UMASS/AMHERST 2066 0308 0408 7 'ECOLLEG EPOSITORY iilitii il!!ill!lr,.,l f] LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE No L(cLi?_l DATE..^-J.§-SS SOURCE. Co. Llea€„-^Li..Tifls_-.-. N444 SFIbUAL COU.ECTJOMS ft ARCHfVES THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER; A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, AND THEIR KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES AND ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINGS. " What may not enlightened citizens accomplish, who have discarded the false, bustling pleasures of towns, and, carrying into the country the knowledge they may have acquired, apply to Agriculture the rich and varied assistance of the physical sciences 1" — Fodkceot. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FREDERICK HOLBROOK AND HENRY F. FRENCH, ASSOCIATE EDITORS. VOLUME XI. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY NOURSE, EATON & TOLMAN, 34 MERCHANTS' ROW. 1859. V at 4 \%5'\ INDEX TO THE ELEVENTH VOLUME. Page Academy, Westfield, Mass. . . . 397 Activity, mental, among farmers, . . 307 Agricuitureal knowledge, 75, 258, 396 ; progress of, tlie basis of human progress, . . 238 Agriculture, progressive, 69, 74, 87 ; Boards of, 107; the governor's notion of, U7 ; State Board of, 124, 140 ; convention at AVash- ington, 135 ; Maine State Board of, 138, 165 ; scientific, 140; and the militia, 179; in Por- tugal, 219, 326; and North American Re- view, ....... 540 Air, night, 45, 207 ; pure, .... 344 Allen, farmer, his farm, . . . 445, 505 Alligator, habits of the, .... 355 Ammonia, ....... 86 Animal, fattening, 46 ; a luxury for, 92 ; drug- ging, 157; kingdom, grand divisions in, 357 ; instinct of, 401 ; vertebrate, 418; and plants, type, species, variety, . . . 492 Ape, new kind of, . . . . 113 Ap])arel, ladies' wearing, . . . . 152 Api^le, Baldwin, 35, 37 ; crop in Waltham, 71 ; new varieties of, 204; tree, split bark on, 233, 311 ; tree, time for pruning the, 245 ; in Mas sachusetts, 261 ; for exportation, 262, 279 ; Minister, 329 ; orchard, 341 ; and apple trees, 354 ; tree, philosophy of the, 399 ; and plums, 459 ; about drying the 542 April, calendar for, 153 ; suggestions for, . 154 Art and science, conservatory of, . . 189 Artichoke, i92 Ashes, in the hill, 139; leached, 164; on clay soil, 179; wood, 180; coal, as a manure, 194, 237, 245, 277, 394, 404, 432, 557 ; against plaster, 330; as a disinfectant, 412; versus lime, 569 Associations, town, 190 August, calendar for, 345 ; farm work foi-, . 439 B Barley, and oats, 51 ; African bald, 82 ; foi horses, 203 ; culture of, 465 ; winter. Barn, tie-ups, clapboards or battens, 89, 122; management of the, 158, 278; cellar for ma- nure, 283 ; new arrangements for, 283 ; and loam, 319; arrangement in the, 446; how shall I build, 471, 480 ; al)Out a, 499 ; for New England, ..... 522, Barrels, iron or metallic, .... Bayberry bushes, ... . . Beans, for stock, 405 ; great crop of, . Beauty, utility, anil refinement, Bee, hives, 75, 309 ; criticism on the, 217 ; labor of the, in the liivc, 272; criticism about the, ex])laincd, ...... Beef, fattening it on potatoes. Beets, CLiltivatio:) of, 282 ; sugar from, Bernardston, Mass., Bowers' Institute in. 558 538 346 524 498 477 Page. Birds, spare them, 191 ; and boys, 247 ; and fruit, 388 ; seed eating, 573 Biennial, and perennial, .... 559 Blackberry, Lawton, . 278, 498, 526 Blood, the river of life, . . . 384 Book, noticed, Milch Cows and Dairy Farming, and Fruit Culture for the Million, 37 ; farm- ing, 191 ; on American Weeds and Useful Plants, 239; Downing's Landscape Gardening, 264 ; a new, on draining, 287 ; against experi- ence, 135 ; Langstroth on the Honey Bee, Life of North American Lisects, and Essays on the Soiling of Cattle, 303, 304 ; the American Home Garden, 306 ; agricultural, 328 ; Farm Drainage, 352 ; Hints to IIorse-Kedpers, Coun- try Life, Wells' Natural Philosophy, Country School House, books in Japan, 361 ; Gray's botanical series, 387 ; College Journal of Med- ical Science, 389 ; Copeland's Countrv Life, 449; Campbell's Agriculture, 463; "Wells' I Principles of Chemistry and Science of Com- I mon Things, ..... 566 I Bone, will sulphuric acid dissolve, 82 ; manure, I 266 ; and boards, cattle and horses eating of, 310 I Borer, apple and peach, 50; oil soap to kill the, I 356 ; bark, I Borrowing and lending, .... I Bots, in horses, certain cure for, . . 355, iBovs, a story for, 199 ; at home, to keep the, ] 238, 444 ; and birds, j Bread, and salt, 180; and milk, law about, . ! Brick making, ])_v elephants, I Bronchitis, simjde remedy for, I Brown, Simon, letter from, 456, 459, 461, I Buckwheat and clover on sandy land, 90; as food, 224 ; and wire worms, iBuckt'liorn, seeds of, for hedge, lBudple and pear, 363 ; apple, cause of loss of, 371; effects of cold on apple, 380 ; fruit, effect of weather on, 386 ; apple, philosophy of", 399 ; tap root of, 419 ; ancient, 429 ; winter-killing of, 451 ; ])car, protection of, 518; trans|ilant- ing, 536, 574 ; pojilar, an examjile of what nature will effect when assisted by art. Trout, propagation of by art, Turnip, as food for stock, 49 ; long white French, 71; are they a profitable crop, 157, 189, 211; crop, 285, "289, 379; among corn, 298, 305 ; and onion crop, 354 ; French, culture of the. Turkeys, a crop of, 36, 180 ; and pills, 75 ; about fitttening. 574 ; bronze, large, . Type, species, variety, .... Tyson pear, the, 551 562 365 576 492 298 U United States Agricultural Fair, at Richmond, Va., 24, 31 INDEX. Page. Valley, the Mascoma, Vt., .... 85 Vegetable physiology, .... 229 Vegetation, power of, to resist extremes of tem- perature, 28 Veterinary school, 72 Vermont, soil and climate in, 132 ; crops and weather in, 375, 376, 469 ; business and crops in Eyegate, 406; State Fair in, 508; Cale- donia County fair in, .... 543 Vine, to save from bugs, 323 ; squash, . . 499 Vineyard, cultivation of the, . . . 437 W Wagon, Willis' steam, .... 481 Wart, on a calf's neck, 233 ; to cure a, 259 ; on plum trees, 269 Water, decrease of on the globe, 190; running, 240 ; poisoned by lead, 242 ; well and aque- duct, 269; cress, 415; rain, and underdrains, 485 Weather, of 1858, 150, 162; of the summer months, 482 Weed, noxious Wells, Artesian, injurious, .... Westboro', cattle sliow at, . AVheat, crop, 56, 242, 489 ; Java, Spring, 165; Martin Johnson's crop of, 188; value of, 237 ; land, lime on, 278, 279 ; winter, 285, 315; crop of 1859, 417; Weevil proof, . Willow, basket, .... Windows and walls, leaky. Wine, to make pure, from apples. Wood, Elijah, Jr., farm of, . Woodland, ..... Women, in the garden, 447 ; universal benevo- lence of, . Work, doing too much, Worms, canker, 161, 269; green, Wrens, family of, Page. 409 510 497 Wurtzel, mangold, 451 37 525 559 99 383 504 404 323 300 179, 180, 185,218 Yearlings, and two year olds, Year, crowned with goodness, 545 ; closing. 405 573 ILLUS TRATIONS. Van Zandt's Superb Peach, Figure of an Ayrshire Cow, Willard's Patent Root Cutter, Fanning and Assorting Machine, The Gray Doyenne Pear, .... The Hubbard Squash, Design for a Farmhouse of the Rural Gothic Style, The Crawford Early Peach, Chester County, Pa., Sow, .... A Pair of White Shanghai Fowls, A Queen and her Bees, .... The Mario Louise Pear, .... A Portable Iron Grist Mill, .... Folding Vine Protector, .... W. and B. Douglas' Hydraulic Ram, . The Guelderland Fowl, .... Siiort-Horn Bull, Double Duke, . A Barrel Fountain 17'Ketchum's One Horse Mowing Machine, 33! Design for a Country Residence, 48 Drajjcr's Machine for dressing Mill Stones, 65 A pair of Java Fowls, 96, Design for a Country Schoolhouse, 113! Hay Caps, Use of, illustrated, I The Little Subsoiler, . 129 Field's Horse Pow-er Jlachine, 145 Design for a Suburban Cottage, 161 1 A Splendid Dominique Fowl, 1 76 i Ayrshire Bull, Albert, 182|A'Pair of Scotch Game Fowls, 193 A Design for a Country House, 198|A Full-Blood Devon Bull, . 203 1 The Bremen, or Embden Geese, 209 Pure Devon Cow, Fairy, 225 The Scotch Pine, 241 251 The Honey, or Sweet Locust, The Small Stinging Nettle, 273, 385, 256 274 289 305 320 336 353 368 386 416 433 449 464 481 496 513 529 544 569 POETRY. The Laborer and the Warrior, Swinging in the Barn, Agriculture and Horticulture, Inscription on a Watch, King and Queen, Charities that Sweeten Life, The Corn Harvest, There's Work Enough To Do, The Slave Boy's Wish, A Scotch Love Song, . An Autumn Leaf, Both Sides, .... The Fanner's Giri, Live for Something, 23 Nursling Vespers, 34 Cottage Song, 38 Never put oft" till To-morrow, 64 Times go by Turns, 68 The New Mown Hay, . 72 1 The Night before the Mowing, 85 [A Farmer's Song, 98; Farewell to the Swallows, 103 121 158 181 242 292 Autumn Wild Flowers, Love is Everywhere, Autumn — A Dirge, A Harvest Hymn, The American Autumn, Autumn, 306 322 357 391 4ol 422 432 468 476 484 500 505 528 553 DEVOTED TO AGKICULTUilE AND ITS KINDBED ARTS AND SCIENCES. VOL. XI. BOSTON, JANUARY, 1859. NO. 1, JOEL NOURSE, Proprietor. Office. ..13 Commerciai. St. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FRED'K nOLBROOK, ) Associate HENRY F. FRENCH, Editors. CAT^ENDAK FOR JANUARY. "That our sons may be as plants Grown up in their youth ; That our daughters may be as corner-stones, Polislied after the similitude of a jjalace : That our garners may be full, Affording all manner of store : That our sheep may bring forth thousands And ten thousands in our streets : That our oxen may be strong to labor ; That there be no breaking in, nor going out ; That there be no complaining in our streets. Happy is that people that is in such a case." Psalms 144, 12, et seq. ANUARY, it may be thought, has little to do towards producing that ha])py state of tilings so forcibly expressed in the inimitable Psalms. But can it be so ? Are not the snows and winds as much the messengers of God's will as fer- vent suns and re- freshing rains ? — Cannot June or July be omitted from the cluster of -\ Months as well as Janu- It must be so. Then, welcome to thee, January, first-born of the Months, and though cold and blustering thou may be, warm hearts shall receive and cherish thee, as being as important as though heralded by soft showers, gentle airs, or the singing of birds. That point being settled, let us talk a lit- tle about what naturally presses upon the mind at this season of the year. In wishing "A Happy New Year" to our read- ers, we know not how better to improve the occasion, than by a few natural reflections. Time and opportunities passed, cannot be re- called. The only use we can now make of the past year, is to hold it up to the mind's eye, as a beacon, to warn us against its errors and its fol- lies, and encourage us to imitate its bright exam- ples. Dr. Kane, in the Journal of his Arctic Expedi- tion, relates, that, on one occasion, the brig in. which he sailed, being carried along irresistibly by the floating ice, was borne near an immense- iceberg, which seemed to be stationary, and!; against which the seamen Avere afraid of being: dashed. As they approached nearer, it occurred to them, that by making fast the brig to this levi- athan, they might obtain safe anchorage and se- cure themselves against impending danger. They soon found, however, that they were still mov- ing forward, — that the iceberg itself was carried along by the current. So it is with the great stream of time. It sweeps everything before it, and is hurrying us all, young and old, rich and poor, learned and unlearnedj bond and free, all, onward to the great ocean of eternity. We think to stay our- selves by making fast, — one to his farm, another to his merchandise, — one seeks anchorage in listless ease, another in luxurious dissipation, — a third thinks to rise above the current on the popular breeze, and thus escape, — while a fourth labors to erect a golden tower, to which his barque may be made fast. But all in vain ! Ed- itors, subscribers and readers, have all been hur- ried along, through another revolution of time, and now, willing or unwilling, they are ushered into the vestibule of a New Year numbered Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Nine. We may as well now make a virtue of our ne- cessity, and become reconciled to the idea of be- ing carried irresistibly down the subtle stream of life, by the ceaseless "floe," and improve the ex- perience of the past, l)y making the best possible 10 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. preparation in our power for the duties and dan- gers, the joys and sorrows, of the future. But we need not be despondent. God rules among the nations of the earth. He has not led our forefathers from the despotism of Europe, to this wilderness, sustained them in their trials, in subduing the forests and the savages, — imparted to them wisdom to devise such a system of gov- ernment as ours and given them ability and val- or to defend it, — crowned the labor of their de- scendants with such success that this little one has become a great nation, — that this backwoods colony of but three million of inhabitants, has, in the short space of eighty-three years, so de- veloped herself in all the elements of national greatness, as to be able now to compete with the proudest and most powerful nations of the old world, — as to do more to promote the arts of civilized life and diffuse the blessings of the gospel of peace than any other nation on the globe, — we do not believe, we say, that the Rul- er of the universe would have thus signalized our nation, had He not other purposes to accom- plish. We may be punished and chastened, but the tree of liberty, which our forefathers planted, watered and defended with so much care and at so great sacrifice, will not be stricken down, — but will strike still deeper its roots, and extend still wider its branches, till a whole continent shall take shelter beneath its shade, and its leaves shall be for the healing of the nations. To this end, the people, the yeomanrj-, the dwellers in the "rural districts," the readers of the New England Farmer, and their like, must realize that they are the legitimate rulers of the land, and act accordingly — must take the reins into their own hands, and by that conservative wis- dom which has always been found in the masses engaged in rural life, guide on the nation to a state of civilization and power that has no paral- el among all the republics or empires that have preceded it, — "when nations shall beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks ; when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." If we start upon the New Year with the deter- mination to discharge every duty with fidelity and zeal, we shall soon find that Homeis the rich treasury of earth, and that "There is a power to make each hour As sweet as Heaven designed it ; >7or need we roam to bring it home, Though few there be that find it ! JFe seek too high for thinss close by. And lose what nature found us ; For life hath here no charm so dear As home and friends around us." WOKK FOR JANUARY. A good farmer's work is never done ; that is, he can always find profitable employment, no matter what the season may be, or whether suns shine or storms beat. And in this he ought to find one of his principal sources of comfort snd contentment. This is not always the case with the mechanic ; he may possess energy, health and skill, and sometimes be unable to find an opportunity to employ them, — so that although he may com- mand higher wages than the workman on the farm, it is quite often the case that the want of employment and the greater expenses for living to which he is generally subjected by his posi- tion, makes the average income of each more nearly equal than it is generally supposed to be. We have never yet known an instance where an active, healthy and skilful young farmer could not find profitable employment ; but have often known such instances among mechanics — M'here they have travelled from place to place, and in the touching language of Burns, — "Begging leave to toil,'' while the meal and the oil were swiftly wasting away at home, with little prospect that they could be again supplied. Is it not true, then, that the certainty of em- ployment ought to constitute one of the chief sources of contentment to the farmer ? And now, in January, it may be amidst sharp winds, drift- ing snows, or freezing nights and softening suns, of deep ruts and miry ways, or of smooth and glassy roads over which man and beast pass with an exhilarated delight, — there are duties to be performed just as important as v/ere those in the flush and beauty of summer. If the cattle have been well tended, they liave again assumed the plumpness and good looks which they had when first taken from the grass. They have become acquainted with their master, and seem to understand what any motion means that he makes in their presence ; their ears, as well as eyes, are ever watchful, as they move to- ward the sound of his voice, or the rustling of the hay, the chopping of the roots or the dash of meal into the feed-trough. Who cannot see expressions of gratitude in the countenance of the patient ox or gentle cow, or hear them in the cheerful "whinner" of the noble horse, as he remembers their kind services and ministers to their daily wants ? "Who abuseth his cattle, and starves them for meat, By carting or plowing his gain is not great ; When lie that with labor can rise tliem aright. Hath gain to his comfort and cattle in plight." The Barn should be kept neat in every respect — so that the cattle may lie upon clean litter, 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 11 and breathe pui'e air. See that no cracks let in a stream of cold air directly upon a cow or an ox while it is tied up and cannot get away from it. The Cellar should be so tight as to- prevent cold draughts fr-om coming up under the stock as it is lying down at night, and also to prevent manure from freezing, so that it may be over- hauled or carted out during the winter. Give the Horses a few carrots at noon, and they will soon show you a sleek coat. Cover them with blankets for an hour or two when they return from work in a sweat. Let the Hogs and store pigs have warm and dry sleeping rooms, if you mean to find a profit in them. Feed the Poultry with a variety of food; boiled potatoes, mashed and mixed with cob meal ; corn, oats, barley, scraps or bits of fresh meat, gravel or pounded oyster or clam shells. These, with a warm, sunny shelter, will please them so highly that they will yield you an abun dance of excellent eggs. Feed out roots daily to all the stock; to milch cows immediately after being milked in the morning ; to young cattle, dry cows, horses and sheep, whenever it is most convenient. But if you have no roots — ah, — make up your mind that you will have iJiem next year. Those of you who are blest with plenty of wood, and can enjoy the luxury of good, cheerful wood fires, gleaming upon your hearths and throwing its ruddy light into the glad faces of your healthy and happy children, will need no suggestion of ours, perhaps, to prepare it in sea son, and never to make the wife anxious and un- happy by attempting to burn it in an unseasoned state. There is one thing more, at least, appropriate to the Month of January, and well worth remem- bering, that " 'Tis not in title nor in rank, 'Tis not in wealth, like Lon'on bank, To make us truly blest. If happiness have not her seat And centre in the breast — We may be wise, or rich, or great, But never can be blest." Gross and Net Weight of Sheep. — A few years ago we ascertained the live and dead weight of a large number of sheep slaughtered for the tallow near this city, and found that the carcass weighed about three-Jifihs of the live Aveight. These were common sheep, affording only about twelve pounds of tallow. Had they been in bet- ter condition, they would have afforded a higher proportionfite weight of carcass. In England, with the coarse-wooled mutton sheep, fatted for the butcher, it is generally esti- mated that a stone live weight (14 lbs.) will give a stone dead weight (8 lbs.) The live weight (ascertained after the sheep have fasted for twelve hours) is divided by seven, and this gives the weight of the carcass in quarters. Thus a sheep weighing 140 lbs. alive, is estimated to weigh 20 lbs. per quarter. We have known whole flocks to exceed this estimate. The fatter the sheep, the greater the dead weight in proportion to the live weight. — Genesee Farmer. EXPERIENCE "WITH MUCK. In the summer of 1855 I had an upland lot, preparing for wheat or rye, aad having no funds to spare for the purchase of guano, bone dust, &c., I concluded to try what could be done at home. With a team and man we commenced drawing muck from a pond, and in four days had one hundred loads on two acres of ground. The ground was again plowed, thus mixing the muck, and on the loth of September was sown with wheat. It was harvested the following July, and when threshed and exhibited at the County Ag- ricultural Fair, received the premium for being the best wheat exhibited. The next season the plot was sown with oats, and such a crop was never raised on the old Jiomestead, and all with- out any other manure. This season we have put eight hundred loads on five acres, sown to wheat and rye, and expect to be able to give you and the farming community as good a report, if not better, from the crops next summei-. In addi- tion to the above, on the first lot, we this sum- mer cut, per acre, three tons of as good timothy hay as was ever housed, and up to this present writing, the feed is good, and cows easily fill themselves from it daily. Let every farmer, who can, try an acre with muck, and he certainly will be repaid four-fold. — American Agriculturist. Another Mowing Machine Wanted. — It may sound alittle singular to those who know the number of patents granted to hear us say that another is wanted ; and each particular patentee, we suppose, will hoot the idea that we now ad- vance, when we assert that very much the larger portion of the farmer's of the Eastern and Northr ern States are as yet unprovided with a machine suitable to their wants. There are thousands of farmers living in comfortable circumstances, that do not and should not keep but one horse, and yet the tendency of all mowing-machine inven- tors, with but the trifling exception, has been to cater for men who keep strong teams, such as can operate one of the heavy two-horse machines, only working half a day, and then changing for a fresh pair or else over-woi'k a single pair. Now what we want, and it is what inventors should turn their attention to, is a compact, light one-horse moAving machine, that can be afforded at a price within reach of the large class who keep but one horse, yet who are under just as much necessity of using labor-saving machinery as the largest owners of broad fields. We can- not advise small farmers to l)uy large machines, because we do not believe it would be profitable for mowing-machine manufacturers to give them one suitable to their circumstances, which they could and would afford to buy. — New York Tri- hune. 12 lEW ENGLAPiD j-ARMER. Jan. THE QBSAT S'H.ENCH HENNEHY. With care and good management, no branch of domestic industry is more profitable than rear- ing poultry. Many persons have supposed that what is profitable on a small scale might be made still more so Vv'hen carried on to a larger extent, but repeated experiments in this and other coun- tries have proved this to be a mistake. The se- cret of the matter is, that hens cannot thrive and lay, wilhout a considerable quantity of animal food. Where but a limited number of fowls are kept about the farm-yard, the natural supply of insects is sufficient to meet this demand, and hence, when attempts have been made to extend the business beyond this source of sup- ply, they have not prospered. It will be seen from the following interesting account that Mons. de Sora, of France, has adopted a method that has proved completely successful by afford- ing an artificial supply of this essential portion of food. The French practical philosophers certainly know how to make the most of things. A Mons. de Sora has recently discovered the secret of making hens lay every day in the year, by feed- ing them on horse flesh. The fact that hens do not lay eggs in winter as well as in summer, is well known, and the simple reason appears to be that they do not get the supply of meat in winter M'hich they obtain in the warm season for worms and insects. M. do Sora was aware of all these facts, and living at the time upon an old dilapidated estate, a few miles from Paris, the acres having been bequeathed to him a few years previously — he set himself earnestly at the task of constructing a hennery, which should be productive twelve months in the year. He soon ascertained that a certain quantity of raw mince meat given regu- iatly with the other feed, produced the desired result, and commencing only with some 300 fe- male fowls, he found that they averaged, the first year, some twenty-five dozen eggs, each, in the ?>Go days. The past season he has wintered thus far, about 100,000 hens, and a fair proportion of male birds, with a close approximation to the the same results. During the spring, summer aiul autumn, they have the range of the estate, but always under surveillance. In the winter, their apartments are kept at an agreeable temper- ature; and, although they have mince meat ra- tions the year round, yet the quantity is much increased during cold weather. They have free access to pure water, gravel and sand, and their combs are always red. To supply this great con sumption of meat, M. de Sora has availed him self of the constant supply of superannuated and damaged horses, which can always be gathered from the stables of Paris and the suburbs. These useless animals are taken to ar abatto owned by M. de Sora himself, ana there neatly and scientifically slaughtered. The blood is saved, clean and unmixed with offal. It is sold for purposes of the arts at a remunerative price. The skin goes to the tanner — the head, hoofs shanks, &c., to the glue maker and Prussia blue manufacturer ; the larger bones form a cheap substitute for ivory with the button maker, while the remainder of the osseous structure is manu- factured into ivory black, or used in the shape of bone dust for agricultural purposes. Even the marrow is preserved; and much of the fashionable and highly perfumed lip salve and pomade, was once inclosed within the leg bones of old horses. Uses are also found for the entrails — and in fact no portion of the beast is wasted. The flesh is carefully dissected off the frame of course, and being cut into suitable proportions, it is run through a series of revolving knives, the apparatus being similar to a sausage machine on an immense scale, and is delivered in the shape of a homogeneous mass of mince meat, slightly seasoned, into casks, which are instantly headed up, and conveyed per railroad, to the egg planta- tion of M. de Sora. The consumption of horses for this purpose, by M. de Sora, has been at the average rate of twenty-two per day for the last twelve months, and so perfectly economical and extensive are all his arrangements, that he is enabled to make a profit on the cost of the animals by the sale of the extraneous substances enumerated above — thus furnishing to himself the mince meat for less than nothing delivered at his hennery. It has been ascertained that a slight addition of salt and ground black pepper to the mass, is beneficial to the fowls, yet M. de Sora does not depend upon these condiments alone to prevent fermentation and putrefaction, but has his store rooms so contrived as to be kept at a tempera- ture just removed from the freezing point through all months of the year, so that the mince meat never becomes sour or offensive ; the fowls eat it with avidity ; they are ever in good condition, and they lay an egg almost daily, in all weathers, and in all seasons. The sheds, offices, and other buildings, are built around a quadrangle, enclosing about twen- ty acres, the general feeding ground. This lat- ter is subdivided by fences of open paling, so that only a limited numbtr of fowls are allowed to herd together, and these are arranged in the different compartments according to age, no bird being allowed to exceed the duration of four years of life. At the end of the fourth year, they are placed in the fattening coops for about three weeks, fed entirely on crushed grain, and sent alive to Paris. As one item alone in this immense business it may be mentioned that in the months of Septem- ber, October and November last, M. de Sora sent nearly one thousand dozen of capons to the metropolis. He never allows a hen to set ! The breeding rooms are warmed by steam, and the heat is kept up with remarkable uni- formity to that evolved by the female fowl dur- ing the process of incubation, which is known to mark higher on the thermometer than at any other periods. A pp'-Vs of shelves, one above ^ho ctrier, loim ine nests, wnue blcnl--pts are spread over the eggs to exclude any accidenta. light. The hatched chicks are removed to the nursery each morning, and fresh eggs laid in to supply the place of empty shells. A constant succession of chickens are thus insured, and moreover the feathers are always free from ver- min. Indeed a lousy fowl is unknown upon the premises. M. de Sora permits the males and females to mingle freely at all seasons, and after a fair trial 1850. NEW ENGLAND FARMER, 13 of all the various breeds, has cleared his estab- lishment of every shanghai, cochin china, or other outlandish fowl, breeding only from old- fashioned barn-yard chanticleers, and the femi- nines of the same species. He contends that the extra size of body and eggs pertaining to these foreign breeds can only be produced and sus- tained by extra food, while for capon raising the flesh is neither so delicate nor juicy as that of the native bird. The manure produced in this French estab- lishment is no small item, and since it forms the very best fertilizer for many descriptions of plants it is eagerly sought for at high prices by the mar- ket gardeners in the vicinity. The proprietor estimates the yield this year at about 100 cords. He employs nearly 100 persons in different de- partments, three-fourths of whom, however, are females. The sales of eggs during the past win- ter have averaged about 40,000 dozens per week, at the rate of six dozens for four francs, bringing the actual sales up to $5,000 in round numbers, for every seven days, or $200,000 per annum. The expenses of M. de Sora's hennery, including wages, interest, and a fair margin for repairs, &c., are in the neighborhood of $75,000, leaving a balance in his favor of $185,000 per year, al- most as remunerative as Col. Fremont's Mari- posa grant. — Selected. For tlie New Ensland Farmer. BEPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FRUIT At the AflEicuLTURAL t'AiR, Chaelemont, Ms., Sept. 28. There was on exhibition one small lot of pears. In traveling the county of Franklin, and all western Massachusetts, 1 have rarely seen a pear tree among the farmers. Fifty years ago there were large and heavily bearing pear trees in the eastern part of the State. Perchance I see a small tree, now in the hill towns, and in the Connecticut valley, loaded with delicious pears, and I exclaim, why did not the man who planted that tree, plant 20 at the same time ! Well en- riched, the pear is a sure bearer on the pear Gtock, preferred to the quince. The plum and the cherry were not on show. They are even less common in this country than the pear. There are cherries, sweet and healthy, good bearers and growers, and long-lived shade trees that will ilourish beautifully on our soil. Should not the cherry by cultivated ? Early in September, I was in the garden of the llev. B.Foster, of Dummerston, Vt. There I saw plum trees loaded with fruit, perhaps 20 bushels, all of the largest and most delicious va- rieties. The trees, all small, were bending un- der their loads. Mr. F. has saved the fruit from the curculio by rapping the trees and killing the grub, beginning when the trees began to blossom. But he is feeling confidence in a compound ap- plied to the tops of the trees with a garden sy- ringe. I noticed a tree loaded with plums in the gar- den of Dr. Clark, of Conway. He says, that in the spring he painted the body of the tree and the limbs as high as h3 could reach with soft soap and a brush. Somebody, everybody in the hill countrv of Mass., has neglected his duty 20 years ago, and every year since — and to-day we are none the better for want of the pear, the plum and the cherry. But the apple — every owner of land in these parts is bound by his home comforts, and as a good citizen, to cultivate some of the best ap- ples. The climate, the soil, the profit, the com- fort and the crop, in the valley of the Deerfield, as sure as in any place in the world, tempt the people to cultivate the apple. You see these ledgy, hill-side pastures where the maple and chestnut and hickory grow. That is the soil for the apple. Such pastures, well set in good apples, are a better investment for your son, or for the sale of your farm, or for your own comfort, than any other investment you will make with any hundred dollars. In ten years, and for forty years afterwards, the pasture will produce ten times more profit than it can yield in feed for sheep and colts. Keep the bushes dow'n, keep your scythe and stock out of it, con- secrate the soil to the apple, and say, since God has made this rocky hill-side very good for the apple, so will I. When the wife and the children, and the gen- eration after, eat the delicious fruits which you have planted, they will bless the man who plant- ed them — his grave will have a pleasant look to the children, for surely, as to good fruits, the nearest way to the hearts of children, younger or older, is down the throat. In the east part of Charlemont along the road- side, there has been lately the trimming away of the hedge of 50 j^ears, and the planting of many apple trees. I puss that way every week and re- peat the thought: — "Surely, in this. Dr. Taylor has done a thing of true practical wisdom." You may notica that Josiah Ballad's door- yard, east of the Charlemont church, is full of loaded peach trees. These were planted since the memory of any boy of 12 years old. I have lately passed these enchanting trees severa^ times, and aUvays repeat the same words. They are these : "T//e bearing year neeer comes to him wild cultivates no frees." Travelling in any direction through western Massachusetts, one may notice the neglected orchards, — old orchards, well planted and well grown, untrimmed, ungrafted, unprofitable, — neglected, friendless. This remark, with some beautiful exceptions, extends into Vermont and New Hampshire. Travelling, this autumn, 100 miles of the valley of the Connecticut, I noticed not many young orchards. The best one which 'I have seen, and this is a very perfect one, is ' owned by Mr. Wells, at the point of the hill two miles west of Greenfield. Last year, in Denmark, Iowa, I was walking with the llev. Mr. Turner in his orchard. He had planted several hundred trees about 12 years before, on very rich soil, and they had grown rapidly, and Avere filled to excess with limbs. I said, your trees need much trimming. He re- plied, "The soil is rich and will sustain a heavy top." I said, the tops arc already entirely too thick, and unless half their branches are cut away your fruit must be diminished in quantity and in size, and your trees will be decaying ear- ly. I said this with earnestness. With an ex- pression like begging my sympathy, he replied, 14 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan "With my parish and my farm to look after, I cannot do everything." You go through western Massachusetts and you may hear the same excuse 20 years long re- peated out of the tops of the abandoned apple trees, "Don't look at us, our owner cannot do everytliing." Plant apple trees, plant fruit trees, and do not neglect them as to the spade at the root and the knife at the top, while they are young. Remem- ber, tlie hearing year never comes to him tvho cul- tivates no trees. A. Foster, Chairman. For the New England Farmer. LETTER PKOM JUDGE FRENCH. AGRICULTURE IN COOS COUNTY, N. H. Lancaster, N. H., Nov., 1858. Friend Brown : — An American who desires to behold nature in some of her most sublime and picturesque aspects, need not incur the per- ils of a voyage across the sea, but let him first visit the "Crystal Hills" of New Hampshire. There are many things in the Granite State, lit- tle dreamed of in the philosophy of Boston peo- ple. It is not only a very good State to emi- grate/"rowi, but it seems by the fashionable world to have been, of late, discovered to be an agree- able place of resort in summer, by way of escape from the heat and sinfulness of city life. I am told that there were seven hundred strangers quartered at one time last summer in the little village of North Conway, below the Notch of the White Mountains, and a voice is still calling to them to come up higher. A story is told of two fast young gentlemen from Boston, who wanted to go to the farthest bounds of civilization northward, so they took the railroad to Littleton, and there chartered a horse and wagon, for a drive into the wilderness. They carefully provided a flask of whisky and some crackers, so as not to incur danger of hun- ger or thirst, and came over to Lancaster, ex- pecting to see the spot where civilization gradu- ally tapered off into the wilds of Indian life, whtn suddenly they found themselves in front of the magnificent hotel, of which I will say enough to show that they who travel this way need not bring provisions or tents. THE LANCASTER HOUSE. This hotel, which is the largest in this State, a part three, and a part four stories high, was opened last summer lor guests, by Mr. John Lindsay. The building itself, in this country of cheap lumber, cost about $18,000 — and when fully arranged will accommodate one hundred and fifty guests. The rooms of the lower story are thirteen, those of the second story twelve, and those of third, eleven feet in height. The largest suite of rooms open into one spacious drawing-room of the dimensions of 54 by 24 feet. The house is 190 feet in length, a part be- ing 64 and the rest 40 feet in width. The ample porticos, the lofty ceilings and the broad wind- ing staircases, are arranged with an architectural skill, that gives the structure, both without and within, an effect really imposing. It is designed to accommodate those who in the hot season seek health or pleasure in these grand moun- tain regions, and it is difficult to say where art and nature have better combined for the enjoy- ment of leisure,'than at this same spot, so far north that one looks back from it towards the south- east at the peak of Mount Washington. The distance from Boston is about two hundred miles, by Concord and Littleton, by railroad, and twen- ty miles stage, and two hundred and forty, in- cluding ten miles by stage, by Portland and the Grand Trunk Railway. For those who desire to pass through the Switzerland of America, the stage and lake steamer routes furnish a charm- ing variety of wild scenery through the Notches of the Mountains. AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. The price of the best rock maple wood, which is from $1,25 to $1,50 per cord, and the price of potatoes at the starch factory, twenty cents a bushel, seem to indicate, that, notwithstanding our spacious hotel, we have advanced somewhat beyond the centre of population. Indeed, Lan- caster is nearer to Montreal in Canada, than to Boston, and the Grand Trunk Railway, con- necting Portland with the cities of the Cana- das, is a great artery which sends out American blood with American principles and sympathies, through all the Provinces. England cannot desire to hinder the fraternal relations of her provinces with the States, or she never would have assented to either of the two great steps towards fraternization which have re- cently been taken. By one of them — the reciprocity treaty — agri- cultural products are carried free of duty be- tween us and Canada, and so the custom-house mark o^ boundary is, in part, eflfaced. By the other, Carada has adopted the decimal currency, and "the almighty dollar" claims dominion there instead of the former sovereign of Great Britain. But to return to the subject of agricultural products. This is part of the valley of the Con- necticut, famous for its fertility, but as this por- tion of it is two hundrer" miles from Boston, its best market, farmers are obliged to send down their produce in a form not chargeable with too much freight. Butter and cheese, cattle and horses and wool, are the principal articles sold. Wheat is grown to some extent, but a great deal of flour is brought down from Canada to supply the deficiency. A great deal of valuable lumber 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 15 now finds its way from the wild regions farther North, down the river and the railways. Farm- ers are slowly coming into the idea that sheep afford mutton as well as wool, and begin to be- lieve that some of the larger and coarser wooled breeds might be more profitable than the Meri- nos. Lambs, which a few years ago, sold for Sl,50, readily bring twice that sum, and the great- er weight of the fleeces of the coarser sheep almost, if not quite, compensates for the inferior quality of the wool. I have alluded to the manufacture of starch, a sort of pioneer business, which leads the march of agriculture towards the backwoods. Let me tell the children who read the Farmer HOW POTATO STARCH IS MADE. The starch used in families for stiflening shirt collars and the like, is not made of potatoes but of wheat, usually. Potato starch is used in cot- ton factories, chiefly, for what is called sizing. The starch mill here is a low, cheap building, on a stream of water which carries the machinery. Mr. B. H. Plaisted is the owner. As you enter, he will show you great heaps of potatoes, rough and dirty, as they were dug. His cellar holds SIX thousand bushels of them now. The Cali- fornia potato is a good deal raised, a very large, coarse potato, which yields a great crop, not very good for human food. As the farmers sell them for only twenty cents a bushel, thej' must get a good many from an acre, to pay for their labor. Onemgm raised 1280 bushels this year from four acres, of the kind called Peachblows. The pota- toes are first put into a long box into which wa- ter is constantly pouring, and are there stirred about with long, wooden fingers and thus washed. Then they go into another place where there is a huge grater, like a nutmeg grater, only greater by a good deal, and thus they are grated into a pulp. This pulp is carried along over five strain- ers, upon which streams of water are falling, and thus the starch is washed out and goes through the strainers, while the skins and coarser parts pass aiong. The starch seems to be all there is in potatoes of any value, for what is left is thrown into the river, and is thought here to be of very little use for cows, to which it is sometimes given. Next the starch andAvater that went through the strainers, are pumped into large vats or boxes, and there in a short time, the starch falls to the bottom, and the water is taken ofi" the top by a syphon, and the starch, clean and white, is so solid that it can be shoveled up into heaps. Lastly, it is put on to wooden frames, in a hot room, heated with stoves and funnels, and there dried, and then put into bags and sold. About two hundred and forty bushels of potatoes of sixty pounds to the bushel, will make a ton of starch, which gives about a pound of starch from seven pounds of potatoes. The best and most mealy potatoes make the most starch, but farm- ers cannot afford to raise them for this purpose, as they yield a smaller crop than coarser varie- ties. If any of the boys or girls want to try the ex- periment of making starch, it can easily be done at home. Take a half dozen potatoes and grate them to a pulp. Lay the pulp on a coarse sieve and pour cold water upon it, and allow that which washes through to stand a few hours, and the starch will be at the bottom, fit for use. Winter comes early here. Snow fell so as to cover the ground during the first week of No- vember, and sleighing usually lasts four or five months, leaving a season rather short for Indian corn, which, however, is cultivated to some extent. All mountain regions are said to produce strong, healthy, free and virtuous people, and this region is no exception to the rule. Hard work, pure air and few temptations, perhaps, may explain the fact. Let not New Hampshire mountains be forgot- ten when summer again drives people from their city homes. Yours truly, H. F. French. For the New England Farmer. KEVIEW OF THE SEASON. Mr. Editor : — A review of the season may be interesting to the cultivators of the soil, and journals from different parts of the country kept with considerable care, would be of great value, not only in comparing the fluctuations of the season at a given place, but to compare the cli- mate of difl'erent parts of our country with each other, so that we may know what crops have been successfully raised at any given place, and what failures have occurred, which has much to do with the prospect of market prices in the future. The unsteady climate of New England is sometimes more favorable to the husbandman than the more steady climate of the Mississippi valley, yet with all our mountains, rocks and hills, kind na- ture furnishes us with all the necessaries and many of the luxuries of life. The season has been propitious — our crops have been mostly first rate, and although some failures have taken place, they are more in the form of luxury than any of the necessary elements of life. I will now take a review of the months from the record of 1858, beginning with the growing season. April has been about half a degree colder than the mean, yet having a temperature more than three degrees warmer than 1857, but coHer than 1855 and 1856. Only 2.25 inches of rain fell during the month, consequently the ground was much too dry for vegetation. Cold north-west winds prevailed to a great extent during the month, keeping vegetation in a backward state. April left but a scanty growth of grass in the pastures, while the forests were bare and deso- late. The rain was much less in quantity than usual, and we had barely snow enough to v.hiten 16 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. the ground, but the mountains have frequently been covereu, probably some inches in depth. The sky has heen less cloudy by more than one- tenih than last year. May was rather dry during the first part of the month, but copious rains al)out the 2()th gave p'enty of moisture to the ground, which was wet enough during the remainder of the month. The mean temperature of the month was 51.61 de- grees, being l.i51 degrees colder than last year, and 2.91 colder than the mean of the past five years, — being the coldest of the six. 1854 was the warmest, being 57.64 degrees, being more than six degrees warmer than the present. There was a light, easterly wind a considerable part of the last three days of the month, at the time when apple trees were in full bloom. Fruit trees of all kinds had a full medium quantity of blossoms, but not a great extra amount. The rains during the latter part of the month were favorable to grass, which appeared very promising. June was neither dry nor wet, but had about the usual quantity of rain ; its amount was 3.87 inches. The weather was warm and favorable to the growth of corn. The mean temperature of the month was 67.58 degrees, being 7.15 de- grees warmer than last year and 3.48 Avarmer than the mean of the five preceding years. The warmest day was the 25th, when the thermometer stood at 91 degrees at 2, P. M., while the mean temperature of the day was 82 degrees. This was the most favorable month for corn during the season. The first half of July was rather dry for vege- tation, but the latter part was exceedingly wet. Rain fell on 15 days. The temperature of the month was 63.37 degrees, being 6.05 colder than last year, and 1.06 degrees colder than the five preceding years. The amount of rain was 4.80 inches. The month was unfavorable to corn. August had a temperature of 65.67 degrees, which is about an average. The rain was dis- tributed in showers through the month, giving a bad hay season, but no excess of rain ; its whole amount was a little less than three inches. Kain fell on 17 days, and the amount of cloudiness was 45 hundredths. Owing to the cold of July the corn crop remained in a backward state. September was warmer than the same month in the five preceding years, by 1.19 degrees, and had a temperature of 59.52 degrees, which was warmer than last year by 2.39 degrees. The amount of rain was nearly 3 inches, or about an average. The first frost occurred on the 23d day. It was hard enough to kill most vegetables, and was preceded by a thunder storm two even- ings previous. The mean temperature of the last six months was 58.95, and the warmest month was June. On the condition of these six months were in- cluded the hopes and prosperity of" the farmer, for a supply of all his wants. Nature has fur- nished that supply. His corn crop is considera- bly above an average,with large, well-ripened ears. Potatoes were never better, yet the rot has done some damage. The warm and moist weather of September has increased the malady, but yet the supply is greater than the demand. Of the ce- reals we have a fair crop. Wheat is much bet- ter than last year, yet some pieces are nearly de- stroyed by the weevil and rust. Late wheat suf- fered much from rust. Oats are a good crop, seldom better, yet the amount of land in oats is comparatively small. Grass was about an ave- rage crop, rather below than above. The season was rather unfavorable for haying, yet no great amount was damaged. The fruit crop is, at least, a partial failure. Apples are very scarce and small. Plums are almost unknown, while grapes have yielded abundantly. Wild fruits and nuts exist in very limited quantities, and the seeds of forest trees in general are scarce. Not only dur- ing the season of blossoms, but through the whole summer, we have had an unusual amount of east wind, whose blighting influence is felt in this section on the whole fruit crop. Among the periodical phenomena we notice the appearance of various kinds of migratory birds. Bluebirds appeared March 17th ; robins .March 19th; barn swallows May 3d; grass, first appearance of growth April 6th ; general leafing of forest trees May 15th; barn swallows disap- peared August 27th ; general fall of forest leaves took place Oct. 21st. Such are the results of the record of 1858. Shall we hear like results from other parts of the country ? D. BUCKLAND. Brandon, Vt., Nov. 8, 1858. CA.RKOTS FOB HORSES. In Great Britain, many of the most successful agriculturists, and cattle breeders, feed their horses liberally, and, indeed, in some instances, quite exclusively on roots. The carrot they hold in high estimation for this purpose, and vast quantities are annually raised and consumed. It has been estimated by some writers on domestic economy, that a bushel of^carrots is equal to half a bushel of grain ; but although this is doifbtless a somewhat extravagant appreciation, we have no doubt that three bushels of carrots will prove, in all cases, fully equivalent to one of oats. It was stated not long since in one of the papers, that the proprietor of one of the most extensive livery stables in Connecticut "considers carrots the most valuable article of winter feed he has ever raised." Rasped, and mixed with chopped straw, or refuse hay, they answer a double purpo.se of economy, and render the expense of wintering animals far less than it would be were we to em- ploy only English hay and grain. Hogs v/inter admirably, and even fatten on these roots. We advise every farmer who can command a piece of old, well worked, rich and deep soil, to put in a few square rods, and try them. The seed may be sown in this climate as late as the twentieth of June. The ground should be finely pulverized by harrowing or some other equally efficient dis- integrating process, and thoroughly rolled after sowing the seed. Guano and bone dust are effica- cious and salutary stimuli for the crop. Ashes, also, and gypsum, have a decidedly favorable and energizing efi'ect. But plenty of gaod barn manure is best. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 17 THE PEACH. Among all the fruits natural to the growth of our soil, there is not one that will compare favor- ably with a well ripened peach of one of the fin- est varieties. The grape and the pear must yield the palm to the peach, and so must the plum, even if we should select for a comparison the Green Gage, the Washington, Jefferson or Co- lumbia. The pear, the plum and the grape are excel- lent dessert fruits, and are grateful to evei-y taste ; but the peach, while it claims just as high rank as a dessert fruit as any of those, may be made to serve as a nourishing, substantial food in situa- tions where they can be raised cheaply in large quantities. We have never known a person who did not like the peach. It is palatable and whole- some when ripe, and uncooked, and when cut and served up with sugar, one of the most de- licious sauces that ever came upon the table. In their ripe state they also make the finest pud- dings and pies, always being in demand at the table, even though epicures surround the board. When quartered and properly dried in a kiln, prepared for that purpose, they are just as suita- ble for a sauce, and in the estimation of many. quite as good as when fresh from the tree, for pies or puddings. We believe the peach and grape to ^e the most easily digested and the most wholesome fruits we have, and that if we used them as arti- cles of food to a much greater extent than we do — not as articles to please the appetite merely — there would be much less sickness among us than usually prevails in the autumnal months. If this be so, is it not worth while for every person cultivating a piece of land, to introduce a few peach trees, sufficient, at least, to supply his own table, provided his location is suited to their growth ? It is not our purpose now to speak of the va- rieties of this fruit, or of the mode of culture, or the soils most suitable for them. That has often been done in these columns, and probably will be again. The beautiful figure above, which we now pre- sent the reader, is an illustration of Van Zandfs Superb, a very light colored and handsome peach, originated some years ago by Mr. Van Zandt, of Flushing, Long Island, It is one of the most beautiful dessert peaches, though only of medi- 18 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. um size, and possesses a very agreeable flavor. The flesh is whitish, but tinted with red at the stone, melting, juicy, sweet, and of good flavor. Ripens first of September. For the New England Farmer. NEGLIGSMT HABITS— BOKEOWIKG, &c. Messrs. Editors : — Heedlessness costs us more than we are aware of; did we but consider the value of the time spent in consequence of our negligence, at a price we should charge our neighbor for work, we could readily account for the deficiency which often happens at the end of the year in balancing our books. The habit of borrowing tools or farm implements of a neigh- bor is not only a heavy tax upon the time of the borrower, but an annoyance in addition to the .OSS of time in the lender. The borrower not on.y sustains the loss of his own time, but fre- quently one or more men are idle for the want of tools to commence work, and in a few years the habitual borrower loses enough in his bor- rowing visitations to stock his farm with tools, beside disgusting his neighbors to ill will, and wishing the borrower well supplied with imple- ments of his own. Borrowing is excusable in beginners, espe- cially in young men Avho are not wealthy ; but for farmers or mechanics to depend upon their neighbors to furnish them with tools, does not look like regarding the Christian precept of do- ing as we would have others do to us. In what I have stated above 1 do not wish to comprise those who lend for pay. Negligence in paying small debts is one of the worst of non-State-priscn ofl'ences ; the debtor injures his own credit as untrustworthy, and his character as an honest man ; lie injures his cred- itor by withholding his honest dues, and he stands a poor chance to make a profitable speculation, if he wishes to boiTow money to accomplish it ; nobody has money to let to a negligent borrower, and to cap the climax, he is liable to have the sheriff's fee added occasionally to some of his small debts. Pay up small debts and interest on large ones punctually, and my word for it, your credit will command respect, and your neigh- bor's spare money will be at your service, when- ever you see an opportunity to make a profitable use of it. The most cruel negligence is disregarding the wants of the poor laborer; reason, common sense, common honesty and Scripture, all tell us that the laborer "is worthy of his hire." Men and women who have families of needy children, which are dependent upon the income of the daily labor done by their parents, to supply them with food, clothing and shelter, stand in need of prompt payment, and v.'hoever declines prompt payment for such services, and will put these worthy peo- ple to the dreaded task of dunning the delinquent to the hundredth time, is not worthy to claim a right to the Christian name, let his professions be what they may. Many persons suffer more for the want of promptness than they do by drought, curculio and the whole tribe of insects. I have observed In diff'erent towns where I have lived, the diff'er- ent habits of my neighbors ; some of them who possessed valuable farms, in the spring of the year would want a few shad or other fish for fam- ily use, and v.ith a provident care for the future, would wend away to the river, where they would find plenty of company and scarcity of fish, some- times toiling ail night and "catching nothing ;" but fishing, like gambling, let the luck be good or bad, tempts him who is successful to prolong his stay, that he may add more to that already gained ; if unsuccessful, to hold on with a pert>:stency which would do honor to any good cause, in hopes that luck would be more propitious and fish more plenty. At length, after slecpness nights, disap- pointed hopes, waste of time and heavy potations to "restore v,-asted energies," Jo Trout & Co. would think it about time to look at their farms. After arriving home, and the fog had dispersed from the mental atmosphere of Jo and Co., and vision restored, they could see their neighbors finishing their spring work of manuring and seed- ing their ground ; then commenced the bustle and hurry among fishing farmers ; everything was to be done ; plowing, manuring and planting must be done in a hurry, which is no way to do a thing well, and so instead of driving business, business took the reins and drove Jo and Co. fretting through the rest of the season. When harvest time arrived, my fishing neighbors com- plained of bad seasons, poor crops, blighted grain and frost-bitten corn ; and a plenty of weeds might be seen over their whole premises. This is the way some folks make both ends meet, and consider farming as really an unprofitable busi- ness ! Without promptness and systematic order among farmers and mechanics, confusion, delays and loss of time take place, to the detriment of the owners or interested party, which diminishes the profit of their labors and often prevents suc- cess. The successes of Washington, Jackson and Bona])arte were more owing to their prompt- ness than to any other circumstance ; by their quick decision and rapid movements they sur- prised the enemy, unprepared to engage with them. Had Gen. Washington been as much at ease, and tardy, as some of the British generals were, his negligence would have given Cornwallis an opportunity in have escaped his clutches at Yorktown, to continue his depredations and pro- long the v,-ar, and perhaps to end in the subjuga- tion of the colonies. Silas Brown. North Wilmington, Nov., 1S5S. Remarks. — The above abounds with valuable suggestions, which ought to prompt us all to strict discharge of our duty. The jNIanagement of Permanent Grass Land ought to be much studied by our farmers. We23loivtoo much! By fall manuring we may keep up the productiveness of a meadow for many years, and the hay will continue to im- prove in quality. So, also, of pastures. Plaster should be used more freely. It is not right, either in morals or agriculture, to always take and never give — we must carry out "the doc- trine of compensation." 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 19 For the N«w England Farmer. DRAINING IN NEW ENGLAND. Our solitary but good-natured friend, "S. F.," in a recent article upon thorough draining, of- fers some statements and logic that are rather flattering to the ability or good sense of our New England farmers. He says, in italics, just as though he meant it, "That the thorough drain- ing of our old farms in New England, is simply an impossibility." All are ready to admit that there are many farms, which, at the present val- ue of land, I mean good land m the immediate vicinity, would not "pay" for draining : but it is no less a fact that all wet and low lands can he drained, and nine-tenths of them at a moderate price, say from thirty to fifty dollars per acre. Let us look a moment at his mode of reason- ing. He says that the average value of our farm land is twenty dollars and twenty-seven cents per acre ; draining costs twice that amount, hence it is impossible ! To illustrate this mode of rea- soning : suppose that S. F.'s watch has been neg- lected for a long time, needs repairs, and stops. S. F. takes it out, looks atit, finds "no tick here," says to himself, "This don't go, no use, think I will throw it away and get another." But a bright idea strikes him ; "the watch as it is, is worth a dollar and a half, if the watch-maker will repair it for a dollar, I shall make fifty cents by saving it." F. starts for the watchmaker, finds him ; but the extravagant mechanic wants two dollars for adjusting the watch. S. F. indignantly informs him that the watch is only worth one and a half, and it is absurd to think that he will pay two dollars for having it repaired. Watchmaker says, your watch will be worth twenty dollars when 1 have done with it. S. F. goes off" disgusted with the stupidity of watchmakers, throws his watch into the dock, and finally believes that he has saved a half-dollar by his sagacity. The whole point of his argument is this — that a farmer must not spend more in the improvement of a piece of land than the land is worth before he begins to improve it. Every practical man knows better than this, for ho may have a piece of meadow land so wet as to be entirely v/orthless, and by laying out ten dollars in ditching, he can make it worth a hundred to him. But to be still more practical, I will give a fact which will prove the fallacy of all such reasoning Two years ago there was a piece of land near Boston which was >vorth nothing at all ; in fact, was a nuisance ; Jie owner spent about five hundred dollars per acre in improving it, and his land is now valued at one thousand dollars per acre ; was it possible or impossible, to lay out more on the land than its value, and still make it pay ? Your correspondent seems to be in a severe fright about ditch-digging — he fears that when our young farmers learn what an unlimited amount of ditching is in store for them, they will "start in their boots," and scamper for the west without as much as looking behind them ; he seems to have forgotten that the West is pre-em- inently a muddy place, and that they have alrea- dy called one of our laest engineers to lay out drains, and extricate them from the mud. If all accounts are true, "top boots four feet high," would aff'ord no protection for travellers on the soft lands of the West. Since F. thinks it so horrible for our farmers to be dbliged to dig ditches, I would like to ask him which he thinks the most pleasant and satis- factory for a farmer, to spend two or three weeks in the dry part of the fall, ditching and laying tile, or to have for life to pole his hay from spun- gy wet meadows, with boots full of filthy water, green snakes, lizards, frogs, and other such pleasant denizens of his good old-fashioned farm, and dig his half-crop of potatoes out of black mud, while his boots are loaded with the same rich alluvial, and his hands feel "kinder dry like." I am truly sorry that the sight of tile gives our friend the horrors, for I see no chance of relief for him, indeed, my imagination is so very difter- ent from his, that I see the spirit of the age still remaining with us. Her crown is still the wheat- en wreath ; with one hand she swings the spade, with the other firmly grasps the drain tile, through which she lustily shouts, "home, boys, home, there is no place like home." Boston, Nov., 1858. Pensa. WINTERING CATTLE. In New England, the winter feed of cattle con- sists principally of dry, unsucculent fodder — hay and straw. Occasionally roots are given either daily or at intervals, in order to give variety to their diet and create a keener relish, — but as a general thing the main reliance is upon the arti- cles first named. Of straw, the most nutrimen- tal, probably, is that of wheat, especially when the crop is harvested when in the "milk," or at the period of its growth when the grain is chang- ing from its milky condition to a doughy or pul- py consistence. The straw of oats and barley rank next in value, and that of rye, as fodder, the last. On farms of large size, much more ac- count is made of the straw of these grains, than in smaller ones. It is then prepared by cutting, and is generally fed out in conjunction with corn and cob meal, or with roots, rasped, cut or cooked. It has not yet been fairly ascertained by accurate comparative experiment to what de- gree the various roots used in feeding cattle are improved by cooking. That their nutritive pow- ers are considerably augmented by the process, seems now to be generally admitted ; but wheth- er, when we consider the advantages of rasping — which is performed by a machine capable of dispatching the business with great facility, the increase of alimentary power secured by boiling is adequate fully to indemnify the operator for the trouble and expense involved, is somewhat doubtful. Where rough fodder is to be used, either boil- ing, cutting fine or rasping, will be found highly economical, as without some such aid, a very large portion of the haulm and straw produced on the farm would possess but a mere nominal value in an alimentary estimate of the products, and would scarcely be worth the storage for any purpose to 20 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. which it could possibly be applied. Boiled po- tatoes are preferable to raw ones in fattening swine or beef cattle, as the boiling diminishes their laxative properties, which are often detri- mental to health, especially when fed in large quantities, and thus tend to counteract the very results they are intended by the feeder to pro- duce. The English agriculturists recommend boiled potatoes in stall feeding, and raw ones for feed- ing cows in milk. Machines have been invented, and for a long time in use, in various parts of Europe, which reduce the roots to a semi-fluid or semi-liques- cent state ; but towards these, the more intelli- gent portion cf the agricultural community are not, apparently, very favorably disposed. But the cutting machine, or root-cutter, now so gen- erally is. use in New England — and which reduces the root to fine pieces, is perhaps one of the most valuable implements that can be used in the preparation of food for domestic animals. The use, therefore, of one of these, where roots and straw constitute the principal articles of food, is recommended both on theoretical and practical considerations, and will be found highly econom- ical, saving both time and fodder, and securing, at the same time, all the important results pro- duced by a more costly food. For the New England Farmer. ECONOMY IN TOOLS AND STOCK. Mr. Editor : — In agriculture, as well as every other branch of business, an eye must be kept out for the expenses. A reduction in these, as far as is practical, is commendable in the farmer. When he wishes to buy an article for farmi/ig purposes, he should know just what he wants, and in order to ascertain this fact, he should look at and test the new, as well as the old arti- cles that are in the market. He does not Avant to purchase an article because it can be bought low, unless it is what is wanted. He wants the venj best kind, and in purchasing such he saves time and labor, and labor is equivalent to cash. After an article is bought it should be taken care of, and after it has been used, it should be care- fully laid away until it is again wanted for use. In speaking of economy in farming, I do not wish to be understood that it is good policy to keep short, or starve animals that are kept for work, or otherwise. If farming will not admit of keeping a horse, oxen, cows or any other ani- mals, well, which the farmer may think proper to keep, some of them should be disposed of. Above all things, do not starve a horse, one of the noblest animals we have. In speaking of horses, the farmer does not need what is termed a "three-minute horse," but a good family horse ; one with which he can take his family to church ; one that can be hitched to the cart, or drag ; one that, if his wife wishes to go to a friend's to spend an afternoon, can be driven by her in safety. If four cows cannot be kept well, keep less. By the way, it is a good calculation to give cows a little meal once a day ; the milk is of better quality, and flows much longer, and there is much more refuse milk to give the hogs, which thrive much better on milk and meal, than they do on water and meal. The breed is quite an item in the rearing of hogs, but I have only time now to speak of it, as a hint. Henry Crowell. Londonderry, N. H., 1858. For the New England Farmer. ROOT CROPS. I notice the article in this week's Farmer, un- der the caption "Root Crops," which evidently emanates from a gentleman, "E. E.," who does not think very highly of them, and has, I pre- sume, had indifferent success in their culture. He inquires, in the outset, if a man can pull, top and house, a hundred bushels of English turnips for three dollars ? I am not informed precisely of the size of the aforesaid esculent, but will say in reply, that this Monday, Nov. 8, 1858, three of us have "pulled, topped and housed," 325 bushels Swedish turnips, at an ex- pense of less than three dollars for the lot, and also, if Mr. "E. E." will bring on liis turnips we will take the job off his hands at the same ratio. This much for that lion. He then goes on to note his ill success in growing them with his corn, and finds fault be- cause he did not get two good crops from the same soil. Too bad, intirely. Again, he acknowledges, that in feeding out, they increased the quantity of the milk, but not of the butter. Some hocus-pocus here, surely ! And, finally, he says he would not have them in his cellar because they scented up his house. The probabilities are that this took place merely for want of sufficient ventilation. The writer has practiced the raising of root crops for a series of years, having the present season harvested some 2500 bushels, and will follow it no longer than he is satisfied it will pay in every sense of the word. His present opin- ion, founded on years of experience, is, that there is no better means of renovating the soil, than by growing roots and feeding them out on the farm ; carefully saving, housing and applj'- ing the manure derived from feeding them out, and that a perseverance of this course for a term of years will most assuredly tell upon the fertili- ty of his land. What comparison, indeed, is there between a ton and a half of grass to the acre, and fifteen tons of roots, both as to feeding and manurial purposes ? To be sure, the roots cost more cul- ture and higher manuring, — but, after all, there is no comparison as to their value. Thus have I attempted to reply to some of "E. E.'s" objections to this branch of farming, feeling that he must have obtained a wrong idea of its practicability. w. J. P. Salisbury, Conn., Nov. 8, 1858. Remarks. — The writer of the above is one of our best New England farmers, — working with 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 21 his own hands, and constantly exercising a sound iudgment in his operations. He took the first premium on farms at the Connecticut State Fair, in 1856. Our opinions are more in accord- ance with his than ^yith those expressed by Mr. Emerson ; but we like the objections of Mr. E. because their tendency is to call out facts like the above. For the Neic England Farmer. THE FABMER'S POSITION". "Pride still is aiming at the blest abodes." Mr. Editor: — This subject is rather hack- neyed, I grant ; but the fact shows that the ru- ral population take an interest in it, as they write so frequently about it. With many of the senti- ments of the various articles in the agricultural journals relative to this Protean matter I hearti- ly coincide. That the position of the farmer, who owns his farm, and is obliged to work it for his maintenance, is a position of average respectabil- ity, profit, happiness, and rather superior as to health, I am fully persuaded. But more than this I am not prepared to admit. This paper is devoted to the great agricultural interest of the country ; but I suppose you, as agricultural edi- tor, are not prepared to claim that it is the only important interest, or that it can be made remu- nerative without supporting, in return, those other and varied interests. All men should not be farmers, nor are all men fitted to be — in a high state of civilization — whatever we may say of the natural blessedness of farming. It seems to be a law of progress, that the more advanced civilization is, the more must labor be subdivided. And in this state all vocations are reciprocally dependant. Allow a correspondent who has an- nually written more or less for your neat, inter- esting and valuable periodical, ever since its ori- gin, the freedom of saying, that he thinks many of the articles which appear in the agricultural ■ournals — on the particular vocation to which they are devoted — to be over-wrought ; and, if written by farmers, a little too self -laudatory . If not written by practical farmers, they can have but little or no claim to belief. I grant the fault is common in other vocations ; but it may be no less a fault in all. The profession of the law de- mands the most learned men, though there is a very strong suspicion that it can tolerate those that are not the most honest ! And it claims to be the royal road for those "seeking the bauble reputation." Medicine also requires the greatest amount of intelligence, and claims unsurpassed honor, though it admits it is a little plethoric in the varied apathies, and requires a- gentle, if not a brisk, purging. The profession of theology claims to be divine, and admits no superlative, or even equal, in any vocation ; though its divinity must be weak in proportion to its compass, if it embrace all the 2^seudo religions of the present business age. But I return to agricultural laudation, or exag- geration— which is evidently injurious to the cause it would foster, furnishes vulneral)le points for attack, and leads young men of the country, to turn their backs on what they know to be false, and also upon the farm itself — at least till they try their capacities somewhere else. In the monthly Fanner for October, I notice a well written article on "Farmers' Sons as Schol- ars," by Mr. Euler Norcross, of South Iladley — though the hope expressed in his last paragraph I think can never be realized — believing that the profession of the farmer can never become one of the 'Hearncd professions." That farmers' sons frequently make better scholars than some oth- ers, cannot be gainsaid ; but perhaps no better than those of the mechanic, or laborer, or of any other vocation, where the son has been drilled to severe industry and economy. The poor and sed- ulous student believes with Franklin (who snatched his education from the universe, and not a farmer's son either,) that ''A vocation to be profitable must be worked." What Mr. N. says of this class is very well ; though he ought not to imply that they are all farmers' sons, or that there can be no poverty, industry and schol- arship anywhere else ! But passing to a more important point, I wish I had faith to hope with him for the sublime re- alization of the thoughts expressed in his last paragraph ; but it — (my faith) — has shown me so many "jadish tricks," and so seldom given me anything but old and stern realities, that I am reluctant to give it credit. Mr. N. says : "I hope the day may come when our farmers and laborers shall rank first in point of education among the people of the land ; when every far- mer shall not be afraid to compare his education with any college graduate. Then will labor really be honored, and our laborers be truly our na- tion's strength, the safeguard of our liberties and our country's pride." The writer of the above, in his golden antici- pations, does not say that he hopes farmers will rank erpial to the "first in point of education," but rank first ! How he is going to bring this about, or how it is to come, he does not hint. I am bound to suppose, however, that he expects that the day is not far distant, when every man intendedto labor on and carry on a farm for a livelihood, must first be fitted for college, (occu- pying two years,) then go to college and spend four years, and then to fit him for his special business, spend three years in a professional "School of Agriculture" — like the lawyers, doc- tors and ministers — before he can be in good working order for the farm, or able "to compare his education with any college graduate !" This plan would be expensive, but we think all our Universities would favor it, if no one else ! But I am disposed to make the following query: Which would be the wiser of two young men having $1500 apiece, and intending to become farmers, he who procured his collegiate education first and then run the hazard of getting a farm afterwards, or he who purchased his farm first, and then afterwards educated himself in the best manner his means would allow ? Mr. Norcross, however, may not intend that farmers shall be college-educated, but only as well educated. Per- haps he means they shall be self-educated. This would render the desirable state he hopes for still more hopeless ; for instances of good self- education are comparatively rare. Men do not easily become a Franklin. We can more readily carry his bundle of stockings and eat his rolls, than acquire his philosophy. Although I cannot sympathize with Mr. N. in 22 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. his bright anticipations, there are some others Vv'ho may. I notice a writer in the May number of that very able and heavy-laden periodical, the Genesee Farmer, entertains similar views. He observes : "It will be a better day for all, when it is discovered that the highest honors of the college do not unfit a man for the practical duties of agriculture — that it is not burying one's knowledge to graduate from the college to the farm." Why should not all mechanics, merchants, ed- itors, artists and laborers, be liberally educated, to give dignity to their varied callings ? I wish they might, but know that a tithe of them cannot be. These writers seem to be insensible of the immense labor requisite to properly educate youth. Although there is a vast amount of knowledge ex- tant, and decreases none the less as it is acquired, yet the work of education is a Herculean and perpetual labor. Ignorance is the rock of Sis- yphus, forever recoiling upon society. A man can easily drop a fortune into his son's lap, yet though learned as Newton or Bacon, he cannot give him an idea without effort — as education or learning is in its nature intransmissible. Hence it is an obvious fact that society will always em- brace a large number of ignorant beings. They must be supported, and they must labor. What shall they do ? If we raise agriculture, mechan- ics and trading above their capacities, they must enter the pulpit, the bar and medicine ! Such an idea is, of course, preposterous. In our large cities and towns are great num- bers of able-bodied men, some from foreign coun- tries and others native born, out of employment, and in danger of being led into crime. They are told to go into the country and go to work. But if a college education is to be required ere they can properly wield the spade and the hoe, an ex- tensive means of employment will be cut off. Trying to be serious about the subject, I think they should be employed, even if the University farmers are obliged to hoe their row with such profound ignorance and brute force — of which the latter, I have always thought, never came amiss on a farm. These unlettered men should be di- rected and controlled, but employed thev must be. I beg pardon of all farmers when I repeat the opinion, (meaning no disrespect,) that to success- fully carry on a farm does not demand the high- est jrder of intellect, or the highest cultivation of an ordinary intellect. If it did, we could not expect many good farmers, neither could we hope to see agriculture popular, or farm products cheap and abundant, as they ought to be. It must be evident to every reflecting man, that the culture of God's earth should never become so elevated and exclusive that the humblest man may not freely engage in it, if he choose, and not feel mortified and ill at ease from the vast array of learning and agrarian aristocracy around him. Farmers need not be scholastically learned, but they should be sensible, and understand their business better than any one's else. Perhaps "the highest honors of a college" may not "un- fit a man for the practical duties of agriculture," but if they beget in him — as they always do — a belief that he can get an easier livelihood in some other vocation, the result to the farm is the same as if they did. Men do not labor here or there, from sheer moral obligation, but from necessity or interest. Give a hundred of our best farmers a college education, and then look and see if you can find them laboring three consecutive days in their former employment — except as a mere healthy pastime! If carpenters, masons and painters should meet in convention, and resolve that they and their business could never be properly respected until their education was as good as that of any col- lege graduate, I will venture to say that farmers would smile ; for their labor is more of the hand than the head. Yet it requires no more liberal education to raise corn and potatoes than to build a house. The respect which a discerning public yield to the cultivators of the soil is permanent and healthy, and should be appreciated. It is true, they cannot expect, as such, to be recorded in history, or to live in the future in brass or stone — as we hope good farming is too common a thing. This esteem is not that which is periodi- cally lavished upon them by the politicians for their endowment of suffrage, but that which a State or federal election cannot effect. If their respect were to rise and fall only with the politi- cal barometer, they might well complain. As it is, we think it argues ill for them to demur, as he Avho habitually laments his position, instead of boldly pushing on and forgetting it, rarely is successful. Hon. Horace Greeley, of New York, lately de- livered an able agricultural address in Indiana, from which I quote the following sentence : "It is the most melancholy feature of our present so- cial condition, that very few of our bright, active, inquiring, intelligent youth are satisfied to grow up and settle down farmers." With all deference to Mr. Greeley's opinion, and unfaltering respect for the farmer's position, I cannot think so. If the children of the hardy yeomanry make some of the most enterprising men in the country, I can see no good reason why other interests and vocations should not share in the benefit of them. If the country sends men to the city, the city re- turns men to the country, and they are more like- ly to become contented, and hence better farmers than those youth who have had an opportunity to see but little of the world ere they "settle down farmers ;" for the latter can rarely be made to believe that they could not have bettered their condition. Let these intellectual youth go. If they succeed, no one can complain ; if they re- turn to become farmers, they will be the more happy. I question whether Mi-. Greeley would ever have delivered his elaborate address on Ag- riculture, if he himself had not wandered to the city, where he assumed a vocation whose success- ful flow led to the establishment of the New York Tribune, and sent its proprietor to Congress. AVill farmers lament and exclaim, "O, how much has agriculture lost in Horace Greeley's early be- coming a printer ?" But he now owns a farm and takes a great interest in rural pursuits. Very well. Will he give his whole attention to that vocation which seems to inspire him with so much respect ? If so, and he bring ample means with him back into the country, has agriculture or the community suffered ? Others may do the same. Those who dp the least on the farm, I some- times suspect, are the loudest in its praise. The l8&9. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 23 "intellectual youth" see this, and as example is stronger than precept with them, they take the liberty of bustling in the flood of society, till they can v*ell judge for themselves what vocation they shall choose. I think, on the whole, this is well. Agriculture has many resources, and will take care of itself. It stands on too important and permanent a basis to be shaken by smart boys. But while on this subject, let me observe, that if farmers really wish their sons to remain at home or on a farm, they should be careful that they do not compel them to labor and associate with every ignorant and vicious workman that may come along, because their necessities make them cheap ; for youth, with proper self-x-espect, M'ill resent it as an indignity. It is true, as I am bound to be- lieve, that the time will never come when college graduates will let themselves out on a farm by the month, or that such men as Daniel Webster, Edward Everett, Ralph W. Emerson, (S:c., will be seeking employment in the rural districts ; yet farmers will do well to discriminate a little in fa- vor of the most available virtue, good manners and intelligence, that may pass along — besides giving an air of cultivation and content around their homes. But I will close this extended communication by the relation of a simple anecdote. Some few years ago I heard a gentleman deliver a lecture upon "Character." It was a dull, prosy thing, and those who knew the value of "balmy sleep," were inclined to nod. Yet at its close he apolo- gized for any thing that might have been too pointed ! Not wishing to appear as that gentle- man did, I drop my pen without pleading favor. JV. Medford, Oct., 1858 D. w. l. For the New England Farmer. USE OF FKESH MANUKE. Mr. Editor : — I saw an article in a recent Farmer, from Mr. Ward, "about manures." I am glad he had the courage to write his ex- perience, which differs so much from the practice of some, and the theory of many more. The reason so many barn cellars are built, is not be- cause the many know their benefits, but because it is said to be the best way to manufacture food for plants. From results in my own experience, I find that the manure composted under cover, is a dangerous article as food for plants. I have used manure that has lain a considerable time in a barn, (merely on the top of ground in that section usually styled a bay,) for the corn crop, and not more than five per cent, of the corn planted ever came up. 1 have observed, in dif- ferent fields, that where manure from barn cel- lars is used, that the corn plants were sadly de- ficient in number at harvest time. After forty years' labor among corn crops, I find more chang- es, among cultivators, for the worse, than for the better. Mr. Ward, it seems, has a question in his own mind, whether to remove his manure from his cellar, in accordance with his better judgment, or to let it remain as do his neigh- bors, and have a scanty crop. My advice is to give his manure the benefit of both sun and rain. There is no place more suitable for manure in the winter than under the eves of the south side of the barn. All the water that falls from the barn, and the snow that accumulates upon it, is no more than is needful for the preparation of the manure to fit it as food for plants. Whatev- er loss there is by evaporation from the manure heap in a dry day, is more than balanced by re- ceipts from the atmosphere in the night-time and in cloudy days. I believe it is good policy to have our yards for manure outside the barn ; let swine have free access to them during the day time, and fifty per cent, more manure in value may be made, than in the more modern way, of keeping both manure and swine in a cellai*. At the same time swine will be more healthy, and consequently more profitable. If space was not so limited, I should be glad to say a few words touching the corn crop. It is in fact tJie crop of New England, so far as profit in dollars and cents is considered. With due care in preparing the manure, in selecting and cultivating the soil, selecting the variety of corn for seed, and choosing from that variety, with a dozen other etceteras, the corn crop will assured- ly pay from twenty-five to forty per cent., year after year. R. Mansfield. West Needham, Nov., 1858. THE LABORBB AND THE "WABBIOR. BY EPES SARGENT. The camp has had its day of song ; The sword, the bayonet, the plume, Have crowded out of rhyme too long The plow, the anvil and the loom ! 0 I not upon our tented fields Are freedom's heroes bred alone ; The training of the workshop yields More heroes true than war has known. Who drives the bolt, who shapes the steel, May with a heart as valiant smite As he who sees a foeman reel In blood before his blow of might ; The skill that conquers space and time. That graces life, that lightens toil, May spring from courage more sublime Than that which makes a realm a spoil. Let labor, then, look up and see His craft no path of honor lacks ; The soldier's title yet shall be Less honored than the woodman's axe ; Let art his own appointment prize, Nor deem that gold or outward light Can compensate the worth that lies In tastes that breed their own delight. And may the time draw nearer still, When man tlus sacred truth shall heed, That from the thought and from the will Must all that raises man proceed ; Though pride may hold our calling low, For us shall duty make it good ; And we from truth to truth shall go. Till life and death are understood. Emery's Journal of Agriculture and Prairie Farmer, published at Chicago, at $2 a year. This journal has earned for itself a good name by its neat appearance and its practical good sense. The prairie farmers can increase their profits by reading it carefully, to say noth- ing of wliat it may do for the women and chil- dren. We wish it great success. 24 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. For the New Enfjland Farmer. TJIflTED STATES AGKICDLTUKAL FAIR AT RICHMOND. Messrs. Editors : — Having in a former com- munication given some account of the stock at the Fair, it remains for me to notice, briefly, the other departments. The vegetable, fruit and horticultural depart- ments were not largely represented, but each contained some very fine specimens. There were very nice potatoes, sweet and Irish, some very large cabbages, one that weighed sixteen pounds, some excellent beets, both table and sugar beets. The fruit show consisted chiefly of preserved fruits, such as the strawberry, plum, peach, cherry, rasp- berry, &c. There was a good exhibition of pre- served fruits and other vegetables. The show of plants and flowers was quite small. It contained, however, some of the finest and most elegant roses that I have ever seen. The "Old Domin- ion" is famous for fine roses, as I ascertained by observation and from conversation. The domestic department contained a very creditable exhibition of the handiwork of the la- dies. The Southern mothers and daughters gave demonstrative evidence of possessing much skill in needlework and embroidery. This department is becoming a prominent feature in all our agri- cultural exhibitions. County, State and National Let it be encouraged, for it is a hopeful omen. Not only needle-work, shell-work, embroidery, &c., but bread, cake, butter, cheese, and other ed- ible things, are also exhibited, showing a great diversity of skill in these several arts, so essen- tial to domestic comfort and enjoyment. It is true that bad bread and butter and poor cheese will prevent starvation, but let it be remembered that good bread, sweet butter and delicious cheese ai*e a continual feast in the few households where they not only abound, but superabound, as in some that we wot of. Wines and grapes were on exhibition, which I omitted to mention in connection with the fruits. One of the most prominent, interesting, note- worthy and important departments of the Show, yet remains to be mentioned with some minute- ness, and that is, the one including farm imple- ments and machinery, designed to promote and aid farm labor in its various departments, such as relate to the tilling of the soil, sowing or plant- ing the seed, cultivating the crops, harvesting them, husking and shelling the corn, tlu'cshing and winnowing the smaller grains, potato-dig- gers, &c. There was a very creditable exhibition in this department. What surprised me more than any thing else that I noticed in connection with the Show and Fair, was, that so many of these were made south of Mason and Dixon's line. I regarded this as a favorable omen, but was told by Southerners, that they regarded or looked upon it otherwise, for, said they, "Our agricultural resources are what we are to study to develop and make pro- ductive, leaving other portions of our countrj^ to do the manufacturing." This is undoubtedly good doctrine and true. New England has a hard, unproductive soil, naturally, but capital fa- cilities for manufacturing, as is demonstrated by her wares, which find their way into all markets. Among the I'eapers and mowers, are Morrison's, manufactured in Richmond, Atkins's Reaper and Mower, made in Illinois, the Buckeye, Allen's, the Eagle Mower and Reaper, and others. The last mentioned was exhibited by A. G. Mott, of Baltimore, agent of the House of Nourse. Ma- son & Co., Boston. I heard a good account of this machine. The same Eastern House had sev- eral other articles on exhibition. I wish they had sent on samples of all their plows ; for the show of plows was not very good, at least, I so judged, after careful observation. Watt, of Richmond, was a large contributor to the implement department, and especially to that of plows. Mr. W, is a very intelligent and enterprising mechanic, as I had ample opportu- nity to learn. Iron plows were exhibited by R. B. Winston, of Richmond. There was a ma- chine called the corn and potato-furrower, from Orange county, Va. Cultivators of various pat- terns, shovel-plows, surface-draining-plow, (price $25,) which will enable a man to drain sixty acres a day, with three mules to draw* it. I shall refer to this again. There were various planters, seed-sowers, drills, iScc, some of which excited much attention, — and none more so, nor more deservedly, than Wiggin's Corn-planter, from Boston. This was made to be drawn by two horses, and to fertilize and plant four rows at "a bout." It is so made that a plowshare like implement opens a small furrow, the corn and fertilizers are dropped, covered by a contrivance that turns the furrow back, as it M'ere, and then rolled by wide-rimmed wheels, which follow and finishes the work. This machine made a decided and favorable impression upon those farmers who have much planting to do on smooth land. It may be so constructed as to be used with one horse or two, and to plant the rows three, three and a half or four feet apart. To Mr. Wiggin was awarded the medal for his invention. It is just the thing for planting corn in the Western States, where the steam-plow, it would seem, is destined to turn up the soil ere long. Farmers of the West, just think of it ! A steam-plow to till the soil and fit it for planting, Wiggin's planter to put in the seed, horse-hoes and cultivators to do the weeding and cultivating with, a harvester to gather it, worked by horses, Xourse, Mason & Co.'s buskers and shellers, and Sanford's mill for grinding it for stock or the ta- ble, leaves but little for hand labor, all, nearly, being done with machinery, propelled by steam or horse power. There were subsoil plows and a great variety of other implements, that excited much attention, among which were barrows, carts, wagons, hay, straw, corn-stalk and husk cutters, platform- scales, horse-powers, stoam-engin' s, gri«t-mills, saw-mills, threshing-machines, a superb tobacco- press, a machine for making syrup of the Chi- nese sugar cane, &c., &c. The Platform Scales, for weighing hay, live stock and other ponderous products, patented by Strong & Ross, and manufactured by J. Howe, Jr.jBrandon, Vt.,and Frank E. Howe, New York city, proprietors, attracted much notice. They were used for weighing the live stock on the Fair ground. These scales are the best adapted to the wants of the farmers, not less than to others, of any that I have yet seen. Thev do not require a pit 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 25 to be dug to the depth of three or four feet, but may be placed upon the surface of the ground, and used as v/as illustrated on the Fair grounds. The knife-edges upon which the scales turn are protected from dulling hy the use of balls ; but two simple levers are used, thus avoiding com- plications; remarkable for their self-adjusting power and accuracy, absence of check-rods, and may be used for weighing upon an inclined plane, a peculiar and convenient quality for some local- ities. They were tested by placing a heavy sub- stance upon the centre of the platfoi-m, weighing it, and then moving it to the several corners of the platform and Meighing it, without showing the slightest variation. The judges awarded the silver medal and the bronze medal on large and small scales as first premiums, as stated by the Secretary of the National Agricultural Society. More anon about implements. ECONOMY IN FUEL. Very much of the fuel consumed in our stoves is lost. If it is not dry, all the water it contains must be converted to steam, and this requires a large amount of heat. Could this steam be con- ducted to some reservoir, where the heat was ■wanted, and there condensed, the heat would be saved, but in ordinary cases, it passes with all its heat to the chimney. The only exception is when the stove-pipe is very long or passes through a cold room, and then, "O, what dirty work the dripping makes." Drying wood in the stove by fire, when sun and wind are afforded free, is like using sunlight to sleep by, and gas and oil to work by. Another error consists in admitting more air within the stove than is necessary to promote a combustion of the fuel, and also admitting it where it docs not aid the combustion. The ob- ject of r,'--- is to afford oxygen to unite with the carbon i,f the wood. In this chemical union, forming carbonic acid, heat is produced or given out. Now all the air admitted to the stove which does not so pass through the fire as to be decom- posed and yield a port-ion, at least, of its oxygen, becomes only an absorber of heat already made, and a carrier of that heat off into the chimney to warm, not the room or its occupant, but "all out- doors." A very great error is often made by those who study economy. They split their wood fine, put but a little in the stove at a time, and give it a full draft in order to make it burn rap- idly, so that a little wood shall make a large fire. But this little is repeated so often that the ag- gregate is large. Would you study economy, convenience and comfort, then you will find them all in the same management. Leave most of your wood large. Have a little quite fine for starting your fire, use sun and wind to dry it. After your fire is start- ed, keep a full supply of wood in the stove, never letting it get down to one stick, and give it so much — ^just so much, and only so much air as will keep the fire sufficiently alive to give the desired temperature to the room. Any person who will follow these directions with one stove, will save enough each winter month to pay for the Cultur- ist one year, besides securing a large amount of ease and comfort. — Berkshire CuUurist. For the New England Farmer. ENGLISH TURNIP CROP. Mr. Brown : — Having tried an experiment (new to me) in the culture of the common flat turnip, which has proved successful, lam induced to furnish a detailed statement of the same, for the use of the thousands of farmers who road your paper. The ground selected for my turnip crop was part of a field intended for corn culture next year — so that the plowing is so much work done in advance ; extent half an acre. The soil is a light sandy loam. This was plowed July 22d ; depth seven inches. After harrowing thorough- ly, three ox-loads of composted manure and one barrel of wood ashes were spread on one-half of it, viz., one-fourth of an acre, carefully harrowed in, the turnip seed sowed and bushed in. The seed came up readily and grew finely, for a time; but produced an indifterent crop of small roots. The remaining quarter of an acre was allowed to lie till August 5th, when it was carefully har- rowed, and on one-half of it I spread seven bushels of a compost (which I prepare every year for raising fodder corn,) consisting of four parts of wood ashes, (taken damp from the cellar,) one part of hen manure and one part of plas- ter, (thoroughly mixed and suffered to stand ten days before using.) This was harrowed in, the seed sown and bushed in. On the remaining one-eighth of an acre, I spread six bushels of hen manure, well pulverized ; and treated as above. This sowing came up readily and the plants grew rapidly, overtaking in size those sown fourteen days previously, in about four weeks, and then fairly "distancing" them. No culture was bestowed on the crop. It was har- vested November 10th. On the part where the hen manure was spread the yield was at the rate of 550 bushels per acre ; the roots of large, uni- form size, and of very fine fibre. Where the compost of hen manure, ashes and plaster was spread, the yield was somewhat lighter, the roots being smaller in size, though finer grained, and better for table use. I am induced to publish this statement, not be- cause the yield was extraordinary, but to show our farmers, who keep two or three dozens of fowls, how they may make the droppings of the hen roost (commonly wasted) pay a large profit ; and with little labor, secure a crop which helps make up the variety of an old fashioned "boiled dish," and helps to graduate for their stock the change from grass to dry winter fodder. JosiAH H. Temple. Framingham, Nov. 12, 1858. Big Chimneys. — The chimney at Bolton. England, mentioned the other day, is not the highest in the world, although a hundred feel taller than the Charlestown structure. There is one near Manchester, England, that is 480 feet high, while the chimney shaft of the St. RoUox chemical works, at Glasgow, is twenty feet higher still, being 450 feet high ; and a yet larger one is in course of construction at Glasgow, for a chemical manufactory. It is to be 460 feet high, or nearly twice as tall as the Charlestown chim- ney, which is 2.''9 feet high. In order to secure 26 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. its solidity and strength, the constructor is building into the centre of the brick work at every stage of twenty-five feet a malleable iron ring 3.^ inches broad, and 7-8 of an inch in thickness. The mortar used is of a peculiar character. The foundation was built with a mix- ture of Irish lime, ironstone, Ardcn lime, and sand, forming a cement impervious to damp. The rest of the shaft is to be built with mortar of a similar description, with the exception of the Arden lime. For the New England Farmer. CORN" A.GAT]>r— ITS SUPBRIOBITY TO ANIMAL FOOD. Mr. Editor: — Your Kennebunk correspond- ent, K., in your number for October 23, takes oc- casion to differ, "respectfully," from some of the views I have, from time to time, presented in your valuable columns ; especially those which are found in an article entitled "Corn versus Beef." With your jiermission I wish to review, as "respectfully" as I can, his apparently honest objections ; and remove, if possible, his difficul- ties. This I do the more freely, as, in his ob- jection and animadversions, he represents a con- siderable proportion of your less scientific but inquiring readers. He saj s, "Domestic animals form the basis of all farm improvement." Do they so ? and do they form the basis of all garden improvement too? How was it with the fi'-st two gardeners? How has it been with the Chinese and with the Japanese of several centuries past — concerning the latter of whom the best authorities tell us that while they are, compared with the other Asiatics, a highly cultivated and progressive people, they subsist almost wholly by means of spade husbandry ; not having in the whole em- pire, with its twenty to thirty millions of people, as many domestic animals as .there are in a sin- gle township of modern Sweden ? Perhaps he will say, "1 do not see the neces- sity of going back to the days of Adam, nor to the opposite side of the globe ; let us have facts r-earur our own times, and at our own firesides." Very waW ; they are ut nand. Rev. Samuel Nott, of Wareham, who owns about an acre of land, and who has had it under high cultivation for (1 think) about a quarter of a century, assures me that spading it up well, every year, instead of plowing it at all, with but a very little manure, is found to be the most eco- nomical course ; and Mrs. N., who is no careless observer, concurs in his opinion. Are domestic animals so very indispensable hcrt; ':■ Mr. Abijah Johnson, of Auburndale, finds sub- soiling his old, worn-out lands, the basis of farm improvement. He does not v/holly exclude ma- nuring, but he relies chiefly, so far as he relies on them at all, on such manures as are made without domestic animals ; as soapsuds, the con- tents of the chamber, &c. &c. I have myself cultivated one acre or so of land these twenty years, and with as much success, to say the least, as the average of my neighbors. My grounds have been constantly improving. Yet I never kept a domestic animal in my life, save, occasionally, a cat and a very few kens ; nor have I Ijought much manure. Indeed, what I have bought has been pond-mud, night-soil, lime and leached ashes. I have never bought a pound of any other, except once, a little guano. Sometimes, indeed, I have found that certain ingredients of the soil which seemed needful to certain crops, were wanting ; but by little atten- tion to the discoveries of chemistry, I have sup- plied them without the aid of domestic animals. And so far am I from believing domestic animal manures form the basis of all farm improvement, that I do not believe they ever form its basis. At most, they are to the soil, what condiments are to our food ; or rather to the stoxnach and to digestion. Though I might not wholly exclude them, I never would place much permanent re- liance upon them. How very evanescent, for example, guano ! And if further proof were needful to show your correspondent his mistake, I have but to refer him to frequent articles in your columns — and that, not from yisionary, but highly practical men ; such, for example, as that from Mr. French, on the first page of your number, October 30. Your correspondent next tells us "cattle that are stall-fed are only finished off on corn after they have attained their full size on grass and hay." Grant it; but whence comes the grass and hay ; except from land that might, at least, to a very large extent, produce corn, or rye, or pota- toes, or fruit, just as well as "grass and hay ?" "The s_tme is true," he adds, "with regard to pork, it being raised, chiefly, on the products of the dairy, and refuse articles of the orchard and farm, until fattening time." Now, I have seen a hog, within a few days, that, on being killed, weighed 400 pounds, whose owner never had any dairy to furnish his food. It is, however, true, that he was the scavenger of the family ; and that they have a diseased dainty as their reward — unless, indeed, they should conclude to sell him to the city people, or exchange him for other and better articles of human sustenance. If the various considerations which your cor- respondent has presented loere sufficient to in- duce me to change my "figures," the change would by no means be favorable to the views of my opponents in opinion. The owner of the hog weighing 400 pounds, says he cost him over S30. Now, .$30 laid out in farinaceous substances,which are miich richer in that which nourishes the ])ody, and quite rich enough in carbon for cora- bus-tion in the lungs, would give us some 1800 pounds of the one, to 400 of the other. This is not, indeed, quite ten to one in figures ; but at least ten to one in reality ; since pork, in res- pect of bodily nutrition, is apt to remind one of the Irishman who said his fiddle had music enough in it, but he could not get it out. My brother, who raises some five or six hundred pounds of pork, yearly, for family use, told me, the other day. that his hogs cost him enough to support (so far as mere food was concerned,) his whole family of six or seven persons. No living man, in the temperate regions, can get much nutriment out of fat pork ; and they who, by aid of powdered fern roots or bark inter- mingled therewith, joined to the force of long habit, get a little nutriment out of fat, in high latitudes, gain but a meagre apd nnserable sup- port. It is the testimony of Sir John Richard- son and other British polar navigators, that Indi- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 27 an corn, ■when obtainable in the Arctic regions, is better than fat. Your correspondent says something about the teeth — that those of man indicate a mixed diet. This argument, if it proves any thing, proves that we should eat half grass or hay, and half fle&n. Will he, then, adhere to it? Or if man, because he has four sharp-pointed teeth, ought to eat a part animal food, surely the sheep and the camel, that have four sharper teeth than man, ought to eat quite as much flesh, fowl or fish, as the latter. That pork and beef eaters are better fighters than vegetarians, I will not now stop to deny, except to say that the Makrattas, the greatest fighters in India, were the most rigid vegetari- ans ; nor that children of one year old sometimes "choose meat ;" nor yet to prove that all the hogs we eat are diseased hogs, and all the men, women and children who eat them are diseased, as the consequence. W. A. A. Auhurndalc, Nov. 1, 1S5S. and wasteful farmer, if such a man can be called a farmer. A shingle ofl:' here, and there a board hanging by one nail — a door with one hinge brok- en off. I need not quote wnat the wise man has said in regard to a certain character in his day, "I went by the field of the slothful," &c. It would seem that words need not be multiplied to in- duce economy and neatness in farming. A word to the wise is sufficient. Eco>'OMY. North Leomin&ter, 1858. Remarks. — These are more than hiats- haps they may benefit some of us. -per- i'or C/ie jS'eiv England Farmer. ECOIf OMY IN FAHMING. Mr. Editor : — I was pleased with the recent remarks of your correspondent "Roger," on "neatness in farming." In juxtaposition with neatness is economy in farming. These remarks on neatness led me to reflect on the amount of waste in our farming community. In the'first place, I would notice the waste of time — how many hours are passed to no profit, either to body, mind, or estate. When farm- work is not 2'1'essing, time is passed idly away instead of devoting these leisure hours in clear- ing waste land, collecting and placing under cov- er wood which has been broken from trees, and thus liable to become rotten. From an ordina- ry farm, sufficient summer fuel could thus be collected, which would otherwise be lost. Waste land ; how much land is suffered to run to Vr'aste on almost every farm. On how many farms do you see bushes and rank weeds by the road fences, perhaps from six to eighteen feet, and thus the stone wall and fences along the farm are hid from view. Bushes are suffered to grow, when a few hours, which are often spent in idleness, would remove, and leave the land free for culture. Stony ground, which is unfit- ted for cultivation could be made to produce a fine growth of wood, and one inch of land on a good farm would not be left to waste. In fact, economy and neatness are inseparable, one and the same. Wherever you see a neat farm, be assured the manager of that farm is an economical man ; and, whenever you see a slov- enly farm, you may rest assured that the manag- er of that farm is no economist. These remarks will apply to every department of farming. Hov>' many there are who so man- age in the feeding of cattle, swine or poultry, as to waste half their food, and consequently their neat stock are never thrifty, their fovrls, many of them, at least, are unprofitable, they have eggs only half the season, and not abundant even then. Porkers that might be made to weigh 450 to 500 lbs., weigh little more than half as much as their neighbor's. Again, look at the buildings of the slovenlv MAWUBING GRASS LANDS IN AUTUMN. ^lany of our readers do not seem to be aware that mowing lands, in order to be kept up in fertility and productiveness for a series of years, require some sort of dressing every year or two. They will work hard, and be to great expense to put the land in good order, and to seed it well. They then begin to mow it, and follow it up year after year, taking a heavy crop of hay at first in the summer, and feeding it late in the fall by their cattle. In a few years they find the land "run out" as it is called, and they find it necessary to manure and plow and seed it as before. Now it is abundantly evident, that much of the running out may be prevented by a lit- tle seasonable application of fertilizers, without the labor and cost of plowing and reseeding so often. Your land is a workshop or laboratory, in v.'hich certain kinds of raw material, such as ma- nure from the barnyard — or muck or ashes, &c., is manufactured into grass, but it must have the raw material to work up, or your mill will stop. We have found by our own experience, and by observing the experiments of others, that the best time to put many fertilizers, such as decom- posed barnyard manure, or composts of different kinds, and even bone dust and plaster of Paris, is in the full, before the fall rains commence. By applying them at this season, the coarser particles become disintegrated and mingled with the sur- face of the soil, and the whole become more in- timately incorporated with the earth about the grass roots, not only stimulating them by their nutritive elements, but also affording protection more or less during the v/inter. Every one who has a mowing field that is be- ginning to deteriorate in consequence of the an- nual cropping, and we nearly all of us have, would do well to put on the dressing as soon as may be now, so that they may be benefited by it, not only during the coming winter, but early in the spring. If you cannot do any better, try a few rods and wait the results. — Maine Farmer. Leaves .\re Chemists. — Have you ever con- sidered the amount of surface a single tree pre- sents to the atmosphere ? the extent of surface of leaves in a field of corn ? Measure a leaf — take the area of one side, multiply it by two, (the num- ber of sides,) and that product by the number oi leaves on a single tree ! This surface is all neces- sary to the growth of the tree. If you take off a part of the leaves, those which remain grow inoader. They separate from the atmosphere and 28 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. swallow the food adapted to the wants of the tree. Think of this, reader ; here is a suggestion for some interesting pencil-work. You have a pencil and a power to use it. Burn a plant, and how small a portion remains as ashes. Where is the balance ? In the atmosphere. Where then does the plant obtain this organic matter for its con struction ? Not altogether from the atmosphere direct, but when we consider that each square inch of the surface of the leaves of some plants contains from 150,000 to 175,000 mouths, which absorb and assist in preparing the food for the plant, we may form some idea of their impor- tance. POWERS OP VEGETATION TO RESIST EXTREMES OF TEMPERATURE. It is most essential to the success of the oper- ations, both of the agriculturist and the horticul- turist, that as comprehensive a view as possible should be obtained of the organization of the vegetable kingdom, and of the powers of resist- ance that it possesses of the extremes of temper- ature. For although practically he may pass through life without ever even seeing the moss which in Lapland not only lives, but grows be- neath the snow, and furnishes the frugal meal of the docile reindeer, and without boiling eggs for his breakfast reposed upon the herbage which we shall presently advert to as growing in the hot springs of the Himalaya mountains, yet the knowledge of such powers of endurance in differ ent families of plants, when combined with other knowledge of various descriptions, connected with the organs of plants, tends immensely (if it does nothing else) to make the inquiring agricul- turist cautious and careful in his experiments , and in the deductions which he draws from them* Hastily-formed conclusions are seldom very accurate, in whatever branch of scientific inquiry they arrived at, and applied to. But in- no de- partment of practical knowledge is it more need- ful to guard against them, than in the prosecu- tion of agricultural pursuits. Slight differences of temperature, of moisture, or| of atmospheric change, have frequently been sufficient to con- found and to obscure the most carefully conduct- ed experiments. And in the much canvassed, but yet unsolved, problem of the potato disease, we have at this moment unfortunately patent evi- dence that our present acquirements in agricul- ture have by no means attained a degree of ef- ficiency, with which we can rest satisfied. Nothing is more surprising in the study of vegetable physiology than the variation of the powers of endurance of the extremes of heat and cold in different famflies. And this is the more remarkable, because those powers appear to have little or nothing in connection with the texture of their organization. In reference to the pow- ers of endurance of moisture and drought, it is otherwise, at least to a considerable extent. For we find the Cacti family, and many others that are indigenous to climates that have long sea- sons of drought, are provided with organs that are calculated to retain, as it were, reservoirs of moisture, whilst the organization of their cuticle is such as to lessen evaporation and exhalation from their surface. But in regard to the powers of resisting extremes of heat and cold, [many families of plants with organizations of the most fragile texture, are found to have these po;;Ner3 equally ; some as to heat, others as to cold. This is a subject that deserves considei-ation in connection with the study of climate, and the following descripcion of the hot springs of the Himalaya from Dr. Hooker's Journal, are well deserving attention : "The hot-springs (called Soorujkoond) near Belcuppte (altitude 1219 feet) in the Behar mountains, north-west of Calcutta, (lat. 24 N., long. 86 E.,) are four in number, and rise in as many ruined brick tanks about two yards across. Another tank fed by a cold spring about twice that size flows between two of the hot, only two or three paces distant from one of the latter on either hand. All burst through the Gueiss rocks, meet in one stream after a few yards, and are conducted by brick canals to a pool of cold water about 80 yards off. "The temperatures of the hot springs were re- spectively 169°, 170'', nS'', and 190° of the cold, 84° at 4 P. M., and 75° at 7 A. M. the following morning. The hottest is the middle of the five. The water of the cold spring is sweet but not good, and emits gaseous bubbles; it was covered with a green floating conferva. Of the four hot springs the most copious is about three feet deep, bubbles constantly, boils eggs, and though brilliantly clear, has an exceedingly nauseous taste. These and the other warm ones cover the bricks and surrounding rocks with a thick in- crustation of salts. "Conferva abounds in the warm stream from the springs, and two species, one ochreous brown and the other green, occur on the margin of the tanks themselves, and in the hottest water ; the brown is the best salamander, and forms a belt in deeper water than the green ; both appear in broad luxuriant strata, whenever the tempera- ture is cooled down to 168° and as low as 90°. Of flowering plants, three showed in an tmioent degree a constitution capable of resisting the heat, if not a predilection for it ; these were all cyperacea, a ojperas, and an elescliaris, having their roots in water of lOO'', and where they are probably exposed to greater heat ; and a timhri- stylis at 98° ; all v/ere very luxuriant. From the edges of the four hot springs I gathered sixteen species of flowering plants, and from the cold tank five, which did not grow in the hot. A wa- ter-beetle, colymbetes, and notonecta, abounded in water at 112° with quantities of dead shells ; frogs were very lively, with live shells at 90° ; and with various other water-beetles." From the foregoing quotation it will be per- ceived that the temperature of the hottest spring was 100° Farenheit, which is but little below that of boiling water. And although not so luxuriant as in the cooler springs, yet vegetable life was found to exist and grow in that high tempera- ture. Had a cabbage or a potato been placed by the side of the conferva in that spring, it would have been soon cooked ready for the dinner ta- ble ; and the powers of endurance of the action of heat possessed by a living plant, therefore, can be easily conceived. With such well attested facts before us, we may well hesitate before we form a decided opin- ion upon the adaptability of any plant of a new character, that it may appear desirable to intro- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. !20 duce as an agricultural crop. It is not possible to judge of many, from the result of tvv'o or three trials only. Because, although oftentiuies we may be quite right in the view we take of our first experiments, yet it Vvill frequently occur that until by repeated trials we become by experience ■well acquainted with the constitution of a new plant, we may attribute our success or our failure to causes which, in fact, had nothing to do with either. And therefore we may so be led into er- ror which further experiment would dispel. That this is so, will be evident to any one who is familiar with the vast changes that have taken place within the last few years in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Many crops that some years back were considered to require years (es- pecially in fi'uits,) of previous care of the plants to produce them, are now produced in less than one. And this with things that have been famil- iar to the gardener for above an hundred years. In fact, the agriculturist no less than the hor- ticulturist, who would prosecute his calling with due reference to the guidance of scientific princi- ples, will never assume that he has arrived at a knowledge of the best mode of cultivating any crop. Whilst he will be cautious not to exper- mentalize without due regard to prudence and to principles, he will nevertheless be ever earnest in the "forward" effort, and will take care that his labors are as steadily directed by his judgment, as his plow is by his hand. — American Farmer'' s Mag- azine. THB IMPORTANCE OF ROOT CROPS. Several of our intelligent correspondents are amusing themselves, in giving expression to their views in relation to the value and importance of root crops, in our farm economj*. Their opinions — as the careful reader has undoubtedly observed — are widely difi"erent. That they are sincere opinions, we can have no doubt — and we have as little doubt that there existed widely different circumstances between the parties, which led to the different conclusions to which they severally arrived. For many years, our own opinions were unfa- vorable to the culture of roots as feed for stock ; but they were founded more upon the general expression of those around us, than upon investi- gation and actual production and use of them under our own labor and supervision. When we had gone through with these, we became con- vinced that we v,ere in error, and that the "gen- eral expression of opinion around us," to which we have alluded, had no better basis than the views we had entertained. The successful culture of roots requires more plowing and harrowing, and preparation gener- ally, than our corn or grain crops, and more care in tending them after the seed is committed to the ground. It is more delicate work — requir- ing more thought and skill and more exactness of arrangement, and all this is what farmers generally have disliked, — and hence the opin- ion naturally enough grew up, that the culture of beets, turnips, mangolds, &c. was unprofitable as food for stock. The discussion of our correspondents has prompted us to look again at some of the state- ments made in regard to these crops, and we find the highest testimony in their favor in abun- dance, both at home and abroad. In the London Quarterly Review for April last, is a long article reviewing five or six works upon agricultural subjects, in which we find statements having a direct bearing upon our subject. In speaking of the condition of English agriculture at the close of the eighteenth century, the writer says : — "The greater number of breeds were large- boned and ill-shaped, greedy eaters, and slow in arriving at maturity ; while as very little ivinter food, except hay, loas raised, the meat laid on by grass in the summer was lost, or barely main- tained, in winter. Fresh meat for six months of the year was a luxury only enjoyed by the wealthiest personages. Within the recollection of many now living, first-class farmers in Herefordshire salted down an old cow in the autumn, which, with flitches of fat bacon, supplied their families with meat until the spring. Esquire Bedel Gunning, in his 'Memorials of Cambridge,' relates that when Dr. Makepeace Thackeray settled in Ches- ter, about the beginning of the present century, he presented one of his tenants with a bull-calf of a superior breed. On his inquiring after it in the following spring, the farmer gratefully replied, 'Sir, he was a noble animal ; we killed him at Christmas, and have lived upon him ever since.'" We have underscored the words "very little winter food, except hay, icas raised," to show, as one reason, why the cattle were worthy of the description given them. After speaking at considerable length of the changes effected in the breeds of cattle and sheep, and the light thrown upon these subjects by the investigations of Arthur Young, Cobbett, Robert Bakewell, and others, the writer says : "But the fattening qualities and early maturity of the improved stock would have been of little value beyond the few rich grazing districts of the Midland counties, without an addition to the sup- ply of food. The best arable land of the king- dom had been exhausted by long years of culti- vation, and the barren fallow, which annually absorbed one-third of the soil, failed to restore its fertility. A new source of agricultural wealth was discovered in turnips, which, as their impor- tant qualities became known excited in many of their early cultivators much the same sort of en- thusiasm as they did in Lord Monboddo, who on returning home from a circuit, went to look at a field of them by candle-light. Turnips answered the purpose of a fallow crop which cleaned and rested old arable land ; turnips were food foi fattening cattle in winter ; turnips, grown on light land, and afterwards eaten down by sheep which consolidated it by their feet, prepared the 30 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. way for corn-crops on wastes that had previously been given up to the rabbits." Under this system, a Mr. Rodwell made the produce of 820 acres of land worth one hundred andjifty thousand dollars more in twenty-eight years, than his predecessor did in the same time, under the old system, without roots. This great advance in arable fai'ming took its rise in the county of Norfolk. Again — "Turnips, which are said by Young to have been brought into farm cultivation by the cele- brated Jethro Tull, found such a zealous advo- cate in LordTownshend, that he got the name of 'Turnip Townshend.' Pope speaks of 'all Towns- hend's turnips,' in one of his imitations of Hor- ace, published in 1737. This crop he had the sagacity to see was the parent of all the future crops. Without winter food little stock could be kept, without stock there could be little man- ure, and with little manure there could not be much of anything else. The turnips were, there- fore, employed to secure a large dung-heap, and the dung-heap in turn was mainly appropriated to securing the largest possible store of turnips. This tillage in a circle was as productive as it was simple. The ground, cleaned and enriched by the root-crops, afterwards yielded abundant harvests of corn ; and as we have already stated, the treading of the sheep u])on the loose soil, while they fed off a portion of the turnips, gave it the necessary firmness. Thus through the agency of turnips a full fold and a full bullock- yard made a full granary. Essex and Suffolk soon copied the method, but they did not carry it so far as in Norfolk ; and in many places the turnips were never thinned or hoed, upon which their size and consequently nearly all their value depended." With a single extract more we will leave this highly interesting and instructive article, hoping at a future time to show equally as decided testi- niony in favor of root culture, in the practice of our own people. "In the old days distance operated as a bar- rier to imitation, and three-fourths of England only heard of what was done in the well-cultivat- ed fourth to ridicule and despise it. When the father of Mr. George Turner, of Barton, Devon, the well-known breeder of Devon cattle and of Leicester sheep, who had learned something in his visits with stock to llolkham, began to drill turnips, a well-to-do neighbor looked down from the dividing bank and said to his son, 'I suppose your father will be sowing pepper out of a cruet next.' Lideed, the whole history of the turnip cultivation affords a characterisiic contrast be- tween the spirit of the past and the present. It took upwards of a century to establish the proper growth of this crop, notwithstanding that the wealth of meat and corn which proceeded from it was as plain to those who would open their eyes as that a guinea was worth one-and-twenty-shillings. The first difficulty was to persuade farmers to try it at all ; and not one turnip was ever seen on a field in Northumberland till between 1760 and 1770. The second difficulty was to get them to be at the expense of hoeing, insomuch that Young said that he should be heard with incre- dulity in most counties when he bore testimony to the vast benefits which were derived in Nor- folk from this indispensable portion of the ])ro- cess. The third difficulty was to induce tiiem to replace broadcast sowing by drilling, which ap- peared, as we see, to novices no less ridiculous than peppering the land from a cruet. The big- otry of the farmer cramped the energies of the mechanics whom he now welcomes as among his best friends. The implements, even by the first manufacturers, from the absence of criticism and competition, from the limited extent of custom, and from the want of artisans skilled in work- ing in iron, were, however excellent in idea, both clumsy and costlj'. The choicest specimens which existed in 1840 have been so altered in execu- tion by cheaper materials and improved work- manship that they can scarcely be recognized." With the aid of root crops, and that of machi- nery in our labor, it is not difficult lo anticipate the time when our farmers shall labor less, but yet prosper more. The success of the steam- plow on the beautiful and fertile prairies of the West, almost makes real tlie expression in the fine lines of Mr. Thackeray on the Great Exhibi- tion in England in 1851. Look yonder where llie engines ton , The Nation's arms of conquest are, The trophies of her bloodless war ; Brave weapons these. Victorious over wave and soil, With these she sails, she weaves, she tilLi, Pierces the everlasting hills And spans the seas. Far tfte New England Farmer. IO"WA— ITS CLIMATE AISTD CROPS. We must be somewhere about mid-way be- tween the extremes of dryness and wetness men- tioned by Prof. Brocklesby, in his work on mett orology. So rare is the occurrence of a real shower at Lima, in Peru, that it is a source of terror ; and when such an event happens, relig- ious ju'ocessions parade the streets, imploring the protection of heaven for their endangered city. In the interior of Guiana, on the other hand, the sun and stars are seldom visible, and the rains not unfrequently continue for five or six months, with scarcely any intermission. For the last four weeks, we have had veiy nearly the same kind of weather as prevails on the Isle of Chiloe, (43° S. lat.,) where "it rains six days of the week, and is cloudy on the seventh." Early in October we had a sharp frost for two or three nights. For more than a month we have had none ; but almost incessant rainy and cloudy weather, with some snow. I picked to- matoes from my vines yesterday, (Nov. 11th,) as fresh as in September. Many seeds germinated, and currant bushes and apple trees started anew in October. To-day, (12th,) it has snowed stead- ily without any prospect of fair weather for some time to come. Farmers are about discouraged. In addition to the failure of the wheat, oats and potatoes, we 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 31 now have to include the buckwheat, wh'ch is nearly or quite ruined by the long continued wet weather. Corn is very good, but most of it is still in the field. Broom corn is also good, and well secured ; but there is very little of it raised in this region. The Chinese sugar cane has sur- {jassed all expectation. It was only planted by a few, as an experiment; but proves so satisfac- tory that thousands of acres will be put in anoth- er year. We are daily using the sirup, which is sufficiently good, considering the imperfect means of manufacture, to warrant the confident expec- tation of its taking the place speedily of our best sirups, at a much lower figure than they can be obtained. One good result of the extensive failure of the wheat, will no doubt be, to lead the people to try other crops as a staple. And there can be little doubt that some other articles can be made much more productive than wheat has been for a number of years past. Notwithstanding the hard times, of which we have had rather more than 'an even share, v/e have had great health, as a State ; and have abun- dant cause for Thanksgiving, which Vv'e propose to celebrate on the same day as in Massachusetts. Among other things to be grateful for, our wor- thy Governor Lowe mentions the remarkable outpouring of the Spirit, "by which the faces of multitudes have been turned Heavenward." Tipton, Iowa, Nov. 12. M. K. c. Ji'or the New England Farmer. UNITED STATES AGBICULTUKAL EAIB AT KIGHMOND. One of the most attractive implements on the fair ground, to the farmer, was A. P. Routt's patent Drain Plow. This implement makes a furrow a foot deep, two feet and a half wide at the top and four inches wide at the bottom, the sides sloping at such an angle as to insure the drain from falling in by the frost, the whole be- ing perfectly completed at one operation by this plow, or tool. Those who have tried it say it is the very thing for surface draining, which, on wet lands, is certainly very beneficial where un- derdraining has not been done. The manufac- turer resides in Somerset, Orange County, Va. The plow is so made that it opens a deep furrow, turning both to the right and left, and is followed by a heavy iron roller that hardens the earth both on the sides and the bottom of the surface drain, thus doing very handsome work. The price, as heretofore stated, is $25, and with it, a man can, with a good pair of team horses, sur- face-drain 60 acres of land a day. A patent subsoil turn plow, combining four distinct features, is a consideration for farmers. First, the combination of the subsoil and turn plow ; second, the movableness of the mould- boards, which can be adapted to deep or shallow plowing, as desirable ; third, a second bar to which the regulator is attached, which steadies the plow ; fourth, a regulator for the depth of the furrow. It may be used to break up the clay without turning it up. It is highly recommended by those who have tried it. The proprietors, Messrs. Utley, Smith and Macfee, reside in Richmond, Va. The "Triumph Corn Sheller," patented last April, by A. B. Davis, of Philadelphia, and oper- ating on an entirely novel principle, ha'uvj: so constructed and arranged that the power required in driving, is expended in separating the corn from the cob, v.ithout any grinding or tearing of the latter. Tlie machine may be fed with a shov- el, the cobs passing out at the rear, while the corn falls into a receptacle prepared for it, thus avoiding the work of sifting in order to separate the corn from cobs, 8cc. Pennock's patent Seed and Grain Planter is a machine that is highly approved. It is a Del- aware product. It has received about 40 silver medals, and took the highest award at the World's Fair, at the New York Crystal Palace. It is a capital thing for planting or drilling wheat, rye, or other grain, which is undoubtedly the true method of grain planting. It is made so as to distribute fertilizers at the time of sowing, if de- sired. He also exhibited Pennock's Iron Har- vester, or new combined Reaper and Mower, — a corn-sheller that will shell 300 bushels a day, — plantation mill, and threshing machine. The Eagle Mower and Reaper, that took the $1000 premium of the Massachusetts Society, in 1856, the first ])rize awarded by the Indiana State Agricultural Society, the same year; also the first awarded by the Royal Society of England, Ireland and Scotland, in 1857, was exhibited by A. G. MOTT, agent. R. C. Mauck's Corn Harvester will enable three men and a boy, with one or two horses, to cut and stook 10 acres of corn a day. By this ma- chine the hardest part of the labor is performed by horses. It is a desideratum to growers of Indian corn. Mr. Mauck is a Virginian, residing at Conrad's Store, Rockingham Co. Another "Old Dominion" invention on exhi- bition was a Tobacco Press by Musser & Col- man. This machine is of great importance to tobacco manufacturers. Sanfokd's Reciprocating Portable and Planta- tion Mill, patented the present year, price $15, for grinding feed for stock and grain for family use ; also, plaster, bones, cement, drugs, paints, printer's ink, emery, &c., seemed like a valuable discovery. Douglas & Brothers exhibited a Sugar Cane Mill for making sugar of the Chinese sugar jcane. I Thus have I noticed some of the important ma- ; chines shown at the fair, serving to confirm the I intimation before given, that the South is pro- 1 grossing in inventing and manufacturing agricul- tural machines. I might add other things, but let these suffice. Farm implements and machines are greatly multiplying on every hand. Some of these are very useful, others moderately so, and others still, of little or no economical value to farmers. Such results are incident to the lives and fortunes of inventors and manufacturers. They serve to show, on the whole, that great progress and improvement are making in the furnishing of farm tools and machinery. The subjcL't for discussion, one evening dur- ing the fair, at the "African Church," was, "Farm Implements." Leandeu Wetherell, of Bos- ton, was invited to open the discussion, which he did, and was followed by Messrs. Watt, of Rich- mond, Spangley, of Philadelphia, Rogers, oi 32 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan Maryland, and others. It was one of the most profitable discussions on the subject I have ever heard. It was maintained by some of the speakers that utility, strength and durability are too often sacrificed to fancy, and lightness. One speaker scouted the idea of making a good economical mower and reaper to be worked with one horse, stating that no such machine could be expected to do the work so well as a good two-horse ma- chine. He maintained that implements should be well made, and of good stock, which, he add- ed, is not the case now. Poor stock and fancy work supply the market with frail and almost worthless wares. The demand for low priced tools has done much to bring about this state of things. De- mand good implements, made of good stock, and pay the price, and you will get them. If you have any doubts, try it. Viator. Fur the New England Farmer. MBASUilEMENT OF CORN CHOPS. Mr. Editor : — The luxuriant growth of Indi- an corn the present season, brought to mind a eommunica ion from the veteran farmer of Ply- mouth county, on the measurement of this crop ; and the best mode of determining the quantity grown to the acre. There is no man whose judg- ment and experience is more to be relied on than Mr. Allen's. There is no crop grown upon our farms of more importance than Indian corn. I enclose his letter, to be used at your discretion, omitting such paragraphs as do not relate to this subject. Very truly yours, J. W. Proctor. Fembrol-e, Feb. 19, 1858. Dear Sir : — In reply to your candid inquiries, I will state the rules which have governed the P. Co. Society in its decisions on the measurement of Indian corn from the commencement of its op- erations. At first the requisition was that the whole crop should be measured in a basket, one basketfuU shelled, and the product of the acre estimated by that. This rule soon proved unsat- isfactory, and it was then determined that the whole crop should be weighed, calling seventy- five pounds a bushel, and that the weight should be certified by the owner and one laborer. This was the practice for many years, but at length it was thought the measurement should be by a disinterested person, and a supervisor was chos- en, who was directed to select and weigh an av- erage rod and estimate the crop accordingly. It is very manifest that in every case there would be some danger of error in judgment, but an agent could not devote so much time as would be nec- essary to weight he whole crop. The last change, from 75 lbs. to 85 lbs. as a bushel, was made, since I ceased to participate in the doings of the society, excepting occupying the place of super- visor a short time after the death of Mr. How- ard. Had I been at the meeting I should have felt bound to oppose the change, because I firmly believe that 75 lbs. in the ear at harvest will make a bushel of shelled corn when ripe for the market, and for this belief have some better evi- dence than conjecture. At harvest, one year, I put 75 lbs. in the ear into a barrel, covered securely, and let it remain till January, when I shelled and measured and there was a bushel and between one and two quarts. Judge Buel, who was a pretty ac- curate experimenter, said that the shrinkage of corn from harvest to merchantable condition was 20 per cent. I have no doubt, we may safely buy or sell at harvest, calling 75 lbs. a bushel. There may be, as you suggest, some difference in the ripeness of the several sorts of corn at the usual time of harvest, but if frosts have occurred, which usually is the case, there is no dange;- of exces- sive weight in the greenest fields, for the weight will be much lighter there than in the well- ripened field. It seems to me if all societes would observe one rule in the measurement of corn at harvest, we should soon become less suspicious of the honesty of applicants for jiremiums, and of the fidelity of agents. Your secretary, Mr. Dodge, wrote to me concerning my premium crop of corn, which has occasioned so many remarks, inquiring how it was managed, expressing his surprise at the amount, and saying he thought a large crop had been reported in that county, but it wjs much less than mine. You, or some other friend, soon af- ter sent me your Transactions. I looked at the gentleman's statement, and found his corn was planted so much wider apart than mine, that nothing was wanting to make bis crop equal or superior to mine but the supply of his deficient number of plants. In my experience, many ap- plicants have failed of obtaining premiums mere- ly from the lack of a sufficient number of corn plants. I would not be understood to say that thick planting secures a great crop, but that thin planting occasions a smaller crop in many instan- ces than we might be justified in hoping for, from the preparations of the field. Corn plants will prosper and mature wherever they can find sufficient food and stand accessible to the influ- ences of the air and the.sun. Both the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture and yourself seem to think corn should be dry enough for market be- fore it is measured ; can you describe any way in which this can be done, and not leave open a wide door for suspicion or fraud ? You probably can, yet it would require more labor and expense than you would think a society should submit to. I think if the Board of Agriculture would recom- mend to county societies the measurement of corn crops at harvest by some reasonable and uniform rule, the progress of improvement in the culture of this important article would be better understood, and the motives to emulation in cul- tivation more effectually encouraged. Resectfully yours, Morrill Allen. Hon. John W. Proctor. Buist's Almanac and Garden Manual, be- side felling you when it rains and when it shines, and what he has to sell in the way of seeds and implements for the garden, has a great many con venient things to know about making and man- aging a garden. ^^The duty on flour imported into Brazil, has been reduced thirty per cent., which is expected to diminish the drain of specie from this country 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 33 FIGURE OF AN AYRSHIRE COW. The Ayrshire breed of cows is at present gain- ing favor among the milk producers of New Eng- land— we mean those who produce milk, for mar- ket. How they stand with dairymen who con- vert the milk into butter and cheese, we do not know ; nor do we know whether fair trials have yet been made with them among the dairymen of Western Massachusetts, or in New Hampshire or Vermont. It is generally conceded that they are a gentle race, easily kept, and produce well for the cost of keeping. In looking over Mr. Secretary Flint's new work on "Milch Cows and Dairy Farming,^' we find a portrait of a fine cow of this breed, and with his consent give the engraving and his des- cription of it to our readers. He says : "The Ayrshires are justly celebrated through- out Great Britain and this country for their ex- cellent dairy qualities. Though the most recent in their origin, they are pretty distinct from the other Scotch and English races. In color, the pure Ayrshires are generally red and white, spot- led or mottled, not roan, like many of the short- horns, but often presenting a bright contrast of colors. They are sometimes, though rarely, near carcass of the pure-bred Ayrshire is light, partic- ularly the fore quarters, v/hich is considered by good judges as an index of great milking quali- ties ; but the pelvis is capacious and wide over the hips. A cow-feeder in Glasgow, selling fresh milk, is said to have realized two hundred and fifty dol- lars in seven months from one good cow ; and it is stated, on high authority, that a dollar a day for six months of the year is no uncommon in- come from good cows under similar circumstan- ces, and that seventy-five cents a day is below the average. But this implies high and judicious feeding, of course ; the average yield, on ordinary ^■^feed, would be considerably less. Youatt estimates the daily yield of an Ayrshire cow, for the first two or three months after calv- ing, at five gallons a day, on an average ; for the next three months, at three gallons ; and'for the next four months, at one gallon and a half. This would be 850 gallons as the annual average of a cow ; but, allowing for some unproductive cows, he estimates the average of a dairy at 600 gallons per annum for each cow. Three gallons and a half of the Ayrshire cow's milk will yield one and a half pounds of butter. He therefore reck- ons 257 pounds of butter, or 514 pounds of cheese, at the rate of 24 pounds to 28 gallons of milk, as the yield of every cow, as a fair and per- ly or quite all red, and sometimes black and] haps rather low average,' in an Ayrshire dairy, white; but the favorite color is red and white ] during the vear. Aiton sets the yield much high- brightly contrasted, and by some, strawberry jer, saying that "thousands of the best Ayrshire color is preferred. The head is small, fine, and jjaii-y-cows, when in prime condition and well clean ; the face long, and narrow at the muzzle, with a sprightly yet generally mild expression ; eye small, smart, and lively ; the horns short, fine and slightly twisted upwards, set wide apart at the roots ; the neck thin ; body enlarging from fore to hind quarters ; the baci; straight and nai-- row, but broad across the loins : joints rather fed, produce 1000 gallons of milk per annum ; that in general three and three-quarters to four gallons of their milk will yield a pound and a half of butter ; and that 27A gallons of their milk will make 21 pounds of full-milk cheese." Mr. Rankin puts it lower — at about 050 to 7QlO gal- lons to each cow ; on his own farm of inferior loose and open ; ribs rather^flat ; hind quarters soil, his dairy produced an average of 550 gallons 1 o ._,, r. " ' ' - only. One of the four cows originally imported into this country by John P. Gushing, Esq., of Mas- sachusetts, gave in one year 3864 quarts, beer measure, or about 464 gallons, at ten pounds to rather thin ; bone fine ; tail long, fine and bushy at the end ; hair generally thin and soft ; udder light color and capacious, extending well ibtward under the belly ; teats of the cow of medium size, generally set regularly and wide apart; milk-veins prominent and well developed. The 'the gallon, being an average of over ten and a 34 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Ja\. half beer quarts a day for the whole year. It is asserted, on good authority, that the flrst Ayr- shire cow imported by the Massachusetts Socie- ty for the promotion of Agriculture, in 1837, yielded sixteen pounds of butter a week, for sev- eral weeks in succession, on grass feed only. These yields are not so large as those stated by Alton ; but it should, perhaps, be recollected that our climate is less favorable to the production of milk than that of England and Scotland, and that no cow imported after arriving st maturity could be expected to yield as much, under the same circumstances, as one bred on the spot where the trial is made, and perfectly acclimated. THE MILK BUSINE3SS. The Springfielcl (Mass.) Hepuhlican furnishes the following facts in relation to the supply of milk for that city : We have made an effort to learn some of the aggregates of this industry — to compare the av- erage quantity of milk per cow in each herd ; and to learn the different methods of feeding ; all points of curious interest and suggestive value. For this purpose circulars have been addressed to most of the milkmen of this city, of course, with varying success. All have not answered, but enough have done so to give a nearer esti- mate than otherwise would be possible. There are from twelve to fourteen regular dealers of milk in this city. Not far from 2,000 quarts, or $100 worth, are sold daily through the year. The highest quantity, sold by any one milkman, in the best of the season, so far as known, is 400 quarts daily, and this man, in the average for the year, is put down at 250 quarts. Taking all the milkmen, the average is lG6x quarts each dai- lj\ To raise this milk requires a herd of about 300 cows, which give, on an average, about seven quarts. The force requisite to carry on this busi- ness equals one man for every six cows, or an aggregate of fifty men, summer and winter. The best milkers, generally, are crosses of Short- Horn with Ayrshire and Natives, but good milk- ers can be found of almost every breed. The feed that produces the most milk is yet a vexed question. In the opinions received, cot- ton seed meal, corn, rye and buckwheat ground together, and roots, with rowen hay, have equal prominence. The order of feeding cows varies with different individuals. Some feed roots the first thing in the morning, and others late at night. Some give hay the first thing, and oth- ers reserve it till noon. Each feeder gives his practice and reasons with equal freedom — which is a very hopeful system in any debate. Our conclusion is, that the best order is as follows : AVet cut feed mixed with meal after each milk- ing, with hay and roots between. Neither roots nor grain should be fed upon an empty stomach. In the first case, the milk is more likely to re- ceive the odor of the roots. In the latter the ap- petite is greatly impaired for other food. No fact is more clearly established than that the flavor and quality of the milk and flesh depend in part upon the quality of the food. Various expedi- ents have been resorted to counteract bad fla- vors. The English heat their milk, and then add saltpetre to it to prevent the taste of cabbages. The Virginians slice and salt rutabagas, twelve hours before feeding, in order to escape that odor. In this region, regularity in feeding, as to quantity and time, by some is considered suf- ficient remedy for common turnips. Experience proves that corn and carrots make first quality pork. Cows that give milk require more food in proportion to their bulk than either oxen or horses ; twenty-five to thirty pounds of dry hay daily is the usual consumption of farm animals. Of course, if roots or meal are added the con- sumption will be less. SWINGING IN THE BABN. Swing away, From the great cross-beam — Through the scented clover-hay. Sweet as any dream ! Higher yet ! Up, between the eaves. Where the grey doves cooing tilt 'Twixt the sun-gilt leaves. Here we go ! Whistle, merry wind ! 'Tis a long day you must blow. Lighter hearts to find. Swing away ! Sweep the rough barn floor ' While wo gaze on Arcady Framed in by the door. One, two, three ! Quick, the round red sun, Hid behind yon twisted tree. Means to end the fun ! Swing away ! Over husks and grain ! Shall we ever be as gay If we swing again .' Fur the New England Fanner. THE KOBIN'S TITLE TO IMMUNITY QUESTIONED. Mr. Editor : — In the Farmer of Nov. Gth, some one sailing without colors is doubting my sincerity, in respect to my communication regard- ing the robin. Perhaps the injury sustained by me, caused by the depredation of the robin, may be of more immediate effect than that sustained by my neighbors in their pastures, yet in my pas- ture land I perceive an injury more lasting, for I find it a slow operation to eradicate the wild herbage, of which the seeds Avere distributed by the troublesome birds. Did not man have do- minion given him over the birds of the air, as well as all things else? Our nameless friend asks the question, "Did not the Power that created the robin endow him with an instinct to sustain life?" I answer, "Yes." Did he not give the same power and instinct to the rattlesnake? then why slay him? Would not that be selfish? Does not the house-fly, that scavenger demanded by the presence of fetid and corrupting matter, have in- stinct to sustain his life? Did our unknown friend ever destroy them by the use of German fly-paper ? Did he ever devise or recommend any phm for the destruction of the onion worm ? I have no doubt his life is as dear to him as the robin's, for he received it from the same great source. Do not the insects that prey upon fruits 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 35 and other vegetation have as good a right to a livelihood as their destroj'er, (as he would have us believe the robin to be,) "notwithstanding the title deeds of the most grasping miser ?" Why save the robin, if he is such a wholesale slaughterer of insects that God created and en- dowed with instinct to sustain life ? The aim of man is or ought to be, progress. Are we not having wiser and better laws in every succeeding generation ? Are they now perfect ? By no means, and never can be while man is finite. Is it not known that committees draft all our laws ? Even they do not at all times see the ef- fects of them in all their bearings ; they pass through their usual stages without much debat- ing as to their merits, and frequently with no apparent interest felt in regard to them ; then they become the laws of the land. If our laws are perfect, what need of further legislation ? for this day our statute-books are voluminous, (he would have us believe,) containing just laws, burdensome to no virtuous and honorable call- ing. "Those living in glass houses should not throw stones." I was much interested in the perusal of INIr. Flagg's communication^ may not the bird that survived in his imprisonment have had an ac- quired appetite, a vitiated appetite, not dissimi- lar to the user of opium, arsenic and tobacco ? or may he not require to sustain his nature, some inorganic material, such as phosphate of lime, or some other inorganic matter found on the sur- face of the ground ? Did not that bird find in the wings of those bugs some silica, or a sub- stance akin to it ? I have never discovered the robin take any insect from the ground except the angle-worm. He says the extermination of the robin is out of the question, as it would hardly be desirable to sacrifice the interest of all the staple products of agriculture, to preserve a few bushels of cherries. Is the robin man's guardian angel? Must he starve without him, and the earth become a bar- ren waste ? J. S. Needham. West Danvers, Nov. 20, 1858. For the New England Farmer. BOOT CROPS. The above is the heading of an article which appeared in the New England Fanner of Nov. 6, signed E. E., in reply to an article of D. Need- ham, on English turnips, rutabaga, &c. Having raised some 300 bushels of rutabaga turnips this season, and not having had much ex- perience in feeding turnips, I was about to in- quire, through the columns of the Farmer, as to what stock, and in what manner, I could feed them to the best advantage, when I saw the ar- ticle from E. E. I raised the above number of bushels upon 48 rods (or 3-10 of an acre,) of sandy land, and not very highly manured at that, no pains taken to transplant and thin out ; hoed them but twice, sowed them the 17th of June. The expense of pulling, cutting off the tops, Src, putting them into the cellar, as follows : — First half-day, Avith the assistance of a man over 70 years of age, I pulled, cut the tops, and put in the cellar, 100 bushels ; the next day, with the assistance of two boys under 16 years of age, I put in 200 bushels in four hours' time. The turnips were large and very smooth, being free from fibers. I have commenced feeding them to cows, and think they not only increase the quantity, but also the quality of the milk. I also boil them and mix corn and rye meal and feed my fatting hogs, and if the turnips are no other benefit, they certainly improve the food so that the hogs eat it more readily and fat faster than they will upon the meal without the turnips. I hope to heai from others, more experienced in raising and feeding turnips than I am. A. J. DoDGE. Lowell, rt., Nov. 11, 1858. SXTBACTS AND' REPLIES. THE BALDWIN APPLE. I wish you to inform me through the Farmer the age of the Baldwin apple. I have of late trimmed a very large tree of the above-named ap- ple, the owner of which says it must have been grafted over forty years ago. It is a Baldwin, as he produced one of the very apples that grew upon it. I had my fears as to tlie truth of the state- ment ; I think that the apple was known by some other name a long time ago. J. A. F. Remakks. — The Baldwin apple has probably been known for about one hundred years — but originally under the name of "Woodpecker," which was abbreviated to the "Pecker" apple. The apple was brought into notice by Col. Bald- win, and received his name. EQUESTRIANISM BY LADIES. "Where SO many people may receioe so miivli pleasure also little personal sacrifice, pray allow them." This is the comment of an eminent member of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, upon the equestrian exhibition by ladies at one of the county shows, in this commonwealth in 1857. What did he mean by this P Certainly not to approve of such exhibitions. He simply meant to speak of it as a harmless foible. Is this the purpose for which $1200 a year is drawn from the treasury of the commonwealth ? If one species of vain amusements can be countenanced, why not oth- ers ? Who will say that billiard saloons are not places of healthy exercise? Grave and reverend seniors should be careful what they write. Nov. 22. Remarks. — We are not at all surprised at such strictures as the above. Our people, especially our farmers, are slow to find fault with what seems to afTord pleasure to others. But they have learned that some practices prevail at our county shows .which are subverting the princi- ples upon which they were founded, while the number which they please is far from being a majority. SWAMP MUCK. I have a large quantity of swamp muck which can be carted to any part of my farm, a part of which is sandy, and the rest a sandy loam. What 36 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. fertilizers -will be best to mix with it to form a compost for my sandy lands ? North Lisbon, N. H., 1858. A SuBSCRIBEK. Remakks. — Barn-yard manure, if you have it. If not, use wood ashes, from five to twenty bush- els to the cord. If a clay-bed is convenient, mix a portion of that with the muck in addition to the manure or ashes. THE POTATO DISEASE. Mr. Editor : — Your kindness in admitting to your columns my queries as to your endorsement of the theories of Mr. Reed and others, as to the cause of the decay of the potato, (commonly called the potato rot,) has imposed on me the ne- cessity of further explanation. In making this, I wish to say distinctly, that I have not had the opportunity to make the microscopic observa- tions spoken of, and therefore have not been able to see, what is not to be seen without the aid of such glasses. That Mr. Reed and others have found many extremely minute insects, in and about the pota- to, I cannot doubt, with such evidence as is ac- cumulated on the subject. I have read this tes- timony Vvith care ; but whether the insects are the cause or the consequence of the rot, there is nothing in the evidence to determine. As our Board of Agriculture have undertaken the investigation, I hope they will not abandon it, until something is made certain. Truly yours, J. W. Proctor. Nov. 5, 1858. Remarks. — No man within our knowledge is more deeply interested in the prosperity of agri- culture, or more zealous in the cause, than our correspondent above. He writes with a bold pen, and expresses his opinions without circumlocu- tion, so that if they sometimes lack a little gen- tleness, we can readily enough impute it to the zeal manifested by him in the cause generally. He puts his hands cheerfully and earnestly to whatever he thinks will benefit the farmer. JEFFRIES' PATENT BALL VALVE PUMP. I would inform your subscribers that I have one of "Jeffries' Pktent Ball Valve Pumps" in use, which I like very much ; they are manufac- tured by Mr. George L. Newcomb, in Harbor Street, Salem, who has them for sale, and where one can be seen in operatien. I think his price is $25 and $35 for the two sizes of very thorough manufacture. B. P. Ware. Salem, Mass., 1858. potash and coal ashes, I wish to know through the Farmer what amount of first rate potash, dissolved, will make a bushel of anthracite coal ashes equal to one of wood ashes in that article alone. I am aware there is other good fertilizing ma- terial in wood ashes, but can't we compound with coal ashes, potash and bone dust, a very good manure for fruit trees ? L. c. C. East Lexington, Nov., 1858. MILCH cows AND DAIRY FARMS. Mr. Brown : — In a late number of the Boston Cultivator, I noticed a severe criticism on the late publication of Secretary Flint, on "Milch Cows and Dairy Farming," in which the plates illustra- tive were strongly condemned. I was astonished to see such strictures from such a source. I had looked upon the editor of that paper as high authority in these matters, and as candid and reasonable in his judgment. For instance, in speaking of the representation of the Oakes cow on the 73d page, he says it looks more like a kangaroo — than like the original. After more than forty years' interval, I cannot bring to mind distinctly the points of that celebrated animal — hut until I saw Mr. H.'s criticisms, I thought Mr. F.'s representations gave a fair idea of her. I have compared it with the representation given of her in the sixth volume of the Massachusetts Journal and Reports, while she lived — and do not perceive suflicient variance to condemn the print entirely. What could have induced Mr. H. to speak thus harshly of a publication favorably re- ceived by farmers generally ? My attention was particularly called to this fact, yesterday, by a com- plimentary reference to tfiis volume in a "Report on Milch Cows," drawn by Hon. R. S. Rogers, who illustrates his fitness for such a task, by the purely-selected stock of animals on his splendid estate. Has our friend swallowed a file in his late tour, or has he lost his balance among the hills of Ayrshire? Essex. Essex Co., Nov., 1858. DISEASE IN potatoes. I am not unwilling to be classed with unbe- lievers, while I have such associates as a major part of the Board of Agriculture, and your intel- ligent correspondent from West Medford. I know it is generally deemed a reproach to be thought skeptical ; but I deem it a greater error, to yield assent upon authority, without sufficient" reason therefor. As the Board of Agriculture have taken into consideration the question of the decay of the potato, I hope wa shall hear from them a distinct exposition of what is known in relation to it. I am clear in the opinion, that the theories put forth by Messrs. Reed, Hender- son, &c., of bugs being the cause of the rot, are not the true cause. J. "W. P. Nov. 1, 1858. _ * ' A TURKEY CROP. I have raised this year, from five old turkeys, seventy-five. They are now about five months old, and the males weigh from fifteen to twenty pounds each. The old male, (seventeen months old,) weighs thirty pounds, and has gained five pounds in the last seven weeks. David R. Gates. New Worcester, Nov., 1858. POROUS cheese. Will j"ou, or some of your numerous readers, inform me Avhat the cause is of porous cheese ? Is it too much scalding, or not enough ? I should be pleased to read any dairyman's opinion on the subject. New Subscriber. North F err ishury, Fi{., 1858. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 37 APPLES. The three varieties sent by AVm. F. Bassett, of Ashfield, Mass., are all new acquaintances. The variety he calls "Russett Sweet," resembles the apple of that name we are familiar with, but has more color, and the skin is smoother and fairer. It is a good apple, but rather dry. The other sweet apple we are not aware of ever hav- ing met before, but think it better than the "Russett." The sour apple is also new to us, and from the specimens sent, we can hardly pro- nounce an opinion as to its merits. riNE SHEEP. I have a pretty good-sized buck of the English breed, one year and six months old, the sixth day of this November, that weighs 230 pounds, and a ewe of the same breed whose weight is 162 lbs. They were sired by the big imported buck of Mr. Baldwin, of Montpelier, which weighs 350 lbs. The ewe has raised me a lamb this year that weighs 94^ lbs. They are cross bloods. The buck is of the Cotswold breed, and the ewes were of part Leicestershire. The buck when one year and nine days old sheared S^ lbs. of good clean wool the 15th day of May, and the ewe 6| lbs. when one year and fifteen days old. They have had no extra keeping from that of the rest of the flock. Joel Learned. WaiLrfteld, T?., Nov., 1858. THE BASKET WILLOW. In reply to the query of IMr. MULLIKEX, of Lexington, for information respecting the Bas- ket Willow, in the Farmer of Nov. 6, we would refer him to Messrs. George J. & E. A. Colby, of Waterbury, Vt. They are intimatelj acquaint- ed with the whole process of cultivating and preparing it for the market. PASTUKB BXPBIIIELBWT PHOPOSED. Mr. Editor : — There is one experiment I would like to see tried in this State, in the way of pasturage, viz. : — If a farmer has 25 acres of pasturing, let him plow one-fourth of it and sow it with oats, rye or any kind of grain he may choose, and seed it down at the same time with grass, and let his cattle crop all that grows. The next year let him take another fourth and treat likewise, and so until he has cultivated the whole, and then repeat, and my word for it, you would see better stock in your pastures in autumn, and the butcher would not have to carry an extra pair of mittens to put on, that the bones might not hurt his hands, when he has to examine so closely to know if they will possibly do to eat. Note. — The plan proposed by our correspond- ent is a very good one where the plow can be used, and it should be done more often than it is. But what shall we do with those pastures which are so rough that the plow cannot be used? Shifting the kind of stock pastured on them oc- casionally, from neat stock to sheep, and vice versa, is a good plan. Sowing on plaster and bone dust is also a good plan. — Maine Farmer. NE'W BOOKS. Milch Cows asd Dairy Farming ; comprising the Breeds, Breed- ing and Management, in Health and Disease, of Dairy and other Stock ; the selection of Milch Cows, with a full explana- tion of Guenon's Method ; the Culture of Forage Plants, and the Production of Milk, Butter and Cheese ; embodying the most recent Improvements, and adapted to farming in the United States and British Provinces. With a treatise upon the Dairy Husbandry of Holland ; to which is added Horsfall's Sys- tem of Dairy Management. By Charles L. Flint, Secretary of the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture. For sale by A. Williams & Co., Boston. Every person engaged in dairy business, should own this book, and read It attentively, as it contains many facts, and abounds with sugges- tions that must be of value to all who have not already a large experience in dairy matters. We recommend it as a matter of economy, because, if studied, It cannot fail to imjjart facts of more value to most dairymen and dalrywomen than several times its cost. The chapter on the diseases of animals is ju- dicious,— the remedies recommended mild and safe, and that upon the culture of grasses and plants to he used as fodder, is one of great impor- tance. The work is printed on fine, white paper, and beautifully illustrated v/ith engravings of vari- ous breeds of dairy stock, and Avith the utensils usually employed in the making of butter and cheese, and a copious Index is added for the ben- efit of those who use it as a book of reference. If the cotton and wollen goods of our manu- factories, as a whole, were no better than the products of our dairies, we question whether the manufacturers would be entitled to the credit of skilful workmen in the production of their fab- rics. Perhaps there is no single article brought to our markets. In which there is so much that is Indiiferent, or decidedly bad, as in the article of butter. It is strange that so much of It is badly made and put up, when the fact Is so obvious that good butter always brings a high price every- where. Froit Culture for the Million, A Hand Book of Fruit Cul- ture ; being a Guide to the Cultivation and Management of Fruit Trees : with Condensed Descriptions of many of the best and most popular varieties in the United States. Illustrated with ninety engravings. By Thomas Gregg. Fowler & Wells, New York, 1858. Price 50 cents. This is a cheap and useful book for those who think they cannot afford to purchase a larger one. But our opinion is that Downlng's Fruit and Fruit Trees of America is cheaper at one dollar and fifty cents. Eating Fruit. — No liquid of any description should be drank within an hour after-eating fruits, nor any thing else be eaten within tv;o or three hours afterward.s — thus time being allowed for them to pass out of the stomach, the system de- rives from them all their enlivening, cooling and opening influences. The great rule is, eat fruits in their natural state, without eating or drinking any thing for at least two hours afterwards. With these restrictions, fruit and berries may be 58 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. eaten with moderation during any hour of the day, and without getting tired of them, or ceas- ing to be benefited by them during the whole season. It is a great wast of lusciousness that fruits and berries, in their natural state, are not made the sole dessert of our meals, for three- fourths of the year; human enjoyment, and health, and even life, would be promoted by it. — HalVs Journal of Ilealtli. AGRICUIiTTJBE AND HOKTICULTUKE. THE TRUE FRIENDS. BY I!ES. LTDIA H. SIGOCRNET. "They leave no sting in the heart of memory, — no stain on the wing of time." — Hon. Marshall P. JVilder. Brown Ceres, one day with Pomona was meeting 'Neath Autumn's Spiriting smile, So giving each other a sisterly greeting Tliey sate down to gossip awliile. 'T hope you're r. .ite well, dear, tliis elegant weather," "How charming tlie country," they said, "And how do jou prosper," botli speaking together,— "With rejard to your business and trade?" "Look, whsi-e tte rude thorn bush and bramble were jprin-ing With fruitage the apple tree bends, The scyihe of the mower at sunrise is swinging, And the song of the reaper ascends." "Let us walk hand in hand, for no obstacle caring Till vines o'er the mountains shall grow ; Its suit of green velvet, the brown heath be wearing And deserts with p'.enty o'erdow." "The gold in its mine, with excitement and wonder May summon an emigrant band, And the chariot of Mars, trample on in its ttumier But we're the true strength of the land." "For us, no lorn wife in her cottage is grieving. Earth welcomes us both in her prime. No sting in the bosom of memory we're leaving, No stain on the pinion of time." HOW TO IMPKOVE CIDEK. The following letter upon preserving cider in a •nild form, is from Professor Horsford, of Cam- bridge, to the President of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and may be valuable to some of our readers. We add also, another simple recipe for im- proving cider, but probably much like the Pro- fessor's method. Cambridge, Oct. 2o, 18.58. Dear Sir : — I beg to inclose a recipe for im- proving cider. The object to which my efforts have been directed, was to provide a cheap, easi- ly-managed, and perfectly safe ngent for arrest- ing fermentation at any desired stage of its prog- ress. The fermentation of the sugar of the cider, it is well known, is due to the fermentation of an albuminous substance which the cider holds in suspension or solution. By fermentation, the sugar is first converted into alcohol and carbonic acid. Ifthe albuminous matter be ingrent excess, as it uniformly is, its fermentation goes forward to convert the alcohol into acetic acid, and the cider becomes sour. minous matter consumed to produce alcohol and carbonic acid, and of course less will remain to convert the alcohol into vinegar. But if, when the fermentation has been car- ried forward just far enough to impart to the cider the taste which is most preferred, — when it is sparkling, still sweet, but slightly acid, — if at this stage the albuminous matter be withdrawn, the cider will permanently retain its acceptable flavor. To accomplish this withdrawal I employ Sul- phite of Lime — a salt made soluble only by acid, and, of course, quite inert until acid presents it- self to the cider. As soon as fermentation pro- duces acetic acid, this salt yields sulphurous acid, which destroys the ferment. This is essentially the agent employed to prevent fermentation in the wine production of France. The substance I employ settles out at the bot- tom with the lees, and maybe entirely separated from the cider. The testimony of quite a number of friends who have for the last three years followed the recipe, as well as the experiments I have myself directed, are so emphatic as to the excellence of the result, that I feel justified in submitting to the attention of the Horticultural Society this method of improving cider. E. N. Horsford, Prof, of Chem. to the Mass. Hor. Society. RECIPE FOR IMPROVING CIDER. Let the new cider from sour apples (sound and ; selected fruit is to be preferred,) ferment from I one week to three weeks, as the weather is warm or cool. When it has attained to lively fermen- tation, add to each gallon, according to its acidi- ty, from half a pound to two ])ounds of white crushed sugar, and let the whole ferment until it possesses precisely the taste which it is desired should be permanent. In this condition pour out a quart of the cider, and add for each gallon, one quarter of an ounce of sulphitejof lime, known as an article of manufac- ture under the name of anti-clorida of lime. Stir the powder and cider until intimately mixed, and return the emulsion to the fermenting liquid. Agitate briskly and thoroughly for a few mo- ments, and then let the citler settle. The fer- mentation will cease at once. When, after a few days, the cider has become clear, draw off and bottle carefully, or remove the sediment and return to the original vessel. If loosely corked, or kept in a barrel on draft, it will retain its taste as a still cider. If preserved in bottle "i carefully corked, which is better, it will become a sparkling cider, and may be kept indefinitely long. A Dove Story. — A gentleman of this city who has a dove cot at his residence at the West End, relates the following incident as having oc- curred last week. In the cot were a male and female dove and two squabs. The male squab having died, the elderly dove drove from his nest his female mate, and promoted to his bed If the quantity of sugar be I and board the young female squab, pecking at large, a corresponding quantity of alcohol is pro- 1 and driving from his cot the female dove. Final- duced. When it is not in sufficient quantity it ly, upon one occasion*, when the female appeared may be added tothe ci I'.T, and :noreof the aJbu-'at the door of the cot., the male sallied out. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 39 pecked at her and drove her away. The perse- cuted mother flew down to a perch below, where, ■with her head undtr her winj^ she remained for a short time, and then fell suddenly to the gi'ound. The inmates of the house, who had witnessed the proceeding, immediately went out and ascertained that the dove v/as dead, but no wound was found sufficient to cause death. Possibly she died of a broken heart from the brutal treatment of her false and fickle mate. — Traveller: PIiA.WTS MUST HAVE FOOD. Veget-ition annually appropriates to itself, and removes from the soil, a portion of nutritive prin- ciples therein containf=d, and if they be removed without compensation in some way, barrenness will ensue. Upon the facilities which the farmer may be able to command to secure an adequate supply of food for his crops, his success must in a great measure depend. Manure is a term o' broad application. It was formerly confined chiefly to the excrements of animals, but nov/ has a wider signification, and may be understood as embracing any animal, vegetable, or mineral matter, capable of improv- ing and fertilizing the soil, or of correcting its faults and supplying its defects. Whether arti- ficial fertilizers may or may not be profitably em- ployed, is of far less moment for us to under- stand, than how to make the most of home re- sources ; the true policy being to increase the productiveness of the farm from within itself. To accomplish this, every source of fertilizing material upon the farm should be made to con- tribute, ami care should be taken that nothing be wasted. Not only should the solid excrement of animals, which too often is the sole dependence of the farmer, be properly cared for, but special efforts should be directed to the liquids also, which are not only more exposed to waste, but possess a superiority over others, which renders their loss irreparable. An eminent agricultural writer says: "When it is considered that Avith every pound of ammoni i that escapes, a loss of sixty pounds 'of corn is sustained, and that with every pound of uiine a pound of wheat might be produced, the indifference with which these liquid excrements are regarded is quite incomprehen- sible." Another says : "The quantity of liquid manure produced by one cow annually, is equal to fertilizing an acre and a quarter of ground, producing elfects asdural)le as do th;^ solid evac- uations. A cord of loam, saturated with urine, is equal to a cord of the best dung. If the liquid and solid evacuations, including the litter, are kept se[)arate, and soaking up the liquid by loam, it has lieen found that they will manure land, in proportion by bulk, of seven liquid to six solid, while their actual value is as two to one. The simple statement, then, in figures, of the difl'er- ence in value of the solid and liquid evacuations of a cow, should impress upon all the impor- tance of saving the last in preferenc3 to the first." Excrementitious matter, whether solid or liquid, is by no means our only source of food for plants. Almost every farm possesses an indefinite, and oftentimes a most abundant supply, in the de- posits of decayed vegetable matter known muck or ocit. This, to be sure, in its natural condition, is not readily available by plants ; they would relish and thrive upon it about as well as we would on raw potatoes, but nevertheless, the food is there, and only needs due preparation to make it both palatable and nutritious. Muck or peat is also of great value, and almost indispen- sable as an absorbent of liquid manure, and of the gases generated during decomposition.* In this way it not only proves a most eftectual and economical means of preventing waste, but is itself, in so doing, modified or changed so as to be converted into valuable and available man- ure. Muck, treated with ashes, is found to do exceedingly well. Another mode of treating it, which has many advocates, is, to slake quick- lime, with a saturated solution of common salt, and mingle with the muck, in the proportion of one cask of lime to a bushel of salt, mixed with a cord of muck. Thus prepared, it is not a sim- ple mixture of lime, salt, and muck, but during its preparation as stated above, a decomposition of the salt takes place, alkali is liberated equiva- lent to the ashes used in the other case, and by its action the vegetable food in the muck is I'en- dered soluble, and thus made available to plants.f — ^Plough, Loom and Anvil. * Too much can hardly be said of the value of dried mack, to b3 thrown into the stalls, as nn absorbent for the double pur- pose of adding to the value of the manure, and of purifying the air ' f the premises. t If convenient, it would be well to prepare this some weeks before app'ying it, and if turned over a few times, all the better. OUR. BXPORTS. Oar often stated and reiterated assertion, that we do not raise our own food, is true, — import- ing, as we do, corn, and wheat, and flour, beef, and mutton, and poik ; vrhile the agricultural ca- pabilities of our soil are such, that with only a little more intelligent farming, our home produc- tion of the very things we import might be vastly increased ; perhaps so that the exports would more than coimterbalance the imports ; and this without involving the employm-nt of much more labor or capital, or even mooting the question whether these are the most profitable things we can raise. Yet we can learn many a useful lesson from the exports of our State and neighboring region. This year the aj)ple crop attracts most atten- tion among our exports, for we have been favored with comparative abundance, while the general crop of the country is next to nothing. Sloop- load after sloop-load has floated down the river, and the cars have taken many more. Specula- tors have gone through the land, and many ap- ples have been engaged at moderate prices, be- fore the market price became settled. This prac- tice of selling to speculators is generally well enough under our present system of doing things, though we hold that the ware-house system, wherever practicable, should be employed. Spec-- ulators and their agents will, if held to it, gener- ally offer all that they can afford to give, and, if the risks and expenses of marketing are taken into the account, they usually leave themselves a small enough margin, and ofi"er more than the small farmer can get for his crop, if he should market it himself. We have often alluded to the Golden Sweet 40 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan, apple as our most profitable sort for shipping. The demand for winter apples has been such that this year the Golden Sweet crop is quite thrown in the shade. The market is still active, and will continue to be, for sometime, we presume, con- stantly advancing prices, for good, sound winter fruit. Potatoes have long been a prominent article of If a horse was in the same condition as a po- lype, with no organ of vision, who shuns light, a dark stable might prove to be his earthly par- adise, but as the horse has special organs of vis- ion, evidently susce[)tible to the influence of light, and the integrity of his organism, or a part of the same depending entirely on the admission of light, it is absolutely necessary that stables should export, probably in value this far exceeds any be constructed accordingly. — Amencan Veteri- other. The towns which particularly enjoy this trade and make preparations for it, are those sit- uated upon tide-water. We cannot come at any reliable estimate of the quantity or value of po- tatoes annually exported. It will be larger than usual this year. Our imports in this line are small in comparison, if we do not include sweet potatoes. In early spring considerable quantities of Bermuda potatoes are imported, at a cost of two to six times as much, bushel for bushel, as we can get for those we export. Certain localities also derive great profit from certain peculiar articles of export, for instance : Stonington, and some towns in its neighborhood, export poultry in great quantities ; Hartford and Middlesex counties in our own State, and the river counties in Massachusetts, export to bacco, both in the crude state and manufactured, in value to a very large amount ; Wethersfield has long been famous for its speciality, onions, and should now be equally so for garden seeds, for these enterprising seed gardeners send their precious crops by tons almost to all parts of the Union, — Editorial, in Homestead LIGHT IW STABL"raS. Stables should be so constructed, by the inser- tion of windows in various parts of the building, that they should be "light as day." A "dark" stable is only a suitable black hole, — prison-house for such a vicious specimen of the equine race as the notorious "Cruiser;" it is also the very worst location for any kind of animal. Sir A. Nylie (who was long at the head of the medical staff in the Russian army) states that cases of disease on the dark side of an extensive barrack at St. Petersburg, have been uniformly, for many years, in the proportion of three to one, to those on the side exposed to a strong and uniform light. Humboldt has also remarked that, among bipeds, the residents of South America, who wear very little clothing — thus allowing the cutaneous, as well as the orbital surfaces, to receive a free ray of light — enjoyed immunity from various diseases which prevailed extensively among the inhabit- ants of dark rooms and underground locations, and so excellent an authority as Linna?us con- tends that the constant exposure to solar light, is one of the causes which render a summer journey through high northern latitudes so pe- culiarly healthful and invigorating. Dr, Edwards has also remarked that persons who live in caves or cellars, or in very dark or narrow streets, ai'e apt to produce deformed children ; and that men who work in mines are liable to disease and de- formity. Light, therefore, is a condition of vital activity, and in view only of preserving the sight of a horse, it is absolutely necessary that while he be the habitat of the stable, his optics shall have free access to the sun's ravs. najry Journcd. EBGOT AMD HOOF AIL. FRtEND Harris : — In my last communication for the Cultivator, (June 1st,) I mentioned hav- ing purchased five head of cattle, diseased from eating the ergot of hay, for the purpose of exper- iment. Three head were considered hopeless, one old cow was much enfeebled, scarcely able to rise, and most of the time refused to set one hind foot to the ground. Two two-year old steers, much shrunken in muscle and bowels, and very lame. Two one-year old steers not quite so bad. I commenced treating them all with diuretics and alteratives, medicines internally, and applying antiseptics to the lame feet. I used different articles of the same properties on different ani- mals with the same results. The cattle all soon exhibited a favorable change of symptoms, which continued until they were turned to grass, since that time they have done as well as any other cattle in the same herd. Nearly all lost one, and [some both shells of the hoof off one foot, but not until a new one had nearly grown out. They all appeared to feel well, and playful as any cattle after treating them ten days, lameness excepted. It has been stated in the prints that the ergot is the cause of cows casting untimely calves. This is not my experience ; on the contrary, all the calves of such diseased cows appear healthy al- though not strong, and have taken the milk up to the time of the death of the mother, without inconvenience. Many new ideas have suggested themselves to me while treating the above cases ; one I will here suggest for future observation : Does the ergot so affect the urinary organs, that the urine, coming in contact with the hind feet, causes gangrene and sloughing of the same ? It has been observed that those cattle that run out to stacks, and not stabled, were less liable to lameness, although their systems suffered equal- ly. Those that run out appear to be more affec- ted in the nervous systems, stiffness of the joints, &c. I have had opportunities of knowing that the ergot is more abundant than usual in all the northern counties in Ohio. I have seen several small meadows that I would not think of cutting for fodder. However, the people are mostly aware of its existence and its effects on cattle ; some, no doubt,will be careless, others indifferent, and others over nice respecting the use of it. This must necessarily be the case as long as some are trying to investigate, and apprise the people of the danger, while some of our learned scientif- ic M. D.'s deny its bad effects on cattle. Some of us, if not all, are certainly behind the times. This matter should have been settled years ago ; however, caution is advisable at this time of gathering in our hay. We would suggest the leaving of the worst spots, threshing before 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 41 feeding, if bad, and salting the hay, when put in, with nine parts common salt and one part salt- petre; also, salting cattle thus exposed, with a composition of salt, wood-ashes and sulphur, frequenth' through the winter, and if stabled, keep the floor as clean as possible. — W. PlEKCE, V. S., in Oldo Cultivator. aiVEB COTTAGE. Joel Nourse, Esq., — Dear Sir : — Tne express has just brought me a very pretty picture of Eiver Cottage, the place where the Editor of the Neio England Farmer, escaping from the turmoil of city life, is accustomed to enjoy his otium cum dignitate, setting us, at the same time, an exam- ple of good taste and good husbandry. The sketch, T understand, is to go into the January number, and if you can somehow arrange with the printer, while the editor is out on his farm, to slip into the number what I am writing, per- haps his modesty will not be very painfully shocked, and our readers may be enabled to find more in the picture than can be seen at first glance. You will see, before long, that 1 know something about River Cottage, and the people that dwell therein. To write a perfect history of any event, it has been said, that it is necessary to begin with the garden of Eden, but for the sake of brevity, we will omit some of the "first causes," and come down to about a dozen years ago,when our friend, after several years' residence in the wicked city of Washington, departed therefrom, like righte- ous Lot out of Sodom, determined to seek in some sp-^t nearer the rising sun, the realization of his Lie-long dreams of happiness on a New England farm. More fortunate than the good man of old, he left no pillars of salt to mark the spots of look- ing backward in the journey, but brought his small household, //'es/i as ever, back to their na- tive hills. And then, to adopt the style of a modern novel-writer, one beautiful spring morn- ing, two travellers might be seen slowly wending their way among the green hills of the Bay State, in "a one-horse shay," stopping ever and anon, to take an agricultural survey of some field or meadow, some vine or fruit tree, some Shorthorn or Devon, or, perhaps, to make thorough exami- nation of a farm advertised in the papers as "suit- ably divided into mowing, tillage and pasturing, with uncommon school and gospel privileges." In these two travellers, the discerning reader will not fail to discover, with very little assistance, the present editor and his humble associate, the one a gentleman in search of a farm, ardent in the faith that he could take off his coat, work all the year like a day-laborer, make a first-rate liv- ing, and be perfectly happy on a New England farm, — the other painfully dubious whether his companion's agricultural zeal would not outrun his discretion and his purse, and land him so high that he would never get comfortably off! "What do you sell from your farm?" was the test question of profit or loss. Everybody knows what a farmer must buy, such as clothing, groce- ries and implements, and that he must pay taxes and doctor's bills, and a thousand incidentals in cash, and these almost any one may estimate. If, then, the farmer does not sell enough to pay these expenses, he is running in debt. It was, usually, pretty hard work for the man who want- ed to sell his farm, to furnish the items of sales from the produce of it so as to bring out a living balance. So we looked the State over, and made no purchase, and the next thing I knew, this indi- vidual, whose interests I had guarded with such watchful care that he could not begin to buy any farm we had examined, had bought his present residence, without even the compliment of ask- ing my advice ! Of course, I was determined not to approve of a step so inconsiderate, and when I accepted an invitation to look at the purchase, it was with a fixed resolve to withhold my judgment of dis- approval, and not to find much to praise. The cottage and twenty acres of land was pur=- chased in April, 1848, and, except to the eye of faith, it was rather a hopeless establishment to be called a farm. There was the house, to be sure, new, and in much the same style as now, a pretty, snug, convenient dwelling. Then there was an old tumble-down barn, good for nothing but fire wood, and a littlefmeau shed. The land was mostly up-hill or down-hill, and where there was no ledge, there were round stones in abun- dance, varying in weight, from one to twenty tons. The last owner, who was a paper-hanger, had set out some fruit trees, which were strug- gling along at a poor dying rate, and had graft- ed a few of the old apple trees. The land was run out, to the lowest ebb, and its chief recom- mendation seemed to be that "the oldest inhabi- tant" could remember when it bore sixty bush- els of corn to the acre, and other crops to match. The farm then cut hay enough for two cows and a horse, and produced about twenty bushels of cider apples, by way of fruit. Now, agriculturally speaking, that was not much of a farm, — but there was another side to the picture, which, after all, is worth looking at. You have seen a young man, sometimes, who had thoughts of marriage. He determines to do the thing in a rational, considerate manner. He will find some discreet girl, who understands house- keeping and accounts, who is sober-minded, and perhaps has a little property of her own, and ar- 42 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. range matters on a fair business basis, — but the next thing you know, he is engaged to some lit- tle sentimental school-girl, with apparently only poverty and pretty looks and ways for her por- tion. Be patient, and the application will be seen. We walked up on to the hill behind the cot- tage, on to the bald ledge, which commands a view of the distant hills, and of the beautiful quiet meadows through which the Concord, the river of harmony, gently flows. Here, on the verge of this rock, on the memorable 19th of April, 1775, were "the rebels" watching the progress of Earl Percy's troops up to the bridge, whose abutments may still be seen, and there, where the granite shaft rises by the further riv- er's bank, among the trees, the British soldiers received the fire of the brave farmers who had made their stand for freedom and their homes, and there was shed the first British blood of the Revolution. "By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled ; Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shol heard round the world." Driven back in disorder, the flower of the English army, attacked from behind fences* and woods, and buildings, slowly retraced their weary eighteen miles, to Boston, In a field in view from the spot where we stand, some of the cannon, which the soldiers came up to des- troy, were placed in the open furrow, and buried by the plow. And there, beyond the battle- ground, is the "Old Manse," of Hawthorn's tales, and in the village lived the good old man who went on a mission of freedom to Charleston, and was, to the eternal disgrace of that Southern city, compelled to flee from it for his- life. Em- erson's home is here, and his pen and the pens of Channing and Thoreau have made classic ground of the shores of the Concord and the Assabet. And so, after all, our friend had given way to sentiment and imagination, and had paid his dol- lars for revolutionary associations, for beautiful views, and the good society of one of the best of New England towns. And now, when ten years have passed, our so- ber verdict must be, that it was money well ex- pended. Glancing again after our young friend who married for love, we shall most likely find him, ten years after, a happier and a more pros- perous man than he who married from pruden- tial motives. He has worked hard, but hopeful- ly, and of his young dreams, he has wrought out a reality which is not a disappointment. An "Angel in the House" has made his home more than earthly ; a "home where the heart is," and that is better than a palace. Ten years have changed the scene at the cot- tage. Various duties of a private and public na- ture have claimed its owner's attention, but the centre of all has been Home. Slowly, year after year, the scene around it has been wrought into the proportions with which imagination clothed it from the first. A large and convenient barn has been built, with cellars under the whole extent. The huge boulders have been blasted and built into walls, wet places have been tile-drained and made fer- tile, several acres of apple trees have been set out and already brought into bearing, and the gar- dens are filled with pears and cherries and plums and grapes of the choicest kinds. Sixteen acres of land have been added to the farm, and it now winters a dozen head of cattle and four horses. The birds find none but friends in these grounds, and you see in the picture, how they are clustei'- ing as doves at their windows, and the bees, that never will work for any person Avho does not give away part of the honey, are busy all the sum- mer long, with their labors. But that is all mat- ter of fact. Do you see that elm tree, in front of the house, around which a vine is twining ? One cold win- ter da) , about nine years ago, the editor and the writer hereof, with some half dozen yoke of ox- en and men to help, hauled that same tree about half a mile with a ball of frozen earth of half a dozen tons weight, and set it where it now is. It has grown finely, and as a mere tree, is valua- ble, but when we look at it with the associations of bygone days, it takes its position with the bat- tle monument. Like Tennyson's "Talking Oak," long may it stand the guardian of the place, "And flourish high with leafy towers And overlook the lea," recounting to future generations stories of the prospered loves and realized hopes of the cot- tage inmates. And so our friend lias wrought his life into his Home. The helping hands of kindred and family have aided to adorn its surrounding grounds. Within, a new life has recently been added to the family group, and the child's prattle reminds us that a third generation is begun, though the grandsire's raven locks tell us that time is deal- ing gently with him, or rather that he has taken this second degree somewhat earlier in life than is usual. And now with this picture before us of the pleasant home of one who is doing all he can to improve the homes and the hearts of others, and to make the earth more fruitful and beautiful, let us unite in wishing a Happy New Year to the inmates of River Cottage. With the like wish for yourself, I remain your friend, Henky F. French. Exeter, N. 77., Dec, 1858. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 43 Fijr the New England Farmer. THE MUCK BED, AND ITS FUTURE PSOSPECTS. Mr. Editor : — Twenty-five years ago, the low lands in New England were a very difi'erent affair from what they now are. They were then con- sidered great useless affairs, good for nothing, unless for growing Tamarack, poles and black ash basket timber, which could be obtained only, as people then thought, in severely frozen times in winter, or, when excessively dry in summer. Every spring, somebody's cattle got mired on their margin, in their exertion to grasp the first green tuft of wild grass, and then, when the ani- mal was once ashore, what wishes that the swamp would sink into a clear pond of water. Times change. The market for wood increases, and the sv/amp is, on a cold winter's day, full of the music of axes. Tree and shrub suffer the same fate. When the sun returns on his north- ern visit, he sends searching rays of light and heat into the hitherto impenetrable moor, to scan the changes winter has wrought upon its pro- ducts. The bogs shrink, and the quagmires evap- orate under his penetrating glances. Cattle no longer mire there, and tall grass and weeds wave luxuriantly, to tell that deep fertility gathers at their roots. What a beautiful lesson to man, of the value of the eld, deprecated swamp ! Fertili- ty, strong and durable, lies in its cold bosom. The first time we ever heard of the application of muck as a manure, was many years ago, when we saw an individual going two miles to a swamp to get a load for his garden. He described his course of management as follows : The muck, with some three or four bushels of ashes to a load, was allowed to lie only a day or two to dry. The compost was then put under cucumbers and spread for a top-dressing on radish beds, when prepared for the seed. No insect destroyed plants sown or planted on lands thus prepared, and they grew with peculiar freshness and vigor. Its value for the kitchen garden v/as, by one experiment, placed beyond a doubt. In passing through the Shaker settlement in New Lebanon some autumns since, we saw some fine beds of compost of which muck was the base, and in the same field, men were employed in opening holes five or six feet square. Subse- quently we passed that way, and found apple trees standing where these holes were opened, and that the compost had been liberally applied around the roots of those trees in setting. These trees now show for themselves, showing the growth and vigor of trees in a new and favorable soil. Equally favorable results from the application of muck have been noticed in other places and circumstances. Still, with oceans and continents of it in every neighborhood, and on almost every farm, the agricultural community has been slow to adopt its use. But a new era is fast opening in this matter. The summer and fall of 1858 have been favorable to the progress of farm labor in general, and it may be, farmers have had more time than usual to turn aside from the hitherto usual routine, and work out improvements. At any rate, it is a pleasant certainty, that a A'astly increased quan- tity of muck has been taken to the uplands for composting, over that of any past year, for now, almost every farmer has a good pile, and many three or four stout piles. This is but the i)egi.'i- ning of progress in the matter. Another year will bring them a full reward for all their labor and cost in the matter, and yet good effects wit' be in store for years to come, and the effect once seen, extra exertions will be made in successive years to increase the quantity annually, until the uplands shall have been well fattened from the richness of the cold, wet, miasma-breeding swamp ; and hereafter, wlien the farmer goes to purchase land, one of the earliest inquiries will be, is there a muck bed on the place'} a consideration next in importance to the supply of wood and water ; for a very great proportion of the future agricultu- ral fertility of New England lies in her now prof- itless swamps and quagm.ires. Reader, we fully anticipate the exclamation you are about to utter. We expect, as a matter of course, to be denounced as visionary, eccentric, and all such pretty things. But what then? We predicate our opinion from facts that already ex- ist ; that greater and more astonishing facts will, from similar causes, develop themselves, not in a year, or it may be not in a decade, but in the course of sure and untiring progress, with the assurance that he who labors first and most earn- estly, will earliest reap the reward. w. B. liichmond, Kov. 23, 1858. For the New England Farmer. MATERIALS FOB ROOFING. This is the subject of an article in your Novem- ber number, and while I cheerfully agree with the author, so far as he compares slate with any or all other materials for roofing, in this climate, (New England,) when he takes into account ex- pense, durability and security from fires, and while I also agree with him in his comparison between the slates of Vermont and those of Maine, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, &c., yet I find him in error when he settles down to compare the slates of Vermont. There is no question but that poor slate will absorb more water than good slate, neither is there any doubt but that a soft, poor quality of slate stone, requires a greater thickness, and consequently much greater weight than a moderately hard stone of pure quality. I am well acquainted with the slate made at sixteen different quarries, all of which are within a range of four miles from the railroad station at Hydeville, Rutland Co., Vt., of which the Glen Lake and Eagle, (which your cor- respondent asserts are the best.) are a part. The Eagle slate are a good slate, weighing, on an av- erage, 700 pounds to the square. The Glen Lake slate average, in Aveight, about 580 to the square. There is another kind of slate far supe- rior to either of these two, in my estimation, so far as uniformness of color, thickness and strength are concerned. These slates arc made by the Forest Slate Company, but in the immediate vi- cinity are better known as the "Humphrey slate." They are of a uniform purple color, split true, and the stone is of such purity that thcr^ is no difliculty in spliting the slate all of one thickness. Many of these shites, I am told, have been made during the past season in Massachusetts, at and 44 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan- near Springfield, North Adams, Chicopee, &c. The average weight, per square, is 560 pounds. Without the fear of contradiction I have never seen, either in the Welsh yards of Boston, or other places, or in the slate yards of Vermont, as beautiful piles of slate as I have repeatedly seen at the yards of the Forest Company, at Hyde- ville. There is no reason why these slates can- not be delivered in Boston or Charlestown at six dollars per square. A Subsckiber. November, I808. FARMERS' CLUBS. The constant attendance upon the meetings of a Farmers' Club for six months in a year, through several years, and a constant watchfulness of the opinions and practices of those who have been associated with us in such a club, give us a high opinion of their usefulness. A correspondent from Hopkinton, Mass., writes us as follows : — "As this is a favorable season in the year for the formation of Farmers' Clubs, and especially as my neighbors are agitating the sub- ject, I wish you would say a few words in regard to the usefulness of such institutions, and also in regard to the formation and manner of conduct- ing the meetings of a successful Farmers' Club. And I should like to hear from those who are connected with clubs in different parts of the State." In response to this appeal, we cannot urge up- on our readers with too much earnestness the importance of forming clubs for the discussion of all matters relating to the farm. Noio is the appropriate time — suffer it not to pass unimproved. You will find amusement, im- provement, and capital, in its deliberations, which you cannot now appreciate. Form the club, and be determined to take an active part in it, and you will find your thoughts ranging in new and delightful fields through another year. Meet at your own dwellings, and thus while you are in- terchanging civilities with each other, you will save all expense of hall hire, fuel and lights. The following is a suitable form of a constitu- tion : — CONSTITUTION. Art. 1. — This Association shall be styled The Farmers' Club Art. 2. — Its officers shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall be chosen annually by ballot. Art. 3. — The President shall preside in all meetings of the Club, with power to preserve or- der, appoint Committees, and assign topics for discussion. Art. 4. — In the absence of the President, all his powers shall be exercised by the Vice Presi- dent. Art. 5. — The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of each meeting, which shall be read by him at the next subsequent meeting. He shall preserve all reports of Committees, and conduct whatever correspondence shall be or- dered by the Club. Art. 6. — There shall be at each meeting a dis- cussion upon a topic previously announced, which shall be commenced by four members designated at the preceding meeting by the presiding of- ficer ; and such other exercises as the Club shall deem proper. Art. 7. — There shall be in the Club twelve Standing Committees : — One on Manures ; Hoed Crops ; Root Crops ; Grain Crops ; Grass Crops ; Live Stock ; Farm Buildings and Farms ; Far- ming Tools ; Reclaiming Waste Lands ; Garden Fruits ; Ornamental Gardening ; Fruit and Or- namantal Trees. Art. 8. — Select Committees maybe appointed as the exigencies of the Club may require. Art. 9. — Each Committee shall make report in writing, from time to time, as t'ae Club may order, and the reports so made shall be at the disposal of the Club. Art. 10. — Any person may become a member of this Club by paying one dollar to the Treasurer. Art. 11. — The Annual Meeting of the Club shall be holden on the first Monday of Novem- ber of each year, for the election of officers ; and all officers to hold over until new officers are elected. Aside from the agricultural information that may be gained by such association, it will make families of the same town better acquainted with each other, excite a bond of sympathy and inter- est, and promote those delightful social relations which ought always to exist among a rural pop- ulation. Merchants, manufactures and mechan- ics have their meetings to discuss their business affairs and lay down some common platform or rules by which they may be guided, and in this way they strengthen each other's efforts, and profit by each other's example. In the language of the Woi-Jiing Farmer, we say, "take your sons and workmen to these meetings, and they will learn to respect an employment which calls into active use the talent of all. If you have a sick animal, you may have advantage by the experi- ence of all your neighbors, and probably save the life of the animal. If you have excess of crops, such as are usually used on the farm, or are short of others, may you not at such meetings learn where you may sell or exchange ? Do not such meetings tend to soften asperities, cement friend- ships, and do away with peculiarities of temper, which always occur with men who work alone ? We would sooner forget much of our reading, than to lose the recollection of such pratieal im- provements as we have been acquainted with at farmers' clubs." Largest Yield of Corn on Record. — A cor- respondent writing from Vanderburg county, In- diana, informs us that at the State Agricultural Exhibition a silver pitcher was awarded for the best Jive acres of corn. The award was made upon the decision of three disinterested men i: 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 45 each town, who examined the corn growing in the fields, and measured one acre of each plot. They then made oath to the yield of the single acre, and of the whole five estimated from the acre actually measured. The award made, under oath, was for 8o7S bushels of shelled corn on five acres, or 171^ bushels to the acre. If this has been excelled at any other time, or in any other place, we shall be glad to hear of it. Till we do, we shall put Vanderburg County, Indiana, at the head of the corn column — unless we hear of some mistake in the above report. I'^or the New England Farmer. "POTATO DISEASE." Mr. Editor : — For several years past, I have made it an almost invariable rule to omit the reading of any article in your paper, if its head- ing indicated that it treated of the "potato dis- ease,"— more especially if it professed to expound the cause of the disease and prescribe a remedy. There have been such multitudes of various and contradictory causes put forth, each claiming to be the certainly true one ; such a variety of in- fallible recipes for the prevention and cure of the plague, that I am ready freely to acknowl- edge myself a skeptic in regard to ninety-and- nine-hundredths of them. An inquiring mind is an object of my especial respect ; I would not discourage any one from the most searching in- quisition into any of the wonderful and interest- ing works and ways of nature around him. It has often happened that important discoveries have been made for science, by those belonging to what is called the unlearned class ; and even if no important fact, before unknown, should be brought to light, yet the habit of a wide awake observation of what is going on around him, is of incalculable importance to the individual, as a means of giving activity and strength and clear- ness to his intellectual faculties, and of improv- ing the manhood of the real man. But I would ask that their discoveries be not published to the world as absolute verities, till they have been tested under difl'erent circumstances for several seasons, with a single and sincere desire to get at the truth, with no bending of facts to the sup- port of favorite preconceived theories. I did not intend to make so long an introduc- tion to my story. I merely intended to say, that I was, last spring, induced to read a letter from an English farmer, introduced to your readers by Judge French — and they will doubtless all agree with me that what he is willing to recom- mend will generally be found worthy of a care- ful consideration. This Englishman's letter gave a detailed account of planting potatoes with a pea inserted in each one, and the result was the absence of rot in those so planted, while others, planted without the pea, in the same or adjoin- ing fields, were badly affected. (I write this from my recollection of the letter, and may not be ex- actly correct.) _ This had, at first sight, the as- pect of an empirical remedy ; but my confidence in the Judge's character for judicious caution in his statements, led me to try the experiment, but in a modified form. Instead of cutting the po- tato and inserting the pea in it, I merely planted two or three peas in each hill. This was tried with about a half peck of chenangoes, a variety that has so invariably suffered badly from the rot, that I had not intended to plant them again ; and the result was almost entire freedom from disease among them, though the varieties that I planted for my main crop were more than usually aff"ected. How the pea-vine operated, if it had any efifect, is not for me to say. Perhaps it might be l)y absorbing into its own tissues some ele- ment in the atmosphere that is deleterious to the potato ; perhaps it exhales elements, that, com- bining with the surrounding air, so affect its con- dition as to make it suitable and wholesome for the potato. But, before theorizing extensively on the how, perhaps it is best to ascertain if it has any effect. This is not put forth as a certain remedy ; it has not been sufliiciently tested. I intend to try it an a larger scale next year. And if any one of your readers has perused this arti- cle, I hope he will assist in giving a fair and thor- ough trial of the proposed remedy under differ- ent circumstances, by carefully observed experi- ments, and note the result. Minot Pratt. Concord, Nov. 27, 1858. NIGHT-AIR. During the months of September and October, throughout tlie United States, v;herever there are chills, and fever and ague, intermittents, or the more deadly forms of fever, it is a pernicious, and even dangerous practice, to sleep with the outer doors or windows open ; because miasm, marsh emanations, the product of decaying veg- etation— all of which are difi'erent terms, express- ing the same thing — is made so light by heat, that it ascends at once towards the upper por- tion of atmospheric space, and is not breathed during the heat of the day, but the cool nights of the fall of the year condense it, make it heavy, and it settles on the ground, is breathed into the lungs, incorporated into the blood ; and if in its concentrated form, as in certain localities near Rome, it causes sickness and death within a few hours. The plagues which devastated Eastern countries in earlier ages, were caused by the concentrated emanations from marshy local- ities, or districts of decaying vegetation ; and the common observation of the higher class of people was, that those who occupied the upper stories, not even coming down stairs for market supplies, but drew them up by ropes attached to baskets, had entire immunity from disease, for two reasons, the higher the abode, the less com- pact is the deadly atmosphere, besides, the high- er rooms in a house, in summer, are the warmer ones, and the miasm less concentrated. The lower rooms are colder, making the air more dense. So, by keeping all outer doors and win- dows closed, especially the lower ones, the build- ing is less cool and comfortable, but it excludes the infectious air, while its warmth sends what enters through the crevices immediately to the ceilings of the rooms, where it congregates, and is not breathed ; hence is it that men who en- tered the bar-room and dining-saloons of the National Hotel, remaining but a few brief hours, were attacked with the National Hotel Disease, while ladies who occupied upper rooms, where constant fires were burning, escaped attack, al- 46 XEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. though remaining in the house for weeks at a time. It was for th° same reason that Dr. Rrsn was accustomed to advise families in the summer time, not being able to leave the city, to cause their younger children especially, to spend their time above stairs. We have spent a lifetime ourselves in the West and extreme South, and know in our own person, and as to those who had firmness to follow our recommendation, that whole families will escape all the forms of fall levers who will have bright fires kindred at sun- rise and sunset in the family room. But it is too plain a prescription to secure observance in more than one family in one thousand. After the third frost, and until the fall of the next year, it is an important means of health for persons to sleep with an outer door or window partly open, having the bed in such a position, as to be protected from a draught of air. We advise that no person should go to work or take exer- cise in the morning on an empty stomach ; but if it is stimulated to action by a cup or a crust of bread, or apple, or orange, exercise can be taken, not only with impunity, but to high ad- vantage in all chill and fever localities. — Hall's Journal of IleaUlt. FATTENING ANIMALS. There are certain principles which apply to the feeding of all animals which we will shortly no- tice. 1. The breed is of great importance. A well bred animal not only affords less waste, but lias the meat in the right places, the fibre is tender and juicy, and the fat is put on just Avhere it is wanted. Compare the hind leg of a full-blood Durham ox, and a common one. The bone at the base of the tail extends much further in the former, afibrding more room for flesh, and the thigh swells out, of convex or circular shape ; while in the common ox it falls in, dishing and hollow. Now the "round" is the most valuat)le cut, and is only found in perfection in high-bred stock. The same is the case over ttie whole body. So well do eastern butchers understand this, ths"!; their prices are regulated by the breed, even where two animals are equally fat. They know that in a Durham or Hereford ox, not only will there be less offal in proportion to weight, but the greatest quantity of meat will be where it brings the highest price when retailed, and will be of a richer flavor, and more tender fibre. The same is the case with hogs. A large hog may chance to make more meat on a given quantity of f')()d than a small one, but the meat of the first will be coarse and tasteless compared with the other ; and in the east, flavor and tenderness greatly regulate prices. Consequently, moderate sized, short-legged, small-headed hogs, always, in the long run, beat large breeds out of favor. In pre- paring for a market, "fashion and taste" must be as much considered by the farmer as by the tail- or. This one fact is at present revolutionizing the English breed of sheep. The aristocracy al- ways paid high for small Welch and Scotch mut- ton ; but the great consumers, the mechanics, preferred large fat joints. The taste is now changed. In Manchester and other such cities, these large joints have become unsaleable ; and all the efforts of the breeder are now turned towards small breeds maturing early, with com- paratively little fat. According to late writers, the large Leicester and Cotswold are going quite out of fashion. When we give .$3,000 for a Dur- ham bull, it is not that his progeny are "intrinsi- cally" more valuable to that amount, but the in- creased value and the fashion together, make up the difference. And it is thus, that while Dur- hams and Herefords are preferred for ships and packing, Devons are high in repute for private families. The joints are smaller, but the meat has a peculiar richness, probably found in no oth- er kind of stock : and the proportionate waste is said to be less than in any other breed. Thus in the London market, the Scotch Kyloes, and then the Devons, (the former even smaller than the latter,) bring the highest price, because preferred by the aristoci-acy. So in Dublin, spayed heifers are sought for. But the i)reed also regulates the profit. There is nothing more certain than that one kind of animal will fatten to a given point on much less food than another, and as fattening our stock is only another mode of selling our grain and grass, those animals are to be preferred which come to maturity soonest, and fatten on jthe least food. The difference in hogs is very I great and important. While some breeds must jbe fed for two, or even three winters, others are full grown and fattened at ten months old ; and the difference in profit is enormous. We cannot go into particulars, but the following rules may be considered as applying to all : An animai may be expected to fatten easily when it has fine, soft, elastic skin, Avith thin or silky hair ; the head and legs short, the "barrel" large, but chest and lungs small; and when it is quiet, sleepy and easy in temper. An unquiet, restless, quick-tem- pered animal, is generally a bad feeder, and un- profitable. ; 2. Much depends in fattening, on outward and mechanical management. Fat is carbon, or the coal which supplies the body with heat. If we are exposed to cold, it is burnt up in our lungs as fast as it is dep sited by the blood ; l)ut if we are kept warm, by shelter or clothing, it is deposited throughout the body, as a supply on hand when needed. Warm stables and pens are a great as- sistance in fattening, and should never be neg- lected. So, also, quiet and peacefulness are im- portant. Every excited action consumes some part of the body which has to be supplied by the food, and detracts from the fat. In the climate of Michigan, warm stables, regular feeding at fixed hours, and kind treatment, with perfect cleanliness, save many a bushel of grain. Ani- mals fed at irregular times are always uneasy and \ fretting. 3. Ground and cooked food fatten more prof- itably than raw food. Mr. Ellsworth found that hogs made as much flesh on one pound of corn I ground and boiled to mush, as two pounds raw unground corn ; though the first did not fatten quite as rapidly, as they could not consume as much food in the twenty-four hours. By grind- ing and smoking, ten hogs will each gain 100 pounds in weight, on the same food that five would do if it were raw. 4. A change of food helps in fattening. Thus an ox fed entirely on corn and hay, will not fat- ten as fast, or as well, as one which has roots, pumpkins, ground oats or buckwheat, &c.. fed to 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 47 it at regular periods. The latter may contain intrinsically less nourishing matter than the corn, but the change produces some unknown effect on the stomach and system, that adds to the capa- bility of depositing fat. The best feeders change the food very frequently, and find that they make a decided profit by so doing. Salt should be given with every meal to cattle — say an ounce a day. It preserves the appetite and prevents tor- por of the liver to which all fattening animals are subject. This torpor, or disease, is to a cer- tain extent conducive to fat ; but carried too far, the animal sinks under it. 5. In cattle the skin should be particularly at- tended to. A fat animal is in an unnatural state, and consequently subject to disease. Taking no exercise, it has not its usual power of throwing off poisons out of the system, and if the skin is foul, the whole labor is thrown on the kidneys. It is found by experience that oxen, regularly curried and cleaned daily, fatten better and fast- er than when left to themselves ; and if the legs are pasted with dung, as is too often the case, it seriously injures the animal. 6. Too much rich food is injurious. The stom- ach can only assimilate a certain quantity at once. Thus an ox will prosper better on thirty pounds of corn and thirty pounds of cob ground togeth- er daily, than on forty pounds of ground corn. These mixtures are also valuable and saving of cost for hogs when first put in the pen. If an an- imal loses its appetite, the food should at once be changed, and if possible roots, pumpkins or steamed hay may be given. 7. Oxen will fatten better if the hay or stalks are cut for them, but care must be taken not to cut too short. An inch in length is about the right size for oxen, half or three-quarters of an inch for horses. — Farmers' Com. and Horticultu- ral Oazette. For the New England Fanner. FARM IjIFE IW NEW ENGLAND. WHO SILILL DECIDE WHEN DOCTORS DISAGREE ? The recent discussion upon "Farm Life in New England," and the noted caricature of the farmer that has appeared in the kid glove magazine of the city, has awakened a degree of attention, that will probably be productive of sound instruction. In that paper are some statements prettily made, and others neither pretty nor trite, so far as my observation has extended. That a lady of New Hampshire should have been indignant at the assertion that her sex were treated by the lords of the soil, with less sympathy and kindness, un- der circumstances of greatest trial, than the ani- mals of the stall is not surprising' No gentleman, who has been permitted to enter the abode of a respectable farmer would hazard such an asser- tion. No one well informed, would presume to say that the wives and daughters of the substantial yeomanry of New England are in any respect in- ferior to the better class of wives and daughters in our cities. True it may be, that the life of the farmer is hard — work, work, work, from morn to eve, — with but a slight balance in his favor, accruing at the end of the year, upon the observ- ance of the strictest economy. But firm muscles, ruddy cheeks, and a clear conscience, are its sure accompaniments. Essex. For the New England Farmer. HOW TO KEEP FOWLS. In my younger days, when on the old home- stead farm, I always kept hens ; but more for the convenience of having good new eggs, than for the profit of them, if profit there is. It is thought by most farmers, and many oth- ers, that there is no profit, at all, in keeping hens ; still, I have heretofore read accounts of the keeping of fowls, where the credit was con- siderable of a balance in favor of the hens. I presume many persons make it profitable. Having some eighty or ninety hens and chick- ens on hand, I mean to keep debt and credit with them, on and after January 1st, so that I can know exactly the cost of keeping them, and the profit, if any there is. We have a good henery, so that I can keep them confined in the building, with the privilege of the cellar under a barn, or can let them run at large, when the weather is suitable. I would like to be informed of the best way to manage and feed the hens through the . winter, in order to keep them laying eggs, or to make them lay at all — as, unless they do lay, more or less, through the winter, there cannot be any profit in keeping them. James Leonard. Leoviinster, Nov., 1858, Remarks. — Keep the hens in a warm, clean place, where they can have access to the sun whenever it shines. Feed them regularly with a variety of food, such as corn, which may always be before them, barley, wheat, boiled potatoes, mashed, and mixed with cob meal — that is, corn and cob ground together, and give them access to plenty of gravel, old plaster, or broken oyster or clara shells. The barley and wheat may be fed to them occasionally, if convenient. Add to these plenty of clear water, and pork or beef scraps or bits of fresh meat two or three times each week, and you will not fail to find your fowls profitable. We shall expect an account of your experiment when completed, for the benefit of others. Farming Well. — The great difficulty in the way of good farming is too much land. Farmers are so hurried in the getting in, and in the har- vesting of their crops, that they have really no time to devote to the improvement of the soil. Let any one visit some of the ten-acre farms in the neighborhood of Cincinnati, and the truth will soon become apparent, that more profit can be made from ten acres, properly tilled and ma- nured, than can be realized from one hundred acres run over in the usual negligent manner. The occupants of these "ten-acre farms" are growing richer every year, while many who occu- py large farms barely "hold their own." — Ohio Valley Farmer. Fattening Beef on Potatoes. — About twelve years ago I fattened a heifer for beef wholly on potatoes. My plan was to feed small potatoes whole, without cooking, with as much hay as was wanted, and but little water, and I had as good beef as those fattened on corn meal. 48 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. WILLAED'S PATENT KOOT-CUTTBK. "This cutter is a recent invention. It cuts ■vegetables very rapidly, and in slices thin and fine enough for sheep, lambs or calves. It is very easily operated, so that a boy can turn the crank rapidly. The inside arrangement is such as to prevent all liability of clogging the cutter while working it, and the knives are easily repaired. The vegetables, after being passed through the cutter, may be mixed with straw, coarse hay, or other cheap forage which one w'ould like to dis- pose of economically, and the mixture, after lying a little time, so that the forage may become im- pregnated witH the sceut and juices of the sliced roots, will be greedily and wholly consumed by the stock. Pumpkins (if not hard-shelled,) are easily cut with this machine, so as to be conveni- ently and quickly cooked for swine." It would be a matter of economy for any per- son feeding out two or three hundred bushels of roots annually, to purchase one of these ma- chines. They are very thoroughly made, and sold, singly, for $10, by Nourse, Mason & Co., Quincy Hall, Boston. Horses' Coats. — Lately going to the country to spend a few weeks with a friend of mine, I drove a very handsome horse, and a good one — but he was always annoyed about his coat. It was more like a lot of bristles than a horse's smooth skin, and all the grooming he could get "wouldn't do it no good." My friend, who is a great horse-breeder and fancier, made me try giving him a few raw carrots every day to eat out of my hand, saying that he would have a good smooth coat in three weeks, — and he was right, for in that time my horse had a beautiful, sleek, glossy coat, and all from eating a few raw car- rots daily. He tells me it is infallible.— C'o)'. Par- ter's Spirit of the Times. For the New England Farmer, FOWL MEADOW GHAS3 SEED. Mr. Editor : — Much inquiry has of late been made for fowl meadow seed, as to where it can be found, &c. I read with much interest the de- scription, as given and represented l)y cut, in the N. E. Farmer of June 26th, never having known before what "fowl meadow" was. But I have for years known that the grass more abundant than any other, which goes to seed at the height of a few inches in all our pastures and by the roadside, bearing a very fine seed, is considered by many as the native grass of this country. Upon reading the article above alluded to, it ap- peared to me that the "fowl meadow," the "Poa jiervata" there described, was identical with this grass which is so common among us. Mowing on low ground last July, I found the grass you describe, which had crippled down and produced 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 49 an out-growth from the joints, answering the de- scription given of fowl meadow precisely. Near this which had crippled, grew that which had not crippled, but which v/as precisely similar, except the new growth at the joints. I traced it along to the upland and to high land, and found the same grass there, precisely the same. And it is that grass which 1 had before supposed to be the na- tive grass of this country. Our farmers call it blue grass. It grows in all our pastures and cul- tivated fields more or less, and by the road-side, up and down the country everywhere, in soils suited to its growth. It produces the finest and s-oftest seed of any grass, and it is the heaviest and most valuable hay. I have saved some from the meadow and some from the upland for seed, and if there is any difference, should be glad to have it pointed out. As usually cleaned, the seed ■weighs about fourteen pounds the bushel, and farmers get for it from three to five dollars the bushel. There is another kind of grass among us, some- what resembling this, which we call "red-top," called by some "Rhode Island blue grass ;" it looks of a beautiful blue when mown down. It grows taller perhaps, but thinner, not having the thick bottom of our blue grass, and is conse- quently not so productive ; the quality of the hay not as good, and the second growth is nothing. This may be the German grass of which you speak. But I have no doubt that your fowl meadow and our blue grass are identical, and if so, fowl meadow seed is raised here in large quantities. R. F. COPELAND. East Bridgewater, Mass., Nov., 1858. For the New England Farmer. VALUE OF TUKJflPS AS FEED FOB STOCK. Mk. Editor : — I should like to ask your cor- respondent, W. F. P., for a little more informa- tion than he has given me, as to the culture and feeding of his turnips. I say turnips, because it was turnips that I spoke of particularly, in a former article. He says he has raised over 2,500 bushels of turnips this year. How much land did he culti- vate with turnips ? How does he feed them ? How much manure did he put on it, and what was the state of the land when he commenced on it this year ? How many days labor of man and oxen did it require to put the crop in the cellar ? How far was the field from the house or barn where he housed them ? If I am wrong as to the profit of the turnip crop, I shall like to be informed of it. I experi- mented on turnips until I thought they were no profitable. I had an ox that would eat two bushels of tur- nips a day, and about as much hay as though he had not had the turnips, but he did not care about any water. It was a great saving of water. I would recommend turnips for any one who is short of loater. A cow may be put into the barn and given half a bushel of turnips or ])otatoes night and morning, with other dry feed, and she will do M'ithout water by the month at a time. I tried it. I have put up a breeding sow, and kept her four months on turnips ; she had nothing else except what she picked out of the manure of two horses. She lived and brought a great litter of pigs. I gave her about three pecks of turnips a day, and one quart of corn in meal a day would have kept her better. I think turnips have from 92 to 95 per cent, of water. If that is the fact, my friend's 2,500 bush- els of turnips had from 2,300 to 2,375 bushels of water in them. I think his comparison of one and a half tons of hay, or fifteen tons of turnips, to the oxen, should be looked at a little more. He should take his turnips and cut them as fine as the hay, and then spread them over an acre of ground, and let them have the advantage of two good hot days' sun in July or August — carefully turning it as we do hay, and then weigh it, and he will find his fifteen tons of turnips have lost a great part of their 90 to 95 per cent, of water, and would then weigh less than the hay. As my friend has disposed of that lion, if he will give me the above information asked, I will be much obliged. Ed. Emerson. Hollis, Nov. 25, 1858. For the Neio England Farmer. A KE'UT COKN. Messrs. Editors : — I have what I consider a new variety of corn, which I obtained in the fol- lowing manner. A few years since I purchased some corn at a seed store and planted it, and while it was in the process of maturing, I discovered two or three stalks, each having two and three ears upon them, and being eigJd or ten days earlier than the rest. I picked these stalks with the corn ripe upon them in the middle of August, and this is the origin of the corn. For two years past I have raised the Rhode Island premium corn, in order to test it,andlam able to state that mine is at least one week ear- lier, and 1% fifteen per cent, more productive than that, while it has the advantage in color, being a bright yellow, with a trifling intermixture of blue. Taking into consideration its color, com- pactness, shape of the ear and the remarkably short time required to bring it to maturity, I can- not but believe that it is the best variety of corn' j^;;;;;^;' ^,{^^^i j^ ^gH known. That they that has yet been introduced among us. ^ ^ ^-^^^^^^ ^^^ j^^^.^^^ ^^ ^^ ^^.j^j^ ^ 1^^, quantity than ■n i£ Ti -n/r yr -. o -..'^^^^'^^^ ^^^ ^* they des'ire, or compelled to do without any ex- Brookfidd, Mass., Nov., 18ob. ^^^/^ ^^^^ '-^ accidentally supplied^ by melting snow or rain, no reasonable or merciful man can A77ATERING SHEEP IN" WINTER. That sheep can do with less water than other Remarks. — We have seen specimens of the corn mentioned above, and they are certainly very handsome. We have no other knowledge of it. believe for one moment. In some experiments on South Down sheep, at Rothamstead, we found that in the summer months each sheep eat three pounds of clover hay, and drank about six pounds 50 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jai, of water daily. Thinking that they drank more than was favorable for the deposition of fat, we confined them to a less quantity of water for one week. The result was that during that time they eat less food and lost weight. This result satis- fied us that sheep knew better than man, though he were scientific, how much water they required. But we need not quote experiments. The common sense of every man tells him that sheep, as well as all other animals, should be abundant- ly supplied with good, fresh water. Cov/s and • sheep, if possible, should have free access to it at all times. For, unlike the horse, they will not always drink at stated times, however regularly observed. A well, pump and troughs would seem, therefore, to be necessary appendages to every well-managed barn-yard or sheep-fold. Kind reader, ad on this matter, and your sheep and cows will bless you, if not in words, at least in wool, milk and profit. — Genesee Farmer. EXTKACTS AND REPLIES. THE APPLU AND PEACH TPvEE BORER. Is there any application in use which will pre- vent the ravages of the borer ? AVhat is the most direct method to dislodge them and stop their depredations ? A Subscriber. Nov., 1858. Remarks. — Various remedies have been pre- scribed, such as whitewashing the tree, washing with spirits of turpentine, with whale oil soap, &c., but it is doubtful whether with beneficial re- sults. Some persons insert a bit of camphor gum into the hole and then plug it up with a piece of soft wood, while others cut out the grub with a knife or gouge. The latter remedy is a rough one for the tree, iu unskilful hands — but often is ef- ficacious in dislodging the enemy. One of the oldest, safest, and most successful methods that ■we have adopted, is killing the worm by thrust- ing a pliable wire into the holes it has made. This does no injury to the tree, is cheap, conve- nient, and quite often eff"ects the desired object. Below v.'e give an article from the Genesee Farmer on the subject of borers, merely adding that we have often expressed the opinion tliat the borer will attack an xmliealtliy tree in preference to a liealtliy one, and this we believe to be in ac- cordance with that law of nature, that when ani- mals or vegetables begin to decay, there are im- mediately agencies at work to hasten their de- struction. THE APPLE tree BORER. Editors Genesee Farmer : — Conversing with an intelligent friend, who is largely engaged in apple growing, the conversation turned upon the apple tree borer. His opinion in regard to this insect was, that it would never attack a iper- fectly liealthi/ tree. There was a vast diff'erence between a thrifty tree and a healthy one. A healthy trae, according to his idea, is one that has received nothing but vegetable manure, whereas a thrifty tree may have received animal manure.* It was his opinion that the borer would not mo- lest a tree which had been grown wholly by the aid of vegetable manures. To illustrate this theory, he referred to one of his orchards, which was set out on unbroken pas- ture land, receiving but one plowing and no man- ure. Receptacles were dug and partly filled with fragments of turf, on which the tree was set, cov- ered with earth, and thoroughly mulched with strav/, brakes, leaves, and other refuse vegetable matter, which was repeated as often as necessary. In this orchard the borer is not to be found ; while in others, which have been repeatedly plowed and fertilized with animal manure, they commit their yearly depredations. Has any one else noticed a similar result ? Belfast, Me., Nov., 1858. G. E. Brackett. * By animal, we understand common barn-yard manure, made up in part by the droppings of animals. Wliy such man- ure is unhealthy, we cannot conceive. — Eds. Genesee Farmer. disorder among laying hens. For some years past, but the last more partic- ularly, my hens have been taken, in the season of laying, with a dangerous disorder which often proves fatal. The sick hen will lose her eggs prematurely, but will continue to set on her nest daily, and sometimes lays an egg, though seldom. I have sometimes found under the roost two or three eggs partly developed. Frequently the egg will break in the passage, in which case the hen often dies or suffers very much, drooping around for a number of days. I think that sometimes the passage itself is broken, so that the broken egg runs in among the intestines, as I have dis- sected a number that were filled up with the yolk of eggs. Out of about a dozen hens, I have lost the use of, or had die, as many as seven. This winter I have commenced with twelve, and I have already had one attacked. I first found her sit- ting and unable to walk ; but she got up and ap- peared as well as ever next day, but she has not laid from that time, and probably she will never be worth much more as a layer. If any one can tell of a preventive or a cure for this disorder, I hope he will give us the benefit of his knowledge. C. T. Paine. East Randolph, Vt., Dec, 1858. Remarks. — We can think of no cause of the disorder you describe, but a want of proper food and shelter. It may not be either, but these are the points to which we should especially direct your attention. Fowls will not prosper well iu damp places, or without a variety of nutritious food, and access to plenty of gravel or shell- forming substances. Look, also, to the breed, and learn whether your present stock is from those long kept together on the same farm or neighborhood. See article in another column entitled, '^How to keep Fowls." DRAINS and wire FENCES. Would you advise underdraining and subsoil- ing, either or both, on a side hill, the soil of which is a gravelly loam ? It is new land. In the Farmer of Aug. 14, there is an article taken from the Working Farmer, entitled "Restoration of Exhausted Soils," wherein the writer advocates 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 51 underdraining and subsoil plowing, as among the best means of bringing the soil to that condition necessary to a high state of fertility. Would it be advisable on such lands as the above ? Hon. H. F. French, in one of his articles on vrire fences, speaks of the necessity of some one inventing a spring to hold the wires that would relieve them of the continual strain upon them. Would not India rubber be just the thing? It seems to answer every purpose in summer and winter when used as car springs. Would it not do as well for the above purpose ? In regard to a corner-post to strain and fasten the wires to, I would ask, where there are no trees that Can be used for that purpose, and there are large rocks near the spot, could not the wires composing the fence be gathered to one point and fastened to an iron staple driven in the rock ? Would the frost heave the rock so as to slacken the wires ? B. F. M. Lowell, Nov. 29, 1858. Remarks. — It is difficult, if not impossible, to give valuable advice about draining land, with- out a personal inspection of it. There are some evidences, however, in the vegetation itself, of the necessity of draining, where too much cold water is near the surface. In most instances of this kind, such grasses will appear as naturally grow in low, wet places, and they will gradual- ly assume the whole ground, by pushing out the grasses which we usually cultivate. Where these evidences are found, the land, as a general thing, needs draining. It is difficult to plow or other- wise work such lands in season to get in the crops. Perhaps your suggestion about the India rub- ber springs may induce some to try them. There can be no question, wc think, but that attaching wires to a rock would be effectual. TO PREVENT FLOWING SAP IN TREES. Friend Brown : — In your paper of Nov. 13, I noticed an article by T. Ellis, of Ptochester, in which he inquires if any one can tell him how he can save his trees ? I would saj' that I have an infallible remedy for stopping the flowing of sap, or bleeding, as we term it. It is simply to dip the end of the limb, twig, or grape vine, into boiling pitch or rosin, and let it remain two or three minutes. But this remedy probably cannot be applied in his case, and I will give another : Take a flat bar of iron and apply it red-hot to the end of the stump until the bark and wood are well seasoned downward, say half an inch ; then apply a good coat of pitch or rosin, and melt it in with the same iron, moderately hot ; this will form a cap that will keep all sap in, and all weather out, until friend Ellis is too old or too wise to trim his valuable trees in May. Peterhoru\ N. II., 185S. S. Maynard. THE season. After a beautiful season for ripening and gath- ering, winter appears to have taken a permanent hold. The 13th gave us an easterly snow-storm, and the rough, March like north-west winds of the following week kept the snow in perpetual motion. The atmosphere, through the week, felt like winter and the young drifts looked like win- ter. Sunday evening, the 21st, we had another fall of about three inches of snow, which settled one- half under the mild sunshine cf the following day. On Wednesday morning, the 23d, another snow storm commenced at about two o'clock from the north east, and continued for twelve hours, giving a full of about four inches, very damp snow, lying nearly level which gives a pros- pect of sleighing for Thanksgiving. w. B, Richmand, Nov., 1858. barley and oats. Will barley turn to oats if cut down by frost, or eaten ofi' by cattle ? E. B. Chester, N H. Remarks. — We have never heard of such a case, and find nothing like it recorded in the books. Barley is a grain, however, that rapidly deterio- rates on soils unsuitable for it — or under careless cultivation. It is a tender plant, and easily hurt in any stage of its growth ; and as it is so easily af- fected by soil and cultivation, we should not be surprised that if it were cut down by frost, or eaten off by cattle, it might be so far affected as to resemble oats when it had headed out. For the New England Farmer. MAREOW SQUASH— SCOTCH DRUM- HEAD. Mr. Editor: — The question regarding the first introduction of the autumnal marrow squash, called Boston marrow, into the city, I have thought might be interesting to some of your readers ; I herewith send you the following con- densed account, so far as I have ascertained, of its origin. A specimen of this vegetable was brought to my place in North Salem by a friend from Northampton, in this State, in 1831. In the spring of 1833 I distributed seeds to many members of our Mass. Horticultural Society, they never having seen it previously. At the Annual Exhibition of this Society at Fancuil Hall, Sept., 1834,lexhibited a specimen, merely marked "New Squash." This was previous to the de- scription or cut being made. One month from this (in Oct., 1834,) I forwarded the name, au- tumnal marrow, together with a wood cut, to the N. E. Farmer ; it soon after appeared in the Iior- ticuUural Register of Teschemacher, and also in Tlovei/s Magazine. Some years after this the Mass. Horticultural Society presented me with a testimonial for the introduction of this vegeta- ble. Regarding its origin, I can only say that it was received from Buffalo, N. Y., and that it was brought there by some Indians who visited that city. This I ascertained from my North- ampton friend. This vegetable hybridized with all the tribe of pumpkins, hence it is a true, sweet pumpkin; the Valparaiso or Lima, and all those we call true pumpkins, will mix ; but not so with the Winter or Canada crookneck, which I consider 52 NEW ExNGJ.AND FARMER. Jan. a true squash ; this will not hybridize (as far as lean ascertain from others, as well as by my own experience,) with the pumpkin tribe. I cannot say but that it may with the gourd family, but I have not as yet observed this. MIXING OF THE JIAKKOW. The first indication of the mixing of this fine vegetable with others, is the thickening of the skin and contracting or smallness of the stem. Second, in the green color at the seed end. Third, in the enlargement of the fruit, and lastly, the disappearance of the elevated margin around the seed. This vegetable is now raised in abundance in New York and Pennsylvania, and having re- j ceived them originally from your city, they are j known as "Boston marrow." Another vegetable which is considered by the ; cultivators around Marblehead, as an acquisition, and Vvhich they raise with great success, is a mam- 1 moth cabbage, weighing twenty-five pounds and upwards. These were first raised by Mr. Mason, of that place, and hence are called Mason's cab- bage. This variety was first raised from seed which I received some fifteen to eighteen years since, from Charlwood & Sons, Seedsmen, Cov- ent Market, London ; it came to me as a new cabbage, marked "Scotch drumhead ;" I gave the small paper to Mr. Mason. This vegetable, by the high manuring for which the Marblehead cultivators are famous, has increased the size of this variety at least one-half. I recently visited afield of these enormous vegetables with a friend, who suggested that in order to identify this va- riety with the town, it should be called "Marble- head mammoth cabbage." John M. Ives. Salem, Mass., Nov., 1858. For the Niiw England Farmer. TOPPING CORN STALKS, "The practice of cutting corn-stalks as soon as the corn is glazed, is still followed, notwithstand- ing the loss in the weight of the corn is more than the value of the stalks." I extract this sentiment from page 72 of the forthcoming Transactions of the Essex Coun- ty Agricultural Society ; a work to which I am accustomed to look for sound instruction. 1 know of no work of the kind, prepared with more care, or better entitled to confidence. Is it true that this error among farmers is "still followed" almost universally, to the prejudice of the crop ? Who knows that the quantity of corn is dimin- ished by the removal of the stalks ? Has there been any well-conducted experiments to deter- mine tJ^^c fact? Without doubt, the stalks are more valuable to be taken off, and properly cured. But corn is not cultivated for the stalks that can be saved, but for the corn itself. I have often heard it averred, that the kernel will be better filled, if the stalks are left on until the harvest. But this may be all theoretical. If any one knows the fact, let them come forth, and be heard. I am pleased to see among the contributors to the pamphlet above named, several talented young men. There is no danger of knowledge fading away, although the fathers decay. I hail with sfitisfaction, among these contributors, the names of Page, Gregory, Sargent, Phippen, Put- nam, Preston, and others. Essex. November, 1858. For the Nezo England Farmer. AGRICULTURAL PROGRESS. BY WILSON FLAGG. Dr. Franklin, on seeing a fly make his escape from a bottle, in which for a long period of years it had been corked up in a torpid state, ex- pressed a wish that he could sleep half a century or more, and then awake, like the fly, to witness the progress which had been made in his beloved country. But if steam-power had been carried into operation to its present extent in Franklin's day, I do not believe he would have expressed any such wish. When I consider the inevitable tendency of this great invention to concentrate all wealth and power into the hands of capital- ists, I feel as if I should be reluctant to wake up some ages hence, to view my country when the world is finished. Though it will be admitted that steam, in its application to travelling and to manufactures, has conferred great apparent ben- efits upon mankind, we still have reason to pon- der seriously upon the ultimate consequences to small independent farmers, of the introduction of steam power into the operations of agriculture. I read in the journals of the day, some weeks since, that a company had been formed in the western part of the State of New \'ork, for agri- cultural purposes, and that they had purchased a "mammoth farm," on which they designed to operate by steam, in connection with the several magnificent inventions which have lately attract- ed the attention of our agricultural societies. However expedient this system of associated cap- ital may be for the growth of manufactures, it would very soon be fomid destructive to the prosperity of individual farmers. These corpo- rations, executing almost all their heavy labor by steam power and mammoth implements, would crowd out of the ranks of agriculture all those whose farms were of such small extent, that steam could not be profitably used by them. In competing with the companies, the small far- mer would find himself in the situation of the hand-spinner and the hand-weaver, who should undertake to compete with the manufactories of Lowell and Lawrence. Last year, the Illinois State Board of Agricul- ture off'ered a premium of $5000 for the best steam-plow — thus encouraging an invention cal- culated to make the business of farming profita- ble exclusively to great corporations or capital- ists ; to destroy the value of the present mode of farming, and to extirpate the whole class of small farmers from the State ! All such inven- tions tend to make it necessary that agriculture should be carried on by large employments of capital, and on a magnificent scale of operations. All agricultural implements which are moved by steam must be profitable in a certain ratio to the extent of even and uninterrupted surface which is to be tilled. On small fields it would be im- possible to use them with success. Hence fol- lows the necessity of farming by associated capi- tal, of greatly increasing the size of farms by combining many into one ; and under such ira- proved circumstances, the present system of farm labor could not stand in competition with steam- farming. The agricultural steam-company, with their implements carried by steam-power, would cultivate ten acres with about the same expense 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 53 of labor which is noAV employed in cultivating one acre. If the moral education and physical improvement of laboring men were to be the effects of this new system of farming, there would be reason for rejoicing over the prospect of the change. But no such happy results would spring from it ; laboring men, instead of being elevated into lords, would be degraded into mere machines. Men are too prone to base their theories of human progress on the assumption that labor is a curse, and not, as it is undoubtedly, when it is free and justly rewarded — a blessing. But la- bor ceases to be free, in the highest sense, when the laborers are under the control and in the power of mammoth associations. Labor then becomes servitude, which is closely allied to sla- very. No one would say, that under the present circumstances of the country, the operatives in our manufactories, however well paid, are as free as our farmers, masons and carpenters. It should be remarked, also, that when labor is performed by powerful machines, man becomes a slave to the machinery ; when, on the other hand, \\\.i im- plements in use are small, the machinery is the servant of man. The production may be great- er in the former case ; but the health and free- dom of the masses are sacrificed to obtain it. The object of the statesman and the philanthro- pist should be to make the people free, virtuous and happy ; and any increase of the wealth of the nation which must be obtained at the expense of the moral and physical welfare of the people, is not to be desired. But it may be asked by some jealous friend of "progress," if it is right to refuse to agriculture those aids which have built up our manufac- tures ? I would answer that we should refuse to agriculture any aid which is not beneficial to the agriculturist — for the farmer is of more impor- tance than his crops. Let us not improve agri- culture by any such means as will degrade man. If we could double the agricultural produce of the whole country at the present cost, by a sys- tem which would destroy the independence of our farmers, we should turn all our forces against it, as against the invasion of a foreign army. In order to illustrate the consequences of this sort of "progress," we will apply it to an imag- ined case. We will suppose, for example, that in some indefinite period of the future, when steam- farming by associated capital has become nearly universal, there remains, in a certain part of the country, one of those farming villages which are now so common in our happy land. The far- mers in this place are intelligent working-men, and small land-proprietors, who have but little capital except their lands and stock, and support themselves by ind-astry and honest trade. After steam-plows, steam-rakes, steam mowing-ma- chines, and other magnificent improvements con- nected with them, have swept over the country, they have arrived at last, at this antiquated vil- lage, where labor is free, and where the farmers are so old-fashioned and behind the times, as to own the lands they till, and carry on farming as we carry it on in the present barbarous age of political and social equality. These industrious farmers have ascertained now by bitter experience, that by the use of hand im- plements and horse and cattle power, in the op- erations of the farm, they cannot compete Avith the great agricultural corporations, which by means of steam-power can produce at an expense of ten dollars, results which they could not pro- duce at an expense of less than one hundred. The agent of a new company, chartered with ten millions of capital, offers to these unhappy men a price for their farms, which, through exceed- ingly low, is such as under their present circum- stances they feel obliged to accept, especially as a promise accompanies the offer, to employ them as laborers on the soil, under the direction of the officers of the company. The majority consent to the sale, and the remainder are obliged to consent by a law of the legislature placing it in the power of corporations "established for the jmblic good" as it is now in the power of rail- road corporations, to seize upon a refractory in- dividual's land and estate, after paying him what a body of commissioners deem an equivalent for the property seized. These mammoth agricul- tural corporations, by means of bribery and po- litical manieuvreing, would easily obtain suffi- cient influence over legislative bodies to cause the enactment of such a law. This any one will believe who has had any political experience, and who knows how easily the worst measures may be carried by making them party tests. Let us now examine the consequences in de- tail, after this little village of happy and inde- pendent laborers has been converted into a mam- moth farm, owned by a company, and carried on by steam-power. At the commencement all the pleasant old farm-houses are removed, because they stand in the way of tillage, which is per- formed as much as possible in large, undivided lots. All fences and boundaries, except those by the roadside, are for the sam.e reason taken down, to open many small fields into one. It has been ascertained, by experience, that no single field can be worked with the best advan- tage, unless it contains at least five hundred acres. If it contain a thousand, it is still better, since the larger the field, the more conveniently can it be worked by steam. Hence the prelimi- naries for steam-farming are necessarily a work of devastation. Many delightful groups of trees and shrubbery, some that skirted a winding brook, others that bordered the walls and fences, includ- ing many standard oaks and maples, are swept to the ground, rooted up by some giant infernal machine, as easily as a farmer pulls up weeds. All abruptly swelling ridges and other eminen- ces— the charm of many a landscape — some of them beautifully crowned with trees and shrubs, and others velveted with green herbage, and forming numerous little valleys, now smiling in sunshine, and then sweetly sleeping under the summer shadows of trees, where the flocks found a comfortable resort in all weathers, are now graded into one vast level. The brooks are conducted into canals, and carried along in straight courses for the conve- nience of labor and the purposes of irrigation ; for it is necessary that their circuities should not interfere Avith the progress of the steam-plow. In fine, that pleasing variety of surface Avhich beautified the landscape, when it was in posses- sion of the original inhabitants ; those quiet rus- tic lanes fringed with wild roses, hawthorns and viburnums, conducting from the dwelling-hous- 54 NEW ENGLAND FARI^IER. Jan. es to the adjoining fields and woods ; the com- fortable enclosures that resounded with the low- ing of cattle and the cheerful noise of poultry, and worst fate of all, the old farm-house, Avhere the patriarch of a small estate presided over a happy family, happy, because they were free and healthfully employed — all, all arc sv/ept away by this besom of improvement. And where are the inhabitants ? The sturdy yeoman, who, though doomed to hard labor, foimd this labor sweet, because it was volunta- ry ; the happy and independent swain who called no man master, and who was really a king in his own acres, is now a hired servant of the corpo- ration The farmers, their wives and their chil- dren, have all been reduced to servitude in this grand manufactory of corn and vegetables. The tiller of the soil has become a slave to his crops. Each thousand acres devoted to a single crop is managed by an agent imported from the city, who understands book-keeping, but was never ac- customed to labor. He receives a large salary, and pays out their weekly pittance to the farm laborers. In order to facilitate operations, there is a minute division of labor, as in the cotton and woollen factories. Some of the farmers are employed exclusively as shovellers ; some are used as drivers of cattle ; some ride on the en- gine ; others are employed continually to follow after the cattle and pick up their droppings, which are all nicely economized, and never al- lowed to lie and waste one minute upon the ground. The several families, with the exception of those who emigrated to some other place, are tenants of wooden boxes, put up close to the ground, for the economizing of land. All these are in exact uniformity, and are owned by the corporation. I ought to add that the majority of the farmers, flattered with the hope of sudden wealth, invested all their capital — the proceeds of the sales of their estates — in the corporation stock, which they were soon obliged to sell, at an immense sacrifice, because the extravagance and dishonesty of the company's agents, ab- sorbed all the profits, and cut down their divi- dends. In less than ten years, almost every one of these independent farmers was a poor man ; and th" village children who lived as free as the birds of the air in their humble rural homes, now work in platoons upon such parts of farm labor as they are able to perform. Before the village was sold, you might see these little children, with their satchels, going regularly to the dis- trict schools, clad in neat and various attire, skipping and playing on the route, full of glad- ness and freedom. Now they are called up in the morning by the ringing of a bell. They rise, they work, they eat, they go to bed and they sleep to the sound of a bell, that tolls dismally in their weary ears, the knell of all their former joys. In the story of this once happy village and its inhabitants, we may read the fate of the whole country, should the steam-engine ever be intro- duced into the business of agriculture : and this would inevitably follow, if farming were to be carried on by corporations, involving large amounts of associated capital. Such a class as that of independent laboring farmers — the only under/eneraiedcliiiif, in any civilized community — would cease to exist. If it be '"progress" or "im- provement" to convert all these valuable men into hirelings, under the agents of mammoth corporations — then we must adm.it the utility of the change. But I am n:>t yet ready to admit any measures to be progressive, which lessen the happiness and liberty of men, how much soever they may increase the productiveness of the arts. "Ill fares the land, to lurking ills a prey. Where wealth accumulates anil men decav. rrinces and lords may flourish and may fade ; A breath can make them, as a breath has made ; But a bold peasaatry — their country's pride — When once destroyed, can never Iv supplied." For the New England farmer. ROOT CROPS. Mr. Editor : — Your correspondent "E. E.," in the Farmer of November 6, inquires if I). Need- ham can gather a hundred bushels of turnips for three dollars ? and if so, he will try and hire him to do it for him ; yet in his last paragraph, he says he would not let you (or any one else,) put a hundred bushels into his cellar, if they were given to him. He then goes on to say, the raising of root crops in his "region" was as fashionable fifteen or twenty years ago, as it is unfashionable now. He does not undertake to say, why others changed, but gives his own reason for so doing. His first trial, was to put some seeds into his hen manure that he intended for corn, which resulted in a great loss to his corn, where there was one or two good turnips in the hill. Now I think that is a new and very novel way of raising ruta- bagas ; and I think it would not be surprising to any one, that "one or two good stout turnips" would take the "starch" out of a hill of corn ; and that pretty effectually too ; and no wonder that a portion of the stalks had "no maturing ears on them." I can tell "E. E." that the sur- est and the best way to raise root crops, is to raise them separate from any other. If he would like to know of an easy and expeditious method of raising rutabagas, I can tell him how my ex- perience has taught me. Select a piece of land that is suitable for corn, that has been planted the last year to corn or po- tatoes, so that it shall be mellow, and of fine tilth. In the spring, when the ground is suf- ficiently dry, plow it thoroughly, deep and fine, and then harrow it down level ; now prepare a good supply of manure, at the rate of twenty- live to forty cart-loads to the acre ; then about the last of June, spread on your manure, and plow it in crosswise. Then harrow it again and brush it perfectly smooth ; previous to which, however, the stones and other obstacles should be removed from the field, so as to facilitate the running of the seed-sower. Now sow the seed at the rate of a pound to the acre ; have the rows at least thirty inches apart, so that you can use a horse and cultivator ; with the aid of a boy to lead, you can do the work of eight men with hoes easily. When the plants are about two or three inches high, thin them to one foot apart, keep the ground clean and free from weeds, and I will warrant a crop of turnips that will be a pleasure to look at, equal to anything upon the farm. As regards the labor of cutting turnips by 1839. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 55 hand, and feeding them out, if it is thought to be too much work about it, purchase a root-cut- ter that will do the work quickly. I do not think it ad-visabie for any man to have "hired help" about, that takes a man an hour to cut and feed out four bushels of turnips, when one-quarter part of the time is sufficient for the operation. If you do not like them in the cellar of your house, provide a place under your barn, as every good farmer should. In conclusion, permit me to say to "E. E." that I think it will give more satisfaction to the readers of the Farmer, if he and all others will please to give their name and place of residence, that it may be known what "region" they hail from, for then they will not "hide their light," as it were, "under a bushel," but will shine for the good of all around them. J. UNDERWOOD. Lexington, Nov. 1858. 3SXTEACTS AND EEPLIES. PKESERVING SPECIMENS OF BIRDS 'AND FISHES. Will you inform me in regard to the best man- ner of preserving specimens of birds and fishes for the cabinet ? Qui. Remarks. — In volume 4 of the monthly Far- mer for 1852, page 349, you may find a specific account of the manner of stuffing birds, which will undoubtedly be just what you desire. It is too long to copy here. It was prepared by our associate. Judge French, expressly for our col- umns. You will find an answer to other portions of your letter in another column. SHEEP, LAMBS AND WOOL. In March, 1857, 1 bought seven French Meri- no ewes, from which I raised 6 lambs that spring, and sheared 50 pounds of wool. Last spring I received 10 lambs from 6 of the old ewes, and from the 7 original sheep, and the 6 yearlings, I sheared 100 pounds of thoroughly washed wool. CORN. ?.ly corn, (which is known by the name of the King Philip) I planted in three separate patches. From one of these pieces, containing -i" an acre, I received 115 bushels of ears. Also from another piece of | of an acre, I got 135 bushels. This piece sufi"ered considerably from drought. POTATOES. « From \ of an acre planted on the "one eye system," I dug 95 bushels of sorted potatoes. As I did not put in seed enough, I am dissatisfied with this trial, and am confident that I can raise a much larger crop next year on the same plan, These potatoes were raised on greensward land, enriched with only two loads of manure. Sharon, Vt., 1858. D. L. Steele. EMIGRATION EAST. Mr. Jacob Crowley, West Mansfield, Mass., one of our old subscribers, writes us that he has purchased a large farm in Franklin County, Me., near Lake Moosetumaguntic, where the soil is excellent, the timber heavy in the forest, with a plenty of good pasture and smooth tillage land, and Vv'here farms may be purchased at the rate of four dollars per acre. He says hay, oats, wheat, barley and potatoes are raised in abundance, and within 29 hours ride of Boston. He thinks there will be a considerable emigration from Western New England to that portion of Maine next spring. AUSTRALIAN OATS. The readers of the Farmer will remember the large yield I had of this kind of oats last year. They have done equally well this year, except that they are not quite as heavy, on account of the rust striking them before they were ripe. I had heads over twenty inches long in my front yard ; the average length in the field was about twelve inches. Last year there was a great call for them, and I had none to sell, as all I had to spare were sold to those who saw them before they were cut. C. F. LINCOLN. Woodstock, Vt., Dec, 1858. KIND OF CARROTS FOR CULTURE. I wish to inquire which is the most productive variety of field carrots, and which the best for feeding neat cattle and swine ? I have cultivated the Orange carrot on a small scale for two vears past with good success. Clements, N. S , Dec. 1858. Israel Balcomb. Remarks. — Tho long Orange carrot we con- sider the sweetest and most nutritious, but per- haps will not produce quite as many pounds per acre, under the same circumstances, as the AI- tringham carrot. grasses — PLAN OF FARM BUILDINGS. Mr. T. P. Bayley, of South Ryegate, Vt., has our thanks for the plan of Farm Buildings sent in a recent letter. We are not quite clear as to what all the grasses are, about which inquiry is made. The first is undoubtedly the fowl meadow, common to most parts of New England, and an excellent variety. A small book on The Grasses, recently published by Charles L. Flint, Secretary of the State Board of Agricidturc of Mass., will give you great aid in an investigation of the grasses which grow on your farm. We think you will find it advantageous to re- claim swamp lands that are convenient to the buildings, by taking it in moderate portions, and thoroughly performing the work as far as you go. You will not probably err in hauling too much muck upon your uplands if they are of a sandy character. Try a piece at the rate of fifty ox loads per acre, and another with half that amount, and let them be treated precisely alike in other respects, and note the result. 56 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. A GHEAT "WHEAT CKOP. "A writer in the Oenesee Farmer says that he has tried the cultivation of wheat in hills, like corn, having the hills two feet apart each way ; and two or three plants to the hill ; and he re- ports obtaining from a small plat of ground, 'a crop so large as to be equal to two hundred bush- els to the acre.' The soil is kept stirred and cul- tivated during the growth of the crop." Remarks. — This seems to us impossible — we believe the "writer in the Genesee Farmei''" must be mistaken. When we look at a field of wheat that produces thirty, or thirty-five bushels per acre, we are puzzled to find room to place the plants to bring ten bushels more. It is the pub- lication of such improbable events, such wild as- sertions, that throws discredit on the agricultural press. BOYS' DEPARTMENT. SIB ISAAC NEWTON'S TASTE FARMING. FOB — it has no parent ; it is its own master — it is peevish, forward, headstrong, blind — born to a double portion of trouble and sorrow above what fallen man is heir to ; not only miserable itself, but worthless, and a plague to all who in future will be connected with it. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. DOMESTIC EECEIPTS. Pickled Eggs. — Boil the eggs until very hard ; when cold, shell them, and cut them in halves lengthways. Lay them carefully in large- mouthed jars, and pour over them scalding vine- gar, well seasoned with whole pepper, allspice, a few pieces of ginger, and a few cloves of garlic. When cold, tie up closely, and let them stand a month. They are then fit for use. With cold meat, they are a most delicious and delicate pickle. Hoe Cake. — This cake, so popular in the South, as a breakfast and tea cake, is made in the following way : Scald a quart of Indian meal with a pint of water ; stir in two teaspoonsful of salt, and a little butter melted; put it, when properly mixed, into a well-greased tin, and bake it half an hour. To Restore Sour Milk or Cream. — Milk or cream, when it has turned sour, may be re- stored to its original sweetness by means of a small quantity of carbonate of magnesia. When the acidity is slight, half a teaspoonful of the powder to a pint of milk. Stale Bread. — It is not generally known that stale bread, when immersed in cold water for a moment or two, and re-baked for about an hour, When Newton had reached his fifteenth year, he was called from the school at Grantham, to take charge of his mother's farm. He was thus frequently sent to Grantham market, says Timbs, to dispose of grain and other agricultural pro- duce, Avhich, however, he generally left to an old farm servant who accompanied him, and New- ton made his way to the garret of the house in which he had lived, to amuse himself with a par- cel of old books left there ; and afterwards he would entrench himself on the wayside between Woolsthorpe and Grantham, devourina; some fa-i- • , i . i u i i v i .. A ..„ 1 . ' . , ? , 'IS m every respect equal to newly-baked bread, vorite author till his companion s return from j if i j market. And when his mother sent him into the RiCE AND Apple Pudding. — Boil half a pound fields to watch the sheep and cattle, he would 'of "ce in half a pint of milk till it is soft, then perch himself under a tree, with a book in his [fill the dish half full of apples which have been hand, or shape models with his knife, or watch] pared and cored ; sweeten with sugar or molas- the movements of an undershot water-wheel, ses ; put the rice over the fruit as a crust, and One of the earliest scientific experiments which Newton made was in IGoS, on the day of the great storm, when Cromwell died, and when he himself had just entered his sixteenth year. Newton's mother was now convinced that her son was not destined to be a farmer ; and this, with his uncle finding him under a hedge, occu- pied in the solution of a mathematical problem, led to his being again sent to Grantham, and then to Trinity College, Cambridge, which thence became the real birth-place of Newton's genius. — Scientific American. An Obedient Child. — No object is more pleasing than a meek and obedient child. It re- flects honor upon its parents for their M-ise man- agement. It enjoys much ease and pleasure to the utmost limit of what is fit. It promises ex- cellence and usefulness, to be, when age has ma- tured the human understanding, a willing subject in all things to the government of God. No ob- ject, on the contrary, is more shocking than a child under no management. We pity orphans who have neither father nor mother to care for them ; but a child indulged is more to be pitied bake one hour. Cottage Pudding. — Mix about two pounds of pared, boiled and mashed potatoes with one pint of milk, three eggs well beaten, and two ounces of sugar. Bake three-quarters of an hour. Potato Apple Dumplings. — Boil any quan tity of white, mealy potatoes ; pare them and mash them with a rolling-pin ; then dredge in flour enough to form a dough ; roll it out to about th^ thickness of pie crust, and make up the dumplings by putting an apple pared, cored and quartered to each. Boil them one hour. Baked Apple Pudding. — Boil one pound and a half of good apples Avith a gill of water, and half a pound of brown sugar, till reduced to a smooth pulp ; stir in one gill of sweet cream, a table spoonful of flour or fine bread crumbs ; flavor with a little lemon juice, or grated lemon, and bake forty minutes. Rice Custard. — Boil two ounces of ground rice in a pint and a half of new milk ; add four ounces of sugar, an ounce of grated cocoa-nut, four ounces of sweet cream, and bake in a slow oven. DEVOTED TO AGBIGULTUBB AN"D ITS KITfDUBS) ARTS AND SCIENCES. VOL. XI. BOSTON, FEBRUARY, 1859. NO. 2. JOEL NOURSE, Proprietor. Office. ..13 Commercial St. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FRED'K HOLBROOK, ) Associate HENRY F. FRENCH, \ Editors. CALSIfDAB FOR FEBRUARY. "Wide o'er hU northern realm stern winter reigns A conquering tyrant ; and his icy chains Are on the streams that lately danced along To the glad music of their own sweet song. The brave old oak, where through the summer days Sported the birds and carolled forth their lays, Stripped of its foliage by the northern gale, Waves its dark arms aloft, and seems to wail Unto the heedless blast that sweeps the snowy vale." ^ EBUUAEY once more — the last of the winter months, and a short one, too. The sun is ah'eady coming back from its southern tour, and the visibly length- ening days give us a premonition of bpring, though till the latter part of the month this is about all the sign of its coming. It requires a good deal of faith to look out on the snow- covered landscape, and realize >\hat seeiets Nature keeps locked up from our sight. — "Every season," says Beecher, in his "Life Thoughts," "every season forms itself a year in advance. The coming summer lays out her work during the autumn, and buds and roots are fore- spoken. Ten million roots are pumping in the streets ; do you hear them ? Ten million buds are forming in the axils of the leaves ; do you hear the sound of the saw or the hammer ? All next summer is at work in the world, but it is unseen by us." When w» think how much of our time and la- bor are required merely to protect oui'selves from the cold — to warm our houses and provide com- fortable clothing, we are almost inclined to envy the inhabitants of a less rigorous climate. But even in this we may see the law of compensation. Every one knows that energy, forethought, en- terprise, industry, and many kindred virtues, are especially the growth of a cold latitude. Doubt- less the direct influence of a bracing atmosphere has much to do with this, but we may find still other causes. When the choice lies between freezing and working, most men will work. When a man knows that for six months of the year he must look out upon a barren world, he- will, from necessity, employ the other six months- in providing for this emergency. Hence he ac- quires habits of forethought. Again, there seems to be a law of nature tha-t- by overcoming obstacles, we become stronger, morally, intellectually and physically, and that what we gain by hard labor, we value propor- tionally. It is the son who has a fortune left him who becomes a spendthrift, not the father, who by slow and constant toil, accumulates that forr tune. It is the young man, who, by earnest and constant effort, acquires an education, who be- comes a Franklin or a Webster, and not, usually, the oflspring of wealthy parents, who stand ready to hold him up at every step. The one knows he has the battle to fight for himself, so he puts his armor on. The other is born to wealth, po- sition, friends — and there is nothing to call forth his energy — and so he lacks that strength of character which is of more real value than any- thing he can inherit. Success is not to be won by proxy. "Serve yourself would you be well served," is an excel- lent adage. We all remember the fate of Miles Standish in his wooing, because he, for the time, forgot his own motto ! In our cold, hilly, sterile New England, we must "do or die" — but then the home which we found "upon a roek," to stand against storm and 68 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. flood, we prize. The wealth we gather out of rough hills and barren swamps, we are not likely to squander ; the knowledge we acquire in our intervals of physical labor, we value. With regard to reading and writing we would remark, for the benefit of our younger readers, that, a great deal is lost by loant of system. The one, two or three leisure hours of each day, ■ which are, perhaps, spent in reading miscellane- ous, if not trifling matter, would suffice in one year to lay a good foundation for the knowledge of almost any language. Think of that, or if inclination or expediency do not point in that di- rection, a course of history or biography select- ed with some regard to the nation, era, or char- acter of the hero, will be of much greater use than amass of indiscriminate, unconnected read-! ing. Not that we would condemn light reading entirely — it is useful in its way — but let it be, the dessert, and not the main dish. If summer is the seed-time of the physical world, winter is our intellectual seed-time. Let us use it to gar- ner up treasures for our future. Whatever may be said of other lands and oth- er climates, we cannot aff"ord to lose our winters and especially our winter evenings. Of these we have spoken before, but they form too character- istic and important a feature of New England life to be forgotten or passed over. The gathered household — the fireside circle — of how many plans, and hopes, and wishes, is it the centre ! AVho can compute its influence upon the national character ? "From scenes like these old Scotia's grandeur springs, That makes her lov'd at home, revered abroad ; Princes and lords are but the breath of kin-is — Au honest man's the noblest work of God." But winter has other pleasures peculiar to it- self, beside those of the Home circle. There are social gatherings, lyceums, concerts, and last, but not least, in the opinion of the young people, sleigh-7 ides, — though some confess to an invol- untary shiver, a sort of "Arctic Expedition" sen- sation, at the bare mention of such a thing ! But such persons must have been among those who went a sleigh-riding, and found "Love's Labor Lost." It ought to kindle one's blood into a delightful glow, even to think of an old-fashioned sleigh-ride. With the roads glassy, the ther- mometer a little above zero, a pair of spanking steeds, plenty of buff"alo robes, and three humans on a seat, the hero in the middle, who would care for Old Boreas, even if he came with all the Arctic Regions on his back ! We suppose it was in a milder climate than ours, that the old song was written, — " 'Twas on the Eve of Valentine, When birds bepin to mate," for, as those who have not outlived their romance will remember, Saint Valentine's day comes on the 14th of February, when few birds besides the adventurous snow-birds are to be seen in our region, and they, like many of their betters, must be too much engaged "in getting a living," to think of matters of love. For the farmer, February is not, comparative- ly, a busy month. He stops to take breath, as it were, before the time for breaking up the earth, and preparing for Spring's work, comes on again. If a systematic farmer, he lays his plans for that work, and has it, as it were a map, con- stantly before him, so that he knows just at what point to strike to press forward his business to the best advantage. He, also, grows lusty and strong on the leisure he has enjoyed, and on the mental aliment which he has stored up. For such an one the earth unlocks the treasures of her bosom, and welcomes him to the banquet. Winter affords grand themes for the poet, and and if they are not so gentle and soothing as those of spring or summer, they have a grandeur and sublimity, equally as indispensable in the passage of the seasons. And as the poet opened our pleasant discourse with the reader on this February topic, so roay he grace its close. The Ice-King loves no music save his own, Thf.t, like an organ's deep and solemn tone. Swells where the midnight tempest wildly sweeps Through leafless forests and o'er craggy steeps. And voiceless is my harp ; or if its tone Should mingle with the winds a plaintive moan, 'lis not my hand the tuneful change that rings. Nor mine the voice that to its musij sings — 'lis but the wind that sweeps its sounding strings. George BLANcn.\Ri>. ■WALKING AS AST EXERCISE. It is well understood that the general health of cities is due to the custom of constant walk- ing, which prevails among the residents of crowd- ed towns. This compensates for the want of fresh and free air. It is certain that city ladies walk much more than their country friends. The lat- ter, when they can command a horse, think a mile's walk a great undertaking. Ladies in the country hesitate about venturing abroad on foot ; and they remain within doors, or in quiet inac- tion, while the city dames, who are presumed to be "delicate," and unable to endure fatigue, walk miles over the pavements, without thinking of the exertion. Visitors to the city from the coun- try are worn out by a day's "shopping," while their city guides are apparently as fresh at the close as in the beginning of the day's work. Walking is the most natural, useful and thor- ough exercise that can be taken. Infantry, in an army, can outmarch the mounted men. A proof of the superioi-ity of the biped over the quadruped, is given in the result of a recent wa- ger. A man undertook to walk from New York to Cincinnati in eighteen days, and accomplished the task, with nine hours to spare. The person 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER, 59 Ti-ith whom the bet was made accompanied him m a carriage, and the pedestrian, at the end of the journey, was in better condition than the horse or his driver. This accords with all expe- rience. The human frame becomes inured to wholesome and proper exertion, and the biped gains strength under it, in a greater degree than any quadruped. "We have no objection to dumb beils, and other paraphernalia of the gymnasium. But none of these contrivances are half so bene- ficial as the use of our natural means of locomo- tion. The people of this republic have the largest continent in the world to travel over, and are, as a nation, the greatest travellers. But while the rail, the river and the horse carriage are all used to the utmost, v>e walk less than any civilized people under the sun. A man, no matter how much his leisure, or how great his need of econ- omy, would be thought very poor, or next to in- sane, who should use his feet for a journey. He would, at the very least, be set down as eccen- tric or a humorist. Where time is valuable, or strength is to be husbanded for active employ- ment, it is well to take advantage of public con- veyances. But if Americans would prescribe to themselves what John Bull calls his ''constitu- tional walk," we should gain in strength of mus- cle, and banish or diminish the common com- plaint, dyspepsia. Athletic games are well in their way, but one cannot always get up a crick et or rowing match. The consent of others is required, whereas, to walk briskly and habitual- ly, it needs only that we overcome our own iner- tia, and diabuse ourselves of the notion that a horse's legs are better than a man's. No motion calls more of the muscles into healthy play than walking — not gliding like a ghost, with arms motionless, but pushing along, with a hearty, springy swing. Nothing more ex- hilarates the whole man than a current of air created by his own brisk movements. If this exercise, so conducive to health, and so readily taken, v/ere more in fashion and in favor, we might meet the doctors with an independent air ; a,nd as to the nostrum-mongers, starve them into taking up a more useful avocation. — Philadel- phia Gazette. For the New England Farmer. AH" EXCELLE2JT CROP OF ONIOITS. ]Mr. Euitok : — It may recur to the memory of some of your readers, that in the course of last spring, L furnished for the columns of the Far- mer the measurement of several huge mounds of manure, which I found standing on the farm of Mr. Setii Hathaway, of this town. In that ar- ticle, I intimated that I should keep an eye on the crops of Mi-. Hathaway during the season, with the viev/ of reporting at some future time how such manuring paid. I would, in general, remark on the result of this high manuring, that the returns were proportional to the outlay, the crop of potatoes in particular being remarkably heavy. Of the onion crop, I have now before me the weighed yield of half an acre, which I think will be on all sides conceded to be a credit to his skill and industry. Number of pounds of onions marketed from a measured half-acre of land, 17,575 ; which, at fifty pounds to the bush- el, would make 351 <^- bushels, or at the rate of 703 bushels to the acre ! Who will take the palm from Mr. Hathaway ? J. J. H. Gregouy. Marblehcad, Dec. 15, 1858. ROOTS CA.NNOTGROW "WITHOUT LEAVES. It is a well-known and well-settled principle in vegetable physiology, that no part of a plant can grow without the assistance derived from the leaf, which decomposes and re-arranges the crude materials of the food of plants, and thus forms new wood. For this reason, a very simple and easy way to kill a patch of Canada thistles, or any other weed whose roots spread wide and extend deeply into the soil, is by keeping the tops cut off or the leaves smothered, so that no food can be fur- nished to the roots below. A few months of star- vation in summer will destroy the plants. For the same reason, clover or any other plants, will extend the grov;thof their roots more rapid- ly and freely if a larger top is permitted above ground than if closely pastured. The following statement, not wholly new, from a source that we cannot at this moment give, is a further corroboration. The "curious circum- stance" mentioned, exists the same v/ith any oth- er plant, as with clover : "Agricultural Experiment. — A curious cir- cumstance connected with the growth of clover is, that by cutting the clover twice and removing all the hay, a much better wheat crop is obtained than by feeding it off by sheep, even if some ar- tificial food is used. This is owing to the fact that the growth of the roots of clover in the land is in exact proportion to the growth of the leaves in the air. Each leaflet that shoots upward sends a radicle or root downward. If the leaflet be bitten off or destroyed, its radicle ceases to grow. It therefore follows that grazing clover by sheep materially diminishes the amount of vegetable matter accumulated in the soil by the roots, and consequently the produce of the succeeding crop." The above is sustained by the following: "A friend of mine in Northamptonshire had a field of clover ; it was divided into two portions ; both were cut at midsummer, and one part was then fed off with sheep, and the other left to grow till September, when it was again cut, and the hay removed. Equal portions of the several pieces were then compared. Where the clover had been cut once and fed off", he got 35 cwt. of clover roots per acre. Where he cut twice, he got 75 cwt. ; there being a difierence of two tons of vegetable matter per acre." — Country Gentle- man. Table for Measuring Land. — The attention of the reader is called to the Table for the Meas- urement of Land, which we give in another col- umn. We think it will be found, not merely con- venient, but exceedingly useful to all classes of farmers. It was prepared at our suggestion, with great care, by one of the clerks of Messrs. Shedd & Edson, Civil Engineers, 42 Court Street, Bos- ton, at a cost of not less than twenty-five dollars. 60 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. PKOPEB USE OF PORK AS FOOD. The Scientific American having endorsed the opinion that "A fat hog is the very quintessence of scrofula and carbonic acid gas, and that fat pork was never designed for human food, making We could not live on fat pork alone — nor on sugar and starch — though vs-e could on bread. Bcead, the staff of life, contains the materials both for breathing and making blood and red flesh (muscle) in a supereminent degree, greater even than lean beef or any other single article no red meat or muscle," etc.. Dr. Holston, ot^of food, and this, or some substitute, such as Zanesville, who is one of the most intelligentjjjg^^j^g^g^s, potatoes, etc., is always eaten with physicians of Ohio, wrote to the Cowrie?-: - ... _ . , , A fat hog is truly the quintessence of scrofula, for scrofa in Greek is hog, and the derivative scrofulous means hoggish. The disease scrofula was so called when medical science was in its in- fancy, from its supposed resemblance to some diseases of the hog, and then the inference was easy, that eating the hog (scrofa) produced the hog-disease (scrofula.) It is well known, how- ever, that our American Indians and the Hin- doos, v/ho never use pork, are liable to this dis- ease ; that in Europe it prevails chiefly among the ill-fed poor, who hardly taste meat of any kind. On the otb"^" hand, the Chinaman and our own pioneers, who hardly eat any other flesh, are re- markably healthy and exempt from scrofula — a disease we have much more reason to suspect as originating long ago from the hereditary taint of an unmentionable disease favored by irregular living and poor diet. In the South, from their sleek appearance and exemption from scrofula, you can at once distin- guish the bacon-fed negro. These examples may suflice on that head. Fat pork is not in any sense carbonic acid, but hydro-carbon, a combination of hydrogen and carbon. It becomes carbonic acid and water by combining with oxygen in the act of being burned' or digested, which is much the same thing — giv- ing olf during those processes large amounts of heat and ght. It is true ihefat of pork does not make blood or red flesh, though the lean, which is always eaten alone, does. It is as your article says tru- ly, material for breath. Well, that is a good fat pork, so that there is a sufficient supply of blood and flesh-making material. However, ex- cess is bad, and the fat pork must not constitute the bulk of a meal. Chemical analysis is a poor substitute for the observation of facts in the living body, nor can we even base very much on experiments made on Mr. Martin, the man with the hole in his stomach, by which food can be introduced and digestion observed, for that is not nature's way of getting it there, and a stomach with such an unnatural opening is much like a leaky dinner- pot with a hole in the bottom stuff'ed with a rag. Extended experience alone can settle such a question. The Greeks and Romans esteem pork as a lux- ury, and a most wholesome diet; their athletes and gladiators (prize-fighters) were fed on pork. Our own Saxon (Teutonic Scandinavian) ances- tors esteem it so highly that they, even in their heaven, provided a great hog with golden bris- tles, called Gullibortstli, of whose bacon the he- roes of Walhalla dined every day, when at night the picked bones again united and became cov- ered with a fresh supply of fat pork. In this estimate of the hog, the mass of mankind, not of the Shemite race, (Jews, Turks, Arabs, etc.,) who follow Moses' law, that had spiritual and representative meaning, have in all ages agreed, and will agree, as long as man has canine teeth, and lives by drawing his breath. Whenever the Scientific American or Prof. Liebig will discover a new process of living without breathing, we may be guided by their opinion ; till then, I opine, 'good corn-fed (o.nd no other is good) pork" will deal. It is supposed that if the writer's breath 1.^1^ ^^^ ^.^-gj^ ^^ ^.j^j^l^ themselves will not be had stopped five minutes before he took his pen, | ^j^^^, ^^ partake. we should never have seen his article on fat pork. | ^j^ remarks are of course onlv applicable to But it does more. All the fat that goes mtojj^^g^^ women and children with" comparatively the stomach and thence into the blood does notjj^g^^j^j^^, stomachs, who have suflicient exercise, undergo slow burning, but is deposited m the I ^-ith pure air and water, body as human fat. Now a certain amount of fat is so necessary for the proper play of all the parts, muscles included, that without it, the body, like an ungreased engine, wears itself out by its own friction. In consumption, the waste of fat is one alarming and most dangerous symptom, and the far-famed cod liver oil acts perhaps chiefly by supplying the blood with fat. I am satisfied by experience that fat pork Pot the Ken) England FriryiteT. "USB OP PBESH MAKTUBES." Mr. Editor: — I noticed an article in your paper of the 27th of November, under thj above [caption, from Mr. Mansfield, of West Needham. Is it possible in this enlightened age, and after a when the stomach will' receive it — does just as man has spent "forty years among the corn crops," well. Moreover, few of those delicate persons! that he should be so greatly mistaken or blind that have so great an aversion to pork or other in regard to the manufacture and application of fat, ever live to see forty years. They die young: manures, or that he should have the "courage" of consumption. Butter, sugar, starch, vegeta-j to write such an experience for an agricultural ble oils, act to some extent as animal fat, and in paper ? (And I think you, Mr. Editor, must tropical climates are used as substitutes. |have a large share of moral courage to publish But go to the Arctic regions and see the refined ^ it.) Dr. Kane and his men devour raw walrus blub- ber with a gusto, as we would take a dish of ice- cream, and you will conclude that "fat pork," ]>srticularly in our Arctic winters, is not so bad au institution. How many converts does he expect to make to his theory, "that manure composted under cover is a dangerous article as food for plants ;" or how many careful farmers will be likely to fol- low his advise, and "give their manure the ben- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 61 eSt of both sun and rain ?" Or will he find one iadividual outside of the walls of a lunatic asy- lum to subscribe to his doctrine, "that there is no place more suitable for manure in the winter than under the eaves of the south side of the barn, that all the water that falls from the barn, and the snow that accumulates upon it is no more than is needful for the preparation of the manure, to fit it as food for plants," &c., &c. In his "for- ty years' experience," has it never occurred to him, that he could compost his manure? mix with it soil, mud, peat, Szc, and by this process secure all the juices and gases that otherwise would escape by drainage and evaporation ? In his long CKperience, has he never learned that the caustic qualities of powerful manures, (whether barn manure or guano) if he puts an undue quantity in the hill, will prevent the ger- mination of his corn or other crops ? and yet if instead of exposing it to the weather and bleach- ing it in the rains, he v.ould mix it with the same bulk of soil or mud, he would have twice as much manure, and of a better quality ; then his barn cellar will not poison it, and it will not pois- on his crops or prevent their germination. Can it be possible that Mr. M. is in earnest in recommending his ruinous theory ? or that he would for a moment think of practising it himself? If so, we would suggest that his "for- ty years' experience in the cornfield" has been in vain, and that he had better have slumbered all that time with Rip Van Winkle. Horace Collamore. North Pembroke, Alass., Dec, 1858. CARE OF SHEEP—fllUTTON. The opinion is quite prevalent in some sec- tions, that sheep require no water in winter, and that they actually do better without than with it. This, hov/ever, is a mistake, and one that has not unfrequently caused considerable losses When permitted, sheep, although they are, from their particular nature, capable of subsisting a longer time without fluids than any other do mestic animal, will generally drink from four to eight times a day, and with evident benefit, par- ticularly during winter, when they are necessarily restricted to dry and unsucculent food, which en- genders thirst, and requires much drink to ren- der the economy of digestion and assimilation sufficiently rapid and perfect to insure a continu- ance of thrift and health. When practicable there should always be a v/atering-trough in the shed or yard, to which the animals confined in it can at all times have free access, without mixing with cattle or large stock of any kind, as they are liable to be injured by the latter, especially when young. When there is a pump in the yard, the trouble attending such an arrangement is comparatively slight, even where the sheep and cattle yards are, as they always ought to be, dis- tinct. From twenty-five to thirty sheep are as many as can well be kept in one enclosure. When the number exceeds this, unless special care be taken 10 secure the most perfect ventilation, the ani- mals are likely to contract diseases, and never do so well as when confined in smaller flocks. Pure air is essential to all animals, but especially to the sheep. On taking sheep from their sum- mer ranges, in autumn, the sudden change from green to dry feed often operates detrimentally. This is sufficiently evinced by the sudden loss of appetite, and consequent emaciation exhibited, and which is often attributed, erroneously, to disease. As soon as they are taken from the pastures, a few messes of turnips should be giv- en them, daily, for a week or so, gradually di- minishing the quantity as they become accus- tomed to other food. By adopting this plan, and allowing them a liberal supply of water and salt, their constitutional vigor will remain unimpaired, and the change rendered unavoidable by circum- stances, be productive of no unpleasant or dete- riorating results. In Great Britain, where so much use is made of mutton by all classes, from the peer to the la- borer, great attention has been accorded, not only to the production of the greatest quantity, but also to the best quality of mutton. After so long a series of eftorts and experiments, it is but reasonable to suppose that very many important discoveries have been made in this particular branch of rural economy, and that the business of fattening, in all its details, is there more thor- oughly understood and practiced than in any other country. It appears, indeed, to be univer- sally conceded by agricultural writers of England, that sheep of great size and rapid growth, will not give so fine mutton as smaller animals, and those which are longer in coming to maturity. This axiom may, in fact, be regarded as consti- tuting the genuine secret of the success which so markedly attends the efforts of the British herdsmen and flock-masters in fattening their animals for the market. The Leicesters, conse- quently, are less valuable, being large and of quick growth, than the "South Downs," which are of a more diminutive size, and much longer in coming to maturity. A late writer, in remarking on this subject, says : — "A sheep to be in high order for the pal- ate of an epicure, should not be killed earlier than when five years old, at which age the mut- ton will be rich and succulent, of a dark color, and full of the richest gravy; whereas if only two years old, it is flabby, pale and flavorless." In this country, mutton rarely attains the age of four years, and hence, probably, the reason why the article known by that name is generally so poor compared with the English article. Weth- ers of good size, and of a breed disposed to take on fat readily, are often marketed at two or three 62 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. years old ; but it would be for the breeder's in- terest to keep them at least till they were five years old, as he would then be able to ofler a very superior a:rticle, and to secure a price according- ly. There is no meat superior to good mutton ; it is wholesome, and possesses a flavor equal, if not superior, to the best beef. For the New England Farmer. ORNITHOLOGY. BY S. P. FOWLER. The annual migration and flight of birds is an interesting subject, and was thought by the an cients to be a matter of real and indispensable study and use to the State. Augury was regu- larly taught among the Romans, and an officer was appointed, whose duty it was to foretell fu- ture events, by the singing and flight of birds, appearances of quadrupeds and celestial phe- nomena. A college or communion of augurs was established, and it was held in high respect. The system and practice of agricultui*e among the ancients was to a considerable degree regu- lated by the flight of birds in their migration. Whether we shall ever acquire so perfect a knowl- edge of the habits of our birds, that by the use of a calendar noting their arrival and disappear- ance, we can, to any considerable degi-ee, improve upon our system of agriculture, is perhaps some- what doubtful. But the appearances and mani- festations of nature, as seen on our farms, to a thoughtful and cultivated mind, are calculated to awaken devout and pleasant emotions, and when accurately observed, denote to us the proper time to commence and close our agricultural labors. The peeping of the little hyla and the note of the bluebird is the unmistakable voice of spring; the mellow note of the Baltimore bird and the quaint melody of the bobolink remind us that tlie yellow maize should be lain in the earth, and left to "sleep in the rain and sunshine ;" the ap- pearance of the blue jay in autumn, having left the woods for our cultivated fields, proclaims to us !)y its clamorous note, the harvest near ; the call of the wild goose, over our heads, late in autumn, as it pursues its southern flight in long, converging lines, is a sure indication that the northern lakes are frozen, and that the earth is soon to be closed with frost ; while the appear- ance of the shrike, as he descends from his home in the mountainous forest, indicates to us the approach of the snows of winter. To an ornithologist, the study of the migra- tion of birds is particularly interesting. Many of our land birds probably are guided instinc- tively in their journeys by the course of our great rivers and mountain ranges, and our water birds by the trending of our coast line. But it is dif- ficult to conceive of the instinct that directs some of our birds, which do not appear to heed the di- rections supposed to be apparent on the face of the country, but carelessly pass along, intent only in feeding, as they slowly progress in their journey, taking no landmarks, and heedless lit- tle creatures as they, do not even so much as take a bird's-eye view of the country over which they pass. For insiance, there is the little ruby crowned wren, that little atom of ornithology, not larger than one's thumb, which passes from Hudson's Bay, where in summer it breeds, to Florida in winter, and back again to its northern home in spring. In its migration in autumn, it passes through Massachusetts in October, glean- ing its food, principally consisting of the larvae of insects. This little timid bird does not for a moment, a])pear to lose its way, or, as we say, get its head turned round ; but uniformly enters an orchard or garden on its northern side, and passing through it, from tree to tree, leaves it from its southern border, and thus pursues its journey silently and quietly along for months, until it at last reaches the most southern portion of the Union. In February, it leaves Florida in its journey north, and arrives around Hudson's Bay by the first of June, and after rearing its young, leaves these nortbern regions for the south about the middle or last of August. Although most of our small birds migrate to the south in winter, the swallow tribe, under pe- culiar circumstances, do not always conform to the great migratory law of their nature, but pro- vide themselves with winter quarters in hollow trees, sand banks and the bottom of ponds. The proclaiming of this singular fact, I am sorry to say, disturbs some of my ornithological friends. Well, the exhibition of unbelief upon this sub- ject is nothing new or strange, more especially, with those who hold that nature never contra- venes her own laws. The parts visited by our birds in autumn and winter are Mexico and the southern portions of the Union. Mr. Nuttall, who has given considerable attention to the mi- gration of our birds, remarks that the greater number of birds travel in the night ; some spe- cies, however, proceed only by day, as the diurnal birds of prey, crows, pies, Avrens, creepers, cross- bills, larks, blue-birds, swallows and some others. Those which travel wholly in the night are owls, butcher-birds, kingfishers, thrushes, fly-catchers, night-hawks, whip-poor-wills, and also a great number of aquatic birds, whose motions are of- ten principally nocturnal, except in the cold and desolate northern regions, where they usually re- tire to breed. Other birds are so powerfully im- pelled by this governing motive to migration, that they stop neither day nor night ; such as the herons, plovers, swans, cranes, wild geese, storks, &c. When untoward circumstances ren- der haste necessary, certain kinds of birds, which ordinarily travel only in the night, continue their route during the day, and scarcely allow them- selves time to eat ; yet the singing birds, prop- erly so called, never migrate by day, whatever may happen to them. And it may be here in- quired with astonishment, how these feeble but enthusiastic animals are able to pass the time, thus engaged, without the aid of recruiting sleep? The migration of birds is a subject on which comparatively few observations have yet been made. Even the precise periods of their ap- pearance and disappearance in different parts of this continent have not been noted with the nec- essary degree of attention ; and until persons properly qualified shall undertake the task, we must remain contented without being able to an- swer the rather difficult question, "What causes birds to migrate ?" I)anvers-port, Nov. 24, 1858. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 63 VALUE OP HAY-CAPS. Messrs. Editors: — One of the principal uses of our agricultural papers is to promote an ex- cliange of views and experiments among farmers. If a man has convinced himself, as Mr. Halsey has, that a doing any kind of work is useless or unprofitable, he cannot do a greater service to his brother farmers than to warn them how to avoid a foolish and useless expenditure ; but be- ing now fully convinced that my experiments have been fairly made ^ind supported by the tes- timony of many who have tried them, I must ad- here to my hay-caps. Mr. Halsey says he never expects to save hay uninjured through a two days' rain. I have done it, and hope, not to have the rain, but to do it again, if it unfortunately comes. In July, 1855, 1 had ten tons of hay cut tious to avail myself of those improvements, so that what I say noio, will not apply to the ma- chine I purchased four years since. With the first machine, it required one and a half hour to cut an acre, and it was hard work at that for man or beast. Yet I was pleased with that machine, because it was so much in advance of scythes in 'he hands of Irishmen. My mowing forces had hitherto consisted of three or four Irishmen and one Yankee, and they were usually cutting grass until about ten or eleven o'clock in the morning. x\bout five dol- lars per year was required for scythes, snaths, and whetstones. This was just about the state of things under the old hand-scythe administration. Now we will commence with the new machine, which I procured last season, (1857, when I had cut about half of my grass with the old one,) and on four acres, by mowing machines. It was put Lj^jg j^as been the result, alluding to this season up, and the second day covered with 200 covers. Lj^j With one Irishman to trim out the borders I weighed several of the cocks, and they aver- 1 £^g^. t^^g machine was done, occupying perhaps aged 100 pounds. It rained nearly two days, and Lj^g.^o^j.^!^ ^^ niuch time as the machine, we the quantity of water was two inches and four-k^^^.g g^,^ sixty-eight acres. This statement does tenths. On the third day, at 10 o'clock, I began 1 ^^^ include a meadow of ten acres where the ma- to draw it in, only the bottom being a little wet. L^i^e would not work. The whole has been done This saved me one day opening and spreading, ^ ^^^ Irishman, and I think he has not worked and, in my opinion, saved one-third of the valuel ^j.g y,omx& than he has cut acres. I have kept of the hay. My hay-caps to cover a ton cost 56, U^e machine in order with less time than it would and the hay sold for b'12 a ton, and this saving [j^^ve cost me to keep the other Irishman in trim was for three days' use of the hay-caps. Ihavei^j^j^ j^j^ ggythe, providing he had worked as heard them so frequently commended, that Mr.' ^uch time. I have had occasion to grind but Halsey's condemnation of them astonishes me L^^e during the whole season, and the breakage very much. How much hay is injured by being jj^a,s amounted to only one blade, costing twenty wet IS a matter I cannot speak of with entire cer- Lgj^^g^ i^ fact, the cost of repairs for the past tainty, but I had rather keep even the dew offlfouj. yg^rs has not amounted to one dollar and of mine.— Wji. H. Denning, in Country Gentle- g^y cents for both machines. fno,n. ^ 'jjig matter of grinding needs a little explana- tion. When I say that I have ground but once, I allude to a general grinding of all the blades in the finger bar. With the exception of grind- ing a single knife after it had come in contact with a stone or a bone, the whole has been done Mr. Editor; — In the use of labor-saving ma-: with the English burr whetstone, costing twenty- chines, perhaps there is no question among far- .five cents, and consuming less time than it takes mers that engrosses more attention and discus- 1 to grind the scythe for an Irishman after he has sion than the expediency of employing a mowing whet the same a dozen times. My horses have machine. This is a question which every sensi-: seldom sweat during the operation of mowing, ble farmer will, of course, settle for himself, ta-,and I do not think it harder work for a pair of king into consideration the quantity of grass to i horses than the splitting of corn hills, be cut, the amount of labor to be hired, and the The machine can be put in order for work in adaptation of his farm to a njower ; still I think less than five minutes after reaching the lot to be a little practical experience may be necessary to | cut, and proceed forthwith to cut the double lead him to a just and positive conclusion. It is swath. It makes very little difference with horses the weakness of some men to believe that animal] or machines whether the grass is thick or thin, and mechanical labor is much cheaper than man-, lodged or standing up, wet or dry. In the matter ual, and your subscriber happens to be of that of drying, however, it is better to wait until the class. Under the influence of this infirmity, I dew is oft", if the grass is heavy. The finger bar not purchased a Ketchum machine four years since 'being encumbered with any thing, we run it up un- of the firm oi Ruijgles, Nourse, Mason 8c Co., and'der a low apple tree, round a stone, in fact, any whatever I have to say relates wholly to that pa- [place where it does not require a short corner to tent. I was among the first to employ a mower the left. Being on a line with the driving wheel. For the New England Farmer. FOUR YEARS BXPERIENCE "WITH A MOWING MACHINE. in this part of the country, and likewise a horse- rake, having used the latter nineteen years. I have never seen any other machine in operation, and am not qualified to judge of their relative it shaves the convex and concave surfaces beau- tifully. I have this season cut a surface, so un- even that we could not cart a load of hay over it. It is nearly all iron, not subject to decay, ex- merits. I think, however, that the firm who nowicept the pole and driver's seat. Take off the fin- manufacture the Ketchum machine, (Nourse,'ger bar and pole, and it is as compact as a wheel- Mason & Co.,) have been very ambitious to dis-1 barrow, and may be run and stored by one man cover, and to add improvements as fast as they I in like manner. Every part appears to be of the could be discovered, in order to perfect the ma- required relative strength, and it is difficult to chine. On my part, I have been equally ambi-jsay which part is most likely to fail. 64 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. Now, Mr. Editor, if I have not weaned you with my "four years' experience with a mower," I should like to tell you what I consider to be the advantages of a mowin<^ machine. 1. It gives all the hands about three hours every morning to pitch off hay carted the day be- fore— keep clear of weeds the hoed crops, and throw up muck and compost manure for fall seed- ing. The importance of the two last items far- mers have net yet begun to appreciate. 2. It gives an opportunity of cutting all we wish to cut for the day after the dew is off, and the reputation of the day for a haymaker estab- lished. 3. It spreads the swaths better than is done by hand. 4. The facilities for cutting are such that they enable us to cut our grass at the precise time it ought to be cut, thereby saving a loss by being cut too early or too late. 5. The cheapness of the operation makes it advisalile to take from grain fields the stubble and weeds which remain after the reapers or cra- dlers and doing which cleanses the future crop and affords bedding for stock. 6. In cutting the after swath, you can cut at the rate of an acre an hour, and cut to "suit your taste," whether close to the ground, or take off the heads of clover for seed. Finally, the mowing machine imparts to the whole process and operation of haying, the pleas- ing aspect of relief and comfort, instead of labor and anxiety. CiiAs. Humphreys. Lancaster, Nov. 24, 1S58. For the New England Farmer. ROOT CROPS. I noticed in a recent Farmer the article of "E. E.," on "Root Crops." He seems so much to un- dervalue turnips, that I feel constrained to bring in my testimony in favor of them. Having had an opportunity of testing their worth, I am desi- rous that others should be informed on the sub- ject. Last year I raised sixty or seventy bushels ot French and rutabaga turnips among my corn. I had a first rate crop of corn notwithstanding. Now I do feel confident that turnips are good not only for cattle, but for hogs also. I began to feed my shoats last fall oh boiled turnips, and continued so to do, until the next June, and think them as good, if not better, than potatoes for hogs. Your correspondent objects very much to the smell of turnips ; for my part I wish I had five hundred bushels of them, for the smell would be no more offensive to me than the sweet odor of a confectioner's shop. L. Chase. Hampstead, N. II, Pork and Scrofula. — There has long exist- ed a strong prejudice against the use of pork as food for human beings — how it gained such strength, we cannot tell, but have always be- lieved the prejudice to be without any good rea- son. We have known persons with comparative- ly feeble powers of digestion, to eat pork in va- rious forms with as much comfort as they did any other meat, and we believe it may be used in moderate quantities by most persons with as much benefit as is derived from any other meat. When well cooked, it is so palatable and deli- cious that we are apt to partake of it too freely, and this is probably the reason why pork has got so bad a name. We refer the reader to an interesting article on the subject of pork as food, in another col- umn, and thank Dr. HoLSTON for his lucid ex- position of the question. INSCRIPTION FOR A WATCH. Could but our tempers move like t'jis machine, Nor urged by passion nor delayed by spleen ; And true to Nature's regulating power, By virtuous acts distinguish every hour : Then health and joy would follow, as they ought, The laws of motion and the laws of thought ; Sweet health to pass the present moments o'er, And everlasting joy when time shall be no more. Dr. J. Byron. For the New England Farmer, POTATOES— ROOTS AND STOCK. Mr. Editor: — I have made an accidental ex- periment this year, that may be worth adding to your collection of facts in respect to the potato culture. I plowed an acre of green sward in April, and planted it with Carter potatoes, cut in- to one eye pieces, and without any manure. It was plowed deep, and a handful of ashes was ap- plied to each hill, at first hoeing. For some time the potatoes looked small ; but they yielded a hundred bushels of very good sized, i.xcellent potatoes, quite free from disease. In the middle of the field, however, there was a large heap of barn-yard manure, that had been drawn out in the fall and left there till planting time. The manure was carried away and the spot it had covered planted exactly like the rest of the land. The result was a much larger yield of larger potatoes on this spot than on any other part of the field. But all of them were so much diseased as to be almost entirely worthless. •I may also add my experience to that of sev- eral of your correspondents, in favor of roots for cattle. A year ago my stock of cows and yearlings were kept entirely on turnips, straw and corn fodder till March. They were then in good condition and never wintered so well. C. B. Haddock. West Lebanon, N, H., Dec. 6, 1858. Origin of the Carter Potato. — About thirty years ago, more or less, John Carter, a res- ident of Savoy, in the county of Berkshire, ex- perimented for the purpose of the improvement of potatoes by planting potato lialls, and at har- vesting the first year he found that he had ad vanced one step towards bringing out a new po- tato. He, therefore, the next year planted the seed raised the first, and so on for several years, till he produced the potato now distinguished as the Carter. Mr. Carter died soon after, and therefore did not enjoy the full glory of his dis- covery.— Spruigjield Itepublican, 1859. KEW ENGLAND FARMER. 65 FANNING- AND ASSORTING MACHINE. We speak^of this machine after a personal in- spection of it, and after witnessing repeated op- «!rations of its work. We saw a variety of seeds as thoroughly mixed in a box as they could be, turned into the hopper of the Assorting Machine, and in a few minutes returned, thoroughly clean, and each kind of seed, as well as all imperfect seeds, in a box by itself! You may mingle grain and grass seeds, garden and flower seeds, beans, peas, coffee, rice, and they will be rapidly re- turned to you, clean, and each by itself! Peas and beans may be assorted according to their size, and thus give them a uniform appearance, which increases their market value. The machine is simple in construction, not liable to get out of order, and is so easily operated that a boy a dozen years of age, can comfortably do it. It was in- vented by Mr. RuFUS Nutting, of Randolph, Vt., who may be addressed by those interested. A Simple Remedy for BRoxcniTis.— A writer in the Baltimore Snn\vh.o has been afflict- ed severely in his family by that appalling dis- ease, bronchitis, has found relief from the follow- ing remedy : — "Take honey in the comb, squeeze it out and dilute with a little water, and wet the lips and mouth occasionally v.ith it." It had never been known to fail, in cases where children had throats so swollen as to be unable to swal- low. It is certainly a simple remedy, and may be a very efucacious one. Delays of the Law. — In one of Judge French's letters from London, published in the Farmer in August, 1857, in speaking of the ad- ministration of justice, he said, "England had made many advances, while we in New England have stood quietly still, awe-stricken and uncov- ered in our veneration for old legal fictions and forms, which are really entitled to no more re- spect or reverence, than are the old horse-hair gray wigs, which in England every judge and every barrister is compelled to wear in the courts." "Of these matters," he added, "I may have something to say at some proper time and place, when further observation shall have assist- ed my knowledge." It appears that this sort of a half-promise was gladly received by some persons, and they have been waiting patiently for its fulfilment. Upon 66 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Fee. suggesting this to the Judge, he writes — "I have already twice delivered a charge to the Grand Jury on the Delays of the Law, in which I sug- gest the improvements made in Old England, especially in the system of County Courts. I have been requested by the Grand Jury of Car- roll County to furnish it for publication, which I may do at some future time. It is not a sub- ject adapted to an agricultural paper, but rather to a law magazine." For the New England Farmer. KAISING AND FEEDING BOOTS. Mr. Editou: — In the discussion of this sub- ject there is one important point which, if I recol- lect rightly, has not been made sufficiently promi- nent by your correspondents ; that is, the great ad- vantage to be derived from root crops, in lengthen- ing out a proper rotation, and in affording a change or variety of feed. I am not yet a be- liever in turnips, or any other root, as an ex- clusive feed, nor do I think it best to feed them to any great extent, in severe cold weath- er, unless warm shelter is afl'orded for the stock to which they are fed. But I have, for several j'ears, fed a few turnips to young stock in the spring, and I am fully confident, that, not only did it make them more healthy, improving their coats and affording a gradual change from liay to grass, but that the nutriment supplied was amply sufficient to pay all expense of raising the turnips. No one doubts the advantage of a little corn meal, or oil meal, or oats, in addition to the usu- al feed of hay, yet no sane man would think of attempting to keep neat cattle entirely on either. Why, then, do they expect any better results from roots fed in like manner? Perhaps no one would think of carrying it quite to this extent, yet I think Mr. Emerson went nearly as far in some respects, and I would respectfully suggest to him to read an article in the November Agnculiurist, by "Diogenes Redivivus," entitled "A Despond- ing Farmer." I think highly of turnips, also, as a feed for swine, to which I have been feeding them for a few weeks in the following manner. I fill a barrel kettle with one-fifth turnips and the rest pota- toes, and boil with water enough to wet a half bushel of meal, which I add when cooked soft. I have not the means of weighing, to ascertain the precise result, but they appear to be thriving much better than I ever saw any when fed on clear meal, and the way they take hold of it, cer- tainly indicates that it suits their taste exactly. I ought, perhaps, to add that I tried the potatoes and meal without the turnips, and allowing pig- gy to be a judge, the addition of the turnips is a decided benefit. I have seen the experiment tried of raising swine on corn meal, and on corn and oat meal, repeatedly, and although either may answer well for fattening swine previously grown on other feed, or when mixed with a good sup- ply of skimmed milk, it has invariable proved a complete failure when fed to young animals, un- less with the addition of a large amount of milk. My own experience, as well as the directions of nearly all agricultural writers, indicates that, as a general rule, no one cultivated crop ought to be taken from the same land two years in succes- sion ; and in the cultivation of young orchards especially, which is an absolute annual necessity, and where grain crops are considered injurious, the turnip is indispensable, and farther, as far as my experience goes, it can be profitably grown ; in proof of which, I will give the result of a small patch which I raised the past season : ESPENBE OP CEOP. Use 16 rods land $1,00 Preparing land and sowing 1,00 Hoeing 2,00 Harvesting 2,00 Manure 1,00 Total $7,00 Amount of crop, 103 bushels, at 121 cts $r3,87 Cost 7,00 Profit ,.$5,87 It is true the land was in good condition ; an acre of such land would, with an addition of 30 loads hog manure in the hill, have produced 80 bu. corn, (GO pounds to the bushel,) and this leads me to another point, viz., without this same hog manure I could not raise over half that amount of corn per acre, and I believe more than half the farmers of the northern part of New Eng- land are in the same predicament, unless they substitute some of the concentrated fertilizers, a plan which I consider to be of more than doubt- ful expediency. I have liad plenty of evidence that we cannot keep swine without roots or milk, the last of which, after deducting for raising calves, &c., is in many cases a minus quantity ; therefore I come to this conclusion — no roots, no swine — no swine, no corn. I should have stated that in harvesting turnips, I cut off all the roots close to the bulb, which, although adding one-quarter to the cost of get- ting in, makes them much neater to feed. William F. Bassett. AsJifield, Mass., Dec. 13, 1858. For the New England Farmer. "WILL BABLEY TUEN TO OATS? In the Farmer of Dec. 11, "E. B." inquires if barley cut down by frost or eaten down by cattle will turn to oats. Some sixty years ago an opin- ion prevailed extensively in the lower or sea- board towns in this county (York, Me.,) that bar- ley, under such circumstances, would turn to oats. When a small boy, I heard farmers talk about the matter, and my brothers made some experiments to test the accuracy of this opinion, but could not produce the effect. The first experiments I ever made in farming was when a small boy, may be less than ten years old. In going to school, to save travel I crossed a field in a footpath through a piece of growing barley, and as I passed, I cropped it off in several places just before the heads appeared, so as to touch the top of the com- ing head. The mutilated barley, in due time, made its appearance, or was destroyed entirely, but no oats. Where I have lived the last forty years no barley of any consequence is raised, and I have heard nothing of such an improbable suggestion, but a similar notion has prevailed here that win- ter wheat will, when injured in the winter, turn 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAR:MER. 67 to rye — so at the South and West many contend that winter wheat in such circumstances will turn to chess or cheat. In 1826 or 1827, being in the north-western part of Maine, I brought home winter wheat, and the next year sowed it in my garden, to test the correctness of this notion, not that I believed it, but to convince my neighbors of the error. I continued to sow that from year to year for many years, and nearly every year since have sowed that or some other M'inter wheat, and though of- ten partially or wholly winter-killed, it never turned to chess or rye. My impression is, that winter wheat being a tender plant, gets injured and killed, and gives way to rye or chess, which ever kind there may be of stray kernels in the ground. There being no chess here, rye is the only chance seed to sup- ply the place of the killed wheat. My father used to raise barley and sell considerable quantities for seed, because he kept his grain clean and free from oats, and he was never troubled with its turning to oats. He used to sow some barley mixed with wheat, under the impression that then prevailed that wheat with barley would not rust or blast as when sown alone. I know not if there was any- thing in that impression, but it was curious to see the operation of the practice. Sometimes for a series of years the wheat part of the mixture would dwindle and nearly all disappear, and then for another series of years the wheat would gain on the barley, and nearly exterminate it. This practice of mixing wheat and barley sometimes, so far as I recollect, operated well, and generally produced good crops, and it made good bread, but I believe he used to make the experiment on his best land. Barley was easily raised and was a sure crop on my father's farm formerly, bui for the last twenty or thirty years it is almost an entire failure. The fact is difficult to amount for, as it was why the wheat should give way to barley and at other times the reverse. RuFUs McInttre. Parsonsfield, Me., Dec, 1858. THE SUNLIGHT. In Lewes' "Seaside Studies," is *he oiiowing fine passage : "And now, reader, as you ramble through the corn-fields, and see the shadows run- ning over them, remember that every wandering cloud which floats in the blue deep retards the vital activity of every plant on which its shadows fall. Look on all flowers, fruits and leaves, as air-woven children of the light. Learn to look at the sun with other eyes, and not to think of it as remote in space, but nearly and momentarily con- nected with us and all living things. Astronomy may measure the mighty distance which separ- ates us from that blazing pivot of life ; but biol- ogy throws a luminous arch which spans those millions upon millions of miles, and brings us and the sun together. Far away blazes that great centre of force, from which issues the mystic in- fluence, 'Striking the electric chain wherewith we 're darkly bound.' For myriads and myriads of years has this radiation of force gone on ; and ' now stored up force lies quiescent in corn-fields of vast extent, once all pure sunlight hurrying through the silent air, passing into primeval for- ests, before man was made, and now lying black, quiet, slumbering, but ready to awaken into bla- zing activity at the bidding of human skill. From light the corn-fields came, to light return. From light came the prairies and meadow lands, the heathery moors, the reedy swamps, the solemn forests and the smiling corn-fields, orchards, gar- dens— all are air-woven children of light." Yet, after all, it is but an amplificatio'n of Stevenson's well-known reply to Buckland, on the power that was drawing the railway train. For the New England Fanner ON" THE USE OP FRESH MANUBS. Mr. Editor: — I saw a piece in the Farmer of Nov. 27th, signed "R. Mansfield," on "The use of fresh manure." He thinks that manure made and kept in a barn cellar is not as good as that thrown outside, where it receives the rains, snow, frost, &c. He says, "I believe it is good policy to have our yards for manure outside the barn, where swine can have free access to them during the daytime ; and fifty per cent, more ma- nure in value may be made than in the more modern way of keeping both manure and swine in a cellar." Now I wish to give you some of my experience and practice in making manure in a barn cellar, and you may make such use of it as you think proper. My barn is seventy feet long by thirty-six wide, with a cellar under the whole of it. I keep from thirteen to fifteen cows, one yoke of oxen, one horse ; sometimes tAvo. 1 made from sixty to seventy loads of manure a year before I dug the cellar, which was six years ago ; but since then I have made from 150 to 175 loads in the same time. My cellar is made so warm that the manure or loam does not freeze in the winter, and it is a fine place to keep my roots to feed to my stock in the winter. I commence tying up my cows nights, the first of Sept. I make from them, by the midule of November, from twenty- five to thirty load" of manure, which I cart out and put it in a heap where I intend planting the coming year, and cover it up well with loam. I then put in thirty- five to forty loads of loam for the winter ; I put my loam under the barn floor, except eight or ten loads under the stable. I make a pen for my shoats under the bay, where I keep six through the winter. The horse manure is thrown into the pig-pen, and every few days a little loam, and in this way I make thirty If^ads first-rate manure. The middle of the cellar being the lowest, the water from the cow stable settles between the loam and manure, and is absorbed by the loam and thrown upon the manure heap once or twice a week through the winter. In this way, I save all the water and mix it well with the manure, which is carted out in the spring, on my corn ground. It is not uncommon to have the ma- nure so saturated with the urine that it will drip from the cart, which I think is much better for the land than to be filled with the water from the eaves of the barn, snow. Sec. I put no corn stubs or orts, from the cows' manger, into the manure, unless it is run through a cutting-machine. You will see from the above that I increase my manure more than one hundred per cent, in quantity, and I believe more than twenty-five per 68 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. cent, in value, to every load, as you will see, by and another portion of it into manure, for that is the increase of my crops. Previous to having the natural result of the chemical change pro- my cellar, I raised from thirty to forty bushels ^duced in the laboratory of the cow's stomach, of corn to the acre, and since, I have raised from I The same result will follow any other kind of fifty to seventy-five bushels per acre. I bought 'feeding. Good pasture Avill produce an abundance $100 worth of hay a year, but since I have had: of milk, often as much as the cow can carry ; but the cellar I have kept more stock and had several [does it follow that even then it Avill not be prof- tons of hay left, notwithstanding I have turned itable to feed her with some more oleaginous food out four acres of mowing to pasturing. I have not only got my mowing in good condition, but I plowed last spring four acres of an old pasture that produced hut very little feed, manured it well, and raised fifty-five bushels corn to the acre. Barre, Mass., Dec. 11, 1858. R. Haynes. Remarks. — Isn't that a practical report from a practical man ? It is such a report as we phould expect from such an operation. KING AND QUEEN. B7 L. B. ADAMS. I am a king in my own domain, And my little wife is queen, And jointly over our realm we reign, A royal couple, I ween. Beauty and grace are the robes that Dow From her lily shoulders down. The gems of truth on her bosom glovr. And love is her golden crown. But her dainty hands are brown with toil — Her cheeks with the breezes kiss, And she works for a tiller of the soil As if toil for him were bliss. I am the king and the tiller too, lly farm is my proud domain, And the will to dare and the s trengtn to do Are the scepters of my reign. At my touch the teeming earth yields up Her wealth for my feast and store, The nectar of health brims high my cup. My measure of bliss runs o'er. 0, ne'er was a happier realm, I ween. Than ours, 'neath the arching sky, And never a happier king and queen Than my little wife and I. — Michigan Farmer. to increase the quantity of butter just as it some- times proves profitable to feed bees to enable them to store more honey. It certainly does ap- pear to us that the value of a cow, feeding upon ordinary winter food, may be almost double by making that food suitable for the purpose of in- creasing the quantity of milk, if that is the pur- pose for which the cow is kept. Farmers gener- ally understand that they can convert corn into beef, pork and lard, and some of them know ex- actly at what price per bushel it will pay to con- jvert it into these substances : but does any one know at what rate it M-ill pay to convert corn or any other grain into butter, or any other kind of feed into the dairy products? Is the whole busi- ness a hap-hazard one ? We fear so. Some per- jsons know that they can increase the saleable j value of butter by adding the coloring matter of carrots to it. Does any person know the value of a bushel of carrots fed to a cow to increase her value as a butter-producing laboratory ? Exper- imental proof upon this point would be far more worthy of agricultural prizes than it is to see who can show the largest sized roots ; for by a few carefully conducted experiments we should be able to increase the value of a cow almost at pleasure. — N. Y. Tribune. For the New England Farmer. "VALUE OP SHEEP TO THE FARMER." A selection entitled as above, (monthly Farm- er, Sept ,'58, p. 399,) has called forth some "Hints on Keeping Sheep," {Farmer for Nov., p. 499,) from J. Whitney, of East Sullivan, N. H. His communication contains many ideas of value, but seems to me not in all respects applicable to the text upon which he comments. There can be no doubt, as Mr. W. says, that "sheep are profitable to the farmer who has a broken and uneven farm, and his pastures have been suflered to grow up to bushes, or where the soil has become exhaust- ed by excessive feeding, and M-ill produce none (not more, as printed) of the grasses, except June grass or white-top. Land that has thus been re- duced will keep sheep better than any other stock." This is claimed by the writer in ques- tion, and also, that sheep will give such pastures a smoother appearance, by eradicating the wild In summer or winter this plants, so that good glasses may take their place, can be improved just as the yield of a cultivated j Whether white clover would come in, if continu- crop can be improved by what is fed to each, and I ally crop])ed by sheep, I have my doubts, and it is simply a question of will it pay, in manuring j agree with Mr. W. that a good pasture, produc- the one or feeding the other. Indian corn will ing clover, red-top and timothy, would, if fed by add to the quantity and quality of the butter to sheep alone for fifteen or twenty years, give, in HOW TO INCREASE THE VALUE OP A COW. Every one who owns a cow can see at a glance that it would be profitable to increase the value of her, but every one cannot tell how to do it. We can, and we think that we can make it equally palpable to our readers. If a cow is kept for butter, it certainly would add to her val- ue if the butter-making properties of her milk should be improved a very sensible degree, and it is simply a ques lion of easy solution, by experiment, whether it will add to the profit of the butter-maker to buy corn at one or two cents a pound, and convert a portion of it into butter at twenty-five cen^s a pound, or whatever the market price of corn and butter may be, and another portion of it into fat, the end, very little clover or timothy. The same would be true if fed constantly and closely by horses and cattle. The proportion of sheep to other stock, should depend "on the character of the pasturage, and the proportion of the same fitted and desirable for tillage," if one would keep^sheep "without in- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 69 jury to the farm for other purposes." So says the first writer. On a fully improved farm, there ought to be little rubbish to consume. But we must take into account also, the value of the ma- nure furnished, as well as the food consumed — nor forget that a starved sheep is no more prof- itable than any other half-fed animal. His state- ment may be considered entirely true only under peculiar circumstances, partly true under others, and that sheep may be more profitable than ad- ditional neat stock in other cases, while it may be entirely false in regard to some farms and cir- cumstances. In wintering sheep, it would be the poorest policy in the world to keep them entirely "on rubbish left by other animals." As Mr. W. says, "they may survive, but not flourish, without ex- tra feed." I would rather feed my sheep first, and give what they refuse to other animals, than to pursue the contrary course. "Attention to their wants, the eye and thought of the owner," alone can make sheep profitable. "Division of the flock (according to age and condition) good shelter, with (bean and oat) straw and a little grain, will bring them to spring pastures in bet- ter order, than if kept together, with double ra- tions of hay, one-half of which is wanted by the stronger animals, while the weak of the flock pick up but a scanty living, and oftentimes fail in that, befoi'e winter comes to an end." I have taken up this subject, more because it is one that needs "stirring up," among us, and to commend to every one Mr. Whitney's closing remarks, than in any spirit of controversy or fault-finding with his article. There are other points in regard to sheep-culture on which I may present views, hereafter, in their proper season. Eoyalton, N. Y., 1858. j. n. b. For the Netc England Farmer. A TUMOE OKT A COW'S BRAIN. A very valuable cow belonging to Mr. Nathan- iel Johnson, of Sturbridge, was killed recently, to put an end to her sufferings, and on opening her head there was found a hard tumor on the brain, but no disease in any other part. It ap- peared that the vitiated humors of the animal had settled on the brain, forming a hard excres- cence, which must have caused the intense pain that gave rise to the singular symptoms of dis- ease which were perceptible for some six or eight weeks. When first taken, she would turn her head towards one side, and sometimes turn her jaws slightly upwards, continuing in this posi- tion, at times, for several minutes. To use the common phrase, she acted strangely. When the spasms were not on, she would eat, chew her cud and give milk as usual, but would occasionally push with her head against one side of the sta- ble, knocking off the boards ; and although her flesh wasted away till she became mere skin and bones, yet, the night before she was killed, she burst open the barn-door, (requiring surprising strength in one so poor and sick) and was found lying on the ground in the morning. The latter part of the time she could neither eat nor drink, except what was put into her mouth by means of a bottle and the hand. Her tongue seemed te be paralyzed, and she could not suck in water. As the difficulty gradually increased in severity, Mr. J. feeling concerned for her safety, consulted those who are reported to be skilful in treating the diseases of animals, but no one could tell what the matter was ; some pronounced it horn- ail ; others thought she had been hurt on the head or neck, or both, but there was no external sign of bodily injury. Mr. J. employed every kind of rational treatment he could think or hear of, with but little relief to the cow. In short, he snared no pains to cure her. This case is considered to be so singular that Mr. J. is desirous of having it published in the Farmer, to elicit statements of similar cases, with their remedies, if any such be known. But to dissolve a tumor on the brain of a living animal is probably beyond the power of the healing art. Had the disease been known on its first appear- ance, it would have been an act of mercy to kill her, for she must have suffered for nearly two months a degree of acute pain which would, in the end, have caused her death. In consideration of the loss, trouble and sick- ness of Mr. J., his neighbors have promptly made him a liberal donation, for which he feels exceed- ly grateful. c. Sturbridge, Mass., Bee, 1858. PKOGRBSSIVE AGRICULTUBE. The N. Y. Observer says of progressive agri- culture : — "Under its influence, spring up tasty and convenient dwellings, adorned with shrubs and flowers, and beautiful Avithin with the smiles of happy wives, tidy children in the lap of thoughtful age — broad hearts, and acts as well as woi'ds of welcome. Progressive agriculture builds barns and puts gutters on them, builds stables for cattle and raises roots to feed them. It grafts wild apple trees by the meadow with pippins or greenings, — it sets out new orchards and takes care of the old ones. It drains low lands, cuts down bushes, buys a mower, houses tools and wagons, keeps good fences and practices soiling. It makes hens lay, chickens live, and prevents swine from rooting up meadows. Progressive agriculture keeps on hand plenty of dry fuel, and brings in the oven- wood for the women. It plows deeply, sows plentifully, harrows evenly, and prays for the blessings of Heaven. Finally, it subscribes for good religious, agricultural and family journals, and pays for them in advance, advocates free schools, and always takes something besides the family to the county fair. Leaks Simply Stopped. — The Lijvn Kews says : — "Some years ago I had a leaking 'L.' Every northeast storm drove its waters in. I made a composition of four pounds of resin, one pint linseed oil, and one ounce red lead, applied it hot with a brush to the part where the 'L' was joined to the main house. It has never leake^^ since. I then recommended the composition to my neighbor, who had a dormer window which leaked badly. He applied it, and the leak stopped. I made my water-cask tight by this .composition, and have recommended it for chim- neys, windows, etc., and it has always proved a cure for a leak." 70 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. COOKED FOOD FOB FATTENIDTO- CATTLE. Mr. Samuel H. Clay, of Kentucky, has been experimenting in feeding several lots of hogs, changing them from raw to cooked and from cooked to raw food, ground and unground. The Valley Farmer furnishes us with the following results : Mr. Clay's experiments show, that to make pork on dry corn, one bushel gave, in one in- stance, a gain of five pounds and ten ounces. In changing the food, on the same animals, to boiled corn, one bushel produced a gain of four- teen pounds and seven ounces, and a bushel of | corn ground and cooked, gave a gain of sixteen! pounds and seven ounces ; while in another in- stance, after a change from dry corn to cooked meal, the gain upon one bushel was but a frac- tion short of eighteen pounds. These experiments, then, show an average gain of about three pounds, when the animals were fed on cooked food, to a gain of one pound when fed on dry corn. Or, to reduce the comparative cost of the gain per pound, estimating the corn at 28 cents per bushel, the following are the re- j suits : When the hogs were fed on dry corn, the i average gain cost a fraction over 44 cents perj pound. The same animals, when fed on cooked j meal, the gain cost a fraction over Li- cents a | pound, or when fed on cooked corn, unground, | the gain cost 1 cent and 9 mills per pound, leav- ing but four mills, or less than half a cent, per ; pound in favor of cooked unground, or allowing but four mills per pound for grinding, exclusive j of the greater time required to cook whole corn, over that which is ground. But to come to the! point more definitely, vre will reduce the price of j the corn to 25 cents per bushel, (which is as low as may now ever be expected, except, perhaps, in some remote quarter,) and reduce the gain from two-thirds to one-half, for the difference be- tween cooked and uncooked food, which will be equal to twelve and a half cents on each bushel of corn fed out, and see how the question v.'ill stand. With a properly constructed apparatus and suitable feeding arrangements, one man can cook and feed out 100 bushels of meal in a day. To do this, his meal must be placed in bins so as to be conducted into the steam-vat without hand- ling, and his feed-troughs so arranged that the slop Avill flow into them in the same manner, without handling. But if corn is cooked with- out shelling or grinding, two men -would be re- quired to manage the same quantity. In the first instance, then, there would be a saving of 50 bushels of corn, which, at 25 cents per bushel, is $12,50, to be offset by the labor of one man, one day, which, at $1,25 per day, leaves a profit of $11,25 in favor of cooking. But, if the corn be cooked whole, and requires to be fed out by nand, allovving two hands, at the same cost per day, there will still be a gain of $10. But to simplify the question still further : Is it not cheaper to cook 100 bushels of corn than it is to raise 50 bushels? But besides a saving of one-half of the corn, by the process of cook- ing, there are numerous other advantages to be taken into account. The same weight is attained, according to the experiment above quoted, in one-third of the time, or we will reduce this also to one-half, avoiding the risk of accidents to an- imals on the time gained, the care and attend- ance in feeding, the advantages of weather in the earlier and more favorable season for feeding, to- gether with other incidental matters not enu- merated. The conclusions, which are generally arrived at, are predicated upon the idea that prevails in regard to the cost of cooking food, according to the primitive methods employed in the East in a single kettle, or Mott's agricultural boiler. These are adapted only to small operations, and, of course, to depend on them, would incur consider- able cost for labor, fuel, &c. But Ave should not forget that this is a progressive age, and the in- ventive powers of our countrymen are adequate to any emergency of the times, or demands of the age. Every one Avho is acquainted with dis- tilling, knows that many hundred of bushels of corn go through the destructive process, in one of these establishments, in a single day ; and if the same quantity was only to be prepared as food for swine, with boilers constructed alone for that purpose, the same work could be performed with greater facility, and less labor. To provide a boiler and steam-vat of a capacity suited to extensive feeding, with the necessary fixtures, would cost severa'. hundred, or perhaps a thous- and dollars, but like many other branches of business, we are convinced that the larger the establishment, the more profitably it may be con- ducted, and that, not only may the cost of the fixtures soon be saved, but a large per centage of the corn usually fed. We are perfectly satisfied from our own re- peated experiments, which have been fully sus- tained by those conducted by others, that with a suitable establishment of capacity adapted to the end in view, a great saving may be secured by this method of preparing food for swine, and we believe with scarcely less profit for beef cat- tle. We Avish some philanthropic, enterprising farmer Avould take the matter in hand, and make an experiment on a dozen or more bullocks, through a full course of fattening on steamed food, both gram and hay, Avith an equal number fed in the ordinary way. If grain is not to be cooked, we still contend, as we ever have, that it should be well ground, whether fed to hogs, cattle or horses, and to cat- tle and horses it should always be given in com- bination Avith the coarser food. For the New England Farmer, WORCESTEK COUNTS. TKANSACT10N3 OF THE AVORCESTER AOraCULIURAL SOCIETY FOR THE Year 1S58. By the kindness of a friend, I have the favor of this interesting annual. Accustomed as I have been for forty years to look to the heart of the Commonwealth for instruction in agriculture. I ahvays glance my eye over the pages of their Transactions Avith deep interest. The present pamphlet contains much that is instructive and interesting. Several reports are elaborate and sensible, particularly on Milch Cows and AVork- ing Cattle — objects for which the county has long been famous. The number of fine milch coAvs exhibited at the shoAv was much less than I ahould have expected. There Avas aAvarded for 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 71 cows, $46 ; oxen and steers, $108 ; horses, $285. What could have induced the discerning farmers of Worcester to apply so large a portion of their funds to the horse, is beyond my power to con- jecture. I admire a good horse, but I can see no! reason why he should be entitled to a larger, award than a fine pair of working oxen, or a fine; herd of milch cov.-s. This horse mania is running' away with our judgments and our money also. I am sorry that it is spreading so wide and so deep among the substantial yeomanry of Massachu- setts. It should be corrected. Essex. December 13, 1858. Well might as well expect the body to grow and flourish without its vitalizing breath ; theory and practice must go together, and it is well if the practice is quite thorough before we pause to theorize much. That proper schools for instruc- tion will afford the young farmer important aid in the pursuit of his business, will not admit of a I doubt, it seems to us, in any unprejudiced mind. What such schools shall embrace, and how they shall be managed, are questions not yet settled amons us. SPIRIT OP THE AGRICULTURAL PRESS Long White French Turnip. — A writer in | the Germantoicn Telegraph has given this turnip | a fair trial, and concludes that the common yel-j low ruta-baga is far preferable to grow, either for stock or for culinary purposes. | Fall Manuring for Corn. — Another writer in the Telegraph states that he has long been in the practice of hauling out manure early in the spring for corn, directly from the barn-yard, andi in its unfermented state, and plowing it under j deeply and thoroughly. He calls ten inches deep plowing. He says — "I have tried hauling out and spreading manure in the fall for corn ; but if I can trust my own observation, never with the; beneficial results as to the crop or to the land ■which were obtained by the former practice." It; is his opinion that decomposed manure 2)lacedj near the surface will give an early growth to coi'w by ii,s more immediate action, but that unfermen- ted manure properly plowed under, icill finish a crop with a heavier yield, and leave the land in higher fertility, than the former method. This is an important matter, and ought to be settled by numerous well-attested experiments in in various localities. Agricultural Education. — The Neio Jer- sey Farmer, published at Trenton, in introducing to its readers a recent letter of Gov. Wright, of Indiana, describing an agricultural school in Ger- many, says — "Every profession has its school — why agriculture should be left to glean its learn- ing as best it may, we cannot understand. If schools are necessary to train the clergyman, the lawyer, the doctor, the merchant and the artist, is it not eminently proper that agriculture, which depends so entirely foi- its complete success upon a knowledge of the natural sciences, should also have its schools ?" Certainly it is, and it passes our comprehen- sion to know why, among farmers themselves, such prejudices exist against everything that is to qualify the young farmer for his profession, ex- cept the mere act of his working upon the land with his own hands. It is breath spent in vain to talk about managing a farm well theoretically. Cows for Milk. — Mr. C. N. Bement, in speaking of Devonshire cows, in Emery^s Jour- nal of Agriculture and Prairie Farmer, published at Chicago, says, incidentally, that he "has found great difference existing in all breeds of cattlo ; some cows run to fat and are spare milkers ; the lean and -well-formed are apt to be good ones. Some digest their food better than others, and these do better on the same pasture or quantity of food ; some feed faster and more constantly, and these are apt to be the best milkers. * * * There appears to be as much diversity among cattle in these particulars as among men and women who may daily sit together around the same table. No error can be greater than that of believing a cow can give rich milk upon poor, lean, spare diet. There must be in the food that which will supply the materials of which milk is composed, or else it must be impossible for the cow to produce it. The better the food, the bet- ter and the richer the milk." That is the true doctrine, plainly expressed. It is just as impossible to get large quantities of rich milk from a cow that is meanly fed, upon in- nutritious food, as to "make a good whistle from a pig's tail." South Devon Sheep. — Col. L. F. Allen, editor of the American Herd Book, of Black Rock, N. Y., writes as follows to Mr. Went- worth, of Chicago : — "I hope your Illinois people will appreciate the magnificent South Doicns you have introduced among them. It is the only kind of mutton for a good table. * * Half and three-quarter sheep revolutionize the article altogether in quality and flavor. I speak from } ears of trial. A really good saddle of mutton is scarcely excelled by any other meat." The Apple Crop in Waltha:\i, j\Iass. — The Waltham Sentinel gives an account of the apple crop in that town this season, but only speaks of winter apples of the first and second quality. The cider apples and others not marketable must con- siderably swell the amount. The name of the person, and quantity raised by each, is given. We find that one person had 850 barrels, and two others 700 and upwards. The total number of barrels of winter apples is put down at tweclc NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. thousand, the average wholesale price of which has been $2,00 making the round sum of $24,000, for this town, for one item, of agricultural pro- ducts in a single season. The population of Waltham is, to a considera- ble extent, engaged in manufactures of one kind or another ; yet we doubt whether, among them all, any investment of capital of an equal amount has produced results so fovorable as the investment in the apple trees. drowned by the eagle's scream of success which was ansv/ered by his mate ; then rising with him, still struggling in his grasp, he carried him to some convenient place, where both he and his mate might devour him at their leisure. Banvers, 3fass., Dec. 1, 1858. A. Fo^YLEE. Remarks. — We are obliged to our correspon- dent for the brief and graphic descriptions which he has occasionally sent us of our native birds, and hope he will find leisure and inclination to continue them. We wish we could lay before all lovers of natural history the splendid paintings For the New England Farmer, ^f hudiS, their nests and eggs, which have been GOLDEN EAGIiB. produced by his own hands, scarcely equalled, in AQuiLA cnRTs.«:oTos quj. opiniou, by any thing yet done by the most The most hiliy and mountainous parts of the accomplished artists of this or the old countries, country are chosen by this bird for his residence, particularly where there are over-hanging preci- pices ; there, in the dizzy height, on some bold rock, he takes his stand, motionless and erect, with his stern, penetrating eye glancing over the boundless expanse of forests and fields; upon such high precipices, or on some blighted tree of the wooded-mountain, a pair of these birds will sit for hours, and not unfrequently the whole day, especially whs-n they have gorged themselves with fond. After such times of inactivity, they will launch into the air, and rise in a spiral flight above these stupendous heights, until they ap- pear like mere specks, or are wholly lost to sight ; having attained to the desired height, they sail y^,^^ correspondent "Essex," recently, after a in an obliquely downward course with the veloci- ^^^^j^^ j^^ j.^^.^^ ^^ leaving the stalks on the ty of the wind, until within one or two hundred I ^^^^^^ ^^j.^ ^j^^ question, "Has there b^en any well feet of the earth, when they again change their j^^j^^^^^.^^ experiments to determine the fact?" mode of ilight and sweep in circles over hills and j ^^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^.j^^^ j^g ^^^-^di consider a well- CHAHITISS THAT SWEETEN LIFE. '•It i3 not much the worU can give, With all its subtle art, And gold and gems are not the things To satisfy the heart. But O, if those who cluster round The altar and the hearth, Have gentle words and loving smiles, How beautiful is earth !" Fur the New England Farmer. CUTTING COKN STALKS. valleys in search of food. These eagles usually hunt in pairs. There is a peculiarity in their mode of hunting which is not resorted to by other birds of prey. Like the lion, who lies in ambush for his coming victim, so he hovers over the form of the hare, or the bed of other animals, waiting for their appearance. I once saw a pair hunting in company, and while sailing over a hill, one of them, on discovering a burrow of the common grey rabbit, immediately suspended himself in the air without the least perceivable motion of his body or vibration of his wings, which he kept widely extended, and on which he floated with the same ease that he would rest upon his perch ; in this position he remained a great length of time until the animal, unconscious of any harm, ventured from his cover ; at first, but a part of him appeared ; the eagle, still poised, would stretch down his claws, then draw them up again, still floating silently ; the animal now hopped quite out of his hole, stood upon his hind legs, scanning every object with his large eyes, and moving in every direc- tion his large ears, to detect an enemy if one was around him ; at last, feeling assured, none lurked about him, he hopped again which brought him to full view, and farther from his burrow. Hark !i WJiush-usJi-usJt, down from his height, like the whizzing sound of a rocket, shot the eagle upon the unwary victim, pressing him down with his strong feet and driving his talons deep in his quivering flesh. The scream of despair, as the blood oozed through his soft fur, was soen conducted experiment. I have tried it several times. I cut the stalks on eight rows through the field as soon as the tassel was dry, and the next eight rows I left with the stalks on. I gathered each separately, and husked it out. In both cases I hr.l the most good sound corn — both by measure and weight — on the rows vjliere tlie stalks icere cut, and the most soft corn on the rows that were not cut ! This year I had one field of about four acres of corn. I had cut the stalks on about one acre before the storm which beat the corn down so badly. On the other three acres the stalks were not cut. The part where the stalks were cut was not injured, while that part of the field where the stalks were not cut, was laid almost as flat as though it had been rolled down. I think the loss on the part blown down, of good sound corn, was at least ten per cent. I would cut the stalks from heavy corn to save it from being blown about and broken down by the wind, if for nothing else. Eollis, Oct. 13, 1858. E. Emerson. School of Veterinary Medicine and Sur- gery. George H. Dadd, Principal. — This school was established in Boston, in 1849, and is at- tracting more and more of the public attention, as its objects are better understood. The tick- ets for a course arc $100. Th« sohool is estab- lished at No. 55 Salem Street, Boston','' Mass. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 73 For the New England Farmer. SYSTEM TN FARM MANAGEMENT. Messrs. Editors : — Ordei- is a necessary ele- ment in the success of every man, but with no class is its strict observance more requisite than with the farmer. The profits of farming, like other business, depend almost entirely upon the system that is pursued, and the order maintained. No business will ordinarily prosper under bad management. If a merchant persist, for any length of time, in a poor system of management, he is almost sure of a failure. If a mechanic pursues the business of his trade without taking the care necessary to perform every thing in a systematic manner, success will never crown his efforts, and in fact, in whatever business a man may be engaged, unless he is governed by some system in the labor he performs, he may as well conclude that his business will not be a paying one, however prosperous it might be under good management. But as I have said before, with no class of persons is the strict observance of sys- tem more requisite than with the farmer. If he be an idle and shiftless man, or if he does every thing in a wrong time and in an improper man- ner, if he allows his buildings to go without the re- pairs necessary, and decay for want of a few dol- lars expended by way of repairs, if his walls are left to tumble down and his fences are neglected until his cattle easily gain access to and destroy his crops, or if he suffers the weeds to overrun his farm, and in this allows his soils to be ex- hausted without himself receiving any remuner- tion for the same, or if he pursues the skinning system, and suffers his farm to deteriorate, he will undoubtedly have to complain that farming is a dull and profitless business. But if he has a system about all his labor, seeing that it is done when required, and in an unexceptionable manner, you will find him undoubtedly an intel- ligent, su^'-cssful, prosperous and happy man. A sysii iiiatic farmer will look through all the operations of the year from the beginning ; his calculations are made before hand ; hence he can take advantage of the labor to be performed ; he can tell you how much labor it will be necessary for him to expend in order to raise and secure a crop, and the probable advantages to be derived from raising the same. No systematic farmer will allow his manure to be wasted by allowing his cattle to roam about the street, and leave the very main-spring of the farm to waste its strength without receiving any benefit from it, — but on the contrary, he will conduct his business with direct reference to the manure- making advantages connected therewith, and his compost heap will compose a prominent place among his farming operations. Lebanon, Ct., 1858. H. G. Palmer. cemeteries, and grounds for country residences. They also make surveys and maps of farms, house-lots and land in any form. They have had large experience in underdraining, including lay- ing out and constructing. Drafting of all de- scriptions they do with great accuracy and facili- ty, and also prepare plans for the Patemt Office. Civil I^-GiNEERiNG, by Messrs. Siiedd& Ed- son, Iron Buildings 42 Court Street, Boston. — These gentlemen are well qualified to discharge the various duties of their profession, and are prompt in their execution. They are ready to at- tend to the laying out and to superintend the construction of railroads, common roads, bridges, v/harves, &c., or to the de«igmng and laying out HEADWOBK IN FARMING. It is surprising how much muscular labor is wasted every year, which might be saved, or bet- ter directed. This is true of all kinds of busi- ness, and not the least in farming. For instance : how many farmers toil on, year after year, with scanty or imperfect implements of husbandry. The modern improvements, which save much la- bor and do the work cheaper and better, they will have nothing to do with. Improved varieties of seed, they hold to be, almost without exception, humbugs. Draining and subsoil plowing are ranked in the same catalogue : they are labor lost ; but manuring cold, wet lands, and plowing them late in summer a few inches deep, and gathering scanty ci-ops — this is not labor lost! Rotation of crops, and manuring lands with ref- erence to the grains or roots to be grown on them, they consider something like book-farm- ing— a very dangerous thing ! We never could see why farmers should not think for themselves, and bo able to give a satis- factory reason for every process they undertake. We never could see why they should not en- deavor to improve in all farming operations, to learn the very best way of doing everything, and then do it so. It is told of a certain backwood's farmer, who had not yet found time to clear the stumps from his fields, that his boys complained bitterly of their troubles in plowing and harrow- ing— the old-fashioned "drag" especially troubled them by its frequent overturnings v/hile plunging among the stumps, and needing to be set right side up at every few rods. "Boys !" said the en- raged farmer, one day, "take that harrow over to the blacksmith, and tell him to m.ake all the teeth twice their present length, and sharp at both ends, and we'll see what that'll do !" The thing was done : the teeth now pointed both ways, like those of a revolving rake. "Gee up. Bill; now go along." "But, father, it has upset again, as bad as before." "Never mind, boy ; go right ahead ; it will work well either side up. See, now, what comes from a little thinking !" And sure enough, it did work, and the field was har- rowed in spite of the stumps. We might have selected a more dignified example of the use of head-work, but this homely story will answer our purpose. In the matter of rotation of crops, there is need of forethought and management. Some farmers neglect to manure largely, because of its expen- siveness ; they would like to underdrain more extensively, and to subsoil plow their lands, if these things did not cost more time, labor and money than they think they can spare. But it costs no more to follow a good system of rotation of crops, than it does to carry on a farm without any such plan. Yet such a system may bring the farmer three-fold greater and better crops. Nor NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. in devising such a plan, has he got to depend en- 1 country, for years, steadily opposed theintroduc- tirely on his own experience or sagacity. Books' tion of farm machinery of all sorts, notwithstand- and agricultural journals are at hand, containing ing their wages and their comforts were as stead- the results of other men's experience, and all hejily increasing. has to do is to adapt such information to the Now that along experience has proved that wants of his own case. A very little head-work all this croaking about the injury done to the la- of this sort would pay well. It would pay in clean' borer and the small proprietor, by machinery, is cultivation. Chess, red-root, quack-grass, Cana- without any foundation, I was surprised that a da thistles, butter-cups, daisies, and what not, man of the intelligence of your correspondent would hide their heads ; and grubs, wire-worms, should lift his warning voice against the applica- and all manner of insects, would rapidly diminish,: tion of steam to agriculture. AVhy does he not if not wholly disappear. It would pay in the in- j object to its use in driving the printing press, creased and prolonged fertility of the land, and \ and in manufacturing paper ? It would take in more bountiful crops. — Am. Agriculturist, For the New England Farmer. "AGHICULTURAL PSOGBESS." Mr. Editor : — Where can your correspondent have been the last fifty years — asleep with Dr, Franklin's fly? I should suppose he had just waked out of a half-century nap, from the argu- ments he uses against the application of steam to agriculture. They are precisely the same argu- ments made use of fifty years ago, against the use of steam and water power in the manufacture of cotton and wool, and subsequently, to the ap- plication of steam to locomotion. It was said, "people would be collected into manufacturing villages, and become slaves to the loom-lords. Our daughters, not finding em- ployment at home, would assemble in these villa- ges', and would lose their health and innocence. That those who now live by spinning and weav- ing, wouTd be thrown out of employment, and be- come beggars." When it was proposed to apply steam to the moving of rail-cars, it was said that "stage-coaches and baggage wagons were to be thrown out of business, and there would be no demand for horses, and the farmers would have to give up the raising of them, and that the ten- dency of the use of steam was to lower the rate of wages." But have the results confirmed the forebodings of the fogies of those days ? Have our daughters lost then- innocence in the cotton mills, and become slaves to their proprietors ? Have the spinners v.inl weavers in the family found any want of employment? Has the rate of wages been reduced ? The truth is, there are more horses em.ployed in transporting passengers and freight to and from the railroads, than were formerly employed in running stage coaches and baggage wagons, and horses are worth much :i. .If, itnd pay much better for raising, than they did before the iron horse was invented. The population of Massachusetts has more than doubled in forty years, and yet the rate of wages has more than doubled in that time. So far from people having been thrown out of em- ployment, they have imported thousands of male and female laborers, and pay them, especially fe- males, more than twice as much as they did forty years ago, and the comforts and conveniences of life enjoyed by the laboring classes have increased in at least an equal ratio. Almost every labor-saving machine has had to encounter the same objections. The first saw- mill erected in England was burned down, be- cause, it was said, it would deprive the hand-saw- yers of employment. The farm-laborers in that twenty men to turn the cranks of the presses that are moved by one small engine. Twenty families are thus deprived of bread ! The gentle- man need not borrow trouble lest the hills and valleys of New England should be swept of their varied beauty, and reduced to broad levels, for the manufacture of corn and potatoes by steam. If capitalists, associated or single, can profita- bly cultivate the earth by steam, it must be where the surface is adapted to such culture. If it can succeed on such portions of the earth's surface, M'hy, let it. I have only to say, "God speed the plow," whether moved by the power of steam or muscles. In either case, bread will be increased, and food for the laborer and his family will be cheaper. If steam can be made to work the soil, and gather the crops, and turn the mills and the presses, on the broad plantations of the South, more economically than negro power, why, I say again, "God speed" the plow," even if it be a steam plow ; and who knows, Mr. Editor, but this is to be the great engine by which slavery is to be ended ? When the steam plow is perfected, will not some Yankee capitalists fire it up on the pampas of Texas, and raise sugar at a cheaper rate than it can be done by human muscles ? Who can tell but we shall yet do our abolition by steam? Seriously, I think the sugar-growers of Louisiana have quite as much to apprehend from the steam plow, as have the small farmers of New England. Steamer. Dec. 18, 1858. For the New England Farmer. UNDERDRAINING™"IT -WIIiI. PAY!" Mr. Editor : — Last fall I wrote you under the title, "Underdraining — will it pay ?" — that I intended to underdrain a piece of wet, cold, un- productive land, and asked your advice in the matter. It was kindly given, for which I would return many thanks. At that time I had a presentiment that it would not be a paying operation, but as the land was nearly worthless, as it was, I resolved to under- drain it ; which I did with stone, sinking the ditches about three and one-half feet deep. The bottom of the drains was constructsd like an ordinary culvert, then filled with cobole stones to one foot of the surface ; upon these stones, shavings or evergreen boughs were placed, to prevent the dirt from filling the interstices, then covered with dirt, reserving the sod for the barn- yard. The result, I will briefly state. The piece drained contained a little less than four acres. Last year it was mowed, and produced but two 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. loads of poor, sour hay and brakes, hardly worth cutting, but it was an average crop for the land. This spring the land was dry, and we were ena- bled to work it early in the season. We plowed under about twenty-five ox-cart loads of barn- yard manure to the acre, and planted with corn the 15th day of May. The ground was dry and in good condition for receiving the seed, while many pieces considered "dry land" were much too wet. The corn was planted three and a half feet apart each way, hoed twice, and received a top-dressing of plaster and ashes. It was cut up the 10th and 11th of September, when it was found ripe and sound. We husked from the piece 440 bushels of ears, all merchantable corn. My neighbors concur with me in opinion that this crop is worth more than the aggregate crops that the land has produced for the last fifteen years. It is now in a condition to produce abun- dantly for a series of years vrithout any extra outlay. This crop has paid me the whole ex- pense of underdraimng, and I am so well pleased with the experiment, that I have had a number of ditches dug upon another piece adjoining, and intend to use drain tile instead of stone. The tile drain is cheaper, and from what information I can obtain, I think it much more durable. Drain tile of a superior quality are now man- ufactured by Lucius G. Spencer, of ihis town, and sold at Albany prices. The farmers of Wind- sor county are waking up en the subject. I am informed of one man who intends to lay four hundred rods from the first kiln. James R. Walker. Springfield, Vt., Nov. 5, 1858. THE REASON WHY. t was a perplexing and infelicitous circum- stance which happened to discomfort and discom- fit the good housewife, who had fattened a fine young turkey for her husband's delectation, boiled, as was his "weakness," with the accompa- niment of a savory sauce. Two or tkree days before his death, (the turkey's,) a box of household pills fell by accident into the yard, where the bird perforned his daily perambula- tions and gobbling. He picked up the kernels of anti-bilious corn and survived their effects un- til his decease, when he was committed to the pot as the piece de resistance of a sumptuous dinner. But he would not boil tender : hour after hour the hot bubbles burst around him, but all to no purpose ; the harder and the longer he was boiled, the tougher and more uncarvable he became. At length, however, he was served up, and a doctor, a next door neighbor, who was a guest, was re- quested to solve the mystery. "We b'iled that turkey six long hours, doctor, by the clock," said the down-east hostess, "and yeou see how awful- ly tough he is neow. Could it be the pills, d' yeou think, doctor, that I was tellin' you about his eatin' ?" "Undoubtedly, madam," replied the doctor ; "it would not have made the slightest dif- ference if you had biled him two days ; there was no 'bile' in him, madam !" An explanation equal- ly professional and satisfactory. — Knickerbocker. New H.\MPsinRE Journal of Agriculture. — We have before us the second number of a new paper with the above title, published at Man- chester, N. H., by Messrs. Gil:.ioke & Martin, It is issued weekly, in folio form, the agricultu- ral department edited by E. Breed, and the ed- ucational and miscellaneous by Moses A. Cart- lands. We have looked over the two numbers published with some care, and find them filled with useful and substantial articles on a great variety of subjects. The editors seem to have ability, industry and energy, and if their efforts are encouraged, the Journal of Agriculture will not fail to exert a salutary influence both upon the Soil and the Mind. A CURIOUS QUESTION. It is a singular illustration of the inexactness of agricultural knowledge, that the question how many seeds there are in the pound of our com- monly cultivated field plants, should still remain to be answered. It is plain that the answer will not necessarily affect farm practice — for the quan- tity of seed which it is proper to sow per acre, is a matter to be determined by experience, not by argument apart from trial ; and yet surely it is most desirable to compare the number of the seeds we ordinarily sow with that of the plants we raise. If in ordinary practice, 1,200,000 seeds of wheat are sown on every 40,000 superficial feet, or what is more extraordinary, fifteen to eighteen million seeds are scattered on the same extent, about three to every inch of land, it is surely well to let the farmer know it. He knows very well he does not raise so many plants as this — and struck, as hemust be,by the enormous disproportiorr between the means he uses and the result he gets, he will inquire into its causes. The turnip seed employed per acre, numbers from 000,000 to 1,000,000, according to the kind and quantity adopted ; this, if the rows are two feet apart, is two or three dozen seeds per foot of row, where a single plant alone is to be grown. No doubt nothing like so many generally come up, but then there is a great destruction by the hoe, which will explain much of the discrepancy in this case. What, however, becomes of the 18,000,000 seeds of flax which are commonly — of the 6,000,000 seeds of oats which are some- times sown per acre ? There is no destruc- tion by the hoe in either instance here. A sin- gle ear of oats may contain 100 grains — a single plant will generally include half a dozen ears, but if 6,000,000 plants should yield as much as this implies, they would produce 100 loads of grain. Instead of 600 seeds apiece, they yield but half a dozen each to produce an ordinary crop of oats. It is plain that five-sixths of the seed, or of the plants that they produce, are killed in the cultivation of the crop ; and the proportion is vastly greater than this in the case of other plants. What is the ordinary seeding of the clover crop ? Eight pounds of red clover, four of white clover, and four of trefoil may be sown — that is at least 6,000,000 seeds per acre — a seed on every inch of land — but instead of 144 are there generally half a dozen plants on every square foot of the clover field? There are about 25,000 seeds of sainfoin in a 76 NEW ENGLAND FARMEK. Feb, pound of "rough" seed, as it is called, and it weighs some 20 lbs. per bushel ; four bushels is an ordinary seeding, and they contain 2,000,000 seeds, or 50 per square foot of land. This is the number, too, of seeds in an ordinary seeding of vetches. It is manifest that in both these cases there is an enormous destruction either of young plants or seed ; and these are the two great di- visions under which the causes of this anomaly must be classed : faults of seed and sowing, and faults of cultivation. We are enabled, by the as- sistance of Messrs. Rendle, of Plymouth, to lay before them the following answers to the ques- tion— how many seeds to the pound ? No. of seeds No. of !bs. Name. per lb. per bush. Wheat 10,500 58 to 64 Barley 15,400 48 to 56 Oats 20,000 38 to 42 Kye 23,000 50 to 60 Canary Grass 54,000 Buckwheat 25,000 48 to £0 Turnip (Rendle'3 Swede) 155,000 60 to 56 Turnip (Cornish Holdfast) 239,000 " Turnip (Orange Jelley) 233,000 " Cabbage (Scotch Drumhead) 128,000 56 Cabbage (Drumhead Savoy) 117,000 50 to 56 Clover (Red) 249 600 60 Clover (White) 686,400 59 to 62 Rye Grass (Perennial) 314,000 20 to 28 Rye Grass (Italian) 272,000 13 to 18 Sweet Vernal Grass 923,200 8 Scotch Paper. For the New England Farmer. BEE HIVES. Mr. Editor : — I have a suggestion to make respecting bee hives on Mr. Quinby's plan. I like the leading idea of his plan, but not the ap- plication of it. In his hives, the bees are obliged to store all their surplus honey in boxes placed on the top of the hive, and they must climb up through the hive, when heavily laden with honey, to get to the boxes. This must involve an im- mense amount of labor for them ; at any rate, it seems to me that it must be as difficult for them to climb, as it is for a man who is carrying a heavy load, and I think it is rather worse for them to have to store honey on the top of the hive, than it M'ould be for us to have to store the products of our land on the tops of our houses, for they are collecting and storing all the season, ■whereas we are only a part of it. Instead of placing boxes on the top, why not have a small hive, or large box, to set by the side of the hive, and when it is full, open a communi- cation between the two, and allow the bees to store their surplus honey in it just as Mr. Quin- by has his stored in boxes on the top ? In an article published in the Farmer not long since by "Amicus," he remarks that he has a very simple contrivance to aid the bees in supporting themselves in the hive until they can commence building their comb. Will not "Amicus" please to let the readers of the Farmer know what this contrivance is ? Progress. Leominster, Dec, 1858. The Virginia Farmers' Journal. Rich- mond, Va., M. S. Crockett, Editor and Propri- &tor. — This is anew journal, handsomely printed, on fine paper, issued once a week, and is devoted lo agriculture, news and miscellaneous reading. We like the editor's "Salutatory," as he seems to appreciate the responsibilities of the position he assumes, and also the wants cf the people of his State. From the ability manifested in the articles in this first number, we cannot doubt but the Farmer's Journal will become an important help in the Homes of the Old Dominion. THE MEADOW LANDS OF THE CON- CORD BIVEB VALLEY. MEETING OF THE PROPRIETORS AT CONCORD. It is not generally known throughout the State that thousands of acres of meadoAv land on the Concord river, from Billerica to Framingham, have been flooded by means of a dam at the for- mer place, so as to seriously damage those lands. The law granting the right of the water power at Billerica was such that the proprietors have ever been unable to obtain redress through the courts. Several cases, growing out of this state of things, have been in litigation for years. The amount - of land damaged by these overflows is from ten to fifteen thousand acres, all the way up the river as far as Framingham. The mill proprietors brought a suit against the city of Boston for di- verting a part of the Concord river from its nat- ural course, and reservoirs were built above from which water was sent down when needed. This usually happens in the haying season, and is another great source of damage to the owners of the meadows. Recently an attempt to unite all the interests upon some plan for redress has been made. A preliminary meeting was held some weeks ago, and a committee was then appointed to consider the matter and report something definite. A meeting was held December 27th, at the Town Hall, in Concord. About two hundred farmers were present, though this is but a small part of the number interested in the lands. The mill privilege at Billerica is now owned by Mr. Talbot, and he was present, accompanied by his counsel, but took no part in the meeting. The meeting was called to order at one o'clock by Simon Brown, Esq., of Concord, and, on mo- tion of Samuel H. Rhoades, Esq., of Concord, a committee was appointed to report a list of of- ficers for permanent organization. Simon Brown was chosen President, Col. David Heard, of Way- land, and seven others, Vice-Presidents, and Mr. R. F. Fuller, of Wayland, and Dr. Joseph Rey- nolds, of Concord, Secretaries. Mr. Brown opened the question with a clear statement of the position of the proprietors of those meadow lands. He said the first settlers in this town and vicinity had been attracted by its beautiful river and the fine meadows skirting it, which were a yearly source of wealth to the inhabitants. He said they came here to devise some means of obtaining redress. All they wanted was justice, and they came together with the kindliest feelings towards every man. He urged those who had an interest in this matter to or- ganize— to take a stand, and raise their colors and nail them to the mast. (Applause.) Col. David Heard, of Wayland, said he was glad to see so many interested in a question in which he had been Vi'orking for forty years. Some 1359. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 77 young men, he said, had run into the idea that these meadow lands were never valuable, but he knew better. He found in an old Assessors' book of the town of Wayland that that town assessed taxes on 1200 acres of meadow. Some of these lands had come into Ids posi5ession at the rate of $75 an acre. These lands, he said, had been stolen inch by inch, under the law, if it could be called law, which had kept them out of their just dues. He said he had been entrusted with much responsibility in the law suits that had been car- ried on, and he had no doubt but he might have raised a company at any time to have torn down the dam, and allowed the owner to sue for dam- ages. But the people had forborne continually through their defeat. He said he was determined to continue the suit as long as he had the means. Besides this, the Cochituate reservoirs were let loose in haj'ing time, when the water was low, and this did serious damage. In fact, he said, they had a dam at both ends, and a curse between them. Mr. Brown, the chairman, added a few remarks, in regard to the damage done to lands owned by him. Rich and fertile bottom lands were ren- dered nearly valueless. The committee, appointed at a previous meet- ing, reported the following series of resolutions, upon which remarks v^ere invited : Whereas, it is believed by many owners of land upon the Concord River and its tributaries, tliat their lands have been of late much more injured than formerly by inundations caused by obstructions, by dams or otherwise, and by retaining the waters ih resc/coiVs and suddenly releasing them in the warm season ; And, whereas, in various other parts of the Commonwealth, as well as in this county, great destruction of crops, and great injury to health, is produced by interference with the natural flow of our streams and rivers, whereby the drainage and culti- 1 vation of vast tracks of most valuable lands are prevented ; And, whereas, the maintenance of dams and other obstruc- tions is a fruitful source of litigation, and so an occasion of great expense, both to land-owners and mill-owners ; And, whereas, it is believed that the peace of the community, ! and the security of land and mill owners, and the interests of agriculture, would !je promoted by carefully ascertaining and defiDing, and by publishing by record or otherwise, the legal height of all dams, or other obstructions, on all our streams and rivers, and of all privileges, limitations and restrictions incident thereto ; therefore. Resolved, That a Committee be raised to investigate and re- port at a future meeting wliat dams or other obstructions are maintained on tie Concord River or its tributaries, and wheth- er any of said obstructions are illegal, giving such information as may be obtained of the claims, legal and illegal, of mill own- ers and others who maintain them. 2. That it is expeditnt that an act of the Legislature be passed, to provide for defining and recording the height of all dams and other obstructions on all streams and rivers in the Commonwealth, and of all privileges, limitations and restric- tions incident thereto. 3. That the interests of agriculture require that provision he made by law, so that in proper cases dams and other obstruc- tions to the natural flow of the water may be removed or low- ered, or restricted in their use as to the season of the year or otherwise, upon justcompensation to be paid by the parties ben- efited to those injured by such proceedings. 4. That this meeting are determined fully to investigate the complaints of land-owners on the Concord River and its tribu taries, and to perseveie by all lawful mear s to protect the rights of land owners, the health of the community, and the interests of agriculture, against all illegal encroachmetts of those who control the dams and other obstructions thereon ; and further, to procure such legislation as may be necessary to relieve our most valuable lands of the curse of a second deluge, whether caused by legal or illegal obstructions. The following resolution was afterwards added, on motion of Mr. R. F. Fuller, of Wayland : Whereas, The special remedy prescribed by the statute for the fiowage of lands on the Concord River by the proprietors of the Middlesex Canal has been in such a form and so limited in point of lime, under the construction which has been given to it by the Supreme Judicial Court, as practically to furnish no remedy whatever ; therefore, Ucsolred, That adeqiute remedies should be provided by the Legislature for injuries to land-owner on the Concord River and its tributaries for the damage annually done by the flowage of their lands, and furnishing, as the general mill acts do, compen sation year by year for the annual injury to the land and the crops. ]Mr. R. F. Fuller, of Wajland, said he was one of the meadow proprietors, and he sympathized entirely in the spirit of the resolutions, as he pre- sumed every man who owned any of the meadow land would. He believed that the only redress to be had was from the General Court. The courts could not award justice unless the law al- lowed it, and in this case the law-makers had been at fault. The act giving leave to build the canal provided that any one receiving damage thereby should sue within one year and in the Court of Sessions. That court was abolished about the time the act was passed, and the Su- preme Court had held that in the above provision the damage referred to the "source of the dam- age," which in this case was the building of the dam. Under the present laws no redress could be had. Dr. Joseph Reynolds, of Concord, read from a work descriptive of Middlesex county, as it was when first settled, and for years afterwards, show- ing the wealth of meadow land then existing. He presumed that the meadows on the river now were not worth more than half as much as they were forty years ago, or possibly twenty-five years ago. He said thousands M'ere suffering from this evil, which was continually increasing, and it was only to favor a very few. Coi. Heard said there was one consideration not yet touched upon. The stagnant waters had already shown their pernicious effects upon the atmosphere ; and farms finely situated in Way- land had been sold at one-third their former price, on this account. These, he declared, were by no means rare cases. Mr. Barker, of Weston, corroborated the re- marks of preceding speakers. He owned a mead- ow which was uncommonly high, and he had thought that it could never be damaged by water. But for the last few years his meadow had been worse than worthless. He had paid taxes and received no income. Mr. Heard, of Wayland, said he did not own an acre of meadow land, but he was interested, and so was every person who lived on the banks of the Concord river. If the evil should be al- lowed to continue, the inhabitants would be driv- en back from the river banks. The stench from the river was sometimes very bad. He looked upon it as a nuisance ; and he hoped it would be removed one way or another. He would ad- vocate the manner sanctioned by Judge Shaw of removing a nuisance. (Applause.) The Chairman said if this was anything but a meeting of farmers, there would be fifty present charged full to bursting with speeches. Here were men who had suffered damages for half a century, and they would not be heard from. He would introduce a gentleman and a lawyer, from another State, who, he said, had probably tried more cases of flowage than any other man in New England. He introduced Judge French, of New Hampshire. Judge French said he was not present to take any part in this local question, but he stated some valualile facts from his experience. He said he believed, and he had said so manv times NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. before, that the amount of meadow land over- flo';ved by the dams of manufacturing companies would raise wood enough ten times over to carry those mills by steam. He advised the proprie- tors of these meadow lands to ask the Legisla- ture to give them a law, if they had none ade- quate, under which this dam may be lowered, or, if necessary, entirely removed, and a compensa- tion made to the proprietors of the dam. He had no doubt that the Massachusetts General Court would give such a law, when the circum- stances were known. Massachusetts had, in 1855, passed the best drainage law in the world ; by which a man was given power to drain through any adjacent lands. He believed this was, in spirit, fully up to such an act as was wanted. In England, where a large territory had been overflowed, the evil had been removed by an act of Parliament, by which the proprietors had been compensated in a degree sufficient to support a steam power equal to the water power taken from them, and the streams were allowed to go free as God had intended they should. Mr. Abel Gleason, of Wayland, made some remarks, mostly corroborative of the other speak- ers. He spoke of the inconvenience and dam- age from the waters sent down from the Cochit- uate reservoirs above, during the haying season. Col. Heard said he knew that the Avhole fall of the river from Wayland to Billerica, twenty-two miles, was only two feet ; but he believed, in common with several other speakers, that the water in the river at tkis point was several feet higher than it was at the dam in Billerica. Deacon Heard, from Wayland, made some re- marks upon the effects of the dam. Judge French, being requested, explained that, by the law that made water run down hill, the sur- face of the water must be somewhat descending ; and that it was very natural that the water should be piled up higher twenty miles back than at the dam. The resolutions were then passed without any opposition. Mr. Samuel H. Rhoades moved that the offi- cers of this meeting, and such persons as the meeting might add, be appointed an Executive Committee to strengthen, perfect and continue this organization, and to raise such funds as may be necessary to secure its objects. The commit- tee was raised as follows : Simon Brown, of Concord, President ; Col. David Heard, of AVayland, Elijah Wood, Jr., of Concord, John Eaton, of Sudbury, Jonas Smith, of Lincoln, Jonathan Hill, of Billerica, Nathan O. Reed, of Bedford, Thomas Page, of Carlisle, Charles Fisk, of Framingham, Vice Presidents; R. F. Fuller, of Wayland, Dr. Joseph Reynolds, of Concord, Secretaries, and Samuel IL Rhoades, of Concord, Treasurer. To whom were added Nathan Barker, of Weston, and Thomas J. Da- mon, of Wayland. After some further remarks, in which no new facts were elicited, the meeting dissolved. It was estimated by several of the speakers that the amount of property damaged — much of it rendered valueless — was as much as a million dollars. — Boston Journal. The Comparative Distance of the Near- est Fixed Star. — A correspondent of one of the London papers says — As the comet is part- ing company with us, I think the following state- ment will afford the public whose minds are not familiar with astronomical distances, a pretty good idea thereof. If the earth's distance from the sun, 95 millions of miles, is represented by a space of 1 inch ; Jupiter's, 490 millions of miles, by 5 inches ; Saturn's, 706 millions of miles, by 9 inches ; Uranus's, 1800 millions of miles, by 81 inches; and Neptune's, 2900 million of miles by 29 inches ; the diameter of the longest ellipse of the orbit of Donati's comet, whose period is said to be 2495 years, and distant 35,100 millions of miles, will be represented by a space of 368 inches. Then the distance of the nearest fixed star, which is at least 35 billions of miles distant, will be represented by a space of 348,000 inches, or 5 7-9th miles ; which is 1000 times that of the comet when farthest off, or 12,689 times the dis- tance of the planet Neptune from the sun, the most distant yet discovered belonging to the so- lar system, and which occupies 164^ years in its orbit. For the Neta England Farmer. GBADUAL IMPROVEMENT OF LAND. Mr. Editor : — In a recent number of the Farmer there is an article upon thorough drain- ing, in which the writer says that the thorough draining of our old farms in New England is simply an impossibility. I do not write because I think I have done more than hundreds of others who are too modest to tell what they have done, but for the encouragement of young men of small means and poor prospects, to stay on the old farm. I think it is the duty of all of us who have remained with our parents, and have ob- tained sufficient property to support us in our old age, to give our experience to the public. I will give you some of mine, which you may lay before your readers, if you think proper, f was the youngest of seven boys ; the others all vrent off as soon as they were large enough. I felt it to be a duty which I owed to my parents to stay upon the farm, which was poor and had but little income. I made up my mind to make it better, if labor, patience and perseverance would accomplish it. There was a swamp upon the farm containing about seven acres, covered with bushes and brambles, except about one acre, which Vr-as too wet to bear them. My first labor was to dig a ditch through the centre, and then I began to cut bushes and plow a small piece at a time as fast as I could attend to it, and lay it into beds about two rods wide, to take off the surface water. I followed this process until it was all plowed. I found it necessary to plow as often as once in four or five years, to keep out the swamp grasses. I also found it very difficult to keep the beds in their right form and the drains clear. I knew nothing about underdraining, but thought I would try the experiment of using up the small stones that plowed out of the other fields, and found them to improve the land so much, I made use of all my small stones, and then commenced draining with slabs, which I expect will fail in a few years. I did not know that drain tile was manufac- tered so near me until I saw the advertisement in your paper. I purchased a few of them thi!? 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. (9 fall, and am so well jileased with them that I think if I should live another year, I shall make use of more of them ; for I think them to be much cheaper and better than stone or slabs. I now have this piece about one-fourth under- drained, and if those who succeed me for fifty years will do as much as I have done, I think it will be thoroughly drained and in a high state of cultivation. I hope no persons will think it impossible to improve their lands till they have made more than one experiment. I think it quite possible for most of the land in New England to be improved, if every one who owns it will labor with his own hands, and spend all of his surplus money in improvements, rather than to buy more, till he has got it all un- der a high state of cultivation. Thomas Haskell. Oloucester, Nov. 25, 1858. Fur the New England Farmer. KOOT3 ¥o:e. stock— crops—adulter- ated MILK. I have read with a great deal of interest the discussion in your paper relative to the value of turnips for feeding to cattle and hogs. I have raised rutabaga and English turnips, and fed them to cows, and my opinion is, if a man keeps cows to make butter from, that turnips are poor prov- ender, except to give perhaps two messes per week for a change. If he sells the milk, and his customers do not know the difference between good milk and thin, he might, instead of adding Mater to thin the milk, feed with turnips. Last year I wintered ten swine. I sold one-half of my turnips and bought corn. I fed part with the corn, and they fatted well ; those that were fed on cooked turnips lived, and this fall, after hav- ing been fed on corn, are no larger than the oth- ers were last spring. I have found beets the best root for cattle and swine, but those I think should be given in mod- erate quantities. Corn meal suits me better, with beets enough to give a relish, and with this feed the cattle come out in the spring in a thriving condition. On a lot of land, 50 by 100 feet, (ten feet square being deducted for a hog pen,) I planted a new kind of beans to me, and between the hills, eight feet asunder, squash seeds. The yield was 250 squashes which average six pounds each ; 1,500 pounds. I sold ten dollars worth of green beans, and this same kind of squashes I sold in April this year for three cents per pound, the purchaser saving the seed for me. At this time, JJec. 11, there is but one specked squash in the lot. Is there an instrument to detect the adultera- tionof milk in this country? S. C. Cape Elizabeth, Dec. 11, 1858. Remarks.— J. S. F. Huddleston, 96 Wash- ington Street, Boston, will furnish you with an article for detecting adulterated milk. 1^= The Oliio Valley Farmer, published at Cin- cinnati, B. F. Sandford, Editor and Proprietor, is one of the neatest and best conducted agricul- tural papers that we SEE. "ISrOTHING TO DO." What a swelling chorus of that constant cry comes on every gale, reaches our ear at every turn, whether on the public highway or in pri- vate conversation. Such a young man has noth- ing to do. Poor soul, we pity him. In this great, bustling, active world, he stands for a cy- pher ; has no aims, no ambition, no desires. He has nothing to do. The town has been hastily looked over, no work presents itself, and so one able-bodied man sinks into the slough of idle- ness, convinced that the world is all money. — How many such pictures we have, and yet "how ! needless that we have any. There is work enough [for the whole creation. While one young man I is spending his days in idleness, the merchant is looking for a clerk, the lawyer for somebody to assist him in his writing, and if nothing else turns up, there is at least an opportunity every- where to saw wood. There is no necessity for an idle man on the face of the earth. Industry is one of heaven's best blessings. It endows a man with his manhood, and calls into action his tact, reason and judgment. We say to young men, never be idle. If nothing better turns up, saw wood. Anything is better than spending your days in idleness. A youth so wasted be- gets habits that a life will not cure. Crime, the twin sister of idleness, will next be on hand and claim you for her own. The sparkling bowl will present its allurements, and then down, down you go into degradation, and one mind is lost to the world, one star in the great human constel- lation is gone. Habits of industry in early life follow a man to the grave, and whatever one's occupation may be now, such habits are a mine of wealth when one is engaged in business on his own account. Success, says Gov. Banks, is a duty, and howev- er exacting or sweeping the remark may seem at first glance, an examination proves its truthful- ness in every particular. Success is the result of industry, attention to business and steady habits, all of which are duties society imposes upon man, and the result of such causes is a duty equal with each of them. Let us have no more talk about young men who have nothing to do. If nothing comes, make or find something. How many bi'ight names in the pages of our country's history left home for their journey through the world with their raiment tied in a handkerchief and their capital comprised in a few dollars. Yet there was determination, perseverance and energy there, which were worth more than the wardrobe of clothing or mines of wealth, and those names now fill honored places, and live and will live in beating hearts to the end of time. With such examples before us why should young men be idle. What has been done, can be done again, and any young man can do it, if he will. At all events, go to v,'ork, be a man among men ; you are then on the road to wealth, distinction and honor, and how far you get depends entirely on how hard you work. Depend upon it, noth- ing ever came of idleness, nor never will. An idle man is a cypher in the world, and one of the most unhappy, miserable beings in existence. — Hunterdon Republican. Common salt adds to the weight of grain. Bones tend to fill the ear. RO NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. TABLE OF MEASURES OF LAND. 1st. 10 16.5 20 30 33 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 10 .3t;?3 .0023 .6001 .0038 .7340 .0040 1.101 .0009 1.212 .0070 1.409 .0092 1.830 .0115 2.204 .0138 2.571 .0101 2.938 .0184 3.306 .0207 3.673 .0230 4.040 .0253 4.408 .0276 4.775 .0299 5.142 .0321 5.509 .0344 16.5 1.000 .0003 1.212 .0070 1.818 .0114 2.0UO .0125 2.309 .0152 3.030 .0189 3.030 .0227 4.242 .0205 4.848 .0303 5.455 .0341 6.060 .0378 6.600 .0416 7.272 .0454 8.815 .0551 7.878 .0492 8.484 .0530 9.090 .0568 11.02 .0689 20 1.469 .0092 2.203 .0138 2.424 .0152 2.938 .0184 3.673 .0230 4.407 .0275 5.142 .0321 5.879 .0307 6.611 .0413 7.340 .0459 8.080 .0505 9.550 .0597 10.28 .0643 2d. 150 30 3.300 .0207 3.036 .0227 4.047 .0270 5.510 .0344 6.012 .0413 7.713 .0482 8.815 .0551 9.911 .0619 11.02 .0089 12.12 .0758 13.22 .0626 14.33 .0895 15.43 0964 16.53 .1031 150 82.(34 .5105 160 33 4.000 .0250 4.848 .0303 C.061 .0379 7.273 .0455 8.485 .0530 9.097 .0600 10.91 .0082 12.12 .0758 13.33 .0833 14.55 .0909 15.76 .0985 19.10 .1194 10.97 .1061 18.18 .1130 22.04 .1377 160 88.15 ..550'J 94.03 .5876 99.91 .6244 170 40 5.877 .0367 7.346 .0459 8.815 .0551 10.28 .0643 11.75 .0734 13.22 .0826 14.09 .0918 16.16 .1010 17.63 .1102 20.57 .1286 170 .5854 106.15 .0634 180 50 9.182 .0574 11.02 .0089 12.85 .0803 14.09 .0918 16.53 .1033 18.37 .1148 20.20 .1263 22.04 .1377 23.88 .1492 28.05 .1791 25.77 .1606 27.55 .1722 33.06 .2066 180 99.17 .6198 105.78 .6011 111.60 .0979 112.39 .7025 119.01 .7438 190 60 13.22 .0826 15.45 .0964 17.03 .1102 19.83 .1210 22.04 .1377 24.34 .1515 26.45 .1653 30.85 .1928 190 104.08 .0512 118.64 .7415 125.01 .7851 132.59 .8287 200 70 18.00 .112.1 20.57 .1286 23.14 .1446 25.71 .1607 28.28 .1768 32.32 .2020 30.93 .1928 33.43 .2089 36.00 .2250 38.57 .2410 44.08 .2755 200 110.19 .0887 117..54 .7340 121.88 .7805 132.23 .8204 139.57 .8724 146.92 .9182 210 80 23.51 .1469 26.45 .1653- 29.38 .18.37 35.20 .2204 38.20 .2388 41.14 .2571 210 115.70 .7231 123.41 .7713 131.12 .8195 138.64 .8678 140..55 .9159 154.20 .9641 161.98 1.012 109.09 1.060 220 230 90 29.75 .1800 33.06 .2060 30.30 .2273 39.07 .2479 42 98 .2085 40.28 .2893 51.42 .3214 oGSu .3535 61.71 .3857 49.59 .3099 220 121.21 .7575 129.29 .8081 137.37 .8580 145.45 .9091 153.53 .9595 161.01 1.010 177.77 1.111 100 36.73 .2290 110 40.40 .2525 44.08 .2755 48.93 .3058 47.75 .2984 55.10 .3444 230 240 126.72 .7920 135.17 .8448 143.61 .8976 152.00 .9503 100.51 1.003 168.90 1.055 177.41 1.109 185.85 1.162 194.30 1.214 202.75 1.267 240 44.44 .2777 52.53 .3283 "57^ .3581 60.61 .3785 C6.12 .4132 132.22 .8255 141.04 .8800 149.86 .9306 158.67 .9917 107.49 1.047 170.30 1.102 165.12 1.157 193.93 1.212 211.56 1.322 250 120 52.89 .3306 250 137.04 .8609 146.92 .9182 152.80 .9545 156.10 .9756 162.35 1.015 165.29 1.033 174.47 1.090 182.*2 1.143 183.05 1.148 192.83 1.205 202.01 1.263 210.09 1.313 211.20 1.320 221).3S 1.377 229.56 1.434 260 248.29 1.551 130 62.08 .3880 66.85 .4178 71.63 .4476 260 113.25 .8953 171.00 1.074 190.99 1.194 200.54 1.253 219.64 1.373 229.2(1 1.432 238.74 1.492 270 140 71.99 .44.99 77.14 .4821 270 148.70 .9297 1.58.08 .9917 108.59 1.054 178.51 1.116 188.42 1.178 198.34 1.240 208.26 1.302 218.17 1.364 228.09 1.426 238.01 1.488 247.93 1.549 257.84 1.611 207.76 1.673 280 150 82.04 .5165 280 154.27 .9041 1.59.78 .9985 104.55 1.02S 170.43 1.005 174.84 1.093 185.12 1.157 195.40 1.221 205.69 1.280 215.97 1.350 226.26 1.414 230.,55 1.478 246.83 1.543 2.55.05 1.598 257.12 1.607 267.40 1.671 276.95 1.731 277.68 1.736 287.97 1.800 290 290 181.08 1.132 191.73 1.198 202.3- 1.265 213.03 1.331 223.69 1.398 234.34 1.465 244.99 1.531 266.30 1.604 287. t;o 1.797 298.25 1.864 308.91 1.931 300 l300 105.29 1.033 170.31 1.102 187.32 1.171 198.34 1.240 209.36 1.308 220.39 1.377 231.40 1.440 242.42 1.515 253.44 1.584 264.46 1.653 275. 4.« 1.722 284.66 1.779 286.50 1.791 296.05 1.850 297.52 1.859 307.44 1.921 308..54 1.928 319.50 1.997 330.21 2.0C4 330.58 2.066 310 352.98 2.206 1 1 310 170.80 1.067 182 18 1.139 193.50 1.210 204.95 1.281 210.34 1.352 227 73 1.423 239.12 1.494 250.50 1.566 201.89 1.637 273.28 1.708 318.82 1.993 .341.00 2.135 For the New EngJand Farmer. TABLE OF MEASURES OP LAND. The rapid advances now being made in the sci- ence of agriculture, are very much aided by the spirit of ex])eriment, and by the rivalry induced by competition for the premiums offered at our yearly shows. The results of different experi- ments cannot be compared without a knowledge of the area of the land on which each crop was grown, and as it is not always convenient to plant just an acre, or half or quarter of an acre, it becomes desirable to have at hand such a ta- ble as is given above, for reference. It will en- able a person to use such a piece of land as he may happen to have, fit for the purpose, of any width or length given in the table, with the means to readily ascertain the area in square rods or square acres, in whole numbers and deci- mals. The table is used in about the same manner as an ordinary multiplication table, and though it occupies but about half the space usually given to those tables, yet it contains as much informa- tion as though made up in the square form. The multiplication of any number in the diagonal rows, into another number less than itself, is a mere repetition of work that has been done be- fore, and therefore this table is made up so that the square of a number in the diagonal rows, is the first result given in the table opposite or be- low that number. The darker figures represent the measurements in feet as taken on the ground. The area given in lighter figures is expressed in square rods by the upper number, and in square acres by the lower number. i There are two tables given above, having no connection with each other, except that the darker figures in the lower are in continuation of those in the upper at corresponding intervals. In the first table, the width of the piece of land, expressed in feet, must be looked for in the di- agonal row of darker figures, the length in the horizontal row of darker figures at the top. In the second table the icidtk must be looked for in the diagonal row of darker figures, and the length 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 81 in the vertical column of darker figures at the left. The area will be found below the one and opposite the other. Having ascertained the area of the piece of ground, and the quantity of the crop grown, the quantity per acre may be found as follows : Sup- pose the piece to measure 80 feet in width by 140 feet in length, the crop to be barley, and the quantity grown 288 quarts, — annex as many cy- phers to the number of quarts as there are decimal numbers in the area as given, and divide by the area. The result will be the number of quarts per acre ; divide by 32 and the result will be bushels. In this case the quantity being ex- pressed by 288, annexing four cyphers we have 2,880,000 ; dividing by 2571, we have 1120 quarts per acre ; divide by 32 and the result is 35 bush- els per acre. As by example : Area of a piece 80x140=: .2571, as taken from the taMe. Quantity 288 quarts. Annex four cyphers, and divide by .2571^2880000/1120 quarts. y2571 \. 3090 2571 5190 5142 Divide that result by 32 \1120./35. bushels. )^{ 160 1G3 The process would be the same if the quantity of the crop were expressed in bushels, pounds or tuns. If the quantity per square rod is sought, the same figures must be used, except that the quantity must be divided by the area in rods as expressed by the upper number in the table, in- stead of the area in acres, as expressed by the lower number. The quantity of the experimental crop should be measured in the smallest denomination that is practicable, to insure accuracy in the result per acre. If by dry measure, the crop may be meas- ured in quarts, if by weight, in pounds. The calculations required iu making up this table have been performed by our assistant, Mr. Wm. H. Foss, and to facilitate the work, he con- structed a small table, which can be used to re- duce any number of squai-e feet, small or large, to a corresponding value in rods or acres, with but little labor. The table will be given in a future number of the Farmer, and cannot fail to be of value to any one who is in the habit of making such reduc- tions. J. Herbert Suedd. Boston, Bee, 1858. The Horticulturist. — The number before us for Becember is an attractive one. Editor, contributors and publisher, have served up a good dish in good taste. The Editor's "Chat, Country Life, Men in Cold and Tropical Cli- mates," we found exceedingly interesting, per- haps because we have given considerable thought and investigation to the influences of climate upon cliaracter. The article upon "Manure for Fruit Trees— Where to Feed Fruit Trees," by our citizen, Wm. Bacon, of Richmond, is of that practical and valuable character which always give his articles interest. The one that follows, by E. NoRTOX, Farmington, Conn., upon the subject of "Pears on the Quince Stock," gives a pretty accurate history of a good many experi- ences that did not take place in the good old State of Connecticut. While the fact that a great many have been abundantly successful in the culture of the pear on quince stocks, it cannot be controverted that a still larger number have failed to meet with that success which their ex- pense and care would seem to justify. The article will unquestionably turn attention to the sub- ject, and lead to a more careful investigation of its merits. The whole number is a valuable one. EXTSACTS AND BEPLIBS. MILK BEFORE THE CALF. Mr. J. S. Marston, of North Hampton, N. H., has a heifer that, after giving a fair quantity of milk for five and a half months, has calved for the first time, the calf being fat and rugged. Is not this a rare circumstance ? s. D. B. Portsmouth, N. U., Bee, 1858- Remarks. — It is a rare circumstance. We have a fine three-year old heifer that we turned to pasture early in May last. She had never had a calf or given milk, to our knowledge, and we had owned her from the time she was six months old. On visiting her in one week from the time she was turned to pasture, we found her bag much distended, and milked upon the ground what we supposed to be four quarts of milk. There was no appearance in the animal, or in the milk, of her having dropt a calf. She was returned to the home pasture, and milked regularly until the middle of September, when she dropt a spright- ly, but small calf, at noon, having given her usual quantity of milk, on the morning of the same day! We have heard of such cases, but this is the only one that ever came under our own observa- tion. COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES AND THE STATE BOUNTY. If I am correctly informed, there are now four agricultural societies within the limits of what was the original Worcester County Society, and three within the limits of the original Middlesex Soci- ety, each of which receives from the treasury of the commonwealth 8000 annually, being $2400 in Worcester and $1800 in Middlesex — while die county of Essex pays as much as either of these counties, and receives only $600. This is unequal and unjust — and if this plan of subdividing soci- eties is continued, it will undermine and overturn the whole. I have been astonished that close cal- culating legislators have-not noticed the bearing 82 NEW ENGLAND FAE:MEII. Feb. of these discrepancies. I am friendly to the present agricultural organizations — and hope they wiH be sustained fairly and honorably — but no such in- equalities should exist. Dec. 15, 1858. _ FOUR years' observation OF MOWING MA- CHINES IN THE OLD COUNTY OF ESSEX. Mr. Humphrey, of Lancaster, one of the most beautiful towns of the county of Worcester, has given us his experience in the use of mowing machines, chiefly of the Ketchum stamp. He be- gins by saying that it took him one hour and a half to cut an acre of grass. Such has not been the experience of good laborers in the county of Essex. I can show you several, who with a me- dium-sized span of horses, weighing only 1000 lbs. each — have cut their acre an hour, yielding one ton and a half to the acre. This has l)een only their ordinary operation. If Mr. H. uses up an hour and a half in doing the same work, he is not fit to be a file leader in the use of mow- ing machines. I am too old and clumsy to do much myself, but I will name Levi A. Merrill, of Salem, and Horace Ware, of Marblehead, — and guarantee that either of them will do with their machines and their horses, twice as much as he has done, I have repeatedly seen them operate, and know whereof I speak. r. Essex Co., Dec. 20, 1858. Remarks. — If our correspondent will look at Dea. Humphrey's letter again, he will find that when it required an hour and a half to cut an acre of grass, it was in his first essay with the machine. Of the last season he says — "With one Irishman to trim out the borders after the ma- chine Avas done, occupying perhaps about one- fourth as much time as the machine, we have cut sixty-eight acres, and I think he has not worked more hours than he has cut acres." Indeed, Dea, Humphrey informed us that he had frequently cut an acre, and cut it well, in forty minutes. ELECTRICITY AND VENTILATION, I noticed some few weeks since, in your paper, a, communication signed by "Electricity," in re- gard to "Lightning not striking buildings that were M'ell ventilated." Will "Electricity," or any one else, explain through the Farmer why it is? What difierence is there on the outside of a building that is well ventilated, and one that is not, or why the building that is ventilated will not be struck by the bolt. Pdchmond, Me., 1858. Non-Electricity. AFRICAN BALD BARLEY. The sample of Bald Barley I send you is said to have come from seed brought from the gulches in the Himmaleh mountains, by a gentleman in "Virginia engaged in the African trade, I pro- cured three heads of him, which gave me 72 ker- nels ; these I planted 10 inches apart, and ob- tained 1300 heads. The grain grows rapidly, has a broad leaf, and beautiful blossom, and ripens early, I have never known the fly, rust or smut to trouble it. I think there will be no difliculty in raising 40, 50, or even 60 bushels per acre, on land that will produce 20 bushels of wheat or 40 of oats. When the wheat crop fails, the next best thing is good barley, and this, I feel confi- dent, must make flour nearly equal to wheat. Henry R. Hosford. Fawlet, Paitland Co., Vt., 1858. Remarks. — A warm barley cake, of rather» coarse meal, in a June m.orning, with butter only an hour out of the churn, is not bad to take. THE state house. As there are no strictly tvinter trees, or ever- greens, upon Boston Common, and probably will not be, through fear of their mutilation, I think that many persons would agree with me that two Norway Spruce, planted in the enclosures front of the State House, would add much to the beau- ty of its grounds in the summer, and more par- ticularly in the winter, when nothing green in inanimate nature is to be seen. D. w, L. FINE HOGS. Mr. F. Keith, of this place, slaughtered two pigs on the od inst. aged 13 mos. 20 days, whose weight was as follows : — male, GIO l!)s. (includ- ing loose fat:) female, 494 lbs. (including loose fat.) Mrs. K. has had entire charge of the ani- mals, and we think that they reflect great credit upon her management. F. G. North Easton, Afs., Dec. 13, 1858, BEAR TREE SEEDS. Can you give me information where the seeds of pear trees can be obtained ? Middleton, Vt., 1858, Elbridge Scholar. Remarks. — Nourse & Co., 13 Commercial Street, Boston, will supply you with pear tree seeds. SALT LEY. Will some of your correspondents inform me what is the value and the best mode of using salt ley, so called by the soap manufacturers? ' Harwich, 1858. N. u. V7ILIi SaiiPHUBIC ACID DISSOLVE BONE? In view of the many thousands of tons of su- perphosphate of lime manufactured and rendered soluble through the agency of sulphuric acid, and of the deserved honors conferred on the distin- guished Giessen Professor of Chemistry, who first suggested the use of oil of vitriol for dis- solving bones, it is almost startling to see the value of this acid for such purposes called in question from a chemical "laboratory," and by a teacher of the science. Prof. Gilham deserves the thanks of the public for giving his experience in this matter, for it is evident that the prepara- tion of bone manure is not so well understood as it ought to be, A practical Scotch farmer of large experience, Mr. Tenant, thus describes his process : "1 put 25 bushels of bones into three old boil- ers, and next pour in two bottles of acid of about 170 pounds each, and 3G Scotch pints (IS impe- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAIl]\IER. 83 rial gallons) of boiling water into each, boiler. It boils away at a great rate for some time, and in a day or two we empty the boilers into two cart loads of light mould, and turn the mixture over. At this stage the bones are only partial- ly dissolved, but they heat and decompose in the heap after being turned over three or four times ; and in the course of seven or eight weeks the compost becomes dry and breaks down with a shovel." Doubtless Prof. Norton saw many operations of this kind while a chemical^ student with Prof. Johnston. That the grinding of bones promotes the ready action of sulphuric acid in abstracting lime from phosphoric acid, no one doubts; but the strong- er affinity of sulphuric acid for lime than phos- phoric acid has, is dependent in no degree on the crushing of bones. The oil of vitriol, used by Prof. Gilham, may have been a weak and a poor article. The writer has often seen the common sulphuric acid of the shops behave precisely as is described by him under similar circumstances. He appears to have omitted the use of boiling water, as recommended by Prof. J. F. W. Johns- ton, an excellent practical chemist. His recipe is, to 100 pounds of bones, add an equal weight of boiling water, and immediately thereafter, 100 pounds of strong acid. The high heat evolved from the union of the acid and hot water, so ex- pands the fatty matter that surrounds the parti- cles of lime in the l)ones, as to permit the acid to reach them and effect new chemical combinations. The elevated temperature of an acidified bone compost for days and weeks, was entirely want- ing in the small laboratory experiments of Prof. G. They disprove nothing as against the chemi- cal action of the oil of vitriol under widely differ- ent circumstances. The error of Mr. Browne was hardly v/orth correcting, unless other greater misstatements of his relating to phosphates are also set right be- fore the public. As phosphates are important constituents in all home-made manures, and enter largely into the composition of most commercial fertilizers, I will say a few words more on the subject. — Country Oentlenian. DEEP TILIiAQB, A deep and thorough tillage is conducive to fruitfulness in crops ; yet it is never safe to turn up too large a portion of the subsoil at once. The work of deepening the vegetable stratum of soils should be consummated gradually ; a little of the substratum only being brought up at a time, — say from half to a third of an inch at each successive plowing, and so on till the soil has been stirred and improved to the depth required. Manure should be applied liberally, and lim.e sowed every time a fresh layer is brought to the surface. The fall is, perhaps, the most favorable season for this operation, as the soil will then experience the greatest benefit from the neutral- izing effect of the calcareous matter applied, and from the pulverulent and disintegrating influ- ence of the winter's frost. The quantity of lime required in this proces-s of amelioration will be best determined by a chemical examination of the subsoil in connec- tion with that of the surface earth. If of a cal- careous nature, very little lime will be required, and perhaps none ; but if this principle (lime) be present in only small quantities, it should be supplied, and caustic lime is the best article that can be used, though wood-ashes, in liberal quan- tities, produce very salutary effects. Fur the New England Fanner. EXHAUSTED SASTDY LANDS. Much has been said on the subject of improv- ing worn-out sandy land, or old fields. Much of that land was originally good rich soil, and the v*'ood was cut off by the first owners, and for one hundred years or more it has been con- stantly under cultivation, and being warm and fine land, it has been totally exhausted by abuse. The custom has been to plow it about four inch- es deep, and not manure it at all, take off such a crop of corn as they can get, and sow it down with rye, and perhaps, if convenient, throw in some hay chaft', and the surface is left to blow away during the winter and spring. After the rye is harvested it is suffered to lay three or fcur years, and then to go through the same process, and so on. Now, any one may see, that in time all of the alkaline and vegetable substances are taken up in the stalks of corn and rye, and noth- ing is left to reproduce them, and, of course, nothing will grow in such exhausted land, not even weeds. The only thing than can now be done, is, either to put on muck and manure, and plow deep to restore it to its primitive state, or to suffer it to grow up into a pine forest. The first can easily be done ; for in most places where sandy lands abound, peat swamps are at hand, and in the fall, large quantities of muck could easily be carted out, and in most cases it would benefit the swamp meadows to make w'd- er drains through them, and in such case obtcs-a two objects at once. , If this course of manuring and deep plowing is pursued, in a short time any kind of a crop could be obtained from the old fields ; large crops of grass, corn, rye, potatoes, turnips, melons, &c., could be produced — also a good orchard of apples, pears, peaches and cher- ries. I have seen such land as the above-named perfectly restored, and at the same time, more than doubly pay the expense while undergoing this renovating process. If it is desirable to let it go to wood, the best way is to plow the ground, and in the fall collect leaves and acorns or elm seed, and scatter them in the field and brush them over. If it is desira- ble, walnuts, chestnuts, beech or maple seeds could be sown. The ash, maple, or English syc- amore, and lime trees, make wood fast on low grounds ; the Scotch larch makes trees rapidly. I have trees of most of the above-named varieties only fifteen years old, that are from twenty to fifty feet high. To prevent the sand and soil from blowing off, it would be advisable to cut and put on brush over the surface, and by doing this, matter will collect instead of being blown away. When I 64 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. came to Brookline I purchased a gravel hill that produced neither grass nor weeds ; I put on mud all over it and plowed it in about a foot deep, and then cross-plowed it, and put on manure, about two cords to an acre, and plowed it again, and then harrovv'ed it, and then planted it with corn and potatoes and obtained good crops, more than enough to pay all the expense and trouble, and laid it down to grass, and have had a good crop of hay every year since. It does not dry up, as it formerly did ; the deep plowing prevented that trouble. Fifteen years since it was broken up, and it produces good crops now. It does not get heavy and cold as land does where muck has not been plowed in ; the value of muck is much great- er in gravelly or sandy land, than it is on clayey land. Sand and gravel are worth more than manure on clayey ground and meadows, espe- cially if it is intended to cultivate cranberries. S. A. Shurtleff. Spring Orove, Dec, 1858. For the New England Farmer. CLIMATE AND SOIL OP OBLEANS COUNTY, VT. Mr. Brown : — Though you have a considera- ble number of readers in this (Orleans county, Vt.,) I perceivi there are not a large number of writers for your pages. Having resided in this county nearly twenty years, and having, during that period, been several years engaged in the geological survey of the State, I have had a bet- ter opportunity to compare the soil in this with other portions of New England, and especially, other portions of Vermont, than, perhaps, any other person. I think it is of some importance, that the readers of the Farmer should be made acquainted with some facts in regard to our cli- mate and soil, of which many are probably igno- rant. This entire county lies north of forty-four degrees of latitude, but we are not, on that ac- count, so "buried up in snow" as the citizens of Massachusetts and southern New England might suppose. It is, indeed, a very rare thing, that we are incommoded with snow or drifts, so as to impede travel or prevent business during any part of the winter. Frosts have been later, usually, in autumn than they have in Worcester county. . You mention frost that injured cran- berries, &c., last fall, a month earlier, near Bos- ton, than we had in this county. Tomatoes were green in my garden, both last year and the year: before, till about the first of October. This isi not uncommon. The soil of a large portion of Orleans and' Caledonia counties is made by the decomposition of the calcareous mica slates which constitute the rock in place. These slates are an inter- 1 stratification of clay-slate, lime-slate and horn- blend. The rock is very friable, and decomposes so rapidly that there is a good deep soil now, where the ledges appeared on the surface twenty years ago. The lime, clay, silex and mica are so well mixed that they furnish in great abundance the elements required by vegetation, especially wheat, barley, grass, corn and oats. Should the soil ever deteriorate, we have immense quanti- ties of the richest variety sphagnous muck, much of which lies above shell marl, in the beds of an- cient ponds and beaver meadows. This marl, when converted to lime and mixed with the muck, makes a manure worth from fifteen to twenty per cent, more than cow-dung. I have taken pains to survey most of the muck-beds in one town, and ascertained that there were more than 730 cords for every acre of land in the town. Many other towns are equally well supplied. This will, in future ages, therefore, be a rich farming territory, when the "German Flats" and Western prairies have become impoverished. There are found few resources for supplying what is transported from those regions by the export of wheat, beef, pork, &c. There is a f'onstant drain of the richest elements of the soil, which in time must produce the same effect now ex- perienced in Virginia and some portions of New England. In this portion of Vermont are re- sources adequate to prevent any impoverishing of the soil for scores of centuries. If you foot up the number of cattle and sheep from Vermont, taken to Brighton and Cambridge, as reported in the Farmer, for a year, you will find that the little State of Vermont furnishes more at those markets than all the rest of New England. This, to many, has been surprising. The question is often asked, "How is this possi- ble ?" Perhaps a few facts obtained from the president of the County Agricultural Society, a few years since, may aid in answering that ques- tion, and also show the productiveness of our soil. "I have in grass thirty-five acres, from which I wintered last winter four large oxen, ten cows and ten two-year olds, two horses, three colts, one, two and three year olds and twelve sheep, and sold two or three tons of hay. I raised 300 bushels of oats, 125 bushels of corn and eigh- teen bushels of wheat." The stock was fully equal to forty cows ! The amount of straw, Sec, fed out, was only what is common on a farm of 100 acres. S. R. Hall. Brownington, Vt., 1859. For the New England Farmer. APPLICATION OF MANUKE. Mr. Editor: — In the first place, should not every farmer consider what the crop is to which he can apply his manure to the best profit, wheth- er it will be to increase his hay, or corn, or the small grains. If his farm is one better adapted to hay than grain, that is, if he has a large pro- portion of low land or swale hay, then it would seem best for him to apply his manure for rais- ing grain ; but if otherwise, he should have a greater proportion of upland hay, which needs the manure to keep that crop good, then it ap- pears that here is the crop needing the most stim- ulant. Now let us consider what per cent, each crop gets, in the common way of applying our manures. If we spread and plow in all our ma- nure for the first crop, say for corn, which is gen- erally allowed to take fifty per cent, the first year, and then sow down to grain and grass the sec- ond year, which is allowed to take twen*y-five per cent, of the remainder of the strength of the manure, — then we have only twenty-five per cent, left of all our manures for the succeeding grass crops, which, if there be four of those 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 85 crops, as is commonly the case, then we have only six and a quarter per cent, yearly, of all our ma- nures, for four crops of hay. According to these calculations, is it any won- der that we have light crops of hay, when we consider that some of our old fields have thus been managed for the last half-century or more? If this theory be correct, it is certain that we are spending a larger portion of our manures on the grain than on the grass crops. This may be the best course to pursue, but will depend on circumstances ; if the amount of grain we pro- duce can be converted by the least expense into that which will re-produce the most from the farm, then it is best to cultivate the land for those crops ; but for some farmers, no doubt hay will be the crop for them in preference to any other. T. G. Holbrook. Bedford, N. II., Dec, 1858. For the New England Farmer. * THE COBN HARVEST. 0, saw you the golden-earej corn, As the tusbandman gathered it in, When he rose in the purpling morn To garner his treasures of grain .' The seed which his generous hand Had strown in the spring o'er the plain, Had grown ujjon his furrowed land, 'Hid the sun and the dew and the rain ; 'Til' the autumn had chilled with its cold, The insect that bathed in sun-light, And robed in gay beauties untold, The wind-waved forests so bi'ight O, heard you that mellow-toned song, Gushing up from the husbandman's breast, As it echoed the hill-side along. And waked them all smiling from rest .' The West may boast her rich gold, And the East her wines and her oil. But the husbandman's treasures unfold When he coaxes his corn from the soil. Nef Ipficich, Dec. 21, 1858. w. D. l. For the New England Fanner. TH3IJ MASCOMMA VALLEY. Mr. Editor : — It may not be uninteresting to a portion of your readers to hear something of this beautiful valley, situated, as it is, in the mountainous region of Grafton county, N. H., and lying in the towns of Lebanon and Enfield ; it is only some 14 miles in length, not very wide at any point ; but it is rich and productive, and the farmers in this valley are independent ; they stand upon their own acres, and can boast of as good farms, as good crops and as good stock as the farmers of any other valley in the State of New Hampshire. In the month of August last, I passed through that portion of this beautiful re- gion lying between Lebanon Centre and George Hill in Enfield, and was filled with admiration at the rich gifts of Nature which were displayed to the traveller. Beautifully undulating lands, clad with all the varieties of majestic trees, shooting into the air, while here and there meandering crystal streams were seen gliding onward to the bosom of Lake Mascomma and the Connecticut river: T ♦v.nnrrVit {t the mnsf, beautiful inland! country I ever beheld. At some points on either side of the valley, mountains throw up their gran- ite peaks high into the air, descending abruptly or gracefully towards the Little Mascomma river. At other points, the land rises in long undula- tions, affording occasional and delightful views of the scenery — the bright river runs like a natural mirror, now meandering through the plain, and now peeping forth from the delightful shade of a thick grove — the white farm-houses with the neat- looking out-houses, the sheep basking on the dis- tant hills, the lowing of the herd in the adjacent field, the merry song of the farmer as he gaily plied the rake or bound in sheaves the rich re- ward of the husbandman's toil, formed a view, which, to my eye, was truly delightful. There are thriving and beautiful little villages in this valley that are deserving of note; the first in order, as we pass from the Connecticut eastward, is Lebanon Centre. This is a business place, traversed by the Northern Railroad, sui-- rounded with a good farming country, pleasantly situated, tastefully laid out, and has become a place of considerable wealth. About three and a half miles from this place, at the north-western extremity of Lake Mascom- ma, is situated the village of East Lebanon, a brisk little place of business, with its complement of farmers, merchants and mechanics requisite to make it what it really is, a smart New England village. The next place worthy of note, as I parsed along the western shore of this beautiful lake, (after passing the submerged bridge which crosses the lake at a point near its centre,) is the village of the Enfield Shakers ; here are ele- gance, neatness and convenience combined. I certainly never saw a place where such perfect order and neatness prevailed. The grounds are laid out M'ith the utmost exactness, the build- ings and fences of the best materials, built in the most thorough manner, and kept in the best repair. The whole appearance manifests the watchful care of the prudent and experienced managers. Next in order come the three little villages o. Enfield, called North-End, Centre and Fish Mar- ket. These three villages united, would make one large village. The centre village presents quite a lively appearance, containing one meet- jing-house, two stores, and all the various me- chanical trades necessary to make a flourishing place. The view from the south-eastern extremity of the valley is magnificent, and especially from the residence of T. J. Colby, Esq., on George Hill, an elevation of several hundred feet, and over- looking the valley on the north-west, presenting a scene of wood-land and meadow, lofty summits, gentle slopes, cottage and farm-houses, church spires, with the lofty old elms, and the more symmetrical sugar maple, groves of hemlock and small pines, spruce and fir, shading the distant and nearer landscapes, and forming a scene fit for the hand of an experienced writer. In the distance stretches the beautiful Mascomma Lake, elevated more than one thousand feet above the level of the sea, in the towns of Lebanon and Enfield, and is one of the loveliest and most ro- mantic lakes in New England, for the beauty of its situation, its irregular shores, indented Avith 86 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Eeb. numerous coves, creeks and inlets, and imbedded in the midst of magnificent hills and lofty moun- tains. It may justly vie in beauty and grandeur with Winnipissiogee or Lake George, or with the more celebrated and far famed Scottish lakes Katrine and Lomond. There is much more that might be written about this region, and its industrious inhabitants. Perhaps at some future time I may have some- thing to say about my own Suijar River Valley. W.tj. A. Clinton. Claremonf, N. IL, Dec, 18oS. AMMONIA. This substance, which performs a very impor- tant part in the economy of vegetable devel- opment and growth, is always found in rain- water, dew and snow, particularly in the vicin- age of cities and densely populated districts, where ammonia is profusely generated by decom- posing matters. It is a volatile substance, and unless absorbed and fixed by some article capa- ble of attracting and retaining it, passes into the atmosphere, and is lost. That it actually abounds in rain water as it descends from the heavens, and in no inconsiderable quantity, may be de- monstrated by simply distilling a few gallons, and mixing the first two or three pounds distilled with a little muriatic acid. A very distinct and beautiful crystallization of muriate of ammonia, or sal ammonia, v!i\\ thus be formed, the crystals having a dark or brownish color. If a small quantity of muriatic acid be added to a quantity of rain water, and the mixture evaporated to dryness over a hot fire, the am- monia will remain as a residuum, in combination with the sulphuric acid. It may be detected by adding a little pulverized limi*, which will com- bine with the acid, and the ammonia will be set free. In this state, it is easily detected by its pungent smell. As to fixers, a recent writer on agricultural chemistry remarks : — "For this purpose charcoal is probably one of the most efficient and valuable articles known, as it is capable, under ordinary circumstance, of absorbing ninety limes its weight of ammoniacal gas, which it retains until it is freed and washed into the soil by rain. Here, partly, no doubt, by the voltaic action of the spongioles, it is conveyed into the vegetable sys- tem and circulation, and becomes the principal source of nitrogen, so indispensable to vegetable health and growth. Gypsum, another valuable article, is also a powerful fixer, and is highly val- uable a? an application, on all soils, especially those that are dressed with animal substances, which in the process of decomposition evolve considerable quantities of ammonia, and which, like charcoal, it serves to fix and retain for the benefit of the growing crop." Urate is evolved or given out by putrid urine, and by stable dung in a state of fermenta- tion. It is always a colorless product, and dis- tinguished by a peculiarly pungent odor. When dissolved in water, it is known as "harisJiorn.' It is volatile in a very remarkable degree, pos- sesses the common properties of soda and pot- ash, and combines read.ly, as we have already shown, with acids. Its eilects upon vegetation, are very marked. For fixing and economizing this volatile and highly important product of de- composition, gypsum, or plaster of paris, as it is more commonly denominated, possesses n very high degree of value. It was formerly supposed that gypsum operated merely as a stimulant when applied to vegetables ; but in his very ele- gant and elaborate work. Professor Liebig has presented a solution of its action, which experi- ence, we have no doubt, will demonstrate to We correct. According to his views, carbonate of ammonia, which is known to be present in rain-water, and in itself a most energetic and salutary agent in the production of vegetable phenomena, is at- tracted and decomposed by gypsum, and soluble sulphate of ammonia and carbonate of lime formed. As this salt of ammonia possesses no volatility, it is, of course, retained in the soil, and eff'ectually economized for the use of plants. Both the above salts, however, have a decidedly beneficial influence upon the humus of the soil, and, by a specific action, tend to advance its preparation as a soluble food of plants. For the New England Farmer. MANUBES— COMPOSTING AND EX- POSING. Mr. Editor : — I was pleased with the commu- nication from Mr. Collamore, in the Farmer of December 18th. He quotes from my communi- cation of November 27, as follows :"forty years among the corn crops." I wrote it as follows, "forty years' labor among corn crops." There is a great difference in spending forty years among crops of corn, and laboring forty years among corn crops. The laborer has greatly the advantage over a mere proprietor, in noticing failures among the diflferent crops. Mr. C. asks some eight questions, two or more of them being double ones. These questions par- take somewhat of the process of dodging'respon- sibility. When Mr. C. says I am "mistaken," and "blind," he should produce some experimen- tal argument to convince me that I was in error, and could not see. I had not the most distant thought about "converts," when I wrote my ex- perience, and I venture to prophecy that in less than twenty years very many farmers will be ready to give just such "advice," and "give their manure the benefit of both sun and rain." Mr. C. asks, "has it never occurred to him, that he could compost his manure?" I wrote about composted manure, and supposed it was so un- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 87 (lerstood all through my communication ; and this I fully believe can be done better out of the cellar than in. Mr. C. is informed in this, as well asmyformer communication, that I have "learned that the caustic qualities of powerful manures v.'ill prevent the germination of seeds." He in- quires if I am in earnest in recommending this theory ; if he will take away the word "ruinous," I answer I am in earnest, and have practiced it for forty years. I think my labor has not been wholly vain in the corn-field , and should I be permitted to slumber, as did Van Winkle, I fully believe that when I awake, I shall find the barn cellars occupied for a diflTerent purpose than the composting of manures. What surprises me the most, is his first paren- thesis, "And I think you, Mr. Editor, must have a large share of moral courage to publish it." Was Mr. C. serious, when he penned that ? Did he think an editor had no other attribute than courage ? and if he has other attributes, does he think that the reason of his publishing my arti- cle was to try his courage ? If farmers acted from a sense of duty, I believe we should often record our failures, for the benefit of others. I hope we shall have both sides of this subject dis cussed in the Farmer, as the sooner we know the truth, the better. Robert Mansfield. West Needliam, Mass., Dec, 1858. For the New England Farmer. CUTTING STALKS OF CORN. Mr. Editor : — I am pleased to have my re- marks on the "cutting of corn-stalks" noticed by a man so sensible as Mr. Emerson, of Hollis, appears to be. Without the honor of his per- sonal acquaintance, I judge him to be a man of good sense, fi'om his style of writing. In years gone by I have known many reliable men of Hol- lis, and among others I presume I knew the fa- ther of Mr. Emerson, when he attended market at Salem, as many of the inhabitants of that town were accustomed to, with their loads of barrels ; and when these loads came together, we were accustomed to look upon it as a sign of rain. His experiment of cutting eight rows of stalks, and leaving other eight rows similarly situated uncut, is a perfectly fair one. And if he found, as he says he did, more soft, unripe corn where the stalks were not cut than where they were cut, this would go far to show that it is best to cut them. Another reason why it is better to cut them than not, is, the stalks themselves are more valuable. But the chief reason is, that the corn ripens better; the ear being the object for which it is grown, and not the stalk. I have heard it said if the stalks were left on, the juice of it would settle into the kernel and increase the weight of it ; but this is theory only ; I have no confidence in the fact. Essex. December 25, 1858. Grinding Feed. — "If a machine was invented to grind hay," says the London Farmers^ Maga- zine, "the ground article would approximate in value to ungro^ind oats in producing fat and muscle." Chopping hay and stalks is the pro- cess that comes nearest to grinding, and relieves the animal of just so much labor as it takes to do it. Twenty-five pounds of dry hay a day is a good deal of work for the muscles of one pair of jaws, if they have the whole burden of its reduc- tion to small bits and powder ; this labor afl'ects the whole system, like other labor, retarding the animal's growth and rendering more food neces- sary to supply the waste of its tissues. The same reasoning applies to grinding other food for stock. — Country Gentleman. Fur the New England Farmer. AGHICULTUKAIj pkogeess—mam- MOTH FARM COMPANY. Messrs. Editors :— In the N. E. Farmer of the 18th Dec. is a communication with the above caption by Wilson Flagg. Notwithstanding Mr. Flagg's able and well-written article, he does not convince me that there is danger to the small, independent farmer, growing from the formation of the "Mammoth Farm Company," in V/estern New York. How that operating with steam im- plements on the prairies at the West, can prove "destructive to the prosperity of individual farm- ers" at the East, or any where else, I have not the sagacity to see. The productions of the West are generally the very articles which New England does not produce in sufficient quanti- ties for her own consumption. From the West and South very few articles are transported to New England which are produced in it as sur- plus. The more grain, pork, cotton, sugar, mo- lasses, rice, sweet potatoes and other articles of warm climates, and the cheaper they come to us, the better, if the raisers are remunerated. And for me, I am under the least apprehension that this "Mammoth Company" can monopolize the farming business, in the least degree to the in- jury of the small, independent farming interest in the Eastern and Northern States, however it may operate upon them on the prairies at the West. The plov/ is the only "mammoth implement" to which steam could be advantageously applied ; that being the case, other farm operations must be conducted in the usual way, as on small farnvs, with horses, oxen and hand laborers. I hope, for the benefit of the farmers at the West, and all the consumers at the East, West, North and South, that the steam plow will prove successful in capsizing the surface of the indurated prairies, and fully realize the expectation and confirm the hopes of the "Mammoth Farm Company," in plowing those stubborn prairies which require so much animal power to perform. The fear of injury to the small, independent farmer in the Eastern and Northern States, that creates such apprehensions in the mind of Mr. Flagg, I think must subside, when he takes into consideration the difficulty and expense of purchasing the small farms, leveling the ground, clearing away the rocks, straightening the brooks, draining the swamps, and above all, of procuring manure to enrich this chaos of gravel, clay, sand, mud and other mineral matter, to make it productive. For one, I would as soon invest my capital in Vermont Central Railroad bonds, or go into a South Sea speculation, as invest money as a stock- holder in a "mammoth farm" in any part of the Union. Silas Browk. North Wilmington, Dec, 1858. 88 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. For the Ncic England Farmer. MATSEIALS FOB HOOFING. I notice in the Farmer of Oct. 16th a •well- written article on this subject; also, another in the number dated Dec. Uth, in which are set forth some facts, and in my opinion some errors ; and as but few, comparatively, are well acquaint- ed with the article of roofing slate, the public mind might be led astray, from some remarks that have been made in previous articles on this subject, and more especially those in the October number, from the pen of llusticus. I deem it my duty to at least give my opinion, and the reasons for the same, and let the people judge for themselves. That slate is the best material for roofing, there is no doubt in my mind, reasons for which were given by my brother llusticus. In regard to the strength of slates, Rusticus sets forth that a slate to have strength must ne- cessarily be composed of such properties as will fade, which theory must be carried out, if we ad- mit that the Glen Lake and the Eagle slate are the best. I admit, as Rusticus says, that there are slate that are soft, brittle, and do not fade, which cannot be split thin on account of their tenderness. I mean more particularly those he mentions, or the Western Vermont. There are also hard slate, so brittle that they cannot be split thin, A slate need not necessarily be hard or soft to split well. I am more or less acquaint- ed with the slate from more than twenty quar- ries in the vicinity of Hydeville and Fairhavenj and this fact I have observed among these slate, that both the hard and soft have their good and bad qualities for splitting. Slate, to split well, must not be soft, like clay, or chalk, nor hard and brittle, like cast iron, or glass, but be of pure, fine quality, solid and elastic. Good splitting slate, both hard and soft, will bend apart in splitting some of the largest sizes, some six inches or more. As to the question whether the color has any thing to do with the strength of slate, I am will- ing to take Rusticus on his own ground. He says the Welsh slates are a standard, and the Glen Lake are equal to them except in color. Why must the Vermont slates fade in order to give them strength, any more than the standard Welsh slates ? Slates fade in consequence of the metallic properties of which they are composed. Those composed of iron will fade and rust, while those composed of lead or copper will remain for ages unchanged. A good splitting slate that fades is better than a tender slate that will not fade, but a slate that is both strong and never fades is better than either. Such as these are made at a quarry within two miles of Hydeville and Fairhaven de- pots, and within one mile of the quarries of the Eagle and Forest Slate Co., owned by William L. Farnam ct Son. This quarry yields a variety of colors, the t^^p layers are beautiful, light varie- gated colors, while those below are dark variega- ted or clouded purple, and still farther down are a fine purple, capable of being split sixty or sev- enty to the foot. As another instance of the splitting properties of this stone, blocks from six to ten feet long by two or more in width, can easily be split the thickness of one-fourth of an inch or less. These are softer than those of Glen Lake, the Eagle or the Forest Slate Co.'s, equal in strength and su- perior in fineness of texture, evenness of surface and duration of color, and in no respect inferior to any Welsh slate. Another Subscriber. December, 1858. MILK STAND AND BUTTER-WOKKEE. We are permitted again to copy from Flint's admirable work on "Milch Cows and Dairy Farming," and place before the dairyman or wo- man a representation of an excellent mode of setting away milk, and also a convenient form of a butter worker. Milk should never be set on the bottom of a cellar, if the object is to raise the cream. The cream will rise in time, but rarely or never so quickly as on shelves from five to eight feet from the bottom around which a free circulation of pure air can be had from the latticed windows. It is, perhaps, safe to say that as great an amount of better cream will rise from the same milk in tweleve hours on suitable shelves, six feet from the bottom, as would be obtained directly on the bottom of the same cellar in twenty-four hours. Fio. I. — Milk Stand. One of the most convenient forms for shelves in a dairy-room designed for butter-making is represented in Fig. 1, made of light and seasoned wood, in an octagonal form, and capable d hold- ing one hundred and seventy-six pans of the or- dinary form and size. It is so simple and easily constructed, and so economizes space, tfeat it may readily be adapted to other and smaller rooms for a similar purpose. If the dairy-house is near a spring of pure and running water, a small stream can be led in by one channel and taken out by another, and thus keep a constant circulation under the milk-stand, which may be so constructed as to turn easily on the central post, so as often to save many footsteps. The pans designed for milk are generally made 18.59. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 89 be, on the whole, the best and most economical, and subject to fewer objections than most other materials. 'Jlazed earthen ware is often used, the chief objection to it being its liability to ureak, and its weight. It is easily kept clean, however, and is next in value to tin, if not, in- deed, equal to it. A tin skimmer is commonly used, somewhat in the form of the bowl of a spoon, and pierced with holes, to remove the cream. In some sections of the country, a large white clam-shell is very commonly used instead! of a skimmer made for the purpose, the chief ob-j jection to it being that the cream is not quite so] carefully separated from the milk. I -BcTi^E Worker The butter-worker with a marble top, is an im- portant addition to the implements of the dairy. It effects the complete removal of the butter- milk, without the necessity of bringing the hands in contact with it. Applf. Grove Family School, Sandwich, Mass. — We feel quite confident that parents who place their children under the charge of Mrs. E. Gould Wing, the Principal of this School, will find every advantage for them in the way of ac- quiring an education for them that they desire. EXTRACTS AND HEPLIES. BAKNS — CLAPBOARDS OR BATTENS — TIE-UPS. I am about building a barn, and am puzzled to know whether to clapboard it, to have my boards matched or baitened with strips some three or four inches wide. Those who have buildings covered with matched boards complain that the tongues shrink from the grooves. I am inclined to try the battens, but am assured that, being ap- plii-d to the sappy edges of the boards, they pre- vent them from drying when wet, and thus cause them to rot. What advice have you, or any of your corresjjondents, for me ? Furthermore, shall I locate my cattle tie-up upon the north side of my barn, from whence the manure will fall into the back part of the cellar, or shall I place it in the south side, where the an- imals it would seem might l)e more comfortable, but the manure more exposed to the weather ? Upon examining several barns in a part of the country where greater care is manifested in the selection of good models than in this vicinity, I find that a great diversity of opinion prevails up- on these points. I notice, however, that when any pnrticular plan is adopted, it having cost the projector no little head work, he is very reluctant to admit that the child of his adoption is not pretty near perfection, at least as good as any of his neigh- bors. A Subscriber. JDanvers, Bee. 28, 1858. Remarks. — We should use the battens, but not upon "wany-edged" boards. We have never known the edges of boards to decay under the batten to make such a course objectionable. Tie the cattle on the north side, by all means ; otherwise you so obstruct the barn cellar as to make it almost valueless for any purpose but that of keeping the manure. There is no settled opinion yet, as to what the best arrangement for a barn is. INJURED HORSES. Will you or any of your subscribers Inform me whether a horse receiving a cut by a dull instrument, like the step of a wagon, one of the cords being cut oft', will recover so as to be fit for future use ; and also, whether a horse, with sprung forward ankles, will recover and if any of you know of any thing to assist na- ture in the recovery of each. Taunton, 1859. R,EMARKS. — We do not think a horse so in- jured will recover so as to be of any service. A horse with "sprung ankles" or knees, is able to perform a good deal of slow work. SULPHUR FOR CATTLE. I was gratified to see an article in your paper of Nov. 13th, on the use of stdpliur for stock, ta- ken from the Ohio Valley Farmer, which I con- sider worth to a common farmer what he pays for the paper, (if properly used.) There are many things rendered valueless by misapplication. I use quite a quantity of sulphur every season among my stock. My way of using sulphur among my cattle is as follows : I melt lard with a little sulphur, double a piece of candle wicking a few times, draw it through the melted lard and tie it round my calves' necks, and let them wear it. I give my cattle sulphur once a day for three days, then omit three days, so continue to do un- til I give it nine days, then omit two weeks. One teaspoonful a dose for a calf, a large spoonful for a full-grown animal. I give it at night on their provender, and keep my stock housed, that it may better operate on the surface of the animal. I find by giving it a little more freely for a few weeks, before turning to pasture, it supersedes the necessity of bleeding, and makes the ca'tle more healthy during the season. Deerfield, Mass., 1858. Apollos Clary. Remarks. — The reference which our corres- pondent makes to the old practice of bleeding cattle in the spring, and of cidting offtlieir tails, 90 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. at any time when fancy suggests it, affords us the opportunity of asking again, what this blood-let- ting and mutilation are for ? It is said the end of the animals' tail is soft, and therefore, un- healthy. Is it so ? We are inclined to think it will be found diseased when it it is as hard as a rake tail and as unbending as a hoe handle. It was made soft and flexible, or it would not have answered the purpose for which it was intended It is just as sensible to cut off a teat, or an ear, as the tail. If the animal is sick, administer prop- er remedies, but do not deprive it of those parts of its body which its Creator intended should be used as one of its means of protection, as well as give it those fair proportions which make it pleas- ant to the eye of man. So of the barbarous custom of bleeding cattle in the spring. What is it for ? Cattle are not usuflly sick in the spring, that have been well fed and tended during the winter, and if they have not received this treatment, and are thin and lousy and weak, do not deprive them of what little vitality they have by bleeding them '. but rather administer in liberal doses, good red-top hay, a few sliced roots daily sprinkled with a quart of sweet corn meal, and let the patient par- take freely of good cold water, and bathe fre- quently in the warm beams of the sun, and out of the wind. Then apply gentle friction frequent- ly with a soft card and brush, and you Mill soon become sensible of a rapid improvement. That gallon of blood ivhich you did not take away, has been stimulated to action by your generous diet, so that the hair has become sleek, the skin soft and eyes bright, and every part of the animal would say to you if it had a tongue — "I thank you, sir ; I thank you, sir ; I had no blood to spare, I merely wanted something to eat." BUCKWHEAT AND CLOVER ON SANDY LAND. I have a piece of plain land that I wish to break up next spring, as it is infested with that plague, the ox eye daisy. I should like to sow buckwheat. Will it do to sow clover with the buckwheat, harvest the buckwheat, and plow the clover in another year, and repeat ? AVill it ex- terminate the daisy ? R. Butler. Spencer, Mass., 1858. Remarks. — The operation you describe will probably keep the daisy down, so long as you continue to cultivate — but would not exterminate the seed. If you get a good crop of clover, it will be much better to cut it and let it wilt be- fore plowing it under. The principal value which the clover contains, is in its sugar and starch. When it is plowed under in its green state, it •goes into rapid fermentation and decomposition, and the sugar and starch are thrown off in the form of gas. But if wilted, the process will be slow, and all that is valuable in it secured to the fatal disease among cattle. As I have a disease amongst my stock, I would like some information, what it is, and the cure for it. I have lost four cows since they came up to hay ; the ones that have died all ran together in the fall feed, in which there was some swamp. Those that did not run in the same mowing, are now well. In the first place, their bags are hot and their milk dries up ; they are dumpish, run at the eyes and nose a corrupted matter of a yel- lowish color ; their eyes turn white when they are first taken, but before they die they are blood- shotten. They live three or four days, and some- times a week, from the time they are taken, and then die. The same disease is amongst other stock in the neighborhood.; there has been fif- teen head of cattle that have died near by me within a short time of this disease. Windham, Dec, 1858. Benjamin S.Bemis. Remarks. — We cannot tell from the symp- toms described, what the disease is that is tak- ing off the cattle at such a rate. Perhaps some of our readers may recognize it, and be able to recommend a remedy. SOUTH DOWN SHEEP. Mr. E. K. Danfortii, of South Newberry, Vt., wants to purchase some pure South Down Sheep. floors of horse stables. Will you, Mr. Editor, or some of your corres- pondents, inform me whether the floor of a horse stable should be level or incline ? If incline, how much ? w. D. L. For the New England Farmer. THE WORLD OF THOUGHT. The intelligence of man, which forms his crowning excellence, is an emanation from the Divine JNlind, and thus of characteristic cl'^vnents and always active. Ever during his conscious existence are its powers employed in thought ; thought succeeding thought without perceivable connection, yet each suggested by its relation to the one preceding. The ti ains of ideas or thought depend much on the culture and development of mind, with its habits and peculiarities, and circumstances in life. 'The thoughts of the ig- norant man are grovelling ; tending to animal- ism. Nature, in all her glorious forms, he ad- mires only as ministering to sensual wants. Thought is limited to the narrow circuit which forms his sphere in life. But the educated mind, on thought's airy wings, finds throughout Na- ture's limitless domain, beauty and happiness. No two minds are alike constituted, nor there- fore of the same thoughts. But this difference, with the degrees of mental culture, the influence of various occupations and circumstances in life, forms a world-wide diversity. A case of murder presented to a lawyer, physician, and clergyman, would suggest to each a train of thought in har- mony with his profession. And any subject, pre- sented to a number of persons, will be viewed by each from his own stand-point, appearing in differ- ent form and arrayed in different colors. To this 1859, NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 91 fact may be traced the cause of many conten- tions. The mind being ever occupied, considers an infinite number of subjects, flowing incessantly through its avenues of communication with the external world. It may detain, and concentrate its powers on one, or allow all to float on, find- ing its pleasures in novelty. Looking inward it may gaze on memory's stores, or on wings of imagination soar out in the boundless future. Youth lives in the future, old age in the past, and all in both. Turning our eyes toward that untried world, we are dazzled by visions of beauty and happi- ness. The gentle breeze wafts to us pleasing odors. The star of hope sheds kindly beams on our pathway, and we fondly dream it winds only through flowery meads, shady gro%-€s, and by murmuring rivuiets. Perchance memory comes, gently takes us by the hand and leads us along down the past. We review the scenes of child- hood, visit our early home, the favorite haunts of youth, and gaze once more on the happy faces of those we loved. Our first great grief comes fresh before us, as she leads us to the silent room, and we gaze on a loved one struggling in death. We again see the cold form shrouded for the grave — take the last fond look — and follow with breaking heart to its last resting-place. Though the mind meditates on the past and present ; speculates on the future ; considers the evil and the good ; things earthly and things heavenly ; is absorbed in its own passions or emotions ; or dwells much in the world without ; yet man has the power of subjecting his thoughts to his will. Let him, then, beware! For, "as a man thinketh, so (s he." Vi/'ayland, Dec. 20. L. H. Sherman. TO MAKE GOOD "WINTEK BUTTEK. At the annual meeting of the JefiFerson Coun- ty Agricultural Society, at Watertown, on the 14th of January, a tub of superior winter-made butter was exhibited by Mr. Daniel Parker, of that town, for which a premium was awarded by the discretionary committee. "The butter," says the Nortliern Journal, "was quite as yellow as much of the fall-made sent to market, and the flavor so fine that we obtained of Mr. Parker the mode of manufacture. He states that as soon as he has finished milking, the pails of milk are set into kettles of boiling water, where they are al- lowed to remain thirty minutes, then the milk is strained into pans and allowed to stand until the cream is ready to be taken off, which will depend upou the temperature of the room in which it is set. Before churning, the cream must be kept in a warm room at least twelve hours ; then it will require churning less than an hour. He washes his butter immediately after taking it out of the churn, and at the same time salts it. His cows had been fed on clover hay, without grain or roots, for six weeks previous to the time of mak- ing this sample. Butter made in this way is per- fectly sweet, of a good color, and will bring from two to four cents per pound more in market, than that manufactured in the ordinary way. It is worthy the attention of farmers." NET T/WEIGHT OF HOGS. At this season the following table for deter- mining the net by the gross weight of bogs, mav be useful to dealers in pork. It is based upon the Kentucky rule, that is, for 200 lbs. gross nett deduct 26 lbs. ; for the second 100 lbs. subtract 12.^ lbs., and for the third 100 lbs. deduct Qh lbs. All over 300 lbs. is calculated as net : 100 gross will net 75 105 79 110 83 115 88 120 92 125 96 130 101 135 105 140 110 145 114 150 118 155 122 160 127 165 131 170 136 175 140 180 143 185 149 190 153 195 158 200 162 205 167 210 174 215 178 220 181 9->T 184 200... . IBO 235... 195 240 % 0 245 209 250 214 255 2l8 260 223 265 228 270 232 277 237 280 212 285 2-16 290 251 295 2 0 l^" Dr. E. Holmes, Editor of the Maine Far- mer, has been elected President of the Maine Pomological and Horticultural Society, and D. A. Fairbanks, Augusta, Secretary ; and Russell Eaton, Publisher of the Farmer, Augusta, Treas- urer and Librarian. COMPARA.TIVE VALUE OF ROOTS. Mr. Editor: — Will you, or some of your readers, inform me what is the comparative value of roots for cattle and hogs ? There are many farmers that practice feeding roots that have never made any accurate esti- mate of their value, compared with different kinds of grain, hay, &c. In conversation with a gentleman upon this subject he said, that he had practiced feeding his horse with eight quarts of oats and eight quarts of carrots a day, and that he performed more labor and was in better condition than when fed sixteen quarts of oats a daj\ In this case a bushel of carrots is equal in value to a bushel of oats. What is the value of ruta bagas, carrots, beets, parsnips and potatoes, compared with rye, oats, peas, barley, buckwheat, corn and hay, when fed to cattle and hogs ? I want to investigate this subject, and take this course, hoping to receive information from those who have made accurate experiments ; and any such information will be gratefully received by a Subscriber. Fort Fairfield, June 23, 1858. Note. — We have several times given state- ments of chemists and others, of their experi- ments to ascertain the comparative value of the diflPerent roots and other substances used for fod- der— good hay being the standard. In No. 21, Vol. 24, we published the following editorial upon this subject, which may give some light to our friend by way of an answer to his queries : It is a great object to the farmers of Maine to raise a supply of the best kinds of fodder for their stock during the winter. Hay, we all know, 92 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. is the great dependence — the staple material for this purpose, but there are many other crops ^vhich can be raised to advantage among us, and ^vhich are very valuable for furnishing food to stock, and thereby saving hay. In order to ascertain the real value of these crops for the purpose above named, it wul be necessary to compare the nutritive properties of the several articles with good hay as the stand- prd. Experiments, and close and careful comparison of the results of many trials, have given the fol- lowing as the comparative difference between the articles mentioned and good hay. We have pub- lished these results before, but we now put them in tabular form, so as to give the reader an easier mode of comparing them. 100 pounds of hay are equal to 270 pounds of green Indian corn, 442 pounds of rye straw, 184 pounds of oat straw, 153 pounds of pea straw, 201 pounds of raw potatoes, 175 pounds of boiled potatoes, 330 pounds of mangol wurt3el, 504 pounds of turnips, 54 pounds of rye, 46 pounds of wheat, 59 pounds of oats, 45 pounds of peas or beaDS, 64 pounds of buckwheat, 67 pounds of Indian coro, 68 pounds of acorns, 105 pounds of wheat bran, 100 pounds of rye bran, 167 pounds of wheat, pea, and oat chaff, 179 pounds of rye and barley. From this "bird's-eye view," it will be easy to calculate the fodder value of any of the above articles which you may raise. For instance, if you have 50-1 lbs. of turnips, they will give as much nutrition to your cattle as 100 lbs. of good hay, or in other words, it will take 5 lbs. of turnips to be equal to 1 lb. of hay. An ox, it is said, requires 2 per cent, of hay per day if he does not work, and 2h per cent, if lie works. Suppose, therefore, you have an ox that weighs 1500 lbs., he will require oO lbs. of hay per day if he does not work. But you wish to feed him in part with turnips. If you give him 15 lbs. of hay, how many pounds of turnips must you give him to make up the supply? Ans. 75 lbs., which, at 60 lbs. to the bushel, will be 5 pecks. Again, according to the table, a little more than half a pound of Indian corn is equal to a pound of hay. If, therefore, you give the same ox but 15 lbs. of hay, how much Indian corn must he have to supply the 15 lbs.? Ans. A little over 8-^ lbs. Allowing corn to weigli 50 Ib-s. per bushel, it will take 5 quarts and a third. Allowing the estimates in the table to be cor- rect, they will be a convenient guide to farmers in feeding cattle, Szc , on other articles, in order to save their hay. A milch cow is said to require 3 per cent, of her weight per day. A sheep, full grown, 3^ -pex cent. — Maine Farmer. A Luxury fok Animals. — It is related of Rev. Sidney Smith, that when on his farm, each cow and calf, and horse and pig, were in turn visite. Rs von •n'jss nvmir-d in the or- chard, you might see some particular favorite tree, its leaves looking sickly and its limbs and trunk covered with moss or fungi. You guess something is the matter with it, but what, that's the question ; you take a leaf or two, a bit or so of moss, place them under your glass, and you need not doubt longer ; a great and interesting truth finds its lodgment in your brain, to be brought out on some future time for a useful purpose, and many dollars saved thereby. What I wish is that you farmers should know the whys and wherefores of those thousands of operations which are every day going on about that glorious farm of yours, and be able to ex- plain those operations, so far as it is in the pow- er for human intellect to do. This privilege is yours, and a little effort on your part will accom- plish the business ; though you may not be a Harris or an Agassiz, still, you may be an intel- ligent, go-ahead, thinking farmer, and this is honor enough, and what Norfolk wishes to see you. Norfolk. King Oak Hill, 1859. CULTIVATIOKT OF THE YEIiLOW LOCUST. For the information of D. P. Powers, of Mad- ison, Wis., I will undertake to answer his inquir- ies respecting the growing of locust timber. I believe I "really know something about it," hav- ing sown the seed in three different localities, and brought them to a profitable maturity in each case. And permit me to say, that I look upon the locust as the most profitable timl)er for cul- tivation in our country; and have often, in my visits to the prairies of AVisconsin and other Western States, wondered why it was not more generally cultivated, both for timber and shelter from the wind. The yellow is the kind used here, and proba- bly the best for timber or fuel. The seed can be procured at any of the large seed stores of Alba- ny, llochester or Buffalo, and probably at Chica- go. If the trees can be found of sufficient age in Illinois or Wisconsin, seed can be obtained from them at this time, as it remains on the trees all winter, and is not injured by the storms. I have seen trees bearing seed, on the prairie a few miles west of Racine. Probably plenty can be procured in that region merely for the gathering. Plant the seed about the 15th of May, or when the ground is in good condition to plant corn. Prepare the seed for planting, by pouring on it rain water, nearly boiling hot. Let it stand in a warm place, say under the stove, or near the chimney corner, until the seeds have most of them swelled to about double their usual size ; and are so soft as to be easily cut in two, by pressure between the finger and thumb nail. This re- quires twenty-four to forty-eight hours' soaking, and if all are not swollen, sow those that are so, and repeat the soaking, but with water not quite so warm as at first. Prepare the ground in the most thorough man- ner. It should be rich, dry and mellow, and free from the seeds of weeds. I have succeeded well, on a green sward, freshly plowed, and the sur- face well mellowed with the rake. The ground should be in fit order for sowing onions, as the Tilant when it first shoots is verv tender and smalL 102 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. Plant shallow, not over one inch deep, and tread the ground or roll it after the seed is in. Rows about four feet apart, and seeds three or four inches apart in the row ; so as to insure plants enough for one to each space of twelve to eigh- teen inches. Hoe them as soon as they are fairly up, which will bo in fifteen to twenty days after planting. With these, as with every other young plant, careful attention is necessary, to insure the best success. If well attended to, an aver- age growth of four feet each may be expected the first season. After the first year, but little attention is needed. Do not undertake to im- prove them by trimming, except to prevent crotches, which are objectionable if timber is the object. They will withstand the winds, as well proba- bly as any other tree. The only enemy we dread is the borer, which is sometimes troublesome, but not seriously so. The general advantages are, rapid growth, fourteen to sixteen years pro- ducing trees large enough for posts, great dura- bility and weight, with strength and toughness, fitting them for wagon-hubs, railroad-ties, &c. No other timber, I think, equals it for the pur- poses desired, and certainly none in the facilities with which it can be produced. — Levi J. Hop- kins, in the Country Gentleman. FIRST LEGISLATIVK AGRICULTURAIi MEETING. It v*'as ordered by the Legislature on Monday, Jan. 10th, that the use of the hall of the House of Representatives be granted for the purpose of holding the usual Legislative Agricultural meetings during each Monday evening of the session. The first of the series was accordingly held on last Monday evening. The meeting was called to order by the Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, who stated the objects for which the meetings were held, with a sketch of what they had hitherto been, and what they had accom- plished, and suggested by way of organization, that a chairman be appointed for the evening, when Mr. Miller, of Coleraine, was called to the chair, and Mr. G. P. Sargent, of Newbury, to whom our reporter is indebted, was chosen Secretary. The Chairman stated what had been done in his own town by way of forming a farmers' club, how it had been conducted, and what its influence had been. Mr. Flint suggested the propriety of appoint- ing a committee to nominate a permanent com- mittee of arrangements to have the general su- pervision of the meetings, when Messrs. Peck, of Sterling, Paige, of Brimfield, and the Secre- tary of the Board of Agriculture, were appointed. Interesting remarks were made by Messrs. Martin, of Warren, Haynes, of Sturbridge, Paige, of Brimfield, and several others. Mr. Flint gave a general account of the origin and condition of the agricultural societies of the State, and what they had done and were doing, and of the origin and manner in which the Board of Agriculture was constituted, and a succinct statement of the connection of the Board with the management of the State Farm at Westboro'. Questions being asked with regard to the State Society, he answered, by giving an account of its operations and management, in the impoi-tation of stock, in offering premiums, &c. It was Voted, That the subject of the next evening's discussion be, The interest and the duty of the Oovernment to develop and encourage the devel- opment of industrial resources of the State, and that His Excellency, the Governor, be invited to preside. Adjourned to Monday, Jan. 17th, at 7 o'clock, P.M. For the New England Farmer. COUNTY AGKICUIiTUKAL SOCIETIES. Mr. Editor: — Sir,—1 like the plain talk in your columns of this morning, about our County Agricultural Societies, and the support they re- ceive from the State. The original design, at the commencement of the organization, (for I re- member it well,) was, that there should be one State society, and one Society in each of the counties of the Commonwealth, and no more, and that each of these should receive $600 a year from the Treasury of the State. This, if my es- timate is right, would amount to a sum not ex- ceeding $9000 — a moderate contribution for the benefit of the farmer. But since then, there have grown up some eight or ten other excrescencies, receiving four or five thousand dollars annually, together with the State Farm at Westboro', three to six thousand more, all of which in my judg- ment are misappropriations of the funds of the State, that demand immediate correction, inas- much as they endanger the entire fabric. A Massachusetts Farmer. JDcc. 25, 1858. A SINGING MOUSE. One of these little animals inhabits our office. For several years past he has made his home in it. He has become very familiar with all hands, and in broad daylight he can be seen playing around the feet of the compositors, or dancing about the cases, seemingly as little apprehensive of danger as if snugly away in his nest. The paste-cup is his delight, but he never objects to a bit of cake, or fruit, with which his admirers oc- casionally supply him. He is a most remarkable little animal. A piece of cake puts him in high glee, and when he has devoured it, he gets in a corner and sings like a canary bird, his notes be- ing sweet and melodious. Sometimes he will sing for an hour without intermission. He is a general favorite — does what he pleases with im- punity— and is regarded as a sort of fixture in the office. Even while we are writing he is play- ing on the table, and is so tame that he suffers himself to be handled without any show of fear. — Cumberland Telegraph. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 103 TKANSACTIOWS OF THE ESSEX AGKI- CtJ-LTUBALi SOCIETY FOR 1858. By the kind attention of the indefatigable Secretary of this society, we ai"e favored with a copy of this annual. It is a handsomely printed pamphlet of 224 pages, and contains, beside the ordinary papers showing the operations of the year, 100 pages at least of permanently valua- ble matter, that will often be resorted to for guidance and instruction. First among these are the papers relating to the Treadwell farm. By the persevering efforts of the late President of the society, this farm is now in condition to be creditable and useful. I trust it will, ere long, become a model farm. True, it is not one of the best of farms — but if it can become best improved comparatively, this will be enough. This society was most fortunate in having such orators as Everett and Loring to address them at their annual show. Their speeches are given in full, and will well reward perusal. There are other finely written papers in the volume, ■which will be read with interest. I am pleased to see such respectful notice, as appears in this pamphlet, of that model of Massachusetts farm- ing, the late Moses Newell, of West Newbury. He was worthy all that is said of him. I have ong looked upon the publications of this society as models for imitation — and the present, if I mistake not, will be found equal to any that has preceded it. Thorough Tillage. — At one of the Irish ag- ricultural meetings, one of the speakers remarked — and the truth may be well applied in this coun- try : "What brought out the immense agricultural wealth of Scotland ? and what enabled the small farmer in Belgium, who, on seven or eight acres of light, sandy land, was able to do better for himself and his family than we can do on twenty or thirty acres of land in this country ? It was not by allowing three-fourths of a light tillage farm to remain in poor herbage, and making the other quarter pay the rent. It was because the farmers in those countries he alluded to, made agriculture a study, a duty, and a pleasure, and because the farmers till their land to the best ad- vantage, and because no man there would keep one single acre of land more in his possession, ban his capital and his means would enable him to cultivate." To Measure Hay-Stacks. — "More than twenty years since," says an old farmer, "I cop- ied the following method for measuring hay from an old publication, and having verified its gen- eral accuracy, I have both bought and sold by it, and I believe it may be useful to many farmers Avhere the means of weighing are not at hand. 'Multiply the length, breadth and heighth into each other, and if the hay is somewhat settled, ten solid yards make a ton. Clover will take from ten to twelve solid yards per ton.' " BOYS' DEPARTMENT. THE SLAVE BOY'S WISH. BY ELIZA lEE POLLEN. I wish I was that birtl, Up ia the bright blue sky; That sings and flies just where he will, And no one asks him why. I wish I was that little brook, That runs so swift along ; Through pretty flowers and shining stones, Singing a merry song. I wish I wag that butterfly, Without a thought or care ; Sporting my pretty, brilliant wings, Like a flower in the air. I wish I was that wild, wild deer, I saw the other day ; Who swifter than an arrow flew. Through the forest far away. I wish I was that little cloud, By the gentle south wind driven ; FloatiDg along eo free and bright, Far, far up into heaven. I'd rather be a canning fos, And hide me in a cave ; I'd rather be a savage wolf, Than what I am — a slave. My mother calls me her good boy, My father calls me brave ; What wicked action have I done, That I should be a slave .' I saw my little sister sold, So will they do to me ; My Heavenly Father, let me die, For then I shall be free. THE PINK. "O, dear mother, give each of us a flower-bed ; me one, and Gustavus one, and Alvinaone, — and each will take care of his own." Thus said little Frederick to his mother, who granted his request, and gave each child a flower-bed planted with fine pinks. The children were overjoyed, and said, "How splendidly it will look when the pinks are in bloom !" For it was not yet the season for pinks; they had only put forth their little buds. Little Frederick, however, was too impatient to await the time of their blooming, and he wished that his flower-bed might be in blossom before all others. He took the buds in his hand, look- ing at their green covers, and rejoicing when he saw a yellov/ or red petal peeping forth here or there. But he could r',t wait patiently: Freder- ick opened the buds and unfolded the petals al- together ; thf n he exclaimed with a loud voice, "Look, my pinks are in bloom !" But when the sun shone on them, the flowers drooped their heads, and before noon they all looked mournful, faded and torn. Then the boy cried about his flowers ; but his mother said, "Impatient child ! may this be the last pleasure of your life that you mar by your own fault, then you will not have bought too dearly the great and difficult art of waiting patiently." 104 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. Tattooed Skin. — Our valued friend and con- tributor, Septimus Piesse, of London, informs us that the marks or devices which some young people, and sailor boys in particular, make on the skin by pricking it with iieedles, and then rub- bing the punctures with Indian ink, vermilion and indigo gunpowder, are so firmly fixed that to remove them severe means must be resorted to. The following treatment will be found effi- cacious : — Blister the part with a plaster a little larger than the mark or "ornament," then keep the place open with a green ointment for a week; finally, dress it to get well. As the new skin grows, the old tattooes will disappear. — Scientific American. 1^^ The most remarkable instance of indeci- sion we ever heard of was that of the man who sat up all night because he could not decide which to take off first, his coat or his boots. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. SCHOOL GIRIiS IW ■WINTER. We wish to put in a special plea for the girls. Make their dresses short enough to swing clear of the snow and mud, and give them good water- proof boots, to wear to school. Yes, we insist ypon it — they should have boots. Women's shoes of the present fashion arc no more fit to be put upon country roads in winter, than an In- dian's birch-bark canoe is fit to cross the Atlantic. Boots will not look quite so trim about the an- kle, or step so lightly upon the floor, but they will do what is of more consequence — preserve the health to show oft' these graces in after life, and to take a great many elastic steps that other- wise might be fewer, and those leading directly down to the grave. Another thing we are glad to see coming in fashion : the ladies are learning to skate, and for this they must have boots. Now, girls, get each of you a pair of neat winter boots, and a pair of skates to fit, and the first ice that forms in your neighborhood, large enough, go out with your brothers, or somebody else's brothers, and learn to skate. Be prudent about it, and not overdo the exercise, and you will find it a capital medi- cine— next to horseback riding. The only way to bring about a race of healthy women, is to attend to the physical development of the girls before they are diluted in the false system of fashionable accomplishment, that fits them for nothing but elegant imbeciles. — Ohio Cultivator. HOUSBHOIiD CAKES. Mrs. Kirkland has very truly said that woman is never really and healthily happy, without household cares. But to perform house-work is too frequently considered degrading. Even where the mother, in obedience to the traditions of her youth, condescends to labor occasionally, the daughters are frequently brougiit up in perfect idleness, take no bodily exercise except that of walking in fine weather, or riding in cushioned carriages, or dancing at a party. Those, in short, who can aff'ord servants, cannot demean them- selves, as! they think, by donie';tic labors. The result is, too frequently, that ladies of this class lose what little health they started life with, be- coming feeble in just about the proportion as they become fashionable. In this neglect of household cares, American ladies stand alone. A German lady, no matter how elevated her rank, never forgets that domestic labors conduce to the health of mind and body alike. An English la- dy, whatever may be her position in society, does not neglect the affairs of her household, and, even though she has a house-keeper, devotes a portion of time to this, her true and happiest sphere. A contrary course to this, results in a lassitude of mind often as fatal to health, as the neglect of bodily exercise. The wife who leaves her household cares to her domestics, generally pays the penalty which has been affixed to idle- ness since the foundation of the world, and eith- er wilts away from sheer ennui, or is driven into all sorts of fashionable follies to find employment for her mind. If household cares were more gen- erally attended to by ladies of the family, there would be comparatively little backbiting, gossip- ing, enviousness, and other kindred sins, and women in good society would be much happier and much more truly lovable. — Springfield Re- publican. DOMESTIC RECEIPTS. Fruit Pudding. — Ih lb. each of flour, grated potatoes and grated carrots, and i lb. of suet. Salt and spice to taste. Boil 3 hours. To be eaten with wine-sauce. Boiled Bread Pudding. — Half a loaf of stale bread soaked in a quart of milk ; 4 eggs ; 4 ta- ble-spoonfuls of flour. Boil % of an hour; serve with wine-sauce. A little green or dried fruit mixed in is a good addition, "Wine-sauce" without Wine. — Butter and sugar thickened with corn-starch, and flavored with the rind and part of the juice of a lemon. Pop-overs. — One cup of flour ; 1 egg ; butter the size of a nutmeg. Bake in small tin rounds. The same rule is good for nice drop-cakes, baked in cups ; or boiled batter pudding. Grandjia's Batter Pudding. — One quart of milk ; 9 eggs, (if you have got 'em ;) 9 table- spoonfuls of flour, and a little salt. Steam lA hours — if steamed just enough, the pudding will retain its form, and it cannot be excelled for del- icacy. Grandma's Marlborough Pie. — 12 spoon- fuls each of sifted (stewed) apple, beaten egg, and melted butter — all thoroughly mixed, and flavored with lemon and sweetened to the taste. Bake without upper-crust. Less butter than the above will do. Apple Custard. — Take fine apple-sauce, fla- vor with lemon or rose, and fill the pie-plates with it. Pour over a nice custard flavored with nutmeg or vanilla, and bake. A Turkey Boiled and then Baked. — Pre- pare the turkey just as if for baking ; then put in a kettle, covering it with water, and closing it with a lid. Boil until quite tender. Then take it out and brown it in an oven for a few minutes. When put upon the table it will be found very DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ITS KIWDRED ARTS AND SOIEKCES. VOL. XL BOSTON, MARCH, 1859. NO. 3. JOEL NOrKSE, Proprietor. Office. ..34 Merchants Row. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FRED'K HOLBROOK, ) Associate HENRY F. FRE.NXH, ( Ehitobs. CALENDAR FOB MARCH. Spring is but the child Of churlish Winter, in her froward moods Discovering much the temper of her sire ; For oft, as if in her the etream of mikl Maternal nature had reversed its course, She brings her infants forth with many smiles, But once delivered, kills them with a frown. COWPEB. (f^^_ m ARCH is the first '' k" ri 1 spring month, ac- cording to the us- ,^ ual division of ^1 time, although one ' sees very little of that "ethereal mildness," which Thomson so pa- -=.^% y until April or even May. Yet long before the "merry song- ^' »^.r.--- ""*■ sters" and "bud- --^^~ ding flowers" which ^> . _-TiO warble and blossom so ^y!^j/^^^^ deliciously in poetry, ~"^^A^-^ make their appearance in ^^^^^P"- "^ point of fact, there are "sweet ig.-- "^ influences" which make them- selves felt by all. Those patches of bare ground which we have not seen before since the snow came and covered everything last No- vember— the "softer airs" which breathe upon us in the intervals of east winds and driving storms — the more jubilant crov/ing of our roos- ter, who rejoices to tread "his own native heath- er" once more, and who holds long conversa- tions on the subject with all his neighbors — yes, even the muddy highway, which affords us neith- er sleighing nor wheeling — and the overflowing rivers, which in some vicinities suggest a second deluge — all these things tell us of returning life, and we cannot help sympathizing in the general rejuvenation which is taking place in the worl'i- Why ! we almost expect to see our own white hair growing brown again, or our wig giving place to a new "native growth." Now is the time, in this flush of hope, to get all things in~order for spring work. See that the farming implements are ready for use — get the seeds together, so that when the frozen ground becomes softened, you may not have that duty to perform — a duty requiring much care and the exercise of a sound judgment. Make your plans for the whole season's oper- ations with deliberation, and with reference to the whole of your crops. Decide what field shall receive the corn, the oats, wheat, barley, pota- toes, roots, &c., so that when the sun has evap- orated the rebundant moisture, and the condition of the soil invites you to plow and deposite your seed, you will not be delayed by any doubts as to icliere, and to wliat extent, your various crop« are to be placed. This is the head-work of the farm, and can better be done by the evening fire, with pencil and paper in hand, than in the hurry and responsibilities of the field. A rude map of your plans, one that any hand can sketch in a few minutes, would greatly aid the memory and facilitate your labor. There is an old saying, "Time and tide waitfor no man." We may procrastinate, if we will, but seed-time will come and go all the same, and if we neglect it, we shall have no harvest. There is also a moral seed-time, which if we fail to improve, will pass by us to return no more — but in this case we shall find not alone no harvest, for while the husbandman tlumbers, the enemy sows tares ! And yet, while the young cannot be too much impressed with the importance of starting right, we must hazard one suggestion for the benefit of those who have neglected past opportunities, — namely, there are some seeds which it is much better to sow late, than not at all. 106 NEW ENGLAND FARMER, March The first spring flower which blossoms, so far as we know, throughout New England, is the May-flower, [trailing arbutus.) It is commonly supposed to have received its name merely from the fact of its being found in May, but as it is found still more abundantly in April, we are in- clined to receive the tradition that it was so called by the Pilgrim Fathers, in honor of the vessel in ■which they came over — it being the first flower they discovered in their new home. This, certain- ly, is the more interesting, and as we think, the more probable theory. We have found its buds late in the fall, thus showing that it makes its preparations for blossoming some months be- forehand. We have tried the experiment of plac- ing these buds in a tumbler of water in a sunny window, hoping to produce the novelty of "A May-flower in December," but have never yet succeeded, although they may be hastened in spring by a similar process. Then there are violets, snow-drops, anemones, — all lifting up their heads in the most out-of- the-way places — many of them "born to blush unseen," and each one the very synonym for pu- rity and modesty. Did it never occur to you, as you have come suddenly upon one of these wild gardens of nature, "Why are so many beautiful things placed v/here man seldom or ever sees them ?" And did not the answer suggest itself, "It must be that God loves to see them !" With this thought, the solitary places of the earth are no longer solitary. If we indulge our thoughts a little further, is it not easy to suppose these places filled with the spirits, minds, or intelligen- ces of those made holy, not subject to the condi- tions of animated matter, and all progressing and rejoicing in the love and wonderful works of our Heavenly Father ! All these flowers and trees of of the forest, the springs that run among the hills, the insects that spoft in the sunbeams, and the whirlwind that scatters the flocks or strips the hills, are just as much the work of His hands, and the objects of His care, as that far-ott" Heav- en that is so indefinite, and undefinable in the popular mind ! The field for reflection in this matter is infinite. There are people in the world — but we hope yozi are not one of them — who look at everything through the medium oi "What is it good for?" "What did it cost?" and perhaps still more to the purpose, "What will it bring?" Now it is a good thing to be practical, — but we have little sympathy with those intensely practical people who ignore the refinements of taste, who labor all their lives to feed and clothe the body, but leave the soul entirely out of the account. Let us have our vegetable garden, with its beets and cabbages and turnips, and take good care of it too, — but then there shall be a spot set apart to be made beautiful with flowers, "God's mes- sengers," as some one has called them, and there shall be a trellis for a vine and a climbing rose over our portico. We will have an orchard with apples, pears and peaches somewhere in the rear of our dwelling, but it need not interfere with the shade trees and shrubbery in front. Burns turns up a "Mountain Daisy" with his plow, and while he goes on with his labor, com- poses one of his sweetest poems : "Wee, modest, crimson-tipped flower, Thou'st met me in an evil hour, For I maun crush amang the stoure Thy sleniier stem ; To spare thee now is past my power, Thou bonnie gem." A less delicate nature would have passed it carelessly by, or, if he noticed it at all, would, perhaps, have wondered why it could not just as well have been a potato ! Nature has many lessons for us, if we will only learn them ; and who has a better opportunity to note them than the farmer, whose life is passed in watching the processes of animal and vegeta- ble life ? What a world of information he ought to collect, and does, if he keeps his eyes open. "Scarcely a branch of natural science," says a writer, "but has an intimate relation to the bus- iness of agriculture, and peculiar claims upon the farmer." And he goes on to say — "Nor can any good reason be assigned why he should not have the benefit of full instruction in all the branches of useful learning." It is not, however, the study of books, so much as the study of the book of Nature herself, to which we now refer, and for which the just qual- ification is a habit of observation. Creation is full of wonders and mysteries, and perhaps, you feel this as much in looking at a grasshopper's leg through a microscope, as at the most distant planet through a telescope. Perhaps there is as much mystery in the fact that an apple falls down instead of up, and that grass grows up in- stead of down, as in the revolution of the sun, moon and stars ! FARM -WOKK FOR MARCH, The duties that devolve on the farmer in the month of March, though not so instant and press- ing as at some other seasons, can no more be dis- pensed with and have the farm managed well, than can a field be well plowed with the off ox half the time out of his bow. There is so inti- mate a connection and interweaving of the busi- ness of all the seasons, that the omission of the cares of one must sadly impair the whole. In order, then, that MarcJt shall discharge its spe- cial duty to the other months, let us glance at 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 107 some of the things that she must not shift oflF upon April oi* May — and first, because of the first importance — i»Ianures. — There should be as much pride with the farmer to keep everything systematic and neat, as with the merchant to keep his store so, or the captain the deck of his ship, or the me- chanic his shop and tools ; for thrift usually fol- lows neatness and systematic industry. In order to preserve these appearances upon the farm, we think as much of the manure should be hauled to the fields in the month of March, as can conveniently be done. There will be lit- tle or no loss while it freezes and remains so, and as soon as the ground thaws it may be slightly covered. Here it is, on the field where it is to be used, and where twice or three times as much can be applied to the soil in a day, as could be done if it were to be taken from the barn-yard or cellar. The finer it can be reduced, the morej prompt will belts action, and larger the crop,i other things being equal. In order to effect this, as soon as the frost will permit, work over, pul- verize and mingle the mass, returning it into a well-rounded compact pile. Leave two or three small, long stakes inserted in it, and occasionally draw these up and notice by their warmth how far fermentation has gone on, — as nothing more than a gentle heat should be allowed to take place. A manure heap in this condition, mingled two to four inches deep in moist, porous soil, cannot fail to produce favorable results. The Stock. — Milch cows will need especial care, as if they become thin and weak, it will take until near midsummer to get them into vig- orous condition for the dairy. Calves should be generously treated. It is thought by some that an early stunt is a stunt for life; however that may be, it is clear that if a calf once loses its healthy and vigorous habit j of growth, it requires much time and high feed-| ing to restore it to its oi'iginal condition. Sheep. — Bring to their yard, pine, hemlock, black birch and other branches from the woods,] and they will be "much obliged to ye." A lit-j tie better feed than usual will strengthen them,! and be of much service to the lambs. Liberal | feed to them of the best kinds of fodder, will afford the highest profit. Flax. — We have not forgotten the sunny days in the open barn floor in February and March, when the eaves were dripping, the bundles of flax drying in the sun, and when the clatter of the "brake" and the "swingling knife" merrily wore away the day. In this region, the terms used in speaking of the processes of getting out flax, would scarcely be understood, so much has the cultivation of this article fallen into decay. But among some of our readers, the scene to which we have alluded must still be a familiar and pleasant and profitable one. Let the flax be broken, swingled and hatcheled or combed, be- fore April, or it may become an unwelcome task. Wood. — A calm contentment is the crowning glory of the family. What will more directly tend to this than a wood-house filled with sea- soned oak, maple, beech or birch, fitted for the hearth or stove where it is intended to use it? Not anything. It needs no suggestion of ours to convince you that a good husband will pro- vide this before planting time, if he can, and so we will not suggest it. But we urge the pres- ervation of peace in the family, if it does require dry wood ! Watek. — As the hart panteth after the water- brook, so does a neat, systematic housewife for an abundance of pure, soft water. This is not always to be found in wells, or to be brought by aqueducts ; but every person who has a roof, may have soft water. Make a cistern in the cellar, either above or below ground, and conduct the water from the roofs into it. This will be found cheaper than lugging water from the brook, or wasting soap to bring hard water into a condi- tion fit for use. A plenty of pure, soft water in the family, is a wonderful promoter of the vir- tues and graces too ! All these things, and many more, are the prop- er work for March — how can they be omitted, without detriment to the business of the other months ? F'>r the New England Farmer. BOARDS OF AGRICULTURE FOB STATE, TOWJSr OR COUNTY. What have they done, or what are they now doing ? This is a fair inquiry, suggested by Lhe perusal of his Excellency's address to the Legi- lature. Among the expenses of the State, he er.a- merates $12,000 annual payment to sustain the-e boards. What is the benefit of this? To i^e sure, certain gentlemen are prominent in oflUce, by these organizations ; some are Presidents, some Treasurers, some Trustees, &c. &c., all gratuitous- ly, of course, except the consequence attached to the title. But if no other benefit accrues, it is hardly expedient to dravr upon the hard earnings of the people for this. Can it be shown that the grounds of the State are better cultivated ? that the products are increased? that the condition of the farmer is improved thereby ? that the well- being of the community is improved thereby ? if so, then we say, God speed the enterprise. Man is a social being, and will often do in connection wi;^ others what he would not presume to at- tempt alone. This is illustrated in every benev- olent eff'ort ; and why may it not be, when our own good is the ol)ject of this effort ? We have recently read with interest tlie doings of the B' ard of Agriculture in the State of Maine ; and should be pleased to see our own Boards giving as gooji an account of themselves. Januanj, 1859. A Massachusetts Man. 108 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March SECOND LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTUBAL MEETING. [Report:>d by John C. Moore, for the N. E. Farmer.] Subject for Discussion — The duty of the Oovernment to encourage the development of its industrial resources, especially the improvement of its Agriculture, as being the foundation, of the jirosperily and security of its people. The members of this Society met in the Rep- resentatives'Hall on Monday evening at 7 o'clock. The attendance vfas respectable, and included many gentlemen whose practical opinions have been fortified by sage experience in the art and science of farming. His Excellency, Gov. Banks, presided. Mr. Flint, the Secretary, reported the names of the following gentlemen as a Committee of Arrangements for the meetings of the Society, and the report was accepted : — Messrs, Bagg and Peck, of the Senate, and Messrs. Miller, of Coleraine, Page, of Brimfield, Sargent, of Newbury, Barrett, of Auburn, and Nash, of Granby. Mr. Flint, the Secretary, then read the fol- lowing resolutions as the basis of the evening's discussion : — liesolrcd. That it is the duty of every civilized government to encourape the development of its industrial re:!ources, and es pecially the improvement of its Agriculture, as being the true foundation of the prosperity and security of its people. liesolri'fl, That the formation of Fanners'' Clubs for the dis- cussion of Agricultural topics, the promotion of A ^rictdtural Libraries for the use of the people, the holding of local or town fairs as auxiliary to the county and State exhibitions, and the collection of Agricultural products and objects illustrating the various departments of the A^aiiual History ot the country, are among the most practical modes ol developing the Agricultural intelligence of the community. Gov. Banks, although he said he was unpre- pared for the task, spoke to the resolutions at length, and with great ability. We can only fur- nish a brief epitome of his speech, and those which succeeded it. He argued that it was the duty of the national government to give its pro- tection to the interests of Agriculture, although the extent of that protection was a subject con- cerning which there was much division of opin- ion. The substance of his observations on this particular included the assertion that, in respect to all our material industrial interests, the duty of the government was to protect them to the extent of exacting as much revenue as sufficed for its support, and no more. Regarding the duty of the local government in encouraging the industrial interests of the people. His Excellency thought there could be no question, generally ; but the query arose — Wliat is the best method for their development'} The people of the CommoiV- wealth, he believed, to be willing to sustain and ♦encourage that of Agriculture, as it was with us, as with the States at large, the original universal interest from which all others had to draw re- cruits to fill the avenues made in the profes- sional and mechanical occupations by retirement| and death. What did we see in State Street ev- ery day? Men born in Boston, building high the professional and commercial fame of the city ? No ! but men from the country, who came here, not with jaded look and weakened minds — men with the strong, solid frames, of such as breathed the mountain air, and lived by healthy, invigorat- ing employment. And as it was here, so was it everywhere else. In this respect the encourage- ment of agriculture was important. But, in another point of view, a more liberal attention to agriculture was necessary as tending to show what the true wealth of the State really was. We required from time to time to realize what we could do. We ought to know, and how should we manage to inform ourselves ? Only by the accumulation of the products of the State — their aggregation precisely in the way followed by commercial men in regard to the products in which they had a peculiar interest. If the pro- cess showed that we have wants, it also told the manner of their supply, and was useful in this special degree ; if it exhibited the power on our part to export, it showed our strength — that we had the whole world to trade with, and to draw upon for whatever our requirements suggested. If such accretion of products was not also made for the purpose of example, even, improvement would lag behind. Community of example and opinion have ever been the best incentive to the advancement and improvements ; for it had al- ways been found to be the best way to inter- change visits where the results of each year's exchange and labor were brought together, where comparisons could be instituted and valuable sug- gestions taught. No better mode of proceeding could be adopted than that specified in the sec- ond resolution. Bring on, then, our products, and show us what has and what can be done; and, although we may not attain to a perfect or- ganization and superior merit in a day, or even a series of years, we may ultimately reach a posi- tion which, without incentives, we would never have reached. His Excellency proceeded to say that he had no idea until last summer of the extent of the agri- cultural interest in the Commonwealth, but he determined that he should place himself in the best position to know. Placing himself at the direction of his friend, Mr. Secretary Flint, his first inquiry was relating to the places and peri- ods where the required information was best at- tainable. But almost every portion of the State had its agricultural exhibition about the same time, and but a few of the whole could be seen by one individual. This certainly was not right, and nothing but failure could proceed from such malarrangements. People must go beyond the limits of their own town, or district, or county. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 109 to see what they have not been accustomed to see at home. They ought to have opportunity to see the best products of the State aggregated, and then they would be ready to exclaim — "Why is this ? What cattle and products I see here ! Why is it that I have never heard of such be- fore ?" Of course men thus surprised would be very apt to inquire how these superior animals and products were cultivated and perfected — glean lessons of value in the answers — and hence the value of the example, which never could have been had through a merely local exhibition. As exhibitions of what we have in Massachusetts, they are insufficient, for they furnish no idea of what we can or may do ; and as this defect constituted a great evil, its correction should be kept for a moment out of sight. No oppor- tunity was furnished at meetings for discus- sion— although there were very fine speeches made — excellent anecdotes related, and small talk plentiful. The least instruction in respect to any- thing is found in an after-dinner speech, for in them there is just a glimpse at practical matters. And so one might go from table to table — from pen to pen — and solid information invariably keeps well aloof. But by the very nature of their gatherings, farmers require instruction. — They have a previous knowledge of whatever is worthy in their own localities, and they do not require to have it repeated. But example and discussion are both ; therefore, let useless prac- tices be abandoned, and clubs be formed and dis- cussions take place all the year through, and the result would turn out good. To spend one day or two per annum in sober trifling, never would be of any value. The interest of the State de- manded that a better system should be inaug- urated— a more advanced and profitable cultiva- tion of the soil — and to efFtct this end, discus- sions such as were recommended in the resolu- tion would be highly beneficial. The State al- ready gave some §13,000 per annum for the en- couragement of Agriculture, and was probably ready to be more liberal, in the shape, it might be, of employing agents conversant with rural affairs, to visit the several localities, and teach farmers the most improved manner of enlarging their products ; and in this connection it would be well to institute such clubs as the second reso- lution specified, that these teachings could be dis- cussed and their value applied in practice. It would ultimate in a much greater benefit to the farming interests than the present system of lo- cal shows, and at the same, or very little more expense. County exhibitions might be retained with some degree of profit if their meetings could be distributed over the districts ; but, periodical- ly, the people should be called together to see what the State could do ; for the farmer's pros- perity was emphatically bound to that of the Commonwealth, and whatever he did to improve his own interests, in similar degree did he con- tribute to those pertaining to the general wel- fare. These observations. His Excellency said, in conclusion, were thrown out without any pre- paration, and he hoped the discussion would have such attention from the meeting as to elicit the most reliable and safe opinions. Simon Brown, editor of the N. E. Farmer, was called on by His Excellency to speak. He said the question before the meeting was one which had occupied his thoughts for many years, although he doubted his competency to lay his views respecting it before the audience in so clear a manner as he could wish. He proposed to confine his observations to the subject of the second resolution, which related to the State. Massachusetts stood high among her sister States in point of education, morals, arts, sciences and agriculture. Her institutions were of the most liberal and enlightened character, and were everywhere copied because of their perfection ; her laws were approved on the same grounds, and no section of the union was oftener looked up to and copied as an example, than Massachu- setts. It would be strange, then, if she should be found to have neglected any one of the promi- nent interests of the people ; but it was other- wise with her, for she had done everything to promote their welfare. Glance over her territory, and it would be found that her charities recog- nized every citizen within her limits — that those who were lowest, and who had the least care from those who ought to provide for them, are never forgotten or neglected. She had made ample provision for the alleviation of the unfortunate and the suffering. Look at her alms-houses ! How many are there ? Not only her own citizens, but people from almost every nation in the earth. Could such a State neglect any one of her inter- ests? Decidedly not! Bounties have been in turn offered by her to everything which needed protection. The County Agricultural Societies receive $12,000 from her per annum, and in past times she has spent much money in their behalf. Buth^d her generosity always been properly ap- preciated, and her kindness acknowledged ? They were not? Some of the counties were endowed with as many as four societies, receiving, several- ly, bounties amounting to $400 and $G00 annual- ly, and what had been the conduct of some to- ward this liberality ? If a farmer raised a pair of fine oxen to which a county prize was assigned, the State required of him a specific statement how he had accomplished it, so that his skill and mode of practice should be imparted to every other citizen of the State. And this ought to end the whole matter between them — the farmer 110 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March having received the ^rs^j^remiwrn, and the State, as an equivalent for its bounty, a specific state- ment of the manner of producing the article. But it is quite often otherwise ; the information given is frequently incomplete, and the stock, or article receiving the premium, is talcen to other slioics, and premiums again awarded, thus per- petrating a fraud upon the bounty of the State, and cutting off others from the privileges of a fair competition ! These facts are well known — that the same plowman, the same stock, the same old rug, vegetables, grains and implements, after having once received the highest premium at one exhibition, are entered at another and again paid the highest prize ! This is evidently contrary to the intention of the Legislature, a misapplication of its bounty, and certainly not the spirit in which the generosity of the State should be met ; in or- der to prevent such practices in future, the Legis- lature should enact a law that there shotild he only one agricultural society receiving bounty from the puMic funds IN EACH COUNTY in the State. She long ago employed Mr. Colman to make agri- cultural surveys of the counties, and to whose valuable reports we were so much indebted — for sending Prof. Hitchcock abroad at her expense to inspect the agricultural schools there, and show us what we could do at home, if we had the will ; for publishing works on the Fishes, Quad- rupeds, Insects and Geology of the State, each be ing a monument of her liberality and high pur- pose, and for establishing a Board of Agriculture which she still generously sustains. Had she ever been parsimonious ? By no means ; she had done all she ought to do ; we ought to be satis- fied with her liberality, and if we had not made a progress in propotion to its extent, it was our fault, not hers. What, then, ought to be done, as things now stood ? Massachusetts should legislate for the farmer as faithfully as she has done for the man- ufacturer. Scope for that duty was ample. Let her, among other things, fix on a mode for the measurement of milk. What is a can of milk ? a myth, a fabulous hydra, w'hich nobody knows or can reasonably pretend to understand. So far as it could be practically described, it was 9^ quarts when the producer was concerned, and 7 ■when the buyer became interested, and 10 quarts when resold to city customers ! ! Let us know what a can is, so that those who furnish large quantities of milk per diem for use in the city, may know hotvto sell. In this connection, proper officers should be employed to investigate the quality of milk, and detect its adulteration. One- fourth of it v/ould be found to be Cochituate wa- ter after it came through the hands of the sellers, as could be proved if pains were properly taken. So much for law ; and as for money, none was needed from the State beyond the bounties al- ready awarded for agricultural encouragement. If the treasury was wide open, Mr. Brown said, he would not take a dollar to add to that boun- ty. Farmers did not want it in order to obtain the information they need. In respect to agricultu- ral information the best way was to commence at the soil, and educate the farmer thence upwards, so that he might be proud of his products as the mechanic was of his invention, or the sculptor of bis finished marble. Make a man proud of his vocation, and much to ennoble it would be ac- complished. Why was the hall not filled to- night? Because the people do not care for farming, although they all acknowledge it the organic element in the general prosperity. Ir this were a discussion of some political party, these seats would be crowded, and the speakers cheered with audible approbation. These vacant seats are so many records of the indifference of the community with regard to agriculture as an occupation, and of the importance of instituting a series of meetings and discussions among the people themselves, to aid them in obtaining a bet- ter knowledge of the practical operations of the farm, and of the elementary principles that are indispensable in its profitable pursuits. The per- son who wrote the article in the Atlantic Monthly, which has created so much comment, was right in his estimate of some farmers ; but he made a mistake in constituting a general rule for the exceptions he had too truly before him. The fault lies mainly with the farmer that his calling is thought ungenteel ; he is content to hear and profit not — to listen perpetually to others and produce nothing mental himself. Now what is wanted, is simply that the farmer should understand his business — that he should know how to do what he undo takes — and that he should endeavor to make his son understand it as well. He had no objection to Colleges for in- struction in the scientific principles of agriculture, for the investigation of theories, or for any good purposes which they may subserve, but our first effort, the efFoit of the present moment, must be, to begin wi'h the simplest elements, and teach them in various portions of each county in con- nection with the true principles of the practical operations of the farm. If a college were already in operation, he knew of no young men ready to enter it, merely because they had enjoyed no op- portunity to qualify themselves for such a posi- tion. Who had taught them, and where? On the contrary, we should begin at the lower round of the ladder, and climb progressively and surely to the top. This object would be effected if far- mers only loved their occupation. They would cherish it, and talk of it earnestly, and men would listen to them and be taught to profit by their 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Ill words. Prompted by this love of their occupa- tion, individual effort among farmers would soon work wonders, and on individual effort every- thing, almost, depended. In conjunction with Farmers' Clubs no limit could be placed to the good it would accomplish ; and if gentlemen would go home determined to institute them, if in five years hence they failed to pay for them- selves, Mr. Brown said he would, if able, be re- sponsible for the intermediate outlay. Besides the credit of aiding the noblest of all human in- terest up to the mark of its highest improvement, it should be understood that the benefits of such associations, intellectually considered, would be important and useful to individuals in teaching them to condense and express the promptings of their minds. Mr. Brown concluded by advising that no society should be allowed to duplicate its premiums year and year again, in favor of the same article or animal ; that counties spend a por- tion of their bounty money in the encouragement of meetings and discussions among the people, as where this had been done in New Hampshire and elsewhere, the very best results had followed, and the meeting might rely on it that such good would follow as they had never known to proceed from any hitherto tried means. Sanford Howard, Esq., of the Cultivator, was the next speaker. He endorsed the senti- ments of the previous speakers ; advocated an ex- tended area of comparison in connection with the products 6f the State, and illustrated its benefits by relating sundry appropriate anecdotes ; re- commended but one society in counties, which should have its exhibitions distributed over the territory ; approved of Farmers' Clubs, and stated his belief that a due attention to their interests would enable farmers to add a very large per cent- tage to their products at a very trifling expense of labor as contrasted with the unscientific man- ner in which many of them operated at present. John Brooks, of Princeton, spoke in opposi- tion to the importing of foreign scientific agricul- ture to American farmers, as it had always proved unreliable, and in favor of our constituting a science from what our experience taught us. He approved of State exhibitions if conducted by the Board of Agriculture. Mr. Sheldon, of Wilmington, put in a plea for the right of every man to have a portion of the public territory to till — in other words, that it was the burden and duty of Uncle Sam, seeing he had the means, to "give every man a farm." Mr. Brown, of Concord, then offered the fol- lowing resolution for the acceptance of the meet- ing: liesolved, That the Legislature be requested to pass an act requiring each county society receivinp a portion of its bounty to devote one-third of the whole amount received to the sui)poi't of Agricultural meetings and discussions in various parts of the county. After being discussed by Rev. Mr. Babbidge, of Pepperell, W. J. BucKMiNSTER, Esq., and others, the resolution of Mr. Brown was laid on the table, with the view that time should be granted the society to consider and act upon it deliberately. The meeting occupied over two hours ; and at its close Mr. Flint announced the subject for discussion Monday evening to be, "What breeds of stock are best adapted to mixed farming f For the New England Farmer. CONGRATULATORY— THE FRENCHES- NEW ENGLAND. Mr. Editor : — The monthly Farmer for Jan- uary, 1859, has come to hand, and "looks like a picture," as fond mothers and nursery-maids say. As "the apparel oft proclaims the man," so also does it the periodical. Its type and paper are excellent ; worthy the matter it presents and the price charged. Good, substantial, white paper gives good typography, as good land good crops. Your associate, Judge French, I perceive, has given you and your rural home a regular "set to !" But it is what you might have expected from a lawyer ; and there is no doubt, from his own admission on the stand, that he smuggled the article in, in utter violation of the lex scripta, the lex noil scripfa, and all the other recognized lexes of the land ! With such a man you prob- ably claim no "kith or kin ;" and undoubtedly, on the first opportunity, you will make him feel the lex taUnnis. But, "Know all men by these presents," nev- ertheless, however, notwithstanding — Judge French is a man after my own heart. Probably he is regarded as a "good lawyer," (if the phrase is not a contradiction !) and an unimpeachable judge; and the readers of your journal know he has some critical knowledge of agriculture — neat cattle, swine, and particularly horses — so that he of course, must be "Great on the bench, great in the saddle " Besides, he possesses a fine vein of wit and humor. It crops out in all his topics, or rushes melting into all their chasms. In other words, he overjloics with mirth ; and no system of un- derdraining has sufficed to abate it ! Whether in charging a grave jm-y or "teaching the young idea how to lioe," I apprehend it must be forever welling up. This agreeable humor, often com- ing in contact — perhaps through the Farmer — with that of a sourer and graver nature, forms a kind of neutral salt, which may be of some ben- efit to agriculturists, if not to agriculture ! A dis- position like Mr. French's, capable of diffusing so much happiness among others, surely need not go abroad for its own. But there is another French who writes for your paper. If I read understandingly, he was raised in New Hampshire, but was taken up and transplanted into the polyglot city of Washing- ton,where the sword of the nation officially hangs, and where he has been spreading his branches, perhaps in more than native luxuriance, for there exists a peculiarly rich alluvion, (formed from 112 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March the occidental Pactolus. in ■which exotics are usu- ally planted,) not readily found in any other ge- ological district ! His botanical initials are B. B. When he first began to write for the Fanner I supposed him to be a spurious French — an in- ferior species of the genus that had been falsely labelled — but I am now convinced of my error, and feel satisfied that he is a regular — "Yankee doodle dandy." New England is not so grave as formerly. The bustle and business of her great cities and ex- panding villages, together with more wisdom, have dissipated her "physiognomy of grace." She now looks with a smiling face upon her embel- lished farms and industrious workshops, rather than with a sad one into her churches. She has become as independent, if not more so, than any other section of the Union, and her stability is not likely to be disturbed. Read the following ex- tract from a speech of Hon. Tristam Burgess, de- livered in Congress in the times of southern nul- lification, when much sectional feeling was exhib- ited against the north respecting a protective tar- iff. Read it. New England men, and if you eannot heartily respond to it, search for some- thing more sublime elsewhere in the English language. "O no — place New England in a region of rock, without earth or water, our labor shall drill the solid stone, and like the staff of the Prophet, let out the gushing stream. Our perseverance shall beat the flint into small dust, and cover the whole surface with soil The dews and the rain, and the sunshine of Heaven, the only creatures of God left by you in amity with us, shall give to our new earth moisture and fertility ; and time, and labor, and God's blessing, shall cover the whole region with verdure." D. "W. L. W. Medford, Jan., 1859. For the New England Farmer. DISEASED HENS—IiOW ROOSTS, Mk. Editor : — I notice a communication in your January number, from C. T. Paine, respect- ing diseased hens, and with your permission, I will give what I think the main cause of it is // is in the constnidion of the roost. I was former- ly troubled in the same way, and it was some- time before I discovered a remedy. My roosting room is 12 feet square, and 8 feet high in the clear. My roosts were formerly constructed like ladders, two of them, say 7 feet wide, placed lean- ing against each other, at an angle of 45°, the rounds or roosts 2 feet apart, the top one being 7 feet from the floor. I noticed that the hen was never satisfied unless she could place herself on the topmost round, this being the height of her ambition. In the morning, instead of jumping to the next roost below, and so on, in order to get down, she would almost invariably jump the whole 7 feet, hitting herself against the building, or striking hard upon the floor. Some of the oldest and fattest hens would at times not come down all day, for fear of hurting themselves, and occasionally I found eggs broken, and soft eggs under the roost dropt from these fowls. I some times took them down from the roost by hand that they might eat, or I believe they would have remained on the roost until compelled by hunger to come down. I accordingly had the roost al- tered, the top one not over 4 feet from the floor, and the hens then came down in the morning without diflSculty. Since that time, I have not been troubled with diseased fowls, or eggs brok- en under the roost. Should a hen lay soft shelled eggs, put chalk, refuse lime, pounded bones or shells within her reach, and you will have no more of it. I also find another bad feature among persons who keep fowls, which I think brings on disease. It is in allowing too many cocks to run with the hens. Many cocks are large and heavy, and they not only worry the hens badly, but frequently break them down, and cripple them. I have seen them with their spines so badly hurt, as to lose the entire use of their legs from this cause. In no case should there be m.ore than one cock to eight hens. I have at this time but one to twenty hens, and I find an increased supply of eggs in consequence of it, but in the breeding season, keep more. My rule for some years being, to purchase the best cock I can find in the spring, never using one raised by myself as a breeder, and never keep a hen over one, or at most, two winters. By adopting this plan, and giving them plenty, and a variety to eat, with care and clean- liness, I am never without good poultry, ana plenty of eggs, and the case is rare with a dis- eased hen, and a soft-shelled egg. Canton, Jan., 1859. Low Roost. For the New England Farmer. SHAPE OP SLEIGH BUNNERS. Nearly all our sleighs are made with one de- fect. The hind part of the runner should slant upward to correspond to the forward part. The cast iron sled shoes used on the heavy Boston sleds are shaped right in this respect. They are alike at each end. Whenever a sleigh, whose runners are straight clear out, goes over a hollow place in the road, the runner at the extremity ads in, sometimes into the hardest road ; because, perhaps, nearly the whole load presses down upon an abrupt cor- ner. Now, if the runner were bent up, instead of cutting in, as so often noticed, thereby greatly increasing the draft, as well as jarring unpleas- antly the occupants of the vehicle, it would glide smoothly along, and go through the cradle holes without cutting them deeper. w. D. B. Concord, Mass. Every Inch of rain falling in the course of a year, is equal to a weight of rather more than 100 tons of water per each imperial acre. The mean annual quantity of rain in Detroit, is 28.300 inches ; equal to nearly 2,900 tons of wa- ter falling annually on each acre of land. At Dearbornville Arsenal, Mich., the mean annual rain is only 21.610, the smallest quantity, or the dryest place, given in the Army Meteorological Register, for the whole United States. The high- est mean or wettest place is West Point, N. Y., where 64.670 inches of rain is the annual mean quantity, equal to 6,467 tons of water on each acre. — Farmer's Companion. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 113 THE HUBBARD SQUASH. This squash is an important acquisition to our list of vegetables, as nothing of the kind ever served upon our table equals it in quality either for boiling or for pies. It has one property not mentioned in the extract which follows from Mr. Gregory's circular, and that is, that the Hub- bard squash, in the early stage of its growth, is far better for boiling than any summer squash we have ever tasted. Mr. G. says : — With the single error of the absence of a con- cave ring in the stem where it unites with the squash, the engraving conveys to the eye all that is possible without the aid of color. The color of one variety is a dark, dull green, about an ol- ive green, usually accompanied with lines of a dirty white color, which begin at the calyx and extend, in the depressions of the sutures, about two-thirds the length of the squash; that por-' tion of the surface exposed to the direct action' of the sun's rays is often of a brownish hue.| The other variety is of a light clay blue color. I Each of the varieties have usually a dense, hard shell, somewhat thicker than a cent, and often abounding with rough, knotty protuberances. The flesh is usually vi' a very deep orange color, usually thicker than the Marrow, and remarkably fine-grained and compact in its structure. In quality this squash is universally conceded, as far as opinions of its merits have been expressed, to rank at the head of the numerous varieties of the squash family cultivated in the United States. Its characteristics are an exceeding dryness of the grain from the time of harvesting until the middle or close of November, after which it be- comes less dry, but very sweet and fine-flavored, tasting sometimes like a sweet potato, at others like a boiled chestnut. In keeping properties it excels the Marrow and its varieties, keeping its qualities unimpaired about three months later than these, until late in the spring. The true measure of the keeping properties of any variety of squash, is, not how long it will keep from de- caying, but how long it will preserve its good qualities. In weight the Hubbard averages the same as the pure Marrow squash, though speci- mens have been raised under circumstances pe- culiarly favorable, weighing upwards of twenty pounds. While making up this account, we received by mail the following note : — The Hubbard Squash — seeds of which are now furnished by J. J. H. Gregory, of Marblehead, I have raised and tested repeatedly, and find it superior to any other variety I have ever met. It is as superior in the quality of its meat, as it is inferior in its external appearance. The speci- mens I have seen, have ranged in weight, from three to eight pounds, generally not more than six pounds. It is worth trying by all who have a taste for the delicious. J. W. Proctor. South Danvers, Jan., 1859. A New Kind of Ape. — Prof. Owen, the cele- brated naturalist, delivered a lecture with dia- grams, on man-like apes, and described a new species recently discovered on the western coast of Africa, named the Gorrilla species, the adults of which attain the hight of five feet five inches, and are three feet broad across the chest. Its head is double the size of a man's, and its ex- tremities are enormously developed. They ex- isted in some numbers in the interminable for- ests of the Grambia river. The negroes of the country, in their excursions into the forest in search of ivory, exhibited little fear of the lion . as it slunk away from man, but they dreaded the 114 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March gorrilla, for when he saw men advancing, he came clown out of the trees to the attack, and could strangle a man with the greatest ease. The strength of this man-ape is enormous ; his jaw is as powerful as that of a lion, and his canine teeth equally formidable. For the New Enf>land Farmer. HUJSTGAEIAN" GRASS SSBD. Will you please inform me through your pa- per where I can obtain some of the Hungarian grass seed ? s. E. t. Warren, Mass., Jan., 1859. Remarks. — Among the new forage plants ■which from time to time have been introduced to the farmer, the Hungarian Grass is one which has met with much favor, and promises to be- come one of the staple grasses of New England. We suppose it receives its name from the coun- try, Hungary, where it is probably indigenous, and supports vast herds of cattle on its fertile and widely extended plains. If such be the case, it must be adapted to our Western prairies, and become invaluable there both for pasture and hay crops. If this grass is to prove a valuable acquisition, as we believe it will, the pure seed ought to be afforded to the farmer at a fair profit, so that he may avail himself of it at once. Side by side with the inquiry of our Warren correspondent, we have a little pamphlet entitled, ^^Honey Blade Hungarian Grass Seed," emblaz- oned with the Coat of Arms of Hungary, and giving a history of the grass, with numerous ex- tracts from newspapers, by one Felix H. Benton. The pamphlet bears upon its title the imprint, "J. M. Emerson & Co., No. 406 Broadway, N. Y." Of all this we make no complaint — it is one of those amiable weaknesses often resorted to, to catch the popular eye and ear. But when we come to the git of the thing, the point that is to draw upon the pocket of the purchaser, we find a duty resting upon us which we embrace the ear- liest opportunity to discharge. The pamphlet before us reads thus : — It will be put up in uniform bags of about sixteen pounds each, the amount in each bag be- ing sufficient to seed an acre. The prices will be as follows : — One bag for one acre $3.00 Club for eleven bags 25,00 Now we beg leave to say to our friends that the pure Hungarian Grass Seed will be for sale in this city, at the Agricultural Warehouse of Nourse, Mason &f Co., Quincy Hall, or oi 2^ourse & Co., 34 Merchants Row, for $4,00 per bushel at retail, and $3,00 in large quantities, thus sav- ing about the sum of $5,00 on each bushel pur- chased, for it takes, as we learn, three bags of about sixteen pounds each, to make a bushel I For the New England Farmer. A COMPAKATIVE STATEMENT Of the Pkoduct and Value of Milk and Buttek. BY GEORGE S. BOUTWELL. I commenced saving milk for butter on the 10th of May last, and continued until October 1st. The milk was weighed once a week, and twenty pounds were considered equal to one can of eight quarts. The milk would have sold for eighteen cents a can, and the butter was sold for twenty- four cents a pound. I give the result of each month's operations : MILK. May, 163 cars $29,34 .June, 2411 cans 43,47 July, 188i cans 33,93 Aug.,21U cans 38,07 Sept., 202'^ cans 36,45 Cost of making 914J lbs. butter at 6^0 $50,28 $231,54 BUTTER. 177Jlbs $42,60 201.Ub3 48,36 166.1 lbs 40.02 193} lbs 46,50 1743 lbs 41,94 $219,42 Value of residue of 1007 cans at 8c $80,56 $299,98 231,54 Difference in favor of butter $68,44 It is thus seen that during the entire season 22 pounds of milk produced a pound of butter ; but in the month of May only 18.3 pounds were re- quired. Groton, January 10, 1859. HENS LAYING ALL THE YEAB. Some people think that if they keep their hens warm in the winter, that they will lay eggs freely all the year, but that is a mistake, as fowls can be made to lay but about 10 dozen eggs each in the year, if ever so great pains are taken Avith them in the winter ; and when they lay a good deal in the winter they lay enough less in the spring, so that not over the average of 10 dozen eggs are obtained usually. The Prairie Farmer has the following statement, which leads one to infer that his hens may be made to lay 100 or 300 eggs in a year — according to the manage- ment of them. Still the better treatment spoken of is advisable, as more eggs will be laid in the winter, by adopting it, when they command a better price, but it will be at the expense of the regular spring laying : Treatment of Hens. — Two flocks of hens were compared. One laid eggs almost all the time ; the other laid scarcely any. On examining their treatment, the following differences were found to exist : the former had a warm cellar to roost in during the winter; the latter roosted in a stable where the wind blew in. The former had a fine place in an open cellar for scratching among ashes, lime, and earth ; the latter scratched in the manure heap, or in the stable when the cows were put out. The forner had plenty of of good water, with milk, &:c., the others had no drink except what they could find. — Pairal Amer- ican. Large Hogs. — Mr. Benjamin Derby, of this town, has slaughtered this week two hogs which weighed thirteen hundred and thirty-five pounds. The weight of the larger was seven hundred and twenty-eight pounds. W. D. B. Concord, Mass., Jan. 7, 1859. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 115 For the New England Farmer. COKN AND CORN STALKS. Among my earliest recollections of the corn crop is seeingthe then universal practice pursued of cutting the stalks. This was generally done early in September. They were bound and stooked the same day, and in two or three weeks, as the con- ■venience of the farmer directed, they were housed for winter fodder. It was an animating sight, to see the ripe and ripening corn crops, the husks falling from the long golden ears, reflective of rich maturity as the sunbeams fell upon them. But innovation was in due time to spoil these beautiful features in the autumnal landscape. Somebody tried the experiment in a cold season of cutting up corn when half matured and stack- ing it an indefinite period. Circumstances favored the experiment. Perhaps an early frost cut off the standing corn and prevented its attaining the same degree of maturity with that which was cut up. At any rate, the thing took, and for a few years every farmer, nearly, adopted the practice of cutting up his corn early, to ripen in stacks. ]?or a year or two, I was among the popular number that adopted this course, but my experi- ence was so bitter that the "old fogy" arose with- in me, and I returned to the old way, which I have persistently followed. The objections that I found to the "new way," were that it made a heavy work of harvesting ; that in order to have the corn get sufficiently dry for husking and housing, a length of time was required that materially injured the stalks for fodder, and, what was worse than all, the corn was not so bright and heavy, while the good, rich, old-fashioned golden puddings were out of question. There was not the life or nutriment in the meal, I find in that where the grain ripens "the natural way." Such were my impressions, at least, and in order to convince myself whether it was a whim, 1 inquired of several millers, of the relative value of corn harvested in the two ways, and found them unanimous in declaring in favor of grain ripened on the hills. Farmers, too, are beginning to see the diff"er- ence as every year's observations go to show, ■while some who still cut up their corn admit the inferiority of their mode of harvesting, but plead the saving of labor at the cost of the ultimite value of the crop. Then others have taken the other extreme, and question the propriety of dis- turbing the stalks at all until the crop has ri- pened. After the pollen has fallen fiom the tas- sels, one service of the stalk is performed. Yet there can be no doubt but the stalk and leaves above the ear are of service in elaborating sap, and in absorptions from the atmosphere long af- ter the foUen has ceased to fall, and when the tassel is becoming dry, and the greater the amount of elaborated sap that is thrown into the ear, the more rapidly it will mature, and the more perfect its maturity. But when the leaves begin to dry upon their edges, and exhibit around the border a torn appearance, it matters but little how soon the stalks are taken off, which should always be done in fin- weather, and they put in a condition to hay as fast as possible. A few fine days will hay them thoroughly, and if they are well secured, all kinds of stock will thrive upon them. After the tops reach the condition above allud- ed to, and are taken oft", the point of sepai-ation soon dries over, so as to prevent the evaporation of sap through the wound, and it is turned into the ear to give the kernel maturity, while an in- creased exposure to the sun urges forward the ripening of the grain, which, matured in this way, unless the stalk falls to let it on the ground, will long remain uninjured by storms. Then the amount of fodder saved by cutting up the butts at harvesting v.'ith the stalks already properly secured, will not lose in comparison of the fodder saved by cutting up the whole at once. Stock will do well on the leaves of the butts if fed to them in early winter, to the exclusion of other fodder, which may, probably, if given out, create a distaste for them ; for animals, like men, will leave the less v.duable food for the best when both are set before them. The idea of raising corn, is, first for the crop of grain, the fodder coming in as an extra. Then, the next thing is to get the largest amount of sound, bright corn. This, in my experience, is gained by cutting the stalks as soon as they be- gin to show full maturity. If corn stalk fodder is the thing sought, the better way is, to sow broadcast, and harvest when the stalks have at- tained their growth. W. Bacon. Bichmond, Jan., 1859. For the New England Farmer. WHEN AND HOW TO USB MANURES. Mr. Editor : — Being a reader of the N'. E. Farmer (monthly,) I notice that there are various theories about the use of green vianures, especial- ly that taken out of "barn cellars." More par- ticularly a communication from A. Ward, in the December number of 1858, and one from R. Maxsfield, in the January number of 1859. Mr. W. seems to be at a loss how to apply his ma- nure, and Mr. M. seems to suggest the idea that the south side of, and under the eaves of the barn, is the most suitable place for manure to be kept, and as my experience and practice is rather dif- ferent from that of Mr. M., I venture to give my experience in corn raising for the last three years. Four years ago a cellar was made under my barn 8 feet deep, for a shed for cattle and deposit for manure, the cattle being kept in the stable above, the manure falling directly underneath, and thus receiving the urine of the cattle. I cut all kinds of fodder except haj', and what is left, if any, is used for litter ; thus my manure in the spring is ail fine, and I am not troubled with what is called "long manure." My practice has been, generally, to break up my green sward, which is a sandy loam from 8 to 10 inches deep, late in the fall; in the spring roll my ground, cart out my manure in its green and crude state, from 15 to 18 cords to the acre. Spread upon the ground and immediately give it a thorough harrowing, or cultivating so as to thoroughly mix the manure with the soil ; then, just before planting, plow the ground from 3 to 5 inches, and harrow again. For the last three years I have raised from GO to 70 bushels of corn per acre. My success I attribute to the strength and thorough mixture of the manure with the soil I All the manure from my cattle, horses and 116 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March hogs, is kept under cover until carted out in the spring, and as long as my crops of corn, oats, potatoes and hay are about double what they used to be under the old system of having the manure scattered about the yard, and the heaps at the windows "under the eaves on the south side of the barn," I think I shall continue the practice of keeping it from sun and rains until wanted for use, or until I am convinced that I am in an error. W. C. White. Barre, Vt., Jan. 9, 1859. Remarks. — Statements of such practical oper- ations as the above are valuable, and will help to settle the question under discussion. We shall be glad to have Mr. WHITE still further aid us in settling it. THE OLD MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY. The Transactions of the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture have been laid on our table. This time-honored Society has now been stead- ily and diligently pursuing the #>ject for which it w-as established, for sixty-six years. Associated in its labors, have been from the beginning, some of the most talented, philanthropic and patriotic men in our Commonwealth. This society is be- lieved to be the third in order of time, formed, established and endorsed, (in any part of the •world) to promote the cause of agriculture, and has never lost sight of its object. It has been chiefly sustained, and its funds furnished by the "merchant princes and solid men" of Boston, •who have been as fully awake to the importance of agriculture to the prosperity of the Common- wealth, as any other class of its citizens. They were the first to take into consideration the low state of agriculture in the State, and to associ- ate themselves and procure from the Legislature an act of incorporation for its promotion. They have held monthly meetings and devoted unstint- ed labor to the object. They have initiated a large proportion of the improvements and insti- tutions to which the State is now indebted for the advanced condition of its agriculture. We will now enumerate a few of them. In 1801, Fairs for the sale of stock were pro- posed by them, ■which were the origin of the present fairs held at Cambridge and Brighton. In 1802, Merino sheep were introduced into the State, under their auspices. In 180-1, the Botanic Garden at Cambridge owned its establishment to their efforts, and was sustained in part by their funds for several years. In 1808, they offered $1000 in premiums for ■various agricultural and mechanical improve- ments. In 1809, they imported a plow, which, with the premiums they subsequently oflfered, awak- ened an interest in the improvement of this the most important implement in agriculture. In 1813, an agricultural journal was issued under their supervision, which was continued sev- eral years, and contained a large number of val- uable papers, and was not discontinued till agri- cultural newspapers were ready to supply its place. In 1814, they gave the first premium to a straw- cutter and threshing-machine. In 1816, the Society held its first Cattle Show at Brighton. In the same year they gave vari- ous premiums for agricultural machines, and im- ported two Alderney bulls and two cows. In 1817, they established the first plowing- match ever held in the State, and which led to their establishment throughout the State. In 1819, they imported wheat and turnip seed from France and millet from Russia. In 1821, they offered $2000 in premiums for stock, farms, farm products and implements. In 1823, they offered large premiums for farms, and introduced the mangold-wurtzel and ruta- baga. In 1824, they procured a Hereford bull and heifer. In 1825, a Yorkshire stallion and mare. In 1835, they imported at large expense, an Ayrshire bull and three cows. In 1845, they imported specimens of Devon stock. In 1850, they imported more Alderney stock. For the present year they have offered $1000 for the best plantation of forest trees suitable for ship timber, of five acres, and $500 for the best conducted farm. During this long period, they have aided by their funds and influence the several county so- cieties, all w^hich may be considered the legiti- mate oflfspring of this venerable parent. The Mid- dlesex Society, the oldest of the flourishing fami- ly, owes its origin to a circular addressed to sever- al gentlemen in the interior of that county by this Society, and the rest have been born in regular succession. Since the county societies have es- tablished annual fairs all over the State, the Mas- sachusetts Society has ceased its annual exhibi- tions, and approi^riated its funds to the difl"usion of information, the importation of stock and other measures designed to promote agriculture throughout the State, and especially such mea- sures as would not be likely to be undertaken by the county societies. Its action for the few years last past has not brought its officers so di- rectly into personal contact with the farming pop- ulation of the State, as formerly. As its move- ments occupy a smaller space in public, and make less show and parade, some have been led to in- fer that it is falling into its dotage. But '«'e are 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 117 not at all disposed to make this inference. It is aiding the good cause, by means, which, though quiet and unostentatious, are yet powerful, and ■will be felt for good, long after the more noisy displays of those who are good farmers period- ically, have been forgotten. The present volume is highly creditable to the Recording Secretary, and suggests the value and interest of a more extended selection from the records of the Society. A history of the agri- culture of the State would show who have ever been the true friends of the farmer, and if pre- pared as it would be by the Secretary, would be a noble monument to the memory of the noble men who founded this Societj'. A brief statement of what the Society Jias done, scattered among the people, would not only be a matter of justice to the Society itself, but would correct that spirit of complaint which has been manifested within two or three years past. Those who conduct its affairs are men of the world, of integrity, and of sound judgment, and are un- questionably desirous of promoting the agricul- tural interests of the State in every way, so far as their personal labors and the funds placed in their control will permit. For our part, the Society has our respect and gratitude, and we wish it a long life of useful- ness and high character, such as it has always sustained. We were honored with an election to this So- ciety several years ago, but have never attended any of its meetings, or known of one having ta- ken place. While there is probably no rule of exclusion to any, we cannot doubt but its affairs are better managed by a few than they would be by a large number. It has done well in the past, and we have entire confidence in it for the fu- ture. I^'or the New England Farmer. THE GOVBENOR'S NOTIONS OF AGBI- CULTURE. Very properly, (as I think.) does the Governor place the interests of agriculture in the front rank in his message, not to be cut down by the enemy, but to be greeted by friends ; for credit is given to the exertions of those who have so disinterestedly and effectively sustained our ag- ricultural associations. All praise be to him, who by precept and example does justice to the in- dustrious tiller of the soil, by whose efforts (next to the smiles of Heaven,) we "live, move and have our being." No complaint is made of the annual appropriation of $12,000 for the sustain- ing of these institutions — a mere pittance com- pared with the benefits to accrue. His Excellency appears to have a just sense of the irregularities, in the present distribution of this bounty, but doubts whether the present or- ganizations should be disturbed, at the same time clearly indicating that these inequalities should not be increased. What he means in speaking of town societies is not readily seen ; but I presume he would not recommend an ap- propriation by the State, for the support of such societies. That they can be advantageously organized, we have no doubt ; that they may be made useful auxiliaries to county societies, I be- lieve is equally clear ; but that it is not expedi- ent to increase the number of societies (favored by bounty) beyond the number of counties, has ever been my deliberate opinion. Essex. Ja7i. 12, 1859. For the New England Farmer. FLOWAGE OF Lfl.ND ON CONCORD RIVER. The injuries sustained by meadow-owners on Concord River and its tributaries, together with the gross outrages perpetrated on them under forms of law in seeking redress, is a subject once more before the public mind. The report of the mass meeting of meadow-owners in Concord, De- cember 27th, in the Boston Journal, also copied in the Farmer, presents something of a view of the nature of the case. These meadow-owners have too patiently born their wrongs, as honest farmers not accustomed to litigation, and allowed one or two individuals to pursue the subject alone. But their growing injuries are awakening them to the necessity of action, and they are now banding together for a thorough investigation in view of an ultimate remedy. It is not a question of trifling moment. Not even an uninterested mind with a knowledge of the facts can call it such. It has sufficient lo- cal interest to entitle it to public consideration, regardless of the general principles involved, and the welfare of a large community. It is even connected with matters concerning every inhab- itant of the State. Thousands of acres, much of which is more valuable than upland, rendered worthless to swell the coffers of a very few. This meadow land, owned by farmers, from five to thirty and forty acres each, is the main depen- dence of their profit in farming. It demands no expenses for cultivating or fertilizing, but yields its annual crop with only the cost of harvesting. And farmers have depended on it for their win- ter's supply of hay; its loss subjecting them to the necessity of buying hay, or keeping a less number of cattle ; either of which methods de- tracts from their income. But aside from pecuniary loss to farmers thus interested, another important and more general view of the subject regards it as the cause of de- terioration of health. The miasma from stand- ing water on the meadows, and the decomposi- tion of so much vegetable matter, is a fruitfu. source of disease. It has been given to the world as grave advice, and I think through the Farmer, not to suffer vpgetable matter to lie about, exposed to the atmosphere, to absorb its noxious qualities, because injurious to health. But if this advice should be deemed necessary on account of a few small quantities, how much more so when the air is tainted by thousands of tons of decaying matter lying on the banks of a river for miles, with dwellings within a short distance. But it is argued by some in opposition that 118 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March those situations on the plains near the river are healthiest. This may be a fact ; but it determines nothing against the principle. If they are health- iest, it is because the miasma rising into the air passes over the plains. But somebody gets it — those v.'ho live on the hills and highlands. Fogs will be seen settling on the hills. This may be the reason why some situations on the hills are so unhealthy, as some in this town are more so than other places ; and thus by the miasma rising higher into the air, the injurious effects are more widely spread. For even a light wind, moving at the rate of twenty or thirty miles an hour, will carry the noxious effluvia over a broad ex- tent of territory. Therefore the question is not altogether local, but concerns the inhabitants of distant parts of the State. The flowage of so much land in various parts of New England may be one cause of a decrease of health ; for few things are more injurious than impure air — whether in doors or out. Then, as flowage of land, not only in this case, but in others, is for the advantage of a few indi- viduals to the injury of many, is it not the duty of every advocate of equality of rights to define the privileges of all according to strict justice ? Will future legislators show the blindness of their predecessors to common rights and privi- leges, by further enactments, or remain silent regarding the present, favoring incorporated companies at the expense of general loss ? Can an individual man, without money and without influence, boast of an independent government and equality of rights, if money and influence are weights in the scale of justice ? It is to be hoped that the agitation of this question will not cease, until justice shall have asserted its power in determining the rights and privileges of incorporated companies, and in sus- taining the common rights of all. L. H. Sherman. Wat/land, Mass., Jan., 1859. For the equestrian spirit manifested by this society I cannot say as much. Premiums for horsQS, in every possible form, and twice as much as for neat stock, are still proposed. This seems to indicate, a sort of bravado interest, as much as to say, we know what we are about, and will do as we please, let others say what they may against it. I do not run to horse, so much as do our fri'-nds at Plymouth, at Springfield, and at Worcester, and I think the time will come, when they will see the error of their ways. If they do not, I think their practices will be a great dam- per upon healthy agricultural improvement in the Commonwealth. Essex. January, 1859. For the Aeto England Farmer. AGRICULTUBAL TKAWSACTIOJSTS AT PLYMOUTH COUNTY. I always look at these with great interest, know- ing the wisdom and experience that has directed them. I was particularly pleased to see in the publication for 1850, a compendious digest of the mode of growing Indian corn, in that region by r gentleman who has probably given more at- tention to this matter ihan any other in the State. On looking it over, I do not find any es- sential difference in his rules, from what I had been taught from my youth. He would have the ground plowed six or seven inches deep, and dressed with about eight cords of manure to the acre. He would have the seed selected in the field — well-formed ears, that ripen the earliest ; hills about three feet apart, and four stalks, the most vigorous, ultimately left in the hill. These will give a sufficiency of stalks to yield an abun- dant harvest — say eighty bushels to the acre. More than this may not be expected, without extra hoeing and manuring. For the manures about our barns and pig-sties he gives a prefer- ence, not rejecting entirely the new-fangled pre- parations, far-fetched and dear-bought. Such sound advice as this I respect, wherever found. For the New England Farmer. ROOT CHOPS. Mr. Editor : — As I am the only one of your correspondents, who does not think much of tur- nips as a crop to raise for stock and hogs, you will allow me to be heard oftener than you would if others took the same side. Your correspond- ents give me all sorts of advice, and recommend turnips for all kinds of stock. Gentlemen, I am much obliged to you, but I have tried chem to my entire satisfaction, and reject them. They raise them much cheaper than I ever did, but even at their tables of cost, I do not Avish to buy. I would like to see a statement of the exact cost of raising a field, from the time the ground was plowed in the spring, till the last bushel was fed out, either in hours or dollars, not estimated, but kept from day to day. Your cor- respondent, Mr. Bassett, gives his statement, but I presume he will not say that $7 was the exact cost of raising his 103 bushels of turnips, but only the estimated cost, in his opinion. He took sixteen rods, or one-tenth of an acre, and calls the manure 81,00. I do not know the worth of manure with him, but here at 85 a cord, and to those who buy it costs more, it would be about one-half an ox-cart full, or allowing that but half the goodness of the manure was spent, one cart full, or ten loads to the acre. To use his own language, "Would any sane man ven- ture to put ten loads of manure to an acre of land for a root crop ?" He recommends me to read a communication signed "The Desponding Farmer." I do not think that v/ould apply to me, as I both like farming, and think I find it profitable. I love the farm, the stock, the barn, the produce, and all that a good farm produces. I have had quite a number of farms thrown upon my hands, as guardian, executor and administrator, and in ev- ery instance, I have been able to show an income in dollars and cents, more than the interest of what the farm brought, over and above the carry- ing on, taxes, &c., and that without cutting wood or timber. I agree with Mr. Bassett that the hog, proper- ly cared for, is a very important consideration with regard to the corn crop, and all other crops. I believe that a hog, well cared for, will make extra corn on an acre enough to fat him. But his last conclusion I do not believe in : — "That no turnips, no hogs." I have thirty of the hog kind, large and small, and I do not find 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 119 the least difficulty in making them grow without turnips or milk. I have killed three within a few weeks, from twelve to fifteen months old, that averaged over 350 pounds each, and I do not think they ever tasted milk, except from their mother, or turnips, and yet they cost me eight cents a pound. I admit that hogs, and all other stock, will do better on a variety of foad. I use corn, rye, shorts, rice-meal, and such refuse po- tatoes, apples and other stuff I have, that will not sell or do to use in the family. We have as good a set of farmers in Hollis as you can find in the State. They have drawn premiums for their farms, their nurseries, their crops, their teams, almost always where they have tried. They have almost all of them tried roots, and after a few years given them, up, and I ven- ture to say, that the gentleman that raised 2500 bushels this year will not raise 2500 bushels a year ten years from this time, or in 1868. Our late townsman, William P. Saunderson, Esq., was as good a farmer as there was in the State, and for the last fifteen years has been in the milk business, where roots will tell, if any wnere. He went into the root crops largely, raising English turnips, ruta bagas, sugar beets, carrots, &c. ; but after a careful trial of at least twelve years, he gave them all up. In apprais- ing his estate, last week, not three bushels of roots, potatoes excepted, of all kinds, were found in his cellars. He has taken premiums for his farm, his nursery, and various kinds of produce, yet he gave up the root culture, and spent his la- bor, his manure and his best land to increase his corn, oats, wheat, apple and hay crops. I do not believe that it will pay to boil potatoes, turnips, apples or any of the roots for stock or hogs, when wood is worth $4 or So per cord ; but ■when it is not more than $1 or $2 a cord it may do. Nor will it do to compare our farming, where labor is so high, with the farming of England, Ireland or Scotland, where labor costs compara- tively nothing, and where they cannot raise corn. If they could raise from 30 to 100 bushels of corn, in England, to the acre, you would not hear much of their turnip crop. People should raise what their climate is best calculated to raise to profit, as their great crops. One man tells me he kept some young cattle through, on corn fodder, straw and turnips, and they came out well. I have kept my young cat- tle "through, on corn fodder and meadow hay, for years, without the turnips, and they came out well. I prefer to use a part corn fodder for my oxen and cows, to all English hay, and they do better on it, and the cows give more milk. Eollis, Dec. 25, 1858. E. Emerson. comparatively in minute quantities, on some soils, produce a remarkable effect, on other soils but little. While one substance, applied alone, produces little or no eff'ect, a mixture of two or more may give rise to striking differences. Phosphoric acid, lime, and some form of or- ganic matter, are essential constituents of such a mixture as shall everywhere and under all cir- cumstances produce a marked, beneficial effect on old, worn-out land. Sulphuric acid has a beneficial effect on legu- minous plants. SCIENTIFIC CONCIiUSIONS. Scientific experiments, as well as theoretical hypothesis, have established the following posi- tions. We believe they may be set down as ag- ricultural truths : Substances, rich in nitrogen, increase the ver- dure, lengthen the straw, and promote and pro- long the growth of plants. Lime generally shortens the period of growth, strengthens the stem and hastens the time of ri- pening of both corn and root crops. Saline substances, applied alone, and even, PSIZE ESSAY ON MANUBES. We have before us, and have perused with a lively interest, an Essay on the Preparation and Application of Manures, by Doct. Joseph Rey- nolds, of Concord, Mass. This essay was pre- sented to the Massachusetts Society for the Pro- motion of Agriculture, and received their highest prize of one hundred and fifty dollars. The essay commences by stating that Salts, Gases, Acids and Water are all essentials, and then proposes the inquiry, IJoio many of these el- ements are necessary to constitute a manure ? The subject oi Liquid Manureis also introduced, and ably treated. The author says — The saving and use of liquid manures is deserv- ing of more attention than it has yet received in this country. It is easy so to arrange the stalls of cattle, as to receive their urine into troughs under the floor, and to convey it into a cistern in the cellar, or outside of the barn. This may be pumped into a water-cart, to which a sprinkler is attached, similar to those used in watering the streets. If it is pumped in through a strainer, the sprinkler does not become clogged, and it may be rapidly conveyed to the field, and distributed as a top-dressing, upon grass or grain, with im- mediate effect. When the soil is not deficient in carljonaceous elements, there can probably be no better top-dressing applied. It is not as perma- nent in its effects as the solid excrement, but more immediate, and it may be applied twice a year upon grass, with less expense of labor than one dressing of solid manure. The cost of the necessary apparatus for saving and distributing it, is small. As a top-dressing for a fieW where turnips are to be grown, it is very excellent. As a top-dressing in the spring, or during the sum- mer, for pasture lands, it is perhaps superior to any dressing that can be applied. If the undilut- ed urine is thought too strong, it may be easily diluted in the field, if water is at hand. The Application of Manures has received con- siderable attention, and the writer has given many facts, and offered suggestions that will prove of high value to the attentive reader. He says — One great necessity for applying manure in our climate, is, that plants may be forced more rapidly through all the stages of their growth, since if left to themselves, the season would not be long enough to bring them to perfection ; and 120 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March that system of culture which pushes them for- ward early, that they may gtt well rooted, and therefore be the better able to endure the droughts of July and August, and thus arrive at early ma- turity, before the frosts of Sej)tember, we think must be the best system. Could v;e add another month to the summer of our climate, we could cultivate many crops, with a much less amount of stimulants than Ave require at present. Now we have to guard against the droughts of sum- mer, and the early frosts of autumn, and I do not esteem it safe practice, to deposit the manure for the corn so deep in the soil that the growing crops cannot reach it till late in the season. When stable manure or compost is plowed in deep, we would recommend the application of well diluted guano, ashes or fine compost in the hill. In this v/ay, with a season at all favorable, the crop will rarely fail. This essay is valuable, because in preparing it, the writer has had the advantage of a practical experience on the soil to blend with his chemical acquirements in the laboratory ; and this varied knowledge has so tempered both as to give them a value which a mere theorist cannot impart to his productions. TH^ DESTRUCTION OF FOHESTS. By Robert Demcker. Landscape Gardiner in Cincinnati. Translated for ttie Ohio Farmer, by Dr. C. A. Hartman, from the German of the Cincinnati llochwcechter. The social life of the plants has recently given rise to many contemplations and experiments, the results of which are of the highest importance to the tiller of the soil, as well as to th" horti- culturist. We have learned, that the existence of a great many plants depends on their associa- tion in large masses, while others, small herbs and even shrubs, need the protection of their tall- er relation, the trees, under the shade of which the carbonic acid finds the necessary temperature for its decomposition, and proper assimilation by the smaller plants ; for these the trees also pre- pare the humus wanted for their further nour- ishment, in the leaves and other parts fdlling ofi" every year. Many social plants deprive the ground of certain inorganic ingredients, which are absorbed p.gain and given back by other plants partly in their decomposition, partly in the secretions of their roots. All these plants live harmoniously together, supplying each other; the life o*f the one kind wholly depends upon the existence of the other. These facts have led to the alternation of crops, and have made agricul- tural chemistry one of the most important assis- tants on the farm and in the garden. The large associations of high-grov/ing woody plants, commonly called forests, are the genera- tors and regulators of the vital air needed by the animals ; they are also the fathers of the springs, attracting the rain and spreading it successively as well as proportionately over the ground where mosses, and other herbs, with densely arranged roots, detain the water so received for quite a long time, and retard its evaporation. The dis- appearing of the forest causes not only want of wood and v^'ater, a dry and poor vegetation, but usually promotes inundations. The falling rain then washes down unhindered the soil from hill and mountain. Moss, turf, shrubbery, and trees formerly took hold of the moisture, forming it into lively springs, and quiet brooks ; now the water runs down unimpeded, breaking loose and carrying oft" the ground, spreading sands and stones all over the fields and meadows, swelling the rivers and inundating the surrounding coun- try. In ilat regions and closed valleys, where the forests are destroyed, the waters accumulate and form unhealthy swamps. Formerly the trees consumed, in these places, all superfluous fluidi- ty, and the obnoxious gases arising from the stagnant waters. The lluman Campagna, for in- stance, once the well cultivated home of whole na- tions, where nov/ the most pernicious fevers are raging, the dreaded malaria drives off in summer time the few inhabitants to the neighboring mountains, where in ancient times was the cele- brated granary of Rome. This, and the present condition of Spain, Greece, a part of upper Italy and of the southern part of France, shov/ in the most evident manner, the productiveness of soil and men is diminished by the destruction of the forest ; islands like England may overcome to a certain degree the fatal consequences of such des- truction. The forest is the greatest benefactor of man- kind; it is a necessity everywhere, and still it is everywhere more and more destroyed. Room is wanted for the fields and meadows ; wood is wanted in great quantities ; the forest has to fur- nish both, without regard to its own preserva- tion ; human wickedness and foolishness, political storms, and other causes, destroy inexorably those great means oi national welfare and gen- eral blessing. All wise governments have com- prehended long ago the utility of the forest, and have provided a regular protection and care for it. This regular management of the forest is, at present, preserving and culturing the few re- maining mountain-forests in Germany, France, and Belgium, is producing new forests in desert- ed and swampy districts. Such a scientific and general care of the forest in this country is rath- er difficult, not to say impossible. The farmer destroys unconditionally, unscrupulously, not considering that he destroys with it the well-se- cured future welfare and the riches of the coun- try. "Fields as well as lungs," says Bettzieck- Beta, (a German author,) "are here destroyed by consumption, produced by the reckless endeav- oring to get rich in the shortest time possible " Now we do not want to quarrel with ihe far- mer for cutting down his trees, be it for the pur- pose of making money out of them, or to get more room for his agricultural propensities ; we deem it his duty, however, to repair the damages inflicted by it as far as possible, and the much more so, as this can be done in a manner the most useful to himself. We will show how it may be accomplished, supposing a man is willing and perseviu-ing enough to try it. Wherever the soil is easily washed away by rains, and the plow cannot be employed, exten- sive orchards with high-growing trees ought to be planted, and the ground covered with mixed grasses, adapted to its special character. In a few years the fruit trees will protect the soil against drying up too quickly, the grass also re- taining the humidity for the trees. All expenses will be paid a hundredfold in a short time. These 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 121 orchards can never replace the forest completely; they are, however, important and profitable means to diminish the fatal consequences of the disappearing forest. A])ples, pears, cherries, peaches, peccan-nuts, Italian or Spanish chest- nuts, are particularly adapted to such a planta- tion. Ditches, swampy fiats, and similar locali- ties, may be covered with Lombardian hazle- nuts, and all places not accessible to cattle can be surrounded by fences of quince trees. All farmers are respectfully requested to ex- amine these propositions, and to act in accord ance with them. "Whoever feels interested in the welfare of his contemporaries and their de scendants, will do well in setting an example to his neighbors. A SCOTCH LOVE SONG. fFEOM THE GREENTVICn AND WICKFOED PESCULUM.] They told me thou wert fahe, Jamie, And did na care for me ; I heeded not their voice, Jamie, I thought it could not be, So loving were thy words, Jamie, So winsome was thy smile ; I did na think that it, Jamie, Could veil one thought of guile. Dost thou recall the hawthorn glade Where we sat side by side. When, on a summer's night, Jamie, Thou sued me for thy bride .' My heart was very full, Jamie, As in the pale moonshine, I promised to be thine, Jamie, To be forever thine. Together there we knelt, Jamie, The bent and reverent knee, And prayed our Heavenly Father's love Might reft on thee and me. So radiant seemed my path, Jamie, My cup so full of bliss. How could I e'er dream, Jamie, That it would come to this ? I never see thee now, Jamie — Thou comest not to me : 'Tis said thou seek's another's love Ah, .Jamie, can it be ? They tell me she is rich, Jamie, And of a lordly line, Not thrice her wealth and rank, Jamie, Could buy a love like mine. My cheek that erst was red, Jamie, Is palin' day by day ; I felt it in my heart, Jamie, I'm wearin' fast away. Then, Jamie, when the Summer comes, And blossoms clothe the tree. Bestow one loving thought on her Who died for love of thee. H. Rose Insects. — If our lady readers are desir- ous of keeping their rose-bushes free from the small green vermin that so frequently infest them, the following remedy will be found a most effectual one : To three gallons of water, add one peck of soot and one quart of unslacked lime. Stir it well — let it stand for twenty-four hours, and when the soot rises to the surface, skim it off. Use a syringe for applying it. EXTKACTS AND BBPLIES. APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF AGRICUL- TURAL SOCIETIES BY THE STATE. About $12,000 is annually drawn from the Treasury for this purpose, and distributed to about twenty societies — no single society receiv- ing more than $600. So far this is well, and as it should be, I have noticed some complaint of there being more societies in some counties than in others. If this be an error, it was an over- sight in the Legislature in making the grants, more than in the societies who received them. Such irregularities will hereafter be guarded against. It was a condition of such grants from the State, that the society should have raised their funds and invested them on interest before they would be entitled to favor from the Stte. How those societies who have laid out all their money in land and buildings — from which no in- terest or income accrues, or can be expected to accrue, — can entitle themselves to a share of the bounty of the State, is beyond my power to im- agine. I think it must be by a hocus-pocus such as is said to be in use occasionally at Uncle Sam's custom-houses. I think if gentlemen so upright as the Governor and Treasurer should chance to run upon any such management, they would hesitate a while before they would suffer the money to be drawn. If they do not, they will ere long find the stool on which they themselves stand to be in a tottling condition. INQUIRER. Jan. 1, 1859. _ COTTON SEED MEAL. I notice in the April number of the Fanner that you speak favorably of cotton seed meal for milch cows. Does your experience since that time confirm the opinion you then expressed ? I have fed it to cows and calves to a limited extent, and have not noticed any injurious effects. But I have recently heard opinions expressed unfavorable to its use, by those who have fed it to a large number of cows. Indeed, the objections to it were very strong, principally, I believe, in conse- quence of its effects upon the physical condition of the cows. I should like to hear from yourself and others who have made trial of this meal. Analysis shows it to be richer than linseed meal, and I suppose it can be bought for a less price. b. Remarks. — We have used a ton (5r two of cotton seed meal, and we have thought with good results — though we were not able to make a comparison of it with other grains, in feeding it out, in consequence of frequent absence from home. But from what observation we were able to make, and the report of the man who tended the stock, we were favorably impressed with it as a feed for milch cows. We shall be glad to hear from others on the subject. A new discovery. It is stated that a gentleman of Fitchburg, Mass., has discovered the cause of the ;u)tato rot to be a "general poisoning or corrupiion of the surface soil." As a rem,i.'cy, h? proposes to 122 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. ARCH bring the enbsoil to the surface, in sufficient quantities to avoid the use of the surface soil, in the growing of tlie plants ; just as though the same causes that diffused the poison over the sur- face, had not spread it in the subsoil also. I should as soon think of prescribing "the taking off the skin of a man" for the cure of the itch, or any eruption apparent on the surface. So prone are men, when they get hold of an idea, to run it until it merges in absurdity. *. BUTTER IN WINTER. I often see directions how to make good but- ter in your valuable journal. In making butter, I find many obstacles ; my cow has been fed on carrots for several weeks ; since that time we have churned several hours (with the cream at 62) without making the butter come. Do you suppose the carrots have a tendency to prevent it ? If so, is there any way to avoid it ? Can the cream be churned again by any process ? Jan. 11, 1859. A SusCRlBER. Remarks. — We believe the carrots would have a tendency to produce good butter, and not to retard in any way its coming. If you have churned &day or two on your cream, you had better ap- propriate it to some other purpose than the making of butter. The first thing essential in making good but- ter in winter, is to get good milk, and then if the milk is set in some place, cellar or closet, where the temperature will remain at 60° Fahrenheit, cream will rise abundantly, and the butter will come in ten minutes after commencing churning the eream. Some persons scald the milk when it comes to the house — but that is not so essen- tial as an even temperature at 60° for the milk to stand in. We are making 20 lbs. per week without the slightest difficulty. MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. With the mercury 8*^ below zero, I have just) examined the pages of Mr. Secretary Fay's pub-! lication in explanation of the doings of the Mas-i sachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture. I Although the predominating influence of wealth] is apparent on every page of this Society's histo-i ry, still there is sufficient of good developed to, make the whole worthy of commendation. For, myself, I do not think a man any the better or worse, for being born a milUonare, or chancing to have married a wife that is one ; still it must be admitted, that there are some things that such persons can do, that others cannot do. I rejoice that this publication is made, because I think it will put down that ambitious spirit, that appear- ed in 1S57, and is again beginning to show itself on the banks of the Connect;icut. Every person ■who reads this handsome volume of 150 pages, ■will be satisfied that those who have managed the concerns of this society have had a high and honorable purpose, of doing the best they could to advance the best interests of the farmers of the State. If other associations would proceed with a single eye to the general good as they have, and not allow themselves to be swerved. from the path of propriety, they would leave a record that would shine brighter and brighter, unto the perfect day. January, 10, 1859. EsSEX. FRUIT TREES — EFFECT OF GRAFTING. Mr. Editor : — Fruit trees, and their cultiva- tion, is a subject which I feel particularly inter- ested in, and though my observations of these are home observations, and consequently quite limited, yet if they can be of use to any one, I am willing they should be further published in your valuable paper. That each tree has a condition of life peculiar to itself, long, short, or intermediate, few per- sons, if any, will deny, but that there is a trans- fer of such condition by grafting, old age not ex- cepted, few realize, and yet this is true, I believe, entirely true, and that I can substantiate it. But, says one, "If this be true, why then a large proportion of our fruit tree interests are of no account, for they have been grafted from old trees !" Well, this is even so, and were I to make a comparison of the thing, I should say that ani- mal life can as well be re-instated by the suste- nance which has established and perfected it, manhood, if you please, as that a fruit tree can flourish any considerable length of time, when grafted from an old one, and the reasons are just as obvious. The truth is, that the life principle, the tree life principle has been shortened in, and in, until no' hing comparatively remains of it, and now we are suffering from such practices. Walpole, N. II., 1859. W. T. Blanchard. CLAPBOARD OR BATTEN BARNS. A "Subscriber" wishes to know if he shall use clapboards or battens. My experience for quite a number of years is, to use neither for ordinary barns. My practice is, to use half-inch lining boards, and then board with straight-edged boards one inch thick, taking care to make them break joints with the lining. It has this advan- tage over battens, that, with a less number of girts to nail to, wind and storm is perfectly ex- cluded, it being understood that the boards and linings are well-seasoned before they are used. I find by experience, that hay can be put into a tight barn much greener, and it v,-ill keep much better, than it will in a loose boarded barn ; the stock will eat less hay, and look better, and do better, and they are better everyway, if it be properly ventilated, than they possibly can be in the old-fashioned loose boarded barn. If you do not believe, come and see. I). D. Powers. Pittsfield, Mass., Jan. 10, 1859. WEATHER AND CROPS IN MAINE. We are having pleasant weather and fine sleigh- ing. December was a pleasant month. The ground froze up rather early, so that most farm- ers did not do up their plowing. Corn and oth- er grain did well, excepting wheat, of which there is not much sown about here. Potatoes turned out well, and not so many rotted as usual. Hay is rather high, twelve dollars a ton, and stock cheap. As a general thing, farmers here keep more stock than hay, so hay is kept high, and cattle poor — a poor policy, 1 think. There are 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 123 a good many such farmers that will sell their hay, and cheat their cattle, and soil, for the sake of a few dollars, for the present time, G. D. s. West Danville, Me., 1859. INJURED HORSES. To "Taunton" — I have known a horse to re- ceive a very severe cut from kicking against the plate that attaches the whiffletree to the crossbar, severing the cord so that it protruded from the wound, to recover, so as to perform carriage and farm work without inconvenience. Three-fourths of an inch was cut off, and it was then placed back, and, as is well known in surgery, the inter- stice filled and restored the ankle to nearly its former strength and flexibility. V. C. G. NafJiua, 1859. Remarks. — We are glad to hear it. The one or two horses we have seen thus injured, were utterly ruined. FLOORS IN HORSE STALLS. "W. D. L." is informed that it is customary to build horse stalls with inclined floors, but they are usually inclined more than is necessary to se- cure the object — cleanliness, particularly in sale- stables, as it makes a horse look larger to have his forward feet elevated three or four inches, but it is very objectionable for a horse that stands much in the stall. One-half inch to the yard is amply sufficient. It is a very good way to construct the floor of two thicknesses of inch boards instead of one of plank, matching the under layer, and placing the upper boards about three-eighths of an inch apart, using boards about six inches wide, It economises the bedding twenty-five per cent. Nashua, N. II., 1859. v. c. G. DANVERS RED POTATOES. Mr. William Hanson, of Barre, Vt., raised the past season, 505 bushels of Danvers red potatoes on 1^ acres ; also 725 bushels of oats on 13 acres (10 acres greensward.) L. H. Thurber. Washington, Vt., 1859. DUCHESSE D'aNGOULEME PEARS. J. H. Jones, Esq., Clinton, Illinois, writes us that he raised the above named variety of pear last season that weighed from 12 to 17 ounces each. Should like the volume mentioned, if it can be sent free of cost. BUNCH ON A horse's LEG. Can you or your readers tell me the cause of a bunch on a horse's forward leg, bt-low the knee on the inside ; I think it is called a splint ; and if it can he taken off', or if it bur's a horse ? The bunch is as hard as bone. A SUBSCRIBER. Millbury, Mass., Jan., 1859. A MORRILL COLT. Mr. Perley Roberts, of Washington, Vt., has a Morrill colt, foaled June loth, 1857, which weighed, Dec. 29Lh, 1858, 947^ pounds. He had no extra keeping. for the New England Farmer. KOOFING MATERIALS. Dear Sir : — When I answered your questions about roofing materials through your paper, I did not expect to arouse the wrath of all the pro- prietors of unmentioned small quarries in Ver- mont, nor did I wish to involvemyself in a news- paper controversy, nor did I suppose I should be purposely misrepresented. I did not say that slates must fade to be as good as the Welsh, but that all the strong and best Vermont slates do fade upon continued exposure to the weather, whilst all which do not fade are soft and of little value for roofing, however well they maybe adapted to slabs, &c. The fact is unquestionable, and may be proved by any one who will trouble himself to try the experiment of wetting a slate which soaks water, and exposing it to the action of frost. The same power which will break your pitcher when full of water, by freezing the water, will in a few seasons' expos- ure, disintegrate the slate. My object in writing you was to convey desi- rable information to those of your readers who may have buildings to cover, and to facilitate their researches ; after giving the merits of slate for a roof, I gave tests of value. These tests are admitted by the best authorities to be of absolute importance, and properly applied, will satisfy any experimenter. For power of resistance to frost and consequent power to resist disintegration, the quantity of water a slate will absorb in a given time, the one absorbing the most is the poorest. For strength, elasticity, toughness and long resistance to strain when laid on the roof, or to concussion of hail, of falling stones, bricks, or the tread of persons moving over the roof, the weight a given slate will bear without breaking when supported by its extremeties and loaded in the middle. These two points settled for or against any dif- ferent specimens of slate, that one will be best for general use which is equal to or better than all others in strength, 8cc., and in inability to soak water, and which splits with the greatest uniformity and smoothness, and yields the larg- ests number of squares to the ton. I am aware that slates according to their size should be thicker or thinner, and that some ab- solute thickness is proper for each size, but the least increase over this pi'oper thickness, is a loss to the purchaser, in the strain of unnecessary weight upon the roof, in the extra freight paid for that increased and useless weijrht ; and is a loss to the producer in waste of stock. I mf^n- tioned the Glen Lake and Eagle as the best Ver- mont slates, because the Glen Lake first and Eagle next, are uniformly best in all these three qual- ities. The Eagle is necessarily thickest for the character of the stone, and is thicker than use re- quires. The Forest slate I know very well ; it is an ex- cellent slate, as are many others, l)ut when sul)mit- ted to the water test, it will be found to soak more water than they. I have seen the exp'-riment care- fully tried by disinterested persons, and it always soaked most water of the three. The Farnham quarries of mottled slate I know very well. The writer who describes them says, 124 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March nt start, that they are soft. Soft slates, unless ;j;reasy and naturally rotten, always soak more iimter than harder varieties, and fail in the first test. The soft slate is like soft wood or any other soft material, unless pliable, like wrought iron or copper, or other metals, is less able to bear a strain and weight than hard kinds of the same material ; and in the case of this slate the following fact bears me out. A large number of squares of the mottled slate were piled last spring at the Fairhaven depot, and were sold this summer to some slaters, who before they could use their purchase, were obliged to pick them all over, and in many cases recut (or dress) the slates ; and there was, two months ago, at that depot, at least one-eighth of the whole quantity culled and thrown aside as waste. The mottled color bespeaks of so enthusiastical- ly is the worst feature about them. It is bad enough for all our slates that they change a little in color when exposed to the sun for a time, but when laid they are uniform in color, and become nearly uniform after the fading is over ; but these mottled slate look like a pie-bald horse, at first ; a roof laid with them is a real curiosity for one accustomed to observe color, its effect is like a face spotted with small-pox or mottled with the eruptions of scarlet fever ; it is neither one thing nor another. This slate, like many others, will find its largest and true use as slabs for marbleizing, for tiles, &c. But to close all I have to say upon the subject of slate, I would propose that all the slate manu- facturers hold a meeting at a convenient place, and select a committee of three careful and scienti- fic chemists and engineers, who shall visit the va- rious quarries, obtain fair samples of the slate, both slabs and slate ready for the roof, which they shall submit to the most severe tests in order to establish their value for the various uses to which slate may be put ; let this committee report pro- gress through your paper from time to time, and finally publish in it the result of their labor. If a careful investigation were made at once, a conclusion satisfactory to all parties could be ar- rived at before the spring sales commence, and all might purchase intelligently. This is the practice in England. Every new slate is tested by competent persons, and their opinions published, so that no one n=eed buy a poor article for a good one. The uses for slate are many, and some kinds not good for one pur- pose are pre-eminently good for others ; let this be known to the public. I have proposed this plan to the proprietors of the Glen Lake quarries, and they express great readiness to enter into such an inquiry, and are ready to subscribe liberally towards it, or to pay their share of the cost ; this seems to me very fair, and I hope the plan may be adopted by all quarry owners. RusTICUs. A Fat Fish. — The siskawit, a fish of Lake Superior, is reported to be the fattest fish that swims, either in fresh or salt water. The fisher- wen say that one of these fish, when hung by the tail in the hot sun of a summer's day, will melt, and entirely disappear, except the bones. In packing about fifty barrels, a few seasons ago t Isle Royale, one of the fishermen made two and a half barrels of oil from the heads and leaf fat alone, without the least injury to the market- ableness of the fish. Besides this leaf fat, the fat or oil is disseminated in a layer of fat and a layer of lean throughout the fish. They are too fat to be eaten fresh, and f re put up for market like the lake white fish and Mackinaw trout. STATE BOABD OF AGBICULTUBB. A quarterly meeting of the State Board of Ag- ricidture was held at the State House on Tues- day, Jan. 18, Gov. Banks, Lt. Gov. Trask, and nearly every member of the Board, were present. His Honor the Lieut. Governor in the chair. The management of the State Farm at West- boro', during the last year, has been in the care of a Superintending Committee of eight persons, and the report of this committee, and its consid- eration, was the first business in order. The report gives in detail the operations of the committee in regard to the stock, crops, methods of seeding and cultivating, reclaiming, trenching, laying down lands, draining, and all other mat- ters that have engaged their attention. As an il- lustration of their mode of proceeding we cite an experiment in seeding land to oats. They had six acres to seed with oats — they were all sown broadcast, April 27 and 28, and harrowed in as fol- lows. No. 1 received^ue bushels per acre ; No. 2 received four bushels ; No. 3 three bushels ; and No. 4 at the rate of two bushels. The lots were manured with 100 lbs. of plaster per acre, spread broadcast and harrowed in, with the exception of a strip of one acre running across the several lots, which received no plaster. The oats were har- vested July 28, and threshed Sept. 2d and 3d. The yield of lot No. 1 was 42 bushels ; that of No. 2, was 30.^ ; that of No 3. was 40, and that of No. 4 was 26i bushels. The acre that received no plaster yielded 20A bushels, the grain weigh- ing 28 lbs. to the bushel, and being much the same on all the lots except on No. 1, on which both the grain and straw were much the lightest. The results of this carefully conducted experi- ment would seem to settle the question pretty conclusively, that three bushels of oats is the amount most profitable to be used for seeding an acre of land that is in fair condition. This com- mittee reported as much in detail upon all the other crops of the farm. The committee close their report by saying, that the aggregate amount for permanent improve- ments during the past five years has been no less than $13,727 58, while the aggregate amount for boys' labor was $9,437 75. Ihe value of person- al property is $4,804 36 greater than when the Board first took charge of the farm ; or, in other words, the Board leave that amount of personal property belonging to the State over and above 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 125 the aggregate amount received from the Trustees in 1854. The sum spent for permanent improvements, for the labor of the boys — for implements, stock, &c., amounts, during the five years, to $32,423- 17. The aggregate amount received from the Commonwealth during the same period, inclu- ding the value of the inventory received from the Trustees in 1854, was $29,081,00, showing a bal- ance of $3,342 17, which the farm returns to the State more than the whole amount received. SECOND DAY. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 1859. The Hon. Marshall P. Wilder was called to the chair. In consequence of the Board having decided at a previous meeting no longer to conduct the affairs of the farm, a committee was appointed to report a plan of business for the year, and they reported that the Board be subdivided into com- mittees, each of whom should investigate a spe- cial subject, and report to the full Board, annual- ly, in January, the result of their investigations. This report was adopted. Under a resolve of the legislature of 1857, the Board of Agriculture was authorized to ^^investi- gate the various methods of arresting the disease of theipotoio" proposed by certain applicants for the premium of ten thousand dollars offered by the legislature of 1851. The Board committed this subject to a committee of three persons, who reported that some fifty applications had been presented to the Executive from time to time, but that only about twenty out of this number could be found and placed in their hands. These w^ere carefully considered, and so far as was prac- ticable, the methods proposed of arresting the disease were tried at the State Farm, and all failed — they, therefore, reported, that in their judgment no person is entitled to receive the pre- mium. This report was accepted by the Board, and its Secretary was directed to communicate these facts to the legislature now in session. Reports were next made by delegates who vis- ited the various county societies, and judging from these alone, the conclusion must be, that they have all reached a remarkable degree of per- fection. We cannot believe that the management of these Societies has been such that they are susceptible of no improvement, or that there have not been innovations introduced not con- templated by the legislature, or justified by a sound discrimination, and we regret that these reports have not spoken plainly and forcibly up- on any departure by any society from the plain intentions of the legislature. IJefore the sitting closed, these reports were pretty thoroughly discussed and criticised, and some of the innovations introduced into the coun- ty societies plainly pointed out, — especially that of occupying so much time in racing, trotting, or pacing horses for money, in direct contradiction to both letter and spirit of the statute of the Commonwealth, It was stated that no society could plead that it did not offer money itself, for it was liable for whatever was done by its consent on its grounds. Other violations of the statute were also pointed out. THIRD DAY. Thursday, Jan. 20, 1859. The report of the special committee to propose a plan of operations for the ensuing year was considered in committee of the whole, and a wide range of subjects was proposed from which to select such as should be referred to sub-commit- tees for their investigation. The Board probably continued its settings through one or two more days, but an engage- ment out of the State deprived us of the pleas- ure of remaining with it. Its concluding business we must give at another time. THE "WIND. A truly mysterious agent is the wind, viewless itself, yet having an eye withal toward which if one finds himself moving he will be sure to feel its force if he does not see its form. It is strong- armed also, beating down opposition with relent- less strength. Its voice is terrible sometimes, and sometimes softer than a flute. Now it has the plaint of an fuolian harp ; th'-n life-like whis- tles loud and clear. It sobs among the pine cones, rustles in chestnut's summer leaves, and rattles in the bare branches and falling foliage of the autumn. Almost noiselessly does this invisible tenant of the space above us seem to creep, though in fact unseen, along the waving grass and corn, which bend in reverence as it passes. The wind has been said already to have an eye. It has breath, too, now smiling in the siroc- co or simoon, now cutting down men with the norther and prostrating in the hurricane. Gen- erally it may be inferred that it possesses a good character. The common saying that it is an il. wind that blows nobody any good, implies that usually it is a good creature enough. It blows our vessels to pieces sometimes, indeed, but then, how many more does it blow, with their rich freight of men and merchandise, across the oceans? Winds derive their character, as men do, from the country of their origin. Those from the land of boreas are apt to be savage in their attacks as the white bears of the pole, while those from the tropics softly kiss our cheeks and woo us to repose. It makes itself useful in a thousand ways, one of which is turning mills and powerfully helping all sorts of manufacture. As an entertainer it is unrivalled. How sublimely it brings up the thunder-shower ; how beautifully it floats along the sky, the billowy cloud. It causes the hail or rain drop to patter against the window ; and, if 126 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March you are a good-for-nothing sloven or slattern in farmers' daughters, in Massachusetts, have gen- your house-lieeping, it will drive the snow or wa-erally received a better literary education than ter through the broken pane or dilapidated roof, farmers' sons; and some of them are accom- While fi-hing in the lake or lying under a shady tree upon its banks, the wind is ever ready to amuse one. Noav it stirs to myriads of iip])les, running after one another over its surface, and now it fans the lounger with the big branches of the chestnut above his head. It is not always, however, that it appears as master of the revels. In the character of aven- ger it now and then rushes upon the stage and makes its audience tremble. Wide forests are instantly laid low by its irresistible yet viewless arm ; dwellings torn asunder and crushed be- neath its weight ; men and animals are lifted up and whirled about like snow-flakes in a winter's storm. So it is on the land. At sea its power is terrific. The ocean is lashed into rolling mountains. Earth and the heavens meet and mingle together in night and chaos. The elementa put forth their voices, but above all their horrible thunder the wind rides trium- phant, and utters its trumpet summons to the universal uproar of battle. It rages, it screams, it shrieks. Over all other sounds the blast of the invisible is heard ; and that power which is the cause of the boiling of the deep, the agony of the cracking ship, yet is itself forever unseen. — Neicark Daily Advertiser. For the New England Farmer. FEMALE EDUCATION.* BY WILSON FLAGG. Thus far the education of ycung men has been the principal theme of discouise, but the intel- lectual improvement of the other sex must not be disregarded. The interest and happiness of the female sex are not to be overlooked in our schemes for advancing any department of busi- ness. Welfare must not be sacrificed to wealth, if the two are incompatible; and it is better that the farmer's crops should suffer, than the mem- bers of his household. But the two things are aids to one another, and the generality of pleas- ant, rural homes are connected with well- culti- vated farms, and he who pursues a liberal and progressive system of agriculture is commonly the generous father of a happy family. No man, however, is likely to be a successful farmer, if his wife or housekeeper be not well- instructed in all that concerns domestic economy. Yet the aim of our endeavors is not the training of young women to be patient drudges, who are desti^ ed to be farmers' wives. It is sufficient for their practical education, that they gain, with habits of neatness and industry, a good knowledge of house- wifery and the arts of the dairy. But something must be added to these qualifications, to make them intelligent mothers and valuable members of society, as something must be added to the farmer's practical knowledge, to render him useful and respectable citizen. It is a matter of common observation that * This Essay on Female Education is the Supplement to the author's "Prize Essay on Agricultural Education," but wa: omiifed by the Trustees in theiv publications. It is now pub lished far the first time. plished female scholars, whose brothers are very deficient in knowledge. The daughters, perceiv- ing the necessity of preparing themselves for some em])loyment away from home, have chosen, in numerous instances, to be educa'ed for teach- ing a school, while their brothers have let them- selves as journeymen, to other farmers, or have learned a mechanical art. We have never yet observed, however, that these youi g women were unfitted, by their literary acquirements, to be good housekeepers ; but we have known many of the young men, who, on account of their ignorance, were miserable farmers. Useful knowledge does not foster a silly pride; and though studious habits may partially inca- pacitate one for labor, they do not beget idleness or negligence. These are often the afli'ectations of one who has the vanity to imitate the sup- posed eccentricities of genius; and they are com- monly oi)served in those who are wanting in na- tive good sense — that intellectual jewel, which is as rare as genius, and infinitely more valuable. Some of the best housekeepers we have ever known, surpassed all their neighbors in mental cultivation, and compensated for their want of physical strength by their superior management. On the other hand, a farmer's daughter is often disqualified for the performance of duties devolv- ing upon a farmer's wife, by practising some manual art that leads her into the city, or by em- ployment in a factory. We are also persuaded that a young man is more likely to acquire a dis- taste for farming, by servir;g four years in a dry goods store, than by studying four years at col- lege. It is at the footstool of science that one learns to venerate the pi w, while trade too of- ten generates a taste only for the frivolities of town life. No evil, we think, is likely to arise from educat- ing farm.ers' girls to the highest point that is compatible with their attainment of practical in- formation. And it may be n marked, that as the employments of women in this country are chiefly within doors, there is less necessity that they should possess that robust vigor, which is re- quired by the labors of the other sex. The evil that arises from the influence of study and other sedentary occupations upon the jjhysical constitu- tion, is more compatil)le with feminine than with masculine occupations. It is also well known that the strongest women are not the best housewives, nor the strongest men the best farmers. Good health and a symmetrical development of the form, are of more value, in the present state of society, than mere muscular strength. The pub- lic are prone to consider these two qualities as identical ; nothing is more common, however, than to find stout, muscular people who are pre- disposed to certain diseases, from which those of a more slender habit are free. Even pulmonary consumption is not confined to persons of infe- rior muscular power; though it will not be de- nied, that health and strength are to a certain extent mutually dependent, and that the physical powers must be cultivated by exercise, or the health will decline. It is more important, how- ever, to preserve the soundness of the brain and the vital organs, by good air, generous living, 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 127 temperance and cheerfulness, than to strengthen the muscles by labor or gymnastics. A certain amount of physical delicacy in a wo- man is pleasing to the other sex, especially to those who are educated and refined. Hence, in proportion as farmers are intellectually informed, will ihey demand in their wives an amount of delicacy of person, which may be incompatible ■with their abilty to perform the laborious tasks which have usually devolved upon the mistress of a working-man's family. This is a matter for serious consideration. If our farmers' wives were to become, on the average, as feeble as those individuals of the sex who have never been ac- customed to any kind of labor, we should be ex- posed to national degeneracy. Yet it cannot be denied that the direct tendency of improving the social condit'on of any class is to diminish their physical power, though they may be improved in health and symmetrical development. It is important, therefore, to determine whether the amount of general health may not be increased, by certain improvements in our social habits, so as to compensate for this infirmity in animal strength. I We are disposed to look upon the subject with favorable hopes, when we consider that as society relinquishes the laborious habits which were ne- cessary at an earlier period, it adopts the more prudent and healthful customs of a better civili- j zation. For centuries past the grand causes of disease have been excessive hardship and imper- fect sustenance among the lower classes, causing the destruction of the individual ; and indolence and luxury among the higher classes, causing a degeneracy of the race. Intemperate drinking, at the same time, has prevailed among all class- es, and produced more disease than all other causes. As civilization advances, these sources of disease are diminished, because the most of our vices, especially that of drunkenness, origi- 1 nated in the customs of a barbarous age, and are lessened as we improve in knowledge. At the present time, intemperance is most prevalent among the rude and ignorant, notwithstanding the fact that the higher classes are not entirely free from it. The tendency of a higher civiliza- \ tion, therefore, is to ameliorate disease, no less| than to improve the muscular strength. As the refinements of life are multiplied, the injurious vices are diminished, and man improves in health, in symmetry of development, in intellectual pow- er, and as the best statistical tables show, in Ion-; gevity, while he degenerates from the hardy vigor of his ancestors. We speak of these matters in this connection, because women are more liable than men, to suf-J fer from the want of those exercises that strength- i en and invigorate the frame. If the sex, how-' ever, are led to the adoption of habits, by which they avoid the causes of disease; if they strength- j en the vital organs by exercises which are yet in- sufficient to produce great muscular power, we need not be fearful of the general consequences. The farmer, with the aid of improved agricultu- ral machinery, is not obliged to toil so severely as his more hardy predecessors, to obtain an equal amount of profit. The female members of the farmer's house enjoy similar advantages, com- pared with those of earlier times ; and with less animal power, are able to accomplish superior re- sults. While we would carefully guard every class of the community, especially the rural class, from all eff'eminating habits, we are willing to admit that there is no danger of real degeneracy, while the general health of a class is improving ; especially, if there be a gradual gain of intellec- tual power and longevity. Volumes of cant have been written and spoken on almost every suliject, and cant has been freely used in discussing up in female education. Too much praise has been bestowed upon mere "smart women," as if women were horses, and were to be esteemed in proportion as they are able to perform an extraordinary amount of brute labor. A young farmer who marries one of these smart women, is regarded as peculiarly fortunate, be- cause he is thereby saved the expense of some hired help. Her intellect is not taken into the account. We might, with equal reason, congrat- ulate the wife of a man who can perform the la- bor of an ox, because the family is thereby saved the expense of an additional farm-laborer, though all his neighbors, by expending more intellect on their farms, are more thrifty than he. We can- not set too high a value on capacity for labor, when it is united with intellect ; but we do not always consider that unintelligent labor cannot avail much, except in a menial or subordinate situation. In reviewing the housekeeping qualifications of our female acquaintances, several instances will probably occur to almost every one's recol- lection, of women of feeble frame, who have per- formed the duties of a farmer's household with admirable success. She who perfectly under- stands the way in which every thing ought to be done, can always find hands for the work. There is light work enough in the house to keep one's feeble hands always diligently employed, while the head is directing the tasks of others. Our aim in making these remarks is not to discourage any rational attempts to preserve that hardy vigor, which, if not absolutely essential to health, is still a great blessing to either sex. But we would discourage that vulgar contempt for the refinements of life, which we observe in many places, and the notion that if a young woman is well-educated and refined in her taste, she can- not be fit for a farmer's wife. It is true, that such a woman would demand more intellect than one with less culture would require in a husband; and this very circumstance is calculated to ele- vate the farmer's occupation, by imposing upon those who follow it the necessity of more intel- lectual culture, to be acceptable to the fair sex. Such a woman would also demand more educa- tion for her children, and thus in a great variety of ways would her influence tend to advance the respectability of farming and of farmers. The refinements of life are too commonly classed in the same category with the vanities of fashion ; but there is this remarkable difference between them, that while fashion is idolized by all the vul- gar, the refinements of life are found only in fam- ilies of superior cultivation. Let our farmers' daughters, therefore, be well- educated, to save them from the love of vulgar amusements and extravagance, from bigotry and frivolity, and to make them effectual aids in ad- vancing the interests of agriculture, by their in- fluence over the other sex. Let us endeavor to 128 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March dispel those barbarous notions, that all the edu- cation a farmer's wife should possess, must be confined to the dairy and the kitchen ; that wo- man was created but to be a servant to man, and to administer to the physical wants of his family. When we meet with a woman of superior educa- tion, we find one who is attached to rural life, and who, if she were married to a farmer, would administer his affairs in the most acceptable man- ner. She would also render his house agreeable by her conversation and her good sense, and by enlisting his sympathy with her own love of na- ture, make him more contented and happy, when employed at home or in the field. Another important consideration is the power that is placed in the hands of an intelligent moth- er, to afford her children a superior domestic ed- ucation. A mother enjoys more o[)portunities than the father for exercising influence upon the children. It might be allowed, therefore, that we should first educate the daughters, rather than the sons of farmers, even if the interest of the latter were the only object of our concern. A mother, who is capable of instructing her chil- dren, seldom fails to exercise her capacity for their benefit ; but the same cannot be so gener- ally said of fathers. We have no doubt that the talents of the father as often descend to the off- spring as those of the mother, though a contrary notion prevails ; but it will be admitted by all, that the mother's ignorance and the mother's ed- ucation are more generally transmitted to the off- spring than those of the father. But it is not the literary education of young women of the rural classes that should be only regarded. Inducements should be offered to them to make themselves acquainted with the theory of agriculture. The knowledge of the intelli- gent and believing wife might often convert the ignorant and unbelieving husband to faith in new improvements, and induce him to learn and to be progressive. Her instructions to the children, if she could not influence her husband, might re- deem them from the bondage of ignorance, and lead them to improve upon their father's prac- tice. The farmer's wife should be well acquaint- ed with the farm and its wants ; she should have sufficient practical knowledge of agriculture, to be able, if it were necessary, to superintend the exercises of the farm. A woman does not unsex herself by extraordinary acquisitions of knowl- edge; but rather by assuming the masculine man- ners and habits of the other sex. In the preparation and distribution of tracts, the educational wants of the female sex must not be overlooked. There are some studies and ex- ercises that are supposed to be peculiarly adapted to female taste and genius. This is said of bot- any, which certainly enjoys more favor among young women ; and perhaps it is only through their influence, that young men could be induced to give any general attention to it. But it is needless to dwell any longer upon the share which woman may have in imparting a taste for the study of nature, and for the refinements of life, to the other sex. We may remark, in conclu- sion, that if we would improve farmers and farm- ers' sons, in taste and in the amenities of socie- ty, they must receive their culture through the female sex ; but all practical knowledge and tact must proceed from their formal experience and o'->servat.' ^n. For the New England Fdrmer. FARMEHS, LOVS YOUR CALLING, AND MAKE YOUR HOME3 PLBASAiVT. Mr. Editor : — Probably mine is a hackneyed subject, but as it seems important, it may be well to "keep it before the people." When we look around over many farms of our land, and observe the absence of improvements, the indift'erence paid to making things convenient about them, and 'he absence of shrubbery, and shade trees, and sundry fixings about the house to beautify and give an idea of a "pleasant home," we see that some do not appreciate the beauties of landscapes, trees and flowers, or are disposed to make the most of the things around them in life, so far as rural enjoyment is concerned. But some may say that c>immon farmers having noth- ing but their farms, which may be small, cannot afford to spend large sums of money like the rich, in beautifying their grounds ; true, yet it costs but little to set out a few shade trees, and shrub- bery, in a tasty manner, and to have the rose, the dahlia and the peony to blossom in the yard. I am aware that many live on farms not their own, and so cannot be expected to make those im- provements that they would on farms of their own. But some hire farms when they may be the proprietors of small estates, merely because they may get better returns from the banks than they could from farms, perhaps, and so live on, farming for gain without being in love with their calling, and ignorant of the superior enjoyments of those intelligent farmers who live on their own acres, and take pleasure in endeavoring to im- prove their farms, and in rendering their homes pleasant and happy places, and fit abodes of pro- gressive farmers. E. T. C. Portsmouth, R. I. Remarks. — Excellent. Indoctrinate the peo- ple with these ideas, and the price of good land in New England will advance twenty per cent, in less than five years. For the Nair England Farmer. POTATO CULTURE. I have always noticed in this section that po- tatoes planted on old pasture or mowing land, newly broken up, and planted without manure, were nearly or quite exempt from the rot, and that some particular varieties have never rotted in the field, though heavily manured. These facts I cannot exactly harmonize with Mr, Reed's theory. I read with hope the plan your Concord correpondent was so fortunate to peruse, and practice with success. I inserted peas in the po- tato according to directions, and waited patiently the result, which I am sorry to say was not very favorable. Several varieties which I tried, rot- ted just as bad as those planted without peas. I cut the tops from some soon after they commenced drying, and covered the stubs with earth. I dug part of them, and found only one affected, and that but slightly. My hired man dug the rest, but said there were no rotten ones among them. The same varieties in other hills and rows, were one fourth perhaps affected. W. I. SiMONDS. Boxhury, Vt., Dec. 22, 1858. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 129 ^f-^-.'n ^%'%^!^ DESIQIT rOK A FAKM-HOUSB OF THE BUBAL GOTHIC STYLE. The accompanying drawings are a design and plans for a farm-house of the Rural Gothic style, with convenienceci for an estate of considerable size. The designs were furnished expressly for our columns, by Geo. E. Harney, Esq., Archi- tect, Lynn, Mass. The accommodation is as follows : The first floor contains No. 1, a porch, open on three sides, and communicating on the fourth with the hall No. 2, 8 feet wide, and extending through the house, with a door at each end. This hall con- tains stairs to the chambers, and opens into the principal rooms of the house. No. 3, parlor 15 ft. square; No. 4, living room 15 by IG; No. 5, bedroom 13 ft. by 15; No. 6, bedroom 10 ft. by 15. This room, if desired, may be used for a li- brary. No. 7 is a back entry containing the ser- vants' stairs to chamber and cellar, and opening into the kitchen. No. 8, 18 ft. by 18. Connecting with the kitchen are two large china closets Nos. 9 and 10, and a store-room, No. 11 ; No 12 is a pantry, 7 ft. by 8, opening upon the small veranda, No. 13 ; No. 14 is a dairy or milk-room 8 ft. square, and No. 15 is a wash-room or scul- lery of the same size. The second story contains seven good-sized bed-rooms with their necessary closets. Those in the L being entirely distinct from the main body, and reached by a different flight of stairs, may be used for servants and hired men. The attics, if not needed at present, may be left un- finished, and used for drying purposes. The cel- GEOUKD FLOOE PLAN. 130 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March lar occupying the whole of the space under the house should be divided into several apartments corresponding to those on the first floor, to be used for storage, fuel, &c. Construction. — Although we greatly prefer stone or brick for the construction of such build- ings, yet as there seems to be such a prejudice in favor of wood, (especially in New England,) we nave designed the above to be built of that ma- terial. For outside finish, we should prefer plank stout inch-and-a-quarter plank — put on in the vertical manner, and the joints covered with two and a half inch battens. The ornamental por- tions, window-hoods, verge-boards, Szc, should also be made from inch-and-a-quarter plank. We have designed the windows to be filled with lozenge or diamond panes, but these, although more in accordance with the style of the house may be omitted, and rectangular squares inserted in their place. Cost. — Built in the above manner, the interior finish of a plain, inexpensive character, this house would cost, in the neighborhood of Boston, from $3800 to $4000. G. E. H. For the New England Farmer. VARIETIES OF PEAHS. Mr. Editor: — I have taken the liberty of sending to you a list of those varieties of pear which have fruited well the past season in our locality. There is probably no fruit tree which varies so much upon different soils ; each variety, we may almost say, has a peculiarity of its own ; hence the Bartlett will assimilate to itself mate- rials for an abundant crop in almost all good soils, while the Beurre d'Aremberg, Diel, Wil- kinson and Lewis require a strong and deep soil. It is hardly possible for any single individual to decide upon this desideratum, hence the neces- sity for an interchange of opinion among the most experienced of our cultivators. There are some varieties which bear the largest and best fruit upon young trees, the Flemish Beauty, for example, while the Glout Morceau require years of bearing before they will develop good fruit ; there are others which produce the best specimens when worked upon our largest standard trees ; the Seckle, for instance. A want of knowledge of these peculiarities accounts in a measure for the various and conflicting statements made at Pomological Conventions. At a recent meeting two cultivators living within 20 miles of each other, their grounds being exposed to the sea, with similar aspects, were diametrically opposite m their statements of the Napoleon pear ; with one it was "very poor in quality and withal, a shy bearer ;" with the other its "peculiarly fine qual- ity was never surpassed, as well as its abundant bearing." From my own experience of the Napoleon, I have always found it poor and astringent when grown upon a warm and sandy loam, while upon a strong and retentive soil I have seen it juicy and fine. The Belle Lucrative as a fall pear, and the Bloodgood as a summer fruit, when grown upon our warm and light soil, we have found to be the two best of their season. There are but few varieties which are equally good in all soils, where the tree will grow, the diversity of soil and culture necessary for some varieties must influence cultivators in forming a list, and this diversity of soil and culture should be given, to enable them to make a selection for their locali- ty. "I have known," says one, "fruits which were very fine immediately around the spot where they originated ; but worthless when planted a few miles away in another exposure." Now this word exposure, as well as the often misapijlied word acclimation, have little to do with facts ; the want of a congenial soil has more to do with the matter than exposure. The following pears have generally fruited well in my vicii.ity, particularly in the season of 1858 : Summer. Blcodgood. Rostiezer. Early Fall. Bartlett. Anrirews. Golden Beurre of Bilboa. Fall. Beurre Bosc. Urbaniste. Belle Lucrative. Louise Bonne of Jersey. Thompson. Seckel. Salem, Dec. 21th, 1858. Native Fall, very Hardy Trees. Bleeker's Meadow. Buffum. Fulton. Bost Eating Winter. Winter Nelis. Lawrence. Winter Baking. Pound Black Pear of Worcester. Fall Baking. Rushmore's Bon (Jhrelien. J. M. Ives. For the New England Fame. EIjECTIIICITY". Mr. Editor : — I notice in your paper of Dec. 25th some inquiries made by Non-Electricity, in reference to ventilation and electricity, and has- ten to answer him at my earliest opportunity. His several questions, in substance, are, "Why is it that a building well ventilated will not be struck by lightning?" I answer, simply because the cause is removed, and where there is no cause there can be no eff'ect. The atmosphere on the outside of the building is not changed by ventilaung the building any more than the waters of the ocean would be changed by turning into it a tub of fresh water, but by ventilating you do change the air inside of the building and make it in the same condition of that outside, thus taking advantage of one of the laws that govern electricity, viz., "Likes have no affinity for each other," thus avoiding the disastrous eff'ect of natural equilibration when one of the bodies is confined. Groton, Jan. 12, 1859. ELECTRICITY. Cement tor Broken China. — Take a very thick solution of gum arable dissolved in water, and stir into it plaster of Paris until the mixture becomes a viscuous paste. Apply it with a brush to the fractured edges, and stick them together. In three days the article cannot be broken in the same place. The whiteness of the cement renders it doubly valuable. ^ff' Our very manner is a thing of importance. A kind no is often more agreeable than a rough yes. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 131 CKB3HIBE AGRICULTUEAL SOCIETY. On Friday, the 21st inst., we had the pleasure of attending another meeting of the Cheshire County, N. H., Agricultural Society, in pursuance of their plan to ''have gatherings and discussions in various portions of the county, instead of ex- pending all their funds in paying premiums." We look upon this as an important movement — a movement better calculated to promote the in- terests of the cause than any other within our knowledge. It is an example for Massachusetts, which we hope all her agricultural associations will not be slow to adopt The meeting was held in one of the churches of the beautiful town of Marlborough, N. H., about five miles from Keene. The exercises commenced at 10 o'clock, A. M., and with ad- journments for dinner and tea, were continued until after 9 in the evening, and notwithstanding the rain and extremely bad travelling, there were good audiences during the whole time of highly interested men and women. The subjects under discussion were, "The Grasses, Grains and Stock" — but most of the af- ternoon was devoted to the subject of the Grass- es. The President of the Society, Gen. Nelson Converse, occupied the chair, and with happy facility called up those to whom no special duty had been assigned. All the other officers of the Society were present, and the time between the regular addresses was occupied in inquiries, and in the expression of numerous valuable facts and suggestions by practical men. In these discus- sions Messrs. Leverett, May and Elliot, of Keene, Dr. Richardson, Messrs. Harvey, Hol- MAN and Wiswell, of Marlborough, Col. Reed, of Swanzey, and others whose names we did not learn, took an active part, — the President occa- sionally eliciting experiences too good to be lost, by his happy manner of getting intelligent, but too modest farmers, upon their feet. There is no doubt on our mind but this is the true mode of expending a considerable portion of their funds, as a hundred dollars will go far towards holding a meeting in every portion of the county. Like the morning paper, it brings the intelligence desired to the vo^y homes of the people, and lays it before them in an informal and agreeable manner. But more than all else, it leads them to express their own views, public- ly, upon matters of vital importance to their in- terests, and introduces a spirit for discussion and investigation which will not fail to work out the happiest results. We look with impatience for the projection of similar plans in our own Commonwealth. The village of Marlborough is a beautiful one, romantically nestling among the hills, with the Grand Monadnock ever keeping "watch and ward" over it, and breaking the progress of the fierce northeasters that would otherwise pour themselves into its bosom. A busy little stream, called "The Branch," a tributary of the Ashuelot, babbles through the valley, urging the machinery by which is wrought out all manner of children's toys, and wooden ware. The village is remarka- able for the uniformly neat appearance of its buildings, for the air of thrift and comfort which pervades them all, and for the number of young shade trees which line the roadside, and give taste and refinement to the dwellings. It has, also, one of the best hotels in New England, kept by Asa MAYNARD,Esq., where the traveller will not only find tha utmost neatness and order in every department, but his wants anticipated by the kind attentions common at his own fireside. Sancho Panza would have said, perhaps, "Bless- ings on the man who invented taverns !" We have great affection for a good old-fashioned country hostlerie, away from railroads and the gongs and other pestering particulars of cities, where we can eat and chat and pass the other- wise lonely hours with the family, and be cared for and feel that we are at home ! Come you here, who travel and climb mountains, and desire to get above the clouds. This is your starting point fv)r the Grand Monadnock, and the home of good cheer while you ramble. At 9 A. M., we left this pleasant spot for the station, three miles distant. There had been a slight fall of snow the previous night, and now the graceful branches of the hemlocks, loaded with pure white snow, contrasting beautifully with the lively green upon which it rested, bowed them- selves on either side, reminding us of the Eastern custom of partial prostration, when those whom it is wished to honor pass out or in. Graceful silver birches, rock maples of exquisite symme- try, and noble beeches, skirted the way, while the mountain streams, swollen by the January thaw, were dancing cheerfully on their way to "The Branch," to turn out still more pails and tubs and children's toys ! What a pity, that some accomplished artist had not occupied our place, who could have perpetuated this delight- ful mountain forest view, to please and instruct the thousands who never will be blessed by a personal contemplation of a Winter scene among these Crystal Hills. Hillsborough Society. — The Hillsborough County Agricultural and Mechanical Society has elected the following named persons as its offi- cers for the ensuing year : President— P. M. Rossiter, Milford. Kec. *ec.— Oilman Wheeler, iKlford. Cor. Sec H A. Daniels, Milloril. Treasurer— Da-vit) Stuart, Amherst. Fice Pre.-idenU — John Dodce, Bennington ; Isaac Kimball, Temple; Thos. G. Holbrook, Bedford; David Clement, Hadson 132 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Makch For the New England Farmer. SOIL AND CLIMATE IN VERMONT. Mr. Editor : — I noticed with interest a com- munication in your late issue from S. R. Hall, on the climate and soil of Orleans County, Vt. It is certainly of importance that the climate and soil of our State, especially its northern portions, should become more generally known by your readers ; and facts, communicated from such a source as the one referred to, will naturally com- mand attention. But one or two points claimed by Mr. Hall need farther attention. He says, "Should the soil ever deteriorate, we have im- mense quantities of the richest variety of sphag- nous muck, much of which lies above shell-marl, in the beds of ancient ponds and barren mead- ows. This marl, when converted into lime, and mixed with muck, makes a manure worth from fifteen to twenty per cent, more than cow dung." Now the point is this, if it be true that lime mixed with muck, which is found in great quan- tities throughout our State, and even New Eng- land, forms a fertilizer of one-fifth greater value than common stable manure, it ought to be more generally known. Such a fertilizer, the materi- als of which are so abundant, would soon bring about a new era in our agricultural operations. But in this matter we want something definite, and fully established on scientific principles. We do not wish to rely on hasty conjectures based on mere theories. We must have some- thing practical and substantial. It is an undis- puted fact, that lime and muck form a valuable manure, but that it is fifteen or twenty per cent. more valuable than stable manure, is not gener- ally believed. A matter of such importance to the agriculturist should be thoroughly investi- gated and fully understood. Again, your correspondent has manifestly fallen into error, where he quotes from "the President of the County Agricultural Society," and states that the stock therein mentioned, viz., four oxen, ten cows and two year olds, two horses, three colts and twelve sheep, is "fully equal to forty cows." This statement seems absurd, for where is the farm in Northern Vermont, of one hundred acres, which produces sufficient in one season to winter forty cows ? The amount of the stock mentioned, is only thirty-one head, while a great part of it would require much less than an equal number of cows. But let us investigate the mat- ter more closely, taking the data published in the same number of the Farmer which contains Mr. H.'s letter. Four large oxen, supposing their weight to be 6000 lbs., (probably a high estimate) will require in six months, (from 1st Nov. to 1st May,) nearly eleven tons of hay ; ten cows and [ten — Ed.] two year olds, supposing their weight to be 8500 lbs., will need about twenty- three tons ; two horses and three colts, say eleven tons ; and twelve sheep, if their average weight be eighty lbs., about three tons more. The whole foo's up in round numbers forty-eight tons. Now forty cows, weighing 850 lbs. each, according to the same data, will require nearly ninety-two tons, sutficientto winter almost double theamount of stock mentioned ; or, reckoning them at an average weight of 700 lbs., they must have sev- enty-five tons. Such a statement, so wide of the truth, ought not to pass unnoticed, though it come from a source so eminent. We should suppose that Mr. H., who has resided in Orleans County nearly twenty years, and who has, "during that period, been several years engaged in the geological sur- vey of the State," and who has "had a better op- portunity to compare the soil in this, with other portions of New England, and especially other poi'tlons of Vermont, than, perhaps, any other person," would be able to form a more correct opinion of the productiveness of a farm of one hundred acres, and also a more correct estimate of the comparative quantity of fodder required by different kinds of stock. w. Brookjield, Vt., Jan., 1859. Remarks. — We suppose Mr. Hall intended to convey the idea that the shell-marl was to make a component part of the fertilizer he speaks of. THIRD LEGISLATIVE AaRICULTURAI. MEETING. [Reported by John C. Moore, for the N. E. Fariub.] Subject for Discussion — What breed q stock is best adapted for the purposes of general farming ? The Legislative Agricultural Society met in the Representatives' Hall, last Monday evening, for the special discussion of the above subject — Hon. John W. Proctor, of Danvers, in the chair. There was a very full meeting. In opening the business of the meeting, the Chairman apologized for his non-preparation to speak on the subject for debate, which was one of much interest, and one on which opinion dif- fered. We had various kinds of imported cattle among us, besides our common red or native stock. Some thought they had better cattle from the imported descriptions ; but it was notorious that the majority of our best cattle were from this native stock. Some upheld that there were no native cattle, as all came from imported stock at some time. As well might it be said that there were no native men. As he understood the ques- tion, it meant what class of cattle would be best for mixed farming ? There were gentlemen pres- ent who had had more enlarged opportunity to give information than he had, consequently he would not dilate on the question, but call on Dr. LORING, of Salem, who had given much atten- tion to the subject. Dr. LoRiNG responded. He had come to learn and not to teach, for he was only a tyro himself in the branch of husbandry under discussion. Their practical experience was worth a world of theorizings. What is the breed of cattle, if any, which were best fitted to the dairy and the stall here in Massachusetts? About $15,000,000 in value of cattle was owned in this State ; and the question might arise as to what was the most profitable description to cultivate. The statistics 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAR^MER. 133 of the commonwealth showed that the farmers aimed at the perfection of a dairy stock, and they were right ; for their best interests lay in this feature of husbandry. In accordance with the rule of necessity, farmers designed to convert their produce into butter, cheese and milk. Now the question was, what kind of cattle was best for the perfection of this object. We had heard of the old red cattle, which, in the ranks of lower ani- mal life, stood in the same rank as the old red man did compared with the present New Eng- lander. With this red stock there was no rule by which like would produce like. Perfection amongst that class of animals was always acci- dental, and it was of no use to talk of scientific breeding from that kind of animals, either for fattening or for the dairy. What, then, could we do ? In Connecticut we might be told that the short-horn cross was the best ; but bring it here, and it would soon deteriorate. We had not fted for them, while our physical circumstances were adverse to their profitable rearing. And how was it with the Devons ? Could any one ever say that, at home, they were favored as dairy stock ? No ! AVith the exception of the Ayrshire stock, we had none worth our cultivation here in Mass. We would find them fine healthy cattle, with a hardy constitution, and a lacteal develop- ment showing emphatically their value. As oxen, they had all the advantages that could be de- rived ; and the farmers of Massachusetts would find it so if they deigned to try. The Alderneys were not, in any respect, a race of animals that could be adapted to our wants. Finally, Dr. LoRlNG thought the question one of the most important that could be discussed, and advised his audience to get stocks of cattle on whom they could rely in producing their like in regard to physical and productive properties. He related his experience as it proved that it was foolishness , to go into the process of correct breeding without unquestionably pure stock, as they never would produce herds intended by nature for the advan- tage of the farmer, and the interests of Massa- chusetts. W. J. BUCKMINSTER, of the Plovgliman, spoke in favor of the Devon cattle, and did not expect ever to see better for all general purposes, or for size and adaptability to the wants of the farm. One point about them was that they were easily kept and throve well on very poor feed, and even fatted well on common meadow hay, which costs less than English hay by nearly one-half. One cow, he saw, which weighed nearly 1200 lbs., which was a very respectable weight. But the size interfered with the milking properties, and it was not assiduously cultivated by farmers. There were no ring-streakings and specklings among the produce of the Devon stock. Mr. B. had information from a party of experience that the half-breed Devons would do one-third more work, with a sixth less food than the Durhams, and not be fatigued or fagged out, as the latter would be. Sanford Howard, of the Cultivator, was the next speaker. His observations substantially were, that he had recent opportunity while in Scotland of seeing Aryshire cattle, and had in- quired into their origin, of which he gave a suc- cinct history. The breed had assumed a charac- ter of its own as much as any other which was held to be artificial, and was as popular as any other in Britain for dairy purposes. Jerseys were also popular ; but the Ayrshires were pre- ferred above all others, and their adoption was extending much in England and on the Conti- nent. No other breed was kept in Scotland for dairy purpose. They were hardier than the Short Horns or the Channel Is'and cattle — neither of which could be adapted to the climate of the west of Scotland, where the Ayrshires had their ori- gin. Whether or no the Ayrshires would make superior oxen, as compared with other breeds, was a question ; but, from what he had seen he had no reason to doubt that they would compare well. It was not uncommon to find cows making 2o0 lbs. of butter or 500 to 600 lbs. of cheese, where from 60 to 100 cows were kept on a farm. In England, Devons were not generally kept for dairy purposes, but for beef. Herefords were much the same — and it might be considered that fattening was a leading characteristic of both kinds. The Short Horns were the most profita- ble kind for beef in the richer lands of England, but they were valuable no where else, and seldom good for milking purposes. Generally, in Eng- land, they were very unlike the improved Dur- hams we saw here. The best beef cattle in Scot- land were the Galloways and the Kylore or West Highland cattle. These and tlie Galloways would prove profitable for beef in the prairie and moun- tain districts in this country ; but if their milking qualities were cultivated they would be spoiled. Mr. Howard had little sympathy with the idea that one kind of cattle was best for the farmer. Leander Wetiirrell spoke approvingly of a cross of the Short Horn, if the farmer wanted to make good beef at three years old ; but you must have good blood as well as symmetry of form. This cross would best suit the Connecti- cut valley for both fattening and working pur- poses. Almost all the cattle there had Durham blood in them, and it was essential for success- ful breeding for working purposes. They were strong, enduring and patient, and when they be- came too old to work, were generally in a fine condition to make beef. But the quality of the beef of Durham cattle was not so gooir England Farmer. THE ■WEATHER OF 1858. FROM MT WEATHER JOURNAL. The most noticeable feature of the weather of 1858, was the remarkable mildness of the winter season. During a large portion of January, at least two-thirds of the month, the ground was entirely bare in this part of the Connecticut val- ley, and for seventeen days in succession no snow fell. Towards the close of the month of Janua- ry, the frost left the ground, the roads generally became settled, and the ponds were free from ice. Farmers might have plowed, and to my knowl- edge, did plow, without difficulty from frost, there being four days, commencing with the 25th, in which the temperature ranged from four to eigh- teen degrees above the freezing point. Violets in blossom in the gardens, fully exposed to the weather, were not uncommon ; and other plants were reported in flower by the newspapers, in- cluding the strawberry ; but the violets I saw myself in full, bright bloom. The first ten days of February were as mild as any consecutive ten in January, the temperature sometimes rising to 50° in the shade, in the open air ; and the remainder of the month, though considerably colder, deserves to rank only as quite mild winter weather. The first two weeks of March were more win- ter-like than the same length of time in either of the preceding winter months, producing a tem- perature of 12° below zero — 6° lower than any in the winter months— and about a week or ten days of poor sleighing. This was nearly all the sleighing of the season, and the greatest depth of snow on the ground at one time was not more than five inches. In short, the weather of March was about as ordinarily for this month, and be- Will you or some of your readers of the Farmer inform me on a few things? The last of October my large and nearly new barn and sheds, with all their contents, were consumed by fire. We have and do now think it was the work of an incendiary. There was a cellar to said barn ; fifteen feet on the west side was partitioned off" by a stone wall, i fore the close of the month the frost generally which made a pit for manure, fifteen by forty j left the ground. During the last days of the feet, and every year till the last I kept hogs and month, farmers began to plow, and only now and let them run under my stable in the cellar. I [then a mud-hole could be found in the roads. No have used common brakes for bedding, (as they j snow fell here after the 20th of the month, grow among us plentifully;) we put into the pit land at the end of the month none couM be seen, all the leaves, old shoes, boots, (S:c.,that we have, not even on the most elevated points of Ilamp- and cover them up in the manure. After ths fire; den and Hampshire counties. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 151 April continued mild, even more than usually warm, and marked by no very severe changes. At the close of the month the buds on the trees were very forward in their incipient stages of de- velopment ; but May was cold and advanced the season but little from where April left it. Apple trees were not in full bloom till the 25th, and vegetation in general wrs proportionally back- ward. Cloudy weather was the predominant fea- ture of the month. June strove hard to make amends for the fail- ings of May, and at its close had brought vege- tation up to rather more than its usual stage of development at this season. The month was rather too dry, but otherwise exceedingly fine for the farmer, though towards its close the heat was extreme. Thermometer in this vicinity ranged from 90° to near 100°, in the shade. At the West, and paticularly along the valley of the Mississippi, the month will be long remembered on account of its disastrous freshets. July was mild in respect to heat, and although there was a scanty supply of rain, growing crops suffered but little in lack of it. Attgiist was cool, with a large proportion of northeast wind, equal to one day in three through- out the month. September and October were go'den months ; and, besides bringing in an abundant harvest, brought a remarkably large share of sunshine and clear weather. Indeed, I think that it is a rare occurrence to have two as fine months in succession, as were September and October of 1858. November was cold, cloudy, and gloomy, with much wind ; and squalls, snow flurries and severe frosts were noticeable and characteristic features of the month. December was a moderately cold winter month, but in connection with the other two winter months of this year, January and February, does not alter the general character of the winter. An absence of snow was also noticeable in this month, only about four inches falling in all. The great- est fall at one time was between two and three inches ; consequently there was comparatively no sleighing during the month. Jan. 4, 1859. J. A. Allen. Remarks. — The above is a literal extract from the ^'Journal of a Farmer^s Boy," Mho has al- ways v/orked on the farm, and enjoyed no spec- ial advantages whatever. It is succinct and ex- pressive, and is pretty good evidence that he will soon become one of our best agricultural writers. mingled with muck gathered from m.eadows and swamps, and worked over by swine. In this way the quantity of manure is increased three-fold, and although it smells a little when handled, this smell soon ceases to be oppressive, because it is believed to be a valuable ingredient of the ma- nure. I think it is called in my children's school- books, ammonia; but whatever it may be, I think the manure none the worse for it. Whoever by the farm would thrive, must not be afraid of soil- ing his hands or his trousers. I should just as soon think of meeting a sweet-scented currier who worked daily in his shop, as a clean farmer. No man should be above his business, and that business which emits the strongest stink is likely to produce the cleanest chink of dollars in the end. An Old School Farmer. January 22, 1859. For the New England Farmer. PRESERVATION OF MANURES. When I was a boy, my father and several of nis neighbors who were regarded as good farm- ers, used to keep the droppings of their cattle as thrown out of the barn windows, where the rain fell upon them from the eaves, and worked and soaked them so completely as to remove nearly all the stink. But a different practice has grown up on these farms within the last twenty years; and nearly all of these owners let these droppings fall inio ccltiirs, where they are inter- EXTRACTS AND KEPIiISB. farmers' clubs. In accordance with a suggestion in the Farmer of Dec. 11th, a few friends of agriculture met and organized a farmers' club in Calais. The con- stitution published in your paper was adopted with slight amendments. The organization being a new one in this sec- tion, a question arose as to the duties of the standing committee. Will you inform us, through the Farmer, whether the secretary should re- port the substance of the discussion, or whether that duty belongs to the standing committees, and oblige a subscriber. A. M. F. Calais, Me., Jan., 1859. Remarks. — The most difficult post of duty in the Farmers'' Club is that of Secretary, as he ought to be a pretty good reporter. The discus- sions and essays should be reported and entered in a substantial record book, and become a part of the annals of the town. MAKING BUTTER IN WINTER. Having noticed an article by a subscriber un- der date Jan. 11, 1859, in regard to making win- ter butter, I would say in reply, that the reason why butter does not come quick in winter, is that the milk is set in a cold place where it at- tains to nearly or quite a freezing point. To remedy this, the only way that I know of is to take the cream when it is found it will not come, and scald it, and set it away till cool, when it will be found that the cream part of it will rise, which skim off and churn in the usual way, and you will find no difficulty in fetching your butter. Middlthury, Vt, Jan., 1859. w. D. n. Remarks. — If milk can be set where the tem- perature is 55° to 60° the cream will rise readi- ly, and if kept in that temperature, may be churned into bjitter in less than fifteen minutes. AYRSHIRE stock. I listened attentively to the recent discussion at the State House, of the question, "What breed of anim.als is best adapted to general farming purposes in New England 9" And although I was strongly inclined to the belief that the advo- -.52 NEW ENGLAND FAKMER. March cates of the Ayrshire had the strongest side of the argument, T am clearly of the opinion that it •was not expedient to pass any vote to this effect, as was proposed. I was therefore gratified when tiiis proposition was laid upon the table. I chink that the best hopes of stock are to be found in the association of first class, pure-blood- ed Ayrshire males, with the best Yankee fe- males. The primary object of keeping stock be- ing for the milk they give, I think the prospect for quantity and quality is from Yankee cows. I use this term as expressing my views more elearly than any other. I was somewhat aston- ished that so little was said in favor of the milk- ing qualities of the Devons. I had supposed that the venerable farmer of Framingham had sounded his trumpet so often and so loud, that the reverberation of the sound thereof would not cease while he lived. So true is it, that "the fash- ion of this world passeth away, and the memory thereof shall be no more forever." Essex. Jan. 25, 1859. Remarks. — The aoove was not received until several days after its date, or it would have been given in our last. HAMPDEN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. On looking at the constitution of this society, (p. 113,) it appears that five of the officers con- stitute a quorum for the transaction of business, to wit : President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and a Director, all of whom can be found in the city of Springfield — so that although it is a county society, having officers in every town, it can be governed and controlled by a single town. This strikes me as a singular and questionable provision. It becomes the more worthy of notice, as there seems to be a disposi- tion to make this society the controlling centre of a State Society. I admire the energy and efl[iciency of a concentrated government ; but do not believe the yeomanry of Massachusetts are ready to go for it, to this extent, be it never so good. My views are republican, and I do not like aristocracy in any form — and least of all, in the government of farmers. *. Feb. 1, 1859. _ WHAT AILS MY COW? Nov. 12, 1857, she dropped a seven months' calf ; her milk came, and s^he did as well as ever When seven months in calf again, she did not appear well for several days, and I thought she would do as she did the year previous, but she did not — she got better, and was hearty and well to all appearance. It is now some days past the time for her to calve, and there is nothing that any way indicates it. She discharges large quantities of matter but still appears in good health. What can be done for her ? Constant Reader, West Boxhury, Jan., 1859. Remarks. — We have not the skill to recom- mend anything but a warm and convenient sta- ble, plenty of nourishing food and kind treat- ment, all of which she probably has now. Per- haps some of our friends can. A CORDIAL INVITATION. If you should make New Jersey in the way of some of your agricultural tours, I should be most happy to receive a visit. I think I can show you some good farms as well as farmers (to say noth- ing about the bad.) I. W. Black. Sijkesville, N. J., Jan., 1859. Remarks. — It certainly would give us pleas- ure and profit to make some rural rambles with you through a portion of your State, and we shall bear you kind invitation in remembrance. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. LADIES' "WEARING APPABEL. Flannel is the proper clothing for the skin, preserving the natural heat of the body from be- ing a non-conductor, in winter, and protecting the skin from the danger of a chill after perspi- ration in summer. However fine and thin the material for this under-garment may be in sum- mer, still it should be woollen — in colder weath- er to be exchanged for one of a thicker and warmer quality. Beyond this, there should also be a sufficiency of upper garments proportioned to the season ; it is not desirable that, even in winter, they should be heavy, but always warm. There is still existing a pernicious practice of wearing thin-soled boots and shoes. If intended for walking out, all boots should have soles of tolerable thickness ; in damp weather, the soles should be very thick, or overshoes of some des- cription should be worn with them. The foun- dation of many a consumption has been laid by a young lady walking or standing in the damp, with her feet ill-protected by mere gauze-like stockings and thin summer boots or shoes. Even in the house, this important part of a lady's dress appointments is by no means, as a general fact, sufficiently attended to. In cold weather, thin- soled slippers are not at all a sufficient protec- tion for the feet in walking on uncarpeted pas- sages ; and the "unaccountable" colds that so of- ten attack ladies in winter are often attributable to this cause. The covering for the head should be light, cool, and open, to admit the air. Close night-caps are an evil, and have long been dis- carded by persons of sense ; but if ladies are dis- posed to wear them to keep the hair tidy, they should be loose and transparent. — Springfield Republican. To Clean Gloves. — Lay them on a clean board, and first rub the surface gently with a clean sponge and some camphene, or a mixture of camphene and alcohol. Now dip each glove into a cup containing the camphene, lift it out, squeeze it in the hand, and again rub it gently with the sponge, to take out all the wrinkles. After this gather up the cuff in the hand, and blow into it to puff out the fingers, when it may be hung up with a thread to dry. This op- eration should not be conducted near a fire, ow- ing to the inflammable nature of the camphene vapor. The receipts given in all the books we have consulted for cleaning gloves are barbarous. Scientific American. DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ITS KINDKED ARTS AND SCIENCES. VOL. XL BOSTON, APRIL, 1859. NO. 4. JOEL NOURSE, Proprietor. Office. ..34 Merchants Row. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FRED'K HOLBROOK, > Associate HENRY F. FRENCH, \ Editors, CALENDAR FOR APRIL. 'Tis the glorious Spring, as she passes along, With her eye of light and her lip of song, While she steals in peace o'er the green earth's breast; While the streams spring out from their icy rest, The buds bend low to the breezes' sigh. And their breath goes forth to the scented sky ; Where the fields look fresh in their sweet repose, And the young dews sleep on the new-born rose. RIL ushers in the round of Months in which the farmer finds the duties of 'his occupation the most pressing. — The ice and snow has mainly disap- peared, cold winds are tempered by blowing in to us from milder regions, and the earth, warmed and sof- tened by longer visits from the sun, unlocks itself and grows light, and porous and ge- nial, inviting the husbandman to scatter his seed in generous hope, and wait in the same spirit for the fruition of the Harvest, — cultivating in the meantime with diligent and assid- uous care. In sunny and sheltered places, the earth as- sumes her wonted green, and fresh flowers un- fold themselves, look out into the peaceful glen where they were born, bathe in the warm rays of the sun, and shed their rich fragrance all around the place of their nativity. And though all alone, they bud and bloom, and exhale their sweet odors, and perform all their duty, just as precisely as though cultivated and tended with unremitting care, in a well designed and expen- sive garden. As the sun takes a broader sweep over the earth, its rays penetrate the soil, impart unusual warmth and cause free evaporation ; the cold sur- face water is thus taken up and scattered abroad, returning in gentle rains filled with the elements of fertility which they have sifted from the at- mosphere, and which now find their way down the light and porous soil to supply the roots of plants which are about ready to commence their new work for the year. Vegetable life is re- animated, and shows returning signs of vigor and activity everywhere. The buds are swollen, and the tree tops thickened up long before leaves or blossoms have shown themselves. And so it is in the animal kingdom. The birds, our last summer friends, begin to return ; the Warbling Sparrow began his cheerful songs in March, singing all through the middle of the day in the piles of brush, and gathering its in- sect food from the rough bark of the wood. The Blue Jay screams from the tall elm, while the Crow, poised on the topmost shoot of a hundred foot pine, calls to his fellows in the distant wood, to come and partake with him of a breakfast which he has just discovered. The Bluebird, every morning, looks into the boxes in the gar- den, and seems to take into grave consideration the expediency of domiciliating herself another summer in the old quarters, — while the Robin flits from tree to tree, lifting a straw from this old nest and a twig from that, and then pouncing upon some hapless worm that shows its head above the surface for a moment's sun. Mr. Beecher has been a close observer of the varying seasons, and makes a capital application of what he has seen. He says : — "April ! The singing month. Many voices of many birds call for resurrection over the graves of flowers, and they come forth. Go, see what they have lost. What have ice and snow, and storm done unto them ? How did they fall into the earth, stripped and bare ? How do they come forth opening and glorified ? Is it, then, so fear- ful a thing to be in the grave ? "In its wild career, shaking and scourged of 154 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April storms through its orbit, the earth has scattered away no treasures. The Hand that governs in April governed in January. You have not lost what God has only hidden. You lose nothing in struggle, in trial, in bitter distress. If called to shed thy joys as trees their leaves; if the af- fection be driven back into the heart, as the life of flowers to their roots, yet be patient. Thou shalt lift up thy leaf- colored boughs again. Thou shalt shoot forth from thy roots new flowers. So be patient. Wait. When it is February, April is not far off. Secretly the plants love each other." April is, in a great degree, the Month of prep- aration. Plans not entered upon and started now, will rarely come to maturity. All the work of the planting season should be mapped out and kept constantly in view, for working by a plan is as important to the farmer as to the man who is to build your house. The work may be done without a plan, but the uncertainties, changes and alterations incident to such a course, are anything but comfortable and economical. As a general rule the farmer has not been accus- tomed to anything like a rigid plan, and it may at first seem an irksome and unnecessary restraint to have one ; but when he enters upon his field, and finds at a glance just how much land he wishes to plow, how deep, and there is no delay as to whether he shall back furrow or go round it ; or, if he is to underdrain a piece, and he knows just where to strike when the workmen enter the field, he will realize a satisfaction that he could not without a plan, and his work will go on more systematically and profitably. Give the Garden especial attention in April. Some one has said that the garden is an index of the mind, and we think has said correctly, "that if you desire to judge of the character of a man's mind, 5^0 into his garden. Solomon con sidered a slovenly vineyard or garden good evi dence of a slovenly mind, or a mind void of un derstanding. Depend upon it, when you see a man's fields and gardens laid out with good or der, and taste, and notice the neatness of their cultivation, that man's mind is like a well ar ranged library. A man's plans will appear in his operations. His theory may be judged by his practice." But the farmer cannot afford to be without a garden ; he should draw large supplies from such a source for his table, especially during the sum mer and autumnal months. Fresh vegetables, seasoned with the corn-fed pork from his barrel, and delicious fruits, of varied kinds, with sweet cream from the dairy-room, are some of the com pensations to the farmer for his isolated condi- tion,— and then green fields, cerulean skies, bab bling br-oks, singing birds, lowing herds and flourishing gardens, surround him with more charms and real advantages than cities can pos- sibly confer. But we cannot dwell longer on the attractions of Spring. It calls to us from every side — from soft airs, opening buds and expanding flowers — from the springing vegetation, the new life of animals, returning birds, and the new mental charms which every returning spring unfolds. I come ! I come ! Ye have called me long, I come o'er the mountains with light and song ! Ye may trace my step o'er the wakening earth. By the winds which tell of the violet's birth, By the primrose stars in the shadowy grass, By the green leaves opening as I pass. Mrs. Hemans. SUGGESTIONS FOR APBtL. Put Fences in order. Head in Peach trees. See that all your Drains are clear. Do not ruin your trees hy pruning them this month. Wait till the middle of June. Put the Door- Yard in perfect order. Get the small grains in early — but do not plow until the soil is ready for it; better that the grain should be a little late. Transplant fruit trees as soon as the frost is out and the ground is warm and mellow. One dozen good trees, well set and well tended, will yield more profit within twenty years, than one hundred trees badly set and indiff'erently tended. Set an Asparagus bed by all means. Do not let the cattle run upon the mowing lands in the spring. In some sheltered and convenient spot, have a good Kitchen Garden, where you can go for all sorts of vegetables, and some of the small fruits, nothing will be more economical, and few things will add more to the comfort and happiness of the family. In a selected place in this garden sow a variety of Floicer Seeds, and allow the children to pluck the flowers to carry to school, or to look at as they go to church Sunday morning. Set them in a dish or glass filled with cold water, and see how pleasant they will make the sitting-room in a hot afternoon ! Or place them on a stand in the sick chamber, to interest and refresh the suf- ferer. Purchase a. ?7?or^^o^7(e(i rake to use in the gar- den, and you will soon see how easy it is to pre- pare a bed for the smallest seeds when you have the right implement in your hands. Finally, whenever the soil is ready for you, be ready to strike the blow that is needed, and have every thing done decently and in order. H^* Informatiox by Letter. — We are con- stantly receiving letters requesting us to give in- formation upon business matters, by lette->'. If 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 155 the reader will but reflect a moment, he will see how impossible it is for us to answer business letters from a circle of friends so extended as is that of the Farmer. We have two or three such before us now, and have every disposition to re- ply to them, but it would require some hours to collect the information which they require. For the New England Farmer. GRAFTING THE GRAPE VINE. Mr. Editor: — Dear Sir — I noticed a com- munication in the Farmer signed "L , Ban- gor," inquiring the best mode of grafting the grape vine ; and as I have not noticed any reply to it, I venture to state my experience, although if your correspondent be, as I suppose him to be. Col. Henry Little, of Bangor, one of the best horticulturists in New England, I might well be doubtful of my ability to give him anything new on the subject. I have grafted the grape in the usual mode of cleft grafting, and by boring holes in the stock into which the scions were fitted, and succeeded with both modes — with occasional failures — if the grafting was done at the proper season. This is, perhaps, the most important consideration, for if the scions are set too early, the great rush of sap will drown the scions, so that canker and decay ensues. To avoid this, wait until the vine to be grafted has pushed its first leaves to the size of a dime, or a little more, when the sap will be inspissated enough to form granulation essential to the union of stock and graft. To keep the graft from pushing its buds, bury it in the ground in a cool northern exposure, for if the graft begins to grow before it is put into the stock, it is pretty sure to fail. I have found the best mode of preparing the stock to be as follows ; clear away the earth from the stem of the vine, and with a sharp knife make a sloping cut, as in splice grafting, split the stock across the cut about one-third of the distance from the top ; pare the scion as in apple grafting — but not too thin — and place it in the stock, so that the bark of both stock and scion correspond ; cover with a good body of grafting clay, pressed close to the wood, and press the earth carefully but firmly around, leaving but one eye of the scion above the soil. It will still further ensure success if the scion is split, and one part inserted into the stock, while the other part is carried down over the scarped stock to the bark at the bottom ; there should always be a bud at the base of the scion on the outside. This mode is much practiced in cherry grafting, and is probably familiar to your correspondent. Scions may be cut at any time before the sap be- gins to flow — they should have three or four eyes or buds, and if possible, a little of the two years' wood at the base of the cutting. I con- sider this necessary to success. I have found it best, when it is practicable, to take up the vine to be grafted and plant again after grafting. If this is done, you may graft as soon as you can get your vines out of ground, and not one in a hundred will fail. After all, I do not consider it profitable to graft the vine, unless you wish to cultivate a weak growing, but good grape, or a tender grape, which you cannot succeed with upon its own root. In such cases, you can sometimes succeed by grafting on hardy and vigorous vines, but the old root is apt to throw up suckers, and, if you do not happen to observe them, they will rob the graft of its nourishment, and before you are aware of it, it dies, and you have got only your old vine again. I entertain the belief, but have made no ex- periments to demonstrate it, that the stock of a vine which ripens its fruit early will quicken the ripening of a later kind grafted upon it. If this be true, it would be a resource in cold latitudes where fine grapes cannot be grown, and would repay almost any trouble in grafting. I have only to add that if what I have written above should be of any service to your corres- pondent, it will give much pleasure to Yours truly, E. W. Bull. Concord, Mass., March, 1859. For the Neto England Farmer. PRESERVATION OP MANURES. When I was a boy, my father and several of his neighbors, who were regarded as good farm- ers, used to keep the droppings of their cattle as thrown out of the barn windows, where the rain fell upon them from the eaves, and worked and soaked them so completely as to remove nearly all the stink. But a different practice has grown up on these farms within the last twenty years ; and nearly all of these owners let these droppings fall into cellars, where they are inter- mingled with muck gathered from meadows an(? swamps, and worked over by swine. In this waj the quantity of manure is increased three-fold, and although it smells a little when handled, this smell soon ceases to be oppressive, because it is believed to be a valuable ingredient of the ma- nure. I think it is called in my children's school- books, ammonia; but whatever it may be, I think the manure none the worse for it. Whoever i y the farm would thrive, must not be afraid of so 1- ing his hands or his trousers. I should just -s soon think of meeting a sweet-scented curri r who worked daily in his shop, as a clean farmer. No man should be above his business, and that business which emits the strongest stink is likely to produce the cleanest chink of dollars in the end. An Old School Farmer. Farm Agency. — The Hon. B. V. French has opened an oflfice at 51 and 52 North Market Street, Boston, for the purchase and sale of Farms and Farm Stock, either of Milch Cows, Grade or Pure Blood Durhams, Devons, Herefords, Ayr- shires, or Jerseys. Oxen, Sheep, Swine, Agricul- tural Implements, Seeds, and all that is required to equip a farm or garden, or anything in rela- tion to rural affairs. Mr. French has had the most ample experi- ence in these matters, and our friends may find it to their advantage to secure his aid in their operations. 156 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April For the New England Farmer. THE EDUCATION" OF FAEMERS— COUN- TY SOCIETIES— FABMEES' CLUBS. My Dear Sir : — I am much gratified with the remarks made at the second Legislative Agricul- tural Meeting, held on the evening of 17th inst. inasmuch as it appears to me that the second re- solve, introduced in that meeting, if it should be carried out, will do more than any former move has accomplished towards the advancement of terraculture in our Commonwealth. In saying this, however, I will in no way censure or con- demn any previous move in the matter. Our agricultural societies have accomplished much, introducing better animals and better systems of cultivation. But have their good influences been as general as the necessities of farmers require ? In many of our counties, from being in fixed lo- calities, they have been inconvenient of access to those residing in remote parts. There are, no doubt, many first-class farmers in the State who are deterred from exhibiting the objects of their successful culture from this cause. In the pres- ent arrangement, this evil cannot be obviated. Those living in the vicinity of fair grounds can well afford to take in their animals and products, and in this way the rewards and credits are, to a great extent, limited to a comparatively circum- scribed area of territory, since the bounty of the State is scattered over a small territory. And yet we don't know that any one is to blame in the matter, further than that a bad management was made in the outset of the matter. Now will not the people at large be more ben- efited if these annual fairs are made emigratory, travelling from the centre to remote parts of counties ? and thus, instead of letting A, B and C bear off the prizes and honors, place them, oc- casionally where they shall have the journeying to perform to find competitors in D, E and F. This would awaken a more general competition. Again, how large a proportion of the farmers in the State are connected with the agricultural societies ? Probably not one in ten, and each of tht'se has no doubt some good reason for non- numbership. Inconvenience of locality maybeone cause. Then another will say, that so much un- f.iirness is used in distributing prizes. The for- mer objection is, no doubt, a serious one. The latter should be met and controlled. Committees should be selected with great care, and then they are very liable to be deceived. But they or the society should watch cirefully, in order that no deception is practised, and then, they cannot al- ways detect it. We have heard of a pair of worsted stockings, a piece of diaper, another of flannel, being stereotyped articles for competition, and successful, too, as report said. Perhaps they were entered in the names of different individuals in different years ; but would that alter the merits of the article ? Now the society has a right to make a by-law allowing them to put a mark on such articles to make them known, if offered a second time, and the individual who offers them should be forever debarred from further compe- tition. But we have wandered from the main point — that is, that the bounty of the State, as it is ap- plied to our agricultural societies, does notequai- *v reach the merits or demands of the agricultu- ral population. How shall the want be supplied ? We have always been a warm advocate of clubs or town associations. We have known them to exist where they have been magic in their influ- ence, extending it from the valley to the top of the mountains. This is what we like, and would we could see such associations in every town. Now cannot the State, in her acknowledged mu- nificence, do something to effect this? A few years ago, she gave, on proper conditions a Web- ster or a Worcester dictionary to every school district in the State — a noble munificence, whose benefits reach all. Suppose she make one more offer to the people — from the people's money ; that they will allow to each town in the Com- monwealth that will establish and maintain an association for rural improvement, said associa- tion to hold stated meetings for discussions and lectures on subjects connected with its objects once in — weeks, and shall report its progress annually to the Secretary of the Board of Agri- culture, the amount of $ — annually, said amount to be applied to the establishing and maintaining an agricultural and mechanical library and muse- um for the benefit of said associations. When circumstances will permit, let a portion of this fund be appropriated to the introduction of seeds and plants. Why would not such an arrangement come di- rectly to the root of agricultural improvement, and prepare the way, at least, for a higher stand- ard of agricultural education, which has received so much commendation for the last dozen years? The meetings and discussions would lead to deep- er thought, closer observation and more profound research, and with suitable books at hand, earn- est study would be applied to master their con- tents. The whole public, as well as the individ- ual mind, would be brought into vigorous action. Young men would see that there was beauty and science in the old-fashioned and homely profes- sion of their fathers, and no longer sigh to leave the pure air and ever-varying scenery of pastoral life, for the dependent, uncertain ties of other professions. Agriculture, as a profession, aye, and one of the learned professions, too, would begin to arise in its native dignity, and soon other and higher means of intellectual advance- ment would be demanded, to give it its proper position among the sciences of life. We have no wish to detract from the merits or usefulness of any of our agricultural societies. But they have been the recipients of State boun- ty for a long time ; so long that it seems as though they are old enough to stand and go alone. Cannot, then, a portion of the funds they are now receiving be appropriated to this new and general object, without seriously injuring their usefulness ? Suppose the number of soci- eties that receive funds from the State were re- duced to one for each county, and this made mi- gratory to the principal towns, and the amount now given to extra societies were divided on the proposed plan among towns ? Would not the whole people be much more benefited than they now are ? Or, if it is thought sacrilegious to cut off any of these societies, suppose the funds to each were reduced one-half, and the other half appropriated in the way suggested would not this put the liberality of the State in a more philanthropic and appreciable condition? An- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 157 swer, ye wise men, who are the people's legisla- tors, and for once try the experiment, and see if you do not return to your homes in a full con- sciousness of a duty nobly performed, and meet your constituents with countenances radiant with joy, uttering from the heart the pure salutation, "well done, ye good and true men." Richmond, Jan. 24, 1859. W. Bacon. Remarks. — Capital suggestions — we hope they will be put in practice. Town societies should meet for discussion as often as once a week, from the first of November to the first of April, five months. The association should be as thoroughly organized as is the legislature of the State, and all its business conducted with gravi- ty and decorum. We feel quite confident that •premium paying has done about all the good it is capable of accomplishing for the present. From November to March, inclusive, the starch remains unchanged ; and as it is the ger- mination or change into sugar, by keeping in a moist place, that renders seeds unfit for plant- ing, it would seem that the most proper time for spring planting of potatoes should be early in April. As at the time of sprouting of the tubers the starch becomes changed into sugar, it may be supposed that at that time of the year, that is, in May, they might be profitably used for the man- ufacture of sugar. We know not that any ex- periments have been made for that purpose. STARCH—SUGAR— POTATO. The embryo of plants receives its nourishment from the sugar contained in the seeds. This ar- ticle is found in the seeds of all plants, — or rath- er exists in them in the form of starch, and is converted into sugar by the process of germina tion, and serves for the nourishment of the young plant. Starch and sugar are composed of the same elements and in nearly the same proportion, — starch having an additional quantity of carbon. By the application of heat and moisture by which oxygen is absorbed, some of this element of starch is evolved, and it becomes sugar. This is the process in germination, and in the malting of barley. The skin or lower part of flowers, al- so contains starch, which is changed into sugar for the nourishment of the seeds. Starch is very abundant in the potato ; the tubers of this plant being in large part composed of it. The practice of nipping off the flower buds of potatoes has been frequently adopted by gar- deners, which they considered had a tendency to increase the product. The effect of this practice is to check the demand of the growing flower for starch, and by thus preventing the exhaustion of the store of this ingredient, it will be accumula- ted in other parts, and principally deposited in the tuber, the growth of which will be increased proportionally. The amount of starch increases regularly with the growth of the plant, and is in greatest abun- dance at its maturity. It remains about the same till the period when the seeds are beginning to germinate, or the young parts of the plant to grow, and is then converted into sugar. It has been found that 100 parts of potatoes contained in August, 10 lbs.; September, 14^ lbs.; Novem- ber, 17 lbs.; March, 17 lbs.; April, 13| lbs.; May, 10 lbs. For the New England Farmer. ARE TURNIPS A PROFITABLE CROP? Mr. Editor : — Various opinions seem to pre- vail in relation to the turnip crop, and as I have read them from time to time, I am at last tempt- ed to say a few words upon the subject of rais- ing turnips. I have raised, of the various kinds of turnips, for forty-five years. I raise them now, where and when nothing else can be raised. I do not lay out a spot or patch of land for turnips where I can raise corn, for I do not believe they pay ; or in other words, I do not believe them a profitable crop. I have never been able to get a good crop of anything after a crop of rutabagas, and I should like to add to the many questions already put to "W. F. P.," by Mr. Emerson, whether he can show from experience or observa- tion, that a crop of ruta bagas, on, say one acre of land, and three succeeding crops of corn and grass, is worth more than a four years crop — of coi"n, first, and three years of barley and grass ? I do not care to confine him to the crops named which are to succeed the first year. But set acre by the side of acre ; set down the expenses of la- bor and of manure, and show how much is gained by raising ruta bagas. I have raised five hundred bushels of Swedish turnips upon one-half acre, and that was an unprofitable crop to me, when compared with seventy-five bushels of corn to the acre by the side of it. The labor of feeding, any one can settle. I think there are great mistakes made in the estimations of the value of turnips in this part of the country. I admit, however, that when raised they are good feed for stock. The question I would like answered, is, when compared with other crops, are they worth rais- ing; Otis Brigham. Westboro\ Jan. 27, 1859. Drugging Animals. — Continual dosing ani- mals is just as useless and injurious to them, as is the constant swallowing of drugs and poison- ous compounds to the human system. It is all folly to allow your stables to become hospitals, and to smell and appear like an apothecary's shop. It is much more humane to shoot a horse, or knock an animal on the head at once, than to force down its throat doses of drugs whose qual- ity of action you know little about, having the effect to create disease when it did not exist, and prolong suffering much beyond the time in which nature would herself effect a cure. — Amer- ican Siock Journal. loS NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April For the New England Farmer. AlSr AUTUMN" LEAF. [I was not intendeJ by the writer of the following touching, truthful and expressive lines, that his name should appear with them. But we cannot consent to any separation. His little in- troductory note shows how the verses were born, and how they came to meet ynur eye. We envy the happiness of the person possessed of such a sense of the bountiful and beautiful works of the Creator, and such a power of clothing tliem with poetic language atd feeling. Mr. Canning is a true poet. His thoughts are not summoned for the occasion, but the occasion itself opens clearly before him, and presents its olten minute, hut wonder- ful accompaniments, which fill with tenderness and love, his glowing verses. His descriptions will inspire every one who has huslfed out corn in the open air, in a balmy autumnal day.] Gov. Bkown, — Mij Dear Sir .- — I took from my vest pocket to- day a bit of paper witli the following lines pencilled thereon. They occurred to me while husking corn out-of doors, on one of the glcrious ^Hatter daijK,^'' last autumn. Thinking they may touch an answering chord in the minds of some of your readers, I take the liberty to write them out for the Farmer. Yours a-field, J. D. Canning. Gill, Ms., January, 1859. AN AUTUMNAL LEAF. BY THE "PEASANT BARD." How beautiful the picture is that nature spreads to day ! For autumn clothes her second-born in fancilul array ; And through the hazy lift the sun a softened splendor sends. That wraps the scene in quietude, — a sweet enchantment lends. How like to elves in elfin land yon troop of children go. Turning the hill-side leaves to find the bright brown nut below ! And every treasure brings a shout, and brings all there to see, Just as the gust scuds, eddying round, the honors of the tree. The jay, that in the summer days was scarcely seen at all. Flits frequent through the pictured bush, and startles with its call, And seems to warn its feathered males, with quick and earnest cries, Beware of Winter's biting breath, and bitter brumal skies I The squirrel on the mossy log, within the hollow wood, Clucks loud to tell that he's secured a store of winter food; His kinsman, clad in "hoddin gray," the hunter fain would see. With tiny claws goes scratching up the rough, nut-bearing tree. The duck, within the dented shore, where spreads the mimic bay, Sits silent, motionless, save when a ripple rounds away ; And seems to watch the colored tints reflected from below, Or list Dominion''s coming step, so stealthy, snd so slow : I see the waters of the brook, that in the summer time Went singing onward down the vale, a kind of "catch-me" chime, — Now seem to linger by the bank, and linger by the brae, As if all loth, from such a scene, to run in haste away. Can fairy land, — can "land of dreams," such scene enchanting show .' So soft the heavens smile above ! so glad the earth below ! As if millennial angels had their banners bright unfurled. And Peace, dear Peace! her censer swung in sweetness o'er the world ! Why call this world "a wilderness" — a mournful "vale ef tears."' I think it beautifid ; and for a better have my fears ; My heart in thankfulness dissolves that I'm alive to see The beauties autumn shadows forth, that by-and-by may be. October 19, 1858. skin, and all the grooming he could get 'wouldn't do it no good.' My friend, who is a great horse- breeder and fancier, made me try giving him a few raw carrots every day to eat out of my hand, saying that he would have a good smooth coat in three weeks, — and he was right, for in that time my horse had a beautiful, sleek, glossy coat, and all from eating a few raw carrots daily. He tells me it is infallible. — Cor. Po7'ter's Spirit of the Times. HoKSEs' Coats. — Lately going to the coun- try to spend a few weeks with a friend of mine, I drove a very handsome horse, and a good one — but he was always annoyed about his coat. It was more like bristles than a horse's smooth ADAMS' PATENT WIRE SCREENS. We were pleased this morning to see the ope- ration of Mr. Banjord Adams' Wire Screens for separating the various grains, coffee, rice, beans, L^^c. He took about a pint each of three sizes of white beans, rye, buckwheat, coffee, and caraway seed, mixed them thoroughly in a peck measure, turned them into his machine, shook them rap- idly for a few moments and handed them to us, each separated from the others. The inventor states that these screens will not only sort and sprout potatoes, clean and "size out" beans and peas, but will separate buckwheat from oats, rye from barley or wheat, and from all foul seed. The machine works on eight-cornered rollers or cogs, and discharges the mixed contents into separate barrels at the same time, each kind find- ing its respective size. A person acquainted with the business will sort from seventy-five to one hundred bushels of grain per day. The machine is cheap, small, compact, and so light that a man may carry it under his arm. Any farmer raising much of this kind of pro- duce, would not fail to save all its cost in two or three years — indeed, we hear of one person who used the machine in the city last year, and saved refuse grain and small seeds enough to bring him $25,00, which was freighted back fifty miles into the country, and used for fattening mutton ! When this foul and broken seed was extracted from the good, it increased the value of the lat- ter some fifteen per cent. Such a process is worth going through. " This is one of those simple and efficient con- trivances that commend themselves to all upon once witnessing what they will do — and we there- fore think well of it. MANAGEMENT OF THE BARN. Let the utmost neatness be observed in the management of the barn. No more hay or other fodder should be thrown on the floor at once than is requisite to supply one feed. By throwing large quantities from the mows or scaflbldings, there is an unavoidable loss from the drying of the fibre, which renders it less palatable to the animals, as well as less nutritious. Sweeping the floor daily promotes cleanliness, and conduces to the health and consequently the comfort of animals. The sweeping of the floors should be preserved, as this is the easiest way to save some 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 159 of the most valuable grass seeds. The mangers and cribs should be daily cleaned out and fre- quentlj' washed. "What is the use of being so very particular ? I never washed my cattle's manger," said Solomon Shiftless. Very well, Solomon, your cows probably have as keen an ap- petite for their fodder as you would have if your wife gave you the same plate unwashed for a month from which to take your meals. — Rural In- telligencer. For the New England Farmer. IiEGISIiATIO]Sr--LA.lSrD DRAINAQB COMPANIES. BY H. F. FRENCH, EXETER, N. H. Under this Act, (namely, the Rye and Derwent Drainage Act,) it became necessary for the Com- missioners to estimate the comparative cost of steam and water power, in order to carry out their idea of giving to the mill-owners a steam- power equivalent to their water-power. "As the greater part of the water-power was employed on corn and flour-mills, upon those the calculations were chiefly based. It was generally admitted to be very near the truth that to turn a pair of flour-mill-stones properly, requires a power equal to that of two and a half horses, or on an average twenty horses' power to turn and •work a mill of eight pairs of stones," and "that the total cost of a twenty-horse steam-engine, "with all its appliances, would be 1000^., or 50Z. per horse-power." Calculations for the maintenance of the steam- power are also given, but this depends so much on local circumstances that English estimates would be of little value. The arrangements in this case, with the mill- owners, were made by contract and not by force of any arbitrary power, and the success of the enterprise, in the drainage of the lands, the pre- vention of damage by floods especially in hay and harvest time, and in the improvement of the health of vegetation as well as of man and ani- mals, is said to be strikingly manifest. This Act provides for a "water-bailiS"," whose duty it is to inspect the rivers, streams, water- courses, &c., and enforce the due maintenance of the banks and the uninterrupted discharge of the waters at all times. Compulsory Outfalls. — It often happens, espe- cially in New England, where farms are small and the country is broken, that an owner of val- uable lands overcharged with water, perhaps a swamp or low meadow, or perhaps a field of up- land lying nearly level, desires to drain his tract, but cannot find sufficient fall, without going upon the land of owners below. These adjacent own- ers may not appreciate the advantages of drain- age, or their lands may not require it, or what is not unusual, they may, from various motives. good and evil, refuse to allow their land to be meddled with. Now, without desiring to be understood as speaking judicially, we know of no authority of law, by which a land-owner may enter upon the territory of his neighbor for the purpose of drain- ing his own land, and perhaps no such power should ever be conferred. All owners upon streams, great and small, have, however, the right to the natural flow of the water both above and below. Their neighbors below cannot ob- struct a stream so as to flow back the water on to or into the land above, and where artificial water-courses, as ditches and drains, have long been opened, the presumption would be that all persons benefited by them have the right to have them kept open. Parliament is held to be omnipotent, and in the Act of 1847, known as Lord Lincoln's Act, its power is well illustrated, as is also the deter- mination of the British nation that no trifling impediments shall hinder the progress of the great work of draining lands for agriculture. The Act, in efl'ect, authorizes any person inter- ested in draining his lands, to clear a passage through all obstructions, wherever it would be worth the expense of works and compensation. Another provision of this Act authorizes pro- prietors or occupiers of land, injured through neglect of others, to maintain the banks, scour and cleanse the channels of existing drains, streams or water-courses, forming boundaries of such lands, or leading to the outfall, to enter af- ter one month's notice and neglect, and "execute all necessary works for maintaining or repairing such banks, or cleansing or scouring such chan- nels." The Act also provides that the neglectful neighbor shall contribute his share of the expense of such repairs and labor. It should be observed that this provision only applies to existing water-courses and ditches, and not to the opening, or the widening or straight- ening or deepening of new ones. Its remedies are similar to those in most of the States for neglect of adjacent owners to repair the division fences. It is not the province of the author to decide what may properly be done within the authority of diff'erent States, in aid of public or private drainage enterprises. The State Legislatures are not, like Parliament, omnipotent. They are limited by their written constitutions. Perhaps no better criterion of power with respect to com- pelling contribution by persons benefited, to the cost of drainage, and of interfering with individ- ual rights for public or private advantage, can be found than the exercise of power in the cases of fences and of flowage. If we may lawfully compel a person to fence 160 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April his land, to exclude the cattle of other persons, or if he neglect to fence, subject him to their depredations without indemnity, as is done in many States, or if we may compel him to contrib- ute to the erection of division fences, of a given height, though he has no animal in the world to be shut in or out of his field, there would seem to be equal reason in compelling him to dig half of a division ditch, for the benefit of himself and neighbor. If, again, as we have already hinted, the Leg- islature may authorize a Corporation to flow and inundate the land of an unwilling citizen, to raise a water-power for a cotton-mill, it must be a nice discrimination of powers that prohibits the same Legislature from authorizing the entry into lands of protesting mill-owners, or of an unknown or cross-grained proprietor, to open an outlet for a valuable health-giving system of drainage. For the New England Farmer. STEAM PLOW. Mr. Editor: — Your able and pleasing cor- respondent, Wilson Flagg, Esq., seems alarmed at the introduction of the "Steam Plow," should such a discovery be made. He repudiates the no- tion that the "Illinois State Board of Agricul- ture" should encourage the use of such a ma- chine, which, in its tendency, would "extirpate the whole class of small farmers in the State." In support of this theory, he compares the hand- spinners and weavers, who should undertake to compete with the manufactories of Lowell and Lawrence. His article {Farmer, Dec. 18,) in its length and breadth, I think is at variance with pul)lic senti- ment, and I shall venture a few suggestions in relation to it. If the steam plow should be introduced by "mammoth corporations" (of which there is lit- tle to fear,) we cannot see why it would bear un- equally on "the small farmer." He has given us no idea of the cost of the apparatus, which may not be very expensive, in a small way, but the outlay of a good plowing team, and the ex- pense of feeding, is by no means a small item with the farmer. Horse power has greatly re- lieved man, as applied to the mowing, reaping and threshing machines, rake, &c., but how vast- ly has steam annihilated the horse, yet the horse retains his former value and labor, and is dearer than formerly. This kind of "progress" is de- manded by all enterprising people, and the growth of our country is their crowning happi- ness. I should regret to see it otherwise. When the sewing machine was introduced, the needle women were in danger. Wailings and re- grets were the outpourings of humanity — but Providence opens new sources of labor, the poor needle-woman receives her "loaves and fishes," and by industry and frugality I think she earns full wages, as I do not learn that they have been reduced. Now what is to be feared from "farm associated capital ?" Surely, the argument fails when "Low- ell and Lawrence" are made prominent objects of comparison, with smaller establishments en- gaged in like manufactures. It is only necessa- ry to refer your correspondent to the supremacy of individual success over them all around you. Stockholders in these mammoth corporations can doubtless give a negative reply. But let us take a family of Shakers who would seem to present the most consolidated form of "association." Their thrift, skill, economy and integrity are unsurpassed. Does this mammoth corporation threaten destruction to the "pleas- ant old farm-house," the "delightful groups of trees," a state of "servitude" of families in the "grand manufactory of corn and vegetables ?" Do those outside abutters suffer by this great Shak- er corporation ? Not at all. They never under- sell. No form of corporation need frighten the industrious farmer, neither can they depreciate his products. If there is a tedious operation in farming, it is plowing. Now we have all the improvements in agricultural implements, with new forces and powers. Shall we have the steam plow ? If it can be worked on a hundred acres, it can be worked on twenty. Would it not revolutionize New England? Would it not improve the pas- turing, enlarge the barns, increase cattle, sheep, horses, the dairy, the corn crop, the reheat crop, the most expensive and the most needful of all? Give them a '^steam plow," a bounty of 12.1 cts. on winter wheat, a generous bounty on a hundred bushels of corn, till it becomes a well established fact that New England can raise her bread, and your plowing will tell at home in your own pock- ets, and the coffers of your States. Hang no clogs upon agricultural enterprises. Give them Legislative sanction and support to the utmost, and while we must admit the jjlow to be the pioneer implement of all farm operations, the basis of all hope, let lis add any power that shall "speed the plow." Henry Poor. New York, 1859. Most Profitable Breed of Sheep. — A Canada West farmer, writing on this question to the Genesee Farmer, says : "As far as my expe- rience goes, the most profitable sheep are of no breed. Buy poor and inferior ewes (of the na- tive stock, if possible,) cross them with the best Leicester or Southdown rams, according to their roughness and other qualities, and they will pay from 50 to 100 per cent, per annum, or more. This is simply taking ad vantage of the established maxim in breeding, that the first cross is the best. You thus obtain an increase in mutton of from 20 to 30 pounds, and an increase in wool of from 50 to 100 per cent., besides a great improve- ment in the quality of both." — Country Gentle- man. Atmospheric Phenomena. — A correspondent writing to us from Byson, 111., states that some peculiar phenomena were witnessed in that place on the morning of the 4;h inst., at 9 A. M., con- sisting of several rainbows intersecting one anoth- er, and at every intersecting point there was a bright spot resembling a miniature sun. These bows displayed all the prismatic colors, and were exceedingly beautiful. They continued for about three-quarters of an hour, and then disappeared. — Scientific American. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 161 CHESTBE COUNTY, PA., SOW^. The above is a fine representation of the Ches- ter County Sow Mazurka, bred by Thomas Wood, Esq., of Penningtonville, Pennsylvania, and now owned by William A. White, of Lan- caster, N. H. This breed is distinguished for large size, rapid growth, early maturity and great propensity to fatten ; remarkable, also, for beau- ty and symmetry of form, and docile disposition. No part of the farm economy better deserves at- tention than that of swine, as they are manufac- turers as well as producers. More attention ought to be given to breeds, so as to secure those that are symmetrical, of quiet dispositions, and that will gain the largest weight upon the small- est amount of food. See advertisement in an- other column. sufficiently evident. It seems to be the inevita- ble result of civilization, that the birds, the beau- tiful feathered police of Nature, decrease, with the march of its improvements ; and hence in pro- portion as the land becomes more cultivated, the insects, freed from their natural devourers, in- crease in proportion, and the fruit-grower, obliged to turn from one remedy to another, finds too of ten, now inadequate the contrivances of man art to effect the object. In order to understand how to apply the true remedy, let us consider for a moment the habits of the canker worm. Though the greater num- ber of these ascend the tree about the middle of March, they emerge from the ground during the open weather of every month of winter, and of these the largest proportion are females. Hav- ing reached some suitable crevice or twig on the tree, each female lays from 80 to 100 eggs, and covering them with a glue impervious to water, dies. In the month of June these eggs hatch, and the young canker worm soon destroy every green leaf on the tree. The great desideratum, it Few persons are aware, perhaps, of the extent is plain, must be to prevent the worm from get- of the ravages made by the canker worm, and ting up the tree. other insects, upon the orchards of New England. A contrivance of Wm. W. Taylor, Esq., of In Massachusets a'one, there are estim ited to be South Dartmouth, meets the object better, in my no less than one liui.lred different varieties of opinion, than any contrivance hitherto devised by the class Geometni', (to which the canker worm the ingenuity of man. It consists oi a simple belongs,) according to T. W. Harris. The a])ple circular cup of iron, cast in two semi-circular sec- tree suffers most from these worms, but the cher- tions, so as to be easily screwed tightly together, ry, the plum, lime and elm trees, are often the Between the cup and the tree, a packing is placed subjects of their devastating attacks. The nu- of sea-weed, straw, cotton waste or any other suit- merous pomological societies which have sprung able material impervious to insects, but not so up within a short time are proofs of the increased to water ; over the cup is place*!, ata distance of interest which the culture of fruit is demanding two inches, a screen, or roof projecting a little be- from the farmers of New England ; and when we yond the outer circumference. The cup is then consider the fact that 50,000 bbls. of apples were filled with bitter water, which will not freeze in recently shipped from Boston in a single month, any temperature, and is delequescent, (absorbing the importance of staying the pest which more moisture from the atmosi)here.) It has also the than any other has hitherto made the profits of advantage of being far cheaper than oil, or any of fruit p-rowing insecure and hazardous, becomes, the substances heretofore used in contrivances For the New England Farmer. CAWKEK WORMS. 162 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April having the same object. I have had this invention of Captain Taylor's in practical operation for some time, and the results have been so highly satisfac- tory that I confidently recommend it to all fruit- growers as a perfect vade mecuin. The cups of bitter water are half filled with dead insects v/hich have perished in attempting to swim across, and under them numerous cocoons show that many have found discretion the better part of valor, having been foiled in their attempts to reach a more elevated state of existence. Nu- merous orchards and trees in this vicinity have been islanded with these biiter waters, which have proved, thus far, better than the sleepless dragons which guarded the famous gardens of the Hesper- ides, and I am of opinion that if this impassable circle of Captain Taylor had been extended around the tree, in a certain garden that we have read of, the human race might have been considerably better ofi'than it now is, and the world would be something better than a home for the fallen. Feb., 1859. r. Remarks. — We have examined the device of Capt. Taylor to prevent the ascent of canker worms, and should think it might prove effectu- al. We know nothing of the cost, or of its prac- tical operations, excepting what is stated by our correspondent above. i'''or the New England Farmer. THE WEATHER OF 1858. [ConcludeJ.] The whole number of falls of snow during the year was twenty-one, amounting to about thirty- four inches on a level, as near as can be easily calculated, or two feet and ten inches, as follows : In January there were three falls, amounting to six inches ; in February four falls, amounting to five inches ; in March four falls, equalling nine and one-half inches ; in November four falls, equal to nine inches, and in December six falls, equal to four inches. The last fall of snow in the spring occurred on the 14th of March, and the first in the fall, on the 13th of November. The number of falls of rain in the year, includ- ing thirteen thunder showers, was seventy, oc- curring as follows : In Jan. four, in-Feb. one, in March two, in April six, in May six, in June five, including three thunder showers, in July eleven, including five thunder showers, in August twelve, including two thunder showers, in September six, including three thunder showers, in "October eight, including one thunder shower, in Novem- ber two, in December seven. From December, 1857, to April, 1858, but very little water fell, either in snow or rain, and had such a drought occurred in any other season of the year it must have been strikingly noticeable. The usual amount of rain fell during the au- tumn months, and most of the summer months, but in October the springs, and consequently the wells and streams, were remarkably low ; hence the query, how is this to be accounted for? The mean temperature of the year, based upon an average of all the sunrise, noon and sunset temperature, is 45.76*, which lam led, by differ- j ent methods of observation, to conclude varies I but little from the true mean of the year, (I have not room here to introduce a table that I have made out, showing the mean of the sunrise, noon, and sunset temperature for each month, and the mean temperature as deduced from these.) The mean temperature of the winter months, (according to my method,) is 25.99'', of the spring, 43.98'^, of the summer 68.15°, and of au- tumn 55.79'-\ January, 1858, was fully IS'' warmer than Jan- uary, 1857. The lowest temperature during the year was 12° below zero, the highest 92° above, and the mean of these two extremes is 40°. The coldest day in the year was the 5th of March, with a temperature of 2° at sunrise, 6° at noon and 7° at sunset ; and the warmest day was the 26th of June, with the thermometer at 71*^ at sunrise, 92° at noon, and 76° at sunset, and the difference between the mean tempera- ture is not far from 80°. There were two hundred and twenty days of wind from some northerly quarter, during the year, and one hundred and twenty-three from a south- erly point. From the northwest ther^ were one hundred and twenty-six days of wind, from the northeast seventy-three, and from the north twen- ty-one ; from the southwest sixty-four, from the south forty-eight, and eleven from the southeast. During twenty-two days the wind was either im- perceptible, or so light and changeable that no regular current could be perceived. Had I room I would introduce a table showing the number of days of wind from the points from which it blows for each month. It also appears that there were one hundred ninety-three days of wind from the west, and only eighty-six from an easterly quarter, which shows that the wind prevailed much more from a more or less westerly quarter, than from an easterly point, and accordingly goes to prove a theory in meteorology that the prevailing wind in the high northern latitudes must be a westerly wind, (or fiouthwesterly.) There were one hundred and four clear days in the year 1858, days in which the sun shone almost uninterruptedly ; onu hundred and four tolerably clear — days in which the sun shone the greater part of the time though clouds were abun- dant ; ninety-three cloudy days — days in which the sun scarcely shone ; and sixty-four designat- ed as quite cloudy — the clouds predomin ting. Wilbraham, Mass., 1859. J. A. Allen. Effects of Pedestrl\n Exerclse. — A cele- brated English physician says that pedestrian exercise particularly exhausts the spine and the brain, and is, therefore, the kind of exercise less suited to intellectually hard-working men. And it is on this account that horseback exercise is the medicine it is — the horse having the fatigue and the rider the exercise. To sufficiently jar the liver and other internal organs, for some con- valescents, the legs and loins must be over- worked. The thorough shake-up which is got in the saddle is without effort, or with the effort of only such muscles as can best afford it ; and the student-rider comes back with physical forces all refreshed, besides the exhilaration of movement for the spirits and the change of mind. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 163 For the New England Farmer. THE USE OF LIME AND ITS PKOPEK- TIES. Mr. Editor: — Although not a farmer to any great extent, having most of the time, for twenty- five years past, been grinding grain for farmers, yet 1 have had the opportunity to study Nature in the development of the vegetable kingdom, and have assumed as a motto, Hhat in order for a full development of vegetables, there must he a com- plete association of mineral principles in the soil." As most of our soil, in the S'ew England States, is deiicient in the principle of lime, the compo- nent parts of which are, '"o mineral ylnten, and a mineral alkali," and, as it is necessary for the principle of alkali to be present in the sand or silica of the soil, to enable the spongioles or rootlets of plants to decompose so much thereof as will be sufficient to give its body the necessary stifl'ness to support the head, and the ripened seed, I have come to the conclusion that lime must be added to the soil as one of those princi- ples which go to make up a complete association. I am very much gratified that the Agricultural papers, and some of our farmers, are advocating what I have inculcated for twenty years — the use of lime as manure or food for vegetables ; but yet they do not seem to understand rvhi/ they should do so, or why lime is valuable as a ma- nure. They say, that where they make use of old plastering made of lime and sand — no matter how old it is — as a manure, they receive great benefit tlierefrom. Now, what are those wonderful virtues which lie concealed in the old plaster ? If you should taste of it, you v/ould not perceive that it contained one particle of alkali, which, when it wa^ first made, was so strong with alkali as to corrode one's flesh. I have asked many with whom I have conversed on this subject, what has become of the alkaline matter that was at first so apparent in the old plaster ? Some have conjec- tured that it has evaporated — gone into the at- mosphere, while others could not tell, yet they thought that alkali could not evaporate. They rightly thought. The most intense heat known to us cannot evaporate it, else it would have escaped with the carbonic acid gas in the process of calcination. Then where has it gone to? what has became of it ? Answer — the sand which constitutes a large portion of the plaster had an affinity for the alkali of the lime. An association was the consequeiice. The alkali and the sand have united in one compound, and is in a proper state for decomposition by the roots of the vegetable kingdom. This is why the old plaster has such wonderful virtues in it to make plants grow — "the silica is rendered soluble by associating with alkali." The lime stone, before calcination, is of no more benefi*: as food for plants, than granite or any other stone, even when comminuted. The gluten of lime differs from the gluten of clay, and when clay and lime are mixed together, they form a very light and po- rous soil — the tenacity of the clay being destroyed by the lime; showing at once that lime is of as much benefit to clay soils as to any other kind of soils. Should the farmer see fit to dress his land with an hundred bushels of lime to the acre, the alkaline part thereof would soon all be taken up by the sand in the soil, and would be there ready for the use of plants, until the whole had passed into the vegetable form ; and the gluti- nous part would combine with other ingredients of the soil, together with such other manures as the farmer does, or ought to apply thereto. It would there be ready to impregnate his crops of grain and grass with the phosphate of lime, that most necessary of all principles to the health, strength and firmness of the bone and muscles of his animals — increasing their size, and of course their value. Lime ought to, and will yet be considered in- dispensable by the farmer in growing wheat and the several grasses. Nor should he neglect to apply all the manure he can command ; for the more highly he enriches land by animal ma- nures, so much the more he will need a good sup- ply of lime. If he makes his land rich enough to produce 3.5 bushels of wheat to the acre, he must put in lime enough to produce a straw stijf enough to support the heads of the wheat, and keep it from lodging. Then th^ sap vessels will be kept from bursting at a certain stage of its growth, and forming a rust on the straw — having strength and firmness enough to sustain the pres- sure of the sap in its flow to the head for the pur- pose of forming the grain or kernel. After I have thus far shown the chemical pro- pensities of lime — its nature and action on the soil for the benefit of vegetables and plants — its use in saving a good crop of wheat, which, icith- out it, would be a failure, by being spoiled by the )-ust, or by lodging — must 1 appeal to the inter- est of the farmer to induce him to use it? Then, if by applying 10 bushels of stone lime, costing $2,00 at the kiln, to the acre, will increase the yield to 30 bushels of wheat per acre, which oth- erwise would have yielded only 20 bushels, call- ing wheat $1,00 per bushel — allowing $2,00 more for going after the lime and putting it on the land, you will receive the first year for your money 1333 per cent, as interest! Is not that better than to put it into a hank that may fail ? Then consider the amount of hay you will cut for several years to come, more than you would without the lime, and of a far better quality for your stock — rich in the phosphate of lime. Farmers of New England, if you wish to com- pete with the fertile lands of the AVest — if you wish to excel in your wheat, cattle, horses, sheep, in the staple and fineness of your wool, in the fla- vor of your butter, and in the quantity and qual- ity of your cheese, sow lime on your lands, on your meadows, on your pastures, not stingily, but bountifully. Sweeten up the soil as your mothers used to do with their sour butter-milk, by pour- ing into it an alkaline substance to nutralize the sour humus located therein, which now has only a tendency to produce sorrel, raspberries, straw- berries, moss and wild cherries ; and it will not be long before your farms will assume a more beautiful aspect — a richer dress of wholesome life-giving vegetation. Instead of running over 100 acres of land to fill a 30 by 40 feet barn with hay and grain, you will not, like the man of whom we read, "pull down your barn and build larger ones," but will be necessiated to make an addi- tion of two or three more to hold your crops and your stock. Instead of going over an acre and a half or two acres to get a ton of poor hay mixed with sorrel and weeds, you will be cutting from a 164 NEW ENGLAND FAEMEK. April ton and a half to two and a half tons per acre, of good timothy and clover, well filled with the phos- phate of lime, of which the bones of your animals are composed. If what I have said appears reasonable, adopt it ; if not, reject it. If it will set many to think- ing, it is what the farmers ought to do — think — and not only think, but speak out themselves. Bipton, Vt, 1859. Samuel Damon. EXTEACTS AND BEPLIES. TOP-DRESSING — LEACHED ASHES — GUANO. Which will be the best for a spring top-dress- ing for grass on a sandy loam, — well-rotted ma- nure, leached ashes or guano — and which will be the most economical — not in regard to first cost — but as to the effect ? (a.) Would plaster sowed in the spring be benefi- cial to a piece of lightish soil pasture, which was seeded down last fall with a manure of bone-dust and leached ashes ? (b.) Young Farmer. North Billerica, Jan. 30, 1859. Remarks. — (a.) Nothing compared with a well rotted compost — not a compost that has been greatly fermented, but one well-balanced in all its parts, ripened, mellow, and just in that condi- tion to become soluble, and afford abundant nu- ti'ition to the plants as soon as sufficient heat and moisture reach it after being mingled with the soil. Such a compost will aS"ord all, or nearly all, the elements that the plant needs. Leached ashes will not, and guano is so volatile, and its successful use depends so much upon circumstan- ces, that we have no hesitation whatever in rec- ommending the compost in preference to those or anything else. (b.) On some soils the plaster would be decid- edly beneficial, on others not. You can only tell by an experiment. SPLINTS ON HORSES. "A Subscriber," who inquires about "Splints" on horses, is referred to an article in the Ameri- can Veterinary Journal for January, copied from the London Field, for a full description, cause and treatment, but lest that excellent journal be not at hand, I will make a few extracts : — "Some animals have an hereditary predisposi- tion to exostosis, (splints,) which appear before they are subjected to work of any kind, but they are generally produced by the animal being put too early to work." "The best remedy is peristeotomy," ("Vets" have some jaw-breakers as well as the doctors,) "which consists in making an incision above and below the bony tumor, then with a seton needle raising the skin from the tumor, passing in a knife with a guarded blade, cutting deeply into the substance of the splint, and finally by pass- ing a seton over it, i. e., between it and the skin." This is an operation that belongs to the veter- inarian, and should not be entrusted to the vil- lage "blacksmith" or "butcher." It is a ques- tion whether it is advisable to meddle with them at all, as they cause lameness but a short time, if at all, and may, and often do, disappear entirely. Nashua, N. II. v. C. G. A kicking cow. I have a cow, five years old, that is apt to kick in the stall. AVill you be so kind as to let me know how I can break her of that habit ? A Subscriber. South Weymouth, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — If she has always been kindly treated, she certainly shows a great want of good manners in kicking her friends. If our cow, we should approach her gently, quit'^ often, and usu- ally with a lock of hay, a nub of corn, or a pota- to or an apple in our hand — speak kind words to her, scratch her neck and back, and convince her, if possible, that we desired to be on the most friendly terms with her. If she was a valuable cow for milk, and notwithstanding all these evi- dences of kindness, persisted in kicking our shins, we would, perhaps, try what virtue there is in punishing — and as a last resort, send her to the butcher. diseases in fowls. Of late there has been considerable said about diseases of fowls, particularly the hen, but as yet I have not seen anything about dropsy. If any of your readers have had occasion to witness anything similar to this disease, it would be in- teresting to hear from them, and if they can show its cause and a remedy, it will be very ac- ceptably received by the breeders of fowls gener- ally. I have lately among a flock of more than two hundred lost several by this disease. The body seems to be filled with a yellowish wa- ter, in which the bowels are completely en- veloped, besides which there are clusters of wa- ter-sacks connected together, remote from and independent of the ovaries. Some of these clus- ters contain from half-a-dozen to twenty sacks, from the size of a pea to that of large grapes. These are also filled with a yellow water, and connected by ligaments of unnatural growth. Will some one who is acquainted with rearing and doctoring fowls give us a remedy, if they are acquainted with the like disease. Peter A. Foster. Shaker Village, N. II., 1859. nash's progressive farmer. Should not this liookbe taught in our common schools ? It contains much useful knowledge that will help the farmer in cultivatir g his farm. The author has written it in so plain, easy and prac- tical a way, that it is a pleasure to read it. Take the analysis of a tree, commencing at the roots and tracing it up through the bark, sap, heart and pith to the extremities of its branches. How many are there that know the use of the leaves in the vegetable world around them ? The tiny leaf, that trembles in the breeze, is so formed, that one side of it is constantly drawing in the unhealthy and impure air which the ani- mal world is throwing off, and giving vigor and 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 165 life to the tree, passing through its laboratory, and is again thrown off, from the opposite side of the leaf, changed from an impure to a healthy air. In this we see the wisdom of the Creator, and it ought to draw the mind from Nature's works up to Nature's God. With this knowledge the farmer, as he walks his farm, surrounded with trees, decked with leaves and flowei-s, ought to feel happier with his occupation than he would •without this knowledge. What a wide field there is open before him for studying the habits of the animals, the fowls and insects that are around him. w. A. P. Barre, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — The little volume spoken of above ought to be read by every progressive farmer. It will suggest a thousand things both pleasant and profitable. SEVERAL THINGS. A poor farmer in Orleans county, Vt., wants to know if he shall plow in manure or harrow it, ■when he seeds to grass ? (a.) Is it best to use a roller on dry and gravelly land? (b.) Will not two eyes be better than one in a hill of potatoes ? (c) Will it pay to spread manure on dry, gravelly land? (d.) Would it not be better for farmers if the mon- ey expended on fast horses were laid out in pre- miums on fall crops ? (e.) A Subscriber. Orleans County, Vt., 1859. Remarks. — (a.) Plow in three or four inches deep, and level with harrow. (b.) Certainly. The more dry and light the land, the more necessity for the roller. Have you not observed on such land, that where the cattle tread in harrowing the seed in, that the seed comes up earliest in their tracks ? (c.) Seeding for potatoes is a mooted and deli- cate question. We can only say, that we seed lightly with small potatoes, or large ones cut, and that we find no depreciation in the crop. (d.) By manuring your dry, gravelly land lib- erally for several years, you will bring it into a moist, rich, gravelly loam — but you must man- ure freely as far as you go. If it is in grass land, spread the manure as soon as you get off the hay, or, late in autumn. (e.) Yes. Or better still, in supporting far- mers' clubs and other meetings for agricultural discussions. Vy^HAT AILS THE HORSE. My horse is five years old, and eighteen months ago it had the appearance of having rubbed the skin off on the inside of the right gambril joint, about the size of a quarter of a dollar. Since that it has been gradually growing larger in cir- cumference, and projecting in the form of a wart, and a roughness similar to a wart around its edges. The friction caused by the other leg from his laying down, keeps the crown of it raw. It is now about the bigness of a dollar in circum- ference, attended with very little soreness, though I perceive on working him hard for a day or two in succession that it is attended with swelling and stiffness. I have been treatin g it as a wart, but have not been able to find anything that has been of use. Merrimack, N. H. Jan. 20, 1859. Remarks. — Youatt says if the root of the wart is very small, it may be cut asunder, close to the skin, with a pair of scissors, and the wound touched with lunar caustic. But if the pediate or stem be somewhat large, a ligature of waxed silk should be passed firmly round it, and tight- ened every da THREE POTATOES. I send three potatoes ; if you are acquainted with their names and qualities, I wish you would inform me through the Farmer. So. Strafford, 1859. W. B. Hazeltine. Remarks. — The three potatoes you were kind enough to send us are the most perfect in form that we ever saw. The eyes are nearly level with the surrounding surface. Give us some account of them, if you can. JAVA spring wheat. Do you know anything about the Java Spring wheat raised in your section ? A. B. A. West Georgia, Vt., 1859. Remarks. — This wheat was introduced into this vicinity by Mr. Stephen Dillingham, of Falmouth, on the Cape, we believe, in 1857. It has given great satisfaction wherever tried. There will be a limited amount for sale this spring by NouRSE & Co., 34 Merchants Row, Boston. ESSEX CO. TRANSACTIONS. I wish to procure the Essex County Transac- tions for 1858. G. S. Johnson. Montpelier, Vt., 1859. Remarks. — Write to the Secretary, Allen W. Dodge, Esq., Salem, Mass. MAINE BOARD OP AQRICULTUHE. AVe have recently read the discussions of the Board, as reported in the Maine Farmer, with much interest. Its meetings were held for sev- eral successive days, and a detailed statement of what was done, and doing, in their respective districts, was given by each member of the Board. Such statements are beneficial to those who give them, and to those to whom they are given. If it is known that this will be required, none but those qualified will accept the appointment, lest their own inferiority should be made apparent ; and if none but good reports are made, the peo- ple will have the benefit of sound instruction. 166 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April For the New England Farmer. WILL GBAIN CHANGE ITS KIND ? Harvard, February ith, 1859. Mr. Editor : — As I have lately seen in the N. E. Farmer several articles on the change of one kind of grain to another, I send you the follow- ing extract from the '^Boston Gazette and (Jountry Journal" published July 2.3d, 1759, thinking it may be interesting to some of the numerous readers of your valuable journal. Jas. I. Wyer, Jr. To the Author of the Grand Magazine. Sir : — If you have not already heard of the following extraordinary instance of the pow- ers of vegetation, in the transmutation of one species of corn into another, I am persuaded I need make no apology to trouble you, on so im- portant and curious a subject. This phoenomenon was first observed in Swe- den, where it was discovered by mere accident. A countryman having sown some oats in his field, and wanting provision for his horses, mowed the young shoots of the grain soon after they were come up. The grain shot forth again, as usual, and the farmer mowed it as before. He did this, at intervals, three times. The winter coming on, no more blades appeared till the following spring, when shooting up as before, they were permitted to grow to perfection, and the crop, to the sur- prise of the poor husbandman, instead of proving oats, turned out absolutely good rye. This fact coming to the ear of a very ingenious naturalist of that country, Mr. Jop Bern Vergin, he sus- pected there might be some deception, and ac- cordingly in the year 1750, repeated the experi- ment, observing exactly the same measures by design as the countryman had takf-n by chance. The result of this experiment was the same, and his oats produced good rye, as that of the peas- ant had done before. A circumstantial relation of this extraordinary discovery was soon after- wards sent to their High Mightinesses, the States General, by Mr. de Marteville, their Envoy at the Court of Sweden. Curiosity, and the desire of further knowledge concerning this surprising ph(Pnomenon, induced some of the naturalists of that country to try the experiment again. Among the rest was Mr. Sy- perstein, one of the Magistrates of Harlem, and the President of the society lately established there for the improvement of arts and sciences. This gentleman sowed a handful of oats on the 21st of June, 1757, and again another on the 26th of July following. The first he cropt at three several times, viz., on the 29th of July, the 8th of September and the 11th of November. The last he cut only twice, viz., on the 13th of Sep- tember, and the 18th of November. The succeed- ing winter happening to prove very severe, al- most all the grains perished in the earth, through the inclemency of the weather. Five of them, however, remaining alive, shot up in the spring, and produced large and full ears of good rye, which was reaped the 7th of last August. As the utmost care was taken in this experi- ment to avoid any mixture in the grain, as well as to prevent any grains of rye from falling acci- dentally, or otherwise, on the spot of ground sown; this transmutation, however strange it may appear to the ignorant, or inconsistent with the systems of naturalists, is looked upon here as an indubitable fact. AVith a view of prosecuting this discovery still further, Mr. Syperstein has sown a fresh parcel of oats, treating them as before. He has also sown some of the rye produced from the oats, which he has cropped in the same manner as he did the oats that produced it. He proposes also to make several experiments, with a little varia- tion, in order to improve on this discovery. SLEEPING PLANTS. The sleep of plants, which was discovered by Linnaeus, is caused by the diflferent influences of light and darkness, cold, heat and moisture. The common chickweed {Stellaria medica,) of which birds are so fond, furnishes a beautiful instance of the sleep of plants. Every night the leaves approach each other in pairs, so as to include within their upper surfaces the tender rudiments of the young shoots ; and the uppermost pair but one at the end of the stalk, are furnished with longer leaf stalks than the others, so that they can close upon the terminating pair, and protect the end of the shoot. The flowers of the Marvel of Peru. (Mirabilis jalapa,) which are very beautiful, do not open in hot weather until the evening; but, if the weath- er be cool, or the sun is obscured, they open in the day-time. Another variety of the same plant is called the four-o'clock flower, from open- ing at that hour of the day. The scarlet pimpernel, (AnagiUis arvensis,) which is a plentiful weed in corn-fields, is called poor man's weather-glass, and shepherd's barom- eter, from the flowers always closing before I'ain ; and should the weather be ever so bright, they always shut up at noon. The flowers of a sort of convolvulus {Bivea bona-nox) are large and white, expanding only at sunset, and perfuming the air to a great dis- tance, with a fragrance resembling that of the finest cloves. It is a native of Bengal, where it rambles among the forests, and is called the Midnapore creeper. The common goats-beard {Tragopogon pre- tense) grows in many parts of Britain, and is called go to-bed-at-noon, from the fact of its flowers closing about that time. — Household Words. For the New England Farmer. TOWi'>r, COUNTY, AND STA.TE SOCIETIES. Dear Sir : — I am glad to learn from the pa- pers that there is in contemplation a re-orgoniza- tion of our Agricultural Societies, which shall render them more efficient. I wish to suggest a plan for this purpose, which has long been in my mind. It is briefly the following : 1st. Let there be clubs or societies in every farming town, for discussion, the support of lec- tures, the formation of libraries, and the exhibi- tion of the results of their thought and labor. 2d. Let there be county societies, which should include these town societies, and which should hold exhibiti(.'ns, at which those who had received certificates of excellence at the town exhibitions, 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 167 and they alone, should be allowed to compete for the superiority. 3d. Let there be a State Society, -which should consist of delegates chosen by the county socie- ties, which should arrang»;the whole general sys- tem for the management of the town and county societies, which should receive the entire bounty of the State, and expend it for premiums, and in other ways, for the advance of agriculture, and which should admit to its exhibitions as compe- titors for premiums only those who had received diplomas or certificates of excellence from the county societies. w. C. Clinton, Mass. SIXTH LBGISLATIVE AQRICULTUBAL MEETIJ^3G. 'Reported by John C. Moore, for the N. E. Farmer.] Subject for Discussion — Fruits, and Tiow to raise them. The meeting on Monday evening, in the State House, was pretty numerously attended, as the series has heretofore been this season. This may be accounted for by the eminently practical man- ner in which the discussions are conducted, and the coufinement of the observations to the sub- ■ect under debate. Hon. SiMOK Brown, of Con- cord, occupied the chair. The President stated that the subject of grow- ing apples, pears and grapes had been heretofore discussed, and the Committee had desired that some attention should be given to the smaller fruits. The Strawberry was one of the most im- portant of these. The kinds grown were nurrer- ous ; but not above a dozen were desirable to cultivate — in fact, not so many. Among the bet- ter sorts for cultivation here were the Hovey's Seedling, Early Virginia, Jenny Lind, Brigldon Pine, Jenny's Seedling, Walker's Seedling and the Wood. The last of the varieties mentioned was one which ought to be better known; for, ■without disparaging any of the others, it was among the best ; a free grower, produced its fruit on long stems, and continued to furnish it during five or six weeks after the first supply ri- pened. It was an excellent fruit for family use, and to that it would have to be principally con- fined, as it would not safely carry to market, it was so easily damaged. It was nearer in flavor to the wild strawberry than any he knew — in- deed, no more palatable table fruit could be found. It was easily produced ; as much so as were potatoes, and required only such richness of soil as would be required to raise corn, at the rate of sixty bushels per acre. A deep, moist, black loam, in the experience of the speaker, was the best soil for the culture of this strawberry ; but some said a yellow loam would suit — a fact he had no practical opportunity of knowing. A general condition of succ;-.--sful cultivation would be found in having the laud rich and moist. As proving this question, Mr. Peabody, of Georgia, had raised the strawberry in great perfection, and the secret thereof was the plentiful supply of water he famished the vines. The Secretary of the Belmont (Mass.) Club had furnished the Chairman with certain statistics, which he partly quoted. These showed, in one instance, that 3000 boxes had been raised on one acre, which, at 25 cents per box, would realize $750. The manure per acre, cost $150; picking, $150 ; cul- tivation, 8150, and marketing, $150 ; leaving a profit of $200. But even this was held to be but moderate profit, as market-gardeners in that neighborhood were in the habit of realizing a larger acreable return for their laboi*. Another party estimated the number of boxes of straw- berries at 4000 from aii acre, which, at 25 cents a box, would give $1000. His estimate was $400 for cultivation and marketing, and the con- sequent profit would be $600 ! A good crop might amount to 4000 boxes the first year, and 2000 the second one. As to planting the straw- berry, the best time to do it was the spring — aa early as the late frosts would permit. The rows should be three feet apart, and the plants in the rows one foot separate. Between the rows beets might be planted, the cultivation of which would keep the strawberries clean of weeds. After the beets were harvested, the strawberry vines would run and cover the spaces between the rovvs, before winter came on. Being well weeded next spring, they would produce fruit plentifully next sum- mer. Some thought it questionable management to let 'the strawberry plants remain over for another year, on account of the trouble and ex- pense of weeding and the diminished produce, and it was better to turn them under. Mr. Brown was of opinion that such should be the rule, so far as mnrketing purposes were included ; but where family wants were merely to be supplied, he believed it would be well to put up with a lit- tle extra labor in weeding, when the plants could be saved, and be reasonably productive, even for four years. Experience had shown him that this could be done and the vines bear moderately well. For his own part, however, he would re- commend that the vines should be planted in rows two feet apart, the hills a foot distant in the rows, leaving a space of three feet between the rows to allow room for weeding. When the proper time came, (the close of the second year's be;ning,) the weeding path should be spaded, the best runners planted and the old rows turned under. Raspberries. — Mr. Brown next made reference to raspberries, the varieties of which, he said, were less numerous than the strawberry. Wild description.* might be cultivated with much profit jin gardens, as they were hardy and less liable to 168 newnengland farmer. April ■winter-killing than the cultivated kinds. Among the latter was the Red Antwerp, commonly cul- tivated in New England, (which was a little ten- der in winter ;) also the Fastolff, Knevetfs Giant, and a more recent, and in his estimation, a bet- ter one, viz. : Brinckle's Orange. This was a val- uable acquisition to our list of small fruits. It was of a fine orange color, semi-transparent, clear and juicy, with a saccharine quality that seemed to satisfy everybody, and it was an excellent pro- ducer, besides. Raspberries should be planted in the spring. In preparing the vines the old wood ought to be cut down to the ground, and no more than three canes or sprouts left, as a greater number would be less productive. The tops of the canes should be cut off, also, when they were about four feet high, at which time they should be tied to a hor- izontal board, fastened to standards, to keep them from damage from storms, &c. The rows ought to be planted four feet asunder, and the hills in the rows three feet apart ; and under rea- sonable conditions of soil and management they would produce bountifully. No more care was demanded by them than that requisite to grow a fair crop of potatoes. The soil ought to be what would constitute a good corn soil ; and a require- ment would be such exposure as would conduce to natural warmth, without any undue restriction. Blackberries. — The blackberry, Mr. Brown said, was known through fewer varieties than the raspberry; and the most common descriptions yielded liberally to cultivation. He had grown the common high blackberry, taken wild from the fields, for ten years, and with care in its man- agement had found it wonderfully prolific. It had always a tendency to over-productiveness ; and unless the cultivator was careful in denuding it of two-thirds, at least, of the fruit it would strive to set, it would perfect but a small portion of the whole. One-third was as much as the vine could bring to maturity. He had cultivated the New Rochelle or Lawton blackberry, but had not suc- ceeded in ripening it. In extenuation of this, it had been urged that the unripe berry would make the best of wine ; but in that respect, Mr. Brown said he had no experience. The Dorchester variety he had not cultivated, but report spoke well of it. The common black or M'hite Thimhleberry he had tried, and found it prolific, and the fruit good — none better than this for the tea-ta'ile. Its cul- tivation would well repay very common care, and it could be grown profitably on any good corn ftoil. Cranberries. — The great demand for this fine, healthy fruit, made its cultivation a matter of much importance. There were several varieties grown ; but the oblong description, which fre- quently grew an inch in length, in size and fla- vor, was, in Mr. Brown's estimation, the best. The other most prominent variety was round. On meadows that could be flooded at wilt, the fruit could be grown profitably, after due prepa- ration. By irrigating the soil the bushes, weeds and aquatic grasses obnoxious to its growth could be killed, when the plants could be put in by the use of the hoe. Attempts made to scarify and burn the surface of a meadow had not proved suc- cessful. But the most desirable thing was in the first place to find out on what kinds of soils cran- berries could be most profitably grown. Where white sand was found as the subsoil, success- ful cultivation was the most certain — and this fact ought to bear its suggestive value. Mr. Brown said he had grown the cranberry on high grounds, but owing to the trouble arising from weeds, the removal of which fatally disturbed the tender roots of the plants, they dwindled and died. He described an attempt to cultivate the cranberry along the edge of a meadow, through the use of gravel, sand and mud, as an artificial soil, and as far as he had gone, with very good success A want of the advantages of irrigation, and a too liberal use of it in some instances, had militated against the production of a sufiicient crop to meet the demand, and now the price had increased a dollar or two per bushel as compared with what it was five years ago. From flowages by reservoirs and dams, which destroyed the vi- tality of the plants, he spoke of a single town which had formerly produced $5000 worth of cranberries annually, but which at the present time did not produce a single dollar's worth per acre. Apples and pruning. — Mr. Brown next pro- ceeded to speak of the apprehension of some that too much attention was given to the culti- vation of apples ; but this charge he thought wrong, as, through carelessness and maltreat- ment not more than twenty-five out of every hundred apple trees planted ever bore fruit! One great cause of this was the time of prun- ing as recommended and followed by some. All spring pruning was imprudent — the months of March, April and May being the worst for that process. The physical reasons for this state- ment were advanced, but want of room hinders their enumeration. The import of the argu- ment was that when the sap is ascending, the pores of the sap wood are enlarged and filled with a thin watery fluid, ready to flow out at every incision made into them; but that after the sap has reached the leaves, it becomes, through their agency, a new article — is thicker, and returns down the tree between the bark and that soft whitish substance next to the wood, and is called the laburnum. This retur!iing sap is what is laid on and increases the size of the 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 169 tree from year to year. In March, April and May, the sap is in the thin condition ; by the middle of June it has become thicker, is a differ- ent substance, and a wound judiciously made during a month from that time will rarely bleed. After a very happy allusion to the domestic, so- cial, and moral advantages of a taste for horti- culture, floriculture and pomology, the chair- man closed, and invited other gentlemen to speak. Mr. Lake, of Topsfield, was called upon, and made some practical observations on the culture of cranberries, strawberries and blackberries. They generally coincided with those of the Pres- ident. In relation to pruning apple trees, Mr. Lake thought the greatest evil was priming too much by the knife, and through suffering cattle to do the duty without any rule, which was too often the case. Cutting ofl" of heavy limbs was always imprudent, as decay and disease was a general consequence. July and August were the best times for pruning apple trees. Mistakes had been grossly made in the way by pruning pear trees ; the nearer their natural condition tiiey could be kept the better and more liberal the produce. In regard to dwarf pears espe- cially, this rule should not be innovated, Mr. Lake went on to demonstrate that fruit grown beyond a certain altitude on a pear, or any oth- er tree, was not so good as that grown lower. Fruit too much exposed to the sun, which was one consequence of too much pruning, was never BO good, or so sound, as that grown under con- ditions where nature had her own way in pro- tecting it from undue injury from storm and hot sunshine. Mr. Lake wound up by attacking the rage for planting what he called fancy sorts of apple and pear trees, and commended only such as were well known for their bearing and hardy properties. Senator Metcalf, of Worcester, spoke of cranberry culture — the great ease with which it could be accomplished, and the profitableness of its culture. He spoke of an acre of ground that produced $500 in value. One person he knew strove to sell a meadow of his for $500 an acre ; but recently, the produce of the same meadow gave him $700 to $800 yearly. This was only a small portion of a farm that cost originally $1700. Cranberry lands in Worcester county were assessed higher than any other lands, on ac- count of their productiveness. Careful cultiva- tion had recently greatly improved the quality of the cranberry. Dr. Carpenter, of Warren, spoke of the peach, which, he said, was a native of Persia, and in its native state was very poisonous, on ac- count of its containing much prussic acid. It was also bitter; and cultivation alone had brought it to its present very improved state. What had been done for it could, he supposed, be done for many wild fruits of native character, which were more permanent in their existence than the peach, which was short-lived. Mr. Hinckley, of Barnstable, made a few obser- vations on cranberry culture on the Cape. The prevailing idea in that district was, that the lands on which it was grown should be flowed during winter, and until June ; and wherever facilities were favorable, this had been the practice. So soon as the vine was exposed to the atmosphere, the flower was subject to be attacked by a worm. As soon as this was observed, the custom was to reflow the land, when the worm was killed. This was the secret of success in some instances. One gentleman had taken $600 worth off a small lot whose facilities for flowage were good. Another had six acres, for the crop of which he had been offered $1,000 ; but the worms came, and no op- portunity having existed for flowage, they des- troyed the crop, so that he had only two or three bushels. In view of these facts, Mr. Hinckley thought that, unless facilities for flowage were always at command, the propriety of growing this crop was questionable. Messrs. Hinckley, Lake, and other gentlemen, discussed the subject of raking cranberries, as it related to the injury of the plants, or the contrary. Opinions were in direct conflict ; one party up- holding the fact that damage was the consequence of raking, and another, that the stirring it gave the plants conduced to their healthier growth. Mr. Wetherell spoke in favor of taking scions for grafting from young trees, and quoted instances in favor of this position. He also allud- ed to the matter of pruning ; holding that it ought to be done intermediately, between the time of the production of the fruit and the growth of the wood. Further, he wished it to be noted that the rules of pruning as laid down in England were not generally applicable in this country. Hon. Richard S. Fay commended pruning in the months of September (the latter portion of it,) and October, as otherwise disease and de- cay would almost certainly ensue. His experi- ence extended over some time, and included the treatment of some thousands of trees, and such had been its teachings. As to the cranberry, he thought it could not be safely cultivated unless there was a privilege of flowage always at hand. There will be no meeting until a week from Monday, when Ex-Gov. Boutwell will preside, and the subject will be — ^'Market and Agricultu- ral Fairs." Soap for Chapped Hands, &c. — Take one bar of yellow soap ; cut it up small ; add to it the gall of a beef; put it over the fire until ihe soap is entirely melted ; (a farina kettle is most 170 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April convenient to melt it in ;) then add one ounce of fine pulverized saltpetre and one pint of alco- hol ; pour it into a vessel (previously greased) of a size to make the soap at least one inch thick. "When firm enough to cut, before it hardens, cut it into cakes of a convenient size. This soap will be found excellent for taking grease spots out of woollens and silks. — Maine Farmer. For the New England Farmer. PBUNING APPLE TREES. Mr. Editor : — I noticed in the December number of the Farmer, a communication from Mr. Ellis, of Rochester, upon this subject. In your remarks upon that communication you con- demn the practice of spring pruning, and say that we ought to know better than to begin to destroy our orchards just as they are coming to maturity. I have been taught from my boyhood to prune in the spring, but if I can find a better time, I am ready to adopt it. But which shall I follow, — my own reason and observation, or the instruction of the Farmer'} If we cut off a branch in the spring, before the leaves expand, do we not save the sap for that which remains ? Can the tree be in as good con- dition to heal the wounds made by pruning just after the leaves are put forth as before ? I am aware that some tell us that plants derive most of their nourishment from the atmosphere, inhaled through the leaves ; why cut them off, then, just as they are prepared to act? I have never known an apple tree that was pruned in March or April to bleed. In May, we are too busy to prune, so that I cannot speak from my own experience in pruning, in that month ; but I recollect that one of my neighbors gave his apple trees a very thorough pruning last May. I was led to notice these trees particular- ly, from some remarks made by persons who were passing by, as the trees wei-e near the pub lie road ; one said it was too late in the season ; he pruned some of his trees last year about that time, and they bled badly ; another said it was too early ; he thought the middle of June the right time. I think the trees are doing well ; they did not bleed, and soon began to heal. I hope, Mr. Editor, if our lives and health are spared until spring, you will come to Danvers and I shall be happy to wait upon you, and show you the trees in this neighborhood, which have been in'uned in the spring for the last forty years William R. Putnam. Danvers, Mass., Jan., 1859. Remarks. — We do, friend Putnam, condemn the practice of spring pruning, most emphatical- ly : — first, from repeated experiments through a series of years, — secondly, from long and careful observation of the hurtful effects of such prun- ing,— thirdly, because spring pruning, more es- pecially, violates the laws of nature that govern the tree, and^/bwr^/iZ?/, because we have never yet entered an orchard with an opponent of our the- ory, where m'c have had a careful examination of the trees and discussion of the subject, but what the reasonableness of the theory has been made apparent before leaving it. A gentleman having the care of a large extent of orcharding, and who had always been an advocate for spring pruning, recently spent an hour with us among the apple trees, where some of them had been pruned at all seasons of the year, and after a most carefuj examination of a large orchard, he confessed that he had, undoubtedly, been in error, and should prune no more trees in the spring. You ask, "If we cut off a hrancTi in the spring, before the leaves expand, do we not save the sap for that which remains ? Certainly not, — no more than you would save a man's blood to strengthen the rest of his body by cutting off one of his arms. It ought to be remembered that all grafted or budded trees are in an unnatural or artificial condition, and that pruning is only another step away from nature. We prune be- cause branches cross and chafe each other, or be- cause we fancy there are too many of them, or that the tree may be made, to our eye, with a lit- tle exercise of art, more symmetrical in its form. But in all this there is danger to the tree, so that if we prefer to indulge our taste as to the beauty of the plant and quality of its fruit, we ought to study the nature and habits of the tree we work upon, and learn, not only how our art shall be exercised, but ivhe7i. We ought to learn what the condition of the sap is at various seasons, and what office the leaves perform in the growth of the tree. Upon cutting into a vigorous tree any time af- ter the frost is out of the ground, and previous to the 25th of May, a little careful observation will convince any one that the sap during that period is nearly transparent and exceedingly thin and. limpid. It runs freely wherever a smooth, clean cut is made into the wood. This follows because the roots have taken up in abundance this watery substance, and the pores of the tree are open to allow it to pass freely through the stem and branches on its way to the leaves. It is not improbable that there may be a temporary expansion of the pores, for the very purpose of aflbrding a quick and unmolested passage of the sap. In this condition of the tree, what would be the inevitable consequence of cutting off a thrifty limb as large as your wrist ? What is there to prevent the sap from gushing out at every one of the tubes or pores which you have cut off? It would be strange, indeed, if the sap should flow up to the wound and there stop, with all the mouths of the pores wide open ! Having traced the sap along to the leaf, let us see, for a moment, what its action is there. Ac- cording to Wood, a most accurate observer, its functions are exhalation, absorption, respiration and digestion, and the result of their combined 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 171 action is the conversion of the crude sap ab- sorbed from the soil by the roots, into the proper juice, for the nourishment and increase of the plant, with its various products. This crude sap consists of water, holding in solution minute quantities of various kinds of solid and gaseous matter derived from the soil. In its passage from the root to the leaves its composition is somewhat modified by dissolving the previously formed secretions, which it meets with on the way. ExlialaUon is the process by which the super- abundant waste of the sap is given off to the at- mosphere, so that the remaining sap is reduced, as it were, by concentration, and contains a great- er portion of solid matter. It is much like the perspiration in animals. It is to be distinguished from evaporation ; the latter depending solely upon heat and the state of the air, and being, in plants, almost wholly restrained by the epider- mis or skin of the leaf. This exhalation takes place through number- less little mouths on the upper surface of the leaf called stomata, similar to the pores of our skin ; these mouths are opened by the influence of the light, and closed by its absence, and, therefore, exhalation can only proceed in the presence of the light. A sunflower 3i feet high, was ascer- tained by Hales to transpire or send off from 20 to 30 ounces of water daily. Absorption is chiefly performed by the roots of plants, but when the roots are imperfect, it is ev- ident that the plant must derive its nourishment mostly from the absorption performed by the leaves. Every one knows how plants, when parched and withered by drought, are raised by a shower which does not reach their roots, but only moistens their leaves, as you must have no- ticed in your corn-fields many times, how rapidly the parched and rolled blades of corn will unfold themselves and assume a lively green, even un- der a slight shower that could not reach the roots. The under surface of the leaf absorbs, and the upper exhales. Wonderful arrangement ! Respiration in plants is much like the breath- ing in animals. It is equally constant and equal- ly necessary. It is performed principally by the leaves, and consists of the absorption of oxygen from the atmosphere, accompanied by the rejec- tion of carbonic acid. It appears to be going on constantly during the life of the plant, and the result is the removal of a certain superfluous portion of carbon, in a state of combustion with oxygen, from the nutritive substance of the plant, just as the same deleterious acid is removed from the blood of animals by breathing. Digestion in plants consists properly of all those changes efl'ected by the leaves in rendering the crude sap fit for the purposes of nidrition. This consists in the decomposition of carbonic acid by the green tissues of the leaves, under the stimulus of the light, the fixing of the solid car- bon and the evolution of the pure oxygen. Several things present themselves to our mind by which we might illustrate these points, — but it seems to us that the careful reader will now see some of the physiological operations of the tree which he is about to prune. He cannot have failed to see that soon after the middle of March, varying a little with varying seasons — the sap, then more like water than anything else, ascends the stem of the tree and reaches the ex- tremity of every twig or branch, and that wher- ever any cut or rupture takes place in the pores, the sap will naturally run out. But when the sap has reached the leaves it un- dergoes a material change there, — the watery particles being evaporated, and leaving it more solid. This now returns down the tree, not through the sap vessels where it went up, but flows between the bark and the soft, woody sub- stance under it, and pausing on the way and in- creasing the size of the tree. Under these cir- cumstances, if a cut is made into the sap vessels sap does not run from it, because there is little or none there. The wound made at this season, — say from the 15th of June to the middle of Ju- ly,— should be covered with wax, shellac or paint, and the returning sap, now passing down directly under the bark, will push oid the new, green bark around and over it, if not too large, and entirely covers it the first season! If, on the contrary, the wound bleeds, that is, the sap runs out, it flows down the outside of the limbs or trunk of the tree, undergoes a chemical change as it becomes exposed to the atmosphere, leaves long, black lines on tlie surface which so.jh kills the bark, and the tree eventually dies ! It may not be that the tree perishes from t' is poison alone, but from the want of proper actio. i, as in the case, sometimes, of the amputation ot an arm, the muscles on that side contract, the chest falls away, and in some instances the luDgs are seriously affected ; and this results, we sup- pose, from a want of proper action, after an im- portant member has been taken away. It seems to us that the reasons now given for June and July pruning, ought to have weight, and we think they will, if carefully considered. We have occupied considerable space in repiy to our correspondent, because the subject is one of importance to the farming interest. We give, below, an article long since received from anoth- er correspondent on the same topic. BLACK SPOTS ON APPLE TREES. I have noticed in the New England Farmer remarks made in regard to a blight, or large, black spots which come on the trunks and limbs 172 KEW ENGLAND FARMER. April of apple trees. I have observed these black spoti .'or some years. I have asked many farmers the cause of them, but I found that they disagreed respecting their origin, and the information re- ceived from them did not satisfy me. These black spots on the trunk and limbs of apple trees, where the bark dies, are very injuri- ous to the health and longevity of the tree ; they form blemishes v/hich are exceedingly disagreea- ble, and are often ruinous. If the cause of these blights could be ascer- tained, possibly a remedy might be applied to prevent their occurrence. I acknowledge, that I have not been able, as yet, to satisfy myself as to their origin, but am desirous of information on the subject. The way I manage them is thus : I pick oft' the old, dead bark clean, then if the live bark has rot begun to grow over the wood, I take my knife and pare off the bark on the edges till I find the bark alive and healthy. As the tree or limb grows, new bark will continue to form on the edges, and increase on all sides till the whole space is covered. If the old bark is not removed and the edges of that bark on the blight pared off' till new and healthy bark is found, it takes a long time for the spot to be cov- ered over with new bark. During the time the new bark is forming, I keep the wood painted thoroughly, being careful not to let the paint touch the bark. If the wood is not kept painted, it very often occurs on trees not in a thrifty con- dition, that the wood decays so much where these black spots are, that the bark never grows over the spots and then the wood continues to decay till the limb breaks off, or if it is situated on the trunk of the tree a bad hole is made which event- ually destroys the tree. So far as I have been able to observe these black spots, they come on the upper sides of the limbs and on the trunks of the trees on the southerly side generally. Apple Tree. For the New England Farmer. ■WHY IS CHEESE POROUS? Mr. Editor : — I noticed in your January No. of the monthly Farmer a request of a "New Sub- scriber," that you, or some of your readers would ii.form him of the cause of porous cheese. 1 would most gladly give him all the information in my power, especially as he hails from the Green Mountain State, my own native place. I cannot but express my surprise, if he urns raised in that far-famed cheese-making Slate, that he should not have learned in his childhood, from his own mother, the cause of porous cheese. But to remedy his condition, let him visit some go-a- head farm-house wife, who is in the habit of do- ing all her work in a hurry, with a slat and a slam ; who frequently does her washing, ironing, baking and making cheese in a day, and gets it all done in season to go a visiting in the after- noon,— and when he sits down at the tea-table, if he does not see a plate of porous cheese, it is because there is no cheese of any kind on the ta- ble. To make porous cheese, in the first place, heat the milk very hot, not scald it, then throM' in the rennet; be sure to get in enough, and if you want a very porous cheese, put in a great deal too much, so that it will come in a very short time, but don't put in but very little salt, (not half enough,) and then don't let the curd stand long enough for the whey to drain off, but hurry it into the press as quick as you possibly can ; then let it stand in the press until it is pressed enough, or until you can conveniently at- tend to taking it out — and my word for it, if you don't have a porous cheese to your satisfaction, a slice of which will stretch out by pulling it at each end, like a piece of India rubber, as long as your arm, and on letting go of it, will contract into its original dimensions. The world was not made in a moment, neither can good cheese be made without time and care. L. D. East Plainfield, Vt., 1859. MB. MORRILL'S LAND BILL. We copy in another column, from a letter of the Washington correspondent of the Daily Ad' vertiser, the leading provisions of Mr. Morrill's Land Bill, that the reader may see for himself what the bill proposes to do, and what are some of its conditions. He will observe, we trust, that if Massachusetts accepts the provisions of the act, she must erect one college, at least, within five years, and must do it with money yrom her otvn treasury ' She cannot aid any existing college, purchase lands for sites or experimental farms, beyond the sum of ten per cent, of the interest accruing on the money she obtains from her share of the lands sold! She must also incur "all the expenses of management and superin- tendence of the lands, previous to their sales," and when she has made the sales and got the money, she must invest it so as to establish a permanent fund, and if all, or any portion of it, "by any action or contingency, be diminished or lost, it shall he replaced by the State to which it belongs," so that the annual interest only can be applied, to promote the interests of agriculture. The amount of land which Massachusetts could claim if she should accept the provisions of the bill, would be 260,000 acres, — and this immense tract of land must be guarded from invasion by squatters, managed, superintended, sold, and the money for the same securely invested so that not a shilling of it shall be lost ! It is scarcely prob- able that all this land could be sold to a single party, but in the course of time, to actual settlers, one hundred acres at a time, so that perhaps some twenty-five or thirty years might be occu- pied in getting it all sold, and the money for it invested ! What a splendid commission would be required for such an enterpri_se. The "Back Bay" and "North Eastern Boundary" are mere babies compared with it. Think of the $5 per diem, hotel charges and travelling expenses from the good old Bay State to Dacotah, Arizona, Co- ahuila, or some other equally enlightened and promising region, that would pour out its trcas- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 173 ures through a small company of select gentle- men, and all for the benefit of agriculture ! All this may he of benefit to the new States, •where a college has never yet been established, though we must confess that we cannot clearly see how. But in our judgment, there is not the slightest probability that Massachusetts, through any legislature she may convene for forty years to come, will avail herself of the provisions of this act, and place herself under its obligations. We would publish the whole bill if we had room, but beg the reader to read attentively those por- tions of it that we now arive. For the New England Farmer. MATTEKS -WORTH CONSIDSKING ABOUT POTATOES. Mk. Editoe, : — If your patience is not already threadbare, I should like to be heard on the sub- ject of the knotty and vexed question oithe cause and remedy of the potato rot. And I promise to adhere strictly to Caleb's rule of never offering an argument that "did not stand to reason." Neither would he believe one that did not have this support to it — would that we all had the gumption of simple Caleb. If history be true, the potato was brought from Ireland by Sir Walter Raleigh, to Virginia, when it was first colonized, which was about the year 1585 ; and subsequently it was carried to Eng- land, where it met with no great favor for many years, supposing it only fit for the poorer classes of the Irish. In the "Body of Husbandry," printed in Lon- don, in 1758, I find the following : — "The potato may very properly be cultivated in fields. It is better fitted for the great extent and plain fash- ion of a field, than for the narrow compass and divided beds of a garden. 'Tis but lately our people have informed ourselves properly of its culture ; and the more we know of that, the more reason we see to banish it the garden. It is har- dy enough to bear the exposure, and it requires no great change in the culture ; why then should we limit it to the garden ? every particular speaks for its being given into the hands of the farmer, especially when near In-ge towns, though every- where there will be a great demand." "We had the plant originally from North America. It is in a manner the food of the com- mon people of Ireland, and is cultivated in Lan- cashire and some other parts of England, in vast quantities. Our interest is to make it more uni- versal. Ten large potatoes is but a moderate produce from each small root that was planted in spring ; when the ground is more favorable, thir- teen or fourteen handsome ones ; and in count- ting with the best possible exactness, in a field of Mr. Ryder's, near Thorpe, where every need- ful caution had been taken, we computed this year, 1746, that there were in general eighteen large and fine potatoes for every small root that was planted. This for a seven months' increase is very great; but nature has in all things pro- vided, that what is most useful, is most abun- dant." In almost every subject that is discussed, we have the right and privilege, where self-evident facts are not at hand, to resort to analogy. Now I would ask with all humility, what farmer is there, from Adam down to the present day, who would be considered a sane man, who invai'iably chose from his seed the very poorest and most imperfect, to carry on his operations of raising fruits, vegetables and grain, save and excepting the potato ? In England, while the question was under dis- cussion, whether the potato was a garden or field vegetable, the directions for propagation were, to choose for seed the very poorest and smallest of the whole family, the smallest of the tubers. This was the way our ancestors treated this veg- etable, which was truly a great gift from God to man. And the only saving item in the direction was, that these little worthless tubers were to be planted the last of February, and by the last of September, they were as reported "on Mr. Ryder's farm near Thope." An increase of "eigh- teen large potatoes for every small one planted." And what was the first eff'ect of this damning practice of poor seed ? the curly leaf of the stalk, and an occasional diseased spot on the potato. The only wonder is, that disease did not take them sooner — seven months' growth is all that has continued them to this day. Now let us look a little at the question in our own country. 'V^'e have obtained seed from time to time from England, Ireland and South Amer- ica, but how have we treated it ? God knows we have followed in the footsteps of our illustrious ancestors, by generally selecting the very small- est tubers for seed, but with this exception, in- stead of seven months, they were allowed only four or five months to give their increase. The long, red potato was brought originally from the La Plata, somewhere about the year 1795. I think my father had that variety from the importers, and it has always been a favorite potato among farmers. But who ever saw them ripen ! It is true, they never had a season long enough in this country ; four or five months have been the time allotted them to do all their work, but this has been impossible ; they occasionally rot, and one end is always watery. If this country is not always troubled with an occasional disease of the potato, it would be strange, as our seasons are so short ; but much may be done to overcome this disease, if not to entirely eradicate it. In the first place, select the first growth of the potato, the large and fair ones, for propagation, and plant as early as our climate will admit, on a soil plowed not less than twelve or fourteen inches deep, sixteen would be better, and well manured. This practice, followed for years, would, in some degree, restore the potato to its oi-iginal growth and health. To eff'ect the object of deepening the soil, the Canadian horse must be put before a pair of oxen measuring six feet, nine ; with a plow that will go deep enough, and amongst the new varieties, there are some that will turn the soil that depth. It is now but a few years since I witnessed a plowing-match of a county society, with all kinds of teams, one horse, small, poor oxen, four year olds, and a committee smaller yet, saying that if any man plowed over six inches deep, he should lose his chance for a premium ! Well, I walked over this plowed ground with something of the feeling a 174 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April man would have in walking over a battle-field, where he saw nothing but waste and destruction. In selecting good seed, take the large and fair tubers that have had the full length of our sea- son to grow in, which is always short enough And it is to my mind a self-evident fact, that ripe and mature tubers are better for seed than those half-grown and half-ripe ones, that are common- ly used. Is it strange that potatoes raised under such circumstances, should not discover to the microscopist a "mare's nest ?" I believe, in every thing that has vitality, there can be discovered in its very incipient stage of decay, myriads of insects so small that the microscope only could discover them, for life and mortality are inti- mately blended together. Let any man turn to the pages of the New Eng- land Farmer, and he will there find strong argu- ments from strong men that small potatoes are just as good, if not a little better, for propaga- tion, than large ones ; then, carry the analogy through, and banish the whole race of first-class animals, and say that "like does not beget like." What would you say of a man, who, in select- ing his seed-corn, while he always throws the small end, the imperfect seed, to his hogs, and saves the remainder, should reverse the practice, and throw the l)est end to the hogs, and save the imperfect to])-eiid for propagation ? How long should we be able to exhibit our nol)lc "King Philip corn ;" would it not soon grow into poor Indian? When I hear men talk of propagating from poor, gr«-en seed, I can"l but think, and with your leave, I will say it, there are more green things in existence, than is good for the progress of agriculture. ALFRED BaVLIES. Taunton, Jan., 1859. For the New England Farmer. MANUKES.-PIja.NTING SQUASH SEEDS— APPLE TKEES— HORSE FLOORS. I like to read the discussions relative to ma- nures. My experience in composting is this : Mix enough muck to take up the liquid ; and that under cover in summer, haul out in the fall. During the winter, the frost working amongst it, I think adds one-fourth in value. If more earth is added to the green manure than just enough to take up the liquid, I consider that the time employed is thrown away, for when put on the land it adds nothing to the fertility more than if the manure and muck enough to absorb the liquid is put on. The freezing and thawing pul- verizes, thereby putting it in condition to be ta- ken up by the roots of the plants. If you take green hog manure and plant on it, ten to one the seed will not sprout; but freeze and thaw it a few times so that it is fine, and there will be no trouble about germinating the seeds. The air, also, has a beneficial tendency upon it, penetrat ing and driving out those caustic qualities which are deleterious. For most plants, manure ought to be more than one year old, and in a fine state. I find that in those places where old manure is used, when the plants begin to start, they grow more evenly. In planting squash and pumpkin seed, the last seison, those laid down flat in the hills did better than those planted edgewise ; the first threw off the skin of the seed without injury ; in the other way, almost every one was injured by retaining the skin upon the leaves. Those of my apple trees, where I allowed the limbs to come near the ground, I find stand the cold better, and are not scorched by the sun around the body of the tree. I also notice that the lower limbs hear the largest fruit. I have done away with stalls for horses, and I find that pens whei-e a horse can put himself into such a position as he wishes to, are more condu- cive to health. The floors should be perfectly lev- el, and should drain themselves by having her- ring-bone gutters cut in them, as there is noth- ing more fatal to the eyes of the horse than the ammonia generated under them. s. P. Cape Elizabeth, Feb., 1859. For the Neir England Farmer. PALL TRANSPLANTING. Mr. Editor : — I notice in the December nun her cf the Farmer that a correspondent at Ware favors Fall Travcplnnting. It is a fact, that al- most all my asparagus roots which were trans- planted in the fall of 1857 died; and that 50 two-year old plants, set out the 27th of las* July in the same bed, grew well. I do not mention this supposing it the l)est time, but to show that they may be transplanted so late, in favorable seasons. The fate of the grape vines transplanted by so many different persons, I thought a strong argu- ment against fall transplanting, for prot)ably they were not all careless in setting them out ; and the vines, I think, must have been good, or they would not have kept green so long. I saw all the vines ; the roots had a great many small branches to them. It appears to me reasonable to suppose they would recover from the wounds, and start better in ihf spring, when the ground is getting warm and the ])lants waking up their energies for the season's growth. I had the list convenient, and have just been to the people who bought the vines ; and I send you a copy show- ing their replies in answer to the question, "Did their Hartford Prolific Grape-vine live?" LIST OF VINES AND RESULTS. No. of Vines. Iic/>/ie.i. No. 1 I . . . .Started late and grew a little. " 2 2.... Due leaved out a little very tkte, and the other did not start, but the vinf is still green. No. 3. ...1 Did not start, but stem is green. " 4.... 1.... Died. " 5 1.... Started towards fall and ?rew a little. " 6 2. . . .One died and the other started late and grew about two inches. " 7....1 Died. " 8.... 1.... Died. " 9 1 Died. " 10.... 1.... Died. " 11 1 Died. (Mr. Chapin bought also one from same nursery, this last spring, which started well and made a fine growth.) " 12.... 2 Ore died, the other grew moderately well. " 13 1 Died. " 14 1 Died. " 15 2 Both died. " 16 l....Died. " 17 1 Died. " 18.... 2.... Both started late and grew feebly. " 19 1 Died. " 20.... 1.... Died. " 21 2 Both died. " 22 1 Started and did pretty well. Worcester Co., Dec, 1858. O. 1859. XEW ENGLAND FARMER, 175 For the New England Fanner. THE HUBBARD SQUASH. Mr. Editor : — I received last spring from Mr. Gregory, of Marblehead, who I believe has the honor of first introducing the Hubl)ard squash to public notice, one dozen seeds, which I planted in the usual manner of planting squashes, in a rich, loamy soil, just turned from the green sward. From these twelve seeds, after the usual atten- tion to weeds and bugs, I gathered eighty pounds of squash, which I suppose is quite above the av- erage yield* of the Marrowfat or Crookneck, in similar localities. It is, however, for another purpose that I write this. I wish to know if any of your numerous experimenters in these things have noticed that the Hubbard is less subject to decay than either the Marrowfat or Crookneck ? Several barrels of other kinds in the same cel- lar have become rotten, while scarce a speck is seen on the rind of the Hubbard. I suppose fifty per cent, of Marrowfat squashes put into cellars or stalls for winter consumption, decay before they can be used or sold. If what has been true with me in this respect, is a gen- eral fact, it constitutes an important considera- tion in favor of this kind, making really fifty lbs. of the one worth seventy-five or one hundred of the other. Hoping to hear from those who have cultivated more extensively than myself, and thanking Mr. G. through your paper for his favor, I remain, A'aiick, Jan., 1859. Oliver N. Bacon. MB. MOBHILL'S LAND BILL. Washington, D. C, Feb., 1859. The Agricultural College bill, introduced by Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, which passed the House by a large majority at the last session, has run the gauntlet successfully in the Senate, and to become a law awaits now only the concurrence of the House in one or two amendments, and the approval of the President. In its original shape the bill provides for the donation of public lands to the several States for the encouragement of agriculture and the me- chanical arts, in the proportion of 20,000 acres to each Senator and Representative to which they are now entitled. All States which contain within their own boundaries the requisite quan- tity of public lands, of the value of 81,25 per acre, are to receive them for the purposes of the bill ; those States which do not, are to receive land scrip to the amount of their respective shares. The proceeds of the sale of these lands and scrip are to be invested in stocks yielding at least 5 per cenk annually, and constitute a perpetual fund — "The interest of which shall be inviolably ap- propriated, by each State which may take and claim the benefit of the endowment, to the sup- port and maintenance of at least one college, ■where the leading object shall be, without exclud- ing other scientific or classical studies, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agri- culture and the mechanic arts, in such manner as the legislatures of the States may respectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions in life." Certain conditions are attached to these grants, to which the assent of the several States, by leg- islative enactments, is required. They are: — That "all the expenses of management and superintendence of the lands, previous to their sales, and all expenses incurred in the manage- ment and disbursement of the moneys which may be received therefrom, shall be paid by the States to which they may belong, out of the treasury of said States, so that the entire proceeds of the sale of the lands shall be applied without any diminution whatever to the purposes mentioned." That "any portion of the fund invested, as pro- vided, or any portion of the interest thereon, shall, by any action or contingency, be dimin- ished or lost, it shall be replaced by the State to which it belongs, so that the capital of the fund shall remain forever undiminished ; and the an- nual interest shall be regularly applied, without diminution, to the purposes mentioned, except that a sum, not exceeding ten per cent, upon the amount received by any Stafe under the provi- sions of the act, may be expended for the pur- chase of lands for sites or experimental farms, whenever authorized by the respective legisla- tures of the States." That "no portion of the fund, nor the interest thereon, shall be applied, directly or indirectly, to the purchase, erection, preservation or repair, of any buildings." That "every State which may claim the benefit of the provisions of the act shall provide, within five years, at least not less than one college, as described, or the grant to such State shall cease; and said State shall be bound to pay the United States the aix-ount received of any lands previ- ously sold." And that "an annual report shall be made re- garding the progress of each college, recording any improvements and experiments made, with their cost and results, and such other matters as may be supposed useful." Although the bill has been so long before Con- gress that almost everbody is acquainted with its general purport, I have thought the foregoing minute recital desirable in view of the apparc-nt certainty of its passeige. The amendments adopt- ed by the Senate, are entirely consistent with the intention of the bill. They include Minnesota among its beneficiaries, that State not having been admitted into the Union at the time the bill originally passed the House ; they make an ad- ditional grant of 20,000 acres for each Represen- tive to which any State may become entitled un- der the census of 1860 in addition to its present number, but they do not, of course, make any corresponding deduction for any diminution in representation which any State may sustain ; and they except mineral lands fiom the provisions of the bill. — Boston Daily Adoertiser. Lice on Calves. — A number of years ago, I had a yearling that grew poor, and I ould not help it. Its breathing became so loud that it could be heard several rods. I thought it would die. One of my neighbors told me he had heard that sour buttermilk was good. I procured some, and washed it from head to foot, and in three days his breathing was very regular, and he was as smart as need be. I had no more trouble with him. — Bural New- Yorker. 176 ^'EW ENGLAND FARMER. April A PAIB OF WHITE SHANGHAE FOWLS. The furor which passed over the country a few years ago, and touched nearly every class of our people, in relation to the profits and various breeds of poultry, has nov? subsided into the "sober, second thought," and all are in a posi- tion to judge more considerately of what is pru- dent and pleasant to be done in this part of our domestic economy. The farm, certainly, would not be complete without poultry, as there would be considerable loss in some of its products without it ; and the farmer's family, away from markets, could not be accommodated with the eggs and flesh of poultry, unless they are produced on the farm. The convenience of these things is frequently of more consequence than their actual value. There will be no doubt about the profit of keep- ing poultry on the mind of those who keep strict accounts; that is, if they manage them judiciously. They do not need a palace, and will not lay any more, or any larger eggs, in such a place than in a pen, provided the latter is light, dry and warm. They require a variety of food, both vegetable and animal, and convenient places for laying, sit- ting and roosting, and under such circumstances will yield twice or three times as much profit as the same amount of capital invested in any other stock on ihe farm. But it is not on the farm, only, where poultry yields the most pleasure or profit. In the city, they afford the most agreeable "rural sights and sounds," and have a happy influence upon the family, especially its younger portions, beside the convenience and profit derived from their flesh and eggs. We are not able to say which, of all the va- ried breeds, are the most profitable, and shall therefore introduce to the reader some spirited engravings of several varieties, with such de- scriptions as we can give of them from personal experiences and the records of them by others. The cut now introduced illustrates a pair of pure White Shanghae Foiols. They are entirely white, legs usually feathered. Their eggs are o. a nankeen or dull yellow color, and blunt at both ends. Dr. Eben Wight, of Boston, a gentle- man eminently qualified as a judge of poultry, says of this variety : — These fowls are not slug- gish or stupid ; on the contrary they are intelli- gent and confiding, and are invaluable for the 1S59. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Ill purpose of raising chickens. He says they rank among the largest coming from China, and as a proof that they thrive well in this climate, he mentions a cock that at eight months old, weighed eight pounds, and that the pullets are propor- tionably large. They are broad on the back and heart, with a body well rounded up; the plumage •white, with a downy softness ; the tail feathers short and full ; the head small, surmounted by a small, single, serrated comb ; wattles long and ide, overlaying the cheek-piece, which is also ge ajid extending back on the n«ck ; the legs e of a yellow hue, approaching a flesh color, ad feathered to the end of the toes. PKBMIUMS ON FOREST TREES AND FARMS. The Massachusetts Society for the Promotion )f Agriculture has offered a premium of one thousand dollars for the best plantation of forest trees, and a premium of five hundred dollars for the best conducted farm. These offers are in keeping with the liberal spirit which has ever been manifested by this association to promote the interests of the farmer. Its work is in the right direction. It has given a stimulus to every part of the State within the last five years, by its judicious premiums upon dairy stock, and the Essays upon Manures, Agricultural Education and Market Fairs, and its aid to the State Board of Agriculture. The offer of these premiums upon forest trees Q.n^ farms, will probably be the means of setting a good many trees growing, and brush up and improve many farms that are now excellent, and improve hundreds more by the examples of neat- ness, system and thrift which will be established by these inducements to excel. We hope there will be an active competition for the prizes. They are as follows : 1. A premium of $1,000 for a plantation oj forest trees. "The above sum is offered for the best planta- tion of trees, of any kind commonly used for, and adapted to, ship-building, grown from seed plant- ed for the purpose, or otherwise, on not less than five acres of land, une white oak at least to be planted to every twi nty square yards. Notice in writing must be given to the Secretary of the Society, on or before January 1, 18G0, of the in- tention to compete for the premium, stating where the land is situated, the nature of the soil, and what has been done in relation to the plan- tation up to the time of giving notice. The pre- mium will be awarded in 1870, in case the suc- cess of any competitor has been such as, in the opinion of the Trustees, or of those appointed by them to adjudge the same, or give a reasonable probability that the plantation v;ill produce even- tually a fair supply of ship timber, in proportion to the number of acres planted The Society likewise claims the right, after awarding the pre- mium, to designate from time to time what trees shall be reserved for timber, and the successful competitor shall give security that the trees so designated shall not be cut for any other pur- pose." 2. A premium of five hundred dollars for the best conducted farm. "The above sum is offered, in one premium, for the best conducted farm in Massachusetts, oi not less than forty acres, taking into considera- tion the mode of cultivation, farm building, breed- ing, selection and keeping of stock. Farms, de- voted to market gardening, will not be admitted to competition. The Trustees reserve the right of withholding the premium, in case r o farm offered shall be considered worthy of it, and also of di- viding it, in case no one farm shall be considered decidedly the best conducted. Notice of intention to compete for the premium must be given to the Secretary of the Society, on or before the first day of Ajyril, 1859, accompanied by the payment of an entrance fee of ten dollars. A written state- ment, verified by the oath of the competitor, will be required, containing an accurate statement as to the management of the farm, with an account in figures showing the results of the year's oper- ations. The account to commence on the first day of April, 1859, and to terminate on the thir- ty-first day of March following. All farms en- tered for the premium shall be subject to the visits and inspection, of the Trustees, or by others appointed by them for the purpose. No Trustee or officer of the Society will be allowed to com- pete." For the New England Farmer. WHEIf AND HCW IS IT BEST TO TRIM APPLE TREES P So many and such varying opinions are ex- pressed on this subject, that it is easy to find texts for any theory. But the question still re- curs, which is the best way to trim them, and what is the best time to do it ? The best way of trimming is to clear out all useless and cumber- some limbs, all decayed branches ; a'l such as impair the form of the tree; always having re- gard to the peculiarity of its growth. Some kinds of fruit trees are inclined to form their tops by rising in a conical form, as the Pickman Pippin, for instance ; while the Roxbury Russet spreads out like an open umbrella — its branches, when loaded with fruit, bending to the ground. Regard, therefore, should be had to the kind of fruit expected to be grown. The most produc- tive orchard I have witnessed is on the farm of Mr. E. Ware, of Marblehead, whose trees have been growing in their present position about thirty years ; their limbs now extend twenty feet or more, and completely cover the ground. The earth has been fertilized and pulverized by the running of sv.-ine freely in the orchard. The fruit is large and fair, and the trees have suffered very little from insects or vermin of any kind. How these trees have been trimmed I have not been advised ; but I think very little trimming has been done upon them. They have always been thrifty. P. 3Iarch 1, 1859. 178 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aprii MASS MEETING AT SUDBUHY. The citizens of Sudbury had a meeting Feb. 3, in the Town Hall, regularly called by warrant, to devise measures to call the attention of the Leg- islature to their overflowed lands, at which the selectmen were authorized to petition, com- mence suits, or do whatever seemed desirable to abate the evil. On Saturday, the citizens again assembled, and were joined by persons from most of the neighboring towns. The meeting was called to order by Capt. Wm. Rice, and Samuel Puffer elected Chairman, and J. Parker Fairbanks, Secretary. After a brief reference to the Town Meeting on Thursday, the chairman of the Executive Committee of the Jtiver Meadoio Associcdion was called upon to report what progress had been made in certain duties with which it had been charged. He sta- ted that several meetings of the Committee had taken place, that a large sum had been pledged to defray the cost of suits, printing, counsel, or whatever other expenses might accrue. He al- so stated that word came to him from various portions of the State, encouraging and urging on the movement, because they say it exposes evils common in every part of the Commonwealth. Dr. J. Reynolds, of Concord, spoke of the great depreciation of the lands in question, and illustrated his point by reference to similar dam- age on Ipswich River, and of the attempted re- dress by the owners. He said the old Middlesex Canal Company had enjoyed its privileges fifty years, and then sold them out to another party for a song, and sold out the rights of our citizens with them. Col. David Heard, of Wayland, then gave a detailed and clear statement of the rise of one of the dams at Billerica, and the reservoirs at Hop- kinton and Marlboro', and the immense damage occasioned by them in the depreciation of lands and the diseases generated by their miasma. Capt. Wm. Rice, of Sudbury, said he had knoM'n the meadows for seventy years — fifty years ago they were very valuable ; then a horse could be gallopped across them from shore to river bank. People often came from Framingham and paid $10 a ton for the hay that grew on them. There is a great deal of land that people don't call meadow that is nearly ruined. Mr. Thomas Battles, of Sudbury, said the best meadows, thirty years ago, were worth $100 an acre, and that some of them cannot be sold for a single dollar an acre now ! Mr. Horace Heard, of Wayland, said, these lands, in 1813, were worth more than the up- lands ; that at the death of his father, the mead- ows were appraised at as high a price as the best uplands with the buildings on them ! He said the people of Wayland petitioned in favor of the Boston Water-works, because they were told they would divert the water from the Sudbury river that flows in from the Cochituate lake, and thus, in some degree, relieve their lands. Mr. E. Stone inquired of Mr. Heard, wheth- er the water from the reservoir operates as inju- riously now as it has heretofore ? Mr. H., in re- ply, said it did. There is no diminution of dam- age. Mr. J. P. Fairbanks said if the people could believe that any remedy was at hand, they would pour out their money to prosecute any lawful means of redress, — but they had sufi'ered so long, and the laws or charters were so unjust and oppressive, that hope had become nearly ex- tinct. Still they were ready to act. Within his recollection he had known these meadows rented at the rate of ten acres for ten successive years for $1000 ! Now the same lands are a curse to the owner, and to those who live near them ! Three years ago, he had great promise of a cran- berry crop, but the floods destroyed so many that he got but forty out of two hundred bushels — and this evil is now annual. Floods come upon us when no rain falls, and the drier the time the larger the flood, so that on farms where they have gathered 500 bushels of cranberries a year, they do not get enough now to make sauce for a Thanksgiving dinner ! Five thousand dol- lars' worth of this healthful and valuable fruit is annually destroyed by these floods, and this source of income cut ofi" from our people. Mr. S. Brown, of Concord, said, annual losses, similar to those mentioned by the last speaker, were realized by most of the towns in the valley of the Sudbury and Concord rivers. He believed that neither the Legislature nor the people of the county, were aware of their extent. He was told that two or three individuals were permit- ted to cause these damages through the potency of certain charters — charters that cannot be re- voked, though they swallow up your lands with floods, and scatter disease and death over the fair homesteads of our people. He did not believe in such charters — they appeared to him more like certain things that had been done "by the divine right of kings," or the monopolies of Henry VIH. or Elizabeth, in conferring upon some favorite a monopoly of wine sales, or silks, or salt. If some blundering Legislature had con- ferred privileges upon corporations inconsistent with the rights of others, a wiser one should take instant steps to correct the error, rather than by unfair limitations cut oS" the people from every source of redress. He did not believe a single vote could be obtained in the present Legislature to grant such monstrous powers as were said to be conferred in the charters to which he had al- luded. He had not examined the charter of the 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 179 old Middlesex Canal Company, but was told by those who had, that it restricted the company to no limits except those of the State itself, and that it could traverse at will over any person's do- main, wherever it saw fit to go ! Mr. B. spoke at considerable length on other points. Mr. Fairbanks was glad to learn that the Ex- ecutive Committee was active, and had consulted counsel. The town of Sudbury was ready to act — the selectmen had been authorized to em- ploy counsel and prosecute whenever they thought proper. Rev. Isaac Jennison, of Natick, said a mea- dow which he could have once sold to a gentle- man now present for $90, he could not now give away to the same person ! He wished the move- ment success, and was ready to expend time and money to get it. Several other persons addressed the meeting with great enthusiasm, and after the passage of the following votes the meeting adjourned. Voted, That the memorial now in preparation by the Com- mittee, be signed by the Selectmen of the several towns on the river, and presented to the Legislature iu behalf of these towns. Voted., That the Executive Committee be authorized to print any matter that they may deem important to promote the cause. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. LEACHED ASHES ON A CLAY SOIL. Will leached ashes benefit a clay soil ? I make this inquiry because large quantities of ashes are lying in several places in this vicinity, and might be procured at a very low price, probably for drawing. Aquila. Fth., 1859. Remarks. — Leached wood-ashes are regarded as the most beneficial to clayey soils. The high temperature at which wood is commonly burned, causes a greater or less portion of the potash and soda to combine with the silica, (sand.) and form insoluble silicates, which remain behind along with lime and other earthy matter when the ash is washed with water. These are just what the clay soil needs. HUNGARIAN GRASS. In your paper of the 5th inst., 1 noticed an ar- ticle on "Hungarian Grass Seed ;"' will you please advise me at what season of the year it should be sowed ; how much does it require per acre ; is once sowing sufficient for more than one crop ; what particular advantage will be derived from its cultivation, instead of other grass ; in short, tell us all you know about it. Charlotte, Vt., Feb., 1859. T. D. Chapman. Remarks. — We are told by those acquainted with this grass that the same rules observed in sowing herdsgrass seed are applicable to the Hungarian grass, as to soil and season. From 12 to 16 quarts of seed are used, per acre. — Good land for herdsgrass or red top, is suitable for this. If the grass is intended to be used for green fodder, sow a little thicker than when it is to be made into hay — and if for seed, do not crowd it. "E. P. M 1, of Cambridge, Vt.," will please consider this in reply to his fnquiries. We advise our friends not to be over san- guine about this new grass. Test it, by all means, but in a small and careful manner. There are a thousand idlers ever standing ready to get a living out of the earnings of the farmer, and sing such syren songs as are apt to make too many persons think that all is gold that glitters. Sow a quart of seed this year, and note the re- sults carefully. If it does well, continue it ; if not reject it. MANGOLD WURTZEL. In a former number of the i^rt/7?ier, Inoticeda finely written article from Mr. French on the cul- tivation of the above root in Europe ; from his speaking of their roots "running down to the bottom of a drain four feet deep," he, of course, refers to the long, fibrous variety. A friend of mine informed me, that in his tour through the sugar districts of France, a few years since, the Orange Globe variety was in high repute for the feeding of neat cattle ; that it was considered vastly better than the tap-rooted, not only in be- ing of a finer grain, but that it was harvested so much easier ; from his recommendation, I ob- tained a few pounds of the seed, which was sown on my farm at Framingham with good success ; my neighbor, an experienced farmer, was so much pleased with this root, that he now cultivates it in preference to almost any other root for his cattle. I. MILK, PRICE AND MEASURE. I was greatly rejoiced to see an article on the price and measurement of milk, in your last pa- per. I had concluded we were some of the most duped people in the world, for we are so fasci- nated with this milk fever that we believe av,-ay up in New Hampshire, forty miles from market, if we should patronize our milkmen faithfully, we were on the sure road to fortune. Many of our farmers are enlisted in the enterprise and all are losing money, every day. We do not know what quantity we are selling for a gallon, nor the consumer in Boston what he is using that he calls milk ! A Subscriber. Berry, N. H., Feb., 1859. equality illustrated. $12,000 a year is annually paid from the Treas- ury of the State for the support of experiments in culture, whereby the people of the State are sustained ; $00,000 a year is annually paid for sustaining the military of the Commonwealth, whereby their vanity is inflated, their morals de- praved, and their lives destroyed. It is respectfully suggested that tliese topics be referred to the joint consideration of the House Committees on Agriculture and on the Militia — and that the great gun of the House be instructed to report thereon. ^W» Jan., 1859. 180 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April CULTURE OF THE MANGOLD WURTZEL. Was Mr. Leonard Wray's lecture on the man- gold wurtzel, delivered before the Legislative | Agricultural Meeting in Boston, last winter, pub-! lished in full, and if so, where can I obtain it ? i On a farm I owned in Rhode Island, I suc- ceeded in getting 1000 bushels and upwards to the acre ; once 1 got 1500 bushels; once 3,337 bushels from three acres, 58 pounds to the bushel. Joseph Coe". ; Bochester, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — Mr. Wray's lecture was partially reported for our columns — we have not seen it in any other form. We have sent you, per mail, a copy of our May number for 1858, containing some things that may be useful to you. s BREAD AND SALT. I was much interested in an article in your pa- per some time since, from Dr. Alcott, on the sub-j iect of bread-making. I have repeatedly tried unleavened bread or cake, (mixing rather dryly with cool or cold water, sometimes adding a lit- tle dry snow for leaven,) and marking it off into narrow strips. I like it much. Think the mark- ing into strips before baking an excellent idea, and am much obliged to the doctor for his arti- cle. Query. — Does the doctor really believe that the great fondness of man, and some other ani- mals, for salt, is no evidence that it is a suitable article for use ? A Reader. OSAGE orange HEDGE. Will you, or some of your readers, inform me whether the Osage Orange hedge will grow and flourish as far north as the northern part of Sul- livan county. N. H. ? L. Richardson. West Springfield, N. IL, Feb., 1859. Remarks. — It is quite uncertain whether the Osage Orange would answer for hedges as far orth as your locality — we think it would be bet- ter to use some other plant, your common hem- lock, for instance, if you desire something of the character of the Orange. The hemlock is grace- ful and beautiful in itself, is hardy, of course bears pruning, and makes a tasteful and attrac- tive hedge. It would hardly answer, however, for fencing. demolishing rocks. In levelling a small hill, this winter, I exposed some troublesome looking rocks. I exhausted my small stock of patience in blasting, breaking, burying, etc., and then thought I would try fire and water. I collected a good quantity of brush, ■weeds, leaves, In fact everything and anything that would burn well. I now made and kept a brisk fire upon and around the rock to be re moved, and as soon as it was thoroughly heated (it takes only an hour to heat a rock of about three or four tons) dashed on a few buckets of cold v.-ater and to my delight, saw the rock fall to fragments. OAKLAND Grove Winchester, Mass., 1859, wood ashes. Please inform me viYiQiher wood aslies exhausts the land to which it is applied ? s. E. Y. Warren, Mass., Jan., 1859. Remarks. — Wood ashes undoubtedly acts as a stimulant in the soil — it probably acts upon the sand, even, making it solvent and fit to be taken up by the plants, covering their outer sur- face, stiffening and sti'engthening them so that they are able to stand up. In this way it makes the soil act, and be useful to the plant. Do not let the fear of its exhaustive power prevent you from using it. lame hens that die. Will you inform me through your paper of the cause of the lameness of my hens ? I have lost since last fall, from fifteen to twenty. In the first place they are taken lame in one leg, and in two or three days the other leg is lame, so that they cannot go, and will lie down ; in two or three days after they become lame in both legs they die. My hen-house is built of stone, and the top roosts are about six feet high. The ground is covered with loam ; I feed them morning and evening on corn or dough, and they have enough to eat ; they do not appear to be in any pain, nor do they grow poor, but are generally fat when they die. o. h. Raynham, Jan., 1859. Remarks. — Cannot enlighten you — never have witnessed such cases. a turkey crop. I have male turkeys that came out in June, that weigh twenty-tico pounds ; a lighter one, when dressed, weighed ITi pounds, and a young hen-turkey, dressed, between eleven and twelve pounds. Charles H. Stoddard. East Brookfield, Mass., Feb., 1859. A BIG PIG. I slaughtered a pig nine months old, on the 24th Inst., which M'eighed three hundred and thirty pounds. George Haskell, Jr. Essex, Jan., 1859. li'or the New England Farmer. "COBIT AND COEN STALKS." Mr. Editor : — In the weekly number of the Farmer for Jan. 22, an article appeared with the aliove caption. It seems that the writer of the article referred to, has not succeeded to his mind in the new method of harvesting the corn crop, and for the very reason, as I believe, which he has given, namely, that of cutting up the corn, when it v.'as half-matured, which would naturally give to the corn less weight, and the pale color of which he speaks. My expeilence has been very difi"erent from that of friend Bacon, as I have practiced cutting my corn to the ground, and shooking, for the last six or seven years, and without any of the seri- ous objections which "W. B." mentions. I be- lieve in the proverb, that there is a time for every thing, and that the time for cutting up corn 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 181 to shook, is after the ear becomes well glazed, or in other words, after the stalks are fit for top- ping. Corn cured in this way, is not only sweeter for bread, but the fodder is worth one-fourth more, at least, than when left to the exposure of the atmosphere. I agree with "W. B.," that, the idea of raising corn is for the grain, but if I can get the extra grain, (as I think if he would take the pains to inquire of those who grind my corn, they would tell him it was second to none,) and the extra fodder, I have secured a greater amount of good, than he who lets his fodder stand and bleach in the field until it is nearly worthless. If friend "B." will try my way, I think he will meet with better success, and be able to have his "old-fashioned golden puddings again under the new innovation." A. W. Putnam. Sutton, Jan. 24, 1859. l^br the New England Farmer. EDUCATION" AWD EMPLOYMENT OF YOUJSTG MEN IN THE COUNTKT. Mr. Editor : — The education and employ- ment of young men in the country is closely connected with our agricultural interests. It is evident that our country towns are losing their population for the reason that our young men leave them for the purpose of gaining a popular education, tending to fit them for any other pur- pose than the farm. I do not wish to cast re- proach on the cause of education. But would it not be better if our institutions of learning were so constituted as to turn the minds of some of their pupils to the pursuits of agriculture ? Should not our schools be made manual labor schools ; schools which will fit young men for the farm as well as for a profession ? I think they should. But considering our means of educa- tion as it is, I think our young men may, if they will, furnish themselves with a good practical ag- ricultural education. Your readers may say that I desire to make all our young men farmers ; but not so. We must have teachers, competent teachers, and a liberal supply of them. We must have profes- sional men; but one-half of the number which we now have, and those of the right character, would be far better than the present number. More of our people should be practical farmers. I am a farmer's son myself, and I appeal to those of my class in New England, if it would not be better for more of us to obtain an education preparato- ry to a farmer's life, than for so many of us to strive for a profession. There is another thing which tends to decrease the mterest in agricultu- ral pursuits. Too many of our young men, leav- ing the farm in pursuit of more fashionatjle life in cities and large country towns, leave the dis- graceful work of farming, as they call it, and re- pair to a clerkship, and for a year or two work merely for their board, rather than stick to the farm. Let us strive, one and all, to alter this state of things; let us set our hearts and hands to work, and soon our barren fields will be culti- vated, our decaying pastures clothed anew with grass, and New England may look forward for a pleasant and prosperous future. w. M. L. Sullivan, N. II., 1859. BOTH SIDES. A man ia his carriage was riding along, A gaily dressed wife by his side ; In satin and laces she looked like the queen. And he like a king in his pride. A wood-sawyer stood on the street as they passed ; The carriage and couple lie eyed ; And said, as he worked with his saw on the log, "I wish I was rich and could ride." The man in the carriage remarked to his wife, "One thing I would give if I could — I'd give my wealtli for the strength and the health Of the man who sawed the wood." A pretty young maid, with a bundle of work, Whose face, as the morning, was fair, Went tripping along with a smile of delight, While humming a love-breathing air. She looked on the carriage ; the lady she saw, Arriyed in apparel so fine, And said in a wMsper, "I wish from my heart Those satins and laces were mine." The lady looked out on the maid with her work, So fair in her calico dress. And said, 'I'd relinquish position and wealth, Her beauty and health to possess." Thus it is in the world, whatever our lot. Our minds and our time we employ In longing and sighing for what we have not, Ungrateful for what we enjoy. We welcome the pleasure for which we have sighed, The heart has a void in it still, Growing deeper and wider the longer we live, That nothing but Heaven can fill. l^or the New England Farmer. EXPERIMENT IN HAKVESTING CORN. I beg leave to differ from W. Bacon on this subject. I well recollect in my early days that corn, where I then lived, was harvested by first cutting the stalks, and I then knew of no better way, that being some fifty years since, in the town of VVinchester, N. H. Since that time I think I have found a better way. As it regards cutting stalks, I think they will no more than pay for the labor ; if the field is large, it is attended with much labor to carry them out of the field to set up to dry. I think I should do quite as well to cut hay at the halves. Should there come a hard frost before the corn gets fairly ripe, it v-ould be much injured. In this vicinity, we usually have a hard frost on or about the 2()lh of September. If the stalks are cut soon after the corn begins to glaze, as has been the practice with some, it lessens the corn one-eleventh part from that of letting them be on till ripe ; it also leaves the corn more tx- posed to cut off" the tops, than it would be with them on, should there be a frost before the corn was ripe. If it stands till it would not shrink in drying, it would be bad policy to first cut the stalks, because it is more work than it is to cut all up together, and you save only about one- fourth of the fodder, and not the best part, for that which comes up at the roots last, called suckers, is much the best, being the greenest and richest. In cutting up the corn and stalks to- gether, there is a great saving both in time and value of both corn and fodder. At the price hay is selling for here now, $13 per ton, and as the 182 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April fodder growing on one acre of land where the corn ■will yield 50 bushels per acre is worth one ton of good hay, we gain some $12 or more in harvesting of one acre of good corn, over that of cutting the stalks. I know not Avhy a dollar's ■worth of hay or corn fodder is not as good as a dollar's worth of corn. All grains are better to be harvested while the sap is in the straw or stalk, and I know of no one in this section of country that questions this theory, millers not excepted ; it is much more delicious and rich, and makes the best bread. I have experimented some few times by letting six rows stand, for the purpose of seeing the differ- ence, in hopes that it would dry off best by stand- ing uncut on the hill, while the rest of the field was cut and bound, and well set up, and in each and every time, that left standing was not as good, was not so yellow, and had much more poor corn, and the fodder the same as lost, hardly worth cutting up at all. In cutting up corn, care should be taken to see that the butts are laid down, so that the bundles will set up well. Bind of the size to have six bundles make one bushel of ears when husked ; set six in a stack, two abreast and one at each end, tie the tops togeth- er, and they will cure well In this way, 1 har- vested my corn this last fall, and it is most boun- tiful, not one-fourth of a bushel but what is fit to grind for family use, and now weighs 64 lbs. to the bushel. My stock eat the fodder as well as they do good hay. I saw one old gentleman last Sep- tember cutting his stalks. I inquired of him why he cut off the tops instead of cutting up at the roots ? He said he was hroiiglit up so. Boxhury, Vt., Feb., 1859. A. L. Brigilvm. For the New Eniiland Farmer. POTATOES FROM SEED. M'R. Editor : — Seeing a piece in the Farmer foi January 15th, from "S. S.," on raising pota- toes from the seed, I thought I would send you my experience in that line, as it has been more satisfactory than his. In the year 1855, I found some very nice looking balls on the tops of a va- riety known here as the "Late Early Blue." I saved a few of them and planted the seed the season following, and two or three weeks after, the plants made their appearance, and grew very slowly all the season. I obtained enough pota- toes from them to plant three hills, last year, (they were about the size of hazel nuts,) from ■which I got enough to plant thirty hills this year. These were about the size of walnuts. Those produced this season "were most of them large enough to cook. I have cooked some of them several times, and they are very nice, fine grained, sweet, but not mealy; which I suppose is owing to thtir not having come to maturity yet, as it takes about seven years for that, I am told. They seem to be no particular kind, but possibly the qualities of various kinds. Most of them are long, with very deep eyes. Some of them are black, and some like the Early Blue ; others look like the Early Blue in color ; others are yellow. There were various kinds growing near those from which I took the seed. I have found none of them afi'ected by the rot. Yours for improvement, Keene, JV. IL, 1858. A. H. Kingman. KIDDER'S GUIDE TO APIARIAN SCIENCE. This is another new work upon the Culture of Bees, by Mr. K. P. Kidder, of Burlington, Vt., containing 175 pages, and illustrated with sever- al engravings. In the cursory examination that we have been able to give it, we find nothing re- markably new. But the directions for hive-ma- king, for swarming, tending, &c., seem to be use- ful and clear. We have no doubt the book will be a useful one to the bee-keeper. Mr. K. is un- questionably devoted to his calling, and deter- mined to understand it. The little cut we have introduced, illustrates a page ot his pamphlet cir- cular. His book is for sale at the bookstores in Boston. Price 50 cents. PERHAPS WITTY, BUT NOT TRUE. "Agricultural editors and professors, in the en- joyment of salaries, are almost the only men who think farming profitable." The above is quoted from an essay published in the Transactions of one the County Agricultu- ral Societies of Massachusetts. It is as discred- itable to the taste of the writer, as it is without foundation in fact. The profits to be derived from any industrial pursuit, depend in a great degree upon the energy and good management of those engaged in it. That farming is an ex- ception to the universal rule in all other business — that it can be made remunerative without the care, economy and skill requisite elsewhere, no one pretends. We have yet to learn an instance, moreover, when it has been thus properly carried on for a course of years, in which an ample and generous reward has not been returned for all the labor and expense best-nved. And what but farming has transformed the whole face of this broad land from a wilderness to fruitful fields ? What, if not farming, has fed, and clothed, and schooled the masses of our people, — constructed our academies, colleges, churches, and public buildings, — yes, and built up the greatness of 1859, NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 183 our cities, by supplying them with fresh blood, and brains educated by its profits, and unweak- ened by their cares and dissipations ? Agricul- ture is the immediate sire of commerce, and the wealth of the merchant finds its first sources in the wealth of the farmer. It is quite time such sneering assertions were discarded. Can the wri- ter of the above — can any reader of this para- graph— point to a county or town which does not number more or less of those who have made farming sufficiently profitable for every legiti- mate human wish ? Farmers should respect themselves, and honor their pursuit ; and those who are honestly and earnestly endeavoring to aid them in rendering it still more productive, and its followers still more worthy of its high position, should be recognized as beyond the aim of so weak at attempt at ridicule. — Country Gen- tleman. For the New England Farmer. HOW TO TB3AT EXHAUSTED LANDS. Mr. Brown : — 1 have 30 acres of mowing land, a light sandy loam, nearly run out. I pro- pose, as it used to grow corn well, to put 10 acres of it this season to corn. I have only ma- nure for half of this quantity, and think of try- ing guano and plaster for the other part, and wish to know the best mode of applying these fertilizers, never having used them, (a.) After the corn is oft', how shall I proceed to get the land back to grass ? (b.) I also want to enrich and re-seed 10 acres more. Can I do it to advantage by sowing buck- wheat or clover, and plowing in and seed down in the autumn ? (c.) Will it pay to put in rye, barley or wheat, and purchase fertilizer ? (d.) My object is to get the land back to its for- mer condition as soon as possible. The farm has not been occupied or carried on for three or four years. Middlesex Subscriber. Feb., 1859. Remarks. — (a.) Some persons spread guano broadcast where the land is naturally moist, and derive considerable benefit from it for one or two years. This is the easiest and cheapest way of applying it. If put in the hill, there is danger of killing the young corn. If the kernel touches the guano it will not sprout — if it sprouts and the tender shoot reaches the guano, it is death to it. (b.) If you desire to get corn land into grass by the quickest method, you can cultivate the corn field level, sow grass seed after the last hoe- ing in August, and rake it in or work it in at the hoeing, if there are not many weeds. This is a good way, because the corn shades the tender grass a little, and assists it considerably, if the season is a dry one. Where this is done we think it better to "cut the stalks" and let the sun in after the grass is fairly started. When the corn is removed it should be cut quite close to the ground, so that the stubble shall not be in the way of the scythe. But if you do not like this mode, add what manure you can spare in the fall and plow it un- der, cross plow in the spring, and sow with wheat and grass seed. (c.) Plow, and harrow once, then manure with guano, 500 pounds per acre, if you can spare the money for it, and if you cannot turn up less land — sow with clover or buckwheat, and when just going out of blossom, cut and let it two-thirds dry, and then plow it under. If you turn it un- der green, rapid fermentation will take place, throwing off" the sugar and starch of the plant, its most important elements, and leaving com- paratively little behind that is valuable. If dry, or nearly dry, when plowed under, fermentation and decomposition will be slow, the gases will be evolved gradually and absorbed by the sur- rounding soil, and enriching it for the plants that are to follow. (d.) Under judicious management we think it will. The land has probably become exhausted of its vegetable matter, by frequent cropping, without much having been returned to it. Fill I it with the roots of clover, or with its stems and leaves, or those of some other plant, then plow it deeper than usual, so as to bring up new earth that has not been exhausted of its mineral mat- ter and you have a soil resembling that where a forest has just been cut off". The object of gain sought must be, the restor • ing the land,Jilling it with vegetable matter, and not getting a crop. If the crop barely pays for the guano used and for the labor, it ought to be satisfactory. When the land is restored, it will yield profitable crops indefinitely, under proper treatment. For the Neip England Farmer. GBAIN CSOPS. Mr. Editor : — I send you some extracts from an essay read by Mr. Charles A. Hubbard, before the Concord Farmers' Club, on the even- ing of the 10th inst. I think they are worthy the attention of farmers in other parts of the State. Mr. H. is doing just what hundreds of other farmers should do. "Wheat is but little cultivated in this section, but I have raised it to some extent for the last four years, v/ith fair success. Four years ago I purchased a bushel of spring wheat, and sowed thi'ee pecks of it, on half an acre of good corn land, and raised twelve and a half bushels of ex- cellent wheat. I sold eleven dollars worth of straw. The next year I sowed three bushels on an acre and a half of light sandy soil, generous- ly manured. The manure was plowed in four inches deep. After the wheat had nearly cov- ered the ground, I sowed on it ten bushels of ashes. The crop was 21.\ bushels. The third year 1 sowed four bushels on two acres of heavy clay soil, but well-prepared. The crop was 47i bushels of as handsome wheat as I ever saw. The straw I estimated at three tons, worth twelve 184 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April dollars a ton. I consider it worth two-thirds the amount of English hay. Last year, I sowed li acres. The product was large in straw, but ow- ing to the wet weather, the kernel was not as fair as usual. I am satisfied that I have been amply repaid for my experiments in raising wheat. I have bought but little flour the past four years. I usually get five bushels ground at a time. This will fill a barrel with flour. Then there will be a bushel of second quality, which makes excellent warm bread, a half a bushel of Graham flour, and the shorts or bran. The seed I prepare as follows : First I soak it 24 hours in strong brine, and then roll it in lime. Wheat I consider the very best grain to sow with grass seed when I wish to seed down to grass." Yours, &c., Jos. Reynolds. For the New England Farmer. HOW. MAKSHA-LL P. "WILDEK OM PEARS. I notice in the proceedings of one of the re- cent agricultural meetings at the State House, that the Hon. Marspiall P. Wilder gave a list of those varieties of pears which he deemed best suited to the climate and soil of Massachusetts. No man can have a higher opinion of Mr. Wild- er than myself. His eflPorts for the improvement of agriculture in general, and horticulture in particular, are worthy of all praise. His experi- ence as a pomologist would also seem to give great weight to his opinions. Still, I must beg to diflfer with his deliberately expressed judg- ment in regard to the varieties of pears best adapted to our soil and climate. And I think if you were to take the testimony of any number of nurserymen in the State on the same subject, you would find no two of them were agreed in opin- ion. There are so many circumstances of soil, position, culture, &c., which go to influence the quantity and quality of the pear crop, that he who follows the advice of any one cultivator, will, nine chances in ten, fail in his expectations. The list of pears referred to, as given by Mr. Wilder, is as follows ; Best Six — Bartlett, Urbaniste, Vicar of Wink- field, Bufi'um, Buerre d'Anjou, and Lawrence. For Best Txvelve — Add to the above, Rostie- eer, Merriam, Doyenne Boussock, Belle Lucra- tive, Flemish Beauty, and Onondaga. Best Six on Quince Boots — Louise Bonne de Jersey, Urbaniste, Duchesse d'Angouleme, Vicar of Winkfield, Buerre d'Anjou and Glout Mor- ceau. Now as to the Bartlett, the value of that pear is admitted. It is indispensable to every good collection. The Urbaniste is also a highly prized fruit, but on some soils it is. as every nursery- man knows, a shy bearer. The Vicar of Wink- field (its synonyms, Clion, Le Cure, mean the same thing, for Clion was the name of the vicar or curate of Winkfield, who originated the fruit,) is a good bearer, and a handsome pear for the market ; but so far from rightfully pertaining to the six best varieties, it ought to be set down as from second-rate to poor. I never tasted one of these pears, that I considered first-rate ; I have tasted a great many that were hardly fit to eat. The Winter Nelis is a better fruit, and so is the Beurre d' Aremberg. On warm soils, the Beurre Diel beats it "all to pieces." Ditto, ditto, the Easter Beurre. As for the Bufi'um, it is good in some localities, but not reliable in all. The Beurre d'Anjou promises well, but is not as yet fully tested. The Lawrence is a good fruit, but not in all cases a good bearer. In my judgment, the Beurre Clairgeau deserves a place among the "first six" in preference to any named by Mr. Wilder, except, perhaps, the Bartlett and Urban- iste ; while the Louise bonne de Jersey ought to take precedence of all except the Bartlett. When we come to Mr. Wilder's "best twelve," I should strike out the Merriam and the Onon- daga (or Swan's Orange,) and retain the others, if not "counted out" by those I have named. The Doyenne Boussock is identical with the Gray Doyenne, and in my opinion, is only a modifica- tion of the old White Doyenne or St. Michael. Any one who will carefully examine the wood, the foliage, or the fruit, must come to this con- clusion. How this modification has been brought about — whether by budding or grafting on the quince, the thorn, or the mountain ash, and then back again upon the pear — it is impossible to say ; but the fact is "patent upon its face." The improvement is certainly an important one ; for while the White Doyenne cracks badly both on the pear and quince stock, the Gray cracks only occasionally on the pear, and on the quince is a perfect and most exquisitely flavored fruit, such as was the St. Michael in its palmiest days. As for the Glout Morceau, which Mr. Wilder puts down among the "best six on quince," I shall be better able to give my opinion of it, when I have raised the first specimen of the fruit. As yet, on pear or on quince, I have not been able to raise the first blossom of a Glout Morceau, though I have practiced all the arts of persuasion now known to me. I think this pear is generally voted a very shy bearer, and if Mr. Wilder has succeeded better with it than others, I must believe it an exceptional case. The qual- ity of the fruit is admitted on all hands to be good. But how is it that Mr. Wilder leaves out of his lists such pears as the L'Angelier, the An- drews, and the Beurre Gris d'Hiver Noveau ? Either of these is a better pear, in my judgment, than one-half of those named in the above lists. So you see, Mr. Editor, that in the quality of pears, as in almost everything else, "doctors diflPer." My own practice is almost homoeopathic, com- pared with that of Mr. Wilder ; but my obser- vation in regard to the pear culture has been pretty extensive, nevertheless. I think much good would result, if those en- gaged in the pear culture would state, through the agricultural press, as nearly as possible, the quality of soil on which the diff"erent varieties have best succeeded. A "comparison of notes" in this particular, could hardly fail to add to the common stock of knowledge in fruit-growing. I am satisfied that there are several otherwise good varieties of pears which it is useless to at- tempt to cultivate on a clay soil, or where the argillite is a predominating element. Somerville. E. c. P. Cold Water to Cure Scalds. — I placed a large tub full of cold water, with plenty of ice in 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 185 it, by the side of a large kettle full of water, ■which was boiling very fast. I then rolled up my sleeve above the elbow, and thrust it into the kettle of boiling water up to the elbow, then im- mediately back into the tub of ice water, letting it remain a few seconds, then into boiling water again, repeating this process ten times a minute, without injury or inconvenience, not even making my arm look red. From this experiment I sug- gested the propriety of using cold water baths instantly after being scalded. I have practiced the above remedy with entire success during the last ten years. Cold water is always handy where there is hot water. The sooner cold v/ater is ap- plied after scalding, the surer will be the cure. — Ohio Cultivator. SEVENTH LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTU- KAL MEETING. [Keportkd by John C. Moore, fob the N. E. Fakmek. ] The subject for consideration' was "Agricultu- ral Markets and Fairs." Ex-Governor George S. Boutwell occupied the chair; and stated in substance, that he had accepted the invitation of the committee to pre- side, with the view of assisting, rather than lead- ing, the discussion. He would leave the last part of the subject to other gentlemen present. He had been acquainted with agricultural fairs, and would commend their adoption by the far- mers of every agricultural town, as great benefit would result from them. They would furnish facilities for observation and comparison, which, from the nature of their occupation, they could not otherwise enjoy, and give them the same chances that manufacturers and others more ful- ly enjoyed, and which were held by them to be so requisite and valuable. Such clubs would not conflict with the interests of county societies; on the contrary, they would assist them. They would operate in their effects like the meetings of which this was one. Education would have to be carried to the farmers, as they could not come to it with convenience to themselves, only as it was familiarly brought to the door, as it were, of their own experience. The State might do well to give some aid to the establishment of such clubs, as they would enable towns to com- pare their products, and prepare them to com- pete, by comparison, with other towns at county exhibitions, which too seldom showed what every portion of a county or district could produce, as they could be made to do. Mr. Richard S. Fay, of Lynn, being called on to speak, gave his opinion concerning Market Fairs, which he held to be above fairs in impor- tance, as they were, in reality, the true test of agricultural superiority. It surprised him that an English farmer could pay from $10 to !?20 rent an acre, and yet live so differently from our most prosperous farmers. Li the course of two years' residence in England, he had paid attention to the matter ; and compared with the state of things here among our farmers who paid noth- ing per acre for their lands, it appeared a myste- ry. He had experimented somewhat during his residence in England, and found that prices of living were just about the same as here — so there could be no advantage to the English far- mer on that score. He did not labor as the far- mers do here ; so the benefit from his farm could not proceed from his individual dexterity. The price of labor was, he found, about [the same in England as here ; so there would be no advan- tage to the Englishman in that respect. The ex- pense of keeping cattle in winter was no more there than here ; so nothing prejudicial to us could arise from that item. Every farming dis- trict had a weekly market once a week, where a ready sale was always had for his stock and pro- duce, at almost the London market prices and everything done in a few hours that the necessi- ties of the farm demanded. There was the com- bination of the farmer and the merchant which gave the producer two profits, which we had not the advantage of. Besides, the English farmer, when he put his plow into the ground, always had something like a certainty (such was the fine con- diion of his soil,) that he would have a particular amount of produce. If Massachusetts were divid- ed into districts — (and these announced in the Farmer's Almanac,) and market fairs established In each, it would be no longer necessary that every farmer should waste his time in cattle jobbing, or his means in hunting up cattle, to be obliged to make a questionable choice, after all his la- bor— groat good would result. According to the nature of the productions of a locality, farmers and others could go and buy and sell with an as- surance of a market, or the best the market could afford, and in this respect he would derive material benefit. Dairy cattle, horses, oxen, sheep, whatever was the prevailing produce, could be found in all the perfection in which the district could produce it ; and^ moreover, accord- ing to the quality would be the price and the benefit. Mr. Fay described one of the celebrated Falkirk Tryots in Scotland— where flocks num- Ifcring many thousands were brought together from all parts of the country, and, in the aggre- gate, numbered hundreds of thousands, which were sold to be driven to other parts of the king- dom, and as much as $500,000 left in payment thereof. Everything was done without higgling or trouble — with less effort than many farmers would have over the sale of a pair of oxen. la September and October, at the same place, 60,000 head of cattle were sold at each of the fair days, with as much quietness and dispatch. It was not to be supposed that this could be ira- 186 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April itated here all at once ; but were farmers willing to get up such fairs, they would find purchasers, and ready ones, too, and would learn to buy and sell, a system of education they stood much in need of. Charles G. Davis, of Plymouth, was of the opinion that those who established such fairs as had been recommended would prove themselves the greatest benefactors of the farmers of New England. They would be found superior to all the shows, exhibitions and colleges that could be instituted. This being what he deemed an in- controvertible fact, the question arose prominent- ly— how could they he brought about ? The best initiatory process, in his opinion, was, to let every farmer lend his earnest personal influence to establish them. It was too true that farmers not only frittered away their time in petty ped- dling of small articles of stock, but also submit- ted too freely to the interpolation of middlemen between him and the consumer, to the prejudice of both. It was impossible that a farmer, with produce to sell, could tell what was, or what was not, the market price of any description of it, so long as he depended on the dicta of these ped- dling middlemen — who hindered the producer and the consumer from coming together and di- viding the profits of labor and purchase. Were market fairs established, a diff'erent policy would be introduced ; and it ought to be for the inter- est and advantage of both that they should join in the institution of such fairs. They would con- vince the Massachusetts farmer of what he was now in much doubt, that farming was a profita- ble occupation ; and that where system prevails in working, buying and selling, it could be dem- onstrated to be so. Mr. Davis wished every one present, when they went home, to bring their ag- ricultural friends together, and see whether they will refuse to sell to pedlers, and carry their pro- duce to market on the market day ; if they would so agree, they would soon realize the ben- efits. He mentioned that Mr. Fay, himself and another party had been chosen by the State Board of Agriculture to present this matter to the community, with the view that it should be brought to speedy perfection, were such the pop- ular wish ; and if any objections existed against the proposition, he hoped they would be heard here — provided any objector was in the audience. Mr. Dodge, of Hamilton, (author of an essay on the subject under discussion.) said, at the first glance into it, he thought there were more rea- sons opposed than in favor of the proposition ; but these were soon obviated by consideration, and the result of it was seen in the pamphlet which he had written, and which had been pub- lished. He would not repeat his opinions here ; but it was enough to point to the establishment of the Shoe Exchange, in evidence that great re- sults could flow from small beginnings ; and if proved in the case of the shoe business, why should farming be an exception? Mr. Dodge, paid his respects to the pedlers and lorestallers and exposed the disadvantages under which the farmer suffered at their hands. It was they who demonstrated to the farmer that there was no profit in his occupation ; and the demonstration would continue until the forestallers were fore- stalled by regular markets, and regularly remu- nerative prices. As a sample of the operations of these parties, last fall — they made a raid into the rural districts and bought up all the apples they could find at $2 per barrel, and onions at $1,50. Now the former were worth $3,50 and the latter $3— and fast at that; but there the forestallers had previously got advantage of the producers. This should not-have been; nor would it long be, were farmers only disposed to do justice to themselves, and establish market fairs. JosiAH QuiNCY, Jr., made a humorous speech, showing the value of intelligence to the farmer — and especially that which associated itself with a proper market. The sentiments expressed this evening were precisely what every farmer should entertain and carry out into practice, to the dis- comfiture of the forestaller, who was the great public enemy, whether the producer or consumer was concerned. As one phase of the operations of this class, Mr. Quincy said, when he was Mayor of Boston, he was informed that more than 6000 pounds of poultry were thrown over the wharves into the sea rather than it should be in the market and lower the price ! He thor- oughly approved the proposition made to-night, and would give it his aid in every shape in which it would avail. He looked on it as being the most important one that had been made in his hearing, for a long time, and the public ought to be obliged to the gentlemen who had spoken for the interest they had taken in this essentially important matter. John Brooks, of Princeton, spoke in favor of home markets, and argued that they would be found the most profitable — although he was not willing to be considered as an opponent of mar- ket fairs. Perhaps they would do as well as was anticipated. He was afraid that forestalling could be carried as well into a market as into a farm- yard ; and had some belief that farmers were not so very ignorant concerning the proper prices of produce as they were represented to be. Mr. Brooks spoke of the system of English farming in accordance with data which we fear has not been gleaned from a very reliable source, (as re- gards arable farming,) to prove that the farmers there made no more profit on the sura invested 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 187 than they did here. He also showed from na- tional statistics that the corn crop of New Eng- land was more profitable to the farmer than that of Illinois to the producer there, as was also the raising of pork. Wm. J. BucKMlNSTER, of the Ploughman, v^a.s the next speaker. He made a defence of the farmers against the charge of ignorance of prices, and was interrupted by Mr. Davis, of Plymouth, who explained that the ignorance he had alluded to was that arising from the misrepresentations of forestallers. Mr. Buckminster proceeded to say that, while railroads, telegraphs and news- papers Avere so common, and so generally distrib- uted, the explanation could not have its full bear- ing. Farmers were wide awake concerning prices, there could be no doubt ; and if they did now and then make a mistake, it was no more than the dealers did. As further proof of farmers know- ing what prices were, he found that he could not purchase some things at home — thirty miles hence — so cheap as he could do in Faneuil Hall mar- ket. Mr. B. spoke somewhat doubtfully about the proposal before the meeting ; although he hoped it would be found otherwise. Dr. LoRiNG, of Salem, came here with some idea of opposing the scheme of market fairs ; but, after hearing the arguments pro et con, he was constrained to believe that it was inevitably necessary that farmers should have some system in operation for their better protection and stim- ulation, and that the best means to adopt was the proposed fairs. Our farmers wanted a stim- ulus. They generally contented themselves with providing for a twelve months' existence, but give them market fairs and it would soon be oth- erwise, and there would be no longer depression, increasing waste lands, and general prostration of the agricultural interest. If fairs would not suit, what would ? for stimulation was essential. It belonged to the opponents of the proposal to say what would substitute that scheme. Essex county was determined to try it until a better was suggested, although her farmers were aware of obstacles being in the way of their ultimate advantage. Every improvement in agriculture had had its opposition, and this one could hard- ly escape the same risk. For himself, he had no fear of its ultimate success, any more than he had doubts of its benefits, or of their universality over the Commonwealth. Remarks were further made, touching on ab stract details of the discussion, by Mr. Buckmin- ster, Dodge, Davis, and others. The latter gen- tleman incidentally showed, practically, in what respects market fairs would prove beneficial — for that purpose taking a familiar view of matters as they now stood, as compared with what they might become were such fairs established. It was suggested that the subject should be continued, and discussed next week ; but arrange- ments having been made for that meeting, the suggestion was withdrawn. Next Monday, the matter discussed will be "Drainage." Dr. G. B. LoRiNG, of Salem, is expected to preside. Por the New England Farmer. WOBK IN THE LUNENBUHG PABMEK'S CLUB. Mr. Editor : — The following statements and experiments from the Lunenburg Farmer's Club are at your service. As there is much to learn about the measuring of corn, shrinkage, &c., it maybe well for every Club to contribute something in regard to the different varieties raised, and the same may be said of the cereals, that a man may see in black and white the best kinds to use, and where they can be found. It takes a long time to determine what kinds of apples will be the most profitable. After a man has tried many varieties, he will finally set- tle down on some that will pay the best. The diff'erent breeds of cattle, too, are being tried, and it is expected that some discoveries will be made in that branch of husbandry. We think our Town Club has made some dis- coveries during the eleven years it has been or- ganized, and we trust that the time has not been spent in vain. County societies may cut a wider swath on exhibition days, but the influence ex- erted is like the old adage, "Variety tends more to please than to instruct." We ti'ust the town clubs will receive something from the public crib in the shape of a few hun- dred a year ; that, with what can be raised by the ladies, the county societies will look kind o' lank in a few years. Farmer's clubs are getting to be institutions which cannot be rubbed out any more than the common school, and it is be- lieved they indicate the true mode of disseminat- ing agricultural knowledge. W. H. Jones, Secretary. CYRUS KILBURN'S CORN CROP. Mr, Kilburn said, the acre of land on whi. h my corn was planted was in pasture in 1857 and covered to a great extent with rocks and stones, and produced mullen, hardback, buttercup, moss and other weeds; the grass very short and scant, producing not half enough to pasture one cow. Last spring the rocks were l)lasted and hauled off' the land ; carted on about nineteen loads of green manure, spread and plowed it under with a side hill plow, harrowed and picked off the stones, furrowed the rows about four feet the same way it was plowed, applied four loads ])er acre of manure scraped from the barn cellar, in- cluding the droppings from the turkey roost, put- ting in about a pint in each hill. Planted about the 20th of May, with King Phillip corn, using the single corn-planter. Hoed twice, and let four plants grow in the hill ; used a plow the first hoe- ing, and a plow cultivator the second. Cut up and stooked the same on the last of September ; husked about the middle of October, and had 125 baskets sound corn, weight 50 lbs. each, exclusive of the basket. 100 lbs. of the ears, 1S8 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April equal to two baskets, was laid in a box to dry, and on the 15th January, 1859, the ears weighed Sil lbs., and the shelled corn 70i lbs. ; measured ■i6l qts., — one bushel, 4J qts., — equal to 78.68 bushels by weight to the acre, and by measure, 71.77 bushels. The shelled corn was then spread on a sheet to dry in a warm chamber. Feb. 4th, winnowed, measured and weighed the same carefully, without losing a kernel ; mea-! Fared one bushel, two qfs. ; 63 4-10 bushels tn I the acre by measure; weighed 66 lbs. ; 73 37-56 ^ bushels to the acre, by weight ; showing a shrink- j age of 34 per cent, from the ear at husking time to dry shelled corn. The corn stover when cut up was quite dead ; the ears were hard and dry, much dryer than corn usually is when examined by committee. A WHEAT CROP. Martin Johnson said, my land was broken up in the spring of 1857, and 400 lbs. guano mixed with plaster, spread and cultivated in. Planted with corn the first of June. The crop did not amount to much, as the corn did not ripen well. In the spring of 1858 the land was plowed twice, and 160 bushels leached ashes and 300 lbs. guano were spread and cultivated in. Two bushels of China wheat were sown to the acre, and culti- vator used to put it in. The land measured 304 rods, yielding 73 bushels, thresher's measure. It is a superior variety. Remarks. — You ought to have stated the time of sowing. A CARROT CROP. J. and J. T, Dunsmoor said, the land cultivated was a loamy subsoil, and contained 138^ rods. It had been a hop field for seven years previous to 1857 ; that season it was sowed with wheat, and produced a good crop. In the autumn of the same year, 40 loads compost manure were put on and plowed in. In the following spring, *the land was plowed and harrowed again, and the seed for the carrot crop was put in the 13th of April. Beds were made wide enough for four rows of carrots, and had the seed all taken, the yield would have been much larger. The variety snwn was the Orange, and 800 bushels carrots aiid 100 of turnips were taken from the above mentioned land, at a cost of $75. A POTATO CROP. J. and J. T. Dunsmoor said, our field of pota- toes contained 117^ rods on a reclaimed meadow, mud from three to four feet in depth. Plowed in the autumn of 1857, and harrowed thoroughly. In the spring, planted in hills three feet by two and hoed once. The droppings of the sheep-fold were used on this field, as it seems, to advan- tage. Potatoes of the Davis Seedling variety, cut small, with two pieces in the hill, producing 220 bushels. A CORN CROP. Joseph Goodrich said, my field contains 248 rods of land, by accurate survey. It was a piece of old pasture land that ferns, whortleberries, brakes and other small brush possessed, and nev er had been plowed until Dec, 1857. In May following, the land was harrowed and ihe loose stones taken otT. I then spread about twelve cart-loads of green stable manure to the acre, and cross plowed ; harrowed the second time and furroM'ed one way, aiming to furrow four feet, but the ground being rough, there was much variation in width ; applied about tight cart-loads manure to the acre, in the hills, which were placed from two feet to two and a half apart. This manure was loam saturated with the drop- pings of cows the summer previous. Flantcd the 12th of May a variety called the Carter corn, from four to six kernels to the hill. After the corn had come up, and previous to hoeing the first time, a spoonful of plaster was applied to the hill. It was hoed twice, and oxen were used to plow the corn. In August, a shower of hail did much damage to the crop, as, at the time, the kernel was set- ting, which reduced it considerably. A short time previous to harvesting, a drove of cattle broke into the field and destroyed several bask- ets of ears. The corn was cut up and stooked in the field September 25th, and stood ten or twelve days, when it was hauled to the barn and set up where the air could pass through it. In three weeks the corn was husked and two bush- els of ears shelled, producing 43 qts., then spread under cover where the sun and air operated upon it ten or twelve days, and appeared as dry as corn generally is in January ; then weighed the same, and found the weight to be 72 lbs. Quan- tity raised on the field, 241 bushels ears ; weight of one bushel 36 lbs. ; allowing 56 lbs. to the bushel, 154 13-14 bushels. By measure, when shelled, 162, nearly. For the New England Farmer. NATIVE AND FOREIGN STOCK. Mr. Editor : — In reading the remarks and suggestions in the Third Legislative Agricultu- ral Meeting, I noticed a discussion about import- ed and native cattle. Mr. Asa G. Sheldon, ot Wilmington, said there ought to be no distinc- tion made between the breeds, but all should compete on the same level. This is right, as far as my experience extends. I will relate a cir- cumstance which occurred at our Middlesex North Agricultural Society, in Lowell, last Sep- tember. I entered a yearling heifer, native breed, for the premium. This heifer I raised, and gave a brief account of her keeping till the time she was entered for the premium When one year old, she weighed 650 pounds. When presented for the premium she was 17 months old, and weighed 884 pounds. She was handsome, and with all the qualities combined for a good cow ; she is now 22 months old, and weighs 1052 pounds. But the committee never gave her a passing notice. The premium was av/arded for a heifer weighing but 650 pounds, with a small sprinkling of foreign blood. Let the farmers take the same care of our native stock that they do of the imported, and in a short time our native stock will be far in advance of all others. s. R. Westford, Mass , Feb. 15, 1859. Striking Cuttings in Moss. — The variety used is called Sphagnum; it is the long moss found in loose and wet meadows, sometimes used by the farmer in lieu of ice to pack outside of butter boxes when brought to market. In pre- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 189 paring this for rooting cuttings of plants in pots, it should be first thoroughly dried and then pul- verized. After filling the pot they should re- ceive a good watering before inserting the cut- tings. CONSERVATOKY OP ABT AND SCI- JSNCE. A meeting of about forty gentlemen represent- ing the association of Agriculture, Art and Sci- ence, and various industrial, educational and mor- al interests of the city, was held February 18, at the Library of the Boston Society of Natural History. The meeting was organized by the choice of Hon. Maksiiall P, Wilder, as Chair- man, and Dr. S. Kneeland, Jr. as Secretarj'. The Chairman stated that the object of the meeting was to take steps for memorializing the present Legislature for a grant of land belonging to the Commonwealth, in aid of a plan for a con- servatory of art and science, and he invited the representatives of the diff'erent interests to state their views. A reading of the portion of the Governor's message, in which he refers to the value of the public land, and advises a certain disposition to be made of a portion of it, brought the subject fairly before the meeting. Hon. A. H. Rice gave a sketch of the rise and progress of education in this community, and traced the connection between education and sci- ence, and the mechanical and fine arts ; the high- est development of knowledge among us was on- ly an expansion of the common school system. He considered that some such plan as the one presented, for the enlargement and practical ap- plication of science in its various branches to the useful and ornamental arts of life, was impera- tively demanded as an educational measure. Prof. Agassiz spoke in favor of the plan, which he thought of great importance, as occupying the middle ground between abstract science and its! practical application. Science, in the abstract, | must go alone, not hampered with any consider- 1 ations of practical application, assisting, but not interfering with each other ; the moment they are combined in the same association, science must languish. Hence the importance of some! institution occupying the ground of an interpre- ter between the two, which he thought the plan proposed would do. Mr. M. 1). Ross said that the cause of the present movement was the fact that this unoccu- pied Back Bay laud was in the vicinity of the city ; in order to make valuable what now is mere water, it must be developed by the citizens, must be used for some purposes of public im- provement. Prof. Agassiz, in relation to the Polytechnic School, said that such an institution, intermedi- ate between trade and science, was vitally impor- tant; they could not be combined in the same association — this he likened to the high schools, which are the necessary medium between the pri- mary school and the university. Rev. Dr. Blagden expressed his approval of any plan which promises to develop the rela- tions between science and art; such an institu- tion as the one proposed, he thought, would ele- vate the intellectual standard of the community, and meet a great public want. Dr. A. A. Gould alluded to the frequency of such institutions in Europe, and thought they were imperatively demanded here. J. D. PniLBKiCK, Esq., President of the Amer- ican Institute of Instruction, Gen. B. F. Ed- MANDs, Mr. George Snelling, Zelotes Hos- mer, Esq., Mr. Alfred Ordway, Rev. Dr. Miles, W. E. Baker, Esq., Amos Binney, Esq., all spoke favorably and earnestly of the plan pro- posed. The Chairman remarked that a large space would be required for the exhibitions of the ag- ricultural products. He alluded to the land bill now before Congress, which, if passed, would give the income of 220,000 acres of government land to Massachusetts to be devoted to an agri- cultural college, if the State would erect the building. Perhaps this income might be devot- ed to the furtherance of the agricultural depart- ment of this plan. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Edmands, Ross, Baker, Wilder, G. M. Pratt, Samuel A. Gookin and A. Ordway, was appointed to pre- pare memorials to the Legislature in aid of the Natural History Society. We regret tha-t the crowded state of our col- umns prevents us from giving in full the remarks of all the gentlemen who spoke. The movement is an excellent one, and we shall be glad to aid it in any way in our power. Por the New England Farmer. TURNIPS— ARE THEY WORTH RAISING? The same land, with equal culture and manure, that will yield 500 bushels of turnips, will yield sixty bushels of Indian corn. What is the com- parative value of these two products for the feed of stock? Neither of them will do well without some other feed — but when a proper quantity of hay is fed with them, either will do very well. My impression is that the corn will do the best, especially when the corn fodder is properly ly used in connection with the grain — and when properly cured and dealt out, it will be found to be worth half as much as so much hay. I am pleased to see the inquiries of Mr. Brigham, of W., on this subject. He writes as though he knew a thing or two. There are many farmers who could answer these inquiries in a satisfacto- ry manner, if they would. Might it not be well to ascertain these things before another season of planting — and not go along entirely on the hap-hazard principle? Essex. Fth. 13, 1859. Forcing Melons, &c. — One of the best meth- ods we have found to raise early plants of the melon and cucumber under glass, is to take sods from three to five inches thick, soak them some twelve hours or more in liquid manure, and then plunge them grass down, into the bed, then in- sert three or four seeds in each sod, where they can afterwards be transplanted with the sod, without disturbing the roots. 190 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April For the Neio England Farmer. TOWN ASSOCIATIONS. Mr. Editor : — I feel rather sleepy to-day, but not enough to prevent me from believing that you and others are striking the right key-note by advocating the formatioa of farmers' clubs and town associations. I trust that your State will move forward in this matter, so that Maine may follow after in the course of twenty years. There are county societies throughout the State that give premiums, but these are usually received by two or three towns in the vicinity of the fair. The Androscoggin River runs nearly 50 miles through Oxford County, and has very many excellent farms its whole length, but they scarcely receive a dollar in premiums. The rea- son is obvious. It costs something to drive cat- tle, or to carry articles twenty or twenty-five miles to the fair, and be on expense for two or three days, and perhaps return without a premi- um. This is the case to a certain extent all over the State. What we want, is some plan matured in your State that shall equalize the benefits to be bestowed. Moving the fair about effects noth- ing. It seems to me that town associations must be established for this purpose. Many towns in Maine now have their town fairs. We had one last year, as on previous years. The stock, neigh- borhood teams, were very fine, and all the farm productions, and the ladies' conlribjtions were in abundance. Committees were raised, and re- ports made, but without premiums. Everybody went home happy ; yet we had, at the same time. State Agricultural and Patent Office Reports sufficient to have given every successful compet- itor a copy. Had we done it, the charm would have been broken. A few would have been sat- isfied, the rest would have grumbled. We chose to give away these books, where we thought they would do the most good. I acknowledge myself an earnest advocate of the farmer's interests, but these interests need equalizing all over the coun- ty. I admired the grit of a young man, a year ago, when at a club m.eeting the expense of rais- ing potatoes was discussed, at the close of the meeting, he remarked, "I can show you next year that potatoes can be raised cheaper than thai," and he did doit, by raising 1500 bushels the last year at one-half the expense estimated by some of his neighbors. He cared nothing about a pre- mium. You need, and so do we, a man to canvass the State, lecture and form clubs in every agricul- tural town. I have more faith in that agency, than in all the premiums the State can bestow. I would not overthrow the County or State soci- eties ; they would be the stronger, by the move- ment. Don't send a white-kidded gentleman among farmers, but an intelligent, practical, com- mon sense man, such as will at heart sympathize with the farmer, and the work is done. Now, Mr. Editor, I am fairly waked up, and will review what I have written. N. T. T. Bethel, Me., Feb. 18, 1859. miums, as now awarded, and of big cattle shows, as now conducted, are nearly at an end. There must be more personal effort, and less show and bluster, and less talk for "Buncombe." You must go to the neighborhood or home of the farmer, and excite him there, among his neighbors — ex- cite them all, once or twice, and then they will excite each other. Cattle shows, properly con- ducted, are well enough for some things, but they are spasmodic, and do not go deep enough with the masses. Remarks. — Glad you are awake, sir — wish there were ten thousand more in the same condi- tion. Your hammer strikes right, and hits the nail on the head. The beneficial results of pre- DECEEASB OF WATER ON THE GLOBi3. At a late meeting of the British Association, a iNIr. Galton read a paper by Mr. J. Spotswood Wilson, "On the General and Gradual Dessicca- tion of the Earth and Atmosphere." The writer drew attention to the fact that those who had travelled in continental lands, especially in or near the tropics, had been forced to reflect on the changes of climate that appeared to have oc- curred. There were parched and barren lands, dry river channels, and waterless lakes, and not unfrequently traces of ancient human habitations, where large populations had been supported, but where all wtis now desolate, dry and barren. After quoting largely from the works of vari- ous travellers and writeis, (among the latest of whom was Dr. Livingston,) and giving interest- ing descriptions of dried up rivers and desolate tracts of country in Australia, Africa, Mexico and Peru, which had forroer'y been inhabited by man, Mr. AVilson concluded that there was a grad- ual solidifying of the aqueous vapors, end conse- quently of water, on the face of this terrestrial world, which he inferred was approaching a state in which it will be impossible for man to continue an inhabitant. Yet, he added, v.-e should feel sat- isfied with the prospect that the term of our oc- cupation is not yet half expired. Races preced- ed us in the chain of existence, and there was no reason to suppose that others would not follow. Indeed, some of those that are destined to suc- ceed seem to be already in existence, and have their home in the icy sea, v/here they enjoy a cli- mate that exceeds man's endurance Vaiious considerations lead to the c nclusion that the fit- ness of the earth for man may extend to a period much longer than that in which it has been occu- pied by him ; nor will that term end till after the Polar bear, the walrus and the narwal have be- come inhabitants of the tropics. For the New Englartd Farmer. SEA KALE. I beg to say a few words upon the cultivation of sea kale, a vegetable of great excellence, and requiring but little care when a bed is once formed. It is perfectly hardy, grows on any light soil, requires no manure, indeed, it does better without it, and is perennial. It may be grown from seed or from the root, and fifty plants occu- pying a small space, will supply a small family. In its taste it resembles the cauliflower, and should be cooked in like manner, by boiling. It comes in season a month before asparagus, and may, by protecting the bed with a heavy 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 191 coating of straw or hay, a practice always to be recommended, be brought forward even in March. It is much better when it is blanched, and this is done by keeping the plants from the sun under pots, boxes or straw. The seed can be purchased at our seed-stores, or if not at all of them, at that of Curtis & Cobb, in Washing- ton Street. Every farmer should have a bed of this vegetable for his own use, and our market- gardeners would find nothing more profitable to cultivate. F. EXTBACTS AND REPLIES. POTATOES FROM THE BALL. In the fall of 1854 I saved a dozen potato balls (all from peach blows) and planted them in a seed bed the following spring, from which I dug about two quarts of 'small specimens" of every conceivable shape and color. There are over thir-j ty distinct varieties — some very poor and much aJffected with the rot — others white, mealy and nice, and not much affected — some yield well, [ and are good sized, others produce just enough i fcr seed, and little, watery, soggy things at that, j I have planted such as I thought to be the most promising, and from my experience in the matter I am of the opinion that there will be a few among them that will prove productive and profitable. I raised last year from a bushel and a half of these potatoes, thirty-five bushels of sound ones, on ordinary ground, without taking any extra pains with them. J. J. Watson. Orange, Vt.,Feb.7, 1859. HOW TO CURE KICKING COWS. In last week's Farmer I noticed an inquiry by R subscriber in South Weymouth for a remedy for a kicking cow. I have had many such, and have used various remedies, I have sometimes put a rope or small chain around the cow's body just back of the fore legs, and with a small stick, twist it quite tight. Occasionally it does very well. If the cow is not very bad, put a strap around the hind legs in the form of an 8, and draw it pretty tight. I had very good success the last season, in subduing some turbulent heifers, by applying a sort of ring with a spring to it, called a bull- holder, to the nose of the animal, and drawing the head pretty high ; after a few lessons they generally give up. Abel F. Adams. Fitchhurg, 1859. a COMPLIMENT — BOOK-FARMING — USEFUL MANURES. It is a paper which ought to be read by every farmer in New England. Many of the single ar- ticles it contains of themselves are worth the price of the paper. I am not one of those who declaim against book-farming, but am willing to receive instruction from any source. It seems to me that book-farming and practical experience can be made to harmonize. Who, in reading some agricultural journal, has not had his atten- tion called to some valuable muck deposit, or other material, upon his farm, which may prove a mine of wealth or a bank from which to draw in time of need, rather than from the purse to pay for adulterated manures ? Again, the success of our farmers carefully no- ted down and laid before the public, has proba- bly done much towards reclaiming that swamp, underdraining this wet field, sinking tliose bould- ers, and a hundred other like improvement. By the way, I beg leave to differ from your correspondent from West Needham, wliere he says "there is no place more suitable for manure in winter than under the eaves of the south side of the barn." He seems to think that manure made in a barn-cellar is too strong for growing plants — but where is there not a chance for mel- lowing it with muck, forest scrapings, leaves, or even saw-dust, if too strong, and thus increase the farmer's bank, rather than diminish it by soaking eaves and washing showers ? Pottersville, N. H., Feb., 1859. GARGET POISON TO HORSES. Last May, one of my neighbors had a cow to which he wished to feed some garget, and to cut it used a hay-cutter, the one that they cut hay with for two horses ; the result was, the horses got some small pieces of the garget, and they both died in a few days from the effects of the poison. I mention this for the good of the pub- lic, as I think there are many farmers who do not know that garget is a deadly poison to horses. A SUBSCRIBEB. Putney, Vt., 1859. _ "SPARE THE BIRDS." I have just met in Vol. X. of the Farmer, p. 306, a well- written article on this subject, which I refer to with the greatest pleasure, as it contro- verts the notions of Mr. N. Page, Jr., put forth with adroitness in the lately published transac- tions of the Essex Society. I admire to see the beautiful robin hopping and chirping about, and would not have them wantonly killed. I cannot agree with Mr. Page, that they deserve to be killed, because they pick a part, it may be the larger part, of currants, strawberries or cherries. RULES FOR MEASURING LUMBER. Can you inform me where I can get a log-book for measuring round timber of any size or length, or scantling ? A book that will tell or give the measure of any kind of lumber ? Marshjield, Vt., Feb., 1859. C. H. Lewis. Remarks. — The Text Book of Modern Car- pentry, published by Crosby, Nichols cS; Co., of this city, contains more that you want than any other book we know. We find very little on the measurement of timber in any of the mechanics' text-books. MAPLE SUGAR. I send you a sample of maple sugar made on the 18th of February. I tapped eight small sec- ond-growth trees on the I7th, from which I ob- tained eight pails of sap of the sweetest flavor. I do not believe any one in Vermont has got the start of me in making maple sugar this year. Poultney Vt., Feb. 22, 1859. J. E. Cobb. Remarks. — Excellent — excellent. Hope you have a good memory ! 192 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April SALT AS A MANURE. Friend Brown : — I wish to know how salt is to be applied to the soil, — whether it should be mixed with barn-manure, or sown broad-cast? If mixed with manure, in what proportion ? If sown, how much to an acre, at what season, and what kind of soil is most benefited by it ? Would j y* it be advantageous to use it when barley is to be j might work better on rocky land, than the Uni- grown ? How would it aftect pasture land? And|versal, gauged to a certain depth, they work well — but in stony land they hold hard and don't turn well. Answer. — We hear the Universal Plow spok- en highly of — have used one to plow several acres of sward land, and find it to work admira- It is quite probable that a shorter plow further, I would solicit the opinion of some of your expei'ienced correspondents on the profit likely to accrue from purchasing salt at 20 cts. per bushel for agricultural purposes. Would you consider it profitable to buy air- slaked lime, at eight cents per bushel, to put on land ? A. C. BuFFUM. North Berwick, 3d Mo. 3d, 1859. Remarks. — We have often used salt as a fer- tilizer, but have not pursued the experiments with suflScient accuracy to make them worthy of note. So we refer to others, and find plenty of evidence that salt may be used profitably as a fertilizer where it can be obtained at low rates — where it is dirty or in a damaged state so as to make it unfit for common purposes. Salt renders dry loams more susceptible of ab- sorbing moisture from the air, and this is of great importance, because those soils which ab- sorb the greatest proportion of water from the atmosphere, are always the most valuable to the cultivator. On heavy undrained lands it would not act beneficially When sprinkled slightly over manure heaps it checks the escape of the carbonate of the ammo- nia, and tends to prevent undue fermentation It not only acts on vegetation as a stimulant, but serves as a direct constituent, or food, of some kinds of plants. Applied to grain crops, on light soils, at the rate of 500 pounds to the acre, salt increases the produce of seed, and very much improves its weight and quality per bushel. On grass land and clover, salt has a good effect, rendering the •herbage more palatable to stock. Mangold wurtzel, manured with salt mixed with farm-yard dung, at the rate of ten or twelve bushels, or even more, per acre, grows luxuri- antly. It would undoubtedly be useful on a bar- ley crop, because the soil adapted to that plant, is the kind of soil most benefited by salt. We do not doubt but that salt at 20 cts., and air-slaked lime at 8 cts. per bushel, would be profitable on land where they are actually needed. universal plow — BLOODY MILK — FLEMISH BEAUTY PEAR. Do you know how the Universal Plow works on rocky and stony ground, whether greensward or old ground, rigged with the intervale mould ? It looks in the cut as if it might work well. The Eagle of Nourse, Mason & Co., are of good workmanship and material, and in clear land, Bunches came on the teats of my young cow, and she gave bloody milk ; I gave her garget, and the blood ceased to come, but the bunches remain. What shall I do for her ? Answer. — Give her six drops of the tincture of Aconite, on some meal wet up with water, every other day for ten days. Do Flemish Beauty pears often crack ? I had some that cracked so badly last year as to be worthless ; they were on gravelly and stony land. One tree had lime, ashes and soap suds around it. A Subscriber. Answer. — Are you quite sure that your pear is the Flemish Beauty? It has not the habit of cracking. This pear must be gathered earlier than most others, even before the fruit parts readily from the tree, and then ripened in the house. If left to ripen on the tree it becomes soft and flavorless, and decays soon. HUNGARIAN GRASS. Is it an annual plant, or is it of the nature of other grasses ? Will you tell us all about the Honey Blade Hungarian Grass Seed? Cambridge, Vt., 1859. Green Grass. Remarks. — We have quite recently given an account of this grass. We have not grown it, but understand that it is an annual plant, requir- ing to be sov/ed every spring, like millet. The "Honey Blade" is a honied term to catch gulls with. Test it by the rod rather than by the acre — by purchasing and sowing only a few pounds of the seed at first. ARE HENS PROFITABLE? I make the keeping of hens more profitable than any other stock, compared with the capital invested. I feed my young chickens with corn meal four times a day, and plenty of skimmed milk. When old enough to lay, I give them all the corn and oats they will eat, with gravel, lime, and frequently cayenne pepper, mixed with their meal. Twelve hens will lay 142 dozen of eggs in a year, or 142 each, and I call that doing well — though they will sometimes do more. East New Sharon, Me., 1859. A. R. Hall. ARTICHOKES. A correspondent of the Cultivator says that 2000 bushels of this root could be raised on one acre. I have no doubt of this, for from a single rather small tuber I dug in the fall nearly or quite one peck. This root threw up three stocks, yielding as above. I. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 193 THE MAKIE LOUIEB PEAR. Forme de Marie T.nrtsE. XLUilB CuttETIENNI. In accordance with our promise at the com- mencement of the year, to illuminate our col- umns with choice illustrations of valuable sub- jects, we now have the pleasure of adding to oth- ers already given, the above beautiful and truth- ful portrait of the Marie Louise Pear— a pear "everywhere held in the highest estimation." According to Downing's account, "this truly delicious pear was originated from seed, by the Ablie Duqueane, of Belgium, in 1809, and its fruit was first sent to England by Van Mous, in Princess de Pabme. Braddick's Field Standard. jl816. It was introduced into this country, along I with many other fine Flemish pears, about 15 years ago, and is everywhere held in the highest estimation, keeping for a long time in the house. The tree is hardy, but has an awkward, rather crooked, and declining habit, and very narrow leaves. In the nursery it is best, therefore, to graft it standard high, when it soon makes a good head. The young shoots are olive gray. It is a pear for every garden, bearing very regularly. Fruit pretty large, oblong-pyriform, rather itr 194 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. APKIIi regular or one-sided in figure. Skin at first pale green, but at maturity, rich yellow, a good deal sprinkled and mottled with light russet, on the exposed side. Stalk an inch and a half long, obliquely planted, sometimes under a slightly raised lip, sometimes in a narrow, somewhat plaited basin. Flesh white, exceedingly buttery and melting, with a rich, very saccharine and vi- nous flavor. Last of September and middle of October." A HAY SPEEADING MACHINE WAETTED The farmer has found valu"jb le assistance in se- curing his hay crop in the mowing machine, and horse rake ; they enable him to get more hay, to get it better, in a shorter time and at a cheaper rate, than he ever did without their aid. The mowing machine spreads the hay very evenly on the ground where it grew, leaving it in a condition to dry rapidly, but not to be easi- ly turned, unless it is done by the slow process of using the hand rake. AVhat is wanted now, is, some light, cheap im- plement, to put into the fields about ten or eleven o'clock, A. M., with a boy and horse, to pass over the hay rapidly and fling it to the air, so that it ■will be sufficiently dry to go into the barn on the same day that it is cut. The process of haymak- ing might then be, — cut the grass with a mowing machine just at night, or early in the morning and by ten or eleven o'clock the top would be nearly dry ; then, between eleven and two o'clock, pass over it rapidly with the "tedding machine,' or hay spreader, keeping it in motion while the men are at dinner, and by two o'clock, the hay will be ready to go to the barn, provided the day is bright, attended with a drying wind. Hay made in this way may be secured at a cost of about one dollar per ton less than where it is raked, cocked, partially spread again the next day, and then tumbled up and got in. To any person keeping a dozen head of stock, this saving ought to be sufficient, in one or two years, to pay the cost of the machine. The Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, purchased an English Tedding Machine last year, and introduced it into Middle- sex county. We saw it on the farm of Gen. Ly- man, at Waltham, who had given it a thorough trial, and who expressed a decidedly favorable opinion of its merits, and of its adaptation to the same fields where the mower has been used. This machine is all iron, too heavy by one-half, and too expensive. Yankee ingenuity can devise one more simple in its construction, lighter, and cheaper, and yet strong enough to be durable, and do all the work required of it. Who will de- vise and construct it, and make $10,000 out of it ? Here is a fine opening for inventive genius. Make a machine, and allow us to test its merits by the 25th of June. For the Netp England Farmers COAIi AS^HES AS A MANTJKB. But few experiments have been made by Amer- ican farmers to test the fertilizing properties of coal ashes. While we are importing guano and other manures from foreign lands in enormous quantities, and at great expense, it may be well to employ some substances nearer home, which are now neglected and cast aside as useless. Thousands of tons of ashes might be obtained ia cities, where coal is extensively employed for fa- el, which, when applied to the soil, would doubt- less greatly augment its productive powers. It is stated in '"Faulkner's Farmers' Manual," an English publication on manures, that coal ashes contain sulphate of lime, with some potash and soda, all of which are known, when separately applied, to produce a good effect on clover crops, and to constitute an important part of the food of all grasses. The following experiment by an English far- mer, may shed some light on the subject ; the ground selected contained three perches of clo- ver ; the first had no manure, and produced thir- ty-eight pounds when cut in full head ; the sec- ond, where four quarts of sifted coal ashes, which had not been exposed to the weather, were ap- plied, the produce was fifty pounds ; on the third perch, one quart of plaster was sown, and the crop weighed fifty-four pounds. It will be seen that the ashes increased the clover nearly one- quarter above that on which no manure was ap- plied, which goes to prove that this substance is a valuable fertilizer. Coal is said to be of vege- table origin ; therefore, we can see no reason why its ashes should not contain the food of plants. Experiments on various soils and crops might be made by any farmer at a small expense, as coal is employed as fuel in nearly every town. O. V. Hills. Leominister, Mass., Feb., 1859. UNIVEKSAL PLOW FOB STONY LAND. Since replying to the inquiry of a correspon- dent recently, in regard to the value of the Uni- versal Plow on stony land, we have taken pains to call on one of the best plowmen in New England who was among the first to use it, and with the various mould-boards before us, had a long "plow-talk" over them, and could not fail to come to the conclusion that the upland mould- boards of the Universal Plow adapt the instru- ment peculiarly well to the plowing of rough and stony grass lands. They have a short and powerful curvature or twist, which enables them to turn the sod well among stones. They are quite broad on the bottom and at the heel, so that they spread the furrow-slice well, and prevent stones from rolling back into the chan^ nel and bringin g the furrow-slice back with them, grass-side up. Whatever the share enters un- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 1^5 der and lifts, the mould-board is quite sure to spread off and turn over effectually. The share has a good strong dip, or earthward tendency, which enables the plow to enter read- ily under the furrow-slice, and among the stones, to hug the ground well. The proportions of length of beam to weight of plow are such as to balance the instrument well, and make it run true, without jumping ■when the share strikes a stone or other obstacle. The stubble mould-boards of the Universal Plow work excellently in old ground that is stony. They are short, with a strong turn and peculiar form, by which they lift the furrow-slice high and throw it off powerfully, burying the stubble and vegetable matter completely, and leaving a clean channel for the next slice, and breaking and pulverizing the soil. The No. 141 upland is the right mould-board to buy for plowing stony grass land, where the team is two to three cattle ; and the No. 152 stubble mould, for a pair of horses or oxen in plowing old ground. That makes two changes. A third and excellent change is had by procuring the skim plow and using it on for- ward of the No. 152 stubble mould, for sod and subsoil plowing, working the land 8 to 10 or 12 inches deep, as desired. The best form of mould- board for stubble or old ground plowing, is also the best for the rear mould-board in sod and sub- soil plowing, lifting the earth high and throwing it off well. The No. 152 mould-board does this to perfection. The No. 140 upland mould -board is a larger size than the 141, for two yokes of ox- en. The No. 141 mould-board has been consid- erably used for plowing stony sod land, and the best reports are heard from it. GLOBE MANGEL ■WXTBTZEL. Mr. Brown : — A few weeks since I forwarded to you a few words on the Yellow Globe variety of Wurtzel, as cultivated in France, and having met with some remarks of an English farmer, commending this sort, I herewith send you the following extract : — "With regard to this variety not producing near the weight of the long rooted, I would say that the result of my first trial in the same field and under precisely similar treatment as the long, was so much in favor of the Globe, that its merit with me and several who witnessed it was so far established, as to induce me to sow only sufficiently long, to produce an additional proof of its inferiority. In my case, the result is a de- cidedly increased quantity and quality. Added to this, its superiority as a keeper is unquestion- able ; the reason with me is obvious, for the vir- tue and quality of the root being concentrated in its globular form, whereas in the long, the want of that density and close texture renders it more exposed to the action of the air, which absorbs that portion of succulent matter indis- pensible to its proper keeping for the purposes of late feeding, in which its permanent value consists." The Orange Globe, (says another,) "is more nutritious." For the cultivation of the Mangel Wurtzel, see the N. E. Farmer for last May. I. NATIVE SHRUBS. In the culture of ornamental shrubs, but little attention has been given to our beautiful native varieties, such as the large flowering mountain laurel, (Kalmia latifolia,) Rhodora Canadensis, and Clethra anifolia. These three sorts rival in beauty many of our foreign or introduced shrubs. The Kalmia is not only found growing in a swampy or wet soil, but also on compara- tively dry upland ; its general height is from four to eight feet, the flowers are disposed in large corymbs at the extremity of the branches, and are of a white color, tinted with red. It blos- soms in June and July. The plants, when taken up with a ball of earth attached and placed in a half-shady situation, not being exposed to the meridian sun, the soil rather moist, will gener- ally succeed. They should be transplanted as early in April as possible. The Rhodora, or as it is sometimes called, "The False Honeysuckle," is a smaller shrub, with beautiful purple flowers which precede the leaves early in the spring ; the bush, when in bloom, resembles a dwarf peach ; its height is about two feet, and it is found growing frequently in clumps in low ground, but will flourish in almost all good soils that are not too dry. This shrub should be tak- en up as early in spring as possible, or late in the fall. The Clethra, called White Pepper Bush, is a tall and clean-looking white flowering shrub, having leaves of a rich and shining green, rare- ly injured by insects; the flowers have a strong fragrance resembling the Syringa or Mock Orange. We have often commended our culti- vators to try this plant for hedges, particularly on moist or springy land, as it is invariably found in such soils. RADISH— ONION. A good method to pursue to obtain radishes free from worms, is to mix seeds of the Early Olive radish with that of the onion, sowing them together : that is, in a bed requiring two ounces of onion seed, mix one-half an ounce of the rad- ish. We find that in pulling these roots, it does not seemingly interfere with or injure the onion. The onion we should sow, and would commend for table use, is the Early Weathersfield Red ; it is milder flavored, and a more delicate variety than the Danvers Thick, or the Common Yellow, and altogether the best variety for eating ; the root is of the form and size of the other varieties. 196 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aprii, CHESHIRE COUNTY, N. H, The people in Convention, comparing their experiences Another of the series of agricultural meetings instituted in Cheshire County, was held at Keene, Feb. 17, in the Town Hall. Gen. Converse, President of the County Society, in the chair The afternoon was devoted to a general discus- sion of the subject of Manures, and to that of Wheat, — the question upon the latter being, whether the farmer cannot raise the grain and supply himself with flour, at less cost than he can raise other articles, subject himself to the cost of finding a market, selling, and then, after paying three or four profits to those whose hands it has passed through, purchase what he needs for his family supply? No vote was taken upon the question, but judging from the remarks of the speakers, we came to the conclusion that the im- pression was a general one that the farmers of Cheshire County were working at considerable disadvantage in neglecting to raise wheat, and in purchasing so largely of flour. As an illustration of the amount of flour purchased in the towns, it was stated that in a single town in that State, where there was not a manufacturing estab- lishment in the town, but where nearly all the people were engaged in farming, and the popula- tion only about fifteen hundred souls. Jive thous- and dollars worth of flour was annually sold ! And it was thought that about this state of things exists all over New England. It appeared by the statements made that there is no difficulty in ob taining remunerating crops of wheat in that re gion. Mr. George H. Wright, of Keene, said he had always raised wheat, and got an average of fifteen bushels per acre, and found the crop as sure as any other. Mr. James Elliot, of Iveene, said he had raised forty bushels of wheat on a little less than one acre and a quarter ! Col. Ad- ams, of Fitzwilliam, rarely failed in getting a good crop of wheat ; thought it as sure and profitable as any of our farm crops. Mr. BoTCE, of Troy, said he went into debt for a farm, raised wheat profitably, and soon brought the farm into condi- tion to make it a sure and good investment of his labor. The discussion of the subject of manures took a wide range — but the evidence was, that the far- mer must mainly depend upon what can be accu- mulated on the farm through his own industry and skill in collecting, composting and preserv- ing it ; that this, more than all others, is the manure best adapted to the soil and the crops, and will secure to him the most successful and profitable results. Mr. Milan Harris, of Har- risville, gave detailed statements of his experien- ces with guano, showing that on moist lands, with proper skill in its application, he had used considerable quantities with satisfactory results. But notwithstanding this, he candidly stated that he agreed in the opinion expressed by others, that the farmer must depend upon the resources of his own farm, and if he used the specific fer- tilizers, must use them as helps, rather than as principals. In this connection, Mr. S. W. Bup- FUM, of Winchester, spoke of the importance of a better knowledge of our farm operations, and especially in preparing the manures upon which we are to depend for successful crops. He warm- ly urged upon the farmers more reading and care- ful investigation, and said no efforts they might make would pay better in the end. In these statements he was confirmed by the venerable John Prentiss, of Keene, who said that farmers, as a class, undervalued books, and that in the fifty years he had been a bookseller in that place, he had rarely sold a work treating upon agricul- tural matters to a farmer ! The mechanic, the machinist, merchant and manufacturer, were eager to gather information from books, or any other source, but the farmer seems to have pre- judices that are invulnerable. Mr. P. also de- tailed his plan of making up a manure heap by collecting leaves and all sorts of vegetable refuse, and composting them with matter from the cow and horse stall, depositing the mass under cover until it became quite fine, and then using it upon his garden crops. Mr. Woodward, Editor of the Keene Sentinel, spoke favorably of top-dress- ing mowing lands before the roots of the grass are exhausted, and thus make them continue to yield a ton and a half per acre for a dozen years in succession, instead of incurring the expense of re-seeding each five or six years. In the evening, the meeting was much more fully attended. A lecture was read by the Editor of the N. E. Farmer, upon some of the hindran- ces of good farming, and upon its social relations, and then an animated discussion followed, which continued until past nine o'clock. The next meeting of the series was held at Marlow, 17 miles from Keene, the next day, Fri- day, the 18th. Hon. Allen Griffin was elected President, and Mr. Lewis, Secretary. The grass crop, manures, grain crops and top-dressing were the subjects discussed. The President opened the meeting in an interesting speech upon prac- tical topics, which operated as a key-note through- out. Messrs. Elliot, of Keene, Downer, Dr. Perkins, Col. Farley and Messer, of Marlow, related experiments or experiences in regard to one or another of these subjects. Mr. Powers, of Marlow, said he brought land that was so poor that sorrel would not grow on it, into a high state of product by the use of meadow much. The President confirmed this statement by saying that he often had occasion to pass the land re- ferred to, and believed it to be one of the most 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 197 productive fields in the town. Mr. Parker, of Marlow, made valuable statements in relation to the use of muck, and urged the people to give it more attention, and cited several things that had been said as showing the importance of such gath- erings as these. He thought them just what is needed to improve the condition of New Hamp- shire farms. Mr. Simoxds had used tan, he said, with excellent results — plowed under deep, it keeps the land light and porous, and he believed had some fertilizing properties. The evening exercises were similar to those at Keene, and the Town Hall was crowded with at- tentive listeners until 9 P. M. For the New England Farmer, PEED OP MILCH COWS. Mr. Editor : — In looking over the "Transac- tions of the Worcester North Agricultural Soci- ety," for 1858, I have been a good deal interest- ed in the record of some experiments, made by John Brooks, Jr., of Princeton, for the purpose of testing the relative value of different kinds of feed for milch cows. So far as one can judge through the manifold blunders of the printer — (you gentlemen of the press do sometimes make strange work — [It is strange there are not more. — Eds.] with types) — the experiments appear to have been tried with care ; but they would have shown better the comparative milk and butter- producing qualities of the varieties of feed, if each variety had been given to the animals some days before the result was recorded, so that the trial should begin under the full influence of the feed experimented with ; for in the daily record there is sometimes a large difference between the first and the last days of the trial, the effect of one kind of feed running into the next experi- ment. For instance, as to the amount of milk ; one cow, during the trial of cotton seed meal, gave at the commencement, 10.94 pounds, and on the last day 14.19 pounds, showing a daily in- crease for the whole time. And with 15 pounds of English turnips daily, all the cows gave an in- creased amount of milk at the close ; while, with the same quantity of rutabagas, directly follow- ing the English turnips, three of the four cows gave less milk at the end than at the beginning of the term — in one case a pound a day less. On the last day of trial with English turnips, the ag- gregate of milk given by the four cows was 37.37 pounds ; with rutabagas it was but 34.50 pounds. This result conflicts with the common opinion in regard to the relative value of the English tur- nip and rutabaga ; and perhaps it should not be received as settling any point in dispute ; but, looking at the various aspects of the result, it certainly should not be set aside as worthless testimony in favor of the turnip. It is to be re- gretted that Mr. Brooks did not state which of the very numerous varieties of the English tur- nip was used in his experiments, as there ii probably some difference in their value for feed I have made an abstract of some of the more important matters in Mi\ Brooks' tables, which, perhaps, you will think of sufficient value to pre- sent to your readers. I take at random the cow Dora. The quantities of milk given, are the dai- ly average for the whole term of five days for each experiment. She gave, when fed on . a I- a o cqth lbs. pr. ct. oz. Hay only, 27.60 lbs 8.33 1.66 10 Hay 22 lbs., cotton seed meal,2.751bs..ll 51 1.87 12 Hay 24.40 lbs., Eng. turnips, 15 lbs 10.59 171 11 Hay 23 lbs., ruta bagas, 15 lbs 10 06 1.61 10 Hay 23 50 lbs., carrots, 15 lbs 10 89 1.65 10 Hay 25 lbs., English carrots, 15 lbs 10.38 168 10 Clover hay, 2na crop, 28.40 lbs 11.31 1.73 11 Hay23.80 1b3., corn meal, 2.75 lbs 10.46 1.67 10 In the following table may be seen the daily average for the four cows used for the experi- ments, with the average increase or decrease of milk during the time occupied by each trial. Does Mr. Brooks, by English carrot, mean the common white carrot ? a *•- So So lbs. pr. ct. lbs. Hayonly 7.34 1.64 .97 Hay and cotton seed meal 9.34 1.84 1.97 Hay and English turnips 8.93 1.70 .73 Hay and carrots 8.81 1.57 .53 Hay and English carrots 8.31 1.63 .29 Clover hay, 2nd crop 8.69 1.81 2.64 Hay and corn meal 7.82 1.68 .62 Hay and ruta bagas 9.07 1.61 .40 dec'e. Mr. Brooks prooaoly has convenient arrange- ments for experiments of this sort — will he not increase the obligation under which the farming community lies to him, by enlarging on his ex- periments, and bringing new articles of feed to the test ? He can then do a great service to his brethren, while he is benefiting himself more es- pecially. MiNOT Pratt. Concord, Feb. 17, 1859. FRUTT CUIiTUBB. The greatest desideratum, at this time, in the culture of the apple and pear, particularly the latter, is to ascertain for ourselves, on our re- spective soils, what varieties will succeed well with us, and cultivate these, as being the most remunerative. Our fruit books generally do not enlighten us much on this important matter. One of the most practical cultivators of fruit and vegetables in England for almost a century, (having recent- ly deceased at a very advanced age,) was John Rogers ; he may be said to be the only writer who has given us scarcely anything upon the im- portance of the right soil for the various kinds ; thus in his description of the St. Germain pear, he writes, "No tree thrives better on a light, shal- low loam, on a dry bottom ; and no pear is of less value, if grown in deep, rich, heavy soil." He speaks of apples "having local propensities, rendering them more prolific in one place than another," and continues, "deep, rich soils in shel- tered situations, are not the most proper for the apple, though recommended by 'writers who ought to have known better." Uo NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aprii, "When asked the cause of canker, he would re- ply, "that it is occasioned by too deep planting on unfavorable soils." Of the Quince apple, it should not be planted on a strong, moist soil ; of another variety, should be planted in a light, sandy loam; of another, should be in the same, for though it arrives at a greater size, both of tree and fruit, in deep and rich loam, the fruit greatly deteriorates. The Nonpareil requires a light, rich loam, on a dry subsoil, for in heavy soils it soon becomes cankered and falls to decay. Of the Summer Golden Pippin, a light, loamy soil, on a dry bottom suits it best. Of Har- vey's Pippin, this sort is not nice as to soil gen- erally. Of the famous Ribston Pippin, which he calls the "Glory of York," he says, tree hardy, healthy and vigorous, if planted in a loamy soil, having a dry, hard subsoil; stiff, moist soil causes canker, while on inferior soils, even in bleak situations, the tree bears bountifully. As regards the above extracts, it may be said that these eifects may not necessarily follow in our country ; but if they may not occur to such an extent on our soils, we cannot but think, from •what we have observed here, that it will be found to be true in a measure, at least, on our New England soil. For the New England Farmer. HOW TO TREAT A YOUNG OHCHABD. Mr. Editor : — How would you advise to treat a young orchard of six acres, set at different times, since 1848? The land a rather poor, grav- elly, sandy soil ; a part abounding in stumps, having been cleared four years since. Previous to setting, holes seven feet in diameter, 18 to 24 inches deep, were dug and filled with top soil, loam, and in some cases, mud. The part first set has been kept in constant cultivation, mod- erately manured and cropped with corn, pota- toes, beans, roots, &c. Distance from barn one half mile. The manure from the barn-yard can be used to good advantage, (is in fact needed,) on orcharding, mowing-fields and gardens nearer home. Queries. — Would it be good policy to keep the ground plowed and harrowed, without manuring or cropping ? AVould it be a good plan to sow buckwheat or some crop to turn in green ? Or would a slight manuring and cropping, (planting nothing within several feet of the trees) be on the whole better, economically considered, than either of the above methods ? In general, the growth of the trees thus far has been very good. Unquestionably, liberal manuring would be a capital idea ; but where this is not readily obtained, it is natural to seek other means to gain the desired object. Lexington, Feb., 1859. Subscriber. it to depreciate. Our opinion is, that the trees should be kept in vigorous condition in prefer- ence to the mowing-fields near home. Let a por- tion of these go to pasture, or rest, if you cannot supply the whole with manure, and dress the or- charding so that the trees will continue to grow thriftily. They will not stand still — if they are not growing, they will soon become sickly, bor- ers and other vermin will attack them, and they will soon acquire a habit of decay which you cannot arrest. Plow the ground, manure it as well as you can, sow clover seed and cut the crop for two years ; then cut the rowen, let it lay and wilt a day or two and plow that under, and you will fill the soil with vegetable matter from the roots of the clover. With a lighter manuring, the land may then be moderately cropt for a year or two, and then you may change to clover again. In this way the crops will pay for labor and manure, and you will get the growth of the trees free. PORTABLE IRON GRIST MILL. We know nothing, personally, of the merits of this mill, but give the illustration and description of a party interested, because we believe a good, low-priced mill is an article much needed by farmers. It is stated that "the grinding surfaces are fiat like a burr millstone." Remarks. — As you have begun an orchard, and already jexpended considerable money upon it, it will be exceedingly baJ economy to suffer "The mills have been severely tested, and have been driven 600 revolutions a minute, grinding 12 to 15 bushels of fine meal an hour, without clogging, and thus demonstrating the fact that the principle of the mill is correct. The grain feeding directly upon the revolving under plate — the upper plate being stationary — is ground or cut as fine as is wished by regulating a screw at the bottom of the spindle, while the centrifugal force drives the meal to the outer edge and throws it off. These mills are constructed whol- ly of cast and wrought iron, are of great strength 1859. XEAV ENGLAND FARMER. 199 and efficiency, with no springs or wood-work to get out of order. It requires little power or skill to run it. It will grind saleratus, cream tartar, white sugar, bones, grain, coffee, and as a chic- cory and spice mill has no equal. Any part of it can be duplicated Ht small expense. The grind- ing surfaces are very durable, and can be dupli- cated v/heu worn out at the expense of a single pecking of a burr stooe, witu no delay of the mill. "There are two sizes ; the small hand mill,'suit- ed to the wants of the farmer, is of sufficient power and capacity to do all his milling at home at his leisure, and saving in tolls enough in a short time, to pay for the mill. "The large mill is of great strength and power, and can be driven by horse or other power to do great execution." For the New England Farmer. THE ONION MAGGOT. Mr. Editor : — Reflecting upon the inquiry you made of me yesterday morning, I thought it might be useful to answer with more distinct- ness, in a form that you can make known to those seeking the information. Your inquiry was, as I understood it. Has any mode of destroying the maggot or worm that depredates upon the onion yet been discovered? My answer was. None, or none that has come to my knowledge. The last season, I made particular inquiry on this subject of Mr. D. Buxton, Jr., I. Bushby and I. Stone, three of the most intelligent culti- vators in this county, and their answer, uniformly, was like that given by Gov. Lincoln, in 1845, at the close of a discussion of the potato rot ; the only thing certain about it is, ''it is death to the potato." Be this as it may, I have never had better potatoes than this past season ; and al- though many hundred bushels of onions have been destroyed by the maggot, there are still enough left fair and bright for all reasonable purposes. A still more blasting and mysterious influence pervades some fields, known as the black vomit or the rust ; to which, two years ago, I called the attention of the savans of the Essex Institute at Salem, and induced them to view the premises ; but their Report thereon has not yet appeared. J. W. Proctor'. South Danvers, Jan., 1859. SQUASHES VS. PUMPKINS. Cultivators often lose sight of the distinction between species and varieties, hence they recom- mend the "importance" of planting all the melon, squash and cucumber tribe of plants away from each other, with the idea that they will mix. The Marrow, Valpariaso, Hubbard and Acorn, called squashes, will mix with each other, and also with the Connecticut Field and hard-shelled pump- kins, but not, as we have ever found, with the crook neck, the last of which we consider the true type of squashes. This variety may have more affinity to the family of gourds ; we have heard that it will degenerate if grown in connection with the bottle gourd ; of this we know nothing personally. As for any of the above hybridizing with the melon or cucumber, if this should have possibly taken place, Ave think it doubtful whether the seeds from these abortions, (if they should have any,) would vegetate. If the analogy in the animal and vegetable world hold good, they would not, any more than the eggs of the mongrel Canada goose crossed with our native bird, or a colt could be obtained from the mule. BOYS' DEPxiRTMENT. A STORY FOB BOYS. "When I was six years old," says a well-known merchant, "my father died, leaving nothing to my mother but the charge of myself and two young sisters. After selling the greater part of the household furniture she had owned, she took two small upper rooms in W Street, and there, by her needle, contrived in some way — how I cannot conceive, when I recollect the bare pit- tance for which she worked — to support us in comfort. Frequently, however, I remember that our supper consisted simply of a slice of bread, seasoned by hunger, and rendered inviting by the neat manner in which our repast Avas served, our table always being spread with a cloth, which, like my good mother's heart, seemed ever to pre- serve a snow-white purity." Wiping his eyes, the merchant continued : "Speaking of those days reminds me of the time when we sat down to the table one evening, and my mother had asked the blessing of our Heavenly Father on her little defenceless ones, in tones of tender pathos which I remember yet, and which, if possible, must have made the an- gels Aveep, she divided the little remnant of her only loaf into three pieces, placing one on each of our plates, but reserving none for herself. I stole around to her, and was about to tell her that I Avas not hungry, when a flood of tears burst from her eyes, and she clasped me to her bosom. Our meal Avas left untouched ; we sat up late that night, but what aa'b said 1 cannot tell. I know that my mother talked to me more as a companion than a child, and that when we knelt doAvn to pray, I consecrated myself to be the Lord's, and to serve my mother. "But this is not telling you how ntatness made my fortune. It was sometime after this that my mother found an advertisement in the newspaper for an errand boy in a commission store in B Street Without being necessitated to wait to have my clothes mended, for my mother al- ways kept them in ])erfect order, and although, on minute inspection, they l)ore traces of more than one patch, yet on the Avhole they had a very respectable air ; Avithout being obliged to Avait even to polish my shoes, for my mother always kept a box of blacking Avith Avhich my coAvhides must he set oft' befon' I took rny breakfast ; Avi'li- out, waiJng to arrange my hair, for I had been 200 NEW ENGLAND FAKMER. April obliged to observe from my earliest youth the most perfect neatness in every respect, my moth- er sent me to see if I could obtain the situation. With alight step I started, for I had a long time •wished my mother to allow me to do something to assist her. "My heart beat fast, I assure you, as I turned otit of W Street into B Street, and made my way along to the number my mother had given me. I summoned all the courage I could muster, and stepped briskly into the store, and made known the reason of my calling. The merchant smiled, and told me that there was another boy who had come in a little while before me he thought he should hire. However, he asked me some questions, and then went out and conversed with the other boy, who stood in the back part of the office. The result was, that the lad v,ho first applied was dismissed, and I en- tered the merchant's employment, first as an er- rand boy, then as a clerk, afterwards his partner, until his death, when he left me the whole busi- ness, stock, &c. After I had been in his service some years, he told me the reason he chose me m preference to the other boy, was because of the general neatness of my person, while in ref- erence to the other lad, he noticed that he neg- lected properly to tuck down his vest. To this circumstance has probably been owing the great- er part of my success in business." LADIES' DEPARTMENT. these, again, aid in increasing the circumferen- tial extension and clumsiness of the body, the former of which is by no means accommodating to the gentlemen, either on the narrow sidewalks in Boston, or in carriages, or cars generally ; and the latter surely cannot be viewed favorably as a feminine recommendation by one of the other sex in pursuit of a partner for life. But, seriously, there are most weighty objec- tions against this now prevalent custom Of late an eminent physician abroad has raised his warn- ing voice against this pernicious custom. He say-;, "he has no doubt but in the parturient chamber he has lost several patients who might have survived this critical period, had they not have been debilitated by colds, and irritations and inflammations induced by such a reckless ex- posure of female health as does, and must neces- sarily result, from such gear in winter, as hooped petticoats, fashionably called 'skirts.' " If these are facts, and, from the nature of the case, we see no reason to doubt their truthfulness, there are weighty and ample reasons why such a system of dressing should be immediately changed for one safer and healthier. — Dr. Wrn. Cornell, in Happy Home. THE HOOP FASHION. Now, lest it should seem unkind to our good mothers, wives, sisters and daughters, (being of the masculine gender, and withal a physician, who of all men should be tender of female weak- ness,) we frankly confess that there are circum- stances connected with female life, and seasons of the year, when moderately sized hoops may be worn with an augmentation of comfort and in- crease of health. But duty compels the state- ment that such cases are very rare in our climate. In very hot, dry weather, (of which we yearly have but little,) light hoops tend to raise the weight of skirts from the loins and lower portion of the back, and, consequently, take oft", by ad- mitting freer ventilation, a part of the warmth which at such a time must be uncomfortable, and lighten the dragging sensation resulting from the weight of the skirts, So much is readily conceded. But, even then, the evil far overbalances this moiety of good. Constant care is necessary at e^'ery change of temperature, from hot to cold, and from dry to moist, lest this cooling process be carried too far, and the health of the wearers of these frames become endangered, or essential- ly impaired. No feeble person, or invalid, how- ever, should risk this augmented ventilation at any considerable distance from home, even on a summer's day, unless she have a guarantee that the weather will not change during her absence. So little has this gear to recommend itself even in summer. But what shall be said of it for win- ter ? Then it is positively unsafe for health. It is true, some advantage can be devised against this wanton exposure of health and life in winter, by a mucff increased amount of under-dress. But DOMESTIC RECEIPTS. A Simple Pudding. — Boil a quart of milk, cut up some bread in small pieces and soak them in the milk for about half an hour; then add a table- spoonful of Indian meal, and apiece of butter the size of a walnut ; sweeten well, and put in nutmeg and other spices. Bake about twenty minutes. Pomatum. — Melt about half a pint of beef marrow, and add to it six cents' worth of castor oil, and three table-spoonsful of alcohol ; scent to your fancy. First rend the marrow, then melt it and put in all but the perfume, and beat it un- til it becomes like cream ; then add the perfume. To Make Ckeam Cheese. — The following are two recipes : — Take a quart of cream, or, if not desired very rich, add thereto one pint of new milk ; warm it in hot water till it is about the heat of milk from the cow ; add a small quan- tity of rennet (a table spoonful is sufficient ;) let it stand till thick, then break it slightly with a spoon, and place it in a frame in which you have previously put a fine canvass cloth; press it [slightly with a weight, let it stand a few hours, land then put a finer cloth in the frame ; a little i powdered salt may be put over the cloth. It will be fit for use in a day or two. Another Method. — If cream is scarce, so that a sufficient quantity cannot be had at once, take a fine canvas bag, and pour as much cream as you may happen to have into it, adding addi- tional small quantities twice a day, and, from its [becoming naturally sour, the thin part of It will (drain through the canvass, and the remainder 'will prove an exc llent cheese. If one quart of cream can be had at once, and poured into a fine canvass bag, it will make a nice-sized cheese, and of course equally as good as those made by several small quantities added at convenient in- tervals. The cheeses made in this way are not fit for use so soon as those made with rennet. DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AWD ITS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES, VOL. XI. BOSTON, MAY, 1859. NO. 5. JOEL NOURSE, Proprietor. Office. ..34 Merchants Kow. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FPvEn'K noi.BROOK, ) Associate HENRY F. FRENCH, \ Editors. CALENDAR FOR MAY. "When rosy May comes in wi' flowers, To dfck her gay, green spreaiJing bowers, Then busy, busy are her hours — The gardener wi' his paidle. The crystal waters gently fa', The meiry birds are lovtrs a', The fcented breezes round tiim blow — The gardener wi' his paidle." — Burns. AY is more cele- brated in song than any other month in the year — but it must have been a May different from ours, that inspir- ed the poet in some of his at- tractive strains. The Spectator says — "A celebra- ted French novel- ist in opposition to those who begin their Ufj rominces with the flowery ^ season of the year, enters "5^ on his story thus : — " 'In the gloomy month of November, when the people of England hang and drown themselves, a disconsolate lover walked out in the fields,'" &c. The reason why the writer commenced in this way is quite obvious. He had a disconsolate lov- er to dispose of— a lover who, for aught we know, was at that very moment walking out in search of a place wherein to drown himself, a V Anglaise. Had he begun it thus— "In the beautiful month of May, when all nature was rejoicing — when birds were singing in every tree, and flow- ers were blooming in every nook," &c., &c., po- etic truth would have required, not the intro-| ^•j^W^ duction of one solitary lover on suicidal thought intent, but a pair of lovers "sitting on a mossy bank," looking untterable things at each other. Philosophize as we may, the weather does have a great influence over the spirits of the wisest of us, and we cannot help sympathizing with her varying moods. In the case of the "lover" afore- said, we would hazard a guess that the lady dis- missed him in an equinoctial storm, and that if he contrived to live through the winter, they made it all up, and were married the following May, with all the orange flowers and "honiton" suitable to the occasion ! Heaven's sunshine dissipates "vapors" •f more than one kind, and "Melancholy often conveys herself to us in an easterly M'ind." Geologists tell us that when the earth emerged from chaos, there was a period in which nothing but enormous lizards perambulated its surface, and that it took some time to fit it up for the residence of human beings. We have often been reminded of this in looking out upon a world just waking from its winter nap — and as day af- ter day, a man plods amphibiously along through mud, water and snow — a pair of long rubber boots beneath his feet, and an umbrella over his head, he may be supposed to have pretty vivid conceptions of those primitive settlers of the liz- ard tribe. But then came the dry land, the green grass, the birds, the flowers — verily, it is the old story of the garden of Eden over again ! "And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress and keep it." We would not indulge in idle speculations, but may we not fairly infer from this passage, that husbandry, in some form, was his natural and original occupation ? Is it not true, also, that the necessity for the three learned professions, as they are called, arises entirely from the sins and infirmities of mankind ? The minister calls not the righteous, but sinners to repentance. It is the lawyer's business to heal dissensions occa- 202 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat sioned by the bad passions of men, and the physi- cian treats diseases brought on by some violation of the laws of nature, — either in the parent or his ancestors. So of many trades and mechanical arts, it were easy to show that they are founded upon artificial wants ; but we can hardly imagine a condition in which farming is not man's legiti- mate pursuit. If Adam attended to the cultivation of the earth, what, meanwhile, was Eve's employment? We may infer what Milton thought about it, for he makes her thus lament the expulsion from Paradise — "0 flowers, That will not in other climate grow, My early visitation and my last At even, which I breil up with tender hand, From the fir?t opening bud, and gave ye names, Who DOW shall rear ye to the sun, or rank Your tribes, and water from the ambrosial fount?" Most ladies, like their mother Eve, love flow- ers by nature, though all do not like the care of them. It is, however, a taste capable of cultiva- tion. We believe any woman who can have the time, and land enough and help enough to give her genius full scope, will soon enter into the matter with all the enthusiasm characteristic of the sex. We find some excellent hints in "Rural Af- fairs," a little annual published at Albany, N. Y., by Luther Tucker & Son, Editors of the Coun- try Gentleman. "Two very distinct styles of ar- ranging and planting ornamental grounds have been adopted. In the old-fashioned or geometric style, everything was arranged in straight lines, or occasional circles. Every care was taken in this style to avoid irregularity." This anecdote 16 subjoined. "The old gardener of Selkirk, who was very strongly imbued with this mania, when he shut up the thief in the summer-house for stealing the fruit, was compelled, for the sake of symmetry, to confine his own son in the summer- house opposite !" Nature delights in curves, rather than angles. She puts a bank of violets here, a clump of pine trees there — a wild rose on one side the brook, and a clematis on the other. There are few who have been blessed with homes, who cannot recall their early days with pleasure, and associate with them some spots es- pecially dear. The influence of all such memo- ries is pure and refining beyond estimation ; how nauch more so when the memories come linked with beautiful scenes. The elm tree at the door, with a robin's nest on a swaying branch — the vine over the poi'ch, the morning-glory trained about the window, and the flower-garden — yes, the flower-garden ! — your little boy, or your young brothers, may go to the grave with heads as white as snow, but he will keep in his heart a daguer- reotype of this beautiful home of long ago, and you in the midst as its presiding genius. Years ago we knew of a flower-garden — we fear it was rather in the geometric style — but we have never seen one so graceful in our eyes since. The centre was a square — the four outside beds were triangles ; the whole bordered with pinks, while year after year grew in the same places, peonies, marigolds, tulips, jonquils, lady's-de- lights, and a few other common flowers. Far- ther down the enclosure was a pear tree, and ranged about it an oblong square of fleur-de-lis. A faint idea of the fine appearance of this last arrangement seems to have daAvned upon some- body, for it received the name of "Old Maid's Row." Ah, it is easy enough now to look back from the heights of modern improvements, and smile at the want of artistic skill exhibited in the gar- den we have described ; but we are content it should remain an unaltered picture in our mem- ory, which shall bring back to us a vision of the fair florists who tended it. And you, madam, and you, sir, — have you not a similar picture in your memory? and for what price would you part with it ? Perhaps it is all grown over with weeds now, and only a few stray flowers mark the spot, but you will see it as it was in other days, and you will see those whose names "Have been carved for many a year On tlie stone !" For the New Engloiiid Farmer THE HYDBAULIC KAM. Mr. Editor : — I have been looking over the pages of your interesting and valuable journal, hoping I might find something from W. D. B., of Concord, in reference to the Hydraulic Ram he likes so well, and to which allusion was made by him in the November number of the Farmer. In the article referred to, he says, "I think so well of the ram, that I should be glad to give you a full article on the subject." It is this "full article" that I have been looking after. I desire to learn more about this machine, which over- comes the force of gravity, and makes water run up hill. I should be glad to he^r how his ram has win- tered. So far as my knowledge extends, the opinion seems to prevail that the greatest trou- ble with these machines lies in their liability to freeze. I have no doubt there are many readers of the Farmer who sufler much inconvenience, especial- ly in winter, for want of a convenient supply of water for their stock. It is evident that where streams are handy, the hydraulic ram, if it M'ill v/ork, is just what is needed. I presume there are many, even among those that have good wells, and keep large stocks of cattle, who would be glad to avail themselves of this seemingly easy method of obtaining running water, when they become convinced that it is reliable, and that the cost of 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 203 the machine and expense of keeping in repair will not be so great but that it will pay. If "W. D. B.," or others, who are posted on this subject, will let their light shine, they will oblige many readers of the Farmer, s. D. C Sunderland, Mass., 1859. JARVIS' AND BAKER'S ISiAWD GUANO. In our advertising columns, the reader may find this guano offered for sale, — and we call at- tion to it in order to refer those persons who de- sire to use some specific fertilizer, to an article which we think may be used moderately with safety. There are thousands of farmers T»ho would be glad to employ some manurial agents beside what they derive from the natural re- sources of the farm, if they could resort to them with confidence. In various particulars such agents may be profitably used. From the results of an experiment on our own farm, and from analyses by diff'erent chemists, we are inclined to think that this guano may be used advantageously. It does not yield ammo- nia, but its principal ingredients are the phos- phates and sulphates of lime, the articles which confer a lasting benefit on the soil, instead of stimulating and exhausting its properties. We have been careful, as our readers well know, about recommending specific fertilizers for general use, — but we have no doubt that this guano is safe and valuable, used as an auxiliary to our common manures. Let each use it in small quantities, but dress liberally whatever ground is attempted to be gone over. We shall take occasion to speak of it again. For the New England Farmer. BARLEY FOR HORSES. In Portugal, and, I suppose, in the Peninsula, generally, barley is the principal food for horses and asses. Nowhere do these animals appear fatter and sleeker than in and about Lisbon. Gentlemen's horses, whether native to the coun- try, or brought from England and Germany, as many of their carriage horses are, are the pride of their owners and grooms, and certainly seem extremely well cared for. Yet their food is near- ly or quite all barley straw, and the grain served to them as oats are with us. The barley is threshed by being trodden out under the feet of oxen and horses, and is made as fine as the old straw from an under bed. When upon the road the usual baiting is bread, coarse wheat bread — occasionally dipped in the cheap wine of the country. The barley crop appears stout and heavy as it stands in the field ; and yet the land is ill-man- ured and far from rich. I do not see anything to prevent as large crops on ordinary lands ; and I do not know why animals here should not find it as nutritious and as palatable food as it is there. H. West Lebanon, N. H. We give above the illustration of a new device to protect cucumber, melon, squash and other vines from the depredations usually made upon them by swarms of hungry bugs. It is simple, cheap, and we think must prove eff'ectual. The inside hoops in the round one are rattan, and the outside ones are made of tough white ash. These are covered with gauze, with the meshes sufficiently small to prevent the entrance of the striped bug. The three upright pins are simple pieces of pine that may be whittled out in one minute ; the upper end has a notch cut in it, while near the lower end a hole is bored, which is slipped upon the bottom screw, and the pro- tector is set up. The one at the left hand has four sticks, each sawed out lengthwise, so as to admit the gauze, and fastened at the top with bits of leather. The points of the sticks in this and the round one are thrust into the grou'hd until the gauze touches the surface, when there is no room for the ac- cess of bugs. While it appears to us that these protectors will be more eff'ectual than anything we have be- fore seen, intended for the purpose, they have some advantages not po>S'^. Johnsville, N. Y. M. Quinby. feeding stock. I have one hundred sheep, three horses and eight head of cattle, and am, like a good many of my neighbors, short of hay. Hay is now worth here $15 per ton, corn $1 and oats 50 cts. per bushel. Now I wish to know which is best, all things considered, to purchase hay, corn or oats- at the foregoing prices. If grain, how shall I feed it, and what quantity would be equal to a foddering of hay, say for one hundred sheep? Will corn meal or oats, fed to ewes with lamb, be injurious? A Subscriber. Woodstock, VL, 1859. Remarks. — Situated as you are, we should purchase all three of the articles, hay, corn and oats, and feed them judiciously to all the stock. A moderate quantity of corn or oats fed to the ewes with lamb, will be beneficial to them. gas lime. Please give an article on gas lime, the soil it is adapted to, with its value as a fertilizer. Ilarlford, 1859. Samuel Mather. Remarks. — The refuse lime of gas works con- sists principally of a mixture of carbonate of lime, plaster, and other salts of lime containing sulphur. It may be used upon old mossy pas- tures, or sprinkled on the furrows in the spring with advantage; or, when greatly diluted, sprin- kled on grass lands. As it does not contain much caustic lime, it may be mingled with barn- yard manure in small quantities. COMMITTEE OF PRODUCE. It has seemed to me that in each nf our rio-ri- cullural t!Ocifiie?, fcivornl with the buuii;\ uf 218 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May the State, generally about $600 a year, there should be a committee of this character, whose duty it should be, by personal inspection, corres- pondence, or otherwise, to ascertain and digest a complete statement, in tabular form, in their respective precincts, and make returns, of the same to the Secretary of the Board of Agricul- ture. Let such statements be made with such authority, from year to year, and brought togeth- er in the secretary's report, and they will, in a I great measure, remunerate for the money ex- pended in support of such societies. I forbear to enlarge, always bearing in mind the maxim, "A word to the wise is sufficient." March, 1859. THE MANGOLD WURTZEL. Please state the process of preparing the soil for a crop of mangolds, and where I can obtain the seed. T. W. Sawyer. West Millbury, Ms., 1859. Remarks. — Plow and cultivate so as to make the soil quite fino. Manure well, broadcast, fur- row out good wide and deep furrows, fill them with manure, and sprinkle salt over it, then turn two furrows upon this, one on each side, rake down, roll it, and sow the seed. Under such treatment you ought to get a thousand bushels per acre, if you tend them well. The seed can be had of Nourse & Co., 34 Merchants Row, Bos- ton, ELECTRICITY. I noticed in the Farmer remarks by "Electric- ity," in answer to questions made by "Non-Elec- tricity," in reference to ventilation and electrici- ty. Will "Electricity" answer the question, — "Why the electricity strikes a tree, or even the lightning rod standing in the open air, when the atmosphere and all the gases are reduced to an equilibrium ? When this question is satisfacto- rily answered, I shall then be prepared to remove the cause and save the expense of protectors. Derry, N. H. Inquirer. ACID SUGAR MAPLE SAP. Will acid sugar maple sap affect paint or strike through it so as to taint the wood of the tub ? What will cleanse vessels painted on the inside, so that they will not affect sap or water ? Ashfield, Feb., 1859. Henry Taylor. Remarks. — Will some sugar-making friend reply ? A GOOD PIG. Mr. John R. Walker, of this city, dressed a pig on the third of March, nine months old that day, which weighed alive 075 lbs.; dressed 320 lbs. It was quarter breed Suffolk. It was hand some, and had not been hurried any, but had lived on the usual pig food, corn meal principal- ly, until within two months past, when some ground wheat has been added. I give this item, so that you will know that New Hampshire far- mers are not much behind the times — in the porous line, at any rate. Rockingham, Porismonth, N. H., March, 1859. a FINE COLT. I noticed a statement in the Farmer a few weeks since, with regard to a large colt that I own, that needs some correction. The writer called him a Morrell colt, which in Vermont is equivalent to saying he was sired by the old Morrell, of Danville, Vt. Justice to all concerned requires me to state that the colt was sired by the Morrell Cham- pion now owned by William T. George and Hen- ry Whicher, of Topsham and Newbury, Orange county, Vt. The colt is now eighteen months old ; color dark chestnut, height 16^ hands, and his weight in ordinary flesh is over one thousand pounds. Perley Roberts. Washington, Vt., Feb. 23, 1859. white pine seed. Will you be so kind as to inform me through the columns of your paper the best season for planting the pine seed, and likewise for gather- ing the cone? As I have some fifty acres plain land that I wish to plant with the same, this sea- son. A Subscriber. Remarks. — Friend Cutter, of Pelham, will please answer this. pumpkin and squash. Can you, or any of your scientific correspon- dents, inform me of the chemical composition — organic and inorganic — of the ])umpkin and squash? C. Blaisdell. West Needham, March, 1859. how many pounds of milk for a pound op cheese? Can you, or any of your correspondents, tell how many pounds of new milk it takes to make a pound of merchantable cheese ? ENQUIRER. Lyndeboro', N.H., Feb., 1859. For the Netp England Farmer. PREMIUMS FOR SPEED OP HORSES. Mr. Editor : — I have just received the Re- port of the doings at the Annual Meeting of the State Board of Agriculture of Ohio. Among oth- er votes passed at the meeting, were the foUow- ^"e-~" . . , . , "1. JResnJved. That paying premiums by agricul- tural societies for speed of horses, simply as such, without due reference to qualifications for pur- poses of general utility, is a perversion of the original design." "2. Ilesolved, That trials of such speed have a great tendency to divett attention from every thing else, and with what seems to be their in- separable accom])animents, are degenerating and demoralizing, and therefore we will nototfer such premiums, and will discourage their being of- fered by county and district societies." This opinion, thus forcibly expressed, is en- titled to much respect. It comes from a great agricultural State, and where at the same time the breeding of horses enters into the occupation of farmers very largely. Very truly yours, A Farmer. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAR:MER. 219 For the New England Farmer. PORTUGAL AGRICULTUBE. Mr. Editor: — I observed in Portugal, what struck me as a peculiarity of the climate, that the ground seemed never exhausted. It has been cultivated in the same way near a thousand years, and still produces, for aught I know, as much now. The mode of culture is rude, and the quan- tity of manure applied very small. Little manure is made ; cattle are not housed in winter ; barns are hardly known except in connection with inns and in the towns. Feigns, brakes and leaves are collected in wet places, and flocks of goats fold- ed upon them at night, sometimes, or the mate- rials are drawn into the middle of the road for the travel to pass on them, and after about a year carted to the field. Such a thing as a heap of barn-yard manure I never saw there out of the cities. The merest sprinkling is put upon the land, and the surface barely smoothed over with a plow, not much better than a sharp stick. And yet pretty good wheat, really stout barley and tolerable Lidian corn are grown every where. Lidian corn is sown broadcast, and thinned to about one plant a foot square, with the hoe. The corn is perfectly ripened, though the ear is small. Potatoes yield plentifully, and are of excellent quality. And so the land is tilled year after year, and century after century. The principal difference of the climate from our own is, that the seasons are reversed there. Summer is the winter of vegetation. All nature sleeps in summer ; the earth dries up ; every green thing withers. — With the autumn rains vegetation revives, and the earth looks green again. The barley and the wheat harvest is over before the drought comes on in June, and sometimes earlier. Indian corn and potatoes, by means of artificial irrigation, come forward at any time, in the south of Portu- gal. Green peas are in market every day in the year. The wonder to me is, how the fertility of the land is preserved under such a system of cul- tivation. H. West Lebanon, N. E. GRAFTING AND TRIMMING FRUIT TREES. An experienced cultivator in Dutchess county, N. Y., writes as follows on these subjects : — "Scions for grafting should be cut in February, which is the right season to insure their living and doing well ; tliey should then be housed in a cellar until the time for inserting them arrives, which, with you, might be by the last week of April or the first of May, and during the latter month. They should be put only into healthy, vigorous branches, such as you would not care to remove from the tree, and thus you will have an artificial tree that will be ready for bearing in about three years. By removing too many branches from a tree injury may be done. Careful attention should be given to this point in lopping the branches preparatory to grafting, in order that the sap may pass into the remaining branches and keep the tree healthy and growing. I give you these ideas, knowing that fruit trees are often injured by those who go about the country making it their business to set grafts in April and May, set- ting as many scions as they can, and getting pay for those that live, thus doing great damage to the trees. Many farmers in our county have, I think, a wrong idea as to the time of pruning their apple trees, saying it is of little consequence when the tree is pruned, if it only needs pruning. This, I am ready to say, is a sad mistake, for at all sea- sons when the sap is down it is entirely wrong. The first or second week in June is the only fit season for pruning the apple tree. Then the sap is in full (iow, and the wound made by cutting off a bough begins to heal and grow over imme- diately." For the New England Farmer LEGISLATION — LAND DRAINAGE COM- PANIES. BY HENRY F. FRENCH. In the valuable treatise of Dr. Warder, of Cin- cinnati, recently published in New York, upon Hedges and Evergreens, an abstract is given of the statutes of most of our States upon the sub- ject of fences, and we know of no other book in which so good an idea of the legislation on this subject can be so readily obtained. By the statutes of Massachusetts, any person may erect and maintain a water-mill and dam to raise water for working it, upon and across any stream that is not navigable, provided he does not interfere with existing mills. Any person whose land is overflowed, may, on complaint, have a trial and a verdict of a jury, which may fix the height of the dam, decide whether it shall be left open any part of the year, and fix compen- sation, either annual or in gross, for the injury. All other remedies for such flowage are taken away, and thus the land of the owner may be converted into a mill-pond against his conseni. We find nothing in the Massachusetts statuses which gives to land-owners desirous of improv- ing their wet lands, any power to interfere in arv way with the rights of mill-owners, for the drain- age of lands. The statutes of the common- wealth, however, make liberal and stringent pro- visions for compelling unwilling owners to con- tribute to the drainage of wet lands. For the convenience of those who may be de- sirous of procuring legislation on this subject, we will give a brief abstract of the leading stat- ute of Massachusetts regarding this matter. It maybe found in chapter 115 of the Revised Stat- utes of 1836. The first section explains the gen- eral object. "When any meadow, swamp, marsh, beach or other low land shall be held by several proprie- tors, and it shall be necessary or useful to drain or flow the same, or to remove obstructions in rivers or streams leading therefrom, such im- provements may l»e efl'ected, under the direction 220 NEW ENGLAND FAKMER. May ')f commissioners, in the manner provided in this chapter." The statute provides that the proprietors, or a greater part of them in interest, may apply by petition to the Court of Common Pleas, setting forth the proposed improvements, and for notice t ) the proprietors who do not join in the petitionj and for a hearing. The Court may then appoint three, five or seven commissioners, to cause the improvements to be effected. The commission- ers are authorized to "cause dams or dikes to be Frected on the premises, at such places and in such manner as they shall direct, and may order the land to be flowed thereby, for such periods of each year as they shall think most beneficial, and also cause ditches to be opened on the prem- ises, and obstructions in any rivers or streams leading therefrom to be removed." Provision is made for assessment of the ex- penses of the improvements, upon all the pro- prietors, according to the benefit each will de- rive from it, and for the collection of the amount assessed. "When the commissioners shall find it neces- sary or expedient to reduce or raise the waters, f r the purpose of obtaining a view of the prem- ises, or for the more convenient or expeditious lemoval of obstructions therein, they may open the flood-gates of any mill, or make other need- ful passages through or round the dam thereof, or erect a temporary dam on the land of any jierson, who is not a party to the proceedings, aiid may maintain such dam, or such passages for the water, as long as shall be necessary for the purposes aforesaid." Provision is made for previous notice to such persons who are not parties, and for compensa ti-n to them for injuries occasioned by the in terference, and for appeal to the Courts. This statute gives by no means the powers necessary to compel contribution to all necessary drainage, because, first, it is limited in its appli- cation to "meadow, swamp, marsh, beach or oth- er low land ;" the word meadow in New Eng- land, is used in its original sense of flat and wet land ; secondly, the statute seems to give no au- thority to open permanent ditches on the land of others than the owners of such low land, al- though it provides for temporary passages for the purposes of "obtaining a view of the prem- ises, or for the more convenient or expeditious removal of obstructions therein." The word "therein" referring to the "premises" under im- provement, so that there is no provision for out- falls, except through natural streams. On the other hand, it is manifest that the State assumes power sufficient to authorize any inter- ference with private property that may be ne- cessary for the most extended and thorough drainage operations. The power which may com- pel a man to improve his portion of a swamp, may apply as well to his wet hillsides, and the power which may open temporary passages through land or dams without consent of the owner, may keep them open permanently, if ex- pedient. By an act of the Legislature of Massachusetts, passed March 28th, 1855, ample provision is made for compulsory outfalls. The act provides that any person having the ownership of low lands, swamps, &c., that, by means of adjacent lands of other persons, or of a highway, cannot be worked, drained or used in the ordinary manner, without crossing said lands or highway may be authorized to establish roads, drains, &c., to said places. The process is by a petition to the Coun- ty Commissioners, notice to all parties interested and a hearing. The Commissioners, if satisfied that the request is reasonable, shall proceed to lay out and establish the improvements, and as- sess damages equitably among parties benefited, to be paid to the party whose land is thus bur- dened. An appeal lies to the county by either party dissatisfied with the award, as in cases of the lay- ing out of highways. By an act of May 30th, 1857, it is provided that where the lands are all in one town, the selectmen may act instead of the County Commissioners. By the provisions of these acts, we understand that any owner of "low lands, lakes, swamps," &c.. may, in proper cases compel his obstinate neighbor to allow him to open such drains through adjacent lands as may be necessary to perfect his work. The provision is broad enough for all low lands or swamps, and should be extended to all other lands, dams and other obstructions whatever, and thus place in the hands of the proper authorities complete power to do what is just and equitable, and for the public good. It would seem, then, that the commonwealth, which is perhaps as conservative in her legisla- tion as any other, assumes and exercises all the power necessary to authorize the most complete system of drainage. Whatever the powers of the States, upon the points suggested, there is no doubt of their power to protect the farmer, to some extent, against the encroachments of mill- owners and water-power companies. Our courts are teeming with suits between land-owners and these companies about fiowage, and in these suits the corporations have usually the advantage of wealth and influence and concert of action, as well as of knowledge of the true state of facts, while the land-owner has the benefit usually of strong sympathy on the part of jurors. The appointment of commissioners to examine, define and record, from time to time, the height 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 221 of all dams and embankments, the capacity of gates and sluice-ways, the agreed or ascertained rights of flowage, connected with all mills and reservoirs within their jurisdiction, and such oth- er matters as might be necessary to make defi- nite the respective rights of the parties, would tend to lessen litigation, and quiet much disa- greeable and expensive controversy. In those States, too, where it is deemed con- stitutional, provision might be made by proceed- ing before the same commissioners, for compul- sory outfalls, upon proper compensation to own- ers, and even for partial or full contribution by unwilling owners, where lands are so situated that it is necessary, for the good of the whole, to interfere with property of owners who refuse to join in the enterprise. "WONDEBPUIi POWER OP FTJEIi. It is well known to modern engineers, (re- marks an English journal,) that there is virtue in a bushel of coal properly consumed, to raise sev- enty millions of pound weight a foot high. This is actually the average effect of an engine work- ing in Huel Towan, Cornwall, England. Let us pause a moment and consider what this is equiv- alent to in matters of practice. The ascent of Mount Blanc from the valley of Chamouni is con- sidered, and with justice, as the most toilsome feat that a strong man can execute in two days. The combustion of tvyo pounds of coal would place him on the summit. The Menai bridge, one of the most stupendous works of art that has been raised by man in the modern ages, consists of a. mass of iron not less than four mil- lions of pounds in weight, suspended at a medi- um height of about 120 feet above the level of the sea. The consumption of seven bushels of coal would suffice to raise it to the place where it hangs. The great pyramid of Egypt is com- posed of granite. It is seven hundred feet, in the side of its base, and five hundred in perpen- dicular height, and stands on eleven acres of land. Its weight is therefore 12,700 millions of pounds, at a medium height of 125 feet; conse- quently, it would be raised by the effort of about 630 chaldrons of coal, a quantity consumed in some foundries in a week. The annual consump- tion of coal in London is estimated at 1,500,000 chaldrons. The effort of this quantity would suffice to raise a cubical block of marble, 2,200 feet in the side, through a space equal to its own height, or to pile one mountain on another. The Monte Nuovo, near Pozzueli, which was erupted in a single night by volcanic fire, might have been raised by such an effort from a depth of 40,000 feet, or about eight miles. It will be seen that in the above statement, the inherent power of fuel is, of necessity, greatly underrated. It is not pretended by engineers that the economy of fuel is yet pushed to its utmost limit, or that the ■whole effective power is obtained in any applica- tion of fire yet devised ; so that were we to say 100 millions, instead of 70, we should probably 06 nearer the truth. — Maine Farmer. THE CONCOED FARMERS' CLUB. The meetings of this association have been at- tended through the winter, and the discussions sustained with unusual spirit and ability. The annual meeting was held Nov. 11, when the fol- lowing gentlemen were chosen officers for the ensuing year; — N. H. Warken, President ; S. H. Rhoades, Vice President ; Joseph Rey- nolds, Secretary ; Elijah Wood, Jr., Treasurer. The President and Secretary were appointed to assign places of meeting, and subjects for dis- cussion, on each week during the season. At the next meeting, Nov. 18, this Committee reported the following list of subjects to be discussed, in the order in which they are presented. The gen- tleman at whose house the Club meets, is ex- pected to read an essay upon the subject to be discussed on that evening. These essays are read before the discussion. Farm Buildings, Rotation of Crops, Farm Implements, Market Gardening, Reclaiming Swamp Lands, Horses, Agricultural Books, Diseases of Farm Stock, New Plants for Cultivation, Manures, Swine, Grain Crops, Drain- ing, Root Crops, Garden Fruits, Pasture Lands, Soiling Cows, Poultry, Flower Gardening, and Corn Culture. At the second and third meetings, the subject of Farm Buildings, especially the structure and internal arrangement of Barns, was fully dis- cussed. On the fourth evening, an interesting discussion was had, on Farm Implements. At the fifth meeting which was held, the subject of Market Gardening was discussed. In this sub- ject was included the expediency and profit of farmers raising vegetables for the market, the best methods of cultivating certain vegetables, and the best and most profitable ways of convey- ing them to market, and disposing of them. The present mode of marketing produce is very labo- rious, and takes much of the time of the produ- cer, and there seemed to be a general conviction that some other method must be adopted. If the produce of a town or neighborhood could be conveyed to market, by railroad, and deliver- ed to an agent or agents, who should dispose of it for the producer, for a commission of a certain per cent, on the price obtained, it was thought it would be a better way than that pursued at present. This subject is now fairly before far- mers, and if the managers of railroads will af- ford the needful accommodation, some plan will be devised, that will relieve them of the necessi- ty and hardship of spending so large a part of their time in dragging loads of produce to mar- ket. Could some feasible plan be devised to ac- complish this object, in which the expense should not absorb all the profits, it would open a new source of employment to farmers, and enable 222 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May them to compete successfully, with the market gardeners, in the immediate vicinity of Boston. There need be no fear of over-stocking the mar- ket, especially with those articles that are ma- tured in the early part of the season, as radishes, asparagus, rhubarb, early peas, cucumbers, &c., as these are now sent to Pirtland, Bangor, Hal- ifax, and other places, north and east, and the demand is annually increasing. For the New England Farmer. ST. HELENA POTATOES. Mr. Editor: — In ISuG, I purchased six or seven potatoes of this variety, at Worcester, Mass. At the close of the Horticultural Fair, the productions were sold at auction, and seeing a plate of very nice looking potatoes, I secured them, at a high price apparently, at least it would be so considered in Vermont. We have used them freely in our family this year, having raised over one hundred bushels, and find them a good potato for use. They grow large, and are not liable to rot, very smooth, as tht eyes are directly upon the surface ; very com- pact in the hills. Messrs. Drew & French, in the New York Tri- bune of March olh, describe the potato exactly, under the name of "Prince Albert." Upon tht card attached to the plate of those I brought from Worcester, was the name of the producer, and also of the variety, and by that name we have called them. Are they the same, or not ? E. P. MUDGETT. Cambridge, Vt., March 9, 1859. Remarks. — It is quite likely they are identi- cal, for the same potato is often known by differ- ent names. The finest potato that we are ac- quainted with, or, at the least, one equally as good as any, is that called the "Riley," or "Do- ver," from the fact that a cargo of them was brought into the city of Dover, N. H., by one Capt. Riley. They are the true "Irish Cup Po- tato," and will at once be recognized as such by many of your friends from the Emerald Isle. There are two objections to them ; they do not yield largely, and their eye cups are so deeply set that it requires much care to prepare them for the oven or the pot. But upon the plate, with a little sweet butter, the Irish Cup is a potato that will commend itself any vifhere. Rutland County Agricultural Society. — President, Daniel Kimball, of Rutland ; Vice Presidents, Chauncey S. Rumsey, of Hubbard- ton. Alpha H. Post, of Rutland ; Recording Sec- retary, Henry Clark, of Poultley ; Correspond- ing Secretary, Orel Cook, Jr., of Rutland ; Treas- urer, Hon. Zimri Howe, of Castleton ; Auditor, Ward M. Lincoln, of Brandon, and a Board of Managers consisting of twenty-five persons. For the New Englanti Farmer. LETTER FHOM CONCOBD, MASS. A California Picture — River Meadow — Horse Powers. A gentleman in this town who returned from California an invalid, last summer, lately received from his partners there a very interesting am- b'-otype picture of their store at the mines, around which were quite a company of his old friends, and the train of mules which he had often jour- nied with from their head-quarters at Marysville to this depot, among the mountains. The picture was large, and exceedingly well taken. The express charges on it were nine dollars. RIVER MEADOWS. I am looking on, with a good deal of interest, to see what progress is m;rde in getting down that ruinous dam on the Concord River. There has been no movement of a like importance ag- itated for years. It will take money to make it successful. Mr. Talbot bought and built in good faith. At that time the purchase, if necessary, of the privilege of flowing such an extent of country could have been most advantageously made. Now, it stems, Mr. Talbot has expended in buildings and peculiar machinery some eighty thousand dollars. Now, what can you do unless you have about one hundred thousand dollars with which to com- mence negotiations ? No amount of words or complaining will ever start a stone from that dam. The lever must be made of gold. When one thinks for a moment of the rich al- luvial lands that could so soon be made to yield the hay and corn to crowd a thousand barns, it seems a burning shame that the urtforiunate bar- rier which stupid legislators allowed to be erect- ed, should not be allowed to come down by their wiser successors, HORSE POWERS. While the horses stand idle in their stalls, their owners sweat at the wood pil-s ! Every farm of considerable size should have some sort of a horse-power. It should be located in the ample barn, where, on rainy days, the horse could drive a saw which would cut a cord every hour, easily. Then, how a horse can make a grindstone go around ! I like to have a grindstone perfectly true, exactly round, and then go so that fire will occasionally start out. W^here grindstones are turned by hand, they are very seldom burst by going too fast ! The fact is, it is tedious work — the most so of all summer. Where a water pow- er is not convenient it is a great relief to have the grindstone go by horse-power. The tools will always be kept sharper, and can be ground in less time. It is the height of felly to smash away with dull tools. It will pay to provide convenient means to keep them in order. Hay cutters are made to attach to a power so that the hay, for a large stock, can be most ex- peditiously prepared. If one has a taste for the thing, the horse can saw the wood, wash the clothes, churn, turn the grindstone, cut the hay, shell the corn, drive the small circular bench saw, and pump the water. Are not farmers less interested than other classes, in ingenious contrivances which expedite their business and save their strength? March 1, 1859. w. D. B. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 223 Por the New England Farmer. BLIGHT IN THE PEAR. Mr. Brown : — Having been in the habit for years of examining the various accounts that have come to us, particularly from the South and West, Avhere blight in the pear is more common than with us, we have been struck with the re- semblance their seems to be between what they call frozen sap and scald, or sun blight ; thus cne writing from Mobile, describing its first ap- pearance and effect upon his trees, corresponds entirely with a similar article from Illinois, from one who denominates his as frozen sap blight. We can hardly suppose that frozen sap blight could occur in the climate of Mobile. We believe that there are two forms of blight, one form being caused by a severe scald, often produced by the practice of denuding the trees, when young, of their side, or latteral shoots, thereby exposing their naked trunks to the sun, for there are few trees in a young state that can endure the scorching rays of our August sun when thus denuded ; there is a constant effort in young trees to throw out these side branches near the ground. The enlargement of the trunk of a young tree with its laterals uninjured, will be much larger in a given time, than upon one with these shoots removed. This we believe to be one of the causes, at least, of one form of blight. The other form, or what is called frozen sap blight takes place ordinarly upon trees that are forced in strong and highly manured soil when young, and by cutting off the tap root, thereby causing the tree to make long succulent shoots, the growth extending to so late a period as to be overtaken by the winter, before the sap is sufficiently elaborated, and the wood matured to stand a severe freezing. Rich soil with ma- nure or excess of moisture undoubtedly increases the evil. The tap root, although not forming a part of every plant, when it does so, is an essen- tial part of that plant, and the injury to any one part of a plant,, occasions a change in the natural developments of the other parts. In allusion to this cutting and high manuring, it has been said that "nature, to be perfect in any of her works, should not be forced ; we may be impatient, not her. In her elaborate and harmonious labors, time must be given for all things ; and all we have to do, is to understand what she intends." 1 would like to ask, if any one ever knew of our natural button pear trees to be affected by either of the above forms of blight. J. M. I. Salem, March, 1859. GROTOK FARMERS' CLUB. No town in our community gets up a better "Town Show," introduces more good articles to public inspection, or does its work in a more spir- ited manner, than the town of Groton ; and there are few towns where a farmers' club exists, where the people seem to take so little interest in its affairs and "let it alone so severely." How these two things are to be reconciled, we do not know. The meeting on the evening of March 14th, at •which we were present, was thinly attended, al- though the hall where it was held was in the cen- tre of a populous village. The travelling was exceedingly bad, it is true, but in such a locality, the hall should have been crowded. It is encouraging, however, to find farmers' clubs holding stated meetings, and their great work progressing, though it be sometimes with only little zeal. Groton, with her excellent land and intelligent population, ought to lead the way, and we found some among them convinced of this fact. There are many examples of good husbandry in the town. Gov. Bol'TWELL has given one in the construction of his barn, and the accuracy with which he keeps his farm ac- counts,— being able at all times to show profit and loss in his operations. His well-arranged barn was filled with a fine stock of cattle. There are others excelling in different departments of husbandry, but whose places we had no oppor- tunity to see. For the New England Farmer. THE CATERPILLAR. The tent caterpillar, ( Clisiocampa Americana,) has become famous for its ravages ; so great are they that it is necessary to adopt every means in our power to check its progress, and to do this we must know the insect under all its forms. In the winter there may be seen on apple trees, (as well as on many others,) at the ends of the limbs, a band of eggs, covered with a brittle, shiny, water-proof varnish, extending around the limb, and about one-half or three-fourths of an inch long ; in this there are from three to four hundred cylindrical eggs, standing on end. When the leaves begin to burs-t forth, these eggs hatch, and from them proceed the small caterpillars which destroy those young and tender leaves. They make for themselves a white, silvery tent, in which they live when at rest, and from which they go forth for food ; as they go they spin from their mouths a fine white thread, which guides them back to their home, and as they increase in size, still go over the same tract, until all the leaves are eaten. In their repeated journeys, the limbs get coated above with silk, which when observed, can often guide to a nest which would otherwise escape notice. As the caterpillars grow larger, they increase their tent by adding layer upon layer of silk at a little distance apart, and so large do they some- times make them when undisturbed, that they will measure six by nine inches. The full-grown caterpillar measures about two inches in length, the head is black ; the body is striped longitudinally with white, yellow and black, and in the yellow are many fine black ones ; it is sparingly covered with short hair, most abundant on the sides. They leave the trees in the first part of June, and seek a place sheltered from storms, in which they spin their cocoons, which are of a oval shape, of a yellowish white color, caused by a powder that fills up the crevi- ces between the threads of silk. From the chry- salis, in July, come forth the perfect insects ; in this state they are moths of a reddish brown color, with two oblique white stripes on each forf wing. 224 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May the antenna; are feathered, and the thorax is very hairy ; they expand frona one and one-quarter to one and one-half inches. There are four states in which these destruc- tive insects may be killed. First, in the egg, by crushing the band of eggs, but as the eggs are small, this cannot be practiced to any great ex- tent. Secondly in the caterpillar. Various meas- ures have been advised to remove these pests, but the best that I have tried is to brush them off by means of a conical brush made for the purpose, and then crush them ; this should be used early in the morning, at noon, or at night, for the cater- pillars are out in the forenoon and afternoon only. Thirdly, in the chrysalis; this is easyi enough, for when you find a cocoon, crush it;] they are seen very plenty under tops of fences, and on buildings under the thick part of the shingles or clapboards. Fourthly, in the moth ; the best way to kill them in this state is to build fires, in the places infested by them, in July, be- fore they lay their eggs, for they will fly into the fire and get burned. How they would disappear if every person killed every caterpillar he saw crawling on the ground, or every cocoon he saw sticking to a fence or building ! Carleton a. Shurtleff. Brookline, Mass., 1859. SUPERPHOSPHATE OP LIMB FOR TRANSPLANTING TREES, Phosphoric acid possesses a very great and re- markable influence on the development of roots, causing plants to throw them out with unusual j vigor ; we do not know of any very satisfactory | explanation of this phenomenon, either chemical j or physiological, but of the fact itself there | seems to be no doubt. The most convenient mode of employing this substance is in the form of superphosphate of lime, as it is called, that is to say, a mixture of oil of vitriol and burnt bones. This compound, which is rich in phos- phoric acid in a soluble state, may be readily mixed wiih a little dry mould ; it then forms a most valuable aid to the planter. Superphos- phate of lime, is, therefore, a very valuable fer- tilizer in the hands of the planter; but in using it he must always remember that as his plants must necessarily absorb the whole or the great- er part of the soluble manure which he gives them he must take care not to give them too much. He must not suppose that if one hand- ful will do good, therefore ten handfuls will do more ; it is very easy to give too much, and plants, like animals, may equally be injured by overfeeding or by starvation. — Prof. Lindley. BUCKWHEAT AS FOOD. M. Isidore Pierre has recently been making some investigations on buckwheat, from which is condensed the following interesting results:— Buckwheat cakes are equal to pure white bread as regards the phosphates or bone-making mate- rial, and nitrogenous principles which they con- tain, and are superior to bread in fatty matters. The general yield of buckwheat when cooked is about three times the weight of the flour used, showing that such flour will retain forty to forty- one per cent, of water. Between different batches of ground buckwheat is a great dissimilaiity of composition — one batch containing nearly sev- enteen times as much nitrogen, twenty-five times as much fatty matter, as another. The bran is the richest portion of the buckwheat, but cannot be digested by weak stomachs. The finest qual ities of buckwheat flour, and the white mill dust, especially, are very suitable for children and per- sons in delicate health, while the coarser varie- ties require a strong stomach and much exercise for their perfect digestion. — Rural New-Yorker. HARDY NATIVE FLOWERS. Among the most beautiful wild flowers that grace our meadows in summer with its unrivalled 1 scarlet blossoms, is the Lohella cardiiiaJis, some- times called the Pride of America. This plant is found generally on the borders of our brooks and wet meadows, and it seems to be almost the only plant, with the exception of the Podophylhim peltatum, or May apple, that will thrive equally well in our gardens. The Geradias, another beautiful genus, of which there are four or five species, on the contrary, are extremely difficult to raise in our gardens, either from the root or seed, while the Asdepias tuberosa, or orange colored Milk Weed, the most showy variety of that genus, will grow quite as well when trans- planted to our gardens, as in its native woods. The Eepaiica triloba, or Liverwort ; the varie- ties of Viola or Pansy ; Ihjpoxis ereda, or Star of Bethlehem ; Sanguinaria canadensis, or Blood Root ; Anemone nemorosa, or Wood An- emone, are of easy culture. Many of them will improve in size and beauty under cultivation. I They are as showy as many foreign varieties for , which high prices are paid. These will all thrive, if placed in moist soil, or in a half-shady part of the garden. THE MILK TRADE. The Committee on Agriculture in our Legisla- ture has reported a bill in relation to the pur- chase, sale and measurement of milk. The bill is a fair one, and if passed, will tend to correct a good deal of corruption in the business, establish the measure so that every body may know what a quart or a gallon is, and greatly promote the chances for the people in the cities to get pure milk and just measure. We trust our friends will attend to this matter now, and place before their members of the Legislature, all the facts ihey may possess, to enable them to show why the bill should be passed. The opposition to the bill comes from the milk-venders, who now pur- chase seven or eight quarts and sell it for ten — to say nothing of water added. Milk raisers in the country have no time to lose in attending to the matter— it is one of great importance, and should receive prompt and energetic attention. .859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 225 THE GUELDERLAND FOWL. In Bennett's Poultry Book, page 82, is the fol- lowing account of this breed of fowls : — "I am indebted to Mr. II. L. Devereux, of Boston, for the following account of the original importation of this breed, and a description of those in his possession. "The Guelderland fowls were imported from the north of Holland, some years since, by Cap- tain John Devereux, of Marblehead, in the ship Dromo ; and since that time have been bred purely by him, at his place in that town. They are supposed to have originated in the north of Holland. They are clad in a beautiful blue-black plumage, but the flesh is white, tender and juicy. They have no comb, but a small, indented, hard, bony substance instead, and large red wattles. They are of good size. i:reat layers, seldom inclin- ing to sit ; bright, aciive birds, and are not sur- passed, in point of beauty or utility, by any breed known in this country." Spayed Cows give much better and more healthful milk than cows in the natural state. So, at least, says a French work on this subject. The cow will continue to give milk, in this con- dition two or three years ; then she will fatten easily, and make excellent beef. This may be true ; but American dairymen will not soon adopt this practice in regard to their cows. For the New England Farmer. HINTS TO FARMERS AND CORRES- PONDENTS. Friend Brown : — Farmers like short articles — the words and thoughts of practical men, few, plain, and straight to the point. Why don't they write, then ? Why don't more of them write ? "Why, bless us !" says the editor, "we have a multitude of correspondents, and more communi- cations than we can publish — our journals can- not contain everything .'" True, very true, no doubt, but with the best care on the part of correspondents, there might be a little more room. If all would remember that farmers know good corn vrithout seeing the husk and cob, they would often send smaller grists to the publisher's mill. Well considered and condensed articles are always acceptable in however humble a dress they may appear. They are usually the best for those who do, and always the least in the way of those who do no<, need the information they convey. Here are some subscribers behind the editorial chair — shall I speak with them a moment ? The publishers of this excellent journal have undertaken to run an express weekly, or monthly, to every New England farmer's door. They dis- tribute all sorts of farming articles, theoretical, practical and mixed. With the aid and care of the editor, they have done excellently well in every respect. But farmers and gardeners, much as they are doing now, will do still more, if you say the word, and with mutual benefit. They might take a seasonable article from each of you 226 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Ma^ occasionally, and distribute to every other sub- scriber— every other will give thanks and for- ward parcels by aid of the same express to you. Fair exchange is no robbery — it is mutual effort for mutual good. To obtain all the information you can from others and bottle up your own is downright plunder. Be neighborly and just, suc- cessful farmers, and share your knowledge all round. If you won't, pray don't ever again laugh in your sleeves, or anywhere else, when you see another suffering great loss in a farming opera- tion for want of information which you possess. And don't complain of youngmen for leaving the farm for any Eldorado that appears to offer a golden gleam, until you take as much pains to learn them farming as you do to teach a two-year old steer to haw and gee. May it please you to give us some crumbs. I speak for young farmers, and ignorant ones, but the wisest may learn something of each other. We don't ask you to write elaborate essays. Few would stop to read them in the busy season, and if once laid away, would perhaps never. Al- though they might be good as a minister's ser- mon all the way down to "eleventhly," if too long they would be of little general value. Work- ing farmers don't often hunt through a bushel of superfluous words for the disjointed members of one idea. If you send most of your notes in the style you take them for your own use, there will be no superabundance of words, I dare say. Fine writing and nicely turned phrases are not essential. An iron bar is no more useful for be- ing eked out at the top with feathers, nor is it necessary to knot your ox-chains with ribbons, unless it be cattle-show day. Be short, clear, concise, practical, and there will be room enough for all. N. Page, Jr. Danver sport, March 26, 1859. For the New England Farmer. SOILING OF CATTLE. My attention has recently been called to this suliject by a publication made by the Senior Ciuincy, and the impression from the perusal of nis Essays is so strong, that I feel constrained to invite the attention of all who would advance their own interests and that of their neighbors to what he says. He clearly demonstrates, that in the mode of proceeding which he points out, as many cattle can be as well kept, for all the pur- poses of farming, on 40 acres, as are now kept on 160 acres, in the ordinary modes of keeping, by those who are esteemed good farmers. What, then, is the result of such management ? The young man who intends to be a farmer, starts at the age of 21, with his 40 acres of land costing him $4000. He appropriates one-half of it to the feed of his stock, and the other half to the grow- ing of hay and other purposes of the farm. He will find himself able to maintain 20 head of cat- tle, through the year, on a farm thus managed. He will find the net income of a stock thus man- aged not less than $1000 per year. Will not farming thus conducted pay ? This is not mere fancy speculation. Mr. Q. says he has tried it for many years successively, and knows what he says is true. I know a man, who forty years ago, purchased a lot of land ; on the shore of the sea. 40 by 160 rods ; and who then erected buildings upon it, and has since so managed it, as to real- ize, at least a net income of $1000 a year from this farm. EssEX. March 25, 1859. For the New England Farmer. HAY AND HOOTS. Mr. Editor : — Can you enlighten us by any fact or suggestion bearing upon the two following questions : 1. If you had first quality hay, (i. e., the very best which our farmers get in,) would you use any roots with it in vs-intering your stock ? 2. If you should use roots, M'hat would the^ be worth per bushel to you — that is, if the mar- ket value of turnips was two shillings per bush- el, and the value of other roots corresponding; which would you do, carry your roots to market, or feed them with Jirst qiialiti/ hay ? Can you oblige us by answering the above practical questions ; also, giving us your reasons. We have a "'Farmers' Club," which meets every Monday evening, at different farm houses, and there, in a very social manner, we discuss the different points arising under the subject an- nounced the evening previous. We make no set speeches, but we pass the point round, demand- ing, in every case, an opinion, if not a reason. In this way we draw out facts, from which prin- ciples are deduced, and thus an actual progress insured. The plan succeeds admirably. Of course we have a constitution, officers, and other essen- tials to an organized body. The admission fees, together with the voluntary contributions of the members, provided us with a little li!)rary. But what I would especially call your attention to, is the informal, social features of the club meetings. Queries are raised, experience brought out, facta established and principles evolved in this way, which otherwise would never, or very seldom, ap- pear. The above questions arose under the subject of "Winter Management of Stock," and we should be much gratified to have an expression from you. Warren Johnson. Topsham, Me., Feb., 1859. Remarks. — If common flat turnips would net us thirty-three cents a bushel, and other roots bring a corresponding price, we would take them to market, and for this reason : On suitable land we ought to expect 600 bushels of turnips per acre, and at 33 cents a bushel we should get $198 income from an acre of land. Such an in- come could scarcely be expected from any of our ordinary crops, and it would be better to secure that sum for the turnips, and expend it for some kind of grain, if we M'ished to feed something be- sides hay. Your plan of a Farmers' Club is the true one. We have been attending one similarly constitu- ted for nine years ; but we make "set speeches," that is, four leaders are appointed on each ques- tion, and they have precedence, speaking in or- der, and without interruption. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 227 TENTH LEGISLATIVE AQBICULTURAL MEETING. [Reported bt John C. Moore, fob the N. E. Farmer.) The tenth of the series of Legislative Agricul- tural Meetings was held in the Hall of Repre- sentatives, on Monday evening last. The atten- dance was moderate. The subject for discussion was, "The culture and cure of the hay crop." Hon. John W. Proctor, of Danvers, occu- pied the chair ; and in introducing the discus- sion, said in substance, that although he could not go into the statistics of the value of hay, as compared with other crops, it was, nevertheless, one of the most important crops grown in the State. He would speak from his own practice ; and what he would say relative to the manage- ment of hay should pi'oceed from that source, and would apply to all kinds of hay. In olden times the hay seed was generally sown with the oats or wheat in the spring ; but latterly, it was customary to plow and sow the seed in August, and the practice would become more common as its benefits were realized. This method pro- duced from one and a half to two tons per acre. One friend who mowed seventy-five aci'es had an average of one and a half tons per acre. Some of the farmers on Marblehead shore have brought over 100 tons per annum to the Boston market. The annual produce of the old Alley farm was two tons per acre. This was produced by the use of sea-weed as a top dressing, after the sum- mer crop was removed. Mowing. — The method of cutting hay with the scythe was fast dying out, and machine labor be- ing introduced. Several machines — among them Allen's, Ketchum's, Manny's and Russell's, — were approved, although none of them were per- fect. The best were Allen's and Ketchum's. By the use of the former, in July and August, one gentleman cut 300 acres, producing 500 tons, at the rate of 50 minutes per acre. In some in- stances he cut an acre in 30 minutes. Mr. P. saw an acre cut in 40 minutes, and a skilful man, with a pair of horses of 1000 lbs. weight each, would cut at least, 10 or 12 acres a day. This being the case, the importance of encouraging the im- provement of these machines was obvious. The Massachusetts Board of Agriculture had awarded $1000, which had been given to the Eagle or Heath Mower made by Mr. Nourse, of this city, and which machine was worthy the award. On level land it worked well, but was not, probably, fitted for uneven, rocky land. Allen's machine was better adapted to uneven surfaces; and mowed an acre of that in an hour. But proba- bly machines were not properly adapted to hay cutting in such land — although, if they could be, the advantage would be very great indeed. Making. — After being cut, the hay, instead of being manipulated by hand power, stirring is now advantageously done by a hay-tedder, oper- ated by horse-power, one of which was shown by Dr. Loring, of Salem, at the last Essex County Exhibition, and several others have been tried in other parts of the State. But still the princi- ple of this machine was defective, and much room for improvement existed. With the rake, properly used, by horse-power, we had s.ll the machinery of working hay in as perfect order as the power of modern invention could make them, and by its use one-half of what has heretofore been the labor of haymaking can be saved. Some people turn up their noses at the mention of machines for making hay, contenting them- selves with their old-fashioned implements. Such persons, if they wanted a shirt, would not surely carry out their theory in that respect, and refuse to buy and wear one which was not spun and woven in the old-fashioned way. There would be about as much consistency in the one objection as in the other ; for it is well known that 500 yards of cloth can as easily be made in an hour, by machinery, as five yards could be by the old family processes. Leaving the matter of sowing, managing 'and curing hay to other gen- tlemen, the president took his seat. Mr. B. V. French was called on to speak, and directed the attention to the fact that there were too many fresh- water meadows in the State, which were unhealthy in summer, and unproduc- tive of healthy food for cattle. Draining of such swamps, and their proper management thereaf- ter, would result in great comparative profit — were it simply on account of the killing of the tough aquatic grasses. Mr. F. quoted the opin- ion of Prof. James W. F. Johnston, of Edin- burgh, that, of all our crops, the hay ci'op was the worst treated with us. The preparation of our lands was not calculated to produce well, and little attention was given to manuring, so that no crop of value could be produced. At considera- ble length, and with great minuteness of detail, Mr. French went into a disquisition on the modes by which these evils could be corrected, and the quantity and quality of grass and hay would be greatly improved. Pastures, in partic- ular, were not so good as they ought to be, and this was a subject for improvement which should not be lost sight of. The proper selection of grasses was also a subject of importance. Sweet vernal grass was recommended as being one of the best for butter-producing purposes. Mr. JosiAH QuiNCY, Jr., wished to know from the experience of gentlemen what is the best method of top-dressing grass lands ? His plan was to keep cattle during winter, mix their ma- nure with swamp muck, and dress and plow the land in autumn, as had been recommended by 228 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat the president. Experiments in this way had been favorable with him. Having plenty of ma- nure, how could it be best applied to grass lands ? Could it be profitably done without breaking up, and by means of top-dressing ? Breaking up had been deprecated by Hon. Simon Brown, and oth- ers, in the Patent Office Report ; and what Mr. Q. wanted, was^ to know what he should do with his manure so as to make his grass lands yield two tons of hay, per acre, and keep the yield permanent. Mr. Sanford Howard corroborated the ex- perience of Mr. Quincy with regard to the cul- ture of his grass lands, and their produce, and also some observation made by him concerning tiie cultivation of hay lands by top-dressing in England and Scotland. Gen. Sutton, of Salem, stated that he culti- vated his hay lands in September, manuring them well, and sowing them with herds-grass and clo- ver. He let them lay five years without lifting, and always top-dressed in the fall. Mr. Lawton, of Great Barrington, had a dif- ferent sort of land to deal with than the sea- coast farmers, and had to experiment differently, and with more limited means than they had ; but the general management was not materially dif- ferent. He had cultivated land for hay for 30 years without breaking up, and had realized as much as two tons per acre. He did not approve of overgrown crops of hay, as it wanted consis- tency, and did not go so far with cattle as an or- dinarily good crop. When he prepared land for hay, he drained, plowed deep, harrowed well, used ashes and compost and planted corn, plowed again in the fall and manured with compost and sowed down with red-top, timothy and clover. As to the time of cutting grass, — if it was cut before it became woody, it would make excellent hay ; but if it was allowed to stand too long, two- thirds of its nourishment would be lost. This was a most important consideration ; and taking into the value of the hay crop, was a particular that should not be slightly glanced at. Mr. Lawton approved of a light irrigation in the spring as being of much benefit to grass in its earlier stage. If more care were paid to our hay, we would not want so much of it, and what would be of as much consequence, our cattle could rely on the nutritious value of what they did eat. Mr. L. top-dressed his meadows every second year, and disapproved of growing green crops on lands to be plowed in as manure, as he never had any success from it — and especially from the use of buckwheat in this manner, which produced an acidity in the soil that was not favorable to the healthy growth of grasses. In reply to Mr. W. J. Buckminster, Mr Lawton stated that he underdrained soft meadow land, and also wet upland, with great profit. He had raised wheat on such lands after draining, when it never could be raised previously. Mr. Leander Wetherell spoke to the ques- tion raised by ]Mr. Quincy, and mentioned lands in the State which had yielded two crops every year, after top-dressing every second year — or three tons to the season ; but the owner did no* feed his land with cattle. This experience seeme(' opposed to the theory of breaking up grass lands — or what was called vatural moioing — land that had never been turned up by the plow within man's memory. The fall is generally the better time for top-dressing — if the ground is not lia- ble to be washed ; if it is so, the better plan would be to manure in spring. A rule in the middle of the State was to manure these natural grass fields as soon as the crops were taken oflF. Clover, red-top and herds-grass were the best kinds to be used for seeding land. Mr. W. had no great opinion of the value of the new kind of grasses, at present recommended as forage grasses ; and was surprised at the small quanti- ties of forage grown per acre in the common- wealth. The average was short of one ton to an acre. Nantucket gave nearly an average of two tons. Farmers could not, surely, afford to use their lands for so little ; and would they so determine, the best way would be to go into im- provement without delay, and raise four tons per acre, as had been done in one instance on record. The President said that, near Ipswich, and in that locality, generally, which was famous for growing hay, it was customary, after the crop had been taken off, to run an iron-tooth harrow over it, put in seed, bush harrow it; and in this way there was much renovation. Mr. Proctor did not approve of allowing cattle to feed on lands intended for hay, as they poached it in wet weath- er. Mr. Wetherell agreed in this opinion. Mr. W. J. BrCKMlxsTER took a general re- view of the discussion, pointing out such features in it as harmonized with each other, and were certified scientifically. He concluded by eulogiz- ing the policy of using labor-saving machines in agricultural operations, which latter subject was discussed by several othe^ gentlemen up to the time that the meeting broke up. Mr. Quincy, and other gentlemen, approved of the use of hay-caps, and stated that, in catching weather, they would pay for themselves in one year. The question for next week will be, "T/te best mode of improving the present system of New Enpcland farming ;" and it is expected that Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr., will preside. Treatment of Ringbone. — "Will you or anv of your subscribers, tell me the best and salcst 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 229 way to cure a ringbone, and not leave a scar or blemish on the foot?" We have never known a case of confirmed or decided ringbone cured by any process. A scar should never be made in treating it. Cutting and burning should never be allowed — they are both cruel and useless. The best medicine for man or beast, to pre- serve health, is exercise ; the best to restore it, is rest. This latter is the king of medicines, and ■we could enumerate some of its surprising cures. For incipient ringbone, this is emphatically the remedy. Dr. Dadd recommends in addition, an application of acetate of cantharides, as being milder and better than common blistering. When the part becomes hot, apply cold water bandages. — Country Gentleman. For the Neio England Farmer. VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY. Mr. Editor : — An inquiry from Wm. R. Put- nam, of Danvers, led you, in your issue of Feb. 26th, into some detailed remarks on the physi- ology of the growth of trees. From these laws of vegetation, corroborated also by large person- al experience, you draw the conclusion that the only fitting season for pruning is the months of June and July. I intend to take issue with you in certain respects, on this point, although I may agree with you in regard to it, in others. Before going further, however, permit me to ask, ■whether your statement, under the head of res- piration in plants, is correct, namely, that the leaves absorb oxygen and evolve carbonic acid gas. It is contrary to what I have been taught, and to the statement in the next paragraph, "that oxygen is evolved, and carbon solidified." Lindley says, "When a plant is exposed to the direct influence of the sun, it gives off oxygen, by decomposing the carbonic acid ; whereupon the carbon remains behind in a solid state." In regard to pruning, I have always consid- ered that the appropriate season should be de- termined by the ends which the pruner has in vievw These are twofold ; 1st, improved shape, increased vigor ; 2d, production of fruit. In pruning for shape or vigor, the most suita- ble time, in my opinion, is after the fall of the leaves, no matter how late. My reason for prun- ing at this season is as follows : during the sea- son of rest, as long as the ground remains not frozen, a plant continues to absorb food from the soil by its roots. The sap thus garnered, is not, however, distributed though the branches until the -warmth of spring brings about a renewal of the circulation. Consequently, if branches are removed in early winter, all the sap which has accumulated in the roots during the interval will be distributed among the remaining branches, now fewer in number, imparting to them addi- tional and freshened vigor. If pruning should be deferred until late in the spring, so late that the accumulated sap is already distributed, then each branch and each snoot that is removed car- ries with it just so much sap, and consequently the loss of so much vigor. The question now arises at what time this ■winter pruning should terminate ; at what sea- son the flow of sap is so far advanced as to de- prive the tree by the loss of wood, of the store which it has been accumulating. What do writ- ers teach on this point? Lindley says; "As pruning, however, is not always intended to in- crease the vigor of a tree, late or spring pruning, if not deferred until the sap is in rapid motion, may be more judicious." "The season for prun- ing is mid-winter or mid-summer; the former, for thinning and arranging; the latter, for removing new superfluous wood." "By late pruning, a large proportion of the accumulated sap is thrown away." My own work in this particular is always ended by the first week in December. The following passage is from D'Albret: "In taking branches from a tree when stripped of its foliage, during winter, January, February, and March, when the sap is in repose, concen- trated in the roots and woody parts, none of it is lost; it all goes to the benefit of the tree where- in it has retreated." I quote again from Du Breuil: "The suitable period for pruning is during the repose of vege- tation, from November to March ; but, betsveen these two limits, the most favorable time is that which follows severe frosts, and precedes the first movements of vegetation, about the month of February." Now, as spring, in France, about Paris, is fully a month earlier than with us, it follows that there would be no disadvantage in pruning, in Massachusetts, as late as the middle of April. Once more, from M. Hardy : "In the climate of Paris, pruning may be carried on all winter, except during severe frosts. But the most fa- vorable season in all countries of which the cli- mate approximates to that of Paris, is February and March, after the severe cold weather has passed. As the apple tree is one of the most tardy in coming into leaf, the pruning of it may be deferred still later." The writers whom I have just quoted are the highest authorities in France and England. I would not, however, be understood to intimate ihat authorities and theories should take prece- dence of experience and observation ; but the Frenchmen whom I have quoted unite large practical observation with a high degree of sci- entific knowledge. With regard to my own experience in fall pruning, I will merely say, without entering into any details of my system, which might be not only interesting but useful, that during the last six years I have taken the entire care of a young orchard of two hundred trees. All the pruning has been done by myself, begun after the fall of the leaf, and terminated in the early part of De- cember. I cannot recall a single accident of any kind which I can refer to winter-pruning ; the wounds have always healed smoothly. I shall be pleased to give you and Mr. Put- nam an opportunity to criticise winter-pruning. In regard to pruning for fruit, I may have a few words to say at another time. As the French writers whom I have quoted may not be known to your readers generally, I will say that D'Albret was head gardener for thirty-two years, in the department of fruit trees, at the Garden of Plants ; Du Breuil is profes- sor of horticulture in Paris, and his work has ob- tained prizes from the Agricultural Societies of Paris, Rouen and Versailles ; M. Hardy is head- 230 NEAV ENGLAND FARMER. May gardener of the gardens of the Luxembourg' Paris. G. H. Lodge. Swampscot, March 3, 1859. Remarks. — We are glad to find attention drawn to this important subject, and thank Dr. Lodge for the interest he manifests in it. We did not intend to say, nor, upon reference to our article, do we find that we did say, that midsum- mer is the only time to perform that work. We say this — that in our judgment, midsummer pruning is best, but we have often said in these columns, that if not done then, any time after the fall of the leaves, and while the tree is in a state of rest, or, at least comparatively so, prun- ing may be safely performed. But this state of rest is much shorter than most persons are aware of. Elms, maples, and other trees, whose twigs were as smooth as pipe stems, showing no swelling of the buds whatever, on the first of Jan- uary last, had their tops so thickened up by the \5th of February, as entirely to change their ap- pearance ! We have called the attention of many persons to this fact during the winter Our opinions seem to be at variance with that of the Doctor, not so much in regard to the proper time for pruning, as to what time the tree is in a state of repose. We are writing now on the Sth day of March, and any person who visits the Common may see trees whose buds are already so swollen as to essentially darken the heads of the trees. These buds were so minute on the 1st of January as not to be perceptible ; they have grown since, and consequently the tree, during warm days, has been in a state of activi- ty. That activity will continue until about the middle of June, when the elaborated sap has mostly returned to form wood, fruit, and perfect seeds. with her toes in a warm, feather bed. If her toes lap over and under a roost, her feathers can- not reach them, and her toes will certainly be frozen, and in repeated freezing she becomes sick and finally dies, before she has time to lose her flesh. Make your roost five inches in diam- eter ; the hen sits on the highest point and warms her own feet. E. Biddeford, Me., Feb. 14, 1859. POWEKS INSTITUTE. Ji'or the New England Farmer. LAME HENS THAT DIE. "M. O. H." informs you he has lost fifteen or twenty hens since last fall. A few years since I had occasion to fix over my hen-house, just as winter -was coming in. I had some nice poles, one and one-half inches in diameter, unseasoned from the woods, and being very straight, I thought they would make good roosts for my hens, and accordingly I put up sufficient for them all with these poles. In the winter, I found some of my hens limping, and some died; they were fat, but their toes indicated that they had been frozen. I had seldom ever seen a hen on the cold ground with both feet, as one is usually up among the feathers for a short time, and then the other has its turn ; but I have never noticed a hen with one foot on the roost and the other among the feathers. It then occurred to me that I had made them a bad roost. The hen needs a roost of sufficient size so that the toes and foot can be protected from the cold by her own feathers ; in this condition she sleeps On Thursday evening, the 17th of March, we had the pleasure of meeting the officers of this Institute, the officers of Instruction and Govern- ment, the pupils and many of the citizens of the beautiful town of Bernardston, at the recitation rooms and Hall of the Institute. L. F. Ward, A. M., is the Principal ; Mrs. E. H. Ward, Pre- ceptress, and teacher of the Ornamental Depart- ment ; Miss S. L. Leacii, Preceptress ; Servik SciINELL, native of Germany, teacher of German and Librarian ; C. F. SCHUSTER, teacher of Mu- sic ; J. B. Cantel, native of France, teacher of French ; Charles G. Allen, teacher of Pen- manship ; Edward B. Phillips, teacher of Vocal Music, and William Dwigiit, M. D., lecturer on Physiology. This Institute had its origin in the munificence of Edward Epps Powers, late of Columbus, Georgia. To his native town, Bernardston, he devised ten thousand dollars, the income of which is to be used for purposes of education in said town. To this bequest, the citizens have added liberal sums, so that they have constructed a fine building containing commodious rooms for reci- tation, library, philosophical apparatus, &c., and a large and beautiful Hall for declamation and lectures. But what is more attractive to us than any of these, and gives this pioneer institution its crown- ing merit, is its agricultural feature. Before en- tering the Hall, we were invited into one of the recitation rooms, where Professor Ward intro- duced us to his class in agriculture. This class numbered seventy, about one-third being young women, and both sexes being of the ages of sev- enteen to twenty-two. A more gratifying spec- tacle than this we have rarely witnessed. Ques- tions were put to them in relation to chemistry, plants and soils, which were answered promptly, intelligently, and with a most lively interest. While they understood the purport of the words they were uttering, they seemed to feel the im- portance to the world, of the noble Art whose mysteries they were exploring. From such a germ as this, what grand results may flow ! What investigations, what intellectual labor and profits may result from this beginning ! The es- tablishing of such a class as this in so popular an 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 231 institution, cannot fail to produce the most happy influences upon our rural population. It has our hearty sympathy, and warm wishes for success. The pleasure of addressing this class, the oth- er pupils of the institution, and the citizens gen- erally, was reserved for us for the evening — this being the first lecture of a series, several of which are to be upon agricultural topics. Our stay in town was made agreeable by kind attentions from all with whom we came in con- tact, and especially by the cheerful hospitalities of Gov. CusHMAN and lady, whose guest we were during our brief, but highly interesting visit. For the New England Farmer. THE SEASONS. How beautiful is Spring ! Every one hails it with joy, as it conies decked with lovely flowers, and with green robes for all the vegetable world. All Nature, animate and inanimate, is subject to its influence. Birds return from Southern climes to enliven the scene with their cheerful melody. The various animal tribes express their delight, each in its own peculiar manner. Man. too, par- takes of this universal joyousness. The young are jubilant, the eld are electrified, and in a meas- ure rejuvenated, and a grand chorus of admira- tion ascends from every valley and every hill-top. This is the season of promise. Summer succeeds. The seed has been com- mitted to the earth, the tender blade is shooting forth, and careful culture and training are needed to insure a crop. Anxiety oft takes possession of the mind, producing a salutary efi'ect by induc- ing a greater degree of watchfulness. Occurren- ces beyond our control may sometimes blight our prospects, yet upon our own exertions, mainly, depends a renumerating harvest. A little neglect is often highly detrimental. This is the season of HOPE. Autumn follows, when the promise of Spring, and the hopes of Summer, are to be realized. If we have sown in good soil, and have cultivated the tender plants with proper care, imploring, the while, with grateful and prayerful hearts, the blessing of benignant Heaven, we shall now re- ceive an abundant harvest. This is the season of FRUITION. Winter, the season for contemplation, soon arrives, with its icy blasts and howling storms, but he who has acted well his part in the preced- ing seasons, will be prepared for this. Plenty has crowned his labors ; his garners are full, and he may sit quietly and comfortably by his own fireside, undisturbed by wind or storm, and un- scathed by the pinching hand of want. He re- flects upon the past, anticipates the future, culti- vates his intellect, and, with the eye of one who has done his duty, '•Looks through Nature up to Nature's God." In contemplating the vicissitudes of the sea- sons, he can exclaim with the poet of Nature, "These as they change, Almighty Father, these Are tiut the varied God. The rolling year Is full of Thee." Bloomfield, C. W. L. Varney. For the New England Farmer. APPLE OBCHAE.DS. "When doctors disagree, who shall decide ?" Mr. Putnam, of Danvers, tells us through the Farmer, that he, and his neighbors, have prac- ticed pruning their apple trees in the spring, for the last fifty years, and as yet have discovered no injurious effects by so doing. But t)ie editor comes out with a good, sound, philosophical ar- gument, to prove that the spring is, of all sea- sons in the year, ihe worst time to prune appie trees. I believe the editor is right, because ne gives his reasons, backed up by long experience, and that experience tried by both rules is worth more than a whole volume of theories. This is the kind of evidence I like, proved by practical experience. Theories are good enough, when proved and made to be facts. It is posj.ible that trees in a good soil, may be practiced upon in the manner friend Putnam has done, and not on- ly "still live," but give signs of good treatment, jet that does not prove that trees thrive best, under such treatment. People are strongly at- tached to old customs, and are ready to follow them, without thinking whether they are right or wrong. I once thought, like many others, that the spring was the proper time to prune apple trees. But a few years ago, a man came along with the N. E. Farmer, and told me that if I wished to take one of the best agricultural papers in the country, to just put my name on his book, and my wishes would be gratified. The man looked hon- est, and I took his word for it, and put my name down. I have since learned by reading the Far- mer that the man told the truth. The Farmer told me to leave off that unnatural practice of bleeding my trees in the spring. I took the ad- vice, and that has paid me for the paper ever since. But that is only a small part of what I have learned by reading the Farmer. If I find some articles published in it, written by corres- pondents, that do not seem practical or true, I think them of some value, because they call at- tention and thought upon the subject, and by that means facts are ascertained. A man stated some months ago that he raised an enormous crop of wheat, by planting it in hills. The story was incredible, it seemed an im- possibility. But, if it was one-half true, it was valuable information. Because, if it is discovered that a better yield of wheat can be produced by planting in hills or drills, it is an important fact. As we are now upon the wheat subject, allow me a few words upon this head. Why is not wheat more generally raised in New England ? Is it not a profitable crop? Some say it is, others say it is not. Here they disagree again. But there is Mr. A., who raises a good crop of wheat every year, enough for himself, and some to spare. But, there is Mr. B., right by his side, who says he can't do any thing with it ; it will rust and mildew, and is a very uncertain crop, it don't pay. Now where is the trouble ? I rather guess Mr. B. don't take the Farmer. (By the way, I wish the Farmer would say much more upon wheat-growing.) Wheat is one of the staple ar- ticles of food in our country, and its cultivation should be well looked after. It is successfully raised in most all parts of New England, and es- 232 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May tablishes the fact that it can be done. We ought I not to be wholly dependent upon the West, aridi the mercy of speculators, for our flour. \Vhat is needed, is a proper knowledge upon the cultiva- tion of wheat; it is evident that the soil has be- come exhausted of the elements which are requi- site to produce it. Undoubtedly, there are fertil- izers within the reach of every farmer, if known, which could be applied to the soil and supply the deficiency. And I believe, that with a proper care, in selecting and changing the seed, and sow- ing it in drills, at the proper time, wheat may not only be made to pay, but be a profitable crop to the farmers in New England, and their eyes be gladdened with the sight of a golden harvest of wheat every year. Who can enlighten the farmers on this subject? Ye wise ones, let your light shine through the N. E. Farmer, that it may "run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." A. Philbrook. East Saugus, March 16, 1859. Remarks. — The kind words of our correspon- dent are encouraging. He confirms what we feel assured are facts with regard to pruning. There are few orchards twenty-five years of age which have been spring-pruned, that do not bear evi- dences of injury from such pruning ; and we have no doubt, whatever, but we can find them in Mr. Putnam's. Friend Putnam may expect us to make him a call some pleasant morning, when we will compare notes. away. I do not hold the calf, the box holds him ; he cannot waste the milk ; yet it may take three or four days, at intervals, to teach him to drink. 1 should have stated that the box or calf stall has a door, or movable board, in the rear, so as to et the calf in and out easily. I. B. Hart WELL. Wilkinsonville, Mass., March 21, 1859. I^or the New England Farmer. KICKING COWS AND STUBBOKN CALVES. Mr. Editor : — I perceive that your readers are having some experience with kicking cows, on which subject I have a word to offer. I have a beautiful four years-old cow, and a good milker ; kind and gentle when her teats are not sore, and her treatment is exactly in accordance with her notions of right ; but otherwise a very expert and furious kicker. With one fore foot strapped up, she will kick with the hind leg of the same side, so as to knock a pail out of my hands, or strike me above the knee. With a rope and twister around her, she will distort the symmetry of a milk pail, instanter. But I can milk her with perfect safety to my- self and pail, by putting her in the stable with a common chain tie, then lashing her body, just back of her fore legs, firmly to a strong, short partition, not extending far enough back to be in the way of milking ; and lastly by attaching a strap to the hind leg, on the milking side, draw- ing the leg back out of harm's way, and so as to give a liberal exposure of the udder, and a wide berth to the pail, and making fast said strap near the floor in the rear. All which appliances can be adjusted in two minutes. To teach a calf to drink milk, I construct a stall, or box, for him, so narrow and short that he can neither turn round, lie down, or move for- ward or back, with his head over a large wooden bowl made stationary at the proper position for drinking. Then with my hands and fingers work EXTKACTS AND HEPLIES. BLACK SPANISH FOWLS. Have you eggs to sell from pure black Span- ish fowls? I also wish to get some Bolton Grey fowls. Can you tell me where to procure them ? Dover, N. II., 1859. B. o. o. Remarks. — We have often given ourselves considerable trouble to answer questions similar to the above, by going to the places where fowls and eggs are sold, when the dealers ought to make known their trade by advertising. But as they prefer not to help themselves, we have con- cluded not to help them any longer. There are plenty of the fowls and eggs which you inquire for in this city. PROLIFIC PUMPKIN SEED, Samuel Hurd, Esq., of Leicester, exhibited at the horticultural exhibition in this city, last fall, 19 sweet pumpkins weighing 110 pounds, which, with two that were not ripened, grew upon a vine measuring with its branches, 190 feet in length — and the whole is the product of 07ie seed, I purchased the above pumpkins of Mr. Hurd, an>d have used them through the winter, eating the last of them, last week. They were of the most delicious flavor. I have saved the seeds, and they number 10,341 good seeds. E. H. Worcester, March 12, 1859. OATS TURNED TO RYE. I saw in a late Farmer an account of oats turn- ing to rye, as being a late discovery. Seventy- four years ago, my father moved into Randolph, Vt., and two other families at or about the same time. One man of the number sowed half an acre of oats too late ; he let his oxen feed on the oats as long as they sprouted up through the season, and the next spring they grew up, and the latter part of the season he harvested a crop of good winter rve. Leander Turner. East Bethel, Me., 1859. CURE FOR POTATO ROT. Mr. Robert French, of East Haverhill, N. H., states that the potato grown from seed that has been soaked one hour in blue vitriol water will not rot. His recipe is "one-fourth of a pound of blue vitriol dissolved in three parts of water ; cut the potatoes and soak them in the solu- tion one hour, and then plant them. They will germinate readily, and their vines will not blast, nor their tubers rot." Try it in a small way. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 233 TIME TO COLLECT AND SOW THE SEED OF THE WHITE PINE. In answer to the inquiry of your "North Brookfield Subscriber," I would say that white pine seed is ripe in the latter part of August, or the first part of September. It should be col- lected just before the cones begin to open, the cones being laid away in some dry chamber un- til the seed can be thrashed out, when it should be sowed as soon as convenient, this being the time when they are naturally sown. It is a very good practice to sow on land after having sown winter rye without any covering ; or, if sown on old worn-out land, it would be well to harrow the ground previous to sowing. There has been no seed grown in this vicinity for several years. relham, N. H., 1859. B. F. Cutter. WARTS ON A calf's NECK. I have a yearling calf that has got warts on its neck about as large as a quart measure ; they have been growing all winter, and now have a very offensive odor. I wish to inquire through your paper, what will prove a remedy. What is the best thing I can do for lice on my young stock ? LUTHER. Mil ford, March 7, 1859. Remarks. — We cannot tell you what will cure the warts. A little mercurial ointment rubbed upon the cattle with a tooth brush will kill the lice. CIDER VINEGAR — AN INJURED COLT. Can you tell roe of the surest and most expe- ditious method of making good cider vinegar ? Will you refer me to some treatise on road- making ? I have a colt in perfect health, which has a swelling on his breast, caused, some say, by feed- ing from too high a crib. If this is not the cause, please state what is, if you know, and the rem- edy. A. B. c. Remarks. — Loudon gives a chapter or two on road-making, in his "Encyclopedia of Agricul- ture." The other questions we cannot answer satisfactorily. A BIG CALF — CORN FODDER. I had a calf dropped March 14th, that weighed 1274 lbs., and the cow had been kept all winter on corn fodder and meadow hay. I have win- tered twenty head of cattle this winter on corn fodder and meadow hay, and they are coming out well this spring. Some of your correspondents boast of keep- ing stock on corn fodder and turnips, as a proof of the goodness of turnips. I consider corn fod- der a good feed. In fact, I have always noticed that my cows failed in their milk when my corn fodder is out. The fodder from an acre of good corn is worth as much as the average of English hay on the same quantity of land. I have fed my corn fodder without either cut- ting, steaming or mealing, and I have no doubt but what it would have been better had all of them been done. Ed. Emerson. TJoUis, N. 11. , March 19, 1859. SPLIT BARK ON APPLE TREES. Can you inform me what I can do to save my apple trees ? The bark on many of them is split from the ground to the limbs, and is loosened from the wood, half or more of it on the trunk. About one-sixth of my orchard of ninety trees is affected in this way. s. D. M. Mansfield, Mass., March, 1859. Remarks. — Will some one informed on the subject enlighten us on this question ? FEEDING FODDER TO STOCK. In reply to a communication in the Farmer of March 19, by a "Subscriber" in Woodstock, Vt., in relation to keeping farm stock, I think if he will cut his hay for cattle and horses, mix his corn and oat meal with it, and feed judiciously, it will not cost more than two-thirds the amount to keep them that it will to feed hay and grain whole. For sheep, and especially ewes with lamb, I should feed potatoes, (after they become accus- tomed to them,) at the rate of one bushel to a hundred sheep per day, chopped fine, and a small quantity of corn or oat meal well mixed with them. With me it has proved a saving of hay, and improvement in the condition of the sheep. South Strafford, Vt. A Farmer. CALIFORNIA POTATOES. From half a bushel of seed, cut small, and three pieces put in a hill, I harvested thirty., three bushels of potatoes. They were planted in^ ordinary ground, 3 ft. 4 in. apart, and 2 ft. 8 in.. between the hills. The manure was plowed in.; when hoed, they were dressed with leached and, unleached ashes and plaster. O. Thomson. Jericho Centre, Vt. A FINE NATIVE BULL. I have a native bull two years old, of fine form, light red color, not fat, only just decent store order ; he weighed to-day 1 ;}()(» lbs. He had the benefit of a farrow cow through the summer of 1857. Since then he has had nothing but gi-ass and hay to eat ; he is gentle to handle, and not unruly. Lewis Ward. Naugatuck, Ct., March 18, 1859. WARTS on PLUM TREES. Has there been any effectual remedy discov- ered for preventing warts or hard protuberances from growing on plum trees ? If so, what is it ? A. R. s. Remarks. — We know of none from actual ex perience. Mr. W. A. Simonds advertises a wash which he says is a remedy. MUCK COMPOST. "(). N. M.," Warner, N. IL, will find many ar- ticles in the recent numbers of the monthly Far- mer on the subject of his inquiries ; also, a pa- per in the Patent Office Report for 1856. The name of the person he inquires for may be seen at the Yipp.d of our i'>fl]ier. 234 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat For the New England Farmer. HOxi.SE FOOT AND HOBSE-SHOSING. It has been my lot to have two horses spoilt by bad shoeing. On that account I was induced to study the formation and nature of a horse's foot. This portion of the horse, because it out- wardly seems to be one solid block, thicker than a driver's skull, and made, therefore, to be bat- tered, without mercy, on roads, paved, &c., con- tains a mechanism inside that is no less exquisite than those mainsprings of grace which are en- closed in the fine gold watch. The horny case is lined with plates that are at once elastic and devoid of sensation ; thus concus- sion is broken and blows are not felt. By this ad- mirable combination of solidity and elasticity, the given and most difficult mechanical jjroblem, to wit, the moving of a heavy body with great ve- locity, is solved. The outside is called the ''crust," in England, and in France, the ''wall." The front part of the hoof is thickest where the first and heaviest shocks are met, and thinnest at the heel, where expansion, not resistance, is required. The ground surface of the foot is composed of a sen- sitive sole, which is endued with a power of de- scent and ascent according to the pressure on it from above, and of the frog, a spongy, but less finely organized substance, which swells at the back part, bulby an-l well-defined in the unshod colt. The whole use of the frog is an open ques- tion ; but every one accords to it the most im- portant functions. It is useless for me to go into the minute part of the foot, but I will say that whenever there is inflammation in the foot, however small, the horse will rest it, to shift the seat of pain. At first the disease does not show itself much, but it is gradual. The spur of the horseman may cause the horse to bear much pain, without flinch- ing, but endurance has its limits. You will find that he steps more carefully, nor does he put his foot ahead, and there is also a lowering of the head and neck to remove the weight from his feet. Nature has formed the foot in the right shape to be shod ; it does not need much trim- ming. In pulling off" an old shoe, care must be taken not to wrench the foot nor to injure the external crust of the hoof. Care must be taken not to pare the ground surface too thin ; rasp off the rough particles adhering to the crust, but do not pare the frog, as, if it is bared of its slight covering, it is apt to dry up and crack. The rough edges of it should never be removed. It should be left to nature, for the frog throws off its worn-out teguments, like a tree casting off its dead limbs The hoof, in i;s natural shape, should guide the smith in the selection of the form of the shoe. The shoes should be of equal thick- ness throughout, with a flat ground surface; shoes with high heels are dangerously absurd ; the toe, which ought to be raised, is lowered, and nature's plan reversed, which elevates the point in order to avoid obstructions. The web should be wide, and of the same width throughout ; if drawn in at the heel, it exposes the naricular joint, and if that be inflamed, at once you have a lame horse. In putting on the shoe, it should rest only on the horny run of the foot ; it must not press on the sole, thereby arresting the springy operations, or encumber the heels, where the crust is thinnest and the power of expansion the greatest. Five small nails for the fore foot and six for the hind are sufficient ; large nails make too big holes in the crust. They should be driven into the outer quar- ter, where the crust is the thickest; not forced in too high, but the points brought out as soon as possible, clenched down broadly, and then not too neatly rasped away, which weaken their hold. The heel and inside quarter to be left free. When a shoe is properly forged, there is no danger of applying it hot to the crust, for the purpose of removing the irregularity of the hoof. s. r. For the New En<;land Farmer. HUNGARIAN" QRASS-.COWS STABLED NIGHTS. Mr. Editor : — Having read in your Taluable paper something concerning Hungarian grass, I thought I would tell my experience. Last sea- son I procured four quarts of the seed, (paying $1,00,) and sowed it the 2d of July, expecting it to come on as buckwheat or the like, but to my regret, it proved to be three weeks longer ma- turing. A frost the 29th of September cut it as low as it would melon vines, and I am left minus any seed. It is a query in my mind whether it can be raised and made as profitable as it is said to be, by those that have the seed to sell. That cattle and sheep would eat the straw when it was raised from hay, better than they do oat straw, I have no doubt. But when for the seed, it must be sown so thin that it may fill well, that it would be coarse and hard, rendering it unpalatable to them. After seeing what I saw of it, I should recommend to all who intend to sow some, to buy sparingly, and sow early, and on good ground, noting all its qualities and see if humbug is not in the ascendency. Will someone inform me through the Farmer whether a dairy of thirty cows can be kept in stables nights through the summer months, and do as well as they would in a pasture of eight acres ? I have good stables and cellar for the droppings, straw for litter, and hay to feed them, if they will eat it. I want to milk at four o'clock and at six. E. J. BUTTOLPH. Essex, Vt, 1859. Remarks. — We have no doubt but cows are kept through the night, in well-ventilated stables, as comfortably and healthfully as in a pasture, and even more favorably, if there are no sheds in the pasture. The stable should be clean and sweet, and the floor well littered. LOCKJAW IN HORSES. This is a terrible malady to which horses are sometimes subject, and it is generally fatal, owing to the want of skill on the part of veterinary physicians. The method pursued by them in its treatment has been blistering, clystering, &c., which rather aggravates than relieves the spasms that usually attend it. Death generally ensues by this practice, and the disease has been held to be incurable. In a late number of the Edinburg Veierinarij lievieiv, a new system of managing lockjaw is described, and nearly all the cases in 18,09. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 235 which it has been applied have resulted favora- bly. The plan consists of a hot water packing, similar to that pursued in the '"water cure" for the genus homo. As soon as the horse is observed to be affected with tetanus, it is wrapped from head to tail in four or five pairs of blankets, which have been wrung out of warm water at a temper- ature of two hundred degrees Farenheit. The animal is then allowed perfect rest and quietness for about two hours, when warm water of the above temperature is poured along its back out- side of the blankets, and another like period of repose is allowed, and so on till a cure is eftected. A thin gruel of flour, oat, or Indian corn meal is given, when the jaws of the animal are capable of being opened. As horses are liable to take lockjaw from pricks in the feet, caused by care- less or unskillful blacksmiths while shoeing them, this simple method of managing the disease can be applied by any person, and is svell worthy of trial. — Rural New-Yorker. For the New England Farmer. THE PINES OF NEW JERSEY. Mr. Editor : — A vacation well spent gives rise to agreeable memories long after we have returned to our accustomed duties of evei-y-day life. A visit to that mysterious and historical region, "The Pines of New Jersey," had been contemplated by us for many months ; for we had heard of the good farming prospects which have already induced many sons of New England to settle there ; and wishing to investigate the feasibility of settling with some friends where lands are cheaper than at home, we left this city during the month of July for the "Pines of New Jersey." While transferring our baggage to the Camden and Amboy railroad depot, in iN'ew York, the round face and stout form of Capt. Bluff, an old acquaintance, suddenly confounded us. The huge "flippers" of the old sea-dog half-squeezed the life out of us, as he cordially grasped our hand, and inquired, "Where are you bound to?" And after learning our destination, the jolly cap- tain made us follow him to the beautiful schoon- er that he commanded, which was to sail that very afternoon for Tom's river, on the east coast of New Jersey. The captain would not take any refusal to his invitation that we should accom- pany him in the Mermaid, and that night, with a fine breeze on her quarter, the fleet vessel was leaving Sandy Hook at the rate of ten miles per hour. After entering Tom's river, we bade farewell to the captain, and engaged a collier to take us through the Pines to the open country beyond. We are now abruptly entering on new ground — a few words regarding this interesting and much- talked-of region. During the revolutionary days th3 Pines were infested by the tories, who often made incursions to the settled country in this vi- cinity, where they robbed and murdered to their hearts' content. The rebels often followed the retreating scoundrels into the fastnesses of the forests where fierce battles were fought with the tories. The Pines received a bad name because they were the home of these lawless people, and though the tory has long since gone to his judg- ment, still the prejudice against this region has not been removed. There are really good tracts of land all through the Pines, which until lately have remained valueless ; and even now a farm may be bought at the lowest Western land- holders' prices. Not the heavy soils of the West are to be found here, but good light soils, vary- ing from four to twelve inches in depth, with a fine warm subsoil of sand, just such as your Cambridge market-gardener would select. These soils are much more easily worked, and are ear- lier than Western lands. Early in the morning the Gollier called for my- self and baggage, and soon after we were in the midst of pine forests. An hour later and we had emerged upon a plain, leaving the forests behind us. For miles in all directions the wood- man's axe had been busy, for scarcely a tree could be seen — ail the wood had been turned into char- coal by the industrious colliers. By eleven o'clock w- had again entered the forests of yel- low pine, and my sooty driver informed me that we were on the Hanover Furnace Tract, one of the largest landed estates in New Jersey. About this time we observed men at work throvving out a fine sort of white clay — so white, indeed, that one might mistake it for chalk. It was Kaolin, decomposed feldspar. The owner of this spot had purchased seventy-five acres of sandy land for a few dollars per acre, and informed us that after raising the Kaolin, a neighboring glass i manufacturer had offered him five hundred dol- ilars for two acres. The finest china ware has been made from this indestructible clay, and a dentist of Trenton has made teeth out of it for his customers. No blast from the chemist's jlarap can melt this clay. Mr. Niel, the owner of the farm upon which it was discovered, sends the clay to New York, where he gets twenty dol- lars per ton for it. Another hour's ride brought ; us to a tract of hazel loam covered with oaks. ("Where are we now?" I asked of our collier; ; "On the Hanover Furnace Tract," he replied. In we drove, and coming to a farm-house, I stopped to rest our horses, and there we were I again told that we were still on the great Han' - jver Furnace Tract. We drove ten miles further, land met a party of persons who were surveyirj;^ ja cedar swamp. We asked the principal of ths I party upon whose tract we were travelling, and the old reply came back, "The Hanover Furnace Tract." Upon further inquiry we learned that the surveyors lived upon the tract, and were em- ployed by the proprietors, "year in and year out." Another ride of four miles brought us to the shores of a beautiful little lake, upon the banks of which some thirty houses were embowered in the shade of gigantic willows and tall pines. Here lives, in retirement, one of the proprietors of this great tract, which contains over seventy square miles ; no low-class tavern oftended the eye, but all was quiet, simple, and beautiful. The sun was sinking behind a heavy pine forest, and his softened rays, reflected upon the little lake, caused it to look like burnished gold. The pro- prietor, Mr. Samuel H. Jones, came out to meet us, and at once extended the hospitable honors for which, I have since learned, Hanover Fur- nace is celebrated. We passed a happy evening at the mansion, and when we asked Mr. Jones why h':- did not ofler his lands to settlers from the North, he told us that his lands were oper 236 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May for examination, but he would not sell to any [ground goes as far as one hundred pounds in the ,)erson unless they were well satisfied that they kernel. Corn meal should not be ground very could do better here than elsewhere. He de-ifine, it injures the richness of it. Turnips of spised all methods of land speculation, and he small size have double the nutritious matter that wished to have only temperate, energetic men nfi large ones have. Rats and other vermin are kept good character settled around him. For nearly [away from grain by sprinkling garlic when pack- one hundred years this great tract has been ing the sheaves. Money expended in drying owned by his family. It was purchased in the! lands by draining or otherwise, will be returned days when land was valueless. The Jones's title i with ample interest. To cure scratches on hors- to their land came from the original appointed es, wash their legs with warm soapsuds, and then proprietors — almost direct from the crown. Thus with beef brine ; two applications will cure the they can sell their Ipnds at ten, twelve, and fif- teen dollars per acre. Large, natural cranberry meadows are scattered over the tract. One man had purchased a cranberry meadow containing one hundred acres for eight or nine hundred dollars ; the first year's yield was two hundred and seventv bushels, bringing him some seven worst case. — Ohio Farmer. For the New England Farmer. CULTIVATION OF CELERV. Mr. Editor : — Some time last season I no- ticed an appeal made to your valuable paper for hundred dollars. At Hanover Furnace there are information respecting the cultivation of celery, saw-mills and a grist-mill, besides the Furnace ll thought I would give you my method of culti- for iron castings. Lumber — pine sell at from [vating this delicious plant. In the first place, I twelve to sixteen dollars per thousand feet, ce-jgo to the pasture and dig a quantity of turf from dar about the same. Hanover Furnace is thir-i the bushy spots, laurel beds if there be any. Then ty-five miles from Philadelphia, forty-five from collect any old rubbish that will burn, and with New York. From the latter city it is reached this I burn the turf until it will pulverize. This by the Camden and Amboy railroad to Borden- [destroys all foul seed, the eggs or larvit of in- town, from thence to New Egypt by stage. The i sects, and provides a mould which has not bten postoffice is at Pointville. I send you this sketch, exhausted. I mix this with fine rotten manure, hoping that it may benefit some of our New Eng- land people. Let our young farmers go to New Jersey, where no fever and ague prevails, taking with them the Nexo England Farmer, and they will succeed far better than they will at the West. Boston, March, 1859. B. :SEW ENGLISH PEAR. F. J. Graham, Esq., F. R. S., of Cranford, two parts mould to one of manure. After making my hot-bed in the usual manner, I put on five or six inches of the mixture, then sow the seed, and never allow the plants to grow nearer than three inches of each other. Thus provided with strong healthy plants, I trench as early as the season will permit, eighteen inches deep, clearing from the trench all soil that may contain foul seed, and fill up six inches with the mixture of burnt mould and manure. In this I set the plants, Middlesex, brought a seedling called Graham's' hoeing often, and watering if the season be dry. Bergamot, which was considered the most deli-|^'^hen the plant is eight or ten mches high, I be cious seedling pear that had ever been brought under the notice of the Society [British Pomo- iogical.] The fruit was medium size, very ob- tusely conical ; an average fruit measuring two in( hes and a half in its greatest diameter, longi- tudinally and transversely; stalk short, stout; color dark russety-green, purplish on the sunny side, inclining to pale cinnamon as it ripens; tt'Xture very melting and juicy ; flavor rich, aro- matic and very sugary. Mr. Graham subsequently sent the Secretary specimens of leaves and wood ; the former are small, not exceeding two inches and a half in length, nor one inch in breadth, very delicate in substance, and much serrated, the foot-stalks be- ing nearly as long as the leaf itself, and very slender. The latter is very pale in color, slender but firm and very short-jointed. Mr. Graham states it to be very hardy and free from canker, and that its habit of growth is very upright, pro- ducing abundant blossom buds — the tree natu- rally forming a perfect pyramid or cone. — Eng- lish Cottage Gardener. Hints to Farmers. — Toads are the best pro- tection of cabbage against lice. Plants when drooping are revived by a few grains of camphor. Sulphur is valuable in preserving grapes, &c., from insects. Lard never spoils if cooked enough ii frying out. In feeding corn sixty pounds gin to fill moderately with the burnt mould with- out the manure, preferring to give the plant the benefit of the light and air, until the middle of August, then fill up with the mould, and continue to do so until the crop is matured. To keep for winter, dig a trench at least three and a half feet deep, in a light, sandy soil, where there is no danger from water ; in this put the plants with the top down, leaving an open space below this to be covered, but not so deep as to keep it too warm, and let the temperature be as low as possible, and not be in danger of freezing. In this way it may be kept in fine order until spring. Mechanic. Westhoro\ March, 1859. Tomatoes. — Now is the time to start the to- matoes. The women can do it in the house. — Take any old box, bucket or pan, place some coarse horse manure on the bottom, and fill with rich loam. Set it iii the sun for a day or two, keeping it properly moist, until the whole mass is warm, then sow your seeds. After they have come up, do not let them stand crowded, as a few vigorous plants are better than many weak ones. See that they are always kept properly moist, and you will get an abundance of stout, healthy plants. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 237 For the New Eiif^land Farmer. POTATOES— SEEDING-.-'WHEAT, &c. Mr. Editor: — Is it not a fatal error, that the farmer is a little too economical in seeding with small potatoes, instead of large ones, when he is so unsparing in his cash outlays for all other good seed, and especially, of some new and un- known variety ? Here, on Long Lsland, potato- growing is reduced to a science. We have many farmers who sell from two to seven thousand dollars value a season. This constitutes the prin- cipal crop of the farm, with the exception of the Swedish turnips, which are transplanted after the early potato crop is taken otf. They plow in horse manure, and plow deep ; select their larg- est potatoes for planting, cut off, and give to the pigs, the cluster of eyes, called the seed end,* (on the long varieties,) such as Jenny Liud, Che- nango, Long Reds, &c. ; by doing this, they get no small potatoes, and as many pounds as if the whole were planted. They say, the body of the potato contains the large, healthy germs, (which must be self-evident to all farmers,) and ridicule the idea of planting "pig potatoes'' to realize from. This would seem to be a common sense view of the matter. They plant a quarter of a large potato two feet apart, and want only three to four stocks in a hill. This practice of planting and cultivation was satisfactorily proved to me, by going into a field of fifteen acres, where sev- eral men were digging, and scarcely a pig potato could be seen — but on the contrary, large, mar- ketable potatoes, which required no sorting. Now, that nothing may be lost, and a fair ex- periment may be tried, I would suggest that these small eyes be planted in separate rows. The trial will cost nothing, and may turn out to be a val- uable discovery. Last year, the potato discussion terminated (as I thought,) in favor of large seed for planting. Yet, several of your correspondents made a fair showing for the pigmy family. The last few years of my own farming convinced me, that planting small potatoes from year to year, was the sure dwarfing principle. The bins in my cellar bore evidence of the fact. I am de- lighted to learn, that your farmers in various sec- tions of New England are trying the wheat crop. Take your warm uplands for spring sowing, and your strong grass sward for August sowing, and there will be a sure necessity of increasing your grist mills at home. Four bushels of wheat is •worth, in every family, a barrel of floui- — worth remembering. Our spring opens in earnest, the green grass and swelling lilac buds even to leaf, would seem to have bidden the winter good-by. Time will develop, whether "Winter's back is broken", or to return again with its frosty night- cap—we hope not ! H. Poor. Brooklyn, L. I., 1859. * Many farmers think the potato will not produce, without the "seed end." Hungarian Grass.— We continue to have in- quiries in relation to this grass. All we can say of it is, that we receive contradictory statements as to its productiveness, that it is somewhat doubtful whether it will ripen its seed in all parts of New England, that it is an annual, requiring to be sown every year, and that our friends had better purchase the seed sparingly, and only sow small patches of land for experiment. For the New England Farmer. CARKOTS-.MANGOI.DS— ASHES. Mr. Editor : — Though our farms are now cov- ered with snow from two to four feet, according to location, yet we expect in due time to have an opportunity to plow our land and put in the dif- ferent kinds of seed, and I thought if I had a lit- tle more information, (which 1 have no doubt you cua give,) I shall know belter what propor- lion of diiierent crops to try to raise. In the Farmer of January 8tli, you give a very interest- ing tabli" of the comparative value of the differ- ent kind.s of fodder, but you said not a word about -'carrots," a crop that I have entertained a higher esteem for, than for any other root crop for stock that I have ever raised, not excepting the potato. Please inform your readers of the relative value of this crop, according to the basis in the table already given. I noticed in a late number of the Farmer an inquiry if ashes exhausted the soil ? Although I thought your reply hit v/ell "the merits of the case," 1 will just relate an incident in regard to that subject that came under my personal obser- vation. In the summer of 1849, on a farm in Avon, Ct., the proprietor showed me a place in his field where he said twenty years before, he hauled out leached ashes after making soap, and spread them on, like manure. At the time I speak of, there was a well defined edge to the part where the ashes were applied, the land producing perhaps double the grass that grew all around it. The soil was a dryish, sandy loam, and had long been under cultivation. A. M. Brainerd. Alexandria, N. H., March 10, 1859. Remarics. — You are not mistaken, we think, in your estimate of the value of the carrot, but we have no table at hand to show you its relative value with other fodder. For the New England Farmer. TOP-STALKING OP CORIST. Having noticed some discussion lately in the N. E. Farmer respecting the utility of cutting corn stalks, I thought that the following state- ment of Mr. Solon Carter, of Leominster, to the Worcester North Agricultural Society, pub- lished in the Abstract of Returns of the Agricul- tural Society of Massachusetts, 1856, (pp. 246, 247, note,) might perhaps be both new and use- ful to the readers of the Farmer. I am inclined to think, that in many cases, old practices, upon sufficient examination, will be found to have much of reason in them. Even pruning fruit trees in spring ; for why should a wound made by removing a limb and covering the same with grafting-wax or other protection, not heal well and soundly, at the same season that a graft most readily unites with the stock? But for Mr. Carter's statement. "Each of the three lots contained four rows, 238 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat of twenty-four hills each ; in all ninety-six hills, has ever been my lot to witness in this county; Lot No. 1, was cut at the ground and stooked so many boys, farmers' sons, too, all of them to Sept, 24. Lot No. 2, had the top stalks cut in | be sent to the penitentiary for stealing and the usual way, at the same date. Lot No. 3, was j burglary. Farmers of Chatauque county, when left standing whole until October 29, when each your boys get large enough to work, find work of the lots was harvested and husked. The ears for them at home ; on no account let them go Top stalks Left cut standing Sept. 24. whole. 155^ lbs 154 lbs. 131 '• V2b " 18 " 171'- 149 " 142i " 61" 1U-' were then spread about six inches deep, and re- mained until Dec. 20. At this date the whole was shelled, and the result is as follows : Lot No. 1. Lot No. 2. Lot No. 3. Cut up whole / anil iiooked Sept. 24. Oct 2. harvested, weight, 143 lbs. Dec. 20, shelled, corn we'd, 111 '■ Cobs weighed, 16 " Total, 127 •' Shrinkage, 16 " Per cent, of shrinkage, 13 4 8 "It appears, by this experiment, that the corn hich was stooked weighed least at harvest and shrunk most before shelling, while that which had the top stalks cut, weighed most at harvest- ing, and shrunk least before shelling. — Secretary of the Society ." Perhaps it may be proper to say that all the lots, in other rtspects, were cultivated alike. Boston, February 22, 1859. D. Remarks. — There is a great difference be- tween cutting off a limb near its termination, where it is small, and where but comparatively little sap is flowing — being scattered into all the branches and twigs in its neighborhood — and cutting it off close to the body of the tree. If you were to cut oft" the first joint of a finger, the danger of bleeding to death would not be so great as it would if the leg were cut off at the thigh ! A skilful operator leaves what are called leaders, when grafting, to take up the flowing sap and divert it from the limb that is cut off. These leaders are vigorous limbs that spring from a larger one just back of the one that is cut ofi". But even with this care, and that of covering the wound with grafting wax, they will some- times bleed and decay. The scion itself, although so small, also takes up and disposes of consider- able sap. KEEP THE BOY a AT HOME. In the circuit court of Chatauque county, N. Y., says the Sprinc/Jield Bepublican, eight or ten young men were sentenced to the penitentiary for theft, burglary and other crime. Before pass- ing sentence. Judge Marvin inquired of each his birth-place, occupations, and the temptations that had led him into vice. All of them had been brought up farmers, and had gone to teaming, or into taverns, or some other business exposing them to temptation, and had learned to drink, swear and use tobacco, and so began their ca- reer of crime. Having finished his address to the criminals, the judge turned to the spectators and said : — "Before sentencing these boys I have a few words to say to the men of Chatauque county, the agriculturists in particular, some of whom are here to-day looking on the saddest scene it into the city or village to work ; nor let them go to teaming ; I care not if they can get fifty dol- lars per month, it will be a dead loss. They will just as surely follow the example of these boys, now l)efore you, as they leave the sacred and re- straining influences of home. Give them plenty of good books, and papers, make home pleasant, and keep them there until they are of age and have the wisdom to resist the temptation of the high wages on the road or in the tavern, but ob- tained at the expense of good character." Fur the New England Fanner. AGRICULTURAL PROGRESS THE BASIS OF HUMAN PROGRESS. Mr. Editor : — When the time comes, which is foretold by the prophets, "when the swords shall be beaten into plow-shares, and the speara into pruning-hooks" — when universal peace and harmony prevails, and "righteousness cover the earth as the waters do the sea" — then will the in- terests of mankind become associated ; then the whole earth will be one great mammoth associa- tion. Our Saviour has said, "for where your trea- sure (or interest) is, thei'e will your heart be al- so." Therefore, those who act voluntarily, are governed and controlled by what they deem to be their interest ; and this interest or treasure, is not confined to money — to dollars and cents ; but is that which is anticipated to produce pleasure and happiness. None but the slave can be said to exercise or do a disinterested act. Isolated and antagonistic interest is the source or germ of all the contentions, wars and crimes extant on the face of the earth — is "the sin of the world." Isolated labor is, for the most part, un- productive, discouraging and unprofitable. As- sociated interest and labor levels the mountains — fills up the valleys — makes the rough places smooth; and, by it, "all flesh shall see the sal- vation of God." By it a "highway is cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in," — by it the iron horse moves through the length and breadth of the earth — by it the manufacturer has made his fabrics plenty and cheap. Most of the great enterprises of the day, in the arts and sci- ences, are accomplished by associated interests and labor. Almost every useful commodity is made plenty and cheap, except our bread and butter, our beef and pork and cheese ! That which constitutes the life of man is as scarce as ever — as hard to be obtained as it was sixty or a hundred years ago ! This is not a right state of things. Make the necessaries of life plenty and cheap, to correspond to the productions of the manufacturer. Agriculturists are the foundation, the bottom strata of the whole superstructure of human so- ciety, and so long as they remain in their isolat- ed and antagonistic condition — laboring single handed, with their few imperfect implements, try- ing to force a few bushels of grain from a sterile soil, without system, without adequate knowl- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 239 edge, so long a portion of mankind will feel the curse of hunger, which breaks through stone walls. In the New England monthly Farmer for January, ]8u9, I have read a communication from the pen of Mr. Wilson Fhigg. which advances, 1 think, some erronious ideas in regard to the ef- fect which the steam-plow will have on the agri- cultural interests of the country ; and the crea- tion thereliv of "great mammoth agricidtural as- sociations," which will absorb the whole of the faming interests, farmers and all ! Would to God that this may be the result ; for then we might have hope for the permanent regeneration of mankind, when all the farmers are formed into one great mammoth agricultural association. Then all will be rewarded according to their works — all will be free. No more slaves, not even to those great machines, Br. Flagg to thi contrary, notwithstanding — for the faimers are now slaves to the small implements. But I hope the great machines will make them free. "God speed the plow!" even the great Steam Plow! Ripton, Tt., Feb., 18<39. Samuel Damon. AMEBICATsT WEEDS AND USEPUL PLANTS. That person who learns and retains the names of the machinery which he drives, or the tools o-r implements which he uses in his business, will be able to converse more intelligently about it, will naturally investigate its nature and scope, and will be quite likely to make it more profita- ble, than one possibly can who is indifferent in regard to it. It is so with the farmer. He who has studied the names of cattle, who can select an Ayrshire, Alderney, Short Horn or Devon, at sight, from a promiscuous herd, and tell why each bears that special name, will usually be found to have gone beyond that point of inquiry, and has also learned the comparative merits of each, so that when he wants an animal he knows just where to select, either for the dairy, the shambles or the yoke. The knowledge of names leads to the acquisition of other knowledge which becomes actual capi- tal to the farmer in his business ; it makes up a sound judgment to guide him in his purchases and sales, and its exercise protects him against the imposition of unprincipled men. With regard to machinery, stock, and the im- plements of the farm, we have already valuable helps. There are several works on cattle, and the catalogues of the agricultural warehouses give illustrations and descriptions of tools and implements, — while there are more scientific works that describe the more complicated ma- chinery, such as wind, horse and steam power. What we have said above is intended to illus- trate and enforce what we have to say to the farmer in regard to his knowledge of the names of the plants which he cultivates, and of those which he wishes to destroy. He certainly will derive both satisfac'ion and profit from a better acquaintance with their names ; and this will lead — uS in the case of the cattle — to a better under- standing of tii-ir structure, habits and growth, and consequently to larger profits, because ha will better know how to manage them. Now we have a work before us, and one that we have long desired to see, upon the American Weeds and Useful Plants, being an illustration of Agricultural Botany, and enumerating and de- scribing the useful plants and weeds, which merit the notice, or require the attention of American agriculturists. As as illustration of the practical character of the work whose title stands at the head of this article, we will quote what it says of one of the plants common all over New England, and de- nounced every year as an intruder, fit only to be steeped in vinegar and applied to the face to cure a fit of ague or the mumps ! It is the common mullein. We will give the author's whole ac- count of it, so that the botanist shall not feel slighted, and that the common reader may see that even the despised Mullein has extracted from the scientific a great many queer and hard names. Thus — VERBAS'CDM, L. Mdllein. [Quasi Barbascum ; Latin Barha, from its bearded or woolly- habit.] Calyx 5-parted. Corolla with a very short tube ; limb sub-rotate, o-lobed — the lobes nearly equal or the front one larger. Stamens 5, une- qual, inserted on the tube of the corolla, decli- nate, exserted, — the filaments (or some of them) bearded. Capsule ovoid or globose. Seeds nu- merous, rugose-pitted. Tall and usually woolly biennial herbs, with alternate leaves, those of the stem sessile or decurrent. Flowers in dense spikes, or paniculate racemes. T'. Thap'sus, L. Stem simple, erect, tomen- tose; leaves oval-lanceolate or oblong, very wool- ly on both sides,— the cauline ones decurrent; flowers in a dense terminal spike ; 2 lower fila- ments smooth. TuAPsus Verbascum. Mullein. French, Bouillon blanc. raut. Spanish, Gordolobo. Whole plant pale grayish-green or hoary tomentose, — the pu- oescence much branched. Stem 3-6 feet high, rather stout, leafy, rarely branching unless injured. Radical lean's 6-12 inches long, — the cauline ones smaller. Spike cylindric, 6-12 ( r 15 inches long ; Jlatcers bracteate Corolla bright yellow. Stdjitens ULequal, — the two lower ones longer, with smooth fll- amtuts. Neglected fields; road-sides, &c. : introduced. Native of Eu- rope. Flowers June-July. Fruits August-September. Obs. This plant, although abundant in all the older settlements, is undoubtedly a naturalized foreigner. It is a worthless, unseemly intruder, in our pastures and cultivated grounds. There is no surer evidence of a slovenly, negligent farmer, than to see his fields overrun with Mul- leins. As the plant produces a vast number of seeds, it can only l)e kept in subjection by a care- ful eradication while young — or at least before the fruit is mature. When neglected, the soil Mullein. Common German, Das WoUk- 240 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May soon becomes so full of seeds, that the young plants will be found springing up, in great num- bers, for a long succession of years. Beside the common mullein, there are two other kinds, the Moth Mullein and the White Mullein. The latter is a tall plant with a thin, powdery wooliness. and yellow (sometimes white) flowers What farmer would not value a book giving him a definite and reliable account of every plant growing on his farm in the manner in which this is given ! Some of the terms used in describing it may be difficult to comprehend at first, but with a little care they would soon become familiar. But there is usually enough in plain English to enable us to find out the names of unknown plants, and to explain those whose names are common to us. The work is by Dr. William Darlington, with revisions and additions by George Thur- BER, Professor of Botany in the N. Y. College of Pharmacy, and we understand is approved by Prof. Gray, of Cambridge, whose "Analytical Key to the Natural Orders" he has permitted the author to use. It is published in the neat and attractive style of A. O. MooRE & Co., Agri- cultural Book Publishers, 140 Fulton Street, New York. It will become one of the most gratifying and useful books we have. Devons. Allowing a quart to weigh two and a quarter pounds, it gives but two quarts, for one pound and a quarter of butter. Such a statement ought not to pass unnoticed. C. E. FiSKE. Natick, March 12, 1859. For the New England Farmer. RUNNING WATER— NATIVE STOCK. Many are the farms that are not supplied with running water. Such was mine ten years ago. Thinking that by means of a syphon I might save the expense of pumping for my stock of cat- tle, I dug a well twenty rods above my barn, and twenty feet deep, the bottom of the well being on a level with the trough at the barn. The pipe was half inch, laid four feet from the top of the well, and run to the bottom ; the remainder of the pipe laid so as to be secure from frost. These ten years it has worked admirably ; as good to- day as ever. The cost of it was about fifty dol- lars. Now there are a multitude of places in New England, as well situated to obtain water by this means as my own, which when obtained, the ow- ners would not part with for many times the cost. In the March number of the Farmer is a re- port of the Third Legislative Meeting, at which time was discussed the best stock for general farming purposes. The reports of these meet- ings, (although there is a great diversity of opin- ion,) are generally very interesting and profitable to me, and I am prepared to believ pretty large statements — but there is one, made by Mr. Da- vis, of Plymouth, in relation to native stock, which is a little too large for me to credit. There must be some mistake. The statement is this. "Four pounds and a half of the milk from a cow of a friend of his had yielded one and a quarter pounds of butter." Now this is far beyond what Mr. Buckminster ever claimed for his favorite THE STATE FARM. On Wednesday, March 30, the State Board of Agriculture made a formal transfer of the State Farm at Westboro', to the Board of Trustees of the Institution, with all the stock — some forty head — fodder, grain, implements, &c. &c. We had the pleasure of going over a portion of the farm with the members of the Executive Committee, and looking at some of the improve- ments which had been commenced or completed by the Board. One experiment in draining, un- der the special direction of Hon. B. V. French, is well worthy the observation of those who in- tend to engage in that particular item of farm progress. Another in trenching, is a work of considerable magnitude, and the results from it so far are encouraging. Some five or six acres of land almost covered with rocks, hummocks and bushes, have been thoroughly trenched by the boys of the Institution to the depth of eigh- teen inches, and now lies as mellow as a garden bed ready for spring seeding. The Hon. John Brooks, of Princeton, has act- ed as Chairman of the Superintending Committee, and no man could be more constant, faithful and persevering in the discharge of the duties which have devolved upon him. The head farmer, Samuel N. White, Esq., after a six or eight years' residence u])on the State Farm, has returned to Brookfield to soothe the declining years of aged parents, and to settle once more in the home of his youth. These he thought paramount objects, and declined longer to remain in the service of the State. His duties at the Farm have been arduous and unremitting, and he has discharged them with an ability, zeal and fidelity which reflect as much credit upon himself as they have been valuable to the Board. Beside his responsibilities as farmer, his clerical duties have been nearly as arduous as those of a counting-house clerk, in keeping the accounts of the farm and the numerous experiments which have been instituted. He carries with him our hearty wishes for the continued health and pros- perity of himself and his intelligent and cultiva- ted family. The Agls of Trees. — The Newburyport Herald says that among those trees whose ages have been ascertained, the elm has been known to live more than ooO years; the chestnut. 600; the cedar, 800; the oak, froin 1000 to 1500; and some of the woods of the tropics for 3000,4000 and 5000 years. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 241 SHORT HORN DOUBLE DUKE. OWNED 1!Y THK HARVEST CLUB, SPRINGFIELD, MASS. Double Duke was bred by J. M. Sherwood, Esq., of New York, calved June 6th, 1856, and is of a roan color. His pedigree may be traced back distinctly to the year 1739. We are ena- bled to present this beautiful portrait of one of our best breeds of neat cattle to the reader, through the kindness of Mr. Secretary Flint, who very properly prefaces the Sixth Annual Re- port of the Massachusetts Transactions with it. A particular description of this breed of cat- tle is not deemed necessary here, as it is often alluded to and discussed in these columns. For the New England Farmer. PEARS— ORCHARD CUIiTURE. As regards the pear for farm culture, I feel as- sured that the hardy fall and winter cooking vari- eties will give the bast returns in sales. There is standing in Salem a large pear tree which is at least forty years old, bearing annually, good crops. That of 1847 sold for thirty dollars. This variety is Rushmore's Bon Chretien, a native ; late fall or early winter fruit, much cultivated on Long Island, for the market. Of Uvedale's St. Germaine, or Pound, Black Pear of Worcester, Catalac, Chelmsford and Vicar of Winkfield ,we should say with the late Robert Manning, that "the extensive cultivation of these sorts in large orchards, would produce greater and surer in- come for the capital employed, than any other investment." I The best varieties of pears for culture general- jly, are those that have originated in our own 'country, and in the more temperate or colder lat- itudes of Europe. Thus we should commend our fine American seedlings; they are generally hardy, and of thrifty growth. Among the large collection of pears which have from time to time been introduced from abroad, only a small pro- I portion, comparatively, have proved of good j quality in Massachusetts ; a variety maybe called \iirst-rate in our country, and second-rate in Eu- rope, and vice versa. The Bartlett, called in Eng- land, William's Bon Chretien, is tliere second- rate ; we, on the contrary, (taking into consider- ation its productiveness in almost all soils, as well as the quality of the fruit,) consider it one of the best for cultivation. The Beurre d'Arem- berg is with them a first-rate winter fruit for cul- ture ; with us, (from its uncertainty in ripening, as well as bearing,) it has disappointed most cul- tivators in Massachusetts. I should infinitely prefer such fine winter eating pears as the Win- ter Nelis and Lawrence. J. M. I. Salem, Mass., 1859. Milking Young Cows. — It is said that young cows, the first year they give milk, may be made, with careful milking and good keeping, to give milk almost any length of time deemed desira- ble ; but that if they are allowed to dry up early in fall, they will, if they have a calf at the same season, dry up at the same time each succeeding year, and nothing but extra feed will prevent it, and that but for a short time. 242 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May For the New England Farmer. "WATER POISONED BY LEAD. Editors of the Farmer: — Having noticed an inquiry in the Farmer, as to the probability of water becoming poisonous to stock by passing through lead pipe, I beg leave to offer the follow- ing remarks : — Lead, while it retains its metallic' form, is not poisonous, but it maybe readily con- verted into the various salts of lead, some of •which are energetic poisons, especially the car- bonate ; it does not affect all animals alike, nor the same animal alike at all times, as in the case of painters, who all inhale the vapors from white lead, (carbonate ;) but it does not affect them all alike, many of them no at all perceptibly, as it depends on the diathesis, or habit ; and it is so with all animals. Distilled water — air and carbonic acid being excluded — does not act on metallic lead ; but ad- mit them, and it readily corrodes the lead, and the carbonate is the result. Rain water, or any of the soft waters, are more apt to become poi- sonous than well water, or the so termed li«.rd water. The quality called hard in water is de- rived from the presence of the earthy salts they hold in solution, most frequently the sulphate of lime, which impairs the formation of the carbon- ate of lead, or if it is formed converts it into the sulphate of lead, which is inert ; as in cases of poisoning by lead, sulphuric acid is used as an antidote, rendering the lead inactive by convert- ing it into the sulphate. Mr. Braid states that the miners at the lead hills, Lanarkshire, never have the lead colic un- til they work in the smelting furnace, (the ore is the sulphuret,) and Liebig says the lead colic is unknown in the white lead manufactories in which the workmen use sulphuric acid. Therefore it seems to depend on the character of the water, whether it becomes poisonous by passing through lead pipe. Lead may, and doubt- less does, (by being introduced in small quanti- ties, but constantly, for a long time,) become the remote cause of serious and destructive diseases; it impairs the function of digestion, lessens the force of the circulation, constringes vessels as absorbents, exhausts arteries, Src, lessening their caliber, and finally deranges all the functions of the body, and it becomes a system of rusty, im- perfectly working machinery, producing morbid .matter, instead of healthy blood, suitable to build up and sustain the constantly wasting system on the one hand, and in a measure ceasing to throw off the effete matter on the other. By change of diet, as being turned out to grass, a horse, for instance, may gradually recover his normal con- dition, or if gone too far, he is taken sick and dies, perhaps of congestion of bowels, typhoid fever, or something of that sort. These phe- nomena have a cause. Some of the worst forms of diseases we meet, we are told are caused by a morbid habit of the body and this habit has a cause. It may proceed from various causes, the gradual introduction of lead into the system be- ing one of them. In the case of your inquirer, in the absence of other probable causes of the bad condition of his stock, I should think his suspicions of the lead were likely true, and I would advise him to make the thing sure, to call a veterinary surgeon, take his advice, act upon it, pay him, improve his stock, and my word for it, it will be a money- making operation all round. Oren H. Flagg, Veterijiary Surgeon. Boston, March 30, 1859. For the New England Farmer. THE FARMER'S GIRL. The Farmer's girl leads a happy life As she trips o'er the grassy lawn ; With an eye as oright and a step as light As that of the agile fawn. The farmer's girl is a merry maid, With cheeks of a rosy hue ; She sits on the stile, a sweet sunny smile Darts out from her eye so blue. There's a magic in her winsome voice That "drives dull care away ;" She can scrub and scour, or at evening hour, The sweet-toned harp can play." She would grace the halls of a mansion high, Or the porch of a lowly cot ; She will make the home of her chosen one, A most delightful spot. Young men ! choose a wife 'mong the farmer's girls, If happy in life you would be ; They are gentle and kind, just to your mind. Sing! A Farmer's Girl for me. Eats. Hill Side, April. For the New England Farmer. PIGS AND GIRLS. Mr. Editor : — In a recent Farmer, your cor- respondent, "Rockingham," tells us of a fine pig nine months old which weighed 320 lbs. when dressed. A good pig that. But Old Cheshire gets up bigger pigs than that. I suppose you know that she is famous for her big oxen, good hotels, handsome girls — and fat pigs. Mr. George Thacher, of this town, slaughtered two pigs, the past winter, eight months old, which weighed when dressed, one 377 lbs., the other 337 lbs. Mr. Thacher is a man who understands what he is about, and what "pays ;" and knows that other folks besides "millers" have a right to fat hogs. I suspect that it is all owing to his being a regular subscriber to the Farmer. Mr. Russell, another of my neighbors, slaugh- tered a pig eight months and twenty days old, that weighed when dressed 376 lbs. These were fattened on corn meal, with a little rye at the last. Now, Mr. Rockingham, please just take that feather out of your cap and pass it over to old Marlboro', N. E., March 28, 1859. The Wheat Crop. — The Detroit Advertiser, after conversing with parties in different sections of the State, comes to the conclusion that the wheat crop never looked so promising at this sea son, as it does now. The Rochester Union is in- formed by old farmers of Western New York, that the growing wheat is now forward, and is looking remarkably well. It has suflered little or none from the winter exposure. The Cincin- nati Gazette says reports of the wheat crop con- tinue favorable. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 243 ELEVENTH LEGISLATIVE AQRICUL- TUBAL MEETING. TREPORTtD BY John C. Moore, for the N. E. Farmer.) Owing to the House of Representatives having occupied their Hall on the evening of Monday of last week, the usual agricultural meeting was postponed uniil the evening of Wednesday, when it was held in the Green Room of the State House — the Legislature being at the same time in session. The attendance was not so large as could have been desired — particularly when such an important question was under discussion, viz.: " The best means to be adopted for the improvement of the farming of New England." His Excel- lency, Gov. Banks, was present during part of the evening. Hon. JosiAH QuiN«cy, Jr., occupied the chair. He said, substantially, that the question was a very comprehensive one. Two points were ob- vious— the necessity of giving the farmer infor- mation, and the necessity of getting him to take advantage of it. Much of the information, how- ever, we had in this country regarding farming was copied or stolen from English works, written by men who were not really farmers, but gentle- men who made farming a recreation. Those who did work on the farms were a very different class — laboring under great social disadvantages — and little better in many respects than the slaves of the South. They had no interest in the soil, or hope to have any. It was different here, where the farmer was the owner of the soil, and where he had a consequent interest in it. Such a man could not believe in English farming instruction ; and the best way with him was to convince him that his profession was an honorable and a prof- itable one; This would be one great means for improvement ; and farmers on principle would be the most valuable men we could have. A good farmer could live on very small capital, and his position would be found to be the most eligi- ble in the country. Young men had been taught to look on the history of the late Amos Law- rence as a pattern of instruction and suggestion ; but few who knew the real history of the man, and of his trials, could fail to know that his life was, though an honorable one, far from being a happy one. It was a gross m'stake to advance the doctrine that it was advisable for young men to leave farming, and its happy circumstances, and dive into the troubles of a business life ; and the more that could be done to prevent this folly, and to convince young men in the country that the farmer's position was the most peaceful, heallhy, honorable and covetable, the more would be ac- complished for the improvement of farming. Many young men were literally putting their hands to the plow, and every inducement should be held out to them not to turn back. Mr. B. V. French was of opinion that the teachings of the life of Amos Lawrence had been more pernicious than any one could describe, and was ready to endorse all that has been said by the chairman. Taking advantage of the sug- gestion, which Mr. Quincy threw out at the close of his brief remarks, that the discussion might include all the means and appliances of improved farming, Mr. French commended a more gen- eral attention to draining ; the establishment of agricultural educational institutions ; the insti- tution of such experiments in such culture as were simple in themselves, and within the means of every farmer to follow ; and above all, the careful training of young men to the profession of agriculture on the basis of a love for it. He was glad to note that much progress had been made of late ; and took occasion to pay a well- deserved compliment to the public spirit of Hon. Josiah Quincy, Sen., who had done more to im- prove the science of farming in this region than any other man. Mr. W. J. BuCKMINSTEK was of opinon that if the young men who were wild after foreign .spec- ulation could be advised to turn their energies towards the cultivation of the soil, respectability, comfort, health and usefulness would be more certain than in any other path ttiey could follow. He held that the system of town farmers' clubs, with fairs and exhibitions of agricultural imple- ments and produce, which would furnish attrac- tive features, would do much for the extension of a love for farming, and to show the proof of its profitableness. He was not entirely in favor of agricultural colleges ; as practical instruction, with a modicum of book-learning intermingled, would be much more beneficial, in his estima- tion. One great cause of an aversion to farm- ing was the severity of the labor, and the gener- al irregularity of the working hours. By the in- troduction of machine labor the hours of labor might be much shortened, and time given for such recreation as a healthy mind could relish and pursue ; and, moreover, by breaking up the slavery and monotony of the farmer's life, young women would be induced to marry farmers, and the business of farming be placed on a more pleasing and permanent basis. Some might smile at this talk about marriage ; but those who knew the facts would be ready to acknowledge that young women had little encouragement to be- come farmers' wives, on account of the hard and weary labor they would be bound to do in the household and in the dairy. Whatever fright- ened the women away from it was not well calcu- lated to induce young men to attach themselves to it. Mr. B. concluded by recommending that, after making the farmer's vocation attractive, it would be excellent policy to induce the young to 244 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May engage in its associate details at the earliest pos- sible age ; and that every encouragement should be given to the improvement of agricultural ma- chinf ry. Mr. Wetherell, in consideration that the lands in the State did not furnish half the quan- tity of the produce they might be made to do, thought that one of the best things to go about, would be to elicit by what means this could be cured. Lands under cultivation were fast wear- ing out ; and how they could be renovated was the question paramount in interest to all others. Farmers ought not to be content with 10 to 15 bushels of grain, when they could, by improved culture, produce, with no more labor, 40 to 60 bushels. Education was the best means to pro- duce this improvement ; and that improvement which was so desirable, would never be found effectual until some means were extant among us for learning the art of approved modern farm- ing— some means which would, in their dispen- sation, have some sympathy with the objects they sought to attain, and which would thoroughly combine theory with practice. Mr. Wetherell concluded by highly recommending the establish- ment of Farmers' Clubs in every town in the State, and cited examples of their exceeding use- fulness, as it showed itself to his experience. He was thoroughly confirmed in the necessity and importance of carrying out this. Gov. Banks simply said that it was his opin- ion that the primary requisite was to show young men that it was good for them to become farm- ers, and that the vocation of a farmer was a high- ly honorable one, and equal or superior in status to any other profession. The great present ob- jection to the business was the necessity for se- vere labor, and the absence of social amusements. As a question of profit it was not equal to other professions, nor was the political status of farm- ers what it ought to be ; but change these disad- vantages— and they could be changed — and both would be enhanced to a covetable degree, and the farmer's craft would be preferred to any other. Mr. Sheldon, of Wilmington, said that farm- ing had been very profitable to all who had tried it in earnest. He had some idea that more at- tention should be paid to hay, in curing, as it was the most important crop, and therefore an ele- ment in the general list of matters which had a serious bearing in the agricultural prosperity of the commonwealth. Whatever tended to pro- duce certain knowledge of a better system in cur- ing hay in foul weather would be found to be of the utmost consequence. Men might laugh at the idea ; but if a similar system to that followed in drying hops was introduced, it could be done with profit. It would not be a great cost to try it; and its importance could be in some measure prized, when it was known that weeks of bad weather followed each other in haying time. So far as Mr. S. could estimate, $2 per ton would cover the expense of drying in this way. The President held that the sum and sub- stance of the discussion was, that farming, to be popular, ought to be shown to be profitable. Before the discussion commenced, a very val- uable conversational debate took place on the suljjects of draining, irrigation, soiling of cattle, &c., &c., among the gentlemen present. This meeting, of which the above furnishes a sketch of the proceedings, was the last during the present legislative session. It is probable that a series of meetings will be held during the summer, &t which the principa. agricultural questions will be lectured on and discussed by competent parties, designated for the duly. An idea prevails that May will be the best time, and that the State House the best place, for holding the proposed meeting or con- vention. Reviewing the past series of meetings, they have proved themselves unusually interesting, and in some respects, very profitable. Doubt- less some rather strange theories have been ad- vanced, and some rather loose facts have been stated ; but these were merely incidental, and in no material measure have militated against the stamina which the general information given at the meetings emphatically had. For the New England FaTmer. THE ONION MAGGOT. Mr. Editor : — I am truly gratified that your intelligent correspondent from Hollis, N. H., has found a specific remedy against the ravages of the onion maggot. This is what has been sought by cultivators here but as yet they had no sus- picions it would so readily be found, and least of all in the fertilizer itself, many tons of which have been used on these onion fields. If I rightly understand Mr. Emerson, this cu- rative against the ravages of the maggot, is to be found in the free application of pulverized guano, to the young plant, just after it starts into being. Now according to my observation, this maggot comes into being, and operates in this wise. The little light colored fly which springs from the maggot, hovers about the plant, and lays its eggs near the bulb, just where the top starts from the ground, and when these eggs warm into life, the insects busy themselves in the bulb, and make it their abode. I have seen a spoonful of maggots squeezed from a single onion. Had not Mr. E. asserted the contrary, I should have had no doubt, that the maggot itself might have been preserved in guano, as well as in pulverized earth or plastei-. I have no belief, that its sensi- bilities are so acute, as to be overpowered by the guano. But if it is a specific remedy, I am glad to know it. There are many cultivators in this town, who 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. 245 would agree to pay a guarantee of $25 an acre, to have it made certain that the maggot can be destroyed by the application of guano, after it has began to operate upon the young plant. Many acres were omitted to be sown the last season, through fear of this destroyer, and many more would be sown the present, were it not for this apprehension. J. w. p. South Danvers, 1859. TIME OF PRUNING APPLE TBEES. We are always obliged to exercise considera- ble care that our columns shall not be too much occupied with discussions upon a single topic. The article lately presented by us upon the sub- ject of pruning, has awakened considerable inter- est in the matter, and the importance of the sub- ject demands it. We have received several let- ters from high authorities confirming our views, and two dissenting from them. One of the lat- ter is from Mr. Daniel Leland, of East Hollis- tor, who says he has an experience in the sub- ject dating back to 1805. He thinks the true time for pruning "is just before the opening of the buds," and his reasons are, "First, The wound will heal as well as it will when pruned in the middle of June. Secondly, The sap is saved, that is, taken up in the formation of the leaves." We will not reiterate arguments to show that he is mistaken, but will merely remark in relation to his first reason, that he must be so, because his theory is contrary to the nature and habit of the tree ; the sap flows freely in the spring, but not at all, or very lightly, in June. His second reason is, that we "save the sap that is taken up in the formation of the leaves." But we do not wish to save it ; we often prune because there is an excess of limbs and leaves ; they are in the way of each other, and prevent a free and healthy growth. But this is not always the case. Pruning is scarcely necessary at all — unless in cases of accident — when proper care is taken of the young tree. It may all be done with a com- mon pen-knife, if it is always done at the right time. For the Neie England Farmer. COAL ASHES AS A MANURE. An article with the above heading appeared in the last Farmer, in which the writer, copying from an English work, on the benefit resulting from the use of this article in England, closes with the following. "As coal is employed for fuel in nearly every town, experiments on various soils and crops might be made by every farmer at a small expense." This writer, it would seem, is not aware, that the ashes used in England, comes from bituminous, and not anthracite coal. I ap- prehend there may be found a great difference in the fei'tilizing properties of these. This want of definiteness, reminds us of the use of lime for the apple tree. Mr. Pell, the successful grower of this frnit in New York State, recommends the use of shell, (not stone,) lime, for this purpose ; still many careless writers recommend simply lime ; the natural inference is, that they mean common stone lime. There is a diftVrence in the article of lime ; most stone lime contains magne- sia, a substance which is considered deleterious to the soil, while shell lime is destitute of this. I have generally considered that nearly all the virtue there is in anthracite coal ashes in its ap- plication to land, is in the ashes combined with it, which comes from the bark, wood or charcoal used to ignite it. j. M. I. Remarks. — There is about two per cent, of potash in coal ashes. But its alkaline is not its only good quality. It has a mechanical effect, and perhaps has still other qualities to recom- mend it. For the Netc England Farmer. FRUITLESS TBEES— MORE LIGHT WANTED. What kinds of fertilizers are best for apple trees, to make them produce fruit ? I have the Baldwin trees, and practice digging about them in the spring, and putting in stable manure, and air-slaked lime occasionally. They grow an abun- dance of wood, but very little fruit. Some of them have blossomed full, but it was all show, and no fruit. This is the case generally in this vicinity. So that people have come to consider the apple tree an encumberer of the ground, and almost ready to wish them the same fate, of a certain fig tree of olden times. What is best to put around pear trees, to make them bear fruit ? 1 have put manure, lime, ashes and iron, about them ; they grow the wood rap- idly, but not the j^ear. One tree, a Flemish Beau- ty, made an attempt, last season, to produce a specimen of its kind ; but before August was out, the whole concern burst up, and proved a failure. The Flemish Beauty has been a favorite pear with us, but of late years, it has taken to crack- ing badly, and has lost its reputation. This crack- ing takes place long before the pear matures. Can this be prevented ? Will you or any of your numerous readers, give the desired information upon these matters ? A. Philbrook. East Saugus, March, 1859. Remarks. — These questions, and a hundred others put to us, show how much we need a more intimate knowledge of the business in which we are engaged ; and we feel that want, impressively, quite often, when called upon to reply to them. Why is it, that apple and pear trees that are well cared for fail to produce fruit, in one lo- cation, while others near by bear abundantly ? Who can tell ? Who can penetrate the myste- ries of this single point, or fathom a thousand others that meet us at every step? We may now and then stumlde upon some fact of impor- tance to our Art, but must-tlepend upon pcrsis- 246 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat tent, scientific investigation, for most of the knowledge that will enable us to make progress in it. There are so many things to be considered that we doubt whether we can be of any service to our correspondent. His trees make wood rap- idly, but will not produce fruit. Is the land too rich ? Would laying it to grass and taking two or three crops from it bring the desired result ? Or cropping it one year with wheat or oats ? And so of the pear trees, who can tell us where the trouble lies ? Some of the wise ones say that root pruning, that is cutting off a portion of the roots, will bring the pear trees to bearing. The process is to scrape away the earth, and with a sharp tool cut off one or two of the leading roots. EXTKACTS AND REPLIES. PREMIUMS ON FOREST TREES. I see by some of the papers that the Massa- chusetts Agricultural Society have offered a pre- mium of $1000 for a plantation of white oak trees. Are we to infer from this that all our other kinds of oak are not valuable ? It occurred to me that it might be as well to test the grow- ing qualities of all our common kinds. If I lived in Massachusetts, I would enter the lists for the premium. B. F. Cutter. Ptlham, N. IL, 1859. Remarks. — If friend Cutter will look at the Farmer carefully, he will see that, with their usual liberal encouragement to agriculture, the Massachusetts Society has offered a premium of $1000 "for the best plantation of trees of any kind commonly used for, and adapted to, ship- building, grown from see^i planted for the pur- pose." But there must be one white oak at least to every twenty square yards. HAY caps. Which is the best kind of cotton for hay caps, the light or heavy ; and what kind of a prepara- tion can be applied to them to prevent grasshop- pers from eating them, and make them water- proof? Addison County, Vermont. March, 1859. Remarks. — Such cotton cloth as may be pur- chased lor nine cents a yard will make excellent water-proof hay-caps, without any preparation of oil or paint of any kind. Caps made of such cloth, and properly placed on the cock, will keep it dry during a storm of three days. If you cut a ton and a half of hay to the acre, we do not think the grasshoppers will eat your caps ! BLIGHT IN GRAPES — HARTFORD AND CONCORD GRAPES — PLANTS IN ROOMS. Last year my Isabella grape vine, (when the grapes were about the size of peas,) blighted badly. The leaves and fruit withered and fell off from a portion of the vine, while a part re- mained thrifty and fruit ripened finely. Will you tell me the cause and remedy ? What is the bpst grape to raise for family use — what about the Hartfovd and Concord ? Is it well to have plants in sleeping-rooms, and rooms of the sick? Old Subscriber. Taunton, 1859. Remarks. — We cannot tell you the cause or remedy of the blight you speak of. The Concord is a large, dark purple grape, earlier than the Isabella, and hardy and prolific. Ripens in September. The Hartford we have not cultivated, but it is represented to be prolific, is large, ripens easily, never mildews, and is fit to eat early in September. We cannot say which is the best grape for family use. A few plants in any well-ventilated room are healthy both for body and mind. blind staggers — shade trees — corn — pumpkins. What is the surest and least barbarous cure for "blind staggers" in horses ? What season is most preferable for trans- planting shade trees, especially evergreens ? Will King Philip or Brown corn do well on the northerly intervales of the Connecticut? What is the average product, per acre, and where, and at what cost can it be procured ? What is the best variety of pumpkins ? Mine have all run to vines. Farmer. Vermont, March 21, 1859. Remarks. — To cure blind staggers in horses, you must always feed well and treat kindly, and be especially careful that the horse shall not be overloaded, made to pull hard suddenly, and not driven rapidly when first taken from feeding. Then administer to him three drops of the tinc- ture of stramonium, every third day for nine days, immediately after a fit. Plant shade trees the last of April or first of May. King Philip corn will do well on the lands you speak of, if you manure in the hill with some fer- tilizer that will give it an early start. Sixty bushels to the acre is a good crop — we do not know what the average is. Sold at the seed stores for about $2 a bushel. We cannot shed any light on the pumpkin question. TICKS ON SHEEP. Is there anything that can be fed to sheep that will kill the ticks on them ? C. N. Andrews. Chelsea, Vt., 1859. Reaiarks. — Give each sheep a tea spoonful of sulphur in some corn meal, every other day, three or four times. If this does not kill them, a careful applica- tion of the mercurial ointment will accomplish it. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 247 A CONVENIENT CHICKEN COOP. Almost every body now-a-days raises poultry — not so much, perhaps, for the profit which it affords, as for the pleasant associations connect- ed with it, their cheerful morning notes, and the happy influences which they have upon children. But where profit can be added to other induce- ments, the pleasure of course is enhanced. This depends, like almost every thing else, upon the manner in which it is done. If a few fowls are kept, and kept well, provided with all the con- veniences needed, there will be a profit. One of the important items is to provide a comfortable, airy place for the hen and her young family, and that may be found in a coop which this engrav- THE ONION MAGGOT. Two years ago I noticed that one-third of my onions were either dead or wilting. On experi- menting, I found the maggot was the cause. I applied good guano on the rows, sprinkled on with the hand so as to nearly cover the little on- ion, or the ground over them. 1 saw nothing more of the eflfect of the maggot, and the onions did finely. Last year T tried the same again, with the same result. I think good guano is a cure for the maggot, notwithstanding your correspondent, "J. W. P.," says there is none. The guano must be good and put on with a liberal hand. Hollis, March, 1859. Ed. Emerson. ing illustrates. It may be made in a cheap man- ner, will shed the rain readily, and when open at the ends admits the air freely through it, and a piece of board turned up at the ends at night, excludes all intruders. Other forms may be used, perhaps as good, but this is a convenient and cheap one. In dry weath- er it is best to let these coops stand on the ground, but when it is wet, they should be lifted upon boards. Two feet long, or three is better, and about twenty-two inches high in the centre, is a good form. Some persons board up the back- end, leaving a hole for air at the peak. In windy weather, the back end should be closed. Faemers' Market Fair. — The farmers of Hampden county will hold a fair at the Hamp- den Park, in Springfield, on the 13th of April, for the sale, exchange and exhibition of horses, cattle, sheep, swine , poultry, implements and farm produce, either in bulk or by sample. We think such a fair in the centre of that county might be useful to all concerned, and hope it will receive attention. A Good Permanent Home, and $40,000! — A writer in another column, on the soiling of cattle, says he knows a man who forty years ago purchased a lot of land, 40 by 160 rods, who "has 80 managed it as to realize a net income of at least $1000 a year on this farm." Will he tell us briefly how he did it ? . BOYS' DEPARTMENT. BATTI.E BETWEEN THE BOYS AND THE BIRDS. In one of the interior counties of Illinois, there stands an old school-house, deserted, dilapidated, and pierced on every side with numerous holes — giving sure signs that, in days past and gone, there has been a hard-fought battle of some kind. But who could have selected a school-house for a fortress ; or what enemy could have fired so many shots into it in such a peaceful, quiet neigh- borhood, without being brought before the prop- er authorities and punished to the full extent of the law? This. is the mystery which has fallen to my lot to unravel. The school-house stands on a ridge of land, surrounded on every side with shade trees, while a few rods in front, runs a small creek, making a most beautiful play-ground for the school. Still farther on is a large field, once covered with thrifty forest trees, but the farmer who owns the field has girdled them all, and now they stretch out their long, skeleton arms, waving, cracking, and breaking with every wind that blows, and falling into the corn growing around them. These old decaying forests aflbrd homes for large colonies of woodpeckers, who, by habit or instinct, like to burrow in old trees. Now the woodpecker is decidedly the most mil- itary in appearance of any bird flying, and has not only a natural right to be proud of his rich, military dress and splendid appearance, but to drum on these old trees any spring morning, pro- vided, when he gets his forces together, he will let school-houses alone. Dressed up in a neat little red cap that covers his head and neck, a shining black coat, with white lappel, with a white waistcoat and black pants, he can make as splendid an appearance on a dry limb as any other bird known. It was a bright, beautiful morning in the year 1856 when the children were assembled at the old school-house, to learn to put four letters to- gether in such a way as to make baker, to get their young ideas started in the way to shoot straight. The classes had nearly been through with their morning lesson, the older boys and girls had taken slate and pencil, and were trying to put two and two together so as to make five, and all as busy as they well could be, when tap, tap, whir-r-r-r-r-r-r, went somebody or something on the outside of the school-house. "Boys, be still. 248 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat drumming on the school-house !" angrily snapped out the teacher. The boys clapped tijeir hands to their mouths, the little girls smiled and hung down their heads, and quiet was hardly restored, when tap, tap, tap, whir-r-r-rr/r went on one side and then on the other side of the house, and it really seemed as if an invading army had made a general attack on the house. "Really this is too bad," shouted the enraged teacher ; "if I can find out who is making this disturbance I will punish him severely." "Please, then, 'taint nobody but the birds," said a bold little fellow who sat by the window, and knew all about it. "The birds ! the birds !" said the teacher, as ne walked to the door ; "I would like to know what business the birds have to come here, and disturb us in this manner ?" As he reached the outside of the house, some half dozen of the red-capped rascals flew from the house, proving that the little fellow was right. The woodpeckers had actually made an attack on the school-house. "Well, Avell," said the teacher, "if the birds dont't let us alone, we must punish them, if we can catch them." Half an hour passed quietly away, and all were 80 busy with their lessons, that the birds were nearly forgotten, when a general attack was again made by the birds. This could not be tolerated, and three or four of the older boys were sent out, with full license to kill them if they could. But the rascals were too nimble for them. Before the boys could pick up a stick or a stone to throw at them, they would be oft" and up on a dry limb, peeping out from behind it, winking and shaking their heads at the boys, as much as saying — "Catch a woodpecker asleep, if you can." Such was the disposition of the birds that it was necessary to keep a watch during school hours to guard the house from their attacks. When school was out for the day, they made a general attack upon it. Affairs continued in this way for some three weeks, when their attacks be- came so furious that the teacher was forced to dismiss school, and let them have their own way. In a short time the birds had billed some one hundred and fifty holes in the outside covering of the house, and it was nearly ruined. The cause of the attack was easily explained, from the na- ture and habits of the birds themselves. The woodpecker, or sap-sucker, as it is some- times called, is a bird which lives upon the grubs and worms which breed in old and decayed trees and wood. For this purpose he is armed with a long, sharp bill, which he drives into the wood where the wood-worm burrows ; and then he uses another weapon, which is a long, sharp tongue, with a barb on the end of it. When he reaches the insect, he thrusts his spear through him, pulls him out, and in this way works for his living. To enable him to discover his prey, his hear- ing is so extremely acute that, by hopping up a de- cayed tree, and laying his ear against it, he hears the worm at work in the tree, bores into it, and pulls him out. The school-house in question was covered with a kind of half-decayed lumber, taken from the forest at a time favorable to the attacks of these insects. The birds were the first to discover their existence in the house, and consequently made their attacks for that purpose. The re- sults were, the school was broken up, the house nearly ruined, and the birds, for once in their lives, ,came off victorious from the attacks of their common enemy — the school-boys. — JMcrry^s Museum. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. DOMESTIC RECEIPTS. Squash Cakes. — Squash left at dinner may be made into griddle-cakes in the following man- ner : To one tea-cup full of winter squash, put two tea-cups of milk. Stir in flour enough to make a batter of the right thickness for griddle- cakes, and if you like it, a spoonful of Indian meal. Add a little salt, half a teaspoonful of saleratus, and one egg. It is not necessary to observe this rule exactly. Use more f ggs, if you choose. The cakes may be made very good witb- out any. Custards without Eggs. — Boil a quart of milk, except a tea-cup full in which to put four tablespoonsful of flour. When it boils, put in a very little salt, and stir in the flour just as for starch. Add two tablespoonsful of sugar, and such spice as you like. Peach leaves boiled in the milk, or a spoonful of rose-water, are recom- mended. Loaf Puddings. — Tie up a pound-loaf of ba- ker's bread in a cloth, and put it into boiling water with considerable salt in it, and boil it an hour and a half. Eat with cold sauce. Crumb Cakes. — Keep a bowl or pitcher with some milk in it, and from time to time throw in the crumbs of bread which break off when it is sliced, and also the dry pieces left at the table. When you next want griddle-cakes, take this mixture and break up all the pieces with your hand, add an egg, salt and saleratus, and a few spoonsful of flour. No griddle-cakes can be bet- ter. Boiled Brown Bread. — If they are hard crusts, lay them over night in a dish with a little water. In the morning add milk, and boil them. Do it very slowly, and take care that it does not burn. Sprinkle in salt, and just before you take it up, add a little butter. If there is not much milk, take off the lid the latter part of the time. Take up the pieces as whole as you can. A Charlotte. — Butter a deep dish very thick, cut thin, smooth slices of nice white bread, and line the bottom and sides of the dish, fill it with sliced apples, sprinkling each layer with brown sugar enough to sweeten it, and any spice you may prefer ; also a few bits of butter. Have ready some slices of bread to cover the top, soaked a few minutes in milk or water ; lay them over, and cover them with a plate that will fit close, and upon that lay a weight. Bake in a moderate heat three hours. Tea Cakes. — One pound of flour, one pound of sugar, three ounces of butter, one eg^, one cup of milk, one teaspoonful of saleratus. Roii them half an inch thick and bake them quick.— Happy Home. DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ITS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES. VOL. XL BOSTON, JUNE, 1859. NO. 6. JOEL NOniSE, Proprietor. Office. ..34 Merchants Row. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. FRED'K HOI.BROOK, ) Asr^oriATE HENRY F. FUEXCH, Editors. OALENDAK FOR JUNE. ••For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone ; "The flowers appear on the earth ; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land." u N E , in the months, is like our early man- hood in life, crowded with full- ness and strength, and flushed with activity and joy. The birds mate and sing, insects flutter from leaf to leaf, or sport in the wirm evening rays; — flowers exhale their fra- grant odois, and gentle airs waft ~ - yi\\ them to us, and regale our sens- /__ ^^^^ es as though from Hesperian &^1 showers. fields. The plants stretch away from the ground and bathe in the sun- light, spreading their leaves, like so many hands, to catch the condensing vapors, or absorb the softly-falling June is not perfection, it is only the month of progress — the flush and promise of ro- bust youth. A little later in the season will bring maturity in some plants, and that comes so near the next step in Nature's course, decay, as to break the charm. But June suggests no decay — it is all promise — and arouses in any feeling heart, something of that benevolence and love which beams from its great Architect, and erald jewel, with which the year adorns herself, fruit, the odor of the budding grape vine,the song of the lark and the cooing of the turtle-dove, (not the veritable mud-turtle, as we thought in our juvenile ignorance,) the murmuring of the brook Kidron, no longer rushing in a torrent over its rocky bed, but flowing gently, as was its wont in summer — and the olive-trees on Mount Olivet clad in fresh green. Later in the season, he watched for the "Rose of Sharon" and the "lily of the valley." Ninety generations of men have since passed away, and yet such is the uni- formity with which nature does her work, that we, of a world then unthought of, can find no words more appropriate than those of Solomon to express our joy when "the flowers appear on the earth, and the time of the singing of birds is come." And until the internal fires of our plan- et shall burst their shell, we are told "seed-time and harvest, summer and winter, shall not cease." Yet, from this very harmony of nature, so won- derful when we think of it, we are apt to under- value many of our blessings as commonplace. The sun rises and scatters the vapors away, bring- ing life and joy to the animal and vegetable world, yet, were it mentioned as a subject of gratitude, many of us would reply in the spirit of the man, who, when his attention was directed to the Falls of Niagara, merely said, — "Vfhy shouldn't it fall what hinders it?" But hear the exclamation of one who had endured a six months' winter in an Arctic region. "To-day, blessed be the great Author of light, I have once more looked upon the sun." And this month of June — this gem— this em- kindles and glorifies all That Solomon was a close observer of nature, is manifest from his writings, and we can imag- ine some of the sights and sounds which would greet him as he walked out nearly three thous- and years ago, in the country about Jerusalem. There was the fig-tree covered with young how many merely regard it as the same old June they have always known, the month that comes after May — and never give it another thought. But no, it is not the same June, and you may see in it wonders you never discovered before, if you will not insist on walking through the world blindfold. 250 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June "And what is so rare as a day in June ? Then, if ever, come perfect days." And a few lines farther on in this beautiful poem by Lowell — ''Whether we look or whether we listen, We hear life murmur or see it glisten ; Every clod feels a stir of might An instinct within it that reaches and towers, And, grasping bliidly above it for light, Climbs to a soul in grass and flowers." Of course, our poet is using language figura lively, an'' does not mean to assert any heresies cone V' 'ng the xistence of mind ; but men have actually held the doctrine which the above lines contain, if taken literally. For example — "The Americans believe that all creatures have souls, not only men and women, but brutes, vegetables, nay, even the most inanimate things, as stocks and stones." We should premise that this was written when "Americans" meant North American Indians, and is not intended as a libel on the inhabitants of the United States. We presume our aborig- inal predecessors did not found their belief upon any process of reasoning, but upon the sort of instinctive sympathy we have with plants and animals. The violet seems to you to have a gen- tle soul, which only expresses itself in a faint perfume, and should you crush it with your foot, you would feel like some cruel tyrant, who has immolated an unoflending victim. The tulip has a regal soul, which you would not insult by any indignity — but you see a gross weed among your corn, and you pull it up and fling it away, saying, "What business had it among my corn?" With animals the sympathy is still greater, and it is a difficult thing to draw the line between instinct and reason. It is well known that many animals evince what we should call a process of reasoning were it exhibited in man, and the more closely •we watch them, the more wonderful it seems. Every one who owns a dog can tell anecdotes which will illustrate this, and if he does not ac- tually believe that "When translated to that upper sky, Hii faithful dog shall bear him company," he half wishes the paradise of dogs were not a myth ! While we would not be supposed to advocate "the transmigration of souls," or any of its kin- dred doctrines, we do not believe that animals have credit for half the intelligence they really possess — and yet, they tell us, that man himself is only an oyster in a higher stage of develop- ment ! (See Vestiges of Creation.) Because a man is dumb, we do not suppose him to be destitute of ideas, and an animal, al- though he cannot tell us what he is thinking about, may have a language of his own, which we are too ignorant to understand. We know that our domestic animals appreciate kindness, and are capable of affection for us, and for each other. A gentleman tells us that the robins in his garden are acquainted with him. That when a marauding cat steals in among them, and he hears their cries of distress, he steps out from his study, and they, knowing that a friend has come, immediately cease their cries, and acknowl- edge his presence with a note of welcome. It is curious to note with what simplicity the little child reads stories of animals. It does not surprise him at all, to be told that the wolf held a long conversation with Little Red Riding Hood, before he went and eat her grandmother ; and that "The frog he would a wooing go," appears to him the most natural thing in the world, though it may seem rather naughty that he should do so, "Whether his mother would let him or no." The child has faith ; he believes in the angels that guard his bed while he sleeps, and that the insect carries in its own little bosom its private griefs and joys. We grown-up people shall be wiser and better in many respects, when we "be- come like little children." There is not an insect so small, as to be be- neath our notice. "Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise." There is the great brown caterpillar which you will find on your fruit-trees and rose-bushes about this time, (if you were not wise enough to exterminate him a month ago ;) he is an ugly- looking creature enough, and a delicate lady would as soon encounter a bear or a lion — he is a nuisance to you, too, and you do not see what end he answers in creation. Well, we do not see either, and will only suppose he answers some — but even he is an object of interest to those who take pains to observe him closely. It is not merely that he will come out of that rough case one of these days, and will fan your cheek with his butterfly wing, but he lives in the midst of an organized community; perhaps he makes stump speeches to his fellow-citizens ; he, too, has his three meals a day, and walks out for ex- ercise, and finally, when his time has come, he seeks some secluded spot, weaves his own shroud, and appears no more in the form he first wore. " And there's never a leaf or a blade too mean To be some happy creature's palace ; The little bird sits at his door in the sun, Atilt like a blossom among the leaves. And lets his illumined beinp o'errun With the deluge of summer it receives; His mat-i teels the egsrs Ijeueath her wings. And the heart in her dumb bieast flutters and sings ; He sings to the wide world, and ehe to her nest, — In the nice ear of Nature which song is the best.'" 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 2.51 For the New Enfiland PaHiter. THE FARMER'S POSITION. For many years the earth has yielded a rich reward to the faithful tillers of the soil in New England. The systematic, enterprising farmers in almost every community are showing evident signs of prosperity, particularly, those who are expending their income upon their farms and buildings, bringing around them many conveni- ences, enjoyments and comforts of life, which add not only to their wealth, but to their refinement and good taste. There have been great improvements in our agricultural position during the last twenty years, and while we would acknowledge the press as the greatest instrumentality in awakening an in- terest in our farming communities, would be grateful for their untiring eti'orts to make their periodicals so valuable. The science of agriculture has been spread be- fore the people in a form, cheap, practical and useful, and the great body of farmers have be- come readers, thinkers, experimenters, and are still inquiring for more practical knowledge in the art of good farming. What has been gained by all this? New fer- tilizers have been found out and applied to the soil ; old, worn-out farms have been reclaimed ; old buildings have been transformed, and located with taste and convenience, or new ones built. Fruit trees have been planted and nursed, and many are yearly gathering their first fruits as their reward of well directed toil. How beautiful to look out upon our fields that our own hands have helped to subdue and enrich, smiling luxuriantly, the grass ready for the scythe and the grain for the sickle, and the corn and the after harvest making haste to fill the granary and cellar. These are heaven's gifts, the legitimate reward of toil, the indispensable products of the soil, which all men must Jiave or die. Who can but envy the good farmer as they look upon his possessions, his well-arranged farm-houses and out-buildings, his lots, good fences, gardens and margin of flowers, his fruit- yard and orchard, all witnesses of his prosperity and his pride in his profession. And then, how permanent is his income, and Providence his surety for seed-time and harvest. If the agriculturist prospers, it gives energy to trade and commerce. The vitality of every de- partment of business centres here, cities extend their borders, manufacturing villages spring up along our streams and rivers, and our institu- tions gain strength as the soil becomes rich, and the tillers prosperous. Tlien for safety, happi- ness, prosperity, intelligence, usefulness, what other avocation compares with rural life? In the commercial world, how numerous are the contingencies, what uncertainty enters into every enterprise. Perhaps to-day rich, and to- morrow poor, making others wretched. Professional life is honorable if honorably pur- sued. Men rise to eminence and usefulness, and are indispensable to carry on the machinery of society and government ; but the comparative number that are useful to any great extent is small, and the risk is great. None of these con- tingencies enter necessarily into the peaceful life of the agriculturist ; but he should be learned in his profession, and when this is the case, how vast the field for study ; it is no less than "the earth and the fullness thereof." Berkshire. April 8, 1859. A BARKEL FOUNTAIN". Fowls will drink impure water, undoubtedly, when thirsty, but if they could always select, there is little question but they would prefer to visit a stream of pure water, or drink from a fountain of clear, cool water. The above cut shows how easily any person rearing poultry, may prepare a fountain which will answer a good purpose, at the most trifling cost. All that it needs is to mount a keg on a couple of upright stakes driven into the ground, and extend a small tube from the cask to a shal- low trough or pan, and allow the water to drip slowly from the cask into it. THE GREAT FRENCH HENERY. Some months ago we published an account of a stupendous experiment in rearing fowls in t:ie city of Paris. The account was written with so much apparent accuracy of detail, and bearing so much the semblance of truth, that, although so much out of the common course of things, we published it, though we must confess, not until it had remained on our table many weeks. Sam- uel Cooper, Esq., of this city, recently wrote a mutual friend in Paris, Mr. Fleischman, in re- lation to the matter, who replies that the whole affair belongs to that class of bugs which we call hum — a humbug ! Will the editor of L'Agri-cul- teur Praciicien, Paris, France, be kind enough to give us the facts ? S"" The' town of Nelson, N. 11., containing a population of about 6-50, lias made fourteen and a half tons of maple sugar the present season. The number of trees tapped was 10,859 ; the numhci of trees in 'he town suitable for tapping, whic' were not tapped, is 10,883. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June For Vie New England Farmer. FBUIT TREES. Mr, Editor: — Nothing in the Farmer, for ears, has been to me more instructive, and in ^eneral, more sensible, than the remarks from your own pen of Feb. 2G, on pruning fruit trees. First, because in your reasonings you start, not with experience, which is ever more doubtful, but with first principles ; and secondly, because your remarks come in exactly the right time and season, so that they are like what some writer has defined wit to be, viz.: a good thing well ap- plied. Particularly am I pleased to find you be- ginning at the beginning, that is, with first prin ciples, and considering what is called experience afterward. They who begin with experience — valuable as that is in its place — must forever wander. This is true of most things, as well as with agricultural and horticultural matters. However, believing as I do, in starting right, and desirous that there should be no fl iw in your reasoning, especially at the outse.t ; and al)ove all, as your argument is strong enough without the aid of analogies which are not according to truth, let me say that when you tell your corres- pondent that in cutting off a branch of a tree in the spring, we do not save the sap for what re- mains, any more than one would save a man's blood to strengthen the rest of his body by cut- ting off one of his arms, you forget or overlook a fact, which is both in accordance with fact and experience, but also with the first principles of physiology. Some of the best anthorities might be quoted on this subject. Feeble constitutions are often greatly improved by amputations, and it is according to nature that they should be. Truly yours, \v. a. a. For the New En<^lanJ Farmer. VAIilTE OF MUCK. Explanations— Errors sometimes Useful — Evidence of Drs. Em- inona and Dana, in regard to value of Muck— 35 acres of Mow- ing keeps 40 Cows. Mr. Brown : — I regretted the typographical errors in my notice of the climate and soil in Or- leans county, Vt.,and forwarded the corrections, which you promptly gave. The corrections had not been seen, I presume, by your correspondent at Brookfield, Vt., before writing his article, in v;hich he represents me as making statements '^so wide of the truth." 1 merely gave the esti- mate of my friend, who is one of our most relia- ble men in the county. I have no doubt that the stock mentioned by him was fully equal to forty ordinary cows. Let me assure your correspond- ent, that he will find nothing in the article allud- ed to by him, which "is wide of the truth," except what is made so by typographical errors.* I shall not, however, seriously regret those, as they were promptly corrected by you, if my ar- ticle and that of your correspondent shall call attention to the immense value of the "muck" or peat beds of Vermont. For the information of "VV."and others, I will give a few extracts from the remarks of reliable writers. Mr. Em * The estimate made of the stock wintered by me, as alluded to by Mr. Hall, in a late article on the climate and soil of Or leans county, Vt., I regard as fully correct. Coventry, Ft., Jan., 1859. J. B. Wheelock. mons, one of the geological surveyors of New York, in his report on the third district, 1839, after describing several peat bogs, speaks of one in Warren county : — "It occupies about 60 acres ; is upwards of 60 feet deep ; is of an excellent quality and of easy access. The value of a marsh of peat may be estimated by determining the worth of a cubic yard or load, or any given quan- tity, and calculating the amount of peat which is contained in the area. The quantity of peat in a square rod of surface, and worked to the depth of 30 feet, would furnish 284 loads, which may be considered as worth 50 cents per load. Or, if we estimate it as worth only half so much, we per- ceive that 50 or 60 acres of it is almost invalua- ble, when favorably situated. Even a small bog in the centre of a farm might be employed to in- crease its value one-half. There are four pur- poses to which peat may be applied. "First, as a manure. It should be raised in the fall, spread in the barn-yard, or placed in heaps and mixed with animal matter and lime. Placed under these circumstances, it is exposed to the frost and atmospheric agents, which pro- duce incipient chemical changes, necessary to convert it into the nutriment of plants. This is especially the case when lime is added to it, which forms a soluble salt, the geate of lime, v/ith a portion of the vegetable matter. It will not an- swer a good purpose when employed without preparations." ])r. Emmons might have added, as a prepara- tion of peat or muck — let it receive the urine of cattle in a barn cellar, or the night soil and wash of a house, or combine ashes, instead of lime, say two bushels to a common cart-load, and it is well prepared for use. Ten or twelve cords may be made thus by any common family, yearly, near the dwelling-house. After stating the importance of peat for fuel and for producing gas-light, he adds: — "Perhaps it would be saying too much to assert that peat is more valuable than coal ; but when we consid- er that for creating heat, it is not very inferior to bituniinous coal, that it contains a gaseous matter equal in illuminating power to oil or coal gas, that its production is equally cheap, and in addition to this, it is a valuable manure, if prop- erly prepared, its real or intrinsic worth cannot fall far short of the poorer kinds of coal." Dr. ]>ana, in his Muck Manual, has given the analysis of both peat and cow-dung. He found more soluble geine in peat than in cow dung. He says, "The salts and geine of a cord of peat are equal to the manure of one cow for three months." "Departing from cow-dung and wan- dering through all the varieties of animal and vegetable manures, we land in a peat bog. The substance under our feet is analyzed and found to be cow-dung, without its musky breath of cow odor, or the power of generating ammonia." "Peat approaches dung moistened with the liquid evacuations of the animal." If we moisten peat with the liquid evacuations of the animal, its value is greatly increased. In experiments reported to Dr. Dana, by Hon. Wm. Clark, Jr., of Northampton after giving the pro- cess of manuring corn land with several kinds of manure, he says : — "The land was treated alike in all respects, except the diflierent kinds of manure ; all of which 1859. NEW ENGLAND J^ARMER. 253 was spread on the turned furrow and harrowed in before planting. The corn where the wood ashes and muck, were spread, early took, prece- dence of all the other parcels, and continued ap- parently much the best through the season. This manure was prepared by mixing eight bushels of ashes with two estimated tons of muck." Within the limits of the calcareous mica slate regions of Vermont, which with the limestone regions on Lake Champlain, &c., constitute much more than half of the area of the state, are im- mense deposits, or rather formations, of sphag- nous muck. In many instances the beds of what were once large ponds, are now filled with muck to a great depth. Many existing ponds are con- tracted to one-fourth, and some to one-tenth of their former area, and will eventually entirely disappear. When the peat or muck lies over shell marl, as is the fact in many locations, it is more valuable for manure than in other cases. Such marl may be readily converted to caustic lime by placing it over a pile of logs or wood, and then burning the pile. It is equally valua- ble for manure, when burnt thus, as if burnt in a kiln. The ponds made anciently by beavers, and now called beaver meadows, (not barren, as your types made me say,) very often contains both marl and muck. These are very numerous, and furnish an adequate supply to a large number of farms. I will furnish you with some experiments, made by myself and others, as soon as I may find it convenient. Yours, 1 \ 1 u J vu cannot tell, but iudare not far from 100 bushels, scape Gardemng and Pair at Architecture, \\. be- - ' . J «^ ^. . . . ingthe sixth edition, enlarged, revised and newly illustrated, with a supplement, containing some remarks about country places, and the best meth- ods of making them ; also, an account of the newer deciduous and evergreen plants, lately in- troduced into cultivation, both hardy and half- hardy. By Henry Winthrop Sargent. The work contains nearly 600 pages, is printed on thick, fine, white paper, and is illustrated by numerous elegant engravings on steel, wood and stone ; some of them from the pencil of Mr. Moore, one of the publishers. No other work in this country, on these topics, In 1858, sowed on I4 acres 2;^ bushels ; mowed for fodder \ acre, leaving 1.] acre ; threshed with a machine ; result, 105 bushels. I sow as near as I can, 1} bushels oats, from 12 to 16 quarts herds grass, and six to eight pounds clover, per acre. The richer the ground, the less oats and more hay seed. Now for my reasons. By sowing oats thin, they do not lodge so bad ; the heads are larger, and better filled, give heavier oats, do not shade the ground so much, and where they do lodge, do not give so thick a coating over the young grass, as to kill it near so much as if sowed thicker. Oats are not generally considered so good grain to "seed down" with, as wheat or rye, but if any one will try oats at the rate of 1 to li 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 265 bushels per acre, according to the richness of the ground, they can judge for themselves. In the spring of 1856 I planted Ih acres of corn ; in the fall harrowed the ground and sowed i acre to winter rye, and sowed Timothy seed in the fall, and clover in the spring, as soon as the snow was gone. In the spring of 1857, sowed the rest of the piece, 1^ acres, as before described, and last season mowed for the first time, and could see no difference between that "stocked" with rye or that with oats. My manner of sowing is to go over the ground with a light harrow to smooth it down, then sow the oats, then use a cultivator harrow, sow the hay seed, and cross harrow with a light harrow of 30 teeth ; then roll the ground, •which leaves it in a fit condition for the scythe. The richer I make my ground, the more hay seed I want to sow, thereby avoiding a coarse quality of hay, which is generally the result of the first year's crop. I do not consider a great crop of oats of so much consequence as a good crop of grass from five to eight years following. Now, Mr. Editor, I do not wish to be understood that my method of procedure is better than other far- mers', but my motto is, let every one read, (and write too, for others to read,) judge, practice, and decide for himself. W. C. White. Barre, Vt, April 5, 1859, AMERICAN GUANO. We recently alluded to this subject, and said that we should recur to it again. After the Peru- vian guano was introduced, it could be purchased for several years for $40 a ton ; the price was gradually increased, until now the exorbitant charge of $65 a ton is demanded — and this in- crease of price has been continued when shipping freights have been very low. It is a complete monopoly, and we hope the American people will not encourage it. In 1856, the sales of the Peruvian guano amounted to $17,000,000, and the average, for some years previously, was about $15,000 000. Some two or three years ago, certain islands, named Baker's and Jarvis's islands, in the Paci- fic Ocean, some five thousand miles from any land, were discovered by two American citizens, named Michael Baker and Thomas D. Lucas. A company was formed under the title of the Amer- ican Guano Company, and the interest of the discoverers purchased. The importance of a cheap supply of guano to our agricultural pur- suits attracted the attention of our government, and the Department of State entered into nego- tiation with the Peruvian Government, proposing the payment of $10 per ton for all guano import- ed thence into the United States. This negotia- tion failed, and the Republic of Peru, through their agents, has obtained the monopoly of gu- ano in our markets, which has increased in price from $40 per ton to its present price of $65 per ton ! The following analysis of Baker's Island Gu- ano, by L. D. Gale, M. D., Chemical Examiner of Patents in the United States Patent Office, in- asmuch as it agrees with analyses made by other men eminent in the scientific world, will give a correct idea of its constituent parts : Organic eompounds yielding ammonia, &c 9.940 Combined Water 2.500 Carbonic acid from organic compounds of lime 600 Bone pliosphate of lime, and bonp pho-phate magnesia (containing phosphoric acid, 33.67) 83 266 Sulphate of soda 1.293 Common salt 1 615 Loss 816 100.000 In connection with this analysis. Dr. Gale re- marks : "Guanos are of two kinds ; those in which the ammonia-yielding products predominate, as in the best Peruvian guanos ; and those in which the phosphates of lime and magnesia predomi- nate. "The first kind is produced in regions where there are little or no rains, and the second in re- gions where the rains wash away a large part of the organic or soluble portions, and leave the in- soluble parts. Su'hare the Mexican guanos of the W. I., and those on the Islands of the Paci- fic Ocean, above named. "If we heat to redness an ammonia-yielding guano, we volatilize 05 to 70 per cent, of organ- ic matter, capable of yielding ammonia and oth- er volatile products which constitute the body of this class of guanos. What remains after extract- ing the ammoniacal and phosphatic compounds, is of comparatively little value, as it is chiefly al- kaline salts. "What effect has such an article on the soil on which it is spread ? It stimulates to an unwont- ed degree ; and causes it to put forth all its strength to force the growth of plants, as alcohol stimulates the animal to unusual exertions for the time, but which finally exhaust the system. So the stimulating guanos force the present crop at the expense of the future strength of the soil. "Every farmer who has experience, knows that when he has once used guano for his crops, its strength is exhausted the first year ; and if he would continue to grow crops, he must continue to repeat his guano. "But what is the result with the phosphatic guano ? The analysis shows that more than 80 {)er cent, of these guanos consists of the phos- phate of lime and of magnesia, in an insoluble state, or in just such a condition that the roots of plants will take up, and appropriate so much of the salt as is requisite to perfect the same." An analysis of this guano made by Drs. Scaf- for and Craig, under the superintendence of Prof. Henry, of the Smithsonian Institute at Wash- ington, and which was made under directions from the Government, exhibits similar results to those given above by Dr. Gale. Accompanying their analysis is a detailed statement of the pe- culiar qualities of the article, from which we make the following extract : "As to the worth of these substances, we can best represent it by comparison with bones, which 266 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jdne are nearer to them in composition than any oth- earthy phosphates of lime as is contained in half er common material. a hundred weight of bone dust. Hence the ad- 'Bones, however, are valuable as manure, by reason of their mineral matter, phosphate of lime, &c., and also by their animal matter. This latter, by slow decomposition, furnishes, year af- ter year, something to the plant in the shape of ammonia. "The phosphate of lime being an important constituent of all our cereal grains, is, by itself, a desirable addition to a soil. This can be easily understood when it is remembered that nearly the whole of the liones of all animals is original- ly derived from the bone earth in vegetable food. "The specimens we have examined, contain a larger per centage of phosphate of lime than bones contain ; they have also rather more phos- phoric acid than bone earth, and are in a finely divided condition, so that the useful matter can be readily taken up when applied to crops." The samples brought were under the charge of a Government officer, Charles H. Davis, Commander U. S. ship St. Mary's, and delivered into the hands of the Government chemists. An- alyses have been made by several other chemists than those already referred to, and with similar results. We wish to be perfectly understood in this matter by the reader. We do not recommend this guano, or any other specific fertilizer, to the exclusion of a single shovel full of home-made manure. All that can be made from the natural resources of the farm imist hi made. But this be- ing sadly deficient every where, after our be^t efforts have been exerted, we recommend this guano as a help, to enable us to gather more pro- lific harvests of grain and roots, and restore our exhausted pastures and fields to better crops of grass and hay. With this view, we do not hesitate to recommend its use sparingly, by a large number of persons. The general agent of the company is A. C. Lom- bard, Esq., Boston, Mass., who will supply pam- phlets giving a more full account of it than we are able to. The sub-agents are Messrs. Nourse, Mason & Co., Quincy Hall, Boston. DAISIES AND BONE MANURE. An English pa])er in commenting upon this subject, remarks that the Cheshire dairy farmer, by the free use of bone manure laid on his grass lands, makes his farm, which at one time, before tne application of bone mamn-e, fed only 20 head of cows, now feed 40! In Cheshire, two-thirds or more, generally three-fourths, of a dairy farm are kept in perfect pasture, the remainder in til- lage. Its dairy farmers are commonly bound to lav the whole ot their manure, not on the arable, but on the grass land, purchasing what may be necessary for the arable. The chief improvement, l)esides drainage, consists in the application oi hone manure. In the milk of each cow, in its urine, in its manure, in the bones of each calf reared and sold off, a farm parts with as much vantage found in returning this mineral manurfc by boning grass lands. The quantity of bones now commonly given in Cheshire to an imperial acre of grass land is about 12 or 15 cwt. This dressing on pasture land will last seven or eight years ; and on mowed land about half that peri- od. But the grass land once boned and kept un- der pasture is never so exhausted as to be as poor as it was before the application. — Moore's Rural New-Yorker. For the New England Farmer. PROFITS FROM. POULTRY. DISCUSSION AT THE CONCORD FARMER'S CLUB. March 24, 1859.— John Broaa'N, 2d, stated that on the 1st of January, 1858, he had 50 hens. In April he bought eight more. In June he sold 20 hens, that weighed from eight to 12 pounds per pair, for 14 cents per pound. He sold 478 dozen eggs, and raised from 60 to 70 chickens. He received for eggs and chickens, $125. Cost of keeping, $70. Made manure worth $10. He covered the droppings once a fortnight with loam. January 1st, 1859, had 00 hens. Has sold since 150 dozen eggs. His hens are of mixed breeds. He feeds on oats, barley and wheat, corn and cob meal, or shorts, new cab- bage, pumpkins and squashes, rotten apples, boiled potatoes. He does not keep corn before them. Thinks this will make them too fat, and they will not lay as well. Keeps scraps by them. Sometimes boils a young calf and gives them, pounds up the bones ; keeps some kind of food by them all the time. Thinks it was more prof- itable last year to sell eggs than to raise chick- ens ; some years it is most profitable to raise chickens. J. P. Brown thinks it is best to raise both, as a hen that raises a brood of chickens, will lay about as many eggs as one that does not. E. Wood, Jr., has 112 hens. When he began to keep them, he was desirous to know how much it cost per day to keep a hen, and he weighed and measured the food for a few weeks. He finds the cost about one-third of a cent. Hens require a mixture of grains ; if they have but one kind, barley is the best. They must have a warm place, and sunshine. Does not let them run out in cold weather ; he did not let them out till March ; his hens have improved under his keeping, and laid well. He takes two pounds of scraps at night, and puts into a pail of hot water, and lets it stand till morning ; then puts in cob meal and water, enough to fill the pail ; this makes them a break- fast. He gives barley or some other grain in the forenoon, and corn at noon ; he gives a good deal of meat, and pounds up the bones with a sledge hammer ; they eat the bones greedily : he keeps oyster shells pounded where they can get at them ; he has had as many as 60 eggs a day from 112 hens. This is more than the average. The manure is valuable. He mixes with fine mud ; thinks he shall have from $30 to $40 worth of manure, enough to go on 10 or 12 acres of corn, putting a portion in each hill. Much de- pends upon the condition of hens in the fall. Hens that 1 e had of Mr. Farmer, had proved hi? 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 267 best layers, owing to their being well kept in the fall. If pullets are left to run at large in the fall, and not fed well, they will not lay as early, nor so much. J. ]}. Farmer said : Last year he had 20 hens, and raised 150 chickens ; did not know how many eggs; his hens cost him one-half a cent per day. This year he had ^0 hens ; in January he had 50 dozen eggs, minus three eggs ; 1>3 got 30 cents a dozen. Bought 150 pounds of beef, and kept it by them while it lasted ; he pounded up the bones ; the hens eat pounded bones greedily. lie gives them warm dough once a day in cold weath- er. If we keep hens for the eggs only, he thinks the Poland, or Black Spanish, or Bolton Greys, are better than the larger breeds. It is profitable to raise chickens ; his hens range over a 10 acre pasture ; he keeps scraps by them. Hens should be treated gently ; hens that are perfectly tame, will lay twice as many eggs as wild ones ; he thinks hen manure better than guano. Last year he had enough to manure three acres of corn in the hill. 1). Tarbell said, if we raise chickens for mar- ket, it is best to have them early, and it is im- portant that they should be nicely dressed, if we would get a good price. Chickens that are carefully cleaned, and nicely put up, will often bring nearly twice as much as others that are equally good, but carelessly dressed. Mr. Editor, here are some directions and sug- gestions, respecting the management of barn- yard fowls, from practical men who know how to raise eggs and chickens profitably, and who are doing it this very day, and I doubt not that your numerous readers will value them more than all the fine stories or fine pictures that Burnham, or any other hen fancier, have ever published. Yours truly, R. QLa.:NDERS IN" HOKSES. Glanders is the ivorst and most loathsome form of disease to which the horse is subject ; and man himself does not enjoy immunity from it. In the mother country, in France, and in the Ger- man confederacies, glanders has appeared in is- olated cases among men, and even whole families have l)een swept away, as by the blast of a tor- nado, dying the most horrid deaths. A man or horse once inoculated with the true virus of glan- ders, is doomed to destruction ; there appears to be no help for him. The exciting causes of spontaneous glanders, are excessive work, faulty nutrition and bad sta- ble management, both as regards diet and venti- lation. Second Mode of Origin. — The next cause assigned for the presence of glanders, is conta- gion. I use the term in its ordinary acceptation, which signifies contact or tonch ; the glandered virus being applied or received on an at)raded or highly vascular surface, is taken up by the ab- sorbent vessels, enters the circulation, and after a while, appears as "inoculated glanders." The third cause of glanders is infection. The term infection signifies, to corrupt or vitiate. The atmosphere which pervades a down-cellar, or un- ventilated stable locations, is infected or tainted •with the odoriferous gases arising from filth and animal excretions. Here the virus of glanders can be concocted and the disease reign triumph- ant. The vitiated atmosphere prevailing in such locations, finds an easy introduction into the horse's system, through pulmonary respiration. And no doubt many other diseases, hitherto con- sidered as contagious, have had the same pul- monic origin. Therefore, the exciting cause of infectious glanders is the poison or miasm gen- erated in a confined atmos])here, concocted out of exhalations from the breath, fajces, urine and perspiration of horses pent up in it. It will be perceived from what I have already said, that spontaneous glanders is the result of an infected atmosphere, so that in reality there may be but two exciting or direct causes for glanders, viz : contagion and infection. Treatment of Glanders. — The only reme- dies that are likely to prove beneficial in the treatment of this malady, are, cod liver oil, phos- phate of lime, vegetable tonics, and blood root ; these may be given in the ordinary doses, as re- commended for other diseases ; at the same time I should give thirty drops per day, of oil of sas- safras, and occasionally inject the nasal cavities with diluted pyroligneous acid. — Dadd's Veteri- nanj Journal. For the New Enr^land Farmer. TARRING CORW FOR SEED. Mr. Brown : — I admir- the outspoken, straight forward course of yourself and others that write for the Farmer. The opposite opinions of far- mers brought together, are conducive of much good. The results of experiments, both success- ful and otherwise, are attended with profit, when spread before the public. The man who is suc- cessful, publishes it abroad, but failures seldom come to light. The county society does not publish the fact of a heavy debt occasioned by their race course, no more than they do the granting of premiums to unworthy applicants. When we read in their transactions the award of a premium for one hundred and twenty-one bush- els of corn to the acre, eighty bushels is nodou^it nearer the truth. It pains me to see such havoc made by insec s and birds on the corn crop. I have seen many a field of corn where the cut worm has destroyed from 25 to 50 per cent., which might have been prevented by an outlay of 25 cents. The only sure remedy against the cut worm is to secure the services of the crow in the fields. Forty-three years actual experience has demon- strated to me the entire safety of such birds be- ing permitted to range the fields at will. Tar applied to seed corn before it is planted, certainly will prevent the crows destroying it. For more than forty years I have not been able to detect a single failure, wherever it was done correctly. Not one ])erson in ten would proba- bly be successful in their first endeavor in tarr- ing corn ; to be known, the operation must be seen. One man dare no use boiling water, so he fails ; another destroys the vitality of the kernel by too great a degree of heat long continued. I have known parts of fields destroyed by poison- ous manures, when this single fact was over- looked, and tar, or the birds, was erroneously supposed to be the cause. ■^68 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June Could some President of an Agricultural So- ety, or some pattern farmer, be induced to try he experiment of tarring seed corn, I doubt not . lat in less than ten years, scarecrows would be ■nong the missing. Some farming editors re- .ommend the planting of 8 or 10 kernels to the hill, as a safeguard against worms and insects. The expense to thin out is great, and a field thus dealt with never stands equally in all the hills. By tarring your corn, you need plant no more kernels than you wish to grow. When we des- troy the crow, we lose one of our best friends ; when will the farming community pause and con- sider on this matter ? Let us have your opinions, based, as far as may be, on facts ; especially let us have failures, so as to bring together both sides of the question. R. Mansfield. West Needham, April, 1859. Remarks. — Friend Mansfield has not given us the mode of tarring, which might be adopted if persons understood the precise mode of prep- aration. Our neighbors practice in this way : they fill a pail half full of boiling water, add about half a pint of common tar — coal tar is just as good — stir it until the tar is melted and thor- oughly mingled with the water, then add the corn, stirring it well for about ten minutes, or until it is completely coverd with the tar. Take the corn out and roll it in plaster or fine ashes, and the process is complete. ROBINS AND WOHMS. While so much is said and written in reference to the destructiveness of the robin, an Albany cultivator thus writes his opinion : — "The robins are so industrious to feed their young with the, cut-worm, bugs and insects, so destructive to the garden, that I consider every robin's nest in or near my garden to be w'orth a dollar." Still another: — A Vermont farmer says, "If we would consult our real interest, as well as the finer feel- ings of our nature, it would be by defending the innocent robin from the attacks of both boys and men." And in reference to the "larger species" of grubs or muck-worm, he continues, "Provi- idence seems to have provided an antidote to this evil, in the common robin. This innocent and useful bird preys with peculiar avidity upon this species of worms. This fact may be ascer- tained by visiting a nest of young robins in the vicinity of a corn-field, when it will be perceived that they are fed lavishly upon this kind of worm." Tar as a Disinfectant. — The editor of the Medina Gazette tells of a skunk being captured in a house by a dog, with the usual result of dis- gust to the victors. The terrible scent was neu- tralized by burning tar upon live coals of fire by which the air was purified as if by magic. If this kind of fumigation is a sure specific, it de ';erves to be known and put upon record. EXTRACTS AND BUPLIES. GROWING OF ONIONS. My neighbors are anxious to know something more about Mr. Emerson's discovery, "whereby he secured a good crop of onions." They do not believe that a plant, once impregnated or attacked by the maggot, can be saved by the ai)plication of guano, in any form or any quantity. They believe, where there are jdants enough on the ground, some of them may be perforated by the worms, while others are not — and that those plants which are not thus attacked, may be improved in their growth by the application of guano — this is their theory and interpretation of Mr. E.'s discovery. Some of these cultivators have been engaged in the business of growing onions for thirty years or more — and during all this period, have raised from one to four thousand bushels each, a year. If Mr. E., or any other gentleman of N. H., has had a more enlarged or critical experience in this class of culture, I should like to know it. The truth is, they know every rope in the ship about the onion. To grow and preserve them has become a second nature. I would as soon undertake to teach a Marblehcad fisherman how to hook a cod, or a Kentucky hunter how to use a rifle, as to teach a Danvers gardener how to grow onions. SouTU Danvers. Ai)ril 9, 1859. _ draining a meadow. I have a meadow in which the mud is about one and a half feet deep resting upon a thin stratum of clay, and under this is quicksand. Will an undergrour d drain, laid with stone, be safe, or will it be likely to soon fill ? The quan- tity of water discharged is considerable. How will it answer to plow in summer, put on a little sand or manure, and seed down ? s. ,S. //., March, 1859. Remarks. — An underground drain made of stone will be quite likely to get filled up and be- come useless in the course of a few years. But properly drained, with tile or pipe, it will be among the best lands. Summer plowing and seeding is a capital op- eration— but even that ought to succeed thor- ough draining. laying land to grass — grape vine. I have a piece of land rather low and some- what clayey, which I wish to lay down to grass this year, and want to know the best time and way. Corn has been raised on the same piece for two years, a thing that I do not often do. Barley does not do very well here, and there are objections to oats when sown with grass seed" How would it do to put on guano and oats, this spring, and after the oats are off, put on manure and sow grass seed ? If this course would do, how much guano should be used, and how and when should the manure be applied and the grass seed sown ? I have a native white grape vine which has borne for several years, and ripened its fruit fine- ly ; but last year, after the fruit was fully grown it began to wither, and very few if any of the grapes were fit for use. If you can tell the cause, 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 269 and how to prevent the same again, I should be thankful. N. G. Taunton, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — Sow the land with spring wheat and grass seed ; or sow only one bushel and a ha(f of oa.t& to the acre, and your grass seed will probably take well and grow well. Can give no advice about the grape vine. SOWING SEEDS FOR BUCKTHORN HEDGE. Will you, or some of the readers of your val- uable paper, inform me which is the best season of the year for sowing the seed for a buckthorn hedge ? Also, the best manner of sowing ? Pittsfield, Mass., 1859. Emory H. Nash. Remarks. — We have not had occasion to sow the seed of buckthorn, nor can we find any ac- count of the process in the books. It is seldom done except by nurserymen, because a hedge is 60 much more readily obtained from the plants. We should sow the seeds in a fine, mellow, gar- den soil in May, as most other seeds are sown. SETTING FRUIT TREES— CLOTH FOR HAY-CAPS. I wish to be informed as to the best mode of preparing the ground for setting fruit trees. Also, is it best to set them in the spring or fall ? Also, will cotton cloth used for hay caps, shed rain without any preparation of oil or paint of any kind? A New Subscriber. Ilatjield, April 7, 1859. Remarks. — The soil, to be in the most favora- ble condition for fruit trees, ought to be under- drained ; then plow, pulverize and manure as you would to obtain sixty bushels of corn per acre. Dig the holes five or six feet across, and twelve to eighteen inches deep ; do this several days be- fore you set the trees. Holes prepared in this lib- eral manner, will give you room enough to place the roots in their natural position, and will be actually cheaper in the end, than to dig them three feet in diameter. Every good tree, taken up and reset, carefully, will live and grow, wheth- er set in fall or spring. We set them at either of these seasons, as is most convenient. Good twilled cotton cloth, costing about nine cents a yard, will shed the rain from a well made up haycock during a storm of three days and nights. They are better without paint or varnish, or any other preparation. WARTS ON PLUM TREES. In answer to an inquiry of "A. R. S." about plum trees, I would say that several years' expe- rience has taught me, that a sure way of prevent- ing warts or hard protuberar'ies from growing on plum trees, is to place chicken coops under them as early in the spring as possible, or before the trees blossom. The chickens will look out for everything that causes warts. i. f. Pittsfield, Mass., April 6, 1859. RAISING CALVES. I never let the calves suck more than twice, without the cow's bag is swollen very much. They will learn to drink milk as soon as they get a little hungry. After they have learned to drink well, give them some meal or fine hay, and they will soon eat like cows. I keep fourteen head of cattle, and I raised them all (except one) in this way. One of my heifers, which calved a year ago, in October, when turned out to grass in June, gave fourteen quarts of milk a day quite a number of days. Another, which I sold two years since to a man in this town, has given over nineteen quarts per day. She is owned by a man in this town now, who would not take $100 for her. A Yankee Farmer. Westboro', April, 1859. WELL AND AQUEDUCT WATER. I have a well which, in a dry season, afi'ords water much cooler and better for some purposes than that from the aqueduct. In a wet time it fills up so full that it is but little cooler than that of the aqueduct. The well is eight rods from the house, twenty feet deep, with descending ground to the house. I wish to inquire if by inserting a pipe to the bottom of the well, I can with a pump take wa- ter into the buildings of uniform coldness, or will it meet with the same variations it does when taken with the "old-fashioned bucket ?" Waitsfidd, Vt. S. P. Joslin. ROBINS. An anonymous correspondent of the Farmer, in a short note referring to robins, says, "1 have just met in Vol. X. of the Farmer, p. 306, a well written article on this subject, which I refer to with the greatest pleasure, as it controverts the notions of N. Page, Jr., put forth with adroitness in the lately-published transactions of the Essex Society." If friend "Star" will explain clearly which statement of mine, or assertion, or "notion," if he pleases, is successfully controverted by any- thing in the article alluded to, I will readily, as in duty bound, retract. N. PAGE, Jr. Danversport, April, 1859. CHANGING SEED POTATOES. A neighbor, who has the very desirable habit of pocketing several hundred dollars annually from the proceeds of his ])otato crop, says he in- creases the yield from fifty to one hundred per cent, by procuring seed potatoes, which grew on an entirely different soil fifteen or twenty miles distant. Fifty per cent, on the potato crop of the whole State, I imagine, would be more in a single year than our proportion of the Massa- chusetts claim, about which so much ink and breath have been spent in the last forty years. Lancaster, Mass., 1859. H. Lincoln. THE SEASON — CANKER WORM. The month of March gave eight inches of rain, and the first half of April promises near as much in proportion. What it falls short in rain is made up of cold winds, indicating large,banks of snow to the North. On all sides the winter is 270 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June spoken of as having been mild and open. Cultiva- tors are anticipating a favorable spring. I per- ceive those who have apple orchards are prepar- ing to guard by tar, against the ascent of the grub, that deposits the egg from which springs the canker worm — that bane of all good orchards. Were it not for this devourer, the acres appro- priated to orchards would be the most valuable on the farm. Essex. April 12, 1859. _ SOIL-PLANTING IN HOTBEDS. In a recent number of the Farmer I noticed soil-planting in hot-beds recommended. My ad- vice to those inclined to try the experiment, is to be moderate in their expectations of success. I made the experiment some tv/o years since — and like most of my plants — got bit for my pains. The grub which I transplanted itito my bed with the soil nearly destroyed my planting. Those which escaped the gruD, found it an im- practicable aifair to attempt to root through a compact soil, consequently they yielded up the design with all the gravity of a nonplussed ten- dril. And my first planting of that year was duly chronicled a failure. H. M. CouCH. Georgetown, March, 1859. For the Neic Fii^'lmid Farmer. HOM7" PLANTS GROW---L1CSSONS IN BOTANY, My Dear Sir; — I have for many years, ever since I was old enough to know what the benefits might be, been in favor of the farmer's studying the natural sciences. As long ago as 1840, I wrote a series of articles on thi.s subject, which were published in the old Netv England Farmer, edited by Henry Colman. Each year since then, I have been more and more impressed Avith the truth of what I said, and the number of those of the same opinion has nobly increased since that time, insomuch, that many efforts have been made, and some of them, I am happy to say, with signs of success, to establish institutions in which these branches shall be taught, with special ref- erence to the needs of young farmers. Success, I say, to every effort in the cause. Let such schools be multiplied all over the land. But it is easy to see, that however numerous these may become, their number will always be too small to meet the universal demands of the young farmers of America. We must have a starling point short of them, and that point must be the home of the young, and the "peoples' col- leges," the district schools ; for as numerous as higher institutions may become, the great mass of American youth are, probably, through all time, to receive their school education in these humbler institutions. I am aware there have always been obstacles in the way of introducing these studies in our schools. Not in the children, be it understood ; they are born naturalists, and only need to have this principle of nature drawn out, to become eminently so. But parents, blinded by other objects, have looked with unholy indifference on the useful and beautiful in the world around them, and have diverted the minds of their chil- dren to other, less attractive studies. Then, we have had no text books adapted to the capacities of the young. They must be so clogged with scientific technicals that the clear sunshine of beauty they should bring, was provokingly be- fogged with perplexity and darkness. Then we have had but few teachers qualified to the task, or rather pleasure, of giving instruction in these branches. They have been educated to other and often less useful and less attractive sciences. We rejoice in one series of scientific text books, adapted to the wants an 1 capacities of the mem- bers of our common schools, and shall hail its introduction as the dawn of a new and brilliant era in thfir existence. Prof. Gray, in preparing his botanical works, has fully comprehended the wants of the young. His "How Plants Grow," commences the work of vegetable physiology and botany in the germ, and leads the pupil on, just as young plants grow; naturally and familiarly, in a style that any child can comprehend as easily as they can any ordinary reading lessons. This work is followed by his "Lessons in Bot- any," written in the same farailiar style, but lead- ing the student up another grade in this beauti- ful and attractive science. And then comes his ♦•Structural and Systematic Botany," whose course is still upward and onward, until led into the "Manual of Botany," decidedly the most full and understandable work on the science we have ever seen. In addition to the familiar language in which the works are written, they are illustrated, thanks to their enterprising publishers, Messrs. Ivison & Phinney, New York, by cuts so life-like that any one at all familiar with flowers will recog- nize them without any other introduction. The series is one by which any ordinary mind may become its own teacher j a ladder that is of so easy ascent that the youngest may safely venture upon it. The only remaining obstacle in the way of in- troducing the study of plants into all our schools, now, that we can conceive of, will arise in the plea that our teachers are not educated in the science ; but this series happily removes this ob- stacle, for we wouldn't give a fig for a teacher who has not mind enough to become familiar with "How Plants Grow," and energy enough to cultivate it. One hour's reading and investiga- tion each day, will keep a teacher enough in ad- vance of her class, and enable her attractively to lead them along. The pleasure and profit all will derive from the efi'ort who will make it, will more than compensate for the labor best::wed. She wdll find another gem in their educational garlands, and new and attractive objects of beau- ty in a world where ignorance and indifference see fio much deformity. The season for our common schools to open is near, bringing with it the early spring flowers ; fit season to commence their study ; and we hope the teachers of our good, old Commonwealth will see to it that a class of beginners is formed in every school. Further than this, let every school become a class in learning "How Plants Grow," just as many of them are now singing classes. To this end, let the teacher talk to them a few mo- ments every day upon the subject, giving illustra- tions of the subject. For instance, let a common garden bean be the subject, and let them show them the bean dry and dead, then when the first 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 271 vegetation process developes itself, and so on until it reaches maturity. Or let them take a bud, and show them how the leaves that are to shade them this year, were folded up and hermetically sealed last fall, to preserve them through the long, cold •winter, and how they break their encasement and expand in early spring. A few short talks and illustrations will get up an interest that will grow and increase like the growth and increase of the plants they delineate, until a beautiful tree of knowledge, bearing flowers, leaves and fruit, will appear to gladden its possessor. W. Bacon. Biclimond, Mass., April 9, 1859. Remarks. — The publishers of these excellent works do not seem to appreciate what would be greatly for their interest, by neglecting to secure a notice of them through proper channels. THE NB^W BREAD AND MILK LAWS. It is known to most of our readers that our Legislature has attempted to secure to the people of the Commonwealth pure milk, good measure, and bread of full weight. The acts relating to these subjects are of such general interest, that we copy them in full. The following is the act to punish fraud by the sale of adulterated milk, and to provide for sealing measures to be used in the sale of milk : Section 1. The Mayor and Aldermen of the sev- eral cities in this Commonwealth shall, and the Se- lectmen of the several towns may, annually ap- point one or more Inspectors of Milk, whose duty it shall be to prosecute all violations of the law against the adulteration of milk, and who shall have power to enter all places where milk is stored or kept for sale, and whenever he has reason to be- lieve the same in any way adulterated, he shall take specimens of the same and cause them to be analyzed or otherwise satisfactorily tested, the re- eult of which he shall preserve as evidence against the parties complained of. Sec. 2. Said inspectors shall keep an office and books, for the purpose of recording the names and places of business of all persons engaged in the sale of milk within their respective limits ; and any per- son who shall presume to engage in the business of selling milk without first causing his name and place of business to be recorded upon the books of the inspector of milk, and his name legibly placed upon all carriages used by him in the con- veyance of milk, shall be subject to the same pen- alties as if convicted of the adulteration of milk, as providedin the two hundred and twenty-second chapter of the acts of the year eighteen hundred and tifty-six. Sec. 3. Inspectors appointed pursuant to the pro- visions of section first of this act, shall, before en- tering upon the duties of their ofHce, be sworn to the faithful enforcement of the provisions of this act, and shall also give public notice of thiir aj)- pointment, br publishing the same two weeks in some newspaper published in the city or town in which they hold their place of business, and if i o newspaper is published in such town, by posting in public and conspicuous places in said town, two or more such notices; and they shall receive such compensation for their services, as the Mayor and Aldermen of the several cities, and the Selectmen of the several towns, shall determine. Sec. 4. Milk shall be bought and sold by wine measure. All persons engaged in the sale of milk shall annually, in the month of May, cause to be sealed by the sealer of weights and measures in their respective cities and towns, all vessels used by them in the sale or buying at wholesale of milk, by wine measure, and all cans used in the sale of milk shall be sealed by said sealer of weights and measures at a price not exceeding two cents each at the amount which they severally hold by wine measure, and any person who shall fail to comply with the provisions of the law requiring all meas- ures to be sealed, or shall buy or sell at wholesale, milk by any other measure than wine measute, or shall sell adulterated or unwholesome milk, shall be held guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon convic- tion thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall forfeit to the use of the complainant a sum not exceeding twenty dollars. Sec. 5. No person shall offer for sale in this Commonwealth, milk produced from cows fed up- on the refuse of brewcrif-s or distilleries, or any other substance which may be deleterious to the quality of the milk, under a penalty of ten dollars for each offence. Approved April 6, 1859. The following is the act passed by the Legisla- ture, regulating the manufacture and sale of bread : Section 1. A loaf of bread shall be two pounds in weight ; and bread may be baked and sold in loaves, half, three-quarter and quarter loaves, but not otherwise, except in bread composed in chief part of rye, or maize. Sec. 2. Small rolls and fancy bread weighing less than one-quarter of a pound each, may be baked and sold without regard to weight. Sec. 3. In every shop or place where bread is sold by retail, and in each front window thereof, there shall be conspicuously placed, a card, on which shall be legibly printed a list of the different kinds and qualities of loaves sold there, with the price of each per loaf, and half, three-quarter and quarter loaf. Sec. 4. All bread, except small rolls and fancy bread of less than a quarter of a poui d each, sold in any shop or place, shall be weighed in the pres- ence of the buyer, and if found deficient in Avcight, bread shall be added to make up the weight re- quired by law. Sec. 5. Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this act, shall forfeit for each offence, the sum of ten dollars, to be recovered in an actio of tort to the use of the party suing therefor. Approved April 5, 18.59. JACOB STKAWK", THE GIANT FAKMEB OF THE WEST. Twenty-seven years ago, Mr. Strawn came to this State a poor man. His operations were small at first, but continued to increase each year, un- til be had reduced over o(),()(){) acres of land to a state of cultivation. He has one farm of 7,800 acres, and another of 10.000. He has usually em- ployed from 200 to oOO men, and a large ntunber of horses. Every year until quite recently, he has stalled from*5,000 to 0.000 head of cattle, and kept other live stock in ])r()portionate num- bers. In this twenty-seven years he has made a fcu'tune of a million of dollars, and he is still hale and vigorous to enjoy it. He has one corn field in Morgan county, nearly six miles long, but has 272 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June latterly been curtailing his business and convert- ing some of his real estate into cash. He is a monument of what patience, perseverance, in- dustry and continuous exertion in one direction will do for a man who has determined upon the accomplishment of a certain end. — Journal, Springfield, 111. For the New England Farmer. LABOR OP BEES IN HIVES. In tlie Farmer of January 1st, "Progress" says, "1 have a suggestion to make respecting bee- hives on Mr. Quinby's plan. I like the Isading idea of his plan, but not the application of it. In his hives the bees are obliged to store all their surplus honey in boxes placed on the top of the hive, and they must climb up to get to the boxes. Instead of placing boxes on the top, why not have a small hive, or large box, to set by tlie side of ihc hive, and when it is full, open a com- munication between the two, and allow the bees to store their surplus honey in it just as Mr. tiuinhy has his stored in boxes on the top ?" "Progress" is not the first man that has suggest- ed tlris idea. To those who can look only at the surface of things, it does really appear as if the bees had needless trouble to reach the boxes on the top. There are many things about bees that work much better in theory than in practice, and 1 suspect that we know but very little about their manner of operations, and are often in error in our endeavors to assist them. I would, however, suggest to "Progress," that it is possible, yes, more than possible, that the bees which gather the honey, are not the ones that store much in the boxes. This seems to be indicated by what we can see when watching them in a glass hive. For instance, one bee can frequently be seen giving another honey. Also, one that brings pol- len, finds a cell suitable to receive it, and then thrusts in its legs, and discharges its load, con- sisting of the round pellets, and leaves without further care. Another bee, probably a nurse, soon comes along and packs it close in the bot- tom. A great many gatherers bring in both honey and pollen. The latter is seldom stored in the boxes on the top, but kept in the hive where the brood is raised. Consequently, hive honey is not as pure as that from box or cap. If a bee went to the boxes to discharge a part of its load, why not all ? A glass hive that was apparently full through- out with brood and honey, had boxes put on the top to receive the surplus. Before they had con- structed much comb in them, the bees would de- posit honey on the surface of a comb, containing a brood of drones, in the hive ! The convex cov- ering of these cells made cavities between, suf- ficient to keep it in place — the next morning, it would be all removed, probably to the boxes, as the bees were constructing combs there. It is quite common to see honey in the cells next the glass at evening, and next morning, find them empty. For several years, I have had what might be termed a perfect observatory hive in operation. It was nearly five feet high, two and a half feet wide, and one and three-fourths inches thick ; containing just one comb in thickness, and had boxes on the top of it. Whenever the yield of honey was good, nearly every unsealed cell not occupied with brood or pollen, would contain honey at evening ; but the honey would general- ly be removed during the niglit. The honey sealed up, was either in the top of this long hive, or in the boxes, as far as possible from the en- trance. From the foregoing, I s\vq.\\ suppose till we get further light, that the bees which go aliout after the honey, have but very little to do at home in packing and sealing up stores for winter ; th-t when a loaded bee enters the hive, it either gives its honey to another, or discharges it into the first convenient cell at hand, and afterwards it is removed to the boxes or some other part of the hive away from the entrance. The result of some thirty years' experience fully sustains the above theory. I have had hives twenty-two inches in height, and others only ten ; on account of this difference in shape, I could discover no dif- ference in the result in the boxes. Hence our laudable attempts to assist our bees by placing boxes near the entrance, to save the labor of travel, is not attended with the expected success. Respecting "the box at the side" suggested by "Progress," I would say that a little experience will indicate the best place to obtain surplus honey. For myself, I have always found that the bees must be crowded for room in every other place, before they will store much at the side. It would appear as if they thought it less safe from robbers than at the top. It is quite com- mon to have boxes on the top filled and ready to be removed, in from fourteen to twenty days, and I never had any at the side, ready to take away, short of five or six weeks. In fact, I never had any so well filled here, as at the top. For the last few years, I do not take the trouble to give the bees a side box, as long as all of them can be profitably employed elsewhere. St. Johnsville, N. Y. M. Quinbt. For the New England Farmer, DAIRY SALT. I do not recollect seeing published the follow- ing method of preparing dairy salt. Perhaps it is too well known to merit it. It was introduced to me as being practiced by an experienced Scotch dairyman. Take the best crystal salt, wash it, dissolve, strain, settle and turn off; boil it down in some perfectly clean iron vessel, skim as boiling; when stirred off dry, it will produce fine salt, white as the drifting snow, which if stirred up in a glass vessel of water, will produce no sediment, and will be distinct from any mineral or other possible impurity. Salt is offered in the country markets for from one and one-fourth to one and one-half cents per pound, which looks like the model of perfect- ness. After the above method of manufacture it will cost nearly double that amount. For two years past we have manufactured salt in this way for the produce of about three tons of butter each year. Having this year increased our dairy, we have procured coarse salt for another trial of the same. S. P. JOSLYN. Waitsfield, Vt., March 17, 1859. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMEK. 273 Djlslqn for a couN'rnY residence. We are happy to present the reader to-day, j with what appears to us a beautiful design for a country residence. It is from the pencil of Mr. I G. E. Harney, a young artist of great promise,! of Lynn, in this State. We have rarely seenj sketches so truthful and life-like, — truthful, be-| cause they are life-like, — and so animated, if we' may be allowed the license, as several we have been } permitted to look at from his pencil. We have' employed the best engraver to second his efforts,! and believe the result will prove acceptable toj every person of taste. We will indulge in a sin-| gle remark, only, in connection with this subject, and that is this : You may expend a given sum' of money in building your house, and produce; an awkward, uncouth and inconvenient dwelling,' or, with the same cost, have one that shall be at-] tractive, tasteful, and every v/ay convenient. If you are not acquainted with the subject — as it is hardly expected many will be — you have only to apply to some competent designer and archi- tect for the proper suggestions. The latter course is always cheapest in the end. For a situation away from the city, where the owner is not restricted to a four rod lot, but whose estate is measured by the acre, we think the ac- companying a very appropriate design. We of- fer a dwelling, the leading features of which are of the rural gothic style, characterized by the verge-boards, pointed arches of the veranda and porch, lattice-windows and the general prevalence of modified gothic features. The following is the description of the plan: No. 1, veranda ; No. 2, hall, containing stairs to the chambers, with a private, enclosed staircase under these, leading to the cellar. Opening from the hall. No. 3, is the parlor, 15 feet by 16, in the front of which is a bay-window, which may be furnished with a cushioned seat. No. 4, living-room, 14 feet by 21, containing a large closet on each side of the chimney-breast, and communicating by means of the pantry, No. 9, with the kitchen, No. 6. The pantry is to be furnished with shelves and sink, contains a store- room, No. 10, and opens upon a small stoop. No. 11, which shields the rear entrance to the house. The kitchen is 14 feet by 18. No. 7, is a one- story addition, 9 feet by 15, containing a wash- room, fitted with a boiler and stationary tubs. A door opens from this room to the yard. No. 5 may be used either as a bedroom or library; it is is feet by 15. The second story contains four good sized chambers, besides dressing- rooms, closets, a bathroom, Szc. Height of first story, 10 feet; do. of second, 8^ feet. 274 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June GROUND PLAN OF THE DESIGN. Construclion. — This is a frame house. The out- side covering:: to be vertical wealher-lioarding, of uniform width ; the joints to be tonj^ued and grooved and covered with battens. The verge- boards, window and door-trimmings, and other ornamental details, to be sawn from 3-] inch plank. The interior is to be plain finished in the two prin- cipal stories, and the attic may be left unfinished, if desired. Cost from $2800 "to $;iOOO. G. E. H. ' For the New England Farmer. TARRING SEED CORN. Mr. Brown: — Mr. R. Mansfield, in the Farmer for April 23d, says "that after an expe- rience of forty-three years he is satisfied that crows and birds may be permitted to range the fields at will, and that tarring seed corn, if it is done correctly, will prevent the destruction of corn by crows so that no 'scare-crows' need be used in the fields at all." After twenty years' experience, I can bear tes- mony also, that Mr. Mansfield, on this point, is substantially correct; and also, that the "tarring of the seed corn" is a pretty safe remedy against the ravages of the cut worm, grub and wire worm. Probably, of all the farmers that have tried "tarring seed" in the past fifteen years, not one- third now continue the ])ractice. One farmer tried the tar and he got on so much that the corn would not come up. Another farmer poured stiff' tar among his seed corn, and tried to stir it up ; some of it was tarred, but a good deal more was not, and the crows pulled it just as fast as they could get to it. A third farmer said that the tar stuck, so to his hand that he could not plant it, 8zc. Mr. Mansfield has not given us his plan of preparing seed corn in this way for planting. But you have given yours, and your neighbor's plan, which seems to me a vei-y good way. During the past twelve years I have given a plan of preparing seed corn for planting in sev- eral agricultural journals. But it may be worth repeating. First put the seed corn to soak for twelve or twenty-four hours, in water, previous to planting. If you have some saltpetre handy, dissolve half a pound in warm water and turn to the corn in soak. Then take out a peck of this swelled corn, put it into an old half bushel meas- ure or small tub ; raise up the corn round the measure in form of a tunnel ; then take a gill of tar, (pitch tar is the best, though coal tar will answer,) put it into a half-new tin pan, pour on water enough to cover the tar and then set the pan over a furnace. When it boils, stir the tar and water until it has become entirely dissolved in the water. Then pour it on hot to the corn, and stir it w'ell until all the corn has become well smeared with tar. When you stop stirring, the corn will crawl together like a pail of small live crabs. Then take your plaster and scatter it on, stirring it till every kernel is coated with plaster, and the corn is ready for planting. Of course, it is understood by farmers that the seed corn after this preparation must be kept moist in the field. If the seed is allowed to get dry and parched for any length of time in the sun, it will not germinate, and must not be plant- ed. When seed corn is treated after this plan no farmer need fear but that his corn will come up in good time, if the seed is good. Derby, Ct., 1859. L. DuRANU. Hydrophobia. — A man was cured of hydro- phobia in Italy lately, by swallowing vinegar, in mistake for a medicinal potion. A physician at Padua heard of this, and tried the remedy on a patient ; he gave him a pint of vinegar in the morning, another at noon, and a third at sunset, which cured him. To Take Rust out of Steel. — Cover the steel with sweet-oil, well rubbed on. In forty- eight hours, rub with finely powdered, unslaked lime, until the rust disappears. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 275 For the New England Farmer. REVIEW OP THE SEASON". Mr. Editor : — With a view of keeping the readers of the Fanner posted up on the changes and fluctuations of the season, I send the results of my record of the weather for the last six months, giving an account of the principal ele- ments which have governed the seasons during that time. The amount of snow and rain has been small, yet the ground for the greater part of the time, from Uecemher to March, has been mostly coated with ice, so that we have had an ordinary amount of tolerable sleighing, while the amount of snow which continued on the ground has not exceeded three or four inches, m re than a few days at a time, yet by thawing and freez- ing, it has formed ice of a more permanent char- acter. We have had no severe snow storms, and but a few days of extreme cold weather. October had a mean temperature of 47.54°, which was only .GS*^ above the mean of the ])ast six years, and was the warmest October since 1854. Rain fell on 15 days, and its whole amount was 3.58 inches, but no snow fell during the month. We had two thunder storms, one on the 23d, with heavy thunder in north-west, from three to six, P. M. ; had a light shower at six o'clock. On the 30th at eight o'clock, P. M., thunder was heard in nortii-west, and in a few minutes rain began to fall, and soon increased to a heavy shower, when the thunder was not heard for some time, but at 40 minutes past eight o'clock, there was a sudden heavy peal of crack- ling thunder, which probably struck at no great distance. After this, rolling thunder continued in south-east, till about 20 minutes past nine. There was an aurora of considerable brightness between eight and nine o'clock on the evening of the 27th, consisting of bright arch, rays, stream- ers, and beautiful corruscations. November had a temperature of 30.37", which was 5.62° colder than the mean, and colder than any of the six preceding years. Rain and snow fell on 13 days. The total amount of rain and melted snow was 2.64 inches. Amount of snow Si inches. Winter commenced with a snow storm on the 23d and 24th, when the depth of snow was 5.i inches. The total amount of snow for the month was 8.^ inches. The mountains were cov- ered with snow on the fourth, and on the seventh the first snow fell on the low lands. On the 22d, there was a cold fog, or in other words, a storm cloud rested on the earth, and as the cold in- creased in consequence of the north-west wind, frost gathered in beautiful crystals ,on the north- west side of twigs of trees and other objects, showing the beautiful process of the formation of the snow-flake. December had a temperature of 21.02°, which is 1.37° below the mean. There were two eve- nings and two mornings when the mercury stood below zero; the lowest was 11° below, on the morning of the 25th. Rain and snow fell on 13 days, and snow on five days. The whole amount of rain and melted snow was 2.3S inches, and the amount of snow 7.i. There was a large amount of frozen rain, and rain and snow together. January, 1859, had a temperature of 21.03°, being 4.51'" above the mean. Rain and snow fell on thirteen days, and snow on seven. The whole amount of rain was 2.81 inches, and of snow 14:^. The most remarkable feature of the month was the three cold days. 9th, 10th and 11th, being the coldest days of the whole winter. The mer- cury on the 10th stood at -27° at 7, A. M., -20° at 2, P. M., and -24° at nine, P. M., making a mean of 23.66" below zero during the day, which is about 4° colder than the coldest day within six years. Aside from these three days and the following morning, the mercury did not sink be- low zero during the month. February had a mean temperature of 23.64°, which was 4.63° above the average of the past six years, but was 3.42° colder than 1857. The mercury s'unk only twice below zero during the month. Rain and snow fell on eight days, and snow on six. The whole amount of rain and melt- ed snow was 1.39 inches, and of snow 14|J. There was an aurora of consideralile brightness on the 22d, which began between .six and seven, P. M., and became obscured by clouds a little before eight o'clock. It was a diff'use light without rays or streamers, with a bright red border in the north-west. Marcli has been the mildest month of tlie same name during the past six years. Its temperature was 34.31°, which was 7.79 warmer than the mean of the six. Rain fell on sixteen days, and snow on three. The amount of rain was 3.95 inches, and of snow Zh- The ice disappeared in Otter Creek on the 15th, and the flood was highest on the 20th. The birds arrived a few days earlier than usual, and uttered their cheerful notes as the harbingers of spring. Although March leaves the earth bare of vegetation, yet the buds are swollen, and the signs of the time- indicate an early spring. The amount of water which has fallen during the past six months is 16.95 inches, and of snow 48.37 inches. The two wettest months were Oc- tober and March, while the most snow fell in January and February. Although the prosperity of the farmer does not depend upon the conditions of the past six months to a great extent, yet there are some things worth recording, while to the man of sci- ence, all seasons are alike interesting, for he wants to study the laws of elementary distur- bance, and gain a knov/ledge of those eternal principles, which produce change in the earth and in the elements around it. D. BuCKLAND. Brandon, Vt., April 4, 1859. For the New England Farmer. THE WAY TO DESTROY CANADA THISTLES. In meadows, cut them about the 20th of Au- gust, or after they have gone to seed. At that time, the top has drawn from the roots so much for its support, that it leaves the root almost ex- hausted, and would die were it not for the shel- ter and protection which the top affords against the fall rains. At this stage of the thistle, you will find that the stalk near its roots, and a part of the roots are hollow, and I infer that the wet getting into it, is what kills it. It is all folly to suppose that plowing, hoeing or niowing, at any season of the year will destroy thistles unless full grown. I have found that cutting the tops of young thistles, with the scythe, or hoe, serves 276 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June only to produce more and larger roots with young thistles, which are the first year's growth from the seed. But two years mowing, when in seed, will make a final end of them. If in meadows, cut sweet elders when they are in bearing, and all that have berries on them will die. A. w. B. West Berkshire, Vt., Feb. 12, 1859. For the New England Fanner. THE MAY OR DOK BUG. (PHTI.I.OPHAaA QUERCISA.) This well-known insect is generally disliked on account of its form and color, and because it is accustomed to trouble us in summer evenings by flying into our rooms, and buzzing around in its noisy fligiit, often tumbling down upon the occupants of said rooms, much to their disgust. But these are nothing to the real reasons we have for destroying these insects, for they are the source of much harm to the farmer ; and in or- der that your readers may recognize their ene- mies, I send you the following description. These insects pass through four states before arriving at maturity ; namely, the egg, the larva or grub, the pupa or chrysalis, and the imago or beetle. In the egg and pupa state they are with- out motion, and consequently harmless, but in the larva and beetle state they do consideral)le harm The grubs (which are often confounded with the muck worms which live in manure,) are of a dirty white color; the head is brown and the hind part of their body is dark ; they are aliout an inch long, and one-third or more of an inch thick, when fully grown. They lire in the grub or lar- va state three or four years, and at the end of the third or fourth summer, according to Dr. Harris, they penetrate the earth to the distance of about two feet, where they change into pupa and re- main over winter. In May these beetles burst their pupa skin and come forth in their perfect state ; they are then about seven-eighths of an inch long, of a mahogany color, with their shells punctured as if slightly pricked with a pin, their antenna are divided at the end into three leaves, and like the legs and under side of the body, are lighter colored than the wing covers ; between the hind and middle pairs of legs the body is covered with yellow hair. As soon as they are hatched they begin to feed upon small roots beneath the soil, and thus they subsist for three or four years, doing an immense amount of damage when very numerous ; for in- stance, sometimes they will undermine meadows so that the turf may be rolled up as if cut with a spade. In the beetle state they feed upon the foliage of trees, often doing considerable dam- age, but as they live only a short time in this state, they cannot commit such depredations as they do in the larva state. From the foregoing, I think it will be seen that we ought to free ourselves as much as pos- sible from these troublesome insecs ; the way in which we can accomplish this best, is by cherish- ing the birds which feed upon them ; and I would say that it would be more profitable for the farm- er to protect his corn than to kill the crow, be- cause they destroy an immense number of these and other noxious insects ; we can also accom- plish a great deal by killing all we meet with in plowing, when they are often turned up, both in the larva and perfect state, and also wherever we meet them. The best way to kill them is to crush them un- der foot, or if there are many of them, by throw- ing them into boiling water, after which they may be given to the hens for food; where they abound they can be collected by shaking the trees on which they feed after spreading a sheet under- neath to catch them ; this method should be used in the daytime, while the beetles are asleep, for otherwise they will fly off to another tree ; but they rarely abound in sufficient numbers for this method, so that the others will answer very well if practiced universally. Carleton a. Shurtleff. Drooldine, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — We have had young cherry, moun- tain ash, and even elm trees, completely stript by these beetles. They are numerous early in June, and quite destructive. Our mode to de- stroy them has been to spread a sheet under the trees in the evening, after dark, and jar them on to it, and then gather them up quickly and put them into hot water. THE SWEET POTATO CROP. The writer of the following article, which we copy from the American Farmer, published at Baltimore, states that 300 bushels per acre may be obtained when the crop is well managed. In our dry, hot summers, we can raise them in New England without diflEiculty. Five bushels of small potatoes are required to ensure abundant plantings for an acre. These are bedded as early in the season as the weather will permit, in the following manner. Raise the beds — which should be not over six feet in width — some inches — by throwing surface earth upon it, and mix in good compost of stable manure. Lay down the potatoes upon this bed, side by side, and close enough to touch, and cover them with three or four inches of compost, and several inches of earth upon that. In due time there will be abundant plantings. This method is con- sidered much better than the old plan of planting pieces of the potato. When the plants are fit to be drawn out, the ground having been well prepared, is laid off in furrows three and a half feet apart. Well made compost of stable manure, yard scrapings, &c., is thrown into the drill, and furrows thrown over it from each side, making a ridge, the top of which is then levelled off with the hoe. The holes in which the plants are to be inserted are made fif- teen inches apart; for this purpose a pointed stick is used, near the end of which through an augur hole a piece fifteen inches long is inserted at right angles, which answers the purpose both of regulating the depth of the hole to be made, and of marking by the impression of the cross- piece on the ground the distance of the next hole. A little practice renders a hand expert in thus marking the ground. The plants are dropped according to the marks, and another hand fol- lows to plant then . The young plants are kept 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 277 clear of grass by the hoe, and between the rows, as soon as the grass starts, the bar side of the plow is run as near as possible, throwing the earth away from the ridge ; in the next working it is thrown back, leaving the ridge about what it was in the beginning. During this working, the vines are laid along the ridges by hand, to avoid their being covered, and returned after the work is done. It is important that grass be kept from about the plants by careful working during the early season of their growth. When the crop is not consumed upon the ground, it is harvested by chopping the vine off at the surface with the hoe, and running the bar of the plow as near as it may be done without cutting or bruising them, on each side of the po- tatoes, when they may be easily drawn out. They are preserved in cellars, or out of doors in kilns. The method of fixing them is to raise the ground a few inches, where they are to be placed, and cover with pine shatters to the depth of six inches or more. The potatoes are laid up- on these, and piled in the usual way, as many as fifty or sixty bushels. These are then covered with a thick covering of pine shatters, boards laid upon them, and earth to the depth of six inches, to be increased when cold weather comes on. EXTRACTS AND KEPLIES. HYDRAULIC RAM. Mr. Editor : — I am pleased to see the hy- draulic ram so conspicuously presented in your paper of the 16th inst. It strikes me as one of the most useful and convenient appendages, upon a stock farm, that can possibly be introduced — wherever one can be made to operate. I know a farm near me, (known as the Pickman farm.) on which one was placed, a few years since, with a fall of thirteen feet only, and water has been conveyed by it for the supply of a stock of more than 60 head of cattle, for a distance of 2.300 feet. The original cost of the ram and pipe did not ex- ceed $200 — and the annual charge of repairs has not exceeded $10. If any one can find a better mode of watering cattle, I should like to know it. When it is considered that the water is constant- ly conveyed to any part of the buildings or yard, where wanted, without any crowding of the ani- mals or loss of manure, I think those who are accustomed to tend upon cattle will perceive the advantages of this mode of watering. *. HOW TO HULL CORN. Put one quart of corn into cold water, and add two large tea-spoonfuls of saleratus ; put it on the fire, and boil it until the hull will rub off ea- sily ; rinse it well in cold water, and put it on the fire again, and boil it until it is soft enough for use. R. w. G. West Mansfield, 4 Mo. 13. KICKING COWS. I have noticed something about kicking cows in your paper. Hang a common draft chain over the back of the cow, just forward of the hips, when you go to milk, and I think you will have no more trouble. Isaac P. Greenleat. Oroton, X. II., 1859. OLD APPLE TREES — GRASS SEED — CRANBERRIES — ASHES. 1. Can large old trees be made to produce more fruit liy grafting ? 2. Is there any permanent cure for bone spa- vin? 3. How much grass seed does it require to sow an acre of land ? 4. Does not sowing oats or wheat with grass seed exhaust the land and consequently diminish the quantity of hay ? 5. When is the best time to set cranberry vines ? 6. Will it pay to buy dry ashes at 20 cents a bushel for agricultural purposes ? New BedJ'ord, 4 Mo. 4. Subscriber. Remarks. — 1. Sound old apple trees produc- ing natural fruit may be grafted profitably. 2. Consult Dr. G. H. Dadd, Boston. 3. If the land is rich, less; if the land is poor, more. One bushel of red-top and eight quarts of herds-grass, with six pounds of clover sowed on the snow in the last of March or in .'\pril, is what we use. Some of our neighbors use more, and some less. 4. Wheat and oats, of course, exhaust the soil. To succeed well, sow six or eight pecks of oats per acre instead of twelve, as is usually the case ; they will then tend to shade and protect the young grass instead of crowding it out. It is also safe to sow a bushel of wheat per acre when seeding down land, and if the crop proves a heavy one, top dress the land as soon as the wheat crop is taken off, and the grass will be likely to succeed well. 5. A good time to set cranberry plants is in April or early May — whether it is the best time or not, we do not know. 6. Twenty cents a bushel for pure ashes is a good investment for your money. CATTLE EATING BOARDS AND BONES. Can you inform me what makes my cattle eat old boards and bones ? I cannot have a board fence around my yard, but what some of the cattle will be gnawing it ; they seem to liave a sort of hankering after something of that sort all the time. Is there not some disease about them that causes it, or are there some proper- ties wanting in their food — which is principally hay cut on old land ? Would it be beneficial to give them bone meal — and if so, how much at a time? A Vermont Subscriber. Remarks. — A little bag of bone meal that will cost about seventy-five cents, fed to your cattle just as much as they will eat, will pro!)a- bly cure their propensity for chewing old bones or eating your board fences. Nourse t^- Co., 34 Merchants Row, Boston, keep it for sule. A. A. Austin, Enfield, N. H., is referred to a capital little work, Eastwood on the Culture ot the Cranberry, for the information he desires. 278 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June LICE ON TREES — LAWTON BLACKBERRY — CRAN- BERRIES ON HIGHLAND. I have a young orchard, and through neglect it has bred lice so freely, that some of the trees are covered with them. They cover not only the larger limbs, hut the smallest twigs. What is the best method of getting rid of them with- out injury to the trees ? Are you acquainted with the Lawton Black- berry ? Is it a good bearer and easily cultivated, and ".vhere can it be obtained, and at what price? H;tve you ever seen the cranberry cultivated on high dry soil, and if so, with what success ? Greenland, N. E., 1S59. E. Johnson. Remarks. — Take soft soap and soft water of the consistency of thick cream, and scrub the tree with an old brush to get off the scaly aphis — but be careful not to rub carelessly or too hard. Then cultivate well, and keep the trees moder- ately growing. The Lawton Blackberry is undoubtedly a fine fruit where the season is long enough to perfect it. It does not ripen well in this region. Better not cultivate cranberries on high land — it is not their natural place. We have done it, and succeeded, but not at a profit. POULTRY. To Mr. B. O. 0., of K //.—Why do you wish to get the pure Black Spanish fowls or Bolton Greys ? They are not as good as some others — at any rate no better. The best hens living are a mixed breed, say a small part China — JJorkings, Polands, liolton Greys, and the old native breed, all mixed together; then keep a small rooster, if any. I have tried doing without a rooster, and think it rather the best way, if your object is eggs. But on no account keep a large rooster. If you wii-h to raise chickens for the table or market, get the half-blood yellow-legged China, and the yellow-legged Dorking ; have the color mostly white. If you want to have your hens do well and lay well keep a small rooster, or none at all. Keep them in a warm room in the win- ter, well lighted and ventilated ; feed them all they will eat on Indian meal made into pudding, buckwheat, corn and boiled potatoes ; some meat aiid some sulphur. Sulphur I feed to nearly all creatures. If you don't wish to find now and then a large, nice hen dead, don't have your roost more than four feet high, and then have two shelves for them to go up and down on. In this way if they have a plenty of burned bones, pound- ed crockery, lime, ^'c, they will pay. Plainfield, Mass., 1859. Geo. Vining. INDIA RUBBER RINGS. I saw a notice some time ago, in your valua- ablc paptr, that India rubber rings had been in- vented, and proved successful to prevent cows leaking their milk. Will you please write me where they may be obtained, and at what cost ? Rosv^^ELL Underwood. Enfield, April, 1859. Remarks. — We are not able to inform you ■where the rings may be procured. HOW TO KILL LICE ON YOUNG STOCK. In answer to the inquiry of your "Milford Subscriber," I would say that pulverized sulphur sprinkled among the hair, on those parts of the animal most liable to be infested with lice, will effect a cure. Also, mix sulphur with salt for your stock to eat. The above method I tried last winter, and it proved to be an excellent, cheap and simple remedy. L. G. Brown. Lyndehorongli, N. //., 1859. N. B. Salt and sulphur mixed together and occasionally given to cattle to eat will prevent them from becoming lousy when they are free from lice. LIME ON WHEAT LAND. AVhen is the best time to sow lime on wheat, and what is the best mode of slaking it? HanUnyton, Vt., April 18, 1859. II. M. J. Remarks. — Slake the lime with water as is done for making mortar. Sow it after the wheat is sown, and harrow in both at the same time. AN IMPROVEMENT IX RAISING STOCK. Mr. Elon Robinson, of Calais, Vt., has a half blood red Durham bull calf, weighed 1520 lbs. the day he was two years old ; girts 6 feet 10 inches ; kept on sour skim milk and whey the first summer, and common ordinary keeping since ; kept in warm stable in winter, and well ventila- ted in summer. Durham. Calais, March 27, 1859. long red potatoes. When I was young, s^y forty-five or fifty years ago, my father had a kind of potato we called the red potato. They were a longish potato, of a dark red color. It took all the season for them to get ripe. They would nearly all hold on to the tops when pulled. They were a first best po- tato for spring and summer use. Will someone of the readers of the Farmer tell me where I can get the seed ? receipt for making doughnuts. One cup of sugar, one cup of sweet milk, one egg, one tea-spoonful cream of tartar ; add half a tea-spoonful of saleratus and two table-spoon- fuls of shortening ; salt pork fat is the best ; stir in flour, and mould it as soft as it will roll on a board ; cut it in small cakes and fry them. R. W. G. a fine COW. Elijah Herrick, Esq., of West Milton, Vt., has a cow of native breed who yields him two pou7ids and seven ounces of butter from one day's milk — fed on good hay and three quarts of cob- meal a day. She is eight years old, has had six calves, and has only been dry four months for six years. A Farmer. BARNS. It is impossible for us to make any useful sug- gestions to "J. P., North Sutton, N. H.," in re- lation to his barn, without being on the spot. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 279 Fur the New England Farmer. APPIjES-.-'WH SAT— PEARS. Mr. Editor: — Doubtless you have heard of a small town out here among the hills and moun- tains, called Lyndeborouf^h. On the eastern boundary of the town we have a romantic spot called Purgatory. Hundreds of people visit the place yearly, and they make the liill!^ and woods resound with shouts both loud and clear. A short distance from this place, can be seen a lit- tle old house, a good barn, and as thrifty an orchard as can be found in these parts, accord- ing to the care and attention which it has re- ceived. This latter place is the rural home of your humble servant. If ever you come into these parts, call, and you shall be welcomed and shown the wonders and curiosities of Purgatory. At some future time, I will, with your permis- sion, furnish you with a written history of this Purgatory of the woods. We have as good farms and farmers as are to be f )und in any section of the State. The soil is hard and rocky, but -when subdued by the liborer's arm, it affords a large profit to the husbandman. Two facts : Mr. Holt shows by figures, that his profit per acre on wheat is $35,33. He also raised, last season, 30 pears, on a small tree which was seven years from the seed. The 30 pears weighed 25 lbs. The soil and climate are peculiarly adapted to raising corn, wheat and other English grain, vegetables and fruit, espe- cially the apple. Of the apple, over $1000 worth last fall were sent to market from this town. Farmers are waking up and taking hold of the business of fruit culture in earnest. They are renovating their old orchards and setting out a large number of small trees. Many have set out, during the past ten years from 10 to 300 young apple trees. A few cry out, "you will glut the market — apples wilj not be worth raising — no sale." Such do not stop to consider how small a portion of the world they themselves inhabit, and that they live on a soil that is well adapted to growing fruit which is remarkable for its long keeping qualities, beauty of form and high flavor. A few farmers here are cont'U'edto follow in the footsteps of their grandfathers, and year af- ter year, gather natural fruit from their trees and convert it into cider — not realizing, that if their trees were grafted and well taken care of, they would yield them ten-fold more profit than now. Lyndeborouyh, N. II., 1S59. L. G. Broavn. For the New England Farmer. THE SEASON IN" IOWA. This has been the wettest winter and spring ever known in Iowa. A gentleman lately told me that he had seen twenty-two Marches in Iowa, and that there had been more rain during the last, than in all the others together, except March, 185S, which was also wet. It continues to rain and snow in April, thus far, as much as in March. The ground is perfectly saturated. From, six inches to three feet of water in almost everybody's cellar. Scarce a blade of grass, or other green thing, ventures to show itself. Last night it cleared off with a very strong and cold wind, and we awoke with frost on our windows. The farmers are, of course, sorely tried. There has t)een no suitable time to sow their wheat, or prepare the ground, which is generally done in February and March. But there is a glorious promise on record, and time enough yet for its fulfillment. The accounts of returning prosperity at the East do not hi Ip us any, at present ; except to encourage the hope that it may reach us, some- time. VVe do not look for entire relief in one year, with never so good crops. Property is very greatly depreciated ; and those who are in debt, are in a sad case. Many are joining the insane caravan for Pike's Peak. Teams go by here by the dozen, some days. Good will come, no doubt, of this move- ment, in the future ; but at what cost ? Suffer- ing and disappointment to nine-tenths of those who go expecting to get rich and happy ! Your readers will think that I love to write in a lugubrious strain. I don't ; but lam bound to tell the truth. Perhaps the whole tnUh would re- quire me to add, which I do very cheerfully and thankfully, that this is a rich and glorious country, after all. VYe have remarkable health ; and if we only had a few more of your conveniences, and a few more right, honest, industrious and Christian people, we should be about as well off as this mundane sphere will admit. M. K. C. Tipton, Iowa, April 14, 1859. For the New England Farmer. DOYENNE PEAR. In a criticism on Col. Wilder's list cf pears, the writer, I apprehend, is mistaken in consider- ing the Doyenne Gris and the Boussock to be identical with the St. Michael; the Boussock is an entirely distinct variety; and as for the Doy- enne Gris, all I can say is, that this fruit remained fair with me for many years, while the St. Mi- chael, particularly upon the pear root, cracked and blasted. At this time my neighbor Manning commended the Doyenne Gris as the best substi- tute for the St. jNIichael. In a recent article which I forwarded for the Farmer, I remarked that Rogers is the only writer who has given us scarcely anything as to the importance of soil for the various kinds of pears. I would say, farther, that from the "New England Book of Fruits," which I published some years since in connection with Mr. Manning, down to the recent work by Field, there has been but little on this desidera- tum of soil, for with the exception of the Bartlett, there are few varieties, if any, that fruit equally well in all good soils. It is remarkable how the Bartlett will assimilate itself to almost all soils and localities ; more so than almost any other fruit, not excepting the apple. I hear of its fruit- ing well throughout the country. J. M. I. Salem, Mass., April, 1859. Hogs in Ohio. — We learn from an exchange that the number of hogs in Ohio, six months old and over, on the first day of April, 1858, were 2,554,914. In 1857, there were 2,333,778, thus showing an increase of 223,136 in the year This prosperity should make that State bristle up. 280 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June For the New England Farmer. DOUBTFUL ITEMS IN CULTUEE. In one of our fruit books we find the following : "Seedlings may be brought into early bearing by grafting into bearing trees, and some varieties, that are twelve to fifteen years in bearing natu- rally, can be made to bear in a few years by this process." I tried this "process," a few years since, by placing some 10 or 12 scions from as many three- year-old seedling stocks upon a dwarf pear tree. I watched these, from year to year, as they grew, for six years ; the scions grew well, but showed no appearance of flowering, and hence I felt rather doubtful that this would necessarily hasten its bearing. On the spring opening, seven years from the operation, I was sadly disappointed in finding the tree dead, root, and branch. The same writer says : — "Foreign, and other tender kinds, may be made more hardy, or accli- mated, by grafting into hardy, native stocks." This acclimation, as it has been called, induced the above writer to recommend raising peach trees, "from the stone here, as being more hardy, than if raised in New Jersey, or any warm cli- mate." I never observed the least difference be- tween those raised in Jersey and from seed here. I once fruited about three hundred peach trees from seed, and about the same time received one hundred and fifty budded trees from Hancock, N. J., and never, in after years, could see any possible difference in the hardiness of the former over the latter. In a conversation with the late Robert Manning on this subject, I found him decidedly of my opinion in this matter, remark- ing that his finest bearing peach trees were orig- inally from the South. Another extract : — "A fruit may be raised on a soil not congenial to it, by grafting into a stock adapted to such soil." This I consider at least doubtful; I have, however, never known this to have been tried. If any of your readers are able to enlighten me in this matter, I should like to hear from them. Still another: — "By cutting off all the blossoms in the bearing year of the apple, it will change the year of its bearing." I find that most of our Baldwin apple trees bear in the even year, so called, and in order to change this to the odd year, one of our most experienced cultivators tried this method most effectually in the garden of his em- r)loyer, without success. I have never, as yet, eard of this being done successfully. Salem, Mass., 1859. j. m. I. For the New England Farmer. NE"W "WAY OF SALTING CATTLE. Friend Brown: — Last fall I adopted a new method for salting my cattle, and am so well pleased with it that 1 am induced to make it known, so that others may adopt it if they like. I bought a lump of the mineral salt, weighing 82 lbs., and put it in a dry place in my cow-yard. where the cattle can go and lick at their leisure. My stock consists of one pair of oxen, six cows, and two calves. They work upon it almost every day, and in seven months have used about one- third part of it. I think this plan has thfe advan- tage over the old one, in at least three ways, viz.: 1st. It is always by them. 2d. It is not so liable to be wasted. 3d. It is not so much care and trouble to give it to them. The salt may be obtained of B. Thatcher & Co., No. 184 State Street, formerly 15 Long Wharf, Boston, at one cent per lb. B. F. Cutter. Felham, JV. II., 1859. For the New England Farmer. HOW I BUY, KEEP AND SELL OXEN. Mr. Editor : — I see by your paper that you publish the weight of some of our largest hogs, and likewise our big cattle ; but you do not tell how it is done, whether on corn or ])umpkins. I thought some of your readers might like to know the difference in price between working oxen and when they are fit to go to Brighton. I will tell you the course pursued by me the past thirty years. I raise all my cows and buy all my oxen. I want them six years old and to weigh thirty hundred when bought. I weigh them when I buy, and before selling, to know some- thing what they are worth. I will give the price paid and received, and the number of years kept. Cost. Time kept. $72 00 6 years. . 70,00 1 " .. 105,00 5 " .. 8.5,00 3 " .. 80 00 3 " .. 90,00 1 " .. 95,00 2 " .. 75.00 1 " .. 50,00 2 Sold at .$115,00 . . .95.00 ...98,00 ..112,00 ..110,00 ..105,00 ..110,00 ..110 00 ..170.00 No. 1 0, $150,00 176,00 $li0,00 3 yc'.iM 160,00 160,00 1 " 175,Q0 1.50.00 2 " 2('0,00 170,00 2 " 170,00 $1492,00 $1906.00 1492,00 $4U,00 During that time the oxen have been the only team for farm work. I keep no horse. The fol- lowing is the manner I feed : The latter part of summer they have green corn fodder. During the winter a bushel of turnips once or twice a week, according to the quantity raised. From the 1st of March, meal ground from corn and cobs, two bushels of cobs and one bushel of corn on the cobs, well seasoned with oats. Of this mixture they have a peck each day. No. 10 I kept only twelve weeks and the pair gained 50 pounds per week on two bushels of turnips and one-half bushel of meal a day. They were not worked. I do not feed any meal with- out mixing with cut hay, roots and chaff, and should think it vp-hill work to feed icithavt roots, any way. My cows are fed with mangel wurtzels throughout the winter and spring, to which is added a little meal. I send you some samples of Merino wool. My sheep, tv/enty years ago, did not shear four lbs. a head, with good care and no roots. My last sale of twelve hundred pounds — and there were no wether's fleeces — averaged 5.60 pounds. George Dewey. Hanover, N. II., April \5th, 1859. Rem.vrks. — Thank you, Sir. This is the kind of information we want; it is tangible; if yoii 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 281 can make this gain, others can, now that you have told them how you do it. A pound and a half, and a little more gain, in the fleece throughout a flock of sheep, is no mean item. The wool you sent us is very beautiful. GRAPE PREMIUM OP $100 ! We have often given the subject of grape cul- ture considerable prominence in our columns, for several reasons ; because we believe our people may use more fruit, as diet, and less meat, — be- cause good varieties (»f well-ripened grapes are nutritious and healthful, — because from them may be obtained the finest wines for sick or in- firm persons, — and because they are indigenous to our soils, natural to the climate, and may be produced cheaply in large quantities. We might add farther — and it is no inconsiderable consid- eration— that the homestead will be much more valuable in the market, if it becomes necessary to place it there, and its occupants will be wiser, happier and better persons, where fruitful grape vines are judiciously disposed over it, climbing a tree here, or hanging on a trellis there, or cov- ering a portion of the dwelling itself, and giving the whole an air of neatness and repose which shall soothe and refresh the aged, and present agreeable attractions to the young. We are glad, therefore, to present anything that will encourage the cultivation of a plant so ornamental, and whose fruit is of so much im- portance. These remarks are suggested by the receipt of a letter from Mr. Charles H. Dana, of West Lebanon, N. H., who informs us that he places at the disposal of the New Hampshire State Ag- ricultural Society one hundred dollars to be awarded to the person who will present the best kind of grape for garden or vineyard culture in this climate. That the committee may be able to judge correctly of the merits of each kind presented, they should be planted in the same locality, and receive the same cultivation. Mr. Dana proposes to conduct such an experiment himself by planting and cultivating all the kinds offered for this premium. New or rare kinds of grapes, sent to Mr. Dana free of expense to him, will be entered in competition for the premium. Roots are preferred, but cuttings will answer. Cuttings of two inches in length may be sent by mail. The ends should be sealed and the cut- tings wrapped in damp paper. The lists will be open for competitors during the months of April and May, 1859. The premium will be awarded in the autumn of the second year after planting. In case the same kinds of grape should be offered by different competitors, or in case different kinds snould prove of equal excellence, the committee will be at liberty to divide the premium, or oth- erwise award it in their discretion. There is another reason why we should urge upon our New Hampshire friends, and especially, those in the valley of the Connecticut, to give especial attention to the cultivation of the grape, and that is, the failure of the peach and plum, and the great uncertainty of the pear and some of the finer kinds of the apple. We are certain that Mr. Dana's offer of a lib- eral premium is timely and judicious, and are as- sured that his character is a sufRcient guaranty that the experiment will be conducted with fideli- ty and honor. TRIMMING GRAPE VINES IN SPRING. We are frequently asked at what time in spring we trim our vines, and have now before us two letters from subscribers on this subject. Grape vines should not be trimmed in spring. The proper time is November, and in our locality about the 25th. By trimming at that season we get rid of a large amount of surface for contin- ued evaporation and capillary attraction, all of which is increased by winds passing over the sur- faces of a larger amount of the vine ; the ends where the cutting occurs are sure not to bleed when the growth commences ; they may then be firmly tied without the chance of breaking or in- juring swollen buds. The cuttings made from the trimmings at this season are of a better qual- ity for spring use, and the portion not used for cuttings may be cut up in an ordinary straw cut- ter and buried in the ground around the vines, there to soften during winter and insure their early decay in spring, furnishing such pabulum as will, make fruit. We know by absolute exper- iment that the same amount of inorganic mate- rial, or indeed of inorganic or organic material as is contained in the cuttings of grape vines as ascertained by analysis, taken from other and lower sources in nature, will not produce the same amount of fruit as when derived from the decayed cuttings themselves in the soil. Here each constituent has assumed a form, and as a consequence, a condition which is precisely such as is wanted for fruit-making. We mean by this that the same amount of potash and the same amount of phosphates contained in a hundred pounds of these grape cuttings, will not produce one-tenth of the effect when applied to the vine as a manure, as will the cuttings themselves. For although these more crude applications of phosphates and potash may increase the growth of wood, they do not materially increase the yield of fruit ; and it is for this reason that bones, hide, blood of animals, and other manures con- taining inorganic constituents from animal or other progressed sources, are more valuable than those of direct mineral origin. When grape vines are trimmed in the spring, alongside of others trimmed in the fall, the difference in the qua ity and quantity of the fruit is quite perceptible. Occasionally, indeed frequently, bleeding will oc- cur with spring pruning or trimming, which tends, to weaken 'the vine, and waste the pabulum take from '^^ e soil by the roots. 282 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June It should be remembered that this is not a mere waste of water, but of all those constituents which are elaborated by chemical changes going on in the soil during the winter, and placed it. proximate conditions for wood and fruit-making by the vital action of the roots in spring. With fall trimming the stand of the vine remains in degree more moist than the lower portions of an untrimmed vine. They are not called on to yield up their aqueous contents, and their capillary tubes are kept pliant and ready for early spring action. We do not approve of spring trimming of grape vines. — Working Farmer. For the New En;ila7>d Farmer. ON" THE CULTIVATION AND USE OF BEETS. Mk. Editor : — It may not be generally known to the cultivators of the soil, in this part of the country, the various uses to which this root can be applied. With regard to its nutritious quali- ties, as food for cattle and swine, il^'c., all are pret- ty much agreed ; and even in its superlative ex- cellence as a milk and butter producing vege- table. But comparatively few may be aware of its intrinsic importance, in the manufaccure of su- gar, brandy, vinegar, &c., &c., and last hut not least, that of paper. In a British journal, I read lately that for the last mentioned purpose, it is now extensively cultivated, both in France and England, as a Held crop, for its paper-producing properties, &c., &c., and consequently, its pro- duction in these countries, and other parts of Europe, has become of no small nati nal impor- tance. The London Times newspaper is now printed exclusively on paper made from beets; and as it requires seven tons daily for that gi- gantic journal, the saving in that material, when compared with paper made in the usual way, is said to be nearly $200,000 per annum, to the stockholders ; and the quality is much superior to paper made from any other known substance ; being more tough and elastic, resembling vellum, or parchment, and consequently more durable, and impervious to damp, &c., &c. In France and England, where beet sugar and brandy are extensively made, the pulp, or fibre is extracted from the syrup by means of a peculiar kind of "^ieve and press, made on purpose, and is gener- ally sold to paper-makers, after undergoing a process of washing and drying, to prepare it for transportation, and is represented by recent trav- ellers in these countries to be a lucrative and money-making business, to those engaged in it. Now, as many sections of New England pre- sent better facilities for producing the ditt'erent varieties of beets, than most parts of P'rance, and decidedly superior to any part of Britain, both as regards soil, and climate, I am surprised that Yankee enterprise has been so long asleep, on such an interesting subject as the cultivation and manufacture of beets. It is a well-established and incontrovertible fact, that large sums of money are paid yearly by this country to France for brandy ; and that at least four-fifths, of that impor ed, by our most respectable wholesale liquor dealers, is distilled from the beet, instead of the grape, as by them represented; and some of our most distinguished connoisseurs, in s\ich articles, have often been baffled, to detect the difference of the one from the other. That they are about alike for pro- ducing intoxication and stupefaction of the brain, is pretty much all the use of either of them ; but if people will have such stuff, it may be as well to provide it for them at home, as to trouble them with sending their money to fore'gn countries after it; especially when such cuuulries take little or none of our produce in return ; but only V ur own hard specie. A superior article of brandy, to that to be found in our first-class hotels and drinking sa- loons, under the name, I think, of Cognac, could be made in this country at from one to two dol- lars ])er gallon, and be a very profitable business to the distiller ; as beets raised in these northern States produce a third more juice in proportion to bulk, than that raised in any part of Britain or France. And with a proper machine for planting the seed, at regular distances, in the lovv, so as to obviate the present slow, and ex- pensive process of dropping it by hand, far- mers and gardeners would find it a remunerat- ing crop at 2• ^'x inches. I should do this, evenhad I btt root-growing. Carrots, beets, turnips, parsnips, ^ ^mall quantity, rather than manure m the hill, may all be raised with profit, wherever stock is to be fed. For horses, carrots are invaluable For milch cows, they not only furnish a milk of superior flavor, butter of fine color and odor, but when used as a portion of their food, they guar- antee a healthful condition. The power of the pectic acid of the carrot to gelatinize all vegeta- ble matter held in solution in the stomach, puts its contents in such a condi'ion that the peristal- tic motion of the intestines can manage it. Flat- ulence is prevented, and thorough digestion se- cured. The dung of the horse, fed partly on car- rots, never contains the undecomposed shell of the oat, nor large amounts of starch unappropri- ated: and it is for this reason that a bushel of oats and a bushel of carrots will do more for the horse than two bushels of oats ; and not because the carrot contains as much flesh-making mate- rial as the oat, but because it cause* all the flesh- making material of the oat to be appropriated instead of being voided with the excretia. For cows and oxen, other roots may occasionally be substituted with profit, as variety to all animals is pleasing in their food ; and no one root should be continuously used. Since the introduction af pulping machines, pulped roots mixed with cut hay, cut straw, and other cheap material, add much to the economy of the farm as well as to the health of the cattle. — Working Farmer. Lice on Calves. — I have discovered a meth- od of ridding calves of lice. Give tliemjiax seed. I am wintering eight calves ; they became very lousy, and I fed them half a pint at a time for two days, and the oil from it drove the lice all ofi'. — Oenesee Farmer. quantity, I give a reason for so doing. In the first ])la»P, the roots of corn do not stop in the hill, like those of a plant in a flower pot ; they soon di- verge from it, seeking nourishment in their jour- ney in all directions, a long way from home. Now, the reasonalde conclusion is, manure dis- tributed through the soil, is what they are after, and what they will find. How common it is t > see the young corn yel- low and decripid, from the fact that it is dropped on green, strong manure, (always laid to the weather,) and cannot attain a vigorous, healthy color till its roots get away from this hot-bed hill. But the farmer says, I am short of manure, I must put four acres into corn ; all I can count on, is thirty cart loads ; I must dung out in the hill. Now, he plows, plants and cultivates four acres, and may get eighty or ninety bushels of corn. I say, ])ut the thirty loads of manure upon one acre, plow in at the cross plowing, and haz- ard the statement, the one will give the product of four acres, to say nothing of labor and cost, being about three to one. In this connection, let me ask, would not corn do better, if the kernels were dropped several inches apart, to avoid the crowded state of the hill while growing ? Try every other hill. In regard to potatoes, there is no dunging in the hill on this island ; they spread horse ma- nure (if they can get it,) and plow in deep. In pulling potatoes, it will be noticed their tough, fibrous roots run far outside the hill. A mellow soil, well impregnated with manure, must also attract these roots, which are the great feeders in giving growth and perfecting the vegetable. The vine receives its nutriment from the air, and its short, brush-like roots at its base, connecting 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 287 itself with the potato, wkh a tough umbilical ture. Until land is more valuable than it is in cord, showing its relations to each. .--_.- AVe also know that grain roots require a deep soil for a successful crop, particularly on clayey subsoils ; many of your agricultural works tell you, they dive deep. Boast not of acres, let the crops do the brag- ging. The true motto should be, good cultivation pays. H. Poor. BrooJdyn, L. L, 1859. A NEW ■WORK ON DRAINING-. Farm Dratxage. Bv Henpy F. French. The Principles, Pro cesser ami Fffccts of Draining I. anj witli Stones, WchI, Plows an'l Open Ditclie^, anil, eMU'ciallv, with Tiles; incluiliiig Ta most parts of New England, a proper selection must be made, and draining resorted to only where it will pay. An interesting history of draining is given, and the various methods dis- cussed. The proper depth of draining occupies a very important place in the discussion. The manufacture of tiles, and the proper sizes to be used, and the various implements needed in the operation, are described and well illustrated by cuts, making the whole subject plain to any or- dinary capacity. Various tables have been pre- pared by the author and his assistants, contain- cJ^n;tdmm!;*^io\he"cr^ofSi^'l;^;&^^^^ much Valuable information. We commend t:;'^St^!^l^^r^\^^l^^irS^ book to all interested in draining, and to all Williams & Co., 100 Washington Street, Boston. ^y^g farmers in the country. We have been anxiously waiting for this vol- The author commenced the draining of his own ume for some months, and greet its appearance land some years ago, and not finding the instruc- with much pleasure. It is a book for the times, tion he needed to guide him, had to work his way, The subject of Draining has been for several as best he could, and after some mistakes and years past engaging the attention of the farmers [failures, by careful thinking and observation, he in the Northern and Middle States, and every arrived at satisfactory results, and became fully reliable source of information has been eagerly convinced of the importance of draining to the consulted. Almost the only systematic and sci- successful practice of farming on many of our entific information has been derived from Eng- ^^^^ productive lands. During his own opera- lish works. But there have been great doubts ^joj^g j^^ acquired much valuable information re- whether English methods were adapted to our climate and soils, and especially, whether the same results would be realized here that have been reached in that country, and indeed, the opinion has been by no means universally ac- lating to the subject, and with true public spirit ht determined to impart this information to his brother farmers. He has spared no pains or ex- pense to make his work reliable and useful, hav- ing gained not only all the informatian he could ceptedthatthereis the same necessity for drain- 1 frojn books, observation, and actual experience age, under our scorching sun and clear sky, as; j^ ^^jg country, but visited and conversed with in foggy England, where the "Demon of vapors j^j^g ^^^^ practical men in England, and carefully descends in a perpetual drizzle," and keeps the ^^.^^^^p^j ^^it various modes of draining in that atmosphere in so moist a state, that evaporation goes on at a much slower rate there than here country. It is written in his usual easy and pleas- ant style, and is the most valuable book upon Judge French has given us an interesting i^j^^ ^^1^^^^^ that has ever been written on either comparison of the meteorology of old England! ^j^^ ^^ ^j^^ water. and New England, and the result of the compar-l -jj^^ farmers of this country are certainly un- ison is that draining is even more necessary inl^^j. ^^^^^ obligations to him for this extra pro- this country than in England. In this country j f^^^j^^^l 1^^^^.^ undertaken and carried to a suc- the ground is frozen solid to the depth of two or. ^^^^^1 issue, under a press of business that would three feet, and in the spring, is completely satu-'j^^^^ deterred any man from engaging in it who rated with cold water, which renders the soil un-ij^^^ ^^^ ^ ^j^^^^.^ 1^^^ ^f farming, and an ear- fit to be worked, until the season is so far ad- ^^^^ ^j^gj^^ ^^ promote it vanced, that there is scarcely time for the growth and ripening of the crops. But thorough drain- ing, it is contended, will take off the water as soon as the ground is thawed, and the soil can be worked and the seed got in three or four HOME-MADE rURNITTJBB, The simplest and cheapest kind of furniture, by which an air of taste may be given to a cot- , ,. , , , tage, consists of a plain box or bench, made of weeks earlier, so that the crops may have so ,^^^^jg^ ,^y ^j^^ 1^,^^^^,^ ^f ^^^ ^^^j^r of the dwell- much longer time to grow and ripen. The state- ling, stuffed with hay, corn-husks, moss or hair, ments and reasoning of Judge Frencu are clear held in place by a covering of coarse canvas, and and satisfactory, and will afford to many farmers' ^'overed with chintz by the mistress of the cot- ^1 .. • f .• u- u *u 1- 1 ita^e. Seats of all kinds are made at a very tri- that information which they so much need. \ „P ^caic wi a t _ , . „ r , , , • , i fli»J? cost in this way ; so that, with a little in- Another important feature of the book is, that, ^pj^^j^y^ ^ ^^^^ niay, by the aid of a few boards It does not encourage indiscriminate draining, as, nailed together, a little stuffing and canvas, and ine sovereign remedy for all failures in agricul-ja few yards of shilling chintz, be made to pro- 288 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June duce nearly the same effect as one where the fur- niture is worth ten times as much. The next step is to add square pillows or cushions to all the benches, seats or couches, in order that any person sitting upon them may have a support for his back without touching the wall. Another of the cheapest and simplest seats for a cottage, is the barrel-chair. These chairs are easily made by sawing off a portion of the barrel, nailing on a few boards to form the seat, and leaving a part of the staves a little higher than the others, to form the back or arms. To make the high- backed chair, the staves must be pieced out a little, the outside or rim of the back being con- fined in its place by a piece of hoop, neatly ap- plied. The seat and back are stuffed with any cheap material, covered with chintz. — Downing. MAHKET-DAY AT SOUTH DANVEBS. [Repoeted for the Fabmek bt J. M. Ivis.] Tuesday last was market-day at South Dan- vers, under the auspices of the Essex Agricultu- ral Society. These market-days have been in successful progress in Great Britain for many years, affording an opportunity for exchanges, sales of neat stock, and other agricultural prod- ucts. It was held on Washington and Foster Streets, within sight of the birthplace of George Peabody, of England, who has been such a pat- ron of that town. Early in the forenoon, vehi- cles of various kinds, droves of sheep and cattle, fowls, &c., were wending their way in "cattle- show fashion." Among the collection of cattle were 4 new f.^i!rh cons with their calves, from R. Hanley, of Lynn ; W. P. C. Patterson, 3 na- tive cows ; Albert ],-odge, of Beverly, 2 Jersey cows and heifer ; Charles Roberts, heifer 3 years old, heifer, Ayrshire, mixed and native cows ; working cattle, from John Brown ; 40 sheep and 55 lambs, from E. Page, of South Danvers ; J. W. Wilkins, cows and heifers ; P. 1). Patch, of Hamilton, one yoke of fine, fat Durham oxen ; P. L. Osborn, bull 21 months old, weight, 1320 pounds ; Chester and Suffolk boar, from W. H. Foster, Beverly; M.Brown, Ipswich, cow and ox ; Amos King, cows ; George B. Dodge, of Hamilton, one yoke of cattle ; S. Dane, of Ham- ilton, new milch cows and beef cattle ; E. S. Poor, Danvere, two colts, valued at $300 each ; Hugh Galbreith, 5 cows ; John Needham and John Brown, Jr., cows ; town of Danvers, one yoke of fine, fat oxen ; R. S. Fay, of Lynn, cows ; Lewis Fay and Thomas Brown, cows ; J. S. Need- ham and N. Page, Jr , of Danvers, Lake, of Tops- field, and Flint, of North Reading, fruit and or- namental trees. There were various agricultural implements offered for sale. Ketchum's mowing-machine, for one horse, attracted much attention ; Whitman's patent plowman, for guiding the plow, was in operation, on Gen. Sutton's farm, but did not work as well as was anticipated ; a fine apple- parer was offered at $5, which performed well. The stock at market were as follows: 85 milch cows and calves, 37 steers and heifers, 9 bulls, 5 pairs of working oxen, 13 fat ditto, 18 calves, 36 horses, 4 colts, 1 stallion, 112 pigs, 96 sheep and lambs, besides 6 or 8 boxes of fowls, pota- toes, wagons, &c., on sale. Sales. — There were a considerable number of private sales of cattle, &c., in the morning, pre- vious to the auction. Among them were the fol- lowing: 4 three year old heifers of Joseph Batch- eldor, of Wenham. $26 each; native cow and calf of E. W. King, $45 ; one yoke of fat cattle, be- longing to the town of South Danvers, weighing 3400 pounds, at $9 per 100 ; one yoke of work- ing oxen, from George B. Dodge, of Hamilton, 5 year old, $108; one pair of Durham, full blooded, from Paul D. Patch, of Hamilton, and fed by him 4 years, $10 per 100 ; these oxen were 5 years old, girth 8 feet, estimated net weight after dressed, 3000 pounds; 2 native cows. 8 year old, with calves, from J. W. Wilkins, for $40 and $31 ; a native cow, 6 years, from Col. Bach- elder, of Middleton, $45. At the Auction Sale at twelve o'clock. — The Huntington cow, of R. S. Fay, native breed, $43 ; Rodman cow, $44 ; Boston do., one-half Ayrshire $48 ; native heifer and calf, from Mr. Gilbert, of Beverly, sold for $,"8; do. from Mr. Kittredge, $39 ; do. from Mr. Dane, of Hamilton, for $34 and $35 ; female goat, $8 ; some 6 or 8 horses sold at prices varying from $35 to $160, each. The market was much more successful than I could have anticipated, from the misgivings which bad previously been expressed ; in fact, I think it may be justly considered a successful experi- ment, and I am "right glad" that "old Essex" has led off in such an enterprise. A meeting of the Trustees of the Society was held in the Warren Bank building at 10 o'clock, at which opinions, &c., were offered. Mr. Fay, of Lynn, in the absence of the President, presid- ed ; it was Voted, That North Andover be recommended to the farmers of the county as a market for the sale of stock and agricultural products to be held on the third Tuesday of May, and that the far- mers be invited to attend the same. It was also voted, that Gen. H. K. Oliver, of Lawrence, Jos. Kittredge, of North Andover, J. H. Morse, of Lawrence, J. Osgood Loring and Otis Bailey, of North Andover, be a committee to superintend the market to be held at that time and place. Messrs. B. Perley Poore and Dean Robinson, of West Newbury, Enoch S. Williams, of Newburyport, and Paul Titcomb, of Newbury, were appointed a committee to report on the expediency of holding a subsequent mar- ket-day at, or near Newburyport ; and to fix the time for the same. It was also voted that the committee on the market at South Danvers re- port to the Trustees a full account of the same. The Trustees then adjourned to meet at North Andover on the third Tuesday in May, at 10 o'clock. One of the greatest annoyances at these gath- erings is the numerous "catchpenny contrivan- ces, and noisy, discordant sounds from drums and fiddles, in such near proximity to the market, and I would suggest to our Trustees that they endeavor at the next market to secure a field or enclosure, where these nuisances may be further removed, that they may not interrupt or inter- fere wiih the Auctioneer or those of the society [in the performance of their duty. May 4, 1859. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER, 289 CHAFER'S MACHINE fOK UKJEfcidiiVOr MljbLi-fclTONES. The ahove cut represents Draper s Inipruved Patent Ahtclirni; for Ihc^siny Jhil-Sf.uiies. The Bubscribers present iv to the public with perfect confidence, as* one of the most labor-sa\ing ma- chines in use, while from the uniformity of stroke and perfect adaptation of the chisel to the stone, one-half, at least, of the expense of sharpening Uols is saved, and the character of the dress much improved. The machine being attached to the spindle of the mill, is put in motion by the revolution of the same, being capable of striking eight hundred times in a minute, with a convenient arrangement for graduating the stroke to any required weight, and adjustable to any draft, doing the work with a precision not easily acquired by hand-dressing, and being wholly under the control of the oper- ator. It is readily adapted to any kind of dress for either burr or granite ; for the latter, the time usually required for dressing is from ten to fifteen minutes, and for burr, from fifteen to thirty, cracking the face in perfect lines, parallel with the furrows, without breaking the surface between the lines, thus producing a much more perfect dress in one-eighth part ]of the time re- quired for dressing with the hammer. Thus the Btone is preserved for longer use, and makes more, and a better quality of meal, in the same time, than by the usual method of dressing. To the most ordinary observer, the advantages must be obvious. Application may be made to the Bubscribers, at South Dedham, Mass. T. W. & R. M. Draper. The Horticulturist. — The number of this popular journal for May is a capital one. The "leader" by the editor, upon "Life in the Coun- try Railroad Cars," seems as natural as the way to breakfast. We have been in those cars, some- times, and have had ocular and olfactory expe- riences there ! As Sancho Panza said of the '•man who invented sleep," so say we, — "bless- ings on the man who will devise and put in exe- cution some mode of correcting the evils of our- gregarious mode of railroad travelling." This number of the Horticulturist is eminently practical. See the article on "The Useful and the Beautiful, in Gardening ;" one on "Bad Graft- ing— How Wood is formed" — with illustrations ; and one on "Budding and Grafting." The fron- tispiece presents a fine, colored engraving of the "Hartford Prolific Grape." Published by C. M. Saxton, New York. For the New England Farmer. TUKNIPS. As the turnip ordeal was passing, I was feed- ing out my crop of some eight hundred bushels. To gratify your correspondent at Lowell, Vt., I wish to say I rolled them from the root cellar to the barn floor in a wheelbarrow, there split them up with a long handled square pointed shovel, an implement of the cow-house, and shovelled them into the mangers. When they were given to the dairy cows, it was directly after the morning's milking. VVhether they "thinned or thickened, in- creased or diminished, the quantity of milk," my observations do not allow me to say. The im- proved condition of the animals, indicate that their products during the whole of the coming season will be materially increased both in quan- tity and quality. The time saved from the fifteen minutes per bushel, which it took the hired man of your Mas- sachusetts correspondent to feed theii out, to- 290 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June gether with witnessing the gratitude of the ani- mals receiving them, amply paid for doing it my- self. I did not raise them as did your correspon- dent, who found them an unprofitable crop side by side of a corn-field, that produced seventy-five bushels of corn per acre, but on a plot of ground 60 cold and ill adapted to corn, it would not have produced ten bushels. I hope the present sea- son, those who hold the turnip culture in the least esteem, will not fail to raise enough to give their animals as feed, as often as they provide their families with fresh fish, or perhaps some other less frequent change in the variety of food. Waitsfield, Vt. S. P. Joslin. SORKEIi. Thi-i grass should be cut early. If permitted to stand till the seed has become fully matured, the crop not only proves worthless in itself, but an injury to the soil. By cutting when it is green and succulent, or before the seed has shattered out, we obtain an article possessing considerable value, and which is eagerly devoured by sheep and horses, besides accomplishing much towards eradicating it from the soil from which, ordina- rily, it is expelled not without considerable diffi- culty when once it has obtained root. In curing sorrel, care should be had to expose it as little as possible to the sun. We have found it an excellent plan to mow in the morning, and cock in small bunches as soon as the dew is off. This j)lan prevents the seed, by far the most val- uable part of the crop, from being wasted, as well as much useless trouble in spreading and cocking up. There are few seeds, perhaps, more tenacious of life than the sorrel. The pericarp or seed vessel, in which the vital germ is en- closed, is singularly firm and indurated, and when, by any chance, it becomes imbedded in the soil to a depth which excludes it from warmth, it re- mains dormant, and will retain its vitality, un- impaired, for years. If a field which has pro- duced sorrel in large quantities, be turned out to pasture, it will, on being again plowed and sub- jected to tillage, even after the lapse of many years, become filled with sorrel plants, although not a vestige of that plant has been seen during the interregnum, or while in pasture. And this is sometimes the case with other plants. We once plowed a pasture which had been grazed for twenty-five successive years, and upon which scarcely a mullein had been seen during all that time. Upon disturbing the soil it brought the long imbedded seed to the solar influences and the air, and the surface was covered before July with so luxuriant a crop of mulleins as to make it necessary to pull up and carry off cartloads of the plants. By sowing lime, in liberal quanti- ties, and taking especial care to eradicate and destroy all the plants that appear, the pest may be entirely overcome. The lime neutralizes the peculiar acid which gives life and sustenance to the weed, and by converting it into a healthy and salutary pabulum for more profitable species of vegetable life, deprives it of its appropriate nu- triment, and thus starves it out. Clayey soils rarely become infested to any considerable ex- tent with this production. When it does make its appearance upon them, it is generally attrib- utable, as a result, to the seed having been dis- seminated with the grass seed employed in stock- ing down, and rarely lasts more than one year, when it is crowded out by the cultivated grasses, generally without maturing its first crop of seed. It requires a high, dry and hot soil, and does not flourish vigorously except in the very face of the sun. Sandy lands, of all descriptions, pro- duce sorrel more or less abundantly. And it is this description of soils which are always the most remarkably benefited by ashes and lime. They are non-calcareous, and to be improved, and rendered permanently productive, must be supplied artificially with that of which they ar deficient. TOMATOE3. Physicians are unanimous in their recommen- dation of this vegetable. Its nutritive character has procured it many friends, and perhaps there is at present no vegetable in this country, which is more extensively cultivated, or which com- mands, in our principal markets a more ready sale, or a more remunerating price. It delights in a free, warm and rather vigorous soil, and should be assisted in its development by liberal and continued applications of old and invigora- ting manure. It is remarkably prolific, one plant often producing a bushel of fruit. The matura- tion of tomatoes does not take place at once, but the fruit ripens in succession, so that the branches are burdened with ripe and green fruit at one and the same time. The methods of cooking and appropriating tomatoes have been varied to an almost infinite extent. In all its forms, how- ever, it has innumerable admirers, and is proba- bly, at this day, the most popular of all our gar den edibles. For family use, a few hills, planted as soon as the soil can be suitably prepared, in the spring, will be sufficient. Guano and gypsum have a very favorable eflect on the tomato. Commissioners on Flowage. — The Board of Commissioners appointed at the recent session of the Legislature, will meet at 12 o'clock, noon, on Monday next, to enter upon their view of the land flowed. After this examination, which will probably occupy two or three days, they will give a hearing to the petitioners at the Town Hall, in Concord. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 291 EXTBACTS AND KEPLIBS. TWO SICK COLTS. In looking over my last Farmer, I noticed a piece written by "\V. ]). Searl," concerning a sick colt, and as I have had two sick, in precise- ly the same way, one last year, and one this, I think I can give him a little light on the matter. The one that was sick last year, got over it after laying on the barn floor about two months, but has not done very well since ; the one this year ■was sick about three weeks and died; she had the appearance of being hurt across the small of the back, would walk on the end of the hoofs of the hind feet, with them drawn forward ; they finally got so stiff, that she lost the use of them entirely. In the fore part of her sickness, she would lie and groan terribly; when she died, I thought, I would learn, if possible, what ailed her, 80 I sent, and got my brother, and we opened her, and in the maw, we found the trouble. It was the bots — there was a spot the bigness of a man's hands entirely covered by them, and caused such a fever, that the lungs were swelled to more than twice the usual size. That is what causes the difficulty in breathing. It was generally thought she was poisoned. Now I think if friend Searl will doctor his colt for the bots, he will cure him. O. T. Willard. Bolton, Vt., 1859. _ POPPIES VERSUS BUGS. Last season I had some beautiful vines of dif- ferent kinds growing in my garden, which prom- ised a bountiful supply. One morning, I found them covered with bugs, and, being about to leave home for several days, hesitated a moment as to what I should do for the tender plants. My eyes immediately rested upon some poppies, and the thought occurred, that the leaves might be a remedy against the ravages of the bugs. I instantly gathered some, and laid the leaves up- on the hills, around the plants, and under the leaves. After an absence of several days, I return- ed, and immediately repaired to the garden, to learn the fate of my vines. They were looking finely, and not a bug to be seen of any kind. Whether the poppies had any thing to do in driv- ing away the devouring insects, some may ques- tion. Suffice it to say, they decamped instanter, and my opinion is, they are not partial to the opium quality of poppies. If this will serve the interests of the gardeners, you are at liberty to publish it. N. R. Wright. Paper Mill Village, N. H., April 21, 1859. TO CURE KICKING COWS. Place the animal by the side of a stall, or plank partition, and confine her head in stanchions, or by a chain, so that she can neither move side- ways or forward and back. Pass a rope, having a slip-noose on the end, around both hind legs, just above the gambrel. Draw this pretty tight, and the cow will soon find that the more she kicks, the more she hurts herself, and will gen- erally be cured of the propensity in a short time. The pain of this operation, if the animal struggle violently, is quite severe, and will render the cords of the legs stiff for a time, but the cure will be permanent. Care must be taken not to let the rope get below the gambrel joint, as the cow will then throw herself down. J. Y. N. Norton, May, 1859. QUINCE BUSHES. Please inform me how I can make my quince bushes bear? They blossom well, but yield no fruit. Aaron Brigham. Holliston, April, 1859. Remarks. — There is no prescription specially applicable to your question. Perhaps the soil is too rich, and they make too much wood ; per- haps it is not rich enough. If they appear very luxurious, head them in, and remove some of the soil about one of them, and supply it with sand or clay. HOW TO PREVENT CROWS FROM PULLING CORN. Take two ounces of nitre to a peck of corn, dissolve the nitre in half the quantity of boiling water wanted to cover the corn, then add as much beef brine, and soak the corn from twelve to twenty-four hours, then roll in plaster, or dry •ihes. I have followed this method for more than five years, and have suffered no loss from crows. R. A. Damon. Fiipton, April, 1859. HUNGARIAN GRASS. In your last issue, I noticed an account of Wm. Richards raising Hungarian grass, but he gave no account of the quantity of land he sowed. Will Mr. R. give us all the information he can about sowing and harvesting it ; and what stock he thinks best to feed it to, and whether he will feed the seed clear or mixed with other grain, and what he thinks it worth compared with corn or oats, and oblige A YouNG Farmer. Brandon, Vt., April 23, 1859. H. E. Fitch, Clarence, Nova Scotia. — We are not able to give you the information you desire, without occupying an amount of time which we cannot at present command. Fur the New England Farmer. SUPERPHOSPHATE OP lilME FOR SQUASHES. As the time is near at hand for planting, I deem it advisable to tell my experience in relation to my use of the superphosphate of lime in preserving the vines of the autumn marrow squash. I have used the superphosphate lime for two years with perfect success, and obtained large crops of that delicious vegetable without losing a vine. Be- fore I put on the superphosphate I could not raise a single squash, on account of the worm in the vine near the root. It usually commenced its ravages about the time that it fruited. The vines would look well, yet in two days they would all wilt away, but by the use of the superphos- phate of lime I am able to save every vi;ie, and get full crops of squashes. I commence putting it on them as soon as the seed comes up, to keep off the small black beetle, which is does to per- 292 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June fection, and then to keep off the striped bug, al- so to keep off the stinking pumpkin bug, which it is sure to do. I put on a small quantity after every rain and every hoeing and when they be- gin to put forth runners, I put about a table- spoon ul around the root, and in all cases, where it has been used properly, it has insured a good crop. Be sure and get that which is good ; there has been a great quantity of poor stuff in the market which has disappointed the expectation of the consumer. I have used it on tomatoes with great success. It should not be put on melons nor cucumbers, it is too caustic for them, and kills the tender plants. Farmer James, by the use of the superphos- phate of lime, raised acres of fine marrow squash- es where he had totally failed for years, before he knew of this infallible remedy. Farmers try it. S. A. Shurtleff. Spring Grove, April 13, 1859. LIVE FOB SOMETHING. Live for something, be not idle, Look about thee for employ ; Sit not down to useless dreaming — Labor is the sweetest joy. Folded hands are ever weary. Selfish hearts are never gay ; Life for thee hath many duties — Active be, then, while you may. Scatter blessings in their pathway 1 Gentle words and cheering smiles Better are than gold and silver, With their grief dispelling wiles. As the pleasant sunshine falleth, As the dew descends on earth, So let thy sympathy and kindness, Gladden well the darkened hearth. Hearts there are oppressed and weary ; Drop the tear of sympathy — Whisper words of hope and comfort — Give, and thy reward shall be Joy untj the sou! returning From this perfect fountain head. Freely, as thou freely givest ; Shall the grateful light be shed. For the New Enand Farmer. HOAAT TO TKEAT A YOUNG ORCHABD. Mr. Editor : — I have read your remarks in the last Farmer, (weekly,) with much interest, on the manner of treating a young orchard. If manured sufficiently to protluce two crops of clover and a crop of rowen to turn in after the second year's cutting is remo\ed, a fine growth of the trees may be expected. But let us suppose the soil is very gravelly and poor ; the orchard large, and only manure enough for a very moderate dressing can possibly be scraped together, might not the ti ees be kept in a growing condition by applying lo each tree, of eight or ten years' growth, say one-eighth of an ox-cart load of a good compost manure ? Let this manure be spread at some distance from the body of the tree ; little or none of it coming with- in 3 or 4 feet of it, but the main part of it above and a little beyond the extremities of the roots. Let the ground between the trees be plowed, cultivated with cultivator, and harrowed to keep down the weeds. No crops taken off until more manure can be spared. Might not such tieatment as this be more eco- nomical than purchasing manure enough to fill a very i)oor soil with clover roots ? In very poor soils, by digging holes 7 feet in diameter and 2 feet deep, and filling with loam and meadow mud, trees may be kept in good condition two or three years, with no other application than a little coarse, straw, yard manure, put around the body at setting, (if set in the spring,) and dug in next season. If then, after that, a moderate quantity of manure is spread near the trees, each year, to- gether with a liberal supply of swamp muck, plowing and harrowing without cropping, and an occasional liberal supply of manure with crop- ping ; I say, if by these means, trees can be kept growing, might not much land, especially in the vicinity of villages, now comparatively useless, be profitably turned to orcharding, thus increas- ing its value, improving its appearance, inviting new settlers, and paving the way for a plentiful supply of fruit ? One question more : Would occasionally turn- ing in a green crop of oats or buckwheat be eco- nomical where a yearly supply of manure is with difficulty obtained ? K. Framingham, March, 15, 1859. Remarks. — The suggestions of our corres- pondent are valuable, and do not seem to require any special comments or replies from us. If he plows in a crop of oats or buckwheat, he will de- rive much more benefit from it by mowing the crop and allowing it to partly dry before plowing it under. For the New England Farmer. EXPERIMENT "WITH POTATOES. Mr. Brown : — Nothing at the Lunenburg Cattle Show, last year, interested me so much as the exhibition of fine specimens of potatoes. And nothing in this department seemed so val- uable as an account of an experiment in raising them, given by Daniel Putnam, Esq., a mem- ber of the Lunenburg Farmers' Club. The fol- lowing is the result of the experiment: Lot 1.— 8 large potatoes, weighing 2 lbs. 12 ozs. Whole po- tatoes in the hill; product of 8 hills, 36^ lbs. Lot 2.-8 large potatoes wtipliing 2 lbs. 12 ozs. Cut 4 pieces each, 4 pieces to a hill ; produce, 42 lbs. ],ot 3. — 4 large potatoes, weighing 1 lb. 6 ozs. Cut 4 pieces each, 2 pieces to a hill ; produce, 32 lbs. I^ot 4. — 2 large potatoes weighing 11 ozs. Cut 4 pieces each, 1 piece to a hill ; produce, 25 lbs. Lot 5. — 8 small potatoes weighing 13 ozs. Whole potatoes in the hill ; produce, 25 lbs. Lot 6. — 8 small potatoes weighingl3 ozs. Cut2 pieces, 2 pieces in a hill ; produce 33 lbs. lots 7 and 8 — Planted with the eyes cut ouf, proved failures. Kind of potatoes used, Jenny Linds. This experiment needs to be analyzed, in or- der to communicate fully its valuable lessons. In lot No. 1, 44 ozs. produce 584 ozs., equal to 13 bushels for one ; rather a small yield. An acre, planted in rows 3 feet, and hill 2k feet apart, would produce 470 bushels, requiring 36 bushels of seed. In lot 2, 44 ozs. produce 672 ozs., equal to 15 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 293 bushels for one. An acre planted at the same distances as the >ast, would produce 540 bushels, requiring 3G bushels of seed. In lot 3, 22 ozs. produce 512 ozs., equal to 23 bushels for one. An acre ])lanted 3x2^ feet •would produce 412 bushels, requiring 18 bushels of seed. In lot 4, 11 ozs. produce 400 ozs., equal to 3G bushels for one. An acre, planted 3 f^ 24- feet, would produce 322 bushtls, requiring 9 bushels of seed. In lot 5, 13 ozs. produce 400 ozs., equal to 30 bushels for one. An acre planted 3 ^124 would produce 322 bushels, requiring 13 bushels ©f seed. In lot 6, 13 ozs. produce 528 ozs., equal to 40 bushels for one. An acre planted 3x24 would produce 425 bushels, requiring 10 bushels. It will be seen, therefore, that potoates plant- ed as in lots 1st and 2d, the entire produce is greatest, but the amount of seed demanded is enormous. In lots 4th and 0th, the produce is quite large, and the amount of seed is the small- est. Shall we, then, use the large potatoes or the small ? I answer, if a man has little land and a plenty of large potatoes for seed, let him plant them, either whole or cut in four pieces, and four pieces put in the hill. If, however, he has much land and but few seed potatoes, let him use the small ones, cut in two pieces, and two pieces put in the hill. w. c. Clinton, Ms., 1859. Remarks. — The attention of Mr. Baylies, of Taunton, is respectfully called to this article. For the Netc England Farmer. MIGRATION OF SWALLOWS. Quite a number of articles have appeared in the Farmer within the last few years, relative to the habits of swallows, and the time of their mi- gration, but I do not recollect that any account from this region has appeared. I will therefore relate the result of my own observations, made »ast fall. About the 21st of the 7th month, 1858, these lively summer birds began to congregate in con- siderable numbers upon the telegraph wires, and the roofs of barns. These meetings were held daily, and their numbers continued to increase. Soon it became apparent that some important event was about to take place. Sometimes large companies would commence an incessant chatter- ing, very much resembling a set of politicians when discussing some momentous question, in the result of which all are expecting to be bene- fited. Presently all would rise, and after per- forming certain gyratory evolutions, would re- turn to their places. The multitude then assembled were nearly all common barn swallows, and about the 30th of the month they left for parts unknown. The 13th of the 8th month I saw large num- bers of the white-bellied swallows assembled on the "wires," but on the 14th very few were seen. All did not leave, however, for some of this va- riety, and a few of the former, were seen as late as the Glh of 9th month, though they were evi- dently young ones. A few chimney swallows were observed the 16th of 8th month. The 2nd of 9th month I saw from fifty to sixty white-bellied swallows in a distance of about two and a half miles, 23 in one flock, and upwards of 30 in another ; a few barn swallows were with them. A considerable portion of the whole were scarcely full-fledged. In another place I saw a large number, probably more than a hundred, on a dead tree by the side of a mill-pond. Thty performed various evolutions, such as they usu- ally do when collected in other places. I have no idea that they were preparing to take a dive into the mud. They are too lively and too beau- tiful to hybernate in such quarters. It is much more reasonable to suppose they were preparing for a long journey, and that they soon took their flight to more genial climes. The 6th I saw thir- teen swallows of the same variety as the last, and I do not recollect that I saw any after that day. Bloonifield, C. W., 1859. L. Vaknet. For the New England Farmer. POTATO KOT. Mr. Editor : — Among all I have read on this subject, I do not recollect any description of the attending circumstances, or, as a physician would say, any statement of the "symptoms." And, it appears to me that it is misapprehending or over- looking these, which has led to such a variety of opinions relative to the cause ; I mean, when the rot prevails so as to constitute an epidemic. [ have observed, somewhat particularly, these attending circumstances, and I have noticed that they were essentially alike, every year the rot has prevailed. The disease commences its rav- ages the last half of August, usually ; sometimes, between the first and tenth of September. The potato vines are green and luxuriant, and the tu- bers unripe. The thermometer ranges from sev- enty-six to eighty degrees in the shade ; the wind southerly, usually south-west, and blows very briskly ; there is more or less rain — not often a great quantity ; frequently only a heavy mist, sometimes attended with fog. Such, according to my observation, have uniformly been the symp- toms attending the potato disease. If we have a cold rain, or hot, dry weather, or if the potato vines are dead and the tubers ripe, I have never known the rot to prevail. In the same field I have had early potatoes by the side of late ones; the former were uninjured, the latter rotted bad- ly. Last year, I planted a part of my early po- tatoes quite late, the last of May ; the last of August, when the rot commenced, the vines were growing, were very green, the tubers were un- ripe, and they were diseased worse than any other kind I raised ; while those that were plant- ed early, were unaff'ected ; and, indeed, I had never had this kind, (early blues,) rot before. The mischief to the potato, under the above circumstances, is done very suddenly. I have noticed the tops to begin to wilt and turn black in a few hours, and the tubers to be afi'ected, after the first indications appeared. The conclu- sion to which I came, the second year the rot prevailed, was, that it was produced by atmos- pheric influence, combined with the circumstan- ces mentioned above ; the juice of the top is poi- H NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June soned, or converted into a gangrene, which kills the top, and descends to the tuber, producing disease and decay. If the above is correct, then it overthrows the bug theory, which has been so confidently ad- vanced. But the advocates of that theory will ask me, probably, why we never witnessed such effect from the atmosphere prior to 1843 ? I can answer them only in the Yankee fashion, by ask- ing them why we never had such bugs before that year ? Was that bug created then ? Or was it bioui;ht into existence by a cross between two previously existing genus? Or if the bug exist- ed previously to 1843, were its habits so changed that it teased to feed on what it could not poison, and con.menced living on the potato? But it seems this is only a microscoj)ic bug, i. e., im- perceptible to the naked eye. Every efiect must have an adequate cause. Can so small a bug produce such effects as to cause thousands of busheKs of potatoes to rot? I have no doubt the microscope reveals animaleula? living on po- tatoes ; it does preying upon the thigh of a gnat, and floating in the purest water. But I would as soon believe that the ox, which died after drinking, was killed by the animalculte, which the microscope revealed in the water from which he drar^k, as to believe the potato rot is pro- duced by the animalcultr which th« microscope exhibits living upon them. The cause is not ad- equate to the efiect. Atmospheric changes, we know, are frequent, and at times very great ; sometimes producing diseases entirely new in their type, which carry ofl' thousands of the hu- man family ; and why not new diseases in the vegetable kingdom ? The only remedy I have discovered, is to plant an early kind, plant early, and on early ground, so they may mature early. If the vines are dead and the potatoes ripe by the 20th of August, you will not lose many by the rot. 8. u. P. Leominster, 1859. guished excellence. The same law of nature ex- ists among neat cattle, as among horses ; and whosoever disregards it, may look for disappoint- ment. Farmers will therefore be expected to raise the offspring of cows, both male and female, to which first premiums have been awarded, and in tl.is way alone may they hope to improve their stock. He that relies upon chance, to the neglect of experience, will chance to be disap- pointed. '•Them are my sentiments." "MULTUM IN PaRVO." For the New England Farmer. NATIVJE BREED OP CATTLE. REMARKS BY COL. PICKERING. It should be constantly borne in mind, that the Society has been formed for the purpose of effecting improvements in every branch of hus- bandry. Chance in breeding, or a lucky purchase, may give a farmer a superior cow, but unless her offspring be raised, we shall make no advance ; and fifty years hence, the quality of our neat cat- tle will not be improved. It is true, that fine cows and fine bulls do not always produce an off- spring equal to themselves ; but the high prob- ability is in their favor. Hence the high prices given for the improved imported breeds, like generally producing like. Many are willing to raise a cov/ calf from a superior cow ; while they are regardless of a bull calf. To an improving farmer, the latter is more valuable than the for- mer. The offspring of the female is very limited ; whereas the male may be the sire of hundreds. The heifers from fine cows so often prove worth- less, because the cows are put to worthless bulls. How diflerent is the conduct of the breeders of horses ! No one expects a fine colt unless from a good mare, when sired by a horse of distin- For the New England Farmer. SLATE VS. STOCK JOBBERS. Mr. Editor: — I have noticed several articles in the New England Farmer about slate roofing. Not being a manufacturer of slate, it maj be])os- xible foi me to give some information, without expecting to have my pockets atuj/'tdivifh the pro- ceeds of certain certificates of stock. Disinterest- ed persons might possibly suspect "Rusticus" to be an owner of Glen Lake stock, from the zeal he manifests in building up that enterprise, and ignoring all others. If he wishes to advertise his quarry, let it be done openly. The public want facts and experience, instead of theory and stock joblnng. Ttiis same public have paid thous- ands of dollars to speculators for stock in slate and mining corporations, having immense nomi- nal capitals, high sounding titles, and owning a very Jew acres of pasture land with a rock upon it. If this money was judiciously expended upon real quarries or mines, instead of being absorbt^d by the managers, stockholders would have less reason to complain. Let capitalists examine for themselves, before making investments in any such corporations. I do not wish to apply these remarks to Glen Lake, as I am entirely unac- quainted with their financial operations ; wishing them success in any honorable measures for building up this important branch of business. The course taken by '•Rusticus" would create a distrust of all kinds of slate. Having examined most of the Vermont slate quarries, and practi- cally tested several of them upon my otcn build- ings, I consider them generally valuable. The absorption of funds necessary for opening quar- ries, erecting buildings and machinery, being so large, the means of the owners, in many instances being very limited, and the desire for quick re- turns so strong, that often surface or unsound stock has been manufactured and sold. Disin- tegration is therefore certain. Why do some slates change color or fade, while others are fast colored ? Iron and sulphur enter into the com- position of the former. Copper is the metallic base of the latter. The one rusts, the other brightens. The copper slate will withstand a greater degree of heat than the iron slate, with- out cracking. Slate varies in hardness in the different quarries. In all instances within my knowledge the softer stock (as in other stone quarries) hardens by exposure. The softer slate are usually the finer grained. The harder the slate, the thinner it will split, provided it is free. I prefer slate of a medium thickness and size. Slatera and owners often advise the use of thin slaie, as it saves them expense in transportation. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 295 I have roofs covered with slate from Col. Allen's quarry of viottled slate, (prohably the one men- tioned by "Rusticus,") from the Western Ver- mont Slate Company's quarry offast and 07ie col- ored slate, (annihilated by '"Rusticus,") and from the quarries of the Eagle Slate Company, to whose skirts "Rusticus" endeavors to fasten Glen Lake. These three quarries represent the dif- ferent varieties mentioned, and are those most ex- tensively wot Iced for roofing slate. All have a wide reputation, and have been unable to supply the demand upon them. Their owners have de- voted their energies to the building up of the trade, and sustaining instead of destroying each other. The mottled slate has been laid upon my roof si'x years. It exhibits no sign of disintegra- tion or change of color. 1 have examined roofs covered with this slate in 184S and '49, which are now in good condition. The slate from the quarry of the Western Vermont Slate Com- pany has been laid nearly six years. It presents the same beautifill purple color as at first, and ex- hibits no sign of disintegration. Roofs covered with this slate in 1850 and '51 are now in good condition. The slate from the Eagle quarry has been laid four years, and gives good satisfaction. Although it has changed color badly, there are no signs of disintegration. Some veins of slate in this quarry do not change color as much as others, it splits freer than the others mentioned. There can be no doubt about the durability of all these varieties. The quality of slate manufactured from those and other younger quarries is gradual- ly improving, both in material and workmanship. For cottages and roofs which are conspicuous, a fast colored slate would no doubt improve their appearance materially, but in many instances the owners have no preference as to color. No Ver- mont slate will absorb sufficient water to injure it. I have experimented, and found that slates from the same quarry vary in the (juantity ab- sorbed. In conclusion, let me advise your nu- merous readers to use slate upon their roofs. It is economical, safe and durable. Give a suffic- ient underlap, and nail firmly. They require but trifling repairs and have often proved a safeguard against conflagration. Pro Bono Publico. For the New Eii!>lnnd Farmer. THE ADVANTAGE OF FORMING HABITS OF INDUSTRY EARIiY IN LIFE. Mr. Editor : — As far as my observation ex- tends, children are naturally disinclined to per- severe in steady labor ; their restless and active propesities are manifested in every variety of an- tics, in preference to doing the dreaded — what is called — work ; they will make efforts at what they consider to be play, which in an adult would be considered most severe labor ; they will lug a heavy sled up a steep hill in anticipation of the pleasure of riding down, frequently to the risk of their lives. These feelings seem to be natural to all active children. When these active, pro- pelling powers are directed in the right channel, as the child advances in years, the habits of use- ful industry are formed, or become what is called second nature. When parents neglect the opportunity of di- recting these natural propensities to activity in their children, at an early age, and let them grow up without any definite plan of business for life, I they will compare with training four-year-old steers to the yoke, and instead of making of jthem good, industriotis citizens, "ten to one" if jthey do not imbibe the habits of idleness and j rowdyism, and at bfst make an addition to that class of characters, in all conscience already nu- merous enough, who have no definite object in view, but are ready to improve every opportuni- ty to speculate upon the industry of others, make grabbing trades, and if satisfactory success does 'not attend such respectable efi'orts at business, they have an eye more directly to a fortune at the gambling table, or "investigating" the pock- ets of ladies and gentlemen ; peradventure a for- tune may be there. "How can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots ;" or how can the child, grown up in idleness, become accustomed to hab- its of useful industry ? It is a hard case, noth- ing is more difficult than correcting bad habits and forming good ones. The colored preacher said his converts "would vart back again," and so it is apt to be with those grown up in the nat- ural way. It was with the greatest difficulty that the ab- origines of this country could be induced to per- form any kind of manual labor ; the horrors of starvation, or the pleasure of indulging a crav ing appetite with food, were not motives suffi- ciently powerful to induce them to forsake their old habits of indolence, and casting oflT thought for the future. 1 have no doubt but there have been instances of reformation among adults who have never been taught the habits of industry, but such in- stances are as uncommon as conversions at the eleventh hour. I have known many instances of these hopeful characters who knew more than father and mother combined, that grew up with- out a trade, and ultimately proved an affliction to their parents and all concerned. A neighbor of mine possessed one of these promising loafing sons, and a friend of the father inquired why he did not set his son to work ; the father replied, "O, let him alone, he will do well enough when he grows older." The fact was, he had already got to be too old for his father ; he got married, ill treated his wife and left her, enlisted into the army, (the best place for him,) and finally died a vagabond in the poor-house. We often see the effects of early habits of in- dustry in examples of aged people who have been so long accustomed to a diligent business life, that working seems almost as necessary to their existence as their daily bread, and when the time arrives that deprives them of the etijoy- ment of their favorite employment they feel a melancholy vacancy in their minds which ap- proaches nearly to unhappiness. There are nu- merous instances of men of wealth who, having become weary of business, and retired from it under the Impression of living easier lives, after jgratifying tiiemselves with a full supply of imag- inary happiness in the anticipated leisure, have returned again to their toils as less burdensome than the pleasure of doing nothing. I have heard [young people say they wondertd why old people I need work; that they had pro])erty enough to I carry them through, and that they might sit down 'and enjoy themselves. 296 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June Nov.', young man, I wish you would tell me what enjoyment there is in doing nothing? I have every reason to believe that heaven is not the place "for idlers, that happiness there consists in the employment of doing good, one toward another, and progressing in knowledge and per- fection forever. What is a soul without a mo- tive, any more than an idiot or brute, or what hap- piness and enjoyment can there be without ac- tion ; the enlightened soul was made for enjoy- ment in working good, not for doing evil, nor continuing in a torpid state of idleness like the bear in the winter. A love of industry at any kind of business must be created by early instruc tion and practice, while the child readily receives impressions which will be lasting, and habit will soon overcome the propensity to idleness, and if he is organized with the elementary ingredients of a man, he will love work better than play. Every farmer that produces grain and vegetables, and every mechanic who makes a shoe or any useful implement, is doing good, loving his neighbor, and obeying and.serving God, I suspect, more acceptably than many do in olfering him their artificial prayers. Silas Brown. North Wilmington. For the New England Farmer. PKODUCT OF TEN COWS. Gentlemen : — I send you a table of figures showing the product of a small dairy of ten cows, for one year ending with May, I808. The cows are of common stock, costing from $2j to $30 each ; fed liberally with straw and wheat bran and corn meal in winter, and with bran and good pastur- age in summer. Feed has been given them dry and cold ; and the stable open enough to be well aired and cool. Cows only housed in winter. The sales are, of cream at $1 per gallon, to con- fectioners ; and skimmed milk, at 12 cents per gallon, to boarding houses. SALES FOR WEEK. June 5, 185T 24.24 ■ Dec. 5, ..2.3.71—676.45 12, 25.67 12 ..23.22 1V», 20.92 19, ..24.40 26, 20.51 26, ..22.25 30, 13 26—104.60 Jan. 2,1853.. .29 68—123.26 July 7, 27 26 9, ..22 06 14 'J.7 60 16, . 23.78 25, 34 22 23, ..21..'-0 Aug 1, .... 31 9.3—121.01 3U, ..19.20— 86.84 8, 31 15 Ffb. 6, ..17 48 15, 30.45 13, ..17 84 22, 2'J.Sl 20, ..19.72 29, 2S. 6:— 111.06 27, . 19 84— 74.88 Sep. 5, 27 93 Mar. 6, ..15 60 12, 33 78 13, ..17 72 19, 44 10 20. ..17 56 26, 27.'4 27, . IS 20— 69.08 Oct. 3, 21. .58—155.23 Apr. 3, . 18.44 10, .... 25 S9 10, ..23.81 17, 27 16 17. ..17.45 24, 18 70 24, ..18 41 31, 25.42- 97.17 May!, ..22 34—100.45 Nov. 7, 24 04 8, ..27.42 14, 21,08 15, . 34 74 21, 19 48 22, .28.54 28, 22.78— 87.38 29, ..33.59—124.29 $676.45 $1,258.2;5 Cincinnati, Ohio. Wm. J. Fern. Tt T 1,. „„...: -i.„J U., T>„ 1 1^^ It has been estimated by Dr. Lee, of Geor- gia, that the annual income of the soil of not less than one hundred millions of acres of land in the United States is diminishing at the rate of ten cents an acre. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. DOMESTIC KE3CEIPTS. Loaf of Tea Cake. — One cup of sour milk, one cup sugar, one tea-spoonful rose-water, a lit- tle nutmeg, one table-spoonful of butter, one tea- spoonful of soda, one and a half cups flour. Deborah's Batter Pudding. — Sixteen table- spoonsful of flour, one quart of milk, six eggs, salt, beat the eggs to froth on a plate, and after it is mixed beat it fifteen minutes. Either boil or bake. Newton Short Gingerbread. — Eight cups flour, three cups sugar, one of ginger, one of but- ter, six eggs, one tea-spoonful of soda. Steam Pudding. — Three cups of flour ; one cup of suet; one cup of molasses; two cups of milk ; one tea-spoonful bicarbonate of soda. Chop the suet very fine, put it in the flour with the other ingredients, and steam it two hours. To be eaten with lemon dip. Lemon Dip. — Thin two table-spoonsful of flour with water ; stir it into a pint of boiling wa- ter ; let it boil once; take it up and stir in four table-spoonsful of sugar, a little butter and the juice of one lemon. Plum Pudding. — One stale brick loaf — take off the brown crust, cut it in thin slices, and spread them with butter; pour over it one quart of boiled milk, and let it stand until morning; grate in one nutmeg, one tea-spoonful of salt, eight eggs well beaten, a pint bowl of stoned raisins; flour the r.iisins and bake two hours. To be baked immediately after putting in the rai- sins and eggs. Swiss Cake. — One and a half cupsful of su- gar, four table-spoonsful of butter, one cupful of milk, three cupsful of flour, two eggs, one tea- spoonful of soda and one and a half tea-spoons- ful of cream of tartar. Flavor to your liking. Nice and Nameless Cake. — Two cupsful of sugar, a small lump of butter, half a pint of milk, four eggs, one cocoa nut, grated, a tea-spoonful of soda and two tea-spoonsful of cream of tartar. Cocoa Nut Cakes. — Two grated nuts an equal weight of powdered white sugar, the whites of three eggs, well beaten ; make them the size of a half-dollar, and bake on buttered tins. Bread Cake. — Five teacups well raised bread dough, three heaping cups of sugar, two even cups of butter, five eggs, a glass of brandy, and a nutmeg ; fruit as you like. Yeast for Bread or Cakes. — In a quart of boiling water stir suffii;ient wheat flour to make quite a thick battel ; while hot, stir in it four ounces of white sugar and a teaspoonful of salt. When cold, put in sufficient yeast (say near a teaspoonful) to cause the mass to ferment. Lay it by in a covered jar for use. Half a teacupful is enough to make two large loaves. To renew the yeast when used up, reserve a teacupful. It is simple and efficien't for raising buckwh:'at cakes and bread — very white and very light, if the flour is good. DEVOTED TO AGRICULTTJEE AND ITS KIISTDRED ARTS AIID " SCIENCES. VOL. XI. BOSTON, JULY, 1859. NO. 7. JOEL XOL'RSE, Proprietor. Office. ..34 Mekcuants Row. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR, FRED'K HOLBROOK, ) Associate HENRY F. FRENCH, \ Editors. JULY. "O that this too, too solid flesh would melt, Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew." Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 2. ULY — arid, tropi- cal month. What an exalted idea it gives one of the energy and patri- otism of our fore- fathers, to think they could muster resolution to de- ■— clare themselves "free and independent," _, _ on a hot day in July. We 'CA* -wonder they did not wilt into supine submission to George III., or anybody else who chose to place an oppressive foot upon their necks. When we forget to commemorate their heroism with ring- ing of bells, -speeches, fireworks, can- non and India crackers, we deserve to lose "the peace their valor won;" yea, more, — to go without "tea" the rest of our natural lives I Sydney Smith is said to have wished he could "take ofl' his flesh and sit in his bones awhile," by way of keeping cool ! Though mankind are not generally so anxious to get rid of their "flesh- ly weeds," they certainly are very much addict- ed to finding fault with the weather. For instance, — last winter we had some days of "remarkable weather." This spring east winds prevailed to an uncommon extent, although we were told that once in three hundred years May •was a ramZess month, and that this was the identi- cal three hundredth — therefore fears were enter- tained that life would be entirely parched out of the vegetable world. Others took a diff'erent view of the case, and wgre apprehensive that the premature heat would | be succeeded by an "unkindly frost" or perhaps a snow-storm, which should nip in the bud the forth-putting leaves and flowers. Now July has arrived, and although naturally enough "hot weather may be expected about this time," how many times will it be remarked that this is the very hottest summer that has been known for years — it may be, even within the memory of the "oldest inhabitant." Perhaps those who suffer the greatest incon- venience, are the ones who do nothing but try to keep comfortable. The lady who sits at her window in a white wrapper, watching the reap- ers at work under a broiling sun, bestows a great deal of commiseration upon them, because she does not know that the faintest breeze brings cooling to their brows — and that by being busy, we forget to say "how hot it is." We may call this the high noon of summer. The great clock which tells the Months of the Year, has struck twelve, but we must give our- selves only a short nooning, for time flies and labor presses. Our hay, our oats, rye and bar- ley will soon be ready for the sickle or the scythe. They have been silently growing taller and tall- er every moment since last April, impelled by some power which we cannot comprehend. It seems but a little while since the seeds were bur- ied deep down in the earth, and nothing but re- peated observation could have convinced us that there should be a resurrection of these few poor grains that we planted. We could have shown no reason why these dead and buried seeds should spring up to a fresher and fuller life. But here they are, and summer after summer we have seen the miracle repeated, until we pass it by without wonder, calling it the ''order of iVa- iure." "They took a plow and plowed him down, Put clods upon his bead, And they ha' sworn a solemn oath, John Barley oorn was dead. "But the cheerful spring came kindly on, And showsrs began to fall — 298 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July John Barley-corn got up again, And sore surprised them all." A curious custom prevailed, and for aught we know, does still, in Scotland, of doing their har- vesting in couples — every Jack having his Jill. It must have been in reference to this usage that "Gin a body meet a body" was written — for only imagine it applied to two of our harvesters in red flannel shirts "a comin' through the rye." Burns tells us that his yoke-fellow at the gathering in of the harvest, was his first love. He describes her as a "bonnie, sweet sonsie lassie." For the benefit of those who doubt the poet's ability to select his "first love" from the numerous train' to whom he paid his addresses, we will say that he was at this time only fifteen years of age, and the lassie a year younger. We can easily sup- pose that this was before he had become ac- quainted with the Nannies and Marys and Peg- gies who figured in his poems. It must strike every one that Burns was remarkably fortunate in his female friends, if we may trust to his own description of their charms ; but we fear that a less romantic explanation of the circumstance is the true one, and that the graces which he threw around them existed only in his imagination. The fantasy of the poet was a Midas' wand that tinged the earthliest thing with gold. We learn that his brother, a more common-place per- sonage, "looked upon some of the ladies of these early verses as so many moving broom-sticks, on which fancy hung her garlands ! Not a very flattering description, but such is the power of genius that it may throw a halo around the most common objects, not only for itself, but for the whole world. Who does not think with tender interest of "Highland Mary" — an interest so great that even a spear of her hair which found its way to the Burns' festival in Boston, was re- garded with enthusiasm, — yet who, for her own sake, would have given a thought to the dairy- maid of the Castle of Montgomery ? Having reached our editorial limits, we make our exit, wishing all a good "mess" of green peas for the Fourth, and to our young friends in .particular, we would say, that although it may not accord with our Yankee notions of gallantry to see our girls bearing sheaves at the Harvest — may each find some "bonnie sweet sonsie lass," to help him bear the burdens of life. The Tyson Pear. — This pear, it is well known, is long in coming into bearing when grown on pear stocks, and this quality is regarded as a se- rious drawback on its value. But the objection vanishes when it is cultivated as a dwarf. The most beautiful object we ever saw in the form of a bearing tree, was a four year Tyson a few years since, on the grounds of Ellwanger & Barry, of Rochester, of symmetrical form, and loaded with ruddy-cheeked pears. The present unfavorable year, a small tree five feet high, set three years, in the garden of David Thomas, of Union Springs, is bending under its crop of Tyson. This vari- ety grows well on the quince, and promises to be one of the most profitable dwarfs. — Country Gentleman. TUBNIPS AMONG COBN. Mr. Editor : — I wish to call the attention of my brother farmers to the fact that turnips can be grown among corn with very little trouble or expense. I have raised them for several years in the following manner : After the cultivator went through the corn the last time for the season, I followed that with the turnip seed, sowing broad- cast; a boy follows dragging a hand-rake, and it is don©. Last year I used a drill with better success than broadcast. Two boys can keep up with the cultivator — one to pull, the other at the handles. Put one row of turnips between each row of corn. I, of course, am alluding to ground that will bring a good crop of corn ; in poor ground it is useless to put turnip seed or any- thing else among corn. I have tried several dif- ferent kinds of turnips, and find the Yellow Ab- erdeen and White Norfolk to produce the best. The latter I think is most productive. The seed can be procured at almost any of the seed stores in Philadelphia, at one dollar a pound, and a pound I think sufficient for a five-acre field. It will most likely produce two or three hundred bushels. Now I consider the cost and trouble nothing in comparison to that amount of turnips fed during winter and spring. I do not consider the corn injured in the least by the turnips, as they grow principally after the corn is cut off". — Oermantown 2'eleyraph. Money in English Elections. — In spite of the outcry of the London Times about IVlr. Bu- chanan's Duquesne letter, it seems that we must go to the mother country, after all, if we want to learn how to spend money in elections. The London correspondent of the New York Tribune writes in his last letter : "As to the internal aff"airs, the conservatives have gained about twenty seats, and are still in a minority of about sixty votes in full Parlia- ment. Still, they have consolidated their party by stupendous* bribery. Lord Derby subscribed £20,000 for the election, the Duke of Northum- berland £25,000, each of the three new peers £10,000, and Gome £30,000 more were furnished by the other members of the Carlton Club." Grass Under Trees. — By sowing nitrate of soda in small quantites in showery weather, un- der trees, a most beautiful verdure will be ob- tained. I have used it under beech trees in my ground, and the grass always looks green. — Having succeeded so well on a small scale, I have now sown nitrate of soda among the long grass in the plantations, which cattle could never eat. I now find that the herbage is preferred to the other parts of the field. — Prairie Farmer. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 299 SHEEP SHEARING. WHEN SHOULD IT BE DONE? The common answer to this question is : When the oil has been secreted after washing, so that the wool has its greasy look, and feel, and the "yolk" has begun to form near the root of the fibre. This is well — one other matter needs to be looked after, also. It is the growth of the new wool. Every year a new growth of wool com- mences from the skin of the sheep. This should be watched l)y the shepherd, and the shearing should be done just as the second growth begins to start. The shearer should cut as nearly as possible along the dividing line between the old and the new. If the second year's growth is al- lowed to grow somewhat, before shearing, you take part of two years' wool in the same fleece. This impairs the fibre, for at the point of union between the growths of the two yeai-s, the wool is weak. This lowers the price. Besides, if the shearing is long delayed, the fleece for the next •winter will be thinner, and the sheep more liable to sicken and die. On the other hand, if you shear before the second year's gi'owth has start- ed at all, some of this year's growth will be left at the outer extremity of the next year's fleece. This remnant of this year's fleece, will diminish the value of the next year's fleece, for the reason mentioned above. We say, then, shear your sheep, if possible, when the new fleece just be- gins to start. PREPARATIONS FOR SHEARING. Sweep off the barn floor, scatter a little straw over it, and nail over that a bit of coarse canvas, or old oil cloth. This will make a soft bed for the sheep to rest on during shearing, and it can be kept perfectly smooth and clean. If you use low benches to shear on, they should be prepared in a similar way. The place where the sheep lie during the process should, at least, be very clean and smooth, to avoid filth in the wool, or tearing it with a rough surface. Drive into the out-side barn-yard, sheep enough to last the shearers half a day. Then drive a portion of these into a spialler enclosure, (a stable or part of the "bay") near the barn floor. Strew the floor of this enclosure with clean straw, that the sheep may not become dirty, if they lie down. CAUTIONS ABOUT PREPARING. 1. Wait till the dew is off, before shutting up the sheep, under cover. 2. Do not, if you can avoid it, confine a great- er number of sheep at once, than the shearers can shear in half a day. It does the sheep no 7ood to be long shut up, and the shearing can be done more easily and neatly, if the body of the sheep is full of food. 3. The above cautions are for dry weather. But if the weather should be wet, you must eith- er wait a few days, till it becomes clear, or keep the sheep under cover and feed them as best you can. For it should be always kept in mind, that shearing should not be done when the wool is wet. Sometimes in "catching" weather, sheep thus confined, can be let out to feed in a pasture near by, and driven under shelter again, if a shower should be coming up, 4. These facts, as well as the fatiguing nature of the work, will suggest the importance of em- ploying as great a number of good hands as you can, and doing up the work as soon as possible. We would want "good hands," for a poor shear- er wastes more than his wages, in haggling the wool, and injuring the sheep. MODE OF SHEARING. Every shearer has his own way. We would not dictate to any. But the following is a good mode: — Place the sheep on his rump, with his back towards you, and his left side resting against your left leg and thigh. In this position, the sheep may have "his jacket opened ;" that is, the shearer will commence at the brisket, and shear down the belly on the right side ; then shear the outside of both thighs ; then up, on the left side of the belly to the brisket; and then both sides of the neck, with the head. This is "opening the jacket." The sheep is then laid upon his side, and the shearer commences at the rump, and shears thence towards the head. Then the sheep is turned over, and the other side is sheared in like manner. Great care should be taken in turn- ing the sheep, to prevent his struggling and kicking the fleece to pieces. Prudence and gen- tleness are qualities that will pay here, as well as everywhere else. A few suggestions must close what we say now. Remove all straws, burs and other filth from the fleece, before beginning to shear. Also wipe the feet of the sheep, if they have dung on them. Keep the platform clear, by frequent sweepings. Use no violence, and remember with pity the fears of a dumb animal. Shear close and even, and be very careful not to cut the wool twice, which is often done by un- skillful or careless shearers. Do not cut the skin of the sheep, or prick it with the point of the shears. When the operation is done, see that all tags and stray locks are cut off", from legs, tail, belly, and every other part. Leaving such tags is very slovenly, and gives protection to the ticks. — Ohio Farmer. WILL YOU LEND ME YOUR — ? Yes, neighbor, if you will bring it home again to-day. There is no greater trial of one's patience than this everlasting unfaithful borrowing. No benevolent man — such as we are — will refuse to lend a friend a book or a hat, a razor or a hand- saw, a plow or a pick-axe, if he can have a reas- onable assurance that it will be returned, when the immediate purpose for which it was borrowed has been accomplished. But to reduce yourself to beggary, by lending all you have, with no prospect of seeing again in proper time or suita- ble condition, the articles lent, is a tax upon our good nature, which is perhaps more than ought to be borne. We have sometimes doubted the inspiration of the proverb, "The borrower is servant to the lender." At any rate, men have so far deteriorat- ed in their sense of propriety, that they — some people — borrow with the most perfect assurance, as if the lender were a servant to them. Of this, however, we should not complain. Let us lend cheerfully all that is asked, as humble servants of the borrower, but let us muster courage to say to our inveterate and self-confident borrowing friends, please return that axe, umbrella, book, hoe, rake or jackknife, to-day or to-morrow, or as soon as you can make it convenient. — I'ort- land Transcript. 300 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July For the A'ew England Farmer. OBNITHOLOGT. BY S. P. FOWLER. The family of wrens in the United States and Territories is composed of twelve species, and in- • eludes the genus regulus, (crested wrens) and the Troglodytes or proper wrens. The only species I have observed in Danvers are the house wren, winter wren, marsh wren, golden-crested wren and ruby-crowned wren. The common house wren, (Sylvia Domestica, of Wilson,) which I intend more particularly to notice, is the most numerous species found in Massachusetts. It has become completely domesticated, is never seen in our woods and forests, and seldom no- ticed far from the habitations of men. With the protection it everywhere receives, it is singular it is not found more abundantly, as it rears two broods of young in a season, and lays from six to nine eggs. Its habits are very peculiar and eccentric, possessing individuality in a high de- gree. It is never moved by a particle of grega- rious emotions so common in birds ; on the con- trary, two pair of wrens can never endure each other's presence in a garden, a quarrel always tak- ing place, and one of them is forced to quit the premises. Although quite a small specimen of ornithology, it is smart and courageous, petulant and imperious. It seldom fails to assault the peaceable blue-bird, when preparing to breed in the neighborhood, by visiting its nest in the own- er's absence, and committing outrages, of which one would suppose such little birds would not be found guilty, but leave such exploits to be per- speak more particularly of the male,) are not confined to constructing in connection with his mate, a cradle for his young, but embrace other than this, a constant instinctive desire to labor, when nothing useful is produced, in building nests not wanted, and but half form 3d. The wren is busy in this unproductive work, simply because he must be employed, cannot afford to be idle. We see this industrious trait of character in men and think it commendable. I have never seen anything like it in birds, with the exception of the one under consideration, and it has also been noticed in the house wren of Europe. This labor is usually performed by the wren, when not particularly engaged with its own affairs, by odd jobs, as we say, chiefly when the female is engaged in incubation, when time passes slowly with him, helping to fill up a long day in June ; with other engagements, such as stolding at the cat, as soon as he gets his eye upon her, prying into every nook and corner of the garden, by creeping about more like a mouse than a bird, and striving to obtain a general meddlesome knowledge of the affairs of all birds in his neigh- borhood. This labor, as we have before intimat- ed, consists in forming as many half-finished nest as he can find boxes in which to build. A friend of mine, desirous of getting as many of these birds to breed in his garden as possible, placed some two or three boxes in his grounds for their accommodation. In conversation he observed to me one day, that his boxes were all filled with wrens, and was much pleased with the supposed fact. Knowing the singular propensi- formed by the cautious, piratical crow, or the jy ^f j^is bird to engage in useless labor, I re fillibustering blue jay. These visits of ,^jj,.j^j,(l upon - - - handsome . . „, jpon examination he would probably the wren to the domicil of the blue-bird are for fi^j ^^ ^^^ p^jr of wrens in his garden. Ah ! the purpose of demolishing its nest, or sucking \^^^^ g^ys he, I saw the birds go in and out of its eggs, and if surprised in these felonious inten- tions by the return of the mild, but justly indig- nant bird which wears the blue coat, it evades its deserved punishment about to be inflicted, by fluttering to the ground on its short curved wings, when it conceals itself in the shrubbery or pass- ing along under cover, a few rods, it rises again to the top of a tree, and utters its hurried, trill- ing notes in defiance. While thus invading the premises of others, the wren is very careful of its own ; not a bird can come near them for honest and peaceful pur- poses, without a hostile threat, or severe scold- ing, such an one as no other songster, but the one in a drab colored dress, knows how to inflict. Notwithstanding all this, the little churl possess- es good qualities, alike noticeable in birds as well as men. Its domestic habits are admirable, taking the best care of its numerous ofispring, being careful to warn them of the dangers, which beset their youthful flights, and of the cruel hab- 'ts of the feline race, as every stealthy maraud- ing cat, (our birds' greatest enemies and tormen- tors,) would be compelled to admit, could these felines, (which should be shot, every one of them, when found in a garden,) be made to testify. The wren is also an industrious bird, its industry being peculiar, and not noticed in other birds. It builds a large nest, if we regard its surroundings, composing a foundation of short crooked sticks, that one would suppose would be very difficult to be managed by so small a bird. His labors, (I here the boxes, and build their nests. I replied, we will examine them, and see if we can find eggs or young. Upon examination we found in all the boxes, but the one that was the true domicil of the wrens, nothing but a mass of short, crooked sticks ! I never had but one pair of wrens in my grounds at the same time, although I have heard persons say they had two pair in the spring, but one of them was caught by a cat. I suppose, in this particular case, grimalkin's character had suffered unjustly, which so seldom happens in the imputed cases of bird-catching, I am particii- larly desirous here to notice. In my grounds the wren raises two broods in a year, and its sprightly and tremulous note is heard as late as the 20th of September. But little is known of its migratory habits ; where it goes in autumn, and from whence it comes in spring, no ornithol- ogist knows. It manages with its short wings to migrate beyond the limits of the union ; most probably to Mexico. It comes to us in the night,, and its pleasing, lively note, is first heard upon a pleasant morning in the early part of May. Knowing, friend Brown, your love for birds, I send you with this communication an olive-jar expressly prepared for kitty wren. In these jars I have found them more inclined to breed than in anything else, having had one of them in my garden for many years. The way and manner of placing it upon a pole, I have, I think, in- formed you. Danvers'port, April l^th, 1859. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 301 AGRICUIiTUKAL KEPORTS. It has been our purpose to present a series of notices of the Reports of the State and County Agricultural Societies of the past year. We published a notice of the Transactions of the Massachusetts Society, soon after its publication, and have slightly noticed one or two others. We propose now to take them up in order, and make such remarks as their contents may suggest. In general, they indicate that the Ag- riculture of the Commonwealth is in a progres- sive state, and that all classes of the community are interested in its promotion. There is no want of zeal or effort in the cause. There is a great amount of force and energy brought to bear up- on the subject. But one thing is very obvious, on looking over the Reports, and that is, a want of unity, method and system. If there could be a meeting of the officers of the several societies, and a plan of operations carefully digested and arranged, we cannot but believe that much good would come from it, and some of the measures resulting from the want of experience and from the impulsive character of Young America, would be suppressed, and no small amount of force, that now does more harm than good, be directed into useful channels. Perhaps the Board of Agricul- ture might do something to promote this object> and to divert the zeal and efforts of agricultural men to these subjects that deserve immediate at- tention. The Massachusetts Society has set a good ex- ample in this respect. That Society has annu- ally directed its attention to some specific object, which the exigencies of the times seemed to de- mand. This year, they have called attention to the establishment of local fairs for the exhibi- tion of stock, produce and implements, and in consequeiice of their recommendation — seconded by the action of the State Board of Agriculture — a Market Day, or Fair, was holden at South Danvers, the 3d inst., and others will be held in various parts of the State. We are inclined to think that such fairs, properly arranged and man- aged, wherever the population is sufficiently dense, will be productive of much good. They will bring the farmers together, and enable them, by sale or purchase, or by barter, to supply their several wants, without intervention of "middle- men," who usually carry off the profits of such traffic, and furnish them an opportunity to dis- pose of the products of their farms directly to the consumers and dealers. There are several places in the state where such fairs may be held to advantage. We shall watch their course with interest, and be prepared to publish notices of such of them as we may witness, or that may be offered to us from time to time by others. Farming is a progressive business, and new methods, new implements and new subjects of attention present themselves from year to year, and should receive due regard from the manag- ers of our agricultural societies. The tendency at the present time is to give the control of our county societies to men who are not farmers — men who wish to keep them- selves before the people, and to make agriculture a hobby which they may ride for some effect not set forth in the "Farmer's Guide Book !" Such men may infuse a certain degree of energy into their movements, but their object, it may reason- ably be supposed, is often an ulterior one. They aim to produce a sensation, and to carry things through with eclat, and are quite likely to be content when their personal objects are attained. We think more careful thought is needed in appropriating the bounty of the State, so that the most permanent good shall be accomplished by it. The object of this bounty is not to put money in the pockets of the competitors, for premiums, but to promote agricultural experiments, and real improvements ; to diffuse scientific and prac- tical knowledge, and to increase the product of the soil. When the object is merely to obtain the prizes, and no pains are taken to furnish statements of the methods pursued in producing the articles or animals for which they are award- ed, which may be useful to others, or which may afford reliable information, it is time they were withheld, or appropriated to some other means of effecting the same objects. The premiums paid by the Massachusetts So- ciety for Essays upon agricultural subjects, wilj do more for the cause than twice the amount paid for articles that were produced by accident, or were cultivated expressly for the premium, at an expense of land, manure and labor that no practical man can afford. What is wanted at the present day, is, that farmers should make well arranged, careful experiments, and give the re- sults, whether successful or not, in a clear, reliable form, so that they may convey information of a practical character. One such experiment is worth more than a hundred big squashes, or beets, and we hope a set of well digested experiments will be prepared, and liberal premiums offered for them, to be paid, whether they result profitably or otherwise, provided they are conducted in con- formity to the prescribed conditions. If one-half the money from the State treasury were appropriated in this way, we have no doubt that it would do more to promote agriculture than is accomplished by it at the present time. Essays upon stock-breeding and stock-feeding, upon draining and reclaiming pasture lands, up- on grain crops, and root crops, upon meteorolo- gy, geology, and various topics connected with the subject of agriculture, should receive so lib- 302 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July eral a portion of the State bounty, that the talents of agricultural writers shall be called into requi- sition, and the intellectual activity of the farmers be quickened. This will do more to make farm- ing an intellectual pursuit, and to make farmers respect their vocation, than any thing else, and is the thing that is especially wanting at the pres- ent day. Mere excitement, got up by the exhibi- tion of fast horses and balloons, will do nothing to promote the cause of agriculture, but will rather divert attention from that sober and care- ful thought and observation, that are necessary to success, and serve to convert our agricultural^ exhibitions into mere puppet shows and vanity, fairs. If such things must be done, let them have a day exclusively appropriated to them, and let them have no connection with the Farmers' Hoi-! idays. One thing we would earnestly press upon eachj county society in the State; that is, that they ap- propriate a reasonable amount of their funds to carry through a series of meetings next winter, open to all persons, where discussions and lee- 1 tares shall be continued through the afternoon] and evening. Let them be conducted systemat-| ically, tlie subjects to be discussed selected with care, and proper notice of each meeting be given at least ten days in advance. We do not believe it possible for any one of the County Societies to expend one hundred dollars to so much ad- vantage in any other way. For the New England Farmer. BEB CRITICISM EXPLAINED. Mr. Editor : — There was an article published in your paper some two weeks since, under the head of Bee Criticism, where Mr. Quinby has accused me of having a plate in my Circular like one of Mr. Langstroth's. I beg to inform him that he is in error. In respect to the propor- tions of the bees, I suppose Mr. Q. is aware that the bodies of the bees are not always of the same uniform size ; but their heads always are. I suppose he is also aware that a family of bees is not complete without the presence of the drone, as there are three kinds of bees that constitute a colony. As he remarks that he has never wit- nessed bees as represented in that cut, perhaps he does not use an observatory glass hive, where- in those wonderful sights are often seen by the watchful eye of the bee-master. Burlington, Tt. K. P. Kidder. Northern and Southern Fish. — Dr. Ges- ner, of Brooklyn, in his recent address before the American Geographical Society, says : — "The fish of the North differed very much in appearance from those of the South, as all the southern and tropical fish were highly colored, like the colors of the flying dolphin. They seemed to be analogous to the birds of the South, whilst all our northern fish are of a dark color, and yet their flesh is more solid and healthy." SOILING OP CATTLE. In another column we have spoken of a work upon this subject, which will be of more interest in connection with the following extract from the work itself. We regret that we have not the means of laying the contents of the whole book — sixty-four pages — before the reader. Mr. Quin- cy says : — My practice, and the result of the past year, were the following : — My stock, consisting at an average of twenty cows, were kept in their stalls through the whole year. The practice was to feed them about six times in the day, and to permit them to range in a yard, about eighty feet square, two hours in the forenoon, and two in the afternoon. They were kept well littered and well curried. While they were out of the stable, the attendant took that opportunity to clean the stalls, and to supply fresh litter. During winter, they were fed, as ia usual, with salt and fresh hay and vegetables. From June to November, inclusive, may be con- sidered, strictly speaking, the soiling season ; by which is understood that in which they are fed with green food in the house. As this is the crit- ical period, I shall be minute in the accounts of my preparations ;.,nd proceedings. In the autumn preceding, I had caused rye to be sown upon an inverted sward, very thick, on abQUt three acres. Early in April, 1 prepared and sowed, in manner as shall be stated after- wards, about three acres and one-quarter of land with Indian corn in drills. I also soM-ed about three acres of oats and buckwheat, broadcast, at the rate of three bushels to the acre, about the latter end of the month. The whole quantity of land I thus prepared to be used in soiling, in aid of my grass, did but little exceed nine acres. Of these, that which I sowed with rye turned out so poorly, that I never soiled from it more than five days; so that, in fact, the land thus prepaved did, in efficiency, but little exceed six acres. About the Ist of June, cattle, in general, were, this season, turned out to pf.sture. On the SOth of May, my farmer began to out the sides of the road leading to my house frc^": the highway and orchard. He continued to soil from this, and from grass growing in my orchard, until the 7lb. On this day he abandoned cutting the grass for soiling, and began to cut from the winter rye. This was found too tough, and it was quitted ; and my farmer returned to soiling upon grass. Having cut over all the refuse of my grass by the 24th of June, he then went into the poorest of my mowing land, and afterwards into my clo- ver. From this he continued to soil until the 6th of July. By this time he had gone over not much short of three acres of mowing land. On the 6th of July, he began to soil from my oats. He continued "to soil from these until the 21st of July. On the 21st of July, he began to soil on In- dian corn ; on which he continued until the 2Gth, when he began to cut about two acres of late and light barley. On this he continued until the 30th of July ; when he recommenced soiling on corn- fodder, and continued upon it until the 31st day of August. On this day began to cut over the roadsides, which had been first cut early in June. This was continued only to the 2d of September; l869. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 303 xvhen he began to cut the second crop of Indian corn growing upon the three and one-fourth acres of Indian corn, which had now shot up in great luxuriance from the roots of that which had been cut over between the 21st and 26th of July. On this soiling continued until the 8th of September. On the 9th and 10th, he soiled upon about a fourth of an acre of millet and buckwheat ; on the 11th, soiled on a second crop of clover; from the 12th to the 15th, inclusive, on corn-stalks of about an acre of sweet corn ; and, on the loth, on a patch of millet and oats. This was contin- ued to the 20th ; when he began on two acres of Indian corn, sown in drills, on the 1st of August, on land from which a crop of pease had been previously taken. Soiling was continued on this corn until the 3d of October. From this time antil the 15th of October, the soiling was wholly from second crop grass taken from various parts of my mowing land. From the loth of October to about the 20th of November, they were kept wholly upon car- rot and turnip tops, arising from the topping of about twelve acres of both ; being allowed al- ways one foddering of salt hay. This finished the summer feeding. From this time they are kept wholly upon salt and English hay. The re- sult, then, of this experiment, so far as relates to land, is the following : — The twenty head consumed the produce of 2j acres, roadsides and orchard. S" " mowing land. Sj " Indian corn, cut as fodder. 2 " late and light barley. 8 «« oats. 2 " laio sown Indian ooro after a pea-crop. J " Buckwheat. 1 " millet, buckwheat, and oats. This is the whole land which was cut over for soiling, with the exception of the after-feed on the mowing land, and the tops of carrots and turnips. In comparing this result with the for- mer practice of my farm, I apprehend the follow- ing statement to be just : — I offset the keeping from the 11th of Septem- ber to the 20th of November against the old manner of letting the cattle run at large during the autumn months on the mowing land, to its great injur}-, by poaching and close feeding. If this should not be deemed sufficient, 1 then make no estimate of the difference between keeping fifteen head of cattle, my present stock. After these allowances and offsets (which no man can doubt are sufficiently liberal.) then I state that my experiment has resulted, in relation to land, in this, that I have kept the same amount of stock, by soilitig on seventeeit acres of land, which had always previously required fifty acres. The re- sult is, in my opinion, even in this respect, great- er than what is here stated. This, however, is sufficient to exhibit the greatness of the econo- my of this mode, so far as relates to land. of it. Tie your horse in the centre of the stall, unless you want him to do, as most horses do, drive more on one rein than on the other. Horses that are liable to cast themselves in their stalls, should be tied with neck-halters, giving them much more freedom of the head than the nose- halter. Gentleness, firmness and moderation will subdue the most obdurate. M. D. Georgetown, Mass. NE-W BOOKS. For the New England Farmer. MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE. Never attempt to clean or otherwise disturb your horse while eating his meals, unless you want him to bite and kick. But when you clean, take him out of the stall, and make a business Lasgstkoth ok the Honey Bee. A Practical Treatise on the Hive and Honey Bee, by L. L. LanGstroth : with an intro- duction by Rev. Robert Baird. D. D. Third Edition, Revised, and illustraied with seventy-seven Engravings. New York: A. 0. iloosE & Co., Agricultural Book Publishers, 140 Fulton Street. We have spoken of this work in terms of com- mendation before. The present edition has been re-written, and the latest discoveries of the au- thor added, and neatly illustrated with engra- vings in the highest style of the art ; they are so accurate to nature, and so skilfully executed as to bear the sharpest scrutiny of the most accom- plished artists ; so that while the principles and teachings of the work come from a source of un- doubted ability, they are clothed at once in form both enduring and attractive. We think it the best work extant on the subjects of which it treats, and commend it, without reserve, to those who wish to engage in the pleasing employment of tending these little "Crea^.urei! that, by a rule in Nature, teach The art of order to a peopled kinf.dom." For sale by A. Williams &. Co., 100 Washing- ton Street, Boston. The Life op North American Iksects. By B. Jaeoer, late Professor of Zoology acd Botany in the College of New Jersey. Assisted by H. C. Preston, M. D. With numerous Illustra- tions from Specimen? in the Cabinet of the Author. This is one of a class of books that we take up with pleasure — one of the helps to good farming, because it will attract and interest, and lead the mind to a more intimate knowledge of what there is on the farm. When this is the state of the mind, it can never lack objects of study and in- vestigation in the animals we raise, in the plants we cultivate, or in the soil itself. The truth is, we know very little of what there is about us. We see things daily that are common blessings, each one absolutely indispensable to the general good, pass by them indifferently, and sigh for some far off object, which, when acquired, would not be worth possessing. No other place on earth presents so many points of instruction, so many solid, and enduring attractions, as the farm. In itself it is a little world, with scope and verge enough for stronger minds than most of us pos- sess. The want of interest in it springs from a want of a true knowledge of the advantages which it offers. The book before us will shed light upon one of its departments. The book is written in pop- 304 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July ular form, sufficiently scientific for the general reader, and we hope will find its way to thous- ands of the homesteads of our people. New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers. For sale by A. "Williams & Co., 100 Washington Street, Boston. Essays on the Soilinq op Cattle, Illustrated from Experience, and an Address, containing supigestions which may be Useful to Farmers. ByJosiAU QuiNCT. Boston: Printed by John Wilson & Son, 22 School Street. No man, probably, on this continent, has had so much experience on the subject of soiling cat- tle, that is, keeping and feeding them through the entire year in the barn — as Mr. Quincy has ; and throughout his long experience, he has un- doubtedly attended to it with a persistency of care and observation that characterize very few of our agricultural experiments. He says "there are six distinct advantages which those who advocate soiling, propose to themselves by the practice, and on which they es- tablish the preference of this mode to the com- mon one of pasturing cattle during the summer. 1. The saving of land. 2. The saving of fencing. 3. The economizing of food. 4. The better condition and greater coigfort of the cattle. 5. The greater product of milk. 6. The attainment of manure. The only offset to all these advantages, is the labor of raising and cutting the food, and feeding and taking care of the stock." Mr. Quincy discusses each of these heads with considerable minuteness; and sustains them by such reasons, as will go far to convince any per- son that his mode of managing his stock is a successful and profitable one. The Essays are full of important suggestions, and ought to be in the hands of our farmers generally. We have enjoyed the pleasure of passing over Mr. Quincy's farm, and of listening to brief rela- tions of his manner of treating his grass lands, of feeding his stock, cultivation of fruit and for- est trees, &c. &c., and in their appearance found ample corroboration of what he states in his Es- says. They ought, with his permission, to be published in the annual volume sent us by the State Board of Agriculture. We feel under per- sonal obligation to him for the clear, comprehen- sive and valuable facts communicated, and will find an early opportunity to lay portions of them before the reader. For the New England Farmer. ■WATER CRESS. The Water Cress, ( Nasturtiicm officinale,) is considered to be one of the most wholesome of all our salad herbs, and one of the oldest in use. Its qaalities are warm and stimulating — the very reverse, in some respects, to most other plants used in a green or uncooked state. The Dutch and English people use great quantities of this cress in spring, as an antiscorbutic. A salad so easily procured, being found in many of the running fresh water streams throughout Massa- chusetts, and withal so wholesome, particularly for those persons of sedentary habits, we should, at this season, when it is the proper time of the year to gather it before it runs up to seed, re- commend its use. The supply of water cresses brought every day to one market in London, is said to be, at least, ten thousand bunches, and this is probably not one-half the quantity sold in other parts of Eng- land daily. j. M. I. Salem, May, 1859. For the Neui England Farmer, DECAY OP PEAR TREES. Writers for agricultural papers disagree as to the cause of the failure of the pear tree of late years, but all seem to concede the fact. Some sug- gest a sea-air, others ascribe it to a faulty cultiva- tion, and others to raising them from the sprouts from the roots instead of the seed. My experience makes all these suggestions erroneous. I was born and brought up in York, Maine, a seaboard town, where the pear tree, sixty-five years ago, grew and flourished ; natural fruit was abundant, from which much perry was made, more than in all other towns within my knowledge. The tree then sprouted up abundantly so as to be trouble- some. Farmers in setting an orchard, generally set few pear trees for that reason. Two horse teams would come from Massachusetts yearly, and get these sprouts to graft. About thirty years ago, 1 wanted some to set in the town of Parsonsfield, and went to my broth- er's in York to get them. I knew the few trees he had used to sprout so as to be a nuisance. I was disappointed when I got there, on being in- form°d that pear trees had almost entirely ceased to sprout up, not only on his, but on other farms. I procured a few, however, and set them out, but they did not grow well. I procured young, thrifty, grafted trees from the West, and they did no better. I planted seeds and raised several trees, and they did not succeed any bet- ter. I have still a few trees that bear sparingly, and are gradually dying out. I at first attribut- ed my failure to various causes of location and culture, but am now convinced, from constant poor success under various circumstances, that the tree has ceased to flourish as formerly. Whether this deterioration will continue, or after a series of years the tree will again succeed as of old, remains to be seen. In the culture of the psach tree, since my remembrance, there has been a series of years when the tree was easily raised and did well, and then for a series of years none could be raised, and then again they suc- ceeded well, except their liability to winter kiil occasionally. It may be so with the pear. The cause seems to be among those hidden things in the operations of nature we cannot fathom. Farsonsjield, Me., 1859. Rufus McIntire. E^ Somebody says the conversion of & South Sea Islander is an easy matter, compared -vvith that of a Fifth Avenue heathen. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 305 A PAIR OF JAVA FOWLS. The account of these fowls which we give be- low, we copy from Bennett's Poultry Book. These, like all other pure Java fowls, are of a black or dark auburn color, with very large black legs, single comb and wattles. They are good layers, and their eggs are very large and well- flavored. Their gait is slow and majestic. They are, in fact, amongst the most valuable fowls in the country, and are frequently described in the books as "Spanish fowls," than which nothing is more erroneous. They are as distinctly an orig- inal breed as the pure-blooded Great Malay, and possess about the same qualities as to excellence, but falling rather short of them as to beauty. This, however, is a matter of taste, and some con- sider the pure Java superior to all other large fowls, so far as beauty is concerned. Their plu- mage is decidedly rich. Mr. C. N. Bement, a distinguished breeder, and writer on the subject of poultry, says of this fowl : "This is a singular breed, which partakes of the common fowl and the India fowl, peculiar to the island of Java, where they are seldom reared but for fighting; and are said to be so furious, that they sometimes fight together till death of one or the other separates them. According to Willoughby, it carries its tail nearly like the tur- key. The Sieur Feurnier, informs us, that one of this species was kept in Paris ; it has, accord- ing to him, neither comb nor wattles ; the head is smooth, like that of a pheasant. This fowl is very high on its legs ; its tail is long and point- ed, and the feathers of unequal length ; and, in general, the color of the feathers is auburn, like the vulture. It is generally supposed the Eng- lish game cock originated, or is a cross of, this variety." The above quotation is a description of the wild Indian game, and not of the Java, except ia color. For the New Englflnd Farmer. TUBNIPS. Mr. Editor : — I have read with interest, the numerous articles on turnips which have recent- ly appeared in your valuable paper. There seems to be quite a dilTerence of opinion among agri- culturists respecting their value, compared with other crops. Experience proves that animals do not thrive best on the most concentrated food, nor is such food most conducive to health in man or beast. A man would not long survive if fed upon sugar or venison alone, and a dog would not live six months if fed wholly upon fine wheat flour. Yet all admit these substances are highly nutritious. The analysis of the turnip shows a large per cent, of water to the nutritive matter, but I be- lieve it to be more valuable to feed with other fodder, than a strict chemical analysis shows it. A change of food is beneficial to stock, and in 0 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July •winter, when animals cannot get green food, turnips are excellent to keep the stomach in tone, and give them an appetite for dry feed. The different varieties of turnips vary in nu- triment. The Swedish I consider best, but my experiments have been mostly with the English, ■which I have raised and fed for several years. I frequently winter a part of my cattle upon corn fodder, straw and turnips, until the latter are fed out, when I use corn meal as a substitute for the turnip. As nearly as I can judge from the growth and appearance of the stock, (and I have observed them closely, to satisfy myself,) six bushels of fifty pounds turnips are equal to one bushel of corn, to feed with coarse fodder. When corn is worth one dollar to feed, I value turnips at one shilling per bushel. In many localities, ten bushels of turnips are more easily raised than one of corn. I have frequently raised good crops, at a trifling expense in cornfields where the worms had destroyed a part of the corn, and it was too late in the season to replant it, by sowing broadcast and cultivating and hoeing in the seed. James R. Walker. Spri7igfield, Vermont, 1859. the cows had then been turned upon it, we have no doubt they would have surfeited themselves and quite likely some unpleasant flavor would hare been imparted to the milk. That is not the way to treat cows with such food ; it is no more rational than it would be to set fifteen hungry children down to make a dia- ner upon the richest pudding or cake. Farmers must exercise a good sound judgmert in every department of their labor ; that is the only safe guide for them. E3PFECT OF GHBEN" BYE ON THE MILK OF COWS. T. P. Shepard & Co. lately made the following statement to the Standing Committee of the Rhode Island Society for the Encouragement of Domestic Industry: "On Thursday, Nov. 5th, we turned fifteen milch cows into a lot containing sixteen acres. Eight acres had been planted with corn this sea- son, and harvested a few weeks before. Eight acres were sown with rye in September, which had come forward very fast, and commenced to joint. On Thursday and Friday the cows fed exclusively in the corn-field, gleaning the corn fodder and a few small ears of corn that re- mained upon the ground. During these two days there was but little increase in the milk, ajid no change in (juality. On Saturday, Sunday, Mon- day and Tuesday, the cows fed in the rye field, and the quantity of milk was increased more than twenty per cent. On Saturday the milk had a slight unpleasant flavor, which increased, until Tuesday it was so offensive to the taste and smell, as to be wholly unfit for use. On Wednesday the cows were turned into the meadows, and on Wednesday evening the milk was perfectly sweet, and free from any unusual flavor. During these days the cows had no access to salt water, salt meadows or fresh bogs. There were no weeds in the rye field, and no more among the corn than is usual in a well cultivated field. The cows were as usual stabled at night and fed with clover hay." ___ Remarks. — Our cows feed upon rye, not only ■without detriment, but with decided advantage. The land upon which it grows was plowed last September, and sowed to rye and grass seed As soon as the rye was four or five inches high, we turned the cows upon it, and they have con tinued to keep it pretty well cropt. If it had been allowed to grow until it began to joint, and NURSLING VESPERS. BY EEV. J. E. RANKIN. A row of little faces by the beJ, A roiT of little Lands upoQ the spread, A row of little roguish eyes all closed, A row of little Baked feet exposed. A gentle mother leads them in their praise, Teaching their feet, to tread the heavenly ways, And takes this lull, in childhood's tiny tide, The little errors of the day to chide. No lovelier sight, this side of heaven ii seen, And angels hover o'er the group serene ; Instead of odors in a censer swung, There iloats the fragrance of an infant's tongue. Then tumbling headlong into waiting beds, Beneath the sheets, they hide their timid heads. Till slumber steals away their idle fears. And, like a peeping bud, each little face appears. All dressed like angels, in their gowns of white, They're wafted to the skies, in dreams of night. And heaven will sparkle in their eyes at morn. And stolen graces, all their ways adorn. The American Home Garden. Being principles and rules for the Culture of Vegetables, Fruits, Flowers and Shrubbery. To which are added brief notes on Farm Crops, with a table of their average product and chi-mical constituents. By Alexander Watson. Illustrated. Harper & Brothers, New York. A. Williams & Co., Boston. This is a neatly-printed volume of 500 pp., on fine, white paper, and large, clear type, — capital recommendation to any book. The opening of the book gives a plan for a garden, aspect, fec- cing, protection, mechanical preparation of vari- ous soils, draining, plowing, &c., and then passes on, touching upon every possible topic and mani- pulation necessary in the management of an American Home Garden. There are ten thousand families In New Eng- land to whom this book, if read and practiced upon, would save annually more than ten times its cost. It is handsomely got up, and has the great merit of having a good index. We do not mean to say that it contains all the amateur might want, but that it is admirably calculated to ben- efit the American Home Gardeners, A Useful Fact. — In peeling onions, put a large needle in the mouth, half in and half out. The needle attracts the oily juice of the bulb, and any number may be peeled without aflfecting tL» eyes. — Frairie Farmer. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 307 For the New England Farmer. MENTAL ACTIVITY AMONG FARMEHS. The human mind was made lor action, and is active, to a greater or less degree. From the utmost imbecility of infancy, there awaits it un- limited power, expansion and ennoblement, at- tainable by gradual steps of progress. Not by flights or leaps, but by toiling self-culture, does it rise from the mists and darkness of ignorance to the elevation and clearer light of knowledge. On its own self will depend its progress and de- velopment. The obscurest son of poverty has ■within him the germs of greatness and happi- ness, and that will for application which oft takes the precedence of genius, is of more value than Croesian wealth, with all its advantages and lux- uries. Mind, then, in its normal and healthy condition, is capable of continual progress, which ehould be sought by earnest effort. Whether the mind or the heart, thinking or feeling, is entitled to greater regard, as more im- portant, is a question long agitated and variously decided by different individuals. But the can- did and enlightened will admit that the mind is of equal worth, and should therefore receive equal attention. As an illustration of the baneful ef- fects of an opposite course, we have only to look at certain Christians who make the cultivation of the religious sensibilities the main object. Their mental capacity remains about the same as twenty years ago, and so connected by sympa- thetic bonds are the mind and heart, that the re- ligious feelings of the latter, are often paralyzed and bound in superstition by the neglect and consequent narrowness of the former. Bigotry follows, as a natural consequence, which to all is obnoxious, and injurious to the free exercise of holy influences. Considering, then, the nature of mind as pro- gressive, and the study of all to allow it devel- opment by proper action, what degree of mental activity as favoring this do we find among the farming population ? Many writers and orators, particularly on certain festive occasions, would make the occupation of the farmer very intellec- tual. They parade the names of nearly all the sciences, and very logically prove them connected with it. That they are, may be true. It is also true that some of the most practical and success- ful farmers have no knowledge of these sciences, except of a few facts and some general principles. Now, however much agricultural writers and or- ators may flatter the vanity of the farming com- munity in regard to their "glorious occupation," and what it may be, still the facts regarding their present condition remain as proofs that the oc- cupation is not wholly scientific, and that farm- ers do not yet rank with professional men in point of intellectual culture. A farmer in our country towns can get along, and be successful to a certain degree, with a practical knowledge of his business, as well as can mechanics with theirs ; admitting, however, that science may be, and often is, called into the aid of both, and that with the most happy results. But this fact is sufficient to our present purpose, that farmers can succeed without extraordinary, and even with meagre mental acquirements and advantages. This fact that they can, is indisputably estab- lished by the fact that they do. Still it may be said that farmers rank as high or higher in in- telligence, sound judgment and general informa- tion than any other laboring class. There are many things in their occupation favoring this. Their judgment, in particular, is called into al- most daily exercise, and thus strengthens and matures. But as for a real desire for mental cul- ture and development, resulting in earnest men- tal effort, farmers as a class, to say the least, are much below professional men ; though they may rank as high or higher than other so-ci^lled la- boring classes. But aside from these compari- sons, their mental culture and development is much less than from the importance and M'orth of mind, duty plainly indicates. And as one reason why their minds remain so dormant, their occupa- tion not absolutely requiring extensive mental ac- quirements, their minds reach not that state of mental culture in preparation for business, which awakens earnest and lasting desire for knowledge. Consequently, if they have sufficient business tact and practical information for success, they remain satisfied. Some minds among farmers, as among all classes, seem ever to have that de- sire, or to have had it awakened, by the requisite degree of mental training ; and they reach more elevated positions, and rank as leaders. Still, it may be questioned by certain persons, whether the farmer's occupation is consistent with the possession and indulgence of a literary taste ; whether the continual cultivation of the intellect is expedient, or even justifiable, in connexion with manual labor on the farm. But with what assurance can one argue that a farmer's knowl- edge and labor should be limited to his farm, and that his study should embrace only such subjects as are intimately connected with it, and directly subserve practical skill. Lord Bacon says, "Stud ies serve for delight, for ornament and for abili- ty. Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring ; for ornament is in discourse ; and for ability is in the judgment and disposition of business." Now it cannot be denied but that farmers, generally, have great facilities in leisure and retirement for mental improvement. And we doubt whether there is any class of men, tak- ing these facts into consideration, with the fact that their physical exercise keeps the mind fresh, and their relish for mental food ever keen, that may experience more delight and real happiness in studies, than farmers. For ornament in dis- course, many, and perhaps the general class, are deficient. Even in our most prominent agricul- tural papers, where on one page will be glorifica- tion.essays on farming and on farmers, on anoth- er, will be anecdotes or stories in which one of the characters will be a farmer, and where rough- ness and verdancy will be fully displayed in the ideas and language imputed to him. And had it not somewhat of a foundation in truth, it would not be sanctioned by public opinion. Again, if studies are useful in the judgment and disposi- tion of business, it is certainly a consideration also worthy of their commendation. The farm would furnish for it ample scope, and return sat- isfactory reward. One reason why studies are contemned by prac- tical men is, that those who use them are too apt to spend time over them to the neglect of their business. This the same writer calls sloth. A man must use judgment here, as elsewhere, iu 308 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July regulating his time and attention to his wants and pleasures. He who does this rightly, does much toward forming his character to a perfect sphere ; the true object of man's life. Besides, in perfect physical development, manual exercise on the farm, combined with proper intellectual culture, would furnish examples more noble Uian perhaps any other calling. Among farmers at present, it is not so universally the rule as among merchants, and one or two other classes. One of the great objections urged against farm- ing is the lack of mental activity — that the mind lies so dormant. Admitting that the objection has its origin in truth, we confidently assert that sluggishness or emptiness of mind is not at all necessarily connected with farming. The fault, from causes we have mentioned, and which exist unreasonably and unnecessai-ily, is with the farm- ers themselves. To recapitulate, our points are hriefly these. Every individual has an immortal element with- in, called the mind. This mind is intended, and thereby fitted, for continual culture and develop- ment; consequently, it is duty to comply with these, being the requirements of God. That for various reasons, the minds of many among the class called farmers lie in too dormant a state. That they have no sufficient and warrantable rea- sons for this, and that the pleasures and advan- tages they would derive from mental culture would be sufficient, and more than sufficient, for the required labor and time. And that to many the great objection to farming — deficiency of men- tal activity — is not really attributal)le to farming, but to farmers ; and that this, with many other objections, would be obviated by the course here advocated. Life is not for inaction, quiet repose and the gratification of animalism. Beneath the path- way of every man lie the springs of happiness, and he must patiently dig for them, who would refresh his soul with their cooling waters. Waylaiul, Mass. L. H- Sherman. For the New Eni;land Farmer. HUNGARIAN GKASS—HUBBARD SQUASH. Mr. Editor : — As considerable interest seems to be felt in regard to the Hungarian grass, I will give the result of a trial of it made last year by Moses Parkhurst, in Paxton, about eight miles west of Worcester. On the 21st of June, he sowed two-fifths of a pint of seed on a little less than four rods of ground ; on the 26th of July it was headed out; on the 21st of August I saw the piece, and cut up some stalks which measured five feet high. The piece would average about three or three and one-half feet high ; the heads had begun to "turn" some, at this time. En- closed I send you one cut at that time. It was cut the 1st of September, and twenty-eight quarts of seed wei-e threshed from it, weighing at the rate of fifty-two pounds to the bushel. The soil •was a good loam, such as would be considered good corn land. I am not able to state its value for fodder, but see no reason why \t should not be a valuable crop. The Hubbard squash being somewhat noted, I will state that last year I sent to Mr. J. J, H. Gregory for some seed, and raised upwards of twenty, about half of which appeared to be the Hubbard, and the others gave unquestionable ev- idence that their predecessors had been quite fa- miliar with the marrow squash. Most of the pure ones have been very good ; some of them have had quite a strong, rank flavor, which detracted very much from their merits. Some of them, cooked in the fall, were as dry and mealy as a po- tato, so dry that milk had to be put with it to get it through the sieve. It does not require half the sweetening of the common marrow squash. I have some in my cellar now, though somewhat decayed. They have kept about two months longer than the marrow. V, P. Parkuurst. Temphton, April 27, 1859. Remarks. — We have received some half-doz- en samples of Hungarian grass seed, all corres- ponding with each other ; also, a sample of the grass itself, from which we have threshed the seed, and frund it agreeing with the samples of seed. None of these are like the grass you were kind enough to send us, — nor does it bear any special resemblance to them. We think your specimen is not the true Hungarian grass. For the New England Farmer. KEMEDY FOR KICKING COWS. Dear Farmer : — I do not much like your cor- respondents' (A. F. Adams and S. B. Hartwell) method of treating kicking cows, nor do I be- lieve such means effectual or necessary. They are dangerous experiments — much more likely to spoil than to reform. A number of years' experience with a large number of cows and heifers, has fully convinced me that hindness is the only safe application to make to kicking kine, as well as to most other vicious animals. There is always some cause for cows kicking to be found either in their condition, or in the mode of treatment pursued by those having charge of them. This should be sought after ti' found, and then the proper remedy applied. Heifers not unfrequently kick, and sometim"es menacingly use their horns also, at the outset of their cow-life, from fear or fright. Some wild and furious boy or man is set to milk them for the first time, seizing their tender and unaccus- tomed teats with rough and uncautious hands ; the timid creature does just what nature sug- gests, and what we should expect, viz. : kicks the blockhead over, and our decision is, "served him right." Now comes a critical point. If kindness and forbearance be now substituted for a beating, the cow may be saved — otherwise she is lost almost to a certainty. A little timely caution, however, may save all trouble and risk. Let the milker take with him — or her, (and females are uniform- ly better hands at milking than males,) to the stable some choice bit of food, and feed it to the frightened and trembling brute from the hand ; pat and rub her carefully about the head and shoulders, talking soothingly and kindly to her till she shall make your acquaintance, which she will soon do, and 'manifest it by signs which 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 309 you cannot mistake. Then approach and hand- le with care, her teats and udder — see if they are swollen or sore, which will often be found to be the case, and if so bathe them long and pa- tiently with soapsuds, applying a little oil or greese to any chaps or cracks that may be found, and then she is in readiness for a very gentle at- tempt at milking. Don't hurry, nor be in any perturbation from fear of being injured, but sit up closely, and con- tinue to talk low and kindly to your subject ; be very cautious not to hurt or frighten her in the least, and ten to one your task will be accom- plished without the movement of a single hoof. This process continued, will tame and subdue the wildest and most obstinate heifer to a gentle and loving cow, and I have seen them exhibit a decree of affection which intelligence might copy with profit. If such, or similar treatment, will not tame the heifers or reform the cow, let them be fattened for the shambles, and others more tractable take their places, rather than subject them to the rope^ strap, chain bull-ring, club, milking stool, or any such barbarous inflictions. 'Springfield, Vt. K Ingham. For the New England Farmer. BEE-HIVES. I have put off re-writing the article on bee- hives that I mailed to your address some months since, hoping that it might turn up. Not seeing it in the Farmer, I suppose the little money en- closed for the advertisement tempted some thief among the mails, who took the money and de- stroyed the article. The article referred to, was in reply to "Norfolk," on a charge of inconsis- tencj-, wherein he accuses me of "Preaching what I do not practice. That my instructions are not for myself," &c. This, as far as myself is concern- ed, amounts to but little, but perhaps some read- ers of the Farmer rD.\g\it wish to know as well as "Norfolk," what right I have to recommend one hive, and afterwards use another. I intend to make a full confession, and if it does not fully exculpate me from blame, it may somewhat mod- ify their feelings. I would say first, that I can- not be charged with altering some simple thing about a bee-hive^hen obtaining a patent, and charging all a few dollars, who can be persuaded to use it. All that the bee needs in a state of na- ture, is a cavity suitable for rearing her broods, and depositing her stores for winter. All that man requires in addition, is an apartment that can be removed with surplus stores. A single box in the plainest form was used for twenty-five years, and nothing found to surpass it in conve- nience, safety, economy or profit. Believing it the best for the apiarian of any class, I recom- mended no other in the work alluded to by "Nor- folk." And now for the sake of being consistent, must I adhere to this throughout, and deny my- self the advantages that may arise from the minds of others ? I think I would'rather risk his charge of inconsistency. "The best way is as good as any," and the moment that a man settles down into the belief that he has arrived at the summit of improvement, there is no further advancement for him. There is a vast differenca in the ability to discriminate between what is an improvement, and what is said to be. The Rev. L. L. Langstroth presented me with the movable frame, or movable comb-hive ; I saw at once, that I could, if I chose, still use the sim- ple box with the addition of the frames, and 1 could take out and return to the hive all the combs without injury to a single bee. I trans^ ferred bees and combs into some of these in the spring of '56. In '57 and ^oS, I introduced new swarms in a large number, and have found the following advantages. Most apirists know that their stocks are quite liable in some seasons to overswarm, and have witnessed with regret, swarms too small to be worth anything alone, continue to issue till the parent stock was reduced too much, to contend successfully with the worms. And as a conse- quence, both old and new colonies would be lost. With the help of the frames, such ruinous oper ations can be prevented. A few days after th first, and just before the second swarm, the comb • can be examined, and all the queen-cells removed but one. When the queen in that matures, it finds no opposition — quietly remains, and soon becomes the mother in the old stock. I will pre sume that the natural history relative to thia point is understood. This operation cannot be performed with a hive, in which the comb", are fast. Artificial swarms are successfully made viiih but very little trouble, as follows. When most of the bees are out in the middle of the day, taking out the frames, looking them over carefully till the queen is found, when the frame containing her is put in an empty hive, setting that on the old stand ; and putting the old stock in a new place. Enough bees will return to the old queen to make the swarm. If done at the proper sea- son, enough brood will be in the combs, together with those just matured, to keep the old stock sufficiently strong. If no queen-cells about fin- ished are present in the stock, it is nearly al- ways practical to procure one from some other, with a queen nearly mature, to introduce, and thereby gain several days in breeding. If, from any cause, a stock or swarm is weak, but otherwise healthy, it may be assisted by some strong colony, merely by taking a comb or two filled with brood, and giving it to the weak one. In a few days, the maturing brood will add ma- terially to its strength. In the same way, their winter stores maybe equalized in the fall ; some stocks will have too much, and others too little. The changing of a few combs will make all right, and benefit all. Nature had to provide drones for isolated col- onies, and when we bring together a large num- ber, this instinct for rearing drones is retained, and each produces its number ; when in reality there is no necessity in an apiary of fifty or a hundred stocks for any more drones than two or three colonies might produce. So many drones cannot be reared without much labor of the work- ing bees, and cannet be supported afterwards without a great consumption of honey. Several patents have been granted, the chief merit of which is a trap to catch and destroy them. But with the movable combs, we can take ihe matter into our own hands, and say in the spring wheth- er we will have thirty, three hundred, or three 310 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July thousand, reared in any stock. It is done by re- moving: the drone comb, or any part of it, and substituting worker combs instead. Without these cells the bees cannot rear drones if they would. It is now pretty well demonstrated, that the eggs of a healthy queen are all alike, and the sex of the future bee depends on the cell in which it is deposited. If every drone we have reared was a worker, it would not only support itself, but would i)e likely to add to the common stores. The advantages would be, in having just enough. The size of the hive can be graduated to suit the wants of any colony. If there are too many combs to be properly protected from the moth, a part may be taken away, and returned as needed. The loss of queens in most apiaries is a seri- ous damage. Except within the first few days af- ter its occurrence, there is no further means of ascertaining this fact, short of several weeks ; by which time it is often too late to save the stock. But with the frames it can be ascertained at any time; and after the young queen commences her maternal duties, only a minute or two is required to examine the brood combs ; any cells contain- ing eggs or brood indicate her presence. If she is lost, another can be provided in time to save the stock. These are some, but not all the advantages that I have found in the movable combs. Sup- pose that I had recommended this movable comb hive immediately on being satisfied that I could make it profitable ; and then, as with many other beautiful theories, failed in practice. 1 should have been worse off", than to be accused of "preaching what I did not practice." Prudence should prevent any one from recommending an improvement based on theory alone. ''Consist- ency" dictates a different course. I have now used these frames three summers, and know from experience what I say respecting them. Having found them beneficial for myself, I think they might be so to others, and consider it a duty to give the pul)lic all the knowledge I possess in bee culture. I have, therefore, added an appen- dix to my treatise, giving directions for making and using these frames, an advertisement of which is enclosed. "Norfolk" calls the "movable comb hive, un- wieldly." 1 have seen some that I think are so. But I apprehend this to be a matter of taste ; as I make the hive, there will be no complaint in this respect. The principal of the movable combs is the point that I consider constitutes the ad- vantage. In the controversy about the triangular guide, I have but little interest, further than I should be pleased to have all admit that it was public property. Whoever succeeds in establishing a claim, should give us something a little more re- liable— something that would give us straight combs with certainty ; because now a colony will occasionally make their combs crooked, and are of no value as movable combs, on that account. I have given what to me are valuable points in the movable comb hive, and the reasons why they are so. Now will "Norfolk," "Clark," or any one, give us through the Farmer as minute an ac- count of the "Union hive" — in what consists its superiority ? It will hardly be satisfactory to say it is better, without pointing out what particular makes it so. I am willing to adopt anything that is shown superior to what I already possess. My likes and dislikes are goverened by what appears the utility of the thing. In criticisms on this subject, it is best to avoid personalities. I shall consider I am not called upon to answer anything of the kind. 8t. Jolinsville, N. Y. M. Quinbt. For the New England Farmer. CATTLE AND HORS1ES EATINO BOARDS AND BONES. A "Vermont Subscriber" asks "the reason why his cattle eat old boards and bones ?" I presume the reason is, because he has kept them too close yarded, and has not let them get to the fresh earth during the winter, so that they could have the privilege to eat dirt, grass, shrubs, &c., as is natural to cattle and horses. After cattle have run out and grazed all summer, and then taken them up to hay, dry fodder and close confinement, they soon begin to hanker for a fresh bite of grass, or to lick the ground, and if you let them out, it is not uncommon for a creature to eat a pint or even a quart of fresh earth at a time. When I have been plowing in the spring I have had oxen want to stop and lick a mellow looking spot of earth that had been turned up by the pre- vious furrow. I always let them stop and eat all they want. Cattle and horses should be let to run out on a field or pasture occasionally, during the winter, to gnaw the ground and grass roots, and if the snow covers the ground for a long time to- gether, they should be supplied with a few shovels ful of fresh earth from some clean place under the barn, or from the roots of an old decayed tree, if it can be had. I never knew cattle to gnaw the fence or their cribs in the summer when they run out, or even when they run at large in the winter, and if "Subscriber's" cattle have had access to the ground during the winter, and still gnaw boards, &c., they are unlike any cattle that I ever saw ; will he please tell us about this ? It is the same with the horse ; I often hear people complain of their horses gnawing their cribs. Colts are raised in the country, and graze in the pastures for more than half the year for their living, and when they are old enough to be put into stables and put to close confinement and hard work, and especially when they are brought to the city, they are changed from their native element of grazing, and rolling and stretching themselves out at full length on the ground to rest, and as the good people of old longed for the leeks and onions of Egypt, so they long and han- ker for their old grazing pastures of the country, and in their faint stomach-hankerings do the next best thing, and gnaw the cribs, and every carriage and sleigh back they stand next to. I purchased a five-year old horse six years ago, that had been brought from Vermont one year before, and in three weeks after I purchased him, he had gnawed through the bottom of a two inch plank crib, and before I discovered that he was a cribber, for my man took care of him. After this I put him out in a little yard two or three times a week, and let him pick some grass and ground, and roll for an hour at a time, if I could noi, spare 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 311 his services longer. I kept him two years, and after six or eight weeks he scarcely scarred his crib by biting it. Four years ago I bought a five-year old mare, that had been brought from New Hampshire and stabled in Boston six months for sale. When I got her she would eat an apple tree limb as long and large as an ox goad, and I saw her strip a piece off a sleigh back, eighteen inches long and as thick as my thumb, and eat it, paint, varnish and all. I led her out two or three times a week, and held her by the halter while she rolled, and then hitched her to the fence, for I had no better chance, and treated her to as much old frozen grass and ground as she could reach. It entirely cured her gnawing in two weeks. So I have treated four horses within six years with perfect success, and I think if stable keepers should provide a soft place, 30 feet square if they could not get larger, for their horses to roll, three or four times a week, (for it is natural to a horse to roll and it rests them when tired,) and keep a barrel of fresh earth for them to eat when they want, their horses would be much more healthy, and they would have no cribbers. Blinkers and check reins also deserve an ar- ticle, but from some one more capable of express- ing his thoughts on paper than Maiden, Mass. A. S. Hall. within the past twenty-five years is truly aston- ishing. It is mere pastime to labor with these improved implements, compared with that of wielding the old-fashioned tools used by our fathers. I have recently obtained one of Nourse, Mason & Co.'s "Universal Plows," with its series of mould-boards. I think it must soon become a general favorite with our progressive farmers. I am just getting ready to give it a fair trial. As yet I have only used it as a stubble plow, and find it A. No. 1. The team is ready to hitch on to my new plow, and I must exchange the pen for the plow-handles. Yours, most respectfully, Levi Bartlett. Ho!(. H. F. Feehoh, Exetbr, N. H. Remarks. — Your remarks, friend Hall, are prac- tical, and will undoubtedly be extensively useful. Now give us some as good on those useless and cruel tormentors, blinkers an(J check reins, and you will do the community a good service. DRAINAGE— WHEAT.QROWING-- UNIVERSAL PLOW. LETTER TEOM LEVI BARTLETT, OF WARNER, V. H. Warner, MayU, 1859. My Dear Sir: — With much satisfaction I have perused your new work on "Drainage." Such a book was greatly needed, and I hope it may be largely patronized by our New Hamp- shire farmers. It is now more than twenty years since I com- menced underdraining my naturally wet farm, and I have done more or less at it every year, during that period. I have mostly used stone for the purpose, but in some instances they have failed by the burrowing of field mice and moles. I trust the time is not far distant when di-ain tile can be had at reasonable cost by the farmers in the interior of our State. There is a vast amount of valuable land in the State that needs draining, which, if properly done, would add tens of thou- sands of dollars to the agricultural interests of •'the old Granite State." I have succeeded in growing fine crops of win- ter wheat on underdrained land. From five years' experience in growing winter wheat I am full in the faith that it can be successfully grown in New England. There was a large amount sown in this town, last fall, and it is looking splendidly now. But to grow wheat successfully here, our farmers must better understand the true princi- ples of preparing and manuring the land for the crop. The improvement in agricultural implements For the New England Farmer, CRACKING OP APPLE TREES. Mr. Editor: — Your correspondent, S. D. M., of Mansfield, states that he has lost a number of apple trees the last winter, by the bursting and splitting of the bark, and asks if there is any i-em- edy. I am afraid there is none but to dig up the trees and replace them. My own loss has been severe. I had two rows of fine, thrifty apple trees, planted in the spring of 1850. They had grown vigorously, were from twelve to eighteen inches in eircumference, and had commenced bearing. Of these, I have lost ten, that I cer- tainly would not have sold for two hundred dol- lars. One pair, especially, of Baldwins, so hand- some as to be the admiration of all my visitors, was well worth a hundred dollars. I discovered the injury some time in January; the bark was split from the lower branches to the ground, some five or six feet. The split was sometimes on one side of the tree and sometimes on the other ; and before I finally dug them up, this spring, I satisfied myself that there was no hope of saving the trees, for I was able to pass my hands under the bark, on either side, and meet my fingers behind. One which stood near the barn cellar will survive, the split being only about eighteen inches long and the rest of the bark sound. What was the cause of this mischief? These trees grew on a heavy, strong loam, resting on a hard, firm subsoil, retentive of moisture. The last summer was cold and wet, followed by a very mild and pleasa-nt fall. So remarkably mild was the season, that I had dahlias in flower until November 10th, or three weeks later than ever before, and on that day gathered from my gar- den bouquets of flowers. The consequence was, the trees made a late and vigorous growth, and had not matured and ripened their wood. On the night of the 10th of November the tempera- ture changed suddenly ; on the morning of the 11th the ground was frozen hard, and ice made in small pools, strong enough to bear a man. Two days afterwards, on the 13th, my son was skating on a neighboring pond ! The change from a summer to a winter temperature, so sud- den and almost instantaneous, caught the trees full of sap, which froze and burst the bark as soon as milder weather thawed it. This, in my opiaion, is the cause of the trouble ; if any of your correspondents have a diff'erent solution, I hope to hear it. 312 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jtjlt The lesson I draw, is the importance of creat- ing a dry soil by draining. Had this land been as thoroughly drained hst year as it is now, I think I should have saved my treeis. Of a large number of pear trees, and a few other apple trees, growing on similar soil, but thoroughly under- drained, I have lost none. C A. Hewins. West Roxbury, May, 1859. Remarks. — The loss of which our correspon- dfent speaks, to us would be a serious one. Money in any amount, would scarcely pay us for trees planted and reared by our own hands. We have had several fine apple trees badly cracked, but they have all lived, and appear to be doing well. The true mode of preventing it is, undoubtedly, as Mr. He WINS suggests, underdrainiug. TBANSACTIONS OF THE ESBBX AGBI- CULTUKAIi SOCIETY. This is quite a volume, and one of the most interesting and valuable that has been issued during the past year. Eloquence and poetry have contributed theii? charms to add to its val- ue. The addresses of Dr. Loring and Edw^aru Everett are both eloquent and instructive, and Giles Corey's second dream is full of humor and wit. Then follows an account of the bequest of the Treadwell farm, and the arrangements for its management which have been made by the Society, and the contract with Mr. Brown, the farmer who has taken it in charge. We shall watch the operations on this farm with much in- terest. After these, commences the Report prop- er, with a paper of great value upon fruit cul- ture, by J. M. Ives. Whatever he says upon this subject is reliable and instructive. He is entitled to speak, for by long experience and crit- ical observation, he has acquired much knowl- edge in this department. The next paper is a beautiful essay upon a beautiful subject — Flowers. The display of flow- ers was an attractive feature at the Exhibition. The 160 varieties of dahlies, with their 300 blos- soms, Mas an exhibition by itself well worthy of a visit, and we think the $8 premium well be- stowed. There were $40 awarded for fiowers> and their display contributed more to the promotion of taste and refinement, than the exhibition of fast women, or fast horses, on any trotting course in the State. The letter of N. Page, on the rob- in, as a devastator of fruit, ia racy and enter- taining. There is a valuable report by G. P. Sargent, J on the comparative value of crops as food for cat- tle, well worth a careful study, and shows much research upon an important subject. The re- ports of Dr. LoRiNG and Mr. Rogers, upon milch cows, are drawn up v,-iLh much c-are, and are model reports. Liberal premiums were award- ed for stallions, breed mares and farm and draft horses. Trotters and roadsters do not seem to have been admitted to the lists, not being con- sidered farm stock. Sixteen premiums were awarded for plowing. Good plowing is always considered worthy of encouragement by the ju- dicious managers of this Society. We are sorry to see a movement to abolish plowing-matches, though we confess that they need some radical changes. There are valuable statements respecting the work and construction of mowing-machines, a subject of much importance to farmers who feel the need of such machines, and are unable to de- cide which is the best. There is an interesting paper upon Poultry, by James J. H. Gregory, and a valuable paper upon Manures, by Wm. D. XoRTHEND, which contain much important in- struction. The statement by Samuel Raymond, about his farm, will amply repay a careful pe- rusal. Those on underdrainiug and the reclaim^- ing wei meadoics, show that these important sub- jects are receiving due encouragement in Essex. The statements on the various subjects to which we have referred are carefully prepared. There are several of them which we should be glad to analyze, and point out their excellences. No awards are made by the committees of this So- ciety without careful statements. This is as it should be. For these statements, when properly prepared, are really the most valuable part of the reports, and no premium should be awarded without them. The statement should be consid- ered a part of the object for which the premium is awarded. The volume closes with a list of the books contained in the library belonging to this Socie- ty, which is much the most valuable library be- longing to any county society in the State. This library has contributed very much to make this Society what it is, — one of the most flourishing, harmonious and succcessful societies in the State. J^or the Nato England FUrmer. DISBASE3, OF HOBSE3. Mr. Editor: — The 11th day of January last was the coldest day I ever experienced. A day or two after, I discovered that my young horse was diseased, and supposed it was caused by the severity of the weather. Upon examination I found the disease was in her spine, at its junction with the hips, as there she was very sensitive. It is not necessary for me to describe the con- dition she was then in, for her disease was strik- ingly similar to that described by your corres- pondent, W. D. Searl ; she continued to grow worse until her hind limbs were well nigh use- less. Of the nature of the horse and of his diseases I am totally .ignorant, and having no one noax 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARxMER. 81 ; me capable of giving instruction, my only resort was to the small stock of common sense I pos- sess. My judgment dictated a different course from that pursued by Mr. S. I neither took blood nor gave physic, but thinking that strength was better than weakness, 1 gave her a more gener- erous diet — applied beef brine to the weak part often, and a stiff brush, and kept her covered with a warm blanket, (she had never been blan- keted.) This treatment proved salutary, and she is now as well as ever. So sick was this beast at one time, it v/as thought she could not live 48 hours. West Windham, N. H., April 20, 1859. MA-HKET DAT AT NORTH ANDOVER. The second of the market days or agricultural exchanges established by the Essex County Ag- ricultural Society, was held on Tuesday at North Andover, about two miles from Lawrence. In point of attendance and extent of sales, of course, it was not so large as the market day at South Danvers a fortnight since. Considering the chil- liness of the day, the busy season, and the fact that this was a first attempt at North Andover, the fair was as successful as could have been expect- ed. In the middle of the afternoon, in the height of the bargaining and sales, some rain fell, which, of course, threw a damper on everything. The pens of the Society were erected on an elevation near the depot, and there were three or four hun- dred persons present most of the time. The en- tries of stock with the Secretary consisted of 22 horses, 95 swine, of dift'erent sizes, including pigs, 126 horned cattle, including oxen, steers, heifers, cows, calves and the like, about a dozen sheep and a number of coops of fowls. There were several good stallions brought forward for exhi- bition by their owners, and among the fat cattle some excellent specimens, including a pair weigh- ing 3190 lbs., belonging to J. H. Barker, of North Andover; a pair weighing 3088, belonging to William Foster, of North Andover, and a yoke weighing 33GO, to Dean Andrews, of East Box- ford. There was one fat steer five years old, weighing 2400 lbs., which belonged to John Bark- er, of North Andover. In the matter of fat cat- tle the show was excellent, including no less than 14 yoke. Among the private sales, a yoke of fat cattle belonging to J. French, of Danville, N. H., and weighing 3380 lbs., were sold for 8.i cts. per lb. ; two fat cows, J. P. Putnam, Andover, 75 ; two heifers, for $35 ; a sheep and lambs for $12 ; one calf and sheep for $8, and there were some oth- er private sales which did not become known as to price, and were to drovers. Some shoats for $4,50 each. The sales at auction were more numerous. A yoke of oxen was sold to J. W. Smith, for $52 : another yoke to some person for $100; a young bull for .$9 ; a horse for $18 ; a cow for $20, to Mr. Dame ; a cow and calf to Seth Chase, for 5!32 ; a horse belonging to Mrs. Sargeant, for $44 ; another for $41 ; an ox-cart for $30 ; anoth- er for $15 ; a wagon for $63 ; horse-cart for $11. There were in all some thirty sales at auction, but in many of these cases the animals were bought in by the owners, to save loss. There were several wagon-loads of vegetables on sale,^and that was all. Much attention was attracted by the ao;ricultural implements exhib- ited on the ground, including a horse-hoe, some mowers and reapers, and the like. The Board of Trustees held a meeting at the engine-house at 10 o'clock. Dr. Robinson, of West Newbury, presided, and Allen W. Dodge, Esq., of Hamilton, was secretary. Mr. W. R. Putnam, of Danvers, made a well- founded report showing the great success of the fair at South Danvers a fortnight since. Re- ports were made in favor of holding market days as follows : At Newburyport on the second Tuesdays of April and October ; the fair in October will coin- cide with the annual fair of the Horticultural So- ciety at that place, under the presidency of Dr. Kelly. At South Danvers on the 3d Tuesday of Octo- ber, annually. At Georgetown on the 3d Tuesday in June, when will occur the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Essex County Agricultural Society. At North Andover, annually, on the 2d Tues- day of September. At Lawrence on the 4th Tuesday of October. Committees of Arrangements for the different market days were thus appointed : At Lawrence and North Andover, J. Kittredge, of North Andover, H. K. Oliver, of Lawrence, J. H. Morse, of Lawrence, J. O. Loring and Otis Bailey, of North Andover. At Newburyi)ort, Major Ben:Perley Poore, Dr. Robinson, of West Newbury, Enoch S. Wil- liams, of Newburyport, Paul Titcomb, of New- bury, Col. Colman, of Newburyport. At Georgetown, Major Ben : Perley Poore, of Newbury, Moses Tenny, S. Little, George W. Boynton and Col. Nelson, of Georgetown, and D. S. Caldwell, of Newbury. — Traveller. For the New England Farmer. PEEPARINQ MEADOWS FOB CBANBEB- KIES. Mr. Brown: — I noticed in the N. E. Farm&r for April 18th an article on raising cranberries which did not correspond with my views on the subject. Your plan of covering the ground with sand is, it seems to me, too expensive, when the ground can be prepared as well, at less cost. My plan, (and I have had some experience,) is to take a piece of swamp, or meadow, which can be flowed, and keep it flowed for three years, which will be sufficient to kill the grass and bushes. The land is then in an excellent condition to set the vines, soft and mellow. The vines should be set near together, the nearer the better. The brush nee'' not be removed from the meadow, as the vines will climb upon it, and in a few years it will rot and sink. I think this a much better way than sanding the ground. A layer of sand four inches thick, at 10 cents per yard, would cost $56 per acre. As the Tand which is'/l)est fitted for cranberry culture is, usually, the poorest for other purpos- es, and as good land for cranberries can be pur- 314 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Ujlt chased for from $5 to $10 per acre, it seems to me that when they can be brought into good con- dition in three years, by water, at very little ex- pense, it is folly to expend $50 per acre to has- ten the growth two years. Besides, it is usually considered here that the deep muck of swamps is more favorable for the growth of cranberries than sand. Land for cranberries, it is almost indispensa- ble to have plowed in winter ; in fact, their cul- tivation, where the land is not flowed, will al- ways be attended by trouble and considerable expense, as the frost is sure to throw them out of the ground in winter. I should like to inquire if anything can be done to prevent the frost injuring the berry? Would peat, old hay and brush, burnt in the meadow during frosty nights, save the berries ? Addison Flint. North Reading, May, 1859. P. S. — Since writing the above I have seen a query in the Farmer in regard to the time of set- ting cranberries. In answer to that I would say that experience has taught me that October is the best season to set vines, if they are to be covered with water ; otherwise, May. A. r. Remakks. — Mr. Flint is one of the most suc- cessful cranberry producers in our knowledge. We have visited his meadows, and found them exceedingly fruitful, and the fruit of the finest kind. When we spoke of covering land with sand, we intended to refer only to small patches suffi- cient to raise a supply for a single family's use. When a sand bank is directly on the margin of the meadow, however, the reclamation may some- times be profitably made in this way. all, or nearly all, if I had not applied the guano, as I had in years before. That trial was in 1S57. In 1858 I applied the guano in season and had no trouble with the mag- got. They might not have troubled me if I had not used the guano. I do not know every rope in the ship. I raise very few onions — ^^iust a small bed for family use. Never raised ioO bushels in my life, and most likely never shall. I sprinkled the guano on the onions, probably at the rate of 400 or 500 lbs. to the acre. I was satisfied with the result, and shall try it again. Ed. Emerson. EolUs, N. H., April 29, 1859. For the New England Farmer. GUANO ON ONIONS. Mr. Editor : — In the N. E. Farmer for April 23d, I saw a communication from "South Dan- vers." lie says, "my neighbors wish to know something more about Mr. Emerson's discovery whereby he received a good crop of onions." And yet he says those same neighbors know every rope in the ship. No one can tell them anything about onions, &c. I only stated a fact that passed under my own observation, not to instruct peo- ple who know every rope in the ship, who can- not learn anything new, because they know every thing about it. For such people are beyond be- ing benefited by any teaching. I wrote it for the benefit of those who were not perfect, who, like myself, like to read the ex- periments of others, and profit by them, or, at least, try such as may benefit them. I stated that I noticed that my onions were wilt- ing ; I should think one-third were down. I exam- ined the wilted ones and found a maggot in the stalk, just above the onion. I sprinkled on a good coat of guano, and no more died, but the two-thirds grew finely. Whether all died that would have died, if I had not applied the guano, I could not tell. I supposed I should have lost them EXTRACTS AND EEPLIES. BEET SUGAR, AND PAPER FROM BEET3. I was pleased to see the sensible article from the pen of your intelligent correspondent, Mr. Cruickshank, in the Farmer of May 7, on the value and use of beets for making sugar and pa- per. I have often thought, as I have been through a pretty thorough school of mechanics, and now a farmer, that if I had the capital, I would go to France and see the thing done, of making beets into sugar and paper, and then start it here. I am quite sure that there is no place where there is a greater per centage of su- gar in the beet, and but few where it is so large, as in the free, sandy soils of Plymouth county. I have not a doubt it would be a paying business, combining Yankee ingenuity with French expe- rience. Please keep the "ball in motion" until capital- ists can see that they can make money in pro- ducing clean sugar for our own use, sugar that has not been through the careless, slatternly hands of persons who have no interest in making it or keeping it clean. Caleb Eates. Kingston, May 9, 1859. GRASS ROOTS AND "S'U'ARD WORMS." As your paper is made a medium through which the ignorant can display their ignorance and the learned impart their knowledge to oth- ers, I wish to make a little inquiry. I have a field the soil of which is a deep, dark- colored, firm, moist loam, free from rocks, with the exception of a few granite boulders. After having been laid down to grass about three years, the grass roots are entirely destroyed, leaving but little sward on the field, and destroy- ing the grass crop almost entirely. From the fact that there are great numbers of large white worms, known as "sward worms," to be found in the soil, I have been led to suppose that it is this worm that commits the depredation. If you, or any of your correspondents, have had any ex- perience similar to this, or have seen anything of the kind, and can give or suggest a remedy, it will be gratefully received through your paper. Greene, Me., April, 1859. Androscoggin. HOW TO RAISE CABBAGE. Make a hole in the ground three or four inches deep with a stick, and put about a teaspoonful of fine salt at the bottom of the hole ; rattle a little dirt in on to the salt, and then set the 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 315 plant. About a week after the cabbage has been set, taken root and begun to grow, put as much salt in a circle two or three inches from the plant on top of the ground ; take care that no salt comes in direct contact with the roots. Do not put much manure under the plants, but leach the manure and put the liquor round them at sundry times. Do this, and I will warrant good cabbages. Washington Hall. Brewer, April, 1859. LAW REGULATING THE SALE OF MILK. Does it render farmers liable for delivering milk to the milk-venders who provide unsealed cans for its reception ? How does it afiect existing contracts? If under present contracts milk-venders refuse to provide sealed cans, what is the farmer's rem- edy ? Shall he refuse to deliver, as heretofore contracted, or shall he deliver as usual, and ob tain satisfaction by process of law ? When does the act take effect? Remarks. — We refer our correspondent to the entire law given in the Farmer of April 23, and which will be found in the monthly for June. WIRE FOR FENCES. V."hat kind of wire is^best for a fence ? What is the cost of it, and wlrere may it be obtained? Samuel B. Bird. Framingliam, May, 1859. Remarks. — We think number six wire the best size for a M-ire fence, though some persons use a much larger size. It costs about six cents a pound. Mr. Bird has some of the long red potatoes for sale, recently inquired for. Price 60 cts. per bushel. potatoes. The potatoes I send are a variety raised from the seed about fifteen years ago ; they are an ex- cellent, early potato. By your description of those sent you by ]\Ir. Hazeliine, of Straflbrd, I think this may answer his inquiry, as I gave some to a man that lived in Straflbrd some years ago. Thetjord, Vt., May, 1859. A. C. Howard. Remarks. — Mr. Howard has our thanks for the nice potatoes sent us. They are not the color or form of those sent by Mr. Hazeltine. We ?;ill plant and test them. TRANSPLANTING PINES. Can you or any of your subscribers inform me, through your columns, the best time of year to transplant pine trees from the woods to decorate grounds around one's house, &;c. Also, if any particular care is needed as to their transplant- ing? I wish to learn where I can obtain a "Muscova Drake" and two "Muscova Ducks," of the best breed known. Where may I be able to obtain them, and at what price ? Any reply will be appreciated by your faithful reader and old subscriber, "Oak Uill." May 12, 1859. MAPLE SUGAR. Damon Bridgman, of Soutk Hardwick, Vt., has made this season 7,100 lbs. of tip-top maple sugar. Joseph S'evens, of East Hardwick, has made, I understand, over four tons. Beat this you Chinese cane breakers, if you can, at the same cost. F. J. Hardwick, April, 1859. PLUM TREES. I have some red plum trees which blossom full every year, but do not bear much ; I have some white ones, also, which are set with the red ones, which bear. I have tried a great many things which have not done any good, and would in- quire if there is anything that would make them bear ? The trees are very thrifty. Bethel, VI. A Subscriber. For the New England Farmer. PLANTS WITHOUT LEAVES. Messrs. Editors :— Having seen in the month- ly Farmer, February, 1859, page 59, an article entitled "Roots cannot grow without leaves," and thinking the writer in error, I will state my opin- ion. It is a known fact that there are numerous exceptions to the general rule ; for instance, there is the plant found growing in wet places, known as the bulrush ; it shoots up numerous spikes or stems, that are from one to three feet in height, and from one-fourth of an inch in di- ameter downwards, without leaves, or the appear- ance of leaves, for the first four or six weeks, when it throws out the short stem on which the seed grows, but not any leaves. If any one doubts its having roots, try to pull one up ! There is the button rush, with a stem of the thickness of a goose quill, or larger, but it has no leaves. There is the house leech, or live forever, the top of which will grow any length of time, severed from the roots, and suspended by a string. A good way to kill the Canada thistle is to cut off the top, close to the ground when in blossom, when the stalk is hollow. When it rains, the water runs down the stalk, and rots the roots. The absence of leaves will not do it, for without hoUowness of stalk, you may cut them from July to December, clip, or burn as you please, but without effect. Regulus. Eipton, Vt., April, 1859. For the Netc Enj^land Farmer. WINTER WHEAT. Hundreds of farmers in this State do not raise this grain, simply because they think they can- not. I have tried both upland and intervale, and find it does best on upland where I never man- ure it. I always select good, warm pasture land, (the older the better,) free from strong winds and standing water, and where the snow remains on as long as on any part of the farm. Break it up any time in July or August. Sow from the 20th of August to the 1st of Septem- ber, at the rate of one and a half bushels per acre. Get it in two or three inches deep, if pos- ble, with a plow or cultivator. After it is up a NEW ENGLAND FARMER. JULT coating of plaster, lime or guano, will help it very much, especially if dry. Prepare the seed the same as for spring wheat. Wash thorough- ly, pickle in strong brine twelve hours or more, and mix with ashes or slaked lime. In this way I get from twelve to fifteen bush- els per acre, and think it doing well without manure. Have never tried manure on upland, but presume it would do well. The kind of wheat called the White [Winter ? Ed.] Blue Stem stands winter best. I have rnised the above quantity, per acre, without ap- ])lving anything but dry wheat and simply har- rowing it in, N. F. Morrill. Sanbornton, N. H., May, 1S59. Remarks. — Excellent, plain, and seasonable suggestions. Try them. By applying a moder- ate quantity of well rotted nranure to the pasture land spoken of, we have no doubt the crop would be increased from twelve and fifteen bush- els to twenty bushels per acre. CLAY" AS AN AMENDMENT TO SANDY SOILS. Soils void of clay, or containing it in too small a relative proportion, are materially improved by a top-dressing, and particularly when the clay finds its way to the soil through the compost heap. In such case it exercises its peculiar pow- er of absorbing ammonia and other products of decay, and afterward-a yields up to plants the ma- terials thus absorbed. While the clay is thus performing an useful office, itself is changed in condition so as to lose its greater tenacity, only hQuling this property in a sufRc ent degree to add firmness to sandy soils after its addition. The quantity of clay required to amend a sandy soil incapable of retaining manures, and indeed when even blowey, is not as large as many suppose. One thousand bushels per acre is sometimes quite suificient, if evenly spread and left on the surface for a time, before being plowed in, so that rains and dews, assisted by sun and air, may cause the division to become more perfect. It is not the clay alone which corrects blowey sands, but in addition to its own effects directly, the roots of crops, grown by its assistance, lend their aid. When clay and vegetable mould can both be added to sandy soils, as in the vicinity of muck depos- its, then the amendment is still more perfect. The value of this kind of amendment is its per- manency ; for as the clay is not appreciably used by plants, it continues forever to imbue the sand, and each year to re-perform its function of re- taining gases, abstracting valuable constituents from solutions, in addition to its mechanical use in giving the necessary solidity and adhesiveness to the soil. Many are not aware that some sandy soils, notwithstanding the peculiar light couditien of ^ the dry surface, are still more difficult to disin- tegrate deeply by a sub-soil plow than heavier soils, settling by rains like a sea beach; in such sands many kinds of clay seem to act as a lubri- cator to the surface of their particles, and after being clayed, they may be the more readily plow- ed.— Working Farmer. For the New England Farmer. HOBSKS. Too much vigilance is seldom known on the part of proprietors of mares, in selecting a horse to breed from. Hundreds of horses are offered, and urged as breeding stallions, a large number of which are objectionable by way of sad blem- ishes, bad proportions, or age. Their proprie- tors have a smooth story to tell. If his feet are contracted, small and of course weak, that is nothing, he was stabled too young. This stock will be just as good as though he had good sized and strong feet. If his knees are sprung, small, and of coarse weak, the story will be, he was put into a stall of some peculiar form, that caused his knees to be so. But that will not affect his stock. And so of all other weaknesses, dispro- portions and blemishes. Old horses, or mares, are objectionable for breeders, from the liability of their stock to possess the debilitating effects consequent upon age, which may not be discov- ered until labor is required of them. Stallions are taken to the premises of persons, and many good qualities asserted and urged to induce patronage. I would say, hesitate, look for yourself, if you have confidence in your own judgment, if not, take some friend who is un- biased, to assist you. Generally, the best horses are not taken around the country for customers. If a horse has a reputation at home, he may stay there and save his proprietor much labor and ex- pense. I would select a horse to breed from with every good quality possible, combined, viz : feet, which should not be contracted or flat ; legs which should not be too slim or clumsy, but wide and sinewy ; well spread knees, and prominent hocks; cords large, and highly developed mus- cles ; full in the flank, deep in the chest ; round barrel, a well placed shoulder, neck long enough so that he can put his head up or down ; not too thick under the joles, well proportioned head, and active ears. If I wished to raise horses to sell in the city markets at high prices, I would select a stallion, the nearer thorough-bred the better, about 153 or 16 hands high, with the above qualities, weii,hing about 1100 pounds, and possessing ac- tion of the highest degree. It is a fact that farm- ers may increase their interests in horse-raising to a very great extent, by judiciously selecting stallions and mares, the former of which k very much more unde** our control than the latter. A N. E. Farmer. For the Netc Ensland Farmer. KAISING GRAPES. Messrs. Editors : — Within a few days I have become possessed of information in the culture of the grape, which is new to me. It may be so to some others who would like to grow the Ca- tawba and Isabella in perfection, but are deterred by repeated failures. A distinguished horticulturist residing within hail of Plymouth rock, told me a neighbor of his was enabled to ripen his Isabellas in perfection, having built a coping ef some two feet on the top of his trellis. Confirmatory of the above, I give you an extract of a letter, received from Bridgeport, Conn., a few days since. "I find no 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 31: mildew on my vines when they are trained under a projecting cornice of my barns, so that they get no rain or drip. I have on a western expo sure the most perfect Catawba and Isabellas when thus protected ; while part of the same vines which are not so protected, but which con- tinued beyond, are ruined in fruit and leaves. This has occurred for several years in succession. I have no doubt that vines on a lofty trellis or ■wall, with a coping of two orjthree feet, would be entirely free." Eben. Wight. Dedham, May 2. For the New England Farmer. IT liOOKS VERT LIKE A SHAM ! Messrs, Editors : — I have before me, and 1 presume many of our friends have received the same, a stylish circular, which calls upon all cre- ation and his brother to save trees, plants, vines, and millions of dollars a year, simply by the purchase of a certain magical powder, M'hich works in a magical sort of a way, throwing all the wonders of the ancient necromancy, far into the shade. The author tells us a great many wonderful things in this circular. It appears that this powder of his has only to be tucked un- der the bark of any tree, to give marching orders to every insect, from buds, leaves, bark, wood or fruits. Mirabile didu: The theory of the man who controls this wonder-worker, is, that the tree has some way of swallowing the jpowder, and dis- seminating it throughout its "fe'tt-ucture. Being but an inquiring Yankee, I would like to ask him a question or two. Just to give him convenient standing-room, we will assume that the tree will take this powder into its circulation when thus applied ; now, with the perpetual circulation of the sap during the growing season, and the con- tinual change of raw material into organic struc- ture, by what magic is it proposed to keep the vii'tues of this poAvder permanently in the tree, BO that every new bud, leaf and twig, as it de- velops, may receive its quota of the marvelous protective power ? If it is a fair inference that the protection, which he says, is the results of its application, turns on some disagreeable flavor given to the buds, leaves, fruit, &c., whereby the marauding insects become disgusted with their food ; may not we, poor pigmies, be permitted to indulge the hope that at some very early day this great patent-powder man will extend the area of his benevolent operations, and enable each of us to flavor our fruits to suit our palates ? What a capital thing it will be to have, say a patent "sweet apple powder," subject to our dimes, by clapping which under the bark, all our savage old crabs will forthwith be compelled to set their internal laboratories in action, and manufacture sugar to order, instead of vinegar ! When these halcyon days dawn, farewell to budding and graft- ing, relics of primitive ignorance ; I shall then have merely to shake a paper of the patent-powder on my old choke pear stalks, when, lo ! this one, despite any natural aversion to the contrary, must yield Bartletts, and that one must yield Seckles ; all opposition will be utterly useless ; Mr. Patent-powder says so, and therefore old "choke" can't help itself. "^here is one other question I would like to ask this public benefactor, whom, I trust, the grateful public will not permit to wilt away like so many neglected geniuses of this class: Was it his great-grandfather, or was it his great-great- grandfather, that aroused a slumbering world, about a century or so back, by the wonderful dis- covery that all vermin ^nd diseases of every kind might be expelled from our fruit trees, sim- ply by boring holes into the trunk and filling said holes with good New England rum ? And was it not his great-uncle who discovered, some- what later in the day, that the enemies of our noble elm would be easily repelled upon boring like holes and filling with quicksilver ? I feel a great interest in making these inquiries ; I al- ways love to look twice on the physician who tells me he is the seventh son of a seventh son, and am somewhat anxious to know whether our patent-powder man is not one of the same dis- tinguished class. There is one other miracle which he claims for his powder, and that is, if one table-spoonful be dissolved in a gallon of water, and any variety of garden seed be soaked in the solution, the plants which spring from these seed, will be preserved from the inroads of insects ! Whew ! Where is Mr. Mayor Tieman about these days ? A few years ago another distinguished friend of the farmer, (perhaps another relative of this philanthropist,) asserted, that after a pilgrimage of darkness and doubt, lo ! these many years, he had suddenly found light, and discovered a sure preventive of the black knot on our plum trees, offering to reveal the same, for a consideration. Recently, I visited his grounds and looked with curiosity for the results, when, lo ! the stumps of many plum trees were to be seen, but one or two trees remained ; and alas, for human conceit, there stood thevillanous black wart; there could be no mistake about it. Now, I presume our patent-powder man has an extensive area, abounding with trees, shrubs, vines, &c., &c., all fully protected by his patent- powder, and open to public inspection, in proof of the perfect success of this original wonder- maker. In conclusion, let me warn all friends, who may have proposed to themselves to invest in this thing, that powder is sometimes a very dan- gerous article, and that many a man has, before this, burnt his fingers in the handling of it. 5t may be that even Mr. Discoverer himself will get no gentle hoist before the public are through with it. J. J. H. Gregory. Marblehead, Mass. Kidney Worms. — Swine are often troubled with a disease denominated by veterinarians, the "kidney worm." Corn, soaked in very strong lye made of wood ashes, is said to be an infalli- ble remedy. Salt and brimstone, in small quan- tities, is a preventive, and, indeed, the only one known. Comfortable quarters and good food are of really more importance in the successful man- agement of these animals than many are inclin- ed to suppose, and should never, on any account, be neglected. 318 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July For the New England Fanner. BEAUTY IN TREES. Mr. Editor: — I have been led to write under the above heading, on observing treatment of a beautiful promising grove in the cemetery of a thrifty town not far from Boston. A young growth of white pines and white birch, mixed, from 15 to 20 feet high, appeared as though some wood choppers had been in- structed to cut the birches clean and all the pine limbs they could reach. If the birches had be- gun to interfere with the pines, they should have been cut in August, to prevent their starting again. But the pines, with their fresh and vig- orous branches, cut smooth to the butts, looked as though they had fallen into the care of those who could not find any beauty in trees. To say nothing of the check to the growth, how their trunks will look ! For a year they will present a mass of flowing turpentine, drip- ping and oozing like a cancer. Live branches should never be removed from pines, if it can be helped ; but if the limbs must be cut, take them off one foot from the butt, and let the stub die a natural death — then trim close, and no turpentine will run. One blow of an axe^can remove a love- ly branch, but the wealth of the world cannot re- place it if it proves a mistake. The white pine, when it stands at the best dis- tances to make a good forest, keeps a live cone about twenty-five years ; that is, the limbs live about twenty-five years, and at that age it com- mences to have limbs die at the bottom as new ones form at the top. On cutting the tree across, no matter whether one foot from the ground or for- ty, if below the live cone, you will observe about twenty-five large growths, from one-quarter to one-half inch ; the largest Avhen the branches were in their greatest vigor. Then at the death of the branch a sudden reduction of the growth to per- haps an eighth of an inch. By this beautiful ar- rangement the tree rises to a great height, M'ith but little taper to its trunk. I think the beauty in the white pine is, to let its branches alone until they die. Kingston, March, 1859. Caleb Bates. OATS LODGING. Why do oats lodge ? We have sometimes heard farmers boast that their ground was in such excellent heart that the oats would lodge, inferring therefore that the crop of oats was ex- traordinarily large, so large that the straw could not hold them up. We would argue that no real practical farmer ever met with this difficulty. The soil cannot be said to be in perfect heart, merely because it contains an excessive quantity of barn-yard manure. To be in heart, it should be in such exact balance that every part of the plant can appropriate what it requires to secure its strength, as well as its quantit}'. The materi- al which gives strengtli to the oat straw, is sili- cate of potash, silex combined with potash. Who- ever knew a crop of oats to lodge when grown on soils containing a fair amount of wood ashes ? Whoever knew any crop to show rust when grown en a soil fairly charged with phosphates, of pot- ash, soda, and lime ? Can a plant be in a healthy condition when the silicious coating which gives it strength is deficient in quantity ? The plant cannot avail of silex simply because it is sur- rounded by sand. There must be some alkali present to attach the surface of the particles of the sand, and to render the silex soluble in wa- ter. With that, the capillary action of the plant may elevate this soluble silex, and deposit it in such portions as require strength. This action upon the particles of sand, at the same time frees all the other constituents which go to make up its mass to the depth of the removal of the silex, the particles becoming smaller, and being so roughened at their surfaces by the chemical ac- tion of the alkali, as to prevent their settling by rains and dews so as to be too compact. All this is assisted in degree by the decay of roots in the soil ; for these yield up among other constitu- ents, alkalies, and of so progressed a kind as to have superior chemical power in the disorgani- zation of the pent-up inorganic materials contain- ed in every particle of the soil. Let no practical farmer then pride himself on having his land out of condition, and thus losing his oats for want of strength in the straw. — Working Fanner. For the New England Farmer. EUTA BAGA AND COBN CROPS. Mr. Editor : — In your number for May, I notice a communication from Mr. Cruickshank, on the raising of ruta bagas, and he is pleased to give us his name and place of residence at the close of it. He thinks them a remunerating crop, and asks the reason why I should be in doubt of it. I have been requested by others to give my experience in the cultivation of them. Influenced by them, and respect due Mr. C. for his experi- ence and location, I am induced to state the rea- son for my doubts, for they are not removed, nor do I see that my questions are answered. Thirty-five years ago, I planted as good a piece of land as I had with ruta bagas, with the inten- tion of satisfying myself as to profit of their cul- ture. I had a fine and plentiful crop ; at the rate of more than 1,000 bushels to the acre, worth in our market 12A cts. per bushel. Corn was planted beside on land as good, and all alike prepared, and produce 75 bushels per acre, worth $1 per bushel ; gr^ain and stover I put down at $75. Well, sir', this looks well for bagas ; $125 per acre, and corn on like soil at $85 per acre, mak- ing a difference in favor of bagas of $40 per acre. But let the next crop speak. This was barley and grass. Where corn had grown the barley leaf was broad and green ; where the bagas had grown, the leaf was sorrowfully weak and yellow, and appeared to regret ever having made its ap- pearance. The seedtime result was 35 bushels of barley per acre where corn had grown, and 15 bushels where bagas had grown, worth in our market 80 cts. per bushel. This I call $1G loss to the bagas. The next crop M^as grass ; the hay was not weighed, but would compare well with the crop of barley, and so I charge the bagas with $1(3 more. Here my estimates ended, but not the effect of the bagas, for that is visible yet. This experience is confkmed by yearly observa- tion, and the experience of many in this region, if not all, who have raised them. In conversation with the Hon. Mr. Brooks, of 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 319 Princeton, he admitted his experience was much the same, but that a liberal supply of phosphate •would restore the soil to its usual fertility ; but he says, too, "This will cost too much. Yes, sir, it costs too much to raise ruta bagas to justify their cultivation in this region." 1 might multi- ply cases like my own experience. While I am constrained to differ from Mr. C. in relation to the profit in raising ruta bagas, I cordially agree with him in the killing effects of a luxuri- ant crop of them. They will do the work pretty thoroughly. My saddest experience has been a Bandy loam and gravel subsoil. On stifler soil this effect has not been as bad. Yet there it has been to me a bad crop. Let me have 3 acres of corn, with a good hay-cutter, and I am perfectly willing any one else should have the acre of ba- fas. As to their value for the growth of stock, admit they are good. But when fed to cows in milk, I should much prefer to sell the milk, though I confess I should have misgivings even then, for the cows would lose their credit, or I should my own. Now, Mr. Editor, you have my experience and views in relation to the rutabaga crop, and of course my re,ason for doubts as the profit of rais ing them. Otis Bkigham. Wtsiborp\ May, 1859. Foi' die New England Farmer. EABNS AND LOAM-.-PACTS AND FIG- UBES. Mr. Editor : — I always enjoy reading the N. E. Farmer. Not that I always agree with the w iters, but still, I am hardly the less interested . reading. Sometimes I take my pencil, and fig- ure up the cost of the propositions therein pro- posed as improvements. This week John II. Constantine proposes a new arrangement for a barn ; said barn is to be from 80 to 100 feet square, with a cellar under the whole, 10 feet deep. My calculation on 100 feet square, makes the cost more than $3000, if built well, with a good stone basement on three eides. For a poor farmer, $3000 — "I promise to pay," is an ugly customer to jjay. The inter- est, taxes and repairs are more than $200 a year! When he gets his barn built, and his stalls, 12 by 12, all ready, he is going to cart in his marl, &c., for winter use. Before he puts his stock into the pens, he is going to put into each stall one foot in depth of his marl, &c. ; i. e., 144 feet. I took the stock I had wintered the last year, to see what it would cost me. I must have 40 stalls for my stock ; 144 x 40=5700 solid feet, or 45 cords, or 135 common ox-cart loads. That is to fill the stalls once. Now if a man will dig and cart into my barn- yard, what will make, when dry, six loads a day, I will be satisfied with his day's work, — 135 di- vided by 6=22i days. Thus it will take a man and a team 22^ days to draw the first laying. He })roposes to change this one a month — say eix times ; then it would take a man and team 135 days to draw the marl, &c., for winter use, — at $2 a day, $270. When you add the drop- ping of the stock, it will cost about the same to cart it on to the land, unless the farm is close to his barn, say, $270. Now, he proposes t® have 45 cords, or 135 loads, shovelled over once a week, and once a month to take out what is in the stalls, and put in fresh marl, &c. This is rather hard to calcu- late, as I do not know how he proposes to make the exchange ; but I will venture to guess that it would take three hands all the time ; at $20 a month for labor and board six months, this would amount to $360, making an aggregate of $900. Some farmers may be so situated that they can make the above experiment for less ; and it would cost others more. But I still find another difficulty. Where am I to get marl, &c., say 810 loads a year, for winter use ? It would soon make my meadows all fish-ponds ! If a man is rich enough, he may go into such experiments; but woe to the farmer worth from $3000 to $4000 who should try it. When Mr. Constantine gets his barn built, I shall call and see it, if I can. Eollis, N. n., 1859. Ed. Emerson. For the New England Farmer. NUMBER OF TILES TO THE ACBE. The following rule for ascertaining how many tiles per acre will be required for drains at a cer- tain distance apart, may be found convenient, and is easily remembered. In estimating, to include main drains, divide 48000 by the distance apart in feet. Thus : if the drains are to be 30 feet apart, 30 \4800O 1600 the number required. If forty feet apart, 40 \4800O 1200 the number required. Unless the drains are to be laid at an odd dis- tance apart, the division may be made mentally in a moment. The percentage of tile to be used in the main drains varies with the length of the laterals and v/ith their distances apart. The above given rule supposes the laterals to be forty feet apart, and to have an average length of about four hundred feet each. If it is required to know how many tiles would be used for lateral drains only, divide 43,560 by the distance apart. Thus : for lateral drains, 36 feet apart, 36\A35f)0 1210 the number required. These estimates suppose the available length of tiles to be one foot each, and in using those which are cut from the machine in lengths of 14 inches each, it will be found that about one thous- and in number are required to lay one thousand feet in length. This is owing to the shrinkage of the clay in burning, to breaknge in transpor- tation, and to the rejection of imperfect tile. Boston, May, 1859. J. Herbert Siiedd. Cattle Show and Fair. — The Martha's Vineyard Cattle Show and Fair will be held at West Tisbury, on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 11 and 12, 1859. 320 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July DESIGN FOR A COUNTRY SCHOOL-HOUSE. Perhaps we cannot better subserve the inter- est of the reader, in one issue, than by present- ing him a pleasant and convenient design of a country school-house. We think our people, at present, are a little inclined to show and extrav- agance in the construction of their school-houses, and sometimes burdtin themselves with taxes that are 7iot fully paid by the feeling of gratifica- tion, or pride, which they realize in the view, or contemplation of their handsome building. It Is evidently economical to erect a substantial and well-arranged school-house, as well as an evi- dence of a high degree of good taste, of civili- zation, and a desire for progress in what ennobles and makes man better. But when we go beyond this, and add fanciful decorations that are some- what questionable, and certainly expensive, we build monuments of folly, and load the commu- nity with burdens which they ought not to bear. We copy this design by consent, from JoHON- NEt's country school-houses, published by Icison & Pliinney, New York, and suggest to those en- gaged in building or altering school-houses to send for the book. Soap Suds for Currant Bushes. — A cor- respondent of the Indiana Farmer says : "I have found the cultivation of currants to be very profitable. By care and attention I greatly in- creased the size of the bushes and the quality of the fruit. My bushes are now about six or eight feet in height, and are remarkably thrifty. The cause of this large growth, I attribute in a great measure to the fact that I have been in the habit of pouring soap suds and chamber lye around their roots during the summer season. I am satisfied from my own experience and that of some of my neighbors, that this treatment will produce a most astonishing effect upon the growth and product of the bushes, and would advise others to give it a trial." — Ohio Valley Farmer. BOI.LES' PATENT EOCK LIFTER. This famous machine was in operation at the Shaker Village in Harvard, on Tuesday, May 31, and we had the curiosity to look at its operations again, to see whether its achievements would cor- roborate our former good opinion of it. On arriv- ing upon the ground we found the machine in op- eration, and it only required a few moments' ob- servation to satisfy us that no question with re- gard to its ability was left open — it did all that was required of it, in so brief and quiet a manner, that no opportunity was given for doubt or ex- citement. So, after looking at it for an hour, we hurried off to a machine-shop to catch a little ex- citement among trip-hammers, turning-lathes and morticing-machines, leaving the Rock-Lifter to an admiring crowd of men and women who wore few, if any, hoops ! They stood aghast to see rocks of five tons' weight exhumed at the rate of six or eight per hour, and probably won- dered "what in natur' would happen next." It was said by good judges present, that the ma- chine, aided by three men, a pair of oxen and a horse, accomplished more in one day, than six men and two pairs of oxen could have done in a week. We believe they were correct. We are under obligations to Deacon Augus- tus Grosvenor for "the key to his office," and for pleasant invitations to "take tea" within his neat and orderly precincts. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 321 POETHAIT OF AN ANTI-BO OK-FABMEB, The following very readable remarks we ex- tract from Henry Ward Beecher's new book, "Plain Talks to Farmers," to be published June 4th, by Messrs. Brown, Taggard & Chase, of this city : Whenever our anti-book-farmers can show us better crops at a less expense, better flocks, and better farms, and better owners on them, than book-farmers can, we shall become converts to their doctiines. But, as yet, we cannot see how intelligence in a farmer, should injure his crops. Nor what difference it makes whether a farmer gets his ideas from a sheet of paper, or from a neighbor's mouth, or from his own experience, so that he only gets good, practical, sound ideas. A farmer never objects to receive political in- formation from newspapers ; he is quite willing to learn the state of markets from newspapers, and as willing to gain religious notions from reading, and historical knowledge, and ali sorts of information expept that which relates to his business. He will go over and hear a neighbor tell how he prepares his wheat-lands, how he se- lects and puts in his s-^t-d, how he deals with his grounds in spring, in harvest and after harvest- time ; but if that neighbor should write it all down carefully and put it into paper, it's all poi- son ! its book-farming 1 "Strange such a difference there should. b« 'Twixt tweedledum, and tweedledee." ' If we raise a head of lettuce surpassing all that has been seen hereabouts, every good farmer that loves a salad would send for a little seed, and ask, as he took it, "How do you contrive to raise such monstrous headsj* you must have some secret about it." But if my way were writ- ten down and printed, he would not touch it. "Poh, it's bookish !" Now let us inquire in what States land is the best managed, yields the most with the least cost, where are the best sheep, the best cattle, the best hogs, the best wheat ? It will be found to be in those States having the most agricultural papers. What is there in agriculture that requires a man to be ignorant if he will be skilful ? Or why may every other class of men learn by read- ing except the farmer ? Mechanics have their iournals ; commercial men have their papers^ re- ligious men, theirs; politicians, theirs; there are magazines and journals for the arts, for science, for education, and why not for that grand pur- suit on which all these stand ^} We really could never understand why farmers should not wish to have their vocation on a level with others ; why they should feel proud to have no paper, while every pursuit is fond of having one. Those who are prejudiced against book-farm- ing are either good farmers, misinformed of the design of agricultural papers, or poor farmers •who only treat this subject as they do all others, with*blundering ignorance. First, the good far- mers ; there are in every county many industri- ous, hard-working men, who know that they can- not afford to risk anything upon wild experi- ments. They have a growing family to support, taxes to pay, lands perhaps on which purchase to make their crops build a barn, that the barn may hold their crops. They suppose an agricul- tural paper to be stuffed full of wild fancies, ex- pensive experiments, big stories made up by men who know of no farming except parlor-farming. They would, doubtless, be surjn-ised to learn that ninety-nine parts in a hundred of the contents of agricultural papers are written by hard-work- ing practical farmers ! that the editor's business is not to foist absurd stories upon credulous readers, but to sift stories, to scrutinize accounts, to obtain whatever has been abundantly proved to be fact, and to reject all that is suspected to be mere fanciful theory. Such papers are design- ed to prevent imposition ; to kill off pretenders by exposing them ; to search out from practical men whatever they have found out, and to pub- lish it for the benefit of their brethren all over the Union ; to spread before the laboring classes such sound, well-approved scientific knowledge as shall throw light upon every operation of the farm, the orchard and the garden. The other class who rail at book-farming ought to be excused, for they do not treat book-farm- ing any worse than they do their own farming; indeed, not half so bad. They rate the paper with their tongue ; but cruelly abuse their ground, for twelve months in the year, with both hands. I will draw the portrait of a genuine anti-book- farmer of this last sort. He plows three inches deep, lest he should turn up the poison that, in his estimation, lies be- low ; his wheat-land is plowed so as to keep as much water on it as possible ; he sows two bush- els to the acre and reaps ten, so that it takes a fifth of his crop to seed his ground ; his corn- land has never any help from him, but bears just what it pleases, which is from thirty to thirty-five bushels by measurement, though he brags that it is fifty or sixty. His hogs, if not remarkable for fattening qualities, would beat old Eclipse at a quarter-race; and were the man not prejudiced against deep plowing, his hogs would work his grounds better with their prodigious snouts than he does with his jack-knife plow. His meadow- lands yield him from three-quarters of a ton to a whole ton of hay, which is regularly spoiled in curing, regularly left out for a month, and very irregularly stacked up, and left for the cattle to pull out at their pleasure, and half-eat and half- trample underfoot. His horses would excite the avarice of an anatomist in search of osteological specimens, and returning from their range of pasture, they are walking herbariums, bearing specimens in their mane and tail of every weed that bears a bur or a cockle. But, O, the cows ! If held up in a bright day to the sun, don't you think they would be semi-transparent ? But he 'ells us that good milkers are always poor ! His cows get what Providence sends them, and very little beside, except in winter, then they have a half-peck of corn on ears a foot long thrown to them, and they afford lively spectacles of anima- ted corn and cob-crushers — never mind, they yield, on an average, three quarts of milk a-day ! and that milk yields varieties of butter quite as- tonishing. His farm never grows any better, in many re- spects it gets annually worse. After ten years' work on a good soil, while his neighbors have money is due, or they are straining every nerve Igrown rich, he is just where he started, only his 322 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July house is dirtier, his fences more tottering, his soil poorer, his pride and his ignorance greater. And when, at last, he sells out to a Pennsylva- nian that reads the Farmer's Cabinet, or to some Nevt- Yorker with his Cultivator packed up care- fully as if it v.-ere gold, or to a Yankee with his Neiv England Farmer, he goes off to Missouri, thanking Heaven that he's not a book-farmer ! Unquestionably, there are two sides to this question, and both of them extreme, and there- fore both of them deficient in science and in common sense. If men were made according to our notions, there should not be a silly one alive ; but it is otherwise ordered, and there is no de- partment of human life in which we do not find the weak and foolish men. This is true of farm- ing as much as of any other calling. Buf no one dreams of setting down the vocation of agricul- ture, because, like every other, it has its propor- tion of stupid men. Why then should agricultural icriters, as a class, be summarily rejected because some of them are visionary ? Are we not to be allowed our share of fools as well as every other depart- ment of life ? We insist on our rights. A book or a paper never proposes to take the place of a {sLvmer's judgment. Not to read at all is bad enongh; but to read, and swallow every- thing without reflection, or discrimination, this is even worse. Such a one is not a book-headed but a block-headed farmer. Papers are designed to assist. Those who read them must select, modify, and act according to their own native judgment. So used, papers answer a double pur- pose ; they convey a great amount of valuable practical information, and then they stir up the reader to habits of thought ; they make him more inquisitive, more observing, more reasoning, and, therefore, more reasonable. Now, as to the contents of agricultural papers, ■whose fault is it if they are not practical f Who are the practical men ? who are daily conversant •with just the things a cultivator most needs to know? who is stumbling upon difficulties, or dis- covering some escape from them ? who is it that knows so much about gardens, orchards, farms, cattle, grains and grasses ? Why, the very men who won't write a tcord for the paper that they read, and then complain that there is nothing practical in it. Y'es, there is. There is practical evidence that men are more willing to be helped than to help others ; and also that men some- times blame others for things of which they themselves are chiefly blameworthy. For the New England Famier. MO"WINQ MACHINES. I am frequently asked what kind of mowing machine had I better obtain for the cutting of the grass on a farm of about one hundred acres — fif ty of which are upland mowing ? A mower moved by one horse should be sufficient for such a farm ; though if two or more adjoining farmers could unite in purchasing a machine to be moved by two horses, the work would be better done. The best way you can fix it, it requires power, and considerable of it, to carry through a swarth three and a half or four feet wide, where there is a burden of grass of two tons to the acre ; and no enterprising farmer should remain sfttisfied with a crop less than this, on land of fair quality. I know that the average product, throughout the State, is less than one ton to the acre ; but this does not prove that it ought not to be two tons ; it only proves that the present state of culture is far below what it ought to be. So many have practised skinning their land, by run- ning the plow only four or five inches deep, and scrimping it by dealing out their manure with a small shovel — that the small crop mentioned is the consequence. EssEX. May 2, 18o9. COTTAGE SONG. BT JOHN 8. ADAJJ8. We've a cottage clothed with roses, Near a wood, Where the singing birds of summer Nest and brood ; There in early spring the daises Gem the sod, Looking up to heaven above them, And to God. There in holy calm we worship One above, Through His works that all around ns Speak His love ; Bead we there His will in every P.ock and tree, While His blessings fall upon us, Kich and free. Beautiful the morning sunlight Cometh there, Crowning Nature at her early Morning prayer ; And at eTening, when the twilight Closeth round, Still, devoutly at her worship, la she found. We are not alnne, for angels Come and go, Walking often through our cottage To and fro ; Promising to guide and guard us With their love, Till we go to live among them, Up above. Simple life is ours); we follow Nature's way, Learning of her truthful lessons Day by d&y ; Striving to fulfil our miission, — Doing good : Living happy in our cottage Near the wood. Sour Milk in Greece. — Dr. Landerer states that the Greeks, as well as the Turks, are great lovers of milk, especially sour milk, called by the former xynagalon, and by the latter Jagusii. Immense quantities of this sour milk are brought from the neighborhood of Attica to Alhens, and every one hastens to purchase it in tne be- lief of its wholesome qualities. And, in fact, this xynogalon, which exhibits a gelatinous co- agulum, is a very cooling and nutritious article. It is consumed with almost every dish. The shepherds prepare it either with rennet or from some of the dried coagulum of the milk itself j 1859. iNTEW ENGLAND FARMER. 323 but the milk-sellers of the town employ alum for the purpose, or place in the ■\\arm milk an old! Spanish coin, supposed to be of peculiar efficacy in securing coagulation. EXTBACT8 AND HEPLIES. AKTICHOKES FOR COWS — ^yIIITE SPECKS IN BUTTER. "Will you be so kind as to inform me through the columns of your paper, vrhether or no arti- chokes are useful to give cows. I Jhave, for years, occasionally noticed white specks in butter, and have made inquiry for the cause, but no one can tell. If you rinse the but- ter, many of those white particles will float on the top of the water, but it is impossible to get them all out. If you can tell me the cause or preventive, you will favor one who is interested in your journal. "^Vhat soil is best for white blackberries, and what will make them productive. T. Felchville, VL, ISj'J. Remarks. — Artichokes are good for cows, given in proper quantities. In churning, as soon as the butter begins to come, all the particles of cream that have been thrown to the top, or any other part of the churir, should be carefully scraped down. If they are left, they will, more or less of them, mingle with the butter, and make white spots. Sometimes, however, butter will have white streaks through it. This may be occasioned by collecting the cream at many different times, so that in churn- ing some of it is quite fresh and does not "come" so readily as the rest. The cream, while being collected, should be salted a little, and carefully stirred every day. OBSTRUCTED MILK. I have a valuable cow which calved about ten days ago ; she has an obstruction in one of her hind teats. The milk will only flow in a very small fine stream and takes as long to milk it as it would two cows. The teat or udder does not swell, no appearance of garget ; but there ap- pears to be a small hard bunch in the teat in the milk passage close up to the udder. Can you, or any of your readers, tell me what to do for it ? Atkinson, A^, II., May, 1859. L. Keen. Remarks. — Take one-half of a small pair of scissors, and grind down to a sharp edge on both sides, and running down to a small point. Hold the teat firmly in the left hand and thrust the in- strument up the teat, gently, so as to make an incision one-sixteenth or one-eighth of an inch wide. If you find the stream obstructed in a day or two, repeat the operation. TO SAVE VINES FROM BUGS. The most sure remedy is to go over the hills early in the morning, and kill all you can find; get some old shingles or bits of board, put a lit- tle tar on one side, and lay it so the bugs can crawl under, by the side of the hill ; they can then be readily found about the middle of the day and killed. 1 sometimes use a mixture of three parts flour, two of sulphur, one black pep- per, and sprinkle a little on and around the vines. Last season, I entirely gained the victory over the bugs in three days. Perhaps some may think my mode requires a deal of labor, but one hour in the morning and another at noon for a few days will save an acre, that is, if the bugs do no worse than heretofore. Shaker Village, N. U. Henry J. Durgin. RECLAIMING LAND. I have a small piece of wet land that was cov- ered with brakes and small brush, and bore little worth anything. In August, 1855, I mowed it with a bush scythe, and let it dry well, and then burned it. After which I took a team and plow and tore it up, and let it rest until the next June, 1857 ; then I took a bog-hoe, and levelled it, and dug a ditch, and sowed herds-grass, red-top and clover seed and a few ashes. In 1858, I cut two crops of hay; the first was as large as I could well dry on the land. I have tried a number of pieces in the same way with equal success. Asliby, Mass., 1859. A. Taylor. GREEN WORMS — INCH WORMS. Last year the currant and gooseberry bushes of this place were stripped of their leaves, by a green worm about an inch long when full grown, by some called the inch-worm. When the bush is jarred, it will suspend itself by a web some six or eight inches long, and then return to its work of destruction. They are so numerous in some localities that it would be an endless job to pick them off" by hand. Can you tell of some more expeditious method of ridding our gardens of this pest ? They commence their work about the last of May or first of June. I. G. J. Great Falls, May 16, 1859. Remarks.— AVe know of no remedy, as the common application of whale oil soap, &c., would be quite likely to spoil the fruit. ROOT crops. Having read considerable discussion in the Farmer the past winter, on "Root Crops," I would refer you to an article written by myself at your request, printed in the Fanner of April 0, 1856, on the first page, in regard to "Root Crops." I wish to say that I have practiced the same mode of farming with equal success, and that I now have a cow five years old that weighs 2360 lbs., being 300 lbs. heavier than either of those I had at the United States fair at Boston. I wish to have it understood that her principal extra feed during the winters has been roots. ' JosiAii Bennett. Westmoreland, N. H., April, 1859. cockroaches. Can you, or any of the readers of your valua- ble paper, inform me what will exterminate cock- roaches ? A Subscriber. 324 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July For the New England Farmer, STRAIGHT COMB. Mr. Editor,: — I fully agree M-ith Mr. Quinby as to the advantage of the movable comb hive. Indeed, it is difficult to understand how any one •who has given it a fair trial could come to any other conclusion. Mr. Quinby says that he should be pleased to have all admit that the triarKjular guide was public property. I understand that it is, and that any one has a right to use it. Soon after I commenced keeping bees in the Lang- stroth hive, Mr. Clark's partner or agent called on me, and forbid my using the guide. I subse- quently learned from the Patent Office that neither Mr. Clark nor Mr. Langstroth had ob- tained a patent for this part of the hive. Which of the claimants is entitled to the invention is a matter of little interest to me, as I do not now use it, and consider it of no value. Mr. Clark's partner or agent did not succeed in forcing me to pay him five dollars for his pre- tended patent, but he did succeed in calling my attention to the possibility that there might be other ways of securing straight comb quite as good, and perhaps better. I shall now endeavor to describe a plan so easy in its arrangement, so certain in its results, that I doubt if a better can be desired. • Take M-orker comb one or two years old and cut it into strips one and a half or two cells wide. With a small brush, coat the under side of the top strip of the frame with melted rosin and bees wax, and immediately lay on one of the pieces of cut comb, placing it so that the divis- ions between the bottom of the cells will form a line through the centre of the top piece of the frame from end to end. If the comb is crooked it can be straightened, and as it adheres firmly to the wood, it will remain so. One frame full of comb will cut enough for several hives. As the comb does not cut smooth and neatly with a cold knife, I make use of a plan by which the knife is always kept warm, cutting the comb so smooth that the bees take up the cells where the Knife leaves them, and proceed with their work without cutting away any of the comb. This ar- rangement for obtaining straight comb costs less than the triangular guide, is more reliable, and is free to all. E. A. Brackett. Winchester, For the Nev> England Farmer. HOTW CUT NAILS WERE INTRODUCED. Mr. Editor: — In your paper of March 12, under the head of "American Inventions," is a communication from Caleb Bates, Kingston, Mass., upon the invention of screw augers and cut nails. I have some facts in regard to the first invention of cut nails, received mainly from the Hon. John Folsom, formerly of Chester, once well known in various public offices, and as the keeper of a public house, which I will relate per- haps more in detail, and be more personal than will be generally interesting, but I think will in- terest many individuals. Mr. Folsom told me that his father, David Folsom, was the first inventor of cut nails. The idea was suggested to him by seeing some person cutting with a pair of shears, some pieces off the end of an iron hoop. He commenced cutting nails with shears, and heading them in acommoa vise. He then improved by having his cutting ap[)aratus operated by a crank motion with a fly wheel, and a treadle operated by the foot. Iq heading, the vise was superseded by dies, a sta- tionary one fastened to a bench, and a movable one attached to a lever, and drawn together by the foot. When this was first invented, every nail was taken from the dies, as well as pui in, with the fingers. They soon bored a hole through the bench, so that the nails could drop out by their own gravity. The introduction of the business, I think, was at Tamworth, N. H., or that vicinity. My infor- mant was born in 1776, and I think that Avhen he was eleven years old, which would be about 17S7, his father removed with his family to Har risburgh. Pa., and there set up the business, but died in a few months, leaving another son, Wil- liam Johnson Folsom, some four or five years older than John, and they carried on the business there until John was about sixteen, or about 1793, when they removed back to Tamworth, and se4 up the business. In April, 1794, Hon. Joseph Blanchard, of Chester, N. H., who owned the mills at what ia now Auburn village, married the widow Folsom, who was a daughter of the Rev. William John- son, of West Newbury, Mass., and in the course of a year, the young Folsoms removed there, and carried on the business, and after a while, com- menced cutting by water, but still heading by hand. After tlie New Hampshire State Prison was established, nails were cut there and carried to Concord to be headed by the prisoners, but the self-heading machines having come into use, it became a losing business, and was given up. Auburn, N. U., May 3, 1859. B. Chase. MIDDLESEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. This Society, although the oldest county soci- ety in the State, is still hale and hearty. Its af- fairs are systematically managed. Its officers are energetic men, and the programme of its last exhibition was promptly carried out. The sum awarded in premiums was .$708,30. Their last Transactions has several valuable reports of committees. One on heifers con- tains several useful suggestions to breeders. — The paper by Asa Clement, of Dracut, is both witty and instructive, and tells the truth plainly about dwarf pears. The result of this depart- ment of fruit culture has not hitherto proved very satisfactory. We think there has been money enough expended in it, and we cannot, in conscience, recommend it, except in localities that have been found peculiarly favorable. The report by Samuel H. Riioades, of Con- cord, on stallions, is a good one. That upon bread, by MixoT Pratt, of Concord, shows that he both knows what good bread is, and how to make it. Several of the statements by competi- tors for premiums are rather meagre. We should 1859. KEW ENGLAND FARMER. 325 be glad to see them more full and particular. The two most important papers in the report are a story by the Secretary, Dr, Joseph Rey- nolds, designed to illustrate farm management — and the address at the table by Ralph Waldo Emerson. These are both interesting, and both suggestive of thought. Mr. Emerson's address is in his own peculiar style. He has a wonderful faculty of clothing old ideas in a new garb, so as to make them appear original and impressive. He can say more in a few words than most men, and he takes a philosophical view of everything he looks at. We heard of a remark with regard to the story upon farm management from one of the best farmers in the county, which we think, will afford the author more pleasure than the premium he received for it. It was this. The farmer said if he had a son who was going to farming, he knew of nothing he would sooner put into his hands, tRan that simple story. Both the story and the address have been extensively copied, not only by the agricultural press, but other papers also. We do not notice any premiums awarded for flowers, or for farms, or experiments. We would recommend the offer of premiums for experi- ments in reclaiminsf pasture lands, as a subject of great importance in Middlesex county, — the greatest milk-raising county in the State. The pastures in Middlesex are very much exhausted, and if anything can be done to restore them, it will be of immense value to the county. There is much experience in this county with respect to feeding stock, which if it could be brought out, might result in securing much lar- ger products from the same means. For tlie New England Farmer. SECOND MARKET DAY FOB ESSEX. This came off near Sutton's Mills, in North An- dover, yesterday. The gathering was large, the animals presented of superior character, and trading brisk and satisfactory. So well satisfied were the trustees of these markets that they de- termined to hold a third at Georgetown, on Tues- day, the 21st of June, 1859. The probability is, double this number would have been at Andover had it not have been for the rainy aspect of the skies ; but the rain did not essentially mar the utility of the fair. I was pleased to see on the ground a mower, to be moved by one horse ; and wheels for guid- ing the plow without hands ; and corn cultiva- tors, said to do the needful, without disturbing the roots of the plants. 1 have entire confidence, that market fairs are to be one of our 3Iay 18, 1859. Yankee Notions. Agricultural Books. — Messrs. Crosby Nichols & Co., Washington Street, Boston, keep a large assortment of agricultural books which they offer at low prices. A good farmer cannot afford to be without good agricultural books, as he will find his profits increased by their perusal. A NEW PLO"WMAN. Labor-saving implements and machinery are desirable, we believe, on every account ; at least, we know not what possible disadvantage is con- nected with any good labor-saving machine. — If they are useful and profitable under our pres- ent mode of culture, they will be likely to re- main so until superseded by something still more useful and profitable. Under existing circumstances, where so large a portion of the farm labor of New England is performed by our trans-Atlantic brethren, we want one of two things — machines that will think, so as to perform all this labor in the cheapest and best manner, or some person must put his own thoughts into machines, and so con- trive them as to make them work without thought, when the motive power is applied to them! The farmer will surely be disappointed, who expects to conduct his aff"airs satisfactorily with only the heads and hands of these excellent brethren in their way, to whom we have alluded. They have broad shoulders and strong hands, with some impulse and great persistency in la- bor, but nothing, or little, to guide it. They must pass many more years yet in a course of preparation, aided constantly by Yankee teach- ing and examples of aptitude, before they will become qualified to take the lead in our agricul- tural operations. The Plowman, introduced at the head of this article, is'^ machine of the latter description. Hitch it to your motive power, set it in place, and your men, without heads, or at least, heads innocent of much thought, will perform for you a good work. The Plowman, like most good contrivances, is a very simple affair — merely a triangle of cast iron, with a M'heel at one point- It is attached to the beam of the plow by bolts or screws, and is not easily broken or put out of place. In company with Mr. J. M. Whitney, of Bolton, Mass., the inventor, we took it to the field and set it in motion. When once in place, and properly adjusted, it kept on its way un- 326 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July touched by any one, and did work that would do credit to the best workmen. Its employ- ment will save the labor of one hand, in many instances, and a saving may be made in a single week sufheient to pay for it. Look at it, and if it seems comely to you, test it. For the New England Farmer. AGKICULTUKE. Mr. Epitor : — In order to obviate some of the prejudices which, unfortunately, exist among farmers against hook knowledge, I wish to say a few words \i\)ox\scientiJic, experimental &nA. prac- tical agriculture. Scieniijic agriculture, as I understand it, ex- plains the various methods of cultivating, improv- ing and beautifying the earth, so as to render it more productive and delightful. The term ag- riculture, it derived from "ager," a field, and "cul- tura," culture, so that, according to its etymology, it means, field- culture. In a restricted sense, it is confined to, and explains, the different opera- tions required in the cultivation and improve- ment of arable and grass lands, and whatever ap- pertains to the same ; the cultivating and pre- serving ditierent kinds of crops, fruits, kc. In a more extensive sense, it includes the breeding, rearing, feeding and management of all kinds of stock, and the disposal of the same. And it is the particular province of 5cj'e«^//?c agriculture to explain the reasons why things should be done thus and so, and not in a different manner. Sci- ence means knowledge ; and he who possesses it, is master of his subject, and is competent to ex- plain it. But, as it is human to err, and there is no such thing as human perfection, it frequent- ly happens, that our most scientific men are mis- taken in some points, and therefore are not per- fectly reliable in all their statements ; and the rea- son is obvious, either because they have been de- ficient in scientific knowledge, or I)ecause they have carelessly overlooked some of the causes which have contributed to produce a certain re- sult, or have attributed the result to wrong causes. In either case, it does not prove the uselessness or the worthlessness of science, or book-know- ledge, but directly the reverse ; for, if the most knowing and scientific sometimes make mistakes, the least scientific, that is, the most ignorant, will be the most likely to make the most frequent mistakes. Errors of this kind are the result of ignorance, and not of science or knowledge ; and their frequency is generally in proportion to the degrees of ignorance which prevail. Ignorant peo- ple on this subject, are like narroM'-necked bot- tles, the less they have in them, the more noise they make in pouring it out. They seem to think that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing," especially if it be derived from books. At least, they think it quite unnecessary for farmers to trouble themselves much about book knowledge, or to try to educate themselves beyond their im- mediate labor in the field. They seem almost to entertain a prejudice against one who devotes much attention to subjects of art, or science, or general literature, as though such studies were inconsistent with the ordinary business of a thrifty farmer. Very few farmers are so burdened with work, that they cannot find one or two hours each day for other studies besides those which re- late to agriculture. The objects of all our pri- vate studies should be the better to qualify our- selves for our work, to make us more intelligent, more skilful, more scientific, and thus to raise ourselves above mere serfs and laborers, to a po- sition of influence and growing usefulness. Experiment alai^ncnXiuve differs in some respects from the scientific, inasmuch as it consists in en- deavoring to find out by a. series of experiments, what science already knows and is prepared to teach systematically. All experiments are more or less expensive. It may cost hundreds and thousands of dollars to test and to make sure what we desire to know. To accomplish our purpose, time and money and labor are required. But, when we have once obtained our knowledge by well tried experiments, and printed the re- sults in a book, it then ceases to be experimental, and is so much added to our present stock of scientific knowledge. Every one who tries ex- periments should be a man of thought and re- flection, who knows how to combine elements, so as to make wheat, corn, roots and other vegeta- bles grow, upon which man and beast subsist. He should be a reader of agricultural books and pe- riodicals, a careful observer of nature, a close thinker, a correct reasoner, so as to be able to draw correct conclusions. In making experiments, he should do it at first on a small scale, and ac- cording to his means, and repeat them a sufficient number of times to establish their certainty. But, then, there would be less need of his making ex- periments, if he read more and understood bet- ter the experiments of others. Books should be "the man of his counsel and the lamp to bis feet to guide him in the path of duty," because books contain the experiments and the experi- ence of others. Still he should not believe in the truth of every statement which he finds in agricultural books and papers, especially in the latter, because many of the writers in the agri- cultural papers are uneducated men, honest and truthful, but they do not know the whole truth, and are liable to make wrong statements. For instance, in the use of salt, quicklime, potash, &c., for agricultural purposes, great caution is neces- sary, however strongly they may be recommen- ded ; because, when improperly used, or in wrong quantities, they are very destructive to vegetation. It is chiefly owing to the mistakes which have been made in the use of these and such like ar- ticles, that so many prejudices exist against book knowledge. Practical agriculture is founded on science, experiment and experience ; in other words, it is practical knowledge applied to farming, wheth- er that knowledge be derived from books con- taining the result of other men's experience, or from our own thoughts, study and experience. At any rate, it is not visionary or theoretical, but practical. It consists in applying the well-know " and well-established principles in the science o. agriculture to the cultivation and improvement of the soil, in rendering it more productive and better fitted for the support and accommodation of man and beast. We have many practical far- mers who do not pretend to be very scientific, ov much given to experiment, but whose pi«cllce works to a charm. They read and think ?.nd 1S59. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 327 judge for themselves, and apply in practice what- ever appears to be right and reasonable. They are not only practical, but progressive far- mers. They are continually learning more and more, and doing better every year. They go on from one degree of improvement to another, so that you may know them by their good fruits, as well as by their good Avorks. John Goldsbuet. For the Nete England Fanner. TASTE AMONG FAKMEBS. Mr. Editor : — There seems to be a great want of taste among many of our farmers. They appear to think that taste is of no importance whatever — something which they have nothing to do with — and if they only attend to the impor- tant duties of the farm, they care nothing for appearances. One way in which they show want of taste, is in the surroundings of their dwellings ; they will leave an ox-cart, sled or hay-rigging, in the door- yard, or in close proximity to the house, rather than be at the trouble of removing it a rod or two farther, where it would not be so unsightly. Some will have piles of manure, heaps of stones or huge piles of wood, left where they give an air of slovenliness to the homestead, no matter how new or handsome the buildings may be. There are eome farmers who limit their shade trees to a few so situated that they cannot damage land which they care anything about, making that the standarfl, and sacrificing a noble elm, or hand- some oak, or maple, because they draw the juic- es of the soil, and they fear they shall have a few less hills of potatoes or corn, if they let them remain. Perhaps some will say, well, my buildings are old, and 1 don't think it makes much diflerence what I have around them ; but /say it does make a great difference. What if the buildings are old ? if there is an air of thrift and neatness about them, they will not look one-half so unsightly. Who would not see a difference between even a hovel without a shade tree or a rosebush, and one precisely like it with rosebushes and wood- bines, climbing up its «veather-beaten walls, cov- ering its numerous imperfections, and with the addition of one or two shade trees, making the spot look really attractive ? It makes nearly as much difference as there is between neatness and negligence, in the interior of a dwelling. Think not that I believe all farmers show a want of taste, for many a farmer's home exhibits an appreciation of the tasteful and beautiful highly creditable to the proprietor. Let not the farmer think it is beneath him to attend to such things, nor consider that time lost, which he spends in making the surroundings of his house tasteful and attractive. "Let the green tree wave by thy cottage door, And the rose in thy garden bloom ; — With them shall the planter's memory soar, Whfn he rests in the quiet tomb : — And oft shall the travellers yiause to view The works of thy patriot hands, — The rose and the tree — the elm or the yew, That now by thy door- way stands." Concord, Mass., Feb., 1859. Taste. For the Neic England Farmer. PRUNING AND RAISING APPLE TREES. My attention was called to make this commu- nication by seeing one signed by Thomas Ellis, of Rochester, in the N. E. Farmer, monthly, vol. 10, page 539, I have got into the same dilemma myself that the writer of that article did. I have tried for a number of years to raise an orchard, and have succeeded in getting about a dozen trees to bear about as many apples each, and a small nursery for my own use of about one hundred trees large enough to set, all grafted. Now I am willing to confess I pruned my trees the wrong season of the year. About a year ago I examined articles on pru- ning in the N. E. Farmer, from vol. 2 to that time, and with more light, as I thought, than I had possessed before, made up my mind to prune my trees about the middle of June, althougii the editor quoted in one place from Downing, that "small branches may be taken off any month in the year with safety." This can't be so, and I did not believe it when I read it, but did think it would be safe to prune about the middle of June. I began to prune some the 11th of June, but did the most of it just after the middle. I covered the wounds M'ith cement, but they soon commenced bleeding, and I could not stop them. I thdtf'ght of searing them with a hot iron, but had never seen that recommended. If they run very much, the tree is ruined ; it makes it sickly, and soon dies ; the sap running down, kills the bark and rots the tree. I have lost a number of trees by haying them injured by cultivating among them, by breaking the branches off, or otherwise maiming them. And with all the light of the present day, probably not one tree out of four lives to grow up a healthy tree. A great many orchards are killed by pruning, some by mice, some by cattle, so that the chances for get- ting an orchard are small. From what little ex- perience and observation I have had, it is my opinion that any farmer may set an orchard on good ground with trees grafted or budded, then cultivate yearly, and in ten jears from the time the trees are set, not more than one in four will be worth what it cost when set. We think the present age is an enlightened one ; that our forefathers were "old fogies." It may be so, in some instances, but is it so gener- ally ? I think not. Even in orcharding, farmers took great pains to get trees ; some carried them miles on their shoulders to set orchards, selecting the best situation, preferring a side-hill. After being set, they were left to grow, not torn up by the roots with a plow, or barked by the ox-yoke or the harrow, nor pruned to death. Grafting and budding were not practised as now, it is true ; the object was then to raise apples/or the family, and apples for cider. This they did to a good purpose. It is true they did not have so good a variety as at the present day, but many of our best apples are from the "native" trees. The editor, in his remarks on Mr, Ellis' com- munication, when speaking of our fathers, says : "They probably pruned apple trees in March or April, because it more was convenient, and as they did not graft nor bud and produce as many valuable trees as we do now, they cared less if 328 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July they did die, and would supply their places with Bfiother set of natural fruit." Here, in the cold State of Maine, March is the hest time to prune. I have known trees for thirty years that had been pruned in ^larch that are now healthy trees. Three years ago I had small trees in my nursery trimmed by the snow settling in March. The branches were broken off, so as to leave a cavity in the main stem, and I never saw trees heal so quick, and that were so smooth where the branch came off, as they are now. E. G. C. Canaan, Me., May, lSo9. Remarks. — Trees are governed by natural laws just as much as animals, or the winds or rains. If the land of "Canaan," where our cor- respondent dates, is so cold and backward a re- gion as he intimates, then July would be the time to prune, according to our theory. MIDDLESEX SOUTH AGRICUIiTUBAL SOCIETY. This society appears to be in a flourishing con- dition. It is in the hands of energetic and pro- gressive men. The address of Hon. Emery Washburn contains many useful suggestions. The dinner was enlivined by the presence and remarks of several eloquent gentlemen. This so- ciety has usually been fortunate in the selection of guests which have honored their board. The various statements of the poultry fanciers are an interesting feature in the reports, and show what can be done in this department of the farm, by care and judicious management. The only premiums awarded for horses, were for farm and working horses. Such premiums clearly come within the range of farm premiums. As the labor of horses is fast taking the place of ox labor, we should be glad to see the breeding of this class of horses encouraged. Several pre- miums were awarded for cut flowers and bouquets. These add much to the beauty of the exhibition in the hall, and their culture is a source of much pleasure, and a gratification to any person of taste, and we hope all our county societies will offer premiums for their exhibition. We notice that several have done so this past season. Awards were made for apple orchards, for pear trees, for peach orchards, for grain crops, root crops, and for reclaimed meadows. Many soci- eties confine their awards to articles exhibited at the tables — the products of the garden and the field. • We doubt the expediency of this. The skill of the cultivator is better exhibited in the culture of the trees in the field, than in the dish of apples or other fruit, which may often be the result of accident, or of the skill of some one who hag owned and cultivated the trees before him. But the man who has planted and brought into bearing a fine growth of trees, gives proof of his own skill, and has made some permanent im- provement of his farm. Premiums for entire crops are more satisfactory, and we think more useful than for samples. Such premiums bring out statements of the methods of cultivation on different soils, and in different localities, that are often highly interesting and valuable. We think the trustees of this society have shown much sound judgment in the selection of the objects of their awards. There are many other subjects deserving their attention, and we doubt not they will receive it in due season. For the New England Farmer. AQRICULTUBAIi BOOKS. Mr. Editor : — The following remarks were read a few evenings since before the Concord Farmers' Club. At your request, I send you a copy. Yours, &c., j. R. A new department of literature has been ere ated within a few years. We have books or soils, on manures, on horticulture, on field cul- ture, on tree culture, on fruit culture, on cattle-, on horses, sheep, swine, draining, farm imple- ments, &c. &c. These may be considered chief- ly scientific. Then we have a wide range of what may more properly be called agricultural literature, consisting of agricultural papers, pe- riodicals, transactions, addresses, reports and essays, relating to agriculture or collateral sub- jects. All these constitute a great body of read- ing. INIen are better educated than formerly, and read more on all subjects. No man is now satisfied with the knowledge of his own business which he gains by his own experience. He avails himself of the knowledge of others as well. He must do so, to keep up with the progress of the times. This is as true in agriculture, as in any other pursuit. Farming is progressive. Prin- ciples must be understood, and their application varied according to circumstances. To do this, principles must be studied, and the circumstances which require their varied application must be studied. Young farmers all read, and find their views enlarged, and their stock of ideas increased by it. They thus acquire food for thought, and learn to reason. The interchange of ideas by means of books, is like the interchange of prod- ucts by means of commerce. It contributes to the wealth and prosperity and comfort of all par- ties engaged in it. This interchange of ideas is the great means of civilization and refinement. The man of ideas is the man of power. But hia ideas are chiefly obtained from others ; for no one man originates more than a few ideas. If he did, he would become too powerful, and would swallow up his neighbors. Reading serves to distribute and equalize the amount of existing ideas, as commerce serves to distribute and equal- ize wealth. Before commerce was established, a few men had the wealth and power, and the rest were dependent. Before booKS were made, and men learned to read them, a few men had the knowledge, and the rest were their tools — their hands. There is no subject that requires a knowledge of so many things as agriculture, unless it be 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 829 medicine. No one man has the time, even if he had the means, to work out all the various kinds of knowledge which he needs ; it would take a lifetime. We must^jbe content to take it from others ; and thus in a short time we can get more knowledge by reading, than we could get in a whole life, without it. The demand for books oil agriculture, has increased greatly of late. — The facilities of communication in the vicinity of cities has led many business men to live in the country, and thus made a great many ama- teur farmers. They want agricultural knowledge for immediate application ; they have not time to acquire it by experience ; they go to work as they do in other business, and consult those who profess to teach the knowledge they want, just as they consult an architect, a mechanic or a sea- man ; they read books, and apply the knowledge they get ; it may not always be the best, but it is thQ best they can gei ; it is better than none. This class of men create quite a demand for books of many sorts ; this is a good class of men, — in fact the best class ; they are active and en- ergetic, and therefore successful ; they are pub- lic spirited, and make good citizens in the towns in which they reside. Notwithstanding the farm- ers sometimes laugh at their operations, they impart a portion of their business energy to the farmers, and make experiments for them, which they would never try for themselves ; and if they fail, they teach the farmer what cannot be done, as well as what can be. At the present day, a periodical which keeps a man posted up in matters relating to his par- ticular calling, is necessary to success. The min- ister, the physician, the lawyer, the mechanic, the merchant, the sportsman, the military man, must each have a magazine which contains the latesi inventions, discoveries, and information relating to his business or profession ; without this he can- not keep pace v/ith his competitors. This is no less true in agriculture ; hence, agricultural papers have become a necessity. If a farmer can read but one thing, let him read an agricultural paper ; but papers are for the most part filled with short articles, hints, suggestions, single facts and ex- periments. If a man wishes to study a subject more fully, he must read books. Books upon agriculture, as I have already remarked, have rapidly multiplied, and are sold at a very low- price. Libraries have been established, by means of which farmers may refer to a great number of books for a small sum. For those who can afford it, I think the best way is to own and al- ways have at hand a few good books, and then add to the number one or two good books an- nually. I think they will, in this way, read and digest them better than when they are in a li- brary at some distance, and they can keep them but a week or two, when they get them. Many eay most good agricultural books, are books to be referred to frequently, rather than to be read at once. Still, it is well to have a library, con- taining many more books than one can afford to own. Many of our agricultural books an of very little value ; some of them are worse than noth- ing, l)ecause they mislead those who rely upon them ; many are published by book manufactur- ers, and are mere compilations from other works, made by men who have neither saffident judg- ment or experience to correct the errors and misstatements they contain. When I take up a book, and find it a mere compilation, by some man in the employment of a publishing-house, I shut it up ; I have not time to read such a book. But when I find a book which is written by a man because he has something to say, I general- ly find that it pays for reading. I have frequent- ly thought it would be a good thing, if some competent man would set himself to review the principal agricultural books in the market, and point out their excellences and defects, and pub- lish the results of his investigation in some of the leading agricultural papers. Probably a good many authors and publisher^ would not thank him for his labor ; until such a review has been made, I will not attempt to point out a list of books, which I would recommend to our young farmers. For the New England Farnier, MIWIBTEK (WIWTBB) APPLE. This New England fruit was introduced to no- tice by the late Kobert Manning, of Salem. It originated on the farm of Mr. Saunders, of Row- ley, in this State. The fruit is large and oblong, resembling in form the Yellow Bellflower, of Nev; Jersey, readi'ly identified from its beautiful stripes of red from stem to eye ; it has been confounded with another, Rowley Seedling, which has been sold for the above. The true Minister apple, when gathered in the fall, is quite acid, but if kept into spring, becomes one of the finest fruits of its season. The skin of this apple is very thin, hence it requires to be gathered with the great- est care to prevent its being bruised. With that precaution, it will keep into IVIay. I have one before me, raised irpon the farm of R. S. Rodg- ers, Esq., of South Danvers, in the most perfect keeping, with its fine aroma. I have always found this variety to be a great bearer on alight and warm soil, as well as upon one of a more re- tentive nature. J. M. I. Salem, May, 1859. UNDERDRAIM IliTQ. Some good land requires underdraining, to in- sure good crops. We might instance fiome of the land near Cleveland, which is a warm, sandy soil, but too swampy for cultivation, until drained of its surplus water. Soils which contain standing water within thirty inches of the top, must be un- derdralned, or they will not, produce well. On such land, there is a consvant* drainage of water to the surface, as in a flower-pot, when, the wa- ter is placed in a saucer at the bottom, but soon moistens to the top. Constant evaporation keeps the soil and air cold, and excludes the air from the soil, which is wanted there, that the oxygen in it may decompose the vegetable matter in the soil, and change the juiisonous protoxide of iron into the beneficial peroxyde. This kind of land is composed of a hard clay sub-soil, on the,,top of which is a layer of sand. If the water can- not penetrate the clay, it is held, as in a saucer, and unless drained off, its only way of escape is liy rising to the surface and evaporating. This will soon'drown out everything but water-grass and pond lilies. — Ohio Farmer. 330 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July A8HEB AGAINST PLASTER. Many farmers -will expend money freely for plaster, and consider it a profitable investment, but at the same time thrcv or give away their wood ashes ! At least, such has been the case. This is poor economy. While we regard plaster as a valuable article, we, at the same time, rank wood ashes much higher in the scale of fertili- zers. It is true that no very accurate experi- ments have as yet been made to ascertain pre- cisely the specific value of plaster and ashes ; yet every one who has applied them to his soil and gromng crops must have seen enough to con- vince him that both are serviceable, and especial- ly that ashes should always be collected and pre- served with care. In the ^'Buckeye Floivhoy," some years since, a writer apparently desirous of placing this subject in its proper light, but with somewhat less minuteness of detail than is per- haps requisite to the consummation of such an undertaking, details a single experiment insti- tuted by himself as follows : "I took three rows in a small piece of corn by the side of my garden, and put a handful of ashes on each hill of one row, a teaspoonful of plaster on each hill of another, and the third, left with- out putting on any of either. I cultivated them all alike, hoeing them twice. During the season some pigs got in and rooted up one end of the rows, leaving but about five rods of each that came to maturity. In the fall I husked the rows, as far as they had not been injured, and weighed the ears of each : Weight of the ashed row 49,^ lbs. Weight of the plastered row 48^ " Weight of the row which was neither ashed nor plaatered 41 J lbs. The ground was green-sward, turned over in the spring, the soil clay, inclined to loam." We present the following analysis of the ashes of the sapwood of white oak, (Quercusalba.) Potash 13.41 Soda O.f.2 Sodium 2.78 Chlorine 4.24 Sulphuric acid 0.12 Phosphate of Peroxide of Iron, ) Pliosphate of Lime, > 82.2-5 PhosphnUj of Magnesia, J Carbonic Acid S 95 Lime 30.8a Silica 0 21 Magnesia 0.36 Soluble Silica O.SO Organic matten 5.70 Silica 9.5C0 Alkaline and earthy Phosphates 35.500 Lime 0.160 Magnesia 2.410 Potash 23.920 Soda 22 590 Chlorine 0.405 Sulphuric Acid 4.385 Organic matter 0.367 99.2SJ7 Analysis of the ai?hes of the leaves : Silica 53.550 Earthy Phosphates 19.250 Lime : 6.092 Magnesia 1.2-50 Potash 12.762 Soda 8.512 Chlorine 9.762 Sulphuric Acid ' 4.185 Analysis of the ashes of the cob ; 115.363 Silica ^ • 13 600 Earthy Phosphates 23.924 Lime 0.-300 Masnesia 0.900 Potash 35.802 So'ardIy robin, whose cowardice induces him to locate near dwellings, that his craven spirit may never be aroused to defend his domi- cil from the depredation of his kind, fleeing, like the one whose protege he is, when no one pur- sueth. N. South Danvers, 1859. For the New England Farmer. THANKSGIVING DAY AT THE SAND- WICH ISLANDS. Masawao Maui, Hawaiian Islands, ) * December SO, 1S6S. \ Editors Farmer : — Gentlemen, — Reminded by the closing year of my delinquency in writing 3^ou, I hasten to devote a part of this day of pub- lic thanksgiving to this purpose. The occasion will suggest a subject of interest to you and your readers, as Thanksgiving day, though at a dis- tance, will remind them of scenes in which they all delight to participate. "Hawaiian Thanksgiving !" do I hear you ex- claim ? with the remark, "You can be as thankful, certainly, as any of us, and God, who is no respect- er of persons, will accept your gratitude. But as for the Thanksgiving supper, with tables groaning with New England luxuries, around which gather hosts of friends, this, of course, you know noth- ing about. A dish of poi and a baked dog or raw fish spread on a clean mat, or on some fresh ferns, will doubtless constitute your Thankgiv- ing repast." Well, friends, I mean to take in good part this specimen of banter which I have supposed you might employ when hearing that the king and chiefs of Hawaii are so far adopt- ing the customs of New England, as to appoint a day of thanksgiving and prayer to God, for His kindness to the nation during the past year. Nor will I deny that both chiefs and people are calculating somewhat largely on thrusting their fingers into the poi dish, and thence to their mouths, ere the day closes ; nor do I doubt that many a fat and sleek animal of the canine spe- cies is now in an oven of hot stones remunerat- ing in part the expense of feeding. I am not horrified in relating, and I hope you will not be in hearing, that dogs are often strangled and eaten by chiefs and people. Foreigners, gener- ally, universally perhaps, cry out, shame, shame, at the practice. I know not that any of them, knoicinyly, eat of this dish, though I shrewdly guess that more than one gentleman from en- lightened lands when dining with the chiefs of Hawaii, have eaten with a gusto from a creature whose vernacular was bow-wow, instead of baa, as they supposed. I know not as I have ever tasted dogs' flesh. I have no particular desire to [do so. Still, I see no moral wrong about it, nor !%o I feel like dissuading my people from such a I practice. l)e giistihus non ditfpntandum est, or, let there be no disputing about tastes, is a maxim [which is worthy of consideration. Most heartily do I wish that the men from our country would do nothing worse than eat dogs' flesh. I But to return to the subject of Thanksgiving j supper, which seems to be a sine qva non in the lidea of a Puritan Thanksgiving. I am glad that you feel a doubt of our ability to get up a sup- per on this occasion, which will at all compare I with yours, as in laboring to remove this doubt, I shall be able to tell you of the change in ov.r j circumstances since March, 1828, when, as one of the second reinforcement, some eight years after the establishment of the mission, I landed at Honolulu. At that time there were no Thanksgiving days appointed by the government, and had there been we could not have got up much of a sup- per. Our flour was very poor, sour, and often musty. Butter and cheese, fresh beef and m.ut- ton we rarely tasted. Salmon from Oregon we could obtain, but without Irish potatoes and butter, this scarcely relished. Molasses we used for our tea and coff'ee. We had an occasional fowl, but as we bought them of the natives, they were lean and unsavory. Of vegetables we had kalo and sweet potatoes — of fruit, bananas or plantains — also, melons. These were our facil- ities in 1828 for getting up a Thanksgiving supper. In 1829 no flour having arrived from Boston, there was much suffering in the Mission families at Honolulu, and the health of not a few individuals was greatly afi'ected. Since that time there has been a gradual improvement in the means of living so that to-day, Ave can have a Thankgiving supper purely Hawaiian, composed of the following dishes, viz.: Baked beef and j lamb, both beautifully fat and tender, and good enough for John Bull himself; fine large and fat turkey and baked fowl ; excellent mullet Irom 'fresh water ponds ; roasted pig fed on milk, ten- der and savory; potatoes, both Irish and sweet; kalo, of which the poi is made, but which boiled ' or roasted is excellent ; bananas or plantains cooked in almost as many ways as your apple, and, on the whole, an excellent substitute ; bread fruit, onions, beans and lettuce, Indian corn, to- matoes and cabbage. To these vegetables, there can be added at some of our stations, turnips, beets and carrots. Bread, of course, at Maka- wao, must not be forgotten. This we have plen^ [ tifully, made of coarse meal ground in our hand- mills or fine bolted at our steam mill at Honolu- lu. With these ingredients we can have chick- en pie ; also, custards, as sugar, eggs and milk , are abundant ; pumpkin and banana pies like- j wise. Butter and cheese, with fig, guava and iOhelo — Hawaiian whortleberry — preserves. Pia jor arrow-root puddings, Hawaiian coff'ee with cream and sugar. A part or all of these v/e can furnish for our supper this evening — also mel- ons, oranges, guavas and figs. Or if our friend, Dr. Alcott, will sup with us, he shall have good baked potatoes and bread, pia, also, with figs and 1 oranges. Please recollect, gentlemen, that 1 did j not spread this table to cause a surfeit, but to [show you what a change the blessing of God on 334 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. July industry has wrought in our circumstances of liv- ing since 182B. Erening. — I have just returned from the house of God, where I addressed our people on ihej goodness of their heavenly Benefactor during the year which is near its close. It has been, on tke whole, a year of prosperity to the Hawaiian na- tion. Health has prevailed as a general thing. Peace has blessed the nation with its balmy in- fluence. The earth has yielded her usual in- crease, so that to-day we may justly speak of the watcliful care of a benignant Providence, and of! the loving kindness of God to us all. In addi- 1 tion to the products of the earth purely Hawaiian, ' there have been sown and reaped a larger num- ber of acres of wheat in this district than ever be- fore, and though a good deal of this was de- stroyed by the caterpillar, still some 1(3,000 bush- els were secured and sold, besides a good deal J reserved for seed. Considerably many oats werej raised, also corn and beans. Besides these es-j sentials, the islands are fast developing their ca-' pabiJities of ])roducing fruit. Oranges are be-| coming increasingly plenty. Peaches, also, wilL soon become abundant. Figs have long been so,' also guavas and custard apple. I have not a' doubt that Hawaii will become famous as a fruit- : growing country. In this prospect I greatly re- 1 joice, and I am exhorting the people to turnj their attention more to fruit-growing. Oranges and figs eaten freely would conduce much to the physical health and enjoyment of all classes among us. Some of them are beginning to think more favorably of this department of labor and enterprise. The growing of wheat, however, at present secures most of their attention. Though it is not a very profitable branch of enterprise still multitudes wish to try their hands at it, and as the Hawaiian Steam Flouring Company pay cash for wheat, an increasing number are thrust- ing in the plow, and scattering the seed over the furrowed fields. One benefit the people are certainly deriving from the introduction of wheat into their country, — they are forming habits of industry. In this I greatly rejoice. Of the suc- cess of their labors I will tell you in my next communication. Yours with respect, J. S. Green. Fur the New Ensland Farmer. THB APIARY— BEE HIVES. Mr. Editor: — In the Farmer of January 7 I noticed an article concerning bee hives, which has led me to give a description of a hive of my own construction. In the first place, make a sim- ple box twelve inches square inside, and tv/elve or fourteen inches high, as the apiarian may de- termine. The top board should be fastened on ■with screws. The sticks to support the combs should run crosswise of the hive, and made a lit- tle shorter than the width of the inside, and fastened by nails driven through the sides of the hive, in such a manner as to be easily drawn with a hammer. Now whenever it becomes necessary to take out the contents, you have only to sever the comb from the inside of the hive, draw out the nails from the sticks that support the combs, and take out the screws from the top, then raise ihe contents all out whole, cleaving to the top board without injuring the hive. Having explained the why and wherefore, I will go on with the construction. Now make a passage crosswise through the top board the whole width of the inside of the hive, one-half inch in width, for the bees to pass up into the boxes. Nail flat bars one inch in width on the under side of the top board lengthwise, or from front to back. To cause the bees to build in the centre of the bars, stick a piece of comb on to each bar by dipping it into melted wax, and ap- plying it immediately. I prefer the flat bars, because there is no pa- tent claimed on them, and then it is less work to stick on the combs than to make the bevel bar of the Union Hive. And the passage through the top when the boxes are inverted, answers the purpose of the hollow roosts of the Union Hive. The boxes are made with holes bored in the bot- tom. 1 usually make two passage ways across the top of the hive, with a hole in each end of the boxes exactly over the passage. I prefer holes in the boxes to a long passage to corres- pond with the passage in the top board, because the queen will not be so liable to enter the boxes and deposit her eggs there, thereby converting the contents into brood comb. At the same time, the bees can pass up between all the combs into the passage way, thenco to the holes in the boxes. Now for a contrivance for your correspondent from Leominster. Bore two holes in the front of the hive under the top board, exactly in line with the holes in the boxes ; to be closed by a button, and opened when the bees are at work in the boxes, and for purposes of ventilation. The cap to cover the boxes is made to shut over the outside of the hive, and rests on cleats, and to fit the bottom as well as the top of the hive, for the purpose of wintering bees in the house; the cap should also have a ventilator. Now invert the cap and raise the hive from the stand ; set it into the cap resting on cleats upon the outside of the hive, then carry it to some dark closet, open the ventilator and take off the boxes, and your bees will come out dry and clean in the spring. N. K. i,. Otter Biver, May, 1859. To KEEP Moths from Furs and Wool- lens.— Shake and beat them well, then tie them up tight in a cotton or linen bag, and hang them in a dry place, or put them into a chest. Noth- ing else is necessary. This process is effectual, because the miller cannot get in to deposit its eggs. It shuns camphor, tobacco, or anything else of the kind, as much as a hungry boy would a good apple. We once deposited some nice furs in the centre of a cask of tobacco ; but the moth cared as little for it as for a cask of rose leaves, and ruined our furs. Tie up the furs, and they will be safe. Wheel Hoes. — Every person who has half an acre in carrots, parsnips, onions, &c., all told, ought to have a wheel hoe. He can raise ten bushels of carrots or onions as easily with one, as he can Jive without one. Wont that pay ? 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 335 MOWING- MACHINES. The favorable weather of May and early June has brought the grass forward with wonderful rapidity, so that by the 25th instant many fields will be ready to harvest. Our friends will do well during the haying season to cut a portion of their grass quite early, ancf then in feedfng it out during the winter, observe what the compar- ative value is of grass cut early and made into hay, and that cut when more mature. We have the impression that the early cut grass is much the most valuable ; that is, cut in its early bloom. It is sweeter, less hard and wiry, and cattle, so far as our observation has extended, eat it with a greater relish than they do later cut grass. Another query is, whether a large portion of OMX hay is not cured too much — that is, over- made, dried until it is almost juiceless, brittle, hard and innutritious. Grass cut just at night, and well fended during a bright July day, can be sufficiently dried to go in, by four o'clock in the afternoon — and if a gentle breeze is moving, even earlier. Those whose lands will admit the use of a mowing machine, and whb have not yet used one, have not realized the "aid and comfort" they may derive from the use of a good one. Ketch- um's, we believe was the first introduced on our Massachusetts farms. This has been re-modelled • and greatly improved, and one has been recently conistructed for one horse, which we gave a cut of some weeks since. Manny's has been quite extensively used, has been much improved, and is now fitted for one horse, and seems to us cal- culated to do good work. We have not seen it in motion. Then there is Allen's, Russell's, the Buckeye, Wood's, Thompson's, Gore's, &c., of which we have no particular knowledge, and can give no opinion of them. Some of those already constructed, we feel quite confident, will work well enough to pay their cost in a few years, so that, although they may not be perfect, there will be no loss in purchasing and using them. HORSE RAKES AND HAY TENDERS. The prejudice against the use of Horse Rakes in haying has gradually yielded as they have been more generally brought into use. There are sev- eral kinds, the poorest of which are worthy of introduction, in preference to the sole use of the hand rake. The "Revolver" works clean and well, is cheap, not liable to get out of order, and requires little room when not in use. But it or- dinarily takes two persons to use it, or, if only one, one of the best hands in the field, and is a hard and exhausting labor. The spring tooth rakes clean, too clean, usually takes two hands to work it, and is hard work for man and beast. It is sometimes mounted upon wheels, so that the operator can ride, and in that form is said to be a good rake. We have not used it. The "Delano, or Independent Aetion" rake, when well constructed, rakes clean, is easy for the op- erator and the horse, and performs the work with great rapidity. A stout boy of fifteen or sixteen years, will rake after as many carts as half a doz- en men can load at one time, and a skillful man- ager can do all the heavy part of cocking with one, after he has got the hay into winrows. We understand that Messrs. NouRSE, Masox & Co. have in process of construction a Bay Spreader made in connection with a Horse Rake, so that either can be used at will. Those who are competent to judge, inform us that it will be a capital machine. We await its advent with Home impatience. I^or the New England Farmer. VALUE OF CARROTS FOR MILK PURPOSES. Messrs. Editors : — I observe that the value of roots for stock is considerably agitated of late. A thorough discussion of this subject must comprehend three departments of utility, viz., their value in increasing the quantiiy #f milk, their value in improving the quality of the milk, and lastly, in what comparative co?idition the ex- periment leaves the stock. As all neat stock is destined in the end for the shambles, no experi- ment can be fully satisfactory under either of the two first heads, that does not also state how far it promoted this end ; still, as far as such an ex- periment goes, it has its value, but the limits of its teachings should be noted. Of the value of carrots for milk purposes, one of our enterpris- ing farmers, Mr. Mason Courtis, recently nar- rated to me the result of an experiment of his, which, as it was made with care, and the result made a memorandum of, at the time the experi- ment was made, appears to be well worthy of record. On Christmas last, he began to feed four cows with cut carrots, of the orange variety, giving two pecks daily to each animal, which was con- tinued until the 20lh of jNIarch, as long as the carrots held out. During this period, the yield of milk from the four averaged forty quarts dai- ly. Immediately after the carrots were gone, the cows fell oft' regularly and rapidly in their yield of milk, and in thirteen days had fallen off eleven quarts, when they yielded a constant sup- ply for a fortnight, after which, being fed with a daily proportion of meal, they increased their yield. In the whole course of the experiment, they were fed with second crop hay, the hay having been proportionally increased after the carrots were exhausted. They were regularly watered and always milked by the same person. Marhlehead, June, 1859. J. J. H. Gregory. CI*" There are six or spven generations of gnats in a summer, and each lay 250 eggs. 336 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July HAY CAPS. Those of our friends who procure and use half. Something was said last summer of a patented a dozen Hay Caps, in getting their hay and grain ^hay-cap, and permission was given us by the in- the present summer, will be quite sure to treble, ventor, Mr. Dinsmoor, of Auburn, N. H., to try or quadruple the number next summer. If the sea- 1 them. We did so, and found them much supe- son should prove a "catching one," they will save! rior to any we had before seen. The right to their cost on their present crops. Never mind i make and sell these is now entirely invested in- what disaffected grumblers say, who are deter- Messrs. Chases & Fay, Boston, whose cut above, mined not to "haw" or "gee" only as the antedi-; illustrates the manner in which caps are used, luvians did, — but get a few and try them. Let | They also make caps from prepared cloth, which old fogydom go to mill on a drag, if it pleases, while you sit on a well-stuffed seat and eliptic springs. You will find your grist none the less sweet, or coarser, for bringing a little art to your aid. But try the hay caps, for several reasons : 1. You can make hay much faster with them, even in good weather. 2. Your hay will be better partially made in the cock, under caps, than it would be made en- they say will not mildew. Clean Milking. — It is^a matter of great im- portance that the milk should all be drawn from the cow's udder. Careful experiments made in England show, that "the quantity of cream ob- tained from the last drawn cup, from most cows, exceeds that of the first in a proportion of twelve Thus a person who carelessly leaves to one . 1 . , -n , , , but a teacup full of milk undrawn, loses in reali- tirely mthe sun. Persons who put up herbs ij^y ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^ould be afforded by for medicinal purposes, where it becomes! four or six pints at the beginning; and loses, too, that part of the cream which gives the rich- ness and high flavor to the butter. — Country Oen- tleman. necessary to retain all their virtues, never dry them in the sun. 3. As the haying season is short, you can have more grass down at once by the uie of c»p8, and thus get through haying quicker. , Remedy for the Striped BuG.-Having , ~, 1- /. , , , .,1 but few boards at hand suitable tor makmgirames, 4. The quality of your hay made under caps willi,^^^ ^^j^^^^ ^f ^1^ ^^^,^^^^^ j ^^^^ ^ wheelbarrow be 10 per cent, better; it will be sweeter, | load of the latter, and stood" four or five of them brighter, less dusty, and go farther in feed- on edge around each hill of melons, etc., as soon ing out, provided the season is unfavorable I as the young plants made their appearance ; and for makino- ^° *-^^ days' trial I have not found a bug inside 5. You will save their entire cost in obviating the necessity of cocking and spreading out these little pens, while some plants left outside were entirely devoured by them. The bricks also promote the growth of the young plants, by again, quantities of hay which you can thor-j protecting from winds, and giving out heat at oughly make with their aid. pight absorbed during the As.^\— Exchange. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARRIER. 337 BENEFIT OF DROUGHTS. It may be a consolation to those who have felt the influences of long and protracted dry weather, to know that droughts are one of the natural causes to restore the constituents of the crops, and renovate cultivated soils. The diminution of the mineral matter of cultivated soils takes place from two causes. First. The quantity of mineral matter carried off in crops and not returned to the soil in ma- nure. Second. The mineral matter carried off by rain water to the sea by means of fresh water streams. These two causes, always in operation and counteracted by nothing, would in time render the earth a barren waste, in which no verdure would quicken, no solitary plant take root. A rational system of agriculture would obliterate the first cause of sterility, by always restoring to the soil an equivalent for that which is taken off by'the crops, but as this is not done in all cases, Providence has provided a way of its own to counteract the tkriftlessness of men, by institu- ting droughts at periods, to bring up, from the deep parts of the earth, food on which plants might feed when rains should again fall. The manner in which droughts exercise their bene- ficial influence is as follows : during dry weather, a continual evaporation of v.-ater takes place from the surface of the earth, which if not supplied by any from the surface creates a vacuum, (so far as the water is concerned,) which is at once filled by the water rising up from the subsoil of the land ; the water from the subsoil is replaced from the next below, and in this manner the circula- tion of water in the earth is the reverse of that which takes place in wet weather. This progress to the surface of the water in the earth manifests itself most strikingly in the drying up of springs and rivers, and of streams which are supported by springs. It is not, however, only tlie water which is brought to the surface of the earth, hut also all that tcJiich the icatcr holds in solution. These substances are salts of lime and magnesia, of potash and soda, and indeed, whatever the subsoil of deep strata of the earth may contain. The water, on reaching the soil, is evaporated, and leaves behind the mineral salts which I will here enumerate, viz : lime, as air slacked lime ; magnesia, as air slacked magnesia; phosphate of lime, or bone earth; sulphate of lime, or plaster of paris ; carbonate of potash and soda, with si- licate of potash and soda, and also chloride of so- dium or common salt: all indispensable to the growth and production of plants which are used for food. Rain water, as it falls from the clouds, would dissolve but a very small proportion of some of these substances ; but when it becomes soaked into the earth, it there becomes strongly imbuded with carbonic acid from the decomposi- tion of vegetable matter in the soil, and thus ac- quires the property of readily dissolving minerals on which it before could have very little influence. I was first led to the consideration of the above matter from a perusal of a lecture of Professor Johnston, on this subject, and on a re-examina- tion of some soils which were analyzed some years since, there was perceptible a larger quan- tity of a particular mineral substance than was first found. And as none had been applied in the meantime, the thing was difficult of explanation, until I remembered the late long protracted drought. I then also remembered that in sever- al of the provinces in South America, soda was obtained from the bottoms of ponds, which Avere dried in the dry, and again filled in the rainy sea- son. As the above explanation depended on the principles of natural philosophy, experiments were at once instituted to prove the truth. Into a glass cylinder was placed a small quantity of chloride of barium in solution ; this was then filled wilh dry soil, and for sometime exposed to the dkect rays of the sun on the surface. The soil on the surface of the cylinder was now treated with sulphuric acid, and gave a copious precip- itate of sulphate of baryta. The ex])eriment was varied by substituting chloride of lime, sulphate of soda, and carbonate of potash, for the chloride of barium ; and on the proper resolving agents being applied, in every instance the presence of these substances were detected in large quanti- ties on the surface of the soil in the cylinder. Here then is proof positive and direct, by plain experiment in chemistry, and natural philoso- phy, cf the agency, the ultimate beneficial agency of droughts. We see therefore in this, that even those things which we look upon as evils, by Providence, are blessings in disguise ; and that we should not murmur even when dry seasons afflict us, for they too, are for our good. The early and the later rain may produce at once abundant crops ; but dry weather is also a beneficial dispensation of Providence, in bringing to the surface food for future crops, which otherwise would be forever useless. Seasonable weather is good for the present ; but droughts renew the storehouses of plants in the soil, and furnish an abundant supply of nutriment for' future crops. — Geo. Teow- BRIDGE, Camden, N. Y., in Ohio Valley Farmer. THE SEASON". The promise is at present strong for abundant crops. The hot days which we had about the middle of May brought the plants forward with great rapidity, — but the cooler weather since has given them a desirable check, so that they have grown stocky and strong, instead of aspiring to reach the skies. . The apple blossom has been full in this region The cherry blossom only moderate, while we have met only two farmers who have seen a peach blossom this spring ! A copious rain fell here on the night of the 31st of May, and the ground is well wet below, — so that if little or no rain should fall before haying, the grass crop will be an average one. Hay still commands a somewhat high price, how- ever, in consequence, we suppose, of the high price of grain, as it brings readily in our mark- et, from $1,00 to $1,15 per hundred pounds, ac- cording to its quality. Planting was somewhat delayed by the north- east storm which occurred in the last half of May ; but the crops were got in seasonably, not. 338 NEW ENGLAND FAEMEB. July withstanding, and the grain crops are up and appearing well. Corn has come up promptly, and looks well, and so do many fields of potatoes. Winter rye and winter wheat are of good height, and fine color, and have a fine start for rich har- vests. Spring wheat also looks well. As the season progresses, the fatal eff'ects of the winter are more and more obvious. A gentle- man informs us, that of one hundred peach trees that have been in bearing two or three years, not one is left to be of any value, while one hundred £ind fifty trees that have not yet come into bear- ing are not in the slightest degree injured. Grape vines, quince bushes, and various shrubs that have shown no signs of starting until within a few days, are now pushing buds, and possibly may recover from the palsying stroke which they received. Grass has been badly winter-killed, ■which leaves many fields with rather a leprous appearance. 'What has been the cause of this widely-spread destruction ? Who can tell us ? Was it ex- treme and sudden variations in temperature, the great depth to which the frost penetrated, or did the impenetrable covering of ice, which, rest- ing upon the surface during a good portion of the winter, cut off a certain aeration or breath- ing, necessary to the plants ? Who will solve these mysteries for us, and enable us, by the ex- ercise of enlightened art, to protect ourselves against future ravages of a similar nature ? Sure- ly, the farmer needs the best native ability, the most varied and abstruse learning, and the ex- ercise of the ripest judgment, to penetrate the arcana of nature, and tell us how to avoid the losses which are perpetually occurring. On Friday morning, June 3d, there was a brisk thunder shower in this region, the first of the season. For the New> England Parmer. ABOUT PKUNING. Mr.' Editor : — I had seen, in the New Eng- land Farmer, many articles on the pruning of trees. I believe it is time that the subject, and the discussion of the subject, should be pruned. As you and your May number appear to be al most cloyed with the subject, I feel some hesi- tancy in undertaking it, with my dull tools. But in doing it, I pledge myself that the sap shall not ilow very copiously from m>y head, nor from my pen. The object of pruning is to rid the tree of its Bupeifiuous branches. The right time of prun ing is, when the sap is gone up, and is elab orating, by vegetable process, in the formation of a pulpy substance, (camhicam,) which be- comes wood ; and adds one grain to the tree If a limb be cut off' at this time, the new wood forms between the bark and that part of the limb which remains. Thus a covering begins to be formed over the naked wood, where the am putation was made ; and this process goes on from year to year, till the whole is covered ; the wound is healed. If it be asked, when does this pulpy substance between the bark of the wood commence in fruit trees, I shall not answer by giving the date ; for there is more than three Aveeks difference in dif- ferent seasons. But I am prepared to say, it takes place about the time the blossom bud is ready to open. DiS'erient kinds of trees require different times for pruning. The pine should be pruned about the middle of June. I make these remarks, not with the expectation of convincing any one who has expressed a different opinion, but to relieve my own mind of an item of knowl- edge, which I have had on hand, and in hand, many years. Now I recommend it to any one, and to every one, who feels interested in the subject, to make the following experiment. At the middle of each month in the year, take a limb from tlie same tree, or from trees of the same class, and notice definite and minutely the result. Knowledge gained in this way is one's own knowledge, and it is as much better than borrowed knowledge, as earned capital is better than borrowed capital. Milford, N. H., May 24, 1859. H. M. For the New England Farmej^ "BUTA BAGA AND COHN CBOPS." I fully concur with Mr. Brigham, (in your pa- per of the 28th of May,) in relation to the culture of the ruta bagas or any of the turnip tribe. From a long experience in the cultivation of the soil, I am convinced that the turnip is one of the most exhausting crops that the farmer cultivates. I say exhausting, for it takes a longer time and costs more to renovate the soil after raising a crop of turnips, than any other crop I cultivate. My experience is similar to Mr. Brigham's in the succeeding crops. I think the deterioration is fully one-half. Many argue that the turnip crop is not exhausting, as the broad leaves receive their nourishment from the atmosphere and the dews. If that be the case, and the food of plants is not imbibed by them in undue proportions, then I would suggest that they draw from the at- mosphere poisonous substances and impregnate the soil with its deadly exudations. All I ask is, let the sticklers of the turnip crop make a fair experiment, (as Mr. Brigham has done,) side by side with other crops, and I opine they will aban- don its culture as a field crop. I trust the day is not distant, when all prudent farmers will aban- don its cultivation, for as the Hon. Mr. Brooks very truly says, "It costs too much to raise ruta bagas to justify their cultivation in this region.'* There are other root crops less exhausting or less poisonous to the soil, and as easily cultivated, containing more nutriment, and more palatable to our stock, viz., carrots, mangold wurtzel, beets, parsnips, &c. ike, that the farmers may find it for their interest to raise, and without any percepti- ble exhaustion of the soil. I think it would be wise in our legislators to withhold the bounties of the State from those county agricultural soci- eties that offer premiums for the turnip crops. The individual may think he can plant an acre of turnips with impunity, and never realize his 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 339 loss by deterioration of his soil, nor care for its effects, so long as he reaps a bountiful harvest and present profit, but let him not "lay the pleas- ing unction to his soul," that it is an honest op- eration, for he must surely feel some twinge of conscience to leave to his progeny an exhausted and barren soil (as an inheritance,) made so by the avarice of their progenitor. Therefore, I submit, that the evils of turnip culture (in a moral or pecuniary point of view,) are far greater than the equestrian performances of the ladies at our agricultural fairs. c. North Pembroke, Mass., May 30, 1859. For the New England Farmer. SCIENCE FOB FARMEH.S. Mr. Editor : — We poor ignorant clodhoppers, who, away out in the country, plod over our farms, have little time to study the profoundly Tfise sayings of those who write big books and agricultural articles in the newspapers. We are in the habit of believing everything we find in these big books, when we have time to read them. But we are sometimes a little puzzled, when these wise writers disagree, to know which to believe. We desire, in all humility, to believe both sides, but cannot always reconcile the state- ments made so as to make that possible. What shall we do in such cases ? Must we be at the trouble of using a little common sense — if we happen to have it ? I suppose you will say, "Use your common sense," But have we no right to demand that those who pretentiously made statements with scientific gravity, should be careful to declare only that which they know ? The getter-up of the agricultural department of Harper's Weekly for May 14th, has given his readers what he calls an analysis of the grain, leaves and cob of the "white flint corn." He says : "An analysis of the grain of white flint corn will give, of Phosphates about 35 per cent. Potash " 25 " "The leaves will give, of Silex about 53 per c«Bt. Phosphates " 19 " Lime " 6 " Potash " 12 " Soda " g << Chlorine " 10 " "The cob will give, of Silex about 3 3 per cent. Pho.^phatea " 23 " Potash " 35 " Soda " 5 '« "We give the above figures of some the most important elements for those who are curious in relation to the composition of the Indian corn plant." Now, this looks a little, a very little, like a statement made by a person who, ignorant of the subject on which he writes, undertakes to prepare himself by "reading up" for the occasion, but does not do it carefully. There must be some mistake about it, or else some of us put a good deal oi potash into our stomachs in the course of a year. I believe I average not far from a pound of Indian meal a day, taken in some form as food. Do I then eat/bwr ounces of potash each day — or over ninety-one pounds in a year ? that would be enough to made four barrels of good strong soft soap. I humbly trust I am not so full of lie as this would make me. Then again, to think that the leaves of the corn plant contain 53 per cent, of silex ; one might well imagine that our cows' teeth v/ouid soon wear out, if called upon to grind much of it. As to the cobs, too — 35 per cent, of potash in them ! Why have not soap-makers used them instead of ashes? More than one-third potash ! llow rap- idly, too, the potash would be taken from the soil at this rate. A crop of 50 bushels to tho acre, reckoning the potash at this rate in the grain, leaves and cob, would use up not far from 1400 pounds. The agencies that decompose and dissolve the rocks would have to be pretty busy in order to keep up a supply, at this rate of con- sumption, I have no reliable analysis of the grain or leaves of Indian corn now, by me ; but on refer- ence to Dr. Jackson's analysis of the cobs of sev- eral different varieties of corn, it appears that in his specimens the percentage of potash varied from 2581-10000 to 6430-10000 of one per cent. The analysis given by the writer in Harper's Weekly was no doubt that of the ashes of the different parts of the plant, instead of the whole substance of those parts. My attention was drawn to this statement more particularly from having recently seen, in Liebig's Agricultural Chemistry, Indian corn classed with plants that "contain either no potash, or mere traces of it." This appears to be, at best, a careless statement ; for, if Dr. Jackson's analysis is to be relied upon, (and I have never heard his accuracy called in question,) the cob analyzed by him averaged nearly a half of one per cent. ; while dry, hard wood, according to an authority quoted by Dr. Dana, in his Muck Manual, contains but a utile more than a fourth of one per cent, of potash and soda united. This is a matter of much importance to us far- mers, as a knowledge of the constituent elements of plants may guide to an economical use of fer- tilizers ; and as few have either the ability or the means to make chemical analyses ourselves, we must depend on those who have, or ought to have, both ; and we have a right to demand that what is told us shall be reliable — have we not ? Slackville, May 25, 1859. J. Doolittle. Remarks. — Good, Mr. Doolittle. You live anywhere but in "Slackville." Some of the "big papers" of our land are recently attempting to enlighten their "rustic" readers in scientific mat- ters relating to agriculture. We often notice in them the most inconsistent statements, as well as the most extravagant nonsense. Such "loose expectorations" are better suited to the gather- ings of ceVtain zealots, who love their country terribly just before an election! "Shoe-maker, stick to thy last," is an old adage, and is a good one. Some of our cotemporaries would do well to treasure up its sentiment. Draining. — Some people think that it is all a matter of useless expense to drain land. But 340 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July it is probably not so. Col. Whipple has dug, stoned and covered some two hundred rods of drains on his land ; one effect of which was shown last season in the fact that he cut twenty tons of hay on six acres of land where formerly only a Bmall crop was produced. — N. II. Democrat. EXTRACTS AND REPIilES. OX KAISING MILLET. Can you give me any information in regard to raising millet? Is it a good fodder for milch cows ? Will it do to sow it upon green-sward and sow grass seed with the same ? IIow much seed will it take per acre, and when should it be sown ? What soil is best adapted to raising it ? Bedford, 1859. J. o. D. Remarks. — Millet makes a good crop for green or dry fodder, and may be fed to milch cows with advantage. It may be put on sward land if it has been deeply-plowed and well pul- verized— but it grows too thick and rank to al- low grass seed to do well with it. Any good corn land is suitable, and eight quarts of seed per acre is enough. Sow from first to middle of June. POTATO BLIGHT. In going from Hartford to Waterbury, in 1846 at the time of the blight, there was only one field that looked healthy, and that one was over- topped with buckwheat, so that if the blight came from the atmosphere, that it kept it from the the potato. One farmer informed me that a day or two before the blight he kept his wagon in his potato field, and a few bundles of straw were thrown out of the wagon upon the potatoes, and remained about a week, when he dug the pota- toes. Those that M'ere covered were not diseased, and the remainder of the field would not pay for digging. I think that early potatoes and early planting will be more successful than late plant- ing, as far as my experience goes. I will give you a receipt for curing a ring-bone, as it was given to me by one that told me he had cured quite a number by this application. Take a pair of scissors and cut the hair from the bone, or around the hoof, then apply the oil of ambre, let it remain about two hours, then ap- ply the soap palmoil; this do once every day, and in 3 or G weeks the bone will disappear. ROSE-BUGS. June, the month of roses, will soon be along, and, as is usual, I expect to see rose-bugs come in large numbers ; they not only spoil the roses but the grape vines also suffer by their eating tlte blossoms. I know of no way to get rid of them. Who can tell ? Henry M. Falls. North Wrerdham, May 30, 1859. A LAME COLT. Can you tell me what will cure the stiffness of the fort legs of a colt that was caused by stand- ing in the stable and eating too much grain? It appears to be in the joints. H. M. A Cliarlestown, N. H., 1859. VALUE OF RUTA BAGAS. I noticed in one of your papers a piece from Mr. Otis Brigham, of this town, on root crops. It was answered by a gentleman, the next week, who did not exactly agree with him. He thought that ruta bagas were as profitable a crop as any. I have raised them until I am satisfied that they are not worth the trouble of raising. You can raise, on good land, from 600 to 1000 bushels per acre, but what corn you can raise on the same land will be worth four times as much for feed to cows, as the turnips. They will make milk enough, but it is good for nothing after il is made. The turnips taste in the milk, butter and cheese, and even the pigs turn their nosea up when it is fed to them. Besides this, they injure the land so that you can raise nothing on it after them. J. L. T. Westhoro\ May, 1859. PREMIUMS. Abstract of premiums awarded in the several towns in which exhibitions were holden in 1858 : Essex, Dan vers $291.63 Middlesex, Concord 2-12.00 Middlesex South, Framingham 293.61 Middlesex North, Lowell 335.37 Worcester, Worcester 340.50 Worcester West, Barre 240 99 Worcester North, Fitohburg 329.44 Worcester South, Sturbridge , 108.00 nnmpshire South, Northampton 216.00 Hampshire, Amherst 152.68 Hampden, Springfield 264.8i2 Hampden Eabt, Palmer 195 75 Franklin, Shelburn 205 00 Berkshire, Pittsfield 344.50 Hnusatonic, Great Harrington 251.00 Norfolk, Dedham 135 00 Plymouth, Bridge water 314.76 Bristol, Taunton 350 75 Barnstable, Barnstable 360.75 Nantucket, Nantucket 157.00 $5149.44 The whole amount awarded is believed to have been about $12,000. Truly there is something in locality, where 20 towns out of 300 get nearly half the whole amount awarded. These facts present matters for deliberate consideration. — Conclusions are left to tbose disposed to make them. P. Jmie \st, 1859. TO PREVENT THE YELLOW BTRIPED BUG FROM DESTROYING WATERMELON VINES. Take feathers from a hen's wing, or take sticks and split them and put in cotton, which ia about as good, dip them in spirits of turpentine, and stick them into the hill in an oblique or slanting position a little above the vines ; two or three will be sufficient for a hill, and as often as it loses its strength, dip them over, and after every shower. I have taken boards five inches wide, made boxes and covered them with milli- net, and put them over the hills ; the vines would run up tall, like growing in the shade, and come to take the boxes off they would not do well ; but put spirits of turpentine around the hills, and they will do well. n. s. East Thetford, Vt., 1859. TRANSPLANTING WHITE PINES. If your correspondent, "Oak Hill," will give me his address, I will write and inform him 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 341 when and how I have succeeded best in trans- planting white pines and other evergreen trees. 1 have now growing about my house some forty pines and one very fine hemlock, the latter meas- ures O-i inches in circumference and over 20 feet fiigh. This is the second year since transplanting, and it is "coming out" finely. Samuel Raymond. Korih Andover, May 21, 1859. FI5E3 — RASrBERRIES — GRAPES. What is the best season for transplanting the •white pines ? Should the top be cut in ? Where can the Ohio Ever-bearing Raspberry be obtained — and what are some of its prominent character- istics ? Is it ever desirable to shorten lateral grape vine shoots while growing, in order to strength- en fruit buds at their base for the succeeding years? AN Attentive Reader. New Bedford, May, 18o9. Remarks. — Transplant the white pine in June Take up the sod with the roots, and keep the roots from the sun and wind. Do not cut the tree anywhere. We know nothing of the "Ohio Everbearing Raspberry." It is quite a common practice to shorten later- al grape-vine shoots after the fruit is partly grown, in order to benefit the fruit, but not to our knowledge, so early as to strengthen the buds. APPLE ORCHARDS. If apple seeds are planted, and the young trees budded or grafted vrhere they are permanently to remain, the orchard will be worth twice as much as though it were managed in the usual way. The trees will live as long again, and bear twice as many apples, which will be larger, fairer, and will keep altogether better, especially if they are gathered as soon as they have got their growth, but before they are fully ripe. They will be fine-flavored in June and July, and conse- quently be valuable. Apple trees grafted from scions that are two years old will bear every year, as a one year old scion has only half come to maturity, and conse- quently bears only half the time. Corn for planting should be selected from an equal number of male and female ears, shelling and mixing them together. Plant in drilte and let the spears stand six inches apart, and the yield will be three times as much as to plant in hills, with the manure in the hills. S. P. Baker, now 83 years old. Ipswich, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — These statements are worthy of being tested. TO STOP cows FROM KICKING. Put her into the stancheon and put a rope around her horns and over the top of the stan- cheon, and draw her head up so that her back will be hollow ; fasten the rope, and she cannot kick. East Thetford, It., 1859.^ H. s. KING BONE. Can your readers give me information through the Farmer, what will cure ring bone, or the ^- pearance of one, coming on a yearling colt ? Mason, N. H., May, 1859. S. H. Wheeler. For the XeiT England FarmeTi. THE SPIBIT OF PSOGHSSS. Mr. Editor : — Among the great discoveries in our day are the steamas which crowd their way through stormy seas, the railroads which bind whole continents together, the telegraphic ?t'i?YS which run their electric network through the air ; these are the great nerves of human sympa- thy, and are destined to the high office of uniting the whole human race in one common brother- hood, if not to the greater work of revolutionia- ing the whole world. Surely, this is an age of progress and improve- ment; and no power on earth can arrest its on- ward march. Our country is already dotted all over with improvements. No undertaking is too difficult, no obstacle insurmountable, no sacrifice too great for the enterprising spirit of the age. Directed by the skill of human genius, steam and electricity already cross our rivers and climb our mountains ; and our railroads will soon extend from the Atlantic to the Pacific ; and with the tele- graph, holding hourly conversations with the dif- ferent extremes of the Union, from sea to sea. This spirit of progress, this onward march of science and improvement, of civilization and free- dom, can not be arrested; for the people who are engaged in this movement will roll on the car of civilization and improvement, tillthe whole Amer- ican continent forms one vast Republic. This onward march of the spirit of improve- ment is destined ere long to produce equally great and important results in our agricultural pursuits. It has already brought forth its mow- ers, its reapers, its threshing-machines, its horse- rakes, its stump-pullers, its seed-sowers, ita horse-hoe, its harvesters and its corn-shellers ; and it will soon introduce the steam-ploiv into all our great valleys, into the cotton fields and rice fields of the South, and into the great prairies of the West>.; and thus it will supersede, in a great measure, 'the use of slave labor, and cause the shout of freedom to be heard throughout the American continent ; because one sieam-})low can do more and better work than a hundred and fif- ty slaves ; so that these United States will soon be as greatl}' distinguished for their agricultural pursuits, as they are now for the means of inter- communication. Tell me not, that two-hundred and seventy-five thousand slave-holders will' put their veto upon my steam-plow ; for I know better ; because I know, that they understand their own interests too well to do this. Tell me not, that the igno- rant and the wicked, fearing the eftects of all these improvements upon their own daily labors and income, will combine together as they have done in some instances already, and burn down all our steam-bakeries and machine-shops through- out the land, and thus burn their own fingers, put out their own eyes and starve their own families ; for I will not believe, that, in this land; of light and progress, of churches and schools and mis- 342 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. July sionary eiforts, any considerable number of per- sons can be found, so ignorant, so short sight- ed, and so vicious ! No ; the great mass of the people are right upon this subject. Their course is onward and upward. Their progress, if not so rapid as could be desired, is still in the right di- rection. "Having put their hands to the plow, thej^ will not look back," but will press forward in the work of improvement till every mountain, hill and valley shall be improved and beautified; every field rendered productive ; and every hu- man dwelling shall be pleasant to behold, neat, beautiful and attractive. John Goldsbury. PRUSSIAN SHEEP. The Merinoes were introduced into Germany, about the middle of the eighteenth century, and the advantageous change they effected every- where they were introduced, could not be disput- ed. Notwithstanding this, Mr. Fink — to whom Germany owes much in regard to sheep-culture — unwilling to give up altogether the native breeds, purchased in 17G8 some Saxon Merinoes, and though his breed was much improved, yei bis object did not seem accomplished, and in 1778 he imported some pure Merinoes from Spain. He took as the guide of all his experi- ments, that which is now received as an axiom among breeders, that the fineness of the fleece, and to a great degree the value of the carcass, too, are far more attributable to the inherent quality of the animal than to any influence of climate or soil. Uniformly acting on this fun- damental principle, and being most particular in the selection of the animals from which he bred, he improved his own native flocks to a consider- able extent, and he succeeded to a degree which he dared not anticipate, in naturalizing a still more valuable race of animals. His success at- tracted the attention of the Prussian government ; and Frederick H., in 1786, imported one hundred rams and two hundred ewes from Spain. Mr. Fink was subsequently commissioned by the gov- ernment to purchase one thousand of the choicest Merinoes ; agricultural schools were established, and at the head of one of them was placed Mr. Fink — the most competent of all persons — the first improver of the Prussian sheep. The follow- ing was Mr. Fink's mode of management : He properly maintains, that free exposure to the air is favorable to the quality of the wool, and therefore, although the sheep are housed at the beginning of November, yet whenever it freezes, and the ground is hard, even although it may be covered with snow, the sheep are driven to the wheat and rye fields, where they meet with a kind of pasturage exceedingly wholesome, and while they feed they are likewise benefiting the crop. Nothing is more common than to see a flock of valuable sheep scratching away the snow with their feet, in order to arrive at the short wheat or rye beneath. When the weather will not permit their being taken out, they are fed on hay, aftermath, and chopped straw of vari ous kinds. The kind of straw is changed as often as possible, and wheat, barley, and oat- straw, and pea-haulm follow each other in rap- id succession. The oat-straw is sparingly given, and the pea-haulm is preferred to the wheat and barley-straw. Oil-cake, at the rate of six or seven pounds per hundred sheep, and dissolved in water is also allowed when the flock cannot be turned on the young wheat. • Three or four weeks before lambing, an addi- tional allowance of hay and straw is given to the ewes ; and while they are suckling, a little oat- meal is mixed with the solution of oil-cake. When the weather will permit the turning out of the ewes, the lambs are still kept in the houses, and the mothers brought back to them at noon and night ; after that the lambs are not permitted to graze with the ewes, but are turned on the fallows or the clover of the preceding year ; for it is supposed that they unnecessarily fatigue themselves by running with their mothers, and almost incessantly trying to suck, and that on this account, they refuse the herbage on which they are placed, and take less nourishment than when quietly kept on separate pastures. A few barren ewes are, however, placed Avith the lamba for the purpose of guiding them, and perhaps teaching them to select the best and most whole- some food. More lambs are saved than are ne- cessary to keep up the flock, and when they are two years old they are inspected — one-third of the best of them are kept, and the remainder sold. The lambs are never shorn, in order that they may be better able to endure the cold and rain of autumn. The Prussian sheep-dogs, like almost all on the continent, are trained to obey the shepherds, and are skilful in guiding the sheep, but they never worry or bite them. There is no natural necessity for it anywhere ; and if flocks are occa- sionally wild and intractable, bad management and bad treatment have made them so. — FouatL For ike New England Farmer. THE MAQQOT IN ONIONS. Friend Browx : — I am pleased to see, by your paper of this date, a further explanation of Mr. Emerson's theory of the destruction of the onion maggot, by the application of guano. 1 find no fault with his facts, but with the inferen- ces he draws from them, and beg leave, respect- fully to say, that his facts do not warrant his conclusion. I repeat, what I have before stated, that no method of destroying, or even checking the pro- gress of the maggot, has yet come to my knowl- edge ; and that 1 have no confidence at all that this can be done by the application of guano. Such is the opinion of many practical men of sound judgment, who have had a hundred times as much experience, in the culture of onions, as Mr. E. has ; who have grown thousands of bush- els annually, for the last twenty years ; and who now discontinue the culture, by reason of their fearful apprehension of the ravages of this de- stroyer. I am pleased to know that the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture is directing his atten- tion to this subject. I would not have impugned Mr. E.'s assertions, if he had not unnecessarily commenced the attack, I commend his spirit of inquiry, but caution him not to think he knows as much about the culture of onions, from the growing a small bed in his garden, as those who 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 343 have grown acres, annually, for many years. I ^ The means hitherto employed for subduing these, know one gentleman, of Marblehead, Mr. H.' are, laying soot over the beds, or incorporating Ware, who last year grew ten acres, yielding,' it with the soil, applying salt in the same man- fit for market, more than 4000 bushels. Messrs. ner, AVitering with lime-water, gas tar, stale soap- Buxton, Huntington, Watson, Bushby, Osborn,' suds, soot water, stale urine and old tobacco wa- and others, cultivated in like manner — all of ter. Their power of reproduction is so great, which crops came under my observation. jthat unless they are destroyed the moment they J. W. Proctor, South Danvers, May 21, 1859. N. B. I thank you for the just notice taken of our annual publication. Mr. Secretary Dodge is entitled to much credit for the compilation. Fvr the New England Fanner. ONION CULTUEB, MAGGOT, &c. Onion Fly. — Anthomyia Ceparum, (greatly magnified.) are discovered to have attacked the crop, (which is known by the drooping and yellow leaves,) their total eradication becomes next to impossi- ble ; all other means exce])t carefully pulling up every diseased plant and burning it, can only be regarded as exceedingly superficial in their ef- fects. Deep trenching, and frequently turning over the soil, are of great advantage, in the one case, burying the pupa too deep for its again reaching the surface, and in the other, disturbkig it during its transformation, and probably pre- venting that change from taking place. Sowing onions year after year, on the same ground, is a very certain way of multiplying these insects, and might be carried to the extent of literally stocking the ground with them. In- sects peculiar to any plant, seldom attack the crop during the first year, after being planted in land not previously occupied with the same kind of crop, because the soil has not yet become fur- nished with the pupa of the insect peculiar to the plant ; hence some advantage arises from sowing onions after celery, and vice versa, cabbages after potatoes, &c. Spirits of tar is of great use, if applied in suf "The male of this fly is of an ashy color, roughish, with black bristles and hairs ; the eyes are contiguous and reddish, the face! ficient quantity tO the Soil immediately after the silvery white ; horns black; there are faint lines down theL • ^pjv,nvVrl Thp follnwino- hneen introduced, or a valuable breed of animals, or a new and valuable plant or root or seed, or a hint as to a plan for aiding the interests of agricul- ture in any way, that may not be traced back to the influence of this Society. From tim'e to time, men who are "tired of hear- ing Aristides caijid the Just," have cried out against its members, as book farmers, and gen- tlemen farmers, and as an aristocracy, and no- body can deny that all these appellations belong to them. For ourselves, we have no antipathy to books or gentlemen, and only wish the aris- tocracy of learning and benevolence and public spirit could be largely increased in numbers. The commonwealth of Massachusetts is the model State of the world, at this moment. No- where is she excelled in the general edification of her people, in the true spirit of freedom in the hearts of her citizens, in the equal and just 350 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. administration of law, in liberality towards the 'few seasons. The older land is now much worn, poor, the blind, the deaf, and the unfortunate of'^^d when too poor to grow corn and rye profita- every class, or in general prosperity in every i^^^' ^\d^^°*^'^ to buckwheat. We see no rea- , •' , „ , . -TP-i'- ■'son why, eventually, the whole of these plains, branch of business. In fostering the interests j,,.;!! ^^^^ be reduced to near barrenness, if this of agriculture, she stands at the head of the j system of improving them (rather misimproving) States of our Union, doing for the rest what less; is continued; namely carrying away the crop, ability or enterprise prevents their doing for ^"d returning nothing to the land, which well deserves the epithet of the "skinning system." The grain is sold, and generally but little more stock is kept than is necessary for convenience, so that manuring extensively is out of the ques- tion. These plains are happily interspersed, how- ever, with brooks, runs, and low plats, besides now and then a hill, with the hard-pan subsoil before mentioned, which '"urnishes all the mow- ing-land, and accordingly receives the manure. There are generally taken from the p]ain-field$ two crops in every five or six years, which, of course, draws severely upon the natural resources of the soil, originally scantily supplied with veg- themselves. Long may the old Massachusetts Society con- tinue to prosper, diffusing, through the press and the quiet example of its members, the light of science by which alone all progress is securely made. For the Hew England Farmer. SANDY LANDS—MUCK— THE "SKIM- NINQ" METHOD OF FAKMIWG. In what is called the Connecticut valley, be- tween the Connecticut and the gneitic hills some gtable matter, and nothing is done to restore 'it ten miles to the east, is a large tract of light, Lgajn. This land, on account of dryness of the plain land, about which, and its management, I surface, is hard to stock with clover, or the grass- propose to say a few words, especially that injes, and unless the season is unusually wet, the this btate, south of the green-stone range of Leed sown is generally wasted. Hundreds of Holyoke and its sister mountains. Geologically, j acres I have in mind, which, when not in crops, it IS drift, overlying new red sandstone, which j are covered with weeds, wild, useless herbs, and sometimes crop out, or is within a few feet of the low briars, (nchus canadensis;) these, de- the surface. _ The soil is naturally thm, and the Laying on the ground, are all the nourishment timber principally pine, except along streams and' received by the land. occasional hills, where the ground is more moist,! That this system of farming "pays," as a pres- and the subsoil a red, hard-pan. Dryness at all gnt investment, is not doubted by those engaged seasons of the year is a characteristic of this soil;;in it; but that they do not sometimes think of and in summer, after a ram or a heavy shower,! ^hat it must lead to is quite improbable; still, the farmers can resume their hoes within a few | guano is often applied, and though it generally hours, with C.ut_ slight inconvenience from mois-, produces larger crops, undoubtedly draws the ture ; but notwithstanding this, no land is found: harder upon the land. that suffers less during a drought. It seems to be a settled fact in people's mind, Ihese plains are generally divided into farms! at least hereabouts, that manuring on dry, sandy of seventy-five to one hundred acres, and devoted hand hardly pays, and though it works quick, and largely to the raising of grain, rye and corn ;j produces satisfactory crops, immediately after its thirty acres in each crop being not unusual, with the larger farmers. The yield is not large ; from five to twelve bushels of rye per acre and fif- application, it does not seem to last in the land. And again, such a large surface of land is im- proved each season, that it is next to an impossi- teen to twenty of corn ; but the land tills easy ; - bility to manure it all ; but doubtless it would so that a man can easily hoe from one to two | be better, taking into account the continued crop- or three acres a day; at least it is passed over, | ping to which the land must be subjected, to corn- but, perhaps, sometimes "hoed at" rather thanjmence the business of permanently improving ^^~' ,. . these soils, and raise more grain on half the Ihe present condition of these light plains, | around, under their present management, does not pre- j" :\'ature has supplied the necessary means, in sent a very flattering prospect for the "rising, large reservoirs of muck, in pond-holes, conve- generation." "Money" not only "makes the mare Liently interspersed, and accessible, either by go," but with the New England Yankee, is, to a drainage, or in dry weather, and large beds of far too great extent, the great incentive of life, pgat, in many of the swamps. Some farmers Under this spur, the high price of wood in this here, we are happy to say, are beginning to ap- vicinity for the la^t five or six years, has induced predate these mines of wealth, and have com- the cutting off of hundreds of acres of wood menced the application of muck to their sand- every winter, until the market became clogged - -- - with the article ; but not, we are sorry to say, till the greater part of the Avoodland has been cut over ; nearly all the old growth ; and now the effects of the north-west wind, as it sweeps across the knolls, is seen in bare sand-blows, which -ev- ery fall and spring are increased in size. The knolls, but generally, merely as experiments. One hundred and fifty loads to the acre, on the poorest of these sandy fields, would produce a good soil, that would produce double, and even treble the crops it now does, and last, probably, with judicious management, ten or a dozen years, without further outlay, or good crops of grain, land where the wood was cut, not being allowed I every season, for five 'years.' The muck can be to grow wood again, because it requires time, is drawn at any season of the year, when there is broken up, and two, three or more crops of rye, leisure, by a little calculation before hand. Ac- and one or more of corn or millet, are succes- Lording to the old saying, "Where there is a will 3ively taken off, when it is permitted to rest a | there is a way;" but if where there was a way 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 351 there fv'as a will, in this matter of muck versus sand-blows, two or three acres might be thus im- proved by almost any farmer, every year. In conclusion, I will briefly give a history of an experiment in this line, though I cannot give as precise data as I would like. Some six years ago, in converting an alder-swamp into mowing- land, I had occasion to bog considerably, taking off the whole crust an inch or two in depth be- tween the bogs. This crust, consisted, in part, of grass bogs, but principally of loose ham- mocks, abounding in brake roots, or "nigger- heads," as commonly called. An acre of meadow was treated in this manner in August, and the bogs packed into heaps, and in the following win- ter, were drawn to a sand-knoll, some thirty rods distant, covering about the same surface there. In the following spring, the bogs were plowed under as well as possible, and the land planted with corn. The crop was more than treble the usual yield of the land, and the succeeding rye crop was bountiful, far exceeding the yield of the remainder of the piece, which, before treatment with muck, was much more fertile. After rest- ing one year the bogs were sufficiently rotted to knock to pieces easil}', and the piece was again plowed, and planted to potatoes, the Mercer va- riety. The neighbors thought it foolish to think of raising potatoes in that dry sand ; but the yield in the fall, though less than on moist, ma- nured ground, surprised them. A fair crop of oats followed, and this spring we have planted the same piece to corn. I am confident that peat alone, after a year's exposure to the weather, will increase the crops of light land two or three fold, if bountifully ap- plied. J. A. A. Springfield, May, 1859. entertaining and instructive — and witn tne pres ■ ence of such men as Mr. Grennell, Mr. Fay, of the Massachusetts society. Dr. LoRlXG, Mr. Davis, of Plymouth, and Gen. Whitnei, they could not be otherwise. This comparatively young society is in the hands of practical, energetic men, and is doing much, to develop the agricultural capacities of that portion of the valley of the Connecticut. PBANKLIN COUNTY AQRIOTTLTURAL SOCIETY. The report of this Society for the year 1858, is an interesting document, and is prepared with the usual a])ility of Mr. Grennell, the accom- pKshed Secretary. The thousand head of stock on the grounds must have made a magnificent show. There are no finer cattle to be found in the State, if in the country, than the Short-horns and grades of the hill and river towns in Frank- lin. The hills aS'ord sweet, rich grass for the summer, and the intervales abundant crops of good hay for the winter. We have seen some samples of their four year olds, weighing 4000 pounds per yoke. They are splendid animals, and the cows look as though this county should be the very focus of good butter. There are some very fine flocks of sheep in the county. Mr. Field's South Downs and Cots- wolds are hard to beat, and together with his ox weighing 3,.300 pounds, shows that he knows how to make good stock. The show in the other departments was high- ly creditable to the society. The address, by Dr. Loring, was both able and interesting, and the services in the hall For the Neto England Farmer. ON "WOEKING OXEN. Read before the Concord, llass., Farmers' Club, BY CHARLES A. HUBBARD. Till oxen are four years old, they are usually called steers, afterwards oxen. The signs of a good ox for work, according to my experience and observation, are these ; long head, broad and level between the eye, and the eye full, keen, and pleasant. Such marks indicate ability to re- ceive instructions, and a willingness to obey. An ox with very large horns near the head, is apt to be lazy, and he will not endure heat well ; for- ward legs straight, toes straight forward, hoofs j broad, not peaked, and the distance short between I the ankle and the knee ; these properties ena- ble an ox to travel on pavements and hard roads. If the ox toes out, the strain comes on the inside I claw, and when travelling on hard ground, he I will be lame at the joint between the hoofs and the hair ; when the toes turn out, the knees bend in, and an ox with crooked knees is apt to be- come lame by holding heavy loads down hill ; full breast, straight on the back, round rihs, pro- jecting out as wide as the hip bones ; these are signs of strength and a good constitution. The best colors are brown, dark red and brindle. When an ox has completed his eighth or ninth year, he shouldjae fattened. TRAINING OXEN. A word on training oxen. I have found that by far the best time to train steers is when they are calves, say the first winter. Oxen that are trained when quite young, are much more plia- ble and obedient, and this adds much to their value. Steers that run until they are three or four years old, are dangerous animals to encoun- ter. They are always running away with the cart or sled whenever there is a chance for lliem, and often serious injury is the result. I would not recommend working steers hard, while young, as it prevents their growth ; there is a difl^erenee between working them and merely training them. I have observed that very little attention is paid by our farmers to train their steers to back, but as they become able to draw a considerable load forward, they are often unmercifully beaten on the head and face, because they will not back a cart or sled with as large a load as they can draw forward, forgetting that much pains has been ta- ken to teach them to draw forward, but none to teach them to push backward. To remedy the occasion of this thumping, as soon as I have taught my steers to be handy, as it is called, and to draw forward, I place them on a cart where the land is a little descending ; in this situation they will soon learn to back it. Then I place them 352 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. on level land, and exercise them there. Then I teach them to back a cart up land that is a lit- tle risin,'^, the cart having no load in, as yet. When I have taught them to stand up to the tongue as they ought, and back an empty cart, I Hext either put a small load in the cart, or take them to where the land rises faster, which an- swers the same purpose ; thus in a few days they can be taught to back well, and know how to do it, which, by a little use afterward, they will never forget. This may appear of little conse- quence to some, but when it is remembered how frequently we want to back a load, when we are at work with our cattle, and how convenient it is to have our cattle back well, why should we not teach them for the time when we want them thus to lay out their strength? Besides, it often saves blows and vexations, which is considerable when one is in a hurry. I never consider a pair of oxen well broke until they will back with ease any reasonable load, and I would give a very considerable sum more for a yoke of oxen thus tutored thanJor a yoke not thus trained. MANAGING AND FEEDING WORKING OXEN. The following is from the Yankee Farmer. Oxen working on a stone-drag, on the foot of a plow, on the sled-tongue, cart spire, or twitching stones or timber, should carry their heads well up, as this will enable them to do this work much easier ; those that work as leaders, forward of other oxen, should carry their heads low, and have the yoke the right length, let the bows suit the neck ; the yoke and bows to the leaders should set a little snugger than to the nib oxen. Never use the whip but from necessity. When about to strike the young steer or ox, ask your- self, "Will he know what I strike him for ?" Let each ox have a name, and be sure he knows his name. Never speak a word to an ox without meaning; have a particular word to start your team by, that all may pull together. Never hurry your oxen while riding behind them, lest they learn to haul apart. Oxen should be shod with a broad shoe, to travel on hard roads ; the shoe on the fore foot, should set back at the heel, nearly half an inch further than the hoof bears upon it. Oxen are frequently lame by reason of short shoes. The best feed for oxen at hard work, is to give to each two quarts of meal, wet, mixed with good chopped hay, three times a day, and as much hay as he will eat ; this is the high- est feed working oxen ought to have, and on this they W'ill work every day. SIZE OF VVORKIN'G OXEN. to do it. I accordingly purchased a large pair of Durham cattle which weighed thirty-six hundred pounds, paid a great price for them, and put them at work, and a more miserable yoke of oxen I never owned. If they did a day's work, it took, them three to get over it. I then purchased a pair of medium size, which weighed about twen- ty-six hundred pounds ; they proved well, went through the job in good shape, and were ready for another. As to the particular breeds of cattle for work, I know of none better than our native race. The Devons make very pretty workers, but as far as my experience goes, they are generally a little too high-strung. The Durhams, on the contrary, I believe to be rather slow of motion as a gener- al thing, and want high keeping. The Ayrshire, Hereford, and various other breeds, I am not a* all conversant with. MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY. The attention of the reader is called to an ar- ticle in another column, by Judge French, upon the "Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agri- culture," in which he glances at the operations and influences of the society, since its founda- tion. The Judge has our thanks for this timely and just notice of a society whose life has been crowded with good deeds. We have personal ac- quaintance with very few of its members, and speak of it entirely from what we know of its works. Its published Transactions we have read from their commencement, with care, and have been instructed by them, and whenever the soci- ety has been assailed, have said whatever we could to make its past action and its objects bet- ter understood. We hope it will keep on its ac- customed course, form "no entangling alliance" with other associations, and continue to promote the interests of agriculture in the future as much as it has promoted them in the past. A word as to the particular size of working oxen. A yoke of oxen weighing twenty-eight hundred pounds, I consider heavy enough for all [read by every farmer who has an acre of land to Farm Dr.ainage. — The above work, a hand- some volume of 400 pages, will be sent post-paid, to any subscriber to the .V. E. Farmer v/ho will send $1,00 to this office by mail or otherwise. The author is Judge French, our well-known Associate, and the book gives practical direc- tions for draining land with stones, wood and tiles, in the cheapest and best manner, with 100 engravings of implements, &c. It should be practical purposes. It depends something on what a person wants to use them for, but for travelling on the road, or for most any part of farm labor, cattle of this size are heavy enough. There is a prevailing opinion among farmers who use oxen, that they must have a very large, heavy pair, in order to get along well ; but as a general thing, large, heavy cattle are very apt to be slow of motion, and much more liable to be lame, be sides more expensive in keeping drain. Profitable Sheep. — I will give you a state- ment of a little flock of sheep that I have raised in two years. I bought three ewes, two years ago this spring — two of them had four ewe lambs ; and last year six of them had eight ewe lambs, making in all fifteen ewes ; they have never had a buck lamb. I consider it a pretty good Two or three jincrease. I had .$14 for the first purchase, and years ago. I had a heavy job of work on hand, I the wool has about paid for keep, and I have just and thought I must have a heavy yoke of oxen I sold the flock for $15.— Country Oenileman. 1859. NEAV ENGLAND FARMER. 353 For ihe New England Farmer, THE LITTLE SUBBOILEB. BY JUDGE FRENCH. When we plant early, and heavy rains follow, the earth packs down so hard between our rows of corn, potatoes and roots, that we frequently repent of our haste in putting in the seed, and de- clare that we will never be guilty of such folly again. My friend. Professor Hoyt, now Chancellor of Washington University, at St. Louis, once em- ployed a man to fork up the earth between his potato hills. His land was sandy, and had set like the sea beach, as hard as a very soft grindstone. The professor said he knew the potatoes could not breathe in so tight a place as that. Often we see gardeners loosen the earth round their plants with a spade or trowel, after a hard storm, and every man of common sense knows that in gen- eral, the more freely plants are supplied with air, heat and moisture in the natural soil, the better they thrive. Now we have an implement (figured above) that supplies the want thus indicated, in the shape of a small subsoil plow drawn by a single horse or mule. The use of a subsoil plow is to break up and loosen the subsoil, without bringing it to the surface. I have used the little subsoiler with great satisfaction ; the present season my corn was planted May 2oth, on land drained with tiles, part of it heavy clay; it came up well, al- though the season was wet. As soon as the rows could be well traced, on the i:3th June, the little subsoiler was put through twice in a row, about ten inches deep, which raised up the soil as light as if just plowed. Then came the rain and as every body knows, it has kept raining ever since, but down goes the water to the depth of this cut, instanter, and the drains are doing their best be- low, and the water is out of sight, though the three-inch drains often run full. On the 19th we finished hoeing it, and my man James, and I, think we saved the cost of the little plow on this one and one-third acres of corn. On our mangolds, three-fourths of an acre, we have also used it, running between the drills as soon as the rows are visible, and we are ready to recommend it without hesitation for general use in corn, potatoes, mangolds, turnips, carrots, and the like. Prof. Mapes, I think, is entitled to the credit of introducing the use of the subsoiler in this way, and the pattern of the best subsoil plows in use was furnished by him, and he calls it a soil- lifter. Send to Nourse, Mason & Co. for sub- soil plow No. 0. It is of steel, and well made, and the price $8. After the little subsoiler has gone through, use the best kind of cultivator. Reader, do you know what is the best kind ? James says that "at home," that is, in Ireland, I they use a small plow with the mould-board re- moved, running between the potato drills, to loosen the soil before turning the earth up to the potatoes with the common plow, and he joyfully recognizes in the use of this little implement the process there so familiar. Exeter, N. H., June 22, 1859. Pratt's Patent Self- Ventilating Cover- ed Milk-Pan. — One of these pans was left with us a week or two since, and was at once trans- ferred to the dominions of the women, where it was put to a practical test, and pronounced a good article, but not one adapted to the dairy- woman's use. It is not broad enough as milk 354 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. should be set shallow, in broad bottomed pans. It would require too much time to adjust the cover. It is too expensive. But for use in large towns and cities, where people set only a gallon or two of milk, and where rats, cockroaches, flies and other interesting vermin invade their eata- bles, it must prove an excellent article, and would not be too expensive. It is a capital ven- tilator and cooler. For the New England Farmer. HUNQARIAIf GRASS. Mr. Editor: — When I was a lad, some fifty- five years ago, I distinctly recollect of hearing an old gentleman declare, (sportively,) that, the farmer who would make two spears of grass grow where only one grew before, and would make a yearling steer weigh as much as an ox, was enti- tled to much credit, and would most assuredly get a feather in his cap. When I read the communication in the last Farmer from Mr. Richard, of Richmond, relat- ing to his Hungarian grass, I w.as led to feel that he, too, was entitled to much credit, for he most positively declares that he prepared his ground, and between the fifteenth and twentieth days of June, '58, sowed thereon twenty-nine quarts of Hungarian grass seed ; the product of which, he informs us, was seven and one-half tons of hay secured, and, moreover, from the hay he threshed out eighty-five bushels of well-ri- pened Hungarian grass seed ! If Mr. Richard, (in some future number of the Farmer,) will be so obliging as to give the actual measurement of the land from which he took so large and valuable a crop of grass and seed, the character of the soil, and the manner in which he prepared the ground for the seed, whether by top-dressing or otherwise, he will confer a fa- vor upon every farmer who takes delight in see- ing fat cattle upon a thousand hills, and all those who are most willing to learn the science where- by two spears of grass may be made to grow, (throughout the farm) where only one grew be- fore. A. Brow>'E. Dalton, Mass., June 13, 1859. For the New England Farmer. APPLES AND APPLE TBEES. In your paper of June 11, your correspondent, "S. P. Baker," says that apple seeds planted where they are to stand permanently, will be worth twice as much, and will live as long again, bear twice as many apples, &c. I consid- er his remarks partly true, but not wholly so. In my own mind, an orchard will do better to have the seed planted where they are to stand, as then the tap-root goes directly down, and on dry land the tree will stand the drought better, and will, I think, live longer; but to say they will live twice as long, and bear twice as much fruit, is, I think, a mistake. My opinion from long experience is, that the flavor of fruit is aflected by the soil, and very little generally by the tree. Putting the Baldwin on a warm, dry soil, the flavor is richer and more melting. It ripens earlier, but will not keep so long. On low land it does not ripen so early and the pulp is more firm, and the flavor not so pleasant to the taste. From one paragraph of your correspondent from Ipswich I disagree wholly. "Apple trees grafted from scions that are two years old will bear every year, as a one year old scion has only half come to maturity, and consequently bears only half the time." I have grafted with my own hand and taken the scions myself from one year old, to two, three, and four, but more gen- erally from two, repeated it every year, and the cases are very rare that the Baldwin will bear every year ; there are some kinds of apples that will bear every year, but it is not, in my opinion, because the scions were one or two years old. In consequence of a very fine apple that orig- inated in Sherborn, where I lived seventy years, running out or failing to produce fair and hand- some fruit, which was esteemed by every lover of good fruit, and was fit for the table from Octo- ber to April, my father before me had grafted probably a hundred trees of that kind, and up to 1810 produced as handsome and fine fruit as I have ever seen. Since that year it has not been worth raising. That settles the question that some apples have and will run out. I tried every way I could think of to restore them by pruning and cultivation, but they grew worse by it. Some writers have supposed that the flavor of fruit is influenced by the stocks on which they are graft- ed, but I have thought more by the soil. Daniel Leland. East Holliston, June 13, 1859. For the New Engl«md Farmer. ONION AND TURNIP CROPS. Mr. Editor: — Mr. Proctor does not believe there is any remedy for the onion maggot. Has he tried the guano and did it fail him ? If he will fix a little bed in his garden, and sprinkle the plants with guano when about three inches high, and again when they are setting for bot- toms, and the maggot meddles with them, they will do difi"erent with him than they have done with me. I have now a little bed in my garden of about ten square yards of as handsome onions as I have ever seen at this time in the year. They have had two coats of ashes and one of guano. I see I am not alone on the turnip crop. My experience has been the same as your correspon- dents, "C." and "J. L. T." I never had a good crop of anything after a crop of turnips till I had manured the ground. Ed. Emerson. Mollis, June 11, 1859. The Slaughter which Sustains us. — When we ride we sit upon the skin of the pig ; when we walk, we treak upon tho skin of the bullock ; we wear the skin of the kid upon our hands, and the fleece of the sheep upon our backs. More than half the world are human beings in sheep's clothing. We eat the flesh of some creatures, of some we drink the milk ; upon others we are de- pendent for the cultivatioH of the soil ; and if it is a pain for us to suffer hunger and cold, we should scrupulously avoid inflicting wanton mis- ery upon the animals by which we are warmed and fed. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 355 For the New England Farmer. SHEEP SHEAEING. Mr. Editor: — In your last number I noticed a remark on sheep shearing, where it says, "when the oil has been secreted after washing." In washing sheep in cold water the "yolk" or oil, cannot be started, it is only the filth and dirt, that can be washed away, and as soon as the sheep are dry they are fit to be shorn ; two fine days is amply sufficient after washing, getting them under cover for the first part of the day for shearing. Putting up wool for market is just the same as any other commodity. If wool is not washed well, either for the sake of gain, or through neg- ligence, it will certainly diniinish the price, or its real value, and make room for fault-finding, PUTTING UP THE FLEECE. In my practice of upwards of forty years, I find a great deal of wool bungled up, in the fleece, which much deteriorates its value. After the fleece is off", bring the wool outside up, then shuck it up as near its natural size as possible ; then double the sides over (not roll) till about a foot wide, then turn the rump half way, and bring the head part to meet it. Roll the fleece half way over, and then the oth- er half. Have two strings, each two yards long. Use one around, and the other end-wise, bring- ing it up tight, and in good shape. As manufac- turers of wool are scattered all over the New Eng- land States, sell your wool to them, and you will be more likely to get its real value, as many speculators don't have the practical knowledge in ])urchasing. Ja:\iks Townsend. Marlboro', N. II., June, ISuO. ALIilGATOKS. You have heard of these interesting reptiles, in books, and perhaps seen astuff'ed specimen in some cabinet of curiosities. You can behold here, on both sides of the road, ni situ. They are just beginning to show themselves in consid- erable numbers. In summer they swarm by thou- sands. They lie on top of the logs sunning them- selves, very much like mud turtles. There is one middling sized animal, perfectly sun-dried, and brown as the log he rests on, his mouth gently opened, with a m.ost benevolent smile. His air is so meek and languishing, that he would not apparently hurt one of the thousand flies around him. They walk in, delighted with the apartment. Snap ! those amiable jaws are only an ingenious fly-trap, enticing myriads of hapless beings to their undoing. But catching flies is only the pas- time of the alligator. His tail is a handy blud- geon, with which he knocks over larger game. He is fond of pig, both "long" and "short," and if any of the stray shoats do not return at night- fall, the owner never thinks it worth while to look for him the next day. They seldom attack men, that kind of game not being particularly abundant in these parts. — Letter from Louisiana in Hartford Homestead. A Certain Cure for Botts in Horses. — When you find your horse complaining, and look- ing around at his side, and lies down pretty often, and is not swollen, you may very readily come to the conclusion that he has the botts. Lose no time in giving him a quart of sweet milk and molasses, and just as soon as you let his head down, after he swallows the drench, slap him several times on the side of which he com- plains most, with a paddle about two feet long, six inches wide and one inch thick, striking him pretty hard ; this process jars the botts loose from him, and they take hold of, and feed on the milk and molasses. In ten or fifteen minutes af- ter striking him with the paddle, give him a quart or half gallon drench of strong sage tea ; this ac-^ complishes the object by killing the botts, and the horse is relieved. — Livery Keeper in Ky. Far- mer. For the New England Farmer. BAIN AT THE "WEST. This is a fine country for farming in many re- spects, and though once in ten years a little too dry in summer, is also, some years, rather wet. The year 1857, to the first of August, was dry, and up to April Sth, 1858, was so beautiful that farmers could plow every month. The great rains began at that date, and abated June lOth, 30 inches having fallen. To this date wheat looked fine, and two weeks' good weather seemed likely to insure a good crop. But excessive heat and rain, showers and storms, like eastern dog- days, soon ruined the wheat by black blight, and farmers' hopes also. Great showers in July and August. From October 23d to December 6th almost incessant wet — at one time the sun was not seen for nine days. From April 8, 1858, to the same date, 1859, 84 inches of rain fell ; of course the ground was wet, there being six inch- es in March.. April had 11 storms, and twice when snowing there was thunder ; in fact, elec- tricity seems to abound, whether cold or warm — though there has been very little warm weather yet. There has been a great amount of thunder and lightning, sometimes of the most vivid and terrific character, for six or eight hours in almost constant succession. In view of all these things, and the fact that the soil is soaked, and that the sun shines but little, as my record will show you, what may be expected for crops this season ? In this section we may be doomed to drowning, while at the East you are burning. Last year, in eight months from the Sth of April, we had 72 inches of rain — nine inches per month ; and this year bids fair to be about equal to it, as the month of May is very wet. It is altogether premature to form an opinion of the wheat crop in the whole West ; but one thing is certain, as Iowa sows but a little winter grain, and as that of spring is a small sowing, and as what there is stands thin, and is back- ward, this State will have little if any surplus this year. Considerable corn is planted, and some of it needs weeding, as New Englanders say, but the ground is so drenched with rain that it cannot be done. In March last we had eight fair days, five part fair, four hazy and fourteen cloudy — rain six and one-fourth inches. In April, eight fair days, five part fair, seven- teen cloudy, eleven stormy — rain three inches. In May, ten fair days, six about half fair, fif- 356 NEW ENGLAND FAIllMER. Aug. teen cloudy, fifteen days rain — amount six and one-half inches. I could give you the direction of the wind every day for three months, but the range of the thermometer would be more than you wish to print, or your readers to peruse ; though worth more than it costs to me. Though not a subscriber, I read your valuable paper, and appreciate it highly though not all adapted to this region. June 1st, another smart shower. With such an amount of rain and cloudy weather on your sandy soil in Massachusetts, you might cultivate the ground quite well ; but here, 6n the rolling or flat prairies, with a fine adhe- Bive soil, more or less clayey, and all limey, rest- ing on a clay subsoil, it is altogether different, and allowance must be made to farmers, if in such excessively wet seasons we cannot pay all our debts. IvERS Taylor, A Bay State Man. Denmark, Lee Co., Iowa, June 1, 1859. EXTKACTS AND REPLIES. A GOOD CALF. I am now raising a heifer calf that is consid- ered by myself and neighbors a very good one. It is ten months old to-day. When eight months and a half old, it weighed 700 lbs. Think it •would now weigh 800. It is five feet and two inches in girth, and is, according to its length and weight, proportionally small where measured for the girth. It is of the no-horned breed, and of a bright Devon color. Until within a few days it has had the milk of one cow, and has been fed some besides. Yours, Szc, B. F. Fletcher. Dej-by, Vt, Hay 25, 1859. Remarks. — We suppose the writer means by "no-horn breed," what are termed "Polled cattle," by graziers. Ayrshire and Dumfries, in Scot- land, with two or three other places, once formed the ancient province of Galloway, and the polled, or no-horned cattle, were natives of that prov- ince. By "Devon color," he means the dark ma- hogany color which always distinguishes the true Devon. WHITE SPECKS IN BUTTER. I would say in answer to "T.," of Felchville, Vt., that white specks in butter are caused by getting sour milk in with the cream when skim- ming, which becomes hard like cheese ; to pre- vent white specks in butter, stir the cream thor- oughly after skimming, and should there be specilvs then, rinse in cold water. Ludlow, Vt., 1859. MRS. L. E. n. OIL SOAP FOR BORERS. Mr. Editor : — I saw in one of your papers within the last six months — I do not now remem- ber the date of it — a communication in which the writer stated that he had, for several years, used oil of soap to prevent the depredations of borers in apple trees. I would like to know if it is the oil of soap such as is used by fullers in scouring ; and, if so, what is the time of apply- ing it ? What quantity is used, and in.what man- ner is it applied ? If you, or some of your sub- scribers, will give me the desired information through your columns, it will greatly oblige Samuel Parks. Rock Bottom, Mass., June 4, 1859. Remarks. — Perhaps the person who recom- mended it may give Mr. P. some information — we have never used oil soap for that purpose. We suppose it is the common whale oil soap. kicking cows. Place the animal by the side of a stall or par- tition, and confine her head with a rope, so she will not be able to step back, and then put a bar the other side, having a place beside her head ts put one end of the bar in, and fetch the other end of the bar down as low as you can conve- niently ; milk under the bar, and make it so tight that she cannot change her position. If she should kick she can do no hurt, and she will soon relinquish her old trick. I have tried it with good success. E. E. Robinson. Sunderland, Mass., 1S59. I have just lost a valuable South Down buck, and on examination, found worms in his head, which probably caused his death. Can you, or any of your correspondents, tell me the cause and cure ? Where can I obtain another pure blood South Down buck ? N. P. RiNES. Concord, JV. H., June 6, 1859. Remarks. — Worms in the head of sheep are caused by the "gad-fly." Read "Morrell's Amer- ican Shepherd." to PREVENT A COW FROM KICKING. Having noticed in the Farmer of this month a plan suggested by "J. Y. N." for the purpose of curing kicking cows, allow me to suggest one which is, perhaps, equally as good. Take a rope long enough to go round the cow, commencing at her forward legs, and tie it over her shoulders. Now take a stick, and twist the rope tolerably tight, which will prevent her from using her hind legs ; she cannot stir them an inch. Boston, June, 1859. A Belmont Farmer. SCABS CROWS. This is the time of year for our corn-fields to exhibit all sorts of artistic ingenuity, in the shape of old clothes statuary, and a very odd and ex- pressive tableaux, as well as a great extent of never-ending twine — glittering pieces of tin hung on poles, by ever twisting and twisting strings — old coffee pots, and dilapidated hats ; all to in- timidate that very sable, but sagacious bird, the crow. Mr. Crow generally laughs in his sleeve at all this expenditure of cast-off toggery, and takes M'hat corn he wants before the farmer is up, or in the house at his meals, or gone to meet- ing, or absent from the premises from any other cause. The best mode that we ever adopted, to keep this inveterate old preacher from pulling up our corn, was to surround him with assailants of his own kind. Make bird fight bird. We once set up a couple of martin-boxes on poles in our corn-field. These were occupied by families of 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 357 martins; and woe fell upon every crow'ei, poor devoted head that dared to show itself anywhere near the premises. They were out as early as Mr. Crow himself, and ready to give hattle all summer, or, until their young had flown, and they got ready to migrate South. There was many a battle fought over the field, but no corn was pulled up that year. — Maine Farmer. "WEVEB PUT OFF TILL TO-MOKKOW." Now ia the time to be busy. Now ig the season for toil : Work while 'tis Spring, and the Autumn Will bring you the fruits of the soil. There's no time for work like the present. Let idlers not lead you astray ; For "never put off till to-morrow The thing you can do to-day !" Be up with the dawn of the morning. In time to your labor repair ; And though you do ever so little, Be sure that you do it with care. And should the world tell you to linger, And join for a moment in play. Mind, "never put off till to-morrow The thing you can do to-day !" So youth is the time for progressing la wisdom's deligbtful road. That age, at the end of the journey, May find a repose with God. Then remember, while youth is in splendor (Not when you're old and grey,) To "never put off till to-morrow The good you can do to-day '." For the Now England Farmer. GBAWD DIVISIONS IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. It seems to me that the greatest impediment to the diffusion of knowledge, by the press, or by scientific lecture, is to be found in the persistent rejection, by the farmer, of scientific terms. "But," I am frequently asked, "why not use common terms?" I answer, because in some cases we have no common or familiar term to express the idea, but more frequently we use the scientific, rather than the common term, because the com- mon term is indefinite, and the scientific term is precise, in its meaning. If the lecturer use the com.mon term to express his definite scientific idea, his different hearers will interpret it differently. I meet with men every day who use indifferently the words, species, order, class, genus, tribe and family, to express the same idea. These things ought not so to be. It seems to me a truism that without precision of language, no definite idea can be conveyed. Is it not, then, the farm- er's first duty to acquaint himself with the Ian guage of science ? I do' not propose to write a lexicon, but to give the proper idea to be at tachfcd to a few terms found in each of the de partments of science in which the farmer must te interested. I shall dilute the article some, to keep it from being dry, but wish it understood that ^ach scientific term, however frequently used has but one meaning — the same in every place. I commence with the animal kingdom. All animals have been formed by the Creator, on four great plans, as distinct as the Gothic, Ionic Doric and Corinthian orders of architecture ; consequently, naturalists say, that there are four grand divisions in the animal kingdom. In the order of their rank, commencing with the lowest, they are the Radiates, Mollusks, Articulates and Vertebrates. The Radiates are so called becaus their organs, especially their nervous systems, are arranged around and diverge from a centre, like the spokes of a wheel. The star fish, (As- terias,) is the type of this style of animals. But in every division, the general plan is greatly mod- ified, producing classes, orders, genera and spe- cies, and giving that beauty and variety in which the Creator seems everywhere to delight. This division mostly inhabits the sea, and is of little economical importance to the farmer. The second division is that of shell fish. They are called Mollusks — the word signifying soft. Most Mollusks, though soft animals, are covered with a hard shell, as in the case of the clam, oys- ter and snail, and are said to be testacious. — Squids and slugs have no visible shell, only a rudimentary one under the cuticle. Slugs are often found under old logs and stones, and are thought to be snails, which have crept away from shells — a natural but a false notion. The third division is said to be Articulate, be- cause the animals, for the most part, have an ex- ternal skeleton composed of rings articulated or joined together, as in the lobster and the wasp. The earthworm and the leech have no hard skel- eton, but their rings are visible, and their style of organism of the articulate type, their nerves being distributed in two lines along the lower part of the body, with ganglia or modular masses at each ring. Insects, caterpillars and spiders belong to this division. The farmer's hopes and his fears, his success and his failures, are fre- quently intimately connected with these animals. The fourth division is that of Vertebrates — animals with a spine or back bone. The plan of this division reverses that of the last. The skeleton of this is on the inside and the muscles on the outside. The nervous system is on the upper side of the body, and contamed in the back bone. The jaws work vertically — those of the articulate work horizontally. In this division are included fishes, snakes, turtles, lizards, alli- gators, monkeys and men. MoKE Anon. Wilbraham, 18o9. Remakks. — Excellent. You point out a path in which thousands of our readers ought to tread, and take observations. For the New England Farmer. BOTS IN HOKSES. Mr. Brown : — I noticed in a recent number of the Farmer an account of the sick colt, written by "O. T. Willard." He called the disease bots, which I thought was impossible, although his description answered to a case recently before me. But my colt was so far gone when friend Willard intimated that it was bots, that it seemed useless to doctor for them. I^ad been told if my colt died and I examined him, I should not detect the cause, for all horses have some bots. ]My colt died this week. I got my brother, and into the examination we went, expecting to find the truoble in the spinal column. But if it was 358 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. there, its traces were so delicate that we could not detect it. In the region of the heart and lungs there ap- peared serious trouble ; they were very dark colored ; the lungs swollen to a monstrous size ; as we had got our hand in, we thought we would look in to the stomach or maw, and entrails. On opening the stomach it seemed literally coated with bots. We commenced counting, scraping off, or cutting them from the maw, until we counted in round numbers, five hundred bots, as large as a bee ; his maw was literally eaten out of him. I have been thus particular in this case, hop- ing to draw some instruction from you or some of your correspondents. Have given this colt the past three months, while unable to stand, some laudanum, brandy and molasses, and a great quantity of new milk. I had supposed the bots to be a quick disease. Was it the milk and molasses that made him linger thus long? Some one that knows, I wish would inform me how many bots, or how many hundreds of them, a healthy, full grown horse usually has in the maw ? Was the number in my colt a common or an uncommon number ? I think it uncommon. Friend Willard advised me to doctor for the bots, but I want a prescription for killing those five hundred bots, without injury to the colt. Wharton D. Sear. Southampton, June, 1859. HOEING. One of the most important items of business on the farm is hoeing. So much depends upon this particular process of crop-getting, that a farmer may cover broad acres of fertile land with manure and seed, work it in the most approved and careful manner, keep off all beasts and in- sects, and then, neglecting to hoe timely and properly, fail to receive anything like a remuner- ative crop. It is one of the weakest pieces of fol- ly in which the farmer indulges, and is the next- door neighbor to cultivating and raising a fine crop with assiduous labor and pains, and then neglecting to harvest it. Another look at it, shows that the folly is even greater than this. Why? A neglect in hoeing allows weeds to grow and perfect their seeds. These are annually shed upon his own ground, stocking it for years to come, and these annual sowings are so many an- nual accessions of new crops of rank weeds, to torment and exhaust the energies of the culti- vator, in his attempts to make them give place to the plants which he wishes to rear. But this is not all the wrong he does. Nature is always at work to hide her blemish- es (as we look upon them) with something grate- ful and beautiful to our eyes — some drooping bell-shaped flower with large green leaves covers the otherwise bald roadside, where excavations have been made, or patches of fresh grass, or rushes, or sedge, or shrubs, cover the earth laid bare by accident or by man. In order to accom- plish this, she has given many seeds locomotive power, and they fly or float away, perhaps long distances, in vast numbers, to settle a new colo- ny wherever they may alight. Is it right, then, for one farmer to raise a crop of pernicious plants and perfect their seeds, that they may invade the premises of another, and cause him years of painful labor from which he derives no profit ? It certainly is not right, and the good husbandman will consider well what his duty is in relation to this matter. Hoeing has other advantages beside that of keeping the weeds down. It has something the effect of thorough draining. Well drained land becomes light and porous, is prepared to receive the air and warmth of the sun's rays, and the fer- tilizing properties contained in rain water and in the dews. Lands well hoed are placed in a con- dition much like this, and will produce a much larger crop than lands left unhoed. Neglected hoeing brings — 1. An unsightly, slovenly field, which is a shame to its possessor. 2. A hard, unyielding soil, that makes what hoeing is done doubly expensive. 3. Tons of weeds to rob the soil and deprive the crop of its natural source of support. 4. Crops of seeds that perpetuate the evil, and an infliction of wrongs upon others that we have no right to inflict. 5. Loss of reputation as a good farmer and an upright man. G. Loss of labor, loss of crop, and what is more than all, loss of that heavenly feeling of duty done, that approbation spoken by every well-tended tree and plant and flower, "Well done, good and faithful servant, thou shalt have thy reward." Better neglect haying than hoeing — better ne- glect planting, even, than hoeing ! But it is too hot to say any more about it now. It is cooler and more pleasant to hoe on such a day as this sixteenth day of June, than to sit at the desk and write about it. Salt and Ashes for Cows. — On turning my cows to pasture, in the spring,' I provide several small tubs, and having fixed them firmly in the soil to prevent them being overturned, put into each tub one quart of salt and three quarts of sifted wood-ashes, previously well mixed by stir- ring. The cows partake freely of this mixture. It prevents injury from the sudden change from dry to green food, and has, besides, a most in- vigorating effect upon the general system. Some assert that salt should be given only as often as once a week, as its more frequent use would be injurious. But when supplied in this way, no ap- prehension need be entertained. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 359 For the New England Farmer. A SIMPLE PLOWMAN. Mr. Editor : — I noticed in a late number of the JV. E.'Farmer a diagram and description of a "New Plowman," to take the place of one of the sons of the Emerald Isle, which I have no doubt •will do the work full as well as he. But it is a privilege which the Yankee farmer highly prizes to purchase that which is simple and cheap, rath- er than that which is more complicated and ex- pensive, provided it will do as good, or better ■work. Hence, I propose to give you a descrip- tion of an implement designed for the same pur- pose, which the farmers in this vicinity have been using for some years past. It is manufactured, and I suppose was invented, by H. Strickland, Esq., a plow manufacturer, at Bradford, Vt. It is simply a wheel, fixed to a cast-iron bow, similar in shape to those commonly used for holding plow-wheels, which is fastened to the land-side of the plow by bolts. There is a mor- tice through one end of the bow, so that the ■wheel can be raised or lowered at pleasure. On land that is comfortably even and free from stones this wheel will hold the plow more even and steady than most men. In order that a machine of this kind should work perfectly, it is necessary that the surface of the ground where the wheel and plow runs should correspond ; for if the wheel drops into a hollow, it will run the plow off; or if it rises over a knoll, it will run it to land. Hence, I should think this ■wheel would work better than the Plowman, in- asmuch as the ground would be more likely to correspond at a distance of only three or four inches from the furrow than it would as many feet from it. The description of the Plowman does not give the length of the triangle, but by the diagram it appears to be as long as the dis- tance from the colter to the end of the beam, which must be nearly three feet, which I should think would not only render it useless, but some- what troublesome, when the land was nearly fin- ished, and when plowing back furrows near a fence. s. Faiiiee, Vt., June 7, 1859. tered in every section of the district, within the limits of the Society ? These hints are thrown out, if possible, to bring forth a more equitable and less exceptionable distribution of this bounty, which is admitted to be quite liberal. p. June 10, 1859. Remarks. — Glad attention is called to the sub- ject. We do not think, however, that the pre- miums are awarded in the town where the show is held, by any management of "those who regu- late the Shows," but because, it being convenient, so many more persons contend for the premiums when the show is to be in their own town. We believe the records of every society in the State will show that a considerable portion of all the premiums are awarded to the people of the town where the exhibition takes place, or to persona from towns in its immediate neighborhood. Tot the New England Farmer. STATE BOUNTY. Mr. Editor: — In the tabular statement of premiums awarded from the funds given by the State for the encouragement of agriculture, it appears that nearly half the whole amount is paid and distributed in the towns in which the shows are holden. This will do in those coun- ties where there is a rotary plan of exhibitions, but in those where the exhibitions year after year are stationary in the same place, it seems to he a limited and partial use of the bounty of the State. Without doubt, the purpose in giving it is, that the benefit shall be generally diffused through the ■whole community ; and not that a few individuals, who regulate the shows, should so manage the same, as to pocket near all the bounties. Would not this difficulty be in a measure cor- rected by awarding more for farm management, or experiments in culture, instead of animals ex- hibited ? or might it not be done by having com- mittees to examine such claims, as may be en- For the New England Farmer. THE WEATHER OF THE SPRING MONTHS, 1859. Marcli came in nvther roughly, with disagreea- ble winds and low sunrise temperatures, but af- ter the first few days the weather was uniformly mild, and the whole month much resembled what April usually is. The frost left the ground very early ; the snow disappeared on the plains during the first ten days, and from the mountains before the close of the month, and by the 2Uth, the roads were quite dry. The ponds were early cleared of ice, and on the 22d, the frogs croaked merrily. Many of the early spring birds came in the fore part of the month, the blue birds arriv- ing on the 6th, and large flocks of wild geese passed over on the 10th and 11th, and other flocks followed on the loth and 25th. The thermome- ter frequently indicated 50° in the shade, and there was Gjery indication of a very forward sea- son. The last week of the month was very fine, though there was Remarkably strong north-west wind during the last twenty-four hours. But the most remarkable feature of the month was the large number of heavy rain storms, and consequent heavy floods. The highest water in the Connecticut was on Sunday, the 20th, when the river at Springfield was twenty and one-half feet above low water mark, and at Hartford twenty- six feet above, while the water was thirteen feet jdeep on the Holyoke dam. Many of the bridges over the Connecticut and its tributaries were car- ried away, and a large amount of other serious damage done, the flood ranking in hight as the I fourth of the century, falling but two inches be- low that of 1845, a foot below that of 1801, and two feet one inch below the great flood of 1854, the highest ever known on the Connecticut. April followed, with the first week cold and rough, there being out of the first nine days eight of strong north-west wind. About the middle of the month, there were several cold rain storms ; while it rained here, snow falling on the moun- tains and at the north ; but generally the weath- er was very even, and marked by no severe extremes. The latter part of the month was uni- formly mild, and generally fine ; and at the close 350 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. of the month, vegetation was considerably ad- vanced, rye being several inches high, mowing lands and pastures green, and the buds on the trees just bursting into leaves, even then some poplars and birches being quite green. During the last few days, swallows, brown thrushes, che- ■wicks, whippoorwills, and a host of warblers and fly-catchers, made their appeai'ance. May, though warm and generally favorable for vegetation, and consequently for the farmer, was divided into about three distinctly marked sec- tions of fair weather and rainy weather. The first eight days were remarkably clear, and exceeding- ly warm for the season, thermometers ranging from 84° to 94° in the shade. The weather about this time for nearly two weeks was very dry ; fires raged in the woods in various quarters, and a dense smoky haze threw a disagreeable aspect over the landscape, hemming in the view to a few miles in extent, and veiling everything dis- tant in a forbidding indistinctness. On the 9th, after great heat in the forenoon, a great change in the weather, in consequence of thunder show- ers, occurred, the temperature falling thirfi/ de- grees in eight hours. Heavy rains followed on the 10th and 11th, and the weather was more or less cloudy, excepting perhaps one or two days about the 15th, with indications of rain, and more or less of rain fell, till the 22d, a cloudy term of six days, during which the sun hardly shone, en ding on the 22d. There Avas heavy rain on the night of the 18th, and more or less on the 19th, 20th, 21st and 22d. The remainder of the month was clear and fine, with rather too cool nights, however, and a heavy fall of rain on the night of the 3 1st. In short, the spring opened very early — the ground being in condition for plowing in the lat- ter part of March, continued very forward, and as a whole was very fine. The trees "arrayed themselves in green" with more than usual ra- pidity ; cherry trees were in full bloom on the 9th, and apple trees by the 18th, at least, a week in advance of last year, ten days ahead of 1857, and three days earlier than the avtrage for the last half century. Much planting was done quite early, and at the close of May, corn and potatoes were several days in advance of what they usu- ally are at the same date. The mean temperature of the spring months was 4o.80; of March, ST.H'^; of April, 42.94^; of jNIay, 57.31'^. The mean temperature at sun- rise was 39.80'^; at noon, 51. 35""'; and at sunset, 48.35'^; of March, at sunrise, 34°; at noon, 41.71°; at sunset, 39.51°; of April, at sunrise 38.4°; at noon, 47.73°; at sunset,..46.05°; of May, at sunrise, 47.2°; at noon, 65.52°; at sunset, 69.490. The warmest day was the 8th of May, the mean temperature being 72.5°; the coldest was the 2d of March, with a mean of 1(3.17°. The warmest day of March was the 18th, witli a mean of 40.07°; of April, the 30th, with a mean of 55.17°; of May, the 8th, with a mean of 72.5°. The cold est day of March was the 2d, with a mean of 16.17°; of April, the 5th, with a mean of 32.5°; of May, the 11th, with a mean of 43.17°. The highest temperature was 88°, (by my Fahrenheit thermometer, well adjusted,) though some thermometers indicated 94° at two P. M. on the Sth of May, and the lowest was 4°, afr sun- rise on the 2d of March. The highest in March was 54°, on the 2SLh ; in April, 71° on the 30th; in May, 86°, on the Sth. The lowest in March was 4°, on the 2d ; in* Ajiril, 27°, on the 10th ; in May, 35°, on the 16th. The spring months were 2.2° (two and two- tenths) warmer than in 1858, and 4.58° warmer than in 1857. Only two frosts occurred in May — on the morning of the 16th and 22d — and both were generally light, doing but slight injury to crops. Of the ninety-two days of spring, twenty-two were clear, twenty-two tolerably clear — the sun shining the greater part of each day — twenty- eight cloudy, and twenty others in which the clouds predominated, as follows ; in March, four clear days, eight tolerably clear, twelve cloudy, and seven quite cloudy ; in April, six clear days nine tolerably clear, seven cloudy, and eight quite cloudy; in May, twelve clear days, five tolerably clear, nine cloudy, and five quite cloudy. Rain fell on twenty-six ; on nine days in March, including five heavy falls ; on five days in April, and on eleven in May. The only snow storm, save a few squalls in the fore part of April, occurred on the 3d of March, with a fall of five inch": s ; but frozen rain or sleet fell about the middle of April, and snow at the same time on the mountains. The only thunder shower occurred on the 9th of May. There were fifty- three days of wind from a northerly quarter, and thirty-six from a souther- ly ; as follows : Twenty-seven from the north- west, twenty-three from the north-east, and three from the north ; eighteen from the south-west, thirteen from the south, and five from the south- east. In March, ten from the north-west, five from the north-east, one from the north, four from the south, eight from the south-west, and three from the south-east. In April, fifteen from the north-v/est, seven from the north-east, two from the north, one from the south, three from the south-west, and two from the south-east. In May, but two from the north-west, eleven from the north-east, eight from the south, seven from the south-west, and three in which the wind was light, and there was no steady current from any point. There were eleven haloes ; six in March, three in April and two in May. Four displays of Northern Lights were noticed ; two each in March and April. Three rainbows were observed in May, and one on the 19th was attended by th« unusual phenomenon of supernumerary bows. Sprinyjield, June 8, 1859. j. A. A, BAISE FRUIT AND EAT IT. This is a fruit country. Nearly all farmers may raise their own fruit. Strawberries, raspberries, currants and gooseberries grow or will grow al- most everywhere. They can be canned, and so preserved the whole year. Apples, pears, peaches, cherries, can be raised on most farms. There is no good reason why fruit should not be as plenty as corn or wheat. This is a bilious country — that is, the people who live here are especially liable to bilious dis- eases. There is perhaps, no better preventive of 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARIMER. 361 bilious diseases, than the constant use of fruit as a part of the diet. It corrects the acids and juices of the stomach, and assi.^ts digestion. It keeps the bovt'els properly active, and prevents that sluggishness and torpidity, which promote bilious derangements. Fruit, to do its best office in the diet, should be cooked and eaten as a part of the regular meal. Thus used, how delicious it is ! How it adds to the pleasure of a meal to have it etiriched with so delicate and agreeable an article of diet ! And how chaste and elevating is the tendency of such a diet, compared with one of Bolid meat and bread. So it is. The best diet is really the pleasantest. Therefore let fruit grow- on all our farms, and adorn, and make pleasant all our tables. — Valley Farmer. WEW PUBLICATIONS. HtSrs TO HonsE Keepers, A Complete Manual for Horsemen ; embraciD* How to Breed, Buy, Break, Use, J'eed, Physic, Grooru, Drive and Ride a Hor?e. And Cbapters on Mules and Ponies. By the late IlENiiT William Hekbert ; with addi- tion?, including "Rarey's Ifethod of Horse Taming," and Baucher's System of Horsemanship ; " also, giving directions for the selection and care of Carriages and Haintts of every description, and a Memoir of the Author. Beautifully Illus- trated. A. O. MooEE & Co. 140 Fulton Street, N. Y. One of the fine boc^ks of this celebrated pub- flshing house. It has a full index, which will re- fer you to all you will ever wish to know about the horse. The type of the book is large and fair, and its mechanical execution is every way attractive. In tpeaking of the importance of the mare that is to be bred from, one of the off-hand dashing paragraphs, of which the book is full, is as follows : "We now come to another, and by no means, secondary part of the business ; that is to say, to the choice of the mares. And here we say that the first thing to be looked for is, not blood nor performances, but size and symmetry, accompa- nied, as a matter of course, by constitutional and structural soundness. Blood from the sire, beau- ty from the dam, is the golden rule of the breed- er. "VVe know it is commonly said by farmers, concerning some miserable, undersized, ewe- necked, cat-hammed wretch of a mare, broken- winded, ring-boned and spavined, 'O, she will o to raise a colt out of!' So she will! But what will the colt be ? The breeder had better, for all purposes, have shot her at once, for the colt will not be worth the mare's grass." The twenty-second chapter of the work is de- voted to Veterinary Homoeopathy, and gives it much value. The merits of the book will abun- dantly justify any lover of the horse to pay its price for it, $1,25; and its faults, if it have any, ■we leave for the reader to find out for himself. Country Lite. A Handbook of Agriculture, Horticulture and Landscape Gardening. By R. MoaEli Copeland. Boston : John P. Jewelt & Co. This is a book of over 800 pp., on fine paper, elegantly printed, and embellished with numer- ous engravings. The complete index shows that scarcely a topic embraced in the subjects an- nounced in the title page, have been omitted. The author is an acute observer, a deep thinker and an ardent votary to the useful art. The work, indeed, is a library in itself, upon the sub- jects which it discusses, and the most uninformed could scarcely fail of finding in it all that is nec- essary for his guidance in any of the departments of farm management, or in the more attractive pursuit of landscape gardening. Pressing du- ties have not permitted us to examine all the principles laid down, or all the practices which are commended, — but we have seen sufficient to make us admire the fine taste and great indus- try of the writer, and to induce us to wish that each of our readers may have a copy of this book on his table. Wells's Natcral Philocopht; for the use of Schools, Acade- mies and Private Students. Introducing the latest results of Scientific Discovery and Research ; arranged with special reference to the practical application of Physical Science to the Arts and E.xperiences of every-day life. With 376 En- gravings. By David a. Wells, A. M. Fifteenth edition. New York: Ivison & Phlnny. This is not only a suitable book for schools and academies, but is a capital hand-book for the family — that is, reference to its pages would afford explanation to a thousand queries such as are always arising in the minds of an intelligent family. If such queries go unanswered, there is little if any progress in scientific knowledge, — but if such a book as this is often referred to, and its subjects are under frequent discussion, the family using it will soon be distinguished for its valuable attainments. The book is printed handsomely, has a full index, and ought to be upon the shelf of every person who cares to know anything of natural philosophy. Country ScnooL-HousEs: Containing Elevations, Plans, and Specificatioat, with Estimates, Directions to Builders, Sug- gestions as to School Grounds, Furniture, Apparatus, &c., and a Treatise on School-House Architecture. By James JoHONNOT With numerous designes hy S. E. Hewes. New York : Iviton & Pcinney, 321 Broadway. Chicaijo : S. C. Griggs & Co. Every town in New England, about to rebuild its school-houses, ought to be in possession of this book. It will afford so many suggestions, and point the way, step by step, so closely, as to make any intelligent committee, master of the subject they have in hand. It is an important point gained in building, to know, ourselves, what we want, and how, and for what prices, it ought to be done. The work is handsomely il- lustrated with numerous designs, and floor-plans, together with the furniture of the school-rooms, inkstands, book-cases, &c. The book should be in every town library in the State. Books in Japan. — Whoever walks through the streets of a Japan town or village, will be surprised to notice the number of books exposed for sale in almost every shop. On looking inside he will probably find one or more of the atten- 362 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. dants, if otherwise disengaged, busily reading, or listening to something being read by one of the conapany. In walking through the outskirts of the town, it is not unlikely he will come sudden- ly on a knot of children, seated in a snug corner out of the sun, all intensely engaged in looking through some story-book or other, they have just bought at a neighboring stall, and laughing right heartily at the comical pictures which adorn the narrative. The conviction is thus brought home to a man's mind that the Japanese are a reading people. — London JVews. For the New England Farmer. LETTEia FHOM THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. Makawao Maui, Hawaiian Isunbs, ) February 12, 1859. J Messrs. Editors: — Gentlemen, — Dec. 30th being our Hawaiian thanksgiving day, I wrote you giving some account of the increase of our comforts for the physical or outward man since I took up my residence at the islands in 1828. Let me now speak of other things pertaining to the agricultural interests of the islands up to the present time, beginning at Hawaii, the most southern of the group, and ending at Kauai, the most northern, as you will see by looking on a map. Hawaii is much the largest of these islands. I have resided on that island and, have travelled around it. But for its being the seat of Pele's dreadful reign, it would be the most important island, having the largest forests, the loftiest mountains, most extensive fields for cultivation, the greatest variety of climate, and spacious bays. But we have some fears on account of the late eruption of the volcano on Mauna Loa. In 1855 we trembled when intelligence from Hilo reached us lest one item should be that that beautiful vil- lage had been destroyed by the rivers of molten lava which rolled their burning waters till some six or eight miles only remained between them and Hilo. Had they reached this village, they would have disgorged themselves into Byron's Bay, destroying probably the most spacious harbor on the islands. God spared our friends their vil- lage and harbor, seemingly saying to the burn- ing liquid, "Thus far shalt thou go, but no farther, and here shall thy proud waves be staid." January 23, only about three weeks ago, our friends of Hilo were again startled by the sight of the burning lava gushing from the same place apparently as in 1855. It was at first supposed that it would pursue the course of the former one, and make for the Bay of Hilo, But it is now well nigh certain that the flow is toward the west or Kona side. But more of the doings of Pele at some other time. I am to tell you of the agricultural interests of the island. At Kau, the southern district of the island, at the station occupied by Rev. Mr. Shipman, the people have during the year engaged in the busi- ness of wheat raising. A few hundred bushels have been produced and sold, and the hopes of the farmers are raised that the product thus gathered will be profitable. From my recollec- tions of this district, from having once passed thrnwgh it, I should say there is a widp field for this enterprise. I am now writing to Mr. Ship- man, making various inquiries respecting the ex- tent of this district, and the prospects of wheat- growers, and I may speak to you again respect- ing this portion of Hawaii. Other than this com- mencement of wheat growing, I have heard of no new agricultural enterprise on that island. There have all along been many important native pro- ductions carried to Honolulu, such as Pia, or arrow-root, Olona or Hawaiian hemp, suitable for fish-nets and rope, Pula, a material much used for bedding, potatoes, yams, coffee, oranges, &c. The latter fruit of an excellent quality is rapidly increasing, and it is said that American applea are being raised on that island. On Maui, wheat is becoming one of our staple productions. In my former letter I told you of the number of bushels raised the past year. Much more land is being sown this year, and unless the cut-worm shall destroy more than in ordinary years, the amount of wheat will be much larger than ever before. We have a small mill at length, at Wailuku, some ten or twelve miles distant from our wheat fields, where we can pro- cure grinding for toll. This is a favor. Other things of an agricultural nature on Maui are much as they have been for many years. But for the cut worm the labors of agriculturists would rapidly increase ; but the ravages of this insect are most discouraging, and we know of no rem- edy. For a while we cherished the hope that frequent and thorough cultivation would do the business for this implacable enemy of wheat, corn, beans and garden vegetables ; but such is not our experience. Can any reader of the Far- mer tell us how we can escape this scourge ? The best gardens on the group are at Lahaina and Honolulu. I know not how gentlemen there protect their tender-springing vegetables from the ravages of insects ; but I am glad to report the raising by them of fine beeta, turnips, and other comforts, such as New England gardens fur- nish. I am confident that our island home will, ere long, abound in fruits of an excellent quality. Last year I had in my garden alone some ten bar- rels of peaches, and there were as many more in three other gardens in the neighborhood. We abounded, also, in figs, had a few oranges, guav- as, citrons, chirimoya or custard apple and water lemon. A» yet, I have not succeeded with the American apple, and much fear that this fruit will not do well on Maui. Still, we shall not give up the hope without further trial. I am hoping to see the orange and peach flourishing in native gardens. The orange and fig are both nutritive and exceedingly healthy. Just now there is nothing like wheat in the estimation of my peo- ple, but they will learn, ere long, that the culti- vation of fruit is a cheaper method of obtaining a living. Oranges, too, can be exported to San Francisco, and will be profitable, I think. On Kauia the natives have made the raising of sweet potatoes, for a few years past, quite profitable. They have exported them to San Francisco, and have had very fair returns. Sugar and cofl'ee have been exported from this island,* but these are produced by the capital of foreigners, and I do not take them into account in this report. In my letter of Feb. 11, 1857, which you gave your readers in the July monthly Farmer, I re- * So on Maui, largely. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 363 ferred to my old neighbor and associate, Mr. Bailey, of Wailuku, whom I had requested to write you. On seein* it in print, I fear that either Mr. Bailey or his friends will mistake my meaning. I spoke of his having developed a state of mind which foi-bids, I think, all hope of his writing for any periodical. I should have al- luded to the cause, failure of health, which af- fected his mind, and I should have qualified my hope of his writing for any periodical, by adding, unless his health shall be restored. Just as 1 write of my own excellent wife at the present time — she has developed a state of mind which forbids her writing to her own relatives. With Mr. Bailey I have lived many years on terms of affectionate intercoui'se ; and I utterly deny hav- ing written the paragraph from a wish of casting a reflection on him as a man or a Christian; no such thought entered my mind. He has lately visited the United States, and I hear he is re- turning to his island home in renewed health. This I rejoice to hear, and I hope he will be spared long to labor for his people and to aid in developing the resources of the country. If you think these letters worthy of being published, please give your readers what I say of Mr. Bailey in this closing communication, and greatly oblige your unseen friend at Makawao. J. S. Green. P. S. — I will give j'ou, if spared, something more ere very long, concerning Pele, and the ef- fects of the late disturbance on Hawaii from the outpouring of the molten floods. Many from Oahu and Maui had gone thither to gaze on the wonderful displays of divine power now being there exhibited. With respect yours, J. s. G. For the New England Farmer, lilTTIiE THINGS: Or, a Walk in My Garden.... No. 18. I have been transplanting some tomatoes to- day from the house to the garden. It has been quite a little study with me to ascertain the best method of starting different plants in the house, and then transplanting them to the garden with- out disturbing their roots. I have hit on a plan partly original with me, or else I have forgotten how I came by my knowledge of TRANSPLANTING PLANTS. Take common saucers, and fill them just full with rich earth ; then cut circular slices of tur- nip an inch in thickness, but not quite so large over as the top of the saucer, cut a hole an inch in diameter through the turnip, lay it on the earth in the saucer, fill the hole with the same soil as in the saucer, plant your seeds in the hole, water the earth by pouring it into the saucer ; capillary attraction will carry the water to the plant. Now for the beauty of the thing ; when you wish to transfer to the garden, prepare your hills, and slip all the contents of the saucer with a case-knife into the hill, slice down the turnip on two sides, and let it remain, or take it away, as you please. Squashes, cucumbers and melons can be transplanted in this way without being checked at all in their growth. The whole pro- cess is so simple and so efifectual, that I recom- mend it with entire confidence. The turnip serves to prop up the plant, while it prevents the evap- oration of the water. You do less injury to the plant by pouring the water into the saucer, than by pouring it on the plant itself, while the fibrous roots have so incorporated themselves with the earth that it may be slid out of the saucers in a mass. Try it next year. SPROUTING POTATOES. I accidentally learned a new lesson the past spring in sprouting potatoes. I put them into a cask, and placed some earth on the top of them, but did not mix it with them, and poured on a little water and set them in a warm room. They sprouted in a short time, and when ready to plant, I sawed off the hoops and let the potatoes out, when I found that although the sprouts were quite long, the rootlets had not started at all, so that I could place them in the hills without breaking the sprouts, as is very apt to be the case when they are sprouted in earth, where they form a perfect matting of roots. PEAR AND APPLE TREES. While walking in my garden the other day, I was led to notice a half-dozen pear trees of as many diff'erent kinds, that stood the winter per- fectly well, while several seedling young apple trees in the same situation were killed to the ground. Why this in favor of the pear trees, I cannot tell. GRAFTING. Apple trees that I grafted on a warm day, be- fore the snow was off the gi-ound, have taken finely, while those I grafted the last of April, seem to have been aflfected by the extreme warm weather the first of May. I believe there is no danger of grafting apple trees, (I speak of large trees,) as early in the spring as possible, provid- ed there be weather sufficiently warm to make the wax adhere to the trees.^. Such has been my experience for ten years past. 'N. T. True. Bethel, Maine, 1859. For the New England Parmer. AW UNUSUAL PHENOMENON". Thursday, the 19th of May, was cloudy and very threatening, a little rain falling at ten in the forenoon, and at sunset. At sunset, there was a very beautiful rainbow, the primary bow continuing unbroken and very bright for about fifteen minutes; but the secondary was quite dim. Within the primary, were two distinct arches of red, with a green one visible between them at times. These arches, called in meteorology supernumerary or supplementary bows, extended the greater part of the length of the primary bow, and were visible for ten minutes, even till after the sun had passed below the horizon. — This phenomenon is spoken of as occurring V(>ry rarely by meteorologists. I have observed it but twice before. On the 14th of August, 1857, there was the most beautiful rainbow I ever witnessed, occurring after a thunder shower. At about ten minutes before sunset, these supernumerary bows appeared, one after.another, till five were visible in the highest part of the arch, within the primary bow, continuing till after the sun was just below the horizon. Those nearest the primary bow 364 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. Aug. ■were broadest and brightest ; the others succes- sively fading, shortening in length, and becom- ing narrower. These were red, the first and second \ieing with the colors of the priEiary bow, with a green arch between them. I never saw them ■when the sun was more than ten or fifteen min- utes high ; and its nearness to the horizon prob- ably has something to do -with its formation. Sprinfjjield, May, ISoO. j. A. A. For the New England Farmer. LAB OB-SAVING MACHINES. Messes. Editors : — I believe no industrial class in the world is capable of more real enjoy- ment and independence than the farmers of New England, and yet many farmers among us avoid an agricultural journal, or a labor-saving ma- chine on their farms, or in their farm-houses, as if of no possible use. Now, brother farmers, why do we so ? Can any of us really afford to do without the agricul- tural experience of our best and most enlightened cultivators of the soil ? I am one of those who are obliged to study economy, and have to ask concerning this or that new thing, which is crowded into public notice, "Will it pay ?" It is not always easy to distinguish between a good thing and a humbug. Thus, for instance, when the mowing machine came into notice, I doubted a year or two, then purchased a Ketchum's ; it paid well, (though others may be belter.) I get more grass, get it quicker, and get it better. Delano's Independent Horse Hake has frequent- ly nearly paid for itself in one day just before a shower or rain storm. Then in the house ! How much annoyance from green wood, want of con- veniences, want of suitable implements, &:c. &c. Now, then, in the house, he who regards his wife's strength, health and comfort, let him pro- cure a metropolitan washing machine, and on Monday, when he comes home to dinner, wash- tubs, soap-suds, a cold dinner and ill-humor will be among past recollections. If that implement does not pay in saving labor and saving clothes, I do not know what will. In this I speak from nearly two years' experience. Have any of your readers ever purchased ready-made clothing, and soon after found by inspection that it was only very nicely basted together ? Have they ever heard their wives say, "I find it very difficult to do all my sewing." Do they sometimes sit up very late at night to accomplish it ? A year ago, I examined all the machines for sewing, which stand in favor, and after much consideration bought one of Wheeler & Wilson's, and made a very fortunate selection ; it pays well. It sews any thing, from a muslin to a bed- quilt, and a stitch alike on both sides. It is the admiration of the household, and male and female alike use it successfully. For those of moderate means, the $50 cheap style are probably most de- sirable, as they do the same work with the same speed. All inferior machines will eventually find a place in one corner of the garret. Therefore, if you desire to please your wife, either get a good "Wheeler & Wilson,"»or a "Singer," or a "Grover & Baker ;" but for family sewing, we prefer the Wheeler & Wilson machine. Middlefield, Ct., 1859. P. M. Augur. TKANSACTIONS OF THE WOBCESTEB NORTH AGRICUIiTUKAL SOCIETY. The first remark suggested by looking over this report, is, that the statements are full and particular, and contain many practical suggestions by men competent to make them. The state- ments upon Plowing show that the importance of this leading operation of the farm is fully ap- preciated. The statements of the competitors upon stock and poultry are full and distinct. That by JonN Brooks, Jr., upon feeding stock, is the marked feature of the report. His experiments were obviously conducted with care and accuracy, and the results are of much interest to all feeders of milch cows. We are glad to see such experi- ments encouraged. The society deserves praise for offering a premium for this object. AVe hope many such experiments will be made in all parts of the State. The plan pursued by Mr. Brooks is a model for others to follow. We should judge that there must have been a fine exhibition of fruit, and are glad to see that the flowers were not forgotten. Seven dollars and fifty cents were awarded for flowers, and we had occular proof at the time of how much they added to the pleasure of the show, and tended to give a stimulus to this most delightful branch of garden culture. The most strenuous objector to women's rights, cer- tainly cannot object to her right to cultivate flow- ers, and exhibit them too. The report of the committee on farms and the statement of Mr. Hartwell, respecting the cul- tivation and products of his farm, are valuable papers. The report of the committee on orchards, and the statements of C. C. Field, Jabez Fisher, the President, and John Minott, show what may be done in this department. We commend these papers to all engaged in cultivating the apple. We are particularly pleased to see that numer- ous and liberal premiums were awarded for grain crops. The statements upon these subjects are valuable, and encouraging, showing, as they do, that large crops of corn, rye and wheat may be raised by proper care and attention. The offer of premiums for the same objects for the next year, show that the society duly appreciates their importance. The report shows the society to be in a prosperous condition. POTASH~S AND—PHO SPHOBUS. No vines can produce fruit without potash. Dye-woods and all color-giving plants owe their vivid dyes to potash. Without it we cannot have a mess of peas. Where it exists in a natural state in the soil, there we find liguminous plants growing wild, and in such places only we find wild grapes. All the cereals require potash, phos- phate of magnesia and silica, which is dissolva- ble in a solution of potash. It is this dissolved sand that forms the hard coat of stalks, and gives 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 365 them the strength to stand up against the blasts of wind and rain while ripening. It is this sub- stance that gives bamboos their strength, and beards of grain and blades of grass their cutting sharpness. No cereal ever came to perfection in a soil devoid of potash, silica, phosphate of lime, carbonic acid and nitrogen. — Maine Farmer. For the New England Farmer. VALUE OP HUT A. BAG A— THE ONIOM" CHOP AND THE MAGGOT. Mr. Editor : — A correspondent in your pa- per of the 11th of June says that he has raised ruta bagas until he is satisBed "that they are not worth the trouble of raising." This is truly a sweeping condemnation of a root, which is con- sidered the most important one raised in Great Britain, the failure of which for a single year in that country, would, according to a very high authority, be a greater calamity than the failure of the Bank of England, I would suggest with all due respect, whether such an article should find a place in an agricultural newspaper, with- out a simultaneous comment from the editor ; a word of caution, at least, to the unreflecting. We all know that many believe, and are influenced in their belief, by any statement they see in print. Ink in the form of type is gospel to many read- ers. I should like to have had you say, "The re- marks of our valued correspondent on the subject «f ruta bagas are startling and novel ; they con- flict with the experience of half a century, and with the recorded wisdom of our most scientific agriculturists. We should like to have our cor- respondent furnish us with the data which has led him to the conclusion that this "root is not worth raising." Your esteemed correspondent, J. W. Proctor, in the same paper, in speaking of the maggot in onions, says that no method has yet come to his knowledge of checking its progress. Now there are some secrets in agriculture as well as in trade ; and perhaps it may be that some growers are suc- cessful) because they have discovered, but have not divulged the reasons for their success — they may not be aware themselves, why it is that they do succeed. Permit me to off"er a remedy ; it will do no harm to try it. Soak the onion seed for thirty-six hours before sowing, in strong soap suds, and I do not believe a single maggot will be found in the plants. It is not too late to try the experiment the present season, though too late to plant for a crop. I do not speak positive- ly ; at the same time, if I had ten acres of land ready for onions, I should plant the whole of it, without fear of the maggot, soaking the seed as I have suggested. Essex Co. Remarks. — We adopt, with pleasure, the lan- guage suggested by our correspondent. AVe of- ten refrain from remarks upon the articles of our friends, because we do not wish to present the appearance, even, of being an infallible teacher. We stand in doubt, every day, in regard to some things, and earnestly desire not to be over-posi- tive in any assertion. But that ruta bagas can be raised with permanent advantage to most of our farmers, we have no doubt. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. EFFECTS OF FROST. After the last frost, June 5th, I observed that a row of corn next my wheat piece, and parallel with the same, was completely killed, while other portions of the field, even near the water, were hardly damaged. Can you explain why this is so ? N. Dearborn. Deerjield, Me., June 11, 1859. PiEMARKS. — The water, near the corn, having stored up heat from the sun's rays during the day, was warmer than the atmosphere. The warm evaporations from the water were probably carried over the corn plants, and kept the tem- perature just above the freezing point. ,We have observed this result several times during the present month, on the banks of a stream. Near the stream and on the low grounds, there was a mist or fog and no frost, while on contig- uous land, a little higher, vegetation was frost- bitten. CROPS IN MAINE. The weather here has been warm and delight- ful since the first of May ; grass and grain look extremely well, just rain enough to suit all round, and but four cloudy days in the last six weeks. The farmers have got in a very large quantity of oats, potatoes, barley and other spring crops, which are all up finely. I have corn up and as forward as I used to have it in Massachusetts. This is truly a fine grazing country, this is a good country for farmers of all classes, either rich or poor, soil cheap and productive, climate healthy, water the best in the world, timber cheap, and everything to make home pleasant and happy. The pastures are dotted with cattle, sheep and horses, the fields and meadows with waving grain, and the woods with evergreens, and the lakes with trout, red sides and blue backs. Rajigeley, Me., June, 1859. J. Crowlet. CULTURE OF THE FRENCH TURNIP. I am in want of some fertilizer for French tur- nips. Which shall I use, guano, superphosphate, or poudrette? How much to the acre to produce a good crop by sowing it broadcast ; and also, whose make ? Where I use a machine for sow- ing the seed, must the land be plowed, cultiva- ted or harrowed in order to get the manure near the roots ? I find when the manure is near the surface they are apt to be spongy and ugly shaped things. ' S. Denham. South Hanson, June 4, 1859. Remarks. — After a liberal dressing of barn- manure well mixed with the soil, we have found good superphosphate of lime, 300 to 500 pounds per acre, more advantageous than anything else for a turnip crop. Prof. Mapss manufactures a good article, so does Coe, and perhaps others. The land should be well pulverized and the seed sowed on ridges of eight or ten inches in height, — but that must depend upon the nature of the soil. 366 NEW ENGLAND FARMEE. Aug A NEW TRANSPLANTER. I forward for your inspection an instrument I have invented for transplanting vegetables or flowers without disturbing the earth around their roots. A gentleman in this city removed over 100 strawberry plants in full bloom the other day, and he says they did not wilt at all. If it meets with your approbation, you will much oblige a constant subscriber to your valuable monthly by a friendly notice of it in your paper. John Burgun. Concord, N. H., June, 1859. Remarks. — Certainly, friend Burgun, you shall have a friendly notice, or rather the "Trans- planter" shall, because it is a labor-saving, as well as plant-saving, and very convenient article. The house you mention is a good one to sell for you. PROSPECTS FOR FRUIT. The peach crop is an entire failure this year. Apples now look well, and I hope were not in- jured by the frost of the 5th inst. Pears look well. Strawberries, (now ripe,) in abundance. A fine prospect for a large crop of Lawton blackberries. Currants and gooseberries full. Grapes were somewhat injured by the winter — about half a crop. We have had a fine spring for the growth of all crops, and the prospects are good for the farmers. Sylvesteh. Lyons, JVew Yorh, June 8, 1859. a colt's hind foot. I have a yearling colt which has a bunch on the fore part of hind foot, between fetlock joint and hoof. It appeared March 1st, has increased to three fingers' width, and extends nearly round the foot. Can you or any of your correspondents sug- gest a remedy ? E. P. Chase. Deerfield, Me., June 11, 1859. CISTERNS. I wish to inquire through your excellent pa- per the best and cheapest way to construct a cis- tern for the purpose of watering farm stock. I think you published an article about a year since, in which the writer recommended digging in the same manner as wells are dug, and then simply lining it up with cement, puting on two or three coats. Can one be made in that way and be durable, or will it be necessary to brick it up and then cement on to them ? Haverhill, Mass., June, 1859. N. P. that what is sometimes called winter-killed, pro- ceeds from causes that operated before the com- mencement of winter. This is no trifling effect on some fields, extend- ing to a quarter or more of the expected crop. I should be gratified, Mr. Editor, if you, or some of your experienced correspondents, would ex- plain this matter. As has been before remarked, the farmers of this county realize more money from the hay they send to market, than from any other product of their farms. Whatever, there- fore, diminishes their prospect of income one- fourth part, becomes an essential consideration in their farm management. Essex. June 13, 1859. For the New England Farmer. ■WINTER-KILLING OF GRASS. On all hands, I learn, the prospect for a crop of grass is good, where it was not winter-kiiled. What is to be understood by this phrase? Is it simply, where the ice had so formed as to adhere closely to the grass, and in yiis way to destroy the vegetating power of the plant, or is it some other operation or process P I have witnessed this effect on fields of rye, to a considerable extent. I have a strong suspicion For the Neic England Farmer. THE BEST MOWEH. Mr. Editor : — Permit me to avail myself of the medium furnished by the columns of your useful and impartial agricultural sheet, for the purpose of saying a few words to the farmers, to whose homes it makes its weekly visit, concern- ing mowing machines. Our little town was all astir yesterday, with ex- citement occasioned by an exhibition and trial of mowers, on the farm of Capt. Lambert Lam- son. Though your correspondent intends to speak principally of this occasion, he »vould say that he has often witnessed the operations of some of the rival mowers used in this section of the country, and consequently whatever opinions he may advance, are not based entirely upon the proceedings at this trial. The machines put upon trial were Ketchum'a improved patent, 1859, mower, both one horse and two horse, manufactured by Nourse, Mason & Co., Boston and Worcester. Manny's patent mower, also one and two horse, maile by Alzirus Brown, Worcester, and a one horse Ketchum mower, made down in Connecticut. The trial was first between the one horse machines, each of which cut two swarths on the side of the field. The Manny began, followed by a Ketchum ma- chine from Connecticut, and then by the Ketch- um machine from Nourse, Mason &; Co. The Manny mower did its work well, but its swarth lacked the evenness and smoothness of the Wor- cester Ketchum's when raked. It cut a swarth three feet six inches wide. The Ketchum (mean- ing always the Worcester machine) cut a swarth four feet wide, and its work was satisfactory to all the spectators. I understand that this ma- chine, cutting four feet, was strictly a two horse mower, but placed upon trial as a one iiorse ma- chine by the proprietors, in the complete confi- dence of success. The regular one horse mower, I was told, cuts three feet, six inches. Another circumstance worthy of notice, is the fact, that the horse used with the Manny mower was ta- ken fresh from the barn, and harnassed to the machine, whereas the horse used with Ketch- um's had cultivated corn all the forenoon at Worcester, and had been driven ten miles since one o'clock, and was harnessed to the machine at two and a half o'clock. Yet, notwithstanding its advantages in shortness of cutting-bar, and fresh- ness of horse, the Manny mower was inferior to the Ketchum. 1859. XEW ENGLAND FARMER. 367 After the different one horse machines had each cut two swarths on the side of the field, it was proposed that they should cut a double Bwarth, and the Ketchum immediately entered the middle of the grass, and performed its work in such a manner as to render its superiority still more striking. Nothing can exceed the beauti- ful manner in which this perfect little mower ac- complished its task, and by the almost unani- mous consent of the unprejudiced portion of the spectators, it was acknowledged to be the best and most complete one horse machine on the field, or in the market. Although, for many im- portant reasons, the trial of the two horse mow- ers was an event of loss interest than the trial of the one horse machines, still I would not deny to them their just amount of attention. Whatever superiority the one horse Ketchum mower may have possessed over its rivals, when I say that in less than five minutes, it was trans- formed into a two horse machine, cutting a swarth four feet, six inches wide, (the only change be- ing the substitution of a pole for the shafts, and the longer bar for the short size) it must be evi- dent to all, that the same superiority remained with it, and the superiority of the two horse Ketchum mower was no less apparant, and no less appreciated, than in the case of the one horse mower. In fact, would it not be a good idea for some of our farmers to have the machine arranged for one or two horses ? I presume they could do 60, cheaply. But the greatest novelty of the occasion re- mains to be mentioned. The proprietors of the Worcester Ketchum, not content with the suc- cess of their one and two horse machines, de- eired permission to mow with one of somewhat heavier build, cutting a swarth six feet wide. The attempt was not only another success, but an agreeable surprise to the numerous specta- tors. I did not see that the horses labored much harder with this, than with the other machines of less capacity. It presented a truly noble ap- pearance, as the tottering grass came tumbling down, and having finished its double swarth, the opening of twelve feet of cut grass presented quite a gap to the eye. I would sum my account of this trial, by saying that, upon the whole, its result was a decided triumph of the Ketchum im- proved patent mower of 1859, manufactured by Nourse, Mason & Co. Permit me to consider now, for a moment, Bome particulars which it would be well for a far- mer to notice in buying a mower. When he is unable to make up his mind as to which mower 18 best, he naturally inquires the cost, weight, draught and other characteristics of the rival machines, respectively. I was able to gather these facts concerning the machines exhibited, from the circulars and politeness of the proprie- tors of each. The Ketchum two horse mower cuts a swarth of four feet, six inches wide, weighs 480 pounds, and costs $85. The two horse Manny mower cuts a swarth four feet, four inches wide, (two inches narrower than the Ketchum,) weighs 750 pounds, (270 pounds more than the Ketchum,) and costs $110, — $25 more than the Ketchum. My experience teaches me that the Ketchum mower has the least draught. I was also im- pressed very favorably with the simplicity and durability of its construction. Being entirely of iron, the parts are much lighter, at the same time stronger and more durable, than those of the Manny, which are principally of wood. In conclusion, I would confidently recommend to the farmers of New England, as the result of careful observation, the Ketchum improved pa- tent 1859 mower, as the best in the market. Ad- ding that these ideas, though well founded, are hastily put on pa|)er. TRUTH AND Justice. Boylston, June 15, 1859. For the New England Farmer. A SICK COLT— STAGGERS. Mr. Editor: — In looking over the .Y. E. Farmer to-day I noticed a communication from "W. D. Sear," describing the case of his colt, which I understand to be what is generally de- nominated staggers, which arises from conges- tion of the brain and lungs, with loss of tone in the digestive organs and very unequal circulation of blood. I had a work-horse badly affected this spring, and within the last eight years have seen perhaps a dozen in all stages of the disease. I have di- rected to keep the animal warm and dry, to rub the limbs twice a day with common spirit and cayenne pepper, and gave them a quarter of a pound of a deobstruent powder, to be given one teaspoonful in bran or oats wet, three times a day, or if the horse was down and would not eat, put the powder in a junk bottle of warm water and pour it down, saying, if it cures your horse, give me a dollar, and I have always got my dol- lar. Lawson Long, M. D. P. S. — A moderate bleeding from the nose is proper. HolyoTce, Mass., June, 1859. HINGING THE GSAPE VINE FOR FRUIT. The practice of ringing, or cutting oft' the bark of the branches of trees bearing fruit, for the purpose of enlarging and improving the quality of the fruit, is beginning to be better understood and more practised. At Bordeaux, in France, there was recently exhibited portions of a vine of the Chasselas variety, which had bunches of very unequal size and quality. The bearing shoots which had been left to themselves, had only bunches of grapes in the common condition, while the contiguous ringed shoots each bore a superb bunch of magnificent grapes, each twice as large as the grapes borne by the same piece of wood that had not been ringed. This was the case in every instance where one shoot had been ringed and the other had not. In the opinion of the exhibitor, the advantages of ringing, are a fortnight's earliness, finer berries, and better quality. The practice of ringing, consists in re- moving a ring of bark something less than half an inch wide, just below the insertion of the bunch to be experimented upon. The only dif- ficulty to be encountered is the danger of cutting too deep. The time for ringing, is when the vine is about to flower. The shoots selected for this operation are those bearing ones which should be pruned oft" next season, as the ringing of course destroys the branch wiih the maturity of the fruit. — Michigan Farmer. 368 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. Field's Horse-Po-wbr Machint?. For the ffew England Parmer. FIELD'S HOHSE-POWEH MACHINE. Mr. Editor: — Knowing your deep interest in everything pertaining to the farmer, and es- pecially in improvements which tend directly to lessen the labor of farming, I send for publica- tion in your valuable periodical a few items in regard to a horse-power machine which is manu- factured by Mr. William Field of this city. This machine is peculiarly adapted for doing the fol- lowing kinds of work. — threshing, shelling corn, sawing wood, grinding, pumping water, (fcc. It might be useful also, in materially lessen- ing the labor which usually falls to the lot of fe- males on large farms. With the aid of a rotary washing machine a day's washing could be ac- complished in an hour ; and by a very simple and cheap arrangement the same power might be made to do the churning. These machines are durable and compact, sim- ple in their construction, and being made entire- ly of iron and steel, are easily kept in order. They can be operated by any number of horses, from one to eight, according to their capacity ; size adapted to one or two horses, weight about eight hundred pounds ; measures a little more than two by three feet square, and costs one hundred dollars, including either the horizontal or perpendicular connecting shaft and gear. The upright power is preferable when it is to be used lin a building where there are timbers OTerhead to which the shafting can be secured. For out- door work the horizontal power is required. A j space of twenty feet in diameter is required for the sweep of the levers and a travelling space 'for the horse. A shed divided into several apart- ments to accommodate the various kinds of j work, and a horizontal shaft geared into the per- pendicular shaft, (as shown in the cut above,) extending through the building, and connected by pulleys and belting with the machinery in each room would be a convenient arrangement. Nearly every farmer cultivating twenty-five or fifty acres would find the horse-power a profitable investment, as he would be enabled by !the above arrangement to accomplish in a single 'day the work of six days. This would enable the farmer to get his produce to market much soon- er, in better order, and cheaper than formerly. These last considerations have induced me {to forward the above article. Yours, Providence, June 25, 1859. B. D. Bailey. To Correspondents.— Thanks for numerous articles from correspondents. If some of them are delayed a little, it may be because others are upon subjects a little more applicable to the sea- son. But most that are received will be forth- coming in good time. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 369 For the New Engiand Farmer. POTATO BOT. theory." I deny that there is any such thing as "theory" touching insect depredation, and the influence of insects, causing this malady. The occular demonstration of their ravages at the Mr. Editor :— I have read with some interest roots dispels all "theory." Occular facts set the communication of "S. H. P.," in your paper i^j^jg g^g^y idea of "theory." of May 14th. The subject to which he refers, is i^^g subject thus known and settled by facts, still one of absorbing interest to agriculturists ; i^gcomes definite, real, unanswerable. Therefore, and the various agricultural journals throughout l^^, "theory" cnn be connected with the question, this continent are discussing the question, ao ijy-gj^her speculation or argument can rebut facts, long an open one, of the cause, and for the rem- Qccular facts show that, the disease in the stalk edy of this wide spread malady. In answering ••S. H. P.," I believe I can place before your readers some facts, which will throw ncAV light upon this subject. He says he never has seen •'any statement of the symptoms" of the potato blight and rot. The "symptoms" that blight and disease vviil appear in the potato crop, are re- vealed first by the indications, and the fact that the eggs of the aphis are found in perforations in the epidermis of the potato, and in the eye socket and bud-part of the sprouts, at the time the potatoes are dug, and, as are easily seen, be- fore the tubers are planted. He says, "The dis- ease commences its ravages the last half of Au- gust, or from Ist to 10th of September." The causes of this disease, may be traced to the at- tack of insects. They begin their destruction of the vines, at the vital neck joint of the stalk, nearest to the seed tuber, under ground, and at such time, earlier or later, as influenced by the warmth of solar, or artificial heat, to sprout the tubers. This elementary action, animates the in- sect's eggs, when a living, active, voracious ene- my commences sucking the sap, extracting the vitality and nourishment, which, if retained by the vines, (as was the case thirty or forty years ago,) would cause a continued growth of the plant, long beyond the "last of August, or 10th of September." This shows that the "mischief is not done very suddenly." A slow poison spreads from the point where these insects make their at- tack, and that is the remote cause of sudden de- cay, by cutting off the nourishment. The insects, in their larva or grub age, (in their secluded position under ground,) communi- cate the "poison to the juice of the top," which poison is admitted by "S. H. P." He "theorises" for "poison." I point out the enemy, and tell where to find him while communicating the "poison." Let me here ask, if this fact of insect ravages is not far more reasonable to believe as the cause of the "poison," than to theorize about the "temperature at 76" to SO'', or southerly or Bouth-west winds blowing briskly, or more or lees rain, or heavy mist, or fog." Is it possible that, this "wind blowing briskly" can be seen on the potato or plant, so as to be recognized, definitely, as a "symptom" of disease ? What have these various influences which have always existed, to do now in causing the potato blight, that they did not exercise forty years ago ? Why does this "atmospheric influence or epidemic." act so destructively upon the potato now, and leave the corn, beans, tomatoes and other vegetables in perfect health and vigorous growth, the same as forty years ago P You, and all must admit, that something acts upon this plant now, that did not seriously affect it previ- ous to 1813. "S. H. P." asserts that, "if this poison in the top is correct, it upsets the bug 'commences at, and spreads from the point at the iroot where the larva aphis makes the attack ; I and no brown rust, or poison appearance, can be [found on the stalk, or at the roots, except on vines where these insects are found subsisting. By dissecting such stalks, at the more miture stage of their growth, commencing at the end next to the old parent tuber, a brown, rusty ap- pearance is found, and a withered appearance of that end of the vine. From this point, the brown rust can be traced, with the natural vision, into the capillaries of the stalks, and thence the pois- son is re-transmitted through the stem to the growing tubers, and is imbibed in the latter, in proportion to the virulence of the attack. It min- gles with the healthy, vital, life-sustaining ele- ment of the plant. Its progress and the result may be compared to a reptile's poison flowing from the spot where the poison fang is placed, through the veins to the vitals of the unfortunate object attacked. The blight in the plant follows the in- sect's attack. The vines above the ground and tubers at their roots sympathetically show the influence ; the principle being the same as death to a human being from the poison fang of the reptile. The insects deposit their eggs in the epidermis, the sprout, or bud-part, while the tu- ber is very young and growing, and are firmly imbeded in the trunk or embryo of the vine for next year. In this nidus, they are hibernated. When the tuber is planted, as before describ- ed, the insects start into life, and by the instinct of the parent, placed where surrounded by juice, or sap, they pump or draw it from the vine. Thus, while subsisting in a suctorial manner on their natural element, they poison and deteri- orate the plant. The secret source of this mala- dy is found here — these secluded enemies inhe- rently transmit this world-wide disease from one generation of tu'^ers to those of the succeeding year's growth. Microscopic research unfolds the mysterious works of the Great Creator. By thus viewing, with microscopic power, the minute particles of dust, (as seen by the natural vision,) we learn facts revealing His power, and showing our own superficial knowledge. Year after year, scientific men and agricultural laborers, have tasked their utmost talent and powers to little purpose in revealing the cause of this wide-spread malady. But more recently, the microscope has revealed the botanical condition of the tuber, showing clearly the entomological connection, and the cause, and thus pointing out the foun- tain from which this malady springs. The array of insects at the roots of the plants is an occular demonstration, that no theorizing or arguments can repel. It is no "bug theory." There is a real aphis sucking the vitals of the plant. Their eggs and the definite embryo have been searched out, and made visible with the microscope, as be- 870 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. fore described, in the very skin, sprout and bud- part of the tubers. Who ever doubts this assurance, or attempts to repel the fact, may as well attempt, at noon-day, to disprove the existence of the sun. I "advance" this fact of identity with "confidence," that occu- lar proof will baflle the exertion of those who may declare it a fallacy, or attempt its "over- throw." "S. H. P.," says, "The advocates of this the- ory will ask, why the atmosphere did not affect the crop previous to 184:3." I have previously referred to this, and I want "S. H. P." to answer it himself. I reply to his "Yankee-fashioned" question, that, the insects are doubtless descen- dents from the garden of Eden. Natural causes and fixed facts, arising from changing events, in connection with our philo- sophical judgment, will furnish abundant an- swers as to the phenomenon why "such bugs" are now found on the potato. By inherent trans- mission, year after year, from tuber to tuber, these insects, by their extraordinary powers of fecundity, have multiplied, and become legion. They are so minute, when first stai-ting into mo- tion, as not to be seen with the natural human vision, on the point of a cambric needle, there- fore their eggs are little indeed. A microscopic demonstration which I made on the 24th of April last, with six achromatics and other glasses united, revealed in a cavity in the skin of the po- tato— space, size of the head of a shingle nail — a spawn or roe appearance, and I counted dis- tinctly more than four hundred eggs in this little cavity. This, in some degree, answers "S. H. P," that "every eft'ect must have its adequate cause," and "can so small a thing produce such effects as to cause thousands of bushels of potatoes to rot?" I reply, emphatically, that, these myriads upon myriads of insects, in their larva age, as found upon the roots of potatoes under ground, are capable of doing all this mischief. Week af- ter week, they are sucking, poisoning and cutting off the sap, thus changing, gradually, the natural health of the sustaining element and life of the plant. Carry out the acknowledged principle and statement of "S. H. P." which is a fact, that, from my own observations and experiments, I can cor- roborate,) which was fully admitted by the Prus- sian government in 18.34, after their three years' experiments,) that, "this poison in the top (or vine) descends to the tubers," and I show the cause that "produces this disease and decay." "S. H. P." speaks of animalcula.'. His allusion to that part of zoology has no connection what- ever with this "bug," the aphis. The former, in its zoological order belongs to infusoria ; the latter to entomology ; and they are as widely different from each other as fish and fowl. One, as he says, "floats in the water," the other in- habits tVie earth, and I know positively, feast in their larva age on the fresh sap of the roots of tiie potatoes and other plants, and in their pupa and imago ages move on their wings in the air. Animalcula? cannot be found upon, or in the po- tato. Atmospheric influence is not a predispos- ing or definite cause of this malady. The occu- lar demonstrations revealed by microscopic re- searches, clearly settles the question, that, myri- ads of entomological insects, by their ravages, and voracious appetites, in their larva age under ground, are the secret, and heretofore hidden, predisposing or definite cause of the potato blight and rot. This fact cannot be repelled. June 30, 1859. The Farmer Boy. HIGH FARMING VS. INSECTS. Speaking of the insects infesting the wheat crop in this and the old country, the Mark Lane Express thinks that the production of insects is greatly promoted by the defective system of ag- riculture in this country, remarking that "when the average produce of wheat in England was only two and a half quarters per acre, the rav- ages of insects were far more general and de- structive than they are now that the average haa risen to four quarters and a half. Pligh farming is as destructive to vermin as to weeds, and it is rarely that the devastation committed on highly- cultivated land is very serious." Remarks. — We think other causes must be looked for, for the increase of insects, rather than the "defective system of agriculture." Increase follows supply in the insect world, as well as the vegetable. Feed the land well and it will pro- duce abundant crops ; so with insects. High farming produces an abundance of succulent and tender plants admirably adapted to insect wants, such as the leaves of beets, turnips, onions, cab- bage, celery, tomato, parsnips, roses, egg-plant, &c. The leaves of our budded and grafted ap- ple trees are far more tender and sweeter than those of apple trees in a natural condition, and probably more congenial to the tastes and habits of our predatory neighbors. We are inclined to the opinion that on sterile tracts of land, one's squashes, cucumbers and melons would be much safer from the depreda- tions of insects, than those in the midst of a highly-cultivated district. We kindly supply in- sects with the food they need, in the variety and richness of the plants we cultivate, so that they have a good time, and have little else to do but to multiply and replenish the earth with their kind. Having brought the plants to a state of great perfection, it is the part of wisdom to devise the means of keeping off their invaders, so that a fair share shall reward the labor of the cultiva- tor. This affords us an opportunity for the exer- cise of our patience and ingenuity, and as a gen- eral thing, is a blessing rather than a curse. A Trap for Catching Sheep-Killing Dogs. — Make a pen of fence rails, beginning with four, so as to have it square, and as you build it, draw in each rail as you would the sticks of a partridge trap, until your pen is of sufficient height, say five feet. In this way you will construct a pen that, when finished, will permit a dog to enter at the top at pleasure, but out of which he will find it difficult to escape, should he have the agility 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 371 of an antelope. All that you have to do to catch the dog that has killed your sheep, is to construct the trap, where a dead sheep is left, as directed, as soon as possible after an attack has been made on your flock, put a part or the whole of a sheep that has been killed, in it, and remove the balance to some other field. In a majority of cases, the rogue and murderer will return the succeeding night, or perhaps the next, and you will have the gratification next morning of find- ing him securely imprisoned. — Southern Planter. For the New England Farmer. CAUSE OP LOSS OP APPLB TREES. l^EAR Sir : — Will you allow me to say a word in answer to an article in your paper of the 21st of May, written by C. A. Hewins, West Roxbury ? Mr. Hewins and yourself come to the conclusion that the underdraining of the land saved the ap- ple trees. I believe the underdraining, if it proves anything, proves that the trees made a more vig- orous growth where the land was not under- drained. The occasion of the injury to the trees was, the land being too rich and the trees growing too fast. The fall of 1830 I suppose to be the warm- est that ever was known in this country. Pump- kins and other vines were growing all October and into November, and we had no frost to stop the growth of anything until Wednesday or Thursday after Thanksgiving, and then winter set in, in earnest. I thought nothing of it until March, 1831. Jdhn Lowd, who was then living, and engaged in cultivating trees, and a distinguished horticul- turist, living in Roxbury, wrote an article in the New England Farmer, saying we shall have no more fruit for ten years to come. On reading the article I went into the nursery where I had peach, cherry and apple trees, and I believed, on examination, that it was true. The result was, that trees that were growing fast were killed, thousands and thousands of them, while those that were making but little growth were not injured. I was then in the nursery business. I took up two hundred handsome Baldwin apple trees, as fine trees as you will see, that were dead. I had sold to Joshua Staver, of West Roxbury, I think, a lot of nice Baldwin trees, which he nursed fine- ly, and every one was killed. It will, therefore, be seen that there is danger of making trees grow too fast. In the case before us the frost that came on the 10th of November did the injury. The question then is, is there any remedy ? In ^831 the injury was not half as serious as I ex- pected at first. I went to many trees and found the bark started from the tree, but where it did not crack open to let in the air, the sap went up ; but where the bark cracked open and let in the air, it was hindered, and did not get up. Trees have been dying from that day to this, as I now see trees almost dead that were injured that win- ter. I believe that had Mr. Hewins, if he saw it in January, taken a piece of old oil cloth and covered the crack, and wound it with rope yarn, so that the air would have been kept out, the trees would have lived. I draw this conclusion from what I saw in 1831. Again, I have saved trees injured by the mice, by covering early with clay mortar, made soft so as to fit close to the tree, and then cover with earth to prevent the air from dryifig the tree. There are within forty rods of me three or four large trees capable of bearing four or five barrels each, that are spoiled and partly dead, and the remainder will die, by being driven too fast. Daniel Leland. East HoUiston, June 14, 1859. Remarks. — Apple trees, as well as men, are quite often ruined by feeding them too fast. They become purient, gouty, burst, and die. We have often cautioned our readers against over- feeding fruit trees. The safe way with apple orchards is to manure highly, cultivate thorough- ly, and take off a crop from the land every year, during the first fifteen years' growth of the trees. Such trees will not have the gout. We have seen an entire orchard of the finest trees, entirely ruined by high manuring and cultivation without cropping the land. For the New Eytgland Farmer. MOWING MACHINES. Mr. Editor : — I have noticed an article cop- ied from the Flouglimaii, on farm work for June, in which the venerable editor of that paper says that it is but one-third of the labor of haying to cut the grass, and if the machine saves half the labor of cutting, it does not save but one-sixth of the whole labor. I think he has never had a good machine in practical operation on his own farm, or he would have mentioned another im- portant item in hay-making, Miiich is saved by the machine ; that is, spreading the swaths and turning the grass once. From my experience with a machine, I think that grass, where there are two tons to the acre, cut with a machine after the dew is partly oflT, will be as dry at two o'clock, P. M., as that Avhich was cut with the scythe early in the morn- ing, and the swaths spread at ten o'clock, and turned again at noon ; here is a saving of labor just at the time when it is of the most value in the whole year. He speaks of those who are bred on a farm, as delighting in mowing. I know there is some- thing pleasing and exciting on a dewy morn in swinging the well-ground scythe through the well-grown timothy, and see the pollen rise at each stroke, and scatter its fragrance in all di- rection ; but with me, the poetry is all gone, long before the field is mowed. Then comes the dull prose, and the sweating and sighing for some easier mode, and tired nature yields to the hot sun, and I like to hang my scythe where the farmer of Marshfield hung his, when in his boy- hood his father told him to go and hang it to suit himself! But the inquiry arises, can the small farmer afford to buy a machine ? If to secure his hay, and do his other work upon the farm, he annually hires fifteen days' work extra in July, which will cost him in this county twenty-five dollars, bv using the machine he can do his haying as well, 372 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. and his other work better than he would do with fifteen days' extra labor, is it not better for him to pay the interest of what the machine costs, and work, hts horse, than to pay out so much money annually for extra labor in haying time, which, my experience has taught me, is the poor- est of all help if told to do anything but work at haying? He says that it is but one-third of the labor to cut the hay ; this may be true, but on many farms it is difficult to get this third done ; some have not the strength, and more have not skill enough to do it advantageously. He says, "good mowers will cut down two acres per day, and be pleased with the job." It is easy to tell what we can do at mowing, and what we have done when we were young, and what a man ought to do, but the most practical question is, how much do hired men mow, per day ? I think the farmers in this county pay for more days' work at mowing than they mow acres. Dmwers, June 15, 1859. Wm. R. Putnam. Remarks. — It is our opinion, that taking low land and high, thick grass and thin, the average ground gone over by the farmers of Essex coun- ty, or any other county in the State, does not ex- ceed one acre per day. We never have, and never expect to hire men to mow, who will make a greater average than this, taking all kinds of mowing into account. For the New England Farmer. TBANSPLANTINQ WHITE PINES AND HEMLOCKS. Mk. Editor : — I have received letters from many gentlemen in your vicinity requesting me to inform them, or publish in your paper, my method of transplanting white pines, hemlock and other evergreen trees. After having tried and failed to a great extent in all other ways, 1 determined to try winter transplanting. I pro- ceed as follows, viz : — Late in the fall of the year I drive a stake where I wish the tree to stand, make a circle around it five feet in diameter, take off the sod and lay it out of the way and cover the hole well over with refuse hay or straw to firevent freezing ; it might perhaps be better to eave the sod on, as the grass affords much pro- tection against frost. I then select such a tree as I wish to transplant, preferring those about 10 or 12 feet high, limbing close to the ground and thick in foliage, make a circle about it four feet in diameter, dig a trench outside of it the width of the blade of the spade, and about a foot deep, cutting down square and smoothly, fill the trench with leaves, hay or straw, leave until the ground is frozen five or six inches deep, (if any snow falls clear it off,) then clear out the trench. Apply a stout lever, and raise the ball of earth suffi- ciently to run under a couple of short planks, one end of which rest on a stone drag ; apply the lever on the opposite side to free the ball there, pass a chain around it, and with the team slide it carefully on the drag, and unload in the same way. Be careful that no spaces are left under the tree ; make a good pit and fill in the earth around the edges. If the situation is very much exposed, three or four large stones may be placed about the tree, or what is still better, increas« the size of the ball, and not only will the same object be effected, but the tree will suffer less by the removal. In all operations of this kind it is important that they should be carefully and well done, and if possible, the owner should give his peisonal attention to the subject ; having done so, I ven- ture to assert that not one tree in fifty will fail to grow the next year. The size of the hemlock, in my communication published in your paper of June 11th, is 9-3 in- ches in diameter instead of cirrumfcrence, and I find by measurement, that it is 30^ feet high ; the frozen ball in this instance was 9 feet across. Samuel Raymond. J\'orth Andover, Mass., June 20, 1859. For the New England Farmer, APPLE OECHAHDS. Thanks to S. P. Baker for speaking out on this subject, in the Farmer of the lltli inst. I have no doubt but his experience and observation will substantiate all he says. At any rate common sense, (which has become quite too uncommon a quality in our days,) is on his side. Common ob- servation, also, will sustain him in the main dec- laration, that the seeds should be planted where the trees are to remain, to make healthy, long- lived trees. Transplanting and root pruning may help forward an early productiveness and short- en the life of the tree, which, in order to have durability, provides itself with just so many roots as it needs for its special benefit. Many of the best and healthiest specimens of modern apple trees may be found in those that have sprung up from accidental planting by some wall, or in the corners of fences by the wayside. They sprung up by chance, and have grown by neglect, at least by letting alone. Their tap root has never been taken off. Their side roots have never been shortened. There they stand, firm as young oaks ; if disease attacks them they have a constitution to baffle with it. The borer sel- dom takes quarters in them ; worms may weave their web there, but these are easily destroyed. In old fields we see the same facts illustrated. How many thousand trees there may be in Mas- sachusetts, scattered in a higglety pigglety way over meadows, we know not, but there are prob- ably many more than there are in young orchards. We sometimes see them slow growing, shrubby things, and well they may be, for they stand in places where ordinary crops give labor but a poor remuneration — in exhausted, shallow soils, where they cannot grow, though they live on, and show a good disposition to do so. They are the offspring of neglect. Cattle browse there, still they live. The borer sometimes attacks them, but very seldom, for if it preyed upon them as it does on cultivated trees, thousands of them would long ago have been clean gone forever. I have looked upon the teaching of nature and have re- ceived instruction, and the deductions I make correspond with the suggestions of the man who has rounded his fourscore years. If we would have healthy trees, and leave them for posterity, we must plant the seed where the tree is to re- main. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 373 . To raise trees from seed the ground should be well prepared, the soil made deep and well pul- verized, thoroughly drained, and put and kept in as good condition as though corn, wheat or any other paying crop was put upon it. The seeds should then be selected from fair fruit, for I am confident that for grafting purposes a good, healthy stock is desirable. I know not why dis- eases and other objectionable qualities may not be hereditary in trees as well as animals. Select, then, the plumpest seeds from the best fruit for planting, and if half a dozen are planted where you wish a tree, no harm if they all start. Let them grow one season, and then select the most promising for the future tree, (removing all oth- ers,) and bud or graft it with the desired variety as early as may be. I have no doubt but an orchard may be raised in this way as cheap and of a great deal better, longer lived trees, than by any other course. It may require mere care for a year or two than is necessary for trees started in the nursery, but in the end I firmly believe it will be better. A tree, like an animal, is an organic being, and a perfect tree, like a perfect animal, has all its parts furnished by a provision of nature. Take away any of those parts, and you deprive nature of its perfection. Who would think of giving a drawing of a horse divested of its tail, mane or ears, or of a bird with its vv'ings clipped, or of a man with either hand divested of a finger, or minus an eye ? In such a case, the drawing would represent the object claimed, in perfection, but in a mutilated form, divested of a part essential to its perfection as the object represented, and ne- cessary to its growth and healthfulness. We have no members we would willingly dispense with, none but what contribute to our success. They are all provided by the God of Nature for useful purposes. So with a tree ; it has its parts and proportions adapted to its circumstances. Of the thousands of apple trees that have been t-ransplanted for the last dozen years, the num- ber now living is discouragingly small, and those actually promising to make good and durable trees is still less. In most instances, these fail- ures have been attributed to want of care in the cullivators,while the unfortunate purchasers have laid the blame to the localities from which their trees were originated. In some instances, proba- bly, the failures have been justly given to right causes. But there are, no doubt, other and more tangible reasons operating collaterally with these. I have heard of a practice among some nursery men of dividing roots to an indefinite extent pro- portioned by the quantity of them, and grafting and making a tree of each of the parts. Of course, these would make but part of a tree and a sickly, short-lived part at that, for a piece of a root can never make a full root to sustain and nourish the plant. Another cause has probably been that very ma.ny trees have been sold by travelling agents, whose trees, to say nothing of their quality when standing in the nursery, are often, judging from the scantiness of root, dug with great haste and little care, and hurried off to their destination. If they fail, where is the responsibility ? Not in the nurseryman. He fills the orders sent in by Mr. A. for so many trees. He has them of every quality, and like every one else, is anxious to dispose of his wares. There are some poor trees, which he is not willing to lose — they must go with the rest. He does not know who will have them, so he is not responsi- ble. Mr. A. has ransacked the country to sell trees, and agrees to furnish Mr. B., Mr. C, and so on, so many each. Each purchaser must sign the contract, but the vender of wares is left on his word to bring such a number of trees, the very best, of course. What arrangement he makes with the nurseryman I know not, but I have seen more than one sorry looking, almost rootless bundle of trees, brought on, and the pur- chaser must take them. It is not strange that they die. When trees are purchased, it is better for the buyer to deal direct with the nurseryman. It will save the percentage that the middle man works for, and as we may well suppose, secure better trees ; for what nurseryman will fill an order for reliable trees with an inferior article ^ No one who has any regard for reputation. I have sent orders to nurserymen direct, with cash accompanying, three hundred miles, and were as well accommodated as though I had been on the ground and made my selection and taken up the trees myself. I should not hesitate to do the same again, but I should hesitate, twice at least, before I purchased of a travelling vender, un- less he gave me a warrantee, signed and sealed, that the tree should stand on the full roots of a seedling stock, carefully taken up and delivered in a good condition. William Bacon. Bichmond, Mass., June 20, 1859. For the Neu) England Farmer. WHITE SPECKS IN BUTTER. Mr. Editor : — Your correspondent "T.," asks, "What makes the white specks in butter ?" I answer, they are occasioned by the milk being "set" where there is a current of air, as from an open window, or by the milk-room being too warm, so that the surface of the cream in the pans before skimming becomes dry, and in the process of churning does not mingle with the rest of the cream, but remains in the butter and butter-milk in the form of specks. In your "Remarks" appended to "T.'s" inqui- ry, you say that the white streaks in butter may be occasioned by some of the cream being more recently taken off", and not come so readily as that does that has been taken off longer. My theory is, that they are caused by the salt being imperfectly worked in at the time of salting, the white streaks are not so salt as the rest of the butter. Since writing the above, I have read the com- munication of Henry Holmes. He says, "if you scrape what cream there is on the lid of the churn into the cream-pot, you will not be troubled with those white specks." The cream on the lid, or in the corners of the churn has nothing to do with the specks or streaks in butter, and had Mr. Holmes spent the last five years in person, churn- ing, working, and putting down butter for mar- ket, or so much of the time as would have been requisite to taking care of a good dairy, in- stead of "manufacturing and selling churns," he would have learned that fact. II. Blake. Hardwick, Vt., June, 1859. 374 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Auo. For the Netc England Farmer. TREAL OP MOWING MACHINES. Mr. Editor : — Dear Sir, — I notice in your is- sue of June 25 an article on mowing machines, signed "Truth and Justice," in which the writer labors to convince the public that Ketchum's im- proved mower is the best machine in the market, and that it proved itself such at the trial of mow- ers in Boylston some ten days since. There are several statements made in that article which are erroneous. The first which I will notice, is, that "the work of the Manny mower lacked that even- ness of cut which characterized the work of the Ketchum ;" the opposite of this was evident to most who examined the work of the different machines impartially, especially in that of the Connecticut machine, whose swath, in many parts, was a complete wave. It was claimed for the Ketchum that it wotild cut closer than the Manny, that it would not clog, would cut lodged grass better, would start easier in heavy grass, and had less side draft than the Manny machine. These, I think, were refuted by the working of the Manny machine. "Truth and Justice" claims as a reason for the fatigued appearance of the horse which drew the Ketchum, (which, by the Way, is from 200 to 300 lbs. heavier, and I should say quite a number of years younger than the Manny horse,) that he had been worked all the forenoon at Worcester, then driven ten miles and put on the machine. Admit this — but was that the case on another occasion when the writer saw the same horse on the common in Worces- ter, drawing the same machine, and exhibiting even greater fatigue than on the occasion in question ? The operation of the two-horse machines was quite as opposite in its results to what "Truth and Justice" claims, as was the case with the one- horse mowers. To the Ketchum machine, with a six-foot bar, were attached two powerful horses driven by one of the best operators of mowers in the State, and with this strong team it was with difficulty that the horses could draw the machine, and at the same time be kept clear of the stand- ing grass, so great was the direct and side draft, the pole of the machine swaying against the off horse nearly the whole distance cut ; this fact, perhaps, was not noticed by your disinterested (?) correspondent, "Truth and Justice," but it was noticed and spoken of, not only by the writer, but by many others in his vicinity, among them one or two of the most experienced operators of mowing machines in the country. The fact that both Manny machines exhibited were sold on the ground, and that five or six have been sold since to parties who were present at this trial, proves that all the farmers there as- sembled did not form the same opinion as to the merits of the two machines, which "Truth and Justice" asserts that they did. Since the above trial there have been trials at Georgetown, Lowell and Sutton, in all of which the Manny has proved itself to be the most reli- able and practicable machine. At Sutton a trial came off on Friday last, although the weather ■was such that according to previous arrange- ment it should not have taken place. The ma- chine was put into wet, heavy grass, and the Ketchum proved an entire failure, clogging and slipping over the grass, cutting it anywhere but close to the ground. The Manny did its work well, cutting the wet grass closely and evenly We are straining every nerve to supply our cus- tomers as fast as their orders are sent in, and at this time our supply of one-horse machines is exhausted, except what we are able to turn out from day to day. With these statements of the truth of the mat- ter I leave the public to judge which is the best machine, and how much consistency there is in your correspondent subscribing himself "Truth and Justice." Alzirus Brown. Worcester, June 27, 1859. Remarks. — We were somewhat reluctant to publish the article in our last signed "Truth and Justice," lest it might open a controversy not in accordance with the design of our paper. Know- ing the writer however, not only to be what is called a fair man, but a man of the strictest in- tegrity, a man of sound judgment, and of ac- knowledged reputatation wherever known, and listening to his argument that the people ought to learn the result of such a trial, we admitted the article. For the Neu? England Farmer KICKING OOWB AND ORCHARDS. Mr. Editor : — In your issue of last week I notice two methods recommended to prevent a cow from kicking. Of course, it is not Mr. Beecher's brindle, "All Saint." "A Belmont Farmer" says : "Take a rope long enough to go round the cow, commencing at her forward legs, and tie it over her shoulders. Now take a stick and twist the rope tolerably tight, which will prevent her from using her legs." Query. Is the rope to surround the cow longitudinally or latitudinally ? If the former, we don't see how it can be tied over her shoulders. If the latter, i. e., as a girt is put on a horse, we don't see how it can prevent the use of her hind legs. We once had an awfully bad kicking cow. She kicked so badly that it really made us mad at her ; and we foolishly, I allow, undertook to lick it out of her ; but it was of no use ; the more we licked, the more she kicked. O, we had a terrible time of it, at least the cow did. You can lick or choke a bad habit out of ahorse, but out of a cow never ; they don't know enough. But to the method to prevent kicking. Take a rope, say a yard long, and with a sin- gle knot tie it in its centre, just above the hoof of the rear forward foot. Pull upon the ends of the rope a little, and she will raise her foot. Hold the foot up and tie the ends of the rope around the leg above the knee, which keeps the foot up, and she has to stand on three feet. If she floun- ders a little at first, never mind it ; she will come all right soon. After doing this a few times, she will raise her foot as easily as a horse to be shod, and you can have simply a noose to slip over the knee as she doubles it up, and effectually prevent all kicking. I have a few acres of apple orchard now, from seven to ten years old, and for a few years, trimmed it in the spring; as some writers on 859. NEW ENGLAND FAKMER. 375 trimming advise to trim at any season when you see a limb that needs cutting off. By so doing I found my trees to bleed badly, for two or three years, and to turn the bark black. I now trim not till after the trees get well leaved out ; say the last of June or later, and they do not bleed. Is that right ? CiT. Lowell, Mass., June 20, 1859. Remarks. — Certainly. If you must trim, do it when it ■will cause the least injury; and that is when the sap has passed up and is elaborated into the substance that increases the size of the tree. From the middle of June to the middle of July is a good time. It may also be safely done when the leaves have fallen in autumn, and the tree is in a comparative state of rest. Al- ways cover the wounds with shellac dissolved in alcohol. EXTBACTS AND REPLIES. SEASON AND CROPS IN WESTERN MASSACHU- SETTS. Our season has some beautiful and some dis- couraging features. I never knew so severe a winter on fruit trees as the last — not from exces- sive low temperature, but severe and rapid changes. How can trees survive, when, as in Januai-y, the mercury falls 50" in twenty-four hours ? Peaches may be considered used up ; quinces have suffered badly ; the last year's growth of the apple was in many instances killed, and some trees that just survived are very late in showing verdure, I have seen apple blossoms on such trees June 15. The pear was decidedly the hardiest tree, at any rate it suffered least. We have had three frosts in June, neither of which, from my locality, has injured me, while a mile distant corn is cut down, potato tops nipped, pompions and beans killed. We have frequent and heavy rains, giving grass and grains a fine appearance. W. Bacon. llidimond, Mass., June, 1859. THE SEASON IN NEW HAMPSHIRE. The first half of the present month has been colder, here, according to the testimony of elder- ly residents, than the corresponding season of any previous year since 1816. From the first to the twelfth day of the month there were five frosts, doing great damage to corn and other ten- der field crops and to gardens. Much of the corn in low grounds is entirely killed. Farmers, in some instances, have planted again with an ear- ly kind ; and some have plowed up their fields. In some particular localities and in some fields the corn has escaped, when in other fields but a few rods distant, and of a less northern exposure, it has been entirely destroyed. My attention was called to-day to a field which had been planted with corn, all at the same time, in part of which the corn had been almost entirely destroyed, while that in the other part appeared to have been but little affected. The field was level, and the line of division between the part that was destroyed and that which was s])ared was most distinctly marked and straight for several rods. What is further remarkable in this case, is, that the part of the field in which the corn escaped was fully exposed on the north side, while the other part was sheltered by buildings. 1 should like to know how these facts can be accounted for. R. M. Fuller. Lempster, JV. H., June 16, 1859. the curculio. Experimental knowledge is the most reliable knowledge in the world. Mr. Weston, of Read- ing, told me that he had succeeded in ridding his orchard of the curculio by turning his swine in- to it in June, accompanied by his fowls. The swine ate all the diseased apples fallen from the trees, and the fowls acted as gleaners, following in the rear of the rooting pigs and devouring all the worms and other small animals which es- caped the hogs in their rooting operations. He kept his hogs and fowls in his orchard till Sep- tember, or till apples were ripe. He had an idea that hogs alone were not sufficient to spy out all the worms, and therefore their extermi- nation required the assistance of the fowls. Silas Brown. North Wilmington, June, 1859. WORMS in HORSES. I wish to inquire of you, through your paper, what the symptoms are of worms in horses ? Also, a remedy for the same. H. D. Lisbon, M IL, June 14, 1859. Remarks. — Symptoms of worms are a tight skin and rough coat ; the horse will sometimes stand with a sort of vacant look, and at others seek to rub the hind parts against the boards of the stall. Other symptoms are an irritation about the fundament, and small white lines of mucus around the anus. You will not be likely to mistake this symptom. An easy, and what we have always found a certain remedy, is to take clean, fine wood ashes, mix a gill of it with wet oats or cut feed, and give the horse every other day till these symptoms disappear. crops and WEATHER IN VERMONT. We have had pretty sharp frosts this month, of the consequences you can judge — have had cool weather for nearly two months ; our grass was very much injured by the severe cold last winter ; it has been dry until about two weeks ago, and now we are having a wet time. Crops are looking middling well. The greater part of our corn had not shot out of the ground when the frosts came. We have few sheep compared with what we had twenty-five years ago. I think the farmers, generally, mean to get 45 to 50 cts. for their wool. We have more old corn on hand than is usual at this season of the year. W. F. Goodrich. Middlebury, Vt., June 18, 1859. PRESERVING CANS. Our correspondent at West HenniJcer, N. H., who inquires about preserving cans, may find 876 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug, plenty of tin ones at Haynes & Foss's, Black- stone Street, Boston. If he do not like tin, take any glass jars, put the fruit in hot, or exhaust the air in some other way, then tie over a thin piece of India rubber or rubber cloth. There are various kinds of cans in the market. WEATHER IN VERMONT. The prospects of the farmers here are gloomy enough. The season, thus far, has been very dry and cold, with frequent frosts. Last Friday quite rainy, and to-day also. Much corn has been killed with frosts, and worms are injuring corn and other grains. M. 8. Cambridge, It., June 13, 1859. COW LEAKS HER MILK. Can you, or any of the readers of the Farmer, tell what will stop a cow from leaking her milk ? I have tried liquid cuticle, and a neighbor has tried white oak bark boiled down and alum, with- out stopping the leak. E. BU w. Charlotte, Vt., June, 1859. CURE FOR GARGETY COWS. I have found horse radish, cut and fed in po- tatoes the same as garget root, a good remedy for gargety cows. E. P. Chase. Deerjidd, JV. H., June 18, 1859. LETTEBS PHOM MAINE— ITo. 2. Ih my last, I referred to the disastrous effects of the last winter upon young Baldwin trees, in Maine ; and the facts stated seemed to me to prove that no reliance can be placed upon the Buccess of the culture of the Baldwin, where there is a liability of the occasional sinking of the thermometer to the point of congealation of the mercury. With us, whenever the mercury has approached within ten degrees of the point of congealation, almost all Baldwin trees which were grafted near the ground, or which were subjected to high cul- ture, when grafted higher, have been entirely destroyed, or received irre])arable injury. Next to the Baldwin, the Tolman Sweeting suf- fers the most severely, and the Rhode Island Greening is unsafe with the thermometer thirty degrees below zero. The Spitzenburg is not safe in Maine. When severe cold may not kill the tree, it has an injurious effect upon the fruit. The New York Russet is nearly worthless with us. Too much dependence has "been placed upon va- rieties of the apple which have proved valuable in the latitude of New York, while too little at- tention has been bestowed upon varieties origin- ating in higher northern latitudes. ^luch has been said about the introduction of trees raised in New York nurseries into Maine, and it is now generally believed that trees from the South can- not be made to thrive in our latitude, but with me the variety has had more to do with the har- diness of the tree than the location in which it was raised. brought from the same nurseries, seems to hs proof against our coldest winters. The Black Oxford, a native of Maine, a slow grower, a great bearer, and an excellent apple, received not the least injury from the winter, when the mercury freezes. The past winter has proved fatal to the Black Heart Cherry when growing on its own root, but the heart cherries, when grafted on the wild or bird cherry stock, appear to be proof again^ the effects of frost. Almost all the damson trees within the reach of my observation have been killed, and so have the Lombard plum trees, but the Imperial Gage proves hardy enough for our climate. Sandy River. For the Netc England Farmer, MOWING MACHINES. Much disappointment v/as manifested at fli« late fair in Georgetown, at the imperfect exhibi- tion of the power of these implements. I con- fess to have shared in this disappointment, Not that there was not a sufficiency of good machines on the ground, but at the combination of circum- stances that tended to prevent their operating ad- vantageously. First, there was no order in this movement, each one going into the field just when and where he pleased, and continuing more or less as he pleased, therefore affording no op- portunity to compare the operations of the ma- chines with each other. Second, the imperfect growth of the grass, it not being fit to cut. Third, the uncontrollable movements of the multitude through the grass in all directions. For these and other reasons, the committee acted wisely in not expressing any opinion of the implements presented. I was quite surprised not to find on the field our old favorite implement — the Allen machine. What has this done to be jjlaced ho}'3 du combat 7 I had supposed the principles in- volved in the structure of all these machines, to be so simple and so common, that any one might use them as they pleased. This carrying patent privileges to an extreme, is not promotive of pub- lic good. Give us honest effort and sound com- mon sense in all these movements. Essex. For the Neta England FarmeB' ONION MAGGOT AND GUANO. Mr. Editor : — In reply to the inquiry of Mr. Emerson in your paper of June 25, "Has Mr. Proctor tried the guano, and did it fail him ?" I answer, that I have not myself tried it ; but my neighbors have tried it, viz., Messrs. Buxton, Wil- son, Bushby, Bodge, Huntington, and others, all of them extensive cultivators; and each and all of them have assured me, since the publication by Mr. Emerson of his experience, that they have no confidence whatever in the curative qual- ities of guano. I have the same assurance from Mr. H. Ware, of Marblehead, who in ihe season of 1858 raised and soldJJre thousand bushels of onions ; and who now has twelve acres planted with onions, from which he hopes to obtain stx provided their hundred bushels to the acre While all investments in varieties [growth shall not be interrupted by the maggot of the Baldwin type brought from the Rochester or rust. J. W. Proctoii nurseries have proved total loss, the PomegrisI South Danvers, June 25, 1859. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 377 For the New England Farmer. HEAD OH HUB. Every system which is self-sustaining is justly to be compared to a circle and a wheel. Such, if a system of farming, has its hub, or item of prime and indispensable importance. Men have their systems of farming which are successful, as systems of money-making ; which ought not to be called self-sustaining, because the farmer's money is obtained by the exhaustion of the land. Sucjh systems have a head — some leading and governing idea — but they have no hub. He who makes himself rich by making the land poor, robs the ne.Kt generation of the means of subsisting comfortably, by honorable industry, as farmers. Such a man is a great sinner against God who gave the earth, or soil, for a perpetual blessing to the cultivator ; he heaps heavy bur- dens upon unborn generations ; he is a scourge and curse upon the land, in his day, and leaves the blight of barrenness to those who may be born after he dies. His march through time is like that of the warrior. He makes money, and this is all his aim. Men give him the glory which they give a conqueror ; because he has gotten to himself riches. But desolation fills his track. God gave the soil to be fruitful, and to grow, more and more fruitful by continued culture, only enjoying its Sabbaths. Man must ever be dependent upon the fruitfulness of the soil for the means of a corafortable subsistence. Fishing may feed a few, hunting may abate some hunger, but the farm must feed the multitude. How can the farm be made to produce more and more for homo consumption, and at the same time more and more for foreign market? He who can strike that idea, in a true answer, will hit the hub of the wheel. He will know upon what part of his system everything else depends, and around which everything else revolves. The man who only thinks to increase the con- tributions for market, without a proportional in- crease of consumpion on the farm, will be found to swindle the soil. Upon some farms a few cows will be the hub of the wheel in a self-sustaining and an improving system of farming. Cows produce calves ; calves grow into cattle ; cows produce milk ; milk 'pro- duces pork ; milk produces butter ; milk makes cheese. A prime article for the life and prosper- ity of man, is milk. To a good, grass-growing farm, a cow is justly entitled to the crown as queen of the realm ; she has proved, to many a man, the mother of money. Sometimes she has proved almost the mother of men ; she contributes to the compost heap ; she nourishes the calf that grows and contributes to the compost, also ; she feeds the pig with her milk, while he grows at less cost, and adds by work and contribution to the compost heap. Thus does Mully make a threefold contribution to the compost heap ; in herself, through her offspring, and through the thriving grunter in the pen. The size of the manure heap will mostly settle what is in future to happen on the farm, by way of corn-crops, clover-cuttings, handsome cattle, &c. She contributes a calf — the father of an ox or cow — too important a friend of the farm to be bailed to the butcher without hesitation. She contributes more for the growth of piggy than could be gathered from a half-acre of poor c irn. She giver a large portion of her value yearly in golden butter, or in nourishing cheese. Now, it is a matter of some moment to the far- mer, that the cows he keeps should be good ones. Such will cost no more care, no more keeping ; and yet they will be worth more, and they will pay for more. See, friendly farmer, if the hub of your wheel is sound. Your carrii:ge v*'ill "go to smash," if it is not. There is, as I believe, some just and proper sys- tem to be pursued on every peculiarity of soil, which shall at the same time prove a blessing to the soil and a source of profit to him who culti- vates it. I do not believe that even in these ma- terial matters the governing law of a true system can be such that labor and life tend to destruc- tion. I have already spun this thread so long that I must cut it short at once. c. Lee, N. H., 1859. For the New England Farmer. AGRICaiiTUBAIj MARKET FAIBa. BY WILSON FLAGG. The agriculture of a State cannot be prosper- ous or productive in the highest degree, unless every district has an easy and ready access to a good market. It is the expected rule of one's prudence that urges him to raise more than he wants for his ov/n consumption ; and the hope of making his business profitable, stimulates him to acquire a knowledge of it, and to learn the best methods of rendering his lands productive. Good markets, therefore, exert more influence in the education of the farmer than is generally at- tributed to them. While their labor in the field teaches them experimentally how every process is to be performed, their observation at the mar- ket encourages them to increase their efforts, and to attempt new things. Let it be demonstrated to any young farmer of sober habits and intelli- gent mind, who occupies a farm which is badly situated for the sale of its produce, and who has neglected his business because he saw no chance of making it profitable; let it be made evident to him that in a new market lately opened, he could find a good sale for every thing his farm would produce, and he immediately becomes en- terprising and industrious. Inspired with the hope of increasing his wealth, he feels a new in- terest in his occupation, and immediately sets his mind at work to learn all the valuable improve- ments in farming. He overleaps his prejudices in the ardor of his pursuit of fortune. He be- comes more studious as well as more active, and takes a sudden start, like a healthy young tree, that has been transplanted from a dry and barren declivity to a deep soil and an open situation. Whenever a body of farmers are unsupplied with good markets, as we observe in certain re- mote and isolated districts, they commonly unite their employment with some mechanical art ; and under such circumstances the state of agriculture is low. The intelligent members of their com- munity are belter informed upon other subjiccts than upon agriculture, which offers them no op- portunities of improving their condition. If the 378 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. construction of a rail-ro&d through one of these remote districts suddenly creates a market for agricultural produce, or renders a distant market accessible, an immediate impulse is given to the agriculture of the place. The present inhabitants are stimulated to greater activity, and other in- dividuals of superior skill and enterprise are in- duced to join them in the occupation of farming. Instances of agricultural improvement arising from this cause have been observed by all. We will now suppose another example, in which the market was created, not by a change in the system of public travelling, not by what might be called an accident, but by a premeditated scheme, originating with the inhabitants of one of these isolated districts. The farmers of this section may be supposed capable of producing on their lands the value of half a million more than they now produce. Outside of it, the people of other occupations buy the products of distant parts, from which they can easily obtain them through the great throroughfares. The farmers of the district above mentioned, having become aware of these facts, and led on by some capable individual, resolve to establish, outside of the district, a depot for all their productions, and they agree to send them to this place which is ■very accessible to the whole neighboring country, whose inhabitants are mostly non-agricultural. The consequence of such an arrangement, if the management of the business and the sales are conducted by an honest and capable body of for the farmer, one of two things must be accom- plished. Either the non-agricultural population must be increased, or the present number must be induced to purchase of the farmers in their vicinity. The first is often done by the establish- ment of manufactories, and by opening new ave- nues of trade. The second object may be accom- plished to a limited extent, by rendering the me- dium of communication between these two class- es more easy and practicable, and by demon- strating to each the methods by which they could advantageously trade with one another. Each of these ends may be promoted by the establish- ment of markets and depots for agricultural products, and by making the farmers acquainted with the extent of their ability to compete with distant producers, who have formerly supplied the wants of the people. This knowledge they would soon obtain by observation and experience at the markets. Markets may be regarded as of two sorts : first, those of a general nature to supply the mis- cellaneous wants of commerce ; second, those established to accommodate the members of a particular branch of business. All great cities, towns and manufacturing villages afi'ord markets of the first description. Markets of the second sort are commonly the result of agreement be- tween the parties to be accommodated, like the trade sales among pul)lishers and book-sellers. Such, also, are many of the agricultural fairs es- tablished in all parts of Europe, and which are agents, is an immediate change in the condition [attended by the farmers and peasantry, to save of the people. The inhabitants of the adjoining the trouble and expense of going to a general villages purchase many of their commodities at j market to buy and sell. They are instituted this depot, in preference to their former method | chiefly for the benefit and accommodation of ag- of supplying their wants, because a near market, other things being equal, is always preferred to a distant one. The farmers being urged, thereby, to raise more produce, are able to live in better style, to enjoy superior comforts, and gradually acquire additional wants. The manufacturers who buy their products find a ready sale for their own ar- ticles, for the children of the farmers who for- merly went bare-footed now wear shoes ; both ricultural producers. Agricultural fairs in this country ace premium shows ; they are not markets like those of Eu- rope. They have not been without their utility, but they are attended with great expense ; and though this expense is contributed for the im- provement of agriculture, yet, if the same ends could be accomplished by another system, in which this expense would be avoided, so much money would remain to be usefully appropriated men and women use better clothing, better house-j in other ways. Our annual shows are used to hold furniture and improved agricultural imple-i some extent as markets ; but they do not bear ments ; they consume more luxuries, both in the this character, and no man attends them for the parlor and the kitchen, at the table and the toi- let. They become more liberal and ambitious, and both willing and able to support other occu- pations. Every branch of business receives a healthy and extraordinary impetus, by the volun- tary establishment of this market. Yet this was the effect of a forced arrangement — of a combi- nation of the inhabitants of a dull place, to re- suscitate it, and to improve their circumstances by supplying a want, v/hich was not supplied by the accidents of commerce. By means of it, they are brought into commercial intercourse with the rest of the world, and the intelligence of the far- mers improves as rapidly as their prosperity. The prosperity of agriculture must be depen- dent on the extent of the non-agricultural popu- lation that needs to be supplied with its products. But the farmers of a particular district, while surrounded by a large non-agricultural commu- nity, may still be unprosperous, if'the wants of mere purpose of buying and selling. Regular agricultural markets are established throughout the kingdom of Great Britain. Some of these are monthly, others are semi-monthly or weekly. They are held in the most convenient places, and many of them were founded by the exertions of some wealthy land-proprietor, for the purpose of raising the value of his estates. In some places, it has been the landlord's practice to give a din- ner to all purchasers who attended the market, and to afford all possible facilities both to buyers and sellers. So much expense would not be lav- ished, without reasonable expectation, at no dis- tant period, of profitable returns. In these cases, the landlord undertakes, at his own expense, the work which, in one of our supposed examples, the farmers accomplished by associations for their mutual benefit. At different times, there seems to have been considerable competition among landlords in relation to these enterprises. the latter are supplied from other sources. When,! Their eff'orts, in connection witli other riv^'um- therefore, it is proposed to create new markets! stances, have ended in the general establishment 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 379 of agricultural fairs in the British Islands. — It cannot reasonably be doubted that these lo- cal institutions have exerted the best influence on British agriculture. They have brought mar- kets for the farmer up to his very doors ; and they are so general and so frequent, that one sel- dom fails to dispose of his produce or his stock. If he does not sell his products to-day, at the market in which he has oflered them, he immedi- ately adjourns to the next fair, that happens to- morrow, in some adjacent town. It is unnecessa- ry to enumerate any of these fairs ; but we would remark that they are, for the most part, severally used for the sale of products or stock, of one de- scription alone. There are fairs respectively for horses, for oxen, for cows, and for particular breeds of each of these animals. There are Iamb- fairs, fairs for rams and for ewes, and for lamb- ing ewes. At some of the principal fairs in Scot- land, the number of sheep exhibited is from 70,000 to 80,000, and the number of cattle is from 20,000 to o0,000. Some of these are of a description called character markets, at which no sheep or wool is shown. The quality of the sheep stock, and the nature of the clip of wool, from each farm, are known by experience or reputation to the purchaser, as flour is known, in this coun- try, by the brand of the manufacturer. Such markets, were they to become general, would serve, in great measure, to diminish the evil of fluctuation in prices, which is caused by unsteadiness either in the demand or in the cir- culation of goods. The first cannot be controlled ; the last may be checked, in part, by increasing and multiplying the facilities for internal com- merce. There is often a demand for corn in the Eastern States, when there is a great surplus at the West. The railroad communications are not sufficient to preserve an undeviating regularity in the exchange of commodities between these two sections of the country. Were it as easy in Massachusetts to obtain corn from Illinois or Tennessee as from New York city, the fluctua- tion in its prices would be chiefly caused by an increase or diminution, either in the production or the demand, as they could not proceed from the imperfect character of the conveyances. The same reasoning applies to the commerce of more limited districts or sections. The commercial in- tercourse of the farmers of Massachusetts, with its non-agricultural population, maybe so imper- fectly systematized, as to render it difficult to sell half the quantity of produce which might be readily sold under a good system of commercial opportunities. Our farmers do not raise many products for a distant market, because the State contains a large population which is not agricultural, whose wants are more than our domestic agriculture could supply. Hence their principal trade is carried on with the inhabitants of their own State, and do- mestic markets are almost the only ones that are available to them. It is, therefore, highly impor- tant that these should be sufficient in number, that they should be widely distributed, and placed under wise and efficient regulations. They might, thenceforth, become the most valuable aids to our domestic agriculture, and stimulants to its activity. The increased sales of every commodity always tend to increase the efficiency of the la- bor employed in producing it; and the necessity for greater efficiency tends to improve the skill and awaken the enterprise enlisted in the busi- ness. Our farmers will improve in skill and in- telligence, not as we multiply the direct means for their instruction, but rather as we increase their facilities for bringing their products to a good market. It was recommended, therefore, some time since, by R. S. Fay, Esq., to establish periodical Mar- ket Fairs in some imjiortant town in each county of the State, for the improvement of commercial intercourse between the agricultural and the non- agricultural classes of our inhabitants. These fairs were proposed to be a sort of Farmers' Ex- changes, where they would be accommodated, no'" only in buying and selling, but in conversing with their fellow-citizens upon all topics of inter- est. It is reasonable to conclude that one or two days in a season, devoted to these occasions, would be of more value than one or two days' labor to the general agricultural interest, as well as to the individual interest of those who attend- ed them. They would greatly relieve the monot- ony of the farmer's life, by providing periodical holidays, if they may be so called, where business might, to a certain extent, be joined with recrea- tion ; and while the parties were making bar- gains for their mutual benefit, they would learn from each other the state of the crops, the de- mands of the markets, the prospects of the sea- son, and the means of improving their farms. In accordance with the views and recommen- dations of Mr. Fay, the Secretary of the Massa- chusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, this association offered a prize of $150 for the best essay on this subject. Allen W. Dodge, Esq., was the successful competitor. In conformity with the plan recommended in the essay, and to carry out the original design of Mr. Fay, the Es- sex County Agricultural Society have set the first example to the public, by their late Market Fair in Danvers. This is said to have been very successful, and the society have voted to hold the next fair in North Andover, on the third Tuesday in May ; and it is their intention to hold one annually in the same place. It is to be hoped that the farmers will see the tendency of these institutions to promote their general and individual interest, and that they will contribute their endeavors to assist Mr. Fuy in carrying in- to execution his patriotic enterprise, the mere preliminaries for which have required no ordina- ry amount of energy and ability. For the New England Faimer. THE TURNIP CHOP. Mr. Editor : — Can it be that the turnip is so worthless as Mr. B. of W., and Mr. C. of P., in your last issue, represent? I have long consid- ered it an exhausting crop, as compared with many other vegetable products, but not so bad as they represent. If my recollection is right, the great Mr. Web- ster, on his return from lingland, spoke of the culture of the turnip as engrossing a large share of the attention of English farmers. I am quite sure their books on culture speak of the turnip, as the principal crop for the feed of their flocks of sheep, permitting them to gnaw them in tb 580 NEW ENGLAND FAKMER. Aug. field, without being harvested. Is their soil so different from ours, that this crop will do well there, and not at all well with us ? I have known 1600 bushels of English turnips to be gathered from an acre, estimated to be worth for the feed of stock 20 or 25 ots. per bushel. I supposed this to be a better yield than 7<5 bushels of In- dian corn from the same land — both demanding like dressings of manure. I do not believe Mr. A., of P., will agree with his townsman C. in this matter — nor do I believe will Mr. D., of P., all of whom have had the honor of being Presidents of the Plymouth County Society. If my recollection is right, in the last speech I heard from him, and he always speaks forcibly and to the point, he spoke en- couragingly of the culture of ruta bagas and oth- er turnip crops. Essex. June 13, 1859. For the New England Farmer. lilTTLE THINGS: Or, a Walk in My Garden....No. 19. While watering some plants the other day, I was led to notice some of the SIGNS OF A STORM. My dog. Carlo, has occasionally a fit of eating grass. Now I suppose others have noticed the same fact in dogs ; but I never yet saw one eat- ing grass whose act was not followed by rain within twenty-four hours. Others may have met with an exception, but I have not. The instincts of animals with reference to the weather have been noticed from the earliest an- tiquity; and I believe the time has arrived when a careful collection of facts should be made re- specting the behavior of plants and animals as indicative of the weather. EARLY AND LATE FROSTS. "While noticing a white frost in ray garden where I had hoed a few potatoes, I was led to in- quii-e why it should be so severe there ; when a sensible-looking neighbor told me that ground recently hoed in spi-ing was more liable to frost, but when hoed in the fail it would prevent a frost. The reason was at once obvious. In the spring the earth has not been warmed, and evap- oration is increased, and cold results, as a conse- quence, sufficient for a frost ; but in the fall, when the ground is warm, stirring it causes an evap- oration of warm air and moisture. It was a beautiful evening, and while taking a walk down the garden I was meditating on the INFLUENCE OF THE MOON ON THE TEMPERA- TURE. Physicists are not inclined to attach much im- portance to the influence of the moon upon the weather, but it seems to be a well-established fact that when the moon runs high, as farmers say, it is colder than at other times. It is the dread of the farmer that he shall have a frost on the full of the moon, either late in the spring or early in the autumn. He always looks for it at that time, and no other. Farmers in Maine know that if they can get safely by the frosts on the full moon in September, they will not be likely to have a severe frost till the next full moon in Oc- tober. Farmers have long noticed that when the moon runs low in the summer months, the nights are very warm. Here, I believe, is an interest- ing field of inquiry, requiring, to be sure, a long series of observations, but which will result in something important to the cause of science and of scientific agriculture. While painting over the wounds on my apple trees, this week, I was pleased to see the apples well set for a crop, and was led to reflect on the EFFECTS OF COLD ON APPLE TREES. I have for several years been led to doubt the generally received opinion of farmers in regard to the causes of a failure of fruit after blossom- ing full. The present season has been remarka- ble for two weeks of the coldest weather ever known in June in this vicinity. Water has been frozen the thickness of a dollar. The leaves of locust, beech and sumach trees are all killed — grape vines ditto. On three-fourths of an acre of corn on my land, probably not a hundred hills can be found which are not killed to the kernel, and past recovery, yet the apple trees adjacent are heavily set with fruit. A year ago my or- chard was a mass of blossoms, and we had no very cold weather, yet I did not gather but six barrels where I should have expected fifty. I think I can explain the reason. Two years ago my orchard bore heavily. The fall season was favorable for the development of the fruit buds the next year, and when the next year came, blos- soms were abundant, but the trees, except a few in a high state of cultivation, were not in a con- dition to bear fruit. They had been exhausted the year before ; I think the weather had but lit- tle to do with them. The present year they have recovered their energy, and, frost or no frost, I shall have a good crop. RHUBARB FOR GREENS. I did not know till the other day, when a lady told me, that the leaves of rhubarb make excel- lent greens. They are as tender and delicate as anything I have ever eaten. I think this fact is not generally known. But as your readers may see that I commenced this article rather (Zo^'-matically, I fear they may think that I shall close it crt^-egorically. So enough of little things, till 50U hear again from Bethel, Me., June 20, 1859. N. T. T. For the New England Farmer. THE LAW IN SEGARD TO THE SALE OF MILK. Mr. Editor : — It is well known that a law was passed last winter that milk should be sold and bought by wine measure, and that it is in force in our cities many persons will be ready to tes- tify who have keenly felt the diff'erence between the quart they used to receive and the one thai is now dealt out to them. But I am confident that the law is not as strict- ly adhered to by those who buy milk at whole- sale, as it is by those who sell at retail, and I know that in many instances milk is bought of farmers in the country for sixteen and seventeen cents per can, the cans holding seven quarts beer measure, making the price per quart, beer rneas- 1859. ^^EW ENGLAND FAKMER. 381 ure, two and one-half cents, while the milk is | ripe, as the ear generally, except in late seasons, sold in our cities for five cents a quart, wine ripens before the entire of the straw ; and it is measure, which any one can see at a glance is giving the dealers an enormous profit, while the farmer is not receiving enough for his milk. Now, it seems to me, that the old adage, "It is a poor rule that will not work both ways," is observable that the first reaped usually affords the heaviest and fairest sample." Careful observation will show that "the indi- cations of ripeness in wheat are few and simple. applicable in this case ; and that if milk is sold by ' When the straw exhibits a bright golden color wine measure, it ought to be bought by wine jfj-Qj^ the bottom of the stem nearly to the ear. measure of the farmer. I am not a farmer, and sell no milk, yet a sense of the injustice done to those who do sell, prompted me to write this, hoping that it would call attention to the subject, and that something would be done about it. Knowing that your valuable paper has an ex- tensive circulation among the very class of per- sons most interested in this matter, I send this article to you for publication. J. Concord, Mass., June 27, 1859. or when the ear begins to bend gently, the grain may be cut. But — as the whole crop will not be equally ripe at the same time — if, on walking through the field, and selecting the greenest heads, the kernels can be separated from the chaff when rubbed through the hands, it is a sure sign that the grain is then out of its milky state, and may be cut with safety; for although the straw, may be green to some distance downwards from the ear, yet if it be quite yellow from the bottom Remarks. — We have a good law for regulat- j ^l • \ ^ c ^.-u , ° „ ,,, , ..^, upwards, the grain then wants no further nour mg the purchase and sale or muk, and it taose . ' ,, *;, ^i j -e i u * ,f .,, , , . ' . , ishment from the earth, and, ir properly harvest- V7ho sell muk by the quantity are disposed toi , .^ .,, , , • i r^u .. i -n u * i . •'. ,, J, ed, it will not shrink, ihese tokens will be lound submit to the exactions of others, and transgress the law of the State every day, let them suffer the consequences. Thank you for calling atten- tion to the matter. HARVli&TIWQ THE GRAIK CHOP. In making a tour of two or three hundred miles last summer, while our farmers were har- vesting their crop of small grains, we became convinced that much negligence and waste still prevail, even with some who mean to be tidy and economical farmers. In harvesting these grains we suppose the first Important consideration to be, the time of cut- ting. When is the proper time to cut wheat, barley and oats ? Some persons do not com- mence until the leaves on the stem are dead, and the berry or kernel is so far advanced as to be considerably dry. Under this practice there must be considerable loss experienced in both grain and straw. At this advanced stage the head has 'shocking and after-handliug, the bundles are to sufficiently indicate the ripeness of wheat, barley and oats ; but that of rye arises from the straw losing some of its golden hue, and becom- ing paler. The usual practice in England is to cut down all grain before it is quite ripe, and to leave it in shocks until the grain is perfectly ma- tured and hardened." This extract, which we take from an excellent English work, does not precisely agree with our remarks in relation to the appearance of the stem, as the latter, we have often observed, may appear nearly dry for a few inches immediately below the ear, while the rest of the stem is quite green. But the suggestions we have quoted are valuable, and will aid many cultivators in decid- ing at what particular moment to cut their grains. Another loss in this harvest is occasioned hy the careless manner in which grain is gathered and tied up, being brought into bundles uneven at the ends and of irregular size, so that in the become dry, and the little scales which encircle i burst, and the ears broken off. The stooking, and hold the grain are separated from it, so that i or shocking, is often so badly done that they do at every touch it shatters out and is lost. The I not shed the rain, or protect the bundles from process has also gone too far to permit the grain to produce as much flour and nutriment as it would if the harvesting were done at an earlier day. As wheat or barley approaches maturity, the careful observer will notice that the stem, imme- diately below the head of grain, shrivels, and has the appearance of having partially become dry. When this appearance has covered about six inch- es of the stem immediately below the head, we have been in the habit of cutting these grains ; the kernel is then glazed and just going out of the milky state. "If not reaped until the straw is wholly yellow, the grain will be more than dews, and are upset, and scattered by the wind. They are often left uncovered, so that in wet weather, as was the case at the last harvest, the loss must be considerable in the quantity of grain, and more still by a depreciation of its quality. We were gratified to notice in our ramble last summer that in some districts, caps, or coverings of cotton cloth, were used on stocks of grain in the field. It had been raining for three days — a part of the time heavily — and yet most of the stooks so covered had received no damage what- ever— all their upper portions being entirely di7. We thought that about three farms out of four along a range of towns in south-eastern New 382 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. Hampshire, were using these coverings. There can be little doubt but that the saving by their use in a single season like the past, nearly paid their cost. It is a great loss to hurry over, or to perform indifferently, the labor of harvesting, because then the crop has matured, and only needs one step more to return to the cultivator its profit. The gathering in, and stowing away in the barn, should be conducted with great care, to prevent waste of grain, to protect it from vermin, and to give it proper ventilation, so that it shall not heat and start the germ of the seed. fered, there are a greater number of named pears than would be give by the generality of our most experienced cultivators ; for out of the hundreds that have been introduced, it would be difficult to name over 20 that we should commend for general culture. J. M. IVES. Salem, May 25, 1859. For the Hew England Farmer. ESSEX AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. In the "Sixth Annual Report of the State Board of Agriculture," I find the gentleman who ■was appointed to visit the fall exhibition of our society, speaks of the show of fruits, which he says was "very large and ])erfect specimens, both of apples and pears," but that he was "somewhat disajjpointed in the comparatively small number of dishes of fruit presented, and that upon inquiry, learned that premiums were only offered for certain varieties, and that all others were excluded." He is right when he says, "This course has been adopted for the pur- pose of keeping out a flood of ordinary and infe- rior varieties which would otherwise crowd the tables." But when he goes on to say, "that it is only by comparing the good with the bad that the superior qualities of the one and the imperfection of the other are brought out," I would ask him, "how long are we to lumber our tables with worthless varieties ? At what time shall we commence this reform ?" I apprehend that when a variety of pear or apple has been grown by various individuals, and they all uni- formly consider it as worthless, or at any rate, not at all comparable with other and vastly bet- ter sorts, the time has arrived when this expur- gation should begin. Regarding the "small num- ber of dishes of fruit," I would inquire of him, at what county Agricultural Society he saw exhibi- ted the past season, more than was seen at Dan- vers ? Nearly one tlioiisond dislie" and plates ! The premiums were offered, not by "a certain ar- bitary standard, nor for the consideration of the amateurs," but for the benefit of the farmers of Essex county, that they may be induced to cul- tivate those varieties which may be most remu- nerative. Ours is not a horticultural, but an agricultural society, and in additon to the list of premiums, we award gratuities for any "ac- knowledged superior fruit" or new varieties pre- sented. He says, "there were some important omis- sions of generally acknowledged superior fruits." If he means by this, superior flavored pears, we admit that there are fine sorts which may suc- ceed in the sheltered gardens of our cities, that will not flourish in open farm culture. Then, again, there are others ; the St. Michael and St. Germaine, that are still cultivated at the South, that blast all over New England. Regard;ng the number of varieties for which premiums are of- EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. WHITE SPECKS IN BUTTEIi. I would say in reply to Mr. Holmes, of Graf- ton, Vt., that he is correct in regard to keeping the cream which adheres to the churn and covers during the process of churning entirely from the butter ; but in order to avoid it in your next churn- ing be equally as careful to keep it from your cream-pot, or you will not only have plenty of the said specks, but an unpleasant flavor to the butter. It need not be lost, as every good house- wife knows well how to enrich her biscuit with it, or whatever she chooses. Mrs. "L. E. H.," of Ludlow, Vt., is on the right track, but I hope by my own experience and that of others, to help her along one pace more. I agree with her in saying it is the same milk which adheres to the cream in the process of skimming, but instead of stirring each day, would say, not stir, but let each day's gathering of cream be put on the top and remain so, thus keeping more closely the air from the older cream, which is very necessary to promote a fine flavor to your butter, and thereby exclude the necessity of rins- ing butter, which should never be done without washing until the water is perfectly clear. Please try the experiment in saving cream, and riiy word for it, you will not be troubled with white sjjccks Keep the cream-pot covered close, to avoid both white and black specks. 11. E. c. Fulney, Vt., 1859. PATENT KOCK LIFTER. Can you inform me who is the proprietor of the Rock Lifter, recently employed by the Shak- ers at Harvard, Mass. ? Was that the same ma- chine, the operation of which you describe in the JST. E. Farmer, sometime last summer or fall ? Can it be used to advantage for pulling stumps as well as lifting rocks ? Remarks. — Thomas Ellis, Esq., Rochester, Mass., or Nourse, Mason & Co., Boston, sell the machine. Some persons who have tried it say that it pulls moderately sized stumps well. Price, $2'2o. We have sent youa- letter to Mr. Ellis. A GOOD COW. Mr. Secretary Dodge informs me that he has a cow, which he purchased five years since, for .$37. He has kept her for his own family u^e, and fed her as good cows should be fed. Since the 1st of May, there has been made from her milk 77 pounds of butter, over and above the milk and cream needed for family use. He is entirely con- fident, if all her milk could have been used for the making of butter, she would have yielded at least two pounds of butter per day. While such butter stock can readily be found on our own native hills, there will be no occasion to go 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 383 abroad for butter. At a recent visit to the Tread- wU farm, I learned it took more than twelve quarts of the milk of the Ayrshire stock, there fed, as it ordinarily flows, to yield a pound of butter. Ten quarts, or twenty pounds of the milk, from Mr. Dodge's cow, will do this. June 27, IBM. _ Essex. PROFIT OF HENS. As there is considerable talk about the profits of keeping hens, I thought 1 would give you a bit of experience. A little over one year ago I commenced keeping debt and credit with a few. I had but 11 hens and 1 rooster ; I kept the ac- count one year, and it stands thus : Cr. by 120 tlozen eggs at 13 J cents $1^,20 Cr. by 19 pounds chickens at 9 cents \.'!\ $17,91 Dr. to feed., worth 6-21 Balance in favor of hens $11,70 They were fed in the summer with corn, oats and wheat screenings, with occasionally a mess of warm dough or potatoes, boiled and mashed and given to them warm. They did not have a very good chance, as we had to keep them shut up a while in the spring on account of the crops. In the winter they were kept in a rather cold stable. Some of the hens are full blooded black Polands, the rest a mixture of the Poland, bantum and what we call the old-fashioned hens. I think the Polands are as good layers as there are. Black Poland. Monipelier, Vi., June, 1859. SEED CORN. In the Farmer of June 1st, I noticed the fol- lowing : "Corn for planting should be selected from an equal number of male and female ears, shelling and mixing them together." Signed, S. P. Baker. I believe that plants have sex as well as animals, but being no botanist, permit me to ask a few questions. If you plant a kernel of corn alone in a field, •why does the stalk ever "ear" at all? In a pile of ripe corn, how can the male and female ears be distinguished ? Will you or Mr. Baker, who, from an experience of eighty-three years, is doubtless well posted, inform me upon the sub- ject? What is the most convenient size for hay- caps ? A Farmer's Boy. Charlemont, Mass., June 22, lSo9. Remarks. — Two yards square for hay caps. STUMP-FOOTED CABBAGE. Can you tell me what maizes cabbages grow stump or clump-footed, and what is a remedy ? I have often seen large pieces nearly entirely lost from this cause, for a clump-footed cabbage will not head. Albertus. Remarks. — We have heard it said that cab bage seed raised from the stumps — that is, where the head has been cut off and the stump set out — will produce clump-footed cabbages. The whole plant, head and all, should be set, to raise seed from. hedges. I have a hedge in progress, part of which has arrived to the height desired. Will you or some of your correspondents inform me, through your columns, at what time and how often it should be pruned ? and oblige, Hedge. Derry, N. E., 1859. Remarks. — Prune it now, and if the growth continues luxuriant, prune again in six or eight weeks. shedding milk. I wish to be informed of the liquid that has been recommended by some for the suppression of milk from the cow's udder where the cow sheds her milk. Cambridge, Vt., 1859. Remarks. — The trouble is probably organic ; some of the muscles or other parts not acting with sufficient force. The liquid to which you refer may be glycerine or liquid cuticle, but we doubt whether its use would prove efficacious. For the New England Farmer. PASTURING— COWS— 'ViTOODIjAND. Mr. Editor: — If any one thing is neglected, forgotten, and left to take care of itself, it is the old farm pasture of New England. How many farmers, and good farmers, too, that crowd to the ridge-poles their barns with hay ; that fill to overflowing their corn and grain bins, all, (ex- cepting wheat, to their shame,) still trusting to the same old pasture, unassisted, unnourished ; their flocks and herds feed there ; generations for- gotten and living, still pull down the old pasture bars ; perhaps fifty to one hundred acres is the "area of freedom," for fifteen or twenty cattle ; they ramble, (poor creatures,) grub and nip all the day long, to carry home their scanty messes and empty stomachs. Now summer has ended, they have gained a little vitality of the skin, and all they have lost is their old shaggy coats, aid- ed by a long tail, and plenty of bushes in rubbing it ofl'. What a preparation this, for another win- ter's campaign ; to enter the leanto thin, and come but thinner, in spring. There is no money in this operation. The pasture should be the fattening ground ;_^ the farmer enriches his land to make his hay to feed his winter's stock ; why should he not make rich ten or fifteen acres of his good old pasture, and make it produce more fattening feed than seventy-five to one hundred acres of the old mossy mounds, that time has affixed to decaying nature ? The advantages are, a self-manuring process ; it necessarily becomes so, the range be- ing made small ; animals inclined to be breachy are contented to graze in good feed, and lie down quietly in their own enclosure. This is the place to give the calves and colts a start ; the young stock, growth and sleekness ; the faithful ox, muscle and fat; the noble cows, flesh and full udders, to increase the business of the "milk- man," to better fill and enrich the cream-pot, and sweeten the butter for a better price in market. Dollars and cents come of good pastures. Ilav- 384 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Arc. ing established your pasture lots in proportion to your farm v/ants, which can always be kept in a high grazing condition, and at little expense, convert the balance into woodland, and a few years will give you a forest of great value. The dead pasture waste, sometimes half of the farm territory, seems to me one of the great farming oversights of the more populous parts of New England. How often do we see the "axe laid at the root of the tree," to make more "tillage land," while the old, cleared acres, are suffering for want of the plow. The pasture lies, a bald, grimmy waste, perhaps, and probably, the best soil on the homestead. Neither spade or plow has opened its surface since the removal of its pri- meval forest. Within its bosom, may be found rocks enough to lay your walls, and at odd jobs, with small expense, a great and permanent work can be accomplished. Mr. Editor, I humbly trust you and every farm- er will subscribe to my doctrine ; and my only regret is, my inability to do the subject greater justice. li. Poor. Brooklyn, L. 1., June 12, 1859. With regard to this insect travelling along under the ground, I think this doubtful ; they may, and they undoubtedly do, enter all the roots in near proximity, but farther than this, they probably do not progress until the next season, when the perfect insect emerges in the spring. I received two ounces of the Weathersfield red onion, last spring, part of v/hich I sov/ed, and the bed is well filled v/itli the worm. The balance of this seed is that with which I have made these experiments of soaking. J. M. IVES. Salem, July, 1859. THS RIV^H OF LIFE. For the AVa> England Farmer. ONION FIiT. A correspondent in your last Farmer recom- mends soaking onion seed "36 hours in strong soap-suds before sowing," with the impression that the eggs of this insect are laid upon the seed. In this I apprehend that he is entirely mistaken. I have, by the strictest examination with the mi- croscope, before and after soaking, been unable to detect eggs or germs of any kind in the seed. Another quite as strong proof that the eggs are not found upon the seed, is, that one cultivator this spring, who sowed three pounds of the Weathersfield red onions, has not as yet been able to detect a single instance of the worm in his patch, while another, who sowed two pounds of seedy)-om the same lot, has already lost, or near- ly so, his whole bed by this destructive worm. Regarding the various methods adopted in England for the destruction of this pest which I forwarded to you some days since. I would par- ticularly recommend the trcncliing or deep ploio- ing of the land in the faF., or just before winter, believing that the chrysalis of the insect, if buried deep, will be unable to develop itself, par- ticularly if thus buried below the' influence of the sun and air of spring. In this matter, however, I am instituting experiments by transplanting these onions carefully, without disturbing them, into boxes of vaiious depths, in order to ascer- tain how deep they descend to undergo this transformation. I imagine that this insect, like the canker worm, has its period of growth, and also its desent into the ground. I have, upon a small bed, applied tobacco water without effect, and more recently tar-water and soot ; this latter has a better effect. As regards guano, there have been various opinions, and it has occurred to me that these conflicting accounts have been in con- sequence of this insect appearing on one part, (it may be the corner of his plat,) and then applying guano over the whole bed, and this worm not ex- tending itself that season over the whole bed, he assumes that he stopped his farther progress. Blood is the mighty river of life, the mysteri- ous centre of chemical and vital actions as won- derful as they are indispensable. It is a torrent impetuously rushing through every part of the body, carrying by an elaborate net work of ves- sels, which, in the course of the twelve months, convey to the various tissues not less than three thousand pounds weight of nutritive material, and convey from the various tissues three thousand pounds weight of waste. At every moment of our lives there is nearly ten pounds of this fluid rushing in one continuous, throbbing stream, from the heart through the great arteries, which branch and branch like a tree, the vessels becom- ing smaller and smaller as they subdivide, till they are invisible to the naked eye, and then they are called capillaries, hair-like vessels — although they are no more to be compared to hairs than hairs are with cables. These vessels form a net work finer than the finest lace, so fine, indeed, that if we pierce the surface at almost any part with the point of a nee- dle, w-e open one of them, and let out its blood. In these vessels the blood yields some of its nu- trient materials, and receives in exchange some of the wasted products of tissue ; thus modified, the stream continues its rapid course back to the heart, through a system of veins, which com- mence in the myriad of capillaries which form the termination of the arteries. The veins, instead of subdividing like the arteries, become gradual- ly less and less numerous, their twigs entering branches, and their branches trunks, till they reach the heart. No sooner has the blood poured into the heart from the veins, than it rushes through the lungs, and from them back again to the heart and arteries, thus completing the circle or circulation. This wonderful stream, constantly circulating, occupies the very centre of the vital organism, midway between the functions of nutrition and excretion, feeding and stimulating the organs in- to activity, and removing from them all their useless material. In its torrent, upwards of for- ty different substances are hurried along ; it carries gases, it carries salt — it even carries met- als and soaps! Millions of organized cells float in its liquid ; and of these cells, which by some are considered organized entities, twenty mil- lions are said to die at every pulse of the heart, to be replaced by other millions. The iron which it washes onward can be separated. Professor Berard used to exhibit a lump of it in his lecture room — nay, one ingenious Frenchman has sug- gested that coins should be struck from the met- al extracted from the blood of great men. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMEK. 385 <#' i^,-.: -^li^ DESIGN FOR A SUBURBAN COTTAGE. In accordance ■with an announcement made at the commencement of the year to furnish new and useful illustrations to the Farmer, we pre- sent to-day another of the chaste, simple and yet very beautiful designs by Mr. G. E. Harney, of Lynn. Those already given, Nos. 1 and 2, have been very favorably received, and we are confi- dent that No. 3 will afford valuable suggestions that will be made practical by many individuals. The sketches which we now offer comprise a design and plan for a cottage suitable for a sub- urban or village lot. Though the exterior is somewhat ornamental in its character, there is nothing about it costly or difficult of execution — no detail which cannot easily be wrought by any ordinary house carpenter. It is designed to be of wood, and covered in the usual vertical and battened manner. The roof projects two feet and a half, and is support- ed on brackets. The house should rest on a foundation projecting, at least, three feet above the level of the ground. The first story is 10 ft. high in the clear, and the second G ft. at the eaves and 10 ft. high at the ceiling. The plan comprises No. 1, gallery, 5 ft. wide. No. 2, hall, 7d ft. wide and 20 ft. long, containing stairs to cham- ber and cellar. From the hall we enter No. 3, the parlor, 18 ft. square, in the front of which, and forming its principal feature, is a bay window overlooking the front yard. No. 4, is 15 ft. square, and may be used either as abed-room or living-room. No. 5, the kitchen, is 15 ft. by 16 ; it contains a large closet, and con- nects with a pantry, No. 6, v/hich opens upon a gallery. No. 7, leading to the yard. Under this gallery is the outside entrance to the basement. The second floor contains 4 chambers, each furnished with a large clothes-press ; two of these chambers are lighted by dormer windows. Cost, about SIGOO near Boston. The Teeth. — The teeth are divided into three classes, each class fitting us for a different kind of food : First, The incisors, or cutting teeth, being eight in numl)er, four top and bottom ; those of the upper jaw being larger, and falling over the under ones in closing the mouth. The office of these teeth is for dividing and cutting the food, by bringing it between the surfaces of the sharp edges. Second, The canine teeth, so called from their resemblance to the dog's tooth, are placed on each side of the incisors, making two in each jaw. The intention of these teeth is to lay hold of substances, and are peculiar to all carnivorous animals, and of which man is con- 386 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Atjg. GROUND FLOOR PLAN. eidered the most harmless. Third, The molars, or grinders, are ten in each jaw, and serve to fit the food for the stomach, by dividing it into mi- nute portions, or pulp. Thus, it will be seen that nature designed man should partake of each of the foods common to the carnivorous, herbiv- orous, and granivorous animals. There are other teeth, appearing late in life, called "wis- dom teeth ;" but frequently these are not to be met with at all. For the New England Farmer. EFFECT OF "WEATHER ON FBUIT TREES. Mr. Editor : — In reading the article of your "Sandy River" correspondent, 'it suggested to my mind some thoughts that may be a benefit to him and others. He says, "The last winter has proved to be a disastrous one to fruit trees in the inte- rior of Maine ; in one instance the mercury fall- ing to 40 below zero. This circumstance affords an opportunity to test the capacity of diff'erent varieties of fruit trees to resist the effects of cli- mate." I had supposed the question nearly set- tled that it was not the coldness of the winters that destroys our fruit, but other circumstances, •which, perhaps, we may find out by looking on all sides of the question. The winter of 'oo'-i56, and 'o6'-57, was colder than 1858-9; the mercury fell lower in Massa- chusetts, and I think the papers gave it lower in Maine. But I do not recollect hearing anything in particular of the injury done the fruit trees. He SHVS, "The past winter has proved the Bald- win is the most tender variety of the apple yet introduced i. ^u Maine." The reason is obvious ; there is no tree that has ever been cultivated In our nurseries, that will make wood so fast as the Baldwin, hence its tenderness. Notice his ex- pression, "grafted at considerable height above ground, and on the slowest growing trees," There is no danger of the Baldwin, if you do not grow them too fast. Now let me show you an instance in my own experience : In 1822 or 1823 I set out twenty-five Baldwins and twenty- four russets, (and one greening by mistake,) and as I said to you in my other communication, the winter of 1830 and '31 killed the twenty-four russets, and not one of the Baldwins ! Now what was the reason of this ? The russets were set on the richest soil, and grew the most ; the greening was set on the richest spot, and made more wood than either of the russets, and is a fine tree now ; so are all the twenty-five Baldwins. Now I would like to know why the greening tree escaped the injury the others felt ; is it more har- dy ? It is a settled question in my own mind, that it depends upon the growing of the trees late in the fall, and of our having gentle or light frosts at first to check the growing of trees, and preparing them for winter, that prevents the in- jury, and not the severity of the winter that causes it. If it is true that Maine has suffered the past year, I doubt whether they have as much as Mas- sachusetts did in 1831. I do not recollect of hearing that Maine suflfered at that time. Maine has its advantages and its disadvantages. In 1834, Maine had more apples than all the rest of the States. The frost cut off almost all the fruit in the other States, but in Maine, the season be- ing later, escaped the fe"ost. In Maine the ap- ples are later, do not ripen so early, do not ripea 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAR:MER. 387 so perfectly, do not decay so soon, and will make better cider, generally, than Massachusetts ap- ples. I would not be discouraged with the Bald- win ; we may not see another season like the past for a lorg time to come. N. B. — I was in Maine in the fall of 1834 ; bought cider and apples ; saw many of their orch- ards, and noticed their fruit generally, and be- lieve that where the fruit of Maine is as well cared for as in Massachusetts, it will keep as well or better. Daniel Leland, GRAY'S BOTANICA.Ii SERIES, Professor Asa Gray, the author of the bo- tanical works referred to above, has devoted his life to the exposition of the delightful science of botany, and has achieved a success not only hon- orable to himself as an individual, but honorable to his Alma Mater, and his native State. The study of plants, with their beautiful and infinitely varied forms and properties, adapt- ing each to its peculiar location and life, the wonderful provision made for the preservation and propagation of each species, their growth from seeds, buds, roots, tubers and cuttings, — their fruits designed principally to furnish protection and nourishment for their germs, and secondarily to furnish food for all animal life, cannot but awaken in the mind of the stu- dent, wonder, reverence and love for their Crea- tor, as he witnesses the proofs of his inexhausti- ble resources, his infinite skill, and his boundless benevolence. To this proper effect of his studies, Mr. Gray has obviously yielded his own mind, while at the same time his enthusiasm in his chosen pursuit nas carried him onward through all the difficul- ties and intricacies of the science, until he has become the most accurate and accomplished bo- tanical teacher in the country. His statements are always clear and reliable, and the student feels that he is guided by the hand of a master. Many of the educational books of the present day are mere compilations, soulless skeletons, and it is in the highest degree refreshing to find an author who speaks right on, telling us what he does know, and instructing us out of the ac- cumulated treasures of his own mind. Such an author is Prof. Gray. He imparts to his leaders a portion of his own enthusiasm, and keeps up in their minds an unflagging interest, while they follow his clear, concise and consecutive state- ments, and almost before they are aware, they find themselves enlightened with some rays of that light which had shone so clearly in the mind of the author. What was before confused and mysterious, and little more than a dark mass, gradually arranges itself into clear and well-de- fined forms, which become instinct with beauty and life, as when the morning sun, rising above some distant mountain crest, illuminates, and distinguishes the organic and inorganic forms, that seemed but one confused mass, while the shadow of the mountain rested upon them. Prof. Gray follows the order of nature in his classification, and thus has an unerring guide, which all may follow with perfect confidence. Botany, like zoology, has to deal with an infi- nite number of individuals, and as the latter has reduced all animals, whether inhabiting the air, the water or the land, into four classes, so the former includes in a few groups, the countless varieties of vegetable forms, which spring from the earth's surface. The laws of development are adopted as the basis of correct classification. Plants are grouped into classes. These are di- vided into orders, and orders into genera, and genera into species, and these into varieties. To describe the principles according to which indi- viduals are arranged into these grovips, to point out the structure and the organs of plants, to show how they are developed from their gern- 1, and to teach the laws by which this development is governed, is the object of botanical science. The great difficulty in the study of botany, has hitherto been the use of technical terms, and un- pronounceable names, as though botanists in- tended, like the hierarchs of Egypt, to confine their knowledge to men of their own class. Prof. Gray has succeeded admirably in his two elementary books, in conveying a knowledge of the principal parts in botany, in language that can be readily comprehended by every intelligent child. They are illustrated by a multitude of drawings, which are among the most perfect and best executed cuts that we have ever met with in any educational book. They are printed on good paper, and with a clear type, and are highly credit- able to the press — that of Messrs. Toison & Fhin- 7iey, New York — from which they have issued. We cannot doubt that the little book, "How Plants Grow," and the "First Lessons," will soon take the place of all other books on the subject, in our schools. The larger books will meet the wants of more advanced students. Hen Manure. — The excretia of birds of all kinds is valuable as manure, and if properly used, will invariably pay for the pains-taking. Lime, ashes or other alkalies, should never ))e mixed with hen manure ; such treatment throws out the ammonia, and forms other compounds of lessened value. When dry muck, chai'coal dust, woods- earth, or other cheap divisor, can be procured, compost hen manure with it, and if wetted with dilute sulphuric acid, so much the better ; this will fix the ammonia as a sulphate, which is solu- ble, but not volatile, like the carbonate of am- monia. No farmer can afford to sell his hca ma- nure to morocco dressers, even at four tiaics the usual market price. — Working Farmer. 388 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug. For the New England Farmei , SSIiBCnON OF SmA-WSaKBIES. STATEMENT OF W:,I. R. PRINCE. American Institute — Farmers' Club — June 20tli. The great point in all culture is economy and its results, and the true test of the strawberry is farm culture, with or without cutting off the run- ners. The following I consider the best varieties for field cultivation, where the plants are to cover the entire ground, thus avoiding extra labor and ex- pense, and making the whole of the soil availa- ble. Scarlet 2Iagnate, the heaviest of all strawber- ries. Diadem, splendid scarlet, very productive ; Mr. M. Bergen, of N. J., stated that he had not deemed it possible for so large a crop of fruit to grow on a given space as he saw growing on this variety. Eclypse, early, bright scarlet, upright, clean and b&autiful. Minerva, estimable quality, produces more than twice AVilson's Albany. Imperial Scarlet, large, bright scarlet, upright, firm for market. Perfumed Pine, seedling of Burr's Pine, ob- tuse cone, very large, bright scarlet, sweet, juicy, high flavor, vigorous, very productive, combines more valuable qualities than any other berry. Hoceij, qualities well known. Malvina, same qualities as Hovey, but more firoductive, brighter color, higher flavor and ear- ier. Florence, very large, conical, splendid scarlet, fine flavor, vigorous, very productive, valuable. Globose Scarlet, large, rounded, very produc- tive. Prince's Globose, a late variety, large, scarlet, moderate flavor, very productive and vigorous, ripens twelve days after the general crop, and therefore valuable as a late market fruit. ■ Six best staminate varieties for field culture, requiring to be cultivated in stools, and the run- ners to be cut off, thus however occasioning ad- ditional expense, besides leaving much of the ground unoccupied, — Scarlet Prize, Wilson's Al- bany, Sirius, Barry's Extra, Primate, Montrose. Varieties preferable for families, being of fin- est flavor, — Le Baron, Ladies' Pine, McAvoy's Superior, Sirius, Longworth's Prolific, Ward's Favorite, Globose Swainstone, Fragrant Scarlet, Hooker, Imperial Crimson, Perfumed Pine, Mi- nerva, Scarlet Prize. HOOT CROPS — FODDER. We are glad to see a return to the culture of roots, fuch as turnips, ruta bagas, mangel wurt- zels and carrots, among us. Not that they have ever been wholly abandoned, but the culture of them, for the last ten years, has fallen off very much. People talk about the comparative value of these things. We all know that there is great difierence in the nutritive power of the articles which we use, not only for our own food, but for the food of our domestic animals ; and we also know, that ■we, as well as our animals, are so constituted as to require this same variety for the continuance of health and activity. Keep yourself on one single article of concenti-ated food, and you may perhaps grow fat, but you will also become sick, or languid and spiritless. Sailors know this. When they get into situations where they are obliged to live on one kind of food, they find their health decline, and their strength and vital powers to flag, and they finally have to "give up the ship." It is, therefore, a duty to cultivate a variety of articles to be used as fodder for our stock, during our long winters. Good hay is the staple crop for this purpose. It is to cattle what bread is to their owner, the staff of their lives. But roots of different kinds make an agreeable and a profitable variety. In olden times, when the potato rot was unknown, the potato, be- ing the easiest raised and preserved, was much used for cattle food. The potato rot put a veto on this root as stock food. — Maine Farmer. For the New England Fanner. BIHDS VS. FHUITS. Regarding the service or injury of birds, of whicJi so much is now written, I am aware that they destroy considerable fruit, much more than at the time of Wilson. I think that all animala acquire a taste ; for example, the domestic pigeon will now eat the acid currant. Some years 'since I obtained of Col. Jaques, of Charlestown, a pair of Bremen geese for a farm ; these birds I kept for a fortnight, and during that time their food was grass ; corn they would not eat. Some twelve months after this I saw these birds on a farm in Danvers, and was then told that they were great eaters of corn. I say above that in the time of Wilson birds could not have been called such plunderers. In his description of the purple grakle or crow blackbird and the common crow, (these of all birds considered the most destruc- tive to the corn,) he thought that they more than compensated for their depredations, by "follow- ing in the furrow of the plow, and that their ser- vices in the spring, in destroying grubs and lar- va, of which they eat prodigious quantities be- fore, and, as if to compensate for the grain they take, in the fall." In the first edition of Manning's Book of Fruits I inserted an article on this subject from which I take the following extract : "In speaking of the annoyances sustained from birds, I am persuaded that these plunderers as they are sometimes called, more than compen- sate for their inroads upon our orchards by their services in the spring, and during their incuba- tion, in destroying insects : in the breeding sea- son we see them constantly flying from the nest for a supply, and returning with a grub or a worm. I have seen the ampelis, or cherry bird, that remarkably silent and dove-like species, upon my apple trees, when the canker worm was about half grown, destroying them in numbers, and al- though called plunderers, they are, in fact, bene- efactors likewise. "Public economy and utility, says one, no less than humanity, plead for the protection of the feathered race, and the wanton destruction of^ birds, so useful, beautiful and amusing, if not treated as such by law, ought to be considered 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 889 as a crime, by every moral, feeling and reflecting mind." If we should make war upon the crow, black- bird and blue Jay, particularly the last named, it would be for their thievish propensities in de- stroying the eggs of our truly insectivorous birds. Salem. I. For the New England Farmer. BUPPORTINQ DWAKF PBAES— PROPA- GATING GRAPE VINES. Mr. Editor : — In the last number of the monthly Farmer I find an article on supporting transplanted trees, from the pen of your able cor- respondent, "J. M. I." I like the plan which he describes very much, and it has occurred to me that it would be valuable as a permanent sup- port for dwarf pear trees, which are liable to be swayed to and fro by the wind, especially in the spring and fall, when the ground has been soft- ened from heavy rains. Now if a large, strong stake of some durable kind of wood were used, it would last for a long time, and if it were well coated with gas tar, it would be much more durable. It need not rise more than a foot above the surface of the ground, and if the tree were kept bound to it, it would certainly hold the tree firmly in its place. Such a support would be of much service to dwarf pear trees standing in places exposed to high winds. On another page of the Farmer for June, may be found an article on the $100 grape premium offered by a gentleman in N. H. The writer says that roots are preferred, but that cuttings two inches in length will answer. As the premium is to be awarded in tv>'o years after the roots are planted, 1 suppose that these short cuttings are to bear fruit the second year. Will some one posted on such matters tell us how such cuttings are treated, to make them produce fruit so early ? If by grafting, give us the mode of doing it, as I have tried the ways given in the books, but never could make them succeed ; they v.'ould grow an inch or two, and then die. I should be very glad to learn how to graft the grape suc- cessfully. Can you tell me how to distinguish the An- gers quince from the Orange ? Is there any difference in the leaves of the two varieties ? An Old Subscriber. Clinton, June, 1859. Remarks. — We do not know. The College Journal of Medical Sci- ence.— This work is published monthly at Cin- cinnati ; is a magazine of 48 pages, has six edi- tors, and is well spoken of by the press of the country. It has many medical terms, of course, but the plain, common sense that pervades its pages is refreshing. We like it, especially for its liberality, and thank the editors for their man- ly defence of Dr. Curtis, of Hartford. Carry out the principles laid down in your article on "lUiberality," and you will not fail to make your journal popular and useful. For the New England Farmer. "WHY DO YOU MOT PURCHASE A MOVP"- INQ MACHINE ? Mr. Editor : — If the above question were put to many of our farmers, they would respond by saying, "That the manufacturers are continually making improvements, and I intend to wait until I can get the best." Now let us examine this reply for a few mo- ments, and see if it will abide the test of sound reasoning. I presume that I have your assent to this proposition : That until recently, nearly all the inventive genius that has been expended, has been in the line of producing and cheapening our apparel and our equipage instead of our food, the most important article. Therefore, the time has fully come when the latter should receive its full share of inventive talent. To make this most effective, it is manifest that on the part of both manufacturer and practical farmer, there should be mutual sympathy and cordial effort. I hold, that there is no ingenuity, skill, or theory, appli- cable to some agricultural implements, which will not utterly fail when tested by putting the same on, or into the ground, by a practical far- mer. Hence it is the duty, I think, of farmers to co-operate with the manufacturer in his efibrts to improve and perfect agricultural machines and implements. Should he not, therefore, purchase and use those machines, although imperfect, and in the process of using them, report to the maker of them their failings, or suggest improvements ? In this way, I am satisfied that such labor-saving machines may be obtained as shall very much facilitate, and render farming attractive in New England. If this reasoning is correct, the above observations will apply with peculiar force to mowing machines. The practical utility of a ma- chine for cutting grass is now a question past controversy, or discussion. It is only a question of time to prepare the surface of our mowing lands, and the machine best adapted to do the work. I do not propose to enter the partizan controversy respecting mowing machines. I do not profess to be a special advocate for ei'her of them, and have refused to be a paid agent for the sale of them from two establishments. I was present at the trial of mowers in Boyls- ton (June 14,) and saw the operation of the "five machines, and for the first time saw the working of the Manny machine. I have also read in the N. E. Fanner the report of the trial by "Truth and Justice," and the reply by Mr. Brown. Af- ter carefully reading these statements, I appre- hend they may not be an exception to the gener- al rule in such cases that the exact truth is to be found "between them." If I were called upon to correct them, I should say that "Truth and Justice" had not given sufficient credit for the cutting of the Manny machine, and Mr. Brown had overstated the difference of draft between the two. While I do not profess to be a partizan in this matter, I do confess that I am much pleased with the working of the Kctchum patent, as now manufactured by Nourse, Mason & Co. It is also my impression, confirmed by six years, experience, that in order to be adapted to New England farms as we find them, and to be popu- lar throughout New England, every machine must be reduced, substantially, to the construe- 390 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Aug tion of the Ketchum mower. The manufacturers of the various machines will call this a sweeping observation, and demand my reasons. The mowing lands of New England will always present obstacles, more or less, to the mower, such as apple trees, boulders, stumps, uneven surfaces, &c. We are bound, nevertheless, to have a machine which will work, notwithstanding these obstacles. But under these circumstances, the demand is imperative that we have a mower in its construction simple, strong, compact,] "handy ;" one into which we can readily insert cutters of different length, from a three foot to a six foot, according to the condition of the grass, surface or obstacles. This idea of changing cut- ters carries with it an importance which farmers do not yet appreciate. My own experience ena- bles me to say that it is a most happy arrange- ment by which I accommodate my machine to the grass to be cut, and the work to be done, to the capacity of my team. I may be mistiken, but I apprehend that I am correct in saying there is now no machine capable of meeting the above demands but the Ketchum patent. The labor of taking apart and of re-adjusting is a consideration with me in favor of the small iron machine. Last fall, a neighbor came to me for my machine to cut his rowen ; said that he had been to three owners of the Manny, and they refused because their machines were taken apart, and it was too much work to "rig up." The Ketchum, occupying four square feet in the cor- ner of my tool room, was ready for action in less than ten minutes. When my first machine had more than paid for itself, and when the manufacturers of both kinds had made great improvements, I sent it back with directions to send me their best mow er, and give me what they could afford for the old one. To this last, I have added the improve ments as they have come out, and yesterday I cut a piece of grass sixty rods long, and three wide, (one and one-eighth acre) in less than an hour, the town clock bearing testimony. And yet my horses gave no evidence of the least extra labor. Now, sir, if you do not consider this suf- ficiently expeditious, come and see me, and to- morrow I will slip in a six-footer, and cut an acre by the side of it in thirty minutes, and yet my horses will not labor harder than they did with the old machine with a four foot cutter. I do not profess to have any scientific guage by which I can discover the amount of power re- quired to overcome a given amount of resistance, but from careful observation, I have reached this conclusion : That the two horse machine as now manufactured by Nourse, Mason & Co., requires no more power to work it with a six foot cutter, than the machine did with a four foot cutter made five years since. Also, that the one horse ma^ chine, with a three and one-half foot cutter, is no harder for one horse, than it would be for the same horse by the side of another in the old ma- chine with a four foot cutter. For this statement, however, you have only my own judgment, based upon the evidence I had at Boylston. Nearly all the interest manifested in mowing machines in this part of the county, appears to be in behalf of the one-horse machines. This is to be expected, inasmuch as probably nine-tenths of our farmers keep but one horse. These are just now being introduced, and remain to be tested. At the trial at Boylston, their working was very gratifying to me, and I think they come within the ability of most farmers' horses to work them. The manufacturers of these mowers need no circulars from me, certifying that they are "hon- orable men," and I will only say to those who purchase of them that they seem anxious to sup- ply all improvements as fast as discovered, and I have no doubt that with the aid and patronage of farmers, they will give us a machine of such price and quality, that every man who has twelve or fifteen aci-es to cut, will find it for his interest to buy. Chas. Humphrey. Lancaster, July 1, 1859. MOWING MACHINES. A trial of two mowing machines took place on the farm of Mr. Lynde, in Melrose, on Tuesday of last week, which we had the pleasure of wit- nessing. The machines used were the "Buckeye" and the "New Englander," the first with two horses, and the latter with one. The Buckeye took a swath four and a half feet wide, and the New Englander four feet. Each cut its acre handsomely in forty-two minutes. The grass was light, and the ground every way favorable, so that the labor for the horses was not severe, — that of drawing the one horse machine was not a heavier draft than is required in the use of a common cultivator in working corn. After this trial, each machine was put into heavier grass, where there were some patches of thick clover, and some of it lodged. The New Englander led the way, cutting the grass finely and turning a handsome double swath. The Buckeye also cut a double swath, and did it well. Since this trial, we hare used Ketchum's and Manny's one horse machines in a very heavy growth of clover on our own farm. The field was on a hill-side, was encumbered with apple trees twenty-five feet apart, and the clover in many places badly lodged, but both machines cut it as well as could be reasonably expected. It seems to us that the draft on the Manny was the lightest, but that the Ketchum had more fa- cility in turning, and could be moved over the cut grass, to go from place to place, with greater ease. Where a person cuts fifty tons of hay an- nually, either machine will pay for itself in three years. Many trials of machines are taking place, and the public mind seems at last to be aroused to something like a proper appreciation of their merits. Oiling Harness — Leather, &c. — Oils when applied to dry leather, invariably injure it, and if to leather containing too much water, the oil cannot enter. Wet the harness over night, cover it M'ith a blanket, and in the morning, it will be 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 391 damp and supple, then apply neats-foot oil in small quantity, and with so much elbow-grease as will insure its disseminating itself throughout the leather. A soft, pliant harness is easy to handle, and lasts longer than a neglected one. Never use vegetable oils on leather, and among the animal oils, neats-foot is the best. — ]Vorki7ig Fanner. TIMES GO BY TURN'S, An English Jesuit, Robert Southwell, wrote the following lines of much merit, two centuries and a lialf ago. The philosophic Strain pervading the piece is worthy of admiration. The lopped tree in time may grow again, Most naked plants renew both fruit and flower ; The sorriest wight may find relief from pain, The dryest soil sucic in some moistening shower. Times go by turns and chances change by course. From foul to fair, from better hap to worse. The sea of fortune doth forever flow. She draws her favors to the lowest ebb ; Her tides have equal limes to come and go, Her loom doth weave the fine and coarsest web No joy so great but runneth to an end, No hap so hard but may in time amend. Not always fall of leaf, nor even spring; No endless night, nor j'et eternal day ; The saddest birds a season find to sing, The roughest storm a calm may soon ally. Thus with succeeding turns God tempereth all, That man may hope to rise, yet fear to fall. A chance may win that by mischance was lost ; That net that holds no great, takes little fish ; In some things all, in all things none are crossed , Few all thy need, but none have all they wish. Unmingled joys here to no man befall; Who least have some ; who most, hath never all. For the i\'iiic En/^land Farmer. MOWING MACHINES. Mr. Editor : — 1 noticed in a recent number of the Farmer a communication describing a re cent trial of mowers on the farm of Mr. Lamson, in Boylston ; the writer signs himself "Truth and Justice." His comparison of the relative condi- tion of the horses does not prove the inferiority of Manny's mower, for every teamster knows that a horse in high condition works better after half a day's exercise, than a fresh horse, especial- ly if the latter is unused to the work, which was the case in this instance. "Truth and Justice" says that in cutting the double swath the superior e.xcellence of the Ketchum machine was still more apparent. The truth is, all the machines performed their work admirably, nor could any unbiased spectator de- cide which cut the closest, smoothest, orevenest. '•Even "Truth and Justice," himself, could not have selected, on the next day, the swath cut by the Ketchum, except by measurement, and this boasted length of cutting- bar is no merit in a mower, unless there is a commensurate gain in the power applied. For instance, if the six feet cutting bar, which made such an "awful gap in the tottering grass," requires one-third more power than Manny's, cutting four feet, then give us the latter ; for horse-flesh is too expensive to waste for raerp display, unless we can have the profits of mowing machines for compensation. But the real question with our farmers — most of whom have but one horse — is this : can we have a mowing machine which will work in all kinds of grass and grain, which will adapt itself to uneven land, which will keep in repair, and which can be worked by an ordinary farm-horse ? The trial on the field of Mr, Lamson did not de- cide any of these points. The draft was through a half-grown crop, and down a smooth inclined plane. "Truth and Justice" says the decision of those who witnessed the trial was in favor of Ketchum's. In reply, I answer, that several of Manny's patent were sold on the spot ; while I know of none of Ketchum's that were disposed of. Honesty. For the New England Farmer. BTHIPE3 AHD SPECKS IN BUTTEB. Mr, Editor : — With an experience of twenty- five years in butter, I believe Mr. Holmes to be wholly mistaken as to the true cause of stripes and white specks in making it, as I always prac- tised scraping down the cream that is thrown about the churn in churning, as soon as the but- ter began to come, and never have striped but- ter. If the butter is thoroughly churned, and well worked after churning, it will never- be striped. I believe the cream that is scraped down from the sides and lid of the churn, most, if not all of it, comes to butter ; if not, it goes in with the butter-milk, which only makes it the better for biscuit. The white specks in butter are caused by get- ting milk in with the cream when skimming, which is suff"ered to lie still until it becomes hard like cheese ; to prevent this, stir the cream thor- oughly after skimming it off the milk ; this will generally prevent there being specks in the but- ter. If the cream is strained after skimming it off, there will never be specks. If my theory be correct, it will be seen that the idea of cream making stripes or specks in butter is incorrect. N. B, — Good butter-makers rarely have stripes or specks in their butter ; if they do, they attrib- ute the cause to the neglect of duty in not tak- ing proper care of the cream, and properly work- ing the butter. H. Ludlow, Vt., June 25, 18-59. SUMMER PRUNING. A Mr. Sweet, of Triftonburgh, Mass., writes to \^\el^ofi\.QXi Cultivator : "Trees should never be pruned in the fall, for the reason that the stock (hies up, the bark curls from the stock, lets in water, and injures the tree, and it never heals so well as when removed at the proper time. To prune in early spring is belter, but not the best time. Limbs removed at this season of the year, when the sap first begins to start, also in- jures the trees, for the sap rushes v.-ith great power to every part of the tree, which will cause the wound to bleed. The tree, or limb, will turn black, and often the tree will die. I am satisfied that the best time to prune apple trees is from the last of June to the last of July. At this sea- son of the year, that strong flow of sap begins to subside, the tree is covered with foliage, which is a great help to the wound in preventing its drying and cracking." 392 NEW ENGLAND FARMEE. Aug. BUSINESS CHANGE. On the first of July a change was made in the business management of the Farmer, by the re- linquishment by Mr. NoURSE of a third interest each to Mr. Russell P. Eaton and Mr. Albert TOLMAN. Mr. Eaton assumes the general edi- torial charge of the weekly Farmer, while Mr. Tolman will conduct the business affairs of the firm. No change whatever is made in the editor- Bhip of the monthly Farmer, or in the manner of carrying on the general business of the estab- lishment. The announcement of the new firm will be found upon the cover of this month's is- sue. lime. I have a few of these insects, taken from some young pears some days since ; they had eaten holes in the fruit the size of a small pea. Salem, June, 1859. j. ii. I. Fur Vie New England Farmer. MOWIJfQ MA.CHIiVE3. Mr. Editor : — I cut about seventy-five acres of land, and you will readily see that haying, with me, has been a long and tedious business. I tried several mowing machines, and found none that gave satisfaction, as a great part of our land is low, clay meadow, laid in beds four rods M'ide, and no machine would operate on this land, only one whose knife-bar played up and down, inde- pendent of the driving wheel. I was induced to try the Manny mower — and this has accom- plished the work so near perfection that I have purchased, and am fully satisfied with its opera- tion. I am not acquainted with the new ma- chines, but I understand that this year there are many new and very good ones. One advantage that I notice in my machine is, the instant the grass is cut, the reel removes it from the finger- bar, while I have noticed that on machines that have no reel, when going with the wind, the grass Btops upon the finger-bar. Upon close examina- tion I have found that the grass in great quan- tities was cut as fine as powder, and good for nothing or wasted. 'Sly advice to farmers that have twenty or more acres of land to mow, is, first to find a good machine and then buy. Perhaps I am not at liberty to say the ''Manny" is the best, but will say that it is a good machine, and in the experiment of last year 1 saved nearly the price of the machine. Joseph Brown. Kensington, K. 11. , July, 1859. !^"Each plant, w'hile growing, throw? off cer- tain matters which are not favorable to the growth of successive crops of the same plant. Plants in this respect are somewhat like animals, which always avoid their own excrements. Now, other plants may use these matters. Hence a ro- tation is profitable, because one crop may take up what another throws off. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. For the Neic England Farmer. THE PEAB MOTH. The worm of the pear moth {Tortrix angustio- rana) is now busy in some localities upon the young fruit of the pear, attacking it immediately under the crown or eye. This worm is about a quarter of an inch long, of a dirty green color, and reddish brown down the back. As a means of destroying this insect, it has been suggested to search for the maggots in the eye of the fruit, but the most rational way is to collect the leaves in autumn and burn them, as it is more proba- ble that they lay their eggs upon these, or that the caterpillars spin webs in the chinks of the bark to undergo their transformations. If they hybernate in the latter, the best method to de- stroy them would be to paint over the bark with a mixture of strong soft soap and air-slaked TO MAKE CamiANT WINE. For several years v/e have made a ten gallon keg of currant wine, M-hich is of as good quality as any we have tasted, and is generally so pro- nounced by those who have had an opportunity to judge. The mode of manufacture is simple, and can be easily followed by any family having the currants and the disposition to make the wine. For general information we give the re- ceipt, and cordially recommend it. The currants should be fully ripe when picked ; put them into a large tub, in which they may re- main a day or tv»-o ; then crush them with the hands, unless you have a small patent cider-press, iin which they should not be pressed too much, ;or the stems will be bruised and impart a disa- (greeable taste to the juice. If the hands are .used, put the crushed fruit, after the juice has I been poured off, in a cloth or sack and press out Ithe remaining juice. Put the juice back in the :tub after cleansing it, where it should remain for i about three days, until the first stages of fermen- Itation are over, and removing once or twice a , day the scum copiously arising to the top. Then put the juice into a vessel — a demijohn, keg or ; barrel — of a size to suit the quantity to be made, jand to each quart of juice, add three pounds of the best brown sugar, (we prefer this to the loaf,) and water sufficient to make a gallon. Thus, ten quarts of juice and thirty pounds of sugar, will give you ten gallons of wine, and so on in that proportion. The cask must be full, and the bung or stopper left off till fermentation ceases, which will be in twelve or fifteen days. Meantime the cask must be filled uj) daily with water, as fermentation throws out the im- pure matter. When fermentation ceases, rack the wine off carefully, either from the spigot or by a syphon, and keep running all th6 time. Cleanse the cask thoroughly with boiling water, then return the wine, bung up tightly, and let it stand for four or five months, when it will be fit to drink, and can be bottled if desired. All the vessels, casks, &c., should be perfectly sweet, and the whole operation should be done with an eye to cleanliness. In such event, every drop of brandy or other spirituous liquors added will detract from the flavor of the wine, and will not in the least degree increase its keeping qual- ities. Currant wine made in this way will keep for an age, unless it \&— drank. — Germantown Telegraph. DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE AND ITS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCEiS. VOL. XL BOSTON, SEPTEMBER, 1859. NO. 9. NOmSE, E \TON & TOLMAN, Proprietors. cTT\/rm\T tj-powtvt -pnTTriTj FRED'K HOI.BROOK, ) Associate Office.. .34 Mercuaxts Row. SIMON BR0W3M, ±,DITOR. HEXKY F. FRE.NX'n, ( Editors. SEPTEMBER. To him who, in the love of nature, holds Communion with the visible forms, she speaks A various language. For his gayerhoura She has a voice of gladness, and a smile And eloquence of beauty; and she glides Into his darlser musings with a mild And gentle j.vmpatby, but steals away Their sharpness, ere he is aware. Bryant. ^-^^feO. its name from Sep- '\ tum, a Latin word meaning seven, be- cause formerly the Aij year began with ^ March instead of January — making September the sev- enth month of the year. September is ■^^^^ called a fall month, but it Jlj'"^^ seems more properly to _, be a connecting link be- ^^ tween summer and fall. — Its first days are as warm and calm as those of June — not to speak of the month of June, eigh- teen hundred and fifty-nine, when it rained, and rained, till man- kind almost feared a second deluge — but of June such as it should be — such as it was in our mem- ories, and on the page of the poet. It is true, we miss the long, sweet twilights of early summer — and a few yellow leaves gleam from among the abundant foliage, like the first gray hairs that tell of departing youth. We can see, too, that the sun sets a little further to the south, but his beams areas ardent as ever, and as yet we have no need to put by our light garments, or to close our win- dows and doors against the outer world. But presently comes the "equinoctial storm" — and the bright, brief vision of a northern sum- mer is over ! How the wind wrestles with the trees, and strips off the leaves, still green, in showers ! Now we are glad to gather about the fire again, and to beguile our evenings with books and work in winter fashion. When the storm has spent its fury, it will pass by, but not again shall we look out upon a landscape having the semblance of summer. Decay is everywhere vis- ible. Even the birds have heard a mysterious voice telling them that winter is coming, and warning them to seek a warmer climate. Man however, is not nomadic. It seems strange that, when "the world is all before them," human be- ings should voluntarily subject themselves to the inconveniences of extreme heat and cold. But such is man's attachment to home, that he will endure almost anything rather than cut loose from old associations, and wander over the world seeking a place of rest. If necessity compel him to this, he presently takes root in his new abode — and gathers his household goods about him. As one by one his friends pass away, here he buries his dead, and more than one harsh wind will blow over him, before he will volunta- rily surrender the comforts and delights of a per- manent home. One would think, too, that the dwellers in the most beautiful lands would have the strongest attachment to home and country, — but such is not the case. The Frenchman loves his "vine-clad" France, and the Italian his sunny Italy, but the Switzer on duty in a foreign country, must not even hear his familiar Banz des Vaches, or he can no longer be restrained from returning to the hills and glaciers of his own native land. Even the Esquimaux and Ice- lander, were they transported to the orange-groves of the South, would sigh for the huts where they had burrowed with wife and children, and per- haps said wife and children are just as beautiful in their eyes, clad in robes of bear-skin, as those of their more luxurious neighbors in their silks and muslins. Well, "every man to his taste." 394 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. Let us be thankful that we are born at least among the appliances of civilization — that if it is our destiny, in a general way, to put out our branches very near the spot where we first took root, let us rejoice that this spot did not happen to be the summit of an iceberg. Yet in this cu- rious ordering of nature, we see a wise purpose. Were it otherwise, the tendency would undoubt- edly be toward the temperate portions of the globe, giving them an undue population, while the rest of the world would be thinned of its in- habitants. One sees at a glance how the arts and sciences would suffer, and how many com- forts we should be deprived of, which flow di- rectly from an intercourse with people of differ- ent climates, habits and customs. Doubtless some adventurous Dr. Kane would still pay a visit to the North Pole, but if there were no human beings in that region, native to the soil, his sojourn would be likely to be more desolate than any explorations we have yet heard of. But, to use another's language, "Where no trees grow, where no vegetables come to matu- rity, and gales from every quarter of the Icy Sea beat the last faint life out of nature, men will still persist in living, in apparent defiance of all natural laws." "Well is it for us, that there are people whose ideal of life consists merely in possessing a suf- ficient quantity of whale oil, blubber and seal skins, with a warm den underground. To the torrid zones we are still more indebted. Our finest fruits, our precious woods, are all brought from countries about the equator. But we have got upon a subject involving too many considerations to be fully dealt with here. One inference strikes us, — that what at a first glance seems mere accident, will be found, on a closer view of the subject, to be the result of a special design. It is so in this case, and we be- lieve it will always be found to be so, where our own limited faculties do not stand in the way of full investigation. So may we always "Look from Nature, up to Nature's God." potash and soda, all of which are known, when separately applied, to produce a good effect on clover crops, and to constitute an important part of the food of all grasses. The following experiment by an English far- mer, may shed some light on the subject: The ground selected contained three percius (rods) of clover ; the first had no manure, and produced ttiirty-eight pounds when cut in fall head; the second, where four quarts of sifted coal ashes, which had not been exposed to the weather, were applied, the produce was fifty pounds ; on the third perch, one quart of plaster was sown, and the crop weighed fifry-four pounds. It will be seen that the ashes increased the clo- ver nearly one-quarter above that on which no manure was applied, which goes to prove that this substance is a valuable fertilizer. Coal is said to be of vcgatable origin ; therefore, we can see no reason why its ashes should not contain the food of phints. Experiments on various soils and crops might be made by any farmer at a small txpense, as coal is employed as fuel in nearly every town. — Ex. COA.L ASHES AS A MANUBE. But few experiments have been made by Amer- ican farmers, says a writer, to test the fertilizing pro])erties of coal ashes. While we are import- ing guano and other m?inures from foreign lands in enormous quantities, and at great expense, it may be well to employ substances nearer home, which are now neglected and cast aside as worth- less. Thousands of tons of ashes might be ob- tained in cities where coal is extensively em- ployed for fuel, which, when applied to the soil, would doubtless greatly augment its productive powers. It is stated in "Faulkner's Farmers' Manual," an English publication on manures, that coal ashes contain sulphate of lime, with some FARM DRAINAGE. Everybody has heard of F. O. J. Smith, as one of the pioneers in telegraphing, as a politician who generally prophesies correctly, arid a thor- ough going business man. It may not be so generally known that Mr. Smith is, also, always interested in agricultural affairs, residing upon one of the most picturesque and beautiful estates in New England, known as Forest Home, near Portland, Me., where he amuses his leisure hours with his thorough-bred stock and the high culture cf his broad acres. Thus he speaks in the Eastern Argus of Drain- age, and Judge French's treatise on that subject. A BOOK FOR FARMERS. Of all departments of agricultural science, that which teaches the value, and best methods of THOROUGn DRAINAGE of lands for cultivation, has no rival in practical usefulness. No other is marked more distinctly in its results, when lis- tened to and properly obeyed in its teachings. It is the base line of all wise agricultural improve- ment upon a major part of all lands on this con- tinent. Ditching grounds is the rude, superficial and temporary reir.edy of a positive evil. Drainage is the perfection of ditching, reduced to a system of lasting effects. One is the scratching of the scab which ap- pears on the surface, and for temporary relief; while the other is the cure of the disease which produces the scab. That farmer has a good look towards advan- itages, W'ho ditches his grounds extensively. I But that farmer marches far in advance of the first, vvho appreciates and executes a well stu- I died system of drainage. In this country quite too little importance has , been attached by farmers in general to either j ditching or drainage; although many have un- I stood and practised them well. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 395 Most men have been inclined to seek lands for cultivation that seemed to require neither ditch- ii'i^ or drainage. And yet, the most valuable of all lands for improvement and when iuiproved, are those which require these agencies, and draining in particular, and extensively. And for the reasons that they are susceptible, under such system, of commanding, with most cert linty of all lands, all the fertilizing elements of nature, and of using them in exactly the best propor- tions, and at the right times, and of throwing off the redundancies of each, as may be best for the growth, or support, or protection of the desired crop. As a marked and instructive illustration of the effects of drainage, I recollect of noting in my readings some years since, the following state- ments from an English paper : "There is a field on the estate of the Earl of Leicester, at Longford, in this country, which some years ago was occupied by Mr. John Sher- rat, and brought forth rushes in such abundance, that the occupier gave leave to any body to carry them away, who would be at the trouble to mo^^' them. Three years ago, the field was drained, under the direction of Mr. T. Harper Foster, and this year, we are told, the present occupant, Mr. T. Robinson, has cut three tons an acre of as nice herbage as ever grew." Judge Henry F. French, of New Hampshire, through Messrs. A. & O. MooRE, Agricultural Book Publishers, New York City, has produced the most complete, instructive, readable and en- tertaining manual upon Farm Drainage that has been given to this reading and progressive world. It contains a greater variety of details, of clear and comprehensive, practical and practised re- sults, of rules, and of reasons of rules, and of modes and agencies to be employed in this de- partment of agricultural economy, than all other books extant, and substantially comprehending all other books on the suliject. As the incidents of thorougJi drainage, and proper to be understood, the legal rights of flowage and drainage, pertaining to land owners — average annual rainfalls ; snows, dews, frosts, composition, filtration, absorption, and their af- finities, are discussed and illustrated in a style alike entertaining and instructive, and more than one hundred engravings are interspersed to make clear to the eye whatever the pen might have failed to render clear to the commonest under- standing. And, what is especially praiseworthy in an author, he has furnished not only an elaborate table of contents, but a capitally minute index, ■without which the best of books is only as a lighted candle under a half-bushel measure. Judge French is himself a practical farmer as well as jurist, and a constant writer on the theo- ries and practice of agriculture, being one of the editors of the New England Farmer. Besides personal practice and extensive read- ing and writing on this science, he has treated himself to extensive personal observation of the practice of others, in both our own and foreign lands. He visited Europe a year since with a special reference to his own improvement in his study and practice of agriculture. With a mind naturally active, vigorous, search- ing and discriminating — with an ambition to ren- de himself personally useful to others, concur- rently with a rational enjoyment of life — with an acquisition of advantages in education and soci- ety tending directly to the success of these en- dowments and personal aims — it would be strange if in attempting to produce a book rang- ing within the chosen field of his chiefest labors he should have failed. He his not failed. And no man who obtains the book and reads it will feel otherwise than re- joiced in the possession of it. No man owning an acre of ground should be without a copy of it. It is the book for distribution by our Agricultu- ral Societies as premiums at their shows. Even the housewife, who is privileged to learn by study in doors, what the prudent husbandman, and his sons and workmen, ought to understand how best to execute out-doors, will find this volume both readable and interesting in its lively style and manifok? details. And she, too, may be left to the struggles of a desolate widowhood, in the manage- ment of a heritage, until her youthful sons can re- lease her of the painful responsibility, and until then she will need to know how to instruct those sons in the judicious modes which the father would have pursued if present, first with this field and then with that, to secure the greatest improve- ment and derive from it the greatest advantage. In all that relates to redeeming lands from the waste of a superabundance of waters, Judge French's book will be found a faithful counsel- lor in her solitude and cares. It is seldom I find leisure, or feel an inclina- tion, to praise a book. It is generally labor enough to read them thoroughly. But I deem this production of Judge French so deserving, and so calculated to be useful to the agricultural community, I hesitate not to risk all the censures which any intelligent person who may procure and carefully read it, may feel disposed to bestow upon me, for commending it to him. Frances O. J. Smith. Forest Home, Westbrook, July 27, 1859. STATE FAIHS FOR 1859. We publish below a list of the various Sta's and Provincial Fairs to be holden the coming fall, as nearly perfect as we can make it from the information in our possession. State. Place. Time. Alabama Montgomery November 15 — 18 Califorcia Sept. 27— Oct. 6. Canada West Kingston September 27 — 30. Connecticut New Haven Octolxr 11 — 14. Illinois Freepv^rt September 5 — 9. Indiana New Albany ?ept. 2o — Oct 1. Iowa, Occaloosa September 27 — SO. Kentucky Lexington September 13—17. Main ■ Augusta September 20—23. Maryland Frederick City October 25 — 28. Michigan Detroit October 4 — 7. New ilaiapshire.. ..Dt.ver October 5 — 7. New .Ji-rsey Elizabeth September 13 — 16. New York Albany October 4—7. Ohio Zanesville September 20—23. Pennsylvania Philadelphia September 27 — 30. Southern Central Asricultural Society, Atalanta, Ga October 24—24. St. Loui3 Agricultural and Mechanical Association, St. Louis Sept. 26— Oct. 1. Tennessee Nashville October o — 7. United States Chicaco September 12 — 17. Vermont Burlinpton September 13 — 16 Wisconsin Milwaukie September 26 — .34 396 NEW ENGLAND FAUMER. Sept. For the New England Farmer. AGKICULTUKAL KNO^^^LEDGE. Mr. Editor : — It appears to me that the means of obtaining agricultural knowledge is not so easy as it ought to be. The State money which is distributed annually among the several coun- ty societies, can and ought to be so managed that knowledge will accrue from it to the great mass of the farming interests of the State, instead of doling it out in premiums, to a fortunate few. I have recently been perusing the pages of the "Transactions of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture," which is a new series just issued, and I find that from its foundation, its managers have been zealous in getting agri- cultural knowledge in some form or other before the people ; they resorted to such expedients as were available, which were widely different from the collection of such matter and resources for its dissemination now. It appears if there was that interest taken in the diffusion of agricultu- ral knowledge at the present time, that there has been formerly, it would materially change the aspect of many rural homes. "Knowledge is power." Its effects have produced wonderful changes. May it be applied to the important science of agriculture in such a manner, as to give it a new impetus. It may be said, we have a large number of agricultural works and news- papers ; this is all very well, but it does not suf- fice. We want a system by which the communi- ty may be drawn together to have a talk, or hear occasionally a lecture on agriculture. Winchester, Feb. 8, 18^9. D. w. J. I asked him which he preferred, a single or two- horse mower. He said he would not take a one- horse implement, and work it through the sea- son, if any one would give it to him. That one horse was not adequate to the performance of this work. This so entirely accorded with the impression that I had formed, that I was pleased to hear it ; and now mention it for the informa- tion of those who are willing to learn the best mode of cutting grass — of which there is at pres- ent a prospect of so great an abundance. I do not pretend to be an instructer myself, any fur- ther than I learn from good authority. J. W. Proctor. South Danvers, June 30, 1859. Remarks. — Certainly. We have given premi- ums a fair trial — let us now try something else. When you have got farmers to talk and compare notes among themselves, in public gatherings, you will at once inspire them with a new love and interest in their calling ; and then they are in a condition to receive benefit from lectures, books, and the discussions of more scientific men. For the New England Farmer. UNDERDH.AINING— MOWING MA- CHINES. Mr. Editor : — I this morning visited the farm of Mr. Franklin Alley, of Marblehead, who, wherever he is known, is regarded as good au- thority as any other man, on subjects to which his attention has been given. My particular ob- ject was to witness the improvements he has made by underdraining. For many years the farm he occupies has been known as one of the most productive hay farms in the county. He now uses about half of it for the growing of veg- etables. On this he has laid about 3000 feet of underdrains — on an average about 2i feet deep. By so doing, he thinks his crops have been doubled. My attention was first called to this, by the extraordinary crop grown on his land, an account of which was given in our transactions. Mr. Alley is a practical farmer, without preten- sions, no mistake. While looking at his lands, I saw about two acres of grass that had been cut with the Buckeye Mower, moved by two horses. LOOKING IN THE WINE CUP. "Look not thou upon the wine cap when it is red, when it fiiveth liis color in the cup, when it movotli itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serptnt and stingeth like an adder." — Prov- erbs 2Z: 31,32. Hiram Cox.M. D., of Cincinnati, has made the following statement : "I analyzed a lot of liquors for some conscien- tious gentlemen of our own city, who would not permit me to take samples to my office, but in- sisted upon my bringing my chemicals and ap- paratus to their store, that they might see the operation. I accordingly repaired to their store, and analyzed samples of sixteen different lots. Among tliem were Port wine, Sherry wine and Madeira wine. The wines had not one drop of the Juice of the grape. The basis of the Port wine was diluted sulphuric acid, colored with el- derberry juice, with alum, sugar, and neutral spirits. The basis of the Sherry wine was a sort of pale malt, sulphuric acid, from the bitter almond oil, with aper centage of alcoholic spirits from brandy. The basis of the Madeira was a decoction of hops with sulphuric acid, honey, spirits of Ja- maica rum, &c. The same week, after analyzing the above, and exhibiting the quality and charac- ter of the liquor to the proprietors, a sexton of one of our churches informed me he had purchased a gallon of the above Port wine, to be used in his church on the next Sunday for sacramental purposes, and that, for this mixture of sulphuric acid, rum and elderberry juice, he paid $2,75 a gallon." Prof. C. A. Lee, of New York, makes the fol- lowing statement : "A cheap Madeira is made here, by extracting the oils from common whisky, and passing it through carbon. There are immense establish- ments in this city where the whisky is thus turned into M-ine ; in some of those devoted to this branch of business, the whisky is rolled in in the evening, but the wine goes out in the broad daylight, ready to defy the closest inspection." Prof. Lee further states, "The trade in empty wine casks in this city, (N. Y.) with the Custom House mark and certificate, is immense ; the same casks being replenished again and again, and always accompanied by that infallible test of genuineness, the Custom House certificate. I have heard of a pipe being sold for twelve dollars." "There is in the neighborhood of New York an extensive manufactory of wine casks, which are made so closely to imitate the foreign, as to 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 397 deceive experienced dealers. The Custom House marks are easily counterfeited, and certificates are never wanting." "I have heard," says Dr. Lee, "dealers relate instances in which extensive stores had been filled with these artificial wines, and when mer- chants from the country have asked for genuine wines, these have been sold them as such, with assurances that there could be no doubt of their purity." The late Rev. T. P. Hunt, of Wyoming, Pean., ■wrote: "While I lectured in Philadelphia, I be- came acquainted with a man who was engaged ex- tensively in making wines, brandy, &c. Through my influence he abandoned the horrid traffic. He informed me, that in order to produce the "nutty flavor" for which Madeira was so much admired, he put a bag of cockroaches into the liquor and let it remain there until the cock- roaches were dissolved. I have been informed by several that this is no uncommon practice. If any wine drinker doubts it, he can soon settle the question by experiment. Cockroaches ai-e plenty, and many much more nauseous and pois- onous substances are known to be employed by the makers and venders of intoxicating drinks. I would give you the name of the person who gave the recipe for using cockroaches, but he gave it in confidence, and is now occupying a much more moral and useful station than that of pois- oning his customers." Says President Nott, in his admirable lectures, "I had a friend who had been himself a wine dealer, and having read the startling statements, some time since made public, in relation to the brewing of wines, and the adulteration of other liquors generally, I inquired of that friend as to the verity of these statements. His reply was: 'God forgive what has passed in my own cellar, but the statements made are true — all true, I as- sure you.' " "That friend," says President Nott, "has since gone to his last account, as have doubtless many of those whose days on earth were shortened by poisons he dispensed. But I still remember, and shall long remember, both the terms and the tone of that laconic answer, 'The statements made are true — all true, I assure you.' " "But not on the evidence of that friend does the evidence of these frauds alone depend. Another friend informed me that in examining, as an assignee, the papers of a house in that city, which had dealt in wine, and which had stopped payment, he found evidence of the purchase, during the preceding year, of hundreds of casks of cider, but none of wine ; and yet it was not cider, but wine, which had been supposed to have been dealt out by that house to its confiding cus- tomers."— Michigan Farmer. Westfield Academy.— We notice this insti- tution with pleasure because it has an Agricultu- ral Department. The late Stephen Harrison, (we will cherish his memory,) of Westfield, be- queathed $5000 for endowing this department, and the town, with great good sense, contributed an additional sum of $5000. The course of instruction in this department, we learn, is eminently practical, and includes al- most every topic connected with agriculture and horticulture. We have heretofore spoken of the Institution at Bernardston, Mass., conducted upon similar principles. These are among the encouraging indications of the progress of agri- culture. The course of study at Westfield in- cludes. Recitations in Scientific Agriculture. Agricultural Chemistry. Special Topics in Chemistry and Agriculture. Theory of Fertilizers. Discussions of Questions relative to Crop!, Mode* of Culture, Agricultural Implements, etc. Feeding and Treatment of Stock. Directions for conducting Experiments in Agriculture. Discussion uf Agiicaliural bLdiisucs. Principles of Land Surveying. Horticulture. Fruits and Modes of Culture. General Principles of Taste, with Applications to Landscape Gardening and Rural Architecture. Joseph B. Holland, M. A., Principal. ■WORCESTER AGRICULTURAIj SOCIETY. FoKTiETO Annual Report. This report contains the award of premiums, statements of committees and competitors, the by- laws of the society, and a list of the members from its origin. The premiums awarded amount- ed to $979 50. There appears to have been a fine show of neat stock, and this is always expected in Worcester, for there is no finer stock to be found in the State, than in Worcester county. Horses were obviously a prominent feature at the exhibition, and nearly one-third of the whole amount of premiums awarded was for horses. Two premiums of $50 each were given to one person for two fast horses ! We notice, also, that $331 were received for the use of the track. This we suppose was for a purpose not contemplated in the act incorporating the society, or for any thing that would tend to promote the art of agri- culture. We presume, however, that the opera- tions on the track were not carried on under the immediate supervision and patronage of the so- ciety, but only with its knowledge and consent, and the society, must therefore share in whatever credit and honor may be attached to them. We notice that the society has a heavy debt of nearly $16,000, the interest on which absorbs a large portion of its income. We fear it will be a long time before the profit derived from the track will pay this debt. We believe the true policy of all our societies is to invest as little as may be in real estate, and keep their funds so in- vested that they will yield an annual income, which may be used for the legitimate purposes of the organization. When money is invested in buildings, insurance must be paid, and they con- stantly require repairs, which absorb no small portion of the income of the society. A cheap, substantial hall, that will accommodate the exhi- bition, when suitable accommodations cannot be procured in the immediate neighborhood, is justi- 398 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. liable. The purchase of grouncf and the erection of buildings, fixes the annual meeting at the place where the estate is located, and however gratifying it may be to the people in the imme- diate vicinity, leads to the division of county so- cieties into district societies. This has been the case in Worcester and Middlesex, and will be the case in other counties, whereas, if the annual exhibitions could be held alternately at two or three towns in the county, the county societies might continue unbroken, and have strength and friends enough to devise and execute many use- ful and efficient plans for the promotion of agri- culture, which cannot be accomplished under the existing order of things. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. WHITE SPECKS IN BUTTER. I noticed in the Farmer of June 11, an article written by Henry Holmes, on "White Specks in Butter." I never manufactured or sold churns,! but have used churns more than forty years; 1 have had white specks in my butter, but it was | not caused by uneven churning, or by scraping down the cream while churning. The cream should be put down as soon as it thickens, and before the buttermilk appears, or you lose the cream, but it will not cause white specks in the butter ; dried cream is the cause of white specks. It is dried in summer by a current of air blow- ing across the pans. Since I altered my milk- room, and put on a blind to prevent the wind from blowing directly across the pans, I have got rid of the dried cream. If your cream is dried, you can soak it in the cream-pot and pre- vent the specks in the butter; it should be soaked twenty-four hours before churning, and stirred well, and if thick, some milk added to soak it; but if you churn it as soon as skimmed, in Tyler's churn, or any other churn, you will have white specks in the butter. An Old Farmer. Mo7iij)elier, Vt., July 4, 18o9. A YOUNG NON-BEARING ORCHARD. I have a young and thrifty orchard, from which I receive little or no fruit. The trees are about 12 inches in diameter, and in a rich soil, facing the sun ; the ground has been cultivated every year and a crop taken off, since the trees were set, 12 years ago. As trees in good bearing yield, I have enough for one hundred barrels of apples. What can be done to procure a crop of apples? Will you, or some of your correspon- dents, answer this question ? E. Remarks. — Hard to tell you. Let it go to grass two or three years, clover, and then plow it again shallow, and see what the result will be. MR. REED AND HIS BUGS. In the summer of 1858, my attention was ar- rested by the grand microscopic discovery made by Mr. Lyman Reed, of Baltimore, of the bug that destroyed the potato. I received from him notice of his patent right for the remedy, and an earnest solicitation to participate in the benefit, simply by remitting a small sum in advance — but time passed on, and the bugs with it, and I have heard nothing of them since. I have a strong suspicion that the bug discovered was of the humbug order ; whether it will be found in the latest work on insects, I am not able to say. I am in hopes the Board of Agriculture, with their entomologist from Christian Hill, in Ando- ver, will be able to tell us about it, when they next publish a treatise on onion maggots. *»*. Remarks. — We know Mr. Reed, and believe him to be an ardent and sincere inquirer after truth. EGGS OF INSECTS ON GRAPE VINES. I herewith send you by a friend, a small slip from my grape vine, cut in March last. It con- tains, as you will perceive, either an insect, or the larviB of some insect. My vines have, for some years, been nearly covered with it. When plump and fresh, it presents a disgusting appearance ; has the small red insect called lady bug anything to do with it? Will you please inform me through your paper what it is, or what comes from it? D. Lynn, July, 1859. Remarks. — We are unable to shed any light upon the inquiries of our correspondent. Sever- al persons have examined the pl','ce of vine sent, but without giving us any knowledge of what occasions its singular appearance. TO kill cockroaches. In your July number of the Farmer "A Sub- scriber" asks what will exterminate cockroaches. In reply — Equal ])arts of dry red lead and sugar, well mixed, is a certain and sure exterminator of cockroaches, black and red ants, and other like pests. A Reader. TO "oak hill" — pines and ducks. For the information of "Oak Hill," please say the best time for transplanting the pine, spruce, &c., is from the fir.st to the middle of June. The same care is needful in transplanting them as in other trees. He will obtain the Muscovy ducks he inquires for by sending four dollars for the three to South Wilbraham, Mass. Nelson Mowry. grasses. Will you please give me the names of the en- closed grasses ? E. T. Wheeler. Berlin, Mass., 1859. Remarks. — The parcel marked "No. 1," is the true Fowl Meadow Grass. "No. 2," is the Italian Rye Grass. "No. 3," is the Blue Joint. "No. 4," is a grass entirely unknown to us. good opinions. Thanks to "O. P. L," Pembroke, Mass , for the good opinions he expresses for the Farmer. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 399 For the New England Farmer. CORN AND CORN FODDER. In the monthly Farmer for March is an article on "Corn and Corn Stalks," by W. Bacon. I ^ully endorse his preference for the "old fogy" way of topping the corn, both on account of the grain and the fodder, and also the labor of har- vesting. I have tested the matter to my entire satisfac- tion by cutting up at the roots and shock'ng a part of my corn each year for several years past. When severe frost is ap])rehended, the "new way" may be advisable, but in all other cases I much prefer that my corn should ripen the "nat- ural way." I place a high estimate upon the value of corn '"odder for stock, and much has been said and written upon the best mode of curing it. The ,,ay which I prefer and practice is this: — when heard my mother remark that she looked upon ihdil first crop of corn, when in the field and in the chamber, with more satisfaction than upon any succeeding crop, though many times as large. While many of our crops, from causes known and unknown, deteriorate as the land grows old- er, the corn crop, from improved cultivation, has continued to improve, until reports of 80, 90, or even 100 bushels to the acre, have ceased to cre- ate surprise. "y%e golden, corn" has drawn inspiration from some of our most talented poets, but even a Longfellow cannot give it a richer dress than its own bright hue. J. Wood. Itoyalstou, July, LS59. For the Neiv Kngland Farmer. LETTERS FROM MAINE — No. 3. .he tassel has become dry and the kernel well '*W''«^-'^'"'^« ^''''''*"''Tr^^is°to Grow''*i'r ^''""^^'^ '"*''"■'' ""* glazed, I cut off the stalk above the ear, laying! the stalks of two hills together. When wilted Ij I read with much interest the observations and bind and pike them in the field, letting them re- 1 speculations of several correspondent-; of the main, if the weather be favorable, ten or \.-w^\\e^ Fanner, who seem to be devoting particular at- days, then cart to the barn, hanging them on Mention to the subject of fruit culture. I, too, poles or setting up under the roof. i would show my opinion, and propose in my pres- I find that my cattle eat them better if cured; ent communication to discuss the subject of ap- in this way, than if hung up in the barn as soon! pie-tree philosophy. as bound, or if dried wholly in the field. j One writer contends that apple trees ought to As I husk my corn mostly evenings,! begin so! be planted in the seed where they are designed early in the season that the husks and butts to grow, as transplanting injures the tree and would mould too much, if I did not mix with makes it shorter lived. This theory he supports them a quantity of straw or poor hay. I also | by the fact that trees which came up accidental- salt them freely. jly by the sides of fences, &c., prove to be more ]\ly cattle being judges, the fodder is better I healthy and longer-lived than those which are cured in this way than when all is cut up togeth-' raised in nurseries and transplanted into orch- er and exposed to the weather the usual time al-iards. lowed in such cases. Perhaps it is because theyj I will noi dispute the fact alleged, but I will have failed to "get the hang of it," which I am I account for it in a diff"erent manner. Trees which sometimes told is the reason why I think the la- come up accidentally in the situation alluded to bor greater to harvest corn which is shocked, grow very slowly for a number of years, and al' than that which is topped. jslow growing trees are hardier than those which While I agree with your correspondent in soigrow more rapidly. Even if such trees, after a many things, I must dissent from his opinion j while, become rapid growers they preserve the that it is better to feed out all the corn stover in i peculiar condensed cellular texture of wood and early winter, to the exclusion of other fodder. I bark which was at first the result of slow growth. Fed out exclusively it is too laxative, and noth-'When an apple seed germinates and sends forth ing but the husks will be eaten ; but a few fod-|its first leaves, or perhaps the first ten or twelve derings a week, from November to Aj)ril will: Waves, it has a tender herbaceous stalk, and if tend to keep the bowels of the cattle in a looselthe soil or culture force the growth, while 'v, this and healthy condition, especially if you have] state, the sap cells become large, and when the much straw or poor hay to feed out. A few corn! stem hardens to wood this peculiarity is pre- butts, through the winter and spring, occasional- j served and transmitted to every succeeding part ly, will be chewed with a relish. of the tree, and even to the fruit. Hence the From my own experience I am led to believe j fact that trees from some nurseries will produce that the well secured fodder from loO to 200j fruit of different average size and flavor from bushels of corn, fed out judiciously, to a stock of those which are raised in another nursery. Nur- 25 head, is nearly as valuable as an equal weight series which are not forced the first year will pro- of medium quality hay. duce trees of firmer wood, slower growth, hardi- It is often and truly said, that the value of the er character, smaller fruit, and fruit of finer grain turn crop can hardly be overestimated. It is ajthan the average of forced nurseries, native grain, and, on a large proportion of ourj Will not this account for the longer life of ap- soils, the surest crop which can be cultivated, pie trees which originate under disadvantageous The farm on which I have always resided, was, circumstances ? Another cause may likewise have purchased by my father when covered with its a share in producing the effects under considera- native forest. He was told that he must not ex- tion. The mechanic knows that "pasture oaks" ^ ect to raise corn ; and when, after a few years,! — as lone trees growing in fields and pastures are he ventured to plant a small patch, and succeed- [sometimes called — make tougher timber than ed in raising /i/ifeert bushels of ears, he felt that trees taken from groves. The firmer texture of his land had an unexpected value. I have often I the wood is the result of the shaking and bend- 400 XEAV ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. NICHOLS AND INGALL'S PATENT STEAM "WARMING APPARATUS. Within the extended circle of our readers there is a large class of persons living in cities, or populous towns, who are not farmers, and who use coal, prin- cipally, as fuel. This class, pro- bably, numbers some thousands. They are among our prompt and steady supporters, and we feel inclined to say and do some- thing occasionally for their es- pecial benefit. In noticing the Steam Heater, however, we are far from believing that it may not yet be introduced into a large number of farm-houses, heated with wood as fuel, and keep the entire house warm with a less expense than is now in- curred. We had it in use all last winter and spring until warm weather, and enjoyed the luxury of a tropical climate, if we desired it, or kept the house at any temperature v/e pleased. For warming three rooms, each fifteen feet square, and a little more than nine feet high, three rooms of the same size and eight feet high, and two halls, each thirty feet long, we used o-i tons coal, at a cost of about $40, — and we think this more -f^ than would have been required, \^ had we thoroughly understood how to manage it from the first. During the extreme cold of the eleventh of January, when the thermometer fell to 22" below ing which the tree receives from the winds in z^'""- "^ more coal was used than usual, but the its exposed situation. Apple trees which stand rooms on the north side of the house were shut alone or in exposed situations will possess the up, so that the halls and chambers in use could same characteristics ; and I believe the fact is ^^^-^^ ^^ ^ ^ ^p ^^ qqo ^j. g^o^ ^nd the sitting- now ffenerallv conceded, that orchards planted in u- u .u <■ ™-i , ^„„.,,.w,,i *„ tqo „,ut, ,^„, '^. 1 » .1 • J 1 11 room which the lamily occupied to /j", witnper- situfitions exposed to the winds are longer lived ^ ^ '^ and better bearing orchards than those which are '^^^ ease. located in sheltered situations. At least, I think i R is simple in its construction, and in no way this is the case in high northern latitudes. j j^^^^ jj^j^jg ^^ ^^^ ^m ^f ^j-der than a common Sandy River, j^^^^^g^ j^ j^ self-feeding, both as respects a sup- _, , . , <. 1 , • • 1. nlv of coal and water, and controls the air-draft 1^^ Truth IS the most powerful thing in the ^- , , ^ , mi • . • i world, since even fiction itself must be governed Promptly and perfectly. There is not a single oy it, and can only please by its resemblance, pulley, float valve, chain or pump connected The appearance of reality is neces-ary to make with it, and there are no tubes, flues or valves in any passion agreeably represented, and to be ^j^g ij^jigy ^q ijggoQie obstructed or get out of or- able to move others, we must be moved ourselves, , or at least seem to be so, upon some probable l ' . , i , .. grounds. ^^^ apparatus is as portable as a house stove, 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 401 and can be put up in a basement, hall or parlor, as may be desired. It requires no more than ordinary skill in its management, and may safe- ..y be intrusted to servants who can attend upon an air furnace. It receives a supply of fuel in the morning sufficient for twenty-four hours, and the steam does not vary in amount night or day. The steam is condensed in the radiators in the rooms, and runs back to the boiler through the same pipe that conveys it from the boiler. If there is no escape of steam or no leakage, the same water j}ut into the boiler in the autumn will he found there in the spring, undiminished in quantiti/. There is a simple device for feeding water, if it is wanted. The amount of fuel required is very small, not more than half the amount used in hot air fur- naces. EXPLANATION OF THE CUT. A, are the water cocks to show the height of the water in the boiler. B, the fire pot. The fire is built in the boiler, by taking off the cover at B, and putting in the coal. C C, are pipes for conveying steam to the radi- ators. D, is a safety valve. E, a water vessel sliding upon a tube to open and close the air-draft valves at F. G, shows the position of the ash pit. H, an opening into the space around the boiler. I, the handles to the grate. It is not so much our purpose now to speak of the advantages of this arrangement in regard to health as to the economy of the matter ; but the great superiority of steam heat over that got by stoves or hot air furnaces, is very generally un- derstood and conceded. Health and safety ought to be the first consideration, — but a saving of dollars will be, by a majority. A six months' use of this steamer has con- vinced us that we can save the whole cost of the apparatus in a few years in the item of fuel alone. Then there is a great saving of time, as it does not require half the time to fend it to warm the whole house, that it does to tend a stove to warm a single room ! Another item of saving is in sweeping. There is no dust from it, either of ashes or coal, so that very little sweep- ing of carpets or floors is required. It is ornamental, durable, economical, abso- lutely safe, as it is impossible for it to explode, and gives an elastic, wholesome air to breathe, warmed up to 65° or 75°, without depriving it of any of its vital powers, or adding anything hurtful to it. When the thermometer stands at 70 in the room, the air has a cool and fresh feel- ing, like that blowing upon a person standing in the shade in a hot summer day. Those who are building may introduce this steamer at a very cheap rate, as but one chim- ney will be found necessary in the house. For further particulars inquire of Messrs. Bra- man, Perham & Co., 8 Charlestown Street, Bos- ton. THE NEW MOWJSr HAT. BY CHARLES MACKAT. When swallows dart from cottage eaves. And farmers dream of barley sheaves ; When apples peep amid the leaves And woodbines scent the way — We love to fly from daily care, To breathe the country buxom air — To join our hands and form a ring — To laugh and sport — and dance and sing, Amid the new mown hay. A stranger comes with eyes of blue ; Quoth he, '-I'm Love, the youth and true ; I wish to pass an hour with you, This pleasant summer day." "Come in ! coite in ! you saucy elf ! And who's your friend '" " Tis friendship's self." "Come each — come both, our sports to share ; There's welcome kind, and room to spare, Amid the new-mown hay." The ring is formed ; but who are these.' "Come, tell your errand, if you please ; You look so sour and ill at ease, You dim the face of day." "Ambition!" "Jealousy!" and "Strife!" And "Scorn !" and "Weariness of Life !" "If such your names, we hate your kin ; The place is full, you can't come in Amid the new-mown hay." Another gu«st comes bounding by, With brow unwrinkled, fair and high — With sun -burnt face and roguish eye, And asks your leave to stay. Quoth he, "I'm Fun, your right good friend!" "Come in ! come in ; with you we'll end !" And thus we frolic in a ring — And thus we laugh, and dance, and sing, Amid the new-mown hay. For the New England Farmer. INSTINCT OP ANIMALS, Messrs. Editors: — For the specimen of your valuable paper under the new firm, I thank you. Most animals have some peculiarities indicative of a change in the weather, beside the grass-eat- ing dog. The goose, for instance, that usually may be found sitting about the farmer's door, in the summer time, in pleasant nights, however pleasant the afternoon and evening may be, if it is to be rainy or stormy before morning, will most certainly take shelter. Yet they have not the least idea of perpendicular distance, for they will quite as lowly bow the head in passing un- der the great doors of the barn as under the low- est rail of a fence. Swine, especially those with families of pigs, will indicate a change of weather, and quite surely before a thunder storm, by the great fear they manifest in their uneasiness. A litter of pigs at sea, are as valuable as a barom- 402 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. SePT: eter, — and at the end of the week, more so, as they serve as a fresh mess for poor Jack. Most of the papers, particularly agricultural ones, abound in advertisements of artificial ma- nures— they are well enough for use in the vi- cinity of large cities, where manures, proper, can- not be so well made ; but for the country, where farming is pursued as a business, to make it profitable, the fertilizers used must be made up- on the premises. Agricola. Augusta, Maine, July 10, 18^»9. jr Fur the New England Farmer. CULTIVATION OF CORN AND OATS. BY FREUERICK HOLBROOK. Benefits of Cross Cultivating — Effects of different Fertilizers — Corn not calculated to follow Turnips or Buckwheat — Guano for Oats — Oats and Grass — Guano on Grass. My Friend Mr. Brown : — I have been look- ing about in the fields here to-day, observing the modes of cultivation, c^-c, and now send you a few notes about such things as most interested me in the course of my tramp. In passing through five or six cornfields, I was impressed anew with the advantages one derives from having the rows of corn marked out both ways of the field, so as to use the horse and culti- vator each way between the rows, at hoeing time. Indeed, if the land gets foul with grass and weeds, or is at all inclined to be heavy and to pack close, or to crust over after a rain, the horse and cultivator may be advantageously used twice in a row, each way, at each hoeing. 13y using the horse and cultivator thus thoroughly, the land is worked up fine and mellow, the labor of hand- hoeing is very much lessened, and the young corn grows ail the more rapidly, and is more "stocky" and healthy, for having the soil thus completely stirred up and its particles changed about and mixed anew, or if the manure is near the surface, within reach of the cultivator, having that stirred about and brought in contact with other or diflFerent particles of the soil. The horse and cultivator can do very much more for the crop, in the way of mellowing and enlivening the soil, and effectually rooting up grass and weeds between the hills, than can be done by man with the hand-hoe. The hand-hoe is indeed quite necessary for dressing out the hills and shaping the earth properly about the young corn-plants, out beyond that the horse and cultivator are the most serviceable to the crop. So far as I can form an estimate, from considerable particular observation of the effects of cultivating or thor- ougl ly stirring the ground, I am inclined to think one may realize from five to ten bushels more of corn to the acre, by the thorough use of the horse and cultivator between rows running each way of the field, than he would obtain if he worked the land only one way, all other things, as to land, manure, Ike., being equal. The gain in the crop by thoroughly working both ways, over what could be realized by working only one way of the field, will be somewhat in proportion to the natural tendency of the land to pack close- ly and crust on the surface, or to bear weeds and grass between the hills. In any case, however, let the character of the land be as it may, the saving of expense in cultivation will be consider- able by working the land both ways, with the horse and a good sharp cultivator, rather than by digging so much between the hills of corn with the hand-hoe, as must necessarily be done if the cultivator is used only one way of the field. I have repeatedly observed in my own corn- fields that where they happened to run out at either end in a long triangular point, so that the narrowest part was too narrow to bother with so short rows crosswise the field, and therefore this end was only worked with the horse and cultivator the long way, while the rest of the field was worked in rows both ways, the corn on the narrow end would not grow so fast the first ol the season, nor yield so large ears at harvest, as that on the rest of the field. Notwithstanding the fine theory that may be stated as to the advantages of level cultivation of the ground for the corn crop, I must still say that I do like good broad hills, — especially, if the land is inclined to pack, or to crust over. A well shaped, mellow hill, not raised too high and peaked, operates to send the corn forward rapid- ly, and make it stocky and stout. Several corn-fields have been examined to-day, which have a dressing of superphosphate of lime in the hills. My neighbor, R. Bradley, Esq., has several acres of corn, dressed v.ith a heavy coat of manure, broad-cast, and a table-spoonful of superphosphate in each hill. His corn is large and vigorous for the season, and of splendid col- or. On one field he used superphosphate in a part of the hills, unleached ashes in another part, and plaster in the remainder. That portion of the corn dressed with tlie superphosphate is de- cidedly superior in size and color to those por- tions dressed with ashes and plaster ; and it ap- pears now as if this superiority might hold out through the season. Coe's superphosphate was used. It seems to be a very strong manure, and needs a good covering of earth before dropping the seed-corn over it. Occasionally, in a hill, where the superphosphate did not happen to get well covered before planting the seed, the corn was dilatory about coming up and growing, a^ first, — the superphosphate being in too close con- tact with it and eating off the little tap roots as fast as they shot out. But at length the lateral roots pushed oat beyond the superphosphate, and the ground also absorbed and modified its qualities, so that the downward tending roots could run through it, and now the corn in these hills is growing well, and may perhaps catch up in size with that which had a more favorable starting. I next came to a corn-field of my own, well manured broad-coast, and in addition dressed with a shovel-full of manure in each hill, on half of the field, and a table-spoonful of superphos- phate in each hill on the remainder. The corn has been cut pretty hard by frost at three differ- ent times ; but it has survived all hindrances, and is now growing fast. On the half that has su- perphosphate in the hills, the corn is taller and of a deeper green color than that which has the manure in the hills. This goes to show that the superphosphate has the quality certainly of forc- ing the corn along fast through the first of the season. Whether it will hold out in good works as well as the manure, can be better determined by-and-bye. 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 403 Mr. CiiAKLES Lawrence has three acres of] corn which is well manured broad-cast, and has a table-spoonful of superphosphate in each hill. The corn is of good size for the season, and its color as good as can be. Here, too, Coe's su- perphosphate was used, and there are occasion- ally hills where it came too near the corn, delay- ing its growth at first, the same as in Mr. Brad- ley's field ; but the roots have at length got good loot hold, and the corn in these hills is now growing well. I next looked at Mr. RuFUS Pratt's corn- field, which also is manured well broadcast, and on a part of the field the hills are each dressed ■with a shovelful of rotten manure, and on the re- mainder with a table-spoonful of a mixture of Mapes's superphosphate with plaster, about half- and-half of each. Here the corn planted on the compost manure is the tallest as yet, but that planted on the superphosphate and plaster has rather the deepest green color. As a whole, Mr. Pratt's corn stands remarkably even, and gives promise of a fine crop. I next examined Mr. RuFUS Clark's corn. He has several pieces which are dressed in the hill Vv-ith a compost of Mapes's superphosphate with old rotten muck, a handful to each hill, and about a tal)le-spoonful of superphosphate includ- ed in each handful. The land is also manured broad-cast. He has also one or two pieces with a shoveliul of manure in each hill, instead of the superphosphate and muck. As a general thing, the corn planted on the superphosphate and muck has a deeper green color than that on the manure, but there is little or no difference between the two as yet as to size of stalks. On one of the fields the superphosphate and muck mixture was omitted in two of the rows of corn, while the remaining rows had a handful in each hill. The corn in these two rows is quite small and pale, as compared with the rest of the piece, and shows one, at a single glance, the value of the dressing in the hills, for starting the young corn forward vigorously. Mr. Clark's practice of mixing superphosphate with dry finely pulverized muck, appears to me to be an excellent one. The superphosphate, thus diffused and modified by mixture with the muck, is not likely to cut ofl' the young tender corn- roots in the hill ; and the muck, which is a superior absorbent, imbibes enough from the superphos- phate to sweeten and prepare it for use, and thus furnishes a little finely pulverized vegetable food to nourish the young corn, and makes a little mellow hill or place for the roots to work in. The proportion of muck to superphosphate may be such as to enable one to use say a large hand- ful of the compost in each hill, and not include more than about a moderate tabh-spoonful of su- per])hosphate in each handful of the compost. Per- haps even a smaller quantity of superphosphate would have a marked effect on the corn, espe- cially if the mixture was made up a week or two previous to planting time, and the compost kept in a dry place, under cover. The older, drier and more finely divided the muck is, the better the superphosphate will mingle with it, and the better, every way, the quality of food the com- post will make for the young corn. I noticed, to-day, a field of corn which last year produced root-crops — a part potatoes, a part carrots, and the remainder turnips The land is of uniform quality, and well and equally man- ured, broadcast, this spring. There is not much diflference in tlie growth and color of the corn on the portions of the field which last year produced potatoes and carrots, though perhaps the corn after carrots looks rather the best. The corn af- ter turnips, however, is small and pale as com- pared with that on the other portions of the piece ; and from former experience, I should in- cline to expect that this inferiority may be seen throughout the season. So far as I know, corn does not follow either turnips or buckwheat very well. Manure the land ever so well for corn, the year after it has produced either of these two crops, and you will not get as large a crop of corn as though the land had not borne tl;e tur- nips or buckwheat. 1 shall not attem])t to give the philosophy of the thing, but have found the fact as now stated. I have been looking at Mr. Bradley's fine field of oats of six acres. Last year the land produced a light crop of corn. This spring it was plowed and two hundred pounds of guano, and two bushels of oats were sown on each acre and harrowed in each way of the field. Then th- land was stocked with sixteen pounds of red clover seed to the acre, and the surface smoothed with the roller. 1 have not seen so good oats for size and color, nor so thick and perfect a catch of clover, on any other land this season. So far as one can now judge, the guano will prove a very profitable investment. On a few rods at one corner of the field, the guano was omitted, and the oats and young clover here look very inferior, every way, as compared with the growth on the rest of the field, where the guano was applied. The design in thus treating this field, is to get a good crop of grain this year, if possible, and to fill the soil well with clover roots; then to mow oft' the first crop of clover next year, and plow under the second crop, the roots and stems of which, together with a good coat of manure, to be applied the following spring, it is thought Avill enrich and enliven the land, and bring it at once into a high state of cultivation for a crop of corn. I shall, perhaps, have something further to say of this experiment, by-and-bye. I have a piece of land, of a light, loose, sandy soil, which formerly bothered me a good deal when I wanted to lay it down to mowing after it had been taken up, well manured, and planted a year or two. It would bear great corn, and good oats or other grain, but the grass would not catc^ well. Finally, the last time it was seeded down, I sowed two hundred and fifty pounds of guano, and one and a half bushels of oats to the acre, and harrowed them in ; then sowed grass seeds liber ally and rolled them in. The oats made a grea- growth, and the catch of grass was perfect. If one wishes to seed a rather uncertain piecr of land to grass in the spring, with an oat crop let him put on, say two hundred pounds of guan. to the acre, harrowing it in well with the oats, and sow the oats thin, so as to give the young grass a chance to breathe, and he will be pretty sure of a great crop of oats and a good stand or grass. I should not sow over seven pecks ol oats to the acre, on such land, and it is quite likely that six pecks would be still better. Th 404 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. oats will tiller out very much at the root, under the stimulating effects of the guano, so that from one grain, or seed oat, there may be four, six, eight or ten stalks, bearing each a good head of grain, while at the same time the surface of the ground is open, so that the young grass can get a good foothold and grow well. I have been much interested this season in observing a field of thinly sowed oats of my own, and in point- ing out to other persons how remarkably the grain is branching out from the root. I have counted from eight to twelve stalks growing from one seed oat. The young grass, also, is coming along among the oats just to suit me, and gives promise of making a good mowing-field. A friend called my attention to-day to two lit- tle patches of grass in his recently seeded lawn, n which he sowed guano about ten days ago, omitting the guano on the rest of the plot. The effect of the guano is very marked, the grass be- ing much thicker and greener on these patches than in other places. I have several other little matters to tell you about some time, but this epistle will do for now. If one could write out these details as well as he can observe and think about them of a fine day in the field, there might be something done. But the mind will not always wait for the slow oper- ations of the pen, and thus some of the best ob- servations are often lost in writing. Brattleboro', June 29, 1859^ DOING TOO MUCH W^ORK. Our ffirmers are accustomed to doing a great deal of work, — we think, in many cases, too much, but have not so regular a habit of doing it well. Whether the greater profit is to be found in ac- complishing a large amount of work indifferent- ly, or of doing less, and in a better manner, is the question for each one to settle for himself, — for it is the projit we are seeking, not quantity or quality, only as profit is concerned. Any per- son may decide this question with the slightest arithmetical aid, by ascertaining the precise cost of raising sixty bushels of corn on a single acre, and then of raising the same amount on two acres of the same kind of land. If the corn on the one acre costs fifty cents a bushel, he will find that on the two acres it will cost him seventy- five cents a bushel at least, — making a loss of one-third in producing an equal amount of prod- uce for the market ! It will require skilful man- agement in selling to make up such a loss as this. This is what we mean in saying that we think a great many farmers do too much work. They are anxious to cultivate quite a number of acres, hoping all the time that from such a breadth of land under cultivation they must reap a large reward. But lioping is one thing, and a critical calculation, based upon well-known facts, is another. They must go back to the illustration of the two corn-fields. In New England, we believe there is scarcely more than one season out of twenty, in which we cannot obtain with certainty, so far as climate concerned, any of the common crops of our farms, if we but manage the lands according to the light which has now dawned upon every department of farm labor. The experience of thousands of wise men is spread before every person who can read, so that the profit of the same amount of labor ought to be twenty or thirty per cent, more than it was twenty or thirty years ago. We are acquainted with farms of twenty acres where the annual income is not less than $4,000 to $6,000, — and with farms of 100 acres, where the annual cash income is scarcely twice as many dollars as the number of acres ! A man on a large farm can raise just as much corn or wheat per acre as a man on a small farm. He ought not to feel obliged to cultivate land merely be- cause he owns it. Herein lies the error. Like the boy with the oranges, he attempts to grasp too much, and loses profit on the whole. Slight manuring and poor cultivation, on an extensive breadth of land, is like the management of the merchant who builds a large store, and fills it with rods of shelves upon which he places only a few goods. He must remain there and super- intend it, and at the call of every customer travel four times as far as he ought to, in handing down the goods wanted, — so that his own superintend- ence and the interest on the capital united in the store and goods exhaust all the income, and he grows poorer and poorer as each year rolls away. While the farmer practices this kind of economy, he laughs at the poor merchant or manufacturer who is daily exhausting his means by it. The phrase has passed into a proverb, "that we under- take too much for our means," and still there are few who do not err in this respect. We forget the actual cost of travel, plowing, harrowing, seeding, cultivating, hoeing and harvesting twice as much land as is necessary for a given crop, and pursue a course which five minutes' investi- gation will show us is fatal to our profits. COAL ASHES AS A MAWUEB. But few experiments have been va%de by Amer- ican farmers, says a writer, to test the fertilizing properties of coal ashes. While we are import- ing guano and other manures from foreign lands in enormous quantities, and at great expense, it may be well to employ substances nearer home, which are now neglected and cast aside as worth- less. Thousands of tons of ashes might be ob- tained in cities, where coal is extensively em- ployed for fuel, which, when applied to the soil, would doubtless greatly augment its productive powers. It is stated in "Faulkner's Farmers' Manual," an English publication on manures, that coal ashes contain sulphate of lime, wit*" some potash and soda, all of which are known, when separately applied, to produce a good effect 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 405 on clover crops, and to constitute an important part of the food of all grasses. The following experiment by an English farm- er, may shed some light on the subject : The round selected contained three perches of clo- ver ; the first had no manure, and produced thir- ty-eight pounds when cut in full head ; the sec- ond, where four quarts of sifted coal ashes, which uad not been exposed to the weather, were ap- plied, the produce was fifty pounds ; on the third perch, one quart of plaster was sown, and the crop weighed fifty-four pounds. It will be seen that the ashes increased the clover nearly one- quarter above that on which no manure was ap- plied, which goes to prove that this substance is a valuable fertilizer. Coal is said to be of vege- table origin ; therefore, we can see no reason why its ashes should not contain the food of plants. Experiments on various soils and crops might be made by any farmer at a small expense, as coal is employed as fuel in nearly every town. THE GAKDBN AND THE PORK BAKREIj. A notable housewife, who presides over the culinary department of her household with "dig- nity and grace," as well as with remarkable skill and prudence, said to us the other day, "Why, we get half our living from the garden and the pork barrel for four or five of the summer and autumn months." We had been speaking of the advan- tages to be found in a good garden, not only from the edibles themselves, but from its associ- ations, and the pleasant remembrances which even a good kitchen garden leaves upon the mind. "Half our living," — and the family was a large ne. So she enumerated some of the excellent linners which she is enabled to prepare from the good things grown in the garden, when seasoned with a piece of corn-fed pork cured in the New England manner. What a variety of vegetables may be had, beginning with the asparagus, and then the new potatoes in the last of June, fol- lowed by the peas, beans, squashes, turnips, cab- bages, beets, onions, carrots, egg plants, pars- nips, green corn, cucumbers, &c., Szc. Why, the mouth of an epicure might water at the recital of such an array of good things. ])epend upon it, brother farmers, there is nothing that spends so profitably, so economically — and at the same time that gives so much sound health and strength in the family, as a barrel of good sweet pork, and plenty of tender and succulent garden vegetables. Braiding Straw. — At the meeting of the Rhode Island Historical Society, last week, it was stated that the braiding of straw in this coun- try was first bagun in Providence, in 1798, by Mrs. Betsey Baker, daughter of the late Joel Metcalf, and now residing in Dedham, Mass. The first bonnet she made was of seven straws, with bobbin let in like open-work, and lined with pink satin. — Scientific American. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. YEARLINGS AND TWO-YEAR OLDS — WILD GRASS IN MEADOWS. 1. When do yearlings change into two-year olds — and two-year olds to three, in the Boston cattle market? The reason I inquire is, I never notice any change in the prices in the spring of the year. For instance, — two-year olds have been quoted from $22 to $26, since last fall. Now if cattle that were two years old last spring are worth from $22 to $2(5, we farmers want to know it, for the drovers will not pay us over $14 to $16. When is the proper time for cutting wild or meadow grass ? Will it kill it out to cut it early ? What little experience I have had, tells me it will, although I have never heard the matter dis- cussed in this part of the country. While trav- elling in the West a few years since, I often heard the remark, "that it kills out our low marsh grass to cut it early, or before the seed is ripe." We all know very well, that the hay made from such grass is much better if cut early — but there are two sides to the question. Remarks. — 1. Yearlings remain yearlings un- til they are two years old, and two year olds re- main so until they are three. We believe this is generally understood by cattle dealers, as we have stated it above. 2. The proper time to cut grass, in order to secure the best hay from it, is generally sup- posed to be when the head is in full blossom ; but if the crop is cut at that period continuously for several years, many kinds of grass will cer- tainly run out. Our opinion of the matter is much like yours. In order to obviate the diffi- culty, would it not be well to cut most of the grass when in blossom, leaving a portion to go to seed, to be cut, threshed, and the seed scat- tered over the whole meadow at a proper time ? In this way you would be likely to secure both objects — get good hay and re-seed the land. beans for stock. I have some four or five bushels of beans three or four years old, and no sheep to feed them to. Will it pay to have them ground for my pig or cow, and how much should I feed at a time ? Forestdule, Vt., 1859. a. e. c. Remarks." — Certainly it will, and pay we' Feed them to either about as you would corn meal. They have about the same amount of nu- tritive matter that rye has. They are used in large quantities in England for other stock than sheep — for horses, especially. "CAUGHT A tartar." A correspondent from Media, Delaware Coun- ty, Pa., writes us some strange incidents in the conduct of game fowls at that place, kept in the game chickery of Dr. J. W. Cooper, author of a new work on game fowls. A few days ago, while a little boy attached to the family was passing 40C NEW ENGT>AND FARMER. Sept. through the chickery, he was set upon by a I large game rooster of the Tartar breed, and so severely spurred and billed as to endanger his life. Many and deep were the gashes in his ten- der flesh, and the injury would have been great- er, had not a servant of the family rescued him. Again, while a hen of the same strain was roam- ing through a fieh!, one of her young was pounced upon by a large hawk. The mother liravely at- tacked this "fell destroyer of all poultry," and so disabled him as to make his capture easy. Media, Jahj 8, 1859. ' T. BUSINESS AND CROPS IN RYEGATE, VT. I never knew such a busy time in this part of the country before. Every thing and every body has been busy ; first the elements, rain, wind and jack-frost. The 1 itter was round, at least, on the morning of the 5th inst. It did no injury, how- ever, except on very low land ; some potatoes and beans were killed to the ground in ibis vi- cinity. Farmers, mechanics, merchants and day- laborers have been very busy. Nearly a dozen large barns have been built in this immediate icinity, within six or eight months ; several of: them are very large and commodious, and built [ with every modern improvement ; one improve- j ment is a cupola with ventilator ; another is sev- eral steam chimneys placed near the centre of the hay mow, made of plank, bored full of holes. Grass and grain look promising, except corn. Much of our best corn land in the Connecticut valley, and all low lands was planted, and the corn injured, but that on the l)ack high lands escaped the hard June frost, and looks well. Apples are not plenty ; wild fruit is very plenty ; the bees are having a glorious time on the rasp- berry blossoms, and white clover. T. P. Bayley. South Byegate, Vt., July 12, 185U. WHITE specks in BUTTER. Next time you churn, take one of those verita- ble specks (if you find any,) and apply it to the tip of the tongue, and if by the aid of taste, you can possibly discover what the critter is, and conclude that he is a white speck of cheese curd formed in the bottom of a neglected pot of cream, I guess you catch him. Now for the remedy. Go a visiting to-day, and churn to-morrow. Yours, in search of hidden things, Mrs. S. Pierce. South Londonderry, Vt., 1859. Remarks. — We trust that by this time, the grand discovery as to what causes white specks in butter has been made, and that we shall find none of them in our next winter's stock. HENS, AND hens' HUSBANDS. I observe in your June number a note from Mr. Geo. Vining, in which he recommends a mixed breed of poultry as the best. I partly agree with him in this respect, but take exception to another recommendation, viz., "to keep a small rooster, or none at all." Now I consider him a very unfeeling man to deprive the poor hens of their natural protector, for they like to hear his voice when he crows, and when he answers their cackling. It would be too bad to keep poultry in that unnatural way. I have also heard it stated that hens do not lay so well when kept in that way. There is a breed of fowls in this city called the Black Hamburg, which comes up to the mark of a good article as near as any breed I know. The hens commence to lay about December 1st, and continue to lay almost every day till moult- ing time, say September 2()th. They are nearly as large as the Dorking, and of much the same shape. They do not want to set, have large rose combs which incline gently to one side, are of a beautiful glossy black, and their flesh is very white and juicy. I prefer them to any fancy breed yet introduced to this country. Hoping that your friend will not continue his absurd doctrine of celibacy, I remain your constant Reader. Halifax, JV. S., 1859. HA.BITS OP THE SHAD. The habits of our fish have been but very littl attended to in this country. Our scientific men, it is true, have been very precise in their accurate classification, and in the use of their ponderous no- menclature— they have described our fishes even 10 the shape of a scale or the number of thorns in the dorsal fin, but they have not condescende ^ to note their habits, their food, their length of life with all such particulars as would interest com- mon readers, and be of use to mankind. No fish is more valued or more valuable than the shad ; yet but few of its habits of life are known. The books are silent, and angling gives no information. It was for a long time, a com- monly r'eceived opinion that the shad spent the winter in some ])art of the Gulf of Mexico, and then as spring advanced and the snow ceased run- ning, came along the coast and entered the riv- ers in succession. If this were Irue, there would be no uniformity, year after year, in the run of shad in each river. The very distinct varieties would all become intermingled. But each river has its own variety. Those of Connecticut River have long been known as possessing superior size and flavor to any others. The variety that seeks the Hudson as a spawning ground is easily dis- tinguished from ours. This fact of the distinct- ness of the varieties in each river tends to the belief that shad go no further than the mouth of the streams in which they are hatched. The habits of the shad are unlike those of oth- er fish. As soon as the snow water has ceased running, they press up the river as far as they can reach, in order to deposit their spawn. In following this instinct, they never stop for refresh- ment or food. Who ever found anything in the maw or stomach of a shad that would indicate the nature of its food ? Who ever knew them to bite at a baited hook ? They do not feed from the time they enter the stream until they sink down thin and exhausted into the deep places at the mouth. For this purpose of nature the shad has been preparing itself during the quiet luxu- ries of a winter, and has become fattened for the use of man, or, if it escape his net, for the repro- duction of its species. The shad lives but a sin- gle year. It is hatched in the early summer — de- scends the streams as soon as large enough- 1859. NEW ENGLAND FAKMER. 401 feeds and fattens in the -winter at the mouth of the stream — ascends in the spring to deposit its spawn — and descends to die at the bottom of the ocean. This fact accounts for the uniformity in the size of the fish. A Connecticut River shad seldom goes beyond seven pounds, and the varia- tion in size is comparatively slight. The bass, on the other hand, which is known to live many years, varies from half a pound in weight to fifty, even in our own river. It has a longer time to grow, and shows a much greater diversity of size, j These considerations have lately led to the con- clusion that one year only was the duration of a shad's life. What was only a matter of conjec- ture and inference has been lately proved by the artificial fish-breeders. Somewhere in the State of New York, one of these raisers of fish from spasvn which he fed in early life with crumbled crackers strewn upon the pond where they were kept, has proved their short hold on existence. He raised them for the purpose of supplying the very large fish he had in his tanks and ponds with food. As this science of breeding fish is known more, the habits of the diflferent species will be more easily described. — Hartford Courant. For the New England Farmer. STUMP-FOOT CABBAGES. The remedy given in reply to "Albertus," "for stump-footed cabbages," does not agree with my experience. I raise my own seed, not only for myself, but for others, and from the most perfect heads of the kinds called "Early York," "Low Dutch," "Drum Head," "American l^remium"! and "Savoy," and from the seed thus raised, more than one-half of my cabbages have proved stump- footed, whilst others growing side by side formed good heads. One of my near neighbors who sowed the same seed, raised several hundred, and not one stump-footed. I have found from practice and close observation, that not only cab- bages, but the large ruta bagas or Western sweet turnips are subject to this disease, and from in- spection, have found ia the roots small white maggots. The remedy which I have tried thus far suc- cessfully, is to mix ])laster of paris and ashes in equal parts, and add one quart of fine salt to each peck, put a large table spoonful to each plant, mix the earth with the compound, but con- fined to the roots when transplanted. Soot, lime, and pulverized charcoal in equal parts has an- swered the same purpose. Out of 250 heads last year, not one which had the above compound was stump footed, whilst others were more or less damaged, and some en- tirely worthless, s. L. B. Rockingham, Vt., July 11, 1859. Remarks. — Excellent. That is a remedy worth having — because, while the disease is prevented or arrested, the remedy used is a fertilizer that will produce the finest plants. The ingredients are all common and accessible, and if the pre- scription is sure, this information is worth to thousands of our readers, all the Farmer coats for one year. CROWS AND OTHER BIRDS. "Crows and other birds" in "Old Kentuck," by C. M. Clay, is a very interesting letter, espe- cially to those who ai'e fond of the feathered race, as is your humble servant. But I don't un- derstand why our New Hampshire crows should be so much more prolific than the Kentucky crows are. Our crows usually lay as many as four eggs, and I think there is occasionally more than that number of eggs or young found in their nests. Some four years ago, a pair of crows built their nest on a pine tree within a stone's throw of my confield. Soon as the boys ascertained the fact, they were rife for pulling it down. But I told them if the crov/s would let the corn alone the nest should not be disturbed. About ten days after the corn came up, early one morning they visited the field, and plucked up fifty or more hills. The boys did not want to be told the second time to tear down the nest. It contained four young crows nearly large enough to fly ; they were, after killing them, hung upon poles about the cornfield. The old crowds soon ascertained the truth of the matter, and "poured out their vociferous imprecations" in a way that soon brought to their company some tvi^enty more, who hovered high in the air, and such a scolding as we got was a caution to us about killing young crows. Last year they were so bold and troublesome upon my grain, corn and potato fields, that I had to, very much against my will, resort to strych- nine-steeped corn. I soon procured dead crows enough to dangle in my fields, and was no further troubled with those that escaped the poison. Taking the year round, I think the crows do the farmers a vast deal more good than hurt. Our migratory birds return here much in the same order as stated by Mr. Clay, in Kentucky. The blue jays and snow birds stay with us the winter through. We have four kinds of swallows, the barn, the chimney, the bank and the eaves swal- low. They all build very differently. A pair oi "orioles, with their rich and varied tropical plu- mage and luxurious habits," have annually built their nest on an elm tree within ten feet of my house for over twenty years in succession.- Levi Bartlet, Warner, N. II., in Country Oent For the Netc England Partner. ONIOW MAGGOT. Messrs. Editors : — About a fortnight since a neighbor said to me, "I shall lose all my on- ions. The maggot is eating them all up." I took some guano and went to her garden. The_y were making bad work. I put guano on all but two rows, and have kept watch of them since. Almost all the onions on the two rows are gone, while the other rows, which I put guano on, have lost very few, if any. So much for the experi ment. Whether it was the faith or the guano that stopped their working, I cannot say. I will leave that to friend Proctor. A neighbor of mine, Mr. Farley, who raises a good many onions, says, "Poke the dirt wel' away from around the onion, and one hot da_, will kill the maggot " Ed. Emerson. Ilollis, July I, 1859. 408 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. HO W A CHICK IS HATCHED. of an acre of winter wheat, and six premiums for In conversation with Judge Butler, of Norwalk, I ^^^ '^"«« ^f spring wheat. a few da>s since, he expkiined the operation of{ Premiums were also awarded for crops of corn, the hatching process, which is so beautiful and 'rye, barley and oats. We are glad to notice philosophical, that as we have never seen it ex-t^hig^ especially premiums for the encouragement plained in books.we repeat it to our readers. ! of wheat-raising. We think the interest of Mas- The chick withm the egg breathes through the I » •,,,,, shell; in the silky membrane lining the shell the;sachusetts farmers requires that they snould pay blood circulates, and is thus brought in contact j more attention to this crop than they have for with outer air. _ _ _ some years past. The head of the chick is in a position as if it fhe flowers were not forgotten— as seven pre- had been brought round under the wing and . i i r u *•*- i n »• "' 'J^^" " o -If "^ ■ miums were awarded for beautitul collections, over on the back — a little one side oi course — in! , . , , , . • , . such a position that the least muscular exertion i showing that taste and beauty are cultivated and will press the beak against the shell, and about appreciated among the hills of Berkshire. How in the middle, and when any violent struggle is could it be otherwise in the home of Mrs. Si made, it will break a little hole in the shell. Now this little movement of the head, perhaps an ourney ? The address, by Makshall Warner, contains many capital suggestions. The amount eighth of an inch forward, turns the chick in the i . .... , shell so that when the head is drawn back into | of premiums awarded was .'jcS-O, indicating that its normal position, it is l)rought against another the society is in a healthy and flourishing con- portion of the shell. The next struggle breaks Jition. a fresh hole, and so on, each struggle making a new opening in the shell. These struggles, as the chick gains strength from breathing the fresh air, become more fre- quent. Finally, in the course of half a day per- haps, as it goes on turning itself in its shell, the little blood-vessels which originally formed a connection between the chick and the lining membrane of the shell, are drawn so tight as to prevent circulation, or are tv/isted off", and when holes have been punctured and the shell cracked about two-thirds nround,the shell falls apart and the young chanticleer steps out into anew world. Occasionally the lining membrane of the egg is so tough that the shell parts from it, and leaves it unbroken, except in the little holes described, and so if not seen in time the chick dies ; a pair of scissors will eflTect a liberation. It is dangerous to attempt to take a chick from the egg before it has, as will be evinced by the cracked shell, turned itself nearly or quite two- thirds round ; otherwise the Idood vessels spoken of will be broken, and the chick either bleed to death or be long in recovering. The whole process may be watched if the egg be kept wavm in the hand, and observed as its struggles call attention to it. This will not in- terfere with reading or writing, and is instruc- tive and interesting. — Homestead. HOUSATONIC AQBICULTUHAL SOCIETY. For the New England Farmer. CUTTING OFF CORN STALKS. Messrs. Editors : — A correspondent recently dissents from the practice of permitting the stalks of corn to grow on till the maturity of the grain. I would premise that this cutting off' the stalks, while the leaves are green or healthy, is contrary to all the known principles of vegeta- ble physiology. He says "that by cutting off after the pollen has fallen from the spindle, the wound will soon heal up, and all the upward cir- culation above the ear is stopped, and the re- maining nourishment which is drawn from the soil i)asses to the ear." Your correspondent may not be aware that the crude sap which passes up /(as no immediate tSect upon the growth, until it enters into the leaves or lungs, and is there elaborated, (manufactured,) and that the flow of sap is from the leaves down- ward. I have not the fear which he expresses, "that the article he referred to may do harm with inexperienced farmers," for I should say at the outstt to such, asccrf.aiii whether the worth of utalks when taken off] is of more value than any additional weight in the grain. There are many ideas relative to the growth of trees and plants, which are not true in fact ; thus, much is said about the ascent of sap in the spring, and its de- scent to ihf roots in autumn. The sap in spring commences at the top or extremity ; it is there This society held its 17th exhibition at Greati^hat the excitable buds begin to swell indepen- n • . .u o.-. 1 .-.., 1 1.^. u ro . i dent, thus early, of the root; the last place it Barrington,onthe22d,2Jdand24thofSeptem.,^^^^j^^^^j^ the roots. The writer says that, "by bar, 18o8, and It was quite a spirited affair. Itjearly topping, the sugar is retained in the embraces within its bounds, some of the most'stalk." Now, if he will but raise a few stalks of notedstock-raisingtownsiniheState— of course,! the sugar cornor imphee, and late in summer, ^1 fl „ ii„„t;„„ „«• <■ ^ 4.-U 1 i when the plant is in the same condition of growth there was a tine collection or stock on the ground. , ' , , i .i • . • _, . _,, ^ as the corn, when he recommends this topping, The reports are quite too meagre. The farmers :jjg ^jn g^j j^ difficult to detect any saccharine of Lenox, Barrington, Stockbridge, and other matter in the stalk ; on the contrary, if he will towns, should give us some valuable information respecting the breeds of stock which they raise, and the best methods of feeding them, and pre- paring them for market. Two premiums were awarded for the culture let it stand until the leaf has dried, and then cut it off, he will readily find that sugar is so fully developed as to occasionally drop from the end of the stalk. Another familiar example which shows the im- portance of the leaves, while green, to remain on 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 409 plants, is exemplified in a tulip or hyacinth buPi. If, even after the flower and flower-stem has dried away, and while the green leaves remain, you now take up these roots, they will shrivel and be unfit for resettinj^; they must remain in the ground until the leaves shall have performed their office in the consolidation of the bulb. I have thus hastily drawn up these remarks, which could be extended by numerous examples of the folly of interfering with the leaves or lungs of plants, while in a growing state. One reason which I have found to be given for cutting ofi" the tops of corn was to accelerate its ripening, but I understand this writer to say that "corn will not ripen so quick by several days, ■with the stalks taken off" early, as it will if suf- fered to die altogether." 1 have supposed that by this practice it ripened prematurely. Salem, Ms., 1859. J. M. Ives. For the Neto England Farmer. A NOXIOUS WEED. I have noticed with interest for a few months past, in a number of papers, that there appears to be a waking up among the farmers to the greatest scourge in the form of a weed that ever visited our American land. I have reference to "The V/eed," as the Springfield Republican calls it. I cannot give the botanic name, and indeed I do not know as it has any ; yet it does not want for names. I will mention a few, most of which I have seen in print. Butter and eggs, stink weed, devil's snake, dragon's weed, Chloe's, Ma- ry's, Mother Wait's, Mother Rice's, and Boyan- ton's weed. It has a yellow blossom, a small, narrow, picked leaf, somewhat in form like that on flax, only larger, the color blue rather than green, its odor very offensive, and will mature so as to produce seed after being cut two or three times a year. One traveller reports to have seen it growing spontaneously in eleven diflferent States. Hydra-headed, it matters little which end is up, or what part of the root touches the ground. I have known it to grow two or three feet high, and so thick as to run out the grass, al- most entirely, on the best of land. Cattle will not eat much of it green, but when ripe will eat the seed and scatter it where they go. If let alone, it spreads beyond conception. Thistles, daises, cadlock, cale and fire grass, when combined, will not prove so great a pest to our New England. How it was first intro- duced remains a mystery ; most probably, in for- eign seeds. Some have introduced it into their land by having it cultivated in their gardens for the blos- som. By what I can learn, five of the above last mentioned names were given for this reason. It is estimated that the above named weed increases in New England at the rate of twenty-five per cent., notwithstanding the effort made to destroy it. I have seen acres of land in itself very good, that has been reduced more than one-half its value, by having a quantity of this noxious weed in it. Now, Mr. Editor, will you give us the true botanic name, and tell us if there is any use can be made of it, for the benefit of man or beast, or tell us how it can be annihilated from our land ? I have heard it said there was a class of flies in India that would destroy the weed, and that we had better send express order for a bag of them. I am afraid say so will never do us any good. 1 give you my experience with it for some years past. It made its appearance on our farm, exciting no suspicion until it was discov- ered to have taken almost entire possession of one field. I mowed and carried off all I could and burned it, yet it appeared as prolific as ever. I then plowed, planted with corn, broom corn and potatoes, hoed it three years, gave it one late hoe- ing every year, so as to prevent seeds ripening, hut to no good purpose. I then seeded to grass, and sometime before mowing, carried on salt, and where the weed was very thick, I scatt-red on the salt dry, broadcast, thick enough to kill ev- erything green. I then made a strong brine, and having salt constantly in the bottom of my pail, put it on to the weed with a brush broom, taking a little salt each time, and when I could, stamped it with the heel of my boot. In this way, wheth- er sunny or rainy days followed, there would be a briny surface. I continued the process the first season, going over the ground three or four times. I repeated the application last season with equal success as before. I shall expect the present year there will be less of the weed, by seventy-five per cent., than last year. I wish hereby to notify those that see it ap- proaching them, if by roadside even, to beware. A New England Farmer. JDeerfield, Mass., July 8, 18o9. Remarks. — The weed spoken of above by our correspondent, is undoubtedly the common Li- naria, called toad flax, from the resemblance of its leaves to flax. It is also called Ranstead weed, and Butter and eggs ; why it has received the lat- ter name we do not know, unless because its flower resembles butter in color, and its odor that of rotten eggs. Dr. Darlington, in his "American Weeds and Useful Plants," says "it is extensively naturalized — has become a vile nuisance in our pastures and upland meadows. Mr. Watson, in his annals of Philadelphia, says it was introduced from Wales, as a garden flower, by a Mr. Ranstead, a Welsh resident of that city ; and hence one of its com- mon names. It inclines to form large patches, by means of its creeping roots, — and as far as it extends, takes almost exclusive possession of the soil. Although the flowers are somewhat showy, it is a fetid, worthless, and very objectionable weed, — the roots very tenacious of life — and re- quiring much persevering eflfort to extirpate them." Habits of Fish Changing. — The habits of- fish, in respect to taking the hook, are said to be much changed within fifty years. The Grand Bank fishermen found once no diflficulty in taking cod by throwing the hook and line from their vessels ; row each vessel is almost always provid- ed with dories in which the fish are taken and brought to the vessel. Mackerel fishermen once 410 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept, found fish inclined to take the hook, as blue fish, hy trailing; late years they take the hook as soon as it is thrown into the water, and a vessel needs but a few houjs for a full supply, if they will "bite." Now it would seem that the water may be full of them, and not one can be taken out by the hook. At the present lime in Prov- in elo wn harbor none are taken by the hook, while the whole harbor is crowded full of them. The introduction of nets has been a great gain in the way of taking them, and it is predicted by some that mackerel will soon be taken upon this coast only by nets. For the New England Farmer. THE PROGRESSION OF PRIMARIES. ANALYSIS OF SOIL AND FERTILIZERS. HY JUDGE FRENCH. Whether the first egg was created before the first bird, or whether the first bird laid the first egg, is not settled, perhaps, either by reason or by revelation. Whether man was created up- right in form, at the first, or, according to the idea of the author of "The Vestiges of Creation," was originally a ver)' low kind of a worm, and gradually crawled up through millions of suc- cessive generations of fishes, repiiles, birds and quadrupeds, to the dignity of the human, does not immediately concern us, as agriculturists. We all believe in progress, and that nature usu- ces, which can be ascertained by chemical analy- sis. To form this plant, the soil must supply a proportion of these elements. Phosphate of lime makes a great part of the ashes of wheat, for instance, and therefore if the soil has not this phosphate, it must be added, so that the wheat plant may find, and appropriate it. Phosphate of lime is found in bones of animals. It is also found in the rocks at Dover, New Jersey, at Crown Point, and other localities. The chemist analy- zes the bones and the lime rock, and they seem to all his tests, identical. They are applied to the soil, and the animal phosphate wonderfully nourishes the plant, while the mineral phosphate produces very little eff'ect. Potash from wood is a powerful fertilizer for many plants. Felspar, one of the constituents of granite, contains sev- enteen per cent, of potash, but pulverize it as we may, it produces no such effect upon plants, as potash from vegetable sources. Manifestly, there are more things in nature than are dreamed of in your philosophy. The plant knows more than the chemist ! There are differences which the chemist cannot detect. And now we are coming to the learned words at the head of our article. All substances in nature are said to be com- posed of sixty-four simples, which we first, or primarily, find in rocks. The theory then is, that these rocks, in the lapse of ages, have been bro- ally walks onward to higher and higher results Hearing a geologist once reasoning learnedly jj^en and worn away, and from their debris, soils that this continent had once been submerged, jh^ve been formed. Next, we find those same from the fact. that marine shells are found on thejgyjjstances in vegetables, and finally, in animals ; tops of the highest mountains, we suggested, somewhat maliciously, that it was as easy for the Creator to make mountains with shells on their tops, as otherwise! "Yes," said he, "He might have done it, but He did not .'" Probably everybody agrees with the geologist, that ^'.hen oi'der came out of chaos, the earth gradually took form, and that whatever of crea- tive energy was employed in calling into life the various living creatures which inhabit it, for the most part, changes everywhere are wrought the same, so far as the chemist knows ; but changed or progressed, as the plants plainly tell us. Even the microscope, which shows us eels, and even sea serpents, in Cochituate water, and rhinoceri on the surface of figs ; which can de- tect at a glance, the different kinds of blood, and aZmo*^ discern the oxygen in the atmosphere, can see no difference between these two kinds of phosphates. But the plants, with their instincts, sharper than man's reason, and more subtle than chemists' tests, decide that for their food, the one through the operation of fixed laws, and that lis far better than the other. Why is this so? every little shell of the seashore is composed of matter in a condition somewhat diflFerent from that in which it before existed. It was before part of a rock ; it has advanced to be part of an animal. It is chiefly lime now, as it was before; but lime of somewhat different properties. For some reason, we generally believe, that oyster shell lime possesses properties for agricultural pu: poses which are not found in the lime rock. But our mention of the shell has leJd us in ad- vance of our argument. Let us return. A few years ago, all the world was talking of soil anal- ysis. The theory was beautifully simple. Thus, plants are composed of certain known substan- Professor Mapes, of New York, has been for several years discoursing upon this topic through the Worlciiui Farmer, and before the New York Farmers' Club. His theory is, that the elements, which we may find apparently identical in the rock, and in both the vegetable and animal mat- ter, are first taken up by the lower orders of plants like mosses and lichens, that they have thus progressed one step, and that on the decay of those lower plants, those same elements may now be suited to the constitution of plants of a higher order, and so on, till passing gradually upward, they form part of the food of animals, including man. and thus become a constituent 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 411 part of flesh and blood. Having thus progressed,\h\gher class of plant for further progression, and perhaps having again and again constituted parti so on through nature's laboratory, until we find both of vegetable and animal substances, those 1^^/ P!'"?':^^^^'! P^^^^P^'^^'^^ occupying the bones . . , n • |0i animals, elements acquire an aptitude for such o?ganiza- ..y^^^ ^-^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^^. ^^ ^^j^^ ^„ dissolved lion, and so are the more readily taken up anew I rocks instead of the same constituents compos- to be wrought into new structures, just as grape jing plants in a progressed state, as to attempt to cuttings buried in vineyards form the best nour-ift^ed plants on primitive phosphates, no matter Ishmenc for the vine, and as egg-shells are found 1*^°^ manipulated by grinding and acids." by hens, the most convenient substance of which These views have recently received strong sup- to make shells for new eggs. jport from a published report of a committee of In the Worlcing Farmer of April, 1855, Pro- the French Academy of Sciences. The fact that fessor Mapes clearly states his theory, which we I mineral phosphate is far inferior in value and ef- have attempt briefly to indicate. He there states j feet for agriculture to the animal phosphate, is as known facts, that if we apply a quantity of bullocks' blood to the soil, it proves a powerful clearly stated, though the reason assigned seems to be the difficulty of reducing the mineral to a fertilizer, whereas if we apply the exact equiva- sufficiently minute state of division. The French lents, so far as chemistry can tell us, taken from Committee say — the primary source of rock, and dissolved, the efi"ect as a fertilizer is very small ; and so if we use phosphate of iime made from bones, and the "The importations of mineral phosphates from Estramadura into Great Britain, have not pro- duced amongst the agriculturists all the favora- same amount of mineral phosphate, the bonej ble results which were expected from them. One phosphate will prove by far the better manure.! "^ "'^' ¥' ^\""^^/' h«l the opportunity, in 1850, tr ', , . , 1 • /. 1 .1 • 11 101 Stating this fact, dunnor a mission With which \et the chemists analysis finds the mineral phos- 1 j^^^^^^^^.j^^^g^^l ^. ^j^^ Minister of Agriculture phate taken from the rock at Crown Point, Lake | and Commerce, relative to the agricultural im- Champlain, and other places, in various parts of j provements introduced into England, Scotland the world, identical with the phosphate from k."^ Iceland. It does not appear that they have 1 „„ „„ 1 ^„»„ »!„„ J , „„ ^f „„„„i „„!„„ <.„ since succeeded in obtaiiiinc; in Great Britain as bones, and sets them down as oi equal value to i /t. ,• i • ^i ■ i , . ' good effects from the mmt-ral pliosphates as from the farmer. bones, or the black residues of the refineries." We think the readers of the JVeio England] »♦♦♦»»# Farmer have a manifest interest in this matter, | ..q„ j^-^ ^^^.^ ^j ^^^^^.-.^^ ^^^ rendered indis- even if it does savor somewhat of abstruse sci-jputable services to agriculture, by analyzing the ence. We are all buying what one of our neigh- j manures deposited in the Government dock- bors comprehensively calls "bag manure," audi y^^'ds, and, exposing certain frauds in commercial we read in the advertisements, certificates of ™^'"":''^. h'^^ P''"^''^^ by direct experiments the learned chemists, that this kind of guano con- tains such a per cent, of phosphate of lime, and this patent fertilizer such a per cent. Now, if phosphate of lime is all one thing, and produces the same effect, from whatever source derived, why there is no objection to considering it a law- ful tender to the farmer for his money, but if the above theory is correct ; it may be the old illus- tration literally verified, of asking for bread and receiving a stoite ! buying plant-food and receiv- ing an indigestible rock. In a recent article, Professor Mapes states his opinion even more strongly than before. He says : "Phosphates have no value for agricultural purposes, unless taken from organiclij't, like the blood and bones of animals. The phosphates from the phosphatic rocks and volcanic deposits, miscalled guanos, although ground and treated with sulphuric acid, have no value as fertilizers, and cannot be absorbed into the higher class of plants, such as are now required for the use of men and animals. They must first be taken up by lichens and mosses, and be progressed by them in a way which chemistry as yet has failed to discover, and on their decay and redeposit of their phosphates in the soil, be absorbed by a insolul)iiity of many mineral phosphates in the weak acids, in the state in which they are now ofi'ered to agriculturists.'' ******* "We shall render to agriculture a still grea»"r service if we discover the means of tconomicaiiy dividing the mineral phosphates to the state ;n which they readily become assimilable by plants." Whatever the true theory, it is manifest that the difference between animal and mineral phos- phates is everywhere admitted among scientific men. It is not enough, then, that the guano or superphosphate be certified to contain a certain proportion of phosphate of lime. There is a further question. — Is this phosphate such as tlie plants can use J If not, whatever the reason, it is useless to the farmer. Careful experiment alone, it would seem, can answer this question as to any fertilizer from an unknown or unrelia- ble source. The farmers of the present day require not on- ly knowledge enough to perform their farm la- bor intelbgently, but enough, also, to defend themselves from their scientific friends, who in- nocently sign all sorts of certificates, commend- ing often, it is feared, new compounds as fertiliz- 112 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. rs, from a too great reliance on supposed chem- jal laws. And finally, an analysis of a soil or of a fertil- /,er, to be of any value to the farmer, must indi- t.j,te, not what are the whole elements, but what are those which are in a condition to feed the plants. A granite boulder or a grindstone may contain all the elements of a specific manure, but it would be rather hard fare for a young cucum- ber or a tomato plant to thrive on. For the New England Farmer. COAL ASHES AS A DISINFECTANT. At this season of the year almost every one is troubled by the noxious vapors arising from vaults, the outlets of sinks and drains. I am not aware of having anywhere read a recommenda- tion of coal ashes for this purpose, but it is a fact, that a very slight covering of coal ashes will prevent almost all noisome odors, and will also prevent the rapid and troublesome increase of flies, from stagnant water or manure heaps, which so much trouble the peace and comfort of neat housewives. Whether the effect is merely mechanical or chemical, I am unable to state, but that it is certain and effectual, I know by repeat- ed experiment. A compost of night-soil and coal ashes makes a very valuable, inodorous and in- offensive application, as dressing to the soil, es- pecially for light lands ; for heavy soils, I am in- clined to think coa^ ashes, except in a very small proportion, are injuiious, making the soil colder and heavier; at any rate, heavily coating the earth with coal ashes about the roots of one or two trees, of the same variety, retarded its blos- soms and leaves, a week or ten days, and snow covered with coal ashes will, for a long time re- main unmelted. A very striking instance of the value of coal ashes as a disinfectant was seen last year in the filling below the Public Garden with coal ashes by ihe city; through that coatins no odor of marsh mud or decaying vegetable matter was able to make its way. The cheapness and readi- ness with which this material can everywhere ne had, the comparatively small quantity neces- sary, and its being more effectual than any sub- stance known, has led me to make this use of it more generally known, by the aid of your col- umns, r. Boston, July 12, 1859. Remarks. — Coal ashes is a good disinfectant — not so powerful as dry, pulverized clay, char- coal or meadow muck, but can be obtained with' more facility than either of the first-named arti- I cles. We can endorse the statement of our cor- respondent, as we have long used it, and found it valuable for the purposes of which he speaks. |^*An experienced writer on propagation says : — "Never increase climbers or plants from suckers. The like never produced the like more to the letter than do these plants from suckers. Destroy all suckers, is my maxim." For the New England Farmer. A PEW NOTES ON DWELIilNQ-HOUSES. BY WILSON FLAGG. A great deal of advice has been proffered to the public for the last ten years, on the advan- tage of possessing "beautiful dwelling-houses," until our people are almost persuaded that the rudeness, or the refinement of a man's character, is created by the style of the house he occupies. It is maintained that taste cannot long survive in a homely house ; and it would seem that an illiterate boor needs but to quit his hovel, and become the proprietor and occupant of an ornate villa, to be transformed into a gentleman and a scholar. It is also supposed that domestic hap- piness is greatly increased by the tasteful embel- lishments which are appended to the outside of one's roof. 1 believe this idea has produced more mischief than good ; it has led men into extrav- agant expenditures upon the style of their build- ings ; it has caused them to overlook that com- bination of utility and convenience, which is the chief end of home-architecture, and to seek after embellishments at the expense of that charming simplicity, which renders so many old houses and their surroundings, objects both of afi'ection and delight. It is not true that a man is made more con- tented or happy, by living in an elegant, ornate, or beautiful house ; and no man was ever im- proved in character or manners, by adding ar- chitectural ornaments to the outside of his dwel- ling. There are certain requisites demanded by comfort and convenience, which seriously affect the happiness of a family, and ought never to be neglected ; but neatness, rather than ornament, should be the aim of those who are seeking after home-embellishments. A large proportion of the most virtuous and liberal men in the land, are found among those who live in homely houses ; for the plainness of the exterior of one's dwelling inspires contentment, while the opposite style fosters vanity, and creates a kind of necessity for costly pretences, which are incompatible with a generous hospitality. There is a mean between an ornate and an ugly style ; and the houses which are usually called plain or homely, occupy this mean. Many of these homely dwellings are really beautiful, in the best sense of this term, where we perceive in them a perfect adaptedness to the wants and habits of an honest and benevolent family. Their moderate, but sufficient accommodations for all private and hospitable purposes ; their cpen en- closures shaded by one or two large trees, and not crowded with a profusion of needless shrub- bery ; and on all sides appearances, more easily perceived than described, indicate that the fami- ly live for happiness and not for pretence, for friendship and not for fashion. Ugliness is any quality in a building that ex- cites disagreeable emotions from its want of out- ward evidence of comfort and convenience ; and it may exist in connection with an excessive amount of ornament. A building is ugly, when it is unsupplied with those mouldings which are required to relieve the abrupt, naked and angu- lar look of its exterior ; it is ugly, when it has a large projecting roof, that gives it a toppling and dangerous appearance. This is the fault of many 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 413 ornate houses, which have been erected within a few years, that seem as if they might easily be unroofed in a high wind. A house may be ridiculous, as well a"- ugly. It is ridiculous, when it abounds in conspicuous or naments that do not harmonize with its general character ; as when Grecian columns support a large porch attached to a mean house ; also when a building manifests an attempt to imitate astjle which cannot be attained ; as when a house, at a cost of only two or three thousand dollars, is made after the model of a baronial mansion. There are many of these absurdities among those houses in our land which were erected by men who were ambitious to produce some extraordi- nary work, and whose sense and judgment were not equal to their ambition. We ought to adopt that style of building, which is calculated to inspire the owner with permanent satisfaction, and tends to promote a fritgal liospitality, as distinguished from a nig- gardly extravagance. A frugal hospitality dis- tinguishes those families who indulge in no fash- ionable expenses ; who buy no costly furniture that is not needed, but who are always ready to entertain a friend ; who pay those who work for them justly and generously, and give freely to rational purposes of charity and public improve- ment, A niggardly extravagance marks those v^ho furnish their houses with costly gewgaws, dress themselves in finery, and pay largely for fashionable amusements, while on the other hand, they shut their doors against company, pay those who labor for them the smallest pittance they can force them to accept, and give nothing in alms, except in such a way as to gain applause. Fine houses certainly encourage this sort of selfish extravagance ; they foster a spirit of ri- valry, and a love of show and "gentility," and oblige a family to live meanly in many respects, to enable them to support the expenses of their ostentation. Our neighbor, for example, who is a manufacturer, having crippled his fortune by building a fine house, immediately cuts down the wages of his operatives to save himself from em- barrassment. His new and elegant stable re- quires a pair of elegant horses ; this additional expense obliges him to dismiss one of his need- ful clerks, and his son, who was intended for col- lege, is employed to fill the vacancy. The costly furniture which was purchased to correspond with the style of his new home, requires the cut- ting down of some necessary expenses for com- fort ; and although he is now supplied with more ample accommodations for company, he is obliged to diminish the amount of his former hospitali- ties. In this way has many a family been forced to perform private acts of meanness, in order to pay for their affectation of munificence ! All the modern improvements for utility in home-architecture, so far as they can be afforded, should be adopted in the cheapest and humblest dwellings, because they serve to promote health and comfort, and to abridge labor ; but a suf- ficient amount of decoration has been bestowed upon a house, when its outside appearance is made to correspond with its interior perfection. The highest kind of beauty springs from the manifest combination of neatness and conve- nience; yet how often do we see dwelling-houses tricked out with various ornaments, and neatly painted, while an ugly sink-spout discharges its waters conspicuously upon a grassy bank, and destroys all the beauty of the place ! If, in this case, there is neatness within doors, the outside is false to the character of the interior. There are other ways in which a house may be false in its appearances, when, for example, it ap- pears to be built for purposes of hospitality, while the owner and his family live like misers, and only to themselves. It is remsrkable to what an extent this kind of ostentation in fine houses is carried by the meanest and most miserly sort of people. I believe it is only in this country, that the sight is beheld, of an elegant and spa- cious dwelling-house, with numerous large and handsome rooms, provided with furniture as costly as the house, — while the master and mis- tress seldom entertain a party of friends, and live with all their family in a back room or the 'kitchen. I would not find fault with such peo- jple for occupying that part of the house which their manners and habits are best suited to adorn. I would simply inquire for what purpose j seven or eight superfluous rooms were made, I since the family neither occupies them, nor de- i votes them to hospitality ! How much more sen- ' sible their conduct, if the house had been planned jto correspond both in size and appearance, with their own habits and requirements ! Such a ! home is designed neither for the proprietor nor jfor his neighbors. It is built by a vain man for I the idle gaze of a public, who are not allowed to I soil it with a single footstep. In this case, the j grandeur of the house serves to render the mean- ness of the owner the more conspicuous. All this, however, is rather affectation than hypocrisy, which is more commonly manifested in our sepulchral monuments, and in the style of our churches, than in our dwellings. When a man who has led a wicked life, erects before his death a solemn marble tombstone, with a cross and other religious devices, and engraves upon it certain impressive mottoes, the work is an act of hypocrisy. But the affectation that marks the builders of dwelling-houses is that of endeavor- ing to seem wealthy, when they are poor ; gen- tlemen of leisure, when they are devoted to la- borious toil ; or princes, when they are only men of wealth, and slaves in their own counting- rooms. It is very common to see the house of an illiterate adventurer furnished with its libra- ry and study, while the humble parsonage, right opposite, is so poorly supplied with rooms, that the clergyman writes his sermons and pursues his studies in the parlor or living-room. It is very customary for the press to ridicule plain houses, because the cant of the times jin- gles in praise of "the beautiful." But if any one wiil take pains to study the effects in landscape of the diff'erent styles of building, he will find that homely houses, made for comfort and not for show, are the most pleasing objects in rural scenery. There are many who will bear witness of instances I have often observed, in which the beauty of a charming scene has been totally de- stroyed, simply by removing a neat and plain cottage, and putting up an ornamental one in its stead. The reason why we are thus affected, is that the one wears the expression of freedom and comfort, the other that of vanity and restraint. If the ornate styles of buildings were favora- 414 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. ble to a generous and comfortable mode of liv- ing, they would not deserve censure. But if I were to measure the hospitality of a stranger by the style of his house, I should declare in favor of the owner of one that is homely and moderate- ly spacious ; and should suspect the liberalily of one who lived in an ostentatious house, as I should doubt the piety of those who occupied the most expensive pews in a fashionable church. As this man's palace loomed before my sight, I should feel some misgivings, and say to myself — "These poor people w'no live on ])retence, can- not spend much for generosity." "WHY SOW^S DESTROY THEIR YOUNG. A writer in the Homestead gives an article on this subject, in which he argues very conclusive- ly that "costiveness and its accompanying evils are the main causes of sows destroying their young — and proper food is the preventive and cure." He says, and the fact is patent to thous- ands of pig-raisers, that sows never eat their pigs when running at large, with plenty of green food as in autumn, but with hardly any exception, sows littering early in the spring are troubled with costiveness, often very severely. This causes extreme restlessness, often almost frenzy, and the pains of labor increase it until they destroy their young or any other living thing within their power. "Green food is the cure." If sows are con- fined in pens at any season, and especially in ear- ly spring, they should have a daily supply of green food for some weeks before littering. Po- tatoes, sugar beets, carrots, parsnips, and such like, are excellent — and half a peck per day is amply sufficient. If no roots are to be had, sul- phur— a tablespoonful two or three times a week — may be given in their usual food, and charcoal is also beneficial. Sows should not be moved about from pen to pen at this time, as it disturbs and irritates them — they should be put by them- selves at least a month before littering, and used at all times with kindness and due attention to their comfort. Corn and cob meal, or corn unground, is bad food alone for sows heavy with young. Sour milk, kitchen slop and vegetable food should be given with it, and for all swine it is to be pre- ferred. In summer, with good clover pasture, pigs will do well without grain, and every farmer should provide a proper pasture for his swine. We have before stated that sows could be pre- vented from destroying their young, by giving them rum sufficient to make them tipsy after lit- lering. The preventive of green food would be far better for the animal, as well as of permanent benefit. Sometimes sows refuse to own their young, acting perfectly indiff'erent to their wel- fare. We have found this readily overcome by holding the sow, and allowing the pigs to suck once — after which she gave no further trouble. Country Gentleman. DELEGATES TO COUNTY SOCIETIES. We have been obligingly furnished by the Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture with the following names of the Delegates who are to visit the county agricultural societies at their annual meetings next autumn. DELEGATES TO THE SOCIETIES. Essex, at Danvers, Sept. 28, 29 Rev. Mr. Sewall. Mipt. 28, 29 G. M. Atwater. Worcester, W., at Barre, Sept. 27 Nathan Durfee. Worcester, N., at Fitchburg, Sept. 29, 30 John C. Bartlett. Worcester, S., Sturbridge, Sept. 28 Cyrus Knox. Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden, at Norihampton, Sept. 28, 29 .Josiah White. Hampshire, at Amherst, Oct. 13.14 Chas. K. Tracy. Hampden, at Springfield, Sept 21 22 M. P. Wilder Bampden, E., at Palmer, Oct. 4, f> W. G. Lewis Franklin, at Greenfield, Sept. 27, 28 .Tabez Fisher Berkshire, at Pittslield, Oct. 5, 6, 7 Paoli Lathrop. nniisatonic, at Great Barrinuton, Sept. 2S, 29... Geo. Marstoo. Norfolk, at Oedham, Stpt. 27, 28 Chas. G. Davis. Bristol, at Taunton, Sept. 14, 15 O. C Felton. Plymouth, at Bridgewater, Oct. 5, 6 Levi Stockbridge. Barnstable, at Barnstable, Oct. .5, 6 Wm S. Clark. Mantucket at Nantuck'H, Oct. 12, 13 James S. Grennell. JIarth. Vineyard, at West Tisbury, Oct. 11, 12. ..Simon Brown. Beautiful Bugs. — We have no knowledge of the beautiful bugs sent us by our Berlin corres- pondent. They exceed in beauty of form and brilliancy of color anything of the beetle kind we have ever seen. For the Nsw England Farmer. LETTERS FROM MAINE — No. 4. Effects of Deep Planting — ?eason for Pruning — A Mistiku Corrected. In my last, I gave some reasons why tree.? which have never been transplanted, seem to be hardier and longer lived than those which are started in nurseries, and removed from thence to the orchard. I have now one additional reason to give. Examination will show that trees which grow in the spot where the seed germinated, have a set of roots on which the tree mainly depends, running very near the surface. In transplanting trees, the roots are generally buried deeper than they naturally grow ; and in such cases the tree never gets over the deleterious consequences, unless another set of roots springs out near the surface. Fruit trees winter-kill in consequence of the imperfect ripening or maturing of the sap. The well matured sap has an essential oil so largely incorporated with its substance as to prevent the fatal "effects of severe freezing. An abundance of lea\es and a supply of roots near the surface of the soil are the essential prerequisites to the ripen- ing of the sap. Hence deep planting and exces- sive pruning generally prove fatal to the apple tree in Maine, when the winter happens to be more severe than usual. The correspondents of the Farmer have had much to say about the time of pruning trees; and the fact that the sap sometimes runs from the wound made by pimning — blackening and ap- parently poisoning the bark — has been attributed to pruning at an unfavorable season. This con- clusion is based on error. The living healthy wood of an apple tree will not bleed or discharge sap, when cut at any season of the year. It is not sap which seems to run from the wound, but acidulated water from the dead winter-killed wood under the bark. The sap in the bark is better ripened than that in the wood, and hence the wood is often winter-killed when the bark, and 1859. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 415 sometimes" two or three layers of sap-wood di- rectly beneath it, remain green. When the wood is killed, and the bark only remains green, the tree or branch will leave as usual, and perhaps directly after the flowering season the leaves will wither up. This is more frequently the case with the pear than with the apple tree, and the ef- fect is then called fire blight, See. In pruning trees, if a branch is cut where the whole of the wood or a part of it has been Avinter-killed, the ■water will run from such killed wood, at what- ever season of the year the tree may be pruned. I have more facts upon this subject to communi- cate hereafter. Sandy River. Remarks. — Our correspondent says — "The liv- ing, healthy wood of an apple tree will not bleed or discharge sap when cut at any season of the year." We are greatly confident that he is mis- taken. An extended experience, both as to time and number of trees worked upon, has thoroughly convinced us that if a vigorous tree is cut when the sap is in full motion, that sap will immedi- ately flow out, long before there is time for any wood to die, or be winter-killed, or even to acid- ulate. Upon coming to the air this sap becomes pungent and bitter, and poisonous to the bark and wood over which it flows. EXTRACTS AND BEPLIES. WATER CRESS. I noticed in your July number a few remarks by a Salem correspondent, of the value and util- ity of the Water Cress, recommending its more general use. I can attest, from long experience, to its utility as an edible or early salad, and often wondered that it was not more generally used. I have observed the New York markets are par- tially supplied early in the spring, from Long Island or Jersey. Early in the year 1841, I was travelling in the vicinity of New Haven, and observed a fine bed of water cress growing spontaneously, and ap- parently unnoticed previously. I therefore gath- ered a bunch, took it home with me, planted or strewed it into a spring of water near my house, and within two or three years from that time, without any trouble or cost whatever, I have had an abundant supply for the use of my family and neighbors. If any of your correspondents should have a clear spring near his homestead he could not put it to any better purpose than make a plantation of water cress — they are not only a perennial, but remain by seed, which deposits and germinates so as to keep a supply. J. Wood. Mountain Grove, Bridgeport, Ct. SPECKS IN BUTTER. Having noticed in your paper a number of re- marks on "White Specks in Butter," I would here give a few words of my experience, never having had the "luck" to have my butter specked, unless I kept my milk too long before skimming, or my cream too long before churning. The milk should be skimmed before it curdles, and the cream churned before it has either "white or black specks." I agree with "H. E. C," of Put- ney, Vt., in "not stirring the cream." The thick sour milk will be settled at the bottom ; that I keep from the churn. The cream wants strain- ing, not merely to "get the dirt out" but to break and mix it preparatory to churning. This meth- od I will warrant to keep the "specks" out of the butter. M. E. C. Warner, jV. H., 1859. TIIE MANNER OF MOWING. When, a half century since, I learned to mow model farmers were in the habit of cutting their grass very close to the ground, and those who failed so to do were taunted with being slovenly husbandmen : therefore, when I acquired the skill of shaving off the stubble of the preceding year, and leaving the turf in my swath as smooth as though it had just emerged from a barber's shop, I regarded myself a "crack" mower. Recently, some of our farmers are getting into the practice of mowing higher. They say cut- ting Timothy below the lowest joint kills the roots, in case of dry weather immediately after mowing, and they say their attention was first attracted to the subject, from noticing that the grass lands of some of their slovenly-mowing neighbors, held out from year to year better than their own, until they adopted the practice of cut- ting above the lower joint. What is the experience of Massachusetts far- mers in this matter ? Vermont. BUTTER-MAKING. Permit me to express my views, as the result of twenty years experience in the dairy business has shown me that white specks in butter are caused by sour milk being taken off with the cream in skimming, which, by standing with the cream, is hardened, as all sour milk will be. In the process of churning it adheres to the butter in the form of white specks. These are never formed when cream is churned immediately after skimming. C. T. CowDERY. South Royalton, Vt., July 11, 1859. For the New England Farmer. HAY CAPS. Grain of all kinds may be cut and shocked up at once and capped, and it will not hurt. I have used hay caps for from fifteen to twen- ty years, and have always had them keep grain perfectly well. I have cut grain in the milk, shocked it up at once and let it stand from one to five weeks. I use, or should like to use, caps four feet square. All things considered, I think them best. They will cover from eight to twelve sheaves of wheat and from twelve to twenty sheaves of oats, ac- cording to size of bind. Set up the bundles as you would for stooking, except the cap shi^aves, then throw the cap over, and pin it down at the corners with pins about eighteen inches long. I do not hesitate to let the rake follow the cradle, and shock my wheat up at once, if the weather looks unfavorable. Ed. Emerson. Hollis, jV. IL, July 9, 1859. 416 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Sept. V^yd^P--r^7^ ■~ v-.«-i^;rv^-« Hvf-*1v'^'^^^^ A SPLENDID DOMINIQUE FOWIj. We present the reader to-day with the most beautiful illustration of the Dominique cock that we have ever seen. It does not show on paper as coarse as our sheet is, so favorably as it would on that of a finer texture. But it is very beauti- ful even here. We copy it, by permission, from Mr. C. N. Bement's "America?! Poulterer's Com- panion," a work which we heartily commend to all persons interested in the raising of poultry. Mr. Bement says, — "The Dominique fowl, well selected and care- fully bred, is a fine and useful bird. They are distinguished as Dominique by their markings and their color, which is generally considered an indication of hardiness and fecundity. They are by some called "Hawk-colored fowls," from their strong resemblance in color lo the birds of that name. In England they are usually called "Cuckoo-fowls," from the fancied resemblance of their plumage to the feathers on the cuckoo's breast. We seldom see bad hens of this variety and take them all in all, we do not hesitate in pronouncing them one of the best and most pro- fitable fowls, being hardy, good layers, careful nurses, and affording excellent eggs and first quality of