‘InTRODUCTORY REMARKS. cultural Society. By a member of the Society, Letter from Charles Telfair to Dr. Hosack, Art. 1. —Comminnication from Wim. Wilson, Esq. of Cler- mont, N. Y.on the culture of the Grape. Addressed to the New-York Sorticultural-Society, March, 1821, ) Att. 2—=Deseription of Fathevland Farm Art. 3.=G. Thorbdury & Son’s Seed Store, Art. 4. Letter fiom the Rev. Dr. Miller to the Secretary of the New-York Horticultural Society, on the cultivation of the Strawberry, Art. 5.—Ou. the eulti ya ion of the Strawherry, by Mr. Wal- liam “urr, of New-York, read Feb. 26,1822. To the Pres- ident and members of the Horticultural Society of N.Y. Art. 6.—torticultura! Soeivty of Pari <--Communicated by Dr. Pelix Pascalis, President of the Linnean Branch of Paris, and hoborary member of the Horticultural Soci- ely of New- Yau, to which Peach Trees are subject. By A. Parmentier, propr etor of the Horticultural Botanic - Garden, Brooklyn, L 1. New-York, Art. 8.—Remarks on the construction and management of ~ Cattle Yards. Art. 9 Fossil or Sistine Manures, Art. 10 —Agricultucal Improvements, Art. 1i.—New-York Horticultural Society, Arf, 12.—Letterto the Editor, from My. M. Floy, on the Poach denomipatet! by him “ Emperor of Russia By J. Buel, of Ali any. .—OF the specific Application of fermentative, and ~ PAGE 1] Sketch of the Rise and Progress of the New-York Horti- THE NEW-YORK FARMER HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY, Is issuep monthly, printed in the octavo form, on an imperial sheet of fine paper, with now type. Art. 13 —Systematic Agriculture, ante Art. 14.—On the cultivation of Lucerne—Letter from J. _ 1} Buel, Esq. of Albany, Wy 8| Art. 15,— Culture of Mangel Wurzel, 18 | Art. 16.--On Forest Trees, Orchard Trees, &e 19 | Art. 17.—Variety of Nature, 20 4| Art. 18.—Analysis of Vegetables, 21 5| Art. 19.—Instinct, Bil 6 | Art. 20.--On the New-Zealand Spinage, by Michael Floy, : addressed to the President of the New-York Horticul- tural Society, read Nov. 28, 1827, 93, 7 | Art. 21.—On Soils-—their elementary constituents few— j when intermixed in moderate proportions, are ferlile— | but when any one predvminates to a great degree are ste- 8| vile—their general denominations—treated on separately. _ By William Wilson. Read before the New-York Hote : | cultural Society, March 26, 1922, 24 | Act, 22.—Some account of the Camellia Japonica, car g| practical observations on its culture. By Thomas Hogg, 26 | Art. 22.— Richard Wilcox’s apparatus to demonstrate the necessary requisi es for Germination ; or the only princi- 10| ples required for Vegetation, 27 | Art. 24. —Apricot of Musch. By A. Parmentier, proprietor 40| of the Horticultural Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, L. I. New-York, 28 jg} Art. 23.—The method of preserving Grapes, by dipping 18 their stems in tar, injurious to their flavor; 28 14| Art. 26.—The Red Monthly Strawberry, without runners. * By A. Pasmentier;proprietor of the Horticultural Botanic 16} Garden, Brooklyn, L. I. New-Yerk, 2s Ly * 3 AND * Each _ number will contain from 24 to 32 pages, forming a volume of more than 300 pages. The work will be embellished with several excr. avines, and each yolume accompanied with an INDEX. Price THREE DOLLARS, p paid in advance. oy + * Communic sions addressed to the Editor, No. 181, Chatham-Square, New-York. Printed by Ts. L. Rice, 165 Chathen-Square, = ral My at en i ae r Devt 4 igdy N EW =W OnE. FARMER, Horticultural Kéepostiory. VOL. 1] See JANUARY 1828. [NO. 1. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Tus success and utility of this publication will de- pend, principally, on the practical knowledge of its con- tributors. The title denotes the natare of the work ; —embracing all those subjects calculated to promote a taste for rural studies and pursuits—including informa- . tion on agriculture and its subsidiary sciences—the most improved methods of gardening and farming— descriptions of the best cultivated farms, and biograph- ical sketches of distinguished agriculturists—and re- views of publications devoted to subjects coming with- in the province of the work. Its prospective charac- ter may be learned from the sources whence are ex- pected its contents. We areassured that itshallreceivethe countenance of ihe New-York Horticultural Society, an interesting history of which may be found in thisnumber. This Society consists of most of the practical gardeners in this city and the vicinity, many of whom are natives of Europe, familiarly and scientifically acquainted with the most improved methods of gardening in Great Britain and France—of a number of the most distin- guished scientific gentlemen in the United States, whose productions and whose correspondents in other countries, are often furnishing the Society with many valuable communications—of the principal officers of eur navy, whose frequent visits to other climes afford them opportunities to collect valuable seeds and plants, which they are in the habit of forwarding to the So- ciety. From this source, and by having access to the increasing library of the Institution, our columns can not fail of being supplied with many valuable articles Tnaddition tothe above, we have the promised assistance of several agricultural connected with Horticulture. writers, whose productions, with what we can transfer from American and foreign publications similar to our own, will afford all that variety of information, which will, we trust, render our paper pleasing and useful to farmers. Although such are some of our sources of informa- tion, still would we wish to guard against raising ex- pectations that never willbe realized. Let none sup- pose we build our hopes on furnishing the public with learned productions, that have their chief excellence in their elegance of'style, or such as can be read only by afew scavans, embodied in all the unintelligibleness of technical science. IJtis our intention to makethe Far- mer a record of interesting and useful facts, adapted to mab the comprehension of uneducated common sense, di- yested of asmany Saewalince as convenience will per- mit, and decorated with no plumes, but presented in the unstudied attractions of native plainness. Our expectations from public patronage are mode- rate. The fields where we expect to gather our fruits, do indeed lie before us in pleasing and delightful pros- pect 5 briars and thorns. Among these we shall cheerfully and perseveringly toil, in ful! anticipation of eventually gaining an easy and free access to the bowers of plenty. =O © Ctr [For the N.Y. Farmer and Horticultural Repository. ] HORTICULTURAL SUCIETY. Sketch of the Rise and Progress of the New-York Hor- ticultural Society. By a member of the Society. Tue New-York Horticultural Society, like most other similar institutions, had its commencement among a few enterprizing practical gardeners. A con- siderable number of these had been located for many years in the vicinity of Greenwich village, and occa- sionally had been in the habit of spending a few leisure evening hours in discussing subjects connected with their profession, in which all felt deeply interested, and equally desirous of being mutually benefitted. The ad- vantages arising to the members by such intercourse, were not limited merely to an increase of practical knowledge, but the nobler feelings of gradually expanded, and even gardeners thought they perceived their capability of contributing to the public But in order to effect this desirable object, some the sou! became weal. systematic plan of umited exertion seemed necessary. They, accordingly, at a meeting held 30th September, 1818, at the house of Thomas H. Kennedy, in Green- Wich-street, formed themselves into an association, un- der the title of the New-York Horticultural Society. As theirobject became known, their numbers increased, not only in practical men, but also those of greater in- fluenceandscience. On the 28th of September, 1819, Thomas Storm, Esq. was elected President of the So- ciety. From this day it has been obtaining an hon- orable name, and 2 high rank in the estimation of the public ; but owes, in no small degree, its advancement to the fostering care of Mr. Storm, who, to the mosi pleasing accomplishments of a gentleman, added all that ardor for horticultural improvement, which render- ed his early patronage to the infant institution of very great importance. During his Presidency, the Society obtained very extensive and useful information respect- ing the actual state of herticulture in this country.— yet there intervene heaths and obstructions of item A Lie? i 8:3 fof <> BOTANICA t GARDEN D NEW-YORK FARMER AND _aaaBnannnaRyEleeqq»«qq See Many facts were brought to light, proving the na- tural tendency of many of our vegetable productions to ‘deteriorate. Not only the means of preventing this ‘deterioration, but of promoting their improvement, were pointed out and understood. In this state of our progress, after seeing us placed ona firm footing, Mr. Storm resigned his office. Mar- tin Hoffman, Esq. was elected his successor. He entered upon his duties at a very important period ; for although we were in the right road for the promotion of the objects in view, still we wanted assistance to render our efforts permanent and extensively useful. For obtaining this, no man could have been found bet- ter calculated than Mr. Hofiman. His own estate had clearly proved him to be entitled to rank among the foremost of the liberal encouragers of horticultural im- provements. His example as a public patron of the Society, was followed by many of our most respecta- ble citizens. The emulation among the practical members became more conspicuous—their public ex- hibitions more interesting—gradual improvements in our markets clearly manifest. Nothing appeared wanting to consolidate and firmly establish the Society but the sanction of our Legislature, to several of the members of which, who were also members of the So- ciety, its usefulness and importance were well known. Even the penetrating eye of that patron of internal im- provement who then was at the head of the state gov- ernment, did not look with indiiterence on the deve- lopement of our tender bud; and his cheerful accept- ance of an honorary membership deserves this special notice in recounting our successful progress. Appli- cation was made to the Legislature during the winter of 1821—2; and on the 22d of March, 1822, the act was passed to incorporate the New-York Horticultural Society. To George Brinckerhoff, Esq. who drafted the petition to the Legislature, to Maturin Livingston, Esq., and to the other members of the Legislature from this city, the Society is particularly indebted. From this period, the Society presented an aspect highly gratifying to every admirer and lover of rural scenery and pursuits. An excellent set of rules and regulations, in conformity to the act of incorporation, for the future government of the society, were drawn up under the direction of Judge Wan Ness, Dr. Ho- sack, John R. Murray, Esq. and others. A certain proportion of the funds was appropriated to the pur- chase of silver plate and other articles to be awarded to the successful competitors for the best designated productions of their soil. Various channels of inter- course with similar foreign societies were opened, through which there has been a great addition ta the stock of valuable information. In this favorable atti- tude of the Society, the worthy Mr. Hoffman resigned the presidential chair, to which Dr. Hosack was unanimously elected, ral progress of the Society from its birth te its present state of juvenile growth. I will now give a more particular illustration of the present state of our horti- cultural products, compared with that which they were in at the commencement of our career. Nothing is more common than for vain and ambitious individuals, as well as Societies, to arrogate to them- selves honors more justly due to the modest and ob- secure. ‘Therefore, while we survey the achievements of this Society, we would pay every due deference to the labors of private individuals, whose comparative merits we may not have had an opportunity of being acquainted with. Our claims will be distinctly stated as we proceed ; and in the first place, one great adyan- tage of a Society, is the facility with which every im- provement becomes extended for more general use. Besides, the profession of any superior variety, in the hands of an individual, is more apt through accident to be lost, than when distributed, as is alWays the case, among part orall ofthemembers. The gratification too produced upon their minds by having the results of their industry honorably authenticated upon the records of the Society, is a strong inducement to excite and main- tain that spirit of emulation which is the very life of all improvements. This spirit, the New-York Horticultural Society has produced and maintained in an eminent de- gree, as appears evident by the list and descriptions of articles regularly exhibited at the weekly meetings of Nor has their attention been directed only to the improvement of such vegetables as were cultivated here at their commencement in 1818: they have introduced and cultivated successfully, sev- era! new and valuable varieties ; and among these the Cape Brocoli may be justly considered as one of the most valaalle acquisitions ever introduced into our ve- setable market : the seed of which was first introduced here by the Messrs. Thorburn, and Mr. Michael Floy, about one or two seasons previous to the organization of the Society, of which the above gentlemen were among its most early supporters. From the many dis- appointments that have attended all former attempts to cultivate any of the other varieties of this vegetable here, its cultivation for the first few years after its commencement by Mr. Floy, was very limited; but the liberal encouragement offered by the Society for the prosecution of its cultivation, soon produced a fair trial of it by the members generally ; and by the year 1821, many thousand fine flowers of it were sent to the Wash- ington market, from the garden of one individual mem- ber, who has this season sentabove ten thousand heads of it to the same place for sale. And the quantity sup- plied by numbers of the other members, it is believed has exceeded this proportion ; while scarce a single market gardener unconnected with the Society has its inspecting committee. yet commenced its culture, and some of those who haye I have thus far traced the gene-| prosecuted the business upon an extensive scale, too, HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 3 ral taste. And for these purposes it is an object much. to be desired ; yet it could never supersede the neces- sity of a strict continuation of the past and present mode of our Society’s operations, which have already been productive ofa greater degree of improvement in our valuable esculent vegetables, than such an estab- lishment could effect in a length of time equal to the age of Methusala. That noble spirit of emulation and active industry which our Society maintains, is the foundation of all our horticultural excellence. On our boughs may be appended the garden of Eden, and with such support as we have hitherto obtained from these, she could never fall. As we are, we stand the true though unornamented oak of the forest; unaspi- ring to the lofty attitude of the towering pine, not_easi- ly prostrated by the winter’s blast, we anticipate the re- volving period of a verdant spring. for thirty years, had never so much as seen a single specimen of the Cape Broceli, previous to the present season: and probably there are severa! who never yet have heard of it. It is altogether a mistaken notion which many entertain, that the extra price which the preducts of every enterprising cultivator bring him, wil! ever act as a suflicient inducement to ensure or ex- tead our imprevements; for it is well known, that the first achievers of most of our valuable improvements, are rather losers ina pecuniary point of view, which loss it is the grand desiderata of a Society to make up by the honorable award of their meed of praise—that'which entitles such to the gratitude ofa nation. The follow- ing statement may serve as a clear illustration of the above observations. About seven years ago, before the proper mode of segulating the culture of the Cape Brocoli to this cli- mate, was rightly understood, the writer of this lost the exrop of a quarter of an acre of it, by sowing the seed and planting out too early. In another quarter of an acre of the same soil, and from the same seed, sown and planted two weeks later, he had a good crop. But what will the theorist think, when he is informed that out of thirty vegetable stands in the Washington mar- ket, the holders of not more than two or three of them would purchase it at all; and that at whatever price ahey pleased to offer. Its qualities being then known only to few, it was seldom enquired for; and purcha- sers pay so little notice tothe encomiums of hucksters, on articles they are themselves not acquainted with, iheir first introduction is oftenerattended with loss than gain to the grower. But to proceed: on this last quarter of an acre, there were some flowers produced from a plant or two, ef a white variety, that measured thirty inches in circumference. This was considered an irresistible inducement to give it a trial upon a wi- der seale ; and the next spring I obtained a quantity of the very bestseed, of the white sort, with which I plant- ed about a quarter of an acre ; but not one of them ey- er produced a single flower. Such disappointments, every enterprising improver in horticulture is liable to. And what has been thus explained concerning the Cape Brocoli, is equally applicable to other similar improve- ments, and clearly demonstrates the value of that spi- rit of perseverance and enterprize, which it is the funda- mental cbject of this Society to cherish and maintain; and which from the liberal countenance and support she receives from our enlightened citizens and ambi- tious horticulturists, there is every reason to hope will continue to be attended with the most beneficial con- sequences to all, and that too at a very moderate rate of contribution by the members. The establishment of a botanical or horticultural garden, would add much eclat to our name as a Society, and could not fail, if properly managed, of being productive of much benefit to our mprovement in botanical science and refinement in ru- — mr © Ctr The following letter was politely handed to us by Dr. Hosack. Weare much pleased to record this renewed instance of the courtesy existing among nat- uralists of different countries. It also exhibits one of the many instances in which the public are much in- debted to learned and patriotic individuals, for the in- troduction into our country of exotic plants, distinguish- ed for beauty aud utility. Kp. Port Louis, Istr or Franez, ) Apri 20th, 1827. § Sir,—Agreeably to the wishes of my most valued friend, Mr. Robert Barclay, of Bury Hill, in England, Ihave the pleasure of forwarding to you by Capt. But- ler, of the Dawn, of New-York, a parcel of the seeds of this island and Madagascar, as well as some roots of Monandrian plants of Nepaul, which I have no doubt will reach you in good order, and add to the beauty of your gardens. [also send some seeds of a plant of ex- traordinary beauty and fertility, from the east coast of Africa. It is a perennial cucurbitaceous plant, pro- ducing a melon-shaped fruit of three feet long, filled with seeds, suchas I send. Sir James H. Smith, the il- lustrious President of the Linnen Society, considers it a‘ Feuillea,’ and has given it a specific name ‘ pedata;’ but we have reason here to believe, that the specimens on which he formed his judgment were not sufficiently developed, and that it will be found to be of a new ge- nus, to which the name of Jollifea has been given by Mr. Boger, our Professor of Botany at the College of Mauretius. I have requested Capt. Butler also to take oa board a quantity of the seeds of the cotton plant of Seychelles, so remarkable for the length, whiteness, strength, and silkiness of its staple, in hopes that it may improve that article in the United States. He takes also some young fish of the genus ‘ Gear- ft NEW-YORK FARMER AND eo... ———aoaoeo0«@s=“=$=—=$~™$™~™~™@™@™$q$qmmsmmm9090038mamsmSsSmmaaSSS Sy amier,’ which came to us from China ; and succeeds perfectly in our ponds, producing very rapidly by natu- ral increase, fattening easily upon maize or bran, and being one of the largest and most delicious fishes that is brought to table here. I trust Capt. Butler may suc- ceed in naturalizing them in America. TE give him also some seeds and a plant of the new raspberry, brought here from the Kandian Provinces of Ceylon. It grows most luxurious on our coldest hills, and will be found a very valuable addition to our stock of fruits, and I trust to yours also. He takes also the seed of our rose-leayed raspberry, from the Molucca islands. It is propagated by the birds in all our forests, is much larger than the Euro- pean. I sent it to England some years ago, where it grows freely. I send also a bunch of the seeds of the Raffia Palm, from Madagascar. We are pressed for time at present, otherwise 1 should send you some specimens of our dried plants, particularly ferns, which are in great variety and beauty. But I trust that our intercourse with your country may become more frequent: and I shall be happy to avai! myself of any opportunity of sending you from hence, such plants, seeds, or roots, as may be interesting to you, or merit to be introduced into America from these I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Cuarzes TeLrair. countries. Dr. Hosack. = 8B O40 ART. £.—Cownunication from Witiam Wi1- son, Esq. of Clermont, New-York, on the culture of the Grape. Addressed to the New-York Horticultural So- ciety, March, 1821. GenTLemMeNn,—You uoticed a few grapes which I sent last summer to my friend, Mr Peter Hattrick , they were not intended for exhibition, or perhaps better bunches might have been sent. But as they met you approbation, the mode of raising them may not be un- acceptable. I have cultivated grapes for more than twenty years, and for the last ten years with success. The soil in which they grow, is a light gravelly !oam, the ground perfectly level, the vines were raised from cuttings and planted in the place they were intended to be continued, and where they now are. 1 have two rows of about twenty-five vines each, one on the nort side of the garden, exposed to the south and protected by a high board fence, the other rowvin the middk and most exposed situation, with no shelter whatever. For the first six or seven years, they were cultivated in the usual way, cut down to three or four feet, and sup- ported by stakes and laths. Their growth was rapid and required a good deal of trimming. ‘They bore fruit; but in two years out of three, they were blaste’ and mildewed, good for nothing: all we got was trouble and vexation. I had resolved to abandon them. About this time, I observed in the woods some very fine look- ing wild grapes, the vines running up high trees, and most of the fruit at or near the top. On examining, many were found in the same situation ; from this 1 took the hint of raising the cultivated grape higher from the ground. At the time of trimming I left the vines their whole length, ten or twelve feet or more ; cut- ting away every side shoot and leaving the vines as clear of shoots, or spurs, or beads, as possible. The spring following, by every vine was fixed a strong stake at least ten feet high, with most of the limbs untouch- ed, so that they had the appearance of large bushes, orwell grownsaplings. 'Thevines were twisted around them to the top, and when necessary, tied with bass. By the middle of June, the stakes were entirely cover- ed by the new shoots of the vine, and with plenty of fruit, which was fully ripe in September, and not one bunch blasted or mildewed : there was not one cluster within three or four feet of the ground. Since that time I have continued the same practice, and hayenow vines 20 or 30 feet long; some of which run up the fruit trees adjoining, the others being carried up 8 or 10 feet, and then stretched horizontaliy. It is no un- pleasant thing to see a cherry tree on one hand, a pear tree on the other, and a peach tree not far oif, all orna- mented with clusters of grapes. Yet such is the case, and has been for years past. Several strangers, both citizens and Europeans, curious in such things, have called to examine for themselves, and have generally allowed it to be the most successful cultivation they had seen. To the members of the horticultural society, who, it is probable are mostly practical men, I cannot write in their technical language; it is therefore hoped they will excuse the inaccuracies that occur. In as few words is possible, the whole management of the year is as ollows, and it matters not at what period we begin,. The fruit begins to ripen early in September and contin- aes till the frosts in October. As soon as the grapes are all gathered, that is about the 15th of October, the stakes are taken up and thrown aside for fire wood. fhe vine is then stretched out its whole length and trimmed as clean as possible, in which state it is left lying on the ground for two or three weeks : about ‘he last of November, they are laid on the surface at full ength, and fastened down with pins, andcoyered lightly vith earth; which is done by digging a shallow ditch on ach side, and throwing up the ground to the middle, vhich forms a ridge over the vines, and covers them ‘bout ten or twelve inches ; no straw, manure, or any »ther covering but the carth; in this state they lie all winter. In April, as soon as the weather will permit, ‘hey are uncovered and left on the groand for ten or iwelve days or more: the stakes are now, about the frst of May, fixed in their places, and the vines repla~ _ * r ee Rye * Glermont, March, 1821, HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. i) eed as before. They require no farther trouble, unless some that may be blown down are to be put up again. The bordersare now welldressed by digging and raking, but no manure, nor has any been put on for ten years ormore. hey are also kept perfectly clean through the summer, by frequent hoeing and raking: no ve- getables are allowed to grow on the borders at any time. This mode of raising grapes differs from the ordinary im these particulars : Ist. Trimming or pruning: this is usually done in February or March. Here we never cut a vine later than November; were this done in the spring, they would either bleed to death or be so much weakened as to bear no fruit. In general, we are too sparing of the knife, leaving too many eyes or buds, by which you get too much wood and too little fruit; and there is a mistake, which all writers that I have seen have fallen into, that ‘ vines bear their fruit on the wood that was produced the preceding year.” This is not the case, for the fruit is invariably on the wocd of the present year. 3d. The next difference is laying down and covering the vines all winter. In our northern climate, this is absolutely necessary : it may not be so farther south, yet it is worth a trial with a few vines. Prune in Oc- tober, lay them down and cover in November or De- cember, and take them up in March. One season will test the utility or futility of the practice. 3d. Another difference is leaving the vine its full length and training it as high as possible. his I have never seen except in my own garden; butitis the prac- tice in some parts of Italy, where the vines run over the poplar and elm trees. 4th. Most people plant their vines in sheltered and warm places: this is following the English mode, where the climate requires it. Here my vines that are most exposed, bear equally if not better than others. 5th. No manure has been used for many years. use gives wood, not fruit. Its ' The greater part of the grapes are the sweet water ; these are the best bearers, and pleasantest for the table. The miller grape answers well for a variety, and is a good bearer Thave tried the red and black Hamburg, Iam now trying to we but they do not succeed so well. raise the Madeira grape, having received a few cut- tings, which came from that island, last spring, all of which are growing and shall have a fair trial. The borders on which the grapes are cultivated are __ six feet wide, and the vines in the centre. With respect, lam Your humble servant, Wirzram WILSson. Mr. Evrror,—The following description of Father- land Farm, which is situated in Byfield, Essex county, Mass. and owned by Gorham Parsons, Esq., was writ- ten nearly two years since, by a young gentleman of this city, formerly of Mass., and published in the Chris- tian Enquirer. If think it worthy a place in your Re- pository ;,and as the gentleman above alluded to has an extensive acquaintance in Mass., and as we on all hands are willing to acknowledge that agriculture is better attended to in Mass. than inany otherstate in the Union, a description of some farm in that state, in each number of your Repository, would in my humble opinion, benefit the cause in this quarter ; and if from the same pen, would be interesting to readers of every Yours, &c. ARaTor. ART. 2.—Description of Fatherland Farm. At the first Falls on the river Parker, is a large man- description. ufactory, at which you have a view of the Mansion House and buildings, andas you pass onward the fences on bothsides the street attract the admiration of all ; they are of granite, seven feet high and three wide at top, faced on both sides, and at proper distances are gates On the right is the Mansion House, (in front of which is a yard, half circle, filled with trees and shrubbery,) built two stories high, ina plain neat style, connected with which is the Farm House, and under that, probably the best dairy cellar in the county. Near the house, is a build- ing containing a number of rooms; one for an office, hung to granite posts, which are hammered. one for seeds, and in one, boilers are set in brick to prepare the vegetables for the stock: the vegetables being contained in a fine cellar under the building. On this building is a belfry, and a bell which calls the work- men to meals from the most distant parts of the farm ; and back of this 1s a poultry yard, with houses for their accommodation. There are also two large barns, coach houses, sheds, piggery, &c. the whole neatly clapboarded and painted. The cattle and implements of husbandzy, are,as would be expected, of the first or- South of the house, the ground descends very much,— der, and therefore need no description. tis there that nature and art are combined, and we see a garden that for situation and early productions is decidedly first in this part of the country. “ Tell me not, Ye who in love with wealth your days consume, Pent up in city stench, and smoke and filth, O tell me not of aught magnificent Or fair as this, in all your public walks.” “Search all your gardens round, Ye shall not find, e’en at your boasted Vaux, A haunt so neat, so elegant as this.” You descend about ten stairs to the first plat, and after crossing that, is another four feet lower, and an- other below that: the garden is divided lengthwise by a 6 y NEW-YORK FARMER AND ee two sloping banks, each mounted with a grape vine : | the whole of which is surrounded with a granite wall, faced on both sides, enclosing also a fine spring of water. Passing from the manufactory along the banks of the river, the prospect is very fine, where you pass a fine ice-house, and are soon in sight of several acres of beautiful intervale, which a few years since was a sunken morass ; this was reclaimed by building a sub- stantial wall at a suitable distance from the channel of the river,and earth was removed in boats from a hill on the opposite side, and filled in. since from that land, without adding manure, I should suppose it paid ample interest of the expense incurred ; at any rate, it adds much to the scenery, and is always sure to produce well in all seasons. ‘‘When we behold the smiling valley, spread In gay luxuriance far before us, sheep And oxen grazing As nearer to his farm you make approach, He polish’d nature with a finer hand. Vet on her beauties durst not art encroach ; > Tis art’s alone the beanties to expand.” From the crops taken After surveying a farm like this, those that have a taste for agriculture will feel highly gratified that among those composing the highest rank in society, are men who are actually engaged in that good cause. ‘To say that Fatherland Farm was well cultivated, after men- tioning the owner’s name, would be superfluous. ‘The committee appointed by the Essex Asricultural Soci- ety, and who reported a short time since, in speaking of Fatherland Farm, say, ‘‘ It is well managed, and af- fords many illustrations of successful experiments.” We should be much pleased to receive descriptions ef the best cultivated farms in Massachusetts, and in other sections of the Union. Such descriptions, and also biographical sketches of distinguished agricultu- rists, have very great influence in exciting farmers to exertion, and are the most interesting and instructing topics that an agricultural writer could select; particu- Jarly if the narration is interspersed with scientific ex- planation of the principles that may be involved. EnpiTor. I D Gt {Por the New York Farmer and Horticultural Repository. } ART. 3.—G. Thorburn § Son’s Seed Store. ir. Epitor, Under the impression that the readers of the New-York Farmer are interested in whatever is con- nected with agricultural pursuits, I take the liberty to give you a description of Thorburns’ Seed Store, No. 67 Liberty Street. Being fond of viewing nature in her mantle of green, T am in the habit of spending much of my time at Messrs. Thorburns’, where Madam Flora, in al] her gay attire, now sits secure from the freezing embrace of old and stern Winter. Here I see much to please the eye—read much to amuse and instruct, and listen to the remarks of men of information and science whe frequent this pleasant retreat. The premises are 85 by 90 fect. The building, formerly occupied as a friends’ Meeting jiouse, ts 50 by 40. An iron railing separates the yard from the street. In front is an elegant green house occupying the length of the building, and through which are twa entrances into the store. In the green house are about 3000 plants from ail climes, arranged in beauti- ful order, and putting forth their flowers in all the vai- ety of Spring. Now that nature has put on her winter garb, an occasional visit to this place cannot fail of af- fording pleasure to all; and to the contemplative mind, many subjects of study. On entering the store, the visitor is struck with the taste displayed in the general arrangement—the labelled drawers containing seed from every quarter of the globe. and a great variety of utensils for farming and gardening, are displayed to advantage—the high walls are decorated with land- scape views of farms, and rural scenery. In different parts of the store are cases of birds of exquisite plu- mage, preserved in the most naturai attitudes; on the shelves are books on Botany and various subjects con- nected with Horticulture. Some of them are rare, and others contain elegantly colored plates. Among them are the first and second New-York Directories, published in 1786 and 7; a complete set of the New- York Museum from the first of January, 1795; the New-York Gazette, beginning with January, 1811.— In my frequent visits, I always find a table, books, a good fire, and a chair with a welcome invitation to sit down. Here [ amuse myself with interesting and use- ful books, or listen to the music of a hundred feathered songsters in the aviary connected with the establish- ment. As this, Mr. Editor, is the most extensive seed store in America, and as complete an one as willbe metwith in the whole four of Europe, perhaps a history of its commencement and progress will not be uninteresting to yeur readers. The following facts I obtained from an account on the cover of their catalogue of seeds, and from frequent conversation with the senior of the firm. Mr. ‘I. the elder, is a Scotchman by birth, and a nail maker by profession. In this occupation he spent some years in this city, but the introduction of cut- nail machines, as he stated, cut him out of ona After this he kept a small grocery, but a powerful com petitor in the same business commenced near by, Bi . a“ ting — ‘ * cut him out of this also. He next commenced pai flower-pots with a green varnished color. One day, observing some plants for sale in the market, he ur chased one, not for the purpose of sale, but to t “ plant into a green pot to stand in his shop to v3 i HORTICULTURAL REPOSITGRY. 7 tention. Some person bought plant and pot. This gave him the idea of selling plants; and from begin- ning with ene, he was soon enabled to display a hun- dred. The selling of plants, being something new un- der the sun, excited the attention of both city and coun- iry folks. Some of the latter enquired if they could obtain the seeds of such and such plants, particularly of culinary vegetables and grasses. These frequent inquiries induced Mr. Thorburn to think of selling seeds; but in those days, twenty-three years ago, few seeds being sold in the market, and but very few gardeners preserving more than sufficient for their own use, it was with great difficulty that he could collect seeds, to cominence business with, to the amount of fifteen dollars. Their sales now anaually exceed twen- ty thousand dollars. From such a industry, enterprise, and perseverance, he and his son have succeeded in rearing an establishment profitable to themselves, creditable to our city, and which is every day increasing their reputation as seedsmen and florists, in this country and in Europe. ; An OssErver. small beginning, by 5S BD Stee ART. 4.--Letier from the Ruv. Dr. Miter, to the Secretary of the New-York Horticuliural Society, on tive cullivation of the Strawberry. Princeton, (N. J.) January 30th, 1821. Dear Sir,—It is a number of months since I receiv- ed official information, that the “ Horticultural Society of New-York” had done me the honor to elect me one ofits honorary members. or this unexpected and un- merited honor, I beg the Society to accept of my best thanks. I fear that they will find me rather a useless associate ; ‘one who has no other claim to thei notice than an ardent desire to learn on the subject of garden- ing, and a willingnessto communicate something, though it be ever so litils, to the stock of improvement. It was my intention to acknowledge the favor conferred upon me, several months ago ; but I was desirous of having something better to send than a mere letter of thanks. Whether! now attain, in any good measure, my purpose, you will be able hereafter to judge. Tam desirous of communicating to you, and through you to the Society, a supposed improvement in the cul- tare of strawberries, which is new to me, and which may be deemed worth an experiment by those who are fond of that delicious fruit. it was communicated to me by a gentleman of great respectability, of Somerset county, in the state of Maryland, who has one of the best gardens T ever saw, and who, particularly, has more strawber- ry vines growing in it than I ever saw m a private gar- den before. This improvement consists in burning the vines in _ the spring of every year. The burning is accomplish- in the following manner: early in the spring, as eon as the frost is completely out of the ground, cover * cf % the bed nearly an inch thick, with dry wheat straw. Put tire to it at the windward end, and it will immedi- ately and rapidly consume all the dead vines, grass and weeds which are not covered by the earth, without at all injuring the roots of the vines ; but rather rendering them more vigorous and fruitful. ‘This ought to be done, not ina very windy day, or else the flame will pass over the bed too rapidly, and with too little impression ; and yet not in a perfectly calm day, lest the flame should proceed too slowly, and so scorch the tender roots of the vines: but when a gentle breeze is blowing, suffi- cient to make the combustion prompt and equal, and in such a direction as not to endanger adjacent fences or shrubbery. After the buming, the vines are to be left as the flame leaves them, for some days. As soon as they begin to shoot, they ought to be dressed; superfluous roots or shoots removed, and the grass and weeds eradicated with a large knife, or some similar garden tool of easy application. The gentleman to whom I referred above, informs me that he generally burns one third of his vines about the 20th of February ; another third from the Ist to the 10th of March ; and the remaining third, about the last of March, or the first of April. He supposes, however, considering the difference of climate, that each burning ought to be from ten to twelve days later in Princeton or New-York. By adopting this method, he says he secures @ succession of crops, and the last crop much la- ter, than his neighbors. He adds, that he has burned his last parcel of vines as late as when they were be- ginning to blossom ; and not only without any apparent injury, but to their manifest improvement in thrift and productiveness. Iie thinks, also, that the vines man- aged in this way, yicld their fruit, not only in a more convenient succession, but at least a third more in quan- tity than others, on the same soil. When this process was first mentioned to me, my mind revolted at it, as destructive rather than useful. But the gentleman who recommended it to me, decla- red that he had practised it for a number of years, and always with evident advantage : and { have such entire confidence in the correctness of his representation, that T have resolved to make the experiment, if L am spared to see the ensuing spring, on at least a part of my vines. If the advantages of this management are any thing like what is alieged—and fam not at all apprehensive of any deception in the case—it is surely more than worth the trouble. I hope, therefore, that not only you, but also all the other members of your Society, who culti- vate this kind of fruit, will embrace the earliest oppor- tunity of putting the proposed improvement to the test. Thad almost forgotten to mention, that the gentle- man so often alluded to, informed me that he is in the habit of applying this treatment to young as well as to old vines. He showed me some which he had set out ra NEW-YORK FARMER AND ihe preceding autumn, and which had never borne fruit. These, he assured me, would be burned as well as the older ones, the next year. Perhaps, however, all this, though perfectly new to me, is by no means so to you and your worthy Horti- cultural associates. Perhaps it is even a long since exploded system of culture. Ifso, I hope you and the other gentlemen will pardon my giving you the trouble of this communication, and believe that I am, with an ardent zeal for promoting the object of your association, your sincere friend and humble servant, Samui MItier. Mr. Michael Floy, Secretary, §c. — OD Ot ART. 5.—On the cultivation of the Strawberry, by Mr. Witiiam Curr, of New-York, read Feb. 26, 1822. Tothe President and members of the Horticultural Society of New-York. Gentlemen—I take the liberty to lay before you a short sketch of the method practised by me in cultiva- ting the Fragaria or strawberry plant, together with a few observations which I consider will be found of ad- vantage to the cultivater of that excellent fruit. The patch on which I have my strawberries, had For the month of September, 1819, I laid on about five inches thick of well rotted manure which I dug down with the I then set out plants of the Hudson kind of been under the same plant for several years. old vines. strawberry at the distance of 16 inches. each way, taking care to have them in line the long way of the ground. in the month of November I covered the plants with a thin coat of long litter, which I took off in the beginning of April, and pointed the ground with the spade, and raked it smooth. The ground was kept clean I then took short grass cut from the walks and spread between and under the vines, which had the effect to keep the fruit clean, the weeds down, and kept the scorching drought from penetrating into the roots of the plants. As soon as the fruit season was past, I pointed in the grass between the bed. In September, 1820, I cut out all the superfluous runners and dressed the bed, and in the month of November covered as before. On the first of March of last year, 1821, I took the covering from a part of the patch and replaced it with one inch thick of straw, which I burned off as directed by Dr. Miller. I then gave a slight hoeing and raking. At this time there was hardly the least trace of vines left on the ground ; but in 8 or 10 days the leayes be- gan to make their appearance. On the 22d of March, I uncovered another part of the patch, a part of which I burned with straw as before, and the other part with a parcel of dry leaves which I laid on two inches thick. The remainder of the patch I uncovered in the begin- ning of April, and dressed in the usual way. by hoeing till the fruit began to form. lee The first burned part continued to keep more forward than the others, and showed flowers eight days sooner than the unburned part of the patch. The unburned grew less rapid, and was considerably less productive of fruit. ‘That part burned with leaves was the most lux- uriant in growth, the quantity of fruit nearly the same as those burned with straw. The burning has this good effect, that it keeps the ground more clean of weeds, and will doubtless kill a great many insectsand their eggs ; besides, it clears the vines from all decayed leaves and hardened bark, gath- red around the body of the plant; and by that means allows the free expansion of the leaves and flowers. T am of opinion that leaves when dry, will answer the purpose of burning equally with straw, and their ashes prove a good manure. I shall now give a few observations concerning the selecting of proper plants for planting. A great deai lies in choosing proper plants: for if they are taken promiscuously, the greater part will prove barren, pro- Those when ex- aiined will be found to want the female organs of gen- that is, they will have abundance of stamina, but few or no styles; so that it often happens among those barren plants, that some of them have a part of an imperfect fruit formed, which sometimesripens. Plants ought, therefore, never to be taken out of old neglected beds which have been allowed to spread and run into a multitude of suckers, nor from any plants which do not produce plenty of fruit. Those suckers which stand nearest the old plant, should always be selected in pre- ference to those produced from the trailing stalks, at a distance from the fruit bearing plants. There has some kind of strawberries been greatly improved by seed selected from the largest and fairest fruit. possible after the fruit is eaten. ducing plenty of flowers but no fruit. eration ; In this case the seed should be sown as soon as The best way is to sow the seed in pots or boxes, placed in the shade. Should some of the members of this Society put this in practice, the result might be of general advantage, by improving the different sorts of this delicious fruit. Wittiuam Curr. New-York, Feb. 26, 1822. 198 B Oi Tuer Season.—lIt will be set down as memorable: hereafter, that in the year 1828, at the middle of Janu- ary, there was no frost in the ground at New-York ; that the weeds, grasses, herbs, flowers, and esculent vegetables are growing, and buds swelling, in the gar- dens ; and that the steam and sail boats are passing” between this city and Albany, without-seeing ice in the river, or scarcely a vestige of snow on the mountains, There is time enough for severe weather yet ; but so far, the weather has been without a parallel for many years.—New- York Statesman. “ae HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 9 [For the New-York Farmer and Horticultural Repository.] ART. 6.—Horticultural Society of Paris.—Com- «municated by Dr. Feurx Pascatis, President of the Linnean Branch of Paris, and honorary member of the Horticultural Society of New-York. Following the example of London and of New- York, the Capital of France has lately created such an istitution—acknowledging that it was wanted, and should immediately be added to its numerous establish- ments for the promotion of useful arts and sciences. The installation took place on the 30th day of August Jast, in the great and beautiful garden of the Chey. Sou- lange Bodin, the actual President of the Linnean So- ciety of Paris. It may be recollected, that for the em- ployment of a princely fortune, that gentleman has se- lected the cultivation of all that is rare and precious in the sciences of Botany and Horticulture ; and has visi- ted all celebrated gardens of England, Russia and Ita- ly. His ambition has been to cope with, to improve and to perfect all: he has, in fine, much contributed to diffuse the taste and enthusiasm which have pervaded the best and first classes of the-city of Paris. There are already no less than 350 founders of the institution, taken from the nobility and most enlightened profes- sions, and professors of the fine arts, under the presi- dency of the Viscount Hericart de Thury, and the Vice Presidency of the Count de Lasterie and Baron de Syl- vestre—Soulange Bodin, Secretary General. The administration of the Society is, like that of our Horticultural incorporated body, in the hands of aCoun- cil, select and numerous, with the difference that they are divided into eight Committees: 1. of the treasury ; 2. the nurseries, the art of culture, and of forwarding ; 3. The culinary plants ; 4. the economical and medical plants ; 5, ornamental plants, green and hot houses ; 6. pleasure grounds and gardens ; 7. the garden of the society, when established ; and Sthly, the editorship of the periodical Journal ot the Society, to which all the members are subscribers. The Society recognizes as yet but three sorts of associates ; the Founders, and the Correspondents, national and foreign. But as H. M. C. Majesty of France, is already a corresponding member of the London Horticultural Society, it is ho- ped that Charles X. will grant a royal title to that of Paris, when H. Britannic Majesty, Sir Humphrey Da- vy, and Sir Richard Smith, President of the London Horticultural Society, will probably be created hono- rary members of the Parisian institution. The day of the installation was a truly magnificent but a rural festival ; to form an idea of which, we would beg leave to remind our readers of the two Linnzan celebrations, held at Flushing on the 24th of May, 1823, and 1824, in the garden of the Messrs. Prince. That of Fromont may have been more splendid, but it - was not, certainly, graced by a greater number of hand- some ladies than our last. The morning was ushered in by high mass in the parish church of the village of Ris, the music of which had been composed by the first leader of the Royal Chapel, and was executed by eigh- teen celebrated male and female singers of Paris, and twenty-four symphonists. The company were after- wards assembled under the colonnade of the garden, where the body of the musicians executed a cantata in honor of the day ; when all at once a fountain prepared, spouted out, in many curves, from a spring lately dis- covered, but not yet used, which maintained the illu- sion of a genius presiding in the enchanted place.— Having passed through the halls of the building, the groupes divided themselves for the inspection of the garden, like so many flowing waves amid undulating lab- yrinths and amphitheatres, in which and through which hundreds and thousands of pots or boxes of flowers or forest trees and shrubs, were severally examined and admired, during the most agreeable and serene day ; the heat and light of which were equally relieved and diversified by natural shades or occasional clouds. But this was not all: a magnificent and large tent had been. observed at an appointed place in the garden, occupy- ing the centre of many avenues, terminated by arcades, All the hangings of the tent were raised at once, like the curtains of a theatre, and lost as it were within the ornaments of a richly ornamented canopy, to lay open the view of cir- and by green and flowery garlands. cular dining tables, abundantly covered with delicate viands and refreshments, sufficient for 250 persons, who, after having partaken of a sumptuous dinner, and been regaled by music, were successively replaced by others. Appropriate sentiments and toasts, after that. of the King, were then exchanged, and social feelings from the select guests of all parts of the world, even of ladies of New-York, there present, and from all polite circles of Paris, were then equally experienced and expressed, until, as it grew late, the company were invi- ted to some rest at a delightful concert, and at last to a hall, which was continued till the dawning of the ensu- ing day. With great pleasure we have read the address of the President, Hericart de Thury, as delivered at the in- stallation of the Society. It is a very learned and classical performance, on the ancient and modern his- tory of horticulture, as well as of the art of gardening. It is enriched by numerous erudite notes, proving much greater progress in those practical sciences among the ancients, than we were really aware of. The author has also gratified the proprietor of the fine Garden of Fromont, by a minute description of it ; and the lovers of nature by two exposes of botanical Clocks, indicating each hour by the opening of a flower, which, however, it would be difficult to realize, in one same climate and latitude. The 1st number of the Journal d’Horticulture con- tains all the above interesting matters, and the location 10 NEW-YORK FARMER AND == of the office of the Horticultural Society of Paris, at ‘No. 1 Rue Taranne, where all communications may be addressed, or to Mr. Alexander Eyries, correspond- ing member, Havre. 8B Btn {For the N. ¥. Farmer and Horticultural Repository. ] ART. 7.—Diseases to which Peach Trees are sub- ject. By A. Parmentier, proprietor of the Horticul- tural Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, L. I. New-York. In this country the peach tree is attacked principally by worms that feed upon the roots, near the surface of the ground. Few remedies have been employed with success. It appears, however, as I have been inform- éd by a farmer of New-Jersey, that the application of fish placed about the foot of the tree, drives away the wvorms. Last year I removed many worms from a peach tree to make the wounds which I had made to appear. I employed with great success, bruised sor- rel applied as a plaster, tied uponthe wounds. I have used bruised sorrel in Europe with equal success upon gummed parts of the plum tree and apricot. It was this use of it which first gave me the idea of applying it to the peach tree. Itis very advantageous to make in the summer, small heaps of earth about fiye or six inches high, around the foot of the trees. The insect goes upon them and deposits its eggs a little way under the ground in the tree. In the fall, on removing the earth, the eggs are left uncovered and perish by the frost. After the worms the yellows is the malady which causes the premature death of peach trees. I believe that the cause depends ina great measure, on a de- fect in setting out the trees; and it is this upon which { found my reasoning. I have observed in this coun- try, that for the most part in setting out trees, the earth is very rarely dug up more than two spades deep. The tree is put in, the roots are covered, and it is abandoned. If the tree is vigorous, the roots soon extend in the loose soil, until they reach the hard and impenetrable earth. On vegetating, in the spring, the roots are forced towards the surface of the ground, where they become victims of insects. Finally the free deteriorates in its nature, and a premature death follows. A hole of three feet deep and four broad, is not too large. Sods of about three inches in thickness, cut fine with the spade, should be put in the hole to the depth of two feet, and covered with about one inch of good earth. Then put in the tree and cover the roots with loose mellow earth or vegetable mould. Pre- caution should be takenagainst the sinking of the earth, which ought to be calculated at one inch for one foot. If the tree is planted too deep, it will vegetate poorly, and must perish at length, without producing but poor fruit. J shall never sell peach trees without giving these directions to those persons who have confidence in me. As to the cloque, it is produced by the interruption of the sap in the cold nights of spring. It often appears that but one part of the plantation is attacked, and only those trees which are in a current of air. This disease is not very dangerous. It more frequently kills the fruit ; and it is prudent to take them off, because the tree, suffering by the loss of a great part of the leayes, is under the necessity to recruit its strength. I have employed with success, the remedy which I make use of to kill the ants and other small insects, that take the substance from the leaves of the tree.* If the trees are thus taken care of, they will be thrifty the following year. * Mr. P. will give the receipt to the editor for communication to the public. = 8 B Gt — [From Memoirs of the New York Board of Agriculture. | ART. 8.—Remarks on the construction and man- agement of Cattle Yards.—By J. Burn, of Albany. Vegetables, like animals, cannot thrive or subsist without food ; and upon the quantity and quality of this depends the health and vigor of the vegetable, as well as of the animal. Both subsist upon animal and vegetable matter—both may be surfeited withexcess— both may be injured by food not adapted to their-habits, their appetites, or their digestive powers. A hog will receive no injury but great benefit, from free access te a heap of corn or wheat, where a horse or cow will be apt to. destroy themselves by excess. The goat will thrive upon the boughs and bark of trees, where the hog wouldstarve. The powerful robust maize will re- pay, in the increase of its grain, for a heavy dressing of strong dung ; for which the more delicate wheat will requite you with very little but straw. The potatoe feeds ravenously, and grows luxuriantly, upon the coarsest litter ; while many of the more tender exoties will thrive only on food upon which fermentation has exhausted its powers. But here the analogy stops, for while the food of the one is consumed in a sound healthy, and generally solid state, the food of the other, before it becomes aliment, must undergo the process of putrefaction or decomposition, and be reduced to a liquid or aeriform state. I have gone into the analogy between animals and vegetables thus far, to impress upon the minds of our farmers the importance of saving, and of applying, the food of their vegetables with the same care and econo- my that they do the food of their animals. How seru- pulously careful is the good husbandman of the produce of his farm, destined to nourish and fatten his animals ; and yet how often careless of the food which can alone nourish and mature his plants! While his fields are gleaned, and his grain, hay, and roots, carefully housed, HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. ii. SS == and economically dispensed to his animals, the food of his vegetables is suffered to waste on every part of his farm. Stercoraries we have none. The urine of the stock which constitutes a moiety of the manure of ani- mals, is all lost. The slovenly and wasteful prac- tice of feeding at stacks in the fields—where the sole of the grass is broken, the fodder wasted, and the dung of little effect—is still pursued. And finally, the little manure which does accumulate inthe yards, is auffered to lay till it has lost full half of its fertilizing properties, or rotted the sills of the barn; when it is injudiciously applied, or the barn removed to get clear of the nuisance. Again—none but a slothful farmer will permit the flocks of his neighbors to rob his own or their food ; yet he often sees, but with feeble efforts to prevent it, his plants smothered by pestiferous weeds, and plundered of the food which is essential to their health and vigor. .A weed consumes as much food as a useful plant.—This, to be sure, is the dark side of the picture ; yet the original may be found in every town, and in almost every neighborhood. Is it surprising, that under such management, our arable grounds should grow poor, and refuse to labor its accustomed reward? Can it be considered strange that those who thus neglect to feed their plants, should feel the evil of light purses, as well as of light crops? Constant draining -or evaporation, without returning any thing, would in time exhaust the ocean of its waters. A constant cropping of the soil, without returning any ihing to it, will in like manner exhaust it of its vegeta- ble food, and gradually induce sterility. Neither sand, clay, lime, or magnesia—which are ‘the elements of all soils—nor any combination of part or all of them, is alone capable of producing healthy plants. It is the animal and vegetable matter accumulated upon its bosom, or which art deposits there—withn the auxiliary aid of these materials diffused in the atmosphere—that enables the earth to teem with vegetable life, and yield its tribute to man and beast. I will now suggest a cheap and practicable mode of providing food for vegetables, commensurate to the means of every farmer of ordinary enterprise ; and that my suggestions may not be deemed theoretical, I will add, that I “+ practise what I preach.” The cattle-yard should be located on the south side ef, and adjoining the barn. Sheds, substantial stone walls, or close board fences, should be erected at least en the east and west sides, to shelter the cattle from cold winds and stozms—the size proportioned to the stock to be kept in it. cave form, placing the earth removed upon the edges or lowest sides, leaving the borders ten or twelve feet broad, and of a horizontal level, to feed the stock upon, and from two to five feet higher than the centre. This may be done with a plough and scraper, or shovel and hand-barrow, after the ground is broken up with the Exxcavate the centre in a con- plough. TI used the former, and was employed a day and a half, with two hands and a team, in fitting two to my mind.. When the soil is not sufficiently compact to hold water, the bottom should be bedded with six or eight inches of clay, well beat down, and covered with gravel or sand. This last labor is seldom required, except where the ground is very porous. My yards are constructed on a sand loam, resting on a clay sub- soil. Here should be annually deposited, as they car be conveniently collected, the weeds, coarse grass, and brake of the farm; and also the pumpkin vines and potatoe tops. The quantity of these upon a farm is very great, and are collected and brought to the yard with little trouble by the teams returning from the fields. And here also should be fed out, or strewed as litter, the hay, stalks, and husks of Indian corn, pea and bean haulm, and thestraw of grain not wanted in the stables. To still further augment the mass, leached ashes and swamp earth may be added to advantage. ‘These ma- terials will absorb the liquid of the yard, and becoming incorporated with the excrementitious matter, double or treble the ordinary quantity of manure. During the continuance of frost, the excavation gives no inconven- ience ; and when the weather is soft, the borders afford ample room for the cattle. saved, and the waste incident to rains, &c. prevented. The cattle should be kept constantly yarded in winter, except when let out to water, and the yard frequently replenished with dry litter. Upon this plan, from ten to twelve loads of unfermented manure maybe obtained every spring for each animal ; and if the stable manure is spread oyer the yard, the quality of the dung will be improved, and the quantity proportionably increased. Any excess of liquid that may remain after the dung is removed in the spring, can be profitably applied to grass, grain, or garden crops. In this way the urine ts It is used extensively in Flanders and in other parts of Europe. Having explained my method of procuring and pre- serving the food of vegetables, I will proceed to state my practice in feeding or applying it. It is given every spring, to such hoed crops as will do well upon coarse food, (my vegetable hogs and goats.) These are corn, potatoes, ruta baga, beans and cabbages. These consume the coarser particles of the manure, which would have been lost during the summer in the yard ; while the plough, harrow and hoe eradicate the The finer parts of the food are preserved in the soil, to nourish the small grains which follow. The dung is spread upon the land as evenly as possible, and imme- diately turned under with the plough. It is thereby better distributed for the next crop, and becomes inti- mately mixed and incorporated with the soil by subse- quent tillage. Thus, upon the data which I feel war- ranted in assuming, a farmer who keeps twenty horses and neat cattle, will obtain from his yards and stables, every spring, 200 loads of manure, besides what is weeds which spring from the seeds it scatters. 12 NEW-YORK FARMER AND made in summer, and the product of his hogsty. With | of carbonate of lime ; so also, this he may manure annually, ten or twelve acres of| stituents of the grain, corn, potatoes, &c. and manure it well. And if a pro- per rotation of crops is adopted, he will be able to keep in good heart, and progressively to improve, sixty acres of tillage land, so that each field shall be manured once every four or five years, on the return of the corn and potatoe crop. = 8 B Bt | From Loudon’s Encyclopedia of Gardening. } ART. 9.—Of the specific Application of fermenta- live, and Fossil or Saline Manures. Grisenthwaite is the first to have generalized the fact of peculiar substances being found in plants, in ad- dition to the common elements of oxygen, hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen ; and though his examples, like most of Sir H. Davy’s, are taken from agriculture, yet we deem the subject of more than sufficient importance to gardening to warrant us in placing his theory before the reader. ‘¢ Elements of primary principles,” he says, ‘* admit of no alteration but as regards magnitude and figure. Hence, when one substance composed of certain ele- ments is designed to be transmuted into any other sub- stance; as sugar, by fermentation, into alcohol or acetic acid, or manure into grain, it is obvious, that the elements of the second must necessarily be contained in the first, for if they be not, the transmutation cannot take place. This will render it evident that a know- ledge of the elements or constituents of bodies which are intended to be changed into each other by certain processes, should be previously possessed in order that the processes may be conducted with a probability of success. We are therefore led to inquire into the nature of certain crops, and to consider whether their peculiar elements be provided for, in the manure as it is now prepared by agriculturists. If they be not, it is but reasonable to infer, that the failure of many crops may be referred to the deficiency of certain elements in the manure. : “Tf all crops were composed of the same elements, this discrimination would not be needed ; and upon such a supposition the practices of husbandry have been uniformly conducted, and are now conducted ; with what disadvantage will perhaps appear in the se- quel. «To illustrate the preceding reasoning, the wheat crop may be selected with considerable advantage, as it is that which is not only the most important to the interests of mankind, but because the presence of par- ticular substances in it are better known and more senerally acknowledged. If we examine the straw of wheat, we shall find it composed of what may be con- sidered common vegetable matter, or matter composed of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, with a small quantity aS en if we examine the con- ‘ we shall find them distinguished into starch and gluten ; and if we carry our researches still farther, we shall find that the elements of the starch are precisely the same with the elements of common vegetable matters ; but the elements of the gluten will be found analagous to those of animals ; or in addition to oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, there will be found nitrogen. The production of this nitrogen, as has been already observed, cannot be effected by mere common vegetable matter, and, therefore, the manure employed in the production of the straw and starch, could not produce the gluten also. If the presence of gluten were accidental, or the value of the flour did not depend on it, then little care need be taken to pro- vide for its formation ; but as it is required to be con- stantly present, and the value of the flour does essen- tially depend on it, therefore a provision ought to be made for it. In quantity it is not inconsiderable, but it composes nearly one-third part of the grain. That the operations of husbandry as regard wheat, should be conducted without any reference to this peculiar substance, is very remarkable. ‘That the failure of crops has never been ascribed to its deficiency, 1s still more wonderful. What has been advanced concerning manures in general, may afford some explanation of the cause of this neglect. The processes of vegetation and the constituents of vegetables, are not known to the practical farmer, because they have been difficult to ascertain ; and the nature of his manure is inyolved in the same obscurity. He supposes it to contain ev- ery thing needed for every crop. That the gluten of wheat-flour may always be pre- sent, itis necessary that a quantity of animal substance should exist in the manure applied to the land, where the wheat crop is intended to be raised. Thatacertain portion of such animal substance is applied, is proved from the fact of gluten being always found to exist in that grain ; but, it is highly probable, that the quantity is not always sufficient ; and if not sufficient, the crop will be defective either in quality or quantity. If we pursue our investigations a step farther than we have done, we shall discover that phosphate of lime is as constant a constituent of wheat-flour as gluten itself. Phosphate of lime, therefore, is as much needed for the production of a crop of wheat as the substances which supply the starch and gluten. It is nota little remarkable, that this phosphate of lime, is soluble in no known fluid, except through the medium of an animal substance, as gelatine, &c. and consequently the same animal substances which furnish the elements of the gluten, will also furnish a medium for the phosphate of lime ; which appears to be equally indispensable to the formation ofa perfect grain of wheat. It not only fur- nishes a medium, but generally a quantity of the phos- phate itself. HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 13 ee «© The only substance now employed for the produc- tion of gluten, is the urine of live stock ; the alvine ex- crementitious matter having been proved to contain little or no nitrogen; this urine is applied either by folding, or mixed with farm-yard manure ; in both of which situations, it is constantly forming ammonia, which is dissipated ; so that a very inconsiderable part of the whole is retained to answer the purposes of ve- getation. The practice adopted in Flanders of saving it, has been already aliuded to. “ When the utmost attention is paid to prevent the loss of any of the animal substances, accidentally pre- sent in farm-yard manure, it still remains a question, whether there bea sufficiency for the purposes to which itisto be applied. That there is not always a sufficien- cy of some kinds of manure is obyious from the im- mense quantities of oil-cake which are so employed. Oil-cake, although a very excellent substance for such a purpose, can furnish little else than nourishment to the straw, and starch of the wheat-crop. It cannot contribute to the formation of gluten ; and gluten, as has been observed, composes one-third part of all that is valuable in the whole crop. * Bones, and other animal substances, have been highly recommended for grass or pasture lands. ‘T'o discover the injudiciousness of applying such substan- ces to crops indiscriminately, it will be necessary to become acquainted with the fact, that there is no kind of grain except wneat, raised artificially for the purpo- ses of man, or cattle, that contains any notable quantity of any substance analogous to thatofanimals. Hence, wnen bones, &c. are used on grass-lands, or for the barley crop, &c. all the nitrogen, with so much hydro- gen, and probably carbonic acid gas, as is sufficient to form a.sub-carbonate of ammonia, will be entirely lost. If bones be the animal matter employed, every one hundred pounds weight will yield about fifty pounds of solid gelatine, of which twenty pounds at-least wiil be thus wasted, or two-fifths of all that is valuable in the bone. If, instead of being employed fer grass, &c. they had been used for wheat, all this might probably have been saved. This is not mere opinion ; its truth is obvious to every one conversant with the chemical nature of bones and grass. ‘* Phosphate of lime composes a part of the grain of wheat, and is supplied by animal substances. Bones furnish an abundance of it. That this constituent of the wheat crop, as well as several other constituents of different crops, should not be disregarded altogether, although they form very minute proportions of those crops, must. appear reasonable to every one who knows, that, in their selections, there is exercised a constant discrimination. That wheat always takes up phosphate of lime, is a proof scarcely needing further evidence, that it answers some useful, and perhaps indispensable purpose in the grain. It does not exist in the straw: and barley, or oats, or clover, grown on the same land, at the same time with the wheat, take up no portion oi it whatever. If there had not existed this constancy in the selection of particular substances ; if phosphate of lime had sometimes been taken up by barley or clo- ver, and sulphate of lime had been found in wheat, then we might have concluded that the whole was accident- al, and being accidental, that they assisted in no way whatever the formation of other parts of the grain, nor contributed to promote the general economy of the vegetable. formance of certain uses by these substances, must depart from a mode of reasoning which philosophy has long countenanced, and which we must hereafter em- ploy, whenever we are anxious to explore the causes of physical effects.” They who are unwilling to admit the per- 8B Otter [Frem the London Quarterly Review ] ART. £10.—4griculixral Enprovements. There are few individuals who hold a more distin- guished place among agricultural improvers than the Earl of Egremont : forty years ago, the Stag Park, at Petworth, consistmg of between 700 and 800 acres of land, presented a wild forest scene, ovyerspread with furze, stunted timber, and rubbish, and would have been dear, if let at five shillings per acre. Somewhere about the year 1790, the noble owner of this unpro- ductive tract undertook to improye it : the timber was felled ; the underwocd grubbed ; every part of the ground has been since effectuaily drained ; and the whole enclosed and divided into proper fields by neat and regular white-thorn hedges. Under a well arran- ged system of tillage, it yields baricy, tares, and tur- nips—clover, rye, chicory, rape, and other artificial grasses, in great profusion ; the crops are so luxuri- ant, that few tracts which let even for thirty shillings per acre, can be considered more productive. Ten quarters [80 bushels ] of oats and five quarters of wheat are now raised upon an acre of land on which a sheep would have starved before this improvement. Litile more than fifty years ago, Clumber Pari, which belongs to his grace the Duke of Newcastle, j|and contains no less than 4000 acres of land, was a biack, dreary, unproductive heath, within the limits of the ancient and once extensive forest of Sherwood. About 1760, the genius of agriculture lighted upon this desolate waste ; a magnificent mansion was built by the noble owner ; the heath disappeared ; 2000 acres were planted, which now exnibit the agreeable appear- ance of thriving timber of very large dimensions, and the remaining 2000 acres, under a spirited and intelli- gent system of husbandry, yield excelient crops of dif- ferent grains and grasses: besides other live stock, the sheep fed on a district which half a century ago was perfectly barren, amount at least to 4000 annna Tt. 14 NEW-YORK FARMER AND so re eee —————eooeeoeoeaeqeqeoeoaeSSSS ——§®.whOVVOO————mou—w——=>~s.00;0o—oo—sos>ma$Smm9TY>>amom ART. 11.—New-York Horticultural Society. ‘The Society feel it incumbent on them to lay be- fore the public, the following sketch of their doings during the past year,*and offer the following extract taken from the annual report of the Inspecting Com- inittee. The Inspecting Committee of the New-York Horti- cultural Society, report that their weekly meetings du- ving the past year, have generally been well attended, and the articles offered for competition, have been abundant and of good quality. Our collections of or- namental plants and esculent vegetables, have been considerably increased by very liberal contributions from Drs. Hosack and Mitchell, obtained by them from their foreign correspondents, and generously presented to the members of the Society. Several other gentle- men in this city and in other countries, have likewise contributed considerably to the augmentation of our vegetable productions, two of which we think desery- ing of particular notice in the present report. The first is that of the original Potatoe, the Solanwn Tu- berosum, obtained from its native soil and country, in South America, and sent here by Surgeon Tinsler, of the United States Navy, to Dr. Mitchell, who present- ed them to the Society for cultivation. They were planted, and grew with the same facility and vigor, in stem and blossom, as those which have been so long acclimated to our northern hemisphere : and in no par- ticular, did the foliage or habit appear to differ, but from the rambling fibrous roots which were produced in great abundance. Not the least symptom of the for- mation of the smallest Tuber, ever made its appear- ance, although they were planted in the ground, and continued a sufficient length of time in blossom, before the frost set in, to have produced and matured an abun- dant crop. A very striking evidence this, of the great effect which soil and climate have upon the produce of particular plants, and a most powerful inducement to encourage our perseverance in endeavoring to improve the preduce and qualities of every thing that comes un- der care ; for when we see the vast improvement which a continuation of careful cultivation has effected upon {his now most valuable vegetable, we can scarcely eonceive to what a superior degree of perfection, a proper mode of culture might vet bring many or per- We do not expect that any improvement ia the culture of the pota- haps all our other vegetable productions. toe, will ever render it capable of producing an entire substitute for bread ; but if succeeding generations can support its improvement in any thing like a ratio, to that which it certainly has undergone for one or two years past, and the quality of wheat remain nearly sta- fionary, it appears difficult to determine at present, which of the two, might then be found the most valua- ble article of food. * The other vegetable whieh we! have to notice particularly, is called New-Zealand Spinage, Tetragonia expansa, the seeds received by Dr. Hosack, from Paris, and presented by him to the Society, last Spring ; they were planted by Mr. Floy, and succeeded remarkably well. It is very productive, and continues fit for table throughout the summer sea~ son, is very wholesome and palatable, and may justly be considered as one of the most important additions to our vegetable collections that has been obtained for many years past. Several new varieties cf Tobacco, and some of them of very superior quality, have been received and cultivated for the Society, by Dr. Buxton, whose ingenious attention to the cultivation of this par- ticular plant, entitles him to great credit. The mem-~ bers of the Inspecting Committee, have also great pleasure in being enabled to state that they have ob- served an increased degree of emulation and industry generally excited in the vicinity of this city, in horti- cultural pursuits. At one establishment in particular, they were so much pleased with the excellent arrange- ments for horticultural improvements, as well as for promoting the health and vigor of its youthful and am- bitious competitors, that they cannot let the present opportunity pass, without expressing their highest ap- probation of that valuable institution, the Lyceum of the late Mr. Bancel, at Bloomingdale, whose grounds every where exhibited the evidences of an enterprising, well regulated improvement, and those departments which were appropriated to the raising of vegetables and small fruits, highly bespoke the care and skill of But what attracted our atten- tion above all, was a most beautiful group of miniature gardens, all contiguous to each other, yet distinctly separated by low lines of pigmy fences ; and in which enclosure, every student had his particular parferre : im some instances, two or more were associated in the an able horticulturist. cultivation of one spot, and in order to encourage the industry and improve the skill of their youthful cultiva- tion,.a premium was given by Mr. Bancel, to the culti- vators of that spot, which competent and disinterested judges pronounced to excel all the rest. Perhaps no appendage to a literary institution could be attended with finer or more beneficial effects than this. The subsoil, if it may be called so, of the whole group, seemed to have been but lately a bare rock ; but such had been the ambition and industry of the little gar- deners, that from the adjacent valley, ample depths of good earth had been introduced, and an extensive variety of the most beautiful flowers, shrubs, &e. flourished in gay assemblage throughout the whole. And while your committee lament the late event which has interrupted the progress of this institution, and de- prived our society of a most valuable member, they hope still to see many Mr. Bancels actively wielding or directing the spade, the hoe, and the rake. The following is a list of those members of this So- HORTICULTURAL REPOSIFORY. 15 ciety who are entitled to premiums for articles exhibit- ed this season, 1827. VEGETABLES. Dr. Hosack, Best early Cucumbers. William Fairbairn, « -Cauliflowers. Alexander Smith, «¢ “early Peas. William Curr, «© Lettuce. Charles Oakley, ~ <¢ early Lima Beans. Michael Floy, ‘© Knight’s Marrow Peas. John Roberts, “Celery. Alexander Smith, ‘© Sea Kail. Israel Dean, «¢ early Cabbage. William Wilson, _ Melons. William Fairbairn, ‘¢ Blood Beets. George Still, “Endive. Michael Floy, «Savoy Cabbage. George Stull, “Carrots. William Wilson, « Brocoli. James Adams, Fine sample of Peas. Engle Fick, « Drumhead Cabbage. FRUIT. Alexander Smith, Best Cherries. Francis Cooper, «Strawberries. William Neale, “© Gooseberries. Alexander Smith, ‘¢ Apricots. Charles Oakley, sc “Peaches. Alexander Smith, “¢ Pears. Peter Aymar, «Plums. Peter L. Vandervoort, << Nectarines. Alexander Smith, “Grapes. FLOWERS. William Wilson, Best Polyanthus. Thomas Hogg, « Auriculas. G. Thorburn & Son, « Hyacinths. Thomas Kinnersly, “Tulips. William Large, «Pinks. William Phelan, « Carnations. To Messrs. A. Parmentier, Thomas Kinnersly, William Phelan, Daniel Kenny, William Wilson, Mi- ehael Floy, Alexander Smith, Thomas Hogg, William Large, Dennis H. Doyle, Robert Dyson, William Bis- bee, Noah Wetmore, Superintendant of the New-York ‘Hospital, and some other members, the Society is also much indebted for their exhibitions of a great vari- ety of flowers, fruit, and vegetables. The Society is much indebted to Com. Isaac Hull, for valuable varie- ties of Beans, &c., presented on his return last spring, from the Pacific Ocean ; and to Mr. Isaac Dennison of Albany, and Mr. Richards of Newark, for the choice collection and very liberal supply of Plums and Green Gages presented attheir late anniversary dinner. It is also worthy of remark, that melon seeds, 26 years old, presented to the Society by Mr. Hoffman, and received by him from the late Mr. Seton, were planted and bore fruit: some of which so raised were presented to the ‘Society, by Mr. Peter Aymar. The Society offer premiums for the following arti-x cles, for the year 1828 : FLOWERS. Polyanthus, Auriculas, Carnations, Pinks, Tulips, Hyacinths. ‘The days of exhibition to be fixed by the Inspecting Committee. VEGETABLES. Cucumbers, Best pair, earliest forced. Peas, «1 quart, last Tuesday im May. Cabbage, “ 4heads, do. do. Potatoes, “half peck, do. do. Beets, ** 6 roots, second Tues day in June. Carrots, “ 6 roots, do. do. Celery, “6 plants, last Tuesday in July. Lima Beans, (earliesi,) ‘‘ 2 quarts in pods. Lettuce, «© 4 heads, the season. Cauliflowers, “¢ 2 heads, do. Knight’s Marrow Peas, “ halfpeck, do. Cape Brocoli, “ 4Aheads, do. Savoys, «4 heads, do. Endive, ‘¢ 4 heads, do. Beets, (late,) *¢ 6 roots. Carrots, (late,} “6 roots, ; Sea Kail. «& FRUIT. _}| Peaches, Best dozen. Plums, do. do. Pears, do. do. Nectarines, do. half dozen, Apricots, do. dozen. Grapes, do. 2 bunches. Strawberries, do. quart. Muskmelons, do. Gooseberries, do. dozen. The day for exhibition, to be fixed by the Inspecting Committee, and published. Discretionary premiums will be awarded for flowers, vegetables, or fruit, presented by members, or others, when rare and of excellent sorts. Doct. Guetano Lanuza, at the anniversary dinner, proffered through his friend Doct. Pascalis, to the So- ciety, a premium, in value the sum of $50, for the best fruit or.vegetable production, that may be designated by the Society, and preduced at the next anniversary. Notice will be given to the members of what the same shall consist. By order of the Society, Wituiam Burtsext, Recording Secretary. New-York, December 25th, 1827. 9 @ OH Pepper.—There are no fewer than 41 kinds of pep- per. A Batavian naturalist of the name ef Blume, has written adescription of them, accompanied with plates» 16 NEW-YORK FARMER AND [For the New-York Farmer and Horticultural Repository.] impossible; but it maybeso: yetéf itwas so, undoubtedly ART. 12.—Letter to the Editor, from Mr. M. some catalogue can be produced to prove this fact: and Floy, on the Peach denominated by him “ Emperor of|I expect this proof, or shall conclude it was not the case. Russia.” Dear Sir,—in a late number of the New-England Varmer, p. 178, I observed a letter from Mr. Prince, siving some extracts from an Horticultural work about to bepublishedby this gentleman. Under the head Syno- nyms in Fruits, he observes: ‘‘f have also noticed that a peach which is now selling as a new variety, by the high sounding name of Emperor of Russia, is the same fruit known for thirty years past under the unpre- icnding title of serrated leaved peach.” As this remark appears to be a sort of oblique hit at me, J shall observe that both the ‘‘ unpretending title,” and the “high sounding name,” of this fruit and its va- riety, were given by me and have been in my catalogue a number of years ; and to clear myself from the impu- tation of ‘‘giving new names to old and well known fruit,” I shall give you the history of this fruit as far as f know it. In the summer of 1803, I was over in the Jersey, at the English neighborhood at Mr. Paul Sau- nier’s place, and in the rear of his house, and near the edge of a swamp, I observed a natural seedling peach ; the leaves were very deeply and doubly serrated, differ- ing from any peach I had hitherto seen. I was induced fo take a shoot from it, and moculate a few trees in my nursery, and called it by the name of serrated leaved peach. This name was not to my knowledge in any other catalogue at that time. Thad not then scen the fruit, the original tree being very young. I esteemed it as a eurious variety only. In the summer of 1810, Mr. Sau- nier called over and informed me that the fruit of this sexrated leaved peach was very fine, and was without any doubt a new sort of peach, differing in all its char- acters from any peach hs ever knew of. And I here svish to remark that Mr. Saunier was a French garden- er and a good judge of fruit, as well as a good practical botanist. It however remained in my catalogue by its former name. I raised many trees of this kind from seed all of which retained the character of the ortginal, in the deep serrature of the leaf. Among these seed- lings, was a very fine variety, the fruit being better than the originalin many respects ; and as all the others were inferior, I rejected them. And this new scedling variety happening to come in about the time of the fatal disas- ter of the French army at Moscow, it appeared soon af- ter in my catalogue by the name of the Emperor of Rus- sia. TF inoculated many of them, and sold them in 1815, by that name, as my catalogue of that date will show. Ihave been thus particular in the history of this fruit, not for the sake of argument and dispute, but for the sake of information, as it regards the original name ; and shall consider that I had the right to give both the names myself until better informed. If it was so called 30 years ago, it was unknown to me, although it is not | ‘ I wish also to observe that in the spring of 1810, I sent some of the trees of the former variety, to Messrs. Lee & and Kennedy of Hammersmith; and in 1822, 1 sent some of the latter variety to the London Horticul- tural Society, which appears in their transactions, and in their catalogue, bythe name I gave it. I perfectly agree with Mr. Prince, that the “ re-christening” of cld and well known fruits, is a bad practice, and generally arises from ignorance of the character of fruits; yet Ido not pretend to say that every man who is a private cultivator, may not call his fruit by what name he pleases; not know- ing the proper name. But surely practical and experi- enced nurserymen, ought not to fill up their catalogues with these fanciful names. It ought to be presumed that they would be cautious of new names, until they have proved the fruit, and examined it very carefully. I remain, dear Sir, Your obedient servant, Micwaerr Fix. Z g New-York, January 5th, 1828. = BO BH [From the Agricultural Reader.] ART. 13.— Systematic Agriculiure. Every vegetable in growing takes something from the earth which makes it the poorer. Every vegetable in dying and mouldering back again to dust, adds something to the earth which makes it the richer. It is the same when an animal dies. Dust thou art, says’ God, and unto dust shalt thou retum. Every thing which has possessed life, whether animal or vegetable, having undergone putrefaction and being returned back again to dust, becomes food for the support of vegeta- ble life. This is the reason that newly cleared lands produce so abundantly. “ Hitherto,” says Dr. Mitchell, “ the American husbandman has cultivated a soil, enriched for ages by the yearly addition of a fresh stratum of mould. From the first existence of vegetation upon the dry land, decayed plants have continually furnished a supply of manure which the winds and the rain haye liberally spread abroad. «« As the supply was annually greater than the con- sumption, the earth, unexhausted by its productions, The thick layer of vegetable mould which covered the face of the earth was a store- house of food for plants, and the quantity was greatly increased by the conversion of wood into ashes by clearing. Itis not wonderful then, that for some years newly cleared settlements should abound in produce, and require little more labor than that of ploughing and reaping ; for during this period the provision is wasting, which for centuries had been accumulating. increased in fertility. HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 17 <¢ But the time will come, and indeed in many places now is, when the land, repeatedly wounded by the plough-share, and exhausted of its richness, shall be too weak, of itself, to make plants grow with their for- mer luxuriance. ‘This may be called the era of system- atic agriculture, when man taking the earth from na- ture’s hand, bare of manure, is so to manage and dis- pose it artificially, that it shall yield him first a subsist- ence, and then an overplus to grow wealthy upon. Tlow far art may go in this species of improvement is yet unknown, as the ulfimatum of fertility has never yet been reached. « As far as experiments have been made, we find the earth liberally affording its produce, in proportion to the labor and skill bestowed in its tillage ; and as the ingenuity and invention of man may increase to an un- known and inconceivable degree, so may the improve- ments and arrangements of husbandry keep pace there- with, until the most fruitful spot that now exists, may produce a ten-fold quantity, and the land which now supports an hundred men, give equal enjoyment toa thousand.” Any man, with very little skull or knowledge, may fall trees, piant, hoe, raise grain, cut hay, and rear cat- tle ; and so long as the virgin fertility of his soil lasts, he may do very weil. comes exhausted. The store cf provision for the nourishment of plants, which had been accumulating perhaps for a century while the land was in woods, by the annual decay of vegetables and the leaves of trees, is at length spent. At length, however, that be- i} *. 9B Boe [From the New-York Statesman. } ART. 14.—On the culiivation of Lucerne—Let- ter from J. Bug, Esq. of Albany. We are happy to perceive by the subjoined corres- pondence, that the spirit of improvement in agriculture, cherished by the munificence of the Government, and widely diffused through the medium of societies under ifs patronage, is not yet extinct, thoughit seemsto have slumbered for a year or two, while public attention has been engrossed by canals, rail-roads and other plans for promoting the interest of the state. ‘Phe former ought to have been done, and the latter not left undone. Agriculture must for centuries be the great source of wealth and prosperity in the United States. Com-, merce and manufactures cannot flourish, if this para- mount interest, whence they draw their life and acti- vity, be permitted to languish. We have always had full faith in the salutary influence of agricultural socie- ties; and itis with us a subject of deep regret, that the enthusiasm by which they weresupported afew years since, has in any degree subsided. Brief as was ‘ the full tide of successful experiment,”’ and sudden as has Deen its reflux, it was like one of those inundations of 1 the Nile, which bring down fertility and plenty. ‘The traces of the vivifying and invigorating principle are visible over the whole surface of the state ;—and in many instances, waste places have been converted in- to productive farms. Look, for example, at the rural retreats of the late Chief Justice and his neighbour Judge Buel, whose fertile acres were reclaimed by the Ifsuch an impulse was communicated to agriculture by a few seasons of ac- tive exertions, what effects might not be produced by systematic and continued efforts, such as are made in Great Britain and in some parts of our own country ? We have all the elements of one of the richest agricul- tural countries in the world, with every possible facili- With such peculiar advantages, and with a population rapid- hand of persevering industry. ty of transporting produce to a ready market. ly increasing, the state of New-York presents the strongest inducements for improving every acre of its soil. in giving publicity to the following letters, we will merely add, that it will afford us pleasure at all times to make the Statesman the medium of similar commu- nications, believing that if we may be the means of “making two blades of grass grow, where but one grew before,” a service more beneficial to the com- munity will be performed, than by filling our columns with angry discussions on the subject of the Presiden- cy. Without censuring any of our editorial brethren, who have a taste for the turmoils of party strife, we can only say for ourselves, that we would rather be found *¢ Roasting turnips on a Sabine farm,” than engaged as heated partizans for this or that. can- didate, playing at cut thrust in the political arena, for the amusement of the public. New-York Nov. 26, 1827. Dear Sin—When I was at your farm last summer, T observed a field of Zucerne* in luxuriant growth, and of great promise. Your absence from home prevented my learning the particulars of its culture, uses and value. This grass, I think, is not grown to any considera- ble extent in Great Britain or Ireland. In passing through those countries a few years ago, I do not re- collect to have seen itat all. Perhaps the humidity of theclimate, thenature of the soil, and of the other finer gra the strong growth sse s, may account for its absence. Tn France, however, £ found it held in great esteem; it produced abundantly, allowing of four or five cuttings * The botanical name of this plant is Medicag‘o sativa.— It isa native of Spain and the south of Europe. It grows to the height of from one to two feet, and the flower is of a pale blueish purple. The term ‘‘sotling,” made use of in this correspondence, may not be familiar to all our readers. It is applied to the feeding of cattle confined in narrow en- closures, not affording sufficient pasturage.—Editor. 18 NEW-YORK FARMER AND in a season, and was used in its green state for soiling eattle. Your experiments have, no doubt, been made with care. A detailed statement of them will be of service to our agricultural interests. If you will oblige me by furnishing the statement, it will gratify me to be the medium of communicating it to the public. Yours, very respectfully, I. M. ELY. Hon. Jesse Buen, Albany. Albany, Dec. 7th, 1827. Dear Strr—I most cheerfully comply with your re- quest, in communicating my experiments in the cul- ture of Lucerne. My first essay to cultivate this grass was made in 1820. LIsowed it with summer grain, but too thin; the summer was dry, and not more than a fourth of the plants survived tillautumn. I ploughed it up at the end of the second year. In 1824 Lsowed 16 lbs. seed on an acre, well pre- pared by manure and potatoes the preceding year, with half a bushel of winter rye, the whole broadcast. ‘The ground was well harrowed and rolled after it was sown. The rye soon spread its leaves upon the surface, and protected the Lucerne until its roots had good hold of the soil. It grew well, notwithstanding the drought. The latter end of August, perceiving that some of the rye was pushing up seed stalks, and that some weeds were overtopping the grass, I mowed it, and fed it green to my cattle. In1825,I cut three tolerable crops, and soiled it tomy cows. In 1826, I cut it four times for green fodder, and in the autumn gave the fielda slight top dressing of rotten dung. This year my stock has consisted of six cows and four oxen. My summer pas- ture would not more than suffice fortwo of them. I fedthem on ruta-baga and hay until about the 20th May, when I commenced cutting and feeding my Lu- cerne, morning and evening, in such quantities as I found my cattle would consume. By the time I had eut over the acre, the part first mown was again fit for the scythe. Two cuttings with the small pasture in which the cattle run, sufficed until my meadows and grain fields were fit to turn into. A third crop was cut for hay, and fourth might have been cut also, but for the difficulty of curing it. This is the field which you saw when at my house. From my own experience, as well as from the ob- servations of others who have cultivated this grass, | am satisfied, that an acre of good Lucerne will feed six cows five months, from the 20th or 25th May to the 25th Oct. This, toa person located as I am, upona small farm, where landis high, would be worth $45, or $1 30 per month for each beast. Lucerne is less affected by drought than any grass I am acquainted with; and but few grasses abide lon- ger than it does in the soil. It does not attain its full strength until the third year, and its medium duration is ten or twelve years. I will further remark, for the guidance of those who may undertake to cultivate Lucerne, and are unac- quainted with its character and habits, that it requires a rich, deep, clean, light, and dry soil. It will neither do well upon clays nor wet grounds. It should be sown only in thespring, when the ground has acquired warmth sufficient to promote a quick and vigorous growth. lt should be mown for soiling as soon asthe blos- soms appear ; and be permitted to wilt a few hours in the swath before it is fed to neat cattle. And lastly, like all other crops, It is benefitted by an occasional dressing of manure. I think the best way is to apply compost or short dung in autumn, and harrow with a light harrow in the spring. When cut for hay, there is a difheulty in curing Lu- cerne without great loss, as the leaves dry and crumble before the stem is cured. It should be managed like clover—lay a few hours in swath, and then put inte small slender cocks with a fork. It will cure in two good days. | mixed my autumn crop, in the barn, with alternate layers of straw. Your obedient servant, J. BUEL. Isaac M. Exy, Esa. 8 © CHa [From the Appendix of G. Thorburn & Son’s Catalogue. ] ART. 15.—Culture of Mangel Wurzel. > Every man who assists in introducing the successful cultivation of any new variety in animal or vegetable life, which was before unknown or praetised, and which promises to be more useful than any one of the like genus or species, before cultivated, deserves well of the public. This service, every farmer has, at times, an opportunity of performing. The Mangel Wurzel holds forth this promise, in a more eminent degree, perhaps, than any other plant. It may be attempted, with hardly the possibility of disappointment or loss. There can be but little or no trouble or expense in ma- king the experiment. Why, then, will not every farmer or horticulturist make the trial in a small way, if it be not convenient to extend it beyond a little spot on his farm, or bed in his garden ? . The Mangel Wurzel is the Beta-cicla. of the family of the Beet, sometimes called the Root of Scarcity, and likewise called the White Sugar Beet, much celebra« ted in England and Prussia. Time of sowing, months of Apriland May. Prepare a plot or field, as for turnips or potatoes ; open two drills with the plough, two feet apart, and put in a suffi- cient quantity of dung, according to the ground ; ther HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. i9 eover the dung with the double mould board plough | once, or the single plough twice, byridging them up as high as can be well done, with a man shovelling be- tween the drills right and left, smoothing the surface of the ridge above the dung, which will leave a space of 10 or 12 inches broad. ‘This complete method of fal- lowing will repay the trouble of shovelling, by raising a full proportion of earth under the roots. After sowing, it should be well rolled, which completes the whole process. ‘The crop to be afterwards treated the same as that of turnips or potatoes, by putting and taking off mould, &ec. After the roots have. been raised, the ground is in a remarkably fine situation for wheat or Soak the seed in pond or rain water, previous to sowing. any other crop ; sow five pounds per acre. Use.—Almost all kinds of animals eat the leaves and roots, with great avidity. Both are peculiarly good for feeding swine, andare not lesseagerly devoured than corn. They are excellent for milch cows, and possess the quality of making them give a large quantity of the best flavored milk. They are said to be equally use- ful for fattening cattle. An intelligent farmer in Orange county, N. Y. raised in one season, (1820,) from three roods and seven- tenths of ground, 1,339 pounds of the Mangel Wurzel, making a yield of more than 26 tons to the acre, BO Ott [From Silliman’s Journal ] ART. 16.—On Forest Trees, Orchard Trees, §c. _ Renssevaer Scuoor, Troy, April 30, 1827. Errects oF Ligut.—Clouds and rain have obscured the hemisphere during the last six days. -In that time the leaves of all the forests, which are seen from this place, have greatly expanded. But they were all ofa pallid hue, until this afternoon. Within a period of abont six hours, they have all changed their color toa beautiful green. As the only efficient change which has taken place is, that we have a serene sky anda bright sum, we may say with confidence, that this change of color is produced by the action of the sun’s yays. ft Seven years ago next month, I had a still more fa- yorable opportunity to observe this phenomenon, in company with the Hon. J. Lansing, late Chancellor of this State. While we were engaged in taking a geolo- gical survey of his manor of Blenheim, the leaves of the forest had expanded to almost the common size, in cloudy weather. I beheve the sun had scarcely shone upon them in twenty days. Standing upon a hill, we observed that the dense forests on the opposite side o: the Schoharie, were 2lnost white. The sun now be- -gan to shine in full bnightness. The color of the fo- xests absolutely changed so fast that we could per- five its progress. by the middle of the afternoon the whole of these extensive forests, many miles in length, presented their usual green summer dress. Direction of the branches of trees. —A tree shoots out its branches like all other trees of the same species, external circumstances being similar. But there is one remarkable fact in the direction of branches, which I have not seen noticed in any publication. All trees with spreading: branches, accommodate the di- rection of thelower branches to the surface of the earth over which they extend. 'This may be seen in orchards growing on the sides of hills, and in all open forests. But the crowded situation of the wild woods of our country, prevents a sufficient extension of branches to exhibit this character. This fact presents a curious subject for the investiga- tion of the phytologist. The question presented is this : What influence can the earth have upon the branches on the upper side of the tree, which causes them to form a different angle with the body of the tree from the angle formed by the branches on the lower side, so that all the branches hold a parallel direction to the earth’s surface ? Hollow Trees.—The growth of trees is not influenced by any circumstance connected with their internal woody parts. Mr. Knight’s central vessel hypothesis, and the au- thority of numerous able physiologists, seem to be at variance with this position. I shall not enter upon a discussion of the subject, but merely introduce a few facts. The sugar maple, [acer saccharinum,) after being tapped and drained of its internal sap fifty years, and after the whole interior has become dead, grows as fast and presents an aspect as vigorous and blooming, as 18, any sound tree of the same species and same age, which stands by its side. For the truth of this fact, E refer to all manufacturers of the maple sugar. I sug- gested this opinion more than twenty years ago, and frequently afterwards, when I was employed among the tenants of Messrs. Livingston, Mctvers, Ludlow, Cutting, and others, between the spurs of Catskill Every manufacturer with whom I con- versed, in this native residence of the sugar maple, iountain. confirmed my opinion. The common apple tree (pyrus malus) grows thriftily and bears abundance of fruit, many years after its inte- rior is so completely rotted away, as to leave but a very thin hollow cylinder in possession of the living princi- ple. We prefer solid trees in our forests and orchards ; because they have more strength to withstand the force of winds, and because the unfavorable cixcumstance, which caused the interior to decay, may effect the total destruction of the tree. fer, in any way affects the growth of the tree, are made between. the bark and weed, after the first year, But as all depositions of mat- 20 NEW-YORK FARMER AND in the form of a mucilage, called cambium, it seems that the internal woody part has no influence upon the Yours, respectfully, Amos Eaton. external growth. —=9 B Ouwe- [From the Christian Philosopher. ] ART. 17.—Variety of Nature. As a striking evidence of Divine Intelligence, we may next consider the immense variety which the Crea- tor has introduced into every department of the material world. Tn every region on the surface of the globe, an end- fess multiplicity of objects, all differing from one an- other in shape, color, and motion, present themselves to the view of the beholder. Mountains covered with forests, hills clothed with verdure, spacious plains adorn- ed with vineyards, orchards, and waving grain; naked rocks, abrupt precipices, extended vales, deep dells, meandering rivers, roaring cataracts, brooks and rills ; lakes and gulphs, bays and promontories, seas and oceans, caverns and grottos—meet the eye of the stu- dent of Nature, in every country, with a variety which is at once beautiful and majestic. Nothing can exceed the variety of the vegetable kingdom, which pervades all climates, and almost every portion of the dry land, and the bed of the ocean. The immense collections of Natural History, which are to be seen in the muse- um at Paris, show, that Botanists are already acquaint- ed with nearly fifty-six thousand different species of plants. And yet, it is probable, that these form but a very small portion of what actually exists, and that sev- eral hundreds of thousands of species remain to be ex- plored by the industry of future ages. For, by far the greater part of the vegetable world still remains to be surveyed by the scientific botanist. Of the numerous tribes of vegetable nature which flourish in the interior of Africa and America, in the immense islands of New- Holland, New-Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Ceylon, Madagascar, and Japan ; in the vast regions of 'Tarta- ry, Tibet, Siberia, and the Birman Empire ; in the Phillippines, the Moluccas, the Ladrones, the Caroili- nas, the Marquesas, the Society, the Georgian, and thousands of other islands which are scattered over the {ndian and Pacifie oceans—littie or nothing is known by the Naturalist of Europe ; and yet it is a fact which admits ofno dispute, that every country hitherto explo- red, produces a variety of species of plants peculiar to uself; and those districts in Europe which have been frequently surveyed, present to every succeeding ex- plorer a new field of investigation, and reward his in- dustry with new discoveries of the beauties and varie- ties of the vegetable kingdom. It has been conjectured by some Naturatists, on the ground of a multitude of observations, that “there is not a square league of =n nTTTEEEEE:£:Z*r;,;,7>JE«O0>ssrs:::,:—— self, or at least, which thrives there better, or appears more beautiful than in any other part of the world.” This would make the number of species of yegetables to amount to as many millions as there are of square leagues on the surface of the earth. Now, every one of these species of plants differs from another, in its size, structure, form, flowers, leaves, fruits, mode of propagation, color, medicinal virtues, nutritious qualities, interna! vessels, and the odours it exhales. They are of all sizes, from the microscopic mushroom, invisible to the naked eye, to the sturdy oak, and the cedar of Lebanon, and from the slender willow to the Banian tree, under whose shade 7000 persons may find ample room to repose. A thousand different shades of color distinguish the different species. Every one wears its peculiar livery, and is distinguish- ed by its own native hues; and many of their inherent beauties can be distinguished only by the help of the microscope. Some grow upright, others creep along in aserpentine form. Some flourish for ages, others wither and decay in a few months ; some spring up in moist, others in dry soils ; some turn towards the sun, others shrink and contract when we approach to touch them. Not only are the different species of plants and flowers distinguished from each other, by their different forms, but even the different individuals of the same species. In a bed of tulips or carnations, for example, there is scarcely a flower in which some difference may not be observed in its structure, size, or assemblage of colors ; nor can any two flowers be found in which the shapeand shades are exactly similar. Ofall the hun- dred thousand millions of plants, trees, herbs, and flow- ers, with which eur globe is variegated, there are not perhaps, two individuals precisely alike, in every point of view in which they may be contemplated ; yea, there is not, perhaps, a single leaf in the forest, when minute- ly examined, that will not be found to differ, in certaiit Such is the wonderful and infinite diversity with which the Creator has adorned. the vegetable kingdom. His wisdom is also evidently displayed in this vast profusion of vegetable nature—in adapting each plantto the soiland situation in which itis destined to flourish—in furnishing it with those vessels by which it absorbs the airand moistare on which itfeeds—and in adapting it to the nature and necessities of animated beings. As the earth teems with animated existence, and as the differ- ent tribes of animals depend chiefly on the productions of the vegetable kingdom for their subsistence, so there is an abundance and a yariety of plants adapted to the peculiar constitutions of every individual species. ‘This circumstance demonstrates, that there is a pre-contrived relation and fitness between the internal constitution of the animal, and the nature of the plants which afford it nourishment ; and shows us, that the animal and the aspects, from its fellows. earth, but what presents some one plant peculiar to it- | vegetable kingdoms are the workmanship of one and the HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 21 same Almighty Being, and that, in his arrangements | with regard to the one, he had in view the necessities of the other. =O @ Ot —— [From Parke’s Chemistry. ] ART, 13.—Anailysis of Vegetables. It has been shown that water and atmospheric air are the natural food of plants. Caloric is necessary to en- able vegetables to decompose water and air ; and light is equally requisite to give a part of the oxygen of these substances a gaseous form, and to put it In a proper state to be thrown off by the leaves. ‘Phe other portion of oxygen goes to the formation of sugar and the vege- table acids. The analysis of vegetables confirms this theory ; for, however they may be examined, the result is always the production of oxygen, hydrogen and car- bon. Some plants yield also a portion of silica, and others lime ; but these no doubt are taken up by the roots from the soil. See Sir Humphry Davy’s paper on the silica found in the epidermis of reeds, &e. ia Nicholson’s Journal of Philosophy, &c. for May, 1799. When we consider that the many thousand tribes of vegetables are not only all formed from a few simple substances, but that they all enjoy the same sun, vege- tate in the same medium, and are supplied with the same nutriment, we cannot but be struck with the rich economy oi Nature; and are almost induced to doubt the evidence of those senses with which the God of Nature has furnished us. That it should be possible so to modify and intermingle a few simple substances, and thence produce all the variety of form, color, odour, &c. which is observable in the different families of ve- getables, is a phenomenon too astonishing for our com- prehension. Nothing short of Omnipotence could have provided such a paradise for man. ; “¢ Soft roll your incense, herbs, and fruits, and flowers, In mingled clouds to Him whose sun exalts, Whose breath perfumes you, and whose pencil paints.” The various orders of vegetables provided in every part of the globe forthe countless forms of animated ex- istence, are eminently illustrative of the provident care of the Creator, and show us how great and how good is the Father of the families of the whole earth. The following passage from St. Pierre’s Studies of Wature is so well calculated to impress this truth, that it is unne- cessary to apologize for its introduction: —“ The slug- gish cow pastures in the cavity of the valley; the bounding sheep on the declivity of the hill; the scram- bling goat browses among the shrubs of the rock; the duck feeds on the water-plants of the river; the hen, with attentive eye, picks up every grain that is seatter- ed and lost in the field; the pigeon, of rapid wing, col- lects a similar tribute from the refuse of the grove; and the frugal bee turns to account even the small dust on the flower. ‘Phere is no corner of the earth where the whole vegetable crop may not be reaped. Those plants which are rejected by one are a delicacy to another, and even among the fiany tribes contribute to their fat- The hog devours the horse-tail and hen-bane: All return in ness. the goat, the thistle and the hemlock. the evening to the habitation of man, with murmurs, with bleatings, wiih cries of joy, bringing back to him the delicious tributes of innumerable plants, transform- ed, by a process the most inconceivable, into honey, milk, butter, eggs, and cream.” = D tw [From Good’s Book of Nature.] ART. 19.—Instinct. In every organized system, whether animal or vege- table, and in every part of such system, whether solid or fluid, we trace an evident proof of that controlling and identifying power which phisiologists have denomi- nated, and with much propriety, the principle of life. Of its cause and nature, we know no more than we do of the cause and nature of gravitation or magnetism. It is neither essential mind nor essential matter; it is neither passion nor sensation; but though unquestion- ably distinct from all these, is capable of combining with any of them ; it is possessed of its own book of laws, to which, under the same circumstances, it ad- heres without the smallest deviation ; and its sole and uniform aim, whether acting generally or locally, is that of health, preservation, or reproduction. The agency by which it operates is that which we denomi- nate or should denominate instinct, and the actions by which its sole and uniform aim is accomplished are what we mean or should mean by instinctive actions ; or to speak somewhat more precisely, instinct is the operation of the living principle, whenever manifestly directing its operations to the health, preservation, or reproduction of a living frame, or any part of such frame. The law of instinct, then, is the law of the living prin- ciple : instinctive actions are the actions of the living priaciple ; and either is that power which characteris- tically distinguishes organized from unorganized mat-' ter, and pervades and regulates the former as gravi- tation pervades and regulates the latter, uniformly operating by definite means in definite circumstances, to the general welfare of the individual system or of its separate organs ; advancing them to perfection, pre- serving them in it, or laying a foundation for their re- production, as the nature of the case may require. It applies equally to plants and to animals, and to every part of the plant, as wellasto every part of the animal, so long as such part continues alive. It is this which maintains from age to age, with so much nicety and precision, the distinctive characters of different kinds and species ; which carries off the waste or worn out es 2% 22 NEW-YORK FARMER AND matter, supplies it with new, and in a thousand instan- ces suggests the mode of cure, or even effects the cure itself, in cases of injury or disease. It is “* the divini- ty that stirs within us” of Stahl ; the vis medicatrix na- ture of Hoffman and Cullen, and the physicians of our own day. Itis hence the strawberry travels from spot to spot, and the cod or the cuckoo, with a wider range, from shore to shore, or from climate to climate. In supplying the place of reason, it is perpetually as- suming its semblance. Let us take an example or two from both the vegetable and the animal world. In order that the seeds of plants should produce and perfect their respective kinds, it is necessary that their shoots should rise to the surface of the earth to enjoy the benefit of light and air. Now in whatever direction the eye ofa seed, from which germination first radiates, is placed, these shoots ascend equally to the surface, either in curved or straight lines, according as such as- cent may be most easily accomplished. Mr. John Hunter sowed a quantity of peas and beans with their eyes placed in different directions, in a tub, which he afterwards inverted, so that the bottom was turned up- permost, while the mould was prevented from falling out by a fine net. And in order that the under surface might possess a superior stimulus of light and heat to the upper, he placed looking-glasses around the mouth of the tub in such a way that a much stronger light was reflected upon the inverted mould than that of the di- rect rays of the sun ; while at the same tiine, he cover- ed the bottom of the tub with straw and mats to prevent the mould, in this direction, from being ailected by so- lar influence. Yet the same instinctive law of ascent still prevailed. After waiting a considerable length of time, and perceiving that no shoots had protruded through the lower surface of the mould, he examined the contents of the tub, and found that they had all equally pressed upwards and were making their way through the long column of mould above them, towards the reversed bottom of the vessel; and that where the eyes had been placed downwards, the young shoots had turned round so as to take the same direction. As one experiment leads on to another, he determined to try the effect of placing other seeds of the same kinds in a tub, to which a rotatory motion should be given, so that every part of it might be equally and alternately uppermost, and the seeds should have no advantage in one direction over another. Here, as we often be- hold in other cases, the instinctive principle of accom- modation was baffled by a superior power, and the dif- ferent shoots, instead of ever turning round, uniformly adhered to a straight line, except where they met with a pebble or any other resistance, when they made a curve to avoid such obstruction, and then resumed a straight line in the direction into which they were there- by thrown, without ever endeavoring to rcturn to the ariginal path, Among animals we have various proofs of a like im- pulse, and we have also proofs of its being occasionally overpowered by a stronger cause. Thus, in cases of eruptive fever, there is an obvious effort of the in- stinctive principle to throw the morbific matter towards the surface of the body, where it can do least mischief. And where a deep-seated abscess has formed in the immediate neighborhood of a cavity that cannot be opened into without great danger, as that of the chest or the stomach, the same instinctive principle of pre- servation leads forward the action in a different direc- tion, though, as in the experiment of the bean-seeds in the inverted tub, with much greater labor and difficul- ty ; and the abscess at length opens externally ; and the remedial process of the formation of new living matter which immediately succeeds, commences under the same mysterious guidance. If, in the course of this common tendency to the surface, an obstructive cause be encountered, of superior force to the instinct- ive principle itself, the latter, as in the experiment of the beans exposed to the action of a rotatary motion, is overpowered, and the result is doubtful, and often fatal, But these examples are general : let us advert to a few ofa more particular nature. All the different spe- cies of birds, in constructing their nests, not only ad- here to a peculiar plan, but, wherever they can obtain them, to peculiar kinds of materials : but if these ma- erlals be not to be procured, the accommodating pow- er of the instinctive principle, as in the cases just rela- ted, directs taem to others and suggests the best sub- stitutes. Thus the red-breast uniformly prefers oak. leaves as a lining for her nest, wherever she can ac-- quire them ; but if these be not to be had, she supplies the want by moss and hair. So where the bird is of small size, and the eggs are naturally numerous, the nest is always made proportionably warm, that the nestlings may all equally partake of the vivifying heat. ‘Thus the wren, who lays from ten to eighteen eggs, constructs her little edifice with the greatest care and of the warmest materials ; while the plover and the eagle, whose eggs are so few that the body may easily cover them, build with little solicitude, and sometimes content themselves with the naked cleft of a rock. And thus too, in very cold winters in Lapland, the fond waterfowl will occasionally strip the down off its breast to line its nest and protect its progeny. When a wasp, in attempting to transport a dead com- panion from the nest, finds the load too heavy, he cuts off its head, and carries it out in two portions. A strawberry offset planted in a patch of sand, wilh send forth almost the whole of its runners in the direc- tion in which the proper soil lies nearest, and few, and sometimes none, in the line in which it lies most re-. mote. “When a tree which requires much moisture (say Mr. Knight,) has sprung up or been planted ina dry HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 23 Se eee soil in the vicinity of water, it has been observed that much the larger portion of its roots has been directed towards the water ; and that when a tree of a different species, and which requires a dry soil, has been placed in a similar situation, it has appeared in the direction given to its roots, to have avoided the water and moist soil.” '« When a tree (remarks Dr. Smith) happens to grow from seed on a wall, (and he particularly alludes to an ash in which the fact actually occured,) it has been observed, on arriving at a certain size, to stop for As soon as this root was established in the soil, the tree contin- a while, and send down a root to the ground. ued increasing to a large magnitude.” The best means, perhaps, that a plant can possess of resisting the effects of drought, is a tuberous or bul- bous root. mon catstail, when growing in pastures that are uni- formly moist, has a fibrous root, for itis locally suppli- ed with a sufficiency of water ; but in dry situations, or such as are only occasionally wet, its root acquires a bulbous form, and thus instinctively accommodates the plant with a natural reservoir. The grass called phleum pratense, or com- And there are va- vious other grasses, as the alopecurus geniculatus, or geniculate foxtail, that exhibit the same curious adap- tation. —— 8 B Ctr ABT. 20.—On the New-Zealand Spinage, by Micuast Froy, addressed io the President of the New- York Horticultural Society, read Nov. 28, 1827. Sir,—lI beg leave to present to the Society, to be distributed among tne members, 50 papers of the New- Zealand Spinage seed, Tetragonia expansa. As the plant appears to be very hardy, it may be sown in the month of April, on a bed of good rich mould, two seeds in a hill, and each hill at the distance of from two to three feet ; the latter is probably the best me- fhod, as it will spread, and soon fill the bed at that dis- tance, and the leaves will be fit to gather for use during ihe whole summer, and until very late in the fall; a slight frost not materially injuring it. As it is very productive and much esteemed, it will no doubt be soon introduced into every garden. The seed was received last spring from #rance, by Doct. Hosack, President of the Society, and presented by him for dis- fribution among the members. The package I re- eeived contained but two seeds, from the pro- duce of which, I might have cut many messes. It also seems to stand tne dry hot weather very well, and is in great perfection when vegetables are scarce, which is the case during the month of August. Per- haps this esculent vegetable needs very little recom- mendation, after the very high encomiums bestowed on it in the transactions of the London Horticultural So- qety ; but we may also give our opinion. Its produc- tiveness I fully assent to,and amess of the greens was presented to the Inspecting Committee, who, last fall had it cooked, and found it to be very fine eating, and superior to common spinage in every respect. It was more mild flavored, not having that rank taste of the common spinage, and as the leaf has a firmer and thicker consistency, does not shrink away so much ; it has risen so much in the public estimation in Europe, that a mede of culture has been adopted to have it for use throughout the year, which may be done, and with- out any very extraordinary exertion. I would there- fore beg leave to recommend the following mode of culture, to such as may think it worth while to have it in coatinual supply. I apprehend it would be neces- sary to have it in three crops ; the first crop, about the middle or latter end of February. It is common with gardeners to make hot-beds, for raising early York and other cabbage and lettuce. When these beds are made, a few smallest size pots may be filled witn good mould. Oneor two seeds might be planted in each pot, and the pot plunged in the frame, which would require no other treatment, but such as is given te the young catbage and lettuce plants ; and about the same time that the cabbage plants are fit to plant out, say the middle or latter end of April, the Tetregonia plants would also be fit to plant out ; selecting a warm and sheltered border, well dug: each pot should be turned out with the ball of earth entire, and planted about three feet apart. It would be best to cover each hill with a bell glass du- ring cold weatier and frosty nights, until they are well established, and the danger of frost is over ; they will then take care of themselves, with the ordinary cuitiva- tion, and keeping down the weeds. The second crop may be sowed the latter end of April or beginning of May, and treated as before. The third crop may be sown the last week in August or first week in September, in a sheltered place, and where the plants could be protected with common frames, the glasses of which should be put on at the appearance of frosty weather, and during the winter, well covered with mats or straw. The plants of this sowing ought to be much thicker; a foot apart from plant to plant, would be most eligible, the object being to have an abundant supply in as small a compass as possible; they would not grow very much inthe winter. By this mode of culture, which, if adopted, is not very difficult, a supply, L apprehend, would be kept up du- ring the whole year. I need not inform the practical gardener that in very severe weather, it might be ne- cessary to have a good lining of hot stable dung kept around the frame, and adding fresh, when necessary ; although it may turn out to be much hardier than we are aware of ; yet practice in itscultivation can only deter- mine this, it being rather a stranger with us at present. As I feel pretty confident it will be found to rise in ; - . va a 24 NEW-YORK FARMER AXD our estimation with acquaintance, and prove a valuable addition to the stock of culinary vegetables of our markets, I therefore feel a pleasure in bringing it for- ward to the notice of the Society. . I beg leave to apologize for being thus particular in treating of its mode of culture, knowing as | well do, that the New-York Horticultural Society contains among its members, men of the first respectability and skill in Horticulture. popecasion of these remarks might be thought to be superfluous ; but some of its members may thin : it useful, and if any thing I advance might tend to the promotion of Horticulture generally, or the public good in particular, | shall be much grati- fied. With sentiments of esteem and respect, I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, Micuaer Froy. David Hosack, Esq. M. D. President of the New-York Horticuliural Society. § 8 B Otte — ART. 2£1.—On Soils—their elementary constitu- ents few—when intermixed in moderate proporlions, are fertiic——bué when any one predominates to a great degree are sterile—iheir general denominations—treaied on se- paretely. By Wirutam Wirson. Read before the New-York Horticultural Society, March 26, 1822. There is one interesting consideration connected with the nature of soils, with which every one who cul- tivates them ought to be acquainted. Notwithstand- ing the vast variety of soils that are to be found, they are all composed of but a very few elementary substan- ces, and in all cases except in some solitary instances where metallic impreguations exist, soils composed of every degree of mixture of these elementary particles, are fertile ; and it is only in those instances where one or other of these original elements predominates too much, that a sterility commences. The attempt to establish particular denominations for every grade. of soil that is to be found, withont any great predominance of either of the original elements, would be as endless as it would be useless. The term loamy soil, may without any great violence be applied to all such. When the clay predominates to a small degree, it may be termed clayey loam ; where it is the chief ingredient, it is called a clayey soil; where sand predominates a little, we call it a sandy loam; where it is the principal ingredient, a sandy soil ; where the vegetable matter exceeds the others a little, we call it a vegetable loam ; where it is the chief, a vegetable soil. According to these princi- ples, soils are divided into these few denominations : the vegetable or peaty, the clayey, the loamy, and sandy ; and this last is sometimes further divided into the silicious and calcareous. ‘Lhe silicious sands are of a short, hard, flinty nature, the calcareous of a soft ¢| well ; chalky or limy quality. On each of these we shall of- fer such observations as we consider applicable to them as connected with this climate in which we re- side. And first, of the sandy soils. h There are soils in which the cultivation of many sorts of vegetables are very precarious ; and the retaining of them in a constant state of cultivation is attended with great expense, owing to the coniianal supply of ma- nure necessary to render them capable of producing any thing like good crops ; yet in some instances where they are constituted by the decomposition of rocks, some kinds of fruit and forest trees succeed very well on them. Such is the soil in the vicinity of Newark, and for many miles to the northward along the banks of the Passaic river. The soilhere is evidently consti- tuted by the decomposition of red sand rock and stones ; and although very unfavorable to the cultivation of cul- inary vegetables generally, yet is every where covered with apple orchards, which produce tolerable crops; and although not so abundant as those on loamy soils, yet the fruit is of a good quality and flavor. The ex- cellency of cider from the vicinity of Newark, has long and justly been proverbial. The congeniality of such soils for producing forest trees is very evident from the fine woods of oak, &c. that rear their stately branches in grand magnificence along the elevated ridges, in the vicinity of the copper mines along the eastern road to Aqueneck. Here nature strongly in- vites the hand of the Vigueron, for each side of theroad we are every where presented with the most vigorous and flourishing verdure of native grape vines. Ryeand buckwheat are here the staple productions of cultiva- ted grounds. Indian corn also succeeds tolerably but the potatoe, and most other culinary vegeta- bles are in the best of seasons, far inferior te those on This view of sandy soils is far from being encouraging to the horticulturist. We shall now direct our views to Long Island, a tract of land some- what more favorable; where, although the sandy qual- ity in a great measure still prevails, yet, in many in- stances, the soil may be considered a sandy loam. ifere we can in every such instance, perceive the supe- rior degree of vigorous vegetation. ‘he fruit trees ex- cel in size and productiveness—tolerable crops of po- tatoes and culinary vegetables can here be obtained in the early part of the season——Indian corn, with all the stronger soils. varieties of melons, pumpkins, squashes, and cucum= bers, attain their highest state of perfection. Yet it would require a great deal more time than would be proper to spare in this essay to particularize all the dis- advantages inseparable from the cultivation of sandy soils. Their inaptitude for producing any of the cab- bage kind of plants, every body knows ; but their'de- cree of inferiority to strong soils, for producing pota- toes, both as respects the quantity and quality of the crop, is a disadvantage of a very serious nature ; « . HOR TICULTU RAL REPOSIT ORY. 23 aad what still meee this evil, is the blind | prejadice which seems rivetted in the minds of| most people, that dry sea soils cannot but produce the driest and best flavored roots. When we come to treat particularly on this valuable vegetable, we shall | be under the necessity of showing that dry sandy soils | in this country prove the very bane of the potatoe. | Vegetable or peaty soils are to be met with less mix- ture of any of the other elements of soils, than either | the sandy or clayey, being often found many feet deep | of entire decayed vegetable matter; in which state they are denominated peat moss, and are more proper for being used as an article of fuel, than to be applied to the purposes of horticulture. Besides, the occurrences of such soils in this country being confined to very rare local situations, their management,.in order to fit them for culture,isof less consequence. When they are not very deep, and the substrata substantial or clayey, they may be rendered fertile by intermixture, and the appli- cation of lime ; by burning; or removal entirely by means of water, where it can be employed as canals to carry it off. Clayey soils are extremely different from the peaty, and when they approach to pure clay, are very un- favorable to vegetation; yet there are but few instan- ees, and these confined to very circumscribed situa- tions. Where they are thus to be met with, some con- siderable portion of sand is generaily mixed with the ‘clayey soils; and they possess this advantage over all other soils, that the more and longer they are employed in cultivation, the better they become. important vegetables also thrive well on very strong clayey soils, such as wheat and cabbage, &c.. But in order to render such soils congenial to the growth of most culinary vegetables, they require plenty of labor and light opening manures. Yet the possessor ofsuch soils ought never to be discouraged, for they are far preferable to those cf a dry sandy texture. One acre of a strong clayey soil well labored, will produce double the quantity of vegetablesto the dry sandy soils ; and their produce never suffers by the droughts of sum- mer, provided the soil be duly stirred and kept mode- rately free and loose ; and this is in the power of the hand of man to perform: but in éry seasons no art or imgenuity can save them from the drooping verdure of the burning sands. We now come to consider that important portion of soils where a tolerable degree of mixture of all the ele- mentary constituents are found blended together, and which are generally denominated loamy. [It is here Several very rior portion of vegetable matter. IT have cultivated to great advantage, different grades of this soil, im various situations, to a distance of sixty miles to the eastward Vheret of this city. 3 the black vegetable matter exceeds, i d, the soil is easier labored, and rather earlier; but the fine strong yellow loams are golden treasures to the citizens of America ; and what tance, is of singular impor- the soils of almost all elevated situations, are of this stamp, and capable of producing every thing ne- cessary for the food of man and beast. Most histori- ans estimate as of great value the fertility of low grounds and valleys, (une they represent as vastly enriched at the expense of all the hi in their vicinity. being grounds I have travelled hundreds of miles, through very hilly countries to the westward of Cats- kill, for the chief purpose of observing the quality of candidly confess that in very few instances could 1 discover any the soil andits natura! productions ; and mos just grounds for the support of such doctrine. The lands throughout the whole county of Delaware in this state, are a continued labyrinth of hills and valleys, but the soil and productions on all their high grounds, arc far superior to those bare gravelly strips of low land, that are every where entwined around the bases of then stately and substantial hills. view of our own island, and compare the soil of the low But let us only take a lands about Greenwich with that of Murray’s hill, above the sunfish pond; let any one examine the no- ble soil around the country seat of Mr. Ogden, Mr. Murray, and several others in that neighborhood, and they will there find just grounds for clevating their-es- timation of eminences. But let us proceed still higher to Fiamilton square, and compare the soil of that (which is nearly the highest on the island,) with the low, sandy plains about Harlacm, and the con- trast will appear the most decisively in favor of those lands on elevated situations. I would not, however, wish to be understood as insinuating that all high lands are of the best soil. I know there are tracts where both the high and low are poor and gravelly ; but know- ing the great superiority of stiff soils to those of the sandy, gravelly texture, I could not let slip this oppor- tunity of doing justice to those situations where f have generally found a full proportion of those valuable in- gredients that many theorists would make us believe so easily escape to their favorite valleys. It is true, nothing can be more plausible than the idea of success- ive rains washing from lofty hills great part of those ingredients which constitute the surface of their soil. The doctrine of the inestimable worth of valleys fol- that with the least degree of expense, we can cultivate successfully the greatest variety of vegetable produc- tions. A considerable portion of the soil onthis island, and for many miles to the eastward along the Sound, consists of the very best kind of loam, being a substan- tial intermixture of clay and sand, with rather an infe- lows of course ; and that this in some instances, is in some degree the case, there is little doubt ; but whoev- er will take the pains to examine such situations impar- tially, cannot fail to discover considerable difficulty in endeavoring to reconcile this very popular theory with actual facts. The vast inequalities of surface that 26 NEW-YORK FARMER AND generally intersect the elevated sides of rising grounds, and the towering clouds of dust that are frequently ele- yated by the force of furious winds, that sweep with tenfold force along the surface ef contracted valleys, perhaps counteract the operations of descending rains ; and those elevated summits whose soils may by de- grees descend partially around their, undulated sides, ampere the dusty cloud in its progress ; every chink ynd crevice receives its full supply, and scarce a single particle of the drifted soil returns to its humble bed. But to conclude, it is by no means in light sandy soils, that the horticulturist is to excel in this country. Gwing to the great degrees of heat and dryness of our atmosphere in the summer months, such soils are, of all others, the most unprofitable, and with every degree of pains and care in their management, frequently dis- appoint the anxious expectations of their unfortunate cultivators. It is in the loamy, strong, stiff, and even clayey soils, that the American horticulturist ts to ex- hibit the most noble specimens of superior vegetation. fie has nothing to fear from the moisture or stiffness of any soil ; where springs abound, they are inexhausti- ble sources of fertility, especially when conveyed in drains under the surface ; and the extremities of our winter frosts, and summer suns, are perpetual accu- mulators to their never ending progress in worth and fertility. = SG Gtr {Por the New-York Farmer and Horticultural Repository. ] ‘ART. 22.—Some account of the Camellia Japoni- ea, with practical observations on its culture. By Tuomas Hose, nurseryman, of New-York. This beautiful and hardy green-house shrub, is a na- tive of China, and was introduced into England in the year 1739. Since that period, a number of beautiful double varieties have been introduced from the same country, and many others have been produced from seed. It is very probable ina few years we shall have as great a variety of Camellias, as there are of Tulips. Pinks, Carnations, Auriculas, &c. The number of va- rieties in England, as enumerated in the last edition of Swect’s Hortus Britanicus, are twenty-nine. Single red, Welbanks, do. white, Pale yellow, Buff, Double white, Fringed do. Double striped, Thick nerved, Expanded, Shell flowered, Lady Cambell’s, Semi-double red, Double red, Myrtle leaved, Lady Longs’, Six sided, Loddiges red, Red Warratah, Carnation do. Blush do. Long leaved, White do. Striped Warratah, ‘Phew blush, Semi-double white, se- Peony flowered, sanqua, Double rosea sesanqua. All the varicties that have as yet flowered in this country, have been raised from seed by Mr. Floy, nur- sery man in this city, a skillful and industrious horti- culturist. The first variety flowered with him, about two years ago. ‘This variety differs “but little from the Warratah or Anemone flowered, except that its centre flower leaves are variegated with white, which is not so in the other sort, being all of a bright crimson color. Phe varieties that have laicly flowered with him, are a new single red, very fine, and two double crim- son, one of which J think far exceeds any of the other red varieties that I have seen, in brilliancy of color and in the regular formation of its flowers. Next season we may expect a great number of his (Mr. Floy’s,) seedlings to flower, as they are at present very fine thrifty plants. The acknowledged beauty of the flowers and foliage of the Camellia, surpasses commendation or descrip- tion ; itis not even necessary to recommend it as an essential ornament to the green-house or parlor, it be- ing universally admired and desired. As it respects its cultivation, there is no green-house plant more har- dy, or of more easy cultivation than the Camellia. A visit to the nursery gardens in the neighborhood of London, would easily establish this assertion, and like- wise prove the admiration in which this plant is held, by the immense quantity that are grown and sold every year, by all and every description of nurserymen. The most suitable mould or soil for the health and growth of this plant, is a free or open black bog earth, well mixed with about one third of yellow loam. Such a soil is easily to be obtained in every part of this country. Every kind of manure is poison to this plant. Shade in the summer, and frequent watering over the leaves from the rose of the watering pot, is of essential service to its growth, for it is the nature of this plant to delight in a moist shady situation. ‘The single Ca- mellia is easily propagated by cuttings of well ripened wood put in pots, filled with a mixture of hog earth and 'Phey ought to be kept well watered and placed in a shady situation. The month of August is the best time to put in the cuttings. They will be well rooted before the spring. ‘They ought to remain in the same pot till they have made one growth. In the month of August, that is, twelve months from the time the cuttings were put in the pots, they will be fit to transplant into small pots. ‘The second year, that 1s, after they have made a year’s growth, they will be large enough for inoculation or marching. No other care is necessary but to see that they are kept well wa- tered, and ina shady place during the heat of the sum- The time of flowering is from January waite sand. mer months. till May. 98 @ Qe Currure or Txa in Brazit.—Botanic gardens are established throughout the country by government, whe have directed the attention of cultivators ta Camellia, * a i * . J ae THR, SCTVUNO ania CAUIVTYUNO BUTTER SE A 4) Seale of Feet . , * . SOP pve 7) ey rae , Y, Yirileruid CALORIMUE | cool anil Tress ZO marke yy , g s DY, ‘se, Wy) 3 v5 DAY oy v Kichatd Wilder) APPARATUS (0 DEMONSTRATE the necessary requisites jor GERMINATION ;—o0/ the ONLY PRINCIPLES reyuurcd jor VEGETATION. RS eS — ¥ Sev oLe fo) ne Q Scale of Feet e HORTICULTURAL REPOSITORY. 27% bohea, and viridis, of which one proprietor already has a plantation of 4000 plants, —Asiat. Journ. for Nov. 1825. ie oat ose AR, 223.—Ricwarp Witcox’s apparatus to de- auonstrate th necessary requisites for Germination ; 0: the only principles required for Vegetction. The copper plate engraving, fig. 1. plate 1. is given to demonstrate the ease and facility with which tl: compound principles of germination can be elucidated when detached from every other subject in connexion with it, as the different manures, &c. and confining cu attention to the operative principles of nature. This design presents the side view of an apparatus to de- monstrate the necessary requisites for germination. A. The fire-place and necessary mason’s work foi supporting the boiler, &c. B. The boiler, furnished with guage-cock, safety- valve, feeder, &c. €. The steam-pipe with a stop-cock to regulate the ingress of steam. D. The box or tub for containing the seeds, &c. ‘This tub is composed of two parts ; the external par: is formed of wood, and the internal of metal, so as tc ‘Jeave a small interstice between the internal and exter- nal parts for the ingress of steam or heated air, while he bottom is also double for the same purpose. E, An apple or other tree. F. A Thermometer.—In order that the ideas of ag- yiculturists may not be attached to any description o earths, and attribute properties to them fallaciously, no earths are admitted, but the medium employed is eitnhei amall lead shots, pulverized glass, pure river sand litharge, or flowers of sulphur, &c. In fact vegetables will grow in woollen cloths, moss, and in other insolu- ble media, as these are capable of containing the two principles necessary for germination. G» The rim of the metal inside cylinder turned oyei the wood. Ti, Areservoi of water. I. A butt or reservoir of water. J. A cask inverted, with its lower head open and supported by a counter-balance, an working freely in the water in the larger cask, which forms a simple ga- someter. K. A metal pot or vessel attached to the head of the gasometer, but not close, its object being to receive filings of pieces of metal to form the gases required. _ L. A funnel-pipe and stop-cock, by which the me- tal, water, and acids, are introduced to generate the gases. (See fig. 2.) which is the vertical section of the gasometer. M. The frame for suppozting the counterbalance of the gasometer. ¢ N. A pipe of communication from the gas-helder to the germinating cask, furnished with a stop-cock so as fo regulate the ingress of gas at pleasure. O. A similar pipe and regulating-cock from the re- servoir of water for the introduction of water. P. An exit pipe, for drawing off superfluous water. First—The vivifying and reanimating principle of yegetation is caloric, as without this first cause, vege- ‘ation must lie forever inactive as in the winter season. his principle is introduced and regulated at pleasure rom the boiler where it passes under and round the in- fernal metal case. Secondly Wumidity, with those two principles duly moderated, andthe action of the air, all vegetation j will progress even without the assistance of earths, &c. vhile the effects of manures may be substituted by gas. ‘tence, the great and governing principles of germina- ‘ion are reduced to heat and humidity, while the great ‘ave of the farmer is to follow the order of nature, which ivoids ali extremities ; this he may demonstrate with facility, for if he sows the best seed in a pot, and forci- bly presses or rams down the clay around the earth, these being non-conducters of heat and nearly imper- vious to heat and hunudity, vegetation cannot exist— while, on the contrary, sandy soils are unproductive, as they admit the ingress of water with too great fa- cility, and allow the humidity to be evaporated with too nuch rapidity. point, is to have the earths neither too heavy or too light, and neither too wet or too dry, nor too hard or 00 loose. Therefore the great and essential For this purpose, all farmers should, if possible, have water at their command, either naturally or by art, and manures that would prevent too great an ingress of wa- ter, and also prevent the evaporation of water by the iction of tne sun, and by this means preserving a regu- ar and equal temperature of heat and humidity, as upon these poits hinge or turn the principles of sermination, while the effects of the rays of the sun on ll vegetables and trees, &c. impart to them the power af decomposing water, during that operation. The hy- drogen is absorbed, forming the oil and resinous part of the vegetable, while the oxygen combines witha part of the caloric received from the sun, and is given jut in the form of oxygen gas. ‘Thus one grand and sublime operation of nature gives nourishment and provides materials for the growth of the vegetable world, and at the same time produces such immense quantities of pure oxygen gas, us to amply supply the sreat magazine of our atmosphere with the vital fluid, which is so essentially necessary » the support of the whole animal creation, combustion, respiyation, &c. Tn fact, upon the purity of the air depends our exist- ence and all our terrestria! comforts ; and although we ean live without food or drink for some time, we can- not exist even a few minutes without the vivifying ef- fects of the air we inhale, and this properly preportion- t 28 NEW-YORK FPARMER AND edand blended. Surely nothing short of cofisuminate wisdom and goodness could have formed so great, so grand, and beautiful a design, or one w hich is so exten- sively and superlatively usetul to the whole human fa- mily. Thus, while the vegetable tribes inhale The limped water from the parent vale, Their vegetating organs decompose The salutary compound as it flows, And, by affinities unknown, cispart The subtile hydrogen, with chemie art, And form bitumen, rosin, wax, or oil ; The caloric freed, now bursts the expanding mass, And swells the nacent oxygen into gas ; Which, from its inmost cells, each leaflet pours Tn vital currents through its myriad pores. Great God ! how infinitely wise art. thou, Let the whole race of mental creatures bow ; Thy throne has through eternal ages stood, These works of thine, declare, the living God. BB Bt [For the N. Y. Farmer and Horticultural Heposery J ART. 24.—Apricot of Musch. By A. Parmen- rier, proprietor of the Horticultural Botantc Gar lp Brooklyn, L. I. New-York Three years ago I ae this into the U. States. ‘This season it produced some fruit that ripened the fourth of July. {rom the city of Musch in Persia, near the boundaries of Turkey, and sent to Paris by Mr. Lacour Goutffe, director and professor in the Botanic garden at Mar- seilles, who obtained it from the reyal gardens at Ma- drid. The fruit is very near round, of color, the pulp sufficiently transparent to discern the stone, the flesh melting, perfumed and very good ; it is very willing to bear. Dr. Hunt, of Brooklyn, last spring plante) a tree in flower ; it produced him six very fine and perfectly ripe apricots. The cuiuvation of the apricot in general, requires some care, from late frosts in the spring. ff the cold has congealed the flowers, cold water should be throw: on them witha syringe or portable pump: or the evil may be prevented by burning some handsfull of moist straw, and directing the smoke on the flowers, which excellent apricot It was originally a deep yellow will melt and dispel the frost. These two operation must be done before the sun rises, the rays of which would destroy the flowers, without this precaution. 9 Oe |, Por the New-York Farmer and Horticultural Repository. ] ART. 25.—The method of preserving Grapes by dipping tie stems in tar, injurious to the flavor. Hype Park, N. Y. Dec. 21, 1827. Mr. Evivor.—t have in my garden about thirty grape yines which have borne very abundantly this ™ of runners. season. Those who are acquainted with the grape, call it the white sweet water grape. Atedapiyns my family and friends, I enquired if grapes could noi be preserved ? yes, was the reply. A friend politely lent me the American Yine Dresser’s Guide, by Mr. Alphonzo Loubat, which, in pages 94 and 96, contain directions for preserving grapes. I set at nought all other methods, and adopted that of Mr. bat, pro- ceeding carefully according to his directions, On the first of the present month, I opened one ef the barrels containing the grapes, and on tasting then, tney were found so impregnated with tar, as to be to dipping the The whole that I put up, about two hundred pounds, are rendered useless, Should his directions for the management of the vine prove as fatal as those of the grape, I hope but few will follow them. If you should think the above worthy an in- ertion in a your publication, it will be the means, I trust, of pre- yenting others from adopting Mr. Loubat’s method. A LOVER OF GRAPES WITHOUT TAR. wholly unpalatable, owing undoubtedly, eads of the bunches into hot tar. = 8 @ Stu — [For the New-York Farmer and Horticultural.Repository.] ART, 26.—The red monthly Strawberry without runners. By A. Parmentier, proprietor of the Horti- cultural Botanic Garden, Brooklyn, L. EI. New-York. This rare strawberry I introduced into this country. This kind was raised by Mr. Gaillon, after whose name it is often called in France. It is a variety of the Fra- This strawberry of a con- stant product differs from the common red monthly strawberry with runners, because this last is deprived of its fructifying saps by the excessive multiplication This, on the contrary, concentrates all its strength, and thus continues to bear fruit until frost. In more southern climes it fructifies during the whole * garia Vesca Semperflorens. year. Besides those I have in open ground, which have continued to bear fruit until within about four weeks, 1 have others in pots in my green-houses, that now have ripe strawberries on them. This variety is very suita- bie for setling out in the borders of small gardens, be- cause it never produces runners, and could very ad- vantageously replace the box strawberry, which are a — refuge for insects, and are without produce. The pro- pagation is made in the spring or in August by making a division of the plant, which at the end of the year nay be divided into ten or twelve plants. The strawberry loves a rich and shady soil ; it gives a larger quantity of fruit, and they are of a larger size. (<> In the future numbers of the Repository, we shall give summary articles of intelligence relating te subjects embraced in the plan of our work. ¥ . a . ee ™“ ADVERTISEMENTS. GARDEN SEEDS AND FRUIT TREES, A general assor(ment of esculent vegetable seeds, warranted of the best quality, the most part raised by the subscribers, suchas can be raised to any ad- vantage in this country. Such as are necessary to <== import, are from the best establishments in England, on which the u'most reliance can be placed. Also, a general assortment of fruit trees, trae to their kinds, all propegated un- der our own inspection, worked from trees on uur own premises in full bearing. Those who may favor us with their orders, may rely oa what they receive. Orders left at our store, No. 372 Broadway; orat our Nursery, Lodi, New-Jersey, near New ark bridge, will meet with prompt attention, and be executed on reasonable terms. ALEXANDER SMITH, & CO. 2 ; Seeds-men and Florists, 5 No. 372 Broadway, New-York. “AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL. aa TILE groat importance of an exchange of seeds, i is acknowledged by every agriculturist. ‘To afford, § therefore, our customers the means of thus improy- ‘ing their farms and gardens, has been the study of the subscribers for many years; and for this purpose they have formed connexions with some of the most. respectable seed establishments in Europe, and liave received by late arri- vals from Britain, Franee, and Holland, a very extensive col- lection of valuable seeds for the garden and farm. Among those for the latter, and the most importan! to the farmer, is the Lucerne, or French Clover.—There is nothing at present known with which the soi can be cropped, that will produce any thing like the quantity of fodder, as this grass. {t has also the qu lity (so essential to the soiling system in this country,) of not being affected by the long droughts and beats of our summets; itis also a well established fact, that it has Rept the ground for fhirly years from the time it was first sown, in certain places in ths state. without the serd having been once renewed. Thr guan- tity of seed sufficient for an acre of land, is from 10 to 16 bs. The price is 50 cents for the siagle |b., or 40 cents by the quan- tity stated for an acre, or any quantity not lower than 4 Ibs, Printed directions of its use and mode of cultivation, contained in two valuatle letters of practic#! Amevigan agricu-turists, can be obtained gratis, on application at our store. . Also.—Red, White, and Yellow Clover, Sainfoin, Burnet, Orcha:d, and Red ‘ep Grass, Timothy, English Rye Grass. English Rape, Potatoe Oats, Vares or Vetcl.cs, Hawthorns Seed and plants jor live fences, Mangel Werzel, Ruta Baga, &e. | Also—Many varieties of the finest Barly Cabbage, Early and] Late Cauliflower, Cape Brocoli, Eariy and Late Peas and Beans, many varieties, Radises. several sorts, fine Larly Catibages and | Coss Lettuces, &e., a great variety of Flowers Garden | | } Seeds. Tools, many of the best modern works of merit on the subject of Agriculture, Botany, and Horticulture. Geotlemen or La- dies wishing to refer to wny book on these subjects, (some of which are very elegant,) are perfectly welcome to peruse them as long asthey plense, al tie store, where they can always spend | of Natural History, and many of Art. G, THORBURN & SON. 67 Liberty-sireet, New-York. « . . t FOR Sale by the subscriber, a choice collection H | : of Fruit and Forest Trees, Grape Vines, Ormamen- | Pas tal Shrubs, &o, &e. atthe Murray Hill Norsery, one f anda half miles from town, on the middle road, mas Andat the Green-House and Seed Store, corn r of Fourth ans! MeDougal-streets, an extensive collection of Green- Hlouse Plants, Garden and I lower Seeds. , WILLIAM WILSON. | | FOREST. TREES, t } , The subscriber respectfully informs the citi- ssgee, zens of N. York, that he haw made arrangement oo as to secure asupply of the above named article, Gl and that he will furnish and plant them in the most approved manner, on reasonable terms.—If the gen- tlemen of a neigubourhood should associate together for the purpose of purchasing a quantity, a very liberal reduc- tion would be made. ey All orders left at the residence of the subscriber, No. 64 Bayard St. or sent to him thro’ the Post-Office, will beatten- | dalto.—Referenes to t ho Street Commissioner's Office. Dee o- #6, 8. VM-COR MICK, IMPROVED CLOVER MILL. ‘PPHIS Mill, invented by Isaac H. Haskins, for the pur- pose of cleaning and separating Clover Seed and other small seed from the chaff, is the most simple in its construc- tion anduseful in its operation of any thing of the kind in the United States. The utility of this machine, is its simpli- city and cheapness—it requires only the power of one horse, and will grind or separate from the chaff, from four to six bushel per day ; two hands wiil tend it, and cleanthe seed as fast as the horse will grind it. y The cost is about $40, and it may be erected on any barn floor and be put up or talsen down in one hours’ time. Far- mers who take into consideration the vastdifference of clean- ing Cloyer seed in the usual way, and by this machine, will — do well to avail themselves of the privilege of the latter. The above machine may be seen by calling on the Subscri- ber, No. 213 Water-st. N. Y. who will sell single rights, — or rights for Towns, Counties, or States, on reasonable terms. {dec 6] J. F. WHITE. G FREEBORN, No. 183 Front street, has constantly + on hand a large assortment of Plough [rons of various kinds, some of which are particularly calculated for the southern states, and to which he respectfully calls the atten- tion of planters. They are lighter, stronger and cheaper than any heretofore in use. iF He also keeps on hand Shares, Landsides, &e. of a su- perior quality, with a general assortment of Agricultural Im- plements, viz—Corn Shellers, Fancing Mills, Straw Cut- ters, 2,3, and 4 pronged Forks, &e. Tron Castings of every description furnished the shortest novice. Dec 6 © ; NDERSON, DAVIS, & Co. have in press, a work on the J Economy of the Kitchen Garden. the Orchard and the Vinery, with plain practical drections for their management. By ‘\illiam Wilsun, nurseryman, New-York. Jan. 24. BOOK, STATIONARY AND SEED STORE. NDERSON, DAYIS & CO beg leave to inform their £% friends and the public generally, that they have opened a Store at No 181 Chatham-square, (2d door above the Trades- mens’ Bank) where they intend keeping constantly on hand a general assortment of Books, Stationary, and Garden and other” Seeds, which they will sell on the most accommodatiog terms. ' Orders received from the country will be duly executed. They offer now cheep for cash the following Books—Fainily Bibles, Dwight’s Th olegy,4v Svo, Mesheim’s Ecel. History, 4y. 8yo. Campbell's Gospels 4v. Syo, Blair’s Sermons, }v. Svo, Mason’s Spiritual Treasury, 2v. 8vo, Buck’s Theologica! Dictionary. 8vo, Saurin’s Sermons tv. Svo, M'Lane’s Life and Sermons, 8yo, Do. Discourses, Do. Apostolical Commission, 120, Wakefield's N, ~ Testameul, Adam’s Dictionary, Simpson's’ Plea on Religion, ones’ Church History, 2v. Svo, Wesley's works, 10v Syo, va-~ is bindings, Asbury’s Journal, 3v. Svo, Gillies Greece, 4y. / v0, Good’s study Sv Svo, Life of Napoleon, 8y. 8vo, by Sir - | Walter Scott, Do. Abridged, Iv. Svo; together with many others 4) Miseelaneous Works, both instructive and amusing particularly those relating to Agriculture. , 4 ‘© The S:eds will’ be obtained from G. Thorburn & Son, and others of well known reputation. Jan. 17tf RINTING,—J.S. Anpenson & Co. having furnished their office at 163 Chatham-St. with an extensive variety of type, for Book aad Job printing, solicit the patronage of their friends and the publie. tor despateh, taste, and beau- ty in execution, entire reliasce may be placed. vew-York, January Ist, 1828 @AMUEL ©. DAVIS & Co’s. Book Bindery & Hard= ‘“ ware Card Manufactory, No. 62 Fulton, corner of Cliff — street, up stairs. —All orders in their line of business left ei- ther at the Bindery, or at the office of the Eclectic Recor-~ der, No. 165 Chatham square, will be thankfully received, — and faithfully and promptly executed. ~ Dec20-: ADVERTISEMENTS will be conspicuously ingepted on the yy coverof the Reposilory, on reasonable terms. — ; : : ; ; Bunyan’s Pilgtim’s Progress, Deddridg:’s Rise and Progress, - an half hour agreeably in contemplating some fine specimens!) vanes, Eilaran ie & c obiegee ey 1} 4 t