
tracks, and let broad- wheeled locomotives, built
upon the plan of Mr. Sellers, bo placed upon the
wooden tracks, so as to carry at a cheap rate the
agricultural products of our farmers to market, and
gi-eat benefits would thus be conferred both upon
our rural and municipal population. It frequently
costs more to bring agricultural products to market
than the original price at the farmer's dwelling.
Every improvement, therefore, that cheapens transit,
is certainly a benefit to every cla.?s of our citizens.
— Scientific American.

EFFECT OF ETHER ON PLANTS.

At a meeting of the New York Farmers' Club,
July 18, the following was read : The Mimosa
pudica being placed under a glass vase with cotton
wet with the ether, in t\\cnty minutes the plant lost
all its sensibility, and could not be made to move by
touching it with a pin. At its nio?t susceptible
parts, some change in its color was perceptible. The
plant was ten minutes insensible, and then gradually
recovered. This experiment was often repeated, and
always with the same results. The experiment was
tried on the Oxalis sensitiva, which is less irritable
than the first named, and it did not lose its suscepti-
bility in less than twenty-five minutes, and recovered
slowly. The plant Dioncca micscipula, after twenty
minutes, began to close up its young leaves gradually,
and then lost all its sensibility.

EFFECT OF DOMESTiCATIOrJ OW BIRDS.

Professor Low, in speaking of the effect of do-
mestication on birds, says, "They lose the power of
flight by the increase of size of their abdomen, and
the diminished power of their pectoral muscles and
other parts of their body are altered to suit this con-
formation. AU their habits change ; tliey lose the
caution and sense of danger, which, in their native
state, they possessed. The male no longer retires
with a single female to breed, but becomes polyga-
mous, and his progeny lose the power and the -will
to regain the freedom of their race."

AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS !N FRANCE.

At a recent ses3ion of the National Assembly of
France, the principal part of the day was devoted to
the bill relative to the agricultural schools. It was
resolved that one of these institutions should be
founded and maintained in each department at the
public expense, and further, that the country should
be divided into agricultural districts, not exceeding
twenty, in each of which a government school is to
be established.

" Busi:>'i:ss vs. Lounging. — Call upon a busmess
man in business hours, on business only ; transact
the business, and then go about your biLsiness, that
he may have time to fini-jh his."

48

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

SPEED THE PLOUGH.

Heaven speed the plmnjh '. and smilo upon tlic crown

^i Ceres, bless the efforts of all men
AVho labor heartfuUy on dale or down,

The plain luxuriant, or tlie mountain glen,

Evoking Nature's gifts, till e'en the fon
Teoms with abundance, and the general land

Shines worthy of Earth's worthiest citizen.
Who bids the sickle triumph o'er the brand !
Heaven speed the plou(/h ! Fair Nature's shuttle true.

The farmer is her weaver, and the field
Her web and woof ! Long ages but renew

Proofs of her power, Avhile rots the warrior's shield.
Rarely hath shame Hushed on a nation's brow
Whose honest prayer hath been, Godspeed tJteiilovjh !

OLDEN TIMES.

Farmers' w-ivcs, in olden times had lots of work to
do. In the reign of Henry VIII., Sir A. Fitzherbct
wrote a treatise entitled the " liock of Husbandry,"
in which he says, —

" It is a wyvc's occupation to wynowo oil manner
of cornes, to make maltc, to -washe and wringe, to
heye, shcvc corn, and such other. And to go, ryde
to the market and sell butter, cheese, milk, eggs,
chickens, capons, beevers, pyggcs, geese, and all
manner of cornes."

CURIOUS GROWTH OF ROOTS.

An instance occurs in Leigh Woods, near Bristol,
which remarkably illustrates the tendency of roots
to grow towards the spot most fitted to afford them
nutriment. In a little hollow on the top of the shell
of an old oak, the outer layers of which, however,
and the branches, are still vegetating, the seed of a
wild-service tree was accidentally sown. It grew
there for some time, supported, as it would appear,
in the mould formed by the decay of the trunk on
which it had sprouted ; but this being insufficient,
it has sent down a large bundle of roots to the
gro^ind, within the shell of the oak. Those roots
have now increased so much in size, that, as they do
not subdivide until they nearly reach the ground,
they look like so many small trunks. In the soil,
however, towards which they directed themselves,
there was a large stone — about a foot square ; and,
had their direction remained unchanged, they would
have grown down upon this. But, about half a yard
above the ground, thej- divide, part going to one side
and part to the other, and one of them branching
into a fork, of which one leg accompanies one bun-
dle, and one the other ; so that, on reaching the
ground, they enclose the stone between them, and
penetrate on the two sides of it. — Carpenter s Vege-
table PhjsiologTj.

ICE MACHINE.

W'o learn from the Cincinnati Ctazette, that an
ingenious mechanic of that city has constructed, and
put into successful operation, a machine for the
manufacture of ice. By means of this machine, such
a degree of cold can bo obtained as to form ice in-
stantly, and which can be afforded at a cheaper rate
than it is now sold at. The machine can be used in
any climate, is cheap, and can be kept in order.
The patentee values this right at half a million of
dollars.

Worthy to be written in letters of gold. The
motto of Cotton Mather over his door was, " Be
short." " Whatsoever thy hand fiadeth to do. do it
with thy might."

THE OLIO.

THE FllE.XCIIMAX AT HIS liXGLISU I.E.5S0XS.

Ha, my good friend, I have met with
■ one very strange word. How do

r-h>

FilF.XCIl-M.VX.

one difficulty -

you call h-o-u-

TtrToii. HujJ\

Fkkxciimax. Tres bien, huff; and snuff yow spell
s-n-o-u-g-h — ha r

Tutor. O, no, no ; snnff is s-n-u double-f. The
fact is, words in oucjh are a little irregular.

Frenchman. Ah, very good. 'Tis bcau'ful lan-
guage. Il-O'U-g-h is huff. I will remember; and
c-o-u-g-h is cuff. I have one bad cuff — ha ?

Tutor. No, that is wrong. We say kanf, not cuff.
Fkexchman. Kmif? Eh, bien. Huff and kauf ;
and, pardonncz moi, how do you call d-o-u-g-h —
duff — ha ?

Tutor. No, not duff.

Frexchmax. 'Not duff/ Ah! oui; I understand;
it is dauf — hey ?

Ti^roR. No, d-o-u-g-h spells doe.
Frexchmax. Doe ! It is very fine — wonderfu.
language ! It is doe ; and t-o-u-g-h is toe, certaine-
ment. Mj' beefsteak was very toe.

Tutor. O, no, no ; you should say tuff.
Frexchmax. Tufff I-e diable ! and the thing
the farmer uses — how you call him — p-1-o-u-g-h !
pluff — ha? You smile. I see I am wrong. It is
plaufi No ! Ah, then it is pJoe, like doe. It is
beau'ful language, ver' fine — plot.

Tutor. You are still Avrong, my friend. It is
pilow.

Frexchmax. Vhxo ! Wonderful language ! I shall
understand ver' soon. Flow, doe, kauf; and one
more — r-o-u-g-h — what you call General Taylor —
rauf and ready ? No ? certainement, it is roio and
ready ?

Tutor. No ! R-o-u-g-h spells ruff.
Frexchmax. Huff — ha! Let me not forget.
R-o-u-g-h is ruff', and b-o-u-g-h is buff — ha ?
Tutor. No, bou-.

Frenchman. Ah! 'tis ver' simple — wonderful
language : but I have had what you call e-n-o-u-g-h !
ha ! what you call him ?

The End of Life. No man has a right to live
solely for himself; but should live to do good, and
scatter blessings all around him.

How beautiful, how sublime the precept, "Forgive
us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass
against us." — But who Avould willingly be thus
adjudged : Who is there, that docs not hope for
more mercy at the hand of his Maker, than he has
shown t^ his fellow-man r

A warm heart requires a cool head. So a ship
that carries a great deal of sail needs a first-rate
helmsman.

Dr. Franklin says, " He who rises late may trot
all day, but never overtakes his business."

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $\ a
year, or five copies for $-1, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 181 cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume.

I|g" The Postage ^|>

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 2G cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

sterrotyped at the

boston TYPB and STEHEOTYFE rOVNDRT.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE IND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth, — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1849,

NO. 4.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, Proprietor.

QUALITIES OF INDIAN CORN.

Chemists have furnished analyses of Indian corn ;
but these, in the usual way in which wc have them,
are very indefinite, and far from giving the informa-
tion which the farmer desires in order to enable him
to determine on the value and proper purposes of
corn for feeding, and to ascertain what elements it
takes from the soil, that he may supply them in
manures.

Different varieties of corn differ widely. Some
contain a large portion of oil, others are composed
mostly of starch. The Tuscarora, the Calico, and
Knight's Tall Flour corn, contain a very large portion
of starch and very little oil. On the contrary, the
various kinds of pop corn, and those heavy varieties
usually cultivated in New England, contain a large
portion of oil, and are valuable for their fattening
properties.

Corn composed mostly of starch, makes a light,
pleasant, wholesome food, and it is excellent to mix
with wheat flour, which is rather tenacious and rich
in nutrition. The Calico corn is considered the best
for this purpose, and, excepting the hull, it is remark-
ably white, and does away with the objection of mix-
ing corn flour with that of wheat, on account of its
darker color. The inner part of Calico corn is as
white as wheat.

We hope that in future, chemists will be more
definite, and when they give us the results of their
experiments and investigations, that they will give
those circumstances that are so essential to their
utility. They should name the variety of which
they give an analysis, and state its predominant
qualities as to oil or starch.

AGRICULTURAL MEETING

AT THE STATE HOUSE.

Agreeably to adjournment at the close of the last
session of the Legislature, the first meeting was held
January 16, and the following officers were chosen:
Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, (of the Council,) President ;
Lieutenant-Governor Reed, and Hon. J. C. Leonard,
of Norton, Vice-Presidents ; William Buckminster,
of the Ploughman, S. W. Cole, of the New England
Farmer, and L. Bartlett, of the Cultivator, Secre-

taries ; Hons. William B. Calhoun, (Secretary of
State,) Brooks, of Princeton, Wilder, of Leominster,
Walker, of Brookfield, and J. S. Sleeper, Editor of
the Boston Journal, a committee to propose subjects
for discussion, engage gentlemen to open the discus-
sion, and to deliver essays on agriculture.

Toted, Tliat the speaker who opens the discussion
be limited to haK an hour, and those that follow to
fifteen minutes.

Remarks were made by several gentlemen on the
mode of conducting the meetings, particularly on
ha-\-ing subjects more limited than usual, on report-
ing, &c.

We have generally had broad subjects for discus-
sion at these meetings, and we have scattered our
labors over various parts of a wide field, without
efl'ecting much in any one branch. Our choice has
been to have definite subjects, and discuss them thor-
oughly. For instance, take apples for one evening,
or more if necessary, and not take the broad subject
of " Fruits and Fruit Trees," and discuss it six even-
ings, as has been the case. As an instance of the im-
propriety of extensive subjects, after the organization,
at the first meeting, the subject of Farm Stock was
taken up for discussion, and nothing of consequence
was said, excepting on swine, and not half of the
different breeds of this class of animals was named ;
and scarcely any thing was said on management,
feeding, &c. We name these things, hoping that
those who read these remai-ks will use their influence
in making an improvement in having more definite
subjects, that they may not be so broad that we
must have the same subjects year after year.

These meetings are interesting and highly instruc-
tive, and we are pleased to see exhibited an un\i3ual
interest in them the present season. There seems to
be a determination to make them more useful and
efficient, and give them an importance that shall
command not only the respect and attention of agri-
culturists, but of gentlemen of science and general
intelligence.

We shall give reports of the meetings, containing
the substance of the most important facts elicited
by these useful discussions. They will be arranged
under the head of the subjects, instead of the gen-
eral sameness of meetings, only varied in number and

50

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

date, which will be an improvement in a permanent
work like this. As our paper is stereotyped, we
cannot publish the doings of these meetings imnie-
diatcly, but notliing will be lost by deliberation, in-
stead of a hasty report, as it gives an opportunity to
correct errors that are liable to occur, or ascertain
more distinctly the views of a speaker.

SWINE.

At the first agricultural meeting, the subject for
discussion was " Swine."

Mr. Buckminster said, that the Berkshire hogs had
been extolled highly, but farmers have been deceived
in them. They do not open well, though of good
appearance externally. The meat is stringy and
tough ; and for barrelling, it does not sell well in
the market. The Bedfords and Markays are more
valuable. He thought the Suffolk breed was very
good. One objcctioji, they are not good breeders.

^Ir. Wilder, the president, said, that he had kept
the Suffolk hogs two years, and had raised no pigs.
They were probably too fat for breeding. They sell
at an extra price in the market. The 'size is small.
Mr. Stickney, who imported this breed, increases
the size by crossing thcni with the Middlesex.

Mr. J. Breck, of Brighton, said, that he had tried
the Berkshires ; they did not cut up well. He
thought they might be improved by a cross with the
C'hina breed.

Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, said, that the Berkshires
are excellent for ham, for roasters, and lard, and he
would raise them for these purposes. They produced
more lean meat than others. The liit fries away
more than usual. He said that no breed of hogs
would answer all purposes.

Mr. Bartlett said, that fat hogs would not breed
well. Poor people, v/ho do not keep their hogs in
high condition, generally raise the most pigs. He
had a sow which he kept mostly on raw riita bagas,
and she j^roduccd a baker's dozen of pigs.

Mr. Cole remarked, that the Berkshires had been
extolled too highly, and now they were undervalued.
They had been very useful in New York, and in the
western country, in crossing with other breeds, which
had made great improvement. There is a great de-
mand for fat meat, and hogs are deprived of pure air,
and exercise, and high fed, till they are diseased Avith
tat, and sometimes they cannot get up, and cannot
sec, and would soon die, if not butchered. I,can
meat is best for nutriment, and to supply the wear
of muscle in a person that labors ; but if the ob j ect
of eating is to grow fat, then fat meat should be
preferred.

THE WHITE CARROT.

A few years ago the white carrot excited great
attention in this country and in Europe, and it has
been tried extensively, and farmers generally say that
it is found Avanting in niitriment, color, or some
other quality, and the cultivation of it is nearly
abondoned in this section.

We think it is the same a\ ith tliis carrot as it has
been with the Chinese Tree corn, Rohan potatoes, and
Berkshire pigs, first extolled too highly ; and, as they
did not come up to the high imaginary standiird, they
have been undervalued. The white carrot is esti-
mated higher in other sections than in this, and we
hope that it will continue in favor, at least long
enough for it to have a fair trial. We copy the
following from the Gcrmantown (Pa.) Telegraph : —

I have recently examined some superb specimens
of this variety of the carrot family, and cannot resist
the conviction that, with proper management and a
congenial soil, they will be found fiir more profitable
and productive than cither the orange or red. The
individual by whom they were exhibited is noted
for his intelligence and enterprise, and has sever.al
times received premiums and other honorable dis-
tinctions from Agricultural Societies, for the best
crops, animals, &c., and is, withal, a citizen of whom
the agricultural community may well be proud. Our
friend speaks in terms of high approbation of the
white carrot as a " field crop," being, he thinks, far
more hardy and prolific than any other variety of
the carrot he has ever cultivated. As the roots in
question were grown on the same soil with others of
the red and orange varieties, and cultivated precisely
in the same manner, without the smallest modifica-
tion as to manuring or after culture, he was able to
ascertain, with the nicest accuracy, the comparative
value of the several kinds. The result of his obser-
va'lons were, that, on the same soil, and with the
same advantages, the white carrot is of far greater
value to the root grower, if his object be stock
feeding, than any root he can cultivate with the
same advantages of climate and manure.

In the cultivation of carrots, — unquestionably one
of the best roots the farmer can raise, — it is necessarv
to have the soil of a good texture, and properly pre-
pared. Old lands, that have been well worked, and
reduced to a fine tilth, are much preferable to now ;
and if not exhausted, or so far emasculated constitu-
tionally, as not to admit of ready and thorough
resuscitation b}' the application of strong and ener-
getic manures, they will rarely fail of producing a
good crop. When intended for stock, carrots may,
like turnips, be sowed late. The ground should be
rolled after sowing, and great care exercised to keep
down the weeds, especially while the plants are
young. We frequently hear complaints tliat carrot
seed does not readily germinate, and that the crop
is principally unprofitable on this account — trans-
planting or resowing being impracticable. If farm-
ers would soak their seed twenty-four hours before
sowing, in urine, and then roll it in gypsum, and
a/ter sowing, carefully compress the soil by the
application of the roller, or some other suitable
instrument, there would rarely be any failure; the
difliculty being in the management oftener than in
the seed.

LAST OF RAILS.

Rails split in the spring when the bark will leave
them, last much better than those split in winter, as
the bark remaining on the wood causes it to retain
moisture, which soon rots the rail. When there is
bark on the rails, to tarn down so that, as it becomes
loose, it can fall off, will promote their last. Small
raUs last much longer than large ones. All fences
should be torn down and re-set within three years
after they are first built. The rails are not then so
rotten as to break in throwing about, while the bark
has generally become sufheicntly loose to jar off.
For durability, Spanish oak is much better than
either red or post oak. — Southern Cultivator.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

51

THE FIELD ROLLER.

The field roller is among the important implements
of the farm, contributing largely to improvements
and successful cultivation. The following are among
the advantages of this valuable implement.

It levels and smooths the land on sowing down to
grass, pressing sods and small stones into the soft
soil, pulverizing the lumps of earth, and preparing a
fine even surface for the scj"the, and a better condition
of the soil for the crops.

It presses the light, loose earth around the seeds of
grass, grain, &c., causing a more ready and sure vege-
tation, for many hard, slowly-vegetating seeds Avill
not start casilj', and some not at all, unless the earth
is pressed closely upon them. A farmer observed
that an old horse gave him a useful lesson. lie was
m a field in which a piece of carrots had just been
sowed on light land, and the horse rolled on the
carrot bed, and where he rolled the seeds came well,
but mostly faded on other parts.

By making the earth compact at the surface, in-
sects are deprived of shelter ; otherwise the sods,
loose stones, and lumps of earth, afford them con-
venient habitations.

In spring there is frequently great advantage in
rolling lands recently sowed to grain and grass, as
the earth that has been hove with the frost, exposing
the roots of plants, is replaced by the operation of
this implement.

The roller is particularly beneficial on light lands,
where the soU. is too loose and porous to retain
moisture, and protect the manure from the effects of
di'jing winds and a scorching sun, and where it is
too light to allow the roots of plants a firm hold in
the earth ; and on lands usually wet, it is very useful,
in a dry time, in smoothing the surface, after sowing
to grain or grass. On most soils, small stones are
beneficial, and thus are but little trouble in
tillage.

Some farmers apprehend that rolling lands will
make them heavy, but this is not the case ; it only
renders them compact at the surface, while they

continue as loose and permeable to the roots of
plants as before this operation.

Rollers are constructed of wood, stone, and iron.
Those of wood and of iron are mostly used. The
former cost the least in the beginning ; but those
made of cast iron are economical in a long run, as
they will last for ages. They are composed of sev-
eral sections, or di'ums, as represented in the engrav-
ing. They allow of turning conveniently, and with-
out scraping or displacing the soil.

Cast iron rollers are made of diff'erent sizes, by
varying the number of sections, and by the use of
sections of different diameters. Some are twenty-
two, others thirty inches in diameter. They move
on wrought iron arbors, two inches in diameter.
Rollers thus constructed are remarkably strong and
durable. A box is attached, to receive stones and
other impediments to be removed from the land, or
to add to the weight, when necessary. The price
varies from thirty to fifty dollars. These rollers are
for sale at the Agricultural Wai'ehouse of Messrs.
Ruggles, Nourse, Mason, & Co., Quincy Hall, over
the Market.

CARE OF COWS, SHEEP, &,c.

All animals with young should be kept in tolera-
bly good condition, as poor keeping for creatru'es in
such condition is injurious, both to the parent and
offspring. But farmers should bo very careful and
guard against the opposite extreme ; for very high
keeping, which makes the animal very fat, is more
injurious than poor keeping, endangering the life
and health both of the dam and her young.

Gentle exercise, at least, is necessary for animals in
a prolific state, but from inconvenience this is often
neglected in winter. With proper care animals may
receive a little moderate exercise, even in winter, to
prevent the jaundice, dyspepsia, and various disorders
that arise from inaction. Animals should at all times
be supplied with a plenty of pure water.

32

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.
WIRE FENCES.

Mil. Editor : Making and keeping fences in repair
\inder the most favorable circumstances, furnishes a
sad item in the expenses of the farm, and this espe-
cially in regions where stones are scarce, and timber is
every year becoming scarce, and the demands for it
for other purposes arc increasing in rapid extent.
Indeed, the real and threatened scarcity of fencing
materials has already caused many to inquire, " How
are the next generation to protect their fields, and
secure their crops from the depredations of domestic
animals ? "

We rejoice that a remedy is likely to appear in the
introduction of wire for a fencing material, if it
answers the purposes anticipated by many a cool-
headed, sound-minded man. Its introduction will
become very general, not only where other materials
are scarce or not to be obtained at all, but where
they are abundant, from the fact that it will not only
be cheaper in the outset, but " in the long run," than
any other fence that can be invented. Let is count
the cost and see.

T. C. Peters, Esq., in an article in the 'January
number of the American Agriculturist, makes an
estimate of the cost of this kind of fence by enumer-
ating items, such as cost of wire, posts, labor, &c., at
twenty-two cents per rod. We think this estimate too
low for the country at large ; and allowing it to be
thirty-seven and a half cents per rod, we conceive
that in a majority, if not in all cases, the balance of
credit must be decidedly in its favor. What other
fence can be made so cheap ? Surely not a wall, for
a half wall usually costs fifty cents a rod ; and then
it must be raised by poles to give it sufficient height,
which may safely be concluded to raise the expense,
at a probable average cost of such poles, including
transportation, to seventy-five cents per rod. If a
wall of sufficient height to keep cattle, &c., in their
enclosures, is built, no one will suppose the cost to be
less than a dollar per rod. Then such walls must
have sufficient width, varying from two to three, and
perhaps four feet, at the bottom, to give them
solidity. By dividing even a small farm into
necessary fields, with these walls, an acre of land is
soon entirely occupied, and twice as much injured by
the dark shadows they cast over it.

We dismiss the wall, and look at the rail fence. If a
■worm or zigzag fence, it will require one hundred rails
for ten rods, or ten rails for one rod. The price of
these rails will vary, of course, according as timber is
plenty or otherwise. In New England, where we
are consuming the productions of the forest so fast,
and the demands for building timber and fuel are
increasing so rapidly, five dollars per hundred for
rails, delivered, we should think a low average.
Here, then, for the ten rails to lay a rod of fence, you
pay fifty cents. Then you have the cost of labor to
get and lay the foundation, and lay up the rails, the
cost of which will, of course, be in proportion to the
price of labor in diff'erent localities. Then such
fences are liable to be blown down by high winds,
breakage of rails, &c., w'hich will cause them to afllict
the farmer with additional expenses from year to year.
These also occupy, to the exclusion of the plough, a
strip of land from four to five feet.

In some sections we have seen post and rail fences,
the only plea for the economy of which must be, we
are sure, that they occupy less land ; for the expense
of cutting, mortising and setting posts must fully
equal the cost of the additional number of rails for a
worm fence.

Eut to return to the wire fence. If it will answer
the purpose of protection, — and we see no reason to
the contrary, — it must be, in our mind, surely entitled
to precedence, even at the same cost of other fences ;

for, in the first place, it will occupy but little space,
and will injure no land by shading it. Secondly,
when once thoroughly built, its durability must
be as great, if not greater, than other fences,
excepting heavy Avails. Thu'dly, its appearance on
the farm must be very neat and tasteful, which will
render it desirable, particularly for street fences, (if
we must yield to those who disregard the law, and
let their animals run at large at our expense,) and
around buildings.

How many days is the farmer taxed in various, if
not nearly all parts of New England, every winter,
in breaking paths through ponderous snow drifts, to
open the necessary thoroughfares of business ! And
how often is the traveller, bewildered by intricate
mazes, crossing fields, and turning thi'ough barn-
yards, delayed in his progress, and vexed in his soul,
to avoid unsightly drifts ! In nearly every instance
these mountain masses of driven snow are indebted
for their lodgment to the protecting fences on either
side, which shield it from the rough blasts of the
northern tempest. AVire fences, if wire Avill an-
swer for fences, wiU remedy this evil at once and
forever. So open that they will furnish no impedi-
ment to roaming winds, they will permit free and
unincumbered passage onward, and instead of per-
mitting these grievous annoyances to accumulate,
they will scatter them in their furious gambols.
What a comfort to man and his beasts would then be
realized ! The most appalling horrors of " a New
England winter" annihilated, and an amount of
vexatiou%s and unproductive labor saved which would
be gladdening to all Avho have realized its per-
plexity.

Yours truly,

WILLIAM BACON.

Elmwood, Jan. 1849.

For the Neio England Farmer.
TRANSPLANTING TREES.

Mr. Editor : As the season is approaching when
the transplanting of trees will again commence, I
propose, as briefly as the nature of the subject will
admit, to state my own experience as to the best
method of accomplishing this object in New Eng-
land.

And first, as to the season of transplanting. I am
well satisfied that, for deciduous trees of all kinds,
the spring months are most favorable ; and the sooner
this can be done after the frost is out of the ground
the better. My plan is to have the holes prepared
in the autumn, when it is practicable, because the
action of the frost and the snow and rain tend to loosen
the earth beyond the hole upon all sides, and thus
give the new fibres from the roots a better chance
for penetrating the earth. Another advantage is
that, by digging the holes in the fall, the decay of
weeds, leaves, and other vegetable matter that collects
in them, forms the best nutriment for the roots.

Evergreen trees may be planted a little later than
deciduous trees ; but I cannot recommend a later
period than the 20th of May, and they will be sure
to do well if jilanted at any time for a month
previous.

We have all been cautioned against deep planting
sufficiently to prevent the practice being very com-
mon ; nevertheless we are apt to commit a very great
error, causing a similar result, by loosening the earth
too deejjly. We propose now to speak of the man-
ner of preparing the ground for the reception of the
tree, by which this error will appear manifest.

In digging the holes, reference, of course, must be
had to the size of the tree to be planted. The holes
should be at least a foot wider in circumference than
the roots, but no deeper than is sufficient to sink

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

53

the crown of the stem where it rises from the roots
to a level Avith the natural level of the ground, or, if
any thing, a little above it. If we examine a tree
growing in its natural state, we shall alwaj's find
that the tree bulges out of the ground, and that the
diverging roots are generally visible ; while the tree
which we plant is set so low that it looks more like
a stake driven into the gi-ound than a tree. It is a
common practice, after digging the holes as deep as
the tree is intended to be placed, to loosen the cai'th
still deeper down, sometimes throwing it out, and
putting in mould, sods, or manure. The effect of this
is, that the tree settles down with the earth, as it
hardens, and gets below its natural level, to its great
and lasting injury.

In taking up the tree to be transplanted, we are
apt to be short-sighted and careless, and M'e cut away
and break the roots without mercy. The proper
method of proceeding is, to take off the earth care-
fully above the roots, then proceed well outside, and
trench round the tree till the operator gets below
the tier of roots ; then, by passing the spade under
and towards the centre of the tree, he can loosen it
in its bed, and draw it out. Before setting it out, let
him examine the roots carefully, and cut off smoothly
every end of a root that has been broken, and it is
then ready for planting. To do this in the best man-
ner, it should be placed as near as possible in a similar
position to the old one, the roots should be carefully
straightened out, and the earth filled in among them
by the hand. It should not be trodden down until
this has been done, and the earth all in, and then
only pressed upon with the foot. No water is
necessary; on the contrary, in nine cases out of ton,
it is hurtful. If a tree has been out of the ground
for a long time, and the roots have become dry, it is
advisable to make a puddle of mud, and dip the roots
in it before setting the tree.

Mulching trees, after transplanting, is a most simple
and ready mode of protecting them from heat and
drought. , I have never known it to fail in keeping
a tree healthy and vigorous against the severest
drought. Grass, w^eeds, stable litter, or even stones
around the trees, is a sufficient mulching. This, in
our climate, is an essential never to be disregarded,
either in fall or spring planting.

Pruning is another important essential to be ob-
served in transplanting deciduous trees. Every tree,
when transplanted, loses some portion of its roots;
and it follows, of course, that it loses a part of its
ability to support its branches, and to furnish the re-
quisite supply of food for a vigorous growth the ensu-
ing season. It becomes necessary, therefore, to sacri-
fice a part of the tree above the ground, somewhat in
proportion to that which has been lost beneath. Now,
there arc several modes of doing this. I have tried
them all, and am convinced that the best, simplest,
and the only one that does not detract from the
beauty of the tree is, to cut off from every branch,
except the topmost leading shoot, the whole of the
previous year's growth down to a vigorous bud on the
stem. A few more words about transplanting, and I
will finish my desultory remarks. A damp day is
better than a bright day ; a still day is preferable to a
windy one, for transplanting trees ; and never expose
for a moment, if possible, the roots of any tree, par-
ticularly an evergreen tree, to the wind. I have never
seen this sufficiently attended to. Where a tree is to
lie, if only for a few moments, exposed to wind or
sun, a mat should be at hand to protect it. More
trees are lost from a desiccation of the roots by a
drying wind than from any other cause.

Lynn, Jan. 1849. R. S. F.

Insects are found in slate, and flies and ants in
amber.

Fw the New England Farmer.

"THE WIND BLOWETH WHERE IT
LISTETH."

Mr. Editor: There have been writers on the
philosophy of the winds, and windy philosophers
have written on many subjects; but I have seen no
satisfactory reasons given by any one why the wind
should vary in its temperature so much as it fre-
quently does when coming from a northern direction.
The expansion of the air in one place has been con-
sidered the cause of the rushing in of a more con-
densed air fi-om another place to produce an equilib-
rium. It is a common occurrence, after severe cold
weather in winter, for the air to moderate, and a
thaw to commence, while the wind is at the north ;
but it is more frequently the case when the wind is
fi'om the south. What should take place to rarefy the
air at the north in the winter, and cause the wind to
rush in from the south, has been somewhat a puzzle
in my mind.

Philosophy readily accounts for the cold chill at
the commencement of a south wind after cold winds
from an opposite direction : it is evident that the cold
air which has gone from the north to the south on
the change of the wind to that direction, must return
again, and continue to moderate gradually as the air
moves from a warmer climate. But how to account
for a rarefaction in the air and thaw, while the wind
is from the north, after severe cold in the winter, no
philosopher as yet has given me satisfaction. Wheth-
er it is caused by subterranean heat, or electricity, or
whatever circumstance, the subject will admit of
an interesting discussion for farmers in the leisure
hours of winter, and they can enlighten one another
through the columns of the New England Farmer.

If farmers are not all philosophers, they ought to
become so. Men of no profession are benefited more
by a knowledge of natural philosophy than farmers
are. The more knowledge of causes and effects a
man has, the better he is qualified to cultivate the
earth, and reap the reward of his knowledge in an
augmented harvest. The earth is so constituted that
the circulation of the au" is an operation necessary to
the existence of all breathing animals and growing
vegetables. A stagnated air would soon show its
deadly effects on all animated nature. In this world
of changes the winds are subject to irregularities, and,
lilce the passions of men unrestrained, sometimes
hurry into a tempest, and lay prostrate all in their
way, causing devastation to dwellings, forests, fields,
and even to animal life.

Moderate winds are exhilarating to the spirits ;
especially the zephj'rs will almost produce an ecstasy
upon a sensitive, healthy set of nerves. The winds
are as beneficial to growing vegetation as they are to
animal life ; without which the growing vegetables
would be destitute of that exercise which is neces-
sary to all animal and vegetable existence ; witho\it
them the forest trees would become puny and weak,
like the man who grows up without exercise. The
great Author of nature, in his wisdom, has made the
winds, notwithstanding all their irregularities, one
of the great essentials in his design of bestowing
temporal blessings upon his creatures.

Wishing you prosperity in your endeavors to com-
municate knowledge, and do good,

SILAS BROWN.

Wilmington, Jan. 23, 1849.

APPLES IN MAINE.

Colonel John Moulton, of Porter, Me., on the hilly
lands nearly forty miles north-west of Portland, is one
of the most extensive fruit-growers in that state, and
he is making numerous experiments on the various

54

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

kinds of apples which are recommended as excel-
lent.

A few years ago, he sent to us some as large and
fine Yellow Bcllflowers as we have eyer seen in this
market, not excepting those fi-om New York and
Pennsylvania ; and when raised in Maine they proved
to be a winter apple, and some of them were fine in
March. As Colonel Moulton then thought that he
should make the Bellflower his leading apple, and
we have supposed, fi-om its uncertainty as to bearing,
fairness, and quality, that it would not hold that high
rank in New England, we lately wrote to him on the
subject, and received the following communication;
and though a jjart of a private corresijondcnce, we
take the liberty to publish it, as it contams valuable
general information.

The Late Baldwin, of which Colonel Moulton speaks,
is a synonyme of the Baldwin, a name which Ave
gave to a modification of this fruit. It is usually
more flat, harder, and keeps longer, than the common
Baldwin, and it bears more in odd years, for instance,
1845, '7, '9. Those who complain at our applying
this term to a peculiar modification of this famous
fruit, are referred to the following comiuunication for
a confirmation of our views.

Letter from Colonel Moulton.

Deak Siu : Yours of late was duly received ; and in
answer to your inquiries, I ^\-ill state that I haA'e five
kinds of apples that may be sold to most persons for
Baldwins. The kind that I call the real Baldwin, is
a great bearer in even years. The tree is hardy,
grows well, and Avill do well on very wet land, if
some top-dressing is put around it annually.

The kind that I prefer, you call Late Baldwin.
The fruit is larger, keeps some two months longer,
and bears quite as well. Tliis fruit has sold in
Saco, the past fall, for three dollars per barrel. This
apple bears nearly as well in odd as the even years.
It is the best apj^le, taking all things into considera-
tion, that I know of. My Ilhode Island Greenings
are good bearers, the fruit fair, but not equal to the
Baldwins in yielding. The Bellflower has done
poorly for two years past ; before that time they did
quite well. The tree needs close pruning, good cul-
tivation, and a warm soil.

The Nodhcad [Jewett's Red. Ed.] has done poorly
with me as yet ; they arc very knotty. I have some
trees on a warm, light soil, out of the way of the
wind, which I suspect is the cause of their being
imperfect. My Porter apple has not been in bearing
long enough for nic to ascertain its bearing properties.
I have the impression that they must be well pruned,
and the land dressed and cultivated to make tbem
profitable. I have a considerable A'ai-iety of "Winter
Sweetings, yet nothing very valuable. The Oxford
Sweeting, a native apple, is the best for the table I
have ever seen, but a poor bearer.

I have some others that I have not proved long
enough to give an opinion on them. I have some
twenty varieties of Russcttings, all very poor [bearers.
Ed.] but two kinds. The Golden Russet was the
best bearer I had in 1817. Very good this year ;
makes the best dried apple I have ever seen ; good,
also, for pics, preserves, and quite a good eating
apple. The tree is hardy, groAVS avcU, and bears neg-
lecting. The other I call the Oxford Russet, mcdi-
lun bearer, keeps through the summer, is juicy,
somewhat acid ; very much sought after by the sick.
Respectfully A'ours,

JOHN MOULTON.

Porter, Dec. 1813.

MANURES.

Second agricultural meeting at the State House,
January 23. The President, Hon. Marshall P. Wil-
der, in the chair. Subject, "Manures."

The president opened the discussion. He spoke
of the great importance of manures, and said that
the most fertile lands A\-ould become exhausted by
constant crojjping, Avithout manure ; eA'en the rich
land in the Avcst wiU fail. He Avas not opposed to
the use of stable manures, but they Avere expensive,
and other manures equally valuable could be made at
less cost. Ho made a compost of one cord of meadow
muck, tweh'e bushels of ashes, and six bushels of
crushed bones, Avhich he had used Avith excellent
success. The best manure that he had used was
composed of animal manure and charcoal dust, the
latter costing five dollars per cord. Charcoal is a
great absorbent of the ammonia that falls in rains,
and it gives it out as food for the groAving plant.
ISIr. Pell, of NeAV York, raised eighty bushels of
wheat to the acre, by the use of fifty bushels of
chai'coal dust. Charcoal is also a A'aluable disin-
fectant.

Mr. J. E. Teschemacher, of Boston, stated that in
this subject were three great considerations : 1. The
nature and quality of the crop ; 2. The nature of
the soil ; 3. The nature and the application of the
manure. In England, the land, though well manured,
failed, after a Avhile, to give good crops of Avheat,
unless cLressed A\-ith the phosphate of lime. AYe
shovxld consider AA'hat the crop extracts fi'om the
soil, and supply those elements in manure. The most
important consideration is Avhat part of the crops
puts the most bone and muscle on the animal. Be-
fore Liebig Avas born, it Avas known that phosphate
of lime formed bones, but not that phosphates formed
muscle. All soils consist mostly of sand and clay.
The former makes a stiff", strong stalk for plants ; but
it must be dissoh'ed by potash, Avhich is contained in
clay. Clay does not constitute a part of plants, but
it is important in retaining potash and ammonia.
Clay exposed to frost falls to powder, and is excel-
lent for compost. Charcoal is a good absorbent of
ammonia, but clay Avill ansAver for this purpose, and
it is more plenty. Ammonia is valuable for the
groAving plant, all but the seed. He considered the
better Avay to make a compost of maniu-c, and let it
decompose or become carbonized before used. All
excrements of animals and animal matter is good for
manure.

Mr. Buckniinster, of the Ploughman, doubted the
statement that Mr. Pell raised eighty bushels of
wheat to the acre. In the AVCst the largest crop was
forty bushels to the acre.

Mr. Bartlett, of the Cultivator, said that expe-
rience had taught him that to farm Avithout manure
Avas improfitable. Crops failed from the exhaustion
of the soil, from the ingredients carried away in the
crops. In the forests and the prairies of the west,
Avhatever grcAv upon the land Avas returned, A\-hich
kept up the fertility. If all the crops taken from an
acre of land AA'as fed to a coav or a horse, and the
manure that Avas made while the animal was con-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

55

suming the crop was returned to the soil, there
■would bo but very little exhaustion.

Hon. Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, inquired to what
soils charcoal should be applied. He remarked that
brine and plaster were good to fix ammonia. Would
not these do as well as charcoal ?

Mr. Teschomachcr replied, that charcoal dust should
be put into the compost heap and applied to any soil.

Then followed a conversation in regard to the
effects of charcoal, and it Avas settled that it was in-
destructible, and not a fertilizer, but an absorbent of
fertilizing gases.

Mr. Brooks said that he composted his manui'es in
a barn cellar, and he found that sixteen loads thus
prepared were worth as much as twenty-four loads
as he used to apply them green, and the shrinkage
was small in proportion, not more than one fourth
or one eighth. In England biu'nt clay is used as an
absorbent.

lion. J. C. Gray, of Cambridge, said, that ho used
plaster of Paris as an absorbent, and that is as cheap
as any substance. A great improvement had been
made by composting manures, which prevented waste
by burning or becoming fire-fangled, as it is called.

Mr. William Parker, of Boston, (owns a paper
mill in Sudbury,) said, that we ought to take care of
manure as well as make it. Farmers lost much
manure by exposure to rains, winds, sun, and frost.
Freezing is very injurious to manure. He uses sand
under his horses as an absorbent of the liquid manure.
With peat, and dust, and leach from his mill, which
is similar to soap suds, he made four or five hun-
dred loads of manure in a year. This was frequently
removed to his barn cellar, and spread over the ani-
mal manure.

Hon. Mr. Leonard, of Norton, observed that econ-
omy was necessary, in order for the farmer to make
a profit, as labor was high. He used the fine dust
from coal-pits, in his famr yard and barn cellar- ; if
not enough, he used fine earth.

Governor Reed said, that he was much pleased
with the practical remarks. He used three parts of
peat with one of animal manure, and in that way
made four times as much manure.

This subject is continued for discussion, and will
be reported in our next number.

BREEDING HORSES.

We clip the following from a report made at the
last fair of the Windsor County Agricultural Society,
by the Committee on Horses. The report is the best
paper we have seen among those yet produced by
the agency of our County Societies. The 7-easons for
making the awards arc given in full, with excellent
practical remarks on the business of breeding horses.
It will repay a careful perusal. — Vermont State
Agriculturist.

Your committee are of opinion that there is no
branch of stock-raising more profitable than the
rearing of the best of horses ; and they consider there
Ls no trouble in accomplishing this, provided that
none but the very best stallions are bred to, and
none are bred from, any but excellent horses, which,
by the way, are very scarce and hard to be obtained,
and for the following reasons : Owing to the hi"h

price good " horse flesh " will ever command, the
majority of our best mares, as soon as they come to
maturity, find their way into our village and city
markets, and are never allowed to breed, save a few
that may be returned to the country after becoming
unsound in limb, or having their constitution broke
down with hard usage and old ago ; and many that
remain among the farmers are valued so highly for
their labor and fine a])pcarance, that they arc never
permitted to breed until they are in a similar condi-
tion to those returned from our business markets.
The consequence is, that nearly all of our horses arc
produced from the most ordinary nrares, or unsound
ones. An unsoundness of the limbs may not impair
the value of a breeding mare, but if she has a weakened
constitution, it must mrwo or less impair the strength,
Sliced, and endurance of the offspring, although they
may have fine forms. Your committee believe it
would be far more profitable to purchase and breed
from maros worth one himdred and fifty dollars than
from those whose average value for the last ten
years, in a sound state, has been no more than forty
dollars, (and this we believe is the class of a majority
of our breeding mares.) From mares of this stamp,
and to good stallions, we cannot raise colts which, at
four years old, would have sold, through the above-
mentioned time, higher than fifty dollars to seventy-
five dollars ; whereas, from the first class of mares,
and to the same stallions, we could A\ith equal cer-
tainty raise colts that would command double these
prices, and occasionally one may command four times
as much.

Another thing that has a great tendency to multi-
ply the number of poor horses is, that farmers too
often estimate the profit of raising colts by the first
cost of getting them — bestowing their patronage
where they can be insured with a foal for the least
money, and frequently to a horse of ordinary quali-
ties ; when, by the addition of a few dollars, they
might secure the services of a horse whose stock
would afford them a profit similar to that spoken of
with the best class of breeding marcs. It should be
remarked, however, that stallions are of a much
higher qualitj' than the breeding nrares. Take them
as a whole, there has been a great improvement in
them, within a few years. And although we may
have only a few but what are valuable horses, yet
there is a great difference between them, — and even
among those of a very high order. Independent of
the pecuniary advantages of breeding from none but
the very best of horses and sires, one may enjoy
according to the fancy of the owner, from five dollars
to twenty dollars' worth of satisfaction, in producing
a superior animal.

Allow your committee to throw out a few hints in
relation to breeding colts — docking, nicking, framing.
Colts should always bo kept in a good condition ;
not extravagantly fed, yet they should have some-
thing more than drj' food the first two winters. The
starving of colts will not only impede their growth,
but will bring on a contraction of the ribs, cords,
and muscles, especially about the chests and
shoulders, that will more or less impair their power,
action, sj^eed, and endurance, after coming to ma-
turity.

It is the opinion of your committee that a horse
will have the most perfect strength and action with
a natural tail ; yet for appearance they would recom-
mend a moderate docking, which should be governed
by the build of the animal and the character of the
tail ; but we should very seldom leave a dock of less
than twelve inches ; and the docking shoidd bo per-
formed when the colts are one or two years old, (one.
year old is preferable.) Colts may bo docked at
these ages with less injury to them than when
nearly grown ; they will have more of a bush to the
tail, with longer hair, and will be inclined to carry
it in a more elevated position. Nicking should be

56

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

looked upon as a cruel and useless practice, •which
undoubtedly impairs the strength and action of the
horse, and may sometimes seriously injure the con-
stitution.

Great care should bo used, in breaking colts, to have
them kind ; and there is but little difficulty in this,
provided they have projjer and gentle treatment.
They very seldom need but little if any whipping.
They should be learned to do their -work in an easy
and handsome manner, and -without fretting. A
horse that is trained to chafe and dance in the har-
ness, or under the saddle, may do very well for fops
and horse-jockeys, but it is not what a sensible man
wants in a horse designed for service, as it is a waste
of strength and action without accomplishing any
useful purpose. And in forming an opinion of a
restless horse, it will bo well to consider whether the
apparent energy and action is natural, or whether it
is brought about by ("/•(zmt'^^r and the ^car of the braid.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
In behalf of the Committee,

EEENEZER BllIDGE, C/ialrman.

LANGUAGE OF BARN-YARD FOWLS.

Fowls use a great variety of language that be-
comes familiar to those who have the care of them,
and the voice of the parent is well known to the
young. When a hawk is approaching, the caution-
ary voice of the mother induces her young brood to
hide instantly. When the danger is past, a different
note of her voice calls them forth.

We put a hen and her brood of chickens into a
garden of vegetables to devour the insects that had
become numerous. They all ate freely under the
approving voice of their mother. "VVe gently drove
them to a carrot-bed, where large, green worms were
on the i^lants. As soon as the hen came near these
Avorms, she gave a caution to her chickens, and her
language was perfectly understood, and, with im-
lilicit obedience, they made their escape from the
place of danger. These are but few among numer-
ous cases. The following extract from the " Natural
History and Anticxuities of Shelborne " depicts, in
beautiful style, the power of language possessed by
barn-yard fowls.

" No inhabitants of a yard seem possessed of such
a variety of expression and so copious a language as
common poultry. Take a chicken of four or five
days old, and hold it up to a Avindow Avherc there
are flies, and it will immediately seize its prey, with
little twitterings of complacency ; but if you tender
it a Avasp or a bee, at once its note becomes harsh,
and cxpressiA'C of disapprobation and a sense of dan-
ger. When a pullet is ready to lay, she intimates
the CA^ent by a joyous and easy, soft note. Of all the
occurrences of their life, that of laying seems to be
the most important ; for no sooner has a hen disbur-
dened herself, than she rushes forth Avith a clamorous
kind of joy, Avhich the cock and the rest of his mis-
tresses immediately adopt. The tumult is not con-
fined to the family concerned, but catches from yard
to yard, and spreads to every homestead within hear-
ing, till at last the whole village is in an uproar. As
soon as the hen becomes a mother, her new relation
demands a new language ; she then runs clucking
and screaming about, and seems agitated as if pos-
sessed. The father of the fiock has also a consider-
able vocabulary ; if he finds food, he calls a favorite
to partake ; and if a bhd of prey passes OA'or, Avith a
warning voice he bids his family beware. The gal-

lant chanticleer has, at command, liis amorous
phrases and his terms of defiance. But the sound by
Avhich he is best known is his crowing : by this he
has been distinguished in all ages as the country-
man's clock or 'larum, as the watchman that pro-
claims the divisions of the night. Thus the poet
elegantly styles him

-the crested cock, whose clarion sounds

The silent hours.

FLAX-WATER AS MANURE.

It is Avell known to farmers, or it was in days of
flax-raising, that flax is a great exhauster, and will
not bear a succession of crops ; and in Ireland and
Holland, where a great deal of flax is raised, this
crop is taken only once in five or six years, as it ex-
hausts the soil of some ingredients Avhich it requii'cs
several years to restore.

But by scientific experiments that have been made
within a few years, it is ascertained that those ex-
tracted from the eaith by the flax, Avhich tends so
much to exhaustion, are not in the fibre Avhich is
wanted for use, but mostly in the refuse, and the
soluble parts that remain in the water in Avhich
the flax Avas rotted, water-rotting being the general
practice in those countries.

By returning the refuse of flax, including the
water, to the soil, it would bear a succession. Thus
science aids the practical farmer and explains Avhat
might appear as a mystery. This view of the subject
is confirmed by the following article : —

Flax-Steep Water as a Manure for Floavers.

" I used the water in which I had flax steeped as a
manure for flowers last year. I followed up the ex-
periment this year ; and although I Avas from home
for five Avecks, during Avhich time none of the plants
had been Avatered Avith the flax-steep, still I am
able to say that those dahlias to Avhich I used the
Avater early continued to keep ahead of those not so
treated. The latter grew from two and a half to
three feet high, Avhile those to Avhich steep-Avater
Avas applied, grew from scA'en to eight feet high,
Avhen three of them broke down, the sticks being
too Aveak to support them against the wmd ; but
their beauty, from the abundance of bloom, surpassed
any thing that I haA^e seen. I haA'e not manured
my garden for these last four years, being determined
to keep it poor, in order to try Avhat effect llax-Avater
Avould haA'C in producing good full-grown floAvers in
cold Avorn-out soil. I am noAV able to assert that
none of my neighbors had such a bloAV of roses or
dahlias as I have had ; and to them I can refer, as
they were Avitnesses of the fact. I had, by the
use of flax-Avater last year, dahlias from ten to
twelA'e feet high, loaded Avith the most perfect
flowers. This rich liquid manure (for it desciwes
the name) Avill be found invaluable to market
gardeners and groAvers of floAvers. I find it to anni-
hilate the green fly." — J. Dickson, British Flax
Mills.

Lost wealth may be restored by industry — the
Avreck of health regained by temperance — forgotten
knowledge restored by study — alienated friendship
soothed into forgetfulness — even forfeited reputa-
tion Avon by penitence and virtue. But who CA'er
again looked upon his vanished hours — recalled his
slighted years, stamped them with wLsdom, and
cfi'aced from Heaven's record the fearful blot of
Avastcd tune ?

NEW ENGLAND FARMER,

St

ISABELLA GRAPE.

We have a fine soil for the grape, and the genial
influence of rain and sunshine. The great difficulty
is, that Avo have not delicious grapes well adapted to
our climate. Our native grapes, which are numer-
ous, are usually austere or acid. Many experiments
are making by raising seedlings from our native
grapes, and from various distant and foreign kinds ;
and we have no doubt that we shall have, by-and-by,
a good assortment of grapes ripening in succession
during the season of this fruit.

At present the best grape for this section of the
country is the IsabcUa. It is from the south, but it

is usually hardy here. It is a most luxuriant grower,
and great bearer. The branches are large, and the
berries of good size. The quality of the Isabella,
when weU ripened, is sweet, rich, and excellent.
After being fairly tried here, it is cultivated more
than all other kinds.

This grape ripens rather late in this climate, so
that it fails in cold seasons, unless it is in a warm
situation. But this will be the standard and princi-
pal kind, until something new is introduced. Our
engraving is from a specimen presented by IVIr. G. A.
Godbold, Chelsea, who is not only very successful —

58

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

raising excellent Isabellas, in almost every season,
but in preserving them in fine condition. They are
now fresh and excellent, preser\^ed in jars, with sev-
eral thicknesses of paper tied tightly over the toji.

METHOD OF TRAINING FRUIT TREES IN
RUSSIA.

The severity of the Avintcr at St. Petersburg is so
great that few fruit trees will survive it, even with
careful matting ; to prevent the loss which is thus usu-
ally sustained, I have for more than twenty years pur-
sued a mode of training which has been attended with
complete success. It consists in leading the branches
of the trees on horizontal trellises only ten or twelve
inches from the ground. "When the winter sets in,
there are heavy falls of snow ; and as the frost in-
creases, the snow generally augments, by which the
trees are entirely buried, and receive no injury from
the most intense frost. The Avinters of 1819 and
1820 were very severe, notwithstanding which, last
summer, I had a great crop of apples, and all the
tender sorts, while none of the gardens in the neigh-
borhood produced any; even many of their trees,
although doubly matted, were killed. From my
Green Gage and Orleans Plums I gathered ripe fruit
on the 29th September last ; I had also a very full
crop of Morello Cherries. Another very great advan-
tage of training trees in the above method consists in
the gi'owth of the wood ; it being of equal strength,
and the fruit produced being all alilte, the bloom
comes out much earlier, and the croj) ripens sooner.
The trees are always clean and free from insects ; I
have observed this even while some standards near
them have had their leaves curled by aphides. The
only cherry that does not succeed in this way is our
Elackhcart ; this I attribute to the damps which
affect the early blossoms ; but in a milder climate this
injury would be obviated by placing the trellis higher
from the ground. When the trellis decays under
the apples, I never renew it, as the trees always
keep (from the strength of the branches) their hori-
zontal position. There are other advantages of treat-
ing fruit trees in this manner : they come sooner
into bearing, and their fruit is not affected by high
winds. I never gather the apples, but let them drop
off', for the distance they fall is not sufficient to
bruise them. Probably pears trained in this way
would answer well in England.
— Selected. JOSEPH BUSCH.

Remarks by the Editor New Exgland Farmer.

We have no doubt that by the above plan many
tender fruits may be extended farther north; and
where the snow is not usually sufficiently deep to
cover the branches, this could be done at a small
expense by the use of litter, evergreen boughs, &c..
There are many fine fruits that fail in the north from
cold winters, not for want of summers sufficiently
long and warm to bring the fruit to maturity.

PEAT.

Peat abounds in many parts of New England ; and
peat bogs arc often adjacent or near sandy soils,
which may be greatly improved by this valuable fer-
tilizer. Some peat bogs that were considered almost
worthless twentj' years ago, are now worth two hun-
dred dollars an acre. Many farmers with two cords
of peat and one of animal manure make a manure
worth as much per cord as that wholly from animals.

In some sections of this state, peat is used exten-

sively for fuel, which is an important advantage
where wood is becoming scarce and high. It makes
a very pleasant fire, and the ashes are good for fuel.
We copy the following remarks on this subject from
Rogers's Scientific Agriculture, which we noticed
not long ago : —

" Peat usuallj' consists of soluble and insoluble
geine, with a mixture of undecomposcd vegetable
matter and some earths." It is usually limited to
the colder parts of the globe ; it results mostly from
the accumulation and decomposition of mosses, but
also from any other vegetable matters which become
mixed with it.

The lower stratum of peat beds decays, while the
plants on the surface continue to grow, thus adding
new matter annually, until they attain the thickness,
in some cases, of thirty or forty feet. In tropical
climates, the heat produces decomposition so speedily
that vegetables are resolved into their elements
before peat can be fonned.

Peat is usually found also in low, boggy or marshy
distrists. According to Dr. McCulloch, «' by the
long-continued action of water and other agents, the
geine of peat is changed into bitumen and carbon,
which constitute lignite and bituminous coal : in a
few instances the process of bitumenization has been
found considerably advanced in beds of peat."

Peat is remarkable for its power of preserving ani-
mal matters from putrefaction.

The following is an analysis of a specimen of peat
from Massachusetts : —

Soluble geine, 26.00

Insoluble do 59.60

Sulphate of lime, 4.48

Phosphate of do 0.72

Silicates, 9,20

100.00
When the decay is far advanced, the peat is a
dark-colored and sometimes solid mass. When less
advanced in decomposition, it is light brown, spongy,
and contains j^ieccs of vegetables not yet disorganized.
In this state it is used in some countries as fuel.
Peat is sometimes sour, from the presence of phos-
phoric and acetic acids : it sometimes also contains
ammonia : it decomposes slowly in the open air.
When mixed with lime or potash and fermenting
barn-yard manure, it becomes a valuable fertilizing
agent, and may be used on any soil which requires
the addition of vegetable matter.

RURAL ARCHITECTURE.

The taste for ornamental planting and rural land-
scape is rapidly spreading. The iron roads, which
arow unite town and country, by almost annihilating
time and sjiace, have enabled gentlemen of wealth
or leisure to escape from the dust, and heat, and
turmoil of the crowded city, and enjoy the pleasures
of a country life. No person, who feels an interest
in rural improvement, can travel in any part of the
country, and not be impressed with the great strides
which have been made within a few years. More
especially in New England is this taste every where
apparent. Intersected in all dii-ections, as the
country is, by railroads, in the vicinity of Boston
and other cities, the number of suburban residences
has not only greatly increased, but they have been
laid out and embellished with a degree of taste
which reflects much credit upon the proprietors,
when we recollect that in but few instances have
practical men been consulted. We are aware that
many of these suburban grounds would have far
greater attractions, had they been laid out in true
taste ; yet their general neatness and beauty show

NEW ENGLAND FARMER,

59

how great is the desire to possess something ap-
proaching that object, so much coveted — a pleasant
country-scat.

We are desirous of contributing all in our power
to aid in the dissemination of true taste in orna-
mental planting, and we shall endeavor to give more
attention to the subject. Zealous as we have been
to promote the interests of horticultural science, we
have directed less attention to rural improvement
than is our intention hereafter. Not that we consider
more plans of so much importance, as the architec-
tural journals will be consulted for these ; but to
give, occasionally, specimens of some of the best ex-
amples of ornamental gardening in our vicinity. —
Majazinc of llorticuUure.

For the New England Farmer.
DOVER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Mr. EniTOii: The farmers of this town held a
meeting last evening, and adopted a constitution for
an Agricviltural Society, reported by a committee
chosen at a previous meeting. The following oflicers
were chosen : Calvin Richards, Esq., President ;
Charles Ford and Captain Timothy Allen, Vice-
Presidents; Elijah Perry, Secretary ; "William Cleve-
land, Treasurer ; Daniel Mann, Esq., Deacon Calvin
Bigclow, Jared Allen, George Cleveland, Ralph
Battclle, John Battelle, and H. W. Jones, Directors.
After the above organization, the subject for discus-
sion which had been proposed at a previous meeting
was taken w]}, and a lively discussion ensued. All
present were well pleased. At nine o'clock the meet-
ing adjourned to meet again in one week. — Com.

DovEU, Jan. 16, 18i9.

Editorial Remarks.

The above is another evidence that the spirit of
improvement is pervading the land, and the forma-
tion of societies will effectually encourage and dis-
seminate this spirit, and promote the worthy objects
for which such associations are established. It
would be well for the countrj', if a society for im-
provement in agriculture, in all its various branches,
was formed in every town in the Union. We would
not except Hull, and still smaller towns. AVhere
there are only five or six men in a town, there will be
a great advantage in having a town Agricultural
Society in full operation. Should there be a want of
members to fill all the offices, give some two or three
offices, as the duties will not be very arduous where
the society is small. Associated action is powerful,
and when dh-ected to laudable purposes, it has a
most salutary effect on society.

AFFECTION FOR OFFSPRING.

One of the strongest feelings of animals is that of
affection for their offspring ; and, indeed, so intense is
this impulse among the greater number, that it may
be said to exceed the care which they em.ploy for
their own ])rcservation, or the indulgence of their
own appetites. Among insects and some other of
the inferior tribes, the care and solicitude of pro-
viding for their young engrosses the better half' of
their existence ; for they labor during the prime of
life to provide a comfortable nest and proper food for
their offspring, which they are never destined to see,
death overtaking them before they can enjoy the
pleasure of beholding their future family. Many
timid animals, that shrink from danger while they

are single and alone, become bold and pugnacious
when surrounded by their young. Thus the domes-
tic hen will face any danger and encounter any foe
in order to protect her brood of chickens ; and the
lark and linnet will allow themselves to be taken in
their nest rather than desert the young which lie
protected under their wings. Even those animals
whose general nature is characterized by savage and
unrelenting fierceness, are gentle, and tender, and
affectio.nate to their young. The grim lion fondles
with paternal softness his playful cubs ; and the
savage bear has been known to interpose her own
body between the deadly musket and her helpless
offspring. But this feeling in animals lasts only for a
season. After they have nourished and brought up
their young, these go out from their parents, all
fm-ther ties between them arc broken up, and they
know each other no more. How different is this
from human connections ! The fond mother watches
over the long and helpless period of infancy, instils
into early childhood lessons of wisdom and virtue,
and feels her hopes and affections increase with every
year that brings an increase of reason. Nor are such
family ties severed by death. The child, on its part,
returns the care and affection of its parents ; and
when old age and second childhood come upon
them, the children then feel it their greatest happi-
ness to repay in acts of kindness and attention the
debt of gratitude which is justly due. What a
moral beauty is thus thrown over the common in-
stinctive affections, and how greatly superior appears
man's nature to that of the mere brute ! — British
Quarterly.

PLOUGHING IN OR BURNING CORN-
STALKS.

Mr. Bateham : There is one practice among farmers
at the West which I regret to see, and hope a sub-
stitute will be found. I allude to the practice of
breaking down, tlien raking and burning cornstalks
in the spring, " to get them out of the way."

The ground under the cornstalk windrows may be
benefited by the ashes, but the general field is most
certainly impoverished by the loss of that Avhich
should be allowed to decompose upon or beneath its
surface.

^ Some landlords require their tenants to plough in
the stalks ; but ordinarily this is a somewhat
difficult operation. I have heard that in the south-
west portion of Ohio, the farmers use a large roller
with knives, so constructed that it breaks down and
cuts to pieces the stalks, (at one operation,) so that
they can be easily turned under by an ordinary
plough.

Will you have the goodness to inform me where I
can obtain a pattern or description of such machine ?
or, if you do not possess the information, please make
the inquiry through your excellent paper.
Respectfixlly yours, &c.,

H. L. ELLSWORTH.

Lafayette, Indiana, Jan. 1849.

Remarks. — We have no knowledge of such an
implement as the one referred to above being in use
in this state, or elsewhere. If any of our readers
have, they will please inform us. We think such a
roller might be constructed without difficulty, to
work on prairie and bottom lands where no stones
are found. — Ed. Ohio Cultivator.

Temperance puts wood on the fire, flour in the
barrel, meat in the tub, vigor in the body, intelli-
gence in the brain, and spirit into the whole compo-
sition of man.

60

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

JBomestic IDepartment.

Aid Children in their Studies. — The good
mother, or other discreet member of the family, can
do much to encourage children in their studies.
Even when the parent is not well skilled in the
branches the child is attending to, she may exercise
a powerful influence by showing to the child that
she is interested in its success.

If children sit down to what they consider a task,
and see no other member of the family attending to
study, or taking any interest in their progress, it
may be irksome, especially when all the rest of the
family seem to be free from care or labor, and enjoy-
ing life in a cheerful manner, apparently without the
labor of thought or reflection.

Many are qualified to aid children essentially in
their studies, and all have the power of encourage-
ment, which often operates like a charm upon the
juvenile mind, and causes difficulties that loomed up
to a discouragement in the distance, to diminish or
vanish away, on near approach, or familiar acquaint-
ance, through the aid of a kind friend.

"Wheaten Grits, or Cracked Wheat. — We
have often spoken of the great value of cracked
wheat mush as an article of diet in constipation, and,
in fact, for all persons, whether sick or well. Have
the best of wheat — of good, plump, well-matured
grain. Wash it if necessary. Have it cracked
coarsely in a mill that will cut rather than crush it.
The less you have ground at a time the better, for
the fresh-ground article is the best. The wheat
should be boiled in pure soft water ; rain Avatcr is
excellent. Boil this an hour at least, and two hours
are still better ; for the more we cook farinaceous food
the better. Eat this once, and better two times a
day as a regular meal, with a very moderate portion
of millc, stewed fruit, honey, sugar, or molasses. But
be very careful as to any or all of these condiments.
If too much milk is taken, the head is oppressed,
because of the stomach's too hard work ; and so of
the other articles, particularly sweets. This wheat,
then, is one of the best possible forms of food for
either sick or well.

The family of one of our patients has oxperimemUjd
a good deal, of late, upon making brown bread, "juie
form that suits them best is that made by boiling the
cracked wheat at least for two hours. This is then
made into small cakes, with the use of a sufficient
quantity of fine flour to make the dough adhere
properly ; the cakes are then baked without salt,
yeast, or any addition whatever, and are much rel-
ished. It is one of the most foolish things in the
world for a person to eat superfine bread, when he
can possibly get any other. — Dr. Skew's Wafer Cure
Journal.

Common Sausage-Meat. — Having cleared it from
the skin, sinews, and gristle, take six pounds of the
lean of young fresh pork, and three pounds of the
fat, and mince it all as fine as possible. Take some
dried sage, pick off the leaves and rub them to pow-
der, allowing three teaspoonfuls to each pound of
meat. Having mixed the fat and lean well together,
and seasoned it with six teaspoonfuls of pepper, and
the same quantity of salt, strew on the powdered
sage, and mix the whole well with your hands. Put

it away in a stone jar, packing it down hard ; and

keep it closely covered. When you wish to use the
sausage-meat, make it into flat cakes ; dredge them
with flour, and fry them in butter or dripping over
rather a slow fire, till they are well browned on both
sides, and thoroughly done.

To make and fine Coffee. — Put a sufficient
quantit}' of coffee into the pot and pour boiling water
on it, stir it, and place it on the fire, bring it to a boil,
and as soon as four or five bxibbles have risen, take
it off the fire, and pour out a teacupful and return it ;
set it down for one minute, then pour gently over
the top one teacupful of cold water, let it stand one
minute longer, and it will be bright and fine. The
cold water (by its greater density) sinks, and carries
the grounds Avith it.

To extract Grease from ^lotues. — Lay a
piece of brown paper doubled over the spot, and
apply a hot iron.

Easy Way of Cleaning the Hands, for Dyers,
CoLORERS, &c. — Take a small quantity of potash or
pcarlash in your hand, pour into it a small quantity
of water, rub it wel] all over your hands with a little
sand, then wash it off, take in your hand a small
quantity of chemic, pour a little water into it, and
rub it well on the hands in a semi-liquid state ; wash
the hands well in water, and they will be clean. If
not perfectly clean, repeat the operation.

Bogs' ^Department.

Economy in Sleeping. — It is difficult to deter-
mine how long a person should sleep, as diffei-ent
persons differ constitutionally, some requiring more
sleep than others. But one thing is certain — that
some boys sleep far more than is necessary, lying m
bed eight or nine hours, when seven would be suffi-
cient. Some lie so long that they become fatigued
or tired with inaction.

If a boy sleep an hour too much each day, he will
lose fourteen or fifteen days in a year, which will
amount in ten years to nearly half a year ; in fifty
yeai-s, to more than two years. This is an important
subject. Life is short, and we have a great deal to
do in this brief period. How absurd, then, to waste
in indolence, in a dormant, senseless state, so large
a portion of precious time, which can never be re-
called !

If a person would excel in any pursuit, either in
business or study, he must husband his time, and
sleep no more than is necessary for refreshment.
The object of sleep is to give rest to the body and
mind, and fit them for renewed and vigorous action ;
and he who sleeps merely to kill time or waste it,
that it may not hang heavy on his hands, is indul-
ging in a habit that will become so fixed, after a while,
that it will give character to the whole boy and
future man.

Let every boy consider whether he is wasting in
bed the most precious hours of his life, and make an
estimate on the loss. Let him calcxilate how much

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

61

he might earn, or what useful branches of study he
might pursue, in the time now wasted in sleep — in
a state of oblivion. Thousands of persons who
shudder at the terrible thought suggested by the
doctrine of annihilation, practise every day upon
that very principle at which the soul recoils with
horror.

^

A GuDE Proverb. — The Scotch have this prov-
erb: "A gude word is as soon said as an ill one."
"Will not every child, when he hears others use profane,
indecent, ill words, or is tempted to use them him-
self, remember that " a giide word is as soon said as
an ill one " ? — Well- Spring.

Politeness. — -Be polite at all times, and to all
persons. Ilemomber that you Avill lose nothing by
thus doing ; you will be more respected, and cer-
tainly more beloved, than you will be if you are in
the habit of answering in an abrupt or unkind man-
ner. It will also render you happier to do this ; for
if polite yourself, you will generally meet with po-
liteness in return ; and if you do not, you will still
have the inward consciousness of having yourself
acted correctly. — Well-Spring.

j^ealtl).

Good Advice. — Patient. Doctor, I called to sec
you about^my health.

Doctor. Well, what is the trouble ?

P. I can't say, doctor. I have been unwell a long
time.

D. How long ?

P. I should think five or six years.

D. How were you taken ?

P. I don't now exactly remember, but I should
think I felt weak all over.

D. What did you take ?

P. Not very much for some.

D. About how much ?

P. Several boxes of Brandreth's pills.

D. What more ?

P. A number of Indian Vegetable.

D. What next ?

P. A few bottles Swaim's Panacea.

D. Have you followed up this catalogue, and
taken all the patent nostrums that can be named ?

P. Nearly all, I think.

D. Do you think you have been benefited by any
of them ?

P. No, I fear not.

D. How long since you left off these medicines ?

P. A number of weeks, except one kind.

D. What is your diet ?

P. I eat almost every thing, and drink freely of
tea, coffee, cocoa, ale, cider, and some spirits.

D. Do vou use tobacco ?

P. A little.

D. How much, and in what way :

P. I smoke cigars and chew — somethnes smoke a
dozen a day.

D. Upon what kind of a bed do you sleep ?

P. A feather bed in summer and winter.

D. How often do you bathe, or wash the whole
of your body ?

P. About once a year.

D. At what time do you retire at night, and rise in
the morning ?

P. I retire at all hours from nine to twelve o'clock,
and rise usually late in the morning.

D. Is your appetite good ?

P. It is variable — sometimes have none, and then
again I am very voracious, eating all before me.

D. You have now given me some account of your
habits and manner of living, and now what do you
expect me to do ?

P. I meant you to give medicine that will cure me.

D. My dear sir, I will put you on a course of life
that will benefit you.

P. I want some medicine.

D. The first thing for you to do is to let all medi-
cine alone. You have taken quite too much alreadv.
It is marvellous that you have not dosed and di-ugged
yourself out of the world. Your stomach was never
made to be a receptacle of all kinds of filth, like the
Valley of Hinnom. This abominable course, which
you acknowledge you have pursued for years, is of
itself enough to ruin the best constitution. Besides,
you are guilty of excess in almost every other respect,
according to your own confession. Medicine will
never remedy bad habits. It is ixtterly futile to think
of living in gluttony, intemperance, and every excess,
and keeping the body in health by medicine. In-
dulgence of the appetite, and indiscriminate dosing
and drugging, have ruined the health and destroyed
the life of more persons than famine, sword, and pes-
tilence. If you will take my advice, you will become
regular in your habits, eat and diink only wholesome
things, sleep on a mattress, and retire and rise very
regularly. Make a free use of water to purify the
skin, and when sick, take counsel of the best physi-
cian you knoAV, and follow nature. — Note-Book of a
Physician.

Children. — Every romp with them is death to a
score of gray hairs. Their games, moreover, present
such a contrast to the rougher contest of bearded
children, in the game of life, where money, power,
and ambition are the stake, that it is refreshing to
look at them and mingle with them, even were it
only to realize that human nature yet retains some-
thing of its divine original. — Selected.

illcrljanics' iDcpartnunt, ^rts, ^r.

Importance of Good Tools. — Those mechanics
only who have excellent tools can duly estimate their
importance. Many work year after year with poor
tools, when a little time or expense would supply
them with good tools, enabling them to do far more
work and do it better.

Sometimes a mechanic will use a poor implement,
when a good one could be obtained for one or two
dollars that would last for years, and would annually
make a saving of more than double the cost of the
implement.

A blacksmith who had far better and more tools
than was common with others in the same business,
hired an Englishman to assist him. The first thing
the stranger did was to make tools, and for more than
a week he plied himself closely to making tools,
before he would do any other Avork. His time was
well spent, as was shown by the neatness and de-
spatch with which he worked, after being properly
prepared.

A poor saw often requires twenty-five per cent,
more strength than a good one. If it be used one
sixth of the time, the loss would be about one day
a month, which in a year would be equal to a sum

6-2

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

sufficient to buy a dozen good saws. Mechanics
should make estimates occasionally. They will pre-
sent results in a long run that are highly important,
though they may seem trifling for a single day.

Mil. Editor : We hear a great deal about the ill
effects produced by the use of lead pipe for conduits,
pumps, &c. It is said to be operated upon by some
water, in such manner as to produce more or less of
a deadly poison, which enters into the water con-
sumed, and which, in time, must produce, upon the
systems of those who use it, disastrous consequences.

Now, if decomposed lead is injurious, I would ask,
IIow much less injurious is decomposed copper or
brass? For my own part, I should hardly know
" which of the two to choose," copperas, verdigris, or
lead. I am induced to make these remarks from ob-
serving that the connections (and their number will be
immense) between the service pipes and the main
pipes of our water works are of a composition of
brass, copper, Sec, soldered into the iron with lead.
Now here we have " all the good things together,"
copper, lead, and brass. Let any one step into State
Street, and see for himself — let him take one of the
connections, or one of the stop-cocks up, and see the
qxiantity of verdigris already formed upon it, before
being submitted to the decomposmg process, which
will of necessity take place beneath the dampness of
our streets ; and let him say, if we are to be supplied
through such materials, Avhether " Cochituate water "
is to be a healthy beverage. Why was it necessary
to use brass or composition ? Why not use ii-on ?
Iron connection, stop-cocks, &c., could have been
obtained, and if they were acted upon by the water,
wo should have had our doses of metal all of one
kind, to say the least of it, — and that, I believe, ad-
mitted to be of a strengthening character.

Perhaps some one more learned in these matters
can enlighten me, and prove beyond controversy that
these metallic mixtures will operate as an invigorat-
ing draught, to the corporations of our good citizens ;
bvit till such light is emitted, there will be many
misgivings in the mmd of SYPHAX.

— Selected.

Cement for Floors. — It is often desirable to
have a cement floor, rat-proof. The following recipe
was procured, by J. S. Skinner, from Colonel Totten,
of the U. S. Engineer Department.

The mortar is to be made of one part of sand to
one half part of hydraulic cement, measured in rather
stiff paste. Then one part mortar, thoroughly mixed,
is to be used with two and a half parts broken stone
or bricks, the largest pieces not exceeding four
ounces in weight, or of gravel of similar sizes, or of
oyster shells, or either or all of these mixed together.
These coarse materials must be free from sand or
dirt. The concrete thus made must be put down in
a laj'cr of not more than six inches, which will be
about the proper thickness for the floor ; rammed
very hard, and until the coarse particles are driven
out of sight, care being taken to bring the top of the
mass into the true place of the floor by the first pro-
cess ; no subsequent addition of plaster being admis-
sible. By the help of a straight edge drawn over
guide pieces, the top surface may be made smooth
and even by the first operation.

The concrete should contain no more water than is
necessary to give the requisite plasticity to the mass.
The floor should be covered, as soon as finished, with
straw or hay, Avhich should be kept wet for several
days, the longer the better.

llepentance without amendment is like pumping
without stopping the leak.

SINGULAR TREE IN NEW ZEALAND.

One of the most extraordinary trees of the forest
is the rata, which, origmating in a parasite, grows to
such a size as to rank amongst the giants of the for-
est. It first makes its appearance in the form of a
tender vine, clasping the trunk of some huge tree
with its long tendrils, and growing both upwards
and downwards, and increasing in bulk at the same
time. After a while the parasite, having killed the
parent trunk, establishes itself upon its roots, sends
forth numerous branches aloft, which again send
forth aerial roots clasping the neighboring trees ; and
ultimately, the rata occupies a larger space than any
tree of the forest. It is under this tree that the
curiosity so well known as the vegetating caterpillar
is found ; and instances have occurred of natives
lying down to sleep under the rata having been
found dead. The tree is now always carefully
avoided by them. — Himmonds' s Colonial Magazine.

CURE FOR HEAVES IN HORSES.

A farmer tells us that he has recently cured two
of his horses, which had the heaves badly, by the
use of the following remedy : To three quarts of
sweet millc add a teaspoonful of sulphuric acid, (oil of
vitriol,) and mix with the horses' feed. Give at first
three times a week, and afterwards once or twice, as
there may seem occasion for a few weeks longer.
Our informant says there was little appearance of
the heaves after the first week. — Christian Alliance.

BONE DUST.

An experiment, tried by Mr. Mortimer, of Silver-
ton, furnishes a remarkable proof of the efficacy of
this manure. At a recent meeting of the Netherexe
Farmers' Club, Mr. AV. Strong, of Powhay Mills,
offered to give some bone dust to any agriculturist,
to be tried against guano. Mr. Mortimer took the
offer, and manured a piece of land, one part with
bone, another with Peruvian guano, and a third
portion with farm-yard dung, leaving a small strip
without any dressing. The whole was planted with
turnips, and we are assured by an agriculturist who
has seen them, that while on the boned ground
there are turnips larger than his hat, the part left
unmanured has not one so large as his finger. The
guano crop is finer than the dung turnips, but by no
means equal for the size, though the superior, in
thickness and rapidity of growth, to that grown
where bone manure was used. — Monk Lane {Etig.)
Express.

SOMETHING FOR ALL.

So various are the appetites of animals, that there
is scarcely any plant which is not chosen by some
and left untouched by others. The horse gives up
the ipater hemlock to the goat : the cow gives up the
long-leaved water hemlock to l\\c sheep ; the goat gives
up the monkshood to the horse, etc. ; for that which
certain animals grow fat iqjon, others abhor as poison.
Hence no plant is absolutely poisonous, but only
respectively. Thus the spurge, that is noxious to man,
is wholesome nourishment to the caterpillar. That
animals may not destroy themselves for want of
knowing this law, each of them is guarded by such a
delicacy of taste and smell, that they can easily distin-
guish Avhat is pernicious from what is wholesome ;
and when it happens that different animals live on
the same plants, still one kind always leaves some-
thing for the other, as the mouths of all are not
equally adapted to lay hold of the grass — by which
means there is sufficient food for all. — Siillingjleet.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

63

BLIND BRIDLES FOR HORSES.

Among the most absurd in-acticcs in the mawage-
ment of horses is the use of blind bridles. They
are not only very inconvenient and uncomfortable to
the horse, but they aggravate the very evil which
they arc intended to obviate — that of preventing the
horse from being affrighted by the carriage -which he
might see -without blinders, or from any object ap-
proaching from behind him.

In training a j'oung horse in a chaise, we took off
the blind bridle, to give him some provender, and he
started with afi'right at the sight of the carriage ; and
had he not been pent up in a corner, he would have
cleared. We saw from this instance the folly of the
practice, and afterwards used him without blinders,
first leading him up to the chaise and around it that
it might become familiar, before harnessing for a few
times, and we had no more trouble with him.

When any thing is approaching a horse, in the
rear, it is far better for him to see it as it approaches,
which he will if not blinded, than for it to come sud-
denly upon him, before he can see it. We had an
instance of this in the same horse, while the blind
bridle was used. In travelling with a gig, and walk-
ing up a hill, a friend in company came up to the
horse's head, with his umbrella spread, Avhich so
frightened him that he ran away.

We name these cases, hoping that they will have
some influence upon those who reason upon the sub-
ject, and induce them to abandon a practice that is
attended with trouble, and sometimes with danger.
Wc copy the following judicious remarks from J.
Maddock, Farrier : —

Blind Bridles. — " Yes, use your thinking powers,
friends. They were given you to use, and not abuse.
Blind bridles ! Truly named, surely. Art never in-
vented a more fiital thing to the eyes of horses than
when she devised this plan of dej)riving the horse of
what nature intended he should enjoy. But, says
one, how are blinders injurious to the horse ? Be-
cause they gather dirt and heat around the eyes.
Dirt irritates the eye, and heat produces inflammation.
These bridles so entrammol the eyes of the horse that
he is compelled to be constantly straining them, to
see his way. The over-exertion of the nerve brings
on disease. Eyes were not made in vain. Had they
been needless, the Creator would not have located
them in the head. They were placed on the corner
of the head that he might have the advantage of
looking in different directions. Men, in the abun-
dance of their wisdom, concluded the horse had too
much sight, and they wished to curtail it ; hence the
origin of blind bridles. Think of this seriously, and
you will abandon the use of so destructive an appen-
dage. Remember, that blind bridles and diseased
eyes are inseparably connected. Custom hoodwinks
the senses of men as much as blmd bridles do the
vision of horses."

IMPROVEMENT OF STOCK.

Mr. Colinan, in his European Agriculture, under the
head of Important Practical Conclusions, makes the
following remarks on the iinproveinent of stock : —

" Tlie fourth great matter to which I would call
the farmer's attention is the improvement of his live
stock. It is difficult to speak too highly of the skill

and success of the English in the improvement of
their breeds of sheep, swine, cattle, and, I will add,
horses. I do not say that their breeds arc all such as
are best adapted for the United States. I need not
repeat the opinions which I have already given in
this matter. Different breeds of animals are suited
to particular localities ; and the extent of the United
States presents every variety of aspect, soil, and cli-
mate ; and is marked by different kinds of husbandry,
such as the raising of stock for beef or labor ; the
gi'owing of wool, fine or coarse, short or long ; and
the produce of the dairy. These points are all to be
considered in the selection of a stock for breeding.
An improved Durham short-horn would thrive
and develop all his richness and beauty in the
fertile meadows of Kentucky and Ohio, and the rich
prairies of the west, who Avould become poor and
dwarfish in some of the rocky and almost barren
pastures of the north. But that to Avhich I wish
particularly to call the attention of the farmers of
the United States is, the improvement of their stock
by patient care, skill, and selection. They may im-
port animals of improved breeds to advantage ; they
may cross the best of their own stocks with the best
animals Avhich they can find ; and, above all, let
them determine always to select the best animals for
breeding, and breed only from the best ; never sacri-
fice a superior calf or lamb to the butcher, nor be
satisfied with the services of inferior animals for the
increase of their stock, under which they are sure to
deteriorate."

FATTENING ANIMALS.

A memoir was read to the Academy of Sciences,
at Paris, by MM. Dumas, Boussingault, and Payan,
" Of Researches on the Fattening of Animals, and on
the Formation of Milk." These philosophers an-
nounce their belief that fatty matters are formed
in plants alone ; that they thence pass, ready formed,
into the bodies of herbivori, entering the chyle duct
by the lacteals, and so passing into the blood ; that
the first degree of oxydation forms stcarine or
oleac acid ; a further degree produces the margaric
acid, which characterizes fat ; a still further degree
the A'olatile fatty acids — in opposition to Liebig,
who traces the origin of fat to the sugar or starch of
the food. In confirmation of their views, they show
that hay contains more per cent, of oleaginous
matter than is produced in the butter from a cow fed
on this hay ; and that cows fed on potatoes, or other
roots poor in fat, produce much less butter. They
advance an influence, which bears much on rural
economy, that a cow eliminates twice as much fat
from a given quantity of food as docs an ox ; and
hence the commerce of milk ar.d butter deserves a
high degree of attention. Some relative experiments
on fattening pigs bear out the same general princi-
ples. — Pol. lievicu:

HINTS TO LOVERS OF FLOV/ERS.

A most beautiful and easily attained show of ever-
greens in winter may be had by a very simple plan,
which has been found to answer remarkably well on
a small scale. If geranium branches are taken from
healthy and luxuriant trees, just before the winter
sets in, cut as for slips, and immersed in soap and
water, they will, after drooping for a few days, shed
their leaves, and put forth fresh ones, and continue
in the finest vigor all winter. By placing a number
of bottles thus iillcd in flower baskets, with moss to
conceal the bottles, a show of evergreen is easily
insured for a whole season. They require no fresh
water, — Court Journal.

64

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

IIovEy's Magazine of Horticulture, January
number, is well filled -\\ith valuable matter.

Catalogue of Mount Airy Agricultural In-
stitute. — This School, designed for instruction in
scientific and practical agriculture, mathematics,
and the natural sciences, is very pleasantly situated
at Gcrmantown, near Philadelphia. The principal,
Mr. John Williinson, is an experienced teacher, hav-
ing had charge of a similar institution in the state of
New York.

Report of the Ohio Fruit Convention. — We
are indebted to our friends, Bateham, of Columbus,
Elliot, of Cleveland, and Ernst, of Cincinnati, for
copies of this valuable document, which we shall
examine soon.

CHEMISTRY OF ANIMAL HEAT.

The perpetual combination of the oxygen of the
atmosphere with the carbon of the food, and with
the effete substance of the body, is a real combus-
tion, and is supposed to be the cause of animal heat,
because heat is constantly given out by the combi-
nation of carbon, and oxygen ; and without a con-
stant supply of food, the oxygen would soon
consume the whole animal, except the bones. — Mrs.
Somerville.

MILKMAIDS TURNED PIANISTS.

A correspondent of Bateham's excellent Ohio
Cultivator regrets that the rosy-cheeked variety of
the genus milkmaid is fast disappearing from our
native land. What a pity ! I never see a farmer's
wife milking, and hear the noise of a piano in the
house, but I feel an involuntary sensation of pity.
It puts me in mind of a young friend of mine, who
married a farmer's daughter with a piano. As all
the country girls in the vicinity said it was the piano
that married the man, I felt a desire to disabuse
them. At my first inquiry in the premises, my friend
frankly confessed that so far from being cajoled by
the piano, that luckles; instrument had come well
nigh driving him fiom the house. " But," said he, " she
had the tact to discover my aversion, and I believe
she has never played 'Bouncing Bet,' or 'Bound-
ing Billows,' since that day. I wanted to see her
milk," said he. "and with a sly, coquettish smile, she
said she would gratify'my curiosity. 'Twould have
done you good to see the nonchalance with which she
stepped about among those cows, not with the dainty
tread of one alike afraid of the cows and the ground
they walked on ; but with that graceful practised
step which avoids dirt as if by intuition. And then
the way she despatched her task ! With what a
slight of hand she made each cow yield her lacteal
treasure ! But the best of it all was the unconscious-
ness of the actress of the fact that she was more than
Fanny Kemble Butler in the part she was now
acting."

All connoisseurs, not directly or indirectly in the
trade, will agree that a masterly performer on the
piano-forte is a person rarely seen ; while the
number who profane sweet music, and caricature its
variations, is legion ! Then what a mistake it is
for a farmer's daughter to spend her time and money
in attempting so hapless a task, as that of becoming
even an endurable pianist, when she can be so much
more respectably employed, both physically and
intellectually !
— Gen.'see Farmer, S. W.

F(yr the New England Farmer.
GALLS FROM THE HARNESS OR SADDLE.

Mr. Editor : White lead, finely pulverized, is the
most effective application. Kubbcd on dry, or made
into a paste, with milk, and applied a few times, it
will also prevent white hairs growing on galled
places.

In our fatiguing marches in Mexico, the above was
found to be an invaluable remedy by

A VOLUNTEER.

For the Neto Enr/latid Farmer.
THE HAPPY FARMER.

BY MRS. E. C. LOOMIS.

His home 's a cot, embowered in trees,
A garden filled with fruit and flowers.

Where singing birds and humming bees
Make ga)^ the smiling summer hours, —

A range of meadows green and fair.

And fields which well repay his care.

With joy he greets each rising sun.
And gladly hastens to his toil ;

In fancy, sees the harvest won.
As covering with the mellow soil

The tiny seed, which yet will bring

A glorious autumn offering.

The golden hours, how quick they fly !

The happy day, how soon 'tis fled !
Then homeward doth the farmer hie,

And finds a table neatly spread
With many a dainty, which the field
And garden-plot so richly yield.

The evening hour is fraught with joy.
For loved ones cluster round him there ;

He tastes a bliss without alloy

AVhich e'en a king might wish to share ;

Then seeks his couch, and finds repose

Which only he who toileth knows.
Lebanon, Ct.

THE OLIO.

When adversity attends you, exert yourself, and
rise above so unpleasant a companion.

He who hopes for glory from new discoveries,
must not be ignorant of old ones.

Some writer says, " I once had a constant and
troublesome visitor, whom I tried to get rid of. First,
I essayed smoke, which he bore like a badger ; then
I tried fire, which he stood like a salamander. At
last I lent him five dollars, and I have not seen
him since."

A lover, wishing to comjilimcnt his dulcinea, by
intimating that she was a celestial being descended
to earth, unhappily called her "a fallen angel'" !

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $1 a
year, or five copies for $-i, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at ISJ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume.

1^ The Postage .^j

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and l^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the

BOSTON type and STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth.— Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1849,

FO. 5.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, Pkopiiietou.

MANURES.

[Continued from p. 55.1

At the agi-icultural meeting, January 30, the dis-
cussion on manures was continiiecl. Hon. M. P.
Wilder in the chair, who read the statements of Mr.
Colman, showing that largo crops of wheat, to the
amount of sixty, eighty, and even ninety bushels
had been raised in England to the acre, showing the
possibility of Mr. Pell's raising eighty bushels to the
acre, as he had stated on a previous evening. He
also showed the valuable effects of charcoal on wheat
in experiments made in Ohio, the land to which fifty
bushels of charcoal dust was applied yielding twenty-
IPs-e bushels to the acre, while that not dressed pro-
duced only five bushels to the acre.

Hon. Mr. French, of Braintree, said, that, farm it
as we may, manure is essential to good crops. Before
the improved ploughs of Howard, of Prouty & ilears,
and the milJ.ions which the AVorcester concern
throw broadcast over the world, were introduced, a
celebrated Roman Avas asked what was most impor-
tant to, good farming, and he answered, thorough
ploughing ; and in answer to the inquiry, what was
the next essential, he replied, manure.

Mr. F. said, his mode of making manure was to
cart muck to the upland, after his meadow had be-
come frozen, and expose it to air aud frost, and then
use it in his farm-yard, barn cellar, and hog-pens.
This is worked over in AA'inter, and again the first of
May. The muck absorbs the liquid manure, and the
whole mass makes excellent manure. He found
from experiments that muck applied to the soil with-
out preparation, produced only a ci'op of sorrel. He
thought the mixing of lime with animal maniu-e was
an injurious practice. He had not been successful
in his experiments with guano. Perhaps the apjili-
cation is not well understood. He made a compost
of thirty cords of meadow muck, four thousand gal-
Ions of urine, half a ton of guano, one hundred
bushels of ashes, and one hundred bushels of crushed
bones, and he was well satisfied with the result.

Mr. Teschemacher spoke of the great storehouses
of manure and valuable absorbents, such as clay
and chai'coal, Avhich retain for the use of plants

ammonia, and other useful properties. He said that
ui'ine was one of the most important manures, as it
contained phosphates and ammonia.

Cheever Newhall, Esq., of Dorchester, said, that it
was a bad practice to allow rains upon manure, as
they washed away its fertilizing properties. He
made his compost under cover, in the barn cellar,
which prevented any waste from rains, or from dry-
ing winds and hot sun. He mixed crushed bones
and ashes together, and in a few days they became
a jelly. He added these to meadow mud, and made
an excellent manure for top dressing grass lands,
far cheaper than animal manures.

Mr. Bartlett, of the Cultivator, said, that he mixed
wet ashes and bones together ; the ammonia was
driven off, and he thought that he had spoiled liis
manure, but it produced good turnips.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, said, that
the great object of the farmer should be to save
animal manvu-es, half of which were now Avasted.
The liquid manure absorbed in loam, peat, or muck,
is worth as much as the solid manure. There is
great economy in using dry loam, oue ton of which
will absorb as much liijuid as four tons of moist
loam. As an absorbent, he preferred plaster to char-
coal, as plaster contains nutriment for plants. We
need more definite experiments. A\T:ien we use
many ingredients in compost, we cannot tell what is
useful, or what may be injurious.

Hon. Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, said, that farmers
had not money to buy manure, nor did thej' need it ;
every farmer had on his farm the means of enriching
it. By using mud, peat, loam, &c., to save the
urine, his manure would increase ; that would in-
crease his crops, and his crops would increase his
stock, and that his manure, and all go on increasing
each other, until he may make his lands too rich for
crops of a good quality. Burned clay or soil gener-
ally is an excellent absorbent.

On the evening of February 7, the discussion was
continued. Hon. M. P. Wilder in the chair. He
made a few remarks on the importance of saving
manure from waste by using plaster, charcoal, car-
bonized clay, and other absorbents.

Mr. Teschemacher said, that on the first applica-

66

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

tion of science to agriculture, the calculation was,
that if the farmer always sold his produce, his lands
■\voukl become exhausted, unless he added something
to his farm to keep up the fertility. But it seems
that this Avas not the best calculation, for Mr. Brooks
has shown that the farmer has, on his own land, the
means to replenish the elements taken away in the
tTops, if he will collect all the materials he has, and
use clay as an absorbent. He said that the use of
plaster had been alluded to, and he would use it as
an absorbent in the stable ; but for other purposes he
should prefer charcoal, as more powerful. He was
much in favor of definite experiments, as had been
suggested, but it was very difficult making them.
That in Ohio, on the use of charcoal on wheat was
very definite, as alternate strips were manured with
it. Mr. T. made a few remarks on the value of
urine applied to agriculture, of general knowledge
among farmers, and the importance of the profession,
calling into action the varied powers of the mind,
and opening a wide field for research and investi-
gation.

Mr. Buckminster, of the Ploughman, said, that ho
was glad that the attention of farmers was called to
this subject. We need something to hold manure
on our sandy soils. There is much sand in this state,
less in Maine. Charcoal wears out in the soil, but
clay is durable.

Lieutenant-Governor Reed said, that he had not
sufficient practical knowledge to give information on
that subject, but he had listened with much interest
to the discussion, and he was astonished to leani the
great value of liquid manure, as had been shown in
the discussion. He had long been a close observer,
and he did not think that one fourth of our farmers
saved their liquid manure. He differed from those
who opposed deep ploughing. Ho thought that
manures generally wasted by passing upward. The
roots of plants run down low for food ; even the onion
extends down eighteen inches. He said, that some
rich men, who were called gentlemen farmers, ex-
pended much in farming, and they know not the cost.

The president read a communication from Mr. Jo-
seph Breck, of Brighton, showing his experiments
on vitriolized bones. He prepared a cavity of loam.
He put in six barrels of bones, cost one dollar and
fifty cents per baiTcl, wet them, and put them into a
conical heap. In a few days they were hot. He
then spread them out, leaving a basin in the centre,
with loam around the edge, and added one carboy
of sulphuric acid, often called oil of vitriol, mixed
with an equal quantity of water. These operations
need great caution, from the powerful effects of the
acid. In half an hour the effervescence ceased.
Some of it was like paste. It was covered with coal
dust and ashes, about equal to the heap of bones.
He used this manure for various crops, with excellent
success.

Samuel Walker, Esq., of Roxbury, said, that he
had been engaged in cultivation for forty years, and
his heart was with the farmer. He had used, for
manure, clay, peat, mud, ashes, charcoal, and lastly
virgin soil, which succeeded when other manures
failed. He had used large quantities of manures, tiU

they ceased to have any effect. On some lands he
had used sand with success. To animal manure ho
adds sand, clay, or charcoal, to prevent its heating.
He then covers it up with clay, charcoal, &c.

Mr. William Parker, of Boston, said, that some
were surprised at his stating that freezing manure
was injurious. One object of having a barn cellar
was, to save manure from waste by freezing. Ho
thought the loss in this state by leach from paper-
mills and soap manufactories was fifty thousand dol-
lars annually. A preparation of lye and peat makes
an excellent top dressing, for grass lands, without ani-
mal manures. AU animal substances are excellent
manures — the bones, horns, hair, hoofs, blood, &c.

Mr. Horatio Mason, Mcdway, stated that, in 1840,
he burned ten coal-kilns on an acre of land, and all
the turf was taken off to cover the kilns. After
taking away the coal, a cord of fine coal or dust was
taken off and sold, and then the materials from the
pits were scattered over the lot. This rendered
the land very productive, and it had continued so
nearly up to the present time. He could not deter-
mine whether the benefit was from coal dust, ashes,
or burned turf.

Mr. H. C. Merriam, of Tewkesbury, said, that
farmers in this state could not afford to raise common
crops. It costs a farmer from five hundred to one
thousand dollars a year for manure, and he can only
attend to horticulture, where the country was thickly
inhabited, with profit. He recommended one hun-
dred pounds of saltpetre and two bushels of salt to
the acre, especially for peach-trees.

Mr. Brooks said, he thought that the gentleman
mistook as to profits. He could make money by
farming, the simple prose business, leaving out hor-
ticulture, or the poesy of cultivation. He could
make more in raising corn here, than that gentleman
could in Ohio. We do not want high manuring,
nor the great growth of trees, as we have heard, for
they are worthless, and this is the cause of so many
trees dying after being forced to a great and un-
hcalthful growth. Ammonia may produce a great
crop of straw, but not of wheat.

Mr. Brigham, representative from Westborough,
said, that lime, plaster, and charcoal, and guano, were
all very good ; but he believed with the gentleman
from Princeton, that every farmer had the means of
improving his lands on his own farm. He made his
manure in his barn cellar, and his cattle had not lain
out a night for eight years. He used sand under his
cows ; plaster was good to fix the ammonia, and pu-
rify the air. He made inquiry as to the utility of
green crops for manure.

Mr. Brooks said, that plants feed mostly on the
atmosphere ; they draw nutriment from the subsoil,
and by their application to the soil it becomes rich.
He thought a green crop might be applied every third
year, and keep up the fci'tility of the soil.

Hon. John C. Gray said, that in Scotland it had
become an established principle, that it was moi-e
economical to let the crop pass through the animal,
and apply the manure then, than apply the crop to
the soil.

Subject for next meeting, Farm Stock.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

67

GRANT'S PATENT FAN MILL.

Fan mills are among the most useful labor-saving
machines used by the farmer ; for with this he can
always have a breeze when it is wanted to separate
the chaff from his gram, and he can regulate the
di'aught of the wind to suit his purposes. This is
far better than to depend on uncertain and fitful
breezes. We have known some cases, of farmers who
lived in sheltered places, hauling their grain half a
mile to a bleak place to winnow it. Again, for Avant
of a breeze, they have sometimes delayed winnowing
their grain, and in consequence there was much
waste by rats and other small depredators, and oc-
casionally a large animal would get access to the
heap of grain, and greatly reduce it to his own in-
jury or danger.

To avoid these evils, and to manage his crops witli
economy, the farmer needs a good winnowing ma-
chine, by which he will not only save labor and
grain, but he will prepare it in a better state for the
market, or for home consumption, or sowing.

The recent invention of I. T. Grant ranks high,
and competent judges have pronounced it the best
fan machine in this country. The following state-
ment is from the inventor.

" Our fan-mills have taken the first premium at
four of the New York State Agricultural Fail's, and
at the State Fairs in Pennsylvania and Maryland, in
1845. We were awarded the first premium at the
fair of the ilcehanics' Institute, held in the city of
New York, in 18i6, and also at a large number of
county fairs. Our mill received the highest consid-
eration at the great National Fair, recently held at
the city of Washington. It has uniformly and in all
cases taken the first premium whercA'er it has been
presented for competition. We have had frequent
trials of them against time, and find no difficulty in
chaffing and screening one bushel of wheat per
minute, (with the large sizes,) taking oiit all the chess,
cockle, and smut at the same time, being the only
mill that cleans wheat at one operation, known to the
inventor; (all other mills have to run the wheat

through twice to perform the same labor.) They
will also clean all other kinds of grain and seed at
once running through the mill, (as given by the di-
rections.) Certificates the inventor thinks needless,
as we warrant our mills to perform according to rec-
ommendation. If necessary, we could prociu'e them
from many gentlemen, stating that they have saved
enough timothy seed in one season, while cleaning
their wheat, to pay for the mill."

These mills, of various sizes, are manufactured and
sold, by Messrs. Ruggles, Nourse, & Mason. Tliey
are made in the most substantial manner, and of the
best materials. Seven sieves accompany each mill,
adapted to grains, grass seed, beans, peas, and othex
seeds, of various sizes, with directions for their use.

CATERPILLARS.

An English agricultural paper gives the following
method of destroying caterpillars, which was acci-
dentally discovered, and is practised by a gardener
near Glasgow. A piece of woollen rag had been
blown by the wind into a currant bush, and when
taken out was found covered by the leaf- devouring
insects. Taking the hint, he immediately placed
pieces of woollen cloth in every bush in his garden,
and found the next day that the caterpillars had uni-
versally taken to them for shelter. In this way he
destroys many thousands every morning.

EARLIEST FOOD FOR BEES.

In a conversation the other day with a worthy and
observing farmer, he remarked that the earliest food
for bees, in the spring, is maple sap. He states that
he has seen them gather round the sap troughs, in
the woods, during the warm days in the spring,
before the buds or tassels of the willow and other
trees and shrubs had put out, sipping and making
themselves glad with the sweets that they find there.
It wouldn't be a bad plan, if a person had any maples
in the vicinity of his hives, to tap them for the us«
of his bees. — Maine Farmer.

68

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the Neio England Fanner.

ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE
CURRANT.

Mr. Editor : The currant, it must be admitted, is
one of our best summer fruits, and deserves more
attention in its cultivation, than it generally receives
from most of our farmers. Many still retain the old
kinds, often leaving them to take care of themselves
year after year, apparently satisfied with their pro-
ducing a small, sour, poor fruit. All cultivators
should at once discard the old varieties of the cur-
rant, and substitute for them, the new and better
kinds. These should be planted in a rich soil, and
kept clear from grass and weeds, and subjected to a
regular system of pruning. Some cultivators prune
the shrub to a single stem, but we never could see
much advantage to be derived from this mode ; for
when grown in this form, and the stem weakened
by the attacks of the borer, as is frequently the case,
it is very liable to bo broken off; and being deprived,
before ])lanting, of the power to send up suckers, the
whole plant is lost. And we think also, in a given
space, they will produce less fruit than those culti-
vated with several steins, in the form of a bush.
Eut when permitted thus to grow, it should be kept
clear from superfluous branches and old wood, en-
deavoring always to keep a succession of young and
vigorous wood, of two or three years' growth ; for it is
on such branches that we always iind the best
fruit. Currants are much better to remain some
time on the bushes, after they are well colored, and
supposed to be ripe. They improve in their flavor,
and lose much of their acidity. Knight's Early Red
and Sweet Red, the White Dutch, together with all
other early or comparatively sweet varieties, of the
currant, should be placed on the south side of a wall
or fence, fully exposed to the sun. This exposure
will hasten the ripening of the fruit, and lessen its
acidity. On the contrary, the late varieties, such as
Lovctt's Red, and the Victoria, should be placed on
the north side of a wall, or fence. Ey adopting this
mode of planting the currant, they can be brought
forward much earlier in the season, or retarded to
late in autumn. We also prefer these close quarters
for our bushes, to more open ones in the garden,
because we can the more effectually secure the
fruit from the depredations of birds. In regard to
the different kinds of currants now under cultiva-
tion, we would name the Red and White Dutch, two
very good varieties. The latter, when fully ripe, is
much less acid than the red. The Champagne, a
pink-colored variety, is very handsome and is more
acid than the red. Mr. Knight's Sweet Red is only
comparatively so, being less acid than the White
Dutch. Knight's Early Red, being about ten days
earlier than any other currant ; Knight's Large Red,
larger than the Dutch ; Lovett's Large Red, a good late
currant ; Victoria, an uncommonly large, fine currant ;
and the Cherry currant, lately introduced, said to be
one of the largest currants, but not thought, by some,
to bo very good or productive. The black currants
are medicinal, and not relished, by many persons,
imtil they have acquired a fondness for them by
frequent use, as we do for the tomato. It is then,
PS we ourselves do know, most delectable to the
taste. The Black Grape and Black Naples are
some of the best varieties of this cvu'rant. There
will probably be many new varieties of the currant
added to the above list, from our newly-acquired
territories on the shores of the Pacific ; some hav-
ing already been discovered, with fruit as sweet and
as pleasant as the strawberry. And when the
adventurers, now pressing forward to those shores,
shall have, in some mcasiu'e, cxhaiistcd its mineral
■Wealth, Avo hojie their attention will be directed to its
vegetable productions, and that wc, who dwell on the

shores of the Atlantic, shall receive from them
many valuable trees, shrubs, and plants.

S. P. FOWLER.
Daxvers, Xew-Mills.

Editorial Remarks.

Wc arc much pleased with the mode of culti-
vating the currant, as recommended by Mr. Fowler,
as it shows the result of practical knowledge, and
sufficient patience to make fair experiments. Many
writers — perhaps I might say most writers — rec-
ommend training currant bushes as trees, and many
cultivators have tried this mode to their loss ; for in
a few years the little tree becomes covered with moss,
and is unjDroductive.

The tree fomi will do well for a year or two, and
we suppose that some have reported on their experi-
ments before they were fully tried ; hence the recom-
mendation of a system that will not bear the test of
several years. Trained in bush form, and managed
as our correspondent has recommended, the currant
will flourish long, without renewal, and yield large
and excellent crops.

For the New Enf/Iand Fanner.
SPRING BUDDING OF FRUIT-TREES.

It may not be generally known that fruit-trees can
be budded in the spring as soon as the bark will slip
with case, with equally as good success as those
done in the usual season.

Spring budding possesses some advantages, inas-
much as one year's growth of the bud is obtained in
advance of those budded in summer or fall. Scions
cut the previous fall or winter may be preserved in
moss or saw-dust, so as to perform this operation as
late in the season, with safety, as can be with the
present year's growth of scions. This is quite a con-
venience when scions are wanted from a distance, as
there is not so much trouble in preserving them per-
fectly fresh as when cut in the leaf.

The only difference necessary to make betwixt
spring and fall budding is, the stock of the former
should be cut off at the time of budding, three or
four inches above the insertion of the bud, and a coat
of shellac or other cement applied to the stock to
prevent decay, and for the health of the tree. I
think this should be done in all cases.

D. TABOR.

Vassalboro', Vt., 1849.

For the Nctc England Farmer.
DIFFICULTIES IN FRUIT-GROWING.

Mr. Editor : Having this day been making out
an order for a lot of fruit-trees, I will make some
remarks upon this text. How can any one de-
termine which arc the best varieties of the different
kinds of fruits ? The difficulties in the way are
manifold. Our nursery-men's catalogues contain
endless varieties, one half of which are entirely
worthless; and again, no two catalogues give the
same names for the same fruits.

These are evils which can easily be remedied, if
those most interested would begin by learning that
those catalogues will command the most notice
which contain the best and not the greatest varieties ;
and then by agreeing upon one system of nomencla-
ture. I ani aware that attempts are being made to
bring about the last, by some of the Horticultural

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

69

Societies ; but large bodies move slowh% and I fear it
will be a long while before they fulfil their inten-
tions. But supposing the above difficulties are re-
moved, there are others that are not so easily dis-
posed of. Soils have much to do with the raising of
good fruit, probably more than most people imagine,
and sunshine and shade, and stimulants in the
shape of manures, have their due influence. And
hero the doctors disagree, and create a confusion
enough to make the unlearned give up in despair.
One goes for a sandy soil, another says clay ; one says
dry soil, another wet ; one recommends stimulating
guano, and another some inert scrapings from the
road-side ; one saj's unfermcnted manure is best, and
another says no ; and so on to the end of the chapter.
Alas ! it is more than poor human nature can bear,
and the book is shut without one ray of light left to
guide the reader. But there is a cause, I think, for
all this. Many of those who have put forth their ex-
periments (I say it without any disrespect) have not
been thoroughly educated to their business, and
their minds not having boon well trained to observe
with the nicety that is required the delicate influ-
ences of soils and manures, have come to erroneous
conclusions ofttimcs. If there is any branch of
business that claims an apprenticeship as long as that
of Jacob's, it is horticulture. Ay, a lifetime is too
short, even should it extend to a patriarchal length.
The cause suggests the remedy.

The last difficulty that I shall name is unmovable.
The difference is in man's palate. You may put the
question to ton persons, asking which are the five
best kinds of apples, pears, plums, peaches, and
cherries, and no two shall agree in three out of the
five. AH the difficulties I have named will step in to
vary the opinions of each.

My advice, then, is, that those who wish to purchase
should seek information from the highest sources,
and observe closely themselves, and even then they
will sometimes be disappointed.

Truly yours.

JOHN G. LOCKE.

Lowell, Feb. 1, 1849.

For the Neio England Farmer.
DEEP TILLAGE.

Mr. Cole:- All cultivators of the soil, I think, will
agree that it is better to have a deep, rich soil, than a
thin one. Crops on a deep soil are not so easih' in-
jured, either by drought or excessive rains. In dry
weather, there is a better circulation of the moisture
amongst the roots of plants, and in wet, a free o^jpor-
tunity for the excess of water to soak down, and thus
be reserved for use in time of need.

While all agree -VN'ith me in my views thus far,
there is a great diversity of opinion in relation to
the propriety of deepening the thin soils ; some
contending that the subsoil contains ^ja/so«, which, if
brought up and mixed with the surface soil, will
surely blast all the hopes of the unlucky farmer,
who shall be bold enovigh to attempt it, and that
it is not best to bring up a particle of the earth, in
order to deepen the soil, however thin it may be ;
■while others as strongly advocate deoii ploughing
and deep tillage, bringing up the subsoil, to be acted
upon by the atmosphere, and at length forming a
deep, free soil, suitable for the production of abun-
dant crops.

Having advocated, and practised upon the last of
these opinions for more than twenty-five years, the
object of this communication is, to give some hints
to farmers respecting deepening the soil.

The nature of the soil and the circumstances of
the cultivation should always be considered. If the
subsoil is clay, or very hard and tenacious, the land

should be ploughed in the fall, that the frost may
operate upon it ; and if there be not an abundance of
manure, a smaller (quantity should be brought up ;
so that there may not be sufficient to injure the
growth of the crops the first season, but rather to
increase them. Gravelly and sandy loams may be
ploughed deeper at first. If lands are wet, all the
good effects of "deep tillage" cannot be attained
until draining is resorted to. My practice has been,
and my advice now is, to deepen gradually ; but as I
have before stated, how fast, depends upon circum-
stances. By all means, however, obtain a deep rich
soil wherever you intend to till.

A gentleman, who has travelled through the east-
ern and southern parts of this state considerably,
amongst farmers, and who is himself a cultivator of
the soil, remarked to me, a year or two since, that
he could pick out those farms where deep ploughing
had been the practice, from the superiority of the
crops, and that, upon inquiry of the owners, he was
seldom or never mistaken in his opinions.
Yours respectfullv,

S. M.' STANLEY.

West Atileborough, Feb. 1, 18i9.

To the Editor of the New England Farmer.

Ma. Cole : Having recently turned farmer, or,
rather, having resumed an occupation which I pur-
sued, to some extent, in my earlier years, and
having subscribed and paid for your new " New
England Farmer," I shall take the liberty, usually
claimed by the patrons of agricultural periodicals, to
propose questions, and, perhaps, occasionally to off'er
solutions ; and, possibl)% to give advice pertaining to
this department of industry ; conceding to you, of
course, the undoubted right of an editor, either to
put me in print or cast me under the table.

The form, type, and paper, of your periodical, is
superior to any thing of the kind I have seen. Its
external appearance is neat as a California coin. It
will furnish, at the close of each year, a convenient
hand volume, Avith a fair, readable letter, free from the
many effacements on the numerous folds which are
necessarily made in the common folio sheet ; and, if
well conducted, will furnish a good library book, to
which the reader may frequently recur with pleasure,
as well as profit. And now I beg to advise that this
fine mechanical character of the paper may be scru-
pulously preserved.

But perhaps you may think I am complimenting
the paper-maker, the engraver, and printer, at the
expense of the editor — that I commend the hand,
but neglect the head. I do not intend this. The first
glance at their work furnishes us the proof of their
abilitj' ; but the length, breadth, and depth of intel-
lectual, editorial powers are not so readily developed.
I am. much pleased with the articles, original and
selected, which have appeared in the first nrmibers ;
and your experience, acquired in a former chair, will
lead your subscribers to require much at your hands.
Indeed, the name you have assumed devolves on you
a heavy responsibility. The old " New England Far-
mer," the original of agricultural publications, at
least in this part of the country, was managed with
great ability, and probably ctFoctod more for the
good of agriculture, — as it occupied the entire field,
— than any subsequent publication in New England ;
but still I hope it will never be said, w'ith truth, of
you or your paper, — " Sequltur patrem, sed non pas-
sibus aquis." [Ho follows his father, but not with
equal steps. — Ed.]

I suppose it is within the scope of your plan to
indulge, and even to cherish, inquiries upon all sub-
jects relating to agriculture and horticulture ; and to
publish the results of experiments which have been,

70

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

or may be, instituted, to advance the interests of the
fanner. Groat advanta;^cs have ah-eady accrued from
these interchanges of views and opinions ; but it is
evident that much yet remains to be accompUshcd ;
and the partial success which has resulted from the
efforts which have been put forth, of this character,
should stimulate every fi-icnd of industry to con-
tinued exertion in this direction. If the plan and
purpose of your paper be such as I have supposed, I
may, occasionally, offer communications having a
more direct relation to the interests of agriculture.
Your obedient servant,

A. T. L.

BiUDGEWATEll, Ft:b. 5.

For the New Eiiffkind Farmer.
ENTOMOLOGY.

The structure, habits, and transformations of
insects, is a subject, the knowledge of which is of
very limited diffusion ; and yet there is no branch
of natural history more deeply interesting, espe-
cially to the agricultural portion of the community.
The orchard, field, garden, and even the forest,
are subject to their ravages ; whole crops are fre-
quently destroyed, or so materially injured as
scarcely to be worth harvesting ; and the hopes of
the farmer are oftentimes disappointed by the sud-
den appearance of myriads of them, previous to
which, he indulged high anticipation of a bountiful
suj^ply for man and beast. "Were a knowledge of
insects more generally diffused, and the best means
of checking their depredations better understood,
a large amount of vegetable production might be
added to the enormous quantity now grown in
this region, and a great amount of information be
possessed in regard to this branch of natural science,
Avhich, to him who has a taste for the curious in na-
ture, is very interesting, as well as useful.

Within a few years, insects of some kinds have
increased to an alarming extent. The rose-bug, for
instance, literally swarms, devouring every thing,
almost indiscriminately, and all means used to check
it seem to be ineffectual. Many others might be
named, which are more numerous than formerlj',
and which seem, from their immense numbers, to
threaten destruction to certain crops.

The study of insects may appear like a trifling
occiipation, to many. But what can be of more
importance to the farmer than the history of the
multitude, whom no man can number, which are
laying waste his crops ? It is not expected that
every one will perfectly understand the science of
entomology ; but any one may obtain sufficient
knowledge of it to be of much benefit to him in
conducting the various branches of agriculture.

The " Treatise on Insects injurious to Vegeta-
tion," by Dr. T. W. Harris, is a work which should
be in every farmer's library. It contains a vast
amount of information on the subject; embracing
their history, and the best means of destroying them,
and preventing their ravages. Agricultural papers
have done much, within the few past years, in
diffusing a knowledge of this subject, and the habits
of many insects are now generally understood,
which, but a short time since, were but imper-
fectly known ; still there is a wide field open for
study, and he who enters upon it cannot but bo
interested in its exploration.

O. y. HILLS.

GENERAL REMARKS ON MANURES, &,c.

In the recent discussion on the subject of ma-
nures, at the State House, — a report of which may

be found on page 55, — Hon. Mr. Leonard, of
Norton, expressed the following views, which he
has politely furnished for our columns : —

"It has been said, Mr. President, that farmers are
the founders of human civilization ; and this I be-
lieve to be true. It is a fact that has been verified,
from time immemorial, that when the red man of the
forest commenced the use of the plough and be-
came a farmer, he then gave up the chase. It has also
been said, that if there is any one business, calling,
or profession more independent than others, it is
agriculture ; and this is probably true, as agricul-
ture is a great centre, about which all other occu-
pations in society seem to revolve. Trade, com-
merce, manufactures, and even the learned profes-
sions, in some good degree, owe their welfare to
this branch of industry. Therefore the farming
community are a part of a great whole, which
must bo preserved in complete harmony, or else
bring death, distress, and famine, upon the land.
And he who sets himself to work in good earnest,
with hand and mind, to explore the hidden treas-
ures of the earth, (and I do not here mean digging
California gold, but more valuable treasures — those
which sustain human life, and increase human
happiness, and bless the race,) — to him who sets
himself to work in earnest, with the aid of scientific
research, and practical experience in this business,
will be likely to turn every thing on his farm to good
account. And I know of no case where scientific
research and practical experience can be better
applied than in the matter of manures, which is the
subject now under discussion. Manures are the
great stimulants that cause the earth to increase
her productions ; and to consider the manner of
making and applying them to the ground, in the
cheapest and best way, is the object for which we
are here convened. Manures may be procured by
the wealthy (who do not, and need not, stop to count
the cost) in a manner that wUl not do for the man
of small means. "We, sir, must learn to make
manure from means Avithin our reach, and from
materials gathered from oiu* own farms. I believe,
sir, that the attention of the young has been called
to this subject (in part at least) by our meetings
here, for a few years past, and also by the agriciil-
tural papers and pamphlets now so widely circulated.
The farmers' boys begin to feel that they want more
education, and in this they are right ; let them have
it, their occupation requires it ; for is it not a fact
that the soil cannot be cultivated to the best possible
advantage without some knowledge of its constituent
parts, so as to understand what is lacking in some
soils and what superabounds in others, and thus be
able to apply such manures, or helps, as will make
each foot of ground more productive ? To do this,
it will be necessary for the farmer to bring to his aid
the all-powerful science of chemistry — a science
without a parallel in its extent and utility. Much has
been said about the use of charcoal as a manure ; and
although I have never tried experiments like those
which have been described by some who have
spoken here, yet I have used it as a manure for
more than forty years ; I mean charcoal dust, or the
fine, broken coal which is too small to be taken up
by the rake, and is left upon the bed or hearth, and
which is mixed with ashes in the process of charring.
This article will keep the rain off for about one year,
and, of course, will not freeze, as it remains entirely
dry ; so that it can be used in winter, to cover over the
manure heap from the stable, and prevent the escaj>e
of the ammonia and other gases ; and by this process
the heap is increased both in quantity and quality,
I have made some experiments with mud, or muck,
from swamps. This article, when pulverized, is worth
more than half as much as manure from the stable,
for raising potatoes in dry, sandy ground. I have
also used bone-dust, lime, ashes, and plaster, all of

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

71

which are good, but ought to be scientifically applied.
Ashes will cause moss upon low lands ; bone dust is
very good, but costs me more than I can make it
worth.

SOOT AS A MANURE.

We copy from the journal of the English Hoyal
Agricultural Society, giving an account of the mode
of cultivation and use of soot, by Mr. Dimmery.

"'The general price is sixpence per bushel; the
quantity used on the farm is upwards of throe thou-
sand bushels a year, one half of which is applied to
the potato, and the other to the wheat crop.' A
large flock of sheep gives ' tail-dress,' preparatory
to turnips, which follow the wheat, and intervene
between it and the potatoes. It is not the present
object to enter into any further detail of the particu-
lar routine, but merely to make use of the preceding
quotation as a prelude to the question of soot as a
manure. ' We have not,' says Mr. Morton, ' been
able to obtain from Mr. Dimmery any idea of how
soot acts in producing such effects, as it evidently
does both on the potato and wheat crop ; the effect
of it is particularly evident on the wheat, for however
sickly it looks in the spring, its color and the vigor
of its growth is changed in a few days after it has
been applied.' Whatever may be thought of the
limited and special applicability of soot, yet where
it docs suit, and is proved by continuous facts to be
csninently useful, even when applied in quantity so
small as twenty-five bushels to the acre, in such
places it is, to all available intents and purposes, the
very compound itself which comprises the essentials
of the vavmted, mystified preparation of carbon,
that now bores the imagination. Soot is the purest
carbonized product of mineral coal ; it contains oily
and volatilized resinous matters, and, above all, a
fixed neutral salt of ammonia, which is perfectly
soluble in watery menstrua, but retentive of its am-
monia till a more powerful alkali displace it ; then,
as by mixture with lime, potass or soda, the volatile
ammonia is liberated, and revealed by its pungent
odor. Without asserting what may or may not be
the components of any nostrum, we unhesitatingly
offer a strong opinion of the efhcacj' of soot — an
efficacy not to be rivalled or surpassed by any known
prepax'ation whose chief component is free carbon."

EDUCATED LABOR.

It is a very common remark, that, if we want to
have any thing done correctly, we must attend to
it ourselves. This arises, in the first place, no doubt,
from the greater interest we have in the business,
and in the next place, from our irnderstanding best
what needs to be done. Hardly any man has had
charge of work, where a niimbcr of hands were em-
ployed, without being more or less hindered, as well
as vexed, oftentimes by ignorance and awkwardness,
to say nothing of carelessness, on the part of some of
his hands. Some men seem to have no kind of
thought as to luhat needs to be done in a given case ;
or, if that is told them, they are as much at a loss to
know hoio it is to be done. They must be told what
and how they shall do, and must be expected to
exercise only physical strength, which is thus re-
duced to nothing better than mere brute force. For
the ox can draw the plough or the cart as he is di-
rected. Such men can work well for A or B, or any
body that will find them a head, but they can never
work for themselves. Of this class are necessarily
most of our Irish and Canadian laborers. This is
'practically understood, and the price of their labor
is graded accordingly. The six or eight dollars per

month, which is all they can earn, is all that mere
lifting or carrying is worth. It is the price of unedu-
cated labor.

In tlie same field, perhaps, with the man that earns
his six dollars per month, is another that earns and
receives his fifteen dollars ; another who can earn
twelve dollars ; and still another, we will suppose,
who earns ten dollars. The difference of price is
made, not from a regard to their power of body, not
from their age, but for the difference of skill and
ability to turn off work. One of them can only do
as he is told ; two of them need some direction, but
are tolerable hands. The first is able, in the absence
of his emjiloyer, to take the management of affairs,
plan out the work, assign to each his place, and,
with all his care and supervision of the rest, still
does more than either of them. He receives fifteen
dollars per month. That is the price he receives for
educated labor.

The education of the laborer is not wholly derived
fr'onr books. At first sight it might seem not to de-
pend on them at all. Sometimes a man without
books may become a skilful workman ; but his educa-
tion goes on in a different way. He is thrown in
contact with men that understand their business, he
sees how work is done, and, by practice, he may at
length be enabled to work with readiness himself.
Observation, attention, have educated him. But to
become a really skilful man he must become a think-
ing man. He must be able in the outset to place
distinctly before his mir.d just what he wishes to do;
he must then look carefully at the means to be used
to do it ; he must be able to select the best, without
trying each different way first ; and then he is ready
to work. Nor must he be obliged to spend much
time in planning his work. It is obvious that such
a habit of thinking is best formed, in f;\ct it can
hardly be formed at all, except by the aid of books,
and the education of the school-room. K the habit
of thinking is only really possessed, the application to
business is very easy, as every one knows who has
had occasion to direct or to witness the work of two
men, the one a thinker, the other a man of mere
physical strength.

Any act of physical labor can, as we have seen, be
reduced to three elements : first, the determining of
what must be done, including the planning of the
same ; secondly, determining the way to exercise
the requisite physical strength ; and thirdly, applying
the strength. The last all men possess sufficiently
in a state of nature. The second depends mainly on
practice, with some care and attention. The first,
and most important, without Avhich the others are
comparatively nothing, — for they cannot be exer-
cised, or, if exercised, can only be so at random, — is
the result of education.

Hence arises the necessity of education to every
department of labor, that labor may be rightly di-
rected, so as to yield the greatest product at the least
expense. The jn-inciple illustrated in the case above
supposed of the foiu- laborers, is being acted out, for
better or for worse, on every farm and in every
workshop in the state. Men are earning their sLx
and eight, or their fifteen and twenty dollars per
month, or more, according as that labor is educated
or uneducated.

The improvement in the arts and in agriculture,
and the competition which the business of Vermont
must now meet, are making it absolutely necessary to
them, as they value their success or even existence,
no longer to rest satisfied with any thing short of
rightly educated labor. — But of this more at another
time. — Vermont State Agriculturist.

There are three principal elements of productive
farming : — Labor — Ca2->ital — Intellifjence.

72

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

On "Wednesday of last week, we had the pleasure
of attcndinf^ the Convention at Dcdham, held for
the purpose of forming an Agricultural Society for the
county of Norfolk. The meeting was large, and
composed of zealous and eflicient friends of agricul-
ture, from different parts of the county.

The Convention was organized by the appointment
of Hon. Cliarles F. Adams, of Quincy, to the ofRce
of President, and of other gentlemen as temporary
officers. Mr. Adams briefly addressed the Conven-
tion, on the important subject before them, remark-
ing, that as he had inherited considerable real estate,
he should give particular attention to the subject of
agriculture, in order to manage it with advantage.
Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr., late mayor of Boston, ad-
dressed the Convention in his usual spirited and able
manner. During the session, brief and animated
remarks v>crc made by Hon. B. V. French, of Brain-
tree, Hon. M. P. Wilder, of Dorchester, S. Walker,
Esq., of lloxbury, E. K. Whittaker, Esq., of Need-
ham, and by others.

A constitution was adopted, and a large number
of names obtained as members. A subscription was
opened, headed by Mr. Adams, the president, for
$300. Messrs. French, Wilder, and A. D. Williams,
of Roxbury, subscribed $100 each.

The following officers were chosen for the ensuing
year : Hon. M. P. Wilder, President ; Hon. C. F.
Adams, Hon. B. V. French, Hon. S. D. Bradford, of
Roxbury, Checvcr Newhall, Esq., of Dorchester,
Rev. E. Burgess, of Dedham, Hon. Jos. L. Richard-
son, of Medway, Vice-Presidents ; Hon. Edward L.
Iveycs, of Dcdham, Recording Secretary ; E. K.
Whittaker, Esq., Corresponding Secretary ; Mr.
Enos Foord, of Dedham, Treasurer. Various other
officers were also chosen.

A vote of thanks was passed to Messrs. Adams,
French, Wilder, and Williams, for thcii' liberal dona-
tions ; and to Mr. ^^^littakcr, for his zeal, persever-
ance, and efficient labors, in getting up the Conven-
tion. A letter was read from General Dearborn,
mayor of the city of Roxbury, excusing his non-
attendance, on account of physical inability.

Messrs. Walker and Williams set a noble example,
and pledged Roxbury for $500 ; Mr. Wilder, and
other gentlemen, pledged Dorchester for $400 ; and
their example was followed by liberal gentlemen of
other towns. The whole permanent fund, raised on
the spot, amounted to over $2800, with a fair pros-
pect of adding several thousand dollars more, from
members, and by donations.

Thi'oughout all the proceedings, the utmost har-
mony and most gratifying enthusiasm prevailed, and
the result has been auspicious, and highly satisfactory
to the friends of agricultural improvement.

POSTAGE ON SEEDS, SCIONS, &C.

The post-office laws should be so modified as to
allow of sending very small packages, containing
seeds, scions, &c., by mail, as this would offer great
facilities to cultivators, and, of course, to improve-

ments in agriculture and horticulture ; and there
would be an advantage in a greater revenue to gov-
ernment, without any extra expense, of consequence,
ill transportation. The following is a copy of a peti-
tion adopted by the C^incinnati Horticultural So-
ciety. We hope that other societies will cooperate
in the endeavor to bring about a change so desirable.

To the Uon. tlie House of Representatives of the Pcojile
of the United States in Coiigress.

The subscribers respectfully petition your honor-
able body for such a modification of the post-office
laws as will enable those persons who are engaged in
horticultural pursuits, or others, to transmit by mail,
seeds, grafts, and such other horticultural objects as
arc occasionally sent by mail, at a rate of postage not
exceeding that of newspapers, provided they be in
packages of not more than two ounces in weight.

Believing that you will at once perceive the gen-
eral advantage to our country from every increased
facility of disseminating throughout its varied dis-
tricts the various jilants and fruits which may be
thought useful for cultivation, and especially such as
it may be desirable to test in different soils and cli-
mates, we consider it only necessaiy to remind you
that the charge of letter postage, according to the
present system, retards the progress of improvement
in horticulture, and therefore deserves modification.

We might add, that we have no doubt the revenues
of the post-office would be greatly increased by the
proposed amendment; we consider, however, that by
its adoption the public good would be so much pro-
moted, that no question of revenue should be allowed
to affect it.

PRESERVATION OF BUTTER.

At a late Council of the Royal Agricultural Society
of England, a few years since, a jar of butter was
received from Henry Wood, Esq., as a specimen of
the successful mode adopted for its preservation
when that article is intended for exj)ort to foreign
climates.

Mr. Wood informed the Council that this butter
had been prepared on the 19th inst., (June,) accord-
ing to the process adopted in Eastern countries,
where it was used for culinary purposes instead of
hog's lard, which the T*Iahomctan law prohibited,
and would keep for any length of time in a perfect
state of preservation, although it contained no salt
or other additional substance. This preservative state
of the butter was induced by the removal of scvim,
and the dissipation of the watery particles of fresh
butter, effected by the gentlest possible application of
sufficient heat to produce the result. Mr. Wood
stated that in Asia this gentle heat was obtained by
the natives by filling a large, open, earthen- ware pan
with powdered and well-dried cow-dung, and then
setting fire to it, introducing into the midst of the
burning cow-dung an earthen vessel containing the
butter, which thus became melted ; and when the
scum, as it rose, had been successively removed, and
the watery particles driven off by the heat, it was
poured into a jar and preserved for use. Mr. Wood
suggested that a sand-bath, properly regulated,
might answer the same purpose as the dried cow-
dung, and as the process was so very simple, there
could be no difficulty in preparing it; and that,
when once prepared, the butter never became taint-
ed. Mr. Wood stated that he carried with him to
the Cape of Good Hope some butter prepared in the
same way, a year previously, and which was thero
pronounced to be superior to the salted butter of the
colony and for culinaiy purposes far superior to
lard.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

73

THE ENDICOTT PEAR TREE.

AGE, OVER TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY -ONE YEARS.

Our obliging friend, Mr. Fowler, has furnished us
with the following interesting facts in regard to the
famous Endicott pear tree, together with a fac simile
of the same, as it appears in winter, and from which
we have made our engraving on a larger scale.

In 1632, Mr. Endicott, one of the early governors
of Massachusetts, received from the Court of Assist-
ants, a grant of three hundred acres of land, situated
in that part of Danvers now known as the New
Mills. This tract of land he afterward called his
" Orchard Farm." Tradition says, the governor
brought the pear tree over when very small, in a
tiower-pot, when he came to Salem, in the year
1628. It is supposed the tree was first set out in his
garden, at his town residence, but was subsequently
removed, in the year 1033, to this farm, where it now
stands. The tree still retains considerable vigor, and
continues to boar fruit, in some seasons, of a good
quality, although it can be ranked only in the second
class of pears. It is ripe in October.

It can be seen from the cars of the Essex railroad,
when passing over the Iron Factory pond, toward the
New Mills, on the left hand. I saw it distinctly
3'esterday, and I observed that it was surrounded
by a rude fence. It still very much resembles, at a
distance, the wood cut I sent you, although taken
some years since. It will be interesting to travellers
to have theu- attention directed to this ancient tree.
Yours,

S. P. FOWLER.

Danvers, New Mills, Jan. 1849.

MAPLE SUGAR.

Farmers who have maple-trees should be prepared
for making sugar, as warm days, producing a good

flow of sap, are common the latter part of winter
and early in spring. Success in this business de-
pends very much on being well prepared, and man-
aging every thing with the greatest economy, and in
the best manner. The following judicious remarks
are from G. Butler, Clinton, N. Y., in the Albany
Cultivator : —

I do not intend here to speak of the best way of
producing this article in its purity. That has often
been done through your columns by those better
qualified than myself. The object is. to induce those
having the means, to make it. Many farmers, having
abundance of the sugar maple, object to engaging in
this business, alleging that the sale of the fuel neces-
sary for its manufacture would purchase an equal
amount of sugar ready made. I am quite certain
that my own experience, for a series of years, has
resulted in a different conclusion. Take the last sea-
son for an example. About forty baiTcls of sap were
boiled, consuming nearly three cords of refuse wood,
chiefly bass and hemlock, and producing about
eighty pounds of sugar and sixteen gallons of mo-
lasses. Estimating the sugar at ten cents a pound,
and the molasses at fifty cents a gallon, — and the
sales were all made at a higher rate, — the amount is
sixteen doUars. The wood used could hardly haA^e
been sold for thi-ee dollars. My apparatus for boil-
ing is not the most economical, being a caldron set
in brick, in connection with a five pail kettle, with a
spiral flue around the whole. A large sheet-iron pan
is said to be far preferable, by exposing a much larger
surface to the fire, by which the CA'aporating process
is greatly expedited. A small building, contiguous
to my dwelling, contains my boiling apparatus, and
sufficient space for nearly two years' supply of fuel,
consisting of old rails, stumps, and parts of logs too
knotty or tough to be reduced for the stove, all gath-

74

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

ercd ill the previous season, so that -when sugar time
comes, half the fire may not bo required to fry away
the sap outside the kettles. A one-horse power is
used for gathering, and when the " run" is over, the
buckets, &c., are carefully stowed away in an upper
loft, ready for the " bush " again on return of spring.
It has been recommended to plug the trees, to facil-
itate the healing process. I have tried it one or two
years, and the effect was evidently bad, and I long
since abandoned it. But not to protract these re-
marks : let those who have not yet drawn any por-
tion of their sugar from the maple, be assured that
this home-made luxury is not less sweet, albeit there
may be less sweat in the manufacture of it, than in the
more common product of the cane.

LEGISLATION FOR AGRICULTURE.

From the able address of Lewis F. Allen, Esq.,
delivered before the New York State Agricultural
Society, January, 1849, we select the following judi-
cious remarks, which are worthy the particular at-
tention of legislators and farmers generally : —

Agricultural education should attract largely
your attention ; and it is a subject which will bear a
little examination. The pittance of eight thousand
dollars a year is now doled out of your public treas-
ury, a bare recognition only of the importance and
value of agricultural associations, of Avhich the sti-
pend of seven hundred dollars is paid to your soci-
ety. To call this state bounty, which we in courtesy
do, is little better than mockery. Forty thousand
dollars a year would now be less, compared with the
wealth and resources of the state, than ten thousand
dollars in 1819. Why, gentlemen, the annual appro-
priations to agricultural advancement from the state
treasury, is less than that given to three of your col-
leges, where less than two hundred students yearly
graduate. Appro2:)riations amounting to more than
live hundred thousand dollars of public money have
been made by law for the endowment of colleges ;
and yoiir literature fund is still annually drawn upon
to the amount of fifteen thousand dollars in contrib-
uting to their siipport, while their halls remain a
sealed book to him who looks only to agriculture as
the profession of his life ; and of the thousands who
there receive the bounty of the state in aid of theii-
education, not a tithe of them, in the course of their
lives, add a dollar to the physical or productive
wealth of the country. The common school, or the
village academy, is the only institution where the
young farmer gains admittance ; and even there, as
at present constituted, he hardly acquires an idea of
the rudest elements of his future profession, or of
those studies which properly belong to it.

These remarks are not made in a querulous or
fault-finding temper. It is right that we have col-
leges and academies for the few Avho aspire to the
higher wallts of professional or scientifie life, as well
as common schools for the million. No state can
be well or wisely constituted without them, and I
would not abate one jot or tittle from the wholesome
support which a broad and liberal system of educa-
tion demands. But we should claim, and insist, that
departments devoted to agricultural teaching, or to
the development of agricultural science, should be
established, either as branches of our seats of learn-
ing, or as independent institutions. Why should
not the farmer be edvicated to the top of his faculties,
as well as those who select what arc termed the
learned professions as their pursuit ? If our sons
cannot be taught the education they seek in the col-
leges, — and there are well-grounded doubts of this
fact from the moral malaria too often existing within
and around them, — institvitions for their sole educa-
tion should be aided, or erected, and endowed by the

state. This subject has been annually debated in
your meetings for years past ; but influenced by a
strange timidity, no decided action beyond a fonnal
and altogether harmless expression of opinion has
been effected. I beseech you, gentlemen, to look at
this matter. The real and personal property of this
state is more than one thousand millions of dolLars.
Nominally, in the assessors' returns, it is rated at less
than six hundi-ed and fifty millions. In these re-
turns, it is notorious that real estate is not assessed
at over two thirds its real value, and it is safe to say,
that owing to the imperfect and partial system of
taxation, not one half the personal property of the
state, comparatively little of which is held by the
farmer, is taxed at all ; and in its practical operation,
agricultural capital jDays two to one over that devoted
to other fiurposes. Yet with all this burden on its
back, the farming interest either stands back from
your halls of legislation abashed, although nominally
rei:)rcsented there by its members ; or if, plucking a
momentary courage by the congregation of its num-
bers on an occasion like the present, it literally
shrinks away, cither ashamed to ask its rights, or,
if asking, couched in such a subdued tone of humil-
ity, that the legislature scarce believe you in earnest.
This, gentlemen, is yoiu- attitude before the tempo-
rary power which you create to govern you ! Con-
trast it with the conduct of those who seek a difl'er-
ent kind of favor at its hands. Watch the thou-
sands of applicants for corjDorate and exclusive priv-
ileges, and state patronage, who have in times past
besieged your halls of legislation. With what confi-
dence they approach and lay siege to the law-making
power ! and how like " sturdy beggars " thej' perse-
vere, till, right or wrong, theii- importunities ape
granted ! And in parenthesis I might continue to
remark, that the history of our corporate legisla-
tion is monstrous. Some years by-gone, and bank-
ing charters were the only subject of moment before
these bodies ; and that legislator who did not go
home with more or less of the promised shares of a
successful application in his jDocket, was considered
as but a dull financier, or strongly suspected of hav-
ing what, in private life, is called — a conscience !
In later time, it has been asserted that railroad cor-
porations have controlled your legislatures — ridden
into their seats by aid of free tickets ; and contempo-
rary with them, had we farmers caught the spirit of
the day, and adopted characteristic weapons of suc-
cess, each ■ one of us would have appeared with a
sheep on his back, or a truss of poultry at his elbow,
to lunch them into acquiescence !

ADVANTAGES OF THOROUGH DRAINING.

Draining, as understood thii'ty years ago in Eng-
land, (and to this day witli us,) merely meant the
making of channels to carry oft' siu-face water, and
underground drains to dry bogs, or cut off springs.
It has now an entii-ely different meaning in the agri-
cultural world. Mr. Smith, of Dcanston, near Edin-
burgh, was among the first to practise and explain
thorough draining, as it is called. His system is,
that all land requii-es to be drained ; that the depth
of loam, or soil, containing the food of plants, seldom
exceeds a few inches, resting on a subsoil, or pan of
clay, or hard gravel, saturated with water. By mak-
ing drains from two and a half to five feet in depth, at
every twenty or thirty feet, the land becomes dry ;
air takes the place of water ; every shower, furnished
with a stock of ammonia, permeates the soil, and the
result is, that instead of a few inches there are as
many feet of fertile loam, the action of the atmosj^here
being sufficient of itself to produce the change, al-
though, to hasten the process, subsoil ploughing is
made part of the system.

The change produced by the introduction of

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

75

thorough draining in Britain, is said to be truly as-
tonishing. Not only has the produce been graatly
increased, but wheat and turnips have been grown
at elevations, and in districts, where their cultiva-
tion was not before thought possible. By it, crops
have been rendered less liable to disease, and harvest
has been forwarded nearly a month. This will be
better understood, if we reflect, that when water is
allowed to remain in the soil until removed by evap-
oration, the heat of the sun and air, instead of being
imparted to the land, will actually, through this
process, produce an intense degree of cold. On the
other hand, were the soil so dry as to allow the rain
to pass through, it would imbibe heat from every ray
that fell upon it.

The British government has considered this im-
provement of so great importance, that, during the
last three years, large sums have been loaned to all
applicants, to be expended in drainage, under the
superintendence of inspectors. These loans are re-
paid by annual instalments of six and a half per cent.,
for about tv/enty years ; and as the money is bor-
rowed by government at three per cent., these pay-
ments cancel the loan and interest. — Robert Jardine.

CULTURE AND PRESERVATION OF PO-
TATOES.

Having the present year, notwithstanding the
severe drought, succeeded in growing and preserving
a fine and healthy crop of potatoes, I have decided
to furnish you with an account of the circumstances
under which they were produced, and my opinion
relative thereto, for msertion in your journal, should
you deem it worthy of a place therein.

About the first of ^lay, I planted five acres in the
following manner : the soil was a dry, micaceous,
sandy loam, gradually rolling, with a southern ex-
posure ; the seed used was both white and purple
Mercers, princixially large ones, cut into three pieces,
and rolled in gypsum, and allowed to lie but a few
hours after cutting. The field was an old sward,
chiefly of moss and garlics ; the manure applied was
entirely from the yards, made fiom the cow and
horse stables and the sties, about twenty-five two-
horse loads per acre, spread broadcast before the
plough — the land having been heavily limed several
years previous. The planting process commenced
with the tillage, b}' dropping the pieces of the tubers,
(prepared as above,) about one foot apart, in the
bottom of every other furrow, which was five inches
in depth and ten inches wide, strewing them with
ashes and i\\\c charcoal, (from a locomotive, in which
pine wood was consumed,) about twenty bushels per
acre. The ploughing was performed in the usual
manner, in lands of twenty-five yards each.

Inunediately after planting the groimd was thor-
oughly rolled. After it had lain a few days, it re-
ceived repeated harrowings, lengthwise of the
furrows, iii the warm part of the da}', which was
continued until the tops were three inches in height,
after which they remained without tillage until they
were some eight inches high, when the cultivator
was passed through, between the rows, and the
weeds, if any, removed. They then received a light
top dressing of gypsum, after which they remained
untouched until fit to harvest, which was done as
soon as the skins of the new tubers were firmly set,
but before all the tops were entirely dead. AVe
began to dig about the first of September, before the
autumnal rains commenced. They were placed in a
cool, dark cellar, and spread on the ground floor,
about eighteen inches thick, where they remained
for two months, when they were assorted and placed
in bins about four feet deep, there to remain until
marketed in the spring. They have so far kept per-
fectly, there being no visible traces of disease in the
entire crop.

The yield was about two hundred and fifty bushels
per acre, which was a much greater product than I
anticipated on account of the excessive drought.
The whole expense of the tillage of this crop did not
exceed foiir cents per bushel, independent of the
planting and harvesting, which cost not less than ten
cents per bushel, making the aggregate cost of pro-
ducing the five acres (including the seed, eighty
bushels, at eighty cents per bushel) two hundred
and thirty-nme dollars, I'otatoes of the quality of
mine are now worth eighty cents per bushel in Phila-
delphia market, which would make the net valu«
of the crop seven hundred and sixty-one dollars.
Truly, this is not so lucrative as some of the muiers
of California have represented the raising of gold to
be ; nevertheless, I think the Mercers, well roasted,
set quite as well upon an empty stomach as gold ore,
and, judging from the eflect produced upon the
morals and customs of the nations in which th«
precious metals are found most abundant, I much
prefer being classed with the cultivators than the
miners. — American Agriculturist.

CUTTING FODDER FOR STOCK.

That cutting fodder for stock, especially the
coai-scr kinds, is a subject worthy of more attention
among farmers, will, I believe, be admitted by all
who have given it any thing like a fau- trial. Cut
fodder, of every description, is of more value for
stock than uncut. I have known persons to be of
the opinion that a horse would thrive as well \ipon
cut hay, as he would without its being cut, and a
moderate allow-ance of oats added.

This may be claiming too much for it ; but yet
there is a strong argument in its favor.

Horses, as well as other stock, appear to relish tha
same fodder better for its being cut ; besides the ad-
vantage of eating it in half the time, allowing more
for rest. It also has a tendency to obviate the diffi-
culty to which cattle and horses are subject, in tho
winter season, when they are kept upon dry fodder,
of being bound. But another item in the account,
and by no means the least, is in using xip coarse
fodder, such as wheat and oat straw, corn fodder,
poor hay, &c, which will be much better eaten by
being cut than without.

I have repeatedly seen fodder off'ercd to cattle and
refused, and the same fodder passed tlu'ough the hay
cutter, returned to them apparently to their satis-
faction, from the disposition they made of it. Hay
that is musty is much improved by cutting, as the dust
becomes liberated by the operation. There is one
other benefit to be derived, which is in mixing
straw, poor hay, &c., with that which is good, by
which means all will be eaten. Some, however, may
object, that straw and poor hay are in a manner
worthless, therefore nothing is gained. But we may
recollect that the time has not long since gone by,
when very many doubted there being any advan-
tage in grinding corn and cobs together for proven-
der ; but experiments have established the fact that
there is economy in it ; and from some experience
in mixing fodder, I think the advantage fully equal
to mixing cobs with corn for provender. — Main*
Farmer.

THE EGG BUSINESS IN MAINE,

It is believed that more than 2,000,000 dozen of
eggs have been sent fiom Maine to Boston this sea-
son, and have been sold for something lilic .$300,000.
This sounds like a large story, but those who are en-
gaged in the trade wUl fully sustain it. There are
more than forty men who are busily engaged in
this business. — llalloicell Gazette.

76

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

IBomestic Department.

System, Order, Regularity. — The importance
of attending to these points must bo apparent to
every one who has had any experience in managing
a household, and who has the important and indis-
pensable talent of observing. Supposing, then, my
young friends to be early risers, your attention
ehould be next directed towai'ds having a system and
a regular time for every thing you do. " There's a
time to work, a time to sing, a time to play," &c.
According to your own desires, necessities, or tastes,
have your moments or hours set apart, and when once
fixed, adhere to them, and make every other thing
about the house adapt themselves accordingly. In
this way you will soon have united and harmonious
action, and everything will go on like "clock work."
You know, always, where to find yourself, and everj'
one else will know Avhere to find you, and place their
dependence and make their calculations accordingly.
This is supposing that you are the head of an estab-
lishment, for there must always be a head to a body.
But if j-ou are not at the head, you can regulate
according to that head, and if there is system about
it, you are as much the governor of your time as if
you were the main regulator. If there is not system
about it, I pity you from my heart ; you arc a slave
indeed, and must have the patience of Job and the
meekness of a lamb, if your temper is not ruffled.
From all the scourges and distempers incident to the
ills of human life, God save me from the factions
and disturbances of an irregular household. Behold
the beautiful, grand, and incomiorehensible sj^stem of
all nature, the sublime regularity of the heavenly
universe ; watch the harmony of system, and the
beauty and regularity displayed by the Divine Reg-
ulator, and who will deny that wo have not there
ail unmistakable example, for us to follow ?

Your friend,
— Missouri Farmer. AMELIA.

Indulge the Curiosity of Children. — Suppress
not their curiosity or inquisitiveness. It is no failing
in or of itself. It is, rather, one of the stronger
incentives and the most prominent means to become
learned and wise. It is generally from ignorance
and pride, indifference or a peevish disposition, that
a man commands his children to be silent, or re-
proaches them for an improper and reprehensible
curiosity when they inquire about something, and
are not satisfied with the first answer given them.
They must indeed learn and use prudence and dis-
cretion in the company of strangers who are present,
not on their own account, but on that of their pa-
rents. But parents, guardians, and teachers, if they
love their children or pupils, will kindly instruct
them in these things ; it Avill be their pleasure, too,
to answer their questions ; not with a dry yes or no,
but in such a manner as will convey the informa-
tion they desire, and yield them satisfaction. Yes,
they will seize these opportunities of exercising the
reflection of the child or youth, by encouraging it
to propose questions upon tliose subjects Avith which
it is yet unacquainted.

And should these questions be of such a nature as
should render their parents or instructors unable to
answer them, this should not make them unwilling
to confess their own ignorance upon the subject, or to
excuse themselves through the imperfections of
human knowledge, or to endeavor to make the
inquirer comprehend that the answer to this ques-
tion presupposes a knowledge which he has not,
nor can have at present, but that his application to
the subject will be rewarded if he persevere therein.
— Charlottesville Rep.

Toast and Water. — This article, simple as it is,
is rai^ly well prepared. Cut an upper crust of
bread as thick again' as it is usual for toast; brown it
carefully, but see that it be not burnt, smoked, or
black ; pour on as much water as is required, and
cover the jug till cold. A slice of thinly cut orange
or lemon peel infused with it, improves it greatly ;
it should be made early in the day during summer,
and placed in the sun, when it may be drank at
pleasure.

Preparation of Coffee. — In Silliman's Journal
we find a notice of a memoir on coft'ec, by the dis-
tinguished French chemist, M. Payen. The results
brought out by his chemical researches agree ex-
actly with facts previously known in regard to this
article. A great error in the preparation of coffee
is, that it is burned too much, by which the liquid,
when it is brought to the table, is destitute of agree-
able flavor, and has a bitter, unpleasant taste. The
reason of this is shown.

" Coffee, roasted only till it becomes slightly red,
preserves the maximum of weight and aroma, but
gives out less coloring matter. In this state, one
hundred pounds are found to have lost fifteen, but
have increased to the bulk of one hundred and
thirty. Roasted to a chestnut coloi', as is commonly
done, the loss is twenty per cent., while the increase
in volume is from one hundred to one hundred and
fifty-three. This swelling of the grain depends
upon the property which the nitrogenous matter
deposited within the tissue has of puffing up re-
markably w^hen heated.

" If the heat is continued until a dark-brown color
is produced, and the grain is covered wdth a sort of
glaze, the loss is twenty-five per cent., while the
original quantity of nitrogen, two hundred and forty-
five per cent., is reduced to one hundred and seventy-
seven, being a loss of one fourth."

Recipe for making Yeast. — To two middling-
sized potatoes add a pint of boiling water and two
tablespoonfuls of brown sugar. One pint of hot
water should be applied to every half pint of the
compound. Hot water is better in warm weather.
The yeast, being made without flour, will keep longer
in hot weather, and is said to be much better than
any in previous use. Try it. — Maine Farmer,

Bogs' Pcpartmeut.

Resolution. — We often see children attempt to
accomplish what is beyond their strength or ability,
when a few years old ; but after passing their child-
hood, and becoming great boys, they often lose
that resolution, ^\^len they have had time and
opportunity to improve their minds, and their
bodies have become firm and muscular, so that
much exercise is necessary to health, they often
shrink from mental or bodily labor, as though it were
a task.

We would caution all boys against this love of
ease. Let them look around and see what is to be
done in study or useful labor, and take hold and
accomplish it with decision, and when one thing is
done take hold of another; keep up a resolution
and determination to do every thing in its proper
time, and in a proper manner. In this way there

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

77

will be no accumulation of diiRcultics, but every
thing may be done with case and despatch.

CuuELTY TO Animals. — The following lines con-
tain excellent hints for our young readers. Let
every farmer's son read them, and when the season
of birds and insects comes round again, remember
to put the excellent views here given into practice.

"Thanks to my star, I can say I have never
killed a bird. I would not crush the meanest insect
which crawls upon the ground. They have the
same right to live that I have ; thcj- received it
from tiio same Father, and I Avill not mar the
works of God by wanton cruelty.

" I can remember an incident in my childhood
which has given a turn to my whole life and charac-
ter. I found a nest of birds in my father's field,
which held four young ones. They had no down
when I first discovered them. They opened their lit-
tle mouths as if they were hungry, and I gave them
some crumbs which were in my jjocket. Every
day I returned to feed them. As soon as school
was done, I would run home for some bread, and
sit by the nest to see them eat for an hour at a
time. The}' were now feathered and almost ready
to fiy. When I came one morning, I found them
all cut up into quarters. The grass around the
nest was red with bTood. Theu' limbs were raw
and bloody. The mother was on the tree, and the
father on the wall, mourning for their young. I
cried myself, for I was a child. I thought, too,
that the parents looked on me as the author of
their miseries, and this made me still more un-
happy. I wanted to sympathize with and comfort
them. When I left the field, they followed me with
theu' eyes, and with mournful reproaches. I was
too young and too sincere in ray grief to make any
apostrophes, but I can never forget my feelings.
The impression Avill never be worn away, nor can
I ever cease to iibhor every species of inhumanity
towards inferior animals."

t^ealtl).

The great error in regard to health is in neglecting
to preserve it, and, when it is gone, relying too much
on medicine, instead of good management, to restore
it. The old and true saying, that "an ounce oi pre-
vention is worth a j^ound of cure," is worthy of far
more consideration than it usually receives. Many
persons do not truly value health while they possess
it. The poet justly observes,

" How blessings brighten as the}' take their flight ! "

Exposure to the Am. — The importance of
(ittendiiig to the habitual exposure of children to the
air, is not duly estimated. At no period of life docs
any cause produce such permanent ill clfects, as in
the feeble and susceptible age of children. The bad
cifects of want of pure air and exercise are seen in
childi-en confined to manufactories, and in those
inhabiting a dense and badly-ventilated part of a
large city. Contrast these with children of the
country, and we shaU see a wonderful difference.

To CURE Warts or Corxs. — Take the yolk of an
egg, thicken it with fine salt, Avhich apply as a poul-

tice at night, leaving it off in the morning. Thus
continue for two or three nights, until the part
affected bears a Avhitish apearance ; then leave it oft'
entirely ; and the wart or corn, it is said, will come
out, root and branch. If a little of the leaves of rue
is bruised and added, it is said to be the better.

iHscljanifs' JJDcpartmcnt, ^rts, ^"f.

Covering Metals with Brass or Bronze. — For
brass, employ a solution, in water, compounded of
five hundred parts of carbonate of potash, twenty
parts chloride of copper, forty parts sulphate of zinc,
and two hundred and fifty parts of nitrate of ammo-
nia ; and after scouring the article to be coated,
properly, it is put in commotion at the ordinary
temperature Avith the negative pole of Biinsen bat-
tery, the positive decomposing pole a plate of brass.

For bronze. Make use of the same jireparation,
and perform in the same manner, as for brass, with
the exception of substituting a salt of tin for the sul-
phate of zinc, and apply bronze to the positive pole,
instead of brass.

By means of these solutions, wrought or cast iron,
steel, lead, zinc, tin, and the alloys of those metals,
either with each other or with bismuth and antimony,
may, with facility, be coated with brass or bronze,
and after having undergone the usual coloring
process they equal in beauty the finest bronzes.

When very large surfaces are to be coated, the
number of jiairs of plates to the battery should be
increased. By this method, rough cast iron may ba
made to assume a very beautiful appearance, and will
remain unoxydized when not exposed to the weather.
For outside work, articles should be protected by a
coating of suitable varnish. — N. Y. Fanner.

To CUT Glass or drill Glass. — Wet the imple-
ment in a solution of camphor in spirits of tiu'pen-
tine.

A fine blue Wash for Walls. — To two gal-
lons of whitewash, add one pound of blue vitriol dis-
solved in hot water, and one pound of fiour, well
mixed.

AGRICULTURE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.

The New Hampshire Legislature convened on the
third week of November. Gov. Williams, in his
short address, thus speaks on the subject of agricul-
ture : —

Our state is emphatically an agricultural state
— its interests and the occupations of her citizens
essentially of an agricultural character ; and as th«
Constitution recommends those interests to your
fostering care, you will undoubtedly consider the
propriety of endeavoring, by the organization of
agricultural boards or county associations, to awaken
an increased zeal and interest in agricultural im-
provements.

Agriculture, whether considered in reference to
the number of persons to whom it gives subsistence,
the value of its annual exports, the amount of capital
which it employs, its necessity for the support of all
other pursuits, the moral worth which distinguishes
the people devoted to this primitive employment, or
its tendency to give stability and permanency to our
institutions, may well be regarded as the paramount
interest of the country, and the basis of all its wealth
and prosperity. — Furmer's Monthly Vinitor.

78

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

AMERICAN FARMERS.

Many thousand fanners in New England rear
large families, pay all their debts and taxes promptly,
live independently, well clothed and comfortably
housed, and provided for on farms of fifty acres. The
plea is, that these people labor severely. This is a
great mistake. They have much because they waste
no time. With them there is " a place for every
thing, and every thing in its place." Their horses,
cattle, tools, and implements, arc attended to with
ciock-Iike regularity. Nothing is put off till to-mor-
row that can be done to-day. Economy is wealth,
and system affords ease. These men are seldom in a
hurry, except in harvest time. And in long winter
evenings, or severe weather, which forbids employ-
ment out of doors, one makes corn brooms, another
shoes, a third is a carpenter, cooper, or tailor ; and
one woman spins, another weaves, and a thii'd plaits
•' Leghorn bonnets." And the families thus ocqxi-
pied arc among the most healthy and cheerful in the
world. It is easy with them to reduce their wishes
to their means, if convenient or prudent, and to ex-
tend their means to their wishes. — Maine Cultivator.

CLEARING AWAY OBSTRUCTIONS TO
THE PLOUGH.

Messrs. Editors : This is a subject which nearly
interests every farmer in our state. Those who
have travelled through different parts of our state,
and have been at all observant of the state of things,
must know that stumps, stones, old logs, and oth-
ea" obstructions, are more or less abundant. Now,
Farmer Thrifty is one of those men Avho in reasoning,
always endeavors to come at the bottom of his
subject. And his first object to be accomplished is,
to clear away all obstructions from the field, so that
a complete unbroken furrow may be turned from
one end to the other ; this, as Farmer Thrifty says,
is beginning at the right end of business.

Ploughing is the grand operation in husbandry.
If a field be poorly ploughed, it cannot yield a good
crop, however skilfully managed in other respects.
And let the question be asked, what proportion of
the arable land in our state is capable of being Avoll
ploughed ? Much has been said lately in regard to
improvements in the construction of ploughs. But
of what avail is the most consummate skill in the
making of this grand instrument of agriculture, if
our fields are to remain encumbered with stumps,
roots, stones, &c. ? A well-constructed stump ma-
chine should be owned in every neighborhood where
stumps abound ; and I have heard Farmer Thrifty
say that he wished that the inventive genius of
some mechanic would make us off just the right
kind of thing for extracting stones from the ground.
After procuring suitable implements for performing
all this business, it will not be so great a task as
might be imagined, to clear away all obstructions
from our arable lands. Farmer Tlmfty says that ho
has determined to persevere in this business, till his
whole farm is entirely cleared of obstructions to the
plough. Let us, then, gentlemen farmers, imitate
this worthy and patriotic citizen, and the agriculture
of the state of Maine shall bo placed on equal or
higher footing than that of Great Britain. — Okl New
Eiiglaad Farmer.

NEW DUCK.

There has been read to the Zoological Society the
description of a new species of Duck, {FuUgula feri-
noicles,) by Mr. A. J). Bartlett. Three examples
having passed through the hands of Mr. Bartlett,

which appeared to resemble rather too closely to
admit of their being hybrids, as was supposed of the
first which occurred, the author was induced to
examine all the species of this genus which are
known to inhabit Europe and America. The resiilt
has been his conviction that the birds exhibited are
not only new to Britain, but have hitherto escaped
the knowledge of naturalists altogether. The capture
of a female will complete the evidence ingeniously
adduced by Mr. Bartlett ; and his discovery will be a
subject of interest to the students of British and
northern ornithology, to whom a new species is now
a thing scarcely to be hoped for. — Book of Facts.

IMPOLICY OF BURNING GREEN WOOD.

Few things show the tenacity Avith which we
cling, even after the clearest demonstration that
such is the truth, to antiqiiated error, than the fact
that there are many individuals, at the present day,
who religiously believe, and, what is worse, so far as
regards the comfort of themselves and families, prac-
tice the doctrine that green wood for fuel is better,
and of course more economical than d'-v. We think
the present season one most admirably adapted to
cure such an error as we conceive this opinion to be ;
and now, while the farmer is suffering with cold fin-
gers from his green wood fire, and he is in good
earnest lamenting the leanness of his wood yard, we
would request him candidly to review the whole
subject, and ask himself whether he had not better
desert a position which both soiuid theory and daily
experience show is no longer tenable.

The direct experiments of Dr. Black on fuel, and
the later ones of Count Bumford, as the best mode of
producing and economizing heat, have, in conjunc-
tion with the labors of others, demonstrated the very
great loss those sustain who use unseasoned wood
for the purpose of fuel. ^Making an estimate of the
various kinds of green wood, hard and soft together,
and of the same wood when thoroughly seasoned by
exposure to the air, the difference is found to be
equal to at least one third of the Avhole ; and if dried
at a temperature of one hundred, the difference will
exceed this proportion. Green wood, therefore, con-
tains at least one third its weight of water, and
allowing a cord of such wood to weigh three
thousand pounds, there will be one ton of wood and
half a ton of water in every cord. That the wood
A\ill not burn so long as this water is present in the
wood, all will admit ; it must therefore be evaporated
or driven off in the form of steam ; or, in other words,
caloric, or heat enough from other sources, must be
combined with the Avater to boil away half a ton, or
about one hundred and twenty gallons ; and as this
heat mostly passes off in a latent state, no possible
benefit is derived from so great a Avastc.

The amount of dry fuel necessary to perform this
operation of boiling aAvay half a ton of Avater every
farmer can estimate for himself; and avc think no
one can aA'oid seeing that AvhatcA^er this amount may
be, it is a total loss to himself. It is true, as many ar-
gue, that the consumption of a green stick of Avood is
less rapid than that of a dry one ; but such forget, it
seems, that a much larger quantity must be constantly
kept on the fire to produce the sanie degree of heat ;
and that until the green AVOod has absorbed from
other sources sufficient heat to expel the Avater with
which it is charged, the fire is dull and the heat
feeble ; there is abundance of smoke, but combus-
tion goes on slowly, or not at all.

Since the fact of the difference between the weight
of dry and green wood as stated aboA'e is indis-
putable, Ave think that those Avho have considerable
quantities of Avood to move Avould do Avell to bear it
in mind, as by attending to this circumstance, a very

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

79

great diminution in the amount of labor required
may bo made ; and the striking off the transportation
of thirty-three tons in one hundred, all -will agree, is
no trilling uftair. To labor is honorable ; but it is
time our fanners should learn that to expend it
needlessly is not profitable. — Genesee Farmer.

Remarks by the Editor New Exgland Farmer.

Farmers are now generally learning the utility of
seasoning wood before it is used, not only as a mat-
ter of economy in the use of fuel, but convenience is
an important consideration, as a fire may bo made,
and a room warmed, or any process in cooking per-
formed, in far less time by the use of dry fuel. The
scarcity of wood has been one inducement to save
fuel in every possible way, and that this may be
accomplished by the use of seasoned wood no one
will deny who has made a fair experiment.

SLOW MOTION OF OXEN.

Mr. J. Ropiolds, of South Strafford, Vt., makes the
following judicious remarks on the cause of a slow
motion in oxen, referring to an article on this subject,
on our 30th page : —

One of the principal causes of the slow motion
of oxen is in the motion of the man who trains or
drives them. I have noticed that a slow man always
has slow oxen, and on the contrary, a man of quick
motion has quick oxen. Another thing, I think
many teamsters talk too loud to their oxen. They
will hear as quick as a man when called to their
food, which proves that their hearing is good. Why,
then, should the teamster scream so as to be hijard
half a mile, or more ?

FARMERS' MEETING AT HANOVER, N. H.

We learn, from the Granite State Whig, that farm-
ers and other gentlemen friendly to improvement,
of Hanover, Lyme, and Lebanon, lately met in Han-
over, for the purpose of discussing various subjects
relating to agriculture. Asa Huntington, Esq., was
chosen chairman. S. Flint, Esq., of Lyme, read an
essay on Feeding Stock, after which the various
points in the discourse were discussed. Other gen-
tlemen were appointed to deliver essays at future
meetings. This is but an instance of thousands of
cases of the kind which should occur in the country,
and which Vi'ill take place when farmers are awakened
to the importance of association and combined ac-
tion, in effecting improvements in their profession.

APPLES ON PEAR STOCKS.

We are indebted to Mr. William Elliot, of Green-
field, in this state, for the following facts on this
subject, and we should be pleased to receive the re-
sult of other experiments that tend to its elucida-
tion.

I notice an inquiry in the New England Farm-
er, of January 20th, " Whether the apple has been
grafted into the pear, in this section." It has been
done, with good success, in this town, on a pear-tree
of the Bell variety. ^Nlr. William Mitchell has
kindly furnished me with a sample of the apples

which grew on this pear-tree, and which I send you.
You win perceive they are of leather diminutive size,
and beginning to decay. The reason for this is,
they are the " last pickings." Mr. Mitchell has
owned, for a number of years, the piece of land on
which this pear-tree stands ; and he informs me that
the tree bears well every year, both pears and apples.
The pears are of quite an indifferent quality ; the
apples are fair in size and of good quality. Should
you wish further information in regard to the tree, I
will endeavor to obtain it.

Remarks. — The specimens of fruit forwarded as
above, are beautiful and of excellent quality. — Ed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Of Mr. Samuel Pond, Cambridgeport, excellent
specimens of Easter Beurre pears, which he raises
and ripens to perfection, though this is a very uncer-
tain kind in less skilful hands.

Of Messrs. Hyde, Newton, Yellow Bellflower, a
siiperior ft-uit, but rather uncertain in most climates ;
and Seaver Sweet which is one of the finest sweet
apples.

Of Colonel Edward Parsons, West Springfield,
Bag's Favorite, a large, handsome apple, flattish-
conical, yellow ground, mostly covered with red.
The quality is very good, and it is highly esteemed
by cultivators in that town, where it originated on
the farm of Colonel Aaron Bag.

From Mr. John AVashbiu-n, Plymouth, Holmes
apple. This is a small fruit, of a beautiful yellow
color, and excellent flavor. Fine for the private
garden. The size is rather small for the market,
large size being an important requisite, to make fruit
current among our New England dealers. Perhaps
this is the case elsewhere. Mr. Washburn informs
us that this apple floiu'ishes remarkably well on a
sandy soil.

From Charles H. Perkins, Weathersfield, Vt., a
variety of apples. Jonathan, an excellent and beau-
tiful red apple, but rather small for the market.
One kind, large, and remarkably fair and handsome,
but the quality is hardly first rate.

From Mr. S. Baldwin, Brighton, Catalac pear, of
enormous size ; an excellent variety for cooking ; late
fall and early winter.

We have fi-om our friends other fruits, but too
green for trial. Inquiries as to the Red Russets will
be answered in our next number.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS,

New ilusicAL AVork. — Mr. Charles H. Keith, of
this city, has just published a new manual for choirs,
called " The Antiquarian." It contains a choice
collection of the most admired pieces, by such com-
posers as Billings, Holden, Bellcnap, Luther, Pleyel,
and others of their stamp, and will doubtless be a
valuable addition to our text-books for churches, as
well as private use. It is a work which has long been
wanted by the lovers of true melody, and will, no
doubt, be introduced very generally into our churches.
Published by C. H. Keith, Boston.

An Address delivered before the New York State

80

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Agricultural Societ)' at the Capitol, in the city of
Albany. January 18, 1849, by Lewis F. Allen. We
are indebted to B. P. Johnson, Esq., for a copy of
this valuable production. An extract from it may be
found on another page.

BURNING CLAY FOR MANURE.

A writer in one of the English Journals has given
some account of burning and applying the burnt clay
as a dressing for wheat and clover. lie used about
one thousand bushels to the acre, and his wheat and
clover were greatly benefited by it. His mode of
burning was to plough up the clay in a dry time, and
after piling up a sufficient quantity of fuel, some-
what in the manner of our making a coal-pit, though
not so compact, — for he used stumps and such like
fuel, — he piles en the clods or lumps of clay, lay-
ing it pretty high, inasmuch as the heat rises. Care
should be taken to prevent the tire from bursting
out. This burnt clay is then spread, a roller passed
over to crush the lumps, and a bush-harrow passed
after in order to spread it more equally.

ANIMAL MATTER AND PEAT.

There are other sources of alkali, for converting
peat into soluble matter. Of these the chief is ani-
mal matter. Here we have ammonia produced. It
has been actually proved by experiment, that a dead
horse can convert twenty tons (or cubic yards) of
peat into a valuable manure, richer and more lasting
than stable dung ; " a barrel of alewives is equal to a
wagon load of peat." The next great and proliiic
source of ammonia is the urine. The urine of one
cow for a winter, mixed up, as it is daily collected,
with peat, is svifficient to manure one half an acre of
land with twenty loads of manure of the best quality,
while her solid evacuations and litter, for the same
period, afforded only seventeen loads, whose value
was only about one haK that of the former, — Dana's
Muck Manual.

AGRICULTURAL.

All of the settlements on the coast of Texas, from
Galveston down, seem to have a sleepy appearance,
and the people a gentlemanly contempt for manual
labor ; there is a great want of cncryy ; the soil is
good, excellent, generally speaking, and produces
finely, when cultivated ; but there's the rub. The
only crop that at present exceeds their expectations,
and argues favorably for the speedy settlement of
the country, is that of " tow-headed children ; "
their attention to that branch is praiseworthy, and
the "returns" thereof are really astonishing. They
raise fine pears, (pairs.) The style of dress adopted
for this vegetable race, partakes of that of the Sand-
wich Islanders in former times, when their costumes
were limited to a feather in the hair and a ring in
the nose. — N. O. Delta.

TO CLEAN WHEAT.

I suppose every farmer has a good fanning mill.
Then let him make iv large box with three apart-
ments, about sixteen inches high, and about two feet
wider than his mill — the length at his pleasure.
Fit these partitions so as to set his mill on the two
partitions ; having the legs just go down in the two
outside apartments ; this you can move to any part
of your farm with your mill ; one part will catch the
wheat and the screenings, and the other the headings.
— Prairie Farmer.

THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET.

BY S. WOODWOUTH.

How dear to tliis heart arc the scenes of my childhood,

When fond recollection recalls them to view !
The orchard, the meadow, the dcep-tanglcd wildwood.

And ever)' loved spot which my infancy knew ; —
The wide-spreading pond, and tlie mill which stood by it ;

The bridge, and the rock where the cataract fell;
The cot of my father ; the dairy house nigh it ;

And e'en the rude bucket which hung in tlie well !
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,

The moss-covered bucket, which hung in the well !

That moss-covered vessel I hail as a treasure ;

For often, at noon, when returned from the field,
I found it the source of an exquisite pleasure.

The purest and sweetest that nature can yield.
How ardent I seized it, with hands that were glowing !

And quick to the wliite-pcbblcd bottom it fell ;
Then soon, with the emblem of truth overflowing.

And dripping with coolness, it rose from the well ;
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,

The moss-covered bucket, arose from the well.

How sweet from the green, mossy brim to receive it,

As, poised to the curb, it inclined to my lips !
Not a full-blushing goblet could tempt me to leave it,

Tliough filled with the nectar that Jupiter sips.
And now, far removed from the loved situation,

The tear of regret will intrusively swell,
As fancy reverts to my father's plantation,

And sighs for the bucket which hangs in the well ;
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,

The moss-covered bucket, which hangs in the well.

THE OLIO.

The Lord's Prayer. — IIow many millions and
millions of times has that prayer been offered by
Christians of all denominations ! So wide, indeed,
is the sound thereof gone forth, that daily, and
almost without intermission, from the ends of the
earth, and afar off upon the sea, it is ascending to
Heaven like incense, and a pure offering. Nor needs
it the gift of prophecy to foretell, that, though
"heaven and earth shall pass away," these words of
our blessed Ijord " shall not pass away," till every
petition has been answered ; till the'kingdoin of God
shall come, and his will be done on earth as it is in
heaven. — Montgomery.

Speaking of the ancient Romans, Johnson said,
" They were a people, who, while they were poor,
robbed their neighbors ; and when they became rich,
robbed one another.

An Irishman, speaking of the rapacity of the clergy
in exacting their tithes, said "By St. Patrick, let a
farmer be ever so poor, they won't fail to make him
pay his full tenths, whether he can or not ; nay, they
would, instead of a tenth, take a twentieth, if the
law permitted them."

A wise girl will win a lover by practising those
virtues which secure admiration when personal
charms have faded.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^1 a
j'ear, or five copies for Jj)4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 185 centi, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a vohune.

1^= The Postage .^gi

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 3!) cents a year, beyond tliose distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STHREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 1849.

NO. 6.

S. W. GOLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J, NOURSE, Proprietor.

PREPARE IMPLEMENTS.

Before spring's work commences, farmers should
have all their implements in readiness, whether they
purchase or make them. "Wheels, carts, ploughs,
harrows, drags, rollers, and various other implements
and machines should all be in good order in due
time, that there may be no delay in the busy season
for want of these useful things.

A farmer who has timber, and is ingenious, or can
get a neighbor who is skilled in the use of tools to
assist him, can often construct coarse, rude imple-
ments cheaper than he can buy them. But small
tools, and all machines and implements that require
nice work, may be purchased at a much cheaper rate
than the farmer can make them.

It wiU cost a farmer tliree times as much to con-
struct a plough in the old-fashioned mode of employ-
ing the carpenter and blacksmith, as it will to buy
ploughs of the best construction. And the improved
ploughs now sold at the agricultural stores require
80 much less draught than the old, rude implements,
that they are cheaper at the usual prices than the
home-made ploughs are at nothing. Tiiese remarks
are unnecessary, at the present day, in most parts of
the country.

Some tools have been so much improved, chat they
bid defiance to all competition, excepting that which
has been the result of long experience, great inge-
nuity, and expensive implements and machinery in
their construction ; and it is far better for the farmer
to buy such superior tools at a moderate price, than
to use heavy, bungling implements, if he could have
them as a present.

Let a farmer procure his implements as he may,
he should now commence his preparations, if he is
not already about it ; for spring, with its long, busy
train of operations, will soon be upon us, and we
must be careful, lest, in the sudden change from the
rigid cold of winter to the genial warmth of spring,
old Time shall gain an advantage, and find us un-
prepared. A good preparation for spring and sum-
mer's work, by having all implements prepared and
of the best construction, is a great deal towards the
accomplishment of the labor.

EVERGREENS FOR SHEEP.

Evergreens are not only excellent food for sheep,
which may often be used to considerable extent as a
matter of economy, but they are very wholesome as
a green food when sheep are kept long on dry fodder.
Sometimes evergreens may be used as a matter of
necessity, when hay is scarce, and save animals
from great suffering and starvation, which occasion-
ally occur fi-om unusually long and cold winters.
Colds and other diseases in sheep have been cured
by the use of evergreens.

Pines of diff'erent kinds are among the best ever-
greens for sheep ,• hemlock is also excellent ; spruce
and fir, if not equally good, are very useful. Sheep
are fond of browse of almost every description.
Thcv bear with difficulty a long confinement to dry
fodder, and they should be relieved by the use of
roots, evergreens, or browse ; all of which they eat
ivith great eagerness.

PURE AIR FOR ANIMALS.

As the weather becomes warm, those farmers who
have been careful to make their animals comfortable
by close buildings, during the cold winter, should be
equally careful to supply them with pure air, as
warm weather approaches. If many animals are in
the same apartment, or near each other, in close shel-
ters, and exposed to the gases arising from the manure,
the atmosphere around them becomes contaminated,
and the animals are very liable to become diseased.

In ventilating a barn or stable while the weather
is rather cool or chilly, carefully avoid directing a
fresh draught directly on the animals, for, lilce hu-
man beings, they are liable to colds, under great
exposure. Plaster, charcoal powder, and various
other absorbents, spread on the floor where stock are
kept, are excellent for imbibing the gases arising
from manures, and rendormg the air pure. Com-
mon earth, of almost every description, as loam, sand,
gravel, pulverized peat, and sods, &c., are good ab-
sorbents, tending to render the air purer, and save '
the manure ; and some of these are -i^-ithin the reach
of every farmer in the country.

82

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

SOWING GRASS SEED IN MARCH.

When the land is well prepared the previous fall,
March, as soon as the ground is bare, is a very favor-
able time for sowing grass seed. Those farmers who
sow herdsgrass and red top late in August and
early in September, omit sowing clover till March,
as it is liable to be winter-killed if sown at the time
of the other grass.

Some soAv nearly all their grass seed in March,
preferring it to all other seasons. But when the land
is ready for sowing late in summer, or eaiiy in fall,
that season is preferable, as the grass will get a start
and yield a larger crop than if sown in March. Yet
when the land is not prepared till late in autumn,
the most favorable time for sowing is March. If the
land bo in good condition, the crop will be pretty
good. We have sown seed in the middle of March,
and had a crop so large that some of it lodged.
When sown at this season, no harrowing, brushing,
or raking in of the seed is necessary ; and these
operations on the wet land, would be far worse than
useless. The seed falling on the wet soil is sure to
vegetate before it is warm enough to dry the surface
of the soil.

We have been astonished at the amount of water
the seed would sustain, not only without any injury,
but with the best success. We have sown grass seed
in March, when there were puddles of water that we
could not drain off, as the ground was frozen. We
sowed seed on the water, supposing that it would
vegetate after the water disappeared ; and it has
often vegetated the earliest and best when sown on
the water, which shows the haidy nature of the seed
as well as of the grass.

OSAGE ORANGE FOR HEDGES.

Some of our friends have made inquiries as to the
value of the Osage orange for hedges. It has Ixjon
tried in the west and highly recom.mended. As we
have seen at our exhibitions fruit of this plant, it has
doubtless been tried in this section, and we should
be pleased to learn whether it is hardy in this climate,
and whether plants are for sale . sufficiently low for
the use of hedges. We copy the following article
from the Prairie Farmer, an excellent paper, pub-
lished at Chicago, Illinois.

Having watched with some interest the experi-
ments made with different shrubs for hedge, (which
have generally failed,) I am highly pleased with a
large nursery of the Osage orange belonging to Mr.
Young, of Jcrscyville. It looks to me more like
material for a live fence than any thing I have ever
before seen. And although rather incredulous,
(having never paid a dollar for multicaulis, Rohan
potatoes, or Baden corn,) I have engaged four thou-
sand trees for next year's planting. They are to
be set about one foot apart, in the fence row, and
are to be ploughed or hoed till they get a good start.
One advantage possessed by the orange, is, it is thickly
set with remarkably short and stifl' thorns ; and, un-
like all other thorn, it is of a rapid growth, and will
make a fence in three or four years sufficient to turn
any thing, from a rabbit up — growing from six to
eight feet in one summer. It has a straight tap-root,
and, like the hickory, never sprouts from the root, but

always from the stump when cut or broken down ; it
will stand very thick in the hedge, and if a patch is
killed by fire or any other means, its durability is
almost equal to live oak, and will stand a dead thorn
bush, that nothing Avill touch, until plants can be
raised in their place. Mr. Y. will sell them at one
dollai" per hundi-ed.

WHEAT AFFECTED BY MANURE.

Tlie following article, from Colman, shows very
different qualities in wheat, produced from the use
of different manures. Whether literall)'- correct or
not, there is no doubt that this, IDte many other
analyses, approaches near the truth. It is well
known by bakers that there is a great difference in
the qualities of wheat raised on different soils.
Those who use paste of wheat flour find that wheat
raised in some sections is superior for that purj^ose,
as it contains a large amount of gluten.

Quality of Wheat. — That the qualities of wheat
grown depend to a considerable degree upon the
kind of manui-o employed, there can be no doubt.
Some experiments in reference to this matter, made
by a German farmer, may be interesting to om
readers.

Wheats manured as underneath, produced as fol-
io'*^' '• ~ Gluten. Starch.

1. With human urine, . . . 35.1 . . 39.3

2. " oxen's blood, . . . 34.2 . . 41.3

3. " human excrements, . 33.1 . . 41.1

4. " dung of sheep, . . 22.9 . . 42.8

5. •' dung of goats, . . 32.9 . . 42.4

6. " " " horses, . . 13.7 . . 61.6

7. " " '• pigeons, . . 12.2 . . G3.2

8. " " " cows, . . 12.0 . . 62.3

9. Soil not manured, ... 9.2 . . 66.7

It is impossible to say how far these experiments
are to be depended, on ; and how far they have been
confirmed by other experiments made with the same
intention. Two things are quite remarkable in re-
spect to them ; the one is the different qualities of
grain grown with manures of the greatest efficacy,
and that grown without any manure, being a differ-
ence of nine and thu'ty-live ; and the comjiaratively
low result of pigeon's dung, which is generally rated
VGi-y highly, and supposed to take its place with
guai-.o. The manner in which the animals whose
manure \vas used for the experiments were fed, is a
cncnmstanc.e which may have materially affected the
result ; for the qualities of the manure of the same
anmials, uadcr difibrent courses of feeding, may be
expected to b<j composed of difFei-c,nt elements, and
so to give different results ; so complicated necessarily
are all experiments of fhis kind.

WOOD AND COAL ASHES.

Mr. Franklin Wiggin, of Stratham, N. H., innuirea
for something more definite in regard to the experi-
ment of Dr. Shurtlcff, in raising potatoes, and using
ashes in the manure, as published on the twenty-
third page of this volume. In regard to the coal
ashes, we would answer, that the term is applied ex-
clusively to the ashes of anthracite and bituminous
coal, not to charcoal dust. Anthracite is hard coal,
and bituminous is soft coal, as named in the article
referred to. As Mr. Wiggin wishes to know the
proportions of coal ashes, wood ashes, and horse
manure, in Dr. Shurtleff's experiment, he will much
oblige us by answering the inquiry.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

83

A Group in the Flock of S. W. Jewett, Esq., M'ri/briit'.jc, It.

MERINO SHEEP.

At an early period, several races of sheep received
particular attention in Spain, and the Merinos held a
conspicuous rank, and were brought to a high state
of improvement, and were the most distinguished
race in that country. But the laws were strict
against their exportation until the invasion of Spain
by the French, when the confiscation of some ilocks,
and some owners being under the necessity of sell-
ing, rendered their acquisition more convenient, and
large numbers were sent to this country about forty
yeai-3 ago. Hon. William Jarvis, Chancellor Living-
6ton, and Gen. David Humphreys are distinguished
for their enterpiise in introducing this valuable race
of animals into our country.

The Merinos are the principal sheep in the United
States for fine wool, and this is the leading object
with those who keep them. They are hardy and
adapted to different climates and locations. Their
fleece is of a moderate size, but short and very com-
pact, and well filled with yolk, which protects the
animal against inclement weather. For the sham-
bles they are inferior to our common native breed, or
the South Down, Leicester, and other foreign breeds
celebrated for excellent mutton.

In various sections of our country, large flocks of
Merinos have been kept with profit; and although
they have been long in the country, and extensively
propagated and disseminated, yet first-rate animals
of this breed still sell at high prices.

BLACK PRINCE STRAWBERRY.

This strawberry is a foreign variety, of recent
introduction, and it has not yet been tried extensively
in this country, but it is very promising. As Mi-.
Eaton had made experiments on this strawberry, we
wrote to him for his opinion concerning it ; and
though his answer was in a private correspondence,

we take the liberty to oflcr to the public his valuable
remarks on this strawberry.

Thompson, in the Catalogue of the Horticultural
Society of London, has placed against the Black
Prince Strawberry the character or mark signifying
" that it has been ascertained to be of inferior qual-
ity," and remarks of it, that it is a " shy bearer."
Kenrick, in his Orchardist, following this high au-
thority, places it among the " outcasts."

It is a pistillate variety, and highly productive.
Its sterility in the Society's gardens was probably
owing to its being grown without a staminate in its
vicinity. The high character given to it by Mr.
Downing induced me to make a trial of it, and I
procured my vines from him. It is much superior to
most of the varieties which of late years have been
introduced into notice, and I believe it will become
a favorite with amateur cultivators. Tlie vines are
hardy, standing the winter without protection, and
very vigorous in their growth. The fruit is of an
ovate form, of a dark color, nearly black, with a fine
glossy surface, rendering it very beautiful; flesh is
juicy, rich, and delicious, but not of very high flavor ;
ripens from fifteenth of June to first of July. It
is not so well adapted to culture for the market as
some other varieties, the flesh not being sufliciently
firm to bear carriage so well, and its period of ripen-
ing not being of long duration.

Yours, &c. L. C. EATON.

Providence, R. I. Jan. 1849.

For the New Enffland Fanner.
COAL ASHES FOR MANURE. -GRAPES.

Friexd Cole : In looking over the debates in the
last two numbers of thy valuable paper, on the sub-
ject of manures, I do not find any notice taken of
anthracite coal ashes. It occurred to me that it
might be profitably used as an absorbent, or medium
to take up the urine, &c., in our vaults, for the recep-
tion of chamber water from the house. Why would it
not take the place of charcoal or plaster ? Perhaps
the thing has been fully tested, but as I had not
seen an article on the subject, I thought it well

84

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

■worthy of notice, in these days of economy, when
coal is our cheapest fuel, and -wood is becoming too
expensive for common use.

1 am not desirous of appearing before the public
Ti'ith my small experience in horticulture, and still
smaller ability of tolling Avhat / do knoio ; but one
experiment of mine, ■svhich succeeded to a charm last
season, I think it would be well to lay before our
horticultural brethren who are " known by their
fruits," and that is the engrafting of the grape.

I took my cuttings from the Diana Grape, (which
is the best native hibrid I know of,) at the usual
time of pruning in the fall, and laid them in the
earth out doors until the first of August, and then
inserted them into our common native grape by cleft
grafting near the earth, and soon had the satisfaction
of seeing my effort crowned with complete triumph
over what I had before supposed an impracticability,
having failed in every former effort, from the fact of
not knowing the exact time to do it — to guard
agains-t bleeding or drying up. I am confident we
can now forward the Diana, Isabella, and Catawba,
so as to count on their crops with as much certainty
as we can on the Indian corn crop, — believing, as I
do, that the early habits of our native will have a
tendency to shorten the time needful to ripen the
above-named varieties. My Diana Grapes ripened
about two weeks before the Isabella. I therefore
place them in the following order as to time of
i-ipening : 1st, Diana; 2d, Isabella; 3d, Catawba,
liespectfully,

JAMES OLIVER.

Lyx\n, 2d Mo. 17, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.

Coal ashes are a good manure for all kinds of
lands. We have seen excellent effects from their use ;
and in some experiments we have found them very
useful. Yet we are not prepared to say what is their
value, nor to what lands and crops they are best
adapted ; but we may give the result of experiments
at some future time, after varied experiments. We
have found them excellent for turnips on a clayey
soil ; but this was a single experiment.

We are pleased to learn that the Diana Grape is
so early. It has been doubtful whether it would be
any earlier than the Isabella, and some think that it
will be as late as its parent, the Catawba. We find
the Diana very hardy, and of luxuriant growth.
The f;:uit is excellent, and from our experience and
observation, we have thought that it was a little
OAi'lier than the Isabella.

SWINE.

At the fifth agricultural meeting at the State
House, February 13, Hon. M. P. Wilder in the chair,
the subject was Farm Stock ; but the discussion was
on swine.

The president read a letter from Mr. Willdnson,
the principal of Mount Airy Institute, Germantown,
Pa., giving a highly fiivorable account of the Dutch-
ess County breed of hogs, a cross of the Berkshire
ftud Leicester breeds, which he made while in the
state of New York. He considers them the best
breed.

Mr. Josiah Stickney, of Boston, gave an account of
the Suffolk and Middlesex breeds, which he had im-
ported and propagated. He said that their being

poor breeders, as had been stated at a previous meet-
ing, was owing to high keeping. They breed well
with common keeping. They fatten well at any age,
and more readily than other breeds. At eight months
old, with good keej^ing, they weigh about two hun-
dred pounds ; at one year, three hundred pounds ;
and at eighteen months, four hundred pounds. Their
pork is superior, and sells at extra prices. By mixing
the Suffolk and Middlesex breeds, the former was
improved in size, without any apparent deterioration
in quality. As to form, the Suffolk are not long, nor
long-legged, small bones, thick set, not round, but
rather deep.

Mr. David Haggerston said, that while on the farm
of Mr. Cushing, he had considerable experience with
the Berkshii-e, Mackay, and China breeds. He pre-
ferred the Mackays ; the Berkshires were good for
hams : the China was the poorest. He had tried the
Neapolitan, but gave them up, as they were much
like the China. He said, that there appeared to be
two kinds of Mackays ; one breed were workers, in
making manure ; the other breed was indolent. The
first cross of different breeds will be an imi^rovement ;
further crossing will cause deterioration. He had
seen the Suffolk breed, and he lilted their appearance
very much.

Mr. Stickney said, that ho imported thi-ee China
pigs, and as he did not like the breed, he gave them
away.

Hon. Mr. Brooks remarked, that what had been
said did not alter his opinion as to imported stock.
The gain of the Suffolk breed, as stated by Mr.
Stickney, was no more than what was common with
our native hogs, as they often gain over a pound a
day. He said, that a hog would not grow so well
with high keeping as with moderate fare. He asked
Mr. Stickney the cost of making pork. Mr. S. had
not estimated it, but he could keep three Suffolk as
cheap as he could two of common breeds.

Mr. Wilder said, that the Suffolk pigs fattened
easily.

Mr. William Parker, of Boston, said, that he had
seen them, and he was much pleased with their
appearance. There was a pleasure in having hand-
some animals.

Mr. Buckminster, of the Ploughman, said, that he
hoped that no great stories would be told of the
Suffolk breed, as all would be running into them.
It is best to learn their true value. He fattened
one very easily last fall. They have small bones,
small head, nose, and tail.

Mr. Cheever Newhall, of Dorchester, said, that he
found it more profitable to buy hogs at Brighton, arid
fatten them, than to raise them ; and he thought that
a gain of one pound a day was very good.

Mr. Elijah Perry, of Dover, thought it was very
difficult to ascertain which was the best breed, unless
an exact account was kejat of the cost of keeping.

Mr. H. C. Merriam, of Tewksbury, said that he
found from experiments that pigs from old sows
were larger than those from young ones, under the
same management.

Mr. A. G. Sheldon, of Wilmington, said, that some

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

85

years ago, he went into the state of New York, and
purchased what is called the grass-fed breed. From
these he made selections, which proved to be very
valuable. The Berkshircs had been extolled too
high, and he was the first that spoke against them
in that house. Yet they had been valuable in crosses,
and they were now valued too low. He had a cross
of the Berkshire and grass-fed breed, which were
excellent. As to feeding swine, no one thing is so
good as every thing. They do best on variety.
He thought imported hogs not so good as our natives,
yet they make an improvement by crosses. He had
found, contrary to his prejudice, that the pork of hogs
fed on slaughter-house offal was very sweet. They
eat nothing excepting what persons eat, but it is in a
different state.

Mr. H. B. Poai'son, of Harvard, said that he had an
excellent breed of hogs, which he had kept eight
years, without deterioration. He keeps as many
hogs as cows, feeds with skimmed milk in summer,
with small potatoes after the season of digging, and
at last with corn. The pork was sweet and cheap.

Mr. Brooks said, that sixty quarts, or one hundred
and twenty pounds, of skimmed milk would make
eight pounds of cheese, weighed when six weeks
old, worth four cents per pound, which is about half
a cent per quart for the milk ; ten quarts, or twenty
pounds, of skimmed miUc will make one pound of
pork, worth six and a half cents, which is six and a
half mills per quart for the milk ; or sixty quarts of
milk will make six pounds of pork, worth thirty-nine
cents. He said, that he was not in favor of working
hogs. Working hogs will not fatten well. He
thought it Avas better to mix soil v\-ith the manure,
and put it under a shelter.

Mr. Proctor, president of Essex Agricultural So-
ciety, made a few remarks only, owing to the lateness
cf the hour ; but he has kindly fui-nished us with
tlie following interesting communication.

Mr. Editor : As you were pleased to express an
interest in the facts which I communicated to you
to-day, relative to the feeding of swine and the
making of manure by their aid, on the town farm
in Danvers, I will endeavor to state them as distinctly
as I may, as learned from Mr. W. Merrill, chairman
of the overseers, and ^Ir. Hathaway, master of the
house. I have frequently seen their mode of man-
agement, and have entire confidence in what they say.

The town farm is situate about two miles from the
village. About one hundred acres of it are under cul-
tivation. The soil is naturally shallow, and is made
productive by judicious culture and the application of
manure, most of which is obtained from the hog yards.

On this farm there are usually kept from twenty-
five to thirty hogs. The practice is, to purchase the
shotcs from the drover, when they are about six
months old, and to keep them about six months.
The swine arc slaughtered twice in the year, in the
spring and in the autumn.

During the year ending March, 1848, —
50 pigs were purchased at a cost of $285 00

' 40 of these pigs were sold to the

butchers for $1012 00

10 were retained for the use of the

house, estimated 223 00

Amount of produce of pork, $1235 00

Value of proceeds over and above

the first cost, $950 00

being an average value of nineteen dollars. Their
average weight when purchased is estimated to have
been one hundred pounds. Their average weight
when slaughtered, after having been kept six months,
is estimated to have been three hundred pounds.
Consequently the average growth of the pigs would
be about one and one ninth pounds per day. This
growth, when we take into view the manure and
expense of theii- feed, is worthy of notice. The prin-
cipal part of the feed of the hogs is derived from the
offal obtained at the slaughter-houses in town, and
also from the dressing of the heads and feet. This
is prepared for the hogs by the inmates of the house,
who have the care of them. No grain is given thera
until within six weeks of their being slaughtered.
Then they are allowed as much as they will consume
without waste. A main object in the keeping of
these hogs, is to secure the manure made by them
for the improvement of the farm, which exceeds one
hundred loads annuallJ^

Convenient apartments for their feed and lodging
are arranged on the northerly and westerly sides of
the yard. The yard extends about ton rods by four,
is lower in the centre than on the sides — covered
with small stones. Twice in the year it is covered
A\ith a coating of mud from the swamps and meadows
near by, say from nine to twelve inches deep. Near
by the yard is a pump, from which the swine are
daily supplied freely with pure water, in which they
delight to move in the warm season. All the waste
vegetables and other materials that are found about
the farm and the kitchen, are deposited in the j^ard
for the use of the hogs. The benefits accruing from
this department of labor are thought to be greater
than any other on the farm. It will be remembered
that at an establishment of this kind there will
always be found old and feeble persons, who can
attend to these duties, who cannot do much labor in
the fields. It wUl also be recollected that the shotcs are
selected from the droves by experienced persons, and
that they have so long been accustomed thus to rear
swine, that they now have some pride in succeeding
well. I am well aware that single hogs, and some-
times two or three together, have been known to
gain a pound and a half a day ; but I think it is not
common for a herd of fifty together to average a
gain of one pound per day.

I am induced to communicate these facts in con-
sequence of the interest awakened at the agri-
cultural meeting, relative to the comparative value
of the difterent breeds of swine. K you will refer to
the experiment made by Mr. Francis Dodge, lately
published in the Transactions of the Essex Society,
you will find the average growth of his seven hogs
was less than one pound a day, notwithstanding they
were reared on a first-rate farm, and abundantly fed
with the products of the dairy, and with grain. The
small expense of the feed of the swine on the town
farm, constitutes a distinguishing characteristic in
their management. I presume the oft'al is purchased
for less than half that it would require to purchase
grain for the same animals. This offal also contrib-
utes very materially to increase the quantity of ma-
nure. My own belief is, that manure thus made is
the best that can be had for the growth of Indian
corn, and that Indian corn, viewed in all its bearings,
is one of the very best crops to be cultivated by Mas-
sachusetts farmers.

Very respectfully.

Your obedient servant,

J. W. P.

Danvers, Feb. 19, 1849.

NEAT CATTLE.

At the agricultural meeting on Tuesday evening,
Hon. Mr. Leonard, of Norton, vice-president, in the

86

N-EW ENGLAND FARMER.

chair, — the subject, Farin Stock, — the discussion
was on Neat Cattle.

The president said, that he had only attended to
native stock : the subject was broad, and he invited
gentlemen generally to take a part in the discussion.

Mr. Buckminstcr, of the Ploughman, said, that the
Massachusetts Agricultural Society imported Devons
and Ayrshires a few years ago, and we have heard
but little about them. He had a bull and heifer of
the Devon stock, that did avcU on common keeping,
but he could not determine whether they would be
superior. He was much pleased with their form and
color. Generally, imported stock was no bettor than
native.

J. W. Proctor, Esq., of Danvers, said, that he con-
sidered our native stock as descendants of the Dev-
ons. He thought our native cows were the best.
In his neighborhood, the Oaks and Nourse cows had
been noted for their dairy qualities. He thought
the Ayrshires the best cows for milk. The Dur-
hams are not noted for milk, and they require extra
keeping. He then made a few remarks on the man-
agement of swine, which appear in his communica-
tion on another page. In answer to inquiries, Mr.
P. remarked, that he knew of no descendants of the
Oaks or Nourse cow.

Hon. J. C. Gray said, that in regard to our native
cattle, they were well managed, in some cases, as to
keeping, but not in breeding. No pedigree is kept.
It has been said, that the North Devons of England
do not give an abundance of milk, but it is of a good
quality. Our best native cows do not produce their
like. He had a calf from Captain llandall's importa-
tion, which made a good cow, but she was small.
Our climate is favorable to cattle, and much improve-
ment may be made by breeding from our best na-
tives, and crossing with foreign stock.

Mr. Sheldon, of Wilmington, said, that by crossing
with the Durhams, our cattle had been improved for
working oxen and for beef, but not for milk. No
one kind is best for all purposes.

Mr. Elmer Brigham, of Westboro', said, that stock
should be adapted to the farm and purposes required.
For working hogs, he would select what he should
call the Rhinoceros breed. We have no native
breed of cattle. Our natives are of all shapes and
colors ; but no breed that can be relied on. Im-
ported stock has made an improvement in our cattle.
We can have fine animals of our native cattle. lie
had for years raised native cattle with care, and
he was sure of good animals.

Mr. H. B. Pearson, of Hai-vard, inquired of Mr.
Brigham, the marks of a bull that would produce
a good milking cow.

Mr. Brigham replied, that he would select a bull
from a cow having good marks and a good char-
acter as a milker.

Mr. Proctor said, that the gentleman had answered
well. WTicn young, he knew several generations of
cattle, continuing for fifteen years, all excellent
milkers. We should select the bulls and heifers
from the best milkers, and avoid associating animals
together that are kindred.

Mr. II. C. Merriam, of Tewksbury, said, that differ-

ent breeds were adapted to different locations. Great
improvement had been made in our native stock by
the introduction of foreign breeds. There is a
greater number of fine cattle in Worcester county
than in any other section of the state, and a number
of fine bulls had been sent into that county. A
bull of the Gore breed was sent into that county.
This was the Holderness breed ; and when a calf he
was given to Governor Gore, by Hon. John Welles.
The bull Denton, sent out by Mr. Williams to his
brother of Northboro', was used in that county ; and
then the bull Admiral, presented to the state society
by Admiral Coffin, was bought by Mr. Welles, and
presented by him to the AVorcestcr society. He was
a pure short-horn.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, said, that
he differed from gentlemen who said that we had no
native breed of cattle. The descendants of animals
that had long been in this country were natives. In
Maine, many farmers had carefully bred the native
stock, and raised excellent animals ; and native cattle
could be found in that state equal to any breed,
native or foreign, in the country. Some of the finest
cows in this state were bred there. Foreign breeds
are valuable in making improvements in crossing.
Some complain that our finest native cows will not
produce their lilio. The great difficulty is, some are
impatient, and do not make a fair trial. It is a prin-
ciple of breeders that the good qualities of a fine
animal descend in the opposite sex. The females
resemble the sire, the males the dam. We should
look for the properties of a cow, not in her heifers,
but in the heifers from her bulls. Whether this bo
correct or not, it should be tested.

Jilr. Brooks, of Princeton, said, that in breeding to
any purpose, he would have particular regard to the
bull, as he had the greatest influence. For raising
milking stock, he would select a bull having the
marks of a good milking cow. He thought the
introduction of a foreign stock had improved our
native cattle. The bull Denton improved them for
milk. One cow from him gave milk constantly for
fourteen yeai's, having a calf every year.

Mr. Rice, of Boston, gave an account of some
superior cows which he once owned, of foreign stock,
or a cross of foreign breed. He said, several fine
foreign bulls had been sent into Maine, which might
be one cause of specimens of fbie stock there, which
is called native.

For the New England Fanner.
CARE OF STOCK.

Friend Cole : It is presumed that every careful
stock owner, or at least every intelligent reader of
the New England Farmer, who has the care of
stock, knows how to manage cattle in a manner that
wiU cause a profitable return to the owner, while, in
the mean time, comfort is imparted to the animal l
for my opinion is, that the beasts of the earth are
capable of realizing comfortable fare just in propor-
tion to the scale of their instinct, Avhen compared
with the keen relish and sensitive enjoyment of him
who is lord of the brute. Every one who regularly
visits the barn, of course uses the pitchfork to the
satisfaction, or at least comfort, of his animals ; but I

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

87

hare good reasons for supposing that the visitor of the
stable docs not, at all times, with a commendable
degree of diligence and regularity, ajsply the card or
curry-comb to the animals.

In this way, a little time, with a moderate amount
of labor, is avcII expended ; therefore do not fail to
apply the proper implement to the lohole surface of
every animal that needs it, from the noblest occu-
pant of the farmer's stall down to the yearlings,
some of which may be affected with a lioe misfor-
tune about the neck. Apply the proper remedies in
connection with the card.

If the beasts arc not used to the operation, they
may not at first stand still ; but begin gently, in con-
nection with a word of kindness, which will have a
marked effect in subduing creatures that would not
otherwise remain under the hand of the owner. I
shall be excused even if I go so far as to say, step
into the stable before breakfast, or at least before the
cattle are untied in the morning, and brush off the
spangled frost and straighten the hair ; the opei*ation
may generate a moderate amount of electricity or
heat by the use of the comb or brush, and the stock
will tluive the better, and be more profitable. I.

For the New England Farmer.

AN INSECT DESTRUCTIVE TO FRUIT

TREES.

Mr. Editor : The two past years I have been
annoyed with an insect which appears to be destruc-
tive to fruit trees. Its ravages have been chiefly
confined to the plum and English cherry. The
attack is made when the tree is in full foliage, and
while the fruit is green. The first appearance is that
of a sluggish or mucilaginous substance, somewhat
resembling a small snail, deposited on the leaf, hav-
ing very little appearance of life. In a few days it
makes its way over the leaf, leaving it perforated and
withered; and in a week or two, the whole tree has
a dry and withered appearance. I have, as yet, been
xmsuccessful in finding a remedy.
Yours truly,

JAMES ALLEN.

Bangor, Me. Jaii. 18i9.

Editorial Remarks.

We suppose that the insect referred to is the cheiTy
slug. If so, it is very easily destroyed by the appli-
cation of wood ashes or powdered lime, as these
substances adhere to the slimy surface of the in-
sects, and readily destroy them. Those slugs are
very destructive, but this remedy is easy and effec-
tual.

*.

A NEW ESCULENT.

A mediate effect of the fatal potato malady has
been that of exciting inquiry and discussion on the
subject of an accessory, or substitute for the now
indispensable tuber. In some quarters, prizes have
been offered in furtherance of the object — in this
country by the Society of Arts, and on the Continent
by the Brussels Academy of Sciences. The bulletin
of the latter iustitution for the present year contains
an account of a new root, communicated by one of
the members, (M. ^lorren,) which we consider suffi-
ciently important to deserve further publicifry. The
plant in question is a tuberous variety of the Tropm-
olem, known as Capucines in France, comprising
twentj' distinct species, among which the ornamen-
tal and pungent Indian cress is familiar to horticul-
turists. It grows spontaneously in Peru, and is
largely cultivated as an article of food, under the

name of Ma7jua, in the province of Popayan, at a
height of 10,000 feet above the sea level, as described
by Humboldt in 1801.

The mayua grows with sometimes as many as fif-
teen tubers to a root : these are the average size of
our potatoes, and are round, kidney-formed, or pcg-
to]) shaped, according to kind. Their color is bright
yellow, with rays of reddish-purple or scarlet diver-
ging from the eyes, which are deeply set.

With regard to the edible qualities of the mayua,
M. Morren's experience will perhaps be best given in
his own words. After premising that the Peruvians
and some of his compatriots had preceded him in
the matter of tasting, he observes, " Wlien I rubbed
the tubers exteriorly, my olfactory organ became
sensible of an agreeable aroma, delicate and tenderly
perfumed. There was no earthy smell, as iu the
potato.

" When cut, a delicious odor exhales, mingled
with a certain subacidity by no means repulsive ; on
the contrarjs attractive to the palate.

" Eaten raw, the root produces a rich, smooth, unc-
tuous savor, which lasts but a short time, and is all
at once succeeded by a piquant, peppery taste, excit-
ing the tongue somewhat as ginger. This spicy taste
afterwards disappears, and leaves in the mouth a
pleasing perfume and agreeable coolness.

" From this I was led to conclude that the tubers
of the mayua should be eaten raw, cut in slices as
salad, or with meat. I have never ex^Derienced any
ill effects from eating it in this way, and ray family
relish it equally with myself.

" I next had the tubers boiled. My cook remarked
that they required more salt than our potatoes ; but
what struck us was, that all the perfumed and
piquant taste had entii'cly disappeared. A modifica-
tion had taken place, the study of which I recom-
mend to the attention of chemists ; for the root,
when cooked, has exactly the smell of a Tonquin
bean. I am quite unacquainted with the element
which produces tliis agreeable odor in the cooked
mayua. Nevertheless the boiled tuber is feculent,
rich, unctuous, with the taste of a good blue potato,
or that of the Cordilleras yellow ; that is to say, it
approaches the flavor of hard yolk of eggs.

" I consider, therefore, that, under all the circum-
stances, the mayua may become a culinary plant.
The important point is, to persevere, and to vary the
cultivation on different soils and in various localities
during several years.

" This root is cultivated the same way as the po-
tato. It requires earthing up, and may bo trained
to stakes or a trellis, or let to run on the ground ; I
prefer the trellis, as the plant thereby becomes
stronger and more luxuriant. It should be set in
spring, after the frosts : the tubers form late, and are
ripe in October. " — Vermont Union Whiy.

FEEDING AND FATTENING SHEEP.

Perhaps there is no domestic animal that requires
more nice and constant attention than the sheep ;
and no other will more richly pay for generous keep-
ing. Though he may not be more liable to disease,
nor require a better quality of food, than neat stock,
still that management which will keep cattle in good
case will not answer for sheep. Ilis habits and mode
of feeding are entirely different. For instance, in
the winter season, a cow may be kept tied to the
stall twenty-two hours out of the twenty-four, and,
if fed throe times a day, keeps her flesh and get*
sufhcient exercise for her health. Serve a sheep in
the same manner, and it would probably not live a
month. It is natural for sheep to move about and
change situation. Turn a flock of hungry sheep into
a pasture, and they will run to the end of it before
thev begin to cat ; toed them in tronglis, and they will

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

run over all till they come to the last, -when they
have it in their power. They are almost continually
shifting situation from hill to dale, from one kind of
food to auothor ; and it is a fact that sheep will thrive
better on two or three different kinds of fodder, than
they will confined to one kind that is of a superior
quality. — Prairie Farmer.

HORN-AIL IN CATTLE.

This is a disease rather prevalent in this part of the
country, the actual seat and character of which, I
think, is but little understood among our farmers.
The horn is not, as is generally supposed, the origi-
nal seat of the disease, it being merely a continuation
of the fiontal bones, the sinews of which extend to
the very tip of the horn, and in which, with the sur-
rounding mcnrbrane, the disease first commences,
afterwards extending to the horn. At this time the
farmer generally commences his treatment, notwith-
standing the disease may have existed several weeks
unobserved, the possibility of which I will endeavor
to convince him, by relating some of the primary
symptoms of this disease — Horn- Ail, so called. They
consist in impaired appetite, absence of dew upon the
muzzle, pulse and breathing accelerated, increased
heat of the horns, thirst, and frequent constipation
of the bowels. Now, at this stage of the disease,
were the farmer or owner to apply the proper reme-
dies, horn-ail would seldom exist. Instead of this
being done, little notice is taken of the animal till
all the primary symptoms have subsided, and an-
other set show themselves, such as, greater loss of
appetite, depression of the spirits, staring coat, wast-
ing of the body, horns cold, discharge from the nose,
a dull, spiritless appearance. This morbid change
of the parts, having extended to the horn, terminates
in suppuration of its softer parts, and consequently
the honeycomb-like cells appear empty Avhen bored
into with a gimlet — that being the farmer's remedy
at this stage of the disease, generally to him the first
stags. He follows the operation by pouring into the
hole some irritating mixture, v/hich seldom proves
of any avail. I would not say this is the case with
every one, but it is thus too frequently. Some, at
an earlier stage, coinnTcnce giving a dose of purging
medicine, applying an external stimulant between
the horns, changing the diet for a more laxative one,
and one easy of digestion. By these proceedings, in
some instances they restore the animal to health ; at
other times the disease terminates difrercntly, by
extending to the organs of respiration, producing ca-
tarrh, bronchitis, or even pneumonia, (inflammation
of the lungs,) which, if not promptly and properly
treated, terminates in death. The causes which give
rise to this disease are generally pretended difficult
to discover. Yet, upon reflection and inquuy, they
arc easily traced out. Perhaps the door or window
of the cow-house has been left open, and a cold wind
allowed to blov/ du"ectly upon the animals. Perhaj^s
they have been turned out into the yard diu-ing a
cold storm, supposing that, they being animals, it will
not hurt them, while they are just as liable to take
cold as man, if exposed to the same vicissitudes of
temperature. Again : frequently their diet is not
sufiiciently nutritious to keep up the necessary de-
gree of animal heat to resist the excessive cold of
our winters, for it is at this season when it 2»'evails the
most.

For two years past, I have attended the neat stock
belonging to the State Agricultural Society, under
the care of E. Phinncy, Esq., of Lexington, during
which time I have never seen a case of horn-ail, its
non-existence being attributable to the comfortable
manner in which the^^ are treated.

Another cause of this disease is in the fodder Avith
■which the cattle are fed, it being full of dust. In
breathing, the dust is drawn up the nose, into the

cavities of the head ; irritation of the lining mem-
brane is occasioned, and extends tiU the disease is
established in one or all the parts before named.

The treatment I prescribe, when called to animals
laboring under this disease, in its primary stages, is
to i^lace them in a comfortably warm situation, giving
them a clean, dry bed to lie upon, a diet easy of
digestion, should they be inclined to eat ; a dose of
moderately-pm-ging physic, with such medicine, once
or twice during the day, as the case may require, and
which shall allay fever at the same time, and allow
the patient to drink at liberty of cold water. Should
I not be called till the disease has assumed a chronic
character, I then, after seeing the patient housed
comfortably, and giving it a dose of laxative medi-
cine, commence giving one or two doses in the day
of cordials, combined with vegetable and in some
cases mineral tonics.

There are cases, in some instances, wherein the
cure is performed by the operations of nature, and
without any aid £i-om medicine. In most cases,
however, of this disease, as well as all others, nature
can be materially assisted by the timely aid of medi-
cino properly applied. — Lotoell Journal.

ROOTS FOR STOCK.

Not only the farmer, who unites with his other
vocations that of stock-raising, but the mechanic,
who keeps but a single cow, should endeavor to
supply himself with a sufficiency of roots for winter
use. There are several varieties of roots now gener-
ally cultivated for this purpose, all of which are, no
doubt, possessed of considerable value ; yet some are
sviperior to others on account of their greater hardi-
ness, greater yield, or superior richness in the ele-
ments of animal food. The carrot, the parsnip, the
beet, and several species of the turnip, are cultivated
for this pvurpose, and generally with good success.
Indeed, it matters but Uttle Avhethcr we raise one or
the other, provided we only succeed in obtaining
enough; this is the main object to be attended to.
If we are so circumstanced as to render the produc-
tion of a crop of English turnips more easy to accom-
plish than either of the aforementioned ones, and
can secure a sufficiency to insure a liberal and con-
stant supx^ly of the roots to our animals during the
winter, we ought to be content and thankful ; for
notwithstanding the amount of nutritive matter in
this root is small, compared with that contained in
the ruta baga, yet this deflciencj' may be easily
counterbalanced by giving an increased quantity.
In this way, the English turnip is made to equal in
value other roots, while it is produced at far less
expense. "When we have the requisite means, Ave
should plant beets, caiTots, potatoes, &c., all of which
will afford an agreeable, salutary, and palatable diet
for neat stock, and are much cheajier than hay and
grain in carrying them through the A\inter, — Maiiu)
Cultivator.

CAMPHOR TO DESTROY LICE ON CAT-
, TLE.

Islv. John Macomber, of Wilton, informs us that
for more than ten years past he has used gum cam-
phor, dissolved in New England rum, to destroy lice
on cattle. It does the work eff'ectually, as we can
testify ; it may be applied at all times, even in the
coldest Avcather, without injuring the cattle. On
the whole, Mr. M. finds it better, safer, more conve-
nient, plcasanter, and cheaper than any other appli-
cation he has ever used for the purpose.

A year of pleasure passes like a fleeting breeze,
but a moment of misfortune seems an age of pain.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

89

Ilovey's Seedling, of the largest size.

Early Virginia, of moderate size.

THE STRAWBERRY.

The strawberry is the earliest of all fruits gener-
ally cultivated in this part of the country, and it is
one of the most delicious and wholesome. It is
cooling and refreshing, and highly acceptable, as it
is in use in the hot season when there is a general
scarcity of fruits. It is very juicy, rather acid, and
remarkably tender, which admirably adapts it to
general use in hot weather.

This fruit is easily raised. Any good tillage is
adapted to its cultivation, but it pays well for high
manuring and thorough cultivation. A deep sandy
loam., rather moist, yet well drained, that the water
may not stand on it in the winter, is the best soil for
strawberries. Large crops are raised in this vicinity
on light soils, but on such soils a severe drought may
greatly reduce the crop.

The production of the strawberry is large. In some
rare cases, the crop has amounted to four thousand
quarts to the acre. An average crop is probably less
than half this amount, or about fifteen hundred
quarts to the acre, selling at twenty to twenty-
five cents per box. In some cases the average price
of large ben-ies is thirty to thirty-seven cents.
The production is so large as to render the crop
profitable, whether raised for market or for fam-
ily use.

The Early Virginia strawberry, represented above,
is one of the best and most profitable varieties, and
for an early kind, it takes the lead in New England.
It is hardy, vigorous in growth, an abundant bearer,
and the fruit is excellent.

Hovey's Seedling follows the Early Virginia, in
quick succession, and it is distinguished for its
large size and productiveness, and the quality is
very good. It is a pistillate plant, and requires a
staminate variety, or a perfect kind, like the Early
Virginia, near it, in order to get a good crop and
perfect berries.

These two are the principal varieties cultivated in
this region. Many more are on trial, some of which
are very promising. An account of the Black Prince
may be seen on page 83.

The object of this article is to direct more atten-
tion to the cultivation of the strawberry, both for
market and for home consumption, where the wild
strawberry does not abound. One square rod in the
garden will generally yield ten quarts. A friend
informed me that he had a good supply for his
family, of twenty quarts, from a bed twenty by
twelve feet. What ft delicious luxury at a small
expense !

GOLDEN RUSSET AND RED RUSSET-

Mr. Thomas O. Jackson, of Plymouth, has sent us
some American Golden Russet apples, and he in-
quires whether they are the same as the Red Russet.
We reply, that the Golden Russet is a small fruit, in
use late in winter and early in spring. The flesh is
remarkably tender, and it is of the highest character
as to quality. A moderate grown, and good bearer.
The Red Russet is as large as the Baldwin ; in use
in spring, the color mostly bright red, with much
russet. Flesh firm, but pleasant, and very good.
We know but little of this, as it is new ; we only had
a few before this season, and now they, are too hard
for use. We find it a great grower, and it is called
a good bearer. We think that it is a cross between
the Baldwin and Roxbury Russet. We should pre-
fer the Golden Russet for the private garden, as a
table fruit ; but the Red Russet will probably be the
most profitable for the market, the fruit being much
larger, keeping rather longer, and the tree a greater
grower. As we know but little about it, we would
recommend it for trial only.

APPLES FROM NEWBURGH, N. Y.

By the politeness of Charles Downing, Esq., of
Newburgh, we received, early in the winter, a box
of several varieties of excellent apples ; and as some
of them were late, we have delayed noticing them
until the greater part have come to perfection. !Mr.
Downing is extensively known as a very intelligent
nurseryman and fruit grower.

93

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Jonathan. — This is a beautiful and excellent
apple, of medial size, very popular in some parts
of New York, and .some other sections of the country,
but vci-y little cultivated in New England. In use
during the winter. We have never seen this in the
Uoston market.

Domuie. — Medial size, very fair and handsome.
Not of a iiigh flavor, but very juicy, crisp, mild, and
plca.sant. Mr. D. says that it is a favorite with
farmers in that region, as it is a very great bearer.
In use during winter and into spring. We never
noticed but one baiTel of these in this market, which
we purchased, a few years ago, under the name of
" Cluster ; " and we kept some of them, in good con-
dition, till July.

Winter Sweet Paradise. — Rather large, yellow,
very sweet, tender, and excellent. Comparatively
new, and not extensively known, but very prom-
ising.

Vandevere. — Medial size, roundish, mostly red ;
flesh remarkably tender, delicate, and of excellent
flavor. Mr. D. regards this as one of the very best
winter apples, and these specimens would justify
this opinion. It seems to us that the Vandevere of
the W^cst must be a different fruit, for there it is not
considered first rate, but it is popular from its being
a sure bearer, while others are more liable to fail from
unfavorable seasons. This is occasionally found in
OUT market, from New York.

Swaar. — This is a large apple, very popular in
some parts of New York. It is of the highest
quality, being of a fine flavor, and very tender and
fine in texture. It is singular that Swaai's, grown in
New England, though lai'ge and fair, and on differ-
ent soils, dire light and poor, and often defective at
the core. This is the case with all that we have
seen. We think a spurious kind may be cultivated
here. It is a large apple, and more smooth, and of a
paler color, than those from New York.

Newtown Pippin, Green and Yelloic. — In some favor-
able locations in the Middle States, and in the West,
under the best of management, this &uit is tolerably
fair and productive, and it is of the highest charac-
ter, and a long keeper. In England, it is the most
celebrated American apple. In New England, it is
very uncertain, though some fine fruit may be ob-
tained in a long, warm season. Although there is
considerable difference in the form and the general
external appearance of these two varieties, some
cultivators think that they were originally one.
This fruit is hardly ripe enough to use. It keeps till
July.

Teiokshury Winter Blush. — Very small and beauti-
ful ; yellow, with a bright blush. Not of the best
flavor, but remarkable for keeping into summer.
Not yet in use. This is rather smaller than the
Lady Apple.

Ladies' Sweelin^. — Large, very beautiful, and of
the highest character. If this apple should flourish
in different parts of the apple region in our country,
it will do\ibtles3 be the most popular of all late
sweet apples. It is quite large, remarkably fair,
of a br'ght red color ; very sweet, tender, rich, and

high flavored. It is a good grower and a good
bearer. Its late keeping is also an excellent prop-
erty. They arc now coming into use, and will last
till May. We find it to be a fine grower, but it has
not been tested in New England.

PEAT ASHES- MARL.

We have from Mr. Calvin Locke, of Ipswich, a
sample of peat ashes, of a very fine grit, that bears a
strong resemblance to chalk, only of a darker color.
Mr. L. informs us that the subsoil in the meadow,
from which the peat was taken, is of a greenish color,
cuts like butter, and effervesces with vinegar ; that it
had been used as a maniire for grass lands on Captain
Ilohnes's farm, with great succcs.?, and its effects were
perceptible three years after its application.

This green substance is marl, undoubtedly, as lime
is indicated by the effervescence on the application
of an acid. It may be equally valuable, for manure,
as the green marls of New Jersey, which have been
applied to the light soils, so prevalent in that state,
and have effected a wonderful improvement.

ACTION OF MANURES.

Too much importance is usually given to the ac-
tion of manures, as becoming an integrant part of
plants. It is true, that a minute portion of some
parts of the constituents of manures are taken up by
plants, as their destructive analysis will show ; but
of thifi small part, its greatest proportion is simply
carried mechanically, by capillary attraction, into the
ascending tubes and io not chemically combined
with the plant, any more than is the water it con-
tains, or than are the burs Avhich sometimes become
matted in a cow's tail, a part of the tail.

Still, a part may be, and probably is, combined
chemically with the plant, but not to the extent
generally supposed. The principal action of ma-
nures, is simply to undergo decomposition in soil,
and by this decomposition they are resolved into
gaseous bodies. These gases rise ; and as every cuisic
inch of solid matter contained in manure will form
one to two thousand cubic inches of gases, conse-
quently they must expand. In so doing, the ultimate
particles of the soil is disturbed, and thus the spaces
between the particles arc loosened, and admit the
carbonic acid gas ; the vegetable retains the principal
part of its bulk, which is cai-bon, and is almost the
entire weight of the plant beyond the Avater.

In farther illustration of these facts, it is well
known, that if from a known Avcight of soil we raise
successive crops of grasses for many years, removing
half the crops, and ploughing in the other half, that
the soil will increase in weight, as well as in power,
to produce vegetables, and this, too, without any
manure being added.

Suppose a piece of land is capable of producing
two tons of clover per acre, and that one ton is re-
moved every year, the other ton returned to the soil,
and this process continued for so many years as to
have yielded, for removal, fifty tons of clover.

Now where has this immense weight come from ?
From the soil ? No ; that is impossible, because you
have more soil than when you commenced. Now,
as the clover has touched nothmg but the soil and
the atmosphere, it must have come from the one or
the other, and if not from the soil, why, of course,
from the atmosphere. — WurJdn(; Farjner,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

91

BARREN SOILS.

This terra is often used, and is supposed by many
to mean a soil incapable of being rendered fertile.
No such soil exists. Barren, then, is only applicable
when intended to convey the idea of soil which, in
its present state, will not repay the cultivator.

The unproductiveness may arise from many causes,
but none of them are without remedy. If from a
deficiency of some of the earths, let them be added ;
if from an excess or deficiency of either animal or
vegetable matters, the fault is easily corrected ; if
from stagnant water, either under-drain or subsoil,
03 may be required ; if sand, clay, or chalk be defi-
cient, add them ; if either be in excess, add the
other two. Peaty soils are generally reclaimed by
draining alone ; sometimes paring and burning are
necessary to induce decomposition of organic matter
in excess. The same result can be obtained in most
or all eases, by the addition of the salt and lime prep-
aration which Ave have recommended for composts.
When the soils are found to be incompetent to pro-
duce any special crops required, the farmer should
have them analyzed, and then compare their inte-
grants with those of such soils as do produce the
required crop readily. The difference will point out
the means vv'hich must naturally be resorted to, for
the purpose of restoring their fertility.

AN ANCIENT APPLE.

Colonel Samuel Jacques, of the "Ten Hills Farm,"
near Boston, has presented to the American Anti-
quarian Society an apple more than fifty-six years
old. It was given him on the 1 2th of September,
1792, as a birthday token, by a lady, the period of
whose entrance into life happened to correspond with
his own.

The original size of the apple was about that of a
large cranberry ; and what is somewhat remarkable,
it grew out from a small bud starting out of a stout
limb, while the rest of the fruit of the tree (the Sum-
mer Ilorvey) was large, the apples weighing from
twelve to fourteen ounces each.

This venerable specimen is as well preserved as
an Egyptian mummy. It has as many Avrinkles as
usually belong to extreme old age, and exhibits the
complexion to v.-hich every thing mortal is wont to
come at last. — Worcester Spt/,

SALT AND SOOT.

The power of soot as a top-dressing to either
wheat or pasture land, is materially increased by the
admixture of one fourth of common salt. In the
fourth volume, p. 270, of the Iloyal Agricultural
Society's Journal, it is stated that iifty-four bushels
of soot and six of salt produced larger crops of Al-
tringham and white Belgian carrots than twenty-three
tons of stable manure and twenty-four bushels of
bones, at half the cost. It is best to hoe the land,
where used as top-dressing for wheat, after the soot
is spread, as that prevents the evaporation of the am-
monia, which is the most essential part of the manure.
To mix it with lirno is most injurious, as that alkali
causes the rapid dissipation of the ammonia. Mr.
Dimraory, of Stinchorabe farm, in Gloucestershire,
uses nothing but soot as a manure for potato crops,
which he grows in drills, using soot at the rate of
twenty-five bushels to the acre.

HOW TO CATCH HAWKS.

The following ingenious method for destroying
these pests to the farmer is given by S. Webb, Esq.,

of Waldo county, Maine, in a late number of the
Belfast Republican : —

"Erect a pole, twelve or fifteen feet high, in a
place where there will not be any thing else near for
them to light upon, and upon it set a common fox-
trap, on which they will light. A strong rat-trap
will answer the i)urpose, by tying it to the pole
lengthwise,with the jaws raised above the end, the
pole being a little leaning, so that the jaws will not
fall together. When one hawk is taken, tie it on the
ground near the pole, and its mate will be in the trap
in a short time. The season is near for the hawks to
reappear, and if farmers do not wish to have their
chickens destroyed by them, they will do well to
adopt this method of putting a stop to their depreda-
tions.

BIRDS.

It is proved that a pair of sparrows, during the
time they have their young to feed, destroy, on an
average, every week, three thousand three hundred
and sixty caterpillars. This calculation is founded
upon actual observation. Two parents have been
known to carry to thcu- nest forty caterpillars in
an hour ; and, supposing the sparrows to enter the
nest only twelve times during each day, they would
cause a consumption of four hundred and eighty cat-
crinllars : this sum gives thirty-three hundi'ed and
sixty caterpillars extirpated weekly from a garden.
But the utility of the birds is not limited to this
circumstance alone, for they likewise feed their young
with butterflies and other winged insects, each of
which, if not destroyed in this manner, would be-
come the parents of hundreds of caterpillars.

CURE FOR GRUBS IN THE HEAD OF
SHEEP.

It was in the latter part of winter one of my flock
was taken sick, and became so weak it could not rise
without being lifced. I supposed its ailment to be
the grub in the head ; and knowing something of tho
virtue of flaxseed oil, I resolved to try an experi-
ment on it. I laid the sheep on its rump, or rather
on its back, with its nose a little inclining backw.ards,
and poured in near a tablcspoonful of the above oil,
part in each nostril. The next morning the sheep was
able to get up and eat with the rest of the flock, and
speedily recovered. After that, and while I kept
sheep, when I discovered any of tlicm snotty-nosed
and coughing, (an indication of the grub,) I put a
little oil in their noses, as above, and they soon be-
came clean and healthy. I do not remember that I
failed in one instance. Some of my neighbors als«
received benefit by the above process. — Selected.

WORK! WORK!

If you would be free. work. Wlien a man stops
working, he in effect dies. He starves in the mi(&t
of abundance ; for what is dyspepsia but the worst
sort of starvation ? God may have cursed the ground,
but he blessed labor. He made man to subdue the
earth. Yet he is also the blessed Creator of sleep, of
rest, of recess, of mirth, hilaiity, and fun. Enjoy super-
fluity ? Yes, but only in one way — helping the needy.
Hoarding up a fortune to live in idleness, is not en-
joying superfluity, nor rest. It is being miserable,
and that no man has a right to be. He who works,
and has enough to work with, and is sure of enough
to live on while he Avorks, enjoys the conditions of
happiness. Idleness is no less a crime in the rich
than the poor.

92

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

JBomcstic iDtpartmcnt.

Pure Air for Bread. — Bread undergoes a great
« change for twenty-four hours after it is baked, and
chemists have made estimates that during this time
it absorbs nutriment from the atmosphere equal
to twenty per cent, of its value. Whether these
chemical calculations are correct or not, it is evident
that a great change takes place in bread immediately
after it is baked, and this change is doubtless eifectcd
by absorption.

From these remarks it is evident that as soon as
bread is taken from the oven, it should be set in
pure air. It should not be placed in a cellar, nor in
the passage to the cellar, nor in a closet opening
into a room much used by the family, as from fires,
and from perspiration and transpiration of persons,
the air becomes measurably impure.

Education of Farmers' Daughters. — In the
families of many farmers there are far too many un-
productive hands. In the changes, which, since the
introduction of extensive manufactories of cotton and
"woollen among us, have taken place in our habits of
domestic labor, some of the internal resources of the
fanner have been dried up, and new occasions of ex-
penditure introduced. I cannot better illustrate this
matter than by a recurrence to a conversation which
I had with one of the most respectable farmers in the
country. " Sir," said he to me, " I am a widower,
and have only one daughter at home. I have gone
to the utmost extent of my limited means for her
education. She is a good scholar, and has every
where stood high in her classes, and acquitted her-
self to the satisfaction of her instructors. She is ex-
pert in all the common branches of education. She
reads Latin and French ; she understands mineralogy
and botany ; and I can show you with pleasure some
of her fine needlework, embroidery, and drawings.
In the loss of her mother she is my whole depend-
ence ; but instead of waiting upon me, I am obliged
to hire a servant to wait upon her. I Avant her to
take charge of my dairy, but she cannot think of
milking ; and as her mother was anxious that her
child should be saved from all hardship, — for she
used to say the poor girl woiild have enough of that
by and by, — she never allowed her to share in her
labor ; and therefore she knows no more of the care
of the dairy, or indeed of housekeeping, than any
city milliner ; so that, in fact, I have sold all my cows
but one. This cow supplies us with what milk we
want, but I buy my butter and cheese. I told her a
few days since that my stockings were y,-OYn out, and
that I had a good deal of wool in the chamber, which
I wished she would card and spin. Her replj'^ was,
in a tone of unaffected surprise, " Why, father, no
young lady does that ; and besides, it is so much easier
to send it to the mill, and have it carded there."
" Well," I continued, " you will knit the stockings if
I get the wool spun?" "WTiy, no, father; mother
never taught me hoAV to knit, because she said it
■would interfere with my lessons ; and then, if I knew
how, it would take a great deal of time, and be much
cheaper to buy the stockings at the store."

This incident illustrates perfectly the condition of
many a farmer's family, and exhibits a serious draw-
back upon his property, and a great impediment to
nis success. The false notions which prevail among
us in regard to labor, create a distate for it ; and the
fact that, if the time required to be employed in
many articles of household manufacture be reckoned

at its ordinary value, the cost of making many arti-
cles of clothing would exceed that for which they
could be purchased at the store, is deemed a sufficient
reason for abandoning their production at home. In
many cases, however, the time is turned to no ac-
count, but absolutely squandered. But the clothing,
if not made, must be bought ; and they who might
produce it must be sustained at an equal expense,
whether they work or are idle. — Ile^iott of the Amer-
ican Board of Education.

I3ot30' JUcpartment.

BoTs SHOULD BE MECHANICS. — Bovs should have
tools for their own use, and they should be taught
to use them, and keep them in order. In this way
every boy may learn the use of common tools ; and
then, in case ho is a farmer, he can attend to various
mechanical affairs, and not have to spend a few
hours' time to procure a mechanic to do an hour's
work, as is often the case with the farmer, especially
in sections sparsely settled.

Some boys know so little about the use of tools,
that their fathers pay a considerable bill annually to
furnish them with playthings, when they are big
enough to make all carriages, &c., that they need
for amusement, if they Avere furnished with tools,
and had but very little instruction.

When a boy is big enough to haul a sled up hill
and slide down, he should be capable of making his
own sled, and not depend on another. Every boy
can do far more than he or his parents are a%vare of,
if he is placed under favorable circumstances for try-
ing, and for developing his mechanical powers.

A farmer once remarked to us that he was in want
of a drag at a busy season, and after spending more
time in trying to get some one to make it, than
would have been i"equu"ed to construct it, he was
under the necessity of attempting the job himself;
and he succeeded well. Had that farmer been
trained to the use of tools in his boyhood, he would
have known his ability, and would not have wasted
his time in the vain endeavor to procure another to
do what he could do himself ; and that was doubtless
only one among many instances of his depending on
others for Avhat he might have accomplished himself
at much less expense.

Syjipathy. — It is a pure stream that swells the
tide of sjTnpathy — it is an excellent heart that
interests itself in the feelings of others — it is a
heaven-like disposition that engages the affections,
and extorts the sympathetic tear for the misfortunes
of a friend. Mankind are ever subject to ills, infir-
mities, and disappointments. Every breast, at some
particular period, experiences sorrow and distress.
Pains and perplexities are long-lived plagues of
human existence ; but sj-mpathy is the balm that
heals these wounds. If a person, who has lost a
precious friend, can find another Avho will feelingly
participate in his misfortune, he is well nigh compen-
sated for his loss. And delightful is the task, to a
feeling heart, of softening the painful pillow of
disease, of amusing the unfortunate, and alleviating
the tortui-es of the afflicted.

NEW p:ngland farmer.

93

Cjealtl).

Health of Children-. — Rising early is a habit of
high, importance to fix in children ; and in forming
it, there is far greater facility than in other cases.
There is a natural propensity in children generally to
early rising, which needs only to be gratified and
encouraged. They usually retire to bed some hours
before their parents, and at daylight, or at least sun-
rise, are generally awake, and anxious to rise. Many
of them arc actually bred up with diiFculty to the
habit of taking morning naps, which, when once
formed, generally prevail through life. Let his father
deny himself so far as to retire early, and become an
early riser also. His health, enjoyment, and useful-
ness, he may depend upon it, will be perceptibly
benefited. And this may be connected with another
preventive of disease — active employment. The
morning is the season for activity ; the frame, invig-
orated by repose, is prepared for exertion, and motion
gives pleasm-e. The pui-e atmosphere, so much more
bracing than at other hours, so much sweeter and
more exhilarating than the air of a confined cham-
ber, has been prepared to be breathed ; and, like all
nature's medicines, it is superior to any which science
can produce. Early rising and early exercise might
more properly be called food than medicine, as
they are designed for daily use, and to protect us
from disease rather than to remove it. Every thing,
except mere sloth, invites us, nay, requires of us, to
train up our children to use them. The morning is
the most favorable season for exercising the frame, as
well as for making useful impressions on the mind
and heart ; and whoever tries to conduct the educa-
tion of his child independently of this practice, will
lose some of the most favorable opportunities. —
Dioight's Father s Book.

Recipe foe. White Swellings and Felons. — To
cure white swellings and felons, a correspondent of
the South- Western Farmer says, "take copperas,
blue stone, alum, table salt, and flowers of sulphur,
of each the size of a pea, put them into a four-ounce
phial, and fill it with strong apple vinegar, and in
twenty-four hours or less it is fit for use. If to be
applied to a bone felon on the finger, the skin is to
be pared with the razor, the phial being well shaken ;
wet lint, and apply it three times a day. It will in-
stantly relieve pain, take out the fever, and effect a
cure.. If a sore leg, the sore must be washed twice a
day with Castile soap, — then apply the wet lint."
Most bruises and diseases of the flesh may be bene-
fited, and generally cm-ed, it is said, by this applica-
tion.

iUccljanics JUcpartment, ^rts, ^c.

Time for cutting Timber. — There are various
opinions on this subject ; some persons preferring
one season, and others another. But nearly all are
agreed in the opinion that the spring is an unfavor-
able season, as the tree is then full of sap. Most
mechanics, who attend to wood work, prefer timber
that is cut in winter, or late in fall, after the season
of vegetation, as it then contains less sap than in
spring. If {he opinion that it contains less sap in
winter than in spring is not correct, it is evident that
the sap contained in the timber in winter has a less
tendency to decay than that of spring.

Farmers who have cut poles for fencing in spring
and fall, and let the bark remain on, have generally
observed that those cut in fall last far longer than
those cut in spring. Some mechanics, who have cut
their timber at different seasons, are decidedly in favor
of cutting it in June, when the tree is in its greatest
vigor, as it is very durable and heavy. At this period
it is supposed that the sap or juices of the tree are thick,
or of a mucilaginous svibstance, and that they become
fixed in the wood, and fill up the pores, and add
to its weight. June is a favorable time for stripping
the bark from trees, and this operation is very
necessary when timber is cut in June.

We hope that more experiments will be made on
this subject, particularly to show which is the best
period for cutting timber — in June, when vegetation
is in full vigor ; or August and September, when it is
less active ; or late in fall or early in winter, when the
tree is in a dormant state.

Easy Method of breaking Glass in any required
Direction. — Dip a piece of worsted thread in spirits
of turpentine, wrap it round the glass in the direc-
tion that you require it to be broken, and then set
fire to the thread ; or apply a red-hot iron round the
glass, and if it does not immediately crack, throw
cold water on it while the wire remains hot. Glass
that is broken by this means may often be- fashioned
and rendered useful for a variety of purposes. — Eng-
lish Paper.

To preserve Specimens in Natural History. —
To preserve the skins of animals for exhibition,
arsenical soap has been found to be the most perfect
guard against vermin, and is prepared in the follow-
ing manner, viz. : camphor, five ounces ; arsenic in
powder, two pounds ; white soap, two pounds ; salt
of tartar, twelve ounces ; chalk in powder, four
ounces. Rub this thoroughly over the inner surface,
and afterward stuff the animal for the case.

WATER IN THE ATMOSPHERE.

The watery vapor in the atmosphere exerts an
agency in promoting the growth of vegetables, of
which few are aware. The effect produced by its
descent to the earth, in the form of rain, is obvious
to all. The agency which it otherwise exerts,
tho\igh less marked and obvious, is, perhaps, less
important.

It is a well-established fact, that the earth absorbs
water from the atmosphere, and that in proportion
to its djyness. On the other hand, it is a fact equally
well established, that the drier the surface of the
earth is, the more abundant is the watery vapor in
the atmosphere. This is rather a matter of course, as
the water evaporates from the earth into the atmos-
phere. In a season of great drought, then, the at-
mosphere is charged with this vapor in a high degree,
just at the time when its influence is most needed.

We see the reason, then, why loose, porous soils
stand a drought better than close, compact soils.
We see the reason also why stirring the earth, in a
drought, is so vastlj' advantageous. There are those
who are in the habit of stirring the earth, in a drought,
among theii" crops by ploughing and hoeing, when
not a weed is to be seen, on account of its highly
beneficial effect.

That the atmosphere pervades the surface of the
earth, is a fact too obvious almost to need proof. Its

94

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

immense weight, or, in other words, the force with
which all things are drawn towards the centre of
the earth, by the power of gravitation, is evidence
enough of the fact.

It is also an interesting fact, that under the ex-
panding influence of the heat of the day, the atmos-
phere is inhaled into the earth more abundantly,
while, under the contracting influence of the cold of
the niglit, it is emitted from the earth, so that there
is a sort of respiration going on in the soil continually,
a breathing in of the atmosphere during the day, and
a breathing it out during the night.

The watery vapor which is inhaled by the soil, of
course, holds in solution more or less of fertilizing
matters, as ammonia, carbonic acid, &c., which are
thus, to some extent, supplied to the soil. — Michigan
Farmer.

SIGNS OF A POOR FARMER.

He grazes his mowing land late in the spring.
Some of his cows are much past their prime. He
neglects to keep the dung and ground from the sills
of his building. He sows and plants his land till it
is exhausted, before he thinks of manuring. He
keeps too much stock, and many of them are unruly.
He has a place for nothing, and nothing in its place.
If he wants a chisel or a hammer, he cannot find it.
He seldom does any thing in stormy weather, or in
an evening. You will often, perhaps, hear of his
being in the bar-room, talking of hard times. Al-
though he has been on a piece of land twenty years,
ask him for grafted apples, and he will tell you he
could not raise them, for he never had any luck.
His indolence and carelessness subject him to many
accidents. He loses cider for want of a hoop. His
plough breaks in his hurry to get in his seed in sea-
son, because it was not housed ; and in harvest,
when he is at work on a distant part of his farm, the
hogs break into his garden, for want of a small re-
pair in his fence. Ho always feels in a hurry, yet in
his busiest day he will stop and talk till he has
wearied your patience. He is seldom neat in his
person, and generally late at public worship. His
children are late at school, and their books are torn
and dirty. He has no enterprise, and is sure to
have no money ; or, if he must have it, makes great
Bacriftces to get it ; and as ho is slack in his pay-
ments, and buys altogether on credit, he purchases
every thing at a dear rate. You Avill see the smoke
conre out of his chimney long after daylight in win-
ter. His horse stable is not daily cleansed, nor his
horse curried. Boards, shingles, and clapboards are
to be seen off his buildings, month after month,
without being replaced, and his windows are full of
rags. He feeds his hogs and horses with whole
grain. If the lambs die, or the wool comes off
his sheep, he does not think it is for want of care or
food. lie is generally a great borrower, and seldom
returns the thing borrowed. He is a poor husband,
a poor fathci', a poor neighbor, a poor citizen, and a
poor Christian. — Baltimore Farmer.

VALUE OF HUMAN EXCREMENT.

Eoussingault says that the excrements of a man
for one ycai- contain about twenty pounds of nitro-
gen, a sufficient quantity for the growth of nine
hundred pounds — fifteen bushels — of wheat, rye
or oats, or for one thousand pounds of barley. And
as they can be disinfected and rendered pleasant to
handle by admixture with peat ashes, all farmers
who have peat upon their estates should see that the
valuable fertilizer at the head of this paragraph be
not wasted, but that it be treated so as to be rendered
tributary to the improvement of his land.

If the peat in the process of being burnt into ashes
be so burnt as to prevettt the fii-e from bursting out, a
large proportion of the mass will be carbon, which
will act as a fixer of the volatile part of the nitrogen
of the excrement, and, by arresting loss by evapora-
tion, give the property of lastiugness to it as a
manure, thereby enhancing its value. — Amei-ic\m
Farmer.

WHEAT GROWING IN MAINE.

Mil. Editor : I will now consider one of the obsta-
cles, which some regard insunnountable, to growing
wheat in our state, viz., the rust. I have not much
experience to relate in raising wheat, though I got
good wheat for ten or a dozen consecutive years, and
never failed of a crop from weevil or rust. I was
moderate in my exioectations as to amount of crop,
and i^crhaps I should say that three fourths of aa
acre, upon which I experimented, were destroyed one
year by the rust, and two acres another year were
injured by the weevil, from having departed from
mj^ iisual time of sowing ; but both years I got good
wheat from other lands. Rust, I think, is caused by
the bursting of the vessels of the stalk, from an in-
crease and accelerated action of the saji or vegeta-
tive juices during warm and moist weather, when
the plant is putting forth its greatest effort to siipply
the filling kernel. Now, it is apparent that whatever
tends to harden the stalk, which is tender from a
rapid growth, and prepare it to resist the increased
quantity and accelerated action of the sap at the
period mentioned, or whatever tends to make more
gradual the supply and the increased action, will
be likely to effect the object. This may be done by
avoiding the use of stimulating manures, such as ani-
mal manure from the barn- yard, using vegetable
manure and fresh lands, such as greensward, instead
of land which has been cultivated and manured with
barn-yard manure. On unmanured lands, or those
di-essed with vegetable manure, the plant will be of
slow growth, stock hardy, and the warm and moist
weather will not stimulate it to rapid and imhealthy
growth. Rich lands are not required ibr wheat.
Land which Avill produce good oats will grow good
M'hcat. Undoubtedly dressing of the right kind will
increase the crop, but even of the right kind, if
heavily dressed, will induce rust by causing a rapid
growth of the plant ; consequently a tender stalk and
a particular state of the .atmosphere at a certain stage
of its growth, will cause it to rust. We should sow on
good oat land, moderating our desire of a large crop,
and increase the sui:>ply by more extensive sowing.
I raised from ten to twenty bushels of wheat on
greensward, without manure, using a bushel or two
of plaster to the acre. Usually I turned under the
stubble, and sowed with wheat a second time, and
generally got the most abundant yield from stubble
groimd. One of my best crops was on land where,
before ploughing, I did not cut more than five hun-
dred weight of hay to the acre. Plough deep, and
if the land is not rich, a good, though not an abun-
dant crop will result. Manure lands, and if a cold,
favorable season, a large crop may be expected ; if
warm and moist, the crop is pretty sure to be lost.
On fiesh, unmanured lands, except with such ma-
nure as the sods will make, you are sure of a crop, be
it cold or warm, which will pay the expense of cul-
tivation, always premising you sow sufficiently late
to avoid the weevil. — Maine Farmer.

THE EUROPEAN MOUNTAIN ASH.

The brilliant apearance of the European Mountain
Ash, {sorbus aucupara,') when in autumn it is densely
clad with its rich crimson fruit, is a circumstance
sufficient to give it strong claims to the care of the

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

95

arboriculturist, independently of the beauty of its
foliage. But a tree, which, from this latter property,
has long been a favorite with us, and which, though
it is common in Europe, we regret to say, is yet but
half so well known as it should be, is the Silver-
leaved Abelo, {Populus Alba.) Its growth is very rap-
id, and it is, therefore, well adapted for planting where
time is an object of consideration. The llowers are
insignificant, but its leaves are highly interesting.
The under side of each of these is rendered perfectly
white by a dense cottonj' pubescence, and in a gentle
breeze, from their being supported on slender petioles,
they are in constant motion. At a moderate distance,
to a spectator standing on the windward side, they
give it frequently the appearance of being covered
with a profusion of white flowers. It has a beautiful
effect from the house when seen at some distance in
the foreground of a handsome, group of trees of a
darker green. Added to this, it holds its foliage un-
scathed by the frost, until the very latest period in
autumn. — . Prairie Far/mr.

METHOD.

A man has twenty or thirty letters and packets to
carry to their several destinations ; but instead of ar-
ranging them beforehand, and putting all addressed to
the same neighborhood in a parcel, he crams the whole
into a promiscuous bag. He delivers one letter in one
place, proceeds to a remote point with a second, re-
traces his stops before he can deliver a third, returns
to repair an omission, and then performs a transit that
might have been saved altogether by a little forecast.
Thus it requires two days to perform the business of
one. The man who has thoroughly mastered the
lesson, " A place for every thing, and every thing
in its place," will save a world of time. He loses no
leisure seeking for the unanswered letter or the lost
receipt ; he does not need to travel the same road
twice, and hence it is that some of the busiest men
have the least of a busy look. Instead of slamming
doors, and knocking over children in their head-
long hurry, they move about deliberately and care-
fully, ■without any expression of haste, anxiety, and
tumult ; for they have made their calculations, and
know that they have ample time to fulfil every duty
and every engagement. Those who live without a
plan, never have anj' leisure ; for their work is never
done — never can be done properly, because the end
and the right way to it have not been discerned and
pursued without deviations from the beginning.

PATENT OFFICE.

Tlie Patent Office was organized in 1790, and from
that time up to the commencement of the present
year, 1849, the number of patents issued was about
sixteen thousand two hundred. It is an interesting
moral deduction, to be able to draw from this state-
ment the fact, that useful invention has kept pace
with physical want. Thus the largest class of in-
ventions have been for agricultural improvement ;
the second, for articles of clothing, or the textile
fabrics, and the economies and comforts of impart-
ing warmth to the body.

Destructive inventions have come few and far
between, and the whole number has not exceeded
two hundred and fifty of the sixteen thousand and
upwards which have been granted by the Patent
Office. A fact like this speaks well for the triumphs
of peace, an I of the moral turn given to the inven-
tive genius of the country. Indeed, there is no
department of tlio public service more suggestive of
interesting fact than that of the Patent Office.

New York has the honor of receiving almost one

third of all the patents granted, and New York city
almost as many lis the entire slave states. The
great bulk of the whole come from the free states — a
fact which will suggest others of interest without the
necessity of comment. — Neio York Express.

BEAUTIES OF TREES.

AMiat can be more beautiful than the trees ? — their
lofty trunks, august in their simplicity, asserting,
to the most inexperienced eye, their infinite supe-
riority over the imitative pillars of man's pride
— their graceful play of wido-si3reading branches,
and all the delicate and glorious machinery of buds,
leaves, flowers, and fruit, that, with more than magi-
cal effort, burst from the naked and rigid twigs, with
all the rich, and heaven-breathing, delectable odors,
pure and animating essences, pouring out spices and
medicinals, under brilliant and unimaginably varied
colors, and making music, from the softest and most
melancholy undertones to the full organ peal of the
tempest ! We wonder not that trees have been the
admiration of men in all periods and nations of the
world. What is the richest country without trees ?
What barren and monotonous spot can they not con-
vert into paradise ? Xerxes, in the midst of his most
ambitious enterprise, stopped his vast army to con-
template the beauty of a tree. Cicero, from the
throng, and exertion, and anxiety of the forum, was
accustomed, Pliny tells us, to steal forth to a grove
of plane-trees to refresh and invigorate his spirits.
In the Scaptan grove, the same author adds, Thu-
cydides was supposed to have comj^osed his noble
histories. The Greek and Roman classics, indeed,
abound with expressions of admiration ; but above
all, as the Bible surpasses, in the splendor and ma-
jesty of its poetry, all books in the world, so is its
sylvan aborcscent imagery the most bold and beauti-
ful. Beneath some spreading tree is the ancient
patriarch revealed to us, sitting in contemplation, or
receiving the visit of angels ; and what a calm and
dignified picture of primeval life is presented to our
imagination at the mention of Deborah, the wife of
Lapidoth, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, be-
tween Ramah and Bethel, in Mount Ephraim, beneath
the palm-tree of Deborah ! The oak of Bashan and
the cedar of Lebanon are but other and better names
for glory and power. The vine, the olive, and the
fig-tree are imperishable emblems of peace, plenty,
and festivity. David in his psalms, Solomon in his
songs and proverbs, the prophets in the sublime out-
pourings of their awful inspiration, and Christ in his
parables, — those most beautiful and perfect of all
allegories, — luxuriate in signs and similes drawn
from the fair- trees of the East.

SULPHUR AND CHARCOAL FOR SWINE.

Let your hogs, at this season, have a plentiful
supply of these articles. The former may be admin-
istered to them, at proper intervals, in their food ;
the latter, for convenience sake, may be deposited
weekly in their sties. Boxes of the proper size,
Ijermanently secured, should be provided for its re-
ception, and kept well replenished with the article,
at all "times. Salt, also, should be kept by them, or
it may be administered as a seasoning to their food.
The withholding of this article is, in many cases,
attended with fatal results, especially when the ani-
mals are kept principally on green and fermentable
food. Turn a half pint of salt into a hog's trough,
and if his diet has been fresh and unseasoned for
some time previous, he Mill devour it ravenously,
and at once. — Maine Culiivaior. . , ;■"

96

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

VERMONT FARMING.

Wc copy from the National Eagle the following
account of successful farming : —

At the annual meeting of the Windsor County
Vermont Agricultural Society, held at Woodstock on
the 10th January last, premiums were awarded for
the follo\\'iiig crops of corn, raised the past season,
viz. : one acre in Pomfrct, one hundred and twelve
bushels ; one in Springfield, one hundi-cd and ten and
a half bushels ; one in Ilartland, one hundred and
eleven and three fourths bushels ; one in Woodstock,
ninety-nine and seven eighths bushels ; and three
fields of corn, of four acres each, in Springfield, first
one hundred and four bushels to the acre, the two
others ninety bushels each to the acre.

The society's premiums were also awarded for the
three best managed and most productive farms of
the county : First, to J. W. Colburn, of Springfield ;
second, to James Weston, of Wcathorsfield ; third, to
Jonathan Chase, of Springfield. The farm of Mr.
Colburn consists of thu'ty-five acres, only, of mowing
and plough land, the remainder being pasture and
wood land. The production of these thirty-five acres,
the past season, was fifty tons of hay, ten hundred
and forty bushels of grain, and twenty-four bushels
of potatoes. The yield of hay was all at one cut-
ting ; none of the second crop was mowed.

A manifest iniprovement in all the industrial pur-
suits never fails to be the result of a well-regulated
and well-managed Agricultural Society.

BERKSHIRE HOGS.

I have occasionally seen articles in your paper de-
crying the Berkshire hogs, princij)ally on account of
their want of size. To such people you may say,
that I have a barrow three years old, a full-blood
Berkshire, which will now weigh nearly one thou-
sand pounds, live weight. He was weighed on the
3d of October, and then brought down eight hundred
and eighty ; since which he has improved rapidly,
and will doubtless reach the above weight. I have
had this breed for seven years pio-e, — descended
from hogs brought from Albany and JSuffalo, and a
boar imported by Mr. Fahnestock, of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, from England, (the latter a very
large animal.) The stock have all been large and
very profitable, weighing, at seven to ten months
old, from two hundred and fifty to three hundied
pounds. Several individuals have weighed over foiu-
hundred, and the sire of this present one reached
seven hundred and fifty. This is, however, much
the largest I have yet raised.

I regret, exceedingly, that the breed is so unfash-
ionable here, that I shall be obliged to look for a cross
from other stock. — Ohio Cultivator.

SUBSOIL PLOUGHING.

M. B. Bateuam : We have tried several of the
experiments recommended in the columns of the Ohio
Cultivator, and they have all proved real plans of
improvement. We tried s^ibsoiling last spring, on
part of an old field, for corn. The part that was
Bubsoiled gave a fine growth and kejit the stalk and
blade of corn green and healthy during the dry
•weather, while the ear and husk ripened perfectly.
The corn was cut off about the middle of Septem-
ber, and put in shock, where it stood till the first of
November, when it was husked ; the fodder, at the
time of husking, being perfectly cured, and still of a
green color and sweet smell. The kind of corn was
not a late variety. That on the part not subsoiled
became dry before cutting tune, and the corn was not
60 heavy.

We intend planting fruit trees in the field, and so
thought we would try it on a crop or two of grain
before setting out the trees.

Our plough is designed to be worked by one yoke
of oxen, or two horses. It consists of two strong iron
colters fastened to a beam of wood, one on each
side, so as to run true. It worked tolerably well,
and cost five dollars. — Ohio Cultivator.

GENTLE WORDS.

BY C. D. STEWART.

A young rose in the summer time

Is beautiful to me.
And glorious the many stars

That glimmer on the sea ;
But gentle words, and loving hearts,

And hands to clasp my own.
Are better than the brightest flowers,

Or stars that ever shone !

The sun may warm the grass to life.

The dew the drooping flower.
And eyes grow bright, and Avatch the light

Of autumn's opening hour ;
But words that breathe of tenderness,

And smiles Ave know are true.
Are warmer than the summer time,

And brighter than the dew.

It is not much the AA-orld can give,

With all its subtle art,
And gold or gems are not the things

To satisfy the heart ;
But, O, if those Avho cluster round

The altar and the hearth
Have gentle Avords and loving smiles.

How beautiful is earth !

THE OLIO.

HoAv beautiful are the smiles of innocence ! how
endearing the sympathies of loA'c ! hoAv SAveet the
solace of friendship ! hoAv lovely tlie tears of affec-
tion ! These, combined, are all characteristic of
Woman. They are the true poetry of humanity —
rich pearls clustering around the altar of domestic
felicity.

Dr. Franklin, in speaking of education, says, " If
a man empties his purse into his head, no one can
take it from him."

Truth is a hardy plant, and A\'hen once firmly
rooted, it covers the ground so that error can scarce
find root.

The more business a man has to do, the more he
can accomplish.

NoxE OF ouK Relations. — " Mother, Avho is this
Aunt Arctic, that they haA'e found doAA'n south?"
" I don't knoAV — some old maid — none of our re-
lations, that's certain."

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^I a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
bo neatly bound at 18| cents, or elegantly bound iu
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume.

1^ The Postage ,^|>

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, be3ond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

S'^^W^^*^-^'!

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KiNDilaU AilTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL.1. SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 1849.

NO. 7.

S. W. COLE, Editor. QUINCY IIAEL, BOSTON. J. NOUPvSE

, Pkopkietou.

GRAFTING.

This operation is of great importance to the fruit-
grower, as he can readily change a worthless tree to
a variety of the highest character. Many cases can
be named in which a great profit has resulted by
changes under this valuable process. A person
unacquainted with grafting, on examining into the
vast utility attending it, is struck with admiration at
an operation so wonderful, and yet so simple, and
of easy application.

Scions for grafting should be cut before the buds
begin to swell, as they will not only keep longer,
but they will succeed better, than those cut later.
"WTien cut in fall, or cai'ly winter, they will keep in
good condition later, than those cut in March. This
shows the importance of cutting before vegetation
commences. If scions are cut after the buds begin to
swell, it is better to set them immediately, as they will
be checked by delay, which has an unfavorable effect.

To presers^c scions, prepare a tight chest or box,
moisten the inside, and place in the bottom either
moist saw-dxxst, moss, loam, or sand, or a moist cloth,
or mat, to hold moisture, and keep the scions cool.
Lay in the scions — the more the better, as they pre-
serve each other by their freshness or moisture. Cover
them with a moist cloth or mat, and renew the mois-
ture occasionally, as warm weather comes on. Place
the box in a cool part of the cellar ; if in a damp, dark
part, the better. It is much better to surround the
scions with moisture than to apply water directly to
them. Some persons destroy scions by too much
care in keeping them wet. "\Mien set on quite moist,
or rather wet earth, they absorb moisture to their
injury.

Scions may be set, in this climate, from the latter
part of MaiTh to tte last of June. Those set in
June will make a smaller growth. April and May
are very favorable months for this operation, and the
greater part of grafting is done in April, or the latter
part of April and early in May. Stone fruit should
be grafted rather early, as the scions do not keep so
well as other kinds, and the scions will not take so
well after vegetation commences and the bark peels.

Grafting compositioa is now generally iL^ed instead 1

of clay, as was formerly the prjictice. This composi-
tion is made with one part of beef tallow, two parts
of beeswax, and fo\ir parts of rosin, melted together,
and then txu'ncd into cold water, and pulled and
worked thoroughly, like shoemakers' wax. The
articles should be pure and of the best quality.

Sometimes mutton tallow or lard is mixed with
beef tallow, meal with beesAvax, or the wax may be
dirty and poor ; and the greater part of rosin sold in
the interior is dark colored and inferior. Good rosm
is of a light color, and almost transparent ; and when
the very best is used, the composition will bear five
parts. Grafting composition is generally for sale at
agricultural stores, and some may find it more con-
venient to purchase it than to make it.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

PllOCEEDINGS OF THE NaTION/VL CoN-TENTION 0?

Fruit Growers. — "We arc indebted to Hon. Marshall
P. "Wilder for this work, which is a pamphlet of fifty-
two pages, containing the doings of a largo conven-
tion of fruit-gi'owcrs, held in the city of New York,
in October last, under the auspices of the American
Institute. The object was to compare specimens of
fruits, and opinioiis, discuss the merits of different
varieties, and elicit the best information from various
sections of the country. Mr. "Wilder was called to
preside over the deliberations of the convention,
which arc valuable and instructive.

Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture for March,
is filled with a variety of very interesting matter.

Illustrated Natural History, by Dr. A. B.
Strong: Green and Spencer, New York. This is a
monthly work, each number containing thirty-two
pages, and four beautiful and spirited engravings,of
vai-ious animals, with scientific and popular descrip-
tions. Price, one dollar per year. It is a work of
great interest and merit, and remarkably cheap.

American Flora, by the same editor and publishers
as the above, monthly. Each number contains four
beautiful engravings of plants and flowers, and six-
teen pages of letter press, giving a scientific descrip-
tion of plants, their medical properties, uses, propa-

98

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

gation, &c. Price, three dollars per year. It ranks
high, both as a work, of ornament and utility.

Will the publishers send us Nos. 1 and 3 of the
History, and 2 and 3 of the Flora ?

Address of E,. Fletcher, Esq., before the Windsor
(Vermont) Agricultural Society, October 5, 1848 ; —
a valuable extract from which is on this page.

A Neav System of Vegetable Physiology, designed
to account satisfactorily for the Phenomena which
take place in the Vegetable Kingdom, and to show
the influence of liight, Heat, and Electricity on Vege-
tation, by Daniel Vaughn, Cincinnati. With much
interest and pleasure wc have been examining the
novel views of the able and intelligent a^lthor, but
arc not yet prepared to give an opinion on those
abstruse and difficult subjects on which scientific
doctors disagree. We are pleased to learn that Mr.
Vaughn will pursue the subject.

IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE.

W^e copy the follo^Aang remarks on the importance
of agriculture, and its happy influence on those who
pursue it, from the Address of P. Fletcher, Esq.,
before the Windsor (Vt.) Agricultural Society. This
prolific subject will soon be in the ascendency, as it
was in the days of Adam.

Permit me to remind you of a well-known truth
— the importance of the art of agriculture. With-
out it, man is a barbarian ; a roaming savage, clothed
in the skins of beasts, deriving a scanty subsistence
from the spontaneous fruits of nature. We arc
indebted to this ai't for food and raiment, for the
necessaries, the comforts, and the luxuries of life.
It may then be termed the most essential of all the
arts, the basis of all others, the foundation and
support of society. Agriculture is important in a
political point of view ; it is the best foundation of
national greatness and power. The love of country,
the fii'e of patriotism, burns in no bosoms more in-
tensely than in those who own and till the soil.
The farmer identifies his possessions with his coun-
try, for which he has the strongest attachment, and
in whose defence the strongest arm. It is impor-
tant also in a moral point of view. Xo situation in
life is so favorable to habits of virtue, and sentiments
of devotion, as a residence in the country, and rural
occupations. He who cultivates the earth is removed
from a variety of temptations to which those in
other pui'suits are exposed. His habits, the calm
and peaceful character of his labors, are all so many
guardians of his virtue. The changes which the
face of nature is constantly exhibiting under his
eye, are adapted to promote his virtues : the fall
of the leaf in Autumn, the opening beauties of
Spring, the rich magnificence of Summer, and the
desolate dreariness of Winter, — these are calcu-
lated to produce good impressions, and exert a salu-
tary influence. The man who can witness them
without feeling his heart glow with sentiments of
love, reverence, and gratitude towards Him that
made him, must be perfectly insensible. Will any
deem these remarks inappropriate ? I should feel
myself wanting in faithfulness to the occasion if I
should omit, in sjieaking of the merits of agriculture,
a view of the subject so gratei'id and interesting. If,
then, agriculture is actually so important, it behoves
every class in community to aid in its impi'ovement,
and to take those measures best calculated to ad-
vance the art, and to stimulate the cultivators of the
soil to excel in every branch of husbandry.

THE QUEEN BEE AT HOME.

The community of bees is an example of pure
monarchy, unrestrained by any checks or power,
yet never deviating into despotism on the one hand,
or anarchy on the other. Some years ago, while
our gracious queen was making a royal progress
through her northern dominions, we witnessed a no
less interesting sight of the progress of a queen-bee,
in the glass hive of an ingenious friend and lover of
nature at his country retreat. The hive was of that
construction which opened from behind, and showed
the whole economy within. In a few minutes the
queen made her appearance from the lower part of
the hive. Her elongated body and tapering ab-
domen at once distinguished her. She moved along
slowly, now and then stopping to deposit an egg in
one of the empty combs ; and it was most interest-
ing to perceive how she was constantly accompanied
by nearly a dozen of bees, that formed a circle around
her, with their heads invariably turned towards
her. The guard was relieved at frequent intervals,
so that, as she walked forward, a new group immedi-
ately took the place of the old, and these, having re-
tru-ned again, resumed the labor in which they had
been pi-eviously engaged. Her appearance always
seemed to give pleasure, which was indicated by' a
quivering movement of the wings. The laborers, in
whatever way occupied, immediately forsook their
work, and came to pay homage to their queen, by
forming a guard around her person. Every other part
of the hive meanwhile presented a busy scene. Many
bees were seen moving their bodies with a tremulous
motion, by which thin and minute films of wax were
shaken from their scaly sides. Others were ready to
take up this wax, and knead it into matter proper for
constructing cells. Frequent arrivals of bees from
the field brought pollen on their thighs for the young
grubs, and honey, which they deposited in the cells.
All was activity, order, and peaceful industry. None
were idle but the drones, who seemed to stroU about
like gentlemen. — British Quarterly Review.

MELON CULTURE.

Hovey, in his Magazine of Horticulture for Decem-
ber, speaking of a visit to the garden of H. N. Lang-
worthy, Esq., on Genesee River, near Ilochester, says :

AVe have stated that Mr. I^angworthy gives great
attention to the culture of the melon. The kinds he
cultivates are principally the Imperial and the Black
Spanish, bvit the greatest quantity of the former,
which, though so late a variety, that, in the latitude
of Boston, it will not come to perfection in the ordi-
nary modes of culture, by Mr. Langworthy's plan,
ripens an immense crop. His mode is to start the
plants in a hotbed — the same as for cucumbers:
the plants are removed to the hills where they arc
to grow, as soon as the weather is favorable, but
they are not immediately exposed to the Avcathcr :
boxes, covered with a coarse gauze or millinet, about
two feet square, are placed over each hill, and as
the plants become inured to the open air, the boxes
are removed, and the plants continue to flourish,
soon covering the ground. Melons of the Imperial
variety are produced, weighing about thirty pounds
each. This is a profitable crop as managed by Mr.
Langworthy ; and it is almost unnecessary to add,
that no crop, either of melons, cucumbers, or
squashes, can be grown Avithout a great deal of care,
especially in attending to the destruction of in-
sects, &c.

WIRE WORMS.

The Albany Cultivator states that a farmer near
Albany has preserved his corn from wire worms the
present season by rolling the seed in sulphur.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

99

NICHOLS & MARSH'S PATENT PORTABLE GRIST MILL.

Among the many new inventions of tlie day, "sve
would call the attention of our readers to the mill
represented above. In many sections of the cbuntrj',
great inconvenience is often experienced, by farmers
and others, for want of mills for grinding grain for
various purposes. As this mill is portable, it occu-
pies but little room, and if water power cannot be
had, steam or horse power may be used.

In some places, the natural advantages for grist
mills are not improved in season to accommodate
early settlers ; in such cases, this may be used with
great economy, as it costs far less than a common
grist mill with the various expenses that usually
attend a preparation for using water power.

The patentees of the above mill remark as fol-
lows : —

" There is one best way to do every thing. With
great confidence we recommend this article to the
notice of practical men who are engaged in or are
about to establish the mealing business, or who wish
to erect a mill at a comparatively small exjiense, for
occasional use. Out of the numerous imj^rovements
that have appeared in the last twenty years, there
are none, in oiu- view, either for simplicity, efficiency,
durability, or economy, that equal it, and, as far as
our experience has gone, we are led to believe it
the best portable mill for grinding grain, corn, salt,
plaster, and spices, extant. It is composed of the
best French burr stones, which hitherto we think
entitled to the preference of all other material for
that use. They are substantially built, easily kept in
order, and can be attached to the requisite power
■with great facility."

Three sizes arc manufactured, of sixteen, twenty-
four, and thirty inch stones, adapted to different
powers. These mills are in use in some parts of
New England, and in the state of New York. It
may be seen in operation in this vicinity.

THE RUST IN WHEAT.

The following remarks from the Annual Report
of the St. John (N. B.) Agricultural Society, as to
one of the causes of rust in wheat, are thrown out
rather as a supposition than an opinion, with the
view of exciting inquiry.

The oat draws nutriment from the earth by side
roots, which spread over the ground. The wheat
plant has similar rootlets, but, in addition thereto,
when about to head, sends down a tap-root into the
earth, for the purpose, it may be presumed, of pro-

curing the additional nutriment which its large, rich
ear requires ; and this tap-root has been known to go
down to the depth of four feet. We may observe,
that up to the time of sending down the tap-root,
the wheat is the hardiest and thriftiest of all the
cereals, but afterwards the most liable to disease.
This delicacy is accounted for, when we consider
that land is generally undrained ; that not more
than a few inches of soil get the benefit of sun, air,
and manure ; and that, therefore, the root must
encounter, in its downward travel, nothing but dis-
appointment. It comes in contact with the cold
clay, or a sour, wet subsoil, tiirns back in despair,
and dies. In accordance with the laws of nature,
insects, or rust, Avhich is itself a fungus, or vegetable
insect, come to finish the work of devastation on the
dying plant. The forlorn farmer rails at the climate,
and cries out that his wheat is killed by rust, while,
in fact, it has died from starvation — from the want
of that food, which, as a provident husbandman, it
was his duty to have provided for it. — American
Agriculturist.

Rem.vkks by the Editor New Englaxd Farmer.
If the theory in the foregoing article is correct,
much may be done to remedy the evil by subsoil
ploughing, as the subsoil will gradually become
mixed with the surface soil, by deeper ploughing,
which should follow subsoiling ; and by exposure to
the air, it will be fitted to promote vegetation and
improve the active soil by the addition of fresh
ingredients.

SUBSOIL PLOUGHING.

In the summer of 1S14, I harvested a piece of
wheat, comprising ten acres of good wheat land, that
had been under the plough for about seventeen years ;
it had not been seeded, was very much run down,
full of "foul stuff," June grass, &c. It was clay soil.
My crop of wheat amounted to about eighty-five
bushels.

In June, 184.5, with the subsoil plough, two yoke
of oxen, and a span of horses, by once plough-
ing, I most thoroughly subdued the grass and foul
stuff, and fitted it for seeding down ; and from the
same ten acres, in 1846, I had over three liandred
bushels of wheat.

CLARK BEARDSLEY.

Avon, Oakland Co., March, 1848.
— Michigan Farmer.

The best snuff in the world is a snuff of the
morning air.

100

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New Eiigland Farmer.
RAISING FOREST TREES.

Mr. EniTOR : The attention of fanners has recently
been directed to the subject of preserving and ex-
tending our forests. To some this may seem like
a retrograde movement in the art of agriculture.
There may remain in many minds something of the
impression under -which our ancestors acted, that
trees are an encumbrance, and that the woodman's
axe is at the foundation of all the most valuable im-
provements. This impression, to a great extent, had
just foundation in the early settlement of the country ;
but circumstances have greatly changed since that
period. Formerly, the chief purpose of farmers was
to avail themselves of the natural strength of virgin
soils ; and it wa.s easy to obtain all that was necessary
or expected by passing from the long-tilled fields
and clearing away forests to form new ones. Tliis
system has had its day, and the means of pursuing it
no longer exist. Let the views with which it was
once pursued pass away with it. Let our systems
and practices be regulated with wise reference to
the wants of the present and the probable condition
of future generations.

With the exception of small circles around cities,
much more land is cleared of forest in the common-
wealth than the present population can cultivate to
any advantage in grass and grain ; some of it is
l>-ing in a state of absolute waste. We can convert
the most exhausted fields into flourishing forests in a
few years. In what more important or praisewor-
thy labor can we engage ? Some tell us this business
of raising forests may be an excellent thing for
future generations, but they cannot afford to vest
capital on so long trust.

This idea of realizing immediate profit from what-
ever we do defeats many highly-important enter-
prises. But this work of planting worn fields with
forest trees is not so exclusively for the benefit of
another generation as is often supposed.

A field planted by the Avriter ten years ago, is
now of more than double the value it was when the
operation commenced; in the next ten years it
probably will increase in value still more. We are
sitting in this inclement season by good open fires,
built of wood, the seed of which was sown less than
twenty years since. Those who think this not a
sufHciently early return for labor, may go, if they
choose, to California, and dig in mud and water for
reward more to their taste. We hope, however,
there will always remain a sufRcient number, stead-
fastly attached to their paternal homes, to beautify
old Massachusetts v.ith just proportions of verdant
groves and highly-cultivated valleys.

With recommendations to extend forests, we would
contribute as much as in our power in aid of those
engaged in this comparatively novel work. Num-
bers, it is perceived, are engaged in transplanting.
This coxirse is believed to be more expensive, and not
productive of so good results as sowing the seed.
Evergreens, in particular, it is difficult to transplant
in so perfect a manner as will be followed by an
immediate and vigorous growth. Other kinds of
trees mox-e favorable for transplanting are found to
flourish better where they were originally planted.
But if transplanting could be supposed productive of
equally f\ivorablc results, the expense of it would
alone justify a strong recommendation to sow the
seed in preference. Dry seasons often destroy
transplanted trees, more rarely seedlings.

Forc?t seed of every kind will usually vegetate
well, if too much art be not employed in the preser-
vation and the planting. Experience seems to prove
that it is best to gather the first ripened seed and
sow iiTimcdiatclj% leaving it chiefly or entirely to
the operations of nature to cover the seed. The

natural spread of forest trees indorse this doctrine.
Listances have been witnessed where forest seed
had been buried in the earth too deep to vegetate for
many years, and afterwards, turned near the surface
by the plough, has sprung up and flourished. The
easiest and cheapest methods of managing forest seed
seem most likely to insure success. This, no doubt,
will be regarded by many as strange doctrine ; they
will suppose, with Naaman, that great results can be
produced only by great performances. We, like the
servants, say. Try simj^le means.

Pembiioke, Feb. 28, ISiD. M. A.

Editorial Remarks.
The above communication is from one who has
done much to clothe our barren lands with beautiful
and valuable forests; and though he did not commence
operations in this branch in early life, he is now en-
joying the fruits of his labor. lie makes one sugges-
tion that is not duly considered. We now have ex-
tensive lands that are almost barren ; and if rapid
improvement be made, it will be a long time before
these lands can all be renovated, so as to produce a
good crop. How important, then, to plant forest trees
on some of these lands, which will yield a good growth
before they could be improved by manure and culti-
vation ! and after the valuable crop of trees, the
land will be in better condition for other crops, than
if it had remained in an almost barren state, aa
the leaves and the roots of the trees, with some
other parts that decay on the land, will improve ita
condition very much.

For the Neio Engla7id Fat^mer.
LIME AS A MANURE.

Mr. Cole : NotAvithstanding the war waged against
lime as a manure, by some of our agricultural
writers, we are still of the opinion, that when applied
on certain soils, or composted with swamp mud, it is
one of the most efficient fertilizers of the soil.

The very general opinion that the soils of Massa-
chusetts contain a sufficiency of this mineral, and
the prevailing prejudice against the use of lime for
agricultural purposes in the Old Bay State, have,
probably, deteiTcd many from making experiments
that might have resulted in incalculable benefit to
the farmers.

So far as our experience extends, it may be advan-
tageoiisly applied on mxxch of the soil in the Old
Colony. Composted Avith swamp muck, it makes a
valuable top dressing for our light, sandy soils ; and
it is equally efficient when applied to vegetable or
grain crops. Sown broadcast on our acid soils, its
effect is twofold : it improves the quality and in-
creases the quantity of vegetation. Doctor Dana
says, " It is the lime, the base of the salts, which
acts, and that always as lime, no matter how it w
applied.

"Its action is threefold, each distinct: first, as
a neutralizer ; secondly, a decomposer ; thirdly, a
converter.

" 1st. Where free acids exist in soil, lime acts as a
neutralizer.

" 2d. If any acid gcine exists in the soil, or any free
acids, carbonic acid is then liberated ; it acts on the
geato of lime ; supergcates result, and these are
easily soluble.

" 3d. The great use of lime is a converter, turning
solid and insoluble geine, even solid vegetable fibre,
into soluble vegetable food.

" Fertility depends wholly on salts and geino.

NEW ExNGLAND FATIMER.

101

Without the last, there is no fruit formed. Without
the salts, the gcine is locked up, — is insoluble.

'•In acid soils, lime acts to eliminate carbonic acid, "
&c., &c.

Now, Mr. Editor, it seems to me the only ques-
tion to be settled is this : Are our soils already
sufficiently supplied -with lime ? And in order to
elicit the facts, and bring the siibject before the
proper tribunal, — the public, — that this long perse-
cuted mineral may have a fair trial, we will suggest,
that much of our soil is delicient of calcareous ma-
nure ; that many of our comjiaratively barren fields
abound in undecomposed vegetable matter, which,
by the application of lime, would be converted into
vegetable food ; that, applied to our acid fields,
(abounding in iron ore,) and producing a worthless
vegetation, its neutralizing influence would render
such soils productive of the most valuable grains
and the sweetest herbage.

Pembroke, Feb. 2G, 1819. C.

Editorial Hemarks.

Lime is often a valuable ingredient in the compost
heap, for the purpose of preparing the manure for
immediate use. In making compost, mix one part
of stable or any animal manure with about two
parts of mud or muck, that has been exposed to the
air or frost for one season, adding about one and a
half or two bushels of fresh slaked lime. In a
short time, fermentation will generally commence ;
and when quite active, it will be well to fork over
the heap, and thoroughly mix the diflerent ingre-
dients. In about a fortnight, if a good degree of
fermentation prevails, the manure will be fine and
mellow like a powder, and far more valuable, as
many experiments show, than the same manure
•without lime.

In this way, the alkali of the lime, with the am-
moniacal gases liberated from the animal manure,
combines with the mud, renders it friable, and destroys
its acidity. As many have applied lime directly to
the land, and perhaps in the most improper manner,
without success, they have condemned it Avithout
fair trial. But farmers are growing more discreet
and will in future trj- this fertilizer with more discre-
tion.

GRAIN AND GRASS FARMING.

At the agricultural meeting, at the State House,
February 27th, the above subject was discussed.
Hon. Mr. Leonard, of Norton, presided ; and, in
announcing the subject, he made a few remarks on
its great importance to our state, as from the grass
and grain crops we have our bread, meat, butter,
cheese, &c.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, opened
the discussion. He remarked, that the subject was
verj- extensive. He thought, that in most parts of
New 'England, it was best for the farmer to raise
nearly all the produce necessary for his family, as
there is generally a disadvantage in raising one crop,
and selling it with a view to buy another. If a
farmer raises hay wholly, it may, at times, be unsa-
lable, and he may sell good crops, and in buying he
may get deceived and buy poor produce. It may be
well to raise one crop principally for profit. By a

rotation of crops, a larger amount of produce will be
obtained from the same maniu-e, as different crops
take different ingredients from the soil. He recom-
mended manuring highly for corn, and then follow-
ing with small grains without manure, and then
with grass. Compost manure was best ; it should be
covered rather deep in light lands, else the gases
would soon escape. On heavy lands, it should be
slightly covered. More experiments are necessary
in raising wheat in this state, both with diflerent
mineral manures, and different kinds of grain for
seed. Mr. Job Sumner, lloxbury, succeeds well
with Smyrna wheat.

Mr. Eai-tlctt, of the Cultivator, said, that he had
adopted Mr. Phinney's mode of raising corn and
grass, which is, to turn over the sod in flat furrows,
and roll them down, harrow in the manure, plant
corn, cultivate on a level, and the next spring, with a
light plough or cultivator, make the soil fine without
disturbing the sod, and sow to grain and grass. In
this way he was very successful, more so, he thought,
than by turning up the inverted sod. He had tried
lucerne, orchard grass, and tall meadow oat gras<; ;
but they were inferior to hcrdsgrass, rcdtop, and
clover.

Mr. Bigelow, of Walpole, said, that farmers there
generally failed in attempting to raise wheat. But
one neighbor succeeded by ploughing and apply-
ing manure in the fall ; but he could not say whether
the manure was ploughed or harrowed in. The soil
light.

Mr. Hiram Boyles, of Princeton, said, that the
wheat crop failed in his vicinity, excepting the Black
Sea wheat.

lion. Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, gave the result
of exvorimcnts in a rotation of crops for eleven years :
first, potatoes ; second, corn ; third, wheat ; then grass
eight years. In his estimate of jirofit, he reckoned
interest at six per cent, on land at fifty dollars per
acre. He added nothing for manure, as it was pro-
duced from hay estimated at six dollars per ton,
consumed on the faiin.

Cost of an acre of potatoes, and interest

of land, $32 72

Produce, 225 bushels of potatoes, at

25 cents, 45 00

Profit, $12 26

Cost of an acre of corn, and interest of

land, $27 50

Produce, 45 bushels at 85 cents, . . $38 25

Fodder, 7 00

Total, $45 25

Profit 17 75

Cost of an aerc of wheat, and interest

of land, $21 60

Produce, 20 bushels, at $1,33^ cents, $26 66

Straw 5 00

Total, ,. . $31 66

Profit, $10 OG

103

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Cost of hai- vesting 12 tons of hay, . $2-1 00

Interest, 8 years, on 1 acre of land, . 20 00

Total $i4 00

Troducc, li tons, 8 years, at $6 per ton, 72 00

Profit for 8 years $28 00

Profit of 1 acre for 11 years, . . . $68 09

In this estimate, the labor of a man -was reckoned
at one dollar per day, and that of oxen at fifty cents.

Mr. Brooks showed by estimates, that there Avas
more profit in raising corn in Massachusetts than in
Ohio, and that, with a due degree of intelligence and
industry, farming Avas more profitable than any
other business.

Mr, O. Brigham, of "Westborough, said, that he
followed the method of Mr. Wm. Clark, of North-
ampton in raising corn and grass. His land was a
sandy loam. He ploughed six or eight inches deej) ;
iipplied comiDOst manure, and harrowed it in ; planted
corn, cultivated on a level ; was not troubled with
weeds. lie sowed grass seed at the last hoeing,
which was from the middle of June to the middle
of July. This mode is very successful. His corn
costs forty cents per bushel. Red top binds out.
He prefers foul meadow grass, as it makes better hay.

Mr. Jones, of "Wayland, made some remarks on
the profit from potatoes, though that was not the
subject before the meeting. His profit was sufficient
to pay all expense, pay for the land, and leave a
l)alance.

Jilr. H. B. Pearson, of Harvard, said, that as pota-
toes had been unusually high for a few years past,
the profit on that crop was no criterion of the general
profits of farming.

Mr. II. C. Mcrriam, of Tewksbury, exhibited very
handsome specimens of corn which ho had produced
by a cross between the Canada corn and a variety
from Nantucket.

BEST MODE OF OFFERING PREMIUMS

FOR EXCOUKAGEMENT AND IMPROVEMENT IN AGEI-
CULTt'RE.

At the agricultural meeting, at the State House,
March 6, Hon. M. P. "Wilder, president, in the
chair, the above subject was discussed. Mr. Wilder
read the following letter from the president of the
Essex Agricultural Societ}% which was then placed
in the hands of the editor of the New England Farm-
er, as directed by Mr. Proctor.

Gentlemen : "Wlicn I saw announced that the
legislative farmers were about to take into con-
sideration the best mode of offering " premiums for
the encouragement of agricultvire," it struck mc that
the theme was highly appropriate to their position.
This state itself has done so much to aid the enter-
prise of the farmer, that it is meet that those who
govern the state should be consulted in the applica-
tion of this bounty.

Apprehensive that it may not be in my power to
be present at the discussion this evening, I thought
I might be pardoned in putting on paper a few sug-
gestions. The main purpose of offering premiums is,
to awaken the interest and attention of the cultiva-

tor to the subject ' — to impress him with the necessity
of doing what he would not otherwise be inclined to
do. The direct benefit accruing from the obtaining
of premiums is of secondary importance, compared
with the lessons of instruction acquired in the
efforts to obtain them. "While there are some who
will seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge itself,
there are many who will swallow it with more
avidity when sweetened to their taste.

Care should be taken that the object for which
premiums are offered, should be not only valuable in
themselves, but of a character to afford a fair chance
for competition. It is desirable to embrace as great
a variety as practicable, that all classes may be more
or less interested, and disposed to encoxu'age the ex-
hibitions with their presence.

Among the premiums wliich have been most gen-
erally approved, and from which, in my judgment,
have sprung the most beneficial effects, are those
which have been awarded for successful efforts in
ploughing. Ever since my attention has been direct-
ed to this subject, — now nearly thirty ijears, — have
j)/oug/iing matches been continued, and always Avith
unabated interest. They seem particularly well
adapted for the gratification of the public. They
create an agreeable excitement of mmd, that has a
cheering and healthy influence. " All work and
no play makes Jack a dull boy." This adage is
equally ai^plicable to old boys as to yoimg ones. At
each succeeding exhibition of skill in ploughing
have some new peculiarities or improvements been
developed. Compare the structure of the ploughs
now used Avith those that Avere in use Avhen these
matches Avere first introduced, and will any one
hesitate to acknoAvledge the advances that haA'c been
made ? Is it not therefore beneficial, once a year, to
exhibit to the people sjjecimens of best skill in the
structure and use of the most essential implement
of agriculture — the plough ? The oftering of premi-
ums for the management oi farms entire, first suggest-
ed by Colonel Pickering, a source most Avorthy of
regard, has ever been Avith us, in Essex, a favorite
method of bcstoAving our bounties. If societies
can be so fortunate as to command the serA'ices of
intelligent committees, Avho will observe Avith dis-
crimination and report Avith fidelity, in this way
more practical intelligence can be condensed than
in any other. Nor Avould I undervalue the untaught
descriptions from the hard hands of the Avorking-
men themselves : though their periods may not be
so finely polished or perfectly pointed, they not
unfrequently embrace the germ of all that is Avorth
remembering. Such statements give a summary
vicAv of all the individual objects of premiums AA-ithin
the limits of the farm. Let any one accompany
such men as Pichering, or Lowell, or Allen, in theh
vicAV of the farm, of their county, and if they do
not say that the lessons of instruction deriA'cd from
their unpremeditated remarks upon the objects that
come within their observation, are among the most
A'aluable agricultural lectures, I Avill acknoAvledge
that their experience does not accord Avith my OAvn.

Essays on subjects connected Avith agriculture
have, in several instances, been favored Avith our
bounties. By these, it is not intended simply the
compilations of ideas from books on the subject :
but the bringing together the results of careful
observations and Avoll-conductcd experiments, and
the comparison of facts that naturally spring from
them. No one can attentively Avatch the cultivation
of an acre of any crop Avorth raising through the
season, and note in his OAvn Avay the various phe-
nomena presented to vicAV, Avithout having many
queries arise, no explanation of Avhich can readily be
found in any printed treatise. If he Avill but carefully
arrange and digest these observations, at the close
of the season, this operation Avill constitute an essay

NEW ENGLxVxND FARMER.

loe

equally beneficial to the one that produces, as to him
that peruses.

My paper will not admit the views in relation to
dairy products, the best mode of culticating grasses, the
renovation of orchards, &c., &c., that had occurred to
my mind ; but what I have said may be taken as a
sample of wli^it might be said on other subjects al-
most innumerable.

Ycrv truly vours,

Danvers, March 6, 1819". ' J. W. V.

Hon. Mr. Denny, of Wcstborough, remarked, that
the bounties of the state to agricultural societies
amounted to seven thousand dollars, and this was
dispensed by competent judges. The societies make
a return of their doings, an abstract of which is pub-
lished. One class of men are satisfied with the
honor of obtaining premiums ; the principal object of
another class is to get the money. In some cases
books have been offered, in part, as premiums ; and
he was sorry to say, that this was not satisfactory to
the competitors. Societies had followed the same
path in offering premiums for twenty-five years. lie
thought it would be better to give more premiums
on well managed farms, and generally to give
larger and fewer premiums. Instead of premiums
for the best cow, they shoxild be for the best dairy,
with a report on the breed of cows, mode of feed-
ing, management, &c. Premiums should be offered
for good practical essays on agriculture. He thought
the time had come for a change. Ploughing matches
had led to great improvements in the ploiigh, and
now other imj^lements should receive attention.

Hon. Mr. Calhoun, secretary of state, said, that
this was a novel but important subject for discus-
sion. He thought there was room for great improve-
ment in our cattle fairs. The business of examining
articles and reporting was done in too much haste.
As the returns to the state may be made until the
10th of January, there was an opportunity to make
deliberate reports. From some societies the reports
are good ; but in some cases, particularly on the sub-
ject of swine, some person, who has no practical
knowledge of agriculture, M'rites a report before the
time, and endeavors to make a display of -vvit rather
than of knowledge. Such reports may serve to
amuse at the time, but they do not answer the pui--
poses intended as a return for the state bounty. The
state furnishes societies with money, and they ought
to furnish useful reports. Premiums offered for
single cows are generally taken, not bj' farmers, but
by others who have only one cow and feed high ; and
cows are often short-lived from high feeding. The
owners of such cows can furnish no useful informa-
tion on management. The great object should be to
elicit information of general interest. In Plymouth
county, a supervisor is employed to travel over the
county, for the purposes of observation, and make a
general report. This is a good arrangement. Mr.
Allen, a skilful farmer, is emploj'ed in that office. He
wished to see ofRccrs of the State Agricultural Society
at these meetings, that we might concentrate all the
aid we can upon this great subject. Much is done
by agricultural papers and societies for improvement.

Mr. William Parker said, that there was but little
advantage in giving premiums for milch cows, as we

seldom hear of them after the premium is given.
If the owner can get two dollars more for a cow for
beef, she is sold for that purpose. Premiums are
seldom taken by those who have several cows.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, said, that
he had attended cattle fairs in different parts of
the country with great pleasure, and generally, they
were conducted by the most intelligent men ; but he
thoi'ght that some improA'ements might be made.
Premiums should be given lor economical and profit-
able farming, rather than for great crops from a
single acre of land, that cost more than they are
worth, while the rest of the farm was neglected.
This is bad management, and should not be encour-
aged by agricultural societies. Horticulture is a
branch that receives attention at agricultural exhi-
bitions. Sometimes an amateur cultivator will raise
half a dozen very large specimens of fruit on a
dwarf tree, and take the premium in preference to
the most skilful cultivator in the country, who haa
acres under the most profitable and successful man-
agement. At some horticultural exhibitions, premi-
ums are awarded for the greatest variety of fruits,
when not one quarter of them ai-e worth cultivating,
and no distinction made between the good and the
poor. The fhexperienced, judging from appearance
only, are often deceived. In estimating the quantity
of milk given by cows, it should be weighed, as
this rule would be uniform. Measures differ very
much.

Mr. H. C. Merriam, of Tewksbury, said, that in
Worcester county, the premium caK might be traced
to the premium ox, and the effect was not such as
was complained of by Mr. Parker.

Mr. Denny thought it would be a good mode to
offer a premium for the best daii-y of cows raised by
the farmer himself, and another for the best one half
of the cows raised by the farmer.

The president observed, that he was highly pleased
with the remarks that had been made, and he hoped
that they would be duly considered by those who
dispense the bounties of the state. Observations
from those who have the care of the state affairs
are entitled to serious consideration.

AMERICAN APPLES IN ENGLAND.
Ml-. P. Barny, (of the firm of EUwangcr & Bar-
ny,) editor of the horticultural department of the
Genesee Farmer, furnishes from England, for that
paper, the following account of American apples in
that country, which contains valuable hints to the
growers and exporters of fi'uit.

Large quantities of American apples have been
brought into Liverpool recently, but the most of
them have been of indifferent quality, and badlj'
gathered and picked ; and hence they do not com-
mand high prices, nor do us any credit, — nor can
the shippers gain by the operation. There is an
unfailing market here for our orchard prodvicts ; but
to make the shipment of them profitable, it is abso-
lutely necessary that select varieties be sent, that
they be carefully hand-picked and packed in the
best manner. One barrel will then sell for as much
as three or four ; and the freight, wliich Ls the great

104

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

item, -will be no more on a bai-rel that will sell more
readily for five dollars, than one that will bring only-
two dollars. Many of the apples I see here cried up
as " nice American apples, " " beautiful American
apples," &c., would scarcely sell at all in our mar-
ket; yet they are sold here at three to si.K cents
each.

The English people have fairly given up gromng
apples for market, unless it be Codlins, &c., that
come in early for cooking, and Beauilns, &c., for
drying. Thoy sec it will bo impossible for them to
compt-tc with American orchardists. Yesterday I
examined two or three hundred varieties in the fruit
rooms of the London Horticultural Society ; and
among them all, there was not a single large, clear-
oolored, tine-looking specimen. One would suppose,
at first siglit, that they wore all wind-falls, gathered
from under the trees last August. The lloxbury
liussct, Fall Pippin, and llhodc Island Greening,
were among the best specimens ; and they were not
half the size we grow them. The most esteemed
varieties pointed out to me by Mr. Thomson, such as
Pearson's Plate, Warmsley Pippin, Pomme Royal,
(not our Pomme lloyal,) Golden Harvey, Sturmer
Pippin, Sec, are small, inferior looking things, — ^ in
size fi'om that of a small Pomme Gris to that of a
Siberian Crab ; but they arc generally harder and
richer than ours. The Newtown Pippin and llox-
bury Ilusset come nearer the English taste than any
other varieties Ave cultivate. I had some Northern
Spy and Melon v.ith me, that I have here now in
London in line condition. They have elicited the
admiration of all who have seen them. There are,
indeed, no such apples to-day in England. The
Northern Spy may bo sent to Covent Garden mar-
ket, just as well as to Fulton or Washington mar-
kets, New York. The pears in the markets here
now are from France or the Island of Jersey. They
come in half-bushel baskets, containing fifty to one
hundred, according to the size of the -fruit. They
are packed in very dry, soft meadow hay : a layer
of this hay, two or three inches deep, is laid on the
bottom, then a layer of fruit, then another of hay,
and so on to the top : tlic fruits are not allowed to
touch, and in this way they go any distance with en-
tire safety. I saw at Liverpool little baskets of Glout
Ivlorcoa\i and Chaumontel, litty in each, sold for three
to four dollars each, to the confectioners and market
"women to retail.

In Covent Garden market, which is head-quarters
for all rare and fine garden commodities, I see fine
St. Germains, (the old one,) Marie Louise, Passe
Colmar, Winter Nelis, Beurre Ranee, Easter Beurre,
ike, sold at twelve and a half to eighteen and three
fourth cents each. If we ever succeed in raising
pears beyond what may be required for home con-
Kumption, they will find market and good prices
here. Not one person in a thousand — I might say
five thousand — ever tastes a fine pear.

THE SHEEP IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS.

Wise men regard with suspicious eye the asser-
tions of thoKC who profess to accomplish a variety of
dissimilar effects by a single cause. It is custom-
ary to bo jealous of the pretensions of " Universal
Restorative," "Ileal All," or any other panacea
warranted to cure diseases of all symptoms or all
origins. And the proposal to adapt one breed of sheep
to all circiimstaiu'cs of food, climate, and situation,
making it answer all the purposes for which sheep
are usually employed, seems justly to meet with
similar distrust and suspicion.

From the varied habits of sheep, the widely diflfer-
ent circumstances in which they are placed, and the
opposite results which the several kinds are intended

to produce, we are at once led to doubt the practica-
bility and value of the scheme. We are induced
still further to view the proposition as contrarj- to
the order of nature, when we consider tlie fact that
there is scarcely any animal which appears under so
many forms as the sheep. In Persia and other parts
of the east, it is found with a tail of twenty pounds
weight ; at the Cape of Good Hope, the tail is worth
as much as all the rest of the carcass ; there and in
other parts of Africa, the sheep have clusters of
horns, to the number of five or six. In Madagascar,
the same horns and tails are to be seen, the ears hang-
ing down lilie those of a hound. About Aurenga-
bad, between Agra and Bengal, they are found with-
out any horns at all, but so strong that, being bridled
and saddled, they will carry children of ten or twelve
years of age. The (so called) sheep of Chili some-
what resemble camels, being hare-mouthed and
hunchbacked, and they are used for carriage and
field labor. Those of China are small, -witii short
tails, which, however, are a lump of fat. Tercen, in
his Voyage to Surat, mentions sheejj with bent snouts
and pendent ears, with wool more coarse and stiff
than goat's haii\ In Africa, to the north of the Cape
of Good Hope, they never eat grass, only succulent
plants and shrubs. In Thibet, the sheep have large,
bi-oad tails. In Natolia, these tails are laid in carts on
wheels. In Anspach, in Germany, a small sort exist,
that are shorn twice a year, and also lamb every
spring and autumn. In Julicrs and Cleves, also, they
are said to lamb twice a j'ear, and bring two or three
at a tiine — five sheep have brought twenty-five
lambs in a year. On the slave coast of Africa, the
sheep have no wool; "but," says the old Dutch
traveller Bosnian, " the Avant is suijplied with hair,
so that here the world seems inverted, for the sheep
are hairy and the men ai"e woolly." This hair forms
a sort of mane, like that of the lion, on the neck, and
the same on the rump, with a bunch at the end of
the tail. The Javanese sheep have tails weighing
occasionally forty or fifty pounds, having a coat of
red and Avhitc hair. Four-horned sheep are numer-
ous in several parts of Tartary, and a few have six
horns, with wattles under the throat. — Agricultural
Gazette.

ADVICE IN POULTRY KEEPING.

The principles upon which I rely for success in
keeping hens, are, 1. To have two breeds — a few to
hatch and rear the chickens, and twice the number
of everlasting layers, as eggs are more profitable than
chickens ; 2. To get a hatch as early as possible in
spring, and to keep them well — these never cast
their feathers like the old birds, and if they begin to
lay in autmun, lay more or less all Avinter; 3. Never
to keep old fowls, (none but favorite foAvls ought to be
kept more than two years ;) old birds l.iy larger eggs
than pullets, but not nearly so many ; 4. To give
them the best barley I could get, and as much as they
could pick up once a day in summer, and twice in
Avinter ; they are not only more profitable, Avell kept,
but the eggs are better. The two breeds I like best
are the spotted Dorkings for sitting, and the Phca'S-
ant breed for laying. — Ajricultural Gazette.

SAGACITY OF THE HORSE.

It is stated that if ahorse be shut up in a pasture
A\'here there is no Avater, he Avill, at certain times of
the day, make it a practice to stand in those situa-
tions Avhere Avatcr is nearest the surface, and thus
indicate the best place for digging for it. Those Avho
allege this to be the fact, say that horses have the
f;iculty of smelling the water, like the camels of the
African desert, or the cxttlc of the South American
" p£unpas."

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

105

NORTHERN SPY APPLE.

SLse, large ; form, roundish-conical, varying occa-
sionally to flattish conical, slightly ribbed or undulat-
ing ; skin, very fair and smooth, of a greenish yellow
ground, mostly covered with rich dark red, with
stripes of brilliant crimson and purplish I'ed, fre-
quently russet around the stem, numerous small
dots over the surface, which is covered -\Aith a thin
bloom ; stem rather long, in a broad, deep, irregular
cavity ; calyx, small, closed in a narrow, tolerably
deep, slightly ribbed basin; flesh, yellowish -white,
fine texture, tender, very crisp, juicy, of a mild, deli-
cious, aromatic flavor. In use in spring, and often
keeping till midsummer.

The Northern Spy, for a few years past, has excited
more attention than any other apple. It is beautiful,
splendid, and excellent. Remarkable for its fresh-
jiess after long keeping. \Yc have had this fruit for
several years, and for spring and early summer, it
promises to excel every other variety. Yet it has
not been fairly tested in New England as to its bear-
ing properties, fairness, &c. It is a great grower,
and remarkably hardy. We have cultivated it sev-
eral years in Maine, and in this section, Avitho.ut the
least injury from cold winters. It will endui-e more
severe cold than the Baldwin or Greening.

The growth of this variety is upright, forming a

compact top, which needs thinning to expose the fruit
to the sun. Owing to its upright habit, it is advi-
sable to graft on Avide-spreading trees. High culture
and pruning are necessary to keep up a vigorous
growth and produce a good crop of fair fruit.

The original tree of the Northern Spy was raised
on the farm of Mr. O. Chapin, East Broomfield,
N. Y., from seed carried from Connecticut. So it is
in reality of New England origin. We do not name
this, claiming honor for New England, for she already
has a large share in the fruit line, but we mention it
as a circumstance showing that it may be adapted to
our climate. As this variety blooms about a fort-
night later than other apples, it is more likely to
esca.pe injury by spring frosts.

We can fui'nish scions of this valuable apple.

SUBSTITUTE FOR THE POTATO.

M. Masson has lately grown a new root, called the
uUuco, which can, it is thought, replace the potato.
It originally came from Peru, and grows perfectly
well in the open air: the flavor is very near the
same as that of the potato. The part above ground
furnishes a very agreeable vegetable, something like
the bean in flavor. Three crops of the green part
can be obtained in the same season. — Paris Paper.

106

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

PLANK FLOORS FOR HORSES.

One of the greatest evils in the use of plank floors
for horses, is in their construction. In most cases,
they are made too slanting, even five or six times as
much as would be necessary to carry off the liquid
manure. A great many owners of horses have no
thought of this evil. In numerous cases, we have
said to the keepers of horses that their floors were
too steep, and their horses stood with pain, or a con-
tinued and unnatural effort was necessary to sustain
them on so steep a descent. The reply has often
been, that the descent was only an inch or two ; but
on measuring, Ave have often found the inclination
from four to six inches in a length of nine feet.
Thousands of horses are suff'ering in this way with-
out the knowledge of the owner.

A descent in the floor of one inch in eight or nine
feet is sufficient. This slight inclination will not
seriously affect the horse. If a horse has tender
feet, that sufi'er from a hard floor and dryness, the
evil may be remedied by making first a level floor to
the stable, and then a floor slanting slightly, extend-
ing almost to the fore feet ; and under the fore feet
place a few inches in depth of sand, loam, or other
suitable material for the horse to stand on. This
may be moistened, and afl'ord the advantages both of
a soft bed and moisture ; which may be done by
the use of litter, or other substances, to relieve horses
that stand on hard floors.

We copy the following remarks, on the injurious
effects fi"om plank floors, from the Western Culti-
vator : —

TVTiy are elevated plank floors in stables injurious
to horses' feet ?

1st. Because they deprive the hoof of receiving
certain assistance, which they require for their well
being, and which in a state of nature they receive
by moisture. The hoofs of horses are a horny, elas-
tic, porous substance, capable of receiving moisture,
which is indispensably necessary to their well being.
In a natural state they receive it, and in a domesti-
cated state they might, if men would hearken to the
mandates of nature. The evils of domestication to
the horse are recognized by many intelligent ob-
servers and admirers of the horse. In proportion as
we vary in our treatment to the horse, from his
natural way of living, in the same ratio do disease
and lameness exist. 'Tis a solemn fact — start not at
the idea — that the diseases of horses are induced by
the deeds of men. Candid observation will prove
the truth of this assertion. The horse's natural
floor, the earth, is the best and only suitable floor for
him: on that, his hoofs receive requisite moisture;
on x^l'ink floors, they do not. Why ? Because it is
not there. The plank floors are generally (always, I
believe, when they are made fashionable) made
higher at the fore part, than the hind part ; conse-
quently, what little moisture there may be from the
dung or urine, is drawn away from the fore feet : the
eff"ect is, the horse becomes lame in the fore feet,
hoof-bound, narrow heeled, &c., while the hind feet
remain sound and healthy. Why ? Because the hind
feet receive moisture from the dung, urine, &c.,
when the fore feet fail to receive it. It will be
found, upon examination, that nine tenths of the
horses that are lame, are so in the fore feet ; stage,
carriage, road, and hackney horses, that are stabled
all the time, (except when in use,) are generally the
subjects of such lameness. A majority of writers
and farriers acknowledge and deplore the prevalence

of lameness in the fore feet ; and it is easier to cut a
knot than untie it. They say that bad shoeing is the
cause of all this lameness. So blind are they to the
cause and efl'ect, that they appear to me to know not
what they say. They have got the boot on the wrong
leg, and I will show it. Blacksmiths are like other
men ; they have then- failings, and may perhaps lame
horses occasionally ; but because of this, must they
bear the blame of aU other men's misdeeds ? No,
no ; they should not, nor will not, if we would only
seek for the true cause of all this lameness. I am a
blacksmith ; I stand good for the defence of myself
and brethren when falsely accused. The same
causes produce the same eff'ects. Horses that are
kept up are generally shod all round by the same
men, and in the same manner. Well, now, if bad
shoeing lames the fore feet, why will it not lame the
hind ones in the same manner ? Tell us why, you
fault-finders who falsely accuse horse- shoers, or else
desist : look at the eff'ects of your own bad manage-
ment, niceness, and false philosophy, and you will
find that your dry plank floors are th.e cause of so
much lameness, and not bad shoeing.

2d. Another evil, attendant upon making the stalls
higher at the front, is, that it compels a horse to
stand in an unnat^u-al position, which is certainly
improper. When a horse stands in such a manner,
the muscles and arteries of the hind legs are kept
constantly on the stretch, frequently producing
windgalls, &c. These ideas, if true, may suggest
the idea of level stable floors, and of the importance
of moisture to the hoof, which may be imparted by
washing, daily, the legs of the horse with water, that
must of necessity be kept in the stable.

PRUNING STONE FRUIT TREES.

It has been but a few years since the cultivators
of fruit have been in the habit of pruning peach-
trees at the extremities of the branches, instead of
cutting oflf linibs at the trunk. This system of
shortening-in, as it is called, is gaining grouiid, and
it is a great improvement. The reasons for this
mode of pruning are evident on examination. Most
kinds of stone fruit grow rai)idly, and bear the
greater part of their fruit on new wood, which is,
of course, neax the ends of the limbs. In this way
a tree spreads over much land, and has naked
branches near the trunk ; and pruning at the trunk
causes the gum to ooze out, which sometimes en-
dangers the health or life of the tree.

On the contrary, by pruning at the ends of the
branches, the tree is confined to a small space, the
wounds have no unfavorable effect, or only aff'ect the
twigs, and not the trunk, and much new wood is
produced for the production of fruit.

We might say much more in favor of the shorten-
ing-in system ; but we prefer offering a valuable com-
munication from the "Working Farmer," remarking,
in regard to the time of pruning, that it may be done
at any time from the fall — nearly the close of vege-
tation— to the time vegetation commences in the
spring.

Shortening-in Peach-Tkees, &c. — At a meeting
of farmers, which is held -weekly at Lyons Farms,
the following facts were elicited : —

Several of the persons present gave evidence of
the propriety of shortening-in the limbs of the peach,
plum, nectarine, and other rapid growing trees.
The effect of this practice has been to render them

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

107

not only more durable, but to increase the quantity
and quality of the fruit.

The peach-tree, in common with the others named
above, is short-lived in our climate ; and in addition
to the ravages of the peach worm, and the disease
called the yellows, the following may be given as
the cause : —

The tree grows more prolifically here than in
Europe, and in each year's growth extends its
branches many feet ; the new wood always growing
on the ends of the previous year's growth, and the
fruit in all cases occurring on the new wood. The
weight of the crop, in consequence, is so far removed
from the body of the tree, as to render each limb a
lever ; and the result is either to split off the branch,
or, from its extreme pressure at the point of its inser-
tion at the tree, to compress the capillary tubes of
the main trunk, and thus destroy its organism.

The fruit, by this means, is robbed of its necessary
pabulum, and prematurely ripens or falls off. The
number of fruit-bearing shoots at the same time
increase to so^ fearful an extent, that the roots are
unable to supply the whole number with sufficient
nutriment, and our markets are flooded with half-
grown and prematurely ripened peaches.

If, however, when the tree is young, the shoots
are shortened in one half their length each year, the
new shoots will occur nearer the parent stock, and
with less leverage for its destruction ; the crop of
fruit may safely be greater in weight, although less
numerous, as the fruit will be larger, and both the
health and beauty of the tree will be preserved.

A dispute arose as to the proper time and manner
of performing this shortening-in or trimming pro-
cess, and the result was as follows : —

Time. — During winter, the farmer has most
leisure, and the branches cut axe "of so small a size,
that no harm will ensue from the effect of frost, nor
will the trimming cause any premature swelling of
buds, to be injured by spring frosts.

Manner. — With a very sharp knife, first head
down the tree to the required height, so as to be
convenient for the gathering of the fruit ; then trim
all protruding branches, to improve the symmetrical
appearance of the head ; cut out all centre-inclining
shoots, which crowd the tree and cannot get the sun ;
these should be cut close to the trunk ; then shorten-
in all other new growth one half, and if excessive,
two thhds, cutting next beyond a wood bud, avoid-
ing the fruit buds ; and by this means the new shoot,
starting froni that bud, will cover and heal the
wound perfectly ; cover the trunk of the tree with a
mixture of soft or whale oil soap and potass water or
wood ashes ; pour a gallon of boiling water on the
trunk near the ground, to kill the peach worm, if any
exist in the bark at the surface of the ground; ma-
nure the tree with cold manure, muck, or pond
mud ; and you may have fine fruit and long-lived
trees so long as this treatment be continued.

Similar treatment was recommended for the other
kinds of trees named above, and numerous instances
quoted of the advantages which has arisen from the
proposed plan.

This farmers' club, as I suppose it may be called,
forms a useful adjunct to the ordinary means of in-
formation to be obtained by farmers. A question is
chosen, and each person present states what he may
know on the subject; and when the conversation
flags, some member asks a question, which is sure to
elicit an answer from another member ; and thus the
experience of all present is collated by each member.

HOW TO MAKE A HOTBED.

Every man who has a garden and some knowledge
of gardening, and desires a supply of early vegeta-
bles, should make a hotbed, in February or March :

April Avill do in the northern part of the state, and
where it is only desired for starting early plants, like
tomatoes, peppers, celery, &c.

An old window sash Avill answer for covering the
bed ; but sash made on purpose, without cross-bars,
and the glass lapped, is the best. Make a frame of
boards or plank, the size of the sash ; or, if sash is
made on purpose, let the frame be about four feet
wide, and say twelve feet long, with cross-bars where
the ashes meet — the fi-ont board about twelve inches
wide and the back twenty, to give sufficient slope.

Select a place for the bed, where it will be fully
exposed to the sun, and sheltered from the north and
west winds. Mark out the size of the bed, allowing
six or eight inches on all sides larger than the frame.
Then drive a stake at each corner, as high as you
intend to build the bed. Then take fresh stable ma-
nure, in a good state of fermentation, and commence
building the bed by mixing the manure thoroughly,
and putting on successive layers, beating it down
with the fork.

The height of manure requisite will depend on the
time at which the bed is formed and the purpose for
which it is intended. If made in February or March,
and intended for cucumbers, &c., a good deal of heat
will be required for two or three months, and about
three feet high of manure will be necessary. But a
bed made in AprU, for the purpose of forwarding
early plants, to be transplanted into the garden, will
not requu'e more than half that quantity.

When the bed is made, put on the fi-ame, and put
in about six inches of good fine earth ; put on the
sash, and let it remain two or three days for the heat
to rise, when it will be ready for sowing.

The articles usually sown Tn hotbeds are cucum-
ber, radish, lettuce, and cress, for early use ; and
cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, egg-plant, tomato,
pepper, celery, &c.

It often happens that the heat in the bed will be
too strong at first ; in that case the sash must be
raised at the back, so as to let the heat and steam es-
cape. A mat or old cloth should be placed over the
opening to keep out the cold wind. In sunny
weather, the sashes must be raised considerably, and,
if very warm, the plants should be shaded during
the middle of the day. An hour of sunshine will
often destroy a whole bed of plants, if the sashes are
closed tight.

In severe weather, mats or straw should be laid
over the bed for protection, especially during nights.
Keep the bed moist by gentle waterings. The water
should stand several hours in one corner of the bed,
so as to become a little warm, before being used. As
the weather becomes warmer, and the plants increase
in size, plenty of air must be admitted. — O. C.
Almanac.

METHOD OF PASTURAGE IN HOLLAND.

The following economical method of pasturage has
long been observed by the Hollanders : When eight
cows have been in a pasture so long as completely to
eat all the grass they can graze, and of course can
no longer obtain their necessary food, thereupon
two horses are turned in, and find sufficient food for
some days. After these begin to fail of procuring as
much as their nature requires, four sheep are intro-
duced, and find enoughfor their necessities, and even
abundant supply, for weeks. — Pennsylvania Culti-
vator.

WIRE WORMS.

The Albany Cultivator states that a farmer near
Albany has preserved his corn from wire- worms the
present season by rolling the seed in sulphur.

108

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

^Domestic department.

Care of Preserves, &c. — As tlie woatlier be-
comes -warm in spring, preserves, sauces, jellies, &c.,
are liable to become sour, if not attended to, unless
they are composed of a large amount of sugar or
other pi-cscrvativc. By scalding preserves, &c., occa-
sionally, after the weather becomes -vvarm, and set-
ting them in a cool place, much may be done to
continue them in a good condition. In some cases, it
may be necessary to add more sugar in order to keep
conserved prcpai-ations into summer.

In scalding them, great care should be taken to
cover them closely before they cool, and in all cases
expose them as little as possible to the air. Mould
is considered a vegetable substance, of a low or im-
perfect order, which is propagated by fine seeds float-
ing in the atmosphere, that readily vegetate in
numerous substances that have a strong tendency
to decay, as in various preparations of fruit, bread,
cheese, pumpkin, &c., &c. Heating substances that
are liable to mould, destroys the seeds of mould, and
close covering of vessels prevents their admission.

Education op the Young for Agricultural Pur-
BuiTS. — Where an ardent thirst is begotten, in the
minds of youth, to become thoroughly prepared for
an honorable and useful discharge of the active
duties which make up the sum of a happy life, the
first great step is taken towards the accomplishment
of so glorious an end. We turn our attention to
parents, the natural guardians of the young, pos-
sessing power to mould and fashion the tender mind,
and lead and direct aright the early inclinations as
they are first developed. To parents we appeal,
assured their influence will be exerted to lead the
children under their care to contract an attachment
to the employment in which they are engaged. Let
the son be thoroughly instructed in every branch of
labor to be performed upon a farm, and its manage-
ment in general, and no doubt, with proper opportu-
nities for instruction from suitable books and well-
regulated schools, he will fall in love Avith the
science, and delight in the practice of agriculture.
In the successful prosecution of this highly-honored
and peaceful pursuit, female efforts and influence are
indisi^ensable to lead to auspicious results. I am
aware that some persons, of nearsighted and con-
tracted views, have expressed the opinion that the
female mind ought to be occupied altogether in the
contemplation of unreal things, of ideas that float in
a feverish or excited imagination, and of outward
accomplishments, and be content to dwell upon the
surface of the subjects, without an attempt to dig in
the mine of knowledge. No one honored with the
title of mother can for a moment listen to any such
suggestion, but will, I am sure, put forth their
Utmost exertion for the fullest expansion and en-
largement of the intellectual and moral capabilities
of their daughters, as their sons. — Mr. Ives's Address
before tlie Jefferson County {N. F.) Agricultural Society.

Egg Cream. — Take the yolk of an egg, with a
dessert-spoonful of cream or new milk, and, if con-
venient, add two drops of oil of cinnamon : this will
form a mixture sufficient to serve three people to
mix with their tea ; for cream being chiefly the oil

of the millc, and the yolk the most nutritive part of
the egg, they are both lubricating and nourishing.
The oil of cinnamon is cordial and tonic.

Bojis' Department.

Is the Bee the Pioneer of Civilization? — The
author of A Tour on the Prairies, says, the Indians re-
gard the bee as the harbinger of the white man, as the
buffalo is of the red, and say, that in proportion as the
bee advances, the Indian and buffalo retire. The wild
bee is said to be seldom met with at any groat dis-
tance from the frontier. When the honey-bee first
crossed the Mississippi, the Indians, with surprise,
found the hollow trees of their forests suddenly
teeming with honey ; and nothing can exceed the
greedy relish with which they banqueted for the first
time upon this unbought luxury of the wilderness-.
At present, the honey-bee swarms in myriads in the
noble groves and forests that skirt and intersect the
prairies, and extend along the alluvial bottoms of the
rivers.

The Way Domestic Animals collect their
Food. — The horse, when feeding on natural herb-
age, grasps the blade Avith his lips, by Avhich it is
conducted between the incisors, or front teeth.
These he employs for the double purpose of holding
and detaching the grass, the latter action being
assisted by a twitch of the head. The ox vises the
tongue to collect his food. That organ being so
directed as to encircle a small bundle of grass, which
is placed by it between the incisor teeth, and an
elastic pad opposite to them in the upper jaw, — be-
tween these the herbage is pressed and partly cut,
its complete severance being effected by tearing.
The sheep gathers his food in a similar manner as
the horse, but is enabled to bring his cutting teeth
much nearer to the roots of the plants, in conse-
quence of the upper lip being partially cleft. For
his upper lip is thin, and is susceptible of considerable
mobility ; while that of the ox is thick, hairless,
with a very limited action. — American Agricultu-
rist.

fjealtl).

Wet Feet. — In endeavoring to preserve health,
there is no subject of more importance than that
of keeping the feet dry. Wet feet affect the Avhole
system, even the head. The feet may be cold,
almost to freezing, without injury ; but dami?, and
more esi^ecially wet feet, for one who is not in con-
stant exercise, have a most destructive effect on
health ; and as a person values this inestimable
blessing, he should cautiously guard against any
thing that is liable to destroy it.

Those who are exposed to water and mud. so com-
mon at this season, should be provided with stout
and tight boots or shoes, and they should be fre-
quently stuffed with some water-proof composition.
Some persons use neat's foot oil, others castor oiL
Tar mixed with oil or tallow is good, but it has an un-
pleasant smell. Linseed oil is also used. A simple
and convenient preparation, which we generally use,
with excellent success, is one part of beeswax and
two parts of beefs tallow.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

109

The leather should be made quite warm, and the
composition applied in a warm state, and the leather
again exposed to as much heat as it will bear, without
injury. Apply it to upper and sole leather, till it is
fully saturated, even so full that it begins to come
through the upper leather. Repeat the application
occasionally during the wet season, and very often
when constantly exposed. A little extra expense and
pains, to preserve health at this season, is economy.

Balm-of-Gilcad buds, bottled up in Now England
rum, make the best cure in the world for fresh cuts
or wounds. Every family should have a bottle of it.
The buds should be gathered in a peculiar state ;
just when they are well swelled, ready to burst into
leaves, and well covered with gum. They last but
two or three days in this state.

If not convenient to add rum to the buds at the
time of picking, put them into a bottle, and cork the
bottle tightly, and the buds will keej) in good condi-
tion for a long time.

ilTccljamcs' Pcfiartincnt, ^rts, ^c.

New Application of India Rubber. — The Liver-
pool Albion describes an ingenious application of
caoutchouc, or prepared India rubber, and which
shows the expanding power of the preisaration. It
has been made and patented by Mr. Sangstcr, of
Regent Street, to a very useful purpose. It is to
supersede springs of metal for the expansion of
parasols, and for compressing the ribs of them, and
of similar articles. The India rul^ber is prepared
by a chemical process, or by some process of science
made into the shape of a small pipe or hose ; it is
also vulcanized. By these means the elastic power
and the tenacity of the gum are increased to a per-
fectly marvellous degree. A small ring of the ma-
terial so prepared, less in width than the eighth
of an inch, is cut from the pipe, and placed around
the top of the ribs. When the ribs are expanded,
the elastic power of the ring enables it to be
stretched so as to suit the exigency, while its leverage
and power of contraction are so great, that directly
the power is removed bj'' which the expansion is
secured, it forces the ribs together, and keeps them
firmly compressed. As an application of science to
a practical advantage, it is very curious and con-
venient. — Fanner and Mechanic.

A New Tuinq in Mechanics. — Mr. Joseph Har-
ris, Jr., of this city, has invented and patented a box
and axle, which requires no oil, and yet almost com-
pletely escapes that destroying angel of all machi-
nery— friction. At least so we cannot but hope,
from seeing a working model, which, Ave understand
from Mr. Harris, has been put in a lathe and turned
one thousand revolutions in a minute, — a motion
which, with a common-sized railroad truck wheel,
would carry it about two miles in a minute, or one
hundred and twenty miles in an hour, without
producing any perceptible heat, and without the
use of a particle of oil. The mechanism by which a
result so desirable and astonishing is effected, is
somewhat after the manner of that discovered by the
prophet Ezekiel in his vision, " a wheel in the mid-
dle of a wheel," or rather six wheels in the middle
of one. The box is about five inches in diameter,
and the axle three inches ; and in the space between
them are disposed, at equal distances, six anti-frictioa

rollers, which are kept in their places by teeth at
both ends, playing into corresponding circles of teeth
in both the box and axle. There is no bearing upon
these teeth, which are cut to the anti-friction curve.
The bearing is entirely upon the smooth portion of
the rollers between the teeth. The only service of
the teeth is to prevent the possibility of the rollers
getting out of place.

That this invention will work admirably in the
first place we have very little doubt. How it will
wear, is a question which must l)c tested by experi-
ence. At all events, it is a thing which railroad
directors and engineers will find it for their interest
to look at carefully. — Clironotijpo.

COMPOSTS.

Eds. Cultivator. — You ask about my compost
heap. I live in a large manufacturing town, with a
population of twelve thousand or more. I have a
cart with a tight box, holding thirty-six square feet.
I send this cart out with my oxen, and give the
parties driving and filling it seventy-five cents for a
full load of night soil ; having first made a basin of
dry marsh mud, of which I have abundance, into
which this night soil is emptied. We have several
large founderies, that use much charcoal ; the dust
they cannot burn. This dust they give to me ; and
it only costs me cartage to bring it to my night soil.
Again, we have several large factories, that use
anthracite coal. I take from them their sifted ashes ;
this costs me nothing but cai-ting.

Again, we have other factories that use half coal,
half wood. For these ashes I give one cent per
bushel. Now, I mix all these ingredients into a
home-manufactured poudrette. I ought to have said,
that to each load of night soil I add one bushel of
Plaster of Paris, which, with the charcoal dust and
plaster, will render it inodorous.

Next, I buy oyster-shelLs at three and a half cents
per bushel ; burn them with cedar bush, from a
mountain lot I own. One bushel of shells makes
two of lime ; but I cover the heap with an equal
quantity of marsh mud, which, in fact, is a species of
turf. And here I have a large source of cheap ma-
nure, at one cent per bushel. As for anthracite coal
ashes, I am satisfied that on all my lands they are
useful, particularly for atop-dressing for fruit trees ;
and on clay lands, they act mechanically in opening
the soil, so that air can get down to the roots of
plants.

Our soil is a red, decomposed sandstone ; and lime
acts most beneficially on it. I prefer small doses,
say forty bushels of slaked lime per acre, repeated
every two or three years, with a bushel of Plaster of
Paris per acre each year. I have found the Wiwte of
a flaxmill, after twelve months' decomposition, very
valuable manure. — Cultivator.

ROLLING WHEAT.

On the advantages, if any, of rolling wheat, I am
sorry to say I can furnish nothing from personal ex-
perience ; but they arc so manifest to the observing
farmer, that it is a matter of surprise that any one
should neglect the trial of the experiment. Although
I do not know, yet I should think that we of this
latitude — thirty-nine degrees — were more exposed
to loss from our winter ^xaiw freezing out, than in colder
climates ; for it is not the degree of cold that causes
the injury, nor its long continuance, but the inde-
cisive way our Spring has of coming in, which is to
advance two steps during the day, and fall back one
at night, and then, as though unequal to the task,
the gentle goddess shrinks back to lier winter retreat,
— the fountains and flowing streams, — and the grim

110

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

tyrant again locks up his prisoners, almost escaped.
IJy this aUcrnate freezing and thawing, the roots of
the grain are broken and raised above the surface of
the ground ; much of it, held by only one fibre, is
blown about by the cold winds ; and the shade of that
which is thrifty, or a short spell of dry weather, soon
destroys every prosi)cct of its heading.

Now, suppose a roller to be passed over the field ;
it will press all this standing- out wheat close to the
ground, so that its roots can branch and take a fresh
hold ; and as every clod will bo crushed, many a fibre
will bo covered by the crumbled earth, and thus
take a fair start with the rest. But the roller has
another use — to cover grass seed. Hero we sow
clover seed the last of February, or first of March, in
order that it may have time to form a good root be-
fore hot weather, which often destroys it. If the
ground is in proper order, the roller will press the
seed slightly into the earth, which will cause it to
germinate immediately ; and should this bo frozen out,
there is another portion, which, being slightly cov-
ered, will be a little later, and, by its being covered,
will bo better able to stand cither frost or heat.

I am bere reminded of an incident which goes to
prove the advantage of pressure upon wheat in the
spring. A neighbor hauled out his clover seed chaff
to sow, using a cart for the purpose. From the time
the wheat covered the ground, you could see two
parallel lines of verdure traversing the fields, just
the distance that the wheels were apart ; and this
was distinguishable in some places, after the wheat
was cut, by the superiority of the stubble.

Now, is it not strange that with these things so
plain to every one, the roller is so little used ? AVell,
the secret is just this : We believe in it, but xoe ain't got
any roller. We don't think of it, or, if we do, we put
it off until reminded by the condition of the ground,
that it would be a fine time to use it. We then vow
that we'll have one by next spring ; but alas ! you
know what resolutions oi future amendment are
worth. Well, now, I am going to have one. It costs
me too much to do without it. What do you say,
reader? AU those in favor will say, "Where's my
a.xer" W. H. G.

FiiEBERicK County, Va., 1849.

Remakks by the Editor of the New England
Faumek.

Much has been said by intelligent cultivators of
the advantages of rolling winter wheat, in order to
reset the plants that have been thrown out of the
ground by frequent freezing and thawing, and all
opinions are in favor of this operation. In this sec-
tion but little winter wheat is raised, but in sowing
summer grain, there is great advantage to both grain
and grass in rollmg the land, besides leaving the
land smooth for the scythe and rake.

MILLET.

This plant is cultivated both for seed and for fodder ;
and although it is a long time since it has been tried
in different parts of the country, yet it is but very
little cultivated. For fodder, corn is usually pre-
ferred, as it yields a far larger crop. The following
remarks are from Professor Emmons, in an article in
the American Journal of Agriculture and Science : —

He states that he has siibj ected this grain to an anal-
ysis, in order to determine the proportion of nutritive
matter it contains. He finds that, compared with
wheat or Indian corn, except in oil, it exceeds both
in its power of sustaining life. The grain is " rich
in the elements that produce bone and muscle, and

its straw is not deficient in the elements common to
the cultivated grasses." He thinks it might be cul-
tivated in this country with profit, as food for ani-
mals, as it yields from sixty- five to seventy bushels
to the acre.

Millet is much used in some parts of Europe —
England, Germany, and Poland — where it is used
as a substitute for rice, sago, or hominy, and also as
food for poultry. It requires a warm, sandy, rich
soil, which should be well pulverized to a good
depth. It is planted in drills, and should be sown
the latter part of April, or early in ISIay. Millet
was formerly raised to some extent in Pennsylvania,
but Avas soon abandoned, not being considered so
profitable as some other crops.

ANIMAL ENJOYMENT.

Many persons have been puzzled in regard to the
cause of some animals being made to subsist on
others, as it seems to be a barbarous mode of obtain-
ing their sustenance. Those who cannot see why
the great fish should eat the little ones, may read
with interest the following article fr-om Buckland's
Geology : —
Aggregate of Aiiimal Enjoyment increased, and that of

Pain diminished, by the Existence of Carnivorous

Races.

The inhabitants of the earth have been divided
into two great classes, the one herbivorous, the
other carnivorous ; and though the existence of
the latter may, at first sight, seem calculated to
increase the amount of animal pain, yet, when
considered in its full extent, it will be found materi-
ally to diminish it.

"To the mind which looks not to general results in
the economy of nature, the earth may seem to pre-
sent a scene of perpetual warfare and incessant car-
nage ; but the more enlarged view, while it regards
individuals in their conjoint relations to the general
benefit of their own species, and that of other
species with which they are associated in the great
family of nature, resolves each apparent case of
individual evil into an example of sujbserviency to
universal good.

Under the existing system, not only is the aggre-
gate amount of animal enjoyment much increased,
by adding to the stock of life all the races which are
carnivorous, but these are also highly beneficial even
to the herbivorous races, that ai'e subject to their
dominion.

Besides the desirable relief of speedy death on the
approach of debility or age, the carnivora confer a
further benefit on the species which form their prey,
as they control their excessive increase by the de-
struction of many individuals in youth and health.
AYithout this salutary check, each species would
soon multiply to an extent exceeding, in a fatal
degree, their supply of food, and the Avhole class of
hcrbivora would ever be so nearly on the verge of
starvation, that multitudes would daily be consigned
to lingering and painful death by famine. All these
evils are superseded by the establishment of a con-
trolling power in the carnivora ; by their agency,
the numbers of each species are maintained in due
proportion to one another — the sick, the lame, the
aged, and the supernumeraries, are consigned to
speedy death ; and while each suffering individual
is soon relieved from pain, it contributes its enfeebled
carcass to the support of its carnivorous benefactor,
and leaves more room for the comfortable existence
of the healthy survivors of its own species.

The same "policy of nature," which is thus bene-
ficial to the great family of the inhabitants of the
land, is established with equal advantage among tho

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Ill

tenants of the sea. Of these, also, there is one largo
division, that lives on vegetables, and supplies the
basis of food to the other division, that is carnivorous.
Here, again, Ave see that, in the absence oi caniivora,
the uncontrolled herbimra would multiply indefi-
nitely, until the lack of food brought them also to the
verge of starvation ; and the sea would be crowded
with creatures under the endurance of universal
pain from hunger, while death by famine would be
the termination of their ill-fed and miserable lives.
The appointment of death by the agency of car-
nivora, as the oi'dinary termination of animal exist-
ence, appears therefore, in its main results, to be a
dispensation of benevolence : it deducts much fi-om
the aggregate amount of the pain of universal death ;
it abridges, and almost annihilates, throughout the
brute creation, the misery of disease, and accidental
injuries, and lingering decay ; and imposes such
salutary restraint upon excessive increase of nixmbers,
that the supply of food maintains perpetually a due
ratio to the demand. The result is, that the surface
of the land, and depths of the waters, are ever
crowded with myriads of animated beings, the pleas-
ures of whose life are coextensive with its duration,
and which, throughout the little day of existence
that is allowed to them, fulfil with joy the functions
for which they are created. Life to each individual
is a scene of continued feasting, in a region of
plenty ; and when unexpected death arrests its
course, it repays with small interest, the large debt
which it has contracted to the common fund of ani-
mal nutrition, from whence the materials of its body
have been derived. Thus the great drama of univer-
sal life is perpetually sustained ; and though the indi-
vidual actors undergo continual change, the same
parts are filled by another and another generation ;
renewing the face of the earth, and the bosom of the
deep, with endless succession of life and happiness.

HOW TO RAISE GOOD POTATOES.

My object in writing, at this time, is to give to you
ray method of growing potatoes free from the rot.
I have practised it two seasons with entire success,
and have now six hundred bushels of fine Mercer
potatoes in my cellar, and all free from the disease.

My method is, to plough the ground late in the
fall or early in the spring, harrow it smoothly before
planting time, then haul out say fifteen tons rotted
manui-e, spread it broadcast, then take two horses
and a plough, and back up two full furrows, the
furrows just meeting in the backing; leave a strip
one foot wide, and back up two more ; and so
continue till you have completed the lot. Then
turn about and sjjlit these double furrows open with
a single furrow, then commence dropping your
potatoes (pieces of cut potatoes, containing at least
four eyes) in the furrow, six inches apart. After the
lot is dropped, take your horses and plough, and
throw two good furrows, (one round of the team to
a row,) just meeting on the top ; dress off the top,
clearing the row of stones, clods, &c. ; then sow
broadcast five bushels common salt over the groimd
immediately after planting ; cultivate well till the
plants are in blossom, and you will have a good crop ;
never ciiltivate potatoes when in blossom.

When the crop is ready to gather, clear the
ground, take your two horses and plough, turn a
furrow from each side of the row : let a boy jjick up
the scattering potatoes ; then turn out the row, pick
up the potatoes ; then hoe down the ridge ; lastly, har-
row over the ground, pick up the remaining potatoes,
and the work is finished. The agriculturist must at
once observe that, by this process, he gets a broad,
loose bed for the potatoes to grow in, also double
depth of soil ; then you are certain of good dry po-

tatoes. I would here observe that potato ground is
the very best for producing a good crop of wheat ;
and I would advise farmers to grow a greater surplus
of this most valuable root. If there is no market,
store them, and feed them to your horses, cattle,
and hogs ; feed them in your stable through the
winter ; give your stock good bedding ; clean out
your stables once a week ; make as large a manure
heap as possible ; and you will not be troubled with
tire potato disease, nor that worse malady arising
from always taking out of the meal tub and never
returning any ; you will thus come to the bottom. —
Ohio Cultivator.

THE EDUCATION OF OXEN.

A " Glenburn Farmer," in the Bangor Whig,
contends that the practice of testing the merits of
working oxen, at cattle shows, by the mere ability
to drag the heavest possible burden, is unsatisfactory
and unsafe, as not exhibiting the most valuable
qualities of the animals, nor showing their most
iiseful capacities in the performance of their ordinary
work. We annex a part of his sensible remarks : —

" I would suggest that at the next trial of oxen at
the Society's Show, it should be upon a judiciously
loaded cart, and that the exercise should consist of
drawing, turning, and backing. What the public
want in regard to working oxen is, an exhibition of
the best trained cattle for farm purposes. Nor is this
all. We want to see the man who trained them, and
his manner of doing it. We want an exhibition of
good teamsters as well as good teams ; for very
much of the merit of a yoke or team of cattle belongs
to the teamster. And instead of giving all the pre-
miums to good oxen, one half, at least, should go to
good drivers. No driver, however, should receive a
premium for himself or oxen, however good they
might be, who used profane language during the
exhibition. A rule of this kind would have
changed the direction of more than one premium
at the late trial.

" Good teamsters are worth from five to ten dol-
lars a month more than poor ones ; and yet, Avith
this difference in price, it is very easy to find a
hundred, and I believe I might say a thousand, poor
ones for one good one. No man can bo a good team-
ster who is not a gentleman. He must be gentle,
kind, and careful. No good teamster will pixt his
oxen to an xmnecessar-y waste of strength, or to \m-
necessary jyain by the use of the goad stick, or brad."

WET LANDS.

Farmers, as a general thing, are too remiss, says a
correspondent of the Gcrmantown Telegraph, in the
business of improving their wet lands. In some
sections, Avhcre the rapid increase of population has
greatly increased the price of arable soils, and their
products, we find something like a regular system of
drainage adopted, and a very decided and marked
improvement in the management of most of the de-
tails of the farm, as the inevitable result. There
can be no question, that most of our low bog lands
possess high value, and arc calculated to become
extremely valuable for most agricultural uses, when
properly managed and freed from the deteriorating
effects of the supernatural waters by which they
have been so long submerged. We find that all low
lands, Avhich are continually or periodically sub-
merged, produce some aqixatic plants, all of which
are pennitted to grow and decay without being re-
moved. The humus thus produced is consequently
allowed to accumulate, and when the Avater is draAvn
off, Ave find a deep, rich bed of muck, which is re-
plete with the most energetic vegetative principles.

H2

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

and capable of sustaining exhausting and different
crops of grain and grass, for a scries of many years,
without the assiritancc of any maniirc, or of any
ameliorating agent, except the plough or spade. If
farmers would only study their own interest in this
matter, we should see few bogs and more fields ;
there would be less complaints as to the scarcity and
high price of land, and the general appearance and
condition of many rural districts would be immensely
improved. Drainage, when systematically conduct-
ed, is by no means a costly undertaking ; and when
one has a family of boys, and can avail himself of
leisure seasons, it will be found to involve but small
expense, even under the most inauspicious circum-
stances. Lands thus reclaimed possess high value
for mowing and grazing purposes, and, when once
well stocked with grasses, require to bo ploughed
but seldom. An occasional top dressing of compost,
with a liberal annual application of gypsum, house
ashes or lime, is all that is requisite to sustain a high
vegetative activity, and maintain them in a condi-
tion of tlie most perfect health and heart. — Lancaster
Farmer.

FACTS IN PRUNING.

The action of roots and that of leaves are recipro-
cal. If you diminish the quantity of foliage, you
will proportionably lessen the increase of roots. If
100 represents the quantity of roots made by a tree
with all its foliage, then 50 will represent the quantity
of roots formed by a tree similar to the other in
every respect, except in having the production of
foliage repressed, by whatever means, to the extent
one half. You will, therefore, perceive that by
summer pruning, both roots and tops are equally
reduced, and that what may be termed the balance
of power between these is still maintained. On the
contrary, if you prune only in winter, the roots are,
in consequence, but little affected, their increase for
the season having been completed in the previous
summer; and in the following season, the whole
amount of force exerted by the full complement
of roots is brought to bear on a top limited by win-
ter pruning, and this force is evinced by over-luxuri-
ance, Avhich some remedy by root pruning.

With regard to young spray springing from the
ends of previously shortened shoots, it may be cut
back to two eyes, in all cases. — Lindky.

HOG MANURE.

Well knowing the cxcellrnce of hog manure, I
tested it against guano and bone manure in the cul-
tivation of turnips ; the result was quite equal to
guano, and beat the bone dust hollow ; and I found
the same result on light as on heavy land. I pre-
pare my manure under cover, having a large dry
shed, in which I put a layer of dry coal ashes about
a foot thick, to which the deposits of the hogs are
taken, both liquid and solid ; and as soon as it begins
to ooze out, I put on more ashes ; and so on, until it
gets about four feet in thickness. I then commence
a fresh layer, and treat it in the same manner. Af-
ter lying some time, it is turned over two or three
times, when it is fit fordriUing. In this way, I have
put in forty- five acres of turnips the present year,
and no other manure ; the result being ojien for the
inspection of every one.

I find the droppings of three hogs, carefully pre-
served, to be an ample dressing for two acres, and
quite equal to three sacks of bone dust per acre.
And I consider, if we can obtain such valuable ma-
nure for nothing but the labor, it is bettor than put-
ting our hands into our pockets, and paying six
or eight dollars an aero for artificial manures. —
Agric. Journal.

BE KIND.

Be kind to thy father — for when thou wert young,

AVho loved thee so fondly as he ?
He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue,

And joined in thy innocent glee.
Be Icincl to thy father — for now he is old,

His locks intermingled with gray :
His footsteps arc feeble, once fearless and bold :

Thy father is passing away.

Be kind to thy mother — for lo ! on her brow

May traces of sorrow be seen ;
O, well mayst thou cherish and comfort her now,

For loving and kind hath she been.
Remember thy mother — for thee will she pray,

As long as God giveth her breath ;
With accents of kindness then cheer her lone way

E'en to the dark valley of death.

Be kind to thy brother — his heart will have dearth

If the smile of thj' joy be withdrawn ;
The flowers of feeling will fade at the birth,

If the dew of affection be gone.
Be kind to thy brother — wherever you are,

The love of a brother shall be
An ornament purer and richer by far

Than pearls from the depth of the sea.

Be kind to thy sister — not many may know

The depth of true sisterly love ;
The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below

The surface that sparkles above.
Thy kindness shall bring thee many sweet hours,

And blessings thy pathway to crown ;
Affection shall weave thee a garland of flowers

More precious than wealth or renown.

THE OLIO.

A Sad Condition. — Miravaux was accosted by a
sturdy beggar, asking alms. " How is this," in-
quired Miravaux, " that a lusty fellow lilco you, is
thus employed ? " " Ah, " replied the beggar, look-
ing very piteously, " if j'ou did but know how lazy I
am ! " Mii"avaux gave him a piece of silver.

luiSH Wit and Gallaxtry. — One day, when our
streets were a perfect glare of ice, a lady pedestrian
lost her balance and fell. As we aimed to assist her,
we encountered a genuine son of the Green Isle,
who, on assisting the lady to rise, exclaimed, " Faith,
ye must be a lovely good lady ; for don't the blessed
Book tache us that it is the wicked that stand on slip-
pery places ? " — Ind. Siata Sentinel.

Never go back. — Never go back — never. What
you attempt, do with all your strength. Determi-
nation is omnipotent. If the prospect is somewhat
darkened, put the fire of resolution to your soul, and
kindle a flame that nothing but the strong arm of
death can extinguish.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 41G pages, at ^1 a
year, or five copies for $i, payable in advance. It may
bo. neatly bound at IS] cent-:, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume.

1^ The Postage .^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 2G cents a year, within
the state, or within IQO miles out of the state; and 1^
cents, or 33 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the
boston t\pz and ?t.'jre0tyre rottndrt.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE IND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, MARCPI 31, 1849.

NO. 8,

S. W. COLE, EmxoR.

QTJINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, Proprietou.

PREPARATION OF SEED WHEAT.

By sifting, with suitable sieves, the large plump
berries may be separated from the small and shriv-
elled, which will make a great improvement. Then
wash thoroughly in water, stirring violently, and
skim off all floating substances. Violent washing
will rub off the seeds of fungus which might cause
smut or other diseases, and destroys the eggs of
insects ; and by skimming, the light seeds and other
refuse substances may be excluded.

Various steeps are used as a further prevention of
smut, &c., for which we have recommended violent
washing. The following is cheap, convenient, safe,
and probably as effectual as any ; and it has the im-
portant advantage of floating oats, and grains of
comparative lightness, that sink in pure water.

Make a solution of salt, as strong as it can be
made, which is probably about one quart of salt to
two gallons of water. In this steep the wheat, and
remove worthless matters that rise ; also the grains
of wheat of comparative lightness. It is best to
soak the wheat twelve or twenty-four hours ; but
when thus prepared, if the weather is favorable, it
will keep in good condition for several days or weeks,
if the brine is strong, as it will not vegetate in it.

We have kept wheat a week or two in this way ;
and a farmer informed us that he had prepared his
wheat in brine, when his interval, where he in-
tended to sow, was overflowed, and he kept it in the
brine three weeks, and, as it was late, he then spread
and dried it, and sowed it the next spring with
success.

After soaking wheat in brine, drain off the brine,
which is a good manure, and add sufficient slaked
lime to make it dry enough to saw. Sow soon after
the lime is added. If any accident or storm prevents
sowing soon, return the grain to the brine, as the
best preservative.

GLASS MiLK-PANS.

Any person who is acquainted with the nature of
glass, and the peculiar qualities of milk and cream,
must be confident that it is a superior article for

milk-pans. All other substances are liable to objec-
tions. Wood absorbs milk, and the oily matter in the
cream, and soon becomes foul. Tin, zinc, iron, and
other mineral substances are corroded by milk, by
which the milk is injured, or poisoned, and the vessel
gradually destroyed. Brown earthen ware was
formerly much used for millc. This is glazed with
lead, which is consumed by the acid in milk, render-
ing the milk unwholesome.

Glass is a pure substance, and may be easily kept
in a clean condition ; and it is not corroded by the
milk. Is is impenetrable by any substance in milk
or cream, and requires far less attention to keep it
in a pure state than those substances that are liable
to corrosion, or to imbibe substances that they con-
tain. For several years glass milk-pans have been
used in England, and they are preferred, to all others,
notwithstanding almost every other available ma-
terial had been used.

A specimen of this valuable ware has been left at
our office for inspection. The price is seventy-five
cents single, eight dollars per dozen. Although this
may seem rather a high price in the beginning, yet
it is low, as the pans are thick and stout, and, with
careful usage, will last for ages ; and they require
less labor to keep them in good condition.

COAL ASHES.

In answer to the inquiry whether the crude parts
or cinders of coal ashes are of any value on any part
of the farm, we reply, that what the inquirer calls
cinders, as we suppose, is generally called cUnkej's,
and is produced by a powerful heat, that melts the
coal, which, on cooling, becomes nearly as hard as
melted bricks in a brickkiln. This substance would
not, probably, decompose for ages, and will answer
no useful purpose as maniire. It may be used on
the farm for the same purposes as small stones, in
filling up low places, and as a layer over the cover-
ing of ditches, for the water to ooze through, and
retain the soil.

In using the fine ashes of hard coal for manure,
we consider the clinkas a disadvantage, where a fine

114

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Boil is wanted; on coarse lands, for grasses, &c., the}'
may be no disadvantage if pressed into the ground
by a roller. Good anthracite, or bituminous coal,
burned in a moderate draught, will form no clinkers,
and with good management, they will not be formed
in a dwcUing-house ; but they are produced in
abundance in furnaces where a powerful heat is
required.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

A Gazetteer of New Hampskip.e, by John Hay-
ward, author of the " New England Gazetteer,"
"Book of Religions," &c., 264 pp. octavo ; embellished
with beautiful engravings ; of neat typography and
elegant binding. — This work contains descriptions
of all the counties and towns in the state ; of its
principal rivers, mountains, harbors, and islands ;
with statistical accounts of its agriculture, manxifac-
tures, and commerce ; with a great variety of other
useful mformation. It should be in every business
place, and in every family in the state of New Hamp-
shire : it is also valuable in many business offices, and,
as a matter of useful intelligence, in different parts
of the country.

TuE AiiEiiicAX Bee-Keeper's Manual, by T. B.
Miner, embellished with engravings, 350 pp. 12 mo.
Published by C. M. Saxton, New York ; sold also
by F. S. Saxton, 19 State Street, Boston. — This
is an elaborate work, in which the author gives
his own long and varied experience, availing him-
self also of advantages from the productions of
most other writers on the subject. We have not
time for a thorough and critical examination of this
manual ; but from a general view, we like its plan
and execution, and think it will rank high as a val-
uable standard work on an imi:)ortant branch of rural
industry — on the very proverbial pattern of indus-
try. For a few years past, Mr. Miner has occasion-
ally given to the public able articles on the manage-
ment of bees, which have given him the reputation
of a skilful apiarian. As there is now a great inquiry
for a new work of this kind, we have no doubt that
this book will meet with a good reception, and ex-
tensive sale.

The Farmer's Every-Day Book, containing the
Popular Elements of Theoretical and Practical Agri-
culture ; also, a System of Education for Agricul-
tural Lile, and Hints on the Means of promoting
Health and correct Moral Principles among Laborers ;
with a Dictionary of Terms, and Five Hundred Re-
ceipts on Rural and Domestic Economy, by Rev. J. L.
Blake, D. D., of Orange, N. J., author of a Bio-
graphical Dictionary, &c. — This work is announced,
and will soon be published by Messrs. Lea & Blan-
chard, and E. H. Butler & Co., Philadelphia ; and
Cady & Burgess, Baker & Sanborn, and C. M. Saxton,
New York.

Agricultural Reports made to the Standing
Committee of the Rliode Island Society for the
Encouragement of Domestic Industry.

New Agricultural Papers.— One of the strongest
evidences of the great improvements making in agri-
culture, and the important position that this profes-

sion is assuming, is the increase of agricultural
papers, and the liberal patronage this class of
journals receives, as shown by the good taste in
which they are generally executed, and the ability
with which they are conducted. Tho following are
new works, that commend themselves to the public
both by their good appearance and intrinsic worth.

The Working Farmer. A large octavo, monthly,
by Professor Mapes, New York city. 50 cts per year.

The "Wool- Grower and Magazine of Agiucul-
ture and Horticulture. A monthly octavo, by
T. C. Peters, of the Buffalo (N. Y.) Wool Depot.
50 cts. per year.

The Valley Farmer. A large monthly octavo,
of 24 pages, at $1 per year. By M. Gates and
E. Abbott, St. Louis, Mo.

The Canadian Agriculturist. A double octavo
sheet, monthly, at $1 per year, by J. Buckland and
Wm. M'DougaU, Toronto, Canada West.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Mr. Leonard Cheney, of Southbridge, a box
of apples, put up in very neat style, containing
three varieties for their names and an ojiinion of their
qualities. No. 1 is a large yellow and red apple,
tolerably pleasant for eating and excellent for cook-
ing ; name not known. No. 2 is the Old Nonsuch,
remarkable for its tenderness and excellent quality ;
but as it is a moderate grower, is rather small, and
the fruit not fair on old lands, it is but little raised
in this section, not being profitable for the market.
In new regions it is more popular. No. 3 is of
medial size ; color, red ; of very good quality for the
table, being more tender than the Old Nonsuch.

From Mr. Edward Booth, Springfield, a large
yellow apple, rich and very good, strongly resembling
Peck's Pleasant, and it may be that varietj' ; but as
it is late and discolored bj-- bruises, it is difficult to
identify. Peck's Pleasant is a superior apple, but
moderate in growth and bearing, and the fruit is not
usually fair. Its culture is declining in its native
state, Rhode Island, where it has been the most
popular.

We are indebted to Mr. John Washburn, of
Plymouth, for scions of Monamct Sweeting, and
Holmes apple.

Of Mr. R. S, Mackintosh, stall 105 Faneuil
Hall Market, large, red, sweet apples, excellent for
baking, but too hard, j-et, for the table. He obtained
these in the vicinity of Syracuse, N. Y., where
they are kept a year.

Of Mr. P. Lawson, Lowell, a specimen of excellent
potatoes, remarkably mealy, without name. As the
colors of potatoes become so faded and changed at
this season, we cannot determine whether they are
identical with any of the fifty kinds on which we
are experimenting. Mr. L. says, that they are su-
perior in production as well as quality.

Indolence leaves the door of the soul unlocked,
and thieves and robbers go ia and despoil it of its
treasures.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

115

LACTOMETER.

The lactometer is composed of a wooden frame,
•with a set of long glass tubes, marked with, inches,
and at top with eighths of an inch. The object of
this apparatus is to ascertain the quality of milk
given by each cow, as shown by the quantity of
cream when it has risen to the top ; aj its depth is
indicated by the graduated marks in the glass.

lire milk from each cow should be put into a sep-
arate glass ; and it should be taken from each at the
same stage of milldng, as the first, the middle, or the
last. Each glass should be filled at precisely the
same height. And care should be taken to turn the
milk into the tube immediately after milked, ex-
cluding the froth, as, by setting only a few mmutes,
the cream will begin to rise.

The lactometer is highly valuable to every one
who keeps cows, as it will enable him to judge of
the value of cows by the proper criterion, the rich-
ness or value of "the milk, instead of its quantity
or weight. One cow may be regarded as the best in
the herd, as she gives the largest quantity of milk ;
but on investigation the milk may prove to be thin
and poor, and of less value for daiiy purposes than
a smaller mess given by another cow, whose mUlc is
remarkable for its richness.

It requu-cs only seven quarts of milk of some of
the Jersey cows to make a pound of butter, while
fifteen to twenty quarts are necessary from some
cows that have been distinguished for yielding large
quantities of mUk. Some say that the average quan-
tity of milk required for a pound of butter is ten
quarts ; but we think that twelve quarts would be
nearer the general average.

The richness of milk depends very much on the
feed of cows ; therefore, in making experiments on
the comparative value of milk from different cows,
the cows should all be fed in the same manner, for
several days or a week before making the experi-
ment.

SIMPLE CURE FOR COUGH IN HORSES.

Two years ago, (says a correspondent of the Albany
Cultivator,) one of my carriage horses had an ex-
tremely bad cough, which had continued for six or
eight months : different applications were made with-
out effect. I applied to a man who I knew dealt in
horses, and had paid some attention to their diseases,
for a remedy. He at once told me that he had never

found any thing so effectual for a bad cough as
human urine, given a few times, by discharging into
a bucket of water and letting them drink it, or on
their food and eat it. I directed my driver to do so,
and in one week the horse was completely relieved.
I have frequently had it tried with the same good
effect.

Remarks by Editok of New England Farmer.
We had a horse long afflicted with a severe cough,
though several medicines were given, but without
effect. We then kept him wholly on sheep's orts,
some of which were taken up from the manure,
where they were covered several inches deep, from
feeding under shelter in stormy weather, the usual
mode being to feed on the snow. These orts from the
manure were eaten in preference to good hay, and
the horse soon recovered. The orts had absorbed
the urine of the sheep, they had also imbibed the
qualities of the dung, which has powerful mediciaal
effects, particularly in the measles.

INDIAN CORN.

In the raising of Indian corn, some experiment*
have been made which have produced singular re-
sults. Mr. Fowler, of Ohio, planted one and a half
acres of ground with three different kinds of corn —
half acre of china, half acre of yellow gourd seed,
half acre of white flint. The result of the crop was
seventy-three and a half bushels shelled corn from
the china, fifty-six and a half fi'om white flint, and
fifty-four from the yellow gourd seed. The result
was bej'ond any thing before raised in Northern
Ohio, and so much in favor of the china corn, that
he has every year since planted it. When he com-
menced with corn, it was a flint corn from seven
years' use, and it has become so closely allied to
gourd seed that the kernel is very much dented,
and the ears from twelve to twenty rows ; the same
remarks hold good in relation to the white flint.
From sixteen years' cultivation and acquaintance, it
seems to bear no similarity to its species sixteen
years ago : it was then an eight-rowed flint corn ; it
is now some sixteen to twenty rows gourd seed ;
which demonstrates the fact that this climate changes
the species of corn from one kind to that of another.
— Pittsburgh Visitor.

HEAVY OATS.

At the late show at St. Johns, New Brunswick,
three samples of oats which were exhibited weighed
respectively 47 lbs., 46^ lbs., and 44 lbs. the bushel.

116

NEW ENGLAND FAHMER.

For the New Enr/land Farmer.
GRAFTING GRAPE VINES-

Mr. Editor — Sir : I noticed, in the sixth number
of the current volume of your paper, an article on
the grafting of grape vines, signed James Oliver,
lij'nn. My late husband (Judge Darling) acciden-
tally made a discovery in the science of grafting
vines, which was very useful to him, and which, I
bjlieve, he never communicated to the public ; and
l>resuming that Jus discovery may be equally as use-
ful to some of your readers as it was to the judge, I
proceed to communicate the facts.

The judge was considered, by all that knew him, a
very scientific and successful horticulturist, but for
many years had no success in grafting vines. He
oxxjrtcd himself to get all the information that could
ho obtained, both by reading and conversation, and
tried every experiment that his own ingenuity could
suggest, but wholly without success. The flow of sap
fi'om the stock, at the season of grafting, would be so
great as to prevent the stock and scions uniting ;
therefore he thought that he should be obliged to
abandon the propagation of those varieties that
would not grow from cuttings, although convinced
that others were in possession of a secret by which
they succeeded.

One year, the judge planted a great many grape
seeds of different kinds, hoping thereby to obtain
now and valuable native varieties ; but when they
came to blossom, most of them proved to be non-
Ijoarers. Accordingly, when he had his garden laid
out, the next spring, he had them dug up as mere
cumberers of the ground ; but after they were dug
up, they looked so fresh and healthy that it seemed
to him a pity to throw them away, and he concluded
to make one more effort at grafting. He accordingly
set a variety of scions, after the different modes of
grafting, and planted out the stocks ; and, much to
his surprise, every graft took well and grew vigo-
rously. He then, of course, thought much of the
cause of his success, and came to the conclusion,
that the breaking of the roots, in transplanting,
caused the sap to flow in a different direction, and
gave the stock and scion a more equal chance. He
repeated the experiment many times afterwards, and
with uniform success. Mr. Oliver did not state, in his
communication, whether his stocks were transplanted
at the time of grafting or not. If they were not, his
success was undoubtedly owing to the late date in
which his grafts were set, and after the growth of
the vine had proceeded so far as to prevent bleeding.
And would not grafts cut and set in July or
August be equally successful? Who can give infor-
mation upon the subject ?

Very respectfully,

MRS. NOYES DARLING.

New Haven, Ct., March 10, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.

The grafting of grape vines is not well understood,
and Mrs. Darling has done an important service to
the cause of horticulture in throwing light upon this
subject, llie late Judge Darling contributed lib-
erally to the cause of improvement, by his valuable
communications for the press, which were distin-
guished for scientific research, close investigation,
and plain, practical details ; and though he is no
naore among us in person, his spirit of intelligence
and enthusiasm has pervaded the land, and it will
live with the enlightened cultivators of the soil.

The facts presented in the foregoing communica-
tion correspond with the practice of some cultivators

in deferring the grafting of grape vines until they
are in foliage, or partially leaved out, as the sap then
becomes a thick mucilaginous substance, and the
vines cease to bleed. We hope that various experi-
ments will be made the ensuing season on this sub-
ject, and that some of our friends will communicate
useful results.

For the New Efiffland Farmer.
THE GARDEN.

Mr. Cole : There is probably no part of the
farmer's domain that affords a greater amount of
profit and comfort than the garden. Its crisp and
tender vegetables, its delicious fruits, are not only
congenial to the palate, but highly conducive to the
health of the family.

The earlier the luxuries that the garden affords
can be brought to the table, the more valuable they
become ; and hence it should be an object to prepare
the land and sow the seed at a time which will
promise the earliest maturity.

In our own experience, we have advanced the pea
crop from two to three weeks by following this
cheap and simple method : As soon as the ground is
open in the spring we dig a trench from six to
eight inches deep, and fill it half full of recent horse
manure. Over this we place such a quantity of
earth as may be necessary to prevent over-heating
the peas, and sow them, covering the usual depth.
We then take two boards of any convenient width,
and nail their edges together, forming a covering like
the roof of a building. This box we invert over the
peas on cold nights and stormy days, but remove it
in favorable weather, to give the plants light and air.
By pursuing this course, you may have peas six
inches high before your neighbors think of sowing
them.

Tomatoes. — Last spring, our early planted toma-
toes in frames all failed ; and in order to have as eaidy
a supply as possible, we went to a gardener, and gave
him twelve and a haK cents for two dozen plants.
^Vhen we planted these out with our utmost care,
we saw a few little frosty fellows, that had sprung
from self-sown seed of the previous year, scattered
over the bed, which we allowed to live, not knowing
but ihci/ might, if the season should be long and
warm, add to our supply. In due time, these were
transplanted into hills duly enriched with hen
manure. They had a much more healthful growth,
and matured their fruit as early as the hot bed
plants, put out under equally favorable circum-
stances.

This leads us to infer that tomatoes may be ad-
vantageously planted in the hills where they are to
remain in autumn, or as early in spring as the earth
will admit of working. Good seed seldom fails, and
the earlier it is sown, as a general thing, the earlier
the maturity.

As2)aragus. — How often we have heard the ex-
clamation, " I wish I had your asparagxis bed ! " to
which we could only reply, " You can have just as
good a one, if you'll set yourself about it." Yet no one
knows the value of this delicious vegetable by seeing
it grow in rich luxuriance. It is only when placed
upon the table that its excellence can be duly appre-
ciated, and not then fully, for its healthfulncss on
the stomach is its highest praise. We can show
you a good bed of it, as it is almost as easily raised
as pigweed !

I'he asparagus bed should bo well supplied with
fine manure early in spring, if it was not done in
autumn, and it should be well forked in as early as
the ground is dry enough to work, after which a
good dressing of salt or strong brine should be given.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

117

If the ground is so salt as to prevent weeds and grass
from growing, it will benefit the asparanus. Let
every one provide for themselves a bed of this healthy
vegetable, and they will never do without again.

Gooseberries. — Now-a-days, every body says, " We
can't raise gooseberries, and we won't try, they rail-
dew so." Now, as we are not every body, and have
never joined the Won't try Society, we have no belief
in any such doctrine. Some dozen years ago, being
on the look out for some of the larger English varie-
ties, a friend informed us that ho had bushes of the
kinds we deskcd in his garden, which he had long
threatened "to take up and throw in the street, they
had become so worthless on account of mildewing.
If we would take them, he would dig them for us,
and glad to get rid of them so." We took them, and
they bore, to the full extent of our wishes, fine, large
fruit. This individual saw them when their branches
were laden with their rich offering, and inquired
where we were so fortunate as to get such valuable
bushes ? Our reply was, that we had them of friend

, calling him by name, who was going to throw

them in the street. He looked marvel-stricken.

Bvit we have been troubled with mildew. For two
or thi-ee seasons, we lost oui- entire crop, and then we
began to be discouraged. Some papers told us, if
grass was allowed to grow around them, it would be
a protection. We tried it with a few bushes without
benefit. Our best remedy has been, to keep the
ground in good condition, by forking in w^ell rotted
manure, and keeping it free from weeds ; next
throwing one or two — according to the size of the
bush — liandfuls of salt around it ; then litter with
leaves or coarse grass, to keep up a uniform heat or
coolness and moisture. If, in the first season of try-
ing this operation, your berries show signs of mildew,
sprinkle the bushes freely, before sunrise, with brine,
and repeat it in a week or ten days if the blight does
not leave. In this way we are confident any one
may raise as fine gooseberries as Lancashire can
boast.

Yours truly,

March, 1849. HORTUS.

For the New England Farmer.
THE CULTIVATION OF THE SOIL.

The cultivation of the soil is the most noble em-
ployment of human hands and thought. It is the
most ancient, the most natural, the most beneficial,
the most universal, the most healthy, and the most
enduring employment, and, while accompanied with
a thousand holy associations, leads the mind " thi-ough
nature up to nature's God." If the "undevout as-
tronomer is mad," how much more so is the unde-
vout cultivator of the soil ! God speaks to man in
the bursting vegetation, in the whispering foliage,
the ripening fruit, and in the " sere and yellow leaf."
His voice is in the wind, that brings nature's plain-
tive music to the ear, in the rushing waterfall, and
in the vivid lightning that rends the mountain top.

" Read nature ; nature is a friend to truth ;
Nature is Christian, preaches to mankind.
And bids dead matter aid us in our creed."

Men, at the present day, are beginning to have a
more just conception of the cidtivation of the soil.
Agriculture is become elevated. Science, the hand-
maid of every vocation, has lent her aid to this de-
partment of usefulness, and the farmer has risen from
a mere laborer to the practical philosopher. To be a
proficient in his art, he must study the laws of vege-
tation, — a field of boundless investigation, — and so
apply his knowdedge in assisting nature, as to produce
the greatest possible results from the soil which he
cultivates. There is abundant exercise for his hands,

his head, and his heart ; and the great variety of
living objects under his care must render his labor
the most satisfactory. In a word, agriculture tends
to harmoniously develop the whole man.

While the gayety and bustle of a city life may be
more congenial and tempting to the young men, as
they become tempered by age and wisdom, almost
instinctively turn their thoughts to some pleasant
rural retreat, which may furnish them an honest
competence, and afford shelter from the shocks of a
precarious business. Industry is the price of happi-
ness ; and spirits broken will revive by labor, and
gain their wonted elasticity and strength. As the
chaste Cowper exclaims of labor, —

" 'Tis the primal curse.
But softened into mercy ; made the pledge
Of cheerful days and nights without a groan."

To many, a country residence is irksome and in-
sipid ; but such persons little know where true
happiness is to be found. They are poorly schooled
in self-reliance, v.dio pin their happiness to gay and
senseless companions, and can find no pleasure in
the cultivation of a little plat of ground, in com-
munion with nature, with books, and with a few
choice friends. They are the greatest and purest
minds who love Nature for her beauties. What is a
dreary waste to others, to them is a paradise. Such
men as Numa, Cato, Cincinnatus, Bacon, Cowper,
and Washington, have blessed Providence that they
saw the beauty of his handiwork, and wore enabled
to read

"The Living Page, whose every character
Delights and gives us wisdom."

D. W. L.
.^

For the Neio England Farmer.

WINTER PEARS.

Mr. Editor : I am desirous of procuring a few of
the best winter pear-trees. In looking over the
catalogues of nurserymen, I find some highly recom-
mended ; but, strange to say, I see none of the fruit
for sale in our market. How is it ? Are winter
pears so difficult of cultivation, that they must needs
be so rare, or so dear when to be found ? The vicinity
of Boston furnishes some of the best cultivators ; but
if you now pass through the market, you can only
find a few of the old-fashioned, but substantial iron
pears. Where are the Echassery, the Monarch, the
Winter Nelis, the St. Germain, the Colmar Autumn,
&c. ? As few of these pears appear late in the fall,
they demand from three cents to a ninepence
apiece, and are rather poor at that. Boston market
seems to furnish a great and good variety of winter
apples ; but where are the Avinter pears that make so
imposing a show in the catalogues of nuxserymen ?

L.
Editorial Remarks.

The reason that no fine winter pears are in our
market, or that they are so very scarce, is because
they ai-e difficult to raise. Most of our fine whiter
pears ai-e foreign and very uncertain ; and the culti-
vator will sooner set his acres with Baldwin apples,
or some other productive and salable kinds, than set
them with fr-uits that are liable to fail.

Yet cultivators should not be discouraged about
raising fine winter pears, for we have some hai'dy
native kinds that will succeed with proper attention ;
and though they may not be first rate, they are very
good, and far surer than foreign kinds.

As greater attention is now given to this subject,
improvements will be made. The best will become

118

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

generally known, and new and valuable native kinds
will be more extensively tried ; and by and by we
shall have a supply of good pcar3, not only for win-
ter, we hope, but for spring also.

For the Neio England Fanner.
DANVERS WINTER SWEET APPLE.

Mr. Editor : I will give some account of the apple
extensively known as the " Dan vers Winter Sweet-
ing." This apple originated in the South Parish
of Danvers, on the farm now owned by Kendall
Osborne, Esq. Daniel Eppes, who was considered
" the greatest schoolmaster in New England," and a
man of considerable note in his day, occupied this
farm, and raised the tree from a seedling, and gave
this fiae apple its name, by which it Avas early known,
viz., Eppes Sweeting. Mr. Eppes died on this farm
in the year 1722. If the original tree is now stand-
ing, it is probably 150 years old. It has been much
cultivated, in this neighborhood, under different
names, such as Eppes Sweeting, Danvers Winter
Sweet, Ippotent Sweeting, and Ipswich Sweeting.
This apple, by many persons, is frequently con-
founded with the Green Sweeting, which it much
resembles. But the true Danvers Winter Sweet-
ing, when ripe, has a beautiful yellow skin, like an
orange. After a diligent search, for many years, to
obtain a good baking sweet winter apple, I have
a3 yet found none better than the one above men-
tioned. The tree is very hardy and vigorous, of
rapid growth, and early bearing, and its fruit very
good and beautiful.

Yours,

SAMUEL P. FOWLER.

Danvers, March, 1S49.

For the Neio England Farmer.
FRUIT TREES AND THEIR CULTURE.

Mr. Editoii : In planting fruit trees to form an
orchard, some regard should be had to the soil ;
for it is better to sacrifice a little convenience, in the
plan of the orchard, to secure good, loamy soil, than
to study convenience only. With respect to soil, it
should be of a rich, loamy nature, neither too wet or
heavy, nor too light or dry : land which will produce
good crops of corn and grass will, in general, be
found well adapted to the growth of fruit trees.

If the loam is of sufficient depth and tolerably
good, plant without anj- addition whatever. If it is
shallow, the holes must be made, and the soil that is
good thrown on one side, to be used again ; while the
subsoil may be thrown out on the other side, or re-
jected altogether. These holes ought to be from
four to six feet across, according to the size of the
trees, and two feet deep ; and the good soil may be
returned into them, and they may be filled up with
the top spit or half spit, taken from all round the
hole, and the subsoil should be spread in its place ;
the holes being made at the distance intended for
the trees, which may be close or wide apart, accord-
ing to the kinds of trees planted, forty feet each
way for apples, thirty feet for pears and cherries,
twenty feet for peaches, and sixteen feet for plums.
It is necessary to examine the roots, to cut off all
the bruised ends, and especially to remove any root
that may grow downward ; cut such roots pretty
close to the bottom of the tree. Now, as the roots
have been somewhat shortened, it will be necessary
to head in the tree to within the last five or six buds
of the past season's growth, which will cause the tree
to throw out a strong growth of wood.

AU planting should be shallow ; the nearer the
surface the roots grow, the better, so that they are
well covered, for they will grow downwards fast
enough. Too much care cannot be exercised in
planting, as I am well satisfied that seven eighths of
the trees that fail to grow, in transplanting, may be
traced to deep planting. The tree ought in no case
to be placed more than one inch deeper than it stood
in the nursery ; yet we frequently see trees planted
quite up to the inoculation ; consequently they do
not grow in healthy vigor cither in respect to their
leaf or flower buds.

In planting, let one person hold the tree up-
right, while another dashes a pail of water on the
roots ; then pulverize the earth and scatter it among
the roots, by which means every small fibre becomes
coated with earth ; and as the hole is filled, tread the
earth firmly about the tree. If the planting is done
in the fall, raise a mound six inches in height about
the tree ; this will prevent the frost from heaving it ;
remove it in the spring.

In addition to treading down the earth, there
should be three stakes driven into the ground, two
feet from the tree, and sloping so as to press the
body of the tree ; and where these stakes press the
tree, they should be tied firmly, placing, however,
some straw next the body, that the bark may not be
injured by rubbing. These will effectually prevent
the roots from being disturbed bj' the wind, and
protect the tree from being injured by the plough.

It is well known to every farmer, that young fruit
trees will flourish luxuriantly while the ground is
cultivated with various vegetable crops, and that the
same tillage and manuring which is required by the
latter will prove highly conducive to the growth of
the former. In fact, it has been ascertained by ex-
perience and observation, that apples, pears, peaches,
&c., attain to their highest perfection only when the
soil about the roots is kept open and frequently
manured. A FRUIT- GROWEll.

Editorial Remarks.

We prefer planting trees nearer than recommended
by our correspondent, so as to have twice the num-
ber on the soU ; and after they come into bearing,
they will produce fruit along time before interfering.
In this way one can have fruit, some fifteen or twenty
years, from one hundred, instead of fifty trees ; and
when thej' interfere, cut away the poorest.

As to staking trees, it is a useless labor. Place
three or four stones, of six or ten pounds' weight each,
more or less, as convenient, around the tree, after it
is well set, within one or two inches of the trunk ;
then place some sods between the tree and stones,
and press them down. The stones wiU keep the
roots fast, and hold the tree firm, even against the
highest winds. This is better than stakes, and far
less trouble.

For the New E)iglu7id Farmer.
IMPROVEMENT OF LOW LANDS.

Mr. Cole : Having been a mechanic about twenty
years, and therefore somewhat inexperienced in agri-
cultural matters, and intending soon to remove to a
farm which I have in the town of Lyndboro', N. H., I
wish to obtain, through the medium of your paper,
some information as to the best method of reclaiming
a piece of swamji, or bog meadow land, of about
twenty acres; naturally growing the alder, and
white or soft maple ; mostly now in grass ; bearing
the usual variety of swamp grasses indigenous to low,
marshy situations.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

119

It has a clear muck or decayed vegetable soil of
about four or live feet deep, resting upon a hard pan
subsoil, and I think capable of being well drained,
which, of course, is the first thing to be done. But
will that alone bring it into better grass ? And what
effect will sand have upon it ? I wish to bring it
into English grass, (hcrdsgrass and red top,) if it can
be done, and should like to see something in the
New England Farmer on this subject.

IlcspectfuUy yours,

L. A. LUCAS.

Proctorsville, Vt., March 10, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.

In improving low lands, the bushes should be cut
even with the ground, and burned or removed. If
there are only a few large bushes or small trees, so
that the land is generally free from roots, and can be
ploughed, it is frequently better to remove the prin-
cipal roots with the tree, as they can be extracted
more conveniently in connection with the tree than
they can after the tree is cut down.

Thorough di'aining is essential to the improvement
of wet land. A main channel or drain should be
made in the centre or lowest part, sufficiently wide
and deep to carry off the water from different parts
of the meadow. In some cases, it is necessary to cut
a ditch, four or six feet deep in some parts, in order
to give a moderate descent from all parts.

Next to the main channel or ditch, marginal drains
should be made at or very near the margin of the
meadow, to receive the water that oozes out of the
high land. These drains should run along in a line
with the margin of the meadow, for if the drains run
directly from the high land to the main channel,
and they are no more than two rods apart, the water
will run from the high land, and spread out, between
the drains, to a considerable extent on the meadow,
and prevent thorough draining.

A sufficient number of cross drains should be made
to carry off the water. As to the distance between
them, much depends on circumstances. If the de-
scent be siriall, the land very wet, and the soil reten-
tive of moisture, it may be necessary to make the
drains within two or three rods of each other. In some
cases, meadows of two or three acres have been well
drained merely by making a marginal drain around
them ; as no stream of water passed through them,
and none boiled up in them, they became sufficiently
dry when the vv'ater was cut off from the high land.

In draining, it is better to cut through the mud
into the hard soil, unless the mud is very deep ; and
in that case deeper draining will be required than
where there is a hard subsoil.

After a meadow is drained, it is better to plough
it, if it can be done conveniently, as this thoroughly
destroys the wild grasses and weeds. But if it is too
wet, or there are so many roots that this cannot be
done, it may be improved by applying several inches
in depth of gravel, sand, or loam, preferring them in
the order in which they arc named, and adding
manure, and harrowing or working it into the gravel
or other substance that is applied ; and then sow it
to grass.

Draining will have a tendency to destroy the wild
grasses, and encoiurage the cultivated kinds that arc

sown. Ploughing has a good effect in the same
way. The earth applied promotes the growth of
cultivated grasses in preference to the wild ones, and
the manure has the same effect.

In many cases, meadows may be improved at a
small expense, after draining, by applying gravel,
&c., and a small quantity of manure, covering up a
mass of vegetable substance at the surface, without
ploughing, which will decay and form manure.
After a few years, the land will become drier, and
more firm at the surface, from its settling, and from
a grass sward, and the roots of bushes and trees will
have decayed, and then it can be further improved
by ploughing, applying more high land soil and
manure, and sowing down again.

As the soil and location of meadows vary greatly,
it is impossible to give definitely the best mode of
improvement, without an examination of the prem-
ises. These suggestions are general. Thorough
draining, and the liberal application of sand or gravel,
where the soil is mud, muck, or clay, and a mod-
erate quantity of manure, are all essential to an
improvement sufficient to produce large crops of
excellent grass.

FRUITS AND FRUIT TREES.

At the agricultural meeting, at the State House,
Mai'ch 13, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder in the chair,
the above subject was discussed.

Mr. Wilder opened the discussion. He said, that
the culture of fruit trees, or, in modern language, the
science of pomology, occupies a wide field. Grain
and vegetables may be considered the necessary and
substantial blessings of Providence ; but he had
ever regarded delicious fruits as the overflowings of
his bounty. Formerly the cultivation of fine fruits
was linrited to the gardens of the opulent and the
vicinity of good markets. But the increased facili-
ties for information, intercourse, and transportation
has spread over the land and awakened an interest
in the subject, so that now thousands of trees are
planted instead of dozens ; and the most humble
cottage without its fruit trees and grape vines is
considered as an anomaly. In no part of the world
is this enterprise crowned with better success than
in our own country. Mr. Wilder here alluded to
the statement of Mr. Barry, (which is on page 103,)
in regard to the demand in England for American
fruits, showing that so vast an amount of fruit was
necessary for home consumption and for foreign mar-
kets that there -was no danger of overstocking the
market. Several varieties of different species were
recommended as worthy of general cultivation.

Hon. J. C. Gray, of Boston, recommended sub-
soiling or trenching the land before planting trees,
and taking up trees with great care, so as not to
break the roots. He remarked, that our climate was
better for fruit trees than that of England.

Mr. Marshall S. Rice, of Newton, spoke of the great
injury to apple-trees by the caterpillar, and he
recommended destroying their eggs, which may be
seen on the small branches, glistening in the morning

120

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Bun. He picks up the -windfalls of apples, which
prevents the fruit from being wormy. He had kept
Russet apples a year and a half in dry sand.

Hon. Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, inquired for the
best method of removing large trees. He thought it
was a favorable time to destroy caterpillars when
they first formed their nests, as it was but little
labor.

Colonel Wilder said, that he removed large trees,
with success, by digging a trench around them in
autumn, leaving a sufficient ball of earth to protect
the roots, and remove them when the earth becomes
frozen. It is an expensive way.

Hon. Mr. Calhoun, secretary of state, said, that
fruit was tlie farmer's most ijroiitable crop. He
thought that this country would supply England
with fruit. He said, that in almost every section
there were valuable native fi'uits worthy of attention.
In Springlicld was the Congress apple, which was
an excellent kind.

Mr. Brigham, of AVestborough, said, that he had
prevented the effects of curculios by placing a hen
and chickens under the tree to devour them.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, exhibited
fine specimens of the Northern Spy, Ladies' Sweeting,
Shawraut, and Red Russet apples, and made some
remarks on their qualities, habits, &c., observing, that,
in order to keep apples late, the better way was to
cultivate late varieties. These kinds were all late
and excellent, but not well tested. These fruits were
tried at the close of the meeting.

Dr. Bardwell, representative from Whately, rec-
ommended, in the raising of fruit trees, to begin right,
and select only the largest and most vigorous stocks,
as many were small, and unsuitable for setting.

March 21. The discussion of this subject was
continued, Mr. Wilder presiding, who opened the
meeting with general remarks on soil, its preparation
and manures. He said, that all kinds of trees suc-
ceeded well on a good mellow loam. Some require
a warm soil, others a cold soil ; and some Avill flour-
ish in any soil, and in different sections of the coun-
try. The soil should be prepared by draining if the
land be wet, and soils generally are improved by
subsoiling and trenching. ^luch depends on appro-
priate manures. In some cases, specific manures are
necessary. By the analyses of the ashes of various
trees it was shown what manures are required for each
species. Lime and potash are necessary for the
apple, and potash and bone-dust for the pear.

Mr. Bartlctt, of the Boston Cultivator, made some
remarks on the appropriate manures. He said, that
new lands furnished proper food for trees, but in the
process of time the orchard fails, the food is taken
up in the production of trees and fruit, and the soil
becomes exhausted. The leaves are blown away,
the fruit carried off, and the pomace wasted. Spe-
cific manures must be applied to renovate the soil.
Kirtland says, that a tree requhes specific food as
well as an animal.

Mr. Rice, of Newton, said, that where cows ran in
a pasture and devoured the fallen apples, the fruit
was not wormy ; but worms were very destructive to
apples in orchards where fruits remain under the

trees. He said that there was a great profit in graft-
ing our old trees of worthless fruit. He puts litter
around newly set trees, and stones on it to support
the tree, but uses no stakes. He had applied urine
around peach-trees for the yellows, and he thought
it had a favorable effect. Mr. Rice said, that his
peach buds were killed, excepting a few trees on the
back side of the barn.

Major Benjamin Wheeler, of Framingham, said,
that his soil was not well adapted to raising peaches.
His soil was low ; the buds were killed about three
years in four. On high lands, in that town, poaches
succeeded well. One man said, that he had not failed
of a good crop for thirty years. He thought, that the
buds were killed bj' severe cold, not by sudden
changes from warm to cold weather. In low land,
the cold weather is more severe. He had prevented
the operations of worms in apple-trees, by washing
the trees in a solution of potash, about strong enough
to bear up an egg. Some will not set trees, as they
say that they are too old. Others think there will
be a superabundance of fruit ; and yet not one
farmer in four has a good orchard : the demand for
good fruit is increasing ; and nearly half the apples
in our market are from the state of New York.

Col. Wilder thought, that extreme cold weather,
and not sudden changes, caused the destruction of
fruit buds.

Mr. Buckminstcr, of the Ploughman, said, that
trees should be taken up very carefully, so as not to
break the roots. Many persons are apt to set too
deep. The roots should be near the surface, and no
deeper than they were in the nursery. Some litter
should be laid around the tree, to make the soil light
and moist. This, with some stones laid on it, will
support the tree, and no stakes will be necessary.
Then the trees will need no hoeing, and but little
watering. Muck is a good manure for trees.

Samuel Walker, Esq., of Roxbury, said, that he
would dispense with all manures, rather than with
the preparation of the soil. Trenching is good,
and a tree will grow in a good soil Avithout special
manures : these maj'- be useful after a while. Trees
should be adapted to the soil ; and it is important to
get the best varieties. The apple is a noble fruit,
and of more importance than other finer kinds. The
amateur may have his hundreds of kinds, but the
cultivator for the market should have but few. He
recommended the Rhode Island Greening as the best,
the Gravcnstein next, and then the Baldwin, which
were sufficient for the market.

Hon. Mr. Russell, of Princeton, presented Russet
apples, of fine condition, of 1847. His mode of
keeping is as follows : When he gathers his apples,
he puts them into barrels, and places them in a cold
place, in a shed, or somewhere under cover, tiU cold
weather, and then puts them in a cool cellar.

At the close of the meeting, Mr. Cole presented
for trial fine specimens of cranberries, from Mr.
S. P. Fowler, of Danvers, lately picked, which were
raised and preserved as detailed on the twenty-
second page of this volume.

The same subject was continued, a report on which
will appear in our next number.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

121

EASTER BEURRE PEAR.

Size, rather large; form, roundish-obovate, often
varying to almost roundisli-oval, like the above
representation ; color, dark-yellowish, green, with a
brown cheek full in the sun, and specks and patches
of russet ; stem, short, stout, in a small, abrupt
cavity ; calyx, small, in a shallow, plaited basin ;
flesh, white, fine texture, tender, melting, of a sweet,
luscious flavor. In use from December to May. It
is a good grower, and generally bears well and
early.

When grown to perfection, and well ripened, by
good management, the Easter Beurre is among the
best very late pears ; but like many other delicious
foreign fruits, it is very uncertain in New England,
and is adapted to the garden, rather than to
orchard culture. It will succeed only in warm loca-
tions, and some cultivators, with a favorable situation,
have abandoned it on account of its uncertainty,
while others prefer it to all other late winter and
spring pears. It is in use when pears are very scarce,
as we have but very few kinds at this season. The
Easter Beurre succeeds best on the quince stock :
this is the general opinion of cultivators ; but Mr.
Pond says, that he is more successful in using the
pear stock.

Our engraving is made from a fine specimen in a
lot presented by Samuel Pond, Esq., of Cambridge-
port, who, in a fine location, and with skilful man-
agement, succeeds well with this variety.

For the New England Farmer.
MAKING HOTBEDS.

Me. Editor : In making hotbeds, most people
follow the rules of the English gardeners, and do not
make any allowance for climate. The article in the
Farmer, March 17, states the quantity of manure at
three feet for February, and one and a half feet for the
last of March or first of April. I have used hotbeds
ever since 1831, and have never used half that quan-
tity, and have had more trouble with heat than with
cold. I make my bed as follows : —

I do not want the whole depth of the hole more
than eighteen inches from the glass to the bottom,
which is filled np as follows : viz., two inches at the
bottom, with dry leaves or meadow hay ; four inches
of good green horse manure ; six inches of good rich
mellow soil ; and that leaves six inches for the plants
to grow in at first ; and the settling of the bed soon
makes more room. If the soil is dry enough for
sowing, I never wait for heat, but put the seed in
directly, and in three or four days the plants will
begin to come up. A bed made in this way will
force the plants full fast enough, and will notreqviire
one half so much water as one made with two or
three feet of manure. And the last week in March
or the first of April I consider early enough for
tomato, cabbage, lettuce, cress, pepper, &c., in this
climate. If there are any seeds of weeds in the soil,
they will get a start of the plants, if sowing be de-
layed after the bed is prepared.

B. F. CUTTEIl.

Pelham, N. H., March, 1849.

122

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

PLASTER, OR GYPSUM.

Many cultivators have expressed great surprise that
gypsum, or plaster of Paris, should operate favora-
bly as a manure on a piece of land for a number of
years, and then cease to have any effect. But we do
not regard this as at all surprising, for in the first
place we must consider that the soil is deficient in
the elements of which plaster is composed, else it
would not operate as a fertilizer, or a stimulant ; and
by applying it for several years this deficiency is
supplied, and further applications cease to produce
any beneficial effect.

As plaster is composed of sulphate of lime, or a
combination of sulphur and lime, these ingredients
may be taken up into the plants, as they constitute a
part of most plants, though a small part ; and this
may account for a small quantity of plaster produ-
cing so powerful effects in the production of crops.
For although the amount of lime and sulj^hur is
generally very small in plants, yet that small amount
is absolutely necessary in their composition.

When the soil has become saturated, or suffi-
ciently supplied with plaster, and no further appli-
cations are made for several years, the plaster may
become used up, in some measure, either by culti-
vated crops, or the spontaneous production of weeds,
grasses, bushes, &c. ; and then a new a^jplication may
again prove to be beneficial. Or plaster may have a
valuable effect on the soil, in preparing it to supply
food for plants, and after a few years this favorable
effect may cease until a further chemical change
takes place in the soil, which may, after a while,
become a slow process, so that years will pass away
before plaster will again act as a manure.

We have in nature a great many analogous cases.
Sand may be added to a clayey soil until there is
sand enough, and it ceases to be useful ; but after a
long course of cropping with corn, herdsgrass, red-
top, and small grains, a large amount of silex or
sand is taken up in solution, and a new addition of
sand would be beneficial. An animal may bo in
great want of salt, or some other condiment, and it
may be given until it is no longer useful. After
a while, the condition of the animal may require
another supply.

These remarks may explain some of the facts
offered in the following interesting article from the
Dollar Newspaper.

Gypsum and Clover. — For the last seventeen
years, my attention has, to some extent, been directed
to the peculiarity of the different soils of this and
the adjoining counties of Maryland. Much atten-
tion has been bestowed on the various modes of
improving the soil, more particularly by the use of
clover and plaster of Paris. This having been the
favorite system for the last twenty years, and indeed
long before that time, no other course was considered
at all reasonable. I well recollect of seeing in nearly
every part of our country the most luxuriant field's
of clover, rising at least two feet or more from the
surface of the land, therefore furnishing the soil
with a most splendid covering, sufficient, when
ploughed under, to enrich the soil, to make it produce
the finest growth of cotton, corn, wheat, or tobacco.
Since the time first alluded to, there has been a very
general complaint that ovu' lands were not half so

valuable as they were first supposed to be, in conse-
quence of our fields not possessing the capacity of
yielding their former crops of clover. One man asks
another why this should be so. What has done all
this mischief? And, strange to say, no two individuals
can agree. Well, now, as we have neither the Ural
Mountains of Kussia nor the mountains of New
Mexico or California to resort to to enrich our soils,
let us be content to use such means as may be within
our power to effect this most desirable object.

It is a fact not to be questioned, that land which
once produced fhic crops of clover, when accompanied
with gypsum or plaster, will now scarcely produce
any ; at least, will not when clover and plaster have
been regularly used for seven or eight years. Now,
my principal object is to learn, why is all this ? Is
the land tii'cd of cultivation ? Or isit that the gyp-
sum is adulterated, and its properties useless to the
application of clover? I think not. I believe too
much has been infused into the earth. I cannot
suppose the clover can in any way be detrimental to
the soil. It must be the bad effects of the plaster ;
for who doubts for a moment that its effects are
various, and there are principles which have been
discovered, by which its influence has been traced ?
Some salutarj' correction is needed ; but what that
remedy is, I am at a loss to conjecture. Ho alone who
is familiar with chemistry, and can analyze the soil,
can point out the constituents necessary to correct
the evil. There is, to my mind, a most mysterious
agency in plaster as well as lime, and he who can
explain it is a benefactor. Can its advantages or dis-
advantages be owing to the chemical character of the
soil, or the kind and quality of vegetation thereon
produced ? We not unfrequently complain that the
land is worthless, it is exhausted ; and verily we can-
not explain what we mean. For myself, I plead
ignorance. I will state, however, a few circum-
stances which have come under my personal observa-
tion. I discontinued the use of gypsum on my clover
land for nearly five yeai's, believing, when I again
commenced its use, that the best results would ac-
company the experiment ; and so they turned out.
My most sanguine expectations have been more than
realized.

I sowed, this season, (1848,) forty bushels of clover
seed, and the most competent judges have affirmed
that it has never fallen to their lot to witness a more
luxuriant crop of young clover, the greater part of
which was bedded, which is very unusual. The
entire field was well plastered, and when a row
happened to escape the action of the plaster, the
clover was small and pun}'. Now, I will venture a
prediction, should plaster be regularly applied, say
for the next five years, that this very land will not
produce clover sufficient to make even good grazing.
It must now be admitted that I have opened a wide
and extended field of inquiry, on a subject which is
entitled to at least some consideration from an intelli-
gent agricultural community, without attempting to
explain the i)roperties of the mineral mostly used, or
without any attempt at analysis of the different soils
Ave have to cultivate, for the best reason — my ex-
perience in a theoretical point of view does not
justify it. What I have obtained has been from
long experience, certainly not from theory. What
we require is science, fully devcloijcd through chem-
istry ; and not till then can the occtipation of the
farmer rise to that elevated position so necessary for
him to occupy, and which it should be his object to
acquire.

• "♦

THE GRAPE.

At the Farmers' Club, which meets monthly, in
the city of New York, for the purpose of discussing
various agricultural subjects, Dr. XJnderhill made the

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

123

following remarks, which are entitled to particular
attention, as they are from a very skilful cultivator
of extensive experience. lie has at Croton Point,
on the North River, a vineyard of twenty acres
under successful cultivation, fi-om which we have
occasionally had some of the finest and largest
grapes. The Isabella is the principal kind culti-
vated. The Catawba is the next in importance.

Farmers' Club. — Dr. Underhill said, " I am asked
to speak on the grape question ; but I cannot in
the space of an hour give a proper view of it. I
will, therefore, but sketch. The grape is immortal-
ized in history, in poetry, in Scripture, in painting,
llie rich architccturo of antiquity, the frescoes,
vases, and other beautiful works, are entwined with
the vine and its precious clusters. The tendrils of
the grape have enwrapped the heart of man in CA^ery
country where it grows. The graj^e is so delicious,
so salutary, — diluting the blood, and causing it to
flow easily through the veins, — and there is nothing
equal to it for old age. In this country its use will
grow, will increase, until its consumption will be pro-
digious. It will supplant some of the articles which
destroy men, and establish the cheerful body in place
of the bloated, diseased systems of intemperance.
No disease of the liver — no dyspepsia — are found
among those who fi'eely eat the grape. This remark-
able fact is stated in reference to the vineyard por-
tions of France. Persons who are sickly, in grape
countries, are made well when grapes are rii^e. And
this result is familiarly called the grapo cure. In
this coimtry our attention has been long misdirected.
We have spent years and sums of money on im-
ported vines. We have proved the fallacy of all
this. The foreign grape-vine will not flourish in our
open air. It only thrives under glass. I suppose
that millions of dollars have been lost on these
foreign vines during the past century. Climate has
settled that question. Our extremes of heat and
cold are incompatible with the character of the
foreign vine. Time will show that our native stock
of grapes will, by cultivation, gradually improve in
qualit}^ It is with them as with animals : a great
amelioration follows care and proper knowledge. I
spent some thousands of dollars on the foreign grape-
vines without success. AVe want to supply our
twenty millions of people with fine grapes. In
1830, France produced fourteen thousand millions
pounds of grapes ; of which were consumed on the
tables, and exported in the form of raisins, &c., two
thousand millions of pounds. Arc you afraid that
our market will be overstocked from the few vine-
yards which Ave have ?

" There are many books on the culture of the vine,
but their doctrines are generally not at all applicable
to our country. Europe has the moisture from the
ocean — we have dry winds blowing over our conti-
nent. More heat penetrates our ground in one of
our hot, bright days, than England has in a week.
The books of Europe are an honor and an ornament
to the world ; but they lend us from the truth fre-
quently ; such is the great difference of the climates
of Europe and America. Wc must here select our
best native grapes ; there are many ; of which we
have now proved the Isabella and Catawba to be
excellent. Plant the vines deep, on dry soil, Avhere
there are no springs of water ; slaty, calcareous, or
other soils; but the drier they are, the better for
the grape. A soil of brick clay will not do. The
roots must be deep, to avoid our scA'cre droughts.
Plough the ground exceedingly deep before you
plant your A'ineyard. I haA'c found that, in seven
years' culture, the savage musk of my Isabella has
vanished. Its character is greatly changed for the
better. Its pulp is almost gone ; its seeds are less."

SELLING CORN ON THE COS.

We have noticed, for the last few years, a custom,
coming into general use, of selling corn on the cob.
During the late fall, Ave Avitncssed many deliveries in
our city of the kind. This custom Ave hold to be
"more honored in the breach than the obserA'ance,"
and, therefore, should be reformed. The cost of
transportation, a costly item of expense, is thereby at
least doubled : the merchant purchaser gets the
cobs for nothing, Avhile the farmer unnecessarily
imposes a heavy tax for couA'cyance upon himself.
Setting aside this vicAV of the subject, there are oth-
ers of vast moment to CA'cry farmer Avho looks upon
economy as a virtue. The cob of the corn crushed
into meal, or broken into suitably sized pieces, and
cooked, is Avorth, as a matter of nutrinxent, tAvo fifths
as much as grain as food for milch-coAvs or Avorking
oxen, while it improA^es the quality of the manure
made by the beasts fed upon it, imparting to it, be-
sides a very sensible portion of nitrogenous matter,
other certain mineral salts, Avhich Avould be other-
Avise lost.

To the man Avho may not have paid attention to
the study of economy, this may appear a small mat-
ter ; but if he will reflect, that every time he may
sell tAvo hundred bushels of corn in the ears, he pays
the transportation upon one hundred bushels more
than he receiA'Os any consideration for — that he
gives aAvay one hundred bushels of excellent food —
that he removes that quantity of manure from his
farm, and to that extent impoverishes his land, he
Avill see at once that he is Avarring against his inter-
est, and that justice to himself and family requires
that he should no longer pursue a practice at once
so ruinous and impolitic. — American Farmer,

Remarks by the Editor of the Neav ExaLAND
Farmer.

The cob of corn contains nutriment for animals,
such as cattle, horses, &c., Avhich are accustomed to
coarse herbage, and Avhose poAvers of digestion are
sufficient to decompose broAvse, even tolerably largo
tAvigs. And though it seems to be a Avell established
fact that cobs are nutritious, yet it is not settled aa
to the amount of nutriment they contain.

The experiment by distillation shows the amount
of alcohol produced from cobs, compared \A-ith that
of the same quantity of corn ; but whether the cobs
contain the same proportion of nutriment that can
be extracted in its passage through the animal, is not
well settled ; nor can it be, excepting by numerous
and varied experiments. Besides the advantage in
grinding the cob with corn, on account of nutriment,
the cob is useful in adding bulk to food that is too
solid or concentrated.

AGE OF SHEEP DETERIORATES THEIR
WOOL.

It has been obsei-ved, by the most experienced
wool-groAvers, that the older the sheep the less fine
the wool. The avooI is said to be of the best quality
when the sheep is from two to five years of age :
after that it deteriorates.

Mr. Blanchard, of New York, states that he has
known flocks that yielded avooI that sorted number
one when young, when older drop down to number
tAvo or three.

Those Avho wish io grow the first grade of wool
should keep young sheep. Some go so far as not to
use a buck after he is four years old.

124

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

jPomcstic ^Department.

A Mother's Influence. — For myself, I am sure
that a different mother would hdve made me a differ-
ent man. When a boy, I was too much like the
self- willed, excitable Clarence ; but the tenderness
with which my mother always treated me, and the
unimpassioned but earnest manner in which she
reproved and corrected my faults, subdued my un-
ruly temper. When I became restless or impatient,
she always had a book to read to me, or a story to
tell, or had some device to save me from m^yself. My
father was neither harsh nor indulgent towards me ;
I cherish his memory with respect and love. But I
have different feelings when I think of my mother.
I often feel, even now, as if she were near me — as
if her cheek were laid to mine. My father would
place his hand upon 7ny head, caressingly, but my
mother would lay her cheeh against mine. I did not
expect my father to do more — I do not know that I
would have loved him better had he done more ; for
him it was a natural expression of affection. But no
act is too tender for a mother. Her kiss upon my
cheek, her warm embrace, are all felt now, and the
older I grow, the more holy seem the influences that
Bun-ounded me in childhood. — " The Mother," by
T. S. Arthur.

To MAKE GOOD CoFFEE. — First procure the best
coffee in the market ; wash it very clean, and roast
it to the color of a golden brown, but not a deeper
shade, by any means. Then take the whites of three
eggs to each pound of coffee, mix very carefully with
the coffee while warm, and immediately tranfer to
earthen vessels, tying them over with bladders to
render them air tight. Take from these vessels suf-
ficient coffee for one making only at a time ; grind it,
place it in a fine muslin bag, suspend it about mid-
way in the pot, turn on the boiling water, and put
on the cover to prevent the escape of steam. By
this mode the coffee will be very strong, but it is
best to reduce it by the addition of boiling-hot milk,
when it will form a most delicious beverage, very
different, indeed, from that which is produced by
boiling the ground coffee in water. And to be con-
vinced of the fact, that, by the above method, which
is simply infusion, all the virtues of the coffee may
be obtained, it is only to take the dregs left in the
bag, and boil them in water for a considerable time ;
the result will be, a black, bitter, nauseous, feverish,
•woody extract, without a trace of the fine flavor of
coffee, and answering to the name by which it was
known on its first introduction into use, according
to the account published in the eighth volume of the
••Harlean Miscellany," namely, "the devil's black
broth " ! The making of tea is by infusion, not de-
coction. "Who ever thinks of boiling tea ? — Farmer's
Cabinet.

Griddle Cakes of Unbolted Wheat. — A quart
of unbolted wheat and a teaspoonful of salt ; wet it
up with water, or sweet milk, in which is dissolved
a teaspoonful of saleratus ; add three spoonfuls of
molasses. Some raise this with yeast, and leave out
the saleratus. Sour milk and saleratus are not as
good for unbolted as for fine flour.

These are better and more healthful cakes than
buckwheat. — Prairie Fartner.

on the linen, lay it on the grass, and, as it dries,
wet it a little, and the mildew will come out Ja.
thrice doing.

I3o23' IDcpartnicut.

Prepabe Seeds. — As the season for planting is
approaching, boys should furnish themselves with
seeds of melons, cucumbers, early corn, flowers, &c.
For each should have a little patch of land for his
own, on which ho should raise a variety of vegeta-
bles and some beautiful flowers.

A boy who has a small plat, cultivated by himself,
will take great pleasure in keeping it in fine condi-
tion, and in watching the changing plants from the
time they start from the ground until they come to
full perfection. Every stage of growth will afford
something of novelty and interest, and when the
cucumbers, melons, early potatoes, beans, corn, &c.,
are fit for use, how pleased will be the industrious
boy who sees liis friends partalce of the products of
his own hands !

To take Mildew out of Linen. — Rub it well
with soap, then scrape some fine chalk, rub that also

Taking Care of the Pence. — One of the hardest
lessons for many of our young men to learn is that
trite and sterlmg doctrine of Poor liichard — " Take
care of the pence, and the pounds will take care of
themselves." But hard and distasteful as it is, we
must learn and practise the maxim, or take the still
harder alternative of poverty and want.

We have no inclination to teach any of our read-
ers a lesson in miserly meanness and littleness.
The miserable Muckrake, who consecrates his ener-
gies to the saving of the shreds, and fragments, and
sweepings that lie in his path as an ultimate object,
is quite as pitiable a being as the most prodigal
spendthrift. What we desire is, to save the thought-
less and wasteful from future embarrassment and
trouble by putting him upon a course of economy and
care-taking in his ordinary expenditures. This is all
that is necessary, and all we wish.

Hundreds of young men, some of whom may read
this paragraph, might this day have been in posses-
sion of a snug little capital, if they had simply
dispensed with superfluous indulgences during the
time they have been engaged in business. It would
have cost no sacrifice of generous feeling, or of re-
spectability of character ; and besides the saving of
money, it would have been attended with the ac-
quisition of a habit of minute economy, or precise
attention to the small details of daily business, which
is itself worth more than money ; which is in truth
the most productive kind of capital.

In this country, and as business is here managed,
a little capital gives a young man great advantage,
especially if, along with it, he possesses superior busi-
ness talents and habits. And the fact that he has
saved from a small income a snug little sum in the
course of a few years, is itself pretty good evidence
that he has the right habits and abilities to succeed
well ; and no introduction or letters of recommenda-
tion can speak so loudly in his favor. At the same
time, the buoyancy of mind and spirits which this
advantage inspires in the young adventiu-er himself
is often a material help to him in his future under-
takings. In every respect, he appears in favorable
contrast to those other young men, who, though
placed in circumstances equally favorable, have ac-
quired no property, contracted bad habits, and feel
jaded and discouraged by their unfruitful toU.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

125

It has a great and happy effect upon one's own
mind and energy to feel that a beginning is made —
that a foundation is laid to build upon ; and, if for
no other reason, for this every young man should
look well to see what- becomes of his first earnings.
It is comparatively easy to add to a stock, however
small; loss easy to think of beginning one.

We repeat our advice, then, old and oft repeated
as it has been. Take care of the pennies, the first
earned pennies of youthful endeavor, and the pounds
of after life will take care of themselves. — Dry Goods
Reporter.

i^caltl).

For the New England Farme)\

To CURE A Cold. — The present winter has been
characterized by the severity of colds, with which
almost every body has been afflicted. We ourselves
have had one, the most obstinate we ever had, con-
fining us to the house for two weeks, and by an
almost incessant cough forbidding ns to sleep by day
or night. We tried various remedies, until we wore
them out without realizing any desirable effect, and
at last heard of and tried the following, to wit : Take
thoroughwort, hoarhound, and pennyroyal, of each a
good handful, and boil them in just water enough to
extract the strength ; then strain off the liquor, and
add an equal quantity of molasses, and boil until it
forms a candy. Eat freely of this every time an
inclination to cough is felt, and your cough will soon
leave you. After using this candy for half a day,
we had a night of good sleep, and found our appetite
much improved next morning.

Amputation •without Pain. — The Philadelphia
Ledger makes the following suggestion : —

Two cases have recently occurred in Schuylkill
county, Pennsylvania, in which limbs have been
accidentally cut by a swift moving circular saw. In
both instances the persons were cleaning out the
refuse that accumulates in the dark chamber under
the work-bench in which the saw is set. One of
them had three deep slips cut between different fin-
gers, up into the hand, one cut after another. The
other had all the fingers of one hand cut off; some
half way, and others loss. In both cases, the persons
were not aware of their loss till the sight of blood
attracted their attention on coming to the light — so
free from pain was the operation. This suggests the
idea of employing an instrument of this kind for
similar purposes in surgery. A very light and porta-
ble instrument could easily be made to receive its
rapid circular movement by hand ; and the freedom
from pain ought to commend it to speedy use. It
would have the further advantage of making the
section with greater precision than can be attained
with the ordinary surgical knife and handsaw ; and
it would not require the same finnncss of nerve
either in the patient or the operator.

iUcdjanics' ^Department, ^rts, $Ct.

The Water Hammer. — Our unscientific readers
may be interested in an explanation of the water
hammer. By opening a stop-cock or fountain in a
tube, as that of one of the great mains of the Long
Pond water, a current is established through the
tube, the velocity of which is to that of the jet at the
orifico inversely as the square of the diameter of the
pipe to the square of the diameter of the orifice.

Thus, if the orifice at the fountain be three inches
and the main thirty inches in diameter, and the
velocity of the jet be seventy-five feet per second, a
current of nine inches per second will be established
in the main. If the jet be six inches in diameter,
the current ia the main will be thirty-six inches, or
three feet, per second. Now, the momentum, or
amount of motion, is proportional to the amount of
velocity multiplied into the weight of the Avater in
motion. The water in four miles and a half of thirty
inch pipe would be something over four thousand tons,
if our ciphering is correct. The motion or blow which
an instantaneous stopping of a three inch fountain
destroys, is that of a hammer of four thousand tons
moving at the rate of nine inches a second, or half a
mile in an hour, which is just the same blow as that
of a hammer of forty tons, moving with the velocity
of the jet, or seventy-five feet per second. And in a
water pipe this blow takes effect in all directions,
the weakest point, if any thing, yielding. When we
consider the force of a hammer weighing forty tons,
— eight thousand pounds, — swung with the light-
ning velocity of seventy-five feet per second, we shall
see that the strength either of the gate boxes or the
pipes is nothing to it, and that their only safety lies
in the impossibility of shutting a stop-cock instan-
taneously. As time is employed in destroying the
motion, the force of the blow is divided. — Farmer
and Mechanic.

New Principle in the Saw Mill. — Horaco
Hecock, writing to the Jeffersonian, says ho has
invented a method of sawing, " calculated, as a
general thing, to save the time and trouble of gigging
back the carriage, as the saw, after cutting through,
is instantly reversed, together with the feeding
apparatus, setting the board at the same time to the
required thickness, and returns cutting through the
log each way alternately, without stopping, until the
log is finished." The mill, however, is built with
apparatus for gigging back the carriage, for conve-
nience in cutting through the first time, for scant-
ling, &c. — N. Y. Farmer.

Improved Shoe-Pegging Machine. — This is an
invention described in the American Cabinet, the
merits of which consist in holding the shoe on rock-
ing, turning, or moving stocks, in the proper position
to be pegged together with the simultaneous inter-
mittent movement of the carriage and stock, by
means of a cogged and grooved guide pattern, and
traversing guide shaft and pinion, for the purpose
of arranging the pegs at uniform distances apart, in
lines round the sole of the shoe, and parallel to its
edges.

Also, the employment of the turning tube, for the
purpose of receiving the charger, and then placing
them over the hole punctured in the sole of the shoe
by the awl, in the proper position to be driven there-
in, combines the manner of supplying the turning
tube with pegs from the charger at suitable intervals,
by means of a vibrating driver.

And lastly, the employment of a spiral chamber
or groove to contain the pegs and supply them to
the charger, one at a time, by the simultaneous inter-
mittent action of the traversing pusher, and ratchet
wheel, or otherwise in combination with the charger
driver, turning tube, awl, and punch, arranged and
operated in the manner and for the purpose de-
scribed. — Farmer a7id Mechajiic.

Machine for Carving. — Mr. Isiac M. Singer, of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has invented a very inge-
nious machine for carving block letters for signs,

126

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

wooden type, door knobs, and every other species
of fancy carving. It i3 said that the machine -will
do the work of ten men, and can be tended by a
girl. — American Artisan.

Gutta Porcha has been used ^vith great success in
making hats. Hats that are made with this composi-
tion are lisht and delicate.

HORTICULTURE.

BY MRS. LYDIA H. SIGOURXEY.

If the admiration of the beautiful things of nature
has a tendency to soften and refine the character, the
culture of them has a still more powerful and abiding
influence. It takes the form of an affection. The
seed which we have nursed, the tree of our planting,
under whose shade we sit with delight, are to us as
living, loving friends. In proportion to the care Ave
have bestowed on them is the warmth of our regard.
They are also gentle and persuasive teachers of His
goodness who causeth the sun to shine and the dew
to distil ; who forgets not the tender buried vine
amid the snows and ice of winter, but bringeth forth
the root, long hidden from the eye of man, into ver-
nal splendor or autumnal fruitage.

The lessons learned among the works of nature
are of peculiar value in the present age. The rest-
lessness and din of the railroad principles, which
pervade its operations, and the spirit of accumulation
which threatens to corrode every generous sensibilitj',
are modified by the sweet friendship of the quiet
plants. The toil, the hurry, the speculation, the
sudden reverse which mark our own times, beyond
any that have preceded them, render it particularly
salutary for us to heed the admonition of our Savior,
and take instruction from the lilies of the field, those
peaceful denizens of the bounty of heaven.

Horticulture has been pronounced, by medical men,
as salutary to health, and to cheerfulness of spirits ;
and it would seem that this theory might be sus-
tained, by the placid and happy countenances of
those who use it as a relaxation from the excitement
of business, or the exhaustion of study. And if he
who devotes his leisure to the cultiire of the works
of nature benefits himself, he who beautifies a
garden for the eye of the community is surely a
public benefactor. He instils into the bosom of the
man of the world, panting with the gold fever, gen-
tle thoughts, which do good like a medicine. He
cheers the desponding invalid, and makes the eye of
the child brighten with a more intense happiness.
He furnishes pure aliment for that taste which
refines character and multiplies simple pleasures.
To those who earn their substance by laboring on his
grounds, he stands in the light of a benefactor. The
kind of industry which he promotes is favorable to
simplicity and virtue. With one of the sweetest
poets of our mother land, we may say, —

" Praise to the sturdy spade.
And patient plough, and shepherd's simple crook ;
And let the light mechanic's tool be hailed
With honor, which, encasing, by the power
Of lona; companionship, the laborer's hand.
Cut ofi'tliat hand, with all its world of nerves,
From a too busy commerce with the heart."

Lady's Book.

THE GADFLY IN CATTLE - INQUIRY.

I have a cow which I value highly, and she is
troubled with grubs in her back, which I suppose
are caused by the gadfly depositing its eggs, in the
summer, in the animal's back ; and they are now

undergoing a change preparatory to their exit and
transfoi-mation into a fly, to torment anew the cattle.
In the present state, they seem to create great un-
easiness, the animal constantly licking herself; and
although well fed and sheltered, she falls away in
flesh, which I have no doubt is caused whoUy by
the irritation of these animals.

Now, what I want to know is, what is the remedy ?
Can any thing be applied which will destroy these
grubs, and do no injury to the cow?

Feb. 18. G. R. P.

Remarks. — These grubs arc undoubtedly the
larvse of the gadfly, {ccstrus hovis.) This fly, which
somewhat resembles a small humblebee, deposits
its eggs in the skin of the backs of cattle during the
latter part of summer ; and these worms, or grubs,
live during winter in or under the skin, causing
bunches or lumps easily felt by the hand outside,
and, Avhcn at all numerous, injuring the health and
growth of the animal. Each of these bunches will
be found to have a small opening, to admit air for the
insect, or to allow matter to escape. Vv'e know of
no way to destroy these vermin but to extract thera
by hand, squeezing them with the thumb and finger,
and aiding their exit with the point of a knife.
When the orifice is well open, a drop of turpentine
will do the work more easily. In no case should
they be allowed to remain long after their presence
is discovered. — Editor of Ohio Cultivator.

POTATOES.

We copy below, from that valuable paper, the
Dollar Newspaper, published in Philadelphia, an
excellent article on the general .subject of cultivation,
and it accords with the views of many on the potato
rot ; but although the state of the weather has great
influence in regard to this disease, and so has manure,
or the want of man\u-e, yet we do not regard these
as the original or principal cause. For they have
operated, as they now do, for a long period, without
potatoes being affected as they have been by the late
malady.

As far as I can, I will give the result of my obser-
vations on the effect of manure in the culture of
potatoes, in the hope of Icadiiag some one to the
analytical investigation of the difficulty. Having
made some experiments with manures, all the differ-
ence I could observe between those with rotted ma-
nure, those with unrotted, and those without any
manure, was, that those manured were much larger
and more numerous than those not manured. They
were planted at different times in March and April.
They wore tended with the utmost care, and grew as
finely as I ever saw, promising a fine yield, until
about the 2oth of July. At that time, for several
days, heavy rains and hot sunshine alternated, pro-
ducing a state of fermentation in the root, which
ended in the destruction of half the crop. Obser-
vation warrants me in saying that the rain or hot
weather was the inducing cause of the rot, for it
ceased with clear, cool weather.

The real cause was the lack of - some agent
necessary to its full formation, and which would
have rendered it proof against the exciting cause.
Says one, "Did you not manure some of them?"
So I did ; but did" the manure contain aU that was
necessary to the growth of the potato ? If it con-
tained enough for ordinary weather, did it contain
enough to be in proportion after the immense fall of
rain ? For it must be remembered that oxygon and
hydrogen, the component parts of water, enter into
vegetables by first dissolving other agents, and then,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

127

if the ground is not rich, in proportion, some will
enter moro largely than others.

In order, it" possible, to illustrate, I will note a
case which may ho observed by every farmer. Farm-
ers sometimes thresh their wheat in the field,
selecting a poor spot, that will hardly yield five
bushels to the acre. The straw is allowed to lie here
and rot, or is ploughed under, to enrich the worn-out
soil. In course of time, another sowing of wheat
takes place ; and when spring comes, the farmer con-
gratulates himself upon having in the field at least
one spot of good wheat. Harvest comes, and the
hands cut up to the ])lace, but they find the straw all
tumbled down, and the heads not filled. " O," says
one, " this ground is cnti'.e'y too rich."

Organic chemistry will tell you that the ground'
wa3 only half rich enough. The straw contained
only those agents necessary to reproduce straw, and
from the aptitude ot the rotting straw to hold and
appropriate the component parts of water, the stallc
shoots up without strength to support its overgrown
weight. If the ground had contained the ingredients
of the grain, and the salts of lime, &c., to strengthen
the stalk, there could have been no failure. Plant
this spot in corn, and the long ears in autumn will
tell that the ground possessed all that was neces-
sary for its perfect growth. I have seen these spots
fail in one grain and succeed in another ; but it
was a wonder, until organic chemistry explained the
mystery. Many a time I have wondered why a
stalk of corn would not grow in a pile of manure,
having seen them come up there eaiiy in the spring.
It ceases to be a wonder when we learn that the pile
is only rich in reference to ammonia, &e., and poor
in regard to several agents. The ground can never
be too rich, if it holds all the agents of growth in
just proportion : for the plant will apply what is de-
manded' for its support, and leave the balance for
another time.

I think the views here taken are in strict accord-
ance with science. Then we should learn the impor-
tance of knowing what the soil has, what is wanting,
what manures have, and then we can apj^ly them so
as to render the required assistance. Some may wish
to know why straw rotted in the barn-yard, where
stock run over it, makes better manure than that rot-
ted in the field. Simply because the deposits of the
cattle supply what is lacking in the field. When
quite small I remember seeing a large quantity of
lime applied to a field, as I was told, " to make it rich."
The trouble was not repaid, and the system of liming
was abandoned. The persons who did it cannot yet
tell why it was that no good resulted. Science steps
in, and tells the man of careful observation, that the
ground had lime enough, and that it wanted some-
tliing else. Eut more of this at another time, for
long articles are likely to be neglected.

Feankford, Ky., Feb. 1849. J. L.

HOW TO PLANT CHESTNUTS.

The plan for raising the chestnut is thiis : The nuts
must not be suffered to become stark dry. Plant
them in the spring of the year. The first winter, pro-
tect them from the frost, or they are apt to be killed
by freezing. The next spring transplant in the fol-
lowing manner : Select a dry soil, dig a hole eighteen
inches deep, three feet -wide ; iill it up with small, loose
stones and clay to within six inches of the surface ;
set your trees on that ; take care of it, and it wiU
grow well, and in four j-ears bear nuts.

The chestnut should be more attended to than it is.
It is valuable food, and very nourishing. In Italy
the chestnuts grow to the size of small apples, and ai-e
used for food by the peasantry.

WOOL IN THE WEST.

The cheapness of lands in the west, and the
small amount of labor required ia keeping sheep
through the winter, will cause a large production of
wool ; and the advantages of getting it to market at
a small expense, when its value, and not its bulk, ia
considered, compared with heavy articles, such as
grain, flour, &c., and a cheap and convenient mode
of raraking a sale to eastern manufacturers, at fair
prices and at a small commission, through the medi-
um of Mr. Peters's "Wool Depot, at Buffalo, give
additional encouragement to this branch of agricul-
ture in that vast and fertile region. We copy the
following item from the Racine (Wis.) Whig.

Wool. — The people of the Avest are beginning to
furnish their quota of this valuable commodity. It
is not long since little or no wool was grown in this
section of the country. We have now as extensive
flocks of sheep in Wisconsin, perhaps, as any other
state can boast. Messrs. Norton & Co., of this city,
have a fine flock of some twenty-five thousand sheep,
which are mostly in this state ; some in the northern
part of Illinois. This enterprising company will fur-
nish for the market upwards of fifty thousand pounds
of wool. This is worth from sixteen to twenty cents
per pound, according to the quality. The Pittsburgh
Journal of the 26th ult., says there is a good demand
for wool, and prices have advanced to twenty and
twenty-eight cents per pound for common to full
blood.

FACTS ABOUT SWINE.

We have received from Mr. Rood, of Adrian, some
facts in regard to the breeding of swine, which are
of importance to every farmer. Mr. R. remarked
that he had long observed, that pigs from old sows
made much heavier hogs than those from young
sows. And he related an instance which places the
matter in a very striking light. He had two
sows of the same breed, one of which was one year
old and the other three, the former being out of the
latter. Both sows had a litter of pigs on the same
night, and as a part of both litters were destroyed,
the tv.'o litters were put together and nursed by the
older sow. The pigs of the young sow were appa-
rently the most promising at first ; but they all grew
up together, were treated alilce and fatted alike, and
when they came to be killed, the pigs of the older
sow weighed about eighty pounds more than those
of the young one. — Michigan Farmer.

PERPETUAL ROSES.

Many cultivators of this fine new class of roses
"waste its sweetness " by allowing it to carry all its
blossoms in the month of June. Now, to have the
perpetual rose fully enjoyed, it should not be allowed
to bloom at all in the rose season. Roses are so
common then that it is not at all prized ; while
blooming from midsummer to November, it is highly
prized by all persons.

The way I pursue to grow it in perfection, is to
pinch out, as soon as visible, every blossoming bud
that appears at the first crop, say from the middle of
May to the middle of June. This reserves all the
strength of the plant for the after bloom ; and accord-
ingly I have such clusters of roses iw July, August,
September, and October, as those who have not tried
this stopping system can have no idea of. La Reine,
Madame Laffay, Compte de Paris, and the Duchess
of Sutherland are particulaily superb vai-ieties under

128

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

this treatment. Indeed, they may be recommended
as among the best of the porpctuals.

I have adopted, with excellent results, Mr. Rice's
recommendation of giving the roots of well estab-
lished roses a good soaking of li'^iiid guano, after
they have shed their leaves, say middle of October.
It greatly promotes their luxuriant growth the next
season. — Horticulturist.

USES OF THE BLACK CURRANT.

The Black English Currant is represented to have
qualities that entitle it to extensive propagation.
A kind of vsfine has been manufactured from it,
which is celebrated for its medicinal properties. The
Boston Medical Examiner, quoted by Fessenden, said
of this wine, " It has all the good properties of the
best Port, without any of its heating or constipating
effects. We could name several instances, Avhere, in
gi-eat debility and exhaustion, after protracted and
Bcvere fever, and from other causes, nothing else
could be thought of or taken with pleasure or advan-
tage, in which this wine proved grateful to the palate,
and most friendly to the stomach ; in which, indeed,
it was the principal means of conducting the patient
to health and strength. Its exhibition has been
attended with remarkable success in the early stages
of cholera and dysentery ; and again in the later
stages of these diseases, after the symptoms of in-
flammation or febrile excitement had ceased. It has
been strikingly remedial in the low stages of typhoid
and bilious fever. We have not room to enumerate
many other morbid affections, in which this "wine
has proved useful. In sore throat, it has, for many
years, been considered almost a specific remedy."

These opinions are confirmed by other testimony.
Kcnrick, in his American Orchardist, sa5-s, "From
the black currant a jelly is made, of considerable
medicinal cfEcacy ; a wine is also made from them,
which possesses far superior medicinal virtues to
Port wine. The jelly has been highly recommended
for disorders of the throat, and as a necessary article
in the stores of ships sailing to the East Indies. A
liquor is prepared from the black currant, which, Mr.
Forsyth states, is possessed of great medicinal efficacy
in obstinate coughs, &c. The currants for this piu--
pose are bruised, and, being placed in ajar, whiskey
or any other species of alcohol is poured over them ;
the jar is then covered close for a fortnight ; after this,
the liquor is strained and bottled."

• The jelly from the black currant is further de-
scribed as being fine for the table, and the wine as of
peculiar flavor, which, to those long accustomed to its
use, is delectable.

A friend of ours, who has many years made use
of this currant in his family, as a remedy for some of
the above-named affections, especially for diarrhoea,
fully concurs in the foregoing estimate of its value.
He considers it also excellent as a preserve. — Mich-
igan Farmer.

IDLENESS.

Nine tenths of the miseries and vices of manhood
proceed from idleness. AVith men of quick minds, to
whom it is especially pernicious, this habit is com-
monly the fruit of many disappointments and schemes
oft bafHed ; and men fail in their schemes not so much
for the want of strength, as from the ill direction of
it. The weakest living creature, by concentrating
his powers on a single object, can accomplish some-
thing ; the strongest, by dispersing his over many,
may fail to accomplish any thing. The drop, by con-
tinual falling, bores its passage through the hardest
rock, the hasty torrent rushes over it with hideous
uproar and leaves no trace behind. — Thomas Carlyle.

THE LATE VINTAGE IN FRANCE.

During the year 1848, there were 5,000,000 acres of
land in France planted with vines, which produced
919,580,575 gallons of wine and 27,220,050 gallons
of brandy, estimated at the enormous sum of
479,088,302 francs, (£19,121,000.) The average value
of each acre of vines may be taken at 530 francs,
(£21.) The annual consumption by each individual
in France is calculated at 18 gallons of wine and 3
gallons of brandy. — Clcavcland {Ohio) Herald, 1849.

LARGE POULTRY.

At a show held in England, under the direction of
the late Earl Spencer, the following were the dressed
weights of some of the poultry exhibited : The
best turkey weighed 20 lbs. 4 oz. ; capon, 7 lbs. 14
07.. ; pullet, 3i lbs. ; goose, 18 lbs. 2.^ oz. ; couple of
ducks, 15 lbs. 10 oz.

MUSIC OF SPRING.

" There's music in the balmy breath

Of spring, when from the realms of death

She calls the flowers to life again.

And decks with gorgeous hues the plain,

Then wakes to notes of harmony

The grove's enchanting minstrelsy.

There's music in the murmur low

Of gentle waters rippling by —
There's music in the onward flow

Of rivers in their majesty.
There's music in the bubbling fountain —
There's music on the sun-bathed mountain

There's music on the earth —
There's music in the air —

And music into birth
Is biu'sting evert/ lohere."

THE OLIO.

Hour of Death. — It will afford sweeter happiness,
in the hour of death, to have wiped one tear from
the cheek of sorrow, than to have ruled an empire,
to have conquered millions, or enslaved the world.

LiPE-LiKE. — The Philadelphia Galaxy says an
artist in that cit)^ painted a cow and cabbage so
natural that he was obliged to separate them before
they were finished, because the cow commenced
eating the cabbage !

Rousseau says, " The empire of woman is an empire
of softness, of address, of complacency. Her com-
mands are caresses, her menaces are tears."

Why is a chicken pie like a gunsmith's shop ?
Because it contains fowl-in-pieces.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close" of the year, of 416 pages, at %\ a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18^ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage ,^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1.^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS

'~%£?Kii^ •^..e^^Jil^Sf^iW'^H'

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL.1. SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1849.

NO. 9.

S. W. COLE, Editor. QUINCY HALL, BOSTON. J. NOURSE,

Peoprietok.

FRUITS AND FRUIT TREES.

[Concluded from p. 120.]

At the agricultural meeting, March. 27, Hon. M. P.
Wilder in the chair, the discus.sion on the above
subject -was continued.

Mr. Wilder observed, that farmers generally know
how to preserve winter apples, but the keeping of
pears is not so well understood. This is important,
owing to the high price of winter pears. Mr.
Paquott, of France, succeeds remarkably well, by
having a room within a room, and placing his fruit
in the inner room, packed in oaken boxes, with
dry sawdust and charcoal dust two thirds up the
fruit, which is placed stem upward. In this way
pears are kept perfectly sound till July. Apples
may be kept in a temperature nearly down to freez-
ing, without injury ; but pears should be kept at a
temperature of about forty-five degrees, till suffi-
ciently advanced for ripening, which should be
effected in a warm room. If they are kept in a
colder state, they become injured, and cannot be
recovered.

Hon. Mr. Brooks, of Princeton, said, that farmers
should raise their own fruit trees, rather than buy
those that were forced to a rapid growth, by high
culture in the nurserj% as such trees would not do
well on poor lands. Fruit from land in moderate
condition is better than that produced by high cul-
ture. It requires about twenty years from the seed
to get apple-trees into a productive state.

Mr. Dexter, of Plymouth, inquired for a remedy
for lice under the leaf that destroy the foliage and
fruit. Some of these, kept under glass, changed to
house flies.

Mr. M. S. Bice, Esq., of Newton, recommended
soap-suds or whale-oil soap, as a remedy for insects.
He was reaping fruit fi'om trees set twenty years ago.
He considered the birds our best friends ; even the
crow is a useful bird. He once had a tame one that
followed him in the field, and picked up insects.

Colonel Wilder said, that men had set trees at a late
period in life, and yet they lived to enjoy the fruits
of their labor.

Mr. William Parker said, that he packed his

apples in barrels, with oat chaff, and they kept
remarkably well. He let them remain out door in
the fall, till there was danger of freezing.

Mr. Jones, of AVajdand, said, that he had grafted
old apple-trees with excellent success and profit.
For a few years past, he had picked from ten to
twelve barrels a year, from an old tree that his
neighbors said was not worth grafting. He thinks
that sweet apples are better for grafting on the stocks
of sweetings. He perceived a difference in the color
and flavor of Porter apples when grafted on stocks
of the Siberian crab.

Colonel Hubbell, of Berkshire county, said, that he
had preserved apples, in excellent condition, in oat
chaff and air-slaked lime. In tliis way he kept fall
apples in good condition till March, and winter
apples to a late period, preserving their freshness
and flavor better than in any other way.

Mr. H. C. Merriam, of Tewksbury, said, that he
soon got fruit by grafting old trees. He took off the
whole top at once. He would buy trees in the
nursery rather than wait for them to grow from
seed.

Mr. A. G. Sheldon, of Wilmington, said, that
young farmers want encouragement in this business.
Trees well set will cost about one dollar each, and
for nine years they will gain in value one dollar a
year. Old men should set trees for posterity, as they
share in the fruits of the labor of those who have
preceded them.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, said, that
in raising trees we should select seed from healthy
and vigorous trees. Seeds from natural fruit arc
better than those from grafted fruit. He would set
trees from the latter part of September to the last of
May. He preferred the last of September and first
of October, as trees set at that season would throw
out small fibrous roots in the fall, and attain a good
growth the next season. When set in the fall, a
mound of earth should be formed around the trees
to protect the roots. He did not think that the ex-
treme cold injured the peach buds so much as the
sudden changes in the weather. Sometimes the
buds are killed early in winter when the cold has
not been severe.

130

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

CULTIVATIOW OF FOREST TREES.

On Tuesday evening, at tlio agricultural meeting,
Mr. William Parker in the chair, this subject was
discussed.

Mr. Buckminster, of the Ploughman, recommended
raising forest trees by the road side, affording a
grateful shade, a growth of timber, and shelter from
winds. By the use of evergreens, the drifting of
snows would be prevented. He recommended Avhite
pine for this purpose. The rock maple is excellent
to set on the south side of roads. In transplanting
pine trees, it is not important to take up long roots,
but a sod of earth with the roots insures success.

Mr. Sheldon, of AVilmington, said, he thought that
the white pine perfected its seed only once in three
years ; and all in the country, as far as his observa-
tions had extended, ripened their seed at the same
time. He found that in Massachusetts, New Hamp-
shire, and Vermont, all the cones were small the
next 3'ear after the seed had come to perfection.
Some lands that sold thirty-five years ago, three
years after the Avood was cut off, at four dollars per
acre, are now worth one hundred and ten dollars
per acre. Forest trees will grow on poor land.
In saving pines for seed, it is best to leave them in
clumps, as single ones may blow over.

Dr. Bardwell, of Whately, said, that there were ex-
tensive tracts of land in some parts of the state that
produced only about six bushels of rye to the acre,
which would hardly pay for cultivating. On these lands
good crops of pines might be raised, and with profit.
He thought that pitch pines were the most profitable,
as they would grow on poorer lands than white pine.

Mr. Cole, of the New England Farmer, said, that
the seeds of forest and fruit trees, generally, would
not vegetate if sown dry in the spring. They should
bo sown in the fall, or put into moist earth, and buried
in the ground, or placed in the cellar. In the latter
case, it was necessary to keep up a moderate degree
of moisture only, as wet or dryness would be injuri-
ous. It is the least trouble to keep them buried in
the earth, if the land is not prepared for sowing in
the fall, as they are liable to dry in the cellar ; but
this may be prevented, in a great measure, by put-
ting them into tight vessels. Stone, earthen, or iron
vessels are good, as they do not absorb the moisture
from the earth. Some writers speak of certain kinds
of seeds that will not vegetate till the next season :
this opinion is probably the result of sowing dry seed
in spring.

Mr. Jones, of AVayland, thought that raising forest
trees was the most profitable part of farming. He
purchased a wood lot, and paid ten dollars an acre
for it and interest on that sum during the time the
wood had been growing on it. He thought it was
best for a farmer to cultivate a little land well, and
raise forest trees on the rest.

Mr. Sheldon said, that he had transplanted pines
in the middle of summer with excellent success.

Prosperity is no just scale ; adversitj' is the only
true balance to weigh friends.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Manval of Morals, for Common Schools, adapted
also to the Use of Families. 212 pages, 18 mo. Pub-
lished by John P. Jewett, Boston ; "William E. Ward-
Avell, Andover.

This is a work of sterling merit, on a subject too
much neglected in the education of youth. Great
pains are taken to give the child instruction in science
and literature, but little is done to give him sj'stem-
atic instruction in morals, and show him how to
make his acquisitions in knowledge available in dis-
charging his duty to his God, his fellow-beings, and
to himself. These important duties are taught in
this neat little work, in a clear and pleasing manner,
particularly from the numerous historical and anec-
dotal illustrations. No person, young or old, can
read this manual without improvement, unless he is
so far advanced as to need no amendment.

The AVisconsin Farmer, is a new paper, which
we neglected to notice in our list of agricultural
journals in our last number. It is a neat octavo, and
ably conducted ; published monthly, by Mark
Miller, Racine, Wisconsin, at 50 cents a year.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Of Messrs. S. and G. Hyde, niirsery-men, Newton,
the fruit and^ scions of the Philadelphia Pippin
apple. This fruit is small, very fair and handsome,
and remarkable for its freshness and fine flavor after
late keeping. Whether this is the true name or not,
we do not know. Among numerous collections of
scions from some friends, and distributions to others,
were some under this name, which we furnished to
these gentlemen. This is the first fruit which we
have seen of it, and we are pleased to find it so
promising.

Messrs. Hyde go mostly for the well known and
excellent varieties of fruit, cautiously introducing
and giving a fair test to new kinds. Thej' have in
their nursery a large assortment of fruit-trees of
standard kinds, well adapted to the climate.

Of Samuel Walker, Esq., Chelsea, some noble
specimens of the pound pear, as fresh as when they
were gathered. This variety is a great grower and
bearer, the fruit very fine for cooking, and it is in
use from November till Maj'.

Of Mr. Jacob Noycs, Abington Centre, specimens
of several kinds of seedling potatoes, which he rec-
ommends as excellent. We shall try them, net by
eating, but by planting them, for experiment in
comparison with other kinds. The samples are
fine, and we are much obliged to Mr. N.

We are indebted to Samuel P. Fowler, Esq., Dan-
vers, for plants of Houghton's Seedling Gooseberry.

Dr. J. W. Francis, who commenced life as a
printer, in some remarks at the Franklin festival in
New York, alluded to the singular fact that, when
he afterwards became a lecturer in the medical
college of that metropolis, one of the text-books
which he employed was a copy of the proof sheets
of a work every type of which had been set by his
own hand, when a printer.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

131

SUBSOIL PLOUGH.

It is only a few years since the first subsoil plough
was introduced into this country ; and we had the
pleasure to assist at the first trial, on the farm of
John Fenno, Esq., in Chelsea. This plough was
purchased by ^Ii'. Charles P. Eosson, in England, for
Messrs. Kugglcs, Nourse, & Mason : it cost forty dol-
lars in that countrj\

Now, superior subsoil ploughs, may be had in this
country, for one fourth of the cost of that in Eng-
land ; and they are of greater strength, for we used
that plough only a short time before it was twisted
so that a common observer could hardly teU for what
purpose it was intended.

The subsoil plough is a valuable implement on
many soils, by deepening the tillage and giving
sufficient room for the descent of the roots of plants,
and to promote the ascent of moisture, in dry
weather.

By the use of this plough, the subsoil is loosened
deeply, and gradually mixed with the active soil, and
brought to the surface, where, by changes from the
air, rains, snows, and frost, it becomes improved, and
restores, in some measure, many ingredients that
have been lost from old lands.

Numerous examples have been given to the public,
showing the great utility of this implement. Yet, in
some cases, it has been reported that there was no
perceptible advantage from its use, while in other
cases, the crops have been increased fifty per cent.
See the remarks of Professor Majjcs on this subject,
p. 138.

DITCHING AND DRAINING.

At the agricultural meeting, on Teusday evening,
this subject was discussed.

Mr. Buckminster said, that he hired ditching
done by the job. He gave twonty-five cents a rod
for ditching three feet deep and tliree feet wide. A
man would make six rods of ditch in a day. He
usually makes ditches four rods apart, and parallel,
for the convenience of ploughing.

Mr. Merriam said, that he found it necessary to
make ditches around the meadow, to cut off the
water from the high land. He preferred open to
blind ditches.

Mr. A. G. Sheldon remarked, that by ditching a
maple swamp, the growth of trees was greatly im-
proved ; they declined on the ditch getting filled up,

and revived on its being opened. In thirty years,
the groAvth amounted to forty cords to the acre.

THE PEACH BUDS.

There has been some unnecessary alarm as to the
peach buds, as it was stated by several speakers at the
agricultural meeting, that they were generally killed,
so far as their observations had extended ; but on
examination, and by inquiry from cultivators in
different sections, we think that more than half of
the peach buds are sound, and that there is a fair
promise of fruit. Friend Earle, of the Worcester
Spy, says, that from examination he thinks that two
thirds of the peach flowering buds are in a healthy
condition.

As the past winter has been colder than the winter
of 1847-8, and the peach buds are killed less, the
argument, drawn from a partial and hasty view of
the subject, that it is the severe cold, and not the
changeable weather, that kills, falls to the ground, so
far as relates to the last two winters. The last win-
ter was noted for severe and steady cold, and its pre-
decessor for mildnoss and vai-iableness, during Mhich
the fruit buds of the peach were nearly all killed.
So every season affords additional evidence in sup-
port of the proposition which we have frequently
offered on this subject.

GUTTA PERCHA FOR GRAFTING.

At the agricultural meeting, on Tuesday evening,
Dr. Sanborn exhibited a preparation which he had
made for grafting. It was composed of gutta percha,
dissolved in chloroform, having the consistency of
thick molasses. He had used it with excellent suc-
cess. It is applied, in a very thin coat, with a brush.
As this is a new article for this purpose, and some
who try it may not get it of the right consistence,
we advise its trial at first in a small way. Dr. S.
remarked, that it was valuable for wounds, burnjs,
and sores, such as the salt rheum, &c., as a thin
coat protected the raw flesh from exposure, and thus
promoted healing. Gutta percha will prove to be a
valuable acquisition, both in the arts, and in med-
ical appliances. It is a new article, and numer-
ous, and varied experiments are necessary to test it
fairly ; and this wiU soon be done among the enter-
prising and ingenious.

132

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.
TRANSPLANTING TREES.

Mr. Editor : The season is approaching which
many persons will improve for the transplantation of
fruit" and forest trees ; bnt others, whose lands may
be well prepared by the spring ploughing, will defer
this work until the ensuing fall, in the belief, that
the autumn is the most favorable season for the re-
moval of trees of every description. Which is the
best season for setting trees ? This is a question
which is often raised. In the fall of 184G, I made
this inquiry of many experienced agriculturists, and
their opinions upon this siibjcct left me quite as
undecided as I was before I put the interrogatory.
Their recommendations, alternately of spring and fall,
nearly balanced each other, and produced in me a
state of indecision, which I, at last, removed by con-
sulting my own convenience. I deferred the work
until the spring of 1847. I then transplanted five
or six hundred fruit and forest trees ; and the suc-
cess which resulted from this labor I will in-oceed to
communicate.

One piece of land, on which I set between one and
two hundred apple-trees, had not, for many years,
been improved. It was an exhausted soil, aiid con-
sidered as of little value. The field has a south-
ern inclination, the upper part dry and loamy, while
the lower portion is wet, and, in some places, even
boggy. The land was ploughed in the fall of 1846.
In the following spring, thirty loads of stable manure,
and twenty-five of meadow mud, which the frost of
the preceding winter had rendered friable, were
spread upon it and ploughed in ; the trees were then
set at a distance of two rods. These trees all lived,
and grew vigorously, even the first season. They all
put forth the second spring, and grew very thriftily
through the season, with the exception of a single
tree, which was injured by the tillage. Many of
these trees, at the close of the second season, had
attained to the height of eight feet, and their stalks,
at the surface of the ground, Avere six inches in
circumference. These trees have, at least, quintu-
pled their size by two years' growth.

On another piece of ground I set three to four
hundred fruit and forest trees, and shrubs. This
land had been improved as a field for several years,
o.nd was in a nuich better condition than the former
lot ; yet, as this was designed for a house site, and as
it was desirable to produce from it a variety of fruit
at the earliest possible day, a much larger quantity
of manure was bestowed upon it ; and upwards of
one hundred apple, pear, peach, cherry-trees, &c,,
were transplanted into it, with great care, in the
spring aforesaid. Tliese trees, with the exception of
two cherry and one pear-tree, put forth leaves the
second season. They lioed, but they do not grow.
Many of these, the pears especially, produced but a
few small leaves ; the bark looks sickly, and spots of
moss appear on the trunks. I indulge the hope that
by still more liberal manuring, and by washing the
bark with potash water, they may yet be reclaimed,
and become thrifty. The difference in the appear-
ance of the trees, on the two lots before named, has
developed to me a rule which, if it had been suggest-
ed to me at an earlier period, would have been of
great service, and which 1 will now lay down, in
the hope that it may still prove beneficial to others.
The apple-trees in the ground first named were
from Rhode Island, from a light soil, commingled
with sand ; and they were set in land which,
although not very well prepared, was still better
than that from Avhich they were taken. The trees
upon the other lot, which was made much richer,
were taken from nurseries in the vicinity of Boston,
from a soil much stronger than that to which they
were transferred. In view of these facts, then, I

will venture to say, let fruit trees never be removed
from a rich to a poorer soil.

In the last day of April, and the first of May, 1847,
I also transplanted several hundred shade and ever-
green trees ; but my success with these was rather
indifferent. The pine, cedar, balsam fir, arhor vita,
and Norway spruce, generally lived, but grew but very
little, even in the second year. Of about forty hem-
locks, I saved only some ten or twelve ; and I have
several hollies which survive, but which, as yet, jjut
forth but a thin and sickly foliage. Perhaps I ought
to say here, that the July succeeding the season in
which the evergreens were transplanted, was very
dry, and the trees were not well attended and wa-
tered during this period. The shade trees, set in
April, 1847, succeeded rather better. The elm, ash,
and maple, all leaved out the first year, and grew
well the second season. Of my sassafi-as I lost one
half; of my oaks, about two thirds. I have suc-
ceeded, but at the expense of great care, in preserv-
ing two fine shagbarks, or hickory trees. These were
removed from their natural position, and reset by an
experienced hand, and watered, almost daily, for the
first summer. About one third of my beech-trees
were saved. And here I beg to say a word in praise of
the beech, a tree not generally esteemed, in this part
of the country, for shade or ornament. It is a
shajjely, cleanly tree, yielding a delicious nut, which
becomes larger, and even sweeter, by cultivation ;
and it retains its leaves to a later period in the fall
than almost any other tree of the deciduous class.
Homer and Virgil have noticed this tree. It was a
beech which stood at the Scean gate of ill-fated
Troy ; and it was under a wide-spreading beech that
Tityrus breathed forth his amorous strains on his
slender pipe ; and the first parks of Europe, relying
on reports which have been often made, are stocked
with this tree, and esteemed as highly as any of the
shades in the country, not excepting either the oak
or the elm.

All the lesser trees, and flowering shrubs, which
were set in the season aforesaid, have done well,
with the exception of the purple beech. These put
forth a few scattering leaves in June, but they soon
fell, and the shrubs were clry and dead before the
close of summer.

My experience, in regard to fruit trees, induces
me to recommend the spring season for their trans-
plantation ; but I am not fully satisfied with the
result of my labors in relation to shade trees and
evergreens. Perhaps the last would have done
better if their removal had been deferred until the
last of May or first of June ; and it may be that
both are more likely to succeed when transplanted
in the fall. I hope, Mr. Editor, some of your corre-
spondents, who have tried different seasons of the
year for transplanting shades and evergreens will
communicate the results of their trials through the
nuidium of vom- paper. Let the experiments of the
past, in matters of agriculture, be collected into a
common fund, for the benefit of the farmer in his
future operations. ABRAHAM T. LOWE.

Bridgewaier, March 20, 1849.

For the Ne.io Emjland Farmer.
TALMAN SWEETING-SOUTHERN TREES.

Mr. Editor: I see by the newspapers that the
subject under consideration, at the last agricultural
meeting, was fruit trees, transplanting, &c. A sub-
ject of more importance could not be brought before
you. I read the remarks of one of yoiir speakers,
recommending a number of kinds of apples that
should be cultivated, and among them the Talman
Sweeting. My experience in the cultivation of

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

133

fruits, leads me to doubt very much recommending
the cultivation of fruits, brought from one section of
the country to anothei', without first ascertaining
■whether the fruit will do well.

Permit mo to give you my own experience, in the
cultivation of the Talman Sweeting. In the fall of
1834, we had but little fruit in any part of the coun-
trj, excepting in INIaine. There was a frost, on the
loth of May, that cut off all the more tender fruits at
the south and west, and nearly all the apples in all
the states except in Maine. Seeing there was a
scarcity of fruit in this region, I went to Augusta, Me.
in October, and there, for tlic first time, I saw the Tal-
man Sweeting, and it grew in perfection. I thought
much of it, and in the spring of 1835, I sent down,
and obtained one hundred scions, for which I paid
one dollar and fifty cents. I gave some of them
to my neighbors, and set some of theni myself. "\Ve
put them on three farms, in diff'erent parts of the
town, and have given them a fair trial, and they will
do nothing; they wiU not pay the cultivation. One
of my neighbors grafted a fine row of trees just in
bearing state, and he is now grafting over again.
Tlie apples arc knurly, and not fit to eat.

It is of the utmost iinportance, for any one com-
mencing an orchard, to select those fruits which are
known to grow well, that he may not be disap-
pointed. It is now a well ascertained fact, that fruits
will not flourish in every part of the country equally
well. I noticed one circumstance, last fall, which I
have never observed before. In the spring of 1814,
I went to Keyport, New Jersej'', and bought some
j)each and apple-trees. In 1845, I ordered moi'e
peach-trees : some of the trees I set out myself, and
sold to others. In 1847, they bore some fruit. Last
j'ear, there was not one peach to be seen on the
southern trees, while there was some fruit on all, or
nearly all, of the trees raised here. I should hardly
have been willing to believe it, had I not seen and
examined myself.

This is an important fact, worth remembering.
The trees that came from New Jersey appeared to
stand the winter ; that is, tlie branches were not killed
by the winter ; but how it was that the fruit Avas all
killed on the southern trees, and on the others it was
not, is more than I can account for.

I took some scions from New Jersej', of the Jersey
Pie Apple, and set them ; and last fall the tree,
although a small one, bore some very fair, and hand-
some apples. From what I have observed within the
last year, I very much doubt the utility of buying
trees from the south ; although, previous to this time,
I tlrought the trees that came from New Jersey did
quite as well as trees raised with us.
Respectfullv yours,

DANIEL LELAND.

SherblTcXE, March 26, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.

From the foregoing communication, it appears that
the Talman Sweeting does not sustain its usual char-
acter with Dea. Leland ; and there is hardly any fruit
that does well every where. Some kinds seem lim-
ited to a few sections, while others are adapted to
various soils and climates. The Talman Sweeting is
popular in most parts of the country, from Maine to
the West. It is a native of Rhode Island, where it is
extensively cultivated. It succeeds well in this
vicinity, in strong soils. More apples of this variety
are sold in this market, than of all other winter
sweet apples. We have no winter sweet apple that
is a universal favorite, lilte the Baldwin, Greening,
Sweet Bough, &c. The Danvers Winter Sweet,

Talman'a Sweeting, and Seaver Sweet, -^Can apple
of Coxe, probably,) generally succeed well.

As to southern trees, it is evident that they are
more tender than those raised in the north. No one
would suppose that an African could endure the cold
of Greenland lilce a native of that frigid region.
Peach buds are often killed, while the trees ai-e

uninjured.

^

For the New Enghtncl Farmer.
FOR BLEEDING IN GRAPE VINES.

Mr. Cole : I will mention a remedy for the bleed-
ing of the vine. Some four or five years since, in
the spring, I removed from an Isabella a stalk of
about three fourths inches diameter. It began to bleed
at once, and profusely. My purpose was to endeavor
to sear the wound by burning on it common sulphur.
Accordingly I made the cut horizontal and smooth.
Wiping it dry, I placed the sulphur upon it ; but be-
fore I could ignite that, the sap had completely
saturated it. I then concluded to press the powder
into the pores of the wood. With my thumb I did
so, pressing hard and using a somewhat grinding
motion. The operation was repeated two or three
times, and in about five miniitcs there was no dis-
charge of sap. I have tried this remedy several
times, and with equal success. Probably any fine
powder, as pulverized plaster, and perhaps wood
ashes, will answer. But I have always used sulphur.
As the extremely hard pjressure and friction produce
soreness, I now wind a narrow strip of firm leather
around the thumb.

Yours, &c.

J. HUBBARD WELLS.

East Hartford, Ct., March 26, 1849.

For the New England Farmer.
DO YOUR OWN GRAFTING.

Mr. Editor : Of the multitude of diff'erent pur-
suits in the art of agriculture, grafting now claims
particular attention. It is for the interest of every
farmer to become versed in this easy, simple, and im-
portant science. Boys, in this vicinity, have, for a
number of years past, performed this M'ork with
pleasure and unrivalled success. True, they may
not set so many scions in a day as those who ai'C
older and more experienced ; but we guaranty to say,
that they will be more successful. Not only this,
but we know from cxijerience that the latter often
kill the tree itself, thus, perhaps, destroying a very
promising and valuable production.

The reason for this is evident among the inhabit-
ants in this, the chief farming section of this town,
who pay considerable attention to the raising of fruit ;
having raised, in one year, from six farms, — all bor-
dering upon one another — upwards of three thou-
sand barrels. We discard the use of composition
in graftmg ; believing that it contains substances that
are poisonous to the tree : hence it is that those
who use it have so little success. We believe it
would be equally wise and judicious for the human
family to make a common use of prussic acid, as it
is to use this composition as a substitute for clay in
grafting. It not only checks the growth of the
scions and tree, but the stocks will not heal over for
a number of years ; but if clay had been rightly pre-
pared and used, they would have healed in half the
time.

Clav, in its raw state, is generally too strong ;
therefore it is best to reduce it by mixing dry horse
manure or loam, which makes it more flexible. Sci-

134

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

ons do the best when set in clay. As an example,
our neighbor employed a man last spring to gi'aft a
young orchard, which he set out two years before ;
and the result was, some lived and some did not. We
set out a young orchard at the same time, trees of the
same age, and grafted them the same spring, and
there is not a single stock but what lived ; and I
might add, there is not a single scion that did not
grow nearly three feet the last year, and some grew
four feet. We used clay, and our neighbor used wax.

D. W. JOHNSON.
AVoBURX, March, 18i9.

Editorial Remarks.

We present the views of our correspondent, but
we cannot endorse them all. We highly approve of
teaching boys to graft, and those who are tractable
will soon learn to perform this operation well. Yet
there should be no objection to men practising this
art ; and frequently great experience and mature
judgment are necessary in this business. There are
some, who profess to be adepts in this art, that manage
to make a good job, disregarding the interest of those
who employ them. But this is no objection against
worthy and skilful men who attend to this branch.

As to the use of clay or composition in grafting,
there is far less trouble in the use of composition, and
we believe that it is as sure as clay. If the stock is
thrifty, and none other is fit for grafting, it will heal
over in a short time, and the composition will do but
little injury to stock or graft. Composition is now
almost universally used, and the change from clay to
composition has been the result of long experience
and observation by intelligent men, who have in this
thing studied theu- interest, and made very accurate
experiments.

For the New England Farmer.
THE PEACH.

Mr. Editor : At a meeting of the Legislative Agri-
cultural Society, held on the 20th of March, a gen-
tleman from Framingham alluded to the generally
conceded fact, that peach-trees did best on elevated
lands. He had formerly believed, with others, that it
was owing to the absence of frosts in these positions,
and their great prevalence and injurious effects on
the buds in the low lands. But this opinion he had
abandoned, as he lately had a fine crop of peaches
after an early spring and late severe frosts. He now
thought the high land culture the more successful,
from the circumstance, as he believed, that in these
positions the average cold of the winter was not so
great as in valleys or on plains.

But is this a fact ? Is not the relative cold on
high lands greater than in low ? I grant that, in the
spring, when the land is naked, low and generally
damper soils throw off more moisture to the atmos-
phere than the high, and consequently at night
there is more moisture on the trees to be acted upon
by the frost ; or that they are less exposed to the
drying inflvience of the wind than those on hills ;
but during the greater part of the winter, when the
earth is frozen or covered with snow, these exhala-
tions not taking place in valleys more than in other
positions, we cannot perceive that the coldness of
the winter would have different effects, unless it is
in fact greater in valleys than in higher and exposed
positions, which is what I wish to ascertain.

L.

Editorial Remarks.

Our correspondent must have misunderstood the
speaker, or consviltcd some report that was not
correct. Major Wheeler thought it was the ex-
tremely cold weather that killed the peach buds, and
not the sudden alternations from heat to cold ; and he
remarked that high lands were the most favorable to
raising peaches, as on such situations the extreme
cold is less than in valleys, and of course less liable
to kill the buds. He did not say that the average
temperature was less on high lands.

We have often given our opinion on this subject,
and we could bring thousands of evidences to sup-
port it, by estimating in the manner of the good
lady who had six objections to marrying a gentle-
man, which were, her husband and five children;
for each tree would be a witness. We have often
urged the importance of setting peach-trees on
elevated lands, not merely because the extreme cold
is less there, but because the extreme heat in the
cool season is less in proportion than the extreme
cold. For the warm sun, and mild, wet weather
start the sap and the buds, and predispose them
to injury by sudden cold ; and this is not all ; the hot
sun on the frozen buds is doubtless still more injuri-
ous than the warm weather that i^recedes freezing, or
the severity of the frost. For Ave found, on examina-
tion, that the buds had been killed in December
from sudden changes in the weather, when the
thermometer had not, for the season, been lower than
fourteen degrees above zero.

For the Neio England Farmer.
EFFECT OF THE STOCK ON THE SCION.

Mr. Editor : A correspondent in the third num-
ber of the New England Farmer has put the query
— " Has the stock any influence on the qualit3r of
the fruit of the graft r " Not having suflicient ex-
perience myself to answer this question, and as he
thinks it has no such influence, I would suggest the
I^i-opricty of publishing the following from Fessen-
den's American Gardener.

"The nature of the fruit is, to a certain extent,
affected by the nature of the stock. Miller says
decidedly, that crab-stocks cause apples to be firmer,
to keep longer, and to have a sharper flavor ; and he
IS equally confident that if the breaking pears be
grafted on quince stocks, the fruit is rendered gritty
or stony, while the melting pears are much improved
by rich stocks. This, according to Ncill, is scarcely
to be considered as inconsistent with Lord Bacon's
doctrine, that the scion overruleth the graft (stock ? )
quite, the stock being passive only ; which as u
general proposition, remains true ; it being evident
that the scion, bud, or inarched shoot, is endowed
with the power of drawing or forming from the
stock that peculiar kind of nourishment which is
adapted to its nature, and that the specific characters
of the engrafted plant remain unchanged, although
its qualities may be partially affected." — Ed. Enctj.
art. Horiiculture.

Remarks by the Editor New England Farmer

This is a subject on which much may be said on
both sides ; but at present we will attend to one
point, and that is, the referring to Lord Bacon as
authority on a subject on which he probably had no

NEW ENGLAND FAEMER.

135

practical knowledge. Some would say that he was
a man of science, and he was doubtless well ac-
quainted with many sciences ; but had he been well
skilled in vegetable physiology and practical horti-
culture, he would never have made that noted
remark which has long been a stumbling-block in
the road of improvement.

We will notice one more erroneous view, which
many take of this subject ; and that is, that science
favors the opinion that the stock has no effect on the
fruit of the scion. Now, as science is a system of
facts, we ask how science can be in opposition to
facts. How can one truth be in opposition to an-
other ? There is many an error passing under the
plausible name of science.

For the New England Farme>:
DIARRHOEA IN CATTLE.

Mr. Cole : On Tuesday, February G, 1819, while
sledding wood with my team, I observed that
one of my oxen was affected with " diarrhcea or
looseness," (as j'ou call it in the " Veterinarian,")
fully equal, or worse, than cattle have, when changed
from hay to grass in the spring, when the grass is
flush. The next day and the day after, the rest of
my oxen (four in all) and two cows in milk, kept at
the same barn with the oxen, were badly affected with
it ; and about the same time four last spring calves,
kept at another barn one hundred rods distant from
the oxen, were taken ; also ten cows, and four steers
kept in a field fifty rods from either the oxen or
calves, were in a similar case, all within a week from
the first ox. My horse and sheep (over one hun-
dred) have not been affected by it, although they ate
with all the cattle of the same kinds of hay, and
drank with them from the same streams. No other
cattle in the vicinity, that I can hear of, have been
affected in a similar way.

They were taken very violently, and the dung ran
from them in a full stream ; they ate but little, for
one or two days, but got better of the diarrhoea
after about four days : they lost much of their flesh
at the time ; but have now regained it, and are well
and hearty to appearance. We "doctored" but
little, indeed none except two or three animals. The
weather was exceeding cold at the time, the ther-
mometer being below zero frequently in the morning.

As to the condition and keep of the cattle, I would
say, the oxen, two cows in milk, and the last spring
calves Avero in good flesh, and had been regularly
stabled or had lain in comfortable sheds, and fed on
good hay, mostly from the barns. Some of the hay
was cut the past season, some the year before. The
other cattle were kept on poorer hay, and lay on the
ground : they were in ordinary flesh : all were at-
tacked alike, whether kept on good or bad fodder, or
stabled or not. These cases, considering the time of
the year, &c., Sec, are new to us, no such thing ever
hajipening in this region before, so far as I can learn.
CHARLES B. AYER.

Peeston, Ct., March, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.

We can assign no cause for the disease named by
Mr. Ayer. Its occurrence in cold weather is very
unusual. Yet there must have been a general cause,
and a local one too, though it may be beyond the
power of investigation. Analogous cases are not
imfrequent. Sometimes a disease, affecting bipeds
or quadrupeds, prevails in some sections, while it is

a time of general health in other regions of the
same country. Again, a disease is confined to a
single district, neighborhood, family, or to an indi-
vidual. We have known a large family to be all
afflicted with a severe, and in several cases a fatal
disorder, while all the neighbors escaped, though
often attending upon the sick and the dying.

THE CULTIVATION OF THE POTATO.

Editors Cultivator : ily own experiments of eight
years with the potato have very much encouraged
me to continue the alternate culture of seed and its
seedlings, with careful selections.

The p)rocess does materially improve the potato in
7iew and excellent varieties — in health and i^roductive-
ness. At the same time, much depends for success
upon a proper situation and preparation of soU,
manner of cultivation, time of planting, lifting, and
good storage.

Good upland soil, deep thorough ploughing, earlj'
planting, with well cultivated approved seedling
varieties, in shallow drills, early weeding, light hill-
ing, early lifting, and dry airy storage, do more for
the redemption of the potato from disease, than all
the nostrums the world can devise.

Potato seed, though it produces generally several
different varieties in its seedlings, will not be likely
to i^roduce varieties or qualities with which it has
no connection. If new and choice varieties be ex-
pected from sowing the seed, care should be taken to
obtain seed from good varieties, or in the immediate
neighborhood of the same.

Seed from the balls will transmit from a diseased
stock, in some degree, that disease to its seedlings —
to some varieties more than others.

Some have gathered balls from any where, with-
out regard to the character of the stock, planted the
seed, and finding in the seedlings disease and infe-
rior specimens, abandoned at once the experiment ;
and in their judgment, seedling potatoes are no bet-
ter than old ones.

The same laws that govern the apple, peach, and
strawberry, in their culture for new and choice vari-
eties, govern also the potato. If a new choice seed-
ling apple, pear, or strawberry be desirable, why not
a now and excellent potato ? But neither is to be
obtained without the use of their seed, and may be
not without a scries of experiments, with careful
selc-ctions.

Potato seed, from properly selected, well cultivated
seedlings, combining through the seed the best varie-
ties at home and from abroad, is among the most
valuable seeds to be found in market.

Potato seed may be sown, like the tomato, early in
hotbed for an early crop ; or, like cabbage, in a rich
bed in a warm place, and transplanted ; or with a
seed planter in the fields, with great profit ; or broad-
cast, on rich, fine soil, and lightly harrowed in, with
no other cultivation, and the crop of young seedlings,
the very best, for planting the next season.

Early sowing the seed and early lifting give the
potato a tendency to early ripening. Lifting the
potato before it has perfected it» growth, it is found
dryer in cooking, will keep better through the win-
ter, vegetate earlier in the spring, and become more
hardy in its constitution.

Medium sized potatoes cook better, of finer quality
and flavor, will plant more groujid by the bushel,
and are more exempt from disease.

Nipping ofi'the weeds, just below their roots, soon
as their appearance, is a better remedy for the potato
disease than nippinj the vines.

My crop of the last season, combining all my
best varieties through the seed fi-om home and

136

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

abroad, is good ; exempt from the prevalent disease,
productive, and developing, from the seeds obtained
not long since from different parts of the %vorld, viz.,
Prussia, England, South America, Mackinaw, and
other I'.laces, varieties promising a valuable acquisi-
tion to the potato market. The crop, of about one
thousand four hundred bushels, shows distinctly, in
its healthy and strong foliage, loaded with balls, its
strongly marked and distinct varieties, and the in-
crease of new varieties of fine appearance, the bene-
fits of the progressive alternate culture.

N. S. SMITH.
Buffalo, Januarj 4, 1849.
— Albcmy Cultivator.

Remarks by Editor New Exglaxd Farmer.

We are much pleased with the course taken by
the Rev. Mr. Smith, in regard to the potato. He not
only gives judicious advice as to management, but,
by collecting various kinds from different sections of
this, and from foreign countries, and raising new
varieties from seed, and disseminating seeds and
superior kinds, he is rendering essential service to
the cause of agriculture, and doing much to im-
prove the most valuable of all roots. From some
seeds which we obtained of Mr. Smith, we raised
last season, in several cases, a quart of potatoes from
a single seed, and some of them nearly the common
size of potatoas.

DEEP TfLLAGE-SUBSOIL PLOUGHS.

The advantages of deep culture have been so often
written upon, and such uncontrovertible facts in
relation thereto have been piiblishcd, that it would
seem almost useless to issue another word upon the
subject.

There is not a farmer to be found, I think, in Ohio,
v/ho has not noticed the superior size of his grain or
grass crop where grown along the bank of a ditch
that has been cut within a year or two ; and yet with
such evidence before him of the practical truth of
the benefit of deep culture, too many pass on, over-
looking the evidence before them, and too often
ti'enting the statements made by others of the actual
profit derived from deep tillage as "book learning."

Some remedy for improvement of some farms in
Ohio, it is certain, must soon be made, or the farmer
who intends to reap when he sows must move farther
v/cst. Farms are now to be found that have been
skimmed about four inches deep with the plough,
year after year, and changing from lot to lot, until
the occupant has become impressed Avith the idea
that he must " move off," as lands arc " worn ovit in
Ohio." That this is a dark statement, or one of a
very general application, I would not have the reader
believe ; but that it is applicable in many instances I
can prove.

Now, as some remedy for these apparent worn-out
lands must be had, or the occupant "move to a
better," let me call attention to the subject ; and if a
man is not disposed to believe, that by ploughing
the land eight or twelve inches, or even eighteen
inches deep, whore before he only ploughed it foiu-
inches, that ho will ajiain reap large crops, and
increase more than double the expense of extra
labor, let him but make the experiment, and he will
be satisfied the statement is correct.

In Thaer's Principles of Agriculture, (a work, by
the way, that every farmer should read,) there is
abundant proof of the value of deepening soils ; and
it is there stated that a soil four inches thick, and
which may be estimated as worth forty-two ; one six

inches thick or deep, worth fifty ; one eight inches
deep, worth fifty-eight ; one ten inches deep, worth
sixty-six, and one twelve inches deep would be
worth seventy-four ; and that every additional inch
of depth beyond twelve adds five per cent, to the
value of the soil.

The Transactions of the New York State Agricul-
tural Society abound in statements, from practical
men, of the benefit derived from an extra depth of
ploughing over the common practice.

Subsoil ploughs have been described and illus-
trated in this journal, that it may be presumed every
reader knows of them and the mode of using them.
I will only add, therefore, for the benefit of farmers
residing in Waye county, or Avho make "Wooster their
market place, that they can obtain subsoil ploughs,
made after the eastern pattern, of Mr. James John-
son, at his agricultural warehouse in AVooster.

Very respectfully,
— Ohio CuUimtor. F. II. ELLIOTT.

EXPERIMENTS WITH GUANO.

I am one of the pioneers in the use of guano in
this section of the country, having used it for about
five years. My first experiment was on an old, worn-
out sedge lot, on which I applied at the rate of three
hundred pounds of Peruvian guano to the acre. The
product was a fraction over twenty bushels of clean
wheat per acre.

My second experiment was upon the same lot,
with the addition of three acres adjoining. The
quantity of guano applied was about four hundred
pounds per acre, part Peruvian and the balance Pat-
agonian. The product was twenty-five bushels of
clean wheat per acre, exclusive of scrapings. In
each of the above experiments, previous to sowing
the wheat, 1 mixed about a peck of gypsum to every
hundred pounds of guano.

My third experiment was also made Avith wheat, on
six acres of the same kind of land as the other two,
which were ploughed up directly after harvest, and
manured with four hundred pounds of Patagonian
guano, mixed Avith tAvo bushels of charcoal dust per
acre, applied at the time of soAving. The wheat noAV
looks fine, better than the years previous ; but Avhat-
CA'cr the result may be, next harA^est Avill tell.

It may be proper to state, that in my first experi-
ment, owing to the previous season being Avet, about
one third of the seed sown did not come up ; and in
the second experiment, at the time of seeding, the
ground Avas somewhat like a mortar bed, and a con-
siderable quantity of the Avheat plants Avere Avinter-
killed. The quantity of seed sowed iia each case
Avas two bushels per acre.

My fourth experiment was Avith potatoes, by
spreading a handful of guano, mixed with plaster, to
every one or tAVO yards along the furroAvs after the
tubers Averc dropped. The product Avas middling,
size of the potatoes good, quality first rate, and no
rotten ones.

I have also tried guano to Indian corn by applying
it in the hill ; but OAving to the dryness of the season,
I have not reaped that advantage I anticipated. In
one instance, I soAved a small square broadcast,
ploughing in the seed, which resulted in from one
third to one half more corn than Avhcn the guano
Avas applied in the hill. The quantity of guano used
Avas from three hundred to five hundied pounds per
acre.

I have also applied guano to my young fruit trees,
as AvcU as to almost every vegetable and flower on
my grounds, Avith marked success.

JACOB IIEWES.

Leipera'ille, Pa., January, 1849.
— American Agriculturist.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

137

The Plum-Tree.

Curculio in different Stages.

THE CURCULIO.

1. Curculio in the perfect or beetle state.

2. Its assumed form when disturbed, or shaken from the

tree.

3. Larva, or worm, as found in the fallen fruit.

4. Pupa, or chi-ysalis form, in which it lives in the

ground.

The curculio {Rhynchccrus nenuphar') is one of the
most insidious and destructive insects that the cul-
tivator of fruits has to encounter. It attacks the
plums soon after the fruit sets, puts its crescent mark
upon it, in which it deposits its egg, which soon
hatches, and the worm destroys the fruit. A great
deal may be said of this insect, and of remedies
against it ; but our object at present is to introduce
the remarks of Dr. Eastburn Sanborn, of Andover,
which were made at the close of the discussion at
the agricultural meeting, April 3.

Dr. S. said, that he had made various experiments
in order to learn the habits of this insect, and to
find a remedy, if possible. He collected many
insects, and placed them in glass jars, some of four
quarts capacity. To these jars a balloon or globe
was attached, composed of gauze over a wire frame ;
the ends of the wire were fastened into a cork, fitted
to the jar, through which a large hole was made,
affording the insects the advantage of air, light, and
exercise by iiying in the balloon. The jars were
half filled Avith earth, and plums, pears, and apples,
stung by the curculio, were deposited in them.

In due time, they hatched, and went through the
several stages, and the doctor examined their habits
very closely both night and day. When the maggot
left the fruit, it crawled into the earth, on the out-
side next to the jar, afi"ording an excellent opportu-
nity for observation. It descended to the bottom,
where it remained, as near as he could recollect,
about six weeks, when it was changed into the pupa
state.

As the earth became dry in August, water was
poured into the jar to moisten it, and the insect was
soon changed into the perfect state ; and they ascend-
ed, filling the balloon and fiying about in every di-
rection. He showed them to his friends, and found
that but very few people could recognize these insects.
He had also placed infected apples in the jar, but the
apple Avorra did not go into the earth.

The doctor recommended jarring the trees, in
order to free them fi-om this insect, which he found
to be very subtle. When approached, it rolls itself

up, (see figure 2, in the cut,) assuming the appear-
ance of the bud of whatever tree it is on ; and if an
attempt is made to take hold of it, it suddenly rolls
to the ground, where it cannot be found. After all
danger is passed, it flics again to the tree. He had
placed a boai'd under a plum-tree, and scarcely any
plums were stung over the board, as instinct had
taught this insect not to lay its eggs where its
young could not burrow in the earth beneath. A
smooth, hard surface, under the tree, was a protection
against the ravages of this insect. Dr. S. made these
remarks with a view of showing, in some measure,
the habits of the curculio, and leading to further in-
vestigation.

PREPARATION AND PLANTING OF APPLE
SEED.

" How should apple seeds be prepared for plant-
ing, and what is the proper time and manner of
planting?" As to the preparation of seeds, see
p. 33 of this volume. Sow apple seeds as soon
as the land is dry enough to work. Sometimes
they sprout so early that it is necessary to select
rather drj' land, and plant very soon after the frost is
out of the ground. We put our seeds of fruit trees
into an ice box, as soon as the weather benomes
warm, in spring, to prevent their sprouting till the
land is dry enough to work, or we can conveniently
attend to it, as we have much to do at this busy
season ; ■ and we prefer planting some kinds on moist
land. Sow apple seeds in drills, and cover as corn or
other seeds. The drills may be from fifteen to thirty
or forty inches apart, according to the mode of culti-
vation.

NEW VARIETY OF FLAX.

It is stated in the Ohio Cultivator, that Mr. Samuel
Myers, near New Lisbon, cultivates a new variety of
flax, which yields an unusual quantity of seed, and
is valuable when flax is cultivated exclusively for
seed, and it is said to be superior for oil. The stalk
is short, and the lint is of but little value.

To KEEP Birds from Fiiuits. — Suspend, in the
trees or vines, pieces of looking-glass by a string, so
as to turn freely in every direction. No bird will
come near, after a first trial or so, unless very tame.

138

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

AGRICULTURAL PAPERS.

The following extract from the report of Mr.
J. G. Chadsey, of Wickford, E.. I., to the standing
committee of the Society for the Encouragement of
Domestic Industry, shows the opinion of a successful
applicant for a premium on vegetable crops, whom
the committee highly commend for his intelligence
and correct views.

I will mention one other mistake that many farm-
ers have fallen into, and some still adhere to it ; and
that is, an unwillingness to iiitbrm themselves in the
duties of their calling by reading agricultural publi-
cations. New improvements are constantly taking
place, and an abundance of light, on the subject of
agriculture, is flowing from the press in every direc-
tion, and at so cheap a rate that every farmer who
can read may enjoy its benefits. A man who culti-
vates two acres of land, will in the course of a year
derive more benefit from an agricultural paper than
vill pay the cost. This I know from experience.
Previous to commencing farming, at the age of three-
•scorc, I took an agricultural paper, to aid me in the cul-
tivation of some worn-out land, that I could not rent
for four per cent. From that little sheet I gleaned
much valuable information ; such as the method of
composting manure, and the kind best adapted to a
particular soil ; the advantage of a rotation of crops ;
directions for selecting the best variety of seeds, with
the method of cultivating each kind ; and also, fre-
quently cautioned not to improve more land than
could be well manured and cultivated to advantage ;
together with many other suggestions and recom-
mendations, drawn from the experience of practical
cultivators. But still there is much published that
is of no benefit to a common farmer ; but by reject-
ing that, and treasuring the good, he will find much
to aid him in his business. Had I been deprived of
that source of information, derived from agricultural
publications, during the few years that I have been
engaged in my new calling, and have had no other
guide to direct me but the example of my neigh-
bors, there is no doubt that I should now be more
than a thousand dollars worse off than I am at
present ; and all for the sake of saving a dollar or
two a year.

♦

MODEL FARM OF NEW JERSEY.

As the farm of Professor !Mapes is regarded as a
pattern, the following account of it, which he has
given in the Newark Daily Advertiser, will be read
with interest and profit. It shows the advantage of
producing a large amount of manure, which may be
accomplished by almost every farmer, and mostly
with the resources of his own farm.

I would state that my success may be mainly at-
tributed to the use of the subsoil plough and a proper
system of manuring.

The land is a clayey loam, underlaid by clay ten
inches thick, on a substratum of decomposed sand-
stone, and, until the clay was cut through by the
subsoil plough, the surface was too wet to be pro-
ductive.

It may not be uninteresting to your correspondent
to know the different methods adopted for the man-
ufacture of this manure. The chloride of lime and
carbonate of soda is made by slaking three bushels
of shell lime, hot from the kiln, with one bushel of
common salt dissolved in water. Common salt being
composed of chlorine and soda, the lime combines
with the chlorine, forming chloride of lime, which,
in turn, receives carbonic acid from the atmosphere,
and becomes carbonate of soda. This mass should

be turned over every other day for ten days, at the
end of which time it is ready for xise. Four bushels
of this mixture, thoroughly diffused through one
cord of muck, will decompose it perfectly in ninety
days in winter, and in a proportionately less time in
summer.

When this muck cannot readily be procured, any
other organic matter will answer the same purpose :
pond scrapings, river mud, decayed leaves, or even
head lands, with one twentieth its bulk of stable
manure, or weeds, will answer well.

My stables are arranged thus : Under the oxen,
cows, &c., the earth is removed to the depth of eigh-
teen inches, making a space capable of holding a half
cord of muck for each animal. This muck is covered
at night with salt hay for bedding, and the liquid
manure voided by the cattle is absorbed by the muck,
and rapidly decomposes it. This decomposition is
assisted by the warmth of the animal while sleeping
upon the bedding. The solid manure is removed
from the bedding each morning, and, after being
mixed with twenty times its bulk of muck, is placed
under cover. The nruck, containing the fluid portions
of the nianm-e, is removed every four days, and is
also placed under cover : after ten days the manure
heap is turned over, and wetted with a weak solution
of nitrate of soda, after which it is permitted to re-
main until sufhciently decomposed for use — thirty
days.

All the weeds of the farm are daily thrown into
the hog-i^en, and the hogs are induced to root among
them, to obtain which they keep the weeds in con-
tinuous motion until decomposed. About once in
ten days, the jjen is emptied ; and, after salting the
weeds to prevent the possibility of tlieu- again germi-
nating, thej'' are mixed with twenty times their bulk
of muck, and four bushels to the cord of the salt and
lime mixture, and placed under cover, Avhere the
mass readily heats, and, after twenty days, is ready
for use.

These manures, with the occasional use of special
manures for special crops, selected with reference to
their chemical components as compared with the
requirements of the plant desired to be raised, consti-
tute the manures used.

The amount of maniu-e I am enabled to make by
the above methods, and the assistance of six oxen,
three cows, tliiue horses, and twenty hogs, is about
fifty half cords per week.

The subsoil plough is no less important than a
sufficiency of manure, and without its assistance no
great results can be obtained.

The capacitj" of soil to perfect vegetables, is pre-
cisely in proportion to the quantity of its particles
presented to the action of the atmosphere for oxyda-
tion ; and not one of the most inconsiderable uses of
maniure is to leave space by its decay for the admis-
sion of the atmosphere.

To bring about these conditions, deep ploughing is
necessary ; and to avoid bringing subsoil of a sterile
quality to the surface, while disintegrating to a great
dejith, the subsoil plough must be used.

My surface plough may be used to turn a furrow
of any dearth between four and twenty inches, the
depth of action being regulated by the guide-wheel.
We always use this plough at one inch greater depth
than the thickness of surface soil ; thus, if the sur-
face soil be fourteen inches deep, the plough is set
fifteen inches. One inch of the subsoil is thus
brought to the surface at each ploughing, and, by the
action of the sun and atmosphere, is gradually con-
verted into loam.

The subsoil plough follows in the bottom of the
furrow left by the surface plough, and is usually set
at not less than seventeen inches : this plough is so
constructed as to throw up nothing, but merely to
disintegrate the soil at this great depth, replacing it
where taken from without mixing it with surface soil.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

139

The advantages, beyond the admission of atmosphere,
are, that in dry Avoathcr the roots can pass down
below the sun's more immediate action, and obtain
moisture ; and in wet weather the excess of moisture
can pass down through the subsoil cut. If the land
is thus kept free from excess of moisture, it can
never become cold or sour. After one thorough sub-
soil ploughing, the land can be worked for much less
expense, and is ready for use at an earlier date in the
spring.

My seeds being all planted by a drill-harrow, and
tlie rows of plants consequently equidistant from
each other, they can be cultivated and weeded by a
horse cultivator, instead of using the slow and ex-
pensive hand hoe.

Should your correspondent think proper to visit
me, I shall be happy to answer any other question
he may wish to propose.

Yours respectfuUv,

JAMES J. MAPES.

FOREST TREES.

This subject is now claiming great attention, and
the present generation, ere long, will be as busy in
renewing the forest, as were the first settlers in de-
stroying it. Since many parts of the country have
become so barren from the destruction of forest
trees, it becomes an object to renew them for their
shelter and shade, and the beautiful adornment of
the landscape ; and besides this pleasurable induce-
ment, trees are becoming an important object of
profit from their value for timber and fuel. "We
copy the following judicious remarks from the ninth
volume of the Albany Cultivator : —

It must be a subject of astonishment to observe
the wonderful intermixture, and seemingly insepa-
rable connection, between moral and physical good
and evil ; to see that the same thing which we at one
time dread with abhorrence, at another time, and
perhaps under a little different circumstance, be-
comes a subject of pleasing admiration. We often
hear heart-rending tales of the gloomy and dismal
forest ; and yet, to a person of good taste, there are
no charms, within the compass of nature's works,
surpassing those of the forest.

The emigrant to an unsettled country, looks upon
the trees as so many savage enemies, which he must
conquer and exterminate before he can hope for the
enjoyment of peace and tranqiullity. When other
emigrants settle around him, and they begin to direct
their united cfibrts tovrards arriving at a state of
civilization, they see nothing in their mind's eye but
cultivated fields, with meadows and pastures, with
all the stumps eradicated, and not a single cluster of
trees to interrupt the view. If a single patch is left
for wood, it is often sneered at, as it is cheaper to
buy wood than to devote the ground to its incum-
brance.

But the population increases, perhaps becomes a
city. The demand for firewood increases, and tim-
ber is wanted in all the various branches of ship and
house building, and every patch of forest vanishes
before the footsteps of cultivation, like patches of
snow before the vernal sunshine, until, as is the case
in some countries in Europe, and even in some parts
of this country, every piece of timber has to be
brought from a great distance, if not imported from a
foreign country, and coal dug from the earth for fuel.

In this state of things, sober reflection, which,
though a slow, is often a correct teacher, shows us,
by costly lessons, what it would have taught before,
had it been consulted, — that if, instead of wastefuUy
destroying and exterminating the forest trees, they

had been used with prudent economy when neces-
sary, and skilfully managed and preserved when not,
they might have contributed largely to pleasure and
to profit. The same follies have been extensively
committed by other nations ; but they have long since
discovered their error, and are in many instances
setting us examples, in many cases worthy of imita-
tion, in retrieving it. If we profit by their examples,
it is still in season to avoid the error in niany parts
of our extensive dominions ; and where it has already
been committed, we can, by a judicious course, do
much towards making amends in our own days, and
avoid entailing on posterity a vast amount of un-
necessary trouble and expense. The clearing of a
country of forest trees produces, no doubt, atmos-
pheric and meteorological changes more or less con-
nected with health ; but we choose to leave that
part of the subject to those who are professionally
the guardians of health, and to speak of it only as
it relates to the common comforts and conveniences
of life.

The uses of forest trees, to which we refer, are,
shade, for fuel, for timber, and for protection against
win J.

There is nothing in the compass of inanimate
nature so interesting as trees. They speak a lan-
guage to the heart of utter insensibility, which it can-
not fail to understand. They awaken to recollection
the memory of scenes long past, not only in the
innocent sports of childhood, but often those of
deeper interest. It must be noticed, by every ob-
server, that even the brute creation feel a venera-
tion for trees. A tree is a house, furniture : it
may be made clothing, and even bread. " It forms
part of every machine by which the genius of man
has taught him to lighten the labor of his hand.
There is that in a tree, considered as an individual
work of the Creator, which may well excite our
attention, and most amply reward our study."

For fuel, and more especially for timber, economy
alone, without the aid of good taste, would, if con-
sulted, be sufiicient to plead for the preservation of
forest trees.

But when the folly has been committed, and its
consequences are beginning to be sensibly felt, what
remedy can be applied, if not to aff'ord immediate
relief, at least to prevent posterity from suftering
by its eff'ect ? The still small voice of common sense,
confirmed by the example of several nations of Eu-
rope, points out the remedy.

The first step is, to establish nurseries, where all
the most valuable trees could be obtained at moder-
ate prices ; a few would avail themselves of their
advantages, and the force of example would soon
excite the multitude to follow them, and in a few
years those who lived to see our dwellings, which
now stand as unornamental as milestones, tastefully
siuTounded by beautiful trees, and their value doubled
in the eye of most purchasers, they would see the
public roads lined with extensive rows of valuable
trees, and last, of farm houses, would be sheltered
in their situations from bleak and destructive winds
by belts of the pine and fir-trees, and their cattle and
sheep would find protection in winter, and places of
repose from summer heat.

MILK AS AN ARTICLE OF DIET.

It is common to regard milk as little else than
mere drink. But this is an error. Milk is really an
article of solid food, being coagulated soon after
reaching the stomach. New milk contains 13 per
cent, of digestible solids, and skimmed milk 10 per
cent. ; that is, the former fully one half, and the
latter above a third, of the nutriment contained in
the lean part of beef and mutton. — Am. Agricul-
turist.

140

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

jBomcstic ^Department.

Fruits. — Many farmers do not consider the im-
portance of fruits, or, owing to their having much
other business on hand, they neglect them. Let the
neglect be from what cause it may, the good lady of
the house should take hold of the subject and en-
courage the business, and assist all in her power — and

that is a great deal — in having a spot of land well
prepared and set with fruit trees.* In many cases,
ladies take the principal management of the fruit
garden, and we never knew a case of the kind that
was not successful.

In attending to this subject, it is best to select a
few of each species that have, from thorough trial,
proved to be excellent. After this is accomiilished,
it is well to try some of the new kinds of high pre-
tensions; but avoid running into too many experi-
ments, as some of them may be unsuccessful, and
discourage beginners.

We need not speak of the advantages of fruit,
as a delicious luxury, as a valuable ingredient
in food, and often constituting of itself a valu-
able dish. On health it has an important effect,
which alone is sufficient to recommend its general
use. With a plenty of good fruit, properly prepared,
children want but little meat, or butter, and their
food will be far more healthful. Its use may also be
recommended on the score of economy.

Every family that has a spot of land sufficient for
fruit trees or grape vines, should give attention to
their culture, that they may have fruit fresh from
the trees, and the pleasure of eating the fruits of their
own industry.

Female Culture. — The great entertainments of
all ages are reading, conversation, and thought. If
our existence after middle life is not enriched by
these, it becomes meagre and dull indeed. And
these will prove sources of pleasure just in propor-
tion to previous intellectual culture. How is that
mind to have subject matter of pleasurable thought
during its solitary hours, which has no knowledge of
the treasures of literature and science, which has
made no extensive acquaintance with the distant
and the past ? And what is conversation between
those who know nothing ? But, on the other hand,
what delight is that mind able to receive and impart,
which is able to discuss any topic that comes up,
with accuracy, copiousness, eloquence, and beauty !
The woman who possesses this power can never fail
to render herself agreeable and useful in any circle
into which she may be thrown ; and when she is so,
she cannot fail to be happy. A full mind, a large
heart, and an eloquent tongue, are among the most
precious of human things. The young forsake their
sports and gather around, the old draw nigh to hear,
and all involuntarily bow down to the supremacy of
mind. These endowments add brilliancy to youth
and beauty, and when all other charms are departed,
they make old age sacred, venerable, and beloved.

How TO MAKE Cream Cheese. — For two cream
cheeses, take six quarts of new millc and one of sweet
cream, to which add two or three spoonfuls of ren-
net, and let it stand until sufficiently firm ; spread a

linen cloth in a large basin of cold water, lay the
curd gently on it, tie the cloth, and hang it up to
drain, for four or five hours, in a cool place ; then
change the cloth, and put the curd into a vessel the
circumference of a common plate, and press it mod-
erately six or eight hours, when it must be taken out,
turned, and split horizontally with a thread ; lay the
cloth between the two cakes, and again put them in
press for twelve or fourteen hours : if then pressed
enough, which can be ascertained by their firmness,
keep them in fresh grass a few days, turning them
morning and evening. The price of these, about the
fill of a common dining plate, is twenty-five cents.
It is wonderful what a variety of forms and dishes
a good housewife will learn to make in the country
out of a few simple materials, to tickle the palate of
the "lord and master," and leave him without any
honest excuse to be tired and out of humor with his
own home and fireside !

13 0133' IDjcpartnunt.

For the Neio Englayid Farmer.

Industry. — Boys should be industrious, busy,
and active, ever desiring and aiming at improve-
ment. Happiness and success in life depend upon
this ; usefulness in the world — an object worth liv-
ing for — is greatly promoted by an economical appro-
priation of our time. Spare moments — the golden
.sands of life — should all bo turned to good account.
Much is to be learned, and more, if possible, is to be
accomplished. Time, even if lengthened beyond our
reasonable expectation, is not too long to be appro-
priated to those virtuous uses which the Great Dis-
penser of all our blessings requires of our hands.

When not actively engaged in bodily labor, let the
mind take its alternate turn at some laudable object
or useful purpose ; even then, when the muscles arc
in action, the higher organization of thought and
mental application may not remain idle ; mind may,
and should, predominate over matter ; therefore let
the faculties of the soul expand and mount upward
on the rapid ^^ ings of improvement and a legitimate
and rational system of enjoyment. J.

PoLiTEXESS. — Be polite at all times, and to all
persons. Remember that you will lose nothing by
thus doing ; you will be more respected, and cer-
tainly more beloved, than you will be if you are in
the habit of answering in an abrupt or unkind
manner. It will also render you happier to do this ;
for if polite yourself, you will generally meet with
politeness in return ; and if you do not, you will
still have the inward consciousness of having your-
self acted correctlJ^ — Well- Spring.

i^ealtl).

Remedy for a Cougu. — Mr. Charles Pierce, of
Milton, a farmer, of about fifty-seven j'ears of age,
informs us that for several winters past he had
been afflicted with a severe cough, which continued
notwithstanding various medicines were used. As
w'arm weather came on, in spring, his cough abated.

The past winter, he was troubled, as usual, with a
cough ; and he resolved to try a new remedy. Ac-
cordingly, he commenced clearing up a piece of land,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

141

on which were whortleberry and other small bushes,
and in which there were numerons small stones.

The snow was about a foot deep : this he shovelled
off, then cut the bushes, and dug the stones, as the
ground was not frozen hard. AVhilc operating, he
turned up the fresh and pure soil, Avhich he often
took up; and with his mouth wide open, and close to
the soil, ho inhaled the scent of the fresh earth, and,
persevering in this course till he had cleared half an
acre of land, he found himself strong and hale, hav-
ing got entirely rid of his cough.

A few days ago, he was in our office, looking
robust and healthy ; and he had walked from ]Milton,
a distance of seven miles, intending to return in the
same way, preferring walking to riding.

Here is an important lesson. We have no doubt
that the scent of that fresh earth had more remedial
power that all the nostrums and doses of the apothe-
cary's shop, simple, or compounded with the greatest
scientific skill.

It may be said that the exercise was a help in this
case ; and it dotibtless was an auxiliary, as it was
regular and various, affecting all parts of the system,
and the chest in particular. But it should be con-
sidered that Mr. Pierce is an industrious man, and
does not suffer for want of exercise ; yet that afforded
in clearing land might be more congenial to health
than the labor to which he nsually attended.

So we credit a part of the remedial means to the
better exercise, and we will also credit something
to the expansion of the lungs, by long and strong
inhalations, which gave them full play, and tended
to strengthen them. After deducting these credits,
and any others that may be suggested, we think
miich will be left in favor of the pure earth. We
have generally found that labor in the soil is the
most invigorating and healthful of all exercises.

Cure for Rheumatism. — We recommend the fol-
lowing recipe, which will be found, upon trial, to be a
simple, still an invaluable remedy for rheumatism.
Take a pint of the spirits of turpentine, to which
add half an ounce of camphor ; let it stand till the
camphor is dissolved ; then rub it on the part
affected, and it will never fail of remo-snng the com-
plaint. Flannel should be applied after the part
is well fomented with turpentine. Repeat the appli-
cation morning and evening. It is said to be equally
available for burns, scalds, bruises, and sprains, never
failing of success. We can vouch for its efficacy in
rheumatic affections, as a tried remedv.

fllefljanics' Pcpartment, ^rte, ^r.

Platin-.i Metal. — This very little knoAvn metal
was formerly more valuable than gold. But the
platina mines of Russia have furnished such an
abundance of the ore, that it is now next to gold in
value. It is a metal of whitish, silvery color, the
heaviest, the most difficult of fusion, the most ductile,
and the most tlexible of the known mclals, having a
specific gravity of 21.5, and capable of being ham-
mered into leaves, or drawn into wires, of extreme
tenuity. Its hardness is intermediate between that
of copper and iron ; and though very infusible, it is

malleable, and capable of being Avoided at a white
heat, either one piece to another, or to a bit of iron
or steel. It is not in the least affected by the air or
water, and it is not attacked by anj' of the pure
acids ; but is dissolved by chlorine and nitromuriatic
acid.

In beauty, ductility, and indestructibility it is
hardly inferior to gold. When a perfectly clean sur-
face of platinum is presented to a mixture of oxygen
and hydrogen gas, it has the extraordinary property
of causing them to combiiie, so as to form water, and
often with such rapidity as to render the metal red
hot. Platinum was discovered about 1741 ; but it
attracted little notice until the mode of purifying it
and rendering it malleable was discovered by Dr.
Wollaston. It is found in the metallic state in
Brazil and Peru; at Antioquia, in South America;
Estremadura, in Spain ; and latterly, in considerable
quantities, in the Uralian Mountain, and in California.
Its appearance, in the rough state in which it is im-
ported, is that of small grains or scales, of a metallic
lustre, darker than silver, and extremely heavy. In
this state it is combined with palladium, rhodium,
titanium, iron, gold, or other metals. The particles
are seldom larger than a pea, but pieces have been
found as large as a hazel-nut; and in 1831, a mass
of native metal M'as discovered in Demicloff's gold
mines, in Russia, weighing iipwards of twenty pounds.

The perfection with which vessels of platinum
resist the action of heat and air, of most of the acids,
and of sulphur and mercury, renders them peculiarly
valuable in many chemical applications ; so that,
notwithstanding the high value of the metal, which
is between four and five times its weight of silver, it
is now much employed for crucibles, retorts for the
distillation of sulphuric acid, mirrors for reflecting
telescopes, by gunsmiths and others. Its property
of being welded, either one piece with another, or
with iron and steel, admits of many useful applica-
tions in the arts. From its scarcity and indestructi-
bility, it has been proposed to use it for coinage ; and
we believe coins of the respective values of three,
six, and twenty silver roubles are now current in
Russia.

Improvemexts on Windmills. — Mr. Charles B.
Hutchinson, of Waterloo, Seneca Co., N. Y., has re-
cently made some valuable improvements on wind-
mills, both for self-regulating and reefing the sails.
A common governor is used for the regulating of the
angle of the sails to the wind ; but this is employed
in a most judicious and novel manner for retaining
the ends of the booms in slot when necessary, at an
angle reverse to the allowing of the sails to present
the square of their surfaces to the blast. This mode
of self-regulation has been completely successful in
practice during the most fitful windy days of this
autumn. — Genesee Farmer.

THE TEA PLANT IN THE UNITED STATES.

The planters and farmers of the Southern States
will be gratified to learn that seven cases of black
and green tea plants, Chinese stock, have jirst arrived
from London in the ship American Eagle, shipped by
Dr. Junius Smith, during his late visit to that city.
There are five hundred plants, of from five to seven
years' growth. All are designed by the doctor as
seed plants. A small quantity of tea seed was
brought out by him in the steam ship Britannia,
which was received in London overland from the
north-west provinces of India. We understand the
doctor designs to proceed soon to the south, with a
view of forming a plantation. More plants and seed
are expected from India and China this season; and

142

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

if we may judge from the progress already made, we
have now the means in hand of extending tea plan-
tations throughout such sections of our country as
may be found adapted to their cultivation. — Journal
of Commerce,

♦

EXPORTATION OF COWS.

Maine has long been a stock-growing state, and
one of her staple products has been neat stock,
thousands and thousands of which are driven away
every fall. The heavy oxen are mostly driven east,
into the provinces, for beef, and to be used in the
lumber business. The lighter cattle and stores are
driven to Brighton and there sold. Ilccently we
met with a gentleman from Springfield, Mass., who
was in pursuit of tirst-rate cows. lie understood
the properties of a good cow, and could read one
with great accuracy. He started last week with a
small drove, which he had collected in the towns of
Winslow, Waterville, Belgrade, &c. They were
prime animals, and will report themselves favorably
to the farmers of the Old Bay State. Here, then, is
opened a new branch of the stock trade, viz., the
rearing of first-rate milkers for sale, to supply the
milk farms of other states.

In order to follow this successfully, it will be
necessary to pay more attention to the milking
properties of the breeders, and to breed from those
that have proved themselves good milkers. The
principles of breeding cows for great milking qualities
are not so well understood as those for breeding for
beef. The qualities and points which make an ani-
mal excellent for the latter are more tangible,
depending on the peculiar conformation and arrange-
ment and shape of different organs. This is not
wholly the case with an animal for milking qualities.
True, the form and position of certain organs are
indicative of these properties ; but there are also
certain physiological principles involved in the
formation of large quantities of rich milk, that are
not always manifest to the casual observer. — Maine
Farmer.

CLIPPING HORSES.

Clipping undoubtedly enables a horse to perform
his work with greater ease, in the same way that
a man can work easier in his shirt sleeves than in a
great coat ; besides this, he can be dressed quicker
and more readily. Extra clothing is required, and
the horse should not stand about in cold weather.
Where, however, he is obliged to do so, singeing is
better than clipping, as it does not remove so much
of the coat, but can be repeated during the winter.
— Ag, Gazette.

CURE FOR SCRATCHES ON HORSES.

Feed a horse one or two tablespoonfuls of sulphur
per day, (in order to cleanse his blood,) for three or
four days, wash the feet in clean, soft water, then put
on dry sulphur, and wind a linen cloth around the
sore, and twice or throe times a day drop in dry sul-
phur between the cloth and the sore. Be careful to
keep the feet dry, as it is of no use to doctor the feet
until the blood is put in order. This seldom fails in
the worst cases.

SEASONS FOR FELLING RESINOUS
TIMBER.

In cutting timber, of all kinds, advantage should
be taken of the season which will favor their dura-
tion and strength. Thus oak and most other kinds
of non-resiniferous trees, as far as the knowledge of

practice extends, are stronger and more durable
when felled in early winter, at the time the pores
contain but little sap. On the contrary, the timber
of pine, larch, and other resinous trees, cut in spring
or early summer, when the pores ai"e filled with
resin, M'hich is, in fact, a sort of embalming, pos-
sesses a greater degree of strength, and will endure
longer, than if cut when the resin is absent from the
wood, which is more or less the case in autumn or
winter.

We have no hesitation in stating, that good heart
pine, cut in spring, or early summer, Vv'hen full of
resin, is fully equal in lasting qualities to any hard-
wood timber that can be produced, quite putting in
the shade the processes of Payne, Kian, and Burnett,
from the efforts of nature being more freely carried
out than can possibly be clone by the very best ex-
hausting engme and hydi'aulie presses that have yet
been made. — American Aijriculturist.

TEXAS WHEAT.

It is stated by a gentleman from Corsicana, in
Limestone county, that about forty thousand bvishels
of wheat have been raised in Navarro and Limestone
counties this season. A part of this Avas harvested
as early as the 9th of May, and it is of an excellent
quality. The grains are plump and large, and the
wheat, it is believed, will average over sixty pounds
to the bushel. A large quantity of wheat has been
raised in Trinity Valley, above Dallis. The experi-
ments in the culture of this grain indicate that the
whole region, Avaterec^ by the Trinity and its tribu-
taries above Smithfield, is as well adapted to the
culture of wheat as the best wheat-growing regions
in the Middle States. The soil, in this section, con-
tains a large proportion of lime ; and it is probably
owing to the presence of this mineral that it is better
adapted to the culture of wheat than the soil near
coasts. There is a belt of country extending quite
across Texas, from the Red River to the Rio Grande,
and including most of the undulating region of that
country, that is as well adapted to the culture of
wheat as any portion of the Union. This section
comprises at least thirty millions of acres, and may,
at some future clay, yield bread stuffs sufficient for
the consumption of more than ten millions of people.
— Lancaster {Pa.) Farmer.

IMPROVEMENT OF VARIETIES.

A writer in the Gardener's Chronicle gives some
interesting results of experiments in improving the
varieties of vegetables. He began with long pod
beans. He took for seed none with fewer than live
seeds in a pod. The following year there were many
six-seeded pods, and some with seven. Still select-
ing the best, he procured many six and seven-seeded
pods, and some with eight. In this way new and
distinct varieties were formed ; for while some re-
mained with five-seeded pods, it was found that they
rarely had a six-seeded pod upon them ; while those
with six-seeded pods were nearly all so, and some
seven-seeded. New varieties are only produced from
seed ; hence the importance of a constant care in
selection in all crops which are annually reproduced
in this M-ay. A skilful market gardener, in Western
New York, by constantly selecting the earliest seeds
of the Washington pea, in a few years had them
more than a week earlier than his neighbors, who
cultivated the same variety. Plants not reproduced
by seeds, as the potato by eyes or tubers, and fruit
trees by grafts and buds, remain perfectly unchanged
for ages ; for this is only a continuation of the same
original plant, which cannot change its own being.
— Albany Cultivator.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

143

OSAGE ORANGE.

Agreeably to request, ■\ve lately published an
article on the use of this plant for hedges, and we
inquired as to its hardiness ; since that time, ■we
have heard from several places -where it has been
cultivated in New England, and it is found too ten-
der for the cold of this climate. It has also been
killed by the winter on Long Island, N. Y. Mr.
Downing, in his Horticulturist, gives an opinion
that it will endure the cold as far north as the
Isabella grape will ripen ; but we think, from the few
experiments that have been made, that the Osage
orange will not bear extension so far north as the
Isabella, for this is the principal grape cultivated in
this region.

HOW TO ENLARGE VEGETABLES.

A vast increase of food may be obtained by man-
aging judiciously and systematically carrying out for
a time the principles of increase. Take, for instance,
a pea. Plant it in very rich ground ; allow it to bear
the first year, say half a dozen pods only ; remove all
others, save the largest, the following year, and retain
of the produce three pods only ; sow the largest the
following year, and retain one pod ; again select the
largest, and the next year the soii; will by this time
have trebled its size and weight. Ever afterwards
sow the largest seed, and by these means you will
get peas, or any thing else, of a bulk of which we at
present have no conception.

CULTIVATION OF THE RASPBERRY.

The plants are frequently set out in light and poor
soils, crowded together, left untrimmed, choked up
with a profuse growth of weak stems ; and Avhat
little fruit they produce is nearly dried up, from the
arid situation in which they were placed. On the
contrary, in cool, deep, and moist soils, in a sheltered
and partially shaded place, the plants throw up
suckers to the height of six or eight feet, and pro-
duce a profusion of large, handsome, and well flavored
ben-ies. So well assured are the most eminent
English cultivators of the raspberry, of its love of a
cool and moist soil, that some writers have strenuously
recommended the use of bog earth and rotten leaves,
in the place of richest loam. We are well assured
that the many complaints which are made of the
meagre produce of niany raspberry plantations, may
be attributed wholh'' to the light and droughty soils
in which they are often planted.

A cool aspect is of material consequence ; and to
secure this, the north side of a fence or trellis, which
will form a screen from the sun, is the most favor-
able ; on the north side of the shrubbery or row of
fruit trees, is also a suitable place. If neither of
these situations is to be had, an open spot in the
garden may be chosen, always being careful to avoid
the south or east side of the fence. A temporary
shade may be effected in the open garden by plant-
ing a row of running beans on the south side. —
Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture.

A HINT TO OWNERS OF HOTHOUSES.

" Give me air, or I shall die ! " is an exclamation
which most people have heard occasionally, but
which a gardener might listen to every hour of his
existence, had he skLU to interpret the language of
plants. " Give me air, or I shall die ! " is incessantly

repeated by every leaf in ninety-nine hothouses,
greenhouses, conservatories, hibcrnatories, and pits,
in a hundred, all over the world. But the voice is
unheard ; the pale looks, the feeble frames of the
sufferers arc disregarded ; heat is offered as a substi-
tute for air, and the duties of horticulture are thought
to be fultillcd when a blanket is AvrajDped round a
patient perishing with suffocation.

PREPARATION OF CLOVER SEED.

"We have received two communications from Jo-
seph Warbasse, of Newton, New Jersey, on his mode
of preparing clover seed for sowing, by whitih the
writer calculates he makes a saving of one half the
seed required. Mr. Warbasse's process seems to be
predicated on the assumed fact, that ordinarily more
than one half of the seed does not germinate,
cither from the want of moisture to swell it, or of
gypsum, the presence of which he considers essential
to stimulate the germinating principle. Mr. War-
basse is probably right in saying that one half the
clover seed sown does not come up ; he is strength-
ened in his supposition that much of it remains
dormant in the soil, by the fact he states, and which
is of common notoriety, — tliat plaster sown on light
lands will bring in clover, where no seed is sown at
the time. Mr. Warbasse's remedy for the evil is, to
saturate and swell the seed thoroughly in soft water,
to which a small quantity of salt is added, and after
it becomes well saturated, to coat it with gypsum,
&c., the effects of which seem to be to prevent the
escape of moisture which the seed has imbibed, and
thus insure its germination and growth. A further
advantage may be, that the salt imparts fertility to the
soil which comes in immediate contact with the
seeds, and causes a more vigoroiis growth. Such
seems to be the philosophy upon which Mr. W.'s
practice is founded. We give the process of prepar-
ing the seed in his own words.

" The seed is to be made thoroughly wet with a
strong pickle from your pork cask ; let it remain in a
heap one day ; then spread it about one or two inches
thick on a dry floor, and in a few days a crust of
salt will be formed on each grain. When you wish
to sow it, moisten it again with pickle, spread it over
a floor, and put on about three quarts or more of
gypsum to a bushel of seed ; mix it well, and
keep it moist in a cellar until you sow it." — Yankee
Farmer.

NEW INVENTION.

An acquaintance of ours in this city, who is quite
a bee-fancier, and has closely observed and studied
their habits for several years, placed a new swarm in
a hive of his own construction on the 2oth of June
last. This hive is made to conform to the natural
habits of the insect in its wild state ; is of the usual
form, but closed at the bottom with a close-fitting lid
covered with wke cloth, about eight meshes to the
inch. This allows all the dirt and chips of comb
made by the bees to sift through, and admit suffi-
cient air for ventilation. It is hung on butts, and
can be opened to brush off any dead bees, or any
other substance too large to fall through it. Near
the top, directly over the drawers, is an inch auger
hole, for the passage of the " workers." This aper-
ture, being at the top of the swarms, has always a
cluster of busy bees about it, so that no miller can en-
ter ; and as there is no other mode of ingress, our
friend thinks that the hives may be kept from worms,
Avhich are the great enemy of the apiary. Nothing
larger than an ant can go tlirough the Avirc bottom,
and they are easily kept away by salt. The swarm
in the hive is the most busy its owner ever witnessed ;

144

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

and as evidence of this, he finds the hives on the
tenth day two thirds full of comb — nearly double
what is usual for so late a swarm.

RASPBERRIES.

S. A. Barrett, of Milton, N. Y., asserts that " a
strong deep loam, Avith but little sand, is the only soil
from which a full crop is to be expected every season
from the Red Antwerp." He also states that N.
Hallock, of that place, produced a crop the past sea-
son, from three fovu-ths of an acre, which sold for
$330 in New York city.

FACTS IN PHYSIOLOGY.

A man is taller in the morning than at night to
the extent of half an inch, owing to the relaxation
of the cartilages. The human brain is the 28th of the
body ; but in a horse, only the 400th. Ten days per
annum is the average sickness of hiiman life. About
the age of 30, the lean man generally becomes fatter,
and the fat man leaner, llichter enumerates 600
distinct species of disease in the eye. The piilse of
children is 180 in a minute ; at puberty, it is 80 ; and
at 60, it is only GO. Dr. Lettom ascribed health and
■wealth to water, happiness to small beer, and all
diseases and crimes to the use of spirits. Elephants
live to 200, 300, and even 400 years. Bats, in
India are caWcdfli/inj foxes, and measure six feet
from tip to tip of their wings. Sheep, in wild pas-
tures, practise self-defence by an array, in which
rams stand foremost, in concert with ewes and
lambs, in the centre of a hollow square. Three
Hudson's Bay dogs draw a sledge loaded with 300
pounds fifteen miles in a day. One pair of pigs will
increase in six years 119,100, taking the increase at
fourteen times per annum. A pair of sheep in the
same time would be but 64. A single house Hy pro-
duces in one season 20,080,326 eggs. The flea,
grasshopper, and locust jump 200 times their own
length, equal to a quarter of a mile for a man.

THE PURITY OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF
SALT.

Prof. Beck, of Rutgers' College, has made the
following analysis of the different kinds of salt : —

1000 parts Onondaga coarse salt contain pure
salt 991 parts.

1000 parts Onondaga dairy salt contain pure salt
974 parts.

1000 parts Turk's Island salt contains pure salt
984 parts.

1000 parts Cheshire crushed rock salt contain
pvire salt 986 parts.

If this be true, why is it that farmers and beef and
pork packers still prefer Turk's Island, or Liverpool,
Cheshire, salt ? This fact is notorious. If Onondaga
salt was better, would they not find it out ! — Bujf.
Com.

We concur in, and repeat the inquiry above. If
Onondaga salt is better than Turk's Island or Liver-
pool, whj' is it, that our farmers and beef and pork
packers do not find it o\it? There nmst be some
mistake in this matter. Perhaps it is in the frauds
practised in its manufacture or packing. If so, how
can pure Onondaga salt be secured ? "NYc should
like to know. — Rochester American.

'• Swear not at all." Deceive not. Profanity
and falsehood are marks of low breeding. Show us
the man who commands the best respect — an oath
never trembles on his tongue — a falsehood is never
breathed from his lips.

THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER.

She may not, in the mazy dance,

^Vith jewelled maidens vie ;
She may not smile on courtly. swain

With soft, bewitching eye ;
She cannot boast a form and mien

That lavish wealth has brought her ;
But, ah, she has much fairer charms, —

The farmer's peerless daughter !

The rose and lily on her cheek

Together love to dwell ;
Her laughing blue eyes -nTcath around

The heart a witching spell ;
Her smile is bright as morning's glow

Upon the dewy plain.
And listening to her voice we dream

That spring has come again.

The timid fawn is not more wild,

Nor yet more gay and free ;
The lily's cup is not more pure

In all its purity ; —
Of all the wild flowers in the wood.

Or by the crystal water,
There's none more pure or fair than she,

The farmer's peerless daughter !

The haughty belle, whom all adore,

On downy pillow lies ;
While forth upon the dewy lawn

The merry maiden hies ;
And, with the lark's uprising song,

Her own clear voice is heard :
Yo may not tell which sweetest sings,

The maiden or the bird.

Then tell me not of jewelled fair —

The brightest jewel yet
Is the heart where virtue dwells

And innocence is set ;
The glow of health upon her cheek,

The grace no rule hath taught her :
The fairest wreath that beauty twines

Is for the farmer's daughter !

THE OLIO.

If we would enjoy oiu-selves, we must take the
world as it is — mix up a thousand spots of sunshine
— a cloud here and there — a bright sky — a storm
to-day, calm to-morrow — the chill, piercing Avinds
of autumn, and the bland, rcA'iA'ing air of summer.

Longitude. — "Tommy, my son, Avhat is longi-
tude-" "A clothes line, daddy." "Prove it, my
son." " Because it stretches fi-om j)ole to pole. "

Why is a lad}', AA-hilo decorating her fingers, like
one in distress : Because she's icringing her hands.

Soi)histry is lilie a AvindoAV curtain — pleases as an
ornament, but its true use is to keep out the light.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $\ a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18^ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage ^^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, Avithin
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth.— Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1849,

NO. 10.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTOX.

J. NOUIISE, Propmetor.

AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION.

O.v the L3th, the last agricultural meeting was
held at the State House. Hon. M. P. Wilder in the
chair. Subject, Agricultural Education.

The president said, that the subject was of vital
iuiportance to the whole community, for on the
success of the farmer the prosperity of all other pro-
fessions must depend. The science of agriculture
should be jilaced on a par with every other depart-
ment of art and education. He alluded to the move-
ment in the legislature of New York on this subject.

Hon. Mr. Calhoun remarked that the common-
wealth of Massachusetts had liberally sustained
schools, academies, and colleges, which were an honor
to her, and a commendable spirit was now aroused on
agricultural education, and this spirit may be relied
upon in sustaining the cause of agricultural educa-
tion. There is less diificulty in this than in other
braiTches of education, now in successful operation
in our state. We have schools for the instruction
of the blind and the deaf, and establishments for
improving the condition of idiots and lunatics. As
farmers now enter upon their business without suit-
able instruction, a great deal of time is lost, and
much is learned wrong by hasty observation. But
if a right start is taken, they will not be subjected to
a thousand experiments in order to learn what should
be imparted by a good education. There is no calling
in which science may be so successfully emisloyed as
in agriculture. Sir Hum.phry Davy wrote on agri-
cultural chemistry fifty years ago, and he has been
followed by Licbeg and others of eminence, and
much scientific knowledge had been disseminated in
Europe, and there is no reason why we shotdd not
avail ourselves of the same advantages. In England
and Germany agricultural schools are in successful
o,5cration, and their utilitj' is acknowledged. As the
young farmer turns up the sod, he knows not the
elements that compose it, nor the manures it requires,
nor to what crops it is adapted. A little accurate
knowledge would be of great service to him. In our
schools and seminaries of learning Ave get an educa-
tion that fits us for every calling excepting that of
the farmer. The subject has been before the legis-

lature, but they have done nothing in furnishing
means as in the establishing other schools.

Hon. Mr. French, of Braintrec, thought that the
community were becoming alive to this subject, and
there could be no question that there was a great
want of accurate information, which otir schools and
colleges do not supplj', as agricultural education docs
not enter into our systems of instruction. Wc
should have agricultural schools where a young man
may work on a good constitution and fit himseK
for pursuing his profession with pleasure and suc-
cess. If a school was established, it would soon
be furnished with a large ntimber of students. At
present, the great error at our seminaries of learning
is, that students study too hard, and take too little ex-
ercise. In an agricultural school, exercise and study
v.-ould bo combined, imparting instruction and health.

Hon. Mr. Leonard, of the Senate, believed that an
agricultural school would be a benefit to the com-
monwealth. He referred to the aid that agriculture
had alreadj' received by means of the sciences.

Mr. Teschemacher, of Boston, believed that there
was already too miich education for the learned pro-
fessions, and he was opposed to any more facilities
for this purpose, until provision was made to educate
the farmer to ctiltivate the soil from which he must
get his livelihood, and learn its peculiar elements,
and its adaptation to particular crops. He was op-
posed to doing any thing m.ore for colleges until
agriculture was represented in them. In England
there is a great difterence in the products of an acre
of land, and mutton, butter, and other jiroductions
sell at very different prices. This is not the result
of chance, but the application of greater skill in the
production of crops. Every yotith, who would get
accurate knowledge of agriculture, should be fur-
nished with advantages for this j)uri50se.

Dr. Wilder, of Leominster, thought that every one
could do something to give importance to agriculture,
and impressing it early on the minds of children.
Teachers and pcrcnts may do much by instructing
children in the rudiments of agrieidturo, and thus
lay a foundation for agricultural schools, where their
education may be completed.

Deacon Grant, of I'^oston, had Icr.rncd to estinnt'"

146

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

the value of agi-icultural knowledge from the success
attending the hoys who had been instructed at the
Fixmi School.

Hon. Mr. Gray, of Boston, was of the opinion of
Dr. "Wilder, that the young should be instructed in
agricultural education. He thought that instruction
in agriculture might bo given in our colleges. "We
need works to teach the elements of agriculture.

On motion of Mr. Calhoun, it was Resolved, that
it becomes the enlightened policy of Massachusetts
to aid in furnishing to the people the means of a
thorough agricultural education.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture, for April,
as usual, contains a variety of interesting matter.
Mr. Hovej' is among the most industrious and per-
severing pomologists in the country.

A Practical Treatise on the Management op
Fruit Trees, by George Jaquos, published by E.
N. Tucker, Worcester. This is a small work, con-
taining useful directions, with a descriptive list of
such fruits as the author considers adapted to the
interior of New England. Even those who prefer
more definite descriptions of fruit, and an account of
the principal kinds cultivated in the country, will
hnd valuable hints in this work on cultivation and
management.

Report on Agriculture, by the committee on
agriculture, in the New York Assembly. A valuble
document, extracts from which appear on p. 159.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Mr. Nathan Waters, Sutton, Beauty, or Sut-
ton Beauty. This apple, in form, size, color, and
season, is similar to the Baldwin. Yet it is of a
more delicate and beautiful appearance, of fine tex-
ture, more mild and delicate in its flesh, which, in
our opinion, renders it superior for the table. We
have tried and described this fruit before, but we
never made a fair trial of it, as we have not had it
till too late in the season to judge accurately of its
quality. We find that it is a stout, vigorous grower
in the nursery. It is worthy of trial, and promises
to be one of our most valuable winter apples.

Of Mr. George Phipps, Framingham, Winter
Sweet apple. Medial size, round, ribbed, yellow,
with a brownish red blush ; flesh very firm, and of a
pleasant, lively flavor, after long keeping.

Of Mr. Lewis Jones, Wayland, Jones's Sweet apple.
Large, round, yellow, dull brown blush, of a pleas-
ant quality. These noble apples make a fine appear-
ance at this late season ; but Mr. Jones says, that it
requires high culture to bring them up to so fine a
condition.

Of Mr. J. Waters, from his father, Stephen Waters, of
Sutton, Sutton Export apple. Medial size, roundish
oblong ; j-cUow, russet, and red ; flesh, very hard, of a
pleasant flavor ; but it is not sufficiently ripe to allow
US to judge correctly of its quality. Mr. W. makes
the following remarks on this fruit : —

Mr. Cole : I herewith send you some specimens
of an apple which I have christened the Sutton Ex-
port, from the fact, that I think there are no apples
now extant which are equal to this for exportation,
or for holding their hardness and flavor to a very
late period in the season. I have kept them without
assorting over until August, when they would come
out fresh and fair, with very few rotten, retaining all
their qualities, as though they had but just arrived at
maturity. They are, however, eatable as early as
January, although quite hard. The tree is hardy and
rugged, and I think peculiarly adapted to our New
England culture and climate. It is a constant and
prolific bearer, and such is the wonderful tenacity
with which the fruit clings to the tree, that they suc-
cessfully resist the storm and wind, and even the
eftbrts of boys with clubs and other missiles are not
sufficient to detach them. To make an attempt to
cat the fruit in the fall would be in vain, for it would
be almost impossible to make an indenture with the
teeth ; and in fact it is hard to bruise or make an
impression upon them at this time of the year, which
peculiarly adapts them to exportation. You will
please have the goodness to test these apples ihor-
oughly, particularli/ the JIuvor — how they will com-
pare with others, &c., and oblige S. W.

EXERCISE OF THE MIND.

Persons who are much employed in pursuits in-
volving manual labor are apt to undervalue the
necessity of exercising their minds more fully than
the mere thinkings immediately connected with their
pursuits. To such we would say, your power of
applying your mind intently to any subject will be
in exact proportion to the amount of exercise you
have given it.

The arm of the blacksmith, or the leg of the dan-
cing master, increases in size by its exercise, and the
brain of the lawyer gains activity and strength from
a similar cause.

Even the eye may be improved in the exercise of
its functions by use. Thus the artist and the dealer
in dry goods both remember and observe colors with
greater exactness than those not so employed.

Go to our prisons and observe those who have
worked in silence for many years at some monoto-
nous occupation, without the opportunity of listen-
ing to conversations, or of referring to books, without
change of scene or other cause for the exercise of
thought, and you will invariably find that they have
lessened in the power of thinking ; their memories,
and indeed every quality of their minds, will be found
to have deteriorated.

With such facts as these fairly ascertained, is it
not both slothful and sinful for farmers to doze away
their evenings in a sort of half consciousness, and
then retire to bed like tired beasts of burden, instead
of spending a single hour, at least, each evening, in a
healthy and proper exercise of their minds.

If this exercise have relation to the affairs of the
farm, arising out of judiciovis reading, you will profit
more by it than from a similar' amoimt of bodily
exercise. Indeed, its beneficial effects will pen'ade
all your doings.

The necessity for this advice is rapidly passing
away ; but we all know that our industrious farmers
have been too apt to over-labor and under think —
excusing themselves for such negligence by urging
their fatigue as the cause. Farms of any extent re-
quire that the person having them in charge should
not so over-labor, as to have no time for thought.
One hour per day, applied to reading agricultural
improvements, Avill give rise to methods for saving
more than the value of the time so spent, in addition
to its beneficial effect on the mind. — Working Farmer.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

147

THE IMPROVED SEED SOWER AND PLANTER.

A good seed sower is a labor-saving machine, of
groat utility to the farmer or gardener, who sows or
plants many small seeds. With the ground well
prepared, and a suitable machine, one hand will sow
seed as fast as four or five men without a machine,
and the sowing will be more uniform than that done
by hand.

This machine is light, and it is pushed forward by
the operator ; the ground is opened, the seed dropped,
covered, and rolled, in one operation or passing.
This useful implement is adapted to seeds of varioiis
sizes ; to sowing seed thinly, or plentifully, as desira-
ble ; and the rows or drills may be of any distance
apart.

By change of cj'Iinders, this apparatus may readily
be adapted to large or small seeds. The gearing, for
the purpose of producing a rapid or slow motion, in
order to adapt the machine to different kinds of seed,
is very simple, yet excellent, as it will sow con-
tinuously in drills, or drop in hills. This gearing is
made of iron, with graduated rows of cogs, and it
works with great precision ; it is very durable, and
not liable to get out of order.

BLACK POLAND TOP-KNOT FOWL.

These, like the brave people from which thej' de-
rive their name, are every way commendable, and
are recommended to the "chicken fancier."

The Poland fowls, as they are generally called,
were, according to English authors, said to be imported
from Holland. Their color is a shining black, with
a white top-knot of feathers, on the heads of both
cock and hen.

The head is flat, and surmounted by a fleshy pro-
tuberance out of which springs the crown of feathers,
or top-knot, white or black, with the fleshy King
David's crown, consisting of four or live spikes. The
true breed is rather above the middling size ; their
form is plump and deep, and the legs of the best sorts
are not too long, and mo?;t have five claws. The
contrast of the perfectly white crest with the black
plumage is truly beautiful ; but the top-knot of the
cock differs from his hen, hers being broad and erect
feathers, while his are narrower and hanging down
in every direction.

Mowbray says, " The Polanders are not only kept
as ornamental, biit they arc of the most useful varie-

ties, particularly on account of the abundance of the
eggs they lay, being least inclined to sit of any other
breed, whence they are sometimes called everlasting
layers, and it is usual to set their eggs under other
hens. They fatten as quickly as any other breed,
and in quality similar to the Dorking ; their flesh
perhaps more juicy, and of a richer flavor." They
are a quiet, domestic fowl, neither quarrelsome nor
mischievous, and their eggs of good size, fine flavored,
and thin shells. — Bement's Poulterer' s Companion.

Howard B. Cofiin, Newton Corner, has a lot of the
above named fowls, and can furnish eggs to any one
who wishes them for hatching, if their orders are
left at No. 5 Congress Square, Boston. — Com.

THE APRICOT.

** Does the apricot produce fruit without bud-
ding ? " We supposed that it was generally known
that apricots would produce fruit Avithoiit budding,
in the same manner as other fruit trees. In this
vicinity are a number of apricot trees, of sviperior
quality, that have not been budded. The opinion
that the apricot does not yield fruit without budding
may have arisen from the numerous failures in this
species. The buds are very liable to be killed in
the cold season. It flowers very early, more so than
other fruit trees ; hence the blossoms are liable to be
killed. If the buds and blossoms escape injiiry, the
curculio is liable to sting and destroy the fruit at an
early stage.

SECKEL PEAR.

It may be a matter of interest to nursery-men and
fruit-growers to know that the original Seckel pear-
tree, the parent of all the Seckel pears in the United
States and in Europe, is still standing — a venerable
inhabitant of a meadow belonging to the city of
Philadelphia, in Passayunk, on the Delaware River,
near the mouth of the Schuylkill, three and a half
miles below the city. It is a large tree, about thirty
feet high, and measuring six feet in circumference a
foot from the ground. The trunk, however, is much
decayed, and it is thought that it cannot long with-
stand the wintry winds that annually sweep over
the peninsula between the Delaware and Schuylkill
Rivers. — Valley Farmer.

148

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New Enc/Iand Farmer.

THE COUNTRY FAVORABLE TO LOCAL
ATTACHMENTS.

An Extract from " The Farmer's Every Day Booh " —
Ml Manuscript.

It may be assumed as an hypothesis of imdoiibtod
reality, that, all other things being equal, local at-
tachments are in proportion to their duration. Let
this rule be applied. A family living in a house a
year becomes attached to it more than living in it a
month ; living in it five years, more than living in it
a single year ; and for life, proportionably more than
for five years. And, especially if the same place is
tenanted by successive generations of the same fam-
ily, how -wonderfully developed becomes the tendency
of our nature of which we are speaking ! If tlicre
is any thing in this world that rationally binds one's
affections to it, if there is any thing that imparts a
philosophical dignity to life, it is living for successive
years, or through life, in competence and without
solitude, sharing with the same dear family circle
the mansion of a past generation. What varied
associations cluster around the fireside and the
household altar ! The hours of morning twilight,
the pensive and the mellowed shades of evening,
and no less the dark watches of midnight, arc alike
flooded with soothing recollections.

In the country, upon the tidy and well cultivated
farm, such associations and such recollections convert
the whole of surrounding nature into a fau'y scene,
en which the imagination never becomes wearied.
If the starry and the moonlight heavens any where
shed over the human sensibilities a delightful emo-
tion, it is here ! If a landscape of hill, and dale, and
Avaving shadow, any where captivate the eye, it is
here ! If the murmuring rill, and the falling cas-
cade, and the distant echo of some disturber of mid-
night silence, any where send a thrilling pathos to
the soul, verily it is here ! Here the children were
born ! Here, amidst pure breezes and serene skies,
they are nurtured in body and mind ! Here, in
God's first temple, they are taught to lisp his praise !
Here, away from the loathings of vice, they receive
the elements of useful knowledge ! Here, in rustic
simplicity, their manners are formed ! Here, always
at home, what can diminish the vigor of their nat-
ural affections ?

It is difficult to imagine what there is in the city,
analogous to all this, to operate on the social affec-
tions. Persons of sufhcient means, in the city, may,
and do, occupy good houses ; sometimes it may be
princely mansions, provided also with expensive
furniture ; but is there any thing in such establish-
ments to produce tliis strong local attachment?
It appears to us that such establishments produce
about the same effect on the mind of the occupants,
so far as our present subject is involved, as the gild-
ed scenery of the playhouse. A sensation of de-
liglit is felt at the moment ; but with the occasion
it is all forgotten. How can it be otherwise ? They
have no permanent interests there. They can feel
no possible identity with them. They live in one
house one year, in another the ne.xt year, and so
on through life, leaving each in turn with as little
thought or regret as they v.-ould step out of a rail-
road car in which they had journeyed a few miles.
Their furniture also, instead of being preserved for a
lifetim.e, and cherished with affection as in the coun-
try, is cast fuside, and new substituted in its place,
with, the unconcern of casting away a pair of
old shoes. In going from house to house, they go
from street to street in the same unconcerned man-
ner.

Now, is it possible that, in such a whirl and change,
in such a perpetual transition from place to place,

there can be any local sympathies? And, if the
local sympathies do not arise, their intended influ-
ence is not felt. Hence, under such circumstances,
these auxiliary agencies in producing the delights
and the moral influences of home are lost. In like
manner, all similar agencies for kindred purposes
may be repudiated or neglected, and we be left to
the unassisted impulses of our nature, like the primi-
tive inhabitants of our land. Others may ridicule
all this as old fashioned and nonsensical ; but we
trust the day will never come, when we shall volun-
tarily neglect to gather flowers fi-om the retrospect
of life.

It is not indeed our lot, as it is the lot of some fa-
vored ones, to connect a family chronology for a life-
time with the same local scenery. Our lot has been
one of vicissitude ; but we would go a day's journey
w-ith railroad speed, for the pleasure of retracing
the woodland paths of our childhood, and to survey
anew the spot where stood the cabin in which we
were born. Save that cabin, all around is a perfect
daguerreotype of those early days ! Here the sacri-
legious hand of modern improvement has committed
no depredation ! Close by stands proud Agonock,
scowling and frowning as of old ; his equanimity, to
appearance, not having been disturbed since the time
of Noah's flood ! At his feet is spread out dear
Suncook, mild and placid like a sleeping infant. On
its shores we were wont to bathe and nsh ; and here
we would again gather pebbles, casting one by one
upon her silvery bosom, causing rimple after rimple,
not unlike the pulsations of the virgin queen, whose
name it bears ! Sadness would indeed rise up be-
fore us ; for the graveyard could alone tell us of
the human forms with which we were accustomed
to commime ! It would be good to resort thither ;
for in that silent spot hopes of heaven would kindle,
and of friendships there to be renewed and made
perfect.

Who could count the thoughts that in one short
hour would there flit across the mind ? or what
painter could delineate the images that would, as it
were, rise from the ground and dance before the
mental eye ? What sympathetic being can say, it
would not be good there to bring up such remi-
niscences of a long track of years, all but blotted
from human recollection, and to ret-mbody visions,
reaching into the \insecn future in that undying
world, where the pure in heart can alone enter ?
Can those born in the growing city, after the lapse
of half a century, thus gather food for the sovil ;
thus retaste the sweets of childhood ; thus feel
anew the buoyancy of youth ; and thus be assisted
in their aspirations after the land, not to be warmed
and cheered by the light and the heat of the mate-
rial sun? being overshadowed by the glory of the
Ancient of Days ; the land whose waters will be the
rivers of salvation, and whose bread will be the
unfailing essence of immortal existence and pleni-
tude ! FLEMING GROVE.

OiiANGE, N. J., March 28, 1849.

For the New EixgUaid Fai-tner.

THE GARDEN.

Farmers, have yoxi made preparations, this spring,
for the healthful luxuries of the garden, its rich
fruits, its crisp, and tender vegetables ? If not, you
are denying yourselves and families of many of the
healthful condiments which nature hiis kindly pro-
vided, and which man has collected from various
climes, and acclimated in your OM-n, for your special
benefit. "But this gardening is small work," says
one : " I don't wish to spend my time weeding onions
and beets and tending bushes. I raise cabbage and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

1#

potatoes ; they are enough for me." Go and enjoy
them then, say we, but those wiser than you will
look well to the thrift of the garden, their currant
and gooseberry bushes will bo well pruned, the
ground well manured, well forked, and the conse-
quence will be, that instead of depending upon a few
dried apples, for pies, &c., to fill up the vacancy be-
tween old and new apples, they will have an abun-
dance of fresh fruits for culinary purposes through
that period, or a succession of fruits through the year.
Now, Avho will not willingly labor to produce such a
result, or, in other words, who would forego the com-
fort it brings after having enjoyed it for one season.
" But it takes so long for them to come into bearing ! "
Dear reader, did you ever know an individual that
complained of its taking so long for a tree or bush to
grow, that was proverbial for success in any thing ?

We have known two individuals, educated at the
same school and settled in the same neighborhood.
One of them, Mr. A., in the days of his boyhood was
forcibly impressed with the beauty of a well con-
ducted garden ; but when he tasted of its delicious
fruits and vegetables, his admiration ran so high, that
he resolved on having a garden of his own. His
first labor Avas to eradicate the pigweed and beggar-
louse in the premises where his father had planted
" potatoes and a few cabbage," and then, by a
thorough manuring, ploughing, and laying out, to
prepare the ground for future operation. Asparagus,
currant, gooseberrj', and raspberry bushes were intro-
duced when convenience aided the operation ; that
noblest of all substitutes for a good apple pie, the
rhubarb, was planted in a rich niche ; the strawberry
bed, too, claimed a place both for variety and luxury ;
and, after being properly cared for only two short
years, — a period which to most men, especially the
can't do's and can't waits of the Avorld look in the
retrospect as a dream, a period of vs'hich they have
an indefinite recollection, — all these things were in
maturity, and amply, yea, in a thousand fold, repay-
ing all the cost and labor bestowed on them.

So, too, with vegetables. Early potatoes were in-
troduced to take the place of the tardy " long Johns ; "
and though the cabbage plat received due consider-
ation, the broccolis and cauliflowers came in to claim
a share of merit by its side. Indeed, every comfort,
every luxury a garden can afford, in two years from
that annihilation of gross and unseemly weeds, found
a place there. In consequence, better health was the
result of this increase of comforts, and cheerfulness
and hilarity of spirits took the place of moroseness
and turbulence of feeling. And do you suppose that
a great demand on the young farmer's time was
created by this ncAV accession of the useful and beau-
tiful ? Time it certainly does require to nurture and
bring so fine an array of plants to maturity as young
farmer A. now possessed ; and so it requhcs time to
secure and attain any valuable object. But the time
necessary to cultivate a garden may with most farm-
ers be made up of the thrumbs and odd ends of other
employments ; and a man of persevering energy will
accomplish much, almost produce a new creation in
the odd spells which others will spend in folding
their- arms and whining because it takes so much
time to accomplish any thing. W. B.

Aiml, 1849.

For the Neio Enc/land Farmer.

LIQUID MANURE FOR CELERY.

I raised my celery last year in the following man-
ner, and with the best success that I ever had. I
made my onion beds six feet wide, with alleys between,
of about one and a half feet in width. The latter part
of June, I took strong liquid manure, wet those allej-s,
and then dug them up, two or three inches deep ;
and in the course of a week or two I went through

the same operation again. I then set the plants the
first favorable opportunity, and as soon as they began
to grow, I put on more manure of the same kind.
As soon as the onions could be got off of the ground,
I commenced tilliug. The quantity raised was four
hundred roots, and the quantity of manure not more
than a boy twelve years old would wheel in a barrow
at three times. The manure was taken green from
the cow or horse stable, and prepared by mixing in a
half hogshead tub. I attribute mj success to hav-
ing all the manure in the immediate vicinity of the
roots, and the earth to bleach with free from manure
to cause rust. The celery was large enough, say
three feet long. A quantity of manure prepared
and used in the above manner will do more good
than in any other way that I have ever tried it. I
set my tub in the ground and choose to let the ma-
nure stand a few days after mixing. B. F. C.

For the Neio England Farmer.
AGRICULTURE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

Mi{. Coi.F, : In glancing the eye hastily over the
pages lately published under the direction of the
secretary of the commonwealth, there appears much
reason to class this among the most useful of the
state publications. It comes nearer home to the
business and interests of the major part of the com-
munity, than any other. The inequalities in the
returns froar different counties are quite apparent.
Would those intrusted with the preparation of those
reports but reflect a little on the opportunity afforded
to disseminate useful information, they might make
them even much more valuable than they arc.

It would seem from the communication under the
authority of the trustees of the Massachusetts So-
ciety, that their efforts at jyresciit are limited to the
improvement of our stock, by crossing them with the
best imported animals — those reputed to be "pure
blooded." That much benclit may come of this, if
properly directed, we cannot doubt ; but that this is
the only subject worthy the patronage and care of a
society so enlightened, the first organzied in our
country, we shall be slow to believe.

While the Massachusetts Society are limiting their
attention to the introduction of the pure blood of
foreign animals, we find the New York State Society
extending their operations to everj' branch of culture.
Notwithstanding the dictum of Governor Wright,
quoted by Mr. Phinney, to the contrary, we cannot
doubt that the mode pursued by the latter is the
more truly philosophical. Some will be interested
in one form of improvement, others in another; — the
greater the variety of forms, therefore, the more en-
larged will be the interest.

If we rightly understand the report of the trustees,
about half a dozen pure-blooded animals have been
quartered in different counties of the commonwealth,
in the hope of thereby changing the character of the
breed of animals in those sections. If the superiority
of these animals shall be so conspicuous as to satisfy
our farmers that none but their progeny are worth
raising, the result anticipated may be attained. But
until this conviction is brought upon their minds, I
should as soon think of freeing our country of the
blood of the Afi-ican race, by the operation of Jlr.
Clay's fanciful theory of emancipation.

It may be true that " a little leaven leaven eth a
whole lump," — but the principle is not applicable in
the propagation of animals. On the contrary the
peculiarities of the few will be much more likely to
be absorbed and obliterated in the general mass.
What though a fraction of an eighth or a sixteenth
remain after as many crossings in this fraction to
control and give character to the remainder? We
would not discourage anv rational experiments to

150

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

promote improvements ; but we must confess, in the
scheme proposed, our fears exceed our hopes.

ESSEX.

For the Neto England Farmer.

TO PREVENT BLEEDING IN THE GRAPE
VINE.

Mr. Cole : I MOticcd, in your paper of the 14th
instant, a method descriljed to prevent the bleeding
of the gi'ape vine. I will mention one far more sim-
ple, and I think equally as sure. Cut the stock
slanting each way, bringing it nearly to a point ;
take a potato, size in proportion to the stock, split it,
bore a small place, and press it upon the end of the
stock, below the part that is cut. In a week, the
potato may be removed : it will be as well, however,
to let it remain longer.

Youi's truly,

ISAAC SOUTHGATE.

Leicester, April, 1849.

Ediiorial Remarks.
Some persons contend that they can apply a potato
so as to prevent the bleeding of a grape vine, how-
ever powerful the expulsion of the sap may be. But
many say that, when the flow of sap is verj' strong, a
potato is of no use, though applied in the best man-
ner. It is evident that the potato cannot resist a
great force, and when the sap rises with sufficient
power to force its way through pieces of bladder
tied over the end of the vine, we should think that
the potato would be ineffectual. Yet we have no
doubt that our correspondent, and many others, have
been successful with this simple application. But
they might not have been severe cases. Sheet India
rubber, tied tightly over the end of the vine, is sure.
We think that some water cement may be prepared
that will be as effectual in stopping a leak in a grape
vino, even from an injury on the side of a vine, as
in stopping water in a cask or other vessel.

For the New England Farmer.
FODDER FOR MILCH COWS.

Mk. Editor : I have read with much interest what
has recently been published in respect to green corn
fodder for milch cows. I now give my experience
in regard to it; though it will have but little weight,
when opposed by the high authority of the commit-
tee of the Essex Agricultural Society. It has been
my lot to farm where we have a very poor pasture.
We have fed our cows in part upon greon fodder,
raised for the purpose, from the 10th of May until
October. We raise winter rye, oats, barley, millet,
and cornstalks. My experience has led me to
the belief that one half acre for evcrj' eight cows,
well manured and planted with corn for fodder, is
the best crop that can be raised for feeding milch
cows in the month of August, whether the milk be
sold or used for the purpose of making butter.

I am aware that there are many good farmers who
think, from their own experience, that green corn-
stalks arc not good for milch cows. Why this differ-
ence of ojiinion ?

We know that some human stomachs are consti-
tuted difi'erently fronr others, so that that which is
food for one is poison to another ; but facts do not
warrant the same conclusion in regard to the cow.
The difference must arise, then, cither from the man-
ner of feeding or the quantity given.

Any one that has obscn^ed the habits of a herd of
cows, while feeding in the pasture, has noticed that
they form many regular habits, and if they are not
interrupted in these habits, they will be at the same
place nearly at the same time each day. If stalks
are given to them in the pasture, it breaks up their
regular habits of grazing, and they become uneasy.

They should be regularly fed from the barn, not
in large quantitiijs at first. As the feed in pasture
begins to fail, give them a few stalks at night ; then
in the morning they v.'ill pursue their regular habit
of grazing. But if they are fed too freely at first, they
cease to graze, and soon lie down until thoy begin to
feel the demand of appetite ; then, instead of feeding,
they begin to bellow for stalks. Under such cii--
cumstances, I think cornstalks will cause cows to
dry up. But when given in a proper place and in a
proper quantity, I think they increase both the
quantity and the quality of the milk.

I intended, when I began, to speak of the compara-
tive value of the different crops for j^roducing milk ;
but I have already taken up too much space.

WILLIAM R. PUTNAM.

North Daxvers, ^;j;v7 13.

Editorial Remarks.
Our correspondent has made valuable suggestions,
and introduced a subject for consideration which is
often neglected. We hope that he will pursue it, as
he intended ; for we still want more light on the
comparative value of different kinds of food for ani-
mals, particularly for milch cows. Mr. Putnam will
excuse us in omitting his preliminary remai'ks on
winnowing communications, as his article appeared to
be free from chaff. ■ See p. 17.

For the New England Farmer.
THE GADFLY IN CATTLE.

Mr. Editor : I noticed, in the New England
Farmer of March 31st, an inquiry respecting the
gadfly, in which the Avriter concludes by saying,
"Now what I wish to know is, what is the remedy?
Can any thing be applied which will destroy these
grubs, and do no injury to the cow r "

I have for years noticed that these insects are a
great inconvenience to cattle, making them poor and
in a groat degree weakening to oxen which are
troubled with them ; and I have found by experi-
ence that carding cattle constantly, once a day,
through the winter, will effectually destroy these
intruders, and the cattle will do enough better, other-
wise, to richly pay for the trouble. After these in-
sects get their growth in the backs of cattle, I know
of no remedy better than the one you propose ; but
years of cxijerience have proved to me that thorough
carding on the back will effectually destroy them.
HORACE CARPENTER.

Worcester, Yt., Ajiril, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.
We are pleased to hear of so simple a remedy, and
one which besides destroying the grubs tends greatly
to the comfort and good condition of animals. As
cattle do not bathe, rubbing, brushing, and currying
are very necessary to keep the skin clean, and in a
healthy condition ; and unless this is attended to by
those who have the care of stock, the skin becomes
foul, the pores are stojiped, the circulation impeded,
and as the insensible perspiration through the skin
is checked, the matter is thrown inwardly to the

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

151

vital parts, and disease follows, or a dull, uncom-
fortable, languid condition is the consequence, which
lessens the value and profit of the animal.

Cattle and horses should be curried daily, while
they are kept in the barn or stable ; yet many farmers
neglect this useful operation, though it is almost as
essential to a high state of health as food, water,
pure air, or exercise.

THE POWER OF THE MUSCULAR SYS-
TEM.

The number, variety, and power of the motions
capable of being produced by these muscles are in-
deed most wonderful, as all have seen and experi-
enced. They enable us to climb the lofty tree, and
even the smooth pole of liberty ; to mount the tow-
ering mast, and not only support ourselves in the
rigging of the ship, but to put forth great muscular
exertion while she is tossing and rolling, and that in
the midst of the hurricane. Standing upon our feet,
we can toss our bodies, weighing from one hundred
to two hundred pounds, several feet upwards and
forwards, and in all directions, for many hours in suc-
cession, as in dancing and the circus. Or we can
transport it fifty or sixt)- miles between sun and sun,
and even carry many pounds weight upon our
backs. Or we can chase down the fleetest animal
that runs. Or we can labor brisklj- every day, for
scores of years. Or we can lift and carry several
times our own weight. Or we can accomplish a
multiplicity of powerful and protracted bodily exer-
tions, and do a variety and amount of things almost
without end.

IMPORTANCE OF LABOR.

It is a well demonstrated truth, that happiness can
be found only in the natural, proper, healthy action
of the powers and faculties which the Creator has
given, or in obedience to the laws written by the
finger of God on our physical, organic, and mental
constitution. These powers and faculties wore given
that they should be exercised prudently and judi-
ciously. Divine Wisdom never designed the human
being for a life of total inactivity and case ; and he
who seeks for happiness here will most surely be
disappointed. No man was ever born into the world
with a constitution fitting him naturally for such a
life ; and ho has sought in vain for the highest good,
and the perfection of earthly happiness and enjoj'-
ment, save when, in accordance with the divine
arrangement, he sought for it in vigorous action, in
labor, in the exercise and development of every
power and faculty of his being.

The importance of labor is too little thought of
and regarded — labor with the hands, with every
muscle and sinew in this curiously wrought human
frame. The idea, too, has crept into some weak
craniums that it is disgraceful to labor ; that to work
is to stoop from superior dignity and excellence.
But God has not so said in the arrangement he has
made. It is an ordination of his, that he who will
not work shall not eat well, nor sleep well, nor feel
well — that his condition shall be the reverse of that
man, who, standing firmly upon the green earth, his
hands hanging carelessly by his side, and his eyes
wandering over space, is permitted to feel, thus
circumstanced, such agreeable sensation arising in
nis mere bodily frame, that he can raise his mind to
neavcn, and thank God that he is a living man.

Not only do bodily health, and vigor, and conse-
quent enjoyment, depend upon labor, but also health
and vigor of mind, and the pleasurable emotions

resulting from this mental condition. It has been
well asked, " What distinguished man in this coun-
try or age, or any other, but took a great amount of
exercise while young r " You can hardly point to
a great man, to one eminent in an)' department of
knowledge or letters, whose hands in his early years
were not hardened, his frame knit and rendered
sinewy, and his brow made dusky by manual toil.
No man, perhaps, of the present day, stands higher
as a scholar than Elihu Burritt, the learned black-
smith ; and the fact, that, while mastering language
after language, he was compelled to labor at the
anvil and forge eight hours every day, tells the
whole story of his intellectual growth, and the way
he climbed up to eminence and distinguished honor.
Henry Clay was once a poor boy, and knew what it
was to work with his own hands for a living. And
the immortal Shakspeare, whoso fame is world
wide, often laid aside his pen, folded the wings of
his genius, hushed the voice of his lyre, and went
out to labor in carrying brick and mortar. " Web-
ster was a backwoodsman, bom in a ' log cabin ' on the
borders of the unbroken forest," and was no stranger
to hardship, exposure, and daily toil. " Franklin,
the beacon star of his profession, was a practical
printer." Washington, whose " fame is eternity,"
when not in the service of his country, was engaged
in agricultural pursuits ; and he received the news
of his election as president of the United States
while following the plough. And shall it now be
said that labor is disgraceful r that to work is un-
dignified, and is not indispensable to health and
vigor of body and of mind ? No — it is manly to
labor, and for six thousand years God has been ut-
tering it in human ears, that he who will not work
shall not enjoy. — Wisconsin Farmer.

CULTIVATION OF TREES.

Few persons have a correct idea of the rapidity of
the growth of well cultivated trees, and many are
deterred from planting them, b)"^ the consideration,
selfish at the best, that they shall not live to reap the
fruits of their labors.

Such persons may derive encouragement from the
statement of a few facts. In the spring of 1836, I set
out, in front of my office, in Chester, two elm-trees.
They were then so small that I could easily carry
them, with the full top upon my shoulder, and were,
perhaps, two inches in diameter. I measured them
carefully in the fall of 1847, and found them of equal
size, and each measuring forty-five inches in circum-
ference. They stand abput eighteen feet apart, and
some twelve feet from the building, for which they
form a perfect protection from the summer's sun,
their branches being already interlaced. The ebn is
in that neighborhood of more rapid growth than the
rock maple, or indeed more than any other forest
tree.

An apple orchard may be brought to commence
bearing in four years from transjilanting from the
nursery, which should be the second or third year
from the time of budding. By the eighth or tenth
year, your orchard, well managed, will jjay you an-
nually for all your trouble and expense in planting
it, and will continue productive as long as you have
any right to expect to live. Peach-trees usually bear
the third year from the stone, and the second year
from the bud. — IliU's Monthly Visitor.

E.KMArLKS BY THE EdITOR NeW ExGLAXD FaRMER.

Thousands of cases might be named of the rapid
growth of fruit and forest trees. In a short time, a
tree attains a large size under good management ;
and no one should be discouraged from planting
trees from their slow growth, as this is usually owing

152

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

to neglect. There was a time when it was urged as
a duty to plant trees for posterity ; but so many
improvements have been made in hastening the
maturity of fruit trees, and the growth is forced so
rapidly by high culture, that trees soon attain a
large size and become productive, and as a natural
consequence, they will be short-lived.

This change is an improvement, and in future
cvei-y generation must plant for themselves. The
peach comes into bearing early, and after producing
a few crops, it gencrallj^ declines ; but this is no
objection to its cultivation, for it holds out the pros-
pect of an early return for labor expended. We
must plant corn, potatoes, peas, beans, &c., every
year; and this is no objection to their cultivation;
on the contrarj^ it affords the farmer greater facility
for their production, than if they were perennial
plants, and required ten or fifteen years to come into
bearing.

MANAGEMENT OF STABLES.

The great desideratum in a stable is ventilation.
A horse requires air equally with his master ; and
the latter requires a chimney to his sleej^ing apart-
ment ; so does the former. The chimney may be a
mere outlet, opening through the ceiling, or it may
be formed as a dome or cupola. It should not, of
course, be open at the to^D, or rain will get in, but
roofed over, and an opeuiiig at the sides by weather
boards. Besides this, there should bo openings in
the walls near the ground, but not in the stalls. This
will produce a thorough air. It may bo so placed as
not to expose the horses to draught. The stable
should not be less than twelve feet high, fronr floor
to ceiling, and the former should be well paved,
slope slightly backwards, and along the back of the
stalls should run a gutter about a font wide, and an
inch or two deep. No stables should be less than
eighteen feet deep, and each stall should be at least
six feet clear ; but if eight feet can be afforded, so
much the better. Although some horses will agree
when kept together in one stall, it is far better to
give each a stall to himself. The manger should be
about sixteen inches deep, the same from front to
back, narrower at bottom than at top, and two feet
in length. The rack is best closed in front, the back
part being an inclined plane of wood, sloping gradu-
ally towards the front, and terminating about two
feet down. This rack effecte a considerable saving
in hay ; for we need scarcely remind our readers
that, in the common rack, much of the hay given is
trampled in the litter. It also prevents the hay seed
from falling into the horse's eyes, for the rack, such
as we recommended, is on a level with the manger,
and about three feet from the ground. Another
advantage also gained by this rack is the facility
with v.'hich it can be filled, thus obviating all neces-
sity for a loft over the stable, and, consequently,
admitting of a greater height of ceiling, as well as
superior ventilation. The windows and doors should
be at the opposite ends ; this promotes ventilation ;
the former at the south-east extremity of the build-
ing ; the latter should be divided transversely, like an
ordinary barn door, at the height of about four feet
from the ground. The door portion may thus be
occasionally open. Whitewash is a bad dressing for
the interior of a stable, as it causes too great glare
of light ; paint of a leaden color is best ; it can be
washed from time to time with soap and Avater.
There should be a bin, divided properly into parti-
tions, for oats, beans, &c., and this is better at the
back of the stable, and may bo made to answer the
purpose, both as regards utility and ornament, of a

seat. A few buckets of water dashed over the floor of
the stables while the horses are at work, or, if hunters,
at exercise, will keep all sweet. The litter should also
be turned out to dry, or a bit of fresh straw spread
for the horses to stand on. A shed placed beside
the stable is a great advantage, on two accounts ; it
admits of the litter being dressed and the horse
dressed there in wet or stormy Avcather. A little
powdered gypsum strewn upon the stable floor, wUl
also act by absorbing the arnmoniacal gas — a frequent
predisposing cause of ophthalmia. Should the am-
monia, however, have accumulated in any c^uantity,
the speediest and most efhcacious remedy, as a disin-
fectant, is the laying down a plate, or dish, contain-
ing muriatic acid. — Maine Fanner.

CHEMICAL COMBINATION.

Another striking example of this chemical creation
is the protoxide of nitrogen, — called from its effects
the intoxicating gas, — a simple combination, in slight-
ly altered proportions, of the oxygen and nitrogen
composing the air we breathe, but nowhere existing
in nature under the form in which science presents
it to us. The admission, now generally made, that
atmospheric air is a simple intern>ixture of gases,
and not a chemical compound, scarcely abates the
wonder that so small a change in the proportion
which ministers to common life should become the
cause of those sudden and singular affections of the
brain and nervous system, which alter for a time the
whole condition of the being. Chemistry, however,
and especially organic chemistry, accustoms us to
these wonders. More strange and striking still, in
their properties recently discovered, are the two
creations of the laboratory — sulphuric ether and
chloroform. By working with and among the rela-
tive affinities of certain elements, man has obtained
those compounds, — and there may be others of kin-
dred quality, — the simple inhalation of which pro-
duces a state of insensibility to pain, even under
operations the most severe which surgery can inflict.
We have spoken much of chemical analysis. Tlxis is
in effect an analysis of the compound nature of man ;
the separation and the removal for a time of a part
of our sensitive existence — having close analogy
indeed to certain of the conditions of sleep, (itself the
great miracle and mystery of life,) but even more
striking in some of the inferences it conveys ; and
unless it be that bodily suffering is allotted to us for
moral uses — a discovery profuse of future benefit to
the human race. — Qaarlerly Review.

QUERIES FOR SCIENTIFIC MEN.

In what manner does diamond act upon glass so Rs
to cut it ? That it does not penetrate its substance
is obvious to any one who attends to its operations,
for it only divides the exceedingly attenuated pellicle
on the surface, and penetrates no deeper. The best
cut of a diamond is when it makes the least noise in
passing the line, and it cuts in the same manner the
thickest as well as the thinnest plates of glass. The
Encyclopicdia Americana says, thai; "it is very
remarkable that only the point of a natural crystal
can bo used ; cut or split diamonds scratch, but the
glass will not break along the scratch, as it does when
a natural crystal is used." Again, " the crack is often
found to follow the diamond after it hus passed sev-
eral inches. That it does not cut it by dividing the
pellicles is clear, because a piece of quartz will do
the same by passing in the same line repeatedly, yet
it will not break true. Then how does the diamond
act? Is it by electricity or galvanism, or the carbon
acting upon the compound of which glass is com-
posed ? "

NEW ENGLAND FARMEE.

153

Houc/hton's Seedling.

THE GOOSEBERHY.

For the New England Farmer.

Mr. Euitou : The gooseberry requires a deep, rich
soil, and the same general culture as the currant.
It is naturally fond of a moist soil, and is raised in
the humid atmosphere of England in its greatest
perfection. In our hot and drj' climate, it is natu-
rally found in wet swamps, or in moist, rocky wood-
lands.

As the English or Scotch gooseberry has never
succeeded Aveli with us, in consequence of its liabil-
ity to mildew, — a disease incident to our hot and dry
climate, — we were induced, a ievf years since, to
attempt to produce some seedlings from a cross
between a Lancashire and our native kinds. We
have succeeded in producing several varieties, pos-
sessing some excellence.

But the best gooseberry we have seen thus pro-
duced, and far exceeding any thing of our own
production, is the one raised by Mr. Abel Houghton,
formerly of Lynn, Mass. Some years since, we re-
ceived from ?(Ir. Houghton this gooseberry, and it has
proved to be a very fine variety, and I think it com-
bines more good qualities than any kind I have ever
seen. My friend, Mr. Ives, of Salem, who also has
this gooseberry under culture, speaks of it as being
worthy of general culti%'ation, and that it possesses
the habits of the " Crown Bob " in throwing out
long pendent shoots. These long branches ai"e some-
thing peculiar to this variety, and, when suffered to
grow and trail \ipon the ground, readily take root,
and thus new plants are rapidly produced. When
these are kept from the ground, bj' tying them to
stakes, they can be trained to a considerable dis-
tance.

In my mind, there is but little doubt that this
iine gooseberry is a hybrid, produced b)^ a cross be-
tween a wild gooseberry and the " Crown Bob."
It is very hardy, most easily propagated, bears
regularly, and most profusely', the berries thicklj'
set on the branches, and crowding each other to
their very ends. It also commences bearing at a
very earl^' period of its growth. The berries, when
properly cvdtivated, are generally of a good size,
the skin very thin and tender, of a dull, pale ^vhite,
tinged with a reddish brown. The flesh is easily
broken, and sweet and pleasant to the taste.

Although M-e have cultivated it for several years,
we have never known it to blight. To produce fine
fruit of a good size, the shrrrb should be highly cul-
tivated, and all the old wood cut out. It also should
be set where it will not receive the intense heat of
the noonday sun, as, when thus exposed, the fruit is
liable to be injured, and fall before it is ripe. The
fruit is ripe the last of July, but it can be retarded

in its ripening by setting the plants on the north
side of a wall or fence. We are in the habit of
strewing ashes around the bushes, and covering the
ground with spent tan. This serves to keep it
moist and light. From all that we have seen of the
Houghton gooseberry, after several years' cultivation,
we would, with great confidence, recommend it for
general cultivation. S. P. FOWLER.

Danveks New Mills, April 13, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.
The opinion of Mr. Fowler on the Houghton
gooseberry is in accordance with our own experience
and observation. In the first year that we set some
little twigs of this variety, they grew vigorously,
and the next season they were covered with fruit to
their tips. While most kinds of gooseberries are of
coarse texture, and of a harsh, acid quality, suitable
for cooking only, this is tender, sweet and luscious,
forming a valuable dessert fruit, iDarticularly for
children, and many others, who prefer a saccharine
property.

REPORTS OF THE AGRICULTURAL
MEETINGS.

At the meeting, April 10, the subject of agricul-
tural education was postponed, on account of the
small number in attendance. The committee, to
whom the subject of publishing reports of the meet-
ings in a permanent form was referred, substituted
the following preamble and resolves, which were
passed : —

It being the purpose of the Legislative Farmers'
Meetmgs to acquire and diffuse a knowledge of the
most productive and economical methods of farming
and gardenmg, through the contributions of farmers
and men of science, and also to preserve the same in
a durable form, by suitable reports of their proceed-
ings, —

It is therefore resolved that hereafter, at those
meetings, measures be taken to have accurate reports
of their proceedings published in the volume of
" Transactions of the Agricultural Societies " of
Massachusetts, annually prepared by the secretary of
state, and published by order of the commonwealth.

It is further resolved, that the foregoing duty, in
its details, be devolved upon the standing committee
appointed at the commencement of each of these
annual meetings.

154

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

HORN-AIL IN CATTLE.

Mr. Editor : I latclj- noticed a very sensible piece
in your paper, taken from the Lo-\vell Journal, on the
symptoms and treatment of this disease in cattle.
I perfectly ajjireo with that writer in regard to the
symptoms and the propriety of a good, warm, dry
bed, and food of easy digestion, and also nutritious,
such as potatoes, oatmeal, &o. ; but in regard to
physic, or any purging medicine, I have for twenty-
five years past made use of the shrub, or bush
ivy, or what some call inercwy, which grows in
low mowing land. — Mode of Preparation. Take as
much of the herb as will nearly fill a six or eight
quart kettle ; boil it, say two hours, and have about
two quarts of liquor when boiled, and give a common
junk-bottle full at a dose, moderately warm, and
repeat the dose in twenty-four hours, and again the
next day if thought necessary. Ey this treatment I
have never found any difficulty iir restoring the ani-
mal to a good appetite and good health in a few
days ; but the sooner a sick animal is attended to,
the more easy and speedy the cure.

N. B. Care should be taken in boiling the ivy,
and have no persons exposed to the steam arising
from it, for fear of poisoning them, if they are easily
poisoned by the green plant when growing in sum-
mer.

Farmers should always lay up a bushel of ivy in
hay time, when it can easily be saved, and have it
ready if they should be so unlucky as to need it in
the winter or spring, Avhich is the most usual time
for the disease to prevail.

I have also found a sirup made of the ivy a very
effectual preventive against poisoning, when work-
ing amongst it in haying time, or any other time of
the season. The sirup is to be made as follows :
Take one pound of ivy, boil it thoroughly, and have,
when boiled, tAVO quarts of the liquor ; add two
quarts molasses and two quarts good brandy ; shake
it well together ; and before going to work where j'ou
arc cxpioscd to the ivy, take about one table spoonful,
and repeat the same dose forenoon and afternoon,
while exposed to it ; and persons so doing will find
but little inconvenience arising from the effects of
the poisonous quality of the ivy.

I have made use of the above sirup for mj'self and
boys, and hired hands, who formerly poisoned very
easily, for several years, with complete success, and
consider it a perfectly safe remedy,

DAVID NOYES.

NoiiWAY, March 19, 1849.
— Norway Adccrtiser,

Remarks by the Editor New Enqlaxd Farmer.

It is an astonishing fiict that poison ivy, {Rus
radicaus,) the very effluvia of which Avill poison some
persons severely, when passing near, without coming
in contact with it, may be taken internally, not only
with safety, but as a valuable medicine ; also as an
excellent remedy against the effects of its own poi-
son ; and Mr. Noyes shows that it may likewise be
used as a preventive.

CULTURE OF PARSNIPS.

We hope that the farmers of Elaine will pay more
attention to root crops the ensuing season than they
have for a few years past. Many more roots of all
kinds were raised, in this section of the Union, ten
years ago, than there are now. Subsequently to that
period, potatoes commanding a ready sale and good
price for starch factories in the interior, and for
shipping or the seaboard, our farmers put their

whole strength to this crop, omitting, in a great
degree, the other roots. Soon after this, the rot
commenced, and farmers, as if discouraged, left off
planting, not only potatoes in so large quantities as
before, but also other roots ; and now there are not
so many raised as the wants of the community de-
mand.

We would recommend exj^eriments to be tried
with parsnips as a field crop. They should be plant-
ed early, in a deep soil. If the ground should be
ploughed, and at the same time following the plough
with a subsoil plough, no doubt great advantage
would be gained. Plant early. This root contains
much saccharine matter, is easily raised and pre-
served. The whole crop need not be dug in the fall,
for it is well known that they keep well all winter,
frozen down in the soil, and may be drawn in the
spring as they are wanted. When cooked, they
make excellent food for swine, and they also make
an excellent provender for milch cows in the spring,
at a period when something of the sort is needed
to give richness and substance to the milk. The
principal objection Ave ever heard made to the
culture, is the difheulty of harvesting them, or get-
ting them out of the ground.

We are told by some who have travelled in the
Islands of Guernsey and Jersey that much account
is there made of the parsnip crop for the purpose of
feeding their cows, and that the increase of cream
and the excellent flavor imparted to it by this food,
makes it peculiarly profitable to them. — Maine
Farmer.

THE POTATO DISEASE.

Although this may seem not to be a fit time or
season of the year, I venture to say or make a fev.-
remarks on the subject of the potato rot. A^vare
that there has been a great deal said relative to it,
and various remedies prescribed, still I do not think
but what some remarks may be made advantageously
on the subject yet. The potato has been too highly
cultivated, and has become exhausted through excess
of cultivation. Though to some this may seem like
strange logic, j'ct, in my humble opinion, it is never-
theless true ; and I was confirmed in the opinion the
last season by observation and experiment. In one
case, in particular, I noticed, Avhile digging the potato,
that in one part of the field, where the soil was
greatly superior to that of any other part of it, and
where the potato has been better and oftener dressed
than in the other part, that they nearly all were
rotten ; while in the other part of the field, where
the soil Avas of an inferior quality, and the potato
not half attended to, there none Averc diseased.
This, and numerous other cases, make it very evi-
dent to an observer, that the root has become sickly
and exhausted through excessive cultivation. I
conclude, therefore, that the folloAving remarks may
be Avorthy of notice in the premises. The ground
selected for the potato should be high and dry ; a
piece that the A\-ater Avill not stand on after a shower ;
Avith rather a light soil. Or, if your land is low and
clayey, let it be ridged up by turning two furroAVS
tOAvards each other, and plant on those ridges, Avith
your hill in such a manner that the Avater Avill rather
run from than tOAvards it. After your ground is
thus prepared, plant as soon as possible, and as early
in the season as practicable, Avithout any regard to
the "moon," or any other signs. Keep the ground
as free as possible from Avecds, Avithout disturbing
the earth close to the hill of the potato. As soon
as you perceive the vines begin to dry up or die,
dig the potatoes immediately, and before putting
them in the cellar, let them get thoroughly dried, and
they should be kept so in the bin or receptacle. If
those Avhose potato crops have been destroyed will

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

155

try this mode of culture, they will give it a prefer-
ence as a preventive over " clipping," or any other
method yet recommended. J, A. S.

GiiATTAN, Kent Co., Mich., 1819.
— Dollar NeiDspaper.

Remarks by the Editor New England Farmer.

Tlie article above contains valuable hints on the
cultivation of the potato ; yet we think that the
cause assigned for the rot in potatoes is a predispos-
ing cause only, not the principal cause. Previous
to the late malady, some farmers had given to cer-
tain varieties high culture for thirty years, and so
from failing in any way, they improved under judi-
cious management and high culture.

By high culture, good potatoes were raised on a
certain piece of land for twenty years in succession.
We noticed the twentieth crop, and it was fine. This
could be done onlj' by high culture; for without
very liberal manuring, the potato soon fails in suc-
cession. Yet on that land there was no rot, until
the disease became general.

There are thousands of farms on which the same
varieties of the potato have been cultivated for many
years, and seldom with high culture ; yet it rots on
such farms, and occasionally on the best soil, and
under the most favorable cu-cumstances for guard-
ing against it.

RAISING ONIONS.

Friend Holmes : I have noticed considerable in
your paper relative to raising onions — remedies for
the onion worm, or maggot, &c.. Sec. I will give
you my experience, for the benefit of the public.

I have discovered that the egg of the maggot is
deposited in the skin of the seed, and consequently
sown with the seed, as the weevil in wheat. By
soaking onion seed in warm Avater, a little warmer
than blood warm, half an hour will hatch out lots of
live maggots. Then you may soak the seed in
copperas water, or saltpetre, to kill what maggots do
not hatch out in the warm water. Dust them with
dry, slaked lime, and sow in good onion ground.

We should like to have this experiment tried, and
see the results published in the Farmer next fall.

Raymond, March 26, 1849. J. M. T.

— Maine Farmer,

WHAT CONSTITUTES GOOD FARMING.

In his work on " Laneash Farming," a rare and
valuable contribution to agricultural literature, Mr.
Rawstono, the author, remarks : —

"It may be laid down as a standing rule, and as a
guide to direct us, that all good farming, the whole
of that process by which bad land is to be converted
into good and productive, and continued in that
state, is composed in the three following operations
of husbandry, viz. : —

•' 1. To carry off all superfluous and stagnant water,
by means of judicious draining.

" 2. To return, through the medium, of manure,
the strength and fertility which has been exhausted
by cropping.

" 3. To extract all noxious Aveeds, that the
strength of the manure may be thrown into the
crops, and not into the weeds."

Every cultivator, who exercises discretion in the
management of his lands, will recognize at once the
importance of observing these rules. Every weed

produced on a farm abstracts somewhat from its
productive value, and, when permitted to mature its
seed, is a nuisance, the deteriorating and stultifying
effects of which will make themselves felt for many
years. To manure a field which has been carelessly
hoed for one or two seasons, and where more spuri-
ous vegetation has been allowed to reach maturity,
than has been destroyed, or even crippled, by the hoe,
is a labor that can involve little else except disap-
pointment and dissatisfaction in the end. Hoeing
and weeding ai-e processes which should be performed
with skill and circumspection. Every weed should
be eradicated and destroyed. When one hoeing, or
one weeding, fails to effect this, let it be repeated ; and
so on till the soil is thoroughly cleansed, and every
vestige of spurious vegetation utterly and completely
destroyed. Most weeds are gross feeders, and ab-
stract a greater amount of nutritive matter from the
soil, than is required to perfect three times the num-
ber of cultivated plants, of equal or even superior
size and weight.

A MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARMER.
March 16, 1849.
— Germantown Tehgraph.

-♦

FATTENING FOOD.

The experience of farmers has always been in favor
of the doctrine that oily provender is required to
produce fat ; beech-nuts, linsced-oil cakes, and corn
enjoy the highest reputation, and are most charged
with oil. Liebig has, however, advanced the doc-
trine that farinaceous vegetables, as the potato,
carrot, &c., are fattening from the starch they con-
tain ; but although this may be true physiologically,
j'ct, in ordinary farm management, it is found cheaper
and more expeditious to use fodders already contain-
ing the fat, rather than to wait for the slower trans-
formation out of starch.

Fattening food should be well prepared by grind-
ing and steaming for hogs. A mush that had become
slightly sour was found to fatten more expeditiously,
by Arthur Young, than the fresh food.

The following table gives the comparative values
of provenders for fattening, by showing the amount
of oil they contain : —

Indian corn, 9 to 10 per cent, of oil.

Oats, 4 » 5 " '< '* "

Wheat, 2i '< 2^ " «

Bran 4 " 5 '« " " "

Oilcake, 9 " 10 " " ** "

Clover hay, 4 " " " " "

Meadow hav 3^ " 4 " ♦< " "

Peas and beans, . . . 2i " 3 " '« " •'

Beech mast, 15 " 17 " " " "

Sunflower seed, — lo << « <« ««

Linseed, 11 " 22 " " " "

Hempseed, 18 " 25 " " ♦' '<

Straw, 1 '« Ih " " " "

These numbers are not constant, for the amount
of oil depends upon the season, increasing with the
brilliancy and dryness of the weather. Potatoes,
beets, carrots, turnips, mangel wurzel, contain less
than one quarter per cent., and are therefore not
adapted for fattening alone.

The same values are true for butter and milk,
except that oil cake imparts a bad flavor. Poultry
and pigs are now sometimes fattened in part on
animal fat, as cracklings, goaves, &c. One of the
most successful bodies in the list is ground linseed
meal ; but, considering its other qualities, corn is
the most esteemed. If the cake or oily seeds are
used, it will be necessary to mi.x meal, oats, or peas
with them, to preserve the health of the animal ;
five pounds of cake ai-e a sufiicient supply for the
day.

156

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

iDoniestic IDepartmcnt.

For the New England Farmer.

Domestic ITappixess. — The pursuit of happiness
is laudable, and is more easily secured than some
would suppose after realizing the uncertainty of its
acquisition by the often tried means of unlawful
schemes for its attainment. Within the family circle
there is ample room for the full display and expan-
sive influence of the heaven-born virtue — domestic
happiness. Each and every member thereof has his
or her respective duties and obligations to perform,
in order to render home just what it should be — the
seat of quietude and enjoyment, the reservoir of the
choicest blessings of earth.

" Domestic happiness, thou only bliss
Of Paradise, that has survived the fall !
Though few now taste thee unhnpaired and pure,
Or, tasting, long enjoy thee ! too infirm.
Or too incautious, to preserve thy sweets
Unmixed with drops of bitter, which neglect
Or temper sheds into thy crystal cup ;
Thou art the nurse of Virtue ; in thine arms
She smiles, appearing, as in truth she is,
Heaven-born, and destined to the skies again.
Thou art not known where pleasure is adored.
That reeling goddess with the zoneless waist
And wandering eyes, still leaning on the arm
Of Novelty, her fickle, frail support ;
For thou art meek and constant, hating change,
And finding in the calm of truth-tried love
Joys that her stormy raptures never yield.
Forsaking thee, what shipwreck have we made
Of honor, dignity, and fair renown ! "

Thus the man of true poetical genius left his tes-
timony to the priceless value of social, domestic
happiness.

Let not this blessed "survivor of the fall" be cast
off and displaced, which, if done, will be succeeded
by a plant of a rank and bitter nature.

Domestic happiness ! in thy very name are charms
which invest thy votaries in the pleasing mantle of
quietness, assurance, and peace. J.

Vinegar. — Many families purchase their vinegar
at a very considerable avuiual expense : some " make
do" "with a very indifferent article ; and others, for
vi'ant of a little knowledge and less industry, go
withcRit. It is an easy matter, however, to be at all
times supplied with good vinegar, and that too with-
out much, expense. The juice of one bushel of su-
gar beets, worth twenty-five cents, and wdiich any
farmer can raise without cost, will make from five to
six gallons of vinegar, equal to the best made of cider
or wine. Grate the beets, having first washed them,
and exi^ress the juice in a cheese press, or in many
other ways which a little ingenuity can suggest, and
put the liquor into an empty barrel ; cover the bung
with gauze, and set it in the sun, and in twelve or
fifteen days it will be fit for use. — Fanner's Ad-
vocate,

To TAKE Ink out of Linen. — Editors' and clerks'
wives will learn v/ith yjlcasure that to take a piece of
tallow, melt it, and dip the spotted part of the linen
into the melted tallow, the linen may be washed,
and the spots will disappear, without injuring the
linen.

PiFTY years ago, Mrs. Washington knit stockings
for the general : now, there are not fifty ladies in a
city who can play that part, and hundreds know not
how the apple gets into the heart of the dumpling.

Bojis' liDcpartnunt.

Early Rising and Industry of Birds. — The zeal
and perseverance with which some persons devote
themselves to the economy of nature, to the devel-
opments of science, the observation of animal life es-
pecially, cither in its structural forms or its habits,
prove that there is something perfectly unselfish in
human nature ; a love of truth for its own sake, ab-
solutely disinterested. The whole history of science
manifests this. Bacon, it is true, defiled his mind
with the love of lucre, and sullied his great name bv
acts unworthy of an honest man ; but generally the
true devotee of science is one who postpones all
other gratifications to the end he has in view — simply
to explore Nature, and to demonstrate her laws.

One of my friends in Paris has an acquaintance
remarkable ifor the simplicity of his manners and
the kindliness of his disposition, who, like Alexander
Wilson and Audubon, delights himself in the history
and the habits of the feathered race. M. Dureau de
la Malle is not adventurous, like our American orni-
thologists. Linnaeus sometimes employed himself
with satisfaction upon a few si^uare feet of grass
ground, to study the varieties of its vegetable prod-
ucts, and the multitude of insects that find their
sustenance upon them ; and vSt. Pierre, in the vitality
of a single strawberry plant, beheld with admiration
the wisdom and goodness which bestow conscious-
ness and enjoyment in minute and innumerable forms
of life. T\I. de la Malle, in like manner, watches over
the affections, the industry, the pleasures, and dis-
tinctive peculiarities of the pretty creatures who
have made their resting-place under his windows.
To do this, for half the year he accommodates his
own habits to theirs. "For the last thirty years,"
says he, " in the spring and autumn, I go to bed reg-
ularly at seven o'clock, and rise at twelve — a prac-
tice necessary to make observations upon the m_atinal
habits of birds." Eight species have aftorded the
following results: The chaffinch {pinson Francais)
awakes from one to half after one in the morning ;
the linnet {fanvette) between two and a half and
three ; the blackbird {merle) between three and a
half and four ; the nightingale {rossingol des mu-
railles) between three and three and a half ; the lap-
wing (pouUot) at four ; the sparrow {moj/icaii) at from
five to five and a half; the tomtit {mcsange) also from
five to five and a half. Thus the chaffinch is the most
matinal and the sparrow and tomtit the most dilatory
of the birds observed.

Endeavoring to ascertain the causes of these differ-
ences in the commencement of their diurnal activity,
M. do la I^Ialle noticed some curious facts in regard
to several individuals. June 4, 1S46, the linnet
and the blackbird, which had not previously taken
flight until four o'clock, changed the time to two and
a half. AVhat was the occasion of this? Their lit-
tle ones were hatched ; the necessities of each family
had mcreasod. Until this day, the provident male
obtained food for himself, and had relieved the pa-
tient hen, both enjoying a protracted repose, com-
pared with other tribes ; but the increase of a bird's
nest, like that of a human family, demands increase
of means, and, therefore, increase of toil to supply
their wants. By the clear light of the moon, the
fathers and mothers of the two species were then,
and afterwards, seen busy, searching among the
grass and along the flower borders for insects, and
stray particles of nutritious substance, destined to
feed the nestlings.

June 11, the linnet was awakened some hours
before the usual time by the light of a brilliant lamp,
and began to sing ; but perceiving that she was out
of season, she composed herself again. Free black-
birds, fuU grown, were never observed to imitate any

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

157

note of other birds, while caged birds of that spe-
cies, taken young, become very good imitators. M.
dc la Malle possesses one of the latter, which he
caused to be hung up near the garden. There its
powerful voice sent out vigorously the acquired
Bong.

The free birds, however, disdaining this accom-
plishment, resisted ail improvement, and limited
themselves to nature's teachings. Not so their
fledglings ; they, impressible like him who has do-
minion over the birds of the air, and, like genera-
tions of men seizing upon new suggestions, in
despite of the tenacity of their predecessors, learned
the song of the little captive. Hatched March 10,
these young blackbirds were the offspring of the
same pair, their birthplace was the same garden, the
same linden-tree, the same nest, and, by the middle
of June, they had become proficient in the art of the
caged bird, answering to him, or singing in concert
with him, repeating with many voices the notes
which had been sung in vain to their parents. So
much for good company and the education of birds.

According to M. de la Malle's observations, do-
mestic bird^ — for they may be called such, that fix
themselves confidingly near the habitations of man —
require just the same duration of sleep as the lord of
creation. Seven hours, a little more or less, out of
the twenty-four, are necessary to the daily refresh-
ment of our human life, and so long appears to be
the period allotted to the oblivion of those little lives
■which minister so delightfully to the gratification of
ours. — LitteW 3^ Living Age.

j^ealti).

Water as a Beverage, — Water is the natttral
Rnd proper drink of man. Indeed, it is the grand
beverage of organized nature. It enters largely into
the composition of the blood and juices of animals
and plants ; forms an important ingredient in their
organized structures, and bears a fixed and unalter-
able relation to their whole vital economy. It was
the only beverage of the human family in their
primeval state.

In that garden where grew " every tree pleasant
to the sight and good for food," producing all the
richness and variety of " fruit and flower" which an
omnipotent and all-bountiful Creator could adapt to
the relish of his senses, and the exigencies of his en-
tire organization, it cannot for a moment be doubted
that man was in a condition the best suited to secure
to him the uninterrupted, as well as the highest and
best exercise and enjoyment, of his physical, mental,
and moral powers. His drink was water. A river
flowed from Paradise. From the moment that river
began to " water the garden," till the present, no
human invention has equalled this simple beverage ;
and all the attempts to improve it by the admixture
of other substances, whether alcoholic, narcotic, or
aromatic, have not only failed, but have served to
deteriorate or poison it, and render it less healthful
and safe.

Water is as well adapted to man's natural appetite
as to the physical wants of his organs. A natural
thirst, and the pleasures derived from its gratifica-
tion, were given us to secure to the vital machinery
the supply of liquid necessary to its healthy move-
ments. V\"hen this natural thirst occurs, no drink
tastes so good, and in truth none is so good, as water ;
none possesses adaptations so exact to the vital neces-
sities of the organs. So long as a fresh supply of
liquid is not needed, so long as there is not the least
relish for water, it offers no temptation, while its ad-
dition to the circulating fluids would be useless or
hurtful. — Dr. Muszejj's Prize Essay.

Exposure to the Air. — The importance of at-
tending to the habitual exjiosure of children to the
air is not duly estimated. At no period of life does
any cause j)roduce such permanent ill efl'ects, as in
the feeble and susceptible age of children. The
bad effects of want of pure air and exei'cise are seen
in children confined to manufactories, and in those
inhabiting a dense and badly-ventilated part of a
large city. Contrast these with children of the
country, and we shall see a wonderful difference.

i1Iccl)anics' Pcpartmcnt, ^rts, $Ci.

As the days are becoming longer, mechanics will
find time to have a little respite from their usual
labors, and take a pleasant exercise in ornamenting
and cultivating a spot of land. This will greatly
conduce to their health, and enable them to render
their home more endearing to their families, and give
to their premises an additional value, both in their
own opinion and in the opinion of others.

There are many vegetables, as well as fruits, that
are far more valuable when gathered as they are
wanted for family use, than those that have wilted
and perhaps become bruised and injured by rough
usage and transportation. A little time, which
may be silent as a rational recreation and healthful
exercise, Avill enable one to furnish his table with
many choice dishes, that will be the sweeter as they
are the products of his own hands ; and in this way
there will be the advantage of imparting useful in-
formation to children, in the art of cultivation,
and in the science of botany, and bj' example give
valuable instruction in economy and industry. By
planting the land and attending to its cultivation,
important moral principles will be planted in the
tender minds of juvenile spectators, or perhaps
participators in the pleasant labors, and the cultiva-
tion of the earth by the father may serve the valua-
ble i)urpose of cultivating and improving the mmd
of the child. !Many instructive lessons may be drawn
from the pleasing art of horticulture.

The Philosophy of Labor. — How to make in-
dustry attractive, is one of our present social prob-
lems. Work is a human necessity, and exercise is
necessary to health. Idleness is felt as a curse.
Every body wishes to be actively engaged at some-
thing ; but it is nevertheless true that protracted
and solitary labor is wearisome, whether it tasks our
muscular powers or not. We do not love toil and
drudgery, and we are very apt to think that some
other occupation would suit us better than the one
in which we arc engaged.

But there are certain conditions that render all
kinds of labor delightful. When a man has a pas-
sion for any particular work, he pursues it with
ardor and pleasure. The author writes hour after
hour with a sustaining enthusiasm, the artist works
hard and long at his picture or statue, the gardener
who loves his employment never gets tired.

But it is to be observed, that all these labors have
another pleasing element — that of variety. The
author is constantly producing something new; the
artist is engaged in various portions of his work, and
bringing them to perfection ; the gardener has a
little world of objects under his care, and he sees
their progress from day to day.

158

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Besides enthusiasm and variety, there is another
condition of pleasant or attractive labor ; and that is,
society. Work is always pleasant and easy -where
many persons can join together; especially where
men and women can engage in it. Rural life gives
us many illustrations of this principle. «

For instance, there is not much harder work than
to sit down alone and husk corn, hour after hour ;
yet what is more pleasant than a husking ? Rolling
logs and lifting timber are hard work ; but a log-
rolling or raising is a festival. What a monotonous
and tiresome task it is to pare apples and prepare
them for drying ! yet what rustic scene is better
than a paring bee ?

We may draw illustrations from our pleasures and
amusements. If a man were to go into a room
alone and dance all by himself four or five hours, he
would be very much fatigued, and would demand
good wages ; but give the same man a little music
and some agreeable company, and he will not only
dance six hours without thinking of fatigue, but is
very willing to pay a good day's wages for the priv-
ilege.

There are not many kinds of work harder than
rowing a boat ; but give a man genial companions,
fine scenery, and a pleasant excursion, and he Avill
never think of fatigue. Dragging a fire-engine
through the streets, working the machine, and fight-
ing a fire, call forth great muscular exertion; yet
how nobly is it performed, without wages, by men
who are incited by enthusiasm, cheered by associa-
tion, and enticed by variety !

There is no kind of exertion that is not tiresome
by monotony and solitude ; there is none that can-
not be made delightful by variety and social enjoy-
ment ; and if we add to these the spirit of rivalry,
or honorable competition, we find enthusiasm and
pleasure.

What kind of labor tasks the powers of exertion
more than a game of cricket ? yet cricket is play,
because it combines association and competition.
Reaping and mowing matches have a similar excite-
ment.

In Europe, the harvest-time and the vintage are
seasons of joy and festivity, though they involve the
hardest labor of the year. The vintage especially is
a great festival. Men, women, and children Avork
from morning till night, day after day, gathering the
grapes and carrying them to the wine-press. Ladies
and gentlemen, from the cities, come to witness and
join in the labor. The laborers sing together in
chorus, and one group answers to another. At the
wine-press is stationed a little band of music, for
there the work is hardest ; but the strongest young
fellows leap into the press with their naked feet, and
dance the red wine out of the bursting grapes. The
labor would be terribly fatiguing without these
auxiliaries ; but with them it is mere sport.

Children are never tired of their games, although
they involve great exertion. But oblige a boy to
play alone, or to continiie a game ten hours a day,
and he would be tired enough.

Now, what is wanting to make industry attractive ?
Give variety, society, and rivalry, and all work is
but play. Is not this the solution of the problem r
— A'. F. Disp.

THE ONION.

Mr. Editor : There are three varieties of this
vegetable cultivated in this region. The allium ccpa
is a biennial, and is highly esteemed as a salad. To
insure a good crop, the seed should be sown early in
the spring. The soil selected should be of a light,
loamy texture, approximating to sand, and so pre-
pared as to enable it to retain a considerable degree

of heat without becoming dry or excessively parched
during drought. There are, however, few vegeta-
bles which require less moisture, or to the full and
perfect development of which the principle of heat
is more strictly necessary or indispensable. About
midsummer, the onion pauses in its growth. At
this stage, it should be taken up and stored; for if it
is permitted to remain longer in the soil, its value
for culinary purposes will be deteriorated, if not de-
stroyed.

The allium cepa is one of the few cultivated vege-
tables which admit of being changed from bien-
nials to triennials. This is effected simply by sow-
ing the seeds quite late in the season, and in close
proximity, the first summer, on poor or sterile soil,
and transplanting them in the spring of the second
season. Onions managed in this way are sometimes
called *' scaUions." They are much more mild and
agreeable to the palate, beside presenting a much
more symmetrical and perfect development in the
bulb. When treated in this way, they will not run
to seed till the fall of the third year. The best
manure for onions, with which I am acquainted, is
gypsum, soot, ashes, and charcoal. Stimulated by
frequent applications of these, the onion will succeed
well on the same soil for many consecutive years.
It is asserted, indeed, and on credible authority,
that a piece of soil was shown, some years since, in
Scotland, which had been cultivated in this plant for
a period of eighty years ; and the last crop taken was,
it is said, as good, to all appearance, as any of the
preceding ones of which the then proprietor had any
recollection.

The Potato ONio>r, {allium aggregatam.') — This
is another species of the onion tribe. It is wonder-
fully prolific. It does not, however, like the allium
cepa, produce one large, distinct bulb, but radiates
into numerous offsets, each of which is nearly the
size of a small orange. This vegetable is perhaps as
extensively admired as the common onion, but is pre-
served with much greater difficulty. The rule com-
monly obsei-ved in cultivating it, by those who have
had the most experience in the business, is, we be-
lieve, to plant the smallest " cfoye,? "on the shortest
day, and to take in the crop on the longest.

The Tree Onion, {allium Canadensis.) — This is
a " tall growing plant," and should be provided
with a support in order to prevent injury from winds.
Small bulbs arc produced both at the top and bottom
of the stems. The latter are said to be preferable to
the former in many respects, especially for pickling.
The small bulbs may be set either in the fall or
spring, and the crop, with proper care and attention
in cultivating it, will be ready for harvesting by
midsummer.

In cultivating the common onion, I do not con-
sider it necessary to plough or dig the soil. With a
common u-on-tooth rake, I lightly stir the surface to
the depth of two inches, and, having formed the lines
with a common seed rake, sow the seed, and cover
it with the hoe or hand. The roller is then applied
to level and compress the surface soil, and a dressing
of gypsum, soot and house ashes, (equal parts,) ap-
plied at night, or just before a rain. As soon as the
plants make their appearance, another apjilication of
the same mixture is given ; a third follows after
weeding. The seed should be soaked from twenty-
four to thirty-six hours before sowing in house ley,
or water in which there is some principle capable of
softening the pericarp which is remarkably indu-
rated, especially when the seed is old.

A NEW ENGLANDER.
— Gcrmaniown Telegraph,

"While the earth rcmaineth, seed time and harvest
shall not cease.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

159

AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS.

We make the following extracts from the report
of the committee on agriculture in the New York
Assembly, to whom was referred so much of the
governor's message as related to agriculture, and the
memorial of the New York State Agricultural So-
ciety for the establishmeat of an agricultural school.

The importance of the farming interest in our
state is manifest ; it lies at the foundation of all our
prosperity as a people. Wo arc, and of necessity
must be, an agricultural people ; and it becomes us to
inquire in what manner this great interest can best
be sustained and advanced. It is a matter of con-
gratulation that, through the efforts of the State
Agricultural Society and the coiinty societies, a very
apparent advance has been made, and the interest
in these associations is increasing yearly. The
Transactions of the State Society, which are annu-
ally published, are exciting a wide-spread influence,
not among our farmers only, but among all classes
of our citi?;ens. The two last volumes published
have received the approbation of the entu'e commu-
nity, and the demand which is made for them shows
how efficient they are becoming as aids to the great
agricultural interest of the state. In the opinion of
the committee, no appropriation of the legislature
is exciting such an extended influence for good.

While all these facilities arc being ajDpreciated by
the farmer, an increasing interest has been mani-
fested for several years on the subject of agricultural
education. Not a session of the legislature has
passed for several years without having their atten-
tion directed to this subject ; and so strong has that
feeling become, that, his excellency the governor,
in his message, in obedience, as we believe, to the
will of the people, thus directs our attention to this
all important interest : " The history of this state
evinces that its legislature have not been content to
confine the exercise of its powers to the mere enact-
ment of laws for the administration of the ordinary
functions of government, or for the suppression of
crime ; its canals and other public works, its schools
and institutions of learning, are proud evidences of
a determination to promote the interest of its com-
merce and trade, and the moral improvement and
happiness of the people, by acts of munificent but
judicious legislation. We have long recognized it as
a high and holy duty of civilized government to pro-
vide for the general dissemination of learning, to
foster the enterprise of its people, to develop the
resources of the state, to encourage its industry, and
to secure to that industry its surest and most ample
rewards. Much has been done to effect these ends.
A noble fund has been provided, and our common
schools and academies arc sowing broadcast the seeds
of learning. The higher branches of science and the
arts have not been neglected. The endowments of
colleges and universities have generally been liberal,
and the rich return of these institutions, in the ad-
vancement of good scholarship, of profound learn-
ing, and of liberal and lofty science, is the surest
evidence of the wisdom of the past liberality of the
state, and the strongest incentive to its future con-
tinuance. I think the time has arrived when the
state is called upon to make provision for the ad-
vancement of agricultural science, and of knowl-
edge in the mechanic arts. Of late years, the science
of agriculture has received much attention, and its
influence, in combination with the practical labor of
those engaged in the ennobling pursuits of hus-
bandry, has lessened the toil and increased the
returns of the tillers of the soil. Similar influences
have produced similar results with respect to the
mechanic arts. If the wealth, and power, and inde-
pendence of a nation are to be estimated by its abil-
ity to supply from within itself its most essential

wants, and from its abundance to minister to the
wants of others, it is both wise and patriotic for the
state to aid the advancement of those particular
branches of knowledge more immediately bearing
upon the pursuits of the great producing classes.

" In this view I cannot too strongly recommend
the endowment by the state of an agricultural
school, and a school for instruction in the mechanic
arts. I would suggest aii annual appropriation, to be
expended under the direction of the llegents of the
University, for instruction in the several branches
of learning connected with agriculture and the me-
chanic arts. The appropriation should be suffi-
cient to secure the best talents to test the utility of
the plan, and if deemed expedient, its duration may
in the first instance be limited."

The State Society, at their annual meeting, rep-
resented by delegates and others from all parts of the
state, unanimously united in the recommendation
of the governor, and we have not as yet heard the
first intimation that it is not in accordance with the
wishes of the people.

That science is destined to contribute largely to
the advancement of the agricultural interest, cannot,
we think, be questioned. The application of mind,
rightly cultivated, to the subject of agriculture,
cannot but lead to its improvement. In every
branch of the operations of the farm, intelligence in
the farmer can be applied with the most beneficial
results. It cannot in truth be doubted that the
course of education which is pursued at our higher
seminaries of learning is not suited to qualify those
who design to engage in the ordinary pursuits of
life ; and it is within the experience of every well
informed man, that those who have come from our
institutions loaded with honors, have often proved
entirely unqualified for the common pursuits of life,
and have been compelled to undergo another educa-
tion to fit them for pursuits which require an educa-
tion of a practical character, and an adaptation to the
evcry-day business of ov.v growing country. We
need, then, an education Avhich will fit a man for
the every-day realities of life ; and to accomplish
this, an institution must be established for the cul-
tivation of those practical sciences which will enable
those who are to be the practical men of our country,
to secure an education that will not only enable them
rightly to discharge their duties in their profession
or pursuit, but will at the same time fit them to
occupy any station in the government of the state
or nation equally with those who have been educat-
ed for professional life at our present institutions.

It cannot bo doubted that many of the arts and
sciences of the present da}% which are claiming
the attention of every well informed man, are the
creation of our OM'n times, and are not to be found
in the systems of education established in by-gone
ages, and which in the main remain now as they
were established centuries ago. Chemistry, miner-
alogy, geology, botany, electricity, are almost all of
our own time ; at least they are within the recollec-
tion of our old men, many of whom can point to the
day of. their birth. Their importance, however, is
beginning to be felt, and no man can be said to be
thoroughly prepared to grapple with the require-
ments of this advancing age, unless practically ac-
quainted with acquirements of modern date. All
of these acquirements can bo applied with most
gratifying results to agriculture ; and its advance-
ment is to depend, in our judgment, upon facilities
being afforded to attain that information which now
is not to be attained by the great mass of the people.
An institution Avhich should have for its object the
teaching of thcte and kindred branches connected
with practical agriculture, is, in our opinion, demand-
ed both by the Avants and the desires of that all-
important portion of our citizens, the agricultural
and mechanical classes.

160

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

PEA BUGS.

Various remedies have been suggested to get rid
of the pea bug, such as scalding the seed, putting
it ill bottles hermetically sealed, &;c. The firr-t has
its objections, and the second retards the growth and
exit of the bug until after planting time, but does not
in all cases destroy it, unless more air is abstracted
from the bottles than can well be done without
apparatus. A certain way is, to gather in one j'car
your seed peas for two, put them in separate bottles,
and leave the bottles for the second year corked up
until you want the ])cas to plant. Peas lose none of
their vitality by being ko]it, (they have been found
to grow when taken out of an Egyptian mummy,)
and it is a question whether, like melon seed, they
are not all the better for keeping. A. H.

Meadville, Penn., 1818.

COVERING THE SOIL ABOUT FRUIT
TREES.

I have noticed with interest the remarks of Mr.
Cleveland and others in this journal on the subject
of covering the sui-face of the soil with substances to
keep it of a uniform state of moisture, &c.

I will add my mite in favor of this process. I
adopted the same plan last spring, covering the
ground with straw two inches deep, laying it down
smoothly and closely beneath the trees for a space as
large in diameter as the spread of the branches.

The result has so far exceeded my expectations,
that I am tempted to believe that there must be some
stimulatinn; as well as protecting influence in the
Straw. I have gathered from a few quince and plum
trees (the only ones to which the application was
made) fruit of nearly double the size of that from
other trees in the same soil; and the plums held
their fruit better than I ever had any do before on
my premises. Yours,

A CONSTANT READER.

PniLADELPHiA, Jan. 1849.
— Doicninfs Ilorticulttirist.

AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL.

At Mount Airy, seven miles from Philadelphia,
there is an agricultural institute, where agriculture
is thoroughly taught on an experimental farm of
seventy acres ; and in addition to agriculture, in-
struction is given, by competent instructors, in the
English elemcntar}' brandies, in mathematics and
physics, in elementary and analytical geology, in
botany, zo61ogj% and entomology.

DOG POWER.

The Scientific American contains a notice of a
dog power, consisting of a ^^■hccl eleven feet in
diameter, inside of which the dog works like a
squirrel in his cage. The gudgeons turn on friction
rollers. This power is applied to a cii-cular saw, a
lathe, and several other operations, siich as churning,
pumping, and washing. It is said to be much su-
perior to the old one so long in use for churning.

BEWARE OF THE RING BONE.

If colts stand on a plank, or any hard floor that is
not well littered, they will be subject to the ring
bone. When breeding horses, wo left the floor of
the colts' stables of the soil over which they were
built. If this should be a deep loam, or of a clayey
texture, then remove the soil about two feet deep.

and replace it with sand, or the finest gravel to be
obtained. Colts should always be let out to exercise
in a yard, or open space, ever}' day, during the
winter, Avhen not particularly stormy ; and in this
yard there should not be older horses, or any horned
cattle which can do them injury. Being very play-
ful, they are more apt to provoke attacks upon them
than other animals. — American Agriculturist.

For the Neic Enrjland Farmer.

SPRING.

Wake the glad echoes of i)leasure and mirth !
Spring in her beauty revisits the earth !
On hill side and valley her footsteps are seen ;
She spreads o'er earth's bosom a mantle of green.
'Tis Spring — glorious Spring.

List ! v/hat sweet m.usic is filling the air !
See the pure flowerets so fragrant and fair !
Hear the glad voices of murmuring streams !
See the bright sun with his radiant beams.

'Tis Sirring — beautiful Spring.

O, how my heart leaps in gladness to greet
Spring, Avith gay birds and fair blossoms replete :
With her soft, sighing winds and bright rivulets free,
There's no season so pleasant — so lovely to mo,
As Spring — glorious Spring.
Lebanon', Ct. E. C. L.

THE OLIO.

Cuuncii Psalmody. — For the benefit of many
choirs who habitually drawl or jam their words so as
to render them utterly unintelligible to the hearer,
we give them a specimen of a line we heard sung
once on a time.

Read. " Life is a shadow ! — how it flies ! "
Sung. " Life is a shad — O, how it flies ! "

" Wlicn I am dead," said Napoleon, " my soul
will return to France, and dwell in the hearts of the
French people, like thunder in the clouds of heaven,
and throb with ceaseless strife in new revolutions."

The excesses of our youth are drafts upon our old
age, payable with interest.

A cheerful spirit makes labor light and sleep sweet,
and all around happy, which is much better than
being only rich.

Profane language is to conversation what ten inch
spikes would bo to veneering — splitting, shivering,
and defacing it. It is in bad taste, oflensive to a
majority, and gratifying to none.

In the space of 713 years, England and France
were at war 262 years.

TERMS. — The New England Faiimer is published
every otlicr Satmday, making a neat and haiidsome
volume, at the close' of the year, of 416 pages, at $1 a
year, or five copies for ,^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at ISi cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-3 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage ,^i

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state; and l.J
cents, or 3D cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTVrED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEllEOTYPE FOVNDRT.

DEVOTED TO AGRICDLTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND S

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, MAY 12, 1849. NO. 11.

S. W. COLE,

Editok. QUINCY hall, BOSTON. J. NOTJRSE, Proprietor.

PROMPTNESS.

There is no calling in which promptness is more
important than in that of the cultivator. A great
deal depends on doing every thing in the proper
season. In vain to him come the various seasons,
bringing seed time and harvest, if he be not ready to
sow and reap at the proper time. A short delay in
planting may affect the crop materially. If the
land be naturally rather wet, a delay of one day in
sowing, after it is sufficiently dry, and a storm en-
suing, may cause a further delay of one or U\o
weeks, in a Avet period, and this may cause a late
crop, and a failure from rust or blight.

In raising a root crop, a few days of procrastina-
tion may extend the time of sowing to the hot,
dry season, and the consequence is often a failure of
seeds, and the blame, justly due to neglect, may fall
upon the seedsman.

A few days too late in destroying weeds, and
often the labor will be twice as much ; and this de-
lay on one piece of land may cause delay in weeduig
the whole farm or plantation, and the consequence is,
a largo increase of labor, and often a depreciation in
the crop for want of attention in due season. A
farmer informed ns that he was once too late in
weeding an acre of carrots, and the weeds were so
numerous and rank, that he found it the most
economical way to plough the land, turn under the
weeds, and sow anew.

In harvesting hay or grain, a siagli hour of delay
may cause a loss of more than can be earned in a
week. One day too late in gathering transient fruits,
and a storm succeeding, the consequence may be
the loss of the whole crop.

One day too late in cutting up a field of late corn,
and the frost may kill it in the milk, so that it will
not be worth harvesting ; but if cut up and shocked,
the crop might be fair. One day too late in gather-
ing winter fruit, and a frost may destroy a large part.
By leaving fruit out one day too late after harvesting,
it may be spoiled by cold weather. A little too late
in gathering cabbages, potatoes, and other roots, and
a hard frost will enclose them, and Winter spread his
white mantle over the earth.

A thousand cases may be named in which the

farmer suffers great loss by being too late. It is im-
possible for the cultivator to perform every operation
at the very best point of time ; but he should en-
deavor to do it, and make his arrangement so as not
to have more work on hand than he can do at the
proper season ; and he should always consider that
one day too late, may be the same as months too late,
or forever too late.

THE FRUIT CONVENTION.

We would call the particular attention of our
readers to the notice of the North American Pomo-
logical Convention, on page 166. These conven-
tions of fruit-growers, from different sections of the
country, by bringing together specimens of fruits
and discussing their merits, and a conference of the
members with each other, afford to those who
attend, and to the public at largo, peculiar advan-
tages ; and we hope that the enterprise will be duly
encouraged both by societies and individuals.

By these associations, a new and valuable fruit
may bo made known to all parts of the country, and
soon disseminated and fairly tested ; and the ques-
tion may be settled whether it is adapted to general
cultivation, or only suited to particular soils and
locations.

APPEARANCE OF FRUIT TREES.

The fruit trees, generally, look remarkably well
this spring. The peach-trees and buds arc killed
less than usual ; peaches set on elevated lands, as
we have often recommended for this fruit, are very
promising this season. As the crop of peaches will
be light at the south, and in many parts of the Mid-
tile States, this fruit will, in New England, become
more important than usual.

The statements made at the State House, by those
Avho had drav»-n very hasty conclusions from partial
observations, have had a bad effect in discouraging
the raising of this excellent fruit, which, though im-
certain in this section, is worthy of attention, as
improvements maybe made by selecting hardy varie-
ties, and making a proper selection of location and
soil.

162

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Mr. O. V. Hills, Leominster, a specimen of
apples, medial size, roundish-oblong, mostly red, of
a pleasant quality, and remarkable for long keeping.
Mr. Hills makes the following remarks on this
variety : —

I send you a box of apples : they are called Priest
Sweeting by some, and Blue Sweeting by others, in.
this section. The oldest trees, in this neighborhood,
■were on the farm of a Mr. Priest ; and it may have
originated on his place, as I am unable to trace it
any further. This variety is much esteemed as a
late-keeping -winter sweeting in this vicinity, and
there are many bearing trees of it in town. It will
keep as long as the lloxbury Russet, and the trees
bear bountifully every other year ; it bears in. even
years. Of the iiavor of the fruit you can judge on
testing it.

Of Mr. Henry Little, East Mansfield, Tough Apple,
•R-hich he values for its late keeping. As the best
specimens were tried by a self- constituted committee,
Avho have made no report, we cannot give an opinion
on this fruit.

Of Mr. John Owen, Cambridge, a pleasant apple,
a late keeper, raised in that vicinity.

"VVe have had several late ap]ples this season ; but
as some ■were rather past their time, and in some
eases we had only one or two specimens, and but
little information as to their growth, and bearing, and
general fairness, we cannot judge of their compara-
tive value, nor how they will compare with other
late kinds previously introduced to the public. Our
notices may lead to further investigation and trial.

From Colonel Libbeus Chase, Cornish, N. II., a
few trees of the Shad Bush, {Swamp ri/riis,) in some
places called Sugar Pear, which are very acceptable,
as we wish to try the effect of cultivation on them.
We have seen the fruit of this shrub very fine in its
wild state, and perhaps it may be improved by culti-
vation, and become one of the most valuable kinds.
Other fruits have been greatly improved by culture,
and by seedlings. In some cases, the pear has suc-
ceeded well on the Shad Bush, and the subject is
worthy of more extensive trials. Ileports on trials
of this kind will be acceptable.

Of Mr. Salmon Buckminstor, I^ynn, an early blue
potato, ii'om New Hampshire, which he represents
as very early. We will give it a fair trial with many
other early varieties, and beg leave to report at some
future day.

IMPORTANCE OF ROOT CULTURE.

Mil. Editor : As I vmderstand your now publica-
tion (the Wool-Grower) is intended for the benefit
of the farming community, I propose to give my ex-
perience in the use of roots for cattle and hogs.

I grow beets, carrots, ruta b:\gas, and parsnips,
and tind there is no difference in the expense of cul-
tivation of either. I find that the sugar beet pro-
duces the most milk, and the carrot and ruta bagas
ai-e best for fatting.

But the ruta baga is far the best for that purpose,
and I am surprised that so valuable a root is not
more generally grown in this country. I have fed a
farrow cow on ruta bagas and ordinary hay, for two
months this winter, and she made good beef, although
I milked her a great part of the time ; and I have

fed a breeding sow on them, and them only, for the
last two months, and my neighbors say that she is
too i-AX. for breeding. But I consider that the parsnip
is a most valuable root for cattle ; and hogs prefer
them to any other root, and we hear the carrot ex-
tolled, but no one grows the parsnip, and yet they
are easier to raise, and certainly more valuable. But
I am aware that they arc a hard root to get up — a
general complaint against them. But you can leave
them in the ground all the winter, and dig them in
the spring, and save housing them, which is no small
consideration ; and they come in well between hay
and grass — the very time that they are wanted.

If any one thinks proper to try them, I know he
will not repent it. Sow early, in rows eighteen
inches apart, and thin them to eight inches in tlie
rows. Any good wheat soil will suit them.

W. W.

Dauien, Genesee Co., N. Y., Feb., 1849.
— Wool-Grower.

Remarks by the Editor New England Farmer.

The cultivation of the parsnip, as food for stock,
has not been generally tested. It is a hardy plant,
and the yield, under good cultivation, is very large.
This root is sweet and nutritious, and it is doubtless
one of the most valuable for stock. In the Island of
Guernsey, England, this root is cultivated very ex-
tensively for all kinds of stock, and with excellent
success. It grows to a large size, sometimes attain-
ing a yard in length. We hope that more attention
will be given to the parsnip, that its true value may
be better known.

CURIOUS FACTS IN NATURE.

Almost all animals come into the world covered
with clothing adapted to their condition. Man is an
exception, because he can clothe himself. He is not,
however, the only exception ; nor is he the only
animal that can clothe itself. The larvre or grub
of that species of moth which is called the " clothes
moth," manufactures, as soon as it co:ncs into the
world, a coat for itself, of hair or wool, and, for the
protection of its tender skin, lines it with silk. This
is a curious and singular fact. If this coat were the
insect's natural covering, it would grow with the
insect's growth ; but it is artificial, and some pro-
vision, therefore, must be made for its enlargement,
as the grub increases in size. If additional length
only were required, the task would be easy; the
covering being cylindrical, all that would be necessary
would, indeed, very easily be effected by adding a
ring or two at the top or bottom. But the coat must
be widened, and this is an operation which is not so
easily performed ; but the little insect, as if it had
Icanit the art of tailoring, accomplishes its object
with equal ease and success. It begins, as an ex-
perienced workman would do, by making two slits,
one on each side, in order to give additional width,
and then introduces two slijis of the same materials,
to fill up the same space ; but it foresees, or at least
acts as if it foresaw, that if the slits Avcre made on
each side from one end to the other at once, the coat
would fall off: it proceeds, therefore, with caution,
and at first slits its garments on each side only half
v.'ay down, and, when it has completed the enlarge-
ment of that half, proceeds in like manner to enlarge
the other. What more could be done by a skilful
tailor ? And be it observed that this operation is
performed, not by imitation, for it never saw the
thing done ; nor by practice, for it is its first attempt.
The facts are curious, and worthv of attention.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

163

oasnTs jc

LADY MESSENGER," AND HER COLT, ''MORGx\.N MESSENGER.

The animals represented in the cut are descendants
of the famous Messenger and Morgan horses. They
were formerly owned, and the colt was bred, by S. W.
Jcvvett, Esq., of "Weybridge, Vt. For a few years,
these fine animals have been the property of General
S. M. Burrows, of Medina, Orleans county, N. Y.
The sire of Morgan Messenger is Black Hawk,
whose portrait and description are on our 19th page.

The English horse Messenger was imported into
this country near the close of the last century.
His stock was distinguished as strong and valuable
roadsters, and fast trotters, and some of his progeny
wore eminent as racers. The fame of the Morgan
race of horses is well known throughout the coun-
try.

The improvement of horses is a subject that re-
ceives too little attention. The cheapest sire is
often used, and, almost every worthless jade of a
mare is used as a breeder, when colts or horses are
in good demand.

In many cases, a colt of an excellent race would
cost, in the beginning, not more than ten or twelve
dollars extra ; and this Avould frequently add fifty or
sixty dollars to the value of the full grown animal.
Good blood stock will sell, at maturity, more than
twice as high as a poor breed. Then it would be
good economy to raise the best races only, even if
the extra cost, in the beginning, is equal to the ex-
pense of keeping the young animal until he is fit for
labor.

Why is so little attention paid to horses by our
agricultural societies, and why are so few seen at our
cattle shows, while the horse is selling in the market
at a higher price than any other animal ? We seldom

see more than half a dozen horses at any of our
shows, and frequently there is not one on exhibition.
This shows a deficiency somewhere. Either suffi-
cient encouragement is not given for good horses, or
there are but few animals worthy of being shown
for a premium.

The very high price of good horses should encour-
age every one who raises this stock to pay great
attention to the breed. This would be economy. He
should exercise intelligence, and act upon the prin-
ciples of science, in the beginning, and not depend
whoUv on hard labor for gain.

EFFECTS OF FOOD AND CLIMATE ON
THE HORSE.

If a London diay horse be conveyed to Arabia,
and subjected to the same influences to which the
native horses of that country are exposed, it will, in
the course of some generations, present the leading
characters of the Arabian horse. The head will
gradually diminish in size, the limbs will become
fine and clear, the massive proportions of the whole
body will disappear, and not only will the external
form of the native horses be acquired, but, along
with that, something also of their chivalrous dispo-
sition. If the race, thus improved, be again con-
veyed to Europe, it will gradually deteriorate, and,
in the course of some generations, will again acquire
all its original properties.

This fact we state upon the authority of Professor
Pictet, of Geneva, and it seems to prove that the
Arabian horse cannot exist in perfection in any of
the western countries of Europe ; and there can bo
but little doubt that the humidity of the climate,
and the influences indirectly arising from that cause,
are the principal reasons of this change. — JouynaJ
of AgricitUure.

164

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the Neio England Farmer.
THE CRANBERRY.

Mr. Cole : I Avish to set a small piece of land to
cranberry sods, and I wish to bo informed if it is
best to iDlough first. The piece is now in grass and
moss. The soil is quite retentive of moisture, in
consequence of its being undcrlaycd by a hard pan
of clay and gravel, about one foot below the surface.
A hole dug to the hard ])an, say twelve to eighteen
inches deep, any time in the summer, will stand two
thirds full of water. I have said it is covered with
grass and moss. The grass is thin, and its place
supplied by moss, for the reason that the soil is full
of water. Another part is dry enough for corn, but
a poor, sandy soil.

Should I dig holes in the turf and set the vines, or
plough, and then set ; and if I plough, should I
manure first. Any information would be thankfully
received.

KespcctfuUy yours,

EDWIN BOOTH.

Springfield, April 20, 1849.

Editorial Remarks.

In order to subdue the wild grasses and weeds, it
will be better to plough the land and completely
invert the sod, or furrow slice. Then much less la-
bor will be required to subdue the grass and weeds,
until the cranberry plants are strong enough to keep
possession of the ground.

The retention of water a little below the surface is
no disadvantage. Cranberries of spontaneous growth
are common on marshes, meadows, and on the
margin of ponds, where the land is often flowed with
water, and where water stands through the season
near the surface of the land.

That part that is dry enough for corn, should be
manured with peat or mud, to render it more com-
pact and retentive of moisture.

When the cranberry plants can be obtained con-
veniently, the surest way of transplanting is to take
up sods, containing the vines, and set them, sods
and all. It is better to make the rows about three
feet apart, and set the sods or plants about two feet
apart in the roAV, and the plants will extend over the
land much sooner than when set four feet apart each
way, as is the practice of some cultivators.

When the land is wet, and composed mostly of
peat, mud, or clay, sand is the best manure. Ani-
mal or compost manure has not been found profit-
able for cranberries ; and mineral manures would
probably be no better. But sand is very useful ; and
this has often been shown by the superior production
of cranberries on wet lands, where sand has been
carried down by water from the high lands and
deposited around cranberry vines.

For the New Enyla^ul Farmer.
SAW-FLY OF THE RASPBERRY.

Mr. Cole : The season is now approaching when
the insect world, awakened from their long sleep by
the warm sunshine, will commence their depreda-
tions on our fruits and flowers ; and nil who would
see fixir fruits, andthciv gardens and orchards clothed
in green verdure, must seek some means of defence
against the destroyers.

The raspberry bushes in the vicinity of New
Haven have, within a few years, been attacked by a
species of saw-fly, which is gradually increasing in
numbers, and desen-es the attention of all who cul-
tivate this fruit. It cats all the leaf except the ribs
pr woody part, which makes the bushes, in the first
part of summer, look brown and withered. This
caterpillar is about half an inch long, having three
double roAvs of short, brown, branching or forked
spines along the back, and three double rows of simi-
lar white spines along the side; the spines of each
double row being set in alternate order. It has
three pairs of legs and eight pairs of prop logs ; the
color is green, and so exactly like the leaf that a
sharp view is required to discover it, as it lies along
the ribs of the leaf. The caterpillar hatches about
the second Aveek in May ; it is very minute and
greenish white, but grows darker green at each
moulting. It leaves the bushes about the time the
fruit ripens, goes into the ground, (I have not yet as-
certained how deep,) forms around itself an oval coat
of earth cemented together, and remains over the
winter.

During the first and second weeks in May, the
bushes literally swarm with the perfect insect, Avhich
deposits its eggs in a small incision close to the ribs
underside the leaf. The eggs are easily discovered,
as the leaves are dotted with yellow on the upper
side where they are.

The fly is black, Avith a small spot on each side of
the collar ; the middle of the back and the legs are
dirty yelloAv, the hindermost feet being dusky ; there
is a small black dot near the tips of the fore Avings ;
length of the body, nearly one fifth ; expansion of
the Avings, one half of an inch. It is easily caught
by hand, for Avhcn alarmed it remains motionless for
a moment.

Some specimens have been sent to Dr. Harris, Avho
says, " It appears to be an undescribcd insect. It be-
longs to the genus selandria, and resembles in form
and size the saw-fly of the rose, {selandria bknocampa
rosa,) but is referable to a different group of the
genus, called }w2)locampa by Hartig, on account of
the spines Avith Avhich the larva is armed. The
insect may be named selandria {hoploca>7i2)a) ruhi, the
latter term being giA'en in allusion to the scientific
name (rubus) of the raspberry."

The selandria roses has Avithin the last thr^e years
increased to an alarming extent. Last summer, the
rose bushes, in some gardens, had not a green leaf
left upon them. Their OAvners, through ignorance,
attributed it to blighting Avinds ; some thought they
Avero sun-burut ; if they had taken the trouble to
examine the leaA'cs, thoy Avould haA'e found myriads
of disgusting creatures, scaring our most beautiful
of flowers, like the autumn Avinds ere the summer's
sun had begun to Avane.

These slugs are light green and perfectly smooth ;
so ashes or lime does not readily stick to them : the
most effectual mode of destroying them, is to pick
them off and crush them, Avhich is a sIoav, disagree-
able process, but sure. The caterpillars of the rasp-
berry may be shaken off by a sudden jar : they aro
eaten greedily by the chipping sparroAV, better
known as the chit-bird : therefore it is for our inter-
est as Avell as pleasure to protect these agreeable
little pets, and entice them, by scattering crumbs and
seed, to alight about our doors.

GRACE DARLING.

Nbav Haven, Ct., April 18, 1819.

Editorial Reaiauks.

Fortunately for the horticultural community, the
family of the late and much lamented Judge Dar-
ling took a deep interest in. the subjects in Avhich he
was engaged, Avhich enables them to communicate

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

165

valuable facts from his cxpeiicncc and their own nice
observation. On p. IIG is an interesting article from
Mrs. Darling on grafting the grape. Miss Darling
will oblige us by furnishing drawings of the saw-fly
of the raspberry, and any other information on in-
sects that destroy horticultural productions will be
acceptable.

For the New England Farmer.
FARMERS' SONS.

Mr. Cole : It is quite too much the case that
boys brought up on the farm are required to labor
with tools quite ill suited to their age and strength.
Farmers are very apt to give their boys implements
to work with which have been throNvn by as unfit
for further use, and altogether too heavy for their
strength. I well remember the first time I was set
to mowing. It was with an old, worn-out scythe,
(heavy enough and long enough for a strong man ;)
but slill I thought it a very pretty notion to mow,
even with an old scythe. This is one reason why
boj's dislike farming, and prefer some other kind of
business. A farmer might as well attempt to break
a colt or a yoke of steers after the same manner, by
attaching them to wagons heavy enough for old and
well disciplined teams.

Boys at a very early age may be of essential ser-
vice on a farm, provided they are rightly managed.
Their work should be light, and should be perfonned
with light tools. How many boys leave their homes
for no other reason than because they are overtasked,
and no pains taken to provide for them light and
handy implements to work with ! Every boy whose
father designs him to become a farmer, should, Vv-hen
of suitable age, have his hoe, his shovel, rake, wheel-
barrow, and other things necessary for his business.
Thus equipped, how proud the little fellows will feel !
Each should have his little spot of ground set off to
him every spring, to manage and till after his own
fashion. How natural for every one to have some-
thing he can call his own, and especially boys. If
each has his little patch of ground to plant, how
much pride he will take in working it ! and how
much interest will be manifested in the growth of
the various crops with which it is planted ! To have
an interest, boys should have an object ; and if
farmers would train their sons farmers, they should
interest themselves in their behalf, encourage thena
by their assistance and approval ; and by so doing, we
shall not only have more farmers, but better ones.

A. TODD.

S-MITHFIELD, R. I., April, 2.

For the Neio England Farmer.

ON THE VARIETIES OF POTATOES AND

PEACHES FROM SEED.

I noticed in No. 1 of your paper some remarks on
the different kinds of potatoes raised from the seed,
to which I could append some of my experiments,
to demonstrate the fact, that there is a way, by
which the same, and only the same, kind can be
raised from the potato ball, and another way, by
which a great variety Avill be produced ; also a
similar fact in regard to poach stones, conformably
to one of nature's laws.

Yours trulv,

BENJAMIN WILLAIID.

WiLBRMiAM, Mass.

Editorial BemarIvS.
We have made but few experiments on raising
potatoes from seed ; but we usually find a great

variety. This is owing, in some measure, to our
selecting seed when various kinds arc grown together
for the purpose of obtaining new kinds by crosses.

It has been stated by some cultivators, that the
seeds from the same potato ball or apple will yield
different varieties of potatoes. Perhaps the Kev.
Jlr. Willard will oblige the agricultural community
by furnishing facts on this subject. His views on
raising peach-trees from the seed will be very accep-
table also.

For the New England Farmn\

S. "W. Cole, Esq. Dear Sir : I have been trying in
vain, for some time past, to find something on the
subject of improving, reclaiming, or bringing into
English grass, salt marsh or meadow. I have it in
mj' power, with but sm.all outlaj', to exclude the salt
water from several acres, which is now worth only a
nominal value ; and, as ploughing seems out of the
question, I am in doubt as to the proper plan of pro-
cedure. Would fresh water, standing for a length of
time, cause the roots to rot ? or -would sand carted on
to the marsh produce any desirable effect ? If your
experience enables you to give the desired informa-
tion through the columns of your paper, you will
greatly oblige one who sends this, and will perhaps
furnish something not altogether unaccei^table to
some of the rest of your readers.

Very respcctfuUv,

A StlBSCRIBER.

Portland, Me., 3/ay 2, 1819.

Editorial Remaiucs.

Some lands in this region, that have been gained
from the ocean by diking, are very valuable for
tillage and mowing, producing almost e^w-ry kind of
crop common to farming. Draining should follow
diking, and then the land will become sufficiently
hard and dry to admit of ploughing. On most re-
claimed marshes, sand and gravel are necessary, both
to render the land drier, and to furnish the proper
supply of food for plants, silex or sand being an im-
portant ingredient, particularly in corn and other
grain. It is this element that gives strength and
firmness to the stalk. Liberal manuring is very
necessary on reclaimed marshes, as the soil is usu-
ally rather moist and cool.

We have made a few general remarks only, and
would request our readers, who have experience in
the matter, to give detailed accounts of their opera-
tions.

For the Neic England Farmer.
SPENT DYE-STUFF FOR MANURE.

" Are spent dye-stuffs from the manufactories
good for manui'e ? " S.

All animal and vegetable substances, properly
l^repared, are valuable for manure. Dye-stuffs, even
the refuse or waste, contain much tannin or astringent
principle, that is injurious if applied immediately to
the growing vegetable. When this is destroyed or
neutralized, and the whole mass becomes decayed,
it makes a good manure.

Time will effect the desired object, or, by the use
of ashes or lime, and other substances that will

166

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

produce heat, and of course a ready decomposition,
the process of jireparation may be hastened.

For the New England Farmer.
WOOL WASTE FOR MANURE.

" Is wool waste, or the sweepings of the mill, of
any value as a fertilizer ? It contains some oil,
which is said to be valuable for crops."

Waste wool, — well decomposed, which may be
effected in a short time by the use of alkalies, and the
sooner for its containing oil, and the manure will be
the richer for the oil — is a valuable manure. These
substances are used by farmers in the vicinity of
Lowell Avith excellent success.

NORTH AMERICAN POMOLOGICAL CON-
VENTION.

The undersigned, a committee of the above Con-
vention, who were appointed at the meeting held in
Euffalo, last September, to report such plans for the
organization of future conventions — should it be
deemed advisable to hold them — as might be deemed
necessary to carry out successfully the objects for
which they were to meet, agreed, after consultation,
as part of their plan, to appoint committees for each
state, territory, and the Canadas, whose duty it
should be to report the results of their observations
and consultations in relation to matters suggested for
tlicir action in a circuhir, (which was issued by us
and sent to each one of them,) on the first day of
the assemblage of the Convention, which was, by
unanimous resolution, agreed should be held in the
autumn of 1819.

The committee have had their attention called to
an editorial in the Horticulturist for March, in which
it is stated that the North American Pomological
Convention is a defunct convention, and that the
state committees have received the complijnent
from a committee which does not exist, or by an
authority unknown, ^yithout intending in any way
to comment on the article alluded to, the committee
think it their duty to remark, that bj' a perusal of
the report of the proceedings of the Buffalo Con-
vention, it will be seen that the report of this com-
mittee, making the Convention a national and a
permanent one, was adopted unanimously ; that it is
entirely unconnected with the New York State
Agricultviral Society, and that the designation of the
time and place for its next meeting, where the great
fair of that Society is to be held, was done for the
better accommodation of the public who are in the
habit of attending it from all parts of the country,
and also as a compliment to that society, in acknowl-
edgment of the great benefit they had conferred on
horticulture, by being the first to move in calling a
National Pomological Convention. The committee,
owing to the hurried close of the Convention at
Buffalo, had not time to concoct, or submit fully,
their plans for the consideration of the Convention,
and in doing it thus far afterwards, they conceive
that they are carrying out the true spirit and intent
of- their appointment, and th.at their action will meet
with the apiirobation of all concerned.

The committse therefore hope that the gentlemen
appointed will not be deterred by the article above
alluded to, from attention to the several duties which
have been submitted for their action, as the North
American Pomological Convention will convene at
Syracuse, in the state of New York, on the 14th da)'
of September next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. — it being
the day succeeding the closing of the annual fair of
the New York State Agricultural Society.

Com-
mittee.

Pomological, horticultural, agricultural, and kin-
dred societies, or associations, throughout this
continent, are requested to send delegates to the
Convention ; and gentlemen resident in vicinities
where no societies exist, who take interest in the
advancement of pomological science, are also invited
to attend.

J. D. G. Nelsox, Indiana, Chairman.

James Dol'gai.i., Canada.

Herman Wendell, M. D., N. York.

J. C. Holmes, Michigan.

Lewls F. Allen, New York.

F. R. Elliott, Ohio.

N. Goodsell, New York.
March, 1349.

CIPCULAR.

At the meeting of the Pomological Coxvextiox,
held at Buffalo, September, 1848, the following reso-
lutions were adopted : —

" Resolved, That hereafter an annual assemblage or
convention shall be held under the name of the
" North American Pomological Convention."

•' Resoleed, That this Convention shall be held, in
the comino; year of 1849, in the town or citj' iu
which the New York State Agricultural Fair may bo
held — to convene its session the first day succeed-
ing the closing of the Fair — and that the recording
secretary of the New York State Agricultural So-
ciety shall be intrusted with the charge, and respect-
fully solicited to give due notice of the time of
meeting, by means of agricultural journals, and cards
of invitation to gentlemen pomologists and horticul-
tural societies throughout the Union and the Cana-
das, that they may send delegates, or attend and
bring or send specimens of fruits for exhibition."

The annual Show and Fair of the New York State
Agricultural Society having been fixed for the 11th,
r2th, and 13th of September next, at the city of Syra-
cuse, I do, in comijliance with the request contained
in the above resolution, hereby give notice of the
meeting of the North American Pomological Con-
vention, at the city of Syracuse, on Friday, the 14th
of September next — the day succeeding the Show
of the New York State Agricultural Society ; and on
behalf of the said Convention, extend a cordial invi-
tation to yourself to attend, and the Society with
which you are connected to send delegates to the
Convention, and to forward specimens of fruits for
exhibition.

Any fruits that may bo sent can be directed to the
care of P. N. llusx, Esq., Syracuse.

B. P. Johnson,
■Sec. N. Y. State Ay, Society.

Albany, April 6, 1849.

DOMESTIC FISH PONDS.

AVe are surprised our country friends do not i:)ay
more attention to the subject of fish ponds. Many
of them have, on some part of their estates, cither
natural ponds, or small streams running through
narrow valleys, which may be dammed at a trifling
expense, and occupy but a comparatively small sur-
face of land, and which, in many cases, is entirely
worthless. These ponds should be fed Avith living
streams or springs. The former are preferable, as
they bring to the pond supplies of seeds, vegetables,
roots, mud, &c., on which many of the finny tribes
subsist. Aquatic plants, insects of various kinds,
and infusoriic are also soon generated in the pond,
and supply them with an adequate amount of food.
Wherever this is deficient for the inmates, artificial
food may be added, as bread, decayed grains, vegeta-
bles, meat, and the like. They may be soon taught
to come at call, as by the tinkling of a bell, the blast
of a horn, the beat of a drum, or some musical instru-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

167

merits, and they will thus gather round their food as
soon as thrown in. Many species of fish subsist
entirely by suction, as the shad, the sucker, &c. ;
and it is policy to have separate ponds for such of
these as may be wanted for use. Others, and bj' far
the larger pai-t, are predatory, and subsist almost
entirely on other fish, as the pike, pickerel, &c. ; and
these require a stock of smaller fry to supply them
adequately with food.

Some experiments have been made with the shad
and other salt-water fish in acclimatizing them in
fresh water, and with entire success. A friend, who
has several fish ponds on his estate on the Hudson,
says they have bred with him the second year they
were placed there. He occasionally supplied them
with salt, when they would come about the deposit,
and seem to enjoy the brackish water while the salt
remained. When deprived of this, some of the
original shad died ; but whether owing to this or
some other cause, it is not certain. The younger
ones seem to thrive in water entirelj' fresh. He has
also domesticated several kinds of fresh-water fish,
some of which have been imported from the Euro-
pean waters, as the carp and tench ; but most of them
are the best varieties from our inland lakes. Some
of them have become such pets, and so familiarly
answer to his call, that he has a great repugnance in
preparing them for his table, though his friends, to
whom he frequently sends them, have no such
scruples, and pronounce them delicious. He tells a
good story of harnessing a nine-foot sturgeon, trans-
ferred from the river to his domains. He has
properly adjusted straps, so fitted as not to interfere
with his fins, to which a ring and trace is attached
with a light cork buoy, so as always to be within
reach. "When disposed for a sail, he gets into his
canoe, and quietlj' affixes a tow-line to the buoy ;
and as soon as the sturgeon feels a jerk, off he darts
with railway speed, and whirls him round and round
the pond till exhausted, when he rolls over on his
back and halts. He is then disengaged from the
canoe, and, after recovering from his sweat, bounds
into the air six or eight feet, and ofif he darts for the
C][uiet depths of the pond. Some honest Dutchmen,
in his neighborhood, thinking this too good fun to
be monopolized, tried the experiment with an un-
tamed sturgeon in the Hudson ; when, after a short
time, he plunged downwards, drawing under the
boat, men and all, who came near being drowned.
They cursed their neighbor and his craft, and have
never been known to attempt the experiment since.
— Ainerican AgricuUui-ist.

FLAX.

The attention of farmers in one of the agricultural
districts in Elaine, has lately been turned to the cul-
tivation of fiax, in consequence of an ofi'cr on the jiart
of some capitalists to establish works in the neigh-
borhood for rotting and dressing the flax. One con-
dition on which the promise to establish such works
Avas based was, that the farmers should agree to
sow not less than one hundred acres. These works
promised to pay twelve dollars per ton for the straw.
Another inducement for its cultivation is a guaranty
that the seed will readily sell for a dollar a bushel.

We do not know at what price the straw could be
sold for in this valley. It would certainly be a valu-
able material for making paper, and a farmer at our
elbow says that five dollars per ton for it would pay
well. The seed would meet a ready sale in St. Louis,
in any quantities, at a price varying from eighty-five
cents to one doUir per bushel. The demand for
linseed oil is very great, and is every year increa=ing ;
and a gentleman of this city, who consumes a large
amount annually in the manufacture of white lead,
assures us that the manufacture of linseed oil in this

city is a profitable business, and would be much
more so, if the amount of flax seed brought to this
market was great enough to permit the manufacture
of oil on a much more extended scale.

AVill some of our agricultural brethren give us
their experience in flax-growing — its cost, its prod-
uct in seed and straw, and the expense of rotting
and dressing ? If the straw was dressed for the use
of paper-makers only, it would require no very com-
plicated or expensive machinery. — Vallej Farmer.

RULES IN RAISING POULTRY.

1. All young chickens, ducks, and turkeys, should
be kept under cover, out of the weather, during rainy-
seasons.

2. Twice or thrice a week, pepper, shallots, shivcs,
or garlic should be mixed up with their food.

3. A small lump of assafcctida should bo placed
in the pan in which their water is given them to
drink.

4. Whenever they manifest disease, by the droop-
ing of the wings or any other outward sign of ill-
health, a little assafffitida, broken into small lumps,
should be mixed with their food.

5. Chickens which are kept from the dunghill
while young, seldom have the gapes; therefore it
should be the object of those who have the charge
of them, so to confine the hens as to preclude their
young from the range of barn or stable yards.

6. Should any of the chickens have the gapes,
mix up small portions of assafcctida, rhubarb, and
pepper, in fresh butter, and give each chicken as
much of the mixture as will lie upon one half the
bowl of a small teaspoon.

7. For the pip, the following treatment is judi-
cious : Take off the indurated covering on the j^oint
of the tongue, and give, twice a day, for two or three
days, a piece of garlic the size of a pea. If garlic
cannot be obtained, onion, shallot, or shives will
answer ; and if neither of these be convenient, two
grains of black pepper, to be given in fresh butter,
will answer.

8. For the smtffles, the same remedies as for the
gapes will be found highly curative ; but in addi-
tion to them, it will be necessary to melt a little as-
safcctida in fresh butter, and rub the chicken about
the nostrils, taking care to clean them out.

9. Grown-up ducks arc sometimes taken off rap-
idly by convulsions. In such cases, four chops of
rhubarb and four grains of cayenne pepper, mixed
in fresh butter, should be administered. Last year
we lost several by this disease, and this year the
same symptoms manifested themselves among them ;
but we arrested the malady, without losing a single
cluck, by a dose of the above medicine to such as
were ill. One of the ducks was at the time para-
lyzed, but was thus saved. — Selected.

PROGRESS OF AGRICULTURAL IMPROVE-
MENT.

We have been favored, by Dr. Joseph Stone, with
an agricultural address delivered by him before the
Ilardwick Lyceum, from which we make the follow-
ing extract : —

But when the rapid progress in the mechanic
arts, in our manufactories, and in the application of
steam to stationary machinery, and for the purposes
of locomotives, are considered, it will at once be seen
that, in rapidity of progress, agriculture has by no
means kept pace with the subordinate occupations
which it sustains.

Perhaps a reason for this may be found in the fact

168

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

that vast amounts of capital are invested in manu-
factories, in steamboats, and in railroads, and the
pro])rictor3 and managers of these concerns are ever
read}' to confer a generous and substantial reward
for any new improvement which will enhance their
profits.

And this prospect of an ample reward stimulates
the inventive genius of our countrymen to those
ceaseless efforts which wo have often seen resulting
in suri.rising success.

But in relation to agriculture, if we except the
invention of some useful implements of husbandry,
the case is far otherwise. The man who labors and
toils for its improvement, cannot go for his reward
to rich capitalists, who have millions invented, and
"who arc ready to pay thousands for the invention
which shall add but a small percentage to their
profits ; bnt instead of this, he will ^jrobably be
doomed to find his improvements adopted slowly
and with m;uiy doubtful misgivings, and as a reward
for his efforts, he will probably be compelled to rest
contented with the satisfaction of doing a good
action.

ANTIDOTE TO POISON IVY.

On the ly4th page of this volume it is stated that a
decoction of poison ivy is a preventive and a remedy
against its effects. Mr. Zephaniah Breed, of Ware,
N. II., informs us that he has tried it with success ;
but he recommends a more simple mode of using.
lie had occasionally been poisoned by this plant,
imtil he practised putting a few of the tender leaves
into his month, and chewing them, retaining them
as a quid of tobacco, as he supposes, not using that
vile weed. In this way he has been almost wholly
protected against the effects of the poison, they being
very slight indeed when he has been among this
vine with this precaution.

He had a boy with him who was very liable to be
poisoned with ivy, and he found that chewing a few
leaves was a preventive. Mr. Breed gives his own
experience, not knowing what the eflect may be on
those who are more subject than himself to injury
from this poison vine.

POWER OF

THE SOIL TO ABSORB
ODORS.

It is well kno^^'n that onions, if buried in the earth
for a few days previous to being cooked, will have
lost much of their rank flavor. Wild ducks, which
are often too fishj' in flavor to be good, may bo
rendered much more palatable by being wrapped in
absorbent paper and buried in the ground for a few
hours. Dried codfish loses much of its austerity of
flavor (if we may coin a term) by similar treatment.
During the plague, in Europe, clothing was often
buried for a time to disinfect it. This absorbent
property of the soil is due to the presence of carbo-
naceous matters ; for clean sea-beach sand will pro-
duce no such results, while pulverized charcoal will
act with much greater energy than common soil. On
this principle, animal matters coated with unlcached
ashes, and then buried in pulverulent peat or muck,
will not only decompose without giving off offen-
sive odors, but the muck will also, by absorbing
the resulting gases arising from decomposition, be
rendered highly valuable as a fertilizer. Dr. Dana
says that a dead horse, if cut in pieces and treated
as above, will render twenty loads of muck equal
in quality to the best stable manure. — Workinr/
Farmer.

PROSPECTS OF THE NEXT CLIP.

The Wool-Grower contains a communication, over
the signature of 11. li., on this subject.

In regai-d to the prospect of the " next clip," in
Maine, we can tell him it will be a very small one.

The sheep have dcpartjd from our borders. We
know of some neighborhoods Avhere, a few years a^^o,
you could find a thousand sheep; now you will not
find enough there to supply sufficient wool to make
stocking yarn to furnish that same neighborhood.

We can take you into towns where, a few years
ago, the Avoollen fiictories were buzzing night and
day, and giving profitable employment to hundreds
of industrious hands ; now the Sisindles are rusting
in idleness, and the workmen disi^ersed. Even those
inills that are in operation, turn slowly, and everv
revolution of the wheel mourns dolefully of hard
times.

Such is the prospect of the " next clip " in Elaine.
These are facts. We say nothing of the causes.

The writer above alluded to estimates, from the
statistics and other data of 1810, that there will be,
in 1850, thirty millions of sheep in the United States,
and that the clip of that year will be seventv rail-
lions of pounds, and that the clip of this spring
(18 19) will be sixfi/six millions of pounds. He thinks
not over one fifth of this will be worked up at home,
and that there will be, therefore, upwards of Jifty-
three millions £)r the manufacturer.

In remarking upon this statement, the editor thinks
that the old stock of wool will be pretty well worked
up ; that the imports Avill be about fifteen millions
of pounds, or say twenty millions. This, with the
clip, deducting what will be worked up at home,
will give seventy millions for the manufacturer. He
then estimates the number of woollen factories in the
United States at fifteen hundred ; and allowing only
two " sets " of machinery to each factory, they will
require tico hundred and twenty-jive thousand pounds
per day. They will thus work up sixty-eirfht mil-
lions during the year, thereby leaving a surplus of
two millions " iov lee-way and variation," as a sailor
would say.

According to the above calculations, it is probable
that the clip will all be wanted at home ; but the price,
as every one knows, must depend upon the price of
fabrics, and the condition of the money market.

AVithout trenching on political ground, we pre-
sume we may be allowed to say, that it is unfortunate
that the price of the fabric is regulated by the agents
of the English manufacturer. Instead of having a
home valuation to be attached to foreign fabrics
which pay an ad valorem duty, — that is, a duty ac-
cording to its value, — the value is sworn to by for-
eign agents as it is in their country, not in ours ; and
abundant experience proves that they consider a
custom-house oath a mere farce, and the taking a
false one there, the least heinous and most pardon-
able of all mortal sins. — Maine Farmer.

VEGETABLE MARROW.

Since the partial failure of the potato crop, the
English farmers are turning their attention to the
cultivation of this species of squash as food for hogs.
Those who have tried it state that twenty tons may
be raised per acre, and that when cooked it is found
to be superior to most other vegetables as food for
hogs. Its nutritive properties arc equal to those of
the ruta baga turnip. This vegetable is known by
various names, such as the Boston Marrow Squash,
Midsummer Squash, &c. — Maine Farmer.

In this region six or eight tons to the aci'e are con-
sidered a large crop. — Ei>. of New Eng. Faemer.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

169

HORTICULTURAL TOOL CHEST

This is a small, portable chest, containing a useful
collection of tools, such as are generally iised in
managing trees, shrubs, or plants of any description.
These articles are very convenient, and always at
hand, ■R'hen kept in a compact form, and neatly
arranged in a chest, A\hich is so light that it can be
easily carried in the hand from, one part of the garden
to another, by the handle at the top. Such arrange-
ment greatly facilitates labor, and aids in executing
various operations in the neatest as well as in the
most expeditious manner. This chest contains a prun-
ing saw, pruning chisel, weeding hoe, garden rake,
tree scraper, scuffle hoe, and hook, all of which are
fitted to one handle, which may be screwed together
or unscrewed, as required, packed into the chest,
and locked up. It also contains twig cutter, vine
scissors, flower gatherers, grafting chisel, grafting
hammer, strawberry fork, transplanting trowel,
weeding trowel, garden rule and line, grass shears,
sliding pruning shears, pruning knife, and budding
knives.

LABOR IS HONORABLE.

All labor is honorable. The Great First Cause
works. Nature works, and every man who enjoj's her
fruits ought to hold it honorable to work. When
shall the glorious time dawn that intelligence and
true philanthropy shall annihilate the selfish distinc-
tion Avhich pride has made between labor and idle-
ness ? May that auspicious day soon arrive when
the worthless distinctions between mental and phys-
ical labor, which separate man from his fellow-man,
shall cease to exist, and all the tenants of the earth
m.eet as equal sovereigns of our common inheritance
— the earth. — Rodgers's Scientific Agriculture.

FRUIT TREES BY ROAD SIDES.

The season for setting out trees has arrived. We
would especiall}' call the attention of farmers to set-
ting out fruit trees by the road side. You accomplish
two things by so doing. You adorn the country, and
make it pleasant for yourself and others who travel

that road so adorned. If you select good winter
fruit, 3'ou will in a few years have from those orna-
mental trees some profit, inasmuch as the fruit so
obtained will come from a source that vs'ould other-
wise be of no great avail to you. The trees, stand-
ing by the side of the wall or fence, will take up but
little room, and will not hinder your cultivating the
land, if you are so disposed. They will not deprive
you of any grass or other crop which you may put
upon the ground around them, and their roots, run-
ning partly into the road, will draw nourishment
therefrom, which would not bo of any use other-
wise. — Maine Farmer.

CAMELS.

A correspondent of the Louisville Democrat pro-
poses the use of the Bactrian camels for travelling to
California, New Mexico, and Oregon*. They would
be very useful for carrying the mail. Good authori-
ties state that they can carry one thousand pounds
weight one hundred miles per day for eight or ten
days in succession, and subsist on a scanty supply of
the coarsest herbage, only requiring water once in
two or three days. With the aid of this animal, the
United States mail might be carried from St. Louis
to Astoria, at the mouth of the Columbia River, in
twenty days, or in a shorter time from the mouth of
the Arkansas River to the harbor of San Francisco, in
California. They could be got in their native coun-
try, Asia, and be brought by land to the Black Sea,
and shipped for the United States direct.

In addition, it maj' be said, that the Bactrian or
Asiatic camel would be useful in war, in the vast
plains of the west. From their great power, quick-
ness of motion, docility, and shape of their backs,
they might be useful in carrying light pieces of ar-
tillery, and be trained to the use of them for their
various purposes. This would be a very effective
arm against the Indians. — Selected.

Would not the drawing of the plough be more
beneficial to manliind than the carrying of a field-
piece ?

With a downright taste for fruits and flowers, a
man may have occupation and amusement for years
in a hundred feet square of good soil. — Downing.

170

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

TURKEYS.

Turkeys intended for breeders must bo kept well
during the -winter. If put in good condition, how-
ever, during December, it takes but little feed to
keep tlicin so. Their nests for laying must be made
with hay or oat straw, under cover, and be well
protected from the weather, and from vermin. When
incubation commences, turkeys must not be dis-
turbed ; and if she docs not come from her nest for
food and water, she must have both placed by her on
the nest. When the young turkeys are hatched,
they may be allowed to remain one day in the nest ;
or, if removed, let them be sheltered in a warm
place, and plenty of straw for them to sit upon be
provided, for they are now extremely liable to take
cold. The second day, feed them with crumbs, or
warm clabbered milk, mixed with a little Indian or
barley meal. They must be kept iip and fed in this
way for two or three days, and longer, if the weather
should be cold and rainy; but as soon as a warm and
pleasant day comes, let them out at nine or ten
o'clock, and shut them up at four ; and this practice
of letting them out and shutting them up must be
followed for five or six weeks ; and on no accoinit
let them get v.'et. When a young turkey begins to
droop, there is but little hope for it. There is no
danger of keejjing them too warm. When they are
five or six weeks old, put a little grease on their
heads, to preserve them from vermin.

In an article published in the American Agricul-
turist, from the pen of ^Ir. Charles Starr, Jr., that
gentleman remarks as follows : —

"Heretofore I have had so much difficulty in
raising turkeys, as to be almost discouraged, but, of
late, have been very successful, in consequence of
pursuing the following mode recommended to me by
a lady, who said that she had no trouble with them.

" When first hatched, give no food for twenty-four
hours ; then give a little curd made from butter-
milk, increasing the quantity as they grow older.
They should then be protected from the wet, and
by no means have Indian meal. But with the curd,
they may have, in moderate quantities, wheat bread
soaked in buttermilk.

" I believe that Indian meal is fatal to the greater
part of young turkeys, that die in the attempt to
raise them." — Gcrmantoion Telegraph.

Remarks by Editor New England Farmer.

It is a common error to feed young fowls immedi-
ately after being hatched. Any person who has
examined eggs in the various stages of incubation,
sees at once the foUj' of this practice ; for the last
process, before leaving the shell, is the absorption of
a good portion of matter by the almost perfect fowl,
which serves as nutriment ; so that the young fowls,
like bees which leave the hive in swarming, have full
stomachs to sustain them a clay or two ; hence, in
both cases, that quietness and good humor that
generally prevails.

From this wise provision of nature, the chick
that first hatches is supported until the last of the
brood is ready to leave the shell, which is frequently
twenty-four hours later.

CLEANSING THE BARK OF FRUIT
TREES.

This operation should be performed in early spring,
as well as in midsummer. The rough, loose parts
of the bark should be scraped off, as well as moss and
other parasites. The bark should then be covered

with the following mixture, as high as the operator
can reach, with an ordinary long-handled whitewash
brush : five pounds whale oil soap, one pound fine
salt, one pound fine sand, two pounds potash, two
ounces nitrate of soda, dissolved or mixed with water
to the consistency of cream, and thoroughly rubbed
upon the bark.

Many kinds of insects are kept from trees by a
solution of whale oil soap alone, and many such as
are resident in the crevices of the bark are destroyed
by salt. The fine sand is intended, during the rub-
bing, to scratch the outer coating of the bark, and
thus assist the other ingredients for more perfect
action. The potash and nitrate of soda will decom-
pose or soften the dead parts of the bark, so that
during the summer they will bo thrown off by the
healthy action of the growing bark. If the above
mixture be aj^plied in dry weather, it will become so
hard as to remain during several showers, and thus
have time to perform its office. Trees with smooth
bark, such as the plum, many of the cherries, &c.,
should be rubbed with a wet, rough, woollen cloth, in
a few houi-s after applying the mixture : this rubbing
will cause the sand to clean the surface so perfectly
as to give the bark an improved and more healthy
surface. Trees so cleansed are not as likely to be
revisited by insects as those left with their natural
surfaces, nor are they as likely to become bark-
bound. Indeed, we have never known a tree to ex-
hibit the disease called bark-boumi, the surface of
the trunk of which had been softened by a soap
wash in early spring. The cherry, apricot, peach,
and nectarine are subject, when left to their natural
state, to this disease, and it has usually been attrib-
uted to too rich or too moist a soil ; and under-
draining and slitting the bark lengthwise with the
knife are the usual remedies. The one is expensive,
and often impossible where choice trees are planted,
and the other is barbarous and unslightly, causing
exhalation of gum and consequent canker. In any
case, a few applications of soap to the surface of the
part hide-bound will remove the difficulty, and the
mixture before recommended may be appUed, slightly
warmed, when required to soften the bark of a hide-
bound tree. — Wurkinrj Farmei\

Remarks by the Editor New England Farmer.
In scraping trees in spring, there should be
unusual care, as any injury to the live bark, at this
season, is more liable to be permanent in its effects
than at a later period. The bark and tree are full of
sap in the spring; and when trees arc injured, they
are liable to turn black and become seriously affected,
from the same wounds that would have no unfavor-
able effect after the tree is growing vigorously, and
the sap has been measurably spent in the production
of foliage and a new growth of wood. For these
reasons, we object to pruning trees in spring, espe-
cially when large limbs are to be cut off, which often
produces premature decay of the whole tree.

HYBRIDIZATION AND CROSS FECUNDA-
TION OF PLANTS.

Hybridization, strictly speaking, is the art or act of
obtaining an offspring or progeny between two dif-
ferent species of animals or plants ; and cross fecun-
dation, or cross breeding, is the production of a pro-
geny or race between varieties of the same species. It
was maintained by Buffon, Hunter, and other natu-
ralists of the last century, and is yet assumed by
many scientific men of the present day, that the
hybrid offspring or progeny of two distinct species

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

171

of animals or plants is incapable of begetting or
producing its kind ; thus making hybridity the test
of specific character. From this we may infer that
the progeny of hybrid plants cannot produce seed ;
but that produced by cross fecundation may be re-
garded as fertilei

The observations and experience of practical gar-
deners and florists would seem to justify the follow-
ing maxims, as affording some guide to the production
of new varieties or races : —

1. The existence of sexes in plants is now univer-
sally acknowledged, as occurring in the same flower
— in separate flowers on the same plant or tree —
as well as in those of trees distinct from one another.

2. Plants nearly related — that is, closely similar in
the structure of their several parts — are those only
which will immediately impregnate Avith each other ;
but it is impossible, at present, to say what families
of plants may or may not be brought into fertile
union through intermediate crosses. Not long ago,
the azalea and rhododendron were thought to bo
incapable of such union ; but this opinion is now
exploded ; for the Pontic rhododendron (/?. ponticum)
has been fecundated with the pollen of the Chinese
azalea, (^A. sinensis,) and the progeny between that
evergreen and the last named dcciduously leaved
shrub is the previously unknown phenomenon, a
yellow rhododendron. In like manner, the brassicas
(cabbages, turnips, &c.) mixed freely with brassicas
in all their gradations, as Avell as the cucurbitaceaj,
(melons, pumpkins, gourds, &c.) There are some
exceptions, however, to this rule ; for the beautiful
pelargonium and the scarlet geranium, though nearly
allied, according to the classification of modern
botanists, have not, hitherto, been able to mix.
Again, the raspberry and strawberry ar; regarded as
first cousins ; yet, after several attempts, thej^ have
not hybridized. The gooseberry and currant, too,
are nearly related ; still their alliauce seems invinci-
ble, though tried by skilful hands.

3. The color of the future blossoms (not of those
first hybridized) seems to be most influenced, though
not invariably, by the male plant, if its seeds and
flowers are darker than those of the female. Mr.
Knight found, that, when the pollen of a colored
blossomed pea was introduced into a white one, the
whole of the future seeds were colored. But when
the pollen of a white blossom was introduced to the
stigma of a colored blossom, the whole of the future
seeds were not white. Captain Thurtell, from length-
ened observation and experiment, also informs us
that he has always found the color and spot of the
petals of the pelargonium to be more influenced by
the male than by the female plant. On the con-
trary, llo^vcver, he observed that the form of the
petals follows most closely that of the male plant.

4. Large stature and robustness of habit, accord-
ing to Mr. Knight, are transmitted to the jirogcny by
cither of the parent plants. Therefore it does not
absolutely matter, for obtai]iing this characteristic,
whether the plant, male or female, be large ; but he
g-.ncrally found that the most robust female plant
produced the finest result. "When a good fruit or
culinary vegetable is wanted, he recommends that
the largest seed from the finest fruit or plant, that
has ripened earliest and most perfectly, should al-
ways be selected. In stone fruits, if two kernels arc
in one stone, these give birth to inferior plants. The
florists of the day, however, are opposed to Mr.
Knight in their practice, as regards the hybridization
or cross fecundation of ornamental flowers ; for they
recommend the weakest plants, and those that ger-
minate last, where chastity of form and marking are
requii-ed, to be taken the greatest care of, as they are
sure to produce the most valuable flowers.

Mode of obtaining Varieties. — The most successful
mode of obtaining good and very distinct varieties, is

to employ the pollen of a male flower, grown on
another plant, from a distance, and not that bearing
the female, or that in which the fecundation is to
take place. When the plants are in flower, carefully
extract with a pair of sharp-pointed scissors the
anthers, if any, from the female flower from which
j'ou intend to produce seed, and also destroy all male
flowers, or those having anthers, of the same species
that are in the immediate vicinity, before they arrive
at maturity, or your attempts will be of no avail ;
for Nature will have performed her part, and instead
of a hj'brid, you will have a natural progeny. In
order further to avoid previous and undesired im-
pregnation, the flower should bo enclosed in a case
covered with gauze, and thus continued until the
process of hybridization is complete, to exclude in-
sects, and the effects produced by strong currents
of air before the desired pollen is ripe. Another
effectual mode of preventing undesired impregnation
is bringing the female plant into flower a little earlier
than its congeners, and removing the anthers, as di-
rected above. For the stigma will remain vigorous,
if unimpregnated, for several days.

After extracting the anthers from the flowers you
wish to bear seeds, carefully watch the progress of
the stigma, and as soon as you find it in a condition
to receive the pollen, select the matured anthers
from a distance, and bring them in gentle contact
with the stigma, to which a sufficient quantity of
pollen will adhere. If a double flower should chance
to have a fertile anther or two, these should be era-
ployed for fertilization, as the flowers of their pro-
geny will almost be sure to be double. Although
the fecundity of all the seed in one seed vessel may
be secured by applying pollen only to one style, even
where there are several, yet the quantity of pollen is
by no means a matter of indifference. Koelreuter
found, that from fifty to sixty globules of pollen were
required to complete the impregnation of one flower
of Hi/biscus siriacus ; but in Mirabilis Jalapa, and M.
LonriifoUa, two or three globules were enough ; and
ill the case of pelargoniums. Captain Thurtell says
two or three globules are certainly sufficient.

In the course of the process, the seed vessel is not
altered in appearance by impregnation from that of
another plant ; therefore no hasty conclusion of
failure is justified by that want of change. It is
easy to discern, however, whether the fecundation
has been effected ; for, when this is the ease, the
stigmas soon wither. The stigmas which have not
received the pollen remain for a long time vigorous
and green.

M. Haquin, a distinguished horticulturist at Liege,
has impregnated flowers of the azalea with pollen
kept six weeks ; and camellias with pollen kept
sixty-five days. He gathers the stamens just before
the opening of the anthers, wraps them in writing
paper, places them in a warm room for a day, collects
the pollen they emit, and preserves it in sheet lead,
in a cool, dry place. Mr. Jackson, of Cross Lane
Nursery, near Bedale, states that he found the pollen
of rhododendron Smilhii tigriniim retain its fertilizing
power even for twelve months. This property of
pollen was verified by experiment, in Persia, by the
elder Micliaux, as early as the year 1782, in observing
that the male flowers of the date {F/iaenix dacty-
lifera) will keep during the j-ear, and yet impregnate
the female.

New York, Feb. 3, 1849.
— American Agriculturist.

D. J. B.

The right depth and width of the furrow — the
right kind and application of the seed — the right
times of hoeing, and the right time of harvesting —
are all matters depending upon the skill and judg-
ment of the farmer.

172

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Pomestic jBcpartmcnt.

A Shout CiiArTER ox Bread-^Iakixg. — At no
period of our civil history has so much attention been
directed to the best means of sustaining life, as at
the present, The partial failure of the cereal and
root crops in P^uropo, together with the rapid in-
crease of their already crowded population, has led
the chemist, the political economist, and the philan-
thropist to a clearer and more accurate investigation
of the life-sustaining properties of the various arti-
cles commonly used as food.

The term " bread," in the broadest sense, can be
applied to the main staple, in the support and nour-
ishment of man ; whether it be the " potatoes and
point " of the Irishman ; the ostrich, the puanacho,
or the wiKl bull of the Buenos Ayrean Guacho ; the
blubber of the Greenlander; the cassava, banana, or
sugar-cane of the West India negro ; the hump
Steak of the prairie hunter. The rice of the glutton-
ous Siamese, the contents of the ample wallet well
filled with dates of the Timbucto merchant, and the
rich white bread of the American table, — all are to
different individuals but so many different forms of
" daily bread."

The Prench chemists have, by the most patient
series of analyses, fixed the utmost alimentary limits
of almost every article used as diet. Wheat, above
all other things, stands preeminent as an article of
food. With us, as a nation, it forms a most impor-
tant part of life's comfort. The question before me
now is as to the best way of deriving the entire nu-
tritious substance of wheat when presented in the
form of baked bread. That we fail in gaining the
object by the use of fermentatives, such as yeast,
leaven, &c., can be easily shown. The intelligent
reader need not be told that fermentation cannot
take place in any substance that does not contain
sugar in large quantities, and in the proportion that
sugar predominates will be the activity of the fer-
mentation. In other words, the activity of the fer-
mentation depends upon the strength or ability of
the yeast or leaven to change or convert into car-
bonic acid gas the saccharine contained in the wheat.
Experiments in this respect enable me to speak
knowingly. The quantity of nutritious matter
destroyed in getting what our wives call a "light
raise," is as eight to one hundred ; or, out of everj-
one hundred pounds of flour, we destroy eight, while
the balance is largely injured by the process.

Nor is the practice of raising bread by the use of
salteratus any better ; indeed, it is infinitely worse.
Why are ninety-nine out of every one hundred of
the American jjcople afHictcd with poor teeth ? Solely
from the use of sakeratus, not "sweet" things, as
many suppose. I am confident that the love of gain
ought to lead us to abandon the use of the first
ingredient, wViile the love of health, and, above all,
a good set of teeth, should induce us to abstain from
the use of the latter.

A sweeter and better kind of bread can be made
by following the recipe given below. One trial, I
am satisfied, will convince any one.

Three cups of Hour ;

Two tcaspoonfuls of cream of tartar;

One tcaspoonful of carbonate of soda, dissolved in
hot water ;

A little salt, and a small piece of butter or lard.

Mix with sweet milk, roll out and bake them
quickly. Add a little sugar, and it makes a very
nice, healthly cake for children. The same propor-
tions may be carried out to make a large batch of bread.

By placing the bread, when taken from the oven,
in a current of sweet, fresh air, it soon recovers the
oxygen that was expelled from it while it was in the
oven. No bread should ever be eaten while it is hot.

It is not fit for the stomach, and will certainly pro-
duce derangement, — such as flatulence, acidity,
biliousness, &c. It is a want of economy to use
warm bread. Many persons will eat three or four
warm biscuits, while seldom will they eat more than
two when they are cold ; and yet the two cold bis-
cuits contain more nourishment than the four warm
ones. — Valley Farmer.

Stewed Celery. — The Horticulturist recommends
highly stewed celery. Cut the blanched or white
portion of the celery stalks in pieces about an inch
in length, and put them in a saucepan over the fire,
with milk and water, in equal proportions, barely
sufficient to cover thcni ; add a little salt, and let
them stew gently, until perfectlj' tender. Then take
out the celery, add a i)iece of butter to the liquid it
Avas boiled in, thicken it slightly with flour, pour it
over the celery, and serve it up.

Sojis' uJt'partmeut

Utility of Frogs. — I remember somewhere of
reading that, many and many years ago, a number of
frolicsome boys were one day watching frogs, at the
side of a pond, and that, as any of them put their
heads above the water, they pelted them down
again with stones. One of the frogs, appealing to
the humanity of the boys, made this striking obser-
vation : " Children, you do not consider that, though
this may be sport to j'ou, it is death to us." It is to
be feared that the same propensity to maim and
torture these poor, innocent reptiles prevails to some
extent with the youth at the present day. But this
is cruel, wicked, "wrong ; for the usefulness of frogs
about our gardens and fields can scarcely be too
highly estimated, as their food consists almost ex-
clusively of worms, slugs, insects, and other small
living things, which they seek among the plants and
grass on the land.

Frogs, like the toad, it is well known, are hatched
from eggs, laid early in the spring in shallow pools
or near the edges of sluggish streams, which, when
taken together, are called " spawn," and often re-
semble a mass of boiled sago, sprinkled with a large
number of small black dots. The young tadpole,
which is hatched from them, passes through several
metamorphoses, and at the end of some weeks be-
comes a " gaping, wide-mouthed, waddling frog."
If you examine his tongue, you will observe that,
instead of being rooted at the throat, as in other
animals, it is fastened to his under lip, with its point
directed towards the stomach. Nevertheless, this
singular arrangement is well suited to his purposes,
for his tongue, as an organ of prehension, is very
effective, being flat, soft, and long, and covered
with a viscous fluid, which enables him more readily
to catch and secure his prey. When he wishes to
use it, he lowers his under jaw, ejects and retracts
it with the rapidity of light.

Instead of torturing these poor reptiles, it is rec-
ommended that every' lad in the country give ])lace,
in some snug corner in the garden, for a vessel liold-
ing a few gallons of water, buried nearly level with
the surface of the ground, in which may be put one
or more frogs, to be petted and cherished like any
other domestic animal, and where its curious and
interesting habits may be studied at leisure.
— Amcr. Agricalturist. IIANA.

A Thought for Every Day. — We see not, in
this life, the end of human actions — their influence
never dies. In every widening circle, it reaches

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

173

beyond the grave. Time determines what shall be our
condition in that world. Every morning, when we
go forth, we lay the moulding hand on our destiny ;
and every evening, when we have done, we have left
a deathless impress upon our character. We touch
not a wire but vibrates in eternity — not a voice but
reports at the throne of God. Lot j'o.uth especially
think of these things, and let every one remember
that in this world, where character is in its foi'mation
state, it is a serious thing to think, to speak, to act.

Cjmltf).

For the IlE.vnAcnE. — Sage tea will often give
relief. It is stimulating, causing a rapid circulation
of blood in the veins, which relieves the brain from
a flow to that organ ; it also causes perspiration,
when taken freely. With food, sage tea is an excel-
lent substitute for tea or coffee, and by some persons
it is preferred as more palatable, without any regard
to its healthful effects.

The following is generally a remedy for headache :
Open the hair on the patient's head, apply a little
fine salt ; then apply the palm of the hand, and rub it
hard and briskly for a short time ; then perform the
same operation on another part, passing over the
head, particularly that part which is the seat of pain.
The cheeks will soon be flushed with heat, and the
head relieved. Whether the effect is wholly owing
to the friction, that invites the blood outwardly, and
relieves the brain from pressure, or whether the salt
has a cooling and contractive effect in driving the
blood from the brain, we know not. Perhaps it has
a favorable effect in both ways. If there be no
efficacy in the chemical nature of the salt, sand or
sawdust would answer the same purpose of produc-
ing ii-ritation by friction.

Champooing the head, as performed by barbers
to cleanse the hair and the head of dandruff, will
generally cure the headache. They apply some
cleansing liquid, — perhaps soap and water would
answer, — and then rub hard and thoroughly, and
continue the process twenty or thirty minutes ; after
which the head Is dried by rubbing with a towel.

Showering with cold water is a good remedy. In
severe cases, lot a person ascend to the second or
third story of the house, and pour cold water from a
pitcher or coffee-pot steadily upon one point of the
patient's head.

A teaspoonful of finely powdered charcoal, drank
in half a tumbler of water, will, in less than fifteen
minutes, give relief to the sick headache, when
caused by a superabundance of acid on the stomach.

Dressixg Wounds. — Nine times out of ten, a
wound v.'ill heal quicker if done up in its own blood,
than in any other v/ay. As for a burn, whatever
will entirely exclude the air the quickest, is the best.
Cotton will do this ; so will oiled silk, if stuck down
at the edges by anj' kind of sticking salves. Put
nothing on a burn to heal it. Nature will soon do
that, when the air is excluded, and the pain will
almost immediately cease.

iHecljanica' ^Department, ^rt0, $^c.

Wettixg Bricks. — Few people, except builders,
are aware of the advantages of wetting bricks before
laying them. A wall twelve inches thick, built up
of good mortar, with brick well soaked, is stronger,
in every respect, than one sixteen inches thick built
dry. The reason of this is, that if the bricks are
saturated with watei-, they will not abstract from the
mortar the moisture which is necessary to its crys-
tallization, and, on the contrary, they will unite
chemically with the mortar, and become as solid as
a rock. On the other hand, if the bricks are put up
dr)', they immediately take all the moisture from the
mortar, leave it too dry to harden ; and the conse-
quence is, that when a building of this description
is taken down, or tumbles down of its own accord,
the mortar falls from it like so much sand. — New
York Sun.

The Value of the Barometer. — Torricolli in-
vented, and Pascal perfected, this instrument : and it
is of great use, not only in foretelling the changes
of the weather, and thus saving the lives of naviga-
tors, and preventing the loss of millions of property
on the ocean, but also in enabling us readily to as-
certain the height of mountains, or any other sit-
uation to which it can be taken.

In illustration of the use first mentioned, I am
going to tell you an anecdote which I have read of
Lord Collingwood, who succeeded Lord Nelson in
the command of the British fleet, after Nelson's
death, at the battle of Trafalgar, in 1803. Dr. Gray,
a surgeon in Lord CoUingwood's ship, was very fond
of observing the weather, and kept a regular register
of it. But his lordship had little or no faith in the
barometer, and used to laugh at the doctor for his
credulity. The fleet, at one time, was cruising off
Sicily, Syracuse, a little before sunset ; the weather
was very fine, and the sky gave no indications of a
change. Dr. Gray, on going to consult his glass, and
enter his observations, as usual, was surprised to find
that the mercury had fallen nearly an inch. This
alarmed him, and he mentioned the fact to Lord Col-
lingwood, who was greatly amused by his anxiety.
The doctor, however, urged that the fall was unusu-
ally great, and he had no doubt before midnight
they would have to encounter a gale, which, though
it might not be of long duration, would be extremely
heavy. He added, if in this case the glass deceived
him, he would admit that it was a false prophet.
"W^ell," said his lordship, smiling, "we will put
you on your trial, and you shall have the manage-
ment of the fleet for once." A signal was accord-
ingly made to prepare for bad weather. One of tho
captains told Dr. Gray, next day, they were quite at
a loss what to make of such an order, as the after-
noon was so fine, and the sky so settled. However,
before midnight, they all acknowledged the wise
foresight of the order, for it blew a hurricane for
several hours, which must, had they not been pre-
pared for it, have done them great damage.

Another occasion offered, some time after, to scat-
ter his lordship's doubt. They had gone ashore,
and in the morning it blew a heavy gale, which
alarmed them greatly for tho safety of a little vessel,
in which was the son of one of their agents. For
some reason, it had been taken in tow by one of the
ships, and was in danger of being drawn under the
water. The poor father stood, therefore, on the
shore, almost distracted. Dr. Gray, however, find-
ing that the mercury in his barometer had risen con-
siderably and verv "quickly, comforted him, by tell-
ing hira that he had very little doubt, bat that, high
as the sea v.'as then, in an hour or two ho might go

174

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

oil board his son's vessel in a boat ; and he actually
did so.

Thus ■\ve see that this instrument, as a prophet of
the weather, is of great consequence to the sailor,
and carries the records of life and death in its prog-
nostics. Life may be secured to him by the knowl-
edge which it gives ; for even an hour's warning of
the approach of a storm, gives him time to lower his
sails, and render as secure as possible the few frail
planks which alone separate him from eternity.

This is certainly the highest use of the barometer,
but its other uses are by no means unimportant.
The mcrcurj' falls when it is carried from any lower
to any higher spot, and the degree of falling tells
exactly how much air has been left below. Thus, if
thirty inches high on the barometer mark the whole
pressure at the surface of the ocean, and if the in-
strument be found, when carried to another place, to
Stand at only twenty inches, it proves that one third
of the atmosphere exists below the level of the new
situation.

In carrying a barometer from the level of the
Thames to the top of St. Paul's Cathedral, in Lon-
don, the mercury falls about half an inch, marking
an ascent of about five hundred and six feet. On
Mont lilanc it falls to half the entire barometric
height, marking an elevation of fifteen thousand ;
and in De Luc's famous balloon ascent, it fell to be-
low twelve inches, indicating an elevation of twenty-
one thousand feet — the greatest to which man has
ever ascended from the surface of his earthly habi-
tation. — The Lotas.

ROBBERIES AMONG BEES.

Bees being robbed are like being destroyed by
worms — a kind of secondary matter. Nine cases in
ten, the colony is too small to keep sufficient guard.
Spring \i the only time a man ought to complain of
his hives being robbed. An apiarian that allows his
hives to be robbed in the fall, is not fit to have
charge of them. Business, indolence, or ignorance,
is the cause. As soon as the flowers fail, if each
hive were exami.ied, and all removed except such as
contained plenty of inhabitants, they would defend
themselves against all intruders ; but weak colonics
are often left at the mercy of strong ones, that have
no conscientious scruples about taking the last mor-
sel; like some men — the habit of plundering once
established, they sometimes attack those that arc
stronger than thonrselves, become weakened in con-
sequence, and fall a prey, in turn, to others. Care is
necessary at any time through the summer, when
honej' is scarce ; but spring is the most important
time. It is then we wish them to form steady, in-
dustrious habits. Prevention is better than cure,
and evil propensities should be checked in the begin-
ning. At this season, we often have some weak
colonies — it is our duty to know which these are ;
by turning the hive bottom upwards, on a cool morn-
ing, we can easily see the number of bees. If we
find any much reduced, th:y must be looked to
often, especially the first warm days, and assisted, if
necessary. Perhaps there is nothing about the
apiary more difficult to determine, than when bees
are robbing — nothing is more likely than to bo de-
ceived. It is generally supposed, when a number of
bees are out.^ido fighting, that they are also robbing,
and are often injured by measures laken to prevent
it. A show of resistance indicates a strong colony,
while weak ones make none, (at least, outside.) To
detect the robbers immediately, the closest observa-
tion is necessary. Each of these, when leaving the
hive, instead of flying in a direct line to its home,
will turn its head towards the hive, apparently to
mai-k the spot, and kno^V where to return for another

load. Bees, when they first come out in the spring,
seem to mark their own hive in the same way ;
swarms, when first hived, do the same ; also, the
young bees, the first time they leave home. These
may be seen about the middle, or a little after, of
each fair day, for about an hour, thicker than at any
other time. An unusual number of bees hovering
around a hive generally indicates foul play, espe-
cially if weak ; but it is not conclusive. The young
bees may be mistaken for robbers. This is the chief
difficulty. Their motions are alike ; a little differ-
ence in size and color — the young bees a shade
lighter. The abdomen of the robbers, when filled
with honey, is a little larger. If the apiarian has
observed close enough to detect this difference, he
can without trouble decide ; if not, he can kill some
suspicious looking ones, coming out — if filled with
honey, they are robbers ; or sprinkle some flour on
them, and have some one to watch by other hives ;
or, what is less trouble, but will take longer before
they are checked, if they should be robbing, visit
them again, after the young bees have had time to
get back — if the bustle continues, or has increased,
it is time to interfere. Close up the hive, leaving
passage for only one bee to pass at a time, (it should
be done as soon as Ave find they are weak ;) this
will allow all that belong to the hive to get in, and
others to get out, and materially retard the robbers.
Unless it should be cool, they will work until dark,
which they would do whether checked or not.
This, by the way, should be another means of de-
ciding the point : visit the hives every warm evening

— if any are at work when honest laborers should be
home, they need attention. As for remedies, I have
tried several. The best, and least trouble, is to re-
move the weak hive to the cellar, or some cool, dark
place, for a few days. They will then, probably,
attack the next nearest one ; the eirtrance of this
should be closed, allowing just room for the bees at
work to pass. If strong, no danger need be appre-
hended ; they may fight and kiU some — perhaps a
little chastisement is necessary, to remind thehi of
their duty. After three or four warm days, they
generally give it up, when the removed hive can be
returned to the same stand, and room allowed for
only one bee to pass out at a time. Changing the
stand, after the bees have marked the location, will
often ruin them, unless to a distance of over a mile.
If cojivenient to move them that distance, there
would be no danger from a second attack, and would
lose no time in the house.

Yours,

M. QUINBY.
CoxsACKiE, Greene Co., N. Y.

— Fhiladelphia Dollar Neiospuper.

Remarks by the Editor New Exgland Farmer.

In the northern part of New England, where the
warm weather comes on suddenly, and bees can pro-
cure food soon after it is warm enough to go abroad,
robbing is not common in spring. But in the fall,
and in a dry time, the latter part of summer, rob-
beries are common in all parts of the country. We
have known cases in midsummer, Avhen it was ex-
tremely dry, of late swarms being entirely destitute
of honey, and of early or old swarms, which had a
good stock of honey, consuming it as fast as in the
wintrv season. Of course robberies will take place
at that time under such circumstances.

It is true that strong swarms are seldom robbed ;
yet this evil is liable to befall powerful swarms. We
have known cases in which strong swarms, so far as
numbers were concerned, have been robbed, and all

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

175

the honey, amounung to sixty or seventy pounds,
has been carried off in a few days. Some bees, like
some nations, do not effectually resist invaders,
though they are numerous and strong.

CHEAP WINTER PROTECTION-BED FOR
HARDY PLANTS.

We were induced, last fall, to try an experiment
suggested by a friend for raising cabbage, cauliflowei-,
broccoli, and lettuce plants in the latter end of the
season, and protecting them during the winter for
early si:)ring planting, without the use of sashes or
shutters.

They arc thus constructed : on a southern exposure,
with a slight declivity, ridges are raised fifteen inches
high and eight feet apart across the declivity. The
seeds are sown in the beds between these ridges, and
when well up, are either trimmed or picked out to
the proper distance apart, (we have tried both,) and
lima bean poles are then laid across the beds on the
ridges at about six inches or less apart, being, of
course, lengthwise with the declivity. These poles
nre then covered with pea brush, and finally with a
coating of salt hay or straw. This arrangement pre-
vents the frequent freezings and thawings of our
changeable climate; and thus far (March 6th) the
plants are in good order and ready to be planted out
as soon as the weather is settled.

Part of these plants were put out in places last
fall, in time to establish themselves, take root before
severe frost, each being covered with a wooden box,
which cost three and a half cents, and will last many
years, and protected as described %t the close of our
article " Kitchen Garden," under the head " Work
to be done from March 15th to April 1.5th."

These boxes will come off in time to be used for
cucumbers, melons, &e., and each of them Avill an-
swer all the purposes of a hand-glass if desired, by
laying a pane of glass on top : covered with mil-
linet, they effectually keep off flyers. — Professor
Mapes.

FATTENING BEEF AND PORK.

Whenever I see a farmer peddling half-fatted pork,
I ask the age of the hogs. Strange as it may seem,
such animals have generally starved through two or
three winters ; and it requires no exercise of faith to
believe the farmer's story, that it took fifty bushels
of ears to get them started, or on the lift. The
science of making the most pork with the least feed-
ing, is to keep the hog growing from the start given
him by his mother's milk. 'Twas but the other day
that I saw a farmer who disports himself of one
hundred and fifty all arable alluvial acres, hawking
about a few quarters of lean cow beef : am I in the
wrong for saying that I instinctively felt as though
all the fat of that animal had been lost, without one
cent of corresponding gain to the farmer. I once
knew a farmer who suffered his sheep to cat out of
one side of a stack of hay, when it fell over and
crushed several sheep to death. This farmer averred,
with a smile, that the surviving sheep were enough
better for their extra feed to compensate him for
their loss ! Eut the man who essays to fat a half-
starved animal from fall to Christmas, has not even
the excuse of the sheep story- — Genesee Fanner.

STIFF DISORDER IN HORSES.

Messrs. EnitoRS : As I have had, in the last two
years, some experience in the treatment of the dis-
ease among horses, commonly known by the name of
st'ff disorder, I send you my mode of treatment.

It will not be necessary for me to go into a minute
description of symptons, as they are very correctly
described (in the main) by J. J. Rosseau, p. 126,
vol. vii., of the Prairie Farmer. The first symptom
that the horse shows, that is discernible to the com-
mon observer, is a stiffness in the hind parts, with
the extension of the main muscle that runs up in the
groin ; and if the disease is attended to before it gets
any further advanced — a strong decoction of butter-
nut bark (or perhaps it will be better known by the
name of ichile tcaliuit) given one quart at a time,
once in twenty-four hours, for three times, with a
tablespoonful of sulphur given eight or ten hours
after each dose of the bark juice, will be sufficient to
put the horse in a healthy condition. But when the
disease is further advanced, the horse must be bled
from one qtiart to three pints once in twenty-foiir
hours, two or three times, (the number of times de-
pends on the severity of the case,) and the decoction
once every twelve hours for four days, and not give
the sulphur till done bleeding, and then give once a
day, together with a tsaspoontul of saltpetre.

This mode of treatment, I have tried in several
cases, and it has proved effectual in every instance.
During the treatment, the horse must be kept on
wheat bran, with a small sprinkling of oats. Then
turn him out, and let him go five or six weeks, and he
will be as good as ever.

E. P. W.

Elmore, Peoria Co., Jan. 1819.
— Prairie Farmer.

TO PREVENT THE RAVAGES OF THE
CUT-WORM.

Most gardeners have experienced a great deal of
vexation from the destruction of their j^iants by the
cut-worm. The cabbage plant appears to be in
special favor with these destructives. They are
much more abundant in southern gardens, I think,
than at the north, and in many gardens the plat de-
voted to cabbages has to be often almost entirely re-
planted. There is a simple and efficient preventive,
which requires only to be known to be universally
practised when necessary.

On the site of your intended row of jjlants dig a
narrow trench, three or four inches deep, and in the
bottom of this trench set your plants as usual, and
the cut-worm wiU not go into the trench to injure
the plants. The experiment was fully tested by the
writer the past summer, and proved perfectly satis-
factory. When the plants have become a little
stout, and able to resist the enemy, the earth must be
gradually gathered about them, until the whole plat
once more becomes a level. The plants will head by
this mode of culture quite as well as by any other.
I have left about half of the plat at times, to be set
in the old method, and from one third to one half of
the plants have been destroyed, while not one in the
trenches has been injured in the least. I had but
little faith in the plan when first pointed out to me ;
but repeated experiments have satisfied me that it is
an efficient one. I don't pretend to give the reason
of the thmg, though I am convinced of its efficacy

Athexs, Georgia.
— Albany Cultivator.

WILLIAM N. WHITE.

TO DESTROY THE STRIPED BUG, ETC.

Messrs. Editors : To destroy striped bugs and
other insects, a brood of fifteen or twenty chickens,
in a small garden, will keep it free from the above
named ravagers. The brood should be hatched
abovit a week before the vines and plants come up.
The hen should be secured in a coop near the centre

176

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

of the garden, with spaces for the chickens to go in
and out ; it would do you good to be up as soon as
light, and sec the little busy bodies drawing the
worms from the cabbage roots, or the bugs from their
hiding-places among the vines. I have used the
above remedy for several years with complete suc-
cess.

I am wintering IRO or more fowls, and intend t')
raise 12 or 1500 chickens, and I reckon bug^ and
worms won't trouble my garden much. I find fowls
the most profitable stock kept on a farm : my hens
have laid between 19 and 20 hundred eggs (and that
too without any fresh meat to feed on) since the first
of December up to this date. A gentleman from
Fort Edward, that was wintering 5 to GOO fowls,
called, in my absence, to buy eggs for his own family
use : was it not laughable ? I have kept an account
with my fowls, and find myself in debt to them.
The more I feed, and the more pains I take to pay
them, the more I get in debt.; and finally, after three
or four years, I find myself so involved, that I kill
off my creditors, and send them to the city to be
dissected.

S. O. CIIAFIS.

Kingsbury, March 3, 1849.
— Pennst/lvania Cultivator.

*

ANALYSIS OF CABBAGES.

The different varieties analyzed by Mr. Salisbury,

were the drumhead, savo}', red cabbage, cauliflower,

and turnip cabbage ; they all contain much water.

For instance, 109 lbs. of drumhead will give 83-6 lbs.

of water, and the remaining 11 -4 lbs. dry matter.
The savoy contains 83 lbs. in the 100, and the

cauliflower still less.

Estimated dry, the drumhead Vi'ill give nearly 7 lbs.

in the 100 of ashes, and the cauliflower 10 lbs. and

nearly a half in 100.

Supposing an acre of land, planted to this crop,

should yield thirty-six tons, as has been done ; it

would carry away from the soil the following amount

of the following minerals : —

lbs.

Silic acid, 2-9.58

Sulphiu-ic acid, 56-134

Phosphoric acid, 63-784

Phosjjhorate of peroxide of iron, . . . 5-91G

Lime, • 14-484

Magnesia, 17-986

Potash 142-448

Soda 161-772

Chlorine, 3-978

468-450
>

EXPERIMENTS WITH POTATOES.

I''or several seasons in sujcession, a few years ago,
we tried various experiments on our farm, in the
cultivation of potatoes ; one of which was for the pur-
pose of ascertaining which M'as best and most economi-
cal,— to plant cut tubers, small potatoes, or those of
large or medium size. It would take a longer article
than we now have time to write, to give all the par-
ticulars of those experiments ; but the result was,
cither cut potatoes or small ones produced as great
a yield, and as large tubers, as medium-sized or large
seed, except when the season was rather a wet and
very growing one ; and then, the latter produced the
largest crop. The only additional value which we
found in large -sized tubers over small ones was,
that the decomposition of the f -smter produced food
for the growing crop. But if the season proved
rather dry than otherwise, the seed would not rot ;
consequently it afforded no advantage to the grow-
ing r.rop over Bmall seed. Judging from these ex-

periments, all that is necessary to grow a good crop
of potatoes, is, an eye, Avith sufficiency of the tuber
attached to cause it to sprout ; a good soil, or one
well manured, and a growing season.

These remarks are made with reference to the ab-
sence of the rot. While this is prevalent, we think
it safest to rely exclusivel}- on planting the whole
tuber, Avhich should of course be sound, and of
medium size. At the time of planting, put about a
pint of oyster-shell lime directly on the seed, and
then cover. All who have adopted this method, so
far as we have heard, have not only been exempt
from the rot, but have grown good crops of a supe-
rior quality. — American Agriculturist,

For the Xew England Farmer.
KINDNESS TO ANIMALS.

Tlie noble horse, who toils for thee,
And does thy bidding willingly,
Endowed by God with instinct rare,
Should in thy love and kindness share.

The patient ox, -who meekly bows
Beneath the yoke, and daily ploughs
The rugged field, should surely be
Repaid with tenderness by thee.

O, spare the lash ! remember, they
Have not thij gift — bright reason's ray ;
Be gentle to the helpless brute —
Kindness is heaven's own attribute.

Lebanon, C^.

E. C. L.

THE OLIO.

Agriculture, like the leader of Israel, strikes the
rock — the waters flow, and the famished x)Cople are
satisfied.

Afflictions are the same to the soul as the plough to
the fallow ground, the pruning-knife to the vine, and
the furnace to the gold.

Many who find the day too long, think life too
short ; btit short as life is, some find it long enough
to outlive their characters, their constitutions, and
their estates.

" I wonder what makes my eyes so weak," said a
loafer to a gentleman. " Why, they are in a weak
place," said the latter.

Knowledge is power, as the dandy said when he
stopped the dogi from fighting (which none others
could separate) by ajiplying snuff to their noses.

Let your iircslde be a Paradise.

Laziness begins in cobv.cbs, and ends in kow
chains.

TERMS. —The New Excl.vnd Faiimf.e, is published
every other Srit-arday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^1 a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at ISj ccvits, or clcgaritly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 23 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers ctm bo furnished to new
sub.scribers.

i^ Tke Postag:^ Ji|!

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 23 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles o-at of the state; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a ye.ir, beyond those distances.

RTr.UTiOTYrED AT TIIR
BOSTON TYPE AND STERKOTYFK FOV.NDR.Y.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS

Honor

waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth.-

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

MAY

26,

1849.

NO.

12.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY

HALL,

BOSTON. J.

NOURSE,

Proprietor.

BUCKWHEAT.

In many cases this is a valuable grain. It can
often be raised on light land, too poor for other
crops ; and it admits of later sowing than most other
kinds of grain. It does not succeed well when
sowed early. A good time for sowing, in this section,
is from the tenth to the twenty-fifth of June. We
should prefer from the fifteenth to the twenty-fifth.

Some crops have ripened well in this latitude
■when sowed as late as the fourth of July. In the
Middle States, buckwheat is sowed late, so that it
will have barely time to ripen before frost. The
object of this is to prevent injury from the hot sun
in August, when the plant will be in flower, if sowed
rather early. Perhaps the hot sun in this region has
injured the crop when blossoming during the heat of
summer, and yet the cultivator may not have been
aware of the cause of failure. We advise experi-
ments on this subject by sowing a little rather early,
for trial.

Buckwheat is generally a cleansing crop, as it de-
stroys most kinds of weeds. The weeds start with
the wheat, but the wheat is so rapid and rank in its
growth, that it destroys the most of them.

Buckwheat flour is valuable ; and the meal is
excellent for swine. The grain is fine for poultry,
and for feeding pigeons it is regarded as the best
grain. Some farmers sell their whole crop at a dol-
lar a bushel to those Avho insnare pigeons in nets.

Judge Hayes, of South Berwick, distinguished for
his attention to agriculture, informed us that he
ploughed about two acres of pasture land, and ob-
tained a very good crop without manure, and with
but little labor. The straw made good fodder, and
the pasture land was improved by cultivation.

CATERPILLARS.

These insects are among the most destructive of
any that infest an orchard ; yet, as they may be
easily destroyed, the farmer is without excuse if he
allows his fruit and trees to be destroyed by them.

There are numerous ways of destroying them.
Among the most simple and cfl'ectual, after they

have hatched, is that of crushing them with the
hand as soon as they begin to form their nests ; or,
if too high to be reached, they may be taken oft'
with a pole.

Strong whale oil soap, — one pint of soap to four
and a half gallons of water, — applied with a syringe,
or a mop of rags at the end of a pole, will destroy
them, and, if used towards sunset, or early in the
morning, or on a dull day, it will not injure the
foliage ; and at such times the caterpillars are at
home, excepting the dull weather is of long contin-
uance, so that necessity comijels them to go abroad
for food, aftgr fasting a while.

There are various other modes of destruction, and
every one who pays proper attention to the subject
will find some v;ay to rid his trees of this nuisance.
The satisfaction of seeing his trees in a flourishing
condition will amply repay all the expense, to say
nothing of the superior value of the trees and fruit.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Report of the Board of AgiucultuPvE of the
State of Ohio. — We are indebted to friend Bateham,
of the Ohio Cultivator, for this third annual report.
It is a document of two hundi'cd and twenty-two
octavo pages, containing the doings of the Ohio State
Board of Agriculture, and of the County Agricul-
tural Societies, reports of the state of agriculture and
princijial productions of each county, lists of best
fruits from several fruit-growers, and various statis-
tical and chemical tables, embracing much valuable
information. The board give a very cheering ac-
count of the deep interest generally felt in the cause
of agriculture and the progress of improvement.
They say, —

An increasing taste for agricultural reading is
making itself manifest, and the desire to profit by
the experience of others, and the improvements of
the age, is beginning to occupy, in the minds of men,
the place so long held by the traditions and practices
of their fathers. We think the spell which bound
our people to old habits, and to the usages of other
times, is partially broken, and that they are begin-
ning to wake up to the realization of the fact that
they live in an age of ijnprovement and progress, of

178

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

mighty progress in every branch of human industry,
and that if they woiild keep pace with the ajje, they
must bring to bear, individually and as masses, all
their energy, with constantly increased intelligence
and skill.

IIovey's Magazine of Houticulture contains a
variety of interesting original matter, both by the.
editor and correspondents.

Excelsior. — This popular journal, devoted to
temperance, literature, and general intelligence,
has recently appeared in a new dress, commending
itself to the public for its beautiful typographical
appearance, for its powerful aid in the cause of tem-
perance, and for its interesting miscellany. C W.
Slack, Editor. Weekly, at two dollars per year.

Horn's Railroad Gazette. — This is a novel work,
very interesting to the traveller or man of business.
It contains maps or diagrams of all the railroad
routes in the United States, tables of distances, fares,
departures and arrivals of cars, with various other
useful matter. S. Horn, Editor. New York city.
Weekly, at two dollars per year.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Of Mr. James Munroe, Cambridge, Strawberry
Sweet Apple, the same as we recently received of
Mr. J. Owen, without name. It is an excellent
keeper, pleasant, but not large enough, nor of suffi-
cient character for the market.

Of Captain Silas Allen, Shrewsbury, specimen
of Iron Pear, in excellent condition.

Of Mr. Henry Vandyne, Cambridgcport, pears of
moderate size, in an excellent state of preservation,
rather poor for the dessert, but first rate for cooking.

Of Mr. M'Intosh, stall 10-5 in the market, an apple
for a name, which proves to be the Shawmut, de-
scribed in the American Fruit Book. A very good
apple, keeping finely, but rather small for the market.

From Brooks's stall in the market, Spring Pippin
Apple. Medial size; sugar-loaf form ; red, fair fruit.
Too hard to try ; a warm summer may soften them.
These are from the state of New York. A great
keeper.

English Prepaiild Bone^Ianure. — This manure
is advertised on our cover. It is a new preparation
verj' convenient from its portable form. We advise
those who are disposed to make experiments, to try
this manure, and report to us the result of their ex-
perience. A small lot has been sent out for trial in
this country, and we hope that it will be fairly tested.

CULTIVATION OF PEACHES.

Eds. Cultivator : It is a general fact that the
peach will degenerate in quality on being produced
from seed.

I had, from my agricultural or horticultural read-
ing, derived the opinion that the peach would di-
minish in quality if a continued reproduction from
seed wore practised. I ever doubted the correctness
of that opinion, as indicating imperfection in the
arrangement of nature ; and of late, I have been led
to doubt it still more. Passing through, near the
central part of this county, (St. Joseph, Mich.,) I
called at the residence of Mr. II. K. Farran, whom

I afterwards found to be a very intelligent farmer and
fruit-grower ; and whose fine looking peaches, I
thought, offered quite an inducement to the cultiva-
tion of taste. Upon trial, I found them to be deli-
cious. I remarked, that I supposed he had obtained
his fruit by budding. Ho said, no, he raised them
from pits brought into the county with him ; that
they had been reproduced three times, and had im-
proved at each successive reproduction. I alluded to
the opinion of eastern cultivators of the peach. " I
know," said he, " they believe it degenerates, and
perhaps it does on most eastern soils ; but here,"
continued he, '* is the homo of the peach." He
remarked, further, that " he had raised fruit every
year since his trees began bearing, and that a friend
of his near by had raised large quantities every year
for fifteen successive years."

A lady of my acquaintance here, informed me that
she planted the pits of some very inferior peaches ;
and this year, the trees were burdened with the most
delicious peaches she ever tasted. I could adduce
numerous additional cases, on good authority, where
the same results have followed the planting of the
seed, or pits. CHARLES BETTS.

Burr Oak Farm, Mich., 1849.

We suppose a similar law prevails in the produc-
tion of peaches from seed, as in the production of
other fruits by the same mode. That the degeneracy
of a species should follow from this mode of propa-
gation, would be contrary to nature. But if we
plant seeds of our finest varieties of fruits, it is not
to be expected that all the varieties so produced
would be equal to the parent. Experience proves
that, in raising from seed, the proportion of those
kinds which are really first rate, is very small. — Eos.
— Albany Cultivator.

Seeds from seedling or natural peaches generally
produce the same, and there is usually no degeneracy
in eastern soils, provided the culture is good. Seeds
from very fine budded peaches often vary from the
parent tree, and they are generally poorer, from the
influence of the stock, as the production of the
stock would usually be inferior to the kind budded
on it. — Editor New Eni/land Farmer.

THE FIRST SAW-MILL.

The old practice, in making boards, was to split up
the logs with wedges ; and inconvenient as the
practice was, it was no easy matter to persuade the
world that the thing could be done in any better
way. Saw-mills were first used in Europe in the
fifteenth century ; but so lately as 15.5.3, an English
ambassador, having seen a saw-mill in France,
thought it a novelty which deserved a particular
description. It is amusing to see how the aversion
to labor-saving machinery has always agitated Eng-
land. The first saw-mill was established by a
Dutchman in 1663 ; but the public outcry against
the new-fangled machine was so violent, that the
proxirietor was forced to decamp with more expedi-
tion than ever did a Dutchman before. The evil was
thus kept out of England for several years, or rather
generations; but in 17G8, an unlucky timber mer-
chant, hoping that after so long a time the public
would be less watchful of its own interests, made a
rash attempt to construct another mill. The guar-
dians of the public welfare, however, wore on the
alert, and a conscientious mob at once collected and
pulled the mill to pieces. Such patriotic spirit
could not always last ; and now, though we have no-
where seen the fact distinctly stated, there is reason
to believe that saw-mills are used in England.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

179

REVOLVING HORSE HAY RAKE.

This implement is among the most valuable for
saving labor ; and it not only saves labor, but it
saves property also. On smooth land, a man with a
horse will rake as much hay in an hour or two with
this rake as he could in a whole day with a common
hand rake ; and the great advantage is in his being
able to perform so much in the short space allowed
for this work.

A few acres of hay may not be dry enough to
rake till afternoon, and in the course of a few hours
there may be rain, so that without this labor-saving
apparatus it would be impossible to gather the hay in
in the limited time, and a little neglect may cause
great loss, by a storm coming on the hay just as it is
well made, and continuing till it is nearly worthless.

There is not only a great advantage in the use of
this rake, by saving hay from storms and showers,
but the farmer is enabled to do his haying in better
season, and save it from loss by standing too late.
On most forms, nearly all the grass needs cutting
about the same time, so it is necessary for the farmer
to cut a part too early, and let a part remain too late,
and frequently there is great loss in its standing too
late ; besides, the harvesting of grain, and other busi-
ness, may require attention.

One farmer, who mowed twenty or thirty acres,
remarked, that ho would rather buy a horse rake
every yeai' than do Avithout it.

RESPECTABILITY OF THE FARMER'S
PROFESSION.

Agriculture is the principal source of the wealth
and happiness of nations. It is the basis of manu-
factures and commerce, and of every valuable
interest of civilized life. It is the most primitive
occupation of the human family, and should be one
of the most honorable among men.

It is too true, however, my brother farmers, that
our occupation is looked upon by many as degrad-
ing in its character, and as one of the lowest in the
scale of human pursuits. Many suppose the farmer
to be a mere hcAver of wood and drawer of water for
the rest of society, possessed of little or no intellec-
tual cultivation or moral elevation of character. Too
many suppose that the professions are much more

respectable in their charactei*, or that the wealthy
merchant belongs to a higher grade in the scale of
society. These ideas float in the brain of the farmer
himself at times, and account for the efforts he fre-
quently makes to free himself or his posterity from
the fancied odium of his calling, by placing his son
behind the counter, or educating him for some one of
the learned professions.

But, my friends, Avhat is there in our occupation
that is degrading? Is it a menial service to raise
pork ? Then must it be so for the merchant to pack
it for market. Is it degrading to turn over the
fresh furrow by dawn or at midday, with a fine
team and a vigorous hand to guide them ? If so,
what must be the character of the lawyer, who, for
money, hires himself as the agent of the worst of
human passions ? Or what name shall we give to
the routine of the physician, who day and night
attends upon disease in its loathsome forms, or ham-
mers in a mortar the nauseous drugs of the materia
medica ?

No, my friends. It is not the calling which
makes the man ; it is the man who gives character
to the calling ; and the reason why the professional
man stands higher in the social scale is, that by the
fortunate circumstances of his life, his opportunities
for knowledge have been greater, and his understand-
ing is more improved. It is an eternal and immu-
table law of our nature, that superiority should claim
our deference. Superior intelligence commands our
respect. The boj' pays homage to the man, the
ignorant to the educated, and the weak to the strong
minded. Knowledge always has boon, is now, and
always will be, power ; and the only way in which
we can place ourselves on an equality in the social
scale with the highest grades in society, is, by elevat-
ing, as a class, our intellectual and moral condition.
— Selected.

THE POTATO.

It is a fact perhaps not generally known to farmers,
that there are two parts in the potato, which if sep-
arated and planted at the same time, one will pro-
duce tubers fit for the table eight or ten days sooner
than the other. The small end of the potato, which
is generally full of eyes, is that part which produces
the earliest ; the middle or body of the potato pro-
duces late, and always larger ones. A farmer in the
Amherst Cabinet says he always pursues this plan
in order to obtain an early supply for the table,
which are usually fine and mealy. — Ciaremont
Eagle.

180

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Fur the Xcw England Fanner.
WINTER RYE WITHOUT MANURE.

Mr. Editor : In the Cultivator of August 7, 13i2,
I made some remarks on raising winter rye, and have
not seen fit to change my opinion from that time.
Rye bread, if not so palatable as wheat, is quite as
conducive to the health of a New England constitu-
tion as bread made of wheat. The soil being better
adapted to it here, the bread made from it may be
better jitted to the health of the inhabitants where it
flourishes best : how that may be, I leave each one to
be his own judge. As the state of the markets are
now, no farmer will expect to make his fortune by
raising and selling rye ; but every one who has
suitable land for the crop can supply himself with a
better article, and at less expense from his own soil,
than he can by transporting it from the Western
States. Not but that the rye is naturally excellent
produced at the west ; but a large proportion of it is
damaged before it reaches us, by carelessness or bad
management in harvesting and curing of it, or
injured by those little villanous hordes of quadru-
peds that infest their granaries : having no regard for
any law enacted by General Court, they defile it with
their filthy excrements, which renders the flavor bad,
beside disgusting us with their filth. Grain brought
from a great distance is very liable to imbibe damp-
ness and become musty, especially if transported by
water, and is unfit for bread.

Formerly farmers raised and used more rye in their
families than at present. I think, if I may judge from
appearances, that the change from rye to wheat has
not added "one cubit to the stature," not one degree
of strength or health to the present generation. From
the close of the revolutionary war to the nineteenth
centurj', many of the farmers, inhabiting the rye
districts in this county, did not use fourteen pounds
of wheat flour in their families in a year : at election,
some of the more able ones would purchase seven
pounds to make election cake and pie crust for the
upper surface, while the under crust, not in so con-
spicuous a situation, was made of rye. AVhen one
ventured to purchase fourteen pounds for thanks-
giving, he was considered by his more economical
neighbors as committing an extravagance which they
could not indulge in. Now, it is a conmion practice
for a farmer to tumble into his store room from four to
ten or twelve barrels a year for the use of his family.

My remarks, in this communication, will relate
particularly to raising rye on old, worn-out plains and
pasture lands, where it would be unreasonable to
expect a yield which would compare with the crops
produced on highly manured aud cultivated fields.
As a statement of facts produces the most weighty
arguments in favor of any pursuit, I will relate my
method of raising a crop of rye in ISiS.

In June, 1847, wc ploughed about two and a half
acres of old pasture ground, which was completely
exhausted by having four crops of rye and corn
taken oft' in succession : the last one would hardly
pay the labor of harvesting. A part of the land was
a light, sandy soil, a part was compact and gravelly,
and a part was a dark, sandy loam, and all pretty
well elevated: this land had lain fifteen years as
pasture, and had produced but little feed. The
twenty-third day of August, the land was harrowed
■with an iron harrow till it was completely pulverized ;
then nearly one and a half bushel of rye was sown
upon the whole lot, and then harrowed again with
the same harrow, and at last swept over with a bush
harrow, to finish the process. The weather being
very dry, the rye did not come up till the first of
September ; then it grew rapidly till winter com-
menced. In July, 1848, the straw was from five to
six feet high. When the rye was ripe, it Avas reaped
and bound in bundles, and set heads upward in my

barn until perfectly dry, (instead of stowing it in a
mow, " as the manner of some is,") which is, to the
lover of sweet bread, a most important part of the
work. A\'hen rye is stowed in a mow, if it is appa-
rently dry, it is apt to attract a dampness, if it is not
retained in tlie straw, aud, after continuing in the
mow a few weeks becomes musty, and causes a disa-
greeable, bitter taste in the clammy bread made of
it. As soon as the rye was well cured, it was
threshed out, and yielded from sixteen to twenty
bushels to the acre of clean rye. On poor, unma-
nurcd land, feeding rye down by cattle or sheep,
either fall or spring, is very injvu-ious, by retaixling its
growth and subjecting it to blight ; and I am entirely
opposed to having any of the first year's growth fed
off" by animals If there should be a rank growth of
leaves, they serve for a winter protection, and, on de-
caying, benefit the soil. Most of our light soils will
produce a crop of rye once in five or more years,
without manure ; and if redtop seed be scattered in
with the rye, they will furnish cattle or sheep with
better pasturage than they would to lie unploughed ;
and I think the land suff'ers little or no deterioration
by being thus cropped once in seven years.

N. B. To all lovers of fruit, and' all raisers of
fruit for the market, lean conscientiously recommend
" Cole's American Fruit Book " as a cheap and ex-
cellent work, adapted to a large section of the United
States. SILAS BliOWN.

Wilmington, Mass., May 4, 1849.

For the New England Farmer.
CULTIVATION OF INDIAN CORN.

Friend Cole : Thinking it may be of some little
interest to a portion of your readers, I will give you
a brief statement of the character of the soil, and
cultivation of one acre and ten rods of corn ground,
which produced a fraction over one hundred and
nineteen bushels of shelled corn, weighing sixty-two
and three fourths of a pound per bushel.

The land on which the corn was grown has a
south-eastern slope, and is mostly of a flint and blue
limestone soil — deep, rich, and dry. In 1847, two
thirds of said land was sown to corn fodder, and had
no maniire ; the remainder was well manured, — but
I am unable to state the quantity, — and sown to beets
and ruta bagas. In the spring of 1848, I spread
thirty loads (forty to forty-five bushels to the load)
of green barn-yard manure on the land, and ploughed
it in, running the plough about ten inches deep. I
then spread on fifteen loads of well rotted compost,
equal parts of yard manure and rich swamp muck.
This Avas thoroughly harrowed in.

The second week of May, the ground was marked
out into rows at the distance of three feet and four
inches, and cross-marked at the distance of twenty-
seven inches, and the twelve-rowed variety of corn
planted in the angles thus formed, covering the corn
about two inches deep. I think it of some little im-
portance to have the ground marked out. It can
be planted in less time : there is no hesitation for the
eye to measure distances, and as each hill will have
its just proportion of soil, more corn can be grown
on the same ground, besides having the rows so
straight that the cultivator can be used with much
better eff'cct.

Another advantage of having the land thus marked
out is, that the roots of corn \\\\\ receive more light
and heat from the sun, especially when the plants
are young ; and for the same reason it is best to have
the widest rows run as near north and south as
practicable.

The corn was hoed three times, using the cultiva-
tor ])revious to each hoeing, and keeping the hill as
level as practicable.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

181

At the fii-st hoeing, only three stocks -were left to
the hill. Just previous to the second hoeing, I
applied ten bushels of strong wood ashes, distribut-
ing them in small heaps around the stocks of corn,
and leaving them, at hoeing, slightly covered with
earth. This, I think, is the preferable way to apply
them, especially when the weather is dry, as was the
case in the above instance. I have made frequent
use of ashes, on light, dry soil, for corn and wheat,
and always with the best result. I am not sensible
that it adds much to the growth of corn fodder, or
straw ; but there is a verj- perceptible increase in the
yield of grain.

In 1838, I raised one hundred and fifteen bushels
on this same piece of land, and it was then managed
very nearly as the above. I am of the opinion that we
had better apply our ashes to our farms than to sell
them for twenty-five cents per bushel ; and on certain
soils, and for many crops, I believe them to be worth
more. I have made several experiments, on various
crops, with ashes, lime, and plaster of Paris, side by
side, and the yield of grain has ever given a decided
preference to the ashes. Indeed, I have never found
much benefit in using plaster ; yet I think it valuable
manure for certain soils, and where the transporta-
tion is not too high, it would be beneficial to all
farmers to use in their compost and yards, it being
such an excellent thing to fix and retain the ferti-
lizing gases.

The cost of producing this crop, including all of
the labor, eight dollars for taxes and use of the land,
and one half of the manure at one dollar per load,
was nearly sixty dollars. The value of the crop, in-
cluding the fodder, was ninety-four dollars, leaving a
profit of about thirty-four dollars. I have I'requently
raised large and profitable crops, and think I know
how to apply labor to as good advantage as farmers
in general ; yet I am never able to obtain so large
profits as I frequently see published. I have seen
accounts of raising corn in New England at a cost of
one shilling to twenty-five cents per bushel. It
strikes me that when such statements are given, a
full allowance is not made for taxes, interest money,
and manure, if these things are noticed at all. The
above crop is a more profitable one than I often
raise ; yet I thmk this corn must have cost me nearly
fifty cents per bushel.

Although we may derive much benefit from an
acquaintance with the successful cultivation of farm
products, yet I think the manner in which large and
jjrofitable crops are usually published, is calculated
to disappoint many who may undertake to produce
like crops, and to deceive the public in relation to
the profits of farming. It should be borne in mind
that such crops are generally grown under the most
favorable circumstances, having a soil well adapted
to the crop, a favorable season, and cultivated in a
thorough and cheap way. And in judging of the
profits of farming, it should be remembered that,
even on well managed farms, some of the many
crops grown may not pay the cost of production,
and that occasionally a crop may prove an entire
failure. These things are a heavy drawback upon
the profits of farming. I would not have one infer
but what I think judicious farming profitable ; yet I
think it is not as profitable as what is usually pub-
lished in relation to agriculture would seem to
indicate. As the expense of labor in producing a
large and small crop is nearly the same, I believe
farmers would find it much more profitable to culti-
vate less corn ground, and make that more produc-
tive ; and the same might be said of nearly all of
our farm products. EBENEZER BRIDGE.

PoMFRET, Yt., May 5, 1849.

N. B. I think corn one of the most valuable gi-ains
for the table and stock ; besides, the fodder is verj-

valuable, when cut in season and well cured. With
me, the raising of corn has been more sure and
profitable than any other grain, and I believe it to
be a less exhauster of the soil, in proportion to its
value, than almost any other crop. It might not be
improper to state, that I was awarded the society's
first premium on this acre of corn by the Windsor
Co. Agricultural Society.

For the New England Farmer.

LARGE OR SMALL POTATOES FOR

SEED.

JIr. Editor : I do hope that definite experiments
will be made by manj^ farmers, showing whether it
is best to plant potatoes of a large, small, or medial
size. Published accounts of experiments on this
subject vary very much. One says that he gets a
larger crop from large potatoes. Another says that
small potatoes yield as much as large, and that the
potatoes are as large as those from large ones.

If the rows of potatoes are three feet apart, and
the hills in the rows two feet apart, and potatoes
of half a pound weight, each are cut in halves,
and one piece in a hill, then the amount of seed
will be twenty-three or twenty-four bushels to
the acre. But in using small potatoes, about one
third of the quantity will be sufficient, saving fifteen
or sixteen bushels, which is an important item at
present prices.

Now the important question is. Will the extra
produce from the large potatoes be enough more to pay
for the difference in seed, the interest of the monej',
and the difierence in the price of the extra seed in
fall and spring ? To cover all expense, and make it
an object to plant large potatoes, the extra yield from
large potatoes should be twice as much as the extra
seed used. DOWN EAST.

Editoui.vl Remarks.

Experiments in the use of large or small potatoes
for planting show very different results. In some
cases, we have raised one sixth more from large po-
tatoes ; in others, there was no perceptible difference.
In one case, we used a \\ hole large potato to a hill,
the hills only two feet apart, and the yield was
enough larger than from moderate seeding, to more
than pay for the extra seed.

As a general thing, we think that it is the most
economical to plant rather small potatoes when they
are very high in spring, if the produce is to be sold
and consumed, for the deficiency in yield from small
potatoes is not, generally, equal to the saving of
seed.

But in propagating a kind intended for constant
culture, a very important subject presents itself,
which is the general effect on the crop, as to im-
provement or degeneracy. On this point we have
no exact experiments, though we have some of a
general character, bearing on the subject as circum-
stantial evidence.

We knew a farmer that always planted large pota-
toes, and he always had large crops. In another
case, a potato was cultivated on a farm for thirty
j-ears, under high culture, and with a good selection
of seeds ; and they improved on that farm, while
they degenerated in that region generally. We now
have Chenangoes that yield more than this variety
generally, and they have long been propagated from
good sized, f^iir tubers.

182

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

We hope that extensive and numerous experi-
ments will be made on the comparative value of
large and small potatoes for planting, that this im-
portant but very doubtful question may be settled.
What is the difference in the quantity of seed, and
■what is the difference in yield ? We trust that we
shall have, another season, the results of accurate
experiments.

♦

WASHING AND SHEARING SHEEP,

AND PREPAKIXG WOOL FOR MARKET.

Mr. H. S. Randall, of New York, well known for
his experience in managing sheep, gives the follow-
ing valuable information, in a work entitled " Sheep
Husbandry at the South," recently published by
Messrs Skinner and Son, Philadcliihia.

As to the time of shearing sheep, we would re-
mark that, in the northern part of New England, it is
as well to delay it until the first week in June, and
longer if it continues cold. Occasionally, Ave have
cold storms in the north, the former part of June,
that are very severe on shorn sheep, sometimes
causing the destruction of many, and severe suffer-
ing in others.

Washing. — This is usually done at the north,
about the first of June. The climate of the Southern
States would admit of its being done earlier. The
rule should be, to wait until the water has acquired
siifHcient warmth for bathing, and until cold rains
and storms, and cold nights, are no longer to be ex-
pected.

Sheep are usually washed, by our best flock-mas-
ters, in vats. A small stream is dammed \ip, and the
water taken from it in an aqueduct, (formed by nail-
ing boards together,) and carried until sufficient fall
is obtained to have it pour down a couple of feet or
more into the vat. The body of water, to do the
work fast and well, should be considerable, say
twenty-four inches wide, and five or six deep ; ' and
the swifter the current the better. The vat should
be, say three and a half feet deep, and large enough
for four sheep to swim in it. A yard is built near
the vat, and a platform, from the gate of the yard, ex-
tends to and encircles the vat on three sides. This
keeps the washer from standing in the v,'ater, and
makes it much easier to lift the sheep in and out.
The yard should be large enough to hold the whole
flock, if it does not exceed two hundred ; and the
bottom of it, as well as of a smaller yard, unless
well sodded over, should be covered with coarse
gravel, to avoid becoming muddy. If the same es-
tablishment is used by a number of flock-masters,
gravelling will be always necessary. As soon as the
flock are confined in the yard, the lanibs are all im-
mediately caught out from among them, and set over
the fence into a yard. This is to prevent their being
trampled down, as it often happens, by the old sheep,
OT straying off if let loose. A boy stands by the
gate next to the vat, to open and shut it, (or the
gate is drawn shut with a chain and weight,) and
two nrcn, catching the sheep, as directed under the
head of tagging, commence placing them in the
water for the preparatory process of " wetting." As
soon as the water strikes through the wool, which
occupies but an instant, the sheep is lifted out and
let loose. The vat should, of course, be in an en-
closed field, to prevent their escape. The whole
flock should thus be passed over, and again driven
round where they should stand, say an hour, before
Avashing commences. There is a large percenta'^e

of potash in the wool oil, which acts upon the dirt,
independently of the favorable effect which Avould
result from thus soaking it for some time with water
alone. If Avashed soon after a good shower, prcA'ious
Avetting might be dispensed Avith ; and it is not abso-
lutely necessary, perhaps, in any case. If the Avater
is Avarm enough to keep the sheep in it for the
requisite period, they may be got clean by Avashing,
Avithout any previous Avetting ; though the snowy
Avhiteness of Hcece, Avhich tells so on the purchaser,
is not so often nor &o perfectly attained in the latter
Avay. Little time is saA'ed by omitting " Avetting,"
as it takes proportionably longer to Avash, and it is
not so well for the sheep to be kept such a length of
time in the Avater at once.

When the Avashing commences, tAvo and sometimes
four sheep are plunged into the A'at. AVhen four are
put in, two soak Avhile tAvo are washed. But this
should not be done unless the Avater is very Avarm,
and the Avashers are uncommonly quick and expert.
On the whole, it is rather an objectionable practice,
for few animals suffer as much from the effects of a
chill as sheep. If they have been previously Avetted,
it is Avholly unnecessary. When tlie sheep are in
the Avater, the two Avashers commence kneading the
Avool Avith their hands, about the breech, belly, &c.,
(the dirtier parts,) and they then continvie to turn
the sheep, so that the descending current of water
can strike into all parts of the fleece. As soon as
the sheep are clean, Avhich may be known by the
Avater running entirely clear, each Avasher seizes his
OAvn by the fore parts, plunges it deep in the A'at, and
taking advantage of the rebound, lifts it out, setting
it gently doAvn on its breech, on the platform. He
then, if the sheep is old or Aveak, (and it is Avell in
all cases,) presses out some of the Avatcr from the
AVOol, and, after submitting the sheep to a process
presently to be adverted to, lets it go. There should
be no mud about the vat, the earth not covered Avith
sod being gravelled. Sheep should be kept on clean
pastures, from Avashing to shearing, — not Avhere they
can come in contact Avith the ground, burnt logs, &c.,
— and they should not be driven over dusty roads.

The Avashers should be strong and careful men,
and protected, as they are, from any thing but the
Avater running over "the sides of the vat, they can
labor several hours without inconvenience, and Avith-
out drmking Avhiskey until thcA' cease to know
whether a sheep is Avell Avashed or Avell treated, as
Avas the bad old fashion. Two hundred sheep Avill
employ two expert men not OA'er half a day, and I
have knoAvn this rate much exceeded.

It is a great object, not only as a matter of propri-
ety and honesty, but even as a matter of profit, to
get the Avool clean, and of a snoAvy Avhiteness. It
Avill ahvays sell for more than enough extra, in this
conditioni^ to offset against the increased labor and
the diminution in weight.

Shearing. — Shearing is always done, in this coun-
try, on the threshing-floors of our barns, sometimes
on low ])latforms, but more commonly on the floor
itself. The " bay " is divided by a temporary fence,
one part being used for the yarding of the sheep, and
the other for doing up the avooI, &c. The enclosure
should communicate, by a door, Avith another and
larger yard outside of the barn. Both of these should
bo Avell littered doAvn Avith straw, and fresh straw
throAvn on occasionally, to keep the sheep clean
Avhile shearing. No chaff, or other substances Avhich
will stick in the avooI, should be used for this pur-
pose. When the dew has dried off from the sheep,
on the morning chosen for shearing, a portion of the
flock, sufHcient to last the shearers half a day, is
driven into the outside yard, and a convenient num-
ber into the bay. An assistant catches the sheep.
lifts them off from the floor, as already directed, and
delivers them at the door, through the "breastwork,"

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

183

to each shearer. The shearer, before taking the
sheep, picks off any loose straws sticking to its wool,
and, if dung adheres to any of the feet, brushes it
off with a little besom formed of twigs, hung up
near the door for that purpose. The shearer then
takes the sheep to his stand, and commences shear-
ing.

The floor or tables used for shearing should be
planed or worn perfectly smooth, so that they will
not hold dirt or catch the wool. They all should be
thoroughly cleaned, and, if necessary, washed, pre-
paratorj- to shearing. It is the catcher's business to
Ivcop the floor constantly swept, dung removed, &c.
Having a new stand or place swept for the shearer
who has just finished his sheep, he catches him
another, and then clears up the stand previously
occupied. He first lifts the fleece, gathers it up so
that it shall not be torn or drawn asunder, and turn-
ing his arms so as to invert it, (i. c., bring the roots
of the wool downward,) deposits it on the folding-
table. He then picks up the ' fribs ' (small loose
locks) left on the floor, which are deposited in a
basket or on a corner of the table. Lastly, he sweeps
the spot clean, to be again occupied by the shearer.
An active fellow will tend four shearers, and do vip
the fleeces. But he should not be hurried too
much, or he cannot give sufficient time to doing up.
A small boy or two are haudy to pick up fribs,
sweep, &c.

If there are any sheep, in the pen, dirty from purg-
ing or other causes, they should first be caught out,
to prevent them from dirtying the others.

It is difficult, if not impossible, to give intelligible
practical instructions, which would guide an entire
novice in skilfully shearing a sheep. Practice is
requisite. The following directions from the Ameri-
can Shepherd, are correct, and are as plain, perhaps,
as they can be made : —

"The shearer may place the sheep on that part
of the floor assigned to him, resting on its rump, and
himself in a posture with one (his right) knee on a
cushion, and the back of the animal resting against
his left thigh. He grasps the shears about half-way
from the point to the bow, resting his thumb along
the blade, which affords him better command of the
points. He may then commence cutting the wool at
the brisket, and proceeding downward, all upon the
sides of tlie belly to the extremity of the ribs, the
external sides of both thighs to the edges of the
flanks ; then back to the brisket, and thence upward,
shearing the wool from the breast, front, and both
sides of the neck, — but not yet the back of it, — and
also the poll or fore part, and top of the head. Now
the • jacket is opened ' of the sheep, and its po-
sition and that of the shearer is changed, by being
turned flat upon its side, one knee of the shearer
resting on the cushion, and the other gently pressing
the fore quarter of the animal, to prevent any strug-
gling. He then resumes cutting upon the flank and
rumi), and thence onward to the head. Thus one
side is complete. The sheep is then turned on to
the other side, — in doing which, great care is requi-
site to prevent the fleece from being torn — and the
shearer acts as upon the other, which finishes. He
must then take his sheep near to the door, through
which it is to pass out, and neatly trim the legs, and
leave not a solitary lock any where, as a harbor for
ticks. It is absolutely necessary for liim to remove
from his stand, to trim, otherwise the useless stuff
from the legs becomes intermingled with the fleece-
wool. In the use of the shears, lot the blades be
laid as flat to the skin as possible, not lower the
points too much, nor cut more than from one to two
inches at a clip, frequently not so much, depending
on the part and compactness of the wool."

In addition to the above, I would remark, that the
wool should be cut off as close as conveniently prac-

ticable, and even. It may bo cut too close, so that
the sheep can scarcely avoid " sun-scald," but this
is very unusual. If the wool is left ridgy and un-
even, it betrays that want of workmanship which is
so distasteful to every good farmer.* Great care
should be taken, not to cut the wool twice in two, as
inexperienced shearers are apt to do. It is a great
damage to the wool. It is done by cutting too far
from the point of the shears, and suffering the points
to get too elevated. Every time the shears are
pushed forward, the wool before cut off by the
points, say a quarter or three eighths of an inch from
the hide, is again severed. To keep the fleece entire,
— so important to its good appearance when done up,
(and therefore to its salablencss,) — it is very essen-
tial that the sheep be held easily for itself, so that it
will not struggle violently. To hold it still by maiip
strength, no man can do, and shear it well. Th?
posture of the shearer should be such, that the sheep
is actually confined to its position, so that it is un-
able to start up suddenly and tear its fleece ; but it
should not be confined there by severe pressure or
force, or it will be constantly kicking and struggling.
Heavy-handed, careless men, therefore, always com-
plain of getting the most troublesome sheep. The
neck, for example, may be confined to the floor, by
placing it between the toe and knee of the leg, on
which the shearer kneels ; but the lazy or brutal
shearer who lets his leg rest directly on the neck,
soon provokes that struggle which the animal is
obliged to make to free itself from severe pain, and
even, perhaps, to draw its breath.

Good shearers will shear, on the average, twenty-
five Merinos per day ; and a new beginner should not
attempt to exceed from one third to one half that
number. It is the last process in the world which
should be hurried, as the shearer will soon leave more
than enough wool on his sheep to pay for his day's
wages.

It has been mentioned, that but enough sheep
should be yarded at once for half a day's shearing.
The reason for this is, that they shear much more
easily, and there is less liability of cvitting the skin,
when they are distended with food, than when their
bellies become flabby and collapsed for the want of it.
This precaution, however, is often necessarily omit-
ted in showery weather. It is very convenient to
have the outside pen, which communicates with the
"bay," covered. On my farm, it is one of the reg-
ular sheep-houses. If it is showery over night, or
showers come up on the day of shearing, a couple of
hundred sheep may be run in and kept dry. And
they can bo let out to feed occasionally, during tlie
day, on short grass. If let out in long, Avet grass,
their bellies will become wetted. "Wool ought not
to be sheared, and must not be done up, with any
water in it.

!<ac/dii(/ Wool. — When the wool is sold, or when it
must be sent away to find a market, it is put up in
bales nine feet long, formed of forty-inch "burlaps."
The mouth of the sack is sowed with twine, round a
strong hoop, (rivetted together with iron, and kept for
the purpose,) and the body of it is let down through
a circular aperture in the floor of the wool-room. f
The hoop rests on the edge of the aperture, and the
sack swings clear of the floor beneath. A man en-
ters the sack, and another passes the fleeces down to
him. After covering the bottom with a layer, he
places a fleece in the centre, and forces down others
around it, and so on to the top, which is then sewed

* I hold that a man is not half a farmer who has not
a dash of the aesthetic mixed up with his utilitarianism.
Trofit should not often be sacrificed to appearances ; but
where they are strictly compatible, he who disregards the
latter betravs a sordid and uncultivated mind.

t It is to secure this convenience that the wool-room
is best placed on the second floor.

18-4

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

up. Each fleece should be placed regularly with the
hantla, and then stamped down as compactly as
possible, so that the bnle, when completed, shall be
hard and well iilled in every part. The bulk of a
given weight of wool will bo greatly affected by the
care with which tliis process is performed.

Those who do not expect buyers to come and look
at their wool, sack it immediately after shearing. A
temporary scaffolding is erected near the wool, as
deposited by the tier, and one man tosses up fleeces
to a second, who catches them, and passes thcni down
to the man in the sack. A light frame, to suspend
the sack, and, part way up it, a standing-place for the
catcher, would be a convenient appendage to the es-
tablishment of a wool-grower who does not store his
wool in a wool-room. With a set of stairs up to his
midway standing-place, an active fellow would keep
tlie treader supplied, without any assistance.

BENEFITS OF SALT AS MANURE.

We have recently been perusing several European
articles, detailing experiments made with salt as
Tnanure, and from them we have made the following
brief synopsis of its utility : —

It attracts the humid vapors and repels frost, and
thus assists in keeping the laud moist in dx-y weather,
and warm in cold. It keeps every thing in the soil
in a soft and soluble state, and assists to digest and
prepare the food for vegetable nutrition. It destroys
many kinds of vermin and weeds, and usually in-
creases the amount of the crop one fourth to one
third ; strengthens the growth of every thing to
■which it is applied, and brings all crops earlier to
the harvest. It generally adds from live to seven
bushels per acre to the yield of wheat used in the
most moderate quantity, and in all kinds of grain
makes more car and less straw. Mr. Cieorge Sinclair
'•btained at Woburn, on plots of thirty-six square
feet, at the rate of seventy to ninety-five bushels of
Avheat per acre, by the use of salt mixed with other
manures. It is found equally beneficial to pasture
as well as root crops, sweetening all vegetation, and
making it more wholesome for man and beast. It is
a great safeguard against blast, rust, mildew, and
indeed all the diseases of grain and vegetables.

Salt is inoperative applied near the sea-shore, where
s"alt water spray is already in excess on the land ; but
every where else it is beneficial. It may be used at
the rate of five or forty bushels per acre, though ten
or twenty bushels ai-e better. It can be sown broad-
cast on the land, or be incorporated in the manure or
compost heap. Mr. Prideaux informs us, that mixed
with lime and its compounds, it imdergoes decompo-
sition, producing soda or its combination with car-
bonic acid, or with humus ; all more powerful
digesters and feeders than the salt itself; and the
muriate of lime, Avhich has the strongest attraction
for moisture of almost any thing known. Salt and
lime work vegetable matters to decay quicker than
salt alone. With gypsum it will supply soda and
sulphuric acid cheaper than any other material, be-
sides the muriate of lime, so valuable for its moist-
ening quality. — American Agriculturist.

IIem.viiks r,Y tue Editor New England Farmer.

As to the quantity of salt to the acre, much depends
on the crop, and sufficient experiments have not been
made to settle this subject in every respect. Aspar-
agus requires more salt than most other vegetables,
as it is a marine plant. It will bear one hundred
and sixty bushels to the acre, and be greatly bene-
fited by the application ; yet it may not be profitable

to apply so much. Plum-trees require more salt
than other trees. Cabbages and turnips are much
benefited by salt, and will bear rather a large
quantity.

Corn and beans have floui-ished well where we
have planted them on lands overflowed by salt water
at the time of high tides in spring and fall ; but on
the same land potatoes were inferior, just as far as
the salt water extended. We need further and
more definite experiments to show the utility of salt
in agriculture, and determine what crops are most
benefited by its application.

HYDROPATHY IN VETERINARY PRAC-
TICE.

Friend Bateham : I presume j'ou will not con-
sider suggestions in this branch of the medical pro-
fession as foreign to the objects of the Cultivator.
It is but a few years since the vu-tues of cold water
in the curative art were made known to the world.
That aqueous applications are among the most effec-
tual means of curing many diseases, can no longer
be doubted by the intelligent.

But the hydropathic practice should not be con-
fined to human animals ; for no doubt it may be
made available in the cui-e of various diseases that
afflict domestic animals. As proof of this, I will state
a case that occurred last summer under my own ob-
servation. Our kind and intelligent horse, that had
secured the good will of the family as well as of all
who knew his many excellent qualities, " fell into a
decline," and during a period of three months grew
more and more feeble, with less and less relish for
his food, until he was unable to render the least
service, and almost entirely abandoned his oats. His
head drooped, his hair lost all its gloss, his eyes
their brightness, and he would occasionally tremble,
and, worse than all, was afflicted with a cough. No
one knew the nature of his disease, though he was
suspected to be consumptive. He Avas sent to a vet-
erinary practitioner, who bled him and administered
medicine without avail. He grew no better, but
constantly worse, until the doctor " gave him up,"
telling his master to turn him out to live or die, as
the case might be. Medical science having thus
failed to furnish a remedy, it was suggested by a
woman, who needs no trumpeter for her intel-
ligence and virtue, that the cold water treatment
might be successful. " No sooner said than done."
Your humble servant volunteered to give the poor
horse the wet sheet daily until he should be either
better or worse. The time of treatment was at mid-
day, as the mornings and evenings were too chilly.
Thie mode of application was to take off his blanket,
dash upon him cold water, smoothing him down so
that it may reach every part of the skin. The patient
was thus daily drenched with some ten or fifteen
buckets of water, for about two weeks, when he was
pronounced well, and up to this day has enjoyed
uninterrupted health, and regained, not only his
former vivacity, but a little extra life, which has
somewhat diminished his popularity, especially with
the female portion of his former admirers.

I thought the above would be of service to some ;
and to those who may profit by the treatment, it is
entirely welcome. If you will not dub me doctor for
thus stepping out of my sphere of impracticability
into the practical of life, I shall remain

IlespectfuUy yours,

L. A. HINE.

CiNCIXNATI, Feb., 18i9.

— Ohio Cultivator.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

185

AUTUMNAL MARROW SQUASH.

For the New England Farmer.

Mr. Cole : In j'our paper of last week I ob-
served an article from the Maine Farmer, in which
the writer has confounded the cicada, or vegetable
marrow, of England, with the above fine vegetable ;
in truth, the vegetable marrow is of the gourd fam-
ily, and a very indifferent vegetable, being a summer
squash.

If you will turn to the Horticultural Register of
1835, edited by Breck and Teschemacher, and pub-
lished in Boston, you will there find the first descrip-
tion, accompanied with a drawing, or cut, of the
autumnal marrow, (which, by the way, I think, was
left with you some time since,) the true autumnal
marrow, {tnelopcppo curcubita,) the seed of which
came here in a letter from Northampton some two or
three j'ears previous, and I have not been able to
trace it beyond that place, and have conjectured that
it was an accidental hybrid, which originated in that
neighborhood.

Pears. — The prospect for pears this season is not
good, a great proportion of the buds, particularly
upon the Bartlctt, have perished. I do not think,
from the present appearance of pears generally, that
we shall have one quarter of a crop the coming year.

I have but one tree of the Bartlctt with healthy
buds, and that is double worked upon the quince.

CuEKRiES. — In some of our gardens the cherry-
trees present a most peciiliar appearance in their
buds ; the flowers arc destitute of stamens or pistils,
but having a perfect and full-formed calyx. The
kinds most affected are the late varieties.

Yours truly,

Salem, Maij 14, 1849. J. M. IVES.

Editorial Remarks.

To Mr. Ives, we believe, belongs the credit of in-
troducing this valuable squash into this region. It
is the most popular kind cultivated, always selling at
prices considerably higher than any other variety.

Of late years, this squash often fails from its being
eaten in the root, just below the surface, by small
white worms, so that the vines often die after the
squashes are partially grown. Generally these
worms are the most destructive on old lands, but we
have noticed some cases in which they have been
injurious on green sward, while they have done no
injury on old land near by.

Some suppose that this worm is produced in the
land or manure ; others think that it is from a fly
which lays eggs at the root. As a preventive, we
have, for two years, used fresh horse manure with,
about one fifth part of wood ashes, mixing the whole
up in the soil ; and our vines have not been injured,
and the crop has been fine ; while other vines, in
the same lot, where old manure and no ashes were
used, were all destroyed by worms. Yet this may
not be an infallible preventive. Numerous experi-
ments are necessary to settle a question of this
kind, where numerous causes, and some unknown,
may have an influence.

Fresh horse manure is free from these worms, and
ashes may destroy them in the soil, and being mixed
with the soil, with which the seeds are covered, they
may be a preventive even if the worms are from the
eggs of a fly.

Pears look well in many sections. We shall find
that our native pears are more to be depended on in
our changing season. Almost every body has been
setting the Bartlctt pear. Now, many complain that
it is hard to grow from the ground, and when put on
old trees, it soon stops growing, and endangers the
life of the tree, as it will not maintain its natural
vigor ; and when people generally become well ac-
quainted with excellent pears, they will learn the
important truth, that the Bartlett is not the very
best in quality.

Cherries, so far as we have observed, have a fine
blowth, and are very promising.

TO HAVE FINE MUTTON.

The sheep, as soon as killed, should be disem-
bowelled. It is the neglect to remove the entrails at
once, and not the meat being touched by the wool,
which imparts to it that strong mutton taste. The
reason of this is, that the warmth of the body, car-
ried off by the loss of blood, is for a time supplied
from the warmth of the bowels, and thus the ob-
jectionable taste created.

186

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

COAL ASHES VALUABLE AS MANURE.

Sill : Can you give some of the rcdders of the
Horticulturist information of the virtues of anthra-
cite coal ashes, their chemical nature, their strength,
compared with wood ashes, and to what soils or
plants they are particularlj- suitable ?

I do not remember seeing any where a statement of
their qualities, except a late remark in your monthly,
that they are a good dressing for cherry-trees. It is
the prevalent opinion here, that they are absolutely
good for nothing as a manure ; and, consequently,
they find their last resting-place in the street.

Our soil is light and sandy. The farmers just
here prefer lime and ashes, while two or three miles
off, where it is heavier, they use marl abundantly.
"We have many old gardens that have been manured
so often they are too stimulant, and cause the pro-
duce to " wither away " under our hot suns. I know
this can be remedied, by mixing with them a heavier
soil, &c. ; bvit I have been wondering, lately, Avhethcr
coal ashes might not prove suitable by supplying
them with mineral matter.

If you, sir, can inform us of their practical uses in
any way, you will at least much oblige your subscriber.

January 1849. WEST JERSEY.

Answer. — The only analysis of our anthracite
coal ashes, that we have seen, is the following, bj'
Professor Emmons, of Albany : —

Analysis Teach Mountain Coal — Gray Ash.

Silex and silicates, 70-34

Sulphuric acid, 1-50

Chlorine, 0-06

Carbonate of lime, 8'36

Phosphate of lime and phosphate perox-
ide of iron 4%50

Carbonate of magnesia 1-84

Alumina and peroxide of iron, .... 2-00

97-50

Professor Emmons adds to the above analysis, that
" we may suspect the presence of phosphate of lime in
coal ashes, and hence, practically, that they are of
importance in agriculture, even though we omit to
notice the carbonate of lime and magnesia which
they contain."

Now, to make the matter plain, let us compare
roughly the value of coal ashes, as regards lime,
&c., with the ashes of the oak-tree, one of the
commonest kinds of fuel.

According to an analysis of the royal oak,
(Liebig's,) the ashes of that tree contain over fifty
per cent, of lime, over five of potash, three of mag-
nesia, and not one part of silica. Another analysis
of the white oak, (Berthiers,) gives three per cent.
of silica. Let us put the two ashes in contrast, so
as to show the proportional value in lime, pot-
ash, &c.

Coal Ashes.

Lime, 8-36

Phosphates 4-50

Silica, 70-34

Oak Ashes.

Lime, 50-58

Potash 5-65

Silica, 3-37

Or Elm Ashes.

Lime 47-80

Potash, 21-92

Silica, 3-07

A comparison of the above will show that fresh
wood ashes contain about six times as much lime as

coal ashes ; and that it is also far richer in potash,
which exists in but very small jjroportion in coal
ashes. It is evident that, though by nonieans value-
less in these ingredients, coal ashes are not compa-
rable in value to wood ashes, where lime, potash, or
phosphates are required.

But the largest part of coal ashes is silex and the
silicates. Our readers must not look upon these as
representing sand or flint glass ; for a considerable
part of silica is soluble under certain conditions, espe-
cially in clayey soils, and thus enters quite largely
into the composition of certain plants. Some plants,
such as the oak or the apple, contain very little silica,
— say from one to three per cent. But Indian corn
(the stalk) contains twenty-nine per cent., rye sixty-
four per cent., oats fifty-three ; hence it is evident,
that if coal ashes contain a large percentage of silica,
they must be highly iiseful to these crops, even
though they contain little lime, &c.

We have before recommended coal ashes, as par-
ticularly well adapted for the cherry-tree. This ad-
vice was founded on accidental experience, and not
upon scientific knowledge. But a little investiga-
tion explains the reason. The bark of the cherry-
tree contains (Iviebig) nineteen per cent, of silica,
while that of the apple or pear contains not a half
per cent. Hence it is easy to see why coal ashes
would produce little or no good effect on the pear or
the apple, as compared with the cherry-tree.

As the bark of the grape-vine contains (Emmons)
fourteen per cent, of silex, there can be no doubt
that coal ashes form a valuable manure for this
plant.

As silica is only rendered soluble by an alkali,
such as potash or soda, it is easy to see why coal
ashes are more beneficial on clayey than on sandy
soils, (besides rendering the former lighter.) Clay
soils almost always contain considerable alkali —
sandy soils very little — and clay soils retain water,
while sandy soils speedily lose it.*

Those who have been in the habit of throwing
away coal ashes, as useless to all plants, will do well
to keep them for all crojis with stiff and glazed stems,
abounding in silex, such as corn and grain, and for
such trees as the cherry, the grape, the linden, and
almost all evergreens, since they all require silica in
the formation of their wood and bark. — Horticul-
turist.

Remarks isy the Editor New England Farmer.

The foregoing article contains valuable informa-
tion, and we hope that exact experiments will be
made on the utility of coal ashes as a manure, par-
ticularly as immense quantities of these ashes are
thrown away. We have experienced, and observed
in other cases, decided advantage in the use of coal
ashes ; but our experiments have not been extensive,
excepting in cases where we have used them in
compost or on land with other manure.

We are making more exact experiments with coal
ashes this season, and we hope that others will test
them fairly and report to us the result. We have
occasionally published articles showing their utility,
and among the facts that we presented was the case
of potatoes and beans growing in nothing but coal
ashes.

One difficulty attends experiments on this subject,
which is the mixture of some wood ashes, from the
use of charcoal or wood used in igniting a coal fire.

* A mixture of cheap soda ash or dissolved potash,
with coal ashes, just before using them, would no doubt
add greatly to their value in sandy soils.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

187

Some rekindle the fire every morning, others only
once a week, or a fortnight. So what is usually
called coal ashes, contains a portion of wood ashes,
and that portion varies materially, being ten times as
much in some cases as in others. For nice experi-
ments, pure coal ashes should be used, which may
be obtained, where the fire is continued for several
days, by excluding the first lot of ashes after using
coal or wood.

We should depend more on accurate practical ex-
periments, than on analyses. The laboratory of
nature differs from that of the chemist ; and vari-
ous combinations and changes take place during the
growth of the vegetable, in the earth, the air and the
plant, which no knowledge of chemistry, or vegetable
anatomy or physiology can explain.

Analyze the human system, and feed man by strict
rule on the elements in plants and animals that com-
pose it, and he will denounce the rules that re-
stricts both his taste and his judgment, as earnestly
as did Sancho Panza the physician who had special
charge of his health, and told him when and what
he should eat, touching with his forbidding wand
every article his gnawing ai:>petite craved.

Yet we would not depreciate science, for it is
diffusing its beams of light around the path of the
cultivator, rendering it more delightful, and his prog-
ress more easj% But we would recommend scien-
tific rules to the cultivator as a matter of experiment,
and their confirmation by practical appUcation, be-
fore trying them extensively ; for science, in its prac-
tical application to feeding the growing plant or
animal, is imperfect. We are told that the potato con-
tains very little oil or fattening property, yet it will
make fat swine ; and a higher order of beings are
made fat and strong on this valuable root, when
they can get a good supply. In many parts of Ire-
land, it is the principal food, producing a hardy race
in good and comfortable condition, far excelling in
portliness many who have nothing to do but feast on
fat thino-s.

A SPECIMEN OF PENOBSCOT FARMING.

We mentioned on Saturday that Captain Nathaniel
Bryant, of Dexter, last week sold to John Low, Esq.,
of the Old City Market, a yoke of beef oxen for
$170,50. We learn that these oxen were almost
entirely fatted on ruta bagas. Captain Bryant last
senson raised three thousand bushels of ruta bagas.
On three acres of land he raised between twenty-four
and twenty-five hundred bushels, a portion of which
he sold in the Bangor market for fifty cents a bus'iel,
while the average cost of his whole crop, exclusive
of land rent, was but four cents a bushel. He pre-
pares the land as for wheat, and sows the seed in
rows two feet apart with a sowing machine, with
which one man can plant three acres in a day.

He has never failed to secure a good crop, and they
keep well and make good food for all his cattle and
sheep. He thinks that fanners in Maine should raise
large quantities of this valuable turnip.

Captain Bryant was very successful last season in
liis wheat crop, having raised one hundred and fifty
bushels of Georgia red wheat, all fit for seed, from
eight bushels of sowing on eight acres of land. This
is less than the usual quantity of seed, but he thinks
it is quite sufiicient. This seed wheat he has sold

for about two dollars a bushel. He will sow ten
acres to wheat the present season.

He has upon his farm a flock of one thousand
sheep.

In conversation with Captain Bryant, in which we
gathered these facts, he stated to us that he had been
visiting the farmers in New Hampshire and Vermont
for the purpose of examining stock, and seeing what
was going on, and learning something in the great
art ; and he had returned better than ever satisfied
with the soil of Penobscot, and the prospects of farm-
ing here. Industry, economy, skill, and enterprise
are needed here in order to succeed ; but without
these there can be no success any whore, and with
these there can be profitable farming in Penobscot,
even with the disadvantages of the weevil and blight
of the two or three years past. — Bangor Courier.

GREAT FARM.

The United States Patent Office Report says,
" One of the greatest dairies in our country is that
of Colonel Meacham, of Pulaski, N. Y. His farm
consists of one thousand acres, three hundred of
which are devoted to grass ; and he keeps one hun-
dred head of cattle and ninety-seven cows. In one
year he made thirty thousand pounds of cheese,
twenty thousand of which sold at one time, in New
York, for from six and a half to seven cents per pound.
He feeds his cows mostly on hay and carrots ; of the
latter, he raises two thou.sand bushels, and gives
each cow half a bushel per daj'. And besides the
benefit derived from his grass for his stock, he
gathers not less than three hundred bushels of grass
seed."

USES OF SOAP SUDS.

At Towne's Hotel, in Warren, Trumbull county, we
saw an Isabella grape-vine, said to bo but three years
old, planted under the kitchen window, which had
climbed to the second story, a good way towards the
ridge pole, and extended its branches around the
corners of the building to a distance not less than
twenty or thirty feet, and, from Avithin four or six
feet of the ground to the extremest branch, was full
of clusters of fruit. We were assured that the only
extra advantage it had was watering it well, nearly
every day, with dishwater, and occasionally soapsuds.
The following is from one of our exchange papers : —

Soap Suds. — The finest peach and apricot trees
that we have ever seen, received a weekly or monthly
wash of soap suds, after the clothes of the family
had been duly cleansed. A bucket fuU to a tree,
taking them in rotation, answers a capital purpose
to destroy the eggs of insects, and supply potash
where it is much needed. Never waste in a sewer, or
about the kitchen, a fertilizer so valuable as soap
suds. — Ohio Cultivator

TO TRAIN A HORSE TO THE HARNESS.

You must be very gentle with him. You may
commence bj' throwing a rope over the back and
letting it hang loose on both sides ; then lead him
about, caressing him, until he becomes satisfied that
it will not hurt him ; then put on the harness, and
pull gently on the traces. In a short time, by this
kmd of treatment, he will be prepared for work.

Industry. — " There is more pleasure in sweating
an hour than in yawning a century."

188

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

IBomestic IDcpartnunt.

Sugar for phesekving Butter. — A great deal
has been written on preservatives for butter. Some
■writers say, if tlie buttermilk is wholly separated
from the butter, that no preservative is necessary,
as pure butter will keep well without any addition.
Yet very few ever attempt to keep butter without
the aid of some preservative ; and most persons pre-
fer butter slightly salted, and some would have it
sugared also. We have known a few individuals
who preferred butter without salt, and at each
churning a little has been kept pure for their special
use.

Some persons say that salt is the only proper
preservative of butter, as other substances, such as
sugar, saltpetre, &c., are injurious to the quality.
Now, this reminds us of those dictatorial individuals
who would make their taste a standard, though it is
at variance with that of the majority of consumers.
One pomologist saj's that a vinous-flavored peach is
the best, and that a pear of a champagne qualitj'
should be preferred, while the majority of mankind
are in favor of sweet, luscious fruits. One person
prefers tea, another coffee, and a third would like
something a little more vinous or spiritous.

How absurd, then, when tastes are so different,
for any one to assume the authority of judging for
himself and for others too ! Salt is used in butter
both for the purpose of preservation and to render
it more palatable. But for long keeping, twice as
much salt is used as is necessary to adapt it to the
taste of consumers generally. This is evident from
the small quantity of salt in lump butter, which
usually sells high in market, while tub butter,
equally as good, excepting the larger quantity of
salt, generally sells twenty-five per cent, lower.

As the large quantity of salt, used for preserva-
tion, is injurious, as to taste, why should we not use
a suitable quantity of salt for taste, and add sugar
as a further preservative ? For our use, wc prefer
butter and meat preserved, in part, by sugar, instead
of using salt wholly, and using for preservation
twice as much as would render it palatable. Butter
and meat, preserved partially by sugar, are more
healthful, as well as palatable.

We copy an article from the Pennsylvania Culti-
vator on this subject ; but we do not endorse the
recommendation of saltpetre for butter, nor are we
prepared to say that it is injurious. But we choose
to refrain from articles of doubtful utility, and which
may be injurious or dangerous.

Sugar- Curing of Butter. — Persons who put up
keg butter for their own use, or for a distant market,
usually salt their butter very high. This high salting
necessarily detracts from its quality, injures its ready
sale, and reduces its price. If we can modify this
excess of salt, by using more palatable substances, of
equal efficacy, as preservatives, it will be an improve-
ment. Chemists tell us that sugar is one of these
substances ; and experience gives us the same infor-
mation. Who is not familiar with *' sugar-cured
hams " ? If pork can be cured with sugar, why
may not butter be so preserved also ? is a common

sense inquiry. Experience has shown that it may.
Dr. James Anderson, the celebrated agriculturist,
whose treatise " On the Management of the Dairy,
particularly with Respect to the Making and Curing
of Butter," is still our highest and best authority
on the subject, found, from some years' trial of it,
that the following named composition — the proper-
ties of which we believe were discovered by his
amiable lady — was far preferable to salt alone, as it
not only preserves the butter more effectually from
all taint of rancidity, but makes it also look better, and
taste sweeter, richer, and more marrowy, than por-
tions of the same butter cured with common salt : —

Composition. — Take of sugar, one part ; of nitre,
one part ; and of the best Spanish great salt, (or rock
salt,) two parts. Beat the whole into a fine powder,
mix them well together, and put them by for use.
The doctor continues : —

" Of this composition one ounce should be put
to every sixteen ounces of butter; mix this salt
thoroughly with the butter as soon as it has been
freed from the milk, and put it, without loss of time,
down into the vessel prepared to receive it, pressing
it so close as to leave no air-holes, or anj- kind of
cavities within it. Smooth the surface, and if you
expect that it will be above a day or two before you
can add more, cover it up close with a piece of clean
linen, and above that a piece of wetted parchment,
or, for want of that, fine linen that has been dipped
in melted butter, that is exactly fitted to the edges
of the vessel all round, so as to exclude the air as
much as possible, without the assistance of any
watery brine : when more butter is to be added,
these coverings are to be taken off, and the butter
applied close above the former, pressing it down and
smoothing it as before ; and so on till the vessel be
full. When it is quite full, let the two covers be
spread over it with the greatest care, and let a little
melted butter be poured all round the edges, so as to
fill up every cranny, and effectually exclude the air.
A little salt may be then strewed over the whole,
and the cover be firmly fixed down, to remain close
shut till it be opened for use. If all this be carefully
done, the butter may be kept perfectly sound in this
climate for many years. How many yeai'S I cannot
tell ; but I have seen it two years old, and in every
respect as sweet and sound as when it was only a
month old.

" It deserves to be remarked, that butter cured in
this manner does not taste well till it has stood at
least a fortnight after being salted ; but after that
period is elapsed, it eats with a rich, marrowy taste
that no other butter ever acquires ; and it tastes so
little of salt, that a person who has been accustomed
to eat butter cured with common salt only, would
not imagine it had got one fourth part of the salt
that would be necessary to preserve it."

It is to be hoped some of our farmers, on reading
the above, will follow its recommendations. The
composition mentioned is, we have understood, much
used in Goshen, Orange county, New York, a place
famous for its superb butter. Great care should be
taken to got the purest salt and sugar. That known
through the country as the " ground alum " is the
best salt. The sugar should be of the purest white
— either the loaf or "fallen loaf." Those excellent
butter-makers in the glades of the AUeghanies, would
do well to make some experiments for themselves,
in this matter.

Science in the Kitchen. — Professor Liebig, in a
letter to Professor Silliman, says, "The method
of roasting is obviously the best to make flesh the
most nutritious. But it does not follow that boiling
is to be interdicted. If a piece of meat be put into
cold water, and this heated to boiling, and boiled

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

until it is ' done,' it will become harder and have less
taste, than if the same piece has been thrown into
■water already boilini^. In the tirst case, the matters
grateful to the smell and taste go into the extract
— the soup ; in the second, the albumen of the meat
coagulates from the surface inward, and envelops
the interior with a la^'or which is impregnable to
water. In the latter case, the soup will be indiffer-
ent, but the meat delicious." — Maine Farmer.

jDoiis' ^Department.

To Young Men*. — There is no moral object so
beautiful to nre as a conscientious young man. I
Avatch him as a star in the heavens : clouds may be
before him, but we know that his light is behind
them, and will beam again ; the blaze of others'
popularity may outshine him, but we know that,
though not seen, he illuminates his own true sphere.
He resists temptation not without a struggle, for
that is not virtue ; but he does resist and conquer ;
he hears the sarcasm of the profligate, and it stings
him, for that is the trial of virtue, but heals the
wound with his own pure touch. Ho heeds not the
watchword of fashion ; it leads to sin : the atheist,
who says not only in his heart, but with his lips,
" There is no God ! " controls him not ; he sees the
hand of a creating God, and rejoices in it.

Woman is sheltered by fond arms and loving
counsel ; old age is protected by its experience, and
manhood by its strength ; but the young man stands
amid the temptations of the world like a self-bal-
anced tower ; hapj^y he who seeks and gains the
prop and shelter of morality.

Onward, then, conscientious youth ! raise thy
standard and nerve thyself for goodness. If God
has given thee intellectual power, awaken it in that
cause : never let it be said of thee, " He helped to
swell the tide of sin, by pouring his influence into its
channels." If thou art feeble in mental strength,
throw not that droji into a polluted current. Awake,
rise, young man ! assume the beautiful garb of virtue !
It is fearfully easy to sin ; it is diflicult to be pure
and holy. Put on the strength, then ; let truth be
the lady of thy love — defend her. — Southern Rose.

Cjmltl).

Ventilatiox. — Good ventilation is nowhere more
important, although nowhere more neglected, than in
our bed-chambers. The bad eff"ect of sleeping in
small and close rooms has been often mentioned ; to
which we may likewise add, that of having thick
curtains drawn close round the bed, which confine
the air that has been exhaled, surrounding us with
an impure atmosphere. Provision should be made
for a continual change of air in the apartment during
the night, by the escape of the heated and foul air,
and the introduction of cool and fresh air. The first
may be efl'ectcd by some aperture at the top of the
room ; perhaps keeping the top sash open for about
an inch may be sufilcient : of course, care must be
taken that the fresh air brought in at the top of the
room shall not act as a draught, striking upon the
bed, but that it enters by small apertures, and dif-
fuses itself as quickly as possible ; and likewise that
there may be the means of regulating the quantity
according' to circumstances. If the temperature of
the fi-esh air can be regulated, it will be better.

A little apparatus for ventilating a bed-chamber in
the night, invented by the Marquis de Chabannes,
though not very effectual for a large room, is perhaps

worth mentioning for a small one. It consists of a
little box, or enclosure of tin or other metal, having
an opening in front, in which may bo placed a small
lamp. The upper part, or flue, is to be inserted in
the wall, on the chimney breast, and is to go quite
into the flue of the chimney. The air which the
lamj^ requires for combustion will thus pass into the
flue, occasioning fresh air to rush into the room to
supply its place. This machine is, in fact, a little
chimney, in which the lamp is the fire. It should be
placed near the toj) of the room.

It is highly desersdng of attention, that although
we never use fires without flues, yet we very ab-
surdly have long continued to burn lamps of consid-
erable size, which are, in fact, so many fires, in the
middle of our apartments, even when small, without
the least attempt to carry ofl" the burnt air which
they are constantly generating. No wonder, then,
that the air, in such places, is often felt to be oppres-
sive : it is, indeed, extremely unwholesome. — Cyclo-
pmcUa of Domestic Econom,y.

iUccljanics' ^Department, ^rts, $Ct.

An Ink-supplvixg Pen-Holder. — A desidera-
tum, which has for the last twenty years baffled the
skill of a host of inventors, has just been produced,
with complete success, by Conant and Co., of this city.
The article is made of pure silver, in size no larger
than a common pencil-case. By touching a spring,
the ink is let on the pen at the pleasure of the wri-
ter, dispensing entirely with the use of the inkstand.
It is said that twenty pages of letter paper, or four
thousand words, may be written by once filling the
holder. The article, being adapted to a gentleman's
pocket or lady's reticule, will be found of great ser-
vice to the travelling public, and all who wish to bo
provided with pen and ink at an instant's notice. —
Boston Evening Journal,

Artificial Stone. — The following is an article in
the London Times of March, 1848 : " A process
has been patented by which artificial stone, of every
quality, maj' be produced, from artificial granite to
statuary marble. This invention is, from its cheap-
ness, a great advantage for the purposes of architec-
tural decoration, and, from its plastic nature before it
becomes hard, of great service to sculptors in taking
casts of statues, busts, &c., and even of figures of
the size of life. The cost is, in all cases where carv-
ing is required in stone, in which this composition is
substituted, less by nine tenths. The invention is
founded on the chemical analysis of the natural
varieties of stone, and the manufacture is capable
of such modifications as are requisite to produce all
the varieties. The artificial stone produced is les3
absorbent than natural stone, and is superior in
compactness of texture, and will resist frost, damp,
and the chemical acids. It is made of flints and
silicious grit, sand, &c., rendered fluid by heat, and
poured into moiilds as required, till cool and hardened.
Its strength and solidity enable it to resist more
blows than real stone. The specimens of the inven-
tion, which are now to be seen at the office of the
works, No. 6 John Street, Bedford Row, are exceed-
ingly curious. They consist of many varieties, some
being plain pieces of coping stone, stones for variegated
pavement for halls and rooms, stone ornaments, such
as mouldings for friezes, finials, and some more
elaborate, having flowers and devices apparently cut
with a chisel. There are also some grindstones,
and hones used by agricultural laborers for sharpen-
ing scythes and tools. The invention is also appli-

190

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

cable to the lining of cisterns and water pipes, its
vitreous qualities insuring cleanliness. Its extreme
cheapness is also a matter of consideration to those
who require ornamental additions to houses.

HOW TO CATCH A SHEEP.

In catching sheep, never seize them by the wool
on the back, as it hurts them exceedingl}-, and has,
in some cases, been known to kill them, particulaidy
in hot weather, if they are large and fat. Indeed, the
best waj' is to avoid the wool altogether, and to
accustom yourself to take them by the hind leg, or,
what is still bettor, by the neck, placing one hand
under the jaws, and the other at the back of the
ears : by lifting up the head, a child may hold almost
any sheep. But much depends on how a flock is
treated. Few people are sufficiently gentle with
sheep. In Maryland, and south of it, sheep are
rarely approached near enough to touch or catch
them, except as farmers arc themselves treated, in all
countries, and alike by tyrants and demagogues,
when they are to be sheared or slaughtered.

When, for the first named purpose, sheep are to
be caught, in the region referred to, they are huddled
up in the corner of a large pen, as often as there are
sheep in the flock ; each time frightened and worried,
until the shearer runs in and grabs by the wool the
first one ho can catch. The residue of the flock is
then left until that one is divested of his wool, and
small bits of his skin here and there, and then
turned loose, as the farmer is after the election, until
the next shearing time. When brought up to be
slaughtered, the only difference is, that the sheep is
attracted by a grain of salt, or a handful of corn,
while the farmer is charmed with the sound of the
drum and fife, and liberty and glory !

By kind and gentle usage, and occasional salting,
a man may have his sheep so tame that he may
play with them, as every man that has a heart will
sometimes do with his dog. At any rate, the feeling
and thoughtful farmer will never suffer his sheep, or
any thing else under his guardianship, to be unneces-
sarily terrified, or otherwise ill treated.

" I would not enter on my list of friends,
Though graced with polished manners and fine sense,
Yet wanting sensibility, the man
Who needlessly sets foot upon a worm."
— Model American Courier.

SALT FOR CATTLE.

In giving salt to neat cattle or sheep when stall-
feeding, care should be taken not to give too large
a quantity, or so much as would relax the bowels.
If hay that is given to animals has been salted when
storing, every farmer should be aware that this would
be sufficient salt for the animals consuming it. One
gallon of salt put to the hundred bundles of hay
when storing, will never act injuriously upon any
animal fed on this hay, as some of the salt may
be lost. For hay that has been injured in curing,
perhaps double this quantity of salt might bo applied,
but damaged hay should not be given to animals
that are stall-feeding for the butcher. The object
of giving salt to animals confined in stalls in winter,
and fed on dried food, is to keep their bowels in a
proper state, withotit scouring them. When such
animals get a proportion of roots, however, there is
not much danger of any thing wrong with the
bowels. We have unquestionable authority that a
due proportion of salt may be given to stall-feeding
animals with excellent effect ; but, of course, the
farmer requires to be careful that too large a quantity
is not given, whether in the hay, or in any other

way. There is no part of the farmer's business which
requires closer attention than the stall-feeding of cat-
tle, to make it profitable. Without this, food may be
wasted, and the animals not improved ; and unless
they are constantly improving by the food given to
them, and the mode of management adopted, some-
thing must be wrong, and a loss is almost certain to
be incurred, instead of a profit. — Agricultural Journal.
(L. C.)

HOOF-AIL IN CATTLE.

The disease, sometimes called " foul in the foot," is
most common in open winters, or when cattle are
obliged to travel or stand much in mud. It is
known by lameness, soreness between the claws of
the foot, with inflammation, and, in advanced stages,
discharge of fetid matter, which issues from between
the hoof and the foot. A separation of the hoof
after a Avhilc takes jilacc, and if the disease is not
checked, the hoof sometimes comes off. Though the
disease, like foot-rot in sheep, is believed sometimes
to originate spontaneously, there is good reason to
believe that it is contagious ; and, on this account, an
animal, as soon as it is aft'ected, should be kept by
itself. The best remedy, if used when the disease
first manifests itself, is blue vitriol or sulphate of cop-
per. First wash the foot in soft soap suds, and then
apply the solution of vitriol to the affected part twice
a day. If the disease is of long standing, the hoof
should be pared away from the upper edge, the
offensive matter taken out as thoroughly as possible,
and an ointment of corrosive sublimate and lard ap-
plied. The animal should be kept from wet, and, if
the foot is much sore, it should be protected by a
bandage of strong cloth. — Albany Cultivator,

BLOODY MILK.

Messks. Editous : When I was quite small, my
mother had a cow that gave bloody milk. I had an
uncle who was in the habit of doctoring his own
cows, and occasionally his neighbors', if requested,
with pretty good success. He was sent for. He
inquired on which side the cow gave the bloody
milk. I went to the stable with him to see the
operation. He bled the cow under the belly, on the
side from which she gave the bloody milk. He di-
rected that bittersweet ointment should be freely
used about the udder for a few days, and said the
cow would give " no more bloody milk." I state
this to show that he had confidence in the remedy.
Last spring, I had a heifer that gave bloody milk.
She had a fine calf by a Durham bull, and bore the
marks of a good cow, so much so that I refused the
highest price of good cows for her before she had her
calf. I recalled to mind, as near as I could, the pro-
cess by which I had seen a cow cured of the same
disease, when a lad. I tied a cord around her body,
raised the vein by the help of a twist, and drew
probably three quarts of blood from the vein leading
to the diseased side of the udder. I procured some
roots of bittersweet, the bark of which was boiled
in water until the strength was extracted, then
strained, and the liquor simmered with lard until the
water was nearly evaporated : this ointment was iised
freely by rubbing it well over and about the udder
with the hand three times a day, after milking, for
several days. I do not say that she gave " no more
bloody milk." By letting the strippings remain in
a vessel by itself for twelve or twenty-four hours,
and carefully poiiidng off the milk, it was found that
a slight sediment had been precipitated containing
bloody matter, which continued for four or five days
after the bleeding operation was performed ; since
which time not the slightest trace of blood has been

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

191

discovered in the milk, and she has fully answered
my expectations. Every body knows, or ought to
know, bittersweet. It is found in the thickets, and
consists of a woody vine, which runs spirally up the
bushes or small trees, and branches with the top of
the tree : it has a long, narrow leaf, and bears clusters
of berries : it blossoms in the spring : in summer, the
berries are green ; in autumn, a beautiful yellow ; and
in the winter, red. The root is of a golden yellow
color, and its taste, as its name indicates, bittersweet.
Lee Co., Iowa, 1S49. TORPEDO.

P. S. Would not this disease have been likely to
have terminated in what is called the garget in the
udder had it not been attended to in season ? T.
— Prairie Farmer.

Remakks by the Editor New Exgland Farmer.

Every body does not know the " bittersweet,"
though he ought to know it, as the writer of the
foregoing article observes. We knew a case of a
physician choosing in the fields a poisonous plant for
the bittersweet; and he and his friend, who chewed
it by way of trial, found it bitter, but not sweet.
Bittersweet, or woody nightshade, {^Solanum dul-
camara,') belongs to the same genus as black night-
shade, {Solanum nigra,) a poisonous plant.

Bittersweet has lower leaves heart-shajsed ; flowers
purple ; berries oval, bright red at maturity ; com-
mon in low grounds, and beside brooks ; flowers in
July.

Black nightshade has an erect stem ; leaves ovate ;
flowers white ; berries round, black. It grows
among rubbish ; is supposed to be imported from
Europe. If this be correct, it is probably found only
in some sections of the country that have been long
settled.

LOCKJAW WITH CHLOROFORM.

A correspondent of the Spirit of the Times de-
scribes successful treatment of lockjaw in the horse
with chloroform. He says, "I have had several
opportunities of testing this mode of treatment, and
in no instance has it failed, with the excejition of
one, when the administration of chloroform was de-
layed tiU. the patient was almost in the agonies of
death.

" My plan of treatment in this hitherto incurable
disease is as follows : On the first symptoms, I give a
drench composed of thirty drops of Croton oil, inti-
mately rubbed in a mortar with thick mucilage of
gum arable, and gradually diluted with a pint or a
pint and a half of good ale. Immediately on the
drench being swallowed, the patient must be bled
profusely, put in a warm stable, and, if the weather
be cool, carefully covered with rugs. Now is the
time to use the chloroform : four ounces will be
sufficient for an application ; and a convenient mode
of applying it is, to make a temporary nose bag of
soft material, and as air-tight as possible : in the
bottom, of it place a sponge, and on this pour the
liquid : by introducing the horse's nose, and tying
the bag round and above the nostrils, he will be
obliged to inhale, and in a few minutes will be well
under its influence. Upon rising, the muscles will
have lost the rigidity peculiar to the disease, his
nervous system will have become quieted, and his
face have lost that anxiety of expression which
accompanies lockjaw.

" The chloroform must be repeated three or four
times, say an hour apart ; on the horse's recovery,
his strength should be supported by light and nutri-

tive food ; and, if the weather be warm, turning him
out in a pasture two or three hours a day will extend
the muscles of his neck, and bring him to the use of
his limbs.

" I would suggest that hand-rubbing of the extrem-
ities during the applying of the chloroform will be
highly beneficial."

THE POTATO ROT.

In 1844, the potato crop was attacked with this
disease in the state of New York ; and having some-
thing of a crop planted that year, I felt a good deal of
solicitude to ascertain the cause and to find a remedy.
Most people, with whom I conversed on the subject,
claimed that the disease commenced at the root ; but
by carefid examination I was convinced that it was
not so, and that it first showed itself upon the most
tender leaves. I first observed it on the outer edge
of the young leaves, and gradually extending towards
the stem, and finally passing to the stock, and down
the stock to the root, before I could see the root
aff'ected at all. When I found the signs of the disease
upon my own crop, I directed that fresh ashes should
be sown over the field broadcast, as you would sow
plaster, while the dew was on, and also directed that
quick lime should be mixed with the ashes. My
hand did not attend to the matter as soon as he
ought, and the disease had made considerable prog-
ress before this remedy was applied. The man
then took a quantity of ashes and lime, and mixed
them, and sowed over about one half of the field, not
having sufficient to sow over the whole. The result
was, when we harvested the potatoes, I had about
half a crop on that part of the field thus sown
over, and on the part not sown it was a complete
failure. M. B. B.

— Wisconsin Farmer,

Remarks by the Editor New England Farmer.

Numerous remedies are recommended for the po-
tato rot. The above is not new, but it seems to be a
new mode of application. Ashes and lime, applied
in the hill, arc not a sure preventive of the rot, yet
they are partial preventives, as we have found from
experience. We think the mode of application here
recommended will have only a partial effect in severe
cases. We advise its trial.

Although there has been no complete remedy or
preventive of the potato rot, yet there are numerous
circumstances and applications that have an important
eff'ect, so that farmers may now do much towards
securing a good crop, by avoiding predisposing causes,
and using partial preventives.

BIRDS.

The following excellent remarks on the subject of
destroying birds originally appeared in the Boston
Patriot : —

We are of opinion, that the labors of the scientific
ornithologist are of far more practical utility than the
casual observer supposes ; and that, even in the
business of legislation, a regard to his researches
might prevent many errors, which may much aff'ect
the public welfare. Legislation on the subject of
birds has been marked by some essential errors,
which have led to real evil. By it woodcocks, snipes,
larks, and robbins, are protected at a certain season
of the year, whilst war to the knife is declared
against crows, blackbirds, owls, blue jays, and hawks :
these last are treated as a sort of pirates, subject to a

192

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

suspension at the yard-arm, -with the least possible
ceremony. It so happens that the character of these
very birds has been singularly mistaken ; for -while
the ordinance of IcL^islation has been thus systemati-
cally levelled at them, they, on the principle whicli
man -would do extremely -well to imitate, have been
returning good for evil ; they have been diligently
engaged in exterminating all sorts of vermin, -whilst
never -were the vilest vermin half so ill-treated by
the human race. The crow, for exanijile, -who is
generally regarded as a most suspicious character,
has had great injustice done him.

In the sjiring, when the ground is moist, he lives
in a state of most triumphant luxury on grubs ; he
eats the young corn, it is true, but it is a necessary
of life to which he never resorts except when his
supply of animal food is shortened. After the corn
is tolerabh" grown, he has nothing more to do with
it ; and in any stage he destroys five hundred per-
nicious grubs and insects for every blade of grass
which he jnllages from man. In the >Southern States,
he is regularly permitted to accompany the plough-
man, and collect the grubs from the newly opened
furrow ; his life is thus secured by the safest of all
tenures — that of the interests of man in permitting
him to live. — Valley Farmer.

ADVICE IN POULTRY KEEPING.

The principles upon which I rely for success in
keeping hens, arc, first, to have two breeds — a few to
hatch and rear the chickens, and twice the number
of everlasting layers, as eggs are more profitable
than chickens ; — second, to get a hatch as early as
possible in spring, and to keep them well ; these
never cast their feathers, like the old birds, and, if
they begin to lay in autumn, lay more or less all
winter; — third, never to keep old fowls, (none but
ftivorite fowls ought to be kept more than two
years ;) old birds lay larger eggs than pullets, but not
nearly so many ; — fourth, to give them the best bar-
ley I could get, and as much as they could pick up,
once a day in summer, and twice in winter : they
arc not only more profitable, well kejit, but eggs are
better. The two breeds I like best are the spotted
Dorkings for sitting, and the Pheasant breed for lay-
ing.— A(jric. Gaz,

SINGULAR MODE OF KEEPING FISH
ALIVE.

Those worthy individuals who take delight in
Izaak Walton's art, and who, moreover, are in the
habit of sending the result of their sports to their
epicurean acquaintances, must leai-n an indispensable
piece of information, viz., how to keep fish fresh.
This may be done by soaking the soft part of bread in
brandy, and inserting it into the gill of the fish,
■while it is yet alive, and afterwards sprinkling it over
gently with brandy. Thixs prepared and carefully
packed in straw, the fish will keep alive ten or twelve
days, as may be proved by putting it in fresh water
at the end of that time, -when, after a few hours' im-
mersion, it -will recover from its protracted drunken-
ness. — London Literary Gazette.

A NEW MANURE.

Robert Bryson, Esq., of Cumbciland county, about
eight miles from Ilarrisburg, has been experiment-
ing for the last ten years, to make exhausted tan-bark
available and valuable as a manure. Besides his
magnificent farm, he likewise carries on the tanning
business. Finally, after a great deal of expense and
many failures, he has succeeded in discovering a
method of producing from the tan an efficient ma-

nure. This is his plan : He has his tan wheeled out
on to a level piece of ground, and levelled off, two or
three feet thick. Over this he spreads a layer of
two or three inches of lime, and over that again a
stratum of tan, then a layer of lime, and so on. He
lets the bed so prepared remain for two years : at the
end of that time he finds himself in possession of a bed
of manure, the effects of which upon the land can
hardly be surpassed for the richness of its product
and the durable fertility which it imparts. — Lancas-
ter Co. Fa. Farmer.

For the New England Farmer.
LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Let us love one another : sure life must be dreary,
If the star of affection is shrouded in gloom,

And lonely the path of the traveller weary,
Who passes ixnloved to the rest of the tomb.

Let us love one another now in youth's sunny morn-

While the sky of existence is cloudless and fair ;
Let the pure gem of Friendship, our bosoms adom-
iug,
Beam brightly, though Time may bring sorrow
and care.

Let us love one another, and blossoms of pleasure
Shall gladden our footstejjs wherever we stray ;

For love, freely given, repays us full measure,
And scatters fair flowerets on life's thorny way.
Lebanon, Ct. E. C. L.

THE OLIO.

The IIonorables at Dinner. — A few days since,
several members of the New York legislature, repre-
senting some of the interior counties of that state,
were at a boarding-house in New York city, where,
at a table, they displayed what was deemed by some
of the boarders an anti- democratic fondness for
honorary titles. In addressing each other, the style
was, —

" Will the honorable gentleman from Chatauque
hand me the butter ? "

" Will the honorable gentleman from Otsego be
kind enough to pass the butter ? "

" Certainly, sir, we may expect something sharp
from the honorable member from Chenango."

A down-east Yankee clerk, becoming quite uneasj'
under this display of empty honors, called out, in a
loud, sarcastic tone, to the black waiter, —

" Will the honorable gentleman from Africa be
kind enough to hand me some onions ? "

The laughter that ensued may be imagined. The
honorablcs were henceforth silent. — ISeleeted.

Drinking water neither makes a man sick, nor in
debt, nor his -wife a widow. — Spa9iis/i Froverb.

TERMS. —The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at §1 a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18i| cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage .^

On tliis paper is only 1 cent, or 2G cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1.^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOT-iTPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOL'NDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor

waits, o'er all the earth. The art that calls her harvests forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

JUNE 9, 1849.

NO.

13.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY

HALL, BOSTON. J.

NOURSE,

Proprietor.

CORN FODDER.

In New England, corn fodder, used green or dry,
yields a larger crop than any other cultivated ; and
it is among the most valuable crops raised as to qual-
ity. There is probably no better crop for soiling, and
dried and properly prepared for cattle, it is equal to
good hay. We have many accounts of great crops,
from extra pains in the preparation of the soil ; but
we find that with a soil in only tolerably good con-
dition, a large amount of fodder is produced.

An acre of good corn land, well dressed, will gen-
erally produce four or five tons of dry fodder, and
four times that amount of green. As feed grows
short the latter part of summer, particularly on dry
lands, the fanner should provide some fodder for his
cattle ; and none is cheaper than that of Indian corn,
as has been abundantly proved on the milk farms in
this region, where the practice is almost universal.

The famous Chinese Tree corn is an excellent
variety for fodder, yielding a large crop, of excellent
quality. Some farmers plant the sweet corn, as it
yields fodder of a superior quality. The southern
corn grows rank, and yields more than the northern ;
yet some prefer the northern kind^, as they produce
finer fodder, and the cattle eat it more readily ; yet
the majority prefer the southern, on account of its
productiveness. The Chinese yields nearly as well
as the southern corn, and the fodder is better.

Corn, for fodder, is often sown broadcast and har-
rowed in ; but the crop will be larger if planted in
drills, and dressed once by the use of the cultivator
and hoe. By rather thick planting, a very large
growth is prevented. Make the drills about three
feet apart for large com, and let the spears stand
only two or three inches apart in the drill. It is
often sown in broad drills, and allowed to stand so
tiuck that there ^^■ill be ten or twelve stalks to a foot
in length.

BOMMER MANURE.

We have occasionally published articles on this
subject, showing the imposition that has been prac-
tised upon the farming community by selling rights
for making manure 1)y an old system that was pat-

ented in France, and the patent expired in 1840.
We have published these facts, and yet many farmers
allow themselves to be imposed upon by paying for
what has been published and scattered broadcast over
the whole country, and is fii-ee to all.

The venders of Bommer's right have pursued a
singvilar course of management. In the first place,
application was made for a patent, and rejected for
want of novelty. Soon after, during the absence of
the commissioner of patents, an application was
made in another name, and a patent obtained. But
this does by no means establish the validity of the
patent.

If the same system has been practised in this or
any other country, it becomes public property, unless
discovered in this country and patented by the
inventor.

Another piece of imposition, which is in keeping
with the rest, was the appointment of agents for the
sale of Bommer's right, before he or any one else had
obtained a patent. After so bold a beginning in this
business, it is no wonder that there has been a com-
plete system of the same character. Examine the
statement of Mr. Ellsworth, commissioner of patents,
published four years ago in the Albany Cultivator,
and copied into other papers, and compare it with
the advertisement of Bommer's patent, in the Farm-
er's Gazette, published some years since in New
Haven, Ct., and see which is prior, the date of the
patent or of the advertisement.

From the information which we have on the siib-
ject, we should think that the amount that has been
taken from farmers for this fictitious right, which any
one might have had by jiaying the subscription of a
paper for one year, is not less than twelve or fourteen
thousand dollars. Now, farmers, are you willing to
bo fleeced in this manner, rather than inform your-
selves, and thus shun the impositions which some
are disposed to play off in order to fill their pockets
from your hard earnings ?

FRUIT CONVENTIONS.

We lately announced the time and place of meet-
ing of the North American Fomological Convention.

194

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

We learn from the Vennont Chronicle, that the
state coramittcc of this convention, in Vermont, at
the request of many fruit-growers, have called a state
convention, to be held at Montpelicr on the 18th of
October. Gentlemen interested in growing fruits in
Vermont, and delegates from societies, are requested
to attend.

We are pleased to learn that fruit conventions are
becoming more common. They are of very recent
origin in this countiy. In 1847, the first was held in
Ohio, and to that state belongs the high honor of
not only giving a start to these enterprises, but of
conducting their conventions with a great degree of
;ibility, intelligence, and candor, furnishing very val-
uable standard pomological documents, in the reports
of their transactions, which we regard as among the
most authentic productions on fruit that have been
published in this country. What other states will
follow the worthy examples before them ?

CABBAGE TURNIP, OR KHOL RABI.

In Europe, and in some seed catalogues in this
country, this plant is called turnip-rooted cabbage ; but
this is erroneous, let the authority for the name be
what it may, for it is a turnip, and not a cabbage ; but
it may with propriety be called a cabbage turnip}, as
it has a cabbage taste. In form, growth, &c., it is in
reality a turnip.

There arc two kinds of the Khol Rahi, one with the
turnip below, or in the ground, like a ruta-baga ; the
other has the turnip above the ground, resting on a
stem similar to a cabbage stump, only very short, the
turnip being almost on the ground. In this kind
the leaves come out on different parts of the turnip,
but mostly on the upper side. The most common,
and the better variety is that below the ground.

The cabbage turnip is sowed at the same time,
cultivated in the same way, and used for the same
purposes as the ruta-baga. For the table, it is whiter,
milder, and sweeter, or has less of the peculiar strong
turnip flavor, and resembles the old French turnip
in quality, but is a very little whiter, and less liable
to become corky.

The cabbage turnip keeps better than the ruta-
baga, and is less liable to injury from frost. In Maine,
where the winters are less liable to a change in tem-
perature, wc used to leave these turnips out in the
fall, and in the spring they were in as fine condition
as parsnips in the same ground. In this state, a few
years ago, some friends, to whom we gave some seed,
said that they kept perfectly well out doors. But we
left some out for trial, winter before last, — a very
variable season ; sometimes heavy rains and warm
weather suddenly succeeded by severe cold, and the
reverse, — and the turnips were destroyed by frequent
fi'cezing and thawing.

For cattle, the cabbage turnip is excellent, and we
never perceived any unpleasant taste in milk, from
feeding cows freely with them. It yields largely,
but it has many roots or prongs, which is an objec-
tion. For stock or for the table, wc prefer the cab-
bage turnip tp the ruta-baga. We have sold them

to many of our neighbors, for a few years, who ijrcfer
them for the table to any other turnip, from Novem-
ber to May or June. Yet we recommend them for
trial only, as every one may not give them the prefer-
ence. Sow them by the side of the ruta-baga, and
judge of their comparative value.

Wc raised a fine lot of seed, last year, of the gen-
uine below ground variety ; and those who would try
it, may obtain some in the seed room of Messrs. Rug-
gles, Nourse, Mason, & Co., adjoining our office,
where specimens of the root may be seen.

ADVANTAGES OF AGRICULTURAL EDU-
CATION.

We copy the following remarks from the address
of L. F. Allen, late president of New York State
Agricultural Society, before that association.

Another, and a prominent advantage, which we
should receive from good agricultural education,
would be, that of more stability of character in our
farming population. It is proverbial among travelled
foreigners in this country, and it would be a subject
of wonder among our staid people at home, — if an
American could wonder at any thing, — that we are
the most changing people in the world. Wc, as a
population, have few, scarce anj', local attachments.
This, to an extent, is a true, although a severe cen-
sure. It arises, no doubt, — and naturalh' enough
too, — from the wide extent of national domain of
which we are the possessors, and from the natural
sterility of much of the soil in our older communi-
ties, Avliich cause an effort, and a laudable one too,
to better their condition in our rural population ;
but more, I imagine, from the low standard of agri-
cultural improvement, and a mistaken estimate of
the value of the soil, and its api)lication to the prod-
ucts which properly belong to it. But no matter
what the cause. The fact is so, and it is a defect in
our national character. How many among us but
will, with a slightly tempting offer, sell his home-
stead without remorse — break up the cherished
associations of his life — turn his back upon the
graves of his kindred and his children — his birth-
spot — the old hearth-stone of his boyhood — his
family altar — even the brave old trees, which have,
life-long, Avavcd their branches over his childish
sports, and shadowed his innocent slumbers when
weary of his play, all — all, pass out of his hands,
like a plaything of yesterday, unwept and unregret-
tcd, for the fancied advantage of a fresh spot in a
strange and a newer land.

I must, Iiowever, in justice, make some exceptions
to this general propensity in American character.
There are some among the descendants of the early
New England Puritans, and the ancient Dutch set-
tlers of this state, who have, with a pious regard to
the memories of their ancestors, and a wise attach-
ment to the spots of their birth, retained, and,
through the influences of a correct education and
well-settled principle, bid fair to retain, the paternal
acres which they have inherited — homes of plenty,
contentment, and genuine hospitality ; where retired
virtues, like those practised by their fathers, have
long hallowed them with a local habitation and a
name. Such stand out as strong landmarks in the
fitful changes of place and name throughout our
country, and redeem, to some extent, the caustic
remark of the late John Ilandolph of lioanoko, who
once declared, on the floor of Congress, that he
scarce knew an Araericajr but would sell his very dog
for money !

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

195

BEE-IIIVES

The bee hive is an important article. Much de-
pends on its construction. Among the many hun-
dreds that have been invented, and some hundreds
that have been patented, only a few are worthy of
attention. Several kinds are too expensive, and
others are too complicated, and of difficult manage-
ment. Economj' is necessary in the management of
bees, else the profit will be small, or there may be
loss instead of profit. If hives are complicated, they
require more care than they will receive : hence the
importance of having those that are simple and easily
managed.

As most early swarms of bees produce more honey
than is necessary to support them through the win-
ter, they will have a surplus ; and there is a great
advantage in having this in neat drawers or boxes,
free from bee-bread or brood comb, and where it
may be taken awaj' at any time ; therefore the newly
constructed hives, that afford this convenience, are
preferable to the old fashioned hives, which require
the destruction of the bees to obtain the honey ; and
then the honcj' is worth far less than that in boxes
or drawers.

Many hives can spare fifteen or twenty pounds of
honey in a season, all of the finest qualitj', under
good management. One bee-keeper took from eight
hives, last season, over twenty pounds of honey each,
and left enough for the bees. Hives of various con-
structions, on the new and improved systems, may
be had at the agricultural warehouses ; or the farmer
may construct them to suit his own taste.

Bee-keeping, a\ ith good management, is one of the
most profitable branches of rural industry. Every
other domestic animal, in this section of the country,
must be fed from the labor of man. The horse, the
cow, the sheep, the hog, the dog, and cat, all must
have the provident aid of man, to lay in a supply of
food for winter, else they perish. Not so with the
industrious bees. They procure not only sufficient
food in summer to support them through the winter,
but a surplus, as a liberal reward to the owner.

And this food, which the bee provides, is stored
away in such a manner that he can help himself, and
not, like other animals, require man to deal it out

constantly, and carefully guard it from waste. Thus
we see that the bee belongs to a high order of ani-
mals. In the construction of his comb, he is a perfect
mathematician ; and in providing for future wants,
he shows all the foresight of the most provident of
the human race, and he uses his food with all the
care of a rigid economist.

We have a story of a bishop, who, on visiting the
priests of his diocese, found many complaining of
hard times and low salaries : at length he was sur-
prised in finding one who had a very low salary, and
yet was in the enjoyment of comfort and plenty. The
bishop inquired the cause of his prosperity, and he
was shown to the apiary, where numerous hives of
bees were busy in the service of the priest. After
that, when a priest complained to the bishop that
his salary was low, he advised him to keep bees.
And to thousands in our country might this judicious
advice be given with great propriety — Keep bees.

GETTING MORE PRACTICAL.

We are hajipy to find that there is an opinion
prevailing more or less throughout the community,
that it is time the course of education in our semina-
ries should have a more practical tendency. Yale
College and Cambridge have now their professors of
agTiculture. What would have been thought, forty
or fifty years ago, of a professor of agriculture in one
of those stately old colleges, where the sight of a
farmer would have been considered as much out of
place as a pig in a pulpit ! We see it noticed in the
journals of the day, that the trustees of Union Col-
lege contemplate such an extension of the existing
course of studies as to include the more useful appli-
cation of science to the arts, such as civil and me-
chanical engineering, agriculture and agricultural
and mechanical chemistry, &c., &c. We hope that
the colleges throughout the Union will change their
course of studies in such a way as to embrace a
practical course of the above-named studies. — Maine
Farmer.

Swarms of locusts, or grasshoppers, have appeared
in Texas, literally covering the ground in some
places, and devouring the wheat and corn. In other
parts of the state, the corn and cotton have been
injured by the cut-worm.

196

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the NeiB England Farmer.
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Mr. Editor : Could the dumb beast speak or make
known its feelings to its master, how often would
that master have his feelings hurt for the manner in
•which he has treated his horse, his ox, or some ani-
mal over which he has control ! The noble horse
■was given for the use of man, and to be by him
treated kindly. There is perhaps no animal in the
service of man of more actual profit, and one de-
serving of kinder treatment. But how often is he
abused ! Often is he loaded beyond his strength,
and, if unable to move his load, is goaded and lathed
by an unmerciful driver, until, with distended nos-
trils, he stares his master in the face, as if imploring
mercy. How many horses are spoiled by being com-
pelled to draw too heavy loads ! When a horse is
willing to draw all his strength will allow, how care-
ful ought his owner to be not to go beyond this !
The lash ought never to be applied to an animal that
refuses to draw because his load is too heavy for him
to move. The fiirmer who is always plying the lash
to his team, seldom has a team that is well disci-
plined. I have always noticed that the best teams
are those used by drivers who "bawl" and whip
the least.

" A merciful man is merciful to his beast;" and
he who is not merciful to his beast, generally shows
but little mercy to his fellow-creatures. The man
"who will goad and abuse the dumb beast is very
liable to abuse his own family. A horse that is
treated kindly by his master, will treat him kindly
in return. So with other animals in the service of
man. For instance, take the cow that is rather cross
about being milked. Few cows are made gentle
by incessant beating. There is no more ready way
to siJoil a cow, when you sit down to draw the milk
from her, than to give her a blow with the milking
stool, or a kick with the foot, if she should happen
to feel a little uneasy about standing. A person may
be obliged to chase a cow around the yard several
times before being able to get near her, after such
unmerited treatment.

I well remember the way I managed with a kick-
ing cow, when I was a youngster. Like other boys,
I was fretful and hasty. Soon after I commenced
milking, the cow would begin to step, and sometimes
raise her foot as if about to kick. The first thing,
with me, perhaps, would be to speak out sharply, and
if that did not have the desired effect, the milking
stool would come next. After this mode of manage-
ment, the cow grcw?jo better very fast. I soon had to
tie her legs ; and even then, she would contrive to
kick over my pail of milk ; and if she happened to
get loose or break her rope, which was oftentimes
the case, it was no easy matter to confine her again.
As it fell to my lot always to milk the "kicker," as
she was called, I resolved to resort to another method.
I accordingly commenced by being mild, (although
it was a pretty hard matter ;) but the result was, I
brought the cow back to bo quite a gentle milker;
thus proving to a demonstration that kindness to
animals will succeed when other means Avould fail ;
and I have ever aimed, since then, to be kind to
dumb beasts, believing it the only and sure way of
retaining the good v.ill and mastery over them.

Smithfield, R. I., May, 1849. A. TODD.

For the New Enyland Farmer.

PROFITS OF KEEPING HENS.

Mr. Editor : I have lately had related to me an
account of an experiment in the business of keeping
hens, which seems worthy of record, and which helps
to sustain the position taken by some of our shrewd-

est farmers, that hens are the most profitable animals
which are kept. Colonel Joel Briggs, now of this
town, in the year 18-14 lived in Dcdham, at the Low
Plain Station, on the Providence Kailroad. As
stock in the business of poultry-keeping, he possessed
twelve hens and one protector.

These fowls he fed bountifully, giving them all
they would cat ; and a good return did they make
for the expense of board. The items are from an ac-
count carefully kept at the time. The hens began
laying at the opening of the year ; and the number of
eggs laid in the respective months was as follows : Li
January, thirty ; February, forty-seven ; March, two
hundred and hfteen ; Ajjril, two hundred and eighty-
one ; May, two hundred and thirteen ; June, one hun-
dred and four ; July, one hundred and fifteen ; August,
one hundred and sixty ; September, one hundred and
ninety-six; October, one hundred and nine; Novem-
ber, seventy-one ; Duccmbcr, none. Total, fifteen
hundred and forty-one.

In the course of tlie season, nine of the hens were
set on one hundred and forty-four eggs. Of the
chickens hatched, fifty-six were raised to maturity.
A fau- proportion, both of the eggs produced and of
the chickens raised, wore consumed in the family ;
but for those, of course, the hens should be credited,
just as if they had been sold. The chickens sold
were taken at an average of twenty-eight and two
sevenths apiece ; the eggs, at eighteen cents a dozen.
Almost the sole expense of keeping was for sixteen
and two third bushels of corn and other grain, at an
estimated average cost of sixty cents a bushel. The
account with the gallinacoan family stands as fol-
lows : —

Eggs produced, 1541 ; deduct 144 for set-
ting— 1397, sold and salable, at eighteen
cents per dozen ^20 9G

Fifty-six chickens raised, worth twenty-
eight and two seventh cents, .... 15 84

36 80
Deduct expense of keeping, sixteen and two

third bushels of grain, at sixty cents, . . 10 00

Leaving a net profit of $26 80

This shows a profit of two dollars and twenty-
five cents nearly, to each hen ; and as one of the
number " took sick and died " in the course of the
season, the ^wo rata profit on the rest is in fact greater
than that stated. Th.e place of keeping was nowise
particularly favorable, being at the " switch," or turn-
out on the railroad ; and an unfortunate chicken, big
enough for the table, was killed under the wheels of
the ponderous steam Juggernaut.

SILAS LIVERMORE.

New Bedeoxd, May 11, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — "We have many accounts
of the profits in keeping poultry ; but it is uncommon
to find so large profit as here represented, which
shows excellent success. There is not the least
doubt that, with judicious management, poultry
affords more profit on the capital invested, and the
food expended, than any other stock kept on the
farm. Much time is necessary in taking proper care
of poultry ; and in some cases this is a mere pastime
for children and others, who have little else to do,
and they amuse and instruct themselves in the care
of beautiful birds, that serve to enliven the scene.

If a person has much to do, and must take time
that is needed in other pursuits to attend to poultry,
then the time of attendance will be an important
item, that will considerably reduce the profit.

As we have numerous accounts of a great profit in

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

197

poultry on a small scale, some persons have tried it
on a large scale, hoping to make it a good and prin-
cipal business. But generally such plans have
proved to be failures in this country, and frcqucntlj'
in part, if not wholly from injudicious management,
as a large number of fowls have been crowded to-
gether, rendering them unproductive and producing
disease. In England, some persons make a good
business in keeping poultry, whether from superior
management to that usuallj' practised in this country,
or from being content with less gain, we cannot sav.

For the Neio England Farmer.
CULTIVATION OF INDIAN CORN.

Mr. Editou : I have read with much interest the
account of Mr. Bridge, of Pomfrct, Vt., on the cul-
ture of an acre of Indian corn, that yielded more
than one hundred bushels ; and, although I have
often heard doubts expressed by practical cultivators
of there being really one hundred bushels of sound
corn grown on an acre, still there is a reasonableness
in his statement that satistics my mind of its correct-
ness. In this statement are several facts worthj' of
special notice.

1. The advantageous position of the land.

2. The high state of cultivation it has been under
for many years.

3. The depth to which it was plovighed — ten
inches at least.

4. The quantity of manure applied being not less
than fifty loads to the acre.

•5. The number of hills on the ground, being
about fifty per-cent. more than is usual in planting
corn.

6. The thinning out the stock to three in a hill.

7. The kind of corn raised being the twelve-rowed,
or that which is most productive.

If this analysis of the communication shall induce
any one to reperuse it, and endeavor to imitate the
cultivation, and it shall be found, from actual ex-
periment, that the lands of Massachusetts can pro-
duce crops equal to those of the fertile fields of the
Green Mountains, then the purpose of the writer

will be attained. „ ^

Truly yours, p^

Danveus, Maij 28, lSi9.

For the Neio England Farmer.

CLEARING LAND.

Mr, Editor : What is the best method to eradi-
cate the stumps and roots of pine-trees ? Is there
any particular season when cutting would bo more
favorable than others ? And what is the best way to
uproot or kill barberry bushes • Also, please inform
me the best mode of splitting large rocks, or tumblers,
whether by fire or blasting ; and oblige.

Yours, S;c.

L,

Editorial Remarks. — Pine stumps will gener-
ally remain sound for a long time in the ground.
They are usually extracted by machines, which is
a rather expensive waj% as great power is necessary.
Stumps may be taken up by using a large lever, some
twenty or thirty feet long, according to the power to
be applied. Fasten a chain or rope to the top of the
lever, and then erect it by the side of the stump,
placing the but-end between two roots, if convenient ;
then put a very stout chain around the lever, just

above the stump, and fasten it to a root on the oppo-
site side. Make a notch in the stump, and let the
chain lay in it, to keep the lever in an upright posi-
tion. Have a long rope from the top of the lever,
that the team may be out of danger, and have greater
power, from bringing the line of draught nearer a
horizontal. If the power is not sufficient, cut off
some of the roots opposite the lever, A lever may
also be applied to a root, to aid the team.

A cheap mode of destroying stumps is to excavate
beneath them, and if they are not dry, expose the
roots a while during the hot season. Then make a
fire under them, and lay turf around, confining the
fire in a manner similar to a coal-pit. In this way
the fire will be kept down, and after a few days of
slow combustion, the stump and much of the roots
will be consumed.

Those trees that produce sprouts should be cut
in August to prevent sprouts, and of course a more
ready decaj- of the stump and roots, as the sprouts
tend to keep them alive. Pine-trees do not produce
sprouts. When the trees are not felled, the roots and
stumps may be taken out much cheaper with the
tree. Remove the earth around the stump, and cut
some roots on one side, if necessary. Then fasten a
rope to the tree, up high, that the power may be
great, and hitch to the rope suihcient team to pull
up the tree. This gives a great power, sufficient to
take up the largest trees in the forest, if they have a
good height.

Solid and very hard rocks, that are much exposed,
may be split by first heating them very hot, and then
applying water suddenly. But in many cases, there
are ledges that are full of scams, or of a soft stone
that is but little aff"ectcd by fire ; or the situation of
the rock may be such that fire cannot be applied to
it conveniently. Rocks split by fire are irregular
and rough, and of but little use, excepting for coarse
wall or for filling up cavities. Generally, blasting by
powder is the most expeditious.

When there is a chance for ploughing, barberry
bushes may be most easily destroyed by this opera-
tion. If stones, rocks, or other impediments are in
the way, dig out the roots with a bog hoe or iron bar.

MORGAN HORSES.

Mr. Cole : " Morgan Messenger," the colt of
" Lady Messenger," is owned by General S. M.
Borroughs, of Medina, N. Y., which could not be
bought now for one thousand dollars, so I have been,
informed. He makes a large gay animal, and very
swift on foot. But the dam was never " owned by
said Borroughs," as stated in the Farmer of May 12,
but is in the possession of Charles L. Smith, Esq., of
Bristol, Vermont, who is celebrated for the breeding
of fine animals. S. W. JE\\TETT.

Weybridge, Vt., May, 1849.

HOW TO GET RICH.

Almost every body wants this information. It is
comprised in this advice : Be economical ; be indus-
trious ; attend to your own business ; never take
great hazards ; don't be in a hurry for wealth ; never
do business solely for the sake of doing it ; and do
not love money extravagantly.

198

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New EiKjland Farmer.

ON "LARGE AND SMALL POTATOES FOR
SEED."

Mr. Editor : Your correspondent, " Down East,"
"hopes definite experiments will be made." He
asks, to close, " Will the extra produce of large pota-
toes be enough more to pay for the difference in the
seed ? " The editor justly notices " a very important
subject, which is the general effect on the crop, as
to improvement or degeneracy." "SVith this expressed
solicitude in view, permit me to say, I have made
"definite " and accurate experiments, as I hope others
■will do, and report, not from estimation and recol-
lection, but from weight and measure of seed and
soil, as a matter of record, both at planting and har-
vest. From such documents, made year after year,
and also others respecting renewing from the balls,
I can give the items, if called for in future ; from
the results of which I wiU now oifer some of my
convictions.

1. Large potatoes give more vigorous shoots: both
top and root are in advance of small ones, and con-
tinue decidedly so ; hence, for early table use, are
much to be preferred.

2. By planting them whole, they are croAvded, and,
unless the soil is very light, they cannot expand ;
and if not very rich, the feebler shoots, from the stem
end especially, will, for want of nourishment and
room, produce small ones.

3. Cutting them in halves gives more room, but
weak shoots with strong ones, (like a titraan pig in
a litter,) must take what they can get which is not
always enough ; of course, inequality in size.

4. Cut from a large potato the largest eyes, and
plant three or four in a hill, and we get more from
the same weight of seed than in any other way, of
large and equal sized tubers ; but not as early as
"when the two ends are cut off, leaving the body to
nourish three or four central eyes.

5. There is a difference between a potato small
because it was from a feeble shoot, and one small
from want of room or time to grow. The latter may
do well for seed, but, having nearly as many eyes as
a large one, but less vigorous, requires a light soil,
that is well pulverized, to expand in, and rich, to
furnish nourishment for so many shoots. The hills
may be near, but should have only one in each, and
delicate culture.

6. By cutting off from one third to one half of the
Stem end, (the best to eat,) we have the finest eyes
to plant in the other end, which may bo cut again if
large, and give a crop nearly equal to the whole.
This is economy, and no deterioration.

7. By carefully selecting, in the field, at harvest,
for seed, hills in which all are large and fair, we are
sure of impi'oving out crop, both in quantity and
quality. And as surely will the crop degenerate if
"we use and sell the best, and plant the refuse.

8. When seed is dear, and likely to continue so, it
is still more desirable to be particular and plant seed
that will return the most and the best.

Yours trulv,

BENJAMIN WILLARD.

WiLBRAHAM, Mat/ 31, 1849.

WHITE RIVER WOOL DEPOT.

A friend has furnished the following circular,
Avhich we publish with pleasure, believing that such
enterprises are of general utility, giving concert of
action, and tending to a uniformity of prices, and
giving a pennanency and constant encouragement to
the business of wool-growing. As it has been man-

aged, some have through necessity, or for want of
information, sold their wool at ruinous prices, and
abandoned the business.

The location of this depot is very favorable, being
in the heart of an extensive wool-growing region,
and at the meeting of the Northern and Passumsic
Railroads with the Central, affording excellent facili-
ties for travel and transportation.

Our friend remarks that Mr. WiUard has had ex-
tensive experience in the wool business, and is well
qualified to manage such an establishment. Excel-
lent success has attended the few wool depots already
in operation, and the result has been highly satis-
factory to those growers who have sold their wool
through such agencies. We copy as follows : —

The encouragement for the directors to open this
depot, (with pledges to the amount of about 70,000
pounds,) is such that they have seen fit to make all
suitable arrangements to open the same, for the re-
ception of all grades of wool, on the 25tli of Juno
next, at the storehouse of George Lyman, near the
mouth of White River, with a desire that sufficient
patronage will be given to the enterprise, to make
this a permanent location for future operations. All
those who anticipate carrying their wool to this
establishment, will do well to observe the following
directions : Wash your sheep clean ; which is more
readily done, by wetting or soaking the flock before
washing, or wash them soon after a rain. After
washing, the sheep should be put into a clean pas-
ture. After this, if the weather is suitable, shear-
ing should be done in four or six days. Care should
be taken to kce^j the fleeces clean, and do them up
in good shape, exjiosing the finest portion of the
fleece as much as convenient. Use the common sheep
twine, passing it from two to four times round the
fleece, drawing the strings sufficientl}' tight to keep
it together.

If you have spring tags, it will be deemed just to
put an equal qirantity into each fleece, after cleans-
ing the sanre.

Keep out all unwashed tags and pulled wool.
Nothing but merchantable wool should be put into
the fleece. It is desirable all wool should be depos-
ited by the 10th of Aiigust. The following rules
will be strictly observed at the depot : —

Each depositor, when he brings his wool, will re-
ceive a certificate of deposit, stating the number of
fleeces, weight, &c. ; and as soon as convenient, he
will have a statement furnished him of the grading
and condition of the same. All who wish can have
liberal advances, by allowing six i>er cent, for the
same till the sale of his wool.

From three to ten fleeces will be opened from each
lot, to ascertain the condition.

The fleeces will be thrown into difl'erent sorts, by
an experienced wool-sorter, according to style and
quality. He will have no knowledge of the owner-
ship of any lot of wool, so that all partiality will be
avoided.

A discrimination will be made between wool in
good and bad condition.

All who desire can have their wool kept separate.
Sales will be made invariably for cash.

The charges will bo for receiving, storing, sorting,
and selling, one cent per pound, and about twenty-
five cents on one hundred dollars for insurance, pro-
viding it does not exceed three months.

Arrangements have been made with manufacturers,
using the diflercnt grades of wool, to purchase the
various sorts, at their fair market value, as soon as the
dii'cctors and agent may see fit to make a price upon
the same.

Good and sufficient bonds have been furnished by

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

199

the agent, for his faithful discharge of duty. Ar-
rangements have been made with the proprietors of
the two toll bridges in this A-icinity, to let all pass
for half toll who are carrying their wool to this
depot.

Claiik Hough, ■^

George Dewey, f ,r rr 7 ■

r^., -wr n > JSew Hampshire.

(jeo. W. Cuttix, I ^

Meurit Faunam, ^

John Pouter,

Alle:

N;

El

AMMI WILLARD, Ajent.

Allen Hazen, | „
Nathan Gushing, ) '
Eben'r Bridge, .'

ermont.

P. S. There are but two other establishments of
this kind in the country. Both of these received
last season 1,500,000 pounds of wool, and all has
been sold at satisfactory prices.

Woodstock, Maij 24, 1S49.

AGRICULTURE IN MAINE.

In the late message of Governor Dana to the
legislature of Maine, we find the following sensible
remarks on the importance of agricultural education,
and the propriety of exempting a suitable amount
of the debtor's property from the power of the cred-
itor, instead of specific articles. We trust that so
valuable suggestions will be duly appreciated by the
intelligent body to whose action they arc submitted.

The products of agricultural labor are undoubtedly
of greater value than the combined products of all
other labor in the state ; and yet that pursuit attracts
less of general attention than any other. From its
unobtrusivencss it has allowed itself to be nearly
overlooked, although the great interest of the state.
The farmer sows his seed, watches its springing and
maturity, reaps his harvest, and enjoys its fruits in
quiet and contentment, asking no protection or legis-
lation. But his interests should not be neglected
because he makes no clamor in the halls of legisla-
tion. I presume it would not be doubted, that the
general application of science to agriculture through-
out the state, woukl double our agricultural products,
with but a slight increase of labor. Such an addi-
tion to the productions, resources, and wealth of the
state, is an object Avorth)' the highest solicitude,
and should command your earnest consideration.
But with our present means of education, little ad-
A^ance can be made tOAvards its accomplishment.
There is not in the state, and i^robably not in New
England, an institution Avhere a practical, sricntitic
agricultural education can be obtained. Tliree fourths
of our population arc farmers ; three fourths of tlie
rising generation Avill be farmers ; and yet there is
no opportunity for one, of all this number, to obtain
an education adapted to, and in aid of, his vocation.
True, Ave ha\'e our high schools, academies, and col-
leges, — many of them liberally endoAA'ed by the
state, — but they all fail to give him an appropriate
education ; for, instead of fitting him for his destined
pursuit, and rendering it pleasing to him, his course
of studies and the associations and infiucnees around
him, all tend to give him a distaste for it, and to
invite to other professions and callings, Avhere he Avill
be far less useful to himself and the community. If,
then, the object of education is to fit man for the
duties of life, a large majority of our population have
no opportunity for obtaining it.

In my annual message to the legislature of 1847, I
suggested the establishment of an agricultural and
teacher's seminary, \inder the direction of the board
of education, and proposed that, Avhen its finances
Avoukl permit, the state should support, at that sem-

inary, a small given number of scholars from eacli
county, to be selected by their respective boards of
school committees, as a reward of merit and profi-
ciency. The chief design of this feature of my sug-
gestion, Avas to giA-e a stimulus to the interest of both
parents and children, in our public schools ; but it
would probably be attended Avith too much expense
for the present condition of the treasury. An agri-
cultural school, divested of tliis more expensive
feature, as a model, and as a commencement of a
system of agricultural schools, is an immediate Avant,
and within our immediate means. The interest of
the permanent school fund, Avhich is still unappro-
priated, is more than sufficient for that purpose ; and
if, as I have already suggested, the proceeds of the
reserved lands should bo added to this fund, the in-
terest of both combined Avould, besides sustaining
such a school, furnish the means for increased facili-
ties for the education of teachers, cither by the estab-
lishment of normal schools, or by prolonging the
sessions of oru' institutes.

The policy of exempting a portion of the property
of the debtor from attachment, for the double pur-
pose of enabling him to supply the necessities of
himself and family, and of furnishing him Avith facili-
ties Avherewith he may ultimately relieve himself
from his del)t3, has ever been recognized by our
laAvs, and is both humane and wise. But I am con-
vinced that the cxcmjitionof a fixed amount of prop-
erty, of such description as the debtor might select,
Avhether personal or real, instead of the list of specific
articles noAV exempted, Avould be adA-antageous both
to debtor and creditor; because each individual
debtor could then retain the property best adajjted
to his circumstances, and calculated to afl'ord the
most aid in accomplishing the objects for Avhich the
exemption Avas made. Under the present laAv, it
may often occur, that the property retained, although
the amount may be large, is of little benefit to the
debtor retaining it; Avhereas, if a much less A-alue
Avere secured to him, in precisely the property Avhich
his situation retiuired, the ends of protection Avould
be more nearly attained. But another important
objection to our exemption of specific articles is, that
no real estate is included. If the present exemption
of personal property does not conflict Avith the rights
of tlie creditor, the exemption of the same value, in
either personal or real estate, surely could not ; Avhile,
at the same time, it Avould be lar more useful to the
debtor. He is now allowed the products of a farm,
tools, horses, and oxen to cultivate it, but no farm ;
thus encouraged to obtain the implements of hus-
bandry, but forced to use them upon the farm of
another ; induced to assume the relation of a tenant,
Avhile the true interests, alike of the debtor, creditor,
and the state, Avould invite him to become a free-
holder.

TO ASCERTAIN THE WEIGHT OF LIVE
CATTLE.

This is of tl;c utmost utility to all those Avho are
not experienced judges by eye. By the following
directions the Aveight can be ascertained, Avithin a
mere trifle : Take a string, put it round the breast,
stand square, just behind the shoulder blade ; meas-
ure on a foot rule the feet and inches the animal is
in circumference — this is called girth; then, Avith
the string, measure from the bone of the tail Avhich
plumps the line Avith the hinder part of the buttock,
direct the line along the back to the fore part of the
shoulder blade, take the dimensions on the foot rule
as before — Avhich is the length ; and Avork the figures
in the foUoAving manner : Girth of the bullock, six
feet four inches ; length, five feet four inches —
Avhich, multiplied together, make thirty-one square
superficial feet ; and that multiplied by twenty-three

200

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

(the number of pounds allowed to each superficial
foot of cattle measuring less than seven and more
than five in j^irth) makes seven hundred and thirteen
pounds. Where the animal measures less than nine
and more than seven in girth, thirty- one is the
pounds to each superficial foot. Again, suppose a
pig, or anj' small beast, should measure two feet in
girth, and two along the back, which multiplied to-
gether make four square feet ; that multiplied by
eleven, the number of pounds allowed each square
foot of cattle measuring less than three feet in girth,
makes forty-four pounds. Again, suppose a calf, a
sheep, &c., should measure four feet six inches in
gii'th, and three feet nine inches in length, which
multiplied together makes fifteen and one fourth
square feet ; that multiplied by sixteen, the number
of pounds allowed to all cattle measuring less than
five feet, and more than three in girth, makes two
hundred and sixty-five pounds. The dimensions of
the girth and length of horned cattle, sheep, calves,
or hogs, may be as exactly taken this waj' as it is at
all necessary for any computation or any valuation
of stock, and will answer exactly to the four quar-
ters, sinking the offal, and which everj'man who can
get a bit of chalk can easily perform. — Chambers's
Itiformation for the People.

BUCKWHEAT OR POLYGONUM FAGO-
PYRUM.

Buckwheat is said to bo a native of Persia, and is
usually sown on poor land, although, like other cul-
tivated plants, it does best on a good soil with good
culture. Its blossoms yield considerable food for
bees, although the honey thus obtained is inferior to
that made from clover. Buckwheat meal or flour is
much used in some sections of the United States for
making griddle cakes. The seeds of this plant con-
tain fifty per cent, of starch, and one and one half
per cent, of earthy matter. It is often sown and the
crop plovighed in, to fertilize poor land. From one to
two bushels of seed are put on.

Buckwheat without Grit. — Did any person,
who eats buckwheat cakes, ever have the good for-
tune to get any containing not a particle of grit ? A
method not generally known was lately stated to
us by a practical farmer, who says that buck^^•heat
raised in this way is entirely free from the difficulty.

The buckwheat is sown at the usual time ; but
before harrowing, a bushel of rye is sown with it to
the acre : they both come up together, and the buck-
wheat, being much the most rapid in growth, soon
obtains the ascendency, the i ye only forming a smooth,
green carpet beneath, which completely prevents the
dashing of the grit of the soil by rain upon the buck-
wheat, when it is cut, and otherwise keeps it clean.
After the crop of buckwheat is removed, the rye ob-
tains sufficient growth before winter, and the next
season affords a good crop of itself. Thus the buck-
wheat is protected, and two crops obtained from a
single seeding. — Pennsi/lvania Cultivator.

TO MAKE FARMING PROFITABLE.

General Josiah Newhall, in his excellent address
before the Essex Agricultural Society, last fall, shows
the importance of energy and timely attention in
order to make farming profitable. We make the
following extract : —

Farming may be so conducted as to be made prof-
itable, or merely to afford a living, or to run out
the farm. Taking the land as it averages in the
fNtate, this depends more on the farmer than on the
soil. The man who makes no provision for the rais-

ing of his crops, cannot reasonably expect any.
Agriculture, like all other business, to be made
profitable, must be conducted with some method as
well as energy. What would be thought of the
merchant, who should neglect to load his ships, and
let them lie deteriorating at his wharf, or send them
to sea half loaded or manned, and without funds for
a return cargo ; or the manufacturer, who should
run his machinery without system or order, and let
it stand still upon every trivial occasion, while the
pay of his operatives was going on ? Would not
such a course bring irretrievable ruin ? And can
the result be more favorable to the farmer, who,
though possessing hundreds of acres of land upon
which he is annually paying taxes, and who makes
no adequate provision for the cultivation or improve-
ment of which, witli the exception of a few acres,
and that cultivated in such a manner as not to afford
a compensating return for the labor bestowed ? Al-
though the soil, in some parts of the county, is grav-
elly or sandy, still it may be made to produce rich
han-ests. The farmers have within their reach am-
ple resources to convert their lands to a state of
great fertility. The farmers of no section of the
state are more highly favored in this respect.
On the eastern border of the county, the broad At-
lantic rolls in upon the beaches her fertilizing ma-
terials in great abundance. Upon the rocks, be-
tween high and low water, grow weeds, containing
the elements of vegetable nutrition in a high degree.
At some seasons r-f the year, a certain kind of fish
may be taken along the shore, with seines, in great
quantities, and be made valuable in the formation of
compost, or in the direct application to the land.
The ba)-s and inlets along the coast abound in beds
of muscle of great value ; and in different sections
of the count}' there are vast deposits of peat, amount-
ing, in the aggregate, to many thousand acres. Provi-
dence seems to have made ample provision by these
bogs for the fertilization of the soil for ages to come.
While in tropical climates the decay of vegetable
matter is complete, and becomes resolved into its
original elements, in this temperate region the pro-
cess is less rapid, and in certain situations abounding
with water, the decomposing process is arrested, and
peat accumulates. In this situation it abounds with
acidit}', and is inert when applied as the food of
plants. Within a few years, peat lands were consid-
ered among the least valuable, having been sold from
five to ten dollars an acre, while their intrinsic value
is hundreds, nay, thousands of dollars for the piirpose
of manure ; to say nothing of their value as an arti-
cle of fuel, some of which is but little inferior to
coal. This substance, to be rendered available in
agriculture, should be dug in the autumn and ex-
posed to the ameliorating influences of the atmos-
phere during the severity of the winter. Farmers
having barn cellars (and none should be without)
will find that by using this material largelj^ under
their stables, to absorb the liquid and mix with
the solid deposits of their animals, they may double
or triple the amount of their manure, and the qual-
ity will be far better than that not protected from
the wasting influence of the elements. The whole
may be well mixed, and suffered to ferment so far as
to expel any remains of acidity ; and the whole mass
becomes equally valuable for all thin and gravelly
soils as clear animal manure, and having a more
permanent effect.

SANDY PLAINS.

Clay, ashes, decomposed or rotten manure, with
clover, it is said, has proved to be the best nieans of
improving sandy plain lands. Plaster is useful in
situations where it will act. This can be ascer-
tained by trial.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

201

THE BIRDS.

It has been truly said that the birds are the culti-
vator's best friends. They not only enliven the scene
of his labors Avith sweet music, and beautify it with
their fine appearance, but render essential service by
destroying legions of insects, which otherwise might
increase, and destroy many crops, or prevent their
production by destroying the tender plants.

Of all the enemies and disadvantages that the
fiirmer encounters, none are so formidable as insects.
Others he may conquer and manage, but these mi-
nute, often imperceptible, creatm-es devastate whole
fields, in spite of all opposition.

The birds, in their industrial labors to procure
food for themselves and offspring, arc constantly de-
stroying insects ; and they are admirably adapted to
this purpose, and will accomplish what man cannot.
The millions of insects which they consume annu-
ally, and the thousands of millions which they pre-
vent by their timely labors, are beyond calculation.
Without their aid, manj' crops would be unprofitable,
or a total failure, and we should find barren fields,
instead of the lands that now smile with plenty, and
gaunt famine might stalk over those countries now
blessed with abundance.

Since the great utility of birds is well known to
every one who reflects on the subject, how impor-
tant that thcj- be protected, and encouraged to be
the familiar associates and assistants of the farmer and
gardener ! We should have laws throughout the
country for their protection against the heartless
sportsman, or cruel boys, who would kill the inno-
cent and useful birds, or rob their nests. In some
towns, it has been wisely ordained that no birds shall
be killed or entrajiped ; and this subject is worthy
the attention of every town.

Those -wanton boys who trifle with the feelings
and rights of birds by destroying them, robbing their
nests, or confining their young, should consider what
awful feelings would becloud their minds, should
some stranger tear them from their happy home, and
from their father, mother, brothers, sisters, and
friends, and shut them up in the gloom of a prison.
Birds have feelings as well as human beings, and He
that made them for wise purposes will look with

displeasure on the wanton sport of the wicked boy
who molests them.

Even those birds that are regarded by some as
mischievoiis, are among the most useful. The
crow devours immense numbers of worms. He sel-
dom does injury excepting in pulling up a little corn
in spring ; and this maj- be prevented by feeding him.
As he works for the farmer, he should occasionally
share in his bounty, as well as the ox, the horse, or
the dog.

The woodpecker is charged with injuring trees by
pecking them full of holes ; but he is invited to this
business from the defection of the tree, and he labors
to relieve it from the depredations of insects. He is
as harmlessly and usefully employed as the man
Avith his chisel and mallet, cutting the borers out of
the tree.

CAULIFLOWERS.

I have been eating delicious cauliflowers all winter,
thanks to your directions in the Horticulturist. I
sowed seed for the winter crop about the middle of
^lay, and when winter approached I lifted the plants
in a damp day, with a little earth attached to the
roots, and set them on the floor of a warm cellar,
under one of my out-buildings. They were most of
them not even showing the least signs of flowering
when they wore put in the cellar, and I confess I
was a little incredulous as to their " coming to any
thing " in their winter quarters. But they soon be-
gan to form blossom crowns, and I have cut the
whitest and most delicious cauliflowers from these
plants since last Uecember that I have ever tasted.
As this mode of treating cauliflowers is not gener-
ally known here, I have quite astonished my neigh-
bors by the sight of such a fine winter vegetable in
abundance. — Ilurticutturist.

WORTH TRYING FOR.

The London Athenseum says that the Belgium
government has instituted a prize of five thousand
francs, with a gold medal and one thousand francs
respectively, the first for the best work on general
agriculture, and the second for the best treatise on
the disease of the potatoes. Foreigners are invited
to compete, and manuscripts are to be sent to the
lyiinistry for the Litcrior before the 1st of January in
next year.

202

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

SHEEP HUSBANDRY.

So much attention is now turned to raising sheep
in the vest, and on the high lands at the south,
where thcj' can be wintered at a small expense, that
the producers of wool in New England will, by and
by, find more powerful competition from their own
countrymen, than from foreign production.

But the farmers of New England, who can readily
adapt themselves to circumstances, will find the
raising of fat mutton and ordinary avooI more profit-
able than fine wool. The numerous large cities,
and the thousands of flourishing towns and villages,
that are rapidlj' increasing or suddenly starting into
existence, fi'om the enterprise in the three great
branches of industry, agriculture, manufactures, and
commerce, will create a great demand for fine mutton,
especially when people learn its superiority to other
meats now used to a greater extent ; and the numer-
ous railroad and steamboat communications, and the
use of ice, will afford advantages for bringing fresh
lamb or mutton from every hill and dale in New
England, or the animals may be transported to mar-
ket, with economy, and without injury from the
journey. There will bo a gradual change. The
west will produce fine wool, and the east fine mut-
ton.

The following article from the Ohio Cultivator
will interest many of our readers : —

The Prospects for Sheep axd Wool for 1840.

Thousands of sheep were killed, both east and
west, in 1818, not as the result of an over-stock, but
owing to discouragement under the current prices.
The close of the last Avintcr has raised the price of
wool from seven to ten cents per pound. The con-
sequence is, that many wish their dead sheep alive
again ; or wish to stock up with a new supply. From
present appearances, wool is going to do well for sev-
eral years to come. The reasons are these, for such
an opinion : —

1. The tariff", if changed at all, will be so modified
as to promote increased protection to our own man-
ufactures. AVe shall have at least the protection of
the tariff" of 1842, and this is all that manufacturers
ask.

2. The great and constantly increasing influx of
foreigners, together with the natural increase of our
own population, will call for a greater supply of
manufactured goods, and of course create demand.
Our population is increasing at the rate of two
thousand a day ; of course spindles will be increased
to sujDply their wants. Nearlyone million a year is
now annually added to o\ir numbers. Our flocks
and our herds must be increased in proportion.

3. We are able to compete more and more success-
fully with some portions of the manufacturing dis-
tricts of the old world. Wc are pushing our manu-
factures abroad and supplanting theirs.

4. Sheep and wool are successfully raised and
improved, and no agricultural investment is found to
require less labor or yield greater profits. To prove
this, we have only to point to the fact that nearly
every fi.mcr, who for a series of years has steadily
pursued the cultivation of sheep and wool, has be-
come rich and independent — out of debt — houses
and land around him, and abounding in comforts and
enjoyments.

5. The grain-grov/ing regions of Ohio are •well
adapted to sheep, and farmers are finding out that
sheep are good consumers of their straw, chaff, corn

fodder, &c., much of which now goes to waste. The
raising of wheat and wool go well together. What
is left of wheat the sheep consume.

For these and many such reasons we believe that
sheep and wool are looking ahead with good pros-
pects — prospects never brighter. Sheep husbandry
promises to be a healthy pursuit, paying satisfactory
and suitably remunerating prices, with no vanishing
and exploding inflation. We want nothing that
will prove a disappointment. A sound business is
the best. The profits of sheep husbandry are good
enough. We want nothing better.

Example. A buys one hundred two-year-old
ewes, after shearing, at one hundred dollars. He
buys a buck, if he can find one, pure Merino, for
twenty dollars. This is his investment. He pastures
them on land worth twenty dollars per acre. He
needs twenty acres for a year's feeding, summer and
winter, and good land well stocked in grass will sup-
ply them. Well selected ewes will yield four pounds
a head. With good management he may raise ninety
lambs. The account will stand thus : —

Capital Stock.

20 acres of land, $400

100 ewes 100

$500
Receip)ts.

400 pounds wool $100

9o lambs, ,$1 each, 95

$195
Expetises.

Interest on capital $30

Shearing, &c., 10

Deaths, 2 per cent., 2

Waste of flock, 10 per cent., 10

$52

Which, deducted from above, leaves profits, $143

This profit will be greatly diminished the second
year. These lambs will not produce lambs, but
simply wool ; and they will not do it till two j'ears
old, and ought not till three years old. The greater
the flock, the less the profit. But it will be more
than twenty-five per cent, interest, under good man-
agement, at present prices of wool. Sheep that will
not shear four pounds a head should not be pur-
chased, and these should be crossed with the heavy
shearing Merino. At the lowest calculation, no busi-
ness exceeds that of wool-growing for profit.

A WESTERN WOOL-GROWER.

Cleveland, May 10, 1849.

EXPERIMENTS ON SALMON, SALMON
FRY, AND EELS.

Strange as it seems, it would certainly appear from
his [Mr. Young, manager of the duke of Sutherland's
fisheries] observations, that a salmon may be kept for
any length of time in a river without growing beyond
the weight of two to four ounces, and he showed me
specimens of salmon which, though of perfect form
and condition, did not exceed that size ; whereas,
had they been allowed to reach the sea, they would
at the same age have weighed from six to ten pounds
each. The growth of salmon when in the sea is
wonderful, it having been indisputably proved, that
a salmon has grown eleven pounds six ounces during
the short period of five weeks and two days ; the
fish, having been marked on its passage to the sea, was
caught again in the same river, when ascending after
an interval of that duration. Mr. Young told me
also that his young family of salmon fry, which he
hatched and kept confined in ponds connected with

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

203

the river always become perfectly tame, and the mo-
ment that he steps on the plank laid across the
ponds for the purpose of feeding the fish from, thej'
all flock round him, ready to dart at the food he puts
in. In some of the ponds he had put a number of
small eels, Aviiich soon grew in size, and became as
tame and familiar as the young salmon. As the cold
weather came on, the eels all disappeared, and he
supposed that they had managed to escape, led bj'
their instinct to take refuge in some deeper pools.
However, one fine spring day, when he had long
ceased to think of his slimy pets, he happened to
pass over one of the planks, when he was delighted
to see them all issue out from under the stones, ask-
ing for food, as if a day only, instead of many weelcs,
had passed since he last had fed them. Does not
this most clearly prove that eels lie dormant during
cold weather ? — Mr. St. JoJin's Tour in Sutherland-
sh ire.

SPECIAL MANURES FOR RUTA-BAGA
TURNIPS.

The result of the application of artificial manures
in increasing the average produce of ground, cannot
but be interesting to the agricultural community,
even though these experiments should not liave been
conducted on American soil ; and as every success-
ful result leads to the extended use of special ma-
nures, and in most cases to more economical farming,
I submit the following instance of what has been
accomplished in raising turnips by their means.

Having been applied to, in the spring of 1814, by
the steward of Lord Charlcmont, to analyze a sam-
ple of soil from the estate lying two miles from
Dublin, and to point out how the soil might be
improved so as to grow Swedish (ruta-baga) turni; s
for a prize crop, I found, after examination, that
the soil was in good condition, having been manured
the summer previous, but that it was to a small ex-
tent destitute of potash salts and phosphate of lime
to the degree that a heavy crop would require to
find readily in the soil. On this account the follow-
ing manure was recommended : —
56 pounds pearlashes,
28 " nitrate of soda,
14 " coarse Epsom salts,
56 " bone dust,
to be mixed in with ditch scourings, road sweepings,
some burnt earth, and other refuse off the farm, so
as to make the compost sufficiently bulky ; the whole
to be laid on a statute acre.

The object in \ising nitrate of soda was twofold.
First, it supplied the small quantity of soda found in
turnip ash, (ten pounds in every twenty tons,) and
then, the form in which it is added, containing, as it
does, nitrogen, (nitric acid,) rendered it peculiarly
serviceable in pushing on the early growth of the
turnip. The bone dust and pearlash were supplied
because the crop required them ; and the Epsom
salts, because it was desired to put in wheat imme-
diately after into the soil.

The result of this manure more than equalled ex-
pectation ; their size was siiperior to any exhibited,
and they received the first prize from the Iloyal
Agricultural Society of Ireland, as well on that ac-
count as for the total yield, amounting to fifty-six
tons the English acre.

The above-named manure cost about six dollars
per acre ; and whether we consider it in the way of
economy, or of an addition having a wonderful ef-
fect in stimulating vegetation, it recommends itself
strongly to notice. The wheat crop following was
one thii-d greater yield than usual, or more than a
portion of the ground unmanured did yield. As
this compost was applied to a soil in rather a good
state, with the object of forcing a great growth,

there is no reason why the same special manure
might not be applied to all soils intended for swedes,
and where condition is not exhausted by neglect of
manuring. THOMAS ANTISELL.

Laboratory of the American Aqricultural
Association, March 7, 1849.
— American AgriciiUurist.

TRUE PRINCIPLES OF FEEDING.

If persons engaged in this pursuit would only use
that sense which God has provided them with, and
which is generally styled co7n!non, the business would
be divested of a great deal of its mystery. Some peo-
ple will say that it is much easier to find out Avhat is
wrong than to say what is right ; and this is true to
a certain degree ; but regarding the cultivation of the
land, there are certain inviolable principles which
should always be kept in view ; and these I will en-
deavor to enumerate. The first that strikes nre is
the clearing of the ground : it is absurd to think of
trying to grow grain under trees in a wood, nor is it
sufficient to take away a part of them, — I mean, of
course, with the idea of perfection. For instance,
suppose you have fifty trees on an acre ; that is,
about one to every three square rods ; the soil capa-
ble of bearing fifty bushels of wheat, or one bushel
to each tree ; and suppose that you cut down forty-
nine of them, you will onlj' be able to grow forty-
nine bushels, instead of fifty ; the annual waste or
cost of that tree being the value of one bushel of
wheat, or whatever crop might have been on the
three rods of ground which that tree monopolized.
Therefore, if it is necessary to clear the land before
you can grow grain, it is reasonable and self-evident
that it should be entirely cleared, every fractional
part you leave doing injury in its degree.

The next point to notice is the dryness or wetnesa
of the soil : see if the stagnant water is sufficiently
near the surface to do injury to the crops, even by
capillary attraction, which, science tells us, will raise
water four feet, and practice has shown that it must
not be nearer ; therefore, if the stagnant water be
nearer than four feet, drain it to that depth. It Ls
absurd to attempt to cultivate land against so power-
ful an enemy as water. Thirdly, we consider " the
pulverization of the soil." Ought it to be pulverized
at all ? To this question I think our common sense
will give an answer in the aflirmative, so that the
plant may more easily expand its roots to seek for
nourishment in the soil, which soil and which pul-
verization should extend as far as the roots of the
plant ; but is it common sense to think that five or
six inches only is the distance that the roots of plants
extend ? I will not take advantage of a few facts
that have been noticed of the immense depths that
roots descend, but merelj' appeal to common sense,
and ask whether it is not reasonable to suppose that
the roots beneath extend as far as the plants above
the soil ; and, if so, ought not the soil to be pulver-
ized to that extent, viz., about four feet r

The first expense of this, I am aware, renders it
almost impracticable ; but this I cannot help. I
cannot alter the true principles of nature. I must
assert, with common sense, that the deeper you pul-
verize, the more you move in a right direction.

W. G. G.
— Gard. Chronicle.

Spare minutes are the gold dust of time ; and
Young Avas writing a true as well as a striking line,
when he affirmed that " sands make the mountain,
moments make the year." Of all the portions of
our life, the spare minutes are the most fruitful in
good or evil. They are gaps through which tempta-
tions find the easiest access to the garden.

201

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Domestic Department.

Ff.jiale EnrcATiov : Amusements. — The amount
of time foolishly wasted by females is really dc]jlo-
rable ; at an age, too, in which their exertions are so
much needed. With due respect to your correspond-
ent " Eva," I think single-handed manufacturing in
families, though once an indispensable duty, Avould
be poor economy of time and labor in our day, when
superior fabrics may be produced bj' machinery, at
much less cost, though, under some circumstances,
an occasional buzz of the spinning wheel maybe ex-
pedient. Our duties, however, arc not diminished,
but, on the contrary, increased by the improvements
of the age in which we live. "Woman's sphere is
enlarged beyond the limits of the broad rim of the
spinning wheel, and is still enlarging. "While our
duties and responsibilities increase, we are held ac-
countable for much that our grandmothers never
dreamed of.

" New occasions teach new duties;
Time makes olden good uncouth ;
They must upward still and onward.
Who would keep abreast of truth."

The time is coming when domestic duties are ex-
pected to be performed upon scientific principles ;
and we arc bound to employ every means in our
power to make ourselves acquainted with the sci-
ences pertaining to our domestic affairs, A knowl-
edge of chemistry and dietetics, in a cook, is inval-
uable to a family. Information regarding the laws
of health, and life, and mental philosophy, is abso-
lutely necessary to the proper rearing of children.
The suffering I have seen and experienced for want
of knowledge, and the almost incredible advantage
gained by the apjdieation of a few practical ideas,
makes me very desirous for others, as well as myself,
that we should have " more light."

I think, however, it is not proper that we should
always be in performance of the sober duties of life.
Nature does not bestow all her care on the sturdy
oak and mountain pine, but adorns the landscape
with an endless variety of fanciful colors and forms,
enlivens the whole with music, and the frolicsome
play of animated beings. Nor did she fail to im-
plant in the human mind faculties harmonizing with
the beaut3', melody, and gayety of external nature,
which find a legitimate sphere of action in ornamen-
tal horticulture, vocal and instrumental music, &c.
An evening dance of an hour in a family, in which
old and young, parents and children, may join, is at
once conducive to the improvement of social feelings,
and furnishes, at the same time, a wholsome relaxa-
tion from care, and greatly promotes longevitv and
health. AMANDA.

— Am. Agriculturist,

Keeping Lemons presii. — I have been a house-
keeper for some years, and never, till lately, have I
been able to keep lemons fresh and juicy for any
length of time. Eut with all my care, — now in
this closet, now in that — now wrapped in paper,
now packed in bran — now in a cool place, and
now in a dry one, — they would dry up and become
hard as wood. Of late, however, I have preserved
them perfectly fiesh three months in summer, by
])lacing them in a closely-covered jar, or pot, kept in
the ice-house.

Each lemon is wrapped up in paper, (perhaps they
would do as well without,) but opened and wijied
once in ten or twelve days, then covered again with
dry paper, and put back into the jar, or earthen ves-
sel, on the ice. MOTHER HUBBAIID.

Otsego Co., N. Y., Feb. 24, 1849.
— Ibid.

BoM3* Department.

From the Illustrated Naticral History.

Do Anim.\ls reason r The Alpine hares, says
Pennant, in August begin to cut great quantities of
soft, tender grass and other herbs, which they spread
out to dry. This hay, about autumn, they collect
into large heaps, and place either beneath the over-
hanging rocks, or round the trunks of trees, in coni-
cal heaps of various sizes, according to the number
of the society that make them. They select the best
of vegetables, and crop them when in the fullest
vigor, which they make into the best and greenest
hay, by the judicious manner in which they dry it.
The common squirrel makes a nest of moss and dried
leaves at the forks of a tree's branches, M-ith two
holes at opposite sides, and, as the wind varies, shuts
the hole towards it. It lays up magazines of nuts,
acorns, fruit, and berries for winter, never touching
them till wanted. The field-man collects large stores,
&e., in the same manner ; the German harvester
makes large chambers for grain, beans, and peas, eac'li
in a separate cell, sometimes a hundred pounds
weight in the whole. The tuition which quadrupeds
are capable of receiving, discovers a lower degree of
that improvabilitj' which distinguishes our superior
race, which, as far as it extends, resembles ours, al-
though at the same time it marks its specific differ-
ence by its unvarying limitation. Blumenbach's ape
would manage wood for the stove, and put it in with
as much judgment and economy as a servant. He
was often at the college, and used to examine the
pupils' specimens with amusing imitation and grim-
ace. One day he found a work on insects on the
table, which he studied with great gravity ; but a
person, on entering the room an hour afterwards,
found that the ape had, with great dexterity, pinched
out all the beetles of the largo plates, and eaten
them, mistaking the pictures for real insects. This
was an unlucky, but not a foolish action. Yosmaer
had an orang which was taught to eat with a spoon
and fork, and picked out his strawberries one by one
from a plate. Getting loose one day, it uncorked a
bottle of Malaga wine, drank it off, and put the
bottle in its place. Seeing others open its chain
padlock with a key, it put a bit of stick into the
key-hole, and turned it about in all directions to
unlock it itself. A black sow was taught to find
game, and to bark and stand nearly as well as a
pointer. When very young she became attached to
some pointed puppies, and the keeper resolved to try
her. He gave her some pudding of barley-meal as
her reward, and threw stones at her when she did
wrong. By this mode he soon taught her what he
wished. As soon as the game she pointed rose, she
always returned for her reward. The quadruped
animals, of their own will and nature, and from in-
born instincts, do actions Avhich require know ledge,
reasoning, and judgment in mankind. Keindeer
follow a leader which they implicitly obey ; antelopes
run in a regular file, led by an older one. Elephants
make their journeys on this plan. Many animals
are found to make defensive arrangements. A Cape
baboon having taken off some cloths from the bar-
racks. Lieutenant Shipp formed a party to recover
them. " With twenty men, I made a circuit to cut
them off from the caverns to which they alv.-ays fled
for shelter. They observed my movements, and de-
taching about fifty to guard the entrance, the others
kept their post. We could see them collecting large
stones and other missiles. One old gray-lieaded
one, who had often paid us a visit at the barracks,
was seen distributing his orders as if a general. We
rushed on to the attack, when, on a scream from
him, they rolled enormous stones upon us, so that
we were forced to give up the contest." When

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

>05

lijons scent the apy, roach of wolves, the herd throw
themselves into the ibrra of a circle, placing the
weakest in the middle and the strongest outside, and
thus ])resent an impenetrable forest of horns. The
black bear's method of fishing is as dexterous as any
schoolboy's could be. .Setting on his hind paws on
the bank of a river or lake, he continues so motion-
less that he might be mistaken for the burnt stump
of a tree. He has sometimes deceived even the
practised eye of an Indian. "With incredible celerity,
he seizes with his right paw the fish that pass by
him. He seems to know that morning and evening
are the time for fishing. The following is Mad'llo
De Laistre's account of her weasel. " It plays with
my fingers like a kitten, jumps on my head and neck,
and if I present my hands at the distance of tlircc
feet, it jumps into them without ever missing. But
it is impossible to open a drawer, or a box, or even to
look at a paper, but he will look at it also." Build-
ing skill appears in the beaver's construction as in
any human fabrication of a cottage. Foreseeing
caution is shown by many animals by their placing
sentinels to watch and give alarm of danger. The
bobac, which inhabits the dry and sunny places of
the mountains, go in search of food in the morning
and middle of the day, placing a sentinel to give
warning of approaching danger. The mountain
marmots place sentinels upon a rock while the rest
make hay. If the sentinel sees a man, an eagle, or
a dog, he alarms his companions by a loud whistle,
and is the last to enter his hole. AVild asses, llamas,
Siberian horses, and antelopes place sentinels. The
sheep on the Welsh mountains feed in companies,
and one is set as sentinel. If this sees any one ad-
vancing, it looks at him till he comes Avithin eighty
or one hundred yards ; and if he still approaches, he
alarms his comrades by a loud whistle, two or three
times repeated, and all scamper off to the steepest
parts. The Alpine marmots lodge together in sub-
terranean apartments, and their labor for collecting
materials for these is carried on in common. Some
cat the finest herbage, and others collect it. To
transport this, one lies down on his back, and ex-
tending his limbs for that purpose, allows himself to
be loaded. Others trail him, thus loaded, by his tail
to the place. All the instances which occur, in these
classes of beings, of cooperating action for some
common end, show the intention and desire to unite
their efforts for that purpose, and, therefore, a mind
that designs, perceives, comprehends, wills, operates,
to produce it. This quality is shown by the rat
leading a blind one by a straw wliich he puts into
his companion's mouth. The migrating squirrels,
when they come to a river which they wish to cross,
draw a piece of birch bark to the edge of the
water, mount on it, abandon themselves to the waves,
raising their tails to catch the wind. The Cayenne
opossum shows it ; when it cannot reach the crab,
upon which it lives, with its paw, it thrusts in its
long, prehensile tail, to hook them out. The honey
weasel shows it. Towards sunset he issues from his
hole. Near this he sits upright, and holds one of his
pav.s before his eyes, in order to modify the rays of
the sun. "When he sees the bees he is looking for,
he knows they are going home, and he takes care to
keep in the same direction, in order to find them.
When Messrs. Condamnie and Bouger were meas-
uring the length of a degree in Peru, some large
monkeys were admitted into their rooms, during the
time they were making their observations on the
mountains. These animals, of their own accord, went
through a series of imitations of their actions. They
planted the signals, ran to the pendulum, and then
to the table, as if to commit their remarks to paper.
They occasionally pointed the telescope to the skies,
as if to survey the stars. It is related of an orang
that belonged to Mr. Grant, that, after a lady had

given him cold water instead of tea for several times,
he showed great vexation at it, and, to know whether
it was so, put in his finger. Observing this, she
gave him hot water, which scalded him. After that,
he always put in a spoon or a piece of wood first,
and touched the spoon. Tliis action was very like
human reflection. — Valley Farmer.

fjcaltl).

The Laws of Health. — Let us learn from prize-
fighters. In the regimen that the prize-fighters sub-
mit themselves to, we may see the secret of acquir-
ing the greatest strength and power of endurance.
It is to be strictly temperate in all things ; to avoid
all debilitating stimulants, such as alcoholic drinks,
tea, coffee, tobacco, &c. ; to rise early ; to take abun-
dance of exercise in the open air ; to bathe often,
and observe the most rigid system of cleanliness,
and abstain from all licentious practices. Those
noted for pedestrian feats subject themselves to the
same regimen. If it may be done from such igno-
ble motives, how much easier should it be to prac-
tise the same system for the greatest of blessings —
health ! — Philadeljihia Ledger.

IxjuRY FROM Bleedixg. — The too free use of the
lancet, which Dr. Rcid called a " minute instru-
ment of mighty mischief," is thus condensed by
Dr. Brigham in his report of the "Utica Lunatic
Asylum to the New York legislature : —

" Many of the patients sent to this institution
have been injured by too much bleeding and deple-
tion before they were committed to our care. Some,
we think, have been rendered incurable by this treat-
ment ; and we cannot forbear remarking, that in our
opinion the work of Dr. Rush on the " Diseases of
the Mind," in which directions are given to bleed
copiously in maniacal excitement, has done much
harm, and we fear is still exercising a bad influence ;
and we hope no future edition will be issued without
notes appended to correct the errors into Avhich the
distinguished author has fallen for want of the numer-
ous facts which have been furnished since his time,
and which enable us to sec the errors of our prede-
cessors."

illcdjanics' ?I)cpartmcnt, ^rts, $^t.

PllESERVATIOX OF TiMBER FOR SleEPERS. McSSrS.

Hutin and Bovitighy have obtained a j)atent in France
for the preser\-ation of wood intended for railway
sleepers ; the process of which depends on tilling
the pores at each end with a bituminous cement,
after the ends have been previously charred. The
process is thus described: "Immerse the ends of a
piece of wood in some liquid carburetted hydrogen,
such, for instance, as the oil of schist, which pene-
trates quickly some distance into the wood. 2. Set
this carburetted hydrogen on fire, and at the mo-
ment the flame has burnt out, plunge the wood, to
the height of a few mchcs, into a hot mixture of
pitch, tar, and shellac, which will be slightly drawn
up between the fibres, and form, at each extremity
of the wood, a kind of hermetical seal, unalterable
by moisture and air. 3. Coat the wood with tar
over its whole surface by the ordinary methods." A
process nearly similar was not long since communi-
cated to the I*aris Academy of Sciences, by M.
Gemmi. In his plan, tar is used for the purpose of
fi.lling the pores of the wood, without the addition

206

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

of any substances. He encloses the wood in a cyl-
inder, wherein it is desiccated by high pressure
steam. A vacuum is then produced, and additional
force is given to the tar in its penetration of the
fibres of the wood by a force pump, — Selected.

GuTTA Peiicha. — This wonderful article is just
now engaging the public attention ; as well it may,
for it will be used to a far greater extent than India
rubber is. The tree is found in great abundance at
Singapore and its vicinity. Dense forests of it are
found at the southern extremity of the Malayan pen-
insula. The tree is called niato by the Sarawak
people, but they are not acquainted with the proper-
ties of the sap ; it attains to considerable size, even
as large as six feet in diameter ; is plentiful in Sara-
wak, and most probably all over the island of Borneo.
The tree is stated to be one of the largest in the for-
est in which it is found. The timber is too loose
and open for building purjjoscs ; but the tree bears a
fruit which yields a concrete oil, used for food.

Gutta percha is contained in the sap and milky
juice, which quickly coagulates on exposure to the
air ; from twenty to thirty pounds being the aver-
age produce of one tree. For collecting the sap, the
trees are felled, barked, and left dry and useless ; so
great is the demand for the gutta, the importation of
which alreadj' reaches many hundnid tons annually.
Hence the forests will soon be cleared of the gutta
trees ; whereas it is believed that a constant and
moderate supply might be secured by incisions, as in
the case of caoutchouc.

The gutta is received in scraps, or in rolls of thin
layers. It is first freed from impurities by deviling,
or kneading in hot water, when it is left soft and
plastic, and of a whitish gray color.

When thus prepared, the gutta has many curious
properties. Below the temperature of fifty degrees,
it is as hard as wood ; but it will soon receive an in-
dentation from the fingers. When softened in hot
water, it maybe easily cut and moulded; and it will
harden to its former rigidity ; and it may be softened
and hardened anj'- number of times without injury to
the material. Unlike caoutchouc, it has little elasti-
city ; but it has such tcnacit}', that a slip, one eighth
of an inch substance, sustained forty-two pounds
weight, and only broke with a pressure of fifty-six
pounds. When drawn out, it remains without con-
tracting.

In solution, gutta is applied, like caoutchouc, for
water-prooiing cloth. It is likewise used for numer-
ous purposes for which leather is used ; in mastics
and cements, &c. In short, it promises to become as
important an article of commerce as caoutchouc
itself.

The name is a pure Malayan one ; gutta meaning
the gum or concrete juice of a plant, and percha the
particular tree from which this is procured. The ch
is not pronounced hard, like a k, but like the ch in
the English name of the fish perch. It has been
suggested to Br. Montgomery, that the gutta percha
wovdd be found useful in stopping decayed teeth. —
Valley Farmer.

THE CURCULIO.

At the regular monthly meeting of the St. Louis
Horticultural Society, held on the 7th ult., the cur-
culio was the subject of some interesting remarks;
an abstract of which we publish from the minutes.
We hope the worthy president will persevere in his
experiments until he shall have discovered a specific
for this most serious hinderance to the cultivation of
fruit.

The president stated that his attention had been
called to the various recommendations of remedies or
preventives of the ravages of the curculio, one of the

most nefarious pests of the orchard in that part of
the country. This insect invariably takes our entire
crop of apricots, nectarines, and plums, and injures
the cherries, and even peaches. He had determined
to try every practicable proposed remedy of which
he could avail himself the present season. The fol-
lowing were among those suggested : —

1. Horse stable manure. This was believed to be
ineffectual.

2. Spreading sheets under the trees, and tapping
the body and branches with a maUet, the insects
will fall into the sheets, and may be caught and killed.
This is believed to be a perfectly efibctual, though
laborious practice : it must be pursued every morning
for two or three weeks from the time the trees cast
their flowers. He presented a vial containing sixty-
one of the insects, which he caught from three apricot
trees on the morning of the 5th of April, the young
apricots being nearly of the size of peas.

3. Placing a lighted candle under the tree, for
two or three hours in the evening, in a tub or box
whitewashed inside, and having at the bottom, an
inch or two of water.

4. Placing old iron hoops, or pieces of iron, in the
branches of the tree. He had seen at his mother's
residence, last fall, a Green Gage tree having an iron
hoop entwined among its branches, and from which
a crop of fruit was always obtained, whilst the fruit
of other plum-trees near by, without the iron, was
destroyed. Dr. S. had mentioned to him facts in
connection with the subject, which led him to infer
that some potent effect was attributable to the iron :
it may be worthy of a trial.

5. The insects may be fenced out by a tight board
fence eight to ten feet high. A gentleman on Long
Island succeeds perfectly with his, but he also paves
the ground and plants his trees in dwarf, six feet apart.

6. Placing a coat of salt under the trees. Tliis is
believed to be ineffectual, as he had partly tried it,
but without success.

7. Covering the ground under the trees with clay.
This he had tried, and it did no good.

8. Ilangmg bottles of sweetened water in the trees.
6. Smoking the trees with the fumes of burnt sul-
phur.

10. Washing the trees, and even the fruit with the
strongest decoction of tobacco and whale oil soap-
suds will have no effect.

11. Swine and poultry, running daily among the
trees, during the fruit season, as a permanent annual
practice, will ultimately drive away or destroy the
insect. The poultry, however, are not alone suffi-
cient. Swine arc the best exterminators, by destroy-
ing the larva; of the insect in the fruit as it falls.
The insect will avoid places unfavorable to the en-
trance of its young into the ground.

Captain Bissell said he had tried horse manure
and salt without any effect. He was incUned to try
the swine.

General ^Milburn said that a Mr. Price, of this
county, kept off the insects by tyuig a band of sheep's
wool around his plum-trees.

Mr. Turner said that a withe around the tree, kept
moist with tar, had proved incftcctual with him.

Mr. Clark said that the insect would not attack
the fruit upon a tree standing in a frequented walk.
— Valley Farmer.

TO SHAKE OFF TROUBLE.

Set about doing good to somebody ; put on your
hat, and go and visit the sick and the poor ; inquire
into their wants and administer unto them ; seek
out the desolate and oppressed, and tell them of the
consolations of religion. I have often tried this
method, and have always found it the best medicine
for a heavy heart. — Howard.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

207

DISSOLVING BONES BY STEAM.

A statement has lately been marie to the Highland
Agricultural Society, in relation to jnilvorizing bones
by steam. It was stated that bones of any size could
be reduced to a soft mass by this agency alone. A
small boiler, with a steaming vessel connected with it,
capable of standing a pressure of twenty-five or
thirty pounds to the square inch, was all that was
required. If the vessel was filled with bones, and
subjected to the action of steam above the level of
the boiler (as they will not dissolve if covered with
Avater,) at twentj'-five pounds pressure for a few
hours, they will become quite dissolved — thus sav-
ing all the expense of grinding, and the sulphuric
acid commonly used, which amounted to double the
price of the rough bones. All the bones were so
much softened, that the largest pieces found could
be easily crushed fine by pressure in the hand. Dr.
Anderson, the chemist of the society, thought the
steaming would be cheaper than grinding. Pro-
fessor Traill thought the steamed bones would be
preferable to those dissolved with sulphuric acid, be-
cause, when the acid was added to bones, there was
a destruction, in part at least, of the animal matter.
The gelatine, which was of itself a valuable manure,
woiild be saved by the steaming process. — The
Cultivator,

THE GLANDERS.

Messrs. Editors : \Vhile writing, I will mention
a fact for your veterinary department. More than
thirty years since, the glanders, of the most vir-
ulent kind, was amongst the horses of the neighbor-
hood in which my father lived. Great numbers died
off. His horse was taken, and under the belief that
he also would die, my father commenced an experi-
ment on him with a strong decoction of tobacco juice,
given internally. In a short time, the horse broke
out all over his body in sores. These cured up in a
month or so, and the horse was sound, soon fatted,
and was, as long as I knew him afterwards, a sound
and health}' animal. This was the only horse in all
the neighborhood that recovered. Some farmers in
this vicinity, noted for fine, sleek horses, give occa-
sionallv Scotch snufF to their horses.

J. B. COOK.
— Albany Cultivator.

BEES AND MOTHS.

In a late number of the " Newspaper," when treat-
ing on the "Enemies of the Bee," I promised that I
would relate the modus operandi by which bees are
removed from the hive when attacked by that great
death's-head monster, the moth. I also requested
information on this point. Not having received any,
I have deemed it proper that I should continue the
explanation.

As soon as it is ascertained with certainty that the
moth has commenced its foul Avork, the apiarian
should procure a barrel or tub of sufficient size to
completely cover the hive ; fill the tub Avith water,
then remove the hive from its place, bore a few holes
in the top of the hive, place another empty hive on
the top of the one from which the bees are to be
taken, then gently lift the hives, and place the mouth
of the lower one in the tub of water, press them
down gradually, and tha bees, to escape being
drowned, will crawl up to the top of the hive, and
from that into the other. In this manner may both
bees and honey be preserved without doing the least
injury to cither. Another method is, to remove the
hive to a dark room, a window of wliich should be
left open ; lay it gently on its side, the mouth facing

the window : when the sun rises, and heats the air
sufhciently, they will soon leave the hive, and betake
themselves to the apiary. They should be removed
quite early in the morning, when the bees are yet
stiff with cold, in order to j)revent the ecstatic pleasure
of being pierced by their little darts.

Many other, probably much better, methods of
transferring bees from hive to hive, might be prac-
tised with equal safety to the bees. Some remove
them by placing a narcotic or stupefying fume at the
mouth of the hive : this will so sicken the bees, that
they will soon drop down out of the hives. But I
cannot persuade myself but that this would be in-
jurious to the health of the bees. Who, after taking
suflicicnt alcoholic fume to make him drop down,
does not feel the effects of it ?

The ways above stated maj- prove beneficial in
taking out honey, &c. Certainly, in this enlightened
age, this age of improvement, no one will resort to
that cruel and barbarous mode of destroying the
whole swarm in order to get a few pounds of honey.
No, never inflict such a cruelty on such a useful
insect — one that even teaches man a lesson ! The
days of fire and brimstone have long since passed
away, and other things of more utility are invented
to supply their place. Then why" not use them ?
Then why, in cold blood, put to death myriads of
these useful insects annually ? It is enough that
they should suffer from the attacks of their numer-
ous enemies, save man. S. W. K.

D.vRLixGTON, Beaver Co., Pa., 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper.

Remarks by Ed. N. E. Farmer. — We have smoked
bees a few minutes with the fumes from the slow
combustion of old leather, and they have become dor-
mant, so that we could transfer them from one hive
to another, or dispose of them as we pleased ; and in
a short time they revived, and were apparently a.s
well as ever; and their future labors were an evi-
dence that they not only received no essential in-
jury from their short sleep, but that they had renewed
energy from changing their old hive for a new one.

The smoke should be conducted into the hive
laterally, so as to have no fire under the hive, as bees
might fall down into it, as they become stupid.

WHAT OUR FINE FRUITS HAVE SPRUNG
FROM.

The peach originally was a poisonous almond. Its
flesh i^arts were then used to poison arrows, and
was for this purpose introduced into Persia. The
translating and cultivation, however, not only re-
moved its poisonous qualities, but produced the de-
licious liuit we now enjoy.

The nectarine and apricot are but natural hybri-
dation between the peach and plum.

The cherry was originally a berry-like fruit, and
cultivation has given each berry a separate stem, and
improves its quality. The common mazard is the
original of most of the present kind of cherries.

The common wild pear is even inferior to the
choke pear ; but still, by cultivation, it has come to
rank aniong our finest fruits.

The cabbage originally came from Germany, and
is nothing more than the common sea-kale. Its cul-
tivation has produced the present cabbage, and its
different acclimatings the different kinds ; while its
hybridation with other similar plants has produced
the cauliflower.

Tkis shows the benefit cultivation has effected:
in the mind of man it is infinitely greater. — Ameri-
can Agricitllurist.

208

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATIONS.

CuEDiTon AXD Debtou's Assistant. By I. K.
Eutts, 22 School Street. — Mr. Butts has published a
scries of little works, which are sold at the low price
of twenty-five cents each, on the most important
affairs in business. These works have had an im-
mense sale throughout the country, and are fre-
quently the means of saving dollars in advice, and
hundreds of dollars in litigation. The work now
before us is among the best of these excellent assist-
ants. It contains the laws, rules, decisions, &c.,
on the Evidences of Debt, !Mode of Enforcing Pay-
ments, General and Special Laws, Taxation of Costs,
Legal Fees of Attorneys and Law Officers, &c. &c.
It is richly worth ten times its cost, and to many it
is worth more than a hundred times its price.

Address at the Annual Meeting of the New
York State Agricultural Society. By Professor
Emmons. — We are indebted to B. P. Johnson, Esq.,
for this interesting and able production on science
as connected with agriculture, and the importance
of agricultural education.

The Common School Exhibition, containing the
May Queen, and Fairy Queen, and various other
Original Pieces, suitable for Declamation and School
Exhibitions. By H. P. Andrews, Teacher of Centre
School, Maiden, Fitz & Ilobbs, 138^ Washington
Street. 166 pp. ISmo. This little work is highly
useful, and admirably adapted to its purpose. The
author has shown excellent taste and sound judg-
ment. We notice a few pieces, by Fitch Poole, of
Danvers, in his usual fine taste and facetious style.

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SO-
CIETY.

There will be a semi-annual exhibition at the
society's hall, June 20 to 23. Liberal prizes are
offered for the best flowers, mostly for roses, amount-
ing in all to over one hundred dollars. It will
doubtless be one of the most splendid and beautiful
floral shows ever witnessed, particularlj' of the rose
family, which for beauty and fragrance still holds
the ascendant.

TURNIP SEED.

One of the most respectable farmers in !Mont-
gomery county called upon us, a short time since,
and gave us the following directions for preparing
turnip seed for sowing : Mix the seed with flour
of sulphur, then put in a bottle and cork up per-
fectly tight for six or eight weeks previously to
planting. Ho has pursued this plan for several
years, and has never known it to fail to protect the
crop effectually against the fly. This is an impor-
tant hint to our farmers, and we commend it to their
attention. — Germantown Tdcgruph,

STRAW FOR BONNETS.

Directions for curing straw, to adapt it for the
manufacture of straw bonnets, hats, &c. : " Cut
wheat or ryo straw while in full blossom, or as the
blossoms begin to fall. Scald it in a few hours after

it is cut, (the head being first cut off,) in boiling
water, about a quarter of a minute, then spread and
dry it in the sun ; take care that neither rain, or dew
fall upon it It will cure in three days sunshine.
Then keep it in a dry place." To split the straw
after it is properly cured, so as to reduce it to a
proper texture, it is only necessary to fit the point of
a penknife in a piece of board, leaving about the
eighth or a fourth of an inch above the board, then
pulling the straw against it. Straw of any size can
be made. — Selected.

THE OLD HOMESTEAD.

Down in a quiet, sun-lit valley.

Stands my low-roofed cottage home :

Rushing thoughts around it rally.
Thither wafted while I roam.

There, in summer, as of olden.

Waves the grecn-toppcd maple-tree ;

There, in autumn, sore and golden,
Shadows flit across the lea.

Still the streamlet cleaves the meadow,
Bordered by the mantling vine.

Where, beneath the tall oak's shadow.
Then I threw the hempen line.

Thoughtless childhood ! happy childhood !

I would journey back to thee ;
Roam again the " tangled wildwood,"

Sport beneath the ma2)le-tree.

There no busy sorrows fashion
Phantoms in the path of youth.

Nor pale care nor purple passion
Taint the bloom of love and truth.

THE OLIO.

A good old minister prayed fervently for those
of the congregation who were too proud to kneel
and too lazy to stand.

Secrets. — The reply of Charles II., when im-
portuned to communicate something of a private
nature, deserves to be engraven in the heart of every
man : —

" Can you keep a secret r " asked the subtle mon-
arch.

" Most faithfully," returned the nobleman.

" So can I," was the laconic and severe answer
of Charles.

Home Tooke, being asked by George III. whether
he played cards, replied, " I cannot, your majesty,
tell a king from a knave."

The Height of Impudence. — Taking shelter
from a shower in an umbrella shop.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^1 a
year, or five copies for %\, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at ISiJ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2.) cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

I|^ The Postage .^gi

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and lA
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond tliose distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE POUNDRT.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor

waits, o'er all the earth, The art that

calls her harvests

forth.-

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

JUNE

23, 1849

NO.

u.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY

HALL.

BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietob.

THE PROSPECT FOR FRUIT.

Apples. — Many of our readers have seen in the
American Fruit Book, or in journals which we have
conducted, our views as to the bearing year of apples ;
that in even years we have large crops of apples, if
the season be favorable ; that we never have a large
crop in odd years, let the season be never so auspi-
cious. According to this proposition, founded on
experience and observation for more than thirty
years, this is a season for a small crop, or only a
medial crop, if the season be favorable, and appear-
ances as to the blossoming of the trees and setting
of fruit support this position.

Pears. — According to present appearances, the
crop of pears will be very light, particularly of the
Bartlett, which is cultivated far more extensively
than any other kind, and in some sections more than
all other kinds. In many cases, no blossom buds
had formed on the pear, and in others, the buds or
blossoqis have been killed by unfavorable weather.
Some cultivators, who have paid great attention to
this fruit, find that nearly all their trees have failed.
The pear, particularly the fine kinds, is very uncer-
tain. It is often destroyed by cold winters and hot
summers ; and it frequently suffers from a location
in either extreme of wet or drought.

Plums. — We have heard but little of these, and
our observ-ations have not been extensive. From
what we have seen, the crop Avill be light.

Cherries. — Present appearances indicate a large
crop.

Quinces. — These are promising.

Peaches. — In some cases, there will be a total fail-
ure, mostly on low lands, or on fiat lands slightly
elevated. On well-elevated and high lands, the pros-
pect is very good. The crop will be a mean between
these wide extremes — probably about middling.
Natural or seedling trees are more prosperous than
budded trees.

Strawberries. — The plants have endured the
winter well, and the season is very favorable. We
have a good supply of moisture ; and as they are be-
ginning to ripen, (June 13,) the early kinds will not
be liable to injury from drought, which sometimes

cuts off the crop on light lands. A very few raised
in this vicinity are in the market, and sell pretty
well. From New York there is a very large supply ;
sales dull and prices low.

Currants and Gooseberries look well.

STIRRING THE EARTH.

In frequently stirring the earth, there are several
and important advantages. It loosens the soil, and
makes it permeable to the roots of plants. It finely
pulverizes the soil, reducing the sods and clods, and
mixes the different kinds or layers of soil turned up
by the plough together, and mixes the manure finely
with the soil. We have ploughed greensward for
immediate sowing with fine seeds, and by manuring,
and the frequent use of the harrow and cultivator,
we have made it of fine tilth, and well adapted to
tender plants, like old, mellow soil.

By stirring the soil often, so as to present new
surface to the air, it becomes enriched by elements
imbibed from the atmosphere. But if the earth is
allowed to rest, a crust is formed at the top, and no
improvement of consequence takes place in this way.
Hence, in ploughing or cultivating land often, in
order to kill witch or couch grass, sorrel, or other
noxious plants, the soil becomes improved by the
means used to eradicate the weeds with which it is
infested ; so that the whole labor is not spent
merely to destroy the cumberers of the ground.
The soil that is turned up in deep ploughing, or
that works up moderately in subsoil ploughing, be-
comes greatly improved on exposure to the atmos-
phere, and frequent stirring.

By stirring the soil, weeds are destroyed in their
tender age, before they become large, to rob tha
plants of nutriment, or require a great deal of labor
to destroy them. If the farmer can keep ahead of his
work so as to stir his tillage lands often, just as the
weeds have started, he will save a great deal of labor,
besides gaining an advantage in having his land in
the best condition in other respects for a good crop.
Some writer says, in regard to manuring, " Feed your
crop, and your crop will feed you ; " and it may.

210

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

with equal propriety, be said. Protect your crop
against the weeds, and your crop will protect you
agiiiust want.

Frequent stirring the soil is the cheapest and most
effectnal protection of crops against drought. The
Boil that is often stirred, in a dry time, is moist al-
most to the surface, while that which is neglected,
or lands in grass or small grains, which do not ad-
mit of this operation, are dry to a great depth ; and
this is one reason why wheat sowed in drills, and
cultivated as other crops sowed in the same way,
yields more than that which is sowed broadcast. At
another time, we may make further remarks on this
Bubjcct.

Every good cultivator is aware of the important
advantages in stining the soil often, and he prac-
tises on this ] rinci^ le with excellent success. Let
tho.se who have any doubts on the subject, select a
part of a lot, give it extra culture, and mark the
result.

BEETS FOR WINTER.

Beets for winter use, and for seed, are better for
late so\\ing. When sowed early, they attain their
growth before cold weather, and become dry and
hard, and are tending to decay, and are gradually
losing in value. But sow beets rather late, so that
they will not have attained quite a full growth as
vegetation ceases, and they will be young and ten-
der for the table, will keep well, and if set for seed,
they will be vigorous and send forth strong shoots.

"We sowed beets last season the 7th of June, and
they grew too large, and were too old and hard at
harvest time ; and we shall sow this season about the
15th or 20th : the latter period would be early enough
should the fall be as warm as it was last year. In
Maine, we used to sow our beets the first week in
June. In this way we succeeded far better than
■when we sowed earlv in May, for in such cases the
crown of the roots would decay in winter, and we
could not keep them in good condition for seed or
any other purpose.

A partially grown beet, or other root, will keep
far better than those that are full grown. '^V'e turn
warm water on our seed, and keep it in a v.arm place
about two days before sowing, which forwards it
about one week, and gives the plants a slait of the
weeds.

PASTURAGE.

It is said that in North Wiltonshire, famoTis for its
excellent dairy ])roducts, the farmers are in tlie prac-
tice of mixing sheep with cows to prevent the pas-
tures from becoming too luxuriant, in the proportion
of one sheep to one cow. An English author recom-
mends the mixing of a few sheep and one or two
colts, in eich pasture for horned cattle. Another
writer on English husbandry says, that the follow-
ing method hai long been successfully ])iactiscd by
the Hollanders, and recommends its adoption in his
own country. He remark:! that when eight cows
have been in the pasture so long as entirely to con-
eume all the grass they can graze, and can of course
no longer obtain the necessary quantity of food, two
horses w ill hud a sufficiency of food for several days.

After those begin to fail of procuring an adequate
amount daily, to supply their wants, four sheep Avill t
be able to live in the enclosure, and procure food for W
weeks. Sheep, however, should never be permitted
to occupy the same pasture with black cattle or
horses ; they foul and trample m.ore food than they
consume ; but when it is convenient to take the
former from a field or pasture, sheep may be profit-
ablv introduced, to consume what the cattle have
left. A PRACTICAL FAllMER.

Bald Eagle Farm, Mai/ lo, 1819.
— Gennantowii Tele(/ra]]h.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — We suppose
that the object of the foregoing article is to show the
advantage of changing animals in the same way as in
a rotation of crops. By a change of crops, one will
often take up the elements which the preceding left,
and in this way a larger amount of produce may be
obtained in a number of years, or in the course of a
regular rotation.

One kind of animals may go over a pasture and
eat all the food that is acceptable. Then another
kind will find a good supply in what their predeces-
sors have neglected. The third race may follow, and
do well. A horse will often cat coarse herbage which
other animals refuse. We have seen horses eat this-
tles and burdocks, which some animals never taste.

In New England, cattle, horses, sheep, and some-
times pigs and geese, run in the same pasture ; and
the fine condition which we have observed in all the
animals under such circumstances, would not lead us
to think that any injury resulted from such practice,
but the advantage in regard to rotation of pasturage
was great. This mode of putting different kinds of
animals into the pasture together, compared with
tillage, may be considered like mixed crops, where
the different j^lants are selecting each its appropriate
food at the same time, instead of succeeding each
other, as in rotation.

NORFOLK AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

On our 72d page we give notice of the formation
of this society, under the most favorable auspices.
In due time the trustees held meetings, and fixed
on a list of premiums, apj ointcd a committee of
arrangements, and committees or judges on the
awards of premiums. The list of premiums is exten-
sive, and includes a great variety of subjects.

The offers are liberal, and in some cases very large.
The spirit of enterprise and intelligence that goner-
ally pervades this county, the efficiency of tlio
officers of this association, anil the liberal funds al-
ready raised, are a sure guaranty of success. Al-
though this society is in its infancy, we think,
judging from the amount of work laid out, that they
will not be inferior to older associations in the c.Ktent
and utility of their operations.

We have not deemed it necessary to publish the
lists of i:)reraiums and names of awarding commit-
tees of this and other societies, as they are scattered
all over the counties by means of local papers bcfoio
we see them, and such matter is generally of intcrctt
only to the county to which it appertains.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

211

PROFIT OF A COW.

There is no doubt that in many cases a mechanic
or other person having small means as to land, and
time to attend to the business, can keep a cow with
profit, and in this way furnish for his children more
■wholesome food, by having a good supply of milk.

The following calculation on the profits of a cow
is made by Mr. Dana Burbank, of Newton, from facts
resulting from his experience in Vermont, with prices
intended to correspond with those in this vicinity.
We think the price of the cow, for one so produc-
tive, is too low, or the sum for her annual deprecia-
tion is too small. Ten dollars for the use of the cow,
ri>k, and tax, is low enough. Something should be
allowed for taking care of the cow, and for selling the
milk, even if it is called for, as there is trouble in
dealing it out, keeping accounts, &c. Yet some per-
sons are so situated that thoy can attend to this
bus'ness convenlonth'. If a person uses all the milk
in his own family, it may be a question, whether it
ia worth four cents a quart.

Mr. Buuhank's Calculation.

J J tons of hay at .fKi $24,00

Pasturage four months, 10,00

9 bushels meal, 9,00

Driving 7,00

Cost of cow 30,00

Total $80,00

16 qts. of milk per day, at 4 cents for 120

days $70,80

6 qt^. of milk per day at 4 cents for 120 days, 28,80

Calf, 6,00

Total $111,60

Manure, 'I'^ cord, 12,50

Cow on hand 25.00

Total $149,10

Cost deducted $80,00

Profit, $69,10

^

SAVING CLOVER HAY.

As it is difficult to cure clover haj' so as to have
the large stems well dried, without the leaves and
other fine parts becoming so dry as to be wasted, in
Bomc measure, we have found it an excellent mode to
mix layers of straw, old hay, b«an or pea vines, or
other good or refuse dry litter, in laA'ers with clover
hay, which saves it in fine condition ; and the straw,
&c., becomes sweetened by the clover, and if it con-
tains nutriment, it will make good fodder. Mate-
rials too coarse and poor for fodder maj' be used to
save clover from injury, and then used for bedding,
as they can be easily separated in using the hay.
.^^

SALTING HAY.

We have often cautioned farmers against salting
their hay too profusely. No more salt should be
put on hay, than animals would voluntarily consume
■while eating it if the salt was given to them sepa-
rately. Wc are astonished to find, in a valuable agri-
cultural journal, advice to add ten or twenty quarts

of salt to a ton of clover hay, which will aid in pre-
serving it, if rather green.

The largest quantity — twenty quarts to the ton —
would bo about twice the amount given to a horse in
a year, at the usual allowance of an ounce per day,
or half a pound per week. Four quarts of salt to a
ton of hay, is as much as animals commonly consume
when they have their own choice. Hay is greatly
injured by the use of large quantities of salt to save
it, when put into the mow only partially cured ; and
in some cases, diseases and death among stock have
been the consequences of a too liberal use of salt as
a preservative.

How would a man like butter with four ounces of
salt to the pound, in order to save it without the
trouble of working out the buttermilk ? We have
been particular on this subject, as dealers inform us
that much hay brought to this market is injured by
over-salting, for the purjiose of saving it when housed
too err e en.

PRESERVATION OF WOOD.

Experiments made in England show that soaking
wood in lime-water preserves it to a remarkable de-
gicc. A house was erected forty years ago, in Avhich
Scotch fir was used for timbers. A portion of the
timber was soaked in lime-water, and a portion used
without such preparation. The former is still sound,
while the latter is much eaten by worms, which, as is
well known, usually destroy this kind of wood in a
few years. The method of saturating the wood is de-
scribed as follows : " In preparing wood for the pur-
poses of building, saw it into such lengths as the
occasion demands ; next, plunge the planks or beams
into a pond of lime-water. The pond is made thirty
or forty feet long, tive or six feet deep, sixteen or
eighteen feet wide ; and the bottom and sides are
rendered water-tight. It is then filled with cold
water. Before receiving the wood, a quantity of
fresh-burned hot lime is thrown into the pond, which
is ■well stirred with the water, to dissolve as much as
possible of it. Into this strongly impregnated solu-
tion of lime-water, the wood, in the various shapes it
has been sawn into, is then thrown. As lime-water
absorbs carbonic acid from the atmos])here, the lime
previously held dissolved in the water becomes insol-
uble, and is slowly abstracted from the water, and
deposited at the bottom in a solid state, as mild lime
or carbonate of lime : hence the necessity of now
and then throwing in fresh portions of reeently cal-
cined lime, that the water may be resaturated with
the strongest solution of this caustic alkaline earth."

The timber remsdns in the water from two to three
weeks. The lime is absorbed by the pores of the
wood, and appears to destroy the albumin us and sac-
charine princiijies, or so changes them, that the wood
no longer affords the food on which worms subsist.
The slight petrifaction which the wood thus under-
goes, prevents air and moisture from penetrating it,
and renders it almost indestructible. It should be
thoroughly seasoned before it is used.

It has been eloquently remarked that in the ob-
scurity of the cottage, "far from the seduction of
rank and affluence, is nursed the virtue which coun-
teracts the decay of human institutions — the
courage which defends the national indei;endonco
— the" industry which maintains all clasdea of the
state.

ei2

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For tlie 'Seio England Farmer,
CATTLE SHOWS.

Mr. EniTou : A disposition is manifested in
some quarters to disparage the utility of rattle
shows. That veteran a^^ri.iiltural editor, Mr. Skin-
ner, has of late years givL'n unequivocal evidence in
print that ho ha? little coniidenCL' in the good results
of thc-ic annual exhibitions. Our own State Agri-
cultural Society, by discontinuing their shows and
appropriating their whole income to the improve-
ment of stock, give striking proof to the same effect.
And in justification of their course, in this respect,
they say in their report, which appears in the Agri-
cultural Abstract for the j)ast year, " Our long re-
peatc-1 cattle shows were degenerated into holiday
gatherings, and tending, in the language of the late
Governor Wright, to become arbitrary experiments,
based on no philosophical investigation of cause and
effect." It becomes those, therefore, who are inter-
ested in getting up these shows, and in offering and
awarding jjremiums for stock, crops, and farm im-
provements, to inquire and ascertain if cattle shows
are indeed })roductive of little or no benefit ; and it
becomes the legislature of the commonwealth, es-
pecially, to learn if the bounty annually dispensed
by the state for the encouragement and support of
these exhibitions goes only to the encouragem.ent
ond support of mere holiday gatherings.

In taking a general view of the subject, one would
suppose that it was pretty strong proof, if not con-
clusive proof, in favor of such shows, that they are
every year multiplying throughout- the country, in-
crea-.ing in interest, and growing in favor with the
whole community. True, the public may be laboring
under a delusion or mania on some subjects ; but
it can hardly be pretended that so great a mistake
should be deliberately, and through a long series of
years, committed by so many societies, acting inde-
pendently of one another. The Highland Agricul-
tural Society of Scotland has been in existence for
more than half a century, and, besides offering pre-
miums for agricultural essays, and supporting a
museum and a veterinary school, continues to offer
premiums for live stock, agricultural machinery,
and farm improvements ; and with what benefits to
the agricultural interests of that country, it is too
well known to be related.

In a preliminary notice to their Transactions for
18il, in view of the results of their labors, the di-
rectors say, "Throughout Europe, and in America,
the example of this society has been held forth as
one worthy of imitation ; and the director.? rejoice to
say, that within the last three years, a sister s jciety
has .sprung up, and has been established upon an ex-
tensive basis, in Engla id, whi h has already done
much, and will quickly do more, for the general wel-
fare of that country."

Is this ancic'it society wrong in its judgment?
Are its ca'tle shows, and the numerous agricultural
shows in England and in this country, mere holiday
gatherings r Surely it will require stronger proof
than has yet been adduced that they are so ; the
presumption of antiquity and of general consent is
in their favor, and no array of hi^jh authorities
should be taken as settling the question against them.
The burden of jjroof rests with those who maintain
that cattle shows have ceased to accomplish any
good.

Indeed, they should he well assured of the fact,
before they sow the seeds of discontent among the
farming community. It is well known what pains
have been taken by the early founders of agricultural
societies to satisfy i^ractical farmers of the utility
of cattle shows, and to jiersua le them to take an
active interest in them. The success attending thc^c
efforts have been ao groat, that now the day of cattle

shows is truly with farmers the great day of tho
year. But if the directors of tho Hj^rrcultural so-
cieties and the agricultural press turn round and say
that they have been all at fault in this matter,
cattle shows arc only holiday gatherings, thev are of
no service to the advancement of agriculture, and wd
must direct our attention to something else, — what
are farmers to think, and how are they to decide
about it ? But there is little danger that the confi-
dence now enjoyed by agrr-ultu al so letios will bo so
easily shaken, or that cattle shows will fall into dis-
use, because some new way has been sujyposed to be
discovered for the adva icement of agriculture. If it
be discovered, so much the better; but there seems
no reason that in following it, or i i urging others to
follow it, any odium should beca^t upon that way
which has so generally been adopted and approved.

The experiment now in process by the State
society may be of great benedt to the commonwealth,
if not directly, perhaps indirectly, by turning public
attention to the improvement of our milking stock.
But it may also result only in a failure; the breed
of cows introduced by them may be inlerior in their
general character to that whirh wi now pos.-ess, and
not adapted to our climate and feed. Let us wait
and see, before we abandon our cattle shows to find
some better way to help along the farmers.

ALLEN W. DODGE.

H.VMiLTOX, June 2, 1349.

Editoria.1- Rem.viiks. — We think it is too late in
the day for any one to decry cattle shows with any
prospect of success in putting a stop to these exhi-
bitions. Throughout this country, as well as in other
parts of the world, gentlemen of the highest intelli-
gence, and the most skilful in practice, have given
their influence in favor of cattle shows. We wiU
allow that they are "holiday gatherings ; " but they
combine useful instruction with amusement, thus
accomplishing a great and important purpose. Shall
not the farmer and his boys be allowed one festival
in the year in their own peculiar line or profession?

If cattle shows degenerate into scenes of amuse-
ment only, it must be owing to neglect or want of good
management in the offtcers of societies. Wc often see
at a show numerous ploughmen and teamsters trying
their skill and contending for the prize, or for excel-
lence, and the officers buisily engaged at their respec-
tive duties ; then, perhaps, comes the address often
combining important facts with " flights of fancy, and
flashes of wit; " and music frequently adds a charm
to the scene. Then comes a good dinner. Let those
who object to cattle shows call this a mere holiday
afl'air, if they please ; but it is what many indulge in
at home. Toasts often succeed, combining the use-
ful with the s^veet, and short speeches of the same
character ; and after a little recreation in this way,
then comes the labor of making and reading reports.

Now, in this round of duties of labor and recrea-
tion, all tending to promote the most useful profes-
sion.s that ever engaged the attention of man to give
a charm and imiietus to industry in its various pur-
suits, can any one well acquainted with the subject
see any thing that is objectionable ?

Occasionally, there may be miimanagoraent at a
cattle show; but if this be brought as an objection,
it will weigh equally heavy against every good thing
that is under man's administration. But we may
have said too much already on a qucjtion so clear.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

213

High fiuthoritii\s can never outweigh the still higher
authority of truth. We have regarded cattle shows
as among t!ic most cfteetual means of improvement,
and \vc hope thatthjse who oppose these exhibitions
will show what evils nccessaily attend them, before
tlicy attempt to lessen their influence.

For the Neio England Farmer.

APPLE-TREES-TIME OF BLOSSOMING.

Mu. EiiiroK: Tiiikin!; that you may be pleased
to Iny b.'foie you;- rea lers the following tnble, I for-
ward it for insertion in the New England Farmer.
It contains the blos-ioaiing of apple-trees in Mans-
field, Massachusetts ioi JifCij-tioo years, from 1798 to
184), in 1 .s vc.

1793...

..MiT..

..13.

1824 M

■x^.... 19.

1793,..

. . •• . .

..19.

1825

' ....15.

1800,..

. . " . .

..17.

1823

' ....15.

1801,..

.. " ..

..17.

1827,....

' ....17.

1802, . .

. . " . .

. . 23,

1828

' ....17.

1803,..

. . " . .

. . 22.

1823

' ....21.

1804...

. . " . .

- .22.

1830,

' 9.

180.5,..

. . " . .

..14.

1831

' ....14.

1801,..

. . " . .

. . 27.

1832,....

' 31.

1807...

. . " . .

..27.

1833

' 12.

180 ^..

.. " ..

..18.

1834

' ....20.

1803...

. . " . .

..2,5.

1835

♦ ....29.

1810,..

. . " . .

..19.

1833

' ....21.

1811...

.. " ..

..1.5.

1837,....

' ....30.

1812,..

. .June.

. . .2.

1838,....

« ....30.

1813,..

..May..

. . 25.

1839

• ....18.

1814,..

. . " . .

..14.

1840,....

' ....17.

ISl.i,..

. . '♦ . .

. . 27.

1841

' ....26.

1816,..

.. " ..

. . 28.

1842

' ....19.

1817,..

. . " . .

. . 23.

1843,....

' ... .22.

1818,..

. . " ..

. . 29.

1844,

' ....11.

1819,..

.. «' ..

..25.

1815

' ....21.

1820,..

. . " . .

..17.

184 1

' ....15.

1821,.

. . " . .

. . 27.

1847,....

' ....28.

1822,..

. . " . .

. . 15.

1848,....

' ....19.

1823, . .

.. <• ..

. . 23.

1843

' 29.

Observ.vtions. — May 9, 1830, and June 2, 1812,
are the two extremes. Difference, 24 days ; the
mean of w-hiuh is May 21. The mean annual
blossoming for the whole fifty-two years, is exactly
May 21. The mean of the first 23 years, is May
22, nearly ; and of the last 26 years, is May 20.

The observations were taken wiien the blossoms
had fully expanded, generallv, (except some late
kinds, as the russet, &y.,) aid their petals had besiun
to fall to the grou.id ; (that is, as ma ly petals had
fallen as what remfuned to expand.)

My father. Isaac Stearns, Sen., who was a farmer
of Maiislield, took the old Farmer's Almanac, pub-
lished by Robert B. Thomas, from its commencement,
in 1731, till his death, (mv father's,) in 1837. and
carefully noted in the margin of the Almanacs, the
lime of the blossom hij; of apple and other trees,
•with other events, which are to this day ] reserved in
the family, making four good-sized volumes. Wo
have been careful to continue the practice, so that
you may depend upon the accuracy of the memo-
randa.

Most respectfuUv vours,

ISAAC STEARNS.

Mansfield, June 4, 1849.

EnrroKi.vL Rum vuks. — The preceding record forms
an important document for the farmer, as it presents
fdcts instead of guess-work, which is often substitu-
ted for authentic records, which might be kept by
every man. Many persons have observed that

this is the latest season that they ever knew.
By the above record it appears that several seasons
have been more backward, and one was four days
later.

These records arc very valuable to the cultivator,
serving, in many cases, as a guide in timing various
operations. These and others, embracing various
matters, should be kept by every farmer and gardener.
They will cost him but little time, and they are often
of much importance and utility.

For the New Enrjlaiid Farmer.
THE HAY CROP.

WHAT SHALL WE DO AVITH THE SURPLUS ?

Mr. Editor : As many of our farmers have a
large surplus of hay on hand, and as the prospect is
nov,- favorable for another large crop, the question
naturally arises, with those who have a surplus on
hand, and usually fill their barns with one crop,
What can be done with the hay the present season?

A kind Providence so orders that before a scarcity
there is usually a great plenty. We are informed that
before the seven years' famine in Egypt, there were
seven years of plenty. I do not predict a famine of
hay, (at least the present appearances do not indi-
cate it ;) but I do think that it should be preserved,
for it is usually the case, that all the surplus hay
will be wanted, and will sell for a fair price within
a few years.

Now, the question is as to the best way of keeping
it without the expense of building now barns, as that
is too expensive for one surplus crop.

One person recommends stacking it and covering it
with oil cloth ; another person recommends cover-
ing the stack with a roof; a third person recom-
mends screwing the hay, as it then will occupy but
little room, and is more convenient to carry to mar-
ket.

I should like to have you, or some of your intelli-
gent correspondents, give some information, through
your valuable paper, on the subject.

The expense of the oil cloth, and its durability ;
the best manner of making a roof, and its expense ;
the expense of screwing ; the expense of screwing
apparatus ; also whether screwing injures the hay,
and whether new hay c.in .be screwed in the field
without injuring it ; also any other information con-
nected with the subject.

A SUBSCRIBER.

Editorial Remarks. — Hay may be secured in
stat-ks, by covering them well, which can be done at
a moderate expense. A better way, when there is a
convenient chance, is to make a large mow against
the barn, and secure it by a good covering of boards
or other suitable material. Perhaps one long stack,
forming an oblong square, would be preferable to sev-
eral, as it could be covered with more convenience,
and there would be less exposure on the sides.

Hay may be pressed at a moderate expense, and
it will then require far less room than loose hay. But
to do it cheaply, a person should have a good appa-
ratus, and be weU acquainted with the business. In
those sections where much hay is pressed, the press-
ing is usually done by some persons who travel round
and make a business of it. The usual price is about
seventy-five cents a ton and board, making the
whole cost about a dollar a ton.

As to the cost of binding materials, we do not

214

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

know. They vary very much in different parts of the
country. When hay is sold without any deduction
of tare for the withes and bands, these materials gen-
erally sell for more than they cost.

A fanner, in "Westbrook, Me., who resided one and
a half miles from the wharf in Portland, where he
delivered his hay, informed us that he would rather
deliver his hay, about fifty tons, on the wharf, pressed,
than in a loose state. As so much less time was re-
quired in loading and unloading, and as larger loads
could be hauled, the saving in transporting pressed
hay, even that short distance, was sufficient to pay
for pressing ; and the bandages, sold at the jn-ice of
hay, paid the cost of those materials.

We do not know whether it is customary to press
hay before it has lain a while in the mow, but we
think that hay well made might be pressed without
injury. As the bundles of hay cannot be laid so
close together as to prevent a circulation of the air
between, we think that pressed hay, if a little too
damp, would be no more liable to injury in the bun-
dle than in a mow of common dimensions, espe-
cially where several tons are put into the mow in the
course of a few days. On this we give an opinion
only, not facts.

A ton of pressed hay will occupy a space of about
one hundred and seventy or one hundred and eighty
square feet. In a solid mow, the sjjace for a ton of
hay has been estimated from four hundred to six
hundred square feet. We have never made any
experiments on this point, but from observation we
think that a solid mow, twenty by twenty-four feet,
one foot in depth, — four hundred and eighty square
feet, — would make a ton if the hay was heavy.
Perhaps five hundred feet would be a fair estimate.

According to our calculation, which we think is
nearly correct, pressed hay would occupy only about
one thii-d the room of loose hay.

For the New England Farmer.
APPLES.

Mr. Editor : Noticing a communication in one
of your back numbers from a gentleman in a neigh-
boring town, with whom I have an acquaintance, re-
specting apple-trees, their bearing, &c., I thought I
would say a few words about some seedling apple-
trees which I have grown on the farm since I lived
in Pryeburg. They consist of five different kinds.
The first is a very large apple, resembling what was
called, forty years ago, the New York Oreoiinfj. I
have had them that measured eleven and a half
inches in circumference. They are in eating from
November to Pobruarj\ I have named them Lovwell
Greening, in honor of Captain Lovwell, who fell on
the north-western shore of tlie pond, in Fryeburg,
bearing his name; my farm makijg the noitn-
eastern shore of the same pond. 1 have had peo-
ple from Massachusetts at my house, who, on ta.-.ting
of the above apples, remarked that they were good
enough for any gentleman's table.

My second sort resembles, in color, (though the
shape is more of an oblong form,) an apple in Massa-
chusetts, called, many years ago the Pippin, which I
have named the Lovwell Pippin. They are a fall api)le,
in eating fronr October to December. They are a
delicious fruit, of a full medial size, highly flavored,

and very melting ; superior for pies and other culi-

naiy purposes.

My third sort is an early apple. It ripens near the
time of the old Juneatings, oi your state, that I used
to know in my younger years. They are not like
them in color ; they are striped with red, of a small
size, of very agreeable flavor, and valuable for their
early ripening, when fruit is scarce.

My lourth andhtth are sweetings, and keep well for
winter use ; one of them more tnan middling size,
the other smaller ; very rich and highly flavored, and
excellent for winter. 1 have some giaited IVuit ; but
they are short-lived, unless grafted in the ground,
which 1 consider much better than budded trees. I
have other seedlings that are excellent in the fall,
but 1 v,ili not trouble you with a description of them
now.

I am your agricultural friend,

JAME.5 ^VALKEIl.

Fryeburg Islaxd, June 4, 18fJ.

Mr. Walker will oblige us by forwarding to our
office, for trial, some of his hue apples, at the proper
season. — Eu.

HILLING POTATOES.

Several years ago, we made an experiment to ascer-
tain whether hilUi:g potatoes was of any advantage.
W'c left t\\o rows with the ground level : thoac on
each side were hilled in tiie usual mode. At liarvest
time, it was found, by careful mea.-.urcment, that the
two rows leit level yielded most — how much most,
we have forgotten, fcjince that time, we never •• hill
up " potatoes, unless the ground is tOQ wet, and we
want to turn off the water. An inch or two of earth
over the tubers will keeptlie sun Irom injuring them,
and that is all that is needed. Weseesome Oiie, who
signs "An Old Farmer," gives the result oi an ex-
periment of this nature in the N. E. Farmer. lie
iett two rows in the piece unhillcd, or only gave
them a little earth at the tirst hoeing. At harvest, he
measured the product of the two unbilled rows, as
well as that of two rows on each side, and the un-
hilled rows gave five pecks more (and larger pota-
toes) than either two of the other lows. lie argues
(and resonably) that by hilling we deprive tlie crop
of the benehts of moisture, lie says potatoes need a
mellow soil ; but this cannot be well secured by in-
creasing the size of the hiil after planting. A cor-
respondent ol the London Uaidener's (Jnroniclc says,
" Moulding up potatoes retards the formation of the
tubers." The editor of that publication doubts the
conclusion of his corresijondeiit, and says, " Pota-
toes are stunted and swollen branches proceeding
from the sides of the main stems, which alone rise
into the air, clothe themselves with Itaves, ajul so
convey their food to their underground progeny.
* * * Now, the quantity ol lateral branches wiU
be in proportion to the quantity of carih tnrough
which the stem ])asses ; tubers are lateral branches,
and therefore the quantity of tubers will be regu-
lated by the same cause. Moulding up is a contri-
vance to increase the quantity of earth through which
the main stems have to pass, and shouLl, tnereforc,
according to the theory, be a beneficial operation."

Now, we do not understand how it is that "pota-
toes are stunted and swollen branches," &c. W^e
believe that potatoes proceed from a class of roots or
stems entirely dirlerent from others, and designed
particularly for the production of tubers. In the
next place, the editor contends that as "moulding
uj) " increases the number of lateral branches, the
quantity of potatoes would also be increased by the
same means. Our experience has tauglrt us a some-
what dufcrent conclusion. \V'e aJmit that the large
quantity of caith through which the iiiuui slcui

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

215

passes has a tendency to increase the number of
lateral branches ; but we have iiot found this increase
of branches or roots accompanied by a corresponding
increase in the weii^ht or yield of potatoes. In other
words, we have found earthing or '• moulding " up
to increase the number of roots, and the number of
tubers, but not the yield either in weight or measure,
because they were " small potatoes." "We have also
noticed that those varieties which throw out a great
number of lateral branches, produce many tubers in
number, but few in the aggregate weight.

The editor speaks of potatoes being produced in
the dark, which formed all over the branches, of
which he gives an engraving. We have often seen
potatoes produced in this way — have found them
very numerous, but never know any but small-sized
ones grown in such circumstances. — Albany Cultiva-
tor.

Remauks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — We have no
doubt that the making of high hills around potatoes,
as practised by many farmers, is very injurious in
dry land. The hill throws the water from the pota-
to plant, and it runs down and settles in the hollows
between the hills, below the level of the tubers, or
the most of the roots, and it soon soaks into the
ground. In some eases of high hilling, we have cx-
" amined the potato hills, after a powerful ram, which
fully saturated lands with an even surface, and the
potato hills were dry.

Large crops of potatoes are raised on burned land,
where no hill can be made, and in planting it is
difficult to get the potato under the scurf, so as to
plant it well. A very little light, fine soil, drawn
around the potato plant, leaving the earth a little
concave, so as to catch the water and conduct it to
the roots, will be beneficial ; but carefully guard
against making hills that will throw off the water.

RECLAIMED LAND.

To Samuel L. Hinckley, Esq., Secretary of the Hamp-
shire, Franklin, and Hampden Agricultural So-
ciety.

Sir : I present to said society the following state-
ment of my experiments in "reclaiming wetlands,"
submitting the same as an application for premium.

My farm comprises a good deal of low, moist land.
I had a swale at the foot and between two small
hills, at the top and in the middle of which were
two cold springs, and some slough holes, that would
not freeze in winter. Beside the uselessness of the
land for cultivation, I could not cart over it at any
season of the year. This swale was from four to
eight rods wide, and about forty rods long. I cut a
ditch lengthwise through the centre of it, of four
feet depth ; this I half fiUed with stones, covered
with brakes, and then filled with dirt, making a
blind ditch. This swale now bears the very best
English grass, having only been harrowed and
sprinkled with hcrdsgrass and clover, and yields
quite three tons to the acre. The ground is hard
and dry enough, and I can team over it at any time.
Some jiortlons of it I have planted to oats, corn, and
potatoes, and got good crops. The ditch of forty
rods cost me five days' labor in September, at, say
seventy-five cents per da}- : the filling with stone I
considered no expense, as I was necessarily carting
away stone heaps from my upland, and could put
them here with as little trouble as elsewhere. The
covering took perhaps two or three days' work more,
— the whole expense not exceeding six dollars for
reclaiming nearly one and a half at res.

Another experiment. — I have an interval of fifty or
sixty acres, nearly in the centre of which was a spot
of about two acres, too wet to plough, and covered
with little knolls, (probably where trees had been.
rooted out,) which made the mowing very difficult.
In fact, it was scarcely worth mowing, as there was
no grass on the knolls. I ploughed off the knolls,
and filled the hollows, covering the ground well with
the dirt from the knolls, and yet carting off the com-
post heap quite thirty loads, with which I mixed
about six loads of stable manure, making a rich com-
post bed. I then covered this spot with comjiost
manure, at the rate of fifteen loads to the acre. The
second year it yielded a very bountiful crop of clover
and herdsgrass — at least six times more than before
reclaiming. The expenses attending this experiment
were about eight days' labor for the two acres,
which was amply repaid by the thirty loads carted
to the compost heap. I now get not less than three
tons to the acre of this heretofore useless spot.

NATHANIEL EAGER.

WoRTHiNGTOX, December 30, 1348.

TURNING IN GREEN CROPS.

To Samuel L. Hinckley, Esq., Secretary of the Hamp-
shire, Franklin, and Hamj)den Agricultural So-
ciety.

Sir : I present to said society the following state-
ment in relation to my experiments in " turning in
crops, either green or dry, as a manure," submitting
the same as an apjilication for a premium, under tha
first division of " Experiments on ^Manure."

This experiment has occupied several years, and I
have devoted no little time and attention to the sub-
ject, — I am happy to say, with the most satisfactory
results. I had about two and a half acres of meadow,
which was worn out entirely ; and when I seeded it
down, the grass would not take. I commenced by
sjireading green stable manure over it, at the rate of
about twelve loads to the acre, and ploughed it in,
rolled it, furrowed it, and planted to corn, adding
about eight loads of manure to the acre in the hill,
making in all twenty loads to the acre. I got a fair
crop of corn, and next year seeded it down to oats,
with about eight pounds clover seed to the acre.
The crop of oats was fair. The following June, the
clover being very thick, and about knee high, I
turned it in very carefully, and sowed it to buck-
wheat, getting an excellent crop. I cut the buck-
wheat as high as possible, and turned the stubble in,
then sowed to oats four successive years, (cradling
my oats as high as possible, and immediately turning
the stubble in,) and got an increased crop every suc-
ceeding year. The manure alone would have run
out in two or three years ; but turning in the clover
and the stubble every year, enriched the land, and
increased the crop. This piece, having been seeded
down, now bears very heavy grass, quite equal to
three tons to the acre.

NATHANIEL EAGER.
WoRTHiNGTOX, December 30, 1848.

APPLICATION OF PLASTER AND ASHES
TO MEADOWS.

If a meadow be manured only with plaster of Paris,
the crops of grass will be at first greatly increased,
but will afterwards diminish ; for the silicate of pot-
ash which the soil contained, is soon exhausted by
the rapid growth of the grass, and its further increase
is checked. But, if the meadow be strewed from
time to time with wood ashes, which contain potash,
the grass will thrive as luxuriantly as before. —
iselccied.

216

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

DESIGN FOR A COTTAGE.

GROUND PLAN.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

tl7

COTTAGES.

On the opposite page is the representation of a
cottage, on a plan well calculated to afford comfort,
with economy in building. It is well adapted to a
small family, having on the ground floor a large par-
lor ; a dining-room, of moderate size, which may also
be u-sed for a sitting-room ; a kitchen, pantry, and
hall.

On the second floor there is room for four bed-
rooms, and a hall through the centre, well lighted,
affording convenient access to each room distinctly.
There is room in the attic for small sleeping-rooms,
or for a store-room. The whole plan combines good
taste, ornament, convenience, and economy.

This cottage maj' be built of any materials the
owner prefers as to taste or economy — wood, brick,
or stone. Our engraving represents the walls cov-
ered with boards vertically, and battened, which,
when well done, with clear stuff, well jointed, neatly
battened, and painted a suitable color, is beautiful
and durable, and in better taste than clapboards
painted white. In this mode of covering, the water
runs with the grain of the boards, so that the v/ear
of the walls is very little ; and, the outer substance
being thick, it will last a great while. We would
recommend either of the following colors instead of
white, (see page 222,) drab, French gray, light slate,
fawn, chocolate, or straw color. They are generally
cheaper and more substantial, and in much better
taste for cottages.

It has been a custom with many farmers to build
very large houses, and finish only a part. Such
buildings are very expensive, and as to comfort and
neatness, they are inferior to small, neat cottages.

FALKIRK TRYST.

The largest cattle market in the kingdom, uniting
sheep and cattle, takes place three times a year — on
the second Tuesday in August, September, and Octo-
ber, at Falkirk, in .Scotland, about equidistant from
Edinburgh and Glasgow. This is called the Falkirk
Tryst, and is held on an extensive plain, about three
or four miles from the town. Here are congregated
a vast number of horses, cattle, and sheep, and of
buyers and sellers. It was estimated, when I was
there, that the number of cattle then on the ground
exceeded fifty thousand head, and of sheep seventy
thousand ; and the banker informed me that the
money employed in the negotiation would exceed
three hundi'ed thousand pounds, or one million and
a half of dollars. The cattle and sheep exhibited at
this tryst are almost altogether of the Scotch breeds,
and many come from the remote Highlands. They
are purchased to be distributed in the neighborhood
and the southern provinces for wintering, or for
fatting for the winter and spring markets. Besides
cattle and sheep, a large number of horses are brought
for sale at the same time ; as many as three thousand
horses are sometimes offered for sale, and the field
presents the appearance of a grand military display ;
indeed, I have seldom seen a sight more imposing.
For a week or more before the tryst, the roads lead-
ing to Falkirk will be found crowded with successive
droves of cattle and sheep, proceeding to this central
point ; and it is extremely curious, on the field, to see
with what skill and care the different parties and
aerda are kept together by themselves. la this

matter, the shepherds are greatly assisted bj' their
dogs, who appear endowed with a sagacity almost
human, and almost to know every individual belong-
ing to their charge. They are sure, with an iiifiex-
iblo pertinacity, to follow and biiiig back a deserter
to the flock. Purchasers come in geat numbers
from various parts of the kingdom. S<)nie cattle arc
bought to bo resold at other and smaller markets.
The larger number arc bouj;ht in order to be fed or
fatted on the arable farms at the south. Cattle which
have thus been driven from the extreme north are
afterwards to be found even in Cornwall, at the
Land's End.

The sales in these cases arc, of course, for cash.
Bankers are always present, or near at hand, to facil-
itate the transactions. Here, at a distance little less
than four hundred miles from London, bankers go
down from London, carrying their funds with them,
and occupying, during the time of the niaiket, (which
continues at least four days,) a temporary stand or
ofhce in the field. — CjIihchis Tour,

LIME AND SALT MIXTURE.

In a former article on this subject, we stated that,
for the purpose of making the chloride of lime, and
carbonate of soda, as the resultants from the admix-
ture of lime and salt, three bushels of shell lime
should be slaked with one bushel of salt dissolved in
water. Since writing the article above referred to,
we have received a letter froi'h a practical friend,
stating that he could not use so large a quantity of
the solution of salt with the lime, and that he had
therefore been compelled to mix part of the salt in.
an undissolved state with the lime. He suggests,
also, that we should further exijlnin, to prevent simi-
lar difficulties arising with others.

If the three bushels of shell lime be hot from the
kiln, it will take up as much water as is necessary to
dissolve one bushel of salt ; but if it be long exposed
to the action of the atmosphere, it will not readily
receive so large a quantity. In such case, we should
advise that after the mass has been tu:ned over, new
portions of the solution of salt should be added each
day, until the necessary quantity is combiaed. We
have often met with the same difhculty, but have
continued daily to add the solution of salt mitil the
evaporation from the mass enables it to receive the
necessary quantity. The undissolved salt which our
friend has added, he will find combined afcer the
mass has been several times turned over ; but it will
require more time to complete the combination. —
Working Farmei:

THE TWO SYSTEMS OF FARMING.

Under a low standard of agriculture, the object of
the farmer is to collect the natural produce of the
soil with the expenditure of as little money or labor
as possible. But under a high standard, he does not
grudge expense of labor, nor of manure, in order to
obtain a proportionate increase of produce ; and he
studies to obtain this by cultivatin i; crops congeui.il
to the soil, by growing them in such order that its
natural powers shall be turned to the best advantage.
— Wisconsin Farmer.

CURE FOR DISTEMPER IN DOGS.

Take as much tui-pcth mineral as will lie on a five-
penny bit, make it in a pill or two, with butter, and
give the dog : it will cause him to vomit, and cure
him. This 1 have done often, and never knew it W
fail. — Ameriean Farmer.

218

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

PROPAGATION OF DISEASE IN HORSES.

Mr. Skiiine-, in hi* Jouna', qmtcs authorities to
Bhow the trutli of hcreditarv diseases among horses
as well as amouij; men. He say.s —

" It liaviiig heea clearly .shown, not only in the-
orv, I u: 111 ■ r.ictice. that the di c s 's and dolbcts of
hor^e* are lor the mo<t part hero lit try, we may be in-
duced t ) ^;ivc credit to th'! assertion, that the Arabi-
ans, after having- brou2;ht their breed of horses to the
highest pitch of im,)roveinent of which they them-
selves considered them ca,)able, have preserved their
chief iierfe.tion, namely, great endurince of fatigue,
with highly organized matter, and natural soundness
of limb — by rcs:iic ing the use of stallions until
approved of by a public inspector of them. Indeed,
in several European states, similar ])recaution3 are
taken, and stailioas are provided by their govern-
ment^, for the use of farmers and others who breed
horses ; and care is tikon in the selection of them to
avoid all su.-h as have ])roved naturally unsound, or
bi'en attb t.'d by any di>i.aie, the influence of which
may be hereditary. No part of veterinary pathology
is more interesting than th;it which relates to the
h?roditabL>ncss of di-casc ; and, as an eminent French
writer (Professor Duiniy) on the veterinary art
observes, ' That person will render an important
service to his country, and to rural economy in gen-
eral, who may show, by incontestable evidence, that
those organic diseases (farcy and glanders) are very
often hereditary. I knew a mire whose body, on
dissection presented every appearance of glanders :
her filly died at the age of four and a half years, of
the same tubcrLulous affection. The other offspring
of this mare inherited her particular conformation,
and her propensities to bite and kick.' The profes-
sor produces three similar instances of inherited
disease, all of which, he says, were too evident and
•well marked to admit the ];Ossibility of any serious
mistake, and were attested by the professors of the
Veterinary School at Alford. Similar observations
follow in relation to the diseases of oxen, cows, sheep,
and swine, as also of ophthalmy in horses, all of
■which are transmitted from one generation to another,
the effect of hereilitary influence. ' These consid-
erations, continues the professor, 'to us are of the
greatest moment, since we have it in our power, by
coupling and crossing well-known breeds, to lessen
the number of animals ])redisposcd to these diseases.'
Acting up to such ideas, our line of conduct is
marked out. ^Ve must banish from our establish-
ments designed to improve the breed, such animals
as show any signs of tuberculous disease, or any
analogous affection. Above all, no stallion should
be allowed to remain in a wet or cold situation, in
consequence of the evils likely to result therefrom."

Remauks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — It is a well-
established law of nature that like produces lilce ;
and any animal or vegetable that is diseased, is liable
to transmit that disease to its descendant. This im-
portant fact should always be borne in mind, for
with a little care to this subject, sound animals and
plants may be as easily propagated as defective ones,
and every one must acknowledge that there is a vast
difference in their value.

WIND-GALLS.

Ilorses which are subjected to hard service arc
liable to have what are called ipiad-;iaUs on those
parts of the limbs which are most exposed, especially
about the hough and upper pastern joints. The a.W'ec-
tion is an undue enlaigement of little bags or sacs
which arc situated in the parts named. By the strain-

ing of the tendons, these sacs become injured, and
sometimes take on inflammation, and bct-ome hard.
Youatt says, " The farriers used to suppose that they
contained wind; hence their name wiud-r/a/b ; and
hence the practice of opening them, by which dread-
ful inflammation has often been produced, and many
a valuable horse destroyed." As to treatment, the
author just referred to directs, "If the tumors are
numerovis and large, and seem to imi)ede the motion
of the limb, they may be attacked fii'st by bandage.
The roller should be of flannel, and soft pads on each
side of the enlargements, and bound down tightly
upon them. The bandage may be wotted with a lo-
tion composed of three parts vinegar to one of spirits
of wine. The wind-gall will often diminish or dis-
appear by this treatment, but will too frctiuently re-
turn when the horse is again hardly worked. A
blister is a more effectual remedy, and firing still
more certain, if the tumors be sufHeiently large and
annoying to justify our having recourse to measures
so severe. In bad cases, the cautery is the only cure,
for it will not only eft'ect the immediate absorption
of the fluid, and the reduction of the swelling, but,
by contracting the skin, will act as a permanent
bandage, and therefore prevent the reappearance of
the tumor." — American Farmer.

CURE FOR BONE SPAVIN.

Take oil of amber, oil of spike, and spirits of tur-
pentine, equal parts, say four ounces ; warm them on
some warm ashes with no blaze, and apply them as
warm as you can to the spavin by pouring it on and
rubbing it in well with the ball of your thumb ;
(flrst shave the hair off of the spavin ;") this must be
repeated twice a day for two days, when, if well
rubbed, it will become a running sore ; wet a sponge
with the substance, and apply it twice a day for three
days, then stop for three daj-s, and if the spavin has
not disappeared, repeat the course throe days longer,
let the sore heal, wash it with plantain leaf scalded
and suds from Castile soap ; as soon as the sore is
closed, commence rubbing with lard or rank butter,
and the spavin will disappear, and the hair will grow
in the same color. — Tbid.

A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE AGE.

When wo look abroad upon the world, and scan its
most striking features, and comjDare them with the
features of the days gone by, we cannot fail to per-
ceive that there is one trait at least Avhich eminently
characterizes and distinguishes the present from all
others that have preceded it, we refer to the spirit
of rapidity in locomotion. It was the boast of Caesar
that his legions in one season had conquered in Asia
and Europe ; but in the same space of time Avhich
Csesar's legions took to come from Rome to Albion's
coast, an army could now be transported from the
Thames to the Indus, or across the wide Atlantic —
that ocean which to the ancients was a vast unknown.
History records with pride the feats of swiftness per-
formed by their sure-footed " steeds of metal true ; "
but what is the speed of the swiftest animal in ani-
mated nature, in comparison with the swift-winged
messenger that travels along the copper wire of the
telegraph, or the disk-footed courser that pants un-
wearied on his iron-girdled course from lake to
ocean ? Last year, our country was thrilled by a
famous horse on Long Island trotting one hundred
miles in ten hours, and fifteen years ago Mr. Osbaldis-
tone, in England, astonished the world by riding two
hundred miles in ten hours, by relays of famous
racers ; but M'hat are all these feats in comparison
with the feats of a few iron wheels driven with ex-
panded water ? The crippled soldier, whose luckless

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

219

limbs were loft on some wcU-fought field, can, by
the aid of seicuco. travel as quietly us if sitting at
his own firo-iide, from Albany to Buffalo during the
tinie the swiftest-f loted racer could gallop one fourth
of the distiineo. We may boast of " the speed of the
Arab steed," and we maj- admire the eagle in his
flight through the air ; but neither the race of the
one, nor the flight of the other, has so much poetic
inspiration in it as the locomotive that fleets faster
than the whirhvin I, or the steamship that marches
proudly against wind and wave over the stormy deep.
— Soieutijic American.

-♦-

WHAT CONSTITUTES A PERFECT
HOMEl

That which combines the most facilities for enjoy-
ment, with more especial reference to family com-
forts. This is the sole end of having a dwelling, and
all we can rationally seek in one. How, then, can
this end be secured ? This inquiry we hope to
answer throughout the progress of the volume.
Meanwhile, let us consider a few of the grand prin-
ci])les which govern this matter.

To encljse space is the first and main object in
building. This is done by ma:<iiig ivall-s ; and we
will call roof, ceiling, floors, doors, etc., walls.

Strength and tightness are also required, the former
to resist blasts, and the latter to exclude rains and
colds. Light, ventilation, cleanliness, drj-ness, etc.,
embrace other objects ; but of these as we proceed.

Rjjnis, convenient, easy of access, etc., should also
be secured, and espejially such an arrangement of
them as shall faolitate " housework." Every house-
keeper knows that it requires twice the labor to do
a given amount of work in some houses that it does
in others. Now, to have the rooms and their
accompaniments so constructed as to have every
thing handy and convenient, — a place for every thing
~ and every thing in its place, — is indeed a great de-
sideratum. IIow much frctfulncss and ill-temper
an unhandy house occasions.

Warmth, easy, cheap, and complete, is also a great
desideratum, because so promotive of comfort. What
pleasure can be taken in a barn of a house, all open,
and the chilling winds perpetually pouring in through
a thousand crevices, so that you freeze one side while
you roast the other — everything frozen in winter,
or your sleeping-rooms small, low, close, and right
under a thin roof, so that you swelter the fore part
of an August night, and perhaps catch a death-cold
towards morning — and one or another of the family
sick most of the time, or else now and then falling
into permature graves r

Chi;upness is another matter, to some, and espe-
cially to the poor, of gretit importance. Indeed, all
should inquire how they can build the best house
with the least means. Not that I would stint a house,
or saciitice utility on the altar of cheapness ; for, as
already stated, I believe in appropriating no incon-
siderable a portion of our earnings to improving
home ; but be the sum thus appropriated greater or
smaller, all should strive to make the most of it, that
is, to combine as many comforts for their money as jios-
sible. However rich a builder may be, he should waste
nothing, but, after disbursing every dollar wisely
and eeo'.iomi:ally, should give the balance to some
poor neighbor. Yet time and money are wisely
spent which add to the real solid pleasures of home
and family. All of us shamefully neglect this essen-
tial point. We carelessly tolerate evils and miseries
by the score, for days and years, which a few hours
01- dollars would remove. We fail to give our domi-
ciles their due proportion of our time and funds.
No matter what a house docs cost, so that it is good.
Better spend our funds for this than for thousands of
those thmgs ou which we now well nigh waste them.

Let others spend their money for balls, foshions, etc.,
but let me spend mine for a real family homestead ;
and then let me, year by year, spend no small part of
my income in adorning and improving it, till, in the
decline of life, I shall have a perfect home for my-
self and family, surrounded with eveiy comfort, my
land rich, my trees annually loaded with every
variety of the choicest fruits, and the M-hole sup])lied
with every thing that can conduce to beauty, utility,
and comfort. I>et every one procure as good a house
as he is able — even better than most think they
can aff"ord, though at the sacrifice of many other
things — but build as cheap as possible for the value.
Yet there are few things on which men can, and
do, literally squander money as foolishly as in build-
ing. To build without a plan, or with a crude one,
and then to alter this, and patch on that, is as wrong

as it is imbecile. See how unwise C , of Boston,

is, in so often altering and remodelling his house.
Get all ready before j'ou lay the first stone. Es-
pecially mature your plan. Know just what you
want, and how you want it, and then how to do it.
Leave less to the mechanic, for he may care less
about your house than your money, and knowingly
omit some good, or commit some error, just to get
pay for altering it, and then excuse it by alleging
that he knew nothing of how you wanted it done.
Or he may propose some costly addition, of little real
value, just to get a chance to put money in his
pockets. I boss my own buildings, and will show
you in this work how to boss yours. Besides, the
judgment of carpenters is sometimes inferior to that
of common-sense men, because the former are hide-
bound in the old way, while the views of the latter
are oftener allowed to act untrammelled.

O. S. FOWLER.

HORTICULTURE.

Horticulture, said Mr. Speaker Winthrop, on a lato
occasion, in its most comprehensive sense, is emphati-
cally the fine art of common life. It is eminently a
republican fine art. It distributes its productions
with equal hand to the rich and poor. Its implements
may be wielded by every arm, and its results appre-
ciated by every eye. It decorates the dwelling of
the humblest laborer with undoubted originals by
the oldest masters, and places within his view fruit
such as Van Huysum never painted, and landscapes
such as Poussin could only copy.

Farms in the neighborhood of Herrmann, Gascon-
ade county, in this State, have risen very much
lately, in consequeneo of the increased cultivation
of the vine. A Mr. Poeschel, possessor of a vine-
yard not quite an acre in extent, and planted with
the Catawba grape in the spring of 184o, made from
it this year one thousand gallons of wine. The
value of the whole produce was one thousand and
seven hundred dollars. — Miner s Prospect.

PROTECT YOUR VINES.

We are informed, by a gentleman of this town,
says the Lynn News, of an experiment made by him,
last year, upon his squash-vines, which proved suc-
cessful in clearing off the bugs. He strewed on the
vines the bran of pepper, which may be obtained at
any of the spice mills where pepper is ground.
Every one who has a garden will appreciate tho
value of a remedy so cheap and simple, and give it a
trial. We should like to have those who try the ex-
periment give us the result, if they find it succassfuL

The finer the seed to be sown, the finer should tlie
soil be made which is to receive it.

220

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Domestic Department.

Making and pheservixg Buti-er. — The follow-
ing article was communicatod to the Farmer's
Monthly Visitor, by a lady of the United Society at
Canterbury, N. II. The excellent economy of this
society in every department of industry, gives an
importance to their recommendations.

The pans or other vessels in which the milk is to
be set should be made perfectly sweet by scalding
previous to putting the milk into them. A room in
the basement story, where the air will circulate freely,
is preferable to a cellar (when the weather will ad-
mit of it) for setting milk. Forty-eight hours is a
sufficient length of time to raise cream for making
butter to keep througli the winter season.

After this cream is taken off, the milk may stand
the same length of time, but the cream that rises
after the first forty-eight hours will not make butter
60 palatable as the hrst which rises, and should be
churned separate.

As soon as the cream is taken from the milk, it
Bhould be put into a tin j^ail and set into a kettle of
ecalding water, taking care to stir the cream often,
otherwise it will turn oily at the top ; it should re-
main in the kettle till the cream is scalding hot,
being particular to place it in a tub of cold water
immediately. Stii- it often, till it is nearly or quite
cold: if it remains long after hot, it will be injured
much. It will be necessary to change the water
once or twice before the cream can be perfectly cold.
It may then be kept three or four days before churn-
ing withovit injury.

After churning, the buttermilk should be partially
■worked out : then add one and one half ounces of
salt to one pound of butter. It may then be covered
tight and stand till the following daj^ ; then work it
over iigain, taking great care to work out every par-
ticle of buttermilk, which will prevent the butter
from growing rancid by age. It may then be formed
into cakes, or packed solid in a cask, which should be
perfectly sweet and well dried.

The inside should bo sprinkled and a little fine salt
rubbed thereon. After the cask is filled, dip a cloth
in melted butter, and spread it snugly over the top
— cover it Avith fine salt, and fasten up the cask
sufhciently tight to keep out the air : it should then
be set in a cool place, to remain through the winter.

N. B. A cask made of red oak staves is prefera-
ble to any other for preserving the original sweetness
of butter.

It will add to the flavor of butter to work in a lit-
tle sugar at the last working over ; say, a table spoon-
ful to four or live pounds of butter.

Layering. — Very many lovers of flowers have
been discouraged from endeavoring to keep some of
the most beautiful and easily managed plants by
(vant of a little knowledge of the art of propagation.
They find their ])lants to flourish and blossom well
for a season or two ; they are delighted with their
fragrance or their beautj', but the time for disappoint-
ment and regret comes on apace. Perhaps the seeds
do not ripen — most double flowers will not produce
seeds at all — probably, even when ripe seeds are
obtained and sown, after bestowing much attention
and care upon the younglings, and watching anx-
iously, for months, until they come to maturity and
expaid into bloom, it is found that very inferior va-
rieties have been produced, having little resemblance
to the prized parent plant, and ill-rewarding the la-
bor expended. The poor, inexperienced, and mortified
florist next undertakes to raise ixesh. plants by pip-

ings, cuttings, or slips. Raise new plants he must,
if he Avishes to keep up his stock ; for " all that live
must die," and the most robust constitution is no
security against an early death. The new attempt
will in some instances succeed, and if it does, the
original variety is perpetuated, with all its character-
istics. But one Avho does not possess the whole
paraphernalia of floriculture, — the stove, the green-
house, the close frame, the bottom heat, the boll
glasses, the mattings and shades, — or one who, pos-
sessing some of them, knows not how to use them
propcrh', will fail much oftcner than he will succeed.

There is, however, one method of propagation, in
which, as resijccts a great number of species, the
most ignorant may with a little care be entirely
successful.

It is equally effective for Sweet "Williams, Chinese
pinks, and indeed for the whole genus dianthus
and innumerable others.

The branch of which the layer is to be made,
should be prepared by cutting off the leaves from that
part which is to be covered with earth. If the plant
is of woody texture, a ring of the bark about one
eighth of an inch broad, should be cut off also. If
the branch belongs to a jointed plant, like the carna-
tion, &c., a sharp penknife should be passed through
its centre, so as to split it at the joint, and for about
a half inch above and below it. This ringing or
incision is useful, as it partially interrupts the flow
of the sap, arresting a portion of it at the point from
which the young roots are to sj^ring. A small por-
tion of the earth should then be removed, and the
prepared branch should be secured in the cavity by a
hooked peg. It should then be covered with light,
rich mould, not that removed, from one to two inches
deep. The depth should vary according to the chai--
acter of the plant, the more succulent requiring the
shallower covering, and the more woody and dry the
deeper. When the layers have struck root, they
should be severed from the parent plant, and potted,
or planted in the garden by themselves. Most of
our frequent flowering garden roses, grape-vines,
gooseberry bushes, snowballs, honeysuckles, and
shrubbery in general, may, by this means, be readily
and easily propagated to almost any extent ; and if
the layering be done soon after the full blooming of
the plant is nearly over, the eftect upon the stock is
benericial rather than injurious. — Sariain's Magazine,

IJogs' Department.

No Weeds. — Boys who have a little spot of land
to cultivate as their own, should be careful and allow
no weeds xo grow on it. In most cases, boys have
small farms, and they should be careful to keep them
well cultivated and in the neatest condition. " He
that is faithful over a few things shall be made lord
over many."

The Boy that smokes. — What shall we say of
the boy that smokes? Shall we pronounce any
judgment upon him ? Shall we say that he is ac-
quiring an evil habit ? that he is becoming a slave to
a master, who, by and by, will be very cruel to him;
that he is on the high road to rowdyism ; that he is
beginning to bo profligate with his money, &c. ? O
that this were the worst ! What say the druggists,
who know the stimulating effects of tobacco ? One
and all, that it often proves the flrst step to drunken-
ness. No young man, who uses tobacco, in any
shape whatever, is or can be safe. He is apt to be
thirsty, and water never satisfies. Tobacco-smoking

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

221

feeds the love of htron<^ drinks in two ways — first,
by creating a morbid thirst ; and second, by impair-
ing the appetite for food, and indiroftly oncouraj;ing
him who uses it to seek for that strength which food
should give him, in the use of extra stimulus. Let
the friends of tcmpcvancc — temperance men above
all the rest — beware of tobacco in every form.' Take
care, then, temperance boys, how you get that filthy
thing, a cigar, in your mouths. Abhor and detest it,
for it is poison and death." — Wdl-Spring.

t^ealtl).

How TO PRESERVE Healtii. — " Kccp thc bowcls
open, the feet warm, the head cool, and a fig for the
physicians."

" Eat in measure, and defy the doctor."

llise early in thc morning, wash the whole body,
that you may be clean, vigorous, elastic, and joyous.
Take a draught of jiure water, and then walk, ride, ex-
ercise, or, better, labor in the open air, at least for a
short time. Afterwards go to a plain meal of brown
bread, milk, potatoes, and the like healthful articles,
such as a king should be thankful to partake of. Do
not cat in a hurry ; better to take water, and omit
the meal altogether, than eat in haste. "Haste
makes waste," here as elsewhere ; waste, not only of
the food, but of that which is far more important, of
that which is better than riches and tine gold —
hualth.

Alter your meal, go not too rapidly to work —
neither with the head nor the hand. It is better not
to read immediately after eating. The literary or
sedentary man si.ould not go immediately to his
books. Moderate exercise (not in tlie hot sun) it
■would be well to practise. Moderate exercise (phys-
ical) promotes digestion : this is the rule. And in
all cases remember the good old maxim, "£«< to live,
not Uoe to eat."

If you would " keep the bowels open, the feet
wai-m, and the head cool," avoid superfine articles
of every kind ; avoid all rich, and concentrated, and
stimulating articles ; avoid especially tea and coffee,
which are always astringent, binding, to the mucous
membrane internally, and exert also a pernicious
effect on the nervous system. Especially avoid to-
bacco, the most hateful of all drugs. Avoid laziness
above all things. Let temperance and moderation bo
the watchwords in all you do. Thus may you in-
sure that best of earthly blessings — Jirm and endur-
in// health. — Water-Care Journal.

ilTctljanics' Ocfiartmcnt, CHrts, ^c.

Elasticity, oit Spuing Temper of Metals. — The
proi)ertics of metals are but just beginning to be
known. This remark may startle some of the old
^\orkers in metals who conceive that they know all
about them. They may indeed know all that, in the
present state of knowledge, in regard to them, can be
known. But with all their knowledge they will
confess that there are many things in reference to
the natures and projjerties of the several metals,
whether in their simple states, or wlicn alloyed with
other metals, which they cannot explain, but would
like to know. An expert worker of iron once said
to us, in reference to some operations in working it in
various conditions, "There is a great mystery, sir,
in iron ; " and then went on to state several things,
the causes of which he could not explain. " Your
• mystery,' we answered, is only another word for
ignorance. Instead of there being a mystery in iron,

there is ignorance in yourself. There arc causes for
all the appearances and changes you speak of under
the operations you mention ; l)Ut being ignorant of
them, you consider them mysteries. They will ono
day be discovered, and then the mysteries will van-
ish ."

There are many things yet to be discovered, not
only in the natures of thc several simple metals, but
also in their state of combination with other metals.
One characteristic, not much understood, is the na-
ture and cause of elasticity of metals. fSomc metals
can be made highly clastic by being tempered at a
given degree of heat. Others, again, which, in a
separate state, are perfectly non-elastic, when alloyed
together become highly elastic : thus, fifteen parts
of pure gold and one part of iilatinum, the platinum
added when the gold is perfectly melted, combine
intimately, and become remarkably elastic, although
before their union they exhibit nothing of the kind.

We perceive that the latest emission of those neat
mantel clocks so abundantly made in Connecticut,
instead of weights, have a spiral spring, like the
main-spring of a watch, which moves the wheels, a
Aveek or more, without being wound oftoner than
that. These springs are made of some sort of alloy
resembling brass. No doubt many other combina-
tions of metals might be maile that would exhibit
similar properties, and which will form a cheap and
ready mode of obtaining springs.

The combinations of the several metals might be
made almost ad infinitum, and this branch of metal-
lurgy aff'ords a fine* field to those who have the means
and the time and desire to pursue it. Indeed, as wo
said in the beginning, the whole science, art, and
practice of metallurgy is in its infancy, although
metals have been wrought ever since the days of
Tubal Cain. The different societies for encouraging
scientific researches, and even government itself,
ought to promote, in every prudent way, these re-
searches. — Maine Farmer.

RURAL LIFE.

This primeval employment of man is the most
healthful of all occupations ; healthful for the body,
thc mind, and the soul. What other pursuit by
which men obtain honest bread affords such vigor-
ous training for the physical powers, such various
and extensive ranges of mental exercises ?

And where may thc moral nature of man be pro-
served unsullied from vice, and grow, and expand
more, than amid rural scenes and beneath the purest
air of heaven ?

The farmer's life is not scratch, scratch, with the
pen — rap, rap, Avith the hammer — nor an evcrhist-
ing unpacking and repacking of the product of
another's labor. Ho walks Ibrth under the open
sky, his broad acres spread out beneath his feet ; the
blue concave, sunlit or starlit, or shrouded in clouds,
is still above him. Health claims him as her favor-
ite child, and the glorious sun loves to kiss a cheek
that is not ashamed to wear the ruddy imprint of such
att'ection. Nature's own inimitable musie of bab-
bling brooks, birds, breeze, or rustling foliage, enters
his ear on its glad mission to his heart. He listens
to instructive voices, continually sj;eaking from the
universe around him. His eye gathers truth from
unwritten pages of wisdom, every where open beforo
him. Each day, each month, season after season,
year after year, these teaidiings are given to him,
infinite in variety, and endless in extent.

When, toward the close of a sultry day, the sum-
mer's blessing comes pouring down, and as, in the
beautiful poetry of the sacred volume, "the trees of
thc field clap their hands," and " the valleys, covered
with corn, shout for joy." thc farmer, retiring from
his labors to the friendly shelter of his cottage roo;^

222

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

improves his leisure hours with the treasures of writ-
ten wisdom. So, too, while his fields are sleeping
beneath i'ro^t and snow, what profession affords more
available opportunities for sclf-cuIturc ? Whore was
the Ivric jiootry composed that makes Scotland
prouder of her Burns than of all her ancient race of
■warlike kini^s ? Was it not between the handles of
the Moss<i;eil plou;^h ?

Of all the employments that busy men here in this
present statu of existence, the cultivation of the earth
is distinguished as affording the best opportunities
for an extcndi^d range of ir.ental discipline, for ad-
vancing in true refinement, for social, rur.al, and
religious im]n'ovcment !

And now, last of all, agriculture shall put forth
her highest claim. Of all men, the farmer alone
•walks in the jiath where God himself first took the
crcaU\d imige by the hand and led tlic way " to dress
and to keep " his garden — the earth ! Confiding in
God, the husbandman ploughs his fruitful holds,
■while the birds of spring are singing nraises around
him. Buoyant with hope, he scatters the seed upon
the ground, and gratefully receives the early and the
latter rain, coming down from heaven to give the in-
crease. And never did rational man yet apply the
sickle to the golden grain without >omc vague idea
of gratitude' to God, the Giver of harvests !

Indeed, the husb uidman's whole life, rightlj*
viewed, is a " walking with God." And though
thousands may not often think of this, and but a
few, even in any small degree, appreciate it as they
ought, nevertheless the assertion claims to be true.
GEORGE JAQUES.

WoiicESTEii, M.vss., Dec. 6, ISIS.

Djlciuujs Iljriiculturist.

ORNAMENTAL TREES.

One of the most popi:lar lady writers, who, judg-
ing from what she has wiitten, b"". lived among plain
farmers i\ the western country, has said that most
settlers in a new country consider a tree as their
natural enemy. This is true, wo eonfoss, to some
extent. The earlier settlors, in clearing their fields,
generally slay every thing before them ; for if a tree
shouLl occasionally bo left for shade or ornament, it
would be saved with difficulty during the scathing
fires that follow afterwards. But when the farmer
removes his old log-house to give ]ilace for his new
mansion, neatly painted and adorned with bright
green sliuttors, then the dock thistle, the briers, and
bru^h-hcaos should be routed from his door-yard,
and some kind of ornamental shrubbery planted in-
stead. E/ery jjortion of our country has some such
suitable trees" indigenous to the soil. Thcma Ic and
locus, a'-c very har ly trees, and every where obtained
in our latitu.le. The lilac is pretty, and doxaus of
other kinds procured with little trouble. By way of
variety, and to enliven the s^onc a little, a few ever-
greens should be i itcrspersed. The balsam fir is one
of the ino^t beautiful of this class. Evergreons, if
transplanred, are not apt to live unless extra care is
taken. The surest way is to dig them with as much
earth adhering tf) the roots as possible, and ])laco
them immediately in an old tub. half- barrel, or some-
thing of the kind, then filling it up with the same
earth from which the shrub was take:i, and thus re-
moved home and placed tub and all in the holes pre-
pared for them. Afterwards the tub or box contain-
ing them ca.i be knocked to jjieces, that the rons
may spread. I).)n't forget to water the plants occa-
sionallv if the weather should be dry. The trees
should bo jilacod on the outer margin of shrubberies
for their beauty and proteccio.i. E. G.

Wakemvn, Ohio. 1343.
— rhilsululphia Dollar Newspaper.

SOILING.

Soiling, in this country, has been adopted only to
a limited extent. The " /oarites," however, a reli- M

gious sect of Germans, located on the banks of the I
Muskingum liiver, in the state of Ohio, keep their ■

cows almost constantly in their stalls, feeding them
on the offal of the dairy, roots, ajiples, and hay. They
are said to observe great care and circumspection in
the treatment of their animals, and by them are abun-
dantly remunerated for their extra care and pains.
Their stalls are thoroughly washed daily, and the
water used for this purpose is carefully collected in
res.'irvoirs constructed expressly for the purpose, and
a]>])licd systematically, in the form of liquid manure,
to their hothouse and garden products.

In a late communication to the British Board of
Agriculture, it is .stat(!d that thirty cows, one bull,
four calves, and five horses, were fed through the
summer from fifteen acres of clover, sown the pi'c-
ceding year. The labor of two men and two women
was sufficient to tend them, and the net produce of
the season, in butter, from Juno to October, was
nineteen pounds and ten shillings, nearly ninety dol-
lars, from each cow. In this country, where, from the
greater value of labor, the expense of tending would
be considerably increased, the profits of soiling would
obviously be less ; but there are nevertheless situa-
tions and circumstances of freijuent occurrence,
which would render the adoption of this system, on
a limited scale, an enterprise that would be attended
with the most gratifying results. Sowing corn —
the common Indian, or the southern horse-tooth
variety — broadcast, and feeding the crop, green,
to stock, especially to milch cows, during a part
of the season, is a practice now becoming quite
common. Animals in milk, so fed, will, if ])roporly
attended in other respects, greatly increase the quan-
tity of their milk, while at the same time there is also
effected, as a natural consequence, a corresponding
improvement in its quality. This subject is, I think,
eminently deserving the attention of farmers gen-

^I'^l^y- AGIUCOLA.

Lower Dublin, Mfiy 30, 1849.
— Genna/Uoiv/i Tclet/rajj/i.

THE COLOR OF HOUSES.

The practice of painting white in all cases has been,
rapidly giving way for some years ; and a great vari-
etv of colors are now used instead. Mr. Itanlclt in
his Architect has some remarks on the subject which
are of value.

" The interior of a house should always be painted
of a warm, neutral tint. Pure white is too cold and
cheerless for a dwelling-room, and is, moreover, so
liible to stains, that its ajipearance of jjurity and
cleanliness, which is a great recommendation with
neat housekeepers, very soon wears off.

" Tnc purity of our atmosphere, and the absence
of coal smoke, admit of houses being painted a pure
white; and where lead and oil are alone used in the
open air. the color will grow whiter from exposure ;
but in the interior of a house it will become a clingy
yellow from being deprived of light and air. White
lead improves by age, and slumld not be used for
wood work unless at least a year old ; linseed oil
also becomes purer and better from age, and should
be at least two years manufactured before used.
Much harm results from the employment of incom-
petent workmen in the ]iainting of houses, as from
their inexperience in mixing paints, and their inabil-
ity to distinguish between good and bad inateriiUs,
the employer often throws away his money, and de-
faces the apjjcarance of his house in the attempt to
beautify it by a coat of paint.

NEW ENGI.AND FARMER.

223

•< In painting a house any light color, particubir
care should be taken to kill the knots in pine wood,
as it is technically termed, or the ertects ct' the first
painting will be greatly marred. The best method
of destroying the turpentine contained in pine knots
is bysincadiag upon them frcshly-slakcd lime, which
Avill effectually burn it out. After this has been done
the knots must be covered with a sizing, composed
of red and white lead and glue.

" In painting the outside of a house, there should
be no turpentine mixed with the paint, excepting in
the case of white paint, and then only in the last
coat : not more than one part turpentine to four parts
oil should be used, as oil has a tendency to discolor
white.

" White lead forms the basis of all pigments for
house paintings excepting black, which is geacrally
composed of lamjiblack ; but a now mineral .substance
has recently been discovered in New Jersey, which
forms a beautiful jet black, and resists the action of
the atmosphere and water better than aiiy paint yet
made. It has already been extensively us'.-d on ships,
and will probably entirely displace every other kind
of black paint before long. Not much black paint
is ever used on houses, although it is most exten-
sively cmplo3-ed for fences and iron work ; and as it
is important to use a material that will resist the
action of the atmosphere in ornamental iron work,
which is so soon dcstroj'od by rust, the discovery of
this new mineral ]jigment is a matter of importance
to buildei's. Wo have seen some sjiccimens of this
new paint, which were remarkable for brilliancy of
color and hardness of surface. A steam mill has
been erected for manufacturing this article, and we
shall be able to give moi-e definite information re-
specting it before we conclude our remarks upon this
subject.

•' The colors and tints proper for house painting,
such as browns, drabs, yellows, pea-green, giays,
and imitations of stone color, are made by mixing,
with wiiite lead and linseed oil, the following colors,
which should first be finely ground in oil : —

Drabs — Chrome yellow, lampblack, and red ; or Ve-
netian red and burnt umber, with white.

Brow/i Sto;ii! color — Spanish brown, chrome yellow,
and lairipblack, with white.

Grai/ Stone — Lampblack and Venetian red, with
white.

French Graij — Indian red, Chinese blue, and ivory
black, with white.

Sage cohi liiw unibei', Prussian blue, and Vene-
tian red, with white.

Statj co'or— Black and Venetian red, with white.

Dark Bid.: — Prussian blue with white.

Ski/ Blue — Ultramarine or Prussian blue, with white.

Vio!( t — Vei milion, blue, and black, with white.

Liluc — D:r,y) black, ultramarine, and crimson lake,
or Indian red. with white.

Peach Blassji/i — Carmine and ultramarine, with
white.

Hose color — Crimson lake and vermilion, with
white.

SaliiDji cjlor — Chrome yellow and Indian red or
burnt sienna, with white.

Straw cjLr — Yellow ochre and orange chrome, with
white.

Bujf cj'or — Venetian red and yellow ochre, with
white.

Pearl W/tile — Ultramarine, crimson lake, and ivory
black, with white.

French Wliie — Indian red, ivory black, Chinese
blue, or ultramarine, with white.

Fu-ic/i. color — YellovN- ochre and Spanish brown; or
Venetian red, b!ue and umber, with white.

Pea GrjcJt — Yellow and blue ; or chrome green, with
white.

Grecii, — Prussian blue and chrome yellow.

Olive Green — Chronic yellow and black ; or raw

umber and black.
Bronze Green — Black and green ; or chrome yellow

and black.
Ora/i'/v — Chrome yellow and vcDnilion.
Ch>co'ate — Sjianish brown and black; or Venetian

red and black.

" There are various other modes of producing the
above shades, but simplicity and economy are the
objects we have in view. The gradation of shades
])roduced by a varied portion of these colors is almost
indcrinite.

"Small quantities of the coloring matter should
first be added to the lead, and CDuti.iued till the right
shade is procured. Eiough should bo mixed at o.ie
time to cover all the woodwork required with one
coat." — Prairie Farmer.

PUT IN THE ROOTS.

We have frequently spoken of late respecting the
unaccountable neglect of the root culture among the
farmers of Maine. There are a few, and those among
our best and most i)rosi>erous ones, that have not
given tliem up, but rather have increased their cul-
ture of carrots and ruta-bagas since the decrease of
potatoes. Would it not be well for all to return to
it again ? A farmer from Springfield, Mass., gives
us an account of the mode he adopted in carrot cul-
ture, as follows : He ploiighed and manured his land
early, and let it be until late, so that all the weeds
should spring up that were near the surface. He
then soaked his carrot seed until it bega i to sprout.
The land was then cultivated and harrowed over —
all the weeds of course destroyed, and the surface
made smooth. The carrot seed was then rolled in
plaster, and made dry, and then sowed by a seed-
sower.

In this way, the carrots soon came up, and, getting
the start of the weeds, wore easily weeded and taken
care of during the rest of the season.

We have always been an advocate for the root
culture. They are so grateful to cattle during our
long winters, that it is an object to have a supjdy
for them. They conduce to the health of the ani-
mals, and they should have them, even if you should
have an abundance of corn aiid oil-cake to give them
besides. Some farmers say to us that they find it
more prohtablo to feed corji to their cattle, as it is
more nutritive antl fattening. We grant it. But at
the same time, your corn itself could be rendered
still more serviceable to your cattle, if they had a
fair supply of heavy food in the shape of carrots,
sugar beets, and rutabaga-, to fill tliem out and -ive
them what physiologists call the " stimulus of dis-
tention."

Some of our acquaintances are trying parsnips for
a field crop. The following sera]) in regard to car-
rots we rind in Professor Mapes's Working Farmer :
"Yauquelin and Braconnet discovered that carrots
contained large quantities of pectic acid, and that this
acid had the power of gelatinizing water in which sugar
or its ultimates were held in solution. It is well
known that food in a gelatinized form is more easily
digested by all animals than when not so gelatinized ;
and probably to this fact may be attiibutei, in part,
the great superiority of carrots as food for cattle of
all kind-;.

No winter food will enable cows to give so good
milk and yield so good butter as carrots. For horses
they are nearly equal to the same bulk of oats; and
for working cattle, carrots may be occasionally sub-
stituted fir grouu 1 feed when mi.Ked with cut hay.

Grated carrot worked with winter-made butter,
after it leaves the churn, gives it the flavor of good
suinnicr butter. — Muiiie Farmer.

224

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

IIovey's M.vgaziniv oi- IIorticultuhe. — The June
number contains very intci-esting articles. It con-
tains a corre-^pondencc, communicated by General
Dearborn, embracing important facts in relation to
the culture of tro^iical fruits in Florida. When a
spirit of improvement shall have pervaded the south
as it docs otlivr sections of the country, we shall, in
our vast country, produce, in perfection, the best
fruits of almost every region of the world. We
commend this Magazine to those who would have
an able work on the general subjects of horticul-
ture and botany.

TuE Plough, the Loom, and the Anvil, by the
veteran editor, J. S. Skinner, has just concluded its
first volume. It is a very able and interesting work.

From 15. P. Johnson, Esq., we have received
several valuable works from the Transactions of
the New York State Agricultural Society.

The American- Faumeu will commence a new
volume, July 1st. It is among the most practical and
valuable journals. Baltimore, published by A.
Sands, at $1 per year. Monthly, 32 pp. 8vo.

I^' The semiannual exhibition of the Massa-
chusetts Horticultural Society, announced on our
208th page, is postponed till Monday, the 25th in-
stant, to conform to the season of roses.

A NORTH-WESTERN HORTICULTURAL
CONVENTION.

A horticultural convention, to be held at Chicago
this fall, is ])ro])osc<l by Edson Ilarkncss, of Illinois.
in the May Praiiie Farmer, and seconded by others.

Such an organization, if taken hold of with spirit
by our numerous nursery-men and fruit-growers,
could not fail to be exceedingly useful and interest-
ing. Something of the kind we must have soon, or
be quite bchnid our sister states ; and not only so,
but in the mean time we must grope our way, "soli-
tary and alone," through the unexjjlored recesses of
western pomology, with nothing but the light of
our individual wits, and the scarce-risen, distant
eastern suns to guide us ! We had much better, it
seems to me. commence now in the infancy of fruit
culture, and so save the innumerable and sometimes
almost ineradicable errors that creep in where a cor-
rect standard is not early reared. AVhat say our
Wisconsin fruit-growers? — Wisconsin Farmer.

COWS WORKED AS OXEN.

A corres;)ondent of tb.o Soutliern Cultivator says,
"I have worked cows in harness, not under the yoke,
without detriment in any respect — on the contrary
their calves were sviperior to the rest of the stock, —
duo of couisc to the extra feed and attention the
cows received. I should like to sec this practice
extended — for many of the poorer class have no
other animal power to aid them in their farming
Oi)orations." — Valley Farmer.

Rochester papers say that the wheat in that region
is now looking tincly, and that there ia a prospect of
an excellent yield.

A WORLD OF LOVE AT HOME.

ItY J. J. REYXOLDS.

The earth hath treasures fair and bright,

Deep buried in her caves.
And ocean hideth many a gem

With his blue curling waves.
Yet not within her bosom dark,

Or 'neath the dashing foam,
Lies there a treasure equalling

A world of love at home.

True sterling hajipiness and joy

Arc not with gold allied ;
Nor can it yield a pleasure like

A merrj' fireside.
I envy not the man who dwells

In stately hall or dome.
If 'mid his splendor he hath not

A world of love at home.

The friends whom time hath proved sincere,

'Tis they alone can bring
A sure relief to hearts that droop

'Neath sorrow's heavy wing.
Though care and trouble may be mine.

As down life's palh I roam,
I'll heed them not while still I have

A world of love at home.

THE OLIO.

" What are you going to give me for a Christmas
present r " remarked a gay damsel to us the other
day. We meekly replied, that we had nothing to
offer but our humble self.

" The smallest favors gratefully received," was the
merry response.

" Come, and away to the meadoAvs ! "

" Old boys have their playthings as well as yonng
ones ; the difference is only in the price."

Sin is like a bee, with honey in its mouth, but a
sting in its tail.

Cato said, " The best way to keep good acts in
memory, is to refresh them with new."

A bad workman quarrels with his tools.

Men are frequently Uke tea — the real strength
and goodness is not properly drawn out of them
until they have been a short time in hot water.

" I am afraid that I shall come to want," said an
old lady to a young gentleman. " I have come to
want already," was the reply. " I want your daugh-
ter ? "

" Mankind are very odd creatures. One half cen-
sure what they jjractise, and the other half practise
what they censure. The rest filways say and do as
they ought." — Poor Richard,

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at gl a
year, or five copies for §4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18iJ cents, or elegantly bound in
nuislin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volnme. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

Igl° The Postage „^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the
boston type and stekeotvpb foundst.

AGRICULTURE AND ILL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND

Honor

waits, o'er all the earth. The art that calls

her harvests

forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

JULY 7

, 1849.

NO.

15.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY

HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietor,

LATE APPLES.

To the fruit-grower, the subject of late apples is
of much interest. We have no apples in the market ;
the old ones are gone, and the new only partially
grown. The first that we get from the south are
worthless, as they are picked green, and become pre-
maturely ripened on the way, or rather they begin
to grow soft as they are tending to decay. They
are worse than useless, producing diseases. Ripe
fruit is healthful, but green is destructive to health.
Dried apple is now used, but it is a poor substitute
for fresh apples, as to its palatableness, and some
suppose that it is not favorable to health.

This is the season for small fruits, such as straw-
berries, cherries, gooseberries, currants ; but though
of the highest excellence, they are transient and un-
certain, from season or v/eather, and do not supply
the place of the apple, as a staple article for pies,
pudding?, &c.

Any information on late apples will be acceptable.

What is the best late apple? We name this subject
for consideration, hoping that it will claim more
attention, not with a view of giving definite informa-
tion, as we cannot do it without further experience ;
and there is not in the country a man who can an-
swer this question satisfactorily, for wc have several
late apples that have not been well tested as to
climate, bearing, fairness, &c.

Baldwin. — This ai^ pie, which ranks higher than
any other as a winter apple in this section, combining
numerous excellent properties, generally begins to
fail about the first of March, growing mealy at the
core ; though it continues tolerably good a month or
two longer. And sometimes it sells the latter part
of May at five dollars per barrel, which is far more
than it is worth, as it has a fair appearance exter-
nally when its good properties are gone.

RoxBUKY Russet. — This is the principal late apple
now cultivated in New England, also in some sec-
tions of the Middle and Western States ; yet it is
rather difficult to grow, and when well grown, the
quality is not very good, either for the table or
kitchen. It is only a moderate grower ; it requires
a very moLst, rich soil ; and in an unfavorable season,

it is one of the most liable to fail, sometimes failing
totally when most other kinds succeed. As a dessert
apple, it is so dry that we seldom eat one, even when
no others can be obtained. After cooking this apple,
it remains firm and dry. Yet, owing to its keeping
later than other apples, it sells well late in spring
and in early summer, sometimes keeping till mid-
summer. Many who have cultivated this fruit on
dry soils, and some on medial soils, have aban-
doned it.

Ladies' Sweeting. — This is one of the most beau-
tiful of apples, and for the dessert it has no superior.
For baking it is pretty good, but rather soft. It
promises to be the finest late sweeting, in climates
to which it is adapted. It originated in New York.
Only a few have been raised in New England, and
those indicate that it is 'well adapted to this part of
the country. It is now on trial in almost every part
of the fruit region. It keeps into May. We now
have a fine specimen, which C. Downing, Esq., of
Newburgh, N. Y., sent us last fall. The tree is a
tolerably good grower, and good bearer.

Northern Spy. — The fame of this apple has
spread over the country, and the trees and scions
have been disseminated widely. It is large, hand-
some, excellent, and remarkably hardy; a good
grower and bearer. Tlie fruit keeps into summer.
In New York, where this fruit is grown, some culti-
vators say that high culture and close pruning are
necessary to bring the fruit up to a fair state ; others
sav that in this respect it is no more difficult to raise
than most other kinds. In fact, there has been a
difference in opinion between those who have trees
to sell, and those who have them not. Man is a
creature of circumstances. This fruit will doubtless
bear in several places in New England this season,

Tewksisury Winter Blush is a beautiful apple,
of A'ery small size and ordinary quality, keeping into
summer. On account of its late keeping and beaiity,
it is raised in the state of New York, and exported
to England.

Newtown Pippin. — This is a far-famed fruit, as
it is raised in some favorable locations in New York,
under high culture, and a few of the best selected
and sent to England, where it brings a great price.

226

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

In most all parts of the country, particularly in New
England, it fails, as the tree is a slow grower, poor
bearer, and the fruit generally knurly, and often
inferior in quality. During the last winter and
spring, these apples were, in this market, selling at a
less price than the Baldwins. We do not believe
that the growers of this fruit can show so much profit
to the acre, as produced by the Baldwin or Greening.

We have had several specimens of late-keeping
apples, sent into our office by dealers who bought
them in New York, when purchasing there last fall ;
but generally they are dry and tough ; and the same
objections apply to several kinds which wc liavc
received from our friends in this section.

The five following kinds we have described in the
American Fruit Book ; as they are new, but little is
known of them.

Shawmut. — This is a good apple till the latter
part of May, but it is too small for market.

Norfolk. — A fine pleasant little apple, in August,
the second season ; a good grower. This is all that
■we know about it.

Orange. — Raised in New Hampshire. Tliis keeps
till July. They are rather acid, and excellent for
cooking, but rather small for the market.

Ked IlussET. — We had a barrel of this fruit last
fall, and we have a little of it left. It keeps about as
well as the Roxbury Kusset, is of the same size, and
much handsomer. It is better than the Roxbury
Russet both for cooking and for the dessert. We find
it an excellent grower, and it is called a good bearer.
Mr. N. P. Morrison, of Somerville, who is distin-
guished as a successful fruit-grower, gave us a speci-
men of fruit and some scions, raised in his vicinity,
which he thought might be identical with the Red
Russet. The fruit appeared precisely the same, but
we thought the wood of the scions was different.
We shall examine further into this subject. Mr. M.
pronounced the Red Russet, or Baldwin Russet, as he
sometimes called it, a very valuable late-keeping
apple.

Tap.le Greening. — We know but little of this
fruit, though it originated in our native town, Cor-
nish, Maine. Soon after we became acquainted with
it, we left that section, and the old tree died, so that
we have had to wait for some young trees to come
into bearing. We have had these (raised in Maine)
in fine condition the second year, in September.
Size, medial ; flesh rather hard, but very good for
eating and cooking, retaining its qualities remarkably
well. It is a good grower, and though our young
trees have been rather long in coming into bearing,
from causes unknown, the blossom buds which we
find on the wood of two years' growth, indicate that
it is an early bearer. We have disseminated this
variety widely for trial, and we wish for our friends
to report when it bears, and is tested in the proper
season. At present we recommend it for trial only,
though it is very promising, keeping better than any
other apple that we ever tried.

Agriculture is the art of arts : witliout it man
would be a savage, and the world a wilderness.

THE PROSPECT FOR FRUIT.

The prospect for fruit has changed greatly since
early in June. The sudden and extremely hot
weather, with severe drought, cut short the straw-
berry crop one half. The same causes, with frequent
cold north-east Avinds, greatly injured the cherries,
causing large quantities to fall when partially grown.
Apples, pears, and plums have been blasted to a
great extent, and much injured by insects. On the
whole, the fruit crop will be light, and owing to fears
of the cholera, the demand is light also.

PRUNING.

Summer pruning is sometimes necessary in order
to give form and proper direction to nursery trees,
and standard trees maj' need thinning in order to
expose the fruit to light and air. Grape-vines may
need thinning, owing to a want of sufficient pruning
in the spring or last fall. But in pruning trees thor-
oughly, particularly if largo limbs are to be cut off,
it is best to defer the business till the last of July,
August, or the former part of September.

Late in summer and early in autumn, the bark
does not peel as it does early in the summer, when
it often starts from the tree which is injured, bj' going
into trees and stepping on Umbs with hard shoes.
The sap will ooze out of some trees early in summer,
which not only injures them generally, but it often
causes the wounded part to decay.

But in late pruning, the wood, when the branch
is cut off, becomes sound and well seasoned ; and
though it may not heal over so readily as when cut
early in summer or spring, it remains in a healthy
state. This is the main consideration. What would
it avail for a surgeon to heal a wound at the surface
while it was festering at the bottom ?

Late in summer and early in fall is not only the
most favorable season for the benefit of the trees, but
it is a convenient and pleasant season for the opera-
tion.

OSAGE ORANGE.

A writer in the Valley Farmer, who dates Iowa,
states that the Osage Orange is too tender for that
climate, and that otherwise it is not fit for a hedge, as
it forms a tree, not a shrub. He says, that a farmer
who sowed thirty dollars' worth of seed, three years
ago, has onlj' about a dozen plants left, as each year
has thinned them off.

A NOBLE SENTIMENT.

The more I am acquainted with agricultural affairs,
the better I am pleased with them ; insomuch that
I can nowhere find so great satisfaction as in those
innocent and useful pursuits. In indulging those
feelings, I am led to reflect how much more delight-
ful to an undebauched mind is the task of making
improvements on the earth, than all the vain glory
which can be acquired from ravaging it by the most
uninterrupted career of conquests. — Washington's
Letters to Arthur Young.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

227

THERMOMETER CHURN

In churning, it is of great importance to have the
cream or milk of a proper temperature, which is
about G2 degrees ; and this churn affords this advan-
tage "with convenience, despatch, and exactness.
The churn is encircled with a case for water, by
which the desirable temperature may be obtained,
and indicated by the thermometer permanently iixed
in the end of the ch\irn, where it is not liable to
injury.

This churn is simple, light, portable, and durable,
easily operated and cleansed. The price is mod-
erate. They are made of various sizes.

POKE ROOT, OR AMERICAN HELLEBORE.

{Veratrum viride.)

Panicle -downy ; partial bractes longer than their
pedicles. Segments of the corolla thickened on the
inside at base.

A large, green, leafy plant, not uncommon in
meadows and swamps. The root is thick and fleshy,
its upper portion tunicated, its lower half solid, and
sending forth a multitude of large, whitish radicles.
The stem is from three to five feet high, roundish,
solid, striated, and pubescent. Throughout the greater
part of its length, it is closely invested with the
sheathing bases of the leaves. The lower leaves are
large, from half a foot to a foot long, oval, acuminate,
pubescent, strongly plaited and nerved ; the lower
part of their edges meeting round their stem. The
upper leaves become gradually narrower, and the
uppermost, which perform the ofRce of bractes, are
linear-lanceolate. The flowers are numerous, and
distributed in compound racemes, axillary from the
upper leaves, and terminal ; the whole forming a
sort of panicle. Peduncles roundish, downy. Bractes
boat-shaped, acuminate, downy. The pedicle of
each flower is many times shorter than its bracte.
Calix, none. Corolla divided into six green, oval,
acute, nerved segments, of which the alternate ones
are longest. All the segments are contracted at base
into a sort of claw with a thickened or cartilaginous
edge. Stamens six with recurved filaments and
roundish, two lobed anthers. Germs thi"ee, cohering,
with acute recurved styles as long as the stamens.
A part of the flowers are barren, and have only the
rudiments of styles, so that the plant is strictly polyg-

amous. The seed-vessel consists of three capsules
united together, separating at top and opening on
their inner side. Seeds flat, imbricated. — June. —
Perennial.

The root of this plant, when taken internally, pro-
duces violent effects, and is dangerous in considera-
ble quantities. It is chiefly used in the country
as an external application in cutaneous affections.
Prom its gi-eat affinity in habit to the Veratrum
album, a European species, which has lately ac-
quired considerable celebrity as a remedy in gout,
the American plant is particularly entitled to the
attention of physicians. — Bigehid's Plants.

GRASSES.

Ribbon G-rass (Phalaris Americana) is the beau-
tiful striped grass occasionally used for garden bor-
ders. It has been highly recommended for swamps,
to which, if transplanted, it is alleged that it will
supersede all other grasses, and afford a fine quality
of hay, of an appearance quite different from the up-
land growth. The writer tried several experiments,
both with the seed and roots, on a clay marsh, but
without success. Its proper pabulum is probably a
rich carbonaceous soil, such as is found in an allu-
vial swamp or peat bed.

MusKEET Gkass, found growing on the plains of
Mexico and Texas, is considered one of the best of
the indigenous grasses. I have seen it growing on
the plantations of Louisiana, where it has been suc-
cessfully transplanted.

Grama is held in the highest estimation by the
Mexicans. It attains a medium height, and is deemed
the most nutritious of the natural grasses in our
south-western frontier prairies, in California, and
parts of Mexico. It grows on dry, hard, gravelly
soils, on side hills, the swells of the prairies, and the
gentle elevations in the valleys. The principal value
is found in the numerous seeds, which are retained
in the pods with great tenacity, long after they are
ripe, serving as a luxurious food for all the grami-
nivorous beasts and fowls of the regions where it is
known.

Buffalo Grass is found intermixed with the
grama, and seldom grows more than a few inches in
height. It forms a thick, soft herbage, on which the
traveller walks with ease, and reposes, when weary,
with delight. It yields a rich sustenance to count-
less herds of wild horses and cattle, buffaloes, deer,
and antelopes. — Allen's American Farm Book,

228

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

LIBRARIES FOR AGRICULTURAL SO-
CIETIES.

There are many agricultural societies in this coun-
try, conducted by very efficient officers, and they
are exercising a powerful influence on the cause of
improvement in various branches, but we believe
that they have generally paid but very little atten-
tion to the formation of libraries ; therefore we lay
the following communication before our readers
with much pleasure, knowing full well that the
respectable source from which it has emanated will
lead other associations to a due consideration of the
subject.

The example of the Essex Society in publishing
their transactions in permanent form has been much
commended, and it has been followed, in many cases,
with the most favorable results ; and we trust that
the plan now suggested by this society v/ill meet
with approval by other kindred associations, and that
they will cheerfully respond to the proposal to ex-
change works, and thus aid each other in promoting
the interest of each, and of the agricultural com-
munity generally. The success of Mr. Vattemare,
to whom Mr. Proctor refers, and the happy results
of his labors in promoting an exchange of books be-
tween different associations and different nations,
are wonderful, and should encourage societies to
carry on the same plan of reciprocity.

When a society has once formed a library, it will
be constantly increasing, from donations of valuable
works from generous individuals, who possess ample
means, and will take pleasure in contributing to the
encouragement of useful enterprises.

We find that files of agricultural journals are of
great value for rel'erence, and some of them increase
in value as they increase in age.

We copy a few preliminary remarks from the pres-
ident, and the official doings of the Essex Agricul-
tural Society on this subject, and we commend them
for consideration and action.

To the Editor of the Neio England Farmer.

Sir : At a late meeting of the trustees of the Essex
Agricultural Society, a report on the formation of a
librai'v for the use of the society was approved, and
ordered to be published in your paper. The purpose
of this publication is, to bring the plan of operation
to the notice of all those who may be enfragcd in
similar enterprises, and to secure its adoption, so
far as it may be found worthy.

The whole community are filled with astonishment
at the success that has attended the labors of Mr.
Vattemare, in collecting and exchanging books. Whj'
cannot something of the same kijid be done by
agricultural societies ? I'ardon me in asking your
attention to it, and soliciting from you a few words,
editorial, in cooperation. The s\iccess that has at-
tended the efforts of the New York State Society in
the formation of a library, encourages the hope that
farmers in Massachusetts may also succeed, if thcv
will make a beginning. I think, sir, if you had
access to a library containing all the agricultural
journals that have been published, even in our own
country, you would value the jirivilege most highly.
Very truly yours,

J. W. PIIOCTOR.

Danvbrs, June 23, 1849.

Report of thk Trustees,

On the Forniation of a Library for the Use of the Essex
Agrintltural Society,

At a meeting of the trustees of the Essex Agricul-
tural Society, held on the loth instant, the following
report was submitted by a cmnmittee appointed, at a
previous meeting, to consider the expediency of
forming a library for tVie use of the society. The
subject having been fully discussed by the trustees,
and generally approved, the report was accepted, and
ordered to be published in the New England Farmer.
A copy of this paper will be sent by the secretary to
gentlemen known to take a strong interest in the
progress of this society, and in agricultural improve-
ment, with the hope tViat the subject may so com-
mend itself to their notice as to enlist their active
cooperation in the enterprise, b}' the loan or gift to
the society of agricultural books orparajjhlets. Sim-
ilar contributions are also respectfully solicited from
all who are disposed to favor the object. These may
be sent either to the secretary or to any member of
the committee. The society is already in possession
of some valuable works on agriculture ; and all that
is needed to lay the foundation of a library, to be
free for the use of its members, is an adilition to the
number. The means will thus be furnished for the
further diffusion of agricultural knowledge, and the
consequent advancement of agricultural skill, among
our farmers. And it is with the belief, that to im-
prove the mind is one of the surest ways to improve
the soil, this appeal is made bv the trustees.

ALLEN W. DODGE,

Secretary Essex Ag. Soc,

Hamilton, June 20, 1849.

Report of the Committee.

The committee, to whom was referred the subject
of the formation of a library for the use of the society,
are of the opinion that immediate measures should
be taken to lay the foundation for such a library.

The reasons why this should be done, have been
so fully stated by the secretary, in his Essay which
has been published, (see Transactions for 1848, pp.
105 to 111,) that to dilate thereon would be superflu-
ous. If they fail to convince, your committee feel
that it will not be in their power to do so ; — but
being themselves convinced, they deem it to be their
duty to urge upon the trustees the importance of
the subject. They ask leave to present a few brief
considerations, calculated to facilitate a favorable
beginning.

For the present, the care of the library can best be
left with the secretary. In each of the volumes
should be placed a suitable label, descriptive of the
ownership, and so firmly attached as to be incapable
of severance. A suitable rccwd should be made of
all books received, especially of all books presented
to the library, together with the names of the donors,
and the circumstances under which the books were
given. The publication annually of a list of such do-
nations will answer the double purpose of informing
the members of what books are on hand, and of en-
couraging them to add to the number. Gentlemen
who have procured valuable books and become famil-
iar with their contents, will take pleasure in granting
a favor to others by placing the books in the society's
library. There are many who would find a higher
gratification in doing this, than they ever found in
the perusal of the works. Let the former have an
ojiportunity to gratify the ardent desires of the
latter.

Let the secretary be instructed to open a corre-
spondence with the secretaries of other societies, and
publishers of works on agriculture, and forward to
them copies of our own publications ; — the conse-
quence wUI be, that soon the society will be in pes-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

229

session of complete sets of all the agricultural pub-
lications of the country. Already have the states
of New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio, put forward
their annual volumes of digested agricultural science
— an example that will be likely to be followed in
every state of the Union. Access to complete sets
of such publications will be of inestimable value.
Let an invitation be extended to all who rightly ap-
preciate the object, to make such contributions as
their convenience and ability will admit, and when
the enterprise shall be properly started, there cannot
be a doubt it will be liberally supported. At all
events, it is an exprriment worth trying, a failure
in which can do no one any harm.

We would recommend the appointment of a com-
mittee on the library annually, whose duty it shall
be to devise means for its increase; to make a
selection of such books as it is expedient to pur-
chase ; and to make such regulations, from time to
time, in relation to their use, as shall be deemed
most expedient and proper.

Ilespectfully submitted.

JOHN W. PROCTOR,
DAVID CHOATE,
GARDNER B. PERRY,

Salem, Juiie 15, 1849.

Com-
mittee.

For the Neic England Farmer.
PEACH-TREES.

Mr. Editor : I have frequently heard it asserted,
hy some of our most experienced cultivators of the
peach, that the decay of this valuable tree is in a
great measure owing to the practice of budding or
grafting, as imperfect union takes place, a sickly
growth is the consequence, and the diseased tree is
then rendered more liable to external injuries and
of the worm which complete its destruction.

So far as my limited knowledge extends, this is
the case, in a great measure. In my peach orchard,
which contains about one hundred trees. I have a
few natural trees, most of which are equal to our best
varieties ; and this spring they are healthy, and are
loaded with young fruit, while most of my budded
trees were more or less injured by the severity of our
past winter, and but few of them have much young
firuit on them. Now, I think, if we would have
healthy peach-trees, avc must not do violence to
nature. We must cultivate from the stone ; and
although we might find some bad and worthless
fruit, we shall have much that is excellent, and
obtain new varieties by planting the stones of those
onl}- which are very superior. I have obtained lino
peaches the third year from planting the stone, with-
out grafting or budding.

ROCKINGHAM.

Editorial Remarks. — Budding or grafting trees
renders them less hardy, shorter-lived, and generally
of a smaller size. Our long-lived and very large
cherry-trees are, generally, mazards, which is a
common term for a natural cherry-tree. Budded
peach-trees are more tender in fruit and buds than
natural ones. One cause of the tenderness of budded
peach-trees is the use of buds from a foreign country,
or a warmer region in our own country.

If stones from excellent fruit are planted, they
■will generally yield good fruit ; and if they are taken
from good natural fruit, they will be still more sure
to yield fine fruit. By proper attention in collecting
stones from superior seedlings or natural trees, where
they are not liable to mix in the blossom, and testing
them, valuable fixed varieties may be obtained that

can be relied on to produce their like, as well as by
budding and grafting.

We have six or eight kinds that yield nearly the
same from seed, and they are equal to any budded
varieties in quality. AVe have hundreds of some
kinds growing in the nursery, that are perfectly uni-
form in wood, growth, leaf, glands, &c. They have
all originated in the north, and show a hardiness
beyond budded varieties which are from warmer
climates. We have several others on experiment,
and hope to obtain, in a short time, a complete as-
sortment of seedlings extending through the season,
and affording every desirable variety ; so that we
can dispense with budding altogether.

With proper attention to selecting natural peaches,
and choosing a suitable location and soil, and pur-
suing a judicious mode of cultivation, the peach cul-
ture would be far more successful in New England.
Many now cultivate without proper regard to these
important considerations.

For the Neio England Farmer.
HAYING - HORSE-RAKES.

Mr. Editor : I am of the opinion that many farm-
ers allow their grass to become too ripe before it is
cut. It is my impression that it is best to cut nearly
all kinds of grass as soon as the largest bulk of it is
in blossom, as in the formation and ripening of the
seed, the stem must lose much of its nutritive mat-
ter, and will be less tender and palatable to animals.
The largest amount of clover heads will usually be
found in bloo7n when about one third of them are
turned brown. Herdsgrass may become quite ripe
without losing its nourishing properties ; but the
stem grows dry and woody, and stock do not relish
it as well as that which is earlier cut ; and if it has
grown rank, they will not eat it up very closely, un-
less they are kept rather short of feed. Red top may
become equally as ripe as herdsgrass, and still have
its value less impaired. I believe many are led to
suppose that late-cut hay contains more nutriment,
for the reason that the stem, becoming hard and wiry,
is rendered less palatable, and consequently our ani-
mals will not eat of it as freely. In my remarks upon
the time of cutting grass, I would have reference to
the kinds most common in this section.

In curing hay, I aim to preserve as much of the
green color and natural juice as is practicable, and
not have it mow-burn. To effect this, it should not
be exposed to the dew or rain after it has begun to
make, nor for a long time to the sun. As soon as
the ground is diy between the swaths, they should
be spread, and when the grass is thoroughly wilted,
or about one third made, it should be placed in the
cock, where it will generally very soon begin to
sweat. It should be kept in this state from twelve
to thirty-six hours, according to the character of the
hay and weather. The cocks should then be Avell
shook out, and in from two to four hours of favorable
weather, with once turning, they will usually be
sufficiently cured for the barn. I think this the
best method for curing all kinds of hay, and particu-
larly clover.

liay cured in this manner is more tender, sweet,
nutritious, and palatable ; besides, we may save many
leaves and heads that would be lost were it cured
wholly by the sun and air. And another advantage
is, that hay sweated in the cock is much less liable
to heat in the mow. Any one may satisfy himself
of this fact by observing" how much less likely to

230

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

heat is hay that has stood and sweated upon the load.
And another advantage of hay early cut and cured
as .above, is, that it is more healthy ; keeping the
stomach and bowels of our stock in good condition,
without the necessity of feeding roots ; and I be-
lieve in a better condition than would be possible to
keep them on late-cut hay with the addition of roots.
The practice of treading hay much in the mow, is a
bad one, unless the want of room strongly demands
it, as hay thus pressed down is far more liable to
heat.

I can fully respond to your remark in the last
number of the New England Farmer upon salting
hay. Those who use salt to preserve hay, should
use fine salt, as the hay may become of so high a
temperature as to injure its quality before coarse salt
would dissolve and allay the fermentation.

I think much the best way of preserving hay im-
perfectly cured, is, to mix with it old hay, straw, or
coi-n fodder, in the proportion of from two to four
hundred of one of these to a ton of new hay. I have
fi-equently put up hay in quite a moist, green state,
and by mixing in layers of old hay, have ever had it
come out very bright, sweet, and heavy in the spring.
I believe old hay summered over, and used for this
purpose, will pay twenty-five per cent. Straw or
corn fodder will answer equally well, but it gives
the hay a slovenly appearance when feeding it out.

One word in relation to horse-rakes. I have used
both the revolving and wire-tooth rake, and think
that they make a great saving of time ; yet there is
one strong objection against the use of the latter,
which is, that on ground that is top-dressed and
newly seeded, or where there is fog or dead grass,
it will scrape up and mix with the hay much dirt,
old stubble, and fog, which is injurious to all ani-
mals that oat of the hay, and very much so to horses
— often producing the heaves ; and hay intended
for horses should by all means be raked with the
revolving or hand rake, unless the turf is very free
from these injurious substances. I think more cases
of the heaves are brought on by horses eating dirty,
musty, and lifeless hay than bv anv other cause.
EBENEZEK BRIDGE.
PoMFRET, Vt., June 26, 1849.

HONEY-DEW.

There have been a variety of opinions, and thou-
sands of people are to this day ignorant in regard to
what is the cause of honey-dew. For many years
I was taught to believe that it fell from heaven, as
did the manna on which the children of Israel sub-
sisted during their journey in the wilderness. But
upon a dose search for more than four years, and a
critical examination, I find this is not the case.

I reason as follows : If it falls from heaven, as
other dew, why docs it not fall upon all trees, loaves,
and shrubs alike ? which is not the case. It cannot
be found upon buckeye, polk leaves, and many
others. And another reason is the fact that there
are often bushes whose leaves are covered with honey-
dew, and this, too, while they stand directly under
large, bushy trees, so that it would be impossible for
honcy-dcw to fall on the smaller shrubs, which are
so rich with it, directly under them.

I next conjectured that it might be owing to cer-
tain states of weather. But the same objections met
this conjecture. Why is it not on all leaves that are
subject to the same influence of weather ? I come
now to the point.

There is a certain insect that is formed and grows
on the under side of the hickory leaf. When this
insect comes to maturity, it is a small yellow gnat,
with black wings. It can skip from one loaf to an-
other, and it crawls over the leaf and throws out this

honey in specks and rows over the surface of the
leaf ; and as it crosses and recrosses its path, it drips
this deposit in the same place till it forms a small
drop. When the wind blows and shakes the leaf,
the dew spreads itself in splotches on the leaf. I
have seen this gnat throw out this honej'. I have
taken it before it could crawl, crushed it on the leaf,
and found it rich with honey. I have tasted it, and
found it sweet as honey.

These gnats do not like to stay on those leaves that
do not hatch them. Therefore the most honey will
be found on hickory leaves, as this leaf is a favorite
of theirs. This accounts for the fact of some leaves
having more honey-dew on them than others.
Yours, with great respect,

ABRAHAM MILICE.
— Valley Farmer.

♦

POTATOES EXHAUST THE SOIL.

Eds. Cultivator : I was taught, when a boy, that
potatoes were not an exhausting crop, drawing but
little strength from the ground. I have always taken
this for granted, and I have made no experiment on
the subject, more than to satisfy myself that they
would not succeed well a second year on the same
ground. If you should conclude that I have been
indiscreet in taking any thing for granted, and passing
on forty years without examination, I could not find
much fault with your conclusion. But to the sub-
ject. In the summer of 1847, a neighboring farmer
requested me to go into his lot and look at his clover.
On reaching his lot, he showed me a field of clover,
one part of which was of a vigorous growth, while
the other part was small — not more than half, if
more than a third, as large as the other, and the line
distinctly marked through the lot. The clover was
sown with oats the previous year. The year before
that, my friend informed me, that the part of the
field where the clover was best, was planted with
corn ; while the other part was devoted to potatoes.
The whole, he said, was manured and cultivated just
alike, and the clover was sown on all at the same
time, and from the same parcel of seed. Here was
a thing so different from all my former notions, that
I began to think I had, all my life, been laboring
under a mistake.

I had several times had corn on a part of the field,
and potatoes on the other part ; and had noticed that
the subsequent grass crop was much the best where
the corn had grown ; but so deep was the impression
that corn was a greater exhauster than potatoes, that
I attributed the difference in the grass to other causes.
At the time my attention was turned to my neigh-
bor's clover, I had a piece of ground, which was
seeded with grass, the previous summer with oats,
after a crop of potatoes. The ground was well ma-
nured for the potatoes, and had previously borne
large grass crops. I was much disappointed with
the grass crop on this piece, and after mowing a very
light crop two seasons, I last summer turned in the
sward and sowed grass seed : whether this will im-
prove the crop of grass remains to be seen. Will
some of j'our correspondents, who have made obser-
vations, enlighten us on this subject ? R. R. P.

Manchi!steii, Ct., Fob. 15, 1849.
— Albany Cultivator.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — It is well
known that potatoes do not bear a succession of
crops without very high manuring. They are very
exhausting as it relates to their own crop to follow ;
they arc also very exhausting in regard to clover as
a succeeding crop, and it maj- be the same with some .
other crops. But because it will not bear a succes-
sion of crops, and is exhausting for clover, it should

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

231

not be taken for granted that it is exhausting gen-
erally, for some crops flourish well after potatoes.

Some years since, a correspondent communicated
the result of an experiment, and asked for an expla-
nation of one so strange. He planted a piece of
land partly to corn and partly to potatoes, and then
sowed to grass. On the com land, the herdsgrass
succeeded well, and the clover failed ; on the potato
land, the reverse appeared.

We accounted for the difference in this way : In
the potato, particularly in the top, is much lime ;
and this substance was exhausted by the potato crop,
and this element being deficient, the clover failed, as
lime is one of the principal constituents of clover.

Corn contains a large quantity of silex or sand,
which is dissolved by potash, and taken up into the
plant, forming the outside of the stalk, and giving it
stiffness and firmness. This is the same material as
glass, and some persons in working among corn-
stalks have cut their fingers with this substance.
Hordsgrass also contains a large quantity of silex,
and it has a stiff stalk. On lands composed mostly
of mud, there is a deficiency of sand, and herdsgrass
lacks firmness and falls to the ground when only
partially grown. As corn and herdsgrass require a
large portion of sand and potash, it may account for
the failure of one after the other, where there is not
a good supply of these ingredients in the soil.

Further experiments and nice observations are
necessary to show that potatoes are generally very
exhausting.

THE GREYLOCK POTATO.

We are indebted to Hon. A. Foote, of Williams-
town, Mass., for a barrel of his new variety of potato,
called the Greylock. They arc well shaped and of
good size. We have tried some for the. table, and
though they were evidently injured by exposure to
the air, they were nearly equal to any other with
which we are acquainted. We shall have them
planted in such a Avay as to give them a fair trial.
Mr. F. gives us the following account of their origin
and habit of growth : " It is an accidental cross be-
tween the Carter and Mercer, — taking the com-
plexion of its skin from the dark color of the Mercer,
and that of its flesh from the whiteness of the Carter.
It is a vigorous grower, produces as well as the
Peach Blow, [Western Red,] and in texture and flavor
is not excelled, in my opinion, by any known variety.
Side by side, the last season, the tops of my Peach
Blows 'were badly blighted, while those of my Grey-
locks remained in all their freshness. Time of ripen-
ing somewhat early, but not so early as that of the
Mercer. Like all the finer varieties, it is subject
(here) to the ' potato disease,' but in a less degree
than cither of its parent varieties. Its origin is
dated back four years." — Albany Cultivator.

THE INFLUENCE OF AGRICULTURE.

We have occasionally given valuable extracts from
the address of General Josiah Newhall, before the
Essex Agricultural Society, last fall. Here follows
another, showing the very salutary moral influence
which agriculture has on the nature of man : —

The pui-suit of agriculture is not only favorable to
man's physical well-being, but is eminently condu-
cive to the improvement of his moral nature. The

farmer is that favored being who is permitted, as it
were, to stand in the laboratory of the Infinite One.
While many of those engaged in other useful and
important occupations are necessarily confined within
the narrow limits of theii- study or workshop, his
office or place of business is the vast temple of na-
ture. He seems, more than others, by his daily
occupation, to be admitted to nearer approaches to
Him, whose humble cooperator he is, in producing
the means of sustaining life. While the artist and
mechanic, by their skill and ingenuity, as they oper-
ate upon dead matter, can produce results in accord-
ance with their wishes, he feels that, in dealing
with the vital principle, without the direct smiles of
Heaven upon his labors, he can produce nothing.
When the rain is withheld, and the "heavens be-
come as brass, and the earth as iron," and vegetation
seems to be perishing, how often is his eye directed
to the horizon, that perchance he may see, as did the
servant of the prophet, a cloud rising, though not
larger than a man's hand, and giving promise of the
needful blessing ! He beholds, therefore, with the
deepest interest, the progress of vegetation from the
opening of the vernal season to the closing autumn.
When the mighty forces of nature are quiescent, he
sees their silent energy in the beaming sun and the
gentle zephyr. And in their awful manifestations,
he recognizes in the lightning's gleam the glance of
that eye whose all-pervading sight reads the un-
spoken language of the heart ! And in the bursting
thunder, and the fearful earthquake, he hears, with
awe, the accents of " the voice that shakes all na-
ture's frame."

The volume of nature is wide spread before him ;
and whatever may be the dogmas which men may
have derived from other sources respecting the char-
acter of the Creator, he here reads in this " elder
scripture " the impressive and all-subduing lesson
that God is good ; that his paternal care is extended
to every creature ; and that all, from man to the
humblest insect, are the monuments of his exhaust-
less love.

With such exhibitions daily before him, and with
a knowledge of the divine economy in the natural
system, where every thing changes, but nothing is
lost, — where from apparent annual death arise new
forms of beauty and loveliness, — the farmer, after a
life well spent in the pursuit originally assigned him,
bows to the law of his being, wraps his mantle about
him, and lies down in the sleep of death, with the
most unshaken faith in the accordant lessons of na-
ture, and of revealed religion, that he shall awake
in those celestial scenes, the glories of which " eye
hath not seen nor ear heard."

THE APPLICATION OF LIME.

The use of lime as a remedy for mildew among
cucumbers, and the disease of the potato, is highly
recommended by English writers, and no doubt, ju-
diciously applied, will prove of much value in this
department of horticulture. Water in which lime
has been slacked or soaked is efficacious in all pos-
sible ways for the destrviclion of insect life. The
syringe, applied with it to trees infested with cater-
pillars, soon clears it altogether. Sprinkled on grass
lawns, wliich it whitens till the rain washes it off, it
drives the worms down, or brings them to the sur-
face very quickly. Syringing plants, says the Hor-
ticultural ^Magazine, which have the bug, or wall
fruit trees, (they are sometimes covered with ants,
earwigs, small caterpillars,) and afterwards with
clean water, is of great service, and lime dusted, or
lime-water sprinkled, on gooseberry and currant-
trees, cleans them as completely as if they had
never been attacked. Laid round a bed liable to the
attacks of wandering snails and slugs, it prevents

232

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

them from crossing the boundary ; but it requires
renewal, because its caustic qualities are lost in time.
Ploughed into land, or forked into beds infested with
grubs, it has the best possible effect ; and where the
garden is bounded by a hedge, which is the most
harboring of all receptacles for vermin, there is no
better means of destroying the greater part of them
than sousing it well with lime-water, by means of a
garden engine. There can be no mistake in lime-
water for this purpose ; because j-ou may let the
■water take up as much lime as it can, only it must
be used clear. Lime is one of the best substances to
raix with manures of all sorts : it absorbs that which
would be wasted ; it disinfects the mass ; it makes
the most offensive matter inoffensive. A layer of
night soil and a layer of lime would be as harm-
less as so much common earth. It is impossible,
therefore, to overrate the usefulness of this substance
in the garden or in the farm ; and the more the pub-
lic begin to understand the value of the sewerage of
the metropolis, the contents of cesspools and drains,
the more will they also recognize the value of that
substance which will render the most nauseous of
all waste harmless, and prepare it for the earth which
requu'cs it. Lime is of such efficacy in the way of
disinfecting any disagreeable production, and coun-
teracting infection in every shape, that one of the
most early precautions against the approach of con-
tagious disease, is to lime- wash the brick walls of
all workhouses and public buildings where the
lower orders congregate. It is even said that the
brick walls of the chief apartments in union houses,
are not covered with plaster, or other matter, because
they should take the lime-water readily ; and this
hint may not be lost on those who house and provide
for many working people during the summer season.
X/jme-wash the walls, and use lime to disinfect any
thing that might become a nuisance. — Farmer and

Mechanic.

>

EXTENSIVE FLOUR BARREL MANUFAC-
TORY.

We learn from the Oswego Com. Times, that
Messrs. Humphrey and Dodge, having secured the
right for the state of New York to use improved
patent machinery for the construction of barrels,
have established an extensive manufactory at Kasoag,
in this county, on the head waters of Fish Creek, in
the town of Williamstown. It employs from fifty
to seventy-tive men, and turns out easily four hun-
dred flour barrels in a day. They are manufactured
entirely by machinery, each stave taking, in the
process of manufacturing, the same position it occu-
pies in the barrel when set up ; consequently all the
barrels must be precisely alike. All the staves are
of the same width, and after they have been seasoned,
are passed through the finishing machine, where they
are planed, joined, crozed and champered. The
planing gives the barrel a beautiful appearance ; the
eroze is similar to the croze for tight wcn-k, and the
chime is left thick and strong. The barrel varies in
shape from the article now in use, and is supposed
to have many advantages on that account. It is
about one and a half inches shorter, and has an
eighteen inch head, with the same sized bilge as
ether barrels. On account of their form, one
fifteenth is gained in storage, and at the same time,
the barrel being fuller in the quarter, will allow
one hundred and ninety-six pounds of flour to be
packed looser than in the present shape. The head-
ing is also passed through machinery, which gives it
the same accuracj' as the staves. Oswego aff'ords the
largest market for flour barrels in the world, requir-
ing for its own use at least a million of barrels per
annum, besides the ordinary Canadian demand, and
the demand for other lake ports on the American
side. The establishment of Messrs. Humphrey and

Dodge is situated eligibly for water power and
cheap and abundant material, about thirty miles
from Oswego, on the line of the Rome Plank Koad to
that city. — Farmer and Mechanic.

1

WATER FOR BEES.

Bees make a free use of water, and they usually
have a watering-place, where all the bees of the
apiary resort. We have seen fifty at the watering-
place at one time. According to our observations,
they do not go to the water, as it is in a body, but
they go within a foot or a few inches of it and then
suck the moisture from the mud, or little bank
that rises from the water. Mr. Miner, in his most
excellent work on bees, which we would earnestly
recommend to every bee-keeper, makes the follow-
ing remarks on water and its uses, with directions
for forming artificial watering-places. We advise
placing a little bank of mud on one side of the water,
rising six or eight inches above it, into which the
Avater will rise by capillary attraction, and let the
bees take their choice and alight upon the mud or
stones.

AVriters on the management of bees have hitherto
given no elucidation of the necessit)' of bees having
water within their convenient reach, beyond the
simple assertion, that they either should have water
placed daily in pans near the apiary, or that they
should be situated near to some stream, lake, or river
of fresh water. What the effect would be to have
no water within the ordinary range of their flight,
has never been shown ; perhaps for the reason, that
an apiary cannot be placed where the bees cannot
find fresh water in some place, within the range of
their flight, unless it be in a desert. Even the wells
of the neighborhood frequently afford all the water
that is required, from the drippings of the bucket, or
from the troughs that often stand beside them.

I have often seen bees around my own well, in
great numbers, extracting the moisture from the out-
side of the bucket, or arranged along the gently-
sloping sides of a trough, that I had placed there
expressly for them. Bees do not like to descend the
vertical sides of a bucket, or of any other vessel, to
obtain water ; because there is danger of falling in ;
but a sloping, shallow trough, the sides of which form
an angle of from thirty to forty- five degrees with the
horizon, suits them much better.

Every bee-keeper should either afford his bees a
supply of water at his pump, or well, or place a shal-
low vessel near the apiary, filled with small stones,
about the size of a pigeon's egg, in order to give a
resting place for the bees ; and the vessel then to be
filled with fresh water every morning, unless there be
a stream of fresh water near, in which case, both modes
might be dispensed with. A tin baking pan, about
an inch or more deep, is very suitable. Should no
stones be put into the pan, many bees would be
drowned. I have even known many to be drowned,
in cool spring weather, when the stones in the pan
were so large, as to admit of spaces or surfaces of water
only two inches across ! One would suppose that so
small a space as this would be overcome by the bee.3
at once ; and when losing a foothold, and falling into
the water, they would cross to the stones, and soon be
on the wing again : but such is not the case in cool
weather, such as we generally have from March to
June. In very Avarm -weather, fewer bees, under the
same circumstances, would perish ; yet water is so
benumbing to them, at almost any season, that when
once immersed, they seldom recover, unless assisted
by man in placing them in some warm, sunny place
to dry.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

233

THE RASPBERRY.

The cultivation of the raspberry, in this country,
is comparatively a new thing, and the subject re-
ceives but little attention ; yet it is -well worthy the
regard of all who raise their own fruit, or raise for
the market, in the vicinity of cities and towns. The
raspberry will flourish on any good tillage in good
condition for common farm crops. But the best soil
is a deep sandy or gravelly loam, tolerably moist.

The stools or hills may be set about four feet apart
each way ; or, for convenience in culture, make the
rows five feet apart, and the hills three feet in the
ro'rt's. When the crop is off, the old canes or stalks
should be cut away, and the new ones trained up
to take their place. Then apply manure, and stir
the soil thoroughly. This is a better preparation for
a crop next year, than to let the old canes stand,
and defer manuring till the next spring, as the now
canes, on which will be the next crop, will bo feeble
for want of room and culture. It is a great mistake
to defer manuring plants until it is almost time to
look for the fruit. The manure should be applied
in season to give a stout growth, preparatory to a
large crop. The farmer would fail of a crop of corn,
should he neglect to manure till the stalks are nearly
gro.wn, and then look for largo cars on small plants.

Among the most valuable kinds of raspberries are
the Franconia and FastolfT, represented above. They
are both large and of excellent quality. The fruit of
the Franconia is the firmer, and bears transportation
well ; therefore it is preferable for the market. Fas-
tolff is very tender, and some prefer the fruit on this
account. As they ripen at different periods, — Fas-
tolif, July 15 to 30 ; Franconia, July 25 to August
10, — they are, in this respect, well adapted for cul-
ture on the same lot, forming a succession.

These and other similar kinds, such as the Red
and White Antwerp, &c., need to have the canes
bent down, and covered a few inches in earth, in
fall, to save them from our severe winters. They
are foreign varieties, and rather tender.

The American Black, or Black Thimbleberry,
grows spontaneously in most parts of New England.
It is vigorous, productive, and so hardy that it needs
no protection ; and it is easily cultivated by keeping
the soil rich and loose, and cutting out the old
canes, after the crop is off. It will flourish on any

soil. As it is hardy, it may be cultivated with much
less attention than the other kinds. The fruit is
very good, but not equal to the red varieties, and, of
course, it does not sell so well in the market.

The American White is IDte the Black in its hab-
its. The fruit is not of so high a flavor, but it is
sweet ; and many children, and others who like sweet,
luscious fruit, would prefer it. In its growth, it is
more luxuriant than the Black.

Raspberries are excellent and wholesome fruit,
coming in during the heat of summer, soon after the
strawberry, when such light, cool, refreshing fruits
are highly acceptable. They are usually very sala-
ble, and with good luck, — which is often synonymous
with good management, — they are very profitable.
We have seen an acre, with the stools four feet apart
each way, that produced over a quart to the hill,
which is more than half a bushel to the rod, or eighty
bushels to the acre. But this is a great crop. The
usual price of raspberries in the Boston market is
from twenty to thirty-seven and a half cents per
quart, at retail.

AGRICULTURE.

Agriculture has been aptly styled the master sinew
of every great state — the perennial fountain of
wealth. Rural labors are equally conducive to
health of body and mind. The mechanic operations
hold only a secondary rank ; the culture of the fields
constitute the most natural and innocent employment
of man. Agriculture clothes our land with grass for
cattle and with the herb for man. She fills our houses
with plenty, our hearts with gladness, and puts into
our hands the staff of life. The ancient republics
afford us several instances of generals and statesmen
having exchanged their boisterous employments in
war and politics for the more peaceful arts of the
field and the cultivation of the ground ; thus adding
to the culture of philosophy that of rural economy,
and rendering themselves doubly serviceable to their
country.

Preservation of Lambs from Vermin. — An oint-
ment made of gunpowder, brimstone, and common
grease, applied behind the necks of the lambs, will
infallibly preserve them from all kinds of vermin.
The quantity requisite is so small, that a sixpenny
worth is sufficient to dress two hundred lambs. —
French Paper.

234

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

PRACTICAL EDUCATION.

Much has been said, and more, perhaps, written, of
late, upon the subject of an agricultural school.
But, as yet, we have seen no plan proposed, which, to
our mind, meets the wants of the public.

An agricultural school does not convoy an idea
of what we want ; nor does an agricultural college
convey any more definitely the true object to be
gained.

It is conceded that our colleges and universities,
so far. as being of any practical use to the farmer or
the mechanic, in the education of his son, are a total
failure. The whole system is the relic of that age
when education was only for the rich and noble of
an older country. Men, in those days, were educated
to be gentlemen ; manual labor was a mark of ser-
vitude, and, as such, held to be without the pale of
gentility. Those who followed it would not be tol-
erated among those higher and refined classes. The
collegian rarely went from the plough or workshop,
and more rarely went back to them. Colleges have
been, and are now, the seminaries for edu.cating men
for professions ; and as such they are probably well
fitted to do their duty. In this state, they have been
largely, in some instances prodigalh', endowed.

It is, however, a lamentable fact, that there is not
an institution in the Union, where a student can re-
ceive a thoroughly practical education — one that
will prepare him for filling the duties of an American
citizen, if taken from the farm or the workshop. The
Military Academy at West Point is eminently prac-
tical, but it is only intended to teach the science of
•war, with all its kindred branches. It will make
good soldiers or engineers ; but it will not make
good farmers or mechanics, though it is certain that
a graduate there would be far better prepared for
either than a graduate from any coUege in the
Union.

We want, then, an institution that will be to the
farmer and mechanic what West Point is to the
soldier. While it fits him for the proper and under-
standing discharge of his duties as a citizen, it should
also jirepare him for the particular branch of busi-
ness he is to follow through life. We would not edu-
cate him as fanner or mechanic, but we would so
educate him that he could be either, and he could be
80 too undcrstandingly.

We are glad to see among the commission who
haA'C this subject in charge, some of enlarged views
and practical knowledge, and have hopes they will
be able to report a system perfect in its detail. Eut
still we much doubt whether the public is fully
prepared to go into the subject with that liberality
which will insure it comijlete success. To carry out
any plan that would at all bo worthy of the cause,
would require a permanent investment of at least a
half a million of dollars — an inconsiderable sum,
when compared with the millions which have been
sunk and lost by improvident legislation ; but still
we fear that there may be men found who would not
be willing to go into this most important movement
with becoming spirit. We shall hope for the best,
and again recur to the subj ect. — Wool- Groiver.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — We are
pleased with the independent tone and good sense
■which Mr. Peters has exhibited in the preceding
article. While the subject of agricultural schools is
under consideration by the legislatures of different
states, we hope that practical men will speak out
their sentiments, that when schools are established
they may be placed under the management of men
who are distinguished for their general intelligence,
economy, and practical knowledge.

If agricultural schools are to be managed by men
who spend money in farming, then the student will
learn to regard taste and fancy, and get into habits
of extravagance, so that he wiU need a competency
to enable him to farm, and that he would soon spend,
instead of accumulating property and gaining a com-
petency. Industry and strict economy are necessary
to success in farming, and these habits must be ac-
quired by experience.

POWER OF INSECTS.

We find in Chambers's Journal an article on the
" Importance of the Significant," which treats, among
other things, of the destructive power of insects.
The writer saj's —

When countries have been shaved of their increase,
whole Icings and councils have been pei-plcxed, and
whole nations have trembled at the sound of an in-
sect's wing, we are justified in giving their deeds a
record in this place, and on this occasion. Let him
who can count the leaves of the thickest forest, de-
spise, if he can, the powers of that legion of cater-
pillars of which lleaumur speaks as having brought
a premature winter upon a dense wood in France
which he visited. Every tree was overrun with
them ; and in a brief time, from the refreshing green
of spring, the whole scene assumed the parched,
brown aspect of autumn. Such was the alarm excit-
ed, that an act of government was called forth, de-
creeing that every body should assist in the extermi-
nation of the insects. But they were not to be anni-
hilated by "acts of parliament;" cold and rain
killed them. The Hessian fly, supposed to be carried
by the far less formidable Hessian troops from Ger-
many, committed, for a length of time, the most
awful ravages in North America. At one period it
was thought they would annihilate the culture of
wheat altogether. They came in enormous numbers,
thickening the very air, crossing lakes and rivers like
a cloud. In a tumbler of beer, five hundred met
with death by drowning ! The privy council, we
arc told, met day by daj' to consult what measures
could be adopted to destroy these ravagcrs. Ex-
presses were despatched to France, Austria, Prussia,
and America for full information ; and the minutes
of the council and the necessary documents fill up-
wards of two hundred pages. AH this is about an
insignificant fly !

The weevils, likewise, have an evil name for their
destroying powers. Every voyager knows them, and
has watched their manoeuvres in his biscuits, or has
been on the point of swallowing them in his soup.
A great brewer used to say that he collected them
out of his granaries by bushels ; which cannot be
wondered at, when we remember that a single pair
will, in the course of a year, bc^-ome surrounded
with a family of six thousand. Our grapes are of-
ten cut down for us, and withered before their time,
by the larvae of other insects. In the course of the
last century, they multiplied so excessively in Sweden,
that numbers of the meadows became white and dry,
as if scorched. The larva? of our childhood's friend,
" Daddy-long-legs," some years ago, entirely de-
stroyed hundreds of acres of the richest pasture-land,
all becoming dry and dead. A inece of turf, a square
foot in size, when examined, contained the enor-
mous number of two hundred and ten grubs.

After all, what are these to locusts, that oppressive
scourge with which Providence occasionally visits
nations ? To quote a single instance : In Russia,
in 1650, they came at three points in vast multitudes ;
they darkened the very air, covered the earth, and in
some places their dead bodies formed a stratunrfour
inches deep ; the trees literally bent under them, and

NEW ENGLA.ND FARMER.

235

-were of course stripped clean in very little time. On
one occasion, they were said to be the indirect cause
of the death of about a million of men and animals.
Surely, here is a display of power which redeems
insects from the stigma of insigniftcance. — Selected.

BLIND DITCHES.

As agriculture, and every thing else connected
with the tillage of the soil, is every day becoming
more and more an object of solicitude amongst the
farming community, it is gratifying to see a portion
of your excellent paper devoted to that imjjortant
subject. The extended circulation of the Dollar
Newspaper makes it a medium through which the
different sections of our country may be mutually
benefited, by the scientific knowledge and practical
experience of each other. The productions of the
soil being the source from which the human family
is fed and clothed, and from which the elegancies as
well as the luxuries of life are derived, it is impor-
tant that the best methods of preparing and culti-
vathig the soil, should be well understood^by every
farmer. It is a subject of regret that farmers in
general are not better educated, "in order," as a
certain writer expresses it, " to make the profession
more respectable." But we must take things as they
are, and not as we would wish. We will leave to
the chemist to analyze the various kinds of soils, and
tell their different qualities, Avhile we practical farm-
ers give our experience in our own way, no matter
how much it smells of the soil. But to the subject.
A large portion of the land in Indiana, as well as
some other of the Western States, is technically
called " flat woods," " wet land," " black slashes," &c.
This land, particularly the black slashes, is the most
valuable land in the country. First, it is the best
timbered. Second, it requires less labor to enrich
it, as it retains whatever substance is put on it better
than the dry land ; for this reason, there is less gravel
and sand in it. I think there is no observing or
thinking farmer in Indiana but will admit the truth
of this ; hence the advantage of draining it is ap-
parent to all. The best mode of draining this land
is beginning to exercise the minds and bodies of the
farmers in this section. So far as has come under
my observation, trenches are dug eighteen inches
wide, and to average the same in depth, then covered
first with boards, and then with earth, so that they
can be ploughed over. This is what is called blind
ditching, and it has been found to dry the land
sufficiently for the raising of any kind of grain. But
how long will the wood work in the ditch last ? is a
question not yet solved by experience in this vicinity.
The oldest ditch I know of was made ten years ago.
Some think the timber will soon rot ; others think
it will last a long time. Will some of the farmers of
older states give us their experience in the matter,
tell us how long oak timber will last under ground,
that kind of timber being more plenty on our wet
land than any other ; and I think the subject one of
great importance to the west — vastly more impor-
tant than the discovery of a gold miue would be.

C S.

HARTsviLiiE, Indiana, 1849.

— Philadelphia Dollar Neiospaper.

ACORNS.

The fruit of the red, white, and yellow oak consti-
tutes an excellent and palatable food for swine, and
in seasons Avhen it is abundant, may be gathered in
almost any quantity and at small expense. AVhere
there are extensive forests of these valuable trees, it
is common for farmers in the vicinity to turn their
swine into them as soon as the acorns begia to fall,

and allow them a free range till late in the fall. In
this way, a very considerable saving is effected, as
the animals not only " get their own living," to adopt
a rustic phrase, but frequently return to the pen in
much better condition than when they went out.
Some farmers gather acorns as a winter feed for their
swine, and regard them as about e<iual to corn,
bushel for bushel. In plentiful seasons, an indus-
trious man will gather two or three bushels, often
more, of red oak in a day, and from one to two of
the other kinds. One thing is certain : whatever
may be the specific or relative value of acorns, swine
will winter well on them without the assistance of
other food ; and in several instances pork of a very
fine quality has been made on uncooked acorns, and
in as short a period as is generally consumed in
fattening on corn or meal.

Reckoning acorns at the common price of corn,
and supposing one hand to gather, on an average,
two bushels per day, the business will be seen at
once to be profitable, and especially so in seasons
when the corn crop is short, and its place is to be
supplied by other food. That the acorn constitutes
a large proportion of nutritive matter, is a position
that has already been abundantly proved. Accord-
ing to a recent analysis, it contains of soluble nutri-
tive matter, sixty parts ; of starch, forty do. ; of
vegetable fibrin or albumen, twenty- seven do. ; of
saccharine matter, two do. The analysis was made
by a distinguished chemist, and is no doubt sub-
stantially correct. The acorns submitted to his ex-
amination were not green, but had been two months
dried in a free atmosphere, without the aid of arti-
ficial heat, or exposure to the calorific rays. By
grinding and cooking, the nutritive power of the
acorn, like that of all vegetable matter, would no
doubt be greatly improved. AGRICOLA.

LowEE Dublin, June 13, 1849.
— Germantown Telegraph,

SORE SHOULDERS, ETC.

Farm horses are liable to be injured on the shoul-
der or back with a collar or cart saddle. In these
cases, styptics are commonly ifeod to dry up the
wound, which is quite contrary to the nature of this
kind of sores. Lime-water and linseed-oil are what
I have found most beneficial in those cases. It may
be prepared in the following way : Put two quarts
of water upon two quarts of unslaked lime ; let it
stand till the ebullition is over ; then pour off the
liquor for use, and add five gills of linsood-oil, and
two ounces of sugar of lead. Mix them well to-
gether, and keep the solution in a bottle for use.
When the animal comes in from work at night, the
sores should be washed with soap and water, dried
with a soft towel, and dressed with a feather dipped
in the mixture. This process should be repeated
every night till the sores are healed, observing to
shako the mixture well every time it is used.

When a horse is injured by the harness, it is
necessary to examine what part of it caused the
injury, and get it removed by altering the stuffing
of the collar or saddle, that it do not press on the
sore ; for if a wound be constantly irritated, it is
hardly possible to heal it. Too few that have the
charge of horses consider properly how little is the
cause that irritates and injures them, and makes
them either dull and spiritless or refractory and
spiteful ; and I would therefore enforce on those
who work them the incumbent duty that devolves
on them to adjust the harness for the care or comfort
of the animal as much as possible. — Selected.

" Love labor," cried a philosopher ; " if you do not
want it for food, you may for physic."

236

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

domestic JOcpartmcnt.

Reward of Industry. — Everj'- parent, and every
individual who has the care of children, should be
particular to teach them the habits of industry and
economy, and the principles and importance of these
cardinal viitues. This duty falls to the lot of the
mother more especially.

In requiring children to work a part of the time,
two important objects are to be accomplished — to
accustom children to habits of industry, that they
may practise in that line with f)leasure, or from cus-
tom : and learn how work should be done, or the
philosophy of labor ; for children are great reasoners,
or philosophers, and they should be encouraged to
study cause and effect, the principles of action and
the result ; and they will ask thousands of questions
to gain information, and the parent often finds it
difficult to answer all the questions of the little in-
quirer.

In requiring children to work a part of the time,
it should not be urged solely as a matter of duty, to
aid the parent, to whom they are under great obli-
gation, though this is a consideration of some im-
portance ; and the effect on their future welfare is also
important, aiid should be kept in view ; but the child
should receive that encouragement which puts the
whole world in motion — man, beast, bird, fish,
insect — a reward for industry. In every region, and
in every gradation in the animal kingdom, there is
labor, and the motive is the compensation which
labor brings.

The farmer tills the soil, the mechanic plies his
tools, the sailor tugs at the oar and encounters the
dread storms and countless dangers of the deep, the
student labors at his books, the philosopher is en-
grossed in his investigations, and men of every pro-
fession ply themselves to labor in their art, trade,
or science, and all for compensation ; and the whole
animal creation are acting on the same principle ; and
shall we ask the child to work for nothing, or only
that which he already has, and which he knows that
he has had from his birth up, by the affection and
indulgence of fond parents.

Give children some reward for their labor. Let
them have a compensation that they may plainly see
that something is accumulating from their industry
that they can call theu- own. This will cheer them on
their way, and make their labor light and pleasant.

Currants and their Products. — No small fruit
is more sure of a market than currants, as the man-
ufacturers of currant jelly, in the large cities, arc al-
ways ready purchasers, while the increased con-
sumption of currant jelly will insure a continuance
of demand. Currant jelly, well made, will always
find a ready market in New York, and the other
large cities, at from fifty cents to one dollar per
quart, while currant wine, of good quality, sells
readily at one dollar per gallon.

Currant Jelly. — Place the currants in a stone or
glass jar, and suspend this jar in a vessel of boiling
•water until the currants are in a condition to yield

their juice readily; then place them, while hot, in
a bag, and press out the juice ; add pure, double-
refined loaf sugar, and then boil until it jellies : this
point is ascertained by dropping a portion on a cold
plate, and if it will hold fast with the plate upside
down, it is done, and should be removed from the
fire. Should any scum arise, it may be skimmed off.
Put the jelly, while hot, into jars, and cover tightly.
Our experiment last year resulted thus: Twenty-
seven quarts of currants gave twenty-nine pints
of juice, and with twenty-nine pounds of double-
refined sugar, gave eighteen and a half quarts of very
superior currant jelly. Those who suppose that
currant jelly can be made with common brown sugar,
or even with inferior loaf sugai-, will find themselves
without a market, as an inferior article cannot be
sold.

Currant Wme. — To each quart of the juice of
currants, expressed cold, add three potinds of fine
loaf sugar, and as much water as will make one
gallon ; fill the cask with this mixture, and permit
it to work ; rack it, &c., in the same manner as
cider ; the addition of brandy or extra alcohol, in
any form, alters and injures the flavor ; and if the
sugar used be thoroughly refined, the natural alco-
hol formed during its fermentation, wQl be found to
be fully sufficient for its preservation.

The white Dutch currant makes of course a paler
wine than the red, and of very superior flavor. The
black currant requires one third less water, and
produces a wine slightly resembling port. It also
makes a syrup excellent for sore throat.

Bojjs' ?Bi;partinent.

Books. — Books may be likened to a vast reser-
voir, and the reading of them to a conduit, which
leads out a stream of knowledge to refresh and in-
vigorate the mind. Reading, to him who is in search
of knowledge, is a cloud by day and a pillar of fire
by night, to guide him along an uncertain, dark, and
rugged way. It gives a constant and vigorous im-
pulse to the mind, and is as necessary to its health-
ful action as food is to the body. By means of
reading, the treasures of history, the wonders of
astronomy and chemistry, the beauties of poetry and
eloquence, are opened to our view, to enrich our
minds, to exalt and purify our hearts. The expe-
rience of ages is placed within our reach, and Ave
have only to cultivate our memories to retain its
treasures. It is true, much of this advantage and
improvement is predicated on the judicious selection
of books. If this be neglected, they may be the in-
struments to minister to a diseased imagination and
a depraved taste, and aftbrd as little benefit to the
reader as deadly poison would to him who used it
instead of healthful aliment. — Common School Ad-
vocate,

Little Kindnesses. — Small acts of kindness, —
how pleasant and desirable do they make life !
Every dark object is made light by them, and every
tear of sorrow is brushed away. 'VMien the heart is
sad, and despondency sits at the entrance of the
soul, a little kindness drives despair away, and makes
the path cheerful and pleasant. Who will refuse a
kind act r It costs the giver nothing, but it is in-
valuable to the sad and sorrowing. It raises from
misery and degradation, and throws around the soul
those hallowed joys that were lost in Paradise. —
Selected.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

237

Cleanliness preventive op Choleua. — Personal
cleanliness is a orcat preventive of disease p;cnerally ;
but in the cholera pestilence, it is even more essential
than local cleanliness, if we woixld escape the scourge.
It is not our intention to intimate that personal
cleanliness is a general vice, in this or any other
community of our country ; but we believe it is not
denied that the Americans, as a peoi)le, are subject
to hydrophobia in an eminent degree — have a
gi'eat horror of water, in its external application to
the body. The rich and well-to-do in the world
do not even indulge in the bath as freely as the same
classes in other countries ; and the experience of
foreign-born physicians amongst us will bear testi-
mony to the fact, that they find diseases prevalent
among the wealthy which arise wholly from habits
engendered by the neglect of bodily ablutions. If
such be the result among those who have the means
to prevent it, it is not to be presumed that any better
state of things in this respect exists among the toil-
ing thousands, intent alone upon procuring the sub-
sistence of life. Every person should, at least once
a day, wash the entire body. The practice will
make manifest an improvement in the general health,
both bodily and mentally. Braced muscles, invig-
orated nerves, a quieted brain, and a cheerful tem-
per, invariably follow bathing once in twenty-four
hours. A body and mind so prepared could encoun-
ter the cholera pestilence without fear of danger.
Clean clothing is a certain sequence of daily bathing.
No man, woman, or child, who is in the habit of
daily ablutions, can tolerate for a moment any other
but clean wearing apparel. The habit of bathing
begets a feeling of hostility to uncleanliness in every
form. The great obstacle to daily bathing, in the
minds of most people, is the trouble of it ; but we
would remind the reader, that nothing, which is
worthy of having, can be had without trouble. A
half hour spent once a day in washing the body,
would save many daily hours of prostration on a
sick bed ; besides, the indulgence in the practice
will soon beget a love of it, and wliere men come to
love to do a thing, it is always very easy, and is al-
most sure to be done. The argument in favor of
personal cleanliness is unanswerable at all times,
but more especially at the present time, because it is
a powerful means of disarming the dreaded cholera
of one half its influence and effects. It is never too
late to begin a good work, especially when the enemy
is at the door. — Wojih. Nat. Whiff'.

ilTecl)amcs' IBcpartmcnt, :irts, ^c.

The Time to cut Timber. — It has been the cus-
tom, in Vermont, for those who own timber to cvit it
in winter, without regard to the use to which it is to
be put ; but having so often seen posts, and rails of
fences, as well as the timber in carriages, i-endered
utterly v>orthless by being worm-eaten, I have been
led to inquire if the season at which it was felled,
produced any effect.

It is well known that the bark cannot be stripped
off, only at the time that the leaves are growing, and
I think observation has universally estabUshed the
fact, that timber stripped of its bark, and seasoned
quickly, so as to prevent fermentation, is much more
durable, strong, and less liable to become worm-
eaten, than that from which the bark has not been
removed. M. Euffon, the naturalist, presented a
memorial to the Koyal Academy of Sciences, at
Paris, in 1738, entitled " An easy method of increas-
ing the strength, solidity, and durability of timber,"

in which he saj's : " Nothing more is necessary,
than to strip the tree entirely of its bark during the
season of the flow of the sap, and leave it to dry
before it is cut down." I do not suppose there is
anj- advantage to be derived from the tree remaining
staiuling ; in fact, my own observation is in favor of
cutting thein down at once, so as to prevent their
receiving moisture through the live roots. We all
know how tough the twigs and shoots of the willow
{s(dix viminaUs) arc when woven into baskets, as
well as how extremely brittle when they have lain a
few months, after being cut, with the bark on. There
is an equal diflerence with the alder, white birch,
poplar, as well as others.

If any man doubts, in regard to the proper time
for felling timber, to render it most durable, let him
try an experiment for himself in this way. Let him,
the present season, cut a tree of the several kinds
he is accustomed to use, at such times as the bark
can be removed, and from a part let the bark be
taken, on another part let the bark remain. In the
autumn, and in the winter, let him cut still others,
and let them be alike exposed, and a very few trials
will enable him fully to determine the matter, and
the information thus acquired will amply repay him
for the trouble ; or, if he wishes to determine more
quickly, let him choose a small branch of each kind
of tree, and use them for the experiment, bearing in
mind that a branch too small may become dried iii
spite of its covering of bark. C.

Waterbuuy, Vt., 18i9.
— Phikidelphia Dollar Newspaper,

"By means of a chemical discovery recently made,
it is said that oil of turpentine can be freed from its
peculiar smell so completely that not only is it
rendered inodorous, but it can be impregnated with
any desired perfume, without deteriorating its use-
ful proi^erties.

PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT OF CLAY
SOILS.

Clay^ soils are distinguished by their adhesiveness.
They stick to the feet when damp, they imbibe
moisture slowly, but do not transmit it freely for the
use of plants ; and when strong clay soils are brought
quickly from a wet to a dry state, they a]3proach to
the state of bricks previous to their being burned.
Clay soils are tilled with difficulty when too dry,
and when too wet, this operation has the same effect
as the tempering of clay has in the art of brick-
niaking.

The tillage of such land in a proper state is there-
fore of the greatest importance, and this is best per-
formed when it is neither too wet nor too dry.

Poor, thin clays, upon a retentive subsoi', are the
most unprofitable ; the expense of their cultivation,
under the present system, is great, being frequently
equal to the value of the produce, and sometimes far
above it. Their natural produce is coarse grass of
very little value, tit only for young beasts.

Clay soils are best calculated for the production of
plants that have fibrous roots, particularly wheat,
beans, oats, vetches, clover, cabbage, grass, &c.

While the light, sandy soils have been greatly im-
proved by the adoption of a new system of culture,
the poor clays remain in the same state they were in
a century ago, without any increase to their produc-
tiveness ; indeed, they are rather in a worse state
than formerly. It is' therefore supposed by some
agriculturists, that, as there have been no improve-
ments in the clay soils, while there has been so great an
increase in the productiveness of sandy soils, that the

238

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

clays are not susceptible of improvement with the
least chance of a proper return.

There is no doubt but a better system could be
adopted for the cultivation of such strong clay soils
than, that which is pursued in the common fields,
and on the clays of Bedford, Huntington, Cambridge,
and other counties, on the malm, gault, oak-tree,
clunch, Oxford and blue lias clays.

The course of cropping adopted in the common
fields, and on thin clay, is summer fallow, if dunged,
•wheat, and then beans ; or without dung, barley,
then oats, then fallow again ; and this is the same as
it was one hundred years ago.

The chief cause of thus neglecting the clay soils is
the difficulty and expense of cultivating them, and
of converting them into pasture, after having boon
long kept iinder this system of arable cultivation.
It is difficult to convert such land into good jjasturo,
but it has been overcome, and the best and most
profitable results have followed.

There is a much greater difficulty in getting a
poor, cold, clay farm lot, than one consisting of a
poor sandy soil ; the capital and ability required for
the former being not only much greater, and of a
higher order, but the risk is also much more in cul-
tivating the clay, than the sand, as the mode of im-
proving the land and securing good crops on sandy
soils by claying is easy and certain, and the titrnij)
and sheep husbandry cannot be adopted on clays.

Besides, the system of cultivating light sand or
loamy soils has been so long established, and the
Norfolk or four-field system has now become so much
the beaten track, that it would be difficult for the
farmers who have been brought up to it, to leave off,
although a better one were shown them.

The turnip and sheep system, however, cannot
be adopted on clay soils, till they are completely
drained and subsoil ploughed, and till sand or light
and porous matter be added to alter their texture.

Some new impulse must be given to agricult\iral
speculations before the cold, wet clay soil will ever
attain that degree of improvement which they arc
capable of, and which has been effected in the sandy
and peaty soils.

The landlords should encourage tenants with capi-
tal and talent, by letting farms at low rents uncler
improving leases, similar to the building leases
granted in great towns ; and binding them by cer-
tain covenants to improve the land by complete sub-
soil drainage and the application of alternatives ;
and by a proper mode of culture, to convert a cer-
tain portion of the arable land into pasture under a
particular mode found to be the best and surest for
effecting its amelioration. Permanent improvement
tmdertaken by an intelligent and industrious farmer
under the security of an inaproving lease is the best
and most profitable mode of permanently improving
land.

Perhaps Lord Karnes's mode of letting land for
this object is the best, with additional covenants
binding the tenants to improve, by altering the
texture of such soils as would be improved by it.
It ought ever to be kept in mind, that the only true
and systematic stimulus to improvement of any kind,
is the certainty of profit in the outlay of capital.
This is the main-spring to all our exertions ; without
the certainty of occupying his improvements for
Buch a length of time as wUl enable him to reap the
advantage of his outlay, we may be assured that no
man will either invest "his own capital, or be inclined
to borrow money to be laid out in the improvement
of another man's estate.

There is no doubt, however, but thin clay soils
could be easily improved, and, perhaps, in a much
greater degree than the sandy soils have been during
the last forty years ; and the surface may yet be
Been clothed with a rich herbage which shall vie

with that of other soils in producing the best cheese,
beef, and mutton.

Clay soils will pi-oduce pasture just in proportion
to the quantity of decaying active vegetable matter
in their composition. If this be abundant, the crop
will be rich and luxuriant ; and the decaying fibrous
roots will form a dry, porous soil, giving a sufficient
depth for the rain to sink through the subsoil, where
it will run off by the furrow drains. If there be
little vegetable matter in the soil, the moisture will
make the earthy matter in it collapse and adhere to-
gether ; and it will form a cold, wet, sterile clay,
producing little else but carnation grass, of little
value.

Pasture on clay soils should never be converted
into arable culture, unless the application of skill
and capital will not only repay the additional ex-
pense of the culture, but also tend to increase the
permanent productiveness of the soil. Without a
proper application of skill, capital, and industry on
such land, the converting it into arable culture will
only tend to diminish the produce, if the free produce
uncler the artificial culture falls short of that Mhich
nature itself afforded.

Much may be learned from the practice of market
gardeners, in the neighborhood of London and else-
where. They have two methods of trenching their
land. When the soil and subsoil are good to a great
depth, they turn the sui-face under and fetch up a
fresh spit "from below to constitute the surface for so
many years ; but when the subsoil is poor or strong
clay, they bastard trench it, as they call it ; that is,
they throw the surface spit forward, always keeping
it uppermost, and dig the subsoil by turning it over
in the trench without moving it from its place.

Their object in thus trenching their clay soUs is to
get depth for the rain water to descend, and to give
a greater depth of moisture to the roots of plants,
and run off to the drain.

If we perfectly drain thin clay soil by furrow
draining, and deepen the subsoil by trenching with
the spade or the subsoil plough, making it pervious
to the moisture which falls on it, that it may im-
mediately sink to a depth below the reach . of the
roots of the plants, the cultivated surface will be
dry ; and if we reduce the tenacity of the soil by
applying to it those light or sandy substances, which,
wheii well incorporated with it, will make and keep
the soil permanently porous and friable, then the
land which before produced only a poor crop of car-
nation grass, or, if arable, of oats, will now produce
an abundant crop of wheat, beans, oats, clover, and
even turnips ; an'd if properly laid down, and full of
manure, will form a rich pastui-age for any kind of
stock.

When clay soils have dry, pervious subsoils, they
become darker in color from the repeated application
of manures, ancV under a proper system of cultiva-^
tion, they lose their adhesiveness, and become a
loamy soil, producing the most fruitful crops of
wheat, beans, clover, vetches, cabbage, and naturally
produce the best and richest herbage for dairy cows.
The milk from cows fed on such pasture produces
more cheese and butter than the milk from cows fed
on a sandy soil, and of a bettor quality.

Any thing which will produce permanent friability
in clay soils, such as sand, lime, burnt clay, loose,
light vegetable matter, or long unfermented manure,
will alter its texture and improve its quality.

When tenacious soils are completely subsoil
drained, and a system of deep or subsoil plough-
ing is adopted, every time when the land is in
summer fallow, if the soil be deepened and the sub-
soil made more porous ; and if never ploughed when
too wet, and a full portion of vegetable manure be
given to the soil, and well mixed with it, a mechani-
cal effect will be produced, which will change the

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

239

nature and texture of the soil, and give to it that
friability which is so essential in all productive soils.
The rain that t'-iUs on it will now percolate through
it to the depth of the new-formed subsoil, and thence
to the furrow drains.

The soil now receives the circulation of the air,
•which is carried on by the rains filling up the in-
terstices which the air previously occupied, and the
complete drainage draws off all the siiperabundaut
water as it falls. By this operation, the earth again
receives a fresh supply of air fi-om the atmosjjhere,
which promotes a chemical as well as mechanical
action in the soil, and hastens the decomposition of
the air and water, as well as the A'cgetablc and animal
manure it contains, and thus a liberal supply of the
nourishment necessary for the growth of plants is
obtained.

Soil that is principally composed of calcareous
matter, in minute divisions, becomes a most tenacious,
stubborn soil ; and, under certain circumstances, as
sterile as the most -worthless clay. Calcareous mat-
ter, therefore, although reckoned a valuable constit-
uent in a soil, becomes an evil when it composes
the greater part of it.

Calcareous clay, when thoroughly dried, falls to
pieces like burnt lime, whenever it is again wetted.
Every poor clay soil may be much improved by
paring and burning the surface, after it has been
completely drained.

This is the first step that ought to be taken towards
ameliorating such a soil ; and the more clayey the
soil is, the deeper ought the soil to be burnt. When
the burnt surface is mixed with the soil to the depth
of the furrow, it acts as a coarse sand, and makes it
more friable and porous, by converting the matter,
which was before damp and adhesive, into a dry,
friable, warm soil, permanently improved, and capa-
ble of producing luxuriant cro])s of every kind.

If wo can get depth and friability to the subsoil of
strong adhesive clay, we thereby prevent stagnant
water from injuring the roots, and give to the plants
the liberty of sending their roots to a greater depth
in search of nourishment.

Iir all rich soils there is vegetable matter in every
state of decay, and the greater this portion of decay-
ing vegetable matter i* in strong clay soils, the
greater is its productive powers. Besides this, de-
composing vegetable matter will tend to keep strong
clay land loose, friable, and porous. — London Farmer's
Maga-iiie,

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — "When
clayej'^land has am.oderate descent, it maybe greatly
improved, at a small expense, by ploughing it into
lands or beds of two, three, or four rods in width,
according to the degree of moisture, and leaving the
dead furrows for drains, and making a drain at the
head of the lands, so that the water from higher
lands cannot run over them. In this way we have
prepared lands before too wet, so that they are
sufficiently dry, and in a dry season more sure and
productive than common tillage lauds.

SMOKING WITH SULPHUR.

In England, the fumigation of plants with sulphur,
to destroy plant lice, aphides, the turnip fly, insects
on trees, where the top could be covered or exposed
to the suffocating fumes, has been for some time
practised with great success. To most animals and
insects the fumes of sulphur are almost instantly
fatal. The rationale appears to be this : The smoke
of sulphur immediately combines with water when
brought in contact with it ; and in this way, by com-
bining the smoke of sulphur, in leaden chambers, with

water that covers the floor, and is frequently agi-
tated, the sulphuric acid of commerce is formed.
Thus, when the fumes of sulphur are brought in
contact with the moist surface of the lungs, or
breathing vessels of animals or bisects, sulphurous
acid is usually generated, and the lungs refusing to
act under such circumstances, suffocation is pro-
duced. Of this, any one can easily satisfy himself by
experiment.

Taking the hint from these facts, it was proposed
to attempt the suffocation or destruction of the
wheat fly or grain worm by fumigation on its first
appearance, and we are happy to learn it has been
tried the present season with entire success. It is
stated in the Amsterdam paper, (a journal on the
Mohawk, in Montgomery county,) that a farmer in
Herkimer has preserved a large wheat crop from the
worm the past season, by using brimstone in fumiga-
tion liberally, while all around him, who did not
adopt this preventive, had their crops seriously in-
jured or destroyed. The brimstone was prepared by
melting, and in this strips of old woollen cloth were
dipped. These fixed on sticks, and fixed in different
parts of the field, were set on fire, generally at even-
ing. The matches were given in the greatest num-
bers to the windward side of the fields, and the
offensive and destructive smoke, of course driven
over every part, proving fatal to the insects that in-
hale the gas. About one hundred pounds of brim-
stone were used to one hundred bushels of sowing,
and the preservation was complete ; thus proving, in
this instance at least, a remedy equally cheap and
efficacious. — Genesee Farmer.

TO DRY A COW OF HER fVIILK.

Circumstances render it necessary to stop the
lactescent action in cows ; and when this occurs, all
that is absolutely required is, to make a liquor by
pouring into a fresh rennet bag two quarts of pui-e
well, spring, or rain water : reduce the quantity of
the liquid, by boiling briskly, to about one quart,
and strain it. Then let it cool to a lukewarm tem-
perature, and give it as a drink to the cow. In forty-
eight hours she will be dry. For some days, her food
should be dry and unsucculent — no water being
allowed. — Maine Cultivator.

GROWTH OF PLANTS IN CONFINED

AIR.

It is now well known that a plant flourishes as
well, or better, when grown in soil in a transparent
vessel, with the external air excluded, than when ex-
posed to its influence. Mr. Leeds, druggist, corner
of Atlantic and Court Streets, Brooklyn, has a
monthly rose in a large glass jar, planted in the
usual soil. This jar is hermetically sealed, and yet
the plant has flourished, its leaves being of a healthy
green ; and it grows faster, and blossoms earlier, than
any similar plant exposed to the atmosphere. It has
been kept more than two years in this state, having
been opened only twice to clean out the grass, which
grows, also, more rapidly than from the pots exposed.
— Mr. Partridge.

IMPROVED FENCE.

The friend of improvement in every thing, I deem
it my especial duty to suggest to those who have
lands to enclose, the propriety of making trial of a
species of fence of which I have recently had a de-
scription, and which is said to be both cheap and
efficient. The posts are made of common clay,
struck in moulds of the desired size, and burnt in

240

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

kilns, the same as bricks. These posts are perforated
with holes of the size of a common pipe-stem, and
are either three or four in number, as required, and
are made before burning, or in the mould. The
posts arc set in the soil, after rcc.civins; a coat of coal
tar. Wires arc then passed through the holes, from
post to post, properly secured, and coated with coal
tar or paint, to preserve the surface from atmospheric
action, and prevent rust. This fence is cheap, looks
well, and is very durable. — Germaiitown Telegraph.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Jewett's Lectukes, Poems, axb Writings, on
Temperance. — Dr. Charles Jewctt is known, in most
parts of New England, as a zealous, devoted, and
able advocate in the cause of temperance, in which
he has laljorod most assiduously for about ten years.
He has doubtless done more in this part of the coun-
try than any other man in this work of benevolence
and i:)liilanthropy. Ilis book is written in the inde-
pendent, and clear manner, which has ever charac-
terized the author in this useful cause. The tem-
perance refoi'm may justly be regarded as one of the
greatest improvements in agriculture, saving expense,
and preventing that hurry, confusion, and indiscre-
tion attendant on excitement from the use of alcohol.
The work contains 200 pages, 12mo., neatly bound
in cloth, and embellished with a very accurate por-
trait of the author. Published by John P. Jewett,
23 CornhiU.

The Agriculturist's Guide and Almanac, for
1850. New York, B. G. St. John, 140 Fulton St. ;
Rochester, N. Y., J. G. Reed & Co. — The astronom-
ical calculations are by David Young, who is distin-
guished for his profound researches and accurate
estimates. The agricultural department, by a prac-
tical farmer, is varied, and, for an almanac, very ex-
tensive, containing a largo amount of useful matter,
with numerous embellishments and illustrations. It
contains 82 pages, at the very low price of 12^ cents.
The Plough, Loom, and Anvil, by Skinner, for
July, contains an interesting variety. With this
number, the second volume of this valuable work
commences. A prominent feature in this work is
the able advocacy of the rights of the farmer, and his
claims upon government for encouragement in that
great and long-neglected interest, which is of more
importance than all others combined.

FLORAL SHOW.

In the former part of last week, there was a most
beautiful and splendid show of flowers at the hall
of the M. II. Society. There were also tine grapes,
peaches, &e., from the hothouse. Only a very few-
baskets of strawberries were exhibited, owing to a
partial failure of the crop from dry weather.

Economy of Time. — The Chancellor d'Aguessau,
finding that his wife always kept him waiting a quar-
ter of an hour after the dinner bcU had rung, resolved
to devote the time to writing a work on Jurispru-
dence. He put this project in execution, and in the
course of time produced a quarto work of four vol-
umes.

THE SWEET BRIER.

BY BRAINERD.

Our sweet autumnal western-scented wind
Robs of its odors none so sweet a flower.
In all the blooming waste it left behind.
As that the sweet brier yields it ; and the shower
Wets not a rose that buds in beauty's bower
One half so lovely — yet it grows along
The poor girl's ])athway — by the poor man's door.
Such are the simple folks it dwells among ;
And humble as the bud. so humble be the soug.

I love it, for it takes its untouched stand

Not in the vase that sculptors decorate;

Its sweetness all is of my native land.

And e'en its fragrant leaf has not its mate

Among the perfumes which the rich and great

Buy from the odors of the spicy East.

You love your flowers and plants — and will you

hate
The little four-leaved rose that I love best,
That freshest will awake, and sweetest go to rest ?

THE OLIO.

A Blush. — W^hat a mysterious thing is a blush ! —
that a single word, a look, or a thought should send
that inimitable carnation over the cheek, like the soft
tints of a summer sunset. Strange, too, that it is
only the face — the human face — that is capable of
blushing. The hand or foot does not turn red with
modesty or shame any more than the sock or glove
which covers it. It is the face that is in heaven !
There may be traced the intellectual phenomena with
a confi.dence amounting to moral certainty.

" The air is perfumed with the sweet breath of the
new-made hay." j(

" I say, Tom, isn't it lucky that fellow's eyes are
cocked ? " " Why so ? " " Because if they were a
match, his red nose would surely set them on fire."

There are over a thousand princes in Germany,
great and small, who receive annually from the
people over two hundred millions of dollars ; Avhile a
laborer works eighteen hours out of twenty-four for
seventy-two cents per week.

A schoolmaster, driving oxen, and wishing to ex-
press himself in scholastic style, addressed his team
thus : " Ilaw, Buck, and, also, Bright! "

Court the company of the learned and the con-
versation of the aged ; their discourse is often more
useful than any book you can read.

There is nothing more dangerous to the virtuous
than association with the guilty who possess amiable
and attractive qualities.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is pubHshed
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volunie, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at gl a
year, or five copies for $i, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bvound at IBJ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2o cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

[^ The Postage ,^i

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 2G cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRT.

DSVOTED TO JGSICOITORE M AIL ITS VIEIOUS KINDRED lETS m SCIENCES

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that

calls her harvests

forth.-

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

JULY

21, 1849

NO.

16.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY

HALL,

BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Propkietor.

SAVING MANURE.

In the busy season of summer, the farmer will,
generally, have but little time for making manure,
by collecting and preparing various materials ; but
he should diligently attend to saving all manures
produced by his animals, as, without care, there is a
great loss, at this season, by the hot sun, drying
winds, and occasionally drenching rains.

Allow animal manures to lie only a few months,
exposed to these wasting influences, and more than
half of their virtues will be dissipated. A little
labor will save manure from waste, and pay fourfold
the expense. Place the manure under shelter, or, if
this cannot be done conveniently at this busy season,
place it in the shade, as the rains of summer will not
generally penetrate far into a heap. And to save
the liquid part, and extend or divide the solid part,
so as to prevent heating, mix loam, sand, or mud
intimately with the manure. By adding mud, peat,
muck, or clay with manure for dry lands, and sand,
gravel, or light loam with that for clayey or wet
lands, the texture of the soil will be permanently
improved by the application.

When we consider that the farmers of New Eng-
land are proverbial for their economy, we can hardly
account for their' allowing of so great a waste in
manure. They would cautiously guard against the
waste of a crop, even to the amount of a single dollar,
or a dime, and yet they allow their manures to be
wasted to the value of many dollars annually. U a
hen, squirrel, bird, or any other small animal, is
known to be feasting daily on the labors of the
farmer, it is carefully guarded against, or the crop
secured, to prevent the petty depredation.

But old Sol may pour his scorching rays upon the
manure heap, the parching winds may carry off its
fine gases, and the rains may pour in floods upon it,
and carry off in solution its most valuable product ;
and all this is unheeded by thousands, yea, hundreds
of thousands, of provident farmers — provident they
intend to be, and so they are generally, but on this
subject they have not reflected.

When cultivators have given this subject a thor-
ough investigation, they will no more allow a waste

of the materials that produce crops, than allow ani-
mals to devour crops without permission. We hope
that every man who tills the soil will give this sub-
ject a candid examination, and act upon the light
which must beam upon the reflecting mind ; and the
consequence will be a saving of manure to the
amount of millions of dollars annually.

HAY CAPS.

Caps for the protection of hay are very convenient
and economical, especially in changeable weather.
Sometimes caps may be used several times in one
season, and make sufficient saving to pay the whole
expense in a single year. In some cases the amount
saved in one storm has been sufficient to pay the
whole expense. Caps will cost about thirty-three
or forty cents apiece. By the use of one, a hundred
of hay would sometimes be saved in excellent con-
dition, which would be nearly worthless without
such protection, making a saving of forty or fifty
cents ; and in some years of scarcity of hay, the
saving would be, in a single instance, sixty or seventy
cents to each cap, at once using. Besides saving
hay from damage, there is a great saving of labor,
as it requires much time to open and dry hay that
has been wet in the heap ; and the whole business
of haying is expedited by the use of caps, and the
hay is secured in better season, making a great
saving in the quality of the last that is procured,
which is often much injured by long standing. We
hope that farmers will try this mode of securing hay,
at least in a small way, that they may judge from
experience.

Old canvas or sails are sometimes used for caps.
Drilling, or close stout sheeting, is a convenient and
excellent article for caps. Purchase that which is
one yard and three or four inches wide, and make
the caps of two pieces sowed together, about two
and one fourth yards long, making the caps a little
more than two yards each way. Two yards square
will answer, but a quarter or half in addition is
better.

Turn up the corners one or two inches, and sew
them ; into these loops put a line or cord, with a loop

242

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

about two inches long, and fasten down the corners
with small sticks, about twenty inches longjr run
upward into the hay. Put up the hay in cocks, as
usual, when a storm is expected, having it pretty
well elevated in the centre, that the cap may throw
off the water, which it will shed like an umbrella.

Farmers who hiive never used hay caps, and have
doubts as to their utility and economy, would better
have them made the size of sheets ; and a little care-
ful usage will not injure them, and the storms will
whiten them, and when haying is over, the good
housewife will find a use for them.

NEWLAND'S STRAWBERRY.

Many strawberry plants were sold in this section
last year, and early in this season, \inder the assum-
ing and imposing name of " George Newland's Cele-
brated Mammoth Alpine Strawberry," purporting to
be a new and superior variety from Palmyra, N. Y.

Many persons, who have tried these strawberries,
pronounce the transaction an imposition, as the
strawberries are small, and unworthy of cultivation,
bearing a strong resemblance to the Wood straw-
berry. One person remarks that he lost ten dollars
by setting this varictj'. Whether thorough experi-
ments have been made or not, we cannot tell. We
set a very few plants rather late, and have not had
an opportunity to judge of their merits, excepting
we can confirm the general statement that they re-
semble the Wood.

We give this notice as a caution to those who are
too ready to believe great stories and become the
dupes of imposition. The exaggerated accounts of
this strawberry ought to have convinced every one
of common experience that they were misstatements,
for there is no strawberry in the world that is equal
to what is claimed for this.

The great evil of such deceptions is, that they
retard improvement. If the agricultural community
are occasionally gulled in this way, they grow cau-
tious about receiving articles of superior merit, even
on good authority. They are led to think that the
extra price is a sign of imposition.

POTATOES.

Though this is not the time of year to put it in
practice, yet it is the time to see the evil effects of
other plans, and therefore I mention it now. I be-
lieve I got the idea from some one of your corre-
Bi^ondents, some years since. When you get up the
potatoes in autumn, instead of putting them in hogs,
or pies, as they are called, mark out in a level place
ground three feet wide, level it about two or three
inches above the surface, spread your potatoes upon
it one layer thick, then put two inches of soil, then
a layer of potatoes, then soil, and so on, gradually
coming up to a ridge. At first a very sUght quan-
tity of soil will do ; but before winter sets in, they
require a covering of six inches, and some fern or
litter over all in frost. This plan seems tedious, but
is in reality done as quickly as hogging, or very
nearly so. It keeps the potatoes excellent to eat, pre-
serves them from rot better than any plan, and for
seed nothing can beat it. I have been planting the
last fortnight, and the seed taken out of these earth

hogs is just as it was when taken out of the ground
in autumn, the eyes just showing, and the skin
fresh, healthy, and bright. My gardener had a great
prejudice against this plan at first, but now, after
three years' practice, says there is nothing like it.
I believe it does much to invigorate the potato plant,
as there is no vital force lost in pushing sprouts. I
am aware that gardeners often keep their early kid-
ney seed in outhouses, &c., upon this plan, but this
cannot be done with a large quantity for field cul-
ture, added to which, I find the j)otatocs keep much
better, both for eating and seed, than when spread in
a cellar, on a granary floor, or packed in barrels. —
English Paper.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — The fore-
going method, or some similar plan, is followed for
the preservation of potatoes in some sections of Penn-
sylvania, and in other mild regions, without any
regard to the rot, as it has long been in practice. In
this section, the cold is too severe for this mode, un-
less imusual pains are taken to heap up the earth or
litter over the potatoes.

HINTS ON HARVESTING WHEAT. ,

As the time for harvesting wheat is fast approach-
ing, I submit the following suggestions, through your
paper, to the wheat-growers of this country. I am
one of those who believe it best to cut wheat just so
soon as it will do — that is, when it is " in the dough,"
as we term it. Having two neighbors, some five
years ago, both thriving farmers, one contended for
cutting wheat when in the dough state, while the
other as firmly contended that it should stand at
least a week longer, until it was thoroughly ripe.
At that time, I thought them both on extremes ; but
in the harvest of 1845, I determined to test the mat-
ter by a fair trial. Accordingly, in a field contain-
ing ten acres, I cut and shocked up six acres in one
day Avhen in the dough, letting the other four acres
stand one week longer before I cut it. The result
was, the first cut stood up well in the shock, the
straw being stiff and the heads straight. In the
second case, nearly all the shocks fell down, (there
happened a storm of wind and rain before it would
do to thresh,) in consequence of the straw being
broken and limber, and the heads being curled. ITie
last cut was more damaged by the rain than the first.'
I then threshed it out of the shock, keeping it sep-
arate ; and on comparing the two, the first cut
showed a plump, clear-looking grain — the last, a
grain somewhat shrunk, and of a darker brown color.
When made into flour, the latter showed a yellow-
ish cast, while the former was almost as white as
snow. The first cut did not shatter out and waste
in handling, like the latter. The straw of the first
was bright, and equal to hay to feed cattle on in
winter, while the latter was comparatively worthless.
By what natural process the sap ascends the stalk
after it is cut, so as to prevent the grain from shrink-
ing, I leave for the scientific to determine. It is a
well-known fact among farmers, that Indian corn cut
and shocked up after the blades are entirely dry,
will turn bright and be good feed for cattle — from
the substance remaining in the staDc, I suppose.

Hartsville, 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollar Neicspaper,

If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are
dead, either write things worth reading or do some-
thing worth writing.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

343

GRAIN CRADLE.

This is truly a labor-saving implement, doing work
in a neat manner, in good hands, and with great
expedition, having decided advantages over the
sickle, with its slow, tedious, back-aching operation.
The gain in despatching the harvesting of grain is
not merely in doing it at less expense, but often the
greatest advantage is in performing it in the very
nick of time, and thereby saving grain from a storm,
or standing too late.

Frequently all the grain on the farm needs to be
cut at the same time, when all the help usually em-
ployed could not do it with the sickle, in proper
season ; and this saving, by expedition, in the use
of this valuable implement, should be taken into
consideration as highly important.

Grant's and Wilcox's premium cradles are re-
garded as the best now in use. They are neat, light,
strong, and made very convenient by adjustable fin-
gers, so that the operator can regulate them to suit
himself, which renders these modern improvements
far superior to the old cradles, with all their parts
and proportions permanently fixed.

THE CROPS.

The Sunbury (Pa.) Gazette says, that in that
vicinity there will be a more abundant crop of
wheat, rye, oats, and grass, than for many years.
The potatoes, too, will yield Avell, and corn has much
improved.

THE SPIRIT OF PROGRESS.

Large as are the strides, and splendid as are the
triumphs of the spirit of progress in the nineteenth
century, she still numbci's her enemies by thousands.
Chinese walls and Chinese hatred to improvement
still hold some sway among many of our j^eople.
They love and would foster " the good old way!"
Why, in the meridiaii time of " the good old way,"
ships required months to perform a voyage from Liv-
erpool to New York ; now, the winds and tides, held
in vassalage by the spirit of progress, waft the vessel
from world to world in a single fortnight ! Ey
" the good old way," a bark was polled and coaxed
from New York to Albany in twenty days ; now, the
superb vessel asks but ten hours to accomplish the
same journey ! According to " the good old way,"
a press which could strike off a thousand newspapers

in a night was viewed in a light but little removed
from the marvellous ; now, a press in the same time
hurls from its great u'on hands fifty thousand sheets !
By " the good old way," nice old ladies, who hap-
pened to be blessed with ugliness and black cats,
were hung up or drowned as witches ; now, our nice
old ladies are honored only less than our handsome
young ladies ! Ey "the good old way," monarchs
were clad, by even Americans, in the light of divin-
ity ; and now, the Yankee

" Would shake hands with the king upon his throne,
And think it kindness to his majesty."

By " the good old way," Columbus would slumber
an unknown man in an unknown grave. But the
spirit of progress pointed his ardent eyes to another
world, baptized by another sea, in the far-off Hesper-
ides ; and that race which is the crown of humanity,
now swarm on the fertile soil of that new earth, to
chain matter to the car of civilization, illumine man-
kind Avith the beams of liberty, and send hoary
errors crumbling away in the awful shadow of re-
form. When you can bind the wing of the eagle
with a cobweb, when you can stop the world in its
motion by a priesth' dictum, then attempt to arrest
the giant of progress in his majestic career. He who
does attempt it before these labors have been accom-
plished, must only be crushed himself beneath his
mighty feet. — Selected.

INDIAN CORN.

We ventured a prediction, two weeks ago, that the
exports of Lidian corn during the month of June,
would exceed the quantity of the same article shipped
in the month of Juno, in the memorable year of 1847,
when prices ranged from eighty-eight cents to one dol-
lar seventeen cents per bushel. The official statement
of the exports for the month of June have appeared
in the New York shipping list, and the quantity of
corn exported is stated at 1,287,369 bushels, greater
by 550,486 bushels than was shipped in the month
of June, 1847, and greater, we believe, than was ever
shipped in any previous month. Yet great as this
amount is, it is but a tithe of the quantity of grain
imported monthly into Great Britain, to which coun-
try almost the entire of our exports of breadstufFs
tend. — Albany Argus.

True glory consists in doing what deserves to be
written, writing what deserves to be read, and mak-
ing the world happier and better for having lived
in it.

244

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION OF LABOR
AND SKILL.

Mr. Editor : On the 30th of June, I visited a
friend, living on the banks of the Charles, about
twenty miles south-west of Boston, who has occupied
his farm six years. It contains seventy acres, fifty
of which are tillage and pasture, the remainder in-
terval and meadow. The low lands are of first qual-
ity, and yield grass in abundance for the feed of the
stock. The surface of the upland is uneven — soil a
mixture of sand and clay, free of stone, and easy
of cultivation. When the present ])roprietor came
in possession, the produce was small, the pastures
were run out, and of course the stock reduced. His
attention was first directed to a renovation of his
pastures.

This was done by means of the plough, and the
application of compost manure. He has spared no
effort to increase manure in every way possible. His
swine have been co-laborers in this department. Pas-
tures that were covered with dry moss and wild
bushes, are now blooming with white clover. Nearh'
all his pasture ground has been reclaimed. His
fields have been made productive of a large burden
of grass, by the use of the subsoil plough and ma-
nure. Where this plough has been used, the benefi-
cial effects are most apparent. The land endures the
drought much better than the adjoining land. We
have often heard this stated, but never saw it so dis-
tinctly illustrated as in his fields at the present time.
The difference is as great, as is usually seen on ad-
joining pieces, where a coating of manure has been
spread on one, and not on the other.

Our attention was directed particularly to his
stock. He has seven cows, and several heifers com-
ing forward. Some of his cows are old, but all of
them appear to be superior animals. We were in-
formed by his daughter, who takes the charge of the
dairy, that these cows yielded, during the month of
June, two hundred and fifty pounds of butter, beside
the milk and cream used by a family of twelve per-
sons. This, we think, speaks well for the cows, and
the pastures in which they feed.

We noticed one heifer, now about to have a second
calf, and learned that she will be three years old in
October, This animal, when young, was fed entirely
on hay and water, and not on milk and grass, as is
usual. Her size is large, and she appears like a cow
four j'cars old. She is a fine animal for milk, as was
her mother before her. Among these cows are indi-
cations of the Durham, Ayrshire, and Devon blood,
but in what proportions we are not informed.
They are all reputed to be natives ; and so far as
milking properties are concerned, we think as well
of native blood as any other.

The fences on the farm are of wood, except those
bordering on the highway — consequently easily
moved. The lots are alternated from year to year —
sometimes cultivated with corn or potatoes, some-
times mowed, and sometimes fed as pasture. But
little attention appeared to be given to the raising
of beets, carrots, and onions — crops with which we
have been familiar, and which we think could be
raised on these lands to advantage.

Within the six years last past, the crops on the
farm have trebled in amount. But the best effect of
all is seen upon the younger members of the family,
four or five of which are able to labor to advantage.
The eldest daughter, now about twcntj', takes the
entire charge of making and ])reparing the butter for
the market. Others at this time are gathering and
preparing straw for bonnets. The father and sons
are laboring together in the field. Having spent the
better part of his life in pointing out to others the

way to heaven, he now feels it to be his duty to
provide for himself and family on earth.

Notwithstanding the proprietor has realized a fair
return for his labor in his annual crops, he is of the
opinion that the increased value of the farm, in its
improved condition, is equal to one dollar a day
since he has been upon it. As this communication
is made entirelj' without his knowledge, I do not
feel at liberty to use the name of the proprietor.

Jult/ 3, 1849. -^•

Editoki.vl Remarks. — One mode of improvement
mentioned in the preceding communication generally
receives but very little attention, and that is alter-
nating the lands with pasturage, mowing, and tillage.
We have found that lands, exhausted by pasturing,
improved on mowing, so that the grass crop would
be more than double the second or third year, and
far exceed other lands adjacent, that had been treated
the same in past years, excepting they had been
mowed for a number of years. On mowing the pas-
ture lands, the grasses become greatly changed after
the first year ; the pasture grasses disappeared, and
those most common in mowing prevailed.

The lands that had become exhausted from mow-
ing, on being pastured, produced more and sweeter
feed than those that had been long in pasture ; and
yet all were under the same treatment previous to
one being pastured and the other mowed. The supe-
riority of the feed, on lands recently changed from
mowing to pasturing, is seen by animals eating it
closely to the ground, while much of the grass on
the old pasture is neglected, and if not closely pas-
tured, going to seed.

The great advantage in these changes is in the
rotation of crops. Take a jtiece of land, all in the
same condition, and in the same grasses, and mow
one part and pasture another for ten or twenty
years, and then mow the wliole, and the grasses on the
two parts, during the first year, will be almost entirely
different. But on mowing or pasturing for a number
of years, they will gradually assimilate to each other.

Alternating with tillage makes a further rotation
of crops, as the crops differ materially from grasses,
and extract different elements from the soil, and arc,
of course, less exhausting to grasses than grassea
themselves, or a long succession of grasses.

For the Neiu England Farmer.
STRAWBERRIES.

Mr. Editor : At a late exhibition of the Berkshire
Horticultural Society, there were many splendid bo-
quets of rich and fragrant flowers, and rare specimens
of early friut ; but we saw nothing that attracted
more attention than a measure of Ilovey's seedling
strawberries, from the garden of Mr. Pomeroy, of
Pittsfield. Every eye sparkled with delight at the
sight of them, and if mouths would tell the truth,
we have no doubt but all mouths would say they
watered for a taste of their excellency. Yet how
mauv, mav it be supposed, will actually set them-
selves to work, after thus seeing and longing to possess,
to raise just such strawberries in quantities to meet
the demands of their household ? " I have no time
for such things," "I never had any luck with a garden,
and I have given up trying" are household excuses
ready to fall from the lips of the majority, in regard

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

245

to which it may be proper to say, that a less amount
of time is actually necessary to raise strawberries
enough for an abundant supply of this fruit for any
family, than woxikl be required to wander over the
fields, (we say nothing of loss in traniplmg down
grass,) to obtain a meagre quantity of an inferior
article.

In regard to luck in this business, it is pretty much
here as with every thing else, — good luck cannot bo
expected without care and pains. It is a wise pro-
vision of Providence that requires us to labor for the
blessings we invoke, iind one that holds good in
small as well as large matters. A strawberry plant
will not grow sviccessfully if thrown carelessly into
the ground, to be choked with grass or more rapid
growing weeds. Land for them must be light, that
they may root easily, and rich, that they may draw
continual nourishment from it, especially in fruiting
time. Moisture is very necessary to insure perfect
success. Muck lands are highly favorable to their
growth, and where nature has not provided them,
cultivators will find advantage in giving frequent
dressings from the swamp.

It is often said that the strawberry is so apt to
winterkill, that its culture is attended with great
risk. This may be remedied by covering them with
pine or hemlock boughs soon after the ground freezes,
and allowing them to remain covered until the freez-
ings and thawings of the season are past. They may
then be taken off, the ground manured and forked,
and then, if kept free from weeds, abundant crops of
great delicious berries may be expected.

July, 1849. ^^' ^'

Editorial Remarks. — There is great neglect, gen-
erally, in our country, in raising the smaller fruits,
though they are highly delicious and easily pro-
duced. Some farmers are content with apples, and
even those not the best ; others have a few cherries,
or plums ; and some have a supply of pears, and per-
haps of peaches. Yet few, very few indeed, have a
general supply of small fruits. They require but
little land and attention, and the farmer generally
has more land than he improves ; and a few spare
minutes daily, or a few hours weekly, would be
sufficient to attend to raising an assortment of small
luscious fruits for the family.

It often happens that some members of the family
have a plenty of time for this purpose, and would
attend to the business with great pleasure, and with
much profit by way of instruction, if the subject was
introduced and the way prepared for it.

For the New England Farmer.

PRESERVATION OF TIMBER.

Mr. Editor : In your last number, (June 23d,')
you take notice of experiments made in England, for
the preservation of wood, by soaking in lime-water.
I have no doubt but it will answer the pui-j^ose very
well, although I never saw it tried ; but while I was
living in the east of Scotland, we were in want pf
some clothes posts. Having some large fine beech-
trees recentl}'' cut, we thought of trying them, but
w ere afraid they would not stand long, beech being a
wood that is A'cry liable to rot, when wet and diy
alternately. There was a pond on the plantation,
into which we put a quantity of oak and larch bark
mixed. When the bark had been in the pond eight
or ten days, bcmg stirred up three or four times dur-
ing that period, the timber being sawn eight or ten
inches square, and the length required, they were

immersed for three months, being taken out once a
fortnight and turned during that time. It was then
piled up till properly dried. It formed a crust so
hard that a plane would hardly act upon it ; and I
have no doubt tliey lue good now, although it is now
sixteen years since they were put up. The posts
were placed into a stone socket, four inches from the
ground. Any one near a tannery can easUy try the
exi^eriment. J. C.

June 27, 1849.

For the N^etv Enyland Farmer.
FRUIT, ETC.

Mr. Editor : I have taken some pains to form a
company to take your New England Farmer, and I
believe it gives good satisfaction. As far as agricul-
ture and horticulture are concerned, it is the very
thing a farmer wants ; and for myself, I cannot make it
interesting to read a long story, and when I have read
them, they are of no benefit. I have also got one of
your Fruit Books, which I think is appropriately
named " a book for everj' bodj'." It really ought
to be in every family in town. Willington is truly a
reading people ; but I am constrained to say they read
a great deal on party politics and romance, which are
not profitable. Could our ])cople take a deeper in-
terest in horticulture, it would confer a great blessing
on the present and rising generations. I am now in
my sixty-seventh year, and yet I take a great inter-
est in the cultivation of fruit. Three years ago last
spring, I set some Baldwin scions on a tolerable large
tree, but did not expect to live to see them bear fruit ;
but should the apples now set prosper, there will be
fruit next fall.

I must say, howev^-, our people are beginning to
wake up on the subject of fruit growing. There has
probably been more done in the two past years, than
in twentj' years previous.

I have more than thirty children and grandchildren,
all living within twenty miles. Two years ago last
spring, I set out an orchard of about seventy-five
trees, of the best kinds, in complete rows, all num-
bered, and they are growing finely. The orchard
stands on a high elevation, well adapted to the apple
tree. I have taken so much interest in this young
orchard, that I have erected a stone monument with
this inscription — •' Set out by Amos Preston, 1847."

Perhaps I might have been influenced to this by
reading, in the Albany Cultivator, about the monu-
ment erected where the old Baldwin apple-tree grew
in Woburn, in your state. I have a number of that
variety in my young orchard. I hope my posterity,
by the blessing of God, may be permitted to eat of
the fruit that their father and grandfather has taken
so much pains to introduce and propagate.

Now, a few questions and I shall conclude. I said
this orchard is on an elevation : it is therefore hard
getting manure on to it from my barn ; but there is
swamp manure near by, that Avould be convenient to
get to the orchard. I have laid away two horses by
the side of the lot, and covered them with swamp
muck, a layer of muck, then of horse, and so on.
They were put there last August. Now, I wish to
know when the manure will be fit to use ; and
whether I cannot benefit the orchard by this manure.
Shall I spread it broadcast over the whole lot, or not r
Does not Dana say that it has been actually proved,
'•that a dead horse will convert twenty tons of peat
into manure more lasting than stable dung? " This
is a great story. How much discount shall be made ?
I read also in your paper, No. 12, concerning manure
made from tan, by liobert Bryson, Esq., of Cumber-
land county. Pa. As we have a quantity of tan,
we should like to make the best of it. If there is
any way you can get information from Mr. Bryson,
himself, I should be very glad. My son has a tan-

246

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

yard. It has been in the name of Preston more than
eighty years. Wc have made use of it in a small
way, and I believe we may improve upon it.

AMOS PRESTON.

WlLLINGTON, Ct., Jtlhj, 1849.

Editoiual Remarks. — Mr, Preston shows a noble
example in planting for posterity ; and had he not
done it himself, his children should erect a monu-
ment to the memory of a kind parent, who labored
zealously in his advanced age for their welfare. We
hope that he will enjoy a green old age, and share
with his numerous descendants the happy results of
his industry. Contrast his commendable example
with that of the selfish churl who will not plant,
even in the meridian of life, lest others reap ; though
he does not scruple to reap what others have sown.

In managing his orchard, we would advise Mr.
Preston to keep it ploughed, and not take off crops,
unless the land is well manured. Let swamp muck
lie over winter, after dug up, that freezing and ex-
posure may improve it, then add ashes, or lime, or
both, in small or liberal quantities, according to the
expense. If it has been improved by exposure, as
we have recommended, it will be fit to use in a
month or two, or it may remain for months. It will
be better for being forked over.

The more dead horses there are cut up and mixed
with it the belter. If horses are cut into rather
small pieces, and mixed with muck, and the heap is
forked over once or twice, the manure will be fit to
use after lying the greater part of one warm season.
After forking over the heap, apply some more muck,
or some loam on the top and sides, lest some pieces
of flesh come to the outside and become dissipated,
wasting the manure and infecting the air.

There will be the greatest gain from the manure,
by applying it under the trees, or a little wider than
the branches extend. It should be ploughed in, that
it may come near the roots, and if it contains any
animal substance, it should be buried, to prevent loss
by the escape of gases.

When an orchard is too far from the barn to haul
manure to it, so as to make it rich for the production
of other crops, it is best to pasture it with sheep, or
young animals that are not taken out by night : then
nearly all the food that they consume is applied in
manure to aid in keeping up the fertility of the soil,
and from small animals it is scattered over the land.
This is far better than mowing, as we have often
found by experience. And the consumption of fallen
fruit is a great protection against insects.

Spent tan, put in layers with lime or wood ashes,
will become decomposed iu a few years, so as to be
an excellent manure for fruit trees. After lying
many years, not in very large or deep heai)s, and
becoming decomposed, it would be a good manure
without any other substance. We have raised large
crops on lands on which old hemlock-trees, bark
and all, decayed, and the land was far richer where
such trees decayed.

As to the discount on the statement proposed, we
gay it should be liberal, but cannot define the exact
percentage. A cord of horse-flesh, with one or two
bushels of lime, or ten bushels of ashes, mixed with

a few cords of muck, would make excellent manure.
But wc think there would be no advantage in scat-
tering the remains of one old horse, especially a poor
one, and such are usually used for manure, through
twenty tons of muck.

HOUSES OF UNBURNT BRICK.

Within the last five or six years, this style of
buildings has been pretty extensively introduced into
the Western States, especially in Illinois and Iowa.
Houses constructed of this material were supposed
to combine many advantages that were possessed by
no other mode of erecting walls, and consequently
there were many enthusiasts found, who fancied they
would ultimately supersede all other descriptions of
buildings for farm-houses, and out-houses, for horses,
cows, &c. In South America, Mexico, and in many
countries on the continent of Europe, unburnt bricks
have been employed iu the construction of walls for
houses, for a very long period of time, and it has been
found that when pains were taken in the preparation
of the material for the walls, they would successfully
withstand the greatest severity of wet and cold for
many generations. Walls of this description should
not be raised higher than one story, and should be
built upon a stone wall, raised at least thirty inches
above the surface of the ground, and should either
be protected by a widely projected roof or a verandah.
The stucco or jDlastering should not be laid on the
outside of the wall until it has had time to settle,
and become perfectly dry. If the walls are built in
the spring, the plastering might be put on in the
following autumn ; but it has been found best in most
cases to delay the plastering until a twelvemonth
from the period of the erection of the building. Sand
of the coarsest and sharpest quality should be pro-
cured for the preparation of the mortar, and only a
sufficient quantity of fresh-slacked lime, to firmly set
the sand, should be employed in making the first
coat, which, if put on in the month of October, or
when the weather is moderately warm, will be per-
fectly free from cracks, and by the aid of a second
coat of plastering, will prove, in most cases, impervious
to water for a very long period of time.

Unburnt brick walls are admirably adapted for
stables, and other out-buildings ; but where stone
can be conveniently procured, the latter should be
preferred, as it is obvious they will make the most
durable wall.

The following very practical remarks from the
Prairie Farmer, on the subject, may be found inter-
esting to a portion of our readers.

When this mode of building dwellings for our wet
and cold climate of the north was proposed, some
five or six years ago, we had very little faith in it.
But when, at a later period, the opportunity was
offered of examining houses so constructed, our
opinion was modified considerably ; and we have
long been convinced that dwellings, of peculiar con-
struction as to form, might be made of unburnt
bricks, which would greatly reduce the cost of build-
ing, and would possess several excellences over those
of any other construction.

There is no doubt, however, that attention must be
paid to the form of the building when constructed of
this material. A two-story house, with close Grecian
cornice, is not a fitting shape for it. Water and frosts
together have too convenient access to the walls, and
will be pretty sure to act upon them, especially if the
house should be provided with no spouts to carry off
the roof water ; nor, should these be added, would
the matter bo much mended.

The proper form of a house to be built of unburnt
brick, is that of one story, or perhaps story and a half

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

347

cottages ; with a wall from twelve to fifteen feet high,
with sharp roof and largely projecting eaves, so as to
throw off all water from the walls, and preserve them
dry. If a good high stone foundation is laid, there
need be no difficulty — these preliminaries being ad-
hered to — in securing a good house.

The last number of Ranlett's Architect contains
some valuable hints as to detail in constructing of
this material. The size of the bricks may be 6 X 12
X 18, or 9 X 12 X 18, or 12 X 12. The second size
will be found quite heavy to handle. In laj-ing up the
bricks, wo should prefer lime mortar to that made of
clay. It will aid in causing the covering cement to
adhere. But hear Mr. Ilanlett.

" Any soil will be found suitable for making bricks
to be dried in the sun, except sand or gravel, and can
usually bo obtained in making the excavation for the
cellar of a house. A proportion of two parts clay
or loam to one of sand or fine gravel, and of straw,
about one hundred pounds, cut in lengths of five or
six inches to three hundred and fifty bricks ; the clay
should be removed to a level spot, and mixed by
treading with oxen or horses, which can be done in
two or three hours. A better material even than
straw, to mix with the clay, when it can be obtained,
is salt hay, on account of its toughness and durability.
We have seen it used, in mixing mortar, in place of
hair.

The moulds for the bricks should be made of
boards, strongly fastened at the corners, and holes
bored in the bottom to facilitate the discharge of the
brick ; when placed to dry, the bricks should be laid
upon their sides, and dry sand sprinkled upon them
to prevent them from cracking in the sun ; in two or
three days turn them upon the edge, and let them
remain three or five days, according to the power of
the sun, when they should be piled up so as to ad-
mit of a free circidation of air, and protected from
the rain. In two weeks they will be fit for use. If
a cellar is to be made, the wall should be of stone,
and two feet of the top laid of lime mortar or cement :
the latter would prevent dampness. In laying the
bricks, clay mortar may be used, but mortar of Ume
and sand would do better. The roof should, in all
eases, project from, two to four feet, according to the
height of the building. If one or two full stories, the
roof may be flat ; but if a story and a half, it must
be high to relieve the lateral pressure on the walls.
The coating or plastering on the outside of the walls
should be of the best description ; it may bo made
of equal parts of lime, ashes, sand, and clay, and
thoroughly mixed with Avater, having a strong in-
fusion of glauber salts." — Ohio Cultivator.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — It seems to
be the opinion of many in this part of the coimtry,
that unburnt brick houses will not endure the severe
cold and sudden freezing and thawing incident to
our climate. That the Avater getting into the cracks
of the bricks, or soaking into them, and then frozen
hard and suddenly, will cause the destruction of the
building. Perhaps this evil may be prevented by
the coat of water-proof cement applied to the walls.

The subject is worthy of consideration, especially
in regions where clay abounds and fuel is scarce, and
building materials are generally scarce and dear. We
hope that some persons will trj- experiments in build-
ing with unburnt bricks. They will cost but a trifle,
out- buildings or fences may be made in this way for
trial.

Tart words make no friends : a spoonful of honey
will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar.

IMPROVED FENCE.

The friend of improvement in every thing, I deem
it my especial duty to suggest to those who have
lands to enclose, the propriety of making trial of a
species of fence of which I have recently had a de-
scription, and which is said to be both cheap and
efficient. The posts are made of common clay, struck
in moulds of the desired size, and burnt in kilns, the
same as bricks. These posts are perforated with
holes of the size of a common pipe stem, and are
either three or four in number, as required, and are
made before burning, or in the mould. The posts
are set in the soil, after receiving a coat of coal tar.
Wires are then passed through the holes, from post
to post, properly secured, and coated with coal tar or
paint, to preserve the surface from atmospheric action,
and prevent rust. This fence is cheap, looks well,
and is very durable. B.

Bensalem, May 29, 1849.
— Germantotvn Telegraph.

NEW MODE OF PREPARING BONES FOR
MANURE.

There are several methods of preparing bones for
application to land as manure. One is by calcina-
tion, or burning, by which all the organic matter is
burned or driven off. This fits the mineral portion
of the bones for immediate and efficient action in the
soil, in consequence of reducing the bones to a minute
state of division, and expelling the oil and gelatine,
which, for a time, prevents decay. By this process,
however, the animal matter is lost as manure. This
amounts to thirty-five to fifty per cent, of the fresh
bone according to the age of the animals supplying
them, the youngest always giving the largest propor-
tion of cartilage, oil, and gelatine.

Another method is by placing the bones in a com-
pact heap or hogshead, first crushing them, and pour-
ing over them, from one third to one half their
weight of sulphuric acid, diluted with water. This
generally effects a speedy decomposition of the bones,
and augments the efficiency and intensity of their
action, as the sulphuric acid is itself a powerful
manure for certain soils and crops.

A loss expensive mode, sometimes adopted, is, to
place the bones together in a heap, and moisten them
with ashes and water, covering closely with muck,
manure, or common garden mould. If this be done
in a warm room, or in the open air in summer, or in
the centre of a bed of horse or other fermenting ma-
nure, they will soon dissolve, and be in a fit state for
application to the crops, after mixing with mould, so
as to absorb their moisture.

Grinding or crushing is the usual method of pre-
paring bones for the soil. They are thus rendered
comparatively fine, and are easily decomposed when
incorporated in the ground. They are conveniently
transported in barrels or sacks, and applied with little
trouble either to the muck heap, or sown broadcast
or in drills. In this condition, they also preserve the
animal matters, (the oil and gelatine,) which are
slowly given out by decomposition, and materially
contribute to the growth of the crops.

A trial has recently been made, which gives us an-
other, and, in many respects, a method superior to all
others. It consists in subjecting them to steam of a
high pressure for a few hours, when the oil and gela-
tine are entirely separated, and the largest bones,
skulls, hocks, vertebra?, &c., are easily crushed be-
tween the thumb and finger, though retaining their
full proportions and form. The fat may be thus
drawn off and used for soap grease, for cart or
wagon wheels, or for certain kinds of machinery,
while the remainder of the extracted matter is useful
for manure.

sue
•"]l

2^48

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

A small boiler for generating steam, with a larger
one to hold the bones, and a connecting tube, each
capable of sustaining a pressure of twentj'-five
pounds to the inch, are all that are required for this
purjiose ; or should a steam boiler bo already in use
about the premises, this would supply the place of a
steam generator. Where wood ashes are procurable
at fair rates, they are economically used with fresh
bones, first by leaching and boiling the bones in the
lye. If this process is thoroughly ciu^ied out, the
oil is converted into soap, and the bones are prepared
for ready decomposition in the soil. The spent lye
yielded by the soap, and the leached ashes and lime
remaining, may also be added to the soil, with the
utmost advantage. — American Aijriculturist.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — There is
aaother mode of preparation, but we have not the
proportions of the materials, nor the mode of opera-
tion. A strong lye of wood ashes, or solution of
potash, will dissolve bones ; and farmers sometimes
use these substances to soften or dissolve bones,
which they give to cows for the bone disorder.
Potash is an excellent manure, particularly on grav-
elly or sandy soils.

AMERICAN ENTERPRISE.

Take the article of calicoes. Wo now monopolize
the whole trade — a trade which, b'ut a year since,
the English had the whole control of. Very few
cotton goods of this style are now imported at all,
and we are fast getting the knack of making the finer
dress muslins. Of mousseline de laines, wo probably
manufacture, at a good profit too, far more than we
import. Of cloths there is not one bale of English
entered at the custom-house, where there were one
hundred five years ago. It is true the English have
found great competitors in the French and Germans,
who, together with our own mills, have nearly driven
every piece of English cloth out of the market.

The English are also losing their great hosiery trade
with us, the Germans beating them most decidedly
in this article. So with many other articles. In
fact, our English competitors are fast losing a market
which they have had the almost exclusive monopoly
of for years ; and a steady perseverance on our part,
not dei^cnding too much on government aid, but
more on our natural energies, perseverance, and
mechanical skill, will in time not only give us our
"home market," but the markets of the world. —
N, Y. Journal of Commerce.

DEPRECIATION OF RAILWAY PROPERTY
IN ENGLAND.

The English papers received by the last steamer
state that the depreciation of railway property in
England during the last three months cannot be less
than from 40 to $.50,000,000.

This is in consequence of the disclosures in relation
to the fraudulent conduct of the directors of their
roads. All confidence in this kind of property seems
utterly lost.

ASHES AS MANURE FOR GRASS LANDS.

There is scarcely any part of the country where
leached ashes cannot be obtained in greater or less
quuntity ; and in the vicinity of ashcries, abundance
may generally be had. If the following remarks by
Count Chaptal are applicable to soils, of whatever
materials they may be composed, a knowledge of this

property of leached ashes would, in many instances,
be of very great value. At all events, the experiment
is easily perfonned on a moderate scale.

" The ashes, produced by the combustion of wood
in our common domestic fires, give rise to some very
remarkable results. Without being leached, these
ashes are much too active ; but after having been
deprived by the action of water, of nearly all their
salts, and employed in this state, under the name of
buck-ashes, they still produce great ett'ect.

"The action of the buck-ashes is most powerful
upon moist lands and meadows, in which they not
only facilitate the growth of useful plants, but if
employed constantly for several years, they will free
the soil from weeds. By the use of them, land con-
stantly drenched with water may be freed from rushes,
and prejoared for yielding clover and other pltmts of
good kinds."

It has been frequently supposed that ashes applied
to wet, heavy soils, is injurious. This is probably
owing to the application being too uneven, and in
too large quantities, and to the want of mixing them
Ultimately with the soil. Chaptal says, " Wood ashes
possess the double property of amending a wet and
clayey soil by dividing and drying it, and of promot-
ing vegetation by the salts they contain."

It is well known, that the evenly spread and in-
timately intennixcd layer of ashes which soils receive
by burning the turf, produces extraordinary eifects
upon grass lands. — Genesee Farmer.

TO CURE SWELLING OF THE THROAT IN
HOGS.

In order to contribute to the usefulness of your
valuable periodical, and to inform the public of what
I find from experience to be an infallible cure for a
certain disease with hogs, viz., the swelling of the
throat, I herewith send you a receipt for the disease,
with a desire that you publish the same in your work
if you deem it of any import, and the same meets
your approbation.

Take of molasses one half a pint, and a tablespoon-
ful of hog's lard ; to this add of brimstone a piece
an inch in length. Melt it over the fire, and when
cold or in a liquid state, drench the hog with it ; and
nine times out of ten it will be found to have the
desired effect. ^ly hogs were attected with this
disease during the past year, and I found the above
to be effective when all things else failed. — Farmer's
Reylster.

THE CAUSES OF THE VARIETY AND VIV-
IDNESS OF COLORS IN FLOWERS.

The petals of flowers do not owe their beauty to
the color that paints them, for that, when drawn off,
is dull and dead ; neither do they owe their brilliant
tints to the skin that covers them. Their lovely
appearance is derived chiefly from the bubbles of
water which compose their pabulum. Receiving the
sun's rays, they are enlivened and brightened by re-
flection and refraction from those drops of water, and
from that spot or point of light being seen in every
bubble, and striking to the focus underneath. By
these means the whole flower would at times be one
blaze of light, had not nature, to soften the same,
covered the petal with an upper and an under skin,
which curtails their diamond-like rays, and leaves
them instead a lightness and beauty unequalled by
the most exquisite art of the painter.

Beware of little expenses : a small leak will sink a
large ship.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

249

BUDDING.

1. Stick of buds.

2. Stock prepared for the bud.

3. Shield or bud with the wood in.

4. Bud with the wood taken out.

5. Stock with the bud inserted.

6. Stock with the bud tied in.

7. Growing bud tied to the stock.

Budding, though a simple process, that may be
readily learned and practised with ease and expedi-
tion, is wonderful in its operation. There are many
kinds of fruit that can be propagated rapidly only by
this process, and by grafting, which is similar. The
apple and pear are propagated very slowly and with
difficulty by layers, cuttings, and inarching, and
almost every variety will fail to produce its like
by seed.

But budding affords so easj' and rapid a multipli-
cation of trees, that from one tree a thousand may
be produced in one year, and each one afford numer-
ous buds for a further multiplication. So that a
single tree, of excellent variety, may be scattered all
over the country, in a few years, or over the world,
so far as civilization, and, consequently, useful arts,
adapted to an improved condition of society, have
extended.

Any one who would practise budding, and is not
acquainted with the operation, should learn from a
practitioner, if convenient ; but he may learn the art
by reading. In this way wo learned it, and our first
attempts were successful.

The buds should be cut from shoots of the present
year's growth, that are becoming ripe or firm, as those
very tender or succulent are too soft, and more liable
to fail. There is often a great error in not preparing
the stick of buds immediately after cut, for the
moisture is constantly passing into the leaf; and
sometimes on a hot dry daj', the buds will be spoiled
in two hours, if the leaves remam on, the bud be-
coming dry and dead.

In preparing the stock, it is better to make the
cross cut in a circular form, that the band may cross
it, rather than press into the cut. The bark on each
side of the perpendicular cut, at the top, should be

raised with the handle of the budding-knife, by lift-
ing, not by forcing it down between the bark and
wood, which may disturb the cambrium, or new layer
of soft matter, called sliver, in some sections.

Some yeai's past, it was a general practice to take
out the small slip of wood cut out with the bud,
which is represented by the inner circle, figure 3.
Of late years, most persons, and nearly all who have
recently commenced the business, leave the wood in.
Old practitioners say, in regard to this new mode,
that it is better to take out the wood in buds from
rather large, firm scions ; but when the scions are
small and succulent, it is better to leave the -wood in.
Beginners will generally succeed better by leaving
the wood in, as they are liable to injure the bud or
bark around it, in removing the wood. Many bud-
ders always leave the wood in, and succeed well,
and this mode is the more convenient ; and this
will give a preference for the American mode over
the slower English process. In taking out the wood,
if the root of the bud come out with it, which may
be known by a minute hole in the bud, at the point
marked in the centre of figure 4, that bud must be
rejected. This may be prevented by cleaving off the
wood with the thumb nail, to the root of the bud,
and then cut the wood off there, smooth with the
bark, with a thin, pointed knife.

In cutting the bud from the scion, insert the knife
below the bud, and take a thin slip of wood, espe-
cially if it is allowed to remain in. After slipping in
the bud, cut off the bark at the cross cut, as in figure
5. Wind the band closely and neatly around every
part of the cut bark of the stock, barely leaving out
the bud, as appears in figure 6. As the stock grows,
so that the band binds too tightly, loosen the band
and retio, and let it remain till the bud is firmly
united with the stock.

The time for budding varies with the season, weather,
age of trees, rapidity of growth, &c. We usually be-
gin with the plum the first of August, and then fol-
low with the chen-y, pear, quince, and apple, nearly
or quite through the month, and sometimes into
September.

Sill

■ "I

■ '3
III*

250

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

HEREFORD AND OTHER CATTLE.

In a late number of the Mark Lane Express, a
writer claims a superiority for the Ilcrefords over the
short-horns, on the ground of greater hardiness of
constitution, -which enables them to bear up under
severities of climate, seasons of scarcity, epidemics,
and exposure to diseases, which few other breeds can
withstand. These are important considerations ;
and if the breed can be found to prove up these
characteristics, there will be no difficulty in estab-
lishing their fame on an enduring basis ; as other
prominent and valuable qualities, such as capacity
for working oxen, kindly feeders, quick maturers,
carrying the greatest weights on the most valuable
points, are already generally acknowledged.

As a proof of the high estimation in which they
are held, the writer cites the case of Mr. Tompkins,
in which fifty-two head of grown animals and calves
brought an average of four hundred and forty-eight
dollars each. One bull (Phcenix) sold for over two
thousand nine hundred dollars. Those sold by Mr.
Price, in 1841, consisting of one hundred bulls, cows,
and calves, averaged two himdred and sixty dollars
each. A cow and calf sold for one thousand one
hundred and fifty dollars at auction. Below we give
some of his remarks, which are quite to the point : —

I consider it absolutely requisite that a breeder, to
arrive at eminence, should be very particular in his
selection of materials to found a herd upon ; other-
wise he will meet with disappointment at the onset,
and may be deterred from prosecuting the pursuit
with zeal and interest afterwards. This brings me
to what should next receive his special attention —
" pedigree ; " which is of so much consequence that
I cannot see how a breeder can proceed in safety
without it. To secure the excellences which I wish
to perpetuate in animals, I have always found the
surest method of doing it to breed from those that
have possessed them for generations past ; and I
cannot discover how anj^ one can be influenced to
use a male to any extent with well-bred cows (how-
ever perfect in form, coat, and quality) of mongrel
descent. The chances are, that his oifspring will not
inherit his good qualities, but his and his progenitors'
imperfections. There are few cows that sufficiently
combine the many essential qualities of bull breed-
ers. And it is a growing evil to save the male pro-
duce of inferior cows for bulls, thereby making a bad
and worse than useless bull of what would otherwise
make a good ox.

The color of Hercfords is much diversified. It is
well known that there are good Ilerefords of various
colors, such as grays, roans, mottled, and white faces,
with and without marks of white on the back, bosom,
and abdomen ; the rest of the body being dark or
light red. As a well wisher to the prosperity of
Hereford cattle, I much deplore the fashion or preju-
dice which gives a predominance in favor of a par-
ticular color, to the exclusion of all others. To ac-
complish it, there must be a sacrifice of many good,
if not the very best animals, without any real advan-
tage accruing from it. A herd uniform in color is
pleasing to the eye of a superficial observer ; but an
individual with any pretensions to a knowledge of
the true character of Ilerefords will discover the
characteristics of the breed, notwithstanding the
herd contains animals of every color incident to
them. Indeed, it is strongly marked in the late Mr.
B. Tompkins's, and his successor, (Mr. Price's,) family
of Hercfords. Although to a great extent I disre-
gard color, I by no means am indiff'erent about the
coat or covering.

The Hercfords, I presume, should have a moder-
ately thick hide, elastic, and affording to the touch
that mellowness which is only to be acquired by
experience. These are indicative of a predisposition

to acquire flesh and fat, and it is termed quality,
The skin should also be covered with a thick pile of
flossy hair, which I like to see waft in the breeze,
when exposed (as is frequently the lot of Hercfords)
to all the vicissitudes and inclemencies of the weather,
looking as if nature had destined them to endure it,
by providing them with a suitable covering. There
are many standards of form erected by different
judges, but only one can be true ; and to arrive at a
knowledge of that should be every breeder's ambi-
tion. Mr. Welles, in his admirable and instructive
letters on this subject, which ap]xarod in. the Here-
ford Journal and other periodicals, has given a de-
tailed account of the defective points existing in
Ilerefords, especially as it regards their fore quarters,
to remedy which, Mr. Price's sort of bulls should be
called into active requisition. It augurs well, and is
a proof of the correctness of my recommendation, that
the Hereford prize oxen and heifer, and many of the
prize cattle, at the meetings of the Koyal English
Agricultural Society, were either purely of Mr.
Price's sort, or strongly spiced with that blood. I
can imagine that an undue attachment to a favorite
color, and a love for animals of overgrown dimen-
sions, will operate with some breeders against trying
this heretofore successful cross. It is plainly obser-
vable that now size is receiving more attention than
form, at the sacrifice of many points of utility and
beauty. We occasionally see a good animal of over-
grown dimensions, but more frequently the reverse —
" an uncertain bull at an uncertain hop ; " neither do
I believe there is any advantage in it, as animals re-
quire more food and care when driven beyond their
natural standard, and, like water forced above its
level, will return to it again when the floodgate is
withdrawn. I do not, however, advocate diminutive
animals, but those with as much size as is consistent
with the laws of nature. If the breeders of Hero-
fords steadily keep in view the improvement of their
justly celebrated cattle, the short-horns and Devons
will never supersede them, and they will be enabled
to maintain their invidious position at the two great
national agricultural exhibitions.

GEORGE DRAKE.
Stockbridge, Hants, Feb. 27. 1849.
— From the A7nerica7i Agriculturist.

PROSPECTS FOR THE WOOL MARKET.

AVe once more recur to this subject, for although
the flocks in Maine have been wonderfully thinned
oft", there " are a few more left," and their owners
feel as much interest in the question, " How is wool? "
as ever.

The new monthly periodical, started by T. C.
Peters, in Buffalo, N. Y., entitled the "Wool-
Grower," promises to be a valuable aid to the wool-
growing interest ; and as the editor is at the head of
a large wool depot, and of course directly connected
with the wool trade, his statements may be relied
\ipon, as one "having authority" in these matters at
least.

The range of the Buffalo market, during June, he
quotes as follows : —

No. 1 30 to 34 cents.

2 27 " 32 "

3 25 " 28 "

4 23 " 26 "

5 20 " 23 "

And he adds, that wool ought not to be sold, and
probably will not be, unless forced upon the market,
at a price below the highest range ; but if forced upon
the market, it can be readily sold at our lowest
quotations. These prices are for the opening market.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

251

It may not be clearly understood by some of our
readers what is meant by Nos. 1, 2, &c.

Mr. Peters says his mode of sorting is this : The
very coarsest common wool is No. 6. There is
scarcely a flock so common that its wool will not
range at No. 4, which is the next best grade.

Full-blooded Merino is the No. 1, while half and
three-fourths will make more or less No. 2. One
quarter and half make No. 3. Saxony wool and its
grades rank above Merino and its grades. The
farmer can therefore form a pretty accurate idea of
the value of his wool from the forcgomg figures.

The editor advises wool-growers to make their
arrangements and calculations without any reference
to any alterations of the tariff very soon. He thinks
the balancing of parties at Washington, for or against
a new tariff, such as ought not to lead the farmer to
depend upon any important change, and the reasons
which induce him to consider a rise in wool probable
during the season, are based upon the state of affairs
in Europe.

He remarks, that " there are no old stocks on hand
to be thrown upon our markets, cither from France,
Germanj^, or England. On the contrary, their own
markets were never so bare as at this moment.

" The war between Austria and Hungary has been
very disastrous to some of the finest wool-growing
sections of those countries, and by increasing con-
sumers, and decreasing producers, the result must
be that there will be nothing to export. Indeed,
should this war continue any length of time, or be-
come more general, it is not improbable that we
shall become exporters of vrool to such an extent as
to sensibly affect the price at home." He also ob-
serves, that if England is compelled to purchase her
wool here, it is clear that our manufacturers will
have little to fear from them, for the difference of
transportation, time, and other expenses, with the
tariff, will- more than neutralize any advantage her
.manufiicturers may have over ours, by reason of the
cheapness of labor and capital.

On the other hand, they must also consider that
any advantages that may arise from the present com-
motions in Europe, are very precarious. They may
subside ere the year has expired, in which case mar-
kets will return to their former condition, or they
may continue and settle down into a long and sav-
age war, in which case what brings desolation to
them may indirectly increase prices in our own coun-
try. It is not probable that wool-growing in the
Northern States will ever again be as profitable as it
has been in years past ; yet it may become a fair
business once more. — Maine Farmer.

THE DEW.

The dew, celebrated through all times and in every
tongue for its sweet influence, presents the most
beautiful and also striking illustration of divine
agency in the economy of nature, and exhibits one
of those wise and bountiful adaptations, by which
the whole system of things, animate and inanimate,
is fitted and bound together. All bodies on the sur-
face of the earth radiate and throw out some rays of
heat, in straight lines — every warmer body to every
colder ; and the entire surface is itself continually
sending rays upwards through the clear air into free
space. Thus, on the earth's surface all bodies strive,
as it were, after an equal temperature, (an equilibrium
of heat,) while the surface, as a whole, tends gen-
erally towards a cooler state. But while the sun
shines, this cooling will not take place, for the earth
then receives in general more heat than it gives off;
and if the clear sky be shut out by a canopy of
clouds, these will arrest and again throw back a por-
tion of the heat, and prevent it from being so speed-
ily dissipated. At night, then, when the sun is

absent, the earth will cool the most ; on clear nights,
also, more than when it is cloudy; and when clouds
only partially obscure the sky, those parts will be-
come coolest which look towards the clearest por-
tions of the heavens. Now, when the surface cools,
the air in contact must cool also ; and like the warm
currents on the mountain side, must forsake a por-
tion of the watery vapor it has hifherto retained.
This water, like the floating mist on the hills, de-
scends in particles almost inttnitely minute. These
particles collect on every leaflet, and suspend them-
selves from every blade of grass, in the drops of
"pearly dew." And mark here a beautiful adapta-
tion. Different substances are endowed with the
property of radiating their heat, and thus becoming
cool with different degrees of rapidity ; and those
substances, which, in the air, become cool flrst, also
attract first and most abundantly the particles of
falling dew. Thus, in the cool of a summer's even-
ing, the grass-plot is wet while the gravel- walk is
dry ; and the thirsty pasture and every green leaf
are drinking in the descending moisture, while the
naked land and the barren highway are still uncon-
scious of their fall. — Farmer and Mechanic.

THE JAPAN CEDAR.

The English periodicals abound with interesting
notices of this tree, which, along with the deodara,
or Indian cedar, is decidedly the rage in that ever-
green-loving country.

The Japan cedar, {cri/pio>neria Japoiiica,) which is
nearly allied to the cypress, is one of the many
treasures brought home by Mr. Fortune, the Chinese
traveller, to the London Horticultural Society. As
it grows in the north of China, about Shangai, where
the thermometer sinks nearlj' to zero, ant^ forms large
forests on the mountains of Japan, at the height of
more than one thousand feet, it follows that it is a
hardy evergreen in all temperate climates.

The English accounts of this tree state, that for
beauty and rapidity of growth it has no rivals among
hardy evergreen trees. In the garden of the London
Horticultural Society, yormg trees have grown four
feet in a single season. It is described by some of
its admirers as the " Queen of Evergreen Trees."
Its peculiar beauty is in the graceful droop of its
branches. It is a great favorite in China for avenues,
growing up one hundred feet high, with a remarka-
bly straight stem, and dense and handsome foliage.
The wood is said to be very hard and elastic, and
" withstands the most terrific winds or monsoons,
which sometimes devastate that country. It is em-
ployed in China for the high poles which are every
Avhere placed at the dwellings of mandarins, to denote
their rank, where it lasts for ages."

The Japan cedar is said to be as hardy in England
as the deodar cedar. As the latter tree, even in
young specimens, has, in this country, withstood
without injury a winter temperature of six degrees
below the zero of Fahrenheit, we may safely say that
the Japan cedar, or cryptomeria, will endure the
winters of the Middle States, and possibly those of
the Eastern States, in proper situations, i. e., those
sheltered from sudden thawings in winter.

The soil considered most favorable to the growth
of this tree is a sandy loam, mixed with some peat
or leaf mould. Those inclined to plant where there
is doubt of its standing the winter, will take care
that the subsoil is well drained when preparing to
plant it.

The tree is, of course, yet very scarce in this coun-
try. Plants about a foot high may, however, be
obtained of Buist, Parsons, and other leading nur-
sery-men. EUwanger and Barry have also, we notice,
imported a few for sale and for trial in the interior
of this state. Every amateur will be glad to make

'I*

252

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

trial of a tree that promises to add so much, to the
beauty of our lawns, and pleasure-grounds ; and, Ave
hope, in another season the Japan cedar, if found
quite hardy, will be imported, so as to be afforded at
a moderate price in our nurseries. — Downing's Hor-
ticulturist.

^Domestic Department.

Mothers. — O woman ! if you could only see one
of the miracles promised to maternal influence, with
what noble pride would you enter upon that career
which has so generously opened future ages to your
endeavors ! That which is not in the power of any
monarch or any nation to accomplish is given to your
will to execute. You alone can unite the scattered
flock, and give it one common impulse. That which
I have not been able to trace on this cold paper, you
can engrave on the hearts of a whole people. I offer
to you a feeble image of the truth, and you can be-
queath the truth itself to the whole world. When,
in our public walks and gardens, I see on all sides
the noisy crowds of children diverting themselves
with the sports suitable to their age, my heart trem-
bles with joy at the thought that they belong to
you. Let each devote herself to the happiness of her
own children, for in such individual happiness God
has placed the promise of general happiness. Young
girls, young wives, tender mothers, it lies in you,
much more than it lies in the laws of a legislature,
to confirm the future destiny of Europe, and the
destiny of mankind. — Aime Martin.

Keeping Lemons Fresh. — I have been a house-
keeper for some years, and never, till lately, have I
been able to keep lemons fresh and juicy for any
length of time. 13ut, with all my care — now in this
closet, now in that — now wrapped in paper, now
packed in bran — now in a cool place, now in a dry
one — the}' would dry up, and become hard as wood.
Of late, however, I have preserved them perfectly
fresh, three months, in summer, by placing them in a
closely covered jar, or pot, kept in the ice-house.
Each lemon is wrapped in a paper, (perhaps they
would do as well without,) but opened and wiped
once in ten or twelve days, then covered again with
dry paper, and put back into the jar, or earthen
vessel, on the ice. — American Agriculturist.

SoAPSTONE Griddles. — Understanding that cakes
on a soapstone griddle required no fat to keep them
from sticking, I brought home one a few days ago,
and we prepared to try the experiment. The look
of incredulity in the chief cook, at that moment, was
amusing ; but it was soon turned into one of triumph,
for the cakes were turned and taken off as easily as
they would have been from the best greased " bake-
iron ; " and without any fume from burning fat, as in
common cases. Besides, the cakes were all nicely
browned, and not one burned in the slightest degree.
It is true, soapstone may be heated red hot, but then
the plate is so thick, and heats so slowly, that all
danger of burning is easily prevented. In short, we
are highly pleased with the purchase, and deem it a
great acquisition.

It will be important to keep these griddles very
clean, and for this purpose, they may be rubbed
occasionally with pumice-stone. — D. Thomas, in
Albany Cultivator.

To strengthen Vinegar. — Suffer it to be repeat-
edly frozen, and separate the upper cake of ice
from it.

Sogs' Department.

Fish Breeding. — It may be a curiosity only to
us who have such an extent of sea-coast, and so
many lakes, rivers, and streams full of fish, to make
any inquiries in regard to the best modes, or any
modes, of breeding fish. The comparative ease with
which we are generally supplied with fish of various
kinds has made it unnecessary to study all the habits
of fish with any view of breeding them economically.
It is done in many parts of the world, and the facts
which have been elicited by those who have attended
to such operations are very interesting.

The Chinese, who are so famous for economical
arrangements for procuring food, often adopt a prac-
tice like the following: It is stated by some travel-
lers that at certain seasons of the year, they carefully
collect the ova, or spawn, as some call it, of certain
kinds of fish, as fast as it is deposited, then procure
some hen's eggs, and after making a hole in each end,
by blowing the inside of it through, the fish ova are
introduced into the shell. The ends being closed,
the egg is placed in an oven of a certain temperature,
until the young fry nearly make their appearance,
when the shell is broken, and the contents put into
water wanned by the rays of the sun. "When the
young brood procured by this means, attain a certain
size, a portion of it is applied for the purpose of
feeding the larger species of fish, and the remainder
destined for the table. Such management may do
for China, where labor is exceedingly cheaj) and
provisions scarce.

We could hardly afford the time and trouble. We
may, however, take the hint and supply places des-
titute of fish now, or of certain varieties of fish, by
obtaining the ova or spawn, and depositing it in
those waters where they are wanted.

Fish have been transported from one location to
another by catching them alive, and confijiing them'
in water, until they are liberated in the water where
they are desired to propagate. Some people suppose
that fish that come up from the ocean periodically,
require a chance to go back periodicall}'. This does
not hold good in all cases. In some of the ponds or
lakes of Maine are found the common smelt, which
were probably first confined there, or prevented from
returning to the ocean from which they originally
came, by the construction of dams across the streams
or outlets. They have continued to live and flourish
for a long series of years, and, if any thing, are im-
proved in size thereby. How far this mode might
be carried is not known.

There can be no doubt that the salmon might be
thus confined in large, deep ponds, by the same
means. The habits of this fish are in many respects
like the trout, with this exception : the salmon mi-
grates up the streams from the deep waters of the
ocean or rivers in the spring of the year, for the pur-
pose of spawning. The trout migrates in the fall.
Both, however, retire to deep water in the winter.
Those large salmon trout, as they are called, which
are caught in the lakes above us, live in deep water,
and pretty near the bottom, and it requires a long
line to catch them.

Some friends once tried to change the residence
of the bass, bj' confining them in ponds that did not
very directly communicate with the sea. What suc-
cess they met with, we are not informed. If the
habits of fishes were better understood, we have no
doubt that many more species might be brought to
become permanent inhabitants of our lakes and
ponds, instead of being mere transient visitors, —
Maine Farmer.

A good word for a bad one, is worth much and
costs little.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

253

Evil CoNSEauENCEs op Smoking. — The wide-
spread hahit of smokins^ has not yet had dvie medical
attention paid to it and its consequences. It is only
by two or three years' observation that Dr. Laycock
has become fully aware of the great changes induced
in the system by the abuse of tobacco, and of the
varied and obscure forms of disease to which espe-
cially excessive smoking; gjave origin. He proceeded
to state some of them as they were met M'ith in the
pharyngeal mucous membrane, the stomach, the
lungs, the heart, the brain, and the nervous system.
The tobacco consumed by habitual smokers varies
from half an ounce to twelve ounces per week ; the
usual quantity from two to three ounces. Inveterate
cigar smokei's will consume from four to five dozen
per week. The first morbid result is an inflamma-
tory condition of the mucous membrane, of the lips
and tongue, then the tonsils and pharynx suffer, the
mucous membrane becoming dry and congested. If
the thorax be examined well, it will be found slightly
swollen, with congested veins meandering over the
surface, and here and there a streak of mucus. The
aetion of tobacco smoking on the heart is depressing,
and some individuals, who feel it in this organ more
than others, complain of an uneasy sensation about
the left nij)ple, a distressed feeling, not amounting
to faintness, but allied to it. The action of the
heart is observed to be feeble and irregular. An un-
easy feeling is also experienced in or beneath the
pectoral muscles, and oftener on the right side than
the left. On the brain, the use of tobacco appears to
diminish the rapidity of cerebral action, and check
the flow of ideas through the mind. It differs from
opium and henbane, and rather excites to wakeful-
ness, like green tea, than composes to sleep ; induces
a dreaminess which leaves no impression on the
memorj% leaving a great susceptibility, indicated by
a trembling of the hands and irritability of temper.
Such are secondary results of smoking. So are
blackness of teeth and gum-boils. There is also a
sallow paleness of the complexion, an irresoluteness
of disposition, a want of life and energy, and in con-
stant smokers, who do not drink, a tendency to pul-
monary phthisic. Dr. Wright, of Birmingham, in a
communication to the author, fully corroborates his
opinions ; and both agree that smoking produces
gastric disorders, coughs, and inflammatory affections
of the larynx and pharynx, diseases of the heart,
and lowness of the spirits, and, in short, is very
injurious to the respiratory, alimentary, and nervous
systems. — English Literary Gazette,

ilTccljanics' department, 2lrt0, ^c.

A New and Important Invention. — A few days
since, we had the satisfaction of witnessing the oper-
ation of a new machine for spinning wool, the inven-
tion of Mr. \Vm. C. Bates and Mr. S. B. Tucker, of
this town, which is a very great and important im-
provement in this department of woollen manufac-
ture. Mr. Bates is a practical machinist, and Mr.
Tucker a wool spinner and manufacturer. And in
the construction of this machine they have displayed
great ingenuity and remarkable skill.

It is well known to those who are acquainted with
this kind of manufacture, that wool cannot, like
cotton, be draAvn out and then twisted, but that both
must be done at the same time, and with the same
operation. The present mode of performing this
work is by means of "jacks," which take the wool
or roping, which has previously been prepared by the

cards, and draw and spin it into thread for warj:) or
filling. The jacks occupy a large space, and require
a great amount of labor and care to M'ork them. But
this new invention is so constructed that the jacks
may be wholly dispensed with, and the thread is
drawn out and twisted by the unaided operations of
this ingenious machine, which is called the " Bates
and Tucker Revolving Draft and Wool-Spinner."

The spinner which we saw, occupies a length of
four feet six inches, by a Avidth of three feet, and
contains twenty spindles. We were told that it
would do the work of fifty spindles on a jack, which
would occupy a space of ten feet by seven feet eight
inches. In other words, fifty spindles of the jack
occupy seventy-eight square feet, while the spinner
occupies thirteen and one half square feet — a frac-
tion over one sixth of the same space !

This machine possesses several imj^ortant advan-
tages over the jack. 1. There is a great saving of
room, as seen above. 2. A great saving of labor,
performing a much greater amount of work with
much less manual assistance. 3. It requires much
less power in its operations. 4. By this method there
will be no small saving in using the yarn, as bobbins
wound by machinery will contain a greater quantity
of yarn, and, it being wound more even, can be wove
or warped off with less delay.

As we witnessed the operation of both methods,
we noticed that the yarn spun by the revolving draft
was much more even, both in size and tM'ist, than
that spun by the jack ; and it makes a soft, elastic,
and strong thread. It will spin coarse as well as fine
stock. The machine is very simple in its arrange-
ment, and it is so constructed as to give great strength
to each part, while but little strength is required to
do the work. Its motions are easy and natural, —
which must render it a very durable, still, and beau-
tifully operating machine.

Public attention was first called to this great inven-
tion by the Maine Farmer, last November ; but since
that time, important improvements have been made
by the inventors, and its powers more fully tested.
The proprietors now feel the utmost confidence in its
success, and they are taking measures to secure a
patent and bring it before the public. We have no
doubt that this wool-spinner will go into general use,
and be of great utility in woollen manufacture. We
hope that the ingenious inventors wiU meet with
that success which their skill and enterprise so richly
deserve. — Gardiner, (.1/e.) Cold Water Fountain,

REARING, KEEPING, AND FATTENING
DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

The science of breeding, keeping, and fattening
domestic anim.ils is too much neglected in the United
States. Few practical farmers have the courage to
take hold of the somewhat forbidding subjects of
comparative anatomy, physiology, and organic chem-
istry, with a resolute purpose to understand the liv-
ing organism by which grass, hay, grain, and roots
are transformed into beef, mutton, pork, butter,
cheese, and wool. The natural machinery for eflect-
ing these important changes of vegetable into animal
substances, deserves to be studied with great care, in
order to make the most of the food consumed by
every animal kept on the farm. There is no class
that has reached perfection in yielding the largest
product in flesh, milk, or wool, for the aliment con-
sumed, in the course of its lifetime. All are fed un-
equally— sometimes too much and sometimes too
little ; and, again, they suffer from food more defec-
tive in quality than deficient in quantity. One often
sees store pigs eat the dung of over-fed fatting hogs ;
and in this city, half-starved cows voraciously devour
the solid excietions of corn-fed carriage horses. In

"II

I

::»
III*

'»ir

254

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

rearinj» swine, they are commonly underfed about
three fourths of their lives, and overfed the other
fourth ; so that, in the aggregate, not more than one
half as much meat is elaborated from the food taken
into the stomach of pigs as might have been formed.

All animals demand a certain quantity of nutritive
matter to preserve them in a normal condition, or to
prevent their losing weight and becoming poor and
poorer. In all cases where the object is to form meat,
it is bad economy to keep animals for weeks and
months, as thousands of farmers do, without gaining
a pound of flesh, although they necessarily consume
a large amount of food. This forms the manure ;
i. e., one hundred pounds of solid matter taken into
the stomach yield forty in dry dung yard and urine,
and no more. If we feed much above the point of
normal nutrition, a portion of the aliment fails to
enter the lacteal %'esscls which surround the alimen-
tary canal, and throvigh which digested matter passes
into the blood-vessels to nourish the system. This
excess of food, whether partially digested or not,
passes on through the bowels, and appears as feces or
dung. There is always an immense loss in seeking
to make animals excessively fat. Of course, when
two or three prices are realized for such beef, mutton,
or pork, the loss in the Avaste of food is paid by the
consiimer. Our object is to develop the true econ-
omy of making meat, regardless of the fact whether
it is sold or consumed bj' the producer. This con-
sists in providing a reliable supply of suitable food,
80 that the animal, from its birth to the day of its
being slaughtered, should steadily gain in weight.
So long as it is adding to the length and size of its
bones and muscles — growing — its system will be
little inclined to take on fat, if not overfed. Exces-
sive stuffing and no exercise, bring the development
of bone and muscle to a premature ripeness. They
cease to expand, and you have a fat lapdog or a
pocket china pig. Habitual starving will also bring
the carcass to maturity before it attains to its proper
size. Skilful feeding implies that one never gives
too much nor too little ; and has the food well adapted
to the constitution and habits of the animal, whether
a horse, sheep, cow, or swine.

This system of feeding is not so easy as some may
imagine ; for the quantity of grass that will grow on
a given niunber of acres, in pasture and meadowy in
a dry or wet season, is very unequal. Hence, in the
one case, the farmer will have more feed than stock ;
and in the other moi-e stock than feed. If one must
err in the matter, it is usually better to have an ex-
cess, rather than a deficiency of forage. Grass left
to rot on the ground in a pasture or meadow is far
from being lost. It improves the soil.

After having taken all due pains to make two
blades of grass and corn grow where only one of
either grew before, the stock- grower should study
closely the business of breeding domestic animals.
The leading idea in this art and science is, to select
the best males and females, from which to propagate
and improve the race. This rule applies alike to the
equine, bovine, ovine, and swine families. In each
genus there are several species, in each species there
are numerous breeds, and in the several breeds not a
few varieties. It is no part of our dvity to attempt
to write up one species or br«ed of animals, whether
of cattle, horses, hogs, or sheep, and to write down
another. Practical farmers know best what kind of
stock will suit their land and markets. Our advice,
if offered, would be quite as likely to miss as to hit
the wants of the reader. There is more difference in
the value of breeds than many are willing to admit,
and less than some breeders of improved races claim.
A yearling of the short-horn stock, less than thirteen
months old, was weighed in this city a few days
since, and brought down six hundred and seventy-
five pounds. This heifer, Avhich was not fat, is the

offspring of Mr. Clay's importation. Another heifer,
of the same family, weighed seven hundred and
eighteen pounds when fifteen months old. The
mother of the calf first named belongs to the lady
with whom the writer boards ; and this valuable
cow gives some twenty quarts of rich mUk a day.
There are Devons near here from the herd of L. F.
Allen, Esq., which are much admired for their
beauty.

The Texas Telegraph, of May 24, published at
Houston, says that wool grown in that state, and
sent to New York market, has brought one dollar and
twenty-five cents a fleece this season. Men are buj'-
ing large flocks in Mexican states, Missouri, Ten-
nessee, and elsewhere, to drive into the northern
parts of Texas. Sheep husbandry is beginning to
excite considerable attention at the south and south-
west.

Believing, as we do, that this republic is likely to
enjoy great prosperity during the next ten years, and
receive large accessions to its population and wealth
from Europe, the demand for good breeding animals
will be steady, and at quite remunerating prices.
Whoever will take due pains to improve his cows,
sheep, horses, and swine, cannot fail to be well paid
for his trouble. — Genesee Farmer.

Rem.\rks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — The able
article here presented offers valuable facts and sug-
gestions. In fattening animals, one imjDortant con-
sideration is frequently overlooked. Fat meat is
often made for the same purpose as Pindar's razors
— to sell ; and too little attention is paid to the health
of the animal or the healthful condition of the meat.
An animal is often shut up and kept without exer-
cise or pure air, and fed highly, Avhich course would
surely kill the animal, if pursued long ; and when
the animal is more than half Avay from a healthy
condition to an untimely death by high feeding and
inaction, it is slaughtered and sold. This subject
should receive more attention in connection with
the general management of animals.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

It is a fact that in all the best agricultural counties
in the Eastern States, agricultural societies have for
a long time existed, and have been munificently sus-
tained. This has been done because experience has
proved that their influences are productive of great
good to the agricultural interest. In the first place,
they have had the effect of placing the leading in-
terest of the country prominently before the people.
This has made those engaged in agriculture feel their
importance as a professional class. It has stimulated
their industry, and made the individuals composing
that class emulous to rival each other in every branch
of their business. The finest stock has been procured
from abroad, and the general stock of the country
has been made to attain a high point of excellence.
Farming has been done with more system, more
neatness, more economy, and with greater profit.
Experiments have been made in the composition and
value of manures, and every thing that could be made
available to increase the fertility of the soil has been
employed for that purpose. Waste lands and brush
pastures have been ploughed up, and the earth work-
ed to a great depth, and a new source of wealth has
been found in lands which before had been scarcely
worth fencing. The black muck, or mud, in sloughs,
ponds, bottoms of brooks, the accumulation of ages,
has been carted out, thrown in compost heaps, made
to ferment, and manufactured into valuable manure,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

255

and, whon generously distributed on worn-out, or
exhausted soils, has made a liberal return for the
labor thus bestowed. Farmers have learned that
small farms well cultivated are more profitable than
large farms half cviltivated ; that it was more profit-
able to raise eighty bushels of corn on one acre, than
upon two acres ; that it paid far better to grow four
tons of timothy upon one acre than upon four acres.
These results begat a disposition to farm upon a
system ; to make neat and beautiful farms, and to
beautify the country with good farm-houses, oiit-
buildings, fences, gates, arid other improvements,
which make the business of farming pleasant, desir-
able and profitable. It is this state of things that
has induced men of capital, taste, and education to
become identified with the agricultural class.

The same fact may be generally stated in regard to
some other distinct branches connected with agricul-
ture. Horticulture, as a branch of agriculture, is
now receiving great attention in many portions of
the Eastern States. The advances which this science
has made (it may properly be called a science) with-
in the last few years, has even astonished its most
ardent friends. Valuable varieties of firuits have been
produced, which were unknown in former years.
Apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, grapes,
currants, gooseberries, &c. have been greatly im-
proved. It is now esteemed essential to the health
and comfort of farmers, that they should cultivate
the most valualde fruits. Common fruits may be
regarded as an advance from the savage or natural
state of such fruits, while the excellent varieties are
an evidence of the most refined civilization. It is
even now stated by intelligent pomologists that they
have only arrived at the starting-point of horticul-
tural improvements. If so, to what perfection fruits
must attain before they reach the goal of improve-
ment !

If objects like these can be promoted by agricul-
tural societies, there cannot be too many of them. In
this great agricultural state, they should be extensive-
ly patronized. In our own county, the agricultural
interest should not suffer the society to languish.
The chief interest of our citizens is agriculture. It
is here the basis of all other interests. We wish to
see it prosper. We would especially be glad to see
agriculture here carried on as a system, farms culti-
vated with taste, — residences neat, but not expensive,
— roads fine — bridges safe — and an air of real
prosperity be presented every where. Our farmers
have seen fortunate times within the last few years.
We mean those who have had crops and stock to sell.
There are some, as it is stated in the old proverb,
who " never have a dish when it rains porridge ; " —
some that complain of the times Avhen they take no
pains to make them better. We anticipate that
hereafter farming will yield a sure, if not a great
profit in our state. — Illinois Journal.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — We recom-
mend the foregoing article to the particular attention
of those who would do away with agricultural socie-
ties. Look at the important and numerous subjects
that are essentially promoted by these associations,
and then judge whether they should be dispensed
with. First let the advocates for their abolition
recommend a substitute.

SYRIAN CATTLE.

The two male and female Khaisi calves which
Lieutenant Lynch purchased at Damascus, and
brought home with him in the storcship Supply, on
his return from the Dead Sea expedition, were shown
to the president in Washington a few days ago.
They are now, one eighteen, the other sixteen months

old, and belonging to Colonel James Castleman, a
great breeder, of Clarke county, Va. The bull is
four feet ten inches high, ten feet four inches in
length, and weighs nine hundred and fifty pounds ;
the heifer of a proportionate size, and weighs six
hundred and fifty pounds. Their limbs arc as deli-
cate as those of a gazelle, yet strong and well set as
those of a race-horse. They are of a deep shining
bay color, and their horns, which are just sprouting,
are black as those of a buffalo. When full grown,
they are said to stand seven feet high, and the cow
is said to yield forty-three quarts of milk a day.
Lieutenant Lynch is to have the first full-blooded
bull calf, and subsequent produce of the animals is
to be appropriated to the extension of the breed at
the colonel's discretion. He says he would not take
ten thousand dollars for the two. They were pre-
sented by Lieutenant Lynch to the state of Virginia,
and Governor Floyd gave them to the present owner,
as the best means of propagation. We don't know
why every one of Virginia's sisters is not entitled to
a heifer of this foreign breed. The Boston Post
thinks the farmer of Ashland and the farmer of
Marshfield should put in the claims of their respec-
tive states for a Khaisi calf. — Mass. Spy.

THE WEALTH OF THE WEST.

The value of maize or Indian corn as a crop is in-
calculable, or rather is of such magnitude, that no
adequate idea can be conveyed of its importance by
figures. I shall endeavor to furnish some notion of
its value by a few simple facts.

In Illinois, which is extensively a corn raising state,
" the kind mostly cultivated is the gourd seed, with
long kernel and small cob, giving a bushel of shelled
corn to a bushel and a half of ears. It grows fre-
quently fourteen feet and higher, and in good seasons,
large fields often produce seventy-five bushels and
over to the acre.

" Allowing a fair estimate for fencing, interest, &c.,
and prairie farmers calculate their corn costs them,
when ripe, standing in the fields, five to six cents
per bushel. The labor of one hand is considered
adequate to the culture of forty acres ; but allow that
he is a little lazy, which is a prevalent complaint,
and works only thirty acres ; then, if he raises one
thousand five hundred bushels, it costs only four
cents.

"The ears droop, so that the husk is a perfect pro-
tection, and it is harvested in the autumn or winter
at the farmer's convenience — or when the time comes
to fatten hogs, he fences off a few acres, and lets them
harvest for "themselves, and then gives them a few
acres more."

At the rate here referred to, fattened hogs cost the
farmer sixtij-seven cents, and beef cattle fifty cents per
hundred pounds, both of the best quality. What its
profits actually are, may be inferred from the fact
that he ordinarily gets three times those 'rates for
these articles which he considers equal to twelve and
a half cents per bushel for corn. When railroads
shall take his pork and beef to market, they will be
worth three dollars, at the lowest figure, \^^^at a
mine of Avealth is here !

A correspondent of the Richmond Enquirer, writ-
ing from Chicago, says

" In the summer of 1845 I was on one of the largest
farms of the west. It belongs to Jacob Strawn, of
Morgan county, in this state, and contains over
eight thousand acres, all fenced and improved. His
profits, the year before, had been over twenty thou-
sand dollars, made chiefly on fat cattle and pork ; yet
he says that all the profits he asks for, in his farming
operations, is to make the corn, which he raises him-
self, bring him twelve and a half cents per bushel on
his farm ; that is, he is willing to be at all the trouble

"31;

4

256

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

of raising and fattening droves of cattle and hogs
without profit on them, in consideration of the money
he makes by marketing his corn in that way, and
getting for it but twelve and a half cents a bushel."

It would seem superfluous to add any thing more
on this subject. But in fact, all that has been thus
far stated, is but its threshold. I will just suggest
two views, which, if correct, — and I do not see how
they can be disputed, — will serve to show that the
great west must become the richest country on the
face of the earth.

It is abundantly demonstrable that a raikoad to the
Pacific will forever put Indian corn at a minimum
of thirty cents per bushel in any part of Illinois.
Indeed, I am not sure that a railroad to the Atlantic
cities will not accomplish the same result. Another
fact : It will be seen in another article of this day's
Advertiser, that in the comparatively cold and sterile
region of Northern Pennsylvania, close farming has
produced a yield of one hundred and twenty bush.els
of corn to the acre, by an individual who believes
he will be eventually able to raise one hundred and
sixty bushels per acre. What has been done in Penn-
sylvania, can readilj- be done in Illinois, when high
prices shall stimulate the effort. — Cist's Cm. Adv.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Acts and Resolves, passed by the legislature of
Massachusetts, in 1849. — These occupy 266 large
octavo pages, showing that if our legislators did hold
a long session, of which many complained, they were
very industrious ; and many, who were the most
active on committees, must have had a very laborious
task.

The American Takmer. — This able and instruc-
tive journal, by S. Sands, Baltimore, has just com-
menced a new volume. Monthly, 32 pages, at $1 a
year. This is a descendant of the old American
Farmer, by Skinner, the first agricultui-al paper ever
published in this country ; and the whole series,
from the beginning down to the present period, is
well filled with interesting and valuable matter.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN.

An effort is now making to establish, in Boston,
an institution for the education of females as ob-
stetric practitioners — a most important object. This
department of practice ought never to have passed
out of the hands of women, and would not had they
been provided with instruction and opportunities
for acquiring practical knowledge, as iS the case in
European countries. This enterprise is conducted
by the " American Medical Education Society," under
the patronage of which a number of intelligent
females have already been educated. Persons wish-
ing further information, or to render the society
pecuniary aid, can call on, or correspond with, the
secretary, Samuel Gregory, 25 Cornhill.

SALE OF CATTLE AND SHEEP.

We would call particular attention to the sale of
fine Hereford cattle and Merino sheep, as advertised
on our cover, of Messrs. Bingham.

A National Convention of the Friends of

Education will be held at Philadelphia on the 22d
day of August. This call is made by a large num-
ber of gentlemen distinguished for their talents and
zeal in this cause, and we trust that there will be a
hearty response from every part of the Union.

Present for the Fourth. — Mr. John Bridge, of
Chelsea, and Mr. Geo. Thayer, of Randolph, presented
us with boxes of fine strawberries for the fourth of
July, which wo neglected to acknowledge in our last
number.

AGRICULTURAL HYMN.

Great God of Eden ! 'twas thy hand

First clad earth in bloom.
And shed upon the smiling land

Nature's first rich perfume :
Fresh at thy glance the flowers sprang,

Kissed by the sun's first rays —
While jilain, and hill, and valley rang

With life, and joy, and praise,

God of the Clouds ! thy hands can ope

The fountains of the sky.
And on the expectant thirsty crop

Pour down the rich supply :
The farmer, when the seed-time's o'er,

Joys in the mercies given —
Thinks on thy promised harvest store,

And, smiling, looks to Heaven.

God of the Sheaf ! to thee alone

Are due our thanks and praise.
When Harvest's grateful labor's done.

On Plenty glad we gaze :
Then shall our thoughts on Heaven rest ;

Thy grace we will adore.
And thank that God, whose mercies blest

Our basket and our store.

THE OLIO.

A Hint to Bachelors. — A lady named Mary
Ann Aldridge, had occasion to send a note to a gen-
tleman, and put two r's into her first name in the
signature, thus: "Marry Ann Aldridge." Tlie
man was a bachelor, and consequently took the hint :
he married Ann Aldridge.

Science must be combined with practice to make
a good farmer.

If you would be happy when old, be temperate
while young.

When Prosperity was well mounted, she let go
the bridle, and soon came tumbling out of the
saddle.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^I a
year, or five copies for Jjl4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 185 cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2.5 cents a volume. As it
is^ stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribets.

Ig^ The Postage .^gi

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and lA
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the
boston type and stereotype foundry.

ml^^^-

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE IND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 1849.

NO. 17.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, PiiopRiETOtt.

PEARMAINS- PIPPINS.

Pearmains. — According to an article in the Eng-
lish Gardener's Chronicle, the original signification
of pearmain, when applied to an apple, was pear-
shaped. This meaning seems to have been lost. In
our boyhood, we found that this name was given to
apples that had a pear flavor, and we believe this
has generally been considered the meaning of the
word in this country. But of late years, this term
has been applied to many apples that do not resem-
ble pears either in form or flavor.

Pippix originallj' signified a kernel of the seed of
apples, pears, and quinces ; but early authors ap-
plied it to seedling or natural trees, in contradis-
tinction to grafted or budded trees, as appears from
the following from Mascal : " As often as pepin-
trees be removed to a better grounde, the fruite
thereof be so much amended ; but the fruite which
doth come of grafting doth always kcpe the forme
and nature of the tree whereof he is taken."

According to the manner of using the word pip-
pin, by many in the present day, it means nothing
more nor less than apple, though some, in applying
it to natural or seedling trees, continue its use for
the same purpose as the early authors on pomology,
and it would be well if this ancient signification
could be continued, to prevent the too frequent use
of the word seedling, which is filling our fruit cata-
logues from the multiplicity of new fruits designated
by the originator's name attached to this term. Its
application to a seedling tree is in accordance with
its original meaning, — a seed.

NEW YORK STATE FAIR.

This grand exhibition will be held at Syracuse,
September 11, 12, and 13. The premiums offered
are liberal, and the list very extensive, filling nearly
five columns of the Albany Evening Journal, amount-
ing, as some have estimated, to six or seven thousand
dollars. As the aff'airs of the New York State Agri-
cultural Society have been conducted on so liberal a
plan, and competition invited from different parts
of the Union and from the Canadas, this society

assumes the character of a national association, and
the fair seems like a great national jubilee.

An address is expected by Professor Johnston, of
England, who is distinguished for his works and
lectures on agriculture and science. President Taylor
has accepted an invitation to be present at the com-
ing fair, and it will doubtless be the greatest exhibi-
tion, both in the show and the concourse of people,
that has ever occurred in this country.

The railroad companies in the state of New York
offer unusual facilities to persons attending the state
fair, and for the transportation of animals and other
articles for exhibition. "When shall we witness so
liberal a course in New England ?

MARL.

Marls are composed of carbonate of lime, with,
various kinds of earth or loam. They are known by
their effervescence on the application of acids, which
drives off the carbonic acid gas. In New Jersey
marls abound, and they have been used with aston-
ishing success in renovating the worn-out sandy
lands. In New England, but very little attention has
been paid to this subject, though marl beds are found
in many parts, and thousands of farmers have this
valuable fertilizer upon their own premises, who are
not aware that they possess so valuable a treasure.

Marl is useful on all soils, excepting such as
already abound in lime. We hope that farmers will
examine into the resources which they have on their
own farms, as they will often find at hand the means
of their renovation and improvement. "We copy the
following article from a prize essay on "Renovating
Worn-Out Lands," by Edward Stabler, of Sandy
Spring, Md., for the American Farmer : —

Marl. — I can say but little from experience in
the use of calcareous manures ; but am fully satis-
fied, both by information derived from others and
from personal observation, that wherever it abounds,
it might be made a mine of wealth to the proprietor,
and the adjacent districts which admit of water
transportation.

The only apparent reason why they are not more
BO, is either ignorance of its great fertilizing proper-
ties, or a lack of the necessary enterprise and indus-

"Ill

III!
111.

■•In

Mil
III*

258

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

try to become rich, when every facility for the pur-
pose is, as it were, laid at their very doors. The
quantity of marl required to the acre, to produce
much beneficial result, does not admit of extended
land transportation ; but there are thousands, if not
tens of thousands, of acres bordering on and near
tide water, both in this and neighboring states, now
thrown out as waste lands, because they will no
longer yield even a stinted growth of vegetation ;
most, if not all, of which might readily be reclaimed
by the judicious use of marl, and at one fourth the
cost per acre that lands in the interior — originally
no better, if so good — are made to yield ten to
twelve barrels of corn, or thirty to forty bushels of
wheat, to the acre. I have been informed by some
of the large landed proprietors — not owning nor
residing within less than eight to ten miles of the
marl beds — that a boat load of a thousand to twelve
hundred bushels of marl, rich in carbonate of lime,
could be delivered at many of their landings, at an
expense not exceeding eight to ten dollars. Yet not
one bushel was ever vised !

But, as was justly remarked by one of these very
intelligent and hospitable gentlemen, " It's no use to
preach to a deaf congregation ; " and a further re-
mark or two will only be added, not altogether with-
out the hope that something will eventually " stir
them up," and induce a trial, at least, of this valua-
ble manure. It matters loss how, when, or what
quantity of marl or lime is applied ; only make the
application, and that jjretty liberally. Its applica-
tion, like lime, is best made one, two, or three years,
and on the surface, before breaking up the land, and
thus give it the benefit of the winter's frosts and
snows to dissolve and incorporate it with the soU.

STRAWBERRIES.

Mr. Editor : Please inform me of the best straw-
berry, to be sure of a good crop, and the best time to
set them out? A SUBSCRIBER.

Answer. — The best strawberry, for New Eng-
land, if the cultivator has but one kind, is the Early
Virginia, called in the Middle States Large Early.
It is hardy, a vigorous grower, very productive, and
excellent fruit. This has been long and extensively
tried. There are some new kinds of high pretensions,
but they have not yet been fully tested. We can
give examples, from good authorities, of the largest
crop from this strawberry that was ever known.

In cultivating two kinds, we should add Hovey's
Seedling ; and from its large size, which makes it
more salable, and more convenient to pick, some
cultivators give this a preference over the Early Vir-
ginia. But as it is a pistillate plant, it will not
yield much alone, and the Early Virginia is a good
kind to plant near it, for the purpose of fertilizing it
with its pollen or dust, and producing an earlier
crop, it being about a week earlier than Hovey's.
These two kinds form a succession of crops, and
are the most valuable that have been fully tested
in this part of the countr j\

In setting the two kinds, set every fifth or sixth
plant of the Early Virginia, and let the Early Vir-
ginia in one row come between the same kind in
adjacent rows. Thus, h for Hovey, v for Virginia.

vhhhhhvhhhhhvhhhhhv

hhhvhhhhhvhhhhhvhhh

vhhhhhvhhhhhvhhhhhv

Or set single or double rows four feet apart, and
set every second row of each kind ; or, if j'ou would
have more of Hovey's, set two rows of them and one
of Early Virginia.

The best time to set strawberries is in the spring,
and then they should be set in rows four feet apart,
and vigorous kinds, like Early Virginia, should be
set about a foot apart, and those of moderate growth,
like Hovey's, about eight or ten inches apart, in the
row.

Strawberry plants are often set in August, or the
last of July, frequently on land that has been cleared
of early crops, and in a wet season they succeed well ;
but if it is dry and hot, they often fail ; or if the
plants set do not fail, they fail to send out runners,
and there is no crop excepting from the plants set
out. Therefore the surest way, in setting the latter
part of summer, is to set double rows for every four
feet, having the two rows about fifteen inches apart,
and set the plants nearly twice as thick as in spring
planting ; then, if there be no new plants made,
owing to drought, or other cause, the old plants
may be sufficiently numerous for a good crop.

The plants set late in July, or in August, generally
yield a good crop the next season ; but it is very un-
certain about getting a good product from new
plants that are made from them, or rather uncertain
about their sending out new plants, especially on
dry ground. Moist land is much better adapted to
late setting. The surest way is to set in spring, and
then, from a few plants set, the ground is generally
well covered with vines, and a good crop produced
the next season.

HEREFORD CATTLE.

In our last number, p. 250, is an interesting arti-
cle on this race. We learn from the advertisement
of Messrs. Bingham, in our advertising department,
that they have this stock for sale, and are making
experiments with it in New England. We are
pleased that a race of animals, so famous in the old
country, is now subjected to a fair trial, by the en-
terprising and intelligent in our own section of the
Union.

In the numerous attempts to improve the breeds
of cattle, the noble Herefords have been too much
neglected. Some think that they are too large, and
require too liigh keeping for our short pastures ; but
we would inquire where larger oxen can be found
than many that are used in the lumber business in
Maine. And these noble animals have been raised
there, and they are preferred in most cases to lighter
cattle.

If large native cattle may be raised and used to
advantage in our northern region, then why may
not superior foreign breeds, of a large size, do weU ?
And may they not be used to good advantage in
crossing with our common cattle, for which purpose
the Messrs. Bingham say the Herefords are well
adapted ?

We do not recommend to the farmer, in common
circumstances, to run into numerous experiments ;
but let the enterprising, who are well able, lead off

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

259.

in this business, and let others contribute their mite
towards making a fair trial of all and any animals that
promise a liberal compensation for expenditures.
We trust that the Herefords will be scattered over
different sections of New England, and fairly tested.

WITCH OR COUCH GRASS.

This grass, in tillage, is among the most trouble-
Bome of all plants or weeds. The most effectual way
to destroy it, where it is extensive, is to let the
land lie fallow, and plough and harrow it often, espe-
cially in drj' Aveather. The plough will check its
growth, when used often, and bring the roots to the
surface, and the harrow will draw them out, and
they will die when exposed to a hot sun, in a dry
time. When this grass first makes its appearance in
tillage, it should be thoroughly eradicated. We
copy the following remarks from the Germantown
Telegraph : —

Witch grass commonly abounds in all lands which
have been long under the plough, and rendered fine
and pulverulent by a rapid succession of weeded
crops, and liberal applications of fructifying manures.
Many methods have been advised and recommended
for its extirpation, but none as yet which can be
relied on as AvhoUy efficient. Where a small spot is
to be cleansed, resting during one season, carefully
covering the surface with boards, will generally de-
stroy most of the grass. A writer in the Maine
Farmer, some years since, stated that he had suc-
ceeded in eradicating it by ploughing it under " a
foot deep," afterward harrowing it carefully and
•' cultivating the ground as usual ; it never troubled
him afterward." Others have tried this " plan," but
have failed to realize the result anticipated ; the
grass, even when embedded in the soil to the dej^th
of a foot, still retained its vitality, and came up to
the surface late in the season in " different parts of
the field, as rank and vigorous as before." Some
have recommended sowing this grass, as it makes a
rich and nutritive food for stock ; but no one, who
understands its habits, will concur in urging this
plan, as it is not only a great exhauster, but after
the first or second year produces but a small crop,
unless heavily top-dressed. B.

Bensalem, June 20, 1849.

THE MOUNT VERNON FARMER.

Washington was ardently attached to agriculture,
and its improvement was ever with him an object
of permanent regard. Virginia can boast of few sons
to whose efforts her agriculture has been more sig-
nally indebted ; few who have assisted in promoting
its interests to a greater extent, or with the mani-
festation of more ardent and patronizing zeal.

The following account of his farming oijerations
will serve to exhibit the " Father of his Country " —
the man " first in war, first in peace, and first in the
hearts of his countrymen " — in his true light. The
farm of General Washington, at Mount Vernon, con-
sisted of ten thousand acres of land, in one body —
equal to about fifteen square miles. It was divided
into farms of convenient size, at the distance of two,
three, four, and five miles from the mansion house.
These farms he visited every day, in pleasant weather,
and was constantlj' engaged in making experiments,
•^ith a view to the improvement of agriculture.
Some idea of the extent of his farming operations
may be formed from the following facts : In 1787,
he had five hundred acres in grass, sowed six hun-

dred bushels of oats, seven hundred acres with
wheat, and prepared as much more for corn, barley,
potatoes, peas, beans, &c., and had sowed one hun-
dred and fifty with turnips. His stock consisted of
one hundred and forty horses, one hundred and
twelve coM's, two hundred and thirty-five working
oxen, heifers, and steers, and five hundred sheep.

He constantly employed two hundred and fifty
hands, and kept twenty-four ploughs going during
the whole year, when the state of the weather and
soil would permit. In 1786, he slaughtered one hun-
dred and fifty hogs, weighing eighteen thousand five
hundred and sixty pounds, for the use of his family,
beside provisions for his negroes.

LOWER-MERION.

Ju7ie 30, 1849.
— Germantown Telegraph.

For the New England Farmer.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HORSES.

Mr. Editor : Horses should never be allowed to
stand in the stable with their harness on, especially
Avhcn they have been heated by hard driving, and
consequently are in a high state of perspiration. A
horse should be divested of his harness as soon as he
is led to his stall for his feed. A man can judge
from his own feelings how much more comfortable
a horse must feel when entirely unburdened. Who
has not experienced the contrast on his own person,
after having walked a mile or two in a warm day,
with a coat on, when divesting himself of it, and
vest even r How much more comfortable a person
will feel when thus unencumbered, than he will if
he suffers himself to sit down Avith the same quantity
of clothes on he had been travelling in ! So with the
horse ; he will feed more readily, and will be less
liable to be fretted by the harness.

A horse that has been galled or chafed by any part
of the harness, (which is quite often the case in
warm weather,) should have the harness removed as
soon as possible, to prevent irritation. The horse is
an animal that should be carefully watched by his
master or keeper, to see that he is always in a proper
condition to work. How often have I seen the noble
horse hauling heavy loads, when his shoulders and
sides were badly lacerated by the galling of the har-
ness ! And not unfrcquently have I seen the lash'
applied to the willing animal, because he refused to
draw — all in consequence of sores on the shoulders
or other parts of the body.

None but an unmerciful man would beat his horse,
when in this condition. When horses have become^
fretted by the harness, timely aid and the proper
remedies should be applied. A horse should be used
as little as possible when he has a galled shoulder.
But if he must of necessity be used, bandages should
be fitted around the collar, both above and below the
wound, that the collar may not irritate it. A few
days (if the proper remedies are used) need only
elapse before a cure may be effected. There are dif-
ferent remedies that will prove effectual, providing
the galled parts can be kept from being chafed, from
day to day. I have had good success by washing,
the parts affected in nothing but cold water. Differ-
ent individuals, however, have different remedies.
" A merciful man will be merciful to his beast ; "
and he who cannot be merciful to his beast, ought
not to be the owner of one.

A. TODD. .,

Smithfield, R. I., July, 1849.

■'31

■•ti

IIIIUl

I IM'

iiii
lilt

Forests of standing trees in Yorkshire, England, and'
in Ireland, have been discovered embedded in stone.'

260

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New E?iffland Farmer.
INSECTS AND TOADS.

Mr. Editor: We suppose it to be a fact, well
established by the experience of the horticulturists
of England, that the higher and more extended the
state of cultivation, the greater will be the number
of insects and Avceds, -with ■which we shall have to
contend. And it will probably be found, as we con-
tinue to increase, in number and variety, our trees,
shrubs, and plants, brought, as they are, from distant
parts of the globe, that we have also introduced with
them new weeds and new insects.

And, if we add to those brought from abroad our
own native species, which leave our fields and woods,
to foUow the trees, shrubs, and plants, brought from
thence, and transplanted in our extensive gardens,
it must at once be seen, that the cultivator has an
increasing host of weeds and insects, disputing with
him, day by day, his right to the productions of the
soil, and even the right of occupancy of the soil
itself. The necessity of this constant warfare upon
weeds and insects compels us to look around for aid
and assistance. And where shall we find it ? I
think we may find some aid by the protecting of our
birds, particularly our insectivorous ones, and by
never permitting a lubberlj' boy to enter our grounds,
to shoot them or disturb their nests. In regard to
the keejiing of hens in a garden, to destroy insects,
we would not recommend it, as we have, after many
trials, with the single exception of the Bantam breed,
found them to be very troublesome. I think much
aid may be found by giving protection to, and in-
creasing the number of, such reptiles as are known to
be harmless, and feed upon insects. And, in this
connection, permit me to mention, and introduce to
your notice, regard, and kind care, such innocent
creatures as green snakes, striped snakes, and our
common toad, which spend their best days and
nights in ridding our fields and gardens of our
greatest pests, and harming no one. But, O ! the
cruel prejudice against them, by those ignorant per-
sons who suppose that all snakes have fangs to bite
them, and because the toad, in their opinion, is ugly
in its appearance, it must consequently be venomous ;
forgetting that its eyes are proverbially beautiful,
having a brilliant, reddish, gold-colored iris sur-
rounding the dark pupil. Hence Shakspeare, in
Romeo and Juliet, remarks, —

" Some say the lark and loathed toad change eyes."

We know of a skilful cultivator of the soil, in the
old county of Essex, who thinks it worth his while,
in view of the large number of insects destroyed by
toads, to pay boys half a cent apiece, for all they
will put into his garden. It is astonishing what a
number of insects toads in a garden Avill destroy,
and how excessively fat and corpulent they will be-
come from this excess of food. Their love of those
great pests, rose-bugs, is very great.

We have of late been in the habit of shaking our
plum-trees, to dislodge these insects, just at night,
for the benefit of the toads, as well as of the trees,
when they would at once gather around to seek their
favorite food. We have generally found them, early
in the morning, under the trees infested with rose-
bugs, watching and Availing for the fall of their prey,
when, by giving the trees a good shake, they were
plentifully supplied. When thus shaken from the
trees early in the morning, or late in the afternoon,
they never take wing, but remain upon the ground,
to be devoured by these reptiles. Now, Mr. Editor,
you and I have lived long enough in this world to
know that the value of any thing depends very
much upon its permanency, not even excepting the
services rendered by toads. And now, having learned
their value to us as cultivators of the soil, how can
we best secure them for our permanent benefit ?

Owing to habits and instincts peculiar to the race,
the same toad, that is so useful to me this summer
in my garden, may, another season, be located afar
off in a wet meadow, or low marsh, where his services
are not so much needed. So the question resolves
itself into this — When we get a toad that is steady
and useful in our garden, how can we keep him
there ? To answer this question, I suppose we must
first learn his habits and mode of life. These rep- i
tiles, in common with many others, upon the ap- ■
proach of cold weather in autumn, usually seek
winter quarters in the muddy bottoms of ponds,
unless they can find, to their liking, protection from
the cold and frost of winter, near at hand. This
they frequently do by crawling into and burrowing
in some old hotbed, or loose, dry soil under the
roots of trees. We have noticed, that they are fond
of hibernating in old rotten hemlock tan, sometimes
used in gardens to form walks. Late in the autumn
of 1847, in removing a tree, whose roots ran into one
of those tan walks, we disturbed, in a partially torpid
state, large numbers of toads, which were counted by
my man and carefully put back again, and found to
number seventy-nine. They appeared to extend
through the entire walk of several rods in length.
This circumstance has led me to believe, that we
might not only fill our gardens with this — may I not
say useful ? (certainly so to the gardener) — reptile, but
retain him for years. Toads, in the summer season,
should be afforded protection in our gardens, by
placing boards for them on the ground, raised an
inch from the surface, under which to hide, and
screen themselves from the sun.

S. J. FOWLER.
Danters, New Mills, July 14, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — The value of toads has
not generally been duly considered by cultivators.
They feed on insects, are very voracious, and re-
markably adroit in catching their prey. They eat
no fruit, and destroy no vegetables. Being thus
harmless, and admirably adapted to the destruction
of insects, they should be classed among the most
useful of animals. •

The great increase of insects, particularly on old
lands, and the immense destruction of crops by their
depredations, require every possible exertion by the
farmer to lessen their number ; and more attention
must be given to this subject, or some tender plants
and fruits must be abandoned as unprofitable.

For the New Englmid Farmer.
INSECTS ON POTATOES.

Mr. Editor : I venture a brief contribution to
your pages, which may add some information, per-
haps, as to facts which I have observed in the growth
of potatoes, and which probably have not attracted
much attention. The healthful growth of the stalks
and leaves of this vegetable must be necessary to the
healthful setting and growth of its tubers, according
to a common law of vegetation. Consequently what-
ever impedes the growth of the fonner, renders
them diseased, or prevents their arriving at maturity,
must be injurious to the latter. If large, spreading,
vigorous tops form full blows, followed by the
growth of potato balls, and the stalks and leaves
continue their growth unimpeded sufficiently long
to attain full expansion and maturity, then sound,
healthy, full-grown tubers will be the result.

I have therefore diligently watched for every
symptom of decay and disease in the potato vine.
This plant is the favorite food of various insects.
First comes the small black flea, in multitudes, and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

261

commences perforating the leaves with innumerable
holes as soon as they appear. The vivacious power
of the plant surmounts the attacks of these petty
marauders, and holds on its way, in spite of the
insect's liabitual and continued depredations. Young
cabbage plants, however, have not strength to with-
stand them, but to a great extent die. As the time
approaches for potatoes to put forth blossoms, then
the yellow striped bug, leaving, in part, the cucum-
ber, melon, and squash, commences depositing clus-
ters of yellow eggs in various places upon the potato
leaves.

These hatch out in successive groups, and the
insects attach themselves to the under side of the
leaf, and devour in succession leaf after leaf, or some-
times appear dispersed singly. They are great de-
vourers, and when the grubs have grown to maturity,
they seek some other resort, probably the earth.
Such were their ravages last year, that I passed
among my Mercers, in my garden, frequently to
destroy them with thumb and finger, having found
them unhurt by dipping them into brine, tobacco
juice, and lye.

Another insect, a peculiar fly, stings the leaves at
the apex of the stalk, and they at once wilt and die ;
and generally, where I witness this, the stalk stops
growing, and early decay ensues. Nothing but a
sufficient number and activity of these flies can be
necessary for the sure destruction of whole fields.
The borer often perforates a stalk, and eating up and
down its centre destroys it. The same worm, in like
manner, infests corn, both when young and when
considerably advanced. I have found currant branches
likewise killed by this insect, by his eating into the
top and proceeding down the centre of the branch,
manufacturing it into a tube.

Present observation of the garden plat I cultivate
convinces me of two things : first, that the fore-named
bug and its larvre, and the poisonous fly, are now
doing much and irreparable injury to my potato
plants by producing the decay and death of leaves ;
and secondly, that the stalks are likewise rendered
sickly, and preparing to shed their leaves, or to retain
them in a dry, black, crisped state — the sure precur-
sor of immature diseased tubers. The evidence is
satisfactory to myself, that so far as my own ground
is concerned, there are causes at work, viz., these
pestiferous insects — whose blighting power is quite
adequate to produce the potato rot. My reasons are,
that the blossoming of the plants and their natural
growth are prevented, and that the tubers must be
correspondently aff'ccted. They cannot live, grow,
and come to maturity, because the vines are pre-
vented from doing so.

At the same time, the juice imbibed from the
earth, by the tubers, is prevented by the disease of
the vinos from being assimilated, and from having
its superfluous part conveyed oft'. Consequently it
is retained in the tubers, there to turn into a putres-
cent state, and thus at length completely to destroy
them.

What would become of the fruit upon a tree, if
insects should consume or infest, at a critical period
of growth, the leaves and tender shoots around it ?
What would be the fate of an ear of maize, if, just
■when its silk is expanding, the leaves and stalk above
it should be smitten with sudden, sure, and rapid
decay, and a lingering death ? And if, precisely at
that crisis when the potato plant is preparing to
blossom under the hot sun of June or July, the
attacks of such insects are discovered, as consume
and stunt the tenderest part of the plant, causing the
sure, successive decay and death of the remainder,
how is the conclusion to be resisted, that just to the
extent to which these causes operate, there must
ensue, by the righteous but mysterious visitations
of Providence, the blight and destruction of the

potato crop ? How utterly impotent, too, is man to
avert the calamity !

J. LEE.
Salisbury, Ct., July 11, 1849.

For the New England Farmer.
THE COMPOST HEAP.

Mr. Cole : Wo have noticed, in all our excursions
during the sununcr, that farmers are taking unusual
care to increase their manure heaps. The general
course that has been pursued, was, immediately after
planting, to cast the surplus manure from the yard,
and such quantities of muck from the swamp as con-
venience permitted, and blend them in a common
heap. This is undoubtedly a wise course, and will
go to increase the productiveness of the land in a
remunerative ratio. A question, however, will arise,
whether an actual loss will not be realized bj' the
farmer beyond what he might necessarily sustain by
preparing tlie compost in the yard where the action
of rains would tend to more thorough and uniform
blending, and the trampling of animals be produc-
tive of good effect. At any rate, we should suppose
that when manure is hauled to the field in May and
June, when the warm season is just commencing,
and when, of course, decomposition is going rapidly
forward, and the gases in rapid action, a benefit would
be found in putting a thick covering of muck over the
heap, in order to arrest the volatile parts in their
hurry to escape, and convert them into available
stock. Let those who practise carting out maniu'e
thus early try a small heap in the last-mentioned
way by the side of one formed in the usual method
of letting things remain as they happen to fall, and
notice the result in such case, and the truth as to
which system is best, and the one which operates
most favorably is the one to pursue.

But, after all, we would advise no farmer to neglect
making use of his farm-yard for composting. Scrape
it as clean as you can, and every rain will bring up
muck, which, if properly saved, will go to increase
the fertility of some patch which is beginning to
show the features of a desert. Muck and turf are
good retainers of water, and all perishable substances
may be thrown in to increase the quantity. By
gathering up fragments in this way, and blending
them in a common mass, almost every farmer may
collect enough, from June to October, to thoroughly
dress an acre of land, and thereby increase its product
fourfold, which is certainly better than to add two
or three acres of land of ordinary quality to his prem-
ises, at the cost of cash which may be otherwise
invested ; and the increase of taxes, cost of keeping
up fences, and all the et ceteras attendant on the
increase of premises.

Yours truly,

W B

July, 1849. ^^' ■"•

SIGNS OF THE VIGOR, MATURITY, AND
DECAY IN TREES.

Signs announcing the Vigor of a Tree. — The branch-
es, especially towards the top, are vigorous ; the annual
shoots strong and long ; the leaves green, vigorous,
and thick, principally at the summit, and falling late
in autumn ; the bark is clear, fine, united, and nearly
of the same color from the foot to the large branches.
If at the bottom of the veins, or divisions of the
thick bark, there appear smaller divisions, which fol-
low from below upwards, in the direction of the
fibres, and live bark be observed at the bottom of
these divisions, it is an indication that the tree is very
vigorous, and rapidly increasing in size. If some of

lilt

262

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

the lower branches, stifled by others, are yellow,
languishing, and even dead, this is an accidental
effect, and is no proof of the languor of the tree.
Finally, it is a sign of vigor when branches are seen
at the summit of the tree, rising above the others,
and being much longer ; but it is to be observed, that
all trees with round heads do not throw out branches
■with equal force.

Sif/ns which indicate that the Tree is mature. — Gen-
erally the head of the tree is rounded ; the shoots
diminish in length each j'ear, and the farthest shoots
add to the length of the branches only by the length
of the bud ; and the leaves are put forth oidy in the
spring, and become yellow in the autumn before
those of vigorous trees, and at this time the lower
leaves are greener than the upper. The branches
incline towards the horizon, and form angles some-
times of sixty or seventy degrees. These apparent
signs, and the thinness of the layer deposited by the
sap, indicate that the tree makes but small additions
to itself, and now it should be cut down. The na-
ture of the soil should be examined, as well as the
kind of tree, to enable a judgment whether the tree
should be left to increase still further, or whether it
will be more proper to fell it. An exact age cannot
be assigned for each species ; but it has been observed
that an elm, situated in an insulated plantation, may
be felled Avith advantage, when between seventy and
eighty years of age.

Signs of Decay in a Tree. — When a tree becomes
crowned, (that is, Avhen the upper branches die,) it
uifallibly indicates, especially for isolated trees, that
the central w'ood is undergoing alteration, and the
tree passing to decay. When the bark separates
from the wood, or when it is divided by separations
•which pass across it, the tree is in a considerable
state of degradation. "When the bark is loaded with
moss, lichens, or fungi, or is marked with black or
red spots, these signs of alteration in the bark justify
the suspicions of alteration in the wood within.
When sap is seen to flow from clefts in the bark, it
is a sign that the trees will soon die. As to wounds
or gutterings, these defects may arise from local
causes, and are not necessarily the results of old age.
— Loudon's Mag.

TURNING IN GREEN CROPS.

To increase continually the fertility of our arable
lands, should ever be regarded by the farmer as an
object of the greatest consequence. By adopting
improved systems of husbandry, and taking care to
manure highly, or, in other words, to return some-
what more to the soil than is extracted by the crop,
— this is a task of comparatively easy accomplishment,
and the farmer who carefully practises upon this
principle, will find that while he has actually larger
and better crops, his fields are also, at the same time,
becoming richer in the principles essential to a
healthy vegetation, and to vegetable life. One of
the most judicious and economical methods of en-
riching emasculated or worn-out fields, is to turn in
green crops — not carelessly, and without reference
to the character of the vegetable matter turned un-
der, but with judgment and discrimination. The
nature of the soil should be considered, and the
adaptedness of the crop to supply its deficiencies
critically examined — a matter requiring skill, and
a good degree of practical experience to render it
-efficient, and productive of the end desired.

The following extract from Dr. Dana's Muck
Manual contains some important suggestions in
relation to this matter ; and I therefore present it,
hoping that every reader of the Telegraph will care-
fully ponder its truth, and, if a farmer, apply them
daily in his practice : —

"Turning in green crops," says Dr. Dana, "is only

returning to the soil the salts, silicates and geine,
which the plant had drawn from it, together with all
the organic matter the plant itself has elaborated
from oxygen and hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen,
from whatever source derived. It has decomposed,
during the short period of its growth, more silicates
and salts than the air ever could effect during the
same period, which, being turned in, restore to the
soil from which they grew, salts and silicates in a
new form, whose action on vegetation is like that of
alkalies. But powerful as is the action of green
crops turned in, it is the experience of some practi-
cal men, that one crop allowed to perfect itself, and
then die where it grew, and then turned in dry, is
superior to three turned in green. The whole result
is explained by the fact that dry plants give more
geine than green. Green plants ferment — dry
plants decay. A large portion escapes in fermenta-
tion as gas ; and more volatile products are formed
than during decay. The one is a quick consuming
fire, the other a slow, smouldering ember, giving off
during all its process, gases which feed plants and
decompose the silicates of the soil."

Evei-y practical agriculturist, who has made use of
his head in the management of his lands, must be
fully aware, however, that many crops produce much
more beneficial results when turned in green. This,
indeed, is the fact in reference to buckwheat, clover,
and the culmiferous class of plants generally. The
first-named article, if permitted to stand till the
grain becomes fully ripe, and the haulm dry, will be
diminished four fifths in bulk, and, I doubt not,
nearly as much in value for all possible purposes of
vegetable enrichment ; and this supposition appears,
indeed, to be fully sustained and demonstrated by
the experience of practical farmers every where.

The efficacy of silicates, in producing fertility, is
thus lucidly explained by the author above quoted : —

" The power of fertility which exists in the sili-
cates of the soil is unlimited. An improved agricul-
ture must depend on the skill with which this power
is brought into action. It can be done only by the
conjunction of salts, geine, and plants. Barren sands
are worthless ; a peat bog is little better ; but a prac-
tical illustration of the principles which have been
maintained, is afforded by every sandy knoll made
fertile by spreading swamp muck upon it. This is
giving geine to silicates. The very act of exposure
of this swamp muck has caused an evolution of car-
bonic acid gas ; that decomposes the silicates of
potash in the sand ; that potash converts the insolu-
ble into soluble manure ; and lo ! a crop. That grow-
ing crop adds its power to the geine. If all the long
series of experiments after Von Voght, in Germany,
are to be believed, confirmed as they are by repeated
experiments by our own agriculturists, it is not to be
doubted that every inch of sand knoll, on every farm,
may be changed into a soil, in thirteen years, of half
that number of inches of good mould."

By turning in, occasionally, a green crop of either
of the vegetables above named, the soil will be so
much invigorated as to render the cultivation of it
much more profitable for some years; and as crops
for this ptu-pose can be selected which, by their
quick growth, obviate the necessity of a fallow, the
cost of ameliorating the land is comparatively slight ;
indeed, so slight, under most circumstances, as to be
scarcely Avorthy of being taken into account.

A PRACTICAL FARMER.

Bald Eagle Farm, June 8, 1849.
— Germantoiim Telegraph.

MOSSES ON MEADOWS.

Mosses on meadows, like vermm on cattle, are a
consequence rather than a cause of evil. They indi-
cate a deficiency of stamina, health, or condition in

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

263

the field or animal, rather than induce it themselves.
But where either exist, they show something radi-
cally deficient, which must first be remedied before
any useful results can follow. A farmer might as
well leave his money with sharpers, or his manure
heap under a spout, as his meadows in moss, or his
cattle covered with vermin. All are spendthrifts
together ; and, if left to themselves, Avill, like Pha-
raoh's lean kine, soon consume his evidences of
previous plenty, and show no equivalents in return.
But how are we to get rid of mosses in meadows ?
Let us see how they get there. The surest way to
get rich, is first to know how you become poor.

Mosses are generally the result of a feeble growth
of the grasses on a moist surface. The moisture of
the laud is not of itself objectionable, but decidedly
the reverse ; but when the profitable occupants of
the soil fail or become thin and meagre, the profitless
are ever ready to come in and supply their places.
This is the case with the mosses ; and it is not till
the cultivated plants have declined, that these have
gathered strength. To remove the latter, the former
should be put in the very best condition. Scarify-
ing, harrowing, closely feeding, and treading them
thoroughly by the sharp hoofs of sheep and cattle,
are all useful in extirpating the mosses from mead-
ows. Sowing strong quick lime over them, when
recently mown, or after short cropping by animals,
is attended with decided advantage. Ashes will
sometimes produce a similar effect. Guano, when
mixed with mould and sown broadcast, is exceedingly
useful ; and so, too, are compost manures of all kinds.
These help to destroy the mosses by invigorating the
grasses. Properly draining, and especially thorough
under-draining the lands, is one of the most efficient
modes of removing mosses and worthless aquatic
plants. By carrying off all surplus, and particularly
stagnant waters, the atmosphere and heat penetrate
the soil, and induce a vigorous, healthy growth of
the cultivated plants, and thereby withdraw so much
of the space and food which otherwise would be
monopolized by the intruders.

When these and some other of the most obvious
means of renovating meadows fail, there is no alter-
native but to break up the sod, and subject the field
to another course of cultivation. It is not absolutely
necessary that this undergo a series of rotations,
although for manj' reasons this is better ; yet a rota-
tion may be secured exclusively with the forage
plants, the clovers, and numerous varieties of the
grasses. The meadow may, if it be preferred, be
thoroughly manured with unfermented dung, then
turned over flat, and after applying a top-dressing of
comioost, may be harrowed lengthwise of the fur-
rows, and sown with grass seed liberally ; and if all
has been properly managed, the mosses will not for
years again infest your meadows. — American Agri-
culturist.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FARMERS.

THE STUDY OF NATURE RECOMMENDED.

Much has been said and written within the last
few years on the importance of the study of natural
science to the farmer ; still, we think that the sub-
ject is so important that there is little danger of too
much being said. The study of natural history has
received so little attention in the United States, that
very few farmers have a familiar knowledge of chem-
istry, geology, mineralogy, and botany, not to men-
tion entomology, which may be said to be in its
infancy in this country, a large portion of our insects
yet reniaining unknown and undescribed. Let the
votary of natural science travel to collect specimens,
and he will often be questioned respecting the use
of his specimens. If ho gathers plants, the general
impression will be, that they are for medicine. He

will rarely meet with any one who knows the utility
of a cabinet or an herbarium, almost every body sup-
posing that they are to be converted into money in
some way ; yet to what practical use many of the
specimens can be aijpliecl, they cannot tell.

It is an old saying, that "knowledge is power;"
and this maxim is most strikingly verified in the
pursuit of farming ; so much so that individuals,
farming in the same neighborhood, with farms of an
equal natural fertility, meet with widely different
results. The one has large profits on his capital
invested, and the other, perhaps, sinks money, or with
difficulty raises sufficient to defray all expenses and
support his family. The one obeys nature and her
laws, and the other manages Avithout system and
contrary to nature. It may be said that many farm-
ers make money, and are highly successful, with little
or no knowledge of natural science. Granted ; yet
it must be admitted that they had derived benefit
from the example of others, who were acquainted
with natural science, or they have more or less fol-
lowed the instructions of men who, by experiment
and observation, have attained at least a partial
knowledge of the laws of nature. Besides, Lf we
examine closely, Ave shall find that most of our very
rich ignorant farmers have acquired money by great
industry and economy, carrying the latter virtue to
so great an extent as to deny themselves and their
families many of the comforts and conveniences of
life. All will admit that a knowledge of chemistry,
geology, and botany, embracing a knowledge of vege-
table physiology, would be of great practical utility
to the farmer. Were he a chemist, he could analyze
the soil ; and to do tliis, sufficient for all practical
purposes, is within the capacity of all. By analyzing
the soil, and knowing, in addition, the composition
of the plant cultivated, the farmer knows what his
soil needs, to grow that plant in its greatest perfec-
tion; or, in other words, he can feed the plant its
proper food, and in suitable quantities. The farmer
deals with nature. The greater j^ortion of his life is
spent amid the scenes of nature ; hence, the more he
understands nature, the better will he know how to
manage her in her varied changes. The great im-
provements which have been made in agriculture
during the last few years, are mainly owing to the
application of science ; and as yet we are but in the
commencement of the improving era. Then it be-
hoves us, as farmers, to study nature, and let the
youth of our land, the future farmers of our country,
be taught the study of nature. Then, by knowledge
joined with experiment, industry, and economy, they
wiU scarcely fail to enjoy a competence, besides
having a greater opportunity of making now dis-
coveries in agriculture and science, than the pro-
fessor, whoso life is spent in the laboratory or aca-
demic hall.

Notwithstanding the great assistance science affords
in the acquisition of wealth, we think the greatest
recommendation to its study is its power of affording
happiness, which, after all, is the chief end and aim.
of every rational being. Our best and most per-
manent happiness is mental, or derived from the
mind. All other enjoyments are shared by the
brutes, in common with man. Hence it follows, that
the highly-cultivated mind is capable of greater en-
joyment than that which is uncultivated, because
the cultivated mind has a greater variety of food to
satisfy its desires. We say its capacity for happiness
is the greatest ; not that, in every instance, the cul-
tivated mind is always the happiest. We think the
cultivated mind, versed in natural science, is the
happiest of all, because the study of nature is more
congenial to the mind in its natural state than any
other. Most of us recur with pleasure to the period
of our childhood, when we roamed in the woods and
fields, gathering flowers and hunting birds' nests, or
chased butterflies, and played m the brooks. Then

lit'
'II

IIIIM

"1.

f

• '3

(•in

'"'t

264

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

was the time that all nature looked smiling, and then
was the time to have instilled into our breasts a love
of nature, by instructing us in the first principles of
natural science. We have been told that Mr. Barnes,
whose name is identified with the conchology of this
country, many years ago had charge of a public
school in the city of New York, and was highly suc-
cessful in managing and improving his boys, besides
implanting in their bosoms a strong love of nature,
without interfering with their other studies. He
encouraged the boys to gather curious stones, peb-
bles, shells, &c., during the time of intermission, and
bring thcni to him. He would then name them, and
talk about them, returning to each boy his own
specimen ; and the boys began to form cabinets for
themselves. The effect was, it kept the boys out of
mischief, besides affording them useful knowledge.
Many of the boys of that school preferred gathering
Bpecimcns of natural history to pla)', and several
of them afterwards became distinguished naturalists.
But the present system of common school education
tends to deaden, instead of strengthening, a love of
nature in children. Even in our higher schools and
colleges, the study of natural science is considered
of secondary importance, and there, if taught, it is
generally done very superficially ; however, a brighter
day begins to dawn, and its importance is seen and
felt by many.

A great proof of the power of the study of natural
history to afford happiness, is the health-giving prin-
ciple. It leads its votaries to spend much time in
the open air, amid the glorious scenes of creation,
where their minds are agreeably entertained by
the surrounding objects, whose order and beautitWl
adaptation of means to ends excite both admiration
and wonder. That the state of the mind has a great
influence upon the body, is well known to all. Its
power to restore to health dyspeptic and consumptive
persons is magical. We know of several distin-
guished naturalists, Avho think that they are indebted
to their love of nature for their health and life. At
one time, the state of our health was such, that our
friends supposed we would not live long, and we
almost despaired of life. Away from home, in the
university at Middlctown, Ct., we began the study
of mineralogy, and the formation of a cabinet. With
congenial spirits, we roamed over the glorious hills
of New England, examined her quarries, mines, and
stone fences, in search of specimens. We had happy
times. Our health Avas restored.

A great recommendation to the study of nature,
and one Avhich should induce parents to have their
children so instructed, is, that it is a great preven-
tive of vice and dissipation, because the mind of the
naturalist is never at loss for employment, for suit-
able food. Let him be where he may, the great
book of nature is ever open, inviting his study and
attention, always presenting something new or won-
derful. The order and variety Avhich nature dis-
plays, is one great cause of the study of natural
history being so fascinating, since the love of variety
is deeply implanted in the human heart. The mind
of the student of nature is never at a loss for com-
pany, for good society. He has no need of resorting
to the tavern, the grog-shop, or gambling-house, to
pass away the time. Let fai-mers' sons be well
educated, especially in the different branches of nat-
ural history; then they would not become dissatisfied
with their vocation, as it sometimes happens, but
they would prefer it to every other. Suiiposing that
a farmer knows the correct name of every plant, with
its properties, that grows on his farm, the composi-
tion of its soil, its minerals, and rocks ; would not
such knowledge add greatly to his happiness r Then
he would do his work undcrstandiugly, and his
daily walks in the fields would be enlivened by
familiar acquaintances. Not a fiower, or plant, or

pebble, would escape his notice; indeed, there is
nothing which tends more than the study of nature
to increase the powers of observation. The natural-
ist sees beauties unseen by others ; tastes pleasures
unknown and unfelt to others. " He sees wisdom
in the trees, books in the running brooks, sermons
in stones, and good in every thing." He does not
become tired and disgusted with life, and find fault
with the world and the order of Providence ; but
the more he studies, the more he discovers wisdom,
design, and goodness in the arrangement of things,
and a unity of design in that arrangement, proclaim-
ing that its Author is one and the same, possessing
all knowledge and power. It has often been said
that a country life is the happiest, and poets have
often sung its praises ; for this the citizen pants
while toiling to amass a fortune ; and yet such a one,
after having accomplished his wishes, and purchased
a seat in the country, is often doomed to disappoint-
ment, simply for the reason that such a life is differ-
ent from his former habits, which have become to
him a second nature ; besides, he is ignorant of nat-
ural historj', and a country life soon loses its charms,
and he longs to return to his former busy avocation.
Had such a one a knowledge of and taste for nature,
how happily could he pass his life amid the varied
scenes of a country life !

S. B. BUCKLEY.
West Dresden, Yates Co., N. Y., Dec, 1848.
— Lancaster {Pa.) Farmer.

DISEASES IN HORSES.

Broken Wind, — Broken wind is a disease with
which horses are aftected. The air-cells of the lungs
become ruptured, from various causes, and respira-
tion is labored and irregular. " The cure of a broken-
winded horse," says Youatt, " no one ever witnessed,
yet much may be done by way of palliation. The
food of the animal should consist of much nutriment
condensed into a small compass ; the quantity of
oats should be increased and that of hay diminished ;
the bowels should be gently relaxed by the frequent
use of mashes ; the water should be given sparingly
through the day, although at night the thirst of the
animal should be fully satisfied ; and exercise should
never be taken when the stomach is full. It will
scarcely be believed how much relief these simple
measures will aftbrd the broken-winded horse, and
of how much exertion he may be gradually rendered
capable. Carrots are very useful to the broken-
winded horse, not only as maintaining much nutri-
ment and considerable moisture, so that less water
may be required, but from some property they possess
rendering them useful in every chest affection. A
broken-winded horse turned out to grass, will never
improve, on account of the almost constant disten-
tion of the stomach."

Worms. — It is to be presumed that the horse is
troubled with worms when he has frequent attacks
of colic, when he loses his appetite and strength,
without any apparent cause. He shoiild take bitter
infusions, as wormwood, or tansy, and infusions of
Carolina pink. Another excellent vermifuge is soot
from a chimney where wood is burnt, given in doses
of three or four ounces, mixed with warm milk.

Wens. — Tumors at first soft and indolent, which
grow under the skin, and which have a tendency to
become hard, and increase in size indefinitely, — the
only sure method is to cut them out. This may be
safely done, care being taken not to wound a blood
vessel, or other important part. — Selected.

A bushel of wheat, weighing sixty-two pounda,
contains 550,000 kernels.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

265

THE HONEY-HEART CHERRY-TREE.

This variety is also called Spar-
hawk's Honey, and it was for-
merly called Rogers's Pale Red.
The Honey Heart is doubtless a
native variety, and it probably
originated in this vicinity some
sixty years ago. Mr. Samuel
Hyde, an aged gentleman, of
Newton, first saw it in that
town, and he propagated it in
his nurserj% from the original
tree, as he thinks.

It was called Rogers's Palo Red.
His sons, and successors in the
nursery business, Messrs. S. &
G. Hyde, gave to this cherry
the name Honey Heart, and un-
der this appropriate appellation
it has been extensively dissemi-
nated. As some authors called

it Spar/iawk's Honey, without sufficient authority, as
we think, — for those who had first introduced had
prcvioiisly named it, — this name obtained consider-
ably for a while, but of late its true name is becom-
ing prevalent.

This tree is hardy, and luxuriant in growth, form-
ing a beautiful, rounded, compact head, as may be
Been by our engraving. The young wood is stout
and vigorous, and the leaves are long and narrow,

Fruit,

and of a fine dark green color. The tree is large
and productive, and the fruit is unusually hardy
against storms, which often destroy cherries veiy
extensively, when they occur just before their
ripening.

The fruit is of medial size ; flattish-roundish, heart-
shaped ; skin very thin, glossy, bright amber and red,
the red finely variegated with minute specks of yel-
Iftw or amber ; stem slender, and rather long ; flesh
yellowish, very tender, juicy, sweet, and delicious;
the stone rather large. Rather late ; ripening from
the 1st to the 12th of July. This late season from
the 12th to the 20 th.

The Honey Heart is one of the very best of all
cherries, particularly for the private garden. Some
larger kinds, of inferior quality, may be more profit-
able for the market. But many intelligent horticul-
turists say that if they had but one cherry-tree for
their own use, they would choose the Honey Heart ;
and we consider this opinion correct.

Cherry-trees have a great variety of forms. The
Black Tartarean, Elkhorn, Richardson, and some
others, run up in a high, narrow top. Others are
spreading, and some are weeping. The Honey
Heart is very handsome in form, and with its rich,
luxuriant foliage, is very ornamental, to say nothing
of its fine flowers and delicious and beautiful fruit.
Our engraving, is from a large and very flourishing
tree in the garden of Mr. H. K. Moore, Chelsea.

'II

i 1.1

■'!l

266

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

LONGEVITY OF THE HORSE.

It has long been an impression that the ordinary
duration of a horse's life is much shorter than it ought
to be, and that the excess of mortality is the result
of carelessness or ignorant management. The great
error consists in regard to the temperament and gen-
eral constitution of a horse as altogether different
from those of a human being ; whereas they arc
precisclj' the same in all important respects. Disease
arising from excessive fatigue, overheating, and ex-
posure to air, Avant of exercise, imj^roper diet, both
as respects quality and quantity, and from many
other causes, affects the horse and his master alike,
and neglect in cither case must terminate fatally.
Indeed, when a man or a horse has acquired, by a
course of training, a high degree of health and vigor,
the skin of each is an infallible index of tkc fact. It
has been often remarked in England, that the skin of
the pugiUst, who has undergone a severe course of
training, when ho prepares himself for the fight, ex-
hibits a degree of beauty and exceeding fairness, that
excites the admiration as well as the wonder of the
spectator. So with the horse — his skin is the clearest
evidence of the general state of his health. Even
the common disease of fou.ndoring is not peculiar to
the horse, but is merely a muscular affection, to which
many men, who have overstrained themselves at any
period, are subject. In fact, the medical treatment
of the horse and his rider ought to be the same ; and
we confidently believe that if this principle wore
acted upon with a moderate share of attention and
resolution, the average age of this useful animal
would be much longer, and the profit derived from
his labors proportionably greater, — Norfolk Beacon.

PLEASURES CONNECTED WITH THE
PURSUIT OF SCIENCE.

There is no station in life, however lowly, but has
its sweets, and there is no station in life, however
high, but has its sorrows. In no instance can sorrow
be traced to the pursuit of science. Whatever pleas-
ure it may bring, one thing is certainly true, — it
brings no sorrows. On the contrary, it is a source
of enjoyment to every man who has a taste to pur-
sue it, be that man an humble tradesman or a wealthy
merchant. It is a common opinion that no man is
scientific unless he is master of all the abstract
knowledge relating to astronomy, mathematics,
chemistry, geology, and is somewhat versed in Latin
and Greek. But where can we find a man so thor-
oughly endowed with scientific knowledge ? There
are men who have a partial knowledge of these
sciences, and Ave are among the number of those who
do not believe in the old adage, " A little knowledge
does more harm than good." That man is scientific
who is master of his trade, understands all its prin-
ciples and practices, or is master of his profession, be
it teacher of languages or mathematics. So much
for practical scientific attainments. And now what
shall we say regarding more knowledge than merely
comes within the scope of a man's business and pro-
fession ? We have every thing to say that is favor-
able. The more knowledge a man possesses, he is
more likely to be a better citizen and member of
society. Ignorance degrades, knowledge elevates.

How much pleasure would a shoemaker derive
from being acquainted with the princij)les of the
steam engine, or the mj-steries of chemistry ! He
could not turn to the right or to the left, in the course
of a short walk, Avithout having his mind attracted
to something interesting and useful, and calculated
to draAV his mind from the drudgeries of his own
occupation, which, we regret to say, often excites
our sympathies as we beUeve shoemakers are not so

well paid for their labor as they should be. And
Avith regard to chemical science, it Avould teach
many of them to labor in better ventilated apart-
ments, than they in general do. How much pleas-
ure Avould a tailor, or any other tradesman, enjoy, if
he possessed some knowledge of geology : it makes
no matter how little it may be at first, — it is of so
attractive and pleasurable a nature, that " the little
leaven would soon leaven the Avhole lump." If he
takes a Avalk into the fields, he is delighted not only
Avith the perspective beauties of nature, but AA'ith its
Avondcrs too. The mute rocks speak to him in a
AveU-known tongue, and the pebbles by the riA'crside
chant to him the song of mountain rill and cata-
ract. He may lift up a grain of the carburet of
iron, and his mental eye sees it in the pencil of the
artist, sketching the outlines of some immortal work
of art. He may lift from beneath his feet a crystal
of the magnetic oxide of iron, and his mental eye
may figure it transformed into the pen of the states-
man or author ; or into the sword of the Avarrior, or
the husbandman's ploughshare of peace. He may
lift up a blaclcish-brown powder from beneath his
feet, and to others it Avould be as an idle tale ; but
his mental eye can trace the chromate of iron adorn-
ing, in orange or gold colors, the turban of the Tartar
or the scarf of the fair. Did space permit, avc might
here branch out into a most interesting and instruc-
tive field ; but it is as Avell, ])erhaps, that Ave cannot
do so at present, and Ave bclicA-e that it is far better
to present objects to make others think, than to deal
Avith subjects in such a manner as to prevent them
from thinking. — Selected.

ON THE ORIGIN AND DIVERSITY OF
SOILS.

BY PROFESSOR U. COULTAS.

If the origin of soils be considered Avith reference
to the geological agents Avhich have produced them,
and the whole be then considered in connection Avith
practical agriculture, the subject Avill be found to
be very interesting and instructive. I purpose treat-
ing on these topics in this and subsequent articles.

The science of geology explains those natural
agencies by Avhich soils haA'C been gradually and
slowly produced, and which have effected their dis-
tribution in such diversity of character OA'er the
earth's surface. From a partial examination of the
surface, avc might suppose that the interior of the
earth Avas all confusion and irregularity : sands and
gravels, limestones and clays, are mingled together
Avithout any aj^parent order ; and hence it is that such
an opinion is actually entertained by many persons.
The examination of these sujjerficial accumulations
of gravel, together Avith the vegetable soil generally
resting on them, teaches us little concerning the
true structure of the earth : on the contrary, this loose,
superficial matter, and this grassy mantle covering
the earth's surface, only tends to mask and conceal
its real features from observation ; and hence, to be-
come acquainted Avith the structure of the interior,
Avo must examine a spot Avhere the crust of the earth
has been broken, either by a natural or artificial
cause, and presents what geologists call a natural or
artificial section, as, for example, a sea-clifi', ravine,
railwaj' cutting, quarry, or coal mine : Ave shall then
see that the crust of the earth is composed of a scries
of mineral masses piled one above the other, and ob-
serving a regular order of superposition.

It may be remarked here, that the examination of
the superficial gravels has brought to light many
facts in relation to the revolutions which the earth's
surface has undergone. When examined scientifi-
cally, these gravels are found to consist chiefly of
the decomposed substance of the under-lyiug rocks,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

267

or those in the immediate neighborhood, which have
been transported from the adjacent hills by superfi-
cial currents of water. It is common, however, to
find fragments of rock which bear indubitable evi-
dence of having come from a considerable distance,
there being no rock like them in the neighborhood,
or for many miles around. The fact is, that the
superficial gravels constituting the diluvium and
alluvium of the geologists, are composed of the
wreck of strata of all ages, alluvial formations hav-
ing occurred in all ages, the disintegration of rocks
and the transportation of their loose material having
taken place in every period since the surface of the
earth was first divided into land and sea. Hence it
is an easy matter to pick up, out of almost any col-
lection of gravel, specimens of granite, porphyry,
slate, sandstone, in short, of almost every kind of
primary, transition, and secondary rock known to
the geologist.

Now, although the layers, or strata, constituting
the structure of the mineral masses which form the
crust of the globe, have originally been deposited
from water in the horizontal posture, as is evident
from their identity in structure with modern strata
formed bj'' aqueous deposition of sediment at the
mouths of rivers, or on the coasts left dry by the
retreat of the sea, j'et, nevertheless, owing to earth-
quakes which have taken place repeatedly, and at
vast intervals of time, the greater part of them have
been thrown out of the horizontal posture and dip,
and strike into the earth at every angle of in-
clination from 0° to 90°. Hence it is that the
edge of the beds emerge in succession from the
bowels of the earth ; and in travelling over a given
district, we pass over the edges of the upturned beds,
the soil varying with everj' new bed, and the amount
of superficial area covered by any particular soil
being in proportion to the thickness of the upturned
bed out of which the soil has been formed.

The disturbance suffered by the strata, however
disastrous to animal life at the time of its occurrence,
has, nevertheless, been productive of much ultimate
good. Had the strata continued in the horizontal
posture, the same rock would have spread over a vast
extent of country-, and the soils of countries would
have been the same. There would also have been a
difficulty in obtaining valuable minerals, which can
now be had with the greatest facility. Coal, for ex-
ample, which lies at a considerable depth, could not
have been obtained without boring through the
upper series of strata. The surface of the earth
would not have been diversified with its present
grand and beautiful scenery, produced by mountain,
hill, and valley ; and that the admirable intermix-
ture of mineral matter, which is so essential to the
fertility of the soils, and the variety and progress of
organic life on the globe, would never have taken
place.

The whole subject of the formation of vegetable
soils, and their distribution in such diversity of char-
acter over the face of the earth, is replete with the
profoundest interest and instruction. Every earth-
quake which in by-gone time fractured and dislocated
the solid strata, everj- flood which has swept over
the ancient continent, every change of level which
has elevated the bed of the ocean, or depressed the
land beneath its surface, has contributed to bring
about the present admirable intermixture of material

— sand, clay, and lime, which now forms the earth's
upper covering, — the fruit-beai'ing soil, the inex-
haustible source of national i)rosperity and strength.

— Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper.

SOAP SUDS.

This is a most valuable article, and should be
strictly economized by every farmer who is desirous

of increasing the fertility of his lands. Where no
provision has been made to secure the advantages
resulting from a systematic economization of this
valuable liquid, by its convoj-ance to the compost
heap, a large reservoir should be constructed, into
which the suds may be conveyed daily, as fast as
made, and from which it should be removed, every
three or four days, to the fields, for purposes of irriga-
tion. Grain and grass crops watered frequently with
this valuable liquid exhibit surprising luxuriance,
and are usually much more forward than crops of
the same kind which are not so assisted. Some
farmers have a low carriage, on which they place a
hogshead, or old wine pipe, so fixed as to admit of
the contents being let ofi' in various directions over
the soil as the carriage proceeds, and in a manner
somewhat similar to that in which our watering
machines disseminate their cooling contents in our
streets during the heat of summer. These irrigating
machines, though of unquestionable utility to the
farmer, are yet of moderate expense : the carriage
may be constructed by any laborer who can use an
auger and handsaw, and as to the " tank," or reser-
voir, it may be either a wine pipe, molasses hogs-
head, or box. All that is necessary is to procure a
vessel that is tight, and sufficiently strong to with-
stand the jolting of the carriage when driven rapidly
over rough lands, when full. Of all the articles used
for purposes of irrigation, this is unquestionably and
without doubt the most valuable. It contains the
food of plants in a state of ready and complete solu-
tion, and is consequently immediately available to
the spongioles, on being applied to the medium or
soil in which they grow. By watering garden beds
with this liquid, we have found the ravages of bugs
and aligerous insects of all kinds, as well as the
depredations of slugs and worms, almost immediately
arrested. The striped bug, so frequently found on
vimineous vegetables, although it will not wholly
forsake, will yet cease in a great measure to infest
them, if copiously watered with suds. It is also
highly beneficial to fruit trees. By washing the
trunks of plum, cherry, peach, and apple-trees with
fresh suds, many cutaneous diseases are speedily and
permanently cured. In many instances, cases of
inveterate barrenness, of long standing, have been
remedied, and the trees rendered surprisingly healthy
and prolific. — Maine Cultivator.

FLOATING BEE-HOUSES.

In Lower Egypt, where the flower harA^est is not
so early by several weeks as in the upper districts of
that country, the practice of transportation is carried
on to a considerable extent. About the end of Oc-
tober, the hives, after being collected together from
the dift'erent villages, and conveyed up the Nile,
marked and numbered by the individuals to whom
they belong, are heaped pyraraidically upon the
boats prepared to receive them, which, floating down
the river, and stopping at certain stages of their
passage, remain there a longer or shorter time, ac-
cording to the produce which is aff'orded by the sur-
rounding country. After travelling three months in
this manner, the bees having culled the perfumes of
the orange flowers of the Said, the essence of roses
of the Eacium, the treasures of the Arabian jessa-
mine, and a variety of flowers, are brought back,
about the beginning of February, to the places from
which they have been carried. The productiveness
of the flowers at each respective stage is ascertained
by the gradual descent of the boats in the water,
and which is probably noted by a scale of measure-
ment. This industry produces for the Egyptians
delicious honey and abundance of beeswax. — Dr.
Bevan.

Willi

iii

268

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

domestic SDepartment.

Boiling Rice. — Many persons nearly spoil rice by
boiling it too much, as it becomes gluey or clammy,
sticking together like paste. Rice may be well
cooked, and yet the grains remain entire, so that the
same or any liquid will run through them ; and thus
cooked, it is far superior to that which is over-
done, as is often, or we may say usually, the case ;
for not one in four are skilful in preparing this arti-
cle. The following directions are worthy the atten-
tion of those not skilled in this piece of culinary
art : —

Take one pint of rice, wash it, and put it in soak for
two hours. Have ready two quarts of boiling water,
with a little salt in it, in a stcwpan. Half an hour
before you wish to use it, pour the water, in which
the rice is soaked, from it, and, with a tablespoon,
shake the rice into the stewpan, without stirring it,
and let it boil ton minutes ; then strain the liquid
from the rice. Return the rice to the stewpan, and
let it steam for fifteen or twenty minutes, when it
will be done, and the grains will be separate. Add
a little butter, and send it to the table.

A Mother's Voice. — The editor of the Cincin-
nati Atlas concludes a notice of a visit to the Asj'lum
for the Deaf and Dumb at Columbus, Ohio, by re-
lating the following : —

Of one, an intelligent and modest young lady, who
had become deaf from sickness when two years and
a half old, we inquired whether she could recollect
any thing of sounds or words. She answered that
she could not. It occurred to us that there might
have been at least one sound which might be remem-
bered even from that tender age, and we ventured
to inquire whether she had no recollection of her
mother's voice. It will be long before we forget the
sweet, peculiar smile which shone upon her features,
as, by a quick inclination of her head, she answered,
yes. What a world of thought and feeling clusters
around such a fact ! In all her memory there is but
one sound, and that is her mother's voice. For
years she has dwelt in a silence unbroken from with-
out, but those gentle tones of love still linger in her
heart. There they can never die ; and if her life
should be prolonged to threescore years and ten,
o'er the long silent track of her life the memory of
that voice will come, in loveliness and beauty, reviv-
ing the soul of weary old age with the fresh, lovely
sounds of her cradle hours. — Michigan Farmer.

Cottage Potato Pudding. — Parboil and mash
two pounds of potatoes ; beat them up into a smooth
batter, with about three quarters of a pint of milk,
two ounces of moist sugar, and three beaten eggs.
Bake it about three quarters of an hour. Three
ounces of currants or raisins may be added. Leave
out the milk, and add three ounces of butter.
Bake in pattypans, with tart paste at the bottom,
or add a little flour, and it will make a nice cake. —
Selected.

Bkead and Butter. — Perhaps it is not generally
known that boiled potatoes, peeled while hot, and
well mashed with a little new milk and fine salt,
make a very good substitute for bread and butter.

Bojis' llJrpartment.

Vulgarity. — We would guard the young against
the use of every word that is not perfectly proper.
Use no profane expressions — allude to no sentence
that will put to blush the most sensitive. You know
not the tendency of habitually using indecent and
profane language. It may never be obliterated from
your hearts. When you grow up, you will find at
your tongue's end some expression that you would
not use for any money. It was one you learned
when you was quite young. By being careful, you
will save yourself a deal of mortification and sorrow.
Good men have been taken sick and become delir-
ious. In these moments, they have used the most
vile and indecent language imaginable. When in-
formed of it, after a restoration to health, they had
no idea of the pain they had given their friends, and
stated that they had learned and repeated the ex-
pressions in childhood ; and though years had passed
since they had spoken a bad word, the early im-
pressions had been indelibly stamped upon the heart.
Think of this, ye who are tempted to use improper
language, and never disgrace yourselves.

" It chills my blood to hear the blest Supreme
Rudely appealed to on each trifling theme :
Maintain your rank, vulgarity despise ;
To swear is neither brave, polite, nor wise :
You would not swear upon a bed of death ;
Reflect, your Maker, now may stop your breath."
— Literary Union.

Learning not Education. — There is a great
mistake about what is called edxtcation Some sup-
pose a learned man is an educated man. No such
thing. That man is educated who knows himself,
and who takes accurate common-sense views of men
and things around him. Some very learned men
are the greatest fools in the world : the reason is,
that they are not educated men. Learning is only
the means, not the end : its value consists in giving
the means of acquiring knowledge ; the discipline
Avhich, when properly managed, it gives the mind.
Some of the greatest men in the world were not over-
stocked with learning, but their actions proved that
they were thoroughly educated.

Washington, Franklin, Sherman, were of this
class ; and similar, though less striking instances,
may be found in all countries. To be educated, a
man must learn to think, reason, compare, and de-
cide accurately. He may study metaphysics till he
is gray, and languages till he is a walking polyglot,
and if he is nothing more, he is an uneducated man.
There is no class in the country who have a stronger
interest in the education of their children than
fanners ; and the subject should receive from them
the attention it deserves. — Literary Union.

Books. — Books may be likened to a vast reservoir,
and the reading of them to a conduit, which leads
out a stream of knowledge to refresh and invigorate
the mind. Reading, to him who is in search of
knowledge, is a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by
night, to guide him along an uncertain, dark, and
rugged way. It gives a constant and vigorous im-
pulse to the mind, and is as necessary to its health-
ful action as food is to the body. By moans of read-
ing, the treasures of history, the wonders of astron-
omy and chemistry, the beauties of poetry and
eloquence, are opened to our view, to enrich our
minds, to exalt and purify our hearts. The experi-
ence of ages is placed within our reach, and we have
only to cultivate our memories to retain its treas-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

269

ures. It is true, much of this advantage and im-
provement is predicated on the judicious selection
of books If this be neglected, they may be the
instruments to minister to a diseased imagination
and a depraved taste, and afford as little benefit to
the reader as deadly poison would to him who used
it instead of healthful aliment. — Common School
Advocate.

fjealtl).

Pure Water the hest Drink. — There is no
axiom of health more just than that "men never
have a true appetite till they cat with relish any or-
dinary food." It is told of John Bailes, who lived to
the age of one hundred and twenty-eight, that his
food for the most i)art consisted of brown bread and
cheese, and his drink water and milk. lie had
buried the town of Northampton twenty times over,
excepting three or four ; and it is said strong drink
killed them .all. Water manifestly is the natm-al
beverage of all animals ; whole nations, as the Ma-
hometans and the Hindoos, use it alone as a bever-
age ; and, unlike other drink, it will not sate the
appetite, but the contrary ; indeed, it Avas observed
by Hypocrates, above two thousand years ago, that
water-drinkers have generally keen appetites. It is
a fluid that requii-es no digestion, for it is not neces-
sary that it should undergo any changes ; it is the
natural menstruum that holds in solution both what
is essential for the healthy functions of the body,
and what has become a refuse, after serving its
destined office and intention in the animal kingdom.
Water, therefore, from its congenial qualities, can
never much disturb the system ; and when it does,
it is speedily expelled by its natural outlets, the skin
and kidneys. It is told of Lord Ileathfield, so well
known for his hardy habits of military discipline and
watchfulness, that his food was vegetable and his
drink water, never indulging himself in animal food
or wine. And Sir John Sinclair, in his work on
longevity, says, in his account of Mary Campbell,
then aged one hundred and five, that she preferred
pure water to any other drink. — Selected,

Expanding the Chest. — Those in wealthy cir-
cumstances, or who pursue sedentary employments
within doors, generally use their lungs but very
little, — breathe but very little air into the chest,
and thus, independently of positions, contract a
wretchedly narrow, small chest, and lay the founda-
tion for the loss of health and beauty. All this can
be perfectly obviated by a little attention to the
manner of breathing. llccoUect the lungs are like
a bladder in their structure, and can bo stretched
open to double their ordinary size, with perfect
safety, giving a noble chest, and jierfect immunity
from consumption. The agent, and the only agent
required, is the common air we breathe, supposing,
however, that no obstacle exist, external to the
chest, such as lacing, or tying it around with stays,
or tight dress, or having shoulders lay upon it. On
rising from the bed in the morning, place yourself
in an erect postiire, your chest thrown back, and
shoulders entirely off the chest ; now inhale or suck
in all the air you can, so as to fill the chest to the
very bottom of it, so that no more air can be got in ;
now hold your breath, and throw your arms off
behind, holding in your breath as long as possible.
Repeat these long breaths as many times as j'ou
please. Done in a cold room is much better, because
the air is much denser, and Avill act much more
powerfully in expanding the chest. Exercising the

chest in this manner, it will become very flexible
and expansible, and will enlarge the capacity and
size of the lungs. — Common School Advocate.

Exercise. — Exercise gives strength to every fibre,
and energy to all the vital powers. But exercise,
like most good practices and habits, may be carried
to excess. Extreme toil not only shortens life, but
brings less to pass than steady but moderate labor.
It is not, therefore, often advisable for farmers to
undertake to jierforra what are called " groat daj's'
works ; " for one day of over-exertion may cause
weeks of debility, if not months of sickness.

iHcrljanics' JBepartnunt, ^rts, $Ct.

New Process of Tanning. — The London Wes-
leyan Times speaks of a new process of tanning,
recently patented by Dr. TurnbuU, and successfully
brought into operation by a company in Paris. The
same principle, it appears, has been successfully
worked by the London Leather Company, and a
company has also been working under the same
patent at Ivybridge, Devonshire. The most satis-
factory testimony to the excellent quality of the arti-
cle is borne by those who have constantly and for a
very considerable period been wearing boots and
shoes made of patent leather, and whose daily occu-
pations subjected it to the severest test ; and it was
pronounced to be perfectly impervious to moisture,
and decidedly the most serviceable as well as the
most durable they had ever worn. It appears that
the most important part of Dr. TurnbuU's process is
the dissolving and entirely extracting the lime from
the skins by the use of sugar, and, at the same time,
preserving the skins from the slightest amount of
decomposition ; whilst, by the old process, in the use
of mastering pits, (made with the ordure of pigeons,
dogs, &c.,) a considerable loss is the unavoidable
result. The next is the complete tanning in a few
daj's, thereby fully meeting the point so long sought
for by the government prior to the removal of the
duty on leather, in order that the large amount of
capital necessarily locked up for so long a period
should now be set at liberty, and for which purpose
they had emjiloyed the most scientific men of the
day, and at very considerable expense. This extra-
ordinary and beautiful law of nature, the principle
of endosmos and exosmos, was first discovered by
Dutrochett, and afterwards applied to the arts by
Dr. TurnbuU, who made it applicable to the purpose
of tanning by placing solutions of oak bark of une-
qual density within and without the skins and hides,
and thereby combining nature and art in producing
the most successful and valuable results. — Farmer
and Mechanic.

Fire-Proof Wood. — The following recipe for
attaining this object, emanates from a distinguished
French chemist. Its efficiency can be easily tested.

" Doctor Fuehs, member of the Academy of Mu-
nich, has discovered a composition made of granu-
lated earth and alkali. To obtain it, the inventor
says, you must dissolve some moist gravelly earth,
which has been previously well washed, and cleansed
from any heterogeneous matter, in a solution of caus-
tic alkali. This mixture has the property of not be-
coming decomposed by fire or water. When spread
upon wood, it forms a vitreous coat, and is proof
against the two elements. The building committee
of the Royal Theatre have twice publicly tried the
composition on two small buildings ; the one which

270

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

was not covered with the composition was consumed,
while the other remained perfect and entire. The
cost of this process is very insignificant compared
with its great utility, being about two francs three
centimes per hundred square feet. The Iloyal Thea-
tre at Munich, has undergone this process, having
about four hundred thousand square feet; the ex-
pense of which was about four or five thousand
francs. — Pennsijlvania Cultivator.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE MOON UPON
THE WEATHER.

There is no more extensively known and univer-
sally believed superstition, than that the changes of
the moon have some effect upon the weather. The
classic student finds traces of this belief in very early
times ; and years and observation seem rather to
have confirmed than to have shaken men's faith.
Virgil, in his beautiful songs for the husbandmen,
written before Christ was upon earth, thus gives the
signs of the new moon : —
" If when the moon renews her refluent beam.
Through the dark air her horns obscurely gleam,
Along the wasted earth and stormy main
In torrents drives the congregated rain :
But if (\inerring sign) the orb of night,
Clear, wheel through heaven her forth increasing light,
Rain, nor rude blast shall vex that hallowed day
And thus the month shall glide serene away."

Another Latin writer, even earlier than Virgil,
says that "if the new moon have its upper horn
darkened, the last half of the month will bo rainy.
But if the lower horn be darkened, the first half of
the month will be rainy ; while if the middle be
darkened, the middle of the month will be rainy."

In our day the popular maxim seems to be that
we may look for a change of weather at every change
of moon.

It appears that there must be something to dis-
tinguish this from most other signs, or like them it
would have its day and be forgotten. It becomes
one, before he rejects it as altogether unworthy his
notice, to account for its having taken such strong
hold upon men's faith. We hear men every fcAV
days uttering their grave predictions concerning the
weather ; and, if you question their signs, they sol-
emnly assure us that many years' observation goes
further with them, than all our scientific scepticism.

And there have been individuals, who, during the
greater part of their lives, have compared the changes
of the moon and weather. Toaldo, of Padua, made
these observations for forty-five years. Every
change of the weather occurring within three days,
either before or after a change of the moon, he
attributed to that change ; and that is about the
time generally claimed. He gives us, as the result
of these tedious calculations, that out of every seven
new moons, six were attended with change of weath-
er ; out of every six full moons, five were attended
with change ; and out of every three quarter moons,
two were attended with change.

Others have made similar observations, and have
arrived at similar conclusions. Do we discover any
principle here ? Or how shall these remarkable
coincidences be accoinited for ? Let us see. From
the time of now moon till the time of new moon
again, is just about one month. During that time it
goes through its four changes. This makes its
changes occur at about a week's interval. Now,
allowing three days before and three days after each
change to be influenced by that change, and it will
leave but one day in the week inde^iendent !

Need we wonder, then, that out of seven new
moons six were attended with rain ? A much greater
wonder to me is, that sixty-nine out of seventy were
not thus attended.

In reading the faithful observations of these pa-
tient men, I am sometimes reminded of the anec-
dotes travellers tell of the North American Indians.
Sometimes they suff"er severely from drought ; and
after having tried sacrifice and self-torture in vain,
they resort to one expedient, which they say has
never failed to be followed by immediate rain. Spurn
not to be taught by a son of the forest. The cere-
mony is simple ; any one can try it at his will ; and
my word for it, it will rain the minute he is through.

One of the chiefs gets upon some high hill, or
upon the roof of a hut, and commences shaking his
fists at the clouds, shooting his arrows in the sky,
and defying the storm-god to afflict them longer.
When he gets tired another takes his place, and so
they keep it up, day after day, week after week, and
month after month ; and, what is most mysterious —
perfectly inscrutable — is, it always brings the rain !
The clouds have to yield. The storm-god gives
over the battle.

Should wc see such a performance going on in
one of our towns, we should pronounce it ridiculous.
But I am at a loss to know how much less ridiculous
to consider it, when I see a person step up to tho
corner on a rainy day, take down the almanac, and
very sagely remark, "Ah ! I see what made it rain
to-day. The moon changed three days ago," or else
" will change in three days," as the case may be ;
and that, too, when one minute's thought would
teach them, that not one hour of their lives is re-
moved by four days from some one of the moon's
changes. — Wright's Paper.

ON THE PRACTICAL USE OF LEAVES.

There are two facts in the functions of the leaf
which are worth consideration on account of their
practical bearings. The food of plants is, for the
most part, taken in solution through its roots. Vari-
ous minerals — silex, lime, alumina, magnesia, pot-
ash — are passed into the tree in a dissolved state.
The sap passes to the leaf, the superfluous water is
given off, but not the substances which it hold in
solution. These, in part, are distributed through the
plant, and, in part, remain as a deposit in the cells
of the leaf. Gradually the leaf chokes up, its func-
tions are impeded, and finally entirely stopped.
When the leaf drops it contains a large per cent, of
mineral matter. An autumnal or old leaf yields,
upon analysis, a very much larger proportion of
earthy matter than a vernal leaf, which, being yet
young, has not received within its cells any consid-
erable deposit. It will be found, also, that the leaves
contain a very much higher per cent, of mineral
matter than the wood of the trunk. The dried
leaves of the elm contain more than eleven per cent,
of ashes, (earthy matter,) while the wood contains
less than two per cent. ; those of the willow more
than eight per cent., while the wood was only 0.45 ;
those of the beech 6.69, the wood only 0.36 ; those
of the (European) oak 4.05, the wood only 0.21;
those of the pitch pine 3.15, the wood only 0.25 per
cent.*

It is very plain, from these facts, that, in forests,
the mineral ingredients of the soil perform a sort of
circulation ; entering the root, they are deposited in
tho leaf; then, with its fall to the earth, and by its
decay, they are restored to the soil, again to travel
their" circuit. Forest soils, therefore, instead of being
impoverished by the growth of trees, receive back
annually the greatest proportion of those mineral
elements necessary to the tree, and, besides, much
organized matter received into the plant from the
atmosphere ; soils therefore are gaining instead of

* See Dr. Gray's Botanic Text Book — an admirable
work, which every horticulturist should own and study.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

271

losing. If the owner of parks or groves, for neatness'
sake, or to obtain leaves for other purposes, gathers
the annual harvest of leaves, he will in time take
away groat quantities of mineral matter, by which
the soil ultimately will be impoverished, unless it is
restored by manures.

Leaf manure has always been held in high esteem
by gardeners. But many regard it as a piu-ely vege-
table substance ; whereas, it is the best mineral ma-
nure that can be applied to the soil. What are called
vegetable loams, (not peat soils, made up principally
of decomijosed roots,) contain large quantities of
earthy matter, being mineral-vegetable rather than
vegetable soils.

Every gardener should know that the best ma-
nure for an}^ plant is the decomposed leaves and
substance of its own species. This fact will suggest
the proper coiu'se with reference to the leaves, tops,
vines, haulm, and other vegetable refuse of the
garden.

The other fact connected with the leaf, is its func-
tion of exhalation. The greatest proportion of crude
sap which ascends tlie trunk, upon reaching the leaf,
is given forth again to the atmosphere by means of a
particularly beautiful economy. The quantity of
moisture produced by a plant is hardly dreamed of
by those who have not specially informed themselves.
The experiments of Hales have been often quoted.
A sunflower, three and a half feet high, presenting a
surface of .5.616 square inches exposed to the sun, was
found to perspire at the rate of twenty to thirty
ounces avoirdupois every twelve hours, or seven
times more than a man. A vine, with twelve square
feet, exhaled at the rate of five or six ounces a day.
A seedling apple-tree, with twelve square feet of
foliage, lost nine ounces a day.*

These are experiments upon very small plants.
The vast amount of surface presented by a large tree
must give off immense quantities of moisture. The
practical bearings of this fact of vegetable exhalation
are not a few. AVet forest lands, by being cleared of
timber, become dry, and streams fed from such sources
become almost extinct as civilization encroaches on
"wild woods. The excessive dampness of crowded
gardens is not singular, and still less is it strange that
dwellings covered with vines, whose windows are
choked with shrubs, and whose roof is overhung
with branches of trees, should be intolerably damp ;
and when the good housewife is scrubbing, scouring,
and brushing, and, nevertheless, marvelling that her
house is so infested with mould, she hardly suspects
that her troubles would be more easily removed by
the axe or saw than by all her cloths and brushes.
A house should never be closely surrounded with
shrubs. A free circulation of air should be main-
tained all about it, and shade trees so disposed as to
leave large openings for the light and sun to enter.
The unusual rains of the current season have pro-
duced so great a dampness in our residences that no
one can fail to have noticed its effect, both on the
health of the occupants and upon the beauty and
good condition of their household substance.

HENRY W. BEECHER.
— Wester?i Farmer and Gardener,

THE GREATNESS OF MAN.

Mankind, viewed collectively, as an assemblage of
beings, presents to contemplation an object of as-
tonishing magnitude. It has spread over this wide
world, to essay its powers against every obstacle, and
every element ; and to plant in every region its vir-
tues and its vices. As we pass along the plains, we
perceive them marked by the labors, the paths, or

* Lindley's Horticulture, p. 42 and 44. Gray's Bot-
any, p. 131.

the habitations of man. Proceeding forward across
rivers, or through woods, or over mountains, we still
find man in possession on the other side. Each val-
ley that opens, and each hiU that rises before us,
presents a repetition of human abodes, contrivances,
and appropriations ; for each house, and garden, and
field, (in some places almost each tree,) reminds us
that there is a person somewhere who is proud to
think and say, "This is mine."

All the beautiful and rugged varieties of earth,
from the regions of snow to those of the burning
sand, have been pervaded by man. If we sail to
countries beyond the seas, we find him still, though
he may disclaim our language, our manners, and our
color. And if we discover lands where he is not, we
presently quit them, as if the Creator, too, were a
stranger there. Here and there, indeed, a desert re-
treat is inhabited bj' an ascetic, Avhom the solemnity
of solitude has drawn thither; or by a felon, whom
guilt has driven thither.

While he extends himself thus over the world, be-
hold his collective grandeur. It appears prominent
in great cities, built up by his own hands ; it is seen
in structures that look like temples erected to time,
which promise by their strength to await the latest
years of his continuance with men ; and seem to
plead by their magnificence against the decree which
dooms them to perish when he shall abandon them ;
it is seen in wide empires, and in armies, which may
be called the talons of imperial power — to give
security to happiness where that power is just, but
for cruel ravage where it is tyrannical ; it is displayed
in fleets ; in engines, which operate as if informed
with a portion of the actuating power of his own
mind ; in the various productions of beauty, the
discoveries of science, in subjected elements, and a
cultivated globe. The sentiment with which we
contemplate this scene is greatly augmented when
imagination bears her flaming torch into the enor-
mous shade which overspreads the past, and passes
over the whole succession of human existence, with
all its attendant prodigies. When we have made
the addition for futurity, of supposing the human
race extensively enlightened, and apprized of their
dignity and power, and combined in a far stricter
union, till the vast ocean of mind prevail over all its
accustomed boundaries, and sweep away many of
the evils which oppress the world — we may pause
a while and indulge our amazement. Such an ag-
gregate view of the multitude, achievements, and
powers of man, is grand. It has the air of a general
and endless triumph. — Life and Thoughts of John
Foster.

CHINESE HEMP.

French agriculture has recently been enriched by
a very important new production. This precious
article is the Chinese hemp, the La 7na cor chorus,
the seeds of which were imported into France by
M. Stier, a member of the French embassy in China,
and has been cultivated and naturalized at Mar-
seilles by M. Garnier Savatier. This hemp, the re-
production of which is now secured by the seeds,
which have ripened in the best possible manner,
grows to a height of twentj'-four to twenty-five feet ;
the stalk is from five to six inches in circumference ;
each plant produces from two to three kilograms of
seed, and furnishes thread enough to make a yard
of superb lawn, superior in beauty and quality to
any obtained from French materials. The cultiva-
tion of this plant in the south of France will be the
more precious to the countrjs as a climate of the
temperature of that region is necessary for its fructi-
fication, and its seeds will find a ready sale in othei
countries where the seeds will not ripen, but where
the filaments may be produced. The South will

272

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

thus have a double advantage. Some specimens of
this plant were exhibited <at the Agricultural Show
at Montpclier. The height of it was from twenty to
twenty-two feet. — Farmer and Mechanic.

MORTALITY AMONG THE HORSES.

Mu. P. : The sake of humanity prompts me to
send you the following observations. Over a dozen
of horses died last week in our streets from what is
generally termed sun-strike. The fact is, that the
inhuman owners or drivers expect their horses to go
as far and as fast at this, as at other seasons of the
year. The spirit of the noble animal will not permit
him to give up until he is exhausted ; the heat is no
doubt the cause, but how erroneous is the treatment
to restore them ! The first thing is, to plunge a knife
into the palate of the mouth or the partition of the
nostrils. Here is a double error : they imagine by
that means they deprive the brain of blood ! No
such thing ; in the palate, he mostly draws arterial
blood which is going to the parts for support ; in the
nose, they only abstract the venous blood of the face.
The great error is, they aggravate the disease by
" taking away even that which is left."

The 251'oper and simple means under such circum-
stances, (and which every coachman and stage-driver
ought to be made acquainted with,) would be, to
get a little gin or brandy, and add double the quan-
tity of water to it, and give a spoonful every five
minutes, until reaction takes place, when the animal
will be, in nine cases out of ten, restored and able
to walk to his stable in less than an hour. By pur-
suing the other course, nine cases out of ten die, and,
for the information of parties that advocate the
bleeding, I must tell them, that if ever it should be
deemed necessary to deprive the brain of blood, they
must tie up the carotid or vertebral arteries ; and
the only channels conveying blood from the brain
are the jugular veins.

CHARLES WILLIS, Veterinary Surgeon.
— N. Y. Spirit of the Times.

Tall Grass. — Mr. Nathan Pendergrass, of Ran-
dolph, has left at our office a specimen of herdsgrass,
six feet and six inches long, from seed sowed last
November, which barely came out of the ground
before cold weather. Last winter was a season of
regular cold weather. In winters of very changeable
weather, grass that has just started late in fall, is
very liable to be winterkilled.

The Drought is very severe (July 30) in most
parts of New England, particularly in Maine and in
the middle and northern parts of New Hampshire
and Vermont. It is quite severe here, but less so
than it is a considerable distance cast and north.
In this region the crop of hay is middling. In sec-
tions where the drought is most severe, there will be
about half as much hay as there was last ji'ear.

Ohio State Fair, which was intended to be held
at Cincinnati, early in September, is postponed till
next year on account of the prevalence of the cholera
in that city.

A Horse killed by Bees. — In Chillicothc, Ohio,
a horse was feeding quietly, when bees suddenly
sallied forth from their hives, in an adjoining lot, and
assailed him at every point, and the poor beast died
in less than three hours.

OLD FRIENDS TOGETHER.

liY CHARLES SWAIN, ESQ.

O, time is sweet when roses meet,

With spring's sweet breath around them ;
And sweet the cost, when hearts are lost,

If those we love have found them ;
And sweet the mind that still can find

A star in darkest weather ;
But nought can be so sweet to see,

As old friends met together !

Those days of old, when youth was bold.

And time stole wings to speed it,
And youth ne'er knew how fast time flew,

Or, knowing, did not heed it !
Though gray each brow that meets us now, —

For age brings wintry weather, —
Yet nought can be so sweet to see,

As those old friends together !

The few long known, whom years have shown,

With hearts that friendship blesses ;
A hand to cheer, perchance a tear,

To soothe a friend's distresses ;
Who helped and tried, still side by side,

A friend to face hard weather ;
O, thus may we yet joy to see,

And meet old friends together.

THE OLIO.

" Hear, Hear ! " — The celebrated Richard Brins-
ley Sheridan was very much annoyed on one occa-
sion, in the House of Commons, by a member con-
tinually interrupting him by shouting, " Hear, hear ! "
In course of the debate, Sheridan took occasion to
allude to a political contemporary, whom he described
as one who wished to play the rogue, but only had
sense enough to play the fool. "Where," exclaimed
Sheridan, — placing great emphasis on the Avord
where, — " shall we find a more foolish knave, or a more
knavish fool, than this ? " " Hear, hear," was instantly
bellowed by the member in question. Sheridan
instantly turned round, and bowed to the gentleman,
thanking him for his prompt reply to his question,
and sat down amid convulsions of laughter from all
but the unfortunate member.

An Eye to Business. — A temperance lecturer in
England, a short time ago, finished his discourse
thus : " And, finally, my hearers, why should any
of you drink ardent spirits ? My son Thomas, just
round the corner, has got as good root beer as any
in the country, at only sixpence a quart."

" I was channed," says Lord Oxford, ♦' with the
answer of a poor man in Bedlam, who was insulted
by an apprentice, because he would not tell him ichy
he was confined. The unhappy creature at last said,
' Because God Almighty deprived me of a blessing
which you never had.' "

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 41(i pages, at ^1 a
year, or five copies for $4:, payable in rulvance. It may
be neatly bound at ISij ccnt-i, or eleijaitly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

I^ The Postage .^gi

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state; and li|
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at THE
BOSTON type and STEREOTYPE FOUNDBT.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor

waits, o'er all the earth,

The art that calls her harvests forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

AUGUST

18,

1849.

NO.

18.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY

HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietob.

JAUFFRET AND BOMMER MANURE.

In 1835, Jauffret, of France, after making numer-
ous experiments in preparing manure, and having
perfected his plan, took out a patent, which expired
in 1840. The object of this system was to produce
a rapid decomposition, whereby coarse vegetable
substances might be readily prepared as manure.

Jauffret's plan was to form a tank or reservoir for
■water, saturated with decomposing animal or vege-
table substances, which may be found on almost every
farm. This may be composed in part of drainings
from the barn-yard, soap-suds, sink water, urine, &c.

A lej' is then prepared in a vessel, or small tank or
pit. In preparing this ley, it is better to take the
drainings from a former heap, or for the first time
take liquor from the reservoir, or soap-suds, sink
water, and other liquids rich Avith vegetable or ani-
mal matter.

To decompose one thousand pounds of dry, vege-
table substances, or twice that weight of green ma-
terials, add to the liquor in the vessel, or small tank,

200 pounds of night soil, or twice that quantity of
horse, cattle, sheep or swine manure,
50 " " wood soot,
50 " " unleached ashes,

200 " " plaster,
30 " " quick lime,
1 " " common salt,
1 " " saltpetre.

These ingredients may be varied ; and it would be
an improvement to increase the quantity of quick
lime and ashes, and reduce that of plaster. If these
materials cannot be conveniently obtained, others
may be substituted. For the soot, use a larger quan-
tity of the burnt earth of coal-pits. For jjlaster,
use a larger quantity of street manure, slime from
ditches, or other similar manure. For ashes, use five
or six poimds of potash or soda. Stir the liquor on
adding the plaster, and throw in a little at a time,
lest it cake.

The materials for manure arc thrown into the res-
ervoir and soaked in the liquor, to prepare them for
decomposition. Then they are thrown into a heap,
by the side of the reservoir ; a place for which should

be prepared by laying at the bottom clay, or compact
earth, so that the drainings from the heap, and the
ley poured on the pile, may run off into the vat, and
not be absorbed by the earth, as it would be on 8
porous soil.

The heap may be made six or seven feet high, six,
eight, or ten feet wide, in order to hold the heat, and
of any convenient length. In making the heap,
after making layers of about a foot, turn on some of
the ley, that it maj' be applied to every part of the
materials. When the heap is completed, turn the
muddy sediment of the ley on to the heap. Then
cover the top of the heap with straw, old planks, or
branches of herbage. In forming the heap, it should
be trodden down to make it close, and it should be
beaten all round for the same purpose.

The fermentation usually commences in two days,
and on the third day, the top of the heap is to be
opened about six inches deep, the sediment turned
over, and another good drenching of the ley applied,
and the heap covered up. About the seventh day,
make many holes in the heap, about three feet deep,
and give another good drenching with the ley.
About the ninth day, apply another drenching, in
new and deeper holes.

After fourteen or fifteen days from the making of
the heap, the manure will be fit to spread. The fer-
mentation is checked by an excessive drenching, OT
by opening the heap. The drainings should b*
caught and used over and over again, and what re-
mains is used for future heaps. "Warm weather is
most suitable for making this manure. This is the
substance of Jauffret's mode. For sake of brevity,
we have omitted many things in the specification,
that are not essential.

Hon. H. L. Ellsworth, formerly commissioner of
patents, stated in the Albany Cultivator, November
3, 1843, that in May, 1843, Mr. Bommer presented
an application for a patent for making manure, which
was duly examined, and rejected for want of novelty,
and the application was withdrawn; that in June
Messrs. Baer & Gouliart obtained a patent for an
alleged improvement on the method of making
manure, patented in France by Jauffret, which said
method has not been patented in the United States,

274

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

and is, therefore, free to the public. These gentle-
men sold the patent for the Eastern States to Mr.
Bommer, and the mode of making the manure is
called the Bommer method.

We have private information that after the rejec-
tion of Bommcr's application, during the presence
of Mr. Ellsworth, Baer & Gouliart made their apjdi-
cation, and got a patent, during his absence. One
fact should be noted here — that this was hurried
through the patent office much more rapidly than
patents generally are, probably to consummate the
business before the commissioner's return ; and the
whole transaction, when we have shown the claim
of the patentees, shows something wrong at the
patent office — that there was a want of fidelity or
intelligence, by which farmers have been most egre-
giously duped.

Bacr & Gouliart, in their specification, pretend to
describe Jauffret's patent mode, in order to show
what are their improvements upon it ; and in their
specification, they declare it to be a full and exact
description ; yet they have cautiously omitted the
important fact that Jauffrct, after steeping the ma-
terials in the vat, piled them into a heap, and poured
the ley on them, as we have already shown. Then
they set up the following claim : —

" What we claim as our improvement on Jauffrefs
method of forming manure by the rapid fermentation
of vegetable fibres, is, first, the forming of the said
vegetable matter into piles or heaps, without its
first being immersed in the prepared ley, and the
subsequently saturating the same by pouring on the
ley in the manner set forth."

Now we ask every man of common sense if they
have any claim. They claim what Jauffret claimed
in his specification. All that is new in their mode
is the omission of first steeping the materials in a
vat ; and if this gives any claim to a patent, then any
patentee who claims any thing that is not essential,
in his patent, may have his right taken from him by
another, who claims his invention, excepting a part
which is not important. But having stated the facts,
the case is so clear, in our Ofiinion, that further com-
ment is unnecessary.

Farmers, as well as other professions, should keep
themselves properly informed of important matters
pertaining to their interests. We are astonished that
they should be so much imposed upon, as to pay
many thousand dollars for an old mode of making
manure, to which they have as good a right, without
paying ave dollars each, or eighty dollars to a town,
as any man has to pile up a heap of weeds and turn
Boap-suds on them. This is our opinion, and though
in the legal line, we charge nothing extra.

In closing this article, we would remark that this
is not the only case in which farmers have been de-
ceived by patents being granted for what was already
public property ; one case of which wc showed some
years ago in the Yankee Farmer. A great many
patents are granted that have no legal validity ; but
the patent serves as a passport of deception to spec-
ulators, who are making money by soiling rights to
the incautious. We may again refer to the granting
of patents on fictitious claims.

We have been thus lengthy and particular, as we
have had several requests to publish what informa-
tion we had on this subject. We wish for the reader
to bear in mind that we say nothing, here, for or
against the utility of making manure in tliLs way.

THE CROPS IN NEW ENGLAND.

Hay. — In Massachusetts, the ci-op is verj' good,
and it has been secvired in most excellent condition.
There is much old hay on hand. From what wc
have heard from Connecticut and Ilhode Island, it is
nearly the same there. In some parts of Maine, the
hay crop is good ; in others, it is rather light, but bet-
ter than was expected before haying. Much old hay
on hand in some sections. In the northern part of
New Hampshire and Vermont, the drought continued
longer than in other sections ; and as the grass crop
was later farther north, the crop will be light. As
many are trying to save all the fodder they can, and
economizing in its use, and the crop is well secured
and will spend well, it is thought that there will be
a pretty good supply.

Corn is generally very promising. The hot weath-
er has brought it forward rapidly, and if the latter
part of the season should be favorable, the crops will
be good. On very dry soil, where the drought has
been severe, the crop will be rather light.

Potatoes were generally planted early in the
southern and middle sections of New England, and
nearly got their growth before the late rains, and they
will be very light. Those planted late are very
promising. In the northern section, they were
planted later, but in some parts of that region, the
drought has been so long and severe, that the crops
will be light. More potatoes were planted in this
state than usual ; in Maine, not so many, owing to
light crops there last year. The crop will pcobably
be lighter than it has been for many years.

Small Grains. — Wheat varies from very good in
some sections to very light in others. Rye generally
good. Oats and barlej- vary much in difforent places.
In some parts, the crop is very light by reason of the
drought.

Fruit. — There has been about half a usual crop
of strawberries. Not more than a third of a crop of
cherries. Gooseberries and currants have been
pretty good. There will not be a quarter of a usual
crop of pears, perhaps not more than a sixth or
tenth part so many as usual. Plums are very scarce.
No peaches on low land?, nor on flat lands of moder-
ate elevation. On high lands, in some sections, the
crop will be tolerably good. The crop of apples wiH
be very light indeed, probably not more than one
fourth or sixth as many as last year, confirming our
views, as to large crops in even years, and light ones
in odd years, generally.

SoAP-SuDS. — Don't waste your soap-suds, but
apply it to yoiir rose-bushes and grape- vinf'S. There
is no application in the world equal to it. Indeed,
vines generally are beautified by it.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

275

UNRIPE AND DISEASED FRUIT.

At this season of the year, when the summer com-
plaint in children is very common, and the dysen-
tery and cholera morbus, and fevers of various type,
are prevalent, and that dreadful scourge, the cholera,
is spreading over the country with fearful effects,
there should be great caution in the use of food and
luxuries, as improper indulgences are causes in some
cases, and predisposing causes in all cases, of these
diseases.

Unripe or diseased fruit is hard to digest, and a
most prolific cause of diseases. Yet good, well-
ripened fruit is one of the most healthful, if not the
most wholesome of all articles of food, and as a lux-
ury, in moderation, it is conducive to health. But
children are so fond of fruit that they will eat it
when perfectly green ; and our markets abound with
prematurely ripened fruit, which was picked green,
that it might ripen while on its way to a distant
market, and much of it is in a state of decay before
it is in the hands of the consumer. Nearly all the
peaches that have been in this market (Aug. 12) are
from trees affected with the yellows, a disease more
fatal to the peach than the cholera to the human
race.

Sickly trees being unable to perfect their crop, the
fruit ripens prematurely', in some cases a month ear-
lier than that of healthy trees ; and this fruit has a
livid, purplish color throughout, showing clearlj'
that it is from diseased trees. We leave it with the
reader to judge whether fruit not coming to full ma-
turity and perfection, and discolored with such posi-
tive marks of defection, is fit to be eaten. If meat,
exposed for sale in the market becomes tainted, the
"market police " orders it sent off immediately; but
fruit, with evident marks of taint, and which is more
unwholesome than tainted meat, is allowed a place,
and is consumed by the incautious to their de-
struction.

Why do not health officers do their duty as faith-
ful and intelligent gviardians of the public, and not
show so much partiality to vegetable over animal
productions ? Reader, as you value life and health,
avoid diseased and unripe fruit. Parents, carefully
guard j-our children against its use, as they are often
inclined to use it even to excess. A little care and
judicious management may save a fit of sickness and
a doctor's bill, or save the lives of those whom you
value as your existence.

WHEAT CROP AND CULTURE- BEST
VARIETIES.

Under this head we find the following article in
the Ohio Cultivator, and we would call the attention
of farmers in New England to the important fact
that the rust and grain worm injures wheat in Ohio,
as well as in this section, and to another fact that is
worthy of consideration, which is, that the average
wheat crop in Ohio does not exceed twelve bushels
to the acre. Then v.-hy, with these disadvantages of
blight and depredations, and lean crops, generally,

should farmers in Ohio raise wheat for farmers in New
England, or even a supply for our large markets ?

" The recent failure of our wheat crop by rust and
insects, has afforded opportunity to observing farmers
for gaining much valuable knowledge in reference to
wheat growing ; and we trust this knowledge will
be made generally available for the purpose of intro-
ducing such improvements as will tend to lessen the
chances for similar failures hereafter.

" In almost every neighborhood, some wheat fields
measiirably escaped both insects and rust. Now, we
want to urge upon our readers the importance of
their carefully noting all the particulars in reference
to such fields — especially the nature and condition
of the soil, its elevation and exposure, the mode of
tillage, time and manner of sowing, and last, but not
least, the variety or kind of wheat. These and any
other facts that may tend to throw light on this sub-
ject, if carefully and extensively observed and pub-
lished, cannot fail to prove of immense public advan-
tage. We hope, therefore, that quite a number of
our intelligent and patriotic correspondents will
promptly favor us with communications, giving th.e
results of their observations on these points. Re-
member it is the simple facts we desire, rather than
opinions, or theories based thereon.

" We have already received several communica-
tions of this kind, which we intend to use along
with many others expected in our next.

" In reference to varieties of wheat, we would
state, that in nearly all parts of the country, it ap-
pears that the Mediterranean has done the best.
Perhaps, however, other early kmds, as the Alabama,
Virginia, &c., have done as well under similar cir-
cumstances ; and these we believe are considered of
better quality for market than the Mediterranean.
We ask further information on this point. We also
suggest to farmers, that it is not in the least probable,
that we shall often experience so disastrous a wheat
season as the present one, and in districts where the
crop has seldom before been injured by the rust, it
may not be advisable to abandon the well-tried and
hitherto most pi'ofitable kinds.

" Colonel Medary, of this city, it is generally
known, cultivates several early varieties of wheat.
One of these, called by him the reed straw, has, for
two or three years past, ripened earlier than any other
within our knowledge ; and many other farmers have
procured it for seed. This year, although quite early,
Colonel M. informs us, the berry is not quite as good
as usual, being slightly injured by rust ; and another
early variety, called Missouri, a bearded variety with
brovvn chafi" and berry — has turned out better than
any other with him. Both these varieties are a little
eai-lier than the Mediterranean, and of better quality
for market or for flour. He offers to furnish either
kind for seed, to those who desire, at $1,25 to
$1,50 per bushel."

TEST FOR GOOD LIMESTONE.

The best lime for agricultural purposes is that which
is lightest, whitest, and softest to the touch ; the
purest and strongest lime is always found the lightest.
If, then, by calcination, limestone loses much of its
weight by the process ; if the limeshells are extreme-
ly ifght, and require, for slaking them fully, a large
portion of water ; if they are a considerable time be-
fore they begin to fall ; if, during the process of
burning," the limestone is not disposed to run or be-
come vitrified ; if it increases very much in bulk by
slaking, and the lime is of a pure white, and fine
and light to the touch, it may be set down as very
good, and should be used in preference to other Ume
not possessing the same qualities. — English Paper.

276

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.
PEARS ON APPLE STOCKS.

Mr. Cole : You say, in your Fruit Book, that the
Seckel pear does better ou the apple than other kinds.
Every body says that it is harder to grow on its own
roots, particuhirly from the ground, than most other
varieties ; but how much better it will do on apple
roots, or whether it will succeed sufficiently well to
justify nurserymen in budding it on the apple, is a
question which I should like to have answered by
you, or some one who has fairly tried the experiment.
If it will produce more, or even as much fruit, and
of larger size, and at the same time grow enough
fester to overbalance any defect to which the tree or
quality of the fruit may be subjected, then it may
perhaps bo grown on the apple to advantage.

The great and principal objection to the Seckel
pear is small size and slow growth with common
culture. Now, if this objection can be removed by
being grown on the apple, without essentially injur-
ing the quality of the fruit, or health of the tree, I
think it ought to be known by all who are engaged
in the culture of fruit; but if not, I hope none will
be disappointed in attempting thus to cultivate the
Seckel pear. But I leave the subject with you,
wishing you to take such notice of the above as you
may think proper.

Yours respectfully,

E. F. KICHARDSON.

Medway, July 23, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — Generally the Seckel pear
on the apple stock yields fruit considerably larger
than its usual size, but the quality is inferior. We
do not think that this, or any other variety of
pear, can be cultivated on the apple, as a matter of
utility, but only for curiosity, or as a matter of ex-
periment in illustrating the principles of botanical
science. One important fact learned from such ex-
periments is, that the stock affects the fruit of the
scion. We have a scion of the Vicar of Winkfield
pear that has been growing live or six years on an
apple-tree. The fruit is always hard, and never
ripens. Whether this is owing to the stock, or other
cause, we cannot tell.

For the New England Farmer.
PEAR-TREE BLIGHT.

Friend Cole : Although of limited experience
and slight observation, as regards the propagation
of fruit trees, and the cultivation and raising of fruit,
and i)articularly the pear, yet I offer a word respect-
ing the latter.

I have seen, read, and heard something about the
blight iu the pear-tree ; but whether the cause there-
of has been traced out and sottlod, I know not.

There may be a series of concurrent causes, the
resultant of which is the destruction of the tree.

I lately cut a twig ilorn a young pear-tree, the
leaves of which were dark and dead ; and on examin-
ing it closely, I found, among the dead and dyino-
leaves, a swarm of small worms invested in a very
attenuated web. It was the extreme end of a limb,
and but a few leaves on it ; yet it contained hundreds
of the little destroying insects or worms — the head
black, the body regular, semi-transparent, and of a
yellow color, being about three sixteenths of an
inch in length, and of squirming activity, in the rain.
They destroy the fine green part of the leaf, which
leaves it lifeless.

Whether che operations of the minute grub have

any thing to do towards producing blight or disease,
I know not, any further than that the destruction
in the above instance was complete as far as it went.
It is the first thing of the kind that has come under
my observation. Although of small account, and
perhaps a solitary instance, yet sad results may be,
and often are, attributable to minute and apparently
insignificant agents. J.

Editorial Remarks — In a great many cases, it
is difficult to determine whether insects are a cause
or consequence of disease. There are various kinds
of insects that destroy the foliage of pear and
other fruit trees. But the blight, as generally
found in pear-trees is not caused by insects, in
our opinion, but by great heat. Like the potato
rot, it is too sudden and extensive to be the work
of insects, and they cannot be discovered in their
operations.

We have had seedling pears of the first year's
growth blighted early in the season, on hot, dry
soil ; while near by, in a moist, cool soil, they were
vigorous. The seed was the sanie, and the manur-
ing and cultivating of the two lots were similar.

High culture of the pear-tree, producing a rapid
growth, predisposes it to blight ; hence the preva-
lence of this disease in the fertile regions of the
west, and its more common occurrence in those
varieties that are great growers.

i

For the Neio England Farmer.
COTTAGES.

Mr. Editor : I was pleased to notice, in the
number of June 23, a representation of a cottage.
The economy and convenience of buildings are sub-
jects well deserving a place in your valuable paper,
and I therefore bespeak for them further notice from
you and your correspondents.

A mistake made in the erection of buildings is one
that cannot be reisaired without loss. Order, and
neatness also, tend much to make home pleasant, and
have an improving effect upon the whole nature of
man. Now, it cannot be doubted but what, if we
consider the plan of the building only, not counting
closeness of trade, that some men will obtain as much
for eight hundred dollars as another will for one
thousand dollars. If these things be so, then any
course Avhich will give the best plans to those who
may wish to build, is an object worth obtaining.

As you placed the cottage referred to in a farmer's
paper, I infer that you meant it for a farmer's cottage ;
but I think a different plan in some particulars would
suit my ideas a little better. I would not, however,
find fault, for I was pleased that you gave it ; but I
would suggest that a sleeping apartment upon the
fioor of the house is a great comfort and convenience.
And does not convenience also demand that the pan-
try should join the kitchen ? An approximat ^ esti-
mate of the cost would be interesting, if st;ue:l. I will
write no more for the present, but remain yoars for
ECONOMY AND NEATNESS.

Aug. 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — In giving the design for a
cottage, referred to by our correspondent, our object
was to give a general plan and style of building,
which might be modified to suit the taste of the
owner. In order to have a sleeping room below, an
addition might be made, in the rear of the main
building, for a kitchen communicating directly with

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

277

the pantry, which would allow of a bed room where
the kitchen is now located.

There is not sufficient attention given to building,
considering the importance of the subject. Build-
ings are very expensive, and in their erection we
desire to combine several important advantages, such
as economy and durability in building, convenience,
pleasantness, ventilation, good taste, economj- in
fuel, &c. &c. ; and in many cases some of these im-
portant advantages are sacrificed. As this subject
claims the particular attention of our correspondent,
we shall be happy to hear from him again.

For the New England Farmer.
DESTROYING BRAKES.

Mr. Editor : As I have lately come into posses-
sion of a farm which is much infested with brakes,
and as I am ignorant of any practicable way of de-
stroying them on lands which we cannot plough and
cultivate, I should be greatly obliged, if you, or any
of your contributors, will inform me, through your
paper, of any method of ridding our pastures of these
intruders. Such information, if it can be furnished,
would be very gratefully received by the subscriber,
and many other readers of the New England Farmer.
HORACE CAKPENTEE,.

Worcester, Vt., July 1, 1849.

Reply. — The most effectual method of destroying
brakes is to plough, cultivate thoroughly, and raise
other crops. If we cannot plough, then we must
come as near this system as possible. If the land is
wet and cold, haul on gravel, sand, or loam, and
manure and sow to grass. By putting the land into
condition for good crops of grass, the brakes will be
measurably subdued. By ploughing, and thorough
tillage, and cropping, they may be wholly destroyed.

For the New England Farmer.

PROFITS OF PATENT RIGHTS AND
PAPERS.

Mr. Editor : I noticed in the Fanner of June 9,
an article headed " Bommcr Manure." Having
bought a patent right, I feel interested to know all
that can be brought against it. Please let us know
if you have actually made manure by the rules laid
down in the right, or whether you guess at it. Guess
work will not do for the farmer ; his should be actual
experience. I have yet to hear for the fii'st time from
the lips or pen of an individual who has bought a
right and proved it a failure.

I earnestly desire you to give us your opinion on
this matter, founded on facts, and draw the attention
of contributors to this subject.

In closing up, you say, " We should think that the
amount that has been taken from farmers for this
fictitious right, which any one might have had by
paying the subscription of a paper for one year, is
not less than twelve or fourteen thousand dollars."
Now let us balance accounts : The cost of the Plough-
man, to say nothing of the postage, for one year, is
two dollars. Bominer's Patent for the town of Need-
ham, comprising two hundred farmers, cost eighty
dollars which is forty cents to each individual right,
leaving a balance in favor of the right of one dollar
and sixty cents.

Brother farmers, letf us look at this subject without
partiality to either side, weigh facts honestly, and
at the close of our talk, compare notes, know the

truth, and so move on harmoniously together, and
at the end reap an abundant harvest. Which is the
wish of R, M.

West Needham, July 4, 1849.

P. S. I refer to the Ploughman because it was the
only paper that, to my knowledge, called the farmers'
attention to this subject ; and when I bought my right
the N. E. Farmer had no existence. R. M.

Editorial Remarks. — Our correspondent mis-
takes the object of our article on " Bomraer Manure."
We have said nothing against it. Our remarks were
merely against the validity of the patent right, and
a caution to farmers not to pay their money for
nought. As to guess work, which R. M. condemns
with so much severity, it is of great importance,
especially to Yankees, who are constantly experi-
menting and inventing as a matter of guess work;
hence the enterprise and improvement that every
where prevail. Let a farmer guess that he cannot
advance in his profession, and the question is settled.
But let him guess that he can improve, and he will
be siu-e to do it. The guessing of Yankees, for which
they are distinguished, has performed wonders, and
the whole world is feeling the effects of it.

We have not tried Bommer's system of making
manure, nor have we any occasion to try it ; for every
material, animal, vegetable, mineral, or earthj% that
we can collect, can be prepared in compost, affd in
due time fitted to apply to the land, without the
extra expense and labor of making it by Bommer's
system. A little foresight will enable the cultivator
to have every kind of manure properly prepared and
decomposed by the common system of composting.

As our opinion of Bommer's system has been asked,
we will give it ; and this we have already done, in. a
measure. A farmer who exercises a common share
of foresight will always have his manure ready for
use with less expense than by Bommer's method.
Rarely a case may occur in which he suddenly wants
a quantity of manure which he has not, and he may
suddenly come into possession, or have an opportu-
nity to acquire coarse materials which may be read-
ily decomposed by Bommer's system. But a coinci-
dence arising from two incidents of this kind is very
rare with a regular, prudent farmer ; yet it may
occur. But in that case we would not pay four dol-
lars, nor forty cents, for an old patent that had ex-
pired in France several years ago, and even before
its expiration was not available to any individual in
this country.

As to our remark about a person learning Bom-
mer's method by paying the subscription of a paper
one year, we wished to show that if a farmer was in
the receipt of a journal devoted to his interest, he
would be advised of current events pertaining to his
profession. An account of making manure by the
French mode would be a very small part of the in-
formation furnished, or this might be obtained in a
single number, at an expense of oaly six cents ; so
let us square accounts on this item. — See page 271.

A change of fortune hurts a wise man no more
than a change in the moon.

278

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

THE WHEAT MIDGE.

John Johnston, Esq., of Seneca county, one of our
best farmers, writes, June 25th, —

"The weevil (wheat midge) has made its appear-
ance among our wheat crops, more especially in the
ea«t and north of our county, immediately in this
neighborhood. I think there will be no serious loss
this season."

The following account of the Wheat Midge, taken
from the North British Agriculturist, received from
J. Hall Maxwell, Secretary Highland and Agricul-
tural Society of Scotland, will be doubtless interest-
ing to farmers : —

" In examining the ears in an early field, some
yellow maggots were found. This led to the con-
clusion that some fly or other had deposited its eggs
within the glume, where the maggots were discov-
ered ; and by examining the ears with a microscope,
numbers of apparently new laid-eggs were discovered
in clusters near the embryo grain. This, of course,
led to further research ; and on a later field of spring-
sown wheat, just as the one side of the ear had
opened the sheath, we observed, as was anticipated,
as many as twelve or fourteen midges on. the ex-
posed ])art of each ear, busily employed in deposit-
ing their eggs within the glume, which, we remarked,
were glued to the inside of the glume by a gummy
substance, exuded at the same time with the eggs.
One of our party remarked that he had seen the
same fly deposit eggs in the same way on a panicle
of grass ; on examining which, we found it to be the
common couch grass, the triticum repens of lAnnseus,
showing that the Swede was a more correct botanist
than those of modern times, who have assigned it
another genus than that of triticum or wheat. We
have not heard that it has been ever observed to
deposit eggs on any other grass. Having so far
found out the cause of what went under the conve-
nient name of the ' blight iu wheat,' we applied to
Kirby and Spence, who had previously written con-
cerning this little gnat, and who knew it by the
name of tipiila tritice, but who still left us in igno-
rance as to its winter quarters.

•' Our attention was directed to find out any thing
we could about its transformation ; and wo placed some
ears in a glass runner, with the stalks inserted an inch
in sand, through a paper perforated with holes, to let
the stalks downwards into the sand. This paper
covering was intended to let us observe more easily
when the larvae left the ear. About three weeks
thereafter, on examining wheat ears in the field, we
found many of them quite emjity of the larva?, and
the embryo grain quite dead where the larvae had
been. We then examined the ears in the runner,
and found them also empty, without any appearing
on the paper below ; on lifting of which carefully, we
fovind the larva? had descended, and found their way
down through the perforations made for the wheat
stalks, now in the dormant pupa state, of a semi-
circular shape and copper color. This led to further
observations in such fields as had been somewhat
later ; when it was observed that the outer parts of
the glume were inhabited by small black beetles in
great numbers ; and we found, as soon as the larva
escaped from the glume, the beetle, led apparently
by the smell, moved about with rapidity, making
much use of its feelers ; and whenever a feeler touched
the larva, it instantly darted an egg into its body,
making it the nidus of its future progeny. This
beetle is called by the naturalists cemphron destructor,
and seems one of those means by which the wise and
beneficent Ruler of all things gives a check to crea-
tures that might otherwise prove seriously hurtful.
Such investigations, to which farmers were led, soon
made them quite familiar with every thing connected
■with the habits of the fly. It was found that it

came into the fly state when the mean temperature
of the preceding ten days was about fifty-six degrees
Fahrenheit. It was also perceived that it was too
delicate to be exposed to the sun's rays throughout
the day, when it continued among the shady wheat
foliage; and it could only lay its eggs in a calm even-
ing, when the temperature was at or about fifty-six
degrees, betaking itself to the shelter when the tem-
perature fell to fifty-three or fifty-four degrees ; nor
could it deposit its eggs except the air was ])erfectly
calm, and its work of mischief, it was found, could
only be performed during three days, at the most, of
the plants' growth, just as the one side of the ear
appeared. Various plans have been devised for
preventing its depredations, but hitherto, so far as
we know, these have all been ineffectual."

In this state, the varieties of wheat known as the
Mediterranean and the Black Sea, the former a winter,
and the latter a spring variety, have more frequently
escaped the ravages of the wheat midge than any
other, and are now being largely cultivated in those
sections of the state where the insect has appeared;
It is probably owing to their ripening at a season when
the fly is not so prevalent, that they escape, to a great
extent, its ravages. The White Blue Stem, a winter
variety, and a very fine white wheat, is said also to
escape the ravages of the fly. It has been cultivated
in Marjdand considerably, and to some extent in
Chatauque county, in this state. — Selected.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — The wheat
worm has been so destructive in some parts of New
England, that the culture of wheat has, occasionally,
been almost wholly abandoned. The best preventive
is late sowing, so that the midge or fly will have ap-
peared and passed away, before the wheat is in a
suitable state for it to operate on this plant. A great
evil that sometimes attends late sowing is rust, so
that the farmer, in avoiding one evil, runs into an-
other. But with care in selecting those varieties of
wheat not liable to rust, — and such there are, — the
effects of the worm may be prevented without serious
evil, generally, from the rust. This is a very im-
portant subject, and we hope that farmers will give
more attention in selecting wheat that is generally
exempt from rust.

CHEMISTRY IN ITS RELATION TO AG-
RICULTURE.

Of all sciences, chemistry is that which has the
nearest relation to agriculture, and lends to it the
greatest aid. It is a science that points out to us
means by which we may add to the fertility of the
ground through the medium of foreign substances
applied to it ; but, in the case of chemistry, as in
that of all other sciences, a certain degree of caution
is necessary in carrying into practice the rules laid
down by the theorist, when in his laboratory. Chem-
istry enables us at once to test the real value of any
given substance, without the uncertainty and loss
of time attendant on a trial; and when it is consid-
ered how much time must have been lost, how un-
satisfactory the result must repeatedly have been,
when no such knowledge existed to certify the jjrog-
ress of discovery, the value of this science may in
some measure be estimated. It is certain that the
principles on which vegetables are nourished de-
pend altogether upon chemistry ; and agriculture, in
its modern and improved state, has led, with consid-
erable precision, to a knowledge of those laws of
vegetation by which we are enabled to ameliorate the
land, and to increase the quantity as well as improve

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

279

the qualitj' of its productions. The farmer who
applies a jieculiar species of manure, -which has been
found beneficial to his ground, beinp; himself ignorant
of chemistry, only follows the practice of his prede-
cessors or neighbors ; but while he sneers at the
theorist who woixld direct his attention to the studies
of the first principles of his art, both ho and those
whom he follows were probably originally indebted
for that pi-actice to the observations of men of science.
No one who is at all convei'sant with the subject of
manure can be ignorant that, notwithstanding the
management of intelligent husbandmen, a great
want of knovvledge prevails among the common run
of farmers regarding the best modes of its preparation
and application. I think, if wo were to pay a little
more attention to the nature and properties of ma-
nure before we apply it to the soil, we may in that
way sometimes reap great benefit. I think these
things ought to be more seriously considered, not
only for the benefit we may ourselves derive from it,
but also the community. I know not that more
cogent arguments for the union of chemistry with
agriculture can be adduced than already exist in the
stimulus all parties possess for advancing their indi-
vidual interests ; but of this we may feel assured,
that as the end and object of all knowledge in con-
nection with this subject is to increase the produce
»f the earth, so those who will not avail themselves
of the assistance chemistry affords will be left behind
in the struggle which is going on ; and further, those
who do rely on the science for an elucidation of the
hitherto mysterious operations of nature, will not
only derive a direct and immediate benefit from the
application of chemistry to agriculture, but they will
also proceed with less difficulty, from being assured
that the laws of nature are uniform in their opera-
tions, and that a certain cause will always induce a
certain result. Withoiit a fair trial being given to
the opinions of the one or the power of the other,
the hints thrown out b}" the scientific are often over-
powered and put down by that concentrated mass
of ignorance and prejudice through which the light
of science can rarely penetrate. Every year shows
VLs more and more clearly that we must find a surer
way of obtaining good crops than our forefathers ;
we have the foreign grower to contend with, and
must now look to science, not leave it to the next
generation of farmers, for the aid which practice
alone cannot afford us. I do not mean to say a
farmer must be a professed chemist and master of
analysis ; on the contrary, I think it would be use-
less for him to trouble himself with the sixty-two
elementary or simple bodies which the numberless
forms of matter, of which the crust of the globe is
composed, are capable of being resolved into ; but it
is necesfciary everj' farmer should have a certain
amoxmt of information on scientific subjects, more
esjiecially with those that point out to him the com-
position of the various plants he cultivates, and of
the manures he carries on his land. Liebig says,
in his excellent work on " Chemistry in its Applica-
tion to Agriculture and Physiology," "Now that
the conditions which render the soil productive and
capable of aff"ordiug support to plants are ascertained,
it cannot well be denied, that from chemistry alone
further progress in agriculture is to be expected."
G. S., A Young Farmer.
— The Ploujh, Loom, and Anvil.

DEVON CATTLE.

Among the improved breeds of cattle in this coun-
try, the Devons are held in high estimation, and
probably the most generally admired. As a distinct
breed of neat cattle, they possess several features
peculiar to themselves, of which they are very tena-

cious — retaining them in a great degree, even
through their distant crosses with other breeds, and
particularly our native stock. The color of pure De-
vons is always red, varying to a dark mahogany. The
dark color is generally most admired, although the
light shades are equally profitable. There is occa-
sionally a little white on the belly, which is more
common with the heifers than the steers, and the
cows' udders are frequently white. The hairs which
form the brush of the tail are very remarkable : on
calves they are a darker shade than the other parts
of the body, but always turn white before the ani-
mals are three years old. The hide is thin, soft and
mellow to the hand — the hair silky, and ire(iuently
curled. The horns are long, fine and smooth, and
frequently yellow at the root when young ; the muz-
zle and round the eye yellow, with a bright, keen,
and active countenance.

The Devons are fine-boned, clean-limbed, and very
active — resembling in cattle what is called blood in
horses more than any other stock. They are good
feeders, and make as much beef in proportion to the
food consumed as any other cattle. Their beef is
also of the best quality, being what ficshcrs call
marhled, (or well mixed with alternate fat and lean ;)
and they always prove well when dressed — weigh-
ing heavy to their appearance. In size they are
about the medium of neat stock. When dressed,
the cows weigh from six to eight hundred, and o.xen
from ten to fifteen hundred pounds, grass fed.

The bulls of this breed are usually inferior in size
and beauty to the oxen ; but his stock is the best
proof of the value of a sire, and not his appearance.
For labor the Devons are not excelled by any other
breed ; and their uniformity of color and build ren-
ders them easily matched. They are very active,
docile, and tractable, as well as tough and hardy, and
when carefully used, will perform much labor from
four to eight j'ears of age, without diminishing their
size or aptness to fatten.

As milkers, the Devons are similar to our native
cows, but the quality of their milk is always rich.
On this point, Mr. Allen, author of " Domestic Ani-
mals," (pubhshed in 1848,) remarks — "The cows
invariably yield milk of great richness, and, when
appropriately bred, none surpass them for the quan-
tity of butter and cheese it yields. Mr. Bloomficld,
the manager of Lord Leicester's estate at Holkham,
has, by careful attention, somewhat increased the
size, without impairing the beauty of their form ; and
so successful has he been in developing their milking
properties, that his average product of butter from
each cow is four pounds per week for the whole )'ear.
Ho has challenged England to milk an equal number
of cows of any breed, against forty pure Devons, to
be selected out of his own herd, without, as yet,
having found a competitor."

We believe the Devons were first introduced into
Western New York, about twenty-five years ago, by
William Garbutt, Esq., of Wheatland. In 1835 or
1836, Mr. G. stocked his farm in Sheldon (m charge
of Mr. Beck, an experienced Scotch farmer) with a
portion of his home stock. In 1838 or 1839, Mr.
Vernon, of Roanoke, Genesee county, imported a
bull and two heifers from the best stock in Devon-
shire, England. Messrs. Garbutt, Beck, and others
bred fi-om the Vernon bull, (now known as the Dibble
bull,) and produced many valuable animals. This
stock is now scattered over much of Western New
York, and some of it in Michigan and Canada; so
that purchasers can be accommodated with thorough-
bred Devons, not inferior to any, at much less ex-
pense and trouble than to import them from England.
— Genesee Farmer.

The earth is said to be 7616 miles in diameter,
and 24,880 miles round.

280

NEW ENGLAND FARxMER.

\

COTTAGE OF A. A. LAWRENCE, ESQ.
AT THE HEAD OF LONG BEACH, LYNN, MASS,

GROUND PLAN.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

281

COTTAGES.

Our engraving represents a beautiful cottage built
for a gentleman's summer residonee. It is verj'
commodious and convenient, and is handsomely fin-
ished outside and in. The walls are made vs'ith up-
right planks and battens, which is a very substantial
and durable mode, and for a cottage better in appear-
ance than clapboards. We show the ground plan.
The parlor is wanned by a furnace. The room in
the rear of the parlor, connected by folding doors, is
■used for an extension of the parlor, but it may be
used as a study or library, or for a bed-room by those
■who would have a sleeping-room below. From the
back kitchen are stairs to the room over it, and under
them stairs to the cellar. The dimensions of the
building exclusive of the piazzas and portico, are
forty-two feet by thirty-two. The wing in the rear
is fifteen feet square.

In the second story are four large sleeping- rooms
in the main building, and another over the back
kitchen, communicating with the hall, affording a
passage from the back stairs to all parts of the second
and third stories, which many desire. The two win-
dows, in front, communicating with the sleeping-
i"ooms, in this story, extend below the eaves, which
renders the rooms more pleasant ; and the second
story, on tliis account, does not extend up so far as
usual, so that there are two good sized bed-rooms in
the attic. In the front of the hall, in the second
story, is a dressing-room.

According to the carpenter's estimate, a cottage in
this style, externally, finished in a neat and thorough
manner, would cost about three thousand dollars, in
this vicinity. Where labor and materials are cheaper,
it could be built for fifteen hundred to two thousand
dollars, according to the style of finish.

In the construction of this cottage, there is great
saving of materials and labor, by using planks for the
walls of the usual width, varying from eight to four-
teen inches. The appearance is the same as though
they were of a uniform width, excepting on close
inspection ; and even then it is no disadvantage to the
appearance. In most cases, time and lumber are
wasted in reducing the planks or boards to a uniform
width.

For a permanent residence, in the interior, or for a
farm house, we would suggest several improvements
in this plan, and some changes might be made as
a matter of economy in building. A chimney could
be made between the parlor and the room in the rear,
for tlie convenience of warming both rooms ; and by
extending the folding doors nearly to the wall, the
rear room could be used as a part of the parlor, or,
with a narrow door, it might be used for other pur-
poses. With folding doors it could be used for
other purposes generally, or for an extension of the
parlor.

The dining-room could be used for a sitting-room,
the kitchen for a dining-room, and the back kitchen
for a kitchen. In this case, the oven and a fireplace
should be in the kitchen, in connection with the
boiler, which is shown on the plan.

COUNTRY LIFE.

IIow often do we hear country ladies bewailing
their lot, complaining of the monotony of a country
life, and envying the destiny of such of their ac-
quaintance as live in the turmoil and excitement of
a town ! Wo\ild our fair readers but explore the
rich treasures of rational and pure enjoyment that
are so profusely scattered around a country house,
they would be more apt to condole with them than
envy their sisters of the city. Our object, in these
pages, will be to awaken in your minds an interest
in the various works of nature, so thickly strown
around you ; to direct your attention to the birds,
which build their nests, and sing their varied songs
of love and joy, in every tree, and bush, and shrub;
to the flowers, which deck with their tliousand hues
the sunny bank and the fertile meadows, the parched
heath and the rippling brook ; and, above all, to
teach your thoughts to ascend from the admiration
of the creature to the contemplation of the Creator,
and in all your observation of the works of nature,
" to look through nature up to nature's God."

Each season has its glories and its wonders. First
comes Spring. Animated by her genial breath, the
whole face of nature changes ; that which is now
wrapped in the gloom and sleep of winter, will soon
awake to renewed life and vigor, and all this will
take place at first slowly and gradually. Now, then,
is the time to commence your observations, before
the multiplicity of objects distracts your attention
and bewilders your ideas. You must acquire a habit
of observing; not merely of looking and of seeing,
but of intimatelj% narrowly observing ; for be assured
that an observant Polyphemus, with his solitary eye,
obtains far more information in one day than an un-
observant Argus, with his hundred eyes, in a whole
month. It is surprising how your interests in your
daily walks will be increased, when you have gained
an insight into the history, the uses, and the various
objects which you meet with. No walk, at least no
country walk, can be devoid of interest to a mind
desirous of acquiring information. You will ever be
meeting with something new to excite your admira-
tion, ever falling in with something fresh, to impart
instruction and to aftbrd amusement. These country
walks will give vigor to the mind, and health to the
body ; that which before was too frequently looked
upon as a toil, will now be regarded as a pleasure ;
you will often be induced to take exercise in the
open air, and the result will be a buoyancy of spir-
its, and a lightness of heart, and a cheerfulness of
temper, which all your poor amusements, and all
your previous formal walks had failed to produce.
— Plough, Loom, and Anvil.

THE NORTHERN SPY APPLE.

The correspondent of the Springfield Republican,
writing from Rochester, N. Y., April 24, says, —

The choicest winter apple cultivated in the Genesee
Valley is the Northern Spy. It does not ripen so as
to be suitable for eating until February ; it keeps
well till June, and even until the 4th of July. The
following remarks are quoted from Richard J. Hand,
Esq., of Mendon, situated near Rochester : —

"I have," saj's he, "grown the Northern Spy
apple from fifteen to t\\enty years. I have on the
whole found it a good bearer — fruit extremely fair
looking — size good ; and with me it yields a better
crop than the Swaar. I have kept a few in fine
order until the 4th of July. The general crop I can
keep till the last of May or first of June. The qual-
ity I consider superior to any other apple. I have
sold my crops in Rochester ; and they have averaged
at least one dollar a bushel, for ten years last past ;

282

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

and I can sell this more readily than any other
apple.

" The trees put forth their leaves from ten to four-
teen days later than any other ajiple, and on that
account arc move secure from late spriiv^ frosts.
They are tine, smooth-barked, and thrilty-grovvin"^
trees, making in the orchard a liner looking tree than
any other in the vicinity."

This apple is a scedliuij;, and was first produced in
an orchard in East Bloomficld, a few mites east of
Rochester. The seed was brought from Connecticut
about fifty years ago.

The tree, it is said, bears every year : many of the
specimens measure twelve inches in circumference.
The tree is of u])rii;ht and of compact growth.

These apples have been selling this winter in mar-
ket for three dollars a barrel, when other good winter
apples were selling for seventy-five cents per barrel.
The Spy is remarkable for its freshness, juiciness and
delicious flavor.

IMPROVEMENT IN CATTLE AND
HORSES.

We copy the following from an article in the Al-
bany Cultivator, by one of the editors, who made a
tour of observation in some sections of Vermont.

"Cattle. — Considerable interest is awakened in
several neighborhoods, in regard to the improvement
of cattle. A. Cha])man, of Jliddlcbury, kept for sev-
eral years a first-rate Ayrshire bull, from the herd of
Mr. Cushing, of Watertown, Mass. We have before
spoken of this stock ; but it has since been more fully
proved for the dairy. Mr. C. has several half blood,
and some three quarter blood Ayrshire cows. Some
of them are, in jjoints, about all that could be looked
for in a dairy cow : and we have reason to believe
that their ' looks do not belie them.' Mr. C. informs
us, ^hat in fourteen days of June, 1848, four of these
cows made eighty and three fourth pounds of butter,
besides supplying a family of fourteen persons with
milk and cream. One of the four made eleven and
three fourth pounds of butter in seven days. The
last of September, 1848, three of the above four
cows made thirty pounds of butter in seven days,
or ten ])ounds per week each. They are a small-
boned, thrifty stock. Mr. C. states that he killed a
pair of half blood steers, three years and six nionths
old, fed for two months mostly on sugar beets, — no
meal or grain of any kind, — and they weighed a
trifle over a thousand pounds each.

" Messrs. Bingham, of Cornwall, have introduced
the full t)lood Ilerct'ords, from the late herd of Corn-
ing & Sotham, of this city. They look, generally, re-
markably well, and prove to be a very valuable stock
for this section. Their hardiness adapts them to the
climate ; they are easily kept, and thrive rapidly on
hay or grass. The general characteristics of the
Herefords have been stated in our columns. A. I>.
Bingham has several Durham heifers, purchased of
Mr. Roteh, of Otsego county, N. Y., which he is
crossing with Hereford bulls.

" Paris Fletcher, of Bridport, has several full blood
Durham cows, and several good half bloods. Two
of the full bloods have lately been sold to Mr. Ilen-
shaw, of Boston. Mr. Chipman, of Shoreham, has
some fine cows, — crosses of the Durham breed. A
four-year-old cow of his gave, as was stated, twenty-
four quarts of milk per day in June.

"Mr. Sanford, of Orwell, has some full blood Dev-
ons, and some highly crossed with the Devon. He
has a beautiful young bull, purchased of ^Ir. Atwood,
of Connecticut. He was by Mr. Hurbut's bull,
Bloomficld ; his dam from the herd of Mr. Washbon,
of Otsego county, N. Y. The Devons have thus far
done well in Mr. S.'s hands, and he is determined to

increase them. We see nothing to hinder their
being a useful and profitable stock here.

" Mr. Vander'ii]!, keeper of the hotel at Manches-
ter, has some Durham cows, from the herd formerly
owned by Hon. L. C. Ball, of Hoosick, N. Y. ; two
of which are great milkers. He has also some hnnd-
some cows and heifers from Connecticut, showing
much Devon blood, which a]i])ear well as dairy cows.
There are several bulls and considerable young stock
in the neiijhborhood, mixed more or less with the
Ayrshire and Devon blood ; and the fai-mcrs gen-
erally consider an infusion of the blood of these
breeds an isnijrovemeut.

"Horses. — The inti'oduction of 'Black Hawk,'
has made an unquestionable and important imj)rove-
mont in the horse stock of this section. The oldest
of his progeny here are four years old, and have been
more or less proved. They have generally size
enough, and a large proportion of them are superior
in form, style, and action. The maximum of their
speed has not, of course, been ascertained at this
green age ; but that they will not be wanting in this
respect, might be shown by examples 'too numerous
to mention' here. As a specimen, we will refer to
the iicrformance of a mare, four years old, owned by
J. W. Holcomb, of Ticonderoga, which, as wo were
credibly informed, trotted in a sleigh, last winter,
twenty-six miles in two hours and ten minutes.
Tliose who wish further particulars in regard to the
stock, will obtain them by making inquiries in th«
proper quarter.

"Mr. J. Hill, of Sunderland, has introduced a
horse which is a cross of the English draft horse.
We had not an opportunity of seeing him ; but he
was described to us as being six years old, — seven-
teen hands high, — weight thirteen hundred and
eighty pounds. He is said to be well made, and a
good traveller. It is thought he will be useful in
improving the stock of the neighborhood."

THE BEST MERINOS.

We copy the following proposal Irom the Ameri-
can Agriculturist. We hope that there will be a
large competition for the prize off'ered, that the pe-
culiar excellences of different flocks of sheep may be
known, with a view of improving this highly valua-
ble race of animals.

" A purse of one hundred dollars having been
offered for the twenty-five best Merino ewes, and the
twenty-five best Merino lambs, under one year old,
by a private gentleman, the exhibition to be at the
Fair of the New York State Agricultural Society, I
purpose to be a competitor in that exhibition, against
any and all fiocks of Merino sheep that may be
brought against me. I give this out, not as a chal-
lenge, but simjdy as a proposition, which shall
call forth my l)rothcr farmers throughout the length
and breadth of the land. INIy object is to convince
myself where the best Merino sheep are. If I have
not got them, I must have them ; for I am resolved
to improve from the best, whatever may be the cost.
By a fair and manly comjietition, we may compare
the best s])ecimens from the best fiocks, and by that
means learn where the best sheep are to be found.

" For a series of years, I have spared no pains and
expense to possess myself of the best sheep of the
pure Merino race the United States could afibrd, or
to be found in the Old World. It renuiins to be seen
whether these efforts have been successful; and to
this end, I earnestly invite the Merino wool- growers,
throughout the Union, to meet me on the show
ground, at Syracuse, next Sciitember, in honorable
competition, to compare the twenty-five best ewes,
and the same number of lambs from our respective

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

283

flocks, and thus add another feature to this somewhat
national exhilntion, which will be made at the New
York State Fair. A. L. BINGHAM.

Cornwall, Vt., July 16, 1849."

CLAY.

This earth is, as most of your readers arc prohahlv
well awaic, "a coin]50und of silica and alumina."
Tiicsc con-;titucnts are not merely miiit^led to<j;other,
but chemically cnmhinod. In much of the clay
found in nature, there is an extra quantity of silica,
" whiuh exists in it in the form of sand, of various
de3;rees of fineness." Clay also, in all cases, con-
tains iron '• in a hisi'hor or lower state of oxidation,
and it is probable that this metal constitutes an es-
sential jiart of it." This, indeed, is now the preva-
lent view taken of the subject, by those who have
most carefully examined it, and there appeirs but
little ground to doubt the correctness of tTie conclu-
sion. This matter, oxide, is of various colors, and
is, indeed, dependent UDon the deajree of oxidation.
It is sometimes red, soniotimes black, brown, and
yellow. The " black indicates the lowest degree of
oxidation, and the red the hii^he-it."

As a general thing, the presence of clay, in some
quantity, seems to be indisjiensable to the iertility of
soils ; and hence I tind that light, pulverulent, and
sabulous loams are decidedly improved by spreading
clay upon them, and mixin'^ it, in a pulverized state,
with the superior stratum, or surface soil, and in such
quantity as is necessary to insure an increased ab-
sorbent ])ower, as well as greater compressibilitv of
the entire stratum which is the medium of vegetable
germination and growth. Plains land, which is
almost and invariably of a sandy texture, possessed
of little ]n-oductive energy, and too light to be suc-
cessfully worked, becomes highly fertile when highly
ameliorated by liberal applications of clay.

A friend of mine from the east remarks, in refer-
ence to the subject of amalgamation, as follows :
" When I commenced life, my means were too lim-
ited to allow of my purchasing, or even seriously
thinking of such a farm as I wished to possess.
Compelled by neces.sity, I thereibre ' sat down ' on a
tract of ' plains land,' which I purchased for two
dollars i)er acre. The growth was mostly pine, and
a species of dwarf vegetation, called here 'gray
birch,' with a profuse ' crop ' of underbrush, com-
posed of fern, whortleberry, and other diminutive
shrubs.

" As soon as the soil was broken, I commenced
hauling on clay, and have continued the practice
constantly ever since. I have now brought most of
my farm to a degree of jiroductiveness not surpassed,
I presume, by the best loam lands in the state. The
last season, I harvested ninety-seven and a half
buslicls of sound Indian corn from an acre, and from
a field adjoining, measuring four acres, I took eight
and three fourths tons of English hay — nearly two
and a quarter tons per acre. I am still improving
these fields by continuing the process of amalgama-
tion — there being not yet clay enough to qualify the
sand."

A MONTGOMERY COUNTY FARMER.

Jiihj 10, 1849.
— Germantown Teleijraph.

Rkmarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — In New
England, there are a great many thousand acres of
light lands that are regarded as almost worthless, that
might be rendeied fertile by the addition of cla)- and
good culture ; and clay banks are common near such
lands. Y'et these lands, for miles and miles in extent,
even near good markets, are neglected, while many

farmers have passed by them, gone thirty to one
hundred miles farther into the interior, and there till
a hard, rugged soil for scanty crops, and pass over
these lands of easy culture, on their way to market,
with their produce, which has cost as much in its
transportation as it would to raise the same produce
on these light lands, if placed under judicious man-
agement.

HOUSE CISTERNS.

It is frequently the case that farmers and others
are so circumstanced as to render a constant and full
supply of water impracticable. We have now in our
mind's eye a beautiful village, containing a popula-
tion of some one hundred or more, in which there is
but one well ! The village in question is located on
an eminence, from which the land descends in every
direction, and which is surrounded, at its base, with
numerous springs and rills of excellent vvater. The
well is about eighty feet deep, and the expense of
digging it proved the experiment to be too costly to
warrant its repetition; consequently, it is the only
well in the place, and the proprietor is remunerating
himself for his outlay in digging it, by a regular tax
on the neighbors, who use his water, at so much a
year. In such situations, the construction of cisterns
for the reception of rain water, is the only resource,
and when the formation of them is properly conduct-
ed, will secure a full supply of the necessary article,
for ordinary domestic and household uses, the year
round. The cost of a good cistern, sulHciently capa-
cious to hold from one to two hundred lio^sheads,
need not be great, as a very large proportirni of the
woik can be performed by the hired help during
seasons of leisure. One of the greatest inconven-
iences a farmer can experience, especially in a dry
sea-ion, is the lack of a sufficient supjily of water.
The following method of constructing cisterns, of
large or small size, is said to be common in many
places, and to be the most economical of any yet dis-
covered : The workmen proceed first to dig a hole,
of a circular form, and of the desired ca[)acity, at the
place where a cistern is wanted, and shape it after
the usual fashion of an earthen pot, which shape is
deemed best adapted to give strength. Care should
be taken to have the sides as smooth and even as
possible. The plasterer then comes to give it a coat
of mortar, made of hydraulic cement and clean sand,
in the proportion of one part of the lormijr to two of
the latter, wet with water to a suitable consistency.
This is plastered immediately against the sides of the
pit, beginning at the bottom and extending upward,
and on the horizontal part of the offset to the per-
pendicular part. If the soil should be sandy, it may
occasion some trouble to the plasterer, which an
expert workman can readily overcome, and if any
part should cave a little, a few broken bricks or
stones may be put in to hold up the sand or caving
earth, till the first coat is put on, which will soon
harden and sustain the earth in its place. When
this coat is sutiicicntly dry, of which the workman
can judge, a second must be added, then a third,
each about half an inch in thickness. These render
the sides perfectly secure against the caving of the
earth, forming a powerful stone pot or cistern, which
hardens and strengthens for proper use. The roof or
caving is lodged upon the offset, and should be made
of two inch plank, leaving a suitable hole for draw-
ing the water, or the insertion of a pumj). One bar-
rel of cement is suthcient for a cistern holding eighty
barrels of water, and more than suthcient, where the
soil is compact and the sides of the excavation fair
and smooth. AGiUCOLA.

Lower Dublin, June 27, 1849.
— Germantown Teleyraph.

284

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Elomestic department.

Domestic Education. — The time is coming when
domestic duties arc expected to be pevibrmcd upon
Bcicntiiic principles ; and we are bound to employ
every ineans in our power to make ourselves ac-
quainted with the sciences pertaining to our domes-
tic affairs. A knowledge of chemistry and dietetics,
ill a cook, is invaluable to a family. Information
regarding the laws of health, and life, and mental
philosojihy, is absolutely necessary to the proper
rearing of children. The suffering I have seen and
experienced for want of knowledge, and the almost
incredible advantage gained by the application of a
few practical ideas, makes me very desirous for oth-
ers, as well as myself, that we should have " more
light."

I think, however, it is not proper that we should
always bo in jievi'orma ice of the sober duties of life.
Nature does not bestow all her care on the sturdy
oak and mountain jjinc, but adorns the landscape
with an endless variety of fanciful colors and forms,
enlivens the whole with music, and the frolicsome play
of animated beings. Nor did she fail to implant in
the human mind faculties harmonizing with the
beauty, melody, and gayety of external nature, which
find a legitimate sphero of action in ornamental hor-
ticulture, vocal and instrumental music, &c. — Gen-
esee Farmer.

New Mode of presekving Butter. — Tliere can-
not be a doubt that the cause why butter is difficult
to preserve good, is, that some material or ingredient
of the milk combines so intimately with the buttery
particles, that it is very difhcult to separate. It has
been said that Mr. E. II. Merryraan, of Springfield,
Illinois, has discovered that this substance is casein,
or the cheesy matter, and that he has contrived a
mode of separating it by mechanical means, and thus
preserves butter a long time if it be exposed to the
atmosphere. The Scientific American, remarking
upon this subject, says that this separation of casein
is done, by the Tartars of the Crimea, by melting the
butter over a slow fire and removing the scum as it
rises. The butter is kept in a melted state there by
means of a water bath at one hundred and eighty
degrees, until the caseous matter subsides to the
bottom. This is a slow and tedious method, and if
Mr. Merryman's method is successful, it must be a
very great improvement. — Maine Farmer.

Improved Method of preserving Milk, patent-
ed by F. II. F. Louis. — The milk is to be mixed
with well-clarified raw sugar, four ounces to the
gallon. It is then to be evaporated with agitation.
When nearly solid, it must be pressed into cakes of
suitable size. Steam may be used for the evapora-
tion ; or, if time is no object, spontaneous evaporation
in very shallow pans, with the fluid not more than
one tenth of an inch in depth, or a drying chamber
may be used, the temperature not to exceed 122-^
Fahr. The cakes remain sweet and fresh for a long
time, and are soluble in warm Avater. Another pro-
cess is, to heat the sweetened milk nearly to the
boiling point, and before it becomes cold, to curdle it
by rennet or a weak acid. The curd is separated
from the whey, and by strong pressure after washing
in cold water, it is obtained free from adhering water.
The whey is to be evaporated to dryness. The curd,
placed over a slow fire, is continually stirred, and the
dried whey added very gradually, with a small por-
tion of bi-carbonate of soda. After a while, the ingre-
dients melt and unite. A small quantity of finely

pulverized gum dragon, hastens the solidification.
Cream may be preserved by the same methods. —
Chemical Gazette.

Peeling Potatoes. — Paycn, the great French
chemist, informs us that starch is not found in the
epidermis, or in the tissues immediately subjacent,
but that nitrogenized matters principally reside in
these parts of the tuber. Hence a loss of the most
nutritious portion of the vegetable is incurred by the
common practice of peeling off the rind and parts
underneath, before the boiling commences. It shoidd
also be remembered that cold Viater dissolves, while
boiling coagulates, albumen. If potatoes, therefore,
are thrown into cold water, and gradually heated,
much of their nitrogenized principles will be ex-
tracted before the water reaches ebullition, while if
it be made to boil before they arc introduced, the
coagulation will cause these matters to be retained
within the tissue of the vegetable.

Bogs' department.

Counsels for the Young. — Never be cast down
by trifles. If a spider break his thread twenty times,
twenty times will he mend it again. Make up your
minds to do a thing, and you will do it. Fear not,
if a trouble comes upon you ; keep up your spirits,
though the day be a dark one.

If the sun is going down, look up to the stars ; if
the earth is dark, keep your eye on Heaven. With
God's presence, and God's promises, a man or a child
may be cheerful.

Mind what you run after. Never be content wdth
a bubble that will burst, or firewood that will end
in smoke and darkness. Get that which you can
keep, and which is worth keei>ing.

Fight hard against a hasty temper. Anger wiU
come, but resist it strongly. A spark may set a
house on fire. A fit of passion may give you cause
to mourn all the days of your life. Never revenge
an injury.

If you have an enemy, act kindly to him, and
make him your friend. You may not win him over
at once, but try again. Let one kindness be fol-
lowed by another, till you have compassed your end.
By little and little, great things are completed ; and
so repeated kindness will soften the heart of stone.

Whatever you do, do it willingly. A boy that is
whipped to school never learns his lessons well. A
man that is compelled to work, cares not how badly
it is performed. He that pulls off his coat cheerfully,
strips up his sleeves in earnest, and sings while he
works, is the man for me.

Evil thoughts are worse enemies than lions and
tigers ; for we can keep out of the way of wild beasts,
but bad thoughts win their way every Avhere. The
cup that is full will hold no more ; keep your heads
and hearts full of good thoughts, that bad thought-s
may find no room to enter. — Am. Cabinet.

Emblematic Properties of Flowers. — The fair
lily is an image of holy innocence ; the purpled rose
is a figure of heartfelt love ; faith is represented in
the blue passion-flower ; hope beams forth from the
evergreen ; peace from the olive branch ; immortal-
ity from the immortelle ; the cares of life are repre-
sented by the rosemary; the victorj^ of the spirit by
the palm ; modesty by the blue fragrant violet ;
compassion by the peony ; friendship by the ivy ;
tenderness by the myrtle ; affectionate reminiscence
by the forget-me-not ; German honesty and fidelity

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

285

by the oak-leaf ; unassumiiigness by the corn-flower
(the cyano ;) and the attriculas, " how kindly thej'
look upon us with their child- like eyes ! " Even the
disi)ositions of the human soul arc expressed by
flowers. Thus silent griof is ])ortrayed by the weep-
ing willow ; sadnes^3 by the angelica ; shuddering by
the aspen ; melancholy by the cypress ; desire of
meeting again by the starwoit ; the night-smelling
rocket is a figure of life, as it stands on the frontiers
between light and darkness. Thus Nature, by these
flowers, seems to betoken her lovely sympathy with
us ; and whom hath she not often more consoled
than heartless and voiceless men were able to do ?

Influence of cutting the Hair. — Medical men
are occasionally asked whether it is proper to cut
the patient's hair ; whether, in fact, this operation
has any influence upon the health. M. Fredorique
resolves the question by giving the following illus-
tration : —

A little girl, aged three years, of good health in
general, had her hah- grow excessively long during
the course of a few months. She was a beautiful
child, but had latterly wasted without any apparent
cause, becoming dull and apathetic, losing her appe-
tite and strength, without any organic lesion being
discernible. She was placed upon a tonic regimen,
with chalybcates, but without deriving material
benefit, until her hair was cut short, at the sugges-
tion of a friend, from which time she rapidly gained
strength.

It would appear, from this case, that the economy
had suffered a loss in the expenditure of blood ne-
cessary for the secretion of the abundant crop of
hair. M. Frcderique considers that it is the forma-
tion of the coloring matter which chiefly exhausts
the blood, as this is formed at the expense of the
ha;matosine. — Farmer and Mechanic.

GiiOANiNG AND Crtinq. — A French surgeon
lately published a long dissertation on the beneficial
influence of groaning and crj-ing, on the nervous
system. He contends that groaning and crying are
the two grand operations by which nature allays
anguish, and that he has uniformly observed that
those patients who give way to their natural feel-
ings, more speedily recover from accidents and oper-
ations than those who suppose it is unworthy a man
to bctraj' such symptoms of cowardice as either to
groan or to cry. He is always pleased by the crying
and violent roaring of a patient during the time he
is undergoing a severe surgical operation, because he
is satisfied that he will thereby so soothe his nervous
system as to prevent fever, and insure a favorable
termination. From the benefit, hysterical and other
patients (nervous) derive from groaning and crying,
he supposes that by these processes of nature, the
superabundant nervous power is exhausted, and that
the nervous system is rendered calm and even, the
circulation of the blood greatly diminished. Ho re-
lates a case of a man, who, by crying and bawling,
reduced his pulse from one hundred and twenty to
sixty, in the course of two hours. That some pa-
tients often have a great satisfaction in groaning, and
that hysterical patients often experience great relief
from crying, arc facts which no person will deny.
As to restless, hypochondriacal subjects, or those who
are never happy but when they are under some
course of medical or dietetic treatment, the French
surgeon assures them that they cannot do better
than groan all night, and cry all day. By following

this rule, and obser\'ing an abstemious diet, a person
will eff'ectually csca))e disease, and may prolong life
to an incredible extent. — Selected.

iHcrljanifs' SJcpartment, ^rts, $^t.

Alum. — The uses of alum arc manifold and im-
portant. Incorporated with paper, it presents a hard,
smooth surface, fit for writing upon ; furriers employ
it in the preservation of the hairy covering of skins;
it retards putrefaction in animal substances, and
hardens the tallow used for candles. Its astringent
properties are valuable in medicine, and its caustic
properties, as calcined alum, in surgery. But it is
in dyeing that the use of alum is most important and
most widely diff'used. It is rare that coloring mat-
ters present any affinity to the substances to be dyed ;
most of them would disappear with the first washing,
were there no medium by which they could be fixed.
The substance employed for this purpose is called a
mordant, or bitter-in ; and in this respect alum holds
a preeminent rank. This mineral is also made sub-
servient to other less praiseworthy purposes ; bakers
use it to give a good color to bad flour, and to swell
a comparatively small lump of dough into a large
loaf ; iced ginger beer and lemonade, offered for sale
at railway stations and other places in England, if
narrowly inspected, will be found imbedded in lumps
of alum, which pass very well for ice. — Farmer and
Mechanic,

Important Invention. — An invention has been
made, and will soon be brought before the public, of
great importance to railroads, both as relates to ex-
pedition and safety in the running and management
of trains — and one which will add greatly to the
security of property and life. It is an apparatus
called the self-adjusting brake, in which the brake and
coupling of the cars are combined in one, and so
arranged that a single brakeman can control a long
train of cars, and bring them to an almost instanta-
neous stand when in full motion. By one and the
same operation the brake is brought to bear with
equal force on the wheels of each car, so that all are
checked in the same degree, and there is none of the
jamming together of the cars which is usual in
bringing a train suddenly to a stand. The cars
couple themselves when they come together, and
the brakeman can couple or disconnect the whole
train without stepping from the platform, and can
control the train equally well from any platform in
the train. The power he is able to apply at any
instant is immense, and may be varied at from one
pound to twenty tons, at will. When a train is so
very long as to make more than one brakeman desira-
ble, as is sometimes the case with freight trains, the
moment the brake is applied by one of them, it con-
veys the necessary signal to the other.

This improvement has been examined and highly
approved by some of the most practical and scientific
mechanics in the country, among them Mr. Keeler,
of the Patent Office, so well known for his great
mechanical knowledge, whose favorable opinion may
be considered as conclusive in its favor. — Selected.

Soldering Cast Iron with Wrought Iron. —
The following process has been recommended for
that purpose: First, melt filings of soft cast iron
with calcined borax, in a crucible ; then pulverize
the black vitreotis substance, which is thereby pro-
duced, and sprinkle it over the parts which are in-
tended to be united ; after which heat the pieces of

286

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

cast and wrought iron, and weld them together on
an anvil, using only gentle blows. This method
is peculiarly aj)plicable to the manufacture of iron
articles which arc intended to be made red hot, and
are required to be impervious to fluids — as such a
result cannot be obtained by simple fastening. — Se-
lected.

FERTILIZING MANURES.

Professor J. J. Mapes, in a letter to the Xew York
Tribune, makes mention of a great meadow in New
Jersey, and its value as a fertilizer. lie thus treats
of the matter, which cannot but be instructive to all
friends of agriculture : —

•'This meadow muclt may be considered as organic
matter not in a state of decay, and if placed iu soil
without fir>t inducing a chemical change, it will not
act as a fertilizer. As compared with well decom-
posed stable manure, it bears the same analogy that
sour-krout docs to cabbage. If sour-kroutbe buried
under the surface of the earth, it will remain for
many years unaltered, while cabbage under similar
treatment would be readily decomposed. If the
excess of acid be first removed from krout, it will
then decompose as readily as cabbage, and from the
same causes. The muck is composed of the lighter
particles of surfoce soils carried to its present locality
by the rain ; after being saturated frequently with salt
water, its decomposition is arrested, and under this
organism a style of gases peculiar to marshes takes
possession of its surface. These gases are continually
adding the carbon, which they receive from the atmos-
phere in the form of carbonic acid gas, to the muck,
as the principal result of their decay, and thus the
muck is found to contain large amounts of carbona-
ceous matters. When muck is exposed to winter
frosts, the ultimate fibres of the decomposed roots it
contains are torn asunder, and the mass is thus
rendered pulverulent. In this state it is fit for easy
decomposition. The quality of the grasses is much
better on meadows which have been ditched for the
purpose of supplying muck, and thus part of the
cost of procurement is paid by the improved mowings.

"Muck may be decomposed in various ways, and
will always produce beneficial results when used
after decomposition as a manure. AVhen mixed inti-
mately with wood ashes, either the leached or un-
leached, it forms one of the best manures for fruit
trees ; and while the quantity of common salt it con-
tains is insufficient to injure the peach, it is sufficient
to prove highly serviceable to the plum ; while its
large proportion of carbonaceous matter renders it
capable of receiving and retaining the ammonia of
the atmosphere until required for the use of the
roots. Muck is not a protection against the peach-
worm, but trees, the trunks of which are surrounded
by it, are less liable to their attacks. Muck, when
mixed with ashes, readily receives moisture, and, if
water be in great excess, the muck will for a long
time prevent the land from souring, or the water
from becoming fetid.

" When urine of animals is mixed with swamp
muck, it already undergoes decomposition, and the
resulting gases are retained. One tenth part of
stable manure, well mixed with muck, will be found
sufficient to cause the mass to heat readily and be-
come as clear manure for farm use. If muck be
placed under cows, oxen, &c., and covered by the
bedding, so that their urine will pass through the
bedding and combine with the muck while it con-
tains the animal warmth, then the muck will be
decomposed, and the warmth of the body of the ani-
mal while sleei)ing will materially assist in the de-
composition. The solid manures, remaining atop of
the bedding, should be removed each morning, and
mixed with new portions of muck in the preparation

before stated for mutual decomposition. If the liquid
manures from stables be led by gutters to cisterns,
and, when cold, pumped upon muck, it will not de-
compose one half the quantity as when applied con-
taining the animal warmth. Each horse, ox, or cow,
will supply the means of converting one cord of
muck per week into manure equal to ordiiuiry barn-
yard manure ; while the ready pulverulent character
of the mass renders such compost much more easily
divisible during tillage. Large quantities of muck
may be thrown with advantage into the hog-pen ; and
new quantities should be added as often as any odor
can be perceived arising from the surface of the pen.
I have used large quantities of muck in these ma-
nures, and have found it advantageous to remove and
renew the muck of the stables and hogpen every ten
days, always placing it under manure sheds, to pre-
vent its exposure to useless currents of air, for evap-
oration, and to assist in maintaining an equable
temperature, to assist its decomposition. When
larger quantities of manures are required than can
be formed from these means, then new quantities of
muck may be decomposed by the process given in
the ' Working Farmer,' p. 4, under the head of
' Lime as a Manure.' By use of the lime and salt
mixture as there described, any amount of manure
may readily be formed from muck.

" Either fresh or salt muck makes a good divisor
for night soil, absorbing all the more fluid parts, and
at the same time rendering the mass, with the slight
addition of two bushels of plaster of Paris to the
cord, entirely inodorous.

" Dead animals, if cut into small pieces, (say from
one to ten pounds each,) coating slightly with ashes,
and then burying them in muck, will convert the
whole muck into a most powerful manure. The
waste of glue factories, slaughter-houses, &c., may
be so treated, and every hundred pounds of animal
matter will convert one cord of muck into good ma-
nure. The spent ley of the soap-boilers, if thrown
upon muck, soon converts it into available manure,
and every ten gallons of this spent or salt ley, as it
is called, is fully equal in its beneficial effects upon
soil, after proper division with muck, to one bushel
of ashes.

" Guano, hen and pigeon dung, bones after hav-
ing been treated with sulphuric acid, and, indeed,
ali the more powerful classes of manure, should be
divided by admixture of muck before being used
upon land.

" When muck cannot readily be procured, then
surface earth from old woods, pure mud, head-lands,
&c., may be similarly used, if of a character not
containing sufficient carbonaceous matter and char-
coal dust. Some have objected to taking the sur-
face earth from woods, under the impression that
they should impoverish the soil; but if they will
replace half the value in lime and salt mixture in
the place of the surface taken, the woods will gen-
erally gain by the exchange.

" When muck composts are used on sandy soils,
they are rendered more tenacious, and when mixed
with clay, this soil is rendered more valuable. In
my next communication, I will treat of my experi-
ence in the effects produced by deep subsoil plough-
ing. The tacts stated above, in relation to muck and
its compounds, are in strict accordance with the
results obtained in my practice, and may be depended
upon as correct."

♦

MANURE.

Manure is the great sinew of agriculture, as money
is of war ; and the making the best of every advan-
tage or opportunity for increasing the quantity of it,
is one of the most prominent traits in the character
of a good fanner.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

287

SALTING STOCK.

A corresponrlont of the Farmer, some time nsto,
offeicd some sjieeulatiniT* about salting stock — qucs-
tionina; the utility of the practice, and asking for
actual exnerimont.

The animal system has no power to create an^• of
the elements of flesh, organized tissue, or salntavv
secretions. But the or<;ans of nutrition and assimi-
lation have ■vvondei'ful po-\vcr to modify the clieniioal
constituents of the animal body, into a iiart of that
body, when they are supjdied. Healthy, perfect
animals cannot he raised or kept unless all the vari-
ous chemical constituents of bone, meat, fat, &c., are
furnished in fond or drink, or in the atmosphere they
breathe. Combinations of gluten, starch, oil, &c.,
found in the food of herbivorous animals, supiily
much of the material for organized tissue and fat,
and abundance of carbon for the purposes of respira-
tion. But a variety of mineral substances arc equally
necessary, to wit : Phosphorus for the formation of
nervous tissue, bones, white and yolk of eggs, and
miUc. It is furnished in the grasses and seeds of
plants. Sulphur exists in flesh, eggs, and milk. It
is found in most spring and river water, and in some
plants with their azotizcd compounds. I/ime is a
well-known ingredient in the animal structure. It
is equally abundant in the vegetable kingdom and
in all hard water. Iron is a " sine qua non " in red
blood, animal flesh, yolk of eggs, and milk. It is
supplied in some water and in many vegetables.

Common salt is no less important in the animal
economy. It is contained in flesh, in the egg, in
milk, and other fliiids. It is a combination of mu-
riatic acid and soda. The first named is essential to
the gastric juice, making it a ready solvent of many
substances which would otherwise be useless to the
purpose of assimilation. Common salt is scarcely
found in plants, except such as grow in salt marshes,
salt licks, or sea water. This deficiency must be
supplied. Instinct and appetite impel wild animals
to seek such marshes and licks, where they choose
the raw material in the most concentrated form they
can find it. Domestication prevents animals from
obeying this desire, and renders it our dvity and
interest to mingle it with theii' food or treat them
regularly with this luxury, as their actions prove
they esteem it.

By the advice of some old farmers I have fed my
pigs with salt freely and regularly, especially while
fattening, for four or five years ; and am satisfied
that it is of great service in giving permanency to
the appetite and solidity to the flesh — besides being
well paid for expense and trouble in grateful grunts
and smacking chops.

J. H. BEECH, M. D.

Gaines, N. Y., 1849.
— Genesee Farmer.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — Some per-
sons contend that salt is not necessary for stock ; but
it seems to us that they do not take a candid view
of the subject. Practical knowledge, in tending
animals, shows that they naturally require salt.
Their taste for it is not perverted, like that of man
for alcohol, tobacco, and opium. The young animal
craves salt, and partakes of it greedily and with a
relish. But the child loathes alcohol, until it is
diluted, and made palatable by sweetening, and a
love of it is acquired only by habit and the power of
fashion.

This natural appetite, with the salutary effect
from the free use of salt by animals, and the evi-
dence, from a scientific investigation, that the ele-
ments of salt are component parts of animals, and

that these ingredients are generallj' deficient in
herbage, are sufficient, in our opinion, to show, that
animals should cither have a suitable quantity of
salt mixed with their food, or they should have con-
stant access to salt, and help themselves as they
desire.

NEATNESS IN SCHOOLS.

Those who know enoiigh to be school teachers,
know that filthiness is off'cnsive to the best part of
people. If a teacher's influence over his scholars
tends to make them indifl'erent about cleanliness, it
tends to separate them from the best society, and
make them companions of the vile. They know,
too, that there is a connection between our external
circumstances, and the state and actions of our
minds. There are many indecent and injurious
things which children, and adults too, will do in a
dirty room, which they would not do in a clean one.
They know also that habits are rapidly forming
while children attend school. If they are accus-
tomed to be neat in their persons and dress, and to
have things neat around them when at school, they
will be much more likely than they otherwise would
be, to give due attention to neatness in future life,
and that is a matter of no small importance.

Cleanliness is an important virtue, and one the
practice of which is very sure to lead to other virtues.
It causes a carefulness about things, which greatly
promotes economy. It calls for the doing of some
things frequently, and that tends to industry. It
causes attention to what one is doing, and what is
done near him, and to Avhatever else may affect him
in relation to cleanliness, and thus promotes mental
activity.

Let me, then, say to those who expect to teach.
Do what you can to promote neatness among your
scholars. Yoiu- endeavors for it, if wisely made, will
be among your best commendations to them and to
their parents, and tend to bring you their approba-
tion and aid. They will also be among your best
means for preserving good order, and securing atten-
tion to study ; and thus serve to make your work
more easy and pleasant. If I were to go into your
school-room, and find it dirty, and evidently through
your negligence, (and it would be by your neglect if
not swept within twenty-four hours,) I should say
to myself, " This teacher is not fit to have the care
of children. He either does not know the need of
keeping out the dirt, or he does not as well as he knows
how." — Clarion.

AN AFFECTIONATE GOBBLER.

A friend, who has been very successful in raising
poultry, states that a turkey of his recently had a
large brood, and then suddenly died, and " made no
sign." The old turkey cock, immediately upon her
demise, took charge of her young family, conducting
them abroad in the daytime, and at night sheltering
them under his wings with all the care of a mother.
The widowed gentlemen with the red gills is in aU
respects a pattern of kindness and affection, not
oft n seen among the descendants of the turkey line.
— Lowell Courier.

We are informed of a still more singular case
than this, which has occurred in a neighboring town
the present season. The turkey hen had laid the
proper complement of eggs, but did not incline to
set ; therefore Master Gobbler took it into his head
to do the setting, which he did, and hatched a fine
brood. He attends to them with truly maternal
care, and more than maternal ostentation, and gives
every prom.ise of a most successful experiment. —
Worcester Spy.

288

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Tkansactions of New Youk State Agricul-
tural. Society. — We have received this valuable
work from the Secretary, B. P. Johnson, Esq. It
contains the doings of the State society, reports of
the county societies, various communications from
distinguished agriculturists and horticulturists, in
different sections of the country, making a neat,
beautiful, and large octavo volume of nearly a thou-
sand pages, embellished and illustrated by numerous
and excellent engravings. This work contains a
fund of the most valuable information ; and great
credit is duo Mr. Johnson for the able and faithful
manner in which he has prepared this copious work,
which must have required much arduous labor.

Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. — The Au-
gust number contains a variety of valuable matter.
Six native pears are figured and described. We shall
soon have native pears enough, and of such excel-
lence that we can dispense with inany of the uncer-
tain foreign kinds. Mr. H. shows that after the high
commendations of new strawberries, Hovey's Seed-
ling takes most of the prizes at the horticultural
shows.

American Flora. — This monthly for August is
embellished with four beautiful, colored engravings.
It is a splendid work, replete with the most valuable
instruction. New York, Green & Spencer, 67 Bow-
ery. By Dr. A. B. Strong.

Illustrated Natural History. — This work is a
monthly, by the same editor and publisher as the
foregoing. It is highly interesting and instructive,
and beautifully illustrated with various animals and
scenery.

Remarks on the Petition for an Act for Incorpo-
rating the College of the Holy Cross. — This is a pam-
phlet of 28 pages, which we have not had time to
peruse.

History and Design of the American Institute
of Instruction, by Geo. B. Emerson, President of the
institution.

Descriptive Catalogue of Fruit and Ornamental
Trees, Shrubs, Roses, &c., at Andre Leroy's nurse-
ries, at Angers, Maine and Loire, France.

OUR COUNTRY.

On no country more than our own have the charms
of nature been prodigally lavished ; her mighty
lakes like oceans of liquid silver — her mountains
with their bright aerial tints — her valleys teeming
with fertility- — her tremendous cataracts thundering
in their solitude — her boundless plains waving with
spontaneous verdure — her broad, deep rivers, rolling
in solemn silence to the ocean — her trackless forests,
where vegetation puts forth all her magnificence —
her skies kindling ^Nith the magic of summer clouds
and glorious sunshine — no, never need an American
look beyond his own country for the sublime and
beautiful of natural scenery. — Irviiiff.

Pekin at one time was the largest city in the world.
London is now the largest, and New York is the
largest city in the United States.

MY COUNTRY.

I love my country's i-.inn-clad hills,
Her thousand bright and gushing rills,

Her sunshine and her storm ;
Her rough and rugged rocks, that rear
Their hoary heads high in the air,

In wild fantastic form.

I love her rivers deep and wide.

And those bright streams that seaward gl"ie,

To seek the ocean's breast ;
Her smiling fields, her fertile vales,
Her shady dells, her pleasant dales,

Her haunts of peaceful rest.

I love the forest dark and lone.

For there the wild bird's merrj' tone

Is heard from morn till night ;
And there are lovelier flowers, I ween,
Than e'er in eastern lands were seen,

In varied colors bright.

Her forest and her valleys fair,

Her flowers that scent the morning air,

Have all their charms for me ;
But more I love ray country's name.
Those words that echo deathless fame,

And sound from sea to sea.

THE OLIO.

A Severe Retort. — George the Second observed
a lady whoso dress displayed rather the largest por-
tion of her chest. "Madam," said the monarch,
" allow me to place my hand upon that soft bosom."
" Sire," replied the lady, " give mo your hand, and I
will put it upon a much softer place." She took his
hand, and laid it on his head.

The Law. — An editor down south, who seized
four days on a jury, says he's so full of law, that it
is hard for him to keep from cheating somebody.

Hour of Death. — It will aff'ord sweeter happi-
ness, in the hour of death, to have wiped one tear
from the cheek of sorrow, than to have ruled an em-
pire, to have conquered millions, or enslaved the
world.

A celebrated wit made one of his happiest jokes
when he heard that Bishop, who had been sent to
Portsmouth preparatory to transportation for life,
had escaped. " Gad, sir," said he, "he must have
been an arch Bishop to do that ; and yet his dislike
to the sea is quite unaccountable."

Like a dog in a wheel, birds in a cage, or squirrels
in a chain, ambitious men still climb and climb, with
great labor and incessant anxiety, but never reach
the top.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Satinday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $1 a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 1S:{ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be hunished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage .^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and IjJ
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at tub
b06t0n type and stereotype founduy

Honoi

waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1,

1849.

NO.

19.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietor.

SOWING GRASS SEED.

The latter part of summer and early in fall is a
good season for sowing grass seed, excepting clover,
which in such cases should be sowed in March, as
soon as the snow is off. It is better to sow by the
tenth or twelfth of September, though it would
jinswer to sow later, if we have what is called a late
fall, that the grass may get a good start before
winter.

In some late, warm falls, good success has attended
sowing grass seed as late as the latter part of
September, and even early in October ; but generally
there is a risk in sowing so late ; yet the risk should
be considered merely in the seed, and not in the
orop ; for if it fails, it may be ascertained in March,
in time for sowing and getting a pretty good crop
the same season.

When grass seed is sowed the latter part of Sep-
tember, or at a later period, and early enough to
vegetate the season it is sowed, it is very liable to be
winterkilled, in an open, changeable winter. Some-
times the earth is covered with snow, and the winter
is regular, and the grass will not be killed. We
lately noticed some very stout grass, left at our office,
which was from seed sowed so late last fall, that it
had just started before winter. Yet it was not win-
terkilled. This may be considered an exception,
rather than a general result.

Lands sowed to grass last spring, that have failed
from drought, may now be ploughed and re-sowed,
with a fair prospect for a full crop next season.

Wet grass lands may be toji-dressed ; or, if very
uneven and full of weeds and wild grasses, plough
well, by completely inverting the sod, and laying the
furrow-slice smooth. Then manure, harrow thor-
oughly, to make fine tilth at the surface, sow grass
seed, work it in with a bush- harrow, and roll. Any
grass lands may be renovated in this way, if it is not
desirable to have a tilled crop intervene.

As to the quantity of seed to the acre, there is a
wide difference in opinion. Some sow a peck of
herdsgrass to the acre, others a bushel ; and a few
sow less, making still wider extremes. When land
is in a high condition, and the season is favorable to

promote its vegetation and growth, so as to cause it
to branch or tiller, eight or ten quarts of herdsgrass,
with redtop and clover, are sufhcient. Again, under
unfavorable circumstances, as to soil and season, a
bushel will hardly be aufhcient.

We sow about half a bushel of herdsgrass to the
acre, and the same quantity of redtop, if it contains
as much chaff as usual. In some cases, redtop is
nearly clean seed, and a less quantity is required.
We sow two or three, or eight or ten pounds, of
clover to the acre, according to the quality of hay
desired. On rather dry land, where we would sow
the most clover, the other grasses will not succeed
so well as they do on wet lands, -where less clover is
required.

With this amount of seed, on good land we can
raise two and' a half to three tons of hay to the
aero, at a single cutting, and of excellent quality,
and fine enough for any stock ; but with thin sowing
and a rank growth, to make a large crop, the hay
will be coarse.

CATTLE SHOWS AND FAIRS.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society, at their hall
in School Street, September, 18, 19, 20, and 21.

New York State Agricultural Society, at Syracuse,
September 11, 12, and 13. Address by Professor
Johnston, of England.

North American Pomological Convention, at Syra-
cuse, commencing September 14.

Vermont Fruit- Grower's Convention, at Mont-
pelier, October 18.

Worcester County Mechanics' Association, at Wor-
cester, commencing September 18.

The Salem Mechanic Association, at Salem, Sep-
tember 25, and through the week.

New Haven (Ct.) Horticultural Society, at New
Haven, September 25, 26, and 27.

Worcester (Mass.) Agricultural Society, at Wor-
cester, September 20. '

Norfolk (Mass.) Agricultural Society, atDedham,
September 29.

Berkshire (Mass.) Agricultui'al Society, at Pitts-
field, October 3 and 4.

290

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Middlesex (Mass.) Agricultural Society, at Con-
cord, October 3. Address by Lilly Eaton, Esq.

Essex (Mass.) Agricultural Society, at Salem,
September 27. Address by Hon. Asa Newhall.

Bristol (Mass.) Agricultural Society, at Taunton,^
October 11.

Housatonic (Mass.) Agricultural Society, at Great
Barrington, September 26 and 27.

Litchfield (Ct.) Agricultural Society, at Litch-
field, September 26.

East Somerset (Me.) Agricultural Society, at St.
Albans Village, October .3 and 4.

Aroostook (Me.) Agricultural Society, at Holton,
October 3 and 4.

MILK-HOUSES.

Opinions have changed as to milk-houses. Some
years since, those made by a spring or cold brook, so
that cold water would constantly run around the
pans, were considered the best ; and those who had
not the advantages of a stream of cold water, chose a
cold part of the cellar, as the next most eligible
situation.

But experience shows that spring houses are too
damp, if not too cold, and the bottom of a cellar, if
neither too cold or damp, is generally without suffi-
cient ventilation ; and in a cellar there are generally
many substances injurious to milk, and if a room is
made in the cellar purposely for milk, it often com-
municates with other parts that are used for various
purposes.

We think that milk-rooms may be made above the
ground, or partially above it, so as to have a good
ventilation, and, of course, a pure air, and at the
same time be sufficiently cool. If no ice is to
be used to mitigate the extreme heat, it may be
necessary to have the bottom of the house a few feet
below the surface of the ground, or to have it con-
structed on a plan similar to that of an ice-house, in
part, excepting arranging it for thorough ventilation,
which is not necessary in ice-houses.

If a part of the cellar is used for a milk-room, it
should be in the driest part, and where the house is
most elevated, that there may be an opportunity for
windows well arranged for ventilation. In a close,
deep cellar, foul air settles to the bottom, which has
an unfavorable effect on milk and butter.

One important objection to cold, damp, and un-
vcntilated m-ilk-rooms, is their unhealthy condition
for those who attend to the milk, and to churning,
and working and packing butter in such rooms in
very hot weather.

We copy the following interesting article on this
subject from the Wool-Grower, an excellent paper,
recently started by Mr. Peters, of the Buffalo Wool
Depot.

" Experience had taught mo that the great diffi-
culty to be encountered in the manufacture of butter,
in warm weather particularly, is the preservation of
the milk after it is taken from the cow, until all the
cream can rise to the surface, be taken off and trans-
ferred to the churn in a perfect state. To obviate
this difficulty, after a consultation with my wife,
who, by the way, I must be allowed to puff a little ,

is aufait in all matters of this kind. We devised,
and caused to be constructed, a milk-house, on the
plan and of the dimensions following. Intending to
make butter for my own family use only, the ar-
rangements were to be, of course, upon a correspond-
ing scale.

" Now then, to a description of the building : —
" Frame, of joist and scantling, seven by ten feet ;
six and a half feet from floor to plate, covered with
inch pine stuff, planed and matched, painted on the
outside ; roof of the same. At each end, and near
to one side, a window, exactly opposite each other,
twenty inches wide, extending from the floor to the
bottom of the plate, covered with wire cloth suffi-
ciently fine to exclude flies, and painted to prevent
rust. In the front end a door, and in the rear end a
window exactly opposite, about twenty by thirty
inches, covered same as the other windows, and
placed sufficientl)' high from the floor to be on a level
with a stationary table, (one and a half inch plank,)
for the convenience of straining, skimming, working
out butter, &c. Six shelves on one side of the room,
ranged one above the other. These shelves are each
composed of two strips of pine stuff, one and a half
inches in diameter, and of the length of the room,
joined together at the ends and middle by cross
pieces framed in, leaving the longitudinal strips
about four inches apart. These shelves are supported
at the ends by strips nailed to the window-frames
inside, at suitable and equal distances, and at two
places between these points, by corresponding strips,
fastened at one end to a stud, and at the other to a
stanchion placed about twenty inches in front of the
stud, and secured at the top and bottom. This dis-
tance is necessary, that the shelves may slide back
and forth, as convenience in handling pans of milk
requires. In this way, but a small part of the bottom
of the pan is covered by the shelf, leaving a free
circulation of air, which comes in at the windows at
each extremity. The building is placed under a clus-
ter of fruit trees, which effectually shield it from the
rays of the sun during the heat of the day. A second
roof of rough boards, elevated, say two feet above
the top of the milk-house, and of sufficient dimen-
sions to cast a shade all around it, would doubtless
answer every purpose.

"I do not pretend to say that this is the very best
kind of milk-house that can be constructed, but it
is the best that we could devise, and with its results
we are perfectly satisfied. It answers admirably all
the purposes for which it was intended. The milk
keeps much longer before changing, giving an oppor-
tunity for all the cream to rise ; and during the
warmest weather in July and August, we are enabled
to make the choicest kind of butter, and, for aught I
can discover, as much in proportion to the quantity
of milk, as at any other time of the season. We
have the benefit of an ice-house in close proximity,
the contents of which I consider an indispensable
auxiliary in the manufacture of butter in warm
weather.

"Before the erection of this building, we had
tried in vain to make butter in warm weather. The
cellar was too damp, or too cold, or too something,
and the pantry too hot."

-♦

FENCE POSTS.

A practical farmer informs the Hartford Times,
that in taking up a fence that had been set fourteen
years, he noticed that some of the posts remained
nearly sound, while others were rotted ofl" at the
bottom. On looking for the cause, he found that
those posts that were set limb part down, or inverted
from the way they grew, were sound. Those that
were set as they grew, were rotted off. This fact is
worthy the attention of the farmers.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

291

WHEELER'S PATENT IMPROVED HORSE-PO¥ER THRESHER

AND SEPARATOR.

Considering the extensive use of this machine,
and the approval of numerous intelligent farmers
who have used it, and judging from its operation,
we regard it as the most popular and valuable thresh-
ing machine now in use. Its simplicity of construc-
tion commends it to the observer, on inspection !
and in operation it shows more distinctly its fitness
for its purpose, by the despatch of work and the
neatness with which it is executed.

Some advantages obtained by the farmer using and
owning these machines, are the follo%\'ing : —

1. It is very portable, simple, durable, and efficient,
and eqiially adapted for threshing all kinds of grain,
clover, and timothy seed.

2. Owing to its great simplicity of construction,
the friction is reduced, less power is required, as the
weight of the horses is sufficient, with an elevation
of twenty inches in ten feet, not causing injury to
horses, as in ordinary tread-powers. No driver is
needed, and fewer men are required to attend their
operation.

3. The expense of threshing is much reduced, and
all can be managed by the hands usually about a
farm, and in stormy weather can be operated inside
of barns, when laborers and teams can do little else
to advantage.

4. The farmer, having one of these machines, can
at all times take advantage of the markets, and obtain
the highest prices without extra expense, or being
dependent upon others for machines or assistance
— no small item in these days of fluctuating prices.

Three men, with a single power, can thresh sev-
enty-five to one hundred bushels of wheat or rye, or
four men, with a double power, one hundred and
seventy-five to two hundred and twenty-five bushels
of wheat or rye, or double that quantity of oats or
buckwheat, per day^ and with fanning mill attached
to the power, and one man to attend it, the grain
can be cleaned for market at the same time.

The price of a single power, with threshes, sep-
arator fixtures, bands for drivers, &c., is $125.

These machmes are manufactui'ed by Mr. H. L.
Emery, Albany, N. Y., and sold by Messrs. Ruggles,
Nourse, Mason, & Co., Quincy Hall, Boston.

WINTER WHEAT.

The first of September, 6r former part of this
month, is a favorable season for sowing this grain ;
and we hope that farmers in New England will make-
experiments in raising it, for we have no doubt that,
with hardy vaiieties, it will be a profitable crop.
Should it fail occasionallj% it may be no more uncer-
tain than other crops. The crop is sometimes cut
off in those states that furnish New England with
large quantities of flour. The Hessian fly, the
wheat worm, and the rust prevail, sometimes, in all
sections, and wheat is liable to be winterkilled in al-
most all parts of the country. Then why should we
be discouraged under the many disadvantages under
which other farmers sustain themselves, and supply
us with flour, and feed, sometimes, many millions
in Europe ?

Good crops of the White Flint winter wheat have
been raised in*Andover, Haverhill, Attleboro', and
in other towns. Mr. S. M. Stanley, of Attleboro', a
verj' intelligent and economical farmer, has succeeded
well with this grain. Mr. Henry Poor, of Andover,
has raised large crops of it. Though a merchant ia
this citjs he shows commendable zeal and intelli-
gence on this subject, that ought to wake up the
farmers, and induce them to try the experiment.

Hon. Rufus M'Intire, of Parsonsfield, Me., has
succeeded well with the Blue Stem winter wheat.
A good crop of wheat is very profitable, as it requires
but very little labor. With a good soil and favora-
ble climate for wheat, why should New England
depend on other parts of the country for the staff
of life?

We have in our office a fine specimen of the
White Flint wheat, raised by Mr. Poor, and in an
adjoining room may be seen a specimen in the straw,
which is an evidence of its large growth.

•This wheat is cultivated very extensively in the
state of New York, and in some other sections of
the country, and it is regarded as one of the very beat
varieties, both in quality and in its habits of hardiness,
production, &c. We hope that farmers will pay more
attention to this subject, and endeavor to raise wheat
enough in this section for at least our own supply.

292

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New Engkind Farmer.
FRUIT GARDEN, STRAWBERRY, &c.

Mr. Editor : After so much has been said and
done by horticulturists, to induce farmers to turn
their attention a little more to the cultivation of the
various garden fruits, it is surprising that any farmer
should neglect their cultivation, and be willing to
deny his family the luxuries which a garden and
fruit-yard furnish. A farmer to be a good " liver "
in these days, must furnish his wife with various
garden fruits and vegetables, if he expects her to
prepare him a good dinner. He must set out a few
of the best kinds of cherry-trees, if he expects his
wife to furnish his table with a cherry-pudding now
and then, and he must not complain if she sets before
him a poor dinner if he does not furnish her with
the means for a better. Quince, gooseberry, currant,
peach, and plum, make excellent preserves ; and no
doubt hut every farmer's wife would be delighted to
set them on the table, if her husband would furnish
her with the " wherewith."

The strawberry is one of the many kinds of fruits
that seem most indispensable. It is a most deli-
cious dessert fruit, and is said to contain many medi-
cal virtues. In putrid' fevers and pulmonary com-
plaints it is said to be a valuable medicine.

Strawberry jam is excellent, and no farmer's wife
should consider her tea-table complete unless she has
upon it, among other good things, this delicious
preserve.

But while we insist that the good housewife should
furnish her table with this delicious fruit, we would
not compel her daughters to ramble about the fields,
as in days of " yore," in their sun-bonnets, with bas-
ket in hand, in pursuit of the strawbeiTy, but we
would have every farmer devote a small portion of
his garden and time to their cultivation. Ej' a little
labor. a full supply may be had through the season.
The strawberry is easily cultivated, and many varie-
ties have been produced, some of great excellence.
An open situation, and a rich, loamy soil, is required
for most varieties. The row culture is most conve-
nient, and frequent renewal insures vigorous plants
and large fruit. I have not time at present to say
all that is necessary to be said about the cultivation,
variety, &c., of this excellent fruit ; but would advise
every farmer to purchase the American Fruit
Book, and commence on a fruit garden without
delay, and I will be bound to say that in iive years'
time he would not part with his garden for five times
the amount of capital expended upon it.

KOCKINGHAM.

Editorial Remarks. — Notwithstanding the great
attention paid to fruits, which has been stated to
amount almost to a matiia, yet not one farmer in five
has a good assortment of fruits, or but very little
besides apples, and frequently they are not of a choice
collection. We can assure them that, if they will go
into the general culture of various kinds of fruit,
which will not be expensive, that their helpmates
will furnish their tables with numea'ous excellent
dishes, that will make a great improvement in their
diet, both as to health and ])alatableness, and save no
small expense for meats, butter, &c.

For the New England Farmer.

ANALYSIS OF SOILS, &c.

Friend Cole : Since I have had the pleasure of
reading the Farmer, I have noticed frequent allu-
sions in its columns to the chemical analysis of soils.

in order to ascertain what is needed to produce any-
kind of vegetable, grass, or grain. From faint recol-
lections of chemical principles, learned in schoolboy
days, I believe this object can be attained by every
one.

The question often comes into my mind, Is this
subject not of great importance to the "farmer ? Does
it not often occur that lift}- dollars worth of muck
and manure are expended upon a single acre of land,
and yet but a light crop is obtained? And ^\h3-r
Because tlie nature of the soil is not understood.
What chfcmist will inform the farmers, through the
columns of the Farmer, how we shall be able to
decide what manures different kinds of soil demand
for different crojM ?

Thine with respect,

Z. BREED.

Weare, N. H., 8th, 13th, '49.

Editorial Remarks. — We hope that some of our
correspondents will throw light upon the subject of
friend Breed's inquiry. It often happens that the
farmer can obtain some kinds of manure much easier
than others, and it is important for him to know
whether the cheap kind is well adapted to the pur-
pose of improving his soil. Perhaps lime can be
very conveniently obtained ; how important, then, to
know where the land is deficient of this ingredient,
or whether there is anvimple supply, and all labor in
applying this material would be lost.

Again, a farmer has various kinds of manure, as
animal, vegetable, and mineral ; and subdivisions of
these general kinds, as marl, cla}', lime, plaster, bone,
horn, ashes, soot, urine, salt, ley, soap-suds, sink-
water, &c. &c. He also has various kinds of soil, and
wishes to raise a A^ariety of crops. How great is the
skill required, in order to adapt the manure to the
soil, and the crop to the soil and manure. Verily,
great skill both in science and practice is necessary
to enable the cultivator to go through all the various
operations of his profession in the most judicious
manner, in order to get the greatest amount of pro-
duce from the labor and manure expended.

The numerous facts, so necessary for successful
farming can be learned only from practice, observa-
tion, reading, and reflection ; and the obtaining of
such information is a gradual work — a work of time.
If it was all poured into the mind at once, it could
not retain it.

For the Netv England Farmer.

MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT-TREES IN THE
NURSERY.

Friend Cole : Would not more care in the man-
agement of fruit-trees in the nursery than is gener-
ailv taken, result in the benefit of the purchaser, on
account of their being more healthy, and of better
constitution ?

Careful observation has induced me to believe that
it would well pay for the trouble of applying cement
to the stock when cut off, after budding, which
would preserve the wood in a sound condition until
cut close to the bud the succeeding year, when the
same protection should be applied.

Shellac, put on with a brush, is a trifling expense.
I have often observed, in cutting to the bud, when
not protected, that the wood was in a state of decay,
and in some instances had extended some inches
below the bud, which occm'rence I never observed

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

293

■where the stock was protected. The remark is often
heard that fruit-trees which have been changed by
budding or grafting are not so healthy and long-lived
as those which are not. I am of the opinion there is
some truth in the remark ; yet when the operations
are performed so as foi*^ reunion to be effected with-
out any appearance of decay, I apprehend the differ-
ence would be less than is the case in genexal.

i). TABOR.
Vassalboro', Me., 6th mo., 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — We think that it would be
profitable to apply something to the protection of the
stock, when cut after budding, particularly to cherry
stocks and others very liable to decay. In apples
and pears, decay is not so common. Shellac, dis-
solved in alcohol, is excellent for this purpose, and it
may be applied rapidly. Gutta percha, dissolved in
chloroform, to the consistence of thick molasses, is a
new article for this purpose, introduced to notice by
Dr. E. Sanborn, of Andover, which promises to be
very useful.

As budded stocks are cut off in- spring, they are
very liable to decay, as that is the most unfavorable
of all seasons for pruning trees, or cutting them in
any way. Yet the stocks must be cut in spring, as
it cannot be ascertained, till that season, what buds
will be good.

In cutting the stock down to the bud, we prefer
doing it in August, generally ; sometimes late in
July or early in September ; which is the most favor-
able season for pruning or cutting trees, as the wood
will generally season and remain sound. But if
cutting the stock down to the M^ood be deferred till
the next spring, it would be best to apply some com-
position to exclude the rain and hot sun.

It is a well- established fact that trees budded or
grafted are not so hardy, or long-lived, and generally
not so large, as natural trees. One cause of these
imperfections is that suggested by fi-iend Tabor ;
another cause is the dissimilarity between the stock
and scion. One may be early, the other late ; one a
rapid and the other a slow grower ; and there may
be various other differences. In some cases the tex-
ture of the wood varies materially. That the stock
affects not only the scion, but the fruit of the scion,
is abundantly proved by practice. Some say this is
contrary to science ; but as science is a system of
truths established by experience, science and prac-
tice are the same.

PURCHASE OF HORSES.

Nothing requires more caution than the purchase
of horses ; and we give the following hints, which
are extracted from the excellent volume " On
Horses," published by the Society for the Diffusion
of Useful Knowledge : —

" In the purchase of a horse, the buyer usually
receives, imbodied in the receijjt, what is termed a
warranty. It should be expressed thus : ' Received
of A. B. forty pounds for a gray mare, warranted
only five years old, free from vice and quiet to ride
or drive.' It is important to observe that the age,
freedom from vice, and quietness to ride or drive,
should be mentioned, because warranty as to sound-
ness alone does not include these. Many disputes
have arisen as to what ought to be termed sound or
unsound. A horse is sound in whom there is no

disease, nor any alteration of structure which im-
pairs his natural usefulness ; and he is unsound if he
labors under any disease, or had any accident that
has impaired his natural usefulness by an alteration
of the structure of any part of his body. The term
unsoundness does not apply to any original detect
in the temper of the horse, or any deficiency in the
strength and powers of the animal. The principal
circumstances which constitute unsoundness, be-
sides the great number of actual diseases, are broken
knees, which may indicate a stumbler, though not
always ; for any horse may meet with an accident,
and the knee may now be quite well, though it re-
quires great judgment to distinguish in this case.
Contra'?tion of the foot is sometimes, but not always,
unsoundness ; for it is occasionally natural, and not
a fault. The following defects are considered to
indicate unsoundness : Lameness, through any cause ;
pumicid foot; sand- crack ; spavin; splent ; thick-
ening of the back sinews of the leg ; thrush ; ossifi-
cation of the cartilages of the foot ; defects or dis-
eases of the eyes ; coughs, roarings, broken wind, or
any defects of the lungs ; quidding, or imperfect
mastication ; cribbiting ; biting ; kicking ; restiveness.

" In order to complete the purchase, there must
be a transfer of the animal, or a memorandum of
agreement, or the payment of earnest-money ; the
least sum will suffice for eai-nest. No verbal promise
to buy or sell is binding without one of these ; and
the moment either of these is effected, the legal
transfer of propertj' or delivery is made ; and what-
ever may happen to the horse, the seller retains or is
entitled to the money. If the purchaser exercises
any act of ownership by using the animal witJiout
leave of the vender, or by having any operation per-
formed or done to him, or medicine given, he makes
him his own. The warranty of a servant is consid-
ered to be binding on the master.

" A man should have a more jjerfect knowledge
of horses than falls to the lot of most persons, and a
perfect knowledge of the vender, too, who ventures
to buy a horse without a Avarranty. Where there is
no warranty, and a defect is discovered after pur-
chase, an action may be brought on the ground of
fraud ; but this is difficult to be maintained, for it is
necessary to prove that the dealer knew the defect,
and that the purchaser was deceived by his false
representation. If the defect was evident, the pur-
chaser has no remedy — he should have taken more
care ; but if a warranty was given, it extends to all
unsoundness, palpable or concealed. Although a
person should ignorantly or carelessly buy a blind
horse, warranted sound, he may return it ; the war-
ranty is his guard, and prevents him. from so closely
examining the horse as he otherwise would have
done : but if he buys a blind horse, thinking him to
be sound, and without a warranty, he has no rem-
edy. The law supposes every one to exercise com-
mon circumspection and common sense. If the
horse should be afterward discovered to be unsound
at the time of the sale \\hen the warranty was given,
the buyer may return it and recover the price ; but
this proof is requisite ; coughing on the following
morning will not be sufficient, except the horse was
heard to cough previous to the purchase, for the
horse might have caught cold by change of stable.
Although not compelled to give notice to the seller
of the discovered unsoundness, it will be better for it
to be done. The animal should then be tendered at
the house or stable of the vender. Should the latter
refuse to receive him, he may be sent to a livery-
stable ; for, in case of action, the expense will be
recovered with the price ; and it will be prudent for
the buyer to refrain from any medical treatment. K
a person buys a horse, warranted sound, and dis-
covering no defect in hira, and relying on the war-
ranty, re-sells him, and the unsoundness is discov-
ered by the second purchaser and the horse returned

294

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

to the first purchaser, or an action commenced against
him, he has his claim on the first seller, and may
demand of him not only the price of the horse, or
the difference in value, but every expense that may
have been incurred. AVhen an action is brought, the
lawsuit is usvially very intricate ; a fair trial of the
horse is allowed, and a certain tinie specified : but it
is not always easy to ascertain whether the fault lies
with the horse or his rider, and sometimes the dealer,
as well as the buyer, is hardly used. If the horse is
detained after the specified time of trial, he is sup-
posed to be sold.

" In London, and in most great tov.nrs, there are
repositories for the periodical sale of horses by auc-
tion. They are of great convenience to the seller,
who can at once get rid of a horse with which he
wishes to part, without waiting month after month
before he obtains a purchaser, and who is relieved
from the fear of having the horse returned on ac-
count of breach of the warranty ; because in these
places only two days are allowed for the trial, and,
if the horse is not returned within that period, he
cannot be returned afterward. They are also ct)n-
venient to the purchaser, who can thus find a horse
that will suit him, and by which, from this restric-
tion as to the returning the animal, he may, perhaps,
obtain twenty or thirty per cent, below the dealer's
prices. But although an auction may seem to offer
a fair open competition, there is no place at Avhich it
is more necessary for a person not much accustomed
to horses to take with him an experienced friend,
heedless of the observations or manoeuvres of the
bystanders, the exaggerated commendations of som'e
horses, and the thousand faults found with others.
There are always numerous groups of low dealers,
copers and chanters, whose business it is to delude
and deceive."

TOLLS ON MANURES-

Much would be added to the wealth of our coun-
try if turni)ik.e companies would permit manures to
pass over their roads Avithout the payment of toll ;
and when the transportation of increased production
is taken into account, the companies themselves
would be the gainers by the reform. Every induce-
ment should be offered to farmers calculated to make
a market for the refuse of factories, &c., which are
now lost, but might be rendered productive of real
wealth to the country, if brought into use. Untold
amounts of waste at the salt works of our state,
would be used as manures, if the canal toll on this
article, when required as manure, could be lessened
80 as to deliver the dirty or unmerchantable salt
along the line of the Hudson River. The English
farmers pay neither tolls nor duty on salt for agricul-
tural purposes, and the wealth of the nation has in
Consequence been permanently increased to a much
larger amount than all the duties ever collected on
salt, under the old law. One hundred thousand
dollars worth of dirty salt could be sold annually at
the city of New York for twelve and a half cents
per bushel, which is now wasted for want of a prac-
ticable market, and the increased annual product
in vegetable results, would be many times that
amount. — Worldng Farmer.

DO WELL WHAT YOU ATTEMPT.

Thoroughness with the agriculturist as well as
with the student, is the only true rule. Although
perfection is to be expected but rarely, yet it shoirid
be our constant endeavor to approximate the grand
point of ultimate and radical completeness, and bv
every successive step in our progress to render that
point less difficult and less remote. Carelessness,

when it attains the inveteracy of a confirmed habit,
hke any other evil, grasps us with a controlling force,

— its power and intensity of deteriorating and ren-
dering a bad and conderanable practice worse, in-
creasing in proportion as it is indulged. In farming,
every step taken, every act accomplished in the rou-
tine, is to be contemplated as a beginning. We must
plough before we plant ; and avc must weed before
we harvest ; and the weeding of one crop, and its re-
moval from the field, is a labor preparatory to the
production and maturation of unnumbered crops
which, in succession, are to spring from the same
soil, and remunerate, in distant futurity, it may be,
the laborer for his annual toil.

In the cultivation of arable lands devoted to
weeded crops, how essential is this principle of
thoroughness, and strikingly is its necessity dis-
played ! Weeds, especially those of indigenous
kinds, are gross feeders, taking from the nutritive
properties of the soil a far greater per cent, in pro-
portion to their bulk, than the most exhausting
cultivated crops ; yet weeds abound ; they fiaunt
and luxuriate and multiply, annually, in almost
every field. It was not many years since, that the
" Canada Thistle " was introduced into the gardens
of New England as an ornamental production! It
was cherished and stimulated and admii-ed till, wax-
ing mighty, it sent forth its pestiferous germs from
the garden and the parterre to the fields, the pas-
tures and the road-sides, and, finally, like plagues of
Egypt, overran and devoured, literally in one sense,

— and a most emphatic one, — " the fatness of the
land."

A few seeds of the dock are dropped, fortuitoiisly,
in some untilled corner, or out of the way place, and
produce plants : yet the owner of the soil sees no
imperative necessity for immediately destroying
them ; they stand not in his way at present. But
the time will come, should he live, when their power
will be felt. The progeny of evil multiplies rapidly ;
and, in due time, the soil all around will be infested
and overrun, till what might have been effected by a
single stroke of the hoe, demands, for its completion,
the labor of many years, of many anxious hours and
painful toils.

In draining and enclosing lands, it is too often
that the operator consults present convenience rather
than future profit ; all the details are imperfectly de-
signed and arranged; nothing is thorough or sub-
stantial. Instead of going to work in the right way,
and expending his money to the best advantage, by
investing every dollar in a permanent " improve-
ment," he expends often a large part of his immedi-
ately available resources in the construction of mere
" gossamer work " — drains that answer no purpose
of practical utility, and fences that a twelvemonth
will prostrate, or the feeblest zephyr destroy. Such
conduct becomes not the liberal-minded and enlight-
ened farmer ; it is a part of the " penny wise and
pound foolish policy," which, by every judicious
person who rightly appreciates his true interests, will
be rejected and despised. Young beginners, and
those who are ambitious of making a great display
with circumscribed means, are too often cajoled into
its adoption ; but a few years' experience will be
generally sufficient to correct the evil; its burdens
and entailments of tod and expense prove, com-
monly, an " open sesame " to the proper course, and
their practice is corrected and reformed. In manur-
ing lands, also, we should look more to distant re-
sults than to present profits. A piece of soil, thor-
oughly enriched, is a lasting treasure. Like a de-
posit in a solvent bank, it pays annual dividends, and
by a judicious course of management will improve
rather than deteriorate for years. In this depart-
ment of farming, more than in any other, probably,
the beneficial effects of thoroughness are convin-
cingly displayed. — Germanlown Telegraph.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

295

TO DESTROY THE APHIS ON ROSE-
TREES OUT OF DOORS.

In the Ladies' Companion to the Flower -Garden,
under the article of Aphis, Mrs. Louden advises to
make a decoction of quassia, in the proportion of an
ounce of chip to a pint of water, and dip the infected
branches of roses into it. This cannot be done on a
large scale ; but I have found the use of the decoc-
tion so valuable, that it ought to be more generally
known. My mode of using it is as follows :

Having made in the outset a small quantity in the
above proportions, and tested it as a guide for my
future use, I now make from two to three gallons at
a time in a large iron boiler. When cold, on a line
day, throw it on your rose-bushes by means of a
garden syringe, taking care to wet the under as well
as the upper surface of the leaves. Li two days'
time, you Avill see thousands of the insects adhering
to the leaves, but quite dead. Then syringe the
bushes with i^lain water, using considerable force, to
wash off the dead aphides. You will no doubt ob-
serve many still living, as it is almost impossible to
wet them at one operation. Repeat the syringing
with the decoction, and afterwards Avith the water.

Rose- Garden, by Wm. Paul.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — In our en-
deavors to destroy insects, or prevent their depreda-
tions, it is important to learn Avhat substances are
most destructive or offensive to them. In some case^,
corrosive substances are used with success, as potash
water for lice in the bark of apple-trees. Again, a
substance of this nature Avould sooner kill the tree
than the insects that prey uijon it.

We prepared a very strong solution of potash,
probably too strong for washing the trunks of trees.
We put rose bugs in it, carried them eight or ten
rods, and then took them out. They Avere kept in a
glass, and appeared well the next day. We then
diluted the potash water, by adding as much more
water, and applied it to the foliage of various trees
and vegetables, and it killed every leaf it touched.
This showed that some offensive substance, such as
whale oil soap, tobacco, quassia, aloes, &c., must be
used, rather than corrosives. Insects breathe tlirough
lateral pores, and oily substances close these pores
and kill them.

Wc present for consideration the nature of the
substance best adapted to the destruction of each
species of insect that preys on our herbage ; whether
it should be corrosive, or offensive, or oily. Oily
substances may be used in connection with an alkali,
forming a saponaceous compound. Some offensive
substances will only drive insect* from one plant to
another ; others, as tobacco liquor, may destroy them
by strangulation.

' MUSIC OF INSECTS.

A sound like the humming of bees is often heard
in lonely, rural retreats, among mossy dells and leafy
solitudes ; the poet hoard this music of the groves as
he penned the following coujjlet : —

'; Not undelightful is the ceaseless hum,
To him who, musing, walks at noon."

Sounds like the humming of bees are frequently
heard, though not a single insect is to be seen. The
existence of these diminutive creatures — who only

appear in the evening — is said to terminate be-
fore the dawn of day : though short, it is a life of
incessant pleasure. By naturalists they arc now
classed as coral flies, who congregate in millions, as
Gardner suj^poses, for the pleasures of music and the
dance.

It is related of Beethoven that those imitative
sounds in his celebrated Pastoral Symphony were
caught from nature ; that he employed the violin, in
that extraordinarj' composition, to represent the soft,
fluttering stir of the insects, — the hum in a noon-
tide warmth of a summer's day. He used to sit
upon a stile in the environs of Vienna, a lovely, se-
questered spot, and listen to the ceaseless sound of
unnumbered winged insects dancing in the air.

Plutarch tells us that when Terpander was playing
upon the lyre, at the Olympic games, and had enrap-
tured his audience to the highest pitch of enthu-
siasm, a string of his lyre broke, and a grasshopper
immediately perched on the bridge, and by its voice
supplied the loss of the string, and saved the fame
of the musician.

The Athenians kept those delicate creatures in
cages for the sake of their song, and called them the
nightingales of the nymphs. As in the case of birds,
the males oulv sing.

PLEASURES DERIVED FROM THE CULTI-
VATION OF FIELDS AND GARDENS.

The cultivation of fields and gardens is one of the
most delightful of all occupations, and perhaps the
only one the toil of which is recompensed with much
pleasure. The greater part of laborious employments
confine man to his shop, or v.'ithin his house ; whil-it
he who devotes himself to agricultural pursuits
always breathes a pure au', and enjoys continually
the grand spectacle of nature. The azure sky is his
canopy, and the earth, embroidered with flowers, his
carpet. Far removed from the murky atmosphere
of towns, a thousand beautiful objects present them-
selves to his view, and he need never want a pure
spring of delight or real banquet of pleasure. Soon
as the first rays of morning beam light on the earth,
he rises with the lark, and hastes away to his fields,
brushing, as he passes, the giisteiy-ng dew-drops, and
inhaling the fresh air, sweeter than the rose's per-
fume.

The joyful songs of the birds gladden the skies,
and the)^ express their loves in a thousand sportive
sallies. Their sweet carols mark the pleasure they
feel in the new day, and the full chorus swells with
the praises of the God of nature, whose blessings
they again receive in the returning influence of the
sun, in their food, and in the sweet attractions of
love and gayety. And s-urcly, no heart can remain
unmoved amid this scene of joy and festivity ; nor
can the mind contemplate a more august spectacle
than the perfection of God in the grandeur of his
designs and the beauty of his works.

What contributes to render agriculture and gar-
dening more particularly pleasing is the constant
variety and succession of objects always presented
to us, which relieve the wearisomeness of continued
uniformity and undeviating sameness. We contin-
ually observe a vast variety of plants, fruits, herbs,
and trees grow up under our auspices, and assuming
every diversity of appearance. Nature leads her
followers through a thousand flowery paths, ever
diversified by new changes and fresh delight. One
while we see plants just peeping above the ground,
at another those which have arisen and are fuUj
developed, and others which are in full bloom.
Whichever way we direct our views, we sec new
beauties. The heavens above and the earth beneath
con'tain exhaustless treasui-es and boundless delights.

296

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Let those who arc from necessity confined within
the walls of cities sometimes emerge from their
smoky atmosphere and respire a purer air in the
country, where their hearts may bo rejoiced with a
pure and innocent pleasure, and their souls rise up
to heaven in aspirations of praise and gratitude to
the Author of every blessing. — Selected.

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE.

The time has gone by, when Agricultural vScience
was a subject of derision or neglect by practical
fanners. Every one must rejoice to see the rapid
advance which it is making in the United States.
Its greatest triumphs have been hitherto in the old
world, and especially in England, where it has made
a garden spot of the whole island, and enabled a
mere speck on the surface of the waters to support
an immense population. But even in our own coun-
try it has achieved its victories, for our farmers are
every day paying more attention to the pi-inciples on
which it devolves, and ap]ilying them with great
Buccess in their cultivation of the soil. This is par-
ticularly observable in some of the worn-out lands
of our own state, which have been made to renew
their youth, and though at one time as poor as Job
in his lowest estate, yet it may now be said of them,
as it was of the afflicted patriarch, that their " latter
end is better than their beginning." "SVe have the
authority of one of the wisest practical fai'mers of
the state for the opinion, that Virginia, by the ad-
vantages afforded by practical agricultural science
and the enlightened and persevering employment
of them, is destined not only to repair her waste
places, but make them equal in fertility and beauty
to the virgin regions of the Western States. — Rich.
{Va.) Bepub.

RAINY DAYS.

How much time is thrown away by some farmers
when the weather will not permit them to work out
doors ! And how well this time might be improved !
There are many days and hours of wet weather in a
year, in which it is impossible to do any work on the
farm ; and when these are lost, as they are to many
farmers of my acquaintance, they amount to a con-
Bideralile sum. " Time is money," as my grandfather
used to saj'; and further, "Take care of the pence,
and the pounds will take care of themselves."

Now, if this is good advice in money matters, it
will surely apply to economy in time, to those hours
and half days when the rain drives us under cover.

Well, how are these hours to be best improved?
I will tell you, my brother farmers. Get yourselves
a set of carpenter's tools, and make a work-bench ;
and if you can plane a board and drive a nail, you
will find enough to occupy all your spare time.

The tools will cost but five or six dollars — such
as are most necessary ; and then you will be able to
keep your out-buildings, fences, and manj^ of your
farming implements in good repair. If your barn or
stable doors break down, mend it immediately the
first rainy day. If a board is loose, put a nail in it
or replace it. If j'ou want any plain, useful kitchen
furniture, such as pine tables, benches, &c., take
those occasions. But it is unnecessary to multiply
the things that might be made or repaired in such
times. Every farmer that looks around him (if he is
not in the habit of so doing) will find the wood work
on his place lamentably out of repair.

Besides, every farmer should accustom himself to
the use of tools. When he wants a small job done,
it wa-tes as much time often ns it is worth, to go
several miles after a carpenter. I know some farmers
who have not a hatchet, di-awing-knife, auger, plane.

or work-bench about thcii- place. The consequence
is, their jobs and repairs generally oo undone, and
they have nothing to do half their time in rainy
weather. Is this economy ? Yet such men will
carry their grain five miles farther to a market
where they can get two cents more on a bushel. —
Genesee Farmer.

TO DRY A COW OF HER MILK.

Circumstances render it necessary to stop the lac-
tescent action in cows ; and when this occurs, all
that is absolutelji required is to make a liquor by
pouring into a fresh rennet bag two quarts of pure
well, spring, or rain water; reduce the quantity of
the liquid, by boiling briskly, to about one quart, and
strain it. Then let it cool to a lukewarm tempera-
ture, and give it as a drink to the cow. In forty-
eight hours she will be dry. For some days, her
food should be dry and unsucculent, no water being
allowed. — Selected.

AMERICAN BUTTER.

Considerable shipments of buttei-, mostly of inferior
quality, have been made this season from this port,
and also from New York, to England. In referring
to a public sale of some of this butter, the London
Commercial Journal of March 27th says : —

" At a public sale of American butter at Liverpool,
it fetched for best sorts, [one hundred and t\\clve
pounds,] eighty-four shilliTigs ; seconds, seventy-two
to seventy-four shillings, duty paid ; while inferior
only sold at forty- three shillings to forty-four' shil-
lings in bond, of which the parcel chiefly consisted.
The quantity arrived at the London market shows
the same results, the principal part being sold for
grease purposes. The American makers of butter
are very far behind the Irish, English, or Dutch :
from the first operation to the last, all seems to be
done without system or care ; the same materials
would, if managed by experienced hands, fetch in
this market twenty-five shillings or thirty shillings
more money : there is no attention paid to the
making, salting, putting, or packing.

Extract from a Letter.

"As it is probable that American butter and lard
will in future seek a market in Great Britain for the
surplus product, it may be well that the farmers and
others should know that their interest will be to
take more care in making these articles. Nothing
can be superior to the rich flavor of the Ohio and
other western butter, fed on prairie and other rich
soils in the autumn, but even a moderately short
voyage, or the approach of spi'ing, changes the char-
acter of it into a white and rancid grease ; the evil
seems to be, that the buttcrm.ilk is not worked out,
neither is it properly salted. The best American
butter, imported this year, has sold not higher than
eighty-five shillings, while the best from the conti-
nent has fetched one hundred and leu to one hun-
dred and fifteen shillings. The latter will keep for
years." — N. Y. Ship, and Com. List.

HORSES.

Flies are a great trouble to horses at this season.
They Avill eat all the skin off the inside of their ears,
and "then feed upon the flesh, prod\icing a great deal
of pain and uneasiness. This evil may be prevented
by rubbing upon the inside of their ears a little
grease or oil, which should be repeated occasionally.
Every merciful man who has a horse, will be "mer-
ciful to his beast," and prevent this injury.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER

297

THE APPLE-WORM IN DIFFERENT STA'GES.

a. The young larva or worm in a small apple.
h. The full-grown worm, usual size.

c. The same greatly magnified.

d. The cocoon.

e. The pupa or chrysalis state.

f. The perfect insect, usual size.

g. The same greatly magnified.

h i. The passage of the worm in the fruit
j. The larva or worm in the apple.
k. The place of egress.

The apple-worm, or codling-moth, (corpocaiisa po-
moneUa) is a foreign production, and has been intro-
duced into this countrj- doubtless in packages of
fruit trees. It is very numerous on the seaboard,
and it has become common in the interior of New
England and the Middle States, and it will probably
spread all over the country.

Dr. Harris, author of that invaluable work, The
Insects of Massachusetts, describes the parent of
the apple-worm as a beautiful moth ; the head and
thorax brown mingled with gray ; the four wings
look like watered silk ; the hind wings and abdomen
are light and yellowish-brown. Its wings expand
three fourths of an inch. A distinguishing mark in
this insect is a large, oval, brown spot, edged with
copper color, on the hinder m.argin of each of the
fore wings.

The body of the j^oung insect is of a whitish color,
its head black. As it grows older, its body becomes
flesh-colored, its head brown.

In the latter part of June and in July, these moths
fly about apple-trees in the evening, and lay their
eggs in the eye of the apple, sometimes in summer
pears, preferring early to late fruits ; the eggs hatch
in a few days, and the young worms burrow in the
apple, making their waj', gradually, to the core of
the apple. In three or four weeks, it conies to its
full size, having burrowed to the core, and through
different parts of the apple.

The injury from the worm produces a premature
ripening of the fruit, which falls, and the insect, in a
few days, makes his escape at an opening that has
been used for the ejection of its excrements. On
leaving the apples, the worms crawl into the chinks

in the bark of trees, or other sheltered places, which,
they hollow out with their teeth. Here each spins
a cocoon, or silken case, as fine and Avhite as tissue
paper. Some of the worms change to chrysalids,
and in a few days more turn to moths, come out, and
lay their eggs for a second generation of worms in
the fall.

The apple-worm is very destructive, generally ;
and in a year of scarcity, like the present, they injure
nearly all the fruit.

As a remedy, let small animals run in the orchard
and eat all the fruit as it falls ; or pick up all fallen
fruit, every day, and cook it for swine, or in sonae
way destroy the worms contained in it. If old cloths
be hung around the crotches of trees, the worms
will take shelter therein, and may be destroyed. By
carefully scraping off the loose bark of apple-trees in
the spring, many chrysalids Avill be destroyed.

POTATO RUST.

The potato rust has made its appearance in this
quarter to a small extent. But from present appear-
ances, it is thought it will not injure the crop mate-
rially ; but it is hardly time to know how injurious
it may prove. If the potato crop should be cut off
this year, the hay crop being already reduced one
half by the drought, there will be more suffering
from destitution in this county, and in the Province
of New Brunswick, than has been experienced for
forty years past. — Calais Advertiser.

APPLES AS AN ARTICLE OF HUMAN
FOOD.

The importance of apples, as food, has not hitherto
been sufficiently estimated in this country, nor un-
derstood. Besides contributing a large portion of
sugar, mucilage, and other nutritive matter, in the
form of food, they contain such a fine combination
of vegetable acids, abstractive substances, and aro-
matic principles, with the nutritive matter, as to act
powerfully in the capacity of refrigerants, tonics, and
antiseptics ; and when freely used at the season of
ripeness, by rirral laborers and others, they prevent
debility, strengthen digestion, correct the putrefac-
tive tendencies of nitrogenous food, avert scvirvy,

298

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

and probably maintain and strengthen the powers
of productive labor."

The operators of Cornwall, in England, consider
ripe apples nearly as nourishing as bread, and more^
80 than potatoes. In the year 1801, a year of scarcity,
apples, instead of being converted into cider, were
sold to the poor ; and the laborers asserted that they
could stand their work on baked apples, without
meat ; whereas, a potato diet required either meat
or fish.

The French and Germans use apples extensively ;
indeed, ft is rare that they sit down, in the rural
districts, without them in some shape or other, even
at the best tables. The laborers and mechanics de-
pend on them, to a very great extent, as an article
of food, and frequently dine on sliced apples and
bread. Stewed with rice, red cabbage, carrots, or by
themselves, with a little sugar and milk, they make
both a pleasant and nutritious dish. — American
Agriculturist.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Fabmer. — Apples
are not only a valuable article as nutritious food,
but in various preparations they are a luxury, ren-
dering many dishes far more palatable, and if they
sharpen the appetite, and induce the thoughtless to
indulge rather freely in luxuries, they are not liable
to injure the system like dishes of rich or concen-
trated food. They are not only harmless alone, and
when compounded with other materials for food,
but they are in almost all preparations highly con-
ducive to health.

FRUIT TREES BY THE ROADSIDE.

The practice of setting out fruit trees by tlie road-
side cannot be too highly recommended. In many
parts of Europe this practice is general, and the
fatigued traveller acknowledges the well-timed hos-
pitaUty thus afforded him. The excuse is often
made that the fruit will be stolen ; but if the practice
were general, the amount of fruit taken by wayfarers
would only be what common hospitality would freely
grant ; and in Germany every third tree, by cu.stom,
may be tabooed, (the owner of the adjoining farm ties
a piece of rag to one of the lower linibs of the tree,)
and no traveller will touch it. Travellers inform us
that no reward will tempt a German stage-driver to
regale his passengers with fruit from a marked tree
— two out of three thus being left for their use, if
desired, renders the selected tree free from the
chance of being used. The amount of fertilizing
materials continually wasted upon roads would be
rendered available by such a practice, and nothing
but extreme seltishncss will prevent the use of these
materials for public benefit. Many of the larger
sorts of fruit trees are highly ornamental and afford
fine shade, while the use of fruit trees alone for
shade, like the display of costly mansions, only ex-
cite the poor to envy, Viithout adding materially to
their comfort or health. — Working Farmer.

ADVANTAGES OF TREES.

Cattle thrive much better in fields even but mod-
erately sheltered with trees than they do in an open
exposed country. An Italian (Gautieri) has enu-
merated and illustrated the advantages in point of
climate which tracts of country derive from woods
and forests. "These," he says, "are arresting the
progress of impetuous and dangerous winds ; main-
tainuig the temperature of the air ; regulating the
seasons ; lessening intense cold ; opposing the forma-
tion and increase of ice ; moderating intense heats ;
producing abundance of water in the rivers ; dis-

charging T.he electricity of the atmosphere ; opposing
a barrier to washing away or undermining banks ;
preserving from inundations ; preserving the soil on
hills and mountains." — tSclected.

FEEDING CATTLE.

An English writer observes that two great points
in feeding cattle are regularity and a particular care
of the weaker individuals. On this last account
there ought to be plenty of trough or rack-room, that
too many may not feed together ; in which very
common ca^c the weaker are not only trampled down
by the stronger, but they are worried and become
cowed and spiritless; than whi'.-h there cannot be a
more unfavorable state for thrift ; besides, these are
ever comjiellcd to shift with the worst of the fodder.
This domineering spirit is so remarkably prevalent
among horned cattle, that the writer has a hundred
times observed the master-beasts running from crib
to crib, and absolutelf neglecting their own proven-
der for the sake of driving the inferior from theirs.
This is, much oftener than suspected, the chief reason
of that difference in a lot of beasts, after a winter's
keep. It is likewise, he says, a very common and
very shameful sight, in a dairy of cows, to see several
of them gored and wounded in a dozen places, merely
from the inattention of the owner, and the neglect
of clipping the horns of those that butt. The weaker
animals should be kept apart ; and in crib-feeding in
the yard, it is a good method to tie up the master-
beasts at their meals.

Dr. Deane says, "There should be more yards
than one to a barn v.'here divers sorts of cattle are
kept. The sheep should have a yard by themselves
at least ; and the young stock another, that they
may be wholly confined to such fodder as the farmer
can atlbrd them." — Yankee Farmer.

SOMETHING TO THINK OF.

At AVest Point, our government long ago estab-
lished a military school. Young men are selected
from different states every year, sent there, and edu-
cated at public expense. Every cadet that graduates
there, costs the United States' government from four
to five thousand dollars.

More than four millions of dollars have been be-
stowed by the United States upon that institution ;
and all for what ?

Well, what then ? Before Washington left the
presidency, he earnestly recommended Congress to
establish a Board of Agriculture, or to take some
other measures to foster that peaceful but leading
and important interest. They have been since re-
peatedly urged to lend the strong arm of government
to the elevation and encouragement of that neglected
calling. What have they done ? Nothing. Mil-
lions and millions have been expended to learn young
men how to tight; not the "first red cent" to teach
them the noble, bread-giving, world-sustaining ser-
vice and art of agriculture ! — Maine Farmer.

SAGACITY OF A GREYHOUND AND
POINTER.

A gentleman in the county of Sterling kept a
greyhound and a pointer, and being fond of coursing,
the pointer was accustomed to find the hares, and
the greyhound to catch them. When the season was
over, it was found that the dogs were in the habit
of going out by themselves, and killing the hares for
their own amusement. To prevent this, a large iron
ring was fastened to the pointer's neck by a leather
collar, and hung down, so as to prevent the dog from

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

299

running or jumping over dikes, &c. The animals
however continued to stroll out to the fields to-
gether ; and one day the gentleman, suspecting all
■was not right, resolved to watch them, and, to his
surprise, found that the moment they were unob-
served, the greyhound took up the iron ring in his
mouth, and carrying it, they set off to the hiks, and
began to search for hares as usual. They were fol-
lowed, and it was observed, that, whenever the
pointer scented the hare the ring was dropped, and
the greyhound stood ready to pounce upon poor
puos the moment the other drove her from her form,
but that he uniformly returned to assist his com-
panion when he had accomplished his object. —
Yankee Farmer.

REMEDY FOR LICE ON ANIMALS.

Farmers often incur serious losses among domestic
animals, (especially the younger portion,) through
the fatal instrumentality of lice — as they are called
in common parlance. From some cause or other,
they suddenly appear in countless numbers upon
some favorite calf or calves, or colt or colts, and,
despite of washings and rubbings and sundry other
means resorted to, the afflicted animal generally
sinks under an affliction, insignificant in detail, but
powerful in the aggregate. Many are of the opinion
that there has no harmless, yet efficient remedy, as
yet been discovered. Tobacco juice, it is known, will
kni vermin ; but it will also almost as surely kill the
subject, by having its baneful properties absorbed
into the system. I am happy to inform your readers
that a remedy possessing every requisite property
has recently come to my knowledge, which I here-
with communicate. It may not be new to all, but
of one thing I am certain, I knew nothing of it till
made acquainted in the following manner : —

Last spriag I purchased a beautiful water-spaniel
puppy, and took him home to raise. He had not
been in my possession long when I noticed he kept
up an almost incessant scratching, v/hichl attributed
to fleas. A neighbor of mine, however, being present
one day, hinted that my dog was probably more or
less affected with lice. I examined, and, to my utter
astonishment, I found him literally covered with
them. My friend told me what to do to rid him of
them, that he had tried it, and knew it to be harm-
less, yet effectual. It was simply to rub him well,
two or three times every tlu-ee or four days, with
melted hog's lard. I did so, and in two weeks' time
there was not one of that vast army of vermin left to
tell the tale ; and what is more, it had no bad effect
upon my dog.

The philosophy of it, I believe to be something
like this : Naturalists assert that some animals
inhale air, not by means of lungs, but through the
pores of the skin, and that the louse belongs to this
species. Assuming this to be true, I suppose that
the remedy used was absorbed into, and completely
filled up, the lungs or respiratory apparatus of the
vermin, and effectually closed up the avenues of life,
and thus produced devastation and death to count-
less thousands. M. H. A.

PiTTSFiELD, III., 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollur Ncicspaper.

MICROSCOPE DISCOVERIES.

Dr. Carpenter noticed particularly the formation
of the great beds of chalk, several hundred feet thick,
which substance is composed entirely of minute
shells that are invisible to the naked eye. The dif-
ferent cellular structure of shells, and the peculiar
organization of the teeth of animals. Dr. Carpenter
could trace, even the invisible fragment of a shell or

of a tooth, the class, and sometimes even the species,
to which the fragments belonged. Referring to the
general cellular structure of all organizations, he
says that this structure could be seen alike in the
leaf, in the bones, iu the muscles, and in the blood;
That all life seemed to originate in single cellular
developments, but notwithstanding this apparent
similarity in the original cells, there 'n an inherent,
though as yet undistinguishable difference, which
determines the structure of the plant and of the
animal. The bodies of the animalcules which inhab-
ited the shells composing the chalk are still enclosed
within them, being the mummies of a former world.
— Scieiitijic American.

TO CURE SWELLING OF THE THROAT
IN HOGS.

In order to contribute to the usefulness of your
valuable periodical, and to inform the ])ul)lic of what
I find from experience to be an infallible cure for a
certain disease with hogs, viz. : the swelling of the
throat, I herewith send you a recipe for the disease,
with a desire that "you publish the same in your
work if you deem it of any import, and the same
meets your approbation.

Take of molasses one half a pint, and a table
spoonful of hog's lard ; to this add of brimstone a
piece an inch in length. Melt it over the fire, and
when cold or in a liquid state, drench the hog with
it ; and nine times out of ten it will be fovind to have
the desired effect. My hogs were affected with this
disease during the past year, and I found the cibove
to be effective when all things else failed. — Farmer's
Register.

SEPTEMBER.

Be most exceedingly careful to gather all the ap-
ples, pears, cherries, &c., which fall prenraturely
from your trees, and are technically called windfalls,
and boil them for your swine : bury them a little this
side of the centre of gravity, or so dispose of them as
to destroy the worms they contain ; otherwise the
plague of wormy fruit will, for aught that I know to
the contrary, be entailed on you and your heirs for
aye. Your hogs will fatten the faster if you give
them every day or two a little charcoal. They will
take quantum sufficit of it as a medicine to neutralize
the acid of their stomachs, and you have only to
place it where they can get at it, and every hog will
be his own doctor, and charge nothing for his fees.
If you feed your hogs with old corn, you will soak,
boil, or grind it, otherwise a part will not be digested.
Their food will go the farther if permitted to fer-
nrent till it has a sweetish taste, but should be given
to them before it becomes decidedlysour. You may
as well have a hole in your pocket for your money
to escape from, as a drain to lead away the wash of
your barnyard. True, it may spread over your grass
land, and do some good, but it will give a flood of
manure to some j^arts ; a scanty rill to other parts,
and some will go to enrich the highway, &c. — Se-
lected.

ALPINE PLANTS.

Alpine plants are not, as commonly supposed, of a
hardy nature, but the reverse. On the Alpine moun-
tains they are deeply buried in snow during the win-
ter — covered, as it were, with a i^ile of warm blankets,
and thus effectually secured from the frost ; and when
the summer arrives, which is both later and much
more rapid in its advance than with us, they are sud-
denly exposed, not to a temperature such as that of
our spring, but to heat equal to that of the hottest
of our dog-days.

300

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Domestic Department.

Femalk Tact. — " When a woman is possessed of
a liifch deforce of tact, she sees, as by a kind of second
8ic!;ht, when any little emorirency is like to occur, or
•when, to use a more familiar expresison, things do
not seem likely to go right. She is thus aware of
any sudden turn in conversation, and prepared for
what it may lead to; but above all, she can pene-
trate into the state of mind of those she is placed in
contact -with, so as to detect the gathering gloom
upon another's brow, before the mental storm shall
have reached any formidable heitrht ; to know when
the tone of voice has altered ; when any unwelcome
thought shall have presented itself, and when the
pulse of feeling is beating higher or lower, in conse-
quence of some apparently trifling circumstance
which has just transpired. In these, and innumer-
able instances of a similar nature, the woman of tact
not only perceives the variations which are constant-
ly taking place in the atmosphere of social life, but
she adapts herself to them with a facility which the
law of love enables her to carry out, so as to spare
her friends the pain and annoyance which so fre-
quently arise out of the mere mismanagement of
familiar and apparently unimportant affairs. And
how often do these seeming trifles — these acci-
dental betrayals of what there would have been no
duplicity in concealing — how often do these wound
us more than du-ect unkindness ! "

Boiling Potatoes. — The correspondent of the
London Times says, " The following method of
dressing potatoes will be found of great use at this
season of the year, when skins are tough and pota-
toes are watery. Score the skin of the potato with a
knife lengthways and across, qiiite around, and then
boil the potato in plenty of water and salt, with the
skin on. The skin readily cracks when it is scored,
and lets out the moisture, which otherwise renders
the potato soapy and wet. The improvement to bad
potatoes by this method of boiling them is very
great ; and all who have tried it, find a great advan-
tage in it, now that good potatoes are very difficult
to be obtained."

Bojis' Department.

Be kind to Animals. — There are few things more
disgraceful in children, than to be cruel to those
harmless creatures which are unable to defend them-
selves. If I see a child pull off' the wings of an insect,
or throw stones at a toad or frog, or take pains to set
his foot upon a worm, I am sure there is something
wrong about him, or that he has not been well in-
structed.

There was once a boy who loved to give pain to
every thing that came in his way, over which he
could get any power. He would take the eggs from
the mourning robin, and torture the unfledged spar-
row ; cats and dogs, the peaceable cow, and the
faithful horse, he delighted to worry and distress.
I do not like to tell j'ou of the many cruel things
that he did. He was told that such deeds were
wrong. An excellent lady, with whom he lived, used
to warn and reprove him for his evil conduct. But
he did not reform. "When he grew up, he became a
soldier. He was never sorry to see men wounded,
and blood running upon the earth. He became so
wicked as to lay a plan to betray his country, and to
sell it into the hands of the enemy. This is to be a

traitor. But he was discovered, and fled. He never
dared to return to his native land, but lived despised,
and died miserably in a foreign clime. tSuch was the
end of the cruel boy, who loved to give pain to ani-
mals. His name was Benedict Arnold ; he was born
at Norwich, Ct., in America, and the beautiful city
of his *lnrth is ashamed of his memory. — [London]
>S'. .S. Teacher's Ojfering.

Cealtl).

Dysentery. — This disease will generally yield to
various astringent medicines, some of which are
knowm to almost every family. But, occasionally, it
prevails as an epidemic, and is very malignant, and
sometimes fatal. In such cases, it bids defiance to all
common medicines, and resort must be had to those
of a more powerful nature.

For an obstinate case of the dysentery, we consider
charcoal powder one of the safest and most efficacious
remedies. Some years ago, a friend had a child that
lingered long with an obstinate case of dysentery,
until it became emaciated, and so debilitated that
the attending physician concluded that any further
medical aid was useless, as it was a hopeless case.
vSome person suggested to the desponding parent that
charcoal would be a remedy, and it was administered,
and the child unexpectedly recovered.

This and other similar cases, with the considera-
tion of the peculiar properties of charcoal, as admi-
rably adapted to this purpose, have induced us to
use it, in our family, for dysentery and protracted
cases of summer complaint in children, and we have
always found it a sure remedy ; but we would re-
mark that we have not had to treat very severe cases ;
not having any of very violent attack, and by the
use of this remedy, preventing any cases of long
standing.

Having had no definite rules for preparing this
medicine, nor prescriptions for a dose, we have fol-
lowed our own judgment, as follows : Take some
pieces of white pine, — which every one can obtain, as
most boards are made of this timber, — perfectly pure,
being free from knots or discoloration ; burn them
till they begin to fall to pieces, then quench them.
Crumble this charcoal upon a. plate, and mix with
it just honey enough to make a paste, if the patient
can take honey ; if not, or if it is not convenient, use
molasses or lard. When made into a paste, which
prevents the charcoal flying away, rub it thoroughly
on the plates with a case knife, until it is ground as
fine as possible. Add some more honey or molasses,
and give it alone, or in warm water, or herb tea.
To nursing infants, give a teaspoonful for a dose ; to
adults, a tablespoonful. If it does not check the
disease, repeat in light doses.

In vei*}' severe cases of dysentery, the inner coat
of the bowels sloughs off", and the excoriated intes-
tines bleed and arc very tender. As the foul matter
should be removed, it is not always advisable to stop
the discharges immediately, by the most powerful
astringents ; therefore it is better to give a light dose
of some gentle laxative with the charcoal. Honey,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

301

molasses, and lard are all laxatives, and when the
recent discharges have^been very foul, it may be well
to give very light doses of castor oil, with the char-
coal. Give also a tea of raspberry leaves, for inflam-
mation of the bowels, and light doses of hot drops,
to relieve pain, which also checks the disease, and
promotes a healthy action of the bowels.

We use white pine, and grind it fine, that there
may be no grit to irritate the bowels. We use the
charcoal immediately after being burned, or that
which has been recently burned and kept corked tight
in bottles ; as freshly-burned charcoal is a powerful
absorbent of gases, particularly of ammonia and foul
odors, and if it becomes saturated, it will have less
effect as a medicine.

Charcoal is a powerful antiseptic, and is excellent
to prevent mortitication, to which the intestines are
tending, as they become putrescent, in long and
severe cases of this disorder. Charcoal is one of the
best purifiers in nature. Tainted meat is purified
and made sweet by boiling it in a pot with some
pieces of charcoal. Mortification has been cured by
charcoal poultices. Charcoal dust is a powerful
styptic, and is used with success in stopping blood.
It also corrects acidity in the stomach. Tliese are
its chemical qualities, and it may have other valuable
properties. Mechanically, charcoal dust is loosening,
like sand, and is, therefore, less liable to produce
too sudden a stoppage of the lax.

ilTcfljanics' ^Department, ^rta, $^c.

Another Whitewash. — The editor of the Horti-
culturist, in answer to the queries of a correspondent,
gives the following recipe for a whitewash. We have
published a good many recipes for this purpose, but
believe we have never published one exactly like
this. He recommends it as most excellent, as a
cheap and durable wash for wooden fences and build-
ings. He thinks that it owes its durability to the
white vitriol which it contains.

Take a barrel and slake a bushel of freshly-burned
lime in it, by covering the lime with boiling water.
After it is slaked, add cold water enough to bring it
to the consistency of good whitewash. Then dis-
solve in water, and add one pound of white vitriol
(sulphate of zinc) and one quart of fine salt. To give
this wash a creana color, add one half pound of
yellow ochre, in powder. To give it a fawn color,
add one fourth of a pound of Indian red. To make
a handsome gray stone color, add one half pound of
French blue, and one fourth pound of Indian red. A
drab will bo made by adding one half pound of burnt
sienna, and one fourth pound of Venetian red.

For brick or stone, instead of one bushel of lime,
use a half bushel of lime and half bushel of hydraulic
cement.

These washes are very useful in preserving build-
ings, fences, &c., to which they arc applied ; and
although it may be renewed much oftener than oil
paints, they give a very neat appearance to farms,
where they are applied to the buildings, gates, &c.
As their cost is trifling, it is strange that they are not
used more often than they are.

New Uses for Granite. — A Mr. McDonald, in
Scotland, has discovered a method of calcining gran-
ite to a fine clay of extraordinary strength for pot-

tery, especially for making water pipes, some of
which are as large as eighteen inches bore. And a
discovery has been made in Ireland, that the granite,
on an extent of seventy miles, in Wexford, contains
so large a proportion of potash that the alkali can be
extracted by a chemical process, so as to become an
article of commerce. It is estimated that there are
two thousand tons of potash, the produce of America,
consumed annually in England and Scotland, the
present cost of which is forty pounds per ton; and
that, by working the granite of Dalkey, which ex-
tends inland to Sandyford, the same quantity could
be extracted by means of the capital of ten thousand
pounds, and sold at twenty pounds per ton, yielding
a revenue of forty thousand pounds to remunerate
the capitalists and diffuse the blessings of employ-
ment among the people, and not only render it quite
impossible for the Americans to compete with the
Irish, but really push an Irish trade in potash into
the American continent. — Dublin Evening Post.

CULTIVATION AND PRESERVATION OF
"WOOD-LOTS."

Editors of the Cultivator : I can stand it no
longer. The inconsiderate clearing of the wood-
lands of New England b}' our fathers, without re-
gard to the selection of those lands suitable for arable
and grazing purposes, finds an apology in the fact
that forests, generally, were an encumbrance to them.
The greater thoughtlessness and improvidence of
their sons, however, in still persisting in the practice,
while we have more lands already cleared than a
proper and profitable husbandry is bestowed upon,
is, to me, a painful and surprising matter. Besides
being ruinous to the present owner, it is a perfect
" devil take the hindmost " policy for the sons.
Go wRere we will, we are compelled to look upon
rough, inaccessible lands, and tops and acclivities of
hills, which have been swept of their natural cover-
ing and fertility, and turned into pastures affording
but scanty returns for the hard labor of the animals
atteni2)ting a subsistence thereon, and still smaller
returns to the proprietor. There is scarcely a farm
in this section but has acres of this kind of land that
would have been worth five times, yes, in many cases,
ten times as much as they now are, had a second
growth of wood been permitted to run up on them.

The operation of clearing and burning a large tract
of hill-side woodland, has been going on within my
observation for a few years past. It has been of
the genuine, old-fashioned sort. A large piece is
chopped over, each winter, and the wood and timber
marketed. The next August, a heavy fire burns up
the vegetable mould on or near the surface, and the
ashes left, operating as a powerful and unnatural
stimulus on so light a soil, only cause it to give up
its organic matter, its fertility, the more speedily.
Rye is sown, and yields so fine a crop that another
of the same kind is put in the next fall, and possibly
a light sprinkling of grass-seed with it. At the end
of five years, the land is so far exhausted, that five
acres will not keep an old sheep alive through the
summer. Then, again, a valuable tillage-field, which
has had the protection of this wood from bleak winds,
is now exposed to every northern blast, M'hich, in
this climate, is a serious consideration. Had the
inconsiderate owner just taken off his wood, and
"therewith been content," leaving his hill-side to be
covered with another growth of trees, he could have
sold it to-day, if he wished, for twice what it will
noAV bring.

Ten years ago, I cut the wood off a long stretch of
side-hill, and, in my inexperience, burnt over a por-
tion of it for pasturage. The remainder was left to
grow up again to wood. Many of the young treea

302

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

are six to eight inches through ; they are all very
straight and thrifty, and I value one acre of this land
more than five acres of that which is in pasture. I
shall not again permanently clear up my steep hill-
Bides.

At the solicitation of a railroad friend, a short
time since, I accompanied him into the country
directly south of this, to examine and estimate the
value of some " wood-lots." I was forcibly struck
with the amount of rugged, barren land, inaccessible
for agricultural purposes, which had been thrown
into open country, even bj' the present owners. Had
a second growth of wood been permitted to run up
on the land, instead of subjecting it to the burning
and cropping process, it would have been now worth
far more to the owners ; for a railroad is tapping
that country, with its large and clamorous demands
for wood and timber. Riding along with an old
inhabitant of one of the towns visited, he pointed out
a wood-lot which was cut over twenty years since,
and suffcre 1 to grow up again to wood, contrary to
the usual custom. It was sold at auction, a short
time since, for thirty-four hundred dollars. It would
not have brought over eight hundred dollars, had it
been in pasture from the time it was cleared.

Warm hill-sides, having an eastern or southern
slope, send up a second growth of wood with great
rapidity. Although they may not eventually sup-
port so heav}' a growth as strong, level land, they
will yet produce all the wood they are capable of
sustaining, much sooner. A friend directed my
attention, the other day, to a tract of land, with an
eastern slope, in a neighboring town, which was
cleared of an original growth of wood, twenty-five
years ago, and left to itself to produce another
growth from the sprout. The land, with its present
standing wood, was appraised a year or two since, at
fifty dollai-s an acre. Ten dollars an acre is all that
similar land, in pasture, in that vicinity, has ever
been worth. By the application of a little arithmetic,
then, we find that the increase of this second growth
of wood has been equal to sixteen per cent, interest,
per annum, on the worth of the land, without a dol-
lar's expense for the cultivation, — that is, ten dollars,
at sixteen per cent, simple interest, for twenty-five
years, amounts to forty dollars ; to which add the
principal, the worth of the land, and we have fifty
dollars, the appraised present value, per acre.

Take another view. The importance of a due pro-
portion of wood in equalizing moisture, and preserv-
ing the constancy of our small springs and brooks, as
well as restraining, in a great measure, the sudden
rise and overflow of our rivers, is well known to ob-
serving men. Several fine springs and little brooks,
which were familiar friends in boyhood, have either
entirely disappeared, or are only seen for a season in
the spring.

" In wet seasons, the decayed leaves and spongy
soil of wood lands retain a large proportion of the
falling rains, and give back the moisture, in time of
drought, by evaporation, or through the medium of
springs. They thus both check the sudden flow of
water from the surface into the streams and low
grounds, and prevent the droughts of summer from
parching our pastures and drying up the rivulets
which water them. On the other hand, where too
large a proportion of the surface is bared of wood,
the action of the summer sun and wind scorches the
hills which are no longer shaded or sheltered by
trees, the springs and rivulets that found their sup-
ply in the bibulous soil of the forest disappear, and
the farmer is obliged to surrender his meadows to
his cattle, which can no longer find food in his pas-
tures, and sometimes even to drive them miles for
water. Again, the vernal and autumnal rains, and
the melting snows of winter no longer intercepted
and absorbed by the leaves or the open soil of the
woods, but falling every where upon a comparatively

hard and even surface, flow swiftly over the smooth
ground, washing away the vegetable mould as they
seek their natural outlet, fill every ravine with a
torrent, and convert every river into an ocean." —
Address of Hon. Geo. P. Marsh.

Several successful attempts have been made within
my observation, in improving rugged and exhausted
lands by planting them out to trees. Within sight,
while writing, is a knoll that has been comjjletely
renovated by a plantation of the white locust. It was
originally a coarse, worthless gravel, barren of herb-
age of any kind. I remember that the proprietor was
laughed at by his neighbors for attempting to grow
trees on his barren gravel. The locusts got root,
however, and although their growth was slow and
feeble, they gradually formed a soil by the aniuial
shedding of their leaves ; and as the soil became thus
strengthened, their growth became more vigorous,
new shoots sprang up in all directions from the roots ;
and after a while, clover and other grasses began to
appear on the open ground. I have been curious to
observe the gradual improvement of this land. Last
summer, I noticed that the grass was very luxuriant,
and would have yielded at the rate of a ton or more
of hay to the acre, in the open spots. The locust
wonderfully endows a poor soil with new energy and
fertility. It seems to make its deinands for nourish-
ment more largely upon the atmosphere than any
other tree, and gains foothold in soils absolutely bar-
ren of fertility. Then, again, its leaves are small,
with very rough edges, lying perfectly still where
they fall, while those of most other trees are blown
about by the winds, collecting in hollows or in large
heaps.

In my notice of Mr. Rice's farming, last year, I re-
marked that he ploughed up a large tract of unpro-
d.uctive hill-side, several years ago, and planted it
with chestnuts, in rows four feet apart every way.
The first sprouts coming up rather crooked and
scrubby, he went over the field, and cut them down
close to the ground, which caused new sprouts to
shoot up straight and vigorous. The trees are very
thrifty, completely shade the ground, and grow more
and more rapidly as the soil becomes strengthened by
the annual deposit of leaves. So well satisfied is he
with the experiment, that he is now placing other
worthless lands in a similar course of improvement.

The late Hon. John Lowell, the first and most
zealous advocate for improvements of this kind in
New England, planted three acres of waste land on
his estate at Iloxbury, Mass., to a variety of forest
trees, — the whole value of the land not being ten
dollars per annum. "

In a communication upon the subject, he says,
" The land was about half of it ploughed and kept
open with potatoes for two years, and then abandoned
to the course of nature. The pines were taken np
out of the forest with great care, not more than five
feet high. Wherever I had the cupidity or impa-
Tience 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, I instantly sawed them oft" at
the ground or near it. This required some resolu-
tion, but I have been abundantly paid for it.

" The result of this experiment is this — that in a
period of from thirteen to fifteen years, I have raised
a young, beautiful, and thrifty plantation, comprising
almost every variety of tree which we have in Mas-
sachusetts, which are now from twenty-five to thirty-
five feet high, and some of which, the thriftiest
white pines, actually measure from nine to twelve
inches in diameter. The loppings and thinning out
of these trees, now furnish abundance of light fuel
for summer use ; and upon as accurate a calculation
as I am able to make, I am convinced that the pres-
ent growth, cut down at the expiration of fourteen

NEW EiNGLAND FARMER.

303

years from 'the time of planting, would amply pay
for the land at the price it'would have brought."

Mr. S. Brown, in a communication to the l?nston
Cultivator, says, " I have one acre of land which,
thirty years ago, was not worth more than ten dol-
lars ; I have no recollection of there beini>' a tree
upon it, with the exception of one apple-tree, and
some scattering bushes; the appearance of the soil
^^■as .such as to forbid any attempt at cultivation, and
ray cattle have rambled over it from that day to this ;
in the mean time, the young pines voluntary sprung
up, and became a forest ; and now, I would not thank
any man to pay me sixty dollars for the standing wood
on that acre. Now, if any man can tell me how to
improve such land to better advantage, I would thank
him for the information."

Mr. Webster has a great variety of thrifty, promis-
ing young forest-trees on his' estate at Marshtiold,
which he has raised by planting the seeds. There
are several reasons for preferring this mode of cultiva-
tion to that of transplanting. The expense of plant-
ing seed is less than that of transplanting trees ; the
trees will be straighter and more vigorous ; they
neither require staking nor watering ; and at the end
of eight or ten years they will ordinarily have ac-
quired a much larger growth than trees transplanted
at the same time.

The sxiecess in attempting improvements by plant-
ing waste or exhausted lands to wood and timber,
will verj' much depend upon choosing those kinds of
trees that are most naturally adapted to the soil.
Professor Johnston has some very interesting remarks
upon this point, a part of which I will venture to
quote. Speaking of the improvements going on in
Europe, in renovating exhausted lands by planting
trees, he saj-s, —

"The most precise observations on the subject
with which I am acquainted, are those which have
been made in the extensive plantations of the late
duke of Athol. These plantations consist chiefly of
white larch, and grow upon a poor, hilly soil, resting
on gneiss, mica-slate and clay-slate. In six or seven
years, the lower branches spread out, become inter-
laced, and completely overshadow the ground. Noth-
ing, therefore, grows upon it till the trees are twenty-
four years old, when the spines of the lower branch-
es, beginning to fall, the first considerable thinning
takes place. Air and light being thus readmitted,
grasses spring up, and a tine sward is graduall)' pro-
duced. The ground, which previously was worth
only nine pence or one shilling [rent ?] per acre as a
sheep pasture, at the end *of thirty years becomes
worth from seven shillings to ten shillings per acre.

" On the soil planted by the duke of Athol, the
larch shot up luxuriantly, while the "Scotch fir lin-
gered and languished in its growth. Thus the quan-
tity of leaves produced and annually shed by the
former was vastly greater than by the latter tree.
Had the Scotch fir thriven better than the larch, the
reverse might have been the case, and the value of
the soil might have been increased in a greater pro-
portion by plantations of the former tree.

" In regard to the relative improving power of the
several species of trees, the most rational, natural
rule, by which our practice should be guided, seems
to be contained in these three propositions : —

1. That the soil will be most improved by those
trees which thrive best iipon it ;

2. Among those which thrive equally, by such as
yield the largest produce of leaves ; and,

3. Among such as yield an equal weight of leaves,
by those whose leaves contain the largest proportion
of inorganic matter — which bring up from beneath,
that is, and spread over the surface in largest quan-
tity, the materials of a fertile soil.

"The mode in which the lower branches of the
larch spread out and overshadow the surface is not
without its iniiuence upon the ultimate improvement

which the soil exhibits. All vegetation being pre-
vented, the land, besides receiving a yearly manure
of vegetable mould, is made to lie for upwards of
twenty years in uninterrupted naked fallow. It is
sheltered also from the beating of the rain-drops,
which descend slowly and gently upon it, bearing
principles of fertility, instead of washing out the
valuable saline substances it may contain. Beneath
the overshadowing branches of a forest, the soil is
also protected from the wind ; and to this jirotection
Sprengel attributes much of that rapid improvement
so generally experienced where lands are covered
with wood. The winds bear along particles of earthy
matter, which they deposit again in the still forests ;
and tbus gradually form a soil even on the most
naked places."

Thousands of acres of waste lands in New England,
entirely unprofitable to the owners and to community,
might, by judicious planting with trees, bo redeemed
from their sterility, — thus adding, in effect, to the
territorial extent as well as wealth of the country ;
besides in many cases tivefolding the value of indi-
vidual estates thus planted. Numerous instances
might be given in proof of this statement.

It is worth J' of separate and particular consideration
that our country is fast becoming penetrated in every
direction by railroads, whose consumption of wood is
so enormous that we must look well to our forests,
or they will vanish. The facilities of transportation
which they afford will induce a greater demand for
lumber and stuff for turning purposes, for the man-
ufactories near the sea-board. Thus new and greater
inducements for the cultivatiom and preservation of
woodlands are yearly becoming developed, urging our
farmers to awake to the importance of this subject.

In treating this topic at this time, I have chosen
to give a somewhat desultory statement and citation
of facts and principles which are so palpable as to
come within the observation of every one, rather
than a methodical and formal essay ; hoping by this
means the more surely to attract the attention of the
practical farmer.

F. HOLBROOK.

Bkattleboro', Vt., Feb. 1849.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY.

Of all modern sciences, the science of the globe has
made the most rapid, the most remarkable, and the
most important progress. Bacon makes the fine re-
mark, that while the works of man advance by suc-
cessive additions, the works of nature all go on at
once ; thus the machinist adds wheel to wheel, and
spring to spring, but the earth produces the tree,
branch and bark, trunk and leaf, together. There is
something analogous to this combined operation in
physical geography : a whole crowd of remarkable
discoveries seem to have burst on us at once, ex-
pressly designed to invigorate and impel our progress
in geographical science. Thus our century has wit-
nessed new phenomena of magnetism, new laws of
heat and refrigeration, new laws even of the tempest,
new rules of the tides, new expedients for the pres-
ervation of health at sea, new arrangements for the
supplv of fresh food, and even for the supply of fresh
water'by distillation, and all tending to the same ob-
ject— the knowledge of the globe.

The use of steam, to which modern mechanism has
given almost a new existence, and certamly a new
power — the conquest of wind and wave by the
steam ship, and the almost miraculous saving of time
and space by the steam carriage ; the new necessity
of remote enterprise, originating in the urgency of
commercial and manufacturing difficulties ; the
opening of the thousand islands of the Indian Archi-
pelago, till now known to us as scarcely more than
the seat of savage life, or the scene of Oriental fable ;

304

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

the breaking down of that old and colossal barrier of
restrictions and prejudices, which, more than the wall
of China, excluded England from intercourse with a
population amounting to a third of mankind ; and
mo.-jt of all, those vast visitations of apparent evil,
which the great Disposer of things is evidently
transm.uting, year by year, into real good, by propel-
ling the impoverished multitudes of Europe into the
wildernesses of the world — all exhibiting a stupen-
dous combination of simple means, and not a less
astonishing convergency to the one high purpose, the
mastery of the globe — place j^hysical geography at
the head of tlie sciences essential to the happiness
and power of human kind.

SETTING FENCE POSTS.

I would say to those of my farming friends who
have fence ])osts of oak, cedar, or other wood to set,
that they should be thoroughly seasoned, and the
lower parts, intended to be inserted in the soil, well
charred. A fire of shavings may be kindled, and the
ends of the posts, placed so as to be carbonized by its
action, are easily prepared at the rate of twenty or
more at a time. Charred posts last for a much
greater length of time, in the same soil, than those
which are not charred. — Gcrmantoion Telegraph.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Mr. A. Lackey, Jr., Marblehead, Eng., Wheat
plums, which are of a good size, handsome, and of a
fine quality. As it is a good bearer, it is excellent
fer the market or private garden. Also Large Black
Imperial plum ; very large and showy, the quality
middling. Mr. L. has paid great attention to col-
lecting, experimenting on, and comparing a great
variety of plums, and is thus rendering essential ser-
vice to the community.

Of Mr. Henry Vandyne, Cambridgeport, specimens
of Prince's Yellow Gage plum. This is a sweet,
luscious plum, and among the best of its season.
Mr. V. has a fine collection of plums, and he fur-
nishes, at our horticultural shows, specimens that do
him much credit as a cultivator.

From Mr. Charles H. Pendleton, Pendleton Hill,
Ct., a specimen of Pendleton's Early York pear. We
find this in appearance, texture, and quality, precisely
like the Dorr pear, described in the American Fruit
Book ; but the size is smaller. The Dorr pear, which
we received from Colonel Chase, Cornish, N. H., is
probably the same as the Early Sweet, cultivated by
Mr. Pinneo, of Hanover, N. H. It is said to be a
seedling from pears brought from Connecticut. It
is doubtless the same varietj'' as Pendleton's Early
York, or a seedling from it, of the same, or nearly
the same characteristics. The Dorr pear is a great
grower, and very productive, very hardy, and adapted
to northern culture. The fi-uit is large, fair, hand-
some, and of middling quality, being sweet and
rather dry. Ilipens from the first to the last of
August. As this variety is productive and pleasant,
and comes in early, when there is but little good fruit,
and the tree has valuable properties, we think that
it would be profitable for the market.

From Mr. Wm. O. Noyes, Greenland, N. H., pears
for a name. Wo think it is a native, not generally
known. It is sweet and very pleasant.

FARMER'S HYMN.

God of the hills and verdant plains,

I. bless thy ruling hand ;
For drifting snows and gentle rains

Are sent by thy command.

The opening spring is decked by thee
With each delightful flower.

And every leaf and bud I see
Bear impress of thy power.

The ripening sunnner's burning sun,

The winter's piercing cold.
The changing seasons, as they run,

Thy wisdom, Lord, unfold.

The joy that centres in my cot.
No less thy wisdom owns ; —

With rural happiness my lot,
I cannot envy thrones.

Love dwells within my peaceful breast

At eveiy morning's dawn ;
Aud when the sun sinks in the west,

My cares are all withdrawn.

Although secluded from the mart
Where crowd the thoughtless gay —

Where, in the scenes that vex the heart,
Men waste their lives away —

Beside the hill, the purling brook,

Glad nature's fond retreat,
With gratitude to thee I look.

And songs of joy repeat.

For lot so blest, my voice I raise,

Almighty God, to thee ; —
Thou needest not an angel's praise,

Much less such praise from me.

But I will bless thy bounteous hand
For all thy gifts bestowed ; —

Before my heart could understand,
Ten thousand thanks I owed.

THE OLIO.

Home. — The object of all ambition should be, to
be happy at home. If we are not happy there, we
cannot be happy elsewhere. It is the best proof of
the virtues of a family circle, to see a happy fireside.

Home Tooke, being asked by George III. whether
he played cards, replied, " I cannot, your majesty,
tell a kinr/ from a knave."

EvERY-DAY Absurdities. — To attempt to borrow
money on the plea of extreme poverty. — To believe
that your own relatives are the best friends you will
ever meet with.

He who knows himself best esteems himself least.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^1 a
year, or five copies for ,^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18^ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage .^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or '26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and I.^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1849.

NO. 20.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, Proprietor.

KEEP THE PREMISES CLEAN.

Every cultivator should keep his premises as clean
OS possible, for the important purposes of saving
manure and promoting health. Some discerning
persons remark that in the hot summer, while vege-
tation is in a flourishing condition, it is more healthy
in the country than in the city, but the reverse is
the case in September and October, as at this season
many vegetable productions have come to maturity
and are decaying, filling the air with noxious gases
and odors ; hence arise fevers, dysentery, and other
complaints, which are more common in the country
early in fall. We give this view of the subject, which
some have presented, and wo will make a few remarks
on subjects that claim the particular attention of every
cultivator, whether this view be correct or not.

Keep the premises, particularly around the dwell-
ing, perfectly free from every substance that will
taint the air. Every decaying vegetable or animal
substance should be removed a good distance, and
then covered in earth, for the purpose of nianure.

The pig-pen, though at a respectable distance,
should be supplied with loam to absorb all liquid
matter. All manure in the barn-yard should be cov-
ered with loam, sand, or mud, to save it from waste,
ftnd to keep the air pure, as, in the changes so com-
mon to the wind, the air is liable to be wafted from
the barn to the house.

Cellars should be made as clean as possible, par-
ticularly as they communicate directly with the
dwelling above, and any foul air produced in them
is very liable to pass into the house. All vegetables
in the cellar that are tending to decay should be re-
moved immediately. It is best to ventilate cellars
thoroughly by opening doors and windows, and to
keep the door open as little as possible that com-
municates with the rooms.

Ground plaster, and freshly-burnt charcoal, set
in vessels or strewed around in cellars, or other
places where foul air exists, or is liable to be produced,
has a very healthful effect, by absorbing gases.

Necessaries often produce a foul atmosphere around
them ; and as the dwelling is near, the offensive air
is often wafted to it, and even when not perceptible,

it is often operating injuriously. Some prepare
these conveniences and cover with loam or other
substance all night soil, so as to do away entirely
with all unpleasant and unwholesome effects. "When
this is not the case, charcoal, plaster, chloride of
lime, or other disinfectants, should be thrown into
the vault, to absorb all noxious odors.

"Water from the sink should be absorbed in loam,
&c., for manure, instead of rising in foul gases, and
being blown into the house. There are some cases
of malignant and fatal disorders going through a
family, while all the rest of the neighborhood are in
good health. This is often owing to some local
cause, some foul puddle, pool, or stagnant pond,
near the dwelling, or a general negligence as to keep-
ing the premises clean.

Decaying weeds, grass, potatoes affected with the
rot, potato tops, pumpkin and other vines, and vari-
ous productions, are undergoing decomposition in the
fall ; and in the aggregate the amount is large, and
filling the air with pestilential gases. Farmers may
do much good to themselves and the community by
burying all such substances, and converting them
into manure. Make them into a compost heap, well
covered with loam, to absorb the gases.

FRUIT GARDEN OF A. LACKEY, JR.,
MARBLEHEAD.

On a recent visit to this garden, we were highly
delighted with the success of Mr. Lackey, and the
result of numerous experiments which he has made.
His attention has been mostly directed to the culti-
vation of plums and pears ; and as it was the season
of plums, we paid particular attention to this subject.

Mr. Lackey has collected numerous kinds, foreign
and domestic, and is subjecting them to fair experi-
ment. After thorough trial, he has rejected some
that are not worthy of cultivation ; and yet he has
more than a hundred kinds on trial, some of which
arc new and very promising. The result of such
operations are highly useful to the community, and
Mr. Lackey deserves high commendation for his
zeal in a useful cause. He has entered into this
business with so much ardor, that, though young.

306

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

he already shows a great degree of intelligence and
discriminatiou, which would.do honor to a veteran
pomologist.

He has preserved the even tenor of his way in
retirement and silence, but he should be known, and
his information, which he freely communicates,
should become public property for the general good,
and he himself ranked with the distinguished culti-
vators of fruit. We intend no flattery or exaggeration,
as we deal in facts.

We are under obligations to Mr. Lackey for several
fine specimens of plums, which we shall occasionally
figure and describe ; and he has promised to furnish
us with results of experiments and his opinions after
the season is past.

Mr. Lackey has about twenty-five bushels of plums
this season, on about one fourth of an acre, (a small
part of his trees being in a bearing state,) which is
probably a larger crop than any other person has
raised in this section, on the same extent.

His land is a moist, heavy soil ; it was too cold and
wet for tillage, until a large quantity of sea-sand was
hauled on to it. His trees are vigorous and pro-
ductive, and they are remarkably healthy, and his
plums have generally been free from the cureulio.
He heads in his plum-trees, as the peach, by cutting
off", in the spring, about two thirds of the previous
year's growth. He considers heading is as necessary
to the plum as to the peach, if not more so.

He has raised about six hundred plum seedlings,
from the Green Gage, which he is putting on trial
with a view of procuring new and superior kinds ;
and we have no doubt that from so extensive an ex-
periment, some valuable new varieties will be pro-
duced. We need a plum of the high quality of the
Green Gage, that is larger and a better grower.

CURCULIO.

Mr. L. Burt, of Walpole, N. H., informs us that
the cureulio used to sting his plums very much until
he adopted the following practice. He fixed spouts
from his house to his trees, and the soap-suds and
wash from the kitchen were directed around the
trunks and roots of the trees ; and while he pursued
the practice, his plums were untouched by the cur-
eulio ; but when this was neglected, his plums were
destroyed. Other persona had tried this preventive
with the same success.

The cureulio will not sting plums when there is
not a suitable place for its young to burrow in the
ground below ; hence the advantage of paving under
trees ; but this is an expensive preventive. The wash
from the house is not only good to prevent the
operations of the cureulio, but it forms a valuable
manure for the trees, and supplies moisture, a good
share of which is essential in the successful cultiva-
tion of plums.

SMUT IN WHEAT AND OATS.

You will please to indulge me until I can com-
municate some facts to your farmer friends — facts

which, in all probability, the most of them are not
aware of. The subject to which I allude, is smut in
wheat and oats. It has become a universal rule,
almost, for farmers to reap their wheat and oats be-
fore ripe. Wheat, for the reason, most of them say,
because it will make better flour, and oats for the
purpose of making better seed, both of which is a
mistake, in my opinion ; but I shall not trouble you
Avith any arguments of mine on the subject at pres-
ent: my object in this communication is to show
some cause for smut. The true cause of smut in
wheat and oats, in my opinion, is because the seed
that is sown was not ripe when cut. By the seed
not being fully ripe when cut, the proper qualities to
produce good wheat or oats again are not properly
matured in it. Although at the same time that there
is not sufficient substance in the seed to produce the
wheat or oats, there is sufficient substance in it to
bring forth the blade or stock ; but there is a mate-
rial diff'erence between the substance that produces
the stock, and the substance that produces the grain.
What more fully convinces me that the above is the
true cause of smut, is, that I bought some seed oats
from one of my neighbors this spring, and sowed
them ; when they headed, there was at least one
third of them black heads. I was svirprised and
sorry, and made some inquiry of my neighbor what
was the cause of so many black heads. He told me,
the reason of it must be by a mistake that was made
when he threshed his seed oats. He cut about one
half of his crop quite green, the other half quite ripe,
for seed, stacked them side by side, and when he
sent his son after them, he took the wrong stack.
Another of my neighbors sowed some old seed and
some new ; the old seed was ripe when cut, the new
was green ; he sowed them in the same field, the
same day. There were no black heads in the old oats
sown, but the new seed were about one third black
heads ; so much diff'erence in them that you could
tell them to the very land sown, and almost to the
furrow. Now, if this is the true cause of smut in
oats, it undoubtedly must be the true cause of smut
in wheat. If it is not, I would like very much if
some of your subscribers would inform me what is
the true cause. F. S. H.

Gaston Co., N. C, 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — The sub-
ject suggested by the above article, is worthy of con-
sideration and experiment, and for this purpose we
j)resent it. The case named in which new and old
seed were sowed side by side, and with diff'erent
results, is not conclusive evidence of the superiority
of late cut seed, as the writer infers ; for its excel-
lence might depend on its age, which might destroy
the cause of smut existing in the seed. We hope
that experiments will bo made to give a fair illustra-
tion of this subject.

PORTABLE RAILWAY.

Dr. Spurgin favored the council with the inspec-
tion of a model for a rotary railway, on the j)rinci-
ple of the simple roller, for use in farms, docks,
warehouses, and other places where ho;;vy weights
were to be conveyed short distances without the aid
of horse power ; as manure from yards, corn from
stack-yards, timber from woods, turnips or mangel-
wurtzel from flat, heavy land. He considered that
this mode of conveying would prove fully efficient
in its action ; combining great simplicity with ready
adaptability for the purposes required, at a cost not
exceeding ten pounds. — English Pa2)&r.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

307

THE CRANBERRY RAKE.

This is a small, neat, simple implement, that
costs but a trifle ; yet it is important as a labor-saving
tool. One man, with this cheap contrivance, will do
as much as several men without it. In some other
departments of labor, hundreds of dollars are ex-
pended to accomplish so desirable a purpose in saving
time and despatching business.

We have various accounts of how much a man
will do in gathering cranberries with a rake, and
some groat stories, which nobody believes, excepting
those who do great things themselves. A good
hand, with a good chance, will gather about twenty
bushels per day, with a rake. Who, then, would
gather this fruit by the tedious process of hand-
picking, when a valuable implement can be had that
will save several times its cost every day it is used ?

POTATO ROT.

We have various accounts as to this disease. Some
farmers say that it is very destructive, others that it
is very light, or has not made its appearance at all.
Most persons of whom we have made inquiries have
seen but very little of it ; and it probably exists only
to a small extent. We have examined several kinds
of our own, both on dry and M'et land, and we have
seen no rot in them, not even in the Stockbridge,
which is far more liable to the disease than any
other variety. Yet, as we have dug only a few for
our own use, we have not yet had a good opportunity
to judge.

In most cases, Chenangoes and other tender kinds
that have been dug on rather wet land, and stood in
market over night, are considerably affected. Most
of the potatoes in this state and farther south, in
New England, wore planted early, and they became
ripe, and vegetation generally ceased before there
was any weather that tended to promote the rot ;
therefore they wiU be less liable to be affected than
those that were growing after the rot appeared.

We have not supposed that the rot had disappeared,
or was passing away, as has been the opinion of

many, as it did not appear as early as usual this
season, but that the malady would prevail again,
whenever there was suitable weather to promote it.
In the last of August, and early in this month, there
wore a few days of warm weather, and alternations
of showers and sunshine, and hot days and cool
nights, which promoted the rot. So we have had
but very little weather during the season, that tended
much to produce the rot. The weather is now,
(September 10th,) and for several days past has been,
cool and bright, and will probably check the disease.
We would not have our readers infer, from what
we have said, that we regard the state of the weather
the main cause of rot, as we consider the principal
cause atmospheric, and the weather a secondary or
predisposing cause, the same as stimulating manures,
wet land, a tender kind, &c.

IDENTITY OF GLANDERS IN MAN AND
HORSE.

When the Eleventh Hussars were last quartered in
Dublin, our surgeon, in conjunction Avith some of
the most eminent medical men in that city, attended
a policeman at one of the hospitals, who died of the
glanders. The unfortunate man, it is supposed, took
the infection from druiking out of a bucket which
had been used by a glandered horse. Three days
before this man died, a horse was purchased, and was
inoculated with the matter from the man. The horse
showed all the symptoms of acute glanders, of which
he died. The man also died. Drawings were taken
by an eminent artist of portions of the lungs of the
man, and also of those of the horse, which showed
the most perfect similarity in the tubercles. Draw-
ings were also made of the Schneiderian membrane
of the man and the horse, showing the identity of
the ulceration. The man was also shown as he lay
dead, with the appearance of the pustules over the
body; these pustules appeared to have a very marked
difference from those in other diseases, having a
white areole instead of a red.

This case excited great attention at the time, and
our surgeon was requested to attend at Chatham
with the drawings, which were carefully copied and
deposited in the Medical Museum. — The London
Veterinarian,

308

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Fw the NeiB England Farmer.
BOMMER MANURE.

Mr. Editou : In the Farmer of August 18th, under
the caption of " Profit of Patent Rights, &c., Papers,"
alias Bomnier Manure, your correspondent R. M.
•wishes "to know all that can be brought against it,"
from " actual experience," or, by " weighing facts
honestly." We infer from this last sentence that
the idea which the author wished to convey was
simply this, viz., that as truth on all occasions should
be spoken, he demands truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth, which we propose to do on
this "all-important" subject.

About Bommer's method for making manure much
has been written both in regard to its value and the
validity of the patent right, and we presume much
more will be written before it is set at nought. The
subject, we believe, to which this correspondent
wishes to "draw the attention of contributors" is
the value of the manure and not the validity of the
patent right. Having formerly given our opinion
in the columns of a respectable journal on this method
of composting manure, we again take up our pen,
and shall endeavor to defend it ; for, being a member
of a company formed in this place little more than
a year ago, who accordingly purchased the patent
right for the town for one half of the amount men-
tioned by your correspondent, we do not discard it.
Although we cannot speak from " actual experience,"
having not fairly tested the experiment, yet, as far
as observation is concerned, we are able to affirm that
a member, soon after purchasing the right, made a
heap of what is called Bommer Manure, on which
he last season raised a good crop of corn.

We believe this kind of manure is profitable to the
farmer notwithstanding all that has been "brought
against it," because the ingredients of which it is
composed are of a fertilizing nature ; secondly, be-
cause much of the filth and drainings from cow-yards,
and other resources on farms, can be profitably made
into manure by this method, without which the
farmer would receive but little benefit ; thirdly, be-
cause farmers living a great distance from places
where manure ma)^ be purchased, and in hilly sec-
tions of towns, can make their own manure, and thus
save the expense of buying and teaming.

We hope farmers will " look at this subject with-
out partiality," for we believe it to be of interest, and
from current reports we should judge that no farmer
need to be without this method of making compost
manure, for it is thought by some to be quite gen-
erally known. As we have not seen any thing in
an agricultural paper that would give the intelligent
farmer a full and clear conception of the method ac-
cording to Bommer's record, we are not assured of
the cheapness and ready access of the mode.

N. B. We believe the reason why some of those
who have become acquainted with Bommer's method
meet with disappointments or "failures," as it is
called, arises from this one thing, viz., they do not
carry out the principle strictly in accordance with
the method. J.

WoBURN, Auff, 1849.

For the Neto England Farmer.

COTTAGE ARCHITECTURE-LANDSCAPE
GARDENING.

Mr. Editor : Perhaps there is nothing in which
more taste can be displayed than in cottage archi-
tecture and landscape gardening. And yet, how
little we see in the country, compared with the
number who have the means to gratify this kind of
taste, did they really possess it ! Men of property

will thoughtlessly build a plain, square house in the
dust of the road-side, with only a rod of groimd in
front, covered with weeds and mullein, and congrat-
iilate themselves on the pleasant site, and its prox-
imity to "passing." Such men have no taste, and
not a few of tliem deride it. They claim to be utili-
tarians, republican in their notions ; and while they
have no cxi)enses to incur for " other people's eyes,"
they seem to be insensible to the fact that a degree
of neatness and taste would soon become a new
source of pleasure to themselves, and much enhance
the value of their property.

The objects of taste in rural affairs are generally
things permanent; not transitory, passing away in
a month or a year, but objects which will endure for
many generations with most of their beauties, to the
praise of him who unites refinement with utility.
Hence its importance.

I know that practical farmers are inclined to turn
a deaf ear to such suggestions ; but I do not perceive
that a house handsomely located, neatly built, and
a garden neatly laid out and planted, would be any
more annual expense, than one built or laid out
without tasteful considerations. Besides, who has
not felt, that a beautiful object is an incentive to
and lightens labor, and will so engage the attention,
that moments otherwise uselessly spent will now be
usefully employed ? How can a person labor for that
which he does not cherish ? or toil in a garden, with
satisfaction, that has been planned in defiance of the
rules of good order and taste ? Let the farmer's or
gardener's (as well as every other person's) motto be
" Perpetual Improvement."

Respecting cottage architecture, a number of beau-
tiful plans have of late years been presented by
architects, and adopted by builders. Look at Rox-
bury, which is unrivalled for its beautiful new cot-
tages — erected upon rocks in the midst of brambles
— and one will be astonished at what taste and head-
work have accomplished, assisted by the hands.
Here are found every variety and color which in-
genuity can invent.

Not many years ago, the most open sites were
chosen for building ; but now the most sequestered
and woody, if not too far from a principal road. The
choice of such situations gives a greater opportunity
for a display of taste, as handsome shady forest-trees
are suff'ered to remain, Avhile the ground is interlaced
with walks and shaded with cultivated flowers and
shrubbery — thus preserving the beauty of nature's
wildness and the products of floriculture. And it is
remarkable how a road cut through a piece of woods,
with here and there a cluster of flowers, will redeem
the wildness of nature.

Dift'erent situations of cottages seem to require, I
think, different forms of architecture. The English
style, with bay or semi-octagon windows, strikes us
as best fitted for a level piece of ground near the
street, and will bear more shelter than most any
other kind. But a prominent site, at some distance
from the street, would seem to reqviire a more stately
architecture, embracing lofty turrets, spacious and
elevated piazzas, &c. Where streets pass a house on
different sides, piazzas looking towards them are
quite essential.

The color of a cottage is next in importance to its
architecture. As a general rule, I think dark colors
(chocolate, for instance) are not in good taste, as in
most seasons of the year they are gloomy, and not
calculated long to please. For stables and out-houses
they are more tolerable. There is enough in the
country when the trees aire not in foliage, to excite
melancholy, without sombre houses or dead-pole
fences and summer-houses. Every thing in and
around a cottage ought to look gay and cheerful ;
and hence brilliant colors for buildings, such as
white, straw, light pink, &c., are far more preferable,
to my taste, as they never encourage a feeling of

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

309

sadness, but appear in cheerful contrast with the
surrounding landscape.

I am now setting out with trees an acre of ground,
finely situated for a garden and house lot, with an
inclination to the north-west, with pretty level rear,
and am desirous of placing these trees to the best
advantage, respecting walks, general appearance, &c.
I have commenced planting trees entirely around the
lot, about ten feet from the boundary, with a view
of laying out a walk between the fence and trees,
and also crossing the garden at right angles at pleas-
ure. I shall keep the apple-trees mostly back, the
cherries front, (on the road,) peaches, plums, and
pears near the house, and interspersed otherwise as
judgment shall dictate. As the front part of the lot
rises from seven to ten feet in the distance of thirty
or forty back, a substantial wall on the front line
would be better economy, I think, than a fence, to
secure the work. I v.'ould inquire, Mr. Editor, if
earth can be banked up against it, or placed on the
top of it, sufficient to grow a buckthorn or prim
hedge. Which of the two is preferable ?

Permit me also to inquire if it would be a good
plan to plant grape-vines at the trunk of oak-trees
fifteen or twenty feet high, that arc to remain. If
the Isabella grape would be too much shaded, would
not the wild succeed, and could it be improved in
quality? Any suggestions on the above, which your
time and experience would permit you to make, will
be happily received. L.

Editorial Remarks. — If the land rises steep from
the wall, it might, of course, be very convenient to
make a bank as high as the wall ; but if the ascent
from the wall is moderate, it would require consid-
erable labor to make a bank as high as the wall,
and have it level or nearly so ; and if the bank
be not nearly level, or made rather wide, it will be
dry and unsuitable for growing a hedge. "We would
suggest filling up against the wall to about one third
or one half its height, and then the top of the wall
wiU hide from sight the lower part of the hedge,
which is less comely than the other parts.

Attention has but recently been given to the culti-
vation of the prim or privet for hedges : of course,
we know but little about it yet. Buckthorn is very
luxuriant in its growth, and forms an excellent hedge
for ornament, or for a screen ; but as a protection
where there is no wall or fence, we should prefer
the native thorn of the south, often called the Wash-
ington or Newcastle thorn. It is hardy and well adapted
to this climate.

If grape-vines are planted with forest trees, and
the land well cultivated, they will grow finely ; but
when the trees have attained a considerable size,
they shade too much, and the soil around the
trunks for some distance is filled with roots,
and the grapes will have a poor chance. In such
case, it Avould be better to plant the vines some six,
eight, or twelve feet from the trees, on the south, if
convenient, and then train them to the trees, which
might be done under ground, if more convenient.

The Isabella grape is rather late for this climate,
even in a favorable location ; therefore it should not
be exposed to the disadvantage of a connection with
trees, especially those of rather a large size. Some
native grapes would be better adapted to such a
location. The Strawberry and Coon (American
Fruit Book, p. 255) are of great vigor, and will run

to the tops of forest trees : they are perfectly hardy,
and they ripen their fruit the first of September.

-*■

For the Neio England Farmer.
DOMESTIC FOWLS.
Mr. Cole. Sir : I should like to see some state-
ments in the Farmer respecting the best kinds of
hens or domestic fowls, for a farmer to keep. I see
the Ploughman has some articles on that subject.
There appear to be new varieties. Whether they
are better or more profitable than the old, I should
like to know. It is mentioned in the Ploughman
about a hen which laid forty eggs in succession, or
in as many days. Now, I have a hen of good size,
though not the largest kind, which has laid, as my
folks say, ever since last February, without wanting
to sit. Can any of the new kinds beat that ?

Yours, &c., J. S.

Mansfield, August 24, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — There are many varieties
of domestic fowls : some excel in one property, others
in another. It is impossible to find a breed that
combines all the qualities desired. For instance,
there is no variety that will lay constantly without
sitting, when eggs only are wanted ; and sit when-
ever the owner desires a brood of chickens.

The Poland Top Knots seldom sit, and are excel-
lent for those who keep hens expressly for eggs.-
They are a beautiful fowl, and well adapted to the
condition of those who keep them for ornament.

The Dorkings are among the most popular races
in this country and in England. Their flesh and
eggs are excellent, their deportment is commendable,
and they are excellent mothers. This race is often
disposed to sit, and some complain that they are
inclined to brood before laying a nest full of eggs.

The Game breed is remarkably hardy, superior in
flesh, and good layers ; but they are so pugnacious,
that the young cocks often kill or disable each
other.

The Guelderlands are a noble, quiet race, but
rather tender, so that the chickens are hard to raise.
We noticed this tenderness in hatching eggs by arti-
ficial heat. Many of these eggs produced chickens
to the point of hatching, but none came out of the
shell.

The Bucks County breed is remarkably hardy.
On this account they are well adapted to early rais-
ing, as they will endure the cool weather of spring,
which often destroys other kinds. And as they are
very large, they appear, when about half grown, much
like a common chicken two thirds grown ; so that
they are sold in market more to the advantage of the
raiser than the consumer. This breed is very de-
structive to vegetation. An old protector will stand
on a stout hill of potatoes, when disposed to make a
display of his power, and it will be flying in every
direction in half a minute. We hatched five sixths
of the eggs of this breed by artificial means.

The Frizzled fowl has its feathers pointing for-
ward, so that it cannot run amongst grain ; and this
is its peculiar advantage.

The Bantams arc beautiful, and serve as pets for
children; and they may run in gardens without
injury.-

310

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

The Bucks County, Malay, Cochin China, and
various large India breeds, and other extremely large
races, are, generally, of coarse flesh, and the eggs are
of coarse texture and unsavory. A friend remarked
that his neighbors complained that the eggs from the
large India fowls, ■which he sold them, were of a
dark color, coarse, and less palatable than others ;
and he requested us to take some eggs of the large
fowls, and try them with others, and report our opin-
ion. We cooked them with the eggs of Dorkings
and common hens, and we found that the color was
darker, the texture coarser, and the quality inferior
to the other two kinds. The difference was great.

We know not what new kinds may be made, and
we would not discourage the production of new
varieties, as some maj' be produced under a judicious
course of breeding, or incidentally, for ought that we
know, that may combine many excellent properties.
But in breeding from the coarse India fowls, and
retaining their peculiar properties, we think no great
improvement will be made.

Some of the native varieties of domestic fowls,
like some native cattle, are superior to many of the
foreign races ; and by selecting some of the best from
different flocks, in order to avoid breeding in and in,
a cross of fine fowls may be produced.

We have alluded to only a few breeds, and made
only a few remarks on them, not intending a full
description, with a view to show the ditSculty, or
rather impossibility, of selecting a race that would
be regarded as best for every body. We have made
those remarks, presenting various subjects for con-
sideration, with a view to call forth the opin-
ions of our correspondents. The subject, though
small in its details, is very large in the aggregate, as
may be shown by statistics.

After all that is done to render a tree productive,
some kinds will bear but sparsely, as they are natu-
rally poor bearers, and it is impossible to change the
natural habits of a variety.

For the New E)i(/land Farmet:
BARREN APPLE-TREES.

Me. Editor. Dear sir : I have been looking in the
New England Farmer for something to make barren
apple-trees bear ; but I have looked in vain. I can
hear nothing in relation to that subject. I have a
tree on my farm that is young and thrifty : the trunk,
Within a foot of the ground, is thirty- four inches in
circumference : it blossoms full, but never bears. If
you know or can hear of any remedy, please to insert
it in your paper, and much oblige
Your friend,

JAMES MILLIKEN.

Charlestown, N. H., August 30, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — To cure barrenness in
fruit trees, change the soil. If the soil is clay, or a
cold, muddy soil, remove a part around the roots,
and put instead gravelly or sandy loam. If the soil
is now too light and porous, change a part for a more
compact soil. Apply several kinds of manure, such
as ashes, lime, or old lime mortar, soap suds, sink
water, plaster, soot, &c. Another aid to produc-
tiveness is moderate pruning, to expose the branches
to air and sum. Clipping off a part of the present
year's growth, in July, tends to the production of
fruit buds. If a tree is not sufficiently vigorous,
manure and cultivation will render it more fruitful.

For the New England Farmer.

Mr. Cole. Dear sir : I have a young, thrifty apple-
tree orchard, containing one hundred and thirty
trees, of about fourteen years' growth. For the last
five or six years, the trees have been infested, as most
trees are, more or less, with the borer. Last spring,
I undertook an experiment for the purpose of exter-
minating the foe from this orchard, if possible. The
course pursued, and the result, I will give you in
detail.

On the 13th of last April, I put around the
base of the trunk of every tree, from one to two
shovels full of house ashes. This was pressed down
around the tree as hard as possible. I then put a
quarter of an ox cart load of swamp muck around
each tree, covering the ashes around the trunk to
the depth of about four inches. This I also pressed
down, leaving the surface smooth and hard.

From that time until the 14th of the present
month, I made many and careful examinations of
every tree ; and in no single instance did I find any
sign or indication of the working of borers. On
the 14th of this month, supposing that the time
had passed for the miller to deposit her eggs, I
commenced removing from each tree the muck and
the ashes.

On examining the first tree, I found, about four
inches below the surface of the muck, the chippings
or castiiigs of a borer pressed hard against the ashes,
the chips having become almost as hard as the bark
of the tree. I proceeded to search for him, and im-
mediately found him in what seemed to me a sad
predicament. He had excluded himself entirely
from the air, and was in a lean, soft, flabby condition,
head downwards. The chips he had apparently last
made looked old, as if he had given up work for a
considerable time before.

This first tree and first borer was a fair sample of
the whole, for out of almost every tree in the orchard
I dug out from one to ten borers. I found them all,
as it Avere, in a perfectly safe trap, and many of them
were actually dead. The result then shows most
conclusively to my mind, that the borer was obliged
to give up work, in consequence of the muck and
ashes being pressed so hard around the trunk of the
tree as to exclude the air, and prevent him from
throwing out his chips. Since then, there is no sign
or indication whatever of the miller having left the
trees from April to August, and consequently could
not have deposited any eggs the present season, I
feel confident that I have killed every borer, unless
some may have escaped my observation.
Yours truly,

E. SANGER.

Sherburne, August 25, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — We are happy in present-
ing a new mode of assailing one of the most formida-
ble foes that the fruit-grower has to contend with.
This experiment appears perfectly successful, and it
presents itself as something that appears reasonable.
The ashes and muck scattered around trees in a
light soil, or one of common moisture, will, as a ma-
nure, abundantly pay all the expense of procuring it.
So the expense of killing the borer in this way will
be but a mere trifle. We hope that many will try
this mode another season, and let all who attempt it
make thorough work.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

311

For the New England Farmer.
HEN LICE.

Mr. Editor : I notice that in the Massachusetts
Plonghnian of the 11th inst., a correspondent makes
an inquiry, What xcill destroy hen lice? The editor, in
answer, gives no specific remedy, but recommends to
give them liberty to range through the fields, and
wallow in sand, ashes, &c. He also says, " When
chickens are covered with lice, the best way to rid
thorn of the plague is to catch them and smear them
over with oil or greasy matter." I was much troubled
with these minute insects on my hens and chickens
last year ; so much so, that one fine hen died while
sitting, just before the time for her to hatch. The
lice were so plenty, that I could not put my hand or
a finger upon their roosts, or timber in connection,
half a minute, but that my hand would be immedi-
ately covered with them, crawling ahead as fast as
possible ; and if not imnrediately brushed off, would
extend over the whole body.

Being at East Foxboro' railroad depot, last fall,
some person mentioned that a man was there a short
time before from Vermont, who stated an infallible
remedy for hen lice, as follows : —

Boil up a quantity of onions in water. When the
onions become soft, mash them up, and with the water
stir in Indian corn meal till sufficiently thick to give
out to the hens and chickens when cool. They will
eat it, a)id not a louse will be found on them twenty-
four hours after, and they will cease to infest their
roosting-placos after. We made a trial of the above
remedy late last fall, and have not been troubled
with lice since.

ISAAC STEARNS.

Mansfield, August 20, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — Of all the troubles and
vexations, in keeping hens, we know of none so
serious as that minute insect that infests hens, w'hen
they are confined, or are kept in large flocks. Many
a time we have set a hen in a new box, and clean
nest, perfectly free from lice, and have carefully
guarded against them in the hen-house ; but the
insidious foes would come from their hiding-places,
and attack the quiet hen, who could make no re-
sistance, and either kill her on the nest, or compel
her to leave it before hatching. At first, we put a
little lard on the hen ; but we found that, in such
cases, the eggs never hatched. Afterwards, as the
lice increased, we brushed them from the eggs, and
put them in a new nest and box, and rubbed yellow
or dry snufF on the hen, and let her run and burrow
half an hour or an hour to get rid of the snuff and
lice. This was a great deal of trouble ; and should
the above simple mode generally prove a remedy,
this little item of information will be a great acquisi-
tion to the poulterer. We advise those who try this
remedy, to examine the eggs laid soon after the
onions are given to the hens, and see if they are not
affected by the onions.

For the New England Farmer.

EXPERIMENTS ON POTATOES.

Mr. Editor : I noticed an article in your paper
of May 26, on planting large or small potatoes. I
have several times tried the experiment by planting
large and small potatoes where the land and manur-
ing were the same ; and the result, in size and qual-

ity, I believe, in every case, has been in favor of large
potatoes. As my experiments were not put in writ-
ing at the time, I cannot now give an exact state-
ment of the experiment. I will, however, give the
result of two, as near as I can recollect.

Several years since, I planted a piece of potatoes,
and I selected eight rows about ten rods long : the
land and manuring were alike. I planted two rows
with all large ones, one in a hill, and the hills about
three feet apart. Two rows of cut potatoes, cut nearly
as follows : those a little larger than a hen's egg cut
open once ; larger ones into throe or four pieces, ac-
cording to their size ; five rows with small potatoes,
and two rows with small pieces of potatoes cut off
with the eyes.

Immediately after they came up, the tvi'o rows
where the large potatoes were planted could be dis-
tinguished at a considerable distance, by their being
much larger than the others, and the difference con-
tinued through the season. When they were dug,
they were carefully measured, and the result was, (as
near as I can now recollect,) that the crop of large
ones over the cut ones was more than all the seed
of the large ones. The two rows of small ones and
those planted with the eyes cut off" were nearly the
same, but of smaller size and considerably less in
quantity than those planted with cut potatoes.

At another time, I planted one row with large
potatoes cut in two pieces; another row with large
potatoes without cutting ; and another row with
potatoes about the size of a small hen's egg. The
produce of the cut potatoes and large potatoes with-
out cutting was nearly the same ; but there were less
small ones whore the potatoes wore cut. In the
other row, the quantity was less, and the size smaller.
From the above and other similar experiments, I
have long been of the opinion that it is not profit-
able to plant small potatoes.

Yours with respect,

JOSEPH HOWE.

Methuen, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — The result of Mr. Howe's
experiment is similar to our own. In most cases, we
get the largest yield from planting large potatoes ;
and we think that by planting large potatoes, or
those from medial to large, the variety may be im-
proved, or it may be saved from deterioration, which
must attend constant planting of small potatoes.
We give this as a matter of opinion, and we have
many facts to support our views. Yet we may err.
We have no positive proof to show that constant
planting of small potatoes for many years will cause
degeneracy, yet we have circumstantial evidence to
support this proposition, and it seems to be according
to analogy ; for all races of animals degenerate on
breeding from the smallest. But we may mistake
as to analogy ; for a hill of potatoes, in regard to
small and large ones, may be different from a litter
of pigs or brood of chickens. Late-planted beets,
turnips, &e., are best for seed, as they possess more
vigor than full-grown roots. It may be similar with
the potato. We find late-jjlanted potatoes excellent
for seed ; and since the rot has prevailed, the English
plant late for seed, and dig the crop while green or
immature. The small potatoes are frequently those
that set late ; and as the first that set monopolize
most of the food prepared to nourish the tubers, and
the plant comes to maturitj', or becomes exhausted
for want of nourishment, the small potatoes must
continue small ; yet they may be in good condition

312

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

for seed. This subject is unsettled, and we need
more exact experiments on it.

SOILS ON WHICH LIME IS USEFUL.

By James Ilijatt, Chrmist of the Mount Airij Agricul-
tural Institute, Germantoivn, Pa.

Lime may be advantageously applied, in proper
quantities, and under proper circumstances, to all
Boils, except to marly and calcareous ones ; that is,
except to those which already contain upwards of
five or six per cent, of carbonate of lime, and in cer-
tain cases, even, to some of these.

The lands which lime benefits in the greatest
degree arc the following : Peaty soils, and those
which contain large quantities of vegetable matter ;
clayey soils, which are needed to be rendered more
light, open, and active ; lands that are worn out by
long and exhausting culture ; soils sterile from the
existence of green copperas (proto-sulphate of iron)
in considerable quantities ; soils wanting potash ;
and those which are found to be deficient in the
quantity of lime necessary for its supply to the
growing crops. On other soils, lime may often be
profitably employed according to their mechanical
eondition and chemical composition, and to the
expense of liming ; as will be hereafter explained.
Those soils which contain a proper proportion of the
©ther different mineral ingredients necessary to fer-
tilit}', together with sufficient organic matter, and
which are of the right mechanical structure as to
mellowness, being neither too compact nor too open,
may need no application of lime for a long series of
years, although the percentage of lime in them is
very small. Chemical analyses have shown, that
soils known to be fertile without manures, may con-
tain no more than one five hundredth part of lime ;
for then, though the proportion of lime is inconsid-
erable, yet we learn by calculation that an acre of
soil, six inches in depth, will contain about a ton
and a half of lime — undoubtedly more than sufficient
for the supply of rotations of crops for a quarter of a
century.

These fertile soils, however, which contain such
small, and even somewhat larger proportions of lime,
may doubtless be made to yield larger and surer
crops, by its addition in considerable quantities. The
effects of lime on such soils arc, with proper man-
agement, altogether beneficial, notwithstanding that
they then require, besides the expense of liming, a
more costly sj'stcm of manuring. The increased
production that follows the liming tends to exhaust
the soil of its necessary ingredients, and to destroy
its fertile properties, so that, while lime is continued
to be applied, instead of supplying the place of other
manures, it becomes necessary to be more liberal in
their application. The farmer who increases his
crops, Avithout increasing his manures, will soon
render his soil barren. All this extra labor and ex-
pense, however, will be amply repaid by the gain in
production ; for if there is any profit in raising a
light or a medium crop on a piece of land, this profit
rapidly swells, as the same land is made to yield its
heavier products. It would not be advisable that
time and money should be lavished in the injudicious
and extravagant ajjplication of manures. That which
a farm is capable of yielding in the shape of animal
and vegetable manures, should be carefully lius-
banded, as well as that which can be economicallj'
purchased and applied. And foreign substances, in
the shape of ashes, plaster, bone-dust, or salt, of
which the land may stand in absolute want, must be
procured. With care and good judgment in these
matters, such a soil as is referred to may be limed
"with great advantage. — Transactious N. Y. Ag. Soc.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — In Eng-
land, and some parts of this country, great improve-
ment has been made in lands by the liberal appli-
cation of lime alone. In some cases, several hundred
bushels have been applied to the acre, and the abun-
dant crops from soil that was previously sterile, have
amply repaid the outlay.

But in New England, farmers have not generally
found sufficient advantage from the use of lime to
pay the expense. In many sections, there is suffi-
cient lime in the soil ; and in some cases, the failures
from the application of lime may have been owing to
the improper application. Caustic lime is often ap-
plied directly to the growing crop, which would
probably be injurious the first season, even if it
would prove beneficial in future ; and the cultivator
often judges hastily, and condemns lime ■\'i'ithout
waiting to give it a fair test. The result should b©
carefully noted for several years. Some experiments
in England have shown a favorable result for twenty
years after the application of lime.

FUEL IN PARIS.

There are wood and coal shops in every street,
and at almost every corner, where you can buy any
sort of fuel you choose to order ; and as it is always
sold by the pound, there is no dispute or uncertainty
as to the quantity, and the price appears to be imi-
form throughout the city. The most rigid economy
prevails as to the use of fuel. I never saw any thing
like it, and I myself have learnt many a useful lesson.
The French often submit patientlj' to a degree of
cold, which, with our habits, we should think scarcely
endurable. In this respect, I think they show their
wisdom, and I believe have fewer colds and catarrhs,
than prevail with us. They never make a fire, un-
less absolutely necessary. Their fuel, in the next
place, is always perfectly dry, and is presented in
the most convenient forms. They use much char-
coal for cooking, in which there is great economy.
They have none of the detestable cooking stoves
which are used with us, filling the house with odors
of the most disagreeable kind ; but they have ranges
of little furnaces, where they cook entirely with
charcoal, and so placed that all the odor of the food
is carried off. They have every contrivance for
making a fire instantly, and are never at a loss for
heat, so numerous and complete are their appli-
ances. — Selected,

ONE THING AT A TIME.

Step among your neighbors, reader, and see whether
those of them who have got along smoothly, and ac-
cumulated property, and gained a good name, have
not been men who bent themselves to one single
branch of business ; — who brought all their powers
to bear upon one point, and built on one foundation.
It must be so.

Go out in spring, when the stin is yet far distant,
and you can scarcely feel the influence of his beams,
scattered as they are over the wide face of creation ;
but collect those beams to a focus, and they kindle
up a flame in an instant. So the man that squan-
ders his talents and his strength on many things,
will fail to make an impression with either ; but let
him draw them to a point — let him strike at a single
object, and it will yield before him. — Selected.

The bones of birds are hollow, and filled with air
instead of marrow.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

313

U^>v^>^^--

PRINCE'S YELLOW GAGE PLUM.

Sj'nonymes — Yellow Gage, American Yelloio Gage, White Gage.

This plum was raised sixty-six years ago, by the
elder Mr. Prince, of Flushing. The excellency of
its fruit, and the habits of the tree, commend it for
general culture, as it is among the very best early
plums. The tree is remarkably hardy, very vigorous,
and productive.

The fruit is large medial ; nearly oval ; slight
Buture ; of a rich golden-yellow covered with white
bloom ; stem nearly an inch in length, slender, in a
very narrow cavity ; flesh deep yellow, rich, sweet,
and molting ; sometimes a little dry, or juice not
abundant. Freestone. Ripens from the twelfth to
the last of August.

The Yellow Gage forms a large, long-lived tree,
and is among the best and most valuable plums of
its season, either for market or the private garden.
A few days ago, we saw in the garden of Mr. Henry
Vandyne, Cambridgcport, two trees of this variety,
that were set twenty-four years ago. One is in
a healthy, vigorous condition ; the other has lost a
part of its top, but it has been a profitable tree, hav-
ing produced in one year upwards of fifty dollars
worth of fruit. Mr. A. Lackey, Jr., of Marblehead,

had two and a half bushels this season from a tree
set out eight years ago, from a fine bunch of which
our engraving is made.

OBITUARY.

Within a short period, two of the most distinguished
lights in the agricultural community of our country
have set forever.

About two months ago, Elias Phinney, Esq., died
at his residence in Lexington. As a practical farmer
and agricultural \\Titer, Mr. Phinney held a dis-
tinguished rank ; and he was one of the principal
pioneers in agricultural improvement in this country.
Though he is no more, his works still live, and are
exerting a wide-spread and happy influence.

Rev. Henry Colman, long distinguished as an able
and interesting agricultural writer, who was an
agricultural commissioner of this commonwealth,
and recently an agricultural tourist in Europe, died,
about a month since, in England, as he was about te
embark for this country. This was his second trip
tb that country.

314

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

MORGAN HORSES.

Mr. Editor : The improvement of our breeds of
horses is an object which deserves attention. Of the
■whole number of horses reared in the country, the
proportion of good ones is very small ; hence the re-
mark is frequentl}' made that the rearing of horses is
unprofitable. The origin of our most valuable horses
is not only a subject of interest to the curious, but it
is also one of great importance ; and a course which
has produced improvement maj' be safely relied upon
for the continuance of similar results.

The origin of the valuable stock of horses called
Morgan, has been the subject of some controversy in
this state. Many have supposed that they were of
Canadian descent. Some persons, having horses of
Canadian descent, have advertised them as Morgan
horses, which is very derogatory to the Morgan
blood. The stock of Morgan horses is so universally
known and admired throughout New England, that
it is hardly necessary to repeat their merits. For a
seller of horses, it is only necessary to establish the
fact that his horses are of the Morgan blood, and he
meets with a ready sale at good prices, and the pur-
chasers are more than satisfied. They excel in great
endurance, carrying weight a long distance — and as
roadsters, they excel all other horses in this or any
other country — are full of noble and generous spirit,
with such docilitj' of temper that the most timid can
drive them ; but if put to their mettle, they are a full
hand for the best driver. It has been asserted, and
cannot with propriety be denied, that there has
never been a stock of horses in New England which
has proved so generally useful as the Morgan stock
of the original Morgan horse, raised by Justin Mor-
gan, of West Springfield, ^lass., in 1793, and taken
to Randolph, \t., in the fall of 1795 — ^ sired by the
True liriton, or Beautiful Eay, raised by General James
De Lancy, of Long Island, N. Y., and sired by his
imported English horse Traveller, (known as Mor-
ton's Traveller,) who traces directly back to the
Godolphin Arabian. Dam of the original Morgan
was of the Wild Air breed, sired by the Diamond,
who was raised in East Hartford, Conn. Diamond
was sired by the Wild Air, known as the Church
Horse. The Church Horse was sired by the Wild Air
imported from England by General De Lancy, and
afterwards taken back to England. He was a grand-
son of the Godolphin Arabian. The dam of the
Church Horse was an imported Wild Air mare,
owned by Captain Samuel Burt, of Springfield, Mass.

The above is the genuine pedigree of the Morgan
horse, which is in no way of French Canadian
descent, as many have erroneously supposed. The
description of the Morgan horse is not in the least
exaggerated. J, D. T.

LiNCOLNVILLE, Me., 1849.

— Mame Farmer.

BREAKING A COLT.

Some good people, who raise colts, are not aware
that they are thinking animals, and have feelings,
passions, and affections, very much like human be-
ings. They cannot talk — that's all. People who
do not appreciate the character of horses, are apt to
treat them like brutes, without love or mercy, and
without any appeal to their glorious intelligence.
" The horse knoweth his owner ; " — and he knows
much more, — he knows when he is treated as a
Christian's horse should be — and in respect of treat-
ment the Turk and Arab have much the advantage
of us in civilization. Those pagans make friends of
their horses — they love each other, and in the sandy
desert or the wide plain, they lie down side by side,
and each is equally ready to resist the approach of
an enemy.

It is not often so with us. The colt is left to grow
up to manhood wild in the pasture, with very littlo
acquaintance or sociability with his master. As soon
as he is thought strong enough to worlt, he has a
saddle or a harness slapped upon him, so hard as to
make him tingle again. He is put into some strong
cart or wagon, without understanding what is wanted,
and being bewildered in his ignorance, and exasper-
ated at such rough handling, it is generally the case
that he exerts his best strength to get out of the
scrape and avoid his enemies, by plunging, kicking,
throwing himself down, and sundry other such vila
tricks, (as they are called,) as would naturally occur
to a poor beast who thought himself most villain-
ously abused. While this is the operation in the
mind of the unsoj^histicated colt, the liorse-breakor is
swearing at his vicious obstinacy, laying on the licks
with the string or the butt of the whip handle, and
doing his best to draw blood at every stroke. His
intention is to subdue the beast to obedience. Ha
may succeed, but it will only be by destroying his
noble s]jirit, and rendering him a tame, passive beast
of burden, working only as he is forced, but without
ambition or good will. The man is the most igno-
rant brute of the two. He is destitute of all proper
knowledge of the animal who " knoweth his owner,"
and should be beaten with many stripes himself.

The fact is, the colt should be treated with un-
varying kindness, except when he is manifestly
vicious, contrary to his own knowledge, after having
been fairly taught. When he is taken up for break-
ing, he should be kept hungry and thirsty, and be
fed from the hand of his master ; while all the little
tokens of praise, fondness, and approbation, which
are as gratifying to a horse as to a woman, should
be liberally bestowed upon him. No act of rudeness
or unkindness should inspire him with fear ; — and
in a short time he will come to his master, as to his
best friend. Let hira feel that he is sale in the hands
and care of man, and he will place confidence in that
attention which is bestowed, and with a light heart
will exert himself to please his rider. Bestow upon
hira the whip, and jerk him about with the halter
and bridle, and his temper will rouse to resistance,
or sink to stupidity.

A horse may be taught, like a child, by those who
have won his affections ; but the method of teaching
is by showing distinctly what you want him to do,
not by beating him because he does not understand
and perform at the outset. Judicious management
is required in the course of instruction, for these
creatures, like men, have very different intellectual
capacities ayli tempers ; Init all may be mastered by
kindness, while the best, the most high-spirited, the
most generous, will be ruined by beating.

To illustrate this point, which Me mean to enlarge
upon hereafter, we will relate a little circumstance
that occurred during a tour to the White Hills.
Having a horse, — a fine light gray saddle-pony, — wo
undertook, with a friend, to ride to the summit of
one of the mountains. Federal — that was his name
— and he belonged to Niles — would have done any
thing for me, for he and I had become well ac-
quainted, and he was a most noble-hearted fellow.
Federal clambered up according to my directions. I
thought I could see the best way, and guided him
accordingly. We got at last upon the peak, where
was a level of some yards square, and Federal, who
never had been up so high in the world before, as
we slackened the rein, turned three times round to
look at the prospect, and then set up a scream of
delight. It was not a neigh, nor whinny, nor any
common mode of talking for a horse, but it was a
regular hurrah, as much as to say, " O ! thunder and
lightning ! Ain't this glorious ? "

After a while, we turned to descend, and gave
Federal his own way. It seemed at times rather a
ticklish job ; but he managed it well. The little

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

315

rascal stopi)ed now and then and made a survey as
carefully as could be done by a civil engineer. He
turned and tacked, and worked ship, like an old
sailor among the breakers ; and being careful and
surefooted, he came down as safe as a tortoise. But
we brought \ip at last against a fence — having taken
a different direction from that by which we ascended.
We rode at the fence fairlv, but Federal stopped
short. "You fool," said I, "can't you jump?"
Tried it again — no go. I stopped a moment, and
thinks I to myself, this horse has never leaped a
fence in his life. I felt sure he would have tried his
best for me at any time, and would liave broken his
neck sooner than have refused, if he had known
exactly what to do. I talked kindly to him — coaxed
him — patted his neck ; and as soon as I saw his
head raised about two or three inches, and his ears
pricked up brightly, and felt the muscles of his sides
swell under the saddle, I knew he had caught the
idea : that was all he wanted : I gave him the
hint to try it, and over he went like a swallow, at
least two feet higher than was necessary. The little
scamp meant to make a sure job of it. He Avas no
sooner down, than he wheeled about, looked at the
fence, and snorted, as much as to say, " What do you
think of that ? " and trotted off. Ever afterwards
during our journey. Federal was on the look-out for
some excuse for leaping. A log, a run of water
across the road, even a stone bridge, he uniformly
pricked up his ears at and leaped across — giving a
snort each time, to announce his joy at having dis-
covered a new feat.

The moral of this matter has been stated at the
outset. Federal only needed to understand what
we wanted, to do all in his power for its accomplish-
ment. He was onlj' a hired horse, but we under-
stood and loved each other. He was little, but high-
spirited, noble, generous : no whipping on earth
would have managed that horse so readily as kind-
ness and encouragement. Pulling, jerking, whip-
ping and spurring, might have been tried in vain to
make him leap the fence : with a moment to think
about it, and a nice dose of flattering applause, he
flew over it like an experienced hunter. More about
this hereafter. — Boston Times.

PATENT MANURES, ETC.

We are daily applied to for an opinion on newly
invented compounds, under the significant titles of
Improved Guano, &c. &c., and each manufacturer of
course claiming that his production is superior to
all others, and recommending it for every crojJ and
on all kinds of soils. These indiscriminately useful
compounds, we cannot recommend, except for the
use of those who cultivate very small gardens, and
require so small a quantity of manures, as to render
their manufacture unprofitable to them.

How do these philanthropic manufacturers of ma-
nures make a profit sufhcient to induce a continuance
of their business r This is a natural question for the
fanner to ask himself, and ho can readily answer,
because the material used to divid'e the more costly
part of the ingredients is valueless, or nearly so, and
the profit of the manufacturer must necessarily arise
from using less of the valuable or costly articles, and
more of the divisor or valueless portions.

When these compounds are made in large cities
where labor is dear, and packed in barrels, more than
half the value to the farmer will be paid for labor,
packages, and transportation — while a very consid-
erable portion of the value of the other half must go
to the manufacturer as his profit.

Why should the farmer pay for the handling,
packing, transportation, &c., of the great mass of
these manures, when he has the principal part of

their constituents, so far as relates to weight and
bulk, at home ? If he have on his farm, or near it,
dried meadow, pond or other muck or mud, charcoal
dust, peat, turf, or indeed headlands or sandy loam,
he should not subject himself to the useless expense
of paying transportation on these nostrums.

Let our readers supply themselves with a shed, and
place under it the following ingredients : — One
carboy of sulphuric acid, (oil of vitriol,) a cask of
bone dust, a few sacks of dirt, salt, ashes, saltpetre,
cubic petre, plaster of Paris, some night soil, thor-
oughly mixed with charcoal dust, a sack of real
Peruvian guano, and, when required, caustic shell
lime hot from the kiln, ashes, &c.

Outside the shed let him have a pile of some divisor

— charcoal dust, well decomposed muck, peat, turf,
or any other semi-inert matter, or even some of his
own soil, either of which will answer as a divisor.
With such a preparation for manufacture, read the
Working Farmer and make your own patent manures,
using only such of the ingredients as the crops re-
quiring top-dressing or stimulating may stand most
in need of. Such an arrangement will enable tho
well-read farmer to keep his crops all of an even
quality during summer, stimulating those which may
require it, &c.

All these ingredients may be bought with one
twentieth the expense of transportation, and one
tenth the cost to the purchaser that would have to
be paid for them in the form of Patent Manures, and
then they would be compounded in a manner to suit
the crops, soil, &c. Thousands of dollars are annu-
ally wasted bj' the purchase of these nostrums, and
a much larger sum from their failure to produce the
promised effects. If farmers will not read or study,
and must have a stimulating manure, to be used on
all sorts of crops when required, let them prepare
such manure as recommended in our last number,
using a very small quantity of guano divided through
a large amount of charcoal dust or other pulverulent
matter; if the soil be subject to drought, or suffers
habitually from its effects, add a little salt ; if it re-
fuses to grow beans, peas, and onions, add a little
bone-dust and soot, if you have it. This mixtiu-e,
or similar ones, will do well to drill in with turnips,
carrots, parsnips, &c. Read our articles on manures
attentively, and no difficulty will be found in form-
ing the proper compound for each and every crop.

— Wm-king Farmer.

TO CURE A STIFLED HORSE.

J. B. Goddard, of Norwich, Connecticut, writes to
the American Agriculturist, as follows : —

Take one gallon of urine, and put therein a small
handful of junk tobacco ; boil down to one quart ;
then add two ounces of oil spike, one ounce of oil of
amber, two spoonfuls of spirits of turpentine, ana
two spoonfuls of honey. Put it into a jug, and cork
it tight for use. Process of application : Rub the
stifle-bone hard with the mixture fifteen or twentj
minutes ; then dry it in thoroughly with a red-hot
fire shovel ; then ride the horse iV^h and back one
hundred yards. Repeat the above two or three
times, and the cure will be effected.

FALLEN FRUIT.

Be very careful to gather all punctured or decay-
ing fruits, whether on your trees or on the ground,
and give them to your hogs. If you do not, the
worms which they contain, and which have been
the cause of their premature decay, will make their
escape into the ground, and you will find the evils,
which await their visitations, will increase upon you
another season.

316

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

JBomcstic JBcpartmcnt.

Maternal Influknce. — If we would preserve
our republican institutions from decay, — if we would
transmit the liberties of freemen, and, to all appear-
ance, the world's last political hope, to a posterity
ca;)able of njuarding the sacred trust, — it is a truth,
about which there is no debate, that we must have
mothers of the right stamp. It is the mother who
forms the character ; it is she that bends the twig.
It is the mother that instils her own principles into
the opening and confiding mind ; it is she that
6tamps"^he lasting impress upon the tender and
warm feelings, which forms the basis of the subse-
quent character of the man and of the citizen. In
vain may we enact wholesome laws ; in vain may
we establish a wise and republican system for the
management of our national finances ; in vain may
we present to the Avorld the show of a just and
equitable republican government, wisely balanced
and adjusted in all its parts, — if the worm of ma-
ternal ignorance and neglect should prey at the root.
On what ground do the great pillars of our liberty
stand ? Is it not the instructions of the family circle
— the impressions received in the nursery r Let the
mother be addicted to fashion, vain show, idle visit-
ing, and gay frivolity, to the neglect of the solid
duties which devolve upon her, in relation to her
family and her children, and they will grow up like
the wild and poisonous weeds of the uncultivated
field, rarely qualified for the enlightened and faithful
discharge of their duties to the country.

Those influences which are silent, subtile, and
unseen, are the most powerful. The dews of heaven
fall in silence and unperceived, during the still hours
of night; but they refresh and gladden the whole
face of nature. The attraction of gravitation is a
mighty power, which binds the universe together ;
but it is unostentatious and unseen. So is maternal
influence ; it is exerted amid the sacred and seques-
tered scenes of the family circle, but with a power
which nothing can stay, and with an effect which
nothing can destroy.

The philosopher, who, in some secluded haunt of
a crowded city, works out those great truths, which
give birth to revolutions and republics, is lost amid
the glare and blaze of the practical statesman, who
builds upon his foundation, and carries out his prin-
ciples. Even the jirudent and eloquent statesman,
who furnishes the sinew and strength of war, is often
forgotten amid the dazzling blaze of military glory
which encircles the brow of the conqueror.

So, while the mother is not seen, and her fair fame
may be utterly obscured by the brilliancy of her son's
deeds, still it is her influence and instructions that
constitute the fountain to which they owe their
origin. — Selected.

SwEF.T Flag Preparation. — We have received,
from Mrs. Bela Hubbard, a specimen of the sweet
flag preparation, to which allusion was made in the
Farmer a few numbers back, together with the fol-
lowing recipe. We tender our thanks for the very
agreeable treat ; it is certainly quite a luxury in its
way, and as healthful to the system as it is pleasant
to the taste, the flag being thus divested of its pun-
gency, while it retains its peculiar aromatic flavor in
a mild form.

Recipe. — After peeling, slice the roots, put them
into cold water, and boil until the strength is reduced
to the degree that is desired ; then make a thick
sirup of sugar and water, in which boil the flag,
stirring constantly, until the sirup becomes candied
and dry, the flag being completely coated and satu-
rated with it. — Michigan Farmer.

Bo^s' JBtpartmcnt.

Business First, then Pleasure. — A man who
is very rich now, was very poor when he was a boy.
When asked how he got his riches, he ' replied,
" My father taught me never to play till all my work
for the day was finished, and never to spend money
till I had earned it. If I had but half an hour's
work to do in a day, I must do that the first thing,
and in half an hour. After this was done, I was
allowed to play ; and I could then play with much
more pleasure than if I had the thought of an unfin-
ished task before my mind. I early formed the
habit of doing every thing in its time, and it soon
became perfectly easy to do so. It is to this habit
that I now owe my prosperity." Let every boy who
reads this, go and do likewise. — Wright's Casket.

The Glowworm. — No two insects can differ
more than the male and the female of this species
from each other. The male is in every respect a
beetle, having cases to its wings, and rising in the
air at pleasure ; the female, on the contrary, has none,
but is entirely a creeping insect, and is obliged to
wait the approaches of her capricious companion.
The body of the female has eleven joints, with a
shield breastplate, the shape of which is oval ; the
head is placed over this, and is very small, and the
three last joints of her body are of a yellowish color :
but what distinguishes it from all other animals, is
the shining light which it emits by night, and which
is supposed by some philosophers to be an emanation
-which she sends forth to allure the male to her
company. — Selected.

Cjealtl).

Bathing. — We have already urged upon the
attention of our readers the importance of frequent
bathing or washing as a preservative of health and
promoter of comfort ; yet so negligent are most per-
sons on this subject, that they need line upon line.
As various disorders now prevail in nearly all parts
of our country, and some diseases are severe and
fatal, we again urge the importance of this simple
and effectual remedy or preventive.

Frequent washing the whole body, and rubbing it
thoroughly with a coarse cloth, keeps the skin clean
and healthy, and keeps open the pores, so that the
perspu-ation freely passes off. But if washing is
neglected, the skin becomes foul, perspirable matter
gathers upon its surface, forming a coat, and closing
the pores, and the large amount of matter usually
thrown off by perspiration is thrown back upon the
intestines or vital parts, which, from the languid
state of the system at this season, can hardly per-
form their usual functions, and they become diseased
under too great a burden.

Thus a want of frequent washing is one of the prin-
cipal causes of summer complaint, dysentery, fevers,
cholera morbus, and Asiatic cholera. Now, is it not
astonishing that people have a great fear of these
diseases, which walk in darkness and waste at noon-
day, and they continue to nourish this fear, which
is the way to court disease, or induce it in the sys-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

317

torn, by the power of the imagination, and yet they
do not take the precautionary step to prevent it, by
bathing and -washing ?

Prepare for every thing and dread nothing. We
are in constant danger of sickness and death, but we
should prepare for them and guard against them, but
never fear them. It is sufficient to endure these ills
when they come upon us, without becoming ill with
the fear of sickness, and, like the coAvard, experi-
encing a thousand deaths in dreading one. Many
persons in our country have not experienced a thor-
ough washing for months, and some for years ; yet
they fear disease.

Every person, from the youngest infant to the
aged and infirm, should wash thoroughly several
times a week. He that does not do it is inviting
disease by his neglect or indolence. There is no
excuse, for every one has time and means to attend
to it. If no other season can be found, take a few
minutes from the time of sleep, on retiring at night.
If no better convenience is at hand, every family is
provided with water, a tub, and a towel, which are
all the apparatus that is absolutely necessary, though
shower baths and bathing tubs may be more con-
venient. Water of the same temperature as the air
may be used at all seasons, with perfect safety, ex-
cepting by very weak invalids, who may find warm
water preferable ; but some invjilids find cold water
better. A room without artificial heat is warm
enough to bathe in, even in the coldest weather.

Let every one ponder this subject well, and instead
of sitting idle, and dreading the loss of health or life,
in himself or family, let him arouse from his stupor,
•hake off that indolence or apathy that weighs him
down like an incubus, and, as a man of common sense,
use the simple means of cold water as a preventive
of disease and death, which may invade his family
from his own negligence.

It is worthy of remark that during the summer of
1832, when the cholera raged so terribly throughout
France, and also during the present visitation, out
of sixteen thousand two hundred and eighteen sub-
scribers to the public baths in Paris, Bourdeaux, and
Marseilles, only two deaths occurred among them.
When it is considered that among these sixteen thou-
sand two hundred and eighteen, of both sexes, there
must have been persons of all ages and of all condi-
tions, this remarkable fact speaks trumpet-tongued
in favor of bathing.

Dysentery. — A very skilful physician recom-
mends the following as an excellent remedy : " A
tablespoonful, rounded, of crushed sugar, the same
quantity of superfine flom-, half a teaspoonful of
carbonate of soda, (the same as used for raising bread
in connection with some acid, as cream of tartar,)
half a wine glass of good brandy, and a teaspoonful
of essence of cinnamon. This is a dose for an
adult. Stir all up in warm water, and take."

On checking the dysentery, warm teas, such as
sage, pennyroyal, &c., should be given, with some
warm medicine, like composition powder, and more

clothes applied, in order to get up a perspiration, that
the matter which has tended to the intestines, may
be thrown out in perspiration, and the whole system
assume its usual functions.

If inflammation or soreness of the bowels prevails,
a strong tea of raspberry leaves is very good. In
severe cases, tenesmus, as it is technically called, ia
very common. It is a painful straining, with sensa-
tion to discharge, in the lower extremity of the body,
frequently without discharges. This is owing to an
inflammation of the rectum ; and medicines adminis-
tered have but little effect, as their virtues are spent
before they reach the disease. As a remedy, use
injections of lukewarm water, with one or two table-
spoonfuls of salt, and the same quantity of crushed
sugar to a pint of water. Or raspberry tea would
be preferable to water. Use these injections daily,
or, in severe cases, several times a day, while the
tenesmus continues.

English Children. — Mrs. Kirkland, in some notes
of travel in England, thus speaks of the physical
management of children in that country : —

" Pretty children one sees in abundance every
where — and so nicely kept ! It seems to us that
nobody knows so well how to take care for the phy-
sique of children as the English. They feed them
with the simplest possible food, and are astonished
when they hear that our young folks share the rich,
heavy, high-seasoned dishes of their parents. Oat-
meal porridge is considered a suitable breakfast for
infant royalty itself; and a simpler dinner at one
o'clock, the proper thing for children whose parents
dine sumptuously at seven. Exercise is considered
one of the necessaries of life, and a daily walk or ride
(not drive) in the fresh air, the proper form for it.
It might be superfluous to notice any thing so obvi-
ous if it were not that so many people in good cir-
cumstances, with us, neglect this, and keep their
children immured in nurseries, or cooped up in
school-rooms, with no thought of exercise in the
open air as amply requisite. We wish nothing so
much for these benighted parents, as that they should
once become acquainted with the habits and princi-
ples of a well-ordered English nursery. A reform
in that quarter is very much needed among us, and
we know of no people so well able to be our instruc-
tors as the English, who have certainly brought the
nursery system to great perfection, both as respects
the comfort and advantage of the parents and chil-
dren. — Selected.

illcrljanics' IDepartirtcnt, ^rts, Uc,

Zinc. — This metal was first mentioned by Para-
celsus ; but its ores were known at a much earlier
period. In commerce, it is often called spelter ; and
is obtained either from the native carbonate of zinc,
called calamine, or from the native sulphurct or
blende of mineralogists. These ores are roasted and
mixed with charcoal or carbonaceous flux ; the mix-
ture is put into a kind of crucible closed at the top,
and perforated at bottom by an kon tube, Avhich
passes through the grate of the furnace into water ;
the vapor of the zinc distils downwards through this
tube, and is condensed in the water. The first por-
tions are impure, containing arsenic, and often cad-
mium, in which case the vapor burns, with what the
workmen call a brow7i blaze ; when the blue blaze ap-
pears, the zinc is collected. The zinc of commerce

318

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

(which is not quite pure) has a peculiar bluish color
and lustre, a lamellar and crj'stalline texture, and its
specific gravity is about 7. At common temper-
atures, it is tough and intractable under the hammer ;
anil wlicn heated to above 500°, it becomes brittle,
and fuses at about 770°. But at temperatures be-
tween 220° and 320°, it becomes malleable and ductile ;
80 that it may be beaten out under the hammer, and
rolled into sheets and leaves, and drawn into wire, in a
manner extremely remarkable when its highly crys-
talline texture is considered. Being a cheap and
light metal, and one which, after having been super-
ficially oxidized, long resists the further action of air
and water, it has lately been much cmploj'ed as a
Bubstitute for lead in lining water cisterns and cov-
ering buildings ; it has also been lately employed in
the curious operation of transferring printing, (under
the name of zincography.') It is a very imflammable
metal, burning in the flame of a sj^irit lamp with a
brilliant white light ; but the oxide which forms
interferes with its continuous combustion, which can
only be carried on at a high red heat, when the
vapor of the metal burns with an intensely bright
flame, and j'ields at the same time a quantity of floc-
culent oxide, which floats about in the surrounding
air, and was formerly called philosopher s wool, pam-
plwlix, and nihil album. The equivalent of zinc is
32, and that of its oxide 40. Though zinc is
apparently without action upon water, yet it is a
most oxidable metal ; but the insolubility of its oxide
protects it from further action, so that when a film is
once formed upon it, it resists further change; but
when a little acid is present in the water, and the
zinc not quite pure, it is rapidly acted upon, and
oxidized at the expense of the water, which evolves
abundance of hydrogen, (when dilute sulphuric acid
is used,) and the oxide of zinc is removed and dis-
solved by the acid. It is this action which renders
zinc so powerful a generator of electricity in the
voltaic pile. The salts of zinc are mostly soluble,
and have a nauseous, astringent, and metallic taste.
The sulphate of zinc, or white vitriol, is employed
in medicine as an emetic and tonic, and the oxide
and carbonate are externally used in the form of
ointment. The chloride of zinc is a colorless com-
pound, fusible at a heat a little above 212°, and
known to the older chemists under the name of but-
ter of zinc. Bi'ass is an alloy of zinc and copper. —
Plouijh, Loom, and Anvil.

IMPORTANCE OF WELL-DIRECTED
LABOR.

A single stroke of an axe is of little consequence ;
yet by the continual ajiplication of that small power,
properly directed, what amazing cff'ects are produced !
The sturdy oak and lofty pine do not simply own its
power, but whole forests lie before it, and the wil-
derness becomes a garden.

Industry, Avell directed, will give a man a com-
petency in a few years. The greatest industry mis-
applied is useless.

As an example, there is my neighbor. Seth Steady,
the blacksmith, is not only an industrious man, but
his industry is applied to one object. His hammer
is heard at dawn of day, and the fire blazes in his
shop, during the evenings, from the 20th of Septem-
ber till the 20th of March. Go to his shop at any
time of the day for any kind of work, you are sure
to be waited upon. The consequence is, his purse
is filled with dollars, and his cellar well filled with
provision ; and that's what I call quite comfortable.
Although suitably liberal, and enjoying the good
things of this life as he goes on, ten years of health
will enable him to purchase a gpod farm.

As a contrast, there is my friend Nat Notional,

the busiest and most industrious mortal in existence ;
as the old saying is, "he has too many irons in the
fire," and with all his industry, he goes behindhand.

He has a fine farm, but instead of pursuing the
cultivation of it, he flies off, and seizes on every new
project that occurs.

A few years ago, he concluded to give up the dairy
business, in consequence of the low price of butter
and cheese ; sold his cows at a low figure, and pur-
chased sheep at a high rate, for wool then demanded
a high price. Bj* the time he got fairly into the
raising of wool, down went the price of wool, and up
went the price of butter and cheese. He then sold
his sheep, and purchased cows again, for cheese was
up and wool was down. And finally, he changed
his business so often, because he wasn't contented to
thrive, little by little, as Seth Steady did, that he
got completely used up, and is now only fit for Cali-
fornia, or some other wool-gathering project.

So you see that well-directed labor is sure to meet
its reward ; while he who keeps a dozen irons in the
fire, and none of them hot, will as surely meet with
the fate of poor Nat Notional. — Selected,

VASES AND BASKETS OF GRASSES.

A well-stocked flower garden and a well-managed
greenhouse are, certainly, very important aids in
forming hand-bouquets, or those designed for display
in baskets or vases. The great variety of delicate
textures, of beautiful colors, and of delightful odors
which they afford, is sufficient to hide many faults
of arrangement, and to insiire to any one the power
of making something attractive. The white lily is
always fragrant, the rose always cheerful and pretty,
the heart's-ease always modest and unpretending,
and honeysuckle always graceful. Put either of
these in any part of a group of cut flowers, in the
centre, at the top, at the sides, they are never out of
place. The general effect of the whole will, indeed,
be greatly heightened by each being placed in its
proper position among its proper companions. The
full bright face of the rose fits it for the centre ; the
humility and simplicity of the violet accords with a
situation near the base, or lower edge ; the erect and
strong stem of the lily seems to lay claim to the sum-
mit ; and a loose wreath of honeysuckle may surround
the w'hole. Attention to such things as these is very
important ; but as respects the pets of the flower
garden, it is not absolutely indispensable. Every
body will love them, arrange them as you will.
Even though thrown carelessly together, without
the least regard to floral proprieties, they would still
be pretty.

Good taste is the secret of success in these cases.
And, by the exercise of a little of this quality, the
most beautiful vase or basket bouquets may be made,
without pretty flowers. The lady who possesses it
may be, in some degree, indei^endent of both green-
house and garden. The meadows will yield her
materials. A few weeks ago, I saw some baskets and
vases in which were grasses of different kinds, and
grasses alone, so arranged as to produce an effect
exceedingly beautiful, — so beautiful as to excite me
to hope that they might become much more com-
mon, — Sartain's Mag.

HILLS AGAINST LEVEL LANDS.

A correspondent of the Gardener's Chronicle saj's,
" In a lecture on land surveying by a French pro-
fessor on mathematics, at the college of Blois, the
lecturer informed his audience that in the purchase
of hilly or uneven land, its extent is estimated or
measured, not according to the area of the surface,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

319

but according to the area of its horizontal base ; be-
cause, he added, ' it is a well-known fact in agricul-
ture, that no more can be grown on a hill or slope
than on a horizontal piece of land equal to its base.'
Now, as this ' weU-known fact ' is not only not well
known, but even strongly, though in my opinion
absurdly disputed amongst many of onr Yorkshire
fanners, perhaps you will be kind enough to give it
publicity in your next number. Perhaps of moss
and other low or creeping plants, a greater crop may
bo grown on a slope than on a horizontal piece of
land equal to its base; but with regard to vertically
growing plants, such as hay-grass, corn, or trees, it
appears to me that the French professor was per-
fectly correct."

HOW TO FEED SALT TO BEES.

After you make cheese, take the whey, and mix
it with bran thick enough to allow the bees to stand
OJi it without clotting their wings ; place it in a trough
OT board six or eight rods from the hive ; or take an
empty salt barrel, and put into it a bushel of bran or
two, pour in sour milk or water, make it firm enough
80 as the bees will not drown. From this they will
extract the salt which will ooze from the barrel. As
thej' empty the barrel of its liquid, renew it again.
This will be of great service in dry weather to the
bees. — Michigan Farmer.

OBSERVATION ON THE MILLER WHICH
ANNOYS BEES.

Last season, I allowed about six sunflowers to
grow near my beehives ; when in flower, they
attracted the miller, which fed on them late in the
evening, appeared quite stupid, so much so, that I
could pick them oH" with my hand and deal with
tliem as I would wish. I am now trying several ex-
perimentr; with ray bees, the result of which I will
make known through the Farmer.
— Michigan Farmer. SINENSIS.

MONSTER APPLE-TREES.

There is an apple-tree on the estate of Joseph
Briggs, on Federal Hill, in the town of Dedham, sup-
posed to be a hundred years old, which measures
thirteen feet and a half in circumference, one foot
from the ground. Its branches cover an area of
about sixty feet in diameter. This tree is second
only to that in Duxbury, which is sixteen feet in
circumference a foot or two above the surface of the
ground, is over one hundred years old, and bore in
one year fruit which made ten barrels of cider, in
addition to thirty barrels of apples put in the cellar.
— Boston Traveller.

BLACK SHEEP.

A neighbor selected a very likely young ram which
he designed "turning out," and at shearing' time
made known such intention to his " headman," Peter.
The shearing being over, Peter came to his master
aiid said the lamb he had selected would not do to
"turn out," unless he wished to have black sheep in
his flock. " How do you make that out, Pete r " said
his master ; " the lamb is the whitest in the flock."
" That may be," replied Pete ; " but I tell you half his
lambs will be black, _/or he has a black streak imder his
tongue." The master and myself, in talking upon the
subject, came to the conclusion that a grenter man
than Pete had advanced the same opinion, and ac-

cordingly we picked up an old Virgil and commenced
the search. After no little trouble, we found the
following : — (Geo. 3, 387.)

" Ilium autem, quamvis aries sit candidiis ipse,
Nigra subest udo tantum cui lingua palate,
Rejice, ne maculis iufuscet vcUera pullis
Nascentum."

The English of which, I presume is. But, though
the ram himself may be white, reject him under
whose moist palate there is a black tongue, that he
may not darken the fleeces of the lambs with black-
ish spots.

Whether Pete borrowed the idea from the " Man-
tuan Bard " or not, is a matter of no consequence.
The question for you, Mr. Botts, or some of your
correspondents, is, Is the idea correct? We have,
you see, the opinion of a "book farmer" and a prac-
tical one — of an ancient and a modern one — a great
man and a little one. — Southern Planter.

MUSCULAR STRENGTH.

The muscular power of the human body is indeed
wonderful. A Turkish porter will trot a rapid pace,
and carry a weight of six hundred pounds. Milo, a
celebrated athlete of Crotona, in Italy, accustomed
himself to carry the greatest burdens, and by degrees
became a monster in strength. It is said that he
carried on his shoulder an ox four years old, weigh-
ing upwards of one thousand pounds, for about forty
rods, and afterwards killed him with one blow of his
fist. Ho was seven times crowned at the Pythian
games, and six at the Olympian. He presented him-
self the seventh time, but no one had the courage to
enter the list against him. He was one of the dis-
ciples of Pythagoras, and to his uncommon strength
the learned preceptor and his pupils owed their lives.
The pillar which supported the roof of the house
suddenly gave way, but Milo supported the whole
weight of the building, and gave the philosopher
time to escape. In old age he attempted to pull up
a tree by its roots, and break it. He partially eff'octed
it ; but his strength being gradually exhausted, the
tree, where cleft, reunited, and left his hand pinched
in the body of it. He was then alone, and, unable
to disengage himself, died in that position.

Haller mentioned that he saw a man, whose finger
caught in a chain at the bottom of a mine, by keep-
ing it forcibly bent, supported by that means the
whole weight of his body, one hundred and fifty
pounds, until he was drawn up to the surface, a dis-
tance of six hundred feet.

Augustus II., king of Poland, could roll up a sil-
ver plate like a sheet of paper, and twist the strongest
horse-shoe asunder.

A lion is said to have left the impression of his
teeth upon a piece of solid iron.

The most prodigious power of muscle is exhibited
by the fish. The whale moves with a velocity
through the dense medium of water that would carry
him, if continued at the same rate, around the world
in less than a fortnight ; and a sword-fish has been
known to strike his weapon through the oak plank
of a ship. — Sel-ected.

ON CUTTING OUT HOOKS OR HAWS.

Before I was acquainted Mith this subject, two
years ago, I had tv/o young horses sacrificed to this
mistaken and ruinous operation. Ignorant quacks
do not know that the horse has a membrane peculiar
to the animal, which is at pleasure drawn over the
eye. The enlargement of this, by a fever, produces
the appearance, which, in jockey slang, is called the
hook,s. Reduce the fever by depletion, such as
bleeding plentifully, purging, &c., and have the

320

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

horse well I'ubbed, and the hooks will disappear ;
that is, the membrane is restored to its natural size
and office, which is to clear the eye from dust, &c.,
accidentally entering it. I need not mention the
cutting out of this useful membrane unnecessary, as
I have proved the uselessncss of this operation by
restoring a horse without it a few days ago.

. . ,. W. V. MURRAY.

— American larmer.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

We are indebted to Hon. D. P. King, for the Pat-
ent Office Report of 1848. It is a large work, of over
800 pages, which we have not had time to examine.
It is illustrated with very fine engravings.

From Hon. Rufus M'Intire, Parsonsfield, Me.,
president of York Agricultural Society, half a bushel
of Kloss Blue Stem, white winter wheat, for distri-
bution. We have already distributed a part of this
grain, and we shall be pleased to furnish, in small
parcels, the rest to those who would exijeriraent upon
it. This wheat has succeeded well Avith Mr. M'Intire
for a few years, when sowed in season, say the last
of August. The first of September would be in season
here. Late sowing will sometimes succeed well, but
it is not so sure. The reader will find some remarks
on this grain on page 11th of this volume.

From ^Ir. John M. Ives, two or three weeks since.
Summer Rose apple, which is one of the most beau-
tiful, and a fine fruit for the garden ; Summer Queen,
a fine cooking apple, and pretty good for the dessert,
but not first rate ; Ives's Sopsavine, which is a very
handsome early apple. Medial size, roundish-conical ;
pale yellow, nearly covered with bright red ; of a fine
flavor, and very promising.

From John Washburn, Esq., Plymouth, the Wat-
son pear, a native of that town. Size medial or small
medial, fiattish-obovate ; yellowish russet ; flesh ten-
der, melting, and of a fine spicy flavor, grown on
the pear ; on the quince stock, it is inferior, which
is another evidence of the elTect of the stock on the
fruit of the scion.

Plums of Mr. John C. Hewins, Dorchester, under
the name of Roe's Autumn Gage ; but they are not
true to the mark. It is, doubtless, Cruger's Scarlet,
a very productive variety, and pretty good for market.
Roe's Autumn Gage is of a pale yellow ; it ripens
later in the season, and is one of the most valuable
kinds cultivated, and particularly profitable from its
lateness, as well as for its good properties.

Of Mr. L. M. Hayes, Farmington, N. H., a seedling
apple, of his raising. It is very fair, handsome, and
pleasant fruit. As it was gathered before fully ripe,
we cannot judge precisely of its quality.

From Egbert Cowles, Farmington, Ct., pleasant
native grapes, of good size and early maturity, which
he regards as among the most desirable of several
varieties. They are from the seed of the wild grape.
By frequently planting the seed of the Avild vine,
and its product, a great improvement can doubtless
be made. Any information from Mr. C, concerning
the Charter Oak grape, will be very acceptable.

For the New Enylund Farmer.
THE OLD FAMILIAR FARM-HOUSE.

BY MRS. E. C. LOOAIIS.

The old familiar farm-house is falling to decay.
And those who were its inmates have long sine©

passed away ;
Yet round it fondly lingers full many a vision bright
Of childhood's sunny moments, so fraught with pur«

delight.

The old familiar farm-house ! Its lofty, ancient trees,
Which catch the earliest sunlight, and wave in every

breeze.
Like sentinels are standing, their lonely watch to

keej),
While he whose fingers trained them has sunk iu

death's long sleep.

The old familiar farm-house ! Its garden once wai
fair.

With many a blooming floweret ; but weeds are rank-
ling there,

And tangled vines, neglected, o'er broken arbora
clipg,

And from their matted foliage the household robins
sing.

The old familiar farm-house ! Alas ! 'tis desolate !
No words of cheering welcome the wearied traveller

greet.
And from its ample hearth-stone there comes no

voice of glee,
No gush of childish laughter, no song of melody.

The old familiar farm-house ! It wakens memory's

spell,
And tells of by-gone pleasures, remembered, O, how

weU!
And though 'tis now deserted, and will soon in ruins

lie.
Sweet visions round it cluster that cannot fade and

die.
Lebanon, Ct., August, 1849.

THE OLIO.

Some one called Richard Steele the "vilest of
mankind." He retorted, with proud humility, " It
would be a glorious world if I were."

Some descendant of Solomon has wisely remarked,
that those who go to law Tor damages are sure to get
them.

Absurdities. — To fancy that you are writing
poetry, when you are only making rhymes. To
tell your own secrets, and believe that other people
will keep them. To buy a child a drum, and pun-
ish him for beating it.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $1 a
year, or five copies for $4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18:| cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2-5 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage „^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 centsa year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

0&^lh

ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth —

Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29,

1849

.

NO.

21.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

PaOPUIETOK.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

OF THE MASSACnUSETT_S HOUTICULTUEAL SOCIETY.

Phis show took place last week ; and considering
the great scarcity of fruit, it was very good. The
exhibition of apples was small, not so much from
there not being a plenty of good specimens for a
large show, as from the great scarcity with those who
usually take much pains to contribute largely to the
fair. In pears, it was rather limited ; but so far as it
extended, it was excellent, as many dishes were very
fine. The exhibition of peaches was excellent, not-
withstanding the crop is very light in this region.
In grapes raised under glass, it was very fine : one
bunch, raised by J. F. Allen, Esq., Salem, weighed
four and a half pounds. There was a variety of fine
plums.

In vegetables, the show was the best that has ever
been made by this society, at least for many years.
It was both extensive and excellent in appearance.

The show of flowers was very good : there were
various beautiful and some splendid bouquets, and
»ome rare specimens of flowers. The crimson cocks-
combs, exhibited by A. M. Sumner, Watertown,
were the largest of this class that we ever saw, meas-
uring over a foot across them. They attracted great
attention.

Although the exhibition has been, in some re-
spects, less attractive than usual, owing to natural
disadvantages, beyond the control of the most skil-
ful, we are happy to learn that cultivators are con-
tinuing their exertions, determined to do their part
in promoting the cause of horticultural improve-
ment, and their labors will usually be crowned with
Buecess.

WORCESTER CATTLE SHOW.

This exhibition took place on Wednesday of last
week. On the whole, it was excellent. The day
was fine, and the concourse of people was immense.
On the evening preceding, all the public houses in
the place were full ; and on the morning of the ex-
hibition, long trains of cars literally packed full of
passengers, in many cases far m»re than could be

seated, were seen coming in from every direction :
extra trains were run, and freight cars were put in
requisition, and rigged for the accommodation of
passengers ; and besides, there were many who came
in their own or other vehicles. When about half as
many attended the shows at Worcester, the number
was estimated at eight or ten thousand.

In the ploughing match, there were only a few
competitors, only ten teams being on trial, which
is a small number for a county that produces
a larger number and better teams, and far more
ploughs, than any other in the Union, with the best
of men to manage teams and ploughs. With all
the materials in abundance for a great as well as
good ploughing match, there ought to be forty or
fifty competitors. But what there was of this match
was excellent. The teams were fine and well trained,
and the ploughmen skilful. They went about their
work in a quiet way, and attended to it like a dis-
creet farmer in his own field. There was no noise,
nor hurrying. The work was done in the best man-
ner, and of a good depth, though the stones at the
bottom of the furrow were often troublesome. We
hope that in future there will be more zeal iu this
cause.

The show of stock was both excellent and exten-
sive. There were about one hundred pens of ani-
mals, mostly of neat cattle. They were of various
breeds, and mixtures in many ways. This county
still holds the lead in fine stock, and there is at
present great attention paid to its improvement, so
that it bids fair to sustain its well- deserved and high
reputation. A Durham bull, one year old last March,
owned by Hon. John Brooks, Princeton, weighed
thirteen hundred and fifty pounds. We saw no
horses at this exhibition, which is truly astonishing,
considering the horse is regarded as one of our most
useful and interesting animals, selling at a higher
price than any others.

There were fine specimens of dairy productions ;
but the show in this department w.as rather limited
for a county of so wide an extent and such abundant
resources in this respect.

The show of machines and implements was finej
but the mechanics' fair, held at the same time, probft-

322

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

bly took a part of this department, and articles of
douicstic manufacture wore shown in the mechanics'
fair, or in the ladies' fair, held simultaneously. There
was no formal address, and wo did not attend the
society's dinner, as our time was rather limited for
visiting the various exhibitions in one day ; and
though a dinner might have been more interesting
to us at the time, we thought that seeing was more
in our line of duty as an editor. We understood that
at the dinner table there were pithj' speeches, and
some sparklings of wit.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

OF WORCESTER HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

We visited this show, last week, and were highly
gratified at the excellent display in some depart-
ments, particularly in peaches, as it gave evidence
that we can cultivate this luscious fruit to advantage
in N('w England, and furnish our markets with it in
far better condition than those brought from the
south and west.

The show of apples was good, and for a year of
general scarcity, much better than we expected to
see in any part of the country.

The exhibition of pears was rather limited ; but
there were many fine specimens, and among them
the St. Michael appeared in perfection. It seems to
bo free from blast in that section, this season. The
president, friend Earle, of the Spy, informed us that
their show of pears was about as good as usual ; ex-
cepting, heretofore, fruit-growers from this region
had added much to it by their contributions. He
also stated that some cultivators in Worcester had
good assortments of excellent pears ; but from being
too busy, or some other cause, they had not brought
forward their fruit.

The show of peaches, both in extent and appear-
ance, in size and beauty, was equal to any that we
ever saw. Among them were several new seedlings,
very large and beautiful, and which the committee
pronounced of superior quality.

There was a very good variety of plums, and gen-
erally of very good appearance.

Eut few grapes were shown, excepting native kinds,
mostly of inferior quality.

The qumce made a conspicuous and handsome ap-
pearance.

The show of flowers was very -respectable, but not
so varied and extensive as are the shows in large
cities, around which are extensive greenhouses.

There was a very good exhibition of vegetables in
some departments. The squash seemed to take the
lead. There was a large number of superior size.

Although this society is in its infancy, it is suc-
ceeding remarkably .veil, and would compare favor-
ably, in its exhibition, with those of mature age. It
is exerting a very palutary influence in one of the
ftrst fruit regions in the country, by diffusing useful
informati m, and stimulating c\iltivators to judicious
action ; and those who avail themselves of these
advantages will reap a rich reward for their
pains.

FAIR

OF THE WORCESTEU COUNTY MECHANIC ASSOCIATION.

The second annual fair of this association opened
last week. We were agreeably surprised to find
the exhibition of a society, that had just started
into existence, so extensive, various, and presenting
articles of so much utility and taste. A large build-
ing, of many stories, was well filled with valuable
productions of genius and skill. When we look at
shows of this character, we think not only of the
enterprise of one location, but we look upon it as a
specimen of what is going on in our country, and
upon its wide-spread influence, which, with the
wonderful facilities for communication, is exercising
a controlling power over the whole world for the
general good of the human race.

It was highly gratifying to see all parts of this
fair crowded with visitors, both from its salutary
effect in diffusing information in the useful and fine
arts, and for the liberal encouragement given to aa
institution in its early stages.

We saw in operation, in this fair, a glass pump,
by Messrs. E. Tucker & Son, of Worcester. It showed
clearly the principle of hydraulics in this particular.
In a place not exposed to frost, and with careful
management, this would doubtless be one of the
best and most durable of piimps ; and freezing is
easily obviated during a cold night, by raising the
handle and springing the under valve, so that the
water recedes from the pump immediately.

Connected with this fair, on the outside of the
building, were two hydraulic rams in operation, by
^Messrs. J. T, Curtis & Co. The water power was is
leaden pipes, about one and one half inches in diam-
eter, and the fall about four or five feet. Constant
streams, of about one third or one half inch in diameter,
were sent up about thirty feet high. This novel view of
water running up hill attracted great attention, par-
ticularly as it is a matter of great practical utility.

AMERICAN ENTERPRISE.

Take the article of calicoes. We now monopolise
the whole trade — a trade which, but a year since,
the English had the whole control of. Very few
cotton goods of this style are now imported at all,
and we are fast getting the knack of making the
finer dress muslins. Of mouslaine de laines, we proba-
bly manufacture, at a good profit too, far more than
we import. Of cloths there is not one bale of Eng-
lish entered at the custom-house, where there were
one hundred five years ago. It is true the Eni^tish
have found great competitors in the French and Ger-
mans, who, together with our own mills, have nearly
driven every piece of English cloth out of the
market.

The English are also losing their great hosiery
trade with us, the Germans beating them most de-
cidedly in this article. In fact, our English com-
petitors are fast losing a market which they have
had the almost exclusive monopoly of for years ; and
a steady perseverance on our part, not depending
too much on government aid, bxit more on our nat-
ural energies, perseverance, aud mechanical .skill,
will in time not only give us our " ho:ne market,"
but the markets of the world. — A'. V. Jour, of Com-
merce,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

323

THE BUSH AND ROOT PULLER.

This implement greatly facilitates and expedites
the labors of the farmer in clearing lands, and holds
an important place with those cultivators who are
thorough in their operations, and make their grounds
clear for a tilled crop, or for mowing. With this
implement, it is very convenient to fasten to bushes
and roots, and any power in the team may be applied
for their extraction. This saves the tedious process
of digging around shrubs and roots, and preparing
for fastening on chains, which often requires far
more time than is necessary to complete the work
with this simple and cheap implement.

ON GIVING CREDIT.

We intend to give credit for articles which we
select ; but we are liable to mistakes and omissions,
for Ave often select good articles from papers in which
there is no credit. Again, we see articles inserted in
papers as though they were original in such papers,
and we give a wrong credit. We may have seen
the articles months before, but cannot recollect the
origin of every one we see, and bear it along in our
memory for months and years.

On our 2C3d page is an article credited to the Lan-
caster (P'dL.) Farmer, that should be credited to the
Albany Cultivator. It appeared in the former paper
without credit, and as though it was new, and we
credited it accordingly, not recollecting that it was
in the latter paper six or eight months ago. On page
301 is a valuable article from the Albany Cultivator,
which, by unintentional neglect, was not credited at
the latter end, though in the beginning it is credited
to The Cultivator, all the title which that paper
assumes, but we choose to be more definite than the
publisher himself, and assign the articles from that
source to " a local habitation and a definite name."
We hope that our friends will excuse these errors,
which we intended to correct before.

No person has more reason for complaint than we,
in this respect. Within nine months we have seen
more than fifty of our articles going the rounds of
the press without credit ; in some cases, two or three
articles in one paper. Sometimes this seemed almost
excusable, as in the same papers were several articles
that were credited, and the editors might think it
would not appear well to credit five or six articles
to one paper. We have been pleased to see that

editors have extracted very liberally from our col-
umns, but we shall be still more gratified if they will
give due credit.

THE COMMON HEMLOCK FOR HEDGES.

Attention is now being directed to the common
American hemlock as a substitute for the thorn and
other deciduous shrubs, in hedges. It has been sub-
jected to reiterated trials, it is said, in various local-
ities where it is indigenous, and, in every instance,
with the most entire and complete success. It has
many things to recommend it ; among the more
prominent of which may be mentioned its great
hardiness, and the slight injury, comparatively speak-
ing, it receives from transplantation. It is also well
adapted to almost every variety of soil, and will
flourish with great luxuriance on ordinary lands
■without previous preparation or manure. Exten-
sive lines of this beautiful hedge are to be seen in
various sections of Western New York, where its
cultivation has been attended, thus far, with the
most astonishing success. As the tree is an ever-
green, its appearance is necessarily, at all seasons,
extremely ornamental, presenting, in its full, dense
foliage, a most refreshing contrast to the dreary
monotony of the winter scene, and adding, by its
many attractive beauties, to the leafy glories of the
spring, and the aflfluent summer months.

It is asserted, on reliable authority, that of all
trees and shrubs yet applied for this purpose, it is
the most certain of success ; being less liable to
injury from the ordinarj' evils which so frequently
prove fatal to the thorn, the locust, and other cog-
nate species of plants, and in no ways objectionable
in consequence of root-sprouts, by which the above-
named productions foul the contiguous soil, and pro-
duce a suburban progeny, extremely detrimental to
cultivation, whether directed to the production of
root crops, grain, or gi'ass. We hope, ere long, to
sec this valuable, but hitherto neglected denizen of
our forests, rendered extensively available for this
most important use. It will come to our assistance
in a " good time," if it comes now, when, from the
increasing scarcity, and consequently increasing de-
mand for fencing materials, the resources of the
community are severely taxed to supply the costly
demand. — Selected.

HOPE

A bright and beautiful bird is Hope ; it comes to
us 'raid the darkness, and sings the sweetest soiig
when our spirits are saddest ; and when the lone
soul is weary, and longs to pass awajs it warbles its
sunniest notes, and tightens again tlie slender fibres
of our hearts, that grief has been tearing away.

324

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New En{iland Fanner.

A NICE POTATO PATCH.

Mr. Editou : Having recently made a flying ex-
cursion through a section of the granite state, the
interests of agriculture received a due share of my
attention. It was indeed a flying excursion, for with
the present well-arranged facilities for travelling in
that direction, no other term would express the speed
with which one may progress. Such is the perfec-
tion of these facilities, that it might seem that no
further advance can be made therein, unless bales
of merchandise and cars of men, women, and chil-
dren, shall hereafter be transported on magnetic
wires, as we now send billet-doux and price cur-
rents ; a thing not very probable, but as much within
the imaginings, as the other was twenty-five years
ago.

However, my object is not to give an essay on the
wonders of steam or electricity, or even of their con-
sequents in the growth of villages and cities, as if
under the influence of magic. Here, indeed, tViC
field is ample, and is filled with incident surpassing
the utmost limits of romance in the past age. What
would then have been considered high-wrought fic-
tion is beginning to appear tame and insipid, com-
pared with tho real wonders in science and art, now
as familiar as household words. It is a truth which
receives universal homage, that the human intellect
is just waking up from a deep sleep — is just, as it
were, bursting asunder a prison-house which bound
it with a despotism as firm as the body may be en-
' slaved by statutes, and chains, and bars of iron. We
behold its achievements, but cannot, at first, feel
that they are realities. We are half inclined, not-
withstanding the evidence of our senses to the
contrary, to suppose the whole a mere dream of
delusion.

Nor is this effervescence of genius, if it m.ay be so
termed, confined to the use of steam, of magnetism,
or mechanical power. The bosom of the earth, as
if under some hitherto unknown spasmodic influence,
is participating in kindred developments. It was
feared that tho eastern portion of our country was
worn out and becorao worthless, like an old garment.
Such is not the fact. We are beginning to witness
results in agriculture as unexpected and as much
surpassing calculation, as those in science generallj'
and the mechanic arts, to which allusion has been
made. Who, a few years since, would have dreamed
of here raising forty tons of turnips, or eleven hun-
dred bushels of carrots, on an acre of land ? Who
would have thought the meanr. of fertilizing it so
simple and so abundant? The processes of our
fathers in agriculture were seemingly as inefficient
as were those in machinery ; and now the farmer
who undertakes to produce corn, or hay, or esculent
roots, with as little regard to fertilizing agents as
the}' had, would be esteemed as much behind the
age, as to transport his jn'oduce two hundred miles
by an ox team requiring two full weeks, when he
might do it in two days on a railroad, at a fourth
part of the expense.

On reaching the capital of New Hampshire, know-
ing that Hx-Govcrnor Hill, for the last ten years, has
devoted himself mainly to agriculture, we were in-
duced to call on him, to witness his success. This
we did not doubt ; for a man that once understood
political management so well as he did, would be
obundantly competent, if disposed, to cultivate the
ground. We were not mistaken. Our anticijiations
were realized. We were richly paid for the delay
occasioned. Governor Hill, like a man of sense, no
more digs in the filth of politics. For the period
named, he has done little of such labor, unless to pick

a good bone that may have been thrown to him.
Now, dear Whig reader, do not be alarmed. Isaac
Hill, if a Democrat, is raising as good hay, and corn,
and rye, and squashes, and potatoes, as any Whig in
the state. Yes, according to recent calculation, he is
raising this very year twice as many potatoes as are
growing on the farm of Daniel Webster — good Whig
potatoes, not a rotten one to be found in the whole
field. We wish poUticians generally would follow
the example of these two gentlemen in the particular
of which Ave are speaking.

We had no sooner exchanged civilities than an
invitation was given to accompany him on an excur-
sion over his farm. The invitation was of course
accepted. In a few minutes, we were on a drive to
his farm, lying mostly on the eastern side of the
Merrimac Kiver. His farm consists of three or four
hundred acres of land — we were not particular to
take notes, as we now wish we had done — perhaps
a sixth part of the rich interval on the west bank
of the river, and the balance of sandy pitch-pine
land. The latter, till his own experiments with it,
was deemed worthless for agricultural purposes, and
cost him only about five dollars an acre, timber and
all. The timber was worth more than the cost of
the land. We believe it is five or six years since he
began to cut the timber and to till the soil. Ten or
fifteen acres annually yielded to the axe and the
harrow, and a good crop of rye was the result. Suc-
ceeding to this, tho plough with a span of horses,
and a subsoil plough with six oxen, among tho roots
and stumps of trees, upturned and loosened the upper
strata, to the depth of sixteen inches. A muck bed
in the vicinity contributed freely its fertilizing prop-
erties, and good clover rewarded the enterprising
proprietor for his labor. Next in order comes a crop
of potatoes ; and, it would be difficult for any one,
who has not witnessed it, to realize, what skill and
indomitable perseverance in agriculture can accom-
plish. Although we were delighted with his subsoil
ploughing then in progress ; with a large rye field ;
with several Indian corn fields ; with barns filled
with hay that would have elated the largest farmer
in the country ; yet we most admired his potato
field, on this pine timber land, which we had known
from childhood, and considered worthless.

Perhaps of this description of land there were
under cultivation, in the same or contiguous enclo-
sures, about sixty acres, and one third of it com-
posing the potato patch in question. Our impression
is, that no manure had been used on it, but a compost
made in the ordinary manner, and a moderate quan-
tity of African guano ; yet, what potatoes ! We
pulled up samples here and there all over the field,
and found an increase upon the seed of about twenty
per cent, in weight, and in some cases numerically ;
that is, twenty new tubers for the single one used
for seed. What he has already dug, and from the
produce last year of an adjoining patch, he estimates
his crop this year at four thousand bushels. As soon
as harvested, they are to be conveyed to Boston by
railroad, a distance of sixty miles, and deposited in
cellars till demanded in the market, then yielding him,
it is estimated, — such is their excellence, — at least
one dollar per bushel ; or four thousand dollars for
the entire crop this season. What an example for
the imitation of his neij^hbors and fellow-citizens !
What an example, especially, for retiring politicians,
and retiring merchants or professional gentlemen !
Here, the wane of life, rich in varied experience, and
with means to impart it to others, may continue, to
its very termination, to bless the world ; and hence,
in tho retrospect, to yield to those who do it the
purest delights. And, by the increased mental and
physical verdure acquired amidst rural avocations,
they may add a large percentage to the number of
their own years, as well as to their joys ; thus making

NEW ENGLAT^D FARMER.

325

human existence full to its very bvim in useful labol"
and fruition, as God dcsi2;ned it should be.

lie stated that, in round numbers, the labor be-
stowed on his farm this year costs about seven hun-
dred and fifty dollars, in addition to the use of his
teams, which, if he hired them, might be two hun-
dred and fifty dollars ; making, in all, one thousand
dollars. His expenditure for manures was not
given ; but we hope that on the termination of the
harvests, he will give a full and authentic account
of his farming operations. Such accounts are of
immense value to the community. By them others
will be stimulated to make similar efforts. Our time
was too short to avail ourselves of the statistics ne-
cessary for such an account. Our aim, on the present
occasion, is only to call attention to the subject, and
to show in what manner persons making a trip to
the White Mountains or elsewhere, for health or
pleasure, may collect and then disseminate agricul-
tural knowledge. For ourselves we believe that
observations similar to those here given, are among
the most rational and useful means to promote the
aim of the summer tourist ; and surely they may be
made subservient to the best interests of the country.

One word more. In the time of Queen Elizabeth,
men of rank, to ornament their heads, wore heavy
wigs, and to ornament their wrists and hands, they
wore wide ruffles. Many of our old-school farmers,
as if in imitation of that fashion, have allowed around
their cultivated fields broad margins of brush wood
and shrubs, doubtless for ornament ; unless it be in
kind charity to furnish a comfortable shelter for
snakes, and skunks, and rabbits. In this matter.
Governor Hill is an ultra radical. Instead of per-
mitting such an ornament even on this sand land,
about his potatoes, all is grubbed up ; and, instead
thereof, is a row of summer and autumn squash
vines, which have furnished about fifty barrels of
excellent fruit for Quincy Market.

FLEMING GROVE.

For the New England Farmer.
FALL PLOUGHING.

Mk. Editor : I believe it to be of great importance
to have greensward broken up in the fall. The
cool weather then gives strength to our teams, so that
they can perform the same work in less time ; be-
sides, it being a season of comparative leisure with
the farmer, time is not so valuable as in the spring.
Another advantage of fall ploughing is, many kincls
of soil are brought into a suitable condition for crops
with less labor. By the action of the frost, clayey
and other compact soils are more thoroughly and
uniformly pulverized than thcj' could be in any other
way ; and if the ploughing is performed in September,
or by the 20th of October, which I think is the best
time, the fermentation which the turf undergoes will
do much towards destroying or lessening the strength
ajid vitality of the roots of grass.

I am confident that lands are generally improved
by deep ploughing, and more especially so in the
fall. Unless the land has formerly been ploughed
remarkably deep, the plough should run so as to turn
up from one to two inches of subsoil, or soil that has
never been brought to the surface. Many farmers,
I am aware, do not approve of breaking through what
is termed the " hard pa'i ; " but experience has led
me to believe that, in the end, the productiveness of
the surface soil is usually improved by being mixed
with subsoil ; and when it lies upon the surface for
some length of time, as is the case when ploughed
in the fall, it absorbs fertilizing elements from the
atmosphere, and under the influence of frost, light,
and air, a chemical change is wrought that adds to

the fertility of the soil. By shallow ploughing in
the fall, I think more is lost than gained as it regards
fertility. It is only when soil is brought to the sur-
face that has not been acted upon by air, light, and
frost, that its productiveness will be increased by
fall ploughing.

The fertilitj' of much of our light soil, in my
opinion, might be permanently augmented by deep
ploughing. It is very essential for the successful
cultivation of nearly all crops, that the soil should
be a deep one. In such soils, the roots will be more
extended and multiplied ; and this must necessarily
give a more vigoroxis growth to the plant. And
then, again, crops grown upon a deep soil arc far less
liable to bo injured by drought or wet weather. The
roots will jienetrato and draw a supply of moisture
from the earth long after it is denied it from the
clouds ; and when it is excessively wet, the earth
will drink up the water, when in light soils it would
flood the roots of plants ; and for the same reason,
deep ploughed lands are much less liable to be
washed and gullied.

It is my usual practice to plough old lands, intended
for wheat or oats, in the fall. It can be done then
with less expense, and I sometimes wish to get in
such crops before the frost upon all parts of the land
is sufficiently out to admit of ploughing.

Greensward broke up in the fall should be rolled
and harrowed. Unless the ground is very smooth,
rolling will be necessary to prevent the harrow from
inverting the sod ; and the principal benefit of har-
rowing is to fill up the interval between the furrows,
and thereby prevent the escape of gas evolved while
the turf is undergoing fermentation. I should have
remarked, when speaking of the season of ploughing,
that it is not advisable to plough mowing lands im-
mediateh' after they are mowed : they should have
time to throw up a good coat of fresh grass ; and for
the same object, it would be well to have pastures
unfed for several weeks before ploughing. I believe
the turf turned under, when well clad with green
grass, is equal to half a dressing of manure, or twenty
loads per acre. This I think is a strong argument
in favor of the practice of breaking up and seeding
land every four to six years.

EBENEZER BRIDGE.

PoMFRET, Vt., Sept. 12, 1849.

For the New Enykind Farmer.

SCRIBBLINGS FROM THE PEN OF A
FARMER.

Mr. Editor : My father was a farmer, a carpenter,
and a cooper, although farming was his principal
business : he toiled, perhaps, as many hours in a day
as any other man in his neighborhood. In the year
1801, he emigrated from the town of Woodbridge,
Conn., and settled in the town of Butternuts, in the
state of New York, where he purchased a farm of
one himdred and nine acres of wild land, for which
he paid, or agreed to pay, five hundred and forty-five
dollars, although he paid down only one hundred
dollars, being the total amount he possessed, and
which he took with him from Woodbridge in silver
coin, tied up in a stocking. Here he commenced
operations (or I should have said they, as a young
man, who emigrated thence with him, purchased a
farm joining that of my father's) by putting up a
simple log hut about on the line between the two
farms, in which they lived, and did their own cook-
ing and washing. Pork, potatoes, and brown bread
constituted the principal part of their living. I hardly
dare tell the quantity of pork they consumed in the
course of the summer ; but I would say this much,
— one barrel did not carry them out.

326

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Many pleasant evenings have I passed in listening
to the little incidents that transpired during their
bachelorship, in this mode of life, the narration of
which I shall not here trouble the reader with.

Few young men of the present day would think
of leaving their New Enghxud homes — the laud of
their infancy and boyhood — to settle in the unbroken
wilds of the west, unattended by a helpmeet and
companion. It is true that it is a great undertaking,
and but few of those who have always lived in a
thickly-settled country, surrounded with all the
comforts of civilized life, know but little of the toils
and privations which the new settler has to undergo,
— the scanty pittance which he has to subsist upon
before he gets his land under a state of cultivation.
But, after all, there is something pleasing in the idea
of being the original founder of one's own homestead.
In the onset, the prospect would indeed look gloomy ;
but hope stands by him, and points him onward ; and
with courage and perseverance in his every nerve,
and strength in his muscular arm, his prospects are
soon bright before him. The future is radiant with
smiles. He sees in his mind's eye all that his heart
can wish. His forests are prostrated by his uplifted
axe, and bright fields and waving graijis are exposed
to his view. He sees his simple log hut constructed
into a beautiful cottage; barn, and out-buildings
skirting the premises, and every thing in neatness
and order. Thus favored, he goes to work with all
the energy of a Hannibal scaling the Alps ; and ere
many summers shall have gone by, the new settler
has the satisfaction of seeing his hopes realized, and
his labors crowned with success. * * * *

Renewing the subject I have previously left, I
shall continue my scribblings still further. Years
passed on. My father had a large family growing
up around him. As his forests were converted into
fertile fields, and teemed with growing crops, there
was plenty of work for himself and boys. When it
was suitable weather to work, the old gentle-
man with his boys (in numbers sufficient to keep
six or eight teams at vv'ork) were busily engaged in
tilling and improving the land. In stormy weather,
ho would take his little army into his workshop, and
set them to work at something. He meant all of his
boys should learn the use of tools, and a wise idea
it was, too. Sometimes the boys (counting myself
one of the eight, all now living and grown up to
manhood) would complain bitterly because they had
to work rainy days and all ; but now, when I look
back to those days of my boyhood, I feel no desire
to complain, inasmuch as I have had cause to be
thankful many times for the knowledge I then
gained by being thus employed these " rainy days."
As boys generally think, so thought I, that I should
not be a farmer when I was old enough to act for
myself; neither did I think I should be a carpenter
or a cooper. Time passed away; the long-desired
time came that was to make me my oivn man. It
was indeed a bright period in my life. I well re-
member the day I left my father's roof. I have said
it was a bright period — but I must retract. That
day was not aU brightness to me ; I felt what others
no doubt have felt — that I was leaving my home.

But I yielded to my previous resolutions. I did
not have the western fever, as many young men did
at that day, but I was bound for New England —
" the land of the forest and the rock." I had no
idea of clearing up wild lands, or of being a farmer
in any shape. I had read and heard much of Dr.
Franklin — of his travelling the streets of Philadel-
phia in pursuit of work in the printing business. I
had my mind made up that this was the business for
me. I accordingly bent my steps to llhode Island,
where I engaged myself in learning the printer's art,
to me rather of a black art for a while, — for I was
kept a good share of the time blacking the face of

tj'pe with ink. I soon got above this, however, and
made very good progress at the case; but I soon
found this was not the business for me. I could not
bear confinement and t'ne midnight lamp. It seemed
to wear upon my constitvition more than laboring
upon the farm ; and after following the business
steadily for upv/ards of four years, and wasting the
better part of my constitution, (as I then thought,)
I gave up the bu-iness, and moved on to the little
farm I now occupy, and which I would not exchange
for all the printing offices in New England, were I
obliged to labor in them as I used to do. I was never
born to be confined. My home is the country : here
I love to labor and enjoy the pure air of heaven. I
have no desire to exchange for the pent-up, crowded
city.

How different things seem when compared to the
days of my boyhood ! Then I knew I should never
be a farmer. But changes will and do take place.
I have now but little need of a carpenter, or a cooper,
as the little knowledge I gained of ray father (many
thanks to him) during those " rainy days " has proved
of invaluable service to me in later years. In con-
clusion, I would here add, let no young man despise
farming, as beneath his dignity. It is not only a
lucrative business, but it is also a healthy and inde-
pendent business ; and as for its being an honorable
occupation, we all know that there is no other busi-
ness in the known world that stands in higher
rej)Ute. I may continue my scribblings.

Yours with respect, A. T.

Smithfield, R. I., August, 1849.

For the New England Farmer.
COMPOSITION FOR GRAFTING.

Mr. Cole : I intended before this time to inform
you of my experience in' grafting, last spring, in
respect to two kinds of composition to put round the
scion and stock. For several years I have used clay
mixed with old horse dung found in pastures, which
had lost its fetid quality. I have been in the habit,
of late years, of putting it on in small quantities ; al-
most as little as I formerly used of a composition
composed of one part tallow, two parts beeswax, and
three parts rosin. The clay, &c., I bound on vrith
old woollen or other rags, and tied it on. I have
thought that my grafts succeeded better with the
clay than with the former mode. Last April, I grafted
for Mr. Jacob Deane in a nursery of apple-trees.
Most of them were grafted near the ground, and I
made use of the clay, as above. In examining them
a few days ago, I found that they succeeded very
well — rather better than usual.

In the latter part of the time I grafted there, a
young man from Norton, who had the misfortune
to lose his right arm when a boy, grafted in the same
nursery, and made use of a composition composed
of beeswax, rosin, and linseed oil, put on, while
warm, with a small painter's brush. His scions suc-
ceeded vcr}^ well. Mr. Deane thinks there was not
much difference in regard to their living and grow-
ing well, compared with mine. The scions were
taken from the trees the days they were set. The
time that I grafted them was between the 13th and
2Gth of April. The other man continued to graft
there later, when the sap began to flow, and some
trees began to leaf out. They did not live quite
so well. Yours, &c., J. S.

Mansfield, August 20, IS^IQ.

Editorial Remarks. — A composition of rosin,
beeswax, and tallow or oil, properly prepared and
applied, is generally attended with as much success
as any preparation of clay ; and it is surely leas

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

327

troublesome in its application, or may be used -with,
greater facility and expedition. Some prefer oil to
tallow, as it is a vegetable substance, and, as some
suppose, less injurious to trees. But its being a vege-
table substance is no evidence of its being harmless
in its application to trees. The tallow in the ox was
once a vegetable substance, and has been extracted
by secretion. By the application of art, and by fire,
certain powerful and concentrated substances may
be obtained from vegetables that are as destructive
to living plants, as those produced by animal secre-
tion. We think that linseed oil applied to trees
would be more destructive than tallow, as it is a
liquid substance, and would more readily penetrate
the bark and wood.

EXPERIMENTS IN RAISING WINTER
WHEAT.

Friend Holmes : In the Farmer of last week,
I noticed thy remarks in favor of cultivating winter
wheat in Maine. Having experimented a little with
this crop, and being well satisfied with the result, I
wish to make a brief statement of the same, hoping
that some few individuals at least, who have not
heretofore, may venture to commence the growing
of winter wheat the present season, and thereby save
the state a few dollars that would otherwise go into
the great purse to carry west for flour.

The .first sown by me was in the 8th month, 1846,
— soil, partly clay, and the other part gravelly loam.
A crop of oat:i and peas had just been taken off; the
•tubblc was ploughed and to])-dresscd, about five
eighths of an acre, with five double horse wagon loads
of staole manure and litter made the winter previous.
Oil one fourth of an acre adjoining, twenty-five
bushels of leached ashes were spread. Two quarts
less than a bushel was sown on the 18th of the 8th
month, aird well harrowed in. When winter and
spring frost was over, the wheat plants were green
and thrifty, except a few all over the piece, which I
concluded were frozen to death for want of sufficient
de])th of covering. The season of 18i7 was remark-
able, as well as 18-18, for heat and wet; and this crop
suffered materially thereby, both at the time of grow-
ing, and whilst in shook ; it even began to sprout,
and all the bundles had to be opened, thereby oc-
casioning a considerable waste. Sixteen and one-
half bushels were obtained from the seven-eighths
acre.

In the spring of 1847, I commenced with two
acres for this crop, by sowing half a bushel of buck-
wheat to the acre. When in blossom in the 6th
month, it v/as ploughed, and sowed again to buck-
wheat. It was ploughed again on the 20th of the
8th month, when so many witch grass roots were
found still living in the soil, which we expected to
kill by these several deep ploughings and the buck-
wheat, that we omitted sowing the wheat, being
fearful that the gras-; would overpower it. In con-
versing with my friend William A. Drew, of Augusta,
he informed me that ho had several times grown a
good crop on ground infested with this troublesome
grass, but he would not recommend sowing wheat
when it was very thick. This year, 1847, I did not
sow any winter wheat, not having any other ground
that I could prepare in season ; and I only mention
the foregoing particulars to show that I was not dis-
couraged by the first experiment from sowing the
next year.

In 1848, soon after the hay was taken from an old
mowing field, I ploughed about five eighths of an acre
of it — soil, stifi' clay, clay loam, gravelly, and a few

furrows on one side of a watercourse, a black soil.
Few lots of the size contain as many different varie-
ties of soil. A heavy roller was run over the inverted
sward, and manure was spread on very light, as fol-
lows : First, a strip with compost, made of sods
ploughed up to make watercourses in cold, springy
land, quick lime, about one half cask to the cord,
and animal manure, about one load to fifteen of
earth ; next, swamp muck and leached ashes com-
posted ; then, horse manure and litter that had been
made during the summer ; and last, lime in very
small quantitj', perhaps at the rate of four or five
casks to the acre — the whole well harrowed in. On
the 20th of the 8th month, I sowed five eighths
of a bushel of wheat on this ground, and covered it
about two or three inches deep with a single horse
plough. With the exception of a few rods of ground
that was flat, this crop stood the unusually severe
winter, and the spring frosts, well ; though a part
of it was not covered with snow all winter.

The same week I sowed a piece of high interval —
the soil a free, yellow loam, on which peas had
grown. Mistaking the strength of this soil, as two
crops had been taken off since it was manured, I
sowed at the rate of one and a half bushels, which
proved too thick, much of it falling about the time
it attained its full height, and consequently it filled
but little.

This crop is not threshed yet, but we think, taken
together, (the lodged patch excepted,) it will yield
from twenty to twenty-five bushels to the acre of as
white and plump grain as I have ever seen raised in
New York.

The time of sowing is from the middle of the 8th,
to the 20th of the 9th month. On greensward, or
land lightly manured, we prefer to sow from the 15th
to the 2oth of the 8th month. On lands in fine
tilth and highly manured, winter wheat has done
first rate, when sown as late as the 18th or 20th of
the 9th month. My friend, J. jNIorrill, of Watcrvillo
village, who has cultivated v/inter wheat more than
any other person of my acquaintance in this county,
informed me that he raised last year nearly thirty
bushels to the acre from seed sown the 18th of the
9th month. In previous years, he has raised fine
crops on land, after taking off a crop of corn. The
corn was cut up and taken off the ground to dry.

If sown early on rich land, it will be necessary to
feed off a part of the fall growth with light stock,
else it may smother and mould, so as very much to
injure the grain. Friend Morrill thinks any dry
soil, sufficiently sloping to turn off the heavy rains,
will produce winter wheat, if suitably prepared ;
and further, that greensward, with top-dressing, is
preferable to old land.

In my haste, I forgot to mention the result from
the different manures used last year. The two com-
posts gave a much better crop than the horse manure
or the lime. Of lime, there was too little put on to
give a fair experiment. Muck, with lime or ashes, 1
am satisfied, will make a cheap and excellent manure
for wheat.

The seed I have sown was imported direct from
Poland, in 1846. It is a w^hite variety, fully equal
to the best I have seen from the Western .States.
Whether it will withstand the cold any better than
seed brought from the Southern and Western States, I
know not, having never tested the matter ; but I have
thought it possible that it might, it having been
brought from a climate several degrees north of us.
At any rate, it bears cold as well as winter rye, and
with me it produces as many or more bushels to the
acre.

I have been particular in detailing trifles, to en-
courage others, if such there are, who know less
even than I do about this crop, to try it, if it be even
on a small scale, as we have ; and more than this,

328

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

that others better qualified will make the agricul-
turists acquainted with the best method of cultivat-
ing this valuable grain.

I am truly thy friend,

MOSES TABER.
Vassalrouo", 8th Mo. 1849.
— Mai/ir Farmer.

Ri;m.\kks by Editou N. E. Farmer. — It is stated
in the Mail, (Me.,) that Messrs. Pearsons, Waters'ille,
raised twenty-nine bushels of Kloss Blue Stem win-
ter wheat from one acre and ten rods of land, which
they offer for seed. This is the same as we aeknowl-
odgod the receipt of from Mr. M'Intirc, in our last
number. Brother Holmes, of the Maine Farmer,
says that the weevil, or grain worm, has not appeared
in that state this season. We have in New England
all the elements and advantages necessary to the
production of an abundance of wheat for our own
use, and we trust that more attention, will be given
to the subject.

WOOL.

As we anticipated and expressed in a former num-
ber of the Farmer, wool is "looking up," as the
mercantile men say ; that is, the price has risen from
twenty cents — the first bid which buyers made soon
after the clip — to thirty cents. It will probably rise
a little higher for the best grades, but it isn't best to
hold on too long. A nimble ninepence, you know,
is better than a slow shilling.

The western wool-growers seem to be increasing
their flocks. As they gain experience in the mode
of managing sheep, their flocks increase ; but they
find that wool cannot be raised quite so spontane-
ously on the prairies, as was first supposed. The
belief that it could, however, induced the farmers
there to commence the business ; and those who have
learned the trade, find that although it requires more
care than they first reckoned upon, they can never-
theless make fair profits.

Ev the way, we see it announced in some of the
journals of the da}-, that there have been some rare
importations of merinocs into Illinois. The merinoes
of the present day seem to have partaken of the same
spirit of improvement that other farm stock have,
and their size is accordingly much increased. It
was formerly believed that a merino must necessarily
be a small, delicate animal ; but some of the late im-
portations tell of animals of this class weighing two
hundred and fifty and three hundred pounds. That
is something substantial, at least ; and if they will
produce fleeces heavier in proportion to their increase
in size, and as fine as we have heretofore been in the
habit of growing, a great gain is obtained.

The Peoria Register mentions an importation of
heavy French merinocs by Freeman Humphreys.
These arc probably similar to those imported by some
of the Connecticut and Vermont farmers, of which
we have heretofore made mention in our paper. The
farmers of Maine, and indeed the farmers every
where else, will find it an object to keep only the
best sheep at any time, but more especially so when
wool is low in price, and the call for it rather slug-
gish. — Maine Farmer.

HARVESTING BEANS.

Some farmers, on harvesting their beans, find it
difficult to spread them in the barn, so that they will
dry thoroughly ; and when placed in thick layers,
they are liable to mould, especially as some remain

green while others are ripe. The following plan,
from the Elaine Fanner, is very convenient, and
obviates the difficulty that usually attends storing
beans in the barn immediately after gathering. After
beans are threshed and winnowed, the)' should b»
spread and exposed to the air till well dried, as they
are liable to mould when laid in large heaps or put
up in large casks or boxes.

Various methods have been adopted for securing
the bean crop ; in this there is greater diversity in
the practice of farmers, so far as wc have observed,
than in the harvesting of any other of our farm crops.
With us, beans are usually planted with corn, and
they must be pulled and secured before the corn is
harvested.

In harvesting beans, we have adopted the follow-
ing method, which we consider as sail', and liable to
as few objections as any other. It was recommended
several years ago in some of the agricultural journals.
After one becomes used to it, it will be found to
require but little more time or labor than some other
methods by which they are not likely to be secured
with so little waste, nor in so good order.

First procure the requisite number of stakes, about
six or seven feet in length. These are to be used in
pairs, and placed at convenient distances in the field.
Then make two holes in the ground with a crowbar,
about a foot apart, and sufficiently deep to hold th«
stakes firmly. In these holes insert a pair of the
stakes, and on them, about six inches from the
ground, wreathe a withe, to keep the beans from
the ground. In pulling the beans, the roots are to
be kept together, and in arranging them between
the stakes, first place a small handful on the withe,
then another handful on the other side, lapping them
a little, and turning the roots towards the centre of
the stack, while the branches and leaves are on ths
outside. Proceed in this manner, keeping the stack
nearly cylindrical in form, until it is built up high
enough ; then press the stakes together so as to keep
the beans in place, and confine ,them by a withe at
the top. Stacks of beans put up in this manner will
shed rain, and the beans in them will keep in good
order until they are fit to house.

When the beans are to be got in, take a handspike,
and put it under the stack between the stakes, and
lift the whole up together, and convey them away
without separating them.

PEACH AND PLUM-TREES.

The early decline of the peach and plum-tree in
our latitude, and the inefficiency of almost every
means adopted for invigorating them again, seems to
be a subject worthy of some consideration, and w©
would very gladly see it noticed by some of your
scientific correspondents. No effectual remedy (if
indeed there is such) for the disease appears to ba
known in this vicinity. Various devices have been
resorted to, accompanied with but indifferent success.
Some believe an application of hot ley from wood
ashes to be efficacious. The ground is first removed
from the trunk and roots of the tree, and the liquid
is then poured in around it. This experiment has
been tried here in several instances this spring, and
the result, so far, seems favorable enough ; whether
this remedy may be considered at all available, I am
yet unprepared to say. It were certainly very de-
sirable that the lamentable difficulty in the cultiva-
tion of this kind of fruit, should be removed by some
treatment more effectual than any we are now aware
of. Perhaps some of your agricultural contributor*
have given attention to the subject. J. II.

Bucks County, Pa., 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

329

I: *n !ll

'^ W^%-

APPLE QUINCE.

STnon\'m8 — Apple- shaped. Orange, Cijdonia Maliformis, Coignassier Maliforme of the French.

The quince is among our most valuable fruits ; and
though not adapted to the dessert, it is prepared in
Tarious ways, and is most excellent, being so high
flavored that it gives character to various other fruits
that are cooked with it. It has a very healthful
^cct in various medical preparations, and in food is
both wholesome and palatable.

The quince is hardy; and as it blossoms late, from
having its fruit on the new growth of the season, it
is more likely to escape injury from spring frosts.
An opinion has prevailed, generally, that the quince
will flourish only on cool, moist soils ; but practice
shows that it will flourish well on gravelly hills and
•andy plains, under skilful management. The fine
specimen from which our drawing is taken, is from
John Washburn, Plymouth, and it flourishes well in
the light lands there.

The quince should be more extensively cultivated.
They are excellent for family use, and they sell well
in the market. It is but little cultivated north of
this state, because it does not ripen well. There are
two causes for this, both of which may be easily
obviated. One cause of the quince not ripening in
the north is, that the Pear quince, which is several
weeks later than the Apple quince, is generally cul-
tivated. Another cause of late ripening is planting

the trees in a cool, heavy soil, instead of a warm soil
and location. With the Apple quince, a warm, sandy
loam, and a favorable location, this highly valuabl*
fruit may be extended nearly to all parts of New
England.

The fruit of the Apple quince is large ; of irregular
shape, but resembling the apple in being rather
larger at or towards the base ; the skin is fair, smooth,
of a beautiful golden-yellow color ; the flesh is rather
tender, compared with other quinces ; and this quality
appears conspicuous after cooking, on which account
this variety is preferred by some nice observers in
the culinary art. This variety is a good grower, and
some horticulturists consider it fully equal to the
Portugal quince for stocks for dwarf pears. It bears
well. It may be propagated by seeds, layers, cut-
tings, or by budding and grafting on kindred stocks.

A sound economy is a sound understanding
brought into action. It is calculation realized. It
is the doctrine of proportion reduced to practice. It
is the foreseeing contingencies and providing against
them. — Hannah More.

Half an ounce of alum in powder, will purify
twelve gallons of corrupted water.

330

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

CAUSE OF DECAY IN TIMBER.

SEASON FOR FELLIN'G.

Considering the magnitude of the interests involved
in the preservation of timber, it is surely a disgrace
to us of the present day, that doubts should be as
strong as over concerning the true causes of its decay.
In an absence of certainty as to those, for many
years, attention has been turned away from the essen-
tial part of the inquiry, and directed merely to sec-
ondary points. The problem to be solved is, What
causes the decay of timber ?

In the first place, it is presumed that no one will
dispute the fact that ancient timber lasted longer
than modern. That being granted, we have only to
ascertain what can have caused the difference. Our
Anglo-Saxon forefathers know nothing of bi-chloride
of mercury, sulphate and pyrolignite of iron, chloride
of zinc, nor creosote. There were no Kyans nor
Burnetts, no Paj'nes nor Boucheries, in their days ;
yet they perfectly understood the art of rendering
wood imperishable, as is sufficiently attested by what
remains of their works. The great, though forgotten
architects, who fixed the wooden roof of Westminster
Hall, in the time of Richard II., and those who
erected the old country churches and corner castles
of England, must have known much better than the
architects of the present day how to prepare their
timber, or their wood work would not have remained
as sound as when it was put together by their
artisans.

As ancient practice is not sufficiently recorded, we
can only look to the nature of the timber itself, in
order to learn the causes which hasten its decay.
Foremost among these is its exposure to any moist
atmosphere exceeding a temperature of 33° Fahr. ;
and the decay will proportionably be hastened as the
temperature of that atmosphere is increased. Timber,
absolutely dry, would be unable to undergo decom-
position at any appreciable rate. A piece of wood
found at the back of one of the friezes, at Athens, by
Lord Elgin, is as sound at present as it could have
been in the days of Phidias, more than two thousand
years ago. Even animal matters, rapidly as they
putrefy, are preserved for centuries in the absence of
moisture. Travellers assure us that in the arid plains
that stretch northwards beyond the Himalayan range,
the corpses of men and the carcasses of animals dry
up, instead of rotting. The Gaucho hangs his beef
in the sun, and in the dry climate of the pampas it
hardens as so much hide, like which it may be kept
for use.

If, then, mere dryness is sufficient to arrest the
decay of animal matter, how much more effectual
must be its action upon vegetable substances, in which
a natural tendency to rot is infinitely less inherent.
Sawdust is but timber broken to pieces ; damp saw-
dust rots rapidly ; dry S9,wdust will all but last for-
ever. Charcoal, one of the most unchangeable forms
of vegetable matter, is unly timber from which the
last trace of water has been expelled by heat. Ab-
sence of moisture is therefore the great cause of
preservation, as its presence is that of decay.

Complete dryness may be assumed to have been
the cause of the durabilitj' of ancient timber. At
least, in the present state of our information, we can
refer it to nothing else ; and dryness is amply suffi-
cient to account for it. In the opinion of one of the
most experienced and philosophical of modern writers,
the late Sir Samuel Beutham, dryness was the great
object to be obtained in preparing timber for naval
purposes. Drying houses were recommended by
him ; and during all the period of his employment as
civil architect of the British navy, this distinguished
officer never ceased to point out the indispensable
necessity of securing the dryness of timber before all

other things. To the artificial methods available for
this purpose we need not here allude. What wb
have to deal with is the natural means of bringing it
about. Those natural means are much more effectual
than any others, and it is a question whether they
can be superseded by any artificial method what-
soever. The means which trees possess of relieving
themselves from moi'^turo are their leaves, which
serve as a very powerful pumping apparatus, inces-
santly drawing moisture from their interior, and
giving it off to space. It is true that the same action
which produces a discharge of fiuid from the surfao*
of leaves, has at certain seasons, the counter effect of
again charging the apparatus with more fiuid, to
replace that which is thrown off; but this happeq/s
only at certain seasons. In spring, a tree is in full
force ; the roots then draw fluid from the soil, the
trunk draws it from the roots, leaves draw it from
the trunk — and waste it ; and this goes on so long
as the soil is filled with the rains of spring — so long
as vitality is active. But as the summer advances,
the earth becomes dry, refuses the same abundant
supply as before, and all vegetation slackens. Tli«
leaves, however, still go on — pump, pump, pump ;
till at last, the roots becoming torpid, the leaves
draw off all the free fluid that the trunk contains ;
and when the last supply that it can yield is ex-
hausted, they perish. At that time, the trunk, by
natural means, is dried to a great degree ; the free
water lying in its cavities is gone ; and the whole
fabric acquires a hardness it did not know befojc.
Until the leaves are renewed in the succeeding
spring, but small internal change occurs ; the root*
are torpid, and will scarcely act ; the pumps are
broken ; and little more fluid is introduced into the
wood. Hence it is obvious that the period when the
timber of a tree is naturally free from moisture, and
therefore least prone to decay, is between the fall
of the leaf in autumn and the renewal of vegetation
in the spring ; and the nearer the fall of the loaf, the
most free.

In this point of view, timber which is intended to
be durable should bo felled late in the autumn, or in
midwinter. No artificial processes will relieve it
of its moisture so economically and so well as the
means which nature has provided. On the other
hand, if it is felled when the tissue is full of fluid,
it is much to be doubted whether any artificial
methods of exhaustion are capable of seasoning it
properly. — American Agriculturist.

EVERY MAN A FARMER.

The cultivation of the earth is congenial to the
nature of mankind ; and a very large proportion of
men, during some share of their lives, either do, or
have a desire to, become farmers. Besides those
who, in civilized countries, are bred to the culture
of the soil, and make it their sole pursuit through
life, there are thousands of others who retire from
the bustle and anxieties of trade, the vexations of a
professional, or the turmoils of a public life, to rural
quiet and the undisturbed cultivation of a few acre*
of land. The merchant, whose youth has been spent
behind the counter, whose prime of life and middle
age have passed between the leger and the strong-
box, between the hopes of gain and the fears of loss,
having at length realized a plum, retires, from the
crowded city and the anxieties of trade, to the pure
air of the country and the peaceful cultivation of a
farm. The lawyer, having acquired wealth and pro-
fessional fame, abandons his causes for a more tempt-
ing cause, — the pursuit of agriculture, — or minglea
with his professional labors the exercise of the spade
and the plough. In like manner, the physician and the
divine, the curers of physical and moral diseases,
consxilt their own health and quiet, and find a balm

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

331

for body and mind, by snatching a few hours from
the calls of professional duty, to apply thcin to the
grateful ])ursuits of tilling the earth. Why should
we mention the statesman and the warrior r They,
too, aie inclined to become farmers : the one leaving
the field of ambition, tlic other his harvest of laurels,
both seek a soil more congenial to the best feelings
of man, and end tlic career of life, like Cincinnatus,
at the plough. Even the mariner, the adventurous
son of Neptune, whose home has been for many
years, professionally and practically, on the deep, —
who has sailed to all lands and visited every sea, bring-
ing with him the rarities of every country and the
products of every clime, — purchases a home on the
land, transplants his exotics into his native soil, and
prefers that his last rest should be in the rural church-
yard with his kindred, to finding a bed in the bosom
of the deep. The mechanic, too, is smit with the love
of farming, and exchanges the dust of the shop for
the furrows of the field, the confined air of crowded
rooms for the free atmosphere of the heavens, and
the noise of machinery for the music of birds.

Nor is this prevailing love of agriculture, which
sooner or later in Ufe discovers itself, to be wondered
at, whether we consider it as implanted in our na-
ture, or whether it be the result of reason and expe-
rience. If it be innate, it is merely kept down for a
while by the engrossing pursuits of wealth, the calls
of ambition, or the strife of glory. But, these being
satiated or disappointed, the mind, set free, returns
to its native desires, and applies its remaining ener-
gies to their peaceful gratihcation. But reason and
experience may well be allowed their share in bring-
ing so large a portion of mankind ultimately to the
cultivation of the earth. Who, that values his na-
tive dignity and independence, would not prefer to
be lord of a few acres of land, with nobody's humors
to consult but his own, and nobody to please but his
Maker, to the cringing, the fawning, and lying that
are apt to enter so largely into political, professional,
mercantile, and mechanical life ? If any man on
earth can say, "/ cisk no favors," it is the farmer.
Skilful and honest labor is all that the earth requires,
and it yields a due return — no favors dearly bought
with the surrender of independence, of honor, of
truth, and of all noble and manly feelings ; no truc-
kling for office, no fawning for popularity, no lying
for gain. No man can say of farming, " I have served
a faithless master ! I have sacrificed honor, and
conscience, and independence of mind ; and what
have I gained r " Among farmers there arc no de-
serted Wolseys, and no Belisarius lives a reproach
to agricultural pursuits. The choristers of the field
never sing to deceive, the flowers of the mead never
bloom to hide a deformity, and nature never smiles
to betray. — Berkshire Ainaricaii.

BEES AND THE MOTH.

Messrs. Editors : Among the numerous humbugs
of the day are some patent beehives, recommended
to the public as infallible protection against the bee
moth. And as the moth is very troublesome and
vexatious to bee-keepers, they seize hold of any thing
with avidity, which their credulity leads them to
believe will afford relief; and thus they are gulled
out of their money, and set oft" upon a false track —
inevitably to meet with disappointment. Now, as
patent beehive- venders have harped upon this one
string, "Protection from the moth! Protection
from the moth ! " until I, for one, have become per-
fectly satiated with the sound, I am provoked to
give my views on the subject. It is said of some of
these hives, that the peculiar construction is such,
that the miller v.ill never enter them. But I think
it not within the scope of human wisdom to construct
a hive in such a manner as to admit the bee and ex-

clude the moth. The moth, in its pei-fect state, is a
winged insect — a miller — and is smaller, lighter,
and quicker on the wing or on foot, than the bee ;
and by the infallible laws of its natiire, is led to seek
the abode of the bees as a place congenial to its
wants for the reproduction of its species, and will
enter, in spite of all that man can do to prevent it,
short of closing the hive.

Another and equally fallacious hope of protection,
is from miller traps, (falsely) so called, formed of
metallic substances, and placed in or about the hives
for the millers to deposit their eggs in, that they
may perish before coming to maturity, as they cer-
tainly would do if placed there ; for the reason that
the insect, while in its chrysalis state, subsists upon
the material upon which it is placed, which must be
vegetable or animal substance, for it cannot consume
mineral substance. But who believes the miller sub-
ject to such random operations, in following out the
laws of her nature, as to deposit her eggs in such a
place, or upon such a material, as that they must of
course perish, while, at the same time, she is in the
immediate vicinity of that place and material which
she chooses, above all others, for that purpose ?

The fact is, no such contrivances are miller traps,
but they are perfect and eftectual traps for all who
purchase the right to use them. They are not based
upon any good philosophy, and have nothing to
recommend them but the inventors and venders.

The only thing, in my opinion, upon which we can
rely for protection from the moth, is to give the bees
a hive of such dimensions that a naturally consti-
tuted or common-sized swarm of bees densely pop-
ulate the same. They will then be able to protect
themselves ; not that they will, or can, prevent the
moths entering the hive, and depositing their eggs
there; but they wiU. eject the grubs, and no serious
injury will be experienced by the bees. And this,
I am happy to say, is not a patentable subject : any
man can make a beehive, of whatever dimensions he
pleases, without paying any one for the privilege.
These are my views upon the subject of protection
from the moth. D. EATKROP.

La Salle, III., Jime, 1849.
— Prairie Farmer.

NEW MODE OF BUILDING.

A small house may be built in the following man-
ner, with a saving of expense, wherever lumber is as
plenty and cheap as in this city, and where planing
can be done by machinery : Take two inch plank,
plane them on one side, and tongue and groove them.
Provide good sills ; and erect the building by set-
ting the plank upright, and battening the joints with
strips of half-inch stuff, the strips two inches wide.
This forms the outside wall. Furr out on the inside,
with half-inch stuff, and lath to that. The half-inch
furring gives sufficient room for the plastering to
clinch, j'et leaves the space too narrow for mice. For
small one-story houses, this is a very pretty mode of
building, cheaper than by studs and clapboards, and
in many respects better. Several such houses have
been built in this city, and give good satisfaction. —
Selected,

PLANTING AND BUILDING.

It was a very just remark of an eminent author,
" The works of the person who builds begin immedi-
ately to decay ; while the works of him who plant*
commence immediately to improve." Lord Bacon
also remarked, " When nations arrive at civility and
elegancy, men come to build stately sooner than to
garden finely, as if building were the greater per-
fection." — Selected.

S32

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

HJomcstic UJcpartmcnt.

Pi,\i.\ Ai)Vi*E TO CouNTKY GiELs. — You know
I said that I could quilt almost as fast as two of you.
The reason is, I take care of my hands. One half
of you are too proud to do this. You would not bo
cauuht putting a glove on to sweep, or hoe, or weed
in the garden, boc;ause you think it would look as if
you wanted to be fine ladies. If you sec any one
taking care of her hands or careful to wear a sun-
bonnet to ];rcscrve her complexion, you say she is
" proud and stuck up." But it is you who are
proud — too proud to think you require any care to
look nice. You have an idea you look well enough
at any rate. So you just make yourself as rough
and coarse as ever you can, by way of being inde-
pendent. Your hands grow as stiff and hard as if
you held a plough and swun j: a scythe ; and when you
take a needle, j'ou can scarcely feel it in your fingers.
This is wrong. There are many things which women
ought to do, which require their hands to be soft
and i)liablc, and they should be careful to keep them
BO, in order to make them useful. Every woman
who lives in the country should knit herself a pair
of woollen gloves, with long fingers closed at the
tojjs — no mits, to let the fingers get hard. There
should be a piece of ribbed work at the wrist, to make
them stay on.

When you use your hoc, rake, or broom, put on
yovxr gloves — when you take hold of a skillet, pot,
or kettle handle, take a cloth to keep your hands
from being seared and hardened. When you wash
clothes or dishes, do not have water so hot as to feel
unpleasant. >Iany girls scald their hands until they
can put them into water almost boiling. Such hands
are uniit to use a needle or a pin. They are not so
good to hold a baby or dress a wound. Take care
of your hands, and do not forget your faces. I have
Been so many country girls, who, at sixteen, had com-
plexions like alabaster, and at twenty-six their faces
would look like a runnet bag that hung six weeks in
the chimney corner. One reason of this is, thej"- do
not wear a bonnet to protect them from the sun.
Another reason is, the habit they have of baking
their faces before a wood fire. I have seen women
Stand b fore a great roasting fire, and cook, until I
thought their brains were as well stewed as the
chickens ; and they woxrld get so used to it, they
would make no attempt to shield their heads from
the heat. Nay, they would sit down in the evening,
and bake their faces by the hour ; and this is one of
the reasons why Amez^ican women grow old, withered,
and wrinkled, fifteen years before their time.

But another and the greatest reason is, your diet.
People in this country live too well, and eat too much
hot bread and meat. Country people usually eat
richer food than these who live in the cities, and that
is a reason why, with all their fresh air, their average
age is little greater than that of city filks. Thou-
Bands of beautiful, blooming countrj' girls make old,
Ballow-faced women of themselves before they are
thirty, by drinkinij coffee, smoking tobacco, and eat-
ing hit bread. They shorten thoir lives by these
practices about as much as city ladies with their
fashionable follies. I do not know what rjoii think
about it, girls, but I think it is about as much a sin
for women to get old, brown, withered faces, by eat-
ing too much, as it is for men to got red noses by
drinking too much. Very few people think it a dis-
grace to have a bilious fever ; but I would just as
lief the doctor would tell me that I was drunk as
that I was bilious. The one would come from
drinking too much, the other from eating too much ;
and where is the difference ? All this is a very
Berious matter, for it aff'ects health and life ; and the
reason why I talk about your complexion in speaking

of it, is, that every body loves to look well, whether
they will acknowledge it or not. Now, people cannot
look well unless theij are well ; and no one can be
well very long Avho docs not try to take care of her-
self. The woman who roasts her head at the fire,
disorders her blood, brings on headaches, injures her
health, and makes her face look like a piece of
leather ; when she swallows hot cott'ee, hot bread,
greasy victuals and strong pickles, she destroys her
stomach, rots her teeth, shortens her life, and make*
herself too ugly for any use, except scaring the crows
off the corn. ' J. G. S.

— Ohio Cultivator.

Lady Architects. — The daughters of General
Simco, says the " Builder," an English journal, on
the ruins of the old abbey. Dunkswell, near Iloniton,
have erected a church for which they worked all the
stone with their own hands. The same journal adds,
" We have a worthy companion for these ladies,
whose name is Miss Rickards, of Stow liangtoft,
Bury, who has, with her own hands, glazed all the
windows in her father's church with stained glass,
painted and burnt by herself.

Soda Coffee. — The flavor of coffefe may be very
much improved, by adding forty or fifty grains of
carbonate of soda to each pound of roa.sted coffee.
In addition to improving the flavor, the soda makes
the cott'co more wholesome, as it neutralizes the acid
contained in the infusion.

Bops' Jllcpartmcnt.

The Redhreast. — Though the redbreast is gen-
erally admired for his song, he is still more admired
for his attachment to and confidence in mankind.
In all countries, he is a favorite, and has what may
be called a pot name. The inhabitants of Bornholra
call him Tammi Liden, the Norwegians, Peter Rons-
ined, the Germans, Thomas Gierdct, and in England
he is known as Robin Redbreast, or by the still more
familiar appellation of Bob. Buffon describes, with
his usual elegance, the winter manners of this bird.
•' In that season," says he, " they visit our dwellings
and sock the warmest and most sheltered situations ;
and if any one happens still to continue in the woods,
it becomes the companion of the fagot-maker, cher-
ishes itself at his fire, pecks at his bread, and flut-
ters the whole day round him, chirping its slender
pip. But when the cold grows more severe, and
thick snow covers the ground, it approaches our
houses, and taps at the windows with its bill, as if
to entreat an asylum, which is cheerfully granted ;
and it repays the favor by the most amiable famil-
iarity, gathering the crumbs from the table, distin-
guishing affectionately the people of the house, and
assuming a warble, not indeed so rich as that in the
spring, but more delicate. This it retains through',
all the rigors of the season, to hail each day the
kindness of its host, and the sweetness of its retreat."
The bill of the robin is slender and delicate ; its ej'e'*
are large, dark, and expressive, and its aspect mild ;
its head and all the upper parts of its body are brown,
tinged with a greenish olive ; the neck and breast
are of a fine deep reddish orange ; a spot of the color
marks its forehead ; its belly is whitish, and the legs
and feet of a dusky black. It is near six inches in
length, from the tip of the bill to the end of the tail ;
the former being about half an inch, and the latter
two inches and a half.

This bird, in England, has the sweetest song of
all the feathered tribe : the notes of other birds are.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

333

indeed, louder, and their inflections more capricious ;
but the redbreast's voice is soft, tauder, and well
supported ; and the more to be valued, as we enjoy
it the ^^reatest jiart of the winter.

Durin;j; the sprin<;, the robin haunts the wood, the
gi'ove, and the garden, and retires to the thickest
and shadiest hedge-rows to breed in, where its nest
is usuailv placed amon;^ the roots of trees, in some
eoucealed spot near the ^rnind. In winter, it en-
deavors to support itself, by chirping- round the warm
habitations of mankind, and by comiui^ into those
shelters \\here the ri<i;or of the season is artificially
expelled, and where insects are found in the greatest
numbers, attracted by the same cause. The female
laj's from five to seven eggs, of a dull white color,
diversilicd with reddish streaks. Insects and worms
are the principal food of the redbreast. The latter
it verv dexterously rendered tit to be eaten, by taking
hold of the extremity of one in its beak, and beating
it against the ground till the inside comes away, and
then rejjeating the operation with the other end, till
the outer part is entirely cleansed. — Selected.

^caltl).

The Tomato is one of the most wholesome fruits
that is cultivated. The plant is vigorous, hardy, and
productive, and one of the easiest to cultivate. It is
adapted to all parts of the country, by starting it in
the north, in a hotbed, or some other mode to forward
the plants, which costs but a trifle.

This frnit may be cooked in twenty or thirty dif-
ferent ways, suiting the taste of almost every person ;
and to many it is very palatable indeed, though most
persons need to be accustomed to its use a while
before they relish it.

The tomato is excellent for bilious affections, and
for dyspepsia. When we were publishing the Yan-
kee Farmer, there was an article in that paper on
the healthful properties of the tomato, and the same
paper contained a seed catalogue, in which was the
tomato. A person who had been severely afflicted
with the dyspepsia for ten j'ears, so that he could eat
but very few common dishes of food, procured some
tomato seed, of which plant he had previously no
knowledge ; and he raised some fruit and used it as
food, and he had jellies and other preparations made
in the fall, that he might use when the season for
fresh tomatoes was over. By this simple remedy,
he was completely cured, in a few months, of an ob-
stinate disease, that had bid defiance to the best
medical skill for ten long years, for so they must
have seemed to the unfortunate invalid. Here we
also have the important bearing which a single fact
gleaned from a useful paper, has upon a man's
health, life, and interest generally.

Bdrtino Alive. — Mr. Mansfield, of the Cincin-
nati Atlas, writing from Xenia, under date of July
26, says, " I cannot doubt that there have been
many cases of too hasty burials, in cases of cholera.
I saw a young man to-day, who was reported all one
day to be dead, and was actually in a state of col-
lapse. He said that he heard the persons at his bed-
side say, 'He is dead ; ' and at the same time, he was
perfectly conscious, and in full possession of his
senses ! He said that he was in dread that they
would burv him alive !

The Hair. — Dr. Holland has started a new theory
with regard to the functions of the hair. Ho says it
is a safety valve to tVie nervous system, forming a
connection between the nervous organs and the
great principle pervading the universe. lie says the
profuscness of hair is always proportionate to the
prevailing vital energies. — Selected.

flTeii)tinics' ^Department, Tlrts, ^c.

Mineral Cements. — Roman Cemeiit. — It is a
remarkable fact, in the history of hydraulic mortars,
which originates, as we have seen, with the pnz/o-
lana and trass employed by the Romans, that the
more the knowledge of their uses has been spread,
the more substances have been discovered, which
either act as hydraulic mortars themselves, or can be
mixed as cements in the preparation of artificial
mortar ; so that what appeared originally a privilege
accorded to a few favored spots only, can now be
obtained almost every where. A strong inducement
to study the nature and modes of occurrence of hy-
draulic lime, was created by the patent granted to
Parker and Wyatt, in London, in the year 17i>G, for
what they termed " Roman cement." The materials
employed in the manufacture of this cement, are the
nodules, of an ovoidal or globular form, which are
found in the London clay, and known by the name
of septaria. They are not confined to the banks of
the Thames, but are also found on the Isles of 8hep-
pcy and Wight, as well as on the coasts of Kent,
Yorkshire, and Somersetshire. The composition of
these nodules has already been given. They are
calcined in perpetual limekilns, with coal, in which
a very moderate and well-regulated heat is carefully
preserved. After calcination, the stones are ground
under heavy edge-stones to a very fine powder,
which is sifted and then packed in casks for sale.

In the year X. of the French republic, Lcsage
pointed out the existence of similar cement stones on
the coast of France, near Boulogne, and Drapier
proved their identity with the English, by chemical
analysis.

Roman cement is one of the most powerful hydrau-
lic mortars, and is exceedingly valuable, not only on
account of the rapidity with which it hardens, — and
this is effected in a very few minutes, — but because,
when hardened in considerable masses, it is not liable
to crack.

Since that time, similar calcareous marls have
been found in numerous places, wherever pains have
been taken to look for them, and have been used for
similar purposes. To give an instance of this, Kittle
in Aschaffenburg, examined a series of Umestones
from the Spessart, and found, in four different places
in the neighborhood, limestone, which yielded a
very tolerable mortar, and two varieties which were
excellent. Hydraulic lime has occasionally been
met with in the same quarry as fat lime, and, its
nature not having been investigated, has been
neglected as useless in consequence of the slowness
with which it is slaked.

All artificial or natural hydraulic limestones are
soluble (before as well as after calcination) in muri-
atic acid, with the separation of silica, except when
sand or some similar substance has been added to
them.

Practical Remarks. — Thehydraulic limestones, when
they do not contain a sufhcient quantity of lime to
be capable of slaking with water, must be very finely
pulverized ; it is only by this high state of division
that a proper action can ensue. A thorough pene-
tration of the siliceous portion by the lime is never
entirely effected, but a certain proportion remains
enclosed and removed from the sphere of action.

One point, which is very often neglected in pre-

334

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

parinw artificial hydraulic mortar, is the attention to
the proper proportion between the slaked lime and
cement. Both the ingredients must be mixed bj'
measure or weight, and not merely estimated by
the eye.

The best plan is to moisten the necessary quantity
of cement first, and then mix the freshly-slaked
lime with it. The more uniformly and intimately
both are mixed, the better is the result.

The hydraulic mortar employed in building the
Eddystone lighthouse, was mixed by Smeaton from
equal proportions of lime, slaked to powder, and puz-
folana. Trass and puzzolana are generally mixed
with half their weight of lime, as was the practice
amongst the Romans. It is desirable to ascertain
the best proportions by experiment in all cases where
no certain knowledge of the nature of the two sub-
stances can be obtained.

(lood hydraulic mortar, whether made from natu-
ral limestone or composed of lime and cement, should
not ^how any tendency to crack when hardened un-
der water, even when no sand is mixed with it. It
then forms a very dense and solid mass, which, in a
short time, neither suffers water to permeate it, nor
is attacked by the water, but acquires a considerable
degree of hardiness. For this reason, it is well to
use nothing but hydraulic mortar for those parts of
walls which are constantly under water. If the
mortar is not only required to harden, but also to
bind well, a very important point must never be
neglected ; and that is, to moisten the surfaces of the
atones to which the mortar is to be applied. When
this is not done, the surface of the stone (by its
power of absorbing moisture) dries the mortar, and
prevents proper adhesion from taking place. The
joint then remains open to a greater or less extent.

It does not by any means follow, that because hy-
draulic mortar is the only durable material for build-
ing under water, it cannot consequently be used for
dry walls. It is, on the contrary, of the greatest
service wherever protection is required agaiiist the
infiltration of moisture and damp ; and dwellings or
buildings can often be rendered very much less
damp by a judicious application of a hydraulic coat-
ing ; a layer of this kind, when once hardened, is
not calculated, like ordinary mortar, to attract mois-
ture an.d allow it to pass through. The hydraulic
mortar must, of course, when used for covering dry
walls or otherwise, be kept moist and watered, until
it has acquired its proper degree of hardness. If this
is not attended to, a soft, friable, useless coating is
the certain result. If moisture enters from below,
for instance, between the wall and the coating of
mortar, it will continue confined there in consequence
of the impenetrability of the latter, v/hich, on the
occurrence of a frost, will most certainly peel off" and
be destroyed. Care must also be taken that the
mortar does not dry up of itself immediately in the
air, in which case it contracts and cracks. It is,
therefore, necessary to add sand, or some other sub-
stance which obviates the shrinking. Hj'draulic
mortar will bear a vei-y considerable quantity of sand
without injury to its hardness, even as much as one
and a half times its own weight and more. This
addition, therefore, is important in an economical
point of view. The grain of the sand employed,
however, requires attention, as was the case with
ordinary mortar ; sharp, angular sand is decidedly
preferable to blunt, rounded sand, and it is better to
use a mixture of coarse with fine sand, than that the
Band should be all of the same sized grain. The sand
should likewise be as free as possible from earthy
particles and dust. In mortar composed of lime and
cement, the rule is, to proportion the sand to the
quantity of cement used. Slaked lime will not bear
more than a certain quantity of these substances,
which quantity must not be exceeded, the cement

itself being for the greater part inactive and playing
the part of sand.

Hydraulic mortar that sets with sufficient rapidity,
and to which a proper proportion of sand has been
added, may be employed for casting tolerably massive
objects, which are not subject to crack when dry.
This enables hydraulic mortar to be employed for
architectural ornaments, which then combine great
sharpness with durability, arc very light as com-
pared with similar figures of sandstone, and have the
great advantage of being easily multiplied.

A similar application is that for casting water-
pipes, on the spot where they are required, as pro-
posed by Gasparin. The mould employed is a linen
hose, like those attached to the fire engines, a few
meters in length, which is filled with water and
closed at both ends. A thick kind of bolster is thus
produced, over which sand is sifted, and it is then
laid upon a deposit of hydraulic lime, and covered
by pouring over it the same substance. When the
whole has hardened, the hose is drawn forward,
about the length of one foot, being left inserted in
the tube, and a fresh length is cast. Watercourses,
thus constructed, must, however, have a certain
amount of fall, or the sand cannot be washed out,
and will impede the delivery of the water.

When hydraulic lime is mixed with small stones,
or with shingles from the bed of a river, or the sea,
walls can be directly constructed of it, and a mass is
obtained which resembles the erections with ordinary
mortal-, and is called b6ton by the French.

At Toulon, a mixture was used for the construc-
tion of the harbor, consisting of three paits lime,
four puzzolana, one smithy ashes, two sand, and four
parts of rolled stones or shingles.

The great strength of walls, constructed with hy-
draulic mortar, is most clearly shown by the experi-
ments undertaken with a view to break beams con-
structed of brickwork. A twenty-five feet long and
two and a half feet wide beam, constructed with
nineteen layers of bricks, bound together by Roman
cement, in Avhich, here and there, parallel strips of
iron were enclosed, was capable of bearing, when
supported at both ends, a weight of twenty-two tons
suspended from the middle, before it showed any
signs of fracture. — Albany Cultivator.

MANURES.

Manures assist plants, by destroying predatory
vermin and weeds. This, however, is not a property
of animal and vegetable manures ; they foster both
those enemies of our crops. Salt and lime are very
efficient dcstroj^ers of slugs, snails, grubs, &c. It is
astonishing how ignorantly neglectful are the culti-
vators of the soil, when their crops are devastated by
the slug, not to dress them so as to render the sur-
face of the soil quite white, during a promise of a
few days' dr}- weather, with caustic lime. It is instant
destruction to every slug it falls upon, and thosCN
whom it misses are destroyed by their coming in
contact with it, when moving in search of food. It
is a common practice to bum couch-grass, docks,
gorse, and other vegetables which are very retentive
of life, or slow in decay : a more uneconomical, un-
scientific method of reducing them to a state more
beneficial to the land of which they were the refuse,
cannot be devised. In breaking up heaths, such ex-
uvicB are very abundant ; but, in all cases, if the
weeds, leaves, &c., were conveyed to a hole or pit,
and with every single horse-load, and with barrow-
loads in proportion, a bushel of salt and half a bushel
of lime were incorporated, it would, in a few months,
form a mass of decayed compost of the most fertilizing
quality ; the lime retaining many of the gases evolved
during the putrefaction of the vegetable matter, and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

335

the salt, and it combining to destroy noxious animals,
which might form a nidus in the mass. By this plan,
nearly all the carbonaceous matters of the refuse
vegetables are retained ; bj- burning, nearly all of
them arc dissipated. The forming of a compost such
as that recommended, is justified and approved by
the experience of many.

Stable manure, and all decomposing animal and
vegetable substances, have a tendency to promote the
decay of stubborn organic remains in the soil, on the
principle that putrescent substances hasten the pro-
cess of putrefaction in other organic bodies with
which they come in contact. Salt, in a small pro-
portion, has been demonstrated, by Sir J. Pringle, to
be gifted with a similar septic property ; and that
lime rapidly breaks down the texture of organized
matters is well known.

There is no doubt that rich soils, or those abound-
ing in animal and vegetable remains, are less liable to
change in temperature with that of the incumbent
atmosphere, than those of a poorer constitution. This
partly arises from the influence of the color of soils
oh vegetation. Some manures, as salt, protect plants
from suffering by sudden reductions of temperature,
by entering into their system, stimulating, and ren-
dering them more vigorous, impregnating their sap,
and consequently rendering it less liable to be con-
gealed. — Gardener s Magazine.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Our friends have been very liberal in their favors,
and we have endeavored to do justice to them ; but
sometimes it is difficult to judge accurately of a fruit
on examining a few specimens, and those are liable
to be injured by transportation and exposure, and by
delay from the time of picking the fruit to the time
of trial. These are often disadvantages to which
fruits are subjected when sent some distance, as
man}^ kinds are in their prime only when taken from
die tree.

From Dr. Rufus Kittredge, Portsmouth, N. H.,
fine Bartlett pears. -This popular variety has gen-
erally failed this season in most all parts of New
England.

From William Heustis, Leominster, Crawford's
Early Melocoton peaches, extremely large and fine.

From George Loring, Concord, Mass., large, hand-
some pears, without a name ; it is doubtless a native.
The quality is only middling, but as it is a hardy,
productive variety, and ripens early, (the last week
in August,) it may be valuable for market.

Of Charles H. Tarbell, of Lincoln, Tarbell, Lincoln,
and Smith's Favorite peaches. These fruits we ex-
amined in the peach orchards in Lincoln, and selected
them as among the finest in the country for orchard
culture ; they ripen rather late, and in succession.
We find them very hardy, and fine growers in the
nursery. As we found them without names, we
named them, when we described them in the Amer-
ican Fruit Book. Fine crops of these fruits are pro-
duced in Lincoln, and sell at high prices.

Of Willard Badger, North Chelsea, native grapes,
pleasant for the kind.

Of Capt. George Pierce, West Cambridge, large
and beautiful Porter apples, the lot which took the
premium at the late show of the Massachusetts Hor-

ticultural Society, for the best dish of apples. Capt.
Pierce not only excels in bringing the first produc-
tions to market, but he excels in the superiority of
his articles. He has brought so fine poaches and
apples to this market, that they at once attract
crowds, that evidently enjoy great pleasure in looking
at the noble displaj'. He sold a bushel of peaches
the other day at six dollai-s. By his skill as a culti-
vator, and his neatness and good taste in preparing
and presenting his fruits and vegetables, he does
great honor to liis profession.

From Isaac Holden, Billerica, several varieties of
excellent peaches. One without name; medial size,
white, with a red cheek ; white, very tender, melt-
ing, sweet flesh, of the highest character. From its
tenderness, it may be better adapted to the garden
than the orchard. Two other nameless kinds ; one
excellent, the other tolerably good ; both of good size
and beautiful. Another variety, very large, beauti-
ful, yellow ground, mostly covered with red, of the
finest properties, for orchard culture, he calls the Early
Chelmsford ; but the peach which we have known
for several years as the Early Chdmsford, which we
have described in the American Fruit Book, and
have in our nursery, and have distributed scions of,
is a very different peach in every respect. It is
white with a red cheek, wmie ilesh, and the leaves
are glandless ; while this of Mr. Holden's has globose
glands ; and ours ripens several weeks earlier. We
would say to those to whom we have furnished
scions and promised trees, that we cut our scions
from the tree on which grew the fine fruit we have
described. As the description of the white peach
has been widely disseminated, and is in reality early,
and the other is not, to prevent confusion, we hope
that friend Holden will get a more significant name
for his excellent peach.

Of Andrew Lackey, Jr., Marblehcad, several varie-
ties of plums, among which is the famous Jefferson,
which has excited considerable attention for a few
years past, as some horticulturists have recommended
it as the best of all plums, all things considered.
The Jefferson. is a fine variety, being large, hand-
some, and of first-rate quality ; but we think that
some have overrated it, as there are other varieties
that are equally valuable. We regard it as one of
the very best.

Of Capt. Amos Perry, South Natick, native grapes,
which we called Perry's Native, several years since.
This is one of the very best natives, and we seldom
see its equal, among the hundreds of kinds that have
been cultivated. It has much less of the acid or
pungent taste, and hard pulp, for which native
grapes are distinguished, and which renders them
objectionable. This grape is of a fine, high fiavor.

Of B. F. Cutter, Pelham, N. H., the Southwick
peach. This is one of the finest varieties. It is of
a large size, and handsome appearance. It was
brought into favorable notice at the horticultural
show at Lowell, a few years ago. From its high
character, we added it to our nursery collection ; and
on trying the fruit we find that it sustains its high
reputation. Also tomato catsup. Mr. 0. manufao-

336

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

tures this article vcrj' extensively ; we have oeca-
sionalh' tried and find it of excellent quality. It is
sinr^ular in retaining very prominently the peculiar
tomato flavor, while much of this preparation is dis-
guised by too large quantities of spices and other
condiments.

From Amos Clarke, Sherburne, scions of the
Clarke peach, ah excellent variety, of his raising, to
which we gave this name when we introduced it in
the American Fruit Book.

Of J. F. Hyde, Newton Centre, native grapes,
rather acid, but free from the pungent or foxy taste
of the wild fruit. A beautiful crab-apple, much
larger than the Red or even the Yellow Siberian crab.
We have no account of its habits. Seedless barber-
ries. This is a very singular production. The ber-
ries are perfectly free from seed, and this variety is
propagated by offsets. The quality is the same as
the common barberry, and about as large as the
common kind would be divested of its seed. As the
large seeds of the barberry are a great objection, this
may i^rovc a valuable acquisition.

From Norman Porter, Berlin, Ct., half a barrel of
fine apples, which are probably new in this section.
Fall Spice is of a large size ; roundish, but consider-
ably flattened at the base ; some specimens are slightly
flattened at the top ; ribbed and irregular ; stem short,
generally even with the base, in a narrow, deep cav-
ity ; calyx- rather small, closed, in a shallow, narrow,
ribbed basin ; skin smooth and glossy, pale yellow,
with a bright-red blush in the sun ; flesh white,
tender, juicy, of a fine, high, spicy, subacid flavor.
In quality it ranks among our best apples. Fine,
both for the dessert and for cooking. Also Baker's
Sweet; quite large; roundish, moderately flattened
at the base, and tapering slightly to the top ; stem
long and slender, in a narrow, deep cavity ; calyx
closed, in a narrow, deep basin ; skin rough, of a rich
golden yellow, marbled and dotted with specks and
spots of russet ; flesh yellowish, rather firm, sweet,
excellent for baking. If the habits of these varieties
are good as to growth and production, we should
think that they would be worthy of gefteral culture.
From Elisha Bunce, Westford, native grapes, which
we believe arc called Monmouth in Lowell and that
vicinity ; yexy large ; but they smack too strong of
the acidity and foxy taste too common in our native
grapes.

In the' notice of plums from J. C. Ilewins, Dor-
chester, iii our last, we omitted to notice that he had
one jieck from a scion set throe years since, showing
the great production which is common to Cruger's
Scarlet, a.s we considered that variety.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

The Aoricultukist's {Juitib and Alm.anae for
1849. — We noticed this work in the summer. It is
now for sale in this city by J. P. Jewett, 23 Oornhill.
For a trifle the farmer gets a good almanac, and many
useful hints, and in his profession ; and a single item
may be worth to him ten times the cost.

Descuiptive Catalogue of garden seeds, culti-
vated and sold by Comstock, Ferry, & Co., Wethers-
iield, Ct. This is a work of 48 pages, containing
many valuable directions for the cultivation of vari-
ous plants, remarks on manures, implements, &c.

List of Puemiums and rules for the second Cattle
Show and Horticultural Exhibition of Maryland
State Agricultural Socictj', to be held in BaltimofC
on the 10th, 11th, and 12th of October.

The (Old) Fakmeu's Almanac, by Kobcrt B.
Thomas, published by Jenks, Palmer & Co. — W«
most cheerfully welcome this familiar friend. We
remember well when farmers who paid particular
attention to improvement used to consult this work in
order to ascertain what the weather would be whejo
they were haying, harvesting, &c. It is still among
the most popular annuals of this class.

Third Annual Report of the Mahoning Ohio Ag-
ricultural Society, containing also an Address on the
Science of Agriculture, before the Society, in Octo-
ber last, by John M. Edwards, Esq.

For the New Eiigland Farmer.
STANZAS.

How pleasant 'tis to wander

When summer skies are bright,
And clouds of gorgeous beauty

Are fading into night !
Or when the moonbeams linger

On valleys gemmed with dew,
And stars are faintly shining

In yonder arch of blue !

How sweet to catch the music,

Borne by the gentle breeze,
Of streamlets softly wending

Among the shadowy trees !
All Nature smiles in beauty ;

A lovely face she wears ;
And for each blossom lowly

The great Creator cares.

He gives the dew and sunlight,

He gives the gentle rain.
And clothes with silken verdure

The flower-bespangled plain.
O, should we not adore Ilira

Who reigns in might above.
And watches o'er us ever

WitVi tender care and love r
Lekanon, Ct., Anguat, 1849. E. C. L.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published

every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, nt the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $\ a
year, or five copies for $-i, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at IS-J cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage ^^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the
boston type and stmieotypb foundrt.

^^iiLi^lMlP

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth. — Bryant.

VOL. I.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1849,

NO. 22.

S. W. COLE, Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, Proprietoe.

NORFOLK CATTLE SHOW.

On the 26th of September, the Norfolk Agricul-
tural Society held their first festival, at Dedham.
The day was fine, and a large number of persons at-
tended ; and on the whole the show was excellent —
a fine beginning. The ploughing match came off in
good style. The show of cattle was not large, nor
generally excellent, btit there were some fine speci-
mens. The swine were generally good, and several
lots were as fine as we ever saw. The Suffolk pigs
attracted much attention. There were several good
colts and- young horses. The exhibition of poultry
was large, varied, and generally excellent. Edward
W. Bray, Canton, had in one large coop, with numer-
ot-is apartments, nineteen varieties of hens, from the
little fancy Bantam to the majestic India fowls.

There was a fine show of implements. The dis-
play of vegetables and specimens of farm crops was
extensive, embracing a great variety ; and the quality,
as to appearance, was remarkably fine. It was the
largest and best show of vegetakles that we ever
»aw.

The horticultural department, consisting of fruits
and flowers, was very fine, considering the season
has been so unfavorable for some species of fruit.

The address was delivered by Hon. M. P. Wilder,
president of the society. It was deeply interesting
as a sensible discourse, and was interspersed with
sage remarks and specimens of wit. There was a
great rush to the church to hear it, but hundreds
could not gain admission. The orator excited pro-
found attention ; and that discourse must be excel-
lent that holds an audience so long chained to the
speaker, while so many exciting scenes were around
them. The delivery of the address required one hour
and fifteen minutes. On such occasions, when there
Ls so much to do, and so much to be seen, it might
be well to limit the orator to half an hour, lest we
have too much of a good thing. An original hymn
by Rex,. John Pierpont, and an ode by George Lunt,
Esq.,, constituted a part of the interesting exercises
in the church.

At the dinner table there was an immense num-
ber of persons. Yet hundreds, and many from

other sections who took a deep interest in agricul-
ture, were sadly disappointed in learning that the
sale of tickets was limited to members. This was
the more grievous, as they could not hear the dis-
tinguished gentlemen who had honored this occasion
with their presence. There were jiresent Governor
Briggs, and Ex- Governors Lincoln and Everett ; Hill,
of New Hampshire ; lions. D. Webster, H. Mann, and
R. C. Winthrop, the venerable Mr. Quincy, Ex-Presi-
dent of Harvard College, now a practical fariHer, and a
host of others distinguished for talents and station. The
dinner was continued long, and many speeches were
made, as might well be expected from so many gen-
tlemen noted for their ability. We doubt Mhether
a dinner of even the Royal Agricultural Society of
England ever presented such an array of talent — so
many orators always ready for any emergency.

As to the arrangements for dinner, our remarks
are not in the way of complaint, but we make them
with a view to improvement, and with a confi-
dence that those who were disappointed will, if
they attend in futui'e, be provided for. This society
is young, and generally they have done remarkably
well, and much credit is due the officers for their
good management. May the future prosperity of this
infant association contradict the old adage, that a
bright child never lives long.

ESSEX CATTLE SHOW.

The Essex Agricultural Society held their annual
festival at Salem, September 27. The day was fine,
and a late rain had laid the dust. There was an im-
mense number in attendance, crowding that city full ;
and in some places it was difficult to get a fair vievr
of the show, so great was the crowd. The plough-
ing was generally done well; some parts were excel-
lent ; but on two or three lands the grass appeared
rather prominent between the furrow slices.

There was a good show of stock : some specimens
of cattle were fine, and among them was our native
breed. There was an excellent show of poultry, of
almost every kind, but mostly hens. Some lots were
very fine. This branch is receiving more attention
by our agricultural societies, and should be encour-

338

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

aged, for the produce of the hen, in eggs and chick-
ens, forms an important, and no inconsiderable part
of our food ; and as to profit, as much depends on
the breeds, and good management of fowls, as of any
other animals.

The show of fruits and flowers was fine, and that
of the former larger than we expected to see this
season. There were some fine specimens of vegeta-
bles, but in this department the exhibition was rather
limited.

The address by Hon. A. T. Newhall was plain,
practical, and instructive, giving the experience and
observation of the speaker. It was rather brief.
Among the distinguished visitors of this fair were
Governor Briggs and Ex-Governor Hill. As a gen-
eral thing, this show was excellent. Mr. Proctor,
the president, and the other officers, constitute an
efficient corps in the cause of improvement.

MIDDLESEX CATTLE SHOW.

This festival was held at Concord, on Wednesday,
last week. A large number attended. The plough-
ing match was on land that was rather heavy from
recent rains, and considerable skill was .necessary to
good work. The competition Avas very brisk, yet
most of the ploughmen and teamsters promptly per-
formed their labor in a quiet manner. The plough-
ing was excellent, and the most of it was remarkably
good, particularly in turning the last furrow. There
were nine double ox teams, nine single ox teams,
and five horse teams, one pair each. A son of A. G.
Sheldon, Wilmington, ploughed with a double team,
without a driver. He made excellent work, and
completed his land in good season.

The show of cattle was not extensive, but there
Avere some very fine animals. A variety of breeds
were in the pens. Among the blood stock, the
Devons and Ayrshires were the most conspicuous.
There were fine natives, and some good crosses or
mixtures of the native and foreign breeds. Concord
shows have long been noted for fine specimens of
swine, mostly a mixture of diff"erent breeds. One
lot was called Our Old Native Race, as pure as could
be found ; but they looked too well to be even distant
relations of the Land Sharks, as the old gaunt races
were called. There was but very little poultrj\ The
show of fruit, though not extensive, was very fine
indeed. The vegetable products were not numerous,
but large, and of superior appearance.

The address was by I/illy Eaton, Esq., who has
occasionally appeared at celebrations as a poet ; there-
fore we expected that the address would be poetical
or flowery ; but in fact it was both. He ran into
verse frequently, and his prose was often poetical
and flowery. The address was generally pleasing
and beautiful, and no small part was marked with
sage reflections and sound philosophy. Like many
other addresses on such occasions, it was too long,
requiring an hour in its delivery. This is a day of
impatience and railroad speed, and the orator's motto
should be, " Much in a small space."

We could not attend the dinner ; but we under-

stand that this society has followed the excellent
example of some others in putting the tickets at fifty
cents. This has been the uniform price at the shows,
this season, excepting at Worcester.

This exhibition, on the whole, indicates good prog-
ress in improvements, in agriculture, horticulture,
manufactures, mechanism, and in useful knowledge
generally.

♦

TRANSPLANTING TREES.

The land for setting trees should be deeply and
thoroughly cultivated, and if not in good tilth, it
should be manured with well-decomposed compost,
which should be thoroughly mixed with the soil.
Trench ploughing and subsoil ploughing are excel-
lent preparations.

A hole for the tree should be dug five or six feet
wide, and eighteen or twenty inches deep. It should
be filled, nearly to the top, with rich loam and decom-
posed sods, which should be trodden doAvn a little,
lest the tree settle after it is set. Set the tree so that
the roots Avill be within a few inches of the surface
when the ground is levelled, or about the same as it
grew naturally, or in the nursery. Deep planting is
injurious. Fill in among and on the roots fine soil,
and tread it down gently.

After setting the trees, in the fall, in the usual
manner, to protect the roots in winter, throw up
around the tree a broad mound of earth, six or eight
inches deep ; then lay around and verj' near the tree
three or four stones, pressed into the earth, to keep
them firm, and then place sods or turfs between the
tree and stones, and press them down with the foot.
The heap of earth will throAv oft' the water, and keep
the tree in good condition, in its new location ; and it
will also protect it from mice, as they Avill not work
in elevated, exposed situations. The stones and
sods, together Avith the moiind of eartii, Avill save
the tree from injury from winds, without stakes. In
spring, the convex surface should be changed into a
concaA'e or basin, to catch and hold the Avater.

October is a favorable season for transplanting,
and the sooner it is done the better. There is no
better season, if the work is done well, as Ave haA'e
recommended. When trees are Avell set in fall, they
groAV the next season, as though they had not been
moved; but when set in spring, they often fail to
grow, and sometimes they die from severe drought.
We ahvays have good luck in autumnal transplant-
ing, even in exposed situations, and when open or
changeable Avinters succeed. In packing trees that
are to remain long in the package, the leaves should
fall first, or they should be cut off, to prcA'cnt fermen-
tation ; hence some nurserymen recommend delay, as
they do not like the trouble of removing the leaves.

CHEESE.

Several reasons being suggested for cheese being
sometimes poisonous, another has occurred to the
Avriter, from observing a number of thirsty cows
drinking the " green mantle of the standing pool,"
in a pasture, for want of pure Avater. — Selected.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

339

VEGETABLE CUTTER.

This machine is used for cutting roots and other
vegetables into small pieces, so that animals can eat
them conveniently and safely, doing away with all
danger of choking, to which animals are liable in
eating large and hard vegetables.

The cutting wheel is made of cast iron, with cut-
ting knives like plane irons, that cut off slices of the
vegetables that are put into the hopper ; and by cross
knives these slices are cut into fine pieces, adapted
to convenience in eating, or to mixing with straw or
coarse fodder.

This implement cuts with great rapidity, and is a
labor-saving apparatus to those farmers who feed
roots to their stock. Roots and other vegetables for
stock, not only make a groat saving in other food,
but they keep animals in better condition, and render
them more productive than dry fodder ; and every
facility that promotes convenience, or saves labor, in
feeding, tends to encourage this improvement in
agriculture.

THE CULTURE OF THE GRAPE.

We are glad to notice a disposition on the part of
citizens, in various sections of the Union, to pay more
attention to the culture of the grape. Vineyards are
springing up every where. In the neighboring county
of Berks, we are told that already sixty thousand
gallons of wine are made per annum. At the Syra-
cuse Fair, specimens of American champagne, man-
ufactured in the immediate neighborhood, also a
specimen of port wine, so called, manufactured from
a native grape found in the vicinity of Columbus,
Georgia, were exhibited. No spirits of any kind or
coloring matter was mixed with it, and the gentle-
man who submitted the specimen made two hundred
gallons last year. But for the early frost, which
killed much of the fruit, he would have made a

thousand gallons. While on this subject, we may
state that a few evenings since, we tasted, at the
house of a gentleman in this city, some verj^ delicious
American champagne, manufactured from a vine-
yard near Cincinnati. A French gentleman present,
who, we have reason to know, is an admirable judge
of wines, pronounced it to be very superior — possess-
ing the qualities of strength, richness of flavor, color,
and brightness. When prepared and bottled accord-
ing to the most successful plans adopted in France,
and a full age given to it, this wine will, in the
opinion of the French gentleman, become an article
of domestic consumption and foreign export of great
value. — North American Farmer.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — Many of
the native grapes that grow with great luxuriance,
and produce in abundance, will make excellent wine.
The musk taste, that is so off'ensive in this fruit for
eating, will give a fine flavor to the wine, at least in
the opinion of some nice connoisseurs. The vine
culture is extending all over our country, and thou-
sands of experiments are making with a view to
collect or originate new and valuable grapes, and
learn the best mode of culture. In a few years, we
shall have this delicious fruit in abundance, and in
great excellence. But the eff'ect of an abundance of
wine, genuine American wine, with no alcohol ex-
cepting that evolved from the juice of the fruit, on the
moral state of the community, is a grave question,
that involves in its bearing the welfare of milUons.

Diffusion of Seeds. — In boring for water at a
spot near Kingston-on-Thames, some earth was
brought up from a depth of three hundred and sixty
feet. This was carefully covered with a hand-glass,
to prevent the possibility of any seeds being depos-
ited on it ; yet in a short time plants vegetatud from it.

340

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.
CATTLE SHOW AND FAIR

OF THE NEW YORK STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The annual exhibition of this society, held at
SjTacnse, September 11th, 12th, 13th, was highly
creditable to the farmers of New York, and was cal-
culated to elevate the agricultural interests in this
State. The attendance was far greater than at any
former exhibition of the society, the number of per-
sons beii;^ variously estimated from one hundred to
one hundred and hftj' thousand. I am inclined to
a lower estimate, knowing that such estimates are
almost uniformly above the actual numbers. There
"were, however, doubtless from seventy- live to one
hundred thousand persons in attendance, and the
receipts for admissions were between eight and nine
thousand dollars.

The exhibition was in most departments quite ex-
tensive, as well as superior in quality and merit.
The cattle show may, without exaggeration, be said
to have been the greatest exhibition of fine stock
ever held on this continent. The Short Horns, the
Devons, the Herefords, with all their grades and
crosses, were represented by individuals from the
best herds, and in numbers far exceeding any former
cattle show I have ever attended. Of horses there
was also a large show, and among them many supe-
rior ones. But perhaps they were not so universally
fine as were the cattle. The Morgan breed was rep-
resented by many good animals, and I noticed several
fine colts, the descendants of a blood horse imported
fi-om England by a gentleman of this country a few
years ago.

To the exhibition of sheep, which was, as usual,
highly creditable, your New England wool-growers
contributed some tine animals. We have for several
years past been indebted to the wool-growers from
Vermont and Connecticut for some of the best sheep
at our shows ; and they were not this year at all un-
mindful of their interests. Many of the sheep exhib-
ited both from this and other states were of superior
quality. This is particularly true of the Saxons and
the various families of Merinoes.

Floral Hall was the centre of attraction, affording,
as it did, a fine display of flowers, fruits, itc, of every
variety, arranged in the most tasteful manner, and so
as to give the best effect to the exhibition. It was
visited by many thousands. Manufacturers' Hall
"was also quite well filled with specimens of goods of
nearly every description, including a large display of
domestic articles, highly creditable to the ingenuity
and industry of the exhibitors.

But it was the show of agricultural implements
which reflected the greatest degree of credit upon
American enterprise and ingenuity. Probably no
similar occasion has ever, at least in this country,
presented such a vast display of improvi'd implements
as were exhibited on this occasion. And here again
we must acknowledge allegiance to New England
skill and enterprise. To Massachusetts must the
credit be awarded of excelling in this branch of
mechanics, although we have in New York some
establishments which are fast following in the foot-
steps of your Boston and Worcester manufactures.

It w"Ould afford me much pleasure to notice in
detail many articles and incidents connected -with
this fair; but the character and plan of your publica-
tion forbids any indulgence in long communications,
and I will not trespass upon so excellent a regula-
tion. I must not, however, close without a notice of
the address which was delivered by Professor John-
ston, of Durham, England, who has visited this coun-
try at the invitation of our society, for the purpose
of addressing them on this occasion, and to gather
such inform.ation as could be obtained in relation to

the agricultural capacity and practices of this coun-
try. For the correctness of its statements, the vast
fund of knowledge presented, the vigor, originality,
and beauty of its style and expression, this address
may be regarded as a model by all who are called
upon to address similar assemblages. It was a pro-
duction of great ability, and such as might have been
exijccted of a man so highly ciualitied to impart
information upon agricultural subjects. The address
will of course be published.

In addition to the usual attractions of such an
occasion, there were this year many attractions of an
unusual character ; not the least of which was the
attendance of many of the distinguished men of this
and other states. Among the visitors in attendance
I now remember the names of Henry Clay, of Ken-
tucky, Governor Fish, Lieutenant-Governor Patter-
son, Ex-Governors Marcy and Young, of this state,
General Wool, of the army, and many distinguished
men of this and the other states of the Union ami of
Canada.

To a New Yorker who takes a just pride in the
improvements in the agriculture of his state, and
who regards these annual gatherings, and the increas-
ing interest which they are attracting, as an index
of public sentiment, the result of the exhibition just
closed is highly gratifying, in every respect. To you,
who feel (as all New Englanders I am sure do feel)
interested in our welfare and success, this brief ac-
count may not be altogether uninteresting. The
exhibition just closed has far exceeded any hereto-
fore held, and is a triumphant vindication of the
ability and public spirit of the farmers of New York.

KoiiE, N. Y., Sept. 20, 1849.

For the New England Fanner.
THE TRUE FARMER.

Mr. Editor : With your permission, I am going
to give you my views and ideas of what constitutes
the true farmer. We know that the country is full
of those who style themselves farmers ; but, in my
opinion, there are but few who can justly lay claim
to so honorable a title, as the true farmer. There are
such, however, scattered here and there all over the
country ; and wherever they may be found, they de-
serve the respect and esteem of all classes of citizens,
— because they stand at the head of society, — as
there is no occupation in the known world more
respectable than that pursued by the tiller of the
soil.

It was the first business pursued by man in the
garden of Eden ; and it should stand first now.
But this is not justly telling what and who the true
farmer is. Well, to come right at the point, the true
farmer is one who owns a respectable sized farm,
stocked with just enough to keep the farm in a good
condition, and the grazing herds in a thriving state.
This is 07ie essential feature. Next in order, he must
be one who has been brought up to the business,
and served a regular apprenticeship therein, that he
may know how to take the proper care of the grazing
herds that roam over his fields, and understand how
to provide for their wants at all seasons of the year.
This is another essential feature.

Again, he must be acquainted with the nature of
soils — understand what soils are best adapted to the
different crops which he grows. He must be the
overseer of his own affairs, as connected with his
farming operations, and see that every thing is car-
ried on under some regular system or plan. He
must see that his sons are brought up to labor, and
provide for them tools suitable to their age and
strength. He must have a workshop on his prem-
ises, provided with tooLs, where his sons may employ
their time rainy days. (This is one necessary fea-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

341

ture connected with the farmer's trade.) He must,
too, provide well for the fcraalo jjart of his household.
Every thing should bo made convenient in and about
the farm-house ;. the dairy room should be handy,
and all its departments provided with the necessary
articles with which to carry on the business in the
most expeditious manner.

Again, on washing days and other particular days
of hard lal)or, ho will have the good wife assisted by
some one of the male part of the family, to make her
labors less arduous, that her constitution may not
be too early broken down. He will instruct his wife
to train up her daughters to moderate labor, that
thoy may be prepared, like horselt', to engage in the
duties which may one day be assigned them. He
will, too, have a properly cultivated flower garden,
for the benefit of his wife and daughter.-', deeming it
(as it actually is) a lasting benefit, inasmuch as it is
a place of resort and exercise in the open air, which
is necessary for the prescrvatinn of health.

Again, every true farmer Avill provide for his wife
and daughters a good, steady horse and comfortable
carriage, that they may attend meetings, visit the
sick, call on their friends, &c., &c. To speak in
general terms, the farmer's Avife is kept too closely
confined in doors — is made too much the slave of
man ; consequently is deprived of what is essential to
her health and happiness — exorcise in the open air.
The true farmer is the true gentleman, and wherever
such a one is found, his worth ought to be duly
appreciated. A. TODD.

Smithfield, R. I., Sept. 1849.

For the Neio England Farmer.
BONE DISORDER IN COWS.

Mr Editor : I have seen occasionally, in your
journal and in other agricultural papers, accounts of
a supposed disease in the bones of milch cows, owing,
as is alleged, to the exhaustion of the phosphate of
lime in the pastures where they feed. And bone
meal is, as I am informed, actually sold in consider-
able quantities, to be fed to cows affected with this
disorder. The whole theory, with respect to this
bone disease, has always appeared to me to be
unreasonable, and not supported by facts. I say
unreasonable, because lands which j-ield an abun-
dance of good feed — whether such lands be old or
new — would be just as likely to afford sufficient
nutriment to the bones as to the flesh of cattle fed
upon such lands. If cattle are kept in good condi-
tion, as they ought to be kept, who would dream of
their bones wasting in consecjuence of a supposed
deficiency of some ingredient in their food ? And
why, too, should cattle only in some particular dis-
tricts be affected with this disease, and not in other
districts, where the soil is equally exhausted — if we
may infer that fact from the length of time during
which they have been in pasture.

But what facts are adduced in support of this
theory ? In some districts, cows in milk are found to
be sickly : bone meal is given to them, and they
recover their usual health. Does this prove that
their bones have wasted away, or have threatened to
cave in ? Not at all, as it seems to me. The infer-
ence is not a legitimate one, but would seem rather
to be jumped at, from the nature of the remedy found
to be beneficial in these cases. Before we pronounce
upon this wasting away of the bones, it certainl)'
would be more satisfactory to have the matter thor-
oughly investigated by dissection of some animal
thus affected. If the bones were gone, or partially
gone, I suppose there would be no disputing the
nature of the disease. But this has not, to my
knowledge, as yet been shown, and I much doubt if
it can be shown.

In questions of this kind, however, it is not always
safe to reason from general principles. As the present
one is of a practical nature, in which all farmers are
more or less interested, they should obtain the best
information in their pov.'er respecting it. It was
with this view that I addressed a line to Dr. Wil-
liam Saunders, of Salem, a highly intelligent and
successful veterinary surgeon, requesting his opinion
on the subject. From his known skill and extensive
practice, I had full confidence that he was qualified
to give an opinion entitled to as much weight as that
of any person with whom I am acquainted. From
his letter in reply I make the following extract : —

" I have much pleasure in answering your request
of my opinion concerning a disease called the bone
disorder, or falling in of the bones, in cows, as printed
in the New England Farmer of January 6. I beg
leave to differ in my views with that journal, though
at the same time I have much respect for its great
utility in forwarding agricultural pursuits. That the
cow, or any other animal, for want of consistent food,
will consume away, is natural ; but that it would
particidarli/ affect the bone, is, in my humble opinion,
altogether out of the (luestion ; consequently, I must
dissent from allowing the falling in of the bones, as
described in that journal; nor can I admit of any
direct bone disorder of that kind.

" I have given bone meal to neat cattle as a medi-
cine, particularly to such cows as are frequently
searching after bones, with good effect. I would
therefore cheei-fuUy recommend it in all such cases,
or as a corrective of any acidity on the stomach,
which in my opinion is the cause of this continual
hankering after old bones."

This appears to me a more reasonable mode of
accounting for this (so called) bone disorder, viz., that
it is a sour stomach which impels animals to crave
bones, than that their bones are falling away, and
they seek to supply the waste by the consumption
of the raw material. There is more of the bone meal
given to milch cows in Danvers than in any other
part of this county. And, indeed, I learn from Messrs.
Ruggles, Nourse, & Mason, that they sell large quan-
tities, to be used there for this purpose. It must be
found to be beneficial to their cows, or the farmers
of that town would not go to this expense. Why
their cows should be thus peculiarly affected, so as
to require the use of bono meal, it would be difficult
to determine. Whether it is owing to any peculiar
grasses or herbs which they find in the pastures,
which deranges the stomach, or to the use of shorts,
which are used there very generally on the milk
farms, or to what other cause, might be worthy of
inquiry. Of this I am sure — that I have never known
this bone meal to be given to cows on farms in this
iiiHnediate vicinity. Perhaps they might have as
good an appetite for it as other cows, if it was ottered
to them ; but as the)' are generally in a healthful
condition, and live to a respectable age, till they are
turned off to the butcher, without any indications of
a failure in their bones, they maj' as well, perhaps,
be left without it. For a well cow, good food, good
shelter, and good care, are the essential requisites to
keep her in health ; and to prescribe medicines in
anticipation of disease, may onlj' bring her to a pre-
mature grave, and make for her the epitaph, " I was
well — I would be better — I took physic — and here
I am." ALLEN W. DODGE.

Hamilton, Sept. 18, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — We have no favorite hy-
pothesis on this subject, that we wish to support,
and we are much obliged to Mr. Dodge for starting
a more thorough investigation, and to Dr. Saunders
for contributing his views, which are entitled to great
weight, both from their plausibility and from his

342

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

high rank as one of the most skilful veterinarians in
the country. What we have pubhshed, in regard to
the bone disorder in cows, we regard more as a prop-
osition than as a well-established fact.

One thing is certain : we beUeve that milch cows,
in particular, are liable to a disorder, and that its
symptoms and indications are as we have stated,
(p. 18,) and that ground or dissolved bones are a
remedy. The disease may have a wrong name, and
even the cause assigned may be wrong ; yet the facts
as to the symptoms and cure are important and use-
ful, and we hope that the hypothesis will be fairly
tested.

We cannot agree with our friend, who has kindly
furnished this valuable communication, that the
theory is unreasonable and unsupported by facts ;
for there are facts that are strong circumstantial evi-
dence in its favor. And as to lands yielding an
abundance of food for cattle, and supplying nutri-
ment for flesh, and not for bones, is nothing more
strange, than it is that some food will produce a great
flow of milk in cows, but a want of flesh, and other
kinds will have an effect directly the reverse ; or that
apples and potatoes will cause pigs to grow well, but
will not fatten them like Indian corn.

We do not suppose that anj' animal that is living
and moving about has a perceptible decay in its
bones ; but the animal may feel a deficienc)'' there
before the most skilful anatomist could see it. Can
he, by dissection, discover the scat and cause of every
pang of rheumatism ? Disease in bones, and its effect
on animals, must precede, and probably progress con-
siderably before it is perceptible to the anatomist.

Acidity in the stomach of the animal may cause
the symptoms that are ascribed to the bone disorder,
as various internal diseases cause the animal to draw
herself up, and produce a shrinkage of the whole
frame, even of the bone work, from the contraction
of the skin and muscles.

We do not think that the free use of shorts would
tend to produce wliat is called the hone disorder, or
acidity in the stomach, as it contains a large portion
of lime, which, if separate from the food, would be a
good medicine to correct these disorders. Yet it
may be in such a state, as to its preparation, as to
cause acidity.

It is difficult to prove the existence of some dis-
eases, or what effects a cure ; for in many cases, a
patient may get well, through medical aid, though
doctored for a wrong disease ; and again he niaj' get
well in spite of medicine which has an injurious
effect. A man may be dosed with sulphur for the
salt rheum, and thus cure the itch, which was mis-
taken for the rheum.

Still we think there may be a bone disorder, and
that there are stubborn facts to support it. Bones
are composed, in a great measure, of phosphate of
lime, or bone earth ; and this is an important con-
stituent in milk ; and lands long cropped, and the
crops removed from them, and no manure returned
to them, cease to produce vegetation that abounds in
phosphate of lime. Now, as thoi-e must be a drain
of this material to supply the milk, is it not reasona-

ble that there is a deficiency in supplying the waste
of the bones ?

Generally, cows only are affected with the bone
disorder, and those only while gijing milk ; and
when diseased in this way, while in milk, they re-
cover on going dry. The bone disorder is more com-
mon on old lands, where the phosphate of lime is
evidently exhausted, from the nature of the crops :
and in the county of Cheshire, England, distin-
guished as a dairy district, this proposition was made
an established fact by analyses of the soil. This
subject is open, and we invite the attention of men
of science, and of skilful practical observers, to its
thorough investigation.

For the Neio England Farm^.
POR.CULATION.

Do not be alarmed, my friend, at the ominously-
classical caption of this paper. I do not propose to
inflict upon the readers of the Farmer any stupidly-
learned essay upon the pachydermatous order of
quadrupeds ; or to clamber, for the wonder of gazers,
among the branches of the genealogical tree of the
genus sus. Noah and his ark are safe from any
domiciliary visit from me, and for the very sufficient
reason, that I myself have been, at times, almost de-
terred from the prosecution of inquiries, as to mat-
ters of interest upon a farm, by the terrible long
jaunt among the musty records of past ages, which
writers will force upon learners. The student of
nature, who seeks innocent information as to the
peculiar breed of the honed turJ;e>j, which delighted
his palate at the hestornal supper party, is crammed
incontinently with the mythology of the ancients.
Groaning yet under the undigested mass of informa-
tion Avhich he had sliced from the subject of his
inquiry, he is forced to swallow ^-Esculapius, as a
bolus, because patients who survived a doctor for-
merly slaughtered a cock to appease his disappoint-
ment. The lover of veal is treated to a dissertation
on " bos taurus." And one must see a maze in the
ear of corn, which he is manufacturing into nutri-
ment, under his grinders, unconscious heretofore
how " zea maize" tasted.

I propose to myself, with your concurrence, Mr.
Cole, to clear a path which I found infested with
brambles, and to render it unnecessary for those who
contemplate the breeding of swine for their own use,
or for market, to undergo the expensive and dis-
heartening probation which fell to my lot.

The chief dependence of the farmers of Rhode
Island for the annual supplies of their sties is upon
droves which are brought from Connecticut. There
are many of the larger landholders who raise their
own swine, and a few who breed on a pretty large
scale. Nevertheless, I am safe in naming the wan-
dering drover as the chief pig purveyor of the state.
There is not, to my knowledge, a boar a year or more
old, within eight miles of my residence, except in
the cit}^ of Providence. If there is one, he has been
'cute enough to evade my search.

Now, a drove, as it passes along through the vil-
lages, is constantly culled, until the last man is forced
to take up with the land shark, or to remain hope-
lessly pigless until the arrival of the next caravan.

It has been my fortune to see some of these mi-
grating grunters ; and I am fain to confess that for
any other earthly purpose than for a match against
time, the majority of them were utterly worthless.
Ah ! and I well remember a couple which a neigh-
bor, knowing my wants, secured for me on their
tramp. It was, indeed, the only time they ever were

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

343

" secured." No edifice which ingeniiity could invent
was proof against their vaulting ambition ; no rear
wall impervious to their geological researches. They
had the legs of a rciudcei-, the saout of a hippopota-
mus, the ears of a fox-hound, the head of a hedge-
hog, and the hide of a rhinoceros, combined with the
appetite of a boa constrictor, and the fattening pro-
pensities of a hydraulion tiro engine. They were
the grave of a great deal of meal, those two !

You may be sure that no great amount of cogita-
tion was required to determine me to become an
agricuhural Columbus, and to discover new worlds
of pigs, or, at least, worlds of new pigs.

Now, this is a point at which the prudent farmer
ought to ponder well, and to make that .selection
among the different improved breeds which is adapt-
ed to his wants. For our region of country, we require
a pork hog. Farther south, they need a bacon hog ;
and there are varieties adapted to these requirements.
The Berkshires, pure or crossed, are generally al-
lowed, I believe, to be the fittest for bacon. But
they do not fill the eye or the pork barrel of the
New Englandcr. The best pork hog, all things con-
sidered, is the Suffolk, or a cross of the Suffolk and
Middlesex. The greater part of the pigs on Prince
Albert's farm, near Windsor, are Suffolk. The late
William IV. patronized this breed. But they need
no royal patron. They tell their own story, and the
meal account against the pork barrel is their eulogy.
They are well-formed, compact, with short legs,
small heads, fat cheeks, quiet, and easy fatteners.
The color is generally white, though occasionally a
few black spots occur. They are hardy in constitu-
tion, and of a quiet disposition. These are emphat-
ically the farmer's hogs, and better repay care and
expenditure than any other breed which has come
under my notice.

In my search for these animals, I fortunately met
with the advertisement of Mr. W. Stickney, of Bos-
ton, in your paper ; and many weeks had not elapsed
before I had a splendid boar from his herd, grunting
for his lost loves and Ws deserted piglings in Ver-
mont. That veteran friend of the farmer and of all
the animate creation, John I. Skinner, now editor of
The Plough, Loom, and Anvil, was honoring me with
a visit soon after the arrival of his porkship, and he
pronounced him one of the finest animals he had
ever seen. Now, there may be better judges of what
constitutes a good pig than Mr. Skinner, but the
world has not learned their names.

To test the value of this pig, as a feeder, I insti-
tuted an experiment with four hogs, two of them
Berkshires, weighing about twelve stone, (of four-
teen pounds,) one excellent pig of nondescript breed,
called Our Own Hog, weighing about fourteen stone.
The boar was a trifie below three hundred and fifty
pounds. These pigs had daily the same allowance
for two months. The Berkshires became gradually
more and more lanterny ; the nondescript gained
apace ; but the boar was in " killmg" order.

Mr. Stickney is the only one, within my knowl-
edge, who is seriously engaged in improving the too
much neglected race, by large and judicious impor-
tations, and systematic breeding. I found at his
farm, in Vermont, about one hundred head, (and
ninety-eight tails, for two were decaudiznted ;) and
a finer lot of pigs I never again expect to see con-
gregated.

The man deserves well of his country who ena-
bles it to fatten two hogs where one starved before ;
and I most sincerely trust that Stickney will be re-
warded, not only in dollars and cents for his outlay,
but in reputation for his public spirit.

To my fellow-farmers of New England, and espe-
cially to our Rhode Island farmers, I can most con-
scientiously, and I do most earnestly, recommend to
see this choice lot of swine, and to make a selection

therefrom, for the benefit of themselves and their
neighborhood.

And now, my clear Mr. Cole, I fear you have had
hog enough to make you bristle up in rebellion
against the dose. But you are a public servant man,
and should be as uncomplaining as the president. It
did occur to me, at the commencement of this ])aper,
to attempt to convey to your readers a portion of the
pleasure which I enjoyed on the trip to Vermont ;
and to have added a word about other choice stock,
and divers vegetable productions which I found at
Mr. Stickney's extensive domain, and some of which
had an introduction to my teeth on the spot. But
there is such a thing as tiring people to death ; and
I leave the subject, though unwillingly, perhaps to
return to it at a future day.

Very truly yours,

^Y. S. KING.
Woodland Farm,
Near Providence, R. I., Sept. 1849.

For the Neio Englmul Farmer.
HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE, NO. I.

Me. Editoii : Agriculture may be considered the
most ancient of all the arts, and is certainly the most
important. The earth was, by divine appointment,
to furnish sustenance for man, and after the fall he
was doomed to procure it by the " sweat of his brow ; "
hence husbandry, or the practical part of agriculture,
was the first and most important occupation of Adam
and his descendants. We learn, from sacred history,
that the two sons of Adam, Cain and Abel, were
employed in this manner ; the former, a tiller of the
soil, and the latter a keeper of sheep. Agriculture
has the merit of reclaiming mankind from the hope-
less state of a wandering life, by drawing them to-
gether in communities, and imj)osing on them the
necessity of a fixed habitation. We are left wholly
to conjecture as to the implements with which the
work of tillage was carried on in the early days of
the world, or what degree of art was employed in
producing the fruits of the earth ; but it is supposed
that the antediluvians were in possession of many
arts and inventions that were in process of time lost,
or but imperfectly retained by the several tribes or
nations that were scattered abroad after the con-
fusion of tongues. Noah and his posterity retained
the art of agriculture ; for we learn that immediately
after the flood, he commenced the cultivation of the
vine.

For many centuries after the flood, before man-
kind had become verj^ numerous, and while every
tribe could range over a large extent of country, their
property consisted in their flocks and herds, and
their chief employment in the care of them. This
continues to be the condition of some of the nations
in Northern Asia to the present day, and agriculture
is but little attended to. The line of Ham, who took
possession of Egypt, applied themselves to the culti-
vation of the soil with so much industry, ingenuity,
and success, that Egypt was enabled to supply its
neighbors with corn during a period of famine, and
they were also the first people who applied them-
selves successfully to the cultivation of the earth.
But they were invited to it by the fertility of their
soil, occasioned by the annual overflowing of the
Nile ; they were not backward in assisting the Hb-
erality of nature ; they employed themselves in
draining, irrigation, and other methods for the im-
provement of their lands ; and by these means they
were enabled to derive all the benefits which their
benignant river was capable of affording them.
These works were carried on with energy by Sesos-
tris, nearly two thousand years before the Christian
era. The Egyptians were so sensible of the blessings

344

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

which agriculture afforded, that they ascribed the
invention of the art to their god Osiris, and the cul-
ture of wheat and barley to their goddess Isis.

ROCKINGHAM.

For the N'ew Eiiglaiid Farmer,

PRESERVING SEED.

Mr. EniTOR : As the season has arrived when the
various kinds of seeds are coming to maturity, the
collecting and preserving of which is an important
branch of agriculture, it is of the greatest impor-
tance to have sound and genuine seed, and we must
not expect a good harvest without it. Imperfect and
unripe seeds will sometimes vegetate and grow, but
the}- will not produce healthy and vigorous plants.
Many ex])criments have been niade which go to show,
conclusively, the superiority of full-grown and well-
ripened seed. Every farmer and gardener should
raise his own seed, and then he will be certain that
he sows that which is genuine. He should devote a
small portion of his garden expressly to the raising
of seeds, and much care and attention should be paid
to this department of the garden. We all know how
extremely perplexing it is to have seed fail of vege-
tating, or prove to be different from what it was
planted for. In collecting and preserving seeds,
only those that are full -^grown and well ripened
should be kept for use ; and they should be well
dried before they are put away, and should be kept
in a dry place. If seeds are kept in a damji place,
or are put up moist, they are most sure to spoil be-
fore spring. Much more might be said on the sub-
ject, but I will close for the present.

ROCKINGHAM.

USES OF COf^VERSATIONAL MEETINGS
AT FARMERS' CLUBS.

Every one who has paid attention to the subject
of education has found it difhcult to induce those to
study in middle or after life, who have not been ac-
customed to it in their youth. As a general rule,
those who arrive at the age of manhood without pre-
vious stud)' can seldom be induced to apply them-
selves to books, and thoi-efore they pass through life
without availing at all of the knowledge of others.
It is erroneously supposed by many that it is more
difhcult to study, or rather to retain what we may
learn, in manhood, than in childhood : mere words,
it is true, may be more readily retained by a child ;
but the truths imparted by words can be more easilj'
understood, and therefore more permanently im-
pressed on the mind, in after life. Such truths as
apply to our business are seldom or never forgotten ;
and therefore Ave find our greatest jurists, and indeed
our most original men of all kinds, among those
who are styled self-educated, having improved their
minds after arriving at the age of manhood. A child
may commit a whole book to memory at the rate of
one or two pages a day, and thus in twelve months
be able to repeat the words. A man may read the
same book in one or two days, and although he may
not remember verbatim a single passage, still his
general knowledge of the subject of which the book
treats, will be infinitely superior to that of the child ;
for impressions made on the more mature mind of
the man are independent of the mere words by which
the idea was originally received. But notwithstand-
ing this fact, we are answered that men will not
read, and that it is even difhcult to induce them to
attend lectures. All this is true, and so far as the
lectures are concerned, we are not surprised at it ; for
lecturers generally become tiresome from their en-
deavor to exhibit their own erudition rather than to

instruct their audiences. Under these circumstances,
the question naturally occurs, How are we to induce
men to imin-ove their minds ? We answer, By in-
ducing them to believe that they are instructing
others; and the plan is as follows: Suppose one
hundred farmers should meet together once a week,
or once a month, for the purpose of discussing tlie
best mode, of performing any agricultural process,
and that, instead of its being a mere meeting for pro-
miscuous conversation, they would choose a subject,
appoint, a chairman, and adopt the following rules
of order : —

1. That a chairman, two vice-chairmen, and two
secretaries, be ap])ointed by the members attending
the third conversational meeting.

2. That it shall be the duty of the chairman, and,
in his absence, of one of the vice-chairmen, to preside
at all conversational meetings held during the win-
ter ; and that the secretaries keep minutes of all the
important facts stated at these nreetings, in a book
to be provided for the purpose ; which book shall be
the property of the institute, and open to the jDerusal
of all the members.

3. That no person shall be at liberty to speak more
than fifteen minutes at one time, without permission
from the meeting.

4. That in no case will a member be permitted to
reply to remarks made by another member ; it being
understood that at these meetings members are only
expected to state such facts connected with the sub-
ject of conversation, as their experience or knowledge
may suggest, but not to encourage debate.

5. That a list of subjects for conversation be posted
in the room, to which each member may add such
as he may be anxious to avail himself of the informa-
tion of members upon ; it being understood that
these meetings are intended to disseminate any
information possessed by one member to the whole
m.eeting.

6. That, previous to the close of each meeting, the
chairman shall propose three subjects, (if so many
remain undisposed of on the list,) one of which shall
be selected for the next evening's conversation.

7. That the members shall be invited to attend at
7 o'clock, and employ their time until 8 o'clock in
social intercourse, thus enabling them to become
acquainted.

8. The chairman shall call the meeting to order
at 8 o'clock, and in all cases adjourn at half past 9
o'clock, if not previously adjourned.

9. All questions of order shall be decided by the
presiding officer.

10. Members may invite their friends to atten-d
these meetings. — Working Farmer.

CAMOMILE.

A few roots of this plant should have a place in
every garden. Not only are its medical qualities
highly valuable, but its presence among vegetables
is supposed to bo an iEgis of protection against many
diseases to which they are subject. It should be
translated into warm and rich soil, early in the
spring, and be assisted, during its early development,
by copious manuring and frequent pressure. When
plants, late in the season, exhibit symptoms of decay
or general debility, the planting of a small root of
camomile in their vicinage is frequently the most
speedy and efficacious remedy that can be applied.
The odor, or aroma, diffused by this plant, is also
known to be highly repellent to many kinds of alige-
rous insects, and its presence aniong those species
of plants and vegetables infested by such enemies,
will protect them more efFectualh^ than almost any
other agent known, and at comparatively small
expense.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

345

THE LINCOLN PEACH.

This peach is probably a native of the town of Lin-
coln, in this state, as it has been cultivated there for
fifty years, and is regarded as one of the most valua-
ble varieties for orchard culture. The tree is hardy,
productive, and a good, strong grower, forming a
large, vigorous tree. The fruit is hardy against
storms, and it is of the largest size, and of a beautiful
appearance, selling at the highest prices, when raised
under good culture, and oifered for sale in fine con-
dition and the best style. The largest of these have
iold at five dollars a bushel this season, and they
have been retailed at six cents each.

The Lincoln peach ripens from the 10th to the
20th or 2oth of September, coming into use, gen-
eral!}', as the supply of southern peaches abates ; and
the Tarbell, and Smith's Favorite, two other valua-
ble varieties, cultivated in Lincoln, follow in quick
succession, and run through the season, as late as
any peaches will ripen well.

The fruit is very large ; roundish-oval ; deep cav-
ity ; suture on one side, deep towards and at the top,
slight point at the top ; rich golden yellow, beauti-
fully mottled and blended with brilliant red, with a
blush of deep red full in the sun ; flesh bright yel-
low, with a tinge of red at the stone ; melting, juicy,
rich, sweet, luscious, and of fiue flavor ; the stone
free, rather small, oval, pointed, ragged.

We selected this variety from its fine appear-
ance in the orchard, and high reputation ; and we
are indebted to Mr. Charles H. Tarbell, Lincohi, for
scions, which we set last season, and they have made

a fine growth in the nursery ; also for specimens of
the fruit for our drawing. "We consider this old
standard native of our New England hills superior
to most foreign kinds of peaches that make so con-
spicuous a figure in most of our fruit books and
nursery catalogues. "We have good native peaches
enough to fill a long list, even ten times as extensive
as any one would wish to cultivate.

USE OF THE ROLLER ON GRASS
LANDS.

In no branch of husbandry is the roller more an
implement of utility than in the cultivation of grass.
It renders the soil compact and solid; it encourages-
the growth of the plants, by bringing the earth close
to every part of the root ; it assists in filling up and
levelling any inequalities in the surface of the field,
thereby preventing surface water from remaining
stagnant, and eradicating the grass from particular
spots ; and it tends to hinder the drought from pen-
etrating, which is an effect of the greatest importance.
In fact, a grass field cannot be too often rolled ; and
it is not going too far to assert, that the application
of the roller, in autumn, to prepare the roots for re-
sisting the winter frosts, and in spring to set them firm
after those frosts, every j'car while the field remains
in grass, will amply repay the expense. — Trans, of
the Highland Societi/,

The steam engines at work in London are equal
to the united force of 1,900,000 men, and are man-
aged by only 36,000 men.

346

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

SALT-ITS USE IN DESTROYING VER-
MIN AND WEEDS.

We turn again to Johnson's Book on Fertilizers.
Under the head of Common Salt, he gives numerous
experiments with different qualities of that substance,
applied to the various grains, vegetables, and grasses ;
but as we doubt whether the price of the article in
this country would not make it inexpedient to use
it, in preference to cheaper and more efficient ma-
nures, we choose rather to extract what he says of it
as to its effects in the destruction of vermin ; and
this we do in some hope that it may be advanta-
geously employed as a means of arresting the rav-
ages of pestiferous worms, flies, and other insects, that
infest our fruit trees, and fields of cotton and grain ;
increasing in variety and voracity of late years in
such a degree, as to threaten the annihilation of some
fruit and ornamental trees, and seriously to impair
the value of cotton plantations.

There is, says the writer before us, no agricultural
use of common salt more undoubted than in the
destruction of vermin. The effect, too, is direct, and
the result immediately apparent. For this jiurpose,
from five to ten bushels per acre are abundantly suffi-
cient. The agriculturist need be under no appre-
hension that the salt will destroy his crop, for twenty
bushels of salt per acre may be applied to young
wheat with perfect safety. I have seen twenty-five
bushels used with advantage.

No person has pcrhajjs used salt for this purpose
to a greater extent than Mr. Busk, of Ponsbouni, in
Hertfordshire. " I have used it," said this gentleman,
in a recent communication to the author, in this
and in the lastAeason, "as a top-dressing to nearly
two hundred acres of wheat, having almost exclu-
sively in view the destruction of slugs and worms,
•with which my land was very much infested, and
this object is very satisfactorily accomplished. Some
part of my land is light and strong, well adapted to
the growth of beans and wheat. In applying the
salt, little attention was paid to the quality of the
land, or the season of the year ; but those spots and
those times were selected where the number and
ravages of the vermin seemed most apparent, and in
every situation, and at every time, the effect appeared
equally beneficial. A little more experience may
perhaps suggest some more accurate rule as to season ;
but I am of opinion that the earliest will in general
be found the best ; at any rate, I would avoid sow-
ing, if I could, immediately after a fall of snow, as
snow produces, on places recently sjirinkled with
salt, an unpromising appearance. Perhaps the best
mode may be, what we have very satisfactorily in
some instances tried, to sow it on clovcrleys and bean
stubble just before they are ploughed. If, however,
there is some doubt as to the most eligible quality
of the land, or period of year, there can be none as
to the fittest state of the weather or time of the day :
an ojjportunity should be selected when the weather
is mild and moist, but not rainy — when the land is
damp, but not wet ; and salt should never be sowed
when the sun is shining, but either early in the
morning or late in the evening, after sunset. We
sow it out of an ordinary seed shuttle, at the rate
of four or five bushels per acre. In the morning,
each throw may be distinguished by the quality of
slime, and the number of dead slugs lying on the
ground. The finer and drier the salt is the better.
The positive advantage," adds Mr. Busk, " I cannot
state accurately in figures, but I am confident it has,
in every instance, been considerable ; and in some
fields it has been the means of preventing the total
destrviction of the crop."

For destroying worms and other vermin in oats,
salt has been successfully employed by Mr. Walker,
Rushyford, in Durham, at the rate of six bushels
per acre.

For the same important purposes, salt has been
regularly employed by Mr. Archibald, gardener to
Lord Sheffield, at Fitcham, in Sussex ; as well as for
promoting the destruction of weeds. He trenches
the ground and sprinkles it with salt every winter,
and is never troubled with predatory vermin. When
Mr. Archibald first came to Sheffield Park, in 1828,
he found the peaches and nectarines regularly eaten
and destroyed by some kind of vermin. Getting up
early in the morning, he found it was done by tha
snails, who, as soon as the sun was risen, so as to
shine with power on the south aspect, retired back
to the northern side. He immediately laid a thick
layer of salt along the northern wall, and found then,
as ever since, that it ])roved a most effectual barrier
to the intrusions of the snails ; and that it has cer-
tainly no bad influence on the trees or fruit. — Amer-
ican Farmer.

HOW TO MAKE A HORSE SURE-
FOOTED.

A singular account of the manners of the ancients
in the manner of breaking in their horses, rendering
them sure-footed when galloping over the most
irregular and dangerous grounds, is related bv Yego-
titus. The Parthian horses were lighter and hardier
than those of the Cappadocians or Modes, and were
the best war horses. A spot of dry level ground was
selected, on whic-h various troughs or boxes, filled
with chalk or clay, were placed at irregular distances,
and with much irregularity of surface and of height.
Here the horses wexe taken for exercise, and they
had many a fall as they galloped this strangely un-
even course ; but they gradually learned to lift their
feet higher, and to bend their knees better, and to
step sometimes shorter and sometimes longer, as the
ground required, until they could carry their riders
with case and safety over the most irregular and
dangerous places. Then it was that the Parthians
could full)' put into practice their favorite manoeuvre,
and turn upon and destroy their unsuspecting foes.
They M-ere as formidable in flight as in attack, and
would often turn on the back of the animal and pour
on their pursuers a cloud of arrows that at once
changed the fortunes of the day. — Scientific Amer-

A PLEA FOR THE COW.

In our rambles about the city, we had the good
luck to fall in with Davis, the man who keeps better
cows, and has poured out more quarts of milk to the
good people of Detroit, than any other man in it.
And he knows something about cows too. He says
that you farmers in the country hardly know the
meaning of a good cow. He brings against you the
grave charge of "scrimping" your cows, and well
nigh starving them in the months of February, March,
and April, so that there is nothing left of them but a
"rack of bones ; " and then they are good for nothing
for the whole season. For a while, after being turned
to grass, they arc reduced to mere shadows by the
scours, and by the time they begin to recover from
this back-set, the flies are ready to tackle them ; and
thus the poor creatures arc kept down the whole
summer through. That, he says, is bad economy,
and it is too. Verily, this is a great evil under the
sun, and if we knew what to say or do to correct it,
most gladly would we set ourselves to the task. If
scolding would do any good, for humanity's sake, or
the'poor cows' sakes, we would scold until you cried,
"Enuf!" And now, in the name of these poor,
mute, suffering, meek, uncomplaining, unoft'ending
creatures, Ave would ask what you mean by such
treatment. Do they not reward you fourfold for all

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

347

you do for them. If 5'ou have no conscience then,
no sense of justice, no humanity, no co w-manity,
where is your selfishness ? Where is your love for
money, as well as of milk, butter, and cheese ? Surely
it must be stone blind.

We heartily wish that those poor creatures were
gifted with the power of utterance, and could speak
in their own behalf; that they would get up a sort of
public sentiment among themselves, have a great cow
convention, discuss their wrongs, peaceably petition
for a redress of grievances, and, if denied, turn their
horns against their oppressors. That would be right,
and the whole world might be invoked as a witness
of the justice of their cause, and the c3?o-ardly bipeds,
who have grown so insolent in the exercise of their
long-abused authoritjs would turn pale with affright,
and be glad enough to come to terms. But we must
restrain our indignant pen. — Michigan Farmer.

REVIEW OF THE WOOL MARKET FOR
SEPTEMBER.

The market for wool has rather advanced than re-
ceded for the past month, especially in the lower and
highest grades. The indications are now favorable
for a still further advance on the finer grades. Cloths
have advanced, and as the season draws to a close,
the advance will be still more perceptible. Upon
the whole, the prospect is truly cheering for both
wool-grower and the manufacturer, particularly if
friendly relations with France should be interrupted
for any considerable time.

Sales have been made at the depot during the
month, of No. 5 at twenty-six cents, of No. 4 at
twenty-eight cents, of No. 3 at thirty cents, and a
good demand at these prices. We do not, however,
alter our quotations for last month. — T!ie Wool-
Grower.

PROSPECT FOR BEEF, PORK, AND
PELTS.

Although cut meats are now low, we think there
are causes at work that Avill materially enhance the
price, and that pork will bear a good price this fall
and winter. The increased facility afforded by the
railroads for carrying fresh meats to market will ena-
ble the farmers generally to realize very good prices
for their fat cattle, sheep, and hogs. The price for
tallow and hides will be good this fall, and beef
packing, if cattle have not too much advanced in
price in the gra/.ing districts of the west. The de-
mand for pulled wool will be very active this winter,
and at good rates, so that pelts ought to command
a high price, though we hope few sheep will be
slaughtered, for there are not enough now. — I'he
Wool- Grower,

HORSERADISH.

Horseradish may be easily ]nopagated by setting
the roots in the fall. The soil should be rich, and
have a southern or eastern exposvire, with some pro-
tection on the north. We have found the following
method quite successful. Parallel with some fence
or building, which may serve to furnish the desired
protection from the cold winds of the north, and at a
slight remove from it, say two feet, dig a trench
eighteen inches deep, and a font wide. Fill this
half full of old, finoly-j)ulverij!cd and garden loam,
and insert your roots, eight inches apart, and finish
the filling with good soil, in which there is a liberal
admixture of old manure, lime — air slacked — and
ashes. Keep the weeds down, and the surface light
and permeable, and there will be little danger of
failure. As soon as the plants appear, apply a com-

post, formed of one bushel leached ashes, two quarts
of charcoal, finely triturated, and one peck of gyp-
sum. Irrigate occasionally with soap-suds, or the
liquid from the barn-yard.

The space in the rows, which has been cleaned
during sunnner, should be again filled in, and the
transplanted plants permitted to remain for future
use. By taking up some of the roots towards the
close of summer, carefully washing and scraping
them, and preserving them in bottles by turning vin-
egar over them, and securing the bottles by melted
sealing-wax, a supply of the article may be secured
during the winter, as fresh and good as when taken
from the soil. Some, who are unacquainted with
this process, take up a quantity of the roots, and pre-
serve them in sand, or other soil, in their cellars ; but
the article loses much of its goodness in this way.
— Germantown Telegraph.

SHELTERING SHEEP.

Permit me to call the attention of farmers in Ohio
and other sections of the country to the importance
of providing shelter for sheep and other domestic
animals. I have had some experience in keeping
sheep at stacks, exposed to the drizzling rains and
sudden chaxiges of the weather during the winter
season. In the winter of 1847-8, I put one hundred
to stack, and gave them plenty of hay and some grain
through the winter. The loss was over twenty per
cent. I have no doubt they ate a fourth more than
the same number that were protected, of which the
loss was only two per cent. In consequence of this
result, I built ample sheds during the past summer,
provided with hay-lofts, one sixty by twenty, and
another fifty-five by twenty feet. (I will just observe,
for the benefit of those who are building sheds of this
kind, that twenty-four feet is about the proper width,
and the additional expense of four feet is trilling.)
These sheds are set to two barns, and enclose the
yard on three sides. Here, in separate divisions, I
have kept my sheep the past winter. They have had
good hay and plenty of water, and the yards were
strawed three times a week. I feed some grain to
my lambs in winter, and give some to ewes in spring.
My loss up to this time (April 15) is half of one
per cent. Many of my sheep were in low condition
in the fall ; yet I would like to compare them with
anv flock of the same number that have had no pro-
tection. E. HALLEY.

Cleaveland, Ohio, April, 1849.
— Albany Cultivator.

THE NUMBER OF DOGS IN THE UNITED
STATES.

If it be within the power of those who are to give
directions about the next census, we hope they will
take measures to ascertain the number of dogs, male
and female, in every county in our Union ; and, if it
could be done, it would be useful also to have a
return of the number of sheep killed by dogs. At
two cents per day, it is probable that the cost of dogs
is equal to the value of our exports of grain and pro-
visions to England this year ; and it is not improbable
that our sheep husbandry would add as much more
to the wealth of the country, if it were not for the
fear of having the sheep destroyed by dogs.

We are no enemies of dogs, of genuine blood, kept
and used for their legitimate and appropriate pur-
poses : all such will ever find in us stanch friends
and defenders. But we have a great aversion to idle,
useless whelps — nati consumere fruges — born only
to consume the fruits of the land — whether they go
on four legs or two ! — Plough, Loom, and Anvil.

348

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

^Domestic JDepartmmt.

Domestic Endearments. — I hold it indeed to be
a sure sign of a mind not ]ioiscd as it ought to be, if
it be insensible to the pleasures of home, to the little
joys and endearments of a family, to the affection of
relations, to the fidelity of domestics. Next to being
well with his own conscience, the friendship and
attachment of a man's family and dependants seem
to me one of the most comfortable circumstances of
his lot. His situation, with regard to either, forms
that sort of bosom comfort or disijiuet that sticks
close to him at all times and seasons, and which,
though he may now and then forget it, amidst the
bustle of jjublic or the hurry of active life, will re-
sume its place in his thoughts, and its permanent
effects on his happiness, at every pause of ambition
or of business. — Selected.

Learn to cook well. — The health of the family
depends iipon it. We know there are those who
associate luxury, efFcininacy, and all dependent ills,
with every attempt of the kind recommended. But
we do not believe that health is promoted by eating
raw carrots or doughy bread, — or that, to secure
long life, it is necessary to turn cannibal. Nor were
men made to graze like cattle, or eat food like dogs.

Nor is it necessary, in order to shun the errors of
which we speak, to rush into the opposite extreme.
Good cookery does not consist in producing the
highest seasoned dishes, nor such as to foster a mor-
bid appetite ; but in preparing every dish well, how-
ever simple or common it may be. There are, for
instance, families who never eat any good bread from
one century to another, and have no idea in what it
consists. Nor are meats cooked any better within
their precincts. Those little, simple, and healthy
delicacies, which the good housekeeper knows intui-
tively how to produce, are never seen here. Even a
dish of potatoes cannot get themselves w^ell boiled.
A member of the family might as well fall among
the Hottentots, as far as any proper nursing is con-
cerned. These things ought not to be, nor is there
any need of their existence, if the wife has any
just notions of her obligations to herself and those
about her.

The science of bread making, of meat broiling,
stewing, roasting, and boiling, of vegetable cooking,
and of jireparing the multifarious small dishes of all
sorts, which go to make pleasant the table, and all
about, are hers, — hers to understand and practice.
— Prairie Farmer.

A Substitute fok. Tea. — Dr. Graham, an old
and experienced physician in London, says, " I may
state on very respectable authority, that the first
leaves of whortleberry, properly gathered and dried
in the shade, cannot be distinguished from real
China teas."

Bojis' il'fpartmeut.

A DOCILE, SAGACIOUS BuLL. — Boys, whcn you
come to be grown men, and have stallions, bulls, and
rams for breeding on your farms, among other good
points, or qualifications, don't forget what we think
the most important, namely, a gentle disposition, or,
in other words, kind temper. Many persons have
been killed by ferocious males, and even females ;
you will see, therefore, that in propagating such ani-
mals, you endanger your own lives as well as those

of others. Our rule is, however good an animal may
be in other respects, if wanting in docile disposition,
not to breed from it.

We will now tell you a story of a Durham bull
which belongs to Prince Albert, the husband of
Queen Victoria, of England. This bull is kept in
the little park at Windsor, so called, to distinguish
it from the great park, at the head of which stands
AVindsor Castle, one of the largest and most magnifi-
cent buildings in Europe, and the principal summer
residence of the Queen and Prince. This animal,
possessing a kind temper, had been taught to work
alone in a cart, like a horse. He made himself very
useful in this capacity ; and was of such great
strength, that he would take a load of more than
six thousand pounds (three tons) along a level road
with as much ease, and perhaps more, than any one
of you could trundle a wheelbarrow load of dirt not
weighing over one hundred pounds.

Well, one day, after a hard morning's work, they
turned him out into the park to feed and refresh
himself on the rich grass that was growing there. In
the same pasture was another bull, which proved to
be of a vicious temper ; for no sooner did he es^oy a
farm laborer from the adjoining field attempt to pass
through the pasture, than he commenced bellowing
and pawing, and then rushed forward with all his
might, determined to gore him to death. The fero-
cious beast had knocked the man down, and was in
the act of stooping to toss him on his horns, Avhen
the kind tempered Durham bull, seeing his extreme
danger, set off on a full run to his rescue. He came
up with such prodigious force as to knock the wicked
bull prostrate at a single blow of his head. He then
commenced affectionately licking the fallen man,
which so revived him, that he turned over, and per-
ceiving that it was the friendly Durham bull, he at
length got strength to rise up, when, mounting the
back of his dumb friend, he was soon carried out of
danger.

Now, boys, you will see the safety of possessing
good-tempered animals ; and there is not only supe-
rior safety, but greater utility, in them ; for they will
consume less food, do more work, give more milk, if
females, and finally fatten better, and of course be
more valuable through life and in the end. — Amer-
ican Agriculturist.

Cjcaltl).

Honey is, according to Mr. Milton, who has lately-
published a treatise on bees in England, a universal
specific ; and among its other valuable properties, he
declares that it prevents consumption, and states
that that destroyer of human life is not known in
countries where honey is regularly taken as an arti-
cle of food. Those who have less faith in the specific,
may perhaps attribute the cause to difference of
climate rather than to honey. The Italian singers,
it is also affirmed, are greatly indebted to honey ; but
their practice is to sharpen it with a few drops of
acid, though they sometimes take it in a pure state.
— Albany Cultivator.

IliPE Fruit and Dysentery. — There is a perni-
cious prejudice with which people are too generally
imbued ; it is, that fruits are injurious in the dysen-
tery — that they produce and increase it. There is
not, perhaps, a more false prejudice. Bad fruit, and
that which is imperfectly ripened, may occasion
colics, and sometimes diarrhrea — but never epidemic
dysentery. Ripe fruits of all kinds, especially in the
summer, are the true preservatives against this mal-
ady. The greatest injury thcj' can do, is in dissolv-
ing the humors, and particularly the bile, of which

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

349

they are the true snlvents, and occasion a diarrhoea.
But even this diarrhcra is a protection against the
dysentery. Whenever the dysentery has prevailed,
I have eaten less animal food and more fruit, and
have never had the slightest attack. I have seen
deven patients in one house ; nine were obedient to
the direction given, and ate fruit : they recovered.
The grandmother, and a child she was most partial
to, died. She prescribed for the child burnt brandy
and oil, powerful aromaties, and forbade the use of
fruit. She followed the same course herself, and
met the like fate. A minister, attacked with dysen-
tery, ate three pounds of red currants between seven
o'clock in the morning and nine in the evening :
next day he was entirely cured. — Tissot.

ilTccljanics' department, ^rta, Ut.

Self-sustaixing Bridge. — We were present, on
Wednesday afternoon of last week, to witness the
construction of a bridge, thrown across an arm of
the Cobbossee stream, in Gardiner, and invented by
Mr. Littlefield, an ingenious and respectable citizen
of that place. It is upon a new plan, which Mr. L.
has got patented, and promises a great saving in the
material, labor, and cost of construction. The sides
of the bridge consist of two ellipses, one supporting
the other, and making it self-sustaining. It requires
no abutments or piers, and but a very little timber
— the principal part consisting of two elliptical tim-
ber trusses extending from one side of the stream to
the other, and fastened to horizontal beams lying
crosswise the bridge at the ends. From these beams,
wires, or small iron rods, extend by an opposite ellip-
sis the whole length of the bridge, and receive its
floor, on which the travel is had. The ends of the
bridge are supported by common cedar posts. Built
for small bridges, they might be transported from
one place to another with facility. Mr. L. thinks a
span of almost any length would bo safe and sure,
and that bridges made on this plan will answer a
good purpose for railroads. The bridge we saw him
complete is forty feet long by ten feet wide, is capa-
ble of supporting a great weight steadily, was made
and finished off in two days, and cost for materials
and labor but about forty dollars. We see not why
it may not answer an excellent purpose, and prove a
very valuable invention. — Gospel Banner.

Fire Proof Paint. — A paint that would be both
a preservative to wood from the ordinary wear and
corrosions of the weather, and at the same time a
protection from fire, has long been a desideratum.
Many experiments have been tried, and many failures
made.

It has at length been accomplished by William
Blake, Esq., whom many of our readers will recol-
lect as having resided in this town several years ago,
and who is well known as an estimable man in his
social relations, as also being largely imbued with the
Yankee spirit of industry and research. We last
week had the pleasure of meeting with Freeland
Holmes, Esq., of Bangor, who exhibited to us speci-
mens of this paint, and gave us samples of the mate-
rial before being combined with oil. Mr. Holmes is
Mr. Blake's agent for Maine.

It makes a dense, compact covering on whatever it
is placed, as hard as marble, and may be written
upon as well as upon a slate ; indeed, it is an artifi-
cial slate. By chemical analysis, it has been found
to be made up of silica, alumina, and oxide of iron,
as its principal ingredients. It is a mineral substance
found by Mr, Blake in Akron, Ohio. The history

of its discovery and the experiments tried by ^Ir.
Blake before he finally succeeded in ascertaining its
true use, are very curious, and may form a chapter
for a future number of our paper.

We can only add at present that it has been found
by actual experiment to have been instrumental in
saving a house from burning. The roof of the house
in question was painted with this paint. A house
next on one side took fire, and burned down. The
burning shingles and cinders rained down upon this
roof, which escaped, while the roof of the house next
beyond, not so painted, took fire several times. So
it has been proved by a "fiery ordeal," and stood
the test. — Maine Farmer.

To SOFTEN Putty, and remove Glass without
BREAKING. — As it is often of importance to glaziers
and others to remove glass from frames without
breaking it, they will be glad to know, that a very
strong solution of caustic potash, or caustic soda,
applied round the panes for a few hours, by laying
upon them an old rag dipped in the solution, will
have the desired effect. — American Farmer.

HOW MUCH DO OUR CROPS OBTAIN
FROM THE AIRT

One of the most interesting and important ques-
tions which employ the skill and science of the
vegetable physiologists, as well as the practical
farmer, is. How much, or what per cent, of the food
of vegetables, is obtained from the atmosphere ?
That a large amount is obtained from this source has
long been known or believed ; but what proportion
is not so well known, nor what conditions are neces-
sary in order to enable the plant to take the most
of this food, and assimilate it to its own system in the
best way, is not yet fully ascertained. We have
been very much interested in reading an address,
delivered by Dr. Lee, of Buffalo, before the Monroe
County Agricultural Society. He there assorts that
plants — a field of wheat, for instance — obtain
ninety-seven per cent, of their food, and conse-
quently ninety-seven per cent, of the amount of the
produce is derived from the atmosphere, and but
three per cent, only obtained from the soil. How
this fact is ascertained, or how it may be demon-
strated, does not appear. There cannot be a doubt
that every plant has some peculiar character of its
own, which requires it to be placed in certain cir-
cumstances, in order to enable it to absorb what the
air supplies for food, and to make it convert the
greatest portion of it to the growth and maturing its
peculiar fruits. There cannot be a doubt that often-
times a plant may grow in an atmosphere full of the
necessary elements for its increase and health, and
yet some little requisite — the absence or scanty sup-
ply of another element — may prevent it from avail-
ing itself of this abundant supply of atmospheric
food. Hence the importance of thoroughly under-
standing all the laws by which the germination,
growth, and maturity of every species of vegetable
which we cultivate are governed. But in order to
ascertain these exactly, it requires more critical
knowledge of chemistry and botany than the great
bulk of farmers possess, and more time to be employed
in research than many men, even of scientific experi-
ence, have to bestow \ipon it. For this reason, we
suggest that agricultural societies should bestow
some of their funds in the shape of premiums, or
otherwise, for the purpose of instituting exact ex-
periments upon this subject, and to elicit and make
known to the public all the knowledge which can
possibly be thus discovered. — Maine Farmer.

850

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

WHEAT RUST AND THE WEATHER.

Mr. Bateham : I notice much said in the Culti-
vator in regard to failure of the wheat crop by rust,
&c., and many inquiries respecting; varieties of wheat
that arc supposed to escape the malady. Now, it is
a question, whether any variety of wheat will be
found to escape the rust, or the effects of extreme
heat, if either of these evils occur at the time the
grain is in a green and milky state. If the grain or
berry is so far advanced as to be in a stiff doughy
state before the rust or extreme heat occurs, the
crop will be but little injured ; but if sown late, or
from any cause the crop is backward, or if the rust
or heat occur early in the season, so as to find the
grain in the milky state, the result must be, shrivelled
wheat.

I would advise farmers who have a good variety
of wheat, that they have tested and found adapted
to their lands, to stick to that variety, notwithstand-
ing an occasional failure. Sow early, rather than
late — manure, lime, and clover your land, and rest it
occasionally with grass and summer fallow, and your
wheat will seldom be injured with rust. But no
precaution of the farmer can jjrotect his wheat crop
from the injurious effects of extreme hot weather,
when it occurs for three or more days in succession,
just as the grain is forming and in a milky state. I
remember that in 1828 we had four days of extreme
hot weather, the 2.5th, 26th, 27th, and 28th of June ;
so hot that it killed the wheat stalks just below the
head, before the grain was out of the milk, thereby
stopping the flow of the sap, which was needed to fill
out the grain ; and a vast amount of shrivelled wheat
was the consequence throughout the country. No
rust was found on the wheat that season ; the
weather was too dry and hot to produce rust. I was
engaged in milling business that season, and pur-
chased a large amount of wheat weighing from fifty-
six to sixty pounds to the bushel. The lightest in
weight offered me weighed only forty-six pounds ;
and light as it was, the farmers used it for seed, and it
produced a good crop the following season.

The heaviest and best wheat I saw that season
weighed sixty- three pounds to the bushel; and on
inquiring of the grower, ho informed me, that owing
to wet weather in the fall, he was prevented from
sowing until January, and his crop was so backward
as not to be fully headed out when that extreme hot
weather occurred in June.

The wheat crop suffered great injurj^ in this (Jef-
ferson) county the past season ; first by the severe
winter, next by extreme heat in June, and lastly by
the rust.

llcspectfuUy vours, &c.,

ROBERT SHERRARD.

Sugar Hill Farm, near Steubenville, O., 1849.
— Ohio Cultivator.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — There is
a great difference in wheat as it regards rust, some
kinds being har^y and less susceptible to rust than
others ; and there is a great advantage in selecting
hardy kinds ; but even these will occasionally be
liable to rust. When soil, manure, and the weather
all combine to produce rust, the most hardy varieties
are susceptible of injury. High manuring, especially
of animal manure not well decomposed, has a ten-
dency to produce rust. Some lands abound in un-
decomposed vegetable matter, which maj' undergo
fermentation as the berry is filling, and promote rust.
But this is seldom the case in this section. On the
rich prairies, and fertile bottoms of the west, it is
moro common.

OPEN KNEE-JOINT OF A HORSE

SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH COLLODIOX.

I send you a case of open knee-joint treated suc-
cessfully by the application of collodion. If you
think it worthy of insertion in your valuable period-
ical, it is entirely at your disposal.

The wound in the above case was in itself of a
very formidable character. The opening into the
joint was between the two rows of carpal bones, and
the injury done to the capsular ligament was exten-
sive. And, Avhat added more than any thing to the
severity of the case, was the treatment the horse ex-
perienced immediately after the accident. The per-
son who drove him at the time of the accident, not
understanding the nature of the injury, sent him
home, a distance of thirty miles, over uneven and
stony ground. He was two days on the road. When
he arrived at home, it was lamentable to behold the
poor animal. From the synovial membrane being so
long exposed, great inflammation had taken place in
the joint, and the symptomatic fever depeudeut on
this also was very alarming. However, the horse
being a great favorite, my father was determined to
give him a chance. Accordingly, he was put in
slings, and the usual treatment employed, such as is
generally thought adapted to those cases, but with-
out any good effect. At length, I being a student
in the medical profession, and knowing the adhesive
properties of collodion, from having seen it applied
upon the human body, the idea struck me, that it
might prove of service in this case, in shielding the
wound from the air, and preventing the discharge of
synovia.

Accordingly, I advised my father to let me try
it. We began by applying it several times in the
course of the day for two days, at the end of which
we had the great satisfaction of seeing the discharge
of the synovial fluid completely arrested. The ex-
ternal wound was then treated in the usual manner ;
and at this time the cicatrix left is not larger than a
shilling; and, what is more satisfactory, there is not
any anchylosis of the joint. He has beeii blistered
over the knee, and is at present in a small field, and
is fast regaining his former strength. — Journal of
Veterinary Science.

WEEVIL IN GRAIN.

Tlie weevil is frequently very destructive to wheat
in the granary. The following remedy, which we
copy from the Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper, is
very simple, of easy application, free from any injury
to the grain, and we have no doubt that it is effectual,
as salt is very destructive to insects. The term wee-
vil is often, but improperly, applied to the little insect
that destroj's wheat in the field, by eating the berry
in its tender state, which should be called the grain

" Seeing an article in last week's ' Newspaper,' over
the signature of W. C. S., Lancaster, Pa., on the
destruction of the weevil, where he says they are
so destroying the wheat there, as scarcely to leave a
soimd sheaf in the barns, and wishes to know how
to destroy them, I will give him my experience on
the subject. I have had them thousands strong in
the barn for several years past, but have not had my
wheat injured by them for two years, and have nearly
got rid of them, and think I might have been en-
tirely so, if I had not been anxious to prove the
experiment. Last harvest, one year, on putting my
wheat into the barn, I thought it a little damp, and
concluded to salt it — a thing I had never done before,
but thought it could not hurt it. I did so with all

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

351

I put in the mow ; but what shattered off it in pitch-
ing on to the mow, was threshed and pushed upon
the floor, and covered with the straw. It lay there
for some two months, when, on preparing to thresh
off my crop, I overhauled it, and found it literally
alive with weevils. We put it through the fan,
and gathered them out the screen box, and swept
them otf the floor by the quart, and destroyed them.
Now for the mow : To the be^t of mj' knowledge,
there was not one handful destroyed by them ; .indeed,
I do not know that it was touched. We threshed
it, cleansed it through the fan, and garnered it, I
think, without seeing a single weevil, or weevil-eaten
grain. For further proof of the matter, this year I
did nearly the same thing, only putting the shattered
wheat in a cask, and letting it stand on the floor.
Last week, on examining it, I found a few weevils in
it ; but it was very little injured. I set it away, and
proceeded to thresh a part of the other, about one
hundred dozens, amongst which I have to find the
first weevil ; and further, the garner in which there
had been a number of them is now entirely clear,
after having the wheat thus salted in it. The quan-
tity of salt used was about a peck to one hundred
dozen, sprinkled over each cart-load of about ten to
twelve dozens. C. L.

Upper Chichester, Delaware Co., Pa., 1849.

MILK-HOUSES.

Friend Solon Robinson, Crown Point, Pa., well
known as an agricultural tourist, and a gentle-
man of extensive observation, from whom we
have occasionally had friendly calls this season,
gives the following plan for a milk-house, which we
think far preferable to sinking them deep in the
earth, which prevents the admission of pure air, and
a free circulation : —

Seeing your article in No. 19, reminds me to tell
you how I built my milk-house.

It is of brick, ten feet by eighteen, two stories high,
built upon the same level as the dwelling, and near
b)'. The two sides and one end are banked up with
earth, and sodded from the top of the first story back
on a gradual slope.

A small entry is made at one end, so as to give
double doors, and a double glass window is arranged
at the other end, so as to open and give ventilation.

A ventilator, about one foot square, should go from
the centre of the ceiling out through the roof.

The joists are plastered, and support a false floor,
composed of boards, and four inches of clay between
that and the floor of the room above, which room is
used for a smoke-houise, the smoke being conducted
from the outside.

The floor of the milk-room is of brick — stone
would be better. This room is cool in summer, and
warm enough for a cellar in latitude 41^° in winter.

This is a very cheap and very good plan to make
a milk-house in any country.

SHOEING HORSES.

At a meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society
of England, some time since, Professor Sewal re-
marked that he frequently found old horses shod
with a layer of leather, forming an artificial sole,
between the hoof and the shoe, recovering from
severe affections of the hoof, — such, for instance, as
contraction, brittleness, and cracks, or even diseases
of the foot itself, as thrushes, corns, cankers, etc., —
a« 1 permanently regain their original rla^ticity and
finniio->s. — Sel-ruul.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Colonel Charles Hannaford, Cape Elizabeth,
Me., a box of apjjles, called the Pearmain. It is of
medial size ; roundish-flat, very full in the eye and
cavity ; stem rather short, and very slender ; rich
yellow ground, striped and blended with brilliant
red, which nearly covers the surface, full in the sun ;
flesh Avhite, very tender, crisp, juicy, mild, pleasant,
and of a fine pearmain flavor, resembling the Mag-
nolia in flavor. Colonel H. remarks that these ap-
ples are from the native tree on his place, which is
about eighty years old ; that formerly the fruit was
larger and finer ; and that this variety is the more
valuable for bearing in odd years, when fruit is
scarce, according to our theory, which he regards as
correct. As this variety is a good grower and bearer,
the fruit of good size on vigorous trees, very fair and
handsome, of fine quality for eating or cooking, it is
worthy of experiment, as it promises to be an excel-
lent kind. Ripe during September ; in this climate,
about from the middle of August to the middle of
September.

Of John Washburn, Pljnriouth, a seedling quince,
which he raised from the Apple quince. It is very
large, remarkably fair and smooth, similar in texture
and appearance to the Apple quince, but rather
firmer flesh ; and it ripens about a fortnight later,
but earlier than the Pear quince. It is a very prom-
ising variety ; and as it is nameless, we would propose
to call it the Washburn Apjile quince. Jalousie Fon-
tenay de Vendee pears, very fair, and good quality,
a new and promising foreign variety. SieuUe pears,
large and fair, but too hard for present use. Charter
Oak grape. We heard that this grape was cultivated
about Hartford, Ct., and that it was a valuable kind.
We requested Egbert Cowles, of Farmington, Ct.,
president of Hartford County Horticultural Society,
to give us information on it, supposing that it was
within his jurisdiction. He writes that Dr. Grant, a
leading horticulturist of Hartford, states that it was
a wild vine, transplanted into the Wyley estate,
(Charter Oak place,) where it bore large fruit of infe-
rior quality, which he regards as not worth culti-
vating. The qualit}^ of the fruit from Mr. W^ con-
firms the opinion of Dr. G. It is one of the poorest
of wild grapes, and about the same as the famous
Mammoth grape, cultivated about Lowell. We have
also had the same from Springfield. In our last,
under the head of acknowledgments, for Monmouth
read Ma7nmoth.

Of John Cummings, Woburn, several seedling
peaches ; one a large white peach with a red blush,
and white flush, freestone, of excellent quality,
ripens October 1. Two varieties of clingstone, ex-
cellent for preserving ; one of medial size, the last
of September ; the other qiiite large, and ripening the
first of October.

Of Amos Tilton, East Kingston, N. H., a large,
beautiful seedling peach, clingstone, fine for pre-
serves. This peach is about half nectarine, which is
a variety of the peach, as the nectarine is raided from
peach stones, and the reverse. Fine pears of the

352

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Fulton, and two varieties not yet ripe, which are
probably new native kinds. One specimen, of
tolerably good size, grew on wood of this season's
growth. We have noticed other similar cases this
year. Also from his neighbor, Nathaniel Batchelder,
native grapes, very large and beautiful, and of a fine
qualitj- for the wild species.

From Andrew Lackey, Jr., Marblehead, very large
and fine St. Ghistlain pears. When at Mr. L.'s, in
August, we noticed this tree, on the quince, trained
against the house, growing with great vigor, and
well loaded with the finest looking fruit that we ever
saw of this variety. On the pear, this variety is not
profitable for the market for want of size. But for
the amateur it is one of the finest of peais. Also
very fine specimens of Belle Lucrative pears, and
Coe's Golden Drop plums, first rate fruits ; biit they
both generally need rather a warm location and light
soil for this climate.

Chelmsford Mammoth peach. We noticed this in
our last number. We have since seen Mr. Holden,
and we find that he calls his peach the Chelmsford
Mammoth, not the pMrhj Chelniaford, as we supposed.
Therefore the names of this and the Eai-ly Chelms-
ford described in the American Fruit Book, are dis-
tinct, and so is the fruit. We have a letter from
Joseph Warren, Jr., Chelmsford, confirming what
Mr. Holden has said as to these fruits, Jind recom-
mending no alteration of names, as they are distinct.
We would say to him that his letter came too late
for peach buds. The apple scions will be furnished
in due time.

From Isaac Steere, Burrilville, R. I., Blackstone
grapes. Tolerably good for wild grapes, but no better
than many other varieties. Whether these are the
same as those usually cultivated under this name, or
not, we cannot say ; but we have seen at exhibitions
the same fruit, in appearance, with this mark on
them. Also two other varieties. The jmrple are
about as good as the Blackstone, but diff"erent.

Of Norris Collins, Watertown, Watertown pear.
This is described in the American Fruit Book. A
further accpiaintancc gives us a still higher opinion
of this fruit. It is luscious and excellent, ranking as
first rate when grown well exposed to the sun. Its
being a native, and very hardy, vigorous, and pro-
ductive, are strong recommendations in its favor. As
the dealer who purchased this fruit remarked that it
would not sell well under its present indefinite name,
and some others desired it changed, we suggest that
it be called the ('olllns pear. It originated in the
garden of Joseph Cole, Watertown, now owned by
Mr. Collins.

From Ezekiel Johnson, Woburn, native grapes,
tolerably good, grown upon a vine that has borne
well for twenty-five years without cultivation, still
standing in its native spot. It ripens about the first
of September.

From S. Scudder, Dorchester, apples and pears
for names. The apples are the Spice apple, called in
some places Jlapgood's Spice. It is remarkably hand-
some, and of first-rate quality for cooking, but too

acid for the dessert. The pear belongs to the Bon-
chretian family, and is, we believe, what is called
the Fall Bonchretien. The size is good, and the fruit
very fair and handsome, but dry and inferior in qual-
ity. Also peaches, which are nectarines of fine
quality ; and as they are clingstones, they appear
well adapted for preserving.

From Elislm Bunco, Wcstford, Isabella grapes, well
ripened and fine the last week in September, which
is verjr early for this variety, in this cool, late season.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

The American Flora, by Dr. Strong, is among
the most interesting and useful publications. Tlie
numerous painted illustrations arc very beautiful,
and remarkably true to nature. Green & Spencer,
New York.

The Illustrated Natural Hlstort, by the same
editor and- publishers as the above, is embellished by
engravings of life-like appearance, and the descrip-
tions of animals and their habits furnish, to both
young and old, the most pleasing and useful instruc-
tion.

Chase's Pocket Almanac, and Map of Boston,
is a very convenient little pocket book.

FRIENDSHIP.

Like a star in the sky *

When all others have set.
As the sun in his course

While the day lingers yet.
And his light is not hid

In his pathway on high.
But shines bright and pure

From his throne in the sky. —

Thus firm in attachnicnt,

When all others desert.
Thus piire in the light

Which it sheds on the heart.
Is the beacon of friendship,

Whieh brightens tlie way
Of Hfo's checkered path

With a heavenly raj'.

Rural Jiepository.

Long Since. — A lady, who had been very sub-
missive before marriage, was observed by a friend to
use her tongue pretty freely after. "There was a
time I almost imagined she had none." "Yes," said
the husband, with a sigh, " hut it is very long since."

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of tlie year, of 410 jiages, at $1 a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at ISiJ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 2o cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

t^ The Postage ,^i

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of tlie state ; and lij
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotvped at the

BO.STON type and STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth,

The art that calls her harvests forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

OCTOBER 27,

1849.

NO.

23.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUmCY HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietob.

AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL
EXHIBITIONS.

From the increase of these societies, and the in-
creasing zeal and mtelligence in them, the fine exhi-
bitions in different sections, the large number in
attendance eagerly learning from every available
advantage, and the talent and character that give
them support and encouragement, it is evident that
n great deal is doing to make improvements in all
the industrial branches, and that these associations
are among the most effective means of accomplishing
so desirable an object.

Within a few years, many new societies have been
formed ; and, though yet in their infancy, they are
vying with older associations in their shows, in the
intelligence of their officers and members, and in
their wide-spread and happy influence on the public
mind. May this noble emulation, in a worthy cause,
speed on until every desert place in our beloved
country shall rejoice under the gladdening influence
of skilful cultivation.

POWER OF INSECTS.

It is truly astonishing that the power of insects
over the affairs of man exceeds that of the most for-
midable animals of sea or land. Li some cases, the
crops of the farmer are entirelj' cut off by minute
insects, and the comfort and happiness of man is
often destroyed by these mischievous enemies. Some-
times a single mosquito will disturb his repose, and
for hours elude his most violent attacks.

We are led to make these remarks from a notice
in the Michigan Farmer of the devastation of the
army worm, which appeared the past summer. It
made sad havoc on one farm near Fort Huron, on
Black River. They marched in solid phalanx, through
field after field, devouring every thing in their way.
Where a crop of five thousand bushels of oats was
expected, there will not be a single bushel. One
tenant was driven from his house, and the owner,
on the opposite side of the river, was able to keep
possession of his dwelling only by attacking them on
the bridge, and sweeping them into the river.

PROTECTION OF FRUIT TREES.

Mr. Levi Burt, of Walpole, N. H., says, that he
has succeeded in preventing the ascent of bugs and
worms upon fruit trees by surrounding the tree with
a leaden trough, and then filling the trough with
oil. This mode has been tried considerably in some
sections of the country, and it is generally successful ;
but it is very expensive, and the troughs, with the
stuffing between, them and the tree, to stop the
passage of insects, is injurious to the tree.

A more economical mode is the application to
each tree of pieces of board forming a circle around
it, extending a few inches from the trunk ; and to
the smooth surface underneath apply tar, melted
India rubber, oil, varnish, or any other offensive,
slipjiery, or viscid substance, that will prevent the
passage of insects. This substance will not be ex-
posed to rain or sun, and will be more durable in its
effects than any application in an exposed situation.

BRISTOL CATTLE SHOW.

This festival was held at Taunton, the 11th inst.
We copy the following general remarks on this show
from the Bristol County Free Democrat : —

The morning was unpropitious, the rain pouring
down in torrents from early dawn to nine o'clock in
the forenoon, Avhen the clouds broke away, and the
afternoon was warm and pleasant. The rain, how-
ever, had an unfavorable effect on the attendance of
strangers during the day ; still there was a fair col-
lectioji of the yeomanry of the county present on the
occasion.

The ploughing match was delayed an hour in the
morning on account of the storm,' but the number
of entries was quite large. The drawing was per-
formed as usual in a very creditable manner, not-
withstanding the unfavorable circumstances of the
rain and muddy streets.

The stock of fat cattle, horses, swine, poultry, &c.,
was not large, but equal in quality to many former
years. Most of the pens were occupied.

At the Town Hall, the exhibition of fruits and
fancy articles was decidedly superior, in our opinion,
to any previous one. The large hall was well stored
with manufactured articles, agricultural implements,
embroidery and other products of female industry ;
butter, cheese, honey, and other agricultural products.

854

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

CATTLE SHOW AT NORTHAMPTON.

Wc copy from the Hampshire Gazette a short ac-
oount of this exhibition. At another time, we shall
refer to the reports of some committees.

The cattle show and fair of the Hampshire, Frank-
lin, and Hampden Agricultural Society was held in
this town, on Wednesday and Thursday last. On
account of the threatening aspect of the weather, or
for some other reason, the crowd of people did not
appear to be quite so large as usual ; but neverthe-
less, our streets were thronged, and oyster pedlers
and auctioneers were as numerous and as noisy as
ever.

Tlie show of cattle, in respect to numbers, was
inferior to that of many former j'ears ; but the quality
of the animals would not suffer in comparison with
those of any preceding exhibition. There were but
two town teams — one from Easthampton, of twenty-
six yoke, and one from South Hadlcy, of sixteen yoke.
Both took the highest premium — the one for the
greater number, and the other for the better quality.
Of swine there never has been a better exhibition.
The sow and ten pigs, of the Suffolk breed, owned
by Dr. Bardwell, of Whately, elicited universal ad-
miration.

The exhibition at the Town Hall, though inferior
in some respects, Avas, as a whole, quite as good, per-
haps, as on former years. The show of fruits was
never before equalled. Through the efforts of the
Northampton Horticultural Club, the variety and
number of specimens of apples, pears, grapes, etc.,
presented, would have done honor to any similar
exhibition, in the best fruit-groANang districts. Tliore
was also a fine display of dahlias, for which the pub-
lic were indebted, as the largest contributor, to Mrs.
Thomas Bridgman, of the Eagle Paper Mill Village.
The show of vegetables was small, and wholly un-
worthy this rich valley.

The specimens of needle-work were not so numer-
ous as usual, but there were some which displa5"ed
much taste and skill. In the more substantial arti-
cles, however, there appeared to be no abatement of
female industry. The rolls of domestic flannel and
frocking showed that the distaff and the loom had
not been idle, and their soft, flexible texture inspired
a sensation of comfort.

The ploughing match, on Wednesday afternoon,
was quite spirited. It took place on Venture's field.
Eighteen competitors entered the lists — seventeen
horse teams and one ox-team. The ploughing was
all good, and the ease with which it was done com-
manded the admiration of the numerous spectators
who surrounded the field.

The show of horses was much less than it would
have been on a fair day. Forty entries were made,
but not all the horses entered were present for in-
spection. Those present were of a good quality, and
(^icited the high commendation of the committee.

The address by Professor John P. Norton was un-
usually interesting, and well adapted to the wants
of the farming community.

NEWLAND'S STRAWBERRY.

On p. 242, we have given some account of this
fruit. Since we published that article, we have
had many reports confirming the statements which
we made. It appears that Newland played off a
gi'oss imposition ; and we are astonished that culti-
vators should be so duped by the incredible state-
ments of a stranger, as to run largely into the pur-
chase of an unknown article, when half a dozen

plants would have been sufficient for an experiment.
This humbug should be classed with those of the
Rohan potato, and Chinese Tree corn. It must be a
large state that produces so many famous things.
We copy the following item from the report of the
Fruit Committee of the Worcester Horticultural So-
ciety, in June last : —

" Gardiner Paine ; Hovey's Seedling, Alpine, and
a specimen of ' Newland's celebrated Mammoth
Alpine ' strawberries. The only celebrity of the
latter consists in the number of those who have been
imposed upon by it. It is either the old Alpine, or
a seedling from it, in no respect differing from its
parent."

TILE DRAINING.

We hope that tile draining will be tried in differ-
ent sections of the country, where there is an abun-
dance of clay, and a scarcity of stones. With good
machines, tiles can be made at a very small expense,
and the making of tile drains requires but little labor.
In England, this business is carried on to a great
extent, and with excellent success. On some farms
a great many miles of tile drains are laid, and the
improvement of the land, as shown by superior crops,
is paying a large profit on the capital invested. We
copy the following article, on this subject, from the
Ohio Cultivator : —

Under-draining with the tile is doing wonders for
every one who tries the experiment. John Johnston,
whose great farm management you noticed in your
last Cultivator, has already received from ISIr. Whar-
tenby, the master tile-maker here, about forty thou-
sand two and a half inch tile, more than three thou-
sand rods ; his tile machine was imported from
England by the enterprising president of our Agri-
cultural Society, John Delafield. It is worked by
two men, and makes daily about hfteeu hundred tiles,
fourteen inches long ; they are afterwards dried and
baked ; the current price at the kiln is ten dollars
per thousand. Last spring, several gcntlenicn called
to see Mr. Johnston's farm ; he purposely omitted to
tell them which wheat field was under-drained, and,
the better to elicit their surprise, he led them over
one field, where the wet, heavy soil adhered to their
boots, much to their annoyance ; then, crossing the
fence to another wheat field of like soil and forma-
tion, they one and all uttered their surprise at its
dry and mellow surface. " Gentlemen," exclaimed
Mr. J., " you are on my tile." They are laid from
twenty to thirty inches deep ; a little straw i> placed
over the joints as they are covered : although the
edges of the tile are laid on the bottom of the ditch,
experience proves that they sink no deeper into the
soil. Soil thus drained possesses a sort oi capillary
attraction, and power to retain a due equilibrium of
moisture, during the most trying drought.
Very truly yours,

SAMUEL WILLIAMS.

Waterloo, N. Y., August, 1849.

PULSE OF VARIOUS ANIMALS.

The pulse of several of our domestic animals, as
given by Vatcl in his "Veterinary Pathology," is
nearly as follows : Horse, from 32 to 38 pulsations
per minute ; ox or cow, 35 to 42 ; ass, 48 to 54 ;
sheep, 70 to 79 ; goat, 72 to 76 ; dog, 90 to 100 ; cat,
110 to 120; rabbit, 120; Guinea pig, 140; duck,
136 ; hen, 140.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

355

^= <i.

THE ARABIAN HORSE.

The Arabian horse is justly celebrated for his
swiftness and agility, and in power of endurance he
has no superior ; but his most distinguishing charac-
teristics are sagacity and docility. He is the com-
panion of his master, and fond associate of his chil-
dren, whom he allows to plaj- around, and climb
upon him ; and he moves about in the tent among
them with the greatest caution. Our cut represents
the intimate connection existing between an Arabian
family and their kind and faithful horses. And the
Arab deserves a compliment for his tender care and
affectionate regard for his horse, as, in his kind treat-
ment, he sets a noble example worthy of the atten-
tion of the civilized world.

The following anecdote illustrates the sagacity of
the Arabian horse, as well as his ardent affection for
his master. A jmrt of the scene is represented above.

" An Arab chief, with his tribe, had attacked, in
the night, a caravan of Damas, and plundered it :
when loaded with their spoil, however, the robbers
were overtaken on their return by some horsemen
of the pacha of Acre, who killed several, and bound
the remainder with cords. In this state of bondage
they brought one of the prisoners, named Abou el
Marck, to Acre, and laid him, bound hand and foot,
wounded as he was, at the entrance to their tent, as
they slept during the night. Kept awake by the
pain of his wounds, the Arab heard his horse's neigh
at a little distance, and being desirous to see, for the
last time, the companion of his life, he dragged him-
self, bound as he was, to the horse, which was pick-
eted at a little distance. ' Poor friend,' says he,
' what will you do among the Turks ? You will be
shut up under the roof of a khan, with the horses of
a pacha or an aga ; no longer will the women of the
tent bring you barley, camel's milk, or dourra, in the
hollow of their hand ; no longer will you gallop
free as the wmd of Egypt in the desert ; no longer

will you cleave with your bosom the waters of the
Jordan, which cool your sides, as pure as the foam
of your lips. If I am to be a slave, at least may you
go free. Go : return to our tent, which you know
so well; tell my wife that Abou el Marck will
return no more; but put your head still into the
folds of the tent, and lick the hands of my beloved
children.' With these words, as his hands were
tied, he undid with his teeth the fetters which held
the courser bound, and set him at liberty ; but the
noble animal, on recovering his freedom, instead of
bounding away to the desert, bent his head over his
master, and, seeing him in fetters and on the ground,
took his clothes gently in his teeth, lifted him up,
and set off at full speed for home. Without ever
resting, he made straight for the distant but well-
known tent in the mountains of Arabia. He ar-
rived there in safety, and laid his master safe down
at the feet of his wife and children, and immediately
dropped down dead with fatigue. The whole tribe
mourned him ; the poets celebrated his fidelity ; and
his name is still constantly in the mouths of the
Arabs of Jericho."

In 1842, a fine Arabian horse, of pure blood, was
presented by the sultan of Muscat to David Pingree,
Esq., of Salem, as a mark of distinction and partic-
ular regard, selected as one of the best from a stud
of one hundred horses. Hon. Richard P. Waters,
late United States consul at Zanzibar, who shipped
said horse by order of his highness the sultan, re-
marks as follows of this race : —

" It is well known that all the superior properties
of the Barbary, the Andal usian, and the English blood
horse are derived from the Arabian. This blood of
horses have greater powers of endurance, better wind,
or bottom, as it is technically called, than any other
in the world — beside more ease of motion, activity,
and grace of action.

"It is unnecessary to recommend him to those who

356

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

are fond of fine horses, as highly worthv of then-
attention. RICHARD P. WATERS."

This Arabian horse " Imaun," or " Pin'/ren horse,"
as he is often called, was purchased of Mr. Pingrec,
by Mr. M. L. Hayes, of Farmini^ton, N. H., where
he has been kept this season, and where it is intended
to keep him in future, for the impi-ovenient of stock.
He should claim the attention of farmers in that
region, who would improve their race of horses.

For the Neic Englwid Farmer.
BOOKS.

Books ! I dearly love them. It is a source of grat-
itude with me that my mind was early imbued with
a taste for reading. Time cannot hang heavily on
my hands, or pass tediously away, with an interesting
book for a companion ; and the mind may experience
a pure delight when absorbed in the enchanting page.
Histor}' acquaints us with the scenes of other days
— the deeds of men who have long since left the
earth. Their actions pass in review before us ; we
forget the lapse of time. AVe maj^ not be able to
travel over the globe ; our lives may pass in humble
obscurity ; yet through the medium of books we may
visit far oif- lands ; we may gaze on their lofty moun-
tains and sunny vales, their majestic forests and
mighty streams. We become aciiuainted with the
appearance, character, and habits of people on the
opposite side of the globe, and our minds are stored
with information which proves a source of much
pleasure. AVhile engaged in labor, we may meditate
on what we have read, and communicate it to others.
I sincerely pity the person who has no relish for
books. He loses much that is valuable. His mind
is necessarily contracted, his views limited, and his
conversation confined to subjects within the range
of his own small experience. The stores of knowl-
edge which might be so easily gained, and which
would render him a more useful and happy man, are
neglected and despised. In a country like this,
where reading matter is so abundant, it is surely the
duty of every parent to strive to inspire their chil-
dren with a love for judicious books ; and if the habit
of reading is early formed, it will seldom be relin-
quished through life. E.

For the New England Farmer.
HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITIONS.

Mil. Editor : The exhibitions of the various hor-
ticultural societies are the means of diffusing much
valuable information with regard to fruits, as well as
widely disseminating the best varieties for cultiva-
tion. At these shows are displayed the finest kinds
collected from various sections, duly arranged and
labelled for the inspection of the public ; and here
any one may select a list for himself, with the variety
before him for examination, which is far better than
to propagate those he has never seen. Information
in regard to the productiveness and quality of the
several kinds may be obtained from the society's
reports, together with much other matter useful to
the grower of fruit.

The many new and excellent kinds, cultivated at
the present day, and the vast amount of fruit raised
for the home and foreign market, may be in a great
measure attributed to the labors of the vari')us socie-
ties for the promotion of horticulture. New orchards
are rising up on every hand, and old ones are re-
grafted with new and superior varieties, in order to
produce fruit which will meet the demands of the
public. The very best kinds should be selected in

planting new orchards, and it requires some observa-
tion and experience to decide which arc best among
so many Mhich are good. Many standard A-arieties
are well known to nearly all. • Should any one be
unacquainted with the subject, there are those to
whom he can apply for thedesired information.

Much benefit might be derived from exhibitions
of fruit in the several towns. A day set apart for
the purpose, in autumn, wf)uld doubtless do much to
promote the cause of horticulture, and ^sould be
attended with but trifling exi^ensc. It might be
rendered a kind of holiday, in which all who pleased
could participate with pleasure and profit ; and this
is more than we can say of some public days.

Many new and valuable varieties of fruit would be
brought into notice, no doubt, by exhibitions of this
kind, which otherwise might remain in obscurity —
many fruits of hrst-rate excellence, which would
never find their way to the state or county shows.
Scions might be exchanged, by means of these exhi-
bitions, and the best fruits become widely diffused.
Many would attend in their own town who would
not at a greater distance ; and all, both j'oung and
old, as well as those of every political party or reli-
gious sect, could join in harmony in promoting a
cause worthy the attention of all.

O. V. HILLS.

Editorial Remarks. — The suggestion of our
friend is a good one ; and we hope that arrangements
will be made to have town exhibitions of fruit, as
they M'ill not only have an excellent eflect in bringing
forward manj^ valuable kinds of fruits, which other-
wise may be confined to their native spot, and finally
decay, and be lost forever ; but it would excite emu-
lation, and induce thousands to engage in this de-
lightful business who have never dreamed of doing
any thing in the fruit line beyond the cultivation of
a few crabbed apples.

In our boyhood, when budding and grafting were
not practised in the circle of our observation, we
were acquainted with some highly-valuable fruits,
equal to the finest in the country ; but those fine
kinds were not propagated, and the trees died ; or,
from their being too numerous, or on good tillage
land, they were cut down as cumberers of the ground,
and they are lost — past without recall.

For the Netv England Farmer.
HENS.

Mr. Editor : I have been led, by the many flatter-
ing statements in your valuable sheet, to increase my
flock of laying hens ; but have thus far been sadly
disappointed in the result. My hens have been con-
fined to the roost and yard the whole season, have
been regularly fed with all the different kinds of
grain, as barley, buckwheat, corn, and oats, dough
from corn meal, boiled potatoes, squash, &c., with
green stuff from the garden, as lettuce, cabbage, beet,
grass, &c., and yet the returns have not been equal
to the expenditure. I never have been able to col-
lect, as a general result, a dozen of eggs per day from
my flock, which consists of about thirty hens, all told.
A line or two more in reference to the kinds of fowls
kept, and the diseases which have occurred among
them, with my conclusions on the subject, will relieve
your patience.

I commenced, last fall, to select, from the flocks of
others, pullets of the Black pheasant breed, (called
everlasting layers,') the Bolton Grays, and other names
of the non-sitting breed ; and well have they sus-
tained their name, for they have scarcely sat long

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

357

enough to lay. In addition, I have from time to
tim.e selected the best looking native breeds, having
regard to their laying propensities, to use for sitters :
these I consider the most hardy, and on the whole
the most profitable. Individuals of my flock have
been attacked with weakness of the back and limbs,
contraction of the cords of the feet, with a general
drooping ; and although removed from the flock, scarce
ever recover. I have several fine cocks, three quarters
grown, now suffering under this disease : they are now
sitting on their haunches, \vith their claws grasped
close together like a man's fist doubled up; if ap-
proached kindly, will commence walking on their
feet doubled up, and continiie so until they sit again ;
if aroused by a sudden fright, by great effort can
expand the claws, and walk on them, contracting
again when the fright subsides. Sometimes one
limb is attacked, but generally both : these are the
first symptoms, which are followed by general weak-
ness and loss of appetite and death. My medicine
has been first some cathartic, kernels of black pepper,
assaf(rtida, &c. The result thus far in all cases has
been death. Mr. Editor, forgive me for having been
thus particular, if not tedious, iji the hope that you
or some other reader of your sheet would prescribe
some known remedy for this disease. I come now
to the following conclusion — that, in order to keep
" everlasting layers " everlastinglj' laying, they must
be everlastingly rambling about where they choose ;
in other words, they want, and must have their lib-
erty. This wdth me they cannot, nor shall not have,
from the middle of April to the middle of October :
therefore to me they are unprofitable ; and I shall on
the 1st day of April next reduce my flock to twelve
hens and a protector, or abandon the whole, unless
some one of your contributors, in answer to the
inquiries of J. S. of Mansfield, shall introduce me to
a breed that love confinement, and that lay equally
ds well when restricted and in other respects well
provided for.

Respectfully yours,

■D o . Tcr. A FRIEND.

Providbxce, Sept. 1849,

Editorial Remarks. — Hens running at large are
generally more healthy, and lay better, than those
confined to a yard or house ; yet, under the best of
management, most hens will lay well when confined
to rather narrow limits. There are occasionally ex-
ceptions to this general law, which cannot always be
accounted for.

Fresh earth, containing a good share of gravel,
should be furnished to hens, and old lime mortar,
founded or ground oyster shells or bones should be
kept by them. Hens that have been raised within
narrow limits will bear confinement much better than
those that have been accustomed to ramble. They
will be contented, having no disposition to enjoj'
that liberty which they never knew.

We have raised hens in a small yard, and kept
them confined, and they have laid remarkably well,
showing no disposition to ramble ; but, on the con-
trary, when the gate was left open, and they had
leisurely strolled away a short distance, at the ring-
ing of a bell or other noise, they would run home
with aiTright. Some breeds of hens are more quiet
and better adapted, naturally, to confinement than
others ; yet much dej^ends on education.

A friend once gave us an account of the produce
of six Poland Top Knot hens, for one year. It was
unusually large — over one hundred and fifty eggs to
each fowl. In the month of June, the average to

each hen was twenty-three eggs. These hens were
limited to a very small yard.

Hens arc liable to many diseases, when they are
confined ; and it is as much trouble to doctor a hen
as it is to doctor a cow or an ox, and in either case the
bill for medical aid would generally far exceed the
value of a hen. Again, the diseases of hens are diffi-
cult to describe, and to pi-escribe for. There should
be great care to prevent diseases, as they often prove
fatal.

Hens generate diseases, and are liable to great
injury from lice, where they roost in close houses in
warm weather, while those running at large and
roosting in the open air are healthy. The better
way is to let them roost out door in summer, with
only a covering over them, to keep off the rain.

GOOD FARMING.

Mr. John Johnston, near Geneva, has on his farm
a cow, which probably gives more milk than any
cow in the United States. Through the month of
June, 1848, she gaVe fortj'-two quarts per day; and
for five days she gave forty- five quarts per day ;
which is probably without any parallel in this coun-
try. From the cream only, thej'' made fourteen and
a half pounds of butter per week. Had they churned
from the milk, they would have got more butter.
The cow was milked three times a day. The only
feed she got was grass in the pasture. She is of a
roan color, half Durham and half native breed, and
is seven 3-ears old. She is finely formed, and a hand-
some animal. She was raised by Mr. Johnston, who
says she will be a good cow at twelve years or more.
He has eight cows in his pasture of clover up to
their knees, all fine animals, which it is a pleasure
to look at.

Mr. Johnston is a Scotch farmer and grazier of
great celebrity, and sells many fat cattle for New-
York. He has a farm of three hundred and six
acres, in one compact body of land, on the east side
of Seneca I/ake, about three miles from Geneva, in
fields of eight to eighteen acres, all in the best con-
dition. One field of eighteen acres of Indian corn,
last year, yielded eighty-three bushels of shelled corn
per acre. One field of eight acres yielded ninety-
one bushels and forty-five pounds of corn per acre ;
and a field of wheat, of sixteen acres, yielded forty-
five bushels per acre. Mr. Johnston drains his land
by underground draining, and has some miles of
earthen pipes, (made at Waterloo,) which he has
been laying the last eight years. From the rich feed
in his pastures, the cattle are all in the best condi-
tion. He docs not feed his grass down to the ground.
This he calls bad farming, as the roots get scorched
by the summer drought, and frozen in winter. But
a covering of grass protects the roots from both, and
also keeps the cattle in good condition. He has
large barns, and yards and sheds for the cattle. In
the yards, the cattle make large quantities of maniire
— from wheat straw. He carts no mud from mead-
ows into his barn-yard. He puts the manure on the
land in the fall, sjireading and ploughing it in at
once, and not letting it remain for the sun and wind
to dry up.

He observed to the writer of this, that he never
saw land too highly manured, but he had seen much
land too little manured. Land will always give a
return for all that is put upon it. The best proof of
this is, that in the last twenty years, he has brought
his farm from what was called icorn-out land, to its
present superior condition, not by borrowed capital,
but solely by the proceeds of the farm itself, obtained

358

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

by his practical knowledge of good fai-ming, com-
bined with industry and economy.

A TRAVELLER.

— Jottrnai of Commerce.

DIARRHOEA IN COLTS.

As soon as the disease is evident, the mare and
colt must bo taken from the pasture, if they were at
grass, and their treatment must be different, accord-
ing to the deforce of ai^pctite retained by the colt : if
he eats or sucks heartily, give him cow's milk boiled
with a little flour, and with warm injections of mul-
lein, flaxseed tea, or slippery elm ; if, on the con-
trary, the animal is without appetite, it is a sign that
the evacuation is dangerous, and ought to be checked :
give something more than a quarter of an ounce of
assafcetida diluted in one of the above teas, which
he must be made to swallow milk- warm; besides
which, ho must have injections morning and evening
until the disease seems to be checked ; then suppress
the evening remedies, and suppress them entirely,
as soon as the colt is evidently better. It is more
prudent to keep the mare out of pasture, and feed
her on di-y hay, &c. A careful attendant on the
colt will best know whether to continue the reme-
dies or not. Mind that the mother's milk has a
great influence on the colt. — Kentucky Farmer,

PLOUGHING.

The committee on ploughing, of the Bristol Agri-
cultural Society, in their report at the late cattle
show, make the following j udicious remarks : —

The committee on ploughing are unwilling to com-
mence their report without first making an effort to
impress upon the minds of members of the society,
that our object in coming together at this time, and
at each and all our meetings, is to call into action
our latent energies, to excite us to greater industry,
and to wake up in our minds a spirit of inquiry into
the best mode of doing the most labor, and doing it
in the best manner, with the least or smallest means,
and which will be more useful than a few paltry
dollars and cents. The importance and utility of
ploughing matches may be, yea, have been ques-
tioned by some persons ; but as they are generally
considered the most exciting and interesting part of
the show, very few are found who discourage them,
and no one who has made himself well and thor-
oughly acquainted with the subject will speak lightly
of them.

All persons who are much advanced in life can
well remember when no one thought of ploughing
sward ground without four good oxen ; and it was
then often deemed necessary to add a horse ; and a
team of this size would always require, at least, one
experienced driver, and often a boy in addition, to
lead or ride the horse ; but now the work is better
done (as we have this day had abundant evidence)
with one yoke of oxen and one hand. And this
state of things has, in a great measure, been brought
about by jjloughing matches, which has led directly
to the better training of cattle, and the general emu-
lation excited by them has also led to great improve-
ments in ploughs, as well as in the use of them.

Agriculturists should never forget that the finest
and impalpable i)arts of the soil are the principal, if
not the only actual portions in the vegetable growth ;
hence the necessity and importance of a thorough
pulverizing ; and I believe that the modern plough
inverts the ground as well, if not better than any
Other instrument whatever.

The depth of ploughing is a subject about which

men diff'er in opinion ; and this depends much, as
your committee think, upon the character and depth
of the arable soil. But I suppose all will agree, that
when the soil is loosened deep, it will cause the
crops to be better guarded against drought, and also
against a superabundance of rain. Honor is gen-
erally given to the victors in the conflict. But I have
often thought of the vast ditt'crence to the world be-
tween victories obtained upon the battle-field, and
those obtained upon the ploughing-field — the one
sending weeping, distress, and death, while the other
blesses the race with plenty, happiness, joy, and life.
If mother Earth yielded her productions spontane-
ously to the inhabitants of the garden of Eden, she
is not so indulgent now ; for she must needs be con-
tinually stirred and vexed by the plough and the
hand of cultivation, or her children wiU want.

The comi^etitors have contended earnestly to-day,
but fairlj% manfully, and peaceably for the prize,
bringing vividly to mind that passage of sacred writ,
which predicts that swords shall be beat into plough-
shares.

The committee suggest that lands somewhat un-
subdued should always be selected for trial ; other-
wise it would be only to see who could do an easy
thing best ; and the lands this day selected were tol-
erably well suited to the purpose.

AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTS.

That distinguished veteran farmer. Rev. Morrill
Allen, in his report for the committee on improve-
ments, of the Plymouth Agricultural Society, makes
the following remarks on experiments : —

Many practical farmers take, as their surest guides
in new processes, the results of experiments. This
is well when it leads to no wrong views of the im-
portance and uses of theory. The confinement of
attention exclusively to practices established by cus-
tom would place an eff"ectual obstacle to the progress
of improvement. With a numerous class of ftirmers
there is danger of falling into these confined views,
and consequently neglect in the employment of ne-
cessary means of advancement. The deductions of
scientific research do sometimes disappoint in their
application to practice. It must be so, because some
of the laws of vegetable life- are beyond human reach ;
and hence the foundation of the cautions so often
given not to practise extensively on any theory till
its correctness has been proved in experience. If
science will not at once and with certainty teach
what to do, if the lessons of it must be subjected to
the test of experience, the conclusion is easily formed,
that it is of little or no importance in the art of agri-
culture, that v.'c may as well proceed without its
lessons, as labor in the attainment of them. These
conclusions would be not less unjust than denuncia-
tions of theory in other occupations. Take for illus-
tration the medical art : let the physician practise
exclusively on theory, without any regard to the re-
sults of experience, and he would be very certain to
kill the largest half of his patients. We do not on
this account think science of little or no importance
to the physician ; we should esteem it the height of
imprudence to commit the management of the body
under disease to a man who, rejecting all teachings
of science, should ground all his prescriptions exclu-
sively on personal exijcrience of the character and
progress of disease.

All theories in the art of agriculture have been
formed from observation and experience. The appli-
cation of them in practice will bo greatly afl'ected by
those numerous changes which are taking place in
the composition of soils and the variations in seasons.
What is the best practice in a particular location and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

359

climate, sciencG alone cannot show us ; and without
its aids, cxpovimonts would be little more than repe-
titions of processes, which altered circumstances
should long; since have rendered obsolete. Experi-
ments worthy of any imitation, and worth recording;,
must embrace philosophical principles : the experi-
menter may know nothing of system, but his atten-
tion, care, and study have conducted him to conclu-
sions strictly philosojihical.

It is from carefully conducted experiments we
anticipate the most important results in stimulating
inquiry, and giving such new directions to labors as
may conduce to general prosperity. We propose
subjects for experiments, which every farmer in a
measure understands already, but hope all who en-
gage in the pi-ocesses will avail themselves of every
attainable assistance in extending their knowledge,
that with clearer and more comprehensive views
they may labor more efficiently, and realize greater
gains. We wish to place motives before them to
seek new light, and unite, as of)portunities are pre-
sented, science with practice.

WAGONS AND CARTS.

A farmer in England, named Edward B. Lidding-
ton, has produced a prize essay on the comparative
merits of wagons and carts, which should arrest the
attention of our farmers ; for if he is right, our farmers,
in general, are wrong. After iive years' expierience
with wagons, and nearly the same with one-horse
carts, on a farm of one hundred and seventy acres
of arable and eighty acres of pasture, he came to the
conclusion that the carts were of the greatest advan-
tage. As our farmers all use wagons, let them pay
some attention to his statement. He says, " I have
no light ploughing land, nor have I more than twenty
or thirty acres of very heavy land. I will, therefore,
relate my actual experience. In the employment of
wagons and the old broad- wheeled dung-carts, I re-
quired one wagon, one cart, and three horses to
every fifty acres of arable land. I also kept a light
cart for general purposes. Now that I am employ-
ing carts, I find that I get through my work much
more easily with two horses and two carts to fifty
acres."

In the calculation of items, his sa-ving was nearly
foiu- dollars on the cultivation of one acre, in the
year. Again he says, it is admitted that one horse
attached to a given weight will move it more easily
than two horses attached to double that weight.
This arises not only from the advantage gained by
having all the power of draught close to the work,
but also all the power applied at the same moment,
which is almost impossible where two or more horses,
having different wills and steps, are attached to the
weight ; and for the same reason, one horse will travel
more quickly.

When a cart is filled, there is no delay in attach-
ing the trace-horses, during which operation the one-
horse would be two hundred yards on the road. I
know this might be done more quickly by having
men ready to change the horses, as in the practice
of opposition coaches ; but I am speaking of the mat-
ter-of-fact working of the system. Then again, when
the load is deposited, the one horse turns in much
less time than the two or three. These facts are too
self-evident to admit of contradiction ; indeed, I
believe the economy of carting manure with one-
horse carts is generally allowed ; but the employment
of them in harvesting is much objected to. In this
respect, however, I find them equally expeditious
and economical. My actual experience is, that tliree
carts, with the harvest frames attached, will convey
as much hay or corn in the straw as two wagons,
and that they are bound witli the ropes in the same

time ; therefore no time is lost in binding. They
are easier to pitch into than wagons, and not more
difficult to unload ; and all the advantages are gained
of speed in travelling.

My attention was first drawn seriously to the sub-
ject from hiring a man to draw some stones for drain-
ing. He came with a horse only fourteen hands
high and a small cart, when the work he accom-
plished so surprised me that I at once decided to try
two light carts, which, after succeeding well in all
other operations, I employed in the harvest field :
and being fully satisfied with them in this capacity,
I soon discarded every wagon from the farm. —
Selected.

WEST HIGHLAND CATTLE.

Among the breeds of Scotch cattle, which would
be adapted to our more northern states, we may
mention these. Like the Galloways they are rather
adapted to the stall than the dairy ; though it is
possible that both breeds might, with attention, be
much improved in their milking properties. Pro-
fessor Low says of them, —

" The finest and largest of the native cattle of the
Highlands are bred in Argyleshire and the neighbor-
ing islands. This character they owe to the greater
development of their forms, to the superior herbage
of the western coasts, but in a great degree likewise
to the superior care bestowed in breeding. After
the middle of last century, Archibald, Duke of Ar-
gyle, a worthy and patriotic individual, bestoAved
considerable attention in improving the cattle of the
district surrounding his own seat of Inverary ; and
more recentlj', numerous gentlemen of the Western
Highlands have devoted the most sedulous attention
to the improvement of this breed. On these ac-
counts, the variety of the Western Highlands is
usually referred to as the model of the breed. It is
well known to all breeders, that a certain class of
external characters indicate a disposition to arrive at
an early maturity of bone and muscle, and to become
easily fat. The most essential of these characters
are, a large, cylindrical body, dependent upon the
greater curvature of the ribs, a body large with rela-
tion to the limbs, or, in other words, limbs short
with relation to the body, a broad exi:)anded chest, a
skin soft to the touch and expansile, a relative small-
ness of the bones, aud an absence of coarseness in
the extremities. In certain breeds of the lower coun-
tries, these characters may be developed to a high
degree ; but in a country of mountains and heaths,
with a cold, humid, ungenial climate, there must be
combined with these a set of characters indicative
of that hardiness of constitution, without which the
animals would be unsuited to the condition in wliich
they are placed. That extreme delicacy of form
which can be easily communicated by breeding must
be avoided. The hair, while it is silky, unctuous,
aud free from harshness, should be abundant and
curling ; the neck should be strong and muscular ;
the forehead rather broad ; and the nose, from the
eyes to the muzzle, short ; a dewlap should exist as
a character of the breed ; the eyes should be promi-
nent and clear ; the horns should be of good length,
without approaching to the coarseness of the long-
horns of the lower country, spreading and tipped
with black. Now, in the genuine West Highlanders,
we shall find such a combination of these characters,
as to show them to be well fitted to the country in
which they are reared. Their limbs are short, though
muscular, "their chests wide and deep, their ribs well
arched, and their backs as straight as in any other
breed. The neck indeed, and dewlap, seem some-
what coarse in the bull ; but these are characters
indicative of their mountain state ; and almost all

360

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

their other points are what breeders would terra
good. They are of various colors. A disposition
exists in the breeders of the Highlands to cultivate
the black color, as conceiving it to be more indicative
of hardiness; and hence the greater number of the
eattle of the Highlands are black. The cows of this
breed, like those of many alpine districts, are defi-
eient in the power of yielding milk. The milk they
give is rich in cream, but it is in small quantity ; and
they very quickly tend to run dry."

PROFESSOR JOHNSTON'S ADDRESS.

We listened with great pleasure and instruction
to the very able address of Professor Johnston, who
recently left England for the purpose of examining
the agriculture of this country and the provinces of
British America. Though the address required a
full hour and a half in the delivery, it was listened
to with unflagging interest till its close. Its main
features, after the introduction, consisted in a suc-
cinct history of the present state of European agri-
culture, as exhibited in the several countries, most
of which he has personally visited. The latter part
of the address was on miscellaneous topics connected
with the subject, in which various important sugges-
tions were made for the advancement of this great
interest. We shall soon see this valuable address
scattered broadcast over the Union, and hope it may
reach every farmer's fireside.

We Uiidcrstand Professor Johnston will not return
to Europe before the ensuing spring, and we ear-
nestly recommend to every society or comnTunity, who
ean appreciate the benefits of agricultural science,
that, for their OM'n interest, they offer him such re-
muneration as will insure a course of his invaluable
lectures. More particularly do we of New York
owe it to ourselves and our community, that we
secure from him a full course. This will come with
much better effect from the Agricultural Board of
the American Institute. The promotion of national
objects and improvements should be one of its pri-
mary merits ; and as the advancement of agriculture
is professedly one of its leading objects, there will
scarcely occur a more favorable opportunity of car-
rying out their patriotic purposes. Millions of Amer-
ican gold have hero been worse than thrown away
on English comedians and their cognate professions.
An opportunity is now afforded where a few hun-
dreds or thousands may be most worthily bestowed,
and for our own lasting honor and advantage. We
shall see if Americans have the enlightened self-
interest, the wisdom to do it. — American Agri-
culturist,

PONDS.

Pastures that are destitute of water should have
artificial ponds made in them for watering places.
" Observe where rushes, weeds, flags, and other aquatic
plants grow spontaneously ; or where frogs are ob-
served to lie squatted down close to the ground, in
order to receive its moisture. Or observe where a
vapor is frequently seen to rise from the same spot.
Some say wherever little swarms of flies are seen
constantly flying in the same place, and near the
ground, in the morning after sunrise, there is water
underneath." If a well is made in a sloping gi-ound,
and the declivity is enough to give it a horizontal
vent, it will be worth the husbandman's while to
dig such a passage, and by means of pipes or any
other conveyance, to carry the water across the light
soil, through which it might otherwise sink. The
greatest quantity of water will be obtained in this
mannci-, because there will be a continual stream.
There is no difficulty in making a durable pond in a

clayey soil. Let a large hollow basin be made in
such earth, and it will preserve the water that falls
in rain. But it is apt to be thick and dirty, if some
pains be not taken to prevent it. The declivity by
which the cattle enter should be paved, and gravel
should be spread on the bottom. Or it might be
better if the whole were paved.

There are many natural ponds which have outlets
in one part, and are supplied by brooks and rivers in
other parts ; but a greater number of smaller ponds,
which are perfectly stagnant, unless when they are
agitated by winds. Such ponds as the latter, in hot
seasons, are apt to become putrid and contaminate
the air about them. Eor this reason, they should, if
possible, be drained. And when the water is not
deep, and an outlet can be made without too much
cost, they should be drained for the purpose of re-
claiming the soil. This will be of great value, as it
is con\manly found to be extremely rich, being made
up of the finest particles of soil, wafted into them by
winds, and of decayed vegetable substances, besides
the fine mould washed into theui by rains.

Many farms contain little sunken spots, whic h arc
most of the year covered with water, and produce
some aquatic bushes and weeds. These are notorious
harbors for fi'Ogs, and are therefore c&lleA. fro (j ponds.
They should be drained if it be practicable. It is
commonly the case, however, that draining them in
the common way, by making an outlet, would cost
more than they would be worth when drained, be-
cause of the height of the land on every side. But
in this case, if the banks be not clay, thej' may be
drained in the following manner : —

Take notice on which side land that is lower than
the pond is nearest. On that side, in the bank near
the pond, dig a kind of cellar, two or three feet
deeper than the surface of the pond ; do it in a dry
season. If a hard stratum appear, dig through it ;
and leave digging when the bottom is loose gravel
or sand. Then make an open or a covered drain
from the pond to the cellar. The water will be dis-
charged from the pond, and soak into the earth
through the bottom of the cellar, till a scurf is formed
on the bottom, that will stop the water from soaking
into the earth. This scurf should be broken from
time to time, and taken away with a long-handled
hoe. Or the cellar may be filled up with the refuse
stones, and I think it preferable to the other method.

If the pond should not become suihciently dry, a
small ditch should be drawn around it, and discharge
itself into the cellar. The land that is thus gained
will be rich muck, much of which may be carted
away for manure ; and common earth or sand may
replace it without detriment to the soil. — Practical
Fanner.

EXCRETORY DUCT OF THE FEET OF

SHEEP.

Chancellor lavingston, first president of the New
York State Agricultural Society, says the legs of
sheep are furnished with a duct, which terminates
in the fissure of the hoof; from which, when the
animal is in health, is secreted a white fluid ; but
when sickl_v, these ducts arc stopped by the harden-
ing of the fiuid. He says he has in some instances
found that the sheep were relieved by merely press-
ins* out the hardened matter with the finger from the
orifice of the duct in each foot : it may in some cases
be proper to place their feet in warm water, or to use
a probe or hand brush for cleansing this passage. —
American Farmer,

Rot in the Grape. — We undei-stand the grape
crop in this vicinity has been much injured by the
rot. — Cincinnati Gazette,

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

361

iia^iijij^.

THE BELLE LIJCRATIVE PEAR.

Synonyms — Fondante d' Autocrine, Beurre Lucrative, Beryamotte Lucrative.

The Belle Lucrative is among our very best pears.
When grown in a favorable location and ripened to
perfection, it has but very few equals in quality. A
warm, deep, sandy loam is the proper soil for this
variety, as it has less character when grown in a
moist, cool soil ; and this is the case with many other
foreign varieties.

The fruit is of medial size, (some specimens are
rather large,) roundish-obovate ; skin somewhat
rough, pale-yellowish green, with slight russet, and
Bometimes a little brown full in the sun ; stem me-
dial length, rather stout, generally nearly straight,
obliquely set in a slight cavity ; calyx of medial size,
open, in a moderate depression ; flesh white, fine
texture, very tender, molting, juicy, and of a rich,
Bugary, delicious, aromatic flavor. It ripens the
latter part of September, and often continues into
October. The tree is very vigorous, bears well, and
flourishes on the pear or quince stock. It is only
twelve or thirteen years since this variety first bore
fruit in this country ; yet it has been widely dissemi-
nated, and cultivated in gardens, but not thoroughly
tested in orchard culture. So far as it has? been
jMTOved, it is one of the most valuable pears that has
been introduced into the country. It is of foreign
origin, and Belgium is supposed to be its native
piace.

WHO WILL IMPORT SOME HUNGARIAN
CATTLE 1

Flieschman, in his report to the Commissioner of
Patents, in 1847, makes mention of a breed of large,
stately cattle in Hungary, which, from his descrip-
tion, must be among cattle what the children of
Anak formerly were among men. Other writers
have lately corroborated his statement. As Hungary
is working out her independence against the com-
bined despots of Europe, and as some of the Yankees
may possibly be over there soon, or ought to be,
sympathizing with her in a practical manner, we
hope they will bring over some of these stately
cattle.

'* Among all the horned races of Europe," says he,
" there are none which, with an equally colossal
frame, approach so near the speed of the horse, as do
the Hungarian oxen. It is a race of cattle, which,
by dint of their high, stately growth, their long
horns, (nearly six feet in length,) their proud and
bold look, their broad breast, and handsome, white
color, changing slightly to blue, and lastly the beau-
tiful proportion of all their limbs, may fairly be
pronounced to be one of the most useful and hand-
some productions of generating nature." — Maine
Farmer.

Love of Fame. — The love of fame not regulated
bj' principle, is more dangerous to the welfare of
society than the love of money.

362

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

NATIVE GRAPES.

' Messrs. Editoks : I requested last spring, in
your paper, that persons having any new variety of
the native grape, would do me the favor to forward
me cuttings, that I might test their quality both for
the table and for wine.

The conimunication was extensively republished
in most parts of the Union, and the result was, that
twenty-four varieties were sent me in February and
March last. I grafted them, and also planted cut-
tings. Most of the grafts are now in fruit, and from
the wood and leaf, about one fourth of them promise
to be of superior quality. All of them arcf now in
this vicinity but two — the Olmsted and Minor's
Seedling. Both of these are Fox grapes. The fruit
of the first I have not seen ; the second is the best
Fox grape that I have seen. The pulp is unusually
soft, for that family, and the grape remarkably sweet,
though it docs not contain as niuch saccharine mat-
ter as some grapes less sweet to the taste. It is not
a great bearer, though it bears uncommonly well for
a grape of that class.

The Fox grape may never be valuable for a wine
grape, except to mix with others, to give aroma and
flavor. I received cuttings of several varieties of
Fox grapes, and the stem and leaf of most of them
are so strongly fox, that they cannot be valuable.
In my boyhood, I thought this grape the most deli-
cious of all fruits, and I found some that bore a fair
crop. This vine is easilj' distinguished from all
others. The leaf is like leather — thick, and of a
white color on the under side, and downy, and the
now wood covered with a hairy down, generally of a
reddish cast. It is a great objection to it that the
fruit drops on *he ground as soon as it is ripe. I
rank the common class as about equal to the Black
Scuppernong of North Carolina, (the Muscadine of
the Mississippi,) from which it appears that a superior
wine is made in North Carolina, by putting three
pounds of sugar to the gallon, and which sold at four
dollars by the gallon ; and from two thousand to
three thousand gallons are raised on an acre. Fur-
ther, a horticulturist there tells ns he also makes
wine from the green grape ; the same person who
raises so large a quantity. Mr. Alves, of Kentucky,
(formerly of North Carolina.) tells me they put from
one fourth to one third of spirits to the gallon, and
sell the wine from seventy-five cents to one dollar
per gallon : a wide difference in price this. The
North Carolina Horticulturist seems learned in the
manufacture of foreign wines, as he tells us that one
third of brandy is added to p-ort, malmsey, and Ma-
deiia wine. This will be news iirdeed to the Euro-
pean wine merchants.

The Black Scuppernong bears from one to four
berries on a bunch, and would, in times of war, if
lead be scarce, be as valuable, even when fully ripe,
as the Fox grape, for bullets. The White Scupper-
nong also has a very small bunch, and is a better
grape than the Black. But the skin is thick, and
the pulp hard : it will never be valuable as a wine
grape, unless to give to others must, aroma, and
flavor.

Our vineyards may have produced eight hundred,
and probably one thousand gallons on an acre ; but
no vineyard has averaged three hundred gallons for
ten years. I believe ground with a mixture of sand,
or such as will freely let the rains sink, will be less
subject to rot, and average double the crop produced,
where the subsoil is a stiff claj'.

I shall be gratified to receive letters from all per-
sons having new varieties of hardy grapes in their
vicinity, describing the character of the wood and
leaf, color, size, and quality of the fruit, &c. After
importing foreign grapes for thirty years, from all
latitudes, I have never found one worthy of cultiva-

tion in the open air ; nor do we require tliem. W«
have native grapes of superior quality, both for the
table and for wine ; and by raising seedlings from
our best natives, and from a cross between them and
the best foreign, we can greatly improve them. We
have neglected our native grapes.

Forty-five years since, I heard of a superior grape
in the garden of Mr. Zane, of Wheeling, found by
him in a wild state on Wheeling Island. I sent for
cuttings, and found the grape of no value. I heard
of a person in Kentucky who had it, and that it
proved of good quality. I obtained cuttings, and it
proved to be the Vevaj^ or Cape (Schuylkill Musca-
del) grape. I am now satisfied that neither was
the Zane grape. I, this spring, had cuttings sent
me from a vine got of Mr. Zane some thirty years
since, and which has never got out of the neighbor-
hood, and v.'hich I doubt not will prove of superior
([uality.

A native grape, of different aroma and flavor, and
in all respects equal to the Catawba, would be worth
millions of dollars to the nation. If my correspond-
ents do not err, some of the kinds sent me are supe-
rior. The origin of the Catawba is in doubt. Major
Adlum first brought it into notice, having found it,
some twenty-five years since, in the garden of a
German, near Washington city.

I received, recently, an interesting letter from Mr.
Alves, of Henderson, Kentucky. He was born in
North Carolina, and says he heard of the Catawba
grape in the upper part of North Cai'olina forty years
ago, and that it was discovered near the Catawba
River, from which it derived its name. A grape,
precisely the same, is said to have been discovered in
a wild state, a few years since, in Pennsylvania. I
have one from the south-west, of the same color,
aroma, and flavor, but smaller, and the vine of slow
growth, and a poor bearer ; and one bearing much
larger fruit, of precisely the same character, but in-
ferior. I discovered it in the centre of my vineyards,
and know not how it came there. — N. Loxgworth,
m Cincinnati Gazette,

TO DESTROY BRIERS.

The brier, as a plant, grows more luxuriantly in
beech and maple land ; and when the timber is cleared
and the sun has a chance for action, they grow very
fast, so that, in a short time, it is with difficulty that
they are kept down. In the spring of '-1.5, I moved
on a new farm, containing two hundred acres and
upwards, with about forty-five acres improved, or
partially so. There was at the time eight or ten
acres completely grown up to briers. I commenced
operations on about half of it ; I ploughed it thor-
oughly and planted to corn. By the time the corn
was up ready for hoeing, the bri(;rs had completely
overrun it. I hoed it and cleared it, and by the
second hoeing it was as bad as ever. I then went
over it the same way the third time. In fact, the
more I hoed and tried to destroy them, the faster
they grew ; and by the time of harvesting, they had
grown half as high as the corn. The next spring I
so^^ ed it to oats, and was poorly paid. At the time
of harvesting, my hands were much torn and lacer-
ated by the briers, besides not having half a crop.
I then concluded to try some more efficient mode,
having become tired of endeavoring to subdue them
by cutting. I then sowed the ground to clover. The
briers came up as usual, but looked sickly. The
year following, I pastured it with sheep ; and now
the briers have almost become extinct. I have tried
every mode in the way of cutting, and I am per-
suaded that it is labor lost, • I have tried cutting in
the dark of the moon, and in August, all to no pur-
pose. I am of the opinion that clover is the best

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

363

means of getting rid of them, being quick and profit-
able. J. R. K.

Craavford Co., Pa., 18-19.
— 'Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper .

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — We have
no doubt that the briers were dcsti'oyed more by
the sheep than by the clover ; for they will not
flourish where sheep run among them ; yet the clover
had an excellent; effect in inviting the sheep among
the brambles. It is very common in agricultural
experiments to ascribe effects to wrong causes ; and
it is the same in other sciences. During this season,
we have seen accounts of the valuable effects of sul-
phur for cholera, but we noticed that it was given
with charcoal ; and we have no doubt that the char-
coal was the principal remedial agent, as it is excel-
lent in diarrhoea, which usually attends the cholera,
and causes a sudden prostration of strength. Sheep
alone, if induced, by any grass, to go among briers,
will cause their complete destruction ; perhaps from
the oil in the wool.

PARSNIPS.

A correspondent has written to inquire " whether
we know, by our own experience, the quality of the
parsnip for feeding and fattening pigs." In answer,
we beg to state, that, at our farm at Catlands Bing-
mea, we have been in the habit of employing pars-
nips for that purpose for some time. Upon reference
to our books, we find that on the 11th of October,
1847, M'e put up two shotcs of eleven weeks old, and
fed them on skim milk and parsnips, for three months,
when they were killed, weighing two hundred and
thirty-one and two hundred and thirty- eight pounds.
They were well fattened, firm in flesh, and the meat
of excellent flavor. The quantity of parsnips con-
sumed by them was nine bushels each. — Sussex
\E)iglish\ Express.

Remarks. — We have often wondered that no ac-
count is made of this valuable root. All the Avorld
is alive to the value of the carrot ; while this escu-
lent is entireljr overlooked. That the parsnip con-
tains more saccharine matter than the carrot, or even
any of the beets, we are satisfied. A very excellent
wine is made of it, which we venture to assert can-
not be made from any other of the whole root crop.
Its estimation as an edible for the table also tells in
its favor. And a herd of hogs turned into a field
containing bagas, beets, carrots, and parsnips, would
not be long in settling the question which they like
the best ; and as they cannot read the Genesee
Farmer, and are not influenced by any of our blun-
dering theories, and trust alone to experience, and
that unerring guide that nature has provided them
in the place of reason, we are disposed to give them
the credit of being very capable judges — very. —
Genesee Farmer.

PLANTING TREES.

The most remarkable, if not the most culpable,
neglect, — that which indicates an unamiable and
uncultivated, as well as improvident nature, — is the
omission, on the part of gentlemen in the country,
to plant trees about their homesteads, for shade and
ornament, if not for fruit and profit. Let any one
who would be convinced how easy it would be to
provide, in a few years, even in the most exposed
and barren situations, all the beauty and luxury of a
natural forest, only walk as far as the Lunatic Asy-

lum, between Spruce and Pine Streets, Philadelphia,
and see how thriving is every one of the handsome
trees so thoughtfully planted out there last autumn,
at the instance of Mr. Cresson, in anticipation of the
failure, some years hence, of the old sycamores. The
work is only to be once well done, and the trees well
protected, and. then they may be left to endure for-
ever, as monuments of the good taste of the planter,
transmitting his memory with gratitude to posterity.
We remember now, at the moment of scribbling
this hasty but earnest exhortation to all our young
friends to plant trees — • maples, horse chestnuts, lo-
custs, linden-trees, (anj' thing but Lombardy pop-
lars,) — that there is in the garden, near the house
at Duoraghen Manor, Maryland, the classic residence
of the late venerable Charles Carroll of CarroUton, a
weeping willow, stately and graceful, like her who
planted it when a child, that will always be asso-
ciated with the name of Mrs. Caton. How much
more are such memorials to be coveted than monu-
ments stained with blood and cemented with the
tears of the widow and the orphan ! — The Plough,
Loom, and Anvil.

AMOUNT OF MINERAL MATTER ASSIMI-
LATED BY VARIOUS CROPS.

It is found, on analysis, that an acre of wheat,
being an average crop, carries off with it no less than
two hundred and ten pounds of inorganic elements,
viz. : thirty pounds in the grain, and one hundred
and eighty pounds in the straw — a striking i^roof of
the importance of consuming the straw upon the
land. Barley takes two hundred and thirteen pounds
— fifty-three in the grain, and one hundred and sixty
in the straw. Oats take three hundred and twenty-
six pounds — thirty-two in the grain, thirty in the
husks, fifty-four in the chaff, and two hundred in
the straw. A crop of turnips, of twenty tons per
acre, when removed off the land, carries off six hun-
dred and fifty pounds of mineral matter. Potatoes,
including the tops, take ofi' five hundred and eighty
pounds, the tops containing about four hundred
pounds. Cabbage carries off nearly one thousand
pounds. — Huxtable.

IRON FOR APPLE-TREES.

A correspondent of the Albany Cultivator, writing
from Fredericksburg, Va., says, " A friend who has
a large orchard of ' Rawle's Jannett apple,' has ten
trees upon one corner of the orchard which always
produce fruit a third larger, and flavor so much supe-
rior, that it was supposed by all who saw and ate
the apple, tliat they were a superior variety of the
Jannett. This spring I examined the soil, and found
that a vein of iron ore passed just under the ten
trees, so near the surface that it had been ploughed
and worked up with the top soil. A variety of the
large Blue plum growing upon the same ground, is
also very tine ; while grafts taken from the same
plum-trees, and worked upon stocks grown on differ-
ent soil, prove worthless." — Maine Farmer.

IRON.

A pound of iron in a crude state is, perhaps, worth
a cent. It is converted, we will suppose, into steel,
and then into watch springs. Now, according to a
calculation made in a work upon this subject, there
are 7000 grains in a pound weight, and every watch
spring weighs a tenth of a grain. 70,000 watch-
springs, worth, say $2 each, yield $140,000 for the
pound of iron, or rather for the labor expended
ui^on it.

864

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

IDomestic ^Department.

The Effects op Cosmetics on the Skin. — The
deep interest I take in the moral improvement of my
young countrywomen, more particularly those who
are so fortunate as to he the wives and daughters of
farmers, must be my a])ology for the following re-
marks upon the article in the January number of the
Agriculturist, on the " Effects of Cosmetics on the
Skin." I shall therefore ask no other excuse for
expressing my difference of opinion, nor for pointing
out what I conceive to be mistaken views on the
subject, feeling very sure that a little serious reflec-
tion will bring your correspondent over to my old-
fashioned way of thinking. Let rac say, however,
that I agree entirely with her observations on the
different kinds of soap, alcoholic preparations, &c.

We know that all kinds of soap are more or less
injurious to a delicate skin, and in cold weather their
too frequent use should be dispensed with as much
as possible ; but when necessary, the skin should be
protected afterwards, for a little while, from the air.
Therefore, when cleanliness requires it for the face
and neck, they should be washed just before retir-uig
at night; and in the morning, nothing more will be
wanted than the usual sponge bath of pure, cold, soft
water, and a coarse rubber vigorously applied. Some
skins will chap under the most careful treatment that
can be bestowed upon them ; while others will con-
tinue soft and smooth, though exposed to every wind
that blows, and seem to be proof against all kinds of
domestic labor. For the first of these, the best puri-
fier would be corn -or b'ean meal, or palm-oil soap,
followed by a few drops of honey rubbed on while
the hands are wet. Fine dry salt acts very pleas-
antly on the skin, rendering it soft and smooth, and
has also the advantage of strengthening the system,
on which account it is highly recommended by phy-
sicians. The best way to apply it is, to draw on a
pair of very coarse cotton or linen knitted gloves,
that have been frequently dipped in strong salt and
water, and dried after each immersion, and ivith them
rub until the skin looks red, and the blood circulates
freely.

But it is the second part of your correspondent's
remark that I intend particularly to notice. That
the writer does not speak from personal experience I
think is evident, or she w^ould not say that " rouge
can be employed, without injury, to brighten a lady's
complexion."

Every school girl knows that even the common
carmine in her paint box, if put on the cheeks with
water, cannot be washed out without leaving a perma-
nent mark. I have been much in fashionable French
society, where the use of rouge was not only con-
sidered unblameworthy, but in certain cases openly
vindicated ; yet its deleterious effects upon the skin
were undoubted, and openly lamented, as producing
a sallow stain, which, as it cannot be removed by
ordinary means, makes a continuance of the bad
practice seem necessary. And a bad practice it is, in
sober sadness, for any woman ; but for women living
in this bright, beautiful country, for the wives and
daughters of American farmers, even to thhik of
using rouge and pearl powder, would be ridiculous,
could it be contemplated in any other light than as
a degradation — the}% too, who enjoy the glorious
pri^^^ege, not to be too highly prized, of living in the
pure, health-giving breath of heaven, — who are at
liberty to exercise daily on horseback, and roam at
will over hills and fields. I will not think so badly
of them as to suppose that they would condescend to
tolerate the use of such nriscalled beautifiers. It is
true, a pale cheek is not esteemed so lovely as the
one tinged with

" Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue ; "

nor is a dark or coarse skin thought so desirable as
one fairer and more delicate. But does not every one
know instances, among their friends, of faces by na-
ture ugly, to which intelligence, benevolence, and
good temper impart the characters of real, soul-like
beauty? Believe me, God's handiwork cannot be
improved. And the admiration of strangers is dearly
purchased by the loss of the respect of those in
whose eyes and hearts alone it should be their ambi-
tion to appear to advantage ; for the mistaken ones,
who resort to these paltry arts, do not deck their
faces with rouge and pearl powder, to make them-
selves more lovable to their husbands and brothers.
It is not put on when they alone are to see them.
No : any garb, any faded looks, will do for the be-
ings who ought to make their hearts happiest ; with
wiiom they are to pass their lives. For whom, then,
it may be asked, are they willing to take so much
trouble? They who know from experience may
answer.

All substances, without a single exception, that
are, or can, be used to " impart a delicate white tint
to the complexion," are decidedly injurious ; mar-
ring what they are intended to mend.

The "metallic compounds" are justly said to be
poisonous ; and the effect, even when sparingly used,
is to make the skin look parched and glazed. ^lag-
nesia, being a mineral substance, is not much less
hurtful; and powdered starch, though the least
objectionable of any, is seriously injurious by the
mechanical action of closing the pores of the skin,
preventing the escape of the insensible perspiration
which would keep it clear and moist, and finally
producing a sickly, unnatural thickness, that makes
a fair girl, who would otherwise be pretty, look like
Jersey veal, bled slowly to death by the butcher !
and a brunette more like a piece of old parchment
than a lovely young daughter of Eve. Of such a
one, in a neighboring city, I heard a physician re-
mark, that this disagreeable appearance, "being only
skin deep, could be easily removed by the application
of a vegetable blister !

But I must close this already too long notice ;
though something might be said of the pangs of
v.'ounded vanity that these short-sighted fair ones
would suffer, if

" Some power the gift would gie them
To see themselves as others see them ; "

when a warm day, or a little over exertion, by pro-
ducing a free perspiration, throws off the beautifiers,
leaving the white in disclosed streaks, and the red
in unsightly blotches, to the mortification of their
friends, and the badly-disguised amazement of the
very persons they wished to charm. American
women should be ashamed to appear under " false
colors."

It has been often asked why the women of Eng-
land have better complexions and more healthful
looks than those of the United States. The humid-
ity of the climate is doubtless one cause of the greater
and more lasting delicacy of the skin ; but the bright
bloom of their cheeks is the effect of regular, sys-
tematic exercise. English ladies, of even the highest
rank, wear thick leather shoes, and walk every day
six or eight miles, without regard to the weather, and
with no other object than the preservation of health.

I will close with the assurance, affectionately
urged upon all who have had patience to read thus
far, that early rising, cold-water bathing, and daily
exercise in the open air, as they promote health and
cheerfulness, are the only cosmetics that an Amer-
ican woman should dare employ. — American Agri-
culturist.

Shrinking of Flannel. — Enclose new flannel in
a bag : put it into a boiler with cold water ; heat

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

365

and boil it. It will never shrink any more after this
operation, and should then be made up into gar-
ments. — Selected.

To PURIFY River or any other Muody Water.
— Dissolve half an ounce of alum in a jiint of warm
water, and stirring it about in a puncheon of water
just taken from any river, all the impurities will soon
settle to the bottom, and in a day or two it will be-
eome as clear as the finest spring water.

Bojis' ^Department.

Politeness at Home. — Always speak with the
utmost politeness and deference to your parents and
friends. Some children are polite and civil every
where else except at home ; but there are coarse and
rude enough. I trust you will never be one of these.

Titles of respect, too, should not be forgotten.
"Yes, sir," and "No, sir," "Yes, ma'am," and "No,
ma'am," sound much better, as well as much more
refined and well-bred, than the blunt "Yes," and
" No," which very many children in these days are
accustomed to use.

Nothing sits so gracefully upon children, and noth-
ing makes them so lovely, as habitual respect and duti-
ful deportment towards their parents and superiors.
It makes the plainest face beautiful, and gives to
every common action a nameless but peculiar charm.
— Selected.

Bad Books. — Bad books are like ardent spirits :
they furnish neither aliment nor medicine ; they are
poison. Both intoxicate — one the mind, the other
the body. The thirst for each increases by being fed,
and is never satisfied. Both ruin — one the intellect,
and the other the health — and together, the soul.
The makers and venders of each are equally guilty,
and equally corrupters of the community ; and the
safeguard against each is the same — total abstinence
from all that intoxicates mind or body. — The Well-
^ring.

Cjealtl).

Effect op Stoves upon Health. — All experience
has demonstrated their debilitating influence upon
the nervous system ; and nothing is more true than
that the mind sympathizes with the body in all its
derangements. Our old men remember when the
aggregate of good health was far above its present
standard ; when men and women could endure twice
the fatigue that they can now ; and when consump-
tion, the present scourge of the north, and New Eng-
land in particular, was almost unknown, or existed
only as a slow disease, that had to battle with life
for many years before its strong victim succumbed to
its power. It has been thought that the bad health
and constitutions of our farming population, particu-
larly the female portion of farming families, are owing
to a' change of diet. There is no truth in the idea.
Farmers live as judiciously now as they did fifty or
one hundred years ago. On our mountain towns,
among the primitive hills and pure air of Vermont,
all over New England in fact, the population are
better fed and better clothed, arc subjected to less
injurious exposure, and are called to boar less pros-
trating fatigue, than in those " good old tunes, a
hundred years ago." Yet, where the pure air roves
freest, where the dark wings of miasm never come,
all along the beautiful green mountain ridge, through

Vermont and Massachusetts, do we find consumption
doing its deadliest work, and an aggregate of female
invalids that can hardly be equalled in any miasmatic
valley in the far south- -west.

It is in vain to look for the causes of all these evils
in any thing but the atmosphere of the dwelling.
The food is wholesome, the air as pure as any in the
world, and the water as good. The simple statement
of the ease is, that the houses are made too close, the
rooms are kept too hot, and the grand ventilator —
the chimney — is closed. The evil is insidious, and
in the manner of its approach should be a warning.
A reference to experience will show, that when the
stove was first introduced, the heat was intolerable.
Afterwards it became agreeable ; then it was found
necessary ; still further on, the heat was raised, until,
at last, the weakened and relaxed skin shrunk with
dread from a breath of cold air, and all stirring from
the room was forbidden on penalty of a cold. The
difference between the atmosphere out and in doors
made the transition always attended with danger.
Every physiologist, and every common observer, un-
derstands the intimate sympathy that exists between
the skin and the lungs ; and here, at this point, is
where consumption and other similar and dissimilar
evils step in, and find prepared for them a house,
swept and garnished. Here lies the secret of moun-
tain diseases, the erysipelas, low fevers, rheumatisms,
etc., etc.

We by no means propose the abolition of stoves.
They form a prominent part of family economy. The
poor cannot do without them, nor will the rich. The
fire and the damper should in all cases be controlled
by the thermometer. This httle. instrument should
be in every house. Again, free ventilation, that sliall
secure to every room good- pure air, is absolutely
indispensable ; and still further, a proper amount of
cold bathing and friction, to enable the skin to retain
its tone, should be observecHiy every individual who
spends the winter in doors. — Sprinc/Jield Rep.

iHecljanics' ^Department, ^rta, ^c.

Construction of Ice-Houses. — Abroad both the
ice-house and hot-house are portions of the wealthy
man's establishment solely. But in this country,
the ice-house forms part of the comforts of every
substantial farmer. It is not for the sake of ice-
creams and cooling liquors, that it has its great value
in his eyes, but as a means of preserving and keep-
ing in the finest condition, during the summer, his
meat, his butter, his delicate fruit, and in short, his
whole perishable stock of provisions. Half a dozen
correspondents lately have asked us for some advice
on the construction of an ice-house, and we now
cheerfully offer all the information in our possession.

To build an ice-house in sandy or gravelly soils, is
one of the easiest things in the world. The drainage
there is perfect ; the dry and porous soil is of itself a
sufficiently good non-conductor. All that is neces-
sary to do, is to dig a pit twelve feet square and as
many deep, line it with logs or joists faced with
boards, cover it with a simple roof on a level with
the ground, and fill it with ice. Such ice-houses,
built with trifling cost, and entirely answering the
purpose of affording ample supply for a. large family,
are common in various parts of the country.

But it often happens that when one's residence is
upon a strong loamy or clayey soil, based upon clay
or slate, or, at least, rocky in its substratum. Such
a soil is retentive of moisture ; and even though it be
well drained, the common ice-house just described
will not preserve ice half through the summer in a
locality of that kind. The clayey or rocky soil is
always damp : it is always an excellent conductor,

866

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

and the ice melts in it in spite of all the usual pre-
cautions.

Something more than the common ice-house is
therefore needed in all such soils. " How shall it
be built ? " is the question which has been frequently
put to us lately.

To enable us to answer this question in the most
satisfactory manner, we addressed ourselves to Mr.
N. J. Wyeth, of Cambridt>e, Mass., whose practical
information on this subject is probably fuller and
more complete than that of any other person in the
country — he, for many years, having had the con-
struction and management of the enormous commer-
cial ice-houses, near Boston — the largest and most
perfect known.

"We desired Mr. Wyeth's hints for building an
ice-house for family use, both above ground and
below ground.

In the beginning, we should remark that the great
ice-houses of our ice-companies are usually built
above ground ; and Mr. "Wyeth, in his letter to vis,
remarks, " "We now never build or use an ice-house
under ground ; it never preserves ice as vvcll as
those built above ground, and costs much more. I,
however, send you directions for the construction
of both kinds, with slight sketches in explanation."
The following are Mr. Wyeth's directions for
building : —

1st. An Ice- House above Ground. — An ice-house
above ground should be built upon the plan of hav-
ing a double partition, with the hollow space be-
tween filled with some non-conducting substance.

In the first place, the_frame of the sides should bo
formed of two ranges of ujiright joists, six by four
inches ; the lower ends of the joists should be put
into the ground without any sill, which is ajJt to let
the air pass through. These two ranges of joists
should be about two feet and one half apart at the
bottom, and two feet at the top. At the top these
joists should be mortised into the cross beams which
are to support the upper floor. The joists in the
two ranges should be placed each opposite another.
They should then be lined or faced on one side, with
rough boarding, which need not be very tight. This
boarding should be nailed to those edges of the joists
nearest each other, so that one range of joists shall
be outside the building, and the other inside the ice-
room or vault.

The space between these boardings or partitions
should be filled Mith wet tan, or sawdust. The
reason for using wet material for filling this space
is, that during winter it freezes, and until it is again
thawed, little or no ice will melt at the sides of the
vault.

The bottom of the ice-vault should be filled about
a foot deep with small blocks of wood ; these are
levelled and covered with wood shavings, over which
a strong plank floor should be laid to receive the ice.

Upon the beams above the vault, a pretty tight
floor should always be laid, and this floor should be
covered several inches deep with drj-^ tan or saw-
dust. The roof of the ice-house should have consid-
erable pitch, and the space between the upper floor
and the roof should be ventilated by a lattice window
at each gable end, or something equivalent, to pass
out the warm air which will accumulate beneath the
roof. A door must be provided in the side of the
vault, to fill and discharge it ; but it should always
be closed up higher than the ice, and when not in
use should be kept closed altogether.

2. An Ice- House below Ground. — This is only well
made by building up the sides of the pit with a good
brick or stone wall, laid in mortar. Inside of this
wall set joists, and build a light wooden partition
against which to place the ice. A good floor should
be laid over the vault, as just described ; and this
should also be covered with dry tan or sawdust.

In this floor the door must be cut, to give access to
the ice.

As regards the bottom of the vault, the floor, the
lattice window in the gables for ventilation, etc., the
same remarks will apply that have just been given
for the ice-house above ground, with the addition
that in one of the gables, in this case, must be the
door for filling the house with ice.

If the ground where the ice-houses of either kind
are built is not porous enough to let the melted ice
drain away, then there should be a waste pipe to
carry it off, which should be slightly bent, so as
always to retain enough water in it to prevent the ■
passage of air upward into the ice-houses.

Those plain and concise hints by Mr. "Wyeth will
enable our readers, who have failed in building ice-
houses in the common waj% to remedy their defects,
or to construct new ones on the improved plan just
given. The main points, it will be seen, are, to
place a sufficient non-conducting medium of tan or
sawdust, if above ground, or of wall and wood par-
tition, if below ground, to prevent the action of the
air, or the damp soil, on the body of the ice enclosed
in the vault.

Mr. "Wyeth has not told us how large the dimensions
of an ice-house built on either of these modes should
be, to provide for the use of an ordinary family through
a season ; but wo will add, as to this point, that a
cube of twelve to fourteen feet " in the clear," every
way will be quite large enough, if properly con-
structed. An ice-house, the vault of which is a
cube of twelve feet, will hold about fifty tons of ice.
One of this size, near Boston, filled last January, is
still half full of ice, after supplying the wants of the
family all the season.

In the ice-houses above-ground, the opening being
in the side, it will be best to have a double door, one
in each partition, opposite each other. The outer
one may be entire, but the inner one should be in
tAvo or three parts. The upper part may be opened
first, so that only so much of the ice may be exposed
at once, as is necessary to reach the topmost layers.
— Horticulturist,

ON THE NATURE OF SOILS.

An all-wise Creator, for some all-wise purpose,
decreed that plants and animals should derive their
subsistence from the soil ; hence we find all the ele-
ments of vegetable and animated nature in the soil.
For instance, in most soils we find iron abundant ;
then, if we look into the animal economy, we find
iron in the blood and muscles of both man and the
lower orders of brute creation. And the wonder-
working chemist detects nature in using the same
ingredient in coloring all the fruits and flowers. All
things having once been created, the making princi-
ple stopped, and a changing one immediately took
its place, and has never ceased to act since mutabil-
ity was indelibly stamped upon all creation. In the
formation of plants and animals, Nature, gradually
collecting her materials, slowly forms her most per-
fect specimens ; but like a human mechanic, inas-
much as she lacks one or more of the materials, in
the same degree is her fabric imperfect. Thus we
see that if the soil in the field lacks one or more in-
gredients in the formation of a vegetable, the plant
assumes a dwarfish, sicklj' appearance, like an ani-
rnal robbed of its food. Now, the farmer, to be a
good husbandman, must plant the germ, and place
around it all the materials of which it should be
composed ; then Nature, the handy-workman, soon
rears the perfect plant:

The question now arises, what those ingredients
and materials are. The chemist has given us all
the knowledge he has on the subject : the air and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

367

the water, the soil and the subsoil, have each a part
in their possession, and should each be made to con-
tribute a share. Nature, in the production of a per-
fect plant, does not restrict herself to the animal,
vegetable, or mineral world. The opinion so gener-
ally prevalent that the soil, two or three feet below
the surface, must consequently be entirely barren
and useless, may be, and doubtless is, erroneou-j in
many instances, especially in that called A •■;•,/ j9(«.
If, in producing the perfect plant, nature needs twenty
ingredients, nineteen may possibly be found in the
surface soil, while the twentieth may be found in
the subsoil. Instances have occurred where a good
dressing from soil ten feet deep, entirely destitute,
to all appearance, of vegetable matter, have had
equally as good, or the same beneficial effect, as a
good dressing of gypsum. This is truly an age of
improvement, ilany a farmer has found, while
others have yet to find, a mine of wealth below the
reach of his plough, of which he was as unconscious
as the mountain of its ore. It is very reasonable to
suppose, that the newly- created world was at first
eartircly a mineral mass of matter, from which vege-
tables soon grew abundantly enough to ' sirpport all
animated nature. Geologists generally suppose the
action of the elements, for an indefinite length of
time, was necessary to fit it for the abode of plants
aiid animals ; but be that as it may, I believe the
action of fi-ost upon ploughed fields, with the win-
tei-'s rain and snow, to be a powerful fertilizer in this
dimate. Hence, fall ploughing and deep ploughing
should go together, and be followed by heavy dress-
ings of manure, and particularly such as the soil
lacks, is my creed, derived from experience, and as
such, I firmly believe it true. LABORER.

Abingtox, Centre County, Pa., 1849.
Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper.

PROGRESS.

Lightning and steam have not only superseded
horse power on land, and wind on the water, but,
with as astonishing a revolution, they have quick-
ened the human brain, until the ideas of the age are
equallj' more rapid than those of half a generation ago,
as are the moans of transmitting them from brain to
brain the world over. In the day of wooden ploughs,
the great danger was in going too fast and knowing
too much ; now the difficulty is to go fast enough, and
know enough. The fear, so groundless with our good
old fathers, that new inventions and enterprises were
dangerous to the welfare, virtue, and peace of society,
is completely extinguished. Men have found out the
essential secret of prosperity and greatness — that all
progress is the work of experience ; and the result
of experiments, in spite of the old stand-still philoso-
phy, has sharpened them to go on experimenting
more and more elsewhere, in all fields, patlis, and
professions. Thus have they curbed and saddled
teams, tamed lightning, cast by wooden ploughs, and
in a thousand ways advanced and exalted themselves,
physically and nrentally, as individuals and as na-
tions.— Selected.

POSTS UPHEAVED BY THE FROST.

We observe post fence, in certain spots, to rise up
annually more and more, until, after a few years,
swine can creep under ; and it often leans so much,
that props become necessary to prevent its falling.

Now, what is the cause of this upheaving r On
examining, we find that these spots are wetter, and
the ground more spongy, than the other parts of the
line. Well, what then ? Why, in severely cold
weather, the wet surface freezes, fastening round the
post a solid cake, under which is applied the great

power of water expanding into ice, and the fence is
lifted up. The intensity of the frost, and the loose-
ness or wetness of the ground, will determine the
amount of upheaval, which may be one or more
inches in a winter. Perhaps, indeed, the post may
fall back a little when it thaws ; but it seldom, if
ever, slides back to the bottom of the hole, and is
sure to take a new start upward in the following
winter.

In these insurrectionary movements, several posts
are generally concerned together ; and the best way
that I have found to reduce them, is to strike with a
beetle, only a few strokes at a time, on the head of
each, so that the fence shall not be racked by driving
too far at once. When thoroughly driven back, the
operation may not need to be repeated in less than
two or three years. It would be the better and
cheaper way, however, to prevent all such risings in
future b}^ filling up the holes with solid earth, and
thoroughly pounding or ramming down every new
layer of two or three inches in thickness. All soft
muck, or spongy soil, should be rejected. Nothing
better than hard pan can be obtained for this pur-
pose — at least, a mixture of gravel or small stones
through the earth is desirable. With these j^recau-
tions, we should have no trouble, even in swales ; for
the posts even there would stand in dry, firm, solid
earth. W. W.

Squancum, N. J,, 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollar Newspaper.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Of Dr. Ilufus Kittredge, Portsmouth, N. H., some
large sweet apples, very fine indeed for baking
Green Sweeting, distinguished for its very late keep-
ing. Baldwin apples. These grew on a tree taken
from the original tree in Tewksburj"-, which we shall
notice further, by and by, in regard to the origin of
the Baldwin apple.

From James Oliver, Lj-'nn, Diana grapes, of excel-
lent quality. Friend Oliver says of this grape, that
it is probably a cross between the Catawba and
White Sweetwater ; that it is two weeks earlier than
the Isabella, of rather slow growth, and a good
bearer. He regards it as a superior kind for out-
door culture. We have cultivated this grape a few
years ; but as our first vine is in a cool soil, and shady
situation, and we have forced it into the growth of
wood rather than the production of fruit, we have a
large growth.

Of Elisha Tower, of this city, fine apples, raised by
J. F. Fay, Northboro'. The seed of the original ti-ee
was planted by Mr. Fay's mother, forty years ago.
This is very handsome and excellent fruit ; rather
large, pale yellow striped with red, very crisp, juicy,
of a mild and fine aromatic flavor.

From M. L. Hayes, Farmington, N. H., pears
grown on an apple stock. Three years ago, in graft-
ing an apple-tree, Mr. Hayes set some pear scions
into one branch by mistake ; they flourished well,
and healed over sound ; and this, the third year from
grafting, that branch produced half a bushel of pears ;
and he says, if the whole tree had been grafted to
pears, and yielded as well as this branch, the prod-
uce would have been six bushels. This is a very
successful experiment, or incident, in grafting the
pear on the apple. These pears are rather large,

368

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

fair, pleasant, and melting. Mr. H. supposed that
he set scions of the St. Michael ; but these are not
like that vaiiety in form, color, or quality, nor do
they seem like any kind generally cultivated.

From Colonel F. 11. Bigelow, Medford, very good
St. Michael pears. Mr. B. informs tis that this variety
failed until he hung old iron on the tree, as had been
recommended by some cultivators. It has been sup-
posed that iron around or on a tree furnishes that
element, by the rust being taken up in solution by
the sap. But we would remark, that this variety of
pear has generally done remarkably well this season,
without the aid of iron ; so it may be the season, not
the mineral element, that has effected the imjirove-
mcnt. If iron hung on a tree ever has a good effect,
it may be from its electrical quality, rather than from
a deficiency of this element in the soil to supply this
constituent of the tree. Oregon corn, which he has
been acclimating by cultivating several years. It
resembles the many-rowed corn of the south, except-
ing the ear is shorter, and the stallcs arc much less
ill height.

Of E. W. M'Intosh, Nccdham, pretty good native
grapes. Of all the native wild grapes that we have
tried this season, those from Captain Amos Perry,
South Natick, are the best.

Of John Tilson, South Boston, fine specimens of
Isabella and Catawba grapes. The latter are of re-
markably large bunches. Under ordinary manage-
ment, this variety has rather small and loose bunches ;
but skilful culture produces noble, compact bunches,
and large berries.

Of K. W. Annable, Portsmouth, N. H., pears from
a garden in that town. They are large, fair, hand-
some, and very sweet. They would sell well in
market, but they lack the high character of our best
varieties in quality. The kind is not known in this
section.

Of Charles Pierce, Milton, three lots of pears, from
different times of blossoming — the first at the usual
time in spring, the second in June, and the third
the first of September.

From John M. Glidden, Charlestown, N. H., fine
specimens of his crop of corn, mostly of the Dutton
variety. lie has six acres of corn, which, from a
specimen that has been harvested and measured, will
yield eighty-four bushels to the aero.

The Mayfloxoer Quince. — In our last number, wc
noticed an excellent new seedling quince, raised by
J. Washburn, Plymouth. Since our notice, we have
received of Mr. W. the name that he has assigned
to it — the Mayflower, which was the name of the
vessel that brought the first Pilgrim fathers to the
New World. They landed at Plymouth. The name
is a good one, commemorating one of' the most im-
portant events in the annals of mankind, which tran-
spired at the place where this fruit originated.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

Hovey's Magazine of Houticultuke. — This work
still continues with unabated interest, often present-

ing new fruits, or new and important facts that claim
the attention of fiorists and poniologists.

The ANTiauARiAX. — This collection of ancient
church mxisic must be highly prized, as it contains
many good tunes of " Auld Lang Syne." Wo are
pleased to see them collected and kept along in a
permanent form, so that they may not be swept away
by the busy hand of innovation. Published by C. C.
Clapp, Court Street.

For the New England Farmer.

STANZAS.

O, heaven's pure breezes are all my own,

And mine are the gonial shoMcrs,
The sunlight's glow on the blooming earth.

And the wealth of fair-wild flowers,
Which, circled with leaves of polished green,
In every woodland path are seen,
To gladden my ^teps where'er I stray.
And banish the shades of grief away.

Let others sing of the harp and lyre :

The caroling bird and humming-bee,
Tlie summer zephyr's gentle sigh.

Have many a pleasing note for me ;
And there's music, too, in the streamlet's flow
Which over the pebbles murmurs low,
And the voice of the echo which dies away
With the cottager's song at close of day.

I love to gaze on the radiant sky

Beneath the soft veil of even.
And watch each star whose golden ray

Illumes the vault of heaven.
A holy calm o'er my spirit steals,
As Nature her matchless charms reveals,
And I hear a voice like miisic fall —
" Your Heavenly Father made them all ! "
Lebanon, Ct., August, 1849. E. C. L.

THE OLIO.

Curious Anagrams. — About as neat a use of ini-
tials, in the expression of an idea, as we have ever
seen, is in the following couplet, written on the
alleged intended marriage of the old Duke of Wel-
lington with Angelina Burdett Coutts, the ' rich
heiress : —

"The cUike must in a second childhood be,
Since in his doting age he turns to A B C."

It is only the calm waters that reflect heaven in
their breast.

Pruie. — Pride emanates from a weak mind : you
never see a man of strong intellect proud and
haughtv.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at ^1 a
year, or five copies for ^4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18ij cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

^if- The rosTAGE .^gi

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 109 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEREOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth, The art that calls her harvests forth.— Bryant.

VOL. I,

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1849.

NO. 24.

8. W. COLE, Editoh.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J. NOURSE, Proprietoh.

PREPARE FOR WINTER.

The hoarse winds are already sighing a requiem
to the gay season, and the surly blast of Winter will
soon be here, with his reign of terror to those who
are unprepared. Farmers have a great deal to do to
get ready for his approach, and no opportunity should
be neglected to have every thing in readiness. As
the days are short, early rising is important to suc-
cess, that animals may be fed in season, and CA'ery
thing ready to commence labor as soon as it is light
enough to see to work ; and a brisker action may be
borne than in the hot days, for if it produce a little
fatigue, the long nights of rest will recruit and in-
vigorate the system.

Trees that have been newly set should be pro-
tected by heaping up the earth around them, to
keep the roots warm, and support the tree against
the winds ; for if left swinging in the winds, when
the ground is soft, it will be loosened in the roots,
and the water will run down around them, which,
with the frost, may destroy them. Those who object
to fall transplanting, probably do not set their trees
well. We have set many trees from the last of Sep-
tember to December, and never lost one set at this
season. Carefully protect trees from cattle, or they
will destroy them when feed is scarce.

Fences should be kept up to keep animals from
grass lands, for soft lands are much injured by being
poached by them, to say nothmg of the injury from
close feeding.

Manure should be removed from the barn-yard,
hogpen, and other depositories, to a convenient place
for using in the spring ; and such places of deposit
should be abundantly replenished with peat, mud,
muck, loam, sand or gravel, to absorb the liquid
manure, and to combine with the solid parts to save
them from waste. Dig mud and peat, and if con-
venient, haul them to where they will be wanted,
that they may be exposed to the influence of the
ftost, in order to decompose and mollify them, and
render them better prepared as a good mellow ma-
nure. To this purpose, they should not lie in very
large or thick heaps, as, in that case, the frost would
not act on the middle or bottom of the heap.

Ploughing. — Many soils are improved by fall
ploughing, as they become more mellow by freezing
and thawing. Witch-grass and weeds are often
destroyed by fall ploughing ; and it often destroys
insects, particularly in very changeable or open win-
ters, as those are called that are occasionally mild,
and the grovmd bare. But were there no advantage
in fall ploughing, as to the soil, it is well to attend
to as a matter of convenience, when the teams are
strong, and in order to do all that is possible to for-
ward the work for the busy season of spring. When
ploughed lands are liable to be washed, drains should
be made to direct the water from them.

Slock of every description should be protected
against inclement weather, and kept in good condi-
tion by feeding from the barn, as the feed fails in
the pasture or field. An animal in good flesh can
be wintered much cheaper than a poor one, and it
will be far more productive in labor, milk, or as a
mother ; and when it becomes poor late in fall, it
can be put in good condition, in the cold season,
only by extra keeping. Animals in good flesh en-
dure the cold much better than lean ones, and they
are less liable to diseases.

Fuel. — Farmers should prepare sufficient fuel in
the fall and winter to last them through the season,
as it is very unpleasant, and a serious disadvantage,
to leave other work in the busy seasons of spring or
summer to prepare fuel. Green or damp wood sjilit
in November, and exposed to sun and air, will be-
come very much imj^roved for Avinter use. There is
a great loss, both of fuel and time, in using green
wood.

Vegetables of every description should be secured
against frost. Cabbages and turnips may remain
out late, as they keep better in the field than in the
cellar. If gathered early, they shrivel and lose their
good qualities. They will endure severe frosts
without injury. But be cautious and secure them
in season, lest the ground freeze, and then storms
and perhaps snow succeed, and winter sets in with-
out an opportunity to secure them. In the northern
parts of New England, these vegetables should be
secured early in November, in this latitude by the
middle or 20th of this month.

370

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

FRUIT CONVENTIONS.

The first general fruit convention, held in this
country was that held at Buffalo, September, 1848,
called the " North American Pomological Convention."
A.nothcr and separate convention was held in the
city of Kew York, in October, called the " American
Congress of Fruit- Groioers." At the late meeting of
the former convention at Syracuse, N. Y., a com-
mittee was appointed to confer with the latter asso-
ciation, at their recent meeting, with a view of form-
ing a union of the two, which desirable purpose was
effected, under the name of " American Pomological
Congress." The next annual meeting will be held
in Cincinnati.

WRINGING THE GRAPE-VINE.

A friend showed some very fine Isabella grapes
to us a few weeks ago, that were larger than usual,
both in bunch and berry, which he said were pro-
duced by girdling or wringing the vine. About the
time the fruit sets, he takes from the vine a wring
of the bark, about an inch in length. This prevents
the return of the sap in the bark, and it is applied
to the nourishment of that branch, and the fruit is
not only larger, but it ripens considerably earlier.

In the fall, the extending bark, on each side the
•wring, becomes nearly united. If it does not unite,
all the vine above the wring will die. This mode
would be well adapted to cane pruning ; the girdled
vines would be cut out in fan pruning.

THE WHEAT CROP OF TEXAS.

We are sorry to learn from the Houston (Texas)
Register, that the wheat crop of the north-eastern
counties has almost entirely failed, owing to the
frost in the spring, and the wet weather. In most
of the counties on the Upper Trinity, scarcely five
bushels have been raised per acre this year. The
crops in those counties generally average twenty-five
bushels. In Denton, Dallas, and Collin counties, the
crops will scarcely average four bushels an acre.
The crops in the Red River counties will scarcely
exceed ten bushels. Fortunately, however, the corn
crop in those counties is excellent this season, and
there will be no scarcity of breadstuffs. — North Am.
Farmer.

POTATOES.

From year to year, we have carefully chronicled
the appearance of the potato crop as it approached
the season of maturity. Wo have this year made
many inquiries of our farmers, and they uniformly
state that the tubers of this crop are more numerous
and agreeable than at any time since the peculiar
decay, which has of late years proved so destructive,
first began, and no more signs of unsoundness were
exhibited than were known in the "palmiest" and
mealiest days of this valuable esculent. For many
years, we have had extremely wet weather when the
potato was in the most critical period of its growth.
This had undoubtedly contributed very greatly to
their decay, if it had not been the cause. This year,
the weather ha.s not been particularly favorable —
the roots having never been more than sufficiently
moistened. We apprehend this is the true reason
of the change, although, from the universality of the
former loss, it may be fully inferred that the disease

had its origin in some unknown atmospheric phe-
nomena. Hereafter, the year of the cholera will
probably be remembered as the year when this crop
recovered its ancient vigor and excellence. — Bujfah
Com. Adv.

POINTS OF THE HORSE.

A point of groat importance in the fore-leg of a
horse, is the proper setting of the arm, which should
be strong, muscular, and long. By the length of
this part in the hare, added to the obliquity of the
shoulder, she can extend her fore-parts farther than
any other animal of her size ; in fact, she strikes
nearly as far as the greyhound that pursues her, by
the help of this lever. The proper position of the
arm of the horse, hov<-cver, is the result of an ob-
lique shoulder. When issuing from an upright
shoulder, the elbow-joint, the centre of motion here,
will be inclined inward ; the horse will be what is
termed pinned in his elbows, which causes his legs
to fall powerless behind his body. A full and swell-
ing fore-arm is one of the most valuable points in a
horse, for whatever purpose he may be required.

If sportsmen were to see the knee of a horse dis-
sected, they would pay more attention to the form
and substance of it than they generally do. It is a
very complicated joint, but so beautifully constructed
that it is seldom subject to internal injury. Its width
and breadth, however, are great recommendations,
as admitting space for the attachment of muscles,
and for the accumulation of ligamentous expansions
and bands, greatly conducive to strength. The shank
or cannon-bone can scarcely be too short. It should
be flat, with the back sinews strong, detached, and
well braced. This constitutes what is called a wiry
leg. Round legs are almost sure to fail.

As to the size of a horse, it may be remarked that
no very large animal has strength in proportion to
its size. That the horse has not, the pony aftbrds
proof, if any other were wanting. There have been
many instances of horses, little more than fourteen
hands high, being equal to the speed of hounds over
the stoniest counties in England ; for example, Mr.
William Coke's Pony, as he was called, many years
celebrated in Leicestershire. — Abridged from an Es-
say on the Horse.

HOW TO SUBDUE A VICIOUS HORSE.

A correspondent of the New York Commercial
gives the following account of the method adopted
by an officer in the United States service, lately re-
turned from Mexico, to siibdue a horse who would
not allow his feet to be handled for the purpose of
shoeing : —

" He took a cord about the size of a common bed
cord, put it in the mouth of the horse like a bit, and
tied it tightly on the top of the animal's head, pass-
ing his left ear under the string, not painfully tight,
but tight enough to keep the ear down, and the cord
in its place. This done, he patted the horse gently on
the side of his head, and commanded him to follow ;
and instantly the horse obeyed, perfectly sui)dued,
and as gentle and obedient as a well-trained ■ dog ;
suffering his feet to be lifted with entire imi)unity,
and acting in all respects like an old stager. That
simple string thus tied made him at once as docile
and obedient as any one could desire. The gentle-
man who thus furnished this exceedingly simple
means of subduing a very dangerous propensity, in-
timated that it is practised in Mexico and South
America in the management of wild horses."

The flee jumps two hundred times its own length,
which is equal to a quarter of a mile for a man.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

371

SMITH'S VERTICAL GATE.

[The cut represents a large gate open, and a smaller one shut.]

The attention of the public is requested to the
above gate, recently invented and patented by Lo-
renzo Smith, Easton, Mass. This gate does not swing,
but opens verticaJhj by a parallel movement of the
rails. Its superiority to the gate in common use
may be readily seen. As it does not swing, there
can be no sagging ; thus avoiding a great objection
to the swing gate. It requires no ground to swing
upon ; consequently it can be opened or shut while
teams, carts, or carriages, are standing close to it, or
with a snow bank on both sides of it. It is opened
and shut much quicker than the ordinary gate, and
a man on horseback can open it without alighting.
For very heavy gates it is designed to have weights
attached to the ends of the rails, to assist in raising
them ; but gates of ordinary size do not require
weights. This gate is more especially intended for
carriage ways, but is admirably calculated for the
doors of stables, and other places where the common
gate cannot be used, and also may be made single,
for footpaths and narrow passages. It costs no more
than the swing gate, (including the posts,) and is
less liable to get out of order, and more easily re-
paired, if repairs are needed. The practical opera-
tion of the Vertical Gate has been thoroughly tested,
and, so far as knovvn, meets with universal favor.

^W A model of this gate may be seen in the room
adjoining the office of the New England Farmer.

REVIEW OF THE WOOL MARKET

FOR OCTOBER.

We copy the following review of the wool market
from the Wool- Grower. The editor, Mr. Peters,
keeps an extensive wool depot at Buffalo, N. Y.,
wh^ch affords him peculiar advantages for informa-
tion on this subject.

The quantitj"^ of wool going forward is so small
that the eastern markets are not sensibly affected by
the receipts. The main portion of the clip of 1849
has long since gone forward, and is held by a small
number of dealers in Boston, New York, and Phila-
delphia. The largest quantity is in New York. In
Philadelphia there is considerable fine wool, princi-
pally from the western parts of Pennsylvania. In-
deed, the bulk of the wool now in market is of the
finer grades. Coarse and medium wools are neai-ly
out of the market, and still the demand is far from
being satisfied.

Manufacturers have been in the market during the
month, and have bought, to a moderate extent, at
rates a shade higher than those quoted for Septem-
ber. They are, however, but poorly supplied, and
at best will find much difficulty in keeping their mills
in motion till the next clip, even if disposed to do so.
Man}% however, will run with the least possible
quantity that will keep their hands together. The
high price of stock, and the low price of fabric,
furnish no inducement for very rapid production.
The prospect ahead for them is not as cheering as it
ought to be to insure the farmer a fair price for his
wool, especially the finer grades. A few companies
are making money, but a large majority of the woollen
manufacturers, if not losing, are not making a fair
interest on their investment. A modification of the
tariff, so as to charge specific duties instead of ad
valorem, would furnish the only remedy ; and that
should be done. A little more competency in the
proper department of our custom-house would fur-
nish much more protection than they now get, and
our revenue would be very materially benefited.

Pulled wool is now in demand, and the inquiry
active at full rates. We have orders to purchase any
quantity, at from 25 to 33 cents, according to quality
and condition. Pelts are eagerly sought for, and
find a ready sale at full rates. A contract has been
made in Chatauque county, for 17,000, at 62^ cents
all around.

A larger number of sheep will be slaughtered this
autumn and winter than for many years past.

While upon the subject of pelts, we would remind
our friends that we receive, store, and sell them upon
commission, and should feel obliged for their favors.

Sales have been made during the past month at
the depot, of No. 1, at 38 cents, and No. 2 at 36
cents. The lower numbers are worth from 27 to 31
cents.

HOVEN OR SWOLLEN CATTLE.

The Giornale Agrario Toscano communicates a
remedy against the dangerous effects to which cattle
are liable from too free feeding on clover, and some
other vegetables of similar qualities. It consists in
a solution of ammonia, to be given in a quantity of
water sufficient to enable the animal to swallow it
with ease. One glass is generally found effectual.
Should it be found otherwise, a second is to be given
at the expiration of half an hour. Ample testimony
is adduced to show the value of the prescription.

372

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.
AMOUNT OF PRODUCE FROM COWS.

An analysis of facts relating to the produce of butter on certain farms in the county of Essex, in the
summer of 1849, tsiken from the statements of the occupants, as presented to the committee on the dairy,
for the premiums offered by the Essex County Agricultural Society. The several claimants -were required
to state distinctly their produce for the month of June ; also for the four months next following the 20th
of May.

Residence.

John Stone

Daniel Putnam

Elijah Pope,

Charles P. Preston,..

George Pearson,

Nathaniel Felton, . . . .

Jonathan Berry,

Duncan M'Naughton,

John Preston,

Nathan D. Hawks, . .

Marblehead,

Danvers,

Danvers,

Danvers,

Saugus,

Danvers,

Middleton,

Byfield,

Danvers,

Lynnfield,

June
Average to a Cow.

45 lbs.

34 "

28 •*

30 "

30 "

32 "

30 "

25 '•

26 "
25 "

Four Mnntlis
Average to a Cow.

155 lbs.
124 "

111 "

112 "
109 "
llOi "

99 "
98 "
92 "
85 "

Total in Four
Months.

620 lbs.

744 "

444 "

784 "

654 "

884 ««

790 "

490 "

366 "

340 "

56

308 lbs.
f-bylO
= 30.8 "
the average.

1095 lbs.
-J- by 10
= 109.5 '«
in 123 days

6116 lbs.
^by56
= 109-^5- lbs.
the average.

Most of the above facts are distinctly set forth in the statements. Those which are not, are estimated
from those that are. They show what may be expected, from our well-managed dairies, in such seasons as
the past, where the feed for the months of August and September was materially cut off by the drought.
If you think them worthy a position in your record of New England farming, you have them, with my
confidence in their accuracy. Very truly yours,

Danvees, Oct. 25, 1849. J. "W. P.

For the New England Farmer.
FARMING WILL TRIUMPH.

When the year nineteen hundred shall have been
borne on the rapid car of time, and pi'oclaimed in
our midst, what an advancement will have been made
in the arts and sciences, and the various departments
of agriculture, if new inventions and improvements
continue to be put forth to the world as they have
been for the last half century ! Who of us can im-
agine the improvements that will be made in the
cause of agriculture during the next fifty years ?
Judging from the past, when the year nineteen hun-
dred shall have dawned upon us, the jirofcssion of
agriculture will be as much coveted and sought after,
as it was once considered low and disgraceful. Time
was when farming was thought (especially by the
young) to bo a very unpopular and low business.
How many a young man has forsaken a comfortable
home and farm, and apprenticed himself to some
village grocer, because, forsooth, farming was de-
grading ! But a now era is dawning upon this west-
ern continent ; people are beginning to open their
eyes to their true interests, and to the interests of
the whole country.

While great improvements have been made, and
are still making, in the arts and sciences, the cause
of Agriculture has not been left in the rear. With
giant force she has plouijhrd her way through, and
with eagle wings she is fast soaring towards the
summit of her glory. There was a time when the
farmer would grow crops on his New England soil
so long as his land would yield him an equivalent
for his labors, without the use of manure or compost,
and then " pull up stakes," and turn his face with the
emigrant towards the western wilderness. A differ-
ent state of things is being brought about. The soil
is cared for, and every waste material is turned to

account. Thus the land is enriched and kept in a
productive state, and rewarding the husbandman
with an abundant harvest for his labors. Farming
is not now confined to the mere ignorant classes of
society, as men of talents and wealth have become
engaged in it, thus showing to the world that to be
a tiller of the soil is no mean occupation.

Since the existence of the numerous machinations
of mankind to obtain money without a resort to
manual labor, the honest yeoman, by pursuing his
honorable occupation, in earning his bread by the
sweat of his brow, has won for himself unfading
laurels, and is receiving the attention and respect of
all classes of the community. The time will come,
and that too before the nineteenth century shall have
been numbered with the past, when farming will
become the leading occupation of the day, and those
who are now leaving the plough for the city will be
as eager to return to the plough, and enjoy the com-
forts of the farmer's life in the country, as they were
anxious to leave it. These are the writer's humble
predictions. A. TODD.

Smithfield, R. I.

For the New England Farmer.

STRAW HENS' NESTS.

Mr. Cole. Dear Sir : Perhaps it is as important
that we should have good nests for hens, as it is that
wo should have good hens. I have sent one to Rug-
gles, Nourse, Mason, & Co., which to me was a curi-
osity, and more than that, a great convenience ; and
as there has been much of interest published of late
concerning fowls, it may not be wholly useless to say
a word about what I call an Irish hens' nest. I
think no one would be without them if their con-
venience was once tested. They will cost about

J

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

378

seventy- five cents each, and probably will last fifty
years. The)' can be hung up by the side of the hen-
house, or placed where you wish, and the hens will
follow them, after they have become acquainted with
them, which will be very soon. They can be easily
kept clean by scalding and changini^ the hay that is
put into them for their accommodation. When a
hen wishes to set, turn the nest round, the door to
the wall, until she is weaned from it a day or two,
and then turn it back again, and it will soon be occu-
pied as a most choice deposit for more eggs. I have
used them for the past year, and find myself and my
hens alike pleased with them. Do with this as you
please.

Yours respectfully,

OTIS BRIGHAM.
Westborough, Oct. 23, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — The straw nest is very
curious, and ingeniously constructed, affording pecu-
liar advantages, as hens seek for retirement when
they are laying or sitting ; and as it is adapted to
suspension, the hen on her nest may be kept free
from disturbance, or the attacks of various predatory
animals. This nest should have a conspicuous place
in the poultry exhibition.

For the New Englarid Farmer.
MANURING NURSERIES, &c.

Friend Cole : Being in conversation with a nur-
seryman relative to the business, he informed mo of
a new method he had made trial of for manuring
his grounds, and at the same time to obviate the ne-
cessity of hoeing, which had been a saving of some
thirty dollars the present season. It was simply to
cover the ground three or four inches thick with
Bwamp hay, worth about five dollars per ton. This,
he said, very nearly kept down all weeds ; but if here
and there one found its way through, it was an easy
matter to destroy it, as the ground, of course, would
be light under such treatment.

In most or all locations, it would be necessary to
remove the litter in the fall, to prevent the depreda-
tions of the mice, and by returning the same partlj^-
rotted hay or straw in the spring, would the second
season have decomposed sufficiently to incorporate
with the earth, by using the cultivator between the
rows. If thou hast had any knowledge of this method
of nursery culture, wilt thou be so kind as to publish
thy views upon it in the New England Farmer, and
oblige thy friend,

D. TABOR.

Vassalboro', 'dth Mo., 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — We have occasionally cov-
ered land among nursery trees, and around standard
trees, to keep the soil light, and to guard against
drought by retaining moisture; and this mode is
attended with excellent success. In many cases, in
hot, dry summers, it saves newly-transplanted trees
from destruction ; and it often produces a large crop
of the finest fruit, where, otherwise, there would be
a total failure from extreme heat and drought.

Mr. Tudor has raised, this season, at Nahant, — nat-
urally a most unfavorable location, both from the
light, sandy soil, and exposure to salt spray, — the
largest pears of some varieties that we ever saw. A
friend, who visited his fruit-garden in the heat of
summer, remarks that his great success consists in
mulching. A basin of earth is formed around the

trees, into which is put a deep layer of oak leaves,
Avhich retains the moisture, on the same principle
that it is retained around forest trees in their natural
position. So this skilful operation of art produces
the same effect as Nature herself, when left fi-ee from
the improvident hand of the cultivator.

Hay, straw, sea-weed, common weeds, leaves,
shavings, partially decomposed tan, charcoal-dust,
manure of various kinds, and many other substances,
are good for mulching ; and as they decay they form
a valuable manure. In many cases, these materials
are worth for manure all that they cost ; so that the
expense of mulching, or covering the land, would cost
nothing.

Raspberries and gooseberries succeed far better
where the land is covered. We have seen a piece
of raspberries, that was well covered with litter, per-
fectly free from weeds, without hoeing ; and it yielded
over a quart of fruit to the hill or stool, which was
four feet apart, making about twenty quarts to the
square rod, — one hundred bushels, or thirty-two
hundred quarts, to the acre, — which at the usual
price of twenty-five cents per quart, amounts to eight
hundred dollars.

Covering land not only keeps the soil light and
moist, but it keeps up an equilibrium of temperature,
conducing to large and excellent crops, and the
healthy condition of trees, which, in our climate,
without this conservative measure, are liable to in-
jury, diseases, and death, by the great extremes of
heat and cold, wet and drought.

As to the economy of covering land, much de-
pends on circumstances, of which every cultivator
must judge for himself. Generally it is attended
with much expense, and a very profitable crop must
be obtained in order to justify so liberal an expendi-
ture.

For the Neio England Farmer.
HISTORY OF AGRICULTURE, NO. II.

Mr. Editor : The aboriginal inhabitants of Greece
lost all the primeval arts of agriculture, and lived in
a most degraded manner, and fed upon wild fruits,
acorns, &c. ; but by their early communication with
the Egyptians, they were led to the cultivation of
the ground, and they probably borrowed their arts
and early principles of science from them. Agricul-
ture was held in high esteem in the time of Homer,
so much so that one of the ancient kings laid aside
the robes of royalty that he might cultivate his fields.
Hesiod, who lived about the time of Homer, devoted
a Avhole poem to the subject of agriculture.

Xenophon wrote a treatise on rural affairs some
time after ; but of other writings among the Greeks
on the subject of agriculture, but little remains, ex-
cept some scattered notices on the subject by several
authors, till the time of Varro, who informs us that,
in his time, there were not less than fifty authors
that might be consulted on the subject of agriculture
and rural affairs. The Pha?nicians and Chaldeans
held husbandry in the highest estimation. The Car-
thaginians, who descended from the Pha?nicians,
carried it to great perfection ; they have several wri-
ters on the subject, among whom was Mago, one of
their greatest generals. He is said to have written
no less than twenty- eight books ; and it is probable
that, under these auspices, agriculture flourished in

374

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

Sicily, which afterwards became the granary of
Rome.

Sacred history informs us that the Jews applied
themselves to the cultivation of the soil, immediately
after they came into the possession of the land of
Canaan, each family having their territory allotted
to them. By the frequent allusions to this subject
in different parts of the Old Testament, we may
safely infer that husbandry formed their principal
occupation. Many of the laws of Moses have for
their object the regulation of their flocks and herds,
their pastures and fields. David cultivated his own
fields, having storehouses for his corn and wine,
with officers to oversee the same. Elisha was in the
field, with twelve yoke of oxen, when Elijah found
him. There are also frequent allusions to husbandry
business in different parts of the sacred writings,
such as the planting of vineyards, threshing, sifting,
and winnowing corn ; with many other allusions to
farming business, all having the same import, going
to show that husbandry was their leading occupation.

KOCKINGHAM.

LABOR WELL APPLIED IS PRODUCTIVE
OF PROFIT.

Farmers should ever bear in mind that " well-
directed labor " will insure its reward. Of all classes
of men, there is none upon whom this truth needs to
be enforced more than the farmer. How many of
our farmers are year after year toiling on, over-
whelmed with their business on an immense estate,
and at the close of the year the accounts are about
balanced, and again the same toil and vexation must
be renewed ! If rightly- directed effort had been put
forth, no more land farmed than could be done to
perfection, what a saving of labor, what an increase
of profit, what a reward in every point of view,
would be received ! In travelling through the best
farming districts of this country, we oftan find illus-
trations of this truth most striking.

I have in my eye a farm of medium size, which, a
few years since, was any thing but neat and in order,
and which gave sad indications that labor had not
been " well applied." But a change has come over
this scene. A new occupant takes possession, fixed
in his principles — determined that he would carry
out this great maxim, on Avhich depends the pros-
perity and success of the farmer, that " What is worth
doing, is worth doing well." Now, how soon the
farm begins to assume a new appearance ! The fences
are repaired, the land is drained where needed, the
buildings are neatly repaired and arranged; manures
are obtained best suited to the soil, and crops which
are adapted to this region ; a new and imj^roved
stock of cattle, sheep, and swine are secured, and in
short every thing characteristic of the good farmer
appears year after year, under the direction of him
who knows how to apply labor. Instead of having, at
the end of the year, to resort to loans to make up the
deficiencies, this same farm yields a return that
gladdens the heart of the farmer. As years roll on,
each succeeding one finds a larger balance in favor
of well-directed labor ; and now, in addition to the
ordinary appendages of a farm, there is reared, out
of the profits of this well-regulated concern, a neat
and tasty cottage, in the midst of shrubbery the most
tasty and luxuriant — all the work of him who started
with the determination to do all things well. And
this is not all : as the well-regulated expense book is
balanced, a profit which would gladden oven the
hearts of some of our bankers on the capital invested,
is found on hand, to be applied as may best conduce
to the comfort and welfare of an interesting family.
There is no complaint of means to educate the chil-
dren. They are brought up practically to appreciate

the maxim that " What is worth doing, is worth doing
well," and their education prepares them to carry out
in all the varied scenes of life this all-important but
too little practised truth.

Let me then urge upon the farmers who read this
paper — and I am glad to know they iire many, and
among the most intelligent in our land — to put in
practice, if they have not already done so, this simple
but effectual method of farm labor, which brings with
it the most abundant reward, and without which they
will in vain struggle on, never securing the end of
their toil. Order is Heaven's first law, and let it be
yours in every thing relating to your farm. Ilemera-
ber you belong to a noble profession, and one that is
destined to exert a mighty influence on the destinies
of a world. As one man, then, let the American
farmers adopt as their motto, " All thiiu/s relating to
my farm shall be well done," — and no more should be
undertaken than can be thus done, — and soon he
will be found to occupy that exalted position that will
cause his influence to be felt the world over. Surely
it cannot be necessary to urge upon the enlightened,
the intelligent, the hard-working American farmer,
further considerations in support of a principle that
must, on a moment's reflection, commend itself to
every right-minded, reflecting man.

In the London Gardener's Chronicle I find the
following anecdote which the celebrated liobert
Bakewell used frequently to relate — he whose name
is familiar to almost every one for his extraordinary
success in breeding cattle and sheep, and to whom,
probably. Great Britain, as well as this country, owes
as much as to any one individual, for that system of
breeding which has secured the choice breeds of ani-
mals which are now to be found. It is to our pur-
pose, as it gives the history of an old farmer, and one
of olden times too, who was renewed by adopting the
principle laid down as the heading of our article —
" Labor well applied is productive of profit."

Mr. Bakewell said, " A farmer who owned and
occupied one thousand acres of land had three
daughters. When his eldest daughter married, he
gave her one quarter of his land for her portion, but
no money ; and he found, by a little more speed, and
a little better management, the jiroduce of his farm
did not decrease. When his second daughter mar-
ried, he gave her one third of the remaining land for
her portion, but no money, He then set to work,
and began to grub up his furze and fern, and
ploughed up what he called his poor, dry, furze land,
even where the furze covered, in some closes, nearly
half the land. After giving half his land to two of
his daughters, to his great surjirise he found that the
produce increased ; he nuide more money, because
his new broken up furze land brought excessive crops,
and at the same time he farmed the whole of his land
better, for he employed three times more laborers
upon it ; he rose two hours sooner in the morning ;
had no more dead fallows once in three years ; in-
stead of which he got two green crops in one year,
and ate them upon the land. A garden never re-
quires a dead fallow. But the great advantage was,
that he had got the same money to manage five hun-
dred acres as he had to manage one thousand acres;
therefore, he laid out double the money upon the
land.

" When his third and last daughter married, he
gave her two hundred and fifty acres, or half that
remained, for her portion, and no money. He then
found that he liad the same money to farm one quar-
ter of the land as he had at first to farm the whole.
He began to ask himself a few questions, and set his
wits to work how he was to make as much of two hun-
dred and fifty as he had done of one thousand acres.
He then paid ott' his bailiff, (who weighed twenty
stone,) rose with the larks in the long days, and went
to bed with the lambs ; he got as much more work

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

375

done for his money ; he made his servants, laborers,
and horses move faster ; broke them from their snail's
pace ; and found that the eye of the master quick-
ened the pace of the servant. lie saw the beginning;
and ending of every thing; and to his servants and
laborers, instead of saying, ' Go and do it,' he said to
them, ' Let us go and do it, my boys.' Between
comn and ffo he soon found a groat difference. He
grubbed up the whole of his furze and his ferns,
ploughed the whole of his poor grass land up, and
converted a great deal of corn into meat for the sake
of the manure, and preserved his black water, (the
essence of manure ;) cut his hedges down, which had
not been plashed for forty or fifty years ; straightened
his zigzag fences ; cut his watercourses straight,
and gained a groat deal of land by doing so ; made
drains and sluices, and irrigated all the lands he
could ; he grubbed up many of his hedges and bor-
ders covered with bushes, in some places from ten to
fourteen yards in -width, and threw three or more
closes into one. He found out that instead of grow-
ing white-thorn hedges and haws to feed foreign
birds in winter, he could grow food for man instead
of birds.

" After all this improvement, he grew more and
made of two hundred and fifty acres than he did
from one thousand ; at the same time ho found out
that half of England at that time was not cultivated,
from the want of means to cultivate it with. I let
him rams, and sold him long-horned bulls," said
Mr. BakewcU, "and told him the real value of labor,
both in doors and out, and what ought to be done
with a certain number of men, oxen, and horses
within a given time. I taught him to sow less and
plough better ; that there were limits and measures
to all things ; and that the husbandman ought to be
stronger than the farmer. I told him how to make
hot iand colder and cold land hotter, light land
stitfer and stiff land lighter. I soon caused him to
shake off his old prejudices, and I grafted new ideas
in their places. I told him not to breed inferior cattle,
sheep, or horses, but the best of each kind, for the
best consume no more than the worst. My friend
became a new man in his old age, and died rich."

Is it not true that " labor well applied is produc-
tive of profit? " — Genesee Farmer.

THE SPIRIT OF IMPROVEMENT;

Never, probably, at any previous period, has there
been manifested so universal a disposition and desire
of improvement in the various branches of science,
and in the different manufacturing and mechanical
arts, as dt present. Our colleges and seminaries of
learning are cmulously vying with each other in
granting every facility in the education and instruc-
tion of the youth committed to their care. Our in-
stitutions for the promotion of practical science arc
exerting themselves to the utmost for the advance-
ment of this valuable and important object. Men
of intellect, and genius and skill, have embarked in
these noble and praiseworthy undertakings, and from
the success which they have already experienced, are
encouraged to persevere and to redouble their exer-
tions. Even our farmers and agriculturists have at
last begun to feci the general impetus which has been
given to the human mind, and think it necessarj' to
do something in the way of improvement in the art
of husbandry. Horticulture, in the last few years,
has progressed with rapid strides, both to the aston-
ishment and delight of those who have devoted to it
their attention. And agriculture now is calling
loudly for information and the testimony of facts, in
order to found a profitable and approved system, for
the proper cultivation of the earth. Legislatures are
beginning to take this subject into consideration, and
we look forward to the time, when among the hardy

yeomen of the land we shall find as much intelligence,
with regard to soil, manures, crops, implements, &c.,
relating to their particular pursuit, and the mode of
treating and managing them to the best advantage,
as we have already the evidence of proficiency in
other departments, where man has already attained
almost to perfection. That in the manner of culti-
vating there is great room for improvement, seem*
now to be universally conceded. And the success
which has attended the efforts of some of our most
enterprising farmers, of late years, is operating pow-
erfully as an encouragement to similar and more ex-
tended endeavors with others. Nor docs the influ-
ence seem to be limited to any particular class, or to
any section of country. It appears to be wide-
S])read and universal, pervading the entire length and
breadth of the land, though more sensibly felt where
it is, of course, most needed, or other places that are
most thickly settled, and most accessible to markets.
The eastern section, our own state, the southern dis-
trict, and even the far west, where land can be almost
obtained for the asking, and where the best of land
is to be found, there is instituted the same intjuiry
for practical knowledge, and manifested the same
desire of improvement. So universal, in fact, is this
spirit, that it must necessarily be productive of the
most important and astonishing results. — Farmer
and Mechanic.

THE CANADA GOOSE.

The Canadian or American wild goose, {Anser
Canadensis,) and the Chinese goose, (^4. cygnoides,)
occupy, as a writer observes, " a sort of debatable
ground," so that naturalists have been in doubt as to
which family they should be refen-ed ; and hence
some have applied to them the name of sioan geese.

The Canadian goose is extensively known. It is a
migratory bird, and in its semiannual journeys, trav-
erses the northern part of the continent almost from
the etiuator to the pole ; and there are but few of the
inhabitants of this country that are not familiar with
its shrill and animating cry. Its autumnal flight
lasts from the middle of August to the middle of Oc-
tober, and the vernal flight from the middle of April
to the middle of May. Various stops are made, how-
ever, at convenient points, between the winter and
summer localities.

It breeds in its wild state only at the north. Its
favorite resort is the coast of Labrador, and the region,
about Hudson's Bay ; though Hearne speaks of hav-
ing seen great numbers within the Arctic circle,
pushing their way still northward.

To the inhabitants of the regions where it breeds,
the bird is regarded as an important source of sub-
sistence. Its arrival in spring is anxiously looked
for, and the Indians denominate the month the^yoos*
moon. It is said that the carcasses of these birds are
dealt out as rations to the men employed by the
Hudson's Bay Company. " One goose, which when
fat weighs about nine pounds, is the daily ration to
one of the company's servants during the season, and
is reckoned equivalent to two snow geese, (.-1. llijper-
bo)-ea,) or three ducks, or eight pounds of buffalo and
moose meat, or two pounds of pemmican, or a pint
of maize and four ounces of suet." [Richardson.]
Those which are killed after the weather becomes
cool in the fall, are frozen and kept in the feathers
for a Avintcr stock of provisions.

Richardson describes the habits of these geese in
his Fauna Boreali- Americana, as follows : —

" About three weeks after their first appearance,
the Canada geese disperse in pairs through the coun-
try, between the oOth and 67th parallels, to breed,
retiring at the same time from the shores of Hudson's
Bay. In July, after the young birds are hatched, the
parents moult, and vast numbers are killed in the

376

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

rivers and lakes, when, from the loss of their quill-
feathcrs, they arc unable to fly. When chased by a
canoe, and o"blii;od to dive frequently, they soon be-
come fati"ued, and make for the shore with the in-
tention of hiding themselves ; but as they are not
fleet, they fall an easy prey to their pursuers. In
autumn they again assemble in flocks on the shores
of Hudson's Bay, for three weeks or a month previous
to their departure southwards."

The Canada goose has been domesticated, and is
not an uncommon inhabitant of the poultry-yard,
either in this country or in England. It does not
breed till it is three years old. It is somewhat larger
than the common goose, and its flesh is better ; it has
also more feathers and of better quality. It is very
hardy, and rears its young with much certainty. It
is believed to be quite as profitable as the common
kind ; and considering its beauty and usefulness, it
would seem desirable that it should be multiplied in
a domestic state.

The Canada goose will breed with the common,
and also with the Chinese goose ; but the hybrid off-
spring arc, in all cases, incapable of procreation.
Some poultrymen, however, make it an object to
breed mongrels, as they are called. They grow
rapidly, and acquire a larger size than either of their
parents, and their flesh is of so fine a flavor, and so
highly prized, that it readily commands a higher
price in the market. The finest mongrels are pro-
duced between the wild and the Bremen, and the
■wild and the Chinese geese.

It is stated on the authority of Buffbn, that the
Canadian goose, kept in a domestic state in France,
was found to interlsreed familiarly with the swans.
Have any attempts been made to cause this goose to
breed with the American swan, and with what
success ?

It may be remarked that the wild goose {A. Palus-
tris) of Europe is the parent of our common domes-
tic goose, and, of course, a distinct species from the
Canadian goose. — Albany Cultivator.

THE SEASON.

The season for gathering the fruits of the earth is
about closed. Spring and summer, seed time and
harvest, the opening flower and mature fruit have
come and gone. The genial sun and attendant
showers have refreshed and invigorated the earth,
and in return, it has yielded its fruits with an un-
stinted and liberal hand ; the five talents left in his
possession have gained other five, and like a good
banker, when called for, cheerfully restored them.

Wo congratulate the farmers of Berkshire in the
success which has attended their labors and invest-
ments the past season. The task, though laborious,
is healthful, and in many cases lucrative ; and the
consciousness of having derived our profits from a
source which has made none the poorer, — from a mine
which unworked would work ruin to the world ;
from a bank which unopened would yield no divi-
dends, — aff'ords a source of pleasure known only to
him w'hose hand has aided in the work. Judging
from observation and report, we are safe in saying
that the products, (taken as a whole,) the past season,
have exceeded those of any preceding year. There
has been more than a medium yield of every croj)
except apples, (which has proved almost a bla-ik.)
Grass, though not so great a growth, by growing
gradually as it did, occasioned by the dry w-ather,
will be found to contain more nourishmo.it than
some of the profuse growths of former ye-i- ; while
potatoes and grain of a}l kinds have yield I an abun-
dant return for the invostnaent made, an'l aie bring-
ing prices which will abundantly repay t ,, - farmer for
the money and labor expended. — Berks hire CuUurist.

THE HORSE KNOWN BY HIS EARS.

The size, position, and motion of the ears of a
horse are important points. Those rather small than
large, placed not too far apart, erect and quick in
motion, indicate both breeding and spirit ; and if a
horse is in the frequent habit of carrying one ear
forward, and the other backward, and especially if
he does so on a journey, he will generally possess
both spirit and continuance. The stretching of the
ears in contrary directions shows that he is attentive
to every thing that is passing around him ; and while
he is doing this, he cannot be much fatigued, nor
likely soon to become so.

It has been remarked that few horses sleep with-
out pointing one ear forward and the other back-
ward, in order that they may receive notice of the
approach of objects in any direction. "When horses
or mules march in company, at night, those in front
direct their ears forward ; those in the rear direct
them backward ; and those in the middle of the
train turn them laterally or crosswise — the whole
seeming thus to be actuated by one feeling, which
watches their general safety.

The ear of the horse is one of the most beautiful
parts about him, and by few things is the temper
more surely indicated than by its motion. The car
is more intelligible even than the eye, and a person
accustomed to the horse, can tell, by the expressive
motion of that organ, almost all that he thinks or
means. "When a horse lays his ears flat back on his
neck, he most assuredly is meditating mischief, and
the bystander should be aware of his heels or his
teeth. In play, the ears will be laid back, but not
so decidedly nor so long. A quick change in their
position, and more particularly the expression of the
eye at the time, will distinguish between playfulness
and vice.

The hearing of the horse is remarkably acute. A
thousand vibrations of the air, too slight to make
any impression on the human ear, are readily per-
ceived by him. It is well known to every hunting
man, that the cry of hounds will be recognized by
the horse, and his ears will be erect, and he will be
all spirit and impatience, a considerable time before
the rider is conscious of the least sound. — The Horse
and his Rider.

ASHES AND LIME FOR PLUM-TREES.

FiiiEND Reed : I have in my garden a plum-tree,
which, for three or four years past, has borne very
full ; but not tdl this year has one of the plums
been sound.

They all Avere bored, or rotted, and fell from the
tree before they Avorc ripe. Two or three other plum-
trees, of a diff'crent kind, which have borne less,
shared the same fate. Last year, a young tree, which
stood near an ash-leach, and which had never borne
before, produced a solitary plum, and that was sound.
This suggested the idea, that its preservation was
owing to the ashes which had been scattered around
-the roots of the tree. Following out the hint thus
given, I last spring spread ashes and lime, with ma-
nure and salt, around all my trees. The result has
been, that they all have borne, this year, more than
usuil, aril jnost of the fruit has been sound. This
result I ascribe, in part, to the ashes and lime. The
same, I find, is recommended by " An Old Digger."
And the conclusion is obvious, that alkali enough
will destroy the young insects as they lie burrowed
in the ground or attempt to emerge from it in the
spring. li in this way sound plums can be raised,
it will be found a very easy way. Let some of your
readers trv the experiment and note the result.

11. GOODWIN.

S. C\.v\v.v. L'r., Oct. 1849.
— Berkshire Caliurist.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

377

Spur Training.

Cane Training.

Fan Training.

PRUNING AND TRAINING GRAPE-VINES.

In this section of the country, grapes do not re-
ceive the attention that they deserve. One reason
for this is, want of knowledge in their management.
Most foreigners in this country follow the usual
practice in Europe, and cut back the vines too much,
leaving only a few eyes ; and in the summer, they
often cut back the growing shoot close to the fruit,
which prevents fiitt growth and maturity.

On the contrary, cultivators who have had but
little experience in this business, neglect pruning,
sometimes for years, until the vines become exhausted
in the production of small, worthless fruit, and a su-
perabundance of wood, forming a dense mass, without
sufficient air, light, or heat to perfect fruit, or form
strong, healthy, and productive vines.

In cultivating our native grapes, — and no others
are adapted to out-door culture, — these extremes
should bo avoided. After the fall of the leaf, and
before extremely cold weather,, grape-vines should
be thoroughly pruned. If many spurs are left on a
vine, they should be pruned back ; leaving two,
three, or four joints of the present year's growth.
The quantity of wood left should depend on the
room and the strength of the vines. Where the
spurs are close together, cut out every other one.

In fan training, and other modes where vines have
a plenty of room, it is AveU to leave several feet of
the last growth ; and in cane pruning, vines are
often left six, eight, or ten feet long, of the present
season's growth. So much depends on various cir-
cumstances, which the operator will take into consid-
ei'ation, and exercise his judgment, that definite
rules cannot be given.

Almost every cultivator, who has not much expe-
rience in this business, finds, in the summer, that he
has far too much fruit and too many vines. So he
goes to work, at that season, and mutilates the vines,
and thins out the fruit ; but the vines become checked
by the close pruning at a wrong season, the wood
ripens earlier than usual, and the fruit fails. The
only way to guard against the evil is, to prune
thoroughly late in fall, or early in winter. If it be
done in spring, the vines are liable to bleed.

There is a difference in our native grapes as to the
amount of pruning that is necessary. Some are
moderate growers, and will bear good crops with but
very little pruning ; others grow very vigorously, and
must be pruned closely, else there will be too much
vine, and more fruit than will grow and ripen well.

There are various modes of training. The spur
system is the most common. The spurs are cut back
every fall, and a part of the spurs should be cut out
every season, and new ones trained in their place.

In the cane system, the vines represented by the
lines are those that have borne fruit this season ; and
they should be cut away this fall, and new ones
trained in their places next season. The vines rep-
resented by the dotted lines, are new ones trained
up this season, which will bear fruit next year, and
will be cut away in the fall. In this way, by cutting
out alternate vines every season, the fruit will bo
produced on new vines; and it always grows on
young shoots from the last year's growth ; therefore
constant pruning is necessary in order to produce
new wood for the production of fruit.

Fan training, upon trellises, is much practised.
The vines may be kept short, or extended to a con-
siderable distance, as the cultivator chooses. In the
fan system, old vines may be cut out, occasionally,
and new ones trained in their stead ; or alternate
vines may be cut out, as in cane training.

In most vineyards, where particular attention is
paid to raising as large crops as possible, the vines
are set in rows about six feet apart, and about four
feet apart in the rows, and trained to a single stake :
we find this the most economical and convenient way.

Grape-vines may be conducted along by Malls or
fences, or under ground a considerable distance from
the root, and then trained on the walls or roofs of
buildings. They may be spread out in fan shape, or
the cane or spur system may be adopted.

There are various modifications of the systems we
have named, and in some cases they are blended.
The great object should be to prune so thoroughly
late in fall, that there will not be too much vine
without pruning the next summer, otherwise than
thinning out feeble branches that have no fruit on
them, or merely pinching off the new tips of the
vigorous branches, to check the growth of the wood,
and throw the nourishment which the vines con-
tain into the fruit, to perfect its growth and ma-
turity.

November is a good season for pruning the grape.
Early in December will answer very well. But if
vines are pruned in winter, and it is generally very
cold till spring, so that the ends of the wood cannot
season, they will be liable to bleed, as warm weather
comes on, the same as vines pruned in spring.

378

NEW ENGLAND FAKMER.

EXHIBITION OF FOWLS.

A few -weeks ago, Ur. Bennett, of Plymouth, gave
notice that he should show some choice breeds of
poultry, at Faneuil Hall Market, on the loth of No-
vember ; and he invited others to join in the exhibi-
tion. This jiroposition has been so well received
by the public that arrangements are now making to
have a large show of fowls of the various excellent
breeds; and a convention of poultry breeders and
fanciers, and a committee distinguished for their in-
telligence and attention to the subject, have been
appointed, who will sit in judgment upon the exhi-
bition.

"We hope that all who have fine fowls will con-
tribute to this exhibition ; for it is a subject of deep
importance to the pubUc, as poultry and eggs con-
stitute no small part of our substantial food, as well
as luxuries, forming numerous excellent dishes, and
contributing essentially to the improvement of many
others. Statistical accounts of the vast amount, both
in quantity and value, of poultry and eggs consumed
in some sections, or by some nations, would astonish
almost every person, not excepting even the greatest
consumers, compared with which, many things, that
are regarded as highly important, would dwindle
into insignificance.

Come on, then, all who have fine fowls, and aid
in this convention, to give due importance to a busi-
ness that has been too much neglected, and which
should rank among the most interesting and valuable
in rural affairs. Those who attend as spectators,
will, we trust, witness the finest and most extensive
display of fowls that they ever beheld. We publish
the following from the committee : —

Plymouth, Mass., Oct. 25, 1849.
To Colonel Samuel Jaques, Dr. Eben Wight, John Giles,

Esq., Mr. Timothy House, and Mr. H. L- Devereux.

Gentlemen : You are aware that I have taken
incipient measures to got up and organize a conven-
tion of breeders and fanciers of domestic fowls, to be
called the " New Englnnd Ornithological Association,"
which, at the suggestion of Mr. Pedder, will, in all
probability, establish an annual exhibition for lauda-
ble competition in that department ; and that I have
solicited the cooperation of all interested in the im-
provement and perfection of such stock. In order
to give it respectability, and popular favorable con-
sideration, it will be necessary to have order and
fitness in the organization and assemblage. There-
fore, suffer me to respectfully request you to ac't as
a " Committee of Superoision," with plenary powers,
until discharged or confirmed by the convention.
All of wliich is respectfully submitted by

Yours, resijectfully,

J. C. BENNETT.

N. B. In conseqvience of the exhibition being so
late in the season, November 15th, and fearing in-
clement weather, Messrs. Parker & White have kindly
proffered the use of two large eighty feet rooms, (ad-
jacent,) in their agricultural warehouse. No. 10,
Gerrish Block, Blackstone Street, Boston, which I
have accepted, (on the advice of several ornitholo-
gists, who take a lively interest in the convention,)
instead of Quincy jNIaiket, as at first proposed ; which
I trust will prove satisfactory to all concerned.

In the replies of the gentlemen to whom the above
communication was addressed, they have kindly ex-

pressed their willingness to serve on the committee ;
and such arrangements have been made that con-
tributors in the exhibition, who send their stock from
any considerable distance, may direct it to the store
of Messrs. Parker & White, on the days previous,
where they will receive proper care and attention.

J. C. B.

tW° In accordance with the above suggestion of
Dr. Bennett, the committee would give notice that
the first annual exhibition of the " New England
Ornithological Association " will take place on the
loth of November inst., at the store of Messrs. Parker
& White, No. 10 Gerrish Block, Blackstone Street,
Boston, commencing at nine o'clock A. M., to con-
tinue through the day.

All those who take an interest in improving ths
breed of domestic fowls, or who have specimens of
choice stock, — imported or otherwise, — are respect-
fully invited to be present on the above occasion,
and to forward their stock in season for exhibition
on that day. The committee suggest that contrib-
utors of fowls shall send them in compact coops, each
labelled with the name of the breeder, class of stock,
and age, upon a card attached to each box.
SAMUEL JAQUES, ^
EBEN WKIGHT, | ^,
JOHN GILES, )- .,,""*■,

TIMOTHY HOUSE, j "*'""''' *'^
H. L. DEVEREUX, J
Boston, Oct. 29, 1849.

THE BLACKBERRY.

This fruit, when grown in perfection, either wild
or in gardens, ranks among the very finest produced
in this or any other country. On new lands, it
grows wild, and in the finest condition. In thi«
region, it is cultivated to a small extent, and the
fruit, which is of the highest character, sells at great
prices — sometimes at one dollar per quart. But
this enormous price is owing to its great scarcity ;
yet it will have a good effect in causing the extension
of its culture, until it Avill become as common in
gardens as strawberries, raspberries, and other small
fruits. Wo copy the following from the Water Cure
Journal, as we agree with the author in the impor-
tance and healthful influence of this luscious fruit,
and the great pleasure in rambling among the hedges
to collect it.

This exceedingly useful and wholesome fruit is
too much neglected. A surprising prejudice pre-
vents families from making use of it for domestic
purposes. But we have grown older and wiser, and
have learned by experience that the blackberry can
only be despised by those who have no taste for the
simple, yet delightful, and withal luscious banquet
which Nature, in autumn, so amply spreads around.
To us there is an indescribable charm in leaving tl%e
dusty highway, where the berries are coated in drab,
to wander by the hedgerow, whose resplendent
bunches hang in rich profusion, inviting the taste by
the beauty of the appearance.

We like to renew the joyous feelings of youth, and
to allow youngsters to participate in the glorioui
treat of a day's blackberrying, whenever the ojipor-
tunity occurs. Year by year, we were wont to wan-
der, Avith a party of schoolboys, to some favorite spot,
where the berries grew luxuriantly on an ancient
hedge, long undisturbed by the hedger'sbill. Here,
with hooked stick, we pulled down the jetty bunches,
and filled our baskets with winter store ; for our en-
joyment did not cease with the day, but before oui

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

379

mental vision was the prospect of sweets to be enjoyed
in the tarts and puddings of future days.

Then, appetite quickened by the fresh air and long
walk, came our picnic dinner on the soft grass un-
der the sunny hedge : here, with wholesome refresh-
ment, hapyjy faces, and beautiful scenery before us,
we really ijot much jjleasure, as well as profit, from
our blackberry excursion. Then followed our ample
dessert of the wild berry ; and we, as well as our
baskets, being filled to our hearts' content, were re-
minded by the setting sun that it was time to hasteri
homeward with our gathered treasure.

Will any one who reads this follow our example ?
Let him lay aside his worldly anxieties, his business
cares, his daily occupations, and just try how much
simple enjoyment he may procure for himself, how
much real gratification he may afford to others, by a
day's blackberrying.

But this is scarcely practical enough for our pages :
we must now adopt a more humble stylo.

The blackberry is found growing plentifully in
almost every situation : on the high chalk hills or
the clayey valley, there it is in profusion.

But when fully exposed to the sun, the flavor of
the fruit is much more perfect and of greater sweet-
ness than when growing in shady aspects. It is too
common to need description ; every body knows it ;
and perhaps its very commonness makes it neglected.
We have never seen blackberries brought to mar-
ket except in London ; and yet there is no reason
why children should not employ their time in gath-
ering them for sale : the money they would fetch
would be a little help; and no means, however small,
should be neglected by any one, now-a-days, by which
the comforts of his family may be increased.

Then, if they are not sold, blackberry puddings
may be made for the children ; and these, either with
or without the addition of a few apples or damsons,
are very capital things for a family. They should
be made precisely in the same way as gooseberry or
currant puddings are usually made.

ADVANTAGES OF RAILROADS.

Hon. E. Everett, in his speech at the Norfolk Cat-
tle Show, made the following remarks on the advan-
tages of railroads to agriculture : —

We were accustomed to view this system as much
more intimately connected with our commerce and
manufactures than with our agricultural interest.
But he believed that it would soon do quite as much
for the farmers as for any class, and that, in respect
to agriculture, and the real benefit of the countrj%
our net- work of iron roads would be worth more
than ten Californias. Another idea struck him in
relation to the extension of these railroad facilities.
It had long been the complaint that young men in
the countrj' were abandoning the places of their
birth, and looking into the great cities in search of a
livelihood to be gained, if at all, through different
means than those to which they had been brought
up. This complaint, he must allow, had been but
too well founiled. But now it was getting to be
much more common than it formerly was for a man,
so soon as he had acquired a competency, to return
to the place of his birth, and build himself a snug
little nest in the shade of his ancestral trees. For
instance, within a circle of twenty-hvc miles around
Boston, a perfect crop of these little boxes had sprung
up, and it was daily increasing in amount. Let but
a system of enlightened and judicious agriculture go
hand in hand with these increasing facilities of com-
munication with the great marts of trade, and the
beneficial effect of a love and relish for pure country
enjojTiients and employments would be more and
more developed.

EXPERIMENTS-POTATO RAISING.

The following experiments are with potatoes of
the Mercer variety, on loamy soil, with subsoil of
clay, and were planted the last week in April. I
ploughed and subsoilod about twenty inches deep ;
planted the same nun;ber in each row. The experi-
ments were conducted with perfect fairness : my ob-
ject Avas to ascertain which was the best manure, so
as to use it in future. The first three rows I manured
broadcast with four hundred pounds Peruvian guano
and two bushels plaster per acre, and harrowed it in.
I likewise put a tablespoonful of the following ma-
nures on each potato : —

Row No. 1, compost of guano, ^ guano, | sand ;

yield, Li bushels.

Row No. 2, plaster ; yield IJ "

" " 3, poudrette ; yield, .... 1 "

The next four rows, twelve bushels salt per acre,

broadcast : —

Row No. 1, live ashes, handful; yield, . 1^ bushels.
" " 2, ground bones, " " • i "

" " 3, bone dust, tablespoonful, . | "
" " 4, compost guano, as above, • i "

The next five rows, fifteen bushels bone dust per

acre : —

Row No. 1, live ashes and plaster, handful,

yield 1^ bushels.

Row No. 2, salt and plaster, sprinkled along

row, 1^ bushels.

Row No. 3, leached ashes and plaster, hand-
ful li bushels.

Row No. 4, bone dust, tablespoonful, . 1 bushel.
'* " 5, guano, compost, and plaster,
tablespoonful, IJ bushels.

The next seven rows, twenty-five wagon loads

stable manure per acre, broadcast : —

Row No. 1, plaster, tablespoonful ; yield, 3 bushels.
" " 2, pure guano, tablespoonful, by side
of potatoes , . . . 2^ bushels.

Row No. 3, road dirt, ^ shovelful on each, 3 J "
" " 4, horse manure, " " 3 "

" " 5, hogpen " " " 3 "

" " 6, poudrette, handful, . . . 2i '<
" " 7, guano compost 2 "

The next experiments were with the Fox-Eye
variety, planted 23d May. The manure was put in
the row, nothing having been previously put on the
ground.

Rows No. 1, 2, 3, and 4, leached ashes, a handful ;
yield, 10 bushels or 2^ bushels per row. Row No.
5, ground bones, small handful; yield, l^ bushels.
Row No. 6, salt sprinkled along row ; yield, 1 bushel.
No. 7, plaster, tablespoonful ; yield, 1 j bushels. No.
8, pure guano, tablespoonful side of each potato ;
yield, 1 bushel. No. 9 and 10, Ume ashes and plaster,
handful; yield, 2 bushels each. No. 11, 12, 13, and
14, guano and plaster, spread along row, handful
about every three yards ; yield, 5 bushels, or 1^ bushels
per row.

In conclusion, I would state that the potatoes
Avhere the leached ashes were put were larger and
better than either of the others, except the road dirt,
which were decidedly finer than any in the field.

Penxixgtox, 1849. W. J.

P. S. The guano potatoes came up some ten days
before the others, and looked greener and better for
some time, but were finally beat by most of the
others. W. J.

— Philadelphia Dollar Netospaper.

The parent who would train up a child in the way
he should go, must go in the way that he would
train up the child.

380

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

JDomestic fBepartmcnt.

A Gem. — The sunlight that follows a shipwreck
is not less beautiful, though it shines upon the rem-
nants of a broken bark; what is saved is so much
more precious than that which has been lost. The
domestic circle is alwaj'S too small to allow of rup-
ture ; it is always too precious to make excusable
any neglect to prevent or heal disturbance. There
are enough to minister by hints and reproaches to
domestic unkindness ; and unfortunately the best,
under such circumstances, are much too prone to
mistake, and thus misrepresent motives ; and trifles,
with no direct object, are magnified into mountains
of unintentional offences. It is the same in social
life. Let us guard against it. Delicate relations are
lilie the polish of costly cutlery ; dampness corrodes,
and the rust, though immediately removed, leaves a
spot. — Michigan Farmer.

To swEETEX Bread without Sugar. — It is not
generally known that pui-e starch, added to the flour
and made into dough, will be partially converted into
a species of sugar during the process of fermentation
and baking, and produces sweet, wholesome bread.
From the experiments of Dr. Colquhoun, it appears
that starch, arrow-root, farina of jiotatoes, or similar
amjdaccous substances made into a jelly, with hot
water, may be employed for this purpose ^with ad-
vantage. It is only necessary to mix the flour up
with the jelly, instead of mere water, to add yeast
and salt, and to bake in the common way. Dr. Pcr-
cival has recommended the addition of salep for this
purpose. One ounce of salep dissolved in one quart
of water, two pounds of flour, eighty grains of salt,
and two ounces of yeast, give three pounds two
ounces of good bread ; but the same weight of mate-
rials, without the salep, gave only two and three
quarters pounds. If too much salep be added, how-
ever, it will give its flavor to the bread.

Indian Flap Jacks. — Scald a quart of Indian
meal ; when lukewarm, turn, stir in half a pint of
flour, half a teacup of yeast, and a little salt. When
light, fry them in just fat enough to prevent their
Sticking to the frying-pan. — Another method of mak-
ing them very nice is, to turn boiling milk and water
on the Indian meal, in the proportion of a quart of
the former to a pint of the latter ; stir in three table
spoonfuls of flour, three eggs well beaten, and a
couple of teaspoonfuls of salt.

Bojis' lUcpartment.

"What it is to be polite. — Politeness is a trait
which every one admires, and which confers upon
its possessor a charm that does much to pave the
way of life with success. But it is very much mis-
understood. Politeness does not consist in wearing
a silk glove, and in gracefully lifting your hat when
you meet an acquaintance : it does not consist in
artificial smiles and flattering speech, but in sincere
and honest desires to promote the happiness of those
around you ; in the readiness to sacrifice your own
ease and comfort to add to the enjoyment of others.
The man who lays aside all selfishness in regard to
the happiness of others, who is ever ready to confer
favors, who speaks in the language of kindness and
conciliation, and who studies to manifest those little
attentions which gratify the heart, is a polite man,

though he may wear a homespun coat, and make a
very ungraceful bow. And many a fashionable, who
dresses genteelh', and enters the most crowded apart-
ments with assurance and ease, is a perfect com-
pound of rudeness and civility. He who has a heart
flowing with kindness and good will towards his
fellow-men, and who is guided in the exercise of
these feelings by good common sense, is the truly
polite man — and he alone. — Michigan Farmer.

fjealtl).

Vaccination oftentimes no Vaccination. — Since
the facilities of intercommunication with Eurojie by
steamships have been established, and with dififcrent
parts of our own country by railroads, we have noticed
that cases of small-pox and varioloid are much more
frequent. This arises from the carelessness of emi-
grants, and of others, in not guarding against attacks
of small-pox by being vaccinated. But vaccination
of the present day is not in all cases what it should
be. It does not always protect the person vacci-
nated. And wh)'' does it not ? Because impure
matter is used for the purpose. Sometimes the mat-
ter is taken from the arm of a person who has been
revaccinated — sometimes the matter is taken at an
improper stage of the pustule, and not unfrcquently
from a person who has some other cutaneous disease.

Now, in all such cases, the matter so used, if it
" takes," as the saying is, will make a sore, and ap-
parently go through all the stages, leave a scar, and
all that, and yet be of little or no efficacy in warding
off the small-pox. We have known people become
diseased with cutaneous diseases, which were un-
doubtedly brought on by the use of virus taken from
a person similarly diseased. Too much care cannot
be taken in this business. Be sure that the matter
to be used is genuine, and collected at the proper
stage of its maturitj'. If the patient to be inocu-
lated be laboring under any cutaneous disease, or
humor, as it is often called, he had better be cured
of that first, for we have no doubt that such humor
will vitiate the vaccine virus, and render it doubtful,
to say the least, whether it will afford any protection
to the person who is vaccinated at the time such
humor is in full operation. — Maine Farmer.

iltccljanifs' ^Bepartmcnt, ^rta, ^r.

Cheap and Valuable Paint. — Editors CuJti rotor :
The Ohio mineral paint has been off'ered to the pub-
lic as something very valuable, particularly to the
farmer, for its durability and cheapness. I send you
below the detail of some experiments which I caused
to be made a j'car or more since, for cheap paint. I
believe it equal to the Ohio article in all particulars,
and superior from its greater cheapness, it being
within the reach of almost every one.

Experiment No. 1 was the mixing of water-cement
with oil to the consistency of paint, and putting it
on immediately. Any drying article, used with oil
paint, may be put in, if it be desirable to have it dry
at once.

No. 2. Cement mixed with coal tar, or gos tar, as it
is sometimes called, I put in, in the same manner,
without any drying mixture. You can vary the color
by the addition of any mineral substance. The paint
I have put on, is now as hard as stone, and was put
upon rough boards that had been exposed to the
weather for ten years. I have just had painted a
small building of rough boards, battened sides and

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

381

roof. The roof is covered with No. 2, the sides
with No. 1. The color of both is stone — No. 1
neaiiy that of freestone, with a shade of handsome
drab, and gradually becomes a little lighter. No. 2
is considerably darker ; but this too becomes lighter
by exposure to the air. I intend giving to the body
of the building another coat, when sharp, clean sand
will be thrown against it ; and I doubt not, but I shall
obtain a rich imitation of freestone.

The water cement used was from Southington,
Connecticut, known as Moore's Ccni'mt.

It is not, like the Ohio paint, patented.

CHARLES R. ALSOP.

MiDDLETOWN, Ct., ApHl 27, 1849.
— Albany Cultivator.

Incombustible Prepauation for Wood. — The
following recipe for rendering wood incombustible,
has been, we believe, tested in regard to its efficacy,
and although personally we have not seen it proved,
think we can recommend it as being of much utilitj',
particularly when applied to the surface of wooden
roofs, or other places particularly exposed to the
action of fire.

It is very simple in its preparation, which requires
the operator merely to take a quantity of water pro-
portionate to the surface of the wood he may wish to
cover, and add to it as much potash as can be dis-
solved therein. When the water will dissolve no
more potash, stir into the solution, first, a quantity
of flour paste, of the consistency of common painter's
size ; second, a sufficiency of pure clay, to render it
of the consistency of cream.

When the clay is well mixed, apply the prepara-
tion, as before directed, to the wood ; it will secure
it from the action of both fire and rain. In a most
violent fire, wood thus saturated may be carbonated,
but it will never blaze.

If desirable, a most agreeable color can be given
to the preparation, by adding a small quantity of
red or yellow ochre.

FENCES.

The following article, from the Philadelphia Dol-
lar Newspaper, contains judicious remarks ; but we
do not agree with the writer in his conclusion, that
the hawthorn makes the best fence. As a matter of
utility, or having a fence merely as a protection against
animals, it is doubtful whether any hedge could be
recommended, as it costs much to raise them and
keep them in good condition and handsome appear-
ance ; and a flourishing hedge extracts a great deal
of nutriment from the soil, which, under diff"erent
management, might be turned to good account in
crops. Yet, as an ornament and defence, a hedge
combines these advantages above any other fence.
But the hawthorn does not generally flourish well in
this climate, as it is destroyed or stinted by our hot,
dry summers.

The residence of a farmer cannot be complete un-
less it is surrounded by fences both convenient and
pleasing to the eye. Let his grounds be ever so well
cultivated, or his buildings ever so tastefully ar-
ranged, without neat fences the whole scene becomes
a glaring caricature, more ridiculous from the con-
trast between order on the one hand and a disre-
gard of taste on the other.

Who would think of building a fine mansion, and
of enclosing it with a slender apology for a fence, so
constructed as to prevent the entrance of cattle, not
by its strength, but by frightening them, as if it were
aot to be approached without danger ? And yet,

how many farm-houses arc enclosed by a zigzag
thing overgrown by weeds ! To complete this in-
teresting picture, we find on one side of a pair of
bars a large pig trough, and on the other a few
boards placed, one end on the ground, the other on
the fence, to provide a dozen half-starved road-pas-
tured swine with a sleeping apartment. So much
for the mere appearance of things in front. liCt us
now take a walk to the back- part of the farm, and
sec how poor fences answer the purpose there.

In one corner of a field of grain, or of a meadow,
an unruly horse is quietly grazing ; in another, a
yoke of oxen are regaling themselves with becoming
gravity ; in a third, a few pigs are at the business
with a will ; and to make all square, a flock of sheep
occupy the fourth corner. No farmer can possibly
flourish under such auspices, for if his land produces
grain, "like sand on the sea-shore," his cattle will
break in and destroy it ; but no one will dispute the
utility of good fences, to constitute which several
things are necessary : —

First. A fence must be sufficiently high, otherwise
it offers a temptation to spry, young cattle, or to old
transgressors, to step over and take a toothful of for-
bidden fruit.

Second. It must be of sufficient strength, for some
beasts are " wont to push with the horn," and a board
over the face is no ornament to a good-looking
animal.

Third, It must possess durability, for repairing old
and rotten fences is no pleasant task.

Fourth. It must not be too expensive, for Yankee
farmers dearly prize " the dollars."

Lastly. As a sine qua nan, beauty must be com-
bined with the above requisites.

The question then arises. What kind of fence has
all these good qualities r And it may be answered,
the hawthorn, or hedge fence, so common in England.
This possesses " the useful with the agreeable,' ' and
harmonizes finely with a country scenery.

TRANSPLANTING TREES.

We find, in the Utica Gazette, facts showing that
it is not necessary to select small trees for transplant-
ing, in order to insure their growth. Large trees
may be as successfully planted as small ones. The
mode and result of an experiment, made by Messrs.
Pomeroy and Button, of Utica, are thus given : —

Those gentlemen transplanted trees, comprising
maples, elms, beech, &c., some thirty feet in height,
which were transplanted without being shorn of any
of their branches. The process of removal was as
follows : In the fall, before the frost, a trench was
dug around the trees selected, from ten to fifteen
feet in diameter, and the roots severed. In the
winter, when the ground had become solid from
freezing, the trees pulled out by the aid of oxen and
levers, with the mass of earth firmly attached to the
roots. They were then transported erect on a strong
sled, built for the purpose, and set out.

The trees grew in open land a mile and a half
from the city. They put on their foliage last spring,
as if Avholly unconscious that they were not still in
their native soil ; and the enterprising gentlemen who
undertook this unusual course are rewarded with
shade trees, which by the old practice would have
required twenty years to produce.

To REMOVE Stumps. — If they are dry, set them
on fire ; if not, chain an upright lever, from eight to
twelve feet in length, to them, and hitch a yoke of
cattle to the upper end of the lever. If the lever is
a good one, and firmly chained, the stump will be
keeled over very easily. Stumps decay soonest if
cut high, as they then hold most water.

382

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

SULLIVAN, N. H., CATTLE SHOW.

An agricultural society was organized in Sullivan
county, N. H., last year, and the following account
of their first show, recently held at Claremont, is very
encouraging. We copy from the Newport Argus : —

From what we can learn, it was not expected that
the gathering would be largo, or that the productions
of agriculture, and other articles brought to the fair
for exhibition, would be numerous. But in this re-
spect, the society and all were most happily disap-
pointed. The assemblage from all parts of the county
was exceedingly large, surpassing any gathering, to
our knowledge, ever held in the county. A deep
interest was manifested in the cause of agriculture.

The number of cattle brought to the fair was large.
In this respect, the people of Croydon took the lead.
They had attached to one team seventy- eight yoke
of cattle, and a band of mnsic, which excited much
attention. Our Croydon neighbors are most clearly
entitled to premium No. 1, on long teams. Among
the big oxen, we noticed one yoke owned by Colonel
E. J. Gliddcn, of Unity, which weighed about four
thousand pounds. There were many other largo
cattle on the ground, a number of which were from
Langdon : their precise weight we did not learn.
There was also a good representation of steers, cows,
and calves, some of which were very handsome.

The vegetable department, in which there was a
good display, consisted of various kinds of potatoes,
pumpkins, squashes, cabbages, turnips, apples, pears,
&c., &c. We noticed some pumpkins, raised by H. P.
Henderson, and I. Hubbard, Esq., of Claremont,
which weighed eighty pounds. Wc also noticed
squashes raised by Hon. S. Edgerton, of Langdon,
which weighed seventy-six pounds, and some raised
by Granville Gilmore,Esq., of Ac worth, four and a
half feet long.

The various kinds of needle-work by the ladies
displayed much taste and ingenuity, and was said to
be nicely executed.

The addi-es3 was delivered by Mr. Brewster, of
Hanover. Many parts of it were highly interesting.
He spoke of agriculture as being the great leading
interest in the country — the interest upon which
all others rest, and which feeds and clothes the
world.

FEEDING POULTRY.

Professor Gregory, of Aberdeen, Scotland, in an
epistle to one of his friends, remarks on this subject
as follows : —

" As I suppose you keep poultry, I may tell you
that it has been ascertained that if you mix with
their food a sutHcient quantity of egg-shells, or com-
mon chalk, which they will eat greedily, they will
lay twice or thrice as many eggs as before. A well-
fed fowl is disposed to lay a vast number of eggs, but
cannot do so without the materials for the shells,
however nourishing, in other respects, may be her
food. Indeed, a fowl fed on food and water, free
from carbonate of lime, and not finding any in the
soil, or in the shape of mortar, which they often cat
off the walls, would lay no eggs at all with the best
will in the world."

I have this season kept twenty-three hens and a
cock, feeding them mostly on grain, green vegeta-
bles, sour milk, and moat ; but as the year is not yet
completed, during which my experiments with them
are to extend, I forbear entering into a detailed
statement of the profit at present, as it cannot be
fully ascertained or even approximated. I have
found that by giving them meat regularly every day,
— the off'al from the shambles, or, when this cannot
be obtained, fresh fish, an abundance of which can

be supplied from ponds and streams, — they will lay
continuously, if provided with ashes, lime, egg-shells,
or sand, to supply material for the shells. Brick-
dust is an excellent substitute for the above ; but it
is more expensive, and will rarely be resorted to
where lime can be obtained. In August, I commence
sotting my hens, allowing thirteen eggs — which are
as many as can be well covered or incubated by one
fowl — to each hen. Care is had to secure a good
nest, where the sitting process will be performed
comfortably and without interruption. Some com-
mence setting their fowls in July; and when the
poultry is wanted for early use or marketing, this is
no doubt a better month than August ; but I prefer
the profit on the eggs during the preceding months,
as I have never failed to have enough poultry for
my own use, and a considerable quantity for market-
ing, when no chickens have been hatched till the
last week in August, or the first or even the middle
of the month following.

As soon as the broods are hatched, the hen is re-
moved to a coop, conveniently situated for feeding,
and carefully attended for three weeks, when she is
permitted to range the fields with her brood — a
shelter being prepared for them at night, to which
they ordinarily resort voluntarily, and without any
trouble or extra inducement being offered after the
first night or two. In setting my hens, I am guided
by the suggestions of Columella, who wrote nearly
three thousand years ago, and who appears better to
have comprehended the legitimate laws of poultry-
raising than most of our modern authors who pre-
tend to great skill and accuracy in the art. He re-
marks that all the long-shaped eggs, having concen-
tric circles developed on the smaller ends, invariably
produce male birds, and those which have not,
females. This I have found to be strictly true. When
I intend to produce fowls for market or for home
consumption, I select the long eggs, as males are
heavier and moi'e hardy than females ; but if my
object is brood fowls, the shorter and smoother eggs
are taken. On this subject I will write you again.

AGKICOXA.

Lower Dublin, October 15, 1849.
— Gennantown Telegraph.

WOOL MARKET AT THE SOUTH.

With a view of keeping our readers apprised of
the general progress of the wool business in this
country, we present the following article. We have
occasionally referred to the extension of wool- raising
in the west, and on the highlands in the south, infer-
ring from the great interest every Avhere manifested
in this subject, and the cheapness of lands west and
south, and the facilities of communication, that the
greatest competition in the wool market will be in
our own country ; and yet this should not at present
discourage the wool- grower of the north, as manu-
factories are increasing as fast as the increase of the
wool-growing business. A vast amount will be
wanted to supply the millions of spindles that will
soon be in operation. We copy from the American
Farmer, published in Baltimore.

The Wool- Growers* Convention, lately held at
Washington, Pa., I hope will have a tendency to
draw the attention of the wool-growers of the ad-
joining states of Maryland, Ohio, and Virginia, to
that all- important staple, and induce them to fall
upon some plan, by which the northern and east-
ern manufacturer may know where he can find the
precise qualities of wool suited to his peculiar manu-

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

883

facture, the want of which has caused the manufac-
turer to work to great disadvantage, as he is under
the present system cnmpelled to buy hi^ wool, in
many instances, with fleeces ranging from the coars-
est Leicester to fleeces almost equal to best Saxony,
which would assort into some twelve or fourteen
distinct numbers or qualities, when he would ])roba-
bly not require for his own use more than one or two
of any of those numbers ; and the consequence is,
that he is liable to a loss upon all the others, or he
must manufacture from those fabrics, for which his
machinery is not adapted, and suffer a further loss.
Now, the only plan by which this vexatious state of
thini^s can be obviated is by the establishment of a
wool-grading and assorting house, where they could
have their wool put into its various numbers or
qualities, where it can be presented to the purchaser,
with an assurance that he will get what he buys, and
nothing else : this assorting would probably cost the
grower from two to two and a half cents, for assort-
ing and cleansing from burs, &c., and he will find
that it will enhance the value of his article to much
greater extent than the extra charge of the wool-
house. Having been a manufacturer for many years,
I can fully appreciate some such system ; having
often been put to the inconvenience of working up
Bmall parcels, where larger ones would have been
much more profitable ; and all from the fact of hav-
ing to buy all qualities mixed through each other.
The plan, as now pursued by the wool-grower, is to
bundle all his fleeces " pell mell " into a sack, and
■end them off to his merchant in the city to sell for
hi;n, who, though, perhaps, a good judge of cloths,
knows nothing under heaven about the quality of
wool in the fleeces, and probably, in the usual course
o£ his business, never saw a fleece opened, and, if he
did, could not tell upon what part the finest wool
was to be found, and therefore liable to be imposed
upon by the designing, though he is not the sufferer,
»o far as his commission is concerned. It requires a
great deal of judgment and long experience to know
how to handle wool. I know of no place so well
suited for such an establishment as Baltimore, from
her centi-al situation, as well as being in the great
thoroughfare from the Western to the Eastern States,
which, for a long time to come, will consume all that
ean be produced of the fine qualities of wool. Im-
mense quantities pass from this city annually to the
east, and the greater part in small parcels, as received
from individual growers, and all from the want of
a wool-grading house in the city.

MANUFACTURER.

SASSAFRAS SWEET APPLE.

We copy the following article from the Albany
Cultivator, under the head of" Haskell Sweet Apjile."

In the last number of The Cultivator, under the
horticultural department, I see, in answer to inquiries
respecting the best sweet apples, you name the Has-
kell Sweet, for the fall.

I should be pleased to know from you, if this is
the same ajiple described by Cole, in his recent Fruit
Book. If it is, it will present the singular fact of an
apple of high merit disseminated at a distance, and
yet here in Essex county hardly known at all be-
yond the town (Ipswich) where it originated. It
would also confirm my own opinion of its superior
qualities.

I know not why Mr. Cole calls this the Sassafras
apple. The original stock is now standing on a farm
once owned by a Deacon Haskell, whence its name.
ALLEN W. DODGE.

Hamilton, Mass., August 2i, 1849.

[This is the same as Cole's Sassafras apple. It has
been cultivated by Robert Manning, of Salem, who

thinks it the best autumn sweet apple. It has also
proved fine at Macedon, in Western New York. Ed.]

In the American Fruit Book, we say of this apple
that, in our ojnnion, the same fruit is considerably
known under each name. We do not state this as a
fact, as we have not seen and compared them to-
gether, but have tried them at different periods, and
depend on memory, as well as judgment, for their
identity.

Mr. Dodge will perceive that we have given a
reason for preferring the name Sassafras, as it is sig-
nificant. This apple has a distinct sassafras flavor..
Another reason we might have given, is, that it is
more extensively cultivated under the name of Sas-
safras.

CULTIVATION OF THE CRANBERRY.

Having read some reports on the cultivation of
the Cranberry, from practical men, I was induced to
make a trial of it last spi-ing myself. I took some
cranberry sods direct from the swamp, just like taking
them from the water, and set them in hills some
four or five feet apart, on a swamp muck soil, which
had been drained dry enough to grow good potatoes.
I set some fifteen or twenty rods of ground, on several
different times, or dates. The first I set was in the
second or third week in April, and the last in the
last week in May. They have some scattering cran-
berries on them now, and have grown and spread
over the ground far beyond what I anticipated ; and
if they grow as fast as they have done thus far, for
a year to come, I think they will spread over the
whole ground between the hills, for some of them
have grown from three to three and a half feet in
length already. B. MEACHAM.

Claremont, N. H.
— Selected.

GRAPE-VINES.

The cultivators of grapes have frequently com-
plained that their vines do not bear fruit annually.
A distinguished agricultiirist has adopted the follow-
ing method to remedy the evil, and has found it suc-
cessful. He trims his vines in such a manner that
some parts will make wood exclusively, and others
produce grapes in the same year ; and in the follow-
ing year he uses the new limbs as fruit-bearers, and
lops off the fruit-bearers of the first year, so that their
places may be supplied with new branches to bear
fruit in the third year. Thus, let 1, 2, 3, 4, represent
the four main branches of a vine. He lops off in the
fall 1 and 3, and suffers 2 and 4 to remain as fruit-
bearers. The second year he lops off 2 and 4, and
suffers the new growth on 1 and 3 to remain as fruit-
bearers in the third year. The following will be the
results for three years : —

In 1850, 2 and 4 will produce grapes.

In 1851, 1 and 3 " "

In 1852, 2 and 4 " "

Thus an annual supply of fruit will be insured by
adopting this simple remedy. E. B. R.

Springfield, Clark County, Ohio, 1849.
— Philadelphia Dollar Netospaper.

Potatoes and Cattle from the British Provinces.

Two vessels from Londonderry and Cornwallis,
N. S., with potatoes, the former with a deck load of
cattle, horses, and sheep, arrived here this morning.
The cattle are brought here in consequence of the
deficiency of the hay crop in the British Provinces.
— Boston Traveller.

384

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From J. M. Ives, Salem, JNIountain Sweet melon.
This fruit was past its prime, but it gave evidence
of its great excellence. This is regarded as one of
the finest varieties of watermelons. Mr. Ives re-
marks that it is early. Also various kinds of apples
and pears : among the former is the Can apple of
Coxe, identical with Seaver Sweet, or Wiutcr High
Top, one of our finest kinds.

Of Charles L. Spaulding, Cavendish, Vt.,New York
Red potatoes, very mealy and fine. This is one of
the few kinds that we have not yet had in our col-
lection, which embraces about two hundred kinds.
Mr. S says this is not liable to rot, and it yields well.
Also Irish Apple potatoes, of excellent quality, but
rather liable to rot.

From Colonel Libbeus Chase, Cornish, N. H., vari-
ous kinds of grapes, on which wc shall report soon.

We have several varieties of apple, among them
the Spaulding Sweet. The name of the donor is mis-
laid, and we should be pleased to receive it again.

THE ARMY WORM.

This destructive insect, which four or five weeks
ago made a campaign in So\ithcrn Illinois, attacking
hundreds of acres at a time, and sweeping off grass,
oats, and late corn, all alike, has just made its ap-
pearance in Northern Wisconsin, where it is doing
great damage. The Detroit Bulletin states that the
worms are particularly destructive upon oats. They
climb the stock, first cutting off the leaves and then
the head. They move in droves from one field to
another, their tracks across roads very much resem-
bling that made by drawing hay or straw over mel-
low ground. Complaints are made of their ravages
in Dodge, Fon du Lac, and Brown counties. — Cin-
cmtiati Gazette.

CUTTING OFF THE STEMS OF PO-
TATOES.

Mr. C. Wood, of Wadsworth Common, England,
says, in a communication in the Agricultural Ga-
zette, —

"I have followed the plan ever since 1845, with
success. I had the tops cut off, last year, quite in a
green state, long before the tubers could i)Ossibly be
either ripe or have finished their groAvth ; and, when
taken up, they were fine in size, and of excellent
quality. I have a few of them left yet, (July 10,) in
a perfectly sound state. The only difference in the
plan pursued by Mr. Lomba and mine, consists in
putting a layer of earth over the surface — a practice
in which I can see no value. I usually remove the
hauni on the first appearance of the botrytos (di:s-
casc) on the under sides of the leaves. I have already
taken it off my early sorts, and I am satisfied, from
experience, that, if this is strictly attended to, no
one need fear the disease, cither in wet or dry, rich
or poor soils."

GENEROSITY.

True generosity does not consist in obeying every
impulse of humanity, in following blind passion for
our guide, and impairing our circumstances by pres-
ent benefactions, so as to render us incapable of
future ones. — Goldsmith.

THE INDIAN SUMMER.

There is a time, just ere the frost
Prejjares to jjavc old Winter's way,

When Autumn, in a revery lost,
The mellow daytime dieams away.

When Summer comes, in musing mind,
To gaze once more on hill and dell.

To mark how many sheaves they bind,
And see if all is ripened well, —

With balmy breath she whispers low ;

The dying flowers look up, and give
Their sweetest incense, ere they go.

For her who bade their beauties live.

She bends above the quiet pool
In which the rill forgets to play ;

The frolic eddies quickly school

Their eyes of glass her transient stay.

She enters 'neath the woodland shade ;

Her zej)hyrs lift the lingering leaf.
And bear it gently where are laid

The loved and lost ones of its grief.

She seeks the shore ; old ocean heaves,
In gladness huge, his mighty breast,

Prisons his wild winds in their caves.
And basking in her smiles, is blest.

At last old Autumn, rousing, takes
Again his sceptre and his throne ;

With boisterous hand the trees he shakes,
Intent on gathering all his own.

Sweet Summer, sighing, flies the plain,
And waiting Winter, gaunt and grim,

Sees miser Autumn hoard his grain,
And smiles to think 'tis all for him !
■ Home Journal.

THE OLIO.

"The tree is known by its fruit." The only ex-
ception to this is the cfoy-wood, which is known by

its bark!

" Charles," said a father to his son, while they
were working in a saw-mill, " what possesses you to
associate with such girls as you do ? When I was
of your age, I could go with the first cut." " But,"
said Charles, " the first cut is the slab."

Why should we open our hearts to the world ? It
laughs at our weakness ; it does not believe our vir-
tues ; it does not pity our sorrows.

There is an English statute, where one half goes
to the king, and the other half to the informer — the
penalty heing fourteen years' transportation.

TERMS. — The New England Farmeu is published
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsorae
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at gl a
year, or five copies for ^■i, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18i{ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

1^ The Postage „^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

STEKEOTYPED AT THE
BOSTON TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor

waits, o'er all the earth

, The art that calls her harvests forth. —

Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

NOVEMBER 24,

1849

.

NO.

25.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

^Proprietor.

EXHIBITION OF FOWLS, AND CONVEN-
TION OF FOWL BREEDERS AND FAN-
CIERS.

On the 15th and 16th of this month, the grand
show of fowls, and convention of fowl breeders and
fanciers, came off in the public garden in this city.
Notwithstanding the lateness in the season, the
weather was most delightful, being as bland and
bright as the fine weather in May or September.

The show was extensive both in numbers and
variety, far exceeding expectation ; and the remarka-
bly fine condition of the fowls was highly creditable
to the exhibitors. Those who had taken but a lim-
ited observation of this subject were astonished at
the great variety, richness, and excellence of the
show ; and the many thousands who witnessed it
were happily disappointed and highly gratified;
and when they saw so many splendid and beautiful
fowls, so great a variety possessing peculiar charac-
teristics and marks of distinction, and so large a
number of intelligent men giving their attention to
this subject, and aiming to improve the various breeds
and disseminate useful information on a subject of
80 much practical utility to all classes, they looked
upon this branch of rural economy as assuming great
importance, and destined to rank high among the
industrial pursuits that contribute largely to the
profit and pleasure of the operator, and to the gen-
eral welfare of the community, and to rural em-
bellishment.

There were about two hundred lots or coops of
fowls, and the whole number of fowls was probably
about one thousand. Some editors estimated them
at two or three thousand ; but such are doubtless
accustomed to counting votes before election. Almost
every breed of hens in the country was represented,
from the beautiful little Bantam, no bigger than a
common pigeon, to the majestic India fowls, as large
as turkeys.

The greatest deficiency was in the common native
hens, which wore scarcely seen excepting in crosses.
Had the finest natives been selected, they would
have added much to the interest and beauty, as well
as to the extent, of the show. In fowls as in other

stock, too much attention is given to foreign breeds,
to the neglect of improving the domestic races. Our
best natives, judiciously selected and bred by crosses,
would rank, in utility and show, with the finest
foreign varieties.

Besides the numerous distinct breeds at this exhi-
bition, there were crosses and mixtures of almost
every description ; for in stock, as in every thing else,
the love of experiment and desire for improvement
stimulate Yankees to try every mode, with a view
of pi-oducing something novel, excellent, or won-
derful.

BARNDOOR FOWLS OR HENS.

Bantams. — There were various lots of the little
Bantams, of different colors, but mostly white. John
Giles, Providence, R. I., had African Bantams. E.
B. Little, Haverhill ; Henry Little, Marshfield ; S. H.
Peek, Lynn ; A. H. Hale, Rockport ; B. W. Balch,
Dedham ; Calvin B. Austin, Danvers ; E. B. Rich-
ardson, Brookline ; H. L. Devereau, Boston ; George
S. Pierce and Stephen Osborne, Danvers ; and A.

A. Andrews, Roxbury, exhibited Bantams. Those
of Mr. Devereau were white, with top-knots.

Creepers. — Parker Barnes, Dorchester, and Henry
Little, Marshfield, showed Creepers — an old but ex-
cellent race. Mr. B. had in his show eggs laid by
pullets, which were large for small fowls. He claims
for them superior profit, and excellence both in eggs
and flesh, in proportion to the food consumed.

Italian, or Black Spanish, Avere exhibited by Daniel
Buxton, Jr., Danvers'; A. White, Randolph; Calvin

B. Aiistin, Danvers ; B. Shurtleff and N. Coolidge,
North Chelsea ; and S. B. Morse, East Boston. Those
by Mr. B. were remarkable for their j^urity, beauty,
and distinctness.

Dorkings were exhibited by Dr. E. Wight, Ded-
ham ; W. E. Richardson, Brookline ; John Giles ;
W. J. Buckminster, Framingham ; Clinton Clark,
Brookline ; L. II. Stoddard, Brookline ; George S.
Pierce and Stephen Osborne, Danvers ; N. C. Day,
Leominster ; J. S. Houghton, North Chelsea ; A. A.
Andrews, Roxbury ; Theodore Drew, Plymouth ;
John W. Hunt, North Bridgcwater; N.H.Tyrrell,
Easton ; T. G. Morrell. Georgetown. The Dorkings,
as they were marked, were of various sizes and

386

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

colors, and many of them were doubtless mixed with
other breeds. Dr. Wight's imported Dorkings were
much admired.

BoUon Grays were shown by Nathan G. Hodson,
Stoughton ; James Houghton, Dorchester ; Joseph
A. Stinger, Kingston ; John Giles ; and W. W.
Hague, Roxbury.

Bucks County fowls were exhibited by A. "White,
East Randolph ; and George S. Pierce and Stei^hen
Osborne, Danvers.

Poland Top-Knots were shown by A. White, East
Randolph ; J. M. Rowell, Manchester, N. H. ; G. S.
Pierce and S. Osborne, Danvers ; D. Holmes, Mai-
den ; A. H. Hale, Rockport ; Theodore Drew, Plym-
outh; and Joseph A. Sampson, Duxburj-.

G uclderlaiids were exhibited by H. L. Devereux,
Boston ; and S. B. Morse, East Boston.

Java fowls were shown by John Giles, Providence ;
and John Chamberlain, Jr., Danvers.

En.fjUsh Grays were exhibited by Linus Mantry,
Easton; J. C. Floyd, Dorchester ; and T.A.Stan-
Icy, Attleborough.

Creoles were shown by D. M. Robertson, Man-
chester ; and John W. Hunt, North Bridgewater.

Dominique fowls were exhibited by G. S. Pierce and
S. Osborne, and John Chamberlain, Jr., Danvers.

Frizzled, or Friesland, by G. S. Pierce, and S. Os-
borne.

Shanghae fowls, by S. and G. Hyde, Newton ; A.
Pike, Watertown ; W. J. Buckminster, Framing-
ham ; J. S. Houghton, North Chelsea ; C. B. Marsh,
West Roxbury ; John Giles ; B. Lancaster, Rox-
bury; E. B. Little, Haverhill; G. W. George, Ha-
verhill; B. W. Balch, Dedham; J. W. Spooner,
Plymouth ; Thomas Thorpe, West Cambridge. Many
others exhibited the Shanghae fowls, and crosses of
this breed, with various others. In several cases,
this breed and crosses of it were marked Cochin China,
and China; but there are no Cochin China fowls in
this country, in the opinion of the most competent
judges. It is said that there are none in England
excepting a few owned by the queen.

There were many varieties of fowls formed bj'
crosses, some of which were of fine appearance, and
will doubtless rank high in point of iitility. S. M.
Stanley and P. M. George, of Attleborough, showed
very iine fowls, produced by a cross some twenty
years ago. The finest looking hen in the whole ex-
hibition, in our opinion, was a large fowl shown by
Howard B. Coffin, which was from a cross of the
Dorking with what was called the China breed.
That old hen will be very diligent if she lays eggs
enough in one season to fill the numerous orders for
her eggs.

Several lots of hens were marked Pheasants ; but
there were no pheasants shown, excepting a pair by
Colonel Ja'^ucs. The hens called pheasants might
be one fourth or sixth of the pheasant blood. They
probably descended from a cross of the golden pheas-
ant -with the Poland fowl.

There were but very few fowls marked Game
breed, and the most of them were a mixture.

Plymouth Rock. — This is a new variety, recently

formed at Plymouth, and which has gained an early,
and, we think, a short-lived fame, unless their in-
trinsic properties excel their appearance. But few
of this race were shown, and some of them were
very good in appearance.

Turkeys. — John Giles exhibited a pair of wild
turkeys.

Geese. — Daniel Webster, Marshfield, showed a
fine lot of wild geese ; one pair of old ones and
young ones. Colonel Samuel Jaques, Somerville,
exhibited Bremen geese, remarkably large. By
John Giles, one pair of Barnacle geese, and one
Poland gander.

Ducks. — John Giles showed imported Aylesbury
ducks, and Muscovy ducks ; Rufus Bates, Hanover,
imported Poland ducks ; Isaac Ellis, Waluole, ducks ;
E. S. Rand, Dedham, one Wood duck, very beautiful.

Guinea fowls were exhibited by John Giles ; and
J. R. Bartlott, Newbury.

Pea fowls were shown by H. L. Devereux.

Swans. — Noble and beautiful white swans were
shown by John Giles.

We have endeavored to show to our readers who
had not the pleasure of visiting this exhibition, its
variety and extent, and show by whom the different
breeds were exhibited, as a matter of information to
purchasers ; but where there was so great a variety,
and changes made by bringing new lots, and carry-
ing away others, and in short days with crowds con-
stantly around the coops, and other duties- to attend
to, it is difficult doing justice to the novel subject.

We hope that the committee will publish a report,
in which they will discriminate as to the purity of
breeds, and the peculiar properties of each breed,
showing its excellences and defects, if it has any.
The public are looking for information from the ex-
perienced and intelligent committee, to whom great
credit is due for their arrangement and management
of this aff'air, as well as to Dr. Bennet, of Plymouth,
for suggesting it. The beginning has been excel-
lent, and remarkably proniising, and it has created
an excitement that, like that for raising fruit, will
have a happy effect on the community. We sup-
pose that arrangements have been made for future
shows, and that they will far exceed the recent ex-
hibition. Many sales of barndoor fowls w-erc made
at the fair, at from five to ten or fifteen dollars per
pair. Since the exhibition, blood stock in fowls has
risen from fiftj' to one hundred per cent.

Much credit is due to S. B. Morse, East Boston,
the very intelligent secretary of the convention, for
the efficient and accurate manner in which ho dis-
charged the perplexing duties of his office, and hia
aencral ciuro and oversight of the exhibition;

FLOWERS.

Flowers are divided into anniials, which flower
and die the year they are sown ; biennial.^, which
flower the second year, and then die ; and pcren
nials, which do not, generally, flower the fir.st year,
but die down to the ground annually, and spring
up again every succeeding spring for a number ot
years.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

387

ITALIAN OR BLACK SPANISH FOWLS.

This breed is verj' common in Italy, Spain, and
other countries along the Mediterranean. They are
very distinctly marked, and uniform in form and
color.

The size is large, the form compact and symmetri-
cal; the coloi', a jet, shining black. They have
very large single combs, and long wattles, which
expose them to injury in very cold climates, unless
well protected by a warm house.

The eggs of this breed are large and of excellent
quality. The flesh is also excellent. They are good
layers, and they commence laying young. They are
considered as one of the most profitable races, and
all who saw them at the late show will testify to
their fine appearance, as they may justly bo classed
among the most ornamental breeds.

Our engraving is drawn from life, by Brown, rep-
resenting specimens of the fine lot exhibited at the
late fair by Mr. Daniel Buxton, Danvers, some of
which he sold at ten dollars per pair.

FRUGALITY.

This mei'cantile wisdom of " a penny saved is two
pence got," may be accommodated to all conditions
by observing, that not only they who pursue any
lucrative employment will save time when they for-
bear expense, and that time may be employed to the
increase of profit, but tViat they, who are above such
minute considerations, will find, by every victory
over appetite or passion, new strength added to the
mind, will gain the power of refusing those solicita-
tions by which the young and vivacious are hourly

assaulted, and in time, set themselves above the
reach of extravagance and folly.

It appears evident that frugality is necessary even
to complete the pleasure of expense ; for it may be
generally remarked of those who squander what they
know their fortune not sufficient to allow, that in
their most jovial expense, there always breaks out
some proof of discontent and impatience ; thev cither
scatter with a kind of wild desperation and aff'ected
lavishness, as criminals brave the gallows when they
cannot escape it, or pay their money with a peevish
anxiety, and endeavor at once to' spend idly and
save meanly ; having neither firmness to deny" their
passions, nor courage to gratify them, they niurmur
at their own enjoyments, and poison the bowl of
pleasure by reflections on the cost. — Johnson.

PEA STRAW.

Not long since, I saw a communication from some
brother farmer out west, stating that pea straw was
entirely worthless. I think his saying thus was in
consequence of his never having tested the value of
it. Last year I raised a fine crop of the green pea,
and v.as careful to preserve them from storms. I got
them into the barn in a good condition, and wintered
my sheep on the straw, without grain or roots, and
never had my sheep look better than they do this
spring. I think there is no straw better worth saving
than pea straw, if properly taken care of and pre-
served from the weather. Let some other person
try them and tell us the result. — Genesee Farmer.

Dr. Franklin, endeavoring to kill a turkey by an
electric shock, received the whole battery himself,
when he good-naturedly observed, that, instead of
killing a turkey, lie had nearly put an end to the
existence of a goose.

388

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

For the New England Farmer.

THE SEASON AS TO FRUITS.

Mr. Cole : Whoever remembers the warm days
of last December, and fainted through fear that the
buds of fruit trees would swell so much as to be
killed bv future fronts, as well as those who shud-
dered at their fate in February when the mercury
sunk not only to "fatal li°," but more than 20°
below zero, must of necessity be surprised that the
expectations of wise, calculating men failed, and that
the buds of all kinds of fruit trees survived both
fatal influences, not only in the valleys, but along the
hill sides and on the hill tops of cold, mountainous
Borkshire,

The bloom of every kind of fruit tree cultivated
hero was abundant, though much later than in most
seasons. Apple-trncs gave a profusion of large, fair
blossoms ; but owing to the cold winds that passed
over them, but little fruit set, and that that reached
maturity was of an inferior size and quality, compared
with ordinary crops.

Pears blossomed much like apples ; not quite so
full, perhaps. The quantity of this fruit, in proportion
to the number of trees cultivated, was much more
liberal.

English cherries are a rare article in this region.
We wonder at it, the tree is so hardy, and the better
varieties of fruit so fine. They produced a fine crop
of perfect fruit in 1849. If any one wishes to know
how long it takes an English cherry-tree to come in
bearing here, we will say to them that, in the spring
of 1812, we grafted one three fourths of an inch in
diameter near the ground : this graft has borne three
years, is now twenty feet high, with a fine head, and,
the last summer, produced cherries enough to pay
for all the labor we have bestowed upon it. Of
course, it is now in its cherry-tree infancy, and its
future crops may all be nearly considered a clear
gain.

Plums have borne in profusion, so that every one
who has trees has had an abundant supjdy and to
spare. (Do not forget to salt your plum-trees liber-
allv, if you would liave them healthy and productive.
Wc have known several trees that bloomed well, but
produced no fruit, come into bearing the first year
after the application of salt.)

Peaches — ah ! the delicious peaches ! If there is a
single point in which all the world is agreed, it is
this, that peaches are good. The invalid says they
are healthy ; and we, from the good eff'ects we have
received from them, — those of our own raising, the
present year, — are disposed to think his assertion is
correct. But what elongated countenances were
visible, and what fearful forebodings were felt, last
winter, when unusual warmth was followed by
severe cold, in anticipation of the failure of the peach
crop ! Our learned professors said it was all over
with them, when the frosty mornings sent the mer-
cury to 20°, 22°, 23° below zero ; and others thought
so too, v.hen they saw the dingy, half- formed blossoms
coming out to meet the cold wind the latter part
of May. Yet these same trees, that gave such a miser-
able bloom to look upon so late in May, that some of
them hung on in June, gave ample crojjs in Septem-
ber and October. The fruit was good too, as rich
and as perfect as can be found at any time in any
land.

It is probable the tardiness in appearance of the
blossoms in many insta-.'.ces saved the crop. A sin-
gle illustration may substantiate the prol)al)ility, and
establish it as a fact.

In t.hc gardens of Mr. Samuel Goodricli, located
on the interval of the Housatonic, in a warm soil, in
Stockbridge, the peach failed entirely, from having
Started too early, and being subject to a spring frost ;
while in the garden of General Williams, located in

the hill country of the same town, the crop was full,
equalling fifty bushels, which, in a small, J'oung or-
chard, in a region where nine tenths of the popula-
tion have considered peach-trees a nuisance, and
those who planted them visionary, is certainly a
good crop.

We do not suppose that peaches will grow here
without care ; neither will any other crop. Even our
old forests, planted by the hand of nature, will, in
cultivated countries, through negligence, run to de-
cay. Grass, the spontaneous growth of the country,
through neglect or mismanagement will run out and
give place to weeds. How then can we expect that
the native products of distant climes will flourish
and perfect themselves without due watchings and
timely labors ? Soil, location, and after management
are considerations that must be attended to in the
cultivation of all kinds of fruit trees, to insure their
full success.

The Alkn peach. You will recollect, perhaps, that,
some three or four years since, — I am not certain
which, — you sent me three pits of this peach. These
were immediately planted, and two of them vegetated.
Both grew vigorously, but one of them unfortunatclv
got broken down the next winter, which put it back
a year. The other has produced as large a crop as
was desirable, and the poaches are fine to look upon,
and fine to taste. Average size three inches in di-
ameter ; flesh very juicy and rich ; a beautiful blush
on the side next to the sun. The tree makes a very
fine, strong wood, and appears to be perfectly hardy.
It is, no doubt, one of the best varieties for our
climate. Yours truly,

W. BACON.

Editorial Remarks. — Several years ago, we vis-
ited the peach orchards in Walpole, and gave a par-
ticular notice of the Allen peach, cultivated exten-
sively there — far more than any other variety. The
peculiar properties of this peach in producing the
same from seed, as it had been cultivated in that
way for forty years, with its hardiness, and early,
constant** and great bearing, with its good qualities,
caused a demand for the trees, and they have been
widely disseminated. We distributed many trees or
seeds to our friends.

A few cultivators have complained that this peach
is rather small for market ; yet we believe that no
variety has aftbrded more profit than this. Four or
five years ago, Mr. Jeremiah Allen, of Walpole, had
a large crop from a young orchard, and the same
trees have borne well this season. Mr. Daniel Allen,
who carried the fruit to market informed us that the
crop from one and a third acres produced over four
hundred dollars this season. Has any cultivator in
New England beat this ?

When in Maine, last summer, where we had sent
some stones of the Allen peach to our friends, we
saw some of the fruit, where the thermometer, the
previous winter, must have been as low as 25° or
30° below zero. We are happy to find that this
peach sustains the high character which we gave
it, on introducing it to the public. Mr. Allen, the
old gentleman, who has the honor of originating this
valuable variety, says, as we are informed, that his
trees have failed only three or four years in forty.

This peach is not large, but it is medial in size ;
very handsome, and of excellent quality ; and its
vigor, hardiness, productiveness, and long life, and
the very important advantage of yielding the same

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

389

fruit from seed, are valuable properties, especially in
this cold climate.

For the Neio Engkind Farmer.
ANALYSIS OF SOILS.

Mr. Editok : Some time ago, I read, in your first
September numVjer, an article entitled " Analysis of
Soils, &c." I noticed in the article an inquiry insti-
tuted by the writer relative to the manner of ana-
lyzing soils, for the luirpose of ascertaining -what
elements need be added to the soil of any particular
field to prepare it in the best manner for the produc-
tion of any desired crop.

After reading the above article, I examined the
subsequent numbers of your paper, hoping to dis-
cover, at least, some reference to this inquiry ; but I
am disappointed in finding that no notice has been
taken of it by any one of your correspondents.

Although I am not a practical eh(^mist, neither an
experienced farmer, I will nevertheless say a few
words on this subject, with the hope that, by break-
ing the ice, I may induce others, better qualified than
myself, to impart to us some valuable information on
the sulyject of this inquiry.

As to the manner in which analyses of soils are
performed, I am practically unacquainted. I have,
however, paid some attention to the study of agri-
cultural chemistry, sufficient to convince me that a
complete analvsis can be performed only by a person
who, by much study and practice, has prepared him-
self for this particular business. Very incomplete
analyses can be performed by any farmer who feels
disposed to take the requisite time and pains : for
instance, he can ascertain, with approximate accu-
racy, the proportionate amount of sand, clay, and
lime in the soil of any one of his fields. To do this,
he would first put the soil in hot water, to soften
the clay ; then he would sift the soil, by which pro-
cess the sand would be separated from the clay and
lime, these two passing through the sieve, leaving
the sand behind. The sand shoidd then be dried,
and its weight ascertained. If, now, he treat that
portion of the soil v.-hich passed through the sieve
with muriatic (hydrochloric) acid, the acid will unite
with the lime, dissolving it; the solution can then
readily be separated fi'om the remaining clay. After
the separation, the solution should be evaporated to
dryness, and then weighed. Finally, the remaining
clay should now be dried, and its weight ascertained.
Now, by comparing these obtained weights, he
would ascertain, with tole'rable accuracy, the propor-
tionate amount of each of these three ingredients of
the soil.

The farmer can also ascertain the nature of his
soil, to some extent, by mere inspection : thus he
can generally ascertain, readily, whether the soil be
naturally sandy or clayey, or whether there be
much iron present, a trace of which is always found
in fertile soils. If his land be rocky, or in the im-
mediate vicinity of rocks, he can ascertain its nature
more accurately by learning the chemical constitu-
ents of these rocks ; since they, by their disintegra-
tions, are constantly changing into soil. Fortunately
for the farmer, the chemical constituents of nearly
all the various crops, which he raises, have been
carefully ascertained and recorded. These analyses
he can readily consult by obtaining books which
contain them ; but he cannot procure accurate and
complete analyses of his soil without employing the
services of the chemist, and without, of course, incur-
ring considerable expense. This necessary outlay
prevents most farmers from obtaining the assistance
of the chemist, although they may feel conscious
that the benefits they might derive from his investi-
gations would by no means be inconsiderable.

It should, however, be remembered, that the anal-
ysis, which the fanner may obtain from the chemist,
will bo o£ comparatively little use to him, after the
expiration of a few years, unless he take notice of the
quantity aird nature ot the manure which he, from
time to time, adds, as well as of the nature and
amount of each year's produce ; for the addition of
fertilizers to the soil, and the removal of a portion of
its ingredients, will have a tendency to change its
nature to a greater or less extent.

At the present time, farmers are extensively en-
gaged in the manufacture of artificial manures, or,
as they are often termed, compost heaps. In form-
ing these heaps, is it not important that some regard
should be had to the wants of the soil to which this
manure is to be applied, as well as to the nature of
the crop which is to be raised ? Also, in the appli-
cation of such fertilizers as lime, plaster, &c., which
are composed of only a few elements, would it not
be Avell for us to consult the wants both of the soil
and the crop ? Is not the farmer often greatly dis-
appointed and astonished that the fertilizer which
he has added so copiously to the soil, does not ap-
parently increase his harvest ?

I have been forcibly reminded of the importance
to the farmer of information on these points, by sev-
eral experiments which have fallen under my obser-
vation during the present season. I will mention
one of these.

A farmer, in this town, purchased a large quan-
tity of unclarified Glauber's salts, (sulphate of soda,)
which ho sowed, copiously, on two fields apparently
very similar in their nature. On the one field he
raised oats ; on the other, Indian corn. His crop of
corn was quite large, being upwards of sixty bushels
to the acre. His crop of oats, on the contrary, was
unusually small. He was astonished at this result,
and very naturally did not know how to account for
it. Now, if he sliouid come into possession of anal-
yses of these two fields, and also of the oat and
maize, could he not then, by a little study, obtain
some light as to the cause of this result ? Or, if he
had obtained these analyses, before sowing the salts,
is it not probable that he would have added some
more needed fertilizer, at least, to the oat field r Or,
if he should compare the analj'sis of the maize with
that of the oat, would he not find a much greater
amount of soda in the former than in the latter r and
could he not very reasonably infer that the salts
which he added would benefit the corn much more
than the oat crop ? But, Mr. Editor, I will not ex-
tend my remarks further. ISIy only object in making
them is to draw the attention of others to this im-
portant subject. How far I have succeeded in ac-
complishing my object remains to be proved.

L. G. LOWE.
Bridgewater, Nov. 8.

For the Neto Englajid Farmer.
BONE DISORDER IN COWS.

Mr. Editor : I was much interested in reading a
communication in your paper upon this subject, by
A. W. Dodge, Esq. (p. 351.) I do not propose to
show that the bones of any cow have actually wasted
away ; but I have seen many cows that have wasted
away, all but their skin and bones, and they lost the
use of them ; this, too, while they were well fed upon
good English hay and Indian meal.

I can remember seeing cows thus affected more
than twenty years ago. "There is something peculiar
in the looks and motion of a cow thus affected :
though I cannot fully describe it, yet I can readily
distinguish them from what is commonly called poor
cows. When a cow is kept poor, the hair is long,
and stands erect : this is not the case when they

390

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

have the bone disease. They become gaunt, and,
when they walk, they put cac-h foot down with as
much care as you would set down an old rickety
barrel that you were fearful would fidl to pieces.

Wc have never had any cows thus affected on our
farm. I trust my neighbors will excuse me if I use
their names upon this subject. On the farm of
Captain Levi Preston, the cows have long been
affected in this M'ay. It was formerly thought, in
this neighborhood, that it was something that the
cows ate in the pasture that caused it. As his pasture
joined ours, Ave were fearful, for a time, that ours
•Wi'uld be affected in the same way. We think now
that we can guard against it. lie has always been
one- of the most industrious and prudent farmers of
Danvcrs, taking the best of care of his stock ; yet
his ows have been the most affected. Now, why is
this ? I think I can show. For a long time, the most
of the stock kept upon his farm were milch cows ;
the manure applied was mostly made by them ; he
has never bought manure for his land, nor grain for
his stock, so that there has been a constant drain
upon the soil of phosphate of lime to supply milk.

I have never known a cow to be affected in this
way on a farm where they have been in the habit
of buying shorts for their cows, or buj'ing manure
for their land.

Your correspondent says that this whole theory
appears to him unreasonable, because lands which
yield an abundance of good feed, would be just as
likely to afford sufficient nutriment to the bones as
to the flesh of cattle.

I answer, that they do, bvit that there are some
lands which do not afford nutriment enough for the
milk and bones l)oth. If this is not the case, why is
it that oxen will thrive well in the same pasture,
and cows that are dry, while those that give milk
become stiff and diseased ? With all due deference
to the opinion of Dr. Saunders, I would ask him, whj'
is it that it only affects cows that give milk ? And
why does the disease first appear at the time when
they are giving the greatest quantity ? And why
are good cows more likely to be affected by it than
those which give but little milk ?

I would ask him if, in his practice, he has ever
known a cow to have this " acidity on the stomach,"
except in those places where the greater part of the
stock kept was milch cows.

A short time since, I was looking at one of our
neighbors' cows. lie said, " My milch cows want
something that they cannot get on this farm now.
I give them bono meal twice a week ; this helps them ;
but it is not exactly wdiat they want." Ho said that
he fed his cows better than he did his oxen ; yet his
oxen always looked remarkably well, and his cows
poor. I refer to Mr. Jonathan Berry, who for manj^
years lived upon the Eurley farm, so called, in
Beverly.

Wliy is it that his cows are affected here, and not
there, if it is not the want of some ingredient in their
food } Why is it that oxen and drj' cows do well,
while milch cows, fed from the same haymow, and
meal barrel, become poor and stiff, if it is not because
they do not get phosphate of lime enough to make
milk and support the bones ?

WILLIAM R. PUTNAM.

North Danvers, Nov. 9.

BLACK WARTS ON PLUM-TREES.

These warts and the curculio are great evils, and
the principal ones with which the fruit-grower has
to contend in raising plums. They have long been
subjects of close investigation to the scientific and
practical man, without satisfactory results. The fol-
lowing interesting remarks on the black wart, are

from Miss Grace Darling, who had peculiar advan-
tages for observations, in the numerous horticultural
experiments of her distinguished father, the late
Judge Darling, of New Haven, Ct.

Mr. Cole : I hope you will pardon the liberty I
take in writing to you, as I noticed, in your excellent
work on fruits, that " no cause had as yet been as-
signed for the appearance of black knots on plum-
trees." They seem to have been entirely extermi-
nated from our trees, by cutting off the branches
infected, and burning them. I obtained some which
contained two kinds of insects, the one a thick, short,
Avhitish little grub, destitute of feet, the other longer
and more slender, of a color inclining to a reddish-
brown. I kept them in a tumbler, parth' tilled with
moist earth, and covered with glass. The wdiite
larvie went into the ground, and in a few weeks came
out curculios ; the others vi-ent into the chrysalis
state in and on tlie excrescences, and hatched out
about the sumetimc the curculios did. These proved
to be a small moth, about a quarter of an inch in
length, of a light brown color, with three large spots
of a dark brown on the hind margin, and a line of
the same color running across the miildle of the
wings, pointing backwards, so as to form the letter
V. They all died very soon, probably from confine-
ment.

I have examined numbers of the warts, and always
found the caterpillars of the moths more plentiful
than the curculio ; but why they should both inhabit
the same place, and which the author of the mis-
chief is, I am unable to say. I have, however, come
to the conclusion that it is the curculio, which makes
use of the young and tender twigs in default of plums,
from this fact : the moth never seems to have bored
for itself, but occupies the cavity left by the cur-
culio ; and also in years when the crop of plums has
failed, the number of black excrescences have very
much increased. In an instance a few years since,
wild cherry-trees, and plum of the natural growth,
were literally covered with them, while the budded
and more choice varieties escaped.

Respectfully, G. D.

BANNER WHEAT,

OR KLOSS BLUE STEM WINTER AVHE.VT.

We have occasionally made some remarks on this
wheat. See pages 11 and 320. Brother Drew, of
the Gospel Banner, in an. excellent address before
the Franklin (Maine) Agricultural Society, makes
the following very interesting remarks on this sub-
ject:—

And speaking of personals, you will allow me to
advert once more to my own experience with what
I call the Banner wheat. I observed, that, originally,
I received a single spoonful from the Patent Office,
in Washington. Hon. Rufus Mclntire, of Parsons-
field, also received the same quantity at the same
time. This is all I have heard of in this country.
Mr. Mclntire's success in York county has been
good. He has published accounts of it in the Boston
papers. He thinks it the winter wheat for INIaine.
Last year I sent some of it into every county in our
state. In some cases, it proved a failure ; and I was
glad it did, because it showed causes of failure not
chargeable to the grain or to the climate. In all
such cases, the wheat had been sown too late the
preceding a>itumn, or on flat, heavy lands, liable to
be heaved badly by frosts. Whenever sowed in
August, or, if later, when sowed on sandy loam,
where the water will not stand, and where the snow
did not blow off by high winds sweepbig over it, the
wheat did well. I consider it perfectly sure against

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

391

the weevil on accovmt of its earliness only ; and for
the same reason, nearly as sure against the rust. If
the grain tills before the muggy, dog-day weather
arrives, there is no danger from rust. Sown in
August, it will ordinarily ripen early in July follow-
ing, and that is before the weevils arrive, or the rust-
ing weather begins.

I have taken a little pains to ascertain the average
yield of this wheat the past season, and so far as I
have been able to gain facts, I find that it has aver-
aged twenty-five bushels per acre of one bushel's
sowing. I ascertain, too, that in the counties of
Kennebec and Somerset, on the Kennebec River,
there have been, within a month past, three hundred
bushels of it sown. Perhaps it would be but a rea-
sonable calculation to say there has been as much
sown in all the other (eleven) counties in the state ;
and if so, Mother Earth has already received six hun-
dred bushels of that rich grain. Should what is
sown now, yield as well next year as it has done the
present, there will be in our state, by another July,
fifteen thousand bushels, which will seed the whole
state pretty well. I believe every farmer may find a
piece of land on his fai"m, on which that wheat will
be as sure as is corn ; and if each man raised but one
acre, it would greatly stop the terrible clanking of
New York mills, so far as Maine ears are concerned.

A PROPOSITION TO STOCK BREEDERS.

We hope that the following proposition will be
well considered, as the subject is of great interest to
the agricultural community. Will some of the prin-
cipal stock breeders in New England give their
views upon it ? Our columns are at their service.
We copy from the Ohio Cultivator.

The idea has frequently occurred to me, and I
have no doubt to thousands of others, while attend-
hig agricultural fairs in different sections of the
Union, how both pleasing and profitable it would
be, could the amateur stock breeders, throughout the
United Slates, see the very best animals from the
diffeicnt sections brought together, and thus have
an opportunity of ascertaining their real and relative
merits. They could gain more knowledge which
\ would be practically beneficial, at one such exhibi-
tion, than by attending all the state and county fairs
helri in one year in America even, was it practicable.
They would have the animals of the different classes
side by side, and thus be able to make strict com-
parative examinations. We presume the very best
only would be presented, and consequently there
would not be so much necessity for exercising a
good oblivion as well as a good memory, in order to
prevent the storehouse of memory from being over-
loaded with images of inferior animals, as when at-
tending state and county fairs. Each one could
readily ascertain what section produces animals hav-
ing the traits he would especially desire developed
ill the greatest degree. Many other advantages of
such a national exhibition might be enumerated ; but
I think they will at once suggest themselves to the
enlightened stock breeder. I will therefore allude
to bvit one more, which I consider far from the least
important.

The opportunity by such an occasion for forming
acquaintance, and an interchange of knowledge, at
the time, and in future, would be v,orth five times the
cost of attendance to most of the competitors, inde-
pendent of other considerations. What intelligent
stock breeder in the United States would hesitate to
travel one thousand miles, if he knew, by so doing, he
would liavc an opportunity of becoming acquainted
with even the fifty most successful breeders in the
Union, of the kind of stock in which he is particu-

larly interested, and at the same time see their best
stock ? Then add the other inducements, and how
could he stay away ? I do not know that it woidd
be best, at present, to have such a national fair an-
nually ; but I do think such a one, at least as often
as once in five years, would be expedient, profitable,
and every way desirable.

In order therefore to give so laudable an object a
commencement in some definite form, I shall proceed
to make the following proposition, which, if accepted
by a sufficient number of my brother wool-growers,
and responded to by similar propositions from breed-
ers of other varieties of stock, will secure at least
one national fair, and, if it is then thought desira-
ble, give an eligible opportunity for forming a Na-
tional Agricultural Societj^, and making arrangements
for future exhibitions.

I propose to meet any number, not less than tM'enty
breeders of Saxony sheep, at any suitable time and
eligible place in the United States, and exhibit each
one Saxony ram, as competitors for the following
premiums ; the anrount necessary for obtaining said
l^remiuras to be raised in equal sums by the competi-
tors in the same way it is done by the members of
the dift'eront agricultural societies.
To the best, silver cup or pitcher worth $30, other
silver ware worth . . if>3.j, and $10 in money.
To the 2d best, silver ware worth 40, and 40 "
" 3d " " " 40, and 30 '<

" 4th " «' " 30, and 30 "

" 5th " " ♦' 2.3, and 25

" 6th " " '« 20, and 20 "

" 7th « " « 15, and 15 "

" 8th " « «' 15, and 10 "

" 9th « " " 14, and 8

" 10th '< " '< 10, and 8

The silver plate, of course, to have the owner'.s
name, with the award, engraved upon it.

I am willing to suggest that the exhibition in con-
templation be held at Cincinnati in the autumn of
1850, at the same time as the Ohio State Fair, pro-
vided that fair docs not occur before the middle of
10th month, (October.) Any time earlier would be
ineligible on two accounts ; the wool would not be
long enough to show to advantage, and the Ohio
River would in all probability not be in good navi-
gable condition before about that time. I wish my
suggestion, however, with regard to time and place,
to only receive the consideration due to it, as coming
from one individual proposing to compete. Should
any other competitor think any other time and place
more eligible, I shall for one be glad to see his sug-
gestions. As it will be essential to a fair test, that
the sheep be shorn as nearlj' as practicable on the
same day, and there will be other arrangements to
make, it is very desirable that those intending to
comjjete, report themselves to T. C. Peters, editor of
the Wool- Grower, or M. B. Bateham, editor of the
Ohio Cultivator, before the 1st of 3d month, (March,)
and the names be published in the different agricul-
tural papers, as reported, that they ma}- have an op-
portunity of communicating. W. H. LADD.
Richmond, Jefferson Co., O., lOth Mo. 16th, '49.

P. S. I am very desirous that those, at least, own-
ing other distinct varieties of sheep, or their crosses,
which appear to be advantageous, should make and
respond to similar propositions, varying the terms to
suit themselves. W. H. L.

Remarks. — We heartily approve of the foregoing
suggestions and proposition of our friend Ladd ; and
we hope the subject will receive that consideration
on the part of stock breeders which its importance
demands. We trust that editors of agricultural pa-
pers, throughout the Union, will call the attention
of their readers to this matter, so as to elicit discus-
sion, and eventually lead to the adoption of some

392

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

plan by -which a national fair may be established,
if deemed ])rafticable.

If the proposition for commencing a fair of this
kmd next year should be seconded by a sufficient
number of breeders of fine sheep, we would suggest
one slight alteration in the terms of the proposition,
to wit ; that the premium be awarded for the best
two or three animals (instead of one) of the class
named. We would further suggest that the com-
mittee of judges on fine wooled sheep, should consist
of the profirietors «f the three principal wool depots,
to wit ; T. C. Peters of Buffalo, John Brown of
Springfield, and TI. Blanchard of Kinderhook.

Now, gentlemen wool-growers, do you say " Hur-
rah for the national fair, and the sweepstake premi-
ums " ? If so, send on your names as competitors
for 1850. — Ed. Cul.

TIME FOR APPLYING MANURES TO
MOWING FIELDS.

The following is extracted from the report of the
committee on improvements of the Plymouth Agri-
cultural Society, Hon. Morrill Allen, chairman. In
England, where the climate is very moist, the best
time to apply manure to mowing lands, is immedi-
ately after the hay is taken off; and this period is
found to be the best time in this country, when it
is very wet immediately after the crop is removed, as
the rowen soon starts up and shades the manure ;
but if the weather should be dry and hot, as is usu-
ally the case, much of the manure woiild be wasted
by evaporation. We copy from the report.

Several years since, we offered premiums for ex-
periments to determine tJie best time to apply manure
to mowing fields. This would seem an easy experi-
ment, and the result more certain than in many other
cases. Two experimenters, however, came to differ-
ent conclusions, and it was judged advisable to renew
the offers. Unfortunately these offers have called
forth no competition. There is but one applicant,
Mr. Gecnge W. Wood, of Middleborough ; and he has
failed of conducting the experiment in aU. respects
according to the rules given.

It docs not appear in his statement that he weighed
any beside the product of the land manured in May
and August till the present year. All should have
been carefully weighed the second year. The com-
parisons of that year would have been quite as im-
portant as those of the present. The object of the
requisition to weigh this year was to ascertain the
ultimate influence of the applications in different
months. It appears that one eighth of the acre se-
lected was lower and moister land than the residue.
This circvimstance would manifestly make the com-
parison unjust, and give the moist plat a greater or
less yield, according to the character of the season.
Owing to the neglect of weighing the products of
the several plats the second year, we have no means
of fall comparisons, excepting between the months
of May and August. The applicant states that the
plat dressed in August was moister land than that
dressed in May, therefore favored by the character
of the past season. Notwithstanding this circum-
stance, the aggregate amount of hay produced on the
land dressed in May was ninety-three pounds more
than that dressed in August. We have supposed
that spring dressing would generally produce the
greatest amount of grass ; but it is not a convenient
season either for the prejjaration or the application
of manure to mowing fields. The general practice
will properly be to dress mowing grounds the last
of summer and in the autumnal months. According

to the experiment now ])efore us, it would seem that
some preference should be given to the month of
August ; but the influence will be nearly as groat in
any of the fiill months, and farmers may consult
their convenience, i^ they will be true to their inter-
est, and apply an abundance of manure in soine of
the months. The committee think in plain and easy
processes there should be strict compliance with
rules. In view of Mr. W.'s omissions, the award of
the premium is withheld, and a gratuity recom-
mended of six dollars.

REMARKS ON DRAINING.

We all well know that wheat and other grains, as
well as grasses, are never fully developed, nor pro-
duce good seed, when the roots are soaked in moistni-e.
No man ever raised good wheat from a wet or moist
subsoil. Now, many farms of this country, though
at times during the summer they appear dry, and
crack open on the surface, are not in fact dry farms.
On the contrary, for nine months out of twelve, they
are moist or wet ; and we need no better evidence
of the fact, than the annual freezing out of the pknt,
and conseqirent poverty of many crops. Need we
say more to convince you of the necessity for drain-
ing your farms ?

Now comes the question. How is this great good
to be accomplished ? What is the best method ?
What will it cost ? And above all, what will it pay ?
These inquiries we will endeavor to meet. The
statements, though brief, will doubtless lead you to
renewed inquiries, and an active search for informa-
tion.

The inquiry. How is this great good to be accom-
plished ? What is the best method ? will lead mc
to speak of various probable localities, each of which
needs a dift'erent treatment. Thus we have in sev-
eral of our towns portions that may be called boc/s,
being generally too wet to sustain the weight of a
man, and where the water seems to rise fron: below.
These lands are very retentive of moisture, acting
like a sponge ; but when drained, are often found to
be very fertile and productive. To drain lands of
this description, the first important step is, to ascer-
tain the nature of the strata of earth, which the
nearest high grounds may possess, in order to know *
whether the main sujjply of water does or does not /
flow from them. In almost all cases, such is the case,
and leads us at once to cut a drain, or ditch, just
above the level of the bog on the higher ground, and
so deep as to intercept the waters as they descend,
and by means of this ditch to lead tliem off towards
the lowest point, thus arresting the supjily of water,
collecting it into one channel, and cutting it oft' from
its usual ramifications through the bog. In time,
the bog will have become so firm as to be traversed
readily, though it remains wet and marshy. Smaller
open drains, or ditches, should now be dug from the
lowest point of the bog, to be connected with the
deeper and larger ditch on the higher ground, the
connection to be made at the greatest depression of
the latter. Smaller lateral ditches may now be cut,
leading into the main ; and thus the bog will be
drained and rendered fit for cultivation. — American
Atjricidturist.

A Bikd's-Eye View of the Universe. — Sup-
pose this earth to be a ball of one foot in diameter ;
on that scale of proportion the sun would be one hun-
dred feet in diameter, and the moon three inches.
The sun would be two miles from us, — the moon
thirty I'eet — Jupiter ten miles from the sun, and Her-
schel forty miles. The loftiest mountains upon the
surface of the earth would be one eightieth of an inch
in height.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

393

MANNING'S LONG BLUE PRUNE PLUM

The origin of this valuable plum is uncertain. Mr.
Manning procured the tree from Landrcth's nursery.
And although it has been known to the public for a
number of years, it has not generally been duly esti-
mated. The size is good, the quality excellent, and
its long keeping on the tree gives it an important
advantage, for the market, over transient fruits that
quickly pass away.

The fruit is quite large ; oval, with slight suture ;
stem long and slender, set in a slight depression ;
the skin a dark purple, or nearly black, covered with
a thick blue bloom ; the flesh yellowish, firm, rather
juicy, of a rich, sweet, sprightly iiavor. Freestone.
Ripens in September. It bears carriage well, and is
well adapted to the market. The tree is a prodigious
grower and great bearer.

FENCE POSTS.

We are often asked for the best method for prepar-
ing fence posts.

When practicable, always put the upper or limb
end of the post in the ground, thus reversing the
position in which it grew. The valvular arrange-
ment of the capillary tubes of wood is such, that the
moisture from the ground will rise if placed root end
down, and thus assist to decompose the wood; but
if the post is reversed, the moisture will not rise, and
thereby the decay will in part be prevented.

As additional security against decay, any of the
following may be adopted : —

Insert the end of the post intended to be placed
in the ground, in a weak solution of corrosive sub-
limate, to the depth of its intended insertion : this is
called kijanizing ; and if thoroughly done, so that the

wood be saturated, the bottom will outlast the upper
part of the post.

Burn the lower end of the post, and while hot,
plunge it into melted tar, or petroleum : coal tar
will answer.

If the end of charred posts be soaked in a solution
of sulphate of iron, (common copperas,) for one week
before being placed in the ground, thoj' will last for
a lifetime. The tops of posts should be tarred after
they are in the ground, and the sun will cause the
tar to enter the grain of the wood, and thus close it
against rain, insects, &c. — Working Farmer.

PREPARATION OF THE SOIL FOR
SEEDS.

The ground for the reception of fine seeds of
vegetables should be broken up in the preceding
year, and well manured in autumn, and rendered
fine in spring by repeated ploughing, and harrowing,
or raking. Plough and manure deep, for deep-rooted
vegetables ; but manure near the surface only for all
others. Potatoes and Indian corn answer well, and
produce large crops in ground newly broken up.
Very fine seeds should be sown in a newly-prepared,
fresh soil, and covered only a quarter of an inch
deep ; larger seeds deeper in proportion to their size ;
and the ground to be immediately trodden hard, or
rolled with a heavy roller. This enables the earth
to preserve its moisture at its surface, where at the
same time the seeds may receive the necessary de-
gree of heat from the sun, and vegetate at once,
striking root downwards. Fine seeds, if sown too
deep, are liable to perish. — Kenrick's Orchardist.

There are twenty-five thousand known species of
fishes.

394

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

ADVANTAGE OF RAILROADS TO AGRI-
CULTURE.

There is a prejudice amonp; farmei-s against rail-
roads. When so managed as to partake of the odious
features of a monopoly, it is ])roper. But if, on the
other hand, they are well managed, that is, made to
fulfil the object of their construction, — the accom-
modation of the public, — these jircjudices are wrong,
for they are then of vast importance to the farmers.

If considered only as a means of rapid transit for
passengers through a country, they would be of com-
paratively little use ; and it is in that li-^ht they have
becu usually regarded. But when made to convey
freight, and at reasonable rates, they become a very
imijortant element in conducing to the profits of
farming. Our products are valuable in jiroiiortion
to the cheapness and facility whereby they may be
trans])ortod to market. The great consumers of the
agricultural products of this state are New York and
the New England States ; and for nearlj- half the
year we have no means of reaching them, except by
railroad. It has only been about three years since
the absurd restrictions which had been placed upon
the Central line have been removed, so that freight
could be carried. Previous to that time, our fresh
pork, poultry, and butter were sold at a low figure,
because we were shut out of those markets where
these articles are in demand, during the winter, for
daily consumption. The average ruling price for
butter was ten cents, fresh pork $3 per hundred, and
poultry no demand at all. But as soon as the roads
were allowed to carry freight, and long before they
were prepared for the business, an advance took
place in all of these~articles, which has been steadily
maintained. The rise upon fresh pork has been equal
to ,'|i2..50 on each hog fattened for market ; upon
butter, two cents per pound, and upon eggs, poultry,
beef, mutton, and cheese, it has been equally large.
Of this advance of price there can be no doubt, and
it is equally certain that it has been caused Ijy the
facilities of transportation furnished by railroads in
this state and cast.

Let us see now what the farmers have really gained
by these roads.
According to the state census of 1845, the

whole number of hogs was l,.5Si,344

Allow for stores, one third, and the number

fattened would bo about 1,000,000

Deduct for home consumption, say one

third, or 300.000

Leaving for market that year 700,000

The natural increase would be large, but increased
price would stimulate production; so that it is safe to
assume that the number of hogs in this state to be
fattened for market this year will exceed 1,000,000,
two thirds of which will be so situated as to be af-
fected in price by one or other of our railroads. This
would give, say 700,000, which, allowing an advance
from former rates of only $'2 per hog, would give
$1,400,000 for only one branch.
Of butter, there was made during the

year 1835 79,501,733 lbs.

Deduct for home consumption, one

third, say 26,000,000

Balance for market, say 53,000,000 lbs.

At least two thirds of this, say 36,000,000 lbs., ex-
perienced a rise from the bencticial operations of the
roads. The advance upon this was equal to two
cents per pound, say J|720,000, making a clear gain
per annum to the farmers of this state of over two
millions of dollars in but two articles of farm prod-
uce. Upon other articles there has been a large
gain, so that it is safe to say, that for the current
year the farmers will be benefited by means of rail-

roads, as a means of transportation of farm ])roducts,
at least three millions of dollars. Tiie sum, at first
sight, seems large ; but v.-e are persuaded it falls be-
low, rather than exceeds, the true amount.

But the benefit docs not stop here ; for a very great
stimulant is given to agricultural improvement, and
land is made to yield much larger and better crops ;
so that, in fact, our farms are practically enlargi^d,
not by adding more acres, but by adding more labor
and skill to the soil. By careful husbandry, we may
treble the average products of most of our crops, and
not then arrive at any thing like the full capacity of
our farms. And is it not better to add to our laud
by better thrift in farming, than to sell out and be
constantly seeking new and cheap lands :

It has been well and often said, that he Avho makes
two blades of grass grow where but one grew before,
is a public benefactor. And if railroads, when prop-
erly managed, are the means of adding largely to the
direct profits of the farmer, as we have endeavored
to show they do, then they are entitled to be re-
garded with favor rather than jealousy or dislike, by
those who are so much benefited ; and so we trust
they will be in future, and their number rapidly in-
creased.— Wool- Grower.

RAILROADS.

The favorable influence of railroads on agriculture
is becoming more and more known and appreciated in
all parts of the country. The article below shows
the immense advantage to the farmers in the interior
in having their animals carried to a market in a short
time, at a moderate expense, and without injury to
the animals which they must necessarily suffer in a
long and fatiguing journey.

By railroads and steamboats, sections once remote
are now, as 'it were, brought near to good markets;
for live stock and various other productions can be
quickb^ and cheaply carried to market. This affords
all the advantages of nearness to market, by the old
method of travelling and transportation. We copy
from the Lowell Courier,

The Cattle Train. — The cattle train, last night,
numbered two hundred and fifty cars. It came over
the Northern road in four sections, over the Con-
cord road in two, and in the same manner over the
Nashua and Lowell. The first section arrived in
Lowell about quarter past 12, bringing ninety-eight
cars, eighty-four of which were laden with cattle,
horses, and sheep. About 3 this morning, the bal-
ance, one hundred and live, came in. There were
seventy-four cars of cattle, horses, and sheep, making,
in the whole train, one hundred and tifty-eight cars
of live stock ! There were one hundred and eight
cars started from the Central road, fifty-eight of
Avhich came this way, and the other half v,-ent over
the Fitchburg road. We learn that five hundred
sheep were left over at Montpelicr. and some twenty
car loads would have come down from the Passump-
sic, had there been accommodations.

SALT IN AGRICULTURE.

We copy the fallowing from the Rev. Morrill Al-
len's report on improvements, to the Plymouth Agri-
cultural Society.

A carefully-conducted experiment has been made
by Horace Collamoro, of Pembroke, in the ajjplica-
tion of salt ; the result of which shows no influence
to encourage to much extent the use of the article as

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

395

a fci-tilizer. In an experiment, several years ago, by
Mr. Aldcn, of East Bridgewatcr, the results were
something more favorable ; but there was not enough
efficacy manifested in that instance to justify any
thing like a general use of salt as a manure. From
observation wc think it highly beneficial, and a very
enduring fertilizer on some soils, and on some that
it produces no visible effect. Trials on a small scale
will best serve to show where it can be used with
profit. In the orchard and nursery, it can always be
used with benefit, as a preventive of insects, care
being taken not to have it come in contact vi'ith ten-
der trees, as it would kill them much quicker than
insects. In the culture of plants of marine origin,
salt may be pretty freely used, and with great bene-
fit. The applicant for the premium appears to have
complied with all the conditions of the offer, and
therefore ought to receive it, though little or no
benefit accrue to the public. To Mi'. CoUamore is

awarded ten dollars.

— ■ — ♦

INFLUENZA IN HORSES.

Eds, Cultivator : The disease I am about to con-
sider under the above appellation, is better knowm
among horsemen by that of distemper. From the
real nature and proper treatment of this affection not
being properly understood, the number of horses
which annually fall a sacrifice to its influence is
almost beyond conception.

The character of this, like many other diseases,
varies according to the season of the year, as well as
the state and condition in which the animal is placed
at the time of being attacked. It most frequently
occurs when the weather is changeable, particularly
in the spring and autumn months ; and from being
prevalent in some seasons more than in others, it
has in consequence been considered to be a conta-
gious disease ; but the most probable cause appears
to mc to be sudden atmospheric changes, as from
dry to wet, and from hot to cold. In its simplest or
least complicated forms, it bears a resemblance to
common cold, (catarrh ;) the mucous membrane of
the " air passages " is its primary aird principal seat,
generally commencing in the chaml)crs of the nose,
and u])per part of the throat, extending in some in-
stances down the windpipe, and its ramifications, the
bronchial tubes ; or it may go still farther, and ulti-
mately involve the whole substance of the lungs.

In some subjects, its attack is very slight. The
horse is first observed to be languid and dull ; he
refuses part or the whole of liis feed of grain — occa-
sionally coughs ; he is incapable of undergoing any
considerable exertion ; signs of soreness of his throat
are soon observed ; the food cannot be swallowed as
usual ; the slightest compression of the throat makes
the animal fiinch, and sets him coughing ; the mouth
is dry, and the membranes of the eye and nose are
somewhat unusually red. In some severe cases, the
soreness of the throat causes the animal to carry his
neck stitt', with his nose projected ; the food and
water, when attempted to be swallowed, is forced
back again through the nostrils ; the glands about
the throat arc more or less swollen ; the breathing
is short, diiKeult, and painful, and attended with a
peculiar hoarse sound in the throat. In other in-
stances, the membrane lining the lungs (bronchiae)
receives the principal brunt of the disease ; the horse
now stands in his stall dull and listless, in one par-
ticular place ; the breathing is short and quick, (but
not deeply drawn;) the pulse is accelerated and
weak ; skin and legs rather warm than cold ; mem-
brane of the eye exhibits rather a yellowish-red cast ;
the discharge from the nose is also of a bilious hue.

It is not my intention in this article to attempt a
description of all the characters that this disease oc-
casionally assumes, but brieily to notice its most
prominent features.

In determining the treatment of " influenza," re-
gard must be paid to the seat and extent of the
derangement constituting it, always bearing in mind
that the tendency and certain issue of this disease is
debility. Hence, in the generality of cases, the most
cautious treatment is necessary ; for if active nieas-
suros are resorted to, such as large and repeated
blood-letting, rowels, strong physic, &c., the horse
becomes debilitated, his extremities (legs) enlarged
and dropsical, and he either dies of " yellow-water,"
(dropsy,) or remains for a long time in a low and
weak state.

At the commencement of the disease, it is neces-
sary to keep the animal in a large stall, without ex-
ercise ; and in the summer let the temperature be
kept as cool as possible, cautiously avoiding a direct
current of air. The diet may consist of scalded bran
and hay, with tepid water, in which a few drachms
of nitrate of potash (nitre) are dissolved, always within
his reach ; or it may be sweetened with honey or
molasses, providing the patient likes it. The horse
should be well wisped or brushed, and clothed
warmly, particularly when he feels cold and .shivers.
If the bowels are constipated, two ounces of cream
of tartar may be given in the drink every morning ;
and should the excretions appear pent up, the hand,
oiled, is to be introduced, and the rectum emptied,
and afterwards a clyster given, composed of gruel,
linseed-tea, or a decoction of slippery ehn.

When horses are of great value, I have suspended
under their throat bags containing bran and linseed
meal poultices, and reiiewed them every two hours,
keeping the animal at the same time comfortably
clothed. Or the throat may be well fomented with
Avater as hot as a man can bear his hand immersed
in, and steaming his nose with the vapor arising
from it ; after which the glands about the upper part
of the windpipe should be well rubbed with the fol-
lowing liniment : alcohol one pint, camphor one
ounce, soft soap four ounces, spirit of hartshorn,
(water of ammonia,) two ounces. Simple means,
such as tliese, will, in the generality of cases, be fol-
lowed by the happiest result — a complete restoration
to health. ARTHUR S. COPEMAN, Utica.

— Albany Cultivator.

NEW DISCOVERY IN AGRICULTURE.

An extraordinary fact was mentioned the other
day at the sitting of the Academy of Sciences. One
of the members stated that the Agricultural Society
of Brest had, upon the proposition of a member of
the committee, sown some wheat upon land without
any preparation of ploughing or digging, and in one
of the worst soils possible, and, after having merely
walked over the ground to press the grain on the
surface, had it covered witlr fresh straw to the thick-
ness of two inches. The product was, it is asserted,
more abundant and much superior in quality to
wheat raised from the same seed in the ordinary
way. Some ears of wheat, the seed of which had
been placed ujjon window glass covered with straw,
were also exhibited.

Fleetness of the Reindeer. — In consequence
of the Norwegians making a sudden and unexpected
irruption into the Swedish territories, an officer was
despatched with a sledge and reindeer to Stockholm,
to convey the intelligence ; which he did with such
speed that he performed 124 Swedish miles (about
800 English) in 48 hours ; but his faithful animal
dropped down lifeless on the Biddarhustorget, just
after his arrival in the capital. The bearer of the
news, as it is said, was in consequence ennobled, and
assumed the name of Rhens-jurna, (Reindeer Star.)
— Brooks's Winter in Lapland.

396

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

^Domestic !Departmcnt.

CHEMISTRY FOR GIRLS. ^

BY E. THOMPSOX, M. D.
SOMKTIIINO THAT EVERY WoMAN SHOULD READ. —

This is properly styled a utilitarian age, for the in-
quiry. "What profit?" meets us every where. It
has entered the temples of learning, and attempted
to thrust out important studies because their imme-
diate connection with hard money profits cannot be
demonstrated. There is one spot, however, into which
it has not so generally intruded itself — the female
academy — the last refuge of the fine arts and fine
follies. Thither young ladies are too fre(;[uently sent,
merely to learn how to dress tastefully and walk
gracefully, play, write French, and make waxen
plumes and silken spiders — all pretty ; but why not
inquire, " What profit ? "

I take my pen not to utter a dissertation on female
education, but to insist that young ladies be taught
chemistry. They will thereby bo better qualified to
superintend domestic affairs, guard against many ac-
cidents to which households are subject, and perhaps
be instrumental in saving life. We illustrate the
last remark by reference merely to toxicologj'.

The strong acids, such as nitric, muriatic, and sul-
phuric, are virulent poisons, yet frequently used in
medicine, and in the mechanic arts. Suppose a
child, in his rambles among the neighbors, should
enter a cabinet shop, and find a saucer of aqua fortis
(nitric acid) upon the work bench, and, in his sport,
seize and drink a portion of it. He is conveyed
home in great agony. The physician is sent for ;
but ere he arrives, the child is a corpse. Now, as
the mother presses the cold clay to her breast and
lips for the last time, how will her anguish be ag-
gravated to know that in her medicine chest, or
drawers, was some calcined magnesia, which, if timely
administered, would have saved her lovely, perchance
her first and only boy ! O, what are all the bouquets
and fine dresses in the world to her, compared with
such knowledge ?

Take another case. A husband, returning home
on a summer afternoon, desires some acidulous drink.
Opening a cupboard, he sees a small box, labelled
" salts of lemon ; " and making a solution of this,
he drinks it freely. Presently, he feels distress, sends
for his wife, and ascertains that he has drank a solu-
tion of oxalic acid, which she has procured to take
stains from linen. The physician is sent for, but
the unavoidable delay attending his arrival is fatal.
When he arrives, perhaps he sees upon the very
table on which the weeping widow bows her head, a
piece of chalk, which, if given in time, would have
certainly prevented any mischief from the poison.

Corrosive sublimate is the article generally used
to destroy the vermin which sometimes infest our
couches. A solution of it is laid upon the fioor in a
tea-cup, when the domestics go down to dine, leav-
ing the children up stairs at play ; the infant crawls
to the tea-cup, and drinks. Now, what think you
would be the mother's joy, if, having studied chem-
istry, she instantly called to recollection the well-
ascertained fact, that there is in the hen's nest an
antidote to this poison ? She sends for some eggs,
and, breaking them, administers the whites. Her
child recovers, and she weeps for joy. Talk to her
of novels : one little book of natural science has
been worth, to her, more than all the novels in the
world.

Physicians in the country rarely carry scales with
them to weigh their prescriptions. They administer
medicines by guess, from a teaspoon or the point of
a knife. Suppose a common case : A physician

leaves an over-dose of tartar- emetic, (generally the
first prescription in cases of bilious fever,) and pur-
sues his way to another patient, ten miles distant.
The medicine is duly administered, and the man is
poisoned. When the case becomes alarming, one
messenger is despatched for the doctor, and another
to call in the neighbors to see the suft'orerdie. Now,
there is, in a canister in the cupboard, and on a tree
that grows by the door, a remedy for this distress
and alarm — a sure means of saving the §ick man
from threatened death. A strong decoction of young
hyson tea, oak bark, or any other astringent vegeta-
ble, will change tartar-emetic into a harmless com-
pound.

Vessels of copper often give rise to poisoning.
Though this metal undergoes but little change in a
dry atmosphere, it is rusted if moisture be present,
and its surface becomes covered with a green sub-
stance— carbonate or the protoxide of copper, a
poisonous compound. It has sometimes happened
that a mother has, for want of knowledge, poisoned
her family. Sour krout, when permitted to stand
for some time in a copper vessel, has produced death
in a few hours. Cooks sometimes permit pickles to
remain in copper vessels, that they may require a
rich green color, which they do by absorbing poison.

Families have often been thrown into disease by
eating such dainties, and many have died, in sonic
instances without suspecting the cause. The lady
has certainly some reason to congratulate herself
upon her education, if, under such circumstances,
she knows that pickles rendered green by verdigris,
are poisonous, and that the white of an egg is an
antidote.

Illustrations might be multiplied, but our space
forbids. Enough has been shown, we hope, to con-
vince the utilitarian that a knowledge of chemistry
is an important element in the education of the
female sex ; that without it they are imperfectly
qualified for the duties devolving upon them in the
domestic relation, and poorly prepared to meet its
emergencies. — Literary Gazette.

To KEEP A Stove as bright as a Coach-body,
BY TWO Applications a Year. — Make a weak alum-
water, and mix your "British Lustre" with it, per-
haps two teaspoons to a gill of alum-water : let the
stove be cold, brush it with the mixture, then take a
dry brush and dry Ivistre, and rub the stove till it is
perfectly dry. Should any part, before polishing,
become so dry as to look gray, moisten it with a wet
brush, and proceed as before.

Bows* lllfpartment.

Tame Fishes. — A correspondent of the Boston
Journal, writing from Hingham, tells the following
singular story : —

We found conveyances on the wharf in Hingham,
to take passengers to the hotels at the head of Nau-
tasket Beach, and to every other place. While
seated on the new-mown haj% under fine oaks and
elms over one hundred ycai's old, we felt satisfied
with our situation, comjiared with those whom wo
left frj'ing in Boston. We took the younger mem-
bers of the party to visit Wear liiver Iron Foundery,
and the pond near it, and Miss Thomas's pets — the
fish and turtle in it. This child of nine years has
fed these fish four years with bread. She was first
amused by throwing the crumbs into the water when
she ate her meals on the stones of the bank ; and see-
ing the fish dart for them, she took an interest in
the fish, and has fed them regularly since. Strange
as it may seem, they know her voice. On our

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

397

requcstinsi: her to feed and call thom, she did so, and
called, "Tutc, tuto, tutc," several times. Directly we
could see the turtle popping their heads up over the
pond, then swini to her, and take the bread from her
hands. The fish did the same ; several hundred of
which consistinn; of large black pouts, six to eigh t inches
long, shiners and minnows of all sizes, flocked around
her, perfcctlj- tame. The turtles were of two kinds,
"snappers" and the common yellow spotted ones.
This was a most interesting sight, and well worth a
long ride to see it. The distance is but half a mile
from the Old Colony House, and depot of the rail-
road near it. The taming of these fishes shows what
kindness and regular treatment will do, aided by a
gentle voice, in taming animals which have been con-
sidered stupid. AV'e promised to send Miss T. sonie
gold fish to add to her pets. She, by the way, allows
no one to feed the fishes but herself, and no one to
catch them. — Selected.

Cjealtl).

Expanding the Chest. — Those in wealthy cir-
cumstances, or who pursue sedentary employments
within doors, generally use their lungs but very little,
breathe but very little air into the chest, and thus,
independently of positions, contract a wretchedly
narrow, small chest, and lay the foundation for the
loss of health and beauty. All this can be perfectly
obviated by a Uttle attention to the manner of breath-
ing. Recollect the lungs are like a bladder in their
structure, and can be stretched open to double their
ordinary size, with perfect safety, giving a noble
chest, and perfect immunity from consumption. The
agent, and the only agent required, is the common
air we breathe, supposing, however, that no obstacle
exist, external to the chest, such as lacing, or tying
it around with stays, or tight dress, or having shoul-
ders lay upon it. On rising from the bed in the
morning, place yourself in an erect posture, your
chest thrown back, and shoulders entirely off the
chest ; now inhale or suck in all the air you can, so
as to fill the chest to the very bottom of it, so that
no more air can be got in ; now hold your breath,
and throw your arms off behind, holding in your
breath as long as possible. Repeat these long breaths
as many times as you please. Done in a cold room
is much better, because the air is much denser, and
will act much more powerfully in expanding the
chest. Exercising the chest in this manner, it will
become very flexible and expansible, and will en-
large the capacity and size of the lungs. — Common
School Advocate.

The Force of Imagination. — A Lucchese peas-
ant, shooting sparrows, saw his dog attacked by a
Strange and ferocious mastiff. He tried to separate
the animals, and received a bite from his own dog,
which instantly ran off through the fields. The
wound was healed in a few days, and the dog was
not to be found ; and the peasant, after some time,
began to feci symptoms of nervous agitation. He
conceived that the dog, from disappearing, was mad ;
and within a day or two after this idea had struck
him, he began to feel symptoms of hydrophobia.
They grew hourly more violent ; he raved, and had
all the evidences of the most violent distemper. As
he was lying, with the door open, to let in the last
air that he was to breathe, he heard his dog bark.
The animal ran up to the bed-side, and frolicked
about the room. It was clear that he, at least, Avas
in perfect health. The peasant's mind was relieved
at the instant ; he got up with renewed strength,
dressed himself, plunged his head into a basin of

water, and thus refreshed walked into the ro;)m to
his astonished family. Tire statement is made in a
memoir by Professor Barbantini ; and it is not im-
probable that many attacks of a disease so strongly
dependent on the imagination, might be Ci|ua!ly
cured by ascertaining the state of the animal by which
the bite was given.

An Artificial Leech. — We learn from an arti-
cle in the Paris Journal des Debats, quoted in Tues-
day's Courrier des Etats Unis, that an imj-ortant
discovery, which is likely to be of the greatest ser-
vice to humanity, occujjics at this moment the atten-
tion of the French scientific world. It is a mechan-
ical leech, {sawisue mecanique,) which M. Alexander,
civil engineer, already celebrated for his useful dis-
coveries, has submitted to the judgment of all the
scientific bodies, which, after satisfactory trials, have
caused this san(/sue to be adopted in all the hospitals,
after having proved, not only the immense economy
of its use, but, what is better, the decided advan-
tages which it has over the natural leech, often so
rare, always repugnant to the patient, and sometin^es
dangerous. The president of the French republic
has given orders for the supply of the apparatus in
every commune where it may be found serviceable
by indigent patients.

illecljamcs' ^Department, ;^rt3, ^^c.

A DRY Clay Brick Press. — We recently ex-
amined, in the hall of the Franklin Hotel, Chestnut
Street, a model of one of the most ingenious and suc-
cessful machines for brick making, that has ever yet
been produced. It is the invention of Mr. T. Cul-
bertson, and is patented by Messrs. Culbertsou &
Scott, of this city. Already one of these presses is
in full action near New Orleans, where the Biloxi
Steam Brick Company have entered into contract to
supply thirty millions of bricks — chiefly for the
building of the new custom-house in the great
southern capital and port. The machine is very
strong, simple in its construction, has but few wear-
ing surfaces, requires but little power to drive it, and
but a few hands to attend it. It is self-feeding and
self-delivering, and operates with great certainty
and accuracy, and will make with ease 25,000 brick
per day, requiring no preparation of the clay other
than pulverizing or running through rollers attached
to the machine, and no yard room for drying, as the
bricks are sufficiently hard to stack up in the kiln at
once. The brick are of a uniform size and shape,
are harder, smoother, and stronger, and, being less
porous, will absorb much less water ; and (it is also a
well-established fact) will stand fire better than those
made in the ordinary way. The pressure, being grad-
ual and continuous, allows the air to escape freely
as the clay is forced into the moulds ; and as each
mould passes twice under the cylinder, first in one
and then in the other direction, receiving clay from
the hoppers each way, the brick is not only full and
perfect in all the corners and edges, but the dirf'erent
particles of clay are by this rolling or kneading pro-
cess completely united. By a slight alteration of
the moulds alone, brick of any desired size or shape
may be made for paving, lining cisterns, building
arches, &c. As the works will all be under cover,
brick can be made as well in wet as in dry weather ;
they can also be made earlier in the spring and later
in the fall than in the ordinary way.

A large " brick press " is about to be erected im-
mediately at the extensive brick fields of Messrs. C.
& S., at Pea Shore, four miles from Camden, N. J.,
in which we learn that the enormous pressure of

398

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

one hundred tons will be applied to the formation
and compression of each brick. — Monthly American
Farmer.

New Invention in Baking. — The Glasgow Citi-
zen (Scotch paper) says that a machine has been
invented in that city which both kneads the dough
and moulds the loaves into the required shajjc, ready
for the oven. One machine, not ijuite a yard in length
and eighteen inches in breadth, by the attendance
of one man, accomplished as much work as live
bakers, and the bread was of the best quality. The
Citizen also says that " by a new and original process
of mixing and kneading, which can be done either
with or without barm, (yeast,) the usual loss of
weight attributed to evaporation in ' raising the
sponge ' is avoided, and a gieat saving of tlour, as
well as time and labor, is effected."

ANALYSES OF MANURES.

At a late meeting of the Highland Agricultural
Society, Mr. Finne spoke of the great advantage
which had been derived by farmers, in Scotland,
from the analyses of portable manures, upon which,
he estimated, nearly one half of the green crop of
that country is dependent. The amount of guano,
for instance, imported in 1837, was upwards of
220,000 tons. Great adulteration had been prac-
tised with guano ; and bone-dust had been mixed
with ground oyster-shells. Various manufactured
manures, of the constituents of which the farmer
could not be acquainted, were offered for sale. In
illustration, he related the following : " Some years
ago, I joined with two or three farmers in the pur-
chase of some tons of nitrate of soda. None of us
derived any benefit from the application of it. Most
fortunately I had some left — got it analyzed by Mr.
Kcmj), at the college ; and when tlie secret was ex-
plained, it was to a great extent mixed with common
salt. I heard of a cargo shii)ped to a party in Lon-
don ; a chemist was ordered to examine it before
taking it from the ship. The adulteration was de-
tected, and immediately the ship load was ordered
off to Scotland, and sold amongst the farmers. I
once purchased a quantity of guano from a party in
Leith. Professor Johnston had given an analysis of it ;
but the sample sent to him had been very different
from the stock. I found, upon taking delivery, that
all was not right. I then had a sample from the
stock analyzed, and had no difficulty in procuring
an abatement of ten per cent, from difference of
value. I cannot conceive how any agriculturist who
expends his hundreds a year upon portable manures
is justified in applj'ing them before being tested, and
would grudge a few shillings per annum to obtain a
chemist of skill who could satisfy him as to the
purity of the article upon which he is not only ex-
pending a large sum of money, but upon the genu-
ineness of which his green crop, and every succeed-
ing crop in the rotation, is dei)cndent ; for, without
a knowledge of the nature and properties of the
materials employed by the agriculturist, it is evident
that the result of many of the laborious and extensive
processes incident to his daily occupation must be a
matter of mere chance — thus contributing more than
any thing else to the precariousness of the profits
upon which his prosperity depends. I may be told
this is a tenant's question, and let him look after his
own interest, and he will fare the better ; but I hold
whatever is necessary for the tenant cannot be dis-
peuf^ed with by the landlord ; and if, from not having
a ready and cheap way of having his manures ana-
lyzed, the loss of a crop is the consequence, is not
the landlord's rent cndanorered ? But I would re-

spectfully submit that these portable manures, now
so important an element in good farming, and for
which I would say a chemist's services are required,
leaving every other consideration, have done much
already for the proprietors of land." — Canadian Ag-
riculturist.

THE BEGINNING OF GOOD MANAGE-
MENT-

Mr. Editor : Although considerable imi)rovements
have been made in farming in this country, still it is
just enough to remark that our agriculture, with
vei-y few exceptions, is not what it ought to be.
More thorough and better modes of culture should
be adopted by the great body of our farmers, than
those now practised. If we would adopt for our
motto. Be Thorough, — that is, if, whatever \\e un-
dertake to perform, we would take esi^ecial care that
our work be done in a manner as nearly perfect as
possible, — it is easy enough to foresee that we should
receive a liberal reward for our labor. A field im-
perfectly ploughed will not often afford a fair return,
though ever so fertile ; then ask the skilful farmer
how little is the difference in expense, where the
work is most thoroughly done, or where the same is
performed in a hasty, slovenly, and imperfect manner.

Let the farmer who never attempjted to increase
his manures by artificial means, begin — yes, we say
begin — good management in this particular ; if he can-
not haul a hundred loads of muck the first year, he
certainly can ten ; and who can calculate the bene-
fits which may bo gained, both by himself and the
community, by beginning a course of good manage-
ment ?

Let the farmer who neglected to hoe either his
garden or his potatoes at the i-ight time, and in the
best manner possible, through a press of other busi-
ness, or from whatever cause, resolve to avoid these
errors in the future. Certainly we would not cen-
sure harshly an industrious farmer for an error or
two, which he is desirous of correcting ; but we would
hope that by a better arrangement of his business,
and a better system of management, he may here-
. after be able to avoid all similar errors.

In the construction of fences, the farmer should
act wisely. The difference in expense between what
would be called a tolerably yood fence, and one that
is absolutely impregnable, is a mere trifle ; and how
often do we find that unruly cattle will break over a
tolerably good f ■•nee !

Let the farmer who does not take an agricultural
paper, subscribe for one forthwith. Public opinion
is Ijeginning to be in favor of agricultural papers and
agricultural improvement ; and may we not hope
that the time has nearly come, when our farmers
generally will be eager to adopt more improved
modes of husbandry — when science shall triumph
over prejudice and ignorance, and when the best
interests of our country shall be more thoroughly
understood and supported ? J. E. KOLFE.

RuMFOiiD, September, 1849.
— Maine Farmer.

IRON FOR APPLE-TREES.

A correspondent of the Albany Cultivator, writing
from Fredericksburg, Va., says, " A friend, who has
a large orchard of ' Kaule's Janette apple,' has ten
trees, upon one corner of the orchard, which always
produce fruit a third larger, and flavor so much
superior, that it was supposed, by all who saw and
ate the apple, that they were a superior variety of
the Janette. This spring I examined the soil, and
found that a vein of iron ore passed just under the
ten trees, so near the surface that it had been

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

399

ploughed and worked up with the top soil. A variety
of the large Eluc jiluin, growing upon the same
ground, is also very fine ; \vhile grafts taken from
the same plum-trees, and worked upon stocks grown
on different soil, prove worthless."

THE HORSE.

The horse is a noble animal, and is distinguished
for his intelligence and sagacity ; and with proper
treatment, he is remarkable for his docility and obe-
dience. This animal is not only necessary and use-
ful in a high degree, but he contributes largely to
the pleasures of man. What a shame, then, that he
should so often be subjected to the harsh treatment
of brutal masters ! The following article, which we
copy from the Philadelphia Dollar Ncwsjiaper, con-
tains valuable instruction on the treatment of this
noble animal.

There is no domestic animal, perhaps, more sub-
ject to blemishes than the hoi'so ; none whoso use-
fulness depends more upon proper treatment ; and
none, when rightly managed, which contributes
more to satisfy the wants of mankind. A few sug-
gestions on this subject is the object of this com-
munication. The best way for a man, when about
to pui-chase a horse, if he be not a good judge of
one, is to take him for a while on trial. If the vender
is unwilling to let him go for that purpose, then be
unwilling to purchase him ; for, as a general rule, in
such cases, the horse has some defects which you
would not discover, except by trial. If, when using
him in various conditions and circumstances, he is
found to be sound and good in every respect, then it
can be pretty safely relied on that he is a good horse.
If all mankind were perfectly honest to tell the
whole truth concerning the horse, there would be
no necessity of a resort to this expedient ; but as the
generality of men are, so we must take them. Peo-
ple who have dealt much in horses generally under-
stand the various defects to which they are liable,
and can easily discover them by a little trial, al-
though they may not at first be visible.

In judging by the outward appearance of a horse,
his size should be proportioned to the work in which
he is chiefly to be employed. Small horses are gen-
erally considered to be the toughest, and the cost of
their keeping is less than large ones ; so that they
are the most profitable to keep, unless they are to
perform very heavy work, as ploughing, carting
gravel, &c. His head should be as small as the pro-
portion of the animal will admit ; his muscles smooth
and line ; his ej^es prominent and cheerful ; his ears
small and iipright, and ])laced near together ; his
neck, from his shoulders, thick and deep, and, with
a moderate tapering, should join the head in a comely
manner; his shoulders, well thrown back, should
extend to the neck with a gentle tapering ; his chest
should be deep and full at the girth; his thighs
strong and muscular, and well formed ; his hoof cir-
cular, and wide at the heel, neither disproportion-
ably large, as it will make him clumsy and apt to
fill! ; his body should be long and round, Mich the
ribs extending well behind. In a word, symmetry
and beauty should be sought in every part. "

Particular- attention should be given to feeding
horses. The neglect of this is, doubtless, one great
reason why we see many so mean and despicable.

The stable should be warm, and at all times ^^•ell
littered, as horses are often made lame by standing
on a hard floor ; besides, it adds very much to their
comfort. They should bo well curried every day,
and in the winter, unless the stable is very warm,
should be blanketed.

The horse should never bo permitted to undergo
any violent or excessive labor. All racing, and pro-
fuse sweating, therefore, should be avoided, as they
cannot be indulged in with impunity ; but it may
sometimes be unavoidable that he should perform an
unusual day's woi'lc, and that too, perhaps, in snow
or rain. In such cases, .particular attention must be
given to his keeping previous to the time, as well as
during the day. At night, let him be placed in a
warm stable, on a good bed of straw. 'J'hen remove
all dirt from his legs with soap and warm water.
Curry him well, and smooth his hair down with a
piece of cloth or sheepskin. Then wash his legs
with vinegar or spirits, to which may be added a
little melted lard, or oil. Give him a moderate sup-
per, and after he has ate a wliile, let him be watered,
which should never be done when he is sweaty, ex-
cept he be allowed to drink only a very small quan-
tity. In this manner the horse will be n-early as
well prepared the ne.xt morning for another day's
journey, as if he had done nothing on the preceding
day.

It may be useless to say any thing cm whipping
horses ; but this barbarous practice is so common,
that a few words may not be inappropriate. It is
contended by some that it is absolutely necessary,
sometimes, to whip them. Experience and observa-
tion have generally convinced reflecting people that
such a course is erroneous, and that it rarely fails to
increase the faults Avhich it was intended to diminish.
Individuals, who indulge in using the lash, become
accustomed to it, so much that they are hardly con-
scious when they do whip their poor beast, which,
although, perhaps, almost ready to drop down with
fatigue, cannot speak a word of complaint, nor shed
a tear of grief to move the pitiless heart of its master.
When we see an individual very harsh with his oxen
or cows, as well as his horses, there we behold a very
fractious and wild team. His oxen fear his voice
and la.ih, and whenever they can, they will run
away from him, as a man would from a tiger. His
cows are no less fractious. They have to be put in
the barn, and not unfrequently to have their legs
tied before they can be milked. In such cases, no
good ever results from whipping. Why not, then,
restrain the temper and spare the lash ? Do it once,
conquer the passions once, and the next time it will
be easier. Coax these animals, rather than compel
them by the lash : it will be for your benefit, as well
as theirs. Above all, spare the horse. If any thing
will move the human sympathy of man, it is the
sight of one of these domestic animals, which has
nearly finished Iris life, and which has performed a
great deal of hard labor under a tyrant for a master.

" His skin is sore with stripes, and he tottereth beneath
his burden ;

His limbs arc stiff with age, his sinews have lost their
vigor,

And pain is stamped upon his face while he wrestleth
unequally with his toil ;

Yet once more mutely and meekly endureth he the
crushing blow ;

That struggle hath cracked his heart-strings, — the gen-
erous brute is dead.

Liveth there no advocate for him? No judge to avenge
his wrongs ?

No voice that shall be heard in his defence ? No sentence
to be passed on his oppressor ?

Yea, the sad eye of the tortm'ed pleadeth pathetically
for hira :

Yea, all the justice in heaven is roused in indignation at
his woes :

Yea, all the pity upon earth shall call down a curse upon
the cruel :

Yea, the burning malice of the wicked is their own ex-
ceeding punishment.

The angel of mercy stoppeth not to comfort, but passeth
by on the other side,

And hath no tears to shed when a cruel man is damned."
Hanovek, N. H., 1849. M. F.

400

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

From Dr. W. Hosford, Orford, N. H., Cue's Golden
Drop plums. These plums were well jjrown, but
there was something peculiar in their apjicarance
and taste. "\Ve thought this peculiarity might be
owing to their having been touched by the frost.
This is one of the very finest of plums, but it is late,
and requires a warm soil and location, and a f-ivora-
ble season to come to perfection in this region. It
may be kept long after it is ripe. We think there
are but few situations where it will succeed well
north of this latitude.

We have a half barrel of Early Purple potatoes,
from Salmon Buckminster, Lynn. They are very
acceptable, as those which we raised, last- summer,
from seed which Mr. B. gave us, were too good to
keep. This potato is one of the very eai'liest, and
of the best quality. It is considerably cultivated in
New Hampshire, generally under the name of Enrhj
Blues. But it is purple, not blue, and Early Blue
is the name of a very old, very early, and excellent
varietj' with a rough skin ; and it does not yield so
well as the Purple, which yields well for so early a
variety. It is as forward and good as the Early
White Blue Nose, or Eastjiort potato, and more
productive.

Grapes from Colonel Chase, and apples from Mr.
Spaulding ; and other presents will be noticed in our
next number.

NOTICES OF PUBLICATIONS.

The American Flora, and Illustrated Natu-
ral History, by Dr. Strong, published by Green &
Spencer, New York, are among the most interesting
and valuable periodicals of the day. The illustra-
tions of these works are beautiful and accurate.

Hovey's Magazine op Horticulture sustains its
high rank for originality and accuracy. Each num-
ber contains several figures, and elaborate descrip-
tions of fruits, foreign and native.

Annual Report to the Lot Holders of the
Cemetery of Spring Grove, and the Public, for
1819.

Report of the Autumnal Exhibition of the
Cincinnati Horticultural Society. Wc hope to
glean some valuable facts from the doings of this
association. Friend Ernst is the president.

The Farmer's Almanac, by A. Maynard. Phil-
lips, Sampson, & Co., publishers. This work is the
sixth number, under the author ; and the publislicrs
have good encouragement, and consider the work
permanently established. Besides the usual astro-
nomical calculations, this work contains much use-
ful and interesting matter, audit is intersxiersed with
blajik paper for memorandums.

Fowls. — Wo Avould call attention to the adver-
tisement of Choice Fowls on our cover. Mr. Coffin'.-
show at the fair attracted much attention.

, ^

The way to gain a good reputation, is to endci
to be what you desire to appear.

avor

SINGING BIRD'S

PETITION
MEN.

TO SPORTS-

Wouldst thou have me fall, or fly ?
Hear me sintf, or sec me die r
If thy heart is cold and dull,
Knowing nothing beautiful —
If thy jiroud eye never glows
With the light love only knows —
If the loss of friends or home
Ne'er hath made life wearisome —
If thy cheek has never known
Tears that fall from sorrow's moan —
If a ho])eless mother's sigh
Brings no tear-drop from thine eye,
Thou mayst smile to see me die !

But if thou canst love the lay,
Weli'oming the birtii of May —
Or summer's song, or autumn's dirge,
Cheering winter's dreary verge —
If thou lovest beauty's hues,
Decked with light or gemmed with dews —
If, all meaner thoughts above,
Thou canst hope, and trust, and love —
If, from all dishonor free,
Thou canst Nature's lover be —
Spare her minstrels, — pity me ! M,

Philadelphia, May, 1849.
- Horticulturist,

THE OLIO.

A man's first care should be to avoid the reproaches
of his own heart ; his next, to escape the censures
of the world. If the last interferes with the former,
it ought to be entirely neglected ; but otherwise
there cannot be a greater satisfaction to an honest
mind, than to see those approbations which it gives
itself, seconded by the applauses of the public. A
man is more sure of his conduct, when the verdict
which he passes upon his own behavior is thus war-
ranted and confirmed by the opinion of all that know
him. — Addison.

The difference between war and peace has been
well defined by one of the ancients. " In the time
of peace, the sons bury their ftahers ; in the time of
war, the fathers bury their sons."

Of all vanities and fop])Cries, the vanity of high
birth is the greatest. True nobility is derived from
virtue, not from birth. Titles, indeed, may be pur-
chased ; but virtue is the only coin that makes the
bargain valid.

"Poetry," says some one, "is the flour of litera-
ture ; prose is the corn, potatoes, the meat ; satire is
the aquafortis ; wit is the spice and pepjicr ; love
letters are the honey and sugar ; and dunning letters
are the emetics ; letters containing remittances arc
apple dumplings."

TERMS. — The New England Fakmer is published
everv other Saturdiiv. making a neat and handsome
volu'nie, at the close' of the year, of 4Ui pages, at ,?1 a
year, or five copies for Ji?4, p'ayable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18| cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, onibosscd and gilt, at 25 cents a volarac. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

^^ The Postage „^

On this paper' is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state : and Li
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the

BOSTON type .\ND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY.

DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ALL ITS VARIOUS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES.

Honor waits, o'er all the earth,

The art that calls her harvests forth.—

-Bryant.

VOL

. I.

SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 8,

1849

NO.

26.

s. w.

COLE,

Editor.

QUINCY HALL, BOSTON.

J.

NOURSE,

Proprietor,

CLOSE OF THE VOLUME.

As we commenced the New England Farmer in
December, the first volume now closes before the
expiration of the j'ear. In order to time with the
year in future, the second volume will commence on
the first Saturday in January.

All new undertakings may be regarded as experi-
ments ; but knowing the wants and the intelligence
of the farming community, we commenced the Farmer
with full confidence of success, and our expectations
have been more than realized in the liberal encour-
agement we have received ; and we shall enter upon
another volume with renewed confidence.

Our numerous friends who have patronized us and
aided in our circulation, and particularly correspond-
ents and contributors who have generously furnished
valuable matter for the paper, will please accept our
grateful acknowledgments. We respectfully solicit
our friends to continue their kind favors.

The character of this paper in being devoted ex-
clusively to agriculture and rural affairs, and its
compact form for binding, rendering it convenient
for preservation and reference, with the neatness of
its execution, all fitting it for an important place in
the family library, give general satisfaction, and its
low price places it at the disposal of all.

As the science and improved practice of agricul-
ture are new subjects, but few points are settled to
the general satisfaction of the most competent judges ;
and numerous subjects for consideration are before
the community, that require close investigation from
the most skilful in practice, and the most thorough
in science.

We would invite the aid of all who can contribute
to the general fund of knowledge for the promotion
of improvement in the various industrial branches
connected with that great and leading branch, the
culture of the soil, which is the basis and support
of aU.

Agriculture is every year assuming more and more
importance, and this spirit of reform will prevail,
until this profession, distinguished for independence,
dignity, and utility, will be duly appreciated, and
rank as the first of arts, as it did in the primeval

condition of man. May its life-giving, harmonizing,
and benign influence spread far and wide, and
hasten that happy period when Peace shall extend
her olive wand over the world,

" And iiscless lances into scythes shall blend,
And the broad falchion in the ploughshare end."

CLOSE OF THE YEAR.

The close of the year is a suitable time for reflec-
tion. The intelligent cultivator of the soil, as he
surveys his crops, and examines the records of his
doings the past season, learns many useful lessons.
He sees the result of his experiments, and gathers a
fresh acquisition of knowledge to aid him iii his
future operations.

He not only learns from his own experience, but
he observes the experiments of his brother farmers ;
and he also reads what others are doing in various
parts of the world, beyond the reach of Ms personal
examinations.

Li this way, the judicious farmer embraces every
opportunity, and treasures up wisdom ixom. every
available source, and grows wiser day by day ; and
every year adds largely to his fund of knowledge, as
is clearly manifested by his superior success.

But few in this age'of improveraent are willing to
plod along in the old beaten track of their fathers,
for the spirit of progress is sown, broadcast over the
land, and scattered into every nook and corner, by
numerous books and periodicals, and every one par-
takes, in some measui-e, of what is passing around
him.

NOTICE TO OUR FRIENDS.

We request every subscriber, and every reader of
the Farmer, to use their influence in circulating this
paper. In this way, with only a little attention,
they may do a favor to their friends or neighbors,
and much oblige us. The diffusion of useful infor-
mation conduces to the public welfare, and he that
contributes to this end will do good service in a
cause of general interest and utility. Will every
subscriber show his paper to his friends and, request

402

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

them to subscribe, and forward us their names.
With a little exertion on the part of our friends, we
may gain a large acquisition to our already liberal
subscription list.

EFFECTS OF PLASTER.

Mr. David V. Cotton, Meredith, N. H., informs us
that, in planting potatoes, he api)lied a small quan-
tity of mnnure, and ploughed it in ; he then applied
plaster of Paris to a part of his potatoes, as he plant-
ed them, Avhich increased that part one third over
those without plaster. The next year, he sowed the
land to wheat, and there was no perceptible increase
on the land where plaster had been applied. The
third year, the grass crop on the land to which
plaster had been applied two years previous, was
nearly double that on the land not plastered ; and
the difference was very apparent in the second crop
of grass.

In another experiment, Mr. C. applied plaster to
the whole piece, excepting five rows in the centre ;
no other manure was used. Where the plaster was
applied, the produce was a bushel of potatoes to the
row ; and where none was used, the yield was only a
bushel to two and a half rows. Next year, this land
was sowed to wheat, and there was no difference in
the wheat ; but since the wheat was taken off, the
superiority of the grass on the plastered part is very
evident, both in its growth and dark-green color.
The quantity of plaster applied was a heaping tea-
epooriful, or about an even tablespoonful to a hill.

These evident and important advantages from the
use of plaster, as well as hundreds of other similar
cases, should induce farmers to try this cheap and
portable manure, xmless they have already made ex-
periments with it.

♦

CRANBERRIES ON HIGH LAND.

This is a subject of great importance. We have
many accounts of cranberries being cultivated on
high land ; but in some cases cultivators have drawn
hasty conclusions from partial experiments, not hav-
ing waited to see the effect of severe winters and
extremely hot and dry summers. As cranberries
are very liable to be destroyed by frost on low land,
it is desirable that some mode of upland culture that
will succeed should be adopted, as in that case the
cranberry would prove to be a very profitable crop,
as they are usually in demand, and at high prices.

On the 22d page of this volume is a communica-
tion from Mr. S. P. Fowler, of Danvers, showing his
mode of cultivating the cranberry in the garden,
and the excellent success attending it. It is worthy
the particular attention of those who are making
experiments in cultivating this valuable fruit. We
have just received of Mr. F. a specimen of cranber-
ries from his garden, and they are of large size and
fine appearance. He remarks as follows : —

" A few days since, I picked ray small bed of cran-
berries ; and on this iiateh of nine feet square, I gath-
ered half a bushel, which, if my figures arc right,
would give me two hundred and sixty-eight bushels
to the acre. These, at two dollars per bushel, would

bring the sum of five hundred and thirty-seven dol-
lars. I send you a specimen of them."

TO DESTROY WITCH GRASS.

Witch or couch grass is a great pest in tillage, and
many ways have been^devised to destroy it, but they
are usually attended with much labor ; and in some
modes, such as very frequent ploughing during the
heat of summer, the crop must be omitted. Mr. Isaac
Foster, Andover, informs us that he destroyed this
grass by planting fodder corn on the land, in drills,
and hoeing it twice. As this is a very cheap and
convenient mode of destruction, we hope it will gen-
erally prove to be as successful with others as with Mr.
F. Will farmers make experiments on this subject,
and report to us the result ?

THE GADFLY IN CATTLE.

Mr. R. O. Stoddard, Waitsfield, Vt., makes the
following remarks on this troublesome insect. We
hope that further observations will be made, in order
that its habits may be ascertained.

" I saw in the New England Farmer, page 126,
some account of the gadfly. The writer said that it
comes out of the cattle's backs in the spring, and
that it lays its eggs in the fall. But I think that he
mistakes ; for v.e never find them in the backs of
late calves the first year. I think that they are de-
posited in the month of May. We often see cattle
start and run at that season, and I think that ii
owing to their being attacked by this fly."

VALUE OF BERKSHIRE SWINE.

A correspondent from New Jersey thus writes us :
" Some ycarssiuce, I had avery fine stock of Berkshire
hogs ; but from neglect and other causes, they have
entirely disappeared ; since which, I have not enjoyed
the luxury of a good ham on my own table. I am
fully satisfied they have been more sinned against
than sinning, and am desirous of procuring a few for
breeders, but know not Avhere to apply for informa-
tion, except to yourself."

The above is just what we told the public, over
and over again, several years ago, Avould soon be the
complaint, when the demand for this breed of swine
began to subside, and they were rejected for some
new-fangled notion. Taking every thing into con-
sideration, we think the Berkshire the best farmer's
hog ever raised in this country. A large western
pork packer, just returned from a six months' tour
in Great Britain and Ireland, informs us that he ha«
now got to commence growing a herd of Berkshire
swine before he can have a proper mixture of lean
and fat in his pork to suit the English market. He
also wants lean hams, which he can find nowhere so
perfect as in Berkshire pigs. — American Agricvi-

iurist.

*

RASPBERRIES.

Mr. Charles Downing, nurseryman, near New-
burg, relates that one of his neighbors, this season,
sold the product of three acres of raspberries for
about fifteen hundred dollars. They were oi the
large red Antwerp variety. To grow them in this
latitude, Mr. D. says the canes must be laid down
and slightly covered with earth, say one or two inches
deep, before the ground freezes, and thus kept till
the spring opens. — Selected.

NEW ENGLAND FARxMER.

403

^^^^®3^v.\^<^_^

BAKER'S PATENT FARM GATE.

The lower cut represents two gates used to close
one passage. That on the right is closed ; that on the
left is about half way open. The length of each
gate is about equal to the width of the passage way,
and when closed, one half of the gates form the
fence adjoining the passage. This construction
makes the gates self-balancing : they run on rollers,
and are well balanced whether shut or open : they
are managed with the greatest ease. Instead of two
gates to close one passage, one may be made, for that
purpose, twice as long as the width of the passage
way, and it will also form a length of fence.

The upper cut represents a gate operating in the
same manner, excepting, as it runs back, it ascends ;
and it descends and closes by its own weight, so that
there is no danger of its being left open by neglect,
or of its being opened by animals. This gate is ad-
mirably adapted to front yards, as it is neat and con-
venient ; and the manner of opening it, and its self-
closing quality, give all the advantages that can be
expected from any construction.

The self-balancing power in these gates is an im-
portant property, and their convenience, durability,
simplicity of construction, and cheapness, are appar-
ent to every observer wlio inspects the illustrations.

At the New York State Fair, and the Oneida Coun-
ty Fair, premiums were awarded for these gates.
Any desired information may be obtained by ad-
dressing David H. Lines, Springfield, Mass., who is
the authorized agent for New England.

For the New England Farmer.

CORN FOR FODDER.

Mb. Editor : In travelling, this fall, through a
aeighboring town, I saw, for the first time in my
life, a field of four and a half acres of corn, which, to
appearance, was sown broadcast, like rye and oats.
The corn was of vigorous growth ; with very small
ears ; very cle.ar from weeds, as much so as if it had
been hoed ; and yet it was so thick that a man could
with difficulty walk through it. The owner being
away from home at the time, I could find out but
little concerning the corn, excepting I learned from

his hired boy that it was intended for fodder ; and
not having seen the owner since that time, I send
you this communication, to inquire of you or of some
of your correspondents (for I understand, in Eastern
Massachusetts, it is no uncommon thing to see a
field of sown corn) how the ground should be pre-
pared and manured ; at what time of the season it
should be sown ; how many bushels to the acre
should be sown ; what kind of corn is best for the
purpose ; and such other direction for the culture
and management, as should suggest itself to the
writer. As the white worms have eaten the grass
lands in this region very much, for a number of
months past, which, with the drought last summer,
has tended to diminish the usual quantity of grass
and hay the past season, and in all probability will
the coming season, it is of importance to the farmer
who has a large stock of cattle to fatten or winter,
to know if a substitute for a light crop of hay can be
provided from the means at his disposal, at a time
when there is a prospect of a light crop.

CHARLES B. AYER.
Pkeston, Ct., Nov. 23, 1849.

Editorial Remarks. — It is very common for
farmers in this section to raise corn to feed out green
to cattle, to supply a deficiency in feed from short
pastures, which usually fail on old lands the latter
part of the summer ; and sometimes there is almost
a total failure of feed from severe drought.

Whether used green or dry, there is no kind of
grain or grass that will yield so much food as corn ;
and it is very easUy raised. Corn flourishes well on
land in tolerably good condition, and yields a profit-
able crop. Some farmers in New England have
raised forty tons of green food to the acre ; but this is
a great crop. We have heard of far greater stories,
which we do not credit.

An account has been published of a farmer raising
thirty tons of grcun food to the acre in this vicinity,
and of its making twelve tons of dry fodder. Now,
we believe the first part of this statement, as it is
reasonable ; but thirty tons of green stalks will not
make twelve tons of dry fodder ; probably not more
than six tons.

Land in suitable condition to produce fifty bushels
of corn to the acre, will probably yield about six

404

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

tons of dry fodder, worth nearly or quite as murh
OS good hay. This shows how admirably this branch
of husbandry is adapted to make up a deficiency in
the hay crop.

For a crop of corn fodder, prepare the land and
put it in good tilth as for a common crop of corn or
wheat. Spread the manure. Some sow broadcast,
but we prefer sowing in drills, and giving it one
dressing with the cultivator and hoe. Make the
drills from two and a half to four feet apart, accord-
ing to the growth of the kind planted. The grain is
dropped thick, so that the stalks will be only two or
three inches apart, or, in a drill of a few inches in
width, there will often be a stalk to every inch in
length, as they stand by the side of each other.

For early use, corn may be sowed as early as the
usual time of planting, and other lots later in suc-
cession. For a large crop for dry fodder, it is better
to sow the former part of June, that it may be cured
while the weather is Avarm. For late green food,
sow the latter part of June. The farmer can ascer-
tain how the hay crop will be, in season for raising
a crop of corn fodder. The time of sowing varies in
different parts of the country, and on different loca-
tions, on account of frosts.

Some sow the large southern corn, as it yields a
large crop ; others dislike it, as it is coarse, and prefer
the northern corn. This question is not settled.
Sweet corn is better than either, and the Chinese
Tree corn is probably better than any other kind,
being rather luxuriant, yielding a large crop, and
furnishing fodder of excellent quality.

But very few farmers know of the great advan-
tages of green or dry corn fodder to supply a defi-
ciency in pasturage or in hay. It grows well in dry-
seasons, when our grasses fail. With corn and roots
we can get a large amount of food for stock, and they
may be had in good condition at all seasons of the
year. We shall be happy to hear from our corre-
spondents on this subject.

For the New England Farmer.
FORESTS, THEIR PROPER PLACE, &,c.

Mtt. Cole : It would seem that the most suitable
place for forests is so evident that no one of any ex-
perience could be liable to mistake ; but every- day
observation shows that thi* is not the fact. Farmers
continue to clear land, which, in ten years from the
time of clearing, will not be worth fencing, for pasture
or tillage. On every hand we see pastures white
with " June grass," and almost as barren as the
deserts of Africa ; and if we examine further, we
shall find the cow?, that are pastured on this worth-
less land, dying with the bone diiease and horn ail.

Now, this might easily bo remedied on land not
already cleared, by clearing only such portions as
will continue to produce good grass for a long series
of years, and on those lands from which the wood
has been taken, by protecting from cattle and allow-
ing them to " grow up."

In all mountainous or hilly countries, every farmer
has observed that the land which faces in one direc-
tion is much more fertile than that which faces in
the opposite direction ; and in countries long culti-
vated, levels ate more productive than hill-sides. In
this vicinity, and in New England generally, soils

which slope towards the east are good, and those
opposite are poor ; owing, I suppose, to the prevalence
of west and north-west winds, which blow the snow
and leaves from the west to the east sides of hills,
and ])erhaps also prevent the fertilizing gases con-
tained in the atmosphere from settling about the
roots and leaves of plants within its immediate range.

The practical inference from this is, that as trees
protect the soil from the injurious action of winds,
and enrich it by the accumulation of vegetable mat-
ter in the form of leaves, land in exposed situations
should be sown with the seeds of forest trees ; or, if
the soil is sandy, it would perhaps be better to set it
with locust-trees, which will spread from the roots
and soon cover the ground. There is also a great
advantage in allowing trees to stand on the summits
of nills, or even a little over the east side, and strew
their leaves on the land below. As to the best
variety of trees to plant, much depends on the situa-
tion. The oak, chestnut, ash, &c., are valuable for
timber, while black and yellow birch, and sugar
maple, are better for fuel. The latter, however, should
stand on rich land when intended for the purpose of
making sugar. But the kind of tree which I should
prefer for a first growth, on old, worn-out side hills,
is the white birch, as it grows quick and requires
but little strength of soil ; and although not so last-
ing as some kinds of fuel, yet, when thoroughly dried,
it burns well, and, considering its quick growth, it is
not unprofitable. W.

Fkanklin County, Nov, 25.

LONG MANURE

Vegetable and animal matters, when brought into
a state of fermentation by the agency of air, heat,
and moisture, immediately give off carbonic acid gas,
which, if confined beneath the surface of the soil, will
become mixed with the moisture there, and be taken
up by the roots of plants. And what is carbonic
acid gas ? It is composed of two parts of oxygen, a
constituent of atmospheric air, and one part of car-
bon, the principal constituent of plants, rendered
volatile by the heat of fermentation. It is the di-
gested food of plants ; it becomes incorporated with
water in the soil ; is taken up by the spongioles or
roots of plants ; transmitted through the sap vessels
to the leaves ; is there decomjjosed by the sun's rays ;
the oxygen passes into the atmosphere ; the carbon
passes down through another set of vessels, and
being gradually disengaged from the water which
conveys it, by evaporation, it becomes a solid sub-
stance of the plant. Carbon constitutes principally
the structure of the stems, branches, and roots of
plants, and it can only find access into plants in a
fluid state, combined with oxygen. From this view
of the matter, the reader will understand why we
recommend long manure for hoed autumnal ripening
crops, and why we insist that one half of the value
of cattle dung is lost by suffering it to be reduced to
the condition of short muck before it is buried in the
soil. All vegetable matters contain more or less car-
bon ; and carbonic acid gas is invariably produced in
the fermenting and putrefying processes. — Genesee
Farmer.

EXPERIMENTS.

There is no way of making improvements in farm-
ing but by experiments. If the farmer is informed
of, or has conceived, a different and better method
of culture or management in any branch of his farm-
ing, he is to test the goodness of that method by ex-
periments ; and, if these j)rove successful, he may
congratulate himself on having performed an act
which is serviceable to his country and honorable to
himself. — Fanner's Assistant.

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

405

THE PORTER APPLE.

Tliis is one of the most popular apples in New
England. The original tree was raised by Rev. S.
Porter, Sherburne, Mass.

The fruit is large and very fair ; oblong, and nar-
rowing rapidly to the ej-e ; skin smooth, glossy,
Dright yellow, with a dull blush full in the sun ;
etem tolerably long, medial size, in a deep cavity ;
calyx large, open, iu a rather narrow basin ; flesh
yellowish, tolerably fine, juicy, of a rich, sprightly,
subacid flavor. This apple, all things considered,
is one of the best for the market. It is excellent for
cooking, and some regard it as first rate for the table ;
but others consider it rather too acid, and of rather
too hard pulp to rank with our very best apples for
th:! dessert. In this region, it is in use from the 1st
ol" September to the ipth of October.

The tree of the Porter is a moderate grower, or
rather less than medial in the nursery ; but as a
•tandard, it grows well, and forms a large tree. It is
rery productive, and yields the principal pait of its
fruit in alternate (even) years.

In this region, the Porter apple is in use at a season
when many other good apples are iii the market, and
■when the principal pears and plums are ripe ; also in
the great season for peaches ; therefore the sale of

this fruit, in years of plenty, (even,) is rather dull.
Cultivated farther north, where it flourishes well, it
will ripen for this market in October, when it will
bear a higher price than in September, as transient
fruits are much scarcer in the former month. We
have known the Porter apple to sell for one dollar
per barrel in September, and for five dollars per bar-
rel earlv in October.

POTATO ROT.

The potato rot seems, like the cholera, to be pass-
ing away from Europe and America. On this con-
tinent, in Nova Scotia, where it first appeared, there
is little or none of it the present year ; and the pota-
toes from that region come now as they did formerly,
— excellent beyond those of all other countries. In
the United States, a very little complaint is made,
nearly all the destruction being confined to tile fields
before digging, and nothing of it found after the po-
tatoes had been harvested a week or two. — Ncio-
burijport Herald.

The potato dealers in our city inform us, that their
experience is the reverse of this ; that they are
obliged to pick over the potatoes raised iu this quar-
ter, and to lose many, on account of " the dry rot ; "
that the Maine potatoes are least affected ; and that

406

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

the Nova Scotia potatoes are worst of all. — Essex
County Mercury.

Remarks by Editor N. E. Farmer. — From our
own observation and experience, we do not think
that the main cause of the potato rot has abated ; yet
the predisposing or secondary causes have been less
Bevere the present season. Warm and wet weather
Is a powerful predisposing cause, and the weather, in
the summer and early part of the fall, was very warm.
From the time of planting potatoes in the spring to
a period sufficiently late for harvesting, we had no
excessive rains, and but little hot weather during the
time of rains.

Considering these circumstances, our potatoes rot-
ted as much as usual before digging, and some of
them are now rotting in the cellar, though we dis-
posed, at the time of harvesting, of those most liable to
rot. This is an important subj ect, and farmers should
have correct information on it, in order to guai'd
against the rot in future, for a great deal may be
done to avoid it, by a judicious selection of soil and
manure, the mode of planting, and the time of plant-
ing and harvesting, and in the selection of hardy
varieties, which is the most important and the easiest
mode of avoiding the malady.

^Domestic IBepartment.

Education. — Every person must bo self-educated
to a great degree. Most people think, therefore, that
education does not begin till the child is sent to
Echool, and is conducted solely by the teachers em-
ployed for that purpose. This is a sad and very
injurious mistake. Education begins in the domes-
tic circle ; the eyes of the mother are the first teacher.
Father, mother, brothers and sisters, servants and
visitors, all aid in the great work. These home in-
fluences have no small effect in the intellectual de-
velopment of the pupil, and they often so entirely
furnish the foundation of the moral character, that
no subsequent teaching or discipline can change its
nature or bearing. To these influences the most
earnest eff'orts of moralists and ministers of the gos-
pel aie merely secondary for good, and useless against
evil. Let home influence bo that of firm and gentle
government, producing the habitual impression on
the mind of the child, that the will of the parent is
right and absolute law ; let the child have learned
cheerfully and happily to yiekl to this, and that
child will infallibly be a lovely pupil, esteemed and
cherished by its teachers ; will be a docile and rapidly
improving scholar ; will grow up to be a law-abiding
and valuable citizen, and most likely an humble and
devoted Christian.

But, as is too much the case in our day, let the
home influence bo that of too nmcli indulgence or
neglect ; let every thing be just as the child chooses ;
let the opinion and choice of the child rule that of
the parent; let the child say, I won't, or I don't
want to do this thing, or that thing ; I won't go to
tills school, this teacher, or attend to this study ;
and if the child is corrected for impertinence or idle-
ness, let the parent join in blaming the teacher as
cruel and brutish, and it needs no prophetic foresight
to predict, that the child will be a dunce in the
school, a rebel against the discipline, a bad, unruly
citizen, a tyrant in his own house, without one deli-
cate '.rait of moral goodness, probably never a true

Christian, or at best a self-conceited " trouble in
Israel."

This is the plague of all the schools at the present
day. The children govern at liome, and if they can-
not govern at school, they Avon't go any longer, and
parents let them do as they please. — American Spec-
tator,

Apple Custard. — To make the cheapest and best
every-day farmer's apple custard, take sweet apples
that will cook, (such as every farmer ought to have
through the summer, fall, winter, and spring,) pare,
cut, and stow them ; when well done, stir till the
pieces are all broken ; when cool, thin with milk to
a proper consistency, and bake with one crust, like
pumpkin pie. Egg may be prepared and added with
the milk if handy, though it will do without. No
sweetening is necessary. It may bo seasoned with
any kind of spice to suit the taste — the less the
better. H.

— Ohio Cultivator.

BojJs' ?Bepartment.

The beautiful Total Abstinence Boys. — An-
cient history tells us of four boys, of great beauty
and intelligence, that were carried captives from
their native country, and presented to the king, a
mighty monarch, to stand before him as his moat
honored servants. These favored youths were pro-
vided with every moans which the court of this great
monarch could furnish for making them skilful in all
wisdom, cunning in knowledge, and understanding
science, beautiful in person, and accomplished in
manners. The richest fruits and most delicious wines
were given to nourish them. But they were lads of
greater wisdom than even those persons who were
set to perfect and polish them. xVnd when the
wine was brought them to drink, they decided among
themselves, "none for us." It is not said that they
signed a pledge, but they formed a total abstinence
society, and it was impossible for those who were
set over them to break their rank. " If you pine
away," said they, " Ave shall endanger our heads to
the king." " But," said the boys, " give us Avater
to drink ten days, and then if our countenances look
not better than the countenances of those Avho drink
Avine, deal Avith us as you see fit." The experiment
Avas eminently successful. Their countenances Avere
fairer than all the children Avho partook of the king's
delicacies.

For the character of these youths, Avhen they be-
came men, look into your Bible, in the book of
Daniel. — Bombay Temperance Advocate.

jSealtl).

The Evil of Late Hours. — The rising sun draws
forth (lualities from earth and vegetation most con-
ducive to the moral and physical health of the Avak-
ing man ; the invisible air is laden Avith properties
Avhich stimulate his powers and refine his faculties.
This, then, must be the proper period for quitting
the bed-chamber, into Avhich the breath has been
exhaled for many houi-s, and the pores have been
rapidly emitting their secretions ; the conjoined eff'ect
being such as to render the air mephitic and unfit
for inhalation into the lungs. Miss the morning air,
and you daily miss the most A-aluable draught of
medicine that can be prescribed. The most subtile
logician cannot gainsay this fact ; but even Avere it

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

407

not syllogistic ally demonstrable, the instincts of the
animal and vegetable world would bear testimony
to it in the example the> set to man. No man
should sleep less than six lours out of the twenty-
four — none in the enjoyment of health more than
eight. Every hour devoted to sleep before midnight
is so much gain of natural advantages, which have
less intlucnce after that time, as we then begin to
•■' scent the morning air," and lose the benefit of that
■tatc of the atmosphere which the total absence of
the sun creates. AH nature sleeps at night, and so
•hould man.

IHecljanics' JDepartmcnt, ^rts, Ut.

Facts for Mechanics. — St. Paul was a me-
chanic — a tent-maker. Our Savior was a mechanic —
a carpenter. The great Architect of the universe, in
the mechanism of the heavens and the earth, with
its productions, animate and inanimate, displays a
power and skill which human hands and human
wisdom may attempt to imitate, but which they can
never equal, or approach.

Next to farmers, mechanics are the most numer-
ous and the most important class of community.
Whatever promotes their interest, of course pro-
motes the interest of the pviblic. They, like farmers,
have great facilities and great inducements to be-
come men of science and sound knowledge. Every
mechanic, in every operation, brings into use some
principle of science ; which principle it is, of course,
his interest and his convenience to understand.

Every apprentice boy, no matter how assiduous or
how rigorous his employment, if he spends a few
minutes daily in iiseful reading and other modes of
improvement, is certain to be a man of future influ-
ence and respectability. That apprentice who seeks
most assiduously the interests of his employer, pro-
motes most effectually his own interest ; as charac-
ter is the best capital a young man can have for the
commencement of business.

Mechanics, like farmers, make safe and enlightened
statesmen. They are well educated for legislators,
and for other offices, because educated in schools of
e.xperience. Who can be better qualified to make
laws for aiding the operations of business than those
engaged in these operations ?

A machine has been brought into use in Eng-
land, which will make 35,000 letter envelopes in
a day.

MANAGEMENT OF HOGS.

For the last four or five years, I have fattened
spring pigs, believing them to be the most profitable.
The way I manage is this : I take pigs about the
middh; of ^March, and when they are about one
month old, I put them in a small lot contiguous to
the house, so that I can feed them regularly on milk
and Indian meal. I put the sows in good pasture,
and turn them in with the pigs three times per day,
until some time in July, when I turn the sows and
pigs into my orchard, where they get the most of
their living until October ; then I feed them on new
corn until the first of December, when I put them
up in a tight pen, and feed them on corn -meal and
mush until some time in January. When I kill them,
they average from two hundred and fifty to two hun-
dred and seventy-five pounds, and I am almost con-
vinced that they are more profitable than wintered
hogs weighing four hundred pounds ; but I stand

open to conviction. Perhaps some of your able cor-
respondents may convince me otherwise. W. R.

Merceh Coi'XTY, N. J., 1849.
— Fhiladdjyhia Dollar Newspaper.

MANURE FOR FRUIT TREES.

The best compost for " all fruit trees," (without
endeavoring to suit the specific wants of each partic-
ular fruit,) is a compost of peat, or swamp muck,
reduced, or rendered available to plants, by unleached
wood ashes. The peat should, if possible, be dug
and carted out in winter, though it will answer if
dug in the spring. As early in the spring as is con-
venient, mix thoroughly the wood ashes with the
peat, in the proportion of five bushels of good hard
wood ashes to one wagon load of peat. Let the heap
lie a week, turn it over to incorporate more freely,
and in two or throe weeks it will be fit for use. This
compost, or manure, contains (largely) lime, potash,
phosphate, and vegetable matter, the elements most
necessary to the growth and health of fruit trees
generally, and all in a state ready for food for the
trees. A FARMER.

— Fhiladelphia Dollar Newspaper.

TOP-DRESSING FOR GRASS LANDS.

Bones dissolved in muriatic acid will be a good
top-dressing for grass lands. Boiled will be more
easily dissolved than raw bones. They must be put
in a vessel, wetted till they will take up no more
water, and then have the acid poured over them. —
Farmer's Herald.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

Colonel Libbeus Chase, of Cornish, N. H., who has
paid great attention to seedling grapes, and has
raised several valuable varieties, has sent us the fol-
lowing kinds — Nizola : this is a sweet grape, of me-
dial size, ripening about the middle of September.
The quality is very good, and its early ripening gives
it an itnportance. Earli/ Isabella is a very pleasant
fruit, resembling its parent, the Isabella, in quality.
We think the quality is hardly equal to the original,
but it might not be well ripened. The bunch is
large and compact, and in berry it is much larger
than the Isabella. This fruit ripens the latter part
of September, and it keeps remarkably well. We
have them now in fine condition. The Beaverdam is
of a high vinous flavor, resembling the Catawba, ex-
cepting it is more acid. It appears to be a good
wine grape, with the use of sugar, to modify its acidity;
and Colonel Chase informs us that he has made good
wine of this grape. It ripens the latter part of Sep-
tember, about a month earlier than the Catawba;
therefore it may answer as a wine grape in regions
too far north for the Catawba. The Beaverdam has
a very large and compact bunch, and a large berry.
We know but little of the habits of these grapes,
though we have recently had them under experi-
ments. The Nizola is rather tender. We have also
of Colonel Chase several other varieties, of which
we are not prepared to give an opinion. In previous
years, we received from the same source Coon and
Strawberry grapes. The Coon is of a small size, but
it is sweet and pleasant, and it ripens the last of
August, v,-hich is a'valuable property. The Straw-

408

NEW ENGLAND FARMER.

berry ripens the 1st of September. It is of a pleas-
ant sharp acid, but high flavor. By the middle of
September, it becomes thoroughly ripe, and keeps
well on the vine, and it is then of a good quality.
The berry is small, but the bunches rather large and
compact. For several years we have cultivated these
two varieties, and we had fruit from thora this season.
They are great growers, and very hardy. Their ear-
liness, with their valuable habits, gives them an im-
portance; As we have much less experience with
these than our venerable friend who has kindly
furnished them to us, we cannot do justice to the
subject.

Of Luther Gilbert, Grantvilie, Neodham, Riley
potatoes. We never saw finer potatoes than they
are baked ; but in boiling they were so mealy that
they broke into pieces, and were scattered in the
water ; so we think that they would be excellent for
potato pottage. We never saw this variety before
under this name, but we think that it is identical
with tlie Early Worcester. We intend to give them
a thorough test, another season, by pl&nting them
' with the Early Worcester.

Of Captain Amos Perry, South Natick, a good
vine of Perry's Native, which is among the best, if
not the very best wild grape that we have tasted.

From John Washburn, Plymouth, Pear quinces
of enormous size. The largest weigh one pound two
ounces. Mr. W. had some specimens still larger.
They were raised on light, sandy soil ; and such noble
productions, under disadvantages as to soil, do great
credit to the skilful cultivator.

From Mark Morse, Francistown, N. II., apples of
a good size, and very fair, handsome, and of fair
quality. They are doubtless a new variety.

From 11. O. Stoddard, Waitstield, Vt., some excel-
lent, purified maple sugar, equalling, in appearance,
refined sugar. It appears by the note sent with it,
that the package was a long time on the way.

Of Charles L. Spaulding, Cavendish, Vt., several
varieties of apples, among which are the Spaulding
Sweet, a fair, handsome apple, of good size, and tol-
erably good quality. One variety resembles the
Scavcr Sweet in appearance, but it is different in
quality. One is a little, beautiful, red apple, as
handsome and as good as the Fameuse, and it re-
Biimbles that faifious variety.

Water Cure Journal — Phrenological Jour-
nal. We would direct the attention of the reader
to the advertisement of these periodicals on our
cover. Pure water, which abounds in nearly all
parts of the world, is a powerful remedial agent ; and
by this simple element alone, many severe and ap-
parently obstinate diseases have been cured. Phrenol-
ogy, pursued as a study, is doing much in the cause
of education, and tends to illustrate many difficult
metaphysical subjects, and develop the science of
mind. By intelligent gentlemen devoting their whole
energies to distlnc^t branches, they discover important
facts, which otherwise would lie dormant forever.

THE PLOUGH AND THE SICKLE.

RY HON. T. BURGES, OF RHODE ISL\ND.

With a Pioneer Axe, what a conquest is made !

What a field from the forest is won !
What regions, reduced from the Avildorness shade,

Are no--v warmed in the beams of the sun !

From the rock whore our fathers in exile first landed.
Their cioaring fiom river to river has spread ;

And moiintainsi and plains by their sons are com>
maiided,
Till nov,- on the beach of Pacific they tread.

What a form for a nation to cultivate now,
And gather the wonderful harvest it yields !

'Tis an Emi)ire reduced to the Sickle and Plough,
An Empire of gardens, and orchards, and fields.

Hail, Nation of Farmers ! rejoice in your toil,
And shout when your harvest is o'er ;

Receive the oppressed to your land v.'ith a smile,
But frown every foe from your iron-bound shore.

And he who, by deeds, has now reached a high
station,
And is called to preside o'er the commonwealth
now.
Must relinquish his farm to save our young nation,
As for Rome Cincinnatus relinquished his plough.

The Plough and the Sickle shall shine bright in
glory,
When the sword and the sceptre shall crumble in
rust;
And the farmer shall live, both in song and in story,
When warriors and king's are forsrotten in dust.

THE OLIO.

An old offender was lately brought before a learned
justice of the peace. The constable, as a prelimi-
nary, informed his worship that he had in custody
John Simmons, alias Jones, alian Smith. " Very
well," said the magistrate, " I will trj' the Uoo women
fii'st : bring in Alice Jones."

The sandal-tree perfumes, when riven,

The axe that laid it low ;
Let man, who hopes to be forgiven.

Forgive and bless his foe.

A man once rushed into a fight, and after beat-
ing the combatants indiscriminately, some one asked
him which side he was on. " I beg pardon," waa
his rejily; "I thought it was a. free fight ! "

An English Bull. — An English paper, allud-
ing to the queen's visit to Ireland, says, that tho
shouts with which she was received, waa a sight ever
to be remembered.

TERMS. — The New England Farmer is pubUshed
every other Saturday, making a neat and handsome
volume, at the close of the year, of 416 pages, at $\ a
year, or five copies for Jji4, payable in advance. It may
be neatly bound at 18^ cents, or elegantly bound in
muslin, embossed and gilt, at 25 cents a volume. As it
is stereotyped, back numbers can be furnished to new
subscribers.

^ The Postage .^^

On this paper is only 1 cent, or 26 cents a year, within
the state, or within 100 miles out of the state ; and 1^
cents, or 39 cents a year, beyond those distances.

stereotyped at the
boston tite and stereotype foundry.

I

Date Due

I l!l!"li

^!! ,.■! m

! Illliiil

:'': 'iiili

'0%

I lull'