DDDDDDDnDaDnDnDnDDaaDDnDnaaDDDDD D u n D D D D D ^o«^% D D n a sd^lgf\ D D □ > Erii \r\ /ci ^ D D ^ m \VK iM N D D •p wCWy»'vj^ ^ D D D D '''^^^SS^** a □ D D D D D D D UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS D D D D LIBRARY D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D n ^"^ClAL €OUj;aiQj»S D D D D * ARCWVES D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D ' D D D D D aDDDnnDDnnnnDnDDnnnnDDDnnDDnnnan LIBRARY U^SPSTY 'T MAS'""^ ETTS ;L.ST, MASS. THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER; A MONTHLY JOURNAL, DEVOTED TO AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, AND THEIR KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES; AND ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINGS. THE PRIME PRINCIPLES OF AGRICULTURE. 1. The soil ought to be kept dry; or, in other words, free from all superfluous moisture. 2. The soil ought to be kept clean ; or, in other words, free from noxious weeds. 3. The soil ought to be kept rich ; or, in otlicr words, every particle of enriching material which can be collected ought to be applied, so that the soil may be preserved in a state capable of yielding good crops. Eessenden. SIMON BROWN, EDITOR. VOLUME XIV. BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY NOURSE, EATON & TOLMAN, lOO WASHINGTON STREET. 1862. INDEX TO THE FOURTEENTH VOLUME. « ■»«» > Abortion in Cows, . - . - - 346 Account, agricultural, ... - 309 Acid, sulphuric, ------ 325 Address, by L. H. Tucker, - - - - 28 Agent, disinfecting, ----- 369 Agriculture, manual of, 18, 35, 83, 109; hints on, 44; Mass. Board of, 238; in colleges, 270; statistics of, in Mass., 276; accounts in, 309 ; slow progress in, 339 ; department of, at Washington, 348 ; in common schools, 352, 449, 474, 491, 509, 510, 528, 549 ; Amer- ican, 379 ; reading about, 414 ; knowledge of, 416; importance of, 428 ; in the Hawaiian Islands, 435, 443; exhibitions for 1862, 437 ; progress of, in United States, 474 ; reports of, - 500, 517 A-going too fast, 365 America, age of States of, - - - - 54 Animals, salt for, 31 ; protecting from storms, 332 ; voices of, 358 ; care of, in winter, 543 ; on fattening, ------ 561 Ant, dwelling of the, 413 Apple, new method of keeping, 16 ; Baldwin, 304 ; the Flanders, 478 ; superior kinds of, 504 ; best way to dry, 527 ; tree, borer, 530 ; and pumpkin for cattle, - - - - 541 April, calendar for, - - - - - 153 Arboretum, our, 355 Ashes, of vegetables, 62 ; as a fertilizer, 98 ; for potatoes, 128 : use of, 243 ; and night soil, 260 ; coal, and cinders, 362 ; leashed, 415 ; hard coal, 473 ; about, - - - 546 Asparagus, how to raise, 219 ; roots of the, 285 Atmosphere, influence ot, on soil, - - 267 Atom, story of an, ... - - 520 Autumn, scenes in, - - - - - 516 B Babies, American, ... - - 392 Back, keep it covered, - - - - 175 Balloon ascent, the highest, . . - 504 Bark, tan, for soils, - - - - 195, 566 Barley, steeping of, before sowing, 155, 278; value of, 250; handsome, 261 ; for sheep, 284 Barn, sheep, plan of, 131, 192, 213, 304; and barn cellars, 185 ; God governs the, 541 ; largest in the country, . - - - 562 Barometer, the, 233, 289 ; is it weatherwise ? 318,363; a natural, . - - - 462 Bean, meal, for pigs, 76 ; white, culture of, 100; and a mouse, 210; a fertilizer for the, 233 ; how it climbs the pole, - - - 339 Bees, at war, 37 ; culture of, 288 ; and king- birds, 408 ; pasturage for, . - - 453 Bells, steel amalgam, - - - - - 417 Bethel, Maine, 539 Bird, 73 ; protect the, 218 ; of New England, 252, 284, 425, 467, 523, 539, 558 ; music of, 272; migration of, 310; the bobolink, 364; helping to build their nests, 380 ; king, and bees, 408 ; the flight of, 423 ; against in- sects, 455 Bleeding, how to stop, - - . . 99 Bone, cattle gnawing, 31 ; preparation of, 140; dust for cows, 195 : how to dissolve, 244, 568 Books, new, - 164,269,298,363,486,568 Borders, how to make, - - . . 1(55 Borrowing, about, 66 ; and lending, - - 333 Bran, wheat, as a fertilizer, - . _ 264 Bread and butter machine, - - - 429 Brick, tubular, 396 : a new kind of, - - 514 Brme, poisonous properties of, - . - 97 Brown, Simon, letters from, - - 349, 431 Buckwheat, a l)ad crop for the soil, - - 419 Building, important things to know about in, 32 ; painting roofs of, 181 ; farm, as to shel- ter and shade, 186; farm, and fences, 267; painting and sheltei- for, 287 ; proper location of farm, 304, 386 ; a good wash for, 438 ; mortar for, 438 ; hints on, - . - 46O Business in war times, . - - - 551 Burn, a cure for a, - - - - - 296 Bushes, when to cut, ----- 419 Butter worker, a new, - - . . 563 535 198 537 265 76 370 148 Cabbage, component parts of the, 396 ; heading late, Cakes, buckwheat, - - - - - Calendar for Januarv, 9 ; for Februarv, 57; for March, 105; for April, 153; for May, 201; for June, 249 ; for July, 297 ; for August, 345 ; for September, 393 ; for October, 441 ; for November, 489 ; for December, - Calves, how to raise, 158, 161, 206 ; that scour, 175 ; meal for, - - - . - Cart body, a new, Carpets, manufiicture of, - Case, a new propagating, . - . - Cattle, hoven in, 19 ; to stop vomiting in, 78 ; market reports of, 82, 104, 152, 200, 248, 296, 344, 392, 440, 488, 511, 536; foul, in the foot in. 111; disease in, 58, 93, 154; breeds of, 159; vermin on, 168, 290, 326; in winter, 173; marauding, 277, 462; chewing bones, 290; warts on, 293; shoes, 493, 497, 501, Cellar, barn, outside, - - - - - Cement for stoves, - - - . - Ciiai-acter is capital, Chilblains, cure for, Children, punishment of, 225; sorrows of, - China, Great Wall of, Chrysanthemum, the, Churn, a good, 244 ; how to make a, - Cider, how to preserve, . - . - Cistern water, Ill, 526 Clay, a fertilizer, 207 ; for drain tile, - - 326 Clergymen in war times, - - - - 556 Climate, 73 531 101 454 21 124 246 222 451 409 514 IV 1 i\ JJ E X , Clover, cultivation of, for fodder, 365 ; and iilastcr, 388 ; crops of, 399 ; in orchards, 403 Club, Farmer's, - - - - 106, 187, 311 Coal, hard, dust of, 326 ; how to bum, - 559 Coffee, substitutes for, 200 ; recipe for making, 243 Colt, how to feed a, 326 ; a fine, 72 ; bunch on the iaw of a, 78 ; warts on a, 78 ; early train- ing-of a, 210, 290 Conversation, home, ----- 107 Coral, the, 308 Correspondents, to 199 Corn, seed, 16, 125, 260 ; a good kind, 52 ; rel- ative value of different kinds, 59, 171 ; in Illinois, 64 ; will doves pull up ? 78, 84 ; broom, 175; experiments with, 175; fodder, 206 ; cobs to be mixed with hay, 207 ; a large crop of, 223 ; shrinkage of, in drying, 246, 547 ; deep and shallow culture of, - 561 Cotton, in the Free States, 102 ; culture of, 165; flax, 346, 567 Cow, garget in, 12, 478, 497 ; stables, 53 ; extra feed to, 75 ; soiling, 77 ; bone dust for, 84, 195; a sick, 88; eating litter from ma- nure heaps, 110; an hour with the milch, 119; a fat, 131 ; parsnips for, in certain cases, 165 ; that gives too much milk, 174; chewing bones, 174; leaks her milk, 221 ; to prevent from kicking, 260, 373 ; and ten months' calf, 266 ; versus horses, 270 ; a good, 282 ; health of the, 406 ; to prevent from throw- ing fences, 427 ; abortion in, - Courtesies, home, Cranberry plants, setting the, 220; culture of the, 221, 258, 519 ; vine, worm on, - Crop, feed the, 183 ; in England, 294 ; pre- mium on field, 354 ; the grass. Crow, the, and robin, 269 ; the, - Cucumbers, in pots, 117 ; and melons, Curculio, remedy for, 265 ; the, - Currant, how to propagate the, 246 ; cuttings of the, 285 ; wine, how to make, 391 ; drying the, 391 ; about the, - - - 412, 539 479 342 222 373 302 339 332 D Dahlias, to preserve tubers of, 448 ; soil for, Dairy, keeping a, Daughiers, marriage of, - - - - Day, John, farm of, 301 ; an autumnal, December, thoughts suggested by, Desert, pillars of sand in the. Dog, wood, 293 ; power, 334 ; versus wool, Draining, 23, 76 ; new book on, 131 ; will it pay? 205: clay lands, 220, 256; how deep, 389, 508, 526 ; with stones and pipes. Dress, extravagance in, - - - - Drought and freshet, 3^5 ; spring, Dunbarton, N. H., notice of, - - - Dust, charcoal, as a deodorizer, - - - Duty, home, Dysentery and fever, - - - - 462, E Eagle, stratagem of the, . - - - Earth, the, a burning cauldron, 85; the age of our, -------- Economv, thoughts on, . - - - Education, agricultural, 2G2 ; for sons, 279, 315 ; advantages of, 397; and thinking, 442; re- laxation in, ------ Eggs, how to pack for transportation, 124 ; how to cook in the shell, 151 ; iiow to examine for setting, 185 ; a Jiundred from a Python, 232, 287 ; keeping properties of, 347 ; hens cat- i"J?. - - - , Elm, when to prune the, - . - - England, what is she doing ? 142 ; Japanese in. 455 343 439 560 537 496 465 541 64 388 328 264 409 496 316 367 492 536 507 220 333 Engine, greenhouse, - - - - - 417 Esquimaux riflemen, 143; architecture of, - 538 Evergreen, how to make it grow compact, - 195 Experiment, a curious, . - . - 296 Explorer, arctic, return of, - - - - 498 F Family, a pleasant and well-regulated, 173; a birth in the, 295 Farm, small and large, 171 ; hints on buying a, 203, 316 ; roadsides of the, 237 ; labor, make it fashionable, 331 ; engineering, 374; personal experience in earning a, - - - - 405 Farmer, natural science for, 34, 72; want of sociability among, 59 ; rights of the, 69 ; the New England, 89; high school for the, 101; timely advice to the, 163; and natural his- tory, 361 ; and the draft, 427 ; the Massachu- setts, 475 ; encouragement for the, - - 545 Farming, is it profitable'? 12, 21, 46, 97, 114, 123, 269, 290, 312, 338, 377, 406; contrasts in, 27 ; rivalry in, 322; why are so few young men fond of, 331 ; A. G. Sheldon's, - 336 Fat, use of, 133 February, calendar for, - . - - 57 Feet, educated, 152 Fence, a new, 26 ; Smith's improved, 186, 243, 257, 312; about a, 314, 351, 422, 533 ; econ- omy of a, 546 Fever, and ague, 392 ; and dysentery, 462, 496 Fireside, winter, 110 Fish, tenacity of life in a, 141 ; and fish breed- ing, 457 Flannel for summer and winter, - - - 428 Flax, dressing of, 38 ; culture of, 89 ; and linen, trade of, in Ireland, 180; and fibrilia, 567 Flesh versus milk, 265 Flower, dielytra spectabilis, 168 ; early, annual, 217; and fruit, 252 ; the bur-marigold, 438; and farming, 445 ; fresh, in winter, - - 487 Flowage, case of, 126 ; of Concord River, 254, 274, 280, 514 Fodder and manure, relation of, - - - 546 Food, qualities and changes in, - - - 563 Forests, rotation in the, - - - - 299 Fox, a story about a, - - - - - 253 French, Henrv F., letter from, - - - 323 Frog, trade in" the, 388 Frost, in the window, 68 ; and the weather, 490 Fruit, culture of, in pots, 118; garden, 233; and flowers, 253 ; ringing for, 258 ; hints about, 326 ; wafers, for dessert, 391 ; how to stamp or figure wiien growing, 433 ; explana- tion of terms used in describing, 448, 449 ; gatherer, 467 ; ripening of, 499 ; as a medi- cine, 515: thinning of, 531 ; analysis of, - 561 Fuel, - '- - ' 225 G Garden, the vegetable, 216 ; kitchen, 242 ; sur- face of the, 256 ; a walk in my, 293, 360 ; ]ilan of, 433 ; insects in the, 436 ; D. W. Lincoln's, 444; a pattern, 459; flower, in November, ------ Gas from coal. Gate, tlie best, Gentility, American, - Girls, English, - Goats, about keeping, ■ Gooseberry, the, Grain, plowing ibr, in winter, - - - Grammar, in rhyme, Grajie, native, how to protect, 37 ; culture of, 51, 198, 417; vine, grafting the, 70,; vines, pruning, 164; vine, barren, 290 ;. o])en-air, culture of the, 336 ; house for the, 399 ; how 250, 135, 146, 186, 244, 565 548 340 391 296 261 266 430 548 INDEX to keep the, 421, 454 ; seedlin^r^ 479 ; Brack- ett's seedling, 535 Grass, land, seeding in the spring. 111; timo- thy, in JSoutiiern Ohio, 157 ; seeding land to, 174; Hungarian, 205, 503; cost of cut- ting, 256; manures for, 405; crop of, 415; ho|)pers, habits of, 416 ; beauty of the, - 427 Guano, American, 152, 215, 217; quantity to be used, 198 Gypsum, ...--- 14^ 275 H Habitation, lacustrine, . . - . 473 Hams and sides, how to cure, 36 ; and beef, 47 Harness, wash for, 283 Hay, stacks, covering for, 22 ; and corn, shrink- age by drying, 246 ; to measure a ton of, 259 ; spreader and turner, 313 ; field, the, 368 : and haying, 381 ; caps for, - - 387 Healtii, brightens tilings, 279; and vigor, cause of, 410; physical, 447 Hearthstone, musings by the, ... 354 Heat, relative, of coke and coal, - - - 236 Heifer, a fat, 207 Herd, premiums on, ... - 52, 560 Hide, raw, 76, 77, 110 Highway and repairs, 240 History, natural, study of, 330 ; progress of, 382; natural, and farmers, - - 403, 446 Hives, straw, 60, 303 ; movable, comb, - 108 Hoe, horse, Wetherell's, 244 ; a good barn, 244 ; wheel, 266 Holbrook, Gov. F., in the chair of state, - 34 Homestead, the, - 111 Homes and peo])le, ..... 46I Hominy all the year round, ... 360 Honey, madness caused by, ... 321 Hops, culture of, 78, 259 ; crop of, for Mass., 85 Horns, shaping steers', .... 90 Horse, staggers in, 12; fine, 23; glanders in, 26; hots in, 81; founder in, 102; hair of the, 147 ; number of, in Vermont, 184; how to cure heaves in the, 195 ; cure of ringbone on the, 207, 244 ; with a cough, 242 ; worms in the, 261 ; a thorough-bred, 273 ; Morrill Draco, 285; to care scratches in, 290; crib- bing of the, 317 ; city, a look at the, 374 ; and sx hat, 435; kicking, to cure, 517 ; to cure a breachy, 522 ; feet, treatment of, 532 ; a puU- ing-back, 533, 553 House, smoke, a cheap and good, 478 ; warm- ing and ventilating a, - - - - 525 Hotbed, uses of a, - - - - 65, 392 Hothouse, 117, 395 Hungarian grass, .... 205, 308 Hunting, perils of chamois, ... 261 Ice, a trot on the, 250 ; berg, bursting of an, 259 ; house, a cheap, 338 ; making, by ma- chinery, --..--- 497 Illinois, Southern, .... 108, 208 Implements, farming, preparations of, 134; and machinery. Insects, injurious to vegetation, 112, 357 ; of Massachusetts, 410 ; the ladybird, Instinct, animal, - . . - Ireland, as she is, ... Irishmen in Ireland and America, Iron, new method of meltinj sels, - Irriji-ation, Japan, presents from, 178 ; clad ves- 411 486 561 94 359 473 401 123 January, calendar for, - Jefferson at Monticello, July, about, ... June, thoughts suggested by, K Kangaroo, the, and her pups, Kentucky, natural wonders of, Knowledge, pursuit of, Kohl-rabi, culture of the, 9 229 297 249 438 444 482 61, 161 Labor, uses of, to man, - - - - 141 Labels, paint for making, .... 349 Ladder, hook, patent, ... - 257, 390 Lakes, great American, .... 490 Lamb, twin, ...... 284 Lampas, in horses, ..... 557 Land, ricli, that brings no crop, 89 : how to en- rich, 93 ; moss on, 120; poor and rich, - 359 Lawns, about, - 323 Lawyers, ....... 256 Leakage, how to stop, .... 93 Leather, to prevent its soaking water, - - 53 Leaves, forest, 91 ; white and pitch-pine, 157, use of, - - 500 Leech, culture of, 339 Legislative agricultural meeting, 86, 98, 115, 132, 138,''l56, 169, 179, 190, 196, 211, 226, 235 Lemons, trade in, 40 Life, human, singular facts in, - - - 20 Lightning, heat, what is it 1 - - - 407 Lighthouse, Eddystone, - - - - 171 Lime, oyster-shell, 19, 164; Coe's superphos- phate of, 41, 74, 116, 157, 163, 178,220,327; as a fertilizer, 98 ; in agriculture, 424 ; chlo- ride of, to kill insects, .... 468 Linen and flax, trade of Ireland in, - - 180 Lucerne, about, 15 Luxuries, ancient and modern, - - - 25L: M Machine, Union mowing, 305 ; mowing, on small farms, 319; Manny's mowing, 372; trial of mowing, 380, 390, 418, 456 ; bread, and butter, 429 Maine, correspondence from, 51 ; geology of, 203, 300 Mangold and carrots, 242 Man, a contented, 360; great, tools he worlcs with, 451 ; advice to young, - - - 542 Manure, to be used in autumn or winter, 79, 124, 164; weight of, 178; concentrated, 204, 317, 340; exact statements about, wanted, 206 ; from poultry, 201, 244 ; marine, 221 ; the best, 256 ; loss of, 370, 377 ; summer, 387, 397, 515; how to make, 414, 528; col- lection and preparation of, 426 ; green, 461 ; surface application of, 464, 527 ; supply of, 541 ; spreading in autumn, 543 ; and fodder, relations of, 546 March, thoughts suggested by, - - - 105 Mares, scarcity of pure Arabian, - - 307 Market, reports of, 82 ; cattle, for January, 104 ; for Februarv, 152 ; for March, 200 ; for April, 248 ; for May, 296 ; for June, 344 ; for July, 392 ; for August, 440 ; for September, 488'; for October, 511,536; New York horse, 355. Marketing, skill in, 383. May, thoughts of the month, - - - 201; Meadows, Sudbury, 69 ; top-dressing of, in au- tumn, 556 Meat, scientific mode of boiling, - - 423 Mechanic, American, 223 ; productiveness of the, 234 Mice, ravages of, on trees, - . - - 351 VI INDEX. Mignonette, as a tree, Mildew, sulphur for, - - - - - Milli, yield of, 53; spreading, 317, 362, 390; value of substances for producing, 344 ; ves- sels, how to cleanse, 437 ; from three Ayrshire cows, 451 ; maid, farewell to the, Milking, about, 73, Miller,"kill the, Millennium is coming, . . - . Millet, seed of, for hogs and hens, Mind, how to improve the, 478, 529 ; a fettered. Mink, the, an insect catcher, ... Minnesota, statistics of, - - . - Missionary, agricultural, .... Mist, how generated, - . . - . Molasses, fresh maple, - . - . Money, continental, 175 ; no, about the house. Morals, domestic, ..... Moon, what is in the, - - . - . Moth, how to keep out the, - - - - Mountain, Green, 134 ; in Vermont, - Moving, .-..-.. Muck, value of, 25, 288 ; lasting effects of, on corn crops, 53 ; how to get, 124 ; and how to use, 206; management of, in yards, 318; and ashes, 327, 372; and model farming, 386; minerals in, 451, 466; where to apply, 518; the farmer's mine, 541 ; treatment of. 263 368 561 236 311 328 39 485 365 507 155 234 78 372 199 354 335 283 472 555 N Nail, nuts, &c., .... Neighbors, pleasant, ... Neuralgia, relief for, . . - Newspapers, influence of, - New Orleans, seventy miles below, November, thoughts about, - Norwegian, homes of the, - Nurserymen, hints for the, - Nut, screwing up the, - - - O 405 367 562 11, 39 407 489 420 369 92 Oats, on bruising them, 22 ; quantity per acre, as seed, 164 ; for sheep, 175 ; for horses, 400; wheat, and corn, - . . . . Observation and experience, . . - October, thoughts suggested by, . - - Office, our new, ------ Oil, springs, 64, 303 ; Kerosene, 239 ; coal, for bedbugs, Onion, early, wanted, 53 ; about weeding the, 63 ; raising the, 84 ; seed, scalding, 131 ; how to raise, 279, 389 ; the potato - - 451,469 Order in evei-ytiiing, Orientals, crinoline among, ... Orchard, plowing the, 216 ; neglect of the, 420 ; keeping cultivated, 443, 547 : hogs in the apple, ...... Oxen, as well as horses, 271 ; quantity of food for, 319 ; gravel in, 418 ; bot in, - - 426 490 519 441 79 343 215 535 454 Paint and painting, ..... Paper, renovating old wall, 75 ; and cloth from maize, --..--. Paraftine for lubricating bullets, - - - Parsnips, for cows, 165 ; for cattle, 176 ; worm in, - - - Pasture, about, 124; late, 424; improving old, 482 ; management of, . - . . Patent Office, agricultural division of, 30, 92 ; seeds from tlie, 131 ; report for 186<, 464, Pea, sowing the, 127; with potatoes, 137, 240; buggy, Peaches in Minnesota, . - - - 267 556 331 263 521 553 174 64 Pear, orchard, an hour in, 24 ; culture of the, 29 ; tlie Buffum, 33 ; trees and hens, 260 ; effects of winter on the, 293; tree, the Endi- cott, 311 ; tree and slug, 313; thinning the, 379 ; ripening tlie, 404 ; tree, blight in, 404; a fine seedling, 563 ; trees, compost for, - Pens, about, ...... Perfume, about, -....- Petticoat, Eugenie's, - . . - . Phloxes, culture of the, .... Pin, about tlie, --..-. Pine, tribes and cultivation of, . - - pipe, lead, bad effects of, 246 ; substitute for, 289 ; cement, .-.--- Pitcher, song of an old, .... Plaster of Paris, - - - - - 14, Plant, house, 63, 74; climbing, 188; planting, care in, 268 ; gigantic pitcher, 542 ; winter care of tender, Pleuro-pneumonia, - - - 58, 93, 154, Plow, is there any substitute for, 20 ; American, 70; when shall we? 177; plowing bee, 244; Sutter's gang, 272 ; and plowing, 286 ; plow- ing, benefits of autumn, - - - 418, Plum, the royal Hative, 209; tree, black knot on, 412, 415, 437 ; growing, Pork, how to sell fresh, 91 ; how to cure, 459, Post, to prevent being thrown by frost, 38 ; how to set a, ----- - 165, Potato, tar on the, 127; seed, 127; on muck land, 184; new seedling, 200; running out of the, 213 ; sweet, culture of the, 237, 266 ; a novel mode of planting, 240; about the, 251 ; experiments with tiie, 275 ; cooking the, 487 ; rot in the, 490 ; digging the, - Poultry, profit of, 22, 189, 207^, 261, 471 ; sick, 22 ; about, 39 ; nests of hens, 90 ; the Brahma, 145; experiments with, 150; tapes in, 168 ; Legiiorn, 195, 233, 261 ; fever, de- cline of, 218; chickens, summer, 277; pure blood, 282, 310; house for, 341 ; house and yard for, 421, 518 ; vermin on, 450 ; keeping on a large scale, 479 ; hens, eating their eggs, 507 ; dung of, Power, horse, . - - - - Prices, high, ----.. Prison, clearing a debtor's, - - - - Properties, transmission of, in animals, Proverbs from Poor Richard, . - - Prune, best time to, 217, 245, 298, 327; prun- ing in spring, 360 ; Saint Catherine's, Pump, West's improved, - . . - Pumpkin and apples for cattle, . . - 567 400 312 342 128 326 38 446 174 275 557 520 532 519 566 469 519 546 113 67 346 438 88 437 353 541 Quill, how to clarify, Q R 370 Rabbits, how to keep from trees in winter. Rags, woollen, about, - - - - Railroad, 45 ; wonderful discovery about, in London, - - . - . Rain, a fine, . . . - - Rake, Stoddard's horse, Ram, a novel, . . . . - Ramble in the country, - . - Rat, afraid of powder, 48; trap. 111, 369 ; n)ice, 390 ; a novel trap for, - Rebellion, tlie. - . - . - Recipes, domestic, 55, 103, 247, 248, 342, - 391,392,424,439,440, Rein, the check, Richmond, Va., price current in, Roads, mending of, . - . - Robbery, highway, . . . - 366; and 369, 385, 4S8, 11 546 401 364 366 557 431 562 293 .535 560 495 324 04 VII INDEX, Robin and crows, . . . • - Komans, wealth of old, - - . - Roof, moss on the, - . - - - Root cutter and cleaner, 147, 242 ; cost of a, Room, dark, uniicaltliy, . - . . Rose, cuttings, simple method of striking, 25 ; pruning a climbing, 21G; a chapter on the, 231 ; salt for, Eye, crop, great, 131, 244 ; its power to bring a "light soil into a condition to produce wheat, S Saint Johnswort for farmers, - - 135, Salt and saltpetre, action of, on meat, 64 ; and its offices, ..--.- Sap, on the circuhition of the, - - . Sawdust, as a fertilizer, 71; red oak, 165; for bedding, 221, School, agricultural, - - - - - Scenery, Alpine, 136 ; winter, - - . Scientific pursuits, how to enter upon, Sea, the bed of the, - . . - . Season, and crops, 58, 82, 314, 394, 415, 480, 496; hints for the, 102; in Vermont, 329; in Illinois, 401 ; being in, - Seeil, pui-e, 43 ; spring sown grass, 77 ; too much, 85 ; foul, 119 ; exchange of, 136 ; soak- ing the, 183; how it germinates, 202; quan- tity and quality of, 228 ; seeding with fowl meadow, 261, 271, 533; grass, for wet laud, 479 ; of fruit, how to manage, - - - Sliad, habits of the, ' Sliadc, poverty of, - - - - - Shakers, a day with the, - . . - Shee|), rye for, 35 ; fat, 64, 74 ; skins, to dress with wool on, 97 ; sales from, 101 ; questions about, 112 ; barns and feeding racks, plans of, 131, 481; turnips for, 150; oats for, 175; sales of, 214; barley for, 282 ; and lambs, and twin lambs, 329; three Spanish merinos, 372; and wool, 463 ; breeding of, 477 ; about. Shingles, about, 26; whitewashing the. Shrubbery, transplanting, - - - - Silk, how to wash, - . . - . Sister, be kind to your, .... Skin, on tanning, - . . 284, 285, Skunk, how to catch a, 316 ; a w^ord for the, 373 ; about the, Skylark jirenching a sermon, ... Sleep, intlueuce of, 341 ; for invalids, - Slug, on pear-trees, - . . . . Snow, storm, 62; the, 144; blockade, 187; water, ....... Soap, factories, waste of, 194 ; for making hard and soft, ....... Society, Essex County, 22, 42, 78, 525 ; United States Agricultural, 59; Vermont State, 95, 202 ; Massachusetts Horticultural, 95, 534 ; Hingham Agiicultural, 95, 184; Franklin County, 95 ; Hampshire, 95 ; Berkshire, 95 ; American Pomological, 100, 356 ; American, 101 ; Worcester, North, 120 ; Rutland Countv, Vt., 120; Caledonia County, Vt., 131 ; Mid- dlesex, 140, 493 ; Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden, 190; Rhode Island, 287; New York State, 307 ; Worcester, 478 ; Middle- sex South, 504 ; Brooklyn, N. Y., Horticul- tural, 504; State bounty to agricultural, 519, Soil, temperature of the, 466 ; materials com- posing the, Sorrel, al)out, ...... Siiinning jenny, idea of the, ... Sponge, how it is gathered, .... Squash, in pots, 117; versus pumpkin, 202; among potatoes, 232 ; winter, 531 ; how to raise the, ....... Squirrel, the gray, . . . _ . 269 81 204 164 437 367 408 206 555 281 259 107 1.50 395 447 548 534 413 121 349 513 377 160 470 296 290 501 452 464 313 265 385 544 517 241 427 394 .539 515 Stable, improvement in, 15 ; bedding and plas- ter in, 157 Stains, how to remove, .... 199 Steer, how to train, 62 ; matching the horns, 90 ; a sick, ....... 266 Stereoscope, principles of the, ... 343 Stock, premiums on, 42; winter care of, 83; breeds of, 147 ; pure water for, 467; care of, in November, ...... 543 Strawberry, notice of the, - - . 117, 262 Stream, the dry, 438 Style, the power of, - ... - 322 Sugar, maple, crop of, 22 ; making, 39 ; an im- portant article of diet, 88 ; for the million, and making, 155, 160; from beets, 162, 185, 194; Northern, 470 Sunlight, influence of, .... 470 Swine, water for fattening, 10, 125 ; working, 31, 254 ; a wooden sow, 44 ; how to raise, 52 ; fine, 115, 124, 125, 207; unmannerly, 112 ; and salt, 149; white Chester County, 210; cheap summer feed for, 283; how we caught a, 282 ; ashes for, 545 ; cure for thumps in, 560 Symj)athy, 67 Tadpole, the wheat, ..... 12 Tan bark, as a manure, .... 335 Taste, good, ...... 300 Tea, about, 31 ; brands and their meaning, . 383 Teeth, no upper front in neat cattle, 75 ; our, care of, ------ - 442 Telegraph, the army, - - - - - 112 Thanksgiving day, ..... 28 Theory and practice, ..... 522 Thirst, effects of, 306 ; worse than hunger, - 469 Thistle, money paid for the, 319 ; Canada, legis- lation about, ...... 480 Tide, the, 334 Tiger killed by baboons, .... 45 Timber, time "to cut, .... 298, 445 Time, matches with, .... - 443 Tin, antiquity of, ..... 405 Tomato, grafting the, on the potato, 81 ; culture of the, 117, 127, .539 ; about starting the, 189 ; mulch the, 368 ; as food, - - - - 409 Tools, to prevent rusting, 98; and workshop, 268 Travelling now and then, - - . . 250 Trees, to keep rabbits from in winter, 11 ; about, 54, 73; apple, injured, 100; scraping, 149, 310; fruit, and snow, 155; freak of a dwarf pear, 189 ; ]3roper time to prune fruit, 217, 245 ; how the Chinese make dwarf, 227 ; fruit, look out for the, 234, 245 ; and mice, 239, 255, 313, 506; pear, and hens, 260 ; plum, 293, 360; pear, the Endicott, 311 ; cutting back newly transplanted, 369 ; and small birds, 412 ; forest, of America, 453 ; apple, bearing the odd years, 518 ; the Linden, 545 ; upright, 547 Trout factory in Connecticut, . . . 454 Turnip crop, culture of the, 96,254; seed, sweet German, ....... 310 Twins, a pair of, - .... 415^ 454 U Umbrella, the. 159 Veal pie, 295 Vegetables, comparative nourishment in, - 398 in Norway, rapid growth of, ... 359 Vermont, wmter in, 89 ; weather in, 189, 207 ; state fair at, 483 Vessel, iron-clad, Nahant, - - . - 472 Vesuvius, eruption of Mount, ... 104 vm INDEX. Vine, climbing, 127; grape and manure, - 539 Vinegar, in twenty-four hours, 121 ; simple rec- ipes for making, . - . . 404, 504 Volcaao, what it cau do, - - - - 542 W War, and the farmer, 49, 55 ; about the, 324 ; lessons of the, ------ 452 Wart, cure for, 125, 293; to destroy a, on a cow's teat, - - - 220, 221, 233, 244 Washington, a Yankee city, - - - 50 Waste not, want not, 90 Water, pipes, aqueduct, 181 ; lime, effects of, 317 ; don't drink too much, - - - 383 Wax, bees', pure, 270 Weatlier, tlie, 38 ; and crops, in Vermont, 137 ; influence of, upon Northern soldiers, - 322 Weeder, carrot, 242 Weeds, how to kill, 414 Wedges rebounding, ----- 98 Weights and measures, - - - - 13 Wheat, experiments with, 50; versus corn bread, 77; spring, 102; bran as a fertilizer, 114,264; cultivation of, 182; seed, 187; poi- soned, for destroying rats and mice, 194; spring, lime for, 220 ; when to sow, 223 ; for horses, 244 ; fertility of, 330 ; in Ohio, 370 ; crop, 394 ; winter, 430, 448, 456 ; fine, 447 ; insects on, 453, 472 ; and corn and oats, - 490 Whippletree, a new, ----- 520 Wliitewashing, extraordinarj', 299 ; and varn- ish, 543 Wife, the farmer's, 404 ; words for the, - 486 Willow, the, 40 Window, lessons from my, - - - - 327 Winter, prepare for, ----- 549 Wood, time to cut, ----- 445 Woodchucks, -.-.-. 459 Wool, sales of, 53; growing, 145, 162, 285; fine, 158; remedy for slieep pulling, 243; prices of, 327, 477; large fleeces of, 373; grower's convention, - . - 433^ 493 Women, the, of a nation, 280 ; unmarried, 247, 295 ; costume for, 487 Words, heart, 477 World, the, how to be fed, - - - - 291 Worm, the armv, 79, 149 ; ring, remedy for, 103, 121, 208; the wire, 180, 306; on the cranberry vine, 222; in horses, 261 ; the pars- nip, 263; benefit of the angle, 352; canker, 373, 420 ; the elm-tree, - - - - 428 Work, farm, 41 ; jilanning and preparing, 106, 214 ; do your own, 397 ; fall, - - - 533 Yeast, how to make, 261 ; substitute for, - 524 Youth, department, ----- 55 ILLU STRATIONS Synopsis of the Seasons, - . - - 30 The Patriotic Farmer's Musings, - - 50 At Twilight, 76 The Winter Time, 101 Winter, 120 The Grass, 126 Wool Growing, 145 Little Chrildren ------ 151 A Night Storm - - - - - - 173 A Spring Song, 192 New England, 225 Old Age, 265 A Plowing Song, 309 Love and the Rose, ----- 322 The Farmer's Hymn, 325 The Honey Bee's Song, - . - - 335 The May Queen, 343 The O'Lincoln Family, - - . - 365 At the Last, - ' 371 Can Fai-ming be made Profitable, - - 406 Little Kindnesses, ----- 413 A Woodland Song 424 Elegy on Poor Charley, . - - - 435 On a Wedding-Day, 439 Harvests, 466 Autumn, ---.--. 471 Rain on the Roof, 480 October, 516 The Voice of Autumn, - - - - 504 The Vintage, ------ 544 Grammar in Rhyme, 548 Hunters, ---..-. 566 POETRY. A Country Residence, . - - Ornamental Pear-Trees, - - - Vaudine's Seedling Plum, - - - Steaming or Boiling Food for Stock, - Culture of the Turnip Crop, Smith's Improved Farm Fence, - Design for a Suburban Residence, Dana's Transparent White Currants, - A New Propagating Case, - - - Cook's Sugar Evaporator, - . - Initial Letter, The Culture of the Parsnip, The Royal Hative Plum, - Wetherell's Horse Hoe, - . - 17 I Highways and their Repairs, - - 240, 241 33 Sutter's" Gang Plow, 272 48 The Union Mowing Machine, - . - 305 80 Design for a Country or Village Home, 320, 321 96 Open Air Grape Culture, - - - 336, 337 113, 193 West's Improved Pump, . - - - 353 128, 129 Revolving Wheel Rake, - - - . 40O 144 A Greenhouse Eimine, - - - - 417 148 Steel Amalgam Bulls, - - - - 417 160 Explanation of terms used in describing Fruits, 168 448, 449 176,177 Sheep Barn and Feeding Racks, - - 481 209 The only Ladv Bird injurious to Vlgetation, 486 224 The Apple-Trec Borer, ... - 530 DEVOTED TO AGRICULTUBE ATH) ITS.KINDBED ARTS ANT) SCIENCES. VOL. XIV. BOSTON, JANUARY, 1862. NO. 1. KOURSE, EATOX & TOLMAX, Proprietobs. Office luO Washington Street. PIMON BROWX Emtoe. HENRY F. FRENCH, Associate Ebitor, CALENDAR FOR JANTTARY. f^ o R eleven success ive holiday sea- sons we have been permit- ted, as Edi- tor, to wish the readers of the New E n gland Farmer, a JHL-iPPY New k^Q, Yeah, and to express a few thoughts suggested by January, and by the open- ing of a new volume, ren years I How much of mingled good and ill, of hope and fears, of resolutions and non- performance, of success and failure, is compre- hended in this record. At first thought, it seems but a brief period since January, 18.52, and yet, if we stop to measure it by events and changes of deep interest to ourselves, individually, it vail seem much less brief to most of us. We love to review and contrast these years, and to dwell upon the evidences which they afford of progi-ess and imjjroveraent in regard to the soil and tlae mind, to the field and the house. But upon the commencement of this new period of time, it is both customary and proper to confine our thoughts, mainly, to the incoming and outgo- ing years. At this point in the calendar, it is sometimes said that every body thinks ; that there is a sort of necessity imposed on us all, to look back on the past, and forM'ard to the future. The name of the fii-st month of the year might imply that mankind Elev have always begun the year in this thoughtful way. January beir^g derived, as the books say, from "Janus," an old Roman Deity, who presided over the begmiung of every thing, opening the year and the seasons, as well as all great gates and doors, and to whom suppHcations were addressed at dawn of every day, and sacrifices ofTered at the beginning of every year. This god was represented with two faces, one looldiig back upon the year past, and the other forward to that to come, and to him wtis the fhst day of the year especially sacred. Whether, then, we contemplate the events of the old year, or look forward to those of the new, our thoughts unavoidably centre around that topic wliich is first and uppermost in the minds of all. Our government is at war, but not with a for- eign foe. From external enemies it has nothing to fear. The past liistory of oiu* country has de- cided two long mooted questions ; one as to the capacity of the people to estabhsh a practicable form of self-government ; the other, as to their abUity to defend it against attacks and opposition from without. A still more important question remains for solution : Can such a government be maintained against the intrigues of the ambitious, the treachery of the unprincipled, and the rebellion of the lawless, among its own citizens ? One mil- Hon of our countrymen have risen up as dispu- tants in this fearful controvery, which is witnessed by an audience to whom the address of the mad- man, "Attention, the whole world," is but a mod- est salutation. We can hardly reahze that tliis is no mere "war of words," but a fierce and deadly struggle — a civil war — Avhich has already caused "tears in the houses, as well as blood in the field." Our hope as to its final result, is as firm as our faith in man's capacity for self-government. We cannot believe that the few are always to govern the many, nor that free government has as yet proved a failure. This, however, is not the time to "talk poli- tics." Our business is with the farm — the farm 10 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. in the midst of a New England winter. Rather an unpromising topic, especially where one feels that he has, year after year, given expression to pretty much such thoughts as the same objects will be most likely to suggest again to the same mind. We have sometimes thought that if editors could agree upon some plan by which occasional "ex- changes" might be effected with their "brethren," or by which they could, after the manner of the Methodist ministry, "ride a circuit," so that no^ne would be compelled to write for the same "people" more than one or two years in succession, our edi- torials might present a greater variety of thought and novelty of expression. But in the absence of such arrangement, we may rely on the long-tried good nature of our readers to pardon any repeti- tion which they may detect. Well, then, on this New Year's Day, we shall find, if we look into the almanac, that this earth of ours, or, as it appears to us, the sun, com- menced liis year's work a few days ahead of us ; having swept around the southern curve of his track, and passed the half-way station of winter solstice about a week before we arrived at our "place of beginning." The day is already a few minutes longer than at the shortest, but the sun is still so low in the southern sky that we do not expect his approach towards our northern latitudes will sensibly affect the temperature for some time to come. Indeed, experience has taught us to ex- pect, on the contrary, that "When the days begin to lengthen, Then the cold begins to strengthen." And before the month goes out, Ave usually find that it is full strong enough for our comfort, — or, at least, we are apt to think so, and, perhaps, to grumble about it. We well know that these long winter evenings do tax the patience. Many feel that the history of their lives might be written in two lines : "Worked hard all summer to raise enough to feed themselves and cattle during winter." But, do we not complain too much ? Is a mild- er climate, even if at our bidding, desirable .'' For what section of this earth, after all, would we ex- change New England ? Since commencing this article, we have read an extract from a work on "The Manners of the Modern Egyptians," in which the writer alludes to some of the effects of climate upon character. Life at Grand Cairo, he says, is rather passive, than active. Nine months of the year the body is oppressed by heat ; the soul in a state of apathy, sighs for calm tranquillity. Inac- tion under a temperate climate is painful ; here repose is enjoyment. The most frequent saluta- tion at meeting or parting, is, "Peace be with you." The American, born under an ever-varying sky, is continually receiving new impressions, which keep his mind as continually awake. He is active, im- patient and agitated, like the atmosphere in wliich he exists ; while the Egyptian, feeling the same heat, the same sensation, two-tliirds of the year, is idle, solemn and patient. Effeminate indolence is born with the Egyjitian, grows as he grows, and descends with him to the grave. It is the vice of the cli- mate ; it influences his inclinations and governs his actions. The sofa, therefore, is the most lux- urious piece of furniture of an apartment. Their gardens have charming arbors and convenient seats, hut not a single ivalk ! Such is the testimony of northerners generally who visit southern countries. The Rev. J. S. Green, missionary at the Sandwich Islands, whom our readers v^iU. remember as the writer of several the Fanner, says the Hawaiian fields might "laugh articles on Hawaiian agriculture, published in Avith abundance," but are fruitful only in noxious or useless Aveeds. "And yet we all see that the nation is dying out and out, commerce languish- ing, every thing and every body suffering, because scarcely any one is willing to cultivate the earth." After speaking of the natural indolence of the Islanders, generally, and of the astonishment of the natives, Avho formerly cut their grain Avith a case-knife, at Avitnessing the velocity Avith which one of Hussey's machines marched through a field of AA'heat, he exclaims : "Dear old Ncav England, land of my birth, of my childhood and youth ! Avell may thy sons be thankful that they Avere born and cradled among thy hills, instead of first breath- ing the balmy air of a southern climate. If I have any hardness, any thing like endurance, I OAve it, under God, to having felt the bracing atmosphere of the north, and to having become inured to the tug of labor on the hillsides and in the valleys of Vermont." Let us, then, enter upon a Neav Year, thank- ful for the cold ; thankful for the rough admoni- tions Avhich it gives us to bestir ourselves or freeze to death ! Water for Fattening Swine. — A corres- pondent of the Rural New-Yorker, AA'ho has tried the experiment of fattening SAvine Avith and Avith- out Avater, gives the result as folloAvs : Last f;ill I saAv in the Rural that a farmer said he had proved by experience that hogs Avould fat- ten faster, and on a considerable less amount of corn, Avithout drink, so I thought I Avould try the experimeiit. I fed sixteen shoats on dry corn for nearly tAvo months Avithout Avater. They acted like crazy creatures, and a common rail fence Avould not stop them. They ate but little corn, and I think did not gain a pound. I then gave them all the Avater they Avantcd, and I could see they com- menced gaining immediatul}", and Avere as content- ed as any hogs. I have proved, to my satisfac- tion, at least, that fattening hogs require Avater. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 11 Fnr the Keto Enffland Farmer. nSTFLTJENCE OP WEWSPAPEKS. Messrs. Editors: — I am now over 82 years old, and remember the wars of this country, from the revolutionary to the insane rebel war of the south. I remember when there were but two newspapers j^ublishcd that reached the country from Boston, viz., the Independent Chronicle and Columbian Sentinel. The Chronicle was the or- gan of the rej^ublican party, and the Sentinel the organ of the federal party. Their editors were nren of talents, faithful to their parties, not spar- ing of any invective Avhich would redound to the glory of either cause. My father took the Chron- icle, and I well remember the account it gave of the struggle wliich took place at the convention of delegates from the twelve old States while form- ing the confederacy. The weekly Chronicle gave us an illustration of the progress going on at the convention by twelve pictures of prostrate pillars at the beginning of the meeting of the delegates. Each pillar was to represent a State ; ten of the pillars advanced from different positions of eleva- tion from week to week, till they arrived at an erect posture ; the other two finally became erect after a -sufficient course of "compromises." What a strong impression pictures make upon the minds of children. It is astonishing to witness the progress Avliich newspapers have made from that time to the present in their increase in num- bers and vastness of circulation. As long ago as 17S7, there were but few newspapers taken in my native town, Avliich would compare with the rest of the towns throughout New England for the en- couragement bestowed upon the editors of news- papers at that time. The Chronicle or Sentinel was taken by the clergyman, the justice of the peace, and perhaps a few others Avho were able, and fond of reading. Political proclivity made the decision in the choice of newspapers. I presume there are hundreds of newspapers now distributed in the country where there was but one then. At that time (1787.) and for years afterward, each sulj- scriber had to send to the office to get his paper, and when travelling was bad, they would lay be- hind one or more weeks. Libraries are useful for standard works, but they will not compare with newspapers for spreading light and knowledge among all classes of people. Where people have the means of being instructed in true knowledge, there is but little danger of their being humbugged by demagogues or seces- sionists for any great length of time. It has been but a few years since an agricultural paper could be sustained in New England ; now there are three or more puljlished in Boston, which are eagerly read and are exerting an influence upon the farm- ing community wliich is invaluable ; they are do- ing good in various ways ; they are a school of in- struction to the whole country, except those who are already inlallible. Knowledge wliich formerly could be^ conveyed only from one individual to another, is now spread broadcast at an impression. The_ farming interest is held in much higher esti- mation than formerly, through their means ; the correspondents to these papers, though scattered over the country, almost become acquainted. A good liberal newspaper is an angel which scatters light in all our paths. The difference between newspapers of good influences and bad influences is very striking ; the former is governed by the principles of practical Christianity, which tends not to unprofitable controversy, but inculcates the love of peace, charily, and the exercise of good-will among all people, without regard to sect, creed, or denomination. The latter issues scurrility, slan- der, misrepresentation, doctrinal theories and big- otry, from which grow every evil work, even to persecution for conscience sake. Such papers stir up the evil passions of men even to warfare. Con- tests much oftener originate from theoretical doc- trines founded on absurdity, than from any ration- al causes. Great is the influence of newspaper editors for good or for evih Free schools and free presses are great annoy- ances to despotism, as well as the safe-guard and defence of liberal principles. In all the States that uphold the free school system, and lay no restraint upon the newspaper presses, but encourage the dissemination of useful knowledge among all class- es of people through newspaper reading, there will be but little danger of the predominance of despotism over republicanism. If the free press had even been tolerated with other free institutions for the instruction of the ignorant in the slave States, this calamitous and destructive war would not have taken place. Ignorance is liable to sufi'er all manner of imposition by shrewd, ambitious, selfish and designing tyrants. Wliile newspapers are allowed to cu'culate, knowledge cannot be con- fined to self-important dictators. Success, then, to a free press, and the means of knowledge distri- buted to aU classes of people. Silas Brown. North Wilmington, December, 1861. To Keep Rabbits from Trees in Winter. — Two years ago I found the rabbits gnawing my choice trees severely. I had seen several remedies recommended, such as tying on strips of lath, bark, wrapping with straw, &c. But I thought some kind of a wash would be much cheaper, and less work to put it on. I took a small quantity of to- bacco and made ^a strong tea of it ; then a thick lime whitewash, and stirred in the tobacco. With a brush or swab, a man can wash 1000 in a day. It proved a remedy with me. My rabbits, although uncivilized, are too nice to chew tobacco. If storms wash off' the mixture, wash them again. It does not cost much. — S. Foster, in Country Gentle- man. The Homestead. — This paper, published at Hartford, Ct., has been coming to us with great regularity for six years, and ever with sound and cheering words. We have read it with profit, and copied from it into our columns with pleasure. The publisher has discontinued it, finding that, through a "seductive, but most unwise system of credits," he could not get back the outlay which it cost. Its subscription list is to be merged with that of the American Agriculturist, which excel- lent paper is to be sent to the late readers of the Homestead. In tliis union we hope all parties will reap an abundant reAvard for their valuable labors. Mr. Weld, late editor and publisher of the Homestead, we learn, has become an associate ditor of the American Agriculturist. 12 KEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. Fcr the New England Farmer. MORE ABOUT THE WHEAT TADPOLE. After studying tlie habits of this curious little fellow for two months, ho looks tremendous large to me. As the wheat has been threshed, I find it has suffered very much from the depredations of the tadpole and other insects this season. In many of the mountain towns, it is an enth-e failure, and few have more than half a crop. If one of this class, called the Aphis, has caused so much fear in the cotton-growing States, and called out so much talent to investigate its nature, why are Ave not awake ? If he progresses as fast as pests general- ly do, we shall have famine Avith our Avar, another year, unless Ave are trying to head him oft". I am conversant Avith the ojiinions of many Avho have devoted much time to the study of the Cot- ton Apliis, his character, habits, etc., and consider ToAvnsend Glover's description in the Patent Office Report for 18a5, pages 68 and GO, the best of any — still I am not satisfied Avith that even. I have seen his lady-birds, lace-flies, syrphus and ichneumon on many pieces of grain, before I ever saAV a Avheat tadpole, and have seen that they were increasing yearly. This year I saAV uncountable numbers of tliem on the grain in various places, and Avatched them closely for Aveeks, but I tliink only the lace- fly preys upon the tadpole in any Avay. The other day I stroUed up to the stock farm of Gushing, of Belmont, situated in AVayland. His farmer told me they raised 200 bushels of Java v/iieat tliis season, and Avliile talliing Avith him in re- lation to it, I made the foUoAving discovery. Said farmer told me the things came on to their Avheat late, and did little, or no harm. That Avhen they cut it, there Avas not one to be found on it ; that they put it into a moAV overhead, and about tAvo Aveeks af- ter, he AA-as up there after hen's eggs, and, as he supposed at the time, got completely covered Avith lien-licc. In another Aveek he Avas up there again, and there AA-ere bushels of the same things all over every tiling, of all sizes and colors, Avith Avings £>jjd without Avings ; that he Avatclied them closely, and found them SAvarming about the AvindoAVS trj'- ing to get out as soon as they got their Avings ; that in four Aveeks after he first saAV them, looking like the smallest hen-lice, the bam and everytliing in it, Avas literally covered Avith a small, greenish vorm, and the tilings had turned into them ; that the Avorras were crawHng everyAvhcre, homeless and perfectly desperate, on a small scale, like Se- ccssia at home ; that after aAvliile, they made co- coons out of hay, &c., and Avere drying up in them. He gave me some of these Avorms at home, and some Avithout homes, and I Avill send you a sample of both. I found, upon examining the dried up ones, two very small Avliite, or yelloAvish Avhite Avheat tadpoles to every dried up maggot, male and female — the farmer's hen-hce. Tliis time the mag- got changed to male and female Avheat aphis — be- fore the eggs hatched one Avhich Ave see mated ac- cording to mythology — though my microscope ain't strong enough to see the Avorm's ribs, if it has any. Now, Mr. Editor, arc these a secession element, that can live and tlirive on nothing, and sent up here to destroy oiu' "staff of life ?" I think here is a chance for some of us "stay at home guards" to malte ourselves useful. The farmer is backer to all undertakint^s. thoufirh he may lie despised hy some because he will not turn his plow into a can- non. He is needed at home, and should be aAvake and doing. If any impediment appears to bat- tle Avith, study well where to strike the surest bloAV, and then strike as none but the farmer can. I tliink Ave ought to be getting ready to do bat- tle Avith some of the ncAvly anived, but trouble- some guests. No doubt the Avheat tadpole is a relative of the sugar maple destroyer, the apple tree leaf destroyer, 8zc., and that tlieir habits are not luioAvn, or the extent of theii- depredations. I tliink them of dif- ferent species from Mr. Glover's Apliis, though they may belong to the secessia genera. There is no doubt that the larva Avas in tlie straAV or head on the Cusliing farm, and carried into the barn there, and that it Avas carried in Avith all grain Avhere the tadpole appeared, whether he did dam- age this season or not. That particular barn may give Mr. Cuslmig's cattle the pleuro, and Iii'a horses the glanders, or cribbing, or some other horrible disease — but it has brought out the tad- poles— as his farmer said — several months before then- time. It is a perfect unventilated hot-house, and these miscliievous pests, or any other, can breed and thrive there. In most other barns the egs^ Avould have laid till spring or early summer, and then hatched out. NoAV, Avill anything but fire and SAVord exterminate tliem ? Let us think about it directly, and act. Don't appoint a Fast and Avait Avhiie the Lord destroys them. Take hold right and strong Waijland, Nov. 4, 1861. k. For the New England Farmer. IS FARMnSTG PROFITABIiE P—GARGET — BLIND STAGGERS. Messrs. Editors : — I have often noticed the folloAving questions in your valuable paper : 1. Is farming profitable ? 2. What Avill cure the disease in cows, called "garget ?" 3. What Avill cure a SAvelled or tumefied bag, or udder ? The affirmative to the first question depends on three tilings ; the price jiaid for the land — quality of soil tilled — and tliirdly,Z*?-a('«.'?, a very necessary accompaniment to secure success in cmy business. I Avould call your attention to the folloAving re- sults, from the cultivation of 3^ acres — a field no better than fifty other acres of my farm, the Avliole of Avhich had previously been pastured for forty years. In the spring of 1857, ploAved and planted to po- tatoes (Avithout manuring) 3:i acres, and harvested a good, fair crop. In 1858, put on forty cart-loads barn-yard manure, planted to com, and harvested good, fair crops. In 1859, same quantity manure, soAved broadcast three bushels of salt, planted corn, putting on a handful of ashes on each hill, and raised a large crop of corn. In 1860 soAved scA'en bushels of wheat, started to clover and herdsgrass, and took off the same fall seventy bushels of Avheat, and three tons of good hay. I sold the Avheat at $1 75 per bushel for seed. In 1861 I have taken offtliirteen tons, by Aveight, of good hay. Has it not been profitable ? Beat tliia Avho can. I cannot speak for any other farmer, 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 13 but my farm, farmed at the halves, pays me eight per cent. The disease called "garget" commences in the horns and head. Besmear the top and hack part of the head and around the roots of the horns, Avith ■warm tar and rub thoroughly ; if it fjils to effect a cure, report the failure, and it will be the first to my knowledge. To cure swollen, or tumefied udders or bag, wash clean with warm soap-suds, then rub thoroughl!/ with pure bee honey, and a cure will be effected in twenty-four hours generally ; sometimes it may be necessary to repeat the operation. The above is the venj best application for women sufi'ering as above. To cure the "blind staggers" in swine, make an incision about three inches long through the skin on the forehead ; pull up the skin on each side, fill with fine salt, and the cure is effected immediately. Geo. B. Green. Windsor, Vt., Nov., 1861. ■WEIGHTS AHD MEASUUSS OF VAFilOUS FAR:\I products AST) OTHER THINGS, IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES. In England and America grain is generally rated by the bushel, though it is not the same measure ; for here we use the Winchester bushel, wliich con- tains 2,150 42-100 cubic inches. There, since 18G2, the legal measure is called the imperial Inishel, which contains 2,218 cubic inches ; so that 32 of their bushels are about equal to o8 of ours. The following are the commercial weights of a bushel of different articles, viz : Wheat, beans, po- tatoes and clover seed, GO pounds. Corn, rye, ilax seed and onions, 56 pounds. Corn on the cob weighs 70 pounds ; buckwheat, 52 ; barley, 48 : hemp seed, 44 ; Timothy seed, 45 ; castor beans, 46 ; oats, 35 ; bran, 20 ; blue grass seed, 14 ; salt, 50, according to one account, but Onondaga salt is 56, (the real weight of coarse salt is 85 pounds to the bushel ;) dried apples, 24 ; dried peaches, 33, according to a table lately published in numerous papers, but according to our experience both are wrong. We have seen thousands of bushels sold at 22 pounds to the bushel, wliich will measure about thi-ee pecks. Heaping Measures. — Potatoes, turnips, and es- culent roots, apples and other fruits, meal, bran, and in some States oats, are sold by heaping meas- ure, wliich contains 2,815 cubic inches. Barrel Measure. — Rice, 600 pounds ; flour, 196 lbs. ; powder 25 lbs. ; cider and other liquids, 30 gallons ; corn, 5 bushels, shelled. By this latter measure crops are estimated, and corn bought and sold throughout most of the Southern and West- ern States. At New Orleans, a ban-el of corn is a flour ban-el full of ears. In some parts of the West it is common to count a huncbed ears to a bushel. Ton Weight and Ton Measure. — A ton of hay or any coarse bulky article usually sold by that measure, is twenty gross hundred : that is 2,240 pounds ; though in many places that ridiculous old fcshion is being done away and 2,000 pounds only counted to a ton. A ton of timber, if round, consists of 40 cubic feet ; if square, 54 feet. A ton of wine is 252 gal- lons. A quarter of corn is the fourth of a ton, or eight imperial bushels. This is an English measure, not in use in this country, though very necessary to be known so as to understand agi-icultural reports. Tro!/ Weight and Avoirdupois Weight. — One hundred and forty-four pounds avoirdupois are equal to 175 pounds Troy — 175 ounces Troy are equal to 102 ounces avoirdupois. All precious metals arc bought and sold by Troy Aveight. The kilogramme of France is 1,000 grammes, and equal to 2 pounds 2 ounces, 4 grains avoirdu- pois. A chaldron of coal is 58 1 cubic feet, generally estimated 36 bushels. A bushel of anthracite coal weighs 80 jiounds, which makes the weight of a chaldron 2,880. Weights of a Cubic Foot. — Of sand or loose earth, 95 pounds; compact soil, 124; a strong or clayey soil, 127 ; piu-e clay, 135 ; mixture of stones and clay, 160 ; masonry of stone, 205 ; brick, 125 ; cast iron, 450 ; steel, 489 ; copper 486 ; lead, 700 ; silver, 654 ; gold, 1,203 ; platina, 1,218 ; glass, 180 ; water, 62; tallow, 59; cork, 15; oak timber, 73; mahogany, 66 ; air, 0,0753. In the above, frac- tions are disregarded. A bale of cotton, in Egypt, is 90 pounds ; in America, a commercial bale is 400 pounds, but is put up in different States varying fi-om 280 to 720 pounds. Sea Island cotton is put up in sacks of 300 pounds. A bale of hay is 300 pounds. A cord of wood is 128 solid feet, usually put 8 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 high. A perch of stone is 25 cubic feet, jiiled, or 22 in the v,-all. Lime and sand to a perch of stone — three pecks of lime, and two-thirds of a one-horse cart load of sand. Weight of Lime. — A bushel of limestone weighs 142 pounds ; after it is burned, if weighed directly from the kiln, 75 pounds ; showing that 67 pounds of carbonic acid and water have been driven off by fire. This bushel of lime will absorb 20 pounds of water, gradually applied during several days, and Avill then be in a state of dry powder, weighing 93 pounds ; showing that 18 pounds of water have been converted into a solid, dry substance. To Measure a Ton of Hay. — One hundred cu- bic feet of hay, in a solid mow or stack, will weigh a ton. Compute Weight of Cattle by Measure. — As- certain the girth back of the shoulders, and the length along the back, from the square of the but- tock, to a point e\e\\ with the j'oint of the shoul- der-blade; say the girth is 6 feet 4 inches, and the length 5 feet 3 inches, which multiplied to- gether, gives 31 feet. iSIultiply this by 23, the number of pounds allowed to the foot, between 5 and 7 feet girth, and the result is 713 pounds, for the numl)er of pounds of beef in the four quar- ters. Girths, from 7 to 9 feet, allow 31 pounds to the foot. Cattle must be fat and square built to hold out weight. To Measure Grain in 7?/?j,9, multiply the length and width together, and that product by the height in cubic inches and divide by 2,150, and you have the number of bushels. To Measure Corn in the Ear, find the cubic inches as above, and divide by 2,815, the cubic inches in a heaped bushel, and take two-thii-ds of 14 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. the quotient for the number of bushels of shelled corn. This is upon the rule of giving three heap- ing half-bushels of ears to make a bushel of grain. Some falls short and some overruns this measure. Board Measure. — Boards are sold bj^ face mea- sure. Multiply the Avidtli in inches by any num- ber of pieces of equal length, by the inches of the length. Divide by 144, and the quotient is the number of feet, for any thickness under an inch. Every fourth-inch increase of thickness adds a fourth to the number of feet in the face measure. Land Measure. — Every farmer should have a rod measure, a light, stiff pole, just 16^ feet long, for measuring land. By a little practice he can learn to step just a rod at five steps, which will answer very well for ordinary farm work. Ascer- tain the number of rods in width and length of any lot you wish to measure, and multiply one in- to "the other and divide by 160, and you have the number of acres, as 100 square rods make a square acre. If you wish to lay off one acre square, mea- sure 13 rods upon each side. This lacks one rod of being full measure. Oovernment Land 3feas7ire. — A township is six miles square, and contains 36 sections, 23,040 acres. A section, one mile square, 640. A quar- ter section, half a mile square, 100 acres. As tliis is 100 rods square, a strip one rod Avide, or every rod in Avidth, is an acre. A half-quarter section is half a mile long, north and south, almost uni- versally, and a fourth of a mile wide, 80 acres. A quarter-quarter section is one-fourth of a mile square, 40 acres, and is the smallest sized tract, except fractions, ever sold by the government. The price is $1,25 an acre. Measure of a Mile. — Our measure of distance is by the standard English mile, which is 5,280 feet "in length, or 1,760 yards, or 320 rods. An English geographical mile is equal to 2,050 yards. Scripture Measure. — "A Sabbath day's jour- ney" is 1,155 yards — about two-thirds of a mile. A day's journey is 33J miles. A reed is 10 feet IH inches. A palm is 3 inches. A fathom is 6 feet. A Greek foot is 12^ inches. A cubit is 2 feet. A great cubit is 1 1 feet. As the superfices of all our States and counties are expressed in square miles, it should be borne in mind that the contents of a mile is 640 acres. Number of Square Yards in an Acre. — ^Eng- lish, 4,840; Scotch, 0,150; Irish, 7,840; Ham- burg, 11,545; Amsterdam, 9,722; Dantzic, 0,050; France, (hectare,) 11,900 ; Prussia, (morgen,) 0,053. Manure Measure. — This is generally estimated by the load, M-hich is just about as definite as the phrase, "about as big as a piece of chalk." It ought to be measured by the cubic yard or cord. A cubic yard is 27 feet, each of which contain 1728 cubic inches. A cubic cord is 128 cubic feet. As the most of farmers have an idea in their minds of the size of a pile of wood containing a cord, they would readily compare that Avith the quantity of manure, if stated in cords. Every cart or wag- on-box, before it leaves the maker's shop, ought to have the cubic feet and inches it Avill contain, indelil)ly marked upon it. This would enable the owner to calculate the amount of his load of grain, roots, earth, stone or manure. Weight of Manure. — A solid foot of half rot- ted stable manure Avill weigh, upon an average, 56 pounds. If it is coarse or dry, it will average 48 pounds to the foot. A load of manure, or 30 cu- bic feet, of first quality, will Aveigh 2,010 pounds ; second quality, 1,728 pounds. Weight to the acre — Eight loads of first kind, weighing 10,128 pounds, Avill give 108 pounds to each square rod, and less than 2.i pounds to each square foot. Five loads will give 03 pounds to the rod. An acre containing 43,500 square feet, the calculation of pounds per foot, of any quantity per acre, is easily made. — The Plow. For the Neio England Farmer. RETEOSPECTIVE WOTES. Gypsum. — The attentive readers of this joiu-nal must have noticed an article Avith this heading Avhich appeared, first in the Aveekly issue of Sept. 21st, and subsequently in the Nov. No. of the monthly edition. In it the reader is directed to sprinldc a small quantity of gypsum, more com- monly knoAvn as plaster, or plaster of Paris, every morning, over his cattle stalls. And this direction is foUoAved by the statement, that plaster is a good absorbent of ammoiiia, and consequently tends not only to economise a most valuable element of veg- etable nutrition — namely, the ammonia — but also to SAveeten and purify the air. These being the ob- jects to be secured by the sprinkling of gjq^sum, readers Avho reflect upon Avhat they read, and en- deavor to make ajyractical application of every fact, truth and principle Avliich may come under their cognizance, Avill hardly fail to come to this conclusion, namely, that if gypsum is of service in fixing or absorl^ing the ammonia in cattle stalls, and in purifjang and SAveetening the air of places Avhere cattle are stabled, it must be much more serviceable to the stalls and stables of horses, as there is ahvays much more ammonia developed from the urine and dung of horses than from those of cattle. To be convinced of this fact, that there is a much larger amount of ammonia developed in horse-sta- bles than in cattle-stables, one has only to com- pare liis sensations Avhen he first enters the one and the other, Avhen first opened in the moniing. On first entering a close, unventilated horse-stable, he Avill experience a disagreeable pungent smell in his nose, and more or less of a smarting sensation in his eyes, somcAvhat resembling that Avhich is felt Avhen a bottle of hartshorn or of smelhng salts is opened in close proximity to the nasal and visual organs. On the other hand, Avhen first entering in the morning a similarly close and unventilated stable for coavs or cattle, very little, or none at all, of this pungency will be felt, even though the at- mosphere may be quite disagreeable through the . impurities derived from the exhalations arising from the lungs, the skin, and the excrements of the animals confined therein. This difl'erenee is OAving to the much larger amount of ammoniacal vapors in the former case than in the latter. It appears, then, that so far as the tAvo objects, for Avliich gypsum is directed to be used, are con- cerned, the horse-stable needs attending to still more than the cattle-stable. Ammonia is more largely and more speedily set free in the former than in the latter. So let us consider both, as gen- erally constructed and managed, much in need of 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAEISIER. 15 having something done for them. For, certainly, something ought to be done when the creatures committed to man's care are shut up in stables so ill-constructed and managed that they are obliged to live and l)reathe in an atmosphere so foul and unwholesome as to injure seriously their health and constitutional vigor, and to render them much more liable to the attacks of disease. Something ought to be done when animals are shut up in an atmosphere which no man could breathe in for many whole nights in succession without an attack of disease in his lungs or elsewhere. Something ought to be done, too, -when ammonia — the most valuable element in the farmer's manure — is tak- ing to itself Avings and flying away. When a farmer to whom thinking is not, as it is to so many, a dread and difficulty, takes these things into consideration, the inquuy will naturally arise — WlL\T OUGHT TO BE DONE TO IMPROVE OUR Stables in this Respect ? — In a good many agricultural pubHcations, as well as in Liebig's Ag- ricultural Chemistry, Stockhardt's Chemical Field Lectures, Nash's Progressive Farmer, &c., he will find directions similar to those in the article now under notice, assuring him that sprinkling plaster in his stables will absorb the escaping ammonia, converting the volatile carbonate into a fixed or non-volatile sulphate of that valuable fertilizing el- ement, and Avill also purify and sweeten the air. But doubts of this assertion cannot fail to arise in his mind when he reads in the same or other chem- ical authorities, that dri/ plaster camiot act upon ammonia ; that it can produce the above results only in a state of solution, and, fiirther, that to dis- solve plaster four hundred times its own weight of water must be added to it. He will see at once that if it requires four hundred pounds or pints of ■water to dissolve one pound of plaster, and thus reduce it to a state in which alone it can act on the ammonia escaping from his stables or his manure heap, but a very insignificant portion indeed of the plaster, wliich the authorities referred to have di- rected him to sprinlde in his stables or over his manure heap, can possibly accomplish anytliing to- wards the desired result. These doubts will be still farther strengthened when he finds, as he may, in some of the best agricultural journals, both in this country and in Great Britain, that others as well as himself have become skeptical as to the property usually ascribed to gypsum Avhen merely sprinkled in the dri/ state upon the floor of a sta- ble, or upon a manure heap. Several expressions of such doubts or skepticism have appeared, Avith- in a year or two, in the pages of the Countnj Gen- tleman ; and positive denials of tliis asserted prop- erty of gypsum have appeared in other journals. For example, the North British Agriculturist about a year ago asserted that gypsum "is found in practice not to be a good fixer of ammonia in stables, byres (cow-houses,) &c." Again, a very good authority in matters connected with agricul- tural chemistry says, in the volume of the Genesee Farmer for 18u7, after stating objections to the plans of fixing ammonia by the use of diluted sul- phuric acid, and of a solution of copperas, that gyp- svmi being cheap and easy of application, would be excellent for the purpose but for this one fact, viz., "Plaster, unless in solution, will not convert the carbonate of ammonia into a sulphate of ammonia. Scattering di"y or moist plaster on the manure heap, then, is of little use." How Liebig came to make such a blunder is then explained, as also how naturally it has happened that one writer has cop- ied it after another, until now it is to be found in almost every agricultural book and periodical in this country. Now, if all these statements from respectable journals in Great Britain and in this country are to be received as authoritative, then chemists and farmers are once more "out at sea" in regard to the absorption of hartshorn or ammonia in stables and manure heaps. We are sorry that it is so, as the sprinkhng of a little gypsum would be so easy and so cheap a method of preventing the escape and loss of thousands of dollars' worth of ammonia from every State in the Union. But if farmers have been trusting to a delusion, it is better that they should have it pointed out to them, than that they should continue any longer laboring under a mistake. For, when it becomes settled, established, and more widely known that gypsum sprinkled as usually directed, will not absorb the ammoniacal effluvia of stables and manure heaps, farmers and chemists will begin anew to make search for some- tliing that will certainly effect this object. And it is as a contribution to this reconsideration or rein- vestigation of the question as to what is to be done to save the ammonia and to destroy or deodorize the foul air of our stables, that tliis article has been written. Copperas water or a solution of copperas is certainly a good deodorizer, but it is open to the objection that the presence of iron in manure Avill occasionally, if not always, be injurious. Dry muck and sawdust are the most efficient absorljents of ammonia which we have tried in the stable ; and we have seen the fumes of a manure heap speedily arrested by sprinkling on it half an ounce of strong sulphuric acid, diluted with a pail- ful of water. Who will tell us of a better way ? More Anon. For the New England Farmer. liUCEIllSrE. Mr. Editor : — I was pleased to see your article on Lucerne in your last number of the Farmer. I think its value to our ftxrms has been overlooked. That it is a very valuable plant in many localities, admits not of a doubt. For soiling, I think it wiU be found the most useful plant that we can use. My experience with it is, however, limited. I bought a farm in llhode Island, that had a few rods of lucerne, mixed in with other grasses, and had not a fair chance to grow to perfection. As it was, it would start up much earlier than other grass, and be ready for cutting, near three weeks sooner. When I broke up the field, I found it almost im- possible to plow through it, the roots were so tough and strong. jNIost of the plants M'ould draw through an eight-inch furrow, holding on so hard as in many cases to cause the ploAV to sHde around them. I dug up a single root in the garden, that had been cultivated in a flower-bed, which weighed, after laying through a hot June day, on the flag- stones the south side of the barn, over twenty- eight pounds. It was weighed by a neighbor, who thought it would have much exceeded thirty pounds previous to its being Avilted. There were several hundred stalks, many of them over six feet in length. The root at the crown was near six inches 16 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. through, tapering down as large as a man's arm. It was cut off about two feet below the surface. A gentleman at Adamsville, Little Compton, R. L, for a number of years cultivated lucerne, and cut it two and three times each season, according as the moisture might be. He used it as a hay crop, and thought it the best grass he could use. English writers give us very precise dhections as to the best mode of preparing the soil for the seed, many of which are far too expensive for our adop- tion, and I think entirely useless. If the soil has been well worked and manured for previous crops, and the subsoil is not too hard, I think we need not fear but that it will grow, if not too wet a soil. No plant will stand a long drought better, as we have instances recorded where clover has died, and lucerne held out and made a good crop. Mr. Young tells us, the first use of tliis plant is that of soihng horses in the stable ; for tliis purpose, no other article of food agrees so well with those an- imals ; nothing better for oxen, cows, young cat- tle and even hogs in a farm-yard. He also thinks it well adapted to fattening beef. Chili clover is, I think, well v/orth experimenting with by those who have the means of doing so. It is near alHed to lucerne, and, in many respects, re- sembles it. It roots deep and strong, sends out an abundance of stalks, which, in a rich soil, will often grow to a Avonderful length. Four years since, at the solicitation of a seed-dealer in New Bedford, I took off liis hands some of this Chili clover seed, which I sowed on about one-tliird of an acre. It did not come up Avell, owing, I tliink, to its being damaged by the sea voyage. I plowed up the piece, but some of the plants by the side of the wall escaped, and have remained ever since. They grew rapidly and matured early, and could be cut two or three times in a season. I have no doubt it would be a good soiling, hay, or pasture crop. I have spoken of its stalks growing to a great length. I will here say that, in 1850, I furnished Commo- dore Jones with specimens of the wild oat of Cali- fornia, and also a clover plant which I think the same as the Chili clover. The stalks of this plant exceeded twelve feet. The Commodore forwarded them to the New York State Agricultural Society. EocJuister, Mass., Nov. 18, 1861. o. K. KEEPIlsra- APPLES— KTEW ME^rHOD. Mr. M. R. Thompson, of Mifflin county, Penn- sylvania, in a letter to the American Agriculturist, describes his method of keeping choice apples, wliich appears to be worth noticing. He packs them in barrels or large boxes, surrounding each apple with common dry ground gypsum (plaster of Paris.) Tliis is readily done thus : Put into the bottom of the barrel, or box, an inch of the plaster and then a layer of apples, keeping them from contact with each other, and an inch fi'om the side all round. Sift in more plaster to fill up the spaces and cover the whole nearly an inch. Then add another layer of apples and more plas- ter, and so on to the top. The plaster employed is, we suppose, the common ground plaster for fer- tilizing— not the calcined used for making casts, models, etc. The former is cheap in most parts of the country, costing from $3 to $10 per tun. Of course the plaster is just as good for applica- tion to the field after being used during winter for packing apples. The plan is worthy of trial at least, for it would appear reasonable that the fruit thus surroimded with a compact mass of dry pow- der, should keep almost as well as if hermetically sealed. Mr. T. says he keeps pound pippins thus packed, in good order until the following June. We judge from a remark in his letter, that he does not store them in a cellar, but in any cool room of the dwelKng or out-house. We are not certain whether the dry plaster would be a sufficient non- conductor to keep frost out, if exposed to severe cold — especially from the fruit near the outside of barrels. For the New England Fanner. SEED COKlSr. Mr. Editor : — A few weeks since, at a meeting of the American Institute Farmers' Club, in New York city, they had a discussion upon seed corn. Much diversity of opinion prevailed, clearly show- ing that the subject was involved in much uncer- tainty, owing to the want of carefully conducted experiments, persistently followed up, for a succes- sion of years, or at least long enough to positively settle the matter on a true basis. Some thought best to reject the small end of the ear alone ; oth- ers would include the but, and plant only the mid- dle ; others reject the but, and use the bal- ance ; while some prefer the small end to any and aU the rest of the ear. There seemed to be a gen- eral agreement that it is a good practice to select in the field the first ripened, well matured, two eared stalks, in order to have succeeding crops earher, and increase the number of ears on a stalk. One man stated that he had known the selection of two or more ears on a stalk for seed to be per- sisted in until the result was that a yield of six and seven sound ears on one stalk was not unu- sual, but with a loss to the producer, in the dimin- ished size of the ears. These men, as a class, are probably some of our most extensive farmers, and above the average in intelligence, and possess superior advantages for observation, and yet we see what a conflict of views are entertained respecting a question of perma- nent importance to every corn grower in the coun- try. It is more than probable that we have men in our farming communities who are capable, and have the means of carrying out experiments in this matter to satisfactory results. None need to suppose that it will be a money remunerating un- dertaking, but the reverse. A higher and more benevolent motive must prompt the act. Suppose the gain by reason of the proper settling of this question should be only three bushels of corn to the acre, (I think it will much exceed that,) it would add to the aggregate corn crop of the country mil- lions of bushels. I have been inclined to the opin- ion that as the small end of the ear grew last, and was generally not so well filled as the but, that it did not mature so well, and consequently woidd not germinate so vigorous a plant, nor produce so abundant a crop. Of one thing I am quite sure, viz., that by selecting the first ripened two eared stalks for seed, the succeeding crops will be earlier and larger in yield. I hope this subject will be thoroughly inA'estigated, and the true practice es- tablished so decidedly that none can doubt or cavil about the matter. o. K. liochcster, Mass., 1861. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 17 iBUKAL ARCHITECTURE. DESIGN FOR A COUNTRY RESIDENCE, BV GEO. E. HARNEY, LYNN, MASS. Designed axd kngraved kxi'Kessly for the new England farmer. In continuation of our series of hints for Rural Improvements, v>e offer at tliis time a design and plan for a suburban cottage of moderate size and cost. It measures thirty-one by thirty-six feet on the ground, and is one and a half stories high, with square rooms below, and good airy chambers, well ventilated, on the second floor. Flan. — The h-ont door — the upper half of which is glazed — opens into a vestibule, A, six feet wide. and nine feet long. From the rear of this a pas- sage extends to the staircase hall, F, which opens out to the yard, or into a wood-shed, if desired. B, the parlor, is fifteen feet square, and is well lighted by a muUioned window in front, and a sin- gle window at the sides. It connects by means of a small passage with the living-room, D, (this pas- sage might be converted into a closet — thereby en- tirely separating the parlor from the living-room.) This living-room is twelve by seventeen, and opens into the staircase haU at a point convenient to the back entrance to the house. Across the hall, and near the head of the cellar staii\s, is a good sized closet or store-room, a, fitted up with shelves and cupboards, and lighted by a single window. (Owing to a mistake in di'awing, the perspective view shows only one window on tliis side of the house, instead of iico, as there should be — see plan.) The sitting-room, C, measures tliii'teen by fif- teen, and has two doors, one opening into the ves- tibule, and the other into the passage back of it. The second floor is divided mainly like the first, and comprises three chambers, a bathing-room, and five closets — besides the haU. The chamber over the parlor is lighted by a dormer window at the side, and a mullioned window in the front, with swing sashes opening out upon a pleasant balcony shown in the perspective. Interior Finish, dia of ccmrmon scliool hter- ature. These Avere all good l^ooks in their day, and very many good scholars gained good educa- tions in the several lirauches upon ■which they treated, by the hard study that opened their mys- teries. But %-hat a contrast they aftbrded to the school-books of the present time ! I have often thought that I would like to have the scholars of 18G1 see the books used at the commencement of the present centur}-, a few of which, treasured by careful hands, have fallen to my ])ossession. Great as this improvement has been, the ball is still rolling on, and I hope it will continue to roll until a higher degree of excellence is attained than the public has yet anticipated, though I must ad- mit that an advancement in the matter of reading- books has recently been made by Marcius Wil- son, and published by Messrs. Harper, of New" York, entitled the "School and Family Readers." A great excellency of the more advanced of these readers, is, that in the place of much of the matter usually introduced into reading-books, of which the scholar learns little, and cares less, they are inter- spersed with subjects of natural history, much of wliich comes with the every day's observations of the pupil, and will be of benefit and interest all the Avay tlu'ough life. For instance, the science of Hu- man Physiology, has a place, written in an every- da}', familiar style, and copiously illustrated. So of Vege.table Physiology, and Botany, Ornitholo- gy, Entomology, Ichthyology, or the science of fishes. Geology, Philosophy, Physical Geography, &c., all familiarly treated, and beautifully illus- trated. Tills work strikes me favorably, from the fact, that while the scholar is learning to read, he is at the same time becoming acquainted Avith his own organization, and the natural productions of the world in which he dwells, many of which are formed for his benefit. Some of them are annoyances, and all worthy of his careful study and attention. I wish the work a general introduction into our schools and families, from a confident expectation that it will introduce a new and beautiful feature in our educational system, and one of gi-eat inter- est and practical utility to the student. In addition to the above series of reading-books, our young friends are blessed in the publication of another volume by Messrs. Swan, Brewer & Tileston, of Boston, entitled, "Manual of Agricul- ture," a work got up expressly as a text-book for common schools. It was a much needed work, and its use in schools and families cannot fail to introduce a beginning of agricultural knowl- edge and agricultural improvement in a new and hopeful field, the minds of children and youth. I anticipate much good from this work. In com- mendation of it, it is only necessary to say it Avas prepared by Geokge B. Emerson and Chahles L. Flint, names that carry evidence in themselves that the book is a good one. I should certainly rejoice to see all the above works introduced into all of our New England schools. They are already in some of them. But if any school neglects to get them, I say to parents in such districts, you cannot give your cliildren a better holiday present, than the Manual of Agri- culture, or a copy of Harper's School and Family Readers. W. Bacon. Eichmond, Nov., 1861. OYSTER SHELL LIME. Not being able to dress our lands last spring as we desired to do, just before the second hoeing time we procured a quantity of oyster shell lime of Mr. James Gould, of this city. It did not « arrive in season to be applied before the crop was hoed, but was added after the lioeing had been completed. It was then applitd to part of a field of potatoes, at the rate of a handful to the liill, — that is, as much as a man could gi'asp, — ^and scat- tered in among the tops. The potatoes were all on the same quality of land, and nearly on the same level. We passed through the field many times during tne growing season, but observed no diiference in the appearance of the tojis, and rath- er came to the conclusion that the application of the lime had exerted little or no influence upon the crop. Pteturning home, one evening, we found a cart-load of potatoes at the bulkhead which were as even in size and as fan* and beautiful in appear- ance as any we ever saw. The potatoes were of the variety called the "Riley," or "Dover," or what are well known by the Irish people as the "Irish Cup" — so called because the eyes are so deeply indented. "Well, Darby," said we to the man who had dug them, "that is' a very fine load." "Yes, sii'," he replied, "you never have seea better." "Was there any difi'erence in the crop between the limed and unlimed ?" "Yes, as many again where the lime was put." "As many again in number, or in pomids, do you mean ?" "There are twice as many pounds where the lime is." Beside the size and fairness of the potatoes, they are exceedingly fine flavored, though we believe that is generally the case with the potato crop l^s year. If we plant potatoes again, we shall resort to the lime. We shall spread from five to twenty bushels per acre over our old pastures, mowing lots, and about fruit trees. From some inquiries and investigations made, we have come to the con- clusion that well prepared oyster shell lime is more valuable for our lands, than stone lime. Hoven in Cattle. — This disease is usually brought on by cattle being removed from confine- ment and winter feeding to the luxuriance of the clover field. In the article on Veterinary Science in the new Encyclojjoedia Britannica, the oils of linseed and turpentine are stated to be nearly a specific. For a large animal take linseed oil raw, one pound ; oil of turpentine, from two to three ounces ; laudanum from one to two ounces — and after mixing, administer the whole at a dose. Acknowledgments. — Thanks to "0. K.," Rochester, for liis valuable articles and good wiU. 20 NEAV ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. We would say to those who read the articles over the signature "O. K.," that he is a practical farm- er, and only writes of tilings upon v/liich he is in- formed, unless it be in the form of inquiry. Fur the New England Farmer. IS THSP.E AWZ SUBSTITUTE FOB. THE PLOW? Friend Brown : — I find the following para- graph in the American Agriculturist, (a valuable paper, by the by.) "Since the benefits of deep tillage and thorough pulverization of the soil have been recognized, it has become apparent that some new implement is needed in place of the plow. With the latter it is impracticable to reach the required depth without great expenditure of animal power, and the work of pulverization is imperfectly performed. . . . An implement is needed, to work by horse or ox povr- er, that shall at one operation invert the surface growth, stir the soil deeply, and not make the sub- soil still more dense. The invention of a success- ful apparatus of this Idnd wiU bring a large fortune to somebody." Yes, I believe the fortune is a sure thing to who- soever will bring out an apparatus of this kind. But is it within the reach of possibility, is the ques- tion with me. That it is a felt necessity, none will gainsay. All admit, to greater or less extent, the evils alleged against the plow as now constructed, but all the suggestions made to obviate them, by substituting other methods, except spading and trenching, seem utterly impracticable for general use, while spading and trenching are so very ex- Eensive, that they can be adopted only to a very mited extent. A plow with pulverizing apparatus attached, was described recently, before the "Amer- ican Institute Farmers' Club," which was commend- ed by some, and regarded as utterly worthless by others. It roots up the soil and digs it to pieces, leaving much of the sod upon the surface, exposed to waste, and in a wet time to grow and be trouble- some to extirpate. Let us look at some of the evils alleged against the plow. I may not enumerate th^m all, but some of the most prominent. The first and foremost is the pressure of the sole of the plow upon the bottom of the furrows; another, the treading of the team in the same, and the lifting of the furrow slice in order to turn it over properly, and again, the great amount of power requisite to di'aw the plow. According to some, each time the plow passes over a field, it increases the compactness of the subsoil, and diminishes the cha.nces for a good crop. ' This position I am not willing to admit. If the sod is brought u])on the surface, I care not how many times ray fields are plov/ed previous to being jilanted with almost all farm crops. I do not iDelieve the pressure of the plov/, or the foot of the team, in the bottom of the furrow, so gi-eat an evil, as not to be very much counterbalanced by the increased advantage of Vac more ]5erfect disin- tegration and mixture of the soil by repeated plowing. As to the objection urged, that the weight of the furrow upon the mould board adds very much to the draught, I do not think much of it, for the rea- son that I suppose it not so great as genei'ally thought, upon a well constructed plow. I tliink Ave are not to believe the pressure of the furrow- slice upon the plow, anything like the toeirjld of the same upon the scale. I think, according as the team moves slow fast or, the weight is increased or dinrinished. The fast team gives the sod or soil a momentum that greatly relieves the plow of its dead weight. The objection urg#d against the plow, that it reqiures great power of draught, I look upon as groundless, considering the work it performs. The simple fact, that every and aU sub- stitutes I have ever heard or seen described, re- quire far more power to operate them than the plov/, and at the same time not doing the requii-ed work enough better to supersede it, is conclusive evidence that for the quality of its work and power necessary to do it, it has not, and probably wiU not have very soon, a successful competitor. That some substitute will eventually be found for the plow, is within the range of possibihty, but I doubt whether, with the same amount of power, it will accomphsh better results. If we wish to do more than our plows now Accomplish, I tliink it must be at the expense of greater poAver. The plow will undoubtedly undergo improvements in the future, probably in not so great a ratio, but quite obvious. AVe have in oiu* improved subsoil plows a remedy for the packing of the bottom of the furroAv by the plow and team. On some soils, it is as really necessary to be used as the plow. Suppose Ave take the double, or Michigan ploAv, and follow it Avith a subsoil ploAv, Avhat better is it possible to do, unless we resort to the ^pade, or trenching ? It is far from my intention to discourage the in- vention of superior implements to those Ave now have, but let us not overlook their merits in some wild goose chase after a substitute. o. K. Rochester, Mass., 186L Singular Facts in Hum.\n Life. — The av- erage length of human life is about 28 years. One-quarter die previous to the age of 7 ; one-hak before reaching 17. Only one of every 1000 per- sons reaches 100 years. Only six of every 100 reaches the age of Go, and not more than one in 500 lives to 80 years of age. Of the Avhole pop- ulation on the globe, it is estimated that 90,000 dae every day ; about 3700 every horn-, and sixty ev- ery minute, or one every second. These losses are more than counterbalanced by the number of births. The married are longer lived than the sin- gle. The average dm-ation of life in all civilized countries is greater noAv than in any anterior pe- riod. Macaulay, the distinguished liistorian, states that in the year 1G8J — not an unhealthy year — the deaths in England Avere as one to 20, but in 1850 one to 40. Dupni, a Avell knoAvn French Avriter, states that the average duration of life in France from 1776 to 1843 increased 52 days an- nually. The rate of mortality in 1781 AA-^as one in 29, but in 1850 one in 40. The rich men live on an average 42 years, but the poor only 30 years. — Free Nation. Words are nice tilings, but they strike hard. We Avield them so easily that Ave are apt to forget their hidden poAver. Fitly spoken, they fall like the sunsliiue, the dcAV, and the summer rain — but Avlien imfitly, like the frost, the hail, and the deso- lating tempest. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 21 FoT the New England Fanner. CHABACTER IS CAPITAL— LET US PLAY THE MAi^r. "Are you acquainted with the H brothers ?" asked an old provision dealer of me, in Boston, awhile since. "Very well so," answered I ; "their farm is lo- cated within a couple of miles of my place, and I often call there." "Well, what sort of men are they ?" said he. "Two hard worldng, thi'ifty farmers, and honest, reliable men." "Well, that is just my experience," exclaimed the old man, with warmth ; "and I have traded with them for many years ; v."hen I engage a lot of potatoes, or cabbages, or turnips, I don't have to worry myself about being here when they are delivered ; I hiow I shall find everything all right. Then there is A., a neighbor of theirs ; he's just like them ; one of the honest and honor- able men that I hke to trade with ; but it aint so with Z. ; I have to look out for him ; the measure is too short, or things don't come up to what's promised. I most always have some trouble ■with him." So it is, in the long run, other things equal, the honest man is the successful man. When the market is but scantily suppUed, the difference be- tween the sharper and honest dealer may not be po distinctly drawn ; but let the market be hard, the distinction is soon made evident. A smooth tongue may prove a power, when brought to bear on transient, floating customers ; but that perma- nent patronage, which subtracts so much from the hardships of marketing, can be won by those only whose goods are as good as their promises. But were there no pecuniary motives to prompt to honest dealing, there would still remain a man's manhood to be respected — a precious heritage, worth more than was ever brought forth by the sweat of the brow — the immortal right to be main- tained, though the pocket book may seem to sufl'er. The practice of putting the best of the potatoes on the top of the barrel, ("deaconing," is the slang term for this,) and the best of the load on the top of the wagon, is a curious illustration of cunning ovcn-eacliing itself; the practice, if I am correctly informed, having now become universal, being re- quired on the ])art of the purchaser, and conse- quently anticipated by the farmer. But the genus sharper is common to both pro- ducer and dealer. There are men in the provision trade in the markets of Boston, men who do busi- ness on a large scale, too, who hold theu* promises very lightly if a dollar is to be made by the break- ing of it. Many an honest farmer has been taught his lesson of the standard of manliness on the part of such, by some such experience as this : "I have brought that load of onions for you." "What onions ?" exclaims the dealer, with well afiected surprise. "The onions that Mr. B., of your fii-m, spoke for yesterday." "Mr. B. had no business to speak for the onions," replies the dealer ; "we don't want them." After a little sharp experience of this kind, our farmer perceives that whenever the article has fall- en in the market, between the time it was ordered and the time appointed for dehvery, Mr. A. will be very apt to declare, with -well assured passion, ; that Mr. B. had no right to order the article ; it was not wanted ; or vice versa, Mr. B. will in like manner declare that Mr. A. had no right to order the article ; it was not wanted. It is better to keep our manhood, though there be but fourpence in the wallet, than store tens of thousands in the vault, by such rascality. There are noble farmers I wot of, who have laid down and observed a rule for themselves in rela- tion to such sharpers, that I would that all might follow, to the end that the genus might be extin- guished ; viz., never after to deal with such, no matter what inducements they might hold out. They might thus be taught that character is cap- ital. The practice by some of bringing out baiTcls of extraordinary capacity to receive onions, potatoes, or other products purchased by the barrel, I need not say is a mean, unmanly act. I honestly ad- vise men who intend going through life on such a basis of action to hang or drown themselves, or in some way stop the record just where it is. The efl'ect of such dealing on the relation be- tween producer and dealer is most unfortunate. It produces a want of healthy respect and a mu- tual distrust, to the disadvantage of each party concerned. In the long run, neither party gain by it, pecuniarily, and I doubt not retire from busi- ness pretty well satisfied, that after all, such deal- ing is no proof of any great amount of either sharpness or shi-ewdness. James J. H. Gkegory. MarbUhead, Mass., 1861. For the New England Farmer. THE "WHOLE THING IN" A IfUT-SHELL. Mr. Editou : — In your comments — in a notice of the Transactions of the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture — in the New England Farmer of Nov. 24, you "hit the nail on the head," and state the question just as it is — whether farming is profitable or not, and to my mind, the statement carries its own answer. It is not, whether this or that one makes money at the business of farming ; but how is it on the whole, in the aggregate, as a class, comparing them with the same number in any other profession you please. K, as a class, the farmer does not enjoy better health — no small item in making up the balance sheet of human enjoyment — have more, or as many of the substantial comforts of life, works no harder, comparing muscle with mind, and its results as to wear and tear of the body, and, above all, is the most independent being which treads the ground he tills, or that walks on God's earth ; and, lastly, if, as a class, they do not probate as much property as any other, then, I confess, farming does not pay, and men do well in seeking other employ- ments, to secure happiness and property. No man v.'ith any observation can justly ques- tion the above ; they are the farmers de facto, whatever may be said to the contrary. Look at the "out of debt" farmer during the year 18G1, thus far, and compare him with the other classes of the community. See how he stands out "head and shoulders", like an oasis in a burning desert, ahead and above all others in financial solidity. Surely he is the salt of the earth ; his business the basis of aU wealth and prosperity, as well as hu- 22 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. man enjoyment. This is no fiction, but eternal truth. The true farmer is like pure old brass, the more you rub him, the brighter he sliines. The fi-uits of his business, like the bright, morning sun, cheers and comforts ail. His, indeed, is a noble calKng, fit for him \vho was made in the image of God. Young man, don't be in haste to leave the old farm, with its cares and labors, to the "old folks," until you are well convinced, the world has some- thing more noble and glorious for you. Rest as- sured, if you do, that in the sad hours which will come over you, its inmates and shadows will haunt you, while the aged folks at home will sigh and lament that no son is near to cheer them on, as the years come over them, and to lighten the la- bors of the good old farm. Young man, stay at home with the "old folks," and the farm is yours. King Oak Hill, 1861. N. Q. T. BO YOU BRUISE YOUR OATS YET? The London Omnibus Company have lately made a report on feeding horses, which discloses some interesting information not only to farmers, but to every owner of a horse. As a great num- ber of horses are now used in the army for caval- ry, artillery and draught purposes, the facts stated are of great value at the present time. The Lon- don Company uses no less than 6000 horses. 3000 of this number had for theii- feed bruised oats and hay. The allowance accorded to the first, was bruised oats, 16 lbs. ; cut hay, 7i lbs. ; cut straw, 2 J lbs. The allowance accorded to the second, unbruised oats, 19 lbs. ; uncut hay, 13 lbs. The bruised oats, cut hay and cut straw amounted to 26 lbs. ; and the unbruised oats, &c., to 32 lbs. The horse which had bruised oats, with cut hay and straw, and consumed 26 lbs. per day, could do the same work as well, and was kept in as good condition as the horse wliich i-eceived 32 lbs. per day. Here was a saving of 6 lbs. per day on the feeding of each horse receiving bruised oats, cut hay and cut straw. The advantage of bruised oats and cut hay over unbruised oats and uncut hay is estimated at 2^d. per day on each horse, amount- ing to upwai'ds of £60 per day for the company's 6000 horses. It is by no means an unimportant I'esult with which this experiment has supplied us. To the farmer who expends a large sum in the support of horse-power, there are two points this experiment clearly establishes, which, in practice, must be profitable — first, the saving of food to the amount of 6 lbs. per day ; and, second, no loss of horse-power arising from that saving. The Crop of Maple Sugar. — Hunt's Mer- clianVs Magazine estimates the crop of maple su- igar for the current year at 28,000 tons. The trees are tapped h\ February to obtain the product, and the process is usually completed by the end of March. An intelligent judgment may, therefore, be fairly formed at this date of the aggregate yield by the aid of careful comparison with the ascer- tained products of former years, and accurate ob- servers generally concur in the opinion that the foregoing is a moderate estimate, viz. : 28,000 tons, or 62,720,000 pounds. Maple sugar may be fairly quoted at eight cents per pound. The ag- gregate of tliis current crop is hence $5,017,000. EXTRAX!TS AND REPLIES. POULTRY. Please publish the enclosed statement as the result of my experience in keeping fowls, for one year, commencing Nov. loth, 1860, and ending Nov. loth, 1861. I commenced Nov. 15, 1860, with 35 fowls, valued at $17,50 Cost of grain and other feed 67,73 $85,23 Have sold 127 chicken for, ,»,,, . ., 57,30 " " 12fo\vlsfor 5,75 " " 446 11-12 dozen eggs, for 97,51 $160,56 Have 84 fowls on hand, at 50c.. .» „ ^... 42,00 $202,55 Deduct the cost 85,23 Xett profit for one year $117,33 Number of dozen of eggs laid in one year 443 J Number of chickens hatched 101 " " lost 3 " " raised 183 William Robinson. WcdeHowih Nov. 15, 1861. SICK hens. Your correspondent from Marblehead says he has several sick hens, and asks, "What is the name of it ? Is it contagious ? What is the remedy ?" In answer to number one, I would say it is what is called in the books on fowls, the roup. Second, Is it contagious ? Yes, it would affect a thous- and fowls, if he had as many. What is the rem- edy for it ? Charcoal. Remove the sick ones from the other fowls as soon as they show any symp- toms of hard breathing, the first indication of the disease, and feed with a little finely powdered char- coal mixed with Indian meal ; give plenty of fresh water, and keep the fowls Avarm ; white-wash your coop, and spread around in it cldoride of lime. If his fowls are badly diseased, it is cheaper for him to cut their heads off", and begin with a fresh lot. That has been my experience. c. E. Maiden, Nov., 1861. TRANSACTIONS OF THE ESSEX COUNTY AGRICUL- TURAL SOCIETY. I learn that 120 pages of this annual are aheady printed, and that the Essays and Reports which have been approved, will probably make 40 or 50 pages more. I have long been of the opinion that this Society has done more to advance the cause for which it is organized, by its annual publication, than in any other manner. I have these publica- tions bound in decades, from 1818 onwards, and value them as highly as any book in my library. Like the farmer in his frock and trowsers, they give instruction in the natural way. The impulse given to tliis Society by Timothy Pickering and Ilem-y Colman, will long be remembered, as among their most creditable labors. They were men of original thought and determined action — none of your kid-glove gentry. p. November, 1861. COVERING FOR HAY STACKS, ETC. The "Rubber Clothing Company," No. 37 Milk Street, Boston, maltc a tarpaulin, or stout drill, coated with rubber. Tliis will keep stacks of hay. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 23 oats, or any other grain, perfectly dry for any length of time. The tarpaulin will last for ten years, ^vith ordinary care. They cost $1 per square yard, and are made of any size. HOW TO FEED A COLT. A reader of the Farmer wants to know how to grow a two-years old colt to its utmost sixe. I have a thi-ee-years old colt, of the Black Hawk breed, that weighed at 37 months old 1025 pounds. He is said by good judges to be a good model of the original Black Hawk, formerly owned by David Hill, of Bridport, Vt., both in form and action, ex- cept the colt is about 75 pounds the largest. The feed I gave him last winter Avas as follows : — all the hay he would eat, (which was of the best Timo- thy and red clover,) four quarts of boiled potatoes, together with from one to two quarts of oat meal per daj', and all the salt he would eat. I keep him in a box stall, without a floor. His color is a per- fect black, except one white foot and a white spot in the forehead ; is well broke to harness, is per- fectly kind, and it would do any man, \voman or clulu good to get into the sleigh or buggy and ride after liira one mile, for it would give their blood a good circulation. A. B. COLLINS. West Dover, Vt, Nov., 1861. FINE HORSES. I have a Bullrush Morgan mare, one year and five months old, that weighs 923 pounds. I tliinlt this is hard to beat. I have also a horse colt of the same age, that weighs 773 pounds, sired by the Green JNIountain Morgan. If any one can beat these, I would like to see the figures. These colts have not had any extra care, except they were kept in a warm stall last winter. s. D. Bolton, Jonewille P. 0., Vermont. PBEPABATION OF BONES FOB USE. Eds. Country Gentleman : — In your paper of Nov. 14, you ask for a practical and inexpensive method of preparing bones for use. I AvUl give you my Avay, Avhich is so simple that, although I have practiced it for years, I should not have thought of parading it in your columns, but for your inquiry, and also because our friend Howard, of the Cultivator, who notices and remembers everything practical and useful, commended it in his last week's paper. I set an old cask, with one head, in some convenient spot back of the house, in the spring, and of the l^ones Avhich have accu- mulated through the winter, I thi'ow in enough to cover the bottom ; then enough of unleached ash- es thoroughly to cover them ; then another layer of bones, then ashes, and so in alternate layers un- til the cask is full. On top is placed a sufficient covering of ashes, loam or charcoal dust, to pre- vent the escape of any gas. I usually wet down the ashes as I proceed, and leave the cask exposed to the weather, that they may be kept damp. By the next spring, when I wish to use them, the bones are thorouglily digested, and in a fit condi- tion to use. By this management I preserve all the material of the bones, and it stands to reason that they must be more valuable than those from wliich the animal matter has been extracated by the soap boilers, and which are then burnt for the sugar refineries, and then made into superphosphate. I usually take the mixed bones and ashes, and compost with well rotted manure, a liberal sprink- ling of plaster, a little guano and salt, and a load of sweepings from the blacksmith shop, of iron scales, charcoal dust, horse hoof parings and the manure made there. This I apply to trees, espe- cially pears. The growth caused by this is astonishing ; as you perceive, this compost contains all the require- ments, both for gi'owth and fruit, better than any purchased superphosphate, for it has the potash so essential to the pear, and the iron, which is very important. I also prepared my grape border with tliis. I not only use the bones saved from our own family, but buy a good many, paying Irish and German boys for collecting, about half a cent per pound, Avhich is the market price obtained by the cutlery works for their refuse bones. I have gi'eat faith in the efficacy of both ashes and bones, and I think this combination of thera is both cheap and useful. — James S. Grennell, in (Joxintry Gentleman. UNDEBDRAINING. We have received from Messrs. C. M. Saxton, Barker & Co., 25 Park Row, New York city, a highly valuable work entitled "Farm Drainage," by Henry F. French, Esq., of Exeter, N. H. We rejoice to have this opportunity of calling the at- tention of agriculturists in this vicinity to this im- portant book — satisfied that no farmer can careful- ly read its clearly wi'itten pages without obtaining the choicest rules upon this important subject. We illustrate : Three years since an intelligent young farmer in Huntington, Ct., who had been carefully and thoughtfully examining tliis subject, purchased for a song six acres of "worthless swamp" in that town. There grew upon it occasional blades, thinly distributed, of wide, coarse, swamp grass ; a few bunches of willow and alder bushes a foot or two high, struggling in the midst of the foul and stagnant Avater for an existence ; the long wa- ter moss, skeleton-like in its proportions, a fitting emblem of death, and hosts of revelling bull-frogs. Thus had tliis unsightly swamp been, back beyond the memory of man, and thus did it remain up to the time we narrate. Well, the swamp was pur- chased at a song — the practical old farmers in the vicinity laughed and sneered at the fanaticism of tliis young enthusiast, but he persevered, surveyed and underdrained the six acres at an expense of $150. The water left liis land, so did the swamp grass and moss, ditto hoarse-voiced frogs, and the bushes he pulled up by the roots. He then sowed gi"ass seed over the entire solid surface, and the past summer sold the six acres for $117 per acre, and the crop now averages three tons per acre. This is only one case out of thousands where un- derdi'aining has been wonderfully successful and increased the value of the land more than five hundred per cent. We assure one and all of our readers who are interested in the soil, that .$1,00 cannot be appropriated to a better use than by the purchase of this excellent book on drainage, and we tender our thanks to the gentlemanly publish- ers for the opportunity they have given us to ex- amine its pages. — Newark Evening Journal. 24 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. AN" HOtm IN A PEAB OBOHABD. E recently had had the plea- sure of visit- ing the Pear orchard of W. Bacox, Esq., of Roxbury, and of fully reaHzing some pi of the marvel- f=^ lous stories we have heard, of pear raising, in re- lation to both trees and fruit. Mr. Bacon was accus- tomed to the farm in liis youth, and cultivated there his natural taste for rural pursuits. He has "an eye for trees," as others have for paintings, or fine animals, or beautiful landscapes, and knows then" names and peculiar habits, as a parent does those of his children. But that "Divinity that shapes our ends," called liim away from the pro- fession which he loved, and placed liim in a dry goods store, where forty years of devotion could not obliterate his early tastes. Galloons and laces, muslins, and Thibets, and collars might bring prof- its to his till, but never could satisfy his desire for the swelling buds, fragrant blossoms and graceful branches of favorite trees. So at the end of more than sixty years, he snatched an hour noAv and then from the counter, raised a piece of land a yard wide, from the salt marsh, di"essed it, planted liis trees, fashioned their limbs to gratify his critical eye, and now, one among them stands the hand- somest DLx pear we ever saw ! Six or eight other trees comprised his first effort. They were plant- ed directly behind his store, which stands on the main street in the city of Roxbury, and vvere placed upon a sort of terrace wliich he threw up from the marsh, and Avliich answered the double purpose of a dike to keep out the returning tides, as well as a bed for the roots of his favorite trees. These eight or nine trees are now each about eight indi- es through, and pay the interest of more money than we dare state in this notice. At length the old love got the mastery ; the store and all its interests were abandoned to liis sons, and he went forth into the cheerful light to indulge liis early tastes, and grow young again. lie now entered upon his plans with avidity, by making ditches through the mai'sh, and dildng out the salt water that returned with the flood tides. Wliere paths were to be made, the earth was tlirov.-ii out to the depth of three feet and its place sup- plied with oyster shells. Over this earth was thrown street sAveepings, old mortar, ashes, and all similar rubbish that he could obtain. To this was added large quantities of tan bark, and to this, mainly, he imputes the wonderful success he has had in producing his almost unrivalled crops of pears ! Not that the trees find in tliis the princi- pal ahment they require, but that it forms a soft, moist and porous root bed, where the roots can range without obstruction in search of other and richer substances wliich he applies to the soil. The land is so thoroughly di'ained, and so open and Hght, that a fortnight's rain, he saj-s, makes no difference in its appearance. The piece of land we went over is sometliing less, we should think, than one acre. On tliis he has six hundred standard pear trees ; that is, trees set in place and not to be removed, though most of them are on quince stocks, — beside large num- bers of young trees which are for sale, and plum and peach trees, currants, gooseberries, raspber- ries, flowers and ornamental shrubs. Between these he manages to raise his potatoes and such other garden stuff as he needs for his table. Passing a tree, Mr. B. remarked that it prodiu;ed four bushels of pears tliis season, which he sold for forty-eight dollars ! Another near it a little less, and a Beurre Diel, three years ago, gave him the neat sum oi eighty-two dollars for a single crop ! The ground upon wliich all his trees stand, is made ground — redeemed from the salt marsh, first by digging ample ditches, and using the material as far as it would go for filUng up, and following with loam, leaves, street sweepings, weeds, old mortar, decaying chips, and almost all sorts of rub- bish which he could obtain, but, chiefly — he em- phasised— tan hark, wliich he had appHed on tliis small space at the rate of twenty-five cords per year ! He dwelt upon this part of his process with unusual earnestness and gratification. . Passing along, we thought if the ditches could talk, they would tell a favorable story. It seemed to us that they partook in some measure of the nature of common sewers, and collected at the hands of the proprietor an abundance of the richest materials both for ti'ees and then' crops. Be this as it may, Mr. Bacon has achieved a success near- er perfection than any tiling else in that direction which we have ever witnessed. That success has been gained, mainly, by three tilings, viz : 1. Thorough Drainage. That the drainage in this case is perfect, is evi- dent from the fact stated by Mr. B., that a fort- night's rain makes no perceptible difference in the appearance of the land. Those who understand the philosophical principles involved in such drain- age, win readily comprehend the advantages gained beside that of the passage of rain water tlirough the soil. 2. The Depth and Richness of the soil. The depth of soil under these trees is not any- where less than tioo feet, and probably varies from that to three feet, and from the surface to bottom, it 1862. NEW ENGLAKD FARMER. 25 is thoroughly mixed -with the rich substances which h^\e ah-ead}- been named. This is kept light and porous by frequent digging, so that nothing can be more convenient or inviting to roots of any sort of energy to run and feed in, than the bed which is prepared for them. 3. The tliird material point is that of Shelter. The importance of this is not yet fairly appreciated by our gardeners, even, and by the farmer is scarcelv thought of in connection with his fields. Mr. Bacon's orchard is surrounded by buildings, only separated from it by passage-ways perhaps twenty feet wide, and by a fence next to the trees some eight feet high. On the south corner of the lot stands one of the largest trees in the number, and he remarked that he "should head that down, because the wind had too much power upon it." It may be objected by the reader, that we can- not imitate tliis example in all of these points. We should not, however, plant pear trees where we cannot avail ourselves of the first, drainage — and the true policy is, not to set any more trees than we have the means of providing v.'itli a root- bed something like his, and then it will not be ex- pensive to plant evergreens or put up fences for shelter. Those of us who have already planted pear trees may find many valuable hints from Mr. Bacon's practice. If we cannot reach liis excellence, let us, at least, attempt to imitate it, by occupying the entire ground with trees, say six or eight feet apart, and keeping them enriched and cultivated in the best manner, as far as we go. This course pur- sued with a dozen trees, wiU give us more profit than will thi-ee times the number managed upon the common plan. We saw nothing in the practice of our friend, in regard to setting or shaping the trees, that re- quired comment. The trees themselves were as clean and bright as the morning face of a pretty baby. The limbs and spurs were remarkably stout, and of a light gray color. In reply to the question, "when should pears be gathered ?" he said a "little time before they are ripe." When gathered, he places them on shelves in single tiers, in cellars. They are well ventilat- ed, and a little moist, and so aiTangcd that he has considerable control over the temperature. Many of his pears he sells himself, at jDriccs ranging from $1 50 to $4 per dozen. Simple Method of Stuikixg Rose Cut- tings.— "Rusticus" describes his plan of strildng roses in a late number of the Gardeners^ Chronicle, as follows : "I have been in the habit, for some years, of striking roses in Avhat appears to me a much more simple way than is described in your paper of the 3th inst. At any time of the year, when they are to be procured, I take cuttings of any sorts of roses I want to propagate, (Moss included,) and cut the half-ripened wood into lengths of two eyes. I re- move the bottom leaf, leaving the top one to rest upon the surface of the bed and nourish the cut- ting while it forms its roots. The hot-bed (a very slight one) in which I plant the cuttings, is made thus : On the top of a little manure, just enough to give a slight bottom heat, I place Q inches of earth, moistened to the consistency of mortar, then cover with white sand, and set in the cuttings. I have occasionally struck every cutting, while 99 out of 100 are an average result." For the New England Farmer. VALUE OF MEADO'W MUCK. Mr. Editor : — Much useful information has been received from time to time through the col- umns of the Farmer, in relation to the valuable properties of muck, and many farmers have, doubt- less, been stimulated thereby to use it more freely than formerly. An article in your issue of the 16th, from the Southern Homestead, in wMch the writer, among other tilings, expressed his belief that not one farmer in twenty fully appreciates its value, induces me to state the method I have some- times taken to use a considerable quantity of it on our own place. The past season has been unusually favorable for the clearing out of old ditches and opening new ones, and having quite a surplus on hand, af- ter filling my yards and barn cellar, I am now drawing at the rate of twelve to fifteen ox cart loads per acre to all my high ground, (ten or twelve acres,) that I intend to plow next spring, spreading as fast as I draw it. To plow this in at once, in its green state, I have no doubt would prove rather injurious than otherwise to the soil ; but spread out thinly, exposing it to the freezing and thawing process from Nov. to April, it becomes completely pulverized and slackened, and so rendered fit for use. I do not, of course, depend on this alone for a crop, but use the same amount of animal and compost manure that I otherwise should. I tried the same method a few years since with five or six acres of orcharding, and still later, Avith another piece of high gravelly soil, in both cases, I tliink, with favorable results. It is no doubt possible to use too much of this valuable material. To repeat this dose every year, or even once in five years, would not perhaps be advisable, but thorouglily slackened by frosts, or mixed in suitable propor- tions with animal manure, ashes, seaweed, &c., I apprehend few farmers use it to excess. I derive so much pleasui'e from seeing things grow, and hel]3ing them to grow, that I frequently purchase small quantities of plaster, ashes, guano, or phosphate, to stimulate a certain crop that needs a little more food than I can otherwise give it, ])ut with the exception, perhaps, of ashes, I think I have never realized more than dollar for dollar on the sum expended in such fertilizers ; but decom- posed material gathered up from our own place costs comparatively little, and yields in my estima- tion four fold. It is very important to make all the manure Ave can in our yards, barn cellars, &c., but I apprehend some farmers waste labor by drawing more muck into their yards than can be saturated or mixed to advantage. Labor is so im- 26 NEAV ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. portant a consideration on a faiin, that we cannot afford to haul material out of our yards, in the same state in which we haul it in. I tliink those who have a sui)ply of muck on hand, and liigh lands requiring its use, Avill do well to use a part of it in the manner I have practiced. John F. Fkench. North Eampton, N. H., Nov., 1861. Remarks. — We are always gratified on finding our friends properly appreciating the value of meadow or swamp muck. It is capable, we have no doubt, when properly used, of doubling the pro- ductive power of many of our New England forms. Standing by the side of a grass field of twenty acres some time since, with a friend, he inquired if we could observe a difference in the crop on any portion of the field ? We replied in the affirma- tive, and readily pointed out that portion where the grass was thicker and more luxuriant than on any other part of the lot. "Well," said he, 'Hhirty years ago, that strip where the grass is so much better, was heavily dressed with meadow muck, and with that exception has always been treated just Uke the rest of the field !" The land is a sandy loam, and all lies on nearly the same level. The etrip dressed with muck had annually given a bet- ter crop than the rest of the field. For the New Englatid Farmer. SHINGLING. Can I aid the readers of the Farmer by a word or two about shingling ? Every farmer is put to great expense for roofing. It is quite obvious that some of the expense is needless. In the first place, a roof should have a good pitch. Many roofs in our country are too flat ; tlie wet don't drain off readily. The English peo- ple build Avith liigh peaked roofs ; more necessary with them, on account of their damp climate. A flat roof, if tight at first, will last but a short time ; water will find its way under the shingles and not dry out, and decay will at once commence. The kind of Shingles. — I don't believe much is saved by using cheap shingles. The labor is more in laying them. They last from seven to fifteen years. A good shaved pine or cedar shingle will last forty years. A shingle should wear out, not rot out. How often it is seen that roofs v/ith rows of shingles of full size and tliickness, are one mass of spongy rot. The result of my experience is, that shaved shin- gles are ])referable to sawed. Water has a ten- dency to follow the grain of the wood, and often- times a sawed shingle will soak through. The principal reason why a shaved shingle lasts so long is, that it does not hug down so tight to the roof as the sawed one, and soon dries after rain. Car- penters are often careless about the breaking of joints. If the sliingle has but a small lap, in a few years it will have worn off the edge, and have shrunk so as to let in v/ct. I have been amused at some new methods of .shingling recommended in the Farmer. OncAvas, to shingle right over the old roof, without disturb- ing it ! A man who would do that v.ould make his toilet by putting on his clean shirt over the soiled one. Somebody has a preparation to swab on which will make any roof water-proof. The few who have tried in tliis vicinity, for a short time, the brown paper and highly fragrant coal tar, for pro- tection from the weather, have gone back to shin- gles again — sadder, wiser and drier men. Wm. D. Brown. Concord, Mass., Nov., 1861. GLANDERS. Although this disease has been pronounced in- curable by Mr. Bauley, of Alfort, some cases are reported in the Gazette dcs Ilopitaux, in wliich the attempts at a cure proved successful. In April, 18o9, writes l)r. Joufflet, of iMontrouge, I bought a thorough bred mare, seven years old, and appar- ently sound. One month later ; pustules in the legs ulcerating ; sub-cutaneous abscess, glands, oedema of the limbs. Mr. lleynal, of ALfort, di- agnosticated chronic glanders requiring slaughter- ing. No running at the nose ; notliing there, nor in the pharnyx or the mouth. I could not consent to such a sacrifice, but instituted tliis treatment : 75 grains of sulphur twice a day, common salt, iodine, good diet. The sub-cutaneous abscess opened of itself; a degenerated ganglion formed an enormous vegetation. I removed it, and to combat suppuration, I administered the fresh leaves of aconite. The animal was losing flesh. I con- tinued this treatment for four months, aided by good diet : barley, wheat, oats ; and to-day my mare looks so well that I am beset by amateurs, who want to buy her. One of my friends had a horse in the same con- dition, and was going to have it slaughtered, as it did not cat. It was placed under the same treat- ment : injections, tincture of iodine, sulphur at meals. After a few days, the appetite returned, and with it the strength, etc. Two farmers, flither and son, contracted the glanders from five horses affected with it. The fa- ther fell rapidly as a victim of the disease. The son, whose disease assumed the chronic form, was placed by Dr. Lesur luider a mercurial treatment ; calomel internally and cauterization of the pus- tules with the acid nitrate of mercury. One month after, the cure was complete. — American Medical Times. A NEW FENCE. Mr. Charles R. Smith, of Haverhill, N. H., recently put up on our farm a few panels of a fence which he has invented, and wliich is well worth the attention of all our farmers who are obhged to resort to materials of wood for their fences. It is so constructed as not to come in con- tact witli the ground at all, but rests upon com- mon stones, such as may be found in most stone wiJls between fields. It seems to us to be an economical and durable fence, and that one well put up and kept wliltewashed, would last at least fifty years. We are not able to give the cost per rod, but intend to learn what that will be, the coming spring. 1862, NEW ENGLAND FARMER, 27 Fcr the New England Farmer. CONTKASTS IN" FAKMING. ISIr, Editor : — A trlj) over what used to be tlio main thoroughfare for travel between Northern Vermont and New Ilampshii-e to Boston, in the latter jiart of October, enaliled me to sec some- tliing of tlie farmers and tk-ir farms 5 and, as I have notliing better to do just now, I will venture to write down a lew observations alx)ut tliem. Witliiu -a few j.ears, the ^enerai a])i)eara3ice of the forms, in those -seetions of NewIIampybire and Massachusetts through wlich I passed, has im- proved very mucli. Neatly ])ainted houses, and substantial, wcU finished barns, have taken the places in many instances of those much Jess so : and unmistakably prove tliat farming is not tiiways "a losing business.*' But, O, tlie fences ! In speaking of houses, why do not more of our farmers, who are about to build new ones, avail themselves of the modern improvements in house architecture ? Neat, tasteful and convenient houses, like some of those designed for the Farm- er, can be built at about the saine cost as the square, old-fasliioned stnictures of a former age. There is still in this enlightened age, and in our owu New England, a great prejudice against "book fai'raing," and, in passing along, one need not greatly err in guessing where farmers of this stamp live. The out-of-door as well as in-door indica- tions that they don't afford to take agricultural pa- pers, 37X5 too apjxirent to be mistaken. Look r4 exhausted fields, and the scanty yield of grain and grass, and near by, immense deposits of muck un- touched. Look at the rich swamp lands which only need thorough drainage to make them equal the prairies of the West. Look at the thousands of brooks and rivulets, whose babblimg waters might be made to irrigate tens of thousands of acres, now paixhed and withered by every sum- mer's sun, wliich, with a little knowledge and a little labor, might be made to yield ten-fold. The scarcity of public houses upon the road made it necessary to make the acquaintance of one of this class of farmers, Avhere we sto])ped to get oats for our horse. The great "barny" house M'as situated close to the road, and, after an unwelcome salutation from a great surly dog, and a "get out" from Ills surly master, we ventured within. Our '•^first impressions" of the dog and his master, and their home, were not very favorable. Although he treated us kindly, "get out" was written all over his hard, solid face. His liistory of "hard times, poor crops, liired man gone to the wars, sons to California," was in perfect keeping with the out- door embellishments of broken carts, plows, &c., which lay scattered about. An almanac, an old ac- count-book, and a newspaper of doubtful loyalty, were the only evidences of a library, or of reading, we could discern. Not a slii'ub, not a tree was vis- ible to look upon, or break off the glare of the noon-day's sun from his cheerless home. A beau- tiful maple, spared by the woodman of another age, he had cut down because "the plaguy birds built their nests in its branches, and it prevented him from seeing the cows when they got into the corn." From youth to manhood and old age, here is no improvement, and no more hopes of any than in a Bedouin Arab. AVith another growl from the dog, and another "get out" from the master, (which our self-respect, and respect for human nature, makes us think was intended for the dog, and not for us,) we bade liim good-ljye. Li striking contrast with this were the home and character of another farmer. The neat and tasteliil cottage situated mcU back from the road, the beautiful lawn, the Avell-kept walks and drive- ways, the well-built and convenient barn, the flourishing orchard, the garden, with fruits and fioAvers, and the work-sho]:i and library, were the outward tokens of an intelligent farmer. The sin- gle expression, "I cannot bear to be idle," explains it all. The stranger, visitors, friends and kindred find within neatness, order, elegance and refine- ment, with true politeness M-hich springs only from a kind and genial spirit. The birds find in him a fnend, and build their nests close up to his very door, and childhood, mute as to words, expresses its consciousness of being loved, in the outbursts of a joyous nature. Here is everything, thought I, to make life happy, but, ah, not everything. That priceless blessing, sound, robust health, has been denied him. An educated, working farmer, with the moral and social qualities duly cultivated, is the noblest type of manhood. Such a man writes his history on everything about him, and its bright pages will be read long after he has passed away from the living. North or South, such men are never big- ots nor traitors ; and their example is much safer and worthier of imitation than his whose footsteps are followed by the tramp of armies. Farmers, "take the papers." Read, study and experiment. "Let us improve the mind and the soil," and the world will be the better for our hav- ing Jived in it. s. Haverhill, N. K, Nov., 1861. "WHAT 'TIOIJGHING IT" MEANS. "Roughing it" has various meanings, and the phrase is oftentimes ludicrously mistaken by many individuals. A friend with whom we once trav- elled, thought he was rougliing it daily for the space of three weeks, because he was obliged to lunch on cold chicken and uniced Champagne, and when it rained, he was forced to seek shelter in- side very inelegant hotels on the road. To rough it, in the best sense of that term, is to lie down every night with the ground for a mattrass, a bun- dle of fagots for a pillow, and the stars for a cover- let. To sleep in a tent is semi-luxury, and tainted with too much effeminacy to suit the ardor of a fu-st-rate "Rough." Pai'kyns, Taylor, Cumming, Fremont and Kane have told us how much supe- rior are two trunks of trees, rolled together for a bed, under the open sky, to that soft, heating ap- paratus, called a bed, in the best chamber. Every man to his taste — of course, but there come occa- sions in life when a man must look about him and arrange for himself, somehow. The traveller wlio has never slept in the woods, has missed an enjoy- able sensation. A clump of trees makes a fine, leafy post-bedstead, and to awake in the morning amid a grove of sheltering, nodding oaks, is lung- inspiring. It was the good thought of a wanderer to say, "the forest is the poor man's jacket." Napo- leon had a high opinion of the bivouac style of life, and on the score of health, gave it the preference over tent-sleeping. Free circulation is a great blessing, albeit mc tliink its eulogy rather strongly 28 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. expressed by the Walden-Pondist, when he says, "I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion. I would rather ride on earth in an ox-cart, with a free circulation, than to go to heaven in the fancy car of an excursion train, and breathe a malaria all the way." The only objection to out-door slum- ber is dampness ; but it is easy to protect one's self in wet weather from the unhealthy ground, by boughs or India rubber blankets. — Atlantic Monthly. AGRICDXTUBAL ADDSESS. We have before us an address delivered by Lu- ther H. Tucker, Esq., before the Oswego Coun- ty Agricultural Society, New York, in September last. Mr. T. is one of the editors and proprietors of the Country Gentleman and Cultivator, pub- lished at Albany, two of the best agricultural pa- pers which we see. The address is an excellent one, abounding in good thoughts, well expressed. Its leading heads are, — "Low prices necessitate better farming ;" "Are we to anticipate the con- tinuance of low prices ?" "The course of our ag- riculture in the past ;" "Is our farming of a pay- ing or progressive kind ?" "Money-making in any pursuit mainly dependent upon industry and slvill." Under this head he says : In speaking of the profits and pleasures of farm- ing, we nmst put it upon the same level as we should an occupation of any other kind. Sup- pose I address my neighbor, the tailor, or the shoe- maker, and ask if tailoring or shoemaking pays, and is an agreeable Avay of life ? Suppose I turn to the merchant or the lawyer, and inquire wheth- er over the counter or before the court, there is money to be made and enjoyment to be won ? In either of these, or in any similar case, it is easy to predict the ansv,'er, when you are questioning a man of industry, of a reasonable degree of econ- omy, ability and skill, who has a taste for the pur- suit in wliich he is engaged. Indeed, with suc- cess, there almost always comes a taste for that which is the source of success, if, as is not impos- sible, it may not have previously existed in a very prominent Avay. But go, on the other hand, to a eliiftless mechanic, a careless, credit-less merchant, an indolent or blundering lawyer, and you Avill be sure to learn that either of these emplyments is an inevitably laborious and losing one, if not also intensely disgusting and disagreeable ! It is the bad Avorkman quarrelling Avith his tools. There are of course exceptions, here, as to other rules. But in farming, as in the other established occu- pations of mankind, Ave are nevertheless obliged to conclude that Avlien it fails to be reasonabl)- re- munerative, the fault must be in the particular in- dividual or cu'cumstanccs, not in the class and pursuit to Avhich they belong. The subjects that folloAV are, — "The deteriora- tion of our soil and crops unsupported in fiict — Importance of agricultural statistics ;" "The prob- lem of maintaining the fertility of the soil ;" "An- imal hfe becoming in timi the support of vegeta- l-.fc -o;irccs of ar.v so'l may be ex- hausted, or, by good management, rendered prac- tically illimitable ;" "Hoav nature may co-operate in maintaining and extending these resources ;" "Good farming the surest and cheapest." Under this head, ISh: T. says : Good farmuig is the surest farming, as it is also the clieapest farminr/ ; for every additional bush- el of gi-ain or hundred Aveight of hay Avhich is grown upon an acre lessens the cost per bushel or per CAvt. of all the rest — the lal)or being in propor- tion to the surface cultivated, rather than to the crop produced. Said a young fai-mer to me the other day — "I only moAV one-half the number of acres I did four or fiA-e years ago — ^liaving let a part of my grass land for pasturage ; but, by great- er economy of manures, my hay crop is noAV as large as it Avas before, and I keep just as much stock the year round." There are probal)ly simi- lar instances Avithin the knowledge of you all — af- fording am])le illustration of the truth 1 have been endeavoring to enforce — that none of us liave as yet fully tested the capabihties of our farms under a proper system of management. IIoav many of us, for example, in the older settled parts of the coinitry, have in truth better and as yet untouched farms, aAvaiting the ploAVshare and the plant-root, aAvay doAvn underneath the ones aao have been so long and so slialloicly cultivating on the top. Some of the other topics discussed are, — "Bad farming at the present day less excusable than ever before ;" "One Avell fed acre more profitable than three poor fed acres ;" "Average crops as es- timated sixty or seventy years ago," and "A pros- perous agriculture the foundation of all national prosperity." All these topics are discussed with a clearness Avhich shows that the AATiter has given them much thought and research. The address is an excel- lent one, and cannot fail to help on the good Avork Avherever it is generally read. For the Neto England Farmer. THAITKSGIVTWG DAY. This day is connected with events of importance, and is of great interest to the farmers Avho are more directly dependent upon the object of its observance than any other class of people. The NeAV England- ers have observed it ever since its fu'st appoint- ment by the "English fathers," as a day of thanks- giAing ; and noAv almost every other State in the Union have joined Avith them to celebrate its an- nual return. Since the causes which impelled the Pilgrims to resort to prayer and thanksgiving, on this day, have added so much to the moral and rehgious character of the people of Ncav England, a brief sketch of the events of the day may not be unin- teresting to the readers of the Farmer. It Avas in the year of 1621, that the colonists of NcAV England gathered their first harvest ; and, as soon as they had done this, they sent out four huntsmen for fowls, and Avhen they returned, hav- ing been successful, the Pilgrims, "after a special manner," rejoiced together, because they had been blessed Avith a bountiful harvest. That noble In- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMEPt. 29 dian chief, Massasoit, and ninety of Iiis men v,-ere present on the occasion, and participated in the festivities. Thus the festival of "Thanksgiving" was instituted in New England, and those nolile lords of the forest united with the Pilgrim fath- ers, in peace and hai'mony, on this memorable day, In the second j-ear after this festival, the day was rendered more solemn and ini])ressive in con- sequence of an almost providential dehverance of the colonists from an impending famine. "In 1G23," says the historian, "fears were en- tertained for the safety of the colony, by reason of anticipated fomine." For M-eeks and months the colonists suffered from a severe drought. Corn withered under the heat of the scorching sun. Every vegetable, shrub and tree, bore signs of an- ticipated famine. The Indians prophesied famine for the suffering colonists, for, by starvation, they thought they could easily conquer and subdue the "pale faces ;" but those brave and faitliful Pilgrims were not to be discouraged, nor dismayed. In this fearful extremity, a day of pubhc fast was ap- pointed, and was accordingly observed with "great solemnity." This was the first Fast Day ever kept in this country. The day opened with no better prospects of rain. Nine hours, these trusting Christians continued in prayer. At length, towards evening, clouds began to collect, and before morn- ing, rain descended in refreshing showers, and thus it continued to rain for several days, until the crops revived, and the fields were clothed in their former verdure. A bountiful harvest succeeded. In token of general gratitude for tliis deliverance, a day of public thanksgiving was ordered, being the second such day ever observed on these West- ern shores. This festival was originally confined in its ob- servance to the State of Massachusetts. Now, al- most every State in the Union, if not all, hail its return, and join in its celebration with gratitude and joy. This day is productive of many pleasing reminis- cences connected with our childhood, and with those whose fiimihar faces we have been accus- tomed to look upon, on this day, but who are now gone to their peaceful rest. When we have met around the festive board to exchange greetings and smiles, and to enjoy the plentiful repast before us, we should not forget others whom misfortune has deprived of the real comforts and blessings of life ; who are now strug- gling for the life-blood of our nation. Let us give our prayers for the restoration of peace, and be thankful that we have lived to participate in a fes- tival in token of gratitude for a bountiiul harvest. A Green Mountain Boy. West Charleston, Vt., Nov., 186L Simple Method of Striking Rose Cut- tings.— "Rusticus" describes his plan of striking roses in a late number of the Gardeners' Chronicle, as follows : "I_ have been in the habit, for some years, of strildng roses in what apjiears to me a much more simple way than is described in your paper of the .0th inst. At any time of the year, when they are to be procured, I take cuttings of any sorts of roses I want to propagate, (Moss included,) and cut tlie halt-ripened wood into lengths of two eyes. I re- move the bottom leaf, leaving the top one to rest upon the surfocc of the bed and nourish the cut- ting while it forms its roots. The hot-bed (a very slight one) in vvhich I plant the cuttings, is made thus : On the top of a little manure, just enough to give a slight bottom heat, I place G inches of earth, moistened to the consistency of mortar, then cover with white sand, and set in" the cuttings. I have occasionally struck every cutting, v.liile 99 out of 100 are an average result." For the Keic Ensland Farmer. CUIiTUIlE OI' PEABS— VARIETIES. The great variety of pears now cultivated by nurserymen, renders it rather a difficult matter for an amateur, with a small garden, to make satisfac- tory selections. Hardly two men can agree upon the best varieties. One man's soil develops a few kinds only to perfection, v.hile anotliers biings up to a high state of excellence other kinds. Besides, men's tastes differ very much. One individual may possess an old tree which matures its fruit to perfection ; wliile another is dissatisfied with the same fruit grown on younger trees. The Glout Morceau, on young standard trees, is almost worthless ; but on matured trees, excellent. Some soils or positions bring up the Beurre Clairgeau to a high and beautiful color, while others leave it a russet hue. So also with the rich coloring of the Flemish Beauty. The Vicar of Winkfield, as a ta- ble pear, is harshly judged from its general pro- duct, v.'hereas, only the finest and largest are fit to eat. A good plan for an amateur is, to plant merely \\Gd\l\\y stocks, for the most part — especially if he is making additions to his collection — as in a little time he Vviil be better able to judge for himself what varieties do best with liim or with his neigli- bors, and then graft the stocks accordingly. By this process he will get large trees equally as soon as by setting grafted varieties, and without so great a liability of disappointment. If a person requires a few dwarf trees, it is well to purchase the Louise Bonne de Jerse)-, the Duchess d'Angouleme, the Urbaniste and Flemish Beauty, or others Avhose junction is strong and healthy, and then re-work upon them to his fjjicy — for all, or nearly all pears, do well double- worked upon the quince root. To facilitate the striking of pear roots from dwarf trees, they should be set from two to fjur inches below the junction, even if many of the bottom roots are sacrificed ; and at the same time of setting (if in the spring,) or better, in the fol- lowing July, the bark should be raised in two or three places, v.'ith a sharp knife, on the lovvcrcdge of the pear stock. On the closely pruned quince roots fibres will readily appear, and the returning elaborated sap, or cambium, will be likely to make deposits at the slits, from Avhich pear roots will proceed. Many foreign winter varieties, hard to mature in our climate, should be planted in the Marmer and dryer situations, but the earlier varieties will ripen in a heavier or damper soil. Though many of the hundreds of pears under cultiv<(.tion are faulty or wortliless, still there are a dozen or twenty varieties which, by general consent, arc well worthy of extensive propagation. 30 NEW ENGLAND FAR5IER. Jan Among these may be mentioned the Rostiezer, Bartlett, Flemish Beauty, Belle Lucrative, Urban- iste, Duchess d'AngouIeme, Glout Morceau, Law- rence, Beurre Diel, Beurre d'Anjou and Winter Nelis. The Beurre Clairgeau is very showy and saleable, and though not first-rate, improves by keeping. The Beurre Superfine I regard as more valuable, and is a variety very liighly recommend- ed by Mr. Field in his work on pear culture. It answers to all the good traits of a fine fruit, and is later than, and hence need not compete with, the Bartlett. The Seckel is an old sort, and has made its reputation ; but as it is slow in coming into bearing, and requires a very high culture to produce fruit of decent size, other kinds are now re- garded as more profitable. Though sweet and del- icate— too sweet for many tastes — it lacks that sparkling, champagne flavor which now seems to be the criterion of su]ierior excellence. And the same may be said of the Belle Lucrative, which is a dead sweet, and though j:)opular, does not, as far as I have noticed, develop the great proportion of its fruit, as many other varieties do, and is in- clined to drop it prematurely. The Beurre Bache- lier — a late pear which grow enormously in France — is promising finely here, and from specimens which I have grown the past season on a standard tree, I regard it as an important acquisition. Besides the above, which constitute a portion of the good pears, many native seedlings are claim- ing notice — among wliich prominently stand Mr. Dana's — and probably they deserve it. West Medford, Dec, 186L D. w. L. AGBICULTtmAL DIVISION OF THE PATENT OEFICE. We learn that during the first three-quarters of the present year members of Congress have been supplied for distribution to their constituents with about six hundred thousand papers, containing one hundred and fifty-four varieties of vegetable and two hundred and thirty varieties of flower seeds — many of them new and very choice, and others very old and excellent kinds, but not in general cultivation. Some ten thousand packages (each containing two quarts) of cereals were also distributed to the members. These comprised new and choice varieties of wheat, oats and barley from France, Germany, Italy and Turkey. Upwards of eleven hundred Agricultural Socie- ties, in every part of the country, also received their quota for distribution in their respective com- munities— to an amount of three hundred thou- sand papers of vegetables and flowers, and ten thousand packages (two quarts each) of cereals. In addition to the above, it is estimated that upon personal or written application to the Agri- cultural Division twenty thousand of our country- men and fiur countrywomen have been supplied with five hundred thousand papers of vegetable, flower and field seeds during the three-quarters of the year referred to. The fourth quarter of the year will unquestion- ably show an amount of labor and usefidness in full proportion to the above. — Nationcd Intelli- gencer. The man whose word can always be depended upon, is sure to be always honared. For tfte ISetir England Fanner, SYNOPSIS OF THE SEASONS. ET R. F. yULI,ER. Enter Spring. My kind friends, good morrow ! you know who 1 am ; And Spring does not need to tell any her name. The flowery dresses I constantly wear. And train of attendants, my name al? declare. You wonder, perhaps, how a little j-oung thing-. Like me, has dethroned old Winter, the king ? I killed him by kindness — that's often been done j By smiles and by sunshine his sceptre I won. If tjou try my method, it often will prove No force in the world is so jiotent as love J Although you may think me a gay, laughing thing, Just hear a good word of advice from the Spring I Sow your seed in the evening, and sow it at morn '. For soon will the season of seed-time be gone '. Dear children ! now plant seeds of knowledge and tratJi: In manhood you'll reap as you sow in j-our youth '. Sow merrj- if may be ; but sow, though in tears ; And joy shall be yours when ths harvest appears ! {Exit, Enter Summer. My name is the Summer — longer days will I bring, Thiin those, that have left you, i' the train of the Spring. Spring bears many blossoms, that Jade as she goes j But I alone bring you tlie beautiful rose 1 And insects I've many, of gorgeous wing, Who could not endure the caprices of Spring. A thousand gay flov/ers the Summer shidl wear. That breathe balmy sweets on the sunshiny air I Though some days are warmer than all of you suit, Remember, they 're needed for corn and for fruit. My grottoes, how gratefid — raj- even and morn '. — You '11 know how to miss me, when Summer is gone J lExit. Enter Autcmn. My name is the Autujix — I know I appear More staid than my sister, so recently here. And some do not like me — Init such you will find. Are those of a feeble or frivolous mind. My lalling leaf whispers a tale so forlorn — "The harvest is ended, and summer is gone ! And life lias its seasons" — it mournfully saith — "Youth, manhood and age ; and, after, is death !" But those who, in springtime and summer, have wi'ought. Find a harvest, in Autumn, of happiest thought. Ere dropping, how gorgeous a robe are the leaves ! V»'hat a cause for thanksgiving the shock and the sheav«s ! Though Winter is coming, and soon will be here ; They're ready, who^'e worked in the rest of the year '. [Exit. Enter Winter. How d'ye do ? Methinks that your welcome is cold. In greeting again an acciuaintance so old '. I hope that you have not forgotten me, yet, Thougli favors, I know, all are prone to forget ! Why, 'tis not, I'm certain, a year quite ago, I spread you a carpet of new-fallen snow ! Then merrily jingled the bells of the sleigh, When lads rode with lasses, and laughed all the way. How often I've heard jou declare, every one. There's never a season like winter, for fan '. And those, in my evenings the long taper burn, All say, that in winter 's the season to learn. And, then, too, very often, when some will complain, And sigh for the beauties of summer again, I've hung my bright jewels of ice on the tree. And all have admitted, none dazzle like me. — \ow, listen, my children ! as older yon grow. You'll find there's great use in the ice and the snow. Nor, could you enjoy thus the Summer and Sprino, Except for the reign of old Winter, the King ! [Exit. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 31 For the New England Farmer. SALT FOH. ANIMALS. Mr. Editor :— It is thought by some, th?,t salt, instead of being beneficial, is so injurious to ani- mals as to do them more harm than good, so that they had better be without it than with it. More than a year ago I heard a former in this town de- claim very earnestly against the use of salt. lie spoke very eloquently and decidedly upon the sub- ject, and pointed out several instances in wliich he had known salt to be injurious to animals. I can not remember all the particular instances he gave ; but they were something like the following : — One farmer "had lost a fat cow by letting her eat as much salt as she ])leased. Another farmer, from the same cause, had lost the use of a fine yoke of three-year old steers which had been so injured as to be unable to do any work for three months. Another farmer, from the same cause, had lost a large flock of sheep, which had become so rotten and diseased that several died daily. Now, this all sounded very well, though it was somewhat alarming to some of those present. It was uttered very smoothly and gracefully, and with great apparent sincerity. It was roUed from the tongue in a very flippant and tripping manner which seemed to challenge the possibility of a doubt ; and yet, it is now, as it was then, very evi- dent, that the whole truth was not told ; because it Avas not so much the salt, as the quantity of salt that did the miscliief It is not true, that salt gen- erally injures animals. It is only when eaten in exorbitant quantities, that salt has an injurious efi'ect. It is highly probable, that the same ani- mals would have been equally injured, if they had been fed upon any kind of grain, and allowed to eat all they would, after they had been for a long time without it. The truth probably is, that the animals had not been salted for several weeks, so that, when they had access to salt, they ate so much as to injure them. It is true, that all ani- mals are exceedingly fond of salt; their nature craves it ; they eat it with the greatest avidity, es- pecially when they have been long without it ; and, therefore, they are liable to be injured by it. If they are allowed to have salt every day, they will never eat too much, or be injured by it. It is only when they have been a long time without it, that they devour it with so much greediness as to be injured by it. The daily use of salt, in moderate quantities, is exceedingly beneficial to them ; but large quantities devoured by them, after they have been long without it, are almost always injurious. Besides, the daily use of salt enables animals to take on fat faster than they otherwise would. The salt they eat acts also as a vermifuge, destroying many kinds of worms in the intestines of animals, and confening a healthy tone of action throughout the whole animal economy. My practice is to allow animals to have daily access to salt. They eat it moderately almost every day, both in summer and in winter ; and yet I never had an animal eat so much as to be in- jured by it. I do not believe, they ever will eat too much, if they have access to it every day. I always keep a trough full of salt in the yard under cover, and allow every animal to eat as much salt as it pleases. About two years ago, I purchased a cow that had not been properly salted. She appeared to be almost crazy to get at the salt-trough ; and it was diflicult to keep her away from it. I salted her privately every day for a week or more, giving her a moderate quantity, but not allowing her to go to the trough to eat as much as she would. During all this time, she was gnawing all the old boards, bones, rags and scraps of leather that came in her way. After a while, she calmed down, and became very gentle and tractable, eating only a moderate quantity of salt, but still continuing to gnaw the articles above mentioned. I then pur- chased some bone meal, and fed her on that. Af- ter eating it freely and voraciously two or three times, she refused to eat any more, and immedi- ately left off" gnawing those articles. Not long since, I bought a cow of a man who keeps a livery stable in this town. He sold the cow, because she Avas all the time gnawing his har- nesses, and he could not keep her from them. When I first had her, she was as crazy and restless as a June bug. She evidently had a craving ap- petite for something beside her ordinary food. I gave her a pailful of swill daily, and a moderate quantity of salt. She ate them both greedily, es- pecially the salt. Her appetite for salt was soon satisfied in a degree ; she became very quiet ; and she is now allowed to have free access to the salt in the trough, and she never eats too much of it. I do not think I have entirely cured her of her pro- pensity to gnaw harnesses, because it is highly probable that other elements beside salt are need- ed to accomplish tliis object. But I do believe that she will gnaw them with less avidity than before, and that the habit of gnawing them Avas superinduced by neglecting to give her regularly a sufficient quantity of salt. Be tliis as it may, I shall soon put her to the test. K she still shows a disposition to gnaw things, I shall feed her on bone meal, if I can obtain it in tliis neighborhood. If I fail to obtain that, I shall sprinkle ashes with her other food ; or, perhaps, still better, I shall give her small doses of soap for a few days, till her ap- petite for such things is entirely overcome. John Goldsbuey. Warwiclc, Dec, 1861. Working Hogs. — The New England Farmer says : "We do not work our hogs, either in har- ness or on the manure heaps. An Ii-ishman can overhaul the manure heap much cheaper than the hogs can." This is all very well, but still we see no objection to letting store hogs root in the barn yard and pick up scattered grain, &c. On a farm where much grain is fed out, a few young hogs can be wintered in this way at a very trifling cost. — Genesee Farmer. Remarks. — Certainly. One objection to wo)-k- ing hogs is, that they are kept half starved in or- der to make them work. Tliis process is cruel to the animals and wasteful to the owner of them. Statistics go to prove that tea is used, more or less, by one-half of the human race — 500,000,- 000 of people. Theine is the peculiar organic principle which gives tea its value. Taken in small quantities, tea is healthful ; but the extract of one ounce taken per day, by one person, produ- ces trembling of the limbs and wandering of mind. 32 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. For the New England Fanner. IMPORTANT THIK-QS TO E:]SrO"W ABOUT BUILDING. One of the faults of our New England people is their great haste. No sooner is a thing conceived, than it is produced. This is commendable in part, and will do in some directions, but not in all. We astonish the eyes and senses of an English- man, A\ho may chance to call at some New Eng- land village, when we show him round and tell him that two years ago, there was not a building in this jilace, except that old mill you see down yon- der. We shall be amused as well as instructed by his complimentary reply, which we shall per- ceive is meant more for himself than for us. Af- ter stretching himself up into a very significant attitude, he says, "Well, you are a very fast peo- ple ; you grow up wonderful quick. But Ave don't do things after this sort in Hold Hingland. Our cities are not built up in one year. Neither will you see them come tumbling down the next." It is true that many of our New England villa- ges grow up like muskrooms, and are not much more durable. Some men pretend that they are doing a wonderful good thing for the poor people, when they go into a place and stick up a cluster of slash houses, and offer great inducements for people of small means to purchase a new house, very cheap, and make for themselves a nice little home. And by fair speeches and a little putty, many poor fellows are seduced into their clap-trap. They buy a cheap house, pay down some two hun- dred dollars, (all the house cost, very likely,) give a mortgage to the builder for the balance, which, of course, "may lie as long as you wish ;" but be- fore another sun has set, that nice little mortgage has slipped into the hands of a certain money- changer, at some twenty-five or fifty per cent, dis- count, and the builder has pocketed a smart profit, and gone home to smoke his cigar. The poor man, with his cheap house, soon begins to learn, by every gust of Avind and every shoAver of rain, hoAV badly he has been cheated, and in a few years his nice little house is Avorthless. The result of the Avhole operation is this : The builder made a little money, created a nuisance, and made people poorer. My advice is, never buy a slash built house, no sooner than you Avould an English shod- dy blanket. But, Mr. Editor, this is not A\'hat I Avas going to say. Mr. Harney, of Lynn, has contributed draAvings of some very elegant looking mansions and cottages. They look inviting enough to give most any one a longing to possess one ; yet they are lacking in many of the most essential conve- niences tliat a farm-house needs. To make a dAvell- ing delightful and pleasing, Ave must unite conve- nience Avith style and beauty, or they may prove to be like Jefferson's Avind saAV-mill on the hill. Having had considerable experience in building, I Avill state Avhat I deem of great importance in the materials for building. All the lumber should be seasoned and dry before Avorked ; as a general thing, very little attention is paid to this, except for the finish stock. To make a tight, durable roof, both boards and shingles should be dry Avhcn laid ; else the shingles Avill crack betAvecn the nail- ing by shrinking. Nail the shingles pretty Avell up, to keep them from the Avet. Nails driven into unseasoned stock AviU rust off, after Avhich the sliin- gles AA'ill giA'e themselves up to the Avinds. It is always cheapest to use the best pine or cedar shin- gles on a good building. When perfectly dry, paint tAvo coats Avith Brandon red, Avhich may be mixed Avith a cheap oil, prepared for such purpos- es ; though the best linseed oil is most dural)le ; add a little blacking, to give it a deep red color, if you fancy it. A roof Avell covered in this manner, is done for a lifetime. It is a great mistake that people do not paint their roofs ; it is just as essen- tial for their preservation and durability, as for the clapboards on the sides. The boards for the side should always be dry ; else you Avill find your clap- boards cracking by reason of the boards shrinking. A. Philbrick. East Saugus, Mass., Dec, 186L Fur the New Enqland Farmer. CATTLE G-NAWING BONES. Inquiries are constantly made, and many times ansAvered, in relation to the cause and cure of this singular habit of cattle — more particularly coavs. CoAvs kept on white grass hay in Avinter, or in Avhite grass pastures in summer, Avill almost inevitably indulge in this practice. The cause is undoubted- ly the loss of carbonate of lime in the system, from an absence of carbon and lime in their food. Wlien the lands of Ncav England Avere new, this phenom- ena Avas unknoAvn. It is the natural result of an exhausted soil. When coavs are fed upon clover, hay or grass, or other articles of food Avhich con- tain all the elements Avhich enter largely into the secretion and production of milk, the instance Avill be rare in Avhich they Avill meddle Avith chips and bones. The great mystery of the cause lies more immediately in the Avant of a knoAvledge of the sciences Avhich reveal nature's process for chang- ing earth, air and Avater into bread, milk, meat and clothing. A sufficient quantity of milk for the manufacture of a firkin of butter Avill require all the caustic lime, in a crude state, that is contained in the butter in an organized condition, and if not supplied in the animal's daily food, Avill draAv on the system for such supply, Avhich has been organ- ized there for the purpose of making bone. Where and what these materials are, and how they can be so combined as to produce the greatest quantity of milk Avithout destroying the vital organism of the system, are questions Avhich interest every person Avho OAvns a coav. Early cut clover, Timotliy and red-top are SAveet, juicy and nutritious, and pos- sess the poAvcr to produce milk and make bone. So a grain of corn, for instance, possesses in a Avell- organized arrangement, the phosphate of lime and magnesia ; also the salts of iron, lime and starch, Avhich enter largely into the composition of bones, and most of the glutinous matter to be found in lean meat, tendon, tissue, and the jelly found in bones. Coavs fed upon these vegetable materials can have no hankering for chips and bones. A neighbor of mine says one-half ounce of salt- petre, (nitre.) given in some corn meal one or tAvo mornings, Avill effect a temporary cure. Every far- mer Avho has none but Avhite grass pastures and Avhite grass hay, may rest assured that his coavs Avill give white milk, hanker for chips and bones, and limp Avith the "bone ail." L. L. PlERCE. East Jaffreij, N. IL, Dec, 18GL 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMEH. 33 ORNAMENTAL PEAR TREES. BY -WILLIAM SAUNDERS, LANDSCAl'K OARnENER, CERMANTO"WN, PA. [The suggestion of Mr. Saunders, that the Glout Morceau should be used as a hedge plant, is a somewhat novel one, and we shoidd be glad to see it put in practice. AVith proper attention to prun- ing and thinning out, a hedge of this kind might be made both useful and ornamental ; the fruit, [We are indebted to the kindness of the Pub- lishers of the Horticulturist for this beautiful cut of a Buffum Pear Tree. The accompanying re- marks we also copy from the same Avork.] There is probably no species of tree that produ- ces greater variety in form of growth than the pear. It would be difficult to imagine any form in a decidu- ous tree that is not duplicated in some of the great variety of tliis fruit. Those of a spreading groM'th frequently assume that dependent habit so much admired in the Elm, Linden and Silver Maple ; of such are the Summer Bon- chretien, Beurre de Capiau- mont, Beurre Diel, Beurre de Ranz and Passe Colmai'. The round, compact form of the Seckel is readily distin- guished. The symmetrical growth of Vicar of Winkfield, Tyson, Buffum and many oth- ers, is not excelled among de- ciduous trees, as may be seen from the accompanying en- graving of the last named, which is a faithful representa- tion of a tree growing in the grounds of Messrs. Ellwanger and Barry, Ilochester. I can vouch for its accuracy, having accompanied the artist, Mr. Hochstein, wliile he was tak- ing it. This tree possesses 3& much of that refined massive- (,' ness of habit, and graceful delicacy of stem, the perfec- tion of which belongs exclu- sively to the Sugar Maple. There is as much beauty and variety in the foliage of pear-trees as there is in their habit of growth ; the broad deep green leaves of the Vicar of Winkfield, Napoleon, Cha- moisine, the Jaminette, and particularly the beautiful glossy foliage of Baronne de Mello, are always admired. The fall coloring may also be noticed ; among the most decidedly effective are the White Doyenne, Doyenne Boussouck and the Buffum, The Glout Morceau, one of the most beautiful of pear- trees, retains its leaves fresh and green after all others fade ; indeed, this plant grows so freely, and at the same time so slocky, that I Avould sug- gest its use as a hedge plant, for dividing lines in I we think, would ripen fairly, and fully repay any the fruit garden ; few plants are better adapted to 1 extra labor that might be bestowed upon it.— Ed.] this pm'pose. BUFFUM PEAK TREE. 34 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. A FARMER IN THE CHAIR OF STATE. Below we give an article from the Providence Journal, speaking in very complimentary terms of onr friend and associate editor, Farmer HoL- BROOK, of Brattleboro', Vt. The title, "His Ex- cellency," will confer no honor upon him, that he will not reflect back upon the title, by Iris manly virtues and genuine worth AS A MAX ; for in whatever position he has been tried, he has been I found true to the convictions Mhich he has avowed. Long and loug ago, he undoubtedly might have occupied the Chaii- of State, had he stooped to "barter" a little for the gilded bait ; but if the thought ever occurred to him, it was only to be in- stantly spurned. But when a common calamity befel us, and political trading gave place to a pa- triotic enthusiasm, he was first in the hearts of the pbopie, who elected him at once to the highest political position in their gift. He will honor that position, and prove that the State may come to his class more frequently for those who have the ability to secure her interests and extend her re- nown. THE NEW GOVERNOR OF VERMONT. marked abihties for legislation. His report upon the subject of an Agricultural Bureau, made to the Senate in 1849, was a paper of marked value; and had not our politicians at Wasliington been too busy with paity measures to act on its wise suggestions, it would now be pouring treasures intothe granaries of the country and greatly en- riching our formers. Gov. Holbrook's recent Inaugural Address is characteristic of the man : modest, simple, terse, direct, patriotic, Christian ; its whole tone and spirit show that its author appreciates the impor- tance and bearing of the exigency in which he has been called to bear the responsi])ilities of ofRce, and that he will prove liimsclf the worthy stand- ard-bearer of a State that now, as of old, is well sustaining her ovrn and the nation's honor, alike at home and in the field. For the New England Farmer. WATURAL SCIENCE FOR FARMERS. Vermont has honored herself in the choice o: her new Governor — Hon. Frederick Holbrook, of Brattleboro'. His election Avas not brought about by political maneuvering, but was the people's spontaneous tribute to true worth and manly hon- esty of character in one of their own number. Mr. Holbrook is not far from forty-five years of age ; had the ordinary common school and aca- demic advantages in early life ; fitted for business with bright prospects which were suddenly dark- ened by the disastrous failure of the concern in which his father's large property was involved. Thus, in his opening manhood, he Avas not only thrown upon his own resources, but sorely ham- pered in the pursuit of any gainful calling. Left with the care of an aged Avido'wed mother, he undertook the culture of the few acres which were her dower. To the severe labor and thought required to wrest from these a subsistence for his growing family, Vermont, New England, and in- deed the agricultural world, owe the advantages they have reaped from his great improvements in agricultural implements, and the numerous valua- ble articles on practical farming which have made his name widely known. The improved plows of Ruggles, Nourse & Ma- son, adapted to every variety of soil and work, are largely the product of his experiments, observation and study, as are many farming imi)lements that bear the names of other men, but owe their exis- tence to his practical and observing mind. He was one of the founders of the Vermont Ag- ricultural Society, and for the first eight years its President. In "that capacity he probably did as much by speech and pen as any man has done to develop the internal resources of the State. It is but just that she should recognize the obhgation by this high nuirk of her confidence. Governor Holbrook has no taste for politics "as a trade," and has generally avoided political life. In the Vermont Senate, however, he showed Mr. Editor : — An ai-ticle in your last number calling attention to the advantage of a knowledge of natural science to farmers, touches the right key, and I hope those farmers' boys and young farmers, Avho have not already acquired a pretty good knoAvledge of chemistry, philosophy and botany, Avill take up at least one of these this winter. The long evenings Avill aff"ord ample op- portunity for an intelligent young man to obtain considerable knoAvledge of one or tAvo, or even all three of these branches, so intimately connected Avith practical farming. The "hard Avords," or "technical terms," Avhich are so apt to frighten the "uninitiated," Avill quickly disappear Avhcn one ob- tains a little knoAvledge of their derivation and the reasons for their use. Aside from its application to the composition of manures, an item of no little consequence in the present state of agriculture, a knoAvledge of chem- istry is almost indispensable in every branch of farm operations. Is it necessary to give medicines to a sick animal, it aids us greatly in exhibiting the nature and probable effect of such medicines ; do Ave Avish to preserve the products of the farm, it tells us the nature and process of decomposi- tion, and Avhat is likely to arrest it ; it tells us, ' too, in the operations of the kitchen, Avhat jjrepa- rations are deleterious or otherAvise, and in its ap- plication to vegetable groAvth, it enables us to un- derstand and act in accordance Avith the laAvs of growth. Philosophy, too, must be understood by every farmer Avho Avould keep up Avith his profession, especially if he Avould reap any advantage from the improved machines and implements which so much facilitate the labors of the farm at the pres- ent day, and even if he uses no implement more complicated than a common lever, some knoAvl- edge of philoso])hical principles Avill often save half the labor otherwise expended. Both these branches can be pursued to advan- tage during Avinter, and so long as man's principal aim is "the jjursuit of happiness," it is my firm belief that independent of their practical apphca- tion to business, any iutelligent man Avould be am- ply repaid for the time and labor requisite to ob- i tain a knoAvlcdge of them, by the insight Avhich 1862. N GLAND FARMER. 35 he -would thereby obtain into the operations of nature Avhich are daily going on around him. Botany, althou^^h not so appropriate for winter study, and perhai^s verijini;- more toward the orna- mental, may still come in for a share of attention, now and then j with its pii-iciples acquired, no time need be lost in going into the practical part when sprinif arrives, and while it is a valuable aid to the strictly practical farmer, and well worth the trou- ble necessary to its acquirement, it is absolutely indispensable to the hi_i;;hest success in horticulture and its kindred branches. While the ])ractical ag- ricultiuist, Avho, through ignorance of its jn-inci- files, exposes himself to derision if not serious OSS, by belief in such doctrines as the transmuta- tion of wheat to chess, the mixing of potatoes in the tubers, &c., the horticulturist and seedsman are liable to serious mistakes at the very founda- tion of their business, unless a knowledge of bot- any is included in their education. But there is another view of the subject which I consider especially important. In every Avell organized mind, there is more or less love of the beautiful, and this almost exhaustless source of innocent pleasure is more fidly brought out and directed to its proper channel, the vegetable crea- tion, by this study, than it can be by any other means and at the same time, the close attention to the minute organs of flowers, required in prac- tical botany, tends to develop the perceptive fac- ulties. In this, +00, it is sufficient compensation for the knowledge-loving student to be able to name the plants and trees which groAv along his path, to know their uses and their origin, habits of grov/th, &c. William F. B.vssett. Asl>field, Dec. 2, 1861. RYE FOB SHEEP. Rye is one of the most valuable of the green feed for sheep. A friend of ours, an amateur far- mer, Avho has liis nieans all locked up in real estate, but who is determined to make it ])ay his expen- ses in spite of the hard times for all the real estate speculators, enclosed four hunch'ed acres, wliich he rents out on shares, the most of which has been cultivated in corn since the crash of 18j7. Begin- ning to fear that his third of the corn crop would not pay his taxes on some thousands of acres of wild land, with his other expenses, he applied to his arithmetic, which convinced him that a thou- sand good mutton sheep would help him out ; so after the corn was laid by, he persuaded one of Iiis tenants to allow him to sow some tliirty acres of rye among the corn. His thousand sheep Avere purchased in August, herded wherever he could find feed until the corn was ripe, Avhen they were turned on the yoiyig rye, Avhich was their principal feed until the first of June, wdren it was turned under and planted to corn. A portion of the crop was well fed doAvn, but had it not been for the standing corn stalks, a respectable crop could have been harvested from a part of the field. Here Avas the large part of the feed of a thousand sheep for eight months, costing .$12 for the seed and about the same for labor, and returning the land in tar better condition than it was before, no doubt to the extent of the seed and labor. We have never seen a lot of sheep and lambs at this season in so good a condition as tliis rye fed flock. The flock if* now on the prairie, and will remain there until liis meadoAv is ready to turn into, Avheu the rye pasture Avill be repeated. He will clear at least $l,o()0 the first yeiu- in this operation, the result of brains in fanriins:. — Illinois Farmer. MAISrUAL OP AGRICUIiTTJRE. This is a ncAV work on agriculture, especially designed "to supply an important defect in the in- struction of youth," but there are fcAv formers who may not fuid in it stores of wisdom and page.n of facts, a knowledge of which is important to success in their business. It has been prepared by two persons as competent as any in the State to sup- ply such a Avork, viz : — Mr. George B. Emerson, author of a Report on the Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts, and Charles L. Flint, Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, and author of a Treatise on i\lilch Coavs and Dairy Farming, and Grasses and Forage Plants, 6cc. Mr. Emerson prepared the first thirteen chapters, and the twen- ty-first chapter upon the Rotation of Crops, and Mr. Flint the remainder, commencing Avith the fourteenth chapter. We have read eveiy page of the Avork with minute attention, and are free to say that Ave behcA-e it to be the most vahiable work yet published, not only for the "instruction of youth," but for the instruction of our flmners generally. In order to shoAV the nature of the Avork better than Ave can show it by any explana- tion, Ave Avill extract a few paragraphs, and begin Avith the first three in the book. 1. Agi'i culture is the art of cultivating the earth. It includes Avhatever is necessary for finding out the nature of the soil, clearing up the land, ren- dering it healthy, and ])reparing it for tillage, and jfloAving it, and the soAving, Aveeding and harvest- ing the crops. 2. The object of agriculture should be to enrich the earth, and make it produce the largest crops, of the greatest value, at the least expense of land, time, and labor. 3. In order to attain this object, the husband- man must have capital, — that is, money for the necessary expenditures ; labor, or hands for the operations required ; knoAvledge of the best Avays of Avorking ; and intelligence, in order to dh'ect the application of the capital and laboi\ This is sufficient to show the reader the pleas- ant and familiar stA'le of the Avork. In clearing the way to speak of the subjects Avhich he must in- troduce as he advances, Mr. Emerson is obliged to speak of that bugbear Avord science, and he does it in so plain and attractive a manner that all Avill be charmed, rather than repulsed by it. "Science," he says, "is exact knoAvledge, ob- tained by the observation and experience of many observers." "You see, then, Avhat is the vse of a scientific knoAvledge of the principles of agriculture. It pre- pares a person for the practice of agriculture." 36 NEW EXGLAXD FAR:MEII. Jan. Mr. Flint, we think, has been equally happy in his portion of the work. The subjects which have come under his care, are concisely and perspicu- ously treated, and will make a great many points plain, wliich have heretofore been surrounded with mystery to the common farmer. His chapters on the '"Economy of the Farm," and the "Economy of the Household," are especially worthy of the most careful reading. We not only hope that the book will be intro- duced into all the schools of New England, but that a copy of it may also be found on the table of every farmer. Messrs. Swan, Brewer & Tileston, 131 Wasliington St., Boston, are the pubUshers. HOW TO CUKE HAMS AISTD SIDES. There are many ways to cure hams, but some of them are not desirable, unless we are satisfied to eat poor hams in preference to good. A ham well cured, Avell smoked and well cooked, is a favorite dish with most people, but there are very few in- deed who can relish ham which has been hardened and s])oiled by salt, or tainted for the want of salt in curing, and may be worse spoiled in cooking ; but if ham is spoiled by too much salt, or too lit- tle, or becomes tainted before the salt has thor- oughly penetrated through it, I defy any cook to make a good dish out of it. I have tried many ways in curing hams, and have lost them sometimes by having them become rancid and tainted in warm weather, and also by having them so salt and hai'd that they were unpalatable. I have for some twenty years practiced the fol- lowing simple recipe in curing pork hams and shoulders, and find it preferable to any recipe I ever tried, and when I have had any to sell they have taken the preference of sugar cured hams with those acquainted with them. I trim the hams and shoulders in the usual way, except I cut the leg off close up to the ham and shoulder, to have them pack close, and as being wortliless smoked ; then sprinkle a little fine salt on the bottom of a sweet cask, and pack down the hams and shoulders promiscuously, as they will best pack in, and sprinkle a Utile fine salt on each laying, just enough to make it show white ; then heat a kettle of water and put in salt, and stir well until it will bear up a good-sized potato, between the size of a quarter and a half dollar ; boil and skim the brine, and pour it on the hams boiling hot, and cover them all over one or two inches dee]) with the brine, having put a stone on tlie meat to keep it down. I sonielimes use saltpetre, and sometimes do not ; consider it useless, except to color the meat. I now use my judgment as to the time to take l!licm out of the brine. If the hams are small, they will cure in three weeks, if largo, say five weeks ; again, if the meat is packed loose, it will take more brine to cover it, conse- quently more salt will ])enetrate the meat in a giv- en time than if it is packed close ; on this account it is useless to weigh the meat and salt for the brine, as the meat must be kept covered with the brine, let it take more or less. Leave the casks uncovered until cool. When the hams have been in brine long enough, I take them out and leave them in the cellar, if the weather is not suitable to smoke them. I consider clean corn cobs better for smoking meat than anything I have ever tried, and now vise notliing else ; continue the smoke until it penetrates the meat, or the skin becomes a dark cherry brown. I then wrap the pieces I wish to keep in paper, any time before the bugs or flies have deposited their eggs on them, and pack them dovrzi in casks with dry ashes, in the cellar, whc/e both hams and shoulders will keep as good as when packed, through the summer or year. Cured in this way, it is hard to distinguish betVt'een the shoulder and ham v.'hen boiled. A large ham will often taint in the middle before salt or brine wiU penetrate thi-ough. now TO CURE SIDE PORK. So much for smoked meat ; now if any one wish- es to have his side pork a little better, and keep better than any he has ever had, let him try my way, and if he is not satisfied, let me know it tlu-ough the Ohio Farmer. Take out the bone and lean meat along the back, cut and pack the pieces snugly in the barrel, put more salt on the bottom and on each laying of meat than Avill probably penetrate the meat ; then boil and skim the brine (if it is sweet,) and add enough to it to cover your meat two or three in- ches over the top, made strong like the ham brine ; and as soon as you pack your meat, pour the brine on boiling hot ; it will penetrate the meat much quicker than cold brine, and give it an improved tiavor. While I was making and pouring the brine on my hams and pork just now packed, I thought the public might be benefited by a knowledge of my way of curing meats. I therefore pubhsh it. Try it. — A. Aylsworth, in Ohio Farmer. An Important Work. — Mr. Kennedy, super- intendent of the census, is causing the preparation of a work at Iris Bureau, which is of the greatest in- terest. Taking some sets of large maps of States which are in possession of the government, he causes to be written over the spaces designating counties the number of whites, free-colored, slaves, and men between eighteen and forty-five years of age in such counties ; also, valuable animals with- in such Hmits, as horses, cattle, hogs, sheep, &c. The quantity of leading agricultural products is also noted, and railroads, canals, turnpikes and high roads are accurately delineated, with distan- ces between principal places. The maps in question are of great military value at tliis time, and hence Gen. McClellan has de- tailed several competent persons to make trans- cripts for the use of the army. Just now the work is confined to States which are seats of Avar, but it is intended to extend it to all the States, and in the end to have appropriate shadings to represent mineral regions, &.c. Szc. — Baltimore Sun. The Horticulturist. — The December num- ber uf this popular periodical is before us, and, as usual, elegant in its a])pearance. It is illustrated by beautifully ])ainted engravings of the "Senior Wrangler," "Diophantus," and "Moor" geraniums. The editor's leader is a continuation of his "Hints on Grape Culture," and is upon the subject of com- posts and manures. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 37 OM" PKOTECTING NATIVE GBAPSS IN WINTER. BY rUATIQUER. It is our duty to profit by experience. The re- sults of the past year have taught a lesson to be improved by vincyardists, as a matter of ])leasure as -well as profit. Amon;^ those who laid down their ,£:;;rape-vines in the fall of 1860, are now, at the fruit-ripening season, to be seen many cheer- ful countenances, the owners pointing Mith glow- ing satisfaction to Avell-loaded vines, bearing ripe, delicious grapes, produced, as they firmly believe, by their discretion in protecting the vines a year ago, some of whom, I am hajjpy to say, have real- ized a money value for their products which ena- les them to say that grape culture is profitable, as well as pleasurable. . The protection of vines in this Nortliern climate is a necessity ; they may es- cape five years out of six, and yet, if the crop is lost once in that time, the grower not only loses his crop, but very often loses his confidence, so that he neglects to prune, cultivate, and train, and perhaps, through carelessness and neglect, loses his crop of future years, and ultimately the cost of liis vineyard. When one sees a neglected vine- yard, and inquires the reason why it is not cared for, he is often told, "It won't pay." Why not ? '•Because it is so much trouble to cover the vines in winter." Let us look at this, and see if it is so. The writer, who is an enthusiast on gi-ape culture, dcsii'ous to try experiments, lost many of his vines by a neglect to cover them, by leaving them tied to the stakes and trellis, to see what Avould happen to them, wliile the other portion, covered Avith earth, or laid on the ground and covered with leaves and snow, were not only in good order in the spring, but have borne abundantly of good ripe fruit, and have already ripened wood for another season, ripening both fruit and wood many days earlier for their protection. A neighbor, with a large vineyard, producing annually many tons of grapes, covered a part of his vines, Aviiich have yielded bountiful crops this season ; lie has lost, by his estimate, from two to three thousand dollars on those left exposed, the expense of covering which would have amoimted to a trifie less than two hundred dollars. Omitting tliis small expen- diture, liis unprotected vines have barely paid the expense of cultivating the past summer ; indeed, a part of liis vineyard has not even been plowed this season, shoAving that he was discouraged. I could cite many more instances, if necessary, but a Avord to the wise is sufficient. It must be remarked, that the v,inter of 1S60-G1 was the severest upon many fruits that has lieeii experienced during tJie ]>rcsent century, either on this continent or in Eu- rope. The cold was intense for perhaps twenty- four hours at a time, and was preceded and fol- lowed by moderate weather, with a clear winter sun. There is good reason to believe that native grapes would bear the severest cold if they were not suddenly ex])osed to a bright sunshine, after being congealed into solid ice ; it may not, there- fore, be necessary to bury them in the ground, but it is undoubtedly the most economical mode of protecting them, is found to be effectual in every instance heard of, and is doubtless attended with less trouble than any other method of covering and protecting known. It can be done rapidly ; with an hour's practice, a man becomes very expert. First, let the vines be pruned and trimmed ready for t}'ing in the spring ; then run a plow two or three times between the roMS, near the middle, say about three or feet from the stakes or trellis, and so for from the vines as to lay no roots bare ; then let two men work together, one of v.hom gathers the canes, and holding them together, lays them on the ground lengthwise of the rows, while the other throws two or three shovelfuls of earth to anchor them, and continues to tlii'ow on more earth, where needed, until the first is ready with more canes from the next vine. They proceed thus through the roAV. Returning, they each use the shovel to complete the covering. It may all be done in less time than the two men Avould dig a row of potatoes. This is much easier and less ex- pensive than covering with straw : besides, straw beds l)ecome harboring-places for mice, Avhieli ofcen damage the canes Avhen short of food. Another method is to construct hurdles to lay over the vines, but it is both troublesome and costly, except on a small scale. Vines are sometimes well pro- tected by laying on the ground, Avith stones upon them, to prevent SAvaying alDout in the Avind. There are some hardy varieties Avliich have Avithstood the vicissitudes of our climate, and Avhich may be said not to need any protection ; but they may live in one location, and be Avinter-killed in another ; or, under varying circumstances, the Avood of one may be more perfectly ripened, and thus be able to stand scA'erer tests. It is better to cover than all ; they are then sure to come out all right, and Avill bear their fruit three to five days earlier for it, which is an item of great importance, adding more value to the crop than all the labor and expense of protection. In the spring, the canes may be lifted Avith a garden fork, and alloAved to lie on the ground until the proper time for tying to the stake or trelhs. Remarks. — For several years we have practiced the mode of protecting grape vines in the Avinter described above, and have invariably found them to come out in the spring appearing more fresh and vigorous than those left upon the trellises or stakes. The labor of laying them is not much, and, compared Avith the advantages gained, is un- doubtedly a profitable labor. When covered, the cultivator should not be in haste to take them up in the spring, as the bark, by being kept moist through the Avinter, is tender, and is in danger of being injured by a night or tAVO that is colder than is usual in the spring, if foUoAved by- hot suns during the succeeding clays. We have sometimes let them remain Avith advantage until the middle of May. The Bees at War. — A gi-eat battle of bees recently occurred at Conneaut, Oliio. Ezra ] )ip- ple had seventy SAvarms, about equally divided on the east and Avest sides of his house. On the 17 th they Avent to Avar, those on the Avest side of the house being arrayed in battle against those on the other side. They filled the air, covering a space of more than one acre of ground, and fought des- perately for tln-ee hours— not for "spoils," but for conquest ; and Avliile at Avar, no living thing could exist in the vicinity. They stung a large fiock of 38 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. Shanghai chickens, nearly all of which died, and persons passing along the roadside were obliged to make haste to avoid their stings. Quiet was not restored until nightfall. Two young swarms were entirely destroyed, and the slain literally cov- ered the ground. Neither party was victorious, and they only ceased from utter prostration. The cause of this bitter outbreak among creatures so redolent of sweetness, is quite unaccountable. CUXTIVATION" AWD PROPAGATION" OP THE PINE TRIBES. A correspondent of Tloveifs Magazine wiites concerning the propagation of the Pine and Fir tribes, in an article rejjlete with interest, from winch we make these extracts : "\Vith respect to the soil and situation best adapt- ed to the Abietinse, some inference may be dravrn from the fact that pine and fir forests are most generally found ui)on a soil comi)osed of the de- bris of granite. Hence the pre^•alence of this fam- ily of trees near the summits of high mountains, and over large portions of North America M'here the different forms of granite distinguish the geo- logical character of the soil. A sandy loam and a cold subsoil seem to be the most favorable condi- tions for the growth of coniferous trees. Our white pine requn-es a richer soil than the other American species, and the larch excels all the oth- ers in a mean soil. The native habitats of the hem- lock are very wet, and often partly submerged in Nvater, yet these conditions arc not necessary to it. In fine, tliere are but few of the conifers that will not do well in almost any soil after they have been successfully transplanted and raised to a growing condition. The usual method of propagating all the species IS by seeds, immense quantities of winch are annu- ally collected in tlifferent parts of the world, by coiicctors of Great Britain. It is common with us to ti-anspiant the White Pine from the woods ; but very fev.' other sjiecies will bear tlris process, un- less they M-ere raised from the seeds ni a planta- tion. The most certain and economical mode of obtaining a plantation of conifers is to purchase them from the; nurseries. The artificial treatment they have received from the first, under the hand of the cultivator, modifies their nature, so that any s]iecics, even the hemlock, may always be success- fully removed from the nurseries, under the right circumstances of time and season. In England, it is no unusual thing to propagate certain species by cuttings ; but the pines cannot be treated in tliis way. Cuttings are taken from th.e lateral branches when the recent shoots are beginning to ripen ; they are planted in sand and covered with a glass. This is usually done on the last of August, or a little later ; the cuttings are ke]:)t in a frame and protected from the frost, and will be found to have struck then.' roots on the next May or June. They may aftenvards be transplanted in the au- tumn. The Silver Fir, tlie Spruce and the Larch, are found to bear this ]n-occss Avell ; but the prac- tice is not likely to be followed to any considera- ble extent in this country. Grafting has also been successfully ]n-acticed with several species. The method of raising by seeds is, hoM'cver, the most practicable ; and in the gathering and plant- ing of seeds a great deal of judgment and experi- ence is required. The cones of -some species ripen in one year, in others not until the end of two years. It is advisable to collect the cones a little while before they are perfectly ripe, when they are liable to drop their seeds. In the European trees the seeds usually drop from the cones in March ; here the time varies with our latitude and climate, and with the difi'erent species. The cones of the Hemlock are mature in the autumn, when they begin to shed their seeds, con- tinuing to do so all winter ; those of the Pitch Pine are mature at the end of the second autumn ; those of the White Pine require also two years for then.' maturity, and ripen in the autumn. Hence the }3roper time to gather the cones of our native species is during the fall of the leaf. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. DRESSING UP FLAX. I wish to inquire through the Farmer, if there is macliinery for getting out flax, either rotted or unrotted, as tlie raising of flax is profitable, if the cost of dressing it was not so much ? Chelsea, VL, Dec, 18GL Eli Camp. Re^l^rks. — There is. A cheap process has been discovered whereby flax may be prepared for the "brake" in the course of a few hours, — and then it is run through a machine at the rate of a ton per hour, perhaps, completely separating the fibre from the Avoody part of the stem. With these facilities for dressing, and the constant demand of the seed for its oil and as feed for cattle, it seems to us that flax-raising might be made profitable on many of our New England lands. TO PREVENT POSTS BEING THROWN BY FROST. Last spring there was much complaint about fence posts being thrown out of the ground by the frost, and a request to know what would prevent it. Several things were proposed, such as setting the fence with stone, Ike. There is one thing that I think will prevent it, if not too expensive, which is as follows : Put about a pint of coarse salt around each post, or enough to ])revent the ground from freezing, and the post will not be disturbed. There will be an- other advantage from the salt. The post will last tM'ice as long as without it. It should be put about the post about the first of December each year. The fence between the posts must not rest on the ground. X. TIIE WEATHER. Nov. 28 — Thanksgiving. — Weather is fine and moderate ; but little snow, not enough for sleigh- ing. Jack Frost, however, has rendered his stay so far serviceable as to ])ave the ways and by-ways, so that wheeling is very good. Nov. 29 — Morning. — Snowing finely. P. M. — Cloudy and moderate. Two or three inches new snow ; enjoyed the first slcigh-ride of the season. Dec. 1 — A. M. — Quite moderate ; cloudy. P. !M. — Snowing, though damp. Eve. — prospect of sleiglung. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAR^ESR. 39 Dec. 2 — Morn. — Cooler, sLx inches new snow. A. M. — Cooler still. "Old nor' wester" begins to exhibit itself among the newly laid snow-tlukes. P. M. — Wind cold and blowing — later, real March bluster ! Dec. 3 — Weather clear and cold, mercurj' 20° below freezing point. Quite a sudden change. Young winter is really quite lioiilsh ; hope he may deem it best to exhibit to his subjects more lamblike qualities after he has become more ac- customed to his thi-onc, and the novelty of his ele- vated position has worn away. Lyndon, Vt. I. W. Sanborn. MILLET SEED FOR HOGS AND HENS. Will you please state, m your next number, the good qualities of millet for feeding hogs and hens ? Will you state how much, per bushel, I should ])ay in order to feed it to hogs, &.C., so as to make a profit above buying meal ? G. E. M. Somcrville, Bee, 1861. Remarks. — AVe have never known millet seed fed to hogs or hens. It would, no doubt, be good for either, but what its value is, compared with other grains, we are unable to say. QUERIES ABOUT POULTRY. I notice that Wm. Robinson, of Watertown, gives us a very good and profitable account of his poultry business. Will he not give us a descrip- tion of the manner he kept them ? Did he keep them cooped ? How large a coop he had ? What kinds of food he gave them ? How he managed his chickens when small , Sec. ? 13. F. T. South Oroton, Dec, 1861. BRONZE TURKEYS. Can you, or some of your readers, inform me where and at what price I can obtain a pair of full blood large bronze turkeys ? R. GOODELL. Antrim, N. IL, Dec. 2, 1861. CROPS IN MICHIGAN. "Wheat light, particularly the best quality of white Minter. Corn very good. Oats light. Po- tatoes, a good yield, but rot very bad. Apples and other fruit and vegetables plenty. X. Influence of Newspapers. — In an article in another column, under this caption, the writer. Doctor Silas Brown, states that he is "now over eiglity-two years old," and yet his manuscript, which now lies before us, is written in a clear, bold hand, and scarcely needs the touch of the pen be- fore sending it to the printer ! It is refresliing to receive such interesting facts of the past, clothed in appropriate language, and so plainly recorded. What the Doctor says of Editors we believe to be just. But who make up the newspapers ? It is not editors alone, — for, when properly conducted, they must owe a certain portion of theii- value to the ^ratings of good men who contribute to their columns. In a cheerful, intelligent and vigorous old age, the Doctor's life is illuminated by kind acts and the dissemination of fects and principles which certainly tend to make the world better. We are always glad to see his familiar hand, and send abroad the sound doctrines which he ex- presses so well. For the New En!;land Farmer. THOUGHTS ABOUT SUGAR MAKLN"G. In perusing your paper of Nov. 1, I was much interested in a piece written by Mr. Bassett, on sugar making. I M'ell remember, thirty years ago, my father and others made the whitest of sugar, without any trouble, and coals and ashes were continually flying into the kettle. I have made thousands of pounds of veiy poor, and also of good sugar. I have came to the con- clusion that nine-tenths of the poor sugar is made by sourness in buckets and store tubs. Therefore, too much pains cannot be taken : peo])le are apt to think store tubs, washed at the beginning and end of sugaring, is sufficient. But sourness will col- lect much quicker than in buckets, and they should be cleansed every few days. I admire Jilr. Bas- sett's views in speaking of boiling, cleansing, arch, grate, &c. His heater is nev.' to me — I think it must be a great improvement, and hope to gain by it. He also speaks of a syphon to cai'ry the sap from one pan to the other, with ends turned up. I tried it to my satisfaction in eveiy way and shape, calculating it would keep the sap in the pans on a level ; but when the sap boiled hard, it would fill with steam and stop. I also tried to draw sap from the pan while boiling hard, into a pail, with the syphon ends turned up. It would run two or three jiails full and stop, therefore I could not place any dependence upon it. So you see in my plan that you published Nov. 24, 1860, the syphons all extended back to the heater, wliich seldom boils, there being four pans to draw from it. Let every farmer make an estimate of store tubs and a cistern. First, the sap in store tubs is subject to the warm air, which causes it to sour. Now a cistern, being in the ground, keeps the sap cool like well water, and being covered up, nothing can get into it, ex- cept Avhat passes through the strainer. The cost of a cistern to hold 300 pails full is — 1 barrel of cement $3.50 To dnuTin.? sand 1,00 To dunging a hole for cistern 75 To mason work, laving 1,50 Tending ." 1,00 Cost $7,75 Now add 10 store tubs holding 30 pails full each, which cost here $2,50 each, $l*o,00. If any one should use the self-acting faucet one season, I think they would not wisli to be deprived of it. They cost about tAventy-five cents apiece, besides the lead pipe. If you wish to be absent, instead of letting your fire go down so as not to burn up your sap, build as hot a fire as you please, and when you come back you will find your pan full as when left, and boiling well ; there is no filling up to do — it takes care of itself I should prefer an India rubber hose attached to the bottom of the boiler, as I described to you, Nov. 24, 1860, and then liook up at the top, rather than a tin sy- ]ihon which you must fill with sap, and turn over into the hauler, holding on to both ends v,ith wet 40 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. hands. I prefer buckets largest at the top, on ac- count of ice, which we cannot always avoid. Peo- ple in this vicinity prefer the tin spout ; those that have given it a thorough trial, say they can get more sap. I use a half round tapering bit, so I can tap over by taking off a small shaving a doz- en times if I wish, and then not exceed five-eighths of an inch. They are manufiictured by our black- smiths. Several have tried the experiment here, and ha^e become satisfied that they can get as much sap from a one-fourth inch hole, as from a three-fourths or one inch hole, as it cuts off the same number of grains. Erastus Way. West Burke, Vt., Dec, 1861. ■WILLOW. This tree is extensively cultivated in some countries, on account of its rapid grov.th, and the remarkable facility with wliich it accommodates itself to almost any modification of climate, and every variety of soil •wlrich possesses the capa- bility of nourishing vegetable life. When large and full-grown, it presents a venerable and som- bre appearance, being more densely foliaged than any other tree, and of a form often singularly fan- tastical and picturesque. The timber is not much valued, except when young. It is then wrought by the country people into various kinds of ozier or wicker work, such as baskets, the coverings of demijohns, &c. As fuel, the wood possesses nearly the value of white pine, being light and highly combustible, but possessed of little durability. Like most wood of rapid growth, it soon decays, especially Avhen exposed to the atmosphere. Used for rafters, or other purposes where it is kept con- tinually dry, it has some value, possessing the power of holding nails as firmly, almost, as oak. The weeping willow, around Avhich there cluster in most minds, none but most gloomy associations, is an importation from Europe, where it is said to have been first cultivated by the poet Pope, who discovered a slip of it in a basket or package wliich had been sent to him from China. Some assert that tlie ordhiary willow, if its position be reversed, will be changed into a weeping willow. The foli- age of the willow possesses nutritive properties, and in some countries is gathered the same as corn shucks, and cured as a winter feed for horses and neat stock. It is to be regretted that a greater degree of at- tention is not paid to the embellishment of our country residences and villages, by the transplant- ing of ornamental trees. Nothing adds more to the beauty and desirableness of a dwelling than a plantation, tastefully managed, of ornamental trees. No matter how splendid and elegant in architectu- ral design and finish a dwelling may be, if it stands exposed, unembellished and unprotected by ti'ecs and shrubbery, it must ever revolt the eye of taste ; there is a nakedness about it which is re- pulsive, a something which requires filling up. And there is a pleasure in planting which all keen- ly feel who are not utterly callous to the beautiful in nature. "You can have no idea of the exquis- ite delights of a planter," says Sir Walter Scott ; "he is like a painter laying on his colors, — at every moment he sees his effects coming on. There is no art or occupation comparable to this ; it is full of past, present and future enjoyments. I look back to the time when there was not a tree here — only barren heath. I look round, and see thou- sands of trees growing up, all of which I may say have received my personal attention. I remember, five years ago, looking forward with the most de- lighted expectation, to this very hour, and as each year has passed, the expectation has gone on in- creasing. I do the same, now. I anticipate what tliis plantation, and what that one Avill be, if I only take care of it, and there is not a spot of wliich I do not watch the progress." The time will come when necessity will compel us to accord more attention to this business, and before long, too. THE LEMON TRADE. The most delicate varieties of lemons known in the export trade are the Poncine, incomparable, the Naples, the sweet lemon, the Imperial, the Ga- eta, the large fruit and the Vi-ax lemon. The most delicious, however, are the hot house productions, which are known only in the conservatories of the wealthy. The peculiar nature of the lemon tree, on M'hich may be seen at the same time the blos- som and the fruit in all stages of growth, continues the supply through every month of the year, but in greater abundance in the spring. The importa- tions, which continue during the year are largest from January to June, in wliich month thej' seem to culminate. The scarcity of the supply at pres- ent is variously accounted for, but may be safelv attributed to the general interruption to commerce occasioned by the rel)eIlion of the Southern States. The supply in the market is not always governed by the clcmand, as there are but four houses in New York who import on their ovrn account, all other shipments being made on account and at the risk of producers. It will thus be seen that the trade is of a precarious character, and not likely to tempt investment. The number of boxes brought to this country from September, 1860, to August, 1861, according to the most reliable figures, is, to New York, one hundred and twenty-five thousand ; to Boston, thirty-five thousand ; to Philadelphia, thirty-one thousand ; and to Baltimore, Avhere the season closed earlier than usual, only eight thou- sand. This is less by fifty thousand boxes than the importations of the previous year. No natural production varies in price so much as lemons, or- anges, and Mediterranean fruits. Ten days ago lemons were worth twelve dollars a box, and this week they are six. Last year the price ranged from fifty cents to seven dollars a box. The price is governed by the immediate supply, as they are purchased for immediate consumption. — Scientific American. For the New England Farmer. OOE'S SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. Having heard and read a great deal about the fertilizing properties of Coe's superphosphate of lime, I determined last spring to make a trial of it myself, and -will now give the result. I bought only one bag, containing 125 pounds, which cost me three dollars, delivered at the farm. The phosphate was applied to corn, potatoes, squash and pumpkin vines, and cabbages. The soil in which the corn was planted is a light loam, of medium depth and quality. About fifteen ox- loads of manure from the barn-j\ard — a large por- tion of which was meadow muck, carted in the pre- vious year — was applied to the acre after the land was plowed, and thoroughly harrowed in. I will here state what I have learned from a neighbor the present year ; that tlie cultivator is a much better nnplement than the harrow, for covering manure spread on the furrow, for it not only covers better, but leaves the ground much lighter. The land was then very lightly furrowed both ways, and the corn planted ; nothing being put into the liill except on that portion where the phosphate was used, which was about one-fourth part of the field. On this portion of the field a table spoonful of phosphate was dropped in the hill, and thoroughly mixed with the soil, a pronged hoe being used for the purpose. And here let me say that very many farmers receive no benefit, but much injury, both fi'om the phosphate and guano, simjjly because they do not take pains to thoroughly mix these fer- tilizers with the soil. They tlii-ow a handful into the hiU, kick a little dirt over it, plant the corn on the top, and expect it will grow and flourish in the burning stimulant. The result is, that one-half, or more, of the corn is burnt up, and the other half receives such a powerful dose, that it resem- bles, all through the season, a person who is al- ways taking physic. At difterent places thi'ough that part of the field where no phosphate Avas used, and where the nature of the soil is as uniform as possible, four rows Avere staked off', and the phos- phate applied as above. Where the phosphate was used, the corn came up a few days sooner, and un- til it had nearly attained its full height, was more than a weeks "growth lai'ger, besides being of a much darker green than the other corn. The corn also began to ripen about a week sooner where the lime was appHed. In the hurry of harvesting, I did not ascertain the difference in the yield of corn except in one section of the field. Eight rows through the field — four with the phosphate, and four without, side by side — were reserved, and each of the four rows husked out separately. The rows to wliich the phosphate was applied, yielded six bushels, one peck and a half of sound ears, and three pecks of unsound ears. The four rows without the phos- phate yielded six bushels and one peck of sound ears, and one bushel of unsound ears. To make the trifling difference plain, I will state it thus : With phosphate. . .6 bush. 3 half-pecks sound, % bush, unsound. Witliout " ...6 " 2 " " " 1 " " So it seems there was only one half peck more of sound ears of corn in the rows where the lime was used, and one peck less of unsound ears ; or, with the good and bad together, one-half peck moi^e com in the rows without the phosphate. But the corn was riper, the ears longer, and the kernels larger, where the artiflcial fertilizer was applied. I'erhaps if I had put another spoonful of phos- phate to each hiU after the corn was up, the differ- ence would have been greater, and more to the credit of the lime ; but as it was, the tlifference was very small compared with some of the cracking stories which I have read concerning the astonish- ing effects of tlris fertilizer. To have made the ex- periment more exact, the corn should have been shelled and weighed, but as it was not sufficiently dry at the time of husking, I did not do it. raise the eight rowed corn, and a bushel of ears will make a large half bushel of shelled corn. Perhaps it may be well to mention that a hand- ful of wood ashes were applied to every hill of corn as soon as it was out of the ground, with the ex- ception of seven rows tlu-ough the centre of the field, and where no phosphate had been used. As the corn increased in height, these seven rows looked like a valley through the field, or like Pharaoh's lean kine ; the corn in these rows being very small, and of a light green or yellow color. In the rows next to these, where the ashes had been used, the corn was twice as large, and of a much darker green ; and next beyond these, where the phosphate was applied, the corn was twice as large as it was Avliere the ashes had been used sep- arately. This proves that ashes, although not so powerful as the phosphate, yet are of great value to the former, if he appKes them at the right time. The ashes in tins instance were applied immediate- ly after a soaldng rain ; and tliis, in my opinion, is the best time to make use of them. At the second hoeing, the ground being quite dry, the same quan- tity of ashes Avere put on to each liill in the seven roAvs, Avliich had been used in the other part of the field ; but although it rained soon after, yet the ashes did not seem to have the least effect upon the corn, Avhich continued to have the same sickly or starved appearance through the Avhole summer — the corn being very Ught at harvesting. As nearly all the phosphate Avhich I bought was used upon the corn, I tried it upon only one row of potatoes. A table spoonful was applied to each hill, no manure being used. On each side of this roAV, the potatoes Avere planted in the usual man- ner, Avith one shovelful of manure to the hill. Dur- ing the first part of the season, the potatoes plant- ed in the phosphate Avere larger, and of a darker green, than the plants on each side, but finally Avere outgroAvn by the potatoes planted in the ma- nure. Wlien the potatoes Avere harvested, the re- sult was the foUoAving, from tAvo roAvs, each con- taining the same number of hiUs. Row with phosphate \% bush, potatoes. Row without phosphate '2f^ " " It seems that there was about a third more pota- toes in the roAv Avhich Avas manured, and they Avere larger ; but I have no doubt that had the manure and phosphate been used together, the peld of po- tatoes Avould have been greater than Avhere the manure Avas applied separately. The phosphate was also applied in the same manner as above, to cabbages and squash vines, but Avithout any visi- ble effect after the first two months. The phos- phate, although powerful at fii'st, seems to lose its force before the season is over, and does not fulfill what it promises to do in the fii-st part of the sea- son ; but I may be wrong in this conclusion as 42 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. to its general effects upon all kinds of land and crops. I forgot to mention that on that part of the corn-field where the phosphate was used, the crop of pumpkins was more than twice as large, and of a much better quality, than on any other part of the field. A friend of mine, in North Leominster, used some of Coe's phosphate on part of a mowing field last spring, and the crop of hay was a third heavier than on that portion Avhere none was applied. I believe that Coe's superphosphate of lime, if rightly used, is a powerful stimulant to plants, and an aid to the farmer ; but I also believe that this, or any other artificial fertilizer, can never take the place (and be as beneficial to the land as well as the growing crops,) of animal and vegetable ma- nures, composted together in the barn-cellar, or elsewhere. This kind of food for plants, no farm- er can possess too much of, or be too diligent in accumulating and heaping together. I hope that all who have made experiments with Coe's phosphate, will give the results to the world ; for it is only by many different experiments upon aU kinds of soil, that a correct estimate of its real merits can be known. S. L. WlIITE. South Crroton, Dec, 1861. THE ESSEX SOCIETY. We have before us the "Transactions of the Essex Agricultural Society for the year 1861," in a neatly-printed book of 200 pages. It shoAVS as much progress, over its fellows that have preced- ed it, in the art of printing, as has been made in the cultivation of the soil. The fii'st paper pre- sented is the Address of Mr. Alfred A. Abbott, of South Danvers, and a good one it is. The re- ports on Plowing with oxen and horses, on Work- ing Oxen, Farm and Draft Horses, on Stallions, Breeding Mares, Colts, Fat Cattle, Bulls, Sheep and Swine and Milch Cows, are all very short, scarcely venturing a remark in regard to any of them, as to their importance to the farmer, or dropping any suggestions that might be valuable to him. The report on Poultry is more at length, and presents facts that are of value to the poultry raiser. The report on the Dairy is brief, but closes with the following capital wish : — "We wish that all of our young ladies, wliile they are learning to play the piano, would also learn to make good butter and cheese. You can please your husband better with ordinary music and sweet butter, than with the sweetest music and rancid butter." In the brief report on Pears, by Mr. John M. Ives, he says, — Regarding the injury to our fruit trees and gi-ape vines, we apprehend that it took place be- tween the last of P^ebruary and early in March. The ground was so open in that month that some strawberry beds were forked over and the plants set. On Sunday morning, March 3d, the ther- mometer, in South Salem, went up to 7.5° in the shade, and 8o° in the sun. On the Thursday fol- lowing, it was but 10° above nearly the whole day, and upon the 18th, it was only 4° above at sunrise. The MiU Pond was frozen over sufficient for skating. Such fluctuations of temperature, particularly thus late, would, we think, be more disastrous than if they had occurred in December or January. The sudden freezing and thawing of the sap ves- sels in winter, particularly in the grape vine, causes tliis trouble ; and as the sap is always in motion, at all seasons and under all circumstaiaces, except in the presence of intense cold, as said by that eminent physiologist. Dr. Lyndlay, can Ave wonder at these results ? Biot, a French Avriter, says that there is a great deal of sap in the spring, and much less at other seasons. He has also proved, by an ingenious apparatus, that the rate of motion of the sap may be measured at all sea- sons. In mild weather the sap was constantly rising, but Avhen frost was experienced, it flowed back again. The report on Floicers is extended, criticises sharply some bad practices introduced into the ex- hibition, makes valuable suggestions, and closes with a manly and touching appeal to the farmers of the county, as follows : — Perhaps our Avorthy Essex farmers are not yet wholly rid of the idea that raising floAvers is "Avoman's Avork." So it is ; but not the less that of men, by any means. Woman shines in every work of benevolence, but man honors himself in the giving of alms as much as she. Woman is lovely in connection Avith the education of the young ; is not man equally Avell employed in the same field? "But," he says, "flowers look charmingly, but have no usefulness ; they do no good, that I knoAV of." Suppose it is so ; hoAv much good does the carmine do, that you love to see mantling your Red Astracans as Avell as any one ? Is the Bald- Avin better for its ruby coat, or the Maiden-Blush for the gloAv that has borroAved it a name from the loveliest of all things ? Is the Bartlett more lus- cious for its gold, or the Tomato for its fine crim- son ? But the plainest farmer loves all these bet- ter for their beautiful hues, and he knoAvs it, and cannot help it, and still those hvies have no more of utility about them than the tint or quilling of an Aster. There is just as fine a vein of enjoy- ment in the farmer's nature as in any man's ; nay, he, of all men, is the one to have enjoyment — a full, deep, overflowing cup of it, for his physical system is aptest to be tuned to the true natural harmony, vigorous and strong, and beauty ought to rise on his vision, not in pale, diluted colors, but glorious and Avarm as a haymaker's sunshine. Wlio disbelieves in the culture of a fcAV floAvers on the farm, noAv ? If there are any, there is a prospect that they will at some time be given over to hardness of heart. But Ave must indulge in one more extract — and we know it Avill gratify many a reader — and thank the gentlemen of the com- mittee before we close : — The groAving of lovely and perfectly formed floAvers is as much in harmony Avith nature as any of the operations of culture. Man is a Avorker of changes in everything ; he has, so to express it. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 43 made the Apple, Peach and Pear ; he has made the Potato and the d .. cu of roots that we think so much of; and shall wc call hnn any more a fool because he has doubled the Rose and Chrys- anthemum to make them feed more vigorously the huuii^ry life within. Surely not ; let the far- mer cultivate flowers 5 let him raise the very best he can, and show them for his owii credit, and to excite a generous eompetilion in the hearts of his brethren. They will be like a red cheek on the sunny side of his own mellow harvest ; like the bloom on the features of his own home-fed daugh- ters, which enliances and testifies their worth, though it may not cause it. In their mute elo- quence, they shall speak to him of a life liigher than the mere flitting present ; for his full barn and bin only suggest the idea of ever-returning hunger, but these can minister to a want that bi-ead cannot satisfy, hinting still at the painless expeiience of an immortal rest, from which they seem like lovely premonitors, always murmuring in the ear of him who notes them, "O, pray believe that angels from those blue dominions, Brought us in their white \aps domi, 'twixt their purple pinions." The report of the committee on Cranberry Cul- ture is brief, but very suggestive. That on Man- ures is valuable. It contains the experiments by Mr, Richard S. Rogers, of South Danvers, a portion of which were commiuiicated to the Far- mer, and published in February last. "^A'^hat he has added, and now appears in these Transactions, we shall copy hercafter. The report on Root Crops is pretty full, and the statement of Mr. H. A. Stiles abounds in sound instruction. The report of the Committee "On the Improvement of Pasture and Waste Lands" shows in the clearest light the unprofitable condi- tion of such lands, but presents no definite plan for their reclamation. But one iu'stance is cited, that of Oliver P. Killam, of Boxford, who cut bushes, dug out the roots, made holes eight feet in diameter, and put apple trees in them. This will answer very well occasionally — but what we want, as a general tiling, is pasturage, not orcharding. An excellent report follows on Forest Trees, by Jeeemlvh Spofford. The Society voted to build a new barn on the Treadwell Farm, and also to continue to hold their exhibitions in different parts of the county. The next paper, "by Wilson Flagg, is "^1 Plea for the Birds on account of their Utility to Agri- cidture" and is an interesting and valuable paper. Following tliis is an "Essay on the Cultivation of Cranberries," by Nathan Page, Jr., which is full of excellent facts and suggestions. Upon the whole, this volume of the Essex Transactions fully sustains the high reputation ■which that ancient county has gained. The Sec- retary of the Society, Charles P. Preston, Esq., of Danvers, is entitled to credit for the prompt- ness Avith wliich the volume appears, and to our thanks for the copy which we have examined. For the New England Farmer. FINISH UP THE WORK. Time, with its varied and changing scenes, has brought us almost to the close of another year ; tills is the season which should be improved by the farmer, and is of almost as much value to him as the month of July. In this month he should improve the oi)i)ortunity presented him in the warm and pleasant dajs, to complete whatever of lus fai-m work time may not have allowed him to do before. Let not the fine opportunity, wliich the open fall and tardy winter has present- ed, be lost. If the manure has not all been carted from the yard, do it noAV, and as fiist as it is removed from the jard let its jjlace be filled with muck from your meadows. It will amply reward you for your trouble in grass next year, even if you should en- counter a little frost before the job is quite done. And when the snow forbids your longer working the soil, look to the wood-pile, — don't let the fe- males of your household have a chance of com- plaining about green wood, and not enough of it, either ; and don't allow yourself to sit around in the house, and see them bring it from the wood- house, when you have nothing else to do. The cattle, too, don't forget them, the kind beasts that serve us ; don't allow them to suffer for the want of a shelter, or sufficient food to sat- isfy their appetites, though too lavish feeding is bad ; but let them have enough to keep them in good condition and still keep their appetites good. If you have poor hay which you must feed out, do it at the commencement of feeding, and you will find that by cutting it up and putting upon it a quart of meal to each creature, each day, there will be but very little of it lost, and you Avill scarce- ly feel the expense at all. The horses, too, and colts, should be looked af- ter with great care tlu-ough the cold weather. Do not believe the former who tells you that it is bet- ter for your colt to take tilings as they come along, in the rough and tumble style, but look af- ter him ; give him a warm stable, and plenty of good hay, a few good carrots and a quart of shorts each day, and perhaps two quarts would not hurt him — if not, give them to him. When all the out- door work is cared for, call upon your neighbor, and examine your accounts for the past year, and, by the Avay, do not make a day-book of the bel- lows, or a ledger of the fire-frame — such memo- randums are worthless. Lastly, but not least, don't forget to subscribe for the N. E. Farmer, or some other agricultural paper equally as valuable, if you do not now take one, for you will find it a valuable counsellor and guide in your business. Let your evenings, which are now long, be spent in gathering agricultural knowledge from some standard work upon the same, and thereby profit yourself and set a good example before your family. E. P. L. Ware, Mass., Dec., 1861. Pure Seeds. — In our appropriate columns may be found an advertisement of Mr. Sanford Ad- ams, announcing his ability to separate at little cost, all impurities from grain, grass and canary- seed. He will, also, shell and clean peanuts for confectioners or family use, and sort beans so that 44 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jau- the number one will all be of the same size, free from all broken ones or spurious seed, and appear- ing as though they had been through some pol- ishing operation, wliich they quite likely have. We have seen his machines and found his sifting pro- cesses reaUy wonderful. He has brought them to such perfection, and will furnish the means of do- ing the same so cheaply, that there is no necessity for the farmer, any longer, to sow foul seeds, and thus entail upon himself and posterity a perpetual plague and loss. 'SMiat struck us as the most surprising in INIr. Adams' apparatus, is the great simplicity Avith which he accomplishes so much. He not only sep- arates products of different sizes and shapes, but by the application of screens to fan mills, he does 60 by their specific gravity. For the Nmo England Farmer. PKEMIUMS 0]!f STOCK. Mr. Editor : — As the "Middlesex Agricultural Society" is an old Society, having been established a long time, must we not expect younger societies of the same kind to look to us for an example ? As it respects premiums for stock, have we not been too much like the horse in the cider mill, going the same round, year after year? Should we not accomplish more good, if we should leave the old track, and offer tlu-ee premiums, first, sec- ond and third, for the best milch cow, without dis- tinction of breed ? Then offer premiums, for the best herd of cattle, not less than six in number. Also, others for not less than four cows and a bull. And still another ])remium for a herd of cat- tle, not less than seven in number, of the owner's raising. In order to make this acceptable to the farmers, suppose we pay to all those who offer a herd, worthy of exhibition, whether successful compe- titors or not, and who live at a greater distance than five miles from the fair, a travelling fee of two cents per mile, for each one of the cattle of- fered, for every mile exceeding five from the place of the fair ? I think tliis would bring a better show of stock to our fair, than we ever yet have had. I make these suggestions, hoping they may meet the eye of the Trustees, before their meeting, that they may have time to tliink of it, and be ready to adopt, amend, or reject, as they may think best. Asa G. Sheldon, TVilmington, Nov. 25, 1861. Wooden Things. — If Connecticut is not care- ful, she will lose the palm for inventing and mak- ing "Avooden things." A farmer in Canada recently lost a fine sow which had twelve sucking pigs, and not caring to lose the pigs, too, he set to work and formed a rough model of a sow m wood, be- ing hollow in the centre, the abdomen being fur- nished with twelve teats, cleverly formed of raw- hide. The interior of the model is kept filled with milk, and the whole of the young pigs suck from the teats of this singular looking wooden sow, and all are thriving well. For Hie Neta England Farmer. HINTS ON AGEICULTimE. Tlie rule of every farm, unless in exti-aordinary situations of fertiUty, is to expend on it two-thirds of whatever is grown ; such a farm cannot be worn out, but, A;ith decent management, is constantly growing better. Counti-ies Avhich have the largest population, where agriculture is thoi'oughly practiced, gi-ow more and more pi-oductivo. Belgium is the most thickly settled country in Europe ; it has been cul- tivated like a garden, for centuries, and its yearly produce is constantly increasing. There is, doubtless, a limit to the possible pro- duction of a farm, but we doubt if it was ever reached ; we think sixty bushels of wheat to an acre a great yield, and so it is, com]iared with our average harvests of ten or fifteen, but it is quite possible, by higli cidture, to raise one hundi-ed bushels on an acre. Drilling saves two-thirds of the seed alone, and often increases by one-tliird the crop ; the saving of the seed alone, in one year on a good-sized farm, would pay for the machine. In broadcast sowing some of the seed is buiied too deeply ; some lies upon the surface ; here it is crowded together ; there it is separated too ^Aide- 1}-. The drill places the seed where it is Avanted ; the proper de])th for wheat is one to two inches. The time wiU come when wheat di'iiled in rows will be cultivated as carefully as corn — ^with an immense increase in its productiveness. Wherever land needs manuring, it pays to ma- nure well. Suppose ten dollars' worth of manure on an acre of land gives you a crop worth tliii'ty dollars, and twenty dollars' worth gives you a crop worth only forty dollars, you ai'e still the gainer, and will be for years to come. A tree planted over the grave of Roger Wil- liams enveloped his skeleton with its roots so com- pletely as to preserve the form of the bones. In some parts of Connecticut there are little familj'-bury- ing grounds in the orchards, and the trees nearest the graves flourish with a remarkable fertility. We may have scruples about consuming or selling our ancestors in the form of apples and cider, but it is certain that every bone is worth its Aveight in gold, as a manure. A few bones at the roots of a fruit tree or gTape vine will supply it for a dozen years with just the nutriment it requires. I'he best wheat fields in Europe are its old battle-fields. No man Avho has a farm or garden should ever sell bones or ashes. Straw is worth more for manure than it ever brings Avhen sold in market. Our farmers tliink they do very well to get ten dollars net ju'ofit from an acre of land, but it wovdd be a poor acre of garden that did not pay a hun- (bed, and Ave have orchards that pay a thousand. There are pear trees that have paid a hundi'cd dol- lars a year for several successive years. Every dollar of manure on a farm is better than five dollars in any bank, or stock, that Ave knoAV of. It is a good stock that pays ten per cent. It must be a badly managed farm Avhere a deposit of ma- nure Avill not pay three hundred per cent. We need model farms and agricultural schools ; but Avhere these imjiortant institutions are Avanted it Avould not be a bad plan to spend a day or two Avith those eccentric but very benevolent people and admirable farmers, the Shakers. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 45 In a Shaker community, you have the matei'ial below the general average ; but made the most of in certam du-ections. Agriculture and domestic manutactures, carried out thoroughly, with the most important objects, temperance and frugidity, •will make them rich. In England, farmers prefer to lease farms rather than buy them. They prefer to expend their cap- ital in stock, manure and labor, rather than shut it up in the land. But the man who wants a home for his family and his posterity, must own the land he cultivates, and then every acre he drains, every tree he plants, every load of manure he plows into it, will add to its permanent riches. At the creation, man's appointed work was the cultivation of the earth, and tlierc are many whose talents are inferior in this respect. I tliink it will be so until all the other works are subordinate to this. Canals are dug, raih'oads are constructed, cities are buUded, warehouses, manufactories and ships are all constructed for the sole purpose of benefiting the lords and cultivators of the soil. All the pursuits of civilization rest upon this one. Perfect independence is impossible, but the old- fasliioned farmer, who is able to produce for him- self all the real necessaries, comes very near to it. A bed of muck or marl on a farm is better than a gold mine, in a long run : when the gold is ex- hausted, that is the end of it ; but the enriched farm will pour out crops for a century. AVhen a fruit tree has exhausted its fruit-form- ing material, it must stop bearing. Trv a load of muck or ashes, bone dust, &c., dug in from six to tAvelve feet from the trunk, and you will be satis- fied. _ / Every dead animal on a farm which is not eaten as food, should be stored with loam, rotten leaves, old plaster, poAvdered charcoal, leached ashes, or other absorbents, so as to make a compost of ma- nure that will be worth, in the long run, more than it would have sold for when living. The science of agriculture is to know how to convert the waste and apparently valueless mat- ters around us into the richest and most impor- tant production of life. The business of the far- mer is one of the greatest dignity. It is to assist the Almighty in His work of creation. It is to in- crease the beauty and fertility of the earth. North Charleston, N. H. H. B. GREAT EXPEDITION. Our readers will perceive by the new raUroad schedules published to-day that, actuated by a pub- lic spirit M'hich gives them fresh claim to the grate- ful consideration of the entire community, the sev- eral railroad companies on the seaboard line have united in adopting a rate of speed on then- respec- tive roads wliich actually reduces the time of travel between Wasliington and Boston within ticcntij hours ! Thus, a person leaving Boston at 2 P. M., arrives at Washington at 9i o'clock next morning. We have heard of an ancient personage who, in the fervor of faith, said he beHeved a cer- tain dogma because it was impossible ; but here is an achievement in transportation which we can scarcely believe, although it is proved to be possi- ble. We remember hearing a gentleman of this city, many years ago, before the happy introduction of railways, relate how, on entering the hall of the Exchange Hotel, in Boston, one evening, and stat- ing that he had left AVashington five days before — travelling by stage and steamboat — he Avas lis- tened to M'ith some incredulity. Was it possible ; only five days from Washington to Boston ? What was the world coming to ? And now . Has any man ever tried seriously to estimate the debt of gratitude which the world owes to the jniblic spirit that has blessed it with railroads ? Not in comfort alone to the traveller, or even in their in- calculable benefits to commerce, but in the saving of precious time. It is only those who are aged enough to have been trundled and jolted along three miles an hour, in the former old vehicles of travel, that can begin to appreciate the blessings of raikoads. — National Intelligencer. A TIGER KILLED BY BABOOWS. The following account of a tiger chase is ex- tracted from the North Lincoln Sphynx, a regi- mental paper published at Graham's town^ Cape of Good Hope. The writer, after alluding to his sporting experience of all kinds and in all quarters of the globe, declares that he never witnessed so novel or intensely interesting a chase as that about to be described : "Not long ago I spent a few days at Fort Brown, a small military post on the banks of the Great Fish river, where my friend W. Avas stationed. One evening, as my friend and I Avere returning home after a somcAvhat fatiguing day's buck- shooting, Ave Avere startled by hearing the most ex- traordinary noises not far from us. It seemed as if all the demons in the im'ernal regions had been unchained, and Avere amusing themselves by trying to frighten us poor mortals by their horrid yelling. We stood in breathless expectation, not knoAving Avhat could possibly be the cause of this diabolical roAV, Avith all sorts of strange conjectures flashing across our minds. Nearer and nearer the yelling and screaming approached, and presently the cause became visi- ble to our astonished eyes. Some three or four hundred yards to our right, upon the broAV of a small hill, a spotted leopard (commonly called in this country a tiger, though much smaller than the lord of the Indian jungles,) came in vieAV, bound- ing along Avith all the energy of despair, Avhile close behind him followed an enormous pack of baboons, from Avhose throats proceeded the demo- niacal sounds that had a fcAV seconds before so startled us. Our excitement in the chase, as you may suppose, Avas intense. On AA'ent the tiger, making for the river, the baboons foUoAving like avenging demons, and evidently gaining ground upon their exhausted foe, though then- exultant yells seemed each moment to increase his terror and speed. They reached the stream, the tiger still in advance, and with a tremendous bound he cast himself into its muddy Avaters and made for the opposite bank. The next moment his pursu- ers, in admirable confusion, Avere struggling after him, and as the tiger, noAV fearfully exhausted, clambered on the land again, the largest and strongest of the baboons Avere close at liis heels, though many of the ])ack, (the old, the very youug and Aveakly,) were still struggling in the Avater. In a fcAV moments all had passed from our sight 46 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan, behind the brow of the opjjosite bank ; but theii- increased yelling, now stationary behind the hill, told us that the tiger had met his doom, and that their strong arms and jaws were tearing him limb from hmb. As the evening was far advanced, and we Avere still some miles from home, we did not cross the river to be in at the death ; but next morning, a few bones and scattered fragments of flesh and skin showed Avhat had been the tiger's fate. On our return home we were told by some Dutch gentlemen that such hunts are not uncom- mon when a tiger is rash enough to attack the young baboons, Avliich often happens^ All these creatures for miles around assemble and pursue their enemy with relentless fuiy to his death. Sometimes the chase lasts for days ; but it invari- ably closes with the destruction of the tiger — a striking instance that the idea of retributive jus- tice is not confined to man alone." For the New England Farmer. IS FAKMING PROFIT ABLE? This question has been so often asked and an- swered, that perhaps your readers will turn away from this article in disgust. But I do not think the subject is yet exhausted. Other men than far- mers are entitled to have an opinion respecting it. Any man of common intelHgence, especially if he is acquainted with the general condition of far- mers, and the details of farm life, may form as correct an opinion on the subject as the farmer laimself. By the term "profit," perhaps, we are apt to refer too exclusively to pecuniary results. The great pursuit of man is said to be happiness. But is it wise to measure the amount of happiness by the amount of money which men acquire ? Do observation and experience prove that the former is necessarily or uniformly in proportion to the latter ? Although a certain amount of wealth undoubtedly contributes to our happiness, yet other elements must be taken into the account. Health, longevity and independence, certainty, freedom from exhausting care and anxiety, and va- rious other circumstances must be considered in estimating the profitableness of any business. In the first place, I tliink it will not be doubted that farmers, as a body, enjoy a greater measure of health than any other class of men. They are stronger and more robust, and retain their strength and vigor to a greater age than other men. They live longer on an average than any other class of men, which proves not only that their course of life is conducive to health, but that their labor is of a less exhausting charactei". Labor in the open air is always more healthy than labor in the shop, the counting-room or the study. Many other men who live and labor in the open au', as the hunter and the sailor, are subject to greater vicissitudes, exposures and dangers than the far- mer, which often exhaust their health and cut short their lives. The circumstances under wliich the farmer labors in the spring, the songs of the birds, the fragrance and beauty of the flowers, the vigorous growth of the spring crops, and in the summer and autumn, the consciousness that he is reaping the reward of his labor, all tend to pro- mote cheerfulness, hope and satisfaction. The farmer's life is more uniform than that of most other men, and when the labors of the day are ended, he sleeps quietly in his bed, secure from danger and the inclemencies of the weather. He is not subject, like the traveller and the sailor, to changes of climate and temperature. He is ac- customed to the climate in which he lives. His diet is plain and substantial. It is rare that he is required to make tmusual efforts, or, like the sol- dier on the march or in battle, to make extraordi- nary drafts upon his strength and powers of en- durance. Hence, as might be expected, statistics show that the farmer lives to a greater age than most other men. Farming is safer than any other business. The navigator, the fisherman, the trader pay large sums for insurance. Indeed, so great are their risks that they cannot afibrd to carry on their business without insurance. But the farmer can atford to be his own underwriter. With reasonable skill and diligence, he is sure of the ordinary results of his business. It has been stated, on good authori- ty, that ninety out of a hundred who engage in trade in our cities fail in their business. On the the other hand, observing fanners have estimat- ed that not more than five per cent, of those engaged in farming ever fail. Many of our young men enter upon the business of farming heavily in debt. If they take the homestead, they have to pay legacies to their brothers and sisters. If they purchase a farm, they j^ay a part, and take the balance on credit. Yet in most cases they work out of debt, and in a feAV years OAvn their forms free of incumbrance. Is not here suf- ficient proof of the safety and certamty of the busi- ness of farpiing ? I am acquainted with a farmer less than forty years old, who is very apt to complain of the un- profitableness of farming. Now let us look at the facts in his case. He inherited less than $2000, and manied a wife Avho had about $2000. He purchased a farm for $2000. Built a house which cost, say $1800. Built a bam which cost as much more. Here was an outlay of $5,600. He has now his house well furnished, 16 cows worth $25 each, a yoke of ox- en worth $100, two horses worth $100, a carriage worth $100, a good stock of wagons, carts and other farm implements, worth say $300 — making his farm stock worth $1000. He has dug ditches, laid walls, reclaimed swamp lands, and in various ways improved his farm, until it is now worth, say $8000. He has paid liis debts and is now free from incumbrance. Here is a man who has dou- bled the value of his property, has an excellent wile and four promising chikben — ^has maintained himself and his family well — has a permanent busi- ness, knows the capabilities of his farm, and is an- nually increasing his products. He has become skilful in his business, has good health, and the respect and confidence of lus neighbors, and he is not yet forty years old ! Has not this man's busi- ness been profitable ? And when he compares the results he has achieved with those acliieved by men in other vocations around him, has he any x'eason to grumble at his want of success ? The farmer is more independent of fashion than others. He can live and dress as he pleases, while the minister, the doctor, the lawyer and the mei"- chant must dress and live in a more expensive manner, or they will at once lose caste in the com- munity. They must expend more money in visit- ing and receiving company, in travelling, in sus- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 47 taining societies, lectures and other institutions of the day, in books, furniture and in various other ways, in obedience to the demands of custom. Let us compare the results of farming with the results of other vocations in our own community. Our town has been settled more than two hundred yeai's ; upon inquiry, I can hear of but one physi- cian who became wealthy by his profession during that period, and }et we have had many men of learning and talents who have worked thirty or forty years harder than any farmer among us — have ijeen more exposed by day and night to the inclemency of the weather — have lost more sleep and undergone more anxiety. We have now an intelligent physician who has labored more than forty years most indefatigably among us. His la- bors have been most abundant by day and night, in season and out of season — and he has the con- fidence of the community to as great a degree as any man in the State. Has his business been more profitable to him, in a pecuniary view, than that of many of our far- mers ? How is it with physicians of our acquain- tance in other tOAvns ? Have they grown rich by their profession ? How is it in our cities ? A few, eminent by talent, or peculiarly favored by fortune, have grown wealthy by their professional labors. But not more than one in ten does more than gain a comfortable livelihood. We must judge, not by exceptional cases but by average results. Wlio ever heard of a New England clergyman becom- ing rich by his salary ? In former times, when clergymen Avere settled for life, many of them owned small farms, and labored with their hands to eke out their salaries. As these farms were gen- erally situated in villages, some of them realized profit from the increased value of their lands. Some have married Avealth. But I have yet to hear of a clergyman who has grown even moder- ately wealthy, by his profession alone. A few men of superior talents do most of the legal business. Some of these grow rich by their professional business alone. But is it so with the majority of our lawyers ? Are not most of them eager to engage in extra professional business ? They become agents of corporations. They seek public offices. They engage in speculations. Some of them even become fiirmers. Probably not more than ten per cent, of them become Avealthy by their profession. Most mechanics work early and late. They generally obtain a comfortable living. Some accumulate property by extraordinary skill or diligence, but I think they do not in general exceed farmers in this respect. The manufacturer sometimes acquires wealth for a time with great rapidity. But lo ! there comes a change. The kind of goods which he is making goes out of fashion ; the raw material rises in value. Some new machine is invented which will produce the same goods at a much cheaper rate, and in order to sustain himself, he must have an entire new set of macliinery. The tariff" is changed, and foreign goods undersell him. If he did not make money rapidly between the crises that so frequently occur, he could not carry on his business at all. When business is good, he must put on all his force, and drive day and night. Now think of the care and anxiety to which he is sub- ject. And the operatives — how often are they thrown out of work, and left in an anxious aiid starving condition ? What farmer who owns his hundred acres, with comfortable buildings and a decent stock of cattle, would exchange situations with the employer or employed in manufacturing life? Farming, then, tends to promote health and lon- gevity. It is a safe and certain business when compared with any other vocation, and its pecu- niary results compare fovorably with the results of and other business. All these elements should be taken into estimation in making up the profit and loss account. Should not the farmer, then, be contented with his lot ? j. R. Concord, Dec. n, 186L For the New England Farmer. SALTING AND PRESERVING HAMS AND BEEP. I notice an ai'ticle in the iV". E. Fai-mcr of the 14th, from the Ohio Fariner, on the subject of "Curing hams and sides." It appears to me that hams covered with salt, and in a strong pickle three to five weeks, would be too salt to make good bacon — it would not suit my taste. I have followed one method more than thirty years, and have never failed to have a good article. I pre- pare a pickle by dissolving in boUing water as much salt as will dissolve, and skim off whatever rises on the top. This purified, strong pickle, I reduce by adding an equal quantity of pure Avater. In this reduced pickle of half full strength, when cold, I put my hams, and keep them covered in it till it is convenient to smoke them — five or ten weeks will not hurt them. I never use any salt- petre. I have sometimes put in a little saleratus to correct any acid there may be in pork or pickle, and I think it makes the bacon tender. I use corn cobs to smoke it. Sometimes when I wanted to give more flavor to bacon, I have prepared a li- quor with brown sugar in it, and such spices as I wished — pounded cloves, spice, pepper, (cayenne,) &c., and after taking the hams from the pickle and draining them, kept them basted in this liquor a week or two before smoking. I also put down my beef in a similar pickle. I put my beef into a barrel, and then prepare the pickle as for bacon, but pour it on the beef boiling hot. It will keep well till April or May, and then it should be repacked in stronger pickle. I keep the barrel in a cold room above ground. It will be good corned beef till the middle of April, or longer, and as salt as I want to have beef. Salt- petre would give it color and make it harder, but beef is always hard enough for me, and I have an impression that saltpetre does not add to its health- fulness. Some saleratus would not hurt it, but make it tender. I have preserved my beef in this way for at least thirty years, and have never had any injured for want of salt. All who have eaten our beef and bacon call it first rate. Some would prefer to have it a little Salter, perhaps — not much. RuFUs McIntike. Parsonsjield, Me., Bee, 1861. Remarks. — From our own experience in pre- serving meats, we believe the process stated by Mr. Mclntire is an excellent one — and one that will secure juicy, sweet and tender meat in all cases where the meat itself is good. 48 XEW ENGLAXD FAiniER. Jan. VATTDrKTE'S SEEDLING PLUM. Downing says "that the soil and climate of the Middle States are admirablj' suited to this fruit is sufficiently proved by the almost sponta- neous production of such varieties as the Wash- ington, Jefferson, Lawrence's Favorite, &c.; sorts ■which equal or surpass in beauty or flavor the most celebrated plums of France or England." For several years past the cultivator of the plum has been discouraged by the destruction occa- sioned by the curculio, and what is still worse, the black knot, caused either by this insect or by some widely-spread disease among the trees. No suf- ficient remedy has yet been found for either of these pests. The ravages of the curculio may be prevented by a frequent jarring off of the insects upon cloths and killing them, but the labor must be a protracted and tedious one. The plum, how- ever, is a delicious dessert fruit, is excellent for sauces and preserves, and is worthy of considera- ble effort to bring it to perfection. The cluster of plums which is so beautifully fig- ured above, was presented to us by Mr. Henry Vandine, of Cambridgeport, Mass., and had a fla- vor as excellent as the cluster was beautiful. A few days since he sent us the following note in re- lation to it : Cambridgeport, Dec. 20, 18G1. Messrs. Nourse, Eaton & Tolman: — Dear Sirs, — I have received your letter requesting a de- scription of the Vandine Seedling Plum. It orig- inated on my place several years ago. It is about the size of the Diamond Plum, of a black color, with a heavy blue bloom. It ripens about the last of August, and is of an excellent quality when fully ripe. Yours, respectfully, Henry Vandine. Rats Afraid of Powder. — H. H. Ballard, Owen Co., Ky., writes to the American Agricul- turist that with one-quarter of a pound of gun- powder he can keep every rat from his premises for a year. "The powder is not used to drive a bullet or shot through the animal, but is simply burned in small quantities, say a teaspoonful in a place, along their usual paths, and at the holes where they come out, with the i:)roper precaution to prevent accidents from fire." He says he has proved its efficacy by re]5eated trials. The rat has a keen sense of smell, and if he has sense enough to know that he is not wanted, when he perceives the odor of the burnt powder, the reme- dy wiU be of great value. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 49 For the Neic England Farmer. THE "WAR AWD THE FARMER. BY JUDGE FRENCH. We have now, in the ranks of our army, fight- ing for the Constitution and laws of the best gov- ernment and most prosperous people upon which the sun ever shone, more than half a million of men, all volunteei-s, nearly all men who, a few months ago, were engaged in the peaceful avoca- tions of productive industry, either in the work- shop or on the farm. A haLf-milUon of industri- ous men, suddenly called fi-om laboring to pro- duce food and clothing, into a profession wliich produces not an ear of corn nor a yard of cloth ! More than this, even ! for another large army of men, with horses and macliinery of all kinds, are away from their accustomed pursuits, devoting their labor to constructing fortifications, to build- ing sliips of war, to manufacturing guns, and swords, and all warlike implements. All these men are consuming the necessaries of life, and producing nothing, and worse than tliis, because what they consume is charged with the cost of freight away from the place of production, and of necessity, a considerable proportion is lost or waste- fully consumed. Looking at these facts, wliich lie upon the very surface, many are inquii-ing anxious- ly as to the future. How can the loyal States spare so many industrious men, and who is to perform their accustomed labor at home ? No philosopher or statesman ever yet succeeded in adjusting these questions relating to supply and demand, especially if the matter of tariffs and free trade were involved, so that his theories and facts would correspond, and we shall not attempt what wiser men have failed to accomplish. Yet there are some facts and considerations worthy our at- tention, in connection with the question whether we can spare so much labor without suffering, and even famine ? This is generally thought to be rather a hard world to live in, and we in New England being duly impressed with the Scripture idea that labor and bread are pretty closely allied, have most of us an impression that it is everybody's duty to work all the time, to keep the world revolving. Now, tliis is a great mistake ; we are laboring, many of us, for that which is not bread, in any sense, and it is by no means necessary for all the world to work, that all the world should be com- fortably provided for. We know it is not, if we look Southward, where we see every negro, great and small, supporting liimself, and a white man or two besides ! and everybody knows that one Northern farmer does more effective work than three slaves. Read what Dr. Palcy says of the real necessity for labor in England, and it will be seen that an industrious people can spai-e for war. or any other extraordinary occasion, a far larger proportion of its active laborers than we have yet sent away. It should be borne in mind, that only about one-tenth the population of England is en- gaged in agriculture, the great majority being en- gaged in manufactures. "Perhaps," says he, "two-thu'ds of the manu- facturers in England are employed upon articles of confessed luxury, ornament or splendor, in the superfluous embellishment of some articles which are useful in their kind, or upon others wliich have no conceivable use or value, but what is founded in caprice or fasliion." Now it is obvious, that England would be none the poorer, if it should, for five years, dispense with all those articles of luxury, and support the two-tliirds of her manufacturers, Avho are fit for soldiers, in her armies. They might as well be soldiers, as to weave laces or ribbons. It would cost the nation no more to sujiport such weavers, with guns on their shoulders, than at their looms, if those who formerly bought the laces and rib- bons, would go without them, and pay the same amount towards the war. In America, a far less proportion of labor is de- voted to luxuries, than in England, but still it is true that we can spare a very large force for the Avar, and yet have enough to provide food and clothing, and all other comforts of life for us all. We can all economize as individuals, and so spare sometliing for the soldiers. The imports of dry goods into the city of New York alone, are fifty- five mUHons less up to December of tliis year, than in the same time last year. A great part of this saving is by dispensing with mere articles of fancy, by the women of the country. What harm comes to anybody if the ladies who formerly did nothing in theii' leisure hours, or worked worsted, which is the next thing to it, now knit a half-million pairs of socks and mittens ? Is not so much useful la- bor created by the war ? We have in fact had a surplus of labor on our farms, as a whole, for some years past. More In- dian corn has been raised in many parts of the West, than could be properly or profitably used. So abundant and cheap has it been in some locali- ties, that it has been burned for fuel, wliich is a public loss, for the fresh productive soil has been thus needlessly sapped in its production. And now, with no extraordinary crop the past season, we have enough for ourselves, with our vast ar- mies, enough to supply the demands of France and England, and, thank God, sometliing to give to starving Ireland when she wants help again, as she probably will, the coming winter. We have it stated on the authority of Pashley, that there were in England, in 1850, 300,000 able bodied male paupers ! and that the amount levied for jioor rates in that country, was about $36,000,- 50 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. 000 in the same year. Yet England is a great and prosperous nation. We have no able bodied male paupers, but are -we not vastly more able, for that very i-eason, to send an army into the field, and to maintain it there ? Less than 50,000 persons in England are classed as landed proprietors, whUe here, except in cities, everybody owns land. Tliis diffusion of property is the secret of the ability of every one to take care of himself. The (famine of 1846 and 1847, in Lreland, was the result ; of the poverty of the people, rather than the scar- city of food. There Avas abundance of food in Great Britain, and ship-loads ready to go to her ports, but the people had no means wherewith to buy food, and so they perished by actual starva- tion, while the granaries of capitalists and wealthy land-holders were filled to overfloAving. Before a sheaf of wheat was cut, in 1847, flour and meal be- came a drug in the English market, and many deal- ers were ruined by the sudden reduction in prices. We have no means of knowing the surplus of our crops tliis )'ear, but as yet, they give no signs of exhaustion. A few cents advance in price will en- able those who have lost or wastefully consumed their wheat and corn, to bring it into market. The increased demand wUl open new faciHties for trans- portation, and stimulate those who remain at home to increased exertion. Labor will be directed more exclusively to the production of articles of neces- sity, and patriotism and self-interest will both caU upon all to sacrifice something at least of our usu- al luxuries at home, for the comfort of our brave sons and brothers, who are so nobly maintaining our rights in the field. We have no cause for discouragement. Repub- licanism, with her equal distribution of land and of privileges, is exliibiting a sublime spectacle be- fore the Avorld to-day, such as kings and poten- tates have never before beheld, and will never see in their own kingdoms — an army of more than 500,000 freemen volunteering to fight for their country, with abundance at home, supplying the markets of the world Avith bread, wliile its Con- gi'ess in the first week of its session is considering the expediency of sending relief to the homes of tlie brave Irishmen who have rallied so readily to the standard of their adopted country. Chemical Experiments with the Wheat Crop. — From some recent and careful experiments with wheat, on English soil, a British chemist as- serts that, reckoning tha soil to be one foot deep, it Avould require, of ordinary rotation Avith home manuring and selling only corn and meat, about one thousand years to exhaust as much phosphoric acid, about two thousand years to exhaust as much potash, and about six thousand years to exhaust as much silica, as, according to the average results of forty-two analyses relating to fourteen soils of very various descriptions had been found to be so- luble in dilute hydrocliloric acid. For the Aeu> England Farmer. THE PATKIOTIC FARMER'S MUSINGS. BY D. TV. L. Farmer Stubbs in his furrow trod pensive along, Wliile the hills were all echoing melodious song ; Uncle Sam had just bargained for Tim and for Dave, And given them muskets the Union to save. "Get along, Buck and Bright," and he hit them a slap, "Out of this, boys, now, forward, kedap !" "King Cotton, the tyrant, with lash in his hand, May rule his slave minions of half-heathen land ; But men of New England — they born of the rocks — Will square off and give him a few solid knocks. Now, stir up, my Buckeyes, you're taking your nap ; Away with the old plow, but steady, kedap. "The Union's a bargain for better or worse, But broken at will, a political curse ; The voice of her people must questions decide. And ever remain the Republican's pride. So move along, Buckeyes — 'twill be no mishap ; And both pull together, now — steady, kedap. "There's honest Abe Lincoln, a man for the times, Who fences off slavedom in well-defined lines. And holds up our flag with a firm, steady hand. Resolved it shall wave o'er a united land. Bear away, now, my darlings, or I'll hit yoii a tap ; Haw Brigh' and White-Face, come around here, kedap. "But men of the South, do not boast of your strength, For the cause of mankind can but triumph at length ; And know ye, proud rebels, whose cause is so black, With their hands to the plow, Yankees never look back. So push along. Buckeyes, or you'll get a slap ; Don't play the secesh, now, but forward, kedap, "And men of the North, from the field and the shop. Whose young blood is pledged to the very last drop. Let all the world know, in a quarrel so just. You'll crush out rebellion or sink into dust. Then root out the stubble, and make the plow snap^ A Yankee's behind ye, old sojers, kedap." JFest Medford, Dec, 1861. For the New England Farmer. COBRESPONDENCE FROM MAINE. First Snow — Sheep Manure — Sheep for Mutton and Wool — Profits of Sheep — Matching Steers. Snow fell so as to make quite good sleighing, November 24, throughout the northern part of the State. The ground Avas frozen but little in any place, and the frost has mostly come out since it has been so mild ; had it not snoAved repeatedly since, the ground Avould have been bare again. This has given sheep a longer grazing fall than Ave are ahvays sure of, Avhich is quite an item in the fodder designed for them. Sheep Mania. — This year brings round another cycle of this disease, and the cry is sheep ! sheep I have you any sheep to sell, or lambs to let ? Since Avool advanced in prices, nearly every one Avants more sheep to keep, and are eager for them at much higher prices than for years previous. Store sheep and lambs are quick at tAvo and one-half to three cents per pound, live Aveight, Avliich is a liigh figure Avith us. Speculators are letting sheep for one pound and a half of avooI, per head, and the taker bears all the risk, and pa}'s the taxes — so I have been informed. It is very generally calculated here that sheep pay the best of any stock for their keeping, upon the amount invested, and the necessary labor re- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 51 quired. Many of the improved breeds are being introduced ; some sections taldng those best for ■wool, and others those for mutton, but generally, they are crossed upon those -which have been here long enough to be called natives ; often, first fine ■wool and then coarse -wool, very much as is most convenient, -with the mass of sheep-keepers ; near- ly every farmer keeping a few sheep, and thinking It will not pay to be to so much expense as to get rams of their choice. Matching Steers. — The farmers have mani- fested quite a laudable spu-it of improvement over any previous year, in matcliing up their steers Avhen intending to keep them ; and, often it has been found a good investment to pay the fair dif- ference when designed for sale. Matched one, two, three or four year old steers are in greater demand than the market can supply ; and tliis demand is yearly increasing. This seems as it should be, be- cause it costs but a trifle more to raise them, than it does those illy mated, while they command a more renumerative price, which is often all that there is in the way of profit. Mate up the steers. Elm Tree Farm, Dec, 1861. O. W. True. Ftyr the New England Farmer. TESTIMONY IN FAVOR OF FARMING. Opinions of an Aged Farmer — Stick to the Homestead — Work with One's Own Hands — Cattle Report in N. E. Farmer — Re- ceipt for making Brown Bread. Mr. Editor : — I have passed the period allot- ted to man's existence in the present life, but my interest in the success of agriculture increases with my years, and I wish to leave my dying testimony of its worth. Should these lines meet the eye of any young man who is struggling under difficul- ties upon the paternal inheritance, I would exhort him to stay and overcome all obstacles that pa- tience and perseverance can surmount, and, my experience for it, in his maturer years, he will look back with pleasui-e upon his past life, and peace and plenty shall crown his declining years. I would recommend to all who wish to have the full enjoyment of agricultural life, to labor some with their own hands. There are but few who can- not obtain some land to work upon, if they wish. One word in recommendation of the A^ew Eng- land Farmer. There has been much said and ■written about agricultural colleges, but I think the Farmer is one already established, and endowed ■with some of the best professors that this country and Europe afi'ord, to which all may have access at a trifling expense. The report of the Cattle Market for the past few iveeks, is worth the whole price of the paper to all those who have any deal- ings in stock. I think my housekeeper makes the best brown bread I have ever tasted ; the following is a re- ceipt for making it. To six tea-cupfuls of Indian, and three of rye meal, one table-spoon level full of bread soda, one tea-cupful of molasses, and sour milk sufficient to wet it to the same consistence as brown bread, where the Indian is scalded. A loaf of this size would require a dish Avhich would hold thi'ee quarts. Cover the dish and place it on an iron ring in a large iron pot, and cook by steam- ing four hours, and then bake fifteen or twenty minutes. If steamed a longer time, it is rather im- proved. Thomas IL\skell. West Gloucester, Dec. 14, 1861. CUIiTTTRE OF THE GRAPE. We have before us the December number of Ilovefs Magazine, and among other good articles, we find a leading one, by the editor, upon the "Culture of the Grape." After si>eaking of the late favorable season, and of the merits of several varieties, he says : Having thus given our estimate of the several varieties which have been introduced somewhat generally, as they have appeared, more ])avticularly the present year, we proceed to inquire into the causes which have produced tliis favorable result, deducing therefrom a lesson which may aid us iu the more successful cultui'e of the grajjc. If we follow the course of the weather for the summer, we shaU find it has been dry, warm, and very free from long or continued dull or even damp weather, and beyond the remembrance of cultiva- tors extended further into the autimm — the fii'st frost having occurred late in October. Hence the well gi'own grapes had time to fully matm-e, aided as they were by continuous sunsliine. How shall we then avoid failure in ordinary years, when we can hardly expect such as the present one to oc- cur often ? First, then, -we can to some extent imitate its drjTiess, by planting only in light, sandy, thor- oughly drained soil, avoiding by all means a hard, damp, stiff" loam, as sure to keep up a late growth, so that winter finds the wood immature, and the dormant fruit buds unable to resist the effects of cold if unprotected, and liable to danger Avheii covered with earth. In France the vineyards al- ways cover the hillsides or elevated grounds, — rarely the valleys or plains, — for the obvious rea- sons that the roots are kept dry, the late gi'owth checked, and the wood fully matured. It will be infen'ed from this that notliing could be more injurious in grape culture than to make the soil too deep and rich ; rich it may be upon the sm-face, but not too deep, and always with a dry bottom. The summer and autumn rains will then leave the sm-face readily, the soil will be im- diately warmed by the sun and air, and mildew, so fatal to the vines, will be prevented, or at least, greatly mitigated. Indeed, good sound judgment will dictate that cautionary measures of tliis kind should be taken wherever the grape is to be ex- tensively and successfully grown. Secondly ; though we have not the power to bring sunshine to the vines, we can, by favorable- ness of locality, prevent the ill effects which often ensue from long continued wet weather. Near the seacoast, where the easterly storms prevail, an as- pect, sheltered in that direction should be chosen, say one facing the south or west, or if in the open garden, near the shelter of evergreen trees or hedges. The direct action of a cold, easterly storm is far different from the sifted atmosphere of a fence or hedge. Hence the greater certainty of a crop when the vines are trained to the south side of a house, where they are sheltered from the cliilly blasts and pelting rains of om* easterly storms. Thirdly ; pruning, judiciously performed, is a material aid in successful grape culture. The summer growth should not be so croAvded as to prevent the free admission of light and air, nor so open as to expose the fruit to alternate sun and 52 NEW ENGLAND FAR^NIER. Jan. rain. A moderate number of strong, healthy branches, -with vigorous foliage, is better than a quantity of -weak shoots, covered with half grown leaves. The aim should be to avoid both ex- tremes, and secure long, well ripened canes, with thoroughly matured buds. A strong vine will re- sist mildew, when a weaker one would give way under the attack. Lastly, winter protection is an important con- sideration. Until we secure perfectly hardy vines, they cannot be considered safe in our variable sea- sons. If the wood does not suffer, the dormant fruit buds are afl'ccted. They do not start kindly and vigorously, and a week, often a fortnight, is lost by their weakened energies from severe cold ; and though the summer's growth may be vigorous enough, the fruit still lags behind. It is a thing which did not occur to us till close observation made it apparent. In a more favorable climate, like that of southern New York and Ohio, a week or ten days is of no great importance ; but in New England, with frosty nights the last of Septem- ber, a week gained is often the securing of an abundant crop. HOW TO KAISE HOGS. A. G. MuUins, of Kentucky, in a communication to the Genesee Farmer, offers the following hints on the raising of hogs : Say we have a good stock to begin with — a stock that matures early and fattens well. The pigs should come from the middle of March to May. There is a great advantage in pigs coming at this time, as we can graze them through two summers, and have them to keep only through one winter. They come to be of fine size by the second fall or winter. Hogs may be pushed into market younger, but at more expense in grain, and they will be smaller at fattening time, which is a great disad- vantage. The greatest profit in hogs is in grazing them, and turning them upon grain fields, where they can gather for themselves ; and having them large and in good condition at fattening time. The sows and pigs should be kept in good growing condition by feeding them on Indian corn, or corn meal made into slop. As soon as the clover begins to blossom, or a little before, turn them upon it. Sows and pigs should still be given some grain wliile in the clover. Washington a Yankee City. — Washington is essentially a Yankee city at the present time. In every department business is thriving to a degree unparalleled in its history. Real estate has ad- vanced to unexpected figures, and it is a matter of impossibility to find suitable accommodations for the vast influx of business now pouring in upon us. Enterprise is now the watcliAvord, where a short year ago inactivity and decay prevailed. Vigorous competition has reduced the price of many of the necessaries of life. Old monopolies have been scattered to the winds, and the consum- er is generally benefited by the change. The Washington of to-day is totally difi'erent from the Washington of 1860. Many are unacquainted with the cause of the transformation, and look with wondering eyes at what is only a legitimate con- sequence.— Wasliinyton Itcpuhlican. EXTKACTS AND REPLIES. A GOOD KIND OF COKN, In the monthly Farmer for June last, is an ac- count of an excellent crop of corn, by C. L. French, 2d, of Bedford, N. H. In connection with this account he spoke in such liigh terms of a variety of corn planted by him for the last 30 years, that I was induced to make further inqui- ries concerning it. Learning that several farmers of West Brookfield had planted corn the past sea- son, procured of Mr. French, I wrote for informa- tion, and received in answer a letter from Mr. A. Keep, dated Sept. 26, from which I send you some extracts for the benefit of others, Avho, hke myself, may be anxious to obtain a variety, both early and prolific. He says : "In relation to the corn I procured from N. IL, I can say that I planted INIay 29, on sandy loam, manure wholly spread, and the corn was well out of the way of an ordinary frost about the 5th of this month, the husks on some of the ears having turned white and started from the ear. It is certainly early enough. One of my neighbors planted it on a rather heavy soil on the 1st day of June, and exhibited a lot of it at our Cattle Show on the 20th inst. ; the ears very large and well ripened, and his crop is very heavy. "I gave my brother, who lives in Paxton, seed enough for perhaps 100 liills, and I saw it a few days ago ; I think I never saw heavier corn any- where. It is on very liigli land, where it is oftener the corn crop fails them otherwise, but there will be no failure in this small lot. "I might say that most of the large ears in my field are, and have been many days, open ; the husks have started and the corn ripe enough to grind." I send the above for publication, not from any personal motive, as I never saw Mr, French or Mr. Keep, but because I beHeve that many far- mers would be glad to know where they can ob- tain a variety answering the above description. Eoyalston, Dec. 13, 1861. J. Wood. PREMIUMS FOR HERDS. Friend Sheldon's notion of offering premiums for herds of best improved animals, instead of sin- gle animals, is worthy of much regard. I have often known an old cow that had been strained to her utmost capacity in the production of milk, upon a statement being made that she had aver- aged to give from thirty-five to forty-five pounds of milk per day, for many months, to be awarded the first premium at our shows ; and this with lit- tle or no regard to the quality of the milk. It is a law of Nature that whatever is greatly extended in one direction, Avill come short in an- other. Give me the snug built, little animal, with bright eye, and milk of superior quality, in prefer- ence to any of these overgrown monsters. I do not perceive the propriety of j\Ir. S.'s rec- ommendation to do away the distinction of breeds. I had supposed these distinctions to be Avell de- fined, and very convenient for reference. I know there are some who say there is no such thing as Native breed of cattle — let it be so, if you please, so long as those bred and born on our hills will ever have the preference of many whose judgment is Avorthy of regard. Essex, December 16, 1861. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 53 ^ YIELD OF MILK. Having been a subscriber to the N. E. Farmer for years, I have often seen statements from per- sons, of the quantity of milk given by cows in stated periods. I annex a statement of the quan- tity from one cow that I have milked for one year, from Nov. 21, 18G0 to Nov. 21, 1861. We used in mj- family what milk we wanted, and sold the balance at a store in the neighborhood, at 5 cents per quart. You Avill see she gave 4,967 quarts in one year, being about an average of 13 G-10 quarts daily. She calved Nov. 15, 1860 ; commenced milking her Nov. 21, 1860. 10 days in November sold at store 87 quarts. December " " 30(i " January " " 348 " February " " 308-2 " March " " 338-2 " April " " 369 " May " " 351 " June " " 354 " July " " 379-2 " August " " 354 " September " " 302-2 " October " " 210 " 21 days in November " " 110 " Used in family 1146 " 4967 quarts. 5 cents. $248,35 Henky R. Congdon. Providence, R. I. Dec., 1861. Rem.'VRKS. — Here is a product worthy of imita- tion. TO PREVENT LEATHER FROM SOAKING WATER. As the season has come when farmers are apt to have wet feet, unless they constantly wear rub- ber boots, — a practice which can hardly be con- demned in too strong terms — I give you below a method for treating leather boots and shoes, which I know, from wearing them so treated, to be first- rate for keeping the feet dry and maldng the boots or shoes wear much longer than they would other- wise. It is as follows : Melt together in a pot over a fire, a pound of tallow, a quarter of a pound of rosin, and an ounce of beeswax, to which add a teaspoonful of lamp black ; when melted and mixed, warm the boots or shoes, and apply the hot stuff with a painter's brush, until neither the sole nor upper leathers will take in any more. The only caution to be observed is, not to apply the mixture so hot as to burn the leather. j. c. G. Boscawen, N. H., Dec, 1861. WOOL SALES — FINE WOOL. Our sales, since April last, from 175 sheep, of the same blood, have amounted to two thousand dollars, without diminishing our numbers, while at the same time we have improved the value of the flock by reserving the best. Were I accus- tomed to writing for the press, I think I could say some things that would be a benefit to some of my brother farmers, and I may possibly attempt it some of these days. Nathan Bottum. Shaftshury, Vt, Dec, 1861. Remarks. — With the above note we had a sam- ple of the wool alluded to, wliich is very beautiful. The tliistle's down could scarcely be softer. We hope our correspondent will regard the promptings of his mind, and write for the Farmer. Our read- ers want the facts of practical men. AN earlier onion WANTED. Our farmers very generally tried the flat onion seed, sometimes called the Rhode Island onion, to a greater or less extent, the ])ast season. The re- sult was not at all satisflictory ; the yield l)eing generally mixed to a considerable degree with the red onion, and the crop, withoitt, an exception, ripening later than our standard, the Danvers Yel- low. Some of the seed planted came directly from Rhode Island, — a portion was raised in the State. Can any of your readers inform us where we can obtain flat onion seed that is as earhj as the Dan- vers Yellow? J. J. H. GUEGOIJY, Marblehead, Mass., Dec, 1861. GOV. nOLBROOK AND AGRICULTURE. I notice in the last Farmer an article from the Providence Journal which speaks of Gov. HoL- brook's imnrovements in agricultural implements, and his numerous articles on practical farming, from which I think I have received considerable benefit. I constructed my cow stables in 1860 according to Gov. Holbrook's plan, published in the Farmer at that time, with a trench in the rear of the cows to put muck and other absorbents in to save the liquid manure, and I do not hesitate to say the improvement has saved me enough to pay for the Farmer several years. Dan Richardson. Westfield, Vt, Dec, 1861. Stoddard's self-oferating horse rake and COCKER. Can you inform me where the horse rake, no- ticed in the November number of the monthly Farmer, is manufactured, and by whom ? A Subscriber. Stratham, N. H., Dec, 1861. Rejl\rks. — The above rake was invented, and is manufactured, by Mr. J. C. Stoddard, of Worcester, ^lass., and is well worth your atten- tion, if you intend to have raking to do next sum- mer. For the Neiv England Farmer. LASTINa EFFECT OF MUCK ON CROPS. Mr. Editor : — Right in front of my house there is a fifteen acre lot of sandy land. Forty-four years ago, a portion of tliis lot was treated to a heavy dressing of meadow mud. On this portion of the lot the crops have been from one-quarter to one-tliird greater than on the other part of the lot, although it has all been treated alike ever since. All my neighbors, for miles around, have noticed the difference in the growth of the crops on this lot, and I have explained to them the cause, and invited them to go into their swamps and draw out muck and make a compost, or spread it on their land in the fall and plow it in in the spring, in the same manner that a part of this lot was treated, and they would have no cause to go to the city for manure and cart it from six to ten miles. But from all that I have shown and said to them, I 64 NEW ENGLAND FARMEH. Jan. have only persuaded two to try the experiment, as they call it. One of them has drawn from the swamp between five and six hundred ox-cart loads this fall, and the other has ti'ied it on a gravelly piece of land and by it he has doubled the fertility of the land. I have been digging up a piece of low swamp land and carted on a coat of sand from the high land that lays along the border, which I intend to plant in the spring to different kinds of garden vegetables on part, and slow grass on another part. As the strawberry wants considerable moisture, how would tliey do in such a locality ? The soil is from four to twelve feet deep, and it is drained eighteen inches below the surface. I intended it for cranberries, but J find the cranberry culture has taken a new turn ; that is, instead of setting the vines in low swanips, people are taldng the top soil off of their poorest high land, and setting them in the subsoil. They say they bear as well as they do in low land, are not quite so large, but firmer, and not so liable to be damaged by frost. E. Leonard. Neiv Bedford, 12th Mo., 1861. Remarks. — Strawberries would probably flour- ish well on the land you described. AGES OP THE STATES OF AMEBICA. The following chronological table may be inter- esting to oujf readers at the present crisis : SETTLEMENTS, 1607 — Virginia, by the English. 1613— New York, by the Dutch. 1620 — Massachusetts, by the Puritans. 1624 — New Jersey, by the Dutch. 1628 — Delaware, by the Swedes and Fins. 1635 — Maryland, by the Irish Catholics. 1636 — Rhode Island, by Roger WilUams. 1639 — North Carolina, by the EngUsh. 1670 — South Caroliiia, by the English. 1682 — Pennsylvania, by William Penn. 1732 — Georgia, by Oglethorp. ADMITTED INTO 1792— Vermont. 1792 — Kentucky. 1 796 — Tennessee. 1802— Ohio. 1811 — Louisiana- is 16 — Indiana. 181 6 — Mississippi. 1818— lUinois. 1819— Alabama. 1820— Maine. 1821— Missouri. THE UNION. 1836 — Michigan. 1 836 — Arkansas. 1845— Florida. 1845 — Texas. 1846— Iowa. 1 848 — Wisconsin. 1 850 — California. 1858 — Minnesota. 1858— Oregon. 1861 — Kansas. Our New Dress. — The reader will, we hope, notice the bright and beautiful dress in which the Farmer appears, this month, — the older eyes will, we are quite sure. We cannot .spread our di'ess as some fair creatures do, but can present it to the reader with a clean /ace and correct /or w, so that it will be grateful to the eye and clear to the un- derstanding. The publishers will spare no pains to make the Farmer valuable in every respect. For the New England Fanner. SCKAPS FROM MY DIABY. The Weather — Application of Fertilizer? — Fruit Trees in New England — Placed Here to Learn, as Well as to Earn — Borers — Ashes Around Fruit Trees — Market Reports. As the winter thus far has been very open, farm.ers have improved the time in various ways. I see some drawing manure to their meadows, and others into their young orchards, around the trees. It is very amusing to me to see how the great majority of farmers apply fertilizers to their fruit trees. I should as soon appl)' an Indian meal poultice to a pig's ears to fatten him. Most of the fruit trees in New England are on grass land. Farmers Avant to get too many kinds of crops from the same land to ever get any good ones ; thei'efore the more surface is fertilized, the less grass they Avill get ; so they dig in their fer- tilizers from the body of their trees each Avay, en- riching about one-fourth jjart of the surface under the tree, and the smallest fourth. They may ap- ply what the soil wants, to keep good what the roots have taken from it to grow the wood and fruit of the tree ; but it will be accidental, purely, with most of them, if they do, for they have too much to tliink of to investigate such small mat- ters. If Ave tell them their land Avants Avhat it can only get from lime, ashes, or some other special manure, they tell us they have carried on this same farm forty years, and don't Avant any of our ad- vice. I should knoAV they had carried it on a good Avhile, from appearances around the premises. After trees groAV to be eight or ten inches through, the roots that do the most good, are eight or ten feet from the body — the fine, fibrous roots. NoAV if instead of caring for and supply- ing these fine, fibrous roots Avith the various in- gredients they Avant to groAV Avood and fruit from, Ave cut them off or rob them of Avhat little they Avould get from the air, &c., Avhat can we expect ? Small profits from our land, and no profit from our trees. It Avill be well to remember that Ave Avere placed here to learn, as Avell as earn. I see the borers are destroying many young ap- ple trees about Saxonville, and Avould advise per- sons to look Avell to their trees. I take a sharp knife, and small Avire, a foot long, and make Avar with them, cutting out Avhat I can, ahvays cutting up and doAvn the tree, with the bark, and not across it, and j^unch to death Avhat I cannot cut out. The eggs are laid very near the surface of the ground, under some old, loose piece of bark ; hence the necessity of keeping the tree scraped clean ; and a pile of ashes around the bodies, three or four inches high, has always kept them aAvay from my trees, I put the ashes around in the month of May, and first of August scatter them under the trees and put around more, the next May and August doing the same, and until trees are eight inches through. As for quantity, I ncA'er have used enough to injure a tree, and have used from four to sixteen quarts, according to the size of tree, in a year, for several years in succession. A man some nineteen miles from Boston, told me yesterday he had only had one number of the Farmer, and Avas satisfied that only the reports of the markets last Aveek had saved him his subscrip- tion. He Avas a rich and intelligent man, and Avants to improve his mind as Avell as land and 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 55 circumstances. Such a man takes some comfort in living, and it does one good to meet and con- verse with such. F. J. Kinney. Worcester, Dec. 18, 1861. THE SEASON. It is rarely the case that the farmer enjoys so favorable an opportunity for closing up his "fall ■work," as he has had the present season. The weather for nearly the whole month of November ■was such as to enable him to engage in plowing, ditching, gathering materials for the compost heaps, getting out rocks, hauling out manure, or in building, or planting or pruning trees. This mild and dry weather has continued to the present time, Dec. 21, and now the drought in many places begins to pinch. Wells are dry that have yielded a plentiful supply of water for many years past, the small streams dre quite low, and some of them, dignified with the term river, are much be- low their usual stage at this season. The mild state of the weather through the au- tumnal months had the effect of ripening the wood of the trees and shrubs, so that they will be quite likely to stand the changes of the winter months without being injured. Our losses ^ntliin a few years past have been very severe by the sudden and -^^'ide extremes that have taken place in the temperature. The peach and cherry trees are nearly all cut off, the quince has suffered, as well as many of the shi'ubs, and last winter seriously affected the Baldwin apple trees in many localities- We hope these extremes will have some compen- sations for us in the destruction of myriads of in- sects by the changes themselves, or from the want of food caused by the shortness of the crop. Wherever we have visited in New England dur- ing the fall months, we have found many farmers busily employed in some of the items of labor which we have enumerated, and all agreeing in opinion that the favorable fall weather will gi-eatly facilitate the work of the coming spring. The winter grains, wheat, barley and rye, have had time to get well rooted, are generally looking •well, and will be quite likely to escape being win- ter-ldlled. We have seen two or thi-ee pieces of winter barley that are exceedingly fine. "The Wak and the Farmer. — We call the at- tention of every reader to an article in another col- umn on this subject, and especially of those who are incHned to be despondent and doubt our abili- ty to crush the present rebelHon, carry on success- fully one or two wars beside, if pushed to the wall, and feed the starving Irish when the EngHsh peo- ple prefer to be fighting with us rather than feed- ing the paupers which her rapacity has made. We see no cause for discouragement — some for anxiety — but none for despondence — but every- thing to cause us to "rejoice always," so long as we strive to do right. We have the most lively faith that "Providence is shaping our ends, rough hew them as we will ;" — that he will carry us tlirough this fiery trial by the unflinching energy of our free people, and that they will show the world that we fully appreciate our unparalleled blessings, and are ready to sacrifice anything but duty for them. Let us, then, individually, seek strength and guidance from that Fountain of all supplies, which the President sought when he started for Washington, and made his first addi'esses to the people of Springfield and Indianopolis. From that moment, we have had confidence in him as a fitting leader for our people. LADIES^ DEPARTMENT. DOMESTIC RECEIPTS. Plain Custard. — BoU a pint of milk, in which place two ounces of sugar, the thin peel of half a lemon ; break in a basin four eggs, beat them well with a fork, then pour in the milk by degrees, not too hot ; mix it well, pass it tln-ough a cullender or sieve, fill cups with it, which place in a stew- pan, on the fire, which contains one inch of water ; lea^e them for about twelve minutes, or till set, wbich is easily perceived. — Soyer. Coffee, Cocoa, or Chocolate Custard. — Make some veiy strong coffee, beat the eggs as above ; put in a pan half a pint of nulk and half a pint of made coffee, with two ounces of sugar, then add the eggs, pass through a sieve, and proceed as above. Chocolate and cocoa the same, only omit- ting the lemon peel in all three. — Soyer. Yorkshire Pudding. — ^Beat up two eggs in a basin, add to them three good table-spoonfuls of flour, with pint of milk, by degrees, and a little salt ; butter the pan, bake hah" an hour, or bake under the meat ; cut it in four, turn it, and when set on both sides it is done. A tin dish, one inch and a half deep and eight inches •wide, is the most suitable for such proportion. — Soyer. To Pickle Cauliflo-wer. — Cut it up into small pieces ; boil in salted water till done , tlirow it into cold water awliile, then put into your jar of mixed pickles. How TO Make Corn Griddle Cakes. — ^Al- most every one is interested now in knowing how to make corn cakes most palatable, since so much of it will be used in these straitened times. The following is said to be an excellent receipt : — Scald at night half the quantity of meal you are going to use, mix the other Avith cold water, having it the consistency of tliick batter ; add a little salt and set it to rise ; it will need no yeast. In the morning the cakes will be Hght and crisp. Skim- mings, where meat has been boUed, are best for frying them with. Fry slo-wly. Milk Toast. — Place the milk to heat, mix a tea-spoonful of flour smoothly -svith a little mUk, stir it in, and let it come just to a boil, with a piece of butter the size of an e^^ to a quart of imlk, 56 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Jan. and some salt. Place your toast in a deep dish, and cover it with this gravy. Thin cream, omit- ting the butter, makes a nicer dish for those who are so fortunate as to have it to use. Beef Pie. — Make a nice crust, a little richer than for biscuit ; chop up pieces of the boiled round of beef, when you have them cold ; season •with salt, pepper and butter, and onions if j'ou like ; line the basin with crust, rolled about half an inch tliick ; fill the beef, moistened with gravy or water ; dredge in a little flour, cover, bake half an hour. Cure for Earache. — An exchange paper re- commends the following as a certain cure for the earache : Take a small piece of cotton batting, or cotton wool, make a depression in the centre with the end of the finger, and fill it with as much ground pepper as will rest on a five cent piece, gather it into a ball and tie it up ; dip the ball into sweet oil and insert it in the ear, covering the lat- ter with cotton wool, and use a bandage or cap to retain it in its place. Almost instant relief will be experienced, and the application is so gentle that an infant Mill not be injured by it, but expe- rience relief as well as adults. A distinguished physician, who died some years since in Paris, declared : "I believe that during the twenty-six years I have practiced my profession in this city, 20,000 children have been carried to the cemeteries, a sacrifice to the absurd custom of exposing their arms and necks." YOUTH^S DEPARTMENT. THE TOOLS GREAT MEM" -WORK \VITH. It is not tools that make the workman, but the trained skill and perseverance of the man himself. Indeed, it is proverbial that the bad workman never yet had a good tool. Some one asked Opie by what Monderful process he mixed his colors. "I mix them with my brains, sir," was his reply. It is the same with every workman who would ex- cel. Ferguson made marvellous things — such as liis wooden clock, that accurately measured the hours — by means of a common ])enknife, a tool in everybody's hands, but then everybody is not a Ferguson. A pan of water and two thermometers were the tools by wliich Dr. Black discovered la- tent heat ; and a prism, a lens, and a sheet of pasteboard, enabled Newton to unfold the compo- sition of light and the origin of color. An eminent foreign savant once called upon Dr. Wollaston, and requested to be shown over his laboratory, in which science had been enriched by so many important discoveries, when the doctor took him into a study, and, pointing to an old tea-tray on the table, containing a few watch-glasses, test- papers, a small balance, and a blow-pipe, said: "There is aU the laboratory I have !" Stothai'd learnt the art of combining colors by closely study- ing butterflies' wings ; he would often saj' that no one knew what he owed to these tiny insects. A burnt stick and a barn-door served "Wilkie in lieu of pencil and canvas. Bewick first practiced draw- ing on the cottage-walls of his native village, ■which he covered with sketches in chalk ; and Benjamm AVest made his first brushes out of the cat's tail. Ferguson laid himself down in the fields by night in a Islanket, and made a map of the heavenly bodies, by means of a thread with small beads on it, stretched between his eye and the stars. Franklin first robbed the thunder-cloud of its lightning by means of a kite made with two cross-sticks and a cross handliercliief. Watt made his first model of the condensing steam-engine out of an old anatomist's syringe, used to inject the arteries previous to dissection. Giffbrd Avorked his first problem in mathematics, when a cobbler's apprentice, upon small scraps of leather, which he beat smooth for the purpose, while Rittenhouse, the astronomer, first calculated ecUpses on liis plow-handle. — Smiles' Self-Hel]}. EVIL SPEAKING. One night, I remember it well, I received a se- vere lesson on the sin of evil speaking. Severe I thought it then, and my, heart rose in childish an- ger against him who gave it ; but I had not lived long enough in this world to know how much mis- cliief a cliild's thoughtless talk may do, and how often it hapjjens that talkers run ofi" the straight line of truth. S did not stand very high in my esteem, and I was about to speak further of her failings of temper. In a fcAV moments my eye caught a look of such calm and steady displeasure, that I stopped short. There was no mistaking the meaning of that dark, spealdng eye. It brought the color to my face, and confusion and shame to my heart. I was silent for a few moments, when Joseph John Gurney asked very gravely : "Dost thou know any good thing to tell us of her?"_ I did not answer, and the question was more se- riously asked — "Think, is there nothing good thou canst tell us of her?" "0, yes, I knoAv some good things ; but — " "Would it not have been better, then, to relate those good things, than to have told of that which would lower her in our esteem ? Since there is no good to relate, would it not be kinder to be silent on the evil? For charity rejoiceth not in iniquity." A MOTHER'S KISS. A day or two since, a ragged and dirty-looking boy, fourteen years of age, pleaded guilty in the Superior Criminal Court to having fired a building. For two years past, since the death of liis mother, he had wandered around the streets a vagTant, without a home or human being to care for him, and he had become in every respect a "bad boy." A gentleman and a lady interested themselves in his behalf, and the latter took him one side to question him. She talked to liim kindly, but with- out making the slightest impression upon his feel- ing, and to all she said he manifested the greatest indifference, until slie asked him if no one had ever kissed him. This simple inquiry ])roved too much for him, and bursting into tears he replied — "no one, since my mother kissed me." That one thought of his poor dead mother, the only being, perhaps, who had ever spoken to liim Idndly before, touched liim to his heart, a hardened young criminal though he was. The little incident caused other tears to flow than his. DEVOTED TO AGBICTJLTTTBE AND ITS KINDRED ARTS AND SCIENCES. VOL. XIV. BOSTON, FEBRUARY, 1862. , NO. 2. NOURSE, EATOX & TOLMAN, Proprietors. Office. . . .100 Washinoton Street. SIMON BROWN Editor. HENRY F. FRENCH, Associate Editor. CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY, N some ancient calendars, Feb- ruary occurred last in the order of the Months. Being, as it al- ways is, frac- tional at best, and somewhat rregular as to its number of day, but, omni- bus Ike, always having room for "one more," in case the alma- nac makers hap- pen to have an extra day on hand, it might seem that the rear was the most ap- propriate place for this month. Why it was changed from the bottom of the column to its present rank of second in the order of precedence, we have forgotten, if Ave ever kneAV. One reason, howev- er, is suggested for the adoption of the present ar- rangement. As it now stands, the shortest month comes in the coldest and most stormy portion of the whole year. As Ave stamp our feet, and slap our hands in the biting cold of a February morn- ing, it is encouraging to think, and we often tell the boys to remember, that February hath only twenty-eight days, and Avill soon be gone ! The Month, then, upon Avhich Ave noAV enter, being a short and a cold one, Avhat shall Ave do Avith its fcAV brief days, and long, cold nights ? Time, it has been said, is money ; and even the poets talk of its golden sands. But time is money to those only Avho resolutely turn it to a good ac- count. To the bear which dens up in the fall, and sleeps unconsciously all Avinter, or to those ants 60 often found in logs of wood at this season, stiff and motionless, time is not money. Nor Avill time be money to us if Ave pass the winter as these crea- tures do. And there is danger that we may spend this season even more unprofitably ; for, unlike these hibernating animals, Ave cannot doze all Avin- ter, and then wake up in the Spring as bright as ever. Progress is the laAV of our being ; and pro- gress, either forAvard or backward, we are making constantly. This season of the year, — "the dead of winder," as it is sometimes called, — Avhen frost and snow have possession of our fields, and Ave find ourselves able to do but little directly toAvards the improA-e- ment of the soil, is a most fitting opportunity for the prosecution of that other branch of our busi- ness, the improvement of the mind. The very el- ements now so fiercely Avarring without, conspire to f'rive thought home, so that these long evenings have been aptly termed the seed-time of the labor- ing man's intellectual harvest. A seed-time and a harvest, Avhich, unlike those of his fields, inter- mingle the one Avith the other, and in Avhich men not only reap what they sow, but «s they soav — the grain ripe for the sickle springing up while the seed is being planted ; scions from the tree of knoAvledge grafted into the mind bearing-fruit even before the stock and the branch are firmly united. It is not because Ave fear that our readers are insensible to the importance of mental culture that we make these remarks. They all knoAV that knoAvledge is power. There is not one Avho does not desire that Avisdom should be first on the list of his accumulations. But, by our own experience, Ave know that after a day's exertion of the bodily poAvers, it requires the impulse of a strong Avill to keep the mental faculties busy Avhile the hands rest. It is to encourage the putting forth of this poAver of the Avill — this deteiTnination to know, Avhich is sometimes strong enough to overcome the fatigue of the body — that we now allude to the subject. We believe that the force of the supposed antagonism between the labor of the hands and 58 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. that of the brain is greatly over-estimated. The celebrated Scotch stone-cutter, Hugh Miller, con- fessed tliat he found it far more difficult to put his mind down to hard study and to keep it there af- ter he entered upon the duties of bank clerk, than it was while he worked steadily at his laborious trade. The difficulties experienced in attempting to study, after a day's labor with the hands, arise less from the fatigue of the body, than from the want of the habit of systematic application. The formation of the habit of appljing the mind stead- ily to any given object is the great design of the whole "course and discipline" of our highest sem- inaries of learning. Evejy moment, then, that the mind of the laboring man is made to grasp an idea or a thought firmly is so much gained to- wards making the next attempt to study easier, and the next grasp of the mind firmer and more continuous ; so much, in fact, — though those mo- ments may be employed in the humble dwelling of the farmer, — towards an education. That it is not only the privilege, but the duty of all, to take some time and some pains to improve the mind, is most forcibly indicated by the well established fact that the liability of sinking, in old age, into that most pitiable condition known as "dotage," or "second childhood," is pretty much in proportion to the neglect of the exercise of the intellectual faculties in middle life. But reading and study alone are not enough. The current of thought which they set in upon the mind must flow out, or the stream becomes stagnant. We must speak or write as Avell as read, or we tire of the latter. "Mind with mind must blend and brighten," or it becomes weak and dim. At liis creation it was said, "it is not good for him to be alone." It is also a law of his nature that he should give as weU as receive, and in the former he is often more blessed than in the latter. Hence the necessity and advantages of social intercourse in all its improving forms. Hence, too, the necessity of farmers' clubs, which we have so frequently recommended, and of that more fa- miliar intercourse between neighbors, especially in sparsely settled agricultural districts, which each one probably desires, but which has been so long neglected that all settle down in the conviction that nothing can be done to make the neighbors more social and friendly. Perhaps something can be done this month to break up tliis stiff crust of apparent indifference. But at present our object is rather to recom- mend that some of the spare hours of February be employed in the vigorous exercise of "speaking with the pen." This has advantages over oral speech which we shall not now stop to particular- ize, furthci- ^han to quote the following lines : "To remember, write ; to be accurate, write ; to know your own mind, write ; Hast thou a thought upon thy brain, catch it, while thou canst ! The commonest mind is full of thought, some worthy of the rarest, And could it see them once in words, would wonder at its wealth." One of the most effectual remedies for a poor memory, so often complained of, is unquestiona- bly the practice of writing. Franklin fixed his style by reading a page or two of the Spectator, then wTiting it from memory, and afterwards com- paring it with the original. With such a purpose in view, we shall read carefully, and the truth will soon be discovered that it is owing to our bad habits of reading, rather than to a poor memory, that we forget so much. We believe, also, that the "commonest mind is full of thought," and that the world has lost much from the inability — which a little practice would have remedied — of many a good man to put his thoughts on paper in such a manner that the wri- ter could see, "Smiling upward from the scroll. The image of the thought within the soul." It has been observed, that to come into contact with other minds — to move them by a silent influ- ence— to exercise a spell over those we have never seen and never can see, and when the hand that wrote is still forever, — is a most wonderful prerog- ative, and one well worth striving for. As an application of these remarks, we Avould urge farriiers to write for agricultural papers. Never mind if your expressions are not quite as elegant as you could Avish. Don't give up on that account. Practice makes perfect. The Editor will correct any little verbal improprieties. Give the facts. Give your experience. Give them as briefly as possible. The value of the New England Farmer has always been in a great measure de- pendent on the contributions of practical, hard- working farmers. It still depends on them. Many may find leisure time for tliis purpose in the Month of February. PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. In the last number of the Marh-Lane Express, London, the editor says that "the lung sickness or consumptive disease is spreading among cattle in Australia. M. Jourdier, a French agriculturist, who has recently visited Russia professionallj-, states that so great are the ravages committed by this disease, that in one large village, which he cites as a by no means uncommon instance, the in- habitants had lost literally the Avhole of their stock at the time of his visit. He was assured that in 1859, Russia lost upwards of 3,000,000 head of cattle by this disease, and the official returns ad- mitted that the loss amounted to 1,000,000 head between January and November of that year. M. Jourdier states that the disease may be greatly 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 59 Eoitigated, if not altogether prevented, by inocu- lation. The disease has also appeared in New South Wales. AVcll may our people be grateful that we escaped this terrible scourge with so little loss. The prompt energy of our State govern- ment saved a vast amount of property to our cit- izens. For tlie New England Farmer. THE EELATrVE VALUE OP DIFFER- ENT VARIETIES OF CORN". Mb. Brown : — Corn being the subject of dis- cussion at a late meeting of our "Farmer's Club," it was stated that there was a great difference in the weight and measure of different kinds ; it was also contended that as much could be obtained from a bushel of ears of twelve-rowed as of eight ; to settle the questions, a committee was chosen and instructed to weigh and measure different samples of corn, keep an accurate account of the same, and make return to the club. The committee attended to their duty faithfully, providing themselves with a bushel basket, (not sealed, but holding sixty pounds of potatoes when even full,) a half bushel measure, sealed, and a set of scales; tliey proceeded to the residences of far- mers' in different sections of the town. Their manner of procedure was to select sound, hand- some corn on the ear, sufficient to fill the basket after being thoroughly shaken down, until the corn was even with top of rim at the sides, and slight- ly crowning in the middle ; this was weighed, af- ter which the weight was ascertained of the corn carefully shelled; then the half-bushol measure was filled with the shelled corn, which was weighed. This result was not entirely satisfactory, as in some instances the cobs were somewhat green and the corn moist ; it will be repeated in April. It may not be generally known that a measure of damp corn will weigh less than if filled with dry. The result of the committee's labor is here an- nexed : No. 1—1 bushel basket of ears 8 rowed corn weighed.... 45;!^ lbs. Cob of same weighed t) " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 36 ?^ " ^^ bushel of " " " 29 " No. 2 — 1 basket of ears 12 rowed Button com weighed. ..46^':^ lbs. Cob of same weighed 9'^ " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 37 ^a " >i bushel of " " " 28>4 " No. 3 — 1 basket 8 rowed white and yel. mixed weighed. .43?;^ lbs. Cob of same weighed 7?i " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 36 " 3^ bushel of " " " 29>4 " No. 4—1 basket 12 rowed Button corn weighed 45}-^ lbs. Cob of same weighed 8 " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 37,'|' " ■^bushel of " " " 28 >^ " No. 5—1 basket 8 rowed "King Philip" corn weighed. . .47^^ lbs. Cob of same weighed 9 " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 38?^ " 1^ bushel of " " " 283^" No. 6^1 basket 12 rowed "Hyde" corn weighed 45 lbs. Cob of same weighed 9 " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 36 " 3i bushel of " " " 28%" No. 7 — 1 basket 8 rowed yellow corn weighed 47?^ lbs. Cob of same weighed 8 " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 39?^" }^ bushel of " " " 29/4" No. 8 — 1 basket 12 rowed "Button" corn weighed 48 lbs. Cob of same weighed 7M " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 40'.< " « bushel of " " " 29iii " No. 9 — 1 basket 8 rowed "Canada Improved" corn 505:^ lbs. Cob of same weighed 8 '4 " Whole amount of shelled corn weighed 42'^ " 3< bushel of " " " 30|^ " Whole amount measured 22 j^ quarts. Taking the first 8 samples the average weight of the eight and twelve-rowed corn is as follows : Corn on the Cob. Four samples of 8 rowed corn, average weight 46'^ lbs. 12 " " " " 49,'i « Whole Amount Shelled. Four samples of 8 rowed corn, average weight 37 13-16 lbs. " " 12 " " " " 37 13-]^ " Half Bushel Shelled. Four samples of 8 rowed corn, average weight 29 lbs. " " 12 " " " " 28 13-16 " WEiom OP CoB. Four samples of 8 rowed corn, average weight 8 7-16 lbs. " " 12 " " " " 8 7-16 " It appears that the average weight of the first eight samples is almost precisely the same, going to prove that Avhich is not generally credited, that twelve-rowed corn will produce as much, bushel for bushel, on the cob, as the eight-rowed. Sample No. 9 being of the Canada improved va- riety, so far exceeds in product an;/ of the other lots, that it is not included in the average. Henry H. Peters. Southboro% Dec. 21, 1861. WANT OF SOCIABILITY AMONG FARMERS. We hear great complaints among the farmers in our rural districts of the secluded life in which they live for the want of that good neighborly so- ciability to M'hich they had been accustomed in their "old homes." This is, of all others, the last kind of complaints that should arise ; and all that is needed in every community to bring about the needed reform, is for the residents in each neigh- borhood to tlu'ow ofl" that cold formality and re- serve, and visit each other in the true spirit of kindness, and make known the value of social in- tercourse. The loss to every community where thei"e are no neighborly visits made from house to house, cannot be computed in dollars and cents, for not only is there a pecuniary loss to a large amount, by reason of a non-exchange of the gen- eral information upon farming topics, but there is a loss of intellectual and moral wealth, and of the highest social amenities of life that can never be estimated, and when lost can never be recovei-ed. It is to be hoped that those who have felt the Avant of this liigher life, will not permit the pres- ent winter to pass away without making an effort to establish each in his own circle a series of fiiend- ly family visitings. — California Farmer. U. S. Agricultural Society. — On Thursday, January 9, the United States Agricultural Soci- ety, in session at Washington, re-elected Presi- dent Hubbard, Secretary Poore, Treasurer French, and nearly all the old Vice Presidents. The Ex- ecutive Committee was re-organized, and consists of Marshall P. Wilder, of Massachusetts, Fred. Sraythe, of New Hampshire, Isaac Newton, of Pennsylvania, Charles B. Calvert, of Maryland, Le Grand Byington, of Iowa, J. II. Sullivan, of Ohio, and ]M. Myers, of California. 60 NEW ENGLAND FABMER. Feb. F(jr the New England Farmer. STRAW HIVES. Mr. Editor : — The article with the above head- ing, some months since, in the Farmer, called out some remarks from Mr. Brackett, that deserve some notice, even though it may have been nearly forgotten in the long time since it was written. I propose to examine the principles involved, a little farther. I will endeavor to avoid personalities, and hope you will have patience to hear me through. I am not sure but what we bee-keepers ought to be indulged to a reasonable extent in pointed remarks, rather more than most of your corres- pondents, seeing that we have a daily example of short and sharp arguments in resentment of all in- sults, real or imaginary. Even the sfinginr/ thrusts of Mr. Kidder and Mr. Brackett are not without some benefit. Mr. Kidder, having a hive and book, promises us, if we will read the one, and use the other, a thousand impossible things, and we that know no better, are induced to expend our money, and expect in return a part at least of the bright promise. Mr. Brackett interposes, and ex- poses the fraud for our benefit, but in doing this, perhaps he says a little more than is necessary. Then it seems proper for Mr. Kidder to point out these excesses. Now it may be, that these gentle- men, accustomed to the sting, cannot write very well without showing it. If this should be so, had we not better tolerate the whole, than to refuse to hear them altogether ? The subject being a dry one, might not be relished without the spice. These criticisms also serve to call attention to the subject, and consequently promote more or less investigation. In the straw hive that I recom- mended, I presumed there wei-e several advantages. Mr. Brackett saw, or thought he saw, serious ob- i'ections, and has given them to the public. It is lardly possible to read over the list, together with my remarks, Avithout investigating the principles somewhat, and be better qualified to decide whether straw hives are an advantage, or other- wise. That part of Mr. Brackett's article to which I wish to call attention, commences with these re- marks : "Judging from an article in your paper of the 13th, it would appear that a new and fruit- ful field is to be opened for patent hives, and Mr. Quinby, who has hitherto had a holy horror of pa- tent hives, now summons to his side the innumer- able host of inventors. He assures us that he has, at the present time, a straw hive, adapted tc im- proved bee-culture, and if he cannot get a better one, he will shortly give us a description of it. Before the country is deluged with these new pa- tent hives, I should like to look into them, and see in what the advantage, if any, consists. Mr. Quinby says, 'that they are warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.' I will leave this assertion for some future occasion, still satisfied in my own mind, that it is like the Irishman's grog, that kept him warm in winter, and cool in summer, and was good at all times." I am sorry he left to a future occasion, the exposition of this fallacy, if it is one, because, despite the ridicule attempted, the princi- ple is just as tenable as before. As I intend to give the promised description, it would have been well for your readers to clearly comprehend all the real objections against the hive, before any one is induced to make it. The assertion, however, was a quotation from Mr. Langstroth — "Hive and Honey Bee," page 331, revised edition. "Straw hives have been used for ages, and are warm in winter, and cool in summer. The difficulty of making them take and retain the proper shape for improved bee-keeping, is an insuperable objection to their use." It being an assertion of Mr. L., proves nothing further than that the principle is more generally recognized than Mr. B. supposed. Again, I say that straw hives absorb moisture as generated by the bees, and save them the warmth they have generated. Mr. B. replies, "If tlais is true, its author has added a new chapter to the philosophy of heat and moisture. I had sup- posed that when a body was sufficiently porous to allow moisture to pass freely through it, that there was a good deal of danger that any amount of heat inside of such enclosure would be likely to go the same way." Now I recognize this principle as the true one. I would suggest that the "new chapter to the philosophy of heat and moisture" was dis- covered long ago, and has been acted on for cen- turies. Is it not an acknowledged fact, that solid bodies are much better conductors of heat than porous ? To illustrate. Handle a piece of iron and a piece of wood. Put on a coat of India rub- ber, or one of wool, one impervious to air and wa- ter, the other admitting the passage of both ; one conducts away from the body the insensible per- spiration, and retains the warmth ; Avhile with the other, the effect is exactly reversed, the moisture is retained while the heat is thrown off. We rec- ognize this principle in the rubber shoe ; instead of using it for warmth, it is put on as a protection against water. A garment of linen or cotton con- ducts heat much more rapidly than one of wool. Perhaps the fact that the fibres lie more compact, would explain the cause. Air is considered a poor conductor of heat. We readily succeed in warm- ing a room, but it is when the heated particles can move from the fire — forming a current of air — and give place to others that become heated in turn. But confine air, in what is called a dead air space, as we do in the Avails of a house, or, if you please, confine it to the little cells in a woolen garment, and the heat is very slowly passed. Now I con- ceive that straw, as a material for a bee-hive, will act on the same principle ; the thousand little air- cells are so many dead air spaces, which prevent the escape of the warmth, and yet allow the pas- sage of moisture. I speak comparatively, for some warmth, of course, Avill escape, but nothing like Avhat will go Avhen the holes in the top of a Avood hive are opened. The moisture from the bees must be got rid of. I can readily conceive hoAV a hive, Avith the boards of it thoroughly Avater-soaked, Avould conduct aAvay the heat much faster than Avhen they became thoroughly dry. In one case, the pores of the wood are filled with Avater, and become a good conductor, like a Avet garment ; in the other, the pores become filled Avith air, and the heat passes sloAvly. When a current of air is es- tablished, as in the Avood hive, Avhen the holes are opened in the top, to get rid of the moisture, as a matter of couri".e, the heat Avill move Avith it. Hence the advar tage of some material that Avill re- tain the one, and dispose of the other. But Mr. B. says, "Place a SAvarm of bees in a straw hive, and they Avill do very different from any bees I have ever seen, if they do not line the inside Avith propolis, a substance impervious to air 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 61 and moisture." Whether this objection is as ex- tensive as apprehended, is yet to be proved. I know that the little niches where the straws lie to- gether, are filled with it, but whether the smooth rounded surface of the straw is sufficiently coated to prevent the al)sorption of moisture, is not de- termined. But should this be the case, and the objection remain in full force, it is so easily obvi- ated that it amounts to next to nothintj. To re- move it, we have only to take out the combs — they are movable — and put them into some other hive for a short time, and apply boiling water. Or, , suppose — as the advantages of straw are claimed mostly for winter and spring — that at the begin- ning of summer, and before any propolis is gath- ered, we change the combs to a wood hive, and again return them on the approach of cold wea- ther. The top being of straAV, is unsuitable for the surplus honey boxes, and of necessity is taken off when they are used. This will be in proper condition Avhenever put on in cold weather. The only advantages that ^Mr. B. can see in a straw hive, are its dome-like shape, and that it cannot be easily robl)ed of its stores. The conical shape allows the moisture, as it "condenses at the top, to run down the sides of the hive, instead of dropping down among the bees and comb." If its superiority was here, it would seem that when we opened the holes in the top of a wood hive, and let the moisture ascend into the chamber, condense, and pass out, it would be as effectually out of the way of the bees, as in running down the sides of a conical shaped straw hive. If keeping the mois- ture from the bees and comb was all, we should have the same thrift as with the straw liive. But it is not here. That bees swarm ten days earlier in straw hives, "is not confirmed by many who have the straw hive side by side with wood, when no boxes are used for surplus." Here appears to be an acknowl- edgment that they do swarm earlier than some others. Now what is the cause ? lie says no boxes are used for surplus. Whether it is the room that the boxes afford, on taking the honey, we are left to infer. If he means the room, I woidd say that not one-half of the stocks go to work in the boxes before swarming. If the honey taken away, not one in a hundred is robbed before that time. Can it be shown by experience, or any com"se of reasoning, that when the hive is full, and the bees clustered outside doing nothing for want of room, that an extra box filled, and even removed at such a time, will make any perceptible differ- ence in the issue of the swarm ? If there should be a difference, it would be likely to be in favor of the earlier swarm. In good seasons, it is often the case that too many of the brood combs are stored with honey, instead of being filled with brood, thereby retai'ding the increase of bees, and conse- quently making the swarm later. "Mr. Quinby says that the best material for a hive is straw, and that he has clearly shown it." I Avould like to qualify this, by saying available material. Perhaps there are many other materi- als better, if we could only afford them. On this point, I would quote a little further from Lang- sti'oth. "The lighter and more spongy the wood, the poorer will be its power of conducting heat, and the warmer the hive in winter, and the cooler in summer." "A serious disadvantage attending all kinds of wooden hives, is the ease with which they conduct heat, causing them to become cold and damp in winter, and, if exposed to the sun, so hot in summer as often to melt the combs." From these remarks, I can easily imagine that Mr. L. would have recommended straw, if any shape "adapted to improved bee-culture" had been sug- gested. Mr. B. offers his last argument thus : "I am by no means sure that there is any real advantage in a straw hive. Certainly not. if the form is to be changed." I would say, certainly not, unless the form is changed {vom the old dome to one adapted to improved bee-culture — the surplus boxes, and movable combs. Mr. B. concludes Avith the following compli- ment : "It is Avith some reluctance that I differ with Mr. Quinby. My first ideas of bee-keeping were derived from him, and I might still have re- garded him as undoubted authority, had not acci- dent thrown in my way the Langstroth hive, by wliich I learned more in one season, than I should have found out in a life-time, by using the twelve by fourteen box liive. As it is, I trust Mr. Quin- by Avill not blame me, if I am not tickled with liis straws." By this it seems that my authority might have yet been "undoubted," had it not been for that Langstroth hive by which he learned so much in one season. Now, without pretending to be in- fallible, I would like Mr. B. to tell us wherein he has proved my authority fallacious ? Has he not, on the contrary, with the help of these movable combs, verified many points that Avould tend to establish it ? What he has discovered really new, if he would make it public, I would be one of many to heartily thank him for. These things I have a right to ask. As for blaming him for not being "tickled," I am not in the least disposed that way. If he chooses not to use the better hive, the consequence will be with him, not me. I shall not gain or lose one cent, if he does, or does not use it. I am not the interested patent vender that will fail to make a V, if he fails to be persuaded. Perhaps he will feel less prejudice towards this hive, when he understands that it is still claimed as the Langstroth hive. M. QuiNBY. St. Joknsvillc, N. Y., Dec, 1861. Fvr t/te New England Farmer. CULTURE OF THE KOHL KABI. Mr. Editor : — My boys, the past season, sowed a few seeds of kohl rabi in a bed, and trans- planted them in drill, about the first of August. The weather was very dry, and the plants had a hard struggle for life, for a number of weeks. As soon as we had rains they revived, and when gath- ered, the middle of November, yielded near four times the quantity, on the same surface, as carrots along side of them. I have not any experience with this root. The yield is satisfactory, but I think they will require more careful preparation or cutting up, before feeding, than other roots, as they appear to be very hard. If, as is alleged by those who have fed them to milch cows, they im- part no flavor to the milk, as turnips and cabbages do, I shall regard the kohl rabi as an important acquisition to our farm crops. Brother farmers, send to the New England Farmer your experience in the culture and use of this root. o. K. Rochester, Mass., 1861. 62 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. TRAINING STEERS. A correspondent of the American Stock Jour- nal gives his experience in the training of steers. He says they should be — 1. Accustomed to your presence. 2. Trained to be yoked — to travel in the yoke, and turn right and left at command. 3. Trained to Avork. The first should be accomplished long before "breaking," as it is termed ; if, however, it is not, it may be very easily done by handling the animal — if it must be by force, handle, always being de- liberate and careful in action, and never be thrown off your guard so much as to strike or kick. The creature will soon learn he has nothing to fear — now let him know he has something to gain, by giving him a nubbin of corn, or scratching his neck, back, etc. Whenever you undertake to handle an animal, accomplish what you undertake ; and if you have any doubts as to the result, do not begin until you have force enough to be sure of success. If you do begin, and fail at first, persevere until you finally conquer — that's the word — conquer. Any animal is a long time forgetting a triumph. I would rather teach ten wild steers to handle that have never been tampered with, than one that has once come off "best." The most skilful man we ever saw at handling cattle, did it with the least expense of feeling to them, and yet, when they re- fused to perform, he used the most imperative force to compel obedience. An animal came from his hands tamer and more gentle than from one who resolves not to force. Use then force enough — do what you attempt, but be always mild and gentle — show no temper. Training to the Yoke. — This is easiest and best done in the barn-yard. Drive them quietly around for a considerable time — mind, you drive them, if not they scamper where they like, without per- ceiving that you are master. After half a day of such (Lriving, many steers will submit to be yoked, by the cU'iver alone, and M'ild ones will soon be so wearied as to be readily yoked. In this regard you have to judge whether best to yoke by calling in help, or keeping them going until you can yoke them by yourself. When you have them yoked be gentle with them — let them know you are mas- ter— keep them going until weary, but very little after. It is easy to learn steers to turn right and left, when you have them in the yard under your con- trol. Touch the near one when you wish them to go the right — the off one when to the left ; or if you wish them to turn about, start one ahead quick by a touch, while you motion the other back at the same time. Training Steers to Work. — This is by fi^r the most critical part of "breaking steers," and should be accomplished by gradual approaches, being careful not to worry nor weary them. Suit their tasks to their strength and endurance, and have patience now, that when they are fully grown, they may not be prematurely "old cattle." How many pairs of so-called slow cattle, are really so ? They are old in appearance, and slow, because when young, their spirit Avas destroyed liy over- work. Cattle are more unfitted than any other animal to severe labor before attaining their full growth and constitutional development. In breaking steers, bear in mind that you must subdue their wUl, but maintain unimpaii-ed their natural animal spirits. One year ago we trained two paii's of steers ; one pair was wild, and had to be caught with the lasso. Tliis pair we bad gentle and tractable in one week, and yet one of them possessed an al- most unconquerable will. In getting him home we yoked laim with liis mate and could not drive them. We then liitched a strong pan- of oxen ahead and drew him — he part of the time sliding on the ground, and part of the time pulling back all he Avas able, but firm ; and in one hour he was subdued, and we had no further trouble with him. In training steers, use all the force necessary to bring them under your control ; then gentle them by being mild and gentle yourself. No animal thinks less of you for conquering, if you do not abuse your superiority. THE S1SOV7 STORM. Announced by all the trumi>ets of the sky, Arrives the snow, and, driftinj; o'er tlie fields, Seems nowhere to alight ; the whited air Hides hills and woods, the river and the heavens And veils the farm-house at the ganjen's end. The sled and traveller stopped, the courier's feet Delayed, all friends shut out, the housemates sit In a tumultuous privacy of storm. Come, see the north-wind's masonry ! Out of an unseen qviarry, evermore Furnished with tile, the fierce artificer Curres his white bastions with jjrojected roof Kound every windward stake, or tree, or door ; Speeding the myriad handed, his wild work, So fanciful, so savage, naught cares he For number or proportion. l[ockingIy, On coop or kennel he hangs Parian wreaths ; A swan-like form invests the hidden thorn ; Fills up the farmer's lane from wall to wall, Maugi'e the f irmer's sighs ; and, at the gate, A tapering turret overtops the work ; And when his hours are numljered, and the world Is all his own, retiring as he were not. Leaves, when tlie sun appears, astonished Art, To mimic in slow structures, stone by stone. Built in an age, the mad wind's night work, The frolic architecture of the snow. Emerson. THE ASHES OP VEGETABLES. In chemistry, all elementar}^ bodies are divided into tAvo classes, viz. : metals and metalloids, or substances Avhich in their character are non-metal- lic. As yet, only a very fcAV of the elements knoAvn to chemists have been recognized in the ashes of vegetables. Those Avhich have been detected in the residuum Avhich remains after combustion, are, phosphorus, chloride, iodine, silicon, sulphur, bro- mine, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron, manganese and fluorine. Iodine and bro- mine are found only in the ashes of marine plants, — ^Ivclp, scaAveed, (^-c. When found, hoAvevcrj these substances are never in a simple, isolated state, but in combination Avith oxygen, (Avith the exception of iodine, chlorine and bromine,) and from Avliich they are separated Avith much difficulty. The distinction between metals and metalloids "depends upon their relation to heat and clectrici- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 63 ty. If a substance opposes no resistance to the diffusion of electricity through its body and over its surface, or, as philosophers expi-ess it, is a good conductor of heat and electricity, it is called a met- al. If it presents characters the opposite of this, it is called non-metallic, or a metalloid." The salts detected in the residuum of vegetable sub- stances submitted to the action of fire, are pro- duced by a union of both these substances. Phos- phorus, sulphur, iodine, bromine, clilorine and sil- icon, as also oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and car- bon, are classified as non-metallic bodies, while the other elementary constituents, to wit, — sodi- um, potassium, calcium, manganese, iron and mag- nesium, belong to the class of metals. When the non-metallic elements combine with oxygen, the result is the formation of an acid, and the same result ensues upon any of that class combining with hydrogen ; and it is in this state that they are recognised in the soil, as mcII as in vegetables and their ashes. Carbon, combined with oxygen, forms carbonic acid. Sulphuric acid is a combination of sulphur and oxygen. Phosphoric acid is produced by the chemical union of phosphorus and oxygen, and silicic and nitric acid are the results of the same union be- tween silicon and nitrogen, and oxygen. Anoth- er feature presented by these acids is their propen- sity to form combinations with certain bases. These bases are found almost universally on the earth's surface, or mingled in its crassus, and in- variably in the ashes of vegetables, and it is there- fore by no means a matter of surprise that the two are seldom found in an uncombined state, in the soil, and invariably in a combined state in vegetables and their ashes, in the form of salts. For the Neic England Farmer. OVER A THOUSAND MEN" Crawling Twentt-Five Miles on their Hands and Knees — NOT IN India, but in New England ! If we were to go into the labor market and of- fer farm operatives sixteen dollars a month for the working season, with the condition annexed, that in the course of the season they should crawl twen- ty-five miles on their hands and knees, how many of our free Northern laborers, suppose you, would set their hands and seal to any such arrangement? Yet there are thousands of aljle workmen who readily engage themselves to our thrifty market gardeners, with the condition very clearly implied in the contract, that each of them shall perform in the neighborhood of twenty-five miles of liand- and-knec crawling in the course of the season. If any of our readers will take his pencil in hand, and figure out the problem of the distance to be gone over in the care of two and a half acres of onions, which is about the average quantity al- lowed per man, planted in rows fourteen inches apart, and requiring three hand-and-knee weed- ings in the course of the season, he will find, if my pencil mistakes not, that allowing two rows are taken each time, some twenty-six miles must be crawled over before the job is finally finished. However, our worthy farmers, with knees well protected by stout woollen or leather pads, pro- gress, tortoise-like, over the ground, and gradu- ally wind up the season's work apparently with- out any serious inconvenience. An onion crop requires not only three such Aveedings, but also one or two hand weedings, towards the close of the season, and three hoeings in the course of it. With such data added to the extra cost of pi'epar- ing, manuring and planting the ground, our farm friends who devote their acres principally to the grains, and sigh to hear of the heavy incomes de- rived from the culture of roots and bulbs nearer the city, Avill be better able to fhrm some idea of the costs of such investments. J. J. H. Gregory. Marblchead, Mass., Dec, 1861. HOUSE PLANTS— ^S^ATER AND "WATER- ING. It is desirable that plants should be Avatered with rain-water ; but as this cannot always be done, Avater from Avells or pipes must, in such cases, be used, hut should never he used in a cold state, as a quart of boiling Avater to a gallon of cold Avill in great measure rectify it, and save the cultivator the mollification of seeing the leaves of his plants turn yelloAV and drop off. So import- ant do I consider this point, that I never give cold spring-Avater even to kitchen garden crops ; and Avhen in charge of a large place, had daily a copper going to supply hot Avater for all purposes of A\atering and syringes ; and for sj'ringing I con- sider it should be as Avarm as one can comfortably bear the hand in. To promote the growth of the plants in April, May and June, syringing should be done on the afternoon of bright days, just as the house is losing the full force of the sun's rays — say from three to five o'clock. The moisture Avill then be diffused into vapor, instead of hang- ing coldly about the plants, as it would do if giA'- en at a later period of the day ; and to syringe in the morning may be attended Avith danger, for the sun striking upon the Avct foliage might disfigure it. Syringing in a house Avill scarcely be required excepting during the period named, Avhile the gen- eral stock is inaldng its principal groAvth ; even then plants in fioAver must be shunned, but the ob- ject sought by sj-Tinging is not so much to drench the plants as to create a soft groAving atmosphere, which may be accomplished, if done before the sun is AvhoUy off the house, by throAving the Avater into the air, and upon the roof and Avails. Any individual plant or climber, on the other hand, that shoAvs the presence of red spider, at Avhatever sea- son, must be soundly soused ; and this may be best done, in the case of pot plants, by laying them doAvn upon a bass mat, and playing the sp-inge Avell at the under sides of the leaves ; and this must be rejjeated often, until the spider is put to flight. Watering at the root is an important matter ; if plants are not supplied Avith as much as they re- quire they do not attain to the perfection, either 64 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. in statiire or flower, they are capable of, and are, in consequence, more subject to the attacks of in- sects. On the other hand, if supplied with more than they require, the soil turns sour, the leaves of the plant turn yellow, and it soon puts on any- thing but a pleasing appearance. Then, in order to shun these extremes, use observation, and give water whenever the soil seems to be approaching a state of drj-ness, and at no other time ; this may happen twice a day, or twice a week, but give it then, and give it effectually, so that it passes out at the bottom of the pot. Plants that have grown so as to fUl their pots full of roots, and plants in active growth, will be found to require much water in hot Aveather, but less in dull and damp weather ; while others that have not so filled their pots, or that are not so vigorous, would be only ruined by a like application. The same rule holds good in the application of liquid manure, and in the using of pans to set the pots in ; both of the latter do more harm than good, unless the pots are full of roots. The best liquid manure for pot plants is made by stee]nng horse and dry cow dung in a tub or tairlt, so constructed that the liquid can be drawn off" clear, for turbid manure water renders the pots unsightly. The above is simple, and can scarcely do harm ; but guano and other artificial manures must be used with extreme caution, say no more than half an ounce to a gallon of water. — Garden Oracle, England. ACTION" OP SALT AND SALTPETRE ON" MEAT. The following interesting account of the action of salt and saltpetre on meat will doubtless be new to many of our readers : The manner in which salt operates in its pi-eser- vative functions is obvious. Salt, by its strong affinity, in the first place, extracts the juices from the substance of meat in sufficient quantity to form a saturated solution with the Avater contained in the juice, and the meat then absorbs the saturated brine in the place of the juice extracted by the salt in the fnst place. Thus matter, incapable of pu- trefaction, takes the place of that portion of the meat which is most perishable. Such, hoAvever, is not the only office of salt as a means of preserving meat ; it also acts by its astringency in contract- ing the fibres of the muscles, and so excludes the action of air on tlie interior of the substance of the meat. The last mentioned operation of salt as an antiseptic, is evinced by the diminution of the volume of meat to Avhich it is applied. The astringent action of saltpetre on meat is much greater than that of salt, and thereby renders the meat to Avhich it is applied very hard ; but in small quantities it considerably assists the antisep- tic action of salt, and it also prevents the destruc- tion of the florid or red color of the meat by the application of salt. From the foregoing statement of the mode of the operation of salt and saltpetre on meat, it Avill be perceived that the application of these matters deteriorates, in a considerable de- gi-ee, the nutritive, and, to some extent, the whole- some qualities of meat ; and, therefore, in tlieir use, tlie quantity applied should be as small as possi- bly consistent Avith the perfect preservation of the meat. — Exchange. FACTS AND FANCIES. Fat Sheep. — A drove of 200 sheep was recent- ly taken in the Noav York market at a trifle over $4 a head. An extra fine lot of Kentucky sheep, brought in by Levi Brine, sold 7 for $49, 11 for $80, 10 for $75, and 10 more for $75, Avhich Avas equal to 9c per lb. for the meat, beside the value of the fat and pelts. Corn in Illinois. — The Illinois Central Rail- road runs through the Egypt of the Prairie State, and has been the means of adding many millions of bushels, annually, to the corn and other bread- stuff" products of Illinois. By it the broad prairies have been broken up, and the station, the village, and the farm-house, noAV dot immense corn-fields Avhere but a few years ago Avaved an unbroken sea of grass and Avild floAvers. This company has given notice that it Avill sell its lands and receive corn in the ear in payment, delivered on the car at any of the stations of the road, at eighteen cents for seventy-five pounds. To store the corn, the company is building eleven miles of corn cribs along the line of their road, tAvelve miles south of Chicago, Avith a capacity of 3,000,000 bushels ! Extravagance in Dress. — Dress may be ele- gant and not extravagant. It should be remem- bered that hoAvever the eye may be taken at first sight Avith a magnificent dress, it is the loearer that a man finally falls in love Avith. Greater economy in dress and a fcAV other items of family expenses, would equal the extra taxes levied upon us by Avar. The Oil Springs. — A gentleman named Den- ton, Avho has been investigating the matter, says that the oil found so abundantly in Canada, Ohio and Pennsylvania and many other localities, is not coal oil, but co7-al oil. He says, — "Stored aAvay in cells, forming in the aggregate immense reefs, as it Avas collected from the impure Avaters of the early oceans by minute coral polyps, [an aquatic animal, that has no special organs of sense, and is capable of multiplying by buds and artificial sec- tions as Avell as by ova. — Ed. Far.,'] it has been driven by heat and pressure into reservoirs and crevices Avhere man's ingenuity is discovering it day by day. I have in my possession many speci- mens of this fossil coral, Avith the oil plainly visi- ble in the cells." This is gratifying intelligence, and seems to us rational. It has generally been supposed that this oil came from coal, forced out by a tremendous pressure, and found its Avay to caverns Avhere it has been waiting — perhaps for thousands of years — for the scientific researches of man to brhig it to the light. Peaches in Minnesota. — The Minnesota Farmer and Gardener says : The peaches groAvn about St. Paul are all protected in the Avinter by training the branches near the ground and cover- ing them in the Jail. 1S!62. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 65 -^ For the New England Farmer, USES OF A HOT-BED BY E. "W. BUSWELL. Market gardeners and commercial florists un- derstand well the absolute necessity of hot-beds in the economy of their operations, and so also the wealthy amateur, but to the amateur of small means — he who cannot ■well afford to expend a dollar except its speedy return be sure — the thoup^ht of a hot bed, and its management, is so formidable as to "taboo" the affair quite effectually. Now it is to my timid brother of small means that I wish to give a few hints that shall assist him materially in growing his pets. To begin, I assume three things : first, that he considers floAvers essential to his happiness and well being, and the more the better. Second, that his condition precludes the possibility of his giv- ing much time to their culture ; and thirdly, that he is Avilling to repay the soil for its contribution to his happiness. Shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and the like, we will not consider now. They know no difference between the poor and the rich ; so, also, the more hardy annuals do well under ordinary treatment ; but all this don't satisfy us. We want a "show" of the finer and more delicate growing exotics, and icill have them. Suppose we try fii-st to grow them in the ordi- nary mode of open culture, and let the lumbering hot-bed go. With great care we select the choicest seeds, and with full confidence in our ability to do the whole thing justice, we await the proper time for planting. It seems as though the ground never would be warm enough, spring is so backward, and it takes the cold rains so long to fill the ground and "go away ;" but at last the bright sun has shone upon the earth for a ichole day or more, in the seeds go, "for better, for worse," and we "lay back" with splendid visions of the future, to await their coming. Time is plenty wherein to speculate on probabihties, and lay our plans for dispensing beautiful bouquets among our less privileged friends ; but how is this ? why don't they come ? I know I gave to each its proper depth according to its kind, and I have only here and there an indication of vegeta- ble life, except weeds, which grow without aid ; still we watch and pray, still they don't come, and we wait and wait, until hope is extinct ; plant again — again the same result ; call the seedsman a cheat, resolve to shun him in future, and fall back upon sunflower and marigold, seeds of which toe saved, extend our faith another twelvemonth, and pocket our disajipointment with all the grace at our command. So much for that system. Now let us make a hot-bed, and see if we have cause to regret it. We design manuring the gar- den, so we buy stable manure in March, where- withal to do it. No matter if it l)e coarse and cheap, we can improve the quality before autumn, many fold, and be richly rewarded in the process. We begin by throwing it in a heaj), so as to pre- sent as little surface as possible to the atmosphere, and while fermentation is beginning its work, we will get the frame ready. A good size for our use isoXlO feet square, 10 inches high in front, 18 in the rear, with the ends shaped of course to. match. Let these be cleated so as to prevent warping, and fasten together at the corners with hasps. Let in, flush with the edge, narrow strips 66 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. at proper distances for the sashes to slide on, with a narrower one in the middle for a guide. These will accommodate four sashes of proper propor- tions for glass eight inches wide, which should be inserted in grooves, rather than by the old method of puttying, as putty soon crumbles with such severe exposure. We Mill now suppose the manure is ready to move, and the time almost the first of April, long before it would be safe to put seeds in the ground, and when but little else can be done outside. Now we measure a space 12X7 feet (to give a projection of a foot all round outside the frame,) on a spot well sheltered from cold Avinds and open to the sun. Commence by setting boards on edge secured by stakes, and fill in first with a layer of straw, leaves or other similar material, and then a layer of manure, beating it down with the fork, but not treading it hard. Thus continue until you have used sufficient litter to make it, with the ma- nure, about two feet high. Put on the frame, cover the outside bank with boards laid flat, fill in with about four inches of tan, put on the sashes, and while the heat is getting up, we will get ready our seeds, Sec, and prepare materials for potting. Here, again, is an outlay of cash for pots, but we won't regard that when we see how useful Ave make them before summer is gone. We shall want some bits of charcoal for drainage, from which we can sift the dust to mix in the soil for potting. We last fall secured some excellent peat, laid up a little loam, and saved a remnant of the old hot-bed, (if we had one.) These, in equal parts, with a generous sprinkling of the coal dust, make a good soil for present purposes. In about a week after the bed is made, the heat will be up, as Ave may find by thrusting a sharp stick into it, and Ave may noAV begin to soav in pots, seeds of such plants as are of sIoav groAvth, or Avill soonest bear turning out. A little practice Avill teach us Avhen is the best time to start Avith the various kinds. Plunge the pots to the rim in the tan, and the bottom heat Avill do its "perfect Avork." We see that by having the seeds in our poAver, Ave can control heat and moisture at pleas- ure, and Avill scarcely make a failure, luiless some careless person leaves the glass on too long during hot sunshine, Avhile the "husbandman" works. Here, too, Ave Avill start such summer bulbs and tubers^s require a season longer than ours, and of others, a few, to secure a longer season of bloom. Soon Ave begin to "prick out" the young plants, and "pot oft " and "shift," so that our good time has come indeed. Who that has no hot-bed of his OAvn, does not envy vis our pleasure, and that too for Avceks before he can hope to start on his OAvn hook ? To watch carefully to prevent burning, to Avater as may be necessary, to give air to prevent damp- ing ofl", and to close before nightfall, covering Avith mats, are amongst our cares, until uoav the ground is Avarm enough to begin to "turn out," so out they go. Ordinary transplanting requires much care even in cloudy, or rainy Aveather, Avhich can- not always be had at Avill ; but wc can snap our fingers at the Aveather, for Ave disturl) no little spongioles in the operation. If the sun is too hot for them, invert the pots over them, but remove them again before the dew falls. This is another use for the ])ot. A third use is in irrigation, Avhich is done in this Avise, and is, by the Avay, the only proper mode for the floAver-garden. Set the pot right side up close by the plant, and press it firmly doAvn so as to fill the hole at the bottom Avith earth, then fill Avith Avater, Avhich Avill ooze so sIoav- ly through as to be readily drunk by the earth, thus avoiding a j^uddle, Avhich, on subsiding, leaves a crust to shut out air and light. Refilling once or tAvice Avill overcome the severest drought. Wash the foHage Avith a syringe, if you Avill, but never pour Avatcr faster than a gentle shoAver gives it, if you Avould not injure your plants. We retain in the bed such plants as Ave Avish to keep together in pots, or plant it Avith vines, or use it as Ave Avill until "pay daj'," Avhen Ave take out and save the tan, and also a little of the rotted manure, Avhich noAv I'esembles in appearance a mixture of the best of loam and peat. The sashes and frame Avere housed long since, and Ave "pay off'," by giving to our shrubs, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, Sec, each its share of the "fatness" to protect it through the long Avinter, and Avhen raked doAvn in the spring, and forked in, to nourish it in its future groAvth. This Avhole system is recommended for its simplicity, and the ease and lightness of its op- erations. After the bed is once made, the AA-hole Avork may be carried through, to planting out, by the most delicate ladies, or young children, even, Avith a little direction from the more experienced, It also enables us to take the advantage of time, and avoid the great haste otherwise consequent upon the commencement of gardening operations, thus accomplishing more Avithin the season, Avith more leisnre Avherein to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Remarks. — Our correspondent is enthusiastic, and Ave relish it greatly. We like enthusiastic people. We could almost forgive a scamp for fleecing us, if he did it Avith a Avill, as though he found pleasure in it. But a see-saAv, poke-and- go sort of a person, one Avho never sang, "Git out of the way, ole Dan Tucker," reminds us of an excellent horse Ave haA^e — excel- lent in every thing but one — he insists upon going to sleep in the harness, and tumbling doAvn Avith us occasionally ! But Ave only meant to say that the uses of a hot-bed, so enthusiastically described, are just as valuable in starting our tomatoes, rad- ishes, cucumbers, peppers, egg plants, &:c, as they are for floAvers. The small hot-bed Avhich is illus- trated, has its sides constructed of masonry, and is more substantial and costly than is necessary for the use of a common farmer, or single family. The Iron Rule. — Never borroAv a paper, book, umbrella, horse, cart, plow, shovel, spade, pickax, chain, or anything else Avhatever, if you can pos- sibly do Avithout it, nor then either unless Avith consent of the owner. The Silver Rule. — Not only use the article borroAved as carefully as if it Avere your own, but more so, for it is not your oAvn, — nor retain it be- yond the time agreed to, Avithout the OAvner's ver- bal consent. The Golden Rule. — As soon as you have done using the thing borrowed, return it Avith thanks, and be ready to return the favor. 1862. NEW ENGLx\ND FAR^MER. 67 For the New England Farmer. COMPLAINTS OP HIGH PRICES. Mr. Editor. : — A mistaken notion prevails very extensively among the mechanics and laboring classes rivspecting the effect of high and low pi-ices of provisions upon t4iem, pecuniarily. It is a ste- reotype complaint with them that it costs so much to live, they can scarce maintain themselves and families : or, that prices of provision are so liigh it is impossible for them to get forehanded. Sec, 8zc. All such assertions, or notions, are based upon the erroneous idea that if provisions were cheap their ■wages would still remain the same. Tlus can nev- er he in the nature of the case. The cost of ])ro- duction and tiie price of the product necessarily go hand in hand. They as necessarily find their level as water. I can well remember when the carpen- ter in the country worked from sun to sun, and even longer, for a day's work, and was content to receive his dollar for the same. I know of many who then could live as well as country communi- ties usually did, and get forehanded in property. When I was a boy, farm laborers were ])aid from eight to eleven dollars a month, according to qualifications. In haying time, daily wages were from seventy-five cents to a dollar. This was the case for several years, as many now living can tes- tify. Provisions, of course, were low, as a general thing : northern corn rarely a dollar a bushel, but- ter and cheese quite low most of the time — yet still, all farm products, as compared with price of labor, were higher than at present. How, then, are Ave to account for the almost universal complaint of our mechanics and laborers of having a hard time to get on ? I think none will deny that most of them do have a hard time — but is it necessarily so ? I think it is not, and will try to make it appear. We will look at the case of the mechanic. The evil com- mences with him at the very outset of his appren- ticesliip. As the hours for labor are now regulat- ed, he has much time at his own disposal. How it is disposed of few need to be informed. That a majority of them fail to make a good use of it, few will gainsay. Formerly, the master, or employer, felt himself under obligation to see that his ap- prentice contracted no bad habits, formed no bad acquaintances, and conducted himself worthily on all occasions. Lamentably is this now neglected, to the ruin of many a promising youth. The boss don't care to have this trouble, and the weak, in- judicious parent fails to require it of him, so that between them l^th the boy is left pretty much to his own course, unguided by wise counsel, unre- strained by judicious command. He associates with whom he will, goes whei'e he will, and con- tracts such habits as he "will, little dreaming of the bitter fruit which in the end such unrestrained li- cense is sure to produce. He is almost sure to contract the use of tobacco in some form, and if he escapes the use of intoxicating drinks, it is a marvel. If by any means he has money to use, it is usu- ally quickly gone for some needless recreation, amusement or extravagance. He has no idea of its value and wise use. It is more than probable that by the time he arrives at maturity his cigars and other needless expenditures will amount to nearly or quite as much as many expend on their board. This may be an extreme case, and no doubt is of rare occurrence, but that it does occur, many can vouch. Let us suppose the outlay for cigars and other needless expenses to amount to only twenty dollars per annum, (wliich is doubtless less than the real amount generally worse than thrown away, by a majority of apprentices and journey- men from sixteen to thirty, or for a period of four- teen years,) with interest added annually, and see if it does not give us a sum that most of our me- chanics Avould be proud to possess. What I have said in reference to mechanics, ap- plies in a greater or less degree to other occupa- tions. All complain, but I think the fault is gen- erally to be ascribed to the grumbler liimself. Sup- pose these classes gave their spare time to useful study and reading, thus acquuing information that in future life may be drawn upon for profit and pleasure, would they not, of course, husband their earnings, and more economically manage their af- fairs ? Would not such a use of leism-e hours op- crate as the great balance wheel of all their ac- tions, leading them on to thrift and respectability ? Allow me to say to all of you of this class who chance to read these thoughts, that finding fault with the prices of food anil the dullness of the times, will do you no good ; prices, for all this, will remain the same and the times unaltered. Seek for the remedy within yourselves. Stop every leak, cut off every useless and needless expendi- ture, appro]iriate evej"y spare hour to some useful employment, and you M'ill be sm'}:)rised at the re- sult. You will find more money in your purse, a hapjiier heart in your bosom. The clouds that heretofore have enveloped you Avill quickly dis- perse, and cheerful sunshine will illumine your fu- ture ; contentment and hojie will be your constant guests ; your households will rejoice with you, and peace will surround your hearthstone. The prices of provisions and the compensation for labor are entirely beyond our control, and it is useless for us to attempt it. They are govenred by circumstances and laws that camiot, in the na- ture of things, be abrogated. o. K. Eochcster, Dec, 1861. For tJie New England Farmer. HOME SYMPATHY. A young lady, a farmer's daughter, was asked a few days ago, "how large a daily has your father this wniter ?" Her answer was, "How should I know ? I don't go to the barn once a month." Beecher says that "no one can learn patience except by going out to battle in the hurly-burly world." ^^erhaps so ; yet nowhere in the "hurly- burly world" are there so numberless occasions for practicing patience, as in the quietude of home. And among these home trials, not one is more keen than the want of sympathy in your life-work from those around you. Buttonlcss shirts, and ventilated stockings, and late dinners, are very good patience teachers. But what can irritate a man more than when he sits down to explain to his wife and girls his pet plan for a perfect garden or orchard, or the additions and improve- ments which he intends to make to the barn, to see them listen with a martyr-like air of meek en- durance, or turn away to commend Mrs. Grundy's taste in dressing her children ! Farm-houses would not have the barren aU-for- 68 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. use appearance Avhich they now so often present if farmers received due in-door sympathy. Boys would not consider farming as coarse and undig- nified labor, and hasten off to the city, if sisters worked "heart and hand" with them, and would not speak with such evident pride of the brother who is in college, or clerk in some city store. And young ladies, your pretty white fingers would touch the piano keys just as gracefully, and cro- chet and embroider just as skilfully, were they in the habit of giving the cows a daily loving pat, or a handful of hay. And you would lose none of your refinement, were you so well acquainted at the barn, that the horse would greet you with a good-morning neigli, and the busy fowls flock about j'ou as you enter ; or if you were able to in- form inquirers whether or not your father "cut the feed" for his cattle, or whether in the summer he "turned them out to pasture," or "soiled" them. You enjoy sympathy; why not give then, as you ■wish to recche ? HowAKD. Dec. 18, 1861. FROST IN THE WINDO'W. Books have been written of painted windows, and journeys long and expensive have been made to see them. And without a doubt they are both curious and more than curious ; they are admira- ble. One such work of art standing through gen- erations of men, and making countless hearts glad with its beauty, is a treasure for wliich any com- munity may be grateful. But are we so destitute of decorated windows as at first one might suppose ? Last night the thermometer sank nearly to zero, and see what business Nature has on hand ! Every pane of glass is etched and figured as never INIoorish artist decorated Alhambra. AVill you pass it unexam- ined simply because it cost you nothing — because it is, this morning, the property of so many in common — because it was wrought by nature, and not by man ? Do not do so. Learn rather to en- joy it for its own elegance, and for God's sake, who gave to frosts such artist tendencies. The children are wiser than their elders. They are already at the window, interpreting these mys- tei'ious pictures. One has discovered a silent, sol- itary lake, extremely beautiful, among stately, wliite chffs. Another points out a forest of white fir trees and pines growing in rugged grandeur. There are in succession discovered mountains, val- leys, cities of glorious structures, a little confused in their outline by distance. There are various beasts, too. Here a bear coming down to the wa- ter ; birds in flocks, or sitting voiceless and soli- tary. There are rivers flowing through plaiiis ; and elephants, and buff^ixloes, and herds of cattle. There are dogs and serpents, trees and horses, sliips and men. Besides all these phantom crea- tures, there are, shadowy ornaments of every de- gree and beauty, simple or complicated, running through the whole scale, from a mere dash of the artist's tool to the most studied and elaborate compositions. Neither does frost repeat itself. Every Mindow has its separate design. Every pane of glass is individual and peculiar. You see only one ap- pearance of anxiety in tlie artist, and that, lest time and room should fail for the expression of the endless imaginations wliich throng liis fertile soil. There is a generous disregard of all fictitious or natural distinctness of society in this beautiful working. The designs upon the poor-house win- dows are just as exquisite as any upon the rich man's mansion. The little child's bed-room win- dow is just as carefully handled as the proudest window in any room of static. The church can boast of nothing better than the emblazonings on the window of the poor seamstress who lives just by. For a few hours everybody is rich. Every man owns pictures and galleries of pictures. But then comes the iconoclast — the sun ! Ah, remorseless eye ! why will you gaze out all these exquisite figures and lines ? Art thou jealous lest night shall make sweeter flowers in the winter than thou canst make in all the summer time ? For shame, envious Father of Flowers ! There is no end of thy abundance. Around the equator the summer never dies ; flowers perfume the whole ecliptic. And spreading out thence, the summer shall travel northward, and for full eight months thou hast the teiuperate zones in thy portfolio. Will not all the flowers of the tropics and of eight- month zones suffice ? Will not all the myriads that hide under leaves, that climb up for air to tree- tops that nestle in rock crevices, or sheet the open plains with wild efl'ulgence, that ruffle the rocks and cover out of sight all rude and homely things — suffice thy heart, that thou must come and rob from our winter canvass all the fine things, the rootless trees, the flowers that blossom without growing, the Avilderness of pale shrubberies that grow at night and die by day ? Rapacious sun, thou shouldst set us a better example. But the indefatigable frost repairs the desola- tion. New pictures supply the waste ones. New cathedrals, new forests, fringed and blossoming, new sceneries and new races of extinct animals. We are rich every morning, and poor every noon. One day with us measures the peace of two hun- dred years in kingdoms — a hundred years to build up, and a hundred years to decay and destroy ; twelve hours to overspread the evanescent j^ane with glorious beauty, and twelve to extract and dissipate the pictures ! How is the frost-picturing like fancy painting ! Thus we fill the vagrant hours with innumerable designs, and paint visions upon the visionless sphere of time, which, with every revolution, de- stroys our work, restoring it back to the realm of waste phantasies ! But is not this a type of finer things than ar- rant fictions ? Is it not a mournful vision of many a virtuous youth, overlaid with every device of virtue which parental care could lay on, dissolved before the hot breath of love, blurred and quite rubbed out ! Or, shall we read a lesson for a too unpractical mind, full of airy theories and dainty plans of ex- quisite good, that Ue upon the surface of the mind, fair indeed, till touched ? The first attempt at re- alization is as an artist tries to tool these frosted sketches, the most exquisite touch of ripest skill would mar and destroy them ! Or, rather, shall we not reverently and rejoic- ingly behold in these morning pictures, Avrought without color, and kissed upon the window by the cold lips of Avinter, another instance of that Di- vine beneficence of beauty which suffuses the heavens, clothes the earth, and royally decorates the months, and scuds them forth thi'ough all 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 69 hours, all seasons, all latitudes, to fill the earth with joy, pure as the Great Heart from which it had its birth? — The Independent. THE RIGHTS OF THE FARMER. AVhat gives our country strength in this day of her peril, and Avhat holds in check the nations who desire to procure cotton from the South, is the abundance of our farm products, by Avhich we sup- ply not only ourselves at home and our armies in the field, but have a vast surplus which England and France need and must have. They can do better without our cotton than they can without our corn, and so we have some security that they will not at present interfere in our family disci- pline of the refractory states. Manufactures are important, and to be cher- ished at all times, but there is a market where we can supply ourselves with clothing and arms, even, if unable to manufacture all we need, while there is no country in the world from which we could ob- tain bread enough to sustain our army for a single month. The legislation of Massachusetts has been al- ways partial to manufactures ; and the rights of the farmer and the interests of agriculture have often been sacrificed or put aside at the demand of the factory companies, not because of any wrongful intention, but because the manufacturers are wealthy, and united in their movements, and the farmers, individually, are scattered, so that they have no concert of action. FLOWAGE. The best lands of the State have been convert- ed into mill-ponds, under the Mill Act, or Flowage Act, and it is even now lawful for any mill-owner to raise his dam without notice, and overflow as much land as he pleases. The only remedy of the land-owner is by petitioning the courts for re- dress. This is a disgrace to the Commonwealth, and should be changed forthwith, so that no dam shall be raised until after the land-owners have had notice and the court have by a judgment author- ized the flowage. We admit that private property should be taken M"hen the public good requires it, but let it be done as in the case of land taken for highways after the land-owners have been fairly heard and paid. We rejoice to see that our pa- triotic Governor has, in his recent message, called attention to this subject, and trust the members of the Legislature will give heed to his words of wis- dom, which we quote. The subject of flowing our low lands and mead- ows under the operation of the ^'Mill Act," has al- so engaged the attention of the Board of Agricul- ture. Rights already acquired thereunder are not subject to disturbance by its modification or repeal, but in the belief that the act has long outlived its usefulness, I respectfully recommend its consider- ation to the Legislature. The tendency of thrift, economy and sound pol- icy is toward general and systematic drainage, not toward the drowning of the most valuable lands. Rude and poor liirming is the usual lot of pion- eers. It was true of those of New England. They gradually moved down from the more barren hill- tops to the meadows and richer lands, where cap- ital and labor, wisely expended, are at first abso- lutely needed, but where the ultimate return is large and ample. In this connection I desire also to call the atten- tion of the Legislature to a measure of justice and public utility which will restore to cultivation many acres of the richest and most productive lands in the State. There are in nearly every section of the Commonwealth, ancient mill privileges under which the right exists, and has existed since the first settlement of the country, to flow back upon the lands adjacent to the streams which supply them. Many of these privileges are neglected, and have been unused for years, but still the dams remain, rendering all attempts to redeem for culti- vation the lands above, of no avail. There should certainly be some limit to the period when exclu- sive rights, originally conferred upon individuals for the common good, and which, under the changed circiunstances of the present time, serve only as instrumentalities of oppression, and to re- tard the development of enterprise in the cultiva- tion of the soil, should again revert to those pro- prietors of lands by whom they were originally yielded. Whether provision should not be made by statute limitation as to the time when all such unused and neglected mill-privileges should be- come invalid, is worthy of your consideration. We know how these wise suggestions of Gov. Andrew will be met. The farmers will be told that the mills are now making clothing for the ar- my, and their water-power must not be disturbed. Our answer is, food is as important as clothing, and it can only grow on our own soil, while mills can run by steam as well a s by water, and so we may increase our food and not diminish our manu- factures. THE SUDBURY MEADOWS. The Governor calls attention to this subject, and we trust the rights of agriculture are not to be further sacrificed by any new schemes of the miU-owners on the Concord River. By an Act of 1860, an act of strict though tardy justice, a board of commissioners were authorized to remove thirty-three inches of the dam at Biller- ica. This act has been declared by the Supreme Court to be constitutional. Under its operations, the commissioners removed the flash-boards from the dam. At the General Court in 1861, the mill- owners demanded a new examination, insisting that the dam formed no obstruction to the water. The meadow-owners opposed this as a useless expense and delay, but a law was passed to stay the opera- tion of the act of 1860, one year, and a new board of scientific commissioners was appointed to re- port as to the extent of the flowage and the effect 70 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. T"EB. of tbe dam. Their report is not yet published, but they have stated their conclusions to the counsel, on each side, and we know something of the re- sult. Their conclusions will be found to sustain the positions for which the land-owners have always contended, which may be briefly stated thus. 1. While the dam stands, the meadows can never be effectually improved. 2. By removing thii'ty-tlu-ee inches of the dam, and reasonable improvements of the channel, the meadows may be made dry enough for cultivation. We hear that the mill-owners are everywhere proclaiming that the commissioners have reported in their favor, and insisting, because the water did not all run out of the river, Avhcn the dam Avas opened, that removing the dam will do no good to the land-owners. We call the attention of candid readers to the following extract from the printed argument of Judge French, before the Joint Com.- mittee last year. It shows what the land-owners then claimed, and we have no fear that the report of the commissioners will conflict with his positions. It was admitted that the river was full of bars which had formed, in part, through the operation of the dam, as bars ahvays form by deposits above a dam. It was admitted that weeds were growing all along, which must be cleared out, in order to allow free passage for the water. Nobody expect- ed the water to run off so as to effectually x'clieve the meadows, without some labor on the part of the owners, Tlie, dam prevents any improvements. Being higher than anything else in the river for twenty- one miles, if every bar was cut out, and the chan- nel made into a canal, the water must remain higher than any of the bars. The land-oivncrs expect and desire to improve the ditmiiel, which is rapidly filling up with weeds and deposits of sand and mud. Formerly they coidd do this to some extent. Of late years the greater height of water has prevented, and unless the dam is reduced, their case will grow worse and worse. With the great increase of water and the ol^structed channel, and this dam higher than any other object in the whole river, their condition is hopeless. Jieduce the dam thirtij-tliree inches, the icatcr wilt Jail proportionahhj on all these bars, which maij then be cut out. and the river may be brottr/ht and Icejit within its banks in the groic- vig scafson. In the report, at pp. 207-8, "Mr. Chase asked if there was any practical difficulty in regard to tlie removal of the natural obstructions in the stream, bars, Hzc. Mr. Butler replied in the nega- tive." Mr. Franciii, their expert, fully supports our view of this matter. lie says : "If the fall is now four feet in the twenty-two miles, taking out the bars might reduce it two feet, or even more. It might be dug down so that the water could be kept in between the banks, like a canal, except in times of extraordinary fresh- ets,"— p. 2jG. He sajs again : "If the fordway were blasted out, the dam standing as now, it would make a little relief in certain stages of the river, but I tliink no suljstautial and general relief would follow. / think removing the dam, the fordicay and bars wotdd produce a material ef- fect, but not the removal of the dam alone." What the land-owners then asked, was that tlie act of 18G0 should go into operation, and the dam be reduced thirty-three inches for one year. Then, if, by clearing out the channel, the water did not go off, the dam could be restored. If it did no good to the meadows to remove it, it would do them no harm to restore it, and nobody would ob- ject. But this would not satisfy the mill-owners, and against all protests by the land-owners, they procured their- stay act, and a new commission, and after putting the Commonwealth to an ex- pense, as we hear, of nearly twenty thousand dol- lars, they will probably renew their attempt to prevent this most beneficent act of 1860, by which a part of the dam was condemned as a public nui- sance, from going into effect, and to continue this water-course and this controversy, with its enor- mous expenses, for generations yet to come. GRAFTING THE GRAPE VINE. !My experience in grafting the vine for several years would furnish a chapter of failures. I think I grafted a few vines every season for about five years, and during the whole time succeeded in making but one grow and form a good vine ; and this one only by disregarding the usual direction- given by the professed experts. Instead of wait- ing for the formation of leaves, and discontinuance of the excessive flow of sap, I grafted this one early, before the flow commenced. Since that time I have grafted thousands of vines, with nearly as good success as attends any other kind of grafting. I have practiced saddle-gi-afting, wliip grafting, and several fancy methods, but have found the common cleft grafting, carefully performed, the most reliable and successful. For large, strong stocks, I hardly think tying necessary, though a covering of clay or grafting wax is undoubtedly beneficial. For smaller stocks, I use only paper covered with grafting wax on one side. I could not recommend copper wire in any case. I have also grafted on various stocks, with very little dif- ference in result using indiscriminately the wild frost grape of the woods, the Catawba, Isabella, Concord and some others. I do not say grafting the vine cannot be successfully performed after the leaves have formed ; but it is a fact that up to the present time, notwithstanding many trials, I have never succeeded in doing it. — Horticulturist. American Plows. — A correspondent of the London Mark-Lane Express says : "The Ameri- cans have driven our plow-makers out of the Aus- tralian, Indian and Colonial markets, by their lighter and cheaper articles. Unless our makei's bestir themselves here, by using steel instead of heavy castings, they will be likely to be "beaten on their own Jjrround." 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 71 Fur the New England Fanner. SAWDUST AS A FERTILIZER AND ABSORBENT. In a previous article I promised to say some- thing of my experience in using sawdust as a fer- tilizer and absorbent ; and as the time of year I commenced drawing sawdust is approaching, and hoping that a plain statement of facts may induce others to commence with sleighing as I did, I will pen them for the benefit of the readers of the J^arvier. On the 1st of January, 1859,1 commenced haul- ing sawdust and fine chips, made in the manufac- tory of clothes pins from white birch and twirl leaf poplar, to the farm at the Green iSIountain Hermitage, Sunderland, Vt., and I had any amount of prejudice to combat with. INlany of the old farmers in our neighborhood told my father I would spoil his farm. Some even said they had tried to use sawdust as a fertilizer, and spoiled their land with it, .'s" colts is 1G96 pounds; the weight of these, 1740 pounds. They are both horse colts, finely built, and "'good looking." The unusually warm weather of the past au- tumn seems to have had a peculiar influence upon vegetation, and in some instances appai-ently quite injurious. Besides the late blooming of violets in the gardens, and the untimely flowering of strawberries and many wild flowers, its forcing in- fluence is quite as apparent, though doubtless less observed, upon the buds of the trees, especially of the forest shrubs and trees ; and I fear will be too apparent, when spring returns, upon the buds and late growth of our fruit trees. During the first and second weeks of November, in my ex- cursions in the Avoods and fields, I frequently met with buds swollen to bursting, and occasionally expanded into leaves, in consequence of the ex- ceedingly and uniformly warm weather of Octo- ber. On the shrub commonly known as the shad- berry, {Amdanchier Canadensis,) it was not un- common to find young, tender leaves an inch or an inch and a half in length, evidently having lost their reckoning, and mistaken the first of Novem- ber for the first of May ; the birches occasionally exhibited the same phenomenon. Xhe buds of the common Avalnut, were generally larger than I ever saw them before at this season ; and I ob- served several instances Avhere they Avere opening into leaves ; Avhile the buds of oaks, maples, and various wild forest shrubs Avere very much SAVoUen. The scales that are produced during the autumn as an outside covering to the buds, for their pro- tection during the varying temperatures of Avinter and spring, Avere often, and I think generally, spar- ingly developed this fall, and in cases where the young leaves Avere thus untimely developed they Avere scarcely formed at all. From the late con- tinued activity of the sap, it Avould appear that even our fruit trees are less prepared for the blasts of Avinter than usual, and should the present Avin- ter prove a trying one, it is possible that the stim- ulating effects of our mild autumn upon the veg- etable Avorld may be sadly apparent in the fruit crop another season. Even in December there have been several days in succession Avithout frost. But noAV the Avinter seems to have commenced in earnest. The storm of rain and snow that occurred two days since has left the trees loaded heavily Avith ice, and a good foundation of snow and ice on the ground for sleighing. And this Christmas morning the mer- cury has settled doAvn to the zero point ; the bells jingle merrily as the sleighs go creaking by over the frozen snoAV, the forest pines look dark and gloomy, their heads bowed under the great Aveight of ice ; the old nor'Avester has assumed his Avont- ed wintry sAvay ; and Ave can but realize that Avin- ter has at last assumed his regal functions. The weight of ice noAV upon the trees is very great ; the pliant birches are bowed to the ground, and genei'ally the trees are bending beneath the bur- den. I am glad to see your correspondents calling the attention of farmers, young and old, to the importance of some knoAvledge of the natural sci- ences. To the farmer, not only in a practical point of view, Avhich is of itself a sufficient rcAvard for any amount of attention that may be bestOAved upon them, but as, a source of enjoyment ever present, delightful and ennobling, they merit study and attention. Many shrink from the task as one of so much labor, and possibly so dry, Avhen if they Avould but devote these long AA'inter evenings to a thorough course of reading even, on one or more branches of science, as agricultural chemis- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER 73 try or botany, they would soon, I doubt not, al- most invariably, become deeply interested in the -subject, and pursue the study as a jiastime, and surprise themselves with the advancement they would make, and the fund of knowledge they would find themselves in possession of at the end of a few months. Let none be discouraged at the sight of a few hard names ; they soon become familiar and convenient terms. But in the Farmer of Dec. 14th, Mr. Bassktt has made further re- marks unnecessary ; he has stated the matter in its true light, and what he has said is in no point exaggerated. j. a. a. Upringfield, Dec. 25, 18G1. For the l^etp England Farmer. "WAYSIDE NOTES. Cutting doira Trees — Rural Lanes — Birds — Climate — 'Weather- Grumblers — Change Essential to our liappmess. In renewing my subscription to the Farmer, I am tempted to send you a few wayside notes on rural matters. I am son-y to see our farmers cutting down the old apple trees around their houses, and moM'iug or grubbing up the bushes along the lines of their fences and lanes. Doubtless this is, in many in- stances, desirable, in the march of agricultural im- provement ; yet how often have I seen with regret the charm of a pleasant rustic place destroyed, while its productiveness was in no wise increased, by an indiscriminate sacrifice of every tree and shrub that did not bear- dollars. On many of our New England farms are charming rural lanes, winding about in the most picturesque manner, and skirted on either side of the cart path, next to the wall or fence, with an irregular hedge-row of oaks, bu'ches, pitch pines, savins, bai'berry bushes, wild cherry trees. Sec. But too often the owner, in liis blind zeal for improvement, cuts down these beau- tiful hedge rows, thereby destroying the rustic beauty of his farm. Thus the old-foshioned farm- er banishes the bu'ds from around his homestead. Speaking of the bu-ds, can you tell us, Mr. Ed- itor, when we are to have the new Ornithology which we heard of so long ago as being in pro- gress by Dr. Brewer ? You may search our book- stores in vain for a copy of Wilson or Nuttall. They were long ago out of print. My thanks to your correspondent, J. A. A., for liis interesting papers on the Birds of New England. Every year I find myself better satisfied Avith our New England climate. I do not think we have any more winter than we need to make out an agreeable variety. Certainly, no weather in this v.-oiid can be finer than our autumn, with all those quiet, hazy, golden days. The Indian sum- mer loiters into December, and then we are ready for snow and the beautiful scenery of winter : the season of comparative leisure, of long evenings by the fireside and lectures and social gatherings ; and before we are tired of sleighing, we awake some mormng to hear the robin in the garden tell ing us spring is coming. I remember one winter when our ponds did not freeze to their usual tliick- ness for the ice men to cut, and so that crop was a failure, though com never failed in the summer. And yet, I am son-y to hear our people sometimes complain of the winters. To such I am accus- tomed to recommend a perusal of Dr. ICaue. Though some, indeed, seem to make it a point to find something uncommon, unprecedented, and exceedingly uneomforta])le in every change of the weather, as though they could have devised a much better arrangement. My busy neighbor complains of the short days, as if the long, delicious sleej) of winter nights was of no account, and he would have it all daif-time, if he could. Nevertheless, I confess to an especial fondness for summer, though I cannot say I am, on the whole, any happier or any surer of hajjpiness in summer than in winter. On the contrary, I am accustomed to regard the exuberance of spirits which most persons experience in the clear, spark- ling days of winter, as a kind of compensation for the loss of summer's verdure. We ai-e wont to dream sometimes of endless summer and ever smiling faces, forgetting tliat changes are essen- tial to our happiness. We cannot clutch all of beauty or pleasure at a grasp, and therein lies the charm. When our cup of happiness is full it be- gins to run over. We scorn common things, yet when they grow rare we prize them. I have fan- cied that the dandelion was once the choicest flow- er, when first I have seen its bright face looking up from a soft green bed of the freshest spring grass. But I did not set out to write an essay. Phjmouth, 1862. j. w. s. Remarks.— We like the cheerful views of life and beauty, and the pleasant manner in which they are expressed. How can the writer gladden the hearts of thousands in any easier way, than by writing again ? We cannot inform "J. W. S." when the new work on Ornithology will appear. EOUGH NOTES ON MILEZNG. The first process in the operation of milking, is to "fondle" with the cow — make her acquaintance, and thus give her to understand that the man, or "maid with the milking pail," approaches her with fi'iendly intentions in order to reUeve her of the usual amount of lacteal secretion. It will never do to approach the animal with combative feelings and intentions ; should the milker swear, scold, or kick, and otherwise abuse the cow, she may prob- ably prove as refractory as a mule, and may give the uncouth and unfeeling milker the benefit of her heels — a very pertinent reward, to which he, the uncouth milker, is justly entitled. Before commencing to milk, a cow shouJd be fed, or have some kind of fodder offered her, in view of diverting her attention from the otherwise painful operation of milking ; by this means the milk is not "held up," as the saying is,, but is yielded freely. The miUvcr should be in close contact wilh the cow's body, for in this position, if she attempts to kick him, he gets nothing more than a "push," whereas, if he sits off at a distance, the cow has an opportunity to inflict a severe blow whenever she feels disposed to do so. Before commencmg to milk a cow, the teats should be washed with water, warm or cold, ac- cording to the temperature of the atmosphere, the object of which is to remove filth which might oth- erwise fall into the milk-pail, to the disgust of per- sons who love pure milk, and hate uncieanliness. 74 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. Milkers of cows should understand the udder and teats are highly organized, and consequently very sensitive, and these facts should be taken in- to consideration by amateur milkers, especially ■when their first essay is made on a young animal after the advent of her first impregnation ; at this period the hard tugging and squeezing which many "dumb brutes" have to submit to, in consequence of the application of hard-fisted and callous fingers, is a barbarity of the very worst kind, for it often converts a docile creature into a state of vicious- ness, from which condition she may not easily be weaned. — Exchange. For tlie Hew England Farmer. COE'S SDTERPHOSPHATE OP LIME. After having read in the Farmer of Dec. 21 friend White's statements in relation to Coe's su- perphosphate of lime, I concluded I would give you, and the readers of the Farmer, a short ac- count of my own experience with it. One year ago, this fall, I plowed up about one acre and a half of an old mowing field which was pretty much bound out, as the saying is. The next spring I carted on fifteen horse cart-loads of stable manure and spread it evenly over the whole piece. I then took my horse and plow and cross-cut it about four inches deep, in order to cover the manure, which I think is a much better way than it is to undertake to do it with a harrow. I then harrowed smoothly, and commenced on one side of the piece with my hoe, and opened rows 3i feet apart with the hills 3 feet apart, which I think is the right distance for corn. On the first eight rows I put about one pint of night soil and loam mixed to each hill ; I then left one row without any fertili- zer whatever ; in the next row I put one small ta- blespoonful of Coe's superphosphate of lime in each hill ; on the next row I put a handful of compost, made of equal parts of lime, leached ash- es and plaster, and a very little salt, in each hill. I then commenced again with the phosphate, using a spoonful to each hill, until I used three bags, which nearly completed my piece, which was finished with unleached ashes in the hill. Now for the result : — The corn where the night- soil and phosphate was put came up pretty well, also the compost row ; the row without the ferti- lizer was two or thi'ee days longer in getting up, and after it got up, it looked as though it did not know which way to go ; in fact, it did not go much any way, it Iboked as though it was planted in the dead furrow, — but that was not the case, — the land there was as good as anywhere on the piece. When the corn was fit to harvest I cut up the three rows fii'st described, husked and weighed the corn from each row, with the following result : The row without any fertilizer had 21 pounds of corn, about one-half of which was unsound ; the phosphate row had 84 pounds, about all of it sound ; the compost row had 72 pounds, mostly sound. I would here state that the worms injured my corn somewhat, though less where the night-soil was put than anywhere else, and very much worse in the row where there was nothing, than else- w'here. It has been claimed by some, I believe, that worms would not work where there was phos- phate, but that is a mistake ; for I lound them right in among it. But notwithstanding the worms I had a good piece of corn. Where the night- soil was, the corn was as good, or better, than on any other part of the piece. I am perfectly satisfied with my experimenting, and have come to the conclusion that any man who has got to buy fertilizers will do better to purchase Coe's superphosphate of lime than any- thing else. I would here state, that on a part of the piece, I covered the phosphate up before dropping the corn, and on the other part I dropped the corn right on to the phosphate, but could see no differ- ence in the result. Both came up well, and grew after it came up. I think phosphate, for squashes, is excellent, as I raised about a cart-load right amongst my corn, the same as many people raise pumpkins. I planted squashes amongst my corn in order to get rid of the stinking black bug, which I did most effectually. I will close this article by joining with friend White in requesting that others who have tried Coe's superphosphate should give the results in the Farmer. GEORGE MORRISON. Franklin, N. H., Dec. 28, 1861. Remarks. — We are glad to get accounts of such thorough experiments as the above. It is through these that we shall be able to come to well settled conclusions as to the profitableness of using con- centrated manures. FACTS AND FANCIES. Healthiness of Room Plants. — The editor of the Horticulturist, in an article on Room Plants, says, "It has been objected by some that it is un- healthy to keep plants in rooms ; but their argu- ments lacks coherence and force, and we are com- pelled to record our experience against the posi- tion. We believe them, on the contrary, to be conducive to health, not only by their soothing and cheering influence on the mind, but as purifi- ers of the air, so that all may indulge their tastes without the least apprehension of injury to their health." Fattening Sheep in Winter. — When ani- mals are in the process of being fattened, several things should be observed beside that of giving them as much food as they will eat. There are certain conditions in which the food itself may be placed so as to make it more or less nutritious and valuable to the animal using it. In very cold weather its value would be enhanced if the drink and food were warmed, or better still, if it were cooked. If roots are fed, they are taken with less labor, and consequently, are better digested, than if the animal felt obliged to swallow them in large pieces. These things should be so arranged as to allow it to remain in a quiet condition, and so that it may stand or lie down at pleasure. All these, with regular feeding as to time and quantity, are of little less importance than the quality of the food itself. Mr. Silas Bush, of Skaneateles, N. 1862, NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 75 Y., in speaking of fattening sheep in winter, says, "I put them in a dry, warm place, and let them have plenty of air ; give them one quart of oats each, morning and evening, with hay and pure water. I fed one in tliis way last winter, for thi'ee months, and it was admitted by competent judges to be as fat a sheep as they ever saw. I sold it to a butcher for $1 1,00." The reader will not fail to observe that the animal had a dry, warm place, and plenty of fresh air. Renovating Old Wall Paper. — In these days of The Great Rebellion, when all' patriotic persons feel like economizing their personal ex- penses in order that they may be more able to strengthen the government by sustaining the sol- diers, the prudent housewife who has decided not to re-paper the sitting-room, as desirous, will find the old paper very much improved in appearance by simply rubbing it well with a flannel cloth dipped in corn meal. An Unfortunate Cultivator. — One little "garden patch" of ours, says a wag, has been very profitable, very, this season. The snails ate up the cucumbers, the chickens ate up the snails, the neighbors' cats ate up the chickens, and we are now in search of something that will eat the cats. Can any of our agricultural friends aid us ? Extra Feed to Cows. — The old plan of feed- ing cows used to be, to see with hoio little food the animals could be carried thi-ough the winter ! We have actually heard two farmers boasting of their skill in this particular ; but they usually lost a creature or two each, every spring. They seemed to consider it quite fortunate if they lost only one or two animals. Among good farmers, the prac- tice now is to make the cow eat as much as she will with good appetite. This we consider the most profitable mode of keeping neat stock. The rule will not apply to horses. Some persons feed cows sparingly until within a week or two of their time of calving, and then give them more hay, and frequently add meal to it. This is a bad practice. The cow needed this gen- erous feed in the earlier stages of parturition, which would have given both mother and calf greater growth and strength. The practice of feeding high, either just before or after the calf is dropt, is injurious — but especially afterwards, as it excites fever, the udder is more likely to be pressed with milk and swell, and the whole sys- tem is rather weakened than strengthened by the extra feeding. For two weeks before calving the cow should be free in a roomy and dry place, with comforta- ble bedding, — and after calving should be fed spar- ingly for a day or two on sweet, nutritious food, but not in large quantity. During the same time the water given her should be slightly warm. Neat Cattle have no Upper Front Teeth. — The man who purchased a cow and drove her back two miles to the house of the man he bought her of, through a driving rain storm, because she had no upper front teeth, probably had not his own "eye teeth cut !" Grain Stored on the Lakes. — Navigation closed, leaving about a million bushels of wheat in store in Milwaukie, and 2,480,000 bushels of wheat and corn together, at Chicago. By far the largest amount of grain ever in store on Lake Michigan at the beginning of winter. For the New England Farmer. HETROSPECTIVE NOTES, Calendar for DECEjfBER — Culture of Heart and Mind in Winter. — In the leading article of the December number of the Farmer, it is truly gratifying to one of its readers — as doubt- less, also, he thinks, it must be to many of them — to find that the editor has given the precedence to i\\Q fireside over the farm, or, in other words, has made the suggestions which he has submitted for the consideration of his readers, relate rather to in-door employments and enjoyments — to the culture of the mind and the affections — than to out-door employments and operations, or to the care of stock, or any other department of farm- work. With pleasure and heartfelt satisfaction, we have listened to his familiar "talk" upon the sentiments which farmers should cherish in view of the fact that December is the month of plenty, when the store-house, the granary, the cellar and the larder are all well filled with the good things which a beneficent and care-taking Providence has caused the earth to bring forth in abundance for the sustenance and comfort both of man and beast. He who can take his fill, or satisfy the needs and cravings of his nature, out of the various and abundant supplies of a kind Providence, without gratefully recognizing the goodness of the bounti- ful pro\'ider of them all, is a being y.'hom we must regard as very low in the scale of created intelli- gences, and whom higher beings must look down upon with pity, mingled with disapprobation. Trulj', we are the children of many mercies, and well doth it become us all to partake of these mer- cies with a grateful and filial recognition of the Giver. Farmers, especially, should cherish such sentiments, as they receive the bountiful supplies of good things provided for the wants and com- fort of the human family, at first hand, so to speak, from the ever-mindful Provider, or more directly and immediately from Him, than any other class or portion of the great human family. Seeing that we are all so apt to forget our in- debtedness and our obligations to the Giver of all the good things which we enjoy, and that we need line upon line and precept upon precept, to arouse us out of our forgetfulness and unthankfulness, no suggestions could be more appropriate for a Cal- endar for this month of plenty, when all our stores and granaries are full, than such as are adapted and intended to remind us of the sentiments which we should cherish as the children of so many mer- cies, and of the practical demonstrations which we 76 NEW ENGLAND FARINIER. Fee. should make of our gratitude and sense of obliga- tion. Practical demonstrations, we say, for sure- ly we should be unworthy and self-condemned, if we did not practically demonstrate our desire to do the things that would please so good a Father — so bountiful a Benefactor. With much satisfaction, also, we read the hints which the editor has given to his readers in rela- tion to the opportunity which is presented to the former in December and the other winter months, for cultivating his mind, and storing it with use- ful knowledge. May his words fall here and there on good soil, and arouse an ambition to become, every year, wiser and better. By whomsoever this ambition is cherished, the golden moments, as they pass, will be impi-oved, and the result of well- dii'ected study and striving will be, that he shall become not only a nobler man, but also a better farmer, for neither muscle, power, nor any other power, is of so much use to one who has to manage so complicated and many-sided a business as farm- ing, as the highest, strongest power of all — Mind- Power. Undekduaining, parje 540. — Of late years there have been so many proofs of the value of underdraining published in this journal, as well as in other agi'icultural periodicals, as ought to be sufficient to stir up all cultivators of the soil — even old fogies, and those who follow established rou- tine— to inform themselves as thoroughly as pos- sible as to this method of improving their lands. No improvement will more certainly pay, when judiciously done. A NEW Cart Body, page 548. — If there be among the subscribers to this journal, or among those who borrow it of their more intelligent neighbors, any one who is an old fogy or a blind routinist and follower of the fashions that have come down to us from our grandfathers, he will find in this article a hint which might convert him from the error of his ways, and a lesson as to the value of making use of his own faculties, Avhich might make him more of a man, and less a blind, unthinking follower of the fashions of a past gen- eration. There are many other things about a good many farms, as well as cart bodies, which might be improved by a little head-work. Bean Meal for Pigs, page 554. — If the state- ment here made as to the superior value of beans for fattening hogs should induce any one to think, in- quire, inform himself farther, and, finally, to make experiments in the feeding of beans and bean- meal to other animals as well as to pigs, he will very certainly be led to adopt the practice of feed- ing them far more extensively than is at present customary among farmers. If such a one should make researches among the agricultural periodi- cals for a few years back, he would find that some of the more enterprising of his farmer-brethren in different parts of the country have been experi- menting with beans and bean-meal as food for va- rious kinds of stock, and have found the results so beneficial as to encourage them to persevere. As one among the many testimonies which he might find of this kind, the following may be given as a specimen : R. II. Brown informs the editor of the Genesee Farmer that he has fed his cows early in the spring, with three pints each per day of Indian corn and white beans, ground together in equal parts, and that he never liad his cows do so well on any other food. The cows gave a large quan- tity of milk, and the calves were the finest he ever raised. He says he shall sell no more beans, but feed them to his coavs. To this we can only add, at present, the testimony of an English farmer who keeps a hundred cows, and who says in the Oar- dener^s Chronicle, that after having tried various methods and various sorts of grain, he decidedly prefers bean-meal both for quantity and quality of milk and butter. Ground with oats or corn, they have also been fed to cattle, hogs, horses and poultry. We tnist more trials will be made and reported. Try, one and all. More Anon. Por the New England Farmer. AT TWILIGHT. BY JOHS CALTIS GITCHELL. The woods are dark, yet the low west The hidden sun is lighting still, And shnrp against the sky, the hill Stands, with its jagged rocky crest. A fat sleek throng, down the green street The herds come, driven to the yard, Stopping at times, to crop the sward, O'er which they pass with noisy feet. The herd-boy loitering along, Tosses his cap high in the air To let the breeze play with liis hair, Ilumming tlie while, a men-y song. The farm-house door is open wide, And just within, the farmer stands. With ruddy face and sun-brown hands, ■Uliiltt his fair wife leans by his side. By the vined-jwrch the grandsire sits. Watching t)ie children at their plays: And thoughts of fargone, childhood's days, Of shade and sheen, through his mind flits. It is a scene, where the release From sweating toil, makes it more flair : And all the dim surrounding air Soems hung about with clouds of peace. Boacaieen, N. II., ISCl. BA"W HIDE. How few persons know the value of raw-hide. It seems almost strange to see them sell all of their "deacon" skins for the small sum of tliirty or forty cents. Take a strip of well-tanned raAV-hide an inch wide, and a horse can hardly break it by pulling back — two of them he cannot break any way. Cut into narrow strips and shave the hair ofi' with a sharp knife, to use for bag strings ; the strings will outlast two sets of bags. Farmers know how perplexing it is to lend bags and have them retunied minus strings. It will outlast hoop iron (common) in any shape, and is stronger. It is good to wrap around a broken tliill — better than iron. Two sets of raw-hide halters will last a man's life-time — if he don't live too long. In some places the Spaniards use raw-liide log chains to work catde with, cut into narrow strips and twist- ed together hawser fasliion. It can be tanned so it will be soft and pliable hke harness leather. Every man cherishes in Iris heart some object, some shrine at which his adoration is paid unknown to his fellow-mortals. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 77 WHKAT VERSUS CORIQ' BREAD. The urgent need of money to carry us through our political troubles, makes it a duty incumbent upon every loyal citizen to add as much as possi- ble to the exports of the country, which furnish us with specie in return. Wheat is the one great staple demanded for foreign consumption. And every additional bushel that we can spare from our gi-anaries will serve to alleviate the financial difficulties of the country. i\Ir. Judd, of the Agriculturist, Avith a view to encourage the sub- stitution, as much as possible, of corn for wheat flour, oftered, last month, premiums for the best made loaves of corn bread and cake delivered at liis office. Specimen loaves were received from every loyal State but tMO, to the number of 250, and placed oh exhibition last week. Hundreds of people manifested their interest in the subject by visiting the exhibition-room, and testing the vari- ous loaves contributed. A committee, consisting of competent persons, after two days' sitting, de- cided upon their relative merits. Their report will soon appear in the press of the city. We are permitted to publish, at this time, the essen- tial points which it embraces. The first prize ($10) for the best loaf of bread, AvhoUy made of corn meal, was aAvarded to Mrs. Jane O'Brien, of Car- rick, Alleghany county. Pa. The following is the recipe accompanying it : The loaf is made up of two quarts of coi-n meal, one pint of bread-sponge, water sufficient to wet the whole ; and half a pint of flour, a table- spoonful of salt. After rising, knead it well the second time, and put into the oven, letting it re- main an hour and a half. The second prize of .$5 was awarded to Mrs. Lott Cornelius, of Sullivan county, New York. The following is the recipe for making the loaf : ilLx two quarts of new corn meal with three pints of warm water ; add one teaspoonful of salt, two teaspoonfuls sugar, one large tablc-spoonfid of hop yeast ; let it stand in a warm place five hours to rise ; then add tlu-ee-quarters of a pint or one and a half cupfuls of wheat flour and half a pint of warm water ; let it rise again an hour and a half ; have a pan well greased with sweet lard, into which pour it, and let it rise a few min- utes ; then bake it in a moderately hot oven one hour and twenty minutes. It is much better hot. Mrs, R. Franklin, of Annapolis, Md., received the third premium of $2, for a loaf made in the following manner : Mix two quarts of white corn meal, one table- spoonful of lard, one pint of hot water. Melt the lard in the water ; stir it well, in order that it may get thoroughly heated. Add half a pint of cold water. When the mixture is cool enough, add two eggs well beaten, and two table-spoonfuls of home-made yeast. If for breakfast, make over night. Bake an hour in a moderate oven. The first prize ($4) for the best loaf of cake of any kind, in which corn meal is one of the princi- pal ingredients, was awarded to Mrs. W. II. Jen- kins, of Williamsburgh, L. I. I'he following is the recipe for making it : Combine three tea-cupfuls of corn meal, one tea-cupful of wheat flour, two table-spoonfuls of brown sugar, two table-spoonfuls of cream of tar- tar, one table-spoonful of salt. Mix well together while dry, adding one teaspoonful of saleratus or soda dissolved in warm water. Work the whole to a thin batter, and bake in a quick oven three- quarters of an hour. The second prize for the best corn cake was awarded to Mrs. II. A. Judd, of Oneida county, New York. We are unable to give the method of making it, as some of the visitors not only de- voured the loaf, but stole the recipe. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. PPllING-SOWN GRASS SEED — SOILING COWS — BAKX STOCK. 1. Will herdsgi'ass or clover bear hay enough to be profitable, if sowed early in the spring, or had I better sow oats and seed together in the old way ? taking after crops in consideration, Avliich will be most profitable ? 2. Can I soil two cows with profit where fair pasturing can be ])rocured at six dollars per head, Taking increase of manure by the soiling process into consideration ? What will cure barn itch on cattle ? SuBScrviBER. North Dunharton, N. H., 1861. Remarks. — Ifherdsgrass and clover seed are sown about the first of April on ground in good condition, and the summer should prove a moist one, a ton of hay per acre is sometimes obtained. Perhaps the better way would be to sow oats or barley Avith the grass seed, and cut them for fod- der. This course would not materially exhaust the soil, and the oats might in some measure pro- tect the young grass, and give it an opportunity to escape drought, if it should ensue. The oats, when well made, will be nearly as valuable as the same weight of herdsgrass hay. We should question whether soiling on a small scale, would be profitable, where tolerably good pasture could be had at six dollars per head, — but there are so many things to be taken into consid- eration, that we can scarcely offer on opinion of any value. To cure the "barn itch," some persons use un- guentum with success ; others give the animal as much salt and soot as it will eat, and afterwards doses of sulphur. USE OF RAW hide. In a late number of the Farmer you recommend the use of raw hide. If you will tell us how to cure hide, you will confer a favor on Enjield, Ct., Dec. 27, 1861. Subscriber. Remarks. — AVe gave the article as we found it, supposing that many farmers might find it conve- nient to use the raw hide profitably in some cases on the farm. Two or three inquiries have been made to the same point as the above. In the ar- ticle we copied no intimation was given us as to how the skins were managed. Skins may be tanned by spreading powdered alum, or soft soap, on the flesh side, and rolling them together to re- main eight or ten days, if the weather is cooL 78 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. They must then be drawn over the edge of a board — a board fence for instance — by two men, and rubbed and worked upon until they are pliable. But the raw hide, if we understand the matter, is never very soft. It may, perhaps, be made plia- ble by the process we have described. CULTURE OF HOPS. Will you, or some of your subscribers, tell me what you think of hop raising, whether it will pro- bably be good business for a few years, and what kind of soil is best adapted to their growth ? How far apart should they be set, and how many poles to the hill ? I have started a yard the past sea- son, but am not quite satisfied as to the best meth- od of cultivation. If you, or some of your sub- scribers, can give me any light on the matter, you will confer a favor, and at some future day I will give you the result of my first experience in the business. Samuel Stanford. Irashurg, Vt., Dec, 1861. Remarks. — There is no good reason for doubt- ing that you may make a fair profit in the skillful cultivation of hops, provided they are properly prepared, put up, and offered in the markets at the right time. The plants are usually placed on hills at the dis- tance of five or six feet, and two or three poles are commonly placed on a hill. The first year poles six or eight feet long will answer, but twelve feet poles, or even longer, will be needed afterwards. The soil should be as dry as for Indian corn, should be deep and rich, and can hardly be stirred too much during the growing season. The State of New York is the gi"eat hop garden of the Union — that State having produced in 1859, nine million six hundred and fifty-four 'pounds ! The same year the English crop was cut off, which caused a brisk demand for Ameri- can hops, and 49,000 bales were shipped from the port of New York alone. We export only when the English crop is cut off, which, together with the bad condition in which many of the American hops are put up, our cultivators not taking suffi- cient pains in that important particular, cause great fluctuations in prices. TO STOP VOMITING IN CATTLE. Boil tansy and mint together ; give one quart of tliis to the beast. K it does not stop in an hour, give the same quantity again, and repeat it till the vomiting ceases. I had a case of this kind which was cured by giving two quarts of this liquid. Danhy, Dec. 26, 1861. Lyman 11. FisK. bunch on a colt's jaw. I have a three years' old colt that has got a bunch on his under jaw, al)out as big as a hen's egg. It grows tight to the bone, like a wen that comes on cattle. Can you, or any of your sub- scribers, tell me of any remedy for it ? Richmond, Dec. 21, 1861. A Subscriber. ESSEX transactions FOR 1861. This finely printed book of 200 pages has just come to my hand. It contains the usual docu- ments, together with about 50 pages of essays, by writers of taste and experience. Among the names appended to the Reports are many of the best ex- perienced cultivators of the county. Notwith- standing the Society has ever been liberal in dis- pensing premiums, often paying out one thousand dollars a year, it has been so managed as to secure as a permanent fund on interest, all the money it has received from the State, diu'ing its forty years existence, which, together with the experimental farm, donated by the late Dr. Treadwell, of Sa- lem, makes its present available means not less than $16,000. If there be any other agricultural Society in the State that has been more discreetly managed, I should like to be advised of it. It has pursued the even tenor of its way, directing "its eyehds right on, and its eyes right forward," avoid- ing all gambHng movements and fancy improve- ments. So may it ever be. December, 1861. warts on colts. Can you, or any of your correspondents, inform me of a remedy for warts upon colts ? I have a yearling colt, whose nostrils and under lips are fast getting covered with large, seedy warts. I have applied lamp oil, but without effect. Wuyland, Jan. 2, 1862. SUBSCRIBER. Remarks. — Mr. A. Briggs, of Deerfield, Mass., says that potash dissolved to a paste, laid upon the wart for half an hour, and then taken off and the part washed in vinegar, wiU cure a wart on man or beast. will DOVES PULL UP CORN? I have kept doves for the last fifteen years, and have never had any com pulled up by them, al- though my neighbors say they pull up theirs, and damage their grain crops considerably. If this is so, I must kill them, though I have thought they do as much good as hurt. H. T. Gates. Neio Worcester, Jan., 1862. Remarks. — Doves are very destructive to the young peas, but we have never known them to pull up corn. Fresh Maple Molasses. — A correspondent of Field Notes gives the following. Maple mo- lasses well made and put up in cans right from the kettle, and hermetically sealed, as you would can and seal fruits, will keep as fresh as when first boiled from the sap, and tlais is decidedly the best plan for keeping, as when made in cakes, if ex- posed to the air, it will lose somewhat of the pe- culiarly delightful flavor for which it is so prized, and is often injured by insects. All this is obviat- ed by canning while hot. To many ftimilies who do not make on a large scale, this need be but lit- tle expense, as the cans that have been emptied through the winter can be used until autumn fruits demand them again. Put up your best in this way. Where large quantities are made for market, the buyers must select and can for them- selves. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 79 For the New England Farmer, THE ABMY WOBM, I discovered the army -vvorm in the town of Wayland, Mass., October 12, 1861, on a small place owned and occupied by Hon. Edward Mel- len. I was somewhat astonished to find them in such numbers at that late season, so watched their motions closely. Upon malung inquiry in the vicinity, I found but few persons Avho had noticed them, and they were not aware that the "army worm" was in their neighborhood. I had seen a kind of greenish-grey worm, striped with black, and it had eaten consid- erably the last of the season, but there Avere so many new things, I did not notice it particularly. I searched the adjoining fields, but could find no specimens except in Judge Mellen's case ; then the question arose, how came so many on this par- ticular piece of ground, and not one in the adjoin- ing fields ? I can answer this question in a satis- factory manner, to myself, at least. The piece of land in question contained two acres, and was bounded on the north-east and south by rising land covered with fruit and forest trees, and on the west by a small pond of water, and a large tract of meadow. A half-acre of this land was "made land," flat, and composed of sand and muck, making a soil three feet deep, and but a little above the level of the pond. Part of this flat was cultivated, or had potatoes planted on it, but for want of care, witch grass was the cultivat- ed crop, and the army worm was trying to set man an example by destroying it. The remainder was mowing, and the thick aftermath offered the worms food by day, and a warm covering by night, until they were compelled to seek their winter quarters. A person who has never studied ento- mology, will hardly believe insects capable of rea- soning, as I shall endeavor to show these worms were. I found them gathered around near the pond, in great numbers — but the weather held mild for sev- eral days, and they scattered in search of food — October 20th, I found some in a field fifty rods from the pond, or their camp ground. I discov- ered them feeding on the second crop of oats about llA A. M, and at li P. M., they were all headed homeward ; there were a few days colder weather, and they stopped in camp ; but when there came a warm day, they sallied forth in com- panies in the warmest part of the day, and back to theii- camp ground before night. After the po- tatoes were dug, they crossed the dug over ground, and camped nearer the pond on grass ground, passing and re-passing in regular order, several companies abreast, and several deep. I examined them with a lantern, and found them lying in the same order, with a space about their length — \% inches — between the companies. November 11th, I was setting Antwerp rasp- berries about 20 rods from the camp ground ; at Hi A. M., I left 10 stools with 40 stalks to a stool that I had not headed in ; there was about one foot of top covered with green leaves, and when I returned at 12i P. M., the leaves were gone, and the stalks were covered with army worms. On my appearance, they all dropped off" from the stalks and started for home, all in the same direction and order, some forward and others backward, turning on the road. I had some wood ashes handy, and scattered some in front of the worms, and wet them Avith my sprinkler ; these they marched over, so I scattered more and left them dry; those puzzled the Avorms, and they "left- faced" and started around. I let a fcAv pass, and headed off" the remainder with ashes, scattering them entirely around the regiment. When the fonvard company came to the ashes the second time, they delegated a reconnoitering party that went the rounds and fell into place, Avhere they re- mained and froze to death that night. I tried to bring them to life, but could not. The ones I let pass, steered directly for the camp. The weather Avas AAinterish from that time, and they all disap- ])eared. I searched for them several days, and finally found them packed away around the edge of the pond ; they laid from eight to fourteen inches deep, and from the Avater back six feet. There Avas about four rods in length occupied by them, and they Avere about the same distance from the Avater. Some began to Avind up after three weeks, and others I think Avill remain dormant, as they are not fully grown, and didn't seem inclined to change their coats for fashion's sake. In the Agri- cidtural Report of Ohio for 1860, second series, p. 350, is an able article by J. Kirkpatrick, Avho thinks the natural habitat of the worm is the wild SAvamp grasses ; and I have no doubt, from what I have observed, that they ahvays go to some such place as the ones above spoken of, to winter, and that ashes scattered around them in quantities, Avill keej) them in check, and dry ashes Avill kill them, if properly applied. Dry slaked lime is as good as ashes. D. J. KiNNEY. Wayland, Jan. 1, 1862. Autumn OR Winter Manuring the Best. — • Neai-ly all the benefits of autumn manuring may be secured, AA'here cattle and other animals are kept in stables or Avarm basements, by draAving out the manure during the comparatively leisure time of Avinter, and spreading it at once on the land. The Avinter rains, Avhenever they occur, and all the spring rains, will give it a thorough Avashing, and carry the liquid into the soil ; but such places must be selected for this purpose as AA'ill not favor the accumulation of Avater into brooks or streams, and thus carry off' the manure altogether. Grass lands are much the best for this treatment, by tending to retain the manure. Nothing is better for gardens that are to be enriched for spring crops, than au- tumn or Avinter application of manure ; and ncAvly planted trees, dAvarf pears, strawberry beds, &c., receive a great deal of protection against cold by such coatings, Avhich are to be turned in, in sjjring. — Country Gentleman. Our New Office. — Our friends Avill please no- tice that Ave have removed the oflfice of the Far- mer to No. 100 Washington Street, tip stairs, and directly oi'ier A. Williams & Co.'s Bookstore. The location is central, and cannot be far from most points Avhere those Avho Avish to call will have busi- ness to transact Avhen they come to the city. We have a pleasant room, and shall be glad to have a fcAV moments' chat Avith any of our friends Avho may be pleased to call. 80 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. STEAMING OR BOILING- FOOD FOR STOCK. Many experiments have been made in various parts of New England, to ascertain whether the food fed to stock could be steamed or boiled, so as to increase its value sufficiently to make the oper- ation a profitable one. The experiments — so far as they have come to our knowledge — have been made under several disadvantages, the principal of which has been the want of a proper apparatus with which to do the work. Some have attempt- ed it in the use of the common boiler or cauldron, others have made large troughs and turned boiling water upon the feed, and two persons, with whose experiments we are acquainted, have constructed large boxes and supplied them with steam by the use of somewhat expensive boilers. Under these circumstances, the results which have been at- tained do not agree, but have all tended to show that where the arrangements are judicious, a very decided advantage, or economy, may be found in cooking, or partially cooking, the food of our ani- mals. One gentleman, who went through the winter with twelve cows and fed them on hay tea, has sent us the following account : Friend Brown : — In accordance with your re- quest, I will give you a short sketch of my trial with the hay tea. I first procured a portable boiler, holding two barrels, which I placed in a shed adjoining the barn, the boiler being so situated that by means of troughs, I could pump directly into it. After filling the boiler nearly full of wa- tef, I pressed into it as much hay, unchopped, as it would conveniently hold. Upon bringing it up to the boiling point, I let it steep a few minutes, and then clipped it out into troughs to cool. It ought to steep longer, but could not on account of the smallness of the boiler. The hay I gave to the cows to eat, the tea for drink, not giving them any other drink, but as much dry hay as they would eat. I gave the tea as Marm as they would drink it, using in it what would be equal to about three quarts of coarse shorts a day, to each cow ; the grain was of different kinds during the winter. As I have told you before, I kept no strict account, so that I cannot enter into particulars, and can give only the general result. According to my own observation, and that of my neighbors, the balance was decidedly in favor of my cows, both as to their condition, and the quantity of milk they gave, although they consumed a much larger amount of hay and grain. In many winters' ex- perience of raising milk on high feed of grain, roots and hay, taking the summer and Avinter cows together, I found the average to be about six quarts daily to each cow, and I have found upon inquiry among my neighbors, that is as high as theirs would average. My cows, fed with the hay tea, and the same proportion of summer and win- ter ones, averaged about ten quarts each day, showing so decidedly in favor of the tea, as to sat- isfy me that it is the way to raise milk. I think where the farmer has a good manure cellar, (and no good firmer will be long without one,) and ma- terial to put into it, he will find this manner of feeding a great help to the compost heap. Another gentleman, who is entirely reliable, be- ing a man of facts and figures, states that he kept 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER 81 a number of large milch cows in excellent condi- tion tlu-ough the -winter, on an average of nine cents per day. He also stated that with more economical arrangements — which liis experience had suggested, but which he had not put into practice — he thought he could keep them well for even less than that sum. In looking at the great variety of agricultural implements and machinery', recently, in the rooms of Messrs. Parker, Gannett & Osgood, on Blackstone Street, our attention was attracted to a cauldron, or steamer, for cooking food for stock, and in which we became considerably interested. While looking at it, the Hon. Josiah Quincy, of Quincy, came in, who stated that he had been using one of them for several months, and had or- dered a second one of larger size. lie is winter- ing some eighty cows, and in using this boiler in direct connection with them, we thought his opin- ion of their value would enable us to judge pretty correctly of its merits. It is as follows ; Sosfon, Nov. 28, 1861. Dear Sir : — "Prindle's Patent Agricultural Boiler and Steamer," has been used on my farm, daily, for at least six months, and has given entire satisfaction. As a cheap generator of steam, it appears to me to merit the high eulogiums that ai'e contained in the printed certificates appended to the advertisements. I am- very truly, Josiah Quincy, Jr. Since the receipt of that letter, we have seen this steamer in operation, and it seemed to possess many points of value over any other cheap arrange- ment that we have seen. It had cooked a barrel of pumpkins into "squash," and was then steaming a lot of cut hay. Dr. Eben. Wight, of Dedham, on whose form we saw it in operation, states that it operates efficiently and cheaply ; that it is easily managed, and requires little fuel, compared with the common stove cauldrons. It seems to us that its merits must be full as prominent in the house of the former, as connected with the barn. Where there are cans to be washed, or milk-pans, or hot water wanted for feeding swine or slaughtering them, it must be exceeding- ly convenient. So in washing clothes, warming baths, or cooking vegetables in large quantities as they are obliged to in hotels. It is unHke the ket- tle, as it can be made to cook at any desired point, in any convenient wooden vessel at hand, which is steam tight, by the use of a flexible tube or pipe. It is impossible to burn the substance being cooked or heated. It dispenses with all cleaning of ket- tles for every separate job, unless the top is re- moved, and it is used as a common kettle for try- ing out lard, making soap, boiling clothes, or any of the usual purposes of a kettle. We think those needing an article of this nature, will do well to call at the warehouse we have men- tioned, and look at one for themselves. As Mr. Quincy states in liis note, it is called "Prindle's Patent Agricultural Boiler and Steamer," and consists of two or three sizes. "WEALTH OF OLD EOMANS. According to Cicero, the debts of A. Milo amounted to above $28,000,000, federal currency ; Julius Ca;sar, when setting out for Spain, is re- ported to have said to himself, he was $10,000,- 000 worse than nothing. When he first entered Rome, after crossing the Paibicon, he took from the public treasury $5,.500,000, but at the end of the civil war put over $24,000,000 in it. He pur- chased the friendship of Curio with a bribe of over $2,o00,000, and of the Consul L. Paulus, with half that sum. Croesus was worth in real estate over $8,000,- 000, and about as much in money, furniture and slaves. Seneca was worth over $20,000,000. Lentulus, the augur, over $16,000,000. Augustus raised by the testaments of his friends over $161,- 000,000." Tiberius left at liis death nearly $100,- 000,000, which Caligula spent in less than one year ; and Vespasian, at his succession, said that he required for the support of the State over $1,014,000,000. Nevertheless, though greatly en- riched by his conquests, imperial Rome never came into the full inheritance of the chief wealth of the East, and the larger quantity of the pre- cious metals must have remained excluded from the calculations of ancient historians. — Life Il- lustrated. Bots — Prevention Better than Cure, — ^In the Avinter of 18o0, I was passing through Ver- mont, and stopped for the night at an old former's by the name of David Ruggles. The next morn- ing one of my horses was suffering severely from an attack of the bots. A large dose of sage tea, made very strong, and sweetened with molasses, caused them to relax their hold, and I was soon enabled to pursue my journey. Before doing so my host informed me that he kept salt and ashes constantly before his horses, and said he thought it was a sure preventive. Thinking it worthy of trial, upon my arrival home I rigged a box in each of my stalls, and put salt and ashes in equal proportion in them. Since then I have had a great many different horses, but have not had occasion to doctor for bots. Of course, I am not certain that the above prevented the bots, but I have no doubts on the subject. It is harmless and cheap, and is worthy a trial by every one that keep horses. — Country Gentle- Grafting the Tomato on the Potato. — "Horticola," in the Ilorticidiurist, states that he succeeded, perfectly, in grafting a scion of the to- mato upon the potato vine. He cut about one- third of the potato shoot off, just above a leaf, tak- ing care not to injure the bud at its base. The scion, being shielded from the sun, was every day sprinkled with a little water, and it took readily. In the fall the tomato was loaded with ripe and unripe fruit, and had grown to a large size. 82 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. For the New England Farmer. MABKET BEPOBTS. Mr. Editor: — The statement is often made that a certain newspaper article, or a certain mar- ket report, is worth the whole cost of a year's sub- scription. This is doubtless very true. I think, myself, that some articles from the pen of the edi- tor or associate editor of the Farmer, are worth the price of the paper, and yet it does not always follow, by any means, that every one can afford to pay for it. Some farmers, who are deeply in debt, feel that they can hardly afford to expend any thing that does not promise a speedy return in money value. If there is one department of an agricultural pa- per of more importance, in a pecuniary point of view, to the farmer, than any other, it is reliable market reports. The faithful record we get from •week to week through the Farmer, of the sales^ at Brighton market, have elicited the commendation of several writers, and deservedly so, for they are honest reports, (without partiality to buyer or sell- er,) showing every farmer, at a glance, the true market value of the different kinds of stock. In my own judgment, Brighton market is better re- ported in the Farmer, than is the New York mar- ket by Solon Robinson, Esq., in the Tribune, in- asmuch as it seems to me more in the farmer's in- terest, or, perhaps, I should rather say, in every one's interest, the reporter himself having no par- ticular interest of his own, or Ids own locality, to gratify. But my object in writing was, not to commend the reports of Brighton market alone, nor the va- rious other market valuations of farming produc- tions so fully and impartially given in the Farmer, which are all, I doubt not, appreciated, but to suggest what I conceive might be an improvement in your report on hay. Since the partial failure of the potato crop, farmers in tliis vicinity have very generally turned their attention more to the sale of hay, and we depend on the Farmer just as much to give us the Boston value of that article, as we do on the Brighton report to give us the price of a yoke of fat oxen ; and what I wish to suggest is, whether it would not be an improve- ment, instead of quoting country hay so much, and Eastern pressed so much, to specify the price of the several qualities, as you do on beef, lumber, &c., by first quality, second quality, hay for bed- ding, 8zc. I find some of our farmers are at a loss to know whether their hay goes into Boston at the price of Eastern pressed, or country hay. I sup- pose that country hay has reference to loose hay drawn in from the vicinity of Boston ; still I con- clude our first quality hay, pressed and sent in by the cars, commands about the same price. By giving the price of the different qualities in Bos- ton, farmers will readily perceive its home value, and govern themselves accordingly. Those whose business it is to report the state of the markets, cannot be too fully aware of their responsible position. They act in an important sense as agents for the whole community. How desirable that those agents be so reliable as to give no just cause for the remark sometimes made, that "we can tell nothing by the papers." Farmers should not be too sensitive to their own interest, nor strive to obtain more for an ar- ticle than its true market value, but they are sur- rounded by speculators, and, as a body, go so sel- dom to the city, that they need all the advantage the market affords ; and an agricultural paper, of all others, should be, (as I think the Farmer is,) in the farmer's interest. JoHN F. FRENCH. North Hampton, N. H., Jan., 1862. Remarks. — We thank you for your sugges- tions, and your good opinion of the Farmer. The attention of the Reporter will be called to the matter. For the New England Farmer. THE SEASON AND CBOPS. Friend Brown : — ^For a long time, as often as I have perused the pages of the Farmer, which I always do with pleasure and profit, I have been resolving and re-resolving that I would contribute my mite to your columns. I have now screwed my resolution up to the writing point, and dipped my quill — no, we have no quills, now-a-days, except for tooth-picks. Que- ry— What becomes of all the quills ? Have the geese yielded to the pressure of the times, and stopped discounting quills, as the pigs have bris- tles, since pegs have been substituted therefor ? But, as I was saying, I am about to "Avrite for the papers." Now for a theme. Your multitu- dinous and able correspondents have raked the ground all over, leaving less encouragement for gleaners than was provided in Old Testament times. But agricultural, like moral precepts, will bear repeating, and if I should advance what has been said, and better said, by others, my labor may not be lost. The season just passed has been one of uncom- mon jjroducliveness in this region. IMost of the staple crops gave abundant yield. Corn was nev- er better ; hay very abundant, and got in in good condition ; potatoes from fair to good, and little or no rot ; oats about middling ; wheat was in- jured by the lice — not more than half the yield of the previous year. Quern — Would it not be better to sow in the fall ? Why more liable to be winter-lulled than rye ? Or why not sow a month or six weeks lat- er in spring, and thus come it over the varmints ? In Wolfboi-o', N. II., I was told by a farmer, in the winter of 1857, that he sowed wheat on the 16th of June, and harvested it on the 16th of Oc- tober, the same yielding twenty-eight bushels per acre. Rye has been a leading crop Mith the farm- ers in this valley. Rye bread in summer, and rye and Indian in winter, have been regarded through- out the whole valley of the Connecticut as lawful tender, from time immemorial. But Avheat is now crowding it out. Our miller told me a few days since that he grinds much more wheat than rye. In fvuit we have suffered in common with all New England. I vdsh some of your contributors would tell us why there was such a dearth of fruit last season. Apples, pears and grapes, next to none ; cherries, peaches, plums, none. Was it the cold ? A large orchard in my neighborhood pro- duced more apples last season than in any one year for five years previous. My Isabella, Con- cord and Hartford prolific grap«^s did Avell, while the natives, of which I have ten varieties, all failed. Most of my quinces were killed down to the 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. ground, while one old shnib, which had for a long time been battling between life and death, bore a dozen fine quinces. Peaches are among the things that were. AVe shall raise no more until our sea- sons change. There is reason to fear that cher- ries will follow in their wake. We have had none for two seasons, and most of the trees give signs of approaching dissolution. But enough of this. We have other and more formidable foes than the weevil, the curculio, the borer, and even Jack Frost himself. The vermin which have poisoned our political atmosphere are now boring into the roots of the tree of liberty, and stripping it of its foliage. Our farms should not be neglected, and need not be ; but the prin- cipal energies of the whole loyal portion of our people should be concentrated upon this vilest and most formidable enemy of the body politic. Amherst, Jan. 7, 1862. THE PTJZZLED ■WHEN. I was sitting one June morning at the open win- dow of a pleasant country-house, when I observed a busy wren flying back and forth through the thick boughs of a large English cherry tree, bring- ing bits of Avood and grass to the little round hole which she had made in the bottom of the tree, for a place, I suppose, to hide her nest in. After a while she came lugging a burden that looked heavy enough for two wrens. She had been to the wood-pile, and picked up a stick longer than she was, and I watched her as she flew up to the hole with it, and attempted to go in just as she had done with her other sticks and bits. I laughed to see how puzzled she was when her burden butted against the sides, and pushed her back from the entrance. She tried it again and again with the same result, fluttering up to the hole, knocking the stick against the sides, and then obliged to flutter back again. It was very rude in the un- gainly twig, she seemed to think, and the little lady actually looked as if she felt insulted. I al- most expected to see her give it up ; but no. Fastening her feet firmly on the edge of the open- ing, she placed the stick perpendicularly, and tugged with all her might to thrust it through, but in vain ; then she turned it and tried it horizontal- ly, but it would not go in. At last she tried it endwise, and I could not help clapping my hands as it slid to the bottom of the nest, and the little bird hopped in after it, with a kind of provoked triumph in her manner, as if she said, "What a fool ! Why didn't I know that before ?" Manual of Agriculture. — We leam that this work is already largely called for by the towns in Massachusetts, to be placed in their schools. One town has ordered tivo hundred copies, another one hundred, and many others twenty-five to fifty copies each. We learn, also, that where it has been introduced, the pupils, both boys and girls, are delighted with the study. We supposed that such would be the case. Our youth will readily comprehend the importance to them of such a study — a study that is always highly pleasing, while it instructs. ■WINTEK CABE OP STOCK. In a climate so variable as that of New Eng- land, where the extremes of the temperature sometimes range from forty degi'ees above zero to twenty degrees below, within twenty-four consec- utive hours, it becomes us to provide a pretty thorough shelter for the animals who depend upon us, as well as for ourselves. Stock mcnj be kept out of doors all winter, or in cold and cheerless bams, and come out in the spring looking well, — but it must always be at the considerable cost of a large additional amount of nutritive food over what would have been required, if the stock had been warmly housed. The body of an animal may be compared to a stove, — place it in an ordinarily tight room, and half a dozen pounds of fuel will heat its sides red hot ; but Avhen set out in the open air, where cold currents are constantly sweeping from its sides the heat imparted to them by the fuel, two or three times six pounds will scarcely heat it too hot for the hand to rest upon it. The food which the animal eats imparts heat to the system some- thing as the fuel does to the stove. We find a few words to the point in the Tribune. "Farmers do not pay sufficient attention to the warmth of their stock, but suffer them to roam about in the open air, exposed to the inclement weather. The amount of exercise is another most important point to attend to. The more an animal moves about, the quicker it will breathe, and the more starch, gum, sugar, fat, and other respiratory ele- ments it must have in its food ; and if ai> addition- al quantity of these substances is not given to sup- ply the increased demand, the fat and other parts of the body will be drawn upon, and the animal will become thinner ; also, as before observed, every motion of the body produces a correspond- ing destruction of the muscles which produce that motion. It is, therefore, quite evident that the more the animal moves about, the more of the heat-producing and flesh-forming principle it must receive in its food. Hence, we see the propriety of keeping om* cattle in sheds and yards, and not suffering those (particularly which we intend to fatten) to rove about, consuming more food, and wasting away more rapidly the various tissues of the body already formed, and making it more ex- pensive and difficult to fatten them." We are perfectly aware of the fact, that it is al- together easier to sit and talk about what is best to be done, than it is to do the thing itself, or to furnish the "ways and means" of doing it. Nev- ertheless, we believe a tolerably warm i)lace can be provided for stock in seven cases out of ten among the farmers, and that Avithout the aid of a carpen- ter ! We were strongly reminded of tliis the oth- er day, while ^^siting a very old barn, by observ- ing how completely the arrangement of the hay, a 84 NEW ENGLAND FARMER, Feb, few common boards, old shingles and laths, and a good degree of skill, or rather tact, which is a grade higher than skill, had shut out the storm and wind, and provided a comfortable leanto for a fine stock of cattle, horses and colts. The old bam would creak and groan before the blast, but the cattle patiently Ustened to its uproar while quietly chewing the ''cud of contentment," and grew fat and strong upon their fodder. But the experiences of a "plain, practical far- mer," will be regarded as of more value than any theories of ours, and as we have a plenty at hand, we give some of them below, which we find in a New Hampshire paper for 1852. "The barn, or building, rather, in which my cat- tle for a number of years were sheltered, (if shel- ter it could be called,) was in a very dilapidated condition. Expecting from year to year to be able to replace it with a new one, I delayed many little repairs which I am since convinced it would have been true economy to make several years be- fore. I knew the animals suffered much from the cold, and to compensate for their sufi'erings, I fed them McU ; but while pursuing the system that necessity compelled me to adopt, I could not but observe, on comparing notes with my neigh- bors, that my cattle consumed considerably more food than theirs, while at the same time their condition was not only no better, but scarcely as good. However, I then attributed this fact to any other but the right cause. Knowing that some animals eat more than others, without improving in an equal degree, I presumed that mine were of tliis lean kind, and thus dismissed the subject from my mind. Feelinjj somewhat stronger in pocket two years since, I built a new barn. The shelter it afforded my cattle was, as you may suppose, better than the old one. The feed given my cattle during the fii'st winter was the same in quality and quantity as that of the previous winter ; but I was sur- prised to find in the spi'ing there was a decided improvement in their condition over that of the preceding spring. Last winter I found that I could keep them on at least one-fourth less food than ever before, and as I am satisfied that they have not changed their natures, I cannot attribute this saving of food to any other cause than to the comfortable shelter provided for them in the new barn during cold weather. I am aware that there are scientific principles upon which this change may be accounted for, but aspiring to no prouder distinction than that of a plain, practical farmer, I leave scientific explana- tions to those more competent than myself, being content to record the simple fact, that / save one- fourth of my cattle^ s food, by providing them loith comfortable shelter during the winter season." Feeding Bone-Dust to Cows. — Your cor- respondent "Country," says his cow's toes groAv too long. I have had sheep's toes do the same while stabled. Some time ago a young farmer living some 20 mUes from me, said that he had, at dif- ferent times, in his barn, cows whose claws would grow too long, and occasionally one claw would grow around the end of the other claw, and that it was cured by feeding hone-dust. He had fed as much as one tablespoonful each day to a cow in cut feed, with marked effect. He acknowledged it was full, strong feed. I generally feed one table- spoonful twice in a week to each cow, but do not know its effect. My reason for doing it is that my neighborhood has been pastured these 200 years, and little or no manure put on the ground, hence the soil is wanting in bone-making mate- rial.— Country Gentleman. For the New England Farmer. PLAWTIITG CORN— KAISINQ ONIONS, I believe that it is well for farmers to make ex- periments in agriculture, and after so doing pub- lish the same in some agricultural paper, whether the results prove favorable or otherwise, so that others may know how to be governed in such mat- ters. Agreeably to that belief, I last spring made the foUoM'ing experiments in raising corn and on- ions: After spreading about 32 loads of barn manure on grass land and turning it under, the land Avas then well levelled and haiTowed smooth, after which it was rowed out 3i feet apart, each way, and planted as follows : One portion of the field was manured with night-soil compost, at the rate of one shovelful to four liills, another portion with Coe's superphos- phate, at the rate of one handful to two hills, a third portion with Avheat bran, at the rate of one handful to each hill. Before dropping the com the bran was covered with soil by the foot ; the three portions were treated alike till harvest time, then the three parts were harvested separately, and carefully weighed. In estimating the expense of the phosphate and the bran, I found that I had applied 18 per cent, more phosphate than of bran, by actual cost, and tliat the increase was but 6 per cent., by Aveight, above the bran, thus shoAving the bran gave the greatest gain for the first outlay. Ljuring all the forepart of the season, the bran portion Avas superior to the others, both in size and color. Thus I have experimented Avith bran for the tAvo last years, Avith tlie same results. NOAV FOR TUE TRIAL WITU ONIONS. After trying for the last feAV years, Avith almost an entire failure, I had nearly concluded to give up in despixir of raising this much-loved vegetable, but last spring I concluded to give them one more trial ; consequently, after preparing my bed for parsnips, I sowed tAvo rows lengtliAvise of my bed of six rods in length. I soav lengthwise, because I find it more expeditious Avorking Avith the seed- soAver, and the hand-cultivator running betAveen the roAvs lessens the labor of raising garden vege- tables much. After the onions Avere up, say about tAvo inches, I sprinlded Avliite pine saAvdust along the roAvs so as to cover the ground completely over, Avishing to prove whether saAvdust Avas of any benefit. I left about four feet of one roAV without the dust ; the consequence Avas, I had tAvo good rows of onions, Avith the exception of the four feet undusted, Avhich did not produce one single plant, proving satisfactorily, to my mind, the benefit of the dust. Thus much, Mr. Editor, I have experimented, and send to you for publication, should you see fit to give it a place in your valuable paper. Bedford, N. H., Dec, 18G1. T. G. il. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. 85 THE HOP CHOP OF MASSACHUSETTS. The following extracts from the annual report of the State Inspector of Hops, Mr. Charles Car- ter, will be of much interest, not only to the hop growers of tliis State, but throughout New Eng- land. The total amount of hops inspected during the four months ending Jan. 1, 18G2, was 117,019 lbs., classified as follows: — First sort, 104,801 lbs.; second sort, 7,253 lbs.; refuse, 5,805 lbs. The re- port continues : The hops grown this year are better adapted to the English market than a rich yellow hop, for the good reason, that the best English hops grown in the county of Kent, are a pale color, and our hops will compare favorably with them. The hops grown in the State of Maine, on the Androscog- gin River, will come the nearest to the English hop, for the good reason, the climate is the most congenial to the culture of hops. The growers of bops in the State of Maine, within the last seven years, have changed their course from very coarse picking to what at this time may be termed fine or good picking ; not that we expect our growers to fully compete with the English, but one thing I can say, from letters seen from England, in reply to hops sent forward from hops grown in the State of Maine, that these hops would compare favora- bly Avith the English hops, and would readily com- mand one pound more per cwt. than ordinary American hops. Under those favorable auspices, we need not despair of growing hops, especially in the State of Maine. One year since the duty on American hops sent to London, paid to that Government, was £2 5s ; before the crop of 18G0 came ofi", the duty was re- duced to £1. At the same time a further reduc- tion was to take place on the 1 st day of January, 1802, to 15s — which is the present duty on Ameri- can hops. I would suggest to buyers to sell their hops the yeai" grown in, as they depreciate one- third in price from new to old, wliich takes place at the end of the first year. If the growers of hops will adopt my last sug- gestion, they may rest assured that the culture of hops will pay a remunerative price for the labor. The price of hops the present season, since com- ing to market for inspection, has been from 15 to 10 cents per lb. I thinlc, with an upward tenden- cy at this time, with a small export demand in the absence of any hops oi the growth of 18G0, v/e may reasonably infer that all the hops of the gi'owth of 1861 will be used, and out of the mar- ket before the new crop comes off. What old hops remain in our market are from two to five years old, consequently entirely neglected by brewers and consumers of hops. The Eautu a Bukning Cauldron. — In one of his recent lectures at Manchester, England, on "Prophecy," Rev. Dr. Gumming said he had con- sulted Sir R,oderick Murchison as to the truth of the statcmcat that the interior of the earth was a burning ciuklron. Sir Roderick replied that "no one but an ignoramus would daxe to deny it." And when he, (Dr. Cumming,) quoted the words of Peter, in support of his statement, Sir Roder- ick replied, that "not only was Peter scientifically correct, but that Job gave him, (Sir Roderick,) the first idea of gold mines in Australia, and that Job was the best geologist he ever knew." For the New England Farmer. TOO MUCH SEED. Well tested experimental facts are worth more than old customs and habits. Yet people love their habits so well that they will disregard their senses, and plant a bushel of seed potatoes where they ought not to plant a half-bushel. I wish to tell nothing now, only what I have chme, and seen others do. I have seeded my potatoes largely and sparingly on the same ground under the same treatment, and always found the light seeding to yield the best and most marketable potatoes. I find the most profitable way is, to plant in drills, putting one piece in a place, and about 8 or 10 inches apart, in rows about 2i feet apart, with one to three eyes in a piece. I saw last season GO bushels of very handsome, marketable Jackson whites and Davis seedling potatoes, raised from 5 pecks of seeds planted in the above manner, upon a little less than one-fourth of an acre of or- dinary upland, manured in the hill moderately. Land adjoining it, equally as good, and manured better, but planted in the old way in liills, and seeded largely, ilid not yield two-tliirds as much, under as good treatment. Near tliis patch of potatoes was a bed of turnip- beets Avhich chose to take their own way in com- ing up, and not more than one seed in ten made its appearance to the sunlight. They had plenty of room to grow, and they Occupied it to advan- tage. The yield was enormous for the space oc- cupied. Some of them Aveighed 13 pounds. Their average weight was G pounds, and as good and fine-grained for eating as ever grew. This ap- peared to be the result of having plenty of room to grow. Another man near by planted the same kind of seed, which came up plentifully, and were thinned out some, but yet stood quite thick, were well cared for during the season, but made a light yield. Every thing was equal in both cases, ex- cept the one came up sparingly and yielded largely, the other thick and produced a light yield. There are many other cases I might name. I will refer to only one more. This system of light seeding holds good with small grain in good strong soil, as far as my knowledge goes. While travelling in New Hampshire a few weeks ago, I fell in with a farmer in Canterbury, who had come to the conclusion that he had been seed- ing his land too much, especially, as it was very strong. In laying down nine acres to grass in the spring, he soAved oats, at the rate of a half-bushel to the acre. The result was five hundred bushels of oats from the nine acres. Also his wheat, when sown thin, filled better, and yielded more. Tins all proves something. We arc just in our infancy in the agricultural kingdom. I wish farmers would give us their experience through the N. E. Farmer more than they do. There are a great many young farmers, and not a few old ones, that are earnest seekers after knoAvl- edge. It may be interesting occasionally to hear something about kingfishers, crows, hawks and owls ; but for my part, I had much rather hear NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. our friend Holbrook discourse upon practical farm- ing ; most any one of his articles is worth the price of the paper for one year. Also, H. F. French, upon the subject of draining, which I consider one of the great subjects of the day, and ought to be kept before the people. I should like to hear the experience of our farmers in regard to seeding. A. Philbrook. East Saugtis, Mass., Dec, 1861. Remarks. — Friend Philbrook will accept thanks for his excellent article, and be pleased to remem- ber that we have as many tastes to satisfy as we have readers, and that some of the most progres- sive and intelligent farmers are deeply enamored with Natural HistorJ^ They desire that all the an- imals, birds and insects common to the farm, shall receive some attention, as well as the more import- ant practical matters of the barn and fields. We know of no more pleasing and attractive means of instructing children, and of creating in them a love of rural life and rural occupations, than the plan we have long pursued of occasionally intro- ducing interesting notices of the animated life on the farm. LEGISLATIVE AGBICITLTUBAIi SOCIETY. [Reported for the Farmer by D. W. Lothrop.] The First Legislntive Agricultural Meeting was held at the Representatives' Hall on Monday even- ing. The subject for discussion was Manures, and the Hon, JosiAU QuiNCY, Jr., was called to pre- side. In assuming the chair, Mr. Quincy said he felt honored by the committee in being thus selected, and observed that the subject for discussion was, to the farmer, one of the most important. As Demosthenes said, "Action" was the first, the sec- ond and the third rule for good oratory ; so for good farming, the first, the second and the third rule was, manure, manure, manure ! And the important question was, how can we best obtain it ? He alluded to the varied commercial or patent manures, and to Prof. Joluison's analysis of them, showing the worthlessness of most of them, and said the question should be, not how we could bug manure, but how we could make it. He alluded to the practice and good effect of turning in green crops, particularly in Maryland ; but after all, the most important fertilizer was barn-yard manure, and this, as far as possible, should be made at home. Speaking of the manure of the cow, he said the test of the value of her products, both as regards milk and manure, was the quality of food given her. You can get nothing out of her which you do not put in. An Englishman will buy a bullock, keep him a time for his manure, and then sell him for what he gave, or less. Mr. Lawes, of England, had made experiments in feeding cattle on cotton seed meal, and found that wliile a given quantity of voidings from the food was worth $27,86, the same quantity produced from carrots and turnips was worth only 86 cents ! We hard- ly know how to produce good manure. Guano, the speaker said, was far more valuable from the fact that birds have no liquid passages ; yet a cow, on certain conditions, can make good guano, or something equivalent. On his own farm, where he commenced farming four years ago, Mr. Quincy stated that he had raised his hay crop up from 150 to 400 tons. He keeps many cows, adopts the soiling system,, makes his own manure, and finds nothing is lost. He alluded to Dr. Dana's experiments with the urine and dung of the cow, showing that the liquid voidings were worth more than the solid. Two- thirds of muck and one-third of cow manure was very valuable as a top-dressing. Farmers should save urine. In Holland, the urine of a cow is val- ued at $15 a year. The speaker said he saved it at his farm in reservoirs and carted it out on to his grass land. He alluded to Mr. Mechi, who forced his out by a steam engine, through pipes laid all over his land. But urine was best absorbed by muck and then spread on the land. Those who have no muck, can use anything that can be satu- rated. In keeping cows, not simply milk should be the object, but that of good quality, and rich manure. In conclusion, the speaker said the great secret of good farming was high feeding. A gentleman, whose name was not given, in- quired if ui'ine should be reduced before being ap- plied ? Mr. Quincy said no ; give the muck all it will hold. He also inquired the views of farmers as to the time of applying manure, and as to top-dress- ing. Mr. Stedman, of Chicopee,was the next speak- er. He has a barn cellar, and mixes muck with his manure, Avhich increases its value very much. He had put green muck on four acres of grass land, and in his case it produced two crops, and he thought it better than guano, as the latter was not lasting. Mr. Davis, of Plymouth, had had some experi- ence in regard to peat. Prof. Johnson spoke well of peat. But the speaker said it was objectiona- ble in requu-ing great labor. Barn cellars are too much flooded, and he doubted whether they should be tight. In the bottom of old vaults the sand was perfectly pure ; and why not have the bottoms of barn cellars porous, if there is no loss ? Upland suffers very much in dry weather in his region, and peat was a good mulcher. He had applied 128 horse-cart loads to an old pasture, but the labor was objectionable. The soft paste at the bottom of the peat was very valuable. Mr. Quincy said ccUai-s should be tight, and should receive only the urine of animals. It was 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. «7 not important what time to apply manure. It does not lose by drying. The valuable parts of ma- nure Avill yield only to the chemist or to plants. Make your own manure and spread it at any time. Mr. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, alluded to the dilution or extension of manure. Manure may be so concentrated as to be injurious. Hence urine should be diluted before being applied. Gu- ano was usually reduced 50 per cent. He doubted whether ^Ir. Mechi's system was the best. Heavy soil needs straw and coarse manure, the liquid not being so beneficial as on lighter land. Peat, as a mulch, tends to lighten soil. Drs. Dana and Bart- lett had discovered different kinds of muck, differ- ing in value. Green muck was ruinous to rye, and the muck of mosses not valuable. Dr. Da- na's theory was that muck should have alkalies. Mr. Roberts, of Lakeville, inquired if it was necessary to have bam cellars perfectly dry ? He thought not. By putting in muck it would ab- sorb all ammoniacal waters. A gentleman, whose name was not given, spoke of the distinction between peat and muck. Muck decomposes — peat does not. He takes sod and muck from the ditches of his low land and spreads it upon his upper grass land with great benefit. Mr. QuiNXY spoke of the difference between peat and muck. He had gone down twenty feet, and found cones of pine trees, probably thousands of years old. The upper part was peat, the lower muck — of which kind the L-ish make cakes. Tak- ing soil from one part of the farm and putting it on the other was an excellent practice. The great business of New England farmers should be in making manure and getting it out. A gentleman, whose name Avas not given, asked about green manure. He had procured a great crop of rye from turning in clover. And by tliis process they get great crops of wheat in England — 70 bushels to the acre being cited. He spoke highly of !Mr. !Mechi's watering with ammoniacal manure. Mr. Dewitt, of Agawam, said a neighbor plowed in buckwheat to raise rye, but thought the wheat worth the most ! He keeps his cows in his barn summer and winter, and this should be done where the land is good. He observed that he owned ten acres, and farmed it partly for profit and partly for the fun of it. Corn stalks were a good absorbent of urine ; they keep the land open, and are good for potatoes. !Muck will not pay the labor. Mr. QuiNCY alluded to sand as a bedding, or for sprinkling the stalls. Was used in England as an absorbent. Plowing in green crops was a hard thing to do, though useful, as they did not exhaust the soil till they began to form seed. He also spoke of anthracite coal ashes for potatoes, and cited an instance of where potatoes thus raised were very sound. Mr. Baker had no experience in sand, but had used sawdust for a bedding with good results. It pays well. He takes out muck in the winter and leaves it till the next fall, and then drops it through the floor into the cellar. He dug a cellar whose soil was very hard, yet it had become satu- rated with ammonia and phosphates. He applied manure in the f;\ll. He steams his corn-stalks and feeds his cattle with them, instead of using them as bedding. Leached ashes were very valu- able, and he had applied fifty bushels to the acre, at eight cents per bushel, to grass land, and cut three tons of hay to the acre. Farmers should not buy manure, but make it. Mr. Howes, of Marshfield, spoke of kelp, which was very abundant in his region. Why had it not been spoken of? It was valuable. Daniel AVeb- ster spread fish upon his land, but it burnt up the soil, and brought a prodigious lot of flies. For in- sects, such as squash bugs and the like, he had applied the putrid liquor of the fish, and found that while they disappeared from his cucumber vines, the latter grew enormously. Kelp and fish de- serve more attention. Mr. Davis spoke again of bam cellars. Barns should be put upon sandy land. Peat will carry off all water, and five inches of sand will clear any dirty water. Mr. Baker inquired how much it would purify. Mr. Davis replied, any quantity. Green crops turned in are beneficial to light lands, and kelp should be composted. Fish on light soils are very hurtful, as they consume all the vegetation, but the remedy is composting. He spoke of different kinds of peat, and cited Mr, Colman, that salt peat was good for wheat. Mr. Hood, of Somerset, said sand Avas used in stables in Bristol county. He applies it to his stalls once a week. He had also used fish as a manure, and said that the flies they drew only an- noyed people out of doors ; they never entered the house. He keeps his cattle up, except thi-ee or four hours a day, and has faith in the good results of barn cellars. The time for closing the meeting having passed, the chairman announced that the subject for dis- cussion on next Monday evening would be Agri- cultural Education, and that His Excellency Gov. Andrew was expected to preside. Adjourned. Ignorance. — Never be ashamed of confessing j'our ignorance, for the wisest man ujion earth is Ignorant of many things, insomuch that what he knows is mere nothing in comparison Avith what he does not know. There cannot be a greater folly in the world than to suppose that we know every thing. Happiness groAvs at our oAvn fii-eside, and is'not picked in the stranger's gardens. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb, PROVERBS FROM POOR RICHARD. Take this remark from Richard — poor and lame ; "whate'er begins in anger, ends in shame. An egg to-day is better than a hen to-morrow. Law, like cobwebs, catches small flies ; great ones break through before your eyes. If pride leads the van, poverty brings up the rear. He that would live at peace and at ease must not speak all he knows, nor judge all he sees. He that can travel Avell afoot keeps a good horse. The worst wheel of the cart makes the most noise. He that falls in love with liimself will have no rivals. Against disease here the strongest fence is the defensive virtue, abstinence. Tart words make no friends ; a spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a gallon of vinegar. Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee. Beware of little expenses, a small leak wiU sink a great ship. An ounce of wit that is bought is worth a pound that is taught. A plowman on his legs is higher than a gentle- man on his knees. What maintains one \'ice will bring up two cliil- dren. When prosperity was Avell mounted, she let go tlie bridle and tumbled off the saddle. A change of fortune hurts a wise man no more than a change of the moon. He that has a trade has an office of profit and honor. A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines. Plow deep while sluggards sleep, and you will have corn to sell and to keep. If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, write something worth read- ing. Nothing dries sooner than a tear. Scarlet, like silver and velvet, have put out the kitchen fire. Never take a -wife till thou hast a house to put her in. Hunger never saw bad bread. The poor have little — beggars, none — the rich, too much — enough, not one. Old boys have their playtliings as well as young ones. The difference is only in the price. If a man could have his wishes, he would double his trouble. A SINGULAR CASE. Mr. Moody IL Robinson, of Hancock, Vt., writes us that in May, 18G0, he was in the town of Granville where he was invited by a Mr. AUbe to see a sick heifer, which he did, accompanied, also, by Mr. J. Hubbard. He found that the heifer could not drop her calf, although engaged in the effort to do so for a whole week. She swelled badly for a time, and then her udder and body gradually shnnik away, and she was turned off to pasture. In the sjjring of 1861, she was turned to pasture again and grew finely and fatted well. On the 28th of December Mr. Robinson was called to slaughter this heifer — she having been pur- chased and brought to Hancock by him — and in the presence of Mr. C. C. Hubbard, L. C. Abbott, E. Hubbard, and Mr. AUbe and his son, he says he took from her the calf heretofore spoken of, which weighed 87 pounds ! It was found grown tight to the womb. The feet and legs were rotten to the knee joint, and the hair in some places was off, but no disagreeable odor was perceptible ! The weight of the heifer when dressed was 573 pounds. He also states that he had lately butchered a hog for Mr. Augustus Fassett, of Hancock, whose weight Avas 777i pounds. If the first of these stories is not fact, it is a very lively fancy. We have no reason to doubt the statement. It does not appear to us to be a lustis naturce, but one of those wonderful provisions of nature to preserve life, which sometimes occur. SUGAR, Sngar is not only a condiment ; it is an impor- tant article of diet, and aid to digestion. Though the use of sugar as an article of food seems mainly to supply the carbon used in breathing, yet it un- doubtedly contributes also to the production of fat, for during the severe labor of gathering the sugar crop in the West Indies, in spite of the great exertion and fatigue, it is said that every negro on the plantation, every animal, even the very dogs, will fatten. The conversion of starch into grape sugar, also appears to be the first step in its digestion ; and it is probable that the greater difficulty with which cellulose is converted into sugar, is the cause of its indigestibility and uselessness as an article of food. Sugar also plays an important part in many processes of the animal system, and appears to be necessary to the production of bile. It has been detected by Lehman and Bernard in the blood of man, and in that of the cat, dog, and ox. Sugar is also supposed to be necessary to the process of incubation, where, by its peculiar solvent action on the lime and phosphate of lime of the shell, it is thought to assist in the formation of the bones of the chick, and though this idea has not yet been demonstrated, it appears highly probable, from the general occurrence of sugar in the egg. As an in- stance of the marvellous processes going forward in the human frame, I may mention that in the terrible disease called diabetes, all the amylaceous food converted into sugar, instead of being assimi- lated by the system, as in health, passes aM'ay, the sufl'erer thus deriving no benefit from the food. Sugar lies under a ban for injuring the teeth. What shall we say of this ? The negroes employed on sugai" plantations, who eat, perhaps, more su- gar than any other class of people, liave almost proverbially, fine, white, sound teeth, which they retain in old age. But, on the other hand, in England, persons employed in the sugar refineries, who are from their occupation obliged constantly to be tasting sugar, lose their teeth from decay af- ter a few years. A strong solution of pure sugar appears to have no action on teeth after extraction, even after many months, and even when already decayed, the action upon them is scarcely percep- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 89 tiblc. But sugar, in combination with a small amount of lime, or alkali, has the property of dis- solving phosphate of lime, which is contained in large quantities by the bones and teeth ; a circum- stance which may explain in some measure the contradictory nature of the facts. Thus the infe- rior varieties of sugar and treacle, which always contain lime derived from the process of manufac- ture, and many kinds of confectionary into which lime enters as an ingredient, would be expected to have an injurious action on the teeth, especially if there should be a break anywhere in the outer coating of enamel. On the other hand, fresh honey and fruits, which contain a large per cent- age of sugar, but in which it is not likely to occur with lime in combination, are so far above suspi- cion, that some fruits — as strawberries, plums, &c., which contain much sugar, have even been recom- mended as aids to the securing of good teeth. — Field Notes. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. THE CULTURE OF FLAX. 1. Is there any treatise on flax culture, the Btudy of which would enable one not acquainted with the business of flax-raising to conduct it suc- cessfully ? 2. Does New England aff'ord a market for any considerable amount of flax ? If so, where might it be sold, and at what price ? 3. In what condition must it be sent to market ? I suppose it would need to be dressed at home ; if so, what would be the cost of machinery for pre- paring it for the market, and what the probable cost of di'essing ? By dressing, I mean separating the fibre from the stalk. 4. I wish, also, to learn the cost of a machine for grinding bones into meal, and the power re- quired to propel such machinery. Adin Bugbee. Snoio^s Store, Vt., Jan., 1862. Remarks. — 1. The Farmer's and Planter's En- cyclopedia, and the Farmer's Guide, each contain directions for the cultivation of flax, and so has Stephens' Book of the Farm. It is not at all dif- ficult to cultivate, and any land that will produce a good crop of Indian corn will bring a good yield of flax. 2. It must be sent to market dressed, or what is called "lint," and a gentleman who has been very largely engaged in raising flax, informs us that there is a steady demand in New England for three hundred tons, annually. AVhere large quan- tities are produced in the same neighborhood, it might be dressed by a new process which accom- plishes the work with great rapidity. We are not able, however, to inform our correspondent at what cost. Four hundred pounds, per acre, of the lint is considered a good yield. We have no doubt, whatever, that the culture of flax may be made quite profitable to New England farmers, as nearly all that is now used is imported, and as the oil from its seed, and the cake, after the oU is ex- tracted, are always in quick demand. 4. We have seen bones ground in a small, iron mill, which was propelled by steam, but did not inquire the amount of power required to carry it, — nor do we know the cost of such a mill. RICH LAND TILVT PRODUCES NO CROPS. I have a piece of land containing about one acre, that for a great many years has been manured highly, and bore very great crops of grass, until the meadoAV moles began to work in it, and cut the roots of the grass ofi', and almost killed it out. In the spring of 1860 I plowed it up, and found the soil to be a rich black loam. I planted it with po- tatoes, expecting a large crop, but did not get a quarter of a crop ; last spring I sowed it with wheat, but only got three bushels. Where the soil is the richest, wheat did not grow at all, neither would the weeds grow. Can you tell me what I can put on it to secure a crop ? Apple trees are now upon two sides of the piece ; would young trees set out in the piece be likely to flourish ? L. P. R. Millbury,Dec.ZO, 1861. Remarks. — It is difliicult to give an opinion as to what ought to be done with such a piece of land as is described above, from a written descrip- tion of it. It needs to be seen, as the surround- ings of a piece of land are often as much in fault as the land itself. It seems to us, however, that if 30 bushels of oyster shell lime were added to the acre, and the land planted to corn, or laid to grass, success would follow. THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Having received this weekly publication ever since it was commenced by Fessenden, more than forty years gone by, and perused its pages every week, I think I can speak with some confidence, of the character of the paper. I look upon it as one of the most agreeable and reliable of guides in the labors of the farm. Its opinions indicate calm consideration and enlarged observation.. It notices such topics as particularly concern, its readers, and carefully avoids all fancy speculations and extravagant assumptions. Let any farmer take it, and carefully peruse and preserve it for occasional reference — he will find it of more value at the close of the year, than any cow in hfs stall. If he should not so find it, I will cheerfully pay his subscription, if he will send me his name. Dec. 28, 1861. J. W. Proctor. WINTER IN VERMONT — CROPS— A FINE HOG. Cold and dreary winter has again made its ap- pearance, reminding us that the wheel of time is continually moving onward. The snow is now about half an inch in depth. During the month of November last, the thermometer averaged at 6 A. M., 24° above zero; 12, M., 36°, and at 6 P. M., 31° above. Thus the month- averaged five degrees colder than the month of November, 1860. The hay crop here last summer was very good, and hay is selling from $4 to $6 per ton. The corn and barley crop were good, but oats and wheat are not so good as was supposed when they were harvested ; however, they are full an average- Mr. Erastus Howard, of this town, killed a 90 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. hog 18 months old, recently, which weighed, when dressed, 536 lbs. Who can beat this ? Even the usually quiet mountains and valleys of Vermont are now Avide awake by reason of the war, confi- dently believing that right will triumph over op- pression. . Cyrus. EaM Hardioick, Vt., 1861. MATCHING steers' HORNS. I noticed in a late Farmer an article in regard to matching steers. I would like to know if you, or any of your subscribers, can inform me how to match the horns of steers, in case one horn is in- cHned to turn down? I have often asked the question, and some say if they turn down, by scraping them on the upper side they will turn up, and some say on the under side ; so I am left en- tirely without the true knowledge. Marlboro', N. II., 1862. Clark Hill. Remarks. — We have no knowledge in this matter, and hope those who have will reply. BRONZE TURKEYS. R. Goodell, of Antrim, N. H., can obtain full blood bronze turkeys of the subscriber. Price $4 per pair. N. B. RowE. Laconia, N. E., Dec. 18, 1861. HENS' NESTS. Fowls of all kinds, when laying, like a secret place where their fellows cannot see them. They do not like to squat down in the hennery, sur- rounded by a greedy flock, that are ready to pounce into the nest as soon as an egg is laid, and devour it. Therefore, to gratify the hen's secretiveness, and at the same time save the eggs from being de- voured by one of the flocks, my practice has been, for a number of years, to make their nests in nail kegs, not those that are very small, nor the largest ones, but of those that will hold about one hundred pounds of nails. In years past, I have been accus- tomed to fill a keg about half full of straw for a nest ; but the past winter I have sawed all the kegs in two equal parts, knocking out the heads, and then nail a piece of cloth over the large end of each half keg, for a bottom. Any kind of old, or new cloth may be tacked on with small trimming tacks. During the winter, these half kegs are nailed up against the side of the hennery, about four feet from the floor. Hens that lay, will soon leam that when they get into these nests, their fel- lows cannot see them, as they are completely se- cluded in their cosy little nests ; and if they them- selves are disposed to eat eggs, they find that, if they attempt it while standing on the edge of the keg, they cannot reach them conveniently ; and if they hop down into the nest, and attempt to pick the eggs, they will roll down against their feet, and they soon learn that they are not able to pick hard enough in such a position to break the shell. I find that a cloth bottom is superior to a wooden bottom, covered with a nest of straw. As the weather becomes warmer, so that the hens seek nests in the yard, we make nests in secluded nooks, or the kegs might be removed from the hennery, and nailed against the side of the fence, and a lit- tle roof made over them. — Anonymous. For the Neto England Farmer. "WASTE NOT, WANT NOT." This was a Frankhn motto. Apply it to the farm, and its bank deposits. Manure heaps are the sub-treasuries of the farming interest. Waste of manure is waste of wealth. Every miner who digs for gold, must dig in the dirt. But the farmer first deposits the gold in the ground, and afterwards digs it out with increase. The gold he plants, he gathers from the sources of consumption and de- cay, where carelessness may leave a loss. Wisdom is wealth; time is money; money is money; and equally so, manure is money, to the farmer. Where shall we dig for riches ? Where shall we go and gather up wealth ? "Go to the ant, thou sluggard ;" go to the squirrel, thou spendthrift; go to the manure-composter, thou foolish farmer, who hast nursed poverty, by work- ing a hungry soil, and getting nothing, because you gave nothing as a basis of production. Gather it at the stable. Mix well the soHd droppings of the cow with twice its bulk of meadow muck ; money in mud. Loam will serve a good purpose, if nothing better can be had. Pine leaves are almost priceless in the compost. And be very sure, if no great loss would be allowed, to put enough dry peat, old rotten straw, or other sub- stance suited to the purpose, to take up all the h- quid that she voids. Take like care, also, of the voidings of the ox and younger cattle. The noble horse, well fed, well used, furnishes much material to mix with muck ; three times the measure of his solid excrements, with dry peat, saAvdust or old straw, sprinkled with old brine, plaster, refuse salt, to save the urine — money from many things made into manure. Gather a pile from the pig-pen. Piggy does not appropriate much for muscle, from the fat of his feeding, but pours out big bottles of ammoni- acal liquor to magnify the manure heap. The gift is a great one, and never to be despised by the man of a flourishing farm. Pile the pine scrap- ings into his pen, with old leaves, loads of loam, and let him make his mark as a manufacturer ; and he will do it in defiance of war or tariffs. Piggy's first work in the world is to provide for the corn crop, and when that comes in, in lusty loads, he will consent to be put into pork, for the benefit of princes, or paupers. Gather gold from the hen-house. Pile the peat under the hen-roost ; scatter ashes lightly over, or old lime, and saturate it with slops from the cham- ber, and i-epeat the same often, layer upon layer, mixing it all well, before each fresh addition of muck or peat. It will be cheaper than poudrette from Lodj, and as rich as a California quartz gold mine. Gather gold from the sink drain. The suds and grease that go away there, contain gold ; gather it up for the garden grounds ; mix it with muck, or carry it to the currant bushes, or almost anywhere to feed the growing crops, and gold will grow out of it. Save the suds from the wash-room. There are wonders of wealth in such mineral waters. They are good for sickly cabbages, melons, pears, squashes or tomatoes. They make all growing things to glisten in the glory of their growth. Save the slops from chambers. Waste is as wicked there as anywhere. Man need not i)ride 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAR5^IER. 91 himself above producing his portion of the food of plants ; he was made of earthy matter, air and wa- ter, and wastes these daily from himself, in sub- stance for the food of vegetation. "Waste not, want not." Gather from the pri\'5\ There is no use, boys, in snuffing. This turning up the nose is of no more value in a young man, than it is in a bloom- ing miss. Pride is peevish, and always out of place among the working world's nobility. Pile in the muck, or loam, with a mixture of plaster, much old rotten chip dirt, and drive away unpleas- ant odors by putting on new layers often ; and carry away a great pile to the corn-field. You may bring it back in gold. Gather aK the ashes. Thcj;^ will answer for their application almost anywhere, in "words fitly spoken — like apples of gold, in pictures of silver." "Waste not, want not." Gather manure from the mill, scrape up around the shop, take care of cotton waste, waste not old woolens, tax the tan- ner for his refuse truck, make the merchant a fair offer for old brines, call upon the collier for liis charcoal dust, and tax all trades that the farmer feeds ; buy when and what jou cannot save, if it will bring back the gold ; but, man of the muck heap, remember, "waste not, want not." Lee, N, IL Comings. For the New England Farmer. KEMOTTIM-Q LEAVES FROM THE FOBEST. ]Mr. Editor: — Some writers recommend to re- move the leaves from the forest, for the purpose of bedding animals, mulcliing trees, protecting gar- den plants, &c. Undoubtedly they are profitable for all these purposes, but the question naturally arises, "What eff'ect would be produced upon the soil of the for- est should the process of removing the leaves be carried to any considerable extent ? Would it not be impoverished, and the trees retarded in their growth, just in proportion to the amount of leaves removed .'* I have upon my farm a slight swell of land, ex- tending nearly from north to south, upon which grew quite a grove of oaks and walnuts ; but after they had attained about one-half their natural size they remained stationary, as it were, for some years, or at least made no perceptible growth ; and why .-* It seems to me it was simply for the want of food ; the leaves in the autumn being blown by the western winds into the valley upon the eastern side of the hill, instead of remaining where they fell, to protect and enrich the roots of the trees which produced them. In conversation with an intelligent farmer of Lunenburg, he said he had observed the same re- sult respecting the trees upon several of the hills of that somewhat hilly town. It may be very well to secure and save the leaves from shade trees by the roadside, especial- ly in places exposed to the wind, but to deprive the forest of the very food which nature designed for it, for the purpose of feeding other portions of the farm, it seems to me, so far as profit is con- cerned, is very much like taking money from one pocket and putting it into another. Leominster, Jan., 1862. A. c. w. For the Neic England Farmer. HOW TO SELL FRESH PORK. Whether to barrel, or dispose of in carcass, is often a perplexing question to those farmers who are fortunate enough to raise pork to sell. And here, like too many other i)roblems in farming, we are generally guilty of jumping at a conclusion, without any positive knowledge, and using the Yankee prerogative of guessing which is the better way. In arriving at a conclusion, reference must be had to price, markets, location, &c., — although the price of pork in the carcass, usually, for the time being, corresponds very nearly to barrel pork. In order to aid somewhat in throwing light upon this matter, the writer instituted some carefully made experiments the present season, as to the per centage of side pork, hams, lard, head, &c., in the carcass to which, (such as they be,) the readers of the Farmer are welcome, and which may aid some in determining the question referred to at the commencement. First Experiment — Weight of hog, dressed, 296 pounds. Weight of side part was 166 lbs. " "hams 55 " " " lard 28 " " " head 14 " " " bony pieces, feet, shoulders 33 " 296 lbs. Secosb Experiment — Weight of hog, 238 pounds. Weight of side pork 126 lbs. " "hams 49 " " "lard 20 " " " bony pieces, shoulders, head, &c 43 " 238 lbs. Thirp Experiment — Weight of carcass, 258 pounds. Weight of side pork 135 lbs. " " Iiams 55 " " "lard 22 " " " head, shoulders, bony pieces, &c 46 " 258 lbs. It will be seen from the above that, in each of the three trials, the amount of side pork was about 00 per cent., of hams 20 per cent., of lard from 8 to 10 per cent., and showing an aggregate of 82 to So per cent, of sides, hams and lard, (all about of equal value,) in each animal. The hogs were, a part of them, pure Berksliires, and a part were a cross of Berksliires and Suff'olks ; number 2 being one of the Suffblks cross. I might also state that the hams were cut as large as practica- ble, consequently diminishing correspondingly the amount of sides — and the shoulders taken out as small as possible, being governed by the market in so doing. I should judge that in the ordinary way of cutting, 5 per cent, might safely be added to the side, and the same abstracted from the hams. But this is of slight consequence, as the price is usually very nearly equal. Let us look again at this, and see how it figures. 1 could have sold my pork for 6 cents, (I barrelled it.) Take Ko. 3, weight 258 lbs. at 6 cents $15,4S Gave 190 lbs. sides and hams, worth say 8 cents.. $15,20 I-ard, 22 lbs., at 8 cents 1,76 Heads, &c., 46 lbs., at 3 cents 1,38 $18,34 Less 1 barrel, and 1 bushel salt 1,50 $10,84 So that, even at this calculation, I should save something over a dollar by packing. But if I could sell my pork without the cask, and weigh it 92 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. from the barrels, I should save the price of the barrels, and possibly gain something in the weight of the pork. And again, the price of the sides and hams are, it -will be seen, put low in proportion to the price in the carcass. Thus from these figures each may be assisted eomewhat in coming to a conclusion as to which will be the most profitable course for him to pur- sue ; depending wholly, of course, upon location, markets, and the like, the object being merely to ascertain with positiveness the proportionate amount of each kind of meat in the carcass. Wm. J. Pettee. Salisbury, Conn., Jan. 8, 1862. PATENT OFFICE BEPORTS FOR 1860. Through the polite attention of the Hon. Charles Sumner, we have received the Patent Office Reports for the year 1860, — comprised in three quite well printed volumes, two of which are devoted to Mechanics, and the third to Agri- cultural subjects. The second volume is entirely made up of illustrations of the articles patented, and contains four thousand three hundred and sixty-two engravings, each in a very fine style of the art. About nine hundred of these illustra- tions relate directly to agriculture, the most nu- merous of which are harvesters, harroivs, corn- planters, plows and cidtivators, — there being no less than ninety-seven of the latter. The third volume is entirely agricultural, and its pages embrace many important subjects. The preliminary remarks give a brief review of the provisions made by several countries of Europe for the promotion of agriculture, from which it appears that a most lively interest is taken by the leading governments there, and that the art is greatly facilitated by the various aids thus aff'ord- ed it. In the course of these remarks it is stated that thirty-two thousand healthy Tea Plants have been disseminated among gentlemen who had expressed a desire to experiment with them, and that eight thousand more will be distributed tliis Avinter. Most of these plants were sent to persons south of Virginia and Kentucky. The Superintendent adds — "It is confidently hoped that by substituting machinery and steam power for the tedious and laborious Chinese mode of preparation exclusively by hand, tea may be extensively manufactured here, and even become an article of export." In speaking of our animals, the Superintendent quotes a portion of a communication from Col. Daniel Ruggles, U. S. A., in rejjly to a resolution of inquiry respecting the buflalo, submitted to Congress, as follows : "Perhaps no animal with which we are acquaint- ed possesses such remarkable properties or quali- ties. His migratory habits and fitness for great extremes of heat and cold are the results of 'l»atural selection and the struggle for existence' i for untold centuries, by which he has anived at a vigor of constitution, fleetness and muscular strength, rarely, if at all, met with in the ox tribe. These are qualities of great value, which cannot be disregarded, and particularly when we consider the direct and indirect advantages that judicious crossings of domestic animals have bestowed upon civilization to an extent not to be calculated. "A full grown, male bufi"alo will weigh from 1200 to 2000 pounds, and even more. In winter, his whole body is covered with long, shaggA' hair, mixed with much wool : on the forehead this hair is a foot long. The Indians work the wool into cloth, gloves, stockings, &c., which are very strong, and look as well as those made from the best sheep's wool. The fleece of a single animal has been found, according to Pennant, to weigh as much as eight pounds." The first paper is upon the operations at the Oovernment Experimental Garden, — then follow papers upon Fertilizers, Notes on the Recent Pro- gress of Agricultural Bcience, on Observations of English Husbandry, by Judge French, on Ir- rigation, on Grasses for the South, on Cattle Dis- ease, or Pleuro-Pneumonia, Bee Cidture, the Cid- ture of Fish, on Insects Injurious to Vegetation, Wine-Malcing, Grape Culture, in the open air and in Graperies, on the Forests and Trees of North America, a very interesting paper on Cidture and Manufacture of Tea, one on Notices of Chinese Agricidture and its Principal Products, and a List of the Agricultural Inventions or Discoveries for the year 1860. These articles are ably written, and perhaps oc- cupy the space as well as anything that could have been selected. The mechanical appearance of the volume is superior to that of its predecessors, with the exception that the type used is too small. Bet- ter give us a less quantity on the good old "small pica," or at least, "long primer" type, than crowd in more matter on a smaller type. Screwing on Nuts. — We have sometimes known nuts on threshing machines, circular saws, &c., to be found so tight that no wrench would re- move them. This was because they had been held in the hand till they became warm, and being then applied to very cold screws in winter, they con- tracted by coohng after on, and thus held the screw with an immovable grasp. Always avoid putting a warm nut on a cold screw ; and to remove it, ap- ply a large heated iron in contact with the nut, so as to heat and expand it, and it will loosen at once — or a cloth wet with boiling water will accom- plish the same purpose. — Country Gentleman. To Stop Bleeding. — A correspondent of the American Agriculturist writes that bleeding from a wound on man or beast may be stopped by a mixture of wheat flour and common salt in two parts bound on with a cloth. If the bleeding be profuse, use a large quantity, say from one to three pints. It may be left on for hours, or even days, if necess.irv- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 93 For ttte New England Farmer. METHODS OP ENRICHING- LANDS. I noticed an article in one of your late papers on the best method of enriching land, recommend- ing plowing in green crops as perhaps the best. There are two methods the farmer may practice to enrich the soil. One is, to plow in green crops, as recommended in the Farmer, the other is to raise hogs, and I am rather in favor of the latter. With good management in raising swine, you can gener- ally get their cost, and sometliing more, but not always ; some years there will be a loss. Notwith- standing this, the farmer should pursue a steady course, year after year. I have, in my day, had considerable experience in raising hogs, and my practice was to select the best breeds, raise my own pigs, feed well, and give them a dr)-, clean bed. Cooking their food is a good practice. Some forty years since I read in an agricultural work a description of the method practiced among the best farmers in Pennsylvania, of having two vats for fermenting the meal — one to use after it had fully fermented, the other while it is fermenting. I have tried it but partially ; I supposed the hogs would not relish it as well, but found they seemed to like it the better. This fermentation should be conducted on the same plan as distillers adopt, carrying it to the same point. I am inclined to think this is the cheapest method of cooking their food. Those who make cider may use sweet pomace to advantage — the pomace is made worth more than before after the cider is pressed out, by boil- ing it and mixing meal with it. 1 mean for shoats that are from four to six months old. One word or two on plowing in green crops. Any green substance is worth double put in the ground green than it is after drying. For this reason, I cover up all weeds when I hoe in the garden, or in the corn or potato field ; I always cover all my potato vines as I dig them, it is con- siderably less work than to collect them and put them in the hog's pen, as many farmers do. If you get a large crop of weeds in your garden about the middle of August, commence on one side, make a hole four or five inches deep, pull in the weeds and cover them two or three inches deep, and you almost destroy your crop of weeds ; the seed Avill all sprout but none will ripen, and you will find your garden enriched by your great crop of weeds. But if you suffer them to ripen, your land is greatly impoverished. By raising hogs and attending to them, giving loam, horse dung, weeds, and any and all substan- ces that can be made into manure, you can go on increasing the value of land, I think, cheaper than in any other way. Daniel Lel.\nd. East Holliston, Jan. 1, 1862. Composition to Stop Leaicage. — A corres- pondent of the Lynn News gives a recipe for a cheap composition with which leaks in roofs may be effectually stopped. Having a leaky "L," he says: "I made a composition of four pounds of resin, one pint of linseed oil, and one ounce red lead, and applied it hot with a brush to the part where the "L" was joined to the main house. It has never leaked since. I then recommended the composition to my neighbor, who had a dormer window which leaked badly. He applied it, and the leak was stopped. I made my water-cask tight by this com- position, and have recommended it for chimneys, windows, etc., and it has always proved a cure for a leak." For the New England Farmer, PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. Gentlemen : — As an article is being published by the press, under the above caption, it seems proper that the facts in the case should be stated. Mr. C. C. Barnes, of Squantum, a farmer, called Jan. 7th, at the office of Ex-Gov. Brown, stated that he had a disease among his cattle, and re- quested him to visit his farm, accompanied by some one qualified to judge of the nature of the disease. Accordingly, he called upon Mr. Secre- tary Flint, inviting him to go with him, but he being unable to go, immediately addressed me a note, requesting me to "give it a full examina- tion." The next day, Gov. Brown and myself vis- ited the farm of Mi". Barnes, from whom Ave re- ceived the following statements : One of his qows was taken sick the last week in April, and died in May, between the 1 2th and 16th ; upon opening the thorax considerable fluid was present, and the lungs diseased. Another, taken sick the latter part of November, died the first Aveek in December. On the same day that the last one died, a butcher came for a fat cow ; while there he witnessed the diseased lungs of the one that died, and afterwards stated to Mr. Barnes that the fat cow's lungs were as bad as the lungs he saw Mr. B. take out of the one that died. The above is nearly the language used by Mr. Barnes. I then examined four of the herd, consisting of nine head ; one of which had been sick six weeks since, and partially recovered, though she coughs much ; a portion of one lung is solidified. Anoth- er had acute disease in an aggravated form, the left lung entirely useless, and the right also dis- eased ; in breathing, every expiration was accom- panied by a grunt, or moan. Another, with acute disease, coughs much, has quickened respiration, with loss of appetite. The remaining one I did not like to give an oiiinion of, as she was far ad- vanced in gestation. As Mr. Barnes was satisfied that the second one mentioned above could not recover, he desired to have the lungs examined. Accordingly she was killed. On opening the thorax, from six to eight quarts of serum was present, and the left lung had adhered to the costal pleura and the pericardium by the intervention of exuded lymph. In cutting into the lung, nearly the whole of it was solid, presenting the peculiar appearance always found at that stage of exudative pleuro-pneumonia. The 94 NEAV ENGLAND FARMEE. Feb. anterior portion of the right lung was also dis- eased, and of the same character. As Dr. Ellis had expressed a desire to see the lungs of an animal in the acute stage, I brought them to Boston and delivered them to him ; oth- ers, doubtless, had an opportunity to see them. E. F. Thater, Veterinary Surgeon, Ko. 15, United States Hotel. Boston, Jan. 14, 1862. IRELAND AS SHE IS. Ireland is not learned in a day. The English- man who fancies that he has gi'asped the social characteristics and pohtical necessities of the coun- try Avhen he has made himself master of "Harry LoiTcquer," "Castle Rack-rent," and "O'Keefe's Farces," and digested the matter of fifty "Lenten Pastorals" and "Tenant-right Resolutions," will be surprised at the magnitude and the solidity of the interests, and at the gravity and subtilety of the character, which on a closer contemplation comes forth, like the great headlands of our seacoast, into stern and massive relief. He finds that the caricatures of a dead and buried generation are not portraits of existing men and manners, and that the clamors of the country are not its Avants. He fails to discover anywhere the tipsy and inso- lent gentry horsewhipping a rack-rented tenantry, and pistoling one another at eight paces from muz- zle to muzzle — who figured in his dream of Ireland. He sees little or nothing of the "squalid ape- hood," the blundering, the drunkenness, the fatu- ous good-nature, and indiscriminate battery and assault, without pretext or purpose, which are de- scribed as the amiable peculiarities of a peasantry who will barter their last ailicles of clotliing for a bottle of whiskey to treat you with, and then, with a good-humored "hurroo," break your head with- out rhyme or reason, and finally give you their heart's dearest afiections in exchange for a good joke or an indifferent pennyworth of tobacco. The whole of this monstrous mirage vanishes the mo- ment he sets his foot upon the soil of Ireland. He beholds, instead, a gentry as intelligent, hard- working, enterprising, thrif'ty, and, in the highest sense respectable, as any in the empire ; and a peasantry as industrious and temperate, receiving a fair day's wages for a fair day's work. He will sec a tenantry possessed of improving farms, at reasonable rents, and of sufficient dimen- sions ; and, above all, a vast and energetic Prot- estant population, self-reliant and prosperous, and altogether unlike his ideal of an Orange commu- nity. He will find his notions of the relations of parties, the social facts of the country, and the wants and abuses of its domestic system, exten- sively modified, and still more extensively demol- ished. And if he possess (a facvdty more uncom- mon than is supposed) the power of sim])le per- ception and energy to thinli and conclude for him- self, he will discard nearly all he has previously conceived, and commence, ab initio, the study of the grave and complicated question. — Dublin University Magazine. The road ambition travels is too narrow for friendship, too crooked for love, too rugged for honesty, and too dark for science. HIGHWAY ROBBEKT. This is a crime often perpetrated in New Eng- land by men of respectability and wealth. The plan of operation is somewhat as follows : A man owning land bordering upon the highway, desires to re-set his fence, or re-lay his wall. Immediate- ly he begins to mark out the bounds and limits of the proposed change. Eight men out of every ten, instead of building the new fence where the old one stands, encroach upon the road from six inches to two feet. Such encroachments we have ■\ritnessed scores of times. The usual excuse for thus robbing the highway, is the laudable desne to have "the line straight." The eye for the beau- tiful must be gratified, prohahhj. But if in "ma- king the line straight," the location of the fence or wall must be changed, why does it always happen that the change is never made at the expense of private property ? Why do men never straighten bounds by cutting off narrow strips of land from their own possessions ? Why must the highway be robbed to gratify a private whim ? The fact in the case is just here. Owners of land are as avaricious as owners of merchandise ; and they adopt this mean way of getting a foot or two of soil Avithout paying for it. The plain terms for such deeds are meanness and robbery. We never see a fence crowded into the road in this Avay, Avithout saying, a mean man has done it. Then again it often happens that the rights and convenience of the travelling public are infringed and imposed upon by these higliAvay robberies. The Avidth of the road is seriously diminished, ille- gally, and by men Avho would be greatly incensed, should they be openly accused of dishonesty. AVe call to mind a bit of road, perhaps two furlongs in extent, Avhere the land on both sides is OAvned by one man. AVithin tAA'enty-five years, the fences on either side have shoAvn a gradually increasing at- traction for one another, and if they approximate during the next quarter of a century as rapidly as they have approximated during the last, they Avill at the end of that period be united. The road Avill be sAA-alloAved up by the greedy meanness of the OAvner in question. Then, too, Ave have often noticed that roadside fences require new modelling oftener than any others. The reason for this is not apparent. Un- doubtedly it is to be found in the peculiarities of the case — some especial reason for each especial removal. A few years ago, one of the tOAvns in this Com- mouAvealth chose an agent at a public meeting, Avhose duty it Avas to have all the fences in the toAA'n, on either side of the higliAvays, moved back to the place assigned them by laAV ; or Avhat amounted to the same thing, this agent Avas direct- ed to make the highAvays a legal Avidth. He en- tered ujion his duties ; Avhen behold it AA'as found that a large majority of the land-OAvners in toAvn, must take doAvn their fences and Avails, bordering on the road, and move them back, in some instan- ces, a number of feet ! Here Avas an unlooked-for discovery, and the agent Avas compelled, by the same public sentiment that gave him his office, to abandon the duties of that office. A similar ex- periment, undertaken in almost any farming com- munity, Avould produce similar results. Every town ought to appoint such an agent, and then sustain him in the faithful discharge of the Avork assigned him. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. 95 Mean men there are in every community. Every form of meanness lias its own peculiar style _ of manifestation. Tliis common custom of robbing the highway is not only a meanness, but it is a crime — a theft really a robbery — a taking by one man of proi)erty which does not belong to him, but wliich does belong to the community. Another instance of this same class of meanness and misdemeanors, we call to mind. It chanced, in the construction of highwajs, years ago, that three roads formed the tlu-ee s'ides of a triangular piece of land, containing a little less than a quar- ter of an acre. Tliis triangular piece of land was regarded as "common" land ; no one held any ti- tle to it. Such bits of "common" land are often met in the country. This place in question was fenced in by a wealthy man, whose farm was near by, and cultivated as a garden. It is so cultivated and held at this time, by a man who can show no title to it whatever. The meanness of this act w ill be apparent, when it is stated that the roads on all three sides of this garden are illegally, inconve- niently, and in some places, dangerously narrow. So it ha])pens that wealth and respectability are cloaks sufficiently large to "cover a multitude of sins." — Clinton Courant. agkiculturaii societies. Vermont State Agricultural Society. — The annual meeting of this Society was held at BeUows Falls, on Friday, Jan. 3, 1862. The fol- lowing gentlemen were elected officers for the en- suing year : President — H. Henry Baxter, of Ptutland. Vice Presidents — Edwin Hammond of Middle- bury ; J. W. Colburn, of Springfield; Henry Keyes, of Newbury ; John Jackson, of Brandon. Recording and Corresponding Secretary — Dan- iel Needham, of Hartford. Treasurer — J. W. Colburn, of Springfield. Directors — Frederick Holbrook, of Brattle- boro' ; E. B. Chase, Lyndon ; H. S. Morse, Shel- burne ; D. II. Potter, St. Albans ; Henry G. Root, Bennington ; David Hill, Bridport ; John Gregory, Northfield ; Elijah Cleaveland, Coventry ; Nathan Gushing, Woodstock ; George Campbell, West- minster. Pesolved, That the next annual Fair be held at Rutland, on the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th days of September next. Col. Needham, the Secretary, made a long re- port, full of interesting particulars and valuable suggestions. In him the members have found an inteUigent and energetic officer. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. — The Transactions of this Society for the year 1861 are before us. It has reports on Ornamental Gardening, on Flowers, Fruits, and Vegetables, all of wliich indicate research and show progress. A short re]5ort on the culture of Polianthus Tube- rosa, commonly called Tuberose, by Mr. E. W, Buswell, of Boston, is interesting, because he tells others just how to do the thing for them- selves, and because "he looks upon flowers in gen- eral, and tuberoses in particular, as among the necessaries of life, and as such is willing to labor for them." Hingham Agricultural and Historical Society. — This young giant of a Society, only having been in existence since October, 1858, now presents us with a Book of its Transactions, of 200 pages, which — like all else it has done — is printed so as to reflect credit upon the Art. These Transactions have been compiled by the Rev. E. P. Dyer, whose fine agricultural tastes have ena- bled him to present everything in an attractive light. Nothing is omitted that should be pre- served, and no topic is presented at too gi-eat length. The awards of premiums are given in a compact form, and dinner-table speeches are con- siderately abridged. The book sparkles with wit and poesy, and is a model of its kind. Franklin County Agricultltial Society. — At the recent annual meeting of this Society, Hon. H. W. CusHMAN, of Bernardston, was elect- ed its President, Mr. H. W. Clapp, declining to serve longer on account of ill health. James G. Grennell, Esq., of Greenfield, was re-elected Secretary and Treasurer. The Society cannot fail to prosper under the administration of such offi- cers. Hampshire Society. — This Society has re- cently erected a fine hall, which it is thought will prove an advantageous measure. Its officers are : President — T. G. HUNTINGDON, of Hadley ; Secretary — H. R. Starkweather, Jr., of Northamp- ton ; Treasurer — A. Perry Peck, of Northampton. Berkshire Agricultural Society — The an- nual meeting of this society took place on the 7th inst. The officers elected are : President — Thomas Colt, Pittsfield ; Seci'etary John E. Merritt, Pittsfield ; Treasurer — Heruy M. Pierson, Pittsfield. The Only Known Use of Crinoline. — The fruit trees in my orchard-house have been much blighted this year ; the tops of the young shoots curl up. I havb, I think, destroyed the fly now. Not being able to smoke the house in the ordinary way, I have used a lady's crinoline. I bought a cheap one covered with glazed calico, pulled it up round a pole, making it as close as possible. It is just the size to cover one of Mr. Rivers's minia- ture trees. I use a fumigator, and leave on the crinoline till the next morning. I then syringe the trees. The fly has no chance against the to- bacco in so small a space ; and the tree does not appear the worse. — Cor. London ]japer. We double all the cares of life by pondering over them. We increase our troubles by grieving over them. A scratch becomes a wound, a slight an injury, a jest an insult, a small peril a great danger, and a sUght sickness often ends in death, by the broodino- fears of the invalid. 96 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb having large, entire, cabbage-like leaves, which, by their spreading, horizontal habit of growth, speed- ily cover the soil between the drills, prevent evap- oration from the surface, and materially check the gi'owth of weeds. It is very hardy, of a fine, glob- ular shape, no neck, and rarely exhibits any ten- dency to run to seed in autumn. It grows to a good size, keeps well, and bears a very high char- cter. CULTURE OF THE TUBITIP CBOP. It is believed by many that the culture of tur- nips as food for stock is unprofitable. In the hope of making it more attractive, we present the read- er with some very beautiful engravings which we have had executed especially for our columns, of Laing's and Skirvinifs Improved Purple-top Swedes, and a cut of the common White Olobe Turnip. Like other crops, this may not be equally advan- tageous to all farmers, as something must always depend on the peculiar circumstances which sur- round each case. Under the ordinary circumstan- ces in which our farmers find themselves, we be- lieve that a portion of the crop of nearly every farm, should be in turnips, of some kind. This opinion is founded upon the personal practice of feeding turnips to stock for mamj years, and con- firmed by the intelligent statements of others who have gained their opinions by a similar practice. It is a mistaken opinion, we think, that makes the value of the turnip to consist merely in its amount of nutritive qualities, as compared with hay or grain. As well might we say that salt is unprofitable for stock, measured by the same test. The amount of nutrition in grass is small, com- pared with well-cured timothy or clover hay — yet none will say that the culture of grasses is unprof- itable for our cattle. It is as much the alterative properties of the root that gives it value, as the nutritive properties which it contains, and proba- bly more. Figure 2. The next is called Skii-ving's Improved Purple- top Swede. This is a well-known variety among our farmers. It was introduced into cultivation in England, in 1837-8. It grows fair, is a good cropper, comes early to maturity, and keeps well, when properly stored. The root is of an oblong shape, and grows higher out of the ground than the old sorts. This habit of growth renders it more readily injured by frost when left standing in the field too late. It is a beautiful plant while growing, is almost as smooth as glass, and the flesh is crisp, sweet and juicy. Cattle fed upon them once or twice are exceedingly eager to get them again. The third is the common White Globe, and when grown on new land, in a favorable season, is as smooth as a baby's cheek. The bulb is glob- ular, and skin perfectly white ; moderately large head ; neck fine and small, and ta])-root slender. The first of these turnips which we introduce, is On soils quite rich, this variety has a tendency to Laing's Improved Purple-top Swede, which dif- develop itself to a great size, and to become fers widely from the other varieties of Swedes, in woolly in texture. The flesh is sweet and juicy, 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 97 having less of that pe- culiar turnip flaA^or than the -white, flat turnip, so common several vears ago. The turnip crop is of easy cultivation, and usually escapes the ra- vages of insects, the little hlack flea-beetle, which attacks the young plant and eats off" the seed leaves, be- ing its worst enemy. The culture of no one plant has had so de- figures. cidedly a beneficial in- fluence on the agriculture of England, as that of the turnip — and we cannot but believe, that when more attention is given to it in this country, so that we shall better understand its cost of produc- tion and its effect upon the stock to which it is fed, we shall find its extensive cultivation profi- table. POISONOUS PROPERTIES OP BRINE. It may not be known to all that brine, in which meat or fish have been salted, is poisonous to do- mestic animals. If left in their way they will par- take as freely of it as they will of pure salt, when it very often proves fatal. The L^ Union Medi- cate, a French publication, gives an account of the researches of M. Rcynal in regard to the poison- ous properties of brine. From a series of exper- iments detailed, he draws the following conclu- sions : First, That three or four months after its pre- paration it acquires poisonous properties. Second, That the mean poisonous dose for a horse is about four pints ; for the hog, one pint ; and for a dog, four to five gallons. Third, That in less doses it produces vomiting in the dog and hog. Fourth, That the employment of this substance mixed with the food, continued for a certain time, even in sm:Jl quantities, may be flital. We know from experience, says the Valley Farmer, that brine, if swallowed by hogs and oth- er animals, will prove fotal, yet we doubt if the subject is suscaptible of the definite results as stated by M. Reynal, for the degree of the poi- sonous properties of the brine depends on various circumstances. We have known a much less quan- tity to prove fatal than that stated above. To Cure Sheep Skins with the Wool on. — Take one tablespoonful of alum and two of salt- petre ; pulverize well and mix together thoroughly. Sprinkle this powder upon the flesh side of the skin and fold together with the \< ool out ; hang up in a cool place. In two or three 'tfays, as soon as diT, take down and scrape the flesh with a blunt edged knife till clean. This completes the process. Such sldns make excellent saddle covers. — Mich- igan Farmer. For the New Englanii Fanner. DOES FARMING PAY? There are some things so self-evident that they do not admit of proof. Twice five makes ten, is a self-evident fact, and you may argue and talk about it as much as you please, and confusion will only be the result, and will not make the fact any more plain than its simple statement. Now it strikes me pretty much in the same way, in re- gard to the profits of farming. The latter may not be so plainly self-evident as that twice two are four, but the fact that farmers, as a class, make a profit, are good livers, solid men, and enjoy as many of the rational comforts of life as any other class, and many more than some, is so very self- evident to any one who will investigate the mat- ter and thoroughly inform himself on the subject, as hardly to need comment. In an article published in last week's Farmer, I called the attention of its readers to this matter, and the subject is renewed at this time because the other day, in a conversation with one of our farmers, he called in question its statements. The fact is, we are so accustomed to some, very many, of our every-day blessings, that we do not appreciate them, or the enjoyments and comforts wliich they aff"ord us, until we are deprived of them. It is something so in regard to farming and its profits. Even at the present day, in this enlighted nineteenth century, of Rebellion and War — when the roar of the Lion comes across the waters to frighten fools — many farmers look upon their calling as low and vulgar, and them- selves as inferior to men in other callings, and are constantly grumbling about the hard times, poor crops and a non-paying business. Now the fact is, all this class of men are doing as well by farming as they would at anything else — doubtless, far better ; as it is, perhaps they rub and go ; they are not the kind of men to succeed in anything and make it a successful and profita- ble business. My friend, the farmer, brought up the fact that during the past season he made a visit to liis native town, Middleboro', and he vis- ited a number of farmers, Avho, in his boyhood, had fine, flourishing farms, but now a number of them are deserted, run down ; and once cultivated fields are in wood or pasture ; and the majority are not so good, and would not bring to-day, in money, what they would thirty or forty years ago. And he asked the question, What is the cause of this, if farming is profitable ; why did not the sons of the fathers stick by the old folks and farm, in- stead of going to other callings and getting rich ? His answer was, Because farming was not profit- able, or they would have continued to carry them on. It would take too much space and time to an- swer my friend, and such as reason like him, and though liis question looks fair and legitimate, yet any one who will inform himself can see that it really is not so, and is not a valid argument to bring against the profitableness of the business of farming. This question was very fully discussed about a year ago in the columns of the Farmer. I should be glad to have some of its intelligent farmer readers take up the question again and dis- cuss it in a thorough and systematic manner, that our young men may clearly see what all progres- sive, go-ahead farmers declare, that farming, prop- 98 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER Feb. erly carried on, will pay six per cent, on the capi- tal invested, and not unfrequently a much larger interest. A business which does this, a sane man ought to be satisfied with. Suppose farmer Shel- don take this matter up, and tell the young men of New England how to manage a farm to have it pay lawful interest on the cost, leaving out the "fancies." N. Q. T. King Oak Hill, 1862. For the New England Farmer. ASHES OB LIME AS A PERTILIZEB. Inquiries have been made into the causes of the fertility and bari'enness of land, the food and nu- triment of vegetables, the nature of soils, and the best modes of ameliorating them with various ma- nures. Ashes for top-dressing operate very favorably upon exhausted soils ; many of which produce nothing but white top or June grass. I have a knoll on my farm that produced a small crop of white grass ; I thought I would try to renovate it by top-dressing with ashes. I spread on it at the rate of one hundred bushels of leached ashes to the acre. The second year after spread- ing, the white grass was completely subdued, and its place supplied with a thick, heavy crop of clo- ver and timothy. White grass is of spontaneous growth, and flourishes best where the land is most deficient in carbon and lime. A proper proportion of ashes, spread broadcast or plowed in, will restore it to its original state of productiveness. Ashes is the best fertilizer on such land, becanse it replenishes the soil with every ingredient of which it is the most deficient. Lime in a heap composed of meadow muck and animal manure, after being thoroughly pulverized, when applied to the soil, will very nearly supply the deficiency of salts, and produce satisfactory re- sults. The use of lime in agriculture may be at- tributed to its property of hastening the dissolu- tion of all animal and vegetable matter, and of im- parting to the soil a power of retaining a quantity of moisture necessary for the nourishment and vigorous growth of plants. J. W. East Sullivan, N. H., Dec. 28, 1861. To Prevent Tools from Rusting. — Thou- sands of dollars are lost each year by the rusting of plows, hoes, shovels, etc. Some of this might be prevented by the application of lard and resin, it is said, to all steel or iron implements. Take three times as much lard as resin, and melt them together. This can be applied with a brush or cloth to all surfaces in danger of rusting, and they can easily be kept bright. If tools are to be laid by for the winter, give them a coating of this, and you will be well repaid. It can be kept for a long time, and should always be on hand, and ready for use. Wedges Rebounding. — Take a piece of dry bark and set in the opening, then set in the wedge anew, so as to split this piece of bark, and it will prevent any further trouble. So says the Coun- try Oentleman. LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. [Reported for the Farmer, by D. W. Lothrop.] The second meeting of the series was held at Representatives' Hall, on Monday evening last. The subject for discussion was Agricultural Edu- cation, and His Excellency Gov. Andrew^ being present, as was expected, was called to preside. He observed that his studies were not compati- ble with the culture of the earth, and, compared with many others present, he was ignorant of farming. ■ But he possessed a love for the soil, and such a regard for mother earth was generally in- nate in the hearts of all men. Men are easily brought back to the old homestead, and youth who come to the city or bustling town delight to retire and contemplate the scenes of their cliildhood, and enjoy the rich and varied beauties of nature. Generally speaking, all men are real or prospec- tive farmers. In alluding to the strong desire of some young persons for general and scientific in- formation, he spoke of a young man who sent to him from the country for a grammar and diction- ary of the Sanscrit language ! Passing to the soil, the Governor spoke of farming as it was years ago, in Cumberland county, Maine — the scene of his early childhood — and repeated a humorous distich of an old farmer in regard to the poorness of his land. There were only tkree orchai'ds in the place, and the fruit of those very poor. But the imped- iment to farming in Maine was, that the farmers were but half-farmers, part of their time being de- voted to the lumber business. Hence the differ- ence to be seen between their farms and those of Worcester county in this State ; and he conclud- ed that a farmer's time should not be divided. He also alluded to a clergyman in the State of Maine, who, with but a small and rather sterile piece of land, containing an apple orchard, had, by dint of attention to it, made it a source of income, and was enabled thereby to send a son to College. But the general features of agriculture in that State had greatly changed for the better, as he had had occasion to observe after an absence of twenty-five years. Now the farmers have good fences, paint- ed barns, more orchards, and more highly cultivat- ed soil. And this is the result of books, news- papers and debating clubs, where the mind is sought to be improved as well as the crops. Noth- ing touches life at so many points as agricultural education, for we are all directly or indirectly connected with the soil. That was the truest po- litical economy which gave a large number of farmers, without which a nation cannot be strong in war nor independent in peace. A nation of shop-keeper5;.*:oukl not stand against the rest of the world. The Governor concluded by observing that he hoped he might have excited a spirit of discussion upon this important subject, as every man owes a debt to the earth that sustains him. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 99 Dr. LORING, of Salem, being called upon, said that he came as a learner, not as a teacher. He remarked that the proper basis for agricul- tural education in New England was the intro- duction into our schools of some elementary work on agriculture, and this Avould tend to make it at- tractive to the rising generation. "VVe have done much in New England by books, periodicals, &c., and they should not be lost sight of. And we should not forget what the Commonwealth, and what agricultural societies have done. lie com- mended the Agricultural iManual, published by the recommendation of the Massachusetts Agricultural Board, and said it contained much matter for flir- mers in a desirable form. lie was not prepared to advocate agricultural colleges, yet they may be serviceable in England, where capitalists require l)ailiffs to superintend their farms. Our farming organization is so different from that of Europe, that such large institutions would be of doubtful utility with us, at present, at least. He spoke of the importance of learning from books, as farmers were slow to give and transmit traditionally their experience, and related some facts in illustration. He impressed the idea that agriculture need not be drudgery, and that it can be made superior to all vocations, required much thinking, and was more diiRcult to pursue than the various mechan- ical trades. Mr. White, Secretary of the State Board of Education, being called upon, said he did not feel competent to speak vipon the practical part of farm- ing, though interested in general education. He related the anecdote of a painter, who, when asked what he mixed with liis colors to make them so superior, replied "Brains !" And, said the speak- er, this is what we should mix with manure ! Ed- ucation underlies all that is important in life, and introduces real wealth. Broad forms decrease with wealth and population, and men narrow their bounds, and by the aid of science, cultivate down- wards— into the earth. Scratcliing the soil will not do ; we must go deep and mix brains with oiu- operations. He thought all the great business op- erations of life should be begun early to be well understood, and to secure success, and of course farming was included. Every man owns land or expects to, as all have an interest in it. The in- troduction of agriculture into our schools as a study — besides being useful otherwise — would have a religious bearing and influence. Farming is a re- ligious occupation — one of obvious dependence upon God ; and the tillers of the soil should be the best educated, as with them lay the broadeit field, on which and with whom he hoped to ead his days. Mr. Flint, Secretary of the Board of Agricul- ture, being invited to speak, said he had given the subject much thought, and that it was no less im- portant than broad. The practical question is, what is the best way to educate ? Newspapers and Societies had done very much. lie was not opposed to an agricultural college, at a proper time, but we must begin at the beginning. The gi-eat utility of expensive manual labor schools and col- leges in Europe was doubtful, and by some, these institutions had been pronounced failures. The agricultural colleges of this country are yet exper- iments. For a further expression of his views, Mr. Flint read from a report of a committee to the State Agricultm-al Board, published in the Massachusetts Agricultural report of 1859, page 130; also from the Ohio Fanner, showing the importance of the introduction of agricultin-e into our schools, the plcasme its vaned subjects would give, the ftiilures it would prevent, »ic. This would be beginning at the foundation. Mr. Northrop, Agent of the INIassachusetts Board of Education, being called upon, said agri- culture should be taught early. In our schools we should not give books so much as things and facts. There was a growing thii-st for knowledge, as stated by His Excellency the Governor, and we should teach children to reflect. They should see and feel the natural objects of their studies as much as possible. Plato used to say he regi-etted the art of writing ; and we might almost regret the art of printing. Books were the ai-t of man — na- ture the art of God. Farming was good educa- tion for the mind, and best to develop the imagin- ation. Mr. Dewitt, of Agawam, had some views rath- er counter to the previous speakers. He thought the Agricultural Manual, if introduced into our schools to be taught to boys under 16 years of age, would fail in five years. In seminaries and with older children, it might perhaps be of more use. INIr. White replied that he had reference to higher classes. ISlr. Davis, of Plymouth, had read the Manual carefully, and thought that all persons might be enlightened by it. He illustrated the importance of education in farming, by stating some facts about the growth of timothy grass with its bulbous root. He spoke also of the large mammoth agricul- tural institution recommended by Dr. Hitchcock, with more professors than Harvard College, but said it would not do. Let us teach agriculture in our ordinary schools, and rise by gradation, and by and by we may attain to a county school, such as has been by some recommended. Mr. Sears, of Yarmouth, said he did not think the scholars were too young in our common schools to study agriculture, and he would have it there taught. Young boys have more ideas of life than we imagine. Mr. Capen, of Boston, spoke generally and ear- nestly upon the subject, alluding, among many 100 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. other things, to the prejudice in some of the West- ern States against educated farmers. He thought the farmer could find little or no useless learning, and advocated his studying the Latin and Greek classics, and in fact the classics of all nations, Eng- lish, French, German, &c. The time for closing the meeting having passed, Gov. Andrew announced the subject for discussion at the next meeting — Crops, and the Profits and Economy of their Cultivation. Adjourned. Fur the New England Farmer, INJURED APPLE TREES. Mr. Editor : — I saw an article in your paper from your New Bedford correspondent respecting the loss of his Baldwin apple trees. He undoubtedly grew them too fast. When they grow fast, they grow later in the fall, hence the danger of growing them too fast. In the winter of 1830-31, thousands of apple, peach and cherry trees were killed. There was no frost to stop their growing, and on the first or sec- ond day of December it froze up tight ; the sap being up, it started the bark and killed thousands of the finest growing trees, and those that grew the most suffered the most. Some months since, your Sandy River corres- pondent made inquiry of the reason of his apple trees having been injured on the south side. I have never known apple trees that were properly cared for and judiciously managed, to be injured on the south side. But I have known the difficul- ty take place, and as I have supposed, from three causes. 1. From want ot nourishment; the body of the tree being exposed to the sun, I have supposed the heat of the sun penetrated through the bark and dried it so as to stop the flow of sap, and the worms always get in. 2. Cutting off too much ; the same difficulty takes place from an overflow of sap. 3. When the spi'outs are allowed to fill up the top or middle of the tree, the top branches are de- prived of nourishment, and the same difficulty takes place. I have merely stated the reasons, as they have appeared to me, as the cause of the dif- ficulty spoken of, but I cannot say that I am sure of it. Daniel Leland. East Holliston, Dec. 26, 1861. American Pomological Society. — We learn, says the Journal, that the President of this na- tional association, Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, has appointed September 17, 1862, for the commence- ment of its ninth session, wliich is to be held in Boston. This institution was established in the year 1848, and has held meetings in the cities of New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Rochester, and has exerted a powerful influence in systematizing and advancing the science of Po- mology throughout the Union. In conjunction with this appointment, the Massachusetts Horticultural Society have ordered its annual exhibition for this year to take place on the same week. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. CULTURE OF WHITE BEANS. Will some of your kind contributors be good enough to give me a little (or a good deal) of in- formation in regard to the cultivation of white beans on the following points, viz : 1. Are they a tolerably certain crop ? 2. From what causes are they most liable to suffer injury ? 3. AVhat kind of soil is best adapted to them ? 4. What is the most approved method of cul- ture ? 5. What is the average yield from a bushel of seed? This, perhaps, is asking a good deal ; if so, please excuse it. I have never taken the liberty before, but while my hand is in, 6. I must ask you, as a further favor, to give me the title of a standard work on farming — one that will be a real help to a new beginner. A Subscriber to Monthly. Jan. 15, 1862. Remarks. — 1. "WTiite beans are very suscepti- ble to frost — aside from this, they are as sure a crop as any we cultivate, when properly managed. 2. From poor land, want of manure and proper cultivation. The almost universal practice is to crowd the white bean crop off" to some arid sand plain, or gravelly knoll, the poorest piece of land on the farm, throw in a little chip dirt or some- thing equivalent, and then expect a crop of beans ! Fortunately, such expectations are not often veri- fied. On a proper soil, with generous manuring and good attention, a paying crop of white beans may always be expected. When planted early and kept rapidly growing they will rarely be injured by autumnal frosts — indeed, they will usually be fit for harvesting in August. We are not aware that they are injured by insects of any kind except- ing the grub or cut-worm which sometimes at- tacks them. Sometimes a slight rust takes them, but not often, in our climate. 3. The soil best adapted to their growth is a rich gravelly or sandy loam. In England, it is said, strong clay soils and heavy marls are best — and those may be good if thoroughly drained — but here we think any of our good Indian com land is best. The sandy barrens where they are usually placed, are no better for beans than for our other farm crops. If they are liighly manured, and the season is a moist one, a good crop would probably be the result. 4. Plant in hills or drills, and leave the rows two and a half or three feet apart, so as to allow of their cultivation with the horse. If the soil is good, and well manured, great care must be ob- served not to seed too highly. If in drill, the ])lants should not stand nearer than six inches of each other — and if in hills, three or four plants are enough. 5. Do not know. On such land, and with such 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 101 attention as we have spoken of, an acre ought to bring twenty-five bushels. 6. The Farmers' mid Planters' Encyclopedia, as a single book, is the best we are acquainted with ; but this must be used cautiously, as much of it re- lates to English practices and climate. Buel's Farmer's Companion and the Manual of Agri- culture, just prepared by Messrs, Emerson and Flint are also excellent works. A BARN CELLAR OUTSIDE. I intend to build a barn on steep land, with a cellar outside to keep roots, over Avhich I intend to have a cart road to a high floor. Will a coating of Avatcr-lime cement make it water proof, and save the planks with two or three feet of earth, Wm. F. Gibson. Ryegate, Vt., Jan., 1862. Remarks. — We should think not. The cement might prevent the water from percolating through to the planks, but the moisture of the cellar would keep them damp — unless with a complete sys- tem of ventilation — which would eventually rot and ruin them. Can you not throw one or two stone arches over the cellar, and thus make per- manent work of it ? Would not such work be cheaper in the end ? SALES FROM SHEEP. Will you please ask Mr. Nathan Bottum, of Shaftsbury, Vt., to inform us how liis sales from 175 sheep amounted to $2000 ? Jan. 1, 1862. WiLLLVM B. Ward. moles and WOODCnUCKS. I wish to ask through the Farmer, what is the best way to get rid of moles and woodchucks ? Eatjleld, Jan. 1, 1862. FAKMEBS' HIGH SCHOOL. We have before us a catalogue of the Officers and Students of the Farmers' Hiqli School of Pennsylvania, for the year 1861. The college year of ten months will commence about the mid- dle of February next. The Faculty says : The student has an opportunity of seeing all the practical opei'ations of the farm, garden and nurse- ry, in the most approved manner, with the use of the best manures, seeds, tools and implements ; and, what is of more importance than this, he studies in the class-room and laboratory the scien- tific principles involved in all he does, and by be- coming a scientific man and analytical chemist, he is enabled to protect himself and others against the frauds and cheats that are continually being practised upon the uneducated, by dealers who are themselves either ignorant of science, or use it to impose upon the community. He learns how to study the geology, mineralogy and chemistry of the soil he cultivates, the botany of the plant he grows, and the laws of health and diseases of the animals he uses. In a word, he is made thoroughly acquainted with the laws and phenomena of the material world with which he is in immediate contact, a knowledge of Avhich is essential to their material success, or intellectual pleasure, in the pursuit of the duties of rural life. Those desirous of learning more of the institu- tion, may do so by addressing Dr. E. PUGll, Fai'm School, Penn. "WINTER-TIME. Though Winter reigns, Beauty still holds her throne ; She moulds the snow-flake to its lovely form, And the fjw crinkled leaves that mock the storm, And laugh and chatter while the sad winds moan, Beauty hath stained with mingled gold and brown. The patches of bright sky between the showers. The robin's breast, and moss-floors of lone bowers, For naked trees and funeral-clouds atone. Beauty dies not, she walks through forest dim With feathery feet, when the strange cuckoo-note Like a friend's voice on the calm air doth float, And lisping zephyrs chant Spring's advent-hymn ; With the swart Summer and brown Autumn dwells ; And marries Winter in the ice-flower dells. AMEKICAN SOCIETY. In America, even more than in Europe, there is but one society, whether rich or poor, high or low, commercial or agricultural ; it is everj'where com- posed of the same elements. It has all been raised or reduced to the same level of civilization. The man whom you left in the streets of New York, you find again in the solitude of the far West ; the same dress, the same tone of mind, the same lan- guage, the same habits, the same amusements. No rustic simplicity, nothing characteristic of the wilderness, nothing even like our villages. This peculiarity may be easily explained. The portions of territory first and most fully peopled, have reached a high degree of civilization. Education has been prodigally bestowed ; the spirit of equal- ity has tinged with singular uniformity the domes- tic habits. Now it is remarkable that the men thus educat- ed are those who, every year, migrate to the des- ert. In Europe, a man lives and dies where he was born. In America, you do not see the repre- sentative of a race grown and multiplied in retire- ment, having long lived unknown to the world, and left to his own efforts. The inhabitants of an isolated region arrived yesterday, bringing with them the habits, ideas and wants of civilization. They adopt only so much of savage life as is ab- solutely forced upon them ; hence you see the strangest contrasts. You step from a wilderness into the streets of a city, from the wildest scenes to the most smiling pictures of civilized life. If night does not surprise you, and force you to sleep under a tree, you may reach a village where you will find everything, even French fashions and car- icatures from Paris. The shops of Bufl'alo or De- troit are as well supplied with all these things as those of New Yoi-k. The looms of Lyons work for both alike. You leave the high road ; you plunge into paths scarcely mai'ked out ; you come at length upon a plowed field, a hut built of rough logs, lighted by a single naiTow window ; you think that you have at last reached the abode of the American peasant ; you are wrong. You enter this hut, which looks 102 NEW ENGLAND FARMEIL Feb. the abode of misery : the master is dressed as you are ; his language is that of the towns. On his rude table are books and newspapers ; he takes vou hurriedly aside to be informed of what is go- ing oa ill Europe, aud asks you what has most struck you in tliis country. Pie will trace on pa- per for you the plan of a campaign in Belgium, and will teach you gravely what remains to be done for the prosi)erity of France. You might take Iiim for a rich proprietor, come to spend a few nights in a shooting-box. And, in fact, the log- hut is only a halting place for the American — a temporary submission to necessity. As soon as the surrounding fields are thoroughly cultivated, and their owner has time to occupy himself with superfluities, a more spacious dwelling will succeed the log-hut, and become the home of a large fam- ily of children, who, in their turn, will some day build themselves a dwelling in the wilderness. — Alexis de Tocquecille. SO'W SPBINQ WHEAT EARLY. "My experience teaches me," says a correspon- dent of the Wisconsin Farmer, "that we must sow our wheat as early as possible. There is hardly any danger of sowing too early. Two years ago I sowed a small piece in Canada club spring wheat on the 5th day of April. That piece yielded 33 bushels to the acre in that poor season. The ber- ry was plump and heavy, weighing 61.^ pounds to measured bushel. I continued to sow, as the rains and state of the ground would allow, having but one team, until about the first day of May, and I must say that just in proportion to the date of sowing were the amounts and quality of the crop, the piece which was sown and harrowed the last day of April being badly rusted and not yielding over eight or nine bushels of poor shrunken wheat per acre, while that portion of the field covered about the 10th of the same month, turned out be- tween twenty-five and thirty bushels of very mar- ketable grain. The piece sown about the 18th and 20th of April was not so good as that sown before, yet far better than the last sown." In connection with these remarks, we will add that of the two wheat crops submitted last year to the Essex County Agricultural Society, one was sown April 7th, and the other, "when the han-ow struck tiie frost." The premium of $8 was award- ed to Mr. Paul Pearson, of Newbury, for his crop of wheat, at the rate of 35 bushels to the acre. Pretty good crop for old Massachusetts. The ladies are introducing a new and beautiful ornament for the parlor mantle, or centre table. They take large pine burs, sprinkle grass seed of any "kind in them, and place them in pots of wa- ter. When the burs are soaked a few days, they close up in the form of solid cones, then the little spears of green grass begin to emerge from amongst the lamiuiC, forming an ornament of rare and sim- ple beauty. ACUTE POUNDER IN HORSES. AVe find the following in that excellent little work. The Horse Oioner^s Guide: — An inflammation of the laminae of the foot, originating in too hard work, or caused by cold. This disease is not confined to the hoof alone, but spreads over the sensible laminae or fleshy plates on the front and sides of the coffin bone. It is al- ways accompanied by fever. //. R. — Aconite — If there is inflammation, 6 drops every one, two or three hours. Brijonia — When the limbs are stiff" and the joints swollen, G drops every two hours. Vera- trum, if it is brought on by violent exercise, same. A. R. — Cold applications, and still better to put the horse in running water. If very violent, bleed the jugular and feet, two or three quarts. Founder, Chronic. — This is a species of foun- der that produces less severe lameness than acute founder. //. R. — Aconite, arsenicum, with increased pain. Rhus tox., if there is a change for the Avorse after some exertion. We suppose the letters "H. R." and "A. R," mean homoeopathic and allopathic remedy. For the New England Farmer. HINTS FOR THE SEASON. Mr. Editor : — Allow me to remind your read- ers who are not prepared to use their sugar or- chards to their full capacity, that arrangements should now be made to procure buckets, storage, &c., that no time may be lost when the sugar sea- son arrives. At present prices — and there appears to be no prospect of any diminution very soon — there is no more profitable branch of farming. Don't forget to throw on a few of the best brush for pea supports while getting the year's supply of fuel, and have them sharpened and laid aside in a convenient place for use next spring. It makes winter more cheerful to hang up a few bits of fat meat where the chicadees can feed upon them and be safe from "puss." If there is no tree or shrub near the window, a small spruce or fir tree in a sheltered corner will afl'ord a double grat- ification when stocked with such "fruit." AVm. F. Bassett. AsJifield, Jan. 13, 1862. Cultivation of Cotton in the Free States. — The Commissioner of Patents has issued a Cir- cular, in which he says the cultivation of cotton in the middle portion of the Free States is begin- ning to attract attention. To prevent failures in its cultivation, it is proper to remark that it is a principle in vegetable phjsiology that tropical plants can never be acclimated North, except by a repeated reproduction of new varieties from the seed. The attempt to grow Sea Island cotton, such as is now brought from Hilton Head, would 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 103 prove a failure in any portion of the Free States. The only variety capable of successful cultivation in those sections now seeking its introduction, is the green seed cotton, such as is now being raised extensively in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and portions of Kentucky, which produces the white fibre. The seed should be obtained from these localities. The modifications of soil and climate will influence the size of the plant, the length and fineness of the fibre, and the product of the crop. No reasonable doubt is entertained of the success of the culture in all the mild portions of the mid- dle States, and efibrts are now making by this division to procure the proper seed for distribu- tion. The Commissioner further says the cultiva- tion of sorgho the past year settles the question of its entire jjractical success, and that one of the difficulties presenting itself is the want of pure seed. To meet this want, this division has ordered seed from France for distribution tins ensuing spring. Remedy for Ringworms. — The North Brit- ish Agriculturist says that the disease locally known as ring worm or tetter, which shows itself about the head and neck of young cattle, in the form of whitish dry scurve spots, can be removed by rubbing the parts affected with iodine ointment. The disease may also be combated by the use of sulphur and oil ; iodine ointment is, hoAvever, to be prefen-ed. As tliis skin disease is easily com- municated to the human subject, the person dress- ing the cattle should wash his hands with soap and hot water after each ointment. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. For the New England Fanner. IMPROVEMENT IN" SOUPS. Mr. Editor : — The Neapolitans always add grated cheese to Bouillon, maccaroni and vermi- celli soups, and thus very much enrich them in flavor and nutritive value. An insipid soup may thus be at once rendered quite palatable, and if crumbs of toasted bread are added, quite a sub- stantial dish may be made of it. Those of your readers who wish to practice economy at the table, — and I presume there are many such — will find they can save at least half the meat they would otherwise consume, by introducing a good soup at their dinners. The making of soup from the bones of the previous day's dinner is well known to all housekeepers, though all do not know how to make the most of these materials. We will here merely suggest the trial of the one additional ar- ticle above named, as it may be put in by those who like it ; the grated cheese being placed on the table, a comparison of the soup with and without the cheese may be readily instituted. From one to two tablespoonfuls of grated cheese to a plate of soup is the proportion. Try it once, and you will be sure to repeat the experiment. Pieces of cheese that have become dry may be used up to great advantage. The Neapolitans use parmesans, but any cheese will answer — we like the Dutch, for this purpose, as it is clry, salt and liigh-flavored. The French highly value soups, and many of the poorer classes have hardly any other food than soup and bread. One of the reasons why this diet has so little popularity among us is, that few cooks know how to make a good, palatable and nutritious soup, es- pecially when they are limited to mere bones and vegetables for a basis. The story of the delicious soup made by a Frenchman with what appeared to one of our countrywomen as nothing more than a couple of pebble stones, she having loaned him the pot and supplied him with a few bones and condiments, illustrates what may be done with slender means when the cook understands his or her business. It will be remembered that the Frenchman presented the good woman with the pebbles, which she continued ever after to use as the basis of the soup, for the composition of which she was indebted to the example of her poor vis- itor, c. T. I. To Roast Beef. — Rib roast is that part where the ribs commence, on the fore quarter to the back of the ox. The first two or three are called the first cut, the next two or three the second cut ; these two cuts are the best to roast. Cut off" all the bones, and saw the ribs in two places, careful- ly peel or cut off" all soiled or dirty places, if any, then wipe it all over with a clean cloth wrung out of cold water. Then rub it all over with fine salt, put it in the pan to roast with not too strong a fire to burn it. In half an hour take it out and drain the gravy into a bowl, baste it over Avith the fat, and dust on flour all over the meat ; this must be done every half hour, until the meat is roast- ed, which will keep the gravy from being burnt. Take up the meat, skin off" some of the fat from the top of the bowl and pour it into the pan, dust in some flour, let it boil, and stir it until it thick- ens. A roast of ten pounds will take about two and a half to three hours to cook. If you roast be- fore a fireplace, you can let the gravy remain in the pan. A sirloin of beef, or a loin of veal, can be roast- ed in the same way. In the sirloin of beef, the suet must not be roasted — it will spoil the gravy. Cleaning Silk. — The following is said to be an excellent recipe for cleaning silks : Pare three Irish potatoes, cut them into thin shces, and wash them well. Pour on them half a pint of boiling water, and let it stand till cold ; strain the water and add to it an equal quantity of alcohol. Sponge the silk on the right side, and when half dry, iron it on the wrong side. The most delicate colored silk may be cleaned by this process, M'hich is equal- ly applicable to cloth, velvet or crape. 104 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Feb. Prolonging the Beauty of Cut Floweus. — A recent author, E. A. Maling, states that for keeping flowers in Avater, finely-powdered char- coal, in which the stalks can b? stuck at the bot- tom of the vase, preserves them surprisingly, and renders the water free from any obnoxious quali- ties. When cut flowers have faded, either by be- ing worn a whole evening in one's dress, or as a bouquet, by cutting half an inch from the end of the stem in the morning, and putting the freshly ti'immed end instantly into quite boiling water, the petals may be seen to become smooth and to resume their beauty, often in a few minutes. Col- ored flowers, carnations, azaleas, roses and gera- niums, may be treated in this way. White flow- ers turn yellow. The thickest textured flowers amend the most, although azaleas i-evive M'onder- fuUy. The writer has seen flowers that have lain the whole night on a table, after having been worn for hours, which at breakfast next morning were perfectly renovated by means of a cupful of hot water. Steamed Brown Bread. — Take two quarts of sweet skim milk, one tablespoonful of saleratus, one of salt, half a cup of molasses ; put in equal quantities of rye and Indian meal until the dough is as stiff as can be conveniently stirred with a spoon, then put it in two two-quart tins. Place sticks across the bottom of the kettle to keep the water from the bread ; place one of the tins on these, and the other in a tin steamer placed on the top of the same kettle, and let it steam three hours. Care should be taken to keep the water boiling, while the bread is cooking. When done, put it in a warm oven long enough to dry the top of it, not bake it. Yeast can be used instead of saleratus, if any prefer it, but the bread must rise well be- fore putting it in the kettle. — Selected. Bleaching Flowers. — Light is as much a necessity to the healthy development of plants, as is a due supply of heat and moisture. In darkness, the green coloring matter, "chlorophyl," can not be developed, Advantage is taken of this circum- stance in the bleaching of salads and vegetables, and the same process is now being applied to flow- ers. It appears that in Paris there is a great de- mand for white lilacs for ladies' bouquets in Win- ter, and as the common white lilac does not force well, the purple "Lilas de Morly" is used. The flowers of this variety, Avhen made to expand at a high temperature, in total darkness, are of a pure white ; those of the Persian lilac will not whiten. London lieview. Yeast. — A baker in the army, celebrated for his excellent bread, gives the following receipt for maldng yeast : Boil one pound of flour, one- fourth pound of brown sugar and a little salt, in two gallons of water, for one hour. When milk wami, bottle and cork it close. It will be ready for use in twenty-four hours. THE CATTLE MABKETS FOB JAITUAKY. Believing that a brief summary of the weekly reports of the cattle markets will be convenient for reference and comparison, we publish the fol- lowing abstract for January, and propose to give similar tables for each month during the year. NUMBER at market. Catt'e. Sheep, Shoies. Lite Fat Hngs. January 2 1053 2600 500 2500 " 9 1964 3428 230 2000 " 16 1332 3328 100 1800 " 23 1084 2058 300 2000 Total for Jan 5433 11414 1150 8300 PRICES. Jan. 2. Jan. 9. Jan. 16. Jan. 23. Beef cattle, ■^ B) 4iS7c 4Jg6.i 4ia6J 4.V56i Sheep, live weight 4Jfl5| 41.it5.^ 41fT5i 4\;j5i Swine, stores, wholesale 3 @4 SkQi^ HU^i 3\ni\ Stores, retail 4 iTOR. HENRY F. FRENCH, Associate Editor. SUGGESTED BY THE MONTH OP MABCH. "March, March, Mars was your god-father. Therefore, betimes you can bully and bluster." A K c n , the third '4 i Month in the year, according to our ■^ cilendar, had the honor of being first n the early Roman c ilcndar, and it aKo marked the commencement of the year in some of vV*^ the nations of Eu- ^ «\ rope, till the eigh- teenth century. — The English legal -\eiT began March 23, until the change --^f^-Mp of stjlc in 17o2. But ^^^T^" whether counted as the ^-.AjSS^ fii'st, or as the third month of - -' the year, its character for ^"^^ ""^ fickleness has ever been prover- ial. With us it is the turning point of the sea- son— a sort of battle-ground for the elements. Cold and heat, rain and snow, strive for the mas- tery,— now one and now the other obtaining tem- porary dominion. The English have transmitted to us a proverb to the effect that if March comes in as mild as a lamb, it will go out as rough as a lion, and vice versa. The Scotch have a saying, when the last three days of this month are stormy, that ;March borrows them of April, and that, "The first it shall be wind and weet ; The next it shall be snow and sleet ; Tlie tliird it shall be sic a freeze, Shall gar the birds stick to the trees." Another proverbial slander on the character of this month — and one of New England origin un- doubtedly— is the accusation of its affording six ; weeks' sledding! And yet, after all that has beeji i or may be said against this month, we would most heartily adopt — changing a single word, — the ex- pression of a celebrated poet, and say, "Old March, wiUi all thy faults, I love thee still." It is the month in which our plans for the sea- son's operations should be matured, and in which all should be attempted which it is possible for us to prepare for the brief period into which Spring's work is croM'ded in our climate. While it is true that more or less may generally be done that shall directly foi-ward the important business of the ap- proaching season, March is nevertheless the grand make-ready month of the year, and our "good luck" during the whole season may hinge on the use we make of the thirty-one days that come one after another, between February and April. The doctors have a proverb, that "to know the disease is half its cure." Whether it will do for farmers to adopt a similar sentiment, by saying to know our wants or needs is half their supply, we all know by sorry experience, it will do for us to say, that there is often much lost in a driving time by want of such preparation as might have been made at a more leisure season. Shall the same lesson be again repeated by the same old schoolmaster ? Has not his tuition been rather expensive ? And had not we better try the cheaper system of "a stitch in time saves nine," this year, beginning, if we can find nothing better, with the ancient problem of taking time by the forelock. Having carefully decided not only what fields shall be cultivated, but what crop shall be groAvn on each lot, and how manured and worked, we shall not be likely to forget the preparation of all the seeds we intend to plant. Nor will the tools and implements be forgotten. Each one should be carefully examined, and if found out of order, or in any way unfit for service, now is the time to repair it, or procure a newer, and if possible, a better one. But by whom shall these repairs be made ? 106 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March Our attention has been directed to this subject by reading an article recently published in one of the most popular agricultural papers of the coun- try, in which the writer very strongly advises farm- ers to fit up a convenient shop, and procure the necessary tools for making these repairs them- selves. The main argument adduced in favor of this course, and one several times repeated, was to the effect that by this arrangement employment would be furnished to the farmer and his boys during odd hours and rainy days. This, some- how, stirred up in our minds recollections far more vivid than pleasant of the "odd hours and rainy days" of our own boyhood. "We thought then, and a slight sprinkle of gray hairs has only deep- ened the conviction, that boys are sometimes worked too hard upon the farm. That there al- ways has been danger of this being done is evi- dent from the proverb, "All work and no play, makes Jack run away." Another thought occurs to our mind in connec- tion with farmers' boys and workshops. The farmer generally speaks as though his own busi- ness was not a trade. If one of his boys drives pegs into a shoe, he is said to be "learning a trade ;" while liis other sons, who work upon the farm, are spoken of and spoken to, merely as "staying at home." What injustice to the discipline of the farm ! What injustice to the proficiency which his sons are making in the mechanical or operatic skill necessary to perform the labor of the farm ! The farmer, no less than the mechanic, serves an apprenticeship ; and no less than the mechanic, he has a trade. Let a city boy, or any one who has never "learned the trade," undertake to chop, or hoe, or reap, or mow, or "either hold or drive" in plowing, or millv, or thresh, or bind grain, or pitch hay, or a great many other tilings that the farmer's son learns during his minority to do easi- ly, and even gracefully, and it will be seen, by the awkward motions and slow progress of the city boy, that farming is indeed a trade, and further experience will show him, that like all others, it is not easily acquired in advanced life. The dif- ficulty of performing farm work is not appreciat- ed, because the requisite skill is gained gradually during the whole period of minority. The prac- tical skill acquired in learning the trade of form- ing, says Prof. FisK, of the Agricultural College of Micliigan, embraces an acquaintance with the mode of handling each farm implement. It is a knowledge of the how, including both the ideal conception of the manner of doing and the train- ing of the muscles for the performance of the work in exact conformity with the mental conception. This skill in the discharge of farm duties includes the education of the mind, the education of the eye and the education of the muscles for their several offices in the practical details of agricul- ture. But a skilful use of implements is but a small part of the farmer's trade. The proper manage- ment of various soils and manures, the culture of crops, the raising of stock, each and all demand his thought, his labor, his sldll, his odd hours and liis rainy days. Reverting now to our question about repairing agricultural implements, we leave it with the good judgment of each individual to determine — and ]\Iarch is a good month in which to debate the question — how many odd hours and rainy days himself and boys shall devote to the practice of the art and mystery of handicraft pertaining to the business of the carpenter, the wheelwright, the blacksmith, the shoemaker or the saddler. For the Neiv England Farmer. PLANNTNG A'NH PREPARHSTG "WORK. ]\Ir. Editor : — It is generally admitted, I be- lieve, that order and system are essential to suc- cess in every kind of business. It is especially so in farming. It will not do for the farmer to plod heedlessly on, day after day, and week aftei week, trusting to fortunate and fortuitous circum- stances, without having any previous plan or ar- rangement in his business. To be successful in his business, the farmer must plan and prepare his work beforehand, so as to be ready to take it up at the proper time, and to do it in a proper manner. There must be order and system in all his plans and arrangements, so as not to have one kind of business interfere with another. Every kind of Avork should be done at the right time, and in a proper manner. There are some kinds of farm work, undoubt- edly, that may be done about as well at one time as another, provided they be well done. There are other kinds of work, however, that require to be done at a particular time, or within the limits of a particular space of time. There are several kinds of work that cannot be done before nor af- ter the limits of a particular space of time, with- out failing to be successful in their results. It will not do to plant and sow before the earth is in a condition to receive the seed into its bosom, nor to gather in the crops of the season before they have come to matiu'ity. Nor will it do to plant and sow after the appropriate season has passed, nor to gather in the crops after they have been wasted by the storms of the season. There is a particular season or space of time in which all such work should be done. A successful farmer plans and prepares his work beforehand for every season of the year. He knows that cveiy season has business enough of its own without being encumbered with what be- longs to a different season ; that in the spring and summer, especially, a large amount of work is ne- cessarily crowded into a very small space of time, which, to be done well, must be done then, or not at all. Having planned anil prepared his work, and made his calculations accordingly, he takes up each particuhu-kind of work at its appropriate time, performs it skilfully, and finishes it before engaging 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 107 in another or difFcrent kind of business. lie does not allow himself to be interrupted in his work by the calls of other business, such as mending fences, repairing tools, running here and there, doing this and that. No ; having planned and prepared his work beforehand, he proceeds with great regularity, and attends to everything in its Older. The winter is a season of comparative leisure, in which the farmer has a plenty of time to plan and prepare his work for the more active and en- grossing em])loyments of spring and summer. It is the time for study ; for reading, reflection and discussion ; for making calculations, maturing pLms, and jjreparing work ; and last, not least, for cultivating the social atlections. By availing him- self of favorable weather and circumstances, dur- ing this inclement season, he can do much work, too, which will advance his operations and flrcili- tate his business during the coming season. The same is true with regard to the autumn. Late in the autumn, that is, after the ingathering of the fniits of the season, the farmer enjoys an amount of leisure which might l)c profitably employed in do- ing such work as maybe done about as well atone time as another, such as breaking up greensward, ditching, hauling out muck, picking up stones, building walls, repairing fences, Szc. If such Avork be done in the autumn, and well done, so much time is gained for the operations of spring and summer work. In the spring, in preparing the ground and sowing the seed, a great amount and variety of M'ork is crowded into a very small space of time, all of which must be done within the lim- its of a very few days. It seems as though a half a dozen kinds of work required to be done at the same time, and Avouid not wait, the one for the other. The same is true with regard to summer, or the haying season. The time for cutting and curing haj', so as to preserve its valuable proper- ties, and to have it ])alalable and nutritious, is short, very short ; and it should be done at the proper time, and in a proper manner. The way to accomplish this object, is to plan and ])repare the work beforehand. "To make hay while the sun shines," requires the previous preparation of scj'thes, rakes, forks, carts, &c. Warwick, Jan., 1862. John Goldsbury. For the Netr England Farmer. AGmCULTIJBAIi SCHOOLS. We are informed by sacred history i, that when man was created, he was placed in a garden, and commanded to prune, and water, and care for it, in such a way as Avould cause it to yield fruit for his sustenance ; therefore, it would seem to us that tilling the soil is an employment which is the mo;it natural to manldnd, besides being pleasing to his Maker. I would not be understood by any, that I tlunk all men should be farmers, or that man is iir an error when he forsakes farming, for certainly \\c must have mechanics, and merchants, else even the farmer would not prosper in his em- ployment; but this I must say, f.irming is neg- lected : it is done too much on the "one horse" principle. With too many, the idea is prevalent, that if they can get in a little corn, a few potatoes, a small piece of lye, barely enough to "keep soul and body together" from one end of the year to the other, why that is enough ; all that they can expect to do. For every thing else, we have schools, and good schools as a general tiring ; mil- lions of dollars arc sjjcnt annually for the support of schools to educate our chilciren in many a branch, for which, in after life, they never realize the value of a ten-cent piece, while an agricultural school is hardly to be found in the country. To be sure there arc some, but jjoor specimens at the best, when compared with the other schools of our land. At the present rime, when farming seems to be the safest, and almost the only l)usiness by which man can earn a livelihood, let us not neg- lect it ; and while other business declines, let us strive to make farming more profitable and pros- perous. Let us have schools for the farmer's benefit es- pecially ; schools in which nothing but agricultui-e in its various branches shall be taught. Many, to be sure, are so prejudiced, that they would not send a child to them, preferring rather to make liis boy learn his lessons by sad and often costly ex- perience, rather than from boolis which contain the experience of wiser men. On the other hand, there are those who would rejoice at the idea of such a thing, and would avail themselves of every opportunity to instruct their children in that call- ing which is not only healthy and pleasant, but honorable for all classes of mankind. The prince in all his costly arra}^ is really not so independent as the man who has a good farm, free from debt, and especially if he has an interest in the business, and understands it, as he will do if he has enjoyed the privileges of an agricultural school in his bojdiood. Then let us no longer neg- lect them, but have some of the millions which are annually spent in uselessness, to establish and support these schools which we so much need, and thcrel)y promote the prosperity and Avelfare of the farmer. e. P. L. Ware, Jan., 1862. The Training of Home Conversation. — To subordinate home training to school training, or intermit the former in favor of the latter, is a most palpable and ruinous mistake. It is bad even in an intellectual point of view. To say nothing of other disadvantages, it deprives girls of the best opportunities they can ever have of learning that most feminine, most beautiful of all accomplish- ments— the noble art of conversation. For con- versation is an art as well as a gift. It is learned best by familiar intercourse between young and old, in the leisure and unreserve of the evening social circle. But when young girls are banished from this circle by the pressure of school tasks, talking with their school-mates till they "come out" into society, and then monopolized entirely by young persons of their own age, they easily learn to mistake chatter for conversation, and "small talk" becomes, for life, their only medium of exchange. Hence, with all the intellectual training of the day, there never was a greater dearth of intellectual conversation. — Ohio Farmer. He that puts a Bible into the hands of a child, gives him more than a kingdom, for it gives him a key to the kingdom of heaven. — Dr. Buchanan. 108 NEW ENGLAND FAR]^IER. March For the New England Farmor. SOUTHERN" IIiLINOIS. Mr. Editor : — I -wish to call the attention of those desirous of settling in the West, to the supe- rior advantages of Southern Illinois, as regards location, facilities for market, soil, productions, climate, &c. The location of Southern Illinois, immediately above the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, and the 500 miles of navigable waters on the south, west and east boundaries, give to this part of the State great natural advantages ; and these, Avith its raikoads passing through from north to south, and from east to west, afford ex- traordinary faciUties for transporting its surplus products to market. Other roads, noAV in process of constioiction, will further increase these facilities. The farmer or trader wishing to reach the best market, is here, either by steamboat or railroad, within six days of New Orleans, thirty-six hours of St. Louis, and three days of Cliicago, Louis- ville, or Cincinnati, by freight trains ; by pas- senger or express, the time is much shorter. The soil in this region, especially in the tim- bered lands, is unsurpassed in j^i'oductiveness. It is light and easily cultivated, being almost en- tirely free from stones and other obstructions (where the stumps are out ;) the subsoil is of great depth and richness, capable of receiving and retaining moisture for a long time, and as a con- sequence, the crops are not often injured by droughts. Winter wheat is a staple crop ; with good culture the yield is twenty to forty bushels per acre. Oats, rye, barley, buckwheat, millet, red clover and timothy are excellent cro])s. In- dian corn is grown abundantly, and with good culture, yields from forty to eighty bushels per acre. Cotton is grown in the southern counties, but for domestic use only. Sweet potatoes yield abundantly here. Apples do well, and are a cer- tain crop in almost any situation ; many of the most popular varieties grow much larger and finer here than in the Eastern States. This is the true home of the peach, which for size and flavor is unsurpassed ; the most elevated lands being the most desirable for peach orchards, on account of spring frosts. There has not been an entire failure of the peach crop for twenty years, on elevated lands ; on medium and low grounds, only about three crops in five years can be expected. Pears, cherries, plums and quinces do well. Much of the land is well adapted to the grape, as the thousands of thrifty-growing, wild grape-vines will testify. In the fifteen southern counties of this State, there is but little prairie ; the surfoce in some parts is hilly and broken, but generally agreeably undulating. Swamps are not found, except in the extreme south, on the low grounds near the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. This portion of the State is covered with a mod- erate growth of red, burr, white, black and post oak ; poplar, hickory, ash, gum, pecan, sugar maple, walnut, hackberry, cherry, &c., with an undergrowth of dog-wood, sassafras, pawpaw, red bud, &:c., Szc. Good water is generally found by digging from twenty to forty feet. In the hilly country, good springs are numerous. Where good springs are not convenient, cisterns can be cheaply made, and furnish good, whole- some water. The climate is temperate ; there is neither the protracted cold of the North, nor the sultry heat of the South. The thermometer, in the shade, rarely indicates a higher degree of heat than 90°, or a lower than 10° above zero. We have had no weather as yet, this winter, colder than 10° above zero, and last winter the temperature was not lower than 10° above zero, except once or twice, and then but for a few hours. We have had two little flurries of snow tliis v/inter, which melted off almost as fast as it fell, — so you see we have no use for sleighs here. The ground is generally free from frost by the first of March, and in good plowing condition in the same month. Farmers are sometimes seen plowing in December or February. The direct communication we have by railroad with Chicago, Milwaukie, Galena, Dubuque, Bloom- ington, and other northern towns, makes this a very desirable place for gardening, which bids fair to become an extensive business here, as also the growing of small fruits, such as strav.berries, gooseberries, &c. We can have A^egetables and fruits ready for market from four to six weeks earlier than the Chicagoans. Plenty of good land can be had here at from .$5 to $oO per acre, according to location and im- provements. Pomologically yours. An EGYPTLiN. Union Co., III., January, 1862. For the New England Farmer. MOVABLE COMB HIVES. A r.ELIABLE GUIDE EOK STRAIGHT C03IB3 WANTED. Although these hives are a great acquisition to very many bee-keepers, they are yet deficient in one important particular. No one seems to have discovered a guide for producing straight combs that ctui be depended on in all cases. The cross- bar hive that has strips of lath sharpened on the lower edge, like a broad knife, and passing across the top, just the right distance apart, has been warranted to produce all straight combs. Yet some swarms are perverse enough to work their combs across these bars. The angular edge on the under side of the top bar, of nearly all the movable comb hives that I have seen, will, if sawed smooth, in most cases, be followed by the bees ; but a great many swarms paj- no regard to any of these rules, and make their combs in all possible directions across the hive, and render it of no more value as a movable comb Iiive, than a flour barrel. The edge of a narrow strip of tin, at- tached to the frame of Underhill's hive, that prom- ised so much, has failed to produce the results anticipated. The dispute between Mr. Brackett and JMr. Kidder, relative to what I said in the Ihiral Neiv- Yorlcer about movable combs, proved nothing as to which was the better guide of the two, Langs- troth or Kidder. What I said was not given quite correctly. It was my neighbors, who had put bees into these hives, when "two-tliirds of the swarms worked crooked." I think I stated at that time, that I could manage to get nearly all straight combs. Subsequent experience has proved that I was correct. I have not failed with one in fifty. Any one understanding his business, and disposed to take the trouble, would succeed equally well. But a great manj- that keep bees are not sufficient- 18G2. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 109 ly posted in theii* habits ; others have not the ne- cessar}- time to devote to them the necesary care ; some are too indolent to take the pains needed, and more will not have the means at hand — emp- ty combs, or dividing: boards — to secure them. Hence the importance of some method that will induce the bees to go right every time, without our supervision. To us who now manage to get straight combs, it would be an acquisition ; we cannot as it is, do it without trouble ; it would often be a great convenience to put bees into a hive wholly empty. Now let 'Mi: Kidder give us a reliable guide for straight combs ; one that everybody can prove true ; not like the humbug of a swarm being made to store 300 pounds in one season. Or let Mr. Langstroth, Harbison, Underbill, Flanders, any one of the host of the patentees of movable comb hives, exercise their ingenuity on this point, and give us the desired improvement. Although a patent is repugnant to my feelings in a bee-yard, I would tolerate one more in this case, if we can- not have the improvement without. Variations of the movable comb hive are unnecessary to mul- tiply further. Let us have something in the line needed. M. Quinby. St. Johmville, N. P., 1862. For the l\eic England Fanner. MAira"AIj OF AGRICULTUKE. Propress in the Art — State and County Societies — the Afiricul- tural Press — Farmers' Clubs — Agricultural Libraries — Manual of Agriculture. My Dear Sir : — It is always a pleasure to chronicle the progress of improvement in Avhat- ever form it may present itself, and more especially when it leads to a more thorough and more gen- eral development of the agriculture of the country. Since the commencement of the present century, there have been many landmarks established to show that mind, as well as bodily tod, were essen- tial to the full, successful cultivation of the earth, and the collateral arts. Earliest among these was the formation of Agricultural Societies. It was mind ; dehberate, active mind, was the origi- nator of these. There are many now living who treasure in remembrance the earliest buddings of the eai'liest efforts in behalf of these institutions. Such can well remember how great a curiosity they awakened in the minds of some, as also the bitter opposition they met with in the minds of others, and among farmers, too. But early dis- couragements, in their formation, yielded like the ice before the cheering sunbeams ; so that now we have a United States Agricultural Society, State Societies in a majority of the States in the Union, County and Town Societies almost without number. Had the originator of the fu'st Society had an assurance of the number of such Societies half a century would bring forth, and the amount of usefulness that would follow in their train, what a noble impulse it would have given to his labors ! Next in the train came the Agricultural Press, the engine to disseminate the knowledge that was accumulating through the agency of associated effort at improved husbandry. Those who recol- lect the birthday of the old Neio England Farmer, can remember, too, the distnist with which the majority of farmers looked upon it. They did not ■want newspaper knowledge, for they knew better than the papers did. This dream, too, has passed away. The Neio England Farmer Hves on, a life of usefulness and honor, and has begot many sons and daughters ; so that now the agricultural press has become a poMcrful press, not only in numbers, but in influence ; and instead of being looked upon with jealousy, as the innovator of strange and fallacious doctrines, it is deemed a household ne- cessity in every former's dwelling, especially if that former loves and respects his calling. Their number is now legion — their influence is inesti- mable. The establishment of " Farmers' Clubs " in towns and neighborhoods, where mind meets to hold intercourse with congenial mind, formed another important era in agricultural progress. The advantages that may result from these insti- tutions are too m.any for enumeration, and cannot be too highly appreciated. In connection with Farmers' Clubs, the estab- lishment of Agricultural Libraries marks a proud era in agricultural progress. It does not require the memory of great age to go back to the period when such libraries were a thing unthought of, and had their existence occupied a place in the farmer's mind, it would have been a difficult task to have procured suitable books to place on their shelves. Now, such books are becoming abun- dant, as libraries are springing up everywhere.* But all these things have occurred for the ben- efit of men — those engaged, or just about being engaged, in the practical duties of active life. They, ever hopeful and young, may, to be sure, have been to some extent benefited by them. But their wants were not met. Their case, of a certainty, has been long considered, but delay suc- ceeded delay in acting upon its claims. At last a star, bright and beautiful, arises upon them, and it shines for all. The rich and the poor can meet together, and study and admire its beautiful light. I consider the Manual of Agriculture, prepared by ]\Iessrs. Emerson and Flint, one of the best works on Agriculture extant, and for the purpose for wliich it is designed, as the very best. And I hail its introduction into our common schools as the introduction of the golden age of agricultural progress. It is a matter of proud congratulation that its introduction has been so successful. May it become universal. It has been a favorite idea with me, for a long time, that the study of Agri- culture should have a place in our common schools, and I rejoice that tlris idea is so far approaching a realization. But one thing more is needful. We must have teachers adapted to the work, in order to make it successful. Our Legislature, in the name of the people, should legalize the study, and our Normal Schools must educate their teachers to carry out the work. What a beautiful era it will be, when the arts ot rural life are taught in all our schools by thorough and efficient teachers ; when every school-house will have its grounds cultivated by the hands of enthusiastic pupils, and when the library and the cabinet shall be classed among the essentials of school-house furniture ! W. Bacon. Itichvfiond, Jan., 18G2. * In a communication from J. Raynolda, Esq., of Concord, dated early in October last, he informs me that previous to that time he had established nearly two hundred Agricultural Libra- ries in Massachusetts. I hope and believe the number lias been liberally increased since that time. His Catalogue embraces a valuable list of books. 110 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Makch For the New England Fanner. THE WINTER FIRESIDE. Within a few years the farmer's fireside has undergone a marked chanije, as we all know. The old-fasliioned open fire of logs, or blazing fagots, has come to be too expensive a luxury, except in backwoods settlements, where wood is the cheap- est commodity. But the question is, whether it was the most profitable way of passing winter evenings, for the household to cluster, as they used to, about that big, generous fire ; the younger members whiling away the hours with reveries, and jokes, and story-tcUing, and the old folks gradually subsiding into the embrace of "tired Nature's sweet re- storer." To be sure, those old fireside scenes are treasured among our pleasantest memories — and many a man misses now the glowing hearth and dancing flames that used to make liis face slrine so, and his heart leap when a boy. But on the other hand, more than one day-dreamer contracted the habit of dreaming with his eyes open, and building air-castles and the like, at that very fire- side, where the singing of the tea-kettle sounded like a syren's song, and the embers and flames assumed as many grotesque shapes as his musings in the fire. No doubt, bright ideas were kindled from those live coals, and occasionally a stupen- dous scheme rose like the Phoenix, from ashes. Yet, after all, Avas not that old-f.xshioned fire- place most favorable to dream-life, in more senses than one, and was the home circle any more one bright "golden chain," binding heart to heart, than now P There was, I admit, a large circulation of fresh air through the sitting apartment then — especially by the doors and windows, and corners of the room remote from the cosy chimney-corner — and plenty of exercise, too, in preparing and bringing in wood to supply tliat generous fire. But when a family gets together for a winter's evening, they can do better than gather like a flock of swallows about a chimney, or as a company of fii'e-worshi])- jiers, that we read of. If the room be comfortably warm — no matter by what means the warmth is generated, provided it be healtliful, economical and safe — whether from an open or close fire, a furnace, or pipe from an adjoining apartment. In the days of our forefathers, they depended on the 0])cn fire-place, we know, to help illuminate, as well as heat the room ; and how we loved to, when children, watch our own shadows, looming up so queer and tall, here and there, as thrown, by the big, blazing fire, upon the wall opposite. But in tliese days of " bvirning fluid " and kero- sene oil, every farmer's sitting-room is brighter than ever fire-light made it. And now that the temptation of the old, open fire-i)lace is gone, we must L)ok around and find some good substitute. AVhy not gather around the table, all so cheerful with t!io rays of that bright lamp in the centre ; and while mother and daughters are sewing, let the father and sons be reading, or drafting plans of operations for the next season ? At any rate, let some head-work be going on as busily as those nimble fingers on the otlier side are plying the needle-work. Perha])s there is a i)iano in the house — for many farmers are introducing this article among their household furniture — or, at least, the melodeon, which, being much cheaper, is likely to be more common. And perhaps the instrument is not left alone in the cold, unfre- quented " best room ;" but allowed to take its place in the living-room through the winter, and help on domestic harmony with its " concord of sweet sounds." I, personally, have such a passion for music that I dare not enlarge upon the subject here, for fear I should spin out this communication ad infinitum. Only let me throw out this closing Ifint, for relieving the monotony of a winter evening ; let every farmer that has the material, encourage and cultivate music at home. No mat- ter if it lulls one after another to sleep ; it will keep as many more wide-awake and out of mis- cliief. w. E. B. Longmeadoio, Jan., 1862. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. USE OF RAW HIDE. In the last number of the Farmer you say that skins (meaning hides) may be tanned by spread- ing "powdered alum or soft soap on the flesh side," (Sec. Now let me guess that soft soap will take the hair from the hide or skin, if applied on the flesh side. Alum is of a difl'erent nature, and will act as an astringent, or tan, and with common salt will preserve the raw hide, but soap M'ithout the alum or salt, will surely, if appHed in quanti- ties to preserve the hide from taint or decomposi- tion, take the hair oflf. If the object is to take off the hair before using the alum and salt, it would answer the same purpose as lime — but soft soap, without any other ingredient, will start the hair from the hide or skin. A Tanner. Bockingham, Vt., Jan. 13, 18G2. Remarks. — When a boy, at home on the farm, we used to find amusement and profit among the grey squirrels and partridges, "when they were ripe ;" their flesh made an excellent breakfast, and the skins of the former were wrought into ear- pieces for caps, or into caps themselves. Our prac- tice was, to talvc off" the skins carefully and spread them, flesh side down, on the top of a cask of soft soap, being careful that the soap should not touch the upper part of the skin. In about ten or twelve days they were taken out, the soap washed off, and the skins drawn over a board or back of an old chair until they were as "soft as silk." We have no recollection of ever spoiling one by this prac- tice. AVe have no doubt that considerable care must be observed in the process. The soap was made in the family, and might not have been as strong as is sometimes made. But of tliis we know nothing. We sincerely thank our correspondent for his kind words of approbation of the Farmer, con- tained in a private note. cows EATING LITTER FROM MANURE HEAP. I wish to inquire of you, or of any who can tell me, through the Farmer, the cause of my cows eating the straw and litter from the heap of horse manure in preference to good clean fodder ? Thinking it might be for the want of a sufficient 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Ill supply of salt, I placed it by them, but still they root over the manure like swine, and eat every particle of litter they can find. Is it an injury to them, and if so, what -will stop the filthy habit"? Please give me your opinion, and oblige A Subscriber. Sturhrldge, Jan., 18G2. WATER CISTERNS. You occasionally speak of water cisterns in the Farmer. They ought to receive more attention. Our mode of constructing them is to make the top round and the bottom run down to a point like the small end of a hen's egg. The process is as follows : — Dig some seven feet below the frost for the bottom. The part of the country, and the location of the cistern must guide as to frost. Dig through the frost and make a circle 12 inches all around the cistern hole, and then start the hole down some two feet and put on the top ; use flag- ging stone by all means, if they can be had from seven to ten cents per foot, surface measure. Leave the hole open, and then finish digging the cistern. When dug in the proper shape, take two barrels of water cement, and mix one part of ce- ment to three parts of sand, which must be mixed as it is spread, or it will get hard. The mason must use some judgment, and temper the cement according to its strength. Give it two coats of cement, and for a finishing touch, mix some thin to use as a wash ; give the whole one or two coats. We build them here on leachy and gravelly soil, and the water in them, from November to the last of May, is as good as any well water. They should be cleansed out once a year in the fall, and always built so that frost will not reach them. My estimate for building one of these cisterns is as follows : For digging $2,00 Stone covering 8,10 Hason worli 3,00 Two bbls. cement 4,00 $17,10 Dalton, Jan., 18G2. T. S. Wilson. FINE PIGS. I noticed at the Essex Cattle Fair held at South Danvers, in 1860, a Mackay breeding sow and nine pigs, five weeks old, of a litter of sixteen of the somewhat noted stock of Byron Goodell, of that town. Upon inquiry, I found they were kept for breeders, except four, wliich were taken at that age by different individuals of that town, and kept until their average age was fourteen months and three weeks, then slaughtered, and weighed in the aggregate, including fat, twenty one hundred and four pounds ! Some of them not weighing over one hundred and fifty pounds in the spring, being kept light through the winter. These were all fit for the market when not weighing over two hun- dred pounds, dressed. This is a general charac- teristic of the breed. One of the four, fatted by !Mr. Samuel Chandler, weighed six hundred and nineteen, beside the fat. I'he butcher said it was the "thinnest rind" hog he had slaughtered for the season. These were fatted on grain, meal and shorts. The same sow had another litter last April, of eighteen, Avhich were kept for breeders, and will now Aveigh from three hundred and fifty to four hundred pounds each!' A NUMBER ONE RAT TRAP. As good a rat trap as I have ever used may be made by taking a piece of 3 by 4 scant- ling, say two feet long and about two or three inches from each end, and at equal distance from the sides bore two holes, and insert in an exactly perpendicular j^osition two pieces of broom han- dle or other round stick, and across the centre cut a place deep enough to admit a bit of shingle for a pan. Nail a piece of board a few inches wide on each side, a hole being cut in one of them for the shank of the pan. Next take a piece of scantling of the same length as the other, l)ut a little less in width, so as to drop readily between the side- boards on the first, and bore two holes through it large enough and in a position to play freely on the uprights ; fosten two cords to this and attach them to a roll made to rest on the uprights. To an arm projecting a foot from the centre of the roll attach another cord, and tie the other end to the centre of a bit of wood fitted to notches in the shank of the pan and the side-board in the form of a "figure four," another notch in the shank catch- ing on the inner side of the board. Now turn the roll a few times so as to raise the upper scantling a few inches and apply the catch, and you have a trap which can remain "set" six months, if you please, without weakening any s])rings, and being open at both ends, is not likely to frighten the game. W.Ai. F. Bassett. Asltfidd, Jan., 1862. SEEDING GRASS LAND IN THE SPRING. In the Farmer of Jan. 11,1 noticed an inquiry whether herdsgrass and clover are profitable if sowed early in the spring. In the spring of 1860, I sowed four acres as soon as the frost was out of the ground, on land fitted for mowing the fall be- fore, sowed eight quarts of herdsgrass and five pounds clover seed to the acre, and cut the same year two tons of clean hay, per acre. In 1861, 1 cut rather more than in 1860. In April, 1861, seeded three and one-half acres, and put on one- half bushel herdsgrass seed, per acre ; the result Avas not as favorable for spring seeding, owing, I think, to its being so wet through the following month of May. The result was twenty-five hun- dred of hay to the acre. I fitted four acres the past fall for seeding next spring, and I shall prac- tice this way of seeding as long as the result proves as favorable as it has the past two yeai's. Waterburij, Vt., Jan., 1862. s. V. FOUL IN THE FOOT. Can you, or any of your subscribers, inform mo which is the best way to cure "foul in the foot" in cattle. I. F. Pittsfield, Jan., 1862. Remarks. — See that the feet are kept clean, and try them by pressure with the thumb and fin- ger. K some spots are found very tender, open them so as to let the corrupted matter pass out. Then wash the feet once or twice a day in a solu- tion of blue vitriol. Keep everything clean about the animals, and see that they stand upon a smooth floor — that is, a floor that is not worn in- to ridges, or that has holes in it. 112 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March QUESTIONS AS TO SHEEP. 1. What aged wethers are best to buy in spring to turn out through the summer for mutton ? 2. What breed is best ? 3. How much will they gain in the season Avith good feed ? 4. How much will the May and November prices vary, per pound, live weight ? 5. How many can be kept well on the feed of one cow, or how many to the cow ? Hardwick, Jan., 1862. Inquirer. Remarks. — We hope that friend Elliott, of Keene, George Campbell, of Westminster, or some other person who understands this matter, will answer these questions. AN UNMANNERLY PIG. I have three Chester county sows with pig, which are kept together ; one of them is continually rooting the others Avith her nose, to their great annoyance and injury. I have given her salt, bone meal, and various other foods, but fail to check it. Can any of your readers inform me of the cause and the remedy ? J. S. Ives. Salem, 1862. Remarks. — Place her in a pen by herself, friend Ives, for a few days, and take away a por- tion of her food, and if she is not more respectful in her "conductions," we shall be mistaken. THE AHmrZ TEIiEGRAPH. The army telegraph now consists of over one thousand miles of wire stretched through the dif- ferent camps, from the headquarters of General Hooker on the left, running toward the right wing till it reaches Hancock, Md. One hundred and ten operators are now in the employ of the govern - inent. Mr. Eckert, the assistant superintendent in charge of this department, has run a separate line to the headquarters of each general command- ing a division. For instance. General McClellan can sit at the table in his private house, and talk to the different Generals, all at one and the same time, and in- dependent of one another. When any division moves, the line can also be extended, as each di- vision has a corps of builders, and a supply of wires poles and insulators always ready. Lai'ge wagons have been provided for the opera- tors and their batteries to travel in, with sleeping apartments, tents, equipage and everything neces- sary, thus making the telegraphic department the most efficient and thorough branch in the whole army ; and in connection Avith the balloon corps of Professor Lowe, will, should the army move, prove incalculable in detecting the operations of the enemy, and the prompt transmission of their movements to headquarters, and the conveyance of orders to different divisions and brigades. So effectual are the means that have been taken to prevent accident and delay, that it will be im- possible for more than one out of a dozen lines to fail at once. Strong guards will be kept all along the wires wherever they cross over exposed coun- try, as the army moves, to prevent obstruction in any form, and to prevent an opportunity of steal- ing information from the wu'es. Never before, in the history of the world, has science been enabled to reduce to such a mathemetical certainty and re- liability, the use of the telegraph and ballooning as it has been brought to under the management of Professor Lowe, Mr. A. P. Stager, and Mr. Eckert. — Philadelphia Inquirer. INSECTS IWJUKIOUS TO VEGETATIOW. Through the kind attention of the editor, Charles L. Flint, Esq., Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, we have before us a copy of the new edition of Harris' Treatise on some of the Insects of Massachusetts which are Injurious to Vegetation. This was ordered to be printed by a resolution of the Legislature of lSo9, and with suitable additions and illustrations. The care of the execution of this work was entrusted to Mr. Flint, and well .and faithfully has he dis- charged the task. The work does as much credit to the arts, as to the science to which it is devoted. In acknoM'ledging the aid which he has received from others, the editor says : "The drawings for the steel plates were made by Mr. Antoine Sonrel ; those for the Avood cuts by the Messrs. SoNREL and J. Burckhardt. The engraving and coloring of the steel plates is the Avork of Mr. John H. Richard ; the engrav- ing on wood, that of Mr. Henry Marsh. The printing has been done by Messrs. Welch, BlG- ELOAV & Co., of the University Press, Cambridge." It is as much pleasure to us to record the names of persons Avho have exhibited such rare skill iu their various professions, as it is to accord praise to the author of a book of undoubted merit. With our people, mechanical skill and scientific research keep pretty even pace Avith the jjrogress of literary acquirements. It is this, in consider- able degree, that keeps society evenly balanced, and makes a people strong. The book is a credit to old Massachusetts, and AA'ill stand as one of numerous evidences of her liberality and enlightened discernment. The Leg- islature that ordered it, directed that a copy of the Avork should be sent to each toAvn in the State, — so that provision is made for all Avho desire it to have access to the Avork. If Ave are pleased with one part more than another, of this book, it is with some of the loood cuts. They surpass anything of the kind Ave have before seen, in beauty and elegance of execution. It seems as though one could touch the Aving of the Dutterfly on page 293, and rob it of some of its down ; and so of cuts on pages 223, 410, and indeed many others. We have long and often referred to the former edition of the Avork, in our labors as editor and farmer, and shall continue to do so Avith increased pleasure, now that so many of the insects spoken of are made plain to the eye as Ave study their habits. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 113 ^^^^^mms-z-- -^vS5>^ Por the New England Farmer. SMITH'S IMPROVED FARM PEIyTCES, PATEITTED OCT. 11, 1859. NUMBER ONE. Any field stones, of suitable size, that can be easily drilled, are used for the foundation of these fences. Granite cobble stones, so common in New England, are among the best. The posts, which are two inches thick, and from four to six inches wide, are fastened to the stones, and the fence is kept in position by a bolt which holds the foot of the post, and by braces, about twenty inches long, one on each side, nailed at the top to the post, and at the bottom held firm- ly to the stone, by loops of strong wire, boiled in linseed oil to prevent them from rusting. The posts are grooved on the sides to which the boards are nailed, with a plane which cuts three or four grooves at once, to prevent the accumulation of moisture and consequent decay. The braces are one inch thick and four inches ■wide, and sound hemlock is good enough for both posts and braces. The advantages claimed for this fence are : 1. Simplicity. Almost any farmer, with a little instruction and experience, can build it. 2. It is straight. There is no zigzag about it. New York, alone, loses 300,000 acres of land by crooked fences. 3. It is cheap. Having stones convenient for the foundation, it need to cost but little more than the common post and board fence ; and the ar- rangements of the posts and braces is adapted to nearly all the difi"erent kinds of yard and garden fences in use. 4. It is very j(?r?n. "When well made, few fences are as much so, and no extra posts are necessary for gates. 5. It covers but little land ; not more than one- t^velvth as much as a wall three feet in width, and the Virginia fence puts six times as much beyond the reach of the plow. 6. It can be easily built over ledges, the solid rock of which affords the best foundation. 7. It will resist ordinary currents of Mater. 8. It will stand on hearing soils. For these valuable lands, the importance of this fence can hardly be estimated. Where wall fences are tum- bled about, and posts are thrown out by the frost, it will stand, and stand straight and stand firm 9. It is very durable. Nc part but the stone foundation touches the ground, and with the grooved posts or cleats, no part of it is more ex- posed to decay than the boards ordinarily are up- on a barn . thus effecting an immense saving in the cost of rebuilding and repairs. The loss to our farmers from fence posts decaying in the ground, and being tin-own out by the frost, is al- most incalculable. Remarks. — We are so much pleased with a sample of this fence, put upon our land by INIr. Smitit, last fall, that we are preparing materials this winter to extend it, in preference to any other fence we have seen. It seems to us to be prefer- able to any other wooden permanent fence in al- most ever}' particular, and we cannot see why one well made and set, jmd kept constantly covered with whitewash, should not last a hundred years. In a week or two we shall give another pattern of fence, quite like this, but cheaply arranged so as to be laid down in the winter when set on lands that are subject to being flowed. Both samples may be seen at Concord, Mass. Horse Power. — The power of a horse is un- derstood to be that which will elevate a weight of 33,000 pounds the height of one foot in a minute of time, equal to about 90 pounds at the rate of four miles an hour. 114 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March For the New England Farmer. "DOES FAKMIM-Q PATP" This question, which seems to have bothered many of your correspondents, and to have raised your friend Pinkham to a sort of newspaper im- mortality, got itself incidentally into our State Legislature the other day ; and the Solons there appeared to know as little how to dispose of it, as though they were agricultural editors. The "crooked stick" was introduced in this wise : The State Alms-house at Tewksbury had applied for, and the Committee on Finance had reported, an appropriation of some thirteen thousand dollars, to meet the deficiencies in the account current of that institution for the year 1861. Mr. Parsons, of Brookhne, raised the question, whether the in- stitution had been economically managed — more particularly whether the farming department thereof did not cost more than it came to ? This called up Mr. Fostek, of Andover, (one of the Trustees of the Alms-house,) who, in a very straight-forward speech, explained that the expen- ses of the institution beyond the estimates were occasioned solely by the largely increased number of paupers, and that the actual cost to the State for each pauper sent to Tewksbury, (reckoning all the expenses of the institution,) was only a frac- tion over and above ninety-eight cents per week. This, I think, establishes the fact that the Tewks- bury concern is a pretty cheap boarding-house ; and whatever difference of opinion may exist as to the general utility of State alms-houses, a want of economy cannot in fairness be charged to the case in question. In the course of his remarks, Mr. Paksons held that it was cheaper to purchase milk at four cents per quart, than to jjroduce it by keeping cows at the Alms-house. I understood him to base this remark on the results of his own farming expe- rience. iSIr. Foster replied, that the milk pro- duced at the Alms-house cost the State but a frac- tion over three cents per quart ; and when it is considered that this milk was the product of cows that shed rain, and that these cows must have produced at the same time a large quantity of ma- nure, the question of cheapness in the two cases is pretty well disposed of. At any rate, from the attention I have been able to give the subject, I am satisfied that it is better for any person having the means of keeping cows, to produce his own milk, rather than purchase it at even two cents per quart. Mr. Parsons also stated that it cost more to purchase food to fatten swine, than to purchase pork. This may be true, under certain circum- stances, abstractly considered ; but practically, the question stands in the same category with other farming interests. When it is considered how much about a farm, (and especially about a large alms-house,) otherwise wasted, or of but little ac- count, may be applied to the keejnng of swine, and how much manure these animals may assist in manufacturing, I undertake to say that no agricul- turist can aftbrd to dispense with the raising of his own pork. That farming does "pay," I think is fully estab- lished by the fact that farmers seldom fail in busi- ness, or depreciate in wealth. But I go further, and maintain that every branch of farming "pays" in the long run, if managed with good judgment and sound economy. Crops may fail, cattle may die, pork may be low in the market, all sorts of casualties may from time to time disappoint the hopes of the tiller of the soil. These form a part of the "accidents" Avhich, as Brownson says, man is born to triumph over. Believing that any at- tempt to detract from the profitableness of farm- ing, whether made in the Legislature or out of it, has a mischievous tendency ; and further, believ- ing that giving agricultural employment to the inmates of our alms-houses, whether considered from an economical or sanitary point of view, is one of the wisest and most philanthropic features now attached to those institutions, I hereby enter my protest against that flippant dogmatism which seelis to dispose of grave questions by the results of single cases of bad management, or by the les- sons of inexperience. The great interest which lies at the foundation of all others, ought not thus to be made a foot-ball for amateurs in practical science, or egotists in practical economy. A Looker on at the State" House. Remarks. — If reported correctly, Mr. Parsons' views are unsound. From a life-long experience, as well as from facts and figures, we know that he cannot sustain the position he has assumed. Far the New England Farmer. ■WHEAT BHAK AS A FEBTILIZEB. Mr. Editor : — I saw a communication from "J. S. S." in the monthly Farmer for June, 1860, saying he was using wheat bran as a fertilizer for corn, and his method of applying it, and a request that those who tried it, would note the result and report — I suppose he meant — to the N. E. Farm- er. I took it for granted that he Avould do what he requested others to, and have been looking with some degree of interest for his report, but not having seen any from him, I have concluded his success was not v/orth reporting. I was pleased to see a statement from "T. G. H.," in a late Farmer, of his experience with the bran for corn ; that he found it to be nearly equal to super- ])hosphate, and less expensive. That being the fact, it stands all farmers in hand to make a liberal use of it. But his experience does not correspond with mine. I was induced, through the recom- mendation of a friend, to make use of the bran for potatoes. I applied it, a single handful to a hill, and covered it with soil before applying, as direct- ed. The truth was, I had but very little faith in it, that it would be any better than the same quan- tity of sawdust, and that sawdust was of little or no value ; the result proved it to be so. I thought if like would produce like, it must be good for wheat. Accordingly I applied it broadcast at the rate of 300 pounds per acre, and harrowed in with my wheat ; the result about tlie same as with my potatoes. I have concluded that tlie opinion of my better half was correct, that I had better give the bran to the cows, and let them comjoost it before using it for manure. j. P. South Hampton, N. II., Jan. 24, 1862. Remarks. — Send the article you speak of in your private note. 1862. NEW ENGLAXD FARMER. 315 LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTUBAL SOCIETY. [Reported for tue Farmer bt D. W. Loturop.] The third meeting of the series was held at the Bepresentativcs' Hall, on Monday evening last, and the subject under consideration was — Crops, and tlte Economy and Cost of Cultivation. Dr. G. B. LoniXG, of Salem, was invited to preside. He said the subject opened a wide field for dis- cussion, and involved the whole business of agri- culture. Everything coming from the land, com- merce, manufiictures, and all vocations, depend upon its successful culture. lu respect to the profit and economy of the various crops, there seemed to be no law for the different localities of the State. The farmers of Berksliire think the small grains the most profitable, and those of Es- sex would say the root crops were the most eco- nomical. Then, again, others advocate the corn, hay and fruit crops. In fact, it is impossible to tell what is the most profitable. A contest in this State has been waged between grass and root crops, but has not been decided. What does it cost to raise an acre of corn? One says $100, another $30, &c. But the cost of a crop is not always an index of the benefit of such crop, for the soil and mode of cultivation affect the former, and home consumption or markets the latter. Corn at 25 bushels to the acre Avas of doubtful profit, but at 100 bushels to the acre, at 35 cents per bushel, it would pay. Generally speaking. Dr. L. thought there was no unprofitable crop in New England, but very much depended vipon the skill of the cidtirator. The corn crop can always be made profitable, and skill applied to the raising of all farm products will meet its reward. The Englisli think turnips the most profitable, as they are fed down on the land in the autumn and winter by sheep, whose droppings easily enrich the soil. In this connection Dr. L. spoke of English fallows, but there is no necessity of them here. Cora, po- tatoes and grass are staple crops, and in their cul- tivation there is no loss. But shall we introduce new ones ? He had great faith in root crops — not that they, like patent pills, were a remedy for everytliing — but they greatly improve the land. He instanced carrots, of which he could raise 35 tons to the acre, and of Swedes 18 to 22. These he compared with the products of corn and hay, and concluded that as they were easy of cultm-e, and useful as an auxiliary, farmers should not neglect them. In conclusion, he said he had touched upon many topics of discussion, and hoped that some of the following speakers might disagree with him. Mr. Stedman, of Chicopee, inquired if root crops were profitable to the chairman in his own case. Dr. Lo'pJNG said he did not intend to say that they were so much so as with some others. !Mr. Stedman then spoke of the diversity of ex- perience in regard to carrots. From 15 to 18 tons per acre could be raised, and at from 5 to 8 cents per bushel. Generally they were more profitable to sell than to feed. Mangold wurtzels couid be raised at the rate of 30 tons to the acre. He thought root crops were increasing, and it was well, as they tend to cleanse the soil. Cum is a staple, and for a single crop it is the best. Dr. LomxG said the yield of carrots diners very much from different modes of culture. lie though Iris statements were no exaggeration. Ml*. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, being called upon, said he had not thought much upon the subject, but wdiere much stock is kept, ho believed it good economy to use root crops as an auxiliary in feeding. Turnips do not flourish as well here as in England, neither can we feed them v\ith that advantage. The English feed them ofi' by turn- ing in sheep during the winter. But our winters are too severe for this procedure. lie alluded, however, to a gentleman in Saratoga county, N. Y., who fed his sheep in this maimer with sat- isfaction, but the speaker had his doubts about it. The relative value of different crops was a desi- deratum, and we ought to have a fund to establish certain facts in the fcedmg of crops. Milli from caiTots is very good, and the best for butter. Mr. Stedjian inquired at what distance carrots should be groAvn. Dr. LoraxG replied ten or eleven inches apart, lie commended the orange carrot, with a heavy blunt root. The wheel hoe is used ia Essex coun- ty for tilHng this crop, as well as for onions. jNIr. Stone, of Hull, inquired what root would produce the most milk. Mr. Stedman replied the mangold wurtzel. Dr. LoRlNG. "Whatever will produce food will produce milli, though corn was regai'ded as a fat- tening principle. Tilangolds give the best milli, but the Sv/edes are better for fattening. Daniel Webster used salt hay and turnips for fattening cattle in the winter, witli an addition of meal. Good English hay and corn meal are useful for milk. ;Mr. McLaughlin, of Duxbuiy, v.as much pleased with roots. Carrots were good for the horse, and they produced richer milk from the cow than turnips. He feeds all his cattle daily from roots, and he finds their growth improves his land. Dr. LoraNG said he had computed the value of the various grain crops, and referred to a lot of land of 15 acres which he had prepared, conclud- ing that if planted to corn rather than barley, the difl'orence in favor of the former would be $250. Mr. Davis, of Plymouth, said the solution of some of these questions depended upon the amount of land available, and remarked that the 116 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. March cost of crops was very difficult to ascertain, and cited Mr. Colman in point. There was much vagueness about crops, and he hoped that farmers would give us an accurate account of the net prof- its of an acre of corn. We want all the facts about it. In England they knew more about theii- crops than we do here. We need experiments. As to roots, he said he could raise turnips and mangold wurtzels better than any other crop. The mangolds grow well, and at half the cost of the carrot crop, and he had grown 95 tons upon three acres. Yet Mr. Allen — the reputed father of farming in his county — thought root-raising a piece of folly. Mr. Davis said he prepared his land for the turnij) crop from the first to the tenth of June, and could raise from 800 to 900 bushels per acre. If turnips make more milk, it is not so good as from the mangold. He again requested gentlemen to give to him an actual account of the cost of any crop. Mr. Geary, of Oregon, being called upon by the chair to offer a few remai-ks, said he was not a practical farmer, but was conversant with that country, though its aspects were difficult to de- scribe. Oregon was five degrees north of us, yet the winters were milder than in Massachusetts, and farmers frequently marked their cattle and let them provide for themselves during this season. The valleys, and lofty mountains perpetually capped with snow, were there very beautiful to behold. While the Avinters were milder the sum- mers were not so hot as with us. The cereals are there produced in great quantity, and wheat grows very well. It is a singular fact that there is no lime in the soil, yet their eggs have shells and men grow with bones ! The fine silex of the soil makes the wheat very strong, while some of the heads measure from 6 to 8 inches in length. The pro- duct was about 20 bushels to the acre ; had seen 50. He had a piece of land into which he har- rowed wheat in February, which produced from year to year without manure, 40, 35, 40 and 45 bushels in succession. Wheat is best when sown in June, and gathered the next year, as it makes the best flour. Orchards grew very rapidly there, and produced fruit five years from the bud. Pears and plums did well also, but peaches were a fail- ure. Indian corn, though not in a favorable po- sition, is assimilating to the climate and soil. The cultivated grasses grow well, but are not needed. The land, however, was not so rich as in Illinois and some of the Western States. Fir trees were frequently seen 10 feet through and 100 yards high! The timber is used fi)r spars, rails, Szc. Pitch and turpentine are also produced. The yew tree is very valuable for posts. Mr. G. also gave a description of the bays, and said Oregon would yet be one o^ the great depots of the world. In some districts there were ashes on the soil, and such spots were very fertile. In this connection he instanced the fact — upon the best authority — of a crop of 1100 bushels of potatoes to an acre ! Spots of alkalies were very common, and in-iga- tion in some cases was needed. Gold has likewise been discovered in some localities, but is Avorth only from $8 to $12 per ounce, and the rivers which contain it all flow from a certain point. In conclusion, the speaker hoped to be excused for wandering from the real question in what ^he had presented the meeting. Mr. De Witt, of Agawam, had had some ex- perience in raising turnips, and spoke well of them. But when fed to cows for milk, he thought some meal should be given in advance. He also advo- cated the raising of green corn fodder, planted thick, for cows. The time for adjournment having arrived, the chairman announced the next subject for discus- sion : Neat Stock — the adaptation of dijfcrent Breeds to different localities and purposes. Mr. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, would preside. — Adjourned. COE'S SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. The following letter from Hon. Marshall P. Wil- der, one of the most eminent agriculturists in New England, gives a very gratifying account of some experiments with Coe's Superphosphate of Lime : Dorcliester, Kov. 20, 1861. Dear Sir: — I take pleasure in enclosing, for your examination, some facts in regard to the com- parative vahic of tlie superphosphate of lime, pur- chased of you last spring. Experiments on Old Moivhig Land. ' This land was divided into three equal lots, of one-fourth of an acre each, and dressed as follows : Hay Product. No. 1, with one-half cord manure, valued at $3,00 861 lbs. No. 2, with 100 lbs. puano, " " 3,00 750 lbs. No. 3, with 100 lbs. Coe's superphosphate of lime, valued at $2,50 948 lbs Experiments u-ith Carrots. This land was old sward land, turned over last fall, and was divided into throe equal lots of one- eighth of an acre each. Product.. No. 1, with l'< cords manure, valued at $8,00 75 bush. No. 2, with 50'lbs. pfuano, " " 1,50 60 " No. 3, with .50 lbs. Coe's superphosphate of lime, valued at $1,25 90 bush. Experiments on Two Acres of Old Meadow Land. This land had probably never been plowed be- fore. In the month of August last, the brush, brakes, hedge, &c., were taken off, tliesod reversed, and the surface made as level as practicable. It was then seeded down with foul meadow and redtop seed, with 400 pounds of your superphosphate of lime to the acre. Tho seed came up avcII, and at tliis time the grass is so luxuriant and thickly set, that it attracts attention at the distance of half a mile or more, and should the grass not be winter- killed with ice, there will no doubt be a fine crop next summer. In tliis instance, as in many others, the economy of the superphosphate over common barn-yard manure is evident, the cost of the form- er being not more than the expense of carting 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAEIVIER. 117 would have been of a sufficient quantity of stable manure to produce a like result. The superphosphate of lime is therefore a valua- ble fertilizer in the reclamation and renovation of old pasture or meadow lands, and especially so vv'here lands like the above are located a mile or more from the homestead. Superphosphate of lime is a valuable article in promoting the growth and increasing the fibrous roots of young trees and grape vines, and when ap- plied in liberal quantities to the roots of bearing trees, has a beneficial influence on the size and beauty of the fruit. It is equally useful as a ferti- lizer for cereals, grasses and vegetables, and from experiments made heretofore, I have hopes that it may prove a preventive of the blast upon young seedling pear stocks, and to the raildeAV on i)eas and other plants sulyect to these diseases. As a quick, and also as a durable fertilizer, I have seen many proofs in past years. I have ever con- sidered it as one of the most economical manures in use. Yours respectfully, Marshall P. Wilder. For the Hew England Fai-mer. NOTES FROM THE MONOMACK. , January 22, 1862. Fkiexd Browx : — I have not forgotten your kind request, made long ago, that I should occasional!}' "note" something for the e.-^pccial benefit of the read- ers of my favorite Farmer, but other matters have, un- til recent!}', so completely monopolized my time and thoughts, that the thing was hardly possible. Now, however, I can occasionally find a breathing-place, and, unless you make haste to repent of your folly in extending the above-mentioned invitation, and sum- marily "cancel the bond," you are likely to hear from rae quite often. With this, I send along a few specimen bricks, and if your readers don't cry "quits," you may expect "a few more of the same sort" from Truly yours, Saggahe-w. Ax Hour in a ]\Iodel Hot-House. — One year ago, (Feb., 18G1,) the writer was one of a party of about forty members of the "Great and General Court" of Massachusetts, who paid a fly- ing visit to that ancient city, and celebrated water- ing-place— Newport, E.. I. The ostensible object of the expedition was to make a sort of popular legislative survey of the route of a proposed railroad extension ; while it was expected, inci- dentally, of course, to have a right down good time. Tlie first object was fully accomplished, as may be seen from an examination of the legisla- tive files ; and the latter was — "ditto," as may be proved by the cross examination of each, either, any, or all, of the aforesaid forty resjicctable gen- tlemen. While the rest of the party paid a sliivering visit to Fort Adams, the writer, under the guide of a mutual friend, paid his respects to the super- intendent of the estate of Beach Lawrence, Esq., Mr. Alfred Chamberlain, where he was most cour- teously received, and passed an exceedingly pleas- ant hour. Of the many objects of interest Mhich came under his observation at the time, I propose nov/ to speak only of his visit to the extensive hot-houses on the estate. ^Ir. Chamberlain, the superintendent, is a na- tive of England, an educated gardener, and an en- thusiastic lover of all that is in any way connected with his profession. Among his many qualifica- tions for the resposible post he now occupies, may be mentioned seven years' experience in the im- mediate employ of William Rivers, the celebrated English gardener and horticulturist. The latter is Avell known as the originator of a system of dwarf- pot-culture, for fruit trees and vines. That ^Mr. Chamberlain was no dull scholar of this distin- guished master in the art, I had abundant oppor- tunity for verifying upon the above occasion. Though it was in the depth of vinter, I found grapes, tomatoes, strawberries, pineapples, cucuni- bers, lettuce, potatoes, &c., ike, in all the various stages of growth, up to perfect maturity. To such a state of perfection has this artificial system of culture been brought, that these, and many other kinds of fruit and vegetables, fresh from the vines, are ready for the table every day in the year! Among the first of these to attract my attention were the Tomatoes. — These were planted along the back side of the elevated borders, and were carefully trained to neat wire trellises, each plant occupy- ing perhaps four feet wide, and four to five feet in height. Mr. C. recommends that they should al- ways be trained to an upright trellis, and pinched back freely, as they look neater, occupy less room laterally, will produce a gi'cater quantity of fruit, and ripen it a fortnight earlier. Having tried the trellis plan of training, in gar- den culture, I have concluded that it is too trou- blesome for ordinary out-door cultivation, in all cases where time is any object. It is true that the vines look neater, and, perhaps, yield more fruit, but the value of the time consumed in tying up the vines will usually far exceed that of the extra crop. I prefer to spread a little coarse litter, leaves, oi* — better still — brush, under the vines, before they begin to lodge, and then let them run as they please. I have also tried the plan of clip- ping, or pincliing back the shoots, but, for the same reasons, have discontinued the practice. I have recently learned that our friend, jMr. L , whose business is solely market gardening, and who raises at least five hundred bushels of toma- toes annually, after trying various plans, has con- cluded that the most economical method is to let the vines have their own way. Strawberkies. — Of these there were several hundred pots, arranged principally on a shelf near the ridgepole, where they -were flourishing with the greatest vigor. A row of them placed over the pipes in front, were in fruit, and would have con- vinced any one that this delicious fruit deseiTCS more consideration in hot-house culture. I never saw vines more heavily laden. They were princi- pally, W'dson^s Albany Seedlinr/, of which Mr. C. spoke in the highest terms, for their bearing qual- ities. CUCUJIBERS AND SQUASHES IN POTS. — Not the least of the many objects of interest which met my eye upon the above occasion, M'ere the pots of cucumbers, squashes and melons, all in a bearing condition, Mr. C. expressed the opinion that, for gardens, it would be economy to start these plants in pots, under glass, and after the ground was prepared to receive them, and the plants were beyond the reach of bugs, to set the pots into the ground, without disturbing the plant. His remarks upon the subject so commended them- selves to my mind that I tried the experiment last 118 NEW ENGLAND FAraiER. IMarch spring, -vvitli some marrow squashes. I took sev- eral plants -which had been kept in five-inch flow- er pots until they were too large to be relished by the bugs, and transferred then to the garden. All but one of them were carefully tipped out of the pots, witliout breaking the ball of earth, and as carefully set into the ground. The one pot was simply set into the grouiid so as fairly to cover the top of the pot. In order to make sure that no fa- vors should be found on its side, this plant was set in the poorest soil of the whole row. All the plants were covered with musquito netting for a few days, and the one in the pot was also watered a few limes, v.'hen the boxes vrere removed, and they were left to take care of themselves. For a short time the bugs almost literally covered them, but were compelled at last to abandon them unin- jured. The single vine seemed to grow more slowly than the others, and at no time during the season was it a.s large. On gathering tlie fruit in the fall, I took from this vine three well ripened squashes, weighing together thirtij-nine j^ound-i. This I found to be fully equal in weight to the av- erage of the other vines, and also to -vines in the garden planted in the usual manner. On taking up the pot, I found that no roots had entered the ground over the top of the pot, and but a single root, about the size of a pipe stem, had passed into the earth tlu-ough the hole in the bottom. Through this single root, then, must have been drawn all the earth nourishment for maturing both vine and fruit. Experiments made at the same time with cucumbers, and melons, have convinced me that, for gardens, Mr. Chamberlain's plan is a good one, and the coming spring I propose to treat ail my -vines in tliis v/ay. The same plan will also apply to flowers, and a small propagating case is amply large to start all the flowers, melons, vines, &c., that can find room in an ordinary garden. DwAiiF Pot Fruit Culture. — I found Mr. Cliamberlain to be not only completely at home in all relating to the culture of fiiiit trees and vines in pots, but confident that the time will soon arrive when it will become so common as to cease to be novel. Durii-ig his experience with Mr. Rivers, he had not only seen the system made pos- sible and practical, but positively pro/?f(r?//e. If it v,-as successful in England, he was confident it might he made successful in tiiis country, and he Avas determined that it should be made so. He had several hundred pear, apple, peach, cherry and other fruit trees, and a large number of grape vines, in pots, and in various stages of growth. They were of various ages, from one year to six or more years old. I saw pear' trees which had been taken from the ground, in a common nursery row, when four years old, and placed in a twelve or fourtccn-inch earthen pot, and, so far as I could judge, they were in a thriving condition before the end of a twelvemonth. All his trees had been purchas-.ed from ordinary nurserymen, and while tlicy did not give him the satisfaction which those more carefully propagated and trained would have done, they demonstrated more forcibly the practi- cability of his system of culture. At the time of my visit, every tree and shrub out-doors were cov- ered with a thick coating of ice, and I was sur- prised to find a large number of pear trees in pots standing on the north side of the hot-house, en- tirely unprotected, and covered Mitli sleet like the rest. I M'as told that they had been in that bleak situation all winter, for want of room inside, but no fear was expressed as to their suffering any in- jury thereby. Inside, in the reserve-room, I saw a large number, of various ages, waiting their turn to be placed in the forcing-house. Their plump fruit l)uds showed plainly that the cultivator's ex- pectations of a crop of fruit from them, at least, looked reasonable. In the forcing-house Avere a vaiiety of pears, peach, cherry and plum trees, and grape vines in pots, and showing fruit in various stages of growth. If my judgment was not sadly at fault, they were all in a healthy and thriving condition. Among the novelties in this collection, vras a penr free tcitli endless limbs — i. e., with every limb inarched. Some of the limbs were bent around and ingrafted upon themselves, others were in- grafted upon the trunk, and in several cases the ends of two limbs had been ingrafted upon each other. Being thus prevented from making a free growth of wood, the whole energy of the roots was compelled to the task of perfecting the fruit. The tree had not, as yet, fruited, but the large and well-formed fruit buds gave promise of success in the novel experiment. Fruit Baskets. — But among the many objects of interest in this model establishment, none so enlisted my attention and curiosity, as j\Ir. Cham- berlain's newly invented fruit baskets. These may- be described as baskets (of any desired form,) made of open wire woric, with a tin dish, or pan, inside. In this inside dish is placed a quantity of charcoal, bone-dust, &c., in which the roots of the tree, or vine, are planted, and they are then avcU covered Avith moss, Avliich is, of course, kept con- stantly moist. Further nourishment is supplied in the form of liquid manru-e. Planted in this manner I saAV peach, cherry, plum and pear trees, and grape vines, flourishing in the most gratifying manner. I took down one of these baskets from its hook, and counted twenty-six peaches, of about bullet size, on the tree contained in it. Grape vines, prepared in a similar manner, exhibited large and handsome bunches of fruit. I Avas as- sured that not one of these baskets contained even a spoonful of soil, or earth, and yet the trees and vines appeared to be in a most flourishing condi- tion. After fully explaining the construction and philosophy of his invention, (for Avhich he has re- ceived letters patent,) Mr. Chamberlain informed me that at least one person, Avho claimed to have visited his place and seen his specimens of fruit- ing trees and vines in baskets, had gravely pro- nounced the whole thing a humbug, and in the columns of the Horticulturist had declared that the specimens of peaches, grapes, &c., on these trees and vines, were artifcialbj fastened on, to deceive the public. Mr. C. therefore called my particular attention to the specimens, and ex- pressed the ho])e that I Avould expose him, if I found any appearance of fraud or deception in the matter. I made a rigid examination, and Avas ful- ly convinced that there Avas no humbug about the invention. Having since read the article referred to, I must confess that the Avriter, if in earnest, Avas either very blind, or purposely misrepresents. Since my visit, ]\Ir. Chamberlain has exhibited specimens of his trees and vines in baskets, at va- rious horticultural exhibitions, Avhere they have been seen and examined by many thousands of persons, Avithout the detection of any fraud in 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER 119 them. Not only this, but many others are now meeting with equal success in similar cultivation, and the sale of these patent fruit baskets is al- ready quite extensive. AN HOUR WITH THE MIIiCH COWS. We recently had the pleasure of visiting the barn of Mr. Abiel II. Wheeler, of Concord, in this State, of looking at his herd of milch cows, and learning from him some of his ideas as to the best stock for milking purposes, and the manner in wliich he feeds and shelters them, in order to secure the largest possible product of good milk. His barn is 85X41 feet, nearly all the north- west side being used as bay room for hay, and his stock consists of twenty cows, two horses, two bulls and several swine. The bulls arc pure Ayr- shires, are matched, hardy and docile, and are usually in the yoke whenever there is heavy work to be done. He has pure Ayrshire cows, and thinks this stock, for milking purposes, as good as any of the favorite breeds among us. He cuts about 60 tons of hay annually, and on a portion of his land at the rate of five tons per acre. The cattle are all confined in stancheons, in one lean- to, and are bedded with fine, pine shavings from a neighboring pail factory, or with pine leaves gath- ered from the forest. The cows were all scrupu- lously clean, no droppings or dust being allowed to accumulate upon them — of course the floors under them were clean and sweet. His mode of feeding is as follows. All the va- rious kinds of fodder, excepting corn fodder, are cut, and the straw and different qualities of hay are mixed, and fed dry. The cattle eat this so readily that he says not a bushel of orts has been left from it during the winter. Each cow also re- ceives in grain of some kind what is equal to three quarts of corn meal per day, v,-hich is fed by itself. The corn fodder is fed to them uncut, from which they take what they please, and the remainder is worked up with other coarse litter for manure. Under this feed the cows keep in good condition, and yield a liberal flow of milk. He thinks this a profitable mode of using the fodder. The cattle are tied up at night through the year, and are al- ways supplied with abundant manure-making ma- terials. The barn-yard is dishing, and amply cov- ered with litter and muck to absorb all the li- quids that fall upon it. His barn-cellar is of equal extent with the barn itself — the north side being filled with the various vehicles of the farm, and the other side with the droppings, where a stout hand was overhauling, pulverizing and mixing them with muck, sand, pine leaves, or such other materials as he had stored up for winter use. Mr. AViiEELEK has one acre and one-fourth in asparagus. Tliis is cultivated with care, and has brought him in cash the sum of $500 in a single year. The asparagus tops are deposited in the barn-yard, in the spring. He top-dresses his grass lands liberally in the fall and keeps them well seeded, which may account for the product of Jive tons per acre which he has cut. Near the buildings he has a fine orchard of 300 or 400 young apple trees, and about 50 ])ear trees, which greatly improve the appearance of the farm, and which promise to be a source of future profit. Every thing about his buildings — so far as a win- ter view could go — appeared convenient and tidy. The stock was warm and contented, the buildings themselves in good repair, the wood-houses filled with dry wood, and both wood and water so "han- dy" as to have a strong tendency to keep all the family in a complacent frame of mind. Mr. Wheeler is one of the best plov/nien probably in the States, and few, if any, have car- ried away more prizes from the field of competi- tion than he has. He not only superintends, but takes a leading part in all the labor of the farm, and during the winter has the entire charge of the stock. Indeed, if we saw anything in wliich we thought he should make a change, it is that he should labor less. He is at present the President of the Concord Farmers^ Club, where he presides with great punctuality and promptness, and evin- ces the same enthusiasm that he does in all that he imdertakes. ]\Ir. W. has a son in the army, now a prisoner at New Orleans. He was taken at Bull Ilun, wliile remaining by the side of a sick associate. For the Ncjc England Fanner. DISSEMZBTATION OP FOtTL SEEDS. Mr. Editor : — Can there not be some remedy devised to prevent the vending of foul seeds with the seed we wish to purchase, and also to compel negligent, slovenly farmers, to extirpate all nox- ious weeds and plants that are liable to be carried by the wind and birds to the premises of adjoining neighbors ? 1 am of the opinion, that most of our hay seeds contain more or less foul seed, and that many a careful former finds himself taxed with many a weary day's work in consequence. I think this is a grov.'ing evil, from the fact that I see many more noxious, worthless plants than formerly, in all the region I am acquainted with. I know of many farms that are so overrun with wild carrot as to diminish the rents fifty per cent., and in some cases even more. These are, or were, valuable lands on the south-east end of Rhode Island. From the opposite side of the bay, many of these farms, when the carrot is in bloom, arc as white as if covered with snow. Plowing don't destroy it, and mowing seems to spread it, as the root sends out immediately numerous shoots to take the place of those cut off. It is a kind of hydra monster. Nothing but plucking it out by the roots will ex- tirpate it. It is now quite common all through 120 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March this section, and if suffei-ed to increase, Avill great- ly diminish the vahie of our forms. I could mention several other plants that are a great nuisance and evil, but will confine myself to but one more, viz., Johnsv,-ort. I have been cred- ibly informed that, in some parts of New York State, this i)lant has so got the upper hand of the farmers that they have given up some of then- fields to its entu-e possession. Within sight of where I live, is a farm that is fast coming under its pestiferous power. The owner don't seem to care much about it ; thinks he can get on, some- hoM', as long as he lives, and on the principle of "after me, the deluge," bequeaths to the coming generation a heritage of expense and trouble. For one, I do not believe we have aright to act, or not act, without reference to the future. How is it possible for any one to reconcile such a course with moral right .-^ Each succeeding generation should strive to excel its predecessor in all that is calculated to promote the highest good of the pres- ent, and of generations to come. Gratitude, and not remorse, would then be the heritage of all, and the world a comparative paradise. But to return to our subject. The evil is upon us. What is the remedy ? Will not some of your numerous cor- respondents tell us, or at least give their views of the matter ? Can we not have a law that will reach this case ? Could not seed inspectors be appointed, and licensed seed stores be established, where the farmer could go and be sure of getting a pure, unmixed article ? In the case of the neg- ligent farmer, who suffers liis lands to be overrun with weeds to liis neighbor's injury, could we not by law require him to cease injuring his neigh- bors ? lie has no just right to do it. Why not restrain him by penalties ? o. K. Rochester, 18G2. agricultubaij societies. WoKCESTER North Agricultural Society. — We have before us the Transactions of this So- ciety for the year ISGl. The annual Exhibition took place at Fitchburg, Sept. 24, 1861, We learn from them that the show in vegetables was far su- perior to any before presented ; that of flowers was brilliant ; the mechanic arts and manufactures were also liberally displayed, as were the articles of bread, butter, cheese, pickles, honey, preserves and wines. There was no regular address, but af- ter dinner appropriate remarks were made by sev- eral i^ersons. The officers for 18G2 are : President — L. II. Bradford, Fitchburg ; Vice Presidents — Leonard Burragc, Leominster ; Ben- jamin Wyman, Westminster ; Secretary — W. G, VVyman, Fitchburg; Treasurer — F. C. Caldwell, Fitchburg. Rutland County Agricultural Society. — At the annual meeting of this Society held at Rut- land, Vt., January 1, 18G2, the following officers ■were elected : President — Jajies M. Ketciium, Sudbury; Vice Presidents — Jesse L. Billings, Rutland ; A. D. Smith, Danby ; Secretary — Henry Clark, Poultney ; Treasurer — Hon. Zirari Howe, Castle- ton ; Auditor — H. W. Lester, Rutland. For the New England Farmer. ■WINTEK. BY B. F. FULLER. Now the winter is invested With the downy, feathery snow. Every mountain-top is crested, And the valley clad, below. Winter's ermine, as a ruffle. Leafless woodland seems to deck ; And the pines are like a muffle Of warm furs, around his neck. See ! the cloud-attended morning, All effulgent to the view ; And the sparkling snow adorning, Almost with a rainbow hue ! In the forest, now, I wander — Yes ! the winter's face to see. Every lesson I will ponder, That the seasons show to me. Hark ! a whistle, flute-like, airy, Like a signal, clear, and sweet \ 'Tis, perhaps, the reigning fairy Winds her horn, in this retreat ; "Chickadeedee !" — music cheery ! 'Tis the spell of memory, then, In the woodland, waste and weary, Wakes the summer song again ! No ! the birdie, bounding, leaping, Lights upon the feathery snow I Soft the breast of winter, sleeping— Would, for thee, 'twere always so ! Say, thou plaything of the breezes ! When the winter, wan and cold, In the moaning forest freezes, Where is, then, thy little hold ? "Chickadeedce !" chants the fearless. Flitting bird, upon the tree: "Never would your heart be cheerless, Had you confidence, like me !" I will study, then, the winter, In its ever varied phase — When the snowy sparkles glinter In the bright aud sunny days : When the air-filled flake, descending, In the day or in the night, Seems as if the heaven, bending. Would upon the earth alight: When the stars shine out with pleasure, On the mirror of the snow ; While a galaxy of treasure Seems the spangled bank, below ! — We have all a winter season. When our scanty lives we close: It is fitting we should reason Of the winter and Uie snows ! Shall we, then, so iieaccfid slumber As this sunny, snowy day ; Or tlie dreams, that conscience cumber. Frighten our repose away ? The Moss-Lands. — The moss-lands are formed, not by the perpetually diffused burden of mist, but the going and returning of intermittent clouds. All turns upon that iutermittence. Soft moss on stone and rock ; cave fern of tangled glen ; way- side well, perennial, patient, silent, ever thus deep, no more, which the winter wreck sullies not, the summer thirst wastes not, incapable of stain as of decline, where the foUcn leaf floats undecayed and the insect darts undcfiling. Crossed brook and ever eddying river, lifted even in flood scarcely above its stepping-stones, but through all sweet summer keeping tremulous music with harji- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 121 strings of dark water among the silver fingering of tlie pebbles. Far away in the south the river- gods have all hasted and gone down to the sea. AVastcd and burning, white furnaces of blasting sand, their broad beds lie ghastly and bare ; but here the soft wings of the sea-angel droop still with dew, and the shadows of their plumes falter on the hills ; strange laughings, and glittcrings of silver streamlets, born suddenly, and twined among the mossy heights in trickling tinsel, answering to them as they wave. — Buskin, VLNTEGAR IN TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. The whole philosophy of the manufacture of vinegar is included in the word oxydation, the al- cohol contained in cider, beer, or wine, combining with the oxygen of the atmosphere, becomes acetic acid, which in a diluted state is vinegar. The methods usually pursued in the domestic manufiicture of this article are, to say the least of them, susceptible of improvement. The conver- sion of cider into good vinegar, by exposure to the air in casks, requires weeks and even months to accomplish ; because, only a small surface is ex- posed at one time to the oxydizing action of the atmosphere. By exposing a larger surface of the liquor to the atmosphere, oxydation takes place with corres- ponding rapidity, and the process may be com- pletde in from twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The method of accomplishing this rapid acetifi- cation, which has long been known to scientific men and manufacturers, may be pursued without difficulty in private houses, as follows : Take a clean flour barrel, and bore auger holes all around the sides, and in the bottom ; set it over a flat tub or open cask, and fill it light with beech shavings which have been soaked in vinegar. On top of this barrel, which is open, lay two strips of Avood, and resting on these, a pail filled with cider, beer, or the like. Procure twelve or fifteen lengths of cotton wicking, about thirty inches long : which, after dip])ing in the liquid, arrange round the sides of the pail at regular intervals so that one end of each wick will be hanging in the cider, and the other one hanging down outside, and below the bottom of the pail. By means of these wicks, the pail will gradually bo emptied of its contents, which, trickling over the shavings, will be exposed to the air, absorb oxygen, and finally be received in the tub beneath. By returning the liquor into the pail above, and suffering this trickling process to be repeated two or three times, a splendid vin- egar will be obtained. The whole secret of the process lies in the mechanical increase of surface accomplished by the shavings. — Scientific Ameri- can. Remedy for Ringworms. — The North Brit- ish Agriculturist says that the disease locally known as ring worm or tetter, which shows itself about the head and neck of young cattle, in the form of whitish dry scurve spots, can be removed by rubbing the parts affected with iodine ointment. The disease may also be combated by the use of sulphur and oil ; iodine ointment is, however, to be preferred. As this skin disease is easily com- municated to the human subject, the person dress- ing the cattle should wash his hands with soap and hot water after each ointment. For the Netc England Farmer. POVERTY OF SHADE. Mr. Brown : — I am so confident that you de- sire to give only sound doctrine to the readers of the Farmer that I venture a criticism on one of your "replies," with the full confidence of your willingness. In the weekly Fanner for Jan. 11th, in answer to "Subscriber," from North Dunbar- ton, N. H., you say, "Perhaps the better way would be to sow oats or barley with the grass seed, and cut them for fodder. This course would i.ot ma- terially exhaust the soil, and the oats might, in some measure, protect the young grass, and give it an opportunity to escape cbought, if it should ensue." It is a very common idea that the shade afford- ed in such case is more than an offset for the mois- ture-exhaustion which it costs. But such is not the case. While the roots can get moisture, the plants will not dry u]) because of the power of the sun upon them. During last summer we had a severe drought. I had a piece of ground under my care sowed with oats and grass seed. On a part of it the oats were cut down by insects, so as to leave scarcely a blade. There the grass lived through the drought. On another part the oats stood un- harmed by insects. There the little grass roots all died from the severity of the drought. Cer- tainly it was from this cause that the grass failed there. In a field of potatoes, also, where perhaps an eighth of an acre had a crop of coarse weeds which lived in defiance of the hoe, there the soil became so extremely dry that the potatoes died of thirst ; while the case was different on precise- ly the same kind and condition of soil where the weeds had been subdued. The shadow of a weed will never pay for the moisture it steals in time of drought, and the same principle will hold good against oats or barley in a water-account with the soil. The more roots there are to suck the parched soil the sooner its moisture will be gone. Naked soil will retain moisture beyond that which is thickly covered with growing grass or grain. A row of corn, skirting grass-ground, will curl up from drought before one Avould at a distance from where so many roots are sucking. A weedy piece of ground will suffer worse than a clean flcld. Lee, N. II., Jan., 1862. Comings. Remarks. — You judge us correctly, friend Co- mings, in supposing that Ave "desire to give only sound doctrine to the readers of the Farmer." Our language, you will observe, was quite guarded. Before proceeding, let us see what the point at is- sue is : It is not, Avhat course of culture Avill pro- duce the largest crops of grass, but, simply, whrt' circumstances Avill best promote the germination of grass seed and its early growth ? In i\iQ first place, the oats were to be cut green — not allowed to seed — which Avould leave the sur- face free for the young grass after it had got fair- ly started, and not "materially" exhaust the soil — that is, compared with the exhaustion when oats are allowed to mature. Secondly, oats start quick, partially cover the surface, and thus prevent a large amount of evap- 122 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March oration, keeping moisture in store for themselves and the young grass, by absorbing moisture from the air, as -well as exhausting it from the soil, — for the plants are living and bi-eathing organisms, and a mutual action is continually going on be- tiveen them and the soil. "They are first fed by the food which the root procures from the earth, and a part of the nutritive matter which is stored up in the seed-leaves. They feed especially upon the latter until the store is exhausted, and by the time this happens they are clothed with leaves which arc themselves able to feed them after the seed-leaves have perished." This is the language of Prof. LiNDLEY, — than whom there is no higher authority, — and we cite it to show that the oat plants among the grass receive a large amount of their support from the atmosphere, and conse- quently, do not — in their early growth — exhaust the soil so much as they benefit it by their shade, and the moisture they bring to it from the air. At any rate, not so much as is stated by our cor- respondent. Both Hales and Duiiamel — among the very highest authorities — say that branches imbibe moisture nearly equally by either end ; and consequently the sap moves with equal facility hotli upwards and downwards. M. Bonnet states that "leaves will imbibe enough of icater to sup- ■port the vegetation of a whole branch, and the leaves belonging to it." This does not look as though the leaves of the oat plant were made merely to rob the soil! Our friend may sow the seeds of the elm, ma- ple, birch and pine, on a piece of M?isheltered land, and he will find that a large proportion of the plants — if they come up at all — will perish ; but if he goes to the forest, cuts the trees and brush, scrapes away the leaves, stirs the soil, and sows the same kind of seeds there, they will not only come up, but under the genial protection of the suiTounding trees and shrubbery, will grow and flourish in surprising numbers. He will find tliis piece of soil, t?i ilce forest, although no mulching lies upon it, moist and soft, when the pastures in the vicinity are parched and barren. Was not our suggestion in accordance with the almost universal practice of farmers, who sow oats or barley with grass seed, not cntirehj because they desire the crop of oats, but because the oats themselves are, in some degree, a protection to the young and tender grass plants ? A very suc- cessful farmer informed us, a few days since, that he invariably sows three bushels of oats per acre ■with grass seed, and that he secures the best re- sults under this practice, Avhich has been contin- ued through many years, because it is a success- ful practice. It is our practice to sow grass seed among stand- ing corn, and we have never failed of securing fa- vorable results under ordinary circumstances — but always the most satisfactory where the corn stood the thickest, although on soil of the same quality and in the same position. We have heretofore urged tliis as a reason for laying lands to grass wliile the corn is standing. We are informed that where coffee is cultivated, it is always done under the protection of trees ; that although the trees spread their roots far and wide, they are condensers of moisture from the air as well as extractors of it from the soil, and are thus of essential benefit to the young and ten- der plants. On the same principle, pasture lands are much benefited by occasional shade trees scat- tered over them, — and we believe it is generally admitted, that such pastures afford more grass than those entirely bare of trees. That though the trees sap the soil, their other beneficial action upon it is more than balanced by the drafts they make upon the soil itself. Fourcroy — another high authority — says : "In clearing up new lands, the trees on the summits of hills should be left standing. They attract the vapor that floats in the atmosphere, and the rains, and serve as co7i- ductors of that element to moisten the ground. By their shade they retain the verdure and feed." This is precisely the case. Another advantage of the oats is, that they chcclc the currents of wind, and thus prevent evap- oration, in a great degree. This point needs no argument, as all admit that hay dries much faster when there is a wind than when it is still ; the wind rapidly carries away the natural evaporation of the soil, which is continually succeeded by new moisture and carried off by fresh currents, and thus rapidly desiccates the ground. The oats tend to keep these currents from the young grass, and consequently a large portion of the evaporat- ed moisture is kept among them. The difference of opinion entertained, seems to us to arise from the fact that no credit is given to plants for the absorption by them of loatcr from the atmosphere. If they did not receive and im- part it, how long would it be, in the absence of rain, before the soil would become utterly unfit to sustain a plant ? We quote Lindley again : "If the branch of a plant is placed in a bottle of wa- ter, and the neck of the bottle is luted to the branch, so that no evaporation can take place, nevertheless the water loill disappear; and this can only happen from its having been abstracted by the branch." This is just the action which we ascribe to the leaves of the oat plants as they stand among the grass. As we have this high authority before us, let us quote again from it: lie says — "Since a plant does not perspire [sweat] at night, and since its absorbing points, the roots, remain during that period in contact with the same humid medium [that is, the soil] as during the day, they icill at- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 123 tract fiidd into the system of the plant during the night, and consequently the weight of the indi- ■\ddual {the plant] will be increased. In like man- ner, if plants in the shade are abundantly supplied with moisture at the roots, they will also gain more than they can lose ; and as this will be a constant action, the result must necessarily be to render all their parts soft and watery." The oat plants, while the grass is young — and this is the only time which we are discussing — keep the grass both shaded and moist, and the result follows which Prof. Lindley has just described. The above shows the mea^is of keeping the ground moist, as we suggested to our Dunbarton correspondent, and the following from the same Ingh authority already quoted, shows its impor- tance, viz. : "As a general rule, therefore, we are authorized to conclude that the ground should be abundantly supplied with naoisture when plants first begin to grow, and that the quantity should be diminished as the organization of a plant be- comes completed." On this point, however, there is probably no diversity of opinion. We find fur- ther confirmation of our views, in Davy, Doctor Ingenhouz, Senebier, and others. Let us, in conclusion, revert for a moment, to the point at issue, as, if Ave adhere strictly to that, an agreement will be moi-e likely to take place. It is not, what couree of culture will produce the largest crops of grass, but, simply, what circum- stances will best promote the germination of grass seed and its early growth ? Vie have thus given some of the "reasons" for the "faith that is in us." They are general prin- ciples,— and not the results of one or two isolated cases, upon wliich it is never safe to build up a theorj\ We cordially thank our correspondent for liis criticism, so frankly and kindly expressed, and sincerely desire to be free from all "hobbies," and to be wedded to no theories or opinions, mere- ly because we once entertained them. If they cannot stand the test of fair criticism, we mean to relinquish them, and be found on the "progres- sive road," shoulder to shoulder with our long- tried and intelligent correspondent, "Comings." PRESENTS FROM JAP ATT. The new Japanese presents just sent to the President of the United States from the Tycoon of Japan, are the finest that has ever been seen in this country. A lacquered box containing a letter thanking the President for the reception of liis ambassadors — in most courtly phrase in char- acters as stately as those usually found upon the sides of a tea box, wrapped in the yellowest of yellow silk, with plenty of gilt. A sword of ex- quisite steel, with the handle bedded with large pearls and mounted in the finest gold. Blocks of crystal from the sacred Fusiyama Moiuitain, of diamond clearness. Vases of antique bronze, ex- quisitely sculptured in relief with tortoises and stones of untold value. A punch bowl fit for a Cyclops to "wet his whistle" in, so large that the President's two sons curled up in it and the cover was put on ; candlesticks some four feet high, gold mounted, with vases of every variety of pattern and shape ; an entire suite of armor quite worthy of the middle ages. The people are anxiously waiting to have these things sent to some place — the Smithsonian or the Patent Office — where they can get a glimpse at these gems of crystal, steel, bronze or porcelain. A whole dinner set, with hundreds of pieces of Japanese crape, silk and brocade, forms a part of this royal present. For the New England Farmer. WHAT SHALL I BAISE P Mr. Editor : — I desire, through your columns, to inquire hov*', in these times, farming can be made profitable ? My farm is composed, mainly, of mow- ing and tillage land, lying in the meadows which sldrt the banks of the Connecticut river, in Hamp- shire county, of this State. This land is worth from one to two hundred dollars per acre. Crops raised in this town and vicinity consist of Indian corn, broom corn, hay and tobacco. The price of Indian corn the past season has ranged from fifty to sixty-five cents per bushel, and broom corn four to five cents per pound ; the low prices of these commodities, I suppose to be mainly owing to the great quantities of the same that are pro- duced upon tlie fertile fields of the West, in con- nection with the comparatively small outlay for their production there. Taking the estimated value of our land, and the price of labor, it re- quires no argument to prove that these are not pi'ofitable. The hay crop, so far as it is produced for the purpose of iattening cattle for market, is, if anything, worse for the farmer than the raising of Indian corn and broom corn. The tobacco ci"op is the only one that remains to be considered. My neighbors find the raising of this article very profitable ; but I, believing its use not only useless, but positively injurious, choose not to raise it. Now, Mr. Editor, will you, or some of your cor- respondents, inform mo M'hat is the best course to be pursued to render my farm profitable ? You will, of course, understand that the high price which tobacco brings in market, increases the price of labor among us, as well as the price of land, and consequently, those who do not raise tobacco must pay the same wages for hired labor, as those who do. The price of laud is also graduated upon the price of tobacco. ILvjipshire. Jan. 7, 1862. Remarks. — The letter of our correspondent is a "poser," we confess. We admire his stern prin- ciples, and heroic determination not to yield to "the tempter." It seems to us that land situated as "Hampshire" describes his farm, and valuable as he estimates it, must be capable of bearing large crops of hay, — and perhaps root crops, — say car- rots, ox parsnips. Hay, pressed, or the root crops, could be sent to a distant market, if they are not salable near by. Or, perhaps, by temporarily set- 124 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March ting a lower estimate on liis land, he could afford to raise other crops, — Indian corn, wheat, barley or oats — and wait patiently for better times. If a market for them is not too far off, could he not cultivate the small fruits, especially strawber- ries, or asparagus, and find a fair return from them ? The latter crop is made very profitable by many persons living twenty or thii-ty miles from any large market. It is quite probable that there are some particu- lar localities, where farming is less profitable than it generally is ; and so it must be with the carpen- ter, tradesman, and any other occupation. EXTRACTS AND BEPLIES. PASTURE — COMPOST HEAP — SUBSTITUTE FOR ASHES — A LOAD OF MANURE. 1. I am clearing a piece of ground which has been used for more than half a century as a cow pasture ; for several reasons I do not wish to plow it. Will you inform me through the Far- mer if ground bone or superphosphate of lime would be good for a top dressing, and if so, how much to the acre ? Or what can I do to improve it? 2. I have several cords of soil composed of yel- low loam, clay and decayed vegetable matter; what can I mix with it to make a good compost ? 3. I notice in the Farmer th^t ashes is frequent- ly recommended for composting and fertilizing, and I know that it is good — but I am situated where coal is mostly used, and, therefore, I can not procure wood ashes. Is there anything that can be profitably used as a substitute ? 4. Most of the statements published in regard to the application of manure speak of so many loads being used. How much do farmers mean by a load ? Would it not be more definite if they were to say cords or bushels ? In return for the information here asked for, I shall be hajjpy, whenever I may be able to commu- nicate for the benefit of your readers. c. G. Hingliam, Jan., 1862. Remarks. — 1. Bone dust and superphosphate of lime are both good for the old pasture. If you wish to be liberal with it, apply 100 lbs. of the former and 300 lbs. of the latter, per acre, as soon as the ground is bare. Then spread as many bushels of the soil Avhich you speak of, as you can afford on top of the bone dust and superphosphate. Upon these scatter white and red clover, a little redtop, timothy and orchard grass seeds, and har- row thoroughly each way. You may succeed un- der this process ; a slight dressing of fine, rich compost would make it nearly certain. 2. Lime, ashes, bone-dust, guano, superphos- phate, fish, sea-weed, Avash from the house and barn, are all good. If you can find a cask of dam- aged potash at low price, dissolve it and sprinkle the heap, overhauling it for the purpose. 3. Stone or oyster shell lime can, in some measure. See preceding answer. 4. A cord of manure is about 100 bushels. The common ox-cart, even full, holds about 25 bush- els ; heaped, about 30 bushels ; so that a cord of light manure will usually be haided at three loads. We think it would be better to use the term "bushels" or "cords" in speaking of quantities of manure. HOW TO PACK EGGS FOR TRANSPORTATION. I often have the question asked, "How shall I pack eggs for transportation ?" To all such inqui- ries I would answer, select a strong, wooden box, fill from the bottom tAvo inches deep with bran or shorts, then wrap every e^g in wool and place them, point downward, upon the bran, being care- ful to leave about half an inch between each egg. After placing the first layer, fill in two inches more with bran, and place the eggs as before. When the box is full with at least three inches of bran over the top layer, jar the box gently so as to fill every cavity between the eggs, screw on the cover marked "eggs," and you may send them by express safely. I have sent eggs of the Brahma fowls by express to every New England State. A gentleman in New Jersey raised 8 chicks from 12 eggs which were packed and sent him by express. I have found that eggs packed in this manner generally succeeded well in hatching. Salem, Jan., 1862. John S, Ives. now TO GET AND USE MUCK. Having seen so much said of muck in the Far- mer, it has induced me to ask you a few questions on the subject as to its value. Will it pay to get it at tliis season of the year ? If procured in the fall, how shall it be kept from freezing so that it can be spread under cattle ? Chester, Ct., 1862, A Subscriber. Remarks. — It is an excellent time to haul muck in the winter that has been previously thrown out. Where water does not follow the spade too rapidly, the winter is also a good time to throw it out. Muck that is intended to be used for bedding cattle should be thrown out in the summer, or early autumn, and when dry, carted to some shed, cellar, leauto, or other place of conve- nient access to the cattle stalls. A SURE cure for CHILBLAINS. Soak the feet a few moments for three nights in succession in water in which hogs have been scalded, and it will prove a sure cure for that troublesome complaint. One who bas Tried it. Remarks. — As such water as our correspon- dent describes is not always at hand, we suggest that the afflicted drop a pint of wood ashes into a bucket of warm water, and wash the feet in that. A nice hog. Mr. PuEscoTT Young, of Sugar Hill, N. H., recently killed a hog of the Chester breed, about 18 months old, which weighed when dressed 025 lbs. A. Wells. Sugar Hill, N. H., 1862. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 125 SEED CORN. Noticing some remarks by "O. K." in the Jan- uary number of the Farmer about seed corn, I thought I would tell what I have done. I have raised a small kind of yellow corn for more than twenty years. When first raised I could not find two ears on a stalk as often as I can now find three or four, and, occasionally, five to eight, good, sound ears, but some of them small. I have taken pains to save as many good, sound ears on early stalks as I could for seed, wliich I think increases the number greatly. When first planted, I could get from forty to sixty bushels per acre, now I get from seventy to nearly one hundred bushels, by actual measure- ment, on the same ground and with the same treatment, shelling it in October. E. R. Hardwick, Jan. 16, 1862. WARTS — WOODCHUCKS — DOVES. One of your readers asks for a remedy to cure warts on a colt. I cured one on my colt by wash- ing the warts in saleratus water. I heard it re- commended for warts on cattle. The best way I have tried to get rid of wood- chucks is, to turn into the hole two or three pails of boiling water, and take care of the animals when they come out. I have known doves to be very destructive in pulling corn, but do not tliink they are apt to, if well fed. A Subscriber. Enfield, N. H., 1862. A ROUSING HOG. "While looking over your paper of Jan. 18th, I saw an account of a fine hog killed by Mr. Eras- tus Howard, being 18 months old, and weighing 536 lbs., and also the question — "Who can beat this ?" I have this winter killed one 15 months old, weighing 588 lbs. CuRTis Parker. Bichmond, N. H., Jan. 2, 1862. For the New England Farmer. MATCHLN-Q STEERS' HORNS. Mr. Editor : — I have noticed an inquiry re- cently in the Farmer, how to match the horns of steers, if one horn grows down. In reply to that question I Avould say that five years since I had a very fine pair of Devon steers, nicely matched, with most beautiful horns, except one horn on one of them inclined to turn down, so as to look very badly, and the question was, how to remedy the defect, and have the horns grow alike. As I had previously tried scraping steers' horns to change their shape, and without any benefit in a single in- stance, I adopted the following plan : — I fastened a pulley to the floor directly over the steer's head, and another pulley at a point where a weight could safely be suspended, then passed a cord over each pulley, putting one end of the cord on the horn that was down, and to the other end of the cord a weight of two pounds, kept the cord on the horn most of the time during the winter, when my steers were in the stable. In that way I raised the horn so that at the close of the next autumn my steers' horns matched perfecthj rcell ! Since that time it has been tried repeatedly by farmers in this vicinity, with the like success. The horns of steers while growing, can be turned in any di- rection, by the continued use of a weight over a pulley, which is but very little trouble and no in- jury to the steers. S. C. Parsons. New Boston, Mass., Jan., 1862. Remarks. — We are greatly obliged to our cor- respondent for tliis timely and interesting infor- mation. For the New England Farmer, RETROSPECTIVE NOTES. Water for Fattening Swine, pa^re 10. — A good work has been done in this brief paragraph ; for certainly it is a good work to expose and de- stroy the infiuence of an absurd pi'actice or propo- sal. Some one, it appears, took it into his wise head that swine might fatten better without water or drink of any kind than with it, and having "proved it by experience" — alas ! that so much of this foolish and false ^^ experience," which consists in twisting facts to support a whim or a theory, should find its way into print — gets his absurd no- tion printed in the Pairal New-Yorker. This pro- posal, and the one-sided experience proving it, misled one reader, and so he tries the experiment of feeding sixteen shoats on dry corn, for nearly two months, without water. As might have been expected by any sensible man, "they acted like crazy creatures and a common rail fence would not stop them. They ate but little corn, and I think did not gain a pound." After water was given them, they began to eat, and act as other hogs. This experiment, it is to be hoped, will find its way Avherever the proposal may have gone, and utterly explode it, so that it may no longer have power to mislead any one. But the bane may travel farther than the antidote, and so others be subjected to the cruel experiment ; for there are so many papers now-a-days which have what is called an agricultural department, and into which the non-agricultural editor foists so many absurd pro- posals and so many rion-practical items, that it is to be feared the absurdity now exploded, may find its way where the antidote may not be able to fol- low it. For, in glancing at the agricultural de- partment of some papers, I have seen more that was absurd and likely to mislead its readers, than of what was sensible and practically useful. I have thought this absurdity worthy of notice, c.hiefli/ because the admission of such into agricul- tural papers, tends to lower their reputation, and to strengthen the prejudices of many against them ; and because every absurdity misleads some one or more. Seed Corn. — In the issue of this journal of December 7th, of last year, and in the January number of the monthly edition, "0. K." states some facts which will surprise many. It appears that at a recent meeting of the Farmers' Club, connected with the American Institute, in New York city, there was a discussion upon the subject of seed corn, and that so great a diversity of opin- ion prevailed, as to prove that this subject was still involved in great uncertainty. This must cause no little surprise ; for here is the most im- portant as well as the most common crop raised 126 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March by American farmers, — raised, too, every year, by every farmer since the first settlement of the coun- try, and yet there are questions about it, yea, even about the single subject of the seed, which are not as yet settled, after an experience by millions of farmers for upwards of two hundred years. This diversity of opinion is certainly surprising. It is time that the farming fraternity should consider this want of exact knowledge as to seed corn, and arouse themselves to such carefully conducted ex- periments as would settle those questions. For their own credit, if not for anything else, the mem- bers of that Farmers' Institute, as well as the members of all other agricultural clubs and socie- ties, should arouse themselves, and institute ex- periments which might settle matters which should have been settled long ago. Surely we have men in our farming communities, yea, even among the readers of this journal, Avho are abundantly capa- ble, and who have the means and time, if they only had the will or the wish, to carry out experi- ments in this matter to satisfactoiy results. It is some satisfaction to find that, among the members of the Institute, there seemed to be a general agreement about one point, namely, that it is a good practice to select in the field the first- ripened, well-matured stalks, having two ears, in order that succeeding crops may ripen earlier, and be the more likely to have two or more well-filled ears on a stalk. This is a point about which there will be a general agreement among all flvrmers, as well as among the members of the club, and yet, notwithstanding this general agreement in tvords, it is a fact that \hc practice of thousands of corn- planters, in the selection of seed corn, is just such, as if there were no general agreement about the matter. Too generally, the practice seems to be, in selecting seed corn, to take the best-looking ears in the crib, or on their way to the crib, with- out knowing whether there were one or 'more ears on the stalk which produced it. Too generally, the seed corn is not selected until spring, and then, of course, there is a risk that there may have been dampness enough about either the cob or the kernels themselves to allow the frosts of the previous winter to destroy the vitality of the chit or germ. Hence, in part, the frequency of failure in the first planting, and the necessity of planting over again, and the consequent lateness in the ripening of the crop, and exposure of it to the risk of injury by frost. But my object in noticing the article of "O. K." was, to second his eflbrts to induce farmers to make experiments, in order that certain questions about seed corn may be settled, the settling of which would add both to the credit and cash of farmers. Moke Anon. FLOWAGE CASE. The trial of the action, Eastman against the Amnskeag Manufacturing Company, at Manches- ter, N. II., has just resulted, after a three weeks' investigation, in a verdict for the plaintiff for $200. The trial was designed to test the right of the Company to maintain its dam at its present height, the land-owners above it, on the Merri- mac river, alleging that the dam had been illegal- ly raised. The verdict is only for the damage done to the plaintiffs land by three years' flow- age. A bill in equity is already pending to com- pel the Company to reduce their dam to its proper level, so that this verdict, though of small amount, is of immense importance. The trial attracted much attention, and was very closely contested. The closing ai-guments were made by Hon. George W. Morrison, for the corporation, and by Judge French, of Bos- ton, for the plaintiff. There is no law in New Hampshire by which land-owners can be drowned by mill-owners, with- out their own consent. It is time, as Gov. An- drew suggests in liis message, that som.e change was made in Massachusetts, by which farmers may have some voice in the disposition of their own land on the banks of streams and rivers. An act by which anybody may flow another's land with- out notice and without consent, is unworthy of this good, old Commonwealth, or of any other enlightened State. For the New England Farmer. GKASS. ET BK. JOSEPH REYX0U)3. It groweth everywhere. Its tender blade Shooteth in the sunshine, arid in the shade ; It groweth on the hill-side, and the plain, By the sheltering hedge, in the shady lane. It springs by the roadside, under our feet, In the garden, where beds and borders meet. Under the shinibs, where blooms the scented rose. And the wild jasmine and sweet almond grows ; It creeps up the bank, it runs down the slope, It springs with the crocus under the cope In the early spring, and stays in the fall With the pansy that peeps under the wall ; In the fresh meadow, where the waters gleam In the clear sunlight, and the sparkling stream Winds its course, now hidden, and now seen. It spreads its modest, cheerful coat of green. It groweth everj-where. On the mountain, In the valley, by the springing fountain, In the forest, in the field, on the beach. Just where the daily flowing tide doth reach ; It creepeth close by the shoi-e of the lake. As its soft rootlets sought their thirst to slake ; The waves that ceaseless lap its foam-crowned Sp, Kiss the green leaflets that stoop down to sip. The wild deer from the wood crops the smooth turf, As early he comes to sport in the surf. The herds of the prairies, ^v•ith the wild ass. All find their homes in wide oceans of gi-ass ; The droves of mustangs on SIcxican plains, The tartar's wild horse in Afghan domains, The goats of the Alps, that climb on the rocks, The horned zebus, and the fleet springboks. All ranging free as tlie birds in the skies. Crop the sweet herbage that nature supplies. The soft, modest grass is everywhere seen, Spreading its carpet of beautiful green. To cover the scars man makes in the earth. And smooth o'er the soil tliat giveth it birth. When hoofs of war horses trample the soil, In the rage and strife of battle's turmoil, When war's iron storm tears up the fair plain. And ridgcth it o'er with graves of the slain, The soft grass, in pity, spreads o'er the scene. Covering it up with its mantle of green. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 127 SEASONABLE FACTS AND SUGGESTIONS. Tomato Plants in Frames. — It frequently happens that tomato plants in frames grow so tall before the season arrives for setting them out, that they touch the sash, and I have frequently seen the sash projipcd up to afford them more room. A much better course to pursue is to cut off the tops of the plants. Tliis causes the plant to throw out lateral branches, and instead of a tall, lank, top-heavy plant, you have a strong, stocky one, that will thrive when set out. Climbing Vines. — A neat method of support- ing climbers is to take a strip of two-inch plank, two inches wide, planed the full length of the board, and painted green, which set firmly in the ground. Next, obtain from a wooden ware or toy store, two children's hoops, one the largest, and the other the smallest you can find. Now sus- pend the small one as near the top of the pole as possible, by strings, and fasten the large one close to the ground. Plant your seeds around the out- side of the large hoop, and when up, run strings of soft twine regularly from the top to the bottom hoop. It will look better to have the hoops paint- ed green, and the twine should be dark, and not cotton twine. Phloxes. — It is strange that this beautiful class of herbaceous perennials is not more generally cultivated. More attention is paid to the growth of them than formerly, it is true ; but still there are very few gardens Avhich boast of more than the two old varieties of wfeite and pink phloxes, known by most persons only as the "French V/il- low." These persons may be surpi'ised to knoM' that there are several hundred distinct varieties now cultivated. Elwanger &; Barry, in their cat- alogue for the present year, have one hundred and fifty-five named phloxes. The period of flower- ing has been gradually extending, until it reaches from July 1st to the time of severe frosts. There are also several sorts of cree])ing phloxes, bloom- ing in May or June, and which propagate them- eelves by runners. The phlox, in all its varieties, is perfectly hardy, and requires no care whatever, except that the plants should be divided (either in the fall or spring,) every three or four years. The Phlox Drummondii is one of the most beau- tiful annuals, (we are almost tempted to say the most beautiful,) with which Ave are acquainted. Grown in a mass in a border by themselves, noth- ing can exceed them ; as they embrace every va- riety of tint, and are in bloom for a period of at least three months. Ashes for Potatoes. — Rufus Brown, of Chel- sea, Orange county, Vt., says that in an experi- ment tried by him, the gain in the crop of pota- toes by the use of ashes at the rate of a teacupful to the hill, was about a bushel and a half of po- totoes for each bushel of ashes used. The kind of potatoes was the "English Pink-eye," and yield 200 bushels per acre. The ground was planted May 7th, with the ashes in holes, and a little dirt over them. It was plowed and hoed June ISth, the rows being four feet apart and the hills three feet. The aslies cost 12^ cents a bushel, and po- tatoes sold at 3-5 cents, returning full oO cents a bushel for the ashes employed. Sowing Peas. — S. R. Elliott, of Cleaveland, writing to the Avierican Farmers' Magazine, says : "Some years since, I commenced sowing peas, and covering them at different depths, varying from one inch to one foot. I found those buried eight inches deep appeared above the ground only one day later than those buried only two inches ; while those that were covered twelve inches deep were a little over two days behind. As they grew, no perceptible difference Avas noticed, imtil tliey com- menced blossoming and setting, then the advan- tage of the deep planting exhibited itself; for those that were eight and ten inches deep contin- ued to grow, blossom, and set pods long after those only two to four inches commenced ripening and decaying. If the soil is light and loamy, I will hereafter plant my peas eight to ten inches deep : if the soil is clayey, I would plant six inch- es. I never earth up, but leave the ground as level as possible." The Michigan Farmer says "peas maybe plant- ed on any good, dry soil at the earliest moment after the surface is thawed out enough to give earth sufficient to make the furrow in which to sow them. The varieties Avhich we Avould recom- mend to sow first would be the Early Kent, DwarJ Blue Imperial and the large White Marrouifat. These three varieties, if all sown on the same day, will give a complete succession of this desirable vegetable." Tar on Potatoes. — A. B. Dickinson stated, at a meeting of the New York State Agricultural Society, that the practice with the potato was to select out the heaviest, as the best to withstand the blight. He tested his potatoes by putting them in very strong brine. Those that were the heaviest were the best to grow. He cut his pota- toes into pieces of two eyes in each. lie also stated that he had not planted or sown any kind of seed for ten years without a coating of tar, and in preparing liis potatoes for planting he dissolved one pint of tar in three pails of boiling water, and added four pails of water afterwards. Tliis solu- tion he either poured over his seed potatoes, so that each got a coating, or the potatoes were dipped in it and then sprinkled with plaster. He stated that he formerly had no trouble in raising five hundred bushels per acre, but of late he could not do this. Though one year he had raised at the rate of fom- hundred and fifty bushels per acre, yet he seldom averaged above three hundred bush- els.— Michigan Farmer. Seed Potatoes. — B. K. Williams, of Cold Water, Mich., states that he has been experiment- ing upon seed potatoes for several years, and ho finds one-quarter of the seed generally used is an improvement. From one to two eyes in a hill, he says, will produce more potatoes, of more even size, and less subject to decay, than any larger amount of seed. We think our farmers general- ly have been tending to the same theory for sev- eral years, although they have not perhaps carried it to that extent. The Enghsh and Irish farmers say that Ave use three times the seed they do, and that as a consequence Ave get more small potatoes and less large ones than they do, and not so good aggregate crops. 123 XEW ENGLAXD F\KMER. ^Iai:cu KUKAIi ABCHITECTDTIE. DESIGN FOR A SUBUEBAN RESIDENCE, WITH GROUNDS, BY GEO. E. HARNEY, LYNN, MASS. DESIGNED AND KNGRAVKD EXPRESSLY FOB THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER In connection with a former plan, yve ventured a few hints regarding cottage grounds, with a promise that at some future time we should offer plans for laying out such grounds, showing the lo- cation of the buildings, foot-paths and roads, and the proper method of arranging the trees, shrub- bery and flowers, so as to produce the best effect, and as a favorable opportunity now offers itself, we know of no more seasonable time for redeem- ing the promise. We therefore give at this time, in season for its suggestions to be adopted this year, a design for a simple cottage, with its plan, and the plan of the lot on wliich it is situated. This lot is supposed to be located either in the suburbs of some city, or in some country village, where a considerable population has centered — in the neighborhood of schools, churches and stores — facing the village green, perhaps — at all events, in some locality where the lots are larger than the city affords, though more circumscribed than those we would find in the open country. It is at the intersection of two streets, and com- prises between an eighth and a quarter of an acre, devoted to ornamental purposes alone, the kitchen garden and domestic offices being in the rear, and not included in our present plan. The dwelling stands back thirty feet from the street, on a slightly elevated spot, which slopes gradually away to the boundaries. A foot-jDath, five feet wide, starting from the front gate, passes the front entrance, and finally terminates in the open yard in the rear. This, with the carriage- road, which leads from the side gate to the stable, is the only path we have introduced on the plan, nor is it desirable to traverse the whole lot by gravelled Avalks, tending as they do to diminish its apparent size by bringing the boundaries near- er the eye, and involving a considerable outlay of money and time in making and keeping in order. It is, however, of great importance that what paths we do make, should be made in a thorough man- ner at the outset. In order to have a perfect road, the soil, in the first place — after the curves have been marked and the lines run — should be excavated from eighteen inches to two feet deep, and all the loam taken away and spread upon some part of the garden ; then this ditch should be about half filled with any small stones which may be picked up here and there about the place 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 129 and the whole filled up to the desired height with the fence, are a tall Purple Lilac and a Tartarean the best gravel that can be procured, taking care to make it a little higher in the centre than at the two sides — say a couple of inches in the five feet path — in order that the surface may better shed what water does not soak through into the drain, and finally, the whole may have a finishing coat of blue screened gravel, evenly spread, and well rolled, and with proper care we shall have at all seasons, firm, dry and clean walks. The foundation of the ornamental portion is smooth, green lawn, extending to the boundaries on either side, which are hidden by plantations of evergreens and shrubbery, with occasionally a de- ciduous tree introduced to produce a variety, and give character to the whole. They are mostly ar- ranged in irregular clumps, connected together by other shrubs and evergreens, and planted with a view to obtain as great a diversity of outline as possible, and heavy masses of foliage and flowers. Honeysuckle. From this clump the range to the stable is as follows : a row of half-a-dozen ever- green trees of good size near the fence — two or three deciduous trees at convenient distances, and between, and forming the clumps, are Purple and White Lilacs, Altheas, Honeysuckles, Syringas, Hawthorns and Laburnums, while the foreground is made up of specimens of the Spirea, Rose Wei- gela, Japan Quince, Pink Mezereum and Fragrant Currant. Near the corner of the stable is a group of three or four Evergreens, and between it and the corner of the dwelling-house there is a clump made up of a couple of Firs, an American Mountain Ash, and in tlie shade underneath, heavy plants of the rose-colored Kalmia and Rhododendron. In the centre of the lawn is a single specimen of the Larch, which will here have ample room to show its graceful form and light, aiiy foliage to from spring to late in the fall. The clump on the the best advantage. right of the front gate is composed principally of Returning to the gate, we have on the left a Su- tall growing shrubs and evergreens. In the cor- gar Maple and a Scarlet floviered Hawthorn, sur- ner is an American Mountain Ash, the color of rounded by a white Persian Lilac, a Rose Weige- ■yvhose red berries contrasts well with the heavy i la, a St. Peter's Wreath and a Fragrant Currant. green of the two Norway Spruces, one on each | Beyond this, and close to the fence, is another specimen of the Scotch Larch, and a little beyond, a Maple or Tulip, or some other deciduous tree of graceful form. In the corner range, we might have first a Venetian Sumac or Fringe Tree — desi- rable on account of its brilliant yellow flowers — and near it one or two plants of the Per- sian Lilac, or white Mezerei«n. A Tulip tree near the corner, forms the central point of this group, while beyond it, and along the side street, are a Sy- ringa, a red Strawberry tree^ a Catalpa, and a mixed Althea, besides a couple of Ever- greens and smaller shrubs to fill up the front. Next comes an area of lawn and flowers, with a view across, into the street, from the bay "window, and beyond tliis, ex- tending to the carriage-road, another group is made up of a Larch, a broad-leaved Labur- num, a tall Silver Maple, Per- sian Lilacs, and a trimmed Ar- bor Vitne tree, with a Fragrant Currant and a Double Dwarf Almond in the foreground. On the opposite side of the road, we have a PLAN OF FIRST FLOOR, WITH GROUNDS side or it. Close to the path is a largo, flowering Syringa, and in front some low, bright flowering shrub, such as Rose AVeigcla, Double Tree Peony or Double Dwarf Almond, while farther back near Rose Weigela, a white Japan Quince, a tall Ca- 130 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Makch taljja and a couple of Evergreens. From this group an Arbor Vitas hedge extends to the pump, and will in a few years separate, and partialiy hide the kitchen garden from the more ornamen- tal portions. A tall Norway Spruce or a White Pine should be set %Yhere indicated on the curve of the road, as a reason for making the curve as prominent as we have. With tliis we have completed the arrangement of our shrubs. The following list shows the size, color and habits of those we have introduced upon our plan : Althea, Hibiscus — Flowers in August ; variety of colors, 4 to 12 foc't. Catalpa — Flowers in July ; large white flowers, good for groups, 10 to 15 or 21) foot. nAWTUOKX, Cratisgus — June ; white and scarlet, double, 5 to 20 feet. Laburnum, Cyiisus — July ; rich yellow, 10 foet and upwards. Honeysuckle, Lonicera 7'artartcu — Hay ; variety of light color, 5 to 1 0 feet. Lilac, Common, Si/ringa vulgaris — May ; white and purple, 10 to 15 fjct. Lilac, Persian, Syringa Persica—'M^y, white and purple, 3 to 5 foef. Sumac, Venetian, Il!ius Coiinus — Sometimes called Fringe tree, Aug. au'l Sept. ; briirlit yellow, 8 to 12 feet. Stringa, I'lvtladetpkus — June and July ; white, 4 to 8 feet. The above answer for back-ground slu-ubs. For the foreground we have : Double Tree Peont, Pcsonia Moutan — May ; red, white, pur- ple, 3 to 4 feet. Double D^'arf Almond, Amygdalus pumila — May ; beautiful rose, 3 to 4 feet. Japan Quince, (Jiidonia — April and May ; scarlet and white, 4 ft. Tragrant Currant, llihes fragrans— Hay ; bright yellow, 3 to 4 foot. IIezereum Pink, Daphne Mezeremn — April and May ; pink, 3 ft. do. White, do. do. A'bwn — do. do. white, 3 ft. Spirea, Double, ,V. j^runi folia plena — June ; white, 4 foot. Spirea, DouoLAi?s,.V. Dciuglassir — August; fine rose, 3 to 4 ft. Sr. Pe rER'.s Wreath, S. t/tahctruides— Jane, July ; small white, profuse, about 4 feet. P.osE Wekiela, /^. Itosca — June ; pink and rose color, 4 to 5 ft. Common Privet, Ligustrum Fulgarc — June ; thick, close, white, 5 to 6 feet. The following do well in shady or damp places : Mountain Laurel, Kalmia latifdia — June, July ; very rich red, 4 to (j f vet. HoLLy, Lex tipaca — June ; scarlet berry, slow grower, near the ground. Rhododendron — July ; very luxuriant, rose or white, 8 to 10 ft. All of the above named shrubs are hardy, easy of culture, and may be procured at any of the nur- series near Eoston. The best time to transplant would be about the middle of JNIay, or at the time when the new buds have just begun to grow. We v/ould not recommend setting out all the shrubs designated on the plan, the first year, but rather let this year's operations be the foundation from which to work in future. If the buildings are already built, or their posi- tions located, finish up the roads and paths, and as mucli of the lawn as possible, set the hedges, the larger trees and the principal background shrubs. Let them get well started, and their forms and outlines in a measure determined, and then, by another spring, perhaps, set out the smaller foreground shrubs, so that they may fill up the space, left between the others, and thus form, when fully grown, thick masses of foliage and flowers from the trees down to the grass. Flowers may be cultivated wherever a suitable place offers itself. AVc have marked- the positions of a few of the principal beds. Around the house are four large beds of standard roses, wliich should be selected so as to offer a variety of color and a constant succession of flowers throughout the sea- son, and in other spots are figures cut in the turf and filled with attractive flowers. At the right of the veranda are two circular beds, one for mixed petunias and the other for mixed verbenas, and between them is a vase for myrtle. The large oval bed in front of the house may be filled Avith tea roses, fuschias, balsams, asters, heliotrope and mig- nonette, and the five beds opposite the bay win- dow (one each,) with scarlet geraniums, amaranths, feverfews, dwarf coreopsis and nierembergias, the fu-st named forming the centre bed, and the yel- low and purple of the second and fourth alternat- ing with the wliite of the third and last ; and in other places we may have separate beds of candy tuft, phloxes, portulaccas, yellow lantana, migno- nette, carnations, tulips, ageratum, &c. For climbers for the veranda posts, bay win- dow, and door lattices, we have the choice of the following : Chinese "Wistaria ; a delicate purple, and very luxuriant. Virginia Creeper ; very hardy, wiili beautiful autumnal foliage. Trumpet Honeysuckle ; red and yellow, flowers all season. Prairie Uoses ; beautiful double flowers, and a variety of colors. The house itself is an example of the simplest rural gothic style. It is one and a half stories in height, and contains three finished rooms below and three chambers on the second floor. The vestibule, A, i3 approached from the terrace through the pointed arch and measures eight feet by nine. The hall, B, is seven feet wide and fif- teen feet long, and contains stairs to chambers and collar. C is the parlor, measuring fourteen by fifteen, the principal feature of which is the bay window on the side opposite the door, overlooking the small flower-beds and the side street. The dining or living-room, D, measures also fourteen by fifteen; it connects with the veranda by a mul- lioned window reaching to the floor and opening like the French window. A closet is provided at the side of the vestibule in the front gable and for china, &c., at the other end of the room, fimiished with shelves and drawers. Tlie passage, E, v.liich is also fitted with shelves, communicates directly with the kitchen, K. This room is thirteen foet square, and is well lighted by two windows. At the left of the chimney a door opens into a large store room, G, and at the right another leads to the pantrj-, F. We here have a sink and pump, with a closet and shelves for tin ware. A door opens directly into the yard. On the second floor, the two principal chambera 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 131 measure each twelve by fourteen, and the other, in the gable, ten by thirteen. This cottage is designed to be built of wood, covered in the vertical and battened manner, and finished inside and out with mouldings of a sim- ple gothic pattern, and will cost, in the neighbor- hood of Boston, from $1300 to $1600. EXTRACTS ANT> KEPLIES. CALEDONIA CO. (VT.) AGKICULTURAL SOCIETY. At the Society's annual meeting, held in Januaiy, the following officers were chosen for the year en- suing: President — Horace Fairbanks ; Vice Presi- dents— Harley ^I. Hall, James D. Bell ; Treasur- er— George C. Barney; Secretaries — Horace Paddock, T. I\I. Howard. The committee on butter reported that David Currier, of Peacham, was entitled to the first pre- mium. He made from nine cows (four of which he called heifers,) 1729 lbs., being an average of 11)2 lbs to the cow. The first premiums on field crops were awarded as follows : Wheat— Stephen Richardson, AVaterford, 36 4-9 bushels per acre. Corn — George Goss, Barnet, 146 bushels of ears per acre. Oats — David Currier, of Peaeham, 69^ bushels per acre. Potatoes— Wm. D. Rollins, Waterford, 410 bushels per acre. Turnips — David Currier, Peacham, 346 bushels on 28 rods. Carrots — J. B. Kinerson, Peacham, 47 bushels on 6 rods. Barley — J. O. Moore, Peacham, 57 bushels per acre. Other reports were brought before the Society, which, together with further proceednigs of the meeting, ai'e of less interest to the general reader. I. W. Sanborn. GREAT RYE CROP. I send you the facts of a rye crop grown last year by me on one acre and a half of ground. The yield was so large I thought it Avorthy of notice, as you like to hear of good crops. I sowed three bushels and cleaned up seventy bushels by meas- ure. I think, had it been Aveighed, it would have overrun even that. J. C. s. Shoreham, Vt., Feb., 1862. RLAN OF A SUEEP BARN. Having followed some of the valuable sugges- tions that have appeared in your paper, I cut the last year double the hay I did the year previous. I value your paper very highly, and believe one of the best ways to make farming profitable is to take tlie Farmer, and follow its friendly advice. One single copy to me is often worth double the price it costs. AVill some of your numerous correspondents give a plan of a sheep-barn with sufiicicnt capacity to accommodate two or three hundi'ed sheep, to be situated on level land, with necessary details as to apartments, sheep racks, &c. A description of such a bam would much oblige me, for I am now getting out lumber for one, and shall put it up in the spring. A Subscriber. Pomiicij, N. II., Feb., 1862. Remarks. — We hope some of our friends will communicate the infonnation desired in the above communication, as it ia needed by many persons. FAT COW. The heaviest cow sent to market flora Old Cal- edonia the present season was sold by Messrs. Big- elow, of Lyndon. Its live weight was IJGO lbs. — dressed 100.5 lbs., and had 121 lbs. of rough tal- loAv. There are heavier ones still in the country, waiting theii- time. \. w. s. THE APHIS. Will you, or your entomological correspondent, Mr. F. G. Sanborn, fovor us throug'i the Farmer, with a brief history so far as knomi of tlic aphis — the insect everywhere present of the past season — and oblige other readers as well as Lyndon, Vt. I. AV. Sanborn. NE"W PUBLICATIONS. The Pp.i>-cipt,e3 axd Practice of Land DnAixAGE ; embracing a bi-JL-fliistory of L'lirln-diMininsj ; a cletiiileJ examination of its Operntion :in;l Ailvantas,'es ; a description of vai-iou3 kinds of Drains, witli practical directions for (lieir construc'ion ; tlia niani'l'icture of Drain Tile, &c. Illustrated by nearly 100 Ensravini'i. By John 11. Klippart. Cincinnati: Robert Clarke & Co. ISGl. Tins is an excellent work upon the subject of drainage, written by a person conversant vdih. the subject, and v.ho was willing to go so far into de- tails as to give the reasons why mthdrawing water from the soil, tends to make the soil, deeper and ivarmer and more moist in a dry time, than an un- drained soil. It is written in a plain, candid man- ner, and cannot fail to be of essential service to those who will read and practice its precepts. The subject is one of great importance to our farmei'S, and demands of them more attention than it has yet received. Items from the Patent Office. — Forty per cent, of the letters received at the Agricultural Bureau call for seeds of cotton, tobacco and sor- gho. The county of Jefi"crson, in Iowa, has pro- duced this year 75,000 gallons of sorgho molasses, and 5000 lbs. of sugar. AA'ith this result, after three or four years of cultivation, the agriculturists there propose to go into the thing largely. The same Bureau has just received a large lot of the finest variety of tobacco seed from Havana ; also, seeds in abundance of the finest Maryland varieties. Investigations concerning what is called the "percnnictl cotton tree" do not go to establish statements concerning it which have appeared in New York publications. Scalding Onion Seed. — A coiTespondent of the American Agriculturist writes that a para- graph has been going the rounds of the papers to the eflect that scalding water poured upon onion seed will cause it to germinate in a few minutes. He tried it, and lost aU his first planting, not a seed coming up. 132 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. Marcb LEGISLATIVE AGRICDLTITRAL SOCIETY". Beported for the Farmer by D. W. Loturop. The fourth meeting of the series was held on Monday evening last, at the Representatives' Hall, and the subject for discussion was — Neat Stock — the adaptation of different Breeds to different lo- calities and purposes. Mr. Sanford Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, was present, according to announcement, and presided. He observed that the subject had been frequent- ly discussed before at these meetings, and as he had engaged in the discussion, he was prompted to excuse himself for speaking again. The sub- ject was important, as no nation has attained to a high St ate of agriculture which does not make this a prominent division of its system. All our do- mestic cattle are of one species, and indigenous to Europe. In this country we have two native species, the bison and the musk-ox. The bison is a valuable animal and should be preserved, but he is not a good beast of burden. The speaker al- luded to some experiments of a gentleman in Mis- sissippi for the domestication of this animal, but found he could not be made serviceable ; yet by crossing with this animal a better ox would be produced than cow. Most of our cattle have been derived from Eu- rope— some from the continent, others from the British Isles, and a few from Asia. By a law of nature, no one breed of cattle is adapted to all lo- calities. He cited the different breeds in Great Britain, and observed that some of these breeds had maintained their purity for a long while. Those on the plains cannot subsist on the mountains, with coarser and less abundant food. Mr. How- ard here alluded to the various crossings of differ- ent breeds, by cattle raisers, and observed that un- less we take pains to breed uniformly, Avhile Ave might produce some good accidental animals, we could get no breed. Much could be learned by reference to the principles of breeding in England, where cattle are raised with an adaptation to soil and to climate. Cattle not mixed should be re- garded as aboriginals. In England they had two specimens of the aboriginal or wild breed. He had examined 100 head, belonging to the Duke of Hamilton, which dated back over a hundred years, and had been guarded against intermixture, yet they have not degenerated, nor will they for all time. Of breeds prominent in England stand the De- vons. They were introduced here in 181G-17, and are divided into two kinds, the North and the South. The South Devons are not superior for dairy purposes, but are used generally for beef. In New England the Devons are used for labor, and they fatten well on light soils, and are fair milkers. The Herefords are good for beef, but not valuable for milk. The Long-Horns were a breed common in some parts of England, and were much improved by Mr. Bakewell. They were ear- ly introduced into Maine, were good workers, hardy and long-lived, and good for the dairy. ' The Galloways do not succeed for ordinary pur- poses, but are fitted for a locality. They were of good size, sometimes measuring eight and nine feet girth, and could produce 1600 lbs. of clean beef. Had been introduced into Canada, where they were bred chiefly for the butcher. The West Highlands were a hardy cattle, had long, shaggy hair, with an under fur which protected them from cold and rains in their native place, where they sometimes gathered their own food. They might do well in the Western States. The Kerries were a valuable, small aboriginal breed common in Ire- land, and if the people were deprived of them would be obliged to fill their place with the goat. They possessed great power to endure inclement weather. Mr. A. W. Austin, of West Roxbury, has some of this breed, whose milk is about four quarts per day, and very rich. They weigh from 500 to 700 pounds. Another aboriginal breed in Great Britain is the Channel Island, or Jersey cat- tle. They give the richest milk known, and on the Channel Island, are raised exclusively. We have some good crosses here. The Short-Horns, or Durhams, Mr. II. regarded as an artificial breed, as they were produced by a mixture under the care of Charles and Robert Collings, whose im- proved herd sold at a great price. The improvement upon the old Short-Horns was evident in greater symmetry of form, richness in milk and fineness of flesh. In fact, on fertile soils they are the very best for beef. Mr. Howard, however, thought that in England crossing had been carried too far, and cited some instances. Another artificial breed was the AjTshires. In 1780 the nucleus existed in Ayrshire, and in 1790 it had assumed so good a character as to be considered a breed. It is the only dairy breed now in Scotland, is increasing in England, and its introduction is recent here, though some of our herds number from 20 to 70 head. The Rump cattle of India were alluded to and recommended for the Southern States of America, as they stand heat well. They were al- so good in the harness, and would trot off almost as well as a horse. Mr. 11. concluded by a re- quest that gentlemen would give us some facts in relation to the various breeds of cattle, and said the meeting Avas open to remarks from any one. Ml". Stedman, of Chicopee, spoke to the point, how we could furnish ourselves with the cattle we need. Our natives are "no breeds." Shall we improve these or procure foreign breeds ? He thought it best to cross our cows Avith the best bulls of pure foreign stock, and said the Devon crossed AA'ith our native stock very much improved the latter. We should cross, and continue and 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 133 persevere in crossing, to produce good results. He spoke of the 180,000 cows in this State in 1855, and thought that by proper intermixture of blood such a herd might have been increased in value as much as five dollars apiece. He deplored the existence of bad bulls, and intimated that they should be. "summarily treated" by law, as in the West. The Durham cross with our natives he regarded the most valuable — the Short-Horns excellent for beef. Mr. SiiELDOX, of Wilmington, being called upon, said he had spoken much upon this subject before, for the past twenty years, but it might bear repeating. His knowledge now was the same. For working oxen he thought the North Devons the best, and for fattening, the Durhams. In re- gard to cows for milk, he said we should pay no regard to breed, and recommended the natives. He spoke of some excellent ones which he pos- sessed, and said he lost one valuable cow by try- ing to dry her! He also alluded to the external signs of a good ox. He should have large nos- trils, a hazel eye, rather slim horns, toes straight out before him, and bosom full. Rather than be controlled by breeds, ho would sooner run his risk bKndfolded at a market, in the selection of good cattle, as he had great confidence in "feeling." In speaking of liis own stock — their lack of dainti- ness, easy feeding, &c., he said he gave some of them to a neighbor to winter, who, mentioning one of them, said "she was a fool, for she didn't know the difl'erence between meadow hay and the best herdsgrass !" Upon inquiry by Mr. Stedman what bull he would choose, Mr. Sheldon replied, "the best he could find !" Mr. Howard spoke of Mr. Sheldon's stock, and commended some of them as excellent natives. Mr. Sheldon gave a statement of a man who wanted him to fatten a cow, or to buy her. He took her, gave her two bushels of turnips and four quarts of meal per day, and English hay. Yet she fell away in flesh and in milk ! The butcher took her, and as she served him the same way, he made way with her before she was still leaner ! Mr. S. said, also, that his own young cattle were slight eaters. He referred to the physical points of a good cow : flat horns, lean face, hollow ribs, or open below the last ones, medium-sized bag, and well-shaped, though not large teats. As to color, he preferred a light brindle. Mr. Davis, of Plymouth, found a cow in the woods, which seemed to possess all the good marks of a fine animal. She had been brought up by a Marshpee Indian, and Mr. D. bought her. But her horns were long and tiny, and he was dis- appointed in her. Mr. Sheldon's feature of the "flat-horns" he thought a good one He spoke of the importance of blood buUs, and intimated that agricultural societies should ofi'er premiums for them. He thought the bull had more influence on off'spring than the cow ; a good bull produces a good cow. The Oakes-cow heifers were worth nothing. And he had had experience that an ex- cellent cow was quite likely to produce a bad calf. The cry that good bulls only benefited the fancy farmers was unfounded. He advised those inter- ested in such matters to look into the English books for authority. Mr. Sheldon said, in reply to Mr. Davis's the- ory concerning the influence of the bull, that he differed from him, as he had got better heifers from good cows than from good bulls. Mr. Wetherell, of Boston, said that in breed- ing, the blood on one side should be full. Farmers do not wish to breed from gi'ade sires. With a good bull you are sure to get a good calf. The Short-Horn improves every stock, and it is the bull which exerts the dominant influence. There ex- isted some good grade stock, but it has no cer- tain identity. He alluded to "scrub bulls" run- ning at large in Illinois, their pernicious efTect upon stock, and the interference of the Legislature. Our State should not allow a grade bull in its dominions. The product of the Short-Horn is the best, and we should have this stock for the beef. Mr. Howard said some of our best stock were grades. And in England, where they can main- tain their identity, they are a breed. He cited experiments on sheep. The Leicesters were once a gi'ade, now a breed. The hour for closing having now arrived, Mr. Stedman moved that the same subject be contin- ued for discussion at the next meeting — which mo- tion being sustained, the meeting adjourned. USE OF FAT, "What is the use of fat ?" It performs several offices ; one is to round the system and complete the beauty of the person. Your cousin Jane's smooth neck owes its beauty to the skilful man- ner in which the adipose matter is packed into aU the crevices between the muscles, veins and arte- ries. For nature expends no small amount of la- bor in the production of beauty. "Behold the lil- ies of the field ; not Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of these !" Another use of the adipose matter is to serve as a reservoir of aliment for the support of the system. In the fever which I recently had, my stomach was in such a state that it could digest no food, and by one of those beautiful adjustments so common in nature, my ap])etitc rejected it, and I did not eat a mouthfnl for several days. The consequence was that the heat of the body had to be kept up by burning the fat in the system, and how rapidly this was con- sumed ! I suppose I lost twenty pounds in the course of three days. Hibernating animals, that sleep through the winter, are generally as fat as they can be, when they crawl into their nests in the fall. Their tliick furs prevent the radiation of heat, so that little is required to be generated ; 134 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March their breathing and circulation are shiggish, caus- ing a slow consumption of matter, and tliis matter is supplied by the store, of fat in the system, which is slowly burned up during the winter, and the animals come out in the spring as lank as Pha- raoh's lean kinc. If you put a piece of fat on the fire you will see that it burns with ablaze. "When- ever any organic substance burns v.ith a blaze you may be almost sure that it contains hydrogen. The burning of a substance is simply its combina- tion of oxygen. Whenever an organic substance containing hydrogen is sufficiently heated, it is de- composed, and, as the hydrogen is separated from the other elements, it takes the gaseous form. Rising in this hot state, as it comes in contact with the oxygen in the air, it combines with it — in oth- er words, burns ; one atom of oxygen combining with one atom of hydrogen, and producing water. There is phosphorus in the bones, which, when sei^arated, will burn with a flame, but, almost in- variably, when you see any animal or vegetable substance burning with a blaze — the flame of a lamp, of a kitchen fire, of a burning building — it is hydrogen in the act of combining with oxygen, producing watei". On the other hand, when you see any organic substance burning with a red heat without blaze, iike charcoal or anthracite coal, it is carbon combining with oxygen, and producing generally, carbonic acid. If the blaze produces a good deal of light, you may be pretty sure that the substance contains both carbon and hjdrogen, the light coming principally from the iutensely- heated carbon before it is burned. PREPABATIOM" OI" FABMITTQ IMPLE- MENTS. The spring is a proper season for looking up and putting in complete repair the various implements required in the management of the farm. As the late spring is a busy season, it ought to bo a stand- ing rule with the farmer to supply himself before- hand with the various implements necessary to prosecute his work profitably. There are few far- mers, probably, who are not possessed of sufii- cient mechanical skill to supply for themselves many of the utensils used on the farm. "Economy is wealth," says the old adage, and it certainly is strict economy to make numerous trifling repairs to the common implements of the farm at home, rather than to send them away, where the cost of travel and delay would be more than the repair it- self. But all trades must live, and we shall find that community the most pi-osperous where the different avocations are sustained by the calls upon each other. Where such is the case, the farmer, as well as the mechanic, the manufacturer and merchant, are all accommodated, the wants of each being at once supplied at home, so that the whole community feels the quickening impulse, and prospers upon it. Some recommend that the farmer shall make some of the implements himself, Avhich he uses — such as plows, harrows, or any of the coarser im- plements. AVe cannot think this good economy, | because there never is a time upon a well conduct- ed farm, when there is not plenty of work to be done, chrectly applicable to the farm itself. The putting of a new handle to a ralce or a hoe, slight- ly repairing a broken plow, harrow, or wheelbar- row, may be done by the farmer well enough, and perhaps quicker than he could harness and take either of them to the wheelwright or blacksmith. This would be good economy — and such a practice will justify the purchase of a variety of tools, and the providing a comfortable room and bench where they may be used. A skill sufficient to make such repairs will some- times enable a team to go on with the work — and perhaps at a pressing time — when otherwise, it might be necessary to tm-n it out and make it dif- ficult to get it together again. For the New England Farmer. AMONG THE GREEN MOUNTAINS. Messrs. Editors :— January, the first month of the "New Year," is already numbered with the past; February, the shortest of the twelve, is ushered in, and" soon merry spring, the season of birds and of flowers, will be with'us again. The earth is quietly reposing beneath its c'omfortable coverlid of light snow, to prepare for the increase which is said in the promise she shall bestow on man frum her bountiful lap, — that seed-time and harvest may not foil those who put forth a manly hand to secure its manifold blessings. The cold of February may be sharp and pierc- ing, and many of its days boisterous and uncom- fortable, and as the poet says, of all the months the least honored and sung'; still, it has its plea- sures in realization as well as in anticipation, and forms an essential link in the grand chain of months which forms the annual round, for present survey and usefulness, and if properly employed, for future gain and enjoyment. Opportunity is offered for public entertainments, readings, lec- tures and discussions, and social, fireside chit-chats. Reading-rooms should be frequented, public and private libraries perused, and useful, practical in- formation stored in the mind for future use. No time in the year is better fitted for investigation and study, especially with the farmer, than now. His year's supply of wood is at the door, (or should be,) his grain all threshed, and properly and wise- ly stored away beyond the reach of the mischiev- ous rat and mouse, and all his "winter work" so well advanced as to give him time for leisure, and rest from the fatigue of outdoor labor. Let now these leisure hours be properly guard- ed and cherished ; let him appropriate them to his own advantage, by the acquisition of knowl- edge and general intelligence — such knowledge as will be of especial use to him in his vocation in life, and give him a good understanding of pass- ing events. _ The wise and prudent farmer will, in anticipa- tion of the approaching season of activity and toil, now arrange, so fin- as practicable, all his plans for the farm work of the spring ; see that his seed, and that of the best quality, is provided ; that his tools and teams are ready for use, and in good 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 135 condition for the work before them ; then, -when the seed-time arrives, the seed will be ready for the sower, the sower prepared for his labor, with a fair prospect before liim of realizing in full the important truth, that the work at hand well begun is half done. Be not idle, then, because of the cold or the storm without. Let the mind be free and active — continually expanding and enlarging as the re- sult of increased thought and study. Hail the storm-king as he whistles by our dwellings ; bid Boreas go on his way rejoicing, and make lionish February and March laugh right merrily, by tick- ling their ribs with the feather of pleasantry and good humor ; prompt them by an example of in- dustry and humanity, and thus be enabled to wit- ness at least the happy contrast between the rough and frigid without, and a calm, quiet and sunny within. I. W. Sanborn. Lyndon, VL, 18G2. ST. JOHN'S "WORT FOR THE FARMERS. Every well-directed effort to promote the agri- culture of the country, we hail with sincere pleas- ure. We are willing, even, that some errors should be risked, for the sake of being found on the progressive road. The establishment of an Agricultural Bureau at Washington might be of some advantage, if those who manage it would as- certain what plants are indigenous to our own soils, and which among them are worthy of culti- vation and which are not — as well as to explore all the rest of the world for seeds that, perhaps, may be as much of a blessing as has been the chiccory or the Canada thistle ! If those who man- age affairs at the Patent Office are not familiar ■with our native plants, as well as exotics, it is pos- sible that their labors may prove anything but a blessing to the farmers of the country. AVe have been led to these remarks by noticing in the last Patent Office Report a list of the plants wliich were intended for distribution from that branch of the government. We will give but one of them for the edification of our readers, just to show them that there is room for improvement even in that high department. We quote as follows : — "PLANTS FOR DISTRIBUTION. "St John's Wort, (Hypericum corymbosum.) This shrub, though indigenous to the Southern States, is but little known throughout the coun- try ; yet is has proved hardy in the District of Columbia, and will probably succeed still further north. It is an ornamental shrub, blooming ear- ly in the spring. There will be a distribution of 3000 plants in the spring." Now let us see what Darlington says of it, in his "Weeds and Useful Plants :" "Tliis is a worth- less and rather troublesome weed on our farms ; and oTtglit to he diligently excluded." If there is to be no more discrimination than this, betAvcen the useful and the noxious plants, at the Patent Office, its teacliings will not stand as high authority among the farmers of New England. For the New England Farmer. ABOUT KEEPING GOATS. Many persons who cannot conveniently keep a cow would find it profitable to keep one or two common goats. They require but little care, may be supported at small cost, and yield a good Sup- ply of milk of superior quality. A goat, well kept, will yield from three pints to two quarts of milk daily, for a large part of the year, the quantity di- minishing in the cold weather as the time of kid- ding approaches. It is much cheaper to keep a goat in town than to pay a milkman, and families everywhere will find the milk very nutritive and wholesome, and especially good for children in most cases. An English writer estimates that two goats are equal to a small Shetland cow. Goats may be very cheaply supported. If pick- etted in a pasture in warm weather, or allowed to be at large, they will pick up their own living, eat- ing readily almost every sort of green thing. Grass, Aveeds, twigs of bushes, vegetables, fruits, nearly everytliing that grows, will suit their taste. They are fond of dry leaves, corn-stallis, horse-chestnuts, and even eat poisonous plants with impunity. If confined in a yard, or in closer quarters, they will take the scraps and waste of the kitchen. Some persons allow them to feed out of the swill-pail, but tliis practice cannot be commended. Cobbett says, in his "Cottage Economy:" "When I was in the army, in New Brunswick, where, be it observed, the snow Hes on the ground seven months in the year, there were many goats that belonged to the regiment, and that went about with it on shipboard and everywhere else. Some of them had gone through nearly the whole of the American war. We never fed them. In summer they picked about wherever they could find grass ; and in winter, they lived on cabbage- leaves, potato-peelings, and other things flung out of the soldiers' rooms and huts. One of these goats belonged to me, and on an average through- out the year, she gave me more than three half- pints of milk a day. I used to have the kid killed when a few days old ; and, for some time, the goat would give nearly, or quite, tM'o quarts of milk a day. She was seldom diy more than thi-ee weeks in the year." The same writer adds, that "goats will pick peehngs out of the kennel and eat them. They will eat mouldy bread or biscuit; fusty hay and rotten straw ; furze-bushes, heath-thistles and, in- deed, what will they not eat, when they will make a hearty meal on paper, brown or white, printed on or not printed on, and give milk all the while ?" I may add to Cobbett's list of odd delicacies by stating that my own goats have gnawed smooth the rough sides of my pile of hemlock bark, and have cleaned out all the powder-post from the sills of the wood-shed ! But goats, like most other animals, prefer clean food, and will not devour all the above-mentioned things if a supply of more desirable edibles is at hand. In the winter, it is wtII to lay in a few hundred pounds of hay — second crop is preferable — a few carrots and some fine feed. Indian meal is sometimes given to them, but it is too drying. They need water occasionally, but do not drink much. The goat is one of the most hardy of our do- mestic animals, enduring easily all extremes of 136 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. March heat and cold. It needs the shelter of a shed or barn in wintry and stormy weather, and will lie anywhere on the floor, prefen-ing a board to a bed. Its natural activity and nimbleness, together with a capricious disposition, fit this creature to enjoy a state of freedom. When roaming wild, on its na- tive mountains, it loves to climb the most danger- ous and inaccessible places, clinging on the verge of precipices by its wide-spreading and sharp- edged hoofs, and defying the pursuit of the hunt- er. This inclination it manifests in domestic life, by scaling sheds, walls, Avood-piles, &:c., with great agility. But the goat will bear confinement ex- tremely well, contiiiuing in good health and yield- ing the usual quantity of milk. On shipboard it is healthier than any other domestic animal, and is highly valued on account of its s]3ortiveness, its familiarity, and its ability to give milk upon such waste food as is there obtainable. The milk of the female goat is sweet, rich and nourishing. It has the body and smoothness of cream, is viscid and strengthening, little produc- tive of oil, but abundant in the matter of cheese. In tea and coffee it is far superior to cows' milk, and will go at least as far again in imparting color and flavor. In all kinds of cooking it is equally excellent. It has no peculiar or unpleasant taste and is not aff"ected by what the creature cats. On- ion tops have been given to the females, by way of experiment, without imparting an oniony taste to the mUk. I consider two pints of goat's milk to be as good in a family, in every way, as tliree pints of cows' milk. For most feeble and sickly children, as well as those in health, it is invaluable. It does not tend to form curds in the stomach, as cows' milk does, and is therefore frequently prescribed by physi- cians in cases of extreme weakness. It is sold for this purpose in Salem at twenty-five cents a quart. Invalids abroad often resort to the mountainous districts of Ireland and Scotland to derive benefit from the use of this article which is there known as "goats' whey." Mr. Colman noticed that the Irish mountaineers, about the Lake of Killarney, kept from one to thirty goats apiece, for the sake of the tourists to that delightful region. In Spain and Portugal, goats are abundant, and in Lisbon, their milk is more commonly used than that of cows. The goats in those countries are driven into the cities in the morning, and milked at the doors of the houses. The district in France most celebrat- ed for goats is the Canton Mont d'Or, where, in a space not exceeding two leagues (six miles) in di- ameter, upwards of eleven thousand are kept, chiefly to supply the city of Lyons with cheese. There are several other interesting particulars re- lating to the goat, which I will give in another paper. G. L. Stueeter. Salem, Jan., 18G2. Exchange of Seeds. — It is a good rule in agriculture, to eff'ect a change of seeds as often as once in every two or three years. Why it is that the seeds of most of our field crops or grains do better when cultivated on lands at a slight remove from those on which they were matured, is a ques- tion which science has as yet been unable satisfac- torily to solve ; but such is the undeniable fact, and indeed is so obvious, and so clearly corrobo- rated by all experience, as no longer to admit of doubt. The winter and early spring are favora- ble seasons for exchanging, as well as for procur- ing new and improved varieties of seeds, plants and scions. ALPINE SCENERY. In Switzerland there are thousands of places and objects of interest at every turn, and yet how few of them are seen or even heard of by that vast array of crusaders, who, alpenstock in hand, hunt after the magnificent ! I will take one place, for example. Lying high back from the Lake of Thun, is the Justis-Thal, a narrow valley of singu- lar grandeur and wildness. On either side, walls of rock tower perpendicularly two or thi-ee thous- and feet ; a gushing stream pours with giddy roar through its very heart ; a straggling chalet may be met with here and there at long intervals ; whilst huge boulders, torn by the action of time from the mountain-ridges, strew the few grassy spots in what it seems paradoxical to call a plain, and which aff'ord scanty pasture to a drowsy flock of goats and cows. But the most remarkable phenomenon of this scarred valley is the Schafloch, a huge ice-cavern, bored, as it were, in the solid rock, nine hundred feet above the level of the valley, apparently inac- cessible to human approach. Neither the peas- ants of the village, nor the mountaineers, could give any account of the interior. The oldest inhab- itant did believe that some bold adventurer in his younger days had reached it, but it was a danger- ous enterprise, forsooth, and even that exploit had faded into tradition. Fortunately, on the out- skirts of the town of Thun — it might have been at Ililterfingen, whose pretty church, on a beechen knoll, overlooks the bright waters of the lake — there dwelt, I heard, a middle-aged man, who had really once visited the cavern, but that was many summers ago, and who even boasted that his mem- ory of the track still served him well enough to reach it once more. He would venture to act as guide, he said, should I or my friends like to ex- plore that isolated region. "1 will leave my wife and children in pledge with the syndic," he added, "if I don't bring you back again safe." We wound slowly up out of the village by a zigzag pathway, at first broad enough for a horse to traverse. At last, after a four hours' ascent, we wended our way through what seemed to be a nat- ural gate-way of the mountain, and suddenly con- fronted the valley of the Justis-Thal. A new scene now opened before us. A small plateau lay at our feet, which presented a scene of desolation it would be as difficult to forget as it would be to describe. In addition to the mighty boulders which seemed scattered about by the hands of gi- ants, or the sons of Anak, struggling in an angry mood, it was evident that the spot had once been a forest. Some pines, towering a hundred feet, still stood erect ; others had been snapped off mid- way, and their lofty heads dropped downward to the era-th ; otliers, again, lay ])rone on the ground, singly, or huddled together like corpses on a bat- tle-field. But the most extraordinary ])henomcnon was their trunks and branches, which had been literally stripped of their bark. Some were black, as though scarred by lightning ; others were al- ready converted into the softest touchwood, wliich 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 137 crumbled into dust on the least handling. Eveiy- ^yhere the melancholy signs of decay and desola- tion presented themselves ; and it required no stretch of the fancy to make us imagine we had reached the outakirts of nature. At this point, the SrJiaJloch was in full view, a mile or more in front of us ; but how was it to be reached ? There was no beaten track ; the rock was almost perpendicular ; the surface crumbled beneath our feet at every step, and the slightest mishap would precipitate us a thousand feet into the valley beneath. We embarked upon the crumbling debris, the dust of ages, and sank at once deeper than our ankles in the stony detritus. At every step, a mass of this uncomfortable and unstable terrain was set in motion, and it was scarcely j)ossil)le to prevent ourselves moving downward with it. Occasionally the force of this sliding mass would communicate a locomotive im- petus to a huge boulder, when might be heard a sound of something leaping and dashing from point to point, crashing through brakes and bram- ble, or the branches of trees, and at length plung- ing, with a voice of thunder, into some cryptic chasm, there to rest till doomsday. I had, "how- ever, learned to walk the mountain side ; and not- withstanding the almost insurmountable difficulties \ of the track we had to traverse, I contrived, by the j use of_ the alpenstock, which served as a kind of ' Blondin's balancing-pole, as well as the exercise of a nervous caution, to reach the entrance of the cavern It might be thirty feet high by forty wide, the roof rising internally, like a domed vault, until another twenty feet was added to the height. The threshold for fifty feet or so was strewn with the rough pavement of splintered rock, the sharp edges of which cut like the blade of a knife ; or huge boulders, so smooth and slippery M'ith perennuil damp, that it was almost impossible to scramble over them ; or, perhaps, a huge quadrangular slab, polished as a glass mirror, on a gradient of fifteen or twenty degrees, invited the foot only to betray. Not many feet beyond us, blazed innumerable! stars, which glistened like spangles or diamonds in the ebon horizon. | From the roof the water had evidently oozed down from time immemorial. Its foil, however, had been arrested by an icy hand, even at the roof; as fresh streams from the' rock above penetrated through, and trickled over the congealed surface, icicles grew and grew till they reached the ground, but instead of falling perpendicularly to the floor, they formed outward and bent inward. Interlac- ing these pro])s, as it were, of a structure built from the top, frozen bands or branches, which in- tersected each other, created the most perfect trel- lis-work, or, more properly speaking, the most deHcate filigree-work. The result was a scene of real enchantment, and I seemed transported, as in adream, into the midst of an Eastern paradise. Kiosks, with innumerable minarets, or pavilions, or painted pagodas, or wliat you will, rose before me, vanishing away in the distance, all of the purest crystal. My guide likened the view to a pnie grove clad in snow ; but the illustration was feeble. It might have been better to have described It as a Gothic cathedral, the pillars in the nave be- ing constructed of glass, and lit up from the inte- rior ; but even this similitude is faint and imper- fect.— Temple Bar. For the New England Fanner. WEATHER AND CHOPS IN VERMONT. Snow in January— No Real "Hard Times"— Excellence of the Ex')eTtea'*''''~^''"'^ ^^^ Hogs— Description of a Slieep Barn Mr. Editor : — Having a few leisure moments thzs stormy Saturday evening, I think I can do no better than to have a short chat with my brother iarmers through the medium of what is emijhati- cally the "New England Farmer." Up to about the middle of January there was hardly snow enough to make it good getting around m the woods, but now, hke a railroad train behind tmie, it is puti ing in some of its best strides —having snowed seven of the last eleven days— and this Avinter will certainly be an exception if it does not make up all lost time before the middle of April. Our formers, I think, have as little cause for complaint in regard to the "hard times" as any class of people, for most of us, at least, have enough to eat, if it does take a bushel of oats to buy a yard of cotton cloth ; corn plenty, oats plen- I ty,j)otatoes plenty, wheat Ave don't mention in this vicinity, and a good yield of barley with those who sow it. And, Iiy the way, I think this is a grain altogether too much neglected, in this section, at least, tor the interest of the farmer. Speaking of barley puts me in mind of some hogs killed last month by Mr. R. W. Toliy, of this town, that were fotted on barley. They were slaughtered when 18 months and 18 days old, Were three in number, and weighed,when dressed, 03G, 523 and 486 pounds. These hogs had no extra keeping ; their feed the first summer beino- milk, and through the winter two pailfuls of raw potatoes per day. The potatoes were cut fine, about a quart of meal to the pailful put on top of them, and then boiling water sufficient to scald the meal poured on. Last summer they had noth- I ing but milk, until the milk began to fail, after which they had barley meal. I Mr. Toliy says he had rather have a bushel of barley than a bushel of corn, to feed hogs. A year ago last fall he butchered two pigs the day they were 9 months old, one of which weighed 358 and the other 337 lbs. I think vou must'acknowledge that he is ".some" on pork, barley or no barley. _ If I had time, I would like to give you a descrip- tion of Mr. Toby's sheep barn. It is so arranged that each sheep is by himself; there is no crowd- ing, no treading on the fodder, each sheep gets lis own gram and no more. The arrangement is by no means expensive. Should you think it ac- ceptable, I will at some future time send you a description of it. Jake Bomsty. Calais, VL, Jan. 25, 1862. Remarks. — Please send us the description you speak of. You may see an inquiry in another ar- ticle for the plan of a sheep-barn. Peas with Potatoes.— A letter in the Agri- cultural Gazette, an English paper, states that a single pea inserted into each piece of potato that is planted, will produce a large crop of peas, and tend tp check disease in the potato. It is a prac- tice with some to plant peas with potatoes, here. The potato stems answer a good purpose for the pea vines to run upon. 138 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March LEGISLATIVE AGBICULTUKAL SOCIETY. Reported for the Farmer by D. W. Lothrop. The fifth meeting of the series was held on Mon- day evening last, at the PLepresentatiA'es' Hall, when the topic for discussion was that of the pre- vious meeting — Neat Stock — the adaptation of different Breeds to different localities and ptir- poses. Mr. Stedman, of Chicopee, one of the House Committee on Agriculture, presided. The chairman, in making a few introductory re- marks, said he did not advocate any one breed of cattle, as a general thing. Undoubtedly, our stock is susceptible of great improvement, but we need light to guide us in its amelioration. He alluded to the number and value of cattle in our State, and the great increase of value by judicious breed- ing ; and he thought the true rule was to breed from the best males and females, without relying much upon grade stock. Mr. S. read from the old Neic England Farmer matters in point, of differ- ent importers of cattle, and the good influence their blood had upon our stock. He cited the "Chapin oxen," one of which, when slaughtered, weighed 1993 pounds. But beef is not the prime object of our farmers ; the pi-oducts of the dairy should not be overlooked. He alluded to some grade Short-Horns of Gov. Lincoln, of Worcester, and observed that they had fulfilled their expecta- tions, as they were good for the dairy and the stall. This particular crossing, too, INIr. Fessen- den had advocated. The speaker much deprecated grade bulls, and observed that their calves would resemble both the sire and the dam, but would be more of the bull. He opposed the offering of pre- miums for such bulls, and mentioned the Plymouth Agricultural Society, which had offered more for grade than for blood bulls ; and the Worcester Society had offered the sum of $24 for the same. To show the superior influence of the male, Mr. S. cited a case where Gorham Parsons, of Brighton, had crossed the Angora goat with the common fe- male, and a long-haired progeny was the result. He also alluded to the influence of the first im- pregnation of a cow upon all her future offspring ; and hence the pernicious influence of scrub bulls He did not generally favor Lynch law, but if Judge Lynch wanted subjects for execution, he thought these bulls the thing. Dr. LOEING, of Salem, being called upon, said he endorsed all that had been said in regard to the introduction of male stock, and inquired what is the most profitable breed of neat cattle for the farmers of Massachusetts. He was sensible of the good effect of blood bulls, but farmers had much neglected to supply themselves with them. He alluded to the valuable stock in the Connecticut Valley, introduced by INIr. Williams. They were grade Durhams, and were fitted for that place ; in fact, they had done as well as in England. This stock, introduced in Essex county by Messrs. Par- sons, Gore and Derby, showed a tendency to de- generate from an insufficiency of grass, and the speaker thought that the county, in this repect, was now about where it was then. Different lo- calities require different breeds, yet we have no precise law upon the subject. Animals are influ- enced by climate ; those of the valley of the Tees, in Scotland, are not fitted for the mountains. But what is the animal loe need ? In England, they re- quire high-fattening and quick-growing herds for profit. We need a variety yielding milk, beef and labor. Dr. L. questioned the utility of ani- mals of large carcass, with no muscular develop- ment. Because they eat Avell, some have thought them good for the dairj'. But we should study economy in the selection of stock, and he thought the Short-Horn mixed with our native stock was an instance of it. Dr. L. also spoke of the old yel- low stock ofNew England, introduced by our fore- fathers, and said it was regarded as good for milk, labor and beef. But he seemed to think that our farmers need a hardy breed, fitted to yield good milk, and in Essex, where feed is not abundant, he suggested the propriety of introducing a small- er class of cows. For beef and labor, he admitted the value of the Devons, but said we wanted spe- cial milkers, and alluded to the valuable dairy herd on the hills of Scotland — a breed not ex- celled. He asked why the Devons had not tlu-iv- en here? The cause may be in the climate, soil or feeding. But the Herefords, too, he thought had degenerated ; yet better feed would probably keep up the good character of both. He spoke highly of the Ayrshires, and recommended then- intro- duction for dairy purposes. Mr. Wetiierell, of Boston, being called upon, spoke of the skill required to keep up the good points of artificial breeds. Natural breeds do not degenerate. There is great vigor in their bulls (the buffalo, for instance,) and he advocated in breeding the importance of procuring the most vigorous males. Some of our bulls were not worth castrating for workers. The seminal product in all things was the best and most enduring in its in- fluence when full, fair and vigorous, no less in the animal creation than in the vegetable ; and in this connection Mr. W. cited the acorn, with some oth- er seeds, and said the titman in pigs was always the smallest. We should breed only from the best and most vigorous animals, and the sire or dam should be of full blood. The speaker also inquired whether the dairy was the leading interest among farmers. Some in Hampshire county had fed for beef, and thought they could make from $18 to $20 more on an animal than from the dairy. In the purchase of animals, some could not discriminate and were cheated, while others possessed the art of "handlin"-," and were less deceived. Mr. W. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 139 also spoke of the difference between a breed and a race of cattle. The Devons and Ilerefords \>ve- serve then- idcntit)", but the Short-Horns are a cross, and need reproduction for their preservation. If Devons and Short-IIorns are fiftj- years in dif- ferent pastures, the Short-Horns ■nill have the less marked character. The tendency of the latter is to run back or run out. Thus the difference be- tween a breed and a race. The Short-Horns were regarded as good for beef, but in England the Devon beef Avould bring a cent a pound more ; and the Hereford beef also took a high rank. In speaking generally of the flesh of the ox, he al- luded to the beef in the valley of the Connecticut, and said that no where had he ever eaten any so tough ! [Mr. Stedman responded, "We have sent away our best breeds !"] Mr. Lewis, of Framingham, spoke of premiums offered for grade bulls. He believed in going ahead, not downwards ; and thought it better to breed from the grade than the native, but should not even do so where he could get the best blood bull. But these animals are not always at band, and he intimated that the best and handsomest grades should be encouraged. The cattle disease, too, had made some farmers rather shy of foreign stock. He spoke of tlio first impregnation, and said it was the impregnation of the blood. He would drive a heifer to a blood bull fh-st, and af- terwards to grades, if necessary. Mr. L, alluded to the production of different colors in calves, and to Mr. Jacques's assertion of his power to accom- plish it. Dogs sojuetimes are in circumstances to affect the color of the cow's offspring. Bulls, he thought, at no distant day, would be licensed. He mentioned an instance where a gentleman drove a native cow to a Short-Horn bull, and the progeny would bring $300. Spealdng of the con- fusion in breeding, and the varied ideas of neat cattle, he said he would give $1000 to any one who would tell him how to stock his farm ! Ohio had expended $10,000 for bulls, and he hoped that in every town in our State there would yet be a good bull kept. In conclusion, he said he wanted our foreign cattle quarantined. Mr. HowAUD, of the Boston Cultivator, spoke of the importation of cattle, and said that no disease had been introduced except in the case of Mr. Chenery. He spoke of the adaptation of breeds to localities. The cattle introduced by Islv. Wil- liams, were first placed on his farm in Northfield, of tills State. But they were not adapted to that locaHtj', and I\Ir. Lathrop, of South Hadley, took them to the valley of the Connecticut. Some of this stock was introduced into Essex county, and placed on the Derby farm for milk ; but he could now see no blood of this breed. INIr. H. alluded to grade animals, and to the bull "Red Comet," and cited the mixture of his blood. This ani- mal he praised, and said that M'hen animals were promising they should be kept to try. We should have some rule, and where a stock of value is in- troduced, we should take care of it. Mr. Stedjiax said the Phoenix bull was differ- ent from the Red Comet. We should breed even from the best grades, if we cannot get good blood bulls. He suggested that the color of the Devons might have been spotted. Mr. Lewis cited an instance in 'Mr. Buckmin- ster's speckled steers, though they were not full blooded. He also spoke of some means by which cattle might be changed or modified in color. He related, too, a fact of a farmer having a white bull who passed by and doNvn a street by his neighbors, when some of their cows had white calves ! He also observed that he could breed a speckled calf, whatever the color of the bull. Hon. JosiAii QuiNCY, Jr., being called upon, spoke of bad bulls, and thought it an indignity to any respectable cow to be compelled to come in contact with them. In regard, however, to breeds generally, he thought that for milch cows the se- cret of success was more in high feeding than in the breed ; and he would venture to repeat that in regai-d to milk, manure or beef, you can get noth- ing out of a cow that you do not put into her. He had 90 cows, and could increase their milk daily from 100 to 200 quarts by feeding. A cow is as much a machine as a mill ; the more you put in, the more you will get out. He thought crossing made the best cattle, and our native stock was the best as a basis. The intermixture of Scotch, Ger- mans and Irish into our society had made us more robust, and produced our nation as it is. Mr. Q. spoke of Jacob, of Bible history, his skill in breed- ing ; of the good beef of England, Szc, of his visit to a cattle fair in Paris, where there was much contrariety of oi^inion as to what were the most profitable breeds of cattle. And so as to pigs ; the question was about the pig that wanted somebody to take care of him, or the one that would take care of himself. To a question put to Mr. Quincy in regard to breeds, he said that he thought that the good qualities of cattle were more in individ- ual animals than in breeds. He inquired of Dr. Loring if there was not a great difference in cattle of the same breed. Dr. Loring replied, yes ; but it was the eleva- tion of the average that gave the breed its char- acter. Mr. Clarke inquii-ed of ]\Ir. Quincy, if his ex- perience had been large and well tested in regard to his views of no great difference in breeds. Mr. Qsincy said it had not been. To a ques- tion in regard to feeding, Mr. Q, said he used two tons a week of cotton-seed meal, and the man- ure it produced was Avorth about as much as the meal itself. He also feeds some Indian meak 140 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Maech The hour for closing having arrived, the chair- man announced the topic for the next discussion, V'hich will be, Farm Buildings. Adjourned. Correction. — In the remarks of Mr. Howard of last week, where the South Devons are spoken of as not superior for dairy purposes, it should have been North Devons. And in regard to the milk of the Kerries of Mr. Austin, the quantity should be from 12 to 14 quarts per day. For the Neio England Farmer. KETROSPECTIVE WOTES. A New Era for Children. — The communi- cation of Mr. Bacon, with the above caption, print- ed in the Farmer, weekly, of Nov. 30th, and in the January No. of the monthly, is deserving of the attention of all the readers of this paper who are interested in the education of children, and who wish to see them instructed in all that con- cerns the science and practice of soil culture. We have examined portions of the '■^School anclFavi- ily Readers," got up by Marcus Willson, and published by Messrs. Harper, of New York, and the result of our examination was a persuasion that every progress-loving parent, who should make himself acquainted with these works, Avould form a resolution that they should be introduced into the schools of the district. He would resolve, also, we felt persuaded, that they should be used in his own fiimily, to give his children the means of becoming acquainted with the Avorks of the great and benificent Creator and Contriver, and with the more interesting and useful productions of the world in Avhich they are to live. As to the other work — Emerson & Flint's Man- ual of Agriculture — by the publication of which "our young friends are blessed," as Mr. Bacon says, I have not yet foiuid time to do more than glance at it ; but am persuaded, from sundry no- tices of it which have appeared in reliable journals, that it will be found an excellent book in a farm- er's family, if the father is intelligent enough to use it as a text-book, and devote these winter evenings, or other leisure time, to the hearing of recitations by his children, and to endeavors to increase its interest and instructiveness by apt and familiar illustrations and remarks from his own experience. While the older boy or boys are re- citing and listening to their father's illustrations and remarks, the younger children will catch now and then an important item of information, and pretty certainly, also, a portion of that enthusiasm with which an intelligent farmer is likely to be in- s])ired while thus engaged as the instructor of the older boy or boys. Of its value in schools, experience will soon be able to give the most reliable testimony ; but, as in the case of its use in the family, so too in schools, much will depend upon the intelligence, the tact, the inspiration or entluisiasm of the teach- er. We hope it will be found well adapted to in- terest children as a school text-book, for if chil- dren become interested in tlie study of it, they will remain interested in after life, and thus we shall have hereafter more mind'in our ljfe-j)ursuit, and the business of farming more dignilied, attractive and respected. Preparation of Bones for Use. — Of all the methods for preparing bones for the use of the far- mer, this, which is described by Mr. Grennell, of Greenfield, in the Country Oenilcman, and copied tlierefrom into this paper of Dec. 7th, and into the Januarj' No., at page 23, seems to be the best in several respects. The treatment with sulphuric acid is expensive and dangerous, and requires, moreover, the previous breaking down or grinding of the bones. The fermentation of bones, which was noticed in this journal last year, (see the week- ly of Aug. 10th, or the September No. of the monthly,) under the head of "Dissolving Bones," though comparatively simple, cheap and easy, is not so much so as Mr. Grennell's process, and re- quires the breaking or crushing of the bones, which Mr. G.'s does not. He takes the bones as he finds them, and packs without crushing them. This is one of the points, perhaps the most important one, in which Mr. G.'s method of preparing bones for use is superior to all others : There is no part of the process that can present any difficulty to any fanner. For the majority of farmers this avIII un- doubtedly prove the method Avhich Avill be pre- ferred to all others ; and so simple and easy is it that hereafter there can be no excuse for those who neglect to pick up, and collect, and prepare for use all the bones about their premises. A barrel of bones thus prepared will be worth a quarter of a ton o{ some superphosphates. As Mr. Grennell, in reply to a Canadian farmer who inquired through the Country Gentleman, as to the state in which the bones are found after be- ing packed a year, and as to their applicability for turnip-manuring, has added a fow items of infor- mation to those in the article under notice, we will here give an abstract of such as may be useful to those about to try Mr. G.'s method. In Country Gentleman of Jan. 2, INIr. G. states that he finds the bones at the end of a year in every state of decay — that knuckles and shank- bones are occasionally slow to yield — that he com- monly takes the vnidigested and throws them into a barrel for the next year, and that, as he uses the bones chiefly for grape borders and manuring pear and a])ple trees, it matters little about the fineness to which they are reduced. The ashes should be of hard wood, and fresh. More Anon. MIDDLESEX AGEICULTUEAIi SOCIETT. We have before us the Transactions of the Middlesex Agricultural Society for the j'ear ISGl, with a List of Premiums for the Exhibition in 1862. It is printed in a very handsome manner, by Benjamin Tooian, Concord, and comprises 1 14 pages. After a brief statement of the Exhi- bition, the first paper it contains is the Address of Ex-Gov. Washburn, the subject of vduch is — "TAe Connection hctween the Social and Polit- iccd Condition of a People, and the Mode of IJold- ing and Cultivating their Lands." AYe had the pleasure of listening to this Address on the day of Exhibition, and found much in it to interest and instruct. The ])am])hlet contains several very good re- tvnts, — a branch in which most of our County 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 141 transactions are deficient — viz. : One on Pioad- sters, by J. Cummin^s, Jr., of Woburn ; one on 3Iilch Heifers, by Winslow Wellington, of Lex- ington ; one on Poultry, by E. Wood, of Concord ; one on Bread, by Minot Pratt, of Concord ; one on Apples, Class 1, by Saniuc4 H. Pierce, of Lin- coln ; on Apples, Class 2, by Andrew AVcllington, of Lexington; on Peaches and Plums, by E, H. Warren, of Chelmsford ; one on Grapes, Frxiit and Melons, by John B. ]Moore, of Concord ; on the process of Wine-Malcing, by E. W. Bull, of Concord ; on Vegetables, by James Gammcl!, of Lexington ; on Household Muimfacturcs, by Lil- ley Eaton, of South Reading ; on Floiccrs, by E. W. Bull, of Concord ; on Bidls and Blood Stock, by Peter Lawson, of Lowell. These reports are somewhat extended, and state valuable facts, or maiie interesting suggestions, which give the Tran- sactions a value which they could not possess without them. The names of the officers for 1862 Ave have given heretofore. For the New England Farmer. THE USES pF LABOR TO MATT. Mr. Editor :— :Man's nature is such as to fit him for the world which he inhabits. He was created in the image of his Jilaker— that is, God endowed him with mental faculties similar to his own, only that they were infinitelv lower in the degree of their development. These higher pow- ers, M-ith his peculiar physical organization, distin- guish man from the lower animals, placing him but "little lower than the angels, crowning him with glory and honor," and giving him dominion over the whole earth and sea, and'all living things that inhabit them. Man's physical organization is such, constructed ■with its limbs, its bones and muscles, cords and sinews, as to make it capable, under, and with the meiital powers which guide and direct it, of ob- taining all needed supplies for its sustenance and comfort. But, high as is the position which man occupies in the scale of being, labor is to him a necessity. Without it, in both departments of his two-fold nature, the efiects of that immutable law are felt, according to which each faculty, not used, degenerates and wastes away like the share of the rusting plow. God, in His all-wise providence, has fitted the earth for man's peculiar nature. The riches it contains are not called forth simply at his bidding. He is compelled to call into ac- tion the exercise of all his faculties and suscepti- bilities, to _ obtain the necessaries of his life, and this exercise nut only preserves, but strengthens and develops them. Use is the parent of develop- ment. Thus it is evident that the necessity which compels us to labor, is the result of one of the most benevolent of laws. Labor was a necessity before, as well as after the fall of our first parents, who in the beginning tilled and dressed the gar- den ; therefore the poet mistakes in speaking of labor as the "primal curse softened to a blessing." Our first parents were removed from the garden, but outside of it, they could form and cultivate another, and wliile earning theii- food by the sweat of their brow, increase the health and strength of body and mind. _ Our food is composed of elements which repose in earth s bosom, or float in the air and sea. Each seed IS qualified to draw into its form the elements which Its nature requires to start the germ and form the plant, and grow, develop, and mature. And at last the sun and air ripen it, and fit it for our use. But all the time we must obey the laws of pro- duction which govern the growth of the iilant, bv placing it m the right soil, in a proper manner, and removing whatever obstacles may obstruct its growth. It might naturally be supposed that the less labor we were compelled to ijcrform, and the more leisure hours we could gain, the greater would be our mental acquisitions. But as we look over the world and see a rough region like New i^ngland, where severe and protracted labor is ne- cessary, standing in an intellectual point of view pi-e-emineut among the people of the earth, and rd gions where a tropical sun and fertile soil remove the necessity of labor such as we perform, among the owest mentally, that theory is disproved. Ihe labor doom of "honest poverty" should not be scorned. Poverty has comjielled* many of the mightiest intellects to develoj) those jiowers which would otherwise have lain inert. Many of the mightiest minds sprang into being in the home of poverty. \\ ashington, though the son of wealthy parents,_ surveyed in his youth among the forests ot Virginia. AVebster was the son of a New liampsme farmer, and labored with liis fother, in his childhood and youth. Burns, the plow-boy poet, first drew breath beneath a straw-thatched cottage in Scotland, and his "A man's a man for all that," was composed in consequence of sneers at his toiJ- hardencd hands, the scorners themselves, with their_ delicate fingers, never having performed that ph}sical labor which disciplined and energized the muid, and gave force to the character of Burns. Elihu Burritt, "the learned blacksmith," Hugh Miller, the geologist, and thousands of other ex- amples, might be cited to prove poverty and se- vere protracted labor to have been of great value in bringing out the latent energies of many of the leading minds, both of j)rcsent and past ages. But one great fact should be kept iiAiew by the child of wealth, and that is, riches, if iiroperly used are a blessing. AVashington, though weal- thy labored, and so can you. And by such labor, with only common talents, you can rise to such a position as to illustrate the truth of the proposi- tion, that "those possessions which arc, when abused, man's greatest curse, are, when iiroperly used, his greatest blessing." Jan., 1862. A Monthly Reader, TEKTACITY OF LIFE TN A FISH. It is not unusual for the dealers in fishes for aquaria to find that some of them, the gold and silver carp especially, have leaped out of the wa- ter, and lie partially shrivelled up on the floor. They return them to the water, and they resusci- tate, without apparently having suffered injury. AA^e have known fish to be frozen in the aquarium for hours, and be as healthy and lively as ever when gradually thawed out. But a most remark- 142 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Makch able instance of tenacity of life in a fish out of its "natural element," occun-ed under our OAvn obser- vation a few days ago. A salt water aquarium had to be removed some distance, and the animals and plants, with a full supply of water, were put into a large zinc pail for conveyance. Among the animals was a sole, a fish which has the habit of clinging to the sides of the aquarium or any other perpen(licular object. Following this habit, it was left adhering to the side of the pail Avhen its con- tents were emptied into the aquarium. It re- mained there, without any water, for four days and nights. "When found, it was still living, was re- turned to the aquarium, and for a fortnight has continued apparently healthy. AVe have not read of an instance of such tenacity of life in a fish out of its element. — N. Y. Commercial Advertiser. WHAT IS ENGLAND DOING? We are bound, in common civility, to take some interest in the afi'airs of foreign nations, seeing how tenderly solicitous they all are about ours. Indeed, it is not without some gi-ains of satisfac- tion and complacency that we observe, in reading the foreign journals, how large an influence our conduct has upon the rest of the Avorld. Just now, it is quite evident that all England, at least, is drawing a long breath of relief at her sudden ex- trication from danger of war with America. John Bull is very full of what he calls '-pluck," and he really meant war, when he politely suggested the propriety of our releasing Mason and Shdell ; that is to say, tlie British government had found an oc- casion to interfere Avith our affairs, in which their people would have supported them. The people of England do not Avant Avar Avith us. Their sym- pathies are Avith us, as they ahvays are Avith free- dom, and laAV and right. But the aristocracy are not our friends. They are jealous of our poAver, and of our republican institutions, and Avould gladly see us divided into several rival nations, in- stead of composing one grand and overshadoAving power. And noAV that Mr. Seward, so honorably and so adroitly, has avoided the threatened conflict, the people of Great Britain are really glad, and the government is obliged to pretend to be so. The English are a fair-minded people, and pride them- selves on ahvays doing the manly thing. We can- not help thinking that such a people, on the Avhole, must be a little ashamed of so A'iolent and manifest an attempt of their government to make trouble Arith us, just Avhile Ave Avere engaged in a pretty severe scene of family discipline. As the poet says : "It don't seem lianlly rifrlit, John, AVlien both my liiuicis were full, To stump me to a /JKlit John, Your cousin too, John Bull." Everybody, everyAvhere, sees that, had Ave been at leisure to give our undivided attention to John just at that time, he Avould have been someAvhat more polite, and a trifle less peremptory in his de- mands for satisfaction. But Ave are farmers, and our business is Avith corn and Avheat, more than Avith great guns, yet it is surjirising to see hoTr much the actual fighting condition of the nation depends on its present supply of grain. The old saying that "one cannot afford to quar- rel Avith his bread and butter," applies Avith equal force to nations and individuals. The great obsta- cle to the forAvard movement of our vast armies is, not that Ave have not men and guns enough to march at once straight doAvn to the Gulf of jMexi- co, but that Ave cannot transport supplies to feed the army in a rapid march. England has ships and soldiers enough to have troubled us sorely, had she pounced suddenly up- on us Avhile Ave Avere in this death-grapple Avith re- bellion ; but her oAvn journals clearly shoAV, that she must have had a famine at hand next spring, such as she never felt before, had aa'c accepted the war she proffered us. SCARCITY OF GRAIN IN EUROPE. The Mark Lane Express of January 20th con- tains estimates by con-espondents, not controvert- ed by the editors, Avhich indicate so enormous a deficiency in the AA'heat crop, that it Avould seem that America, Avith her best endeavors, could hardly supply the demand, and it is quite certain, that had her trade been cut off" by a Avar, the cry for food in the large toAvns of Great Britain Avould have been so loud as to have droAvned all com- plaints for Avant of cotton. The estimate is as fol- loAvs. We hope our readers will take the trouble to understand it. Bushe's. The regular crop of wheat in Great Britian and Ire- land is 164,000,000 Short planted for last crop '4 40,000,000 Short yield of that sown 20,000,000 Quantity shed by beinpr over-ripe 8,000,000 Extra quantity taken for seed for crop of 1862 6,000,000 Exportfd to France from August to December, 1861 8,000,000 — 82,000,000 82,000,000 To which add the usual importation 40,000,000 Making the requirements 122,000,000 It is admitted that France AA'ill Avant in all, for the year, 80,000,000 bushels, and probably more, because the chestnut crop, Avhich usually feeds tAvo millions of people in France, failed last season, Avhile Italy, Spain, Portugal and Belgium had all of them bad harvests. It is estimated that since September 1, 1861, there have been imported into Great Britain and Ireland 19,200,000 bushels of Avheat and flour, turning the flour into grain, against o2,800,000 for the corresponding period in 1860, and that France, up to January 20, had imported but little more than one-third of her necessary supply. The granaries of Great Britain Avere probably ncA'er so empty at this season of the year, as noAV. Yet the 1862. NEAV ENGLAND FARMER. 143 price of wheat in London is not very high, being about $1,90 per bushel, just about the same as it ■was in Januarj', 1847, the year of the L-ish fom- ine ! and yet before the first of June that year the price had advanced to $3,20 per bushel! and through the famine that ensued, and its conse- quences, nearly two millions of the Irish popula- tion were swept from her naturally fertile soil ! It is difficult to see how the wants of England and France are to be supplied. We exported, in 1847, nearly 869,000,000 worth of breadstuffs, and in 18J4, neai-ly $66,000,000. There is a vast sur- plus now on our hands, but it is not at the sea- coast, nor can it be until navigation opens, and it is a question for the old countries who need it, to solve, how their supply is to be obtained. We may well feel proud that with our vast army operations in hand we have enough and to spare, for those whose policy toward us is such that we can maintain the friendly relations of commerce. AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. Nothing strikes an American in England so for- cibly and constantly as the spirit of conservatism. In our country, it is a pretty good reason for chang- ing an idea, that it is an old one, and because, in the nature of things, there should be some im- provement, some progress. In England, on the contrary, Avhat lias been must be. That a horse- railway should go tlu-ough a street in London seems impossible to an Englishman, simply be- cause there never was one there, while every American sees that street-railways are just what every great city needs. England has no system of obtaining agricultural statistics, and nobody knows, except by guess, how many cattle or sheep are in the country, or the product per acre of her crops. Constantly there are movements to induce the government to institute measures for obtain- ing this essential information, in some reliable manner. Why is it not done ? Ask a former the question, and he inquires "What good will it do ?" One reason Avhy the farmers oppose it is this : They occupy their land under leases, usually not written, and not for any definite term, yet they re- main from year to year, and are really more per- manent in their homes than New Englanders Avho can own their farms, but sell and exchange them as readily as their horses, and who, in fact, rather enjoy a change of locality once in a few years. Now, the English farmers all fency that if their landlords really knew how much profit they were making, their rents would be raised. Besides that, they are watched enough already, especially where game is preserved, and where a game-keeper is prowling about their farms night and day, to pre- vent the boys from catching a hare or a partridge on the farms where they were born. A recent proposition that the police officers should be em- ployed to collect agricultural statistics, was met with a general burst of indignation by the farm- ers, and there really seems to be no prospect that any movement in this direction will be made. The estimates which are given above are derived from observations by dealers and others about the mar- kets, and from custom house records and the like. Very accurate statistics Avere obtained for a few years throughout Scotland, by one of the agricul- tural societies, but that is understood to be given up. There is the same jealousy in England, in the matter of general education, many good men be- lieving that it would be of no advantage to the la- boring classes to be educated. Perhaps that is true, if those laborers are to have no opportunity to improve their condition. We are inclined to think that the slave-holder is right in keeping his slave in ignorance, if he in- tends he shall remain a slave, and the same rea- soning appHes to any mere man-machine. Yet, there is a better spirit than this abroad in Eng- land. The late Prince Consort, who seems never to have been appreciated in England till his death, was a warm advocate of education for the laboring classes. He was, moreover, a lover of agriculture, and an active advocate of progress, and just be- fore his death, had accepted the position of Presi- dent of the Ptoyal Agricultural Society of Eng- land. He was no doubt, too, a friend to Ameri- ca, and remembered gratefully her kind reception of his eldest son. We may, as agriculturists and philanthropists, join in regrets that his life so sud- denly closed, and may offer our sincere sympathy to Her Majesty in the loss of her nearest earthly friend, who was indeed a friend of the poor and the oppressed, and of progress everywhere, rather than of the statesmen and nobles of the land, who were too jealous of his growing influence with the people, to accord to him in his life, the praises ia which they now so zealously unite. An Esquimaux Rifleman.— As we were in the open country, and there was no tangible o])ject to shoot at, he made a circle in the snow of about two feetin diameter, then, stejjping in the centre, raised his gun perpendicular from the shoulder, and fired in the air. After firing he stepped out of the ring, and in a few seconds, to my astonish- ment, the bullet came down within the circle he had made. He coolly remarked, ''we want no tar- gets to fire at ;" and if a man can hold his mus- ket with that precision as to cause the ball to re- turn just where he stands, M-hat need has he of a butt ? But the principal reason why they thus test their shooting is an economic one. Not al- Avays being able to get bullets, they are chary of firing them away, and I have no doubt it is for the same reason that so many savage people have the "boomerang," or return missile. — Recollections of Labrador Life by Lambert Be Boilieu. 144 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. IVIauch DAITA'S TKANSPABENT "WHITE CUBEAITT. BRAWN AND ENGPIAVED EXPEESSLX FOR THE N. E. FARMEK. Among the most successful cultiva- tors of garden fruits is Mr, Francis Dana, of Roxbury. He has origina- ted several pears of the best quality, and two or three currants Avhich promise to rank equal to any ot the new foreign varieties. The accom- panying illustration shows one of these, to which Mr. Dana has given the above name. The bunch from which the drawing was made was furnished us last Au- gust by ]Mr. J W. Foster, of Harrison Square, and is only a fair representa- tion of the berry and cluster. The flavor of tliis currant is excellent, size very large color more transparent than the White Dutch, and the berries do not appear to fall from the end of the bunch before ripe. The currant is one of the hardiest of the smaller fruits. It is very easily propagated, will grow with but little care, and under any ordinary cultiva- tion, will rctui-n a large crop every year. THE SNOW. The snow was proverbially called the "poor farmer's manure" before scientific analysis had shown that it contained a larger per centage of am- monia than rain. The snow serves as a protecting mantle to the tender herbage and the roots of all plants against the fierce blasts and cold of winter. An examination of snow in Siberia showed that when the tem- perature of the air was seventy-two degrees below zero, the temperature of the snow a little below the surface was twenty-nine degrees above zero, over one hundred degrees diiTerence. The snow keeps the earth just below its surface in a condi- tion to take on chemical changes Avhich would not happen if the earth were bare and frozen to a great depth. The snow prevents exhalations from the earth, and is a powerful absorbent, retaining and returning to the earth gases arising from vegetable and animal decomposition. The snow, though it falls heavily at the door of the poor, and brings death and starvation to the fowls of the air and beasts of the field, is yet of incalculable benefit in a climate like ours, and especially at this time, when the deep springs of the earth were failing and the mill streams were refusing their motive powers to the craving appetites of man. If, during the last month, the clouds had dropped rain in- stead of snow, Ave might have pumped and bored the earth in vain for water ; but, Avith a foot of snow upon the earth and many feet upon the moimtains, the hum of the mill-stones and the harsh notes of the saw will soon and long testify to its beneficence. Bridges, earth-works, and the fruits of engineering skill and toil may be swept away, but man Avill still rejoice in the general good and adore the benevolence of Him who orders all things aright. The snow is a great purifier of the atmosphere. The absorbent poAver of cajjillary action of snow is like that of a sponge or ch.ueoal. Immediately after snoAV has fallen, tivAt it in a clean vessel and taste it, and you will find imme- diately evidences of its impurity. Try some a day or tAvo old, and it becomes nauseous, especially in cities. SnoAV water makes the mouth harsh and dry. It has the same eflect upon the skin, and upon the hands and feet produces th painful mal- ady of chilblains. The f>.dlowing easy experiment illustrates beautifully the absorbent property of snow : Take a lump of snow (a piece of snow 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 145 crust answers well) of three or four inches in length, and hold it in the flame of a lamp ; not a drop of water will fall from the snow, but the wa- ter, as fast as formed, will penetrate or be drawn up into the mass of snow l)y capillary attraction. It is by virtue of this attraction that the snow pu- rifies the atmosphere by absorbing and retaining its noxious and noisome gases and odors. — Ex- change. For the New England Farmer. "WOOL GROWUNTG. Dear Sir : — A party of young gentlemen of the writer's acquaintance are proposing to emigrate to CaHfornia, for the purpose of embarking in the wool-growing business. If the accompanying semi- playfid, semi-serious lines, suggested by the sim- ple fact above stated, have, in your estimation, vigor enough in them to r/o alone outside the lit- tle circle in which the circumstances of the case are known, you arc at liberty to print them. Respectfully yours, The Author. Boston, January 30, 18G2. ACADIA. Away with all the Babel-war of trade, 1 With all the din by strong-limbed labor made, — The smoke and rush which business loves to make Where'er sharp Jonathan drives down his stake, The train's shrill whistle ushering from afar The panting engine, and the clattering car, The dashing craft that scorns th' opposing wind, Her streamers trailing like a cloud behind ; Away with all that hints of toils and cares, Bills, bonds, stocks, interest, merchandise and wares Which tell the texture of the age is one Of gold and iron, intricately spun ! Time's wheels reverse, and down the travelled track Roll back the j-ears— by centuries roll them back ! Till earth again shall joyfully behold Her childhood days — her age entirely gold ! What time the shepherds drove their flocks along The silver streams, and meditated song : Or stretched at noon beneath the greenwood shades, Rehearsed the beauties of their sylvan maids ; When simple pleasures discontent defied. And wants were few, and those with ease supplied ; Fair girls were "nymphs," and every youth a "swain,' = All speech was song— when Pan himself did reign ! Roll back the years till men again shall view That age of joyance — live it o'er anew ! But, nay ! there needs no rolling back of time— Kought save the transit to one genial clime ; And that same onward circling of the spheres Which hatli aforetime swelled the months to years I In that famed region of the West, whose soil Yields mainly gold to glad the sons of toil, There lies a vale, through which a winding stream Doth like a thread of burnished silver gleam Where pastoral life— believe the JIuse !— displays To modern eyes the scenes of ancient days ; Where dwells a colony of gentle swains Wliose lungs the atmosphere of cities pains ; A group of people who, on history's page. Will doubtless shine th' Acadian's of the age ; On whom the country will depend, to keep The art of rearing and improving sheep • When Spring again shall don her robes of green. And bees and butterflies once more be seen • When primrose blooms shall star the dales anew, And violets lift their lips to sip the dew, And yellow crocuses flaunt forth their gold ;— 'Twould give mirth's eye a twinkle, to behold These "shepherds" grasp their crooks and lead along Their milk-white flocks— throng slowly after throng. ° 'Twould brighten languor into smiles, to hear Those gentle shepherds' "songs of lofty oheer"— Or lays expressive of their ardent loves- Float down the vales, and echo through the groves ! O, well will they the artless strain prolong— Their thoughts prove idyls bubbling into song ! For them propitious seasons we invoke Upon their lambkins fall no l)lasting stroke ! The calm delights of pastoral life be theirs ; Its blest exemption from financial cares ; Its sheer disdain of Fashion's starch and paints j Its glorious freedom from the town's restraints •' May robust health that flow of spirits bring Which makes life's prime as joyous as its spring; Theirs be the heaven of sweet domestic bliss— The luxury theirs of tasting childhood's kiss ' May the new race to goodly stature grow. Without the wisdom which the marts bestow ; Delight in Nature with her bosom bare The pathless hills— uncarbonated air ; Wearing no mask made up of wretched shams, Scorning the cheatery of cant and flams ; With scarce a cloud between them and the power That gilds each star, and speaks in every flower ; Walk through the years-let worldlings, sneering, smile- As little children ignorant of guile Until they reach— why may they not ?— at last To something of the ancient patriarch cast ; And like those men who lived in Time's far youth. Through goodness' paths attain high heights of trJth ! And if the world in after times once more Shall need, like Sodom in the days of yore, To save it from destruction's fiery rain. Its men whose lives appear without a stain ; Then shall that vale, through which a winding stream Doth like a thread of Ijurnished silver gleam, ^ Send forth its "fives," its "fifties" o'er the earth. And save the nations with its leaven of worth ! ' * * * Ft)r the Nezv En'jland Farmer. THE BRAHMA FOWL. Havnig recommended to the readers of the Far- mer of March 2, 1861, the Brahma fowl above all other varieties, I was pleased to find in a recent number of the Genesee Farmer an account of the experimental trial in France, at the Zoological Cardens, last year, testing the laving qualities of a large number of different breeds of fowls, result- ing in favor of this breed. The Brahma Pootra stootl first in the trial as the most proHfic laj-er, which corresponds with my experience, as stated Jefore. I have kept nearly every breed of fowls, but nevei found one to come up to tlie Brahma, not only in laying, but every other desirable qual- ity requisite to a perfect breed of domestic fowl. A neighbor of mine has 17 Brahmas in one coop and 20 common barnvard fowls in another, fed and cared for alike ; he tells me that he is i^etting from ten to twelve eggs per day from the Brahmas, and from the others he has not had an as^g for the past month. Another gentleman informs me that he has always been obliged to purchase eggs for his family until this winter. He has tried many breeds of fancy fowls, and was almost discouraged, until induced to try the Brahmas, and this winter his fowls have been an income instead of an out- set, as heretofore. John S. Ives. Salem, Jan. olst, 1SG2, 146 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March For the New England Farmer. ABOUT KEEPING GOATS. The goat is a very social creature, and readily becomes attached to his protectors, and even to animals different from himself. We have heard complaints that a goat about the house is noisy, but if two or more are kept together they will soon learn to become very contented and quiet. They are frequently kept in stables with horses, under a belief that their peculiar smell contributes to the health of horses, but it is probable that ■whatever benefit is derived comes from the famil- iar companionship of the goats, for horses are fond of company to cheer the solitude. I have a goat which has formed an intimacy with a bantam pul- let. The latter follows her about all day, and roosts near her head at night, which fond atten- tions are returned by various marks of sympath)'. The famous friendship between Robinson CIrusoe and his goats was as natural and sincere on their part as on his. They will become as familiar as dogs, and will come at the call of the voice with a hop, f;kip and jump. "When roaming at large, they regularly return home at night. In Switzer- land, large flocks come down to the farm-houses at night to be milked, and are turned out again in the morning to browse upon the mountains. They stand to be milked as quietly as a cow. A famil- iar illustration of their domesticity is afforded in their serving to draw cliildren's carriages, often appearing to delight in their gay equipages. In India, the children of the Hindoos who have lost mothers were frequently suckled by goats. Trav- ellers report that, in the countries of the Negroes, this is very frequent. The goat comes to the cradle where the infants lie, and manifests the ut- most tenderness toward them. The flesh of the older goats is said to be coarse and ill-flavored, but that of the kids when very young is much esteemed. It is freely eaten in Eu- rope, and in the Southern countries it is served at table as regularly as lamb, and by most persons is considered the more delicate of the two. In Wales, where goats used to be very numerous, the haunches are frequently salted and dried, and sup- ply all the uses of bacon, and are called "hung venison." The goat is a lascivious and prolific creature. The female goes \vith young upwards of twenty weeks, and usually produces two at a birtli, and sometimes three and even four. She sometimes breeds twice in the year. In the natural state, the coupling season is in November or December, and the kids arc then born in the spring, when the tender herbage apiiears ; and this is the best time, although when m'cII fed slie Avill receive the male at any season. She is fruitful at the age of seven months, but it is considered well that she should not breed before the second year. The usual life of the goat is stated to be from ten to twelve years. Goats in the pasture are not likely to be wor- ried by dogs, as sheep are, for they are bold in their own defence, putting themselves in an atti- tude of defiance when provoked by animals, how- ever larger than themselves. A dog that will de- spise a ram and assail a bull, is frequently cowed by the bold demeanor and peculiar and vigorous butting of the goat. There is one great objection to the keeping of goats in town, which is, that they will devour every plant and small shrub, and bark every tree, within their reach. The latter form of mischief seems to be their especial delight. They must therefore be kept out of the garden, the orchard, and the nursery. In AVales, and other parts of Great Britain, Avhere goats used to be numerous, they have been largely discarded of late years, on account of the damage done by them in cropping the hedges, which are there so common. So in the wide districts of Europe, they are discouraged on account of the injury they do the vines and for- ests. The history of the goat is interesting. From the remotest times it has abounded in Europe, Asia and Africa, and has formed a large part of the Avealth of the common people. Its ancient his- tory is coeval with that of the ox and the sheep, and it is frequently mentioned in Scripture as forming with those animals the riches of the pa- triarchal families. His flesh was permitted by Moses to be used as food, and he Avas employed by the Jews as well as by the Egyptians, in re- ligious ceremonies. His form is sculptured on the ancient monuments. In Greece and Rome he was valued for food and raiment. He was dedi- cated to Jupiter, sacrificed to various divinities, and his skin was the iEgis of the Goddess of Wis- dom and Arms. His form was one of the attri- butes of Pan and the Satyrs, indicating the pro- creative power and rustic plenty. The goat was largely cultivated by all the early nations round the Mediterranean Sea, (where the finest kinds now are,) and by the Celtic and Teutonic nations in the North. There are numerous varieties of the common goat, determined somewhat by climate and situa- tion. Some naturalists suppose them all to have descended from the species ^gagrus, found Avild in the Caucasian mountains. Others think they came from various distinct species.. The small Guinea goats have been naturalized in America for a hundred years, but preserve their distinctive peculiarities unchanged. The uses of this animal are numerous. We hrve spoken of its milk and flesh. The skins, as furs, form warm clothing in the northern countries. Without the wool, they are an important staple of commerce, to be made into leather. From goat skins we have the fine morocco leather for boots and gaiters. The skin of the kid is in universal demand for the manufacture of kid gloves. In Eastern countries, the skin is made into bags for water, wine and oil ; and on the Nile, the Eu- phrates and other rivers, it is seen in the form of buoyant sacks, on Mhich the inhabitants float across those streams. The hair of the goat, M'hich may be sheared like wool, makes a superior rope, esi)ecially serviceable to be used in the water. With ropes of this material, the hardy natives of St. Kilda used to swing themselves over the dreadful precipices of their coast in search of the eggs of sea-fowls. The celebrated goats of Thi- bet, yield a fine wood, of which the splendid and costly Cashmere shawls are woven, with great pains and immense labor. The Goat of Angora, in Asia Minor, furnishf s a long, silky, wavy hair, from which a kind of camlilet is made, much prized for its durability. Of this material are formed the tents of the Arabs, the Turcomans, and all the wandering tribes of Tartary. A simi- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAR]MER. 147 lar fabric is referred to in the Scriptures, "And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle." (Ex. 26 : 7.) Some attem])ts have been made to establish the Thibet and Angoi'a goats in this countiy, an account of -which at some time might be interest- ing. G. L. Streeter. Salem, Jan., 1862. THE HOKSE-HAXE. In Professor Agassiz's interestiiig paper on "Methods of Study in Natural Histoiy," the sec- ond of the series in the Atlantic Montlihj, -we find this anecdote of an animal knoM-n to almost all country boys : A gentleman from Detroit had the kindness to send me one of those long, thread-lilve worms {Gordiufi) found often in brooks, and called horse- hair by the common people. When I first received it, it was coiled up in a close roll at the bottom of the bottle, filled with fresh water, that contained it, and looked more like a little tangle of black sewing silk than anything else. Wishing to un- wind it, that I might examine its entire length, I placed it in a large china basin filled M'ith water, and proceeded very gently to disentangle its coils, when I perceived that the animal had twisted it- self around a bundle of its eggs, holding them fast in a close embrace. In the process of unwinding, the eggs di-opped away and fioated to a little dis- tance. Having finally stretched it out to its full length, perhaps half a yard, I sat watching to see if this singular being that looked like a long, black thread in the water, wovdd give any signs of life. Almost immediately it moved towards the bundle of eggs, and, having reached it, began to sew itself through and through the little wliite mass, passing one end of its body through it, and then returning to make another stitch, as it were, till the eggs Avere at last completely entangled again in an in- tricate net-work of coils. It seemed to me almost impossible that this care of offspring could be the result of any instinct of affection in a creature of so low an organization, and I again separated it from the eggs, and placed them at a greater dis- tance, when the same action was repeated. On trying the experiment a third time, the bun- dle of eggs had become loosened, and a few of them dropped off" singly into the water. The ef- forts wliich the animal then made to recover the missing ones, winding itself round and round them, but failing to bring them into the fold Avith the rest, because they were too small, and evaded all efforts to secure them, when once parted from the first little compact mass, convinced me that there Avas a definite purpose in its attempt, and that even a being so Ioav in the scale of animal ex- istence has some dim consciousness of a relation to its off'spring. I afterAvards nuAvound also the mass of eggs, Avhich, Avhen coiled up as I first saAV it, made a roll of Avhite substance about the size of a cofi'ee-bean, and found that it consisted of a string of eggs, measuring more than tAvelve feet in length, the eggs being held together by some gel- atinous substance that cemented them and pre- vented them from falling apart. Cutting this string across, and placing a small section under the microscope, I counted on one surface of such a cut from seventy to sevent)--five eggs ; and esti- mating the entire number of eggs according to the number contained on such a smface, I found that there Avere not less than eight millions of eggs iu the whole strinjj. For tlie Neio England Farmer. BREEDS OF STOCK. In times gone by, I haA-e taken an interest in breeds of cattle, and all discussions that tended to illustrate Avhat classes of cattle Avere best suited to the farms of New England. This inquirv Avill de- pend somewhat upon the uses to be maile of the cattle. If they are to be fed for the stall, this is one tiling ; if they are to be kept for dnirv pui-- poses, this is anothei-. On most of our"iarms neat cattle are kept for the milk they \d\\ jield — therefore those Avhich 3'icld the greatest quantity, the quality being equally good, are to bo pre- ferred. So far as I have seen, and I haAC seen many herds, I have never seen any that Avould yield more milk at the same expense of feed, than our NcAv England stock, sometimes c-alled na- tive. For tliis reason, I have ever been an advo- cate of om- native stock, and shall not be disposed to abandon them until others are proved to be superior. I know there are here and there to be found choice animals of the imported breeds — such as the Durham, the Devons, the Ayrshires, the Jerseys, the Herefords, Szc, AA-luch have done great things. But I have never seen any consid- erable number of such animals on any one farm — and know not noAV Avhere they are to* be found. I had supposed om- friends Howard and Sheldon, could tell us all about these animals. Certainly, no men among us haA'e had more extended oppor- tunity for observation. Mr. Howard has visited the best herds of England and Scotland for the express purpose of learning ail about them — and ]\Ir. Sheldon has been a man of practical experi- ence, ever since I Avas a boy, and there is no one Avho AviU deny him the credit of being a shrcAvd observer — of animals and men. The real question is, hoAv shall we select a stock of cattle suited to our farms ? I say, choose those Avhich yield the best product on the same expense of feed. And from the best cows raise your OAvn calves, ahvays taking care to use bulls that sprung from good coavs. For in rearing stock, quite as much depends upon the sire as upon the dam. I remember this Avas the opinion of my old master Pickering. j. av. p. Feb. 10, 18G2. EooT Cutter and Cleaner. — A writer in the Covvtry Gentleman says : When potatoes are fed whole, or other roots are cut coarsely, the animal is obliged to hold its head so high to keep the root in contact Avith its teeth, that gravitation alone Avill pass it to the gullet, and ordinarily it Avill pass thence unmasticated, if not too large ; but if cut properly and mixed Avith cut stalks, straAV or hay, as they always should be , they Avill be eaten Avith the head down, as in eat- ing grass, and consequently be more thoroughly masticated and mixed Avith other food, and all dan- ger from choking is AvhoDy avoided ; hence the preventive that I have used for five years, and re- commended to others to use, is, to cut u]) the vegetables as finely as possible with a good root cutter and cleaner. 148 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March Fur the New England Farmer. A NEW PROPAGATING CASE. I have 1:0 doubt that many of the readers of the Farmer have often wished that they had facilities for propagating plants and flowers where bottom heat is necessary, such as starting very early to- mato, cabbage and lettuce plants, striking cuttings of grajjcs, roses, &c., and starting early plants for the flower-garden. But to start the former very early, or to strike cuttings successfully, requires a gentle bottom heat, and an atmosphere completely under our control. The few who are fortunate cnougli to possess hot-houses, have, of course, all the facilities for such purposes; but of the many who would like now and then to propagate a few plants or flowers for their own use, or pleasure, not one in one hundred have either hot-houses, or even hot-beds. And then the latter, (hot-beds,) are really troublesome and expensive aff"au"s, and but few can afford either the time consumed in making and tending them, or the expense of op- ei'ating them. For the possible benefit of these many, I pro- pose to give a description of a small propagating case I had made for my own use, and which is now in successful operation. It may be briefly described as a box, 33 inches ] long, 18 inches wide, 18 inches high in front, and 24 inches high at the back. Twelve inches above the bottom, we placed a zinc pan, or tray, two inches deep, and as large as the case would admit of. This pan rests on cleats, nailed to the inside of the case. On the under side of this zinc pan, we soldered the oval shaped co])per bottom of a common cooking-stove wash-boiler, such as may be found at almost any tinsmith's. (Sheet iron, copper, or tin, may be used instead, if more con- venient.) This forms a sort of boiler, about fif- teen inches long, six inches wide, and two inches deep. It is filled through a tube, from the u])per side. F(n- convenience, this tube should be about six inches long, and one-half or three-fourths of an inch in diameter. On the top of the case, we simply lay two squares of glass. To prevent the glass from sliding off", the upper edge of the case is halved. The boiler is filled with water, a com- mon fluid lamp is filled with alcohol, and placed under the copper boiler, (burning fluid will answer, but is less clean, and is rather offensive to the smell,) the zinc pan is covered one inch deep with clean sand, the pots (smallest size flower-pots) containing the seeds, or cuttings, are placed on the sand, a small thermometer is hung inside the case, the glass is laid on, and the miniature hot- house is in full operation. It should be placed near a window, where it can receive the benefit of the sun during the day. The thermometer should not be allowed to go below 50°, nor above 60° at night, but may rise to 70°, and even 80°, in the middle of the day. Care should be taken to ven- tilate well in the day time. This is done by rais- ing the back edge of one or both panes of glass, according to circumstances. With these very general hints as to temperature and ventilation, there need be no difficulty in managing such a case successfully. I have found that a steady flame, tkree-fourths of an inch high, from a single tube of a common fluid lamp, is amply sufficient for ordinary winter weather. (The larger the lamp, the less trouble in filling it.) ^ ^^^ ^^y ^^^^ ^^ usually placed, ~^^*^ "^ Avhen in operation, at the kitch- en window. It looks well enough, howe'^er, to grace the windows of the sitting-room, or even parlor. Such a case should be made of well-sea- soned wood, be dovetailed to- gether and thoroughly painted inside and outside. If the win- dow be high, the case will need legs — or it may be placed on a table — so as to bring the pots near the glass. The lower half of the back of the case is hinged, for convenience of managing the lamp. My first case Avas but 12 inches deep at the back, and 6 inches in front, and the lamp had no protec- tion against drafts of air. This was found to be troublesome, and I was obliged to box in the lamp. Now all the heat is saved, the lamp is secure, and the extra room is convenient for storing spare pots. Sec. A« the boiler is placed in the centre of the case, it will readily be seen that that part will be the warmest. This is taken advantage of, by appro- priating it to the use of such pots as need the most bottom heat, gradually removing them toward the edges as they need to be "hardened off'." _ If the case is divided into two parts, by a partition, one part can be used, at pleasure, for this hardening off process, preparatory to placing the plants in the ground, or elsewhere. Tliese cases can be made of any size or style de- sired. They are neater, easier operated, and cost less than the ordinary hot-bed. The one above described, though placed in a room where the fire is never kept over night, and seldom even in the evening, consumes but one gallon of alcohol per 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 149 month, at a retail cost of 60 cents — or two cents per twenty-four hours. The cost of the case was as follows : Lumber and making, $2,2-5 ; copper boiler bot- tom, 70 cts. ; zinc and making of pan, &c., lo cts. ; two squares glass, 50 cts. ; lamp, 20 cts. ; paint- ing, 50 cts. ; castors, (for convenience of moving,) 17 cts-; hinges, 6 cts.; thermometer, 37 cts.; to- tal, $l),oO. These are city prices. In most locali- ties they would be somewhat less. A case of the above dimensions contains room for fifry-four No. 7 Hower-pots. It will be readily seen from this, that it can be made to do a great deal of work. PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN HELPED. There is really very little that can be done for one man by another. Begin with sense and ge- nius, keen appetite and good digestion, and the work goes on merrily and well ; without these, we all know what a laborious aflair, and a dismal, it is to make an incapable youth apply. Did any of you ever set yourselves to keep up artificial respi- ration, or to trudge about for a whole night Mith a narcotized victim of opium, or to transfuse blood, (your own, perhaps) into a poor, fainting, exani- mate wretch ? If so, you have some idea of the heartless attempt, and its generally vain and mis- erable result, to make a dull student apprehend, a debauchee interested, active, or knowing in any- thing beyond the base of his brain, a weak, etio- lated intellect hearty and worth anything. And yet how many such are dragged through their dreary cnrricula, and by some miraculous process of cramming, and equally miraculous power of turning their insides out, get through their exami- nations ; and then — what then ? Providentially, in most cases, they find their level. The broad daylight of the world, its shrewd and keen eye, its strong instinct of what can and what cannot serve its purpose — puts all, except the poor ob- ject himself, to rights. Happy is it for him if he turns to some new and more congenial pursuit in time. — Dr. Brown. SixGULAE, Detection of a Thief. — A musi- cian employed at one of the London theatres, pos- sessed an ebony flute with silver keys. He sel- dom used it, however, in consequence of one of the upper notes being defective. The muscian had for a lodger, a young man, a theatrical tailor, and between the two there existed a considerable friendship. Well, one night, while the musician was away at his l)ushiess, some one stole the flute wilh the silver kejs, and suspicion fell on an old char-woman, who used to come to do the house- work. However, nothing tended to show that the old lady really was guilty, and the aflfair was shortly forgotten. In a few months the tailor left the house of the musician, and went to live in a town a few miles off" ; but as the friendship be- tween the two men still existed, they occasionally visited each other. Nearly a year afterward, the musician paid the tailor a visit, and was pleased to find him in possession of a beautiful bulfinch who could distinctly whistle three tunes. The jierform- ance was perfect, with this exception — whenever he came to a certain high note, he invariably skipped it, and went on to the next. A very little reflection convinced the musician that the note in which the bulfinch was imperfect, was the very one that was deficient on the flute. So convinced was he, that he at once sharply questioned his ex- lodger on the subject, who at once tremblingly confessed the guilt, and that all the bird knew, had been taught him on the stolen flute. — Beeton's Home Pets. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. SALT AND PIGS — SCRAPING TREES. Being a reader of your valuable paper, I will take the liberty to make a few inquiries. Is salt good for young pigs ? If so, in what manner, how often, and in how large a quantity must it be given P I have a pig that has a cough — is there any remedy for it ? Is there any harm in scraping trees in the fall or spring ? If not, when is the best time ? A. I. Newil^ll. East Scmgm, Feb. 8, 1862. Remarks. — All animals, even fowls, need salt. We know of no rule for giving it to them. Feed a small quantity two or three times a week to the pigs, and if they flourish under it, continue to do so, and increase the quantity as they increase in size. Feed the pig with a cough on warm, nutritious food, but not in large quantity, and give him a dry, warm place, where he can lie and sleep with- out being at all chilled. He will be grateful enough to soon recover. If trees are thickly covered with moss, they are probably in on unhealthy condition. Scraping will be useful to them, but breaking up the sward, manuring and cultivating will be better. It is doubtful whether scraping young trees is of fur- ther use than to gratify the eye. The bark upon a tree which has always had a healthy growth, will sometimes be very rough — but that it does any injury, either by harboring insects or in any other way, we have never learned. It may be some protection against summer suns, and perhaps winds. We are not aware, however, that it does any special injury to scrape away a portion of it, if it is done with care, at any season of the year. "WILL the army worm come again ? Can you tell me if the army worm is sure to ap- pear again where it was last year ? ISIany farmers in this vicinity had fine crops completely destroyed by them ; they seemed to relish everything "but potatoes. So unexpected was their appearance last season, (I never saw any before,) that we come to you to know if they are to make their advent again this summer coming. I am exceedingly anxious to know, not wishing to go to the expense and labor of sowing seed the profits to be reaped by them. Fishcrville, 11. 1. Caleb Congdon. ReMjVRKS. — ^We have no doubt but the army worm, so called, that did so much mischief last summer, will appear next summer. But we can- not promise this positively. 150 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. March EXPERIMENTS WITH POULTRY. Below I give you the result of a few experi- ments in keeping hens. The first was with 1,3 hens and a cock. My hens are what is called the "common fowl." I sold 172 (loze-n eggs, for $28,0S Sold poultry .5,67 Kept 40 pullets... , 10,00 $43,75 For cost of keeping , '29,55 Profit..,. $14,20 Second experiment with 55 hens. 5203J doz. eggs antS poultry sold, with value of thos^ left for my own use, $155,70 Cost of feed, &c 101 ,2S Profit ..$54,42 Third experiment with 159 hens. They laid in a, year l,5o6\ dozen eggs. Average to a hen one year, 11745-100, and thirty of them had chickens to bring up. From Dec. 1 to June 1 average to a hen 64 eggs. By eggs and poultry sold $292, GO By pullets, extra from what I commenced with 9,81 By Leghorn cocks for sale 12,00 $314,47 To cost of feed $102.74 To rent, tools, interest , 11,50— $174,24 Leaving profit of. $140,23 I now have to keep 226 hens and 1 7 cocks. I find the Leghorn white fowls the best I have got for laying and eating, as their flesh, being yellow, sells better in market than the Bolton Greys, which lay quite as well. I have the Leghorn fowls for sale at $2,25 a pair, and eggs for hatching at 75 cents per dozen. In trying to raise chickens without the hens going with them, I found that v/bat I raised cost when hatched, 7i cts. I find I have much the best luck in raising chickens in letting the hen have 25 to 30 each, in a coop. In the above experi- ments I have not given any credit for manure, which will sell, I think, for about 33 cts. a hen, or as some think, it will raise a bushel of corn, if properly taken care of, and applied to the ground. John M. Merrill. Bristol, K //., Feb., 18G2. TURNIPS FOR SHEEP. I would like to inquire through your paper whether the flat English turnip is good for sheep in the winter months, when they can be raised at a small cost ? Sulscricer. Mechanicsville, Vt., 1862, Remarks. — Excellent, no doubt. Cut them in- to small pieces, and feed them once a day, a quart or two to each sheep. ATTACHING A SAW TO A THRESHER. Will some of the readers of the Farmer inform me how to attach a large saw to a common thresh- ing machine 2 E. B. P. Mechanicsville, Vt., 1862. TREATISE ON THE SILKWORM. Will some of your readers inform me what is the title of the best treatise on the culture of the silk-worm in New England, and where it is to be obtained ? C. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. WINTER SCEISTES. That old red sleigh, with its long box that never was full, for down in the straw, wrapped in the robes, or on one or another of the four seats it contained, there was always room for one more ! What a grouping of bright, j'oung faces there used to be in it — faces in hoods, in caps and in blank- ets ; hearts that have loved since ; hearts that have broken ; hearts that have mouldered. And away we went over the hill and through the vale, under the moonlight and under the cloud ; Avhen the stars were looking down ; when the sun kindled the world into a great, white jewel. But those days have gone forever away, and the sweet old necklace of bells, big in the middle of the string, and growing small by degrees, has lost its power over the pulses. In that old sleigh, brides have gone away before now — those that were married to manhood, those that were "married unto death." Great ships have gone over the waters with less of hope and happiness than that rude craft has borne over the billows of winter. Swan-like shapes now glance along the arrow}' way, but give us, for its sweet memories of yesterday, the old red sleigh. Then, the days when we were "coasters," and down the big hill, by the majale M^ood, through the little pitches, far into the valley, we came with merry shout, each the solitary Palinurus of his own small craft. How like a flock of swallows we were, dashing down the declivity, in among a group of sleds, side by side with a rival, shooting by like an arrow, steering in gallantry ahead like a jockey, and on our way up with a sled in tov/, ere the party had reached the valley below ! And then it was, when the wind had swept away the snow from the pond and stream, and the ice was glare, that we put on the "rockers," and dart- ed hither and thither, and cut sixes and eights, and curves without number, and drew the girls we loved, and whirled them hke leaves over the highway of crystal. And the schools where we spelt each other dowTi, and the schools where we sang Windham and Mear, and the schools where we ciphered and wrote, and "went up" — gone, all gone, teacher and taught, like the melting snow under the rain- bows of April. And when, sometimes, after the great snow, the winds came out of the north for a frolic, what wreathing and carvings of cold alabaster there were ! AV^hat Corinthian adornings surmounted the fenc2 posts ! what mouldings were fashioned beside the way! what fairy-like caves in the drifts! what flowers of rare finish and pendants of pearls on the trees ! Have you quite forgotten the footprints we used to find in the damp snow, as delicate, some of them, as a love-letter ; the mysterious paths down to the brook or by the old hollow tree, that we used to wonder over and set "figure fours" by, if perchance we might catch the makers thereof? Have you quite forgotten how sorry you were for the snowbirds that fluttered among the flakes, and seemed tossing and lost in the storm ? And there, in the midst of that winter, Christ- mas was set, that made the Thanksgiving last all thi'ough the night of the year — and what wonder 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 151 the stars and fires burned more brightly therefor — Christmas, Avith its gifts and its cheer, its carol and charm, its evergreen branch and its bright morning dreams ; Christmas, when there were prints upon the chimney-tops, if we were only there to see them, where Santa Claus set his foot as the clock struck twelve ; Christmas, when stock- ings were suspended by hearth and by pillow, all over the land — stockings silken and Avhite — stock- ings homely and blue, and even the Httle red sock, with a hole in the toe ? Blessed forever be Beth- lehem's star ! — Chicago Journal. THE SICK IN BED. With a proper supply of windows, and a proper supply of fuel in open fireplaces, fresh air is com- paratively easy to secure when your patient or patients are in bed. Never be afraid of open windows, then. People don't catch cold in bed. With proper bed-clothes, and hot bottles, if ne- cessarj-, you can always keep a patient warm in bed. Never to allow a patient to be waked inten- tionally or accidentally, is a sine qua non of all good nursing. If he is roused out of his first sleep, he is almost certain to have no more sleep. It is a curious but quite intelligible fact, that if a patient is Avaked after a few hours' instead of a \q\x minutes' sleep, he is much more likely to sleep again ; because pain, like irritability of brain, per- petuates and intensifies itself. If you have gained a respite of cither in sleep, you have gained more than the mere respite. Both the probability of recurrence and of the same intensity Mill be di- minished, whereas both will be terribly increased by want of sleep. This is the reason why a pa- tient waked in the early part of his sleep, loses not only his sleep, but his power to sleep. The more the sick sleep, the better will they be able to sleep. A good nurse will always make sure that no door or window in her patient's room shall rattle or creak ; that no blind or curtain shall, by any change of wind through the open window, be made to tlap ; especially will she be careful of all this before she leaves her patient for the night. If you wait till your patient tells yovi or reminds you of these things, where is the use of his having a uurse ? — Florence Nightimjale. A Hint or Two. — To keep ice from windows, take an ordinary paint brush or sponge, and rub over the j^dass once or twice a day a little alcohol, and it will keep the glass as free from ice as in the middle of summer ; and it will also give as good a i)olish as can be got in any other way. Isinglass is a most delicate starch for muslins. When boiling common starch, sprinkle in a little fine salt ; it will prevent it sticking. For fruit and wine stains, mix two teaspoonfuls of water and one of spirit of salt, and let the stained part lie in this for two minutes ; then rinse in cold water ; or wet the stain with hartshorn. Careful Reading. — It is not unusual that the second reading of any work is more profitable than the first ; and the third or fourth often results in new discoveries of much value and profit. The truth is, most of us read too superficially. We study and analyze too little — in other words, we tliink too little — don't we ? Let us reform in this respect. — Rural New- Yorker. How TO Cook Eggs in the Shell. — A cor- respondent of the AgricuUurist writes : One way to cook eggs is to drop them into boil- ing Avater, and let them remain there three min- utes— the water all the time boiling. This hard- ens the white next the shell to almost leathery toughness, Avhile Avithin it is still not cooked. Another and preferable mode is, to pour boiling Avater upon the eggs ; let them stand in this five minutes ; pour off this, and add more boiling Ava- ter, and immediately bring them to tlfe tai)le in the ivater. Those taken out at once Aviil l)e some- what cooked through ; and those left in five min- utes Avill be "hard boiled," or nearly so, and thus the taste of eveiy one may be suited, and no tough- ness of the Avhites be observed. YOUTirS DEPARTMENT. LITTLE CHILDREN-. The scattered cnimbs upon the floor ; The rattliag playthinfrs by the door ; The finger-marks on point and pane — All are signals showing plain There are little children here. The tongs outstretched upon the floor ; A broken ark, and shipwrecked Noah ; A horse with tail, nor ears, nor mane — All are signals showing plain There are little children here. The high chairs ranged against the wall ; The small coat hanging in the hall ; The little shoes, and little cane, Add to the signals showing plain There are little children here. But now I must resign my pen ; The children have come back again ; They but ran out in mud and rain, To bring new signals, shovring plain There are little cliildren here. PLAYING FOR KEEPS. We are told that this story is real, as children say. There are a great many little boys Avho are in the habit of playing for keeps. We hope they Avill not only read tliis story, but that they Avill re- solve never to take tliis then' fii-st lesson in gam- bling : "See, mother, AA'hat a lot of marbles I've got !" said John. "I Avant you to make me a great big bag to put them in." "Why, Avhere did you get so many, my son ?" asked his mother. "I Avon them from Pete Jones. See, I got his glass taAV, too. I loaned him one of mine to jilay Avith Avhile he put that in the ring. Isn't it pret- ty ?" ' "HoAV much did you pay him for them ?" "Pay him ! Nothing. He and I played for 'keeps,' and I Avas the best player, and won all his." "How much did they cost, Peter, do you sup- pose ?" "If he bought them, they must have cost him about a dollar." "And you got them for nothing ?" "I plaved 'upon the square,' and Pete said I got them all'fair." 152 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Makch "So now )'0u have got a dollar's worth of mar- bles, for which you never paid one cent !" said his mother, slowly and with em])hasis. John, who Avas an honest boy, looked at her as if he did not fully comprehend the extent of her meaning. "Mr. Lowly," continued his mother, "is a gam- bler, and he wins other people's money in the same way. He plays 'upon the square,' he says." As the truth flashed upon John that he was a gambler, he burst into tears, and asked his mother wliat he must do. After showing him how little evils cxj^anded into greater, and how persons M'ere tempted to cheat and defraud when there was a prospect to make anything by it, she told him to return all Peter's marbles, and then go and ask God to forgive him. Peter seemed very thankful to get his marl)les back. John left him whistling a merry tune, which seemed just like he was saying, "Johnny an't go- ing: to be a gambler." EDUCATED FEET. Who can tell to what uses the feet and toes could be put, if a necessity arose for a full devel- ment of their powers ? There is a way of educa- ting the foot, as well as the hand or the eye ; and it is astonishing what an educated foot can be made to do. Wc know that in the time of Alex- ander, the Indians Mere taught to draw their bows with their feet, as well as with their hands, and Sir J. E. Tennent tells us that this is done up to the present time by the Rock Veddahs, of Ceylon. And nearly all the savage tribes can turn their toes not only to good, but bad account ; like the aboriginals of Australia, who, while they are cun- ningly diverting your attention with their hands, are busily engaged in committing robberies with their toes, with which they pick up articles as an elephant would with his trunk. So also the Hin- doo makes his toes Avork at the loom, and weaves with them with almost as much dexterity as with his fingers. The Chinese carpenter will "hold the bit of wood he is planing by his foot, like a parrot, and will work a grindstone with his feet. The Banaka tribe, who are the famous canoe-men on the West African coast, will impel their light ca- noes— weighing only from eight to ten jjounds — with great velocity over the Avaves, and, at the same time, will use the foot to bail out water ; and when they would rest their arms, one leg is thrown out on either side of the canoe, and it is propelled with the feet almost as fast as Avith a paddle. There Avas also Monsieur Ducornet, Avho died only four years ago, Avho, although he Avas born without hands, Avas brought up as an artist, and Avho an- nually exhibited at the Louvre pictures ])aintcd by his feet. Then there Avas Thomas Roberts, the armless huntsman to Sir George Barlow, Avhose feet Avere made to ])crform the duties of his hands. And there Avas William Kingstone, Avho Avith his toes Avrote out his accounts, shaved and dressed himself, saddled and bridled his horse, thrcAV sledge hammers, and fought a stout battle, in Avhich he came off victorious. — Cuthhert JJede's Glen- creggan. THE CATTLE MARKETS FOB FEBRUARY. Tlie following is a summary of the reports for the four weeks ending February 20 : NUIXBER AT MARKET. Cattle. S'leep. S.'iotes. Lire Fat Hogs. January 30 S04 2470 400 '200 February 0 1294 3571 250 150 " 13 9S9 325S 250 50 " 20 ISIO 2502 150 — Total 4897 11811 1050 400 PRICES. Jan. 30. Feb. 6. Feb. 13. Feb. 20. Beef cattle, 4P' lb 4?fi6Jc 45«6J 5(57 5 i?6J Sheep, live weight 4'j!i6 4|i(j5J 4Vtt5J 4',?j5? Swine, stores, wholesale.... 3irf4i 3J*f4 SJno iSfiv)^ " " retail 3J54| 4 §5 4 36 b'nG Livefathogs 3|~ 3^ij4J 4} At this market, prices and estimates of beeves are based on the total weigUt of hide, tallow and dressed beef ; in Xew York, on ttie weight of beef alone ; a difference of something like one-fifth. Tlrat is, an animal whose four quarters weigh 100 fts. each, would be rated in Brighton as dressing about 500 lbs., and in New York at 400 fts., and consequently 4c iP' ft. in this market would amount to the same sum as oc #■ tb. in \ew York. The "fifth quarter,'' as the hide and tallow are often called, is heavi- er, in proportion to the aieat, in very fat than in light animals. Remarks. — The Xortliern catlle and sheep at market the past month have been very good, many of them being really v^ell fitted. Cut few stores have been offered for sale, and but few have been called far. In the price of working oxen and milch cows, there has been but little change during the month. Our reports of sales have not been very numerous of either class. Pretty good oxen are sold at from $75 to $100 V pair, and cows from §25 to $45. The cattle and sheep alluded to in the following paragraphs were at Brighton Market, February 20: JIammoth Cattle. — Messrs. Soollans & Flinn put five of their Western beeves into a yard by themselves on AVednesday, which were visited as curiosities by nearly every person on tlie ground. They were fed by J. Dennis, Esq., of Niles, Cayuira Co., N. Y. One pair of Durhams which liad been in his stable for three years, weighed at Albany 6050 fts. Another five-year old pair, of the "mooHy" or no-horned race, weiehcd at home 5000 lbs., and at Brighton 4800 lbs. But the lion of the party was a four-year old steer, which weighed at home 2900 fts This steer had no appearance of being over-grown or awkwardly fat, deeply as his ribs were covered, but was well-proportioned, tidy- looking and pretty spry, notwithstanding his great weight. The same might he said of tlie Durham oxen, while, to my eye, the no-horns were less comely. The whole lot were rich animals, such as I have not been accustomed to look upon, and good .nidg- es said, such as are seldom seen either in Brighton or N. York. I understood they were not sold at the time I saw them, nor did I learn the price, but it is to bo hoped that the lovers of good beef v/ill reward Messrs. Scollans & Flinn, not only for the pleasure they may enjoy at the dinner-table, but for that afforded to the many admirers of "neat stock" who saw them at Brighton. Great Sheep. — A^^aleg, Curtis & Sinclair sold to .T. AV. Hol- lis 9 Cotswold and Lester sheep which weighed at Albany 2400 lbs., or an average of 267 lbs. each. They were all smooth weth- ers, no horns or stags in the lot. Four of them were rai«ed in Albany county, and 5 in Genesee. Only 1 had been slaughtered, and that yielded 33 fts. of rough tallow, which we were told, Jlr. llollis said was the largest amount he ever took from any one shrej) before. Those acquainted with the kind of sheep slauch- tered by Mr. Hollis for many years past will not need aiiyf arlljer particulars of this lot, except that wc understood the sheep cost about $25 each. Comparative Value of Oats and Roots. — Four and tAvo-thirds pounds of oats are estimated by analysis to contain a little over one pound of flesh, muscle and fat forming principles ; to equal that it Avill take, of carrots, nearly nine lbs. ; of Aberdeen turnips, near tAventy lbs. ; and of SAved- ish turnips, near seventeen pounds. It Avill be seen that the difiercnce is greatly in favor of oats. DEVOTED TO AGIUCTJLTUIIB AND ITS KIUDSED ARTS AINTD SCIEUGES. VOL. XIY. BOSTON, APRIL, 1862. NO. 4. KOraSE, EATON & TOLMAN, Proprietors. Opficb 100 Washington Street. SIMOX BROAVN- EwTOR. HENRY F. TRENCn, Associate Editor. CALENDAK FOR APRIL. PRIL IS supposed by scholars to have derived its name from the Latin ''word Aperire, sig- nifying to open, because in those countries Avhere our mouths v.ere named, the buds open themselves at this season of the year. They also tell us that Char- lemagne, in his new calen- dar, called it grass viontlt, the name still given to it by the Dutch. It is possible that if these scholars, Charlemagne and the Dutch, had lived in Xew England, the christening of their Ape- rire, or grass month, "would have been postponed at least one new moon. To be sure, the buds do open themselves some- what, and the grass starts more or less before the last blast on the horn of April is blown, but with us both buds and grass often have occasion to re- pent of their rashness and haste. Only last year, (1S61,) in the first part of the month, the earth ■was covered a foot deep with snow, where it lay I as it fell ; and from two to six feet, where drifted by the wind. Near our own residence there was i a drift about three feet deep, extending for rods, , and terminating in a pile, against an embankment j wall, measuring eight feet in height. Highways were blocked up, and passenger trains on the rail- ' roads delayed. This, we know, was an unusual storm for April, but unusual chiefly in respect to the depth of the snow. Storm and sunshine are I the order of the month. We must dodge the one as well as we can, and improve the other the best j we know how. There is much work to be done I in April. While the Italian, French, and even the English farmer, have tln-ee or four months of veritable spring weather, we have but two at best ; and old winter claims a portion of one of these, and in some parts of New England enforces her claims for the lion's share of April. Much as there is to do, however, in so little time, don't drive the boys too hard at fii'st. After studying in a warm room for tliree or four months, it is rather tough — we remember it very well — to face these cold winds, and to take hold of out- door work in earnest. It may encourage some of these tender-handed school-boys to be told that it is not the sons of New England alone that com- jilain of similar hardship. According to one of the oldest of the ancient poets, those farmers who dwelt in the comparatively warm climate of the region bordering on the Mediterranean Sea made a great fuss about the cold and hardship of plow- ing time. They went so far as actually to cry, — "bawl," the Yankees would call it, — while ploAV- ing the ground and sowing the seed. It seems that the poor fellows got bravely over this "crying spell" before harvest, for they are represented as quite jolly at reaping time. AVe make a brief ex- tract from the poem alluded to, as some of our readers may be glad to preserve even a small por- tion of perhaps the most ancient agricultural po- em extant : "Thoy that sow in tears Shall reap in joy : He that goeth forth and weepeth, Beariii!;; ])recious seed, Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him." We quote from the same author, whose writings were probably the models of the sayings of Frank- lin's "Poor Richard," one of the old saws with which parents, four thousand years ago, used to encourage their sons to brave the chills of April : "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold ; Therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing." 154 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April There is yet a little patch of evening left for the boys to read. They may have left school for the season, or for life, but their education is not finished. Let them have a few moments with their books, and papers, and thoughts, especially in these days, "For we are living, we are dwelling, in a grand and awful time, In an age on ages telling — to be living is sublime." A singular notion seems to have been harbored in many people's heads, until it is nearly con- densed into a proverb, something like : Learning cmx't he lost. Therefore, when the school closes, down go the lids of the books of their children, to be raised only when school again opens. Yet these same people will sometimes claim to have forgotten more in a year than most know at one time. The fact is, we forget so fast that almost constant practice is necessary to keep our knowl- edge of any branch of science or art available. For this reason it may be cheaper to let the boys review their lessons occasionally, evenings and stormy days, than to neglect study entirely till school time comes round again. The young folks generally intend to have a lit- tle fun on the first day of this month, which is called "April Fools' Day,^^ not only in New Eng- land, but wherever the English language is spok- en. The New American Encyclopaedia says that the custom of sending people on empty errands, and laughing at them, is common in every coun- try of Europe, and wherever the European races have settled on this continent. Two accounts are given of its origin. The Oriental scholars say that it is derived from the liuU feast among the Hindoos, where a similar custom prevails. The other opinion is, that it comes from a celebration of Christ's being sent about to and fro between Herod, Pilate and Caiaphas. In France, the fool- ish person is called poisson d'avril, meaning a silly fish, like a mackerel, easily caught. Li Scot- land, he is called gotok, which means a cuckoo. By the first of this month, farmers in this sec- tion hope to start the plow. This is a most im- portant branch of our business, and we submit as a proper subject for special thought and study during the month of April, the principles and practice of ploining — the whys and wherefores, as well as the how. Com, Oils. — The New York correspondent of the Boston Commercial Bidlctin says : "The ker- osene and coal oil trade is very much depressed, the sujjply being largely in excess of the demand. The refined oil now sells at from 28 to 30 cents, which, at the present rate for crude stock, Avill not pay a profit to the refiners, and the works in this vicinity are being very generally suspended. Some parties are buying up and storing large quantities of the manufactured oil, in anticipation of an ex- cise duty of ten cents per gallon, being levied up- on the manufacture by the new revenue act about to be passed upon by Congress. Enormous quan- tities of the article are stored in this vicinity, and the receipts of both crude and refined oil from the Avells and Western factories are very heavy." THE CATTLE DISEASE. AVe are glad that the Board of Agriculture has thought it proper to call attention to this matter. There are those who believe the disease is not con- tagious. We have seen enough to convince us that it is, and that there is imminent danger of its sweeping with destructive power over the whole State. It is more than folly to neglect its en- croachments. It is among us noxc, beyond doubt or cavil, and every prudent measure should be adopted to arrest it, Avhether it is contagious or not. If those who object to action in relation to it would visit diseased herds, examine animals when slaughtered, and make careful inquiries into the nature of the disease, they would be quite like- ly to be more consistent in their opposition to investigation and the measures to prevent its ex- tension. Hr.PORT ON THE CATTLE DISEASE. The undersigned, a Committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture to prepare a statement of facts for publication in relation to the cattle disease, would respectfully report that — Having good reasons to fear that the disease known as pleuro-pneiiraonia (so fatal in its ravages among the neat stock of North Brooktield and vicinity in the years 1859 and 18G0) has again made its appearance in several towns in the county of Norfolk, they feel it the duty of this Board to warn the farmers and others, owners of neat stock in the Commonwealth, that the time has arrived for them to take every precaution to prevent the spread of this scourge ; and in view of its conta- gious nature they would urge the necessity of the greatest care being taken by all interested in purchas- ing or permitting strange cattle to come in contact with their herds. The disease now claiming our attention made its ap- pearance in the town of Qaincy last April, breaking out in two herds nearly simultaneously. Eight ani- mals from one of the herds were sold to a person in Ilandolph, m the month of September, for cight}--five dollars for the lot. One of these animals died before reaching the homo of the owner, and three more short- ly after. The other four have been lost sight of. One herd in Milton, and also one in Dorchester, have been .ift'ected for some months. Four animals from one of these herds, which had been sick during the summer of last year, but had apparently recovered, were taken to Brighton in the fall and sold. Four of the other herd have since died or been killed — all presenting a seriously diseased appearance. On examination hj the veterinarians conversant with the Brooktield com- plaint, they pronounced it identical, so far as they could judge. There are four or live animals still left of this herd, some of which are cither sick or showing symptoms of contagion. There are also other cases which have not been examined — the Selectmen of the towns waiting the action of the Legislature in passing a law authorizing a new commission. The law has now been passed, and the commissioners appointed, and we would respectfully urge upon the gentlemen composing that commission the great importance of immediate measures to nivestigate the disease, and, if necessary, applying the remedies placed by the law in their hands, that the ravages of this fearful pest, (which there is little doubt is identical with the Brooktield disease, and which can be traced to that neighborhood,) may be stayed. There still being doubters in the community as to 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 155 the existence of contagious pleuro-pneumonia, earnest attention is called to the thorough and convincing re- port of the first Board of Commissioners, with accom- panying documents, published in the report of the Secretary of the Board of Agriculture for 1860. We believe that no person, however prejudiced he may have been, who has been present at the examina- tions of affected animals, has foiled to become con- vinced of the contagiousness of the disease; and it would seem impossible that any one can doubt this fact who will take the trouble to examine the various reports that have been made in Europe and in this country on the sul^ject. (Signed) Henry H. Peters, of Southborough, Phineas Stedman, of Chicopce, Freeman Walker, of North Brookficld, Boston^ Feb, 27, 1S62. Committee. FACTS AND FANCIES. Sugar for the Million. — Everybody likes sugar — and sugar likes everybody, taken in proper quantity. It is both nutritious and healthful, to say notliiug of its palatableness in coffee and tea, puddings and pies. It was once supposed to be a luxury, merely, but that time has gone by, and the common opinion now is, that it is one of the necessities of life. We are glad to see attention turned to its pro- duction in the free States. Illinois produced it in large quantity the last season, and is undoubt- edly capable of .securing quadruple the amount it has already made. Speaking of the cultivation of sugar cane (Sor- ghum,) in the Northwestern States, the Chicago Tribune says : "Next to the cotton crop, there is no agricultural product that at present more certainly demands the attention of our govern- ment, as well as the tillers of the soil." An Agricultural Missionary. — The Jour- nal d^ Agriculture Pra/f'jiiC, which we receive reg- ularly from Paris, states that an agricultural so- ciety in Prussia has appointed a person to visit the agricultural districts, make himself acquainted •with leading men as well as farmers, and gather information on every subject in connection with the details of farming. Tlais is a step in the right direction, and one that may be imitated with prof- it, we think, by every agricultural society in New England. Look out for Shrubbery and Fruit Trees. — The crust that now lies upon the snow will be quite likely to break down a great deal of shi'ub- bery and the lower limbs of pear trees, unless some pains is taken to prevent it. It now adheres very closely to many branches, and as the snow melts (for it melts from below as well as from above) it will drag the branches down and break them. We saw one half of a beautiful pear tree taken off in this way two winters ago. The trees should be visited, and with a shovel, or by some other means, the crust should be broken and removed from the limbs. It is a nice ojjeration, and a care- ful hand should attend to it. Cure for Dyspepsia. — A Philadelphia gen- tleman states that, "in a fit of despondency — I re- solved to try bran bread and good sweet milk. I earned my resolution into effect, and the happy result is, that I am now perfectly well. I have regained my flesh and strength. I sleep as sound- ly as a rock, and feel as happy as a lark, under this new state of affairs." lie takes but one cup of coffee, eats few vegetables, and eschews pastry and puddings. Swore Three Times before he Crowed. — A little girl went to camp-meeting, and when she got home, she said the sisters in the various tents told her a good many things, and asked her questions about the Bible. On being pressed to state what they told her, she said one thing they told her was about Peter, "who swore thi-ee times before he crowed." For the New England Farmer, MAKING SUGAR. Mr. Editor : — There is no season of the year so profitable to the farmer as in the time of mak- ing sugar. Let an estimate be made, and see : In a good season a second growth maple will make about 4^ pounds of sugar. Five hundred trees, at 4^ pounds per tree, will give 2250 pounds, which at 10 cents per pound, would give $225. Cost. — One man can tend 500 trees with ease, say, One man 1 month $15,00 10 cords of wood, at $3 per cord 30,00 Other necessary expenses 20,00 Total $65,00 which, deducted from the income, leaves $160 as profit for one month's time. I think my figures are not far from right. Every one that can tap a tree ought to do so, because we must be independent of all duties as far as possi- ble. To make sugar you should have a good sap- house and a convenient wash-shed, an arch and a pan. Sap boiled in a jian makes 5 per cent, more sugar than sap boiled in a kettle, and saves 12<^ per cent, of wood. The sjrup should be boUed as thick as it can be conveniently, and when done down to sugar, it should not be very dry ; put it in a tin can made for the purpose, and then drain about the first of INIaj', when you Avill have maple sugar of the first quality. Tin buckets cost too much to commence with ; they are liable to get bruised and cannot be kept from rusting. Buck- et-pails are just as good, with half the cost, and last just as long. Joseph E. White. Wallingford, February 10, 1862. Steeping Barley before Sowing. — A wri- ter in the Homestead recommends that seed barley should be steeped before sowing in a solution of copperas or blue vitrol, the same as is often done for wheat, and then rolled in plaster enough to dry it. He says it has the eftect of giving it a rapid start, and makes it come up strong and dark col- ored. He thinks the benefit equal to ten extra loads of manure per acre. 156 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April LEGISLATIVE AGE.ICULTUBAL SOCIETY. Reported for the Farmer by P. W. Lothrop. The sixth meeting of the series was held on Monday evening last, at the R,epresentatives' Hall, when the subject for discussion was Farm Build- ings. The Hon. SiMON Brown, editor of the Neio Enr/land Farmer, was invited to preside. The chairman thanked the gentlemen for the position, but said he was not fully prepared to dis- cuss the matter. Few things were more impor- tant on a farm than the kind and location of farm buildings. Buildings should be located as near the centre of the land as practicable, and not many rods apart, where it could be done without too great sacrifices. Where they are already located, we must make the best of it. Some farmers ob- ject to this congregation of buildings, as increasing the danger from fire ; but the speaker thought this a minor consideration. Others object to the odors from barns by their close proximity to the dwelling. But these can be prevented or over- come by the proper use of muck and other materi- als as absorbents. Mr. Brown here showed a di- agram exhibiting the position of farm buildings as he would have them. They would be attached — first the house, then the kitchen or dairy-room, wood-shed, and carriage-house, following on, and then the barn. The loss in an extra and unneces- sary travel of six rods each time of going to the barn, for 40 j^ears, going and retui'ning ten times each day, would be 5,480 miles, or about 137 miles annually. Another point in regard to farm buildings — and one heretofore greatly overlooked — is the want of shelter for them. If they stand out, in a bleak and dreary landscape, they are seriously affected by the elements that work upon them, viz : the sun, wind, hail and snow. The effect of the sun upon wood-work — \Yhere its rays are not softened by a screen of some kind — is quite destructive. The shingles on most of our roofs show it, and the warping of outer boarding may be traced to the same cause. In an unprotected house, the vind is pressed tlirough every opening, bringing cold and dampness, and making an additional cost to keep the room comfortably warm. It is thought that good shingles would scarcely wear away in less than fifty years, provided they could be kejit precisely in place all the time — while under the combination of the sun, wind and rain, they hardly last one-third of that time. These effects would be greatly modified, if buildings were partially protected by the presence of trees in their vicinity. It requires but a narrow belt of evergreens to form a complete barrier against the wind. The liemlock is an admirable tree for this purpose. A breadth of ten feet set with that tree or with the Norway spruce alternating, efiectually shuts out the wnds. The wliite pine, also, so common among us, is hardy, easily removed, and is as graceful and handsome as the hemlock or spruce. These evergreens are not valuable merely for their beauty of form or the protection which they afford, but partly for the sootliing sounds that come from tliem on a summer night, like the coming and re- treating waves on a far-off sea-shore — or the grander music of winter winds through their branches, swelling into sublime anthems of atmo- spheric power. If they are interspersed with the rock-maple, the graceful white biz-ch, the moose- wood or sumac, the effect will be still more jjleas- ing. The south should be left open. This aspect has few liigh winds, and the windows looking out upon it may be sufficiently protected from summer suns by a few climbing plants, such as the Prairie Queen, or Balti7nore Belle Roses, the Scarlet, Yel- loxo Monthly, or the Bed or White Tartarian Honeysuckle, Chinese Wistaria, or other climbing plants. From the foot of these should be a green, well- kept lawn, if it be but twenty feet square, where the children can take their little friends and have a frolic. In conclusion, he hoped farmers will listen more frequently to the promptings of a refined taste, and do more about their homes with reference to beauty as well as utility. They will have a happy influence upon the mind, habits and character ; will light up the home with sweet affections, and shed a fragrance over all its duties. Hon. Albert Fearing, of Ilingham, being called upon, said he might not be able to throw much light upon the subject, but he thought our farmers should cultivate three things — conveni- ence, economy and beauty. He lived in a house built in 1G9S, but it was conveniently arranged and good for a farmer. He spoke of barns, and mentioned one of his own, which was 40 by 60 feet ; but he wished to speak particularly of sheep barns. Too little attention, he thought, had been paid to sheep. There should be only 25 or 30 in a flock, and they should be I^ept warm and diy. He described a barn of liis for this purpose — 20 by 40 feet — and observed that the hay should be where the sheep are, the pens six feet high, and alleys for them on each end. In his, the hay comes from the centre, and there are places for 30 sheep on each side. He also made other state- ments respecting it, and said it cost $400. He had another barn for sheep and cattle, with a cel- lar under it, and sheep sheds connected therewith, which he thought not good economy to paint. Al- so, another one facing the west, 60 by 40 feet, nearly in the centre of thirty-five acres. The cel- lar is eight feet deep, stoned with granite, and ad- mits of entrance Avith a cart ; it cost from $5000 to $6000, and would admit tlu-ee standing loads of hay 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 157 on the floor. He spoke of tool-houses ; said all his buildings Avere painted in front ; thought cattle preferred soft water ; has not lost any animals ; keeps his yards dry ; also his pig-pens, and lets his hogs come out into the sun, which they need ; they arc healthj', and eat well. If he should change the structure of his buildings, they would be a little lower, with common sheds for sheep be- tween them. We must show the young man that farming can be made profitable, and he thought that sheep culture could be made so, on our poor lands, and those just cleared of wood. Hon. J. W. Proctor, of Danvers, being invit- ed to speak, said he hoped to hear from some of the legislature, as this was their meeting. He alluded to the costly barns which had been spok- en of, and said we should inquire what should be the buildings of the smaller and less wealthy far- mers. He was on a committee in Essex county, to examine barns, and they found a great want of proper arrangement in their structure. Many were too long, and not sufficiently high. Gen. Sutton had four barns a quarter of a mile from each other, and cut from 100 to 200 acres of hay. Mr. P. thought that barns should be from 70 to 80 feet long and 40 feet wide, being so arranged as to drive in ten feet above and throw the hay down. He alluded to Mr. Newhall, Avho took a premium for the best barn. The prevalent rage for barn- cellars he deprecated, and said they were not good for the cattle above them, nor necessary for the manufacture or preservation of manure. As to large houses for farmers, he objected to them, but commended cottages, and advised farmers not to waste their money in large buildings. Mr. Browx, the chairman, said he thought large houses necessary sometimes — more especially for fai'mers' clubs. Mr. Crosby, of Boston, said he had travelled much, and had owned a farm of 1100 acres; and thought the rule should be, a large barn and small house. Dr. LoRiNG, of Salem, spoke of barns. A man's taste will guide him as to liis house — not so as to his barn. The latter is not an easy thing to build, and he doubted M'hether there was a model one in the Commonwealth, though there were many very convenient ones. In fact, our farmers cannot af- ford to build such. He once visited Mr. Leavitt, of Great Bamngton, who resided much of his time in Ncav York, but had sent his son into the country to become a farmer, and the young man thought he must have a good barn. He com- menced it, but before it got above the foundations, $•±0,000 were spent. Dr. L. intimated it was a caution. His own barn was 100 feet long, and 40 feet wide ; would hold forty cattle and ten horses. Barns should have good cellars, glass windows, &c., and should be convenient for cattle and men, •w-ith good facilities for feeding. They should hold large quantities of hay, and he thought well of the old-fashioned barn, where you could drive into one end and out of the other. He alluded to stor- ing hay ; thought the platform difficult to load ; shifted his timbers on the beams. He ties his cat- tle with chains, and where they steal from each other, he divides their heads. Chains are easy to cattle, but to an extent troublesome. To give more room behind cattle, he thought 42 feet wide would be better. As to cellars, with proper con- struction and ventilation of the barn, they are not injurious, but are important in the making of ma- nure. Frost is as injurious to manure as the sun. Dr. L. advocated tight barns in this connection, and said the best hay was from them. He also spoke at some length upon the reported assertion of Mr. Chenery, that the cattle disease, or jjJcuro- pneumonia, was in his case caused by tight barns, and argued earnestly that, under the circumstan- ces, it was impossible to be so. Hon. JosiAii QuiNCY, Jr., said that in England and on the Continent they do not store their hay, but stack it and feed from the stack. With prop- er shelter for feeding cattle, he thought we might, to an extent, adopt the plan. His own barn is 70 by 90 feet. Barns that are high are good ventila- tors. He also alluded to the horse pitch-fork, and observed that with one the woi'k of thirty-five minutes with the hand-fork could be done in seven. On a cold day he would not allow his cattle to come out, but gives them water from within, drawn from a flowing brook, which is always in operation both summer and winter. Mr. Quincy also alluded to his milk well into which he sus- pends milk, and finds no change in the seasons. Mr. Taylor, of Montgomery, said he had a farm of his grandfather, the out-buildings of which were just as they happened. These he had im- proved. He thought the out-buildings in the vil- lages were well kept, but in the towns of the coun- try they were shocking. The spirit of improve- ment had been awakened in him by hearing a lec- ture upon this and kindred subjects, and he called up the painter. His buildings were rough, except the carriage house. But with a new kind uf paint an acre of surfac» was painted for twent}' dollars' worth of paint, and thought the improvement was a hundred per cent. He advocated housing carts, and said he had put up a building 18 by 24 feet for this purpose, at a cost of twenty-five or thirty dollars. Under such buildings carts will last twen- ty-five or thirty j^ears. To a question by the chair- man as to the nature of the paint used, its color, cost, &c., he said the base was whiting, with per- haps a little lime and oil, with colors to suit. The cost of what he used Avas about $20 ; but with good oil would have cost $100 or $120. Mr. Howard said he had examined Gen. Sut- 158 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Afril ton's barns, ■which Avere for hay, and this he sold out at a great rate. They were tight, with cellars underneath in nearly all of them. It was strange he should sell his hay. Mr. Wetherell hoped barn cellars would be well considered, for he believed that they injured the grain and hay, and he had no doubt a miller could discover much injury to the grain. He ad- vocated barns for cattle, and hay in stacks, and had his doubts as to large barns for the latter. He had heard of a hog-pen that cost $2,000 ! Mr. W. also slightly touched upon a few other kindi'ed matters before closing. Mr. QuiNCY rose to say that he turned his cat- tle out every day, probably excepting the severest weather. Mr. Proctor said Mr. Sutton's stock bam was open on the north side ; the manure is moved out. Mr. Moody, of Enfield, advocated barn cellars, and said his own did not affect the hay. In liis stables he sows plaster. The time for closing having now arrived, Mr. Wetherell moved that the same subject be retained for further discussion at the next meeting, wliich being assented to, the meeting adjourned. For the New England Farmer. HO-W TO BAISE CALVES. Mr. Editor: — It is doubtless a very simple matter to raise a good calf, if you allow him to suck the cow six months or more, but except in cases of thorough bred stock, which Avill command fancy prices, this is too expensive for the majority of New England farmers, and is, in my opinion, a serious injury to the cow. The opposite extreme of commencing to feed skimmed miW, when a calf is a few days old, I consider equally unprofitable, because good calves are seldom raised in this way, and we can purchase western cattle so cheaply that it does not pay to raise a poor animal, if, indeed, it does under any circumstances. The object with most of us, I suppose, is, not to raise stock to any great extent specially for beef, for that can be done cheaper where land is worth less for other purposes, but to keep up our stock of cows and working oxen l)y raising our most })romising calves, and to adapt these to our not {dways over-luxuriant pastures, in the point aimed at, -while, at the same time, we must avoid dwarf- ing the animal to such an extent as to injure its constitution. The greatest obstacle in the way of substituting skimmed milk, grain, Sec, for new milk, is the li- ability to produce "scouring," and this Is so diffi- cult to avoid, that even S. lOdwards Todd, with all his skill and experience, abandoned that method of raising calves, but after trying almost all ways and kinds of feed with various success, I have at last so far "learned the trade," that with good stock to begin upon, I think I can raise good, thrifty animals in nineteen cases out of twenty, without any scouring at all, and will give my method for the benefit of others. I do not allow the calf to remain ■nith the cow more than from twenty-four to forty-eight hom-s, because I think it easier teaching him to drink, and the cow is less likely to be uneasy. In teach- ing him to drink, I insert my fingers in his month and hold the kettle of milk with the other hand for one or two feedings, after wliich I have a place made to hold it from tipping over, and teach him gradually to take his^fness without the finger. It the fingers are crowded into the mouth, sometimes he will refuse to suck them, to avoid wWch I pre- fer to begin upon them when lying doM'n, patting and rubbing the head gently, which generally re- moves all fear. Perhaps I should say here that no r on gli treatment should be allowed, even if ^jro- voldng awkwardness is manifested. The amount of milk given depends on the size of the calf, but two and one-half to three quarts will do for our common native cattle, which I gradually increase to four or five. I prefer to tie them, because it prevents them from sucldng each other's ears, — ^is the first lesson in learning to lead — and they can then be watched separately to see the eff"ect of their food, an important item, as I shall show presently. I feed entirely on new milk for two weeks, and then change gradually to skimmed milk two weeks longer, gradually increasing, but being verij careful to majce no sudden change. A little rowen is fed as soon as they will eat it, and a few oats or a little oil meal is sometimes added at five or six weeks, but I would not feed much meal until nine or ten weeks old. While increasing the feed, I always rvatch the excrements carefullg, and if at all too thin, give them a little salt pork sHced very thin (winch they will swallow readily if put in their mouths and the head held u^) a few moments,) and diminish the feed. The milk should be continued until three or four months old, and then taken away gradu- ally. I feed but twice a day, and consider this suf- ficient. Plenty of litter should be supplied, and a little wood ashes and yellow earth are, without doubt, beneficial, but not indispensable. I have heard scouring attributed to the saltpetre collect- ed under old buildings, and that calves could not be raised in such places ; but although neatness is quite important, plenty of litter wUl secm-e it al- most anywhere. You will perceive that the points wliich I con- sider most important are gradual change of feed, careful watching, and no grain except oats or oil meal, and very Utile of that, until they are old enough to he able to hear heavy feed. Wm. F. Bassett. Ashficld, Fehniary 13, 18G2. Fine Wool. — Mr. Solomon Bixby, of War- ren, N. H., has sent us some beautiful samples of wool from his Spanish Merino Sheep. We have seldom seen any of finer quality. He says, "The Spanish Merino Is a patient and docile animal, as well as hardy and prolific, bearing much confine- ment without injury to health. Accurate experi- ments show that tliis sheep requires only about two-thirds the fodder that it does for the large breeds. Their fleece is fine, and of good size, av- eraging about six pounds per head." 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 159 For the New England Farmer, CATTLE BREEDS. Among the topics introduced and discussed at our town and State agricultural meetings, during the winter season, few are of more importance or excite greater interest than those which relate to stock-raising and the various breeds of cattle. Judging, however, by the reports of the discus- sions as published in the newspapers, it is plain to see that, notwithstanding the testimony usually advanced to support the various theories proposed, much difference of opinion continues to prevail upon the subject. This is to be regretted, inasmuch, speaking gen- erally, where there is nothing certain established, there is no new light reflected. But, I apprehend the difficulty is not so much one of doubt, in a sci- entific point of view, as, that tliose circumstances which would tend to influence a theoretic result, are not taken into consideration. The truth is, the rearing of a big calf is too often held to be a fact of itself, independent of physiological condi- tions ; and when the process of reasoning stops there, what is to be gained by further argument ? But, it is far from my wish to say anything to discourage the efforts everywhere making to dif- fuse a better knowledge of what is required to im- prove the breeds of cattle. Discussions upon these and kindred topics are of the highest importance to the farmer ; and tlie chief and only complaint that I would utter is, that too little weight is attached to the value of true scientific tests. The time is not far distant, I trust, when the different States will become convinced of the im- portance of doing sometiiing to introduce the breed of cattle best adapted, or, rather suited, to their particular soil and climate. The public treasury of any State need not be heavily taxed for such objects. Better would it be to educate the farmers by the cheaper method of establishing libraries, and courses of proper sci- entific instruction, trusting to individual enterprise for results. Kentucky, by the introduction of the "Improved Durham'' or Short-Horn breed of cattle, has great- ly increased her agricultural wealth. It is the kind of stock exactly adapted to her rich pasture lands, and our markets are now largely supplied with beef from cattle grown in that State. Massachusetts has experimented with several breeds of foreign stock, and great praise is due the public spirited legislators Avho had the wisdom to project and the skill and influence to put into prac- tical operation, a scheme of such infinite worth to the agricultural interests of the "Old Common- wealth," as the State Farm. But the question is not yet settled. The farm- ers of this State are still in doubt. Those in the western division give the preference to the Dur- ham ; — those of the central portion, to the Devon ; — while those of the eastern choose the Alderney and the Native. Few like the Ayrshire. The State Society has imported several bulls and heifers of this kind of stock, but they have not done well, and have failed to give entire satisfac- tion. The stock of Ayrshires imported expressly for a gentleman in Southboro', by Mr. Sanford Howard, were selected with great care, regardless of cost, and they are said to have done Avell ; still, they are not altogether liked. I think it is doubtful if this breed of cattle is well suited to our soil and chmate. So far as my observation has extended, they are not a hardy race, and tlu-ive only on extra feed. Their milking qualities are not much above the average of our native stock, and for the purposes of beef they are no better. It Avas my purpose, when I began, to speak of cattle and breeds, independently of the opinions of mere stock fanciers ; for it must be plain to every one, that to form a correct judgment as to the breed of cattle best suited to a particular locality, every circumstance, materially influencing their condition, must be taken into account. The best and the most profitable of all, where hay and grain are cheap, is, without doubt, the Short-Horn. Crossing the Short-Horn with the North Devon stock has been tried, and good results have been obtained ; indeed, grades of this kind are held in high esteem both for their milking qualities and for their beef. But there is danger of depreciation after a few generations, unless, as in all mixtures of the sort, the laws governing physiological science are strict- ly observed throughout. Breeding with the same bull for a series of years would change the type obtained at the start, or, technically speaking, ac- cording to the EngHsh, the progeny would "cry back." What is usually called native stock can be great- ly improved by crossing with foreign breeds of the better descriptions. The Short-Horns or the North Devons, depending, of course, upon the lo- cality and soil, can be crossed with great advan- tage to those who cannot afford the cost and out- lay for full bloods ; — and, it is to be hoped, if such an experiment is thought well of by our farmers, that some systematic plan will be inaugurated, by which a distinct native breed, combining most of the desiralfle qualities of the approved foreign breeds, will be secured. The plan adopted and pursued by the late Col. Jacques, in breeding the "Cream Pots," was gen- erally approved by our stock growers, especially as it was claimed that he followed the rules wliich governed Mr. Collings in breeding for his celebra- ted Short-Horns. But, the Colonel did not live to perfect his breed, and there is now scarcelv a trace left of it. '***. West Roxhury, 1862. The Umbrella. — The umbrella has been used from very remote antiquity, as it is evident from carvings and representations foimd among ancient ruins of Persia, Arabia and China. Nevertheless it was not used by men in England until during the last century, and it is said that Jonas Hanway, who died in 1786, was the first person Avho used an umbrella in the streets of London. Even at that late period a man carrying an umbrella was an object of ridicule, and excited the jeers of the people by his "effeminacy." Previous to the in- troduction of umbrellas, the hackney-coach was the shelter of unfortunate pedesti-ians who hap- pened to be cauglit in a shower ; but it was cus- tomary, after their introduction, to keep a single umbrella at each of the coffee-houses, which, in cases of emergency, was lent, together with a boy to carry it. 160 NEW ENGLAND FARIVIER. April For t'te Keto England Farmer. COOK'S SUQAB EVAPORATOR. [Sugar-making, either of maple sap or Sorghum, has come to be a matter of much importance to many of our subscribers, and we feel desirous to furnish them with all the information upon the subject that comes to our knowledge. We there- fore give place to the cut and description here- with presented.] Among the most useful of late inventions is this simple contrivance for evaporating saccharine juices. Its construction is as follows : — The Evaporating Pan is constructed of copper or galvanized sheet iron, Avith wooden sides, and so divided by ledges as to form a continuous trans- verse channel about five inches v.ide. The pan is placed upon a furnace made of cast iron and heavy sheet iron, and lined within with brick. It pro- jects about six inches over the sides of the fur- nace, to afford cool sides. The whole is mounted upon rockers of angle iron, thus giving a complete portable iron and brick furnace combined, and possessing all the advantages of either. In operating, a stream of maple sap or cane juice is taken at the front end and passes back and forth through the transverse channel, and flows out at the lower end in a continuous stream of well defecated, finished syrup. The mode of defecation is a beautifully philoso- phical one. The stream of juice passes across the heated centre uf the pan, and conies to the cool side, when the scum rises and rests, being held there by the transverse ledge. It cannot follow the stream through the next channel, because the boiling at the centre repels it. The stream thus continues its course back and forth, depositing the impurities at the cool sides, where they rest until removed by skimmers. Thus, by the time the stream is half through the pan, it is thoroughly defecated, and arrives at the lower, or finishing channels, in a pure state. Owing to its purity in the finishing state, the maple syrup and sugar made on this Evaporator are of a lighter color and richer flavor than have ever been made in any other Avay. No eggs, milk, lime or chemicals of any kind are used. By the use of a running stream, a very shallow body of juice may be kept upon the Evaporator ■without danger of scorching, thus securing very rapid evaporation. The object of the rockers is to regulate the flow of the stream to Guit the fire, so tliat it shall reach the outlet just at the point of crystalization. The use of the transverse channel, the projec- tion of the pan over the furnace to secure a cool rest for the scum and motion in the pan to regu- late the inclination, are each and all secured by patent to this Evaporator. It is a great economiser of fuel, requiring only from one-half to three-fourths of a cord of wood to about 100 lbs. of sugar. As a Sorgho Evaporator, it has no rival. Sor- ghum sugar was made upon it last fall by i/te ton. All the samples exhibited at the Illinois and Ohio State Sorghum conventions, last January, and all the samples yet exliibited in the Patent oflice, were made with it. Pamphlets, Sec, may be had on application to Blymyers, Bates & Day, Mansfield, Ohio. Transplanting Shrubbery. — In transplant- ing native shrubbery, from the forest to the open lawn, or door yard, this precaution is necessary. Select your trees from as open and sunny an ex- posure as you can find. Mulch the surface after planting with saw-dust, spent tan-bark, chip ma- nure, or something of the kind, and in very hot days, shade with boai-ds or bushes. — Ohio Farmer. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 161 For the New England Fanner. KETKOSPECTrVE NOTES. Culture of the Kohl Rabi. — On page 61 of the February number of this journal, will be found a brief article on the foregoing heading, in the closing sentence of which O. K., of Rochester, Mass., asks his brother farmers to send to the Ncio Encjland Farmer their experience in the culture and use of this plant. In compliance Avith this request, I propose to state some of the more important items of my knowledge concerning it, partly obtained from a brief experience with it, and partly gleaned in the course of researches made in several quarters pre- viously to making my first attempt in raising it. It is to be desired that the request of O. K. for information in regard to the culture and use of the kohl rabi should be responded to by all the readers of this journal who have had experience with it, as in the more coinmon books of reference — Al- len's American Farm Book, for example — there is not a word of information to be found in regard to it. Nor need this be wondered at, for it is only a few years ago that it first received attention in this country ; and only in 1857, that the attention of English farmers was first directed to it as a field crop or substitute for turnips. This was in consequence of a partial failure of the tur- nip crop in several counties of England about that time ; but it was not vmtil 1847 that there was any testimony in its favor which seems to hav» commanded much attention. In that year, a Mr. Davis stated that he had been very successful, for some years, in raising large crops of this plant, even upon poor soils, and commended it as supe- rior to Swedish and common wliite turnips, of both of which there had been again a pretty ex- tensive foilure in consequence of a long-continued di'ought. Even in England, so far as can be as- certained from statistical accounts of crops there raised, this plant is not yet extensively grown, but from the most recent accounts it seems certain that it is beginning to receive increased attention as a farm crop. One recommendation of tliis plant is that it is in some respects better adapted to succeed in our dry climate and hot summers, than the turnip. The author of the "Cyclopedia of Practical Agri- culture,"— a Avork of the highest authority, — says : '•Kohl rabi is tlie bulb of dry summers ; heat and drought are congenial to it, and experience has proved that this plant grows, prospers and yields an enormous crop, under circumstances wherein white turnips and Swedes could barely exist." Another recommendation of this plant is, that it stands the cold of our winters much better than white turnips, and better, even, than Swedes, or, as called among us, ruta bagas. The Cultivator, (Albany,) of 1858, quoting from the Irish Far- mer's Gazette, says : — "The Kohl rabi is proposed as a substitute for the turnip, as it presents us all the qualiiics required for this purpose. It is per- fectly hardy, and ivill stand severe frosts better, and keep in store for a longer period than the Swedish turnip. It also resists the attacks of the fly and the grub." Mr. L. Norris, of Ashtabula Co., Ohio, also bears testimony to the same efi'ect, in said volume of the Cidtivaior, saying of the green-stemmed, or late green variety, wliich he got from Canada : "This ra:re vegetable is sweeter, more nutritious and more solid than the turnip ; produces a greater weight per acre ; it is also har- dier, and keeps better than anij other bulb" Mi*. N. says he has grown specimens weighing 14| pounds. Mr. Harris, editor of the Oenesee Far- mer, says it has been found hardier than the Swede, and "is quite unaffected by frost, even with the thermometer 10° below the freezing point." We have usually buried it like potatoes, and found it always good in spring. Another recommendation of this bulb or root is, that it produces a greater weight per acre than turnips. A fair average crop of this plant, in Scot- land, is 25 tons of bulbs to the acre, and about 8 tons of leaves. These tops are larger and better than those of turnips for feeding to stock, resemb- ling small cabbage leaves. Our cows have eaten them greedily. As to the culture of this crop, it is found to grow on any sg*!1 fit for turnips. I have found it do well on a clayey loam. As it requires about six months to come to maturity, it must be sown early. When sown in June, I have found the crop quite small. The cultivation is the same as for turnips. As to the use of this plant, it is said that all kinds of stock are fond of it. We knoio that cows certainly are ; and for them I think it much better than turnips, and nearly equal to cabbage. It gives no turnip taste to the milk. Try a little ot it, and sow early. More Anon. For the Neta England Farmer. PEEDOTO- CAIiVES. Mr. Editor : — I noticed in your last a receipt, how to raise calves. Mr. Bassett says it will not answer to feed any kind of grain to young calves, excepting oats or oil meal. I think he is mistaken. I think any kind of meal can be fed to young calves to a good efi'ect. I do not pretend that a large quantity of raw Indian meal should be given to a young calf; reason would teach a man better than this. I have raised quite a number of calves myself In the spring of 1859, I raised thirteen calves, and all the milk they had was what two ordinary cows gave. I fed them on Indian meal and boiled potatoes. I put the meal into a kettle of water and boil it very thin, for one hour or more, until it comes to a kind of jelly, and boil a sufficient quantity of each to last tv/o or three days. I give each calf four or five potatoes, well mashed up with what meal I think the calf will bear ; turn the milk on them, and stir them well together. In teaching them to drink, I put tv»'0 fingers in their mouth, leaving a space between them, so that at each draft they can draw what they would naturally want to swallow. I keep a tub of clean Avater and a box of salt, where they can help themselves. My calves are as good in the fall as my neighbors' arc, that suck twice a day until they go awgy irom the cow. II. aroton, N. H., March 3, 18G2. The Horticulturist. — The March number of this popular journal is illustrated with a beautiful engraving of the Adirondack Orape, and contains many excellent articles on horticultural subjects. 162 NEW ENGLAND FAR:MER. April For the New England Farmer. THE MAJSrUFACTUKE OF BBANDY AND SUGAR FBOM BEETS. Mr. Editor : — Some Uvo years ago, you pub- lished an article of mine in the Farmer, on this subject, Avliich drew out considerable inquiry from difl'erent sections of the country ; and as the war, and consequently the new tariff" bill, will enhance the price of these articles considerably, I beg leave again to trouble you with a few additional remarks on the same important subject. It is a well known fact, that in France and oth- er parts of Europe, the distillation of brandy and the manufacture of sugar from beets has been pros- ecuted on a large scale for many years ; and that the profits to the distillers, especially, have been enormous ; and that many large fortunes have been made, in an incredibly short time, by those embarked in that branch of business, as the sta- tistics of France do testify. Now when we learn from our own statistics what an immense sum is annually paid by this country to France, for beet brandy, of a very inferior quality, those farmers experienced in the cidtivation of that root are of- ten led to Avondcr why we cannot manufacture our own brandy, and by so doing create a demand for om- produce, by keeping that large amount of money at home. That wonder is still increased when we find that under proper cultivation we can produce fully one- third more of the raw material, per acre, in many portions of New England, than they can do in the most favored provinces of Europe, and of decid- edly better quality. Three bushels of beets raised in the vicinity of Boston will produce as much saccharine juice as five bushels raised in the vi- cinity of Paris. This may appear somewhat paradoxical to the casual observer, but the matter has been tested by actual experiments, and beet-growers of France admit the fact, as can be seen in some of their ag- ricultural reports. Such is the peculiar adapta- tion of much of the soil of this State — at least to the production of beets — that it is justly said to be the only crop that the farmer can raise that has no hidden or secret enemies to contend with. Neither maggot nor mildew, nor any of the end- less varieties of insects that infest and often de- sti'oy other crops, has as yet interfered with the beet in the smallest degree. Thus it would ap- pear that the cultivation of beets in this country can be entered upon with some sort of certainty as to the final results ; whereas most other crops are liable to numerous contingencies even in the most favored portions of this frugal land. See- ing, therefore, that such is the case, and that the present unfortunate Avar may make it both diifi- cult and expensive to obtain these articles ffom aljroad, we ought to manufocture them at home, in order to be as independent of foreign aid as possible. The first Napoleon, as a measure of necessity, as well as good policy, introduced the manufacture of sugar from beets many years ago into France ; and up to the present time, that great nation has supplied itself with the very best quality of that article for domestic consumption, and could have had a large surplus for export had not some foolish legislative enactment of the gov- ernment retarded its progress. The amount of revenue that France derives from the exportation of beet brandy to different parts of the world is too well known to the intelligent statistical reader to require any comment in this article ; and the people of the United States ought to learn wis- dom from such a source. Farmers are often heard to complain for want of a market for their produce, and yet pay away their hard-earned money to foreign countries for what ought to be, and easily can be, raised on their OM'U farms. Judging from the signs of the times, however, at no very remote period, we may, like Napoleon the First, of France, be compelled, by stern necessity to manufacture our own sugar, or go without sweetening. Beets can be raised profitably by our farmers at eight dollars per ton, and two tons make thirty-two gallons of double distilled brandy of far superior quaHty to what is generally to be found in most of the fashionable hotels and drinking establishments in our large cities. Now let those acquainted with the price of foreign liquors calculate the prospective profit, seeing the expense of the raw material and manu- facture is inconsiderable. From ten to twelve bushels of the proper variety of beets, one hundred weight of the best quality of sugar can be pro- duced ; and any one acquainted with the simple process of making maple sugar can do it, and the utensils required can be got at small cost. Hav- ing had practical experience in the manufacture of both articles from childhood, (I may say,) I can state with confidence that fortunes can be made from this branch of business, could people of ade- quate capital be induced to take hold of it. Were it not for encroaching too much on the space of your valuable paper, I should have said much more on the subject, but you may hear from me again. Thomas Cruickshank. Beverly Farms, Feb. 12, 1862. Remarks. — Our correspondent states above, that "from ten to twelve bushels of the proper va- riety of beets, one liundred iceiglit of the best quality of sugar can be obtained." This result is so much more favorable than we had supposed it could be, that it led us to look at some books at hand. In the "New American Encyclopedia," it is stated, that "five tons of clean roots produce about four and a half hundred weight of coarse sugar, which gives about IGO pounds of double- refined sugar and 60 pounds of inferior lump su- gar ; the rest is molasses, from which spirits of good quality are distilled." For the New England Farmer. WOOL-GHO\yiNG IlyT VEHMONT. At a meeting of the Directors of the Vermont State Agricultural Society held at Bellows Falls, Feb. 12th, the Hon. H. Henry Baxter having declined the office of President, on motion of the Hon. J. W. Colburn, the Hon. Edwin Ham- mond, of ]\Iiddlebury, was unanimously elected President for the ensuing year. The following preamble and resolutions were adopted : Whereas, harmony and concert of action among wool-growers, is as important as among members of other occupations ; and whereas, great losses 1S62. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 1G3 occurred to the people of our State, the last yeai', from the failure to appreciate the real value of wool and the condition of the wool market ; and whereas, there is a question interesting alike to producer and manufacturer as to the manner of preparing wool for the market ; therefore, Mesolved, That for the purpose of discussing these and other questions important to the wool- growers of the State, and for the purpose of aid- ing in the reaching of reliable conclusions with re- gard to these matters, we recommend the hold- ing of a WooL-GuowERs' Convention in tliis State, some time during the present year. Itcsolved, that the Secretary be requested to call such a Convention, to bo held under the aus- pices of the Vermont State Agricultural Society at Rutland, on the afternoon of the ninth day of September next ; said day being the first day of the annual Fair of our Society. Daniel Needham, Secretary Vermont State Agricultural Society. For the New England Farmer. TIMELY" ADVICE TO A BROTHER FARMER. Mr. Editor: — The New England Farmer, which is always a welcome guest in my family every Saturday evening, has just been laid aside for the pen, in order, if possible, to answer some of the inquiries of your correspondent, "Hamp- shire," concerning "What shall I raise, or how shall I make farming profitable, in these times ?" I feel more constrained to converse with him on ac- count of the noble stand he has taken not to cul- tivate the filthy weed, tobacco. And I extend to him the right hand of fellowship, believing, as I do, that the raising of that Avhich does not tend to cul- tivate neatness and good breeding in society, does not constitute true farming. True fanning does not consist in placing too much value upon dollars and cents, but rather in returning, in some manner, to the soil, the crops taken therefrom. Better that any farmer should return to his farm all proceeds of it, rather than to lay up money in banks, or invest it in any oth- er way. Then why is not this as good a time for the farmer as any ? If a farmer begins by laying out the proceeds of his farm in some way upon his farm, it will some time return to liim the interest, and I am very firm in tlie opinion that it will re- turn a dividend also. By a continuance in so do- ing, he Avill, by the natural increase of his income, be enabled more extensively and scientifically to cultivate his farm, as each succeedhig year he reaps the reward of his husbandry. What should we say of the merchant, who should lay up in some safe place, every dollar he chanced to make, instead of laying it out to re- plenish his stock, and thereby make his business more prosperous, as well as more profitable. If this is the true course for the merchant, then why not for the farmer ? And when he has enriched, beautified and ornamented the fiarm he now occu- pies from the resources of the farm itself, which I believe is possible, then let him extend the area of his farm, and continue the true cultivation of the earth while liis strength of body and mind permit. Here let me again say to your con-espondent that I truly congratulate him in the stand he has so nobly taken, and I take it for granted that he is one of those firm, resolute, whole-souled men, who will withstand the temptations of those around him. Let us, then, not judge of farming, as concern- ing dollars and cents, but rather in retu.niing to the farm all Ave can make it produce, to increase its fertility and value, thereby maldng farming jirofitable ahvavs. WORCESTER. Feb. 8, 18G2. For the i\i'ut England Farmer. COE'S SUPERPHOSPHATE. Having seen a communication in the N. E. Far- mer of Dec. 21st, signed by S. L. White, South Groton, in vv'liich he speaks about using Coe's su- perphosphate of lime without much, if any success, I Mould say that I have used it for several years with very satisfactory results to myself. In the fall of 1860, in harvesting my corn,. I found I had by measure one-third more of com where lime was used in the liill, than where none was used ; tliis year the odds was not as much, but nearly as fol- lows : The piece I have just har\ested measures 5| acres, very nearly, on which I raised 740 bushel baskets of ears of corn, as bright and yellow as any one could wish to see, wliich is a little over G-1 bushels to the acre. In June, 1859, 1 plowed and planted the piece with potatoes, corn, ruta bagas, itc, with scarcely any manure. I put plaster in the hill and had as good a crop as could be expect- ed. In the spring of 18G0 I sowed the same piece with oats, and had a very bomitifui crop, without any further manuring. As soon after the oats were gathered as I could attend to it, I had the stubble plowed under ; in the spring of 1S61 I spread on about 30 ox-loads, of 30 to 2o bushels each, of manure to the acre, and plowed it well, (for I don't a])prove of half-plowing.) On the two last days of May I planted it, putting in the liill one table-spooniul of plaster and lime mixed together about half and half ; I left two rows with- out anything in the lull. In two rows alongside of these I used a single handfid of wheat bran to the hill, and two other rows alongside, I used one spoonful of clear phosphate of lime in the hill, and the result was as follows : Clear lime to the row 17 bushels of ears. Bran 16 " " Lime and plaster 15 " " Notliing 15 " " The rows Avere about 220 liills long. The com where notliing was used Avas not near as sound and good as any of the rest, the clear phosphate being the best. I think the corn was enough bet- ter Avhere the phosphate and bran Avere used, to pay all the expense, even if there had been no more bushels. In using the bran, or clear phos- ])hatc, there should be some dirt kicked on before dropping the corn. I shelled four baskets of my corn and got tAvo bushels and tAvo quarts. It is the tAvelve-roAved variety. I do not think, nor ex- pect, the phosphate Avill ansAver in the place of manure, but merely as a stimulant. L. C. French, 2d. Bedford, N. H., Dec. 30, 1S6L P. S. — I forgot to say that I can find a good many ears of corn among mine that have over 800 kernels to the ear. L. c. F. 164 KEW ENGLAXD FARMER. April For tlie New England Farmer. COST OF ROOTS. Mr. Editor: — I noticed through your paper that at the discussion at the State House, the ques- tion was asked as to the cost of roots, and as no one seemed to know, I will give you the detaUs for their benefit. On the 24th of jNIay I sowed a piece of land with mangel wurtzel ; last year the crop was Hungarian grass and weeds — full as much of the latter as of grass. I turned the stubble in early, and spread at the rate of 40 loads of good manure to the acre. Last spring it was plowed and cultivated, drilled, and four horse-cart loads of compost manure to an eighth of an acre was put in the drills. The drills were three feet apart and plants nine inches. One- eighth of an acre was kept separate, and weighed. Now for the cost : 5 loads of manure, at §1,25 per loacT, }< spent $3,12 JI an anil Inrse plowing ami cultivating 30 2 loads put in drills, $2,00, )i spent. T 1,00 DriUinc' 25 Plantiujr 25 Cultivating 3 times 15 Following with hoe, 1}^ hours each time 67 Gathering and housing.. 1,50 Total $7,24 Total weight of roots S035 pounds, equal to 4 tons, or 42 tons to the acre, worth $S per ton $32,00 Balance in favor of roots $25,76 Or to the ton §6,44 About the first of August we began to gather the lower leaves, and before the fifth of September one ton v.'as gathered, and one ton more when harvested. Full a ton was allowed to go to waste. I think, with ]}roper care, the top can be made to pay for cultivating and manure spent. The ground is left in much better condition than found. One- eighth of an acre of carrots cost four times more to cultivate, and produced only about tAventy-two tons. I have raised both kinds for several years, with result similar to the above. The mangels can be cultivated at less expense than corn, they shade the ground so soon. L. W. Curtis. Globe Village, Feb. 5, 1862. NEW PUBLICATIONS. The History op Haverhill, Massachusetts, from its First Settlement in 1640, to the year ISGO. By Geouge Wixgate Chase. Haverhill: Published by the Author. This is an exceedingly interesting book. Be- side the minute details of the settlement of the town itself, the author has introduced many pages of the most interesting historical facts, though all tending to illustrate his principal topic. The true character of the Aborigines of New England is lit- tle understood by our people. They have general credit for a heroic daring and purity of purpose, which, in our mind, is not justified by the record of their deeds which has come down to us. Mr. Chase says, — ''The aboriginal inhabitants of New England held a low place in the scale of humanity. They had no civil government, no religion, no let- ters, no history, no music, no poetry. The French rightly named them, Les Hommes des Bois, — "Men Brutes of the Forest." He gives a search- ing analysis of their character, which certainly robs it — and justly, too — of that stern purity which has so long been accorded to them, and declares that "in constitution of body and mind, they were far below the negro race." The book is handsomely printed, and illustrated with upwards of twenty maps, views, plans and portraits of distinguished persons. A copy of this liistory should be in every town library of the State. EXTRACTS AND REPLIES. MANURING — SEEDING — BEST TURNIP — PRUNING GRAPE VINES — OYSTER SHELL LIME, ETC. 1 . In the spring, I think of turning over a piece of greensward for planting corn and potatoes. Is it the best way to spread manure on the grass and then turn over the sward, or turn the sward and then spread manure on top and harrow or cultiva- tor it in, or is some other way better than either ? 2. In seeding ordinary planting land to grass, how many bushels of oats is enough per acre, or would it be better not to sow any ? 3. Would Rhode Island Bent seed be any bet- ter to seed land with that is heavy, than any oth- er kind, and how many bushels is 'enough jier acre ? 4. I wish to know the best, sweetest and most profitable Idnd of turnip to raise for the table. I do not mean flat turnip. 5. When is the best time to prune grape vines ? 6. Can oyster shell lime be bought now in Bos- ton or vicinity, and if so, at what price per bbl.? 7. I have a mare that has been lame by spells, for about two months and a half, sometimes quite lame for a while, and at other times not so much so ; I have tried quite a number of remedies that others have recommended without much real good ; at last, I thought I would try Arabian Balsam. I should have said before that the trouble appears some like the "scratches." It is in the pastern joint of the fore leg. The flesh cracks, and the edges of the cracks are hard and sore ; there has ])een fever in the foot and joint, I think. I pour the balsam into the cracks once or twice a day ; af- ter a few days it will heal, then I stop using bal- sam, and use the mare, and then the flesh cracks again. Can you tell me a remedy ? Wrcntham, Feb. 10, 1862. A Subscriber. Remarks. — 1. Opinions and practices are divid- ed on tliis point. Some of the best farmers in New England always practice the former mode, while others, equally as good, pursue the latter course, and each has reasons in flivor of his OM'n peculiar mode. We have tried both ways, and prefer to plow first, then make the manure as fine as we can — and should be glad to have it as fine as corn meal if we could, profitably — work it under one or two inches, strike out the field into squares, and add some quickener to the hill, such as hen com- post, superphosphate of lime, American guano, night-soil compost, or some warming and quick- ening stimulant that will push the crop along in the early part of the season. Whatever this stim- ulant is, it should be scattered over a space 8 or 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 165 10 inches square, and be thorouglily mixed with the soil. 2. Farmers, such as wc have spoken of above, vary in their practice, sowing all the Avay from one bushel and a half to three bushels per acre. There is no -well-settled rule about it. If the oats are to ripen and be harvested for their seed, a less quan- tity may answer than if they are to be cut green for fodder. 3. It is not the practice to seed land with red- top, or "Bent Grass," alone. Four quarts of tim- othy, three or four pecks of redtop and 8 or 10 pounds of clover seed, make a judicious seeding for an acre. 4. The Sweet German. 5. Prune gi'ape vines in November. 6. Oyster shell lime may be purchased of Mr. James Gould, Boston, at 50 cts. per cask. 7. Keep the parts affected perfectly clean when- ever the mare is not at work, and rub with some soft, clean oil, and give her two table spoonfuls of Epsom salts twice in the course of eight days. SnAnXG THE nOKNS OF STEERS. Mr. Clark Hill wishes to know how to match steers' horns. The position of horns may be changed by scraping them. If it is desii-ed to turn the horn up, scrape on the under side ; if to turn the horn out, scrape on the inside, and vice versa — as that side of the horn scraped grows faster than the other, thereby changing the course or direction of the horns. But this is a slow pro- cess, and I wiU give you a more efiectual method of matching steers' horns. You may be aware that horns, when young and growing fast, are ten- der, and may be turned in almost any direction by gently pulling them. Now, then, take a ball and screw on to the horn tight ; then take a small pulley, make it fast over the head in the di- rection 30U wish to turn in the horn ; then take a small cord, make it fast to the horn, pass it over the pulley, and tie on a weight ; taking care not to put on too much weight, which would turn the horn too short. About the weight of a brick is sufficient for a two-years old steer. Whenever he is put into the barn, hitch on the cord and let the v.-eight be pulling, and in the course of two or three months there will be a decided change in the position of the horn. C. Groton, N. II., 1802. Remarks. — N. S. Waterman, Orange, Vt., suggests the same mode, and says that oiling the scraped portion will facilitate the process. Mi". J. M. Fuller, of Faiiiee, Vt., gives the same di- rection. PARSNirs for cows in certain cases. I frequently hear of covv's not doing v/ell after calving. I have a cow that dropped her calf Feb. 3, but retained the after birth. I tried a number of things but to no effect, until the 7th, when one of my neighbors passing by, told me to give her four quarts of parsnips. I did so, and in less than twelve hours it Avas di-opped. I have siace learned it had the same effect upon others. INIany valuable cows have been lost and others ruined, by forcing the after birth away or by letting it rot. I was informed by the same person that one of his neighbors, in order to liave his cows do well, gave them parsnips a number of weeks before their time was out, and the next morning he found thev had dro])t their calves. S. II. WllEELER. Maso7i Centre, N. II., 1802. COTTON CULTURE — BORDERS. Will you please to state in your next number of the Fanner the modus operandi of the Cotton Culture ? Having received seed from the Patent Office, I desire to know how to plant and care for the same ; I have got the necessary improvements for starting the seed under glass, if it must be so. Please state how to prepare the ground in bor- ders for starting grape cuttings, rose cuttings, &c. Subscriber. Reil\rks. — In the Southern States, cotton seed is sown in rows commonly four to five feet apart, and eighteen inches apart in the rows. If the crop is kept clean and the soil light, it will be likely to flourish better. It ought to be sowed as early as it can be, and escape frost. Two or three plants in a hill or cluster, is enough. If the plant grows rank, when it is up two or three feet high, cut off the top, as is sometimes done with the to- mato, and this will throw the growth into the pod, and sensibly increase it. To prepare borders for grape cuttings, &c., make a deep, fine soil, to which add manure plen- tifully, and let a portion of it be slaughter-house manure. Dig this in deep, and until the Avhole — soil and manure — is thoroughly mixed. RED OAK SAWDUST. I am using red oak saw-dust to bed my cattle with, my muck being frozen, but my neighbors say I am all wrong, it being so soui- it will spoil my manure, spoil my crops, spoil my land ! Will you, or some of your correspondents, enlighten me upon the subject. I use lime and salt in my compost, and shall use the saw-dust until I learn something more about it. I used the ash saw- dust last winter with good effect. A. F. West Baldwin, Me., 1862. Remarks. — We have no doubt that even the red oak sawdust is valuable, as you use it. I\Iixed gradually with the droppings of the cattle, or com- posted with lime and muck, it has considerable value in its mechanical effects upon the soil, as well as for its nutritive properties. now TO SET FENCE POSTS. Please to tell farmers who are so often inquir- ing how to set fence posts so as not to have them heave out by frost, to sharpen the end, make a hole with an iron bar, drive the post in, and it will stand fast fur ever in anv wet land. East Burl^, Vt., 1862. S. Walter. 166 NEW ENGLAND FARISIER. April For the JS^ew England Farmer, FAKMEKS' CLUBS— A FORWARD MOVE- MENT. Friend Farmer : — I have recently been much interested in a forward movement by a Farmers' Chib that I wot of, and which I think will greatly increase its usefulness. The Club was organized about ten years ago, and its members are wide- awake men, deeply interested in the improvement of themselves in knowledge of their business, and of their farms in productiveness ; many of them hardly missing a meeting for the whole season, though obliged in some cases to travel, in inclem- ent weather, from three to four miles from home. It has been the custom of this Club at the begin- ning of each winter to select questions for discus- sion and fix places for the meetings for every week during the season, and the programme is printed and a copy given to each member. The meetings are held at the houses of the members ; the mem- ber at whose house they meet being expected to ■write an essay to be read as an introduction of the subject up for discussion that evening. These es- says are supposed to embody the best thoughts and the ripest knowledge of the writers, the re- sult of practical experience, and the study of books and of nature ; and the discussions that have fol- lowed them have always been interesting, and of- ten intensely so. The topics discussed are usually of a practical character, directly relating to the business of the farm ; with occasionally one of a broader interest, whose practical bearings on farm management are not at fii'st sight so direct and palpable. It has recently been suggested that it was time for the Club to take a step forward ; that it might be more profitable sometimes to introduce sub- jects that were not familiar to all — topics that Avill reward as well as require special investigation by the members — instead of permitting them to de- pend on their previous knowledge or experience for what they shall say. It was believed that all wanted to learn sometlnng that they did not al- ready know ; considering the Club a sort of school for mutual instruction, where every one is able to teach a little and learn a great deal. It has also been suggested that the interest in, and the fruits of our discussions would be greatly increased if the subjects to be talked and written about were selected and assigned a year beforehand, as op- portunity would thus be given for special and more thorough investigation, by examination of common practices, and looking into the reasons for them, while performing the labor, by experi- ment in the fitting season, by a study of the ex- periences and theories of other men as recorded in books, and by careful study of the pages of Na- ture's great book as they ai'e turned over for our perusal. Every member is supposed to be a think- ing man, and to be desirous to come at facts and true theories ; and is expected to be at all times wide-awake to observe, and free to criticise, in a kind and truth-seeking spirit, the opinions and practices of his neighbors as well as his own, be- lieving that truth, though standing alone and un- recognized, is more Avorthy of regard than error, however venerable for age, or however highly or numerously patronised. By using this longer time for more thorough and exact investigation, the members expect to be enabled to winnow out some chaff from among their opinions, leaving the good and reliable grain in a better condition to sow for another crop of valuable knowledge. It would seem that a company of men earnestly in- terested in questions having an important bearing on the general welfare, with these topics specially before them for thought and inquiry during a whole year, can hardly fail to bring out something that would be new to each individual, as well as estab- lish on a firmer basis such of the old notions as may be found good. If in no other way useful, this plan, faithfully carried out, will surely tend to develop the spirit of inquiry, to give increased mental activity, promote the love of knowledge, and to some extent furnish the means of gratify- ing that love. I have been induced, Mr. Editor, to offer you this statement, in the hope that other clubs may adopt the plan proposed, unless they already have one as good or better. m. p. Concord, Jan. 30, 1862. Fvr the New England Farmer, AMERICAN GUANO. Mr. Editor : — "Patent" or "foreign" fertilizers have become quite an "institution" in the pursuit of agriculture. And when it is considered that the greatest problem which the farmer has been called upon to solve, has been, and still is, how shall the fertility of the farm be improved, or even kept up, without keeping a stock of cattle sufficiently large to consume all, or nearly all the hay and grain raised upon the farm, we shall readily understand why "extra" or "foreign" fertilizers have become as much a necessity, as the improved implements of husbandry, which enable us to accomplish dou- ble the amount of labor in less than halt' the time consumed in the use of the ruder implements of the past. A large share of the farmer's resources have long been expended in producing means to keep as large a stock as possible through the winter, in order to make Ins manure heap as large as possi- ble in the spring, whether the making of flesh or the products of the dairy gave an adequate return for the expenditure of the hay and grain, or not. Fields distant from the barn, and old pastures, have had to remain in their worn out condition, because the faamer has felt constrained to apply liis manure to fields more convenient, requiring, as it Avould, even if he had barn manure to spare, a large outlay in labor to transport such heavy and bulky materials to more distant localities. But the introduction of "foreign" fertilizers has done much, and is destined to do far more, in the fu- ture, to advance tliis important interest of the farm. The intelligent farmer finds that by a judicious application of some of these fertilizers, he can keep up, not only the fertility of liis oft cultivated fields, but he can render fertile and productive lands which have long been of little value. With him, the question whether farmers can afford to purchase such manures, has been settled aflirma- tively. liis only concern is to know zohich special fertilizer, among the many urged upon his atten- tentioii, is most worthy of his patronage and con- fidence. In the hope of aiding in the solution of this 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 167 question, Mr. Editor, permit me to state my own experience in the use of the American Company's "Jarvis Island Guano," — a guano obtained from an island in the Pacific Ocean, whose deposits have the same origin as those at the Cliincha Islands in Peru ; the cliief difference arising from the fact, that the former island is situated in the latitude of variable M'inds, wliich produce occa- sional rains, whereas the latter are within a belt of climate where rain is almost unknown. Peru- vian guano is chiefly valuable for its ammonia, while the Jarvis Island guano is surpassing rich in phosphates — according to Prof. Hayes, of Bos- ton, containing no less than an equivalent of 81 per cent. — an element of fertility which, above all others, our old fields and pastures are most de- ficient of. I have used the American Company's guano for the last two years with marked success. My first trial of it was upon a half acre of old pasture — light sandy loam — sowed with oats and grass seed, it having "been broken up and planted with pota- toes the previous season, with no other manure than superphosphate in the hill — being too far from home to think of applying barn manure — and which had not been plowed or top-dressed for twenty-five years. I did not expect any other re- turn fi-om the oats, than a little feed for rny young cattle ; but they grew so well, and became so promising for a crop of grain, that I determined to let them mature. Before the grain got out of the milk, a portion became so badly lodged, that I was obliged to cut that portion in a green state, making a small horse load. The remainder of the half acre'matured, and yielded twenty-one bush- els, weighing thii-ty-four pounds to the bushel. My second trial was upon ten rows of corn, through a field of three acres, evenly manured throughout with best barn manure, at the rate of eight cords to the acre ; a small handful of the guano was applied to each hill in ten rows, making about twelve hundred hills. These ten rows pre- sented a marked superiority throughout the sea- son, and at harvest, upon careful measurement, yielded twenty per cent, more corn than the aver- age of the rest of the field, besides maturing ten days earlier. My neighbors were often called dur- ing the season to witness its appearance. I have also used this guano as a top-dressing to old field gi-ass with marked and profitable results. I have used it for peas with the most gratifying success. And as tliis guano is sold at about forty dollars per ton, I consider it the best and cheapest foreign fertilizer to be had, especially for pastures and old fields. It is richer in phosphates than any other article with which I am acquainted, and if its ef- fects upon growing crops are not so striking or immediate as the Peruvian guano, I am persuad- ed that it will prove of more lasting benefit to al- most any soil to wliich it may be applied. Westhoro\ Jan., 1861. T. A. Smith. Remarks. — Whsi Mr. Smith says above, cor- roborates what we have more than once stated as the results of our own experience in the use of American guano. We know him well, and his practices as a farmer. His farm is not managed by guess-work, but is conducted systematically, and so that he is able to give satisfactory reasons for the results he objects. We believe that all persons may obtain results similar to those stated by Mr. Smith, if they use the guano as judiciously as he did. For the New England Farmer. BEDDING AND PLASTER IN" STABLES. I have just read a piece in your January num- ber, signed "More Anon," on the use of plaster in stables, &:c. I will tell you my plan, which I find is not only cheap, but I think as good as any oth- er, viz : After cleaning out my stables, I have a half-bushel of sawdust, or a large shovelful of sand to each horse or cow, sprinkled over the stables. More does no harm, as it absorbs urine when the stock is put up again. I prefer sawdust for horse bedding to anything I know of, and always lay in enough in fall and winter, to carry me through. 1 generally keep a thickness of six inches under my horses all the time, and find it is very little trouble to keep them clean, and the stables sweet. I see forest leaves recommended very highly for putting in yards, hog-pens, stables, &:c., and have no doubt they are excellent. WHITE AND PITCH PINE LEAVES. Can you recommend the leaves of our common white and pitch pines for the same use ? I have an almost inexhaustible supply of them near by my barn, but have not had faith to use them. COE'S SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. I put Coe's superphosphate on three rows of corn through a piece last season at planting, and we could pick out the rows an eighth of a mile dis- tant, from the time it came up until cutting stallis, and even after that. I also put it on some corn at the first hoeing, in alternate rows, where there had been no manure at all, and it did not show itself at all. I also tried it on alternate rows of pota- toes on the same land, at the same time, and could see no effect whatever. I set out one- fourth acre of sweet German turnips about the middle of July on some old pasture land, and put a small handful of it in the hill, and had a fine lot of turnips, but a small piece was left without any- thing, and the turnips were not worth pulling. I intend trying it more definitely another year. North Blackstone, 18G2. J. Aldrich. Timothy Grass in Southern Ohio. — I have had about one hundred acres in grass on my farm, for the last twenty years, and testing its value in dollars and cents by a close calculation of weight, find Timothy to be the most profitable of all grass- es. INIy cattle prefer it to any other grown in this climate. I find that every kind of stock that feeds on grass, works after the Timothy more than the other grasses, and they pull it up and destroy it, and other grasses and weeds take its place. I can cut my grass with a mowing machine, for fifty cents per acre ; a good yield will average two tons per acre. Baling it costs $1,50 per ton; the whole cost of preparing one acre of Timothy grass for market, is $o,50 per acre. ]My crop of hay has sold, for the last three or four years, at the rate of $15 and $16 per ton ; two tons per acre, shows a profit of $24 per acre. — W. D. Kelley, in Ohio Farmer. 168 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April VEEMIM" OjNT cattle, XEN and cows, and especial- ly young cattle, are very li- able to be attacked by ver- min, — and unless care is ^^ taken to prevent their de- predations, they will seri- ously impair the growth and productiveness of the stock. In the spring these exotics usually show themselves the most numerously, and for this reason we call especial attention to the matter now. Applications are annually made to us for some reme- dy to destroy these pests, and among those sug- gested are, — Any clean oil, applied to the skin and thorougly rubbed over all the upper portions of the ani- mal,— and particularly along the line of the back bone, between the horns and ears, and on the shoulders and neck. The reason for covering such large portions of the creature is, that lice do not breathe tlirougli the mouth, but through breathing-holes or 2^ ores in the body, and when they come in contact with oily substances, these pores are stopt, and they die. Fine sand, or dry loam, carefully sifted over the animal, and frequently repeated, will greatly an- noy vermin, and perhaps drive them from their places. It is probable that cattle paw the fresh earth and throw it upon themselves, for the same reason that fowls burrow in the ruts or the dry garden soil. Ashes. — Some persons apply wood ashes, and it is good, but requires to be used with much care. If it is applied plentifully, and the animal is ex- posed to rain soon after, the ashes is leached, trickles down in ley, and takes off the hair as it passes. Tohncco-icater is also employed by many, and is frequently effectual. This may bo purchased in a highly concentrated and convenient form. Kerosene has been latterly used, and with success. If applied too freely, it seems to set the hair and partially tan the skin. Where it has been ap- plied profusely, we have seen tho old coat of hair remain on nearly through the summer, while the skin under it was hard and dry, and appeared to be inactive. Yelloio Snuffis often successfully applied. Unguentum is a certain remedy, but is a danger- ous one in unskilful hands. Its active property is probably quicksilver, (mercury,) and has a j)owcrful influence u])on the skin, rendering tho animal liable to take cold upon e.xposure. Spirits of Turpentine is another remedy, and is said to be a most effectual one. The mode of using it is to take a common wool card, and pass it over the animals until the teeth are pretty well choked with hair, then pour on a small quantity of spirits of turpentine, but sufficient to moisten the hair in the card, and again pass it over the animal's coat — applying the card first in places Avhere the vermin "most do congre- gate." In this way every insect will be com- pelled, almost immediately, to "vamoose." The operation should be repeated in the course of three or four days, as newly-hatched lice may supply the place of then- progenitors which have been destroyed or driven off by the fii'st. Aa turpentine is of a very diffusive and penetrating nature, one wetting of the hair in the card will be sufficient to dress off an animal of ordinary size. This last remedy we give on the recom- mendation of others, and not as the result of our own experience. DIELYTRA SPECTABILIS. Probably nothing, among the hardy herbaceous plants, can excel in rare value and beauty the die- lytra. Hardy as a peony — which it resembles in its foliage — as soon as the frost is fairly out of the ground, it commences to push its tender and suc- culent shoots upward to the sunlight. K is a vig- orous and fast grower, and almost as soon as its first delicate leaflets are fairly formed, the first slender blossom-buds appear to give promise of coming beauty. Planted in the border, with a good exposure, and in good company, or by itself on the lawn, (in either case in rich soil,) it will command the admiration of all who see it. When properly cultivated, it begins to blossom in iMay, and continues in bloom during the great- er part of summer ; the plant usually attaining a height of about two feet. The flowers, which are of a peculiar and beautiful shape, and of a beauti- ful rose color, appear in long racemes, each floM'er- stalk drooping gracefully under its burden of pen- dulous blossoms — each blossom a perfect curiosity in itself, which will Avell repay a close examination. This unique plant is of Chinese origin, and was introduced into England a few years since by For- tune. It has proved itself capable of withstand- ing our severe winters unprotected, but it is best to give it a slight covering in the early part of the winter, to ensure a vigorous start in the spring. — The Homestead. Tapes in Poultry. — A writer in the Country Gentleman says he cures tliis disease in chickens by feeding them on food described as follows : I take of cracked corn (chicken feed,) four quarts — four quarts coarse wheat bran — scald the meal and bran at the same time — add two table- spoonful of good wood ashes sifted, as also one tablespoonful of best ground black pepper. I feed my turkeys and chickens in the same way. I feed often, say once every three hours. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. 169 LEGISLATIVE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Reported fou the F.uimer dy D. W. Loihrop. The seventh meeting of the series Avas held on Monday evening last, at the Representatives' Hall, when the subject foi* discussion was that of the previous meeting, namely, Farm Buildings. Mr. Stedman, of the Committee on Agricul- ture, called the meeting to order, and observed, that though he did not intend to preside — expect- ing Mr. Davis, of Plymouth, to do so — he would occupy the chair till he came. Not desiring then to discuss the subject himself, he would call upon Mr. Wetherell, of Boston. Mr. W. spoke of the importance of the subject to farmers, of the necessity of a good farm-house, with proper out- buildings, convenient, tasty, and located near to- gether. There was economy in this, not only for the farmer's own vise, but also in letting them, if occasion required. The dwelling should be of a size convenient for the family, and should be tasty rather than costly — and so with the other build- ings generally. They exert a happy influence upon the children, and the speaker contrasted those bred in a low thatched-roof cottage with those reared in dwellings of more architectural beauty. The former were apt to be but little above animals, while the latter were neat and in- telligent. He thought the grounds around barns should be underdrained, as a point in neatness, and spoke of the evils of damp barns, and their evil influence upon sheep. He also alluded to the importance of the ventilation of barns ; the strong scent of ammonia affecting the hay, though not always perceptible to those frequently in the buildings. The heat arising from the manure, al- so, he thought bad for the cattle, especially where occasional di"aughts of cold air were introduced. He advocated ventilation, but it should be at the top, and spoke of some improvements upon the old arrangements for this purpose. The milk, too, of cows without good air, he believed was much deteriorated. Barns for cattle should be only of medium warmth, as heat tends to weaken them. He spoke well of watering stock inside of the bam ; the room they required, their position, &c. In regard to the disease of cattle being influenced by tight barns, he thought there was danger, and urged proper ventilation. Hay, in such barns, he again intimated, was injured, and he thought it well to keep this in one barn, and the cattle in an- other, Avith a railway, perhaps, between them for transporting it — laborious it might be, but he thought well of it. He could not favor barn cel- .ars, as he had not the slightest doubt of their bad efl'ect upon the hay above them, as in such barns a man's clothes would become saturated in an hour with ammonia. Hon. John Brooks, of Princeton, being called upon, spoke of his experience in regaxd to barns. They should be adapted to the immediate circum- stances of the farmer. He had built two with some good arrangements in each ; but he seemed to fa- vor the old New England style, with a door at each end. He objected to pitching hay higher than the beams, and thought the bays should be broad. He has a barn cellar, and formerly worked his manure over in it the first year, but thought it in- jured his hay, as it changed to an ash color. He noAV carts out his manure in the spring, and sees no discoloration of the hay ; would have a cellar aside from his barn, and shove the manure into it, but would not have it under the hay. He has a cow-yard, 40 by 70 feet, which is covered, and he tliinks the manure improved. He ventilates his barn at the top, but none can be kept entirely sweet. High barns were objectionable, as we should not pitch hay more than sixteen feet. He recommended turning out cattle for water, but we should be careful, and not let them drink too much, wliich they were inclined to do. Gen. Sutton, of Salem, being called up by Mr. Ploward, said he commenced farming thirty-five years ago on four acres, and finding his barn not large enough, built another 42 by 70 feet, with 18 feet posts. Has a cellar under this barn, a part of it for vegetables and fruit, and keeps eighteen cows, with other cattle, numbering forty. The manure goes into the pen underneath. He has three ventilators to his cellar, which terminate at the eaves of the barn. The barn is ventilated by two small windows at the gable end, and generally contains SO tons of hay. Has three barns 100* feet apart ; one he keeps for hay, another for oxen and horses, and the other for macliines and farm implements. In it there is a carpenter's shop, and also a room for his men, whom he supplies Avith agricultural newspapers. As to barn cellars, he thought they should be ventilated, as they might otherwise damage the hay. He said again, he commenced with four acres, but now has four hun- dred, and likes farming better and better as he grows older. To the question as to whether he had made money, he replied he had not lost any ! And to that of Mr. Wetherell, as to composting his manure in his cellars, he replied that he cleaned them out once a month, and composts it where he uses it. As to whether he approved of barn cel- lars, he responded to Mr. Stedman that he did, and Avould as soon build a house without a chim- ney as a barn without a cellar. Mr. Brooks said Gen. S. carried out his ma- nure, and as one side of his cellar was open, it did not test the question as to the odor from cellars. Even in winter ammonia would rise. Hon. J. QuiNCY, Jr., said he moved his manure often, and covers it with muck. He was glad to hear that others can-ied it out in the winter, as ha felt encouraged. 170 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Apkil Mr. Davis, of Plymouth — after apologizing for not being present to preside — said he could per- ceive no evil in keeping manure in cellars from October till spring ; but in the summer, he admit- ted that in horse stables the ammonia might be injurious, and he spoke of the sleighs of the Bos- ton stable-keepers being discolored, and the var- nish injured, by being stored in their stables dur- ing the warm season. But we should consider the difference between horse and cow manure. He also complimented Gen. Sutton for the general neatness and convenience of his farm buildings, and particularly alluded to his tool-house, where every little piece of iron was saved for the time of need, which, according to the old maxim, came once in seven years. Mr. Stedman thought we needed system in our farm buildings, and would have the main out- buildings under one roof. He recommended barn cellars, and in his own case he had not experienced any injury to his hay, though he does not carry off his manure in the winter. Uses muck. He objected to tying cattle ; spoke of an ox being thrown, and said they should not press against the stanchions. His platform for cattle is three and a quarter inches high, covered with additional strips of plank a little separated, to drain off the urine. Mr. QuiNCY alluded to sand as bedding ; he thought it improved the manure, and prevented the escape of gases. His foreman thought well of it, and it had been much used in England in 'horse stables. Mr. Q. here alluded to the great racing-horse stable of Senator Hammond, of South Carolina. These horses are kept in sheds, with a little negro to attend each one. Horses need light and air, and his own have a small window at their heads. Darkness makes horses skittish, yet the jockeys like it on this account. For unloading hay, he commended the horse pitchfork, as it was expeditious, and would take off 300 or 400 pounds of hay at once. Mr. Brooks thought the horse pitchforks un- profitable, as they required a horse and three or four persons with them. Mr. QuiNCY replied that he recommended them only in high pitching. Mr. Howard observed that they had for a long time been used in Pennsylvania, and it was only claimed that they were important for high pitch- ing. They would put up a load of hay in five minutes. Mr. Wetherell thought as the argument now stood, the general opinion of the meeting was against barn cellars. He regarded Mr. Brooks' theory as the true one, of keeping the manure not under the bai-n, but beside it. Mr. Stedman replied that if the opinion was against cellars, it was simply because the best speakers were against them. He then briefly com- mended cellars. Mr. Hersey, of Hingham, said he had a barn 100 by 35 feet, with a cellar under it, with 10 feet opening, but had experienced no trouble with his hay. Had sold 50 tons at the rate of $24 per ton. He also alluded to his keeping sheep and cattle in his barn cellar, saying they did well. Mr. Andrews, of West Roxbury, observed that he had room for thirty cattle in his barn ; throws the manure into the cellar, but perceives no bad effect upon the hay. The cellar was ventilated, and he used muck to absorb the urine. He thought the sense of the meeting would be — ham cellars well constructed. Mr. Brooks said he would have a spout to con- duct off his liquid manure — though muck was good to absorb it. He had used sand ; thought it not valuable as an absorbent, but his theory was, that the urine decomposed the sand, and by setting free the potash, it was useful in the man- ure heap. Mr. Andrews further observed, that a barn merely for hay required no cellar ; a single roof on four posts would be best. Hay in stacks is bright and fresh, and cattle eat it readily. Mr. Hersey said he had some hay packed closely in a barn on a wharf, without any ventila- tion, and it was the best he ever had. Air, he surmised, was rather injurious to hay, carrying off its aroma, and it might be ventilated too much. Mr. Wetherell agreed with Mr. H. Hay- barns need no ventilation. Mr. Bird, of Watertown, alluded to the im- portance of cheap barns, which a man of moderate means could build. Many barns he thought cost as much as the majority of farmers are worth. It was important to tell these men how to build a barn worth $500, or less ; and he spoke of one built in Belmont for $400, with a cellar. Mr. Stedman alluded to his barn, wliich cost over $500. Mr. Howard, of the Cultivator, inquired what were the principles involved in building a barn, and what in keeping hay, cattle, manure, &zc. The Chinese keep their tea close to save its aroma. Does hay need more air than tea ? It will keep well close, if no change of temperature takes place ; but cattle must have air. Mi-. II. here al- luded to the English, touching their barn and cattle ai-rangements, and said they were rather be- hind us in this respect. Their winters, however, were lighter than ours, and they might not re- quire tight barns. Now, he said, the practice was becoming common, of feeding their cattle and keeping their hay under sheds during the winter. Mr. II. also spoke of some other subjects in thjg connection. The time having arrived for closing the meeting, 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 171 the chairman announced Fi'uit Culture as the subject for the next discussion, when the Hon. Marsh.\ll p. Wilder would preside. For the New England Fanner. BETBOSPECTIVE NOTES. TiiE Relative Value of Different Vari- eties OF Corn. — This communication, wliich the reader will find in the issue of this journal of Jan. ISth, and in the February number of the monthly edition, is deserving of commendation, partly be- cause it puts upon record the results of an impor- tant investigation which go fiir to settle some questions which have long been unsettled, and gives us well-ascertained facts which will be of great use for future reference, and partly because it presents a most praiseworthy example of the right mode of settling questions concerning wliich differences of opinion are found to exist among members of any farmers' club, or among farmers at large — members of the great, though unorgan- ized, Farmers' Fraternity. K the far-lamed Far- mers' Club of the American Institute had adopted a similar plan for the settlement of those differ- ences of opinion as to seed corn, which O. K. so appropriately remarked upon in the January No. of this journal, and in the weekly issue of Dec. 7th of last year — that is, if the members had made pro- vision for testing their opinions and settling their differences by a series of carefully-conducted ex- periments, they would have done Ijetter than they did. A great step in advance would be taken, if all farmers' clubs would imitate the example of the club at Southboro', and whenever differences of opinion or practice are found to exist among the members, some provision were made for settling those differences by submitting them to the test of accurate and faithful experiments. That is the true way to settle such differences. Thanks, then, let us all award to the Farmers' Club of Southboro', for the praiseworthy example it has given of the right and proper way to settle differences of opin- ion and practice among farmers, and to advance the interests of agriculture and agriculturists. More Anon. The Eddystone Lighthouse. — The Eddy- stone Lighthouse has now withstood the storms of a century — a solid monument to the genius of its architect and builder. Sometimes, when the sea rolls in with more than ordinary fury from the Atlantic, driven up the Channel by the force of a southwest wind, the lighthouse is enveloped in spray and its light is momentarily obscured. But again it is seen shining clear like a star across the waters, a warning and a guide to the homeward bound. Occasionally, when struck by a strong wave, the central portion shoots up the perpendic- ular shaft and leaps quite over the lantern. At other times a tremendous wave hurls itself upon the lighthouse, as if to force it from its foundation. The report of the shock to one within is like that of a cannon ; the windows rattle ; the doors slam ; and the building vibrates and trembles to its very base. But the tremor felt throughout the light- house in such a case, instead of being a sign of weakness, is the strongest proof of the unity and close connection of the fabric in all its parts. — Lives of British Engineers. For tite New England Farmer. SMALL AND LARGE FABMS. BY JUDGE FRENCH. England produces an average of about 28 bush- els of wheat to the acre, while France produces about half that quantity, and the United States considerably less than France. Why is this so ? An Englishman will aliswer at once that it is be- cause in England the land is owned by a few large proprietors, while in France and the United States it is divided into small tracts among many owners. In England, the i-eal estate of a person dying intestate all descends to the eldest son, while in France, as in this country, it is equally divided among all the children. In England, the tendency of the laws is, to increase the land of the land-owner, to make the rich richer, and if not to make the poor poorer, at least to keep him always as poor as he now is. Lavergne, in 1855, estimated that there were about 200,000 farmers, that is, persons who occu- py as tenants of others, in England alone, occupy- ing an average of 150 acres each. Of these, about one-half cultivate their farms themselves, with the assistance of their families. In France, besides the five or six millions of small holdings, below twenty acres each, there are four or five hundred thousand averaging fifty or sixty acres each, and many very large estates, especially near Paris. The difference between the actual extent of the farms, as occupied, in England and elsewhere, is usually exaggerated. A few immense land-owners are referred to as illustrations of British agricul- tui'e. The estate of the Duke of Sutherland, the largest in Great Britain, contains 750,000 acres, but this is in the North of Scotland, a wild and rough country, which does not admit of the fine cultivation of the lowland counties. The immense estates of the Duke of Northumberland are situ- ated mostly in the county of that name, one of the most mountainous and least productive. It is not usually on those immense estates that we find the most profitable cultivation. The large proprietors do not usually manage their own estates, or even keep them much in their charge. They are divid- ed off into farms of 100 to 1000 acres, and leased, and the tenant or fiirmer occupies them as if they were his own. Often, indeed usually, there is no written lease, and the tenant goes on from year to year for a generation, under a sort of custom, and at his death, his widow or son continues in the same occupation, so that the homes of English farmers are even more permanent than those of American farmers. Now, if each of these farmers owned his farm, would he not cultivate it as well for himself and the country, as he now does ? It has been often said in England that the best lease is that which makes the tenant most like an owner. Yet, we observed whUe in company with 172 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April English farmers, that they supposed that a tenant- farmer cultivated better than an owner. We were struck with this fact, when travelling thi-ough Lincolnshhe with some very shrewd farmers. "There," they would say, "is a farm owned by the occupant ; if he paid rent he could not afford to raise such poor crops." CAPITAL NECESSARY. The secret of this matter seems to be this. To cultivate land profitably, in an old, long settled country, it must be cultivated well and systemat- ically, and to do this requires capital. A fanner in England, M'ho expends the most of his money to buy a farm, has not enough left to cultivate it liberally. A thousand-acre farm in Lincolnshire requires about $50,000 capital, to enter upon and stock and manage it to the best advantage, as tenant mei'ely. It is not the extent of the farm, but the means and skill to cultivate it in the best manner, that make it profitable. Put upon a Lin- colnshire farm of this extent, a farmer with small capital, and he must ruin the farm and himself. He cannot buy stock, tools and manure, nor em- ploy labor requisite to make it productive. The farmer with small capital had better remain upon a small farm. There are certain obvious advanta- ges in farms of not very small extent. Costly la- bor-performing machines, such as steam-engines for threshing, and the like, could not be owned to advantage by small proprietors, and labor can be better systematized on a large than a small farm. The practical objection to the English system of farming is not so much to its agricultural results, as to its oppression of the laboring classes. The laborer in England is generally poor, ignorant and degraded, compared with any class of laborers which we have in New England, and so long as the present laws of property continue, he must al- ways remain so. English agriculture is profitable to the tenant-farmer, and to the land-owner, be- cause the poor laborer who does the hard work gets no just recompense for his labor. THE ISLAND OF JERSEY. This little island, although governed by Eng- land, is not subject to the English laws as to inher- itance ; but the old Norman law, by which each child inherits equally the land of the parent, still prevails, by a sort of custom, and has prevailed for nine hundred years. This is the island from which came the famous breed of Jersey cows. The effect of their laM's has been to divide the land into very small holdings, a farm so large as forty acres scarcely being found on the island, and most of the farms containing only from five to fif- teen acres. This island, thus divided, is cultivat- ed like a garden. It is rented at an average of twenty to twenty-five dollars per acre annually, and the farmers live in comparative comfort. FRANCE. Lavei'gne says that in France, cultivation is gen- erally better in those districts where the small properties predominate, and that it is the same in Belgium and Germany, and, indeed, everywhere else, except England. The fact is, that England, though as a nation enormously in debt, yet has immense resources. She is not an agricultural nation, but a manufacturing and commercial na- tion, and she takes the wealth realized from other sources, and invests it in her soil, and so develops its resources. France is more an agricultural na- tion— she cultivates far more acres for an equal quantity of grain, she keeps far less stock on the same number of acres, and produces far less of green crops in proportion to her grain. Her error is like ours. She occupies too much land for the capital she employs. Tliis may be excusable in Americans at the West, on land which costs noth- ing, but it is ruinous on old and valuable lands. France has expended her treasures, for a half century or more, in revolutions at home, Avhile England has had peace within her own borders. Like a farmer in a long law-suit, France comes out poor ; and finds the land has suffered from neglect, while its title was in controversy. She is now living as she can, till she recovers her- self, and can invest labor and capital in the culture of her soil. She is an illustration, with her fine soil and climate, and low agricultural state, of the saying of Montesquieu, "It is not fertility, but lib- erty, which cultivates a country." Our conclusion is, then, that a well-cultivated farm is most profitable, whether it be large or small, and that the productiveness of land does not necessarily depend much upon its being owned or occupied in large tracts. It is capable of math- ematical demonstration, that with our prices of la- bor and of products, the EngHsh system of farm- ing, with their rents of land, could not support it- self, in this country. The cheapness of our land ought, however, to nearly or quite compensate for the higher price of our labor. Certainly, the high price of labor is no reason for our employing it foolishly, and it is an additional reason why we should employ animal and steam power, and im- proved implements, and those ought to compen- sate for the lower cash price of our products. The great hindrances to our agriculture are want of capital and want of permanent occupation, or the spirit of unrest which unsettles all our plans. Farming is still the best business in the coun- try, taking the average throughout, and certainly it is the business which admits of most improve- ment. Value the friendship of him who stands by you in the storm ; swarms of insects Mill surround you in the sunsliine. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 173 For tlie New England Farmer. 2S1GHT STORM.* BT R. P. FULLER. Of all the year, of all the years, It was the coldest night. A wintry tempest stunned the ears, And smote upon the sight ; A cloudy pillar moved before, The vanguard of the wind ; Whose cohorts, with increasing roar, A legion, rage behind. Down to ihebulb, insensible Before the freezing blast, Forty degrees the mercury fell ; And spirits sank as fast. The cloud, that led tlie coming host, And checked, awhile, its wrath. Was torn to shreds, its fragments tossed And strown along the path. Now, like an ocean surf, around Our rural dwelling raves The air against the firmer ground, With fury of the waves. It plucks the snowy shroud away, And bears it back to heaven ; Clutches the pine and hemlock spray, Before its fury driven. Their foliage brief, though fine as hair. Minuteness hides in vain: The rude hands of the tempest tear And scatter it like rain. Grateful for shelter, as I sought To sleep, 1' the tempest dark — In judgment, like my house, I thought, Will prove the Christian ark. How will the shelterless endure Its over-powering might f — My God ; and how will all the poor Bear with the storm, to-night.' The sailor, on the frenzied sea, Who climbs the bowing mast. Kind Father ! we commit to Thee — 0 ! save him from the blast ! The poorly-housed and poorly-clad. With little fire to warm — Great God ! to think of them is sad, In this ferocious storm I We pray for them — we can no more. At this inclement hour: Shield from its fury, we implore, Or temper, by thy power ! — And may the shelter, which we need. Earth's tempest to abide. To Christ, the Ark of safety, lead. From the last storm to hide ! * Written with reference t» the gale of February, 1S61. Fur the NeiB England Farmer. A PLEASANT RIDE, AWD A WELL REG- ULATED FAMILY". Well, what of that ? Don't every body now have pleasant rides, and is not New England full of such families ? Not exactly so. Our ride was peculiarly pleasant. Good company, all farmers, good horses, good sleighing, and a good object. On Saturday last, a few of us visited the barns of H. H. Petkrs, Esq., of Southboro'. We were so fortunate as to find him in his favorite element, buperintending his beautiful herd of Ayrshire cat- tle. He received us with his usual urbanity, show- ing us his whole stock, and answering our numer- ous questions as though he was perfectly familiar with each member of his family. His whole stock, except seven pairs of oxen, are thorough bred Ayrshires. We were first in- troduced to the younger members of the family. With their mild, pleasant countenances and bright, expressive eyes, they seemed to say, Glad to see you, gentlemen ; we are always treated kindly, and if you are master's friends, you are ours, and we bid you welcome. They were tied very close to each other, but there Avas no quarrelling, as is the case in some families, no teasing for more or better ; their whole deportment gave evidence of the power of kind treatment, united with good care and systematic feeding. The oxen next claimed our attention — seven pairs, from three years old and upwards, weighing over 3600 lbs. to the pair. Next came the cows — all handsome, round, small-boned animals, with the marks of excellent milkers. Mr. Peters re- marked that some of them had given 23 qts. per day. The bulls, horses and sheep completed the family, 100 in all, including about 10 or 12 sheep. They are all kept on steamed food, and fed three times per day. The steaming is performed four times per week, at an expense of one shilling each time for fuel. Mr. Peters is satisfied that he keeps his stock cheaper than they could be kept in any other way. Certainly, nothing is wasted. We all left the premises very much gratified, and with the impression that farmers generally, and espe- cially the trustees and superintendents of our State farms, might profit by a view of the perfect neatness, order and system of the whole arrange- ment. One of the CoiMpany. Westhoro\ Feb. 12, 1862. For the New England Farmer. MANAGEMENT OP NEAT CATTLE IN "WINTER. 1, Their cribs should be so separated by par- titions that every animal would be sure to receive all that is fed to him, without any danger of being robbed by others. I think this first in impor- tance, because in feeding the animals left without partitions you do not know which eats it, the stronger robbing the weaker, consequently mak- ing the weak still poorer. 2, They should be fed at regular intervals, all they will eat up clean ; that is, they should have their regular meals. I commence in the morning, feeding little at a time, and keep them eating un- til I think they have enough, and then at noon and night, being careful to feed at the same hour of each daj'. I had rather they would be fed but twice, than to feed out of the regular time. 3, They should have a variet}'. Where the feed is composed of meadow hay, wheat and oat straw, corn fodder, &c., as it generally is through the country, it should be fed alternately ; if a por- tion of each kind is given them every day, they will eat and relish it better. I can remember when my father used to feed out all his corn fod- der the first thing, and then the meadow hay, &c., feeding only one thing at a time ; consequently, all the fodder was rejected but the leaves, and thrown out with the manure ; but when given as a change, they will eat it all up clean. 4, Roots are one of the best things to feed young, growing cattle in winter. They tend to 174 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Apkil keep them loose, and enable them to extract more nourishment from their fodder. They should be fed regularly each day. From my experience, I think the ruta baga is the best to feed to young cattle. I think they contain something that cat- tle require that the others do not. Potatoes and carrots are very good. I have had young cattle fed with them gain more in the winter than they did in the summer on grass. 5, Watering and exercise. In watering, care should be taken that every animal drinks all he wants. They will naturally take all the exercise in the yard, they need at the time of drinking. I keep them in their stalls all the time except when out to drink. The more they are kept out in the cold the more hay they will require, and by being kept up all the time the manure is all saved. The farmer cannot be too regular in tending his stock through the winter. Anything that is not worth doing well is not worth doing. West Newjield, Me., 1862. J. t. EXTRACTS AND KEPLIES, I am anxious to learn through the Farmer the ■way of treating a cow which appears to run too much to milk. She calved the 2d of this month, and is quite thin of flesh, although bright and smart ; gives a ten-quart pail full of milk in the morning, little less at night. She was poorly fed the first of the winter on straw, corn-fodder and poor hay until some two weeks before calving,when she had two quarts of barley bran, scalded, and good hay. When I raise barley I have it bolted ; the flour is used, and well liked in the family. I have raised and used it for six years, and find the value of that grain far beyond what I expected. I like it to raise on account of its being good to seed with, as I get a far better catch than with any other grain. I get about half as many pounds of fine flour as from common wheat, and find the bran to be heavier than that of wheat, therefore I value barley more than corn. I continue giving this bran to my cow, but rather think it is the barley that runs her to milk. We churned the first week's gathering of cream, which made 11 lbs. 3 oz. of butter. Will you, or some of your subscribers, inform me of the cause of my cows' eating boards, &c., last winter, and this winter not attempting to do 80? In regard to cows doing well in calving, if peo- ple would feed cows extra some two weeks before they drop their calves, as a general thing, there wonld be no trouble ; it matters not much what they are fed upon, but I prefer a little meal of some kind ; if I should have my choice, I should feed barley. T. s. F. Felchville, Vt, 1862. Remarks. — We know of no way to reduce the milk but to reduce the feed. Feed on good hay alone, for a time. It is not well settled what it is that causes cows to chew bones, boards, leather, &c. Some say it is occasioned by a want of bone-making material, the phosphate of lime, perhaps. If this habit were confined to cattle that are poorly fed or thin in flesh, we might suppose that it grows out of a want of a proper quantity of nutritious food ; but such is not the case. We have as often seen it in thrifty and ■well-conditioned cows. It can do no harm to mix a little bone-dust, that is, ground bones, with meal, and feed to the animal aSected, two or three times a week. Dr. Dadd says — "It is well known that phosphate of lime, potass, sil- ica, carbonate of lime, magnesiu and soda are dis- charged in the excrements and urine of the cow. Supposing the cow's bones to be weak, it is pos- sible that the gelatinous elements preponderate over those of lime, soda and magnesia." BUGGY PEAS. It has been often said that "It is better late than never," to do good. In looking over the monthly Farmer for 1860, I noticed in the July- number an article headed "Buggy Peas." I think I can give the writer and many others some infor- mation that will solve the mystery as to how the bugs got into his phial. Many years ago, I dis- covered a small, bright red nit or egg, placed on the outside of the pea-pod, when about half- gro^vn, opposite each pea, and have seen the same on the pea inside the pod. Also, when the peas were shelled green, a small puncture on one side of the peas ; on digging into the pea, I found a small worm which becomes a bug after the peas are fully ripe. The egg is, I have no doubt, de- posited by the old bug, as I have seen them flying among the peas in the field. The only way to prevent peas being buggy is to sow early or very late. I have heard it remarked that to prevent peas being buggy, they must be sown in the old of the moon in May. I suppose everybody knoAvs the moon has nothing to do with the bugs. It is evident to me that those sown early get out of the ways before the old bugs thaw out, and that the bugs have had their day, and are gone before the late sown are grown. James Palmer. South Hampton, N. H., 1862. THE SONG OF AN OLD PITCHER. Ijct the wealthy and great dwell in splendor and state, I envy them not, I declare it ; I eat my own lamb, my own chickens and ham, I shear my own fleece, and I wear it. I have lawns, I have bowers, I ha\e fruits, I have flowers, The lark is my morning alarmer ; As true freemen now, pray God speed the plow. Long life and success to the farmer. The above I have never seen on paper. I learned it when a child, from an old-fashioned French jug, now called pitcher, in my father's house, more than sixty years ago, in the Emerald Isle. A Female Reader. South Oroton, 1862. SEEDING TO GRASS. We, the sons of the turf, who get our living by digging in the dirt, need reminding of our duty every month in the year. Where is the farmer, one in a hundred, be the number of his acres more or less, Avho can say, "I have one half acre doing all it might do." When we manure in the hole, the seed comes in contact with it, as it should do ; but when we plow in manure five or six inches deep, and then sow grain and a little fine grass seed on the very surface, can this fash- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 175 ion be good policy ? There is no way to make so much grass with so little manure as the following : Plow up worn-out grass land as soon as may be after the summer drought has past ; pulverize well ; manure sparingly ; sow two or three sorts of seeds, and give it a shallow covering ; thus the little manure, neither too deep nor too shallow, does all it can do, and no crop is lost. Elliot, Me., Feb. 1, 1862. A. Allen. KEEP THE BACK COVERED. One prevalent way of taking cold, is from ex- posure of the upper portion of the back while in bed. We divest ourselves of the warm clothing we have worn during the day, put on a thin night- dress, go to sleep, and perhaps awake in the night feeling as if an iceberg lay between our shoulders. This is particularly the case when two persons oc- cupy the same bed — each one facing outward, the bed" clothes are drawn from the backs so as to ex- pose the lower part of the neck and between the shoulders to the cold air of the room, the lungs being so near that part of the body as to be sensi- bly afl'ected by its exposure. We think a great many severe colds are taken in this way that can- not otherwise be accounted for. OATS FOR SHEEP — TO CURE A CALF THAT SCOURS — DWARF BROOM CORN, ETC. 2. Will you, or some of your reader, inform me how many oats it will do to feed to ewe sheep at a time, and if they will hurt them ? 2. What will cure a calf that scours ? 3. If any subscriber of the Farmer purchased the Dwarf Broom Corn Seed advertised the last spring, will they please give the results of their sowing ? 4. Please tell me the size of the "Farmers' En- cyclopedia," and the number of pages it contains ? Canterhurij, N. II., 1862. s. E. REJLiRKS. — 1. A pint of sweet oats per day to a sheep will be excellent for it. 2. "Scours," or diarrhoea, is not always a disease, but an effort of nature to get rid of that which would be injurious, and, therefore, a mild purgative of castor oil, or something else, is good. This may be followed with two or three messes of warm flour gruel, at the same time not allowing the calf to take much milk from the cow. 4. The Farmers' and Planters' Encylopedia contains 1179 pages, royal octavo size. SEED CORN. We cannot give the name of our correspondent who wrote over the initials "E. R.," upon the sub- ject of seed corn. We have many inquiries of this kind. It would be more pleasant and profitable, if correspondents would give their full address when communicating to us. "C. T. F.," North Bridgewater, Mass., is in- formed that we know nothing of the expedition to go into the "wool business" at the West, beyond what M'as published in the Farmer to which he refers. For the New England Farmer. EXPERIMENTS "WITH CORN. I saw a statement by Mr. Henry II. Peters, of Southboro', Mass., in relation to corn, in the Far- mer of January IS, I think. I have a kind of com that is hard to beat, as to the amount of shelled corn that a basket of ears will make. A few days since I shelled some for bread meal, and selected the best ears, as I usually do. I measured and weighed : First I weighed out 70 pounds, which I sup])osed would make 1 bushel of shelled corn ; I shelled it carefully, measured up a bushel, and it weighed 60 pounds ; then weighed the rest which M'as left, it being 6 ounces. The cobs weighed 9 10-16 pounds. The above I took from a bin on the east side of my corn house. I then took a basket full from the bin on the west side, so I picked out a bushel basket of ears which weighed 50.^ pounds ; I shelled it carefully as I did the oth- er ; the corn I measured in sealed measiu'es, and the amount was 23^ quarts, which weighed 44 pounds. The cobs weighed 6^ pounds, Avhich is at the rate of about 8| pounds of cobs to 60 pounds of shelled corn. As to the kind of corn, I know of no particular name for it : it is eight-rowed, yellow, rather small in size, but the ears are good and fair length. For years past I have seen much in the Farmer about corn being diminished in weight by being cut up and stooked before it is quite ripe, or hard. I cut and stook my corn as soon as it gets fairly glazed over, and when many of the small ears are in the milk. I think it does not injure the com, but is a great saving of labor, and there is much in favor in benefiting the fodder, as, if corn is cut and stooked in the right time, and in the right manner, there is a great advantage over the old- fashioned way of cutting the top stalks and letting the corn remain in the field until husking-time. I have shelled a bushel of corn from cobs that weighed less than 8 pounds. A GOOD HEIFER. Mr. AVm. Hooper, of this town, butchered a heifer 21 months and 10 days old, which weighed 622 pounds. H. Allbe. Walpole, N. H., Feb., 1862. Continental Money. — Mr. Lossing, in his Field Book of the Revolution, gives a scale of the depreciation of the Continental money. In Jan- uary, 1777, the paper currency was at five per cent, discount. In July it was at twenty-five per cent, discount, and before the end of the year three dollars in paper would not command a silver dollar. In 1778 the paper currency continued to depreciate, so that in April four dollars in paper Avere equal to one in coin. In September the ra- tio was as five to one, and at the close of the year was six and a half to one. In 1779 the deprecia- tion rapidly continued. In February the ratio was eight dollars and a half of paper to one of silver, in May it was twelve to one, in September eighteen to one, and before the close of the year a paper dollar was only worth four cents. In March, 1780, a paper dollar was worth three cents, in May it was worth two cents, and in December seventy-four dollars in paper was worth one dollar in silver. At this point the historian stops. 176 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April Figure 1. Common Long-rooted Parsnip. THE PAKSNIP CEOP. The carrot crop has justly become quite popu- lar as a feed for stock. It is cultivated all over New England for this purpose, but in the greatest quantities in the neighborhood of large towns, or cities, where a good many horses are kept. Stable- keepers are confident that they are an economical food, and purchase them by the ton, at prices varying from eight to twelve dollars. This practice has attracted the attention of many far- mers, and they, also, now feed their one, two, or more horses, daily, with a mess of carrots. Tlie Parsnip, — though pronounced by most persons as far more palatable than the carrot, — has not yet found its way to the feeding- troughs of the stable-keep- ers or of our neat stock. It strikes us as singular that a vegetable so nutritious and delicious to the hu- man palate, and at the same time so highly rel- ished by our domestic animals, should not have long ago come into popular favor. It certainly is not because the carrot can be more easily cultivated than the parsnip, — that it pos- sesses higher nutri- tive properties, or that it is more eager- ly sought for by our stock. In all these particulars the pars- nip has the prece- dence with one single exception — the seed does not germinate so readily and certainly as that of the carrot. In other respects it has advantages over the carrot. It will grow on a wider range of soil, stand di'ought longer, and the young plants are so conspic- uous as to render the first thinning and weeding altogether easier than that of the figure 2 carrot. Fingers and Toes. Compared with the turnip, the parsnip contains about double the quantity of heat-giving and fat- forming compounds, such as oil and starch. This renders it particularly suitable as a food for fat- tening purposes, or for milk-producing animals. The keeping qualities of the parsnip are equal to those of any other root we produce. If stored properly in a cool, moist (not wet) cellar, they will remain plump and brittle for seven or eight months. In Wilson's Fai-m Crops it is said that the pars- nip, compared with the carrot, "presents a supe- riority in many respects as a crop for feeding pur- poses. It contains on an average about 5 or 6 per cent, less water than the carrot, wliich materi- ally improves its keep- ing qualities, the dif- ference being made up by an additional proportion of solid extractive matter, by which its general feed- ing qualities are pro- portionably increased. The flesh - forming compounds, too, are nearly double those contained in the car- rot ; while the oil, starch, &'c., in its com- position, would indi- cate that for fattening as well as for feed- ing purposes it is of greatly superior value Figure 3. Ilollow-Crowned Parsnip. SOIL AND CULTIVATION FOR THE PARSNIP. Any rich, deep, well-drained soil, whether it be of granite formation, or sandy or clayey loam, will produce good crops of parsnips. A decidedly gravelly soil would not be favorable. The soil should be deep, because the plant loves to pene- trate the ground with its long, tapering root, and throw out hair-like feeders into the surrounding soil. When it has this opportunity, and the soil is sufficiently enriched, the parsnip will send clown one main root, such as is illustrated in Cut No. 1 ; but without these advantages, it will be quite likely to assume the form of Cut No. 2, dividing itself off into numerous branches, spoiling it for the table, and depreciating its value even for stock. This is called running into "Fingers and Toes." Cut No. 3 is The Ilollow-croivned Parsnip. It is less symmetrical in shape, and has a much great- er diameter at the crown, or top, which is slightly concave. The root is of a yellowish-white color, tapering from the top, and not so long as the Long-rooted variety. No. 1. Cut No. 4 illustrates, 1, The common flat body moth that infests the parsnip. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 177 Figure 4. Common Flat Body Moth. Figs. 2 and 3, the moth at rest, and of the nat- ural size. Fig. 4, caterpillar of the moth. Figs, o and 6, the pupa of natural length. Fig. 7, the pupa rolled up in a leaf of the plant. In cultivating a field crop of the parsnip, the rows should be far enough apart to use a horse- hoe or cultivator, say two and a half feet, which will secure a crop for about one-half the cost re- quired to work them by hand. The plants in the rows ought not to be nearer than six or eight inches of each other. The ground should be fre- quently stirred, — especially if the season bo a dry one, — and if a subsoil plow were passed through between the rows once or twice during the sum- mer it would considerably aid the crop. By this process we have raised parsnips at the rate of a tJiousand bushels to the acre, nearly every one of which was long, smooth, and almost as white as snow. The only difficulty in securing the crop was in digging ; the man doing that work saying that he "coidd dig post holes about as fast." We hope many of our farmers will commence in a small way to cultivate this valuable crop. If they do, we suggest that twenty-four hours before sow- ing the seed, they wring out a piece of cotton cloth in warm water, and wrap the seed in it, wliich will very much facilitate its germination. i Singular Facts in Human Life. — The av- erage length of human life is about 28 years. One-quarter die previous to the age of 7 ; one- half before reaching 17. Only one of every 1000 persons reaches 100 years. Only six of every 100 reaches the age of 65, and not more than one in 500 lives to 80 years of age. Of the whole pop- ulation on the globe, it is estimated that 90,000 die every day ; about 3700 every hour and 60 every minute, or one every second. These losses are more than counterbalanced by the number of births. The married are longer lived than the single. The average duration of life in all civil- izccl countries is greater now than in any anterior period. Macaulay, the distinguished historian, states that in the year 1685 — not an unhealthy year- — the deaths in England were as one to 20, but in 1850, one to 40. IJupni, a well known French writer, states that the average duration of life in France from 1776 to 1843, increased 52 days annually. The rate of mortality in 1781 was one in 29, but in 1850, one in 40. The rich men live on an average 42 years, but the poor only 30 years. — Free Nation. For the New England Fanner. WHEW SHALL "WE PLOW? Mr. Editor : — I find tliis question propounded, and partly answered, in your issue of November 9, by Mr. George Campbell, of West Westminster, Vt., who seems to favor fall plowing on account of its forwarding the spring work M'hen farmers are hurried, and probably killing many worms and in- sects by exposing them to the frost, &c. He notes, also, that the soil will be pulverized by the action of frost and the atmosphere. Most will readily admit his views as true, and yet not be fully per- suaded that it is good economy to seed this fall plowed land in the s]3ring, without again plowing most thoroughly. Weeds and foul stufi" will be sure to vegetate as soon as the frost is out in the spring, and no process for putting in grain is so efiectual an exterminator as a good plowing. Then, again, lands lying several months after be- ing plowed, become packed by repeated rains, and are almost as hard in the spring as if they had re- mained unplowed in the fall. The plow I regard as the farmer's great fertili- zer. It is impossible to use it too often on our fields where the sod has decayed. Speed the plow, should be the motto of every farmer. Nothing like it to counteract the cff'ects of drought. Noth- ing Kke its free use in securing a bountiful har- vest. I say plow ! Plow in the fall — plow in the spring — plow at all times when you can. Can't plow too often. As to fall plowing of sod land, very much de- pends upon the character of the soil. A stiff clay would undoubtedly be better for fall plowing, as the winter's frost would greatly subdue it. But a sandy, or vegetable loam, I think, had best be plowed in the spring, as near the time of planting as possible. My reasons for this are, that they do not receive but little advantage from winter frosts when plowed, and do not admit of rcplowing in the spring, as by so doing we would be liable to dis- turb the sod and waste much of its value. If not plowed in the spring, much more labor is required to keep the weeds down through the sumracr. I will here refer to a piece of meadow, of four acres of vegetable loam, my father commenced plowing in the foil, for the purpose of destroying worms he knew infested it. It so happened that frost set in when he had about half plowed the piece, and the remainder was plowed in the spring ; the part plowed in the fall was, as to quality, esteemed a little the best of the field. The spring plowing was done just before planting ; the ; whole field was thorouglily harrowed, the fall- 178 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April plowed part requiring much more labor to prepare it, and all through the season double the time was required to keep it clean of grass and weeds. At hai'vest it was judged by competent men that the fall-plowed piece would yield forty bushels to the acre, and the sj^J'^^a'P^owed fifty — or ten bushels more. One of my neighbors commenced plowing early in March on a piece of diy land, for the purpose of testing the question as to the advantage of plowing just before planting. He left alternate lands or strips unplowed through the piece, until he was ready to plant, the fu-st of May. The re- sult was decidedly in favor of the last plowed pieces in the crop, as well as in the care of it. The above facts have been repeatedly verified in my own experience, so that I have come to con- sider them incontrovertible. I hope this subject will not be passed by in silence by observing far- mers, but that we shall have their views and ex- perience to enable us wisely to answer this all importaJit question to many — when shall we plow ? liochester, Mass., Nov., 1861. o. K. COE'S SUPERPHOSPHATE OF LIME. During the last four or five weeks, we have been favored with several articles upon this subject, £i"om correspondents in various portions of the State, giving their experience in the use of this phosphate as a fertilizer. We have also been re- quested to state what the results of its use have been on our own farm. Last spring we procured several bags of this lime of Parker, Gannett & Osgood, and used it upon various crops, and with such results as to decide us to try it again, which we mean to do the coming season. It was used, side by side, with various other agents, such as beef scraps, corn-meal, woolen rags, cobs soaked in urine, guano, and a compost of night soil, and it was not excelled by any of them, excepting the latter. The whole field was moderately dressed Avith hen manure. Where the night soil compost was used, the corn was heavier than on any other portion of the field. We used the superphosphate on peas, beans, turnips, beets, carrots, parsnips, cabbages, and other plants, and found it answering an ad- mirable purpose with them all. But we gained, especially, what is most desired, an early start in the corn crop, which is often the turning point of profit or loss in that staple article. Where it was properly applied to this crop it stimulated germi- nation, brouglit the corn out of the ground with stocky and vigorous stems, and gave it an unusual vitality for several succeeding weeks. Any fertil- izer that will do this, is of decided importance to the farmer. But a serious mistake is often made in its application. Instead of spreading it over a surface of 12 to 20 inches, and thoroughly min- gling it M'ith the soil, it is thrown down in a mass, and the seed cast upon it, so that if the tender germ is not checked, it grows away from the phosphate into soil that has not been fertilized by it. During a journey into New Hampshire in the month of June last, a good farmer invited us to look at some experiments he was making with this fertilizer. Side by side, on good land, he had manured the rows, one with a common shovel full of excellent barn manure, and the other with a gill of Coe's superphosphate, and where the latter was applied, the corn had made an average growth of d.foot more than the other. In another town, in a field of corn which we were called to look at, the diff"erence was nearly as striking. We do not suppose that this difference would continue through all stages of the crop, but it ensures that early growth which will generally secure the plants from unseasonable frosts, and thus give us a crop. These results so much increased our interest in the article, that we made investigations sufficient to satisfy us that the article is really what it pur- ports to be, — that is, bones dissolved by sulphuric acid, by a process so perfect as to preserve all the animal matter contained in the bones as well as the bone itself, — and that no other matter is in- troduced to increase the bulk and lessen the fer- tilizing power of the principal agents. In November last, we applied 200 pounds to an acre of exhausted pasture, upon which we intend to sow clover seed as soon as the snow is off", and harrow the ground. We have, also, applied two quarts of the superphosphate to each of 75 young apple trees that stand in grass land, scattering it over a diameter of 12 feet immediately under the tree. The results of these experiments will be carefully -watched and reported to the reader. New Method of Smelting Iron. — A Bel- gian is reported to have discovered a new method of smelting iron, which promises great results. The essential principal consists in a process of ex- haustion in preference to a blast. The result is that less time is required to liquefy the metal than in the ordinary process ; that when cast it is sur- prisingly superior in quality to ordinary iron ; that, bulk for bulk, it weighs much heavier ; and that excellent cutlery can be forged at once from it, without the intermediate process of conversion into steel. A leading English iron master is building a furnace for smelting on this new plan, and specimens will ere long be in the market. AVeigiit of Manure. — A solid foot of half- rotted manure will weigh, upon an average, 56 pounds. If it is coarse or dry, it will average 48 pounds to the foot. A load of manure, or 36 cu- bic feet, of first quality, will weigh 2,016 pounds ; second quality, 1,728 pounds. Weight to the acre — eight loads of first kind, weighing 16,128 pounds, will give 108 pounds to each square rod, and less than 2i pounds to each square foot. Five loads will give 63 pounds to the rod. An acre contain- ing 43,560 square feet, the calculation of pounds per foot, of any quantity per acre, is easily made. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 179 LEGISLATIVE AGBICULTUIIAL SOCIETY, Reported for the Farmer by D. Vf. Lothrop. The eighth meeting of the series was held on Monday evening last at the State House. The subject for discussion had been announced to be, Fruit Culture; but Mr. Wilder being absent and indisposed, Mr. Flint, Secretary of the State Ag- culturai Board, called the meeting to order, when a motion was carried to postpone the subject of Fruit Culture and adopt that of Sheep Husbandry. Mr. Flint, being in the chair, made a few intro- ductory remarks. He said sheep husbandry was important, generally, to the farmers of New Eng- land, and had been to those of Massachusetts ; but in this State, within the last twenty or thirty years, it has declined. The cause of this, he thought, was to be found mainly in the introduc- tion of the fine-wool Merinos, and their subse- quent crossing with our common sheep, so that neither fine nor coarse wool was the result. Dogs were also a great drawback to sheep-raising ; but now we have a stringent law for its protection. In the eastern part of the State the raising of mutton is a profitable branch of business, and for this purpose he recommended the Cotswolds and South Downs. He would not enter fully into the description of the various breeds of sheep — leaving that to others — but in the western part of the State he advocated the Merinos for their fine wool. Some farmers had thought that sheep improved the pastures where fed, but in our western coun- ties complaint had been made that they run them out. Upon this point he hoped others would speak. Mr. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, ob- served that much improvement had been made in sheep husbandry — particularly in a national point of view. English poets had sung of the beautiful white flocks of their land as the glory and strength of the nation, and he thought there was much truth in it. Lavergne, a French writer, had had his attention arrested by the greater number of do- mesticated animals in England than in France, particularly of sheep, and was favorably impressed with their economy, though some others thought diff'erently. Throughout Great Britain — a territory only one-third larger than some of our States — there were fifty millions of sheep ; and they are raised for the purpose of occupying and improv- ing their waste lands, which abound in AVales and Scotland. They have been kept on the same soil for years, and it has sustained them. Mr. H. spoke well of sheep manure, and considered the question as to sheep running out the pastures in this country. In England, sheep pastures are continually increasing and improving ; but here our summers are very hot, and sufi'er for want of moisture, and this condition is aggravated where thev are fed too closely, as is often the case. Nev- ertheless, sheep have a tendency to improve the land in spite of close feeding. Mr. Fearing, of Hingham, observed that if the man who made two blades of grass grow where only one gi'ew before was a benefactor, so was he who advanced sheep husbandry. He would look at the subject in a moral point of view. Our young men were leaving the towns and rushing into the large cities for business ; yet we have now too many merchants, lawyers and physicians, and need more men who earn their bread by the sweat of their brow. Small places are going down and large ones rising. After the closing of the war, many of our young men may feel like emigrating ; but we must try to retain them by ofi'ering them inducements to remain and cultivate tlie soil. Having some land much neglected, Mr. F. ob- served, he was induced by Daniel Webster to place sheep upon it. Accordingly lie rebuilt his walls, and placing two rails upon them, introduced sheep ; his neighbors did the same. Dogs were troublesome ; yet in Hingham they had clubbed together and fought them out with good results. As to the eff'ect of sheep on the pastures, he thought well of them. He had one of twenty acres, covered with briers and bushes, which he burnt off and put in sheep, where they did well, though his neighbors said they would starve ; the briers have disappeared. He thought sheep prof- itable ; would prefer liills for pastures ; said rain storms injured sheep, and advocated warm barns with good keeping. The South Downs he regard- ed the best breed, and their wool was good. They should be kept in flocks of twenty-five or thirty, and liis own were healthy from good keeping. Lambs for the butcher, about four months old, brought him three dollars apiece — very cheap. The wool from his South Downs ranged from six to ten pounds. Mr. F., also, again alluded to his sheep barn, which was 20 by 40 feet, with ten feet posts, and an alley running through it, with sheep each side, and their feeding arrangements so con- structed that only one could put in his head at once, and they were all fed from the centre. Such a barn could be built for about $250. Mr. Andrews, of West Roxbury, said he had had some little experience in keeping sheep, which might, however, be regarded as accidental. Hav- ing planted cow cabbage and rape for thirty cows, it was complained that the cabbage hurt the milk, and this induced him to purchase ninety sheep to feed it off. He spoke well of the profits of sheep — giving some statistics — and concluded that cows could not come up to them. They also improved the pastures where fed, and their manure Avas very valuable, as was shown on his own land. He closed by reading an article upon this subject from the Boston Cultivator, copied from the Genesee Far- mer. 180 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April Mr. Wetherell, of Boston, alluded to a far- mer in Hampshire County, who purchased seven- ty-five or eighty Cotswold sheep at four cents per pound — his object being to test sheep-feeding over that of oxen, and he felt encouraged. He could sell their carcasses at eight cents per pound. Allusion was also made to another gentleman who raised lambs of the Oxfordshire Downs, and could sell them for $5. This breed he thought better for raising spring lambs than the South Downs ; but the speaker believed both were good. Why pastures in which sheep were fed were better than those where cattle were kept, was in a measure attributable to the fact that the sheep were kept in them the most of the time, and to the more equal diffusion of the manure. Farms far from a raih'oad or market, he observed, had been nearly depopulated of men, and those of the best quality. Poor land with no market was intolerable. In such places sheep husbandry might do well ; let a man raise hay enough to feed in the Avinter. For- est trees are not profitable on poor land, but rais- ing sheep might be, if the land were not too wet. An acre of corn would buy all the coal a farmer would use in winter. There was some profit in growing wool, but more, in raising mutton. Dr. LoRiNG, of Salem, admitted that sheep hus- bandry in Massachusetts had gi-eatly declined within half a century. But what is the cause of it? Mr. Flint attributed it to the introduction of fine-wool sheep, and their degeneration by cross- ing. But the speaker thought differently, and ob- served that sheep felt their feeding and treatment very much. Farming declined some years ago in Massachusetts, and sheep felt the decline first. They became very small, and were abandoned. Dogs, he thought, not so great an evil as some ; sheep will flourish in spite of them. The first question to decide is — What shall be the kind of sheep ? And, deciding this, they should be kept for profit and not for pleasure. The fine-wool sheep are the best, but large sheep are profitable in rich districts. Yet he doubted whether for the ordinary farmer the coarse wool sheep was the best. He spoke of the Merinos, and the Atwood breed of Vermont. They were checply kept — 100 eating only 15 tons of hay in the winter. The fine- wool sheep were the best, and he believed no one could gainsay it. Allusion was made to Mr. White, of Framingham, as to the raising of mut- ton, which was very cheap — Mr. W. getting only from $2,50 to $3,00 per head. Men do not live on mutton, and the fore-quarters were unprofitable. Nevertheless, the hind-quarters were very good. But can we afford thus to raise mutton ? Dr. L. spoke of a man in Essex county, who had large, coarse sheep, which he fed at a loss during the winter. Generally, sheep were easily kept, but too many Cotswolds in a flock would deteriorate. Mr. Fearing thought Dr. Loring wrong about dogs. The loss of sheep by them was in some places discouraging. One hundred thousand dol- lars' worth in Ohio had been destroyed by dogs. He thought wool and mutton should go together, and fine wool alone he regarded as unprofitable. Dr. Loring thought dogs a nuisance, but the evil laid deeper. To a question as to what Merino lambs were worth, he replied that fine-wool lambs were not to be sold to the butcher, and mentioned an anecdote of a little boy in Vermont who was taking his pick from some of his father's flock, and having done so, gave his father a ten dollar bill ! The latter said it was a good investment. Mr. Wetiierell again advocated the raising of mutton, and said the fore-quarters of sheep were as digestible as any other, and were used by in- valids. We might as well inquire what became of the fore-quarters of beeves. To an extent he favored the raising of large, coarse sheep. INIr. Roberts, of Lakeville, said he had some Oxfordshire Downs, and likes them very much. He sold his lambs from $3,75 to 4,50. From his ewes he got about 8 pounds of wool, and from liis bucks 9 to 12. They were more profitable than crops, and he regarded his breed the best. He did not feed his pastures close, but moved his flock from one to another. Mv. HoAVARU spoke of the weight of the fleece of the J/Ierino sheep ; it was great, but there was great shrinkage, as it secreted a large amount of animal oil. The time for closing the meeting having now arrived, the chairman announced Fruit Culture as the subject for the next discussion, when the Hon. Marsilvll p. Wilder is expected to preside. The Flax and Linen Trade of Ireland. — Belfast, the great emporium of the linen trade, exported in 18G0, 65,600,000 yards of linen, and 13,200,000 pounds of yarn and thi-ead. Next in importance to the flax industry, is the trade in sewed muslins, employing about half a million of persons in Ireland. Another manufiicture, car- ried on in Belfiist, is important in the consumption of agricultural produce — namely, starch making from wheat. Ten firms use nearly 240,000 bush- els of the finest red wheat every year. The Aveaten starch made by the old fermentative process, is largely used by bleachers, the goods retaining their stiffness longer than if dressed with the rice and other starches. The whole of this businees is at present nearly paralyzed, as America was the best market for Irish linen goods, very limited quantities of Avhich have been imported during the past nine months. The Wire Worm. — At the discussion of a far- mers' club in Buff'alo, 111., Mr. Franklin Reed said that the ravages of the wire worm could be pre- vented by putting half of a fresh cob in each hill. The Avorms Avoidd Avork into this, and leave the corn. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 181 For the New England Farmer, ■WATEB. Mr. Editor : — I have had a little unfortunate experience connected with pipe-laying for an aque- duct ; and as a relation of that experience may save somebody from making a similar blunder, and may possibly suggest to many how they can save much labor by a slight expenditiu-e, I will, with your permission, tell my story, hoping also that some one among your scientific readers may be able to enlighten me as to the precise nature of my blunder. When I first came to "the place I now occupy, there was for most of the year a flowing spring near the foot of a hill about thirty rods from my house, and in fact there was about an acre of ground kept so wet by a general spring- iness on the upper side, that none but the poorest of water grasses would grow there. After a few years it occurred to me that, by bringing this wa- ter through a pipe to my barn, a double advantage would be secured — the land would be drained, and an easy supply of water furnished for the use of the cattle. A well Avas dug about eight feet deep, and a pipe laid, with a drain to carry oiT surplus water when it should come Avithin four feet of the surface of the ground. Following the course of the pipe, the land descends about fifteen feet in ten rods : then rises again seven or eight feet, then falls slightly till it reaches the place where the receiv- ing tub stands. The water flows through a half- inch lead pipe, the fall, when the water is highest, being five or six feet in coming a distance of thir- ty rods. With this fall, the pipe will carry at least, four hundred gallons in twenty-four hours. Three-fourths of this is taken aAvay by a Avaste pipe into a drain about tAvo rods long, and three feet deep, nearly filled Avith stones, Avhence it is readily absorbed into the surrounding soil. I am noAV satisfied that I made a blunder in lay- ing the pipe so near the surface of the ground, some parts of it being less than two feet deep. I have mentioned that there is a small savcU in the ground over Avhich the pipe passes. Of course, the pipe is, for a short distance, higher there than on either side of the savcII. Now it happens every season, at the time Avhen the ground is Avarmest, (and usually at the same time the fountain-head is lowest, and the current less rapid in its flow,) that the delivery of Avater gradually diminishes and finally ceases altogether, even though there are at the time tAVo feet of Avater in the Avell. But on attaching a pump to the pipe, and pumping for half an hour, the Avater Avill again floAV for a Avcek or two, when the same operation has to be pei'- formed over again. In my ignorance I can ac- count for tliis interruption only by supposing eith- er that some of the gases that are always mixed with Avater, become separated by the Avarmth of the Avater, and rise and remain in the highest part of the pipe, accumulating there till the Avater is entirely cut off", or else that the eSect is produced by the accumulation there of hydrogen gas set free in the oxidation of the lead of the pipe. At any rate, this is the practical Avorking of the pipe. In the latter part of summer the Avater has uniformly stopped running, even Avith more than two feet of water in the Avell ; Avhile at the present time, (middle of February,) though the spring has been, since September, loAver than I have ever be- fore known it, the Avater continues to flow, though so sloAvly, that it can hardly be detected, not amounting to more than two pailfuls in tAventy- four hours. But even Avith this draAvback, I consider the aqueduct among the most valuable and best pay- ing improvements of my farm. Without any la- bor or care, there is always ready for use a liberal supply of good Avater. The expense in this case has been less than the cost of a avcU and pump Avould have been. The cash outlay Avas only about thirty dollars. NoAV I believe it Avould be found, on examina- tion, that a large proportion of the barns of Ncav England might be supplied with Avater by means of springs and brooks. Where these ha])j)en to be on high ground, so that the flow Avill be direct, so much the better ; but science has given us, in the hydraulic ram, a poAvcr that Avill enable us to compel Avater to run up hill, and so Ave can take advantage of streams or copious springs much lower than the place Avhere we Avish the Avater de- livered. And 1 believe a judicious expenditure for this purpose would soon be repaid in the sav- ing of labor. M. P. For the NeiB England Farmer. NOTES AND INQUIRIES. Painting the Roof of Buildings. — Upon page 32, January number, current volume New England Fi*nner, is an article about "Important things to knoAV about building," Avhich is sugges- tive, and upon an important subject ; one upon Avhich too little thought is given, in many instan- ces, by those Avho are erecting buUdings for their own or others' use. It is a too true saying that a large majority of our buildings are built for shoAV, and the present only ; especially those built by Yankees ; but the day of these things, it is hoped and believed, is fast passing aAvay. But the question is. Whether painting the roof, or sliingles upon the roof, is useful, and as much so, as upon the Avails of a building ? It is claimed by many who have tried it, that the shingles painted, instead of being "done for a lifetime," as contended, Avill not last any longer than if not painted, Avhere the paint is put on af- ter the shingles are all laid, and some even con- tend that they Avill not last so long as Avithout the paint. I have seen shingles that had to be re- moved, that Avere painted, because they Avere so rotten that they Avere more like sieves, as for as keeping the Avater out Avas concerned, than like a shingled roof; and still to stand and look upon the roof it Avas "fair to behold" — apparently but little the Avorse for wear. The reason assigned Avas, that the Avatcr came in contact Avith the shingles above Avhere the paint Avas applied, and followed doAvn under the paint, where it was retained much longer than it other- wise would have been. Consequently, they Avere kept moist, and soon began to decay upon the under side and in the middle, instead of di-jing, as they would, had not the water been prevented from evaporating by the paint upon the lower ends only. How does this accord with your theory and ex- perience, Mr. Philbrick ? The remedy is to paint each course as laid, up 182 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April above the ends of the second course, with a thick, heavy coat of paint, and then, to finish off, paint the portion exposed after the roof is thus finished. Then, what water falls through the interstices will fall upon a painted surface, and be conveyed out, instead of following the grain of the wood down under the paint. Peat or Swamp Muck. — Will it pay to haul peat two miles on a good road where a yoke of oxen can haul half a cord, spaded up directly from the bed ? The muck to be composted with stable manure, or otherwise, used upon an alluvial soil of naturally very good quality. The soil has been much reduced in productiveness by former occu- pants. The peat was pronounced, in 1837, by Dr. Charles T. Jackson, "excellent peat, of a re- markable character, it being in part bituminizcd by the process of decomposition." It lies upon a hard, gravelly bottom, gradually deepening to- wards the centre. O. W. True. Elm Tree Farm, near Phillips, Me., Jan. 31, 1862. Remarks. — We have no doubt it will "pay," if the work is economically done, by hauling when other important work is not pressing. USE OP HEN" MANURE OW CORN". I have been in the habit of using hen manure, applied in the hill, on corn, for a number of years, with excellent success. I take my hen manure to a convenient place — say a barn floor, and pulver- ize it thoroughly — then mix two-sixths ashes and one-sixth plaster, with an equal proportion of the manure in bulk, of both ashes and plaster. After preparing my ground by spreading, say twenty- five cart-loads, of stable or other good manure on the turf, and plowing it under, I mark out my ground without either harrowing or bushing, and then drop one gill of the above mixtm-e in each hill, either planting my corn beside, or kicking on a little dirt Avith my foot, over the mixture, and planting directly on it. I row both ways, three and one-half feet apart. In this way I have suc- ceeded in getting fine crops. I generally use about fifteen bushels of the hen manure mixture to the acre ; but if I used no other manure to car- ry out the crop, I would certainly use at least for- ty bushels of the same. I think most farmers miss it in running over too much ground to get a bush- el of corn, when by manuring heavily, they get the same grain on less ground, and make a saving in labor, and leave the soil in a better condition for stocking down. — E. Allen, PomJ'ret, Conn., in Country Gentleman. Preventive of the Curculio. — Mr. A. C. Hubbard, of Detroit, publishes in the Michigan Fanner a statement that "common" elder bushes tied to the bi-anches of plum trees had prevented the operation of the curcuUo for tlu*ee years, in a garden he recently visited. His friend had been upon the place five years. The first two years he tried to save his fruits by shaking the insects upon cloths, vith but poor success. "An old French- man" told him to put elder bushes in his trees. He has done so for three years with the same suc- cess— a full crop of perfect fruit. The bushes were put into the trees every few days from the time the fruit was set until full grown. For the New England Farmer. THE CULTIVATION OF WHEAT. J. Palmer, Esq., — Sir: — Your letter of in- quiries respecting winter wheat has been received, in which you say "you have cultivated winter wheat upon a small scale the two past seasons, and that it has not been injured by the midge ; but that you find it difficult to get the corn off the land in season to sow wheat, and seed down to grass ; that you cut up your corn as soon as it will possibly answer, and remove it from the grounds, and shock it, which is a good deal of la- bor ; and further say, you should prefer to sow spring wheat if jou could obtain some that the in- sect would not injure, and ask if I know any such?" I know of no variety of wheat, either winter or spring, that is midge proof, though it appears that some varieties are less injured by the insect than others. I have successfully grown winter wheat for the past nine years, on my farm. Spring sown wheat has been a very uncertain crop. If sown early, it has usually sufi'ered badly by the depredations of the midge. If sown late — say the last of May — it may escape the insect, but has been pretty sure to rust, mildew or blight. My farm lying in a val- ley, the wheat crop is more liable to injury from rust, midge, &c., than that grown on our hill- farms. But as low-lying as is my farm, I have suffered, during the period I have grown fall-sown wheat, but very trifling loss from midge, rust, or winter-kill. Winter wheat on my farm has been a surer crop than that of corn, oats or potatoes. I have usually sown between the 25th of August and 10th of September. By early sowing, the plants are less liable to winter-kill, and obtain an earlier start in the spring, thereby getting ahead of the midge, rust, &c. The Japan Avheat you ask about is the earliest winter wheat I know of. I cut a part of mine the 12th of last July ; it does not stand our winters so well as some other varieties, but it never has been injured by the midge, nor rusted in the least. From its eai-ly ripening, it was badly injured the past season by whole troops of yellow birds, who shelled it badly, while the grain was in the milky state. It is a red wheat, beardless, but makes a very good quality of flour. I have sown the past fall quite a patch of it, and shall know, another harvest, whether it will be a profitable variety to cultivate. You ask what variety I consider the safest and best. I have grown Gen. Harmon's "improved white flint," the Tuscan from Michigan, Early Noe from France," and on a smaller scale, a dozen oth- er varieties, all of which have done well. The past season I grew fourteen different varieties ; two of the latest kinds were somewhat injured by midge and rust. The white flint gives forty-seven pounds of superior flour per bushel ; some of the others not quite as much. The Early Noe makes a very white flour, but bread made of it dries tip sooner than that from some other variety. I know nothing respecting the Java wheat you inquire about. I have never grown winter wheat after corn. Cannot get the ground cleared of it early enough. Very much depends upon early sowing ; therefore, let oats or barley follow corn, then manure the stubble, plow and sow wheat and grass seed. Or 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 183 plow a clover-ley in August, top-dress with guano or fine manure, or completely invert greensward. Last of August, roll down the furrows, manure, harrow well, then sow wheat and grass seeds, and clover seed in the spring. If the wheat should happen to fail, you will be likely to get a good field of grass. But more than three-fourths of the wheat I have grown, has been on inverted sod, and usually has done better than that on old ground. I am satisfied that most of our farmers can grow winter wheat with more certainty than they can spring wheat, and that it would be better for them to raise wheat for family use, than to purchase western flour. The varieties of wheat I have grown, as field crops, have all, except the Japan, been "white, bald wheats ;" these make a whiter quality of flour than the red chafied and bearded wheats, but I am not sure as these "white, bald sorts" are as hardy and pi'oductive as the bearded varieties. In August, 1860, I forwarded to Col. A. G. Boyd, Hancock, Md., samples of five varieties of winter wheat, which he sowed in September, 1860. In August last I received a letter from Col. B., in which he says : "All the varieties of wheat you sent me last fall, I observe are smooth (bald.) There is existing among our farmers a prejudice against smooth wheat, and I am beginning to be of the opinion that it is not without substantial reasons. Certain it is, that our smooth varieties are more subject to the ravages of the fly and oth- er insects, and to the elemental diseases incident to the wheat crop, and yield little or nothing, whilst the bearded varieties, with few exceptions, escape the insect and these diseases, and j-ield re- munerative crops." I have grown from 10 to 16 bushels of bald wheat from the bushel of seed sown — and some of our farmers have done better, getting 20 or more to the bushel of seed. But among the dozen va- rieties of wheats I experimented with (in drills) the past season, four of them were bearded wheats. While growing, and when harvested, I was satis- fied that the bearded varieties were the most pro- ductive, the produce of Avhich has been sown, as well as several other varieties, (14 in all,) and an- other season I hope to be able to test the correct- ness of Col. Boyd's views. If the bearded varie- ties prove decidedly the hardiest and productive, I shall cultivate them in preference to the smooth, or awnless sorts. I wish I had an opportunity of forwarding you a few heads, each, of the diff"erent varieties I grew the past season. It would satisfy you that beau- tiful samples of winter wheat have been grown in the "Old Granite State" — and I am full in the faith it can be done again. Taking a scries of ten years, I believe we can grow winter wheat, with as much certainty as it can be grown in any other of the States in the Union, or out of it. Yours, most respectfully, Levi Bartlett. Warner, N. H., Dec. 16, 1861, Soaking of Seeds. — One of the best methods of preparation of seeds for an early start is to soak them in diluted liquid manure. Hen dung is much recommended for this purpose. Sometimes soaked seeds do not come forward, or rot in the ground ; but frequently it is the case that the seeds are not attended to, but are allowed to heat, or sometimes to get dry, before they are sown. Another point is to have, for small seeds, the soil in a warm friable condition ; if the seeds are soaked and the surface of the soil is warm, and the soil itself is pressed down close to the seed, by rolling, or the hoe, when the sowing is done, it will make a material diffei-ence in the time which they will take to sprout ; and besides this, the manure with which their out«r coat is saturated, protects them from the attacks of worms and insects. — Michigan Farmer. PEED TOUR CROPS. Dr. Beccana, more than a century ago, re- marked that "we are composed of the same sub- stances which sen'e as our nourishment." The same observation applies with equal correctness to plants. Dr. Lee, when Principal of the Agri- cultural School near Rochester, New York, sever- al years ago, took considerable pains to demon- strate this fact. "He first," says a writer, "ana- lyzes the plant or produce, and finds out what it is made of. He then knows what materials must be supplied to feed it in order to obtain a good crop." He ascertained, by a series of very ingenious and carefully conducted experiments, that one hun- dred pounds of Avheat ashes contained forty-seven pounds of phosphoric acid. In one hundred pounds of the ashes of oak wood, he found there were two pounds of phosphoric acid. In com- menting upon tills fact, the writer above men- tioned says : "Now how many pounds of drj^ oak ashes must be applied to an acre to give a crop of wheat, both straw and grain, equal to thirty bushels, and sup- ply it with all the phosphoric matter needed ? In order to solve this problem, we must remark that thirty bushels of wheat at 60 pounds per bushel, will weigh 1,800 pounds. One hundred pounds of wheat, when burned, will yield 2^ pounds of ashes. Of course, 1,800 pounds of wheat, will contain 40^ pounds of ashes, and thus40A pounds will contain a trifle over 19 pounds of phosphoric acid. To one pound of wheat there is usually 2h pounds of straw ; we shall, therefore, in order to produce 30 bushels of wheat, have about 4,500 pounds of straw, containing 315 pounds of incom- bustible matter, which, if burned, will he left in the form of ashes. It has been found by experi- ment that ] 00 pounds of ashes from wheat straw, contain 3 and 1-lOth pounds of phosphoric acid. This 4,500 pounds of straw will contain, therefore, 9.76 pounds of phosphoric acid, which, added to the 19 pounds in the wheat, will make 28.76 pounds. Now, if you want to supply this phos- phoric acid by the application of oak ashes, con- taining 2 pounds in every 100 pounds, you will need 1,400 pounds. A bushel of such ashes will weigh nearly 70 pounds, so that you will want twenty bushels of ashes." 184 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Apkil We would here remark, that, in a large majori- ty of cases, probably, the quantity of ashes re- quired to feed the crop of Avheat with the requi- site amount of phosphoric acid, would exceed this, as it is by no means likely that all the acid would be taken vip and assimilated by the plants for whose especial benefit it was designed, when ap- plied. There are a number of ways in which a portion of it might escape, and do very little good to soil a crop ; yet the suggestion is of value as tending to direct us in the pursuit of right meth- ods and fortunate results in the management of a valuable and important crop. The analysis of vegetables will undoubtedly prove of value to the husbandman, and some measure ought to be adopted to render the analyses of plants more common and familiar to us. It is well for the farmer to be familiar with the experiments and theories of the chemist, as they will sometimes lead to the most valuable results, and always lead his mind to subjects of the most pleasing contemplation. But there are continual operations in nature entirely beyond the research of either chemist or farmer. The latter may em- ploy the amount of ashes found necessary by the experiment of the chemist to produce a given quantity of wheat, and yet utterly fail of producing a crop. The farmer knows, however, that when he uses ashes or lime upon his wheat crop, that nine times in ten the croiJ is better for it. It is this experience, springing up from his daily and yearly practice, that is of the greatest importance to the farmer. Tlie difficulty is, that he does not digest and record it, and pass it along for the ben- efit of those who succeed him in the same employ- ments. HORSES. Col. Needham, the Secretary of the Vermont State Agricultural Society, in his annual report says : "The number of horses in Vermont before the breaking out of the rebellion, was about fifty-five thousand, since which time it is calculated that nearly ten thousand have been carried from the State for army purposes. This immense levy for horses has been made througliout tlie entire coun- try. When it is considered that comparatively few of these horses will find their way back ; that the number that will die of disease, or become un- fit for service, is twenty times as great as it would be, were they used in other kinds of business ; that to meet this groat want of the government, a large proportion of the business horses in our large cities, which have been thrown out of sei'- vice by general prostration, have been bought up ; it readily appears that, even during the war, horses must advance in price ; and at its close, when business shall revive, and trade resume its former channels, the demand for good horses must exceed the supply. Reasoning from these premises, no more profitable labor can be engaged xa, than the production of good business horses." For the New England Farmer, POTATOES OW MUCK LANDS. Mr. Editor : — I have lately turned over the last seven or eight volumes of the Farmer to see if I could find any records of experiments with either of the concentrated, manures upon meadow lands. The meadow which I have under cultiva- tion produces abundant crops of potatoes, provid- ed each hill receives a small amount of some coarse manure. I might state here, that while every crop I had tried has succeeded — the potato appears, to be the most profitable, and, further, that a coarse manure produces larger and smoother potatoes than compost. For good and sufficient reasons, however, I wish to use the major part of my ma- nure upon uplands, and would be glad to substi- tute therefor guano, superphosphate, or something of the sort, which, at the same time, might be so much more conveniently applied to lands where no animal can travel without it be shod with rackets. I have thought to avail myself of the experience of some of your correspondents, but find nothing upon the subject. Have you not, Mr. Editor, some reader who has experience in the premises and who is in want of a subject whereon to write for the Farmer") If so I would like to hear from him. While looking througli the volumes of the Far- mer, I Avas reminded of the fact that a great many of your subscribers fail to have their Monthly Farmers bound. They are not aware that the twelve numbers, although they may be a little soiled, are made into a very handsome volume by the binder, for the small sum of twenty-five cents. If information is desired upon any particular sub- ject, the reader, by the aid of the index, which accompanies each volume, can compare the views of a score of writers. Let me advise every sub- scriljcr to the Monthly to have his numbers bound. Londonderry, N. II. , Feb., 1862. M. W. A. Remarks. — We have been examining crops of potatoes growing on muck lands, more or less, for the last ten years. They have averaged better crops on such soils than they have on the high lands. Various manures have been used. Fine crops have been produced by the aid of a handful of Peruvian guano, without other dressing — but at $G5 per ton, it is doubtful whether anything can be gained by its use. So good crops have been made by the use of ashes in the hill, or super- phosphate of lime. A night-soil, or poultry, com- post, on good muck lands, we tliink Vr'ould bring profitable crops. HiNGHAM Agricultural and IIorticultU' RAL Society. — This young giant has issued a list of prizes for 1862, making in the aggregate the sum of $750. It is made up of only a single town, but actually outstrips some county societies in the extent and quality of its exhibitions. The of- ficers of the Society are : President — Albert Fearing ; Vice Presidents — Solomon Lincoln, Charles W. Cushing, Luther Stephenson ; Recording Secretary — De Witt C. Bates ; Corresponding Secretary — Henry Hersey ; Treasurer — J. H. French ; Libraiian — L. Fearing 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMEK. 185 For the New Ensland Farmer. BABNS AWD BABKT CELLAKS. I have been perusing your paper of March 1st, and noticed the report of the Legislative Agricul- tural Society at their seventh meeting. Subject — Farm Buildings. I Avould like to make some inquiries in regard to the ventilation of barns ■with cellars under them. First, If a man should build a room, lay a tight floor, double board the sides, build a good foeplace •without any chimney in one side, and then lay a loose floor overhead, and then cover with hay, and build a fire in the fireplace, would he be surprised if his hay should be smoky ? taste smoky ? smell smoky ? or if his clothes should come in contact with the hay, or remain in the room a short time, ■would they not smell smoky ? Is this to be ■won- dered at ? I would ask how many barns are built upon the principle of the room above described ? Or how many stables are there in the country ■which are ventilated in the same way ? (through the hay mow.) It is not to be wondered at that people complain about ventilation in such barns as have cellars under them ; also, about bad hay, or yellow hay, that lays over the stable, it woidd not be surprising if all the hay and straw that ■was in the barn should smell or taste a little strong. Second, A barn that is 40 by 60 feet may be properly ventilated by two pipes, viz. : Place one of them in the vicinity of the stable, M'hich should have a box pipe running the whole length of the stable, with small openings as necessity would re- quire, at the different tie-ups. Then there should be another in the opposite end or part of the barn, and if there should be another stable, there should be another tul^e running the length of the stable, to unite with the large ventilating pipe. These ven- tilating tubes, for a barn of the size given, should be two feet square, with a damper (af the lower end) to turn as occasion would require. In no case should they diminish in size towards the top of the barn ; to contract the tube at the top would be to stop the draft, but to enlarge the top grad- ually would increase the draft, and they should be placed as near the centre portion of the cellars as convenient. Lastly, If any man will follow this last rule, he would not have smoky, yellow, or bad flavored hay, providing it was got into the barn in good condition. Natilvn Way. West Burke, Vt., 1862. For the New England Farmer. EXAMIWINQ EGGS FOB SETTING. As the time of setting hens is near at hand, a few hints may, perhaps, be of some benefit to your readers. Select a warm, dry, secluded place ; set four hens, or more, if possible, at the same time, so as to allow one hen to rear the four broods, as it is no more trouble to take charge of forty chicks with one hen, than one-third that number. After setting four days take the eggs from under the hens in the evening, hold them before a strong light, between your hands ; if the eggs are good, you will perceive a small, floating ball, wliich is the eye of the chick, and the eggs will appear thick with bloody veins passing from side to side. Re- place such eggs carefully ; those that have not changed can be used in the family, as they wiU not be injured. If you first placed thirteen eggs under each hen or fifty-two under the four hens, you may find upon examination, perhaps, twelve without chickens, Avhich would become what are commonly called "rotten eggs." Place the re- maining forty-eight eggs under the three hens, and set the other hen with fresh eggs, and if the hens set steadily, you may expect forty-eight chicks from the three hens. In selecting eggs for setting, choose those of moderate size, and well proportioned ; thirteen eggs is a suflicient number for one hen ; you will get more chicks from that number than from more, as a larger number annoys the hen, who will be continually endeavoring to cover them, thereby shaking and often killing the chickens in the eggs. Salem, March, 1862. John S. Ives. Ftnr the Nero England Farmer. BEET SUGAK. Mr. Editor : — In your remarks on my beet article in last Farmer, I am glad you led me to correct an error, either of my pen or your printer. Instead of 10 or 12 bushels, it ought to read 10 or 12 cwt. It appears to me that the article you quote from, in the American Encyclopedia, has been, by the compilers, copied from Loudon, and that he wrote when the production of sugar and brandy from beet was in its infancy, and hence the discrepancies with regard to quantity and results, &c. It must also be borne in mind that the boiling of the pomace, or pulp, before pressing, adds a third more of syrup, and that is but of recent in- troduction in the manufacture of beet sugar ; and a great many still adhere to the old system of pressing the pulp cold, as it comes from the mill. I have seldom found two people to agree about the quantity of the raw material required to pro- duce a given quantity of sugar, even in the sugar- making districts of France ; and in my own expe- rience I have found the quantity vary from 8 to 16 cwt. of clear roots to the cwt. of sugar. Tliis va- riation is scarcely to be wondered at in a new branch of business however, when malted barley, under the hands of old and experienced brewers, often produces like variations of quantity and quality of ale, under certain circumstances. I have more than once seen whole pressings of hundreds of gallons rendered almost useless by the too liberal application of lime and sulphuric acid, when a third part of each was only necessary, and a few drops of the oil of violets administered at the critical moment, would have saved the whole mess. The quantity of molasses has also to be taken into account. The more molasses the less sugar, and the more sugar the less molasses, which has to be regulated by the application of chemical agents, upon which much depends in the manufacture of a good article. The Avhole econo- my of the thing consists in adapting means to ends, and having the different departments work in per- fect harmony. For example, the sugar manufac- tory and the distillery ought to be united, as mo- lasses and other refuse of the sugar is good enough for distillery into brandy. The pulp, after being pressed, is sold to the paper-makers, and brings a good price, as it is found to make the best and most durable paper, and is much in demand for that purpose, in many parts of Europe. The Lon- 186 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April don Times, the largest journal in the world, is printed on beet paper, of which they consume seven tons per day, or 2o55 tons per annum, at a saving to the proprietors of $100,000 a year. So the beet, duly considered, is a most useful and wonderful vegetable. Its adaptation to trans- formation into so many articles of use to man, seems without limit, and is, therefore, astonishing to contemplate. Beef, pork, mutton, milk, butter and cheese, sugar, brandy and paper, are but a few of the articles into which this root can be ti-ansformed, and time is only requu-ed to develop its future usefulness in tliis wide country, to the wants of man. I have written to France for fresh information regarding the quantity of roots required under or- dinary circumstances to produce a given quantity of sugar, &c., and when I receive an answer I will lay it before you. And in the meantime, I remain respectfully, Thos. Cruickshank. Beverly Farms, March 4, 1862. For the New England Farmer. FARM BUILDINGS. Mr. Editor : — In a report of the Legislative Agricultural Discussions upon farm buildings, sev- eral very important points were brought out, and I refer to them, hoping to elicit more valuable sug- gestions upon the same subject. Shall we not have the diagram of the position of farm buildings, with explanations, hints about size, construction, &c., presented by the Editor of the Farmer, at said meeting, at an eai'ly day, in the Farmer'} I confess to a liking of farm buildings being connected and being under as fcAV roofs, as a gen- eral rule, as circumstances will allow, tliinking the conveniences and economy in labor in and about them, more than equal to the disadvantages aris- ing from their connection, beside the saving in walls and roofs. In the "shelter" required for buildings, do they not need the rays of the sun, the "balmy breezes," the south-east storms, modified, in the southern aspect, as well as in any other direction, though to, perhaps, a less amount ? And here, in reading your remarks, the fact occurs to mind that the pine is injured by winds more than the other ever- greens mentioned ; (here in Maine, at least.) It is a subject of thought, how to have a suita- ble shelter around the buildings, and not obstruct the view of the fields and pastures, where the building site is nearly on a level with them, which by some is considered one of the important requi- sites to have a full view of the fields from the buildings. Would you have shade trees, which grow to a large size, set out so near to buildings, that in case they should be blown down, they could fall upon the buildings ? Though no serious accident of this Idnd is just now called to mind, yet when seeing maples, elms, pines, and the like, growing within a few feet of the house, a feeling of fear would steal over me that in some of our New Eng- land gales, sonic of the large branches, or the whole top, might be wrenched ofi" and hurled upon the roof with a crushing weight. Why does Mr. Fearing think it "not good econ- omy to ])aint" his sheep-sheds, as well as other out-buildinc-s ? That "new hind of paint" of Mr. Taylor's. — Such a description as given m the report viz., " the base was whiting, with perhaps a little lime and oil, with colors to suit," is, to say the least, quite indefinite. If you know the import of perhaps a little lime and oil, and what really made up the bulk of the paint, with the base, I shall be glad to receive more light. If such a paint, or wash, as there referred to, can be procured, it is truly a desideratum — an improvement worthy of the nineteenth centurj- — one Mhich many a toiling farmer will be thi'ice glad to obtain, and to test, upon the weather-beaten walls of his buildings. Near Fhillips, Me., 1862. O. W. True. Remarks. — The diagram we presented was im- provised for the occasion, and was intended only to show the position of the buildings in their rela- tion to each other. Shade trees should never come so near the buildings as to exclude all the rays of the sun, either in summer or winter. On the north, they may be nearer than on the other side. Elms and maples should be fifty feet from the dwelling, and all trees should be so arranged as not to obstruct any prospect that is valued. For the New England Farmer. SMITH'S IMPBOVED FENCE. Mr. Editor : — As you have Smith's Improved Fences upon your farm, I -wish to inquire whether, in your opinion, his fence No. 2 can be advanta- geously used, as a road fence, to prevent snow- drifts ? The answer to this question will concern every person who is obliged to pass over our roads in winter. If his fence has this advantage, and no other, I will guarantee him patronage enough in this State to satisfy any reasonable man. Over a great part of the State, and during the greater part of the winter, our common roads have been literally buried under immense snow- drifts, and the only way to get through them has been to dig through ; and after every driving storm, we have been compelled to do the same over and over again. Thousands of dollars will not pay the cost of keeping our roads open the past winter, and busi- ness over them has been about as brisk, as it usu- ally is on the coast of Greenland. Upright road fences are the cause. Vermonter. Burlington, Vt., March 6, 1862. Remarks. — See cut and description of Smith's Fence in another column. Goats. — An article upon Goats, recently pub- lished in the Farmer, has been extensively pub- lished and commented upon. We did not thinli it necessary to say at the time, that if a person has a tree or a plant which he values, he must not al- low goats to run at large. They are exceedingly destructive to nearly all kinds of herbage, and will surmount almost any obstacle to get at it. 1862, NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 187 For the New England Farmer. SEED WHEAT — FARMERS' CLUB — A SNOW BLOCKADE. Mr. Editor: — In a communication in the Farmer some months ago, either the printer or scribe made me say just what I did not intend, namely, that the farmers hereabouts sowed only the largest kinds of wheat, when it should have read the largest kernels. For a few years past the "Canada Club" and "Scotch Fife" have been al- most the only kinds sown, although formerly the "China Tea" wheat and other large varieties were raised considerably. By the use of an improved fan-mill, which separates the largest, plumpest and earliest ripened kernels from the smaller, as well as from all foul seed and oats, we think we are improving our grain crops, wheat especially, in a perceptible degree, getting a larger yield, earlier matured and less exposed to the midge, and better quality. But we hope your readers will not understand that we sow only the largest kinds of wheat — except as we inci*ease the size of the variety by sowing only the largest kernels. farmers' club. That you may be better acquainted with us, far- mers, I will give you a little specimen of our talk at the second meeting of the club, which was or- ganized two weeks ago for the following objects, as named in the 2d Article of the Constitution : 1. The acquisition and dissemination of agri- cultural knowledge. 2. The promotion of acquaintance among neigh- bors. 3. Improvement of its members in conversation, composition, public reading and speaking, &c. 4. Improvement of farms, farm implements, stock, buildings, and every department of agricul- ture. Our first subject for conversation was the com- parative merits of fall and spring plowing. Mr. G. recommends fall plowing as to economy, de- stroying grubs, &c., enriching the soil and saving of labor preparatory to the hnrry in getting in spring crops — would plow greensward soon after haying when the ground was warm — believes fall plowing gives heavier crops — in favor of spreading manure on the surface and harrowing rather than plowing under very deep — thinks the little loss of ammonia by plowing corn or grain land in the fall more than compensated by the maniurial effect of the stubble. Mr. prefers to break greensward for plant- ing after the grass has well started in May — does not think fall plowing destroys grubs or foul weeds any better than spring plowing — has his doubts about getting as good crops from fall plow- ing of stubble land — for wheat is in favor of both fall and spring plowing — thinks if all plowing could be done as conveniently in spring it would be better, except plowing in greensward in August when weather is warm, so that the rowen heats and rots considerably before cold weather. Mr. G. is quite confident that fall plowing de- stroys larvae — don't think fall plowing of corn land manured in the hill injurious — not much lost if plowed late. Mr. don't profess to be much of a farmer, has some ideas — thinks we don't generally plow enough to sufficiently pulverize the land — much in favor of both fall and spring plowing — says far- mers in H — k get from 75 to 100 bushels of oats per acre, and plow old land both fall and spring — likes breaking greensward in August — and is sat- isfied from personal experience that the more we plow and work over land, the better crops of every kind. Mr. thinks we sometimes get land pulver- ized too much — in regard to seeding down thinks the greater growth of straw is from spring plow- ing, but more weight of grain from fall plowing — never saw oats eaten up badly by worms or in- sects on fall 2^1owed land — is in favor of breaking greensward early in the fall — has lost new seeding by sowing on land pulverized in the spring ; Mr. endorses the same opinion. Mr. thinks our crops depend more \i\wn manure than the time of plowing — especially land for seeding down should have been well manured and thorouglily pulverized — is in favor of getting muck, &c., and preparing manure instead of plow- ing in the fall — thinks, if can plow but once, bet- ter do it in the spring — in favor of plowing green- sward for corn the last thing before the ground freezes up — not generally in favor of plowing corn stubble land in the fall for wheat the follow- ing year. ^Ir. thinks seeding down depends more upon the thickness of the grain sown with the seed than on the time of plowing — in favor of fall plowing to get of "sward-worms." iSIr. thinks that broadcast sown grain is less liable to rust on fall plowed land because the sward is better decomposed — thinks in one in- stance he raised oats on a field part plowed in fall and part in spring, and the fall plowed yielded one-third more grain and equal amount of straw, seeding caught better and jn'oduced better hay cro]3S than the other — thinks fall plowing, espe- cially for moist land, pulverizes it better, on ac- count of frost, &c. INIr. is in favor of fall plowing for wheat after corn — also for seeding down — would like further discussion of this subject. Thus you have, Mr. Editor, a sample of our fii'st meeting after organizing ; do you think it ad- visable to try to keep it up ? We have decided to have at least one more meeting, and the sub- ject is the "corn crop." I don't know that any one of us ever had any experience or practice in any other club, so that of course we are all "green," though as a community we don't like to be be rat- ed more than others, or considered "below par" in general and our jja in particular ! It is our in- tention to have our wives and older children asso- ciated, actively with us, and our hired help in the club, and besides conversation, occasionally have original essays and speeches. THE BLOCKADE. I don't know how you of the cities and port towns regard it ; we in the suburbs of central Ver- mont, are united to a man, to say nothing of the women, in our determination to exert ourselves to raise it by persuasion or force, hook, crook, or shovel, if it is not removed within thirty days ! We care not whether by England or France or Greenland the blockade is raised and lemonade and our neighbors made accessible, and our com- merce let loose, so be it is soon done. Why, sir, just think of it — ninety-one inches of snow before the fourth week in February ! And then, for the 188 NEW ENGLAND FARRIER. April last six M'eeks, Major General Boreas and all his host have been here on furlough amusing them- selves for the mere sport of it in piling it up in the most inconvenient ways imaginable. Within six feet of the room in which I wiite they have left a pile ten feet deep before the door, and there are many piles in the highways which would allow of having a road cut through them sufficient for a double team to pass out of sight a considerable distance. Last night was the most severe within the memory of the oldest inhabitant, the aforesaid company doing their aivfulest, while the mercury varied from 38° above to G° below zero. A towns- man coming to the centre between seven or eight o'clock in the evenins got his horse set in a drift within ten rods of the main street, and while he was going on for help through the flying snow, lost the track, became exhausted and would have perished, but for his protracted calls for assistance, although on the corner of three streets and houses all around. My neighbor the doctor says he has a drift in liis garden thirteen feet deep ! Such being the facts, shall we be branded "Secesh" if we berate the blockade ? s.. N. Steady-habits, Feb. 24, 1862. CLIMBnSTG PLANTS. There is nothing that adds so much to the ex- ternal appearance of a city residence as a climbing plant or two. We know of no ornament so cheap and tasteful, and none as equally appropriate to the mansion and the cottage. There are climbing plants hardy enough to live and thrive without much care, and they require so little soil that every one who has possession of a square yard of ground can sit under the shadow of his own vine. The cheerless expression of walls that present only a succession of clapboards or bricks may be relieved by these best of nature's ornaments. The drapery of leaf and blossom about the windows, the vine climbing up to the very eaves and thrusting its tendrils into every crevice, the rustic trellis at the doorway almost hid by the rich foliage, are evi- dances of taste that should be multiplied. Mr. Downing beautifully says, "What summer foHage is to a naked forest, what rich tufts of fern are to a rock in a woodland dell, what hyacinthine locks are to a goddess of beauty, or wings to an angel, the drapery of climbing plants is to cottages in the country ;" and, he might have added, to residen- ces everywhere. The following climbing plants will be found to answer the requisitions in situations where hardi- ness and vigorous and rapid growth are indispen- sable. We rank the roses first, for no one ever wearies of them. The Queen of the Prairies and the Baltimore Belle are two fine varieties of the ^Michigan rose. They are remarkable for the pro- fusion of their flowers and the rapidity of their growth, shoots of twenty feet in length in a single year being not uncommon. The blossoms of the Queen of the Prairies are a deep pink with a white stripe in the centre of each petal, and so very double that they look like large pouting buds, rather than full-grown roses ; those of the Balti- more Belle are almost white, and in large clusters. Mr. Downing recommends the common Boursalt rose, which he says "has long purplish shoots, fo- liage always fresh and abundant, and bright pur- plish blossoms in June, as thick as stars in a mid- night sky." The richest and prettiest Boursalt is one called Amadas or Elegans. The Chinese Wistaria is another plant admira- bly adapted for the decorations of dwellings. It is perfectly hardy, a rank grower, and may be trained over the whole side of a dwelling, or twine about a single pillar. It requires some age and a favorable location to flower, but the flowers are worth waiting for. They hang in clusters, like those on a locust tree, are from six inches to a foot in length, and of a most delicate tint, between light purple and white. When in full bloom, it is one of the most beautiful flowering plants. For twining about windows, nothing is prettier than the Chinese twining honeysuckle, {Lonicera japonica, jlexuoso.) It blooms constantly nearly all summer, and its fragrance is peculiarly pleas- ant. It is not so hardy as the roses mentioned, but may be cultivated with a little care. The red and yellow honeysuckles, planted together, give a very fine efiect, especially when trained on a lat- tice. Mr. Downing speaks of the sweet-scented clematis {C. Jlammula,) "as the very type of deli- cacy and grace, Avhose flowers are broidered like pale stars over the whole vine in midsummer, and whose perfume is the most spiritual, impalpable, and yet far-spreading of all vegetable odors." All these climbing plants may be trained on the sides of dwellings by an occasional fastening to the wall. The honeysuckles, being more fragile, need the support of strong twine. All the preparation necessary is to dig a trench a little distance from the wall, fill it with rich soil, (for the richer it is, the more luxuriant wiU be the growth,) and plant the root, the cutting, or the seed, as the case may be, and the thing is done. These may be obtained at a trifling expense from any of the nurseries or green-houses, and once obtained, your stock will never need rencAving. They will add to the beau- ty of the most delightful residence, and impart it to those lacking in all ornament. The old house which you begin to talk about tearing down, will look quite well for a year or two longer, if you will rejuvenate it by this drapery of living green. The blank, broad side of a building which stares into the street, with its great expressionless face, will wear a very difierent countenance, if you Avill build a simple trellis over the front door, and cov- er it with some graceful creeper. There are situations where the European Ivy, the American Ivy, and the trum])et creepers, {Big- noiiias,) have a fine effect. This class of plants help themselves in their upward course, fixing their rootlets into the stone or brick wall. The European Ivy is tender, but the American or Vir- ginia creeper, and the trumpet creeper, will thrive anywhere. They show to good advantage on the rear of brick or stone cottages, on the side of some old out-building which cannot be improved in any other Avay, on a walled terrace, which often divides the doorway from the garden, and on rude walls and fences generally. We trust we have not wearied our readers with this plea for ornament. Every consideration which should lead to giving an air of cheerfulness and repose to the apartments of a residence, every motive v/hich impels us to beautify the walls that shut the cold, common air of the world out, and the genial, peculiar air of social enjoyment in, also urges us to make our homes externally tasteful, beautiful and characteristic. — Buffalo Courier. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 189 EXTRACTS AND BEPLIES. PROFIT AND LOSS IN POULTRY RAISING. As you had the kindness to publish my account for the year 1860, as to profit and loss of poultry raising, 1 now send you the items per month for the year 1861, and should you think it worthy of a place in the Farmer, for the benefit of those in terested, please make it public. Brahma Pootra fowls and Muscovy ducks are the breed. Stock, First op each JIokth. FotcU. January 29 February....... 27 March 27 April 27 May 24 June 24 July 24 Aupust 14 September 9 October 9 November 8 December 6 Dozen 2o':i 22.8 36.8 28.8 21.4 21.6 18.11 1.3.10 15.5 15.0 9.9 25.2 249.0 153 sold. 96 20 Bet. Ducks, 12 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 5 3 3 3 Dozen Young Young Eg'js. Chicks. Ducks. 6.3 9.3 12.6 6.0 9.8 C.8 6.0 1.0 9 23 19 46 68 82 2.1 0.9 60.2 5 sold. 55.2 5.10 set. 7 7 16 34 39 37 33 19 76 49.4 49.4 125.4 eggs used in the family. De.— 36 bushels corn $24,10 36 " oats 16,25 200 lbs. siftings 2,00 Meal and shorts 2,60 Scraps 1,50— $46,45 4 hens died 1 ,90 21 chicks died 1,95 19 ducks " 96— 4,81 Total cost $51,26 Ce.— 158 dozen cgps sold $85,37 77 hens and chickens 24,.'!2 25 ducks 17,51— $77,20 Food and loss 51,20 $25,94 125 J^ doz. epgs used in family, at 20c 25,06 8 fowls used in family 3,15 17 ducks " " 10,33— 38,54 $64,48 10 bbls. manure 10,00 Premium at the Fair 1,00 Profit $75,48 Stock on hand, Jan. 1, 1862 — 32 fowls, 11 ducks; and now, Jan. 27, I have 18 chickens hatched on the 11th and 18th inst., which will commence laying in July, and then I disjDose of the old fowls. Salem, Jan. 27, 1862. Jas. Buffington. THE WE.iTIIER IN VERMONT. We have just experienced the greatest snow and blow that has occurred in this vicinity, (Lyndon, Vt.,) for many years, so the "old folks" say. During one week, about two and a half feet of snow fell — terminating February 25, in a per- ect bluster ! Highways and railroads were com- pletely blockaded — so much so that the passenger and freight trains upon the Passumpsic road were obliged to "lay out" nearly twenty-four hours within about four miles of Barton ; and drifts were piled mountain high in every direction. We mark it the great snow and blow of 1862. How far did it extend ? I think the snow upon the ground the present time will average four fee deep — some say five. The winter of 1861-62 may very properly be recorded as a season of snows, blows and variable weather. I. w. s. freak of A DWARF PEAR TREE. One year ago last summer, a Duchess d'Angou- leme gave out a bunch of blossoms at the usual season, and three pears set ; I destroyed all but one, the tree being very small, supposing I had committed no outrage, nor wounded the feelings. But quite the last of June, after the limbs had grown three or four inches, on the end of a spur or limb, 2A inches in length, all of which had grown that season, appeared a blossom ; the fruit set and matured in the fall, about four weeks after the first, though not as large, but fair. The first measured 12 inches one way and 11 the other. Thus you have the freak of my pear tree. S. W. Edson. Feeding Hills, March, 1862. BUFFUM and BLOODGOOD PEARS. Can you inform me through the Farmer where the varieties of pears known as the Bufi"um and Bloodgood can be procured. P. Bradford. Remarks. — Of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Bos- ton. For tlie New England Farmer. START TOUR TOMATOES. Mr. Editor : — The tomato is now so univer- sally relished that it is almost superfluous to urge its claims, but the past year gave such an inferior crop of all tree fruits and wild berries, that the importance of some substitute becomes more ap- parent, and taking into consideration the ease and certainty of its production, its abundant yield, and the fact that a relish for it can be acquued by al- most every one, I know of nothing which can bet- ter su])ply a deficiency in the ordinary fruit crop than the tomato. The only difficulty is in ripening them sufficient- ly early, but this may be obviated by any one with common facilities. The first aim should be to get early varieties, and the yellow plum is among the earliest, and to my taste, is the best flavored to- mato I have ever tested, but the labor of peeling, when prepared in that manner, is an objection. The large, smooth red is nearly as early, and is a very good variety. The perfected, about which so much has been said, did not ripen last year in my grounds until two months after the yellow, and is no better in quality than other varieties. The next important item is to get them started properly before the season for planting out, and in this there is often a great failure. I frequently see them planted very thickly, in very compact soil, and kept saturated with water, which treat- ment, of course, causes them to grow up very tall and "spindling," and when they are transplanted, what few roots they have are so matted together and so firmly fastened in the soil, that most of them are torn off", and the plants, made succulent and tender by shade and excess of moisture, if they ever start at all, are so checked as to be very little ahead of plants started in the open ground. The best method I have ever tried, is to plant 190 NEW ENGLAND FARMEK. April the seeds in small flower pots, five or six inches in diameter at top. These have an inch or two of coarsely broken charcoal placed in the bottom, and they are then filled with some poi-ous soil ; that taken from an old hot-bed is good, or well decomposed muck and sand, with a little very fine manure, or better still, a mixture of one-half each of leaf mould and good sand, and a few seeds planted in each pot, and the pots placed in the windows close to the glass. When the plants are up strong, I thin them out with a pair of scissors as often as there is the least appearance of crowd- ing, taking care to leave the best plants, until all but one are cut out ; one near the centre of the pot being prefei'red. AVater is supplied in suffi- cient quantity to prevent any withering, but with care not to keep the soil very wet. The time for planting is usually about the first of March, but if planted April first, they viill do much better than out-door plants. A few of these, for very early fruit, are planted in a slight hot-bed, late in April, and when danger from frost is past the glass is removed. The remainder are planted in open ground as soon as it can safely be done. My best and most productive plants last year, were plant- ed out in ground prepared for melons, by plowing into a good, strong loam a liberal dressing of sand and manure, and then preparing hills by mixing three shovelfuls of horse and hog manure with plenty of sand and loam — the hill when finished being raised a few inches. When I wish to re- move the plant from the pot I place one hand over the surface, (with the plant, of course, between the fingers,) and invert it, rapping the pot slight- ly, if the plant does not drop out without, when the whole will be found filled with roots, and if carefully planted but little check will be given. A little exposure to the out-door air during the middle of the day, however, for a few days pre- vious to planting out, is beneficial. The first fruit which ripens should always be saved for seed, and if two or more varieties are cultivated they should be planted as far apart as convenient, in order to prevent mixing. If trained on the sunny side of a building, or fence, the fruit will be sweeter as well as earlier. An abundant supply of sand in the soil also produces a similar effect. William F. Bassett. Aslifield, Feb. 20, 1862. Agricultural Transactions. — We have the Transactions of the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society for the year 1861. It is now in the 44th year of its existence. In the account of the last Exhibition, the Secretary states "that in no sense have our agricultural interests suffered in consequence of the civil war now rag- ing, the yield of crops being fully up to the aver- age of past years." The Address was by T. G. Huntington, Esq., and an excellent one it is. He touched upon several points which cannot fail to ai'ouse some wholesome thought. Among the Reports, there is an extended one on Sheep, by Mr. J. E. Wight, and one on Stock in General, by George M. Atwater, George Tay- lor and T. P. Huntington. There are no others of special value. LEGISLATIVE AGKICULTUIIAL SOCIETY. Reported fob the Farmer by D. "W. Lotheop. The ninth meeting of the series was held on Monday evening last at the State House. The subject for discussion was Fruit Culture, and the Hon. Marsilvll P. Wilder being present, ac- cording to announcement, presided. The chairman thanked the committee for the position they had assigned liim, and regretted his inability to be present at the last meeting. He thought success in fruit culture depended, fii-st, upon the selection of a few good hardy varieties ; secondly, upon proper soil and location ; and thirdly, upon the care and treatment of trees. The adaptation of soil and position he regarded as very important, as different soils were congenial to dif- ferent fruits. He alluded to a convention of fruit- growers at Albany — at which he was present — who were desirous of selecting fruit trees adapted to each State ; but soil and external influences Avere so varied they found it difficult, and were obliged to make divisions of some of the States. Why this difference existed was not readily ex- plained. A few varieties had a very wide range. The Bartlett pear maintained its excellence every- where ; it was the great market pear in London, and even in Paris. The western slope of the Rocky Mountains was referred to as an important climate for fruit, superior to the eastern in most respects, as even the foreign grapes would flourish there. Mr. W. also spoke of the thorough drainage of orchards as the foundation of successful fruit- growing. Even side hills were benefited by it, and drainage should be the rule, not the excep- tion. Before planting an orchard, the ground should be thoroughly trenched, or worked over, and the manure well intermixed. The soil need not be deep — perhaps about 18 inches — as the cul- tivator should aim to give the roots a lateral rath- er than a more descending growth. With good care, trees seven or eight years old, will have roots ten to twelve feet long. As to the manuring of trees, the speaker thought it should be done in the autumn — the manure being placed on the surface and forked in two or three inches deep in the spring. The deep sinking of manure is objectionable, as chemists tell us its chemical action is in a measure de- stroyed or entirely prevented. On or near the surface, the external elements act upon it, it be- comes rotten and fine, and its soluble ingre- dients sink to the roots and are taken up. The speaker also alluded to pruning — the object of which is to regulate the sap and curtail the branches. Different varieties of fruit trees re- quire different pruning. The time for this was when the trees or the sap was dormant — in early spring, even now, is the best time. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARIVIER. 191 Mr. W. spoke, too, of the vicissitudes of fruit culture. The last year was very bad. It was the sudden changes of temperature in our climate that worked the great mischief. He alluded to the severe frost on the night of October 1st, 1800, which stiffened our grapes and froze the buds of his Chinese Azaleas. Also, to that on the suc- ceeding 8th of February, when the mercury sunk to twenty-six degrees below zero, preceded by a mild day when it was fifty-two above — a differ- ence of seventy-eight degrees in twenty-four hours ! Even oaks were injured ; but the circum- stance exhibited the hardiness of many of our trees. And here, Mr. W. observed that he thought some of our pear trees were hardier than the apple tree. His Vicar of Winkfield, Louise Bonne de Jersey, Belle Lucrative and Ui'baniste trees had not failed to give him fruit, while his apple trees did not yield. The effect of cold winds in the spring he thought disastrous to fruit trees and spoke of losing thereby a quantity of quince stocks. As we can make our soil good, favorable exposure of some trees as to ripening their fruit was important, as by doing so, we may gain in effect a degree of latitude. The Easter Beurre needed a warm exposure. With us it does not ex- ceed over eight ounces in weight, but in the cli- mate of California it has reached the enormous weight of forty ounces ! He saw wax models of pears in Wasliington, eight inches in height and seventeen and a half in circumference! If we had that climate we could do the same ; hence the importance of studying position. The chairman also alluded to dwarf trees, and regarded many pears as better on quince roots than on pear. He had received a letter from Mr. Rivers, of England, who had lately examined some which were forty years old, and yet in good health. Trees succeed best in the climate where they are raised. We have a large number of new vai-ieties, and as they promise well, the day may come when we can have some adapted to every position. The past season trees have grown well, with hard and well-ripened wood, and we may safely expect the coming season a great quantity of fruit. * In conclusion, Mr. Wilder spoke of fruit culture in his day, of the vast extent and varied climate of our country, and felt, as he always had, the gi'eatness of such blessings ; and as the names of Van Mons and his associates in Europe are not forgotten, let us and our children revere the names of Lowell, Downing, and others who have gone before us. Mr. Sheldon, of Wilmington, being called upon, spoke of pruning. He thought there were two seasons when it was best to prune — in the au- tumn and in the spring when the days and nights were of about equal length ; but prune even now. His best orchard had been pruned in March ; he had experimented upon some of his trees by saw- ing off a limb each month, but thought the time mentioned the best. Trees two years from the bud, he regarded as the best for an orchard — bet- ter than those of three. To prevent mice from gnawing his young trees, he used sand around them, or trod down the snow. Of varieties of ap- ples, he thought the Baldwin the best, and it sold well from the orchard ; the market, too, was never clogged. The next best was the Gravenstein ; he also praised the Green Sweeting ; it was a great bearer, and the fruit good for stock. In this con- nection, he alluded to a fine horse he once owned, wliich he frequently let for parade grounds. He became troubled with glanders, and putting him to a doctor, the advice was at length to kill him. But he was placed in an orchard, and as the sweet apples fell he devoured them, and recovered, so that after being sold, he produced progeny worth $200 each. His most profitable apple, Mr. S. thought, was the Red Astrachan, though they were getting plenty, and would become less pro- fitable. He had sold some for $6 a bushel at the Revere House. But the Baldwin was best for market, and as to the Northern Spy, it was out of place on our cold New England hills. Dr. LoRiNG, of Salem, being called up, said he was not versed in horticulture, but would make a few inquiries. Was it best to raise even the har- diest pears rather than apples ? Mr. Wilder replied that apples would succeed well on poor land, and some varieties were even better on such soil. Dr. LoRiNG resumed, and observed that apples were the farmers' general fruit. Custom frequent- ly decides the crops of our country, and as to English grass, that had received the sanction of our farmers. Would it be safe to graft the suck- ers of old orchards, or would it be better to re- plant young trees ? Mr. Wilder replied that he would as soon en- graft a child on his father's head as a scion into a sucker. Old stocks from the forest, which some had sought, were a like curse. Dr. LoRiNG was glad of this distinct opinion. He then alluded to Mr. Sheldon's idea of fruit- raising being a profitable branch of farming, wliich called up the latter gentleman. Mr. Sheldon spoke of planting an orchard on a stony hill, covered previously with pitch pine, which did not grow well. He took out a large quantity of rock, so as to sensibly lower the field. He had another orchard on a plain, but it was not worth half as much as the one on the stony, rocky soil. His neighbors said it was useless to plant trees in Wilmington, but he had sold more apples and potatoes than any twelve men in the place. His townsmen did not think farming was profita- 192 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April ble, but he did, and preferred to be a farmer in "Wilmington than anywhere else. Boston market was good, and the Woburn very respectable. Dr. LoRiNG observed that the question of prof- it would decide the question of fruit raising. He had his doubts whether orchards were as good as crops. An apple tree was useless at fifty j'ears old, it would bear only about thirty-five years, and then only in alternate years, while little else could occupy the ground of an orchard He would not speak directly against trees, but he would have them on land that was not suitable for other purposes. Mr. Sheldon again spoke, and said apple trees would bear at twelve years, and alluded to his own profits of fruit culture. Mr. Howard, of the Cultivator, spoke of the adaptation of trees to soil and climate. Varieties fit for cultivation were few, compared with the whole number. Natives are the best. The Green- ing, Roxbury Russet and Baldwin were mentioned as standards of excellence. Other varieties in the West may be profitable, but will they answer here ? The Tompkins County King was alluded to as beautiful there, but not tested here. Gen- erally, the New York apples will not flourish in our regions — witness the Newtown Pippin and the Esopus Spitzenberg. Mr. H. saw the former in Europe, where they were selling at a sixpence apiece — the best apple they knew. The best fruit fairs in England he did not attend, but those in France he did ; yet they did not come up to ours. Their pears were better, but the American and Canada apples maintain their superiority over the world. He would not advise every farmer, bow- er, to make fruit growing a specialty. Our ap- ples are so good, there can be no competition in Europe. He spoke of a single firm that had shipped 80,000 barrels. Pear trees, he thought, had suffered much from cold winters, and it was a caution to us to select the most hardy. Mr. Wilder said the Tompkins County King indicated as well here as in New York. At a vote of the North-western Fruit Growers' convention, the choice apples stood as follows : — Baldwin, Rhode Island Greening, Roxbury Russet, Tomp- kins County King, and the Tolman Sweet. It is the fluctuations, rather than the cold, which in- jure our trees. The Tartarean cherry is hardy at home, but tender here from the revolutions of our seasons. Inquiry being made as to digging a hole for trees, Mr. W. said again that the soil should be trenched about eighteen inches deep, with the manure well incorporated, so as to encourage the lateral growth of root^ Holes for trees were pot- holes for water. He did not think much could be done with old trees, but by removing the grass and putting on ashes and lime, they might be im- proved. Mr. Sargeant inquired of Mr. Rogers's hybrid grapes, and the chairman replied that they were the first instances of the artificial crossing of the grape ; but if the subject were continued at the next meeting, they might be again alluded to. Other short speeches were made, when Mr. Wetherell moved to lay the same subject over for discussion at the next meeting, which motion prevailed. It is understood that grapes, straw- berries and the smaller fruits will then be partic- ularly discussed. For the New England Farmer» A SPRINO SONG. BY JOHN CALVIK GITCHELL. We count the hours that come and go Between us and each hoped-for pleasure. Impatient that they move so slow, To make complete the dial's measure ; But dare not note the hours that pass Between us and a looked-for sorrow j And only cry, alas ! alas ! Let it not come until to-morrow. God gives us buds in the spring-time, In summer, full-grown leaves and flowers ) And yet some deem it is a crime To worship Flora in her bowers. But on we move, and on we move, And country bards will still keep singings "The months are here for holy love. For leaves and blooms to life are springing !" Botcateen, N. II., March, 18G2. For the New England Farmer. PLAN OP A SHEEP BARN. "Subscriber," of Rumney, N. H., wants a plan of a sheep barn of capacity to accommodate 200 or 300 sheep, standing on level ground. I give you a plan, according to my idea, that may meet the approbation of some who may be about to build for the same purpose. The barn should be at least 40 by 60 feet ; a floor or driveway 12 feet wide, running through the centre from end to end, leaving 14 feet on each side for leantos. The floor or driveway to be elevated 2 feet, by framing in to the posts an extra tier of timbers for the floor to rest upon. There are two advantages gained by the eleva- tion : first, the pitching ofl" hay from the cart, and second, by giving a good chance for racks to feed in, off" the side oft the floor. The racks should run the entire length of the barn. Rack rounds should be set 4 inches apart from centre to centre. A crib should be made at the bottom of the rack, about 14 inches wide, with uprights 15 or 16 inch- es apart, going into the rack nave. If more racks are wanted, put in short ones across the leantos, which will, at the same time, divide the flock if you choose. There will be a good chance for a cellar under the floor, costing but little to dig it, the floor being elevated. When the barn is well underp*«\ned, then fill up the leantos, to the bot- tom of the sills, with sand or loam, which will be preferable to a floor, making a good place for composting leaves, straw, &c., with the droppings of the sheep. Subscriber. GrotoH, N. H.y 1862. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 193 For the JSeto England Farmer, SMITH'S IMPROVED FARM FENCE, PATENTED OCT. 11, 1859. NUMBER TWO. This fence is made much in the same manner as No. 1, except the fastenings of the posts and braces. It is built in sections of 16 or 18 feet each, so as to be let down flat to the gronnd, while it is held securely to the stone foundation ; thus adapting it to all low lands subject to floating ice and drift wood, and also to places where snow- drifts are troublesome in the winter. When there is danger of the boards being trodden upon by cattle the sections are numbered, and can be easi- ly detached from their foundation, and piled up, or removed to a place of safety. The stones upon which the fence rests are placed deeper in the ground than those for No. 1, so as to allow the sections of the fence, when turned down, to He as nearly flat as possible, and thus prevent it from warping. When it is necessary to let the fence down, (which should be in the direction the current runs,) a person passes along on the opposite side of the fence, and with a hammer unfastens all the braces from the posts on that side, and turns them down ; which is easily and quickly done ; then, on the other side, turns up the caps which con- fine the outside posts of each section, at the top ; then unfastens and turns down the braces which support these posts, leaving the brace against the middle post for the last. This is then unfastened, the section let down, and a stake about 2 feet in length is driven diagonally into the ground be- tween the upper panels of the fence to prevent this part of it from being lifted up by the water. The deep snows and driving winds of the pres- ent winter have taught us severe lessons as to the great inconveniences of snow-drifts. From Maine to Maryland, and from the lakes to Tennessee, there is hardly a square mile of territory over which a road passes, but where snow-drifts are more or less troublesome. The roads leading from our State capital to many of our largest towns, for weeks together, have been, in many places, absolutely impassable. An immense amount of labor and steam has been expended upon our common roads and railroads to keep them open. Travelling over many of our roads, in any way except on foot, at the present hour, is unsafe if not dangerous. A single step out of the track, and your horse flounders in the snow, and the only chance of getting him back into the path is to release him from the sleigh, and then, perhaps, after a few more plunges you find youi*- self and horse ready to repeat the experiment as soon as j-ou meet another sleigh ! In many places business over the road is suspended, or the roads are abandoned, and the travel goes round through the open field, and one is very apt "to wonder" whether dogs and sledges would not be an im- provement. NoAV what are the causes oi these snow-drifts, and is there no remedy ? The snow seldom drifts in the open fields, or in the cuts for our common roads or railroads. There is not a single doubt that nineteen-twentieths of them are caused by road fences ; and if the publishers of the Farmer wish to know how deep the snow is in this region, I can answer correctly. It is good 2 feet in the open fields, and from 3 feet to 5 feet between the road fences. A Avell built dam does not more surely arrest the waters of a running stream than do these fences the drifting snows of winter. Re- move the cause, and the snow will find and keep its level almost as well as water, except in Ioav places, and even in those it will not be very trou- blesome. Now for the fence. Two men can remove the sections of No. 2 fence, and put them back in the spring in less time than it will take to open a road the same distance, after a single driving snow storm. As lawyers sometimes say, "Here we 194 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. April will rest our argument." And if I fail to get a judgment in my favor, I will not blame the court, but mj'self. The inventor further claims the privilege of fur- nishing to every farmer wishing to build either or both kinds, the right, with full directions and sam- ples of fastenings when desired, at the low price of $.3,00 for farms not exceeding 100 acres. Further information may be obtained by ad- dressing Charles R. Smith, Haverhill, N. H. EXTRACTS AND BEPLIES. WASTE OF SOAP FACTORIES. Will you, or some of your correspondents, in- form me through the monthly Farmer, whether there is any value in ley, or the refuse of soap fac- tories, as a fertilizer? If any, what is the best method of usiug it, and to what crops is it best adapted ? L. Taylok. Hinsdale, N. H., 1862. Remarks. — The waste from soap factories is a valuable fertilizer, and ought to be carefully pre- served. Formerly, wood ashes was exclusively used in soap-making, and then the waste was more valuable than now, when soda, barilla, or common salt, are used instead. We find some statements in the books to the point in question. "It is the opinion of many, that ashes of soap- boilers especially act by the potash they contain ; but this is an error; for, in subjecting them to chemical analysis, they were found by Sprengel to consist of the following ingredients in 100,000 parts. Silica 35,000 Lime, mostly in a caustic state 35,010 Manganese 2,330 Alumina 1,500 Oxide of iron 1,700 Oxide of manganese 1,840 Potash, combined with silica into a silicate 500 Soda, " " " 180 Sulphuric acid, combined with lime into gypsum 190 Phosphoric acid, combined with lime 3,500 Common salt 90 Carbonic acid, combined with lime and magnesia. . . .18,160 100,000 Of soapboilers' ashes, in a dry state, from 2000 to 3000 lbs., (40 to 60 bushels,) may ordinarily be used on an acre of land. From 3000 lbs., the soil would obtain about 920 lbs. of lime ; 70 lbs. of magnesia; 15 lbs. of potash; 5 lbs. of soda; 12 lbs. of gypsum ; 230 lbs. of phosphate of lime ; and 3 lbs. of common salt, by which it will be seen that they owe their fertilizing properties mostly to the caustic and carbonate of lime, and the magnesia and phosphate of lime, as their 15 lbs. of potash, 12 lbs. of gypsum, &:c., may pro- duce a very inconsiderable effect, particularly as the potash Is also combined with the silica into a substance not soluble in water. After manuring with soaper's ashes, plants of the clover tribe will be benefited ; and the fresher the ashes are, the more effective they will be, as they then contain much caustic lime, by which, es- pecially the carbonic humus, or the organic matter in the soil, is eff'ected and changed into humic acid. Soils Avhich contain very little lime will always be best improved by them ; and in this case, they will be very useful, whether employed as a top-ckess- ing on meadows, or applied to hoed crops or grain. The eff"ect will be visible for six to nine years, according to the quantity used ; Avhich, however, will only be the case, when the soil is deficient in vegetable or organic matter, and such other substances of which the ashes contain but a small quantity. Soapers' ashes may be strewn over the crops al- ready growing, such as clovers, lucerne, grasses, &c., or they may be harrowed in with the seed of winter or summer crops, on which they act partly as leached ashes, and partly as caustic lime ; they can also be used with some advantage on boggy lands newly cleared, or on any moist land wliich abounds in ve":etable loam." POISONED WHEAT FOR DESTROYING RATS, MICE, CROWS, ETC. A pedlar from Brooklyn, N. Y., is now around the country selling poisoned wheat for the extir- pation of vermin. He sells packages containing about one gUl to druggists, traders, iT0ii. HENRY F. FRENCH, Associate Editor. THOUGHTS ABOUT THE MONTH OP MAY. MtA ^ J AT, among the old heathen Ilomans, was sacred to their god Apollo, who, according to their belief, presided over music, poetry, and the fine arts generally ; and it is said that with them almost every day in the month was a festival. The custom Avhich has descended to our own |-' times, of observing the first day of the month, or May-day, with festive and floral litos, or at least by wandering over hills and dales in search of flowers, is supposed to have been derived from an equally ancient Roman festival in honor of Flora, another of their gods, who had the especial charge of floM'- ers and gardens. This holiday season lasted four days, from the 2Sth of April to the first of May. In the warmer climates of Greece and Rome, the nurseries of our poetry and literature as well as of our arts and sciences. May is probably enti- tled to all the praises which have been lavished upon it by poets, and by their imitators in our own country, however inapplicable much of their poetical descriptions are to the season of May day with us. In those countries, at the commencement of this month, we are told that the temperature of the air, the pure-blue of the sky, the soft green of the leaves, the thousand delicate tints of the flowers scattered so profusely over hill and valley, with the perfume which they exhale, and the music poured from every grove — all unite to fill every sense with enjoyment. In such latitudes, tlie "ethereal mildness" and "balmy sweets" which breathe in song may be a literal transcript of the im;)ressions of a May day on their inhabitants. But with us, the first of May is too early for the out-door amusement of a holiday, especially by females, and those of sedentary habits. The earth is still too damp, the air too cliill for health or comfort, and, besides, the charms of nature are not developed. Though scarcely a flower of the hum- blest rank can be found during a day's ramble, the youth of our land seem determined to perpetuate the observance of a festival which belongs to a more southern clime. Occasionally, indeed, the first of May is sufficiently warm, dry and com- fortable for out-door exercise and amusement, but often the weather is quite unfavorable. Storms oi rain and sleet, sometimes of snoM' even, are com- mon, especially in the more elevated portions of New England, during the first week in May. So that, in our climate, the young people who decide on a May-day ramble, must be uncertain up to the very time of sallying forth at "peep of day," wheth- er to dress themselves for the heat of summer, or for the chill of Winter, — for a soft southern wind, or for a piercing northeaster. And how often has a sore throat or a hoarse cough the next day re- minded a fond mother that she was wrong in per- mitting her daughter to "go Maying" so thinly clad and in so cold a wind. We fear that the life of many a youth is yearly sacrificed to the celebration of this holiday in New England. In England, where the season of spring Is several degrees warmer than with us, the obser- vance of May-day seems to be falling into disuse, although it was in old times one of the favorite holidays of the people. Milton, Shakspeare, and most of the old poets, have spoken of its festivities. Old Chaucer says that on May morning, "Forth goeth all the Court, both moste and leat«. To fetche Um fiouree, and braunch and bloma." 202 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat Probably, the change consequent on the adop- tion of the New Style, by which the month com- mences about a dozen days earlier than it did in the times of those "good, old English gentlemen," is one reason why its observance is becoming un- popular. In her '^Calendar of the Seasons," Mary Howitt says, "May-day, though still observed as a rural festival, has often little pleasure to bestow, except that arising from the name." In another later English publication, a writer, referring to the section of country in which he resides, says : "The May-day ceremonial has died out among us." These festivities he regards as belonging rather to the relationship of the feudal baron and his tenants, than to our own times, and rejoices that the benevolence of the English land-holders which once encouraged the observance of May- day, is as active now as ever, though directed to other and more worthy ones. "The school festi- val or pic-nic, the plowing-match and the horti- cultural show," says he, "have di'iven out May- poles and Christmas misrule." If this festival is to be perpetuated in New Eng- land, its observance ought to be transferred to the latter part of the month, when the earth is covered with a garb of richest green, and when our orchards present "One boundless blu?h, one white empurpled shower Of mingled blossoms," and when one feels, as he walks in field or forest, like ejaculating with Wordsworth, "And 'tis my faith that every flower Enjoys the air it breathes." But then this period is in the midst of the planting season, and the farmers of New England are so busy that we dai-e not recommend a change that would appropriate one of these busy days to a public celebration. May-day must, therefore, be postponed to the fourth of July. For the New England Farmer. SQUASHES VERSUS PUMPKINS. Messrs. Editors : — Crude notions exist re- garding the above vegetables, which are constant- ly reiterated in many of our agricultural papers. They are classed indiscriminately as belonging to the same genus of plants, when, in fact, they are perfectly distinct. I am induced at this time to forward you a few words on this subject, from meeting in the Working Farmer of the last month, an article on the Autumnal Marrow, (known in New York) as the "Boston Marrow," as a true squash. Now this vegetable, together with the Valparaiso, Hubbard, Polk, Acorn and Cus- tard, are as truly pumpkins, as the Connecticut field and Hard Shell pumpkins, and will all hy- bridize or mix, Avhile the Winter Crook-neck, (which I take to be the true type of squashes,) will not hybridize with the pumpkin. If it was in- clined to this, it would have lost its normal form and disappeared long since. Nature, as well as observation, teaches us regarding species, but many confound the term species with varieties, hence some suppose that our Canada goose can be crossed, year after year, with our domestic goose, but this cannot be done after the first cross- ing, any moi'e than the Jack and horse, which stops at the mule. In the paper alluded to as above, the writer cautions cultivators to be careful to sow melons, cucumbers, &c., away from pump- kins and squashes, as "they will hybridize." I have never as yet known the crook-neck to hybri- dize with the pumpkin, melons, cucumbers, &c., although planted side by side. Yours truly, J. M. IVES. Salem, March, 1862. For tlie Nete England Farmer, HOW SEEDS GERMINATE. A seed, when ripe, possesses a large share of carbon. This is necessary to its preservation, but is an impediment to its development as a new plant. To rid itself of this principle it must convert the carbon into carbonic acid ; for this purpose, oxygen is necessary, which it cannot readily obtain from the atmosphere in its dry state, but by burying it in the soil it takes the requisite supply of oxygen from the water, which it absorbs, fixing hydrogen (the other element of water) in its tissue, and thus it is enabled to form carbonic acid, which it throws off by its respiratory organs until the proportion of carbon is lowered to the amount best suited to the growth of the plant. The water also causes an expansion of the parts, many soluble parts be- come fluid, and thus sap is formed and a circula- tion is established, which keeps up a communica- tion between the remote parts of the plant. Heat aids in causing the vital principle to act, expands the air in the microscopic cavities of the seed, and produces a distention of all the organic parts, which thus have their irritability excited, never again to be destroyed except with death. Germination being established, the parts enlarge, and new parts are formed from a mucilaginous saccharine secretion which the germinating seed has the power of forming. From this the root, or radicle, is formed, and goes downward in search of food, the stem or plu- mule rears itself in the air and unfolds the seed leaves or cotyledons, which, when exposed to the light, decompose carbonic acid, fix the carbon, be- come green, and form the matter by which all the pre-existing parts are solidified. And thus a plant is born into the world. E. W. B. Vermont State Agricultural Society. — The ofiicers of this Society for the year 1862 are : President — H. Henry Baxter, Rutland ; Vice Presidents — Edwin Hammond, Middlebury, J. W. Colburn, Sj)ringfield, Henry Keyes, Newbury, John Jackson, Brandon ; Recording and Corres- ponding Secretary — Uaniel Needham, Hartford ; Treasurer — J. W. Colburn, Springfield ; Direc- tors— Frederick Holbrook, Brattleboro', E. B-. Chase, Lyndon ; H. S. Morse, Shelburne, D. R. Potter, St. Albans, Henry G. Root, Boimington, David Hill, Bridport, John Gregory, Nortlifiold, Elijah Cleaveland, Coventry, Nathan Cashing, Woodstock, George Campbell, Westminster. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 203 Fur the New England Fanner, HINTS ON BTJYINa FARMS. One of the most difficult operations that the young farmer has to encounter, when first setting out in the world, is the selection and pui-chase of a farm. Unlike buying a horse or cow, which can be disposed of again at a slight sacrifice, if they do not suit, the farm cannot be sold every day, if it be a poor one, even at a sacrifice. It is necessary, therefore, to be very cautious in getting a farm which is probably destined to be your home for Ufe. In the first place, no man should buy a farm un- less he is resolved to live on it all his days, and having made that resolution, let him look for one that he can be contented on, or he had best not buy at all, for a discontented farmer is a pitiable object. The location of a farm must be noted, as there is a great difference in the products of different farms of like fertility, but differently situated. A farm sloping to the south, or east, should be pre- ferred to one descending to the north, or west, for several seasons, viz : the land is warmer, and the crops stall quicker in the spring, and mature ear- lier in the fall, thereby escaping early frosts. The land is generally dryer, and does not need as much underdraining, and is not as liable to heave, as land sloping to the north. A southern slope is better for fruit trees and vines, as they are not so much exposed to the bleak north winds in winter and early spring, which prove so destructive to fruit trees in New England and eastern New York. The next great object sought should be good water, and plenty of it. A farm with plenty of springs and running streams, is worth from one- fourth to one-third more than one on which the water has all to be drawn from a well. Luckily, most New England farms have running water, which accounts for the great superioi-ity of their stock over that in sections that are poorly watered. Stock of any kind thrive a great deal better when they have an unlimited supply of pure water, than when their drink is di-awn from a well by a negli- gent man ; and they sometimes get not more than half enough, or they have to di-ink at some mud- dy pond of standing water. Another very important consideration is, the buildings ; and in looking for a farm, always bear in mind that good buildings can be bought a great deal cheaper than they can be built ; or, in other words, the difference in the cost of a farm without buildings, and one with them, is not, as a general thing, one-half enough to put on the buildings. The young man just starting in the world, unless he have rich relations who are willing to assist him, cannot afford to buy a farm and then go to building, so he must needs live in the old house, and use the old dilapidated out-buildings, for a great many years. So he lives on, suffering a great many inconveniences, and subjecting his cat- tle to exposure, and sometimes his family, also, for the want of comfortable shelter, and perhaps expending money enough in patching up his old buildings every year to pay the interest on the cost of new ones. The want of fences is another serious drawback on a farm, especially where lum- ber is as expensive as it is in most of the thickly settled districts of New England and New York. In choosing a farm, always look for a good wood lot, so that the fire can be kept going and the fen- ces in repair ; and if you have an occasional load of wood to sell your neighbor who has no wood lot, the proceeds will help pay the interest money. In selecting a farm, be sure not to buy poor land. Itis better to buy good land, with poor or no_ buildings, than to buy poor land with good buildings ; for on the good land you can soon make the buildings, but on the poor land you can not make the interest. There is prevalent among farmers an erroneous idea in regard to the price and relative property of farms. For instance, — we will suppose two farms for sale ; one at $40 per acre and the other at $80 per acre, and we will suppose that the one at $40 will produce 35 bushels of com to the acre. Now one-half of the farmers would say, the farm costing $80 per acre, should produce 70 bushels of corn to be as cheap as the $40 farm. But this is a great error. We will take the figures of one of your contributors some years ago, which made the cost of raising an acre of corn at $26, if I remem- ber right, (but which I think is too high,) and see what we make on an acre of corn which produces 35 bushels. Call the corn worth 75 cents per bushel, and 35 bushels will come to $26,25, from which deduct $2G, — which includes interest, taxes and all expenses, — and we have just 25 cents pro- fit, rather a small payment towards our $40. Now we will suppose the other farm to yield 50 bushels per acre, which, at 75 cents, will be $37,50, from which deduct $26, and $2,80 interest on the extra $40, and we have $8,70 profit to pay towards the principal ; so it is evident that the $80 farm is cheapest, for $8,70 per year will pay $80 sooner than 25 cents will $40. In buying a farm, we should see that there is not much waste land, as that has to be paid for as well as the good, but brings in nothing. What I mean by waste land is, ledges and places that do not produce anything. Swales, and swamps, even, if not too extensive, are by no means waste, as the former produce a great deal of feed, and the latter can be drained, and their contents are of great worth as manure, on uplands. Many other things are very desirable, but not of so much importance as the foregoing, — such as the location of the buildings, which should be as near the centre as possible, and be near the water. A farm with different kinds of soil is to be preferred to one with the soil all alike, as that renders the raising of variety of crops difficult and unpi-ofitable. In selecting, reference must be had, also, to the branch of farming which it is wished to engage in ; if the dairy, then select a grass farm, and if raising grain, a farm adapted to that, and so on for other branches. In conclusion, I would say, buy a good farm, put on good stock, use good tools, and take good care of them, and you will make a good, honest living, and soon have your farm paid for ; after which you can take the world a little more easy, letting your children work the farm while you store your mind with the riches of good books and agi-icultural papers. Agriculturist. Oak mil, N. T., January, 1862. Geology of Maine. — A geological and natu- ral history survey of Maine was commenced, last season, by Prof. Hitchcock and Dr. Holmes. They first explored the western border and coast to get 204 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May a base line of operations ; then, with three scien- tific assistants and seven boatmen and guides, ca- noes, batteaux, camp-equipage, instruments and stores, they started up the Penobscot River for the wilderness. They followed the river and its branch to its head waters, and through the lakes across the portages into the St. John Avaters ; meantime dividing into several parties, and re- turning by different routes. Their re])orts, which are now being pi"inted, show the discovery of stat- uary marble, equal to the Italian ; immense beds of marl, some of which contain phosphate of lime, so valuable as a manure ; indications of tin, cop- per, etc. Indeed, native copper has been found in the town of Carrol, Penobscot county, where they suggested its probable existence. The State appropriation for this survey was only $3000. For the New England Farmer. CONCENTBATED MAWUTIES- THEY PAY? -WILL Among all the certificates and reported experi- n>ent3 with concentrated manures that have fallen under my observation, I have yet seen none that sliowed the first thing that a practical farmer wants to know, viz., AVill it pay? All agree that guano, Mapes' and Coe's phosphate, poudrette, and many other kinds that might be named, make vegetation grow rapidly and produce large crops, but if those crops cost more than they are worth, no one that farms it for profit, or a living, can prudently invest in that kind of fertilizer. For the dollar invested in any concentrated fertilizer ia the spring, should, at least, pay back 100 cents in the fall, in crops, or the investment had better not have been made. This is presuming that it is all exhausted the first season, Avhich is the fact, judging from what experience and observation I have had. I propose now to give the result of an experi- ment on a small scale with Coe's superphosphate. My experiment was on a piece of corn. The land was planted the year before, and produced a fair average crop for light pasture lands ; I should judge about 35 bushels per acre. Last spring I spread and plowed in shallow manure enough, as I judge, to make the piece good for 40 or 43 bush- els per acre ; planted the 18th day of May, putting a large tablespoonful of Coe's superphosphate in each hill, with the exception of four rows through a level part of the piece, where I could see no ad- vantage on either side. The frost injured my corn the year before, and although I saved the best I had, and thought it good, I found my mistake, for it being cold, wet weather, not more than two- thirds of it came up, which was an essential draw- back on my crop. I put the phosphate in the hill, mixed and covered it with the soil, and the corn came just the same with it, as without it ; at least 1 could see no difference. Where I put the phos- phate, the corn grew much the best in the first of the season ; at the first hoeing I judged there was near three times the heft of stalks, but after that the weather grew warmer, and the difference grad- ually diminished. At the first hoeing I put anoth- er spoonful of phosphate to each hill, except four i-ows on one side of the four unphosphated rows. I watched the growth and progress with much in- terest through the season, and could plainly see that the unphosphated was gradually gaining on the other, and at harvest time, was satisfied that the unphosphated had about the same corn as that once phosphated, but rather less stalk, and that either of them had less corn, and some but little less stalk, than the four rows that were twice phos- phated. But to be sure, and exact, I harvested and kept all separate, dried thoroughly, shelled and weighed cai-efully, all the corn that would dry sound, making but one sort. I will here state that I weighed the phosphate put on to the eight rows, charged it at cost in the field, and charged a fair price for the time or extra labor of planting and hoeing, of which I kept a strict account, and the result was as follows : None, 108 lbs., 5 ounces. Once, 110 lbs., 12 oz. — gain, 2 lbs., 7 oz.; ex- tra cost, 31.i cts. ; extra corn cost about $7 per bushel. Twice, 140 lbs., 14 oz. — gain, 32 lbs., 9 oz. ; ex- tra cost, 49 cts. ; extra corn cost about 84 cts. per bushel. I am rather surprised at the result of my exper- iment. That ten pounds put in the hill at plant- ing, should make no corn, or only 2^ pounds, and that ten pounds put in at planting, and 6^ at first hoeing, should make 32^, is a difference that I cannot account for under the circumstances, the manure being plowed in, and, as I supposed, would carry the corn out through the last of the season. If there had been no other manure, I should have expected the phosphate to have been exhausted, and left the corn starving just at the time it had got out a large growth of stalk and needed it most. But I am satisfied that to put phosphate in the hill at planting, is money thrown away, unless there is more put on at some later period to carr)' through the earing and filling out of the corn. In conclusion, I will say that I am well satisfied for the pains I have taken in experimenting thus far, and intend to try it again next season, and hope that many others will do the same, not only with Coe's phosphate, but with all other kinds of concentrated fertilizers, and give the result of their experiments to the public through the medium of the A^. E. Fanner. Thomas Ellis. Rochester, Mass., 1862. MOSS OH HOOPS. There is a barn near our farm with a shingle roof fifty years old, and the shingles appear quite as bright, and in as good order, as most shingle roofs at the end of the first year. When built, it was coated with a lime wash tinted Avith ochre, and fully charged with glue and salt. This formed an agi'eeable C(?}or, and lasted many years ; the lime present entirely preventing the growth of moss, and also the development of acetic acid from any sappy portion of the shingles. About twenty years since, it was again re-coated, with the lime wash tinted with amber. This is now pretty gen- erally removed, still leaving an even color to the roof, and to the shingles a surprising freshness of appearance. We suppose that lime alone put on as a white- wash, would have answered all these purposes, though not so agreeably to the eye, wliile the wash tinted to resemble the color of the slungle, can never be unsightly. — Working Farmer. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 206 Fur the New England Farmer. "WILL UNDEBDRAINLNG PAY?" Dear Sir : — The question has been repeatedly asked in your paper, "Will underdraining pay ?" and as often answered in the affirmative. Yet there is some doubt in my mind about its being a paying operation in all places. For one lot of land, in a certain locality, it may pay well to drain, while with another, equally good, but in a differ- ent locality, it would be a losing operation. Or, with the men of capital, it might pay well in the end, while with the farmer, having no resources but the income of his farm, it would be of doubt- ful propriety. Is, or is not such the fact ? I have a lot of land containing ten acres, which, I doubt not, would be greatly improved by drain- age, as it is nearly all too wet for cultivation. About one-half of the lot was formerly a wet, miry swamp, the mud gradually increasing in depth from the outside to the cciitre, where no bottom has ever been found. It has been partially drained, the old grass roots have decayed, and the surface rendered very easy of cultivation. The remainder of the lot consists of a wide strip on three sides of the swamp, of moist, loamy land. The surface is a black, rich-looking mould. The subsoil, in the dryer parts, is a deep brown-colored loam. This rests upon a hardpan bottom. In the wetter portion it is a fine, slate-colored, clayey substance. This land is located where farms, as they average, are worth $20 per acre, and hay from $12 to $lo per ton. Now, taking into con- sideration the value of the land and its quality, as described, the worth of hay, the expense of tile and their transportation here, (being twelve miles from any depot,) will it pay to underdrain such land in this locality ? Or would you advise filling the ditches in the hard pan with small stones ? How would strips of hemlock board nailed to- gether, answer ? Would they be durable and less likely to become clogged than stones? What would be the expense of tile ? How long are the pieces, and what is their weight, and where can they be obtained ? One question further. Would it be a safe op- eration for a man without means to drain and re- claim this land I have described, and depend upon its production for his pay ? Il- T. liuiland, Mass., Feb. 4, 1862. Remarks. — It seems to us that our correspon- dent can work out the problem for himself with- out our help. It appears that the "wide strip on three sides of the swamp" produces nothing now. Suppose he reclaims one acre At a cost of $30,00 Manure 10,00 Grass seed 2,00 $42,00 On such land, he cannot fail to pet, the first year, 1 ton of hay, worth, after the cost of making $12,00 The second year,l>i tons 18,00— $30 00 $12,00 At the end of the second year, instead of an of- fensive, unproductive swamp, he has land worth $100 per acre for agricultural purposes, which has cost him only $12 per acre, and with proper care will continue at that value through generations to come. Is it, then, worth draining ? If there is hard pan underneath, and the upper portion is muck, it would be quite likely to wash down and obstruct the flow of water if it were constructed with stones. Stones will answer a good purpose for many years in a gravelly or sandy loam. Simple, open ditches may, possibly, answer the purpose for a time — but they should be dug where the tiles are to be placed, so as to pre- vent digging again when tiles are to be laid. The cost of tile at the factory is about $14 a thousand. They are in pieces, each 12 inches long. If hem- lock boards could be kept always wet, they would last for a long time ; but where changing from wet to dry, and dry to wet, they would soon rot out. Mr. George Campbell, of West Westmin- ster, Vt., says hemlock bark "is as durable as tile, and not half as expensive." Fur the Nete England Farmer. HUNGARIAN GRASS, OR GRATN". Mr. Editor : — Considerable has been said, for tliree or four years past, about Hungarian grass ; some against its usefulness, but more in its favor. I have cultivated several acres each year, for four years, and having met Avith uniform success, am now prepared to say I entertain the same senti- ments concerning it that I did in 1859, and again in 1860, which were published in your paper. I continue to cultivate it on account of the uni- foi-m and abundant yield of both hay and grain. Of hay, about as much as I could get of any other kind upon the same land, (according to quality, from Id to 4 tons per acre,) and of uniform good quality, when I have good weather to cure it. Of grain, from 15 to 25 bushels, weighing from 44 to 48 pounds per bushel, which is received with as great avidity as corn and oats, by all the domestic animals I have around me. I harvest it as soon as the seed is mostly ripe. At the time of cutting, it requires very much more drying than herds grass does when cut in bloom. With me, I can say horses and cattle are as ready for this hay when well cured, as they are for other good hay. By cultivating this, I have a double crop, either of which is very satisfactory. Several reasons exist in my mind why this grass has not been more readily adopted by farm- ers. Many have tried it on a email scale, having sowed a pint, a quart, or even four quarts of seed, as an experiment, and put the result of the har- vest into the barn, to receive their attention when they might find it convenient. After awliile they find the seed mostly eaten up by a privileged set of pilferers, ever ready to take their rations in the sheaf, when the farmer is willing to be saved the trouble of threshing in season, and going to mill. This farmer, of course, thinks the result of the ex- periment not very good. ISIy plan and practice is a different one. I thresh it with a machine as soon as I bring it to the barn, and then carefully season or dry the seed before I put it in the bin. Some have read in accredited agricultural pa- pers, got up expressly to advance the science of 206 NEW ENGLAND FARIMER. May agriculture, that it is "a coarse, dry, and almost worthless stalk ;" "a great exhauster of the soil," &c. ; "horses and cattle out West have died from eating it," &c. The word coarse is enough to dis- courage some. I have never got any too coarse for my cows, and even the calves eat up all the butts greedily. "Great exhauster of the soil." I love to have the soil on my farm exhausted, by getting three and four tons of the richest fodder from an acre. It gives me good hope and firm be- lief that it will never show exhaustion, if I but feed that acre with the refuse of what was taken from it. "Beasts have died from eating it," is only a story of the man too indolent rightly to ap- ply the best gifts of God for his own benefit. Beasts have been killed outright from eating corn, here in Massachusetts ! Yet no paper echoes the fact. To do so would not make one hair white or black, since we all know that such things are brought about by mal-administration. Some, to whom I have sold seed, with directions not to sow it till the ground is warm, (near the first of June here in New England,) have sowed it in March and April on the cold sod. The result is immediate decay in the soil, or a dwarf exist- ence, which is even worse. From such practice I have often been falsely accused of selling poor seed. I am prepared fully to testify to the good qual- ities of Hungarian grass in all its forms, not be- cause I wish to sell seed, as my stock of that is nearly disposed of, but that I Avould like to have farmers more generally help themselves to every prominent good thing. Wm. Richards. Richmond, Mass., March 15, 1862. EXTBAOTS AND KEPLIES. MUCK AND CORN FODDER. I have a large quantity of meadow muck, and wish to use as much as will pay. How much can I add, with profit, to my manure that is made from fourteen cattle, when di'awn from the cellar ? The muck was thrown out last season, and draAvn from the meadow this winter. Would it be advisa- ble to spread and plow in some without being mixed, where I intend to plant ? Is it of much service without manure mixed with it ? Much has been said in regard to sowing corn for fodder ; I will add my testimony in its favor. Last spring I planted in rows about three-fourths of an acre ; the rows 1h feet apart — in the rows very thick — and hoed it well ; the corn was white flat, and grew finely. I used what was needful green ; the rest was cut and spread on the ground before the frost came. I let it lay one day, then tied in small bundles and took to the barn, and hung on poles over the floor. I managed to hang two deep in that way, and it cured well, and my cattle will eat it in preference to the best hay. My ad- vice to all who have land that produces but lit- tle grass is, to try it. ClLVRLES C. GRANT. Auburn, N. //., 18G2. Remarks. — On a sandy loam land, an ox-cart load of muck may be spread to every square rod, with advantage to the land, if the muck is of good quality, and has been thrown out to the light and air eight or ten months. You may add one load of such muck to every two loads of manure, profitably — but it should be added gradually, as the manure is thrown into the cellar. If it has not been mixed through the win- ter, apply it directly to the land, and plow it in. RAISING calves. My method of raising calves agi-ees in the main with that of IMr. Bassett, as given in the Farmer for March 1. In some particulars, however, it dif- fers, and, quite naturally, I think it diflers for the better. In common with many other farmers in this vicinity, I begin to give the calf hay tea as soon as he has well learned to drink. This tea is made by pouring boiling water on clover or herds grass, and letting it steep without more boihng. It is very nutritious, digests easily, and in a short time the calf comes to like it quite as well as milk, if not better. I begin to give them about a pint a day mixed with their milk, and as they grow older the proportion of tea to milk is increased. It seems to me injudicious to feed whole oats to a calf six weeks old. He cannot chew them sufficiently to make them digestible, and it will be found on examination that they pass through him nearly or quite unchanged. I never give oats to a calf till he has done with milk, nor do I overfeed with oat meal or com meal, unless it be first cooked. Oat meal is preferable to corn ; corn meal is too heavy food for calves, except in very small quantities. Wm. W. Frost. Coventry, VL, March 4, 1862. ST. JOHN'S WORT. The Patent Office folks seem to be laboring un- der a mistake when they say that "Ili/pericitm corymhosum is but little known throughout the countiy." On the contrary, it is generally known. I copy from two reUable works. Oray says, "in damp places common." "In wet meadows and damp woods, New Eng- land to Arkansas." — Wood. Does not Darlington refer to II. perforatum ? "A hardy plant, prevailing in pastures and dry soils in Canada and the IJnited States, much to the annoyance of farmers." — Wood. "Pastures and meadows. Introduced from Eu- rope, but thoroughly naturalized, and too well known everywhere as a pernicious weed, which it is almost impossible to extirpate." — Q-ray. Those Patent Office people are great blunder- ers. N. Georgetown, Mass. exact STATEMENTS WANTED. I notice that several of your coiTespondents, in stating their experiments, do not make them exact- ly right according to my notion ; that is, in put- ting on different kinds of manure. Some would put on a certain quantity of one kind, and so many pounds or bushels of another, and so on, without stating the cost of each. Now facts are what farmers want. If ten dol- lars' worth of one kind of manure or fertilizer will produce more value than ten dollars' worth of an- other kind, then it ought to be stated so in dollars and cents, so that it can be of practical use to the farmer. C. D. B. Uafjield, 1862. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 207 IS CLAY DUG FROM BENEATH THE SUKFACE A FERTILIZER ? In digging a cellar, I threw out a quantity of stiff, hard clay, which was exposed to the air a few months before winter, and then was frozen and covered with snow. In the spring I set some cab- bage and turnip plants in it, and they grew as well, looked as rank, and produced as much as if set in good rich soil ; cucumbers, also, flourished exceedingly well. If this proves clay to be a fer- tilizer, those owning clay farms have an inexhaus- tible source of manure, and a great inducement to plow deep. J. H. M. Westford, VL, 1862. Remarks. — Clay is an important fertilizer, es- pecially when it contains magnesia, "potash and lime, which it sometimes does. From the investi- gations of Mr. Thompson and Professor Way, "On the Absorbent Power of Soils," it has been ascer- tained that a subsoil, abounding in clay, loam, or mould, has not only the power of arresting ammo- nia, but of absorbing and retaining "everything which can serve as a manure for plants." The common, yellow earth, on the banks of the road- side, is a fertilizer in a considerable degree and will sometimes bring fine crops. PROFIT OF POULTRY. Please publish the following account that I have kept with my hens the past year, from March 1, 1861 to March 1, 1862. To 13 fowls $7,67 To keeping 38,63 To the use of house and land 2,00 $43,30 By 40 chickens sold $14,00 By 2484 eggs 39,34 37 fowls on hand 20,00 11 chickens % grown 3,63 5 barrels of hen manure 6,25 $83,83 Deduct the cost 48,30 Net profit $35,53 Berlin, March, 1862. W. H. Paige. WEATHER IN VERMONT. We have had, for a few days past, by far the nearest approach to a thaw of anything Ave have seen since old Sixty-One left us ; and this can scarcely be called more than a "sign of a thaw ;" it has, however, relieved most of the roofs of the snow that has been accumulating upon them for the last eight weeks ; no small amount, I can as- sure you. The month of February was, with us, decidedly snoAvy. Snow fell on tliirteen different days ; the whole amount was 48.5 inches ; the greatest fall in twenty-four hours was 13 inches, on the 19th; the greatest consecutive fall was 14.5 inches on the 19th and 20th. We have had but very little snow thus far this month. I see by the last Farmer that "T. S. F.," of Felchville, has a cow that seems to be in a very bad way. Now to save him all further trouble with her, (and she must be exceedingly trouble- some in a large dairy,) I propose that he shall send her up this way, and we will exchange with him, as we have plenty of cows around here that can safely be warranted never to give so great a quantity of milk as to trouble any reasonable man. But if this should not chance to meet the mind of the gentleman, a friend suggests that he feed plentifully on cob meal ; if this does not cause her to "dry up," it may be considered a hopeless case. Calais, VL, March 13, 1862. Jake B. CULTURE OF LEADING CROPS. I have thought you might advance the interests of your readers by inviting, at this season of the year, a series of communications on the culture of some of our leading crops. The hay and corn crop have always been more or less written about, as well they should be — but we ought, as farmers, to pay more attention to the culture of the root crop. Allow me, then, to ask you to call for the experience of your readers in the culture of the beet and carrot for feeding purposes ; also, of the turnip for same use. I mean short, pointed arti- cles, as to kinds, manner of managing and mode of culture. Also, the experience of our vegetable farmers as to the best kind of early potatoes, and their manner of raising the same. Fall River, Feb., 1862. Alex. B. Macy. CURE FOR RINGBONE. Will some of the readers of the Farmer inform me what will cure ringbone on a horse's foot ? March, 1862. Young Farmer. Remarics. — ^Mr. W. H. Chaffee has communi- cated to the Bural New-Yorker the following: "Make a bag of strong linen cloth, about two inches broad, and eight inches long ; fill it with copperas, and tie it on the foot just above the ringbone, and wet it twice each day. Keep it on about four weeks." The Ohio Valley Farmer aa.ys, — "Dissolve 1 oz. camphor in 8 oz. spirits of wine ; add 1 oz. of oil of turpentine, 1 oz. of spirits of sal ammoniac, i oz. of oil oreganum, one big table-spoonful of liquid laudanum ; rub well in with the hand for a quarter of an hour, four times a day, and a cure will be effected." FAT heifer AND HOG — CORN COBS. Mr. A. Benton, of this village, a man seventy- five years old, fattened and slaughtered a heifer in December last, 25^ months old, Aveighing 710 lbs., dressed ; also, a hog, 18 months old, weighing 596 lbs., dressed. Farmers wiU do Avell to save their corn cobs to put into their hay, next hay season, as they are valuable to absorb the moisture from hay not suf- ficiently dry to keep avcU ; mix in the cobs with a little salt at the same time ; it well pays. Isaac K. Drew. Barton Village, Vt., March 10, 1862. pickles FOR MARKET. Will some one of your readers engaged in rais- ing and preparing pickles for market, give an ac- count of their management and success in this de- partment of husbancby ? Farmer Jim. Deerfield, 1862. 208 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May For the New England Fanner. SOUTHERN" IIiIilNOIS. Mr. Editor : — Since the publication of an arti- cle on South Illinois in your paper, I have received a letter from one of your readers, making farther inquiries. With your consent, I propose to an- swer those queries through your paper. Fever and ague is still somewhat prevalent here,»although it is far less so than ten years ago. To persons of correct dietetic habits, who are temperate in all things, who keep themselves clean by frequent bathing, (especially in warm weather,) and take plenty of exercise and fresh air, and have pure, soft water to drink, the ague has no teiTors, and their liability to diseases of any kind is no greater here than in Massachusetts or New York. From a record of the weather kept in thia coun- ty, I make the following quotations : For the month of July, 1861, highest temperature in shade, 105°, on two days only ; mean temperature for the month, 68°, January, 1862, lowest point, 2° below zero. Mean for the month, 40° above. The roads here arc not as free from mud in win- ter as in New England, but they are in summer and autumn. We have much rainy weather in ■winter, and as a matter of course, all the older roads are more or less muddy, but never so bad as to be impassable. The ground does not freeze half as deep as in Massachusetts, and of course the mud is not very deep, not as much so as in Northern Illinois. The original settlers of Egypt are nearly all of Southern origin, mostly from Tennessee and the Carolinas, and are behind the "Down Easters" in almost everything pertaining to a highly civilized and progressive people. On the completion of the Illinois Central Railroad, eight years ago, the Yankees began to flock in, and now about one-third of the population, in the vicinity of the railroad, are from New York, Ohio and New England, comprising teachers, profes- sional men, mechanics, farmers, and pomologists, many of whom would rank high in their respec- tive callings in the Eastern States. We have a free school system similar in some reepects to that of Massachusetts. All the schools must be kept in operation six months in each year to entitle the district to its share of the school funds, and the Directors can extend the school term to eight or ten months, if they wish. In most of the districts and villages along the railroad, or near it, Eastern teachers are employed. Last year teachers were paid from $30 to §50 per month of 20 days ; this year wages are reduced 15 per cent. Good schools and churches are not as abundant here as in New England, but the march of im- provement is rapid, and the time is not far distant when the enterprising, energetic and progressive Yankees will have a majority here, and thousands of bushels of luscious fruits will find their way to a Northern market li'om this once benighted "Egypt." There are already some four small nurseries here ; some of them are being enlarged, aiia will probably be able to meet the demand, as some of them are branches of larger nurseries in Ohio. Wholesale prices of fruits shipped North from here last season were about as follows : Peaches from $1 to $2,50 per box, {h bushel.) Early apples, from $2 to $5 per barrel, (2^ bushels.) Early pears, such as Bartlett, $5 to $6 per bushel. Grapes, Catawba, 10 to 15 cents per pound. To- matoes, from $1 to $6 per box, (3 pecks.) Straw- berries, from $4 to $8 per bushel. It pays well to raise peaches for drying and can- ning. In shipping North, the earliest fruits and vegetables bring the highest price. Gardeners generally plant tomato seed in hot-bed in Februa- ry, and have fine large plants by April 1st. I have never seen or heard of any winter-killing of fruit trees or their branches. There are seed- ling peach trees here 40 years old, and still bear- ing beautiful crops. The hard winter of 1855-6, which destroyed many thousand peach and tender varieties of apple trees in North Illinois, did no damage in South Illinois, farther than killing a part of the peach buds. Young fruit trees, as a general thing, will grow one-fourth more here during the season than in the Eastern States, with same cul- ture. The Sugar Maple is not plenty enough to be available for sugar making. Sorghum docs finely, making a growth of from 9 to 15 feet high. Our long summers are just the thing for such semi-tropical plants as sorghum, tobacco, cotton, sweet potatoes, castor beans, etc. In my former letter, I stated that plenty of land could be had for from $5 to $50 per acre, accord- ing to location and improvements. This includes the buildings, as land which has been partly or wholly cleared of the native forest, generally has buildings of some kind upon it, but the older build- ings are rough, cheap tenements. The value at which land is rated, depends more on its proximi- ty to a railroad depot, than the improvements on it. For instance, at this place, (Jonesboro' Sta- tion,) unimproved land within one mile is valued at $40 per acre, while just as good land, which has been partly cleared and cultivated, three miles distant, can be had for $15 ; five miles, $5 to $10. The cost or labor of clearing woodland here is much less than in most of the Eastern States, the growth of timber not being as large and dense, except on "bottom lands." Good springs of pure, soft water are not as nu- merous here as at the East, although some of them equal the springs of New England. A part of the surface is underlaid with limestone. In the sandstone formation, the springs furnish soft wa- ter. Good-sized, durable cisterns can be made for $25. We have limestone and sandstone quar- ries furnisliing good building material. Also clay suitable for brick and potter's ware. I will cheerfully give any farther information in my power to those desiring it, if they will inclose a post paid envelope for the reply to their queries. A, Babcock. Anna P. 0., Union Co., III., March 5, 1862. Remedy for Ringworms.— The North Brit- ish Agriculturist says that the disease locally known as ringworm or tetter, which shows itself about the head and neck of young cattle, in the form of whitish dry scurve spots, can be removed by rubbing the parts affected with iodine ointment. The disease may also be combated by the use of sulphur and oil ; iodine ointment is however to be preferred. As this skin disease is easily commu- nicated to the human subject, the person dressing the cattle should wash his hands with soap and hot water after each ointment. 1862. XEW ENGLAND FARMER. 209 THE EOYAIiE HATrVE PLUM. For several years past, the plum crop in all this region has been very light, — so light, indeed, that few persons are now willing to devote much time in attempting to raise it. The subject has re- ceived the most careful attention, both from cul- tivators and amateurs, in different sections of the country — but as yet with little encouragement that we shall be able to overcome the difficulties with which we have been contending. The chief obstacle in the way is the black knot, — that has so far gone on in its fatal progress, and has destroyed thousands of trees that promised to reward the cultivator with rich harvests of deli- cious fruit. No one yet knows how to destroy, or even arrest, its destructive tendencies. The opinions of the most skilful are not unanimous upon what causes the disease, whether it be in a vitiated circulation, or is occasioned by the opera- tions of Insects. If the trees escape the plague of blacK knot, and show a fair promise of fruit, the curculio comes, and with his sharp pincers opens a little place in the skin and deposits a minute white eg^, which, in due time, produces a worm that feeds upon the young fruit until its vitality is destroyed and it drops to the ground, the worm going with it and secreting itself in the soil, to appear again the succeeding year, and thus peq)etuate, forever, this second plague. This plum is called The Early Eoyal, and Mi- rian, as well as by the name at the head of this article. The fruit from which our picture was taken came from the grounds of our friend Vandink, of Cambridgeport. By "some philosophy that we have never dreamed of," he still succeeds in get- ting good trees and good plums, in spite of curcu- lio and black knot. Downing's account of the Royale Hative is as follows : — A new early plum of French origin, and the highest excellence. It is yet very scarce with us, having lately been received from the garden of the London Horticultural Society. It strongly re- sembles, both in appearance and flavor, the Pur- ple Gage, or Reine Claude Violette, but ripens a month earlier. Branches very doivny. Fruit of medium size, roundish, a little wider towards the stalk. Skin light purple, dotted, (and faintly streaked,) with brownish-yellow, and covered with a blue bloom. Stalk half an incli long, stout, inserted with little or no depression. Flesh amber yellow, with an unusually rich, high flavor, and parts from the stone, (adhering slightly, till ripe.) Stone small, flattened, ovate. Begins to ripen about the 20tb of July. 210 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat For the Sew England Farmer. WHITE, CHESTEB COUN'TY SWINE. Mr. Editok : — An inquiry was made in your paper in November last, about the peculiar char- acteristics of the Chester county white breed of swine, and also what was their origin. Being in- terested myself in the last inquiry, I soon after ■wTote to Mr. Thomas Wood, of Chester county, Pennsylvania — the most extensive dealer in this breed in my knowledge — and proposed the same questions, with others, to him. I copy from his reply as follows : "They are what we call home-made hogs, having been brought to their present condition by a long course of judicious crossing and careful breeding by many of our best stock men. The origin or fii'st impulse to this improvement was the impor- tation to this county of a pair of very fine pigs, by Capt. James Jeffries. They were brought from Bedfordshire, England, about forty years since. They claim no foreign blood since. As the swine thus imported began to have some notoriety, they were called Chester county hogs, after the county in which they originated, as in England the im- proved stock is named after the shires or counties in which they originate. The Chester has become the most popular breed of hogs in this country. I have been engaged in breeding thirty years, and shipping them for eight or nine years to nearly every State of the Union, Canada and Nova Sco- tia, and the demand for them is constantly in- creasing as they become known. They are a white hog, long, square built, short head, and good ham, and will readily fatten at any age, and we think make more pork to the amount of feed consumed, and in a shorter time, than any other breed. They are easily kept, and quiet, good breeders." In reply to my question as to their weight when well fattened, at given ages, he says : "I have known several to weigh 300 lbs., and some over, at 9 months old ; also several to weigh between 600 and 700 at 18 months old ; several to weigh over 800 at a little under 2 years old, and one to weigh 990 at 20 months old, dressed weight." My father has been breeding the Chester coun- ty hogs for about four years, and his experience fully confirms the opinion expressed by Mr. Wood, that "they make more pork, according to the amount of feed consumed, than any other breed." They are a remarkably hearty and healthy breed, and are the most docile and gentle mothers I ever saw. They combine so many good qualities that they not only are rapidly gaining in their popular- ity, but of right, should be "the most popular breed in this country." D. H. GOODELL. Antrim, N. JL, March 5, 18G2. A Natural Curiosity. — A singular instance of the foresight of a field mouse has just been brought under our cognizance. A person clear- ing the garden ground of Mr. Thos. Thompson, Dalkeith, Scotland, came upon a growing turnip, which he pulled up by the root. Guess his aston- ishment when he found that the turnip was com- pletely hollowed out as neatly as if it had been done by the chisel of a joiner, and the interior filled by large garden beans. The work, from the size of the hole whence the inside of the turnip had been extracted, was manifestly that of a mouse, and the object, no doubt, of filling the interior with beans was to provide against hunger in the barren winter weather. Near the place where the turnip was growing there were several stalks of beans, upon which some pods had been left, and it is sup- posed that the 'cute mouse had helped itself to these. We counted the beans in the turnip — a small one — and found that they amounted to no less than six dozen and two. — Scottish Farmer. For the New England Farmer. A WOBD ABOUT? COLTS. An impression, and I think an erroneous one, prevails M'ith many that colts are injured by early training. That some colts are injured, and their constitutions broken, by cruel and rough treat- ment, before they have acquired their strength, cannot be doubted ; but careful, judicious train- ing, is as important with colts, as with steers, or with children, even. In fact, I believe it true of all young animals intended for domestic use, as of a child, "Train them in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it." I have two colts, one eight months old, and the other one year and eight months. They are both accustomed to the harness. The oldest I have frequently used in the sleigh. On one occasion this winter, when the sleighing was good, it has taken me, together with my little son, to Ports- mouth and back, a distance of nine miles, each way, with no inconvenience or injury whatever. Some persons who knew the age of the colt, and the distance it travelled, remarked to me, "You will kill that colt." This remark induced me to write this short ar- ticle. Without knowing the circumstances, the reader, perhaps, would form a similar judgment — but the colt is large of its age, in good condition as to flesh, and high spirited ; and I required it to walk at least two-thirds the distance each way. It was well fed in the city, taken through streets where it could hear various sounds, and witness all sorts of objects — still it was not sufiered to tire, or scarcely to sweat at all, and to every ap- pearance was as lively and bright when I reached home as when I started. To have forced it be- yond its strength that distance, or half the dis- tance, would have been injurious — but careful training is always beneficial, and we rarely begin too young with anything. Lambert Maynard, Esq., of Bradford, Mass., the owner of one of the finest stallions in New England, (Trotting Childers.) who has had much experience in raising and training colts, and who has sold some fine colts of his own raising at a high figure, informs me that his colts are all brok- en to the harness before they are a year old, or as he more properly expressed it, educated. He rarely, if ever, uses a whip. As to its injuring them, to use them to young, he remarked that he never exercised them so hard as they exercise themselves when alone. So much for early training — and now one word about feeding and exercise. Colts should never be forced with provender, nor stunted for want of nourishing food. My method is to give them as much good, sweet clover hay as they will cat clean. 862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 211 with a few little potatoes ; and with this feed I get as much growth in the winter as, with a good pas- ture, I get in the summer. On pleasant days, when there is no ice to injure them, they should always have their liberty to exercise out of doors. It is as cruel to confine a high-spirited colt con- stantly by his halter, as to confine a high-spirited, ambitious child to the house. Farmers, raise good colts, from the best of stock ; keep them constantly growing, without pampering; give them judicious training when young ; allow them every favorable opportunity lor free exercise, and we shall have what every sensible man or woman admires, good horses. J. F. French. North Hampton, March, 1862. Remarks. — Excellent. No suggestions with re- gard to colts can be more judicious. The highest spirited colt we ever saw, we broke in accordance with the suggestions given by Mr. French. We began by putting on the bridle, only, and contin- ued through an entire month to add various parts of the harness, until he was perfectly accustomed to every part of it. He was allowed to stand with the harness on from morning until noon, when it was taken off", the colt watered and fed, and after dinner a part or the whole harness put on again. At the end of this time we put him to a light wagon, alone, and drove him a mile, and had no trouble with liim afterward. FOWL MANTTRE. No manure obtained by the farmer is as valua- ble as the manure from the poultry house. Of this there is no question, and yet we can hardly answer the question, "In what way is it best to use it ?" This manure is made only in small quanti- ties, and it may be that, as a general thing, much of it is wasted. It may be thrown with other ma- nure, muck and refuse on the compost heap, but our plan is to save for special purposes, and we generally use it in the vegetable garden, where it is not only valuable, but exceedingly convenient. When dry, it may be sown with onion or other seeds in the drills, at planting-time, and four or five quarts put into a barrel of rain water makes a most superb liquid manure for any beds of young plants that need stimulating. In this form we use it for our melons and cucumbers, as soon as they appear above ground, to put them out of the way of the "bugs," and on beds of cabbage, cauliflower plants, &c., for the same purpose. Celery plants, after being set out in the trenches, may be hurried up amazingly by being watered two or three times a week with this liquid food. If magnificent sweet corn is wanted, half a pint of the dry hen dung, finely scattered in each hill, will give it, and no mistake. If you have been able to grow only hard, hot, wormy radishes, next spring sow the seed in very shallow drills, (not too early) in a warm, sheltered place, then cover the bed with a thin dressing of coal ashes, and water with the liquid hen manure each alternate night, and if the season is as favorable as ordinary, you will have no cause to repent the trial. A little charcoal dust is better than coal ashes. — Rural New-Yorker. LEGISLATIVE AGRrCULTITBAL SOCIETY. Reported for the Farmer by D. W. Lothrop. The eleventh meeting of the series was held on Monday evening last, the subject for discussion being Farm Implements. Hon. Wm. B. Calhoun, of Springfield, was invited to preside ; but he observed that while the subject was important, he was not prepared to say much upon it. Machinery is producing a rev- olution in agriculture, and our mechanics had been very active, both in hands and in mind, resulting in beneficial eflfects in all the departments of labor. He would venture to call upon Mr. Howard, as he had consented to speak upon this topic. Mr. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, re- sponded, and believed with the Chairman, that a revolution in farm husbandry was noM' going on, in this country certainly, and that the ingenuity of American mechanics was jiroverbial. They take the lead, he thought, of the world. In some of the inventions and improvements in farm imple- ments we owe to America the undivided honor. Some of these are important in the economy of feeding the population of the world. He referred to the Crimean War, and spoke of the scarcity of grain in Europe at that time, and the importance of our sowing and reaping machines in furnishing a plentiful supply. At a later period, also, France and England were deficient in crops of grain, yet we had enough and to spare. The Heaping Machine, Mr. Howard observed, was not in its incipiency American — it originating in England, but failing there of being perfect, the genius of this country completed it. In 1851, Mr. McCormick took Ms machine to England, where it was tested under some disadvantages, on the farm of Mr. Mechi ; yet it sustained itself, and not only cut down the wheat, but also English preju- dices to American machines. Yet in England it has been somewhat modified to fit it to their heavier crops. The Mowing Machine is an Amer- ican invention. Allen's (with certain modifica- tions) received the first premium of the Royal Agricultural Society, in 1860, and the preference was generally for American machines. The last year, also, we took the fii'st premium in mowing machines. There are many other implements in which America shines. To the American axe there is nothing superior, and we may regard it as the em- blem of the civilization of the western hemisphere. Our mechanics, too, take the lead in manure and hay forks. The old ones were very thick and clumsy ; Partridge's are light and superior. In this matter the English are improving. Our im- provement in shovels has also been great : once we had only those whose handle was driven into a socket. Oliver Ames stands out prominently as the inventor of the American shovel, and so of the 212 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May spade. He is independent, and still lives. In plows, America has likewise distinguished herself. A cast iron one was introduced from Scotland, ■when Mr. Alger, of South Boston, and Mr. Wood, of New York, began to manufacture them, though somewhat modified in pattern from the Scotch, and we have maintained the lead. Mr. II. here referred to a trial of plows under the patronage of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society, in 1850, w here there were 40 different ones in competition, tlie trial lasting ten days. The result was that Messrs. Prouty &; INIears, of Boston, took three premiums for plows adapted to as many different kinds of work. The results were important, and would be permanent. There are some points, however, in regard to plows and plowing, in which we do not compare well with the English. We have lost sight of the adaptation of plows to differ- ent purposes, to an extent, and for very heavy soil, he Ihought the Scottish, and some of the English, superior. Their harrows, too, are superior to ours — ours being too heavy. Seed harrows should likewise be light. The English have a potato har- row, and implements for cleansing the soil — root- ing out witch grass, for instimce ; the Norwegian harrow is one, and sometimes the English Grub- ber is made to do this work. In this matter we have been loo inattentive. Our horse rakes are very good, but in England they are made with steel tines, and are sometimes used to cleanse their fallows. Mr. Wktiierell, of Boston, said there was nothing more important than the plow, as it was our chief implement for pulverizing the soil. Our mechanics had done Avell, but could improve. He had heard the complaint that our plows cut too naiTow furrows. Another objection was that they were easily broken, and the most serious was, that they did not perform their work so well as desired. He spoke of a trial of plows in Elaine, where the draught was great, and observed that it had much to do with their economy. He alluded to Mr. Pu- sey's opinion, that while some plows required three horses, others required only one, and it was found that the size was not in proportion to the draught. The construction had more to do with tlie plow than the weight. To Jefferson we owe much for an improvement in this implement. Our plows are not suited to the West ; the best he had seen were made in Illinois. Our material is iron, theirs is steel. Should the mould-board be con- cave or convex ? At the trial in Maine, ours were very hard to hold by the pressure upon the hands, though some run very well ; and Mr. John John- ston said this was an important matter. In fact, our plows are defective as they rre, and he doubt- ed whether we have one well fitted to pulverize the soil. He considered the question of horses or cattle for plowing. On side hills in England one horse is used before the other. He also spoke of the importance of using horse-carts, which he thought the most economical, and cited trials of Mr. Pusey, where their great value over others was demonstrated — and we should then require less laboring animals. Some changes are not improve- ments. A gentleman out West had said to liira that there had not been much improvement in plows since Jefferson. Some farmers oppose some of the new machines. One man would rot have a mowing machine and horse rake because they cut and gathered too much poor stuff. But two farmers side by side, with different practice, would show the good results of improved imple- ments. Small farmers can hire a mowing ma- chine ; and all will find that where one can be used (by the proper preparation of the land) their farms Avill be worth twenty-five per cent, more than others. The speaker also commended the Clod Crusher as important in pulverizing the soil. Mr. Howard, by wa^ of explanation, alluded to the Grubber, the Norwegian Harrow, and the Clod Crusher, as used in England. As to steel plows on the prairies of the West, their clayey soil sticks to iron, not U) steel. Such plows would not be important in all places. Dr. LoRiNG, of Salem, said it was an extraor- dinary fact, that the best farming did not always keep pace with agricultural implements. Our ag- riculture has not kejit up with our labor-saving machines. The plows of Italy and Portugal are not much better than those in the time of Virgil ; yet those countries have improved in husbandry to a good extent. Our mechanics have attempted to make agriculture easy ; hence (together with the high price of labor) our numerous machines. Our hoes and forks are graceful in their form and highly polished, but less substantial. Yet our plows are better. To the ^Michigan plow there was some objection, but for spring plowing for corn it makes the soil easy, and is the best for sod land for immediate seeding. The cast-iron beam plow was also good. Dr. L. alluded to a horse- hoe and root-grubber bought for him in England by Mr. Howard. He gave some explanation of them, and regarded them as very useful on a farm. As to the Avorking power of a farm, on light lands, he thought horse labor very good, but on rough land ox labor was preferable. Oxen, he believed, would do as much as horses. In regard to cutting hay, he had used mowing machines and a tedder. His haying was done quicker and bet- ter by them, but not cheaper than by the scythe. These machines must have two trained horses, and as in connection they are liable to get out of order, he doubted whether they were economical. Our horse-rakes are very good. The hay-fork was important, but there was some question whether we had a good instrument. What we 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 213 need is strong machines. The handles to our forks, shovels, &c., -were too brittle ; and he ob- served that a man once said to him that a rake was harder to winter than a cow. Our hoes are graceful, but not strong ; and many of our plows are constructed to sell, not to use ; and so with other things — whiffletrees, for instance. But we have good hay-cutters, and his best root-cutter was procured from Chicopee — which implement he described. We much need a good barn-hoe, one that can be got into corners ; and a good barn broom was certainly worth mentioning. Mr. Andrews, of West Roxbury, spoke of the importance of the reaper in the West ; but even here, an attachment being fixed to it, it would be useful in cutting rye, &c. He also spoke of Ga- boon's seed-sower, which sows as fast as a man can Avalk, and scatters evenly. Mr. Wetiieeell inquired of Dr. Loring if an acre of grass could be cut by the scythe as cheap as by the mowing machine. Dr. LoRiXG replied, yes. He then spoke of the horses needed for a machine, and attendant ex- penses, and said if we could get good mowers as cheap as fifty years ago, it would be less expen- sive, blowing machines were valuable where la- bor was high. Hon. JosiAH QuiNCY, Jr., thought mowing ma- chines very important on large farms, but on small ones would hardly pay. The tedder was a useful instrument for spreading hay, as it would do the work of ten or twelve men. On his own farm he was obliged to avail himself of the labor of men. There were, however, few good mowers, especially among the Irish. At the West, mow- ing machines must be important. He alluded, also, to the steam boiler, for steaming food for cattle. Prindle's was economical, and good as a boiler or steamer. Dr. Loring said steaming food for cattle was of great benefit, and alluded to a gentleman who procured a large kettle for the purpose, and made it serve very well. Mr. Wethereli, objected to steaming food as useless, or worse than useless, and cited cases to prove it — alluding also to the experience of Mr. Peters to the same efiect. Mr. Fay's steamer, too, was spoken of. Dr. Loring replied that Mr. Fay's steamer was a little thing for the steaming of roots, and as they are not improved by the process, it was aban- doned. Ho thought Mr. Peters would find good results from steaming food. He himself thought milk was improved by it, and rendered cheaper. l\Ir. Wetiierell rejoined, advocating raw cut food with meal as the best, while Dr. LoRiNG en- ergetically contended for the steaming of coarse fodder ; and the debate continued between them till an adjournment was moved. For tlie New England Farmer. "HUNNINQ- OUT" OF POTATOES. IMessrs. Editors : — You will confer a personal favor by giving a solution to the following in your columns, and in my view furnish an answer to an inquiry often made by farmers. Why is it, that Avhen we have secured some of the best kinds of potatoes, their good qualities will not last more tlian two or three years ? I once selected two of the best kinds of potatoes with which I was acquainted, and planted them, side by side, in the same field, for three successive years. The first year I noticed no particular change. The second year I did, for the worse. The third, all their good qualities were gone, by amalgamation, and even their identity lost, so that I abandoned them as comparatively worthless. Once I planted three kinds, all mixed together, for twenty successive years, without the least de- terioration, or change whatever. What is there in nature that brought about these two results, so entii'ely different ? Wm. Richards, Richmond, Mass., March 15, 1862, Rem.\rks. — Some wiser head than ours must fm-nish the solution. Perhaps the potatoes you planted were not adapted to your climate or soil, and soon "run out." Who can tell ? We have cultivated sweet potatoes for many years, but have always harvested a deteriorated crop, with the ex- ception of a single season, when it was excessively hot and dry. Then the potatoes were nearly of the color and flavor of those brought to us from the South. Those potatoes, "all mixed," which you "planted for twenty successive years," may have been adapted to the climate and soil, and conse- quently had nothing to do but to grow abundant- ly, and be good. We shall be glad to receivs some more philosophic reasons, if they exist, for the results wliich friend Richards states. For the New En^^land Farmer. A PLAN OP A SHEEP BAKN. One of your correspondents calls for a plan of a sheep barn. I will give you my experience. I should, in all cases, build a barn Avith a cellar, and locate the barn on level ground, if the land will ad- mit of it, and have the cellar 8 feet deep. Were I to build 60 feet by 36 feet, I would have the posts 20 feet, running from the beams to the bot- tom of the cellar, and well board in the cellar to the sills of the barn. This would give the cellar 8 feet, and 18 feet for storage. Set the posts to the barn 15 feet from centre to centre — this will leave ample room for sheep racks, and for the sheep to move around. Locate the barn tlae longest way east and west, doors at each end, grade off 30 feet at an expense of $9 to each end, and you then have a floor the whole length of the barn ; which part may be filled, if necessity requires. On the north side add a shed 14 feet wide, framed to the barn, the posts to the same 15 feet, and extend the roof to the bam, over the shed, and then we have a cellar 60 by 50 feet. If we wish to finish up for sheep, run a board partition from post to 214 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May post, north or soutli, with a window to slide on the north side, and in front a door 3^ feet high, to elevate or depress at pleasure by means of weights, to shut the sheep in, or out, in the yards in front, and we have in this apartment a yard 14 by 50 feet, and so on, as many yards as may be wanted, and bring water to all the yards, on a level, to every trough, and brought in at the bottom, and then there will be no freezing. A barn finished up this way will be found very convenient to haul out manure, and the shed attached will give great additional strength to the main structure — the barn. If cattle are to be kept in the cellar, the finishing may be made to accommodate them, also, equally well. H. G. Walpole, N. H., Feb., 1862. For the New England Farmer. KETBOSPECTIVE NOTES. "Planning and Preparing Work."— If every reader of this joui-nal would turn to the March No., page 106, and read or re-read this excellent com- munication from the pen of Mr. Goldsbury, and then put to himself the question, do I practice all the planmng and preparing of work which Mr. G. here represents as essential to success and pros- perity in the business of farming ? he would be enabled, if he answered the question honestly, to determine his true position as a farmer. The purpose of the writer of the article now un- der notice, seems to have been to persuade his brother farmers that success in their business de- pends vei-y much upon the earnest application, not of their muscles, but of their minds, in planning and preparing for the work of the busy season of spring and summer, during the comparatively leisure season of winter. Unfortunately, this is a truth of which a great many seem to be either ig- norant or regardless ; and this ignorance or neg- lect operates not only to the injury of these indi- viduals themselves, but tends to lower the respec- tability of the really noble profession to which Ave all belong. It is from this and similar neglects to employ mind in the management of our business, that farmers are so generally considered and called mere clod-hoppers, and other names manifesting a like disrespect for us and for our profession. Hence it comes that we aU suffer in reputation on account of the thoughtlessness and laziness of a part. Hence, too, we derive our right to protest against unthinking, unprogressive characteristics of those who will neither read, nor think, nor study to make advances in the management of their bus- iness, but content themselves with plodding on in the footsteps of their predecessors. Hence, too, » it follows, that we all owe a debt of gratitude to j such men as Mr. Goldsbury for their efforts to convert the unthinking, and plodding routine-fol- lowers among us from the error of their ways, and to elevate and give a higher dignity to the profes- sion of providers of the food of the world. Thanks, then, to Mr. Goldsbury for his efforts to stir up his brethren to a sense of the need which there is of applying mind as well as muscle in the business of farming, and to a practical recognition of the fact that God has so ordered a/fairs that a farmer must continually be aiming to make improvements, must continually be aiming to do better the next year than the last, and must plan and prepare for his work beforehand, or in winter, so as to be ready to take it up at the proper time, and to do it in a proper, or the best, manner. And now, supposing that Mr. Goldsbury's ef- forts and ours have been successful in enkindling in some a determination that every year shall Mit- ness some improvement upon farm management, it is quite probable that not a few may be at a loss how to make the reading, thinking, planning and other work of the mind, in the leisure of winter, help the muscles in the busier season, in working out higher success. For the assistance of such I will now give a brief sketch of the way in which a farmer of my acquaintance endeavors to make all his reading, thinking, planning and information or suggestions from every quarter, contribute to his purpose of constant improvement. First of all, he has a map of his farm on the first page of a writing book made of several quires of note paper stitched together. Of this book he de- votes several pages to each of his fields, and every year writes what he calls Historical Notes of the crops raised, the manm-es applied, and the condi- tion and capacity of the field generally. Another series of pages is devoted to a record of his plans, of the crops to be raised, the manures to be ap- plied, the mode of culture to be adopted, &c., up- on each field. This record he generally makes in March of each year, which has very appropriately been called, by the editor of this journal, the make-ready month, when all plans should be ma- tured for the campaign of the season. Then he has a number of pages devoted to a record of what he calls Intended Improvements and Projected Experiments. And finally, he makes a record on the remaining pages, of every suggestion that may occur to himself or come from others, and of every item of information he finds in his reading, which he may think likely to be useful. These he reads over and fixes in liis mind, and then proceeds to make his plans, &c., for the coming season. More Anon. Duties on Trees, Plants and Seeds. — The Gardener's Monthlxj, published at Philadelphia, states that the "Massachusetts Horticultural So- ciety have taken steps to memorialize Congress to impose a duty of 50 per cent, on imported ag- ricultural productions." This may be so — though we have not heard of such action. The Concord Farmer's Club recently petitioned Congress to lay a duty upon imported seeds, but not upon plants or trees, and gave what we thought a valid reason for such a request. 1^ We learn that Mr. George Campbell, of West Westminster, Vt., has recently bought four ewe lambs of Wm. R. Sanford, of Orwell, at $100 per head ; fifteen young ewes of Edgar Sanford, of Cornwall, for $1800 ; and six breeding ewes of Ed- win and Henry Hammond, of Middlebury, at $1400. The cost of the twenty-five sheep is $3600. Mr. Campbell is one of the most intelli- gent and enterprising sheep-raisers in the coun- try. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 215 AMERICAN GUANO. We have often stated to the reader that we thought a judicious use of some of the specific fer- tilizers now so common among us might be prof- itably applied to most of our New England crops — not as prime agents, but as auxiliaries, after the farmer has exhausted all his skill and resources in the accumulation of manure on his own farm. This must always be his first aim. When he makes his experiment, however, it should be fairly and liberally done ; that is, expend a certain amount of money for a fertilizer, and apply it to a portion of some crop, leaving another portion of the crop without it, but under circumstances pre- cisely alike in every other respect ; then, by a careful weighing or measurement of the crop, he will be able to learn what the fertiHzer has accom- plished. The error made by most persons is, that too little of the specific manure is applied, and that it is not spread over a sufficient space, and thor- oughly incorporated with the soil. It should be scattered over a square of eight or ten inches, and intimately mingled with the soil around it. We have reaUzed great success in the use of the American Guano on fields of corn, and on nearly all the garden edibles, and think others may derive the same advantages, by using it lib- erally, say at the rate of 400 or 500 pounds per acre, and by taking equal pains in its application. We are confirmed in this opinion by a statement made by the renowned Baron Lieeig, which we recently found in the Patent Office Reports. He says: I have spent two months' labor in the matter. The Baker's Island guano contains more phos- phoric acid than any other known fertilizer, and it IS similar in its ingredients to natural phosphorite, diff'ering from it, however, in the following re- markable particulars : Phosphorite is in a crystalized state, and is com- pletely insoluble in water. The Baker's Island guano, on the contrary, is amorphous, is soluble to a considerable extent in pure water, and when moistened, colors litmus paper red. The Jarvis Island guano has also an acid reaction, and is partly soluble in water. It is worthy of remark that the Jarvis guano, although only half as rich in earthy phosphates as the Baker's, gives to wa- ter a greater quantity of soluble phosphoric acid. I regard the discovery of these guano deposits as a most fortunate event for agriculture. At the present time the prices of fertilizers, like bones, are now continually on the increase, and soon the agriculturist will not be able to procure, at paying rates, an amount sufficient for his wants. Baker's Island guano, being of all fertilizers the richest in phosphoric acid, will be of especial importance. As far as chemistry can judge, there is hardly room for a doubt that, in all cases where the fertil- ity of a field would be increased by the use of bone dust, the Baker's Island guano will be used with decided advantage. The phosphate of lime in the Baker's Island guano is far more easily dissolved than that of bones ; and if we take the proportion of that ingredient to be 60 lbs. in the latter, 100 lbs. in the Baker's Island guano are equivalent to 140 lbs. of bones. Thus the agriculturist would be benefited as much by using 70 lbs. of Baker's Island guano as by 100 lbs. of bone dust. This guano contains in ammonia, nitric acid, and azotic substances, nearly one per cent, of active nitrogen. A small addition of salt of ammonia would give it the full strength of Peruvian guano. It seems hardly possible that tliis guano could be employed without profit, while it contains the well-known nutritive elements which he ascribes to it, and at the prices for which it is now being sold. We hope our farmers will test it in a small way, using it liberally as far as they go, and care- fully watching its effects upon the crops. We shall be glad to publish reports of such experi- ments. For the Neio Englartd Farmer. THE BIGHT THING IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE BIGHT TIME. Mr. Editor : — It would be well for us, and for all mankind, if we always had the right thing in the right place at the right time. I do not know that this is a practicable thing for human beings ; but if it be, we ought immediately to set ourselves aboMt it, and reduce it to practice, because our progress, improvement and happiness depend upon it. This is more than the wisest and best of us do, and perhaps more than we can do, at present ; and, if so, it is more than can be r-easonably ex- pected of us by others. It is perhaps more than God himself expects us to accomplish at present ; and yet he evidently requires us to aim at perfec- tion, and to come as near to it as possible. It would be well for us, therefore, to make this our aim, our constant study and endeavor to have the right thing in the right place at the right time. Let us apply this motto to some of the opera- tions in farming, and see if we cannot be excited to greater vigilance, punctuality and promptitude. Though there is no such thing as perfection in farming, yet success in the business depends, not only upon having every tiling in its right place at the right time, but upon having every thing done at the right time and in the best manner possible. If we fail in either of these respects, we shall be unsuccessful in the business. For instance, if the tools and implements we use in farming be the old antiquated things of a bygone age, so clumsy, un- wieldly and cumbersome as to be inconvenient, unhandy and unfitted for use, and ill adapted to the purposes of husbandry, we have not the right tools to work with ; and no skill on our part, in the use of such tools, can ever make up for their deficiency. So, too, if we raise the diff"erent kinds of animals, but so small in size, so slow in growth, and so mean in appearance, as to be unsaleable and unprofitalile, we evidently do not keep the right breed of animals ; and no economy on our part can compensate for the want of a better stock of animals. So, too, if we raise all the diff"erent kinds of fruit, but so small and knurly and defec- tive and ill-flavored, as to be quite useless and un- profitable ; or, if we raise all the different kinds of vegetables, but so stinted and diminutive in size, and so unsavory in quality and flavor, as to be 216 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat hardly worth gathering ; or, if we raise all the dif- ferent kinds of grain, but of so unproductive and dwarfish a growth as to be almost worthless, wc may be morally certain, that, in each instance, we have not all the right things in the right place at the right time. In all the foregoing particulars, we have utterly failed, either because we have not had the right things, or because we have not used them properly at the right time and place. We must not only have the right tools and implements and animals to work with, but we must have the right breed of animals, the right lands of fruit, the right kinds of vegetables, and the right kinds of grain ; and, to be successful in our operations, we must have all these in the right place at the right time, and make the best possible use of them. What amount of wealth, what increase of the means of doing good and of human happiness, what abun- dant harvests, what supjilies of the necessaries and luxuries of life, what protection to life and property, and Vr'hat security against the accidents and ca- lamities of life, might be effectually secured by al- ways having the right things in the right place at the right time, and by directing them to the ac- complishment of their proper objects ! Warwick, 1862. John Goldsbury. For tha Sew England Farmer, PliOWTNO- ORCHABDS. Much was written a few years ago, in favor of keeping land on which orchards were set contin- ually under the plow. If your orchard did not bear well, plow it. If it showed signs of prema- ture decay, plow it. Thorough cultivation was the panacea, and scarcely a dissenting voice was heard. Many people, taking it for granted that those who wrote knew what they said to be practically true, followed the directions given in the papers. Or- chards were planted, and the land was higlily cul- tivated. In a short time, complaints began to be made that trees did not flourish well. Almost every winter some died ; others were deprived of a limb, or had a few frost-bites on their bodies. At length, thought was awakened, and the query arose whether so much plowing was not a cause of decay. This led to observation, which resulted in the conviction of many minds that too much cultivation was a prime cause of the early decay of so many fruit trees. To aid in proving that this conclusion was not groundless, 1 Avill mention a few cases that came under my notice. In the spring of 18i33, I pur- chased a village lot on which were a few fine ap- ple trees, some of them six or eight inches in di- ameter. The ground had not been very well cul- tivated for a few years, yet the trees were healthy and productive. Wishing to make them grow ra- pidly, and produce more abundantly, I spaded the ground under them thoroughly and very carefully. They bore well that year. The next spring I again tried spade culture, but I noticed that the earth under tlie trees, was literally bound together by fine rootlets, and that a great number of them were broken at every shovelful that I turned up. I began to reflect on the utility of these fibrous roots. I thought them analogous to the minute veins, absorbents, and capillaries of the human system, every «ne of which conveyed a certain portion of nutriment to the body, or to some or- gan of it ; hence I concluded that the process of constant cultivation must be injurious. My fears were realized. In 1855 two of the best trees died. A great many trees died that year in various parts of the country, and the cause was attributed to the weather. I have no doubt that a severe winter hastened the decay, but in this re- gion, the best cultivated orchards were most se- verely injured. I can mention many instances in further proof of my position, if necessary, but de- fer it for the present. Suffice it to say, that obser- vation and experience have confirmed me in the belief that orchards should not he continually cul- tivated. The roots of trees naturally run near the surface, but plowing either cuts them off, or sends them down into the subsoil, which, in most cases, yields no nourishment to plants, and is generally too hard to be penetrated by the tender roots of an apple tree. Hence the tree, being deprived of the requisite amount of light and heat, and of the proper nourishment to supply its wants, lan- guishes and dies. I believe this to be a rational view of the case, and I doubt not that a vast amount of experience will be found coincident with mine. That orchards need occasional plowing, and that the soil should be kept in good condition by the frequent application of manure, I do not doubt ; but I would not recommend plowing very near tlie trees. A space nearly as large as that covered by the branches, should be left. Thorough annual top-dressing will keep the soil sufficiently loose*. K the soil around the body of the trees should be- come too stiff, it may be carefully removed, and its place supplied by coarse stable manure, or tho scrapings of the chip-yard. Let this process be adopted, and I believe our orchards would be more hardy, more thrifty, and consequently, more productive. L. Varney. Bloomjield, G. W., 3 Mo., 1862. Vegetable Garden. — In the open air, peas and potatoes are about the first crops to be attend- ed to. Of the former, the varieties have now be- come so numerous that even "new grapes" will soon have to give way in that respect. The ear- liest are the Prince Albert, and the "Extra Ear- lies." Of early Potatoes, we think Fox's Seedling i« the earliest, though in some localities the prefer- ence is given to the Early Walnut. Beets, the Early Six AVeek Turnip rooted, is perhaps the ear- liest. Carrot, the Early Horn ; Cucumber, the Early White Spine, or Early Cluster ; Lettuce, the Silesian, or Early Curled — to cut before head- ing ; and the Early Butter left to head, are the first in season. Amongst the Radishes, the Old Short Top, and Red and White Turnip are still ahead ; and in Spinach, the old Round-leaved- — Gardener's Monthly. Pruning a Clijibing Rose. — In pruning a climbing rose, all the very strong and vigorous shoots of last year should be preserved, and all weak and decayed ones, as well as old shoots ex- hausted by abundant flowering, should be cut away. It should also be an object to get good strong shoots as low down towards the root as possible, as the finest flowers, coming from the strongest shoots, are thereby equally diffused over the plant* 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 217 Far the New England Farmer. PKOPEB, TIME TO PKUNE FRUIT TREES. Mu. Editok: — I have derived much pleasure and benefit from reading the different views of writers in the N. E. Farmer pertaining to the same branch of agriculture. For a feAV years past, much has been -written and said by yourself and others, in i-egard to the best season to prune fruit trees, and from what I could gather from others, and experiments of my own, I had become pretty well convinced that the best time to prune was the latter part of June, or the first of July. But in reading the discussions of the Legislative Agri- cultural Society, in the Farmer, recently, I confess that I felt somewhat nonplussed to find such thorough practical men as Marshall P. Wilder and A. G. Sheldon pronounce March the best time for pruning. I should have been gratified if they had more fully given their reasons for their conclu- sions. Mr. Sheldon said he had sawed a limb from his tree each month, and found March the best time. Now, Mr. Editor, I have tried the same experiments, and have come to a different conclusion. I have found where a limb was sawed off in March, before it would begin to heal over the wound, the stump would get seared so that it would not commence to grow over immediately at the end of the stump, but often one-fourth or one- half inch down from the end ; but where I have sawed them from the same tree in the same year, and as near as possible the same size limbs, I have found the stump or wound, where the Umb was sawed off in June, to heal over, often in one, and sometimes in two or three years sooner than those cut off in March. I think there are some arguments in favor of winter or early spring pruning. We generally have more leisure, can get at thfi, work easier, are less liable to damage other crops, and perhaps a saving of the sap which would go to nourish the tree, lost in the limb if left until June. I have found it to work well, on some occasions, to cut off limbs in winter, or early spring, leaving a stump three or four inches long, and in the following June, saw the stump off smooth and close to the body or main branch, always coating over the wound with shellac dissolved in alcohol, which can be kept in a bottle and always ready for use, and will keep any length of time if corked up tight. A good way is to put a small brush into the cork so that it will be inside the bottle, and immersed iu the liquid when corked, which will keep it from getting dry and hard, as it soon would, if exposed to the air. Perhaps Mr. Wilder or Mr. Sheldon will ex- plain more fully their reasons for coming to their conclusions, through the columns of the Farmer, and thereby gratify myself, and I doubt not many others who have much confidence in their sound, practical judgment. I know that you entertain a different opinion upon the subject from theirs. Ashbuniham, March, 18G2. w. Remarks. — Sound doctrine, every word of it, and doctrine, too, for which a sound physiological reason can be given. We supposed the gentle- men referred to intended that the pruning done in March should take place early in the month, before the sap begins to flow freely. But it is a dangerous time, as a few warm, sunny days at that season, will set the sap into great activity, and if the sap vessels are cut off at that time, the sap xoill ritn out just as certainly as that water will run down hill. Nature, herself, indicates the prop- er time to prune, and it is not her fault, but ours, if we do not study her operations, and learn when to do it. The rule is a simple one ; prune when there is the least sap in the sap vessels or sap wood ; that occurs about midsummer, when the thin watery sap has visited the most remote twigs and leaves, has become elaborated into a substance entirely unlike that which so recently passed up, and is going down directly under the outer bark of the branches and stem of the tree, and plainly increasing their diameter. This is the favorable time to prune, because there is comparatively lit- tle sap left in the sap vessels to run out, if they are cut off. This period occurs not only in mid- summer, but in the autumn, after the leaves have fallen, and will continue imtil a few warm and ge- nial days intervene, when the sap sensibly feels their invigorating power, and especially if the ground, at the time, is not frozen. There is anoth- er reason why March pruning is dangerous. When a Hmb is cut off, the mouths of the pores are left open, and will not dry and contract as they will in warmer weather, so that if warm days ensue, and the sap is set in motion, there is noth- ing to prevent its running out. Winter pruning is more safe, because there is more time for the wounds to dry and contract. For the New England Farmer. AMERICAN GUAWO. Mr. Smith — Sir : — I read with interest yotir article in the Farmer, on the use of American gu- ano for renovating pasture lands. Will you have the goodness to inform me, through the Farmer or otherwise, how much should be used to the acre, and any other facts that may be of use, as I have some pasture that I want to improve. How will it operate on moist land ? Would it be beneficial to mix plaster ■n-ith the guano r Sturhridge, March 14, 1862. H. Haynes, Jr. Mr. Editor : — In answer to my friend in Stur- hridge, and others who have addressed me, ask- ing to be further informed through the Farmer or otherwise, in regard to the use of American gu- ano, permit me to say that the quantity per acre depends on circumstances, such as whether the land is to be plowed or not — and how often it will be convenient to plow it. If I had pasture land which I wished to renovate, and could plow it, I should, after properly preparing it for grain and grass seed, or grass seed alone ; apply from three to five hundred pounds — thi'ee hundred pounds is as small an amount as would be advisable. Oa most lands I should apply at the same time about 218 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May the same quantity of plaster, either mixed with the guano, or sown at the same time. If the land did not admit of plowing, I should apply as large a quantity with plaster, as a top dressing, and which ought to be applied as early in the season as the state of the land will permit. I have never ap- plied the American guano to wet land. My im- pression is that it will not pay to spend manure of any kind on wet or moist land, until under-drain- ing has relieved it of its surplus water. So long as the soil or subsoil is kept cold by undue moist- ure from above or beneath, no amount of manure will coax a generous vegetation from its bosom. No fear need be entertained of injuring seed of any kind by coming in contact with the American guano. Some persons have supposed it almost valueless because it gives off no pungent odor, but it must be remembered that this guano contains very little ammonia, which alone gives the peculiar pungency to Peruvian guano. In purchasing, be careful to get the "American Company's Guano." T. A. Smith. We^thoro\ March 20th, 1862. For the New England Farmer. PROTECT THE BIRDS. The following thoughts, written as a school composition by a young lady under my instruc- tion, breathe so much kindness for the feathered tribes, and are expressed so familiarly, that I thought them worthy of publication ; and knowing that the Editor of the Farmer is an able advocate of the rights of "our mutual pets," I will entrust it to his care. L. v. Birds. — I have for a long time wished to com- municate with my young friends, and bespeak their aid in protection of our mutual pets, the birds, that are inviting our attention and kindness by their sweet songs, and lively, coquettish ways. They flock around our dwellings, and, if properly invited and noticed, accept our hospitality, and re- pay us a thousand fold for all we bestoAv upon them. When we take the trouble to provide a few houses for them, how readily are they taken possession of, and how fiercely are they guarded, should any intruder dare attempt to rob them of their home, showing how dear the possession is. This also shows us that nothing is required, but shelter and protection, to enable us to have flocks around us suiRciently tame to be our household friends and companions. But especial care should be taken to guard them against the thousand dan- gers that beset them in the shape of rude boys, and cats, their mortal enemies. Worse than use- less will have been all our trouble, if these deadly foes are sufl'ered to molest them. Let us all pro- tect the birds. s. E. c. Bloomfield, C. W., 1862. RvRLY Annual Flowers. — Of annuals that may be sown early there are some that are so very beautiful, and which do so well generally, that they at least should be grown. These are a few of them : Caccali coccinea. Coreopsis Drummondii, Erysimum Perofi'skianum, Escholtzia Californica, Malope grandiflora, jSIarvcl of Peru, Nemophila insignis, Phlox Drummondii, Mignionctte, Whit- lavia grandiflora, Clarkia pulchella, Gaillardia picta, Palafoxia texana, Linum grandiflorum rubrum, Lobelia gracilis, White and purple candy-tuft, and Phacelia congesta. Where a hotbed can be com- manded, many of the tender kinds can be forward- ed under glass. — Gardener's Monthly. For the New England Farmer, DECLINE OP THE HEN FEVER. It has, in fact, disappeared entirely from my neighborhood, and hens are voted a nuisance. The old gilt weathercock that surmounts our vil- lage spire, is the only rooster in sight, and he owes his continued existence to the exalted position he has occupied for more than a half-century, as indi- cating for everybody which way the wind blows, and warning all not to deny their Master as Peter did. Yet this is a farming community, where every barn-yard used to be vocal with crowing chanticleers, and cackling biddies, emerging from some hidden nook where they had just deposited a fresh treasure, innocently supposing it safe. Only here and there will you now detect the once familiar notes, and keeping poultry here- abouts has come to be the exception, rather than the general rule, because, say my neighbors, it don't pay ; and Avorst of all, tends to scratch out the rules of a good neighborhood. But in face of these objections, I, for one, have persisted in main- taining a hennery, without being conscious as yet of any such foivl result as has constrained others to dispense with it entirely. Every farmer, to be sure, has his pets, and chickens have been mine ; never, however, caring to be classed with "poultry fanciers" that used to kindle so with enthusiasm at sight of a shanghai rooster. To the mere mat- ter of economy, therefore, my attention has not been so closely directed as it might have been oth- erwise— only I ami satisfied it has not been a Zo5- ing business. Week after week, when eggs could hardly be obtained by my neighbors for love or money, my own larder has been supplied with the genuine article warm from the nest, in midwinter, and all through a season when folks usually imag- ine laying hens to have suspended operations till spring. In fact, the wonder is that so many of them survive the cold snaps at all, Avhen you see them skulking, chilled, away to roost, hopping from pillar to post, and gleaning a scanty subsist- ence in spite of wind and weather. Nothing, after all, will so disarm the prejudice against keeping hens, as to have them keying at a time when, considering the high price, they may be almost said to lay "golden eggs." And all that is needed to secure this result, is some sort of a hen-house where the sun conies in through a good sized south window, and the cold is kept out by what simple weather-boarding will answer the purpose. Then, as the Farmer has often re- minded its readers before, hens thus confined must be supplied by their keeper Avith such variety of material as when at large they provide themselves with, to form the egg. Of course, every intelli- gent reader understands what — a chunk of meat that any butcher will give away, thrown in among the biddies where they can pick it at their leisure, and if frozen, lasting all the longer. Then pound- ed bones and shells, or simply a box of air-slaked lime at hand, to guard against the contingency of an egg without a shell, or a mere abortion, for 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER 219 want of the proper supplies, that often results in the death of the victim in the very act of laying. In a word, let hens be cared for as an acquain- tance with their habits and necessities will readily indicate, and my humble testimony is cheerfully added to the mass of evidence already furnished by others, that have entered more largely into the business, to prove that hens will pay their way in fresh eggs, even through the winter. As for the best breed, my experience has been in favor of crossing the common variety with the Dorking, Chittagong, or Bolton Grey ; at any rate, some cross, rather than the native breed alone. Now, neighbors, please give the hens a new trial, and better chance than of old, w. E. B. Long Meadow, 1862. HOW TO KAISE ASPABAQUS, "A Subscriber" would like to know what sea- son of the year is best for setting out asparagus beds, and the best method of doing it. Ascntneyville, Vt., March, 1862. Remarks. — We reply with pleasure, because we believe that not one-half of our readers enjoy the luxury of eating asparagus plentifully, and receiving its healthful influences as an article of food. There is no mystery whatever in raising it. In order to do it thoroughly, so that it will produce fine crops for fifty years, select a piece of loamy land, such as would bring a good crop of corn. It should be drained land, or at least such as will not retain standing water either on the surface or in the subsoil. A piece thirty-five feet square will produce asparagus enough for a common sized family — say six or seven persons. Commence on one side and throw out the earth two feet in width, and to the depth of eighteen inches, — or twenty-four inches will be better, — and then throw into the ti'ench as much coarse barn manure as you can aff'ord. Then go back on the bed and throw two feet more upon the manure deposited in the first trench ; but in the meantime mingle some older manure freely with the soil as it is thrown over. In this way con- tinue until the bed is finished. This will give a depth of two feet of pulverized soil, mingled with manure, with a bed of manure for its base ; one upon which a plant of any reasonable habits ought to flourish exceedingly. Before planting, there ought to be twenty-five bushels of old, rich com- post spread on the surface and raked in. KIND OF PLANTS, AND SETTING THEM. The plantation may be made in the spring as soon as the soil becomes friable and pleasant to work. Do not attempt to raise the plants from the seed. Let those do that who make it a busi- ness— the farmer cannot wait for so long a pro- cess. Do not procure plants less than two years old, and if they ai-e three, a crop will be realized so much the sooner. They should be fresh, and such as have made a good, healthy growth. Such plants may be plentifully found in Boston market, in April and May, at a cost of from two to four cents per root, or cluster, — for the stools have a crown, which throws out a large number of long, slender roots. The ground being thus prepared and laid level, strain your line along the bed six inches from the edge ; then, with a spade, cut out a small trench or drill close to the line, about six inches deep, making that side next the line nearly upright, and when one trench is opened, plant that before you open another, placing the plants upright, eight or ten inches distance in the row, and let every row be eighteen inches apart. The plants must not be placed flat in the bot- tom of the trench, but nearly upright against the back of it, and so that the crown of the plants may also stand upright, and two or three inches below the surface of the ground, spreading their roots somewhat regularly against the back of the trench, and at the same time drawing a little earth up against them with the hand as you place them, just to fix the plants in their due position until the row is planted ; when one row is thus placed, with a rake or hoe draw the earth into the trench over the plants, and then proceed to open another drill or trench, as before directed ; and fill and cover it in the same manner, and so on till the whole is planted ; then let the surface of the beds be raked smooth and clear from stones. Some gardeners, with a view to have extra large heads, place their plants sixteen inches apart in the rows, instead of twelve, and by planting them in the quincunx manner, that is, by com- mencing the second row eight inches from the end of the first ; the third opposite the first ; and the fourth even with the second, the plants will form rhomboidal squares, instead of rectangular ones, and every plant will thus have room to expand its roots and leaves luxuriantly. WINTER DRESSING OF ASPARAGUS BEDS. About the beginning of November, if the stalks of the asparagus turn yellow, which is a sign of their having finished their growth for the season, cut them down close to the earth, carry them off" the ground, and clear the beds from weeds. Asparagus beds must have an annual dressing of good manure ; let it be laid equally over the beds, two or three inches thick, after which dig in the dung quite down to the crowns of the plants, by which means the roots will be greatly benefit- ed ; as the winter rains will wash the manure down amongst them. The beds will be greatly benefited if covered to the depth of several inches with leaves, seaweed, or long litter from the liv- ery stables. 220 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat The seedling asparagus should also have a slight dressing, that is, to clear the bed from weeds, and then to spread an inch or two in depth of light dung over it, to defend the crown of the plants from frost. SPRING DRESSING OF THE BEDS. This work should be done from about the latter end of March to the middle of April, just before the buds begin to rise. After clearing away all the long litter, or whatever may incumber the ground, spread the short dung over the whole sur- face, and dig it in ; if the alleys be dug at the same time, it will be very beneficial to the plants. Care must be taken at this season not to wound the crowns with the tines of the fork, but forking the bed should not be neglected ; as the admit- ting of sun and rain into the ground induces the plants to throw up buds of superior size ; to pro- mote such a desirable object, the ground should be kept clear of weeds at all seasons, as these greatly impoverish, and frequently smother the plants. Asparagus plants will not produce buds large enough to cut for general use, in less than three years from the time of planting, but in the fourth year, when the shoots are three or four inches high, they will bear extensive cutting, which should however be discontinued when no large buds are thro-wTi up. The best way of cutting, is to slip the knife down perpendicularly close to each shoot, and cut it off slantingly, about three or four inch- es within the ground, taking care not to wound any young buds coming from the same root, for there are always several shoots advancing in dif- ferent stages of growth. The above directions are intended for family gardens. EXTRACTS AND BEPLIES. SUPERPHOSPHATE — FLAX. Will you please inform me whether Coe's Su- perphosphate of Lime can be economically used as a top dressing for old pastures and worn- out mowings ? Is it lasting in its effects, or does it act only as a stimulant ? How much superphos- phate is equal to one cord of rotten bam-yard manure for this purpose ? How much is equal to one hundred pounds of poudrette ? Can you, or any of your subscribers, answer the following questions in relation to flax, viz.: How much of the fibre is a fair crop, per acre ? What is the chemical process by which the flux is rotted, and what the cost, per hundred pounds of fibre, of rotting by said process ? Where, and at what prices, can the most approved machinery for dressing be obtained ? What is the cost per hun- dred pounds, of dressing by such machinery ? And where, and at what price, could the fibre probably be sold. Much has been written within the last few years of the profits of flax -raising, and the policy of pro- ducing it as a substitute for cotton. There is no doubt that much of the soil of Vermont is well adapted to flax-raising, and many would doubtless raise it if they knew how to dispose of it so as to make it profitable. By answering the above ques- tions you would enable farmers to act understand- ingly in the matters to which they relate, and oblige at least one subscriber. Adin Bugbee. Snow's Store, Vt., March, 1862. Remarks. — ^We are now experimenting on old pastures, with Coe's superphosphate ; have had no results yet. Nothing will restore "worn-out mow- ing" but re-seeding, because there are few roots there to be restored, of the kinds of grass wanted. The superphosphate must be quite permanent in its effects. We have not the means of answering your other questions so as to give reliable infor- mation. lime for spring wheat — WHEN TO PRTTNE ELMS — SALTING CRANBERRY PLANTS — DITCHING CLAY LANDS. I wish to learn through the Farmer the best method of applying lime for spring wheat on a piece of gravelly loam, where there was corn last year. There are about forty young apple trees on the piece. Would it be beneficial to the trees ? When is the best time to prune elm trees ? I have one of over a century's growth ; the top is beginning to die, and it is my wish to save it for shade, if possible. Could not the top be cut off, say a part of the branches each year, and have it sprout out again ? Which is the best way to set out cranbeiTy plants ? I have a small meadow I wish to set out this spring, and I want to know the best way to do it and secure a good crop in three or four yeai-s. There have been several ways tried about here ; some have failed, and the others have not done as well as Avas expected, leaving us in the dark ? How is the Avay to manage a piece of clay land where the banks of ditches Avill not stand the frost. Young Farmer. Franklin, March, 1862. Remarks. — Sow the lime at the time of sow- ing the wheat, say from five to ten or fifteen bush- els per acre. It will probably be as useful to the apple trees as to the wheat. Prune the elm when there is the least sap in motion — in midsummer, or soon after it has shed all its leaves next fall. The tree may be renovat- ed by the process you speak of, if you protect the wounds from the weather. See an article on Planting Cranberries in an- other column by Mr. Addison Flint. Drain your clay lands with tile. TO DESTROY WARTS ON A COW'S TEATS. In answer to your East Bridgewater "Subsciib- er" I would say that I have a young cow whose teats last spring were covered with warts. I took the Avater that baking beans, (common pea beans) had been soaked or boiled in, and washed the teats twice a day, for a week or so, using a shal- low three-pint pan, so that I could wet all the teats at once, leaving the water to dry on thera. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 221 The warts all disappeared in two or three weeks, and the teats are now perfectly smooth and free from warts. G. w. n. Watertown, March 24, 1862. WARTS ON cows' TEATS. I wish to inquire of you, or any one who can in- form rae, tlvrough the Farmer how to remove warts on a cow's teats and bags. I have a young heifer twenty-two months old wliich gives milk. Her bag and teats are covered with small seed warts, such as are usually found on the teats of cows. A SUBSCRIBEll. East Bridgewater, March 10, 1862. Remarks. — Some persons tie a horse hair around the M'art when it is well-defined, tighten- ing it occasionally, when it will eventually drop off. "T.," in the March number of the Farmer for 1860, says "equal parts of lamp oil and mo- lasses will cure the worst of warts on man or beast." _ SAWDUST FOR BEDDING. I have frequently seen mention in your paper of the use of sawdust for bedding for horses. I have used it for the last ten years for horses and cows, and would not be without it, if I could ob- tain it by going four miles for it. My cows go from the barn in spring as clean as tiiey come from the pasture in fall. I think if our milkmen would try it, they would find a very great conve- nience in the milking operation, and, besides, their customers would not complain so much of the milk having a baini taste. T. Cross. LEAKS HER MILK. I have a valuable cow, who for two summers past, has leaked her milk — the milk dropping from her most of the time, and instead of giving eight or ten quarts, as formerly, would only yield two or three. I have tried milking at noon without any benefit. She is about to come in again, and I am anxious to know of a remedy. Can you or any of your readers aid me ? C Ahington, March 20, 1862. MAKINE MANimES. A portion of the report of the Secretary of the Maine Board of Agriculture for 1861 is devoted to an elucidation of the value of rockweed and fish as fertilizing agents. The matter was personally investigated by the Secretary, who traversed the whole length of the seaboard for the purpose. Rockweed and musclebed have long been used to a limited extent and with satisfactory results, but they are too bulky and heavy for long transporta- tion into the interior, although they prove of more value the further inland they are carried. A more important fertilizer is found in the migratory sort of fish which swarm on the coast, such as menha- den, commonly called pogies or hard heads, and herrings, which can be taken in immense quanti- ties. The business of catching them has of late years assumed considerable importance in some of the shore towns, es]iecially of Hancock county, in the manufacture of fish oil from pogies, and many vessel loads of oil are now annually exported and sold to be used chiefly in the preparation of leath- er. The fish are first boiled, and then pressed. After pressure there remains a pumice or chum, as it is called, which was formerly thrown away, but has latterly been used in a rough way for ma- nure, and mostly with good results, but not always, as so active and powerful a substance should be thoroughly composted or prepared and used with care. The yield of hay on some farms in the shore towns has, within a few years, been increased from half a ton per acre to two tons, from the use ol "pogy chum." The "chum" is dried by exposure to the sun and air, upon a platform, with a shed to protect it from rains and fogs. It is then ground and packed for transportation. One man at Eastport made 150 tons of this "fish guano," as it is called, last year, from herrings, which was sold to go to Connecticut, where the manufacture and use of fish guano has created a greater demand than can be supplied by the amount made there. It readily commands $30 per ton, which pays so well that he is extending liis business. Fcr the Neia England Farmer. CRAUBERRY CULTURE. The first requisite for success in cranberry rais- ing is to select a piece of land which can be flowed in the winter. The best land, in my opinion, is a level swamp so thickly covered with trees or bush- es as to exclude all grass and weeds ; ditch it so that the water can be drawn off to the level of the swamp, build a dam and cover the swamp with water. After it has frozen, in the fall of the year, cut the trees and bushes even with the ice. Then by raising the water a few inches the stumps will be covered and at the end of the next sum- mer you Avill have a swamp "without any green thing" growing upon it. Clear oft" or burn the bushes, and the ground is in readiness for the vines. There are many advantages in spring setting, but at whatever time they are set, the vines should never be placed more than eighteen inches apart, and as much nearer as time and the abun- dance of your vines will admit ; the closer the vines are set, so much the sooner will there be a crop of berries, and so much the less will be the trouble of weeding. I have never seen vines flourish as well with the same amount of care, as in swamp land treated as I have above described ; weeds of all sorts will come in, but they can be pulled out as easily as from a carrot bed. I have seen cranberry yards prepared by plow- ing and cultivating meadow lands until completely subdued ; by taking off the sward ten or twelve inches in depth, and by covering with sand from three to five inches in depth ; but all of these methods I believe to be inferior in their results to the way which I recommend. My method has the double advantage of procur- ing a better and surer crop, and of doing it at a far less expense. The most successful experiment in cranberry raising that I have ever seen, is in a small pond- hole, which, without any natural outlet, retained the water so late in the season that the only vege- 222 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. MAf tation it sustained was a soft carpet of moss. This being drained, and set with vines, has produced a large crop of berries, very superior in size and color ; the location being such that they could re- main on the vines till late in the season without danger from frost. CRANBERRY VINE WORM. Last June nearly an acre of my best cranberry vines presented an unusual appearance. The young shoots seemed to be blighted, and I soon found webs forming over the vines, with here and there a worm. Wherever they went the crop was destroyed. ' Some few of the vines were out of water during the winter. Can these worms live where the vines are com- pletely covered with water during the winter ? What is the remedy for them ? Is late flowing sufficient ? Addison Flint. North Beading, Mass., March 14, 1862. VISIT TO THE GREAT "VtrAIili OF CHIWA. Mr. Fonblanque communicates to the London Times a graphic description of a visit to the Great Wall of China. The following are extracts : Accompanied by Mr. Dick, an excellent Chinese scholar, and attached as interpreter to the Com- missariat, I left Tien-tsin on the ISth of March, and after a three days' ride through as uninterest- ing a country as can well be conceived, came in sight of the fine solid wall which encloses the straggling mass of ruin, dirt and decay, called Pekin. Chinese villages are, at best, dreary and squalid looking, but on this route, where the dogs of war have so recently been let loose, there is something haiTOwing in the misery and desolation of the scene. Has grinding oppression and long sufi"er- ing deadened the heart of the Chinese peasant to all sense of injury ? Or has he, after all, a Chris- tian feeling of forgiveness toward his enemies, for which no orthodox churchman would give the Pagan credit ? I cannot explain it, but I own to something like a sense of shame having come over me as we two solitary, unarmed strangers passed through crowds of men, wemen and children, standing by the charred ruins of their homesteads and among their shattered household gods, with- out being met by a single angry look or gesture — nay, more, always receiving a ready and friendly reply to every question. Perhaps they felt grate- ful that we had, at any rate, spared their lives, which is more than they can expect from their countrymen, the rebels, when they pay them a visit. Some of the villages along our road were mere heaps of rubbish : others retained more or less the semblance of human habitations. In the larg- er ones, such as Ho-si-woo, which it may be re- membered was for some time in occupation of our troops, the late enemy's inscriptions on doors and walls seem to be piously preserved as agreeable relics, and such familiar garrison words as "Offi- cers' Quarters," "Canteen," "Fane's Horse," "Com- missariat," "General Hospital," &c., meet one at every turn ; though one cannot but remark with regret that the buildings which appear to have af- forded shelter to the invaders are sadly devoid of everything in the shape of wood-work, which was probably used as occasion required for cooking dinners and boiling water. A celebrated and im- posing pawnbroker's shop, which was "looted" here, has not yet recovered itself. But let it be borne in mind that in pillage, as in wanton de- struction, the Chinese themselves far excel the British or even the French soldier ; the bonds ot restraint once removed, and a Celestial mob have no patriotic or religious scruples as to the property of Mandarin, priest or peasant — ^as they fully ex- emplified at the sacking of Yuen-ming-yuen and the Llama temple, the proceeds of which are to this day openly offered for sale at more or less ex- orbitant prices in the shops of Tien-tsin. A FRENCH BISHOP IN CHINESE ATTIRE. At Ho-si-Avoo we met a French mdssionar)' bish- op on his way to Europe, after having passed twen- ty-five years in China. He was dressed in the native costume, even to the pigtail, and appeared to 1)6 treated with great reverence by the unbe- lieving crowd who flocked in to see the "Manda- rin priest." The self-devotion, the zeal, and as a very general rule, the pure and simple lives led by the French missionaries in China, (and their number throughout the empire and the kingdom of Siam exceeds 1500,) are not without their ef- fect upon the people, although this is not dis- played by wholesale and indiscriminate conversion to nominal Christianity. THE GREAT WALL. Another day's journey brought us to Chataou — a hamlet at the foot of the Great Wall. The road for the last fifteen miles had been so bad that we were obliged to leave our horses at Nankan, hiring in their place Tartar ponies. Nothing less sure-footed than these shaggy, hardy little beasts could have carried us through those rugged moun- tain paths, which we would have done on foot, but that one mile's march over the shaip rock which forms the pavement would have left us shoeless. At daybreak on the following morning we climbed the highest peak of the mountain range, and there, standing on the top of the great wall, reflected upon the stupendous folly of this won- derful work of human industry, which is said to have cost the country two hundred thousand lives from sheer physical exhaustion. The wail, which is built of stone and brick, is twenty feet high and fifteen feet broad, surmounted by a double parapet, loopholed on the north side. As far as the eye can follow the mountain range it winds over the ridges of the precipitous black rocks like a gigan- tic serpent crawling along, and with its bi-eath poisoning all around ; for turn where you will, nothing meets the view but the desolate, dreary tract of rock, unrelieved by a blade of grass or a tuft of moss, and huge boulders strewing the base of the mountain sides. It was the whim of a ty- rant to build a wall where Nature had already built a barrier far more effectual than anything that human art could construct. However, there it remains, after a lapse of nearly two thousand years — a monument of the cruel folly of one man, and the patient industry and sufferings of many thousands. Having made an abortive attempt at a sketch, and tried in vain to discover one redeeming fea- ture in this vast scene of desolation, I secured my brick, and descending to the pass, remounted 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 223 to proceed homeward. Our guard could hardly believe his senses — certainly he doubted ours. When at Nankan mine host inquired what we were going to the Great Wall for? Our honest answer met with no credit. Were there not walls everywhere ? Was not the wall of Pekin much better worth looking at ? And then, as for shoot- ing, Avhy come so far for game when it could be bought in the market at our very doors ? His impression evidently was that we had some sinis- ter project in view ; but when we returned with the brick, the good man simply burst out laughing, and set us down for a couple of harmless maniacs. For the New England Farmer. WHEN SHALL WE SOW OUB WHEAT? Mk. Editor : — This is a question of great im- portance, if insects appear again by millions, as they did last year. Wheat sown in the spring is not a very certain crop, it is so liable to be injured by the nudge. For two years past, in this vicini- ty, when wheat has been sown before the middle of April, it has not been injured much by insects, and has yielded from fifteen to twenty bushels per acre. That which has been sown in the month of May, in some cases, has proved an entire failure, and in others, not more than from six to eight bushels per acre have been harvested. The wheat that I sowed the 14th day of April, last spring, yielded at the rate of fifteen bushels per acre. That which I sowed the 25th day of May, yielded only eight bushels per acre. It was a clay soil, favorable to the growth of wheat, and probably would have yielded twenty bushels per acre, if the insects had not injured it. The aphis did some damage, but not so much as the old fashioned midge. I never saw insects injure late sown wheat so much as they did last year ; I speak with reference to that which was sown the last of May. Some of my neighbors had good luck last year, with wheat sown as late as the 12th day of June. K these facts that I have stated here, ought to guide us any for the year to come, we must sow our spring wheat before the middle of April, if the soil is dry enough, or sow it from the 5th to the 12th of June. I think the new Black Sea wheat, imported by Messrs. Nourse, Mason & Co., about three years since, is the least liable to be injured by insects ; indeed, it has proved itself so in this vicinity. WHEN SHALL WE PLOW ? This is a question that has been often discussed in your invaluable paper ; but I find that there is a great diff'erence in the opinions of farmers. We, I mean the farmers of Addison county, most all agi'ee upon this one thing ; that is, that clay land ought to be plowed in the fall, so that the action of the frosts thi'ough the winter will pulverize it and fit it for cultivation in the spring, without harrowing over clay nubs as large as washtubs. Fall plow- ing, also, hastens the decomposition of vegetable matter, and the team performs the labor easier, than it does in the spring. Gravelly or loam stubble land, if plowed in the fall, ought to be plowed again in the spring, for there is no danger of plowing such land too much ; the more the bet- ter. The more we pulverize the soil, the more the roots will spread in pursuit of nourishment, and the gases will enter the soil more freely. By the experiments of the chemists it has been ascertained that at least nine-tenths in bulk of a plant consists of the constituents of the atmos- phere, which enter by the roots as well as the leaves. Now if that is so, and we have no rea- son to doubt it, the more we pulverize the soil, the greater reward we shall get for our labor. MiddUbury, VL, 1862. Oliveu P. Mead. Remarks. — We are glad our correspondent has called attention to the early sowing of wheat, as no doubt rests upon our mind that many a crop is lost by being sown too late. The rule should be to get it in just as early as the soil is sufficient- ly dry to be finely pulverized by our common im- plements. Mr. Elijah Wood, of Concord, said in an article published in the Monthly Farmer for October last, "Do not be fearful of sowing the seed too early on account of cold. Get it in as soon as you can possibly work the ground." For the Neto England Farmer. HOW TO GET A LABGE CORN CHOP. I propose to raise a field of corn, and to that eff'ect have turned under eight acres of green sward on interval land, upon which it is said one hun- di*ed bushels of shelled corn has been raised per acre in one season. I have hauled twenty cords of muck, of good quality, into my cellar, which has cemented walls, upon which falls the droppings and leakage of seventy head of cattle. I propose to mix the muck with the manure and spread nine- ty-six cords broadcast, which makes twelve cords on an acre, plow in with a harrow-plow, furrow out and plant on the ridges. Will I be apt to succeed in raising a large crop of corn, oats and grass with such quantity and quality of manure, if not, wherein shall I change my plan ? A Subscriber. East Berkshire, VL, March 5, 1862. Remarks. — Under the treatment you propose to give your land, with a favorable season, you can scarcely fail of securing seventy-five bushels of corn per acre, perhaps more. We see nothing to suggest but to add some quickener to the hill that will give the corn an early start, so that it shall be out of the way of September frosts, if they should come. A compost of hen manure or night- soil, or a gill of American guano or Coe's super- phosphate of lime, would be likely to accomplish this, if added to each hill, and thoroughly mingled with the soil, over a space of ten or twelve inches. American Mech.\nics. — The improvements in farming tools are exciting compliments toward American ingenuity and enterprise throughout the world. One of the best authorities in these mat- ters— the London Mark Lane Express — declares that "the Americans have driven our English plow- makers out of the Australian, Indian and other colonial markets, owing to their lighter aixd cheap- er articles." 224 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat For the New England Farmer. ■w:ethebei.l's house hoe. Mr. Brown : — In compliance with your re- quest, I write you my experience and views in the use of Mr. Lorin Wetherell's Hoeing Ma- chine. I have used one of his machines the past three years, with the greatest profit and satisfac- is well to stir the ground with the horse hoe or cultivator, as you would for hoeing with the hand hoe, for the reason that the double plow does not enter the hard soil readily. The rows for this ma- chine should be about three and a half feet apart, and I contend that a man can do better work with this machine in a potato field than he can with a hoe ; and a man and horse, under favorable con- ditions, can hoe eight or ten acres in a day; therefore the machine will pay for itself in two or three days' work, which is more than any other ma- chine that I know of will do. The price of this machine is twenty-five dollars. It seems a high cost, but compared with its utility, it is the cheapest machine that I ever bought. It is not easily got out of order, as mine has been in use three years, and loaned more or less every year, (and the fii-st year to all my neighbors,) since which the most of them have bought one, and there has been no expense yet, in re- pairs. The other pattern is a single mould-board plow and one gear wheel. It hoes one half of a row at a time ; and as I have been informed by those who have used both machines, that the single machine needs no pi'evious preparation of the soil, as the plow is so con- structed that it readily enters ordinary soil, and does its own digging and hoeing at the same time. As it hoes but half a row at a time, it is adapted to rows of any width. In the experience of those that have used them both, (which I have not,) the prefer- ence is with the single ma- chine, the cost of which is fif- teen dollars. Horace Ware. Marhlehead, April, 1862. Remarks. — In a conversa- tion with Mr. Ware upon the use of labor-saving implements upon the farm, he spoke of the horse hoe, of which he has given an account above. We had examined the implement tion of any machine or implement that I ever ^^..^j.^! times, but had never seen it at Avork so used on my tarm. 1 have used mowmg machines ^ i. • • c -^ -^ ht itr . the last eight years, and intend to obtain and use : ^' ^o form an opinion of its merits. Mr._ Ware s all implements that are profitable in the saving of labor. Mr Wetherell, of Worcester, is the inventor and manufacturer of this machine of which he has two patterns. The double machine, as repre- sented in the cut above, has two sets of gear wheels and a double mould-board plow, and does the work on one half of two rows at a time. It great experience and skill in his profession ena- bles him to judge accurately of the value of any implement used on the farm. Our impression is that he had, last season, some ten acres in car- rots, as many more in beets, cabbages and other vegetables, and twelve or fifteen in early potatoes! He not only superintends the labor necessary to 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 225 carry on these large operations, but takes a lead- ing part in tlie labor himself, and is, therefore, competent to judge of the value of the tools he uses. While he enjoys the advantages to be found in the use of this Tiorse hoe, he desires that his brother farmers may also reap the same them- selves. NEW ENGLAND. Home of the good, the brave, the wise, Belli youth 3fiA beauty bright. The sun, as on his course he hies, Beholds no lovelier sight. Italia's vales with perfume glow From every flowery tree, But ne'er those lovely valleys know The breath of Liberty. Bright beams the sun on Syria's plains, Where ancient prophets trod. And held, in Nature's forest fanes. High converse with their God. But holier are the hills that bind Thy stormy ocean's shore. For there the sacred human mind Knows its own strength once more. There, in the cottage and the hall, As bursts the morning ray. The hymn of praise ascends from all To Him who gives the day. There, as the evening sun declines, They join in harmless glee ; On all the beam of pleasure shines. For all alike are free. S. G. BcLFWCn. PUNISHMENT OF CHILDREN. In the March number of the Atlantic Monthly the "Country Parson" has a charming little essay on "The Sorrows of Childhood," in the course of 'which he makes these remarks : An extremely wicked way of punisliing children is by shutting them up in a dark place. Dark- ness is naturally fearful to human beings, and the stupid ghost stories of many nurses make it espe- cially fearful to a child. It is a stupid and wicked thing to send a child on an errand in a dark night. I do not remember passing through a greater trial in my youth than once walking three miles alone (it was not going on an errand) in the dark, along a road thickly shaded with trees. I was a little fellow ; but I got over the distance in half an hour. Pait of the way was along the wall of a chui-ch- yard — one of those ghastly, weedy, neglected, ac- cursed looking spots where stupidity has done •what it can to add circumstances of disgust and horror to the Christian's long sleep. Nobody ever supposed that this walk was a trial to a boy of twelve years old, so little are the thoughts of chil- dren understood. And children are reticent — I am telling now about that dismal walk for the very first time. And in the illness of childhood chil- dren sometimes get very close and real views of death. I remember, when I was nine years old, how every evening, when I lay down to sleep, I used for about a year to picture myself lying dead, till I felt as though the coffin were closing round me. I used to read at that period, with a curious feeling of fascination, Blair's poem, "The Grave." But I never dreamed of telling anybody about these thoughts. I believe that thoughtful children keep most of their thoughts to themselves, and in respect of the things of which they think most, are as jirofoundly alone as the Ancient Mariner in the Pacific. I have heard of a parent, an im- portant member of a very strait sect of the Phar- isees, whose child, when dying, begged to be buried not in a certain foul old hideous church- yard, but in a certain cheerful cemetery. Tliis re- quest the poor little creature made with all the energy of terror and despair. But the strait Phar- isee refused the dying request, and pointed out with polemical bitterness to the child that he must be very wicked indeed to care at such a time where he was to be buried, or what might be done with his body after death. How I should enjoy the spectacle of that unnatural, heartless, stupid wretch tarred and feathered ! The dying child was car- ing for a thing about which Shakespeare cared ; and it was not in mere human weakness, but "by faith," that "Joseph, when he was a-dying, gave commandment concerning his bones." FUEL. It is a common mistake among farmers to burn wood the same year it is cut. Two cords of dry wood will give more heat than three cords in an unseasoned state. When the moisture in the burning wood is be- ing evaporated, it has the power of taking up heat ; its own bulk is increased one-five-hundredth part for every degree of heat added, and it travels up the chimney or stove-pipe with the heat. If wood be cut two years before its use, it will be found much more economical ; all the heat will he radiated in the room, or at least a very much lar- ger portion than when it is accompanied by mois- ture. When under steam boilers, green wood will not make steam, at least in the boiler, for the heat is used in converting the w|iter of the wood itself into steam ; it passes through the flues into the chimney, without heating the boiler. This is true not only of the wood, but also in degree of coal, especially bituminous coal, which, when wet, radiates but little heat, the majority passing up the chimney. Even anthracite coal is capable of holding some water. It should al- ways be carted on a dry day, and placed under cover for winter's use. — Working Farmer. Rhubakb Wine. — Messrs. George Skilton & Son, of Charlestown, manufacture a wine from rhubarb which we have tasted on two or three oc- casions, and which we consider an excellent arti- cle for those who need its tonic or other influen- ces. We are informed that it is made and pre- served without the aid of spirit of any kind. The manufacturers have the certificates of several well- known physicians, who state that they have used this wine with very pleasant results in cases of debility and sickness. It is limpid and clear, light-colored, and has a fine, rich flavor. Benefit your friends, that they may love you still more dearly ; benefit your enemies, that they may become your fiiends. 226 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May IiEGISIiATIVE AQBICULTURAIi SOCIETY. [Reported for. the Faemer by D. W. Lothrop.] The twelfth meeting of the series was held at the State House, on Monday evening last, when the subject for discussion was — Tlie Breed of Horses best adapted to Massachusetts. Dr. LoR- ING, of Salem, was invited to preside. The chairman observed that we all understood the value of horses, as they were not only a luxury in civilized life, but a necessity in various depart- ments of labor, particularly so to the farmer. In regard to the best breeds or kinds, it was pretty certain to him, negatively, that the large, or the thorough breeds, were neither of them the proper and economical kinds for general use in Massa- chusetts. He had often expressed his objections to large animals, such as cattle, sheep, &c., and he would do the same in respect to horses. One is astonished in looking at large Cleveland Drays, weighing 1500 or 1600 pounds or more ; but for ordinary purposes, the Suffolksand Black Hawks, ■weighing 1000 pounds or less, were superior to thera. They were light and elastic, compact in organization, and the kind which Youatt would recommend. They are of the class we need, as they never tire, and can do as much work as the larger ones. So as to the Morgan horses ; they are firm, compact, active, good roadsters, and are not surpassed for farming purposes generally. Their strength is proverbial. Dr. L. also spoke of the less expense of feeding these smaller horses, and said that in their construction, too, there were no such horses as we have. For the present war, the horses from Vermont, weighing from 900 to 1000 pounds, are the best, and in fact our finest horses come from that State ; and we in New England should congratulate ourselves that we have such a race. These excellent horses are in- digenous or native to our soil — not even the Mor- gan breed has any thorough blood now. The coarse horses of Maine are not so good as those more compact ones from Vermont. For ordinary purposes, he believed, we had a better race of horses than we could import. In fact, some of our Black Hawk mares, worth $1000 each here, have doubled their price in England. Of thorough breeds, their mechanism is not so good and hardy as others. They are almost useless in England ; they break down, are not fit for roadsters, plowing, &c., and we violate the rules of sound mechanism by their importation and in-breeding. Dr. L. here alluded to the osteolog- ical formation of a good trotting horse in regard to the humerus and scapula, giving him the pow- er to raise his fore legs with ease, grace and agili- ty. The thorough-breeds, on the contrary, are a shuffling, daisy-cutting race, and had been found so in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and some other States. Proof to this eflfect was cited from a medical man from one of the above-named States. Herbert once advocated thorough breeds, and he says they are poor on the road, and are not designed as trotters. The speaker said they had not the element or power of trotting well, but the American horse is a trotting horse, and has the proper mechanism for it, also for the farm. On the track it had been said that Patchen was a thorough-breed ; and some said Trustee was, for whom it was claimed that he could trot twenty miles in an hour. The old Messenger in Maine was no trotter, hardly making five miles the hour. Flora Temple, however, was unquestionably a Yankee horse, with no thorough blood ; and Ethan Allen, Black Hawk and Lady Suffolk, though all great trotters, are equally good for the New Eng- land farm. Dr. O. W. Holmes the speaker ob- served, would as soon breed dice boxes as thor- ough breeds. In a visit to Vermont to see its cat- tle. Dr. L. said he found a horse at Avork in a ci- der-mill. The owner wanted to sell him, and tak- ing a ride together, he went twelve miles an hour easily. He was a mixture of the Morgan and Norman blood, between 700 or 800 in weight, and the speaker bought him, and finds him good on the road for ten miles an hour. Horses like this we cannot find in the other States, or out of New England. Here is the place for the farmer to pur- chase, and he should not trouble himself about importations, for Ave have a consolidated stock un- surpassed, if not unequalled. • Mr. Wetiierell said farmers had a deep inter- est in this subject. On the whole, horse-breeding does not pay. Stonehenge said breeding was like a lottery — it being rare that you got a good ani- mal. Of thorough breeds, if they are not good, how many of the Black Hawks are poor trotters ? The best trotters have no Morgan blood in thera. As to the term indigenous, he did not understand it. [Dr. Loring explained as to their domestic identity.] But neither our horses or cattle are indigenous ; they all came from abroad. He did not like the discarding of thorough breeds. What are the best looking and most dignified horses ? Look at the Arabian. Some say the horse is from Egypt, or Africa ; but he thought he Avas from Asia. These horses had improved the English, and they were thorough breeds. If the thorough breed is no better than had been stated, then the rules in regard to breeding cattle are set at naught. The Arabian breeds only from his OAvn best stock, and his horses are kept in a pure state. Mr. W. advocated thorough breeds, and Avas surprised that they should be so taken doAvn. Stonehenge says that 300 thorough-bred stallions had been import- ed here, and the Morgan and Black Hawk races Avould have been Avorthless Avithout their blood. The osteological mechanism is the same for trot- ting as for racing. Flora Temple and Lady Suf- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 227 folk were no doubt of large thorough blood, and the effect of Morgan on his stock is also proof of this. He spoke of the natural gait of the horse, which was a canter. When a horse is made to trot he goes diagonally, two feet up at once, and then changes. Flora Temple sometimes had no foot on the ground. She earned $50,000. He gave her pedigree. Good thorough blood was on both sides. [Dr. Loring said Lancet beat her.] Mr. W. replied that horses win that are made to. Trustee was three-fourths thorough-blood, and Bob Logic, a thorough-bred stallion, could also trot his 20 miles an hour. Shaw's Balrownie, look at him, how fine ! In fact, the thorough-bred horse is to the farmer of the utmost importance. Mr. Alexander, of Kentucky, is trying to raise some for trotters, or for roadsters. Education has much to do with the horse, as he can be taught to trot, run or amble. Our Puritan forefathers religiously opposed race horses, but learned their own to trot. If the farmer would improve his horses, let him take thorough breeds — breeding from the best, as in cattle. Dr. LoRiNG inquired of the last speaker, if he didn't understand him to say that "no Morgan or Black Hawk blood was found in a good trotter ?" Mr. Wetherell admitted that the Morgan can trot pretty well, even good. He said, when up before, that the best trotters have no Morgan blood in them. Dr. LoRiNG wanted to show that we have a roadster that had developed the best stock of horses. He thought we had got ahead of thorough- breeds. We have a farming and travelling horse which is capable of transmitting his formation, and this has been encouraged. Mr. Wetherell responded, and observed that he advocated the Morgan, and that these horses were excellent because of their thorough blood. Mr. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, said the great question is, "What are the best traits of the horse ?" The thorough-breed in England is a runner and nothing else. The term "thorough- breed" is liable to mislead. It was one of conve- nience. The so-called thorough-breed is much mixed by the Spanish, the Persian, the Arabian and the English stock. "Thorough-breed" is in- definite— a clap-trap. Let us look at the mech- anism of the English horse. He is not so good as some others. The Morgan is different in confor- mation from the race horse. If the Morgan is full blood, let it be shown. Will the colts of Mr. Al- exander become good trotters by breeding ? He owned the Lexington, and no one would change a farm horse for him. Mr. A. was a breeder of horses for the turf; shall we breed from such, or in- troduce the foreign ? Let us see if good trotters can spring from Balrownie. In this matter we should not forget fundamental principles. Mr. Wetherell asked if there was any differ- ence in the shoulders of Flora Temple and Lex- ington. Mr. Howard replied that the scapula is not so long in Lexington. Dr. LoRlNG here gave a description of the scap- ula and humerus of the horse, showing the differ- ence between those of the racer and the trotter. Hon. Amasa Walker, of North Brookfield, spoke of the effect of climate on men and ani- mals. We have horses fitted to our country and circumstances, yet some foreign stock may be well. Four similar horses placed in different parts of the world would all become different. We have, however, in New England, the best horses known ; they are Yankee, like the population. The Mor- gan horse was a Yankee horse, and liis influence on his progeny was marked. He is well adapted to us and our wants. Mr. N. Richardson, of Winchester, spoke at some length upon the subject, and thought that if foreign blood, or thorough blood, was useful, it M'as to give greater endurance to our horses. He alluded to many of our fast trotters, and thought that colts should be fed well the first year, and not forced much afterwards. We should be care- ful, also, not to overdo our horses. Mr. Stedmax, of Chicopee, thought that by in- troducing thorough-breeds we should be much disappointed, and concun-ed with the chaii-man. The Morgan was the best for New England, and he believed he had not much thorough blood in him. Mr. Walker again alluded to the power of the Morgan horse of transmitting himself. He has a mare which is said to be afac simile of the old Morgan. The subject for the next discussion was now announced — How can our Agricultural Exhibi- tions be made most benejicial to the interests oj the Commonwealth 7 HOTV THE CHnSTESE MAKE DWARF TREES. We have all known from childhood how the Chinese cramp their women's feet, and so manage to make them "keepers at home ;" but how they contrive to grow miniature pines and oaks in flow- er pots for half a century, has always been much of a secret. It is the product chiefly of skilful, long-continued root pruning. They aim, first and last, at the seat of vigorous gi'owth, endeavoring to weaken it as far as may consist with the preser- vation of life. They begin at the beginning. Taking a young plant (say a seedling or cutting of a cedar,) when only two or three inches high, they cut off its tap-root as soon as it has other rootlets enough to live upon, and re-plant it in a shallow earthem pot or pan. The end of the tap-root is generally made to rest on the bottom of the pan, or on a flat stone within it. Alluvial clay is then 228 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May put into the pot, much of it in bits the size of beans, and just enough in kind and quantity to furnish a scanty nourishment in the plant. AVa- ter enough is given to keep it in growth, but not enough to excite a vigorous habit. So, likewise, in the application of light and heat. As the Chinese pride themselves also on the shape of their miniature trees, they use strings, wires and pegs, and various other mechanical con- trivances, to promote symmetry of habit, or to fashion their pets into odd fancy figures. Thus by the use of very shallow pots, the growth of the tap-root is out of the question ; by the use of poor soil, and little of it, and little water, strong growth is prevented. Then, too, the top and side roots being within easy reach of the gardener, are shortened by the pruning-knife, or seared with his hot iron. So the little tree, finding itself headed on every side, gives up the idea of strong growth, asking only for life, and just growth enough to live and look M'ell. Accordingly, each new set of leaves becomes more and more stunted, the buds and rootlets are diminished in proportion, and at length a balance is established between every part of the tree, making it a dwarf in all respects. In some kinds of trees this end is reached in three or four years ; in others, ten or fifteen years are necessary. Such is fancy horticulture among the Celestials. — Scottish Farmer. For the New England Fanner, QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SEED. Mr. Editor: — This is an important subject, and deserves the attention and careful considera- tion of every farmer. No one can be a successful farmer who is careless or indifferent about the quality or the quantity of the seed he uses. The subject is twofold, implying good seed, and a suf- ficient quantity. On this subject, there is a great diversity of opinion and practice. Some appear to be quite indifferent with regard to the quality of their seed, whether it be good, plump, ripe seed of the right kind, or directly the opposite, poor, shrivelled, unripe seed of a worthless character. They do not seem to care what the quality of their seed is, provided it will vegetate, and it does not cost them a high price. Others appear to be quite indifferent with regard to the quantity of seed they use, whether too much, or too little. In some instances, they use more than is necessary ; and, in others, they do not use seed enough. With regard to the quality of seed, but little need be said to put every one on his guard. It is not always easy to tell good seed from bad ; but a discrimination ought always to be made ; and bad seed should be rejected, or what, after examina- tion, is thought to be bad. By bad seed I mean seed of doubtful appearance and character — seed wanting in vitality and vegetative power — and seed whose productions are of an inferior quality. All such seed should be carefully rejected ; and none but good, bright, plump, perfect seed should be used. Good seed, the very best, is none too good, and is always the most profitable, because the most productive. They who raise their own seed can easily tell the difference between good and bad seed ; and if they continue to use poor seed, or poor kinds of seed, the fault and loss are their own. But they who purchase their seed at the country seed stores, have no certain means of telling whether the seed be good or bad, or of the right kind, but are obliged to rely on the honesty and fidelity of oth- ers ; because the seed all comes done up in small papers, less than a table spoonful in each, and is sold at five cents a paper, which, at that price, ought to be good seed, but frequently turns out to be bad. In this case, the individual loss in money is not much, but the loss in labor in preparing and manuring the ground, and in sowing the seed, and the loss in time in waiting for the seed to vegetate, till it is too late to sow again, greatly in- crease the amount of loss. These remarks apply particularly to garden seeds, and, with certain lim- itations, to all other kinds of seed. The best, the earliest, the ripest should in every instance be se- lected ; for it is a law in the vegetable, as well as in the animal kingdom, that "like produces like," so that, if Ave wish to secure the continuation of good crops, we must sow and plant good seed. But other conditions are necessary to produce good crops beside the use of good seed of the right kind. There must be also a sufficient quan- tity of seed, neither too much, nor too little ; and it should be used at the proper time, and in a proper manner. To tell exactly what this quanti- ty is, in every instance, on different kinds of soil, and at different seasons of the year, whether sowed in the autumn or spring, early or late, is no easy matter. It is sufficient to say, that a less quanti- ty of seed is required to sow an acre, when sowed early, than when sowed late, because the seed has more time to vegetate, to take root, to spread over the ground, and to put forth additional shoots. It is believed, that we do not generally sow enough seed of the cereal kinds, such as wheat, rye, oats and barley. We do not sow as much as the Eng- lish do, and they always have the larger crop. It is very evident, that we do not sow grass seed enough, nor a sufficient variety of seed. This is especially the case on new land that has been re- cently cleared and burned over. If we do not sow enough seed on such land, the loss is very great ; because the condition of the land is such that Ave cannot plow and soav again, but are obliged to let the land run to Avaste, on account of the stumps and roots. The case is somewhat different in planting corn and potatoes, because we generally use too much seed. When Ave plant a large, but late kind of corn, Ave almost always use too much seed, and plant too near together ; and the consequence is, that, in our climate, the corn does not get ripe be- fore it is overtaken by the frost. The smaller and earlier kinds of corn may be planted nearer to- gether, and with more kernels in a hill. In plant- ing potatoes, Ave generally use too much seed, Avhether Ave plant the great or the small, the cut, or the uncut ; and, as a natural consequence, Ave have a large crop of small vines and of small po- tatoes. This is especially the case, Avhen Ave plant small potatoes without cutting, putting two or three in a hill. To obviate the necessity of tasing too much seed, I usually select the fairest and best potatoes, instead of the largest or smallest, and plant as early as our climate Avill admit. I cut the potatoes lengthAvise, so as to divide the seed end, and put but one piece in a hill, a foot and a half apart. I ahvays plant them with the cut side up, and throAV on them a spoonful of gi-ouud plas- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 229 ter, to preserve the life and vigor of the potato. The juice or nutriment of the potato is necessary to the support of the young plant. This the plas- ter absorbs and preserves as it exudes from the cut potatoes. I afterwards throw upon each hill a handful of ashes ; and, at the time of hoeing, I throw upon the vines of each hill another spoon- ful of plaster. And without using any manure, I never fail to have good potatoes, and perfectly free from the rot, when I plant early enough. AH the earlier kinds of potatoes escape the rot entirely, because the tops are all dead before the season of the rot arrives. John Goldsbury. Warwick, Feb., 1862. For the New Ensland Fanner. JEFFEESON AT MONTICELLO. BY JUDGE FRENCH. A book of 138 octavo pages, with the above ti- tle, has just been published, under the authorship of Rev. Mr. Pierson, President of Cumberland College, Kentucky. His materials, which are said to be entirely new, are derived mainly from Cap- tain Bacon, who was Mr. Jefferson's "overseer" for about twenty years of the latter part of his life. Mr. Bacon's duty as "overseer" seems to have been that of a sort of steward, or general manager, to whom instructions were given as to the conduct of all the affairs of the establishment. We get from the volume an insight into Presi- dent Jefferson's agricultural tastes and opinions, which we find very interesting. He gave to his farm affairs that minute and systematic attention which is essential to any satisfactory results, and which enabled him to accomplish so much in so many and various departments of business and science. "He always knew," says Mr. Bacon, "everything, in every part of his gi'ounds and gar- den. He knew the name of every tree, and just where one was dead or missing." He wrote from Washington, while he was President, particular directions hoAV every servant should be employed, and when he sent trees and shrubs, as he often did, to be planted about his place, he wrote in- structions where each one should be set. In a letter of November, 1807, he directs where to plant a great variety of trees. His heart was evidently a', his home, and every part of the land- scape Wiis pictured in his mind. He writes thus : "Four purple beeches. In the clumps which are in the south-west and north-west angles of the house. There were four of those trees planted last spring, two in each clump. They all died, but the places will be known by the remains of the trees, or by the sticks marked No. IV. in the places. I wish those now sent, to be planted in the same places." "Six Spitzenberg apple trees. Plant them in the south-east orchard, in any place ■where apples have been planted and are dead." The r)un:)lc beech, let us say, is one of the most beautiful of trees, and why it is not more common, seeing that 55 years ago it was known and appre- ciated by Mr. Jefferson, is somewhat strange. We have seen them in England, from one to two feet in diameter, and much of the proportions of the common beech. It has, in localities near Boston, a somewhat peculiar habit of putting out its leaves irregularly, some branches being in full leaf, while others remain in the bud. If the tree is healthful, as we presume it to be, it is worthy of a place in all ornamental grounds. MONTICELLO. Capt. Bacon says, "Monticello is quite a high mountain, in the shape of a sugar loaf. A winding road led up to the mansion. On the very top of the mountain, the forest trees were cut down, and ten acres were cleared and levelled off." The house stood on the very top. The grounds about it were beautifully ornamented with flowers and shrubberj', and laid out in walks. Back of the house was a lawn of two or three acres. The garden was on the hill-side, and full of all sorts of fruits, including grapes and figs. There were about 300 acres inclosed with the house, from which Mr. Jefferson never allowed a tree to be cut for use. Roads and walks were laid out winding through it, where the family amused themselves at pleasure. The whole estate comprised some ten thousand acres of land, too rough and uneven to be very profitable for cultivation, though finely adapted to fruit. Among other things, he had a flouring-mill four stories high, and built of stone, with four run of stones, to which water was carried in a canal three- fourths of a mile. He had also a nail factory, where he worked ten hands to good profit, at two fires, supplying all the neighborhood with nails. The flouring-mill was unprofitable, but a great ac- commodation to the country around. He had also a factory for making cotton cloth, in which were three spinning machines, running in all sixty spindles, where he manufactured much more cloth than was used by his family. Jefferson was enterprising in all directions. When he wanted a new carriage, he set his men to work, and built it on the place, from a model that he planned himself. "The woodwork, black- smithing and painting were all done by his own workmen. He had the plating done in Richmond." It is a pity the drawings are not preserved, for this carriage must have been a curiosity, or would be now, certainly. "When he travelled in this car- riage," says Bacon, "he always had five horses, four in the carriage, and the fifth for Burwell, (a slave,) who always rode behind him. These five horses were Dioraede, Brimmer, Tecumseh, Wel- lington and Eagle." Mr. Bacon says tlje new carriage and the fine blood-horses, with elegnnt 230 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat harnesses, made a splendid appearance. His horses were not driven with reins, but a postillion rode one of each pair, as the fashion now is in state car- riages abroad, LIVE STOCK. Beside indulging, like most Virginia gentlemen, in a taste for fine horses. President Jefferson gave great attention to improvement in the breeds of cattle, sheep and swine. Mr. Bacon says the first full blood Merino sheep in all that country were imported by Mr. Jefferson, for himself and Mr. Madison, while the former was President. They were sent by water to Fredericksburg, but where they came from, we are not informed. Mr. Ba- con's plan for getting up a flock would be worthy the genius of a Connecticut Yankee. He put a notice in a newspaper, that persons who wished to improve their stock, might send two ewes, which would be kept until their lambs were ready to wean, and then the owner might come and take one lamb, leaving the ewes and the other lamb. In this way, he says, "We got the greatest lot of sheep — more than we wanted — two or three hun- dred, I think — and in a few years we had an im- mense flock. People came long distances to buy our full blood sheep. At first we sold them for fifty dollars, but they soon fell to thirty and twen- ty, and before I left Mr. Jefferson, Merino sheep were so numerous, that they sold about as cheap as common ones." Mr. Jefferson imported from Barbary four broad tailed sheep ; but although they made good mutton, they were not liked, and ran out in a few years. He and Mr. Madison imported also some swine, called by the name of Calcutta hogs, which Mr. Bacon describes as being black on the head and rump, and white listed round the body. They were very long bodied, with short legs ; would live on grazing. He says, "They would not root much more than an ox. With common pasturage, they would weigh 200 at a year old, and fed with corn, and well treated, they would weigh 300 or 400." The object of Mr. Jefferson was to scatter his im- proved breeds for the benefit of the country ; but his "overseer" seems to have wisely judged, that what is lightly won is lightly prized, and he de- vised a plan by which he increased his herds of swine as well as his flocks of sheep. "I told the people," he says, "to bring three sows, and when they came for them, they might take two and leave one. In this way, we soon got a large number of hogs, and the stock was scattered over that whole country." Jefferson never imported any cattle during the twenty years included in this account, but "could always procm-e remarkably fine cattle from West- ern Virginia." In one of his letters from Wash- ington, he speaks of divers valuables in the way of plants, &c., sent by his servant Davy, and adds, "He brings a couple of Guinea pigs, which I wish you to take great care of, as I propose to get this kind into the place of those we have now, as I greatly prefer their size and form." The animal now known as the Guinea pig is not of the swine genus, and whether Mr. Jefferson referred to it, or to something else, or was under a misappre- hension as to what a Guinea pig is, is not quite certain. Jefferson was very particular in making his cid- er. In one of his letters, he speaks of his apples. "They are now mellow and beginning to rot. Let them be made clean, one by one, and all the rot- ten ones thrown away, or the rot cut out. Noth- ing else can ensure good cider." HIS SLAVES. Mr. Bacon says, "No servants ever had a kind- er master than Mr, Jefferson's. He did not like slavery. I have heard him talk a great deal about it. He thought it a bad system. I have heard him prophesy that we should have just such trou- ble with it, as we are having now." Capt. Bacon is a stanch Union man, utterly opposed to the whole secession movement, and seems to see, as many of us farther North do, the true origin of the rebellion. Some of the necessary fruits of the system of slavery, appear in this narrative. Gov. Thomas M. Randolph, who married one oi Jefferson's daughters, was much embarrassed for money, at times, and in order to raise what he re- quired, "when he must have it, and could get it in no other way, he would be obliged to sell some of his negroes." On the 16th of May, 1819, he sold to this same Mr. Bacon a little girl four years old, described as "Edy, daughter of Fennel," for $200, in order to meet a payment of $150, to the United States Bank. Mr. Jefferson, while Presi- dent, sent for Mr. Bacon to come to the White House and take two of his servants, husband and wife, who were quarrelsome, to Alexandria, and sell them, but they begged and promised so hard, that the President relented and kept them. He gave several of his favorite slaves their freedom by liis will, and would have freed them all, but was so embarrassed by a loss of $20,000, as sure- ty for a friend, and by the imposition of every- body upon his hospitality, that he could not well do it. On the whole, we find our favorable im- pression of Jefferson, as a large-hearted, progres- sive, considerate, unselfish, kindly natured man, confirmed by this volume. It has nothing to do with his opinions, political or religious, but gives us an agreeable sketch of the philosopher and statesman at home, most beloved and revered by those who knew him best. There is no position where a great man appears more truly noble, than at the head of his family, on his own homestead. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 231 For the New England Farmer, A CHAPTER ON KOSES. BY E. "W, BUSWELL. "Then, then, in strange eventful hour, The Earth produced an infant flower, Wliich sprang with blushine tinctures drest, And wanton'd o'er its parent breast. The Rods beheld this brilliant birtli. And hailed the Rose — the boon of Earth." This universal favorite has been a theme with the poets of all ages, in all countries, and mytho- logical writers have loved to dwell upon its charms. It was dedicated by the Greeks to Aurora as an emblem of youth, to Venus as an emblem of love and beauty, to Cupid as an emblem of fugacity and danger. By Cupid it was given to Harpocra- tes, the god of silence, as a bribe, to prevent him from betraying the amours of Venus ; and as an emblem of silence, it was sculptured on the ceil- ings of drinking and feasting rooms as a warning to guests that what was said in moments of con- viviality was not to be repeated. Hence the term "s?<6 rosa." One fable of its birth is, that Flora having found the dead body of one of her favorite nymphs, whose beauty was equalled only by her virtue, im- plored the assistance of all the gods and goddess- es to aid her in changing it into a flower which all other flowers should acknowledge to be their queen. Apollo lent the vivifying power of his beams, Bacchus bathed it in nectar, Vertumnus gave it perfume, Pomona fruit, and Flora herself a diadem of flowers. The Greek poets say that the rose was original- ly white, and was changed to red by the blood of Venus, who lacerated her feet by its thorns when rushing to the aid of Adonis. Its fragrance is said to be derived from a cup of nectar thrown over it by Cupid ; and its thorns to be the stings of bees with which the arc of his bow was strung. Now, perhaps, some will be so scep- tical as to disbelieve this agency of the gods in its origin, yet none will deny that "The hand that made it is Divine," The real history of the rose dates back to the time of the earliest Avriters of antiquity. Herodo- tus speaks of the double rose, Solomon, of the rose of Sharon, and the plantations of roses at Jericho. Theophrastus of the himdred-leaved roses of Mount Pangaeus, and it appears that the Isle of Rhoda (Isle of Roses,) received its name from the culture of roses carried on there. The Romans attained to a high degree of perfection in its cultivation, and in their writings frequent allu- sion is made to its virtues in such terms as to show that they almost held it in sacred estimation. From the time of the Romans, down to the time when botany became a science, its history is but little known, yet enough to show that through those dark ages it was highly prized by all. Thence to the present time, its history is well defined. Its great desirableness has led to an almost end- less increase of varieties by hybridization, and very considerable works upon its cultivation are cur- rent. It is chiefly cultivated as a floriferous shrub wherever grown; yet in Europe, Asia and the north of Africa it not only pleases the senses of sight and smell, but it has become an article of commerce in the various preparations from its flowers, used in medicine and domestic economy. These are the dried petals, rose-water, vinegar of roses, spirit of roses, honey of roses, conserve of roses, oil of roses, and attar, otto, butter or essence of roses. A description of their mode of prepara- tion Avould occupy too much space for this article. Pre-eminently the queen of flowers, it is not ex- celled by any of the many floral candidates for our favor, and is found in greater or less variety in every well-ordered garden, where, if the selection has been carefully made and the plants properly treated, they will give, even in open culture, a "round of pleasure" from early in June to freezing weather. To secure this end, books or descrip- tive catalogues should be consulted for the varie- ties, and as there seems to be a lack of general knowledge on the mode of cultivation, a few prac- tical hints, condensed from "book farming" and "founded on facts," may be of some service to those who have, summer after summer, almost with tears in their eyes, witnessed the blasting of their hopes and roses together. First, then, come soil and situation. The rose will grow in almost any common garden soil, but to thrive well, it should have a soil naturally light and free, and Avell enriched ; in an open and airy situation, but little shaded, if at all, and not under the drip of trees. In planting, many persons think it only neces- sary to dig a hole and bury the roots ; but to se- cure a good growth, care should be had in prun- ing root and top, to leave no mutilated part, and place the roots in their proper positions, leaving no cavity under them, but fill well with fine mould, and press it down lightly. Of Pruning. — As the rose blossoms on new wood, it is desirable to have that of vigorous growth. Hence it is necessary to cut out fireely the Aveak shoots, and cut back well the stronger ones, so as to induce the lower eyes to push. This applies to dwarf or shrub roses, and not to stand- ards or to climbers. Pillar or trellis roses usual- ly require only the oldest wood cut away, and a judicious heading in. The time for pruning is in early spring, when the sap is beginning to move. If it is desirable to retard the bloom of the per- petual or remontant varieties, it may be done by pinching off" the earlier blossom buds. Insects. — Of the many insects injurious to the rose, are the aphides, commonly called plant lice, or green flies, frequently found in large numbers on the tender shoots and sapping the veiy life of the plant, and were it not for the aid of the lady- bird, which is said to destroy them in large num- bers, and of the small singing birds, the careless gardener might find his bushes soon ruined. "Reaumur has calculated that in five genera- tions one aphis rosce may be the progenitor of 3,904,900,000 descendants, and in ordinary sea- sons, ten generations are produced." Another and more destructive insect is the rose saw-fly, Selandria Rosce, whose yoimg is the rose slug, a small "green monster," a third of an inch in length with a dark stripe through the mid- dle, found lying flat upon the upper surface of the leaf, and eating away the substance, leaves only the veins and lower surface to die and turn brown, thus robbing the plant of its lungs, and giving it the appearance of having been scorched. Their ravages commence with the lower leaves soon af- ter they are formed, and working upward with rapid increase of numbers, they soon destroy the 232 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May vitality of the most vigorous plants. Another ugly customer is the rose-bug, melolontha subspinosa, a real "hard shell." With his long snout he is a regular bore, pitching into the flower and in a very short time destroying its beauty. Preferring as he does the white flowers, he is often found in a trap. The vqrious spireas, and especially the Si- berian, and also the Valeriana phu are favorite re- sorts of his, and if taken before he is off" his perch in the morning (he rises with the sun) he may be treated "hydropathically" with marked success, by simply holding a dish of cold water under him and make an "advance." He at once keels off", expect- ing no doubt to land anywhere but in water, and being chilled, cannot crawl out and fly away. A few mornings' hunting will very sensibly diminish their numbers. The remedy for the two first named is also hydropathic, but differently administered, and is also a remedy for nearly all the other and minor troubles of the rose. It consists of a solution of whale oil soap, at the rate of one pound to sev- en gallons of water. This is found to be of suffi- cient strength to destroy all insect life except hard shells, and will not injure the foliage. The best way is to dissolve it in boiling water, and then di- lute to the proper strength, strain it to take out foreign substances and insure thorough solution, and apply with a garden syringe near or after sun- set, being careful to thoroughly wet the foliage on both upper and under sides. If applied with suf- ficient force to knock the enemy off, so much the better. The plants may be syringed with clear water in the morning, but it is not very import- ant. By commencing this process soon after the opening of the leaf buds, and following it up at intervals of four or five days, until the blossoms unfold, a healthy foliage may be maintained, with- out which no plant can thrive. To protect from winter-killing, hill up late in the autumn with old manure, and shade with ev- ergreen boughs. Let no one think these operations too trouble- some, but remember that if flowers are worth hav- ing, they are worth caring for, and also that if "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," so it may be of flowers ; and as the fond mother feels the strongest attachment to that child whose tender years have caused her the most solicitude, so shall those flowers that require at our hands the most care and Avatchfulness reward us with a proportion- ate meed of pleasure. I append a list of a few va- rieties generally approved : George the Fourth. Augustic Mie. Baronne Provost. Giant ties Battells. La Reine. Leon des Combats. rriuce Albert. SouTcnir Levisson Gower. Pius IX. Jaquea LafiUe. Count Beaumont, llailam Plantier. Madam Laffay. Cristata. FOR CLIMBEBS. Prairie Queen. Bourflault. Baltimore Belle. A Hundred Eggs from a Python. — In the Zoological Gardens at London they have had a large serpent of the Python species, from the West Coast of Africa, for many years. This reptile is nineteen feet long and twenty inches in circumfer- ence. About three years ago another snake of the same kind was introduced to its den, and they have lived together ever since. On the morning of the 12th of January the men in charge of that depart- ■lent were much surprised to find that the larger serpent had laid about a hundred eggs as large as those of a goose. The skin of the eggs was tough and leathery, their color, dirty yellow. When first seen the eggs were in a heap, but the serpent laid them all on a level, and then coiled her body over them. During the week after she laid them, the serpent came off" them twice for short periods* She is covered with a blanket while thus upon her eggs, and has not fed for the last twenty-one weeks. This interesting fact establishes the fact that this species of serpent hatches her young by incuba- tion, and it is believed that she will bring some snakes from the great nest of eggs she has laid. SQUASHES AMONG POTATOES. It has been generally supposed by farmers that in order to raise good squashes, they must be planted on ground specially prepared for them, and then cultivated with great tenderness and care. A piece of rich land is usually selected, plowed and thoroughly pulverized and manured, and the squash seeds planted in raised hills. In this way they are cultivated in masses, and hold out the most tempting invitation to all the bugs in the neighborhood to come and feed upon them. Under these circumstances the utmost vigilance Ss necessary to preserve even one plant from de- struction,— and those that remain with the breath of life in them, are generally so disfigured and poisoned as to require about half of the growing season to recover from such blighting influences. Attended with all this labor of the preparation of the soil, and the subsequent care which the squash yard requires, it is rarely the case that squashes do not cost the farmer altogether too much. There is a cheaper and better way of raising this delicious and wholesome article of food. It may be common to others, but it came to our knowledge through the necessity of finding some more certain way of obtaining a crop than by tl» "squash yard" process. Several experiments were made, and among them one has resulted in giving us the greatest abundance of excellent squashes, almost without cost. We plant our field potatoes in hills at a distance of tliree by three and a half feet apait, and drees these hills or holes, with strawy, unfermented ma- nure. Into these hills we drop occasionally a squash seed with the potato — but these are in- tended for earli/ use — for the young Marrow at Hubbard squash is as delicious as the true Sum- mer squash. At the first hoeing, seeds are pushed into the potato hills, pretty near the potato plants, where the plants are slightly sheltered while young and tender, and soon begin to stretch away into the open spaces between the rows and hiUs, and grow with great vigor and luxuriance. All our hilling of the potato is done at the first hoe- ing. The cultivator ia passed through the rows 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 233 afterwards, and all weeds kept down, but all this occurs before the squash vines have extended themselves so as to be in the way. By this mode of cultivcting the squash, few plants are injured by bugs, the crop is secured at a most trifling cost, and it has invariably been a good one. The vines should never be so close as to run into each other — not nearer than two or three rods. Those who try this plan will be quite certain to abandon "squash yards," and to have at harvest time as many high-flavored and excellent squashes as they desire. A dozen or two of squash seeds planted in an acre of corn, will be likely to produce similar results — but they should be six or eight rods apart. EXTRACTS AKD BEFLIE3. THE BAROMETER. I wish to make some inquiry about barometers. Are they to be depended on at all times, or do they, like signs in dry weather, sometimes fail ? dne of my neighbors has Timby's Barometer, (manufactured by John M. Mirick & Co., Worces- ter, Mass.,) and he speaks highly in praise of it. He thinks it a great help to the farmer, and he in- forms me he never knew it prove false ; often giv- ing him notice of a storm some twenty-four hours ahead. Now, Mr. Editor, I want your opinion as to whether the barometer is indeed useful to the far- mer ? If so, I want one — if not, I do not wish to throw away my money. Are there any rules laid down to help one who is unacquainted with the machine ? If so, please give them, and you will greatlv oblige one, if not many Subscribers. Cornwall, Vt, March, 1862. Remarks. — On pages 16, 395 and 518 of the monthly Farmer for 1861, may be found articles on the use and value of the barometer ; and on pages 159 and 470, of the volume for 1860, other articles containing about all we know of the value and working of the instrument. We have no doubt it may be made valuable to the farmer who will learn to understand it. A fertilizer for beans. Will you please inform me in your next your opinion respecting the best fertilizer in the mar- ket for white beans ? I have about 5 acres of up- land connected with a pasture of some 70 acres. It is my intention at some day to bring it into mowing. Being away from my house, and not be- ing able to put on barn-yard manure, I take this liberty to ask your opinion as to what quantity to put in the hill ? The land is quite rich from the droppings of the cattle, as they made a practice of sleeping upon it nights, as it was the most sheltered. Salem, April, 1862. B. Drinkwater. Remarks. — We do not know what "the best fer- tilizer in the market is for beans." We have used American guano and Coe's superphosphate of lime, «id had large crops, but the land had been dressed, broadcast, with barn manure. We have never plant- ed any considerable piece of land, without manur- ing. The specific fertilizers are used as auxiliaries. On the land you mention, however, should think that, with light plowing and finely pulverizing the surface, you may raise a good crop of beans with the help of either of the fertilizers mentioned above. now TO destroy warts. A subscriber wishes information with regard to killing warts on cows' teats. I will give a receipt which is efiectual as well as simple : take fresh butter (unsalted) add an equal amount of sharp vinegar ; simmer together and apply with a brush, cloth or hand. It will kill them so effectually that they will drop off in a few days ! Warts on cattle, however large, may be removed by this process, without injury. I have tried the above, and seen it tried to my sat- isfaction. One of my neighbors had a heifer which had a wart on her neck which must have weighed eight or ten pounds tried the above receipt, and in about one week the wart dropped off without the least injury to the heifer. Two or three applica- tions is generally sufficient. Stevens Lawrence, Jr. St. Alhaiis Bay, Vt., March 24, 1862. Remarks. — Excellent, because so simple, and divested of all danger to the animal. Colts are troubled with warts, and the same remedy would probably be equally effective with them. The same application may remove warts on the hands of children or adults. Try it and see. LEGHORN FOWLS. In the Farmer of March 22, 1 notice an article written by Mr. H. T. Gates, of New Worcester, in regard to Leghorn fowls. Will Mr. Gates be kind enough to give to the readers of the Farmer more information on the subject. 1. In what paper did a man speak highly of a large flock of fowls ? 2. Who was the author of the piece he saw in the paper? 3. Who was the gentleman of Worcester city that purchased the six fowls ? Justice demands a reply to the above. Millville, March, 1862. Subscriber. THOROUGH-BRED HORSES. There is a good deal said in many articles that I read, written on the horse, about thorough-bred or pure blood horses. Will you, or some of your numerous readers, inform me how to breed a thorough-bred horse, or a horse with pure blood ? March, 1862. j. w. Garden Fruits. — Strawberries do well on a rich, dry, but deep soU. On banks that are not too poor or dry, they seldom fail to do well, and are often three weeks earlier than when on level soil. The blackberry also will do on a dry, rich bank. We mention this as there are often such spots in small gardens which it is desirable to r&a- 234 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. Mat der useful. Strawberries seldom do well in low, wet ground. Raspberries and gooseberries do bet- ter there. In planting raspberries, they should be cut down nearly to the ground when planted. You lose the crop, of course, but you get good strong canes for next year. If you leave the canes long enough to bear, it will probably be the only crop you will ever get from them. Never expect anything to bear the year after transplanting. It is generally at the expense of the future health of the tree. Grapes that have become weak from age may be renewed by layering down a branch some feet just under the surface, and then cut back, so that one good eye only be left at the sm-face of the soil. OUR MECHAiaCAL PRODUCTIVENESS. The Avork of preparing the statistics of the last national census for publication has so far pro- gressed, as to afford valuable information to the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Treas- ury Department, in preparing a tax bill. The dif- ferent branches of manufacturing industry have expanded marvelously since the census of 1850. In that census the cotton manufacturers were set down at $65,500,687. The returns from New England alone in 1860 amount to $79,000,000. The woolen goods of the United States were esti- mated at $39,848,557, but New England alone in 1860 returns the value of woolen goods at $32,- ,000,000. In boots and shoes the census of 1850 for the whole United States returned only $53,- 967,408 ; Massachusetts alone in 1860 estimates her production in this branch of industry at $46,- 060,000. Philadelphia returns nearly $6,000,000. The production of pig, bar, railroad and rolled iron, which in 1850 was of the value of $30,823,- 374, in 1860 has reached $62,055,000, having doubled in ten years. The malt liquors produced in 1850 were valued at $5,728,508. In 1800 the amount is 3,235,000 barrels, valued at $18,000,- 000, or more than three times greater. The spiritu- ous liquors in 1850 were valued at $15,770,240; in 1860 the production is 86,000,000 gallons, vauled at $23,500,000. The value of the products of industry of all branches in 1850 was computed at $1,019,'106,616. In 1860 it will reach $1,900,- 000,000, or an increase of about eighty-seven percent! The greatest increase since 1850 is in agricultural implements, iron, malt liquors, ma- chinery, clothing, cotton goods, refined sugar, gold mining, &c. HO^W MIST IS GEMERATED. The production of mist is the subject of a note by the veteran Dr. John Davy (brother of Humph- rey) in the Edinburgh Pliilosophical Journal. The cause usually assigned for mist is the access of cold air and its admixture with warmer air, satu- rated, or nearly saturated, with moisture (such as that resting on the surface of large bodies of wa- ter,) and strikingly exemplified in our autumnal and winter fogs, when the water, owing to the heat absorbed during summer, is of a higher tempera- ture than the inflowing air. Dr. Davy, however, refers to another cause, not so much noticed, viz., a mild moist air coming in contact with a cooler air, equally humid, resting on cold surfaces, wheth- er of land or water, about the end of winter or be- ginning of spring. He describes mists which he considers to have been thus formed in the lake district of Cumberland. To a similar cause, also, he refers the phenomenon termed sweating, which is the precipitation of moisture on walls and flagged floors excluded from the influence of fire. He also attributes to a warm south wind succeed- ing to a cold north wind, the deposition of a large quantity of moisture in the gallery of a nobleman in Devonshire, and quotes the saying in Homer, .'The south wind wraps the mountain top in mist." LOOK OUT FOR YOUR FRUIT TREES I We have seen sad havoc among shrubbery and fruit trees, this spring, by mice, and have heard of it from various directions. These little creatures have been cut off" from their usual resources in a great degree by the ice Avliich has covered the ground for several weeks past. This has com- pletely shut them out from the low shi-ubs and grass roots, and in order to preserve life they have been compelled to go to the stems of our cultivat- ed shubbery and fruit trees. In some cases, we have heard of great damage done to apple trees, where they are of eight or ten years' growth. K such trees are gnawed mostly, or entirely, around their stems, they will be lilcely to die, unless they receive immediate attention — and the loss and dis- appointment will be severe. But sldlful and pa- tient hands may save many, by attending to tliem at once. The first thing to be done is, to visit each tree, and, wherever it is mutilated, cover the wounded part with a cloth or something else, so that it shall not become dry. The bark should be kept fresh and succulent until scions can be cut and placed vertically between the lower and upper portions of the wound ; then take scions from any vigorous tree of the same family, and with a sharp knife make a slanting cut of a half inch or more at each end, but on the same side, raise the bark on the edge of the wound a little, and place the sciofl in so that it Avill pass under the bark at each end about an eighth to a quarter of an inch. The slanting cut will then rest on the alburnum or sap wood that has been laid bare. The scions should be set Avithin an inch of each other as far as the wood is laid bare, and nearer still would be better. A piece of bass matting, or if that is not at hand, some soft twine or narrow strips of cloth should be tied over the ends of the scions to prevent them from moving, as a trifling misplacement would be likely to prevent their taking. When this has been done, the whole should be covered with a plaster composed of equal parts of cow manure and clay, thoroughly mixed, and tliis kept from being washed off" by rains by a cloth or matting tied over the whole. This may seem a tedious process, but it will be found to be much more rapidly done than one sup- poses, until he engages in it. At any rate, if a 1862, NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 235 tree of eight or ten years' growth can be saved in tliis way, it is well worth the trouble to do it. Mr. John Gordon, of Brighton, informs us that he has taken this course with some of his fine pear trees that were injured by mice, aiid with entire success. If they are gnawed quite low down, a banking of earth about the stem after the plaster is applied, may be sufficient. LEGISLATIVE AGBICDLTURAL SOCIETY. Repoeted for the Farmer by D. W. Lothrop. The thirteenth meeting of the series was held on Monday CN'ening last, at the State House, the subject for discussion being — How can our Agri- cultural Exhibitions be made most beneficial to th-e industrial interests of the Commonwealth'} Mr. Flint, Secretary of the State Agricultural Board, was appointed to the chair. He said the question in substance inquired, how we can make our agricultural societies more use- ful. He had observed that they are inclined to fall into a common routine in conducting their affairs ; though when new they were more active, more interest was felt in them, and they did more good. They were doing much good now, howev- er, but not so much as they might. He thought there should be one or two members of the County Societies in each town, whose duty it should be to report to the society any new facts or ideas that might be worthy of its consideration, as affecting its exhibitions. It would excite a wider and more general interest. Heretofore, complaints had been made that persons in the same town had taken certain premiums from year to year, and it was a matter worthy of attention and correction. The publications of the transactions of the County Societies, the chairman thought, should be more general — not merely published in a ncAvspaper, but carefully prepared in a pamphlet form, and distributed among farmers, to an extent, who were not members. Some of the societies had done well in this respect — witness the Essex, the Wor- cester North, and some others. !Mere display and amusement for a day should not be their prime object. The speaker would also throw out as a suggestion that the County Societies should have a fund for the purchase of agricultural implements, to be distributed among its members for trial, as many farmers have not much knowledge of them. They should also own some grounds, he thought, for experiments — the raising of seeds, for instance, as great loss is sustained by those which are worth- less. Yet he did not know that it could be satis- factorily done. Another point, was their purchase and keeping of stock. He alluded particularly to the County of Dukes, Martha's Vineyard, of three towns, whose society received $600 State bounty. If some good Soutli Down bucks were purchased, giving two or three to a town, the best ewes saved and the grade males castrated, in five years the value of sheep would be increased fifty per cent. So of Ayrshire bulls. In five or ten years the whole stock of the County Avould be remodelled. The Island of Jersey has so bred from its own stock, and kept it pure. The plan was feasible, he thought, but he presented these ideas, not as authoritative, but merely as suggestive. Mr. Sheldon, of Wilmington, thought that premiums should be given to the best cattle of mixed herds, and not to those of particular breeds. Unless all cattle were allowed to compete togeth- er, he did not see how we could get at a true idea of their worth. More good, he thought, could be done so in five years than in twenty on the usual plan of separation. If crossing is not worth a pre- mium, then we should not cross. He also spoke of premiums for plowing, and thought that the use of four oxen should be encouraged, as they could be trained to work well together. Dr. LoRiNG, of Salem, thought the County So- cieties were doing much good, as they occupy the place of agricultural schools. The best knowledge is from the farmers of real practice. They know all about cattle, sheep, horses, fruit, crops, &c., and are the men who constitute our agricultural societies — all of which are educational institutions. They give a stimulus and ambition which reaches the farmers' M'ives and daughters. Our exhibi- tions are not mere holiday affairs, but a means of imparting real knowledge. Those countries which have done the most for agriculture have the most important exhibitions. The school at Cirencester, in England, was found too dear for the common farmer, and it Avas the Royal Agricultural Society which gave the stimulus, and was in fact more im- portant than all the schools of the kingdom. So, of the State Society of New York, and also of ours, with its numerous branches. In our agri- cultural reports the farmer finds the best literature extant on the subjects treated. The writers do not proceed upon theory, but give figures and facts. He alluded to the broad, fundamental ba- sis of agriculture in the progress of civilization, and passed to consider the State Agricultural So- ciety, which he defended from its aspersers, and said that as it kept watch of the interests of the farmer, it was an organization of which Massa- chusetts should be proud, and he was glad it had friends enough to keep its course clear. Mr. Wetherell alluded to the exhibition of a fine ram by Mr. Watson, of Pittsfield. He placed him under a tree, and invited his neighbors to come and see him. Afterward he exhibited other stock. This Avas before the formation of the old INIassachusctts Society, and was the germ of agricultural exhibitions in this country. In re- gard to theii- utility and to their reports, he 236 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May thought farmers should be more careful in speci- fying facts rather than in dealing in general terms, as to manuring, crops, and other matters of farm operations. He made allusion to the State Board of Agriculture, and spoke in its praise. Mr. Howard, of the Boston Cultivator, said the exhibitions of Great Britain were very difler- ent from ours, as they were not intended as ob- jects of amusement. And ours should be no less so, and more for utility. He spoke of the origin of the old Agricultural Society of Scotland. In 1760, a few gentlemen held meetings in clubs, though under adverse circumstances, when each member was requii-ed at the next meeting to pro- duce a plan for its enlargement and encourage- ment, and that influential association Avas the re- sult. Owing to the Legislature holding its session late in the Representatives' Hall, and the necessity of holding the agricultural meeting in a smaller room, and being late in its organization, the dis- cussion was necessarily cut short. Some remai'ks were made in regard to holding another meeting, but it was finally voted to present the subject of Under draining for another meeting, in case the Legislature should not adjourn, and there was no announcement to the contrary-. Correction. — Mr. Wetherell in stating ob- jections to steaming feed, did not say that Mr. Peters is "abandoning the practice," as some have inferred from reading the report in the Farmer of the 29th ult. RELATIVE HEAT OF COAL AND COKE. Independently of this competition, there are a great many well-meaning people in this country, who labor under the impression that inasmuch as coke has ah-eady been partly burned, and deprived of its gas, it follows that it cannot produce so in- tense a heat as coal ; but that the reverse of this is the fact has been proved by the best chemists. Dr. Henry, of Edinburgh, informs us that he has "learned that the heat produced by coke, when compared to that produced by coal, is at least three to two." Mr. Winsor, having made experi- ments with the same view, found that it required three bushels of coal to distil a given quantity of water, and only two bushels of coke. Being rath- er surprised than satisfied with this, he tried the same substances by combustion, with a certain measure of oxygen gas, but with a similar result. This set the matter at rest in England, so far as the relative heat was concerned ; but then it was said that if coke made as hot a fire as coal, or hot- ter, at least the former was not as wholesome as the latter. This, too, the most learned chemists and physicians pronounced a gross error. Ever since, the demand for coke has been so great in all the large cities of England, that the gas man- afacturers cannot produce suflficient gas to supply it. But in this country it is difl'erent. In spite of •ur innumerable free schools and armies of teach- ers, the old prejudice still prevails against coke ; whereas, in point of fact, it is superior to coal in every property that ougnt to recommend it for family use, except the rapidity with which it burns. In other words, coal lasts longer than coke ; and this is the only sense in which the for- mer can be said to be superior to the latter. For the New England Farmer. MILKXNG. Milking is the most disagreeable work on the farm ; at least so think a large majority of the farmers in this vicinity. Before a person engages work for the season, he is very particular to in- quire how many cows are kept ? There is nothing, to be sure, very hard about it, but it is a kind of work that any one, however much he may be pleased with it at fii'st, dislikes to do after a little experience. Your city clerks like very much to come here in the country on vacation, and rusticate, and often the first thing that attracts their attention, is the cows, and they seem to think it must be very nice fun to milk. Upon making the acquaintance of a kicking cow, however, they soon change their tune, and it is not strange if you hear them denouncing, in the most emphatic terms, the whole farming business. Some of your city people, and I doubt not some country people, too, would laugh at the idea of calling milking cows a trade, and yet it comes to very much the same thing, as every one must thor- oughly learn the business before he can become a proficient. We often speak of a person as being a good workman, and this might with just as much pro- priety, be said of one milking cows. There is as much difference between one person and another in this business as in any other. I have seen boys — yes, and men too — who had not a doubt that they knew as much about their work as anybody, bnt whom I would not employ under any circum- stances, if I could possibly get along without. I am speaking now more particularly of those who might be appropriately termed the wasteful class. It makes a great difference in a cow's "holding out," whether she is "stripped" perfectly dry at each milking, or a little is allowed to be left in the bag. One of my neighbors told me that when he milked his cows himself, they each gave nearly a quart of milk a day more than they gave when he trusted it to his hired man. Great care should be taken to get every drop of milk ; strip as long as any milk can be obtained. Another important item is neatness. If people who buy their milk, should sometimes see it before it is strained, I fancy they would not quite as M'ell relish their morning cup of coff"ee. At this time of year, when cows are mostly kept in the barn, they are very liable to get dirty, and the slovenly milker will be pretty sure to get something in his milk-pail which belongs in the barn-cellar. If a little pains be taken, this can all be avoided. Al- ways keep an old brush or broom in the barn to brush the cows, and have a dish of water to wash their teats, and there will not be much danger of having dirty milk. Kicking cows are very bad to manage. Not unfrcqucntly the best cows for milk are very fond of exercising their legs while a person is milldng, 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 237 and in this way a great deal of milk is wasted by the inexperienced milker. A person very natural- ly springs back when a cow attempts to kick, which is exactly what the cow wishes, for she can then have full liberty of her legs ; and before you know it, the cow's foot is in the pail. Instead of spring- ing back, sit up as near the cow as possible, keep- ing the pail — which should be between the knees — as high as it will bear. In this position, there is some danger of the cow's starting round sud- denly, and tipping the milker over, unless the head" be braced against the cow, so as to resist any such movement. Some recommend tying a cow's legs when she is fractious, putting a machine in her nose, &c , but this should never be resorted to except in extreme cases. Cross cows will gener- ally become gentle by mild treatment. They will be coaxed, but you cannot drive them much easier than you can men. Cows should always be milked as rapidly as possible. A slow milker dries them up. This is why a cow milked by a "green hand" gives such a small mess of milk. P. Paige. South Hampton, N. H., April 1, 1862. For the NetD England Farmer. THE ROADSIDES OP THE PAKM. On passing a neighbor's the other day, I was for- cibly reminded of the very descriptive words of the wise man in reference to the field of the slothful, and the vineyard of the man devoid of understand- ing, and of their applicability to most of the road- sides in every neighborhood. They are all grown over with thorns, nettles have covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof is broken down. The wise man considered it well ; he looked upon it, and received instruction. Can we not do the same .'' How many neglect entirely the roadside adjoin- ing their premises, and how many more not only neglect the roadside, but their field side, and fen- ces or walls. In numerous instances, I have seen walls and fences so overgrown with brush, briars, &c., that the owner, for years, probably had not had access to them. On some farms, acres are thus lost, so far as a profitable use is concerned, to their owners. These bushes and briars, unless vigorously combated, will encroach year by year upon the field. The only sure remedy seems to be to commence on the roadside, if the field is thus bounded, and make thorough work of them on both sides. I will ask you, whoever you may be, who have such roadside fences, if it never oc- curred to you, that every intelligent, observing passer by of your premises would look upon them with sorrow at their neglect, and regard you with pity as being either devoid of understanding, or wanting in good taste. Call to mind some farms we know of in our several neighborhoods, where we invariably see the fence corners piled with brush and briars ; wall, if any, overrun with the same, and often broken down. Old carts, cart-wheels, plows and other farm implements, piles of wood, boards, barrels, and sometimes mulch of various kinds, (gathered in other places,) all commingled in the road, within a stone's cast from the front door of the house. Pigs, poultry, and often other farm stock, also allowed the larg- est liberty of the highway. Does such a state of things indicate prosperity? "Would you not, if going to purchase a farm, pass such an one by, as being unworthy of your inspection ? The farm, aside from its slovenly appearance, may be equally as good and productive as its neater neighbor, cul- tivated under the same cu'cumstances. But who cares to assume the task of clearing up and put- ting such a place in order, unless it can be pur- chased very low ? This brings the question to bear where I wished in the outset, viz., that it is the interest of every farmer to keep the roadsides of his farm neat and clean. Most men are moved by this motive, when all others fail. If you don't care much how things look about your premises, and the roads adjoining, depend upon it, there are dollars and cents involv- ed in the matter that must be heeded, or you suf- fer loss. If you set to work in good earnest, to clear up the roadside borders of your farm, you will soon extend your operations to other parts, and not rest satisfied until the whole is put in a state of neatness. You will in all probability then discover that a sphit of improvement has some- how got hold of you, and that the farm not only looks better, but pays better. This, however, is not all the good you get. There is an undercur- rent of feelings awakened that will gush up into living springs of enjoyment. You will feel your manhood as you never felt it before ; new strength for the conflict of life, and greater self-respect ; and be held in higher esteem by all who honor you, which will give to your example greater in- fluence, and not only bless the present, but com- ing generations. If such a state of things could be brought about, we should hear less of high taxes and hard times. Cheerful contentment would be found on every hand. The wise man passing by, would be pleased with the change, and instead of predicting poverty and want to come as a strong man armed, would regard you as being diligent to know the state of your flocks, and looking well to your herds ; the hay and the grass appearing for the sustenance of the same ; the lambs for thy clothing, and the products of thy fields and flocks for thy food, for the food of thy household, and for the maintenance of thy maidens. c. K. Rochester, Mass., Dec, 1861. For the New England Farmer. CTTLTURB OP SWEET POTATOES. Mr. Editor : — Why are we. New England farm- ers, so far behind the times in the cultivation of the sweet potato ? I know it is a prevalent opinion with many that it is a difficult task, it being ap- parently too far removed from its native climate. This opinion, I admit, would hold good against most of the many varieties grown at the South, but I am confident, from experience, that there are varieties that can be grown profitably throughout the New England States. All we want is a varie- ty that will be edible at a very early stage of growth, cooking dry and good, when comparative- ly immature. A variety called the Nansemond, I think, possesses these merits, and has given good paying crops 44° north. A very short time since; it was thought impossible to cultivate the purple egg plant Avith success, but we now find our cli- 238 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May mate and soil well suited for them, and where the egg plant can be grown, there is no douht of suc- cess with the sweet potato. Our farmers lack only knowledge and experi- ence to enable them to successfully cultivate this A-aluable Southern crop. The method of growing the sweet potato is rather peculiar to itself; in this climate, the tubers must be sprouted in a hot-bed, and when the sprouts or plants are sufficiently grown, weather and soil suitable, they are separat- ed from the potato, and planted in the field, as the seasons are not long enough to admit of their be- ing grown in the field directly from the potato. Select a warm, southern exposure, of dry, mellow soil, plow a shallow furrow, put old, well decom- posed manure in, and throw up a ridge two feet high over it, leaving the ridges three feet apart from the centre of each ridge ; transplant the sprouts on the top 12 to 15 inches apart. I think if our farmers who have suitable lands will but try, they will be amply paid by a profita- ble crop. I have raised from a later variety than the Nansemond from four to six quarts per hill "of three plants," and from the Nansemond pota- to I expect a much larger return. Salem, April, 1862. John S. Ives. AQBICUIiTTJKE OF MASSACHUSETTS. Through the polite attention of the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, Ciiahles L. Flint, Esq., we have before us the ninth an- nual report of the Board, it being for the year 1861. After saj'ing that "it is gratifying to be able to state that the past year has been one of marked prosperity for the agricultural interests of the Commonwealth," and that "various subjects were assigned to special committees for investigation during the year, with the duty of presenting a re- port upon each at the regular annual meeting," — he introduces one from Dr. Bartlett, from the Midddlesex North Society, on the Diseases of Vegetation. Among these the writer speaks of a disease which attacks the bean, and "commences with small brown spots upon the pod, near the back of the pod, and spreading thence toward its front. These spots gradually work their way through to the interior of the pod, the brown col- or changing to black as it progresses. He says all varieties of beans are liable to the attack of this pest, but some are much more susceptible of its influence than others, — the Sieva, Horticultural and Case Knife being most commonly affected among the pole beans. The remainder of the re- port is principally occupied upon the recent fail- ure of the fruit crop and suggestions upon the modes of managing apple trees. The next paper is that of Dr. LoniNG, upon Cattle, Breeding and Feeding. This is a long, interesting and valuable i-eport, illustrated by sev- eral excellent portraits of neat stock of various breeds. The writer sustains his positions by ex- tracts from the works of the best authors upon stock, and evinces a deep interest in the topics which he handles so well. Upon the subject of steaming food for cattle, he says he is "satisfied from experience and from the testimony of some f our best practical farmers, that steaming is wor- thy of careful consideration." Mr. R. S. Fay made a report on the Protection of Sheep and Lambs, from which "it appears that many of the towns have entirely neglected to en- force the 'Dog Law,' while others have been so remiss in their duty as to render it almost inoper- ative." We hope the Board will institute mea- sures that will compel the authorities in our towns to carr}' out fully the just and wise provisions of the law. Mr. Gkennell, of the Franklin Society, pre- sents a report on the Wastes of the Farm, in which he dwells, emphatically, upon the loose, un- certain and unsatisfactory manner in which farm- ing is generally conducted. Mr. Stockbridge, from the Hampshire Socie- ty, reported upon the subject of Wheat Culture. In speaking of the iacts which the Committee had collected in the course of its investigations, he says, "they abundantly warrant us in the opinion that wheat can be successfully and profitably cul- tivated in this State. A little more than a cen- tury ago, it was one of the common, ordinary crops. Sufficient was raised for home consumption, and it was an article of export." The next report is upon the Cattle Disease, by Mr. H. IL Peters, from the Worcester Society. It states that the disease again made its appear- ance in the town of Quincy, last April, breaking out in two herds nearly simultaneously. Some of these animals were killed, and others were lost sight of. The Secretary states that constant effort has been made during the past year to enlarge the col- lection designed to illustrate the natural history and material resources of the Commonwealth. Mr. E. A. Samuels, who has made the subject a special study, has an interesting report upon this department. In the department of Entomology, extensive contributions have been made, in addition to the collections made by Mr. Francis G. Sanborn. This gentleman is an occasional contributor to our columns, and is an enthusiast in the profession which he has selected. Some sixty pages are then occupied by reports from the delegates who attended the exhibitions of the several societies of the State. Then follow extracts from agricultural addresses, essays and reports of committees, wliich contain many prac- tical suggestions and useful thoughts. The volume closes with the Agricultural SfO' tistics of Massachusetts, arranged by Towns and 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 239 Counties. Compiled from the United States Cen- sus of 1860, and other official sources, under the direction of the State Board of Agriculture. By George Wingate Chase. From this report it appears that the average value of the forms in the State, including farm implements, and machinery, and Live stock, is $3,884,58. We intend to allude to these "Sta- tistics" hereafter. The volume is beautifully printed, and is a cred- it to the Board of Agriculture and Secretary un- der whose care it has been produced, and to the State itself. For tlie New England Fanner, APPLE TREES— MICE. Some valuable suggestions were given in your last issue in relation to the treatment of trees eat- en by mice. Hoping to elicit something further from the same source, I make the following state- ment and inquiries. I have an orchard of between three and four hundred apple trees, from twelve to fifteen years growth. ^ly method has been to keep about one- third of this orchard under cultivation at a time. On the part laid down to grass, I have always plowed strips by the trees, increasing them in width as the trees increased in size. Until last year I have planted those strips with beans ; ma- nuring in the hill ; thus making it necessary to stir the soil about the tree with a hoe. Under this treatment the trees have made a steady growth, and for the most part, maintained a healthy ap- pearance. In 1860, this orchard produced one hundred and fifty barrels of No. 1 Baldwins. My practice does not accord with the theory of Mr. Varney, as given in the last number of the Farmer. I am still so much of an old fogy as to believe in plowing orchards. It should be done, however, by a judicious plowman, with great care not to plow too deep any^'here ; especially should it be very shoal about the trees. So far as my observation extends, those are the best orchards, and bear the fairest and best fruit, that are kept under cultivation, provided they are plowed with care. Last spring I plowed strips by the trees as usual, but took no crop from them, leaving the furrows just as the plow left them. I state this that others may guard against a similar course. These furrows furnished a most excellent retreat for the mice ; and they availed themselves of it to my great annoyance. So soon as I ascertained the mischief they were doing, I went to work with axes and shovels and removed the ice and snow from nearly every tree in the orchard. I found about seventy more or less eaten ; many of them not enough to injure them much ; others badly, and quite a number large enough to bear from one to two barrels of apples to a tree, entirely girdled to the wood. When I had cleared away from the trees, I im- mediately commenced plastering the wounds with a thick coating of cow manure, put on with a trow- el. I then carefully bound them up with woollen cloths. The whole operation of excavating and plastering occupied some days, during which time several trees were seriously injured. Indeed, af- ter we had finished them all completely, so keen was the appetite of these little creatures, that in many instances they gnawed off" the strings, and through the woolen cloths and cow manure, mak- ing a fresh wound larger than the palm of my hand in a single night ; and it was not until I fed them with young sprouts and small limbs sawed from the tree and placed around the trunks, that they stopped their depredations on the tree itself. I have marked those trees that are entirely gir- dled, and I wish to inquire whether the scions should be put in immediately, or whether I should wait until the bark starts readily from the wood ? Can I save, in the way you suggest, such as are eaten quite into the roots ? Is a banking of earth or mud placed around the body of the tree in the fall, the easiest, cheapest and best preventive for the future ? J. F. French. North Hampto7i, N. IL, April, 1862. Remarks. — This is a timely and excellent letter. Let us improve by it. Two acres of our orchard- ing, where the principal mischief has been done by mice, had been in grass two years, and was broken up last fall. After the plowing had been done, every inch of turf left by the plow was re- versed, and nothing left on the surface but the clear soil. But the turning over of the soil formed the most complete harbor for mice, as it is impos- sible to lay every furrow perfectly flat. We shall break up no more grass land in the orchard in autumn. We think you have pursued precisely the right course in covering the wounds, as if left uncov- ered, the sap wood is likely to become dry and crack, and the bark itself will lose some of its vi- tality near the edges of the wound. When the sap has moved so that the bark may be easily sep- arated from the alburnum, then set the scions. There is no good reason why you cannot save a tree that is gnawed down to the roots, if the con- nection is properly made. A banking of earth or sand will, in ordinary cases, prevent mice gnawing trees ; but we know of no sure preventive when the earth is covered with a coating of ice. Could not thousands of these pests be destroyed by feeding to them wheat steeped in strychnine? It might be sowed through the orchard late in November, and occasionally through the winter on the snow. Hint to Housekeepers. — Every housekeep- er who uses kerosene or well oil, knows that it af- fords the best and cheapest light of all illumina- ting oils ; but she also knows that the constant expense and annoyance from the breakage of lamp chimneys almost, if not quite, counterbalances the advantages of its use. One who has thoroughly tried the experiment of preventing chimneys from cracking with the heat of the flame, says : — Put the glass chimney in lukewarm water, heat to the boiling point, and boil one hour, after wliich leave it in the M'ater till it cools. The suggestion is worth a trial. — Scientific American. 240 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May PEAS AMONG POTATOES. Most persons are fond of green peas ; but a great many, even among farmers, do not have half as many as their families would use with advan- tage to their health and good-nature. They are often planted in the garden, on a rather light and dry soil, and after one or two sparing messes have been gathered, the unwelcome intelligence comes to the family, that there are no more green peas ! In order to have a succession of this delicious vegetable upon the table, different varieties must be used, and planted at different times, and if the soil is not a moist one, they should be planted deep — say three or four inches — and after they are fairly up an inch or two, mulched with some sub- stance that will check evaporation from the soil directly above them. For later use there is a better mode than this, viz., — Put a single pea into the potato hill at the time of planting the latter, over a portion of the field. A week later, go over another portion of the field in the same way, and so on for three or four weeks. In this manner the table may be plentifully supplied with delicious peas as long as they are desired, and at a cost too trifling for con- sideration. The potato plant is a protector to the young pea, and when the latter has increased in stature, it still lends its friendly aid by allowing the pea vine to cling to it with its little tendi'ils, and thus sustains it against storm and wind by its superior \igor and strength. It is much more pleasant to "pick peas" among the potatoes than when they run up among brush. The objection that it is too far to go to the potato field is not an insuperable one. It is not so much of a trial as it is to go without the peas, especially to those who are really fond of them ! For the New England Farmer. A NOVEL MODE OF PLANTING PO- TATOES. Dear Farmer : — In this remarkable time of our country's trouble, when retrenchment is called for in every possible way, and when much of our laboring population is in the army, it behooves farmers to come in for their share of retrenchment and labor-saving, without reducing the quantity of their products. With this in view I propose to give you the method I adopted in planting pota- toes last season, which resulted in complete suc- cess. The ground was a piece of unturned green sward, with a soil of clayey loam. I commenced on one side of the piece and turned a furrow in, then dropped a row of potatoes on the grass close to the edge of the furrow (that was turned over) and turned another furrow against it, completely covering the potatoes, which finished the row. I then turned another furrow, the same as the first, allowing the near horse to go in the last furrow, dropped potatoes and covered as before, and pro- ceeded in like manner until the piece was done. I planted them in drills, with one piece in a place, and about one foot apart. When I dug them in the fall, I found the pota- toes nestled very cosily among the turf, and they turned out very smooth and nice, and produced a bountiful crop. I think this method a great sav- ing of labor, which in these times is a great item, though the saving of labor was not my only object. The uncommon wet weather of last spring pre- vented my planting in any other way in the early season. J. il. M. Westford, Vt, 1862. For the New England Farmer. HIGHWAYS AND THEIR BEPAIRS. [While watching the operations of a new cast- iron plow, with Mr. Mears, the conversation be- tween us sometimes fell upon topics not immedi- ately connected with the matter before us, and the engravings and description now presented to the reader are the result of one of those conversations. Mr. Mears' name has long been before the public. He has not only invented and made some of the best plows the world ever saw, but he is a cheer- ful, genial man, full of the spirit of progression, and always earnestly seeking to do something to promote the interest and happiness of his fellow- men. He speaks, below, in his own quaint man- ner, and presents in it to the reader a vivid pic- ture of what he is doing with his "rough ashler," Those using this device may give the stone any angle by shortening one of the chains by which it is drawn.] Friend Brown : — While engaged in the trial of the new cast-iron plow, I said that I would re- new the conversation on the subject of road and other repairs, then under consideration. There- fore, I will commence by stating that in the month of November most of our country roads are, or should be, in a good form, well drained, smooth and fair travelhng condition, when the frost sets in. They remain thus until the frost comes out, and they are cut up by hoof and wheel, when too soft to support the weight passing over and through them — hence the rut, the ridge, the mud and the standing water in the rut, softening the road-bed and rendering it nearly impassable. As travel cannot be kept ofi" the roads, it is well to thoroughly underdrain with stone at the side, or through the centre, by which the underwater will be prevented from rising to the surface, and the surface water can more readily evaporate and run ofi", leaving the ruts and the ridges, &c., to harden and dry off. It is to this state of partial diyness that I would call attention ; the material is all here that con- stituted the good road of November, but it has been put out of place ! What a change ! How shall it be restored to its former position ? Some fill the ruts with small stones which are constantly working to the surface. Some, with hoes, level the ridges into the ruts, to be cut out again by the next heavy team. Others go over the road with 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 241 en inverted A-shaped scraper, shod with mill saw plate, and drawn by four to six yoke of oxen with men attendant — its operation partial and apochry- phal. Still others have we seen, hauling on and spreading a layer of gravel, two loads abreast, four loads to the rod, at a cost of $5 per rod ; the ruts remaining as troughs below to hold water to aid the heavy teams in cutting them out again the first wet spell. It is easier to pull down than to build up. The thing that is, is that which hath been ; and that which shall be, is that that hath already been, and though not new under the sun, I will attempt to describe it. In the month of April, being desirous of putting the road in order, I applied to a stone-cutter, who split out a rough ashler, 4 ft. G in. long, by 18 in. wide and 9 in. deep — cost .$2, weight 900 lbs. The smith then made two bands of tile ii-on, thus. ■with bolts to strap the stone — cost, $1. So much for preparation — now for the modus operandi, or way to use it. Well ! two yoke of oxen on the timbers or forward wheels of a farm wagon, a draft-chain extending from the transon belt of the axle, back to another chain or bridle hooked into the bolts on the stone, the right arm shortest, to bring the stone at an angle of 45° with the axle and line of ruts. Gee, Buck ! Gee, Bright, up ! One man to drive, one to tend the stone, one to throw out and remove loose stones, and away we go over the gee ruts to the end of our route ! Whoa, boys, whoa ! Well ! Let's see. The ridges are broken down — the ruts filled up and consolidated by the weight of the stone. The cobble stones and loose earth are thrown to the centre to fill up the single horse foot path (which had been guttered out) and be removed ! Hush, Bright ! Haw, Broad, over ! And away we go ! On the back track of the other ruts — in like manner and efi'ect to the starting-point. Now let us put the 'sider on — for we can look back — not having "put our hands to the plow." The face of the road looks as smooth and even as ever. It is solid, too. The trough is filled up and the stones are out of the way. Well, what is the cost ? Three men at $1,50 per day^.*4,50 — two yoke of oxen at 8l,50=$3,00, amounting to $7,00. Four miles per day is 320 rodsX4=1280 rods ; $7,00 or 7000 mills-|-1280=5i mills, or i cent per rod. "Time is money ! Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost ! Go thou and do likewise, and let others follow your example, and oblige the old Plowmaker John Mears. South Abington, 1862. P. S. Repeated trials with the stone render it advisable to give more weight, which may best be done by having it split out 12 inches instead of 9. Also, to dispense with the bars and d*aw by ring bolts inserted in the face sides, about 9 inches from the ends, thus : the wear of the bar is avoided, the draft is not so heavy, and the movement of the stone is more di- rect and steady. When about to be carried to a distant place, roll it on to a log or cobble stone and sling under the pole and axle. J. M. SORREL. This is one of the most troublesome pests, wherever it has once become thoroughly rooted in the soil, with which the husbandman can be an- noyed. On clayey soil, however, it soon disap- pears ; but on land of an opposite conformation and texture, its eradication is attended with much difficulty, and, indeed, can only be effected by the most assiduous and persevering eff'orts. The pres- ence of sorrel in a soil is regarded — but with how much truth we do not know — as an indication of acid, and hence the use of lime, or ashes, is said to be of service in eff"ecting its extermination. By cutting sorrel for several consecutive seasons, just before the seed ripens, or a little earlier, say at the peri- od of general flowering, amd applying annually a liberal top-dressing of caustic lime, the growth of the plant will be arrested, and perhaps overcome. This, however, is deemed too expensive by most farmers. The seed of sorrel is of a nature to remain for many years inhumed in the soil without germinat- ing, unless the conditions essential to its develop- ment exist about it. The pericarp, or outer in- tegument, is so indurated that the nicest balance of the stimulating powers of nature are requisite to secure germination, and hence we find old pas- ture lands, that have not been disturbed for gen- erations, and upon which no sorrel has been seen in the memory of man, will, upon being plowed and exposed to atmospheric influences, become filled with sorrel plants. The same characteristics apply equally to mullein and a variety of other seeds, but perhaps to none in a more remarkable 242 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May degree than to sorrel. Where it has taken com- plete possession of the ground, by mowing it ear- ly, before any of the seed has matured, and mak- ing it in a grass-cock, with as little exposure as possible to the sun, it furnishes a very good hay for horses and sheep ; and in this way it should be appropriated, whenever such a crop is unfortu- nately produced. For the New England Farmer. THE FARMEB'S KITCHEMT GABDEN. No part of the farm pays as well as the kitch- en garden, if well taken care of. I do not mean by this that every farmer can make money by rais- ing vegetables for market, because that is impi-ac- ticable, but it is a self-evident fact that the farmer must procure the support of his family from his farm, and a well conducted garden will produce more towards this than any other part of the farm of five times the extent. The use of vegetables and fruit as a diet is said by medical men to be conducive to health, and as most people, and especially children, are fond of garden fruits, it is policy for every farmer to pro- vide a plentiful supply for home consumption. It would seem that people having all the convenien- ces that farmers have, as regards land and plenty of leisure time to take care of a garden, would be the ones that would consume the most of such things ; but it is a fact that the people of cities and villages use more vegetables than the same number of land-owners. Take a look among the farmers, and you find that one-half of them have no garden at all, or at most, a little corner in the grain field which is overrun with weeds, and as soon as the grain is harvested the cattle are often turned in to destroy what there is ! Others have a place set apart for the purpose, but do not get time to do anything in it until all the spring farm work is done, thereby making it too late to secure any of the kinds requiring early planting, and de- stroying the possibility of getting early vegeta- bles. This is a great loss, when we take into con- sideration that such things are relished a great deal more in the hot weather of June and July, than later in the summer. What is more aggra- vating than to know that your neighbor has green peas, new potatoes, string beans, and the like, and your own but just up, and all through your own neglect by not planting in season ! Let me say a few words in behalf of the farm- ers' wives and daughters, who, during the first tw'o or three months of summer, have to i-ack their brains to think of something to get for dinner, which the men can eat, — for when they come in from the field, weary with labor, their stomachs are apt to revolt at salt pork and old potatoes ! But if there are early potatoes, peas, beans, and other vegetables in the garden, they know just what to get for dinner, and when the workmen come in, they eat with a relish, and nothing does the faithfid wife more good than to see her hus- band eat the victuals she has cooked for him, as if they tasted good. The garden should be near the house, as house- keepers do not always have time to go far ; and if it is close by, a great many leisure moments can be spent in weeding, &c., which could not be done if it were far from the house. The best soil for a garden is either a muck or sandy loam, but as we can not always have the right kind suitably convenient, we must make what we do have, as nearly right as possible. If it be too moist, drain- ing must be resorted to, and such land generally makes good gardens. In fact, the best garden I ever saw was a marsh, thoroughly drained, and well manured to warm it up. The manure for the garden should be well rotted, and if allowed to remain in a vault or cellar through the summer, all seeds would be killed, thus saving a vast amount of work in weeding. Apply the manure in the fall, and plow in immediately, plowing again in the spring, which thoroughly incorporates it with the soil. As soon as the weather will permit, plant some early potatoes, peas, and all kinds of early vegetables, which are not liable to be killed by frost, putting in others along as the season wUl permit, and when they come up, keep them well hoed and free from weeds, and you will have the satisfaction of having something good, as well as your neighbor. At another time 1 will, if desira- ble, give specific directions for raising various gar- den vegetables. w. H. Neio York, March, 1862. EXTBACTS AND BEPLIES. A EOOT CUTTER— CARROT WEEDER — MANGOLDS AND CARROTS — HORSE WITH A COUGH — POOR FARM, AND NO MONEY OR STOCK. 1. A friend of mine is very desirous of obtain- ing a root cutter. If you know of any, please say what kind, and whether they will cut large tur- nips fit for sheep ; that is, cut them small enough ? 2. Do you know of any tool to cultivate and weed carrots by horse power ? 3. Do you know upon any reliable data the rel- ative value of an acre of carrots and the same of mangold wurtzels, and their value for feeding sheep and other stock ? 4. Do you know any remedy for a horse which has a severe cough ? 5. What would you recommend a man to do who has got a run-down farm, who has no money and very little stock ? A few remarks on the sub- ject may be of great value to a poor farmer. Per- haps his Excellency, Gov. Holbrook, would give a little advice on this subject. John H. Constantine. Campton Village, N. H., 1862. Remarks. — Willard's Patent Root Cutter, fig- ured and explained in the monthly Farmer for January, 1859, is just the article you need. It cuts the roots in strips about as long and as wide as a man's forefingers, but not more than a quar- ter of an inch thick. And this strip is broken partly through, several times, so that sheep or lambs have no difficulty in eating them. One bushel of turnips a minute may be cut with one. Price $10. Sold by Parker, Gannett & Osgood, Blackstone Street, Boston. 2. We know of no implement precisely adapted to the cultivation of carrots by horse power. Mannas Vegetable Weeder might be used with horse, but man power would be better, we tlaink. 1662. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 243 3. We do not. 4. "Horse with a covgh." But little work, a ■warm stall, with bedding a foot deep, moderate feeding, with moist cut feed, and a little laxative medicine. 5. "Poor farm — no money — no stock." A hard case, truly — almost too desperate for any remedy that we can prescribe. There are tliree ways to be pursued, viz.: 1. To sell land enough from the farm to furnish the means of plowing and manuring one, two or more acres. Plant and tend them perfectly, work- ing for others in the meantime to assist in the family support until the crop is taken off. 2. To get the means of operating by mortgag- ing the farm, then cultivate thoroughly and eco- nomically, and not only make a living, but pay up interest and principal. 3. With the aid of the family, cultivate a kitchen garden, pasture a cow or two, and let the rest of the farm lie idle, while you assist other people on the best terms you can, until enough is accumulated to purchase stock, and keep it. We know persons who are now independent, who began in each of these ways. Those who mortgage the farm and get a cash capital of four or five hundred dollars to work upon — if they are shrewd calculators — -will generally do the best. Our sympathies are warmly with you, brother C, and we regret that we cannot recommend something more easy to accomplish than anything we have suggested. KECEIPTS FOR ALVKING COFFEE. The following receipts for substitutes for pure coffee, which the writer has never seen in print, are worthy of a place in the Ladies' Department of the monthly Farmer. 1. Take sweet corn, sound and well ripened, roast and grind it as you would coffee, mix two- thirds of the corn with one-third of good quality pure coffee. 2. Take common barley, M-ash and free it from all foul seeds, roast, pound or grind it. Mix two parts barley, two parts sweet corn, and one part pure coffee. In either of the above ways a finely flavored ar- ticle is produced, superior in the estimation of the writer to the best quality of ground coffee that is usually sold in the market. The addition of a small quantity of prepared Dandelion root or Cliiccory is esteemed by many an improvement, imparting to it a higher color and richness of fla- vor. Subscriber to Monthly Farmer. Still River, March 26, 1862. smith's patent fence. In your issue of Feb. 22, is a description and recommendation of "Smith's improved farm fences, patented Oct. 11, 1859," From some experience, and also from observa- tion, I can bear testimony to the excellence of that kind of fence. Fences were built in this vi- cinity on essentially the same plan, several years previous to the date of this patent. Mr. Smith, therefore, cannot claim to be the inventor of any- thing in reference to it, unless it be the grooving of the posts. Hence, I suppose any one desiring to erect such fence, by dispensing with the grooves in the posts, need not be at the trouble and ex- pense of obtaining permission of Mr. Smith. South Amherst, 1862. Farmee. Remarks. — We know nothing of this matter. Mr. Smith will be able to vindicate his own rights. REMEDY for SHEEP PULLING "WOOL. I have always regarded the column of "Extracts and Replies" as a very valuable feature of your excellent paper, it seems so familiar and so much like talking the matter over with our neighbors. And I sometimes think that we get and retain more valuable knowledge by these inquiries and short replies than by a more extended and la- bored essay upon some general topic. A few weeks since I noticed an article from Mr. Peters, of Bradford, recommending unguentum as a remedy for sheep pulling their wool. I find that this was designed for those cases where sheep pulled their own wool, occasioned probably by itching. I have one or two sheep that pull the wool from others, and eat it, and have sprinkled snuff on the sheep, which I hope will prevent it for a while, but I am afraid that it will not last long. It would be something of a task, and somewhat expensive to apply snuff to a large flock. Will you, or some of your readers, tell me of something better ? s. Fairlee, Vt., April, 1862. Remarks. — We have no knowledge in the mat- ter. Will some one who has, reply ? use of ashes. As the time for composting and using manure will soon be upon us, I wish to ask through your columns a little advice in using ashes. I have a stoned cellar with a roof over it, partly in a side hill, in which I deposit my ashes as taken from the house, where they cannot expose buildings to fire, and are ready for use when required. I de- posit there annually about 100 bushels. These ashes are made from a mixture of wood and peat. I wish to ask which is the most judicious method of using them ? I have for years past used them ])y applying a handful to each hill of com on the surface of the ground, around the stalks at the first hoeing. But I have serious doubts of its be- ing the best way, either for the present crop or for the land. I thought you or your correspond- ents might give their practice, whether they use as above described, or compost and put in the hill at time of planting, or how they use, and on Avhat soils they are most beneficial. I thought tliis in- quiry might bring out views which would interest others as well as myself. A Subscriber. Wayland, 1862. Remarks. — Many good farmers think ashes applied to the hill as you describe, is a profitable way to use them. We are inclined to think that if they were composted with fine, meadow muck, and a quart of the compost appHed to the liill, and mixed with the soil, the effect would be better. 244 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May USE OF HEN MANURE — WAKTS — WHEAT FOR HORSES. I have some hen manure. Can you inform me of the best way of applying it to the ground, and to what crop ? If to corn, how should it be pre- pared ? A neighbor of mine has a steer on one of whose ears is a number of large warts, one being as big as a hen's egg. Can you suggest a remedy ? I lately saw it stated in a book entitled "Cole's Diseases of Animals," that wheat fed to horses would poison them. Now that does not seem rea- sonable to me. What is your experience in the matter ? J. Dana Adams. Williamsburg, Me., 1862. Remarks. — Mix the hen manure with muck, loam or sand, four parts of either to one of the manure. Before dropping corn throw a handful of this compost into the hill, and mingle it well with the soil. See article in this paper on dispersing warts with fresh butter. Wheat taken in large quantities, -will kill a horse — so will corn. But fed judiciously, either is nu- tritious and wholesome. DISSOLVING bones. Can you, or some of your correspondents, in- form me through the columns of the Farmer the shortest and cheapest method of dissolving, pul- verizing or grinding bones, or the best and cheap- est way in which they can be used on land here in Vermont ? I have a small farm on which my slaughter- house stands and from it I have a great many bones. Now I would like to know how they can be used most advantageously with the least expense. The land is, a part of it, light, sandy soil, and part a sort of mucky or sandy loam. I have some young fruit trees, set out last spring. Can I make these bones useful about the trees ? Is Coe's su- perphosphate of lime anything but bone dissolved and ground ? What will a machine for grinding cost ? Will some one experienced in bones write on the subject ? A Subscriber. Burlington, Vt., 1862. Remarks. — In our last volume of the monthly Farmer, on pages 121, 145 and 401, may be found articles on this subject. In the number for Janu- ary of this year, page 23, is a mode of reducing bones by placing them on a layer of ashes, in a cask, and so continue them. Coe's superphos- phate of lime is nothing but bones and sulphuric acid. a good BARN hoe. Some one has asked for a hoe to clean out cat- tle stalls, one that will clean out the corners as well as the manure. Being a blacksmith, and lik- ing convenient tools to work with, I have made several for my neighbors, that give good satisfac- tion. For the benefit of some of your numerous readers who may like one, I give you the plan. Take a steel shovel blade, one that is worn out or broken will answer, cut off a piece six inches wide. leaving it the whole width of the shovel, and have both edges straight ; punch a half inch hole one and one-fourth inches from the edge on the thick- est side ; draw a shank six inches long and head in a tool. Bend the shank so as to have it stand Uke a common hoe, put it through the hole and rivet on the blade with four rivets. A good ash handle is the best. Both sides can be used. Concord, April, 1862. F. E. B. BEST churn. I wish you would inform me which kind of churn is best for a dairy of four or five cows. The Air Pressure Churn was recommended as making ten per cent, more butter than any other in the market. Does it sustain its reputation ? Will you inform me where one can be obtained, and at what price? Thomas Haskell. West Gloucester, 1862. Remarks. — We have been constantly using the Air Pressure Churn, summer and winter, for two years, and never have found any other churn equal to it. Sold by Parker, Gannett & Osgood, Blackstone Street, Boston. a great crop of rye. I saw in your paper of the 15th ult. a notice of a great rye crop, which I think I can beat. This gentleman raised 70 bushels from 3 bushels seed, on 1^ acres of ground. I had 2 acres of ground, and sowed 4 bushels of seed, and cleared up 112 bushels of rye, as clean as any I ever saw. A Subscriber. Bridport, Vt., April, 1862. goats. I noticed in the Farmer something about goats. Do you, or any of your readers, know where one can be bought ? If so, please let me know thi'ough the Farmer, and what one can be bought for. Great Falls, N. H., 1862. s. F. A. Remarks. — We do not know where a goat can be purchased. RINGBONE. If "Young Farmer" will inform me of his name and residence, I think I can tell him what will cure ringbone. Samuel H. Wheeler. Mason Centre, N. H., 1862. A PLOWING BEE. At a recent meeting of the Concord Farmer's Club, it was voted to have a Plowing Bee in that town at some time during the first half of May. The desire is to bring together as many plow-ma- kers, and plowmen, as may find it convenient to attend, and to test the plows, so as to learn which of them will do the best and most work, with the expenditure of the least amount of power. Anoth- er object is to bring farmers together in a social way, and, perhaps, to hold a discussion upon the subject of plows and plowing. The members of the Club will receive those who come from other towns as guests, and extend to 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 245 them such attentions and hospitality as will make their visit agreeable. Notice of the time and place of the trial Mill be hereafter given by a committee appointed to su- perintend the business of the occasion. The plan seems to us to be a good one, and cannot fail to establish some important questions -which are now unsettled. We hope to see persons at the trial from various sections of the State. For the New England Farmer, SAVE YOUB TREES! Friend Brown: — I see by the papers that great damage has been done the past winter to fruit trees by the mice ; now, if taken in season, the most of these can be saved. Take a sucker from the same, or any other tree of the same kind, and flatten the ends on one side, and insert one end under the bark above, and the other below, where the bark is eaten off, the same as in side grafting, that will make a bridge to carry the sap over the wounded part ; bind the ends tight with a strong string, then cover with grafting wax or day ; now cover the whole with earth, if near enough the ground ; if not, bind up with clay, to protect the wounded part from the sun. It is a good plan to put in a number of these suckers, to to be sure of one or two, and if they all live, so much the better. "Wlien these have grown sufB- ciently strong to support the tree the old body can be cut out if desired, and the others will soon close up. If this is carefully done every tree can be saved. I have some trees that were done in this way a number of years ago ; one of which, whose bark was eaten otf clean for four feet, two years ago bore four barrels of apples. Andrew Wellington. Winchester, April, 1862. Remarks. — Our correspondent is a gentleman of experience in orcharding, and we are glad he confirms the remarks we made last week upon this subject. Since writing that article, we find that the destruction to fi-uit trees in this State is much more extensive than we then supposed. Scarcely a young orchard has escaped. We find Jiff tj trees on our own grounds, many of them six inches in diameter, girdled entirely. Others have a strip of bark left an inch in width, or two or three, in some cases. All these trees were visited late last fall, and every spear of grass taken away from them. The ground where most of them stand was plowed last fall, but the plow was followed with the spade, and every inch of the grass left by tho plow was turned under by the spade. We suggest, — in addition to what has been said, — that the scion to be inserted should have a Bcarf on the upper side two-thirds as long as that cm the lower side. Let the upper side run under the bark until it reaches the end of the scarf. Another suggestion is, that scions be used, not '^suckers." For the JNeto England Farmer. TIME FOB PRUNING. Mr. Editor: — In noticing some remarks of yours, and of your correspondent "W.," in the last Farmer, I will venture to give some reasons why I consider June pruning preferable to spring — say March or April. It is generally supposed that after the leaves are off in the fall, trees remain idle until they leave out in the spring. It seems to me that is not the case, especially Avhen the ground is not frozen, and it seldom freezes to such a depth that the extreme ends of the roots are not at work in accumulating sap for the next season's operations, and by March or April, if the tree is in healthy condition, the body is full. Now the tree needs the whole of this supply to throw out its next crop of leaves and blossoms, and if a limb is cut off in the spring, some part of the sap will be pretty sure to escape, and thereby injure the tree. In making the leaves and blossoms, and setting the fruit, this extra supply seems to be exhausted, and the next operation is the making a growth of wood ; now prune your trees, and the fruit and growth together with the leaves, will take care of the sap. Still, sometimes, a diseased tree will leak ; when that is the case, it is a sure indication of trouble somewhere. The foregoing, I contend, is the true economy and process of nature in the growth of trees, and to my mind is a good reason why trees to be transplanted should be taken up in the fall and put in cellars, or heeled in, rather than stand in the nursery until April or May, when they are nearly ready to leaf out. The check they receive in transplanting, at such a period, is hardly overcome through the whole season, and the growth is hard- ly perceptible, if any. What kind of progress would a nursery man make in digging trees in this country, at this time, when the snow is from 3 to 6 feet deep ? Still, there is no frost in the ground, and nature is stead- ily performing her silent work. Another good reason why trees should be taken up in the fall and put in the cellar, is, they are safe from being winter-killed, at least for one sea- son. I suppose pruning is, or ought to be done, in reference to the tree, instead of the surrounding crops, and there is a best time to do it, as there is a best time to hoe corn or dig potatoes, and the man who insists in hoeing his corn after haj'ing, or digging his potatoes after Thanksgiving, would be considered out of order, to say the least, and any excuse, such as leisure, convenience, or crops, is no offset to the damage that may be done by doing it at the wrong time. Wm. B. Hazelton. South Strafford, Vt., April 7, 1862. Remarks. — Please write on the subject you speak of in a private note. Depth of Quiet People. — Some men dawn upon you like the Alps. They impress you vague- ly at first, just as do the hundred faces you meet in your daily walks. They come across your hor- izon like floating clouds, and you have to watch a while before you see that they are mountains. 246 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May Some men remind you of quiet lakes, places such as you have often happened upon, where the green turf and the field-flower hang over you and are reflected out of the water all day long. Some day or other, you carelessly drop a line into the clear depths, close by the side of the daisies and daffo- dils, and it goes down, down, down. You lean over and sound deeper, but your line doesn't bring up. What a deep spot that is ! you think, and you try another. The reflected daisies seem to smile at you out of the water, the turf looks as green as ever, but there is no shallow spot beneath. You never thought it, but your quiet lake is all around unfathomable. You are none the less im- pressed from the fact that it is a quiet lake. — Wil- liams' Quarterly, For tite New England Farmer. BAD EFFECTS OF LEAD PIPE. Mr, Editor :— Although much has been said and written relative to the poisonous effects of lead pipe, yet I doubt if the majority who are using water conveyed through this material are aware of its injurious effects upon the human system. I have knovrn of repeated instances where members of families have suffered from various ailments, who have only found relief in abstaining from the use of water conveyed through lead. A striking case of tliis kind was recently made known in this vicinity. The wife and one or two other members of a family were diseased in a manner that baffled the skill of the medical faculty, far and near — nothing that was done seemed to afford any permanent re- lief ; and, in fact, relief was finally despaired of, but little hopes being entertained of their recovery. At last, however, it was suggested to them that the lead pipe through which the water used by the family was conducted, might be the cause of their ailments. The suggestion was heeded ; pure water adopted in its stead, and the result was the most surprising. But a few weeks elapsed before a sensible change was manifest in all, and in a few months a complete restoration was effected. And from observation, I have no doubt that many are ignorantly suffering from similar causes. Rut among those who have given thought to the mat- ter, lead for aqueducts is fast going into disuse. Guttapercha, block-tin, hydraulic cement, &c., all of which are free from the objections urged against lead, are taking the place of it. The use of hydraulic cement for aqueducts is fast taking the place of everything else in many localities, and especially where it has been the most used. It seems to possess essential qualities possessed by no other material, ]5rominent among which is its well known purity and durability — time only serving to harden and render it more durable — two desirable qualities in an aqueduct; then, again, the expense is but little more than half as much as lead, and it is, beyond question, the cheapest and most durable pipe that can be laid. Several of my neighbors have had some of it laid after the manner of Livermore's patent, and it seems to be all that could be desired. It is tak- ing the place of everj'thing else in this vicinity. Block tin, too, makes a durable as well as pure pipe, but its high cost is objectionable to the man of limited means. I hold it to be the duty of every one who is putting down an aqueduct, to hesitate long before using a material, the poison- ous qualities of which will in any manner jeopard- ize the health of his family. Reformer, Winchester, April 3, 1862. HOW TO PROPAGATE CITRRANTS. In order to raise currant bushes from cuttings so that they may have a clean stem and but one set of roots, and those at the lower end, like seed- lings, I take a cutting about ten inches long, and prepare it in the usual way, by cutting off the low- er end square. I then cut out the buds or eyes, excepting the three or four uppermost ones, which are reserved to make the top. I then stretch a line, start the cuttings by its side, eight inches apart in the I'ow, their ends one inch in the ground, and mould them up four or five inches in depth, like corn hills when planted in drills. When they become well established by having roots, which will be in mid-summer, level the mould of earth back to its former place. Should any roots have started from the intended stem, clean them off and plant them out at one year old. The advantage of growing bushes in the above manner is that they will not send up suckers as those do that have been grown by setting the cut- tings deep in the ground, and allowing two or more sets of roots to grow. — Country Gentleman. Hay and Corn Shrinkage by Drying. — ■ The loss upon hay weighed July 20, when cui-ed enough to put in the barn, and again February 20, has been ascertained to be 27^ per cent. So that hay at $15 a tun in the field is equal to $20 and upward when weighed from the mow in win- ter. The weight of cobs in a bushel of corn in November ascertained to be 19 lbs., was only 7^ lbs. in May. The cost of grinding a bushel of dry cobs, counting, handhng, hauling and miller's charge, is about one cent a pound. Is the meal worth the money .•* — Scientijic American. LADIES' DEPARTMENT. SORROWS OF CHILDHOOD. There are parents who deliberately lay them- selves out to torment their children. There are two classes of parents who are the most inexora- bly cruel and malignant : it is hard to say which class excels, but it is certain that both classes ex- ceed all ordinary mortals. One is the utterly blackguard — the parents about -s.'hom there is no good nor pretence of good. The other is the wrong-headedly conscientious and religious ; prob- ably, after all, there is greater rancor and malice about these last than about any other. These act upon a system of unnatural repression, and syste- matized weeding out of all enjoyment from life. These are the people whose very crowning act of hatred and malice towards any one is to pray for him, or to threaten to pray for him. These are the people who, if their children complain of their bare and joyless life, say that such complaints in- dicate a wicked heart, or Satanic possession ; and have recourse to further persecution to bring about a happier frame of mind. Yes, the wrong- headed and wrong-hearted religionist is probably 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 247 the very worst type of man or woman on whom the sun looks down. And, O ! how sad to think of the fashion in which stupid, conceited, mali- cious blockheads set up their own worst passions as the fruits of the working of the blessed Spirit, and caricature, to the lasting injury of many a young heart, the pure and kindly religion of the Blessed Redeemer ! These are the folk who inflict systematic and ingenious torment on their chil- dren ; and, unhappily, a very contemptible parent can inflict much suffering on a sensitive child. You may find parents who, having started from a humble origin, have attained to wealth, and who, instead of being glad to think that their children are better ofl" than they themselves were, exhibit a diabolical jealousy of their children. You will find such wretched beings insisting that their childi'en shall go through needless trials and mortifications, because they themselves went through the like. Why, I do not hesitate to say that one of the thoughts which would most powerfully lead a wor- thy man to value material prosperity would be the thought that his boys would have a fairer and hap- pier start in life than he had, and would be saved the many difficulties on which he still looks back with pain. You will find parents, especially par- ents of the Pharisaical and wrong-headedly reli- gious class, Avho seem to hold it a sacred duty to make the little things unhappy ; who systemati- cally endeavor to render life as bare, ugly and wretched a thing as possible ; who never praise their children when they do right, but punish them with great severity when they do wrong; who seem to hate to see their children lively or cheer- ful in their presence ; who thoroughly repel all sympathy or confidence on the part of their chil- dren, and then mention as a proof that their chil- dren are possessed by the devil, that their children always like to get away from them ; who rejoice to cut off any little enjoyment — rigidly carrying into practice the fundamental principle of their creed, which undoubtedly is, that "nobody should ever please himself, neither should anybody ever please anybody else, because in either case he is sure to displease God." No doubt, Mr. Buckle, in his second volume, caricatured and misrepre- sented the religion of Scotland as a country ; but he did not in the least degree caricature or mis- represent the religion of some people in Scotland. The great doctrine underlying all other doctrines, is, that God is spitefully angry to see his crea- tures happy — and of course the practical lesson fol- lows, that they are following the best example, when they are spitefully angry to see their children happy. Then a great trouble, always pressing heavily on many a little mind is, that it is overtasked with lessons. You still see here and there idiotic pa- rents sti-iving to make infant phenomena of their children, and recording Avith much pride how their children could read and write at an unnaturally early age. Such parents are fools ; not necessarily malicious fools, but fools beyond question. The great use to which the first six or seven years of life should be given is the laying the foundation of a healthful constitution in body and mind ; and the instilling of the first principles of duty and re- ligion which do not need to be taught out of any books. Even if you do not permanently injure the young brain and mind by prematurely over- tasking them — even if you do not permanently blight the bodily health and break the mind's cheerful spring, you gain nothing. Your child at fourteen years old is not a bit farther advanced in his education than a child who began his years af- ter him ; and the entire result of your stupid driving has been to overcloud some days which should have been the happiest of his life. I believe that real depression of spirits, usually the sad heritage of after years, is often felt in very early youth. It sometimes comes of the child's belief that he must be very bad, because he is so frequently told that he is so. It sometimes comes of the cliild's fears, early felt, as to what is to be- come of him. His parents, possibly, with the good sense and kind feeling which distinguish various parents, have taken pains to drive it into the child, that if his father should die, he will certainly starve, and may very probably have to become a wandering beggar. And these sayings have sunk deep into his little heart. I remember how a friend told me that his constant wonder, when he was twelve or thirteen years old, was this : If life was such a burden already, and so miserable to look back upon, how could he ever bear it when he had grown older? — The Country Parson. Receipt fok Light Dumplings. — After mak- ing up your bread the second time, take off a suf- ficient quantity for dumplings, and set it away un- til about an hour before dinner, then make them up in rolls as you would biscuit ; sprinkle a little flour over your pie-board, and put them on it, far enough apart to allow for raising. Have ready a boiler with sufficient boiling water to steam them, place the steamer over it and put in some of the dumplings, so as not to touch each other, (see that the lid is placed on tightly,) and let them remain ten minutes ; then remove them and put in oth- ers. Send them to table hot, to be eaten with cream and sugar, or butter and molasses. — House- keeper. French Pancakes. — Take six eggs, separate the yolks from the whites ; beat the whites on a dinner plate to a snow ; beat four yolks with two tablespoonfulls of sugar, two of flour, and a tea- cupfuU of cream ; add a little salt and a very lit- tle carbonate of soda ; put in the whites of the eggs and mix gently. Put one ounce of butter in a frying-pan ; when hot, pour in the whole pan- cake. Hold the pan a good distance from the fire for fifteen minutes ; hold before the fire to brown on the top. Dish on a napkin. Put any kind of preserved fruit over it. Serve hot. Unmabkied Women. — I speculate much on the existence of unmarried and never-to-be-married women, now-a-days ; and I have already got to the point of considering that there is no more re- spectable character on this earth than an unmar- ried Avoman, who makes her way tlu-ough life quietly, perseveringly, without support of husband or brother ; and having attained the age of forty- five or upwards, retains in her possession a well regulated mind, a disposition to enjoy simple pleasures, and fortitude to support inevitable pains, sympathy with the sufferings of others, and willingness to relieve want as far as her moans ex- tend.— Charlotte Bronte. 248 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. May LEG OF MUTTON BOASTED. A leg of mutton intended for roasting should be kept longer than for boiling ; it should be care- fully attended to during the time it is hung up, constantly Aviped to prevent any mustiness gath- ering on the top and below the flap, and in hot weather lightly dusted with flour or pepper to keep off the flies. The kernel in the fat on the thick part of the leg should be taken out by the butcher, for it taints first there ; and the bloody part of the neck should also be cut oflf when first brought in. Remove the thick skin very carefully ; trim off the piece of flank that adheres to the fat, and flat- ten the fat with a cutlet-beater or chopper ; cut off the knuckle, and nick the cramp bone, to al- low it to become more plump, as in haunch. Put a little salt and water into the dripping-pan to baste the meat at fu-st ; but then use only its own gravy. Serve with jelly. A leg of mutton is usually roasted whole, but can be divided advantageously for a small family. Cut the knuckle into a good sized joint, and boil it until tender ; but put a coarse paste over the lower part of the thick end to keep in the gravy, and roast it ; or if the skin be raised gently from the outside of the leg, to about six or seven inch- es wide, two or three good slices may be cut off for steaks, and the skin then fastened down with ckewers. — Cook Book. Steamed Brown Bread. — Take two quarts of sweet skim milk, one tablespoonful of saleratus, one of salt, half a cup of molasses, put in equal quantities of rye and Indian meal until the dough is as stiff as can be conveniently stirred with a spoon, then put it into two two-quart tins. Place sticks across the bottom of the kettle to keep the water from the bread ; place one of the tins on these, and the other in a tin steamer on the top of the same kettle, and let it steam three hours. The water should be kept boiling, while the bread is cooking. When done, put it in a warm oven long enough to dry the top of it, not bake it. Yeast can be used instead of saleratus, if any pre- fer it, but the bread must rise well before putting it in the kettle. Cleaning Dish Covers. — Dish covers should always be wiped and polished as soon as they are removed from the table. If this is done while they are warm, it will be but little trouble ; but if the steam is allowed to dry on them, you will find much difficulty in getting the tarnish off from the insides. When they are wiped and polished, hang them up in their places immediately. THE CATTLE MARKETS FOR APRIL. The following is a summary of the reports for the four weeks ending April 17, 1862 : NUMBER AT MARKET, CattJe. Sheep. Shotes. Live Fat Hogt. March 27 1237 1773 1600 None. April 2 1281 3454 2200 500 V April 10 1021 1939 2000 150 i^ Aprill7 1235 3338 2500 600^* Total 4774 10,504 8300 1250 PRICES. Mar. 27. Ap'li. ApHlO. ApVYI. Beef cattle, ^ ft 6 (37c 5 ig7 5 57 5 Q7 Sheep, wool on, live weight. .4^354 4i353 4.135? 4^35J Sheep, clipped, live weight.. 3| Slgsl 3Jg3| 3>,S3| Swine, stores, wholesale.... 3Ja6 3|i35| 3^@5J 3Jg5 " " retail 4|37 4 @7 5 {g6^ 4.i36 Dressed hogs 5 S^i 5 Q6 5Jg6 5^26 Remarks. — It will be noticed that for these four weeks no change is made in the range of prices for beef. The market, to be sure, has been very steady, but not quite bo uniform as this might seem to indicate. In the weekly Farmer a full column is given to de- tails, by which it will be seen that quality affects the market ag well as price, and that the bulk of the sales are sometimes up and sometimes down in the scale of prices, without exceeding either the highest or the lowest figures. QUARTERLY SUMMARY. The total number of cattle, sheep, shotes and live fat hogs re- ported for the first quarter, or the thirteen weeks ending Thurs- day, March 27th, 1862, with the average number for each week, is as follows: Whole No. frr 13 weeis. Average No. per tceek. Cattle 16,157 1243 Sheep 34,961 2689 Shotes 6,515 601 Live fat hogs 8,850 680 Of the 16,157 cattle at market during the last quarter, 9118 were 'rem the Western States, leaving 7039 as the number from the New England States and northern New York. Of the 34,961 sheep above reported for the quarter, 14,423 were from the West, and 20,538 from New England and the northern part of New York. It has been found so difficult to decide upon the number of cat- tle that shouH be reported as "stores," that no attempt is made at classification. Many oxen, steers and heifers are sold either for beef or for stores, as will best suit customers. During this quarter, there has been a great demand for light beef, and prob- ably considerable less than 100 head ^ week have escaped the "meat-oxe" of the butcher. 13^ In one respect the recent floods in Califomfe, have had a beneficial effect, to wit, they have de- veloped new mines, and in many instances formed new deposits in the gulches and river beds, long since worked out and abandoned. The San Fran- cisco Bulletin thinks the total damage caused by the floods will not exceed three and a quarter mil- lions of dollars. DEVOTED TO AQRICULTUBE AND ITS KUTDRED AKTS AND SCIENCES. VOL. XIV. BOSTON, JUNE, 1862. NO. 6. NOURSE, EATON & TOLMAN, Proprietors. Office... .100 Washinqton Street. SIMON BROWN Epitor. HENRY F. FRENCH, Associate Editoe. THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY JUNE. UNE, in the climate of New England, is in many respects the most pleasant month of the year, and, better than any other, realizes the "balmy sweets," the "ethereal mild- ness," and the uni- versal activity and gladness of nature, which foreign writers have rep- resented as characteristic y- The mornings are no longer frosty. The north-east winds have lost their chill. The air is balmy, but not as yet sultry. The forests and fields now wear their best dress — the freshest and brightest of the year. The grass, which has "come creeping, creeping," everj^where, spreading as a carpet over pasture and meadow, at once for food and repose to the "cattle upon a thousand hills," is now sweeter and softer than at any other time during the season. In a word, New England is in her glory, and to be seen to advantage, must be seen in June — early in a June morning. The various shades of verdure, the profusion of flowers, the melody of bird, and insect song, are richer in June than during any other month of the year. But some farmer, -whose eye has followed our -words thus far, may be thinking, if he does not say : "All this is fine enough for those who have plenty of money to spend in hunting out land- scapes, and plenty of time to stop and admire . them, but to farmers whose backs ache and whose limbs are stiff by attempting more work than they ought to do, and which they do not feel able to pay others for doing, the weeds in our fields, whose rank growth outstrips our strength, catch- es our eyes and blurs the beauty of the scene." June brings to farmers long days and hard work — so long and so hard that whatever of po- etry there may have been in us at first, is soon sweated out, and passes off in "invisible exhala- tion." We know that most of the farmers of New England necessarily work hard. But we do not believe that it is necessary for them so to overtask the body as to incapacitate the mind for the enjoy- ments'of the beauties of nature. True it is, that they have no slaves "to fan them while they sleep, or tremble when they wake," but how many ser- vants have they obedient to their call, how many even of the very elements minister to their gratifi- cation and tend to promote their comfort and hap- piness. Let us, borrowing something of the coloring of another, figure to ourselves an inhabitant of some peculiai'ly favored spot, with all the powers of na- ture contributing to his enjoyment and pleasure, — the clear, blue sky above his head, shaded occa- sionally by clouds which drop down fatness in fer- tilizing showers ; — the green earth beneath his feet throwing from her bountiful lap a profusion of flowers in every form of loveliness ; around him venerable trees, full of leafy honors, stretching wide their branches to afford him a grateful shel- ter from the meridian heat, or bearing fruit to gratify his taste ; hard by, the sparkling of a cool, transparent stream, as it hastens to join the broad river, flowing majestically through meadows of emerald to lose itself in the distant ocoaa; — in. his groves, bii'ds of note cheer him -with their sweet music ; — on his lawns the lowing of cattle, on liie. hills the bleating of sheep ; — in his stables beasts, of draft to cultivate his fields, and of burden to. convey him swiftly and at ease on distant journeys ; in his store-houses, ingenious machines and im- plements, which, like "things of life," perform in the most expeditious and satisfactory manner 250 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June some of his most laborious and irksome tasks; — in his dwelling are necessary comforts and conve- niences, with many of the luxuries which commerce has collected from distant climes and ingenuity has prepared for his use ; — in his family a beloved partner of his bosom and dutiful children, who kindle while they reflect the glance of a parent's eye, and to whose steps all paths to usefulness and distinction are wide open. Such is the farmer of New England ! He is more than all this. He is a man in authority — a part of the government whose jurisdiction he ac- knowledges, and whose poAver he is ready to en- force with all the energy which has been acquired by the fixed habit of doing his own work and mak- ing his own laws. For the Neie England Farmer, A TROT ON THE ICE, A trot came off on the 14th April inst., on the ice, between black mare Fanny Barrett, of this town, and bay mare Green Mountain Queen, of Bridport, Vermont. The town of Crown Point is situated on Lake Champlain, on the New York side, and Bridport on the Vermont side. The trot was on Lake Champlain, between the two places. There was a large number of people upon the ice to witness this trot, attracted there not so much to look upon the speed of these two beauti- ful "nags," — but the idea of a trot upon the ice, on the 14th day of April, excited the curiosity, and for that reason, much interest was taken. The mares made a good race, but the result be- came a disputed point, and was finally left unset- tled. Years will roll away, before the people in this vicinity will witness a scene so novel and rare, as a horse trot upon the ice on Lake Champlain on the 14th of April. The snow has been in this vicinity from 3 to 4i feet deep, but now, before the genial rays of old Sol, the snow is fast wasting away, and the roar of the brook mingling with the shrill note of the bluebird, says, all hail once again, happy spring. W. W. MoorvE. Crown Point, N. Y., April 17, 1862. Old Times and New. — Compare travelling as it is now with what it was when the apostles went out. I could go around the earth and come home again quicker than Paul could go from Jerusalem to Ptome in his day. In the time that was required to write one Bible in his day, I can print a million now. It cost a fortune to own a book then ; now there is not a pauper in the poor-house that is not able to own a book. Literally, knowledge may said to be without money and without price ; when for a penny a man may have a newspaper that covers the contemporaneous news of the globe, so that he can sec more than if he were put on an ex- ceeding high mountain — with a devil at his elbow at that, to tempt him withal. Books are cheaper than bread, and none are so poor that they cannot have the reading of the events of every single day. — H. W. Beecher. BARLEY. This valuable grain is now much cultivated in many sections of our State, and is used, not unfre- quently, as a substitute for corn and wheat. The constituents of barley — taking the gi-ain and haulm together — have, on burning, 7.04 per cent, of ashes, while the straw and grain of oats leave but 5.73 per cent. The analysis of these ashes demonstrates the position of barley, and places it in the category of silicious plants. The same remark applies, also, with equal correctness to oats — the ashes of the latter furnishing 62 per cent, of silica, and 25 per cent, of lime salts ; the ashes of barley 25 per cent, of lime salts, and 55 of silica. We mention these grains in connection, because some have affected to believe that oats require an ali- ment essentially different from that demanded by other cereal grains. Oats flourish on any good corn land, but barley requires a sandy, or even gravelly loam ; a soil that is light and warm. Very fine barley is now brought from California, and may be purchased for 65 or 70 cents per bushel. This is probably taken as ballast, or in preference to returning with empty bottoms. Barley has risen in the estimation of farmers, and is now cultivated more freely than it has been for many years. THE BEST GATE. In the Farmer of February 15th, an article on fencing of barn-yards, etc., says : "The best gate is made of scantling and boards ;" to which I say as the Irishman did of his friend's dinner, which was meat and potatoes ; "that it was just his, bai'- rin' the meat." So this gate is just mine, barrin' the scantling. Formerly I used scantUng, two by three, and two by four inches, for the frame of my gates ; but one time, now some twelve years since, I had no scantling, and therefore built my gate, which was ten feet long, frame with strips of board, one by four inches for the latch end, and one by eight inches for the hinge end of the gate ; brace, one by six inclies. My lower board, one by eight inches ; next above, one by six inches ; next two, each one by four inches ; the whole secured by wi'ought nails clinched, and hung with strap hin- ges. This gate is now, and has been all the time from its construction, in daily use, and has never sagged an inch. From that time to the present, I have always built my gates without scantling, and have found them equally as good barriers as those built with scantling, while they are lighter, cost less, and do not sag. Any one can build such a gate and hang it — the jjosts being set — in two hours. — Cor. Ohio Farmer. Won't Grow. — Mr. Goodale, Secretary of the Maine Board of Agriculture, in the recent discussions of the Board, stated that there is a tract of land in ]Maine both south and north of which Indian corn could be grown, but Upon which it would not grow. 1862, NEW ENGLAND FARMER, 251 For the New England Fanner. POTATO BEMIWISCENCES. Messrs. Editors : — Notwithstanding the pre- judice of Cobbet, potatoes, if not a luxuiy, are con- sidered by most people as an indispensable article of food, I believe, by general consent, they are considered tlie king of roots, and that it could have no substitute to make its place good upon the table. Since my remembrance, a great many varieties have succeeded each other, losing their popularity as better varieties made their appear- ance. Like men, and manj' other things, they have their day, and are forgotten. In the latter part of the last centurj', very few potatoes, com- paratively, were used ; aged people at that time preferred turnips to potatoes. A visitor at ray father's was asked, at dinner, if he would be helped .to a potato? He said, "No, I thank you, we have enough of them at home." One of the first varie- ties, I recollect, made a stroncf impression upon my mind, as well as m}' stomach ; by some means or other, it was introduced extensively in this State, and it was cultivated in the State of Maine in large crops as late as 1808. This variety was called the Spanish potato, and what quality it had to commend it, unless its prolific propensity, is beyond my feeble comprehension. I got humbuged by planting potatoes of that variety. They were so strong that they were unfit for the table, and I believe animals ate them out of a sense of duty, rather than love. The man that fed my cattle with them, said that they produced a drooling and dis- charge of tears from their eyes, if I am correct. Improved varieties soon followed. The English White — an excellent potato, but soon run out — had its day like a politician, and was gone. Then the purple varieties, the Orange potato. Long John, or Long Red, and numerous other varieties followed in succession, and among the rest a pota- to of formidable dimensions, called the "Negro po- tato," was introduced. The Rohans, Jenny Linds and "Contrabands" would rank well together, as a coarse, unpalatable vegetable production, unfit for human food, where better varieties can be ob- tained. The Chenango came into notice here more than thiity years ago, an excellent variety ; it had its day, like all sublunary things ; old age and the rot has nearly exterminated it from this neighborhood, and so of the Long Red. The Ri- ley potato was a fine-flavored, mealy potato ; but two or three objections were sufficient to hurt its character, viz., its sunken eyes, smallness of size, running like beads upon its roots, and its liability to rot. The Danvers Red, a fine looking potato, but, like other potatoes that are yellow inside, are hard and heavy when boiled. I have been experimenting upon the different varieties of potatoes for the last few years, plant- ing only those least liable to rot. 1 repeatedly lost my crops while trusting to the Chenangoes, Long Reds and several other kinds, by almost a total rot. The last few years I have planted the Davis seedlings, the Cracker or Jackson, and a kind resembling the old Kidney potato, I believe by some called the St. Helena. The Davis seed- lings have grown a good size, very fair, handsome potatoes ; a few of them have rotted. The Crack- ers are early to ripen, and of the finest grain, and best mealy potatoes I have seen. They require rich land, to get large ones. Their fault is sunk- en eyes and an unequal surface. I have planted the Kidneys six or seven years past. They grow upon almost any kind of soil to a good size, are fair, and easy to peel ; they are excellent potatoes, although not so mealy as the Crackers. For the number of years I have raised them, I have not lost a half-bushel by the rot in that variety ; they held out sound when Chenangoes and Long Reds nearly all rotted in the same field. I have told some of my experiences at potato raising. I can well remember the progress of potato agriculture for the last seventy years ; they were much more easily raised then, than of later years. We do not get more than one-half or a third so many to the acre, as we did from fifty to seventy years ago. I think, by a careful selection, the quality may have been improved, but they have fallen off in quanti- ty more than they have gained in quality since that time. Potatoes are the most important of our root crops, they rank number one as a vege- table for culinary purposes ; they are cultivated at less expense than many other roots, and they are among the best roots for cattle and swine, when they can be afforded. Silas Brown. North Wilmington, March, 1862. For the New England Farmer. ANCIENT AND MODERN LUXUBIES. Mr. Editor : — We often descant upon the progress Ave are making in agriculture during the present century. We are apt to imagine that, m olden times, men had but few luxuries. Especial- ly is this true when we listen to the story of the pioneers of our own country. But it so happens that a certain man lived well nigh three thousand years ago by the name of Homer. He was a per- son on whom as much wise nonsense and as much real learning have been displayed, and yet of whom as little is really known as of any other man. This much, however, we can say of him : that he had a way of his own in descrfting matters in his day. Now this man gives us a description of the pal- ace and gai'den of Alcinous, King of the Phaea- cians, which equals any in modern times. Per- haps your Hon. M. P. Wilder may show a gi'eater variety of pears. Aside from this, we must give the palm to Alcinous, unless the contrary can be shown. After describing his palace made of brazen walls, his doors of gold, the posts as well as the beam over the door of silver, with images of gold and silver, dogs wrought by Vulcan as guards to his threshold, and so made as to be imperishable, he then gives us an insight of its interior, with its couches around the walls supplied with well wrought coverings, the handiwork of women. On these reclined the nobles, M'ho enjoyed a perpetual feast in its halls. Golden candlesticks wrought in the form of fair youths, stood above the altars to give light to the guests. Fifty female servants are employed ; 'some to grind the apple-red colored Avheat, and others to spin and weave a cloth so close that oil running down Avill not peneti'ate it. The poet even boasts that as the Pha^acians excel other nations in guiding the ship over the stormy sea, so do their women excel all others in weaving. Next comes the description of his garden. Outside the hall, and near the gates, is a large garden of four acres. Around it on all sides is a 252 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June hedge. "Within are the tall green trees. The pear, the pomegranate and apple trees, with their choicest fruit, the sweet figs and blooming olives, are here. The trees abound in fruit at all seasons of the year, in summer as well as in winter. The gently blowing west wind causes some to be grow- ing, and others to be ripening at the same time. Pear ripens after pear in succession ; ap])le after apple ; grape after grape ; and fig after fig. In one part of the garden is the vineyard, situ- ated on a level spot, which is accessible to the rays of the sun, and filled with fruits. They are now gathering some of the grapes, while they are tread- ing out others. Some of the vines are still in flower ; the grapes on others are unripe, while others are dark colored, ready for the harvest. In another place, the garden-beds are laid out in order, where flowers grow in perennial bloom. In the midst are two fountains, one of which sei-ves to water the garden, spreading through it with its cool, refreshing streams, while the other flows be- neath the threshold of the lofty palace. Now, what modern orator of an agricultural fah, or what poet of modern times, has, or can excel this description of Homer, in as few words, and how few of the farmers of New England can yet boast of his garden luxuries like those here so vividly delineated in this one of four acres in a fabulous age of the world ? n. t. t. Beihel, Me., April, 1862. For the New England Farmer. THE BLRDS OP NEW ENGLAND— No. 18. WARBLERS. Black-throated Blue VParbler — Black-throated Green Warbler — Connecticut Warbler — Kentucky Warbler — Black and White Creeper — Yellow-throated Warbler — Mourning Warbler. The Black-throated Blue Warbler, {Den- droica Canadensis, 'Qaxvd; Sylvicola Canadensis, Swain.,) winters in Mexico and the West Indies, gradually progressing norfhward in spring, as the season advances. It enters South Carolina about the first of April ; appears in Pennsylvania about a month later, and in New York and New Eng- land usually about the middle of May. At Spring- field, I observed them very common for a few days about the 22dof May,in 1861,but they are usually considered as "wayfaring and unfrequent visitors." They are known to breed in Nova Scotia, and are found to exist in summer as far northward as Lab- radoi". Doubtless a few "indificate in the north- ern parts of New England. According to De Kay, they have been seen in this latitude as late as December, returning on their way southward. In their habits they much resemble the other War- blers, being extremely active in the pursuit of those insects that constitute their food. Their song is low and somewhat peculiar, but not re- markable for melodious efi'ect. Length, five and a half inches ; extent, seven and a half; upper parts, wholly a light blue slate ; throat and upper part of the breast, black, which extends in a broad, lateral stripe to the tail ; rest of the lower plumage, white ; tail, with white spots on the inner veins of the exterior feathers ; a spot of white at the base of the primaries of the wings. The female is so differently colored from the male as to have been described by the earlier ornithol- ogists as a distinct species, under the name of Pine Swamp Warbler, {Sylvia sphagnosa, Bo- nap.) The distribution of the color is similar, but where the male is blue the female is a deep green olive, with bluish reflections ; lower parts, pale greenish yellow, more dusky on those parts which in the male are black. Wings and tail marked with white, as in the male. The Black-throated Green Warbler, (Dendroica virens, Baird ; Sylvicola virens, Swain.,) arrives from the south in May, frequent- ing alike the blooming orchard and the deep for- est and solitary swamj), on its fhst arrival ; feed- ing chiefly on the insects that at this time prey upon the opening buds and tender leaves ; a few spend the summer here, being met with occasion- ally in the retired forests, but the greater number pass further northward, and in July have been met with in Greenland. It is a very active little bird, and like most of its congeners, is continually searching among the foliage for its winged prey ; its notes are not particularly remarkable, though somewhat peculiar and pleasing. Nuttall discov- ered its nest in the eastei'n part of this State, and a number of specimens have been obtained in the vicinity of Springfield, by ornithological collec- tors, in June and July of the year last past. Length four inches and three-quarters ; extent, seven ; above, bright yellowish-green ; throat and upper part of the breast, black ; streaks of the same on the sides, under the wings ; belly and vent, white ; two bars of white across the wings, which are dusky ; exterior tail feathers spotted with white on the inner veins. In the female the colors are paler, and the black on the throat is nearly concealed by the ashy edgings of the feathers. The Connecticut Warbler,) Oporornis ag- ilis, Baird ; Sylvicola agilis, Jardine,) is one of the rarest birds of its tribe, and comparatively lit- tle is known concerning it. It was first seen by Wilson, who fu-st met with it in the State of Con- necticut, and accordingly gave to it the name by which it is now known ; antl from its extreme agil- ity he bestowed upon it the Latin specific name it now bears. This untiring ornithologist met with not more than half a dozen individuals in all his extensive travels ; subsequently it has been seen in various parts of the eastern portions of the United States, but is still so rarely met with that we have no particular knowledge of its manners. By some it has been considered as the young of the Mourning Warbler, {Geothlypis Fkiladel- phia,) which it is said very much to resemble, but is now, I believe, regarded generally as a distinct species. Length, five inches and a half ; extent, eight ; whole upper parts, yellow olive ; throat soiled white ; breast, greenish-yellow ; rest of the lower parts, deep yellow. The Kentucky Warbler, {Oporornis formo- sus, Baird ; Myiodioctes formosus, Aud. ; Sylvi- cola Jhi-mosa, 3 avd.,) is a common and even abun- dant species in some of the Western and South- ern States, but as far eastward as New York and New England it is quite rare. It is described as an extremely active and lively bird, "frequenting low, damp woods ; it builds its nest in the mid- dle of a thick tuft of rank grass, sometimes in the fork of a low bush, and sometimes on the ground." "The materials are loose, dry grass, mixed with the light pith of weeds, and lined with 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER, 253 hair. The female lays four, and sometimes six eggs," says Wilson, "sprinkled with specks of red- dish." It hunts for its prey among bushes, and tall weeds, and grass, seldom flying farther than a few yards at a time, and seldom seizing its prey on the wing. Its song is described as lively and agreeable, resembling the words ticeedle, tioeedle, tweedle, uttered rapidly and with emphasis. Length, four inches and a half; alar extent, six and a half; upper parts olive, with streaks of red- dish on the back ; under parts, rich yellow, with streaks of black on the sides ; spots of white on the tail. The Black and White Creeper, {Mniotilla varia, Vieillot,) enters Louisiana in February from the southward, as the buds on the trees are expanding and unfolding into leaves, and in its migration northward keeps pace with the advance- ment of vegetation, and spreading over the Unit- ed States, reaches New England about the first of May, many still passing farther north. They breed throughout the whole of this extensive re- gion. In its scansorial habits this bird greatly resembles the true Creepers, (Certhice,) but more nearly resembles the Warblers in the form of its bill, and in many other points. It seldom perches on the twigs, but runs over the trunks of trees, in every du'ection, with great facility, and traverses the under sides of the larger limbs, back downward with perfect ease, carefully searching the bark and every crevice for its insect food. When it first ap- pears in the spring, from the south, it sometimes frequents the orchard, but generally prefers the forest, where it spends the summer and rears its young. Its nest is "generally found in the hole of a tree ; and is composed of dry moss, lined with downy substances. The eggs are four to seven, white, with a few reddish dots disposed ai'ound the larger end." Length, about five and a half inches ; extent, seven and a half. Whole plumage, alternate streaks and spots of black and white. Female considerably paler than the male. The Yellow-throated Warbler, or Mary- land Yellow-throat, (Trichas personatus, Swain.,) is one of our most common species, ap- pearing from the south in the early part of May, and continuing with us through the season. It prefers low woodlands, swamps, and swampy hedges and thickets, where it rears its young, placing its nest on the ground, usually concealed in a thick tuft of grass. It is composed of fine grass, lined with horse hair, and sometimes arched over. The eggs are four to six, white, with a few reddish specks around the larger end. It is not at all shy or suspicious in its behavior, but bold- ly scolds the intruder, especially during the sea- son of incubation, as he chances to venture upon its favorite, secluded retreat. Though not prop- erly to be included among our birds of song, its simple lay and oft repeated lohitititee are far from disagi-eeable. It inhabits the whole eastern Unit- ed States, and considerably to the northward, but is said to be particularly numerous in the swampy districts of Maryland and adjoining States. Length, four inches and three-quarters, breadth of wing, six and a half ; upper parts, greenish- olive ; beneath, deep yellow, lighter on the belly ; front, sides of the head and neck, black. The female is somewhat paler and has not the black. The Mourning Warbler, {Trichas Philadd- pJiia, Aud. ; GeotJdypis Philadelphia, Baird,) was first introduced to public notice by Wilson, who only met with a single individual, a male, which Wilson says "had a sprightly and pleasant warbling song, the novelty of which at first at- tracted my attention." So scarce is it that no other was seen by ornithologists for several years, and it began to be conjectured that the specimen described by Wilson might prove to be merely an accidental variety of some other species, as perhaps of the preceding, {T. personatus,) to which it is related. It has, however, been occa- sionally met with since, in various parts of east- ern North America, and it afi'orded me not a little satisfaction a few months since, (Sept. 12th, 1861,) to meet with one of these birds, though in its autumnal or immature dress. From its excessive rarity but little is known of its habits. The in- dividual above alluded to was darting about with great agility after flying insects, among the alders and low trees in the swamp where it was obtained. Length, five inches ; extent, eight and one- fourth ; above, uniform greenish-olive ; cheeks, throat and breast, buff", inclining, on the breast, to dusky ; rest of the lower plumage, bright yellow ; tail emarginate, and with the wings, strongly tinged with greenish-olive. J. A. A. Cambridge, March, 1862. EXHIBITION OF FRUITS AND FLQ-WTEJRS. We are glad to learn that the Concord Farmers' Club has decided to hold an exhibition of Fruits and Flowers in that town on the third Saturday of June, the third Saturday of July, and the third Saturday of August, ensuing. But this is not, if we understand the matter correctly, to be done exclusively by the Club, as it is expected that oth- er citizens will be joined with the members of the Club appointed to carry out the plans, and that contributions to the exhibition are expected from the citizens generally. With this view, we sug- gest to the good people of that town to make such preparations now as will enable them to assist in gracing the show vnth the productions of their flower-beds and gardens. The occasion is to be open and free to all, either to contribute to or to visit. We predict that these exhibitions will be creditable to the citizens of the town, and occasions of interest to all, but espec- ially so to the children. A Fox Story. — One day last week a party of sportsmen belonging in this city and Boston went on a fox hunting expedition to Chelmsford. On "Thanksgiving Ground" they ran a fox into his hole, and then commenced to dig for him. After working smart a number of hours, they came upon a nest of young fo«es, not having their eyes open, one of which was brought away. One of the party having a litter of young kittens at his house in this city, placed this young fox with them, and it takes its nourishment with the rest, and is now doing M'ell. The old cat purs over the little stran- ger, and does not seem to notice any difference between it and her own family. — Lowell News. 254 NEW ENGLAND FAEMER. June For the New England Farmer. "WORKING HOGS. Mr. Editor : — I saw in your last January num- ber a short article on working hogs. It is gener- ally believed by farmers that hogs are valuable stock to keep on a farm, not only for the flesh, but for the manure they make, and for the labor which they do on the manure heap. Now this is a grand mistake. Hogs can never create any manure ; all that they can do is to leave the surplus of what you give them after taking out the nouinshment of their bodies. As to their working on manure heaps, I should rather they would work on their own land, as there is nothing so injurious to a manure heap as to keejJ digging and stirring it over, and tliis is a work which many farmers want their hogs to do. It is painful to see farmers drawing out their summer manure in the fall, and turning it down in heaps on their plowed fields, there to take the peltings of wind and storm through the winter, and then in the spring draw out their winter ma- nure and pile it on top, then dig it over two or three times before they get it into the ground. Did j^ou ever hear of any one offended with the smell in digging over a heap of manure managed in this way ? The reason is plain ; the gases go to the four winds, and its nutritious .quality is wasted. My object in these remarks is to show the farm- er the loss he sustains in exposing his manure heap to the action of the air, sun and rain, and the depredations of working hogs. The success of the farmer depends very much on the amount of manure he can procure for his farm, and the easiest way to get it, is to furnish every animal about the barn with a sufficient quantity of soil, muck, or vegetable substance, to absorb all the liquid, so that nothing will ooze out and be lost ; then keep the manure heap as much as possible from the ac- tion of the air and the rays of the sun, tramp it down as hard as you please, the harder the better, and one cord of such manure is worth two coi*ds worked over repeatedly, and exposed to the wind and storm. Farmers, try the experiment. Plow in one cord of each, side by side in your field, and you will soon be convinced. H. Dernj, N. H., March 20, 1862. For the New England Farmer, THE TURNIP CROP. Although the turnip is raised and used extensive- ly in Europe, as a valuable feed for milch cows and stock in general, yet in this country they are raised and fed very sparingly, as the prejudice against them has arisen from the fact that they impart an unpleasant taste to the milk. I admit that this is the case when first fed in the flill, "for perhaps two weeks," but continue to feed them, and after the exph-ation of two weeks the most particular taste cannot detect any unpleasantness in the flavor of the milk. I have kept two milch cows the past winter, principally upon English turnips; they have consumed but al)nut 1200 pounds of hay, each cow having had one bushel of turnips and one-half bushel of carrots per day. The milk has been used in five difi'crcnt families, without any complaint ; the cows keep in good flesh and have given a good supply of milk. The tuniip crop I consider one of the most valuable for the stock farmer, as it can be raised at a veiy trifling expense, compared with any other crop. The turnip can be soAved after early vegetables are taken from the land. I had about an acre of land from which I took a good crop of English hay last July, I then plowed and sowed it with English strap-leaved turnip, from which I gathered the same season upM'ards of 200 bushels, using but 320 pounds of Mapes' super-phosphate of lime. This season I intend to sow it down with Hunga- rian grass, therefore losing no time, and raising the turnip at a trifling expense. J. s. I. Salem, Feb. 12, 1862. THE DAM AT NORTH BTT.T.ERICA. We give below a little piece of history in rela- tion to this dam, which is probably not generally known. At the hearing before the Legislative committee, in February last, one of the counsel for the Talbots occupied a considerable portion of his argument on the point that no complaint had been made by the early settlers of the town that this dam was a principal cause of the flooding of the meadows. The following facts are incontroverti- ble, and show what sort of agency is resorted to, to continue this unjust and wicked oppression upon an unofiending and long-suffering people. There is no one thing that so disgraces the State of Massachusetts as the law upon her stat- ute books, that allows the private property of her citizens to be taken from them without their con- sent ! It is a shame upon her fair fame, and is sus- tained, entirely, by a combination of the maniifac- turing interests, to the great wrong of many of our best citizens, and injury to our agricultural prosperity. Let us see what are some of the facts. His Excellency, the Governor, in his last annu- al address to the Legislature, called the attention of that body to the subject of flowing and draining lands in the following words : — "In this connection I desire also to call the attention of the Legisla- ture to a measure of justice and public utility which will restore to cultivation many acres of the richest and most productive lands in the State." This subject of flowing and draining lands received the attention of the General Court early in the last century, and an act was passed in 1702, de- signed to relieve wet lands of their burdens, and to make them valuable to the colonists. The Commonwealth might be benefited by an act of similar import, if the provisions of it could be faithfully carried out. The act to which allusion has been made is styled "An Act for appointing Commissioners of Sewers." The preamble to this act is stated in the following language : "Whereas, gi'eat quanti- ties of meadows and low grounds belonging to sundry persons in several towns, are spoiled by 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 255 the overflowing of rivers, brooks and waters, oc- casioned by banks and stoppage in their courses, which by industry may be removed to the benefit and profit of the owners ; and also much meadow and pasture land might be gained out of swamps and other rough and unprofitable grounds by draining the same : To the intent that the own- ers of such lands and meadows may be encour- aged and enabled to remove such obstructions as occasion such overflows, and to drain and flow their swamps, and other grounds, and thereby bring them to meadow or pasture, that they may be profitable to them, Be it enacted, &c., that it shall be in the power of the Governor and Council, from time to time, upon request to them made by the major part of the proprietors of any such lands, to grant commissioners of sewers to such and so many able and discreet persons as to them shall seem meet for the clearing and removing of the banks and obstructions of the passage of the waters in rivers, brooks or ponds that occasion the overflows of and drowning of low meadows and lands." From this extract, the general intent of the law is manifest. This law was not allowed to remain a dead letter upon the statute book. Commis- sioners of Sewers were appointed. One of the streams which they were directed by the Governor and Council to visit, upon the petition of land- OAvners, was Concord river. The meadow-owners upon this stream, about the year 1720, represent- ed to the Governor and Council that their lands were overflowed, and prayed to be relieved. A commission of three were appointed and directed to visit this stream, in order to determine by their own observation, the condition of the river. This commission reported to the Governor and Coun- cil. In their report they say that they "visited and sounded said river, or a great part of it, and -made the best endeavor we could to find out what and where the obstructions wei'e, that caused the overflow of the said river, to the spoiling of the meadows of Concord and Sudbury." They said that one obstruction producing this efi'ect was a dam across this stream in Billerica, erected by Christopher Osgood. Of this dam, they say, "which in our opinion very greatly hinders the water's discharging itself. We have, therefore, ordered and determined that the aforesaid dam, stoppage or obstruction be so far pulled down and removed as to give the said river its usual course and channel, that being the only place to begin the work at of clearing the said river to relieve the complainants or petitioners, and that nothing can be done that Avill be profitable until said ob- struction is removed." They appointed seven men to execute their order. Immediately Christopher Osgood petitioned the Governor and Council, to have the execution of this order delaj^ed, "until a further view, examina- tion and report be made of the said river and the influence the said dam may have towards the overflowing of the said meadows." In the peti- tion, he states that he employed three men to view his dam, who surveyed and sounded at the dam and the ford-way above, and found the top of the dam to be three feet lower than the bed of the river at the fording place. Mr. Osgood's prayer was granted. A committee was appointed to view the premises. This committee reported that they "having been on the spot at two several times, once when the water was high and once when it was low, and viewed the said mill, mill- dam and the river as far as Concord, are of opin- ion that the demolishing of the said mill-dam of Christopher Osgood, will ease the said river and help the meadows above." This report was read in Council, when it was "ordered that the Com- missioners of Sewers proceed forthwith in the ex- ecution of their commission. The Commissioners of Sewers discharged their duty, and the dam was demolished in 1722. Those who executed the order were prosecuted by Mr. Osgood for trespass, on account of demolishing his dam by "force and arms." The action was brought in the "Inferior Court of Sessions." The defendants answered that they acted under an act of the Province, and that "any person ag- grieved at any procedure" under this act may ap- peal "to the Governor and Council for reHef." The defence was sustained by the court, and Mr. Os- good was ordered to pay the costs of the action. The plaintifl" appealed to the Superior Court of Sessions. This court sustained the decision of the Inferior Court, and this case seems to have ended here. For the New England Farmer. GIRDLED TREES. Messrs. Editors : — I fear that the depreda- tions of mice in young orchards, the past winter, have been very destructive. My own observations, and the lamentations of others over their disap- pointed hopes, lead me to this conclusion. With very young trees, I suppose the cheapest way is to re-plant, if they are nearly or quite girdled ; but larger trees, say from two to three inches through, I think may be saved in another way, which may not be new, but which I have seldom seen prac- ticed. I will relate my own experience. A few years since I had a fine, thrifty pear tree, which, in the spring, showed evidence of deadly blight in the bark at its foot, it being completely black and dead for ten or twelve inches above the ground, while the top appeared sound and well. I did not like to lose the tree, so I went to a nursery and procured three thrifty seedling pear stocks, about as large round as my finger. These I cut ofi" at the proper height by a slanting cut such as is used in splice grafting, and planted them carefully as near the trunk as I could conveniently, leaning them towards it. I then, with .a sharp knife, cut 256 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June a wedge-shaped piece of bark from the trunk of the tree opposite each stock, extending up into the healthy bark about two inches, thus /\, then shaping the stocks to fit the opening accurately, I bound thera in with matting, and applying a little grafting wax to keep out air and weather, left the rest to nature. The result was, that I saved my tree, and now have it in a very thrifty condition, standing on three legs. There is no difficulty in the operation, and the saving of a nice tree is well worth the trial A good deal has been said about the best time for pruning trees. I have found no bad results arising from pruning them at this season, always covering the wound with grafting wax, made by melting together equal parts of beeswax, resin and mutton tallow ; this excludes the weather effectu- ally, and is easily applied, and costs but little. Worcester, April 13, 1862. M. For the New England Farmer. COST OP CUTTING- GRASS. Messrs. Editors : — I have read the report of the agricultural discussion, on Monday evening last, with much interest. Like theological discus- sions, it is very clear that much may be said on both sides. How much of this discussion was brought out by the hard-hands themselves, who have learned their lessons in the field, under the sweat of their own brow, I must leave for others to estimate. I notice an eminent farmer of Essex County maintains, that when English grass can be cut for one dollar per acre, by the scythe, it is not expe- dient to use a mowing machine. Now I thought, it had been demonstrated again and again, even on the farm of this same gentleman, that the ex- pense of cutting such grass, by the use of a well- constructed and regulated mowing machine, need not exceed half a dollar per acre. If, then, it is a demonstrable fact, that one-half the expense of cutting grass can be saved by the use of such a machine, why not use it ? If gentlemen deviate as far from the fact, on other topics, as in this, what reliance can be placed on what they say ? I had thought the improvements within the last thirty years, in the plowing of land, and the cut- ting of grass, two of the most prominent occupa- tions on the farm, were marked and certain ; and shall continue to think so, until I learn the con- trary, from authority more reliable than that of March 29, 1862. Fancy Farmers. Lawyers. — Many persons suppose that lawyers thrive upon the misfortunes of business men in general. But gentlemen of the bar well know how completely unfounded is this impression. Their prosperity is intimately identified with that of the other classes of society, for the increase of proceedings of a vindictive nature but poorly com- pensates for the great falling off in negotiations and transfers in contests carried on in good faith between responsible parties seeking to test doubt- ful questions, and in the collectable proportion of judgments. It is well that it is so, for it would be a serious misfortune to any community to have in its midst a numerous educated and influential class with an interest adverse to that of the rest of so- ciety. For the New England Farmer. HOW TO DRAIN—MANURES. Your correspondent H. T., Rutland, Mass., puts the question relative to draining a certain ten-acre lot. I have a lot not so large, but similar to the wettest portion of his ; in answer to him, I will give the mode in which I treated mine. On one side the lot was washed by a brook ; on the side oppo- site the brook a hill, at the brow of which I caused a ditch to be dug five feet deep ; at the bottom I laid stones, with the upper edges together, leav- ing a space in shape resembling the letter A, cov- ering to the depth of two feet with small stones and a laying of hassocks, then replaced the muck from the head ditch, and had others to conduct the water to the brook built in the same mode. Five years have passed since ; the land has been completely rid of water, and has produced first- rate crops. I find the above used material to be cheaper than tile or plank, and less trouble. Most every farmer has them at hand, and wishes to rid himself of them ; certainly there is no one but can try it in a small way, and if so successful as mine, will follow it. Another correspondent asks — "Will Concentra- ted Manure Pay ?" I find that the only dressing that pays with me is that which is in the reach of every farmer on his own farm, viz. : the drop- pings of the cattle composted with muck, urine, leaves, soap-suds and the contents ejected from the sink spout. If the farmer who buys these high- ly puffed fertilizers, takes the time in which he earns the money to purchase them, devotes it to the collecting of materials for the compost heap, he will find that he would gain greater results from that gathered by himself than that Avhich he bought. For some years past I have tilled but a small area of land, manuring it highly. I find more profit than in a larger quantity, with less manure to the same space of ground. I find that after land is well seeded down to grass, it is not best to disturb it, but to apply the dressing as a top-dressing, saving expense of cultivating, and getting greater return for the amount expended. Cape Elizabeth, Me., April, 1862. s. P. M. Surface of Gardens. — In the fine surface, soil of old gardens, the seeds of a multitude of plants, as well as many insects, or their ova, find a lodgment. In order to get rid of them effectually, it is a good plan to collect all the rubbish of the garden in the spring, together with the prunings from trees, and brush and weeds from pastures, and burn them on the ground. The limbs of the fir, spruce or hemlock, which many can command in any quantity, or indeed, any combustible ma- terial of little value otherwise, will answer as fuel for this purpose, and add also to the fertility of the soil by the ashes it leaves behind. But, of course, this can only be done on that portion of the garden where there are no perennial plants, unless the soil be scraped away into little heajjs, burnt over and returned to its place. This would save a great amount of weeding, and destroy many insects — so that the operation may be found prof- itable in a great many cases. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 257 FENCES. We do not often feel at liberty to exclude arti- cles from our columns that question the right to patents or improvements that are claimed, when they are written in a kind spirit, and with an ap- parent intention to subserve the cause of truth and justice. With these views we published the note from our "South Amherst" coiTCspondent, believing that Mr. Smith would be able to defend his interests if unjustly assailed. His statements may be found in the letter below. naverliill, N. H., May 5, 1852. Deak Sir : — I read with some surprise the communication from the South Amherst man about my fence. As I wish to have the matter fairly understood by you and the publishers of the Farmer, I take the liberty of again writing you, that strict justice may be done to all concerned, and trust you will excuse the frequent use of the personal pronoun, which may occur. In the first place, I will not deny that two per- sons, distant from each other, may devise precise- ly the same improvement, but this is not likely to happen. In justice to myself, I will say that, with the exception of three years, my life has been spent on the farm I now occupy ; and for many years, fences, and the improvements of them, have oc- cupied more of my thoughts, by day and by night, than any, if not everything else. I do believe I never dug a hole in the ground and put a post of wood in it, since I came to years of reflection, and felt right about it, or satisfied in doing it. Dur- ing my absence from home, as a teacher in Vir- ginia, my thoughts were constantly running upon improvements in them, and while there, I planned two or three kinds, which I determined to try when back again on the farm. To be brief, eight or ten years ago, I tried the kind you have on your farm, without the grooving or the wire hold- fasts, and the first words I uttered, after nailing on the braces, were, "It is a triumph !" This fence, with the improvements, was exhibited at the New York State Fair, (too late for a px'emium,) and pronounced much better than any other. It was shown at the Vermont and New Hampshire State Fairs, and at each drew both premiums and di- plomas. It has been built, (as at first,) on my own farm, by the sides of the main thoroughfare through this valley, and seen by thousands for eight years, and never, but in a single instance, has my claim as to its originality been denied, and that was by a man who had to leave town for steal- hig at a funeral ! He said he had helped to build the same thing on the railroad. I asked how they did it ? He replied, they laid down a sleep- er, spiked the foot of the post to it, and nailed boards for braces, a la mode Vandermark ! In one word, the fence, from top to bottom, is in every sense my own, as much as the able essay upon the value and uses of Swamp Muck in the Patent Office Report for 1856, is yours. When at your place, you will recollect I showed you Munn & Co.'s letter about my patent. After stating the claims allowed, they say, "It is certain no one can build the fence with braces on both sides," and also, "We think you have got all you want." I have MTitten to a friend to investigate the South Amherst fences, and when heard from, wish to send an article for the Farmer in reply. My model was with Ex-Com. Burke more than two years before I would let the application be made, (wishing to perfect the fence,) and from that, or the fences here by the roadside, I think the South Amherst farmer got his fence ideas. Mine have been got by an immense amount of study and ex- periments, with some failures, and the theory is before the farmers of New England, with every claim as honestly and fairly mine as any work done during my lifetime. c„arles R. Smith. FAKRAK'S PATENT ADJUSTABLE HOOK LADDER. It is often said that it is the little things of life that go to make up its great sum. This truism applies especially to articles which are patented — as it usually is articles that are small and cheap, but those that are used by millions, which are really the most useful, and that best reward the genius and labor of the inventor. This adjustable Hook is one of them. The inventor gives the best account of its usefulness, and we will stand aside and let him speak for himself. He says ; — The inventor is aware that ladders have been furnished with hooks permanently attached to their sides. But hooks so attached are in the way when the ladder is used for other purposes than of ascending the roofs of buildings, and workmen are often obliged to carry a hook ladder to their places of business, or else go with an uncertainty as to finding one. The object of this invention is to obviate these difficulties, and to furnish a hook which may be 258 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June easily transported separate from the ladder, and which ma}' be applied to any ordinary ladder when requii-ed. The Adjustable Hook can be attached to the ladder by clamping it to the two upper rounds, the clamp being made adjustable so that it may be fitted to ladders of different sizes, or in which the rounds are different distances apart. Two of the hooks can be attached to a ladder, but in or- dinary cases I have found, when working on the roof, one hook is best, as the ladder can be more easily moved about, and one hook is sufficiently strong for ordinary purj^oses. Another advantage of this hook is that it can be applied to any part of the ladder. Farmers, and all who have buildings, will find this hook very useful. Buildings may be often saved from fire by having one of these hooks at hand, as a ladder can most always be readily found, and the hook can be applied in a moment. For the New England Farmer. CEAIfBEBBir CULTUBE. Having a great love for the cranberry, thinking it superior to any article that grows, for ordinary sauce for the table, I am always gratified to meet sound, practical instioiction, from sound, practical men. Such I take Mr. Addison Flint, of Read- ing, to be. I know he and Father Sheldon, of Wilmington, sprung from the same meadow, and have conned their lessons agricultui'al in much the same manner. They are both somewhat positive in their opinions, and rather inclined "to stick to what they have said," be it right, or wrong. Now, so far as this sticking is concerned, I am decided- ly in favor of it ; for a man who will not stick to what he says, had better say nothing. I remem- ber hearing the great Jeremiah Mason arguing to the Court some question of law, when the senior., Judge on the Bench made a remark about the matter in hearing, when Mr. Mason turned to the Court, and said, "Will your Honors stick to that ?" with a shrug of his shoulders at the same time, as much as to say, "You do not always stick to what you say." But the question is, how is this to be applied to cranberry culture ? Mr. Flint thinks cranberries will be best grown, where the land can be completely flowed, and all other vegetation driven out by this flowage. Perhaps it is so. The very last season, I received a bushel of cranberries, from a man in Manchester, as handsome as I ever saw, who obtained the first premium of the Essex Society for the growing of cranberries. ItAvas awarded by Mr. N. Page, Jr., a modest young man, who knows quite as much about the growing of cranberries as any other man among us, and has told what he knows, in a sensible essay, published in Mr. Secretary Flint's recent volume of the Agriculture of Massachu- setts. Since the experiment of Mr. Elias Needham, in the growing of cranberries on the upland, I have been accustomed to think, that none of so good quality could be otherwise grown. Nevertheless, it is quite certain, that the true j)osition for the cranberry is on low, level ground, where a flow of water can occasionally be introduced. If I do not mistake, the culture of this delicious vegeta- ble is destined to a great increase, and that there will be at least ten bushels raised, where there is now but one. p. For the New Etii^land Farmer. NOTES PEOM THE MONOMACK. BY SAGGAHEW^. RlisGlNG. — Most of the readers of the Farmer are doubtless somewhat familiar v.ith the philoso- phy of "ringing" fruit branches, for the purpose of increasing the size of the fruit. It may be briefly, though imperfectly, explained as folloAvs : As the blood, after traversing the arteries of the human body to their minutest extremity, is returned to the heart through the veins, so the sap of trees and plants is returned to the roots, through appropriate vessels, or channels, located beneath the outer bark. If we compress the bark below a pear, or bunch of grapes, the sap, is impeded in its return flow, and, as experimenta have fully proved, it expends itself in enlarging and perfecting the fruit below the strictui-e. The most approved mode of performing this experi- ment is by cutting out a narrow ring of bark just below the fruit to be expei'imented upon — hence the name "ringing." Fruit thus treated is much larger, and every way finer, than that upon the same tree, or vine, wliich has not been subjected to this process. While conversing Avith a townsman, some months since, the subject of "ringing" chanced to be mentioned, and as he had never heard of it, I was induced to explain the operation, as Avell as the philosophy of the thing. On concluding, he pointed to a large apple tree standing in his gar- den, and observed, that, although it has regularly blossomed profusely, it for many years never ri- pened a crop of fruit. It seemed to have a con- firmed habit of dropping its fruit, while the latter was quite small, and he had repeatedly almost de- cided to cut it down, as entirely worthless. But a few years since, he happened to read in some newspaper that if a ring of the bark on the princi- pal limbs was vigorously scraped, just after the fruit had set, such trees would cease to drop their fruit before maturity. As the proposed remedy Avas a simple one, he tried it. The result Avas most gratifying. For the first time in its history, the tree matured a large crop of fine fruit. Since that time he has occasionally given the bark of the trunk, and the base of principal limbs, a good scraping, and the tree has borne him regular crops. He had never heard of the philosophy of the process, and it Avas only Avhen Ave explained the philosophy of "ringing" that the reason of his success in scraping his old apple tree flashed ujjon his mind. He observed that the simple remedy had saved him many barrels of fine apples and transformed a valueless tree into one of the most productive in his Avhole garden. Are there not many such trees still casting their untimely fruit, and is not the hint Avhich resulted so favorably in this instance, Avell Avorth acting upon in all similar cases ? I think so. Will not some of the readers of the Farmer try the experi- ment, and note the result ? I should add that, in obstinate cases, the scraping should be pretty severe, so as to be sure to impede the return floAV of the sap, and thus compel it to expend itself in maturing the fruit. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 259 For the New England Farmer. SA^WDUST AS AOr ABSORBENT— TO MEASURE A TON OF HAY. Mr. Editou : — As I have used considerable sawdust for the last year, and with very good suc- cess, I do not hesitate to say that it is the very best thing to use for bedding under cattle and horses. It is very absorbent, and will take in a large quantity of water. Put it inulcr the cattle and it will soak up the liquid, and keep them nice and dry. It is also a good fixer of ammonia. Every one knoAvs, who is familiar with the horse stable, that on entering it he finds a very bad odor aris- ing. If you Avould use a half-bushel of sawdust a day, for each horse, on the sta!)le floor, it would prevent it entirely, and add greatly to the manure- heap. TO MEASURE A TON OF HAY. In the Farmer of November 30th, in an article on weights and measures, it is said that one hun- dred cubic feet of hay, in a solid mow or stack, will weigh a ton. I think this is a mistake, and it is very important that every farmer should know how to reckon up his hay, after he gets through haying. A mow of hay that is well stowed, will weigh out a ton to every five hundred cubic feet, or if it is of a very fine quality, from four to five hundred feet will make a ton. Five hundred cu- bic feet is as small a number as we can often reck- on a ton of hay in. A ton of pressed hay will measure over two hundred feet. a. l. w. Hojje, Me., April, 1862. Remarks. — Thank you, sir. We do not find the article to which you refer, but if it stated 100 cubic feet for a ton, it was a mistake. We have often given these estimates. In the monthly Far- mer for January, 1860, we give the estimates of several persons. One says, that "the top of a mow, say about one-third, would require 800 cu- bic feet to the ton ; the middle 700 feet, and the bottom 600 feet." Another, that at the bottom of a mow 400 feet will make a ton, and that a whole barn full weighed out, averaged a little less than 500 feet to the ton. Another of our coiTespond- ents states that farmers in his region estimate that from 400 to 500 cubic feet to the ton, according to the position in which it lies, is sufficient. BURSTING- OF AN ICEBERG. A few years ago, a French man-of-war Avas ly- ing at anchor in Temple Bay ; the younger officers resolved on amusing themselves with an iceberg, a mile or more distant in the Straits. They made sumptuous preparations for a picnic upon the very top of it, the mysteries of which they were curious to see. All warnings of the brown and simple fishermen, in the ears of the smartly-dressed gen- tlemen who had seen the world, were quite idle. It was a bright summer morning, and the jolly boat, with a showy flag, went off to the berg. By twelve o'clock, the colors were flying from the ice turrets, and the wild midshipmen Avere shouting from its walls. For two hours or so, ihey hacked and clambered upon the crystal palace, frolicked and feasted, drank wine to the king and ladies, and laughed at the thought of peril where all was fixed and solid. As if in amazement at such rash- ness, the grim Alp of the sea made neither sound nor motion. A profound stillness watched on his shining pinnacles, and hearkened in the blue shadows of the caves. When, like thoughtless children, they had played themselves weary, the old alabaster of Greenland mercifully suffered them to gather up their toys and go down to their cockle of a boat and flee away. As if the time and distance •were measured, he waited until they could see it and live, when, as if his heart had been a volcanic fire, he burst with awful thunders, and filled the surrounding waters with his ruins. A more astonished little party seldom come home to tell the story of their panic. It was their fii'st, and theii- last day of amusement with an iceberg. For the Netp England Farmer. HOP CULTURE. In reply to Mr. Stanford's inquiry in regard to raising hops, I Avould advise him to continue the cultivation of his yard, as I think they will com- mand a remunerative price, from the fact that hops have been very low for a few years past, and consequently, many yards have been plowed up or neglected, so that the supply will not be as large for a few yeai's to come as in yeai*s past. Having lived in Otsego county, the great hop-yard of New York, and worked in the hop-yards considerably, I will state their mode of cultivation. The first year, they are cultivated like corn, no poles being set, and in the fall a shovelful of coarse manure is thrown on each hill, to keep them from freezing, and also to keep the land in good condition. The next spring the poles are set, two in each hill, as soon as they begin to show them- selves out of the ground. The poles should be set very firm, to resist the winds, which exert a tremendous power on them when loaded with vines. Poles are generally cut eighteen to tw-enty feet long, which admits of their being sharpened two or three times if they rot off, as they always do in a few years. The land must be cultivated the same as for corn, keeping the weeds down, and hilling the hops up about the fii-st of July, the same as corn. As soon as the hops are from two to four feet high, they must be tied to the poles with woolen yarn, putting two vines to the poles and cutting off all others close to the ground. Nothing more is necessary until picking time, ex- cept to keep watch and fasten up vines that hap- pen to fall down, and re-set the poles if any should happen to blow over. The picking is usually done by women and boys at about two cents per bushel. Boxes made of thin, light wood, and holding from twenty to thirty bushels are used to pick them in ; foui- picking in a box, and having one man to pull the poles, cut off the vines, and lay them on the box. Large sacks are used to carry them to the kiln where they are dried before they are market- able. The size of the kiln must depend on the size of the yard. A yard of two acres would require a kiln about fourteen by sixteen feet, and twelve foot posts ; the lower room seven feet between joints, and lathed and plastered, so as to be perfect- ly tight, except overhead, where there should be floor timbers eighteen inches apart, and a floor of 260 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June slats one and a quarter inches square, and laid one- half inch apart, and the whole covered with a kind of open cloth made for the purpose. On this floor the hops are spread from four to six inches deep, and a fire of charcoal made in the room below, and the temperature raised to about one hundred and twelve degrees. It usually takes about twelve hours to dry a kiln, they being stirred up every hour, and a teaspoon of sulphur put on the fire about as often ; the object of which is to bleach or whiten them. After being dried so that no mois- ture can be extracted by squeezing them between the thumb and finger, they are taken off and pre- pared in bales of one hundred and fifty to two hundred ])ounds, and sent to market. The poles are stacked upright in piles of about one hundred, and left until the next spring. Hops can usually be sold in any city where there are brewers, but I believe that New York and Albany are said to be the best markets for them in the United States. Any other information which I can impart in regard to their culture will be cheer- fully given. H. Rensselaer County, N. Y., 1862. EXTBACTS AND REPLIES. PEAK TREES AND HENS. I built me a hen-house last fall large enough for fifty hens, and this spring I intend to fence ofi" one-third to one-half an acre for them to run in, and also intend they shall be kept in the yard, for if there is anything I dislike, it is to have hens in my barn or garden. I am in hopes my hens will pay all expenses and leave a little profit ; but to make sure, I intend to set out the yard as full of trees as I can, and have them do well. It seems to me that hens in an orchard of any kind of fruit will be of great benefit to the fruit and the trees ; to the fruit, by picking up all insects that injure our fruit, if they should be unlucky enough to fall to the ground ; and to the trees, by keeping the land in good con- dition. I should prefer to set standard pear trees, twenty-five to thirty feet apart, and then fill up with dwarfs, but do not know much about pear trees. The soil is thin, and consists of a gravelly loam, quite stony, on a gravelly subsoil, but it is rather moist and bears good crops of grass. The exposure is about south-east. From the imperfect outline I have given, can you recommend me to set out pear trees ? A. J. Aldrich. North BlacJcstone, April, 1862. Remarks. — The land you describe is not so fa- vorable for pear trees as a clayey loam would be, but by enriching and deepening the soil and mulching the trees so as to keep them moist, you may succeed. ashes and night soil. It is said by some that it is wasteful to mix ashes with the contents of the privy. Is it so ? And if so, why, and to what extent is it wasteful ? Farmingvillc, 1862. Inquirer. Remarks. — It is supposed that alkaline sub- stances mixed with green manure, set their am- monia free, wliich escapes and is lost. saving seed corn. Friend Brown : — Your monthly visits to our yeomanry make us acquainted with the opera- tions of others in the various branches of business employing our farmers through the country ; the profit, or loss, or convenience realized by their difi"erent skill, economy and perseverance evinced in their management. Like us, having farms, buildings, fences, stock and fruit, with all the va- riety of soil, seeds, and culture, as well as time and place of sowing and harvesting and marketing or using — and the result of experience in the em- ployment of machinery or manual labor, and all that relates to feeding and training both the fami- ly and the animals for the highest usefulness. A fund of knowledge is available at our homes, through the New England Farmer, giving our sons a taste for reading, and writing even, that will save the time and expense of travel for per- sonal intercourse, or give double value to such travel for such information. Please accept a few words on saving seed corn. Many years ago, I was particular to have the ears filled out with a kernel on the top. This was quite a saving and a gratification to me, and others, seeing how invariably it was secured. One old man said to me, "I have always picked the first ripe ears from the stalk in the field, thus gaining two or three weeks, and sometimes the ripening before a frost, and hundreds of dollars to my in- terest for such seed." Another man, on viewing my field, said, "My grand object has been to get twin ears to plant. I sometimes find three or four upon one stalk. I can assure you it pays well, but I never thought of the filling out and early rip- ening in saving seed." Since then, I have adopted all three of these characteristics, and recommend it. The laws of our all-wise Creator are true, "What a man sow- eth, that shall he also reap." Benjamin Willard. HolyoTce, April 9, 1862. seeding with fowl meadow. I have a piece of land which I would like to lay down to fowl meadow. It is low and clear from stones ; the soil is rich and composed of black mold. Now I would like to know which is the best time to sow it, spring or fall ? If spring, would it be advisable to sow any other grain with it, and if so, what kind, and how much seed to the acre ? Thomas Goldsmith. Auburn, N E., 1862. Remarks. — The common grains that we usu- ally sow grass seed with, would scarcely succeed on lands suitable to grow fowl meadow grass. Sow in the spring. Some of the crop is usually left to ripen so as to sow itself annually. It is a fine seed, and we should think six to eight quarts per acre would be sufficient, perhaps less. TO prevent cows from kicking. Put a trace chain tightly around the cow for- ward of the hips. I had a heifer last season that kicked so that she could not be milked. My man put a chain around her a few times, and it broke her entirely. East Hardwick, Vt., 1862. P. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 261 HENS, TURNIPS, SELF-SUCKING COWS. Will some of the readers of the Farmer give us their experience as to the profit of keeping hens on a larger scale than we find in almost every number of that valuable paper, with their mode of treatment, &c. ? I keep 400 in 8 houses, which paid me a profit of $200 on last year. When I have had more experience in the business, I will give you the particulars. Will you also inform me why my ruta baga tur- nips (which I raised quite extensively for sheep last year) had an inclination to run up to seed, or had a stalk on many of them from 6 to 1 2 inches high? I got my seed from a respectable seed store in Boston, and supposed it to be good. Was it in the seed, or through some mismanagement on my part? Also, will some one inform me how to prevent a valuable young cow from sucking herself? Cape Cod Farmer. East Orleans, April, 1862. Remarks. — We hope "Cape Cod Farmer" will get satisfactory replies to his questions. GOATS AND HORSES. I wish to inquire through your paper — 1. How much of the year will a goat give milk? 2. Which is the best, to let her breed once or twice a year ? 3. Which is the best age to let a goat begin to breed ? 4. What is the best fodder in the winter ? 5. Will sheep and goats do well together ? 6. Which is the best, plank or ground for horse stables ? 7. What is good for bots and worms in horses ? A Farmer Boy. Kensington, N. H., 1862. Remarks. — We cannot answer the questions in relation to goats. Wood ashes, mixed with cut feed will destroy worms in horses. leghorn fowls. In reply to "Subscriber" in the Farmer of April 12, 1 would say, 1. The piece I referred the gentleman to was in the Neio England Farmer. 2. It might not be pleasant to the writer of the article to have his name used in this connection. I dare say he was perfectly honest ; but very like- ly had never seen many Leghorn fowls, and thought them as nice as others. 3. The gentleman who purchased the six fowls, was C. K. Hubbard, (opposite City Hall,) Worces- ter, who knows and keeps nice fowls. If "Subscriber" is particular about knowing the name of the writer of the article I referred to, he he can ascertain by addressing New Worcester, 1862. C. K. Hubbard. how to make EMPTYINGS OR YEAST. Having seen a number of receipts for making bread, etc., in your valuable paper, I venture to send you one for making emptyings : Make hasty pudding, (Indian,) in the usual way; as soon as it is cookpd odd three or four large spoonfuls of sour milk, and a small quantity of lye, or wheat meal, or Hour, to a quart of pudding ; and after suffi- ciently cooled so as not to scald, stir in a little yeast and set to rise. Emptyings made in this way may be used, (adding a little saleratus,) to mix bread, dumplings, &:c., with, using no other wet- ting, thus effecting a great saving in flour. Bread and other things, made in this way, are as good or better than when mixed with milk. Cheshire, N. II., 1862. Subscriber. FINE BARLEY. In 1860, from fifteen pounds sowing, I raised 480 pounds. It weighed from fifty-eight to sixty pounds to the bushel. I send you 'a head or two of the barley. H. A. Buttolph. Shelburn, Vt., 1862. Remarks. — This barley is very handsome. MACKAY swine. Will you, or some of your correspondents, in- form me where I can obtain two pigs, one male and one female, of the full-blooded Mackay breed of hogs, and oblige a subscriber ? r. H. S. Northfield Farms, April, 1862. PERILS OP CHAMOIS-HUNTIWG. Three experienced shots of Appenzell were hunting on the Gloggeren, that lofty wall rising south-east from the See Alp, which one passes on the way from Weissbad over the Meglis Alp. One of them went by thiii lower path, a second higher up over Marwies, and the third hunter over a nar- row grassy ledge on the rocky wall between the two first mentioned. The chamois were driven along this grassy ledge. The highest and lowest had easier going, and came earlier to the place where the combined shooting was to begin. The first saw the beasts coming to him, coming direct- ly towards his rifle, and waited, looking out con- stantly for the third, Avho was driving them along the grass ledge. The chamois came gradually nearer ; he is afraid of losing his shot, lies in a fe- verish state of excitement, fires, and, frightened at the report, the beasts turn and fly hurriedly along the ledge the same way that they had come. Just at a narroAV sloping place, scarcely broad enough for a man to pass where it bends round a project- ing rock, they came in their wildest flight upon the hunter climbing toilsomely upwards. If the two parties had met upright on this giddy rim of the rock, the hunter must infallibly have been dashed over a clift" sinking for more than 100 feet, as the chamois would instinctively in the agony of despair have tried to squeeze themselves between the rock and the hunter. The man prudently ob- served this, and to save his life, threw himself down and let the whole herd rush at a flying leap over him. Another hunter in Glarus, in a similar position at a critical place, thought that he might secure his booty by a quick resolve, and cowered down sitting, wedged firmly against a rock, and shot. The charge missed, the chamois jumped over him, but touched him in his bounding elastic spring with one of his hind hoofs on the jacket, and tore its highest button-hole ; a hesitation would have infallibly sent both over a crushing Ml— -"The Alps," hy II. Berelepsch. 262 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June For Hie Neic England Farmer, AGKICITLTTJIIAL EDUCATION". Mr. Editor : — I hope I shall not be under- stood to be opposed to the study of agricultui'e itself, because I have opposed its introduction as a study into our common schools and colleges. There is need enough of the study of agriculture, but this is no reason why it should be introduced into our common schools and colleges which were designed and established for the purpose of giv- ing instruction in other branches which are abso- lutely indispensable to the public welfare. Be- sides, these institutions have already as many studies as the)t can attend to and teach success- fully ; and they ought not to be perverted to other purposes. Neither our common schools, nor our colleges, as at present constituted and conducted, can teach agriculture successfully, because they are not adapted to the purpose, and have not the means of doing it. They have not the land to cultivate, nor the means of cultivating it. The time and attention of the pupils, in both institutions, are necessarily devoted to other studies, so that any attempt to introduce the study of agriculture would utterly fail of success, and not only injure these institutions, but injure the interests of ag- riculture, also, by creaLiug a strong prejudice against it, as a useless and unnecessary study. No ; agriculture cannot be successfully taught in these institutions. They have not the means of showing the best way and manner of doing all kinds of farm work. This can be taught only on the farm, and under the personal supervision of a good farmer, who is able to teach by precept and example. And it is to be learned only by labor and application, by following the instruction and example of others, and by reading, reflection and study. The only substitute for family instruction on the farm, is that of farm schools, established and endowed for the purpose. They are usually fur- nished with all the means of teaching all the branches experimentally and practically. They have all the means, including the necessary funds and teachers, to do it with. At home, on the farm, the scholar can learn no more of farm ope- rations, than he is taught by the family and by the example of everyday laborers, and also by reading agricultural books and papers. But at the farm school he will enjoy additional advan- tages. He will not only be taught how to do ev- ery particular kind of farm M'ork, but also the rea- son why it should be done thus and so, and not in a different way and manner. He will have an opportunity of witnessing all kinds of agricultvu-al experiments, and of having the nature and opera- tion of every process fully explained. Theoreti- cal and practical lectures will be given in connec- tion with every kind of farm work, so that the young farmer will be made to understand his business. But after all, it is said, that scientific lectures are not adapted to the capacities of the young, and are liable to be misunderstood by them. That this is sometimes the case is very evident from the following example : A certain boy went to hear a celebrated minister lecture on the subject of Peter's denying his Master. The boy was very much pleased with the minister's beautiful lec- ture, so elegant and so eloquent ; and being urged to tell what the minister said that pleased him so much, "Why," said he, "the minister said that Pe- ter swore three times before he crowed !" Such, however, is not the effect of scientific lectures when delivered in connection with farm schools, because they are always accompanied with visible illustrations and practical examples which make them intelligible and instructive. Still, it is un- doubtedly true, in some degree, that those only who have prepared their minds by previous study, can profit much by scientific lectures. It is non- sense to think of pouring out knowledge upon those who are not prepared to receive it, and who make no efibrt to understand and reduce it to practice. To obtain a correct knowledge of the business of agriculture in its most minute details, requires study, thought and reflection, and a ready and willing mind to reduce to practice the lessons of experience. There is work to be done, and it must be done by those who would learn how to do it. The work must be done scientifically and correctly, as explained and exemplified by the teacher. No farm school can prosper, or be use- ful, which does not teach by example, as well as by precept. John Goldsbury. Warwick, Mass., 1862. THE STBA-WBERRY. (FRAGARIA VESCA.) There are many varieties of this fruit, all of which are more or less valuable. The common native strawberry of our fields is but little culti- vated, but it is nevertheless equal in value to many of the foreign and "improved" varieties. Being indigenous, it is necessarily more hard)', and with proper cultivation, is even more prolific. The fruit is not so large, but of superior flavor. The plants should be set in August, in rich, mellow soil, in rows two feet asunder, and about one foot apart in the rows. Compost, formed of putres- cent vegetable matter, house ashes and plaster should be well worked in, and the plants frequent- ly watered with soap suds, or water from the barn- yard. A cask, filled with old muck, into which a few pounds of guano has been mingled, will form an excellent reservoir, by filling it with water. This may be drawn into a watering-pot and put upon the plants in the evening with great advan- tage. The water drawn from this mass should be quite weak, but if the season is at all dry, should be applied every evening. The runners, of which many will appear the following season, should be removed, and the ground kept light and clear of weeds. As soon as the fruit is fairly formed, the spaces between the plants should be covered with straw or tan, to prevent the fruit, in its ripe state, from coming in contact with the dirt, and to prevent the growth of weeds and excessive evaporation. This cover- ing may be kept in place by sticks or stones, or by throwing a little loose earth upon it, and need not be removed until the next spring. These re- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 263 commendations are suggested for application where only a small portion of land is occupied, and -where it is desired to secure the largest possible product. On a large scale, for market purposes, it is ques- tionable whether this course would be the most profitable. The strawberry, more than most other plants, needs a large amount of water, — and some culti- vators who have been quite successful, state that they produce heavy crops on indifferent soils, by the use of large quantities of water alone. The best course is, to set the plants on a soil that would bring fifty bushels of corn per acre, supply water plentifully and keep the soil light and clear. Fur the New England Farmer. THE PARSNTP WORM. Mr. Editor: — In the April number of the Farmer you give quite a long account of the pars- nip ; speaking of the value of that root and the carrot as feed for stock. You figure a tortrix moth with the chrysaHs and caterpillar, but only refer to it, without giving any of its history. I think that pui-e science and the application of sci- ence to use ought to assist each other ; and often if you should give the history of a pernicious in- sect, it would help on agriculture, and at the same time furnish useful material to the scientific man. If you can, I should like to have you write the history of tliis moth. In raising any crop, it is of great importance to consider what will endanger it ; as sometimes a crop is completely lost, by neglecting to foresee and provide against its enemies. Very conspicu- ous among the enemies of our crops are the in- sects which feed upon them ; and I think any in- formation about them is valuable. The most im- portant insect feeding upon the parsnip lives on other plants of the same family — the carrot, cele- ry, caraway, parsley, &c. It is a caterpillar, at first of a black color with two wide white bands encircling it, afterwards it changes its color with successive moultings, and becomes green, with cross bands of black spotted with yellow, one stripe to each segment. When full grown they measure about an inch and a half in length, tapering from the fourth ring towards the head and tail. When disturbed they thrust out two orange-colored horns, of a soft substance, which diffuse a disa- greeable odor, probably protecting them from mo- lestation. The first brood of these caterpillars come to maturity about the middle of July, and change to chrysalides after suspending themselves by the tail, and a loop around their body, to a fence or anything that will give them support and protec- tion. The chrysalis is generally of a straw-color, spotted with green and black. After remaining in this state about a fortnight the chrysalis bursts open and the butterfly appears. It is black, with two rows of yellow spots on the margin of the wings ; the inner row often being absent on the fore wings of the female. Between the rows of yellow spots on the hind wing there is a row of blue ones, with a deep orange one on the inner margin. They expand about three and a half inches. These lay their eggs, which form a brood of caterpillars in September and October, changing into the chrysalis state in October, to remain thus through the winter, coming out in the spring to lay eggs for the summer brood. A full descrip- tion of the insect can be found in Harris' "Trea- tise on Insects Injurious to Vegetation," under the name of "Parsley-worm ;" the scientific name is Papilio Asterias. L)o the best we can, our efforts would be of lit- tle avail in checking these insects, but we are not left alone to do the work of extermination ; this caterpillar is attacked by an ichneumon of a brick red color with black wings, about three-fourths of an inch long and ex]:)anding an inch and one- fourth, which lays one e^g in a caterpillar ; which egg contains a grub that, as soon as hatched, feeds upon the caterpillar, eating at first the fat and other parts not necessary for the life of the cater- pillar, but after that has thrown off its skin and become a clu-ysalis, it devours all the rest, leaving nothing but an empty shell. When the time for the butterfly to come forth has come, the ichneu- mon eats through the wing of the chrysalis and goes forth to destroy other caterpillars in its turn. To show how much aid these ichneumon flies are to the farmer, I will state that out of sixteen chrysalids I obtained last fall, two have come out butterflies and fourteen have come out ichneu- mons ; take off a few such checks, and the results would be a host of caterpillars next summer, al- most equal to the army worm of the last season. But to secure the present crop, it will be seen that we must search for the caterpillars and des- troy them ourselves, for the ichneumon do not kill them until they have done all the mischief they can ; they prevent them from increasing the num- ber next brood. Harris does not speak of this ichneumon in his book, so I thought some of your readers would like to know its history, and I de- scribed the butterfly for those who did not have ac- cess to the book at all. Carleton a. Shurtleff. BrooMine, April, 1862. MIQlSrONETTE AS A TREE. Buy a pot of ordinary mignonette. This pot will probably contain a tuft composed of many plants produced from seeds. Pull up all but one ; and, as the mignonette is one of the most rustic of plants, which may be treated without any deli- cacy, the single plant that is left in the middle of the pot may be rigorously trimmed, leaving only one shoot. Tliis shoot you must attach to a slen- der stick of white osier. The extremity of this shoot will put forth a bunch of flower-buds, that must be cut off entirely, leaving not a single bud. The stalk, in consequence of this treatment, will put out a multitude of young shoots, that must be allowed to develop freely until they are about three inches and a half long. Then select out of these four, six, or eight, according to the strength of the plant, with equal spaces between them. Now, with a slender rod of white osier, or better, with a piece of whalebone, make a hoop, and attach your shoots to it, supported at the proper height. When they have grown two or three inches long- er, and are going to bloom, support them by a second hoop like the first. Let them bloom ; but take off the seed pods before they have time to form, or the plant may perish. It will not be long 264 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June before new shoots will appear just below the pla- ces where the flowers were. From among these new shoots, choose the one on each branch which is in the best situation to replace what you have nipped off. Little by little, the principal stalk, and also the branches, will become woody, and your mignonette Avill no longer be an herbaceous plant, except at its upper extremities, which will bloom all the year without interruption. It Avill be truly a tree mignonette, living for an indefinite period ; for, with proper treatment, a tree mig- nonette will live twelve to fifteen years. I have seen them in Holland double this age. — Parlor Gardener. Fur tlte New England Farmer. WHEAT BBAM' AS A FERTILIZER. Mr. Editor : — A communication in the week- ly Fariner of Feb. 22, 1862, from J. P., states that he has tried the experiment with wheat bran as a fertilizer for corn, and that it has failed. Now I must say that I am surprised at the result of his experiments with it in regard to corn ; but with potatoes not, for it has been demonstrated in this vicinity to be worthless for them. I quote from memory, but I think that I con- veyed the idea in the said communication to which he refers, that it was practicable and profitable ; at least, the fact was so established in my mind, by experiments tried by me the preceding year. And in the year 18G0 I used it more extensively, side by side with Coe's superphosphate of lime, and was unable to detect the difference by the appear- ance in the growing crop. "J. P." himself would, had he seen it, have been obliged to "acknowledge the corn," and also acknowledge that it was better than sawdust, even after being composted by the cows, if he had seen a few rows that were left, by way of experiment, in which no fertilizer was used, — the opinion of his better half, to the contrary notwithstanding. The present year I intend to use it more extensively than heretofore, if possible. The winter of 1861 was a very hard season for farmers, as forage for stock brought a very high price, and was very scarce at that, consequently, everything that would do for fodder was used to keep the stock alive, and another consequence was the scarcity of money with poor farmers. The re- sult of this was the using of fertilizers to a less ex- tent, which was the case with the writer of this article. I am not alone in the belief of the utility of wheat bran as a fertilizer for corn. Besides the statement of "T. G. H." in proof of this, I could get a list of names from this vicinity that would astonish "the natives." But it may be with this, perhaps, as with some other fertilizers, that in dif- ferent kinds of soil it may have a different effect. Thus with gypsum or plaster of Paris, it has a much better and lasting effect on clay soil than on sandy soil. Thanks to "J. P." I would be glad to have others go and do liliewise, with regard to their ex- perience. WILVT KIND OF SAW. Will "E. B. P.," of Mechanicsville, Vt., say what his saw is, Avhether it is circular or cross cut, as there is a difference in the application of the power to each. j. s. s. Vermont, 1862. Fur the New England Fanner. CHARCOAL DUST AS A DEODORIZER. Messrs. Editors : — The recent discussion in your paper respecting the use of various deodoriz- ing materials to absorb the ammonia and other gases generated in stables, has recalled to my mind some experience of my own. Several years since, I was preparing in my cel- lar enriching matter in a fluid shape for my green- house plants, but the effluvia arising therefrom became offensive. To counteract that annoyance, I applied a small quantity of charcoal dust. The effect was magical, and the compound became at once entirely inodorous. I then tried the dust in a large cask for rain water for use in my furnace, and in which the Avater would have an unpleasant smell. Here, too, the effect was all I could wish. Previous to that time, my cistern water had caused me much annoyance. Whether because of the dust from the street in front, one of the most frequented of the city, but watered daily through the season, or from the surrounding trees and vines, or perchance because of the impurities of a city atTnosphere deposited upon my roofs, the wa- ter in my cistern, even after repeated washings and scourings, would be dark colored, odorous, and offensive. Very naturally, therefore, I pro- ceeded a step farther, and applied some four to six quarts of the charcoal dust to my cistern ; first wetting it thoroughly in a pail, and pouring it in througb the water pipes. The effect was immedi- ate ; and the result far beyond my expectation. The water became clear, pure and sweet as when it fell from the sky. Not being disposed to keep to myself a matter so simple, and which added so much to the com- fort and health of my family, I wrote a short arti- cle upon the subject, which was published in the April number, 1850, of the Horticulturist, and was very extensively copied through the whole country. A few days after the publication, a learned pro- fessor suggested to me, that I had undoubtedly made a valuable discovwy, but I might have put it in a more scientific shape ; that I ought to take pieces of charcoal, heat them thoroughly, and throw them while hot into the cistern, and in that way I should effect a more favorable result in a truly scientific manner. My reply was, that the method I suggested was so perfectly simple, that people generally would derive more benefit from it than from a more scientific course, which in- volved greater trouble, nor could I see how any other mode could be more effectual. To the hon- or of that professor be it stated, that, some time after, he said to me, "I tried my plan for the use of charcoal, and then yours. Li my mode of ap- plication, the charcoal had not the slightest effect ; in yours, it acted like a charm, and seemed to ren- der the water as clear and pure as if it had been distilled." The same professor travelled exten- sively in the AVest, that season, and on his return, in his own friendly manner, said to me, "You have acquired immortality more easily than any other person I ever knew. \n all my journeying at the West, the first inquiry proposed to me, wherever it became known that I was from New Haven, was, "Who is that Mr. R , Avho has made the great discovery respecting the use of charcoal dust for puiifying cisterns ?" 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 265 A learned judge of our city, when the article appeared in our papers, called upon me to inquire as to the precise mode of procedure. He said that his cistern had been repeatedly cleaned and scoured, and yet the water was dark colored and offensive, and for months they had been compelled to use bay rum with it, to overcome its oflensive features. A few days afterwards, in answer to my inquiries, he said, "It worked like a charm. In three days, the water was sweet, and in a week, perfectly clear and pure." All this is probably of little interest, or impor- tance to your readers, except in so far as it may impress upon their minds the value of the mode proposed for purifying water. Most families use charcoal, and from the bottoms of their bins, can obtain, with a little care, enough of the dust to answer all their needs. It ought to pass through a sieve to remove the coarser particles, which are of little value, and may impede the action of the pump. Recently, I have used dust from cinders emptied from locomotives at our railroad station. These cinders are prevented from escaping, by the wire gauze on the top of the chimney, but from these can be sifted out some so fine as to answer the purpose admirably. These raih-oad cinders are now used very considerably here as deodorizers in the removal of night soil, and undoubtedly would prove the very best article for use in stables, for the absorption of all offensive gases. They are exceedingly cheap. I pay a cartman for them, de- livered at my house, about one cent per bushel. Some three years since, I covered the surface of my rose and flower-beds, in the early part of Sep- tember, as a protection against frost, since by their color, they attract and absorb more heat from the sun's rays, thus causing the more perfect ripening of the wood of my plants, and at the same time af- fording a farther protection, in that they covered the ground and prevented sudden evaporation, which carries off heat with such great rapidity. The experiment was entirely successful. Helio- tropes, and other tender plants, remained un- touched in the open ground until November, while in adjoining gardens, there were abundant evi- dences that frost had done its work. If these cinders could be ground fine at a rea- sonable expense, they would be the ne plus ultra for use in stables. Indeed, as they come from the locomotive, they are probably by far the best sub- stance that can be obtained for that purpose. Thus used, and then mixed with muck, or with pulverized peat, they would be invaluable. Charles Robinson. New Haven, Feb. 17, 1862. OLD AGE. You will look long to find a better description of extreme age than the following, which is taken from a play written in the year 1860, by Nathan- iel Lee : "Of no distemper, of no blast he died, But fell like autumn iruit that mellowed long, — Even wondered at because he dropt no sooner ; Fate seemed to wind him up for fourscore years, Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more, Till, like a deck, tcorn out with eaiinf^ time, The tcheeli of weary life at last stood still.^' For the New England Farmer. VARIOUS NOTES. In your weekly of March 1st, I find two articles in strong contrast — the first on the production of the sugar beet for sugar and brandy, the other, in response to inquiries, taking a bold stand against tobacco. I am glad to know that we have some farmers whose consciences will not allow them to raise products, not only useless, but positively deleterious to the consumer ; but it is with some surprise, as well as regret, that I find a correspon- dent of the Farmer holding up the inducement of great profits and large fortunes, as incentives to the production of an article, which, though it may indeed yield large money profits to the distiller and seller, must, if he has any regard for the wel- fare of others, do it at the expense of his own peace of mind, while its inevitable effects on the public at large are poverty and crime. SNOvr. In the same number, an article from an ex- change, after some very correct remarks on the advantage of a covering of snow for the earth, con- tains the statement that snow-water makes the skin harsh and dry, which any one who lives in the country will tell you is incorrect. The cause of this trouble (except in disease,) is often the use of hard water, or soap, or both, while snow-water is soft, and I find it the best remedy for roughness of the hands, &c. Some other items in the same article, I think, are contrary to the facts in the case, but as I have not yet proved them to be so, I let them pass. FLESH OR FAT versUS MILK. "T. S. F." wishes to knoAv how to treat a cow that gives so much milk as to keep her low in fiesh. I infer from his remarks, that she did not give milk in the winter, and that advantage was taken of this to keep her cheaply. My advice would be, to adopt a contrary course, and after drying her off in the fall or winter, to take this op- portunity to improve her condition. There will be no loss in doing so, because less food is required for a fleshy animal, and the milk will be more abundant, and richer in quality through the sum- mer, than it would be from cows poor at the com- mencement of the milking season. REMEDY FOR CURCULIO. An extract from the Michigan Farmer, recently, recommends common elder as a specific for eurcu- lio. No harm will result from trying this, if it does not lead to the neglect of other and more ef- fectual remedies, but I am of the opinion, that ex- emption from the curculio in this case was the re- sult of some accident not observed by the fortu- nate orchardist. I have tried the same remedy for the striped bug, for which it has been recommend- ed, with no effect, but to afford them convenient shelter in rough weather. FEEDING MEAL TO CALVES. In reply to my article on the above suhject,, "H." says reason would teach a man better, than to give "young calves a large quantity of com meal." One would think that this would be so, but I have seen enough to convince me that some words of caution are not superfluous ; probably because many persons do not reahze how small a quantity, comparatively, is required by a young 266 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June calf. I think if your readers generally adopt "H.'s" plan of feeding potatoes, they will not al- ways be as successful as he claims to have been, although he may have equalled his neighbors without any great success, after all. I have tried various methods of feeding, and have raised two or more calves to each cow, but my experience and observation, as well as reading, have convinced me that it is not profitable to raise any inferior, or even medium stock, and that every animal should be kept gaining n\\ti\ fully grown, or until sold for beef; and that the best way to do this, is to de- pend mainly upon milk for the first three months, and to begin with the lighter grains, leaving the heavier and more heating kinds, like corn meal, to finish off with. Wm. F. Bassett. Ashjield, March 17, 1862. EXTBACTS AND REPLIES. A SICK STEER. You will oblige me by stating the symptoms of the cattle disease. I have a four-year old steer that coughs a good deal, and rattles at the lungs some. He took cold, and I don't know whether the cough arises from that or the cattle disease. Geokge Jennings. Remarks. — The marked symptoms of the dis- ease called pleuro-pneumonia are a short cough, particularly in the morning, or when the animal rises or is allowed to drink. Appetite slight and variable. Short and unequal breathing. The an- imal rarely lies down, or only for a short time, either upon the affected side or on the breast bone, with the fore feet beneath them or stretched out in front. The hair upon the chest and neck loses its lustre and stands up. The skin is dry, and is more firmly attached to the withers and walls of the chest than to other parts. Water excites cough, and is taken with difficulty. From the dry mouth, there flows more or less viscid, dirty, offensive fluid or a frothy saliva. The urine is dark brown, has a strong odor, and is passed with difficulty. WHEEL HOE AND SWEET POTATO. I notice the inquiry of John H. Constantine, of N. H., in the last week's Farmer, for an imple- ment to weed carrots by horse power. I do not think the Yankee is yet born who is to invent a machine that can discriminate between a weed and a carrot top ; indeed, it is more than careless hands always do. And until this is done, (though we now have many excellent machines for culti- vating between the rows,) we shall be necessitated to go through the back-breaking process of hand- weeding, which is the great drawback in raising this invaluable esculent. I have a wheel cultiva- tor, made in New York city, which works very close to the rows, not leaving, if carefully used, over two inches in width, to be weeded by hand. I noticed in the same number of the Farmer an article recommending the growing of sweet pota- toes in our latitude. A word of caution, brother farmers, from one who has seen this elephant, and just allow the Jersey and Delaware people, with their warm light soils, and more suitable climate, a monopoly of this article, and not endeavor to cultivate a semi-tropical plant in New England, and possibly make yourselves a laughing-stock to your neighbors. Look well to the source from which the advice to raise them comes, and see if you can discern any dull implement near by which needs edging. w. J. p. Salisbury, Conn., April 25, 1862. TANNING SKINS — MANGOLDS. Will you, or some of your correspondents, infoi'm me through the next number of the Farmer, and by so doing, you will confer a great favor — 1. What is the modus operandi of tanning skins of wild animals such as coons, foxes, &c., with the fur on, so that it may be suitable for robes, coats, &c. 2. Should I set mangold wurtzel for seed whol- ly under ground, or partly out of ground, as they grew ? A Reader. Lempster, N. H., 1862. A FACT AND A SUGGESTION. Mr. Ellsworth Sawyer, of Templeton, in- forms us that he has a cow that carried her calf ten months and/bwr days before dropping it. He also states that it is the opinion of intelligent and observing persons that, if male and female animals come together in the morning, or before noon, the progeny will be males — and if at night, females. THE GOOSEBERRY. (RIBE3 GROSSULARIA.) This is one of our most common indigenous fruits, and one that admits of easy cultivation. There are also some improved and imported vari- eties of great excellence, but it is Avith the native kind that we have now to do. The gooseberry should never be set in shady situations, or where it Avill not at all times have the advantage of a fi-ee circulation of air. It is true that its position in the woods and swamps precludes this advan- tage in a great measure, but nature obAaates the necessity of this, by restricting the development of foliage, which a richer soil, and the energizing ef- fects of careful cultivation, promote. If we exam- ine a plant in its original condition, we shall find that its foliage is less abundant and profuse than in plants set out in cultivated lands, and this cir- cumstance secures it the benefit of free air, of which, in the latter situation, it is often injudi- ciously deprived. By setting plants m open situ- ations, and covering the surface about the roots with salt hay, or common meadow hay, or straw, wet with a solution of salt in water, and keeping the tops thinned so as to admit the air and light, the gooseberry will rarely be injured by rust or mildew. Frequent irrigation at noon-day, with strong soap suds, has a very sanatory and invigo- rating effect upon this plant. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 267 For the A'etc England Farmer. FAKM BTTIIiDINGS AND FENCES. Mr, Editor : — I have been much interested in your State Legislative agricultural discussions, particularly those upon farm buildings. Every farmer knows the importance of good barns ; thase that will not only keep the hay and grain, but fur- nish suitable protection for our stock ; and they should be adapted to the kind of stock we intend to keep. For many years to come, undoubtedly, sheep- raising will be the leading interest in much of New England, and some pails of the West. An immense national debt, the sure result of this ini- quitous rebellion, will create the necessity for a high tariff for half a century, at least, and in this way may benefit this large class of our farmers. In tliis business we need barns and sheds which will shelter every animal, and also afford perfect ventilation. I would much sooner my sheep would go without food for tvventy-four hours than be ex- posed to one rain storm in the winter. Some of our Vermont farmers understand this so well, that they will not let them be exposed at other seasons of the year. With their wool soaked with water, and then frozen for several days, no wonder some of them die. Protection and good air, as well as good keeping, are absolutely necessary for success in this business. No stock pays better for a rea- sonable allowance of grain through the whole win- ter, and grinding is not necessary. In feeding oats, with good racks, even threshing can, in a great measure, be dispensed with ; and some of our farmers have fed boiled potatoes to their sheep with better advantage than to any other stock. In keeping sheep, I have found that wall fences ■without anything on their tops, will not sto]) them. Except where stones are very abundant and lum- ber scarce, I should prefer a board fence, if it can be made durable. Smith's fences (one of which has been illustrated in the Farmer) were shown at our county and State fairs in 1860, and as to durability I think them as much better than other ■wooden fences, as a house or barn well up on a stone foundation is better than one with the posts standing in the ground. Almost the only objec- tion there can be to them is, they cannot be used •where there are no stone, as on the prairies at the West. His fence No. 2, put upon our roads and railroads, would save thousands of dollars every year, in keeping our roads open on account of snow drifts. A Subscriber. Chelsea, VL, 1862. PREPARINQ PAINT AND PAINTING. The best, most durable and neatest kind of paint for any kind of tools or implements, is a light blue. Tliis is far better than red, as blue ■will reflect more of the heat of the sun than red. Consequently, the wood which is painted, will be heated and sun-checked less when painted blue. During the warm days of March, let tools and im- plements be washed clean, and painted blue. To prepare blue paint that will dry soon, procure good boiled oil, which will cost about ten cents more per gallon than the unboiled. Procure a quart or more, according to the amount of paint- ing to be done, of liquid drier or laquer. Then take one pint of oil, half a pint of drier, and min- gle, by stirring in with a stick, enough white lead to make it about as thick as cream. Zinc white is the best, unless a man has an apparatus for grinding the lead. Zinc will require no grinding, but must be thoroughly stirred, and all the lumps mashed. Now put in one or two, or three table- spoonfuls of Prussian blue, and stir it thoroughly, But a small quantity of blue will be necessary to make a handsome blue paint. If it appears too light colored, put in more blue. Paint, prepared a few hours before it is used, will work better than that just prepared. If the oil and drier are good, paint prepared according to the foregoing direc- tions, will dry in from one to two days, although it should be allowed from one to two weeks to be- come hard. For green paint, let the white lead or zinc, and oil and drier be prepared in the same way as for blue, and put in green, instead of blue. Continue to put in green until the shade is dark enough to suit the fancy. Yellow paint may be prepared in the same manner by using clrrome yel- low with the white lead. — Country Gentleman. For the New England Farmer. INFLUENCE OF ATMOSPHERE ON SOIL. The above subject was discussed in the Concord Farmers^ Club, on the evening of the 16th of Jan- uary, 1862. I send you my recollections of the remarks of one of the members. Although aera- tion of the soil, or the bringing of the particles of the atmosphere and the particles of the soil into contact, and the chemical and fertilizing effects re- sulting from tliis contact, are in themselves dis- tinct subjects, yet, practically, the two subjects must be considered together. Without bringing the particles of air and soil into contact, no chem- ical effect can be produced. Indeed, our principal work in relation to this matter is, by all the means we can devise, to bring about this contact. The laws of nature will set up and carry on the chemi- cal actions, over which we can have very little control. One effect of draining is, to admit air in the place of water. This renders the soil light and porous, and enables the gases given off in the soil by the decomposition of manurial substances, to permeate through the soil, like the carbonic acid from yeast in bread. The atmosphere and gases thus introduced into the soil keep it in such a condition that the roots of vegetables can trav- erse it in search of nutriment. Without the pres- ence of the oxygen of the atmosphere, putrefaction and fermentation cannot go on, as oxygen is the great agent in decomposition. There are elements in the soil which have an af- finity for elements in the atmosphere, and when they are brought into contact, they act on each other, and form food for plants, or stimulants which plants need. Frequent stirring of the soil brings these elements into contact. Alkalies and other salts, present in the soil, attract moisture from the atmosphere, and thus enable plants to endure drought. Plants in a rich soil, as experi- " ence proves, endure drought better than in a poor soil ; and in a rich soil, salts of different kinds are always present. These salts are mostly deliques- cent, or naturally attract moisture from the air, and dissolve. Hence in a dry time, soils should be frequently stirred. Draining, subsoiling and 268 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June deep culture, all contribute to bring the air and soil into contact. This is, then, a practical subject. Plants, as well as animals, breathe. They cannot live with- out air ; elements necessary to their growth are furnished to them through the medium of the soil, also. The atmospheric ocean by which we are surrounded, is the great storehouse of nutrition for them as well as for animals. Jethro Trull be- lieved that plants derived all the elements of their growth from the atmosphere and water. In this he was probably mistaken. But it is undoubted- ly true that soil hermetically sealed from the air cannot yield nutrition to plants. Organic sub- stances closed from contact with the air, do not decay, and consequently, cannot be converted in- to food for plants. This is a broad subject, and these few remarks are suggestive of thought. They show us how the teachings of science and the re- sults of the best practice perfectly agree. Careful experience confirms the lessons of science. J. E. For the Neio England Farmer. WOBK SHOP AND TOOLS. Mb. Brown : — Being at present laid up for re- pairs, and not allowed the ''liberty of the yard," I propose to make a few comments upon some items in your last issue. I am quite tenacious about disagreeing with one point in your editorial, viz.: workshops and common bench-tools for every far- mer who is not independent enough to afford to pay some mechanic. I do not propose to argue for rich farmers, unless they have boys, in Avhich case I must class them and their poorer neighbors together. I will not speak particularly of the profit, or saving, often resulting to farmers near or remote from mechanics, or of our mutual obli- gations to support their trades. My own observations, which have been some- what extended among Yankee farmers, are, that, as a general rule, the men who have poor tools and learned the use of them in boyhood to some ex- tent, furnish the mechanics a greater amount of work than those who do no mechanical work at home. The cause is obvious. Such a man is ac- customed to do little jobs in repairing and improv- ing his tools, «S:c., and if, (as is usually the case,) he sees more such work needed than he has time to do himself, he cannot rest satisfied till he has em- ployed another to put his little job in order. And this for the reason that the genteel hatter notices your hat and the boot-maker your boots quicker than the opposite. The result is, that you will find his tool more handy, his contrivances to save labor and thereby expedite his farm work more to your mind, than those who either go to the shop, or as is more often let alone, the various little jobs so often needing attention. Such men Avill use natural crooks and the old sled long after their time is out, because they can't go off to get it done at the shop. They will take down and put up two sets of bars for every load or hay or manure, where two hours and a hammer, axe and auger, will make a good substantial gate. Can't spend time to go off. But this is not the main point. It is the moral effect of such workshops on farmers' boys. You, sir, speak of unpleasant recollections of those "rainy days." Your experience and mine differ essentially. In all my boyhood, along with a baker's dozen of urchins, those rainy days v/ould not come often enough. Don't you remember the boats, and ships and houses, the saw-boys, the up-and-down saw-mills for the little brook, the water-wheels and wind- powers, the paring machines and tip-tops to amuse the little ones, the hand-sleds and the larger sleds that we used to make at Nod ? I do not argue that we were made richer in af- ter life, as I might show, but I do affirm that for many a day we were contented to go out to the shop, instead of going to the village to associate with boys, who like ourselves, were ready to lead or be led into wrong practices and ultimately bad habits. Now, sir, if I may be allowed a space in the Farmer, let me urge every farmer, whether rich or poor, who has boys, either his own or others' children, to have some tools, as many as he can, a turning-lathe if possible, and a place to use them, and let the boys have some of these rainy days, and see if the boys don't improve, — to say nothing of the additional care he will bestow up- on his own farm implements. P. j. Vermont, March 6, 1862. Remarks. — Happy boy ! And that often makes a happy man. We think we agree with you en- tirely. You were judiciously directed. Had op- portunity to make things which your own taste prompted, instead of being obliged to delve every hour of every rainy day in patching up old har- rows and ox-carts. We are decidedly in favor of the tools and the work-shop, and supposed we wrote so with clearness. For the New England Farmer. CARE IN PLANTING. Messrs. Editors : — I have recently met Avith several farmers who used Coe's superphosphate of lime last season on corn and other crops. In some instances the corn failed to come up. In others it came up, and when 10 to 15 inches high, it assumed a sickly appearance and ceased to grow. My attention was called to a case of this kind last August. On examination, it was found that the phosphate had been dropped in the hill all in one place, covering not more than 2 or 3 square inches, a little earth placed over it and the corn dropped on it. The corn sprouted, and as the root extended dowuAvards, it soon entered the phosphate, which was too strong for the tender root, and this caused the failure. In using this powerful fertilizer there should be no more than two-thirds of a gill used in a liill at one time, and this should be spread over a sur- face of 4 or 5 inches and should be mixed Avith the soil. Many persons have used a table-spoon to measure and put it on with.. It can be more evenly distributed with the fingers. Where it has beci. used and no failure from this cause, it is almost universally spoken of as having produced the best effect both in increasing the quantity and hastening the maturity of the crops. John R. Howard. North Easton, April 21, 1862. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 269 For the New England Farmer. WHY PARMINO IS NOT PROFITABLE— CROWS AND ROBINS— BOOKS. Mr. Editor : — When I was a school-boy I had a copy set in my writing-book that read thus : "Many men of many minds." I find this to be a great truth in relation to almost any subject, and especially in relation to the subject of farming. In regard to the profits of farming, I have a word to say. My father was one of the old-fashioned sort of farmers, and he managed to accumulate as long as he was able to labor. He had a family of elev- en children, all of which, but one, lived to grow up. He, unlike most farmers of the present day, made his own carts, plows, yokes, sleds, harrows, and mended his broken chains and harnesses, patched and shingled his buildings when needed, did his own and others' butchering in the fall of the year, and in fact, turned his hand to almost anything that was useful and needful. His boys were not allowed to idle away their time in running over the fields with gun in hand to shoot the little birds that sang so sweetly upon the tree-tops, nor were they allowed to be off to the ponds a-fishing every day ; but their lot was to assist on the farm. The stones were to be picked up that were in the top-dressing, so that the keen edge of the scythe should not be taken off ; manure was to be hauled on to the fields, and the ground must be plowed and planted, and the boys must drop the corn and pumpkin seeds, and help in every department of farming opera- tions. The girls were useful in-doors in assisting their good mother in cooking, washing and mend- ing, making soap, carding, spinning and weaving ; they also prepared the swine's food, and helped the boys to milk the cows, and fed the hens and chickens, brought in the eggs from the coop, and did not feel it above their dignity to take a rake in hand if there was a prospect of a shower to wet the new-made hay. I am not going to say that my father's mode of farming was the best, but I do say that it would be well for modern farmers to imitate his example, by bringing up their children to be industrious, economical and useful, and then they can depend upon it that their boys will make farming profita- ble. It is a great fact that cannot be denied, that the young of the present age are brought up to cherish extravagant notions in relation to all mat- ters of life, and thus it is the farmer is not able to lay up, or even to meet, his demands, for the rea- son that he tries to have his children indulged in the extravagances of the times. Young man, if you would succed in farming or any other avoca- tion, save that dime in the corner of your pocket- book, and not spend it for that vile stuff, tobacco, which is undermining your health as well as your purse; if you do not join the sons, show to the world that you are temperate in all things ; dress neatly but not extravagantly, cultivate your moral nature, that you may reverence all that is good, and the consequences will be that man will praise, and God will bless you. Let me say that I love farming — it is the joy of my life. I can hardly wait for the season of birds and flowers to come. What soul is not touched by the voice of the blue-bird and robin ? If there is anything that will elevate our hearts to our Heavenly Father, it is the return of spring, with its ten thousand melodious voices, which are ring- ing all about us,'with one universal shout of praise to God. I see that some of the contributors to the Far- mer are opposed to the killing of the crow. They say he is our friend, because he destroys many grubs, &c., and the same arguments are used in favor of the robin. They forget to tell us that the crow destroys every robin's nest that he can lay hold on. The crow is so bold that he comes in my orchard close by the house and robs every bird's nest that comes to his view. Now which do'the far- mer the most good, the crow or the smaller birds ? I leave it to your readers to decide. My views are, that everything that is made answers life's great pm-pose. One species of life answers for food for another. We see this to be true, and no reasonable man will deny it. Who will deny that it is unnatural for a cat to catch a mouse, or a crow a robin, or a robin a grub. If, then, they de- stroy one another for the purpose of sustaining life, why has not man a right to destroy them, in order to save his fruits and grains from their dep- redation ? We must decide this question by tak- ing into consideration the good and damage they do us, and acting accordingly. Some six weeks ago, while examining my young apple trees, I found some caterpillars' nests. I took them and put them into a vial, and set it on the mantel-shelf, being about one foot from the stove-pipe. Some of them have since hatched, but not having any food, they have died, i infer from this circumstance that the requisite tempera- ture to develop the apple tree buds into leaves hatches the caterpillar's eggs. It seems, then, that the apple tree leaves are the natural food of the caterpillar. Now, because that is so, shall we abandon our fruit trees to their use ? God made the caterpillar as well as the crow and robin, and if it is right to destroy the one, why not the other ? As I have before said, we are governed by the necessity of the case. One man devotes his atten- tion to the raising of fruits ; the birds are his sworn enemies, and he is bound to exterminate them. Another cultivates the grains and grasses ; he, consequently, is not troubled much with the birds, so he is willing to let them live. So it is as my copy reads, "Many men of many minds." One word relative to patent manures. They, like patent medicines, claim to cure all, no matter how poor your land. A table-spoonful put in the hill will insure a good crop. No doubt there is fertilizing matter in these manures, but the ques- tion is, does it pay for the farmer to buy them at the prices now asked for them ? I think not. It is one very important part of a farmer's business to make the manures that are to be used on his farm. Let him see to it, that there is a sufficient quanti- ty of meadow or swamp mud by his pig-sty, so that he may replenish it when needed. Put some under the hen roost and in the barn cellar and under the cattle and horses. If he has no mud on the farm, use the best soil that he can spare, that is on the farm. If he lives near old ocean's shore, let him draw the kelp that comes ashore in some of those north-east storms that we are subject to, and spread it upon his grass lands, or comjiost it. There are good farmers in the town of Marsh- field, and they know the value of kelp, I should judge, by the numbers drawing it off when it comes ashore. 270 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. JUPTE The farmer needs very much to have access to agricultural reports, both State, and national, and every town should have a town library, and they should be entitled to one or more volumes, so that every farmer can have access to them. I know that many farmers laugh at the idea of book farming, and say that they want something that is more practical. They forget that among a multi- tude of counsellors there is wisdom. I know that farmers can obtain much information by reading agricultural matter, and they are those who profit by it. Let me say, as I close, that the monthly Farmer is to me an indispensable household ar- ticle, and I greet its monthly visits with great pleasure. Otis P. Josselyn. Pembroke, Feb., 1862. Remarks. — Thank you, sir. COTT^S VERSUS HORSES. At a plowing match held on the estate of the Right Hon. Earl Ducie, Crummel Park, we no- ticed, says Bell's Messenger, a team of cows, en- gaged in plowing at one end of the field ; and as they appeared to exact a tolerable amount of at- tention, we thought it worth while to make a note or two on the spot. The animals were polled cows in full milk, and belonged to Mr. John Ev- ans, of Woodford, Gloucestershire, who is, we be- lieve, a small enterprising farmer. Two of the cows were rather old ; the hindmost one, the own- er assured us, had been worked regularly during the last seven years, has had a calf every year, and one season was worked up to the day previous to calving. The middle cow was a three year old, and this was her second season, the owner putting his cows to the plow at two years old. Our read- ers must bear in mind that these cows were in full milk, being milked twice every day ; on very hot days it was found necessary to milk them three times. Mr. Evans assured us that the cows gave more and richer milk when they were regularly worked, and that the goods were larger in amount, as well as better in quality ; to use his own words, when there was a less quantity of goods made, his wife would tell him that he had not worked the cows so much, which was invariably the fact. Our readers will, of course, imagine that the cows were, and ought to be, well fed ; hay, oil-cake, bran and chaff, we were told, was the food given them during their working time. We give no opinion as to the policy of working dairy cows as above, leaving our readers to draw their own con- clusions. We must say it was rather slow work, although the plowing was pretty well done, and there seemed no lack of strength or will on the part of the cows. Pure Bees-Wax. — Messrs. Stimson, Valen- tine & Co., 36 Lidia Street, Boston, sent us a sample of refined bees-wax, the other day, which surpasses in clearness and purity any Ave have ev- er before seen. Those who desire wax for house- hold or for grafting purposes, can obtain it of them of the best quality. They are, also, dealers in paints, oils and varnishes, and sell at moderate profits. Call and see them. For the New England Fanner. AGRICUIiTTTRE IN OUR COLLEGES. Mr. Editor : — In a former article I endeavored to show that agricuitui'e could not be successfully taught in our common schools. In this communi- cation I propose to offer a few reasons why I think it can not be successfully taught in our col- leges. To be taught successfully, it must, in ray opinion, be taught in the family and on the farm, or in farai schools provided expressly for the pur- pose. Our colleges were established for the sole pur- pose of educating young men for the learned pro- fessions. All the college studies prove this, from the study of the dead languages to the higher branches of mathematics and metaphysics. They were designed to teach all the higher branches of science and ai-t, and lay a solid foundation for fu- ture eminence and usefulness in the different pro- fessions. Thus far, they have done this, and done it well. They are still doing it faithfully and im- partially, taking young men from all the walks of life, and training them for the higher fields of use- fulness. But our colleges cannot teach everything ; and it is more than ought to be expected of them. They have enough to do to teach and explain the general principles of science and art, without at- tempting to teach the particular principles of sci- entific agriculture which is so foreign from their general object and instruction. They cannot, if they would, teach agriculture, and teach it well, because they have not the means of doing it. Ag- riculture is an art, as well as science, and it re- quires not only theoretical but practical instruc- tion, such as can be given only on the farm and in the field. Our colleges cannot do this. They can- not go out into the fields and teach all the various branches of agriculture by example. They cannot bring together the young farmers in the State, nor can they reach, influence and benefit them. They cannot teach by precept and example. Every one at all acquainted with college life and studies, and with what is daily going on there, must be fully convinced that agriculture cannot be thoroughly taught there, without interfering with the college exercises and studies. Besides, college students engaged in the study of other languages, and of the higher and more obstruse branches of philoso- phy and mathematics, can have but little sympathy in common with the student in agriculture, because their tastes, their habits, their ideas, their intellec- tual improvements, are so diflerent. There would be a great gulf between them on the subject of their studies, their views and feelings; and a small prospect of harmony in their daily intercourse. It is easy to see that our colleges, designed and in- stituted for literaiy purposes, are not the right place for the education of the young in agricul- ture. Crops, soils, manures, the rearing and feed- ing of animals, and the management of the dairy, cannot be conveniently or successfully taught there. These must be taught in the family and on the farm, or in farm schools established for the purpose, where everything may be taught by ex- ample. Either agriculture does not need schools, or the right kind has not yet been established. Students in agriculture should be under the instruction of a teacher who is at once scientific and practical — 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 271 capable on the one hand of directing their studies, and on the other, of showing them the best sam- ples of all kinds of farm-work, done by himself. A portion, at least, of his lectures, should be in the open field, with the hoe, spade, scythe or axe in hand. His language to his pupils should be, "This is the way to do the work ; follow my ex- ample— do as I do." He should be able to do anything that is to be done on a farm, and to give a reason for its being done in the right way. He should explain the different kinds of crops, the modes of culture, the nature of soils, and point out the practical excellences and defects of far- mers. AH his instruction should be at once sci- entific and practical. After all, the great body of j'oung farmers must be educated, if educated at all, not so much by learned and scientific lectures, as by the example and practice of others, by reading agricultural books and papers, and by their own effort at self- improvement. Our State, county and town soci- eties, as well as our farmers' clubs, have all the characteristics of a school of the highest order, in which all may be learners as well as teachers, where practice instead of theory, and facts instead of conjectures, are the best authority. This is the best system of agricultural education for us to adopt for the present, till we have the means of establishing farm schools in every county in the State. John Golusbury. Warwick, March, 1862. For the New England Farmer, "DISSEMINATION OF FOUL SEEDS." Mr. Editor : — Under the above heading, "O. K." calls for the views of your correspondents, suggesting remedies for this growing evil. The subject is an important one, and doubtless much improvement might be effected, but there are many difficulties in the way of such laws and regula- tions as your correspondent suggests, and I think each individual must depend mainly upon his own skill and care. If our country were all under cultivation, like some European countries, we might exterminate almost any plant we chose ; but with our large tracts of uncultivated and uncultivable land, which the owners do not, and cannot examine carefully once in five years, the case is quite different, be- cause a few seeds ripened in some out-of-the-way corner are often sufficient to place a weed almost beyond the control of ordinary farmers. In my opinion, the best remedy, aside from our own watchfulness, is to do all in our power to in- duce farmers to obtain some knowledge of botany, or in other words, to become so familiar with the plants growing in their own vicinity, that any new plant will attract notice immediately, and not be allowed to spread, until its character is ascertained. A familiarity with the appearance of different seeds is also necessary to enable the farmer to select that which is free from noxious weeds, and he should, as far as possible, deal with seedsmen who have this knowledge, and are honest enough to give him the benefit of it. Much has been done, and much more may be done, by agricultural books and periodicals, by giving illustrated descriptions, including the seed of various weeds, especially such as are most like- ly to be diffused where they do not already exist. There are several plants which I have reason to think are at present becoming too common in some sections, where they can be eradicated if at- tended to before spreading any farther, and I will give some description of them. RuDBECKiA HiRTA. — This has been recently in- troduced in grass seed, and is sometimes called yellow daisy. It has quite a resemblance to the daisy, but the leaves are entire or nearly so, (that is, not notched or cut like the daisy,) and the pet- als of the flower are yellow, with a purple cone in the centre, in the form of an old-fashioned straw beehive. This has been removed to the garden by some, but should be extirpated from both garden and field, as it is becoming quite troublesome in some places. Chiccory. — This plant, which is very common in the vicinity of Boston, I have never seen in the Western part of the State, until quite recently I found a single plant of it growing in a newly-seed- ed field, and my farm assistant told me that he saw such a plant in a similar situation on his fath- er's farm. Evidently, these were introduced in grass seed, and judging from its appearance else- where, I think it cannot too soon be banished. "A stitch in time saves nine." This plant, before throwing up its seed stalk, has some resemblance to the dandelion, and when in flower, is easily known by the unequal length, notched edges, and pale blue color of its petals. Spurry. — This plant was also introduced with grass seed on my farm a few years since, and has given me considerable trouble. It bears some re- semblance to a plant sometimes called "horse- tail," but is much more succulent, and is an annu- al. The leaves are linear, thickened or fleshy, and grow in whorls. The flowers are white, and rath- er insignificant, and followed by a round seed cap- sule little more than an eighth of an inch in di- ameter. I believe this is sometimes called "pine weed," and although recommended by some to be grown for "turning under," is too dangerous to be admitted to our fields. I neglected to state that Rudbeckia and Chic- cory are both perennial plants. Ashfield, 1862. Wm. F. Bassett. GOOD FOR OXEN AS WELL AS HORSES. At the New York State Agricultural Fair at Watertown, was a boy of sixteen, who controlled cattle with as much skill as Rarey controlled horses, and by using the same law, the law of kindness. He trained and handled six steers not two years old as easily as an experienced driver would a single pair in yoke, and yet he had no yoke nor rope ; he did not speak to them in a loud voice, and only occasionally struck them a slight blow. A spectator describing his movements, says he would bring up a single pair as if yoked to- gether, then two, and then tlu-ee pairs ; then he would mismatch them, putting odd ones together, and then bring them in a line like a platoon of soldiers ; then he would train them around by twos and threes, or drop one and order him to a new place, all by a motion of his little whip. Be- ing asked if he could manage eight as well as six, he said he could if his whip was a little longer. He tried, and succeeded with ease, impressing upon all who saw him, the great benefit of kind- ness and determination in the treatment of cattle. 272 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June SUTTER'S GANG PLOW. This is a combination of from two to six, or more, plows, easily managed, and requiring only the attendance required for the single plow. We have never seen the implement itself, but have ex- amined a model with much interest, and at the solicitation of the patentee, we publish the follow- ing description. The celebrity now attached to the steam plow arises from merits which are like- wise due to "Sutter's Plow," and the latter has this advantage, that all farmers have their horses and oxen, and none have steam machines to plow with. The principal merits of the New Gang Plow are, that it will do the work of two to eight single plows, being capable of breaking up from four to twenty acres of land per day, requiring the atten- dance of but one man, saving both time and labor, and at the same time doing very thorough and su- perior work. By a very simple device, the angle of the shares can be instantly regulated by the at- tendant. The height of the plow from the shares up to the beams is 21 inches; the length of the shortest "beam is 6 ft. 2 in. ; and every succeeding beam in- creases 16 inches. The plow rests in front on wheels, independent of each other, and capable of turning in every direction, just as the team moves. The wheels are placed in a line, parallel with the line of shares. On the top of the plow is a long seat for the driver, running parallel with the same, near which the mechanism is attached to work the shares, so as to lead the same in and out of the ground, and to regulate the position of the shares to cut the required depth of furrows. In case there should be some hard places in the field, the driver has only to move a little backwards on the seat, which will increase the pressure on the shares, forcing the same through the hard places, and gain thereby the required depth without al- tering the position of the shares. Every description of shares can be used and ap- plied to this Gang Plow, the same as in single plows. The usual pressure of the single plow to- wards the land side is by this combination quite prevented, as the shares for single plows stand a few inches towards the land side, to keep them in the furrows, which naturally causes a great pres- suj-e and an unevenness of the ground, whUe the shares in Sutter's Gang Plow stand straight to the plow, saving thereby much of the draught power. The teams may consist of from two to ten horses, or from two to six yoke of oxen, according to the size of the plow. The plow has been proved in several cases, and its work was of the most satisfactory character. Joseph Sutter. 112 Pleasant Street, Boston. For the New England Farmer, BIBD MUSIC. Now lav'rocks wake the merry morn, Aloft on dewy wing ; The merle, in his noontide bower, Makes woodland echoes ring ; The mavis wild, wi' many a. note, Sings dowsy day to rest ; In love and freedom they rejoice, Wi' care nor thrall opprest. — Burns. Who has not felt a thrill of pleasure and delight while listening, on a warm spring morning, to the notes of the newly arrived bluebird, robin, or song-sparrow ? Although these birds are inferior in power of song to many of the birds which visit us later in the season, yet as their music is the first which greets our ears after the silence of win- ter, it has a peculiar charm. During the winter the shrill cry of the blue jay, the caw of the crow, and the soft whistle of the chickadee, are pleasant to hear ; but on the arrival of the spring birds the voices of the crow and jay seem harsh and discor- dant, and the little chickadee's tune sounds faint and monotonous. The flute-like notes of the blue- bird and robin, and the clear twinkling sound of the sparrow's song, also lose much of their attrac- tiveness when the wood thrushes, blackbirds, ori- oles, or golden robins, bobolinks, and warblers make their appearance. 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 273 The red-winged blackbird is one of our earliest, and, in my estimation, one of our best musicians. Although his song when alone is not remarkably musical, yet, when a large flock sing in concert, as they generally do in the early spring, there is a great richness in their lively and gushing melody. Flocks of these birds often sing during a rainy day in March or April, and their sweet chorus mingling with the rushing sound of the waters in the swollen streams, with the pattering of the rain-drops upon the roof, with the whispering of the warm south wind among the swelling buds of the trees and flowers, falls "Upon the spirit like a dream Of music on the hour of sleep." No discordant notes are heard in that bird-choir, for all have correct, musical ears, and they ap- pear to "sing with the heart," if not "with the un- derstanding." It is about the first of May ; and as we wander forth on a calm evening between sunset and dark, sounds of melody fall upon our ears. They come from yonder wood-covered hill. All other sounds are hushed but the peeping of the frogs in the distant marsh, or the ringing sound of the soaring night-hawk's wings as he, at intervals, makes a sudden swoop towards his mate far beneath him. Hark ! those melodious strains are heard again, and they seem like a voice from the spirit land ! It is the song of the wood thrush. Heard when all nature is sinking to repose ; when the floating clouds above the western horizon are tinged with purple, crimson and gold ; when everything in the outward world is giving evidence that winter is over, and that another summer, with its fruits and flowers is just before us ; the voice of this little songster has a charm, a fascination, which has been sought for but never found in the song of any other American bird. What Isaac Walton says of the English night- ingale's song may be applied with equal force to the music of the wood thrush, or American night- ingale. "But the nightingale, another of my airy creatures, breathes such sweet, loud music out her instrumental throat, that it might make mankind to think that miracles had not ceased. He that at midnight, when the very laborer sleeps secure- ly, should hear, as I have very often, the clear airs, the sweet accents, the natural rising and falling, the doubling and redoubling of her voice, might well be lifted above earth, and say, — 'Lord, what music hast thou provided for the saints in heaven, when Thou affordest bad men such music on earth !' " The cheerful voice of a larger species of the thrush family — the red mavis, or "brown thrash- er," as he is frequently called — begins to be heard when the husbandman is preparing his grounds, or dropping the seed for a future crop. Perched upon the top of a tall tree near the field, he pours forth liis song of love and gladness for the espec- ial benefit, it would seem, of the farmer. What a happy world this would be, if the song of this, and every other feathered musician, brought to the mind of the listener thoughts of a still sweeter voice, the voice of a loved and chosen companion ! If all could sing from the heart the words of that beautiful and well-known song, "Mary of Argyle." While Nature is enrobing herself with a mantle of green, and decking her fair bosom with flowers, while the air is filled with fragrance, with the hum of insects and with innumerable sounds of life and activity, the birds continue to arrive. Every day the winged orchestra receives new additions, un- til the band is full ; and now the fields, groves and woodlands resound with silver-toned, enchanting harmony. The larks and bobolinks in yonder meadow sing as if they were in a perfect ecstacy of delight ; the mellow notes of the golden robin and the loud voice of the woodpecker are heard in the orchard ; the M^arblers, thrushes and other birds of song enliven the woods and groves with their joyous strains. "Music awakes, Tlie native voice of un-lissernbled joy ; And thick around tlie woodland hymns arise." How much pleasure a person loses who cannot appreciate or take any interest in the music of the feathered choir ; and how deficient in knowledge and refinement those individuals must be who consider that birds are more of a curse than blessing ; and who, instead of endeavoring to in- crease their numbers, and their love of man, use various means to destroy these useful creatures, and drive them from human abodes ! What a void there would be in nature during the spring and summer ; what a strange silence would brood over all the fair landscape, if the birds should cease to visit us ! Their absence would be felt more than the loss of the flowers, with all their beauty and fragrance. South Oroton, April, 1862. S. L. White. For the Neto England Farmer. THOROUGH-BKED HORSES. In the May number of the Farmer, "J. W." in- quires how to breed a thorough-bred horse ? A thorough-bred horse is one whose pedigree can be traced without a flaw, in both lines, paternal and maternal, to Oriental blood ; that is, to such horses as Godolphin, Darley, or Wellesley Arabi- an; or, it would be sufficient to entitle a horse to be called thorough-bred, if his pedigree could be traced clearly to some well-known racer, like Eclipse, or Flying Childers. To raise a thorough-bred, then, it is necessary that both sire and dam be of pure unmixed blood. It does not follow because a horse is imported, that he is thorough-bred ; it all depends upon the clearness of his pedigree. Nor can there be any such thing as a thorough-bred Morgan, or thorough-bred Black Hawk, for they all necessa- rily possess other strains of blood. If "J. W." will call upon me, I will show him a thorough-bred, whose blood I can trace without a stain, through the space of over one hundred years. Littleton, May, 1862. J. A. Harwood. The Horticulturist. — The May number of this popular journal is embellished Avith a fine rep- resentation of Rogers'" Hybrid Grape, No. 4, and its pages are crowded with useful and interesting horticultural matter. Its editors are capable and industrious, and are giving the work a popular character. Never hire a man to do a piece of work, which you can do yourself. 274 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June THE DAM AT NOKTH BILLERICA. We offer no apology for continuing the history of the unjust usurpation of power in rebuilding the dam at North Billerica, and the loss and dis- tress which it has caused to hundreds of the in- dustrious farmers of the State. We have an un- shaken faith in the justice of our people, and that future legislators will see how shamefully the elec- tions have been corrupted by a combination of moneyed power, and the rights of a large number of our citizens trampled under foot. But this state of things cannot last. When the history of this oppression is better understood, the public voice will demand its suppression, and we trust compel the oppressors to compensate the farmers for the damage done to their property. We be- lieve the determination to repeal the act of 1859- 60, to remove thii*ty-three inches of the dam, was a foregone conclusion by the last Legislature, on the day that it first met. Such had been the in- fluence exerted on the elections in every part of the State. We knew of this, as we Avere repeat- edly notified, during the summer and fall, that one or more persons were visiting various portions of the State, and it was supposed were forestalling the public mind in this matter. The result jus- tifies the supposition. We recently gave one chapter in the early his- tory of the controversy still going on between the owners of meadow land on Concord and Sudbury rivers, and now continue it a step or two farther. This dam was first erected about the year 1710. It was removed in 1722, by order of the Governor and Council, under the act establishing a "com- mission of sewers." This removal ends the first chapter in the history of the long controversy be- tween these meadows and this dam. In a second report of the Commissioners of Sewers, dated January, 1723, we learn that the dam was found built again, within two months af- ter its removal. The Commissioners promptly ap- pointed responsible men to repair to Billerica, "and if they found any mill-dam, to inquire who erected it, and to take notice of the height and dimensions of it, that His Excellency and Council might be truly informed of the matter of fact." This report was either never made, or has been lost. The existence of the new dam, however, is well established. When the existence of the new dam was known to the meadow-owners, with the prompt energy for which the inhabitants of Concord valley have always been noted, they at once adopted mea- sures to bring an action against Mr. Osgood, un- der an act passed in 1709. This act is enti- tled, "An act to prevent hedges, weirs, and other incumbrances, obstructing the passage of fish in rivers." It provides that whoever "obstructs the usual passage of fish in the spring, or proper sea- sons of the year without approbation or allowance first had and obtained for the same, in manner as in and by this act is du'ected," shall be regarded as creating a "common nuisance," and declares that this "nuisance shall be demolished and pulled down, not to he again repaired or amended ; and that on complaint made to the General Sessions of the Peace," &c. We may remark in this connection, that large quantities of shad and alewives were formerly taken from this stream, even so far as twenty-five miles from the dam. The inhabitants of the towns bordering upon the river held their fishing privileges in high estimation, even within the memory of many persons who are now living. It was natural, therefore, that an obstruction which impeded the flow of the water, and prevented the natural course of the fish, should be regarded with aversion, by men with intelligence enough to know their rights, and with determination enough to assert them. It is worthy of remark, that the meadow-own- ers complained of the first dam for two reasons ; because it kept back the fish, and because it flowed back the water over their lands. Against the new dam they brought only the first complaint. We naturally infer, therefore, that while the new dam obstructed the passage of the fish, it was not liigh enough to cause the meadows to be overflowed. It is, therefore, reasonable to conclude that this dam was not so high as the first one. In May, 1723, the town of Sudbury, at a legal town meeting, chose a committee, and empowered them to prefer a petition to the General Sessions of the Peace, "that the stoppage and obstructions upon Concord and Sudbury rivers may be re- moved, which is a hindrance to the free passage of the fish." This Committee prepared and pre- sented a petition as they were directed, asserting that "they humbly conceive that the said dam is a nuisance, being so far from being lawfully and or- derly made as that it was placed there in direct opposition to the order of the Commissions of Sewers." In July of the same year, the selectmen of Con- cord, five in number, presented a petition to the Court of General Session, in conjunction with the petition from Sudbury. The following extract from this petition presents the cause of complaint in a clear and forcible manner. After alluding to the existence of the above mentioned "Nuisance Act," the petitioners say : "The ancient town of Concord hath ever, from the first settlement there- of, enjoyed the privilege and benefit of the fish coming up Concord River, without any incum- brance or obstruction, until sometime in or about the year 1709, at which time there was a mill dam erected across the said river, in the township of Billerica, in the county of Middlesex, to accommo- 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARIHER. 275 date Christopher Osgood's mills, which, some time in the month of September, 1722, was pulled down and demolished by order of Commissions of Sewers, for the relief and benefit of the mead- ows and low lands above said dam ; since which time, another dam hath been erected across said river, in, or near, the same place, where the form- er was made for the accommodation of Christopher Osgood's mills, without any order or leave from authority, the which dam almost wholly stops the natural and common course and passage of the fish up said river, which (if not obstructed as afore- said by mill dam) would be of great advantage and benefit, not only unto the inhabitants of Con- cord, but also unto the inhabitants of several neighboring towns." These petitions asked for "speedy relief by the removal and demolishment of said obstruction." In the Superior Court of Sessions, in December, they were considered, together with the answer of Mr. Osgood, who was notified that they had been presented. "Both parties being fully heard, the Court considering thereof, do declare the said dam to be a common nuisance, and order that the Sher- iff do demolish and pull down the same by the first day of April next following." From this de- cision Mr. Osgood appealed to the Superior Court of Judicature, and gave bonds to prosecute his appeal according to law. As the proceedings in this Comt upon the appeal were both extended and interesting, we shall defer an account of them till another paper. kins, Meight 90 pounds ; 10 small ones ; 2 large marrowfat squashes, weight 12 pounds, and lots of green ones. Now, brother farmers, I am 73 years old, and if any of you dare compete with me in farming, let me know it. Daniel Spaulding. Fitzioilliam, N. H., April, 1862. For the New England Farmer. TWO EXPERIMENTS "WITH POTATOES. In the spring of the year 1860, 1 had a few bush- els of coarse horse manure, and about a peck of small potatoes. None of the potatoes would weigh more than an ounce or two, each. I own a few acres of poor, sandy land, covered partly with June grass, and ]iartly with shrub and white birch. About the last of May I loaded the manure, pota- toes, a small horse-plow, a shovel and myself and an old one-horse wagon, and went about two miles to the land before described, and climbed to the top of the highest knoll where the sand was cov- ered with a kind of woolly grass, spread the ma- nure and dropped the potatoes about one foot apart, till I had dropped 40 ; parallel with this row, and three or four feet from it, I dropped another row, and the potatoes were so small, I made five rows 40 potatoes long — 200 potatoes to the peck. Then I took the plow and turned a thin furrow each way on the potatoes, covering them under the sod about three inches, leaving the grass between the rows to do whatever it pleased till October. I then made them a visit, and took from under the sods four bushels of good-sized, good-looking and good- eating potatoes. In 1861, I repeated the experiment with three little loads of manure, one bushel of potatoes and four times the quantity of ground. Besidt : — 10 bushels potatoes ; 3 large pump- For the New England Fanner. GYPSUM. Mr. Editor : — I noticed an article upon this subject under the heading of "Iletrospective Notes," which appeared in the weekly issue of Nov. 30th. The Avriter says that farmers are "out at sea," and plaster is of no benefit in fixing am- monia, (according to Liebig,) in stables, unless mixed with four hundred times its weight of wa- ter. Farmers will never use plaster in a soluble condition, and there is no need of it, as I will soon show. "We have seen the fumes of a manure heap speedily arrested by sprinkling on half an ounce of strong sulphuric acid diluted with a pail- ful of water. Who will tell us of a better way?" Study Liebig's works thoroughly ; put the practi- cal part into active operation, and let the theoret- ical part alone ; and work, think and study by the light of practical science, and you will have the right way. A part of plaster is sulphuric acid, and I should think it would have the same effect as when applied alone. Scatter plaster upon your stable floors, and from the great amount of urine voided by the cattle, much of the plaster will be dissolved, and after the manure is put upon the fields the plaster is being dissolved as wanted by every rain. It is only on the decomposition of nitrogen that ammonia is formed, and if plaster is mixed with manure, the sulphuric acid combines with the ammonia, and the lime with the carbonic acid, forming compounds which are not volatile, and consequently destitute of all smell. Experiments by Dr. Voelcker, upon a heap of manure, showed that the ammonia remained undiminished from November 3d to April 30th, while during the hot summer months all the most valuable matter had undergone diminution. Take courage, brother farmers, put plaster with the manure, and when you have applied it to the land, the plaster will prove a faithful servant, as the rain descends. Liebig states that "the evi- dent influence of gypsum upon the growth of grasses, the striking fertility and luxuriance of a meadow upon which it is strewed, depends only upon its fixing in the soil the ammonia of the at- mosphere, which would otherwise be volatilized with the water which evapoi-ates." Here is a wise provision of Nature ; as the water evaporates it dissolves a portion of the plaster which retains the ammonia for the plant. "In order to form a conception of the effect of gypsum, it may be sufficient to remark that 110 lbs. of gypsum fixes as much ammonia in the soil as 6880 lbs. of horse urine would yield to it. AVater is absolutely necessary to effect the decom- position of the gypsum, on account of its difficult solubility, (one part of gypsum requu-es 400 parts of water for solution,) and also to assist in the absorption of the sulphate of ammonia by plants ; hence it happens that the influence of gypsum is not observable on dry fields and meadows. The 276 NEW ENGLAND FARMER. June decomposition of gypsum by carbonate of ammo- nia does not take place instantaneously ; on the contrary, it proceeds very gradually, and this ex- plains why the action of the gypsum lasts for sev- eral years." All this talk, I understand to be about gypsum •u'hen applied to land, and there you have water enough, except in dry seasons, and if convenient in these seasons, you can irrigate, and perhaps it will pay. Put plaster upon your stables, and a portion of it will be dissolved, enough for all practical pur- poses, because, as I have shown, only a small por- tion of ammonia is set free, and only a small amount of dissolved plaster is required. Mix plaster with night soil, and the scent will be re- tained ; then add some pure lime, and the odor will be thrown out again. "Put fresh urine and plaster into a cask ; in the course of a few days there will be on the surface of the mine a thin, ice-like pellicle ; this, when taken off and tested by an acid, will be found to be carbonate of lime, showing plainly that some of the plaster has been decomposed ; the quick lime, in its eagerness for carbonic acid, rises to the surface, and when it has obtained a certain thickness, it breaks and falls to the bottom, and doubtless the acid that was sep- arated from the lime combines with the ammonia, forming an impure sulphate of ammonia." Sulphuric acid is worth about six cents per pound. The same in plaster a trifle over one cent. The acid in copperas at two cents a pound, would cost over six cents. Now farmers, which of these will you use ? I shall use the plaster. The water in animal excrement is sufficient to dis- solve a portion of the plaster, so that it will re- tain nearly all of the ammonia, but when the ma- nure is applied to the land, there will be need of more water to assist the plants to take up ammo- nia. This is done by the water in the ground and by rains. All the gypsum gradually disap- pears, but its action upon the carbonate of ammo- nia continues as long as a trace of it exists. Lyndeboro', N. H., 1862. L. G. B. For the New England Farmfr. NOTES FBOM. THE MONOMACK. BY SAGGAIIEW. STATISTICS OF THE AGllICULTURE OF MASSACHUSETTS. The following table shows the number of farms, &c., in this State, as exhibited by the official re- turns of the United States census for 1860 : Farms 35,519 Farmers 45,522 Farm laborers 18,039 Improved land, acres 2,213,315 Unimproved land, do 1,192,296 Value of farms $122,645,221 Value of farm implements and machinery.. $3,804,385 Horses 47,679 Asses and mules 51 Mitch cows 134,475 Working oxen 37,989 Other cattle 96,563 Sheep 113,279 Swine 74,843 Value of live stock $12,525,200 Wheat, bushels 120,294 Rye, do 389,610 Indian corn, do 2,084,040 Oats, do 1,148,081 Tobacco, pounds 3,22*1,941 Wool, do 373,789 Peas and beans, bushels 43,206 Irish potatoes, do 3,202,391 Sweet potatoes, do 909 Barley, do 133,488 Buckwheat, do 113,408 Value of orchard products $928,140 Wine, gallons 21,854 Produce market gardens $1,383,178 Butter, pounds 8,168,980 Cheese, do 5,509,614 Hay, tons 668,628 Clover seed, bushels 453 Grass seed, do 4,894 Hops, pounds Ill ,309 Flax, do 175 Flax seed, bushels 7 Maple sugar, pounds 1,011,569 Maple molasses, gallons 15,425 Beeswax, pounds 3,457 Honey, do 59,420 Value of slaughtered animals $3,046,861 From the above table the following table of av- erages is prepared : Average number of acres of land per farm 95 " " " improved land per farm 60 " " " unimproved land per farm 35 Average value of farms $3,453 Average value of farm implements and machinery per farm $107,10 Average value of live stock per farm $355,45 Yearly value per acre of orchard products (fi-uit) $4,53 " " " farm " " " $26,13 As may be seen from the annual report of the Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Agricul- ture for 1861, (for which these, and similar tables, were prepared by the writer,) there is a great discrepancy between the returns of the above census, and the returns of the assessors of the several cities and towns of the same year. And as it is self-evident that the latter must be much nearer the truth, we are led to doubt wheth- er any reliance can be safely placed in the former. As a specimen of these wide differences in the two returns, we give the following : Assessors, 1860. Yearly produce of hay, tons. . . .702,285 Acres of imjiroved land 3,373,458 Acres of unimproved land 996,149 Males 20 yrs. old and upward... 298, 830 Number of horses 90,712 " cows 160,982 " sheep 115,671 ♦' Bwine 57,241 The difference in the returns of hay, horses, cows and sheep alone, by the census marshals and the assessors, (both taken in the same month and year,) amounts to a total of $4,656,844 in the State ! Surely, we can have but little confidence in our census figures, if this is a sample of them. The returns of the assessors of the above year contain much valuable information in relation to agriculture in the State, as the following items will show : Acres of orcharding of all kinds of fruits 41,812 " " mowed 25,380 Yearly tons of hay in orchards mowed 24,011 Acres of l.ind annually tilled, excluding orcharding tilled 265,570 Acres of upland mowing, excluding orcharding mowed.. 550,183 " fresh meadow 156,359 " salt marsh 38,543 " pasture land, excluding orcharding pastured. .1,344,914 " woodland, excluding pasture land enclosed 976,071 " unimproved land 767,019 " land unimprovable 229,130 " land used for roads 109,940 " land covered with water 198,254 " land (total) from actual survey 4,857,497 It will be remembered by many that our last State Valuation Committee recommended a change in our method of taking the State valuation, which was adopted by the Legislature. One of the feat- Census, 1860. Difference. 668,628 33,657 2,213,315 1,160,143 1,192,296 196,147 47,679 43,033 134,475 26,507 113,279 2,392 74,843 17,602 1862. NEW ENGLAND FARMER. 27T ures of the new plan is the annual publication of the "aggregates" of the valuation of the several cities and towns in the Commonwealth, as re- turned by the assessors. The first of these inter- esting documents has recently made its appear- ance, and from it we copy the following valuable table: b:^ 'g 53 < o £. 3 §'g5.2-S5S32reS-'^3 " =■: & n- F 03Wk-*to' ^ ^ ^>J ^—^".^ S j» O 3> J-* O 00 to j» -I (-> O to 05 ^ O- ^ (O O 10 ,fc O to -1 CI •*- Ci CO c> c;' to »tk. ■M k-» to »-• c?» 05 to — * 01*^*40tOOi^COMOl-»Oi O JO "o^^"^^ -^~^^^-^ **"-j"to'a>"rf^ WW>-'OoO*t..OCOC.'iCO*-^JCOH-i tv0O>4k(O^^~*— ^OOOOOJ^ ^o^oOQo<0Cocoa>otoc;*w to O to M M CO *» WOOOt0000>C0C0hJ|-'O^O Ci »— • CK 0 -D to CO to 00 QO o^ . O ii KJ CJ -J CO I O p to tO-»ftOMCOOtnj^OOO O CO CO ^^ ^^ CJ *». ^ on to ^ GO ^ ^ O V «5 to 0< to ^ J" to ! to . CO ^ ^-t »^ to o . 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