THE

QUARTERLY

JOUENAL OF AGEICULTURE,

PUBLISHED BY THE

FOR JULY, 1859,

WITH THE PREMIUM LIST FOR THE

SEVENTH A^ATIONAL EXHIBITIONS

AT CHICAGO, ILL., SEPT. 12-17.

EDITED BY BEN: PERLEY POORS,
Secretary of the Society.

WASHINGTOIS^, D. 0.
1859.

THE (QUARTERLY

JOURNAL OF A(IE1C.ULTUE.E.

PUBLISUED BY THE

UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Vol. VII. JULY, 1859. No. 2.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

How Agricoltre can be SusTAiNEn, and its Permanent Prosperity Promoted : By

Professor Francis G. Carey, of Oliio Page 89

Agricultural ScnooLs— their chances of Usefulness : By A. L. Elwyn, M. D., of

Pennsylvania 98

Thb Archives of xVmerican Agriculture. First attempt to establish a national
agricultural organization in 179G, by George Washington; — establishment of
Agricultural Fairs at the seat of government in 1804; — The Society for Promoting
Public Economy, in 180G ; — A National Fair at Philadelphia, in 1809 ; — The Arling-
lington Sheep Shearings; — The Columbian Agricultural Association, founded in
1809, with its constitution, list of members, first premium list, and accounts of

its five first exhibitions: By the Editor 105

The Bread Region. Translated from " the Earth, Man, and Plants" 123

A Harvest by Horse Power in 1842: By Gen. Tench Tilghman, of Maryland 124

Farming by Steam in England. From a London periodical 126

Agricultural Chemistry. From the London Economist 134

First Premium List, and Regulations for Exhibitors, at the Seventh Annual Exhi-
bition at Chicago, arranged by Departments and Classes... 136

the secretary's table.
Editorial Acknowledgments. The National Exhibition of "59. The Patent Office,

Agricultural operations 180

Farming by steam. Trial of Fawkes' Steam plough 182

Review of New Publications. French's Farm Drainage ; Watson's American Home
Garden ; Sergeant's edition of Downing's Landscape Gardening ; Copeland's

Country Life 184

Exhibitions for 1859 185

Abstract of Agricultural Information, arranged by States and Territories 185

Ode of Horace, translated by Ben. Jonson 190

Foreign Agricultural Information 191

Executive meeting, U. S. A. S., and New Members 192

WASHINGTON, D. C,

Published ai the Roonu of the United States Agricultural Society, and mailed to Life and

Annual Members.

W. H. MOORE, PRINTER.

OFFICERS AND MEMBERS

OF THE

UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY,

FOR THE YEAR 1859— '60.

PRESIDENT,
TENCH TH.GHMAN, Oxford, Maryland.

VICE PRESIDENTS,

^f. B. Clodd Alabama,

Syltester Mowrey Arizona,

H. A. Dyeu Connecticut,

A. W. McKee California,

John Jones Delaware,

W. W. CoRCORAin Dist. Columbia,

A. G. Fuller Dacotah,

S. A. Mallory Florida,

Richard Peters Georgia,

D. P. IIoLLowAY Indiana,

J. A. Kennicott I. Illinois,

LeGrand Byington Iowa,

W. L. Underwood Kentucky,

W. F. M. Arney Kansas.

J D. B. DeBow Louisiana,

John Brook3 Massachusetts,

N. N. Harrison Mississippi,

A. KiMMELL Maryland,

Henry Ledyaud Michigan,

SzHKiEL HoLUBS Maim,

I H. M. Rice Minnesota,

J. R. Barrett Missouri,

Henry F. French New Hampshire

J. H. Frazee New Jersey,

B. P. Johnston New York,

Manuel A. Otero New 3Iexico,

W. T. Brown Nebraska,

H. K. Burgwyn N'orih Carolina,

F. G. Cart Ohio,

J. H. Lane Oregon,

A. Clements Pennsylvania,

Elisha Dyer , Rhode Island,

F. W. Alston South Carolina,

Thos. Affleck Texas,

Delano R. Eckels Utah,

Fred. Holbrook Vermont,

W. A. Spencb Virginia,

D. S. Curtis Wisconsin,

I. S. Stbvkns Washington T.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,

Tench Tiluhman, [Ex -officio,).... Mary land,

Marshall P. Wilder ....Massachusetts,

Hbnf.y Wagbr New York,

John McGowan Pennsylvania,

Frederic Smyth New Hampshire

JoaiAH W. Ware Virginia,

J. Mbrryman Maryland,

Horace Capron Illinois,

J. M. Cannon Iowa,

B. P. PooRE, {Ex'officio,)....Massaehusett-i.

TREASURER,

Bbnjamin B. French. Washington, D. C.

SECRETARY,

BsN: PaHLiT Voo^*, near Newburyport, Mass.
B>i-nne.is Of?x« of the Society, 35(5 Perm. Avenue,, Washington, D. G.

OPERATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

The Journal of Agrkulture. is published quarterly, and mailed free of charge to Hono-
rary, Life, and Annual Members of the Society. Gentlemen not connected with the So-
ciety, who may desire to receive it, are invited to enrol themselves as Members. Life
Members receive an elegant Diploma, all the publications of the Society, free tickets of
admission to all exhibitions, and their share of such seeds and cuttings as may be pro-
cured for distribution, without any additional assessment or payment beyond the admis-
sion fee of ten dollars. Annual Members receive the publications of the Society, paying
a fee of two dollars. County or town societies have the privilege of making their Presi-
dent, Secretary, or Treasurer ex-officio a Life Member, in which case the society will re-
ceive the publications, &c. Remittances for membership can be made by mail to Hon.
B. B. French, Treasurer U. S. Agricultural Society, Washington, D. C.

A Secretary'' s Office, Library, and Reading Room has been established at No. 356 Penn-
sylvania avenue, Washington City, where the members of the Society, and others inter-
ested in agricultural improvement meet as brothers at a common home, and find a col-
lection of objects in which they have a common interest. Many State and County societies
have contributed their published transactions, premium-lists, the names of their oflficers,
and other information, which has been duly registered, and they have received the pub-
lications of the Society in return. A majority of the agricultural and numerous other
publishers have contributed their periodicals and ncAvspapers, and thus aided in forming
a Free Agricultural Library at the National Metropolis. Donations of models, specimens
of fertilisers, and engravings of cattle or agricultural implements, are also solicited.

Annual Exhibiiions. — These have been held at Springfield, Mass. : Springfield, Ohio ;
Boston, Mass. ; Philadelphia, Pa. ; Louisville, Ky., and Richmond, Va., each exhibition
distinguished by some national feature. They have been self-sustaining, the receipts
meeting the disbursements of upwards of one hundred and twelve thousand dollars for
premiums and expenses ; and they have not only increased the efficiency of State and
Local Associations, but have called together larger assemblages of people than have ever
been convened upon other occasions, embracing not only our most intelligent yeomanry,
but gentlemen of every art and profession from every portion of the wide-spread Union,
evincing that the national pulse beats in unison with our own, and that the public voice
is responsive to the call, g®"" The Seventh Exhibition will be held near Chicago, Illinois,
Sept. 12-17, 1859. No pains will be spared to render it worthy of the vigorous region
in which it is to be held, and of the nation which the Society represents. This number
of the Journal contains the first edition of the Premium List, which oiFers liberal awards
for the various classes of Domestic Animals, Fruits, Flowers, Native Wines, Farm and
Garden Products, Specimens of Mechanical Ingenuity, and Agricultural Implements.
See page 13G.

Annual Meetings. — Seven of these have been held at Washington city, and they consti-
tute in reality the central "Board of Agriculture," recommended by the Farmer of Mount
Vernon. Gentlemen from almost every State in the Union, (many of them delegates
from Agricultural Associations,) have annually assembled to discuss such topics as have
been presented, calculated to advance the cause of agricultural improvement ; interest-
ing and valuable lectures have been delivered by practical and scientific farmers; reports
have been submitted by committees specially appointed to examine new inventions and
theories, and by delegates who have been accredited to the agriculturalists of other land ;
and there has been a general interchange of opinion.

The United States Agricultural Society was founded in June, 1852, by a national Agri-
cultural Convention, (called by the direction of twelve State Agricultural Associations,)
at which there were present one hundred and fifty-two delegates, representing twenty-
three States and Territories. It has since been in active operation, receiving the confi-
dence, patronage, and favor of American agriculturists, and co-operating with State and
Local Associations. If it has not accomplished all which its founders anticipated, or
which its present ofticers desire, it has furnished pleasing evidence of its growing pros-
perity and usefulness. All who wish to aid in awakening an extended and general in-
terest in the cultivation of the soil, are respectfully invited to enrol their names with
those who have founded this National Agricultural Organization, and who desire to
make it worthy of the great interest upon which the prosperity and happiness of our
country. is dependant.

Washington, D. C, Julji, 1859.

JOURNAL OF ACtRICULTUEE.

Vol. VII. JULY, 1859. No. 2.

HOW AGRICQLTURE CAIT BE SUSTAINED, AKD ITS
PERMANENT PROSPERITY PROMOTED.

BY PROFESSOR FRANCIS G. CAREY, OF COLLEGE HILL, OHIO.

It is a stereotyped truth, that a correct system of agriculture lies
at the very basis of our national prosperity. Its importance will be
magnified the more we consider it. In its physical, social, political,
and moral bearings no subject should command more the attention
of the political economist, the statesman, and the philanthropist.
Ours, too, are essentially an agricultural people, and this pursuit
employs more capital and more labor than all others combined.
"With its progress is identified every important interest of this great
nation.

It becomes, then, an important problem, In what manner this in-
terest can he best sustained and its permanent prosperity secured.

The exchange of friendly salutations which the present occasion
affords to those engaged in this noble pursuit, is an opportunity
that all must highly appreciate, and one from which we have reason
to hope great benefits may arise to ourselves as individuals and to
the public at large.

Agriculture, though as old as civilized society, has been practiced
up to the present time as a very simple art, while as a science it has
occupied no very conspicuous place in the estimation of the learned,
or figured largely in councils and cabinets.

To compel the earth to produce the largest return with the least
possible outlay of time and labor, has constituted the chief study of
the American farmer and planter ; hence, productiveness of crops
and destructiveness of soil have been the two most prominent fea-
tures of our agriculture, while to secure large farms and to lay them
under the severest contribution, has been the efibrt of the more en-
terprising ; and when the soil is exhausted or ceases to be remuner-
ative, it is abandoned for new fields, the occupants exulting in the
thought that there is a vast area yet intact in the far west ; thus the
soil in the older States is worn out. Even in the great agricultural
States of Pennsylvania and New York, where formerly large crops

12

90 Remarks of Professor Carey of Ohio,

of wheat were grown, the soil is now incapable of producing this
cereal, and the yield per acre in portions where still cultivated is
constantly diminishing. The farmers of Ohio, in many places, are
now seriously asking the question, Shall we continue the culture of
wheat, or shall we abandon it ; and if it is abandoned, what shall
be substituted for it ?

In view of such reckless system of tillage, what shall be done ?
All along our eastern slope, from Maine to Georgia, we may see
vast tracts of once fertile land turned out to common, impoverished
and exhausted, incapable of producing any thing, much less a re-
munerative return, still, like an army of locusts, the march of emi-
gration is westward, devastating and destroying, leaving a desert
in their track. And now that facilities for travel and transit are so
much increased, our people, with true Anglo-Saxon rapacity, are
extending with unwonted strides the same vandal policy to the wild
woodlands and prairies of our vast western domain ; and these mul-
tiplied facilities, so far from improving agriculture, are stimulating
industry to the highest pitch, bringing into requisition increased
numbers of labor-saving machines, thereby drawing more rapidly
and with less expense of time and labor the elements of fertility
from the soil, making merchandise of them to foreign countries,
rendering its impoverishment the more extensive, speedy, and
certain.

The reaper, the mower, the gang-plow driven by steam, the ten
thousand patented and unpatented machines which ingenuity is
furnishing, and which are so liberally encouraged, are but so many
engines to aid in this work of destruction, so long as the same ex-
hausting, reckless system is continued. "We are setting the com-
bined powers of nature, with all the genius and skill of man, to
draw the life-blood from the soil with more than Briarian strength.

Depletion, constant depletion, has been the inculcation and prac-
tice enforced by precept and example, despite the efforts of all who
have exercised guardianship over these matters. If any more pow-
erful argument can be made, or necessity pleaded, for the interpo-
sition of proper statesmanship than the one furnished in the start-
ling fact, that of the one hundred and twenty-five millions of acres
under cultivation in these United States, we are worse than wasting
its capabilities to an extent not less than three hundred millions of
dollars annually. I know not where that argument can be found —
a sum literally incalculable, and yet this exhaustion is yearly accu-
mulating in geometrical ratio. True, this physical atrophy is going

How Agriculture can be sustained. 91

on so slowly that it is not felt. It is now upon our limbs, but will
soon pervade our very vitals unless arrested. Certainly, some more
rational system must supplant the present, or a dread future is
before us.

Some are ready to ask, May we not look with confidence to the
numerous agricultural societies, farmers' clubs, and lyceums now
formed and forming for the rapid improvement and ultimate reno-
vation of our system of tillage ? These have had and will continue
to have their beneficial efiects ; they lead to investigation and awaken
a spirit of inquirj'.

The numerous fairs held by State and county associations, bring
together experienced and successful cultivators to exhibit the results
of their well-directed efibrts and skill, and a generous rivalry in the
difi:erent departments of agriculture, horticulture, and mechanical
improvements is secured. Yet, after all, but few important facts,
and fewer general principles touching improved culture, are elicited
or brought into available form. There can be no extended classifi-
cation of facts and analyses had, such as are necessary to the dis-
covery of general laws, in the hurried manner in which these fairs
are necessarily conducted ; and too frequently these exhibitions are
so managed as to make the chief interest to consist in feats of horse-
manship or some more ridiculous device to catch the multitude,
with no higher motive than to make it pay — a grand commentary,
surely, on the taste and intelligence of our people.

Many are disposed to trust in the general improvement of the
country — to the progress of the age in arts and machinery, but not
only these do not reach the evil, but tend directly, as we have seen,
to enhance and aggravate it.

Another method has been recommended in some parts of our
country, and adopted with partial success, viz., the appointment of
lecturers, who shall impart suitable scientific instruction to those
disposed to listen.

But two important difliculties meet us here : The first to secure
men qualified to lecture, and the 2nd, no less insurmountable, to
find interest and capability in communities to appreciate or apply
the information given. Besides, our scientific men are themselves
rarely practical men.

Without mentioning other expedients for revolutionizing or im-
proving our present defective system of tillage, we assert that all
relief must come from science — applied science.

The deeply interesting but occult problems found in agriculture,

92 Remarks of Professor Carey of Ohio,

cannot be solved without institutions adapted to the proper educa-
tion and liberal enlightenment of this class of those who are to be
the leaders, at least. We must establish ilistitutions that shall not
stop with the mere theory, but such as shall unite theory with prac-
tice, under a rigid system of analj^ses and examination of phenom-
ena, carried forward through a numerous and long continued series
of experiments, and under a great variety of circumstances.

Now, it is a notorious fact, that while there is no science in which
so many laws of nature must be consulted and understood, the gen-
eral and prevalent feeling has been, that to be a farmer and a suc-
cessful one, too, almost no education at all is needed. This has
arisen in part from the fact, that as agriculture is both a science
and an art, the class who thus undervalue it, have never looked,
upon it in any other light than a very simple art. This view has.
been prevalent with the learned and the .illiterate alike, and yet the
deficiencies of our present system of tillage has been most apparent
to all, the facts furnished being too startling not to have com-
manded every one's notice, and to the more reflective thej'^ have
been such as to excite alarm. As to the remedies for their correc-
tion, there is more contrariety of view. Some, with stolid indiffer-
ence, are ready to sa^^, iron necessity, gaunt famine, with his bony
fingers, must stand before us ere proper action will be had ; that as
long as we have plenty of territory yet unoccupied, no eflbrts at
reform need be attempted: But these are not the inculcations of
the political economists, the statesman of enlarged, liberal, and en-
lightened views, or the great conservators of the public weal in this
republic of the people. We believe, with all their neglects and defi-,
ciencies, they are right, and when the time comes, and come it will,
they will act, and act efiiciently; and if once they, take this matter
in hand, in good earnest, the days of demagogues, charlatans, and
political mountebanks are at an end. Let but the measure recom-
mended in conformity with the principle expressed in the late Report
of the Secretary of the Interior, become the settled policy of this
government, viz., " to elevate agriculture, so essential to our loealth
and prosperity as a 7iation, at least to an equality loith other pursuits "
and a new order of things would soon be inaugurated, and we verily
believe the people would endorse and sustain it this very day. .

But the restoration and the sustentation of our soils, the increase
and improvement of our crops, and other mere material and physi-
cal advantages, important as they are — and certainly in this money-
loving age they must be conceded to be especially so — we propose

How Agriculture can he sustainedi , 93

to secure to oiivselves and to our children, in addition to these,
vastly Uigher and more ennobling results by the adoption of sucli en-
lightened policy as we propose. It is no other than to make men,
to make sovereigns, who shall become the safe custodians of the
"grand magna charter" of our liberties.- A system of industrial
university education, such as we would urge upon your attention,
would dignify labor most successfully, and while it would add to
our physical comforts and multiply and greatly magnify our social
enjoyments, would give stability to our free institutions.

The prestige of power and distinction are now wanting to this
pursuit, and nothing but education can supply this essential attribute.
The insignia of war and the battle field are not the accompaniments
of the quiet and peaceful pursuit of husbandry. The sword has
been the sceptre. Its successful champions have been regarded as
earth's most distinguished, glorious, best. Conqueror, General,
in the nomenclature of the world's ethics, have been titles most
conspicuous, and the best passport to civil office and place.

The giant power of this nation is in the plough. Its trophies
should be our boast. But this humble instrument can never attach
to it the pomp and splendor of the sword, which still dazzles in the
sunlight and gleams in cherished splendor in the distance. The
power and grandeur which comes from the plough, must arise out
of an enlightenment which no mere adventitious circumstances
can supply — no such dazzling magnificence as bravery attracts.

We complain of the slow progress agriculture is making, and we
set ourselves to divine the cause. It stands before us written as
with a sunbeam. It has not in itself that dignity which you rightly
claim for it, and never can have in its present low estate. Its daily
round of toils, without mind, enlightened and elevated by thought,
can have no attractions — no high claims to favor. 'Tis education
alone that can impart to it true dignity. "The mind is the urn
that scatters beauty o'er all the universe." On what, then, is based
our hopes of a brighter day to this important — the most important
pursuit of man? It is in the abiding conviction that a better sen-
timent— a redeeming spirit has taken possession of many minds,
and silently, yet surely, working a revolution among the people.

The facilities for intercommunication — the spread of books and
papers to an extent unknown before in the world's history, are
among the means efficient in this work. How intimately do the
physical improvements of the day, too, blend with human progress.
The moral power of the railroad will never be estimated; it ramifies

94 Remarks of Professor Carey of Ohio,

every interest, and adds importance and influence to every indi-
vidual man, and every pursuit. By it, the luxuries of other climes
are ours, and the wealth of every land flows with the freedom of
the atmosphere. The stone from the mountain, the iron, the silver,
the gold from the mine, the very earth upon which we tread, the
air we breathe, and the sky upon which we gaze are invested with
a value hitherto unknown.

Here is again brought into requisition, and stimulated with new
impulse, that vital element to mental, moral, or physical progress,
furnishing alike its incentives and rewards, viz : industry.

This very element, with her skill and enterprise has, as with an
enchanter's wand, turned wastes into fruitful fields, and brightened
the scene with all the glories of a refined civilization, insomuch
that it is hard in these days to find place for the no-occupation
gentleman. Modern civilization has assigned to the idler no place!
The questions once were, what do you know? and who were your
ancestors? But now the great interrogatory of these stirring times
of ours is, what can you do ? And he that by his precepts or prac-
tice decries these utilitarian tendencies, deserves to be neglected
and despised : for he is doing all in his power to restore the night
of barbarism, from which the world is emerging, and roll back that
tide of improvement which is now, by well-directed industry, bless-
ing and restoring it to a second Eden. It is in obedience to this.
Heaven's great ordinance, that we owe all that is glorious in the
present or cheering in prospect : for it is by the worker that this
dark world of ours has any hope of a resurrection.

Never was mind more fully aroused than at present. This is
shown abundantly by our constantly increasing catalogue of useful
inventions, and we need but give to this spirit a direction and sup-
port to effect still greater and more stupendous results. It remains
for us to give to the planter and farmer the advantages to be de-
rived from the prosecution of the sciences directly in the line of
their own pursuit, and then give to him the position now most suc-
cessfully obtained on the hard-fought field, where the glory of an
enemy vanquished is the prize sought by the general, and the num-
ber slain the measure of his prowess. There is no prestige of
antiquity can throw around this calling its own proper dignity, and
furnish to it the lustre and laurels of distinction and eminence. It
has its classic story : it has been the theme of the poet, philosopher,
and sage ; it dates back to a patriarchal age — to the time when
Adam in the garden dressed the first budding plants and watered

How Agriculture can he sustained. 95

the first blooming rose. There is no reason, if antiquity could
impart dignity, why this should not he the most honored — the most
honorable of human pursuits. 'Tis not in that iron necessity which
compels all trades to look to this calling for food, for raiment, and
for shelter, that will place the cultivator of the soil in his proper
position; 'tis not in any or all these combined to do it. This much
desired consummation can only be efiected by properly dignifying
labor, which must be secured by placing within the reach of every
young man of industrious habits the means and the motives of an
extensive and liberal education, with the distinct object of fitting
him for the higher attainments in his own chosen pursuit. As well
may we expect to gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles, as to
reap a rich harvest of blessings from the seeds we are now sowing.
The remedy we seek can only come from knowledge — from a sound,
thorough, liberal, and at the same time practical education. Our
present collegiate institutions do not answer this necessity, they are
mostly but the types of a mediEeval age, modified, it is true, but not
Americanised ; aristocratic and not republican. Many of the States
are putting forth noble efforts for the establishment of colleges —
industrial universities.

The bill now before Congress for an appropriation of a portion
of the public domain, to each of the States and Territories, to assist
in the permanent endowment of such institutions in every State, is
indicative of progress in the right direction. Never, since the for-
mation of our government, has a more important measure been
submitted to them for their calm, decided deliberation and action.
Morrill's Land Bill, to provide colleges in behalf of agriculture and
the mechanic arts, if carried out, would not only be the index, but
the harbinger of a more advanced civilization than history records.

Since the war notes of our successful struggle for civil liberty ceased
to vibrate, the plough, loom, and anvil, supported and sustained by
a prosperous agricultural community, have filled the land with their
trophies. Capital and labor, successfully united in the hands of
the farmer, mechanic, and merchant, have advanced our country in
a comparatively short period to unexampled wealth, eminence, and
power. The agricultural pursuit, though rich in its mines of im-
material wealth, of science and thought, has up to this time been con-
tent with its material treasures; and while contributing its full share
to all the enterprises and institutions that have for their object the
ennobling and dignifying of man, those means and facilities most
essential to a like elevation of those engaged in this occupation have

96 RemarTcs of Professor Carey of Ohio,

been neglected, so that the present state of agricultural science may
be characterised by an accumulation, of facts all unclassified and
unarranged, like brick and stone piled around the site of some
noble edifice about to be erected, awaiting the hand of some master-
builder, equal to the task of putting together the scattered materials
and constructing therefrom a sj'stematic whole.

Without further detail, then, we are brought to the inevitable
conclusion that if we would improve our present defective system
of agriculture, if we would secure its permanent success, and make
our land the glory of all lands, we must have institutions, well en-
dowed, adapted to such as would be eminent agriculturists. And
it is high time, if the swokd have her colleges supported by law,
the PLOUGH sh'ould have hers, believing that it is as much a matter
of national policy to know how to feed men scientifically as it is to
kill them.

In conclusion, we ask you to cast your eye along our broad val-
lej^s, and over our green hills and widely extended plains, and in-
quire who are to people this wide domain now received fresh bloom-
ing in virgin fertility from the hand of the Creator, and give to it
its physical and political development ? Who have already sub-
jected its ocean to steam, and spanned its depths with the mystic
wire? Who have ribbed its land-surface with iron, and sent the
locomotives whirling to and fro with the speed of the wind? We
answer, the producers, the workers, north and south. It is to them
we would open the portals of science all over this broad land, that
they might not only become intelligent, but educated ; toiling not
only in the field, but in the more ennobling mines of scientific
thought ; that while the phj^sical wealth shall be greatly augmented,
so likewise will the moral and intellectual, and in their aspirations
to be men, our farmers, man}' of them, should become statesmen,
and such as would be worthy of the distinction.

We claim that it is the imperative duty of a people possessing a
country of such acknowledged fertility and boundless resources, to
persevere in such efibrts and instrumentalities as will introduce a
new social order of things, and lay deeper foundations for a purer
and more exalted civilization than history records.

That here amid such fertile and broad valleys, and boundless
prairies, agriculture, so long bafiled by the stubbornness of other
soils and more uncongenial climes, should reach a higher state of
perfection than ever before; that she should scatter broadcast, not
only her pomonal riches, strew hef flowers in profusion, and pour

How Agriculture can he sustained. 97

her cereal treasures round the hearths.tone of every home, hut dignify
hy a higher mental culture than ever before ; that our manufacturing
industry should not only be made to excel by calling forth the re-
sources of every productive power, putting into requisition every
hardy and needy hand, and sitting as a presiding and propitious
genius on the skirt of every forest, and by the bend of every stream,
hut that those who toil shall become wiser and better ; finally, that our
commerce, by which products are so magically transformed to gold,
may not only lade her trains and ships, bring back the choicest
commodities of other countries, and thus crown the physical triumph
of this teeming land, hut that a higher intellectual culture crown the
whole. And we rejoice to know that the tendency is rapidly to this
point — that the west and northwest are alive to this interest. All
that is required is a consolidation of the powers and forces now in
existence. Science and art will yet wield the sceptre of influence
over all the forces in antagonism. " And while there are many who
look on this great triumphal procession of the ages, as it moves on
with its enginery of labor and its enblazonry of art, from the great
' owldom ' of the past, the star-lit rookery of books and myths, and
forms and creeds, and croak most sadly over this material age, as
they call it, and long for the return of the reign of words of drivel-
ers and of dogmatizers," we say let them croak. "With all their
learning, they have not learned the signs of the times. ITiis con-
summation 80 devoutly to be ivished will surely come.

EDUCATION OF THE AGRICULTURIST.

No man is so high as to be independent of the success of this
great interest; no man is so low as not to be affected by its pros-
perity or decline. Agriculture feeds us ; to a great degree it clothes
us ; without it we could not have manufactures, and we should not
have commerce. These all stand together like pillars in a cluster,
the largest in the middle — and that largest is agriculture. The cul-
tivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. Man may
be civilized, in some degree, without great progress in manufac-
tures, and with little commerce with his distant neighbors; but
without cultivation of the earth, he is, in all countries, a savage.
Until he gives up the chase and fixes himself to some pUce anci
seeks a living from the earth, he is a roaming barb^ri^n, When
tillage begins other arts follow. The farmers, tl^erefore, are the

founders of human civilization. — Daniel Wel^tjer^
13

98 Journal of Agriculture.

AGRICULTURAL SCHOOLS— THEIR CHANCES OF

USEFULNESS.

BY A. L. ELWYN, M. D., OP PHILADELPHIA, PA.

As much interest is excited in many parts of the country as to
these places of instruction, and in several of the States the legisla-
tures have been pressed to establish them, even the National Coun-
cils entreated to give lands for their foundation, and two or three
of the States have after a strong struggle succeeded in putting such
places in operation, it will not perhaps be improper or untimely to
inquire of what use they are to be, and what or how much good
they can do. There is no doubt a strong feeling in favor of what
is called education, in this country ; whether it be a correct one, or
whether we understand the meaning of the word, or are devising
the best means of extending the thing itself, it is not worth while
at this time to ask.

As a mere general proposition, it may be stated that education
must be in harmony with the prevailing public opinion, with the
prevailing mental condition, with the tastes, habits, &c., of a people.

As these schools of agriculture are entirely new among us, it is
a natural and proper question to ask, whether they are wanted, and
whether there is a sufficient popular taste for them to make them
at once and decidedly of advantage, or whether they are premature
attempts, based on some speculative or imaginary good, and so far
beyond the feelings and ideas of those for whose benefit they are
intended, as to make failure inevitable, and all that was projected
a mortifying disappointment, and a useless and unavailing endeavor.

It is a truth that minds sometimes exist who can penetrate the
future, who can gather up the links of a long chain of thoughts, to
a length much beyond their own lives, or even their own age ; who
can project and advance themselves so far out of the present as to
mingle with, almost see a part of the events and passions of coming
times. I

Such men, and the ideas they put forth, are generally suspected
or misunderstood by the dullness, the stationary, stagnant mind,
of the period in which they live. They are, for a long time, the
abused, despised, or ridiculed martyrs of their schemes, and so con-
tinue till what they have long foreseen becomes to all a marked

Agricultural Schools. 99

I

and obvious necessity. It has beien manifest to all who kept along
with the course of events, or C'buld form conclusions from them,
that agriculture, considered by most men as a plain practical pur-
suit, where all that was dull found repose, and all that was active
was deadened in its spirit, was rapidly rearing itself into a power
and exalting itself to a liberal p^f-ofession. It is, we think, beyond
dispute, that for some years in Europe, and to a considerable ex-
tent in this country, more mental effort has been given to the pene-
trating and examining the prof(|i)und secrets and sublime mysteries
of this art, than to any other, o^' it may be than to all others.

The art of governing men, th(J dealing with and controlling human
passions, have their limits. The means are small, the subject tem-
porary, the ends passing awajr with, and mingling with time and
its events, till on the broad disk and wide surface of things they
seem but floating and fleeting shadows. But in agriculture, a mind
venturing on its examination enters not upon a waste, but upon a
field so rich, so gorgeous, andj so extensive, that it is amazed and
almost bafiied by its immensity ; nature opens on him with a col-
lection of treasures so vast and various, that the most powerful and
the most audacious understanding shrinks into modesty at the
view. There are a thousand labyrinthine passages to move upon,
a thousand cross paths to traverse, a thousand portals to open, till
in the perplexity and confusion the strongest, the most constant,
and the most untiring, find that they are mastered, and that all they
can do is to take in their hand some one thread, and follow to its
end, as far as they have strength to move with it, the single narrow
avenue of science they have chosen. The few years a man has of
active mental power, is hardly enough to solve a single problem.
Even with the most powerful efibrt or series of efforts that the most
powerful understanding can make, or has made, there is hardly an
unshaken result in science. Every endeavor seems but a prepara-
tion for another, a clearing the way for the work of some other.
Like the sea, the surface of the mind is ever and unceasingly ruffled
by thought, and sometimes stirred into storms ; but its waves ever
break upon and are bounded by a shore where often very little is
found but the ruins that they have borne ; yet there is constant de-
mand for effort, and while man is formed as he now is it will be
ceaseless. Doubt or despair* are not elements of genius, and no
true lover of knowledge e-.ver gives way while he has strength, or
till the lance shivers in his hand by the force of his own blows.

There are beauties so enticing, hopes bo alluring, prospects so

100 Agricultural Schools,

cheering, objects so exciting, tliLit he cannot hesitate, but moves
buoyantly ever onward. It may be he has done but little in com-
parison with what there is to be done, but if he have established
one fact, he has so far developed a mystery, and advanced a step
over the threshold of nature. He has not lived for nothing, though
it may be when age has chilled his mind, he may look back and
see with pain the wreck of ideas that lay strewn along his path, and
find confirmed the maxim of the great philosopher, that he "ap-
peared a child picking pebbles beside the great ocean of truth."

It would be a mere waste of money and labor to found and endow
institutions so elevated in their range of study, or so unpopular or
little suited to the national tastes and ideas, that no one would
enter them. There is, too, another difiiculty to overcome in calling
such places into existence — that of finding teachers for them, for
these cannot be called forth at will, but come only when there is a
body to be instructed, who demand their services and reward their
labors. But agriculture has two departments, for which prepara-
tion must be made in all places where it is to be taught ; its phi-
losophical and its practical. It is a serious matter to bring these
together, so that the one may not affect, neutralize, or injure the
other. It is doubly difiicult in this particular art, since its practice
requires manual dexterity, mental rest, and as a general rule, wher-
ever either of these is one's strongest quality, it causes the neglect
of the other. Yet if agricultural schools mean anything, they cer-
tainly design to call forth thought, to make men understand in the
work they are to go through, its object and its end, as well as the
mode of doing it. But in what condition would a country be whose
farmers were philosophers and not practical men. "What would be
its cultivation, if mind and not muscle was expected to do its work.
There is very little doubt that a general famine would soon make
philosophical farming an undesirable and an unsafe pursuit.

Still it is a fact, that agriculture has been advanced and improved
by the man of thought, and not by the practical man ; or to state
the thing in a manner somewhat less invidious, it is intelligence,
and not routine or custom, not those fixed habits, which dull, chill,
and contract the understanding, that have made the innovations
and improvements of which this noble art may now boast. It is
this intelligence these schools are to call forth, and in so doing,
how they are at the same time to give it practical power and a
practical direction, is a matter of very considerable perplexity.
Unfortunately, it is a matter which those engaging in agricultural

Their chances of usefulness. 101

instruction must meet at the very opening of their labors, and can
in no way evade. If it be not settled satisfactorily to the public
mind, all that has been done, all that is to be done, will be as
nothing. The structures that have been reared will fall in ruins,
or stand as monuments of folly ; and time, talents, treasure, have
been wasted, or given to the world as mere warnings of the hazards
of ill digested or badly conceived projects.

It is usual in this country, whenever a new project is started, to
look to Europe and see what has been done there. The idea is
natural, and to some extent commendable; but we must be cautious
in this, and remember that our country in no way resembles the
nations of Europe, not in institutions alone, but broadly, largely,
and completely diflers from them in the ideas of the people. From
the general diffusion of intelligence in this country, there is a con-
stant pressure, a constant moving on with all those who have a for-
tune to make, or a path to clear. There is nothing stationary
among us as in Europe, nor is intellect classified as there ; nor is
education inaccessible here, as among large bodies of those in old
countries. Still, with whatever favor we may regard this condition
of things, it has its unfavorable side. One of its consequences is,
that no demand exists for the higher order of talent, and- no en-
couragement is offered to it in those severer departments of know-
ledge which require time and effort to attain. Even in Europe there
is much difficulty in finding that combination of qualities, which
unites science with tact and skill, in a practical art ; yet without
something of these last, of what value is the director of a farm
school ? An intimacy with chemistry, natural philosophy, or natural
history, will not compensate for such ignorance, and we have very
little doubt, that the reason why the schools of Europe have not
done all that was expected from them, is the want of men to con-
duct them. "We shall feel this still more bitterly, if we are foolish
enough to turn agricultural schools into universities with a high
range of studies, and a corps of professors to teach them.

There are other portions of this great problem of agricultural
education on whose solution we are now opening that must have a
particular attention. One is, is the education to be general or spe-
cial, and for what portion of the community is it intended ?

Whether these schools are founded for a general or a special pur-
pose, will depend very much on the condition and character of the
primary education of the region where they are established. If the
elementary instruction be tolerably thorough, a class will exist ready

102 Agricultural Schools^

to be advanced to something higher, ready to take advantage of
such opportunity, or even to demand it. In such circumstances
there can be very little doubt as to what the range of studies should
be. The mental activity already developed and in movement will
indicate it. But there are parts of the country where the primary
instruction is extremely imperfect, giving nothing more than those
meagre elements, which, when the real labor of life is seriously
begun, are nearly forgotten, or can hardly be traced. It would be
an act of extreme foll}^ to take minds so meanly prepared, and so
imperfectly furnished, and place them where the instruction was of
a high order. There is now and then a strong mind, backed by a
strong will, that can master knowledge of this grade: but the larger
number, even all but an extremely small number of exceptions,
would withdraw, bafiled and disappointed from the attempt.

The question then will be, Are these schools to be places for the
attainment of general knowledge, agriculture being more or less
prominent, or are they to be places where this art is taught practi-
cally, and where youths will be made to appreciate the importance
and the necessity of the labor of the mind and of the body ? Such
schools have a great end in view ; they are not only to draw forth
and animate intelligence, but to give it direction.

In doing this their first great purpose is, besides making every
3'outh fully aware of the necessity of labor, also to make him to feel
that toil and thought may go together, without the one being en-
feebled, or the other roughened by the contact. There is a diffi-
culty in this, and the difficulty seems to consist in the idea, an old
far-descended impression, that physical toil has in it something de-
grading ; yet we hear much of the dignity of labor, as if men could
live in the world or the world could go on without it, or as if there
were occupations free from this duty of man, and as if certain per-
sons could inhabit this sphere and be mere spectators of the roll of
events, as if they and their fortunes were things apart, and not de-
pending or allied with the world's machinery or its movements. It
is true that there is no dignity in labor, except so far as it implies
an integrity of purpose, and a desire to be independent of the hard
fortune meeted to us, unless it be united with an intelligence that
directs its ends. The youths at West Point are obliged to perform
the duties of common soldiers, and in so far as they understand
these they make the better commanders. A body of these young
men would win more battles than three times the number led by
ignorance, and commanded by the same quality, however strong or

Their chances of usefulness. 103

muscular it may be ; and the youths of our naval school will be far
more efficient seamen and commanders by being taught the practi-
cal details and the philosophy of their profession at the same time.
The same influence will be exerted on agriculture, when those who
do its work are made intelligent by education, and made to feel
that they are engaged in an occupation as full of honor as any other.
These schools are not to be established for a class. All who enter
them must labor. Agriculture is to be learnt in its most minute
details, and all idea of degradation in the plough, the spade, or the
manure heap, is to be utterly excluded. Our country wants a com-
plete displacement of that kind of false pride that leads the young
men of the country to imagine there is something too humiliating,
too plain and simple, in the operations of a farm for their vaulting,
high-stepping ambition ; that to rush into cities, to crowd into pro-
fessions and trades, to live by one's wits, to demean one's self by
servility, to learn arts, tricks, cunning, till dishonor too often fol-
lows the access of their fortunes, has in it something more gratify-
ing to their self conceit, more plausible and more flattering to a
vanity that has not been made modest by disappointment or broken
by necessity.

Farmers as a class know very little of any labor but that of the
body. Their minds are dulled by toil, and routine and custom take
the place of thought. As a general rule this may be true, but it
must be borne in mind that necessity haunts them through their
lives ; that painful, exact, and severe labor are the attributes and
elements of their avocation ; and beginning, as most of them do,
with debt and a small capital, it is an evidence of the most earnest
industry, of the hardiest exertion, to meet, to endure, and to con-
quer the weight of encumbrances, the rough handling of mental
solicitude, and that array of troubles that beset them in the vicissi-
tude of seasons, which lie down wnth them at night, rise with each
morning's sun, and move with them step by step throughout their
lives. To such men, or to the sons of such men, it would be fop-
pery to ofier an education, burdened with the refinement of science ;
they could not appreciate it, and it would be ruin to them to accept
it. To work is their duty and their necessity ; from this there is no
escape, and no farm school can prosper or be useful, even in a small
degree, in which the impression of this imperious necessity is not
firmly fixed, and the mind of every youth made to feel, not only
that personal toil is honorable, but that his character, bis success,
and his fortunes rest upon it. It is schools of this kind we wish to

104 Agricultural Scliooh.

see established ; that the class to which we allude may receive such
an education as will give them an intelligent view of their profes-
sion in all its details, and lead them to love and to study the high
purposes of nature, and all the magnificent objects she, in her bounty,
lays lavishly before them. There is no difficulty in establishing
schools which may, by courtesy, be called agricultural, where the
taste for agriculture may be created and cultivated, where even its
practice may form some part of their design; as far as they go, these
are valuable, but they are not intended for the working farmer, and
it would be unfortunate for him if he entered the walls of one of
them. Their design is to give to men of liberal means a more ex-
tended field of knowledge, to widen their sphere of action, to put
them in contact with, and make them familiar with the great and
substantial basis of the industry of nations. So far they are of great
importance, and should in every way be encouraged, but beyond
this they do not avail much. They may form a sympathy for labor,
but they do not create a love for it. They may give an esteem for
the child of labor, but form no desire to share his toil. They may
encourage a love for the country, in itself an immense good, for
there is in the depths of every, or nearly every bosom, a poetical
sentiment, a natural and iiresistible affection, that draws men to-
wards rural scenes and rural life ; and there have been very few of
the best and most eminent men, the wearied man of business, the
harassed man of care, the perplexed man of thought, who have not,
at some time, looked to them as offering all the world can give of
tranquillity and repose.

But it is not worth while to establish schools for the development
of the poetical sentiment, or to attract men to the country, or to
give opportunities, or to increase the desire for retirement. To the
great mass of mankind life is a stern, practical reality. To very
few does it ever ofier more than a passing wish, or a fugitive hope,
that it may be something else, or something better ; no one feels
this more than the man of labor ; to him, there is no other poetry
in his occupation than in the increase and the amount of his profits ;
and no one has a more biiter assurance of this than the farmer, who
too frequently sees, upon the inclined plane of his fortune, the ex-
penses going up and the profits going down.

The education to which we allude, and to which we give our
adherence, is not one that sharpens the mind, but debilitates the
machinery with which it works, nor one that while it makes agri-
culture a liberal occupation, at the same time creates a contempt

Washington's Love, of Agriculture. 105

for the toil and practice of it. To follow a plough is in fact as
wort hj' as trade; and to manage a farm requires far more mind,
vigilance, attention, and labor than most of the departments of busi-
ness. It is true that it has enemies to encounter, more generous
and less artful than man ; that storms and vicissitudes of seasons,
the immediate representatives of the powers of heaven, baffle his
efforts, still nature is his constant friend, and her smiles lighten his
labor, and make it prosperous,

THE ARCHIVES OF AMERICAN" AGRICULTURE.

COMPILED BY BEN: PERLEY POORE, OF MASS.

First Attempt to Establish a National Agricultural Organization.

The establishment of a central organization for the promotion of
agriculture, to be located at the home of the Federal Government,
was first proposed to the people and to the Congress of the United
States by George Washington. "Never," (says the cultivator of
Sunny Side,) ''had he virtually ceased to be the Agriculturist.
Throughout all his campaigns he had kept himself informed of the
course of rural affairs at Mount "Vernon. By means of maps on
which every field was laid down and numbered, he was enabled to
give directions for their several cultivation, and receive accounts of
their several crops. No hurry of affairs prevented a correspondence
with his overseer or agent, and he exacted weekly reports. Thus,
his rural were interwoven with his military cares; the agriculturist
was mingled with the soldier; and those strong sympathies with
the honest cultivators of the soil, and that paternal care of their in-
terests to be noted throughout his military career, may be ascribed,
in a great measure, to the sweetening influences of Mount Vernon.*"
When again called from his well cultivated acres, to ascend the
Presidential chair, he strenuously advocated the advancement of
agriculture, and a national system "placing the cultivators of the
soil, and their instruction and excitements to improvement in their
art, under national patronage. He was anxiously solicitous in this
patriotic endeavor. It was not imputable to him that it failed.
Had he been fortunate enough to accomplish it, no action of his
life would have deserved more celebrity and public gratitude."!

On the 4th of July, 1785, General Washington was elected an

* Life of George Washington, by Washington Irving,
f Sketches of Gen. Washington's Private Character, by Richard Peters.
U

106 Archives of American Agriculture.

Honorary Member of the "Philadelphia Society for the Promotion
of Agriculture,"* recently established at the seat of government, in
the proceedings of which he always afterwards exi)ressed a deep
interest. Agriculture was a favorite topic in his voluminous cor-
respondence, and among those from whom he sought rural infor-
mation, were Arthur Young and Sir John Sinclair of England. A
perusal of the proceedings of the "British Board of Agriculture,"
founded by Sir John Sinclair, evidently inspired General Washing-
ton with a desire to see a similar institution established in the United
States, although he was aware, from the opposition manifested
against all national or federal measures, that it might not be popular4

In reply to a suggestive inquiry made by Sir John Sinclair, Gen-
eral "Washington wrote, on the 20th of July, 1794: "It will be
sometime, I fear, before an Agricultural Society, with Congres-
sional aid, will be established in this country ; — we must walk as
other countries have before we can run, smaller societies must pre-
pare the way for greater, but wnth the lights before us, I hope we
shall not be so slow in maturation as older nations have been. An
attempt, as you will perceive by the enclosed outlines of a plan,
is making to establish a State Society in Pennsylvania, for agricul-
tural improvements. If it succeeds, it will be a step in the ladder;
at present it is too much in embryo to decide npon the result."

In a letter to the same distinguished agriculturist, dated July 10,
1795, General Washington wrote: From the first intimation you
were pleased to give me of this institution, I conceived the most
favorable ideas of its utility; — and the more I have seen and re-
flected upon the plan since, the more convinced I am of its import-
ance in a national point of view, not only to your own country^ but
to all others which are not too much attached to old and bad habits,,
to forsake them, and to new countries that are just beginning to.
form systems for the improvement of their husbandr3'."f

In September, 1786, Sir John Sinclair again urged upon his illus-
trious correspondent the establishment of a central Agricultural As-
sociation. "The people of this country," (he wrote,) "as well as
of America, learn, with infinite regret, that you propose resigning
your situation as President of the United States. I shall not enter
into the discussion of a question of w^hich I am incompetent to
judge; but, if it be so, I hope that you will recommend some agri-

* Minutes of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture.
•)■ Letters on Agriculture from His Excellency George Washington, &c. Edited by
William Knight.

Central Agricultural Organizations. 107

cultural establishment on a great scale before you quit the reins of
Government. By that, I mean a Board of Agriculture, or some
similar institution, at Philadelphia, with Societies of Agriculture in
the Capital of each State, to correspond with it. Such an estab-
lishment would soon enable the farmers of America to acquire Ag-
ricultural knowledge, and, what is of equal importance, afford
them the means of communicating what they have learnt to their
countrymen."*

This suggestion was doubtless seconded by Col. Timothy Pick-
ering, of Massachusetts, then Secretary of State, who had during a
temporary residence in Pennsylvania been elected the first Secre-
tary of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture,
and who was a zealous advocate of concert of action among agri-
culturists. The "Farewell Address" had been published. In the
"President's Speech," delivered on the 7th of December, 1796,
when Washington met the two Houses of Congress for the last
time, he said :

"It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual
or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In pro-
portion as nations advance in population, and other circumstances
of maturity, this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the
cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage.
Institutions for promoting it grow up, supported by the public
purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with greater pro-
priety? Among the means which have been employed to this end,
none have been attended with greater success than the establish-
ment of Boards, composed of proper characters, charged with col-
lecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums, and
small pecuniary aids, to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery
and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly
to the increase of improvement, by stimulating to enterprise and
experiment, and by drawing to a common centre the results every-
where of individual skill and observation, and spreading them
thence over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shown
that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits."|

A few days afterwards, on the 10th of December, General Wash-
ington acknowledged the receipt of the letter from Sir John Sinclair
containing the suggestion quoted above, and stating that the rap-
idly closing scenes of his political life left him but little time to de-
vote to Agricultural matters. "I did not however," he wrote, " omit
the occasion, at the opening of the session, to call the attention of
that body to the importance of agriculture. What will be the re-

* Letters of Sir John Sinclair, Bart.

I Messages of the Presidents of the United States.

108 Archives of American Agriculture,

8ult, I know not at present ; but if it should be favorable, the hints
which you will have it in your power to give, cannot fail of being
gratefully received by the members who may constitute that Board."
That General Washington took a deep interest in the adoption
of his recommendation, and that he was anxious to enlist promi-
nent agriculturists, as well as Congress in carrying out his plan, is
shown by the following letter, addressed by him to Judge Peters,
who had a fac simile of it appended to the second volume of the
Transactions of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Ag-
riculture :

"Dear Sir: Herewith you will not only receive the Outlines, &c.,
{asked for yesterday,) but the appendix thereto ; — and other pro-
ductions from the same quarter; which, when you have done with,
be so good as to return.

" These, or some of the Papers, may be of use to a committee, if
Congress should incline to take up the subject of Agriculture.

" Your observations, with the return of the papers, will be very
acceptable to Dr Sir, Yr. obdt. k Aftec.

"G. WASHINGTON.

"10th Deer. 1796.— [Superscribed] Richard Peters, Esq."

The Senate, in an address in answer to the speech, drawn up by
Senator Read of South Carolina, and adopted after having been
discussed and amended, said: "The necessity of accellerating the
establishment of certain useful manufactures, by the intervention
of the Legislative aid and protection, and the encouragement due
to agriculture by the creation of Boards, (composed of intelligent
individuals,) to patronize this primary pursuit of society, are subjects
which will readily engage our most serious attention." No action
was however taken on the recommendation of the President by the
Senate.

The House of Representatives, on going into a Committee of the
Whole House on the President's speech — '■^Resolved, That so much
of the President's speech as relates to the promotion of Agriculture,
be referred to a select committee, and Mr. Swift, Mr. Gregg, and
Mr. Brent, were accordingly appointed." Mr. Swift was an able
lawyer from the rural town of Windham, Connecticut; Mr. Gregg,
an educated farmer from the interior of Pennsylvania, and Mr.
Brent represented an agricultural district in Virginia. They doubt-
less had before them the papers referred to in General Washington's
letter to Judge Peters.

On Wednesday, January 11th, (as we learn from the "Annals of
Congress,") " Mr. Swift, from the committee to whom was referred

Central Agricultural Organizations. 109

that part of the President's speech relative to the promotion of Ag-
riculture, made a report recommending the institution of a Society
for that purpose, under the patronage of government, which might
act as a common centre to all other societies of a similar kind
throughout the United States. No public provision is contem-
plated except for the salary of a Secretary, and for stationery; but
if the state of the Treasury should make even this unadvisable, it
is stated it might be carried into effect without pecuniary aid. The
report is accompanied by a plan, the principal articles of which are,
that a Society shall be established at the Seat of Government; that
it shall comprehend the Legislature of the United States, the Judges,
the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary
of War, the Attorney General, and such other persons as should
choose to become members according to the rules prescribed ; that
an annual meeting should be held at the seat of Government, at
which is to be chosen the President, Secretary, &c., and a Board,
to consist of not more than thirty persons, v/hich shall be called the
'Board of Agriculture;' that the Society shall be a body corporate;
that a report shall be made annually, &c. The report concluded
with a resolution in these words:

'•'■Resolved, That a society for the promotion of agriculture ought
to be established at the Seat of Government of the United States.

"The report was twice read, and ordered to be committed to a
Committee of the Whole on Monday next."

On Monday, the House went into a Committe of the Whole, on
the report of the Committee of Waj-s and Means on the subject of
further revenue, and during a prolonged debate as to the necessity
for direct taxation, there was a conflict of opinion between the rep-
resentatives of commercial and of agricultural constituencies, which
, perhaps made the friends of the resolution fearful that it would — if
pressed to a vote — be defeated. Besides, it was associated with
a recommendation for a Military Academy, which Mr. Jefferson
had openly opposed, on the ground that "none of the specific
powers given by the Constitution to Congress would authorize it."*
Three days after the termination of his Presidential career, the

* Col. John Taylor of Caroline, in one of his admirable essays signed " Arator," cen-
sured Congress for their action in recommending a Society, which he called a "toy for
its amusement," and said : "This toy was found to be unconstitutional, because it would
add but little to the power of the general government, and the infant was turned to graze
in impoverished fields. The constitution was construed to exclude Congress from the
power of fostering agriculture by patents or bounties, and to give it the power of foster-
ing banks and manufactures by patents and bounties."

110 Archives of American Agriculture^

6th of March, 1797, and when abotit to return to rural life at Mount
Vernon, the "haven of his hopes," General Washington wrote to
Sir John Sinclair: "I am sorrj to add, that nothing final in Con-
gress, has been decided respecting the establishment of a National
Board of Agriculture, recommended by me, at the opening of the
session. But this did not, I believe, proceed from an}^ disinclina-
tion to the measure, but from their limited sitting, and a pressure
of what they conceived, more important business. I think it highly
probf^ble that next session will bring this matter to maturity."

These brief extracts show clearly the desire of the "Father of his
Country" to see a Central Agricultural Organization established,
under the fostering care of the Federal Government, and they call
for a conspicuous record on the monument now being erected to
his memory, that " the encouragement of Agricultural Improve-
ment and Information, was amono; the favorite Welshes of his heart."

Establishment of Agricultural Fairs at Washington.
Soon after the commencement of the present century, there was
a general disposition manifested to encourage agriculture, and to
use such fabrics only as were of home growth and manufacture. It
was suggested by several prominent gentlemen residing at the fed-
eral metropolis, which was at that time literally "a city in the
country," that the ready sale of cattle and of domestic products
would be promoted by the holding of Fairs, or market days, as in
Europe.* The municipal authorities approved the idea, and thus

legalised it :

An ac{ providing for the establishment oji semi-annual Fairs.

Be it enacted by the First and Second Chambers of the City Cou?icil of Washington, That
two Fairs be held in every j-ear within the city of Washington for the sale of all kinds
of cattle, p:oods, wares, and merchandise, on the first Wednesdays of May and November,
under such regulations as the mayor may prescribe, of which Fairs he shall make due
notification. " SAMUEL H. SMITH,

President of the First Chamber of the City Council of WasMngton.

nighI)las king.

President of the Second Chamber of the City Council of Washington.
Approved August 25, 1804.

ROBERT BRENT, Mayor.

S. H. Smith, Esq., who signed the above act, was the founder of
the " National Intelligencer,'' and the Fairs were warmly advocated
in its columns. An editorial article in that paper on the 17th of
October, 1804, spoke of the coming fair as offering advantages to
purchasers and to sellers, " while at the same time it can but prove
equally beneficial to the agricultural interest of our country."

* Fairs for the sale of Agricultural products were first established iu this country at
Weathersfield, Connecticut, October 20, 21, and 22, 1784.

Central Agricultural Organizations. Ill

The Fair was held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, on
" the mall at the south side of the Tiber, extending from the bridge
at the Centre Market to the Potomac," the ground now occupied
by the Smithsonian Institution. Before the next one was held, an
attempt was made by additional legislation on the pan of the city
government to increase its usefulness, by offering inducements to
agriculturists to bring their cattle and their produce, viz:

An act suppkmentarjj to an act entitled An act providing for the establiahment of semi-anmial

Fairs.
Be it enacted, cj-c, That for the better regulation of the semi-annual Fairs, the general
superintendence thereof shall be vested in three persons, to be appointed by the mayor,
who shall hold their ofiice one year, and shall be called the board of directors for fairs,
whose duty it shall be to make all regulations for providing accommodations, making
notifications, receiving stall and stand rents, preserving order during the continuance of
said fairs, and allow such compensation to persons employed for these purposes as may
appear to them reasonable.

Sec. 2. And be it enacted, That the said board of directors are authorized and dis^cted^
to open a semi-annual subscription and solicit donations, to create a fund,. wla:ic'h shall
by them be distributed at their discretion in premiums to persons w^.o shall furnish at
such fairs the best productions of the kind which may be considered, the ijiost desirable,
to promote.

kSEC. 3. And be it enacted, That the sura of fifty dollars is hereby appropriated towards
a fund for premiums, and the sum of fifty dollars for a$con;ipoda,tions .and oth&r expenses,
which mav occur.

SAMUEL H. SMITH,

President of the Jj'irat Charjiber, ^c.
NICHOLAS KING,

President of the Second Chamber, ^c.
Approved April 22, 1805.

ROBERT BRENT. Mayor,

Messrs. James Hoban, Joseph Hodgson, and Henry Ingle were
appointed a "Board of Directors," and they announced on the ?oth
of April that the Fair would be opened on the first W^diiesday
and remain open until the Friday afternoon following^ They also
announced that "premiums to the amount of one hundred dollars"
would be " awarded to the best Lamb, Sheep, gteer Milch Cow
Yoke of Oxen, and Horse actually sold at i)\Q Fair." A third Fair
was held in November, 1805, after whic^-^ |-]^ey were discontinued.

The Society for Prow^^f^^^ p^j^.^ Uconom^,

Early in the year 1806, Jo'^ii P,nrir.TTr tPr,^ ^.i, --i. -^ .

^ ,, y. ., .' ^^^^^^^o^^'-l^sq-, then residing at ]^alo.
rama, m the vicinity ot Wa^hino-trm r>,ii.i:^u i ..i ^

,,,' . , . , -^ „ '^asnmgton, published the prospectus of
a " JSational Acaderov. in whinL l^ «„,,. ^ i ,

. ,., ,. , , •^' "^^^aicli tie enumerated among the for-
eign institutions to be conied in fnrnn",^^. ov, a • • .

* . ,• ,^ . "-/P^^^ 1" 101 n""g an American organizatr-,,
the Agricultural Societies of England and the Veterinary Sc> ..i;
France. • *^ ^^'^^ ot

Meanwhile an institution had been oro-anized bv u
Congre., office, of the fe.e.a, go.e^.et; 'a^d ote.Tot; fo
objects connected w>th public economy. Meetings were hlldlt

112 Archives of American Agriculture^

Mr. Ilervey's, on Pennsylvania avenue, every Saturday evening,
from 5 until 8 o'clock, and among the subjects considered were:

"4thly. Our mechanical economy, or the means of abridging
labor by' useful inventions, implements, and apparatus.

" 5thly. Our agricultural economj^ or the means of producing tlie
most abundant and most reciprocal corps, under any given circum-
stance, without doing things by guess.

"6thly. The economy of our forests, or the best management of
our latent resources there."

This was probably the association alluded to in the proceedings
of the Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, on
the 8th of April, 1806, when Dr. Mease, in describing a machine
for hulling clover, recommended that the account "be published in
the newspapers, and communicated to the Agricultural Society at

Washington."

^^ National Fair.''

Under this head, the following announcement appeared in the
Philadelphia "Aurora" of July 6, 1809, and it was copied in the
]!:^ew York and Washington papers:

"As many persons have been anxious to know when and where
the show of sheep, cattle, manufactures, &c., is to take place, as
sometime since noted in the papers, we think proper to state that
several flocks, particularlj^ fine Merinos, and other sheep, are already
arrived, and that the lair will be held at Bush Hill, in the north-
west suburb of this city, on Monday next, 10th July."

No account of this first " National Fair " was given, so far as the
compiler of this article has been able to ascertain, by any newspaper
or correspondent. It may have been held by the "Philadelphia
Cattle Society," which was organized in that year, and which held
a Cattle Show at Bush Hill, on the first of October of that year.

The Arlington Sheep Shearings.
The determination throughout the Union to wear goods of do-
mestic manufacture, gave an impetus to wool-growing, and the im-
portation of choice sheep soon became a mania. A fine flock of
French merinos was selected from the royal sheep-fold at Pambou-
illet, and brought over by Mr. Livingston ; and Col. Humphreys
sent from Spain a flock of 75 ewes and 25 rams, of pure Spanish
Merino blood, of which 9 were lost at sea, and the remaining 91
were landed at Derby, Conn., in 1802. Large importations of Span-
ish Merinos were soon after made, and several flocks were selected
for the District of Columbia by William Jarvis, Esq., U. S. consul

Central Agricultural Organizations. 113

at Lisbon, who guaranteed the "Paulars" to be of "the true Leo-
nese Transumaute Merino blood," and the " Aquirres, in point of
pure blood and fineness of wool, not excelled by any Cabana in
Spain." Some of these sheep were sold at fabulous prices, and for
some years wool-growing was the most prominent feature of Ameri-
can agriculture, while "sheep-shearings" were the farmers' festivals.
Prominent among these "sheep shearings" were those estab-
lished and continued for a dozen years by George "Washington
Parke Custis, at "Arlington," his estate opposite Washington, on
the Virginia side of the Potomac. Those associated with him in
after life in the "United States Agricultural Society," will not
wonder that large collections of prominent men used to accept his
hospitable invitation to be present at these gatherings, where he
entertained his guests beneath the marque used throughout the
revolution by his illustrious guardian, George Washington. A pro-
gramme of one of these rural festivals, as published in the George-
town paper of the day, merits preservation :

PREMIUMS AT ARLINGTON,

On the 30th April, 1809.

SHEEP.

For the best Tup Lamb of one year, a Silver Cup, value 60 dollars.

For the best pair of Ewes of same age, a Silver Cup, value $40.

Principle established.

" To the Sheep which shall possess the best form and yield the most and best wool in
proportion to its size, the premium will be adjudged."

To the man (being a native American) who shall clip a fleece, in shortest time, and
best style, by clipping after the English fashion, $5.

3Ianufactures.

For the National Military Dress, or uniform of Morgan's Riflemen, with a complete
statement of the expense accompanying the same, $20.

For the best five yards of Cloth, yard wide, and composed of cotton and silk, the silk
to be derived from articles which have been worn out, as gloves, umbrellas, etc., $15.

For the best blanket of common size, $10.

For the best five yards of flannel, to be all wool, $10.

For the ball of wool Yarn, weighing one pound, which shall be spun to the greatest
fineness on a wheel, to be ascertained by weighing any ten yards in the ball, $5.

To that family in the county of Alexandria, who shall make it appear, that they have
made the greatest quantity of wearing Apparel of Domestic Manufactures, and used the
least of foreign importations —

The largest prize Fleece.

To that family in said county who shall prove that to a given number of female chil-
dren the most are good spinners —

The next largest fleece.

To the cultivator of the soil, in said county, who shall prove that he has manured
most land from his own resources, in the last 12 months — Toll free at the Washington
Mills for one year.

Washington, Nov. 20.

After the premiums had been awarded at these festivals, Mr. Cus-
tis would invite his guests to partake of liberal cheer beneath the
Washington marque, and would then "call out" gentlemen from
various sections of the Union, giving as his own contribution to the

"feast of reason" interesting reminiscences of his childhood at
15

114 Archives of American Agriculture,

Mount Vernou. He would also always bring forward his project,
(which may be found in the National Intelligencer of November
24, 1810) of establishing a National Agricultural Organization, to
be incorporated with the government, and attached to a National
University. It was also published in pamphlet form.

The Columbian Agricultural Society.
This society, established in 1809, was not only the germ of a
national organization, embracing difierent States, but is entitled to
the credit generally given to the Berkshire, Mass., Agricultural So-
ciety, of having held the first agricultural fair in America. As this
is an interesting fact, (entirely overlooked in the historical account
of agricultural associations, compiled by D. J. Browne, Esq., for
the Patent Office Report of 1857, and by other modern writers,) a
complete account of the organization of the society is given, as it
was published in the Georgetown Independent American.

Agricultural and Manufacturing Society.

We have great pleasure in announcing to the public the formation of a Society, under
the most favorable auspices, for the promotion of objects relating to agriculture and
manufactures.

The following are the first proceedings of those who have so meritoriously laid the
foundation of an institution pregnant with individual gratification and national good.

At a meeting of a number of gentlemen of the neighboring country held in Georgetown on Wed-
nesday^ the \st of November, 1809.

Resolved, That we will associate for the purpose of encouraging Home Manufactures
and the rearing of Domestic Animals, by inviting exhibitions and distributing Premiums —
that we will contribute each Ten Dollars annually, during three years, and that we will
hold our meetings in Georgetown, in the district of Columbia.

Resolved, That Joseph Kent, of Prince George's county; Thomas Chramphin, of Mont-
o-omery county; Henry Manadier, of Anne Arundel county; John Mason, of Georgetown,
and Tench Ringgold, of Washington county, be a committee on the part of this meeting,
to make known their views to the citizens of the neighboring counties of Virginia and
Marvland, and of the district of Columbia, and to invite such as may be disposed to en-
courao-e the objects in contemplation, to unite with us in rendering the proposed insti-
tution^as extensively useful as possible.

Resolved, That a meeting of all the subscribers to the plan be held at the Union Tavern,
in Georgetown, on Tuesday, the 28th inst., at 1 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of organi-
zing the society, appointing a time for the first exhibition, making arrangements as to
premiums, &c.

Georgetown, Col. Nov. 2, 1809.

Sir We have the pleasure to transmit to you the proceedings of a meeting held yes-
terday in this town, for the purposes therein designated.

Well persuaded that the plan devised will be of much advantage to the community by
occasionally bringing together gentlemen fixrmers & others to emulate each other, in
the productions of our country, we beg permission to recommend it to your notice and
patronage, and to invite you to join your eHbrts to ours, to encourage the objects in
contemplation, and to render the proposed institution as extensively useful as possible.

Should it meet with your approbation, we beg the favor of you to circulate the en-
closed subscription paper among your friends for signatures, as early as your conveni-
ence will permit.

We hope to have the pleasure of meeting you on the 28th, but should it not be agree-

Central Agricultural Organizations. 115

able to you to attend, be pleased to forward to us by mail or otherwise, directed to Gen.
John Mason at this place, a list of the names you may obtain, so as to reach us pre-
vious to that day; as it will be essential, in order to fix the amount of premiums, to
know at the meeting then to be held, the number of persons who have at that time
joined the association. The original subscription paper j'ou will please retain for fur-
ther signatures.

We are very respectfully, sir, your obedient servants,
Joseph Kent, Thomas Cratnphin, Henry Maynadier, John Mason, Tench Ringgold.

We, whose names are subscribed, agree to associate for the purpose of forming and
distributing premiums for the encouragement of home manufactures, and the rearing of
domestic animals — to pay ten dollars each, annually for three years — hold our meetings
in Geo. Town, and the first meeting for the purpose of organizing the Society, at the
Union Tavern, in said town, at one o'clock, p. m., on Tuesday the 28th of Nov. 1809.

We understand that the circular letters of the committee have been addressed to, and
favorably received by a great number of the largest farmers and most enterprising agri-
culturists, in the territory and the neighboring States; and that it is already ascertained
that the fund will be large enough to enable the society to propose, at their next meet-
ing, considerable premiums for the exhibition of various kinds of stock & manufactures,
to be adjudged to those who shall merit them, sometime in the course of next spring.

How extensively and reciprocally useful must not a plan of this kind become ? Gen-
tlemen at a distance from each other, engaged in those important pursuits, will have an
opportunity of imparting and receiving information on interesting subjects — of forming
mutual connections and acquaintances — of exchanging and distributing stock of different
and improved breeds — and in short by thus being occasionally convened at a central
point, of diffusing throughout the whole country whatever advantages in stock or in
manufacturing that may happen to be possessed, not only by any portion of this district,
but by any individual member of that society.

Tuesday,- November 28, 1809.

A number of the subscribers to the plan for forming a Society for the purpose of en-
couraging Home Manufactures, and rearing domestic animals, met at the Union Tavern,
in Georgetown, agreeably to a resolution of a number of gentlemen of the neighboring
country, held at this place on the first instant.

John Teackle, Esq., was appointed chairman, and Nathan Lufborough, secretary.

Doctor Joseph Kent, from' the committee appointed at the last meeting to procure sub-
scribers to the Instituiion, made report of the names of a number of gentlemen who hadi
subscribed, viz :

Henry Maynadier, Edward Lloyd, Charles Carroll, of C, Upton Scott, John Shaafe,
Arthur Shaafe, Upton Bruce, John F. Mercer, John Mason, Tench Ringgold. William
Crawford, William Mason, Nicholas Snowden, Osborne Sprigg, John M. Gantt, Joseph
Cross, Joseph Kent, Charles Ridgeley, of H., Leven Powell, Isaac Duckert, Henry Gaither,
Nathan Lufborough, Charles C. Jones, Thomas M'Kcnney, Charles Worthiu'iton, Joel
Barlow, Robert Graham, Alex. Henderson, John Williams, George Graham, George Ma-
son, Henry Foxall, John Threlkeld, William Marbury, John Cox, Washington Bowie,
Thompson Mason, William H. Foote, Walter D. Brooke, Edward M'Carty, Henry Rose,
Richard M. Scott, James C. West, John C. Vowell, Nicholas Fitzhugh, William Moss,
Thomas Cramphin, John Bowie, Thomas Corcoran, William Whann, David Wiley, Thomas
Peter, Marsham Waring, James Dunlop, Walter Smith, William Lee, A. L. Joncherez,
John W. Bronaugh, Thomas Davis, John C. Thomas, Richard Snowden, Thomas Snow-
den, Joseph Nourse, John Teackle, George Calvert, John Cook, Daniel C. Brent, Isaac
Briggs, Bernard Gilpin, Roger Brooke, James Irwin, Robert Patton, Daniel Carroll, of
Duddington, Daniel Dulany, Rinaldo Johnson, Wm. A. Dangerfield, George W. P. Custis,
Samuel Ridout, Brice J. Worthington, Abhanassius Fenwick, Phillip B- Key, William
Steuart.

On motion, ordered that John Mason, William H. Foote, Joseph Kent, David Wiley,
and Isaac Briggs, be a committee to prepare a system of general rules for the organiza-
tion and government of the society, a,fid that they make report to this meeting.

After a short retirement, Gen. Mason, in behalf of the aforesaid committee, reported
the following sj'stem of general rules, which were read, considered and unanimously
adopted, viz.

116 Archives of American Agriculture,

1st. That the society shall be called, " The Columbian Agricultural Society for the
promotion of Rural and Domestic Economy ;" and be continued for the term of three
years from the third Wednesday of May next.

2d. That there shall be hereafter in every year two general meetings of the society, to
be held on the third Wednesdays of May and November, at such public house or other
place, in Georgetown, as may from time to time be appointed, at which meetings the
members present shall form a quorum, and be competent to do all business which may
properly come before them.

3d. That the officers and agents of the society shall be a President, Vice President,
Secretary, and standing committee, who shall be appointed at this meeting, and in every
general meeting in November hereafter.

4th. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at the general meetings of the
Society, and at the meetings of the standing committee — to hold correspondence, im-
mediately, or by means of the secretary, with the members of the standing committee,
and such other members of the society, or other societies, or such individuals in the
United States, or elsewhere, as he may deem proper, for the purpose of obtaining and
communicating information relative to the objects of the institution, and to be in all re-
spects the organ of the society and of the standing committee, except as to the collec-
tion and payment of money.

5th. The Vice President shall be ex-ofiBcio a member of the standing committee, and
in case of the absence, death or resignation of the President, shall supplj'- his place.

6th. It shall be the duty of the secretary to make and preserve a record of the trans-
actions of the society and of the standing committee ; to collect, preserve, and under
the direction of the society or president and standing committee, pay out all subscrip-
tion or other monies due to them or subject to their controls, and at every meeting of
the society, to exhibit such statement of his receipts and expenditures, as shall be to
them satisfactory — and to do and perform such other matters and things as may be di-
rected or enjoined by the president, by the standing committee or by the society.

7th. The standing committee shall consist of twenty members, selected from the sev-
eral counties of the District of Columbia, and of the adjoining Slates. They shall hold
their first meeting on this day. and at such other times and places as they may appoint,
or as they may be called to meet by the President ; the number convened, not less than
five, shall form a quorum — it shall be their duty, when so convened, to determine upon,
fix and make public such premiums, under proper restrictions, as they may deem most
conducive to promote the views of the society ; in the absence of the President and
Secretary, or either of them, to make a temporary appointment of a suitable person or
persons in his or their place, and in general to take such measures and do such things,
under the direction of the society, as shall to them appear meet. And as individuals, it
shall be their duty to pay a particular attention to the state of agriculture in their own
neighborhoods, to the manner of raising and supporting stock, and to the progress of
domestic manufactures — and in conjunction with such members of the society as may
preside in their vicinage, to use their endeavors to correct such errors and to introduce
such improvements, in rural and domestic economy, as they may be enabled to discover
from their own experience and observation, or from their correspondence and connection
with the society.

8th. All premiums shall be adjudged at one of the general meetings of the society, by
a board of five members appointed by the President and standing committee, from
among such disinterested persons as maj' be present.

9th. No person shall be allowed to exhibit any article for premium unless it has been
raised, grown or made in some county of this District or of a State, in which there shall
reside at least one member of this society, or any article for which a public premium
shall have previously been given.

10th. The society will lay no claim to any article for which a premium has been
awarded, but the owner or exhibitor may, immediately after the adjournment of the
society on the day of exhibition, remove such article and dispose of it at pleasure.

11th. The subscriptions of the members shall be paid to the Secretary, on or before
the 10th day of April in each year.

Whereupon, Osborne Sprigg, of Northampton, Prince George's county, Maryland, was
appointed President of the Society, Thompson Mason, of Fairfax county, Virginia, Vice
President, David Wiley, of Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, Secretary, and the
following gentlemen a standing committee, viz :

Counties in Virginia.

Daniel Carroll Brent, John Brook, of Stafford.

Alexander Henderson, William Tyler, Prince William.

William Hayward Foote, Charles Love, Fairfax.

Wilson C. Selden, Wm. W. Bronaugh, Loudoun.

Central Agricultural Organizations. 117

Counties in Maryland.

Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Henry Maynadier, Ann Arundle.
George Calvert, Joseph Kent, Prince George's.
Isaac Briggs, John Bowie, Montgomery.
Philip Stewart, Clement Dorsey, Charles.

Counties in the District of Columbia.

Nicholas Fitzhugh, Wm. A. Dangerfield, Alexandria.

Tench Ringgold, John Mason, Washington.

Adjourned.

Immediately after the adjournment of the general meeting, the standing committee of
the Columbian Agricultural Societj- met — present, Thompson JMason, Vice Pi-esident,
who, in the absence of the President, presided.

Joseph Kent, George Calvert, John Mason, Isaac Briggs, Tench Ringgold — together
with the Secretary.

Ordered, That the proceedings of this day be made public, under the superintendence
of the Secretary, and that he give to the President and gentlemen of the standing com-
mittee who are absent, notice of their appointment, and of the time and place of the next
meeting of the committee.

Adjourned to meet again pt this place on Wednesday the 13th day of December next,
at 11 o'clock A. M.

December 24, 1809.

At a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Columbian Agricultural Society, held
at the Union Tavern, on Wednesday the 13th day of December, A. D. 1809, it was deter-
mined that the following premiums be given at the general meeting of the Society on
the 16th of May next, viz :

Premium 1 — One hundred dollars, for the best two-toothed Ram Lamb. Premium 2 —
Eighty dollars, for the next best two-toothed Ram Lamb. Premium 3 — Sixty dollars, for
the third best two-toothed Ram Lamb.

Best (applied to the above articles) as to quality of wool and quantity in proportion
to carcase.

Premium 4 — Thirty dollars, for the best piece of cotton cloth, proper for mens' coats
or womens' dresses, not less than ten yards. Premium 5 — Thirty dollars, for the best
piece of cotton fancy patterns for vests, not less than ten yards. Premium 6 — Thirty dol-
lars, for the best piece of cotton cloth, suitable for pantaloons or small clothes, not less
than ten yards. Premium 7 — Twenty dollars, for the best cotton counterpane, full size.
Premium 8 — Ten dollars, for the best pair of cotton stockings, large size. Premium 9 —
Thirty dollars, for the best piece of hempen or flaxen sheeting, at least ten yards. Pre-
mium 10 — Thirty dollars, for the best piece of hempen or flaxen shirting, not less than
ten yards. Premium 11 — Thirty dollars, for the best jjiece of hempen or flaxen table
linen, not less than ten yards. Premium 12 — Ten dollars, for the best pair of hempen or
flaxen thread stockings full size. Premium 13 — Tiventy dollars, for the best piece of
twilled bagging, of hemp, flax or cotton, at least ten yards. Premium 14 — Twenty dol-
lars, for the best piece of bed ticking, of hemp, flax, or cotton, or in part of all or either,
not less than ten yards.

All premiums shall be adjudged at one of the general meetings of the society, by a
board of five members appointed by the President and standing committee, from among
such disinterested persons as may be present.

The society will lay no claim to any article for which a premium has been awarded,
but the owner or exhibitor may, immediately after the adjonrnment of the society on the
day of exhibition, remove such article and dispose of it at pleasure.

Reasonable proof will be required, that the several articles of manufiicture have been,
either spun or woven, in families from which they shall be exhibited.

The premiums will be paid in cash, or in plate of equal value, with suitable devices,
at the option of the fortunate competitor.

Premiums to the amount of at least five hundred dollars will be given at the fall
meeting of the society, for neat cattle, woollen manufactures, native dyes, written es-
says, &c.

It is earnestly recommended by the committee, that every member appear at the meet-
ings of the society, dressed in home manufactures.

These details of the organization of a society which held the fii'st
cattle shows in America, and which did not confine its operations
to the district in which it was located or to any one State, were

118 Archives of American Agriculture^

afterwards published in pamphlet form by Mr. David Wiley, the
Secretary. When the time of the exhibition approached, the pre-
mium list was copied into the National Intelligencer. "Attaching
the highest importance (wrote the editor) to the active development
of our internal resources, and convinced that they are the main-
spring of the permanent prosperity of the United States, it is with
unfeigned pleasure that we insert a statement of the plan and meas-
ures of an association, whose respectabilit}^, zeal, and intelligence
are the best pledges for its utility."

The first exhibition was held at the Union Hotel, Georgetown,
on the 10th of May. It was, (said the National Intelligencer of the
following Friday,) "attended by a numerous assemblage of mem-
bers of the Society, amongst whom we noticed the President &
his lady, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the
Secretary of War, the Comptroller, Register, &c., and many other
ladies and gentlemen of respectability. This is the first exhibition
held by the Society, which bids fair to exceed anything of the kind
in the United States, and promises to be of great utility in the pro-
motion of the Agricultural Arts, and particularly of the domestic
manufactures of cotton, wool and flax, by exciting a competition,
which cannot but be productive of good effects.

" There were exhibited a great number of sheep of the best
breeds, amongst which were several half and three-quarter bred
Merinos.

"At half past 11 o'clock, the room for the exhibition of domestic
fabrics was thrown open, when many specimens were displayed
highly honorable to the ingenuity and industry of those who pro-
duced them, and gratifying to those who have at heart the cultiva-
tion of the resources of the country. Some specimens of diaper,
bed-ticking, and cotton bagging were particularly admired as equal
to any imported.

"The result of the da}^ was highly pleasing to all concerned; and
the auspicious commencement of this Patriotic institution furnishes
another in addition to the many evidences already existing of the
public spirit of this district."

A venerable gentleman, now residing in Washington, who was
present, describes the scene as one of great interest, the more espe-
cially as nearly every person present wore clothing of domestic
manufacture. President Madison sported his inauguration suit,
the coat made from the Merino wool of Col. Humphrey's flock, and
the waistcoat and small-clothes made from the wool of the Liv-

Central Agricultural Organizations. 119

ingston flock at Clermont. Gen. John Mason, then Indian agent,
wore a suit of ISTankeen, made from ISTankeen cotton raised on
Analostan island. The sheep were arranged in pens in the large
yards of the hotel, (under the direction of Mr. Crawford,) and there
were also several fine horses on exhibition, among them Dr. Thorn-
ton's "Carlo." This was a large brown bay horse, (imported by
Robert "VValn, who had been a member of Congress from Philadel-
phia,) with a pedigree reaching back thirteen generations to the
Layton Arabian mare, and enriched by crosses with the best stock
in England. Our informant recollects distinctly the admiration
expressed by Mr. Madison after examining the horses and sheep.

The Secretary's official report states that the Committee on Sheep
were: Henry MaynadierandBrice J. "Worthington of Ann Arundle
county, Maryland ; William Hall of Prince George's county, Mary-
land; George Graham of Fairfax county, Virginia; and John Cooke
of Stafford county, Virginia. The first premium of one hundred
dollars was* awarded to Solomon Cassidy, of Alexandria county,
District of Columbia, for his lamb, weighing, unshorn and un-
washed, 53 lbs., 5 oz., — the fleece weighing 4 lbs., 13 oz. The
second premium of eighty dollars was awarded to John C. Scott,
of Strawberry Vale, Fairfax county, Virginia, for his lamb, weigh-
ing, unshorn and washed, 83 lbs., — the fleece weighing 3 lbs., 14
oz. The third premium of sixty dollars was awarded to William
Marbury, of Blue Plains, Washington county. District of Columbia,
for his lamb, unshorn and unwashed, weighing 135 lbs., 8 oz., — the
fleece weighing 6 lbs., 12 oz. These, and the other sheep exhibited
were shorn before the committee, and a premium was awarded to
Mr. Edward Eno, "for shearing a sheep in the neatest, safest, and
most expedition^ manner." Two Merino rams were exhibited,
sired by "Don Pedro," owned by Mr. Dupont, of Wilmington.

The committee on Domestic Manufactures were : William Mar-
bury and John Cox of Washington county. District of Columbia;
William A. Dangerfield of Alexandria county, District of Colum-
bia; Gerard Brooke of Montgomery county, Maryland; and Joseph
Cross of Prince George's county, Maryland. The premiums were
awarded about equally to competitors from Maryland and Virginia.

The following proceedings of the next meeting of the next semi-
annual meeting of the standing committee, (which were published
in the National Intelligencer^) prove that the idea of having sales of
articles exhibited at a Cattle Show was then first announced.

" Oct. 19, 1810. — At a meeting of the standing committee, held at the Union Tavern

120 Archives of American Agriculture^

Georgetown, it was voted to hold an exhibition on Wednesday, Nov. 21st. Ordered that
George Calvert, William Marbury, Nathan Lufborough, John Cox, John Threlkeld, Wil-
liam H. Foote, and Andrew Smith, esquires, be a committee of arrangement to procure
a suitable room for the exhibition of manufactures, and proper lots and enclosures for
the cattle ; to provide and distribute tickets for the admission of members of the Society
and their families, and such other ladies and gentlemen as they may deem proper, and
to do and direct such other things not inconsistent with the rules of the institution, as
may be judged advisable, previously to and during the exhibition.

" And to afford still further encouragement to farmers and manufacturers, it was re-
solved, that all those who may have for sale cattle, sheep, or any articles of Domestic
Manufacture, be invited to bring them to the exhibition, that convenient opportunity be
afforded to exhibit them to public notice, — that stands, proper enclosures, and other ac-
commodations be provided for them, and those who chose it have the benefit of a public
auction, on the evening of the exhibition, and on the succeeding day at an early hour ; it
being understood that the auctioneer be paid by the seller a moderate per centage on the
amount of all articles actually sold, and that the owners beat the e.xpence of provender
and attendance of their cattle and sheep. DAVID WILEY, Secy.

The Second Exhibition was held in what was then known as
"Parrott's Grove," near the present Boyce estate, on the heights of
Georgetown. The National Intelligencer of November 22 says of
it : " The second semi-annual exhibition of the Columbian Agricul-
tural Society was held at Georgetown yesterday. A large concourse
of members and visitors, with their ladies and families-, were pres-
ent. Among the visitors were the President and family, the Post-
master General, the Treasurer, Auditor, the Russian Minister,
Mayor, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Irving, and many other gentlemen and
ladies of respectability. Owing to the late inclemency of the season,
but few cattle were exhibited; but to compensate for this deficiency
there was a great quantity of cotton and woolen domestic fabrics,
comprehending much good cloth, blanketing, carpeting, hosiery,
&c., &c. The blanketing appeared to be most admired, though
much praise was given to several pieces of cloth and carpeting."
The following full list of premiums was published in the Agri-
cultural Museum.

Premium 1 — sixty dollars for the best bull ; to George Calvert, |^q., of Prince George's
county, Md.

Premium 2 — sixty dollars for the best cow with her first calf; to Osborne Sprlggs,
esq., of Prince George's county, Md.

Premiums — fifty dollars for the best fat bullock or spayed heifer, for beef ; to Wil-
liam Stimbergen, esq., of Shenandoah county, Va. He was killed the next day at the
slaughter-house of Mr. Krouse. He was six years old, and weighed as follows : Beef
1402, hide, 123, tallow 190, making 1715 pounds — head 50 feet 25, liver 48, making
129 pounds — blood 87, entrails 273, wastage 50, making 410. Weight of carcase as on
foot, 2254 pounds.

Premium 4 — forty dollars for the best piece of fulled and dressed woolen cloth ; to
Mrs. Ann M. Mason, of Analostan Island, Washington count}', District of Columbia.

Premium 5 — thirty dollars for the best piece of woolen kerseymere ; to Mr. George
M. Conradt, of Frederick-town, Md.

Premium 6 — thirty dollars for the best piece of cloth, cotton warp, filled with wool,
to show the wool on one side ; to George M. Conradt, of Frederick-town, Md.

Premium 7 — thirty dollars for the best piece of fancy patterns for vests, of wool and
cotton; to Mrs. Martha P. Graham, of Dumfries, Prince William county, Va.

Premium 8 — thirty dollars for the best piece flannel, all wool ; to Mrs. Sarah M'Carty
Mason, of Hollin Hall, Fairfax county, Va.

Central Agricultural Organizations. - 121

Premium 9 — $20, for the best piece of flannel, part cotton, part wool ; to Mr. George
M. Conradt, of Fredericktown, Md.

Premium 10 — $10, for the best pair of fine woolen knit stockings; to Miss Patsey
Shackleford, of Culpepper Courthouse, Va.

Premium 11 — $10, fur the best pair of fine woolen woven stockings; none were
offered.

Premium 12 — $30, for the best i)air of fine woolen blankets ; to Mrs. Martha P. Gra-
ham, of Dumfries, Prince William countj-, Va.

Premium 13 — $20, for the best pair of fine cotton blankets; to Mrs. Martha P. Gra-
ham, of Dumfries, Prince William county, Va.

Premium 14 — $15, for the best pair of stout coarse blankets, for laborers; to Mr.
George M. Conradt, of Fredericktown, Md.

Premium 15 — $15, for the best parcel of flax or hempen sewing thread ; to Mrs. Eliza-
beth Gunnell, of Minorca, Fairfax county, Va.

Premium 16 — $40, for the best woolen carpeting in the piece ; to Mrs. Elizabeth May-
nadier, of Belvoir, Ann Arundel county, Md.

Premium 17 — $15, for the best hearth rug; to Mrs. Elizabeth Maynadier, of Belvoir,
Ann Arundel county, Md.

Premium 18 — $20, for the best specimen of durable dye, with the receipt ; to Mrs.
Martha P. Graham, of Dumfries, Prince William county, Va.

The Third Semi-annual Exhibition was held on May 16, 1811, in
"Parrott's Grove " which was then the property of Thomas Beall,
Esq., in whose absence Mrs. Beall had placed it at the disposal of
the Society. The National Intelligencer of the next day says, that
"it was attended as usual by several hundred of the most respect-
able ladies and gentlemen in the district and neighboring counties
of Virginia and Maryland ; among whom were the President, Heads
of Departments, and generally all the prominent officers of the
government ; the French Minister, our Minister to France, &c., &c.
The show of sheep, Merino, mixed blood and native, was said to
be as numerous and respectable as any ever seen in this country ;
the manufactures, exclusively domestic, attracted much admiration.
The premiums were distributed as awarded by the judges ; of which
we shall hereafter give an account. The pleasantness of the day,
the nature of the ground, shaded with forest trees, the fragrance of
the flowers with which the various entrances to the enclosure were
decorated, the presence of the music, and the good humor and
gaiety which it contributed to difluse, rendered the meeting un-
usually agreeable."

The Fourth Semi-annual Exhibition was held in Georgetown, on
the 20th of November, and was fully reported in the National In-
telligencer of the 21st and 26th. " The day was rainy and there-
fore unfavorable to the exhibition, especially of cattle. Of above
a hundred that had been brought into the town and neighborhood,
not more than six or eight were exhibited, — the state of the weather
rendered it so inconvenient. The cattle exhibited attracted general
notice, especially an extraordinaiy steer raised by Mr. Steinberger,

of Shenandoah county, in Virginia. This animal is believed to be
16

122 Archives of American Agriculture,

the largest ever raised in Virginia : it is supposed he will weigh
2,700 lbs. on the hoof, and near 2,000 neat Beef. The show of
Domestic Manufactures could not but be pleasing to every person
present. The specimens of Woolen Cloth, Blankets, Flannels,
Kerseymers, Carpets, Fancy Patterns, Cotton Cloth, &c., evinced the
progress which our citizens are making in this branch of economy.
Many of the articles were judged to be equal, some were thought
superior, to imported fabrics of the same kind."

The Fifth Semi-annual Exhibition of the Columbian Society was
held in Mr. Beall's grove, on the 20th of May, 1812, and was well
attended, although the embargo and other warlike measures occu-
pied public attention. The report in the National Intelligencer of
May 26th, says, that " the exhibition of Domestic Manufacture was
highly gratifying, in point of number of articles, variety, beauty
and quality. There was a greater number of sheep shown than at
any former meeting of the Society, especially of the fine wooled
breed. The Judges of Sheep were the Hon. Joseph Kent of the
House of Representatives,' and the Hon. Thomas Worthijigton, of
the Senate of the United States, and Clement Brooke and John
Threlkeld." Among the premiums awarded were :

14. Twenty Dollars, for the l)est three-horsed jjlough to break up heavy land, to Wm.
Thornton, of Montgomery county, Maryhmd.

15. Ten Dollars, for the best two-horsed plough to break up light land, to James
Brown, of Montgomery county, Maryland.

16. Ten Dollars, for the best weeding plough, to go with one horse, to Soloman Cas-
sidy, of Alexandria, D. C.

1 .These ploughs were tested by : — " Isaac Pierce, Emmor Bailey,
John Neeld, David Frame, and Joseph Canly, Esqrs., Judges of
Ploughs." The premium list, adopted December 11th, and pub-
lished December 19th 1811, had stated that the ploughs would be
expected to " unite in their construction strength, durability, and
simplicity, with steady and easy draught." This was doubtless the
first '■'■ field trial of implements " in America.

Of the Sixth Semi-Annual Exhibition, held at Georgetown, on
the 18th of November, 1812, there is no mention in the newspapers
except the premium list, which was published in the National In-
telligencer of the Thursday previous. The amount of the premiums
offered was upwards of four hundred dollars — among them one of
"twenty dollars for the best written essay on the mode of geering
and working oxen, founded on experiments." Unfortunately, how-
ever, the war with England overshadowed everything else, and as
the time had expired for which the Society had been organized, it
was dissolved. But its successful exertions in awakening a more

Central Agricultural Organizations. 123

general interest in the various departments of husbandry, — not only
in the immediate vicinity of its exhibitions, but in the adjacent
States, — merit a grateful remembrance by the agriculturists of
America. Had the war-trumpet not have summoned many of its
principal members from their peaceful enclosures to the tented field,
there is good reason to believe that its circle of usefulness might
have continued to increase. It had already reached the outer coun-
ties of Maryland and of Virginia, and it doubtless would have gone
on enlarging its area of usefulness, until the cultivators of the entire
Union had become interested in the Columbian Agricultural Society !

The October number of the Journal of Agriculture will contain
an account of the original establishment of the Government Botanic
Garden at Washington city, which is now not only an ornament to
the metropolis, but is of such practical utility in the propogation
and distribution of rare plants, vines, and trees, that the Depart-
ment of the Interior is wisely organizing a similar establishment,
on an adjacent lot of the public land.

In the number for January, will be given the history of the Ag-
ricultural Society of the United States, founded at Washington in
1841, by the exertions of Solon Robinson, B. V. French, and other
gentlemen interested-in the improvement of agriculture.

After having given the history of the Central Organizations at the
national seat of Government, the societies founded in the various
States will be chronicled. All material for these Archives of
American Agriculture will be thankfully received, especially sup-
plementary information or corrections of matter published. Great
care is taken to give nothing but what is well authenticated, but
the compiler acknowledges his liability to err.

THE BREAD REGION.

[The following geographical outliae of the region of the earth which produces " the
staff of life," is from Schouw's work on " the Earth, Man, and Plants." Bj- '-corn" he
means the cereal grains which are used for bread :]

" The bread-line extends the farthest north in Scandinavia, for in
Denmark we meet — only within the fords, it is true — with barley
and potatoes up to 79° N. latitude ; from here it sinks both to the
east and west. It is well known that neither Iceland nor Green-
land possesses bread plants, although the south coast lies in 63^°,
and that of the latter in 60 1^. latitude : and that in the Feroe
Islands, although lying between 61|° and 62i°, there exists but an
inconsiderable cultivation of barley. On the east side of North
America the bread-line sinks still farther to the south, for Labrador

124 Early Experiments with Reaping Machines.

and Newfoundland have no bread-plants, and the limit can scarcely
be put here higher than 50°, consequently much farther south than
in Denmark, where the plains abound in corn. It extends a little
farther north on the western coast of North America, which, as is
well known, possesses a warmer climate than on the east side. The
few data which we find here, render the determination of the north
limit rather higher than 75° or 78°. Turning from Scandinavia
towards the east, we find a depression of the bread-line even in
European Russia, here coming by 67° northward of Archangel.
The curve is considerable in Asiatic Russia; at Ob the north limit
of bread comes to 60°, at Jenesi, to 58°, at Lena, &lh°-, and in
Kamtschatka, which has only a slight cultivation of corn in the
most southern part, it sinks to 51° — thus to about the same latitude
as on the east coast of North America. The bread-line has thus
two polar and two equatorial curves, the former corresponding to
the western, the latter to the eastern sides of the continent."

A HARVEST BY HORSE POWER IN 1842.

[The following report, which it is believed describes the first instance in which a field
was entirely reaped by a machine, was communicated to the Maryland Agricultural So-
ciety for the eastern shore, in 1842, by Gen. Tench Tilghman, on whose land the experi-
ment was made. It has nerer been published, and merits preservation as recording the
commencement of a new era in American agriculture.]

The crop of straw during the present season has been unusually
heavy wherever there was a good stand of wheat, and in those
places where the wheat had failed there was a rank growth of weeds
and grass caused by the heavy rains which fell just before the wheat
was matured. The harvest has therefore been one of uncommon
labor and difliculty, arid has afi:brded an opportunity of thoroughly
testing the improvements which have been made in the wheat cut-
ter since its first introduction amongst us in 1836.

The original machines, of which I worked one for several years,
were very imperfect, and besides numerous other objections to
them, the one which was to me by no means the least, was that
they could not be used without first clearing the way with cradles.

In 1841 I had a cutter made by the inventor, Mr. Obed Ilussey,
expressly to obviate this difliculty, the frame of which is differently
constructed from any other which he has made. It is composed of
two three-inch ash planks, about six feet long and one foot wide;
between these side pieces, which are only fourteen inches apart, is
contained all the machinery, consisting of one very broad cast iron
wheel, to the spokes of which a zig-zag wheel is firmly bolted; this
shakes one end of a lever, the other end of which is attached to the
cutter, causing it to make 14 vibrations or 28 cuts for every ten feet
of ground travelled over. In the forward end of this frame is a
pair of shafts to which two horses are geared, one before the other.
The horses and frame thus travel in the same track, and the injury
to the wheat is but little if any greater than that caused by the pas-

By Gen. Tench TilgTiman, of Maryland. 125

snge of a single horse through it. On the right side of this frame
is a platform extending out from the body of the machine a distance
of five feet, and three feet in width, and on the front edge of this
is the cutter.

In cutting without the assistance of cradles the machine is first
passed up and down the head land or turning row at each end of
the field or piece of land to be cut, thus clearing a space ten feet
wide, which affords sufficient room for turning the machine. This
being done, commence in the middle of a breadth of about one
hundred feet, cutting the entire length of the piece, and return (the
first time) in the same track, and continue widening out until the
whole breadth is' cut. The horses travel on the outside of the
standing wheat, (except in cutting the first row,) and without dis-
turbing the gavels or bunches of cut grain — the operations of bind-
ing, carrying together, and shocking up being carried on at the
same time, and the wheat thus entirely secured without waiting for
or detaining the machine.

I used from 5 to 7 binders, according to the heaviness of the
crop, and had an extra force suflicieut to secure the wheat nearly
as fast as it was bound; the binders assisted in securing it for a
short time every evening, as is customary in cutting with cradles.
lu this way I harvested a field of sevent3^-two acres in an hour less
than five days, deducting only the interruptions occasioned by
weather. There was not in the field during the whole time a sins:le
cradle, scythe, or reap hook; the lodged wheat being saved by the
machine by cutting it all in one direction, so that it would lean
towards the cutter. This field, which lies in front of my dwelling,
is bounded on part of two sides by a creek, the shores of which have
numerous indentations; it is divided by ditches into portions of
almost every size, varying from twenty acres to an eighth of an
acre ; and I therefore consider that the quantity cut per day, which
was nearly fifteen acres, may be safely regarded as the fair average
work of the machine where there is no unnecessary loss of time.

Having thus described the performance of the machine, I think
it proper also to state the difiiculties which have occurred in using
it, that my brother farmers for whom this is intended may know
not only the truth, but the whole truth. These consisted in the
occasional tightening of a few of the many rivets about the ma-
chine, all of which, except a few, remained perfectly tight These,
like many of the accidents to which cradles are liable, might have
been repaired in the field ; but even this was unnecessary, as it was
found all sufiicient to make such repairs as could be done in a few
minutes after night, and without the aid of a blacksmith. The
machine has thus been kept in perfect repair, and is now ready for
another harvest.

These machines are made by the inventor, Mr. Hussey, in Balti-
more, at a cost of $125. He manufactures others of larger size at
prices varying from |150 to |180. They are constructed to cut a
swath of from 6 to 9 feet, and are intended to cut over more ground
in a day than the smaller ones ; but they require more horses to

126 English Experimental

propel them, and this renders it necessary to have the way cleared
with cradles for a beginning.

I am not disposed to question the judgment of those who prefer
the joint use of cradles and machines, but have satisfied myself that
there is a decided economy in harvesting with machines where they
are used without cradles. 1 have written this communication for
the purpose of stating that a field of considerable size has been
saved in good time by the cutter, and by the cutter alone.

TENCH TILGHMAN.

FAR]\iING BY STEAM m ENGLAND.

\_From ^'■All the Year Eound,'" London, May 14, 1859.

The poets of modern agriculture, the happy souls who farm a
little, write a little, and talk a great deal at semi-agricultural, semi-
scientific, and "wholly social gatherings, are crying out in joyful
tones with more fervor than ever — for it is not the first time — that
the doom of the plough has been sealed, and that in five or six years
those Clydesdale and Suflfolk two-year old colts that now sell readily
for <£50 will be sold for <£20, and, as for the old hairy-legged breeds,
they will be to be had for asking! The more sober, like most of
those who live to learn and live by learning, can't go quite so far
or so fast. "We remember that after more than twenty years' expe-
rience the broadcast sheet and the flail still even in England find
usage and defenders within sight of the drill and the threshing ma-
chine, and that in Scotland crack farmers insist on doubling the
work of their men and putting ten per cent, of it on their horses
because they won't condescend to examine the value of the South-
ron-invented Bedford plough. But, although believing that as rail-
roads have not in thirty years closed highways or filled up canals,
it is not likely that steam power will ever entirely banish horse
power, or even horse-drawn implements from our fields, we must
with pleasure admit that 1859 has seen a scratch made on mother
earth by the steam cultivation that will in future years be turned
to as the mark of a practical advance in a theory that had very long
been under the harrows of projectors and inventors.

A thick volume might be filled with the guesses that, in the shape
of projects or patents, have preceded almost every really useful in-
vention. The reaping machine ma}^ be traced back to the time of
the Gauls, wheeled ploughs are to be found depicted in Saxon man-
uscripts, and something like Crosskill's clod crusher is described as
a home-made instrument, one hundred years before the Royal Ag-
ricultural Society gave the Yorkshireman the clod-crushing gold
medal. The French amuse themselves with setting against the tri-
umph of Watt's steam engine the ingenious hints of Salomon de
Caux, and have written a play, in which the Marquis of Worcester,
who was not then born, is made to converse with and rob of his
invention the maniac philosopher. Even of the electric telegraph
faint traces are to be found in some ancient philosophical manuel.

Farming hy Steam-power. 127

Steam cultivation is one of those long-songht, although only re-
centlj' caught, arrangements. For two hundred years projectors
and inventors in two hundred patents have been guessiitg without
success at the agricultural steam truth ; but it does not seem that
any attempt was made to cultivate land by steam power on a scale of
importance, or in a continuous manner, until 1832, when Mr. Heath-
cote, of Tiverton, with Mr. Josiah Parkes for his engineer, com-
menced reclaiming Chatmoss by drainiug and steam ploughing.
The reclaiming did not pay, and the steam ploughing, although
continued for two or three 3'ears with great labor and ingenuity,
did not answer, but the work indirectly led to the construction of
the Parkesian theory of deep drainage, by which agricultural Eng-
land has been revolutionised, and at least doubled in productive
powders. The system adopted by Mr. Heathcote and Mr. Parkes,
of dragging implements by ropes attached to and revolved by a
stationary steam engine, is the only system which, up to the present
time, has been found to answer, although the arrangement of the
details and the materials of the ropes have been modified and im-
proved.

In the following twenty-five years sixteen patents were taken out
for cultivation by steam power, none of which were carried into
execution; and in the last ten years nearly one hundred patents
have been provisionally registered, and more than half that number
specified. But out of this long arra}^ in March, 1859, not more
than six were before the agricultural public as at work, and not
more than three prepared to make and sell th%ir patented machinery.
But, intermediately, two noblemen, Lord Willoughby D'Eresby, in
Warwickshire, and the Marquis of Tweedale, in Scotland, had ex-
pended large sums unprofitably in endeavoring to cultivate by steam
traction.

In 1848, the celebrated Talpa, in his Chronicles of a Clay Farm,
one of the most charming books ever devoted to agricultural dis-
quisitions, suggested that the problem of steam cultivation should
be sought, not in the traction or propulsion of the established im-
plements of the farm, but in a rotary machine, which should dig as
it travelled round, and propel, or, as it were, hoe itself forward
"with a sort of lobster's tail." On this ingenious idea a great num-
ber of inventors have been at work ever since, some at vast ex-
pense, but up to the present time not one successfully in an agri-
cultural point of view. On one, the best of the attempts to realise
Talpa's poetical notion of perfect steam cultivation, and which often
w^orked admirabl}- for an hour or tw^o, more than ten thousand
pounds were expended; but it could never be made to work without
tWe hourly and costly attention of an army of mechanics, and, in
spite of their aid, it continually broke down. If it were strong, it
was too heavy ; if it were light, it was too weak ; and there the
rotary locomotive theory of steam cultivation rests at present.

By a curious coincidence with the story of the origin of modern
agricultural draining, told in the Quarterly Review of April, 1858,
the most profitable sj'stem of steam cultivation was suggested by an

128 English Experimental

attempt to substitute machinery for manual labor in laying drain-
ing tiles. The inventor, Mr. John Fowler, produced before the
Eoyal Agricultural Society, at Gloucester, in 1858, a contrivance
for forcing- a mole plough, drawn by a team of horses, through the
ground at four feet depth, followed by a rope on which a line of
drain tiles were strung. Step by step, he substituted a wire rope
(a modern invention) for hemp, and a portable steam engine for
horses, but when in 1855, at Carlisle, he had succeeded in laying
pipe tiles with great' accuracy in soils tolerably level and free from
stones, he began, we imagine, to suspect that the great elements of
success in machinery — that is, to supersede manual labor, speed,
and economy — were wanting. Hence he was induced to moderate
his ambition, and be content to plough a few inches instead of bur-
rowing three or four feet; and there, after four years of enormously
costly experiments, he has achieved the measure of success we shall
presently relate. But he had a successful precursor in a self-taught
mechanic — as far as he is a mechanic — and a real farmer, in the
person of a gentleman bearing the not remarkable name of Smith,
and, therefore, now distinguished by the title of his farm, as Smith
of Wolston ; a name which, in three years, has become deservedly
famous throughout the ^i^nglish-speaking agricultural world.

The general effort of the agricultural improvements of the last
twenty years has been to increase the 'pace at which agricultural
operations are executed. The first change was to substitute fallow
crops, such as roots, for instance, for the absolute barrenness by
which land was formerly rested after an exhausting crop — a plan
wdiich is still all but universal among the peasant proprietors and
metayers of France and South Germany. The second change con-
sisted in making strenuous efforts to execute in autumn a greater
part of the cultivation, which until recently it was the custom with
the great majority of farmers to execute in spring. It was observed
that weeds brought to the surface in the autumn naturally died
more easily than in the sj)ring, while the subsoil brought to the
surface, and tough clay under any circumstances, was mellowed
and ripened by winter frosts and winds.

Mr. Smith, of Wolston, was one of the many converts to the
system of autumnal cultivation, and in studying the best means of
carrying it out he came to the conclusion that the plough which
buried the weeds, and left a large per centage to grow again in the
spring, was a mistake, and that an instrument which would more
nearly ap]:)roach the action of the spade was the right implement.
AVith this view he invented his subsoil plough, which stirs without
turning over the soil, and his cultivator with curved tines, which
breaks up the topsoil without reversing it. •

But every farmer who has turned his attention to breaking up
strong soils for autumnal cultivation has found himself beaten by
the want of power to move the most useful kind of implements,
and by want of pace to execute his work during and immediately
after harvest before the autumn rains set in. A farmer holding
twelve hundred acres of land in two farms, of which four hundred

Farming hy Steam-power. 129

acres are arable land, in a stift' clay district, writes us on this sub-
ject: "To get these worked up, I should require the power of sev-
enty horses from the middle of August to the middle of September,
but fifteen would do all my work for the rest of the year!"

The Farmer of Wolston tells us, in his letter to B. Disreali, M.P.,
" that a report of the Royal Agricultural Society on implements
called his attention to the resources of steam power." At the Car-
lisle Show of 1855 he was awakened to the power of steam — ordered
a steam engine from Messrs. liansome, and an iron rope and tackle
from Mr. Fowler, whose reputation had been established by his
tile-laying machinery. Soon afterwards, arose fierce disputes as to
priority of invention or adaptation between these two gentlemen;
but to the public there is no interest in disputes, the merits of
which, as far as the mechanical part of the question goes, few if
any can understand or care to understand. As in the old gold and
silver shield storj^, the Farmer and the Fowler are both right, and
have separate and not opposing merits.

One certain fact is, that the Man of Wolston first saw and acted
on his sound conclusion, that it would be much more easy, simple,
and economical, to apply steam power to "cultivators and grub-
bers," which, to use his own expressive phrase, " smashed up the
soil" and brought the weeds to the surface, than the old sj^stem of
ploughs, which turn over the soil and bury the weeds ; and in 1855-6
he successfully applied this system to the cultivation of about one
hundred acres of his own farm.

At the Chelmsford Show, in 1856, Mr. Fowler produced his steam
plough, which was strictly a plough, being a frame on which six or
eight shares were arranged, of which Half were at work while the
otTiers were alternately carried in front in the air. This he worked
with such a measure of success on Mr. Fisher Hobb's farm, that
Mr. Hudson, the celebrated agriculturist of Castlacre, Norfolk, and
a cautious man, there and then declared himself a convert to steam
cultivation, and oflfered to contract for having a good many acres
ploughed if a machine were sent.

But, although ever since that day Mr. Fowler's steam plough has
been constantly before the public, it was not until the beginning of
thiss year, and until he had become the possessor of some score of
patents, and until more than twenty thousand pounds had been ex-
pended, that he was able to make a decided stand, and announce
that he was ready to take any number of orders at a price that
farmers could afibrd to pay.

At Salisbury, in 1857, when the Royal Agricultural Society re-
peated their ofi:er of a prize of 500?. for a steam plough, Mr. Smith,
of Wolston, was excluded from the competition by a mistake in the
conditions, (wdaether intentional or not we are not able to say,) which
made it essential that the implement should turn the soil over, while,
as already observed, it is an essential feature of the Wolston system
that the soil should be thoroughly ^^ stirred and smashed up," not
turned over.

The ground for the Salisbury trial was not favorable to steam
17

130 English Experimental

cultivation. Fowler's plough alone, of three competitors, did cred-
itable work: so creditable that the judges and stewards concurred
in recommending that a part of the prize money should be awarded
to it. But this recommendation was rejected by a majority of the
council. And certainly, up to that date, Mr. Fowler had not pro-
duced a commercially useful machine — that is to say, a machine
that could be trusted to work on without breaking down, that could
be easily moved and set to work, and that could be sold at a price
within the means of first class rent-paying tenant farmers.

In February, 1858, a jDaper was read before the Society of Arts,
by a gentleman of well-deserved reputation as a contributor of Prize
Essays to the Journal of the Koyal Agricultural Society, which will
become a curious bit of history in a few years; for the author, wild
and wide of the reality of the subject, notices in succession, not
only the successful Wolston and since successsful Fowler systems,
but half a dozen others, and praises and encourages almost all: even
such mechanical absurdities as the Elephantine Traction Machine,
which wears itself out hourly as it travels : and a scheme for bot-
tling up compressed air and letting out from mains and elastic
tubes to be laid down under and over a farm ! and he concludes by
recommending an entirely new implement, with a new "cutting
and inverting movement," something like a barrel armed with
sharp discs driven endways. In fact, the idea of an uninvented
machine — a sort of mechanical nightmare to be propelled by an
impossible motion !

At the Chester exhibition of the Royal Agricultural Society in
July of the same year, Messrs. Howard exhibited Mr. Smith's ma-
chinery manufactured by them, and Mr. Fowler, his latest modifi-
cation of his steam plough. After a serious trial the prize of 500Z.
was awarded to the latter, and the large gold medal to the former.
It was considered by the engineers that Fowler had a better me-
chanical arrangement, and by the agricultural judges that he did
at one operation what Smith did at two.

Smith's system, as exhibited by Messrs. Howard at Chester, con-
sisted of two operations. The first with a strong speed-tined culti-
vator of a sort of anchor shape, which penetrates the ground 6 or
7 inches, tears it up, stirring much deeper than it tears. Secondly,
with a larger instrument of the same kind, which, travelling in a
transverse direction at the same depth, clears away any portions
surrounded by the first, and reverses the whole topsoil, exposing a
rough unequal surface to the action of the atmosphere; the two
operations b,eing comi:)leted at the rate of 3| acres per day.

The comparative position of these rival cultivators at the close of
1858 was this; Mr. Fowler, with a costly and ponderous arrange-
ment of machinery, doing very good and rapid work, had won
prizes from the Highland, the West of England, the Irish, the
Yorkshire, and the English Agricultural Societies in the order
named.

Mr. Smith, with an ordinary portable steam engine, a wire rope,
and machinery that cost some 200Z., had cultivated his own farm.

Farming hy Steam-power. 131

and reduced it to a tilth and degree of fertility that excited uni-
versal admiration, and had sold some twenty or thirty sets of his
tackle to purchasers who also worked it successfully : especially in
Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Beds, and Bucks.

Thus, while by a series of changes and improvements, Mr. Fowler
contrived to ol)tain a greater amount of power and work out of a
steam engine and rope drawing a set of ploughs, better arranged
than any of the previous experimenters in the same direction, the
Wolston Farmer had better appreciated the capabilities of steam
cultivation, and, with the assistance of the most eminent plough-
malvcr of the day, had produced a set of steam cultivating imple-
ments admirably calculated to carry out a system which, for dis-
tinction, we should like to name Wolsonising.

"On the Wolston Farm one hundred and ten acres of stifi' clay
arable laud, by draiiuige and Mr. Smith's peculiar yet simple mode
of cultivation, has become as fine and deep in tilth as a market
garden, and requires just as little trouble to keep it in a clean and
healthy condition." A writer in Bell's Messenger describes a field
of ten acres at Wolston from which a tenth crop was about to be
taken, in 1858-9, without falloto. "For five years this field had
never been turned over on the old principle of ploughing."

Agricultural public opinion having been thus ripened, a great
step in advance was made the other day by Mr. Fowler, which re-
duced the weight of his apparatus, exclusive of the steam engine,
from three tons and a half to about twelve hundred weight, and the
price from about 450Z. to less than 250Z. for a set of tackle and im-
plements capable of performing every process of cultivation on
arable soil, still retaining everything that was valuable in his suc-
cessive improvements. If this be so — and we believe it is — then
we may expect to see steam cultivation, within a very few years,
introduced on every farm of deep retentive soil which now pos-
sesses a portable steam engine, and on hundreds of farms to which
it will make its way, bringing with it the steam engine and divers
other contingent improvements.

The following is an attempt to describe the working of the two
systems — a very difficult task without the illustration of diagrams.

Mr. Smith uses an ordinary agricultural portable steam-engine
of from eight to ten-horse power, which he fixes at one corner of a
field, for choice of from ten to twelve acres. In front of the engine
is a windlass, or capstan, with two drums, of a peculiar shape, with
a coil of wire rope around it; and this rope is led over four anchored
pulleys, one at each corner, and along each side of the field. The
windlass attached to the fly-wheel of the steam engine by a driving
band can be instantaneously driven in either direction. Four dif-
ferent ploughs, or cultivators, are used, as occasion requires. To
the bow of the one in use, two ends of the rope are attached. An
engine-driver, a man at the windlass, a ploughman, an assistant to
shift the pulleys, and a boy, are the staft' required. The plough
cultivator begins by travelling along the more distant side of the
field, between the two anchored pulleys ; at the end of the first

132 English Experimental

journey the pulley in front is shifted, the engine is reversed, and in
thirty seconds the plough is travelling back; and thus, by altern-
ately shifting, bringing up each of the two most distant anchors,
strip by strip the whole lield is "smashed up" in parallel lines to
the spot where the engine stands.

His plough No. 4 consists of a very strong frame, in which are
fixed three subsoil ploughs, with a pair of wheels in front to guide
it, and above the centre another pair to regulate the depth. The
shares for breaking up clay soil in autumn are set to work six or
eight inches deep, (a depth impossible with horse-power.) The
" points of the shares become imbedded in the subsoil, and the
whole mass, nearly a yard wide and six or eight inches deep, is torn
from its position, and more or less mingled together, leaving for the
most part the weeds or grass which it is desirable to destroy near
the surface." An implement of greater breadth and more tines on
light and moderately tenacious soils has been made to move more
than ten to twelve acres in a day. But for a description of the four
Wolston cultivators, those further interested must refer to the in-
ventor's own pamphlets and pictures. The obvious drawback of
the s^'stem consists in the loss of power by the friction of the rope
along four sides, and consequent indirect traction. Common farm
laborers have been repeatedly and easily taught the duties of Smith's
system of steam cultivation. According to universal testimony,
nothing can exceed the quality of the work and the satisfactory
result in crops of all kinds.

Mr. Fowler employs a portable steam engine with a series of
drums whose axle is fixed vertically beneath it; a wire rope, passed
round the drum of a movable anchor, is stretched across the field
to be ploughed, and the two ends are made fast to the plough, thus
forming an endless rope. In working, the engine and the anchor
move along the two headlands in parallel lines, and the plough
before described, or any other implement — Mr. Fowler has been
converted to the cultivator — moves forwards and backwards between
the engine and the anchor by the I'cversing gear of the engine. It
is evident that under this arrangement the action is more direct,
less rope is required, and less power lost by friction than in the
Wolston system. It is to be regretted that an arrangement has not
been made by which Smith's admirable cultivators could be attached
to Fowler's steam power; for Smith wisely repudiates ploughing,
and "'takes his stand on cultivation;" and it seems likely that on
farms with fields of moderate size, and soil of not the most tenacious
character, the Wolstonisingplan will continue to be preferred. The
results of Fowler's cultivation before he had succeeded in reducing
the cost and weight of his apparatus to a portable and saleable
standard, is well described in Morton's Farmer's Almanac, in a re-
port of the Highland Society's trial at Stirling, in November, 1857:
" The trenching plough (Cotgreave's) excited the greatest enthu-
siasm. Everybody knows the difiiculty and expense of ploughing
two furrows deep, and the time and labor necessary to reduce enor-
mous furrow slices into a comminuted state. But this implement,

Farming hy Steam-power. 133

drawn at a speed of three railes an hour, turned down not a tough
whole slice, but one of loose mould into the trench left by the pre-
ceding bout, and lifted up from an average depth of 12| inches,
and spread upon the top, not heavy, unwicld}' masses, but divided
and pulverised, a stratum of subsoil, equal to good digging by hand,
at one-third or one-fourth the price." Now, in a paper read at the
Central Farmers' Club in. June, 1857, by Mr. Bond, which had the
effect of ^ving an extraordinary impetus to the practice of autum-
nal cultivation of clay soils, and indirectly to steam cultivation, he
described himself as using a common plough with two horses, fol-
lowed immediately by a scantier with six or eight horses, working
at harvest time, as soon as the sheaves were shocked in rows, and
these two implements went over the land twice: that is to say, they
required labor equal to from sixteen to twenty horses to do less
than two acres a day ; and he added, thus confirming the theory
and practice of the Farmer of Wolston: " The common plough is
not suitable for autumnal cultivation ; it buries the weeds instead
of bringing them to the surface."-

With these extracts we pause, and sum up with the following
elementarj' information for the benefit of our bread and beef eating
non-agricultural readers :

kStiff clay soils Avere the favorite farms of our forefathers in the
days of the rudest agriculture, because they gave good crops in dry
favorable seasons, with very little or no manure, and received on
the rest of a fallow more quickly than light, or sandy, or chalky
soils, for reasons which the chemists of this last quarter of the nine-
teenth century have discovered. But sheep-treading, root cultiva-
tion, or, as it is commonly called, the Norfolk system, brought light
and chalk soils into favor, as arable farms and clays were neglected
and left to poor farmers. When the Parkesian system of syste-
matic, deep, thorough drainage was' completed and established by
an almost solitary successful instance of Grovernment interference
in a daily bread business (we mean Peel's Drainage Loan,) retentive
soils regained a certain degree of favor. With the help of pipe
tiles corn could be secured even in wet seasons, and sheep fed where
sheep were unknown in the days of shallow bush drains. But re-
tentive clay soils, in spite of systematic drainage, had, and have,
a disadvantage which was little felt a hundred years ago, when a
farmer could afford to go to sleep half the year, before " rapid con-
centrative," or what the French happily call intensive culture, was
known. It requires extra horse power to work it ; it can scarcely
be worked at all when it is damp ; and in damp weather the tread-
ing of horses' feet on clay does incalculable damage. Modern re-
quirements insist on every acre being continually under crop, or
seed, or labor. Clay districts, from their peculiarity, have fewer
working days than less retentive soils. Claj's, modern experience
tells, as shown above, should be cultivated deepl}', and in the au-
tumn, as they are neither mellow nor clean in the spring, and the
clay farmer who misses his autumn is running after his work all the
following year, and never overtakes it.

134 Agricultural Chemistry criticised.

It is not then necessary to enter into the question affirmed by the
Royal Agricultural Society's Judges at Chester, and disputed by
some sceptics, that steam cultivation is cheaper than horse labor —
although we believe it; but we may rest the success, the triumph,
the progress of steam cultivation on the fact that it can do an essen-
tial work of deep autiiniTial cultivation, which no number of horses
practically yokable could do at all, with the rapidit}^ peculiar to
steam power, and without the enormous disadvantage of tf^e consoli-
dation of trampling horses' feet. Thus the drill saves the dry days
of the sowing season, the reaping machine saves the harvest season,
the threshing machine saves and supplies the market, and the steam
cultivating engine saves the cultivating season and multiplies by
six or eight fold the value of every day, dry enough to stir the soil
on the old plan at the rate of an acre a day : thus increasing the
crops to a degree that it is scarcely safe to state. With that unan-
swerable conclusion we will conclude content — although inclined
to agree with the Farmer of Ilolston that on most farms of three
hundred acres and upwards, of tolerably level land, a well-applied
steam engine will save one-third of the horse power, and do the
work twice as well as horses can do it, even on light land.

A friend inquires, " What about lialkett's Guide system of steam
agriculture — the railway farm system?" Why, this only — that it is
perfectl}' practicable, but would cost to apply about one-third more
than the fee simple of most farms.

AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY.

From the London '■''Economist.''

That such a general knowledge of chemistry as most educated
persons possess may be useful to the practical farmer none will
deny, but that farmers can or ought to attempt to become scientific
chemists, or that they can apply any purely chemical knowledge to
the business of husbandry, are propositions few reasonable persons
will affirm. At one time the most extravagant expectations were
entertained of the benefits chemical discoveries would confer on
agriculture, and farmers were frequently' and solemnly enjoined to
become chemical experimentalists.

Nobody deals more sensibly with the subject of agricultural
chemistry than Dr. Voelcker, of the Cirencester College, and in his
lecture on "its relation to the cultivation of root crops," delivered
before the Royal Agricultural Society, we find its limits very justly
defined. He believes that amongst the landed proprietors, iheir
atrents and the larger farmers, a more extensive knowledge of the
sciences applicable to agriculture, especially the rising generation,
is needed. All these want better instruction. But to teach the
small farmer or the laborer chemistry is simply absurd. To either
the pursuit would be waste of time. So chemistry should never
be made the direct guide to the agriculturist. Science is, after all,

Med Top. — Receipt for Stopping LeaJcs. 135

only the systematic arriiugement of well autlienticatcd facts, and
the rising generation should be taught its general principles. But
man}^ '-professors of chemistry have over-estimated their own
powers, and instead of explaining the experience of practical men, they
set themselves up as guides to the farmers; they have over-esti-
mated the powers of the new science, and in consequence stumbled."

This is very just. Again he says:

"Agricultural chemistry in its application to farming is altogether
a new science ; and hitherto it has been, like every new knowledge,
too vague and too general in its doctrines as well as in its researches.
What is required at the present time is experiments made for a
special purpose, researches carried on in the field as well as in the
laboratory. We have need of the joint labors of practical men and
men of science. There are multitudes of subjects which can only be
properly investigated if the man of science heartily joins with the
practical man, working cheerfully together, each in his own depart-
ment. Nearer approach between agriculture and science, in short, is
what is required at the present time. A general knowledge of the
principles of farming, however useful to the practical farmer, never
will help him to grow a large crop of turnips; he must have special
training in practical matters in order to be a successful farmer. So
it is with chemical knowledge. Men may have excellent general
chemical knowledge, but if they have not special chemical knowl-
edge in relation to farming, their labors will be of little direct utility
to the agriculturist."

In reference to the culture of root crops, he says that generally
ammoniacal manures, such as guano, are thrown away on roots;
and phosphates are more profitable. Guano and superphosphate
of lime both rather retard the germination of the seeds, but they
push forward the young plant in its early growth. This we believe
to form the true value of silch manures, though perhaps this is over-
estimated.

Red-top. — Called in England "bent grass;" in Continental Europe
"florin;" in the middle States of the Union "herd's grass;" and in
New England "foul meadow." It has soft straw, an abundance of
blades, delights in low, swamp}^ land, and is less exhausting to the
soil than timothy, as the straw has a lighter glazing of silex, and
the ash contains but five per cent, of potash, wdiile the ash of
timothy contains thirty per cent. It is deficient in gum, starch, and.^
sugar, and in its green state contains seventy-five per cent, of water.

To Stop Leaks. — A composition of four pounds of rosin, one
pint of linseed oil, and one ounce of red lead, applied hot with a
brush, it is said, wdll stop leaks in roofs, water-butts, &c.

The State of Ohio has purchased for her school libraries 1,000
copies of "Downing's Landscape Gardening," and 500 of "Dar-
lington's Agricultural Botany."

136 Regulations of the Seventh

FIRST PREMIUM LIST AND REGULATIONS

OF THE

SEVENTH ANNUAL EXHIBITION

OF TIIR

%[\\k)i ^Mis Agricultural ^mi%

AT CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,

September 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th, 1859.

The Seventh Annual Exliibition of the United States Agricultu-
ral Society, will be held at the spacious grounds fitted up for the
occasion, at Cottage Grove, in the environs of Chicago, Illinois, on
Monday the 12th of September, Tuesday the 13th, Wednesday the
14th, Thursday the 15th, Friday the 16th, and Saturday the 17th.

Entries. — Persons intending to exhibit must become annual
members of the Society, and their entries should be made on or
before Monday, September 12, at noon. Notices of intention to
enter can be sent to the Superintendent of the Exhibition or the
Secretary, by mail, and such notices will be registered according to
the date of their reception. The Entry books will be opened at the
Secretary's office, Chicago, on the 5th of September, after which
each exhibitor will be furnished with cards, designating the class
and number of his entry or entries.

No article or animal can be entered except by the bona fide owner
or his authorized agent, and any person who may enter an article
or animal belonging to another person, without authority in writing
so to do, will forfeit all claim to any premium awarded, and be pre-
cluded from competing at any future exhibition of the Society.

Exhibitors are warned that the government of the Society have
voted to strictly enforce the regulation by which, " when there is
but one exhibitor, although he may show several animals or articles
in the same class-division, only one premium will be awarded, to
be first or otherwise, as the merits of the animal or article may be
adjudged." Entries must specify the exhibitor's name and post-
office address, and the age of the animal ofiered. Any fictitious
entries, will subject the participants in the fraud to forfeiture of pre-
miums awarded, and they will be precluded from competition at
an}^ future exhibition of the Society.

Should Judges not be satisfied as to the regularity of the entries
in their respective classes, they will apply to the Secretary for in-
formation ; and should there still be any doubt, after examination,
or, if any animal or article is of such a character as not to be en-

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago. 137

titled to exhibition in competition, they will report the facts to the
Secretary, for the consideration of the Executive Committee, that
such course may be adopted as the case may require.

No e:?fhibitor or exhibitor's agent can act as Judge on the class in
which he exhibits. And, during the examination by the Judges, if
any person interferes with them, by letter or otherwise, he will be
excluded from the competition. But exhibitors, when requested,
are expected to make verbal or written statements concerning their
contributions. Such statements, if of interest, will be published.

Premiums will not be paid on animals or articles removed from
the Exhibition, unless such removal has the special approval of the
Executive Committee ; and Premiums not claimed within Thirty
days after the award, will be considered as forfeited.

The Treasurer will pay Premiums at the business office, on the
ground, during the last day, and at the office in Chicago, during
the week fo#o\ving, or will forward any Premium not so paid, in
such manner as the person entitled to the same may direct. Silver
Plate of equal value, if preferred, will be given in place of any cash
premium, with a suitable inscription. The Medals, (which are
struck at the U. S. Mint at Philadelphia,) will be ready for delivery
at the annual meeting of the United States Agricultural Society, at
Washington, in January, and can be easily forwarded by Members
of Congress, or by express, to those who cannot attend in person.

Discretionary Premiums, Diplomas, and Medals, will be awarded
by the Executive Committee, should objects of special interest, not
provided for in any of the classes, be presented. All instruments,
machines, utensils, and apparatus intended to be used in the pre-
paration, culture, or seeding of the soil; — in the harvesting, trans-
portation, or manufacture of produce ; — or in the various require-
ments of agriculture; — or in promoting the comfort of agriculturists
and of then- families, will be admitted to the Exhibition.

Sales may be made by Exhibitors at any time during the Fair,
under such regulation as the Superintendent may hereafter prescribe,
but the articles sold shall not be removed without the authority of
the Executive Committee. Sales by auction must be made by an
appointed auctioneer, at such time and under such regulations as
the Superintendent may prescribe.

Generous railroad arrangements will be made. Some of the prin-
cipal roads have agreed to convey stock and articles free of charge,
to and from the Exhibition. Others have already agreed to carri/
back stock and articles free of charge, on presentation of the Sec-
retary's certificate that the same has been on Exhibition. On most
of the Roads excursion tickets will be issued. When the railroad
arrangements have been completed, they will be announced by the
Superintendent of the Exhibition.

Exhibitors must place their animals or articles under the direction
and control of the Superintendent of the Exhibition, but the Society
will not be responsible for any damage that may occur. The Ex-
ecutive Committee invite especial attention to the various Regula-
tions inserted in this Premium List, which will be strictly enforced,
18

138 Premium List of the Seventh

as will such Regulations as may hereafter be promulgated by the
Superintendent of the Exhibition.

Exhibitors must also see to the delivery of their articles or animals
upon the grounds, give them their personal attention during the
Exhibition, and attend to their removal afterwards; the So'ciety
cannot, in any case, make provision for their transportation, or be
subjected to any expense therefore, either in their delivery at or
return from t?ie grounds ; but all the expenses connected therewith
must, as heretofore, be provided for by the exhibitors.

A Second Edition of this Premium List will be issued on the
fifteenth of August, with such additional premiums as the Execu-
tive Committee may sanction, including the

Volunteer Premiums by Citizens of Chicago !

Cattle department. #

[Regard will be had to the purity of blood, as established by
pedigree, symmetry, size, and general characteristics of the several
breeds of animals ; and the Judges will make proper allowance for
age, feeding, and other circumstances. Thei/ ai'e expressly required
not to give encouragement to over-fed animals in the breeding classes.
Exhibitors of Thorough-bred stock will be required to furnish de-
tailed pedigrees of the animals to be exhibited, in writing, at the
time of making their entries. The standard authority in all cases
of pedigree of cattle, will be the English and American Herd
Books. Exhibitors must come prepared to have their cattle led
into the ring when directed so to do by the Superintendent of the
Exhibition, precisely at the time specified, and animals not so brought
forward will (unless for some good reason approved by the Execu-
tive Committee,) be ruled out of competition.]

Class 1. — The Herd Premiums.

For best Durham Bull and four Cows, or Heifers of any age,

belonging to any one person $100

:N'ext best.." 50

For best Devon Bull and four Cows, or Heifers, belonging

to anyone person 100

Next best 50

For best Ayrshire Bull and four Cows, or Heifers, belonging

to any one person 100

Next best 50

For best Hereford Bull and fout Cows, or Heifers, belonging

to any one person 100

Next best 50

For best Jersey Bull and four Cows, or Heifers, belonging to

any one person 100

Next best 60

For best four Cows, or Heifers, (not full blood,) belonging to

any one person 50

Next best 25

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago. 139

For best Herd of five fat Cattle, belonging to any one person $50

Next best 25

For best team of working Oxen, not less than ten yoke, from

any county 50

Next best 25

For the best Herd of Cattle on the ground, imported or na-
tive, of all classes Diploma of Honor

For the Exhibitor of the Finest Herd, of all classes imported

by himself Diploma of Honor

For the Exhibitor of the Finest American Herd, of all

classes, bred by himself Diploma of Honor

For the Exhibitor of the Finest American animal, of any

class, bred by himself Diploma of Honor

Class 2. — Imported Durham Bulls.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 3. — Imported Durham Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $75

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 40

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 4. — Imported Devon Bulls.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 5. — Imported Devon Goios and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $75

Tw^o years old and under three, 1st do. 40

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 6. — Imported Ayrshire Bulls.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 7. — Imp)orted Ayrshire Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $75

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 40

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 8. — Imported Hereford Bulls.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

140 Premium List of the Seventh

Class 9. — Impoi'ted Hereford Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $75

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 40

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 10. — Imported Alderney Bulls.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15

Class 11. — Imported Alderney Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards, 1st premium, $75

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 40

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

Under one year, 1st do. 15
[Discretionary premiums will be awarded to meritorious imported
animals of breeds not above enumerated. Portraits of all Prize
animals will be inserted in the Journal of Agriculture, if the owners
will furnish the engraved cuts, ready for printing.]

Class 12. — American Durham Bulls.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium.

$100

do. do.

2d

do.

40

Two years old and under three.

1st

do.

50

do. do.

2d

do.

20

One year old and under two,

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 13. — American Durham Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium,

$75

do. do.

2d

do.

30

Two years old and under three,

1st

do.

40

do: do.

2d

do.

15

One year old and under two,

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 14. — American

Devon Bulls.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium,

$100

do. do.

2d

do.

40

Two years old and under three.

1st

do.

50

do. do.

2d

do.

20

One year old and under two.

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago. 141

Class 15. — American Devon Coivs and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards,

1st

premium.

$T5

do. do.

2d

do.

30

Two years old and under three,

Ist

do.

40

do. do.

2d

do.

15

One year old and under two,

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

Ist

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 16. — Americaii

Ayrshire Bulls.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium.

$100

do. do.

2d

do.

40

Two years old and under three.

1st

do.

50

do. do.

2d

do.

20

One year old and under two.

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year.

Ist

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 17. — American Ayrshire Cows arid Heifers.

Three years old and upwards,

1st

premium.

$75

do. do.

2d

do.

30

Two years old and under three,

Ist

do.

40

do. do.

2d

do.

15

One year old and under two.

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year.

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 18. — American Hereford Bulls.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium,

$100

do. do.

2d

do.

40

Two years old and under three,

Ist

do.

50

do. do.

2d

do.

20

One year old and under two,

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year.

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 19. — American Hereford Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium.

$75

do. do.

2d

do.

30

Two years old and under three.

1st

do.

40

do. do.

2d

do.

15

One year old and under two,

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

Ist

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

142 Premium List

of the Seventh

Class 20. — American Alderney Bulls.

Three years old and upwards,

1st

premium.

$100

do. do.

2d

do.

40

Two years old and under three,

1st

do.

50

do. do.

2d

do.

20

One year old and under two,

Ist

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 21. — American Alderney Cows and Heifers.

Three years old and upwards,

1st

premium.

$75

do. do.

2d

do.

30

Two years old and under three.

1st

do.

40

do. do.

2d

do.

15

One year old and under two,

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

ao

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Class 22.— Grade

Cows and

Heifers.

Three years old and upwards.

1st

premium,

$30

do. do.

2d

do.

15

Two years old and under three.

1st

do.

20

do. do.

2d

do.

10

1st premium.

$30

2d do.

15

1st do.

20

2d do.

10

Class 23. — 3Iilch Cows, Imported or American.

[A verified written statement must be furnished with each animal,
giving: The age — the breed — the time of calfiug — the quantity and
quality of feed — quantity of milk given — and quantity of butter
made.]

Three years old and upwards,

do. do.

Two years old and under three,

do. do.

Class 24. — Working Oxen, Steers and Driver's.

[Cattle exhibited in county teams cannot compete as a single
yoke for the prizes in this class. Working Oxen are to be thoroughly
tested, as the Judges may direct.]

Best yoke of Working Oxen four years old and over, $20

ISText best, 10

Best yoke of Steers three years old and under four, 15
Best driver (not over 16 ^^ears old,) with yoke of Steers

two years old and under three, 10

Next best, 5
Best driver (not over 16 years old,) with yoke of Steers

one year old and under two, 5

N'ext best, 3

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago. 143

Class 25. — Fat Bullocks.

Best Bullock, five years old and over, |25

Next best, 10

do. three years old and under five, 15

Next best, 5

Class 26. — Fat Coivs and Heifers.

Best Cow or Heifer, five years old and over, $25

do. three years old and under five, 10

[Applicants for premiums in the 26th and 27th classes, and for
the Herd Premium for Fat Cattle, must furnish verified written
statements, of the manner of feeding the animals ofi'ered, giving
the kind, quantity and cost of food, with other expenses connected
with the fattening.]

Morse and Jftulc Department,

[No horse can compete for more than one premium, except in
the classes for trotters, and unsound horses will be excluded from
competition.]

Class 27. — Thorough-bred Stallions.

Four years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

do. do. 2d do. 40

Three years old and under four, - 1st do. 75

do. do. 2d do. 30

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

do. do. 2d do. 20

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

do. do. 2d do. 10

Under one year old, * 1st do. 15

do. do. 2d do. 5

Class 28. — Thorough-bred Mares and Fillies.

Four years old and upwards, 1st premium, $100

do. do. 2d do. 40

Three years old and under four, 1st do. 75

do. do. 2d do. 30

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 50

do. do. 2d do. 20

One year old and under two, 1st do. 25

do. do. 2d do. 10

Under one year old, 1st do. 15

do. do. 2d do. 5
[Exhibitors in classes 27 and 28 must file pedigrees with the

Secretary on the first day of the Exhibition, tracing back to the
thorough-bred English horse, through sire and dam. Authorities,
the English Stud Book and the American Turf Register.]
Class 29. — Morgan and Black Haivk Stallions.

Four years old and upwards, Ist premium, $75

do. do. 2d do. 40

Seventh

1st premium,

$50

2d do.

25 ;

1st do.

30

2d do.

20

1st do.

25

2d do.

15

10

144 Premium List of the Seventh

Three years old and under four,

do. do.

Two years old and under three,

do. do.

One year old and under two,

do. do.

Under one year old,

[Exhibitors in class 29 must file pedigrees with the Secretary on
the first day of the Exhibition, tracing back to the original Justin
Morgan or Ilills's Black Hawk, either on the side of sire or dam.]

Class 30. — Stallions for all Work.

Four years old and upwards,

do. do. 2d " do. 25

Three years old and under four, 1st do. 30

do. do. 2d do. 15

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 20

do. do. 2d do. 10

One year old and under two, 1st do. 15

do. do. 2d do. 10

Under one year old, 5

1st

premium,

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

all Work.

1st

premium.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

t do.

Ist

do.

2d

do.

Four years old and upwards,

do. do. 2d do. 25

Three years old and under four, 1st do. 30

do. do. 2d do. 15

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 20

do. do. 2d . do. 10

One year old and under two, Ist do. • 15

do. do. 2d do. 10

Under one year old, 5

[The "Horse of all Work," or of "General Utility," is described
as between 15 and 16 hands; quick lively ears; broad between the
eyes; round barrel; short loins; well up in the shoulder; deep
chested; square quarters; flat legs; short between knee and pastern
and hock and pastern; speed equal to eight miles an hour on the
road, and at least three miles at the plough. ]

Class 32. — -Heavy Draft Stallions.

Four years old and upv/ards, 1st premium, $50

do. do. 2d do. 25

Three years old and under four, 1st do. 30

do. do. 2d do. 15

Two years old and under three, 1st do. 20

do. do. 2d do. 10

One year old and under two, 1st do. 15

do. do. 2d do. 10

Under one year old, 5

1st

premium.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

do.

do.

Mares,

do.

do.

do.

Geldiugs,

do.

do.

do.

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago. 145

Class ^Z.— Heavy Draft Mares.

Four years old and upwards, 1st premium, $50

do. do. 2d do. 25

Three years old and under four, Ist do. 30

do. do. 2d do. 15

Two 3'ears old and under three, 1st do. 20

do. do. 2d do. 10

One year old and under two, 1st do. 15

do. do. 2d do. 10

Under one year old, 5

Class 34. — Carriage Horses in Pairn.

Geldings in harness, 1st premium, $50

do. do. 2d do. 25

Mares, do. 1st do. 50

do. do. 2d do. 25

Class 35. — Carriage Horses Single.

Geldings in harness, 1st premium, $30

do. do. 2d do. 15

Mares, do. 1st do. 30

do. do. 2d do. 15

Class 36. — Saddle Horses, Trotters or Pacers.

Stallions under the saddle, 1st premium, $30

2d do. 15

1st do. 30

2d do. 15

1st do. 25

2d do. 10

Class 37. — Ponies and Horsemanship.
Best display of horsemanship, by a lad under fourteen

years of age, riding a pony,

Second best, 15

Third best, 10

Class 38. — Trotting Stallions, Creldings and Mares.
Citizens' purse. — Particulars to be given in second edition.
Class 39. — Trotting Stallions.

Six years old and over.

1st premium.

$100

do. do.

2d do.

50

Under six years,

1st do.

■75

do.

2d do.

30

Class 40.-

— Trotting Mares.

Six years old and over.

1st premium,

$100

do. do.

2d do.

50

Under six years,

1st do.

75

do.

2d do.

30

19

146

Premium List of the Seventh

Class 41. — Trotting Geldings.
Six years old and over, 1st premium,

do, do. 2d do.

Under six years, Ist do.

do. 2d do.

[Exhibitors in the four last mentioned trotting classes can
competed for premiums in any other classes.]

Class 42. — Jacks, impo7'tecl or American.

over,

Jack four years old and

do. do. do.

Jack three years old and under four,

do. do. do.

Jack two years old and under three,

do. do. do.

Jack one year old and under two,

do. do. do.

Jack under one year old,

do. do. do.

1st premium,

2d

1st

2d

1st

2d

1st

2d

1st

2d

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

Class 43. — Jennets, imported or American.
Jennets four years old and over, 1st premium,

do. do. do. 2d

Jennet three years old and under four, 1st

do. do. do. 2d

Jennet two years old and under three, 1st

do. do. do. 2d

Jennet one year old and under two, 1st

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

do. do. do. 2d

Jennet under one year old, 1st

do. do. do, 2d

Class 4:4.— Mules.
Pair draught mules in harness, 1st premium,

do. do. do. 2d do.

do. do. do. 1st do.

do. do. do. 2d do.

Single mule over three years old, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

do. two years old and under three, 1st do.
do. do. 2d do.

do. one year old and under two, 1st do.
do. do.

^75

40

50

25

have

$50
25
40
20
30
16
20
10
15
5

$50
25
40
20
30
15
20
10
15
5

20
40
20
30
15
20
10
10
5

ISheep^ Swine, and JfHscellaneous MPepariment.

[Exhibitors of Sheep will bear in mind that, '* when there is but
one exhibitor, although he may show several animals in the same
class and order, only one premium will be awarded ; that to be first
or otherwise, as the merits of the animal may be adjudged; and
when the animal is not deemed worthy of a premium, the Judges
will, at their discretion, withhold it."]

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago.
Class 45. — Long Wooled Bucks.

Two years old and over,
do. do.

One year and under two,
do. do.

Under one year,

do. do.

1st premium,
2d do.
1st do.
2d do.
1st do.
2d do.

Class 46. — Long Wool 3wes, not less than three.

Two years old and over, 1st premium,

do. do. 2d do.

One vear and under two, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Under one year, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.
Class 47. — Middle Wool Bricks.

Two years old and over, 1st premium,

do. do. 2d do.

One year and under two, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Under one year, 1st do.

do. " do. 2d do.

Class 48. — Middle Wool Ewes, not less than three.

Two years old and over, 1st premium,

do. do. 2d do.

One year and under two, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Under one year, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.
Class 49. — Saxon Bucks.

Two years old and over, 1st premium,

do. do. 2d do.

One year and under two, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Under one year, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Class 50. — Saxon Ewes, not less than three.

Two years old and over.

1st

pr

emmm,

do.

do.

2d

do.

One year and under two.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Under one year,

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Class 51.-

—Silesian

Merino Bucks.

Two years old and over,

1st

pr

emium.

do.

do.

2d

do.

One year and under two,

1st

do.

do.

do*

2d

do.

14i

$30
15
25
10
15

$30
15
25
10
15
5

$30
15
25
10
15
5

$30
15
25
10
15
5

$30
15
25
10
15
5

$30
15
25
10
15
5

$30
15
25
10

148

Premium List of the Seventh

Under one year,

1st ]

Dremium,

$15

do.

do.

2d

do.

5

Class 52. — Silesian Ewes,

not less than three.

Two years old and over,

1st ]

Dremium,

$30

do.

do.

2d

do.

15

One year and under two,

1st

do.

25

do.

do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do.

do.

2d

do.

5

Class 53.-

—French Merino Bucks.

Two years old and over.

1st

premium,

$30

do.

do.

2d

do.

15

One year and under two.

1st

do.

25

do.

do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year,

1st

do.

16

do.

do.

2d

do.

5

Class 54. — French Ewes,

7iot less than three.

Two years old and over,

1st

premium,

$30

do.

do.

2d

do.

15

One year and under two,

1st

do.

25

do.

do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year.

1st

do.

15

do.

do.

2d

do.

5

Class 55.-

—Spanish

Merino Btichs.

Two years old and over,

1st

premium,

$30

do.

do.

2d

do.

15

One year and under two,

1st

do.

25

do.

do.

2d

. do.

.10

Under one year,

1st

do.

15

do.

do.

2d

do.

5

Class 56. — Spanish Ewes

, not less than three.

Two years old and over,

Ist

premium,

$30

do.

do.

2d

do.

15

One year and under two.

1st

do.

25

do.

do.

2d

do.

10

Under one year.

1st

do.

15

do.

do.

2d

do.

6

Class 57. — Grrade Sheep,

all breeds and ages.

Best lot five ewes,

1st

premium.

$30

Second best, do.

2d

do.

15

Best lot five wethers.

1st

do.

20

Second best, do.

2d

do.

10

Class 58. — Live Muttons.

Kot less than three.

1st

premium.

$15

do.

2d

do.

10

Aimual Exhihition^ at Chicago. 149

Class 59. — Slaughtered 3Iutton.

Slaughtered Mutton,
do.

1st premium,
2d do.

$10
5

Class 60. — Cashmere

Goats.

Male Goat,

1st pr

emium,

$20

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Female do.

1st

do.

20

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Three ffrade sjoats,

1st

do.

20

do.

2d

do.

10

Class 61.-

-Alpacas.

Male Alpacas,
do. do.

1st pr
2d

emium,
do.

$20
10

Female do.

1st

do.

20

do. do.

2d

do.

10

Class 62, — Camels,

Llamas a7id Elks.

Camel, trained to work,

1st premium,

$25

do. do.

2d

do.

15

Llama, do.

1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

15

Pair Elk,

1st

do.

25

do.

2d

do.

15

Class 63. — Shepherd'

? and

Watch Dogs.

Shepherd's Dog, trained,
do. do.

1st pr
2d

emium,
do.

$10

5

Watch Dog,

do. do.

1st
2d

do.
do.

5
3

Class 64. — Larg

e Breed Sivine

Boars, two years and upwards,
do. do.

1st premium,
2d do.

$25
10

do. one year and under two,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Sows, two years and upwards,
do. do.

1st
2d

do.
do.

25
10

do. one year and under two,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Sows and Pigs,

1st

do.

20

do. do.

2d

do.

10

[Exhibitors will not be allowed to combine their lots for the pur-
pose of competing for the premiums awarded to Sows and Pigs, nor
can the same sow be entered for these premiums and also for those
offered for Sows.]

Class 65. — Small Breed Swine.

Boars, two years and upwards, 1st premium, $25

do. do. 2d do. 10

do. one year and under two, 1st do. 15

do. do. 2d do. 5

150 Premium List of the Seventh

Sows, two years and upwards,

do. do.

do. one year and under two,

do. do.

Sows and pigs,

do. do.

Class QQ. — Live Fat Sivine, all breeds.
Over one year,

do.
Under one year,

do.
Shoats, at least five,

do.

Poultry and Game IPcparttnent*

Class 67. — Large?' Asiatic Fowls.

1st premium,

$25

2d do.

10

1st do.

15

2d do.

5

1st do.

20

2d do.

10

all breeds.

1st premium,

$15

2d do.

8

1st do.

10

2d do.

5

1st do.

10

2d do.

5

Pair buft' Shanghaes,

let

premium.

$5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Pair black, do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Pair white, do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

O

Pair Bramah Pootas,

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Pair Cochin Chinas,

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

o
O

Class 68. — G-ame, Fowls and their

crosses.

Pair Dominique game,
do. do.

1st

2d

premium,
do.

$5
3

Pair English do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Pair Sumatra do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Pair Spanish do.
do. do.

1st
2d

do.
do.

5
3

Class 69.-

-Barn Yard

Fow

^s.

Pair Speckled Dorkings,
do. white do.

1st
2d

premium,
do.

$5
3

Best pair Ilamburghs, silver
do. do. gold.

penciled,
do.

3
3

do. do. black,

do.

3

Best pair Polands, silver,

3

do. do. golden.

3

do. do. white crested.

3

Best pair Bantams, white.

3

do. do. black,

3

Best pair Mongrel Fowls, of

any grade,

3

Annual Exhibition^ at Chicago.

151

Class 70. — Buchs.
Best pair or trio, Muscovy.
Best pair or trio, Poland,
Best pair or trio, Aylesbury,
Best pair or trio, Rouen,
Best pair or trio, Java,
Best pair or trio, Top Knot,
Best pair or trio. Common,
Best pair or trio. Mongrel,

Class 71. — Creese.

Best pair Bremen,

Best pair Hong Kong or African,

Best pair Toulouse,

Best pair Wild,

Best pair White or Colored Swan,

Best pair Mongrel,

Class 12.—Turkies.

1st premium,
2d do.
Ist do.
2d do.

Pigeons,

S-c-

1st premium

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

Ist

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

Pair Domestic Turkies,

do. do.

Pair White Turkies,

do. do.

Best Wild Cock Turkey,
Best Wild Hen Turkey,
Best flock of Turkies, any kind,

Class 73. — Cruitiea Fowls,

Pair Guinea Fowls,

do. do.

Pair Pea Fowls,

do. do.

Best lot Quail,
Best lot Prairie Hen,
Collection of Pigeons,

do. do.

Collection of Babbits,

do. do.

Class 74.' — Collection of Poultry.

A premium of $10.00 will be awarded for the best collection of
poultry not less than one hundr'ed in number, of which a sample of
not less than live shall be exhibited (not to compete for any other
premium) accompanied by a verified statement, which must be filed
with the iSecretary, at the time of entry, of the method of keeping;
arrangement of the poultr^'-house and yards: the expense attend-
ing it ; the number of eggs, their average weight, and how pre-
served; number of chickens raised, the market value of each, how
prepared and packed for market, and where sold, $10

For the second best collection, as above, 5

152 Premium List of the Seventh

Farm and Garden Product Department,

Class 75. — Grain and Seeds.

[Certified evidence must be filed with the Secretary at the time

of making the entry, that the products were the growth of the

present year, on the competitors' land; the time of sowing and

harvesting, with the quantity raised to the acre, must also be stated.

The quantity specified of all articles entered must be ceded to the
Society, that samples may be deposited in the cabinet at "Washing-
iijgton; the remainders will be distributed among agricultural
societies at home and abroad.]

Best sample white v/inter wheat, not less than one bushel, $5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of red winter wheat, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of white spring wheat, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of red spring wheat, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of rye, 1 bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of oats, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of barley, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of buckwheat, one bushel, 3

Second best sample, 2
Best sample of newly introduced grain, valuable to the farmer,

not less than one peck, 5

Best sample of millet, one peck, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best sample of seed of Chinese sugar cane, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best sample of white beans, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of peas, one bushel, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of flax seed, one peck, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best sample of hops, not less than ten pounds, 5

Second best sample, 3

Best sample of Timothy seed, one peck, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best sample of Blue Grass seed, one peck, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best sample of Hungarian grass seed, one peck, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best sample of clover seed, half-peck, 3

Second best sample, 2

Best twelve ears of yellow seed corn, 3

Second best sample, 2

Annual Uxhibition, at Oln'aago. 158

Beet twelve ears of white seed corn, , $3

Second best sample, 2

Best twelve ears of sweet corn, 3

Second best sample, 2-

Best collection different varieties corn, 5

Second best sample, 2

Class 76. — Flour, Meal, ^c.
[Exhibitors must file with the Secretary, on making their entries,
verified statements of the actual quantity of grain or corn used in
the manufacture of each barrel of flour or meal, as the committee
will take this into consideration in awarding the premiums.]

Barrelof 196 pounds flour from red wheat, 1st premium, $5

do. do. 2d do. 3

do. white wheat, 1st do. 5

do. do. 2d do. 3

Best barrel Indian meal for transportation, 5

do. rye do. do. 5

Best sample wheat starch, 3

do. corn do.

do. farina from wheat or corn,

Q

Class 77. — Other Staple Products.

Best bag Upland cotton, ^10

do. Sea Island do. 10

Best barrel Cane sugar, 10

Best fifty pounds sugar from Sorgho or Imphee, 10

^est five gallons molasses do. 5

J3est twenty pounds maple sugar, 5

Best bushel Upland rice, 5

Best bushel Lowland rice, 5

Sample English shipping leaf tobacco, 1st premium 5

do. " do. 'do. 2d do. 3

do. Continental shipping leaf do. 1st do. 5

do. do. do. do. 2d do. 3

do. manufactured tobacco, Ist do. 5

do. do. do. 2d do. 3

Best pound of tea, American growth, 5

Best display of silk do. 5

Fifty pounds dressed flax, 5

do. dew-rotted hemp, 5

do. water-rotted do. 5

Fleece of long wool, 5

do. middle do. 5

do. Merino do. 5

do. Saxony do. 5

Class 78. — Garden Vegetables.
Best and second-best display of— 1st premium, 2d premium.

Irish potatos, a bushel, $5 |3
20

154

Premium List of the Seventh

yellow

do.

flat

do.

turnip

do

sua^ar

do.

Best and second best display of —
Sweet potatos, a bushel,
Onions, white, a peck,

do. red do.

do. yellow do.
Turnips, RutaBagado.

do.

do.
Beets

do.

do. Mangel Wurtzel do.
Parsnips do.

Carrots, white do.

do. orange do.

Salsify, three bunches,
Leeks, three do.
Celery, ten do.

Rhubarb, ten do.
Cauliflower, six heads,
Cabbage, six do.
Lettuce, six do.
Endive, six do.

Tomatoes, red, one peek,

do. yellow do.
Peppers, do.

Egg plant, do.

Lima beans, do.

Field peas, do.

Pole beans, do.

Bunch do. do.

Garden peas, greatest variety
Pumpkins do.

Squashes do.

Watermelons do.

Muskmelons do.

Collection garden vegetables, distinct from

any exhibited for the above premiums, 10 5

Garden-seeds, growth of 1858-9, with di-
rections for planting on each paper, 10 5

Class 79. — Cured and Preserved Meats.

[Exhibitors must furnish the Secretary, when they make their
entries, verifled statements of the manner in which their meats
have been cured or preserved. Hams and canned meats must be
cooked at such time as the judges may direct.]
Best barrel pickled or mess beef, $5

do do. pork, 5

Hams, cooked, 1st premium, 5

do. 2d do. 3

Best mutton hams, cooked, 3

1st premium,

O

2d premium.

$2
2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

9

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

3

2

Annual Exhibition at Chicago. 156

Best bologna sausages, five pounds, $3

Canned meats, at least one y^ar old, 1st premium, 5

do. do. 2d do. 3

Best bushel of salt for meats, 3

Class 80. — Dairy Froductn.
[Exhibitors must file verified statements with the Secretary, be-
fore the 13th of September, sbovvi ng that they manufactured the
articles entered, and owned the dairies from which the same were
made. Competitors for premiums for butter must also state in
writing when the butter was made; the number cf cows kept on
the farm, the mode of keeping; the treatment of the cream and
milk before churning, winter and summer; the method of freeing
the butter from the milk: the quantity and kind of salt used;
whether saltpetre or any other substance has been employed; also
whether in the use of any variety of salt, injurious results have
occurred; if so, the variety, and where manufactured. Competitors
for premiums on cheese must also state in writing, where and when
the cheese was made: the number of cows kept, the treatment of
milk, the kind of rennet used; how the curd was broken, scalded,
and separated from the whey; the quantity and kind of salt used,
how pressed, and how dressed. Unless these statements are made.
Exhibitors will be excluded from competition.]

Twenty-five pounds of butter made in May

or June, 1st premium $20

do. do. do. 2d do. lo

do. do. do. 3d do. 10

Fifty pounds of butter made at any time, 1st do. 20

do. do. do. 2d do. 15

do. do. do. 3d do. 10

Ten pounds of butter made at any time by

a girl under twenty years of age, not in

competition for other premiums, 1st premium, 10

do. do. do. 2d do. 5
One hundred pounds of cheese, over one

year old, 1st premium, 20

do. do. do. 2d do. 15

do. do. do. 3d do. 10

do. do. under one year old 1st do. 20

do. do. do. 2d do. 15

do. do. do. 3d do. 10

Best display of old "pine-apple" cheese, 5

Best bag of salt for dairy use, 5

To the owner of the dairy which makes the

best display in addition to premiums, Diploma of Honor.

Horticultural nnel Pomological department,

[All fruits, flowers, and plants ofiered in competition for pre-
miums, must have been grown by the competitor, and any one who
may offer for premium what has been grown by another person,

156 Premium List of the Seventh

will thereby forfeit all claim to any premium offered by the Society
at this or any future exhibition. The Professional List includes
all more or less engaged in the cultivation of trees, &c., for sale.
Specimens oflered in competition for any premium, cannot be
offered for another. Judges will withhold awards where articles of
sufficient merit are not offered. Exhibitors will be to arrange their
specimens as the Superintendent may direct, nor can they remove
them until after two o'clock in the afternoon of Friday.]
Class 81. — Apples, Fears, Peaches, and Plums. — Professional Ex-
hibitors.

For the largest and best collection of apples, not less than fifty

named varieties, not less than three specimens of each $50

For the second best do do... 20

For the best thirty varieties, not less than six specimens each.. 20

For tl 1 0 second best do do 10

For the best twelve varieties, not less than six specimens each.. 10

For the second best do do o

For the best dish of apples of one variety 5

For the second best 3

For the largest and best collection of pears, not less than fifty

named varieties, not less than three specimens of each.. 50

For the second best 20

For the best thirty varieties of six specimens each 20

For the second best 10

For the best twelve varieties, six specimens of each 10

For the second best 5

For the best dish of pears of one variety 5

For the second best o

For the best collection of peaches 10

For the second best 5

For the best collection of plums 10

For the second best o

Class 82. — Apples, Pears, Peaches, and Plums. — Amateur Exhibitors. '
For the largest and best collection of apples, not less than fifty

named varieties, not less than three specimeus of each $50

For the second best do do 20

For the best thirty varieties, not less than six specimens each.. 20

For the second best do do 10

For the best twelve varieties, not less than six specimens each.. 10

For the second best do do 5

For the best dish of apples of one variety 5

For the second best 3

For the largest and best collection of pears, not less than fifty

named varieties, not less than three specimens of each 50

For the second best 20

For the best thirty varieties of six specimens each 20

For the second best 10

For the best twelve varieties, six specimens of each 10

For the second best 5

Annual Exhibition, at Qhicago. 157

For the best dish of pears of one variety $6

For the second best 3

For the best collection of peaches 10

For the second best 5

For the best collection of plums , 10

For the second best ; 5

Class 8S.— Fruit.

For the best seedling apple, never before exhibited $5

For the second best. ,... 3

For the best dozen quinces 5

For the second best 3

For the best nectarines 5

For the second-best 3

For the best hot-house apricots o

For the seconcUbeet 3

P'or the best raspberries, one quart 5

For the second best 3

For the best blacikberries, one quart 5

For the second best 3

For the best hot-house pine-apples 5

For the second best 3

For the best hot-house strawberries 5

For the second best, 8

Class 84. — G-rapes.
For the best new native or seedling grape, hardy, and equal or

superior to the Catawba or the Isabella, a premium of. $20

For the second best 10

For the best display of Isabella grapes, not less ^an twelve

bunches 10

For the second best, 5

For the bcvSt display of Catawba grapes, not less than twelve

bunches 10

For the second best, o

For the best display in variet}^ of native grapes 15

For the second best 10

For the best display of foreign grapes 15

For the second best 10

Class 85. — Wines and other Beverages.

For the best six bottles dry Catawba, 1858 $10

For the second best 5

For the best six bottles sparkling Catawba, 1858 10

For the second best 5

For the best six bottles old Catawba 10

For the second best '. 5

For the best six bottles wine from the Herbemont grape 10

For the second best do 5

For the best six bottles wine from the Schuylkill or Cape 10

For the second best from do do 5

For the best six bottles wine from Isabella grape 10

158

Premium List of the Seventh

For the second best six bottles wine from Isabella grape,

For the best three bottles of Rhubarb wine,

For the best three bottles of Currant wine,

For the best three bottles of Blackberry cordial,

For the best keg of lager beer.

For the second best,

For the best dozen bottles of cider,

For the best dozen bottles of porter.

For the best dozen bottles of ale,

For the best dozen bottles of mineral water,

Class 86. — Floral Designs.

For the best Floral and Kural design, representing a cottage

home, not less than live feet square,
For the best romantic design, representing mountain scenery,

with water, not less than five feet square, «
For the best "Temple of Flora"
For the best ''Temple of Ceres and Pomna,"

Class 87. — Flowers. — Professional Exhibitors.
Collection of dahlias, named, 1st premium,

do. 2d do.

Twelve dissimilar dahlias, named, 1st do.

do. 2d do.
Best seedling dahlia, not before exhibited,

Boquet of dahlias, " 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Collection of roses, named, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Twelve dissimilar roses, named, 1st do.

do. 2d do.
Best newest variety of rose, ■

Boquet of roses, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Collection of verbenas, named, 1st do,

do. 2d do.

Twelve dissimilar verbenas, 1st do.

do. 2d do.
Best new seedling verbena,

Collection of German asters, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Collection of paiisies, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Collection of gladiolus, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Collection of ten week stock, 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Collection of iiox, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

Collection of petunias, 1st do.

do. 2d do.

$25

25
10

10

5
5
3
3

5
3

10
5
5
3
5
5
3

10

5

5

3
(>
o

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

Annual Exhihitiony at Chicago.

159

Collection of house-plants, thirty or more

varieties,

1st

premium.

$25

do. do.

2d

do. .

20

do. do.

15

Pair circular boquets,

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Basket boquet for table.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Suspended basket boquet.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Collection cut dowers,

1st

do.

15

do. do.

2d

do.

10

do. do.

3d

do.

5

Class 88. — Flowers. — Amateur Exhibitors.

Collection of dahlias, named,

1st

premium,

$10

do.

2d

do.

5

Twelve dissimilar dahlias, named.

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Best seedling dahlia, not before exhibited.

3

Boquet of dahlias,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of roses, named.

1st

do.

10

do.

2d

do.

5

Twelve dissimilar roses, named,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Best newest variety of rose,

5

Boquet of roses,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of verbenas, named,

1st

do.

10

do.

2d

do.

5

Twelve dissimilar verbenas,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Best new seedling verbena.

3

Collection of German asters,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of pansies,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of gladiolus.

1st

do.

5

do

2d

do.

3

Collection of ten week stock,

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of ilox,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of petunias.

1st

do.

3

do.

2d

do.

3

Collection of house plants, thirty or more

varieties,

' 1st

do.

25

do. do.

2d

do.

20

do. do.

3d

do.

15

Pair circular bouquets.

1st

do.

5

160

Premium List of the Seventh

Pair circular bouquets,
Basquet boquet for table,

do. do.

Suspended basket boquet.

do. do.

Collection cut flowers,

do. do.

do. do.

jenth

2d premium,

i

S3

1st do.

5

2d do.

3

1st do.

• 5

2d do.

3

1st do.

15

2d do.

10

8d do.

6

Household Department,

[No article will be entitled to compete for a premium that has not
been made in a family since July, 1858, and if required, exhibitors
must furnish evidence that it has been so manufactured.]
Class 89. — Domestic Productions.

Wheat bread, three loaves,

do. do.

Rye bread, do.

do. do.

Unbolted flour bread,

do. do.

Corn bread, do.

do. do.

Home-made Fruit cake,

do. do.

Home-made Pound cake,

do. do.

Home-made Sponge cake,

do. do.

Home-made Jelly cake,

do. do.

bread,

do. do.

Display of cake,

*do. do.

Vegetables put up in can or glass,

Home-made Ginger

do.

do.

Peaches,

do.

do.

do.

Pears,

do.

do.

do.

Quinces,

do.

do.

do.

Plums

do.

do.

do.

Cherries

do.

do.

do.

Garden Fruit,

do.

do.

do.

Preserved Apples in sugar,

1st p

cemium,

$5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

Ist

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

8

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

0

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do. -

6

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

6

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

2d

do.

3

1st

do.

5

Annual ExMhition, at Chieaffo.

161

Preserved Apples in sugar,

2d pi

emium.

$3

do. Peaches do.

1st

do.

5

do. do. do.

2d

do.

3

do. Plums do.

1st

do.

5

do. do. do.

2d

do.

3

do. Cherries do.

1st

do.

d

do. do. do.

2d

do.

3

dp. Strawberries do.

1st

do.

5

do. do. do.

2d

do.

3

Assortment of Jellies,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Apple butter,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Peach butter,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

General assortment of pickles,

all kinds, 1st

do.

10

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Assortment sweet pickles,

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

do. sour pickles,

ist

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Class 90.—

-Domestic Fabrics,

Woolen carpeting, at least 20

yards, 1st premium,

$10

do. do.

2d

do.

5

Kag carpeting, do.

1st

do.

10

do. " do.

2d

do.

5

Double carpet coverlet,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Knit bed spread,

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

White woven counterpane.

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Woolen blankets.

1st

do.

5

do.

2d

do.

3

Tow-linen, at least 10 yards,

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Flax linen, do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Linsey, do.

1st

do.

6

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Kersey, do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Flannel, do.

1st

do.

5

do, do.

2d

do.

3

Linen diaper, do.

1st

do.

5

do. do.

2d

do.

3

Cotton diaper, do.

1st

do.

6

do. do.

2d

do.

3

162

Premium List of the Seventh

Class 91.-

—Knitting

and Netting

Worlc.

Woolen knit stockings,

one pair,

1st ]

Dremium

do.

do.

2d

do.

Woolen knit socks,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Cotton knit stockings,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Cotton knit socks,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Worsted stockings,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Silk stockings.

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Woolen fringe mittens,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Woolen knit drawers,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Woolen knit shirts.

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Netted worsted shawl,

do.

1st

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

Best netted sofa cover.

Best pair netted chair cover.

Best pair netted lamp mats.

]!^et for covering fruit trees.

3 St

do.

do.

2d

do.

Best ily-net for horses,

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

5

3

3

3

3

5

3

3

Class 92. — Ladies' Work.

[The premium will be awarded
not value of material.]
Patchwork counterpane,

do. do.

dO;. do.

do. do.

Shirt, with stitched bosom,

do. do.

Pair of cloth cassimere pants,

do. do.

Best pair summer pants,
Stitched vest,

do.
Best summer vest,
Best silk dress.
Best thin dress.
Best calico dress.
Best silk bonnet.
Straw bonnet or flat,

do. do.

Handkerchief, needled worked,

for excellence of workmanship,

$12
8
4
1
5
3
5
3
3
5
3
3
3
3
3
3
5
3
5

1st
2d

premium,
do.

3d

do.

4th

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

2d

premium,
do.

1st premium,
2d do.
Ist do.

do.

do.

Undersleeves,

do.

do.

do.

Skirts,

do.

do.

do.

Caps,

do.

do.

do.

2d

premium,

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

1st

do.

2d

do.

Annual Exhibition^ at Chicago. 168

Hankerchief, needle worked.

Infant's dress, do. 1st do. 5

3
5
3
5
3
5
3

•Class 93. — Ladies' Ornamental Work.

Embroidery in gold or silver, $5

do. chenille, 5

do. silk, 1st premium, 5

do. do. 2d do. 3

do. worsted, 1st do. ' 5

do. do. 2d do. 3

Worked covers for chairs, 3

do. for ottomans, 3

Worked cushions for sofas, 3

do. toilet cushions, 3

Crochet work, 3.

Lamp mats, a pair, 3

Slippers, a pair 3

Fancy work basket, 3

Fancy card basket, 3

Portfolios, needle worked, 3

do. in leather, 3

Portemonnaies, do. 3

Ornamental leather work, 3

Bead worky ■ 3

Painted card work, 3

Moss work, 3

Pine cone work, . 3

Shell work,- 3

Flowers of wax, paper or feathers, 3

Wax fruit, 3

Flowers in hair, 3

Best evidence of taste and industry by a girl under 15 years

of age, not a competitor for other premiums, 12

Second best do. 8

Third best do. 4

•Agricultural Jflachine and Implement JMepartmenU

[Exhibitors of machines and implements will make all necessar}^
arrangements for test trials, when practicable, the United States
Agric'ultural Society having declared, in 1.857, " that for the awards
upon the comparative excellence of competing machines, to be of
real practical beneiit to manufacturers, and more especially to farm-
ers themselves, they should be made only upon the results obtained

164 Premium List of the Seventh

by thorough working-trial of the same." In no case will a pre-
mium be granted to an implement on exhibition if it be not worthy
of such distinction, although it may not have competitors; and in
all cases the preference shall be given to those which perform their
proposed labor with the greatest reference to economy. The object
of Exhibitions and Trials being to show the worhing qualities, and
not the ornamental appearance of machines, it is desirable and ex-
pected that the competing article shall not be of better quality than
the average stock on sale at the warehouse ; and if manufacturers
desire to exhibit great excellence of workmanship and adornment
in their, implements, they are requested likewise to enter one of
average excellence, w^ith the price of the same attached. Each ex-
hibitor should prepare, in writing or print, a condensed and lucid
statement of the superiority claimed by him for his implement over
others of a similar nature, which should be given to the chairman
of the jury of awards in his Class, and he should be prepared to
exhibit and explain the several points, if so requested. By so doing
the labor of the jury will be much lightened, and the inventor or
manufacturer be enabled to secure a complete attention to the im-
portant features of his machine or implement.]

Class 94. — A substitute for the Plow.

For that machine which shall supercede the Plow, as now used,
and accomplish the most thorough disintegration of the soil, with
the greatest economy of labor, power, time, and money, the

Grand Gold Medal of Honor.

[This is the largest and most valuable gold medal awarded by

any Agricultural Association in the world. Four have been offered,

and awarded, and as only one is to be given each year, the value is

greater than if several were awarded at each Exhibition.]

Class 95. — Ploughs.

Plough for general use, 1st premium, silver medal.

do. bronze do.

do. silver do.

do. bronze do.

do. silver do.

do. bronze do.

do. silver do.

do. bronze do.

do. silver do.

do. bronze do.

do. do.

do. do.

do. do.

do. do.

do. do.

do. do.

[There will be, (if possible,) a Ploughing Match, at which the
Judges of Ploughs will witness them in use, and also have them
tested by the dynamometer. They will take into consideration their

do.

do.

2d

do.

stubble,

1st

do.

do.

2d

do.

sod,

1st

do.

do.

2d

do.

clav.

1st

do.

do.

2d

do.

prairie,

Ist

do.

do.

2d

do.

subsoil,

do.

side hill,

do.

level land

(on side

hill principle)

do.

digging potatoes.

do.

w^orking c

otton.

do.

draining,

Annual Uxhibitiofi, at Chicago.

165

lightness of construction, ease of draft, and adaptation to soils of
varying tenacity and degrees of resistance.]

Class 96. — Tillage and Planting Implements.
Serrated-disc roller, or clod crusher, 1st premium, silver medal.

do. • do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Best iron roller, in sections.

do.

do.

Best stump extractor,

do.

do.

Best scraper or leveller,

do.

do.

Harrows,

1st

premium

silver n:

ledal.

do.

•2d

do.

bronze

do.

Corn planter, (horse,)

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. (hand,)

do.

do.

Grain drill, (horse,)

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. (hand,)

do.

do.

Best potato planter.

silver

do.

Broadcast Sowers,

1st

do.

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Corn cultivator,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Horse-hoe for drills.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Best Liquid manure distributor,

do.

do.

Class 97. — Harvesting Machin

es and Implements.

Mower and reaper.

1st

premium,

silver medal.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Mower,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Reaper,

Ist

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Best automaton rake,

silver

do.

do. horse do.

do.

do.

do. six hay rakes,

bronze

do.

do. six grain cradles.

do.

do.

do. six grass scythes.

do.

do.

do. six scythe snaths.

do.

do.

do. six hay forks,

do.

do.

do. six sickles.

do.

do.

Threshing machine.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do, do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. and separator.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. and winnower.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Best sweep horse-power.

do.

do.

do. railway do.

do.

do.

Fanning mill.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do^

2d

do.

bronze

do.

166

Premium List of the Seventh

Best cloverseed harvester,
do. feeding machine,
do. dozen hay covers or caps,

Class 98. — Barn and

Corn and cob mill,

do.
Portable flour do.

do.
Corn hiisker,

do.
Corn sheller,

do.
Corn-stalk cutter and grinder,

do. do.

Hay and straw cutter,

do. do.

Root do.

do. do.

Sorgho mill,
do. do.
Cider do.
do. do.
Hay press,

do.
Best willow peeling machine
Best cedar pails, not less than six,
Best corn baskets, do.

Best willow do. do.

Best set wooden measures, do.

Class 99. — Farm ai

Set garden tools,

do.
Carpenter's tools for farm use,

do. do.

Best spades, (at least two,)
Best shovels, do.

Best heavy hoes, do.
Best light do. do.
Best iron rakes, do.
Best chopping axes, do.
Best mattocks, do.

Best post argurs, do.
Best jack screw, do.
Best sheep shears, do.
Best hedge do. do.
Best grindstone, do.
Best ox yoke, do.

bronze metal.

do.

do.

do.

do.

lary

Machines

'.

1st ]

;)reminm

, silver medal.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do. •

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Ist

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

arde

n Tools.

silver medal

bronze

do.

silver

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Annual Exhibition at Chicago.

167

Class 100. — Agricultural Conveniences.
Windmill for pumpino^, 1st premium,

do. do. *" 2d do.

Best self-opening gate,
Best portable saw mill.
Best large platform scales,
Best small do.

Best farm pumps.
Best water rams.
Best wire fence.
Best drain tiles, (round.)
Best do. (sole,)
Best do. (horse-slioe,)
Best roof tiles,

Cla3S 101. — Household Implements.

Apparatus for heating houses,

do. lighting do.

Best hand looms,
do. Spinning wheels, (flax,)
do. do. (wool,)

Churns, 1st premium,

do. 2d do.

Best butter worker.
Best butter moulds and stamps.
Best refrigerator.
Best cheese press.
Best cheese vat,
Best washing machine,
Best sausage meat cutter,
Best do. stufFer,
Best brooms, (half dozen,)

Best sewing machine, • 1st do.

Best do. 2d do.

Best collection earthen ware,
Best display kitchen utensils.
Best do.

Best apple parer,
Best candles,
Best oil or burning fluid.
Best lamp for domestic use.
Best clothes horse,

Class 102. — Carts, Wagons, ^-c.
Large ox wagon, 1st premium,

do. do. 2d do.

Large horse do. 1st do.

do. do. 2d do.

Best small ox do.
Best small horse do.
Best milk do.

silver medal,
bronze do.
silver

do.

do.
bronze

do.

do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

silver medal.

do. do.

silver do.

bronze do.

do. do.

silver do.

bronze do.

do. do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.
silver
bronze do.

do. do.
silver do.
bronze do.

do. do.

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.

silver medal,

bronze do.

silver do.

bronze do.

do. do.

do. do.

do. do.

168

Premium List of the Seventh

Ox cart,

1

bronze m

edal.

Horse do.

do.

do.

Convertible wagon and sled,

do.

do.

Wheel-barrow,

Mfepn

do.
irttnent

do.

Jftechanical and Jfianufacturins

•

Class 103.-

-Machinists'

Workmanship.

Stationary steam engine,

1st premium,

silver medal.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Portable do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Steam governor,

bronze

do.

Brick-making machine,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. " do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Stationarj^ saw mill,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Portable do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Shingle machine,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Lath do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Barrel do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Class 104.-

—Founder's

Workmanship.

Agricultural boiler for stock.

1st p

remium

, silver medal

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Large oven cooking stove for wood.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do.

for coal,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Family stove,

for wood,

do.

do.

do.

for coal.

do.

do.

Parlor stove,

for wood.

do.

do.

do.

for coal.

do.

do.

Fountains, of ornamental cast iron.

do.

do.

Vases, do.

.

do.

do.

Fences, do.

do.

do.

Gates, do.

do.

do.

Bedsteads, do.

do.

do.

Verandahs, do.

do.

do.

Pavilions, do.

do.

do.

Settees, do.

do.

do.

Chairs, do.

do.

do.

Mantles, do.

do.

do.

Grates, do.

do.

do.

Brackets, do.

do.

do..

Columns, do.

do.

do.

Drain Pipe, do.

do.

do.

Annual Exhibition^ at Chicago.

169

Sinks, of ornamental cast iron,

Best plate casting,

Best machine casting,

Best display of bells,

To the Foundry which shall exhibit the largest

collection of cast-iron articles, in addition to

premiums.

Class 105.— Worked Metals.

bronze

medal

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Diploma of honor.

Trace and log chains.

1st

rjremium

, silver medal

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Halter chains,

do.

do.

Horse shoes,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Horse shoe nails.

do.

do.

Cut do.

do.

do.

Boiler and tank rivets.

do.

do.

Anvils,

do.

do.

Collection of blacksmith's tools,

do.

do.

Bar iron — best specimens,

do.

do.

Rod do. do.

do.

do.

Plate do. do.

do.

do.

Cast steel do.

do.

do.

Blistered steel do.

do.

do.

Tin plate do.

do.

do.

Shears do.

do.

do.

Bellows do.

do.

do.

Shovel and tongs do.

do.

do.

Screws do.

do.

do.

Bolts do.

do.

do.

Tacks do.

do.

do.

Display of wire work, including fence,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. brass do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. copper do. including still,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do. do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. tin do. including roofing

, 1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do. do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. gas fittings and burners.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. lamps and candlesticks,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Class 106. — Builders' Workmanship

and Materials.

Panel door and casing.

bronze metal.

Window sash and frame.

do.

do.

Window blinds,

do.

do.

Newell post and stair rail, (6 feet)

do.

do.

Mantlepiece,

do.

do.

Front yard gateway.

do.

do.

23

170 Premium List of the Seventh

Shingles, clapboards, and weatherboards,

Sawed lumber,

Chest of carpenter's tools,

Collection of hinges,

Latches and fastenings.

Graining in imitation of wood,

Painting in imitation of stone.

Collection of window glass, plain and ornamental,

Green-house sashes, wood or iron, glazed,

Garden frames, wood or iron, glazed,

Barrel hydraulic cement,

do. lime.
Composition for roof, (water, fire, and frost proof,)

Class 107. — Cabinet Makers' Workmanship

bronze

metal

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Set of cottage furniture.

1st pr

emium,

silver n:

ledal.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Best ladies' sewing chair.

do.

do.

Best rose-wood chairs, six.

do.

do.

Best mahogany chairs, do.

do.

do.

Best black walnut chairs, do.

do.

do.

Best rose-wood sofa,

y

do.

do.

Best mahogany sofa.

do.

do.

Best black walnut sofa.

do.

do.

Best bedstead,

do.

do.

Best bureau,

do.

do.

Best table.

do.

do.

Best washstand.

do.

do.

Best kitchen furniture,

do.

do.

Best set of school furniture,

do.

do.

Best set of cabinet-makers' tools,

do.

do.

Best specimen of wood carving,

do.

do.

Best mattrasses, of all kinds,

do.

do.

Best rustic work for gardens,

do.

do.

Best display of furniture,

Diploma of Honor

Class 108. — Carriage-

makers' Workmansh

ip.

Two-horse close carriage,

1st premium

silver medal

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. open do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do. do.

2d

do.,

bronze

do.

One or two-horse carryall,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. open buggy,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do. express wagon,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do. do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Omnibus,

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Stage coach.

1st

do.

silver

do.

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

Annual Exhibition^ at Chicago. ' 171

Trotting sulkey, bronze medal.

Best display of carriages, Diploma of Honor.

Class 109. — Saddlers' atid Harness Makers' Workmanship.

Heavy double carriage harness, 1st premium, silver medal,

do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

Light do. do. do. do.

Heavy single do. do. do.

Light do. do. do. do.

Wagon do. do. do.

Cart do. do. do.

Man's riding saddle, do. do.

do. do. spring seat, do. do.

Ladies' do. do. do.

do do. spring seat, do. do.

Saddle trees of various kinds, do. do.

Collection of driving and riding whips, do. do.

do. trunks and valises, do. do.

Best display of harnesses and saddles. Diploma of Honor.

Class 110. — Coopers' and Plumbers' Workmanship.

Best made water cask on wheels, bronze medal.

Best do. barrel for flour, do. do.

Best do. do. beef do, do.

Best do. do. pork, do. do.

Best do. do. liquids, do. do.

Best do. butter firkin, do. do.

Best sawed or split hoops, do. do.

Best pump for deep wells, do. do.

Best force pump, do. do.

Best garden syringe for plants, do. do.

Best hydraulic ram, do. do.

Best bathing tub, do. do.

Best display of plumber's work, do. do.

Class 111. — Q-un and Locksmiths' Workmanship.

Double barrel gun, 1st premium, silver medal.

do. do. 2d do, bronze do.

Single do. 1st do. silver do.

do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

liifle, 1st do. silver do.

do. 2d do. bronze do.

Breeching loading arm, 1st do. silver do.

do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

Fishing tackles, do. do.

Collection of locks, do. do.

Bell-hanging apparatus, ^o. do.

Iron safe"; do. do.

Traps for animals, do. do.

Class 112. — Curriers' and Shoe-makers' Workmanship.

Side of sole-leather, 1st premium, silver medal.

do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

172

Premium List of the Seventh

Side of upper leather,
do. do.

Six calf-skins,

Morocco, different varieties,

Bridle leather.

Harness do.

Enamelled do.

Belting, manufactured,

Gloves, buckskin.

Mittens do.

Gloves, fawnskin.

Mittens, long fur and doeskin,

Pair men's dress boots,
do. heavy do.
do. light bootees or gaiters,
do. pumps or slippers.

Display ladies' gaiter-boots,

do. shoes or slippers,

Brushes for shoes,

Shoe pegs,
do. lasts.

Boot lasts.

Overshoes,

Best display of boots and shoes,

Best silver pitcher, to be furnished at $100,

do. teapot, do.

do. sugar bowl, do.

do. butter dish, do.

do. dozen large spoons, do.

do. cream jug, do.

do. dozen teaspoons, do.

do. cup, do.

do. butter knives, do.

do. cream ladles, do.
Best plated cake baskets.

Class 114. — Manufactures other than Domestic.
Best piece black broadcloth, not less than 20 yards, silver medal,
blue do. do.

woolen carpet manufactured in factories,

not less than 20 yards,
cotton shirting, bleached, 20 yards,

do. unbleached, do.
oil cloth, do.

prints, do.

mouselin de laines, do.

black broadcloth, from American wool,

20 yards,
blue broadcloth, do. 20 yds.,

1st premium,

silver medal.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Diploma of Honor.

lanshi^

>, for premiums.

^00,

silver medal

75,

do.

do.

50,

do.

do.

50,

do.

do.

40,

do.

do.

25,

do.

do;

25,

do.

do.

10,

do.

do.

5,

bronze

do.

5,

do.

do.

10,

do.

do.

do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

silver

do.

do.

do.

2cl

do.

bronze

do.

1st

do.

silver

do.

2d

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Annual Exhibition at Chicago. 173

Best piece blankets, one pair, bronze medal,

do. flannel, 10 yards, do. do.

do. woolen shawls, from American wool, do. do.

Class 115. — Fire Engines and Apparatus.
Steam fire engine, 1st premium, silver medal.

do. do.

Hand do.

do. do.

Best hose reel,
Best hook and ladder truck,
Best fire escape,

Best display of leather engine hose,
Best fire caps.

Class 116. — Miscellaneous Manufactures.

[Wholesale and retail dealers can enter in this class collections
of their wares or merchandise, (not elsewhere mentioned,) except-
ing "patent" medicines or compounds, and the Judges will recom-
mend such as they may deem worthy of Discretionary Premiums
to the Executive Committee.]

•Mrtistic and IScientific IPepartment,

Class 117. — Paintings and Drawings.
Portrait of animal or animals, in oil, 1st premium,
do. do. do. 2d do.

do. do. in water colors,

do. do. in crayon,

do. do. engraved,

Collection of fruit, from nature, in oil,

do. do. in water colors,

do. do. in crayon,

do. do. engraved or lithograp'd, do.

Collection of flowers, in oil,

do. do. in water colors,

do. do. in crayon,

do. do. engraved or lithograp'd.

View of a farm house, in oil,

do. do. in water colors,

do. do. in crayon,

[The Judges will be instructed to report to the Executive Com-
mittee such other works of art exhibited as they may consider
worthy of Discretionary Premiums.]

Class 118. — Daguerreotypes, Photographs, ^c.
Daguerreotype of an animal or animals, 1st premium, silver medal.

do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

do. of a farm machine or implement, do. do.

do. of a rural scene, do. do.

Photograph do. do. do.

silver medal

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

174 Premium List of the Seventh

[The Judges will be instructed to report to the Executive Com-
mittee such other " sun-pictures," plain or colored by hand, as they
may consider worthy of Discretionary Premiums.]

Best display of ornamental penmanship, bronze medal.

Best specimen of book-keeping, do. do.

Best do. farm journals and accounts actually kept, do. do.

Class 119. — Architecture, Topography, ^c.
Design for a farm house, (north,)

do. do. do.

do. do. (south,)

do. do. do.

do. stable,

do. granary,

do. dairy house,

do. poultry house,

Model of bridge,
do. gate,
do. fence.
Engraved map of a county,
Map of an estate.
Topographical sketch.

Class 120. — Instruments, Apparatus, ^c.

Surveyor's compass.

Barometer,

Dynamometer,

Thermometer,

Measuring chain.

Bain guage.

Set drawing instruments.

Set grafting and budding knives.

Set fleams.

Set glass bottles for specimen's seeds,

Medicine chest for farm-use.

Lighting rods.

Set chemical apparatus,

Class 121. — Collections of Minerals, Woods, ^c.
Collection useful minerals of Illinois, not less than

two specim's, each variety, 1st premium, silver medal,
do. do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

do. any other State, do. do.

do. minerals illustrating geology of Illinois,

1st premium,
do. do. do. 2d do.

do. fossils of Illinois,
do. woods do.

do. stuffed birds do.
Herbarium, do.

Models of fruit,

silver medal.

bronze

do.

silver

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

silver medal.

do.

do.

do.

do.

bronze

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

silver

do.

bronze

do.

silver

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Annual Exhibition^ at Chicago. 175

Class 122. — Chemicals, Chemist's Products, ^c.

Samples of potash bronze medal.

Samples of saUeratus do.

Samples of pearlash do.

Samples of soda ash do.

Samples of nitric acid do.

Samples of sulphuric acid do.

Samples of muriatic do do.

Samples of bromine do.

Samples of iodine do.

Samples of nitre do.

Samples of alcohol do.

Samples of ivory black do.

Samples of prussian blue do.

Samples of linseed oil do.

Samples of copal varnish do.

Samples of glue do.

Samples of vs^hite lead do.

Samples of washing soap, one box do.

Samples of fancy soap, do do.

Samples of tallow candles, one box do.

Samples of fine do. do do.

Samples of castor oil do.

Samples of lard oil do.

Samples of lubricating oil do.

Samples of alum do.

Samples of sulphuric ether do.

Samples of acetic acid do.

Samples of formic acid do.

Samples of alchy de do.

Samples of collodion do.

Samples of chlori de of lime do.

Samples of disinfectant do.

Samples of vinegar do.

[Patent and other prepared Fertilizers can be exhibited in this
class, but as their respective merits can only be ascertained by trial
in the field, the Judges will not report on them.]

Class 123. — Musical Instruments.

Cottage square or cabinet piano, 1st premium, silver medal,

do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

Best grand piano, silver do.

do. church organ, do. do.

do. parlor do. do. do.

do. melodeon, do. do.

do. set of band instruments, do. do.

do. collection other instruments, do. do.

176 Premium List of the Seventh

Department of •Mgricultural JLiterature and
Investigation,

Class 124. — Management of Farms and Plantations.

For an account of the situation and soil, the manner and expense
of cultivation, and the actual products — from N"ov. 1, 1858, to
ISTov. 1, 1859 — of the best managed Farm in the United States,
on which Grain, Hay, Stock, Dairy Products, Fruit, Eoots and
Vegetables, (or a portion of them,) are the principal sources of
profit, with detailed statements, properly verified,

Diploma of Honor, and Silver Medal.
For the second best, do. Bronze do.

For an account of the situation and soil, the manner and expense
of cultivation, and the actual products — from Kov. 1, 1858, to
Nov. 1, 1859 — of the best managed Plantation in the United States,
on which Cotton, Sugar and Rice, (either or all,) are the princi-
pal sources of profit, giving detailed statements, properly veri-
fied. Diploma of Honor, and Silver Medal.
For the second best, do. Bronze do.

Class 125. — Farm Crops of 1859.
Best crop of cotton, not less than 5 acres, dip. of hon. and sil. med.
do. fall wheat, do.

do. spring do. do.

do. Indian corn, do.

do. rye, do.

do. oats, do.

do. barley, do.

do. potatos, do.

do. oane sugar, do.

do. sugar from Sorgho

or Imphee, do.

do. tobacco, do.

do. rice, do.

do. hay, do.

do. mangel wurtzel, not less than one acr. do.

do. ruta bagas, do.

do. carrots, do.

do. beets, do.

do. beans, do.

do. peas, do.

[Statements of crops must be forwarded (free of expense) to the
oflice of the United States Agricultural Society at Washington,
before the 15th day of December, 1859, accompanied by samples ot
not less than five pounds weight, and accompanied by the following
statements : 1. — Location of the land, kind and condition of the
soil, crops raised the two preceding years, quantity and kind of
manure used. 2. — Manner of preparing the land, quantity and
quality of manure applied, and how applied. 3. — Quantity and
kind of seed, when and how sown or planted. 4. — The time and
manner of cultivating, harvesting, and preparing the crop for mar-

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

bronze med.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

Annual Exhibition, at Chicago. 177

ket, with the actual yield by weight or measure, where the crop
was sold, if disposed of, and its market value. 5. — A detailed ac-
count of the expense of cultivation. These statements must be thus
verified :

County, ss. — A. B., being duly sworn, says, he is a surveyor; that lie surveyed

\yth chain and compass the land upon which C. D. raised a crop of the past sea-
son, and that the land was in one contiguous piece, and that the quantity is acres,

and no more. A. B., Survej'or.

Sworn to before me, this day of , 185

, Justice.

County, ss. — C. D., being duly sworn, says, that he raised a crop of the

past season upon the land surveyed by A. B., and that the quantity of raised thereon

was legal ; and that the statement annexed, subscribed by this deponent, as

to tlie manner of cultivation, expense, &c., is in all respects true, to the best of his know-
ledge and belief; and that the sample sent to the Society is a fair average sample of the
whole crop. C. D.

Sworn to before me, this day of , 185

It must be borne in mind that these premiums are offered only
for crops raised without unusual manuring or cultivation.]

Class 126. — Accounts of Experiments.

For an account of the best and most thorough experiments made in
draining land on one estate, showing the methods pursued, the
improvements resulting therefrom, with a full detail of construc-
tion,with the attendant expense, verified and in a form for pub-
lication, Diploma of Honor and Silver Medal.

For the second best, do. do. Bronze do.

For an account of the best and most thorough experiments made
in the irrigation of laud on one estate, giving a statement of the
manner of using the water ; how applied, at what times and how
long ; the expense attending it; the increased crops, if any; and
full details of the whole process, in preparing the fixtures and
channels for the water ; and if the same is used on hoed or grain
crops as well as grass lands ; a particular detail of the methods
employed to use the water when needed, and to free the land
from the same. Diploma of Honor and Silver Medal.

For the second best, do. do. Bronze do.

For an account of the best and most thorough experiments on one
estate, (dating back at least five years,) in raising fruit trees, giv-
ing detailed accounts of the preparation and condition of the land,
the varieties of fruit and how planted, the manner of cultivation,
and the present condition of the orchard,

Diploma of Honor and Silver Medal.

For the second best, do. do. Bronze do.

For an account of the best and most thorough experiments on one
estate, (dating back at least five years,) in raising forest trees,
giving detailed accounts of the preparation and condition of the
land, the varieties of trees and how planted, the manner of culti-
vation, and the present condition of the plantation,

Diploma of Honor and Silver Medal.

For the second best, do. do. Bronze do.

23

178 Premium List of the Seventh Exhibition.

For an aceonnt of the best and most tliorongli experiments by one
person, in domesticating and raising fish,- showing their natural
habits, food, haunts and feeding-grounds, with the best means of
their cultivation, increase and cultivation.

Diploma of Honor and Silver Medal,

For the second best, do. do. Bronze do. %

Class 127. — Essays.

[Essays must be sent in to the Secretary, at Washington D. C,
before the 15th of December, 1858, and the name of the author
must accompany his Essay, sealed up in an envelope, and not to
be opened unless a premium is awarded to the writer. It is desi-
rable that in writing the Essays only one side of the paper be used.
IsTo essay wall be entitled to a premium, unless it shall be considered
by the committee to be of sufficient advantage to agriculture to
entitle it to a place in the transactioas of the Society. It is ex-
pected that the essays will be founded mainly (and on scientific
subjects, at least partly) on the writer's practical experience and
personal observation or investigation; and when other authorities
are quoted, distinct reference must be made. The award of supe-
riority to any one essay over others on the same subject, will be
made in reference to its probable greater utility to agricultural
improvement, as well as to the ability with which the subject is
treated. In matters designed to instruct or to guide practical labos,
clearness and fulness of details will be deemed a high claim to merit,
and next conciseness. Nothing necessary for instruction should be
omitted without injury to the value of the instruction.]

A diploma of Honor and a Silver Medal for each best Essay on the
following subjects, viz:

1. Agricultural Education, including the details of a system for
an Agricultural College and Experimental Farm.

2. The best proportions between the value of land and other
capital, and between the amount invested in the dift'erent depart-
ments of a farm, viz : land, labor, stock, implements and manures.

3. Meteorology, in reference to its connection with droughts and
floods, with suggestions for anticipating them and guarding against
their efi'ects.

4. Concentrated manures, in reference to economy, improvement
of land, injurious tendencies, preparation, application, &c.

5. Depth of culture for different soils.

6. On the development of latent properties in soils,

7. New Crops, with their relative profits and the extent to which
they should be cultivated.

8. On Agricultural Exhibitions, and how they should be con-
ducted.

9. On Insects injurious to vegetation, in any State.

Class 128. — Premiums for Reporters.

[The papers or periodicals containing reports of the Exhibition
and meetings at Chicago, must be sent to the Secretary's office, at

Hotel Arrangements at Chicago. 179

Washington, before October 1st. Reports of other Exhibitions

must be sent before December 1st.]

Published reports of the Nutional Exhibi-
tion at Chicago, 1st premium, silver medal,
do. do. 2d do. bronze do.

Best published reports of any State Exhibition

• for 1859,

Best manuscript report of Exhibitions in any State
for 1859,

Best Phonographic or short-hand reporting at the
Farmers' talks, at Chicao'O,

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.

AGREEMENT AVITII KEEPERS OF PUBLIC HOUSES.

The subscribers, keepers of public houses, boarding houses and
lodging houses, in Chicago, pledge ourselves, severally to the
United States Agricultural Society, that we will not charge for
board and lodging, joer daT/ and night, during the week of the
National Fair, in September next, more than the amount set
opposite our respective names, being the usual charges at our
respective houses. Chicago, June 4, 1859.

Names. Houses. Price.

Gao;e, Bro. & Drake Tremont House $2 50

W.^F. Tucker Briggs House 2 50

B. H. Skinner Metropolitan House 2 00

J.F.Smith New York House 1 25

Taber, Hawk & Co Richmond House 2 50

J. W. Humphrey Massasoit House 2 00

W. L. & J. I. Pearce Adams House 2 50

R. Somers City Hotel 1 50

Stoddard & George Revere House 2 00

Bissell k Goodrich Matteson House 2 00

D. B. Blakeley Sollitt House 1 50

Robert Hill Garden City House 1 50

S. B. Appleton Merchants' House 1 25

James L. Howe Hatch's Hotel 1 50

M.H.Baxter Foster House 1 50

Tripp & Hale Sherman House 1 50

j|@°= Exhibitors who may wish to secure stalls, pens, space or
steam-power, or who may desire additional information concern-

ing the Exhibition, will address

Col. Horace Capron,
Superintende7it Seventh National Exhibition,

Chicago, Illinois.

J. H. Stickney, son of Josiah Stickney, Esq., of Watertown, Mass.,
has recently received a diploma as a member of the Royal College
Veterinary Surgeons of London. He is the first American who
has ever taken his degree abroad. He will devote himself to this
honorable branch of the medical profession on his return.

180 JBditorial Remarks,

emlarg's Cable.

Rooms op the United States Agricultural Society,
356 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C, July, 1859.

EDITORIAL ACK>fOWLEDGMENTS.
We would acknowledge, with thanks, the complimentary notices of the first number
of this Journal, which have appeared in various periodicals and newspapers. As yet,
there have been but few articles offered for its pages, but those published in the present
number have a national value, and we have the promise of others equally interesting.
Upwards of two hundred volunteer correspondents, residing in different sections of the
Republic, have forwarded items of information respecting the exhibitions, crops, &c., in
their respective localities, and this information, digested and arranged, is now sent im-
mediately abroad, in every direction. In proportion as gentlemen connected with Town,
County, or State Societies become sufficiently informed as to the nature of the Journal,
to feel that interest in it which will induce them to become contributors, will its useful-
ness be increased, and we again invite their co-operation.

THE SEVENTH NATIONAL AGRICDLTURAL EXHIBITION.
It will be seen by reference to the proceedings of the Executive Committee of the
United States Agricultural Society, that its Seventh Annual Exhibition will be held in
the environs of Chicago, Illinois, September 12th, and continuing during that week.
The first edition of the large and attractive premium list will be found in this number of
the Journal, and neither labor or expense will be spared to render the Exhibition of '59
worthy of the City in which it is to be held, of the " Great West" wherein it was located
by vote of the Society, and of the United States of America, whose citizens will compete
for the prizes. Col. Horace Capron, (formerly of Maryland, but now of Illinois,) has ac-
cepted the appointment of Superintendent, and a second edition of the Premium List,
which will contain the complete Regulations, and the Volunteer Premiums offered by the
citizens of Chicago, will be issued in a few weeks.

THE PATENT OFFICE.— AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS.
A clerical division of the Patent OfBce, (which is itself a subordinate section of the
Department of the Interior,) is at present the only branch of our National Government
charged with the advancement of the Agricultural interests of the country, in which
Ibur-fifths of the people are engaged. The appointment of a Commissioner of Patents'
(after the office had been vacated by the transfer of Judge Holt to the Post OfiBce De-
partment,) was consequently regarded with interest by Agriculturists, and we can con-
gratulate them on the selection, by the President, of the Hon. William D. Bishop, of
Bridgeport, Connecticut. The new Commissioner was born at Bloomfield, New Jersey,
in September, 1817, and at the age of seven years removed with his father to the State
where he now resides. He entered Yale College in 1845, graduated in 1849, and studied
law, but never practised, as the death of his father, who was a large contractor, obliged
liim to superintend the completion of several railroads. He has since devoted much of
his time to railroad interests, as contractor, superintendent and president, and has ac-
(juired the reputation of being a progressive, energetic, and industrious man. In 1850,
the Commissioner married the only daughter of Russell Tomlinson, Esq., a prominent

The Secretary is Table. 181

farmer in Bridgeport, and lie has since then been directly interested in Agricultural jjur-
suits, while his accomplished helpmate has been equally noted for her love of horticul-
ture, and her devotion to rural life. An address delivered by him in 1851, before the
Fairfield County Agricultural Society, is an able and a practical production, and he has
been a useful member of several agricultural societies. Elected to Congress in 1852, the
Commissioner was chairman of the Committee on Manufactures, and actjuitted himself
very creditably, liut he was defeated at the last election on political grounds, receiving
however nearly three thousand votes more than he had received at the time of his elec-
tion. Retiring to his form, he was unexpectedly tendered the Commissionership, and we
doubt not that he will give his personal attention to every division of his bureau, espe-
cially that in which agriculturists are directly interested, and which has heretofore been
left too much under the direction of subordinates.

As Congress ordered the manuscript of the agricultural portion of the Patent Office
Report of 1858 to be handed to the public printer in June of the present year, it is to be
hoped that it will soon be ready for distribution. It will contain a dozen pages of en-
gravings, among them the portrait of a "Yak," or gruuting-ox of Thibet, drawings of a
machine for preparing arrow-root, and views of the " Garden of Propagation," one rep-
resenting it as it is imagined that it will look, when all of the proposed conservatories
shall have been erected, and other projected improvements shall have been made ! It is
to be hoped that the Report now in press will be superior to its predecessors, which have
been severely criticised both at home and abroad. Monsieur J. B. Avequin, a well
known French writer on Agricultural subjects, thus describes them : " Every year a
volume (on Agriculture) appears, but it says very little. It is composed of correspon-
dence without any value, addressed to the agricultural clerk of the Patent OfiSce, by
planters often utterly incapable of making a report. The clerk himself is unable to dis-
tinguish between the true and the false in these papers, and he presents them as he re-
ceives them, without discussion, Avithout examination."

The success of e.xperiments in propagating and hybridizing grape vines, &c., in the
Government Botanic Garden and Green Houses, (which will be described in the next
number of this Journal,) led the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Garden of Propa-
gation on an adjacent lot of the public land, in the heart of the metropolis. It has been
under-drained in the usual way by tiles, and the erection of proper conservatories has
been commenced. Already, there is a large assortment of vines, plants, trees, &c.,
brought here by the agents who have been sent out for the purpose, or contributed by
those who take an interest in the advancement of culture. Among them — we are in-
formed l)y the Constitution — are grape cuttings from various sections of the Union, Hun-
gary, and Egypt, "all to be tested in various ways, but especially by experiments having
for their object the blending of varieties by hybridization, in order thffit the American
retaining its vigor and exuberance, may have its acerbity, its ' ferocity,' as it is some-
times expressed, subdued through the influence of the older cultivated grapes of other
climes; or that these maybe reinvigorated through the influence of the more hardy
American vines. The Egyptian varieties — the seedless and the lady-flnger — of which
there are eight or ten thousand plants, have been introduced by means of cuttings ; the
El Paso, of which there are one or two hundred thousand, have been produced from
seeds. Here also is a forest of tiny pines, an inch or two in height, sprung from seeds
brought from the Pacific coast ; native plum trees, from seeds obtained in Arkansas and
in Texas ; radishes from China; onions from Egypt; Melochia, an Egyptian soup plant,
the leaves of which are exceedingly mucilaginous and agreeable in flavor ; the Pyrethrum
Caucasicum, the dried flower heads of which produce the far-famed vermin-destroying
powder; the wax-bearing Rhus of Japan, the product of which has recently created some

182 The Secretary's Table,

sensation in commerce; the liemp palm from China, of which a grass cloth is made; the
olea fragrans, of China, from which the better varieties of tea derive their rich aroma;
the seedless pomegranate of Egypt ; the camphor tree ; the cork tree ; the Mahonia of
Texas, which produces a fruit of great value for preserving; the osier willow from New
England, which soon attains a height of eight or ten feet; American oaks from the acorn;
the American larch; the products of one hundred and twenty-three samples of wheat;
and more than fifty thousand healthful tea-plants, the seeds of which have been received
from China within a few months. Some of these plants are just peeping above the soil,
while others, more superficially covered with earth in the cases, germinated during the
voyage, and are now a foot or more in height.''

It was well said by the Secretary of the Interior, in his last annual report, that " in a
country possessed of so great a variety of soil and climate it was wise to essay the pro-
pagation of every plant aflbrding any hope of usefulness, especially as such success
would more than compensate for all the cost and trouble attending many instances of
failure." The experiments commenced here, carried on (as they doubtless will be under
the supervision of Mr. Commissioner Bishop) by scientific and practical men, of unques-
tioned ability, can but be valuable, and it will give us great pleasure to send abroad to
the numerous Agricultural Associations of the Republic, quarterly accounts of what-
ever the Patent Office may be doing to adA'ance the great interest of the country. The
new Commissioner has a broad field of usefulness open before him, and we feel confi-
dent that he will so direct the Agricultural division of his Bureau as to gain for it the
confidence and the support of the Farmers, the Planters, the Horticulturists, and the
Pomologists of the United States.

FARMING BY STEAM.

We have copied into this number of the Journal, an interesting and instructive ac-
count of the eiforts made in England to supplant the team-drawn plough by some im-
plement, propelled by that mighty power which drags the train, whirls the wheel, and
propels the ship — Steam ! It will also be seen by reference to the Premium List, that the
Grand Gold Medal of Honor annually awarded by the United States Agricultural Society,
is this year offered '' for that machine which shall supercede the Plough, as now used, and
accomplish the most thorough disintegration of the soil, with the greatest economy of
labor, power, time and money."

This premium is thus offered, because there are many well informed persons who re-
gard all plans for stcai,ra-]jlou(/hinff, in which the traction of an engine is substituted for
that of a team of horses or of oxen, as merely transition schemes, only useful so far as
they may develop the capabilities of steam-power for agricultural purposes. This is the
view taken of the subject by a recent writer in the English Farmer's 3Iagazine, who says
that in endeavoring to avail ourselves of a new power, it is ol the utmost importance that
we should consider how. and in what manner, we can most economically make use of it.
It by no means follows that we do all, if we simple try to adapt the new power to an
old and established implement or system of culture. On the contrary, sound philosophy
no less than common business prudence, leads us to consider whether a new implement
or a new mode of culture will no* probablj^ be required before we can take advantage
of the capabilities of a new power. If we look at what has been done in manufacturing-
machinery, we find that this principle is almost invariably acted upon : new machines
with new processes, on the adaptation of a new power. It would be as easy as we hope
it is unnecessary to cite numerous exemplifications of the truth of this. There is, in-
deed, everything to induce our agricultural mechanics, on the one hand, to think well
as to the best means of availing themselves of the capabilities of this new power by the
adoption of a new implement ; and our agriculturists, on the other, on the introduction

U. S. Agrieultural Society. 183

of a new method of preparing land for the operation of this new implement. There is
no such degree of perfection in the work performed by the plow, or such economy in the
doing of it, as to induce a belief that our successors will be as much wedded to it as we
are ourselves ; on the contrary, we have shown that it posseses defects acknowled by
all ; and that these, in place of being overcome, may be aggravated by the application
of a steady power like that of steam. If the plow is to be retained with steam as the
traction power, those defects must be overcome if we wish to attain economy in the
working power as well as efficiency in the work performed. But even granting that
with these defects overcome, the work performed shall satisfy the cultural requirements
of the ciuestion, there are many who think that sound mechanical reasoning inevitablj'
leads to the conclusion, that a machine on a principle distinct in its operation from that
of the plow will be required, to satisfy at once mechanical as well as its cultural require-
ments. Modifications of its mechanism may make the plow do good work ; it is ques-
tionable whether steam power will enable it to do as cheap work as would be done by
steam working an implement expressly designed to aid its peculiarities. There are at
all events many reasons for supposing that the plough is not adapted to the new power .
hence before much further outlay is made in the direction of applying the new power to
the old implement, it will be as well to consider in all its bearings the important ques-
tion : in what direction must efforts be made to avail ourselves of the power of steam
for the cultivation of our lands ?

The steam plough of Mr. J. W. Fawkes, of Lancaster, Pa., was to have been exhibited
on the 15th, 16th, and 17th ult., at Oxford Park, about ten miles from PhiladeliDliia.
The editor of that valuable journal, the Scientific American, thus chronicles the exhibi-
tion: "Having taken a deep interest in the subject of steam ploughing, we accepted the
invitation of Mr. Fawkes to be present, and expected to be highlj^ gratified with the dis-
play. We regret to state that, from the defect of two pinions gearing into the wheel on
the main drum, our anticipations were doomed to disajjpointment. On Wednesday, (the
15th,) after the plough had traveled round the race course, it was set to work, but had
not proceeded above 30 yards when the cogs of the pinions referred to were ripped off,
and further operations entirely defeated. We regretted the result as a great number of
persons, like ourselves, who had come from a distance to witness the operation, felt mor-
tified, both on their own account and that of Mr. Fawkes. He deserved better success,
as his plough contains some good features and had made a very successful private ex-
periment on the day previous. The plough is 18 feet long by 7 wide, has two horizontai
cylinders of 9-inch bore and 15-inch stroke. The boiler is a ' vertical tubular,' and
carries 150 lbs. of steam. The principle feature about it is that the whol.'? frame and
machinery are supported on a large rolling drum six feet wide and six feet broad. The
power of the engine drives this drum, and it drags a gang of eight ploughs behind it in
an adjustable angular frame. The motion from the crank-shaft to the drum-shaft is
imparted through cog-gearing, and it was defective teeth in one of these cogs which
caused the break-down. It will soon be in operation again, and, with better pinions, it
will no doubt give satisfaction, and may yet be the successful competitor for the prize
offered by the Illinois State Agricultural Society."

Before closing this article, we would inquire what progress Mr. Obed Hussey of Balti-
timore is making with the steam plough which he patented in 1859, and — if we mistake
not — tested satisfactorily in 1856.

Delegates to the National Exhibition.— At a recent meeting of the Kentucky State
Agricultural Society, Messrs. Brutus J. Clay, L. J. Bradford, and Wm. Warfield were ap-
pointed Delegates to attend the Exhibition of the United States Agricultural Society, at
Chicago.

184 The Secretary s Table,

REVIEW OP NEW PUBLICATIONS.

Farm Drainage. — The Principles, Processes and Effects of Draining Land, witii stones, wood, ploughs, and
open ditches, and especially with tiles ; including tables of rain-fall, evaporation, filtration, excavation,
capacity of pipes; cost and number to the acre of tiles, &c., <fec. By Henry F. French, [Vice President of
the United States Agricultural Society from New Hampshire.] New York : A. 0. Moore &, Co., Agricul-
tural Book Publishers, 140 Fultou Street.

This pleasantly written worli, is a valuable addition to the Agricultural Literature of
the country, and can but attract attention to the necessity for systematic drainage which
everywhere exists. Rain, penetrating the soil, carries warmth and ammonia with it to
nourish the growing crops, but what cannot escape by percolation either goes off by
evaporation, (thereby lowering the temperature of the soil and the atmosphere di-
rectly above it,) or it becomes stagnant, rendering manures inoperative, and nourishing
aquatic plants. How important then is drainage, by which falling water can be conveyed
through the soil, and channels provided for taking away any surplus of it ? To use the
words of a Scotch writer, on Drainage : " In its train follow every other improvement,
and much of the perfection of husbandry is to be attributed to it ; for although silent
and secret in its operations, like wholesome medicines, draining has renovated the con-
stitution of the soil, and suffused a healthful bloom over the face of the country."

Judge French has treated this important subject in his well known, vigorous off-hand
style, making dry details interesting, and inspiring his readers with that degree of con-
fidence which is essential to success in practice. He is evidently over-partial to the use
of tile for drainage, although there are, within a morning's ride of his house, large fields
in which stone-drains laid in 1831 are now in excellent condition, and occasionally the
authors from whom he quotes vary in opinion, leaving the i-eader at a loss to decide
which is correct. With these exceptions, the Avork is an admirable preparatory hand-
l)Ook for the use of every land-owner, and merits a place in every Agricultural library.
The practical information which it contains is what farmers really need, rather than the
speculative theories so widely diffused now-a-days, and it is to be hoped that it will in-
cite thousands to remove that complete barrier to agricultural improvement, the lack of
drainage.

The American Home Garden. Being Principles and Rules for the Culture of A'egetables, Fruits, Flowers>
and Shrubbery. To which are added brief notes on Farm Crops, with a table of their Average product
and Chemical Constituents. By Alexander Watson. Illustrated. New York : Harper & Brothers.

A very fair idea of this excellent work may be gathered from its title. It presents
much valuable information and ample directions, which, if applied, will enable any one
who posseses a garden to produce therefrom with the least outlay of labor or means the
most desirable fruits and flowers. All matters connected with garden cultivation, time
of planting, seeds, scions, grafts, with notes on farm crops, chemical analyses, «fec., are
introduced and treated with evident ability. It is in short a work which seems almost in-
dispensible to the amateur gardener and horticulturist, and will be useful to those of
more practical experience.

A Treatise on the Theory and Pkactice of Landscape Gardening. Adapted to North America: With a view
to the Improvement of Country Residences. Comprising Historical Notices and General Principles of the
Art, Directions for Laying Out Grounds and Arranging Plantations, the Description and Cultivation of

• Hardy Trees, Decorative Accompaniments of the House and Grounds, the Formation of Pieces of Arti-
ficial Water, Flower Gardens, Ac, with Remarks on Rural Architecture. By the late A. J. Downing, Esq.
Sixth Edition; Enlarged, Revised, and newly Illustrated. With a Supplement containing some Remarks
about Country Places, and the best methods of making them ; also. An Account of the newer Deciduous
•ind Evergreen Plants lately introduced into Cultivation, both Hardy and Half-Hardy. By Henry Win-
throp Sargent. New York : A. 0. Moore & Co.

This beautiful volume is a new edition of that admirable work of the late Mr. Down-
ing, which is so well known and so universally esteemed as to make any commendation
of it superfluous. Few works have ever appeared in our country which have done more
practical good than this treatise ; and very few men could have been taken away at the
time of Mr. Downing's lamented death, whose loss would have been more felt than his.
The value of this edition is enhanced by a supplement by Mr. Henrj' Winthrop Sargent,
a gentleman admirably well calculated to edit Mr. Downing's book : himself the owner
of a very beautiful estate on the North River, and thus practically acquainted with the
beautiful art of landscape gardening.

Codntrt Life : a Hand-book of Agriculture, Horticulture and Landscape Gardening. By R. Morris Cope-
land. Boston. John P. Jewett & Company.

This is a large work, profusely illustrated, by a well known Boston architect and land-
scape gardener, who has thus recorded his professional experience. The chapters upon
all the subjects are remarkably full, and nothing, the tendency of which can illustrate
or demonstrate any matter, appers to have been left unsaid. The " Farm," the "Kitchen
Garden," the " Conservatory," the " Grapery," the " Flower-Garden," and incidentals to
such, in numerous variety, receive due attention, and all is written in a style which ren-
ders the book exceedingly agreeable.

Abstract of Correspondence, ^c.

185

EXHIBITIONS FOR 1859.

States.
Alabama,
Canada West,
California,
Connecticut,
Georgia,
Illinois,
Indiana,
Iowa,
Kentucky,
Maine,
Maryland,
Missouri,
Michigan,
New Jersey,
New Hampshire,
New York,
Ohio,

Pennsylvania,
Tennessee,
Wisconsin,
Vermont,

Places.
Montgomery,
Kingston,
Sacramento,

Atlanta,

Freeport,

New Albany,

Oskaloosa,

Lexington,

Augusta,

Frederick city,

St. Louis,

Detroit,

Elizabeth,

Albany,

Zanesville,

Philadelphia,

NioShville,

Milwaukie,

Burlington.

Time.
November 15-18,
Sept. 27-30,
Sept. 27-Oct. 6,

October 24-28,
September 5,
Sept. 2G-0ct. 1,
September 27-30,
September 13-17,
September 13-16,
October 25-28,
Sept. 2G-0ct. 1,
October 4-7,
September 13-16,
October 5-7,
October 4-7,
September 20-23,
September 27-30.
Oct. 5-7,

September 26-30,
September 13-16,

Secretaries and their addresses.
Dr. N. B. Cloud, Montgomery.

0. C. Wheeler, Sacramento.
H. A. Dyer, Brooklyn.
Jas. Camak, Athens.
S. Francis, Springfield.

J. II. Wallace, Muscatine.
W. D. Gallagher, Louisville.
E. Holmes, Winthrop.
Samuel Sands, Baltimore.
G. 0. Kalb,.St. Louis.

Wm. M. Force.

B. P. Johnson, Albany.
D. E. Gardner,

A. Boyd Hamilton.

D. J. Powers, Madison.

C. Cumings, Brattleboro'.

ABSTRACT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION.
[Received by the Secretary during the quarter ending June 30, 1859.]
Alabama. — The wheat crops were good, and well harvested, but no larger than were

those of last year A rainy spring interfered with the planting, both of

corn and of cotton, but they are looking well, and stalks of cotton were found in bloom

on the 1st of June The oat crop suiFered from rust, and was a failure

Twenty-one of the camels originally imported into Texas, are now on plantations in
Alabama, where they give satisfaction. Major Wayne, U. S. A., who was sent abroad
to introduce camels into this country, says : " As a southern man, from a cotton, corn,
and rice growing section, I believe that in manj^ respects we might use camels with ad-
vantage in our agricultural labors about the plantation, and in transporting produce and
goods to and from the railway or market. So far as the negro is concerned, I am satis-
fied, from a knowledge of the nature and habits of both, that no animal better suited to
him in all respects than the camel can be given to his management."

Arkansas. — The prospect for a good crop of cotton was never more promising, al-
though the early spring was cold and wet The oat crop will be excellent,

and the corn looks well Wheat has been considerably blighted, and in some

sections touched by the rust, so the crops will fall short of that of last year, although
more land was sown.

Arizona. — The influx of miners has caused a demand for vegetables, &c., but the
amount of land suitable for tillage is small when compared with the extent of the coun-
try, and irrigation is requisite, although two crops a season can thus be grown. The
pasturage is excellent and abundant, and not fifty years ago the rich "rancherias" of
the Spanish settlers counted their cattle by the hundred thousand. The weak govern-
ment of Mexico, which abandoned there herds to the forays of the Apache Indians, de-
populated the ranges, but if these marauders can be checked, the stock farms will soon
be re-established.

California. — The State Agricultural Society now publishes a " Monthly Journal,"

edited by the Secretary, Rev. 0. C. Wheeler The spring was^rainy, cloudy,

and cool A stalk of winter barley grown on Wheeler's ranch, Butte county,

measured eight feet from the root to the head Mr. Engelfried, a brewer, has

been experimenting on the sugar pine tree, which grows so abundantly on the Trinity
river, and has satisfied himself that sugar and molasses, made from the pine, excels that

made from the maple A herd of fine Devons, raised by Charles A. Ely, Esq.,

of Elj'^ria, Loraine county, Ohio, (who took the first premium for Devons at the Fifth
Exhibition of the United States Agricultural Society,) is on its way to California, across
the plains.

Canada West. — Fall wheat sown in good season, in well prepared ground, is looking
well, although there was but little snow to protect it last winter. Few began to sow
24

186 The Secretary's Table,

spring wheat before the middle of April, but there is a large growing crop, and it is said

that the "late frost" destroyed the fly, which was beginning to appear Corn,

potatoes, fruit, and garden vegetables Avere seriously injured.

Connecticut. — A "penny-wise and pound-foolish" Legislature has redu'-ed the cus-
tomary appropriation to the State Agricultural Society from $2,500 to $1,000, thereby
crippling the operations of this excellent association, which has done so much to advance

the agricultural interests of the State Vegetation was of course checked,

if not destroyed, by the "late frost." Cherry trees have been injured, and it

is supposed by some unknown insect We are disappointed in not receiving

a promised article on the Cattle-Breeders' Association.

District of Columbia. — Prominent among the agricultural improvements now being
made in the vicinity of the Metropolis, are those on the estates of William AV. Corcoran,
Esq., under the direction of a well known Massachusetts farmer.

Florida. — Agriculture is not in a very flourishing condition, and many cotton-planters
in East Florida are emigrating to Texas. The land there is sandy, and neither oats or
wheat are raised ; the greater part of the forn used is brought from Georgia, and the haj-

from the North, except a coarse variety of marsh grass Several severe

storms have greatly damaged fruit trees.

Georgia. — Large crops were planted, and during the four months ending March 31,
there were 1,344 tons of Guano, besides other fertilizers, sent by railroad from Savannah

into the interif/r Crops were promising well, although in some sections of the

State there was great want of rain Mr. Peters is very successful in cross-
ing his cashmere goats with the common goats Dr. Bradwell, of Bain-
bridge, offers to be one of one hundred persons to give $1,000 each for the endowment
of an Agricultural College.

Illinois. — The Chicago North- Western Prairie Farmer, excellent authority, re-asserts
its conviction, that " the wheat crop of 1859, in the United States, will fall ten to fifteen

per cent, below an average, even allowing the yield per acre to be unusually large."

The State P'air Grounds, at Freeport, will cover forty acres of beautiful valley

prairie, and all the buildings, arrangements, &c., will be of the most approved order

Great damage was done to crops by the "late frost," as in exposed places it

was so cold that ice was formed A Cotswold buck, imported by the "Illinois

Importing Association," recently sheared 19 J lbs. of drj- wool Rats have

done great damage to the crops in some sections, and the Logan County Agricultural
Society offers among its premiums: $50 to the person killing the greatest number of
r^ts from the 1st of June to the 4th of October; $30 for the second largest number;

and $20 for the third The proprietors of the Prairie Farmer have offered

$25 to the boy under 10 years of age, who shall raise the greatest number of bushels of
Ruta Baga or Flat Turnips.

Indiana. — Although there was a scarcity of laborers in the spring, a large area was
planted, and the crops generally look well, excepting in the northern counties, where the

" late frost " left its traces, and where there are level, undrained, clay soils

The State Fair grounds at New Albany are fully three times the dimensions of the grounds
at Indianopolis, and are large enough to accommodate 100,000 visitors; the enclosure is
substantial ; the horse ring cannot be excelled, in any of its appointments ; a natural
forest covers about half the grounds, and shade trees have been planted along the fences,

the aisles and the halls, to complete the shade The State Board voted to

place the Geological Survey of the State under the charge of David Dale Owen

Distillers are using the fruit of the Paw-paw, a bushel of which will produce

two gallons of spirit.

Iowa. — The spring was backward, wet and cold, but when warm weather came the
farmers improved it, in many places planting every bushel left of corn, oats and wheat

.f.The Hungarian grass will not be as extensively cultivated as it was last

year, not having answered expectations President Buchanan has issued a

proclamation for a sale of 1,609,501 acres public lands in Iowa, commencing at Fort
Dodge on the 2Gth of September, and at Sioux City, October 3 ; the lands are on the
northwestern part of the State, and at the head of the Des Moines river.

Kansas. — Heavy rains and consequent freshets in May and June, washed up the corn
and hemp crops, carried away fences, and otherwise injured the fiirmers' prospects.

Kentucky. — The crops look well, and Agriculturists are prospering, as may be inferred
from the fact that a farm of 170 aci-es, on the turnpike road from Paris to Lexington, was

recently sold on credit, for $135 per acre Reports of the New York cattle

markets show the advantages of introducing the Durham blood — one week 700 beeves

U. S. Agricultural Society. 187

were sold tliat averaged nine cwt. each The fifth annual sale at auction by

Mr. R. Aitchcson Alexander, the Prince of Kentucky cattle breeders, took place at his
magnificent farm in Woodford Co., in that State, on Wednesday, the 1st inst. In all
there were sold twenty bulls and bull calves, which brought in gross ?2, 720; twenty-
one cows and heifers for $2, 7zO; eleven Southdown bucks for $385; and three Cots-
wolds for $5(j. The total amount realized was $5,881 Mr. R. W.Scott finds

ready sale for about one hundred breeding ewes of his " Improved Kentucky" sheep at
$25, which is his uniform price.

Louisiana. — A good yield of wheat and of rye. but oats injured by the rust, especially

those sown late The cane is promising, and the planters are introducing

several new inventions designed to economise fuel in the manufacture of sugar

There is a demand for hydraulic engineers, whose skill will be available for protection
against tides and overflows, for the best development of the numberless water-courses,
for draining the swamp-lands and making them healthy as well as productive, and also
for improving the dry fields, the sub-soil of which is too often filled uji with stagnant
water and putrid humidity, injurious to vegetation as well as to human life.

Maine. — A much larger breadth of land has been turned up by the plough this season
than ever before. Grass, the great staple crop of the State, gives promise of an abundant
yield ; corn and oats look well, and although those favorite Yankee esculents — pumpkins

and beans — were nipped, the farmers will have no reason to complain The

State fair will be held again at Augusta, and as the ground used last year have not been

changed, considerable expense will thus be saved Messrs. U. S. Treat & Son

inform the editors of the Eastport Sentinel that their experiment in raising salmon by
putting into a small lake at Red Beach a number of salmon, male and female, is likely
to prove successful. They have discovered the young salmon in the lake and on the
stream. They are a year old, and those seen were from ten to twelve inches in length,
and very closely resemble the parent fish. The .Messrs. Treat expect to see many thou-
sands in the lake and stream this season. Recent discoveries made in France induce the
belief that the parent fish will continue to produce, as they have remained in the lake
for two years and appear in good condition.

j\[aryland. — The growing crops are looking well on the Eastern shore ; on the West-
ern shore, the present prospects are that the yield of rye will be heavy ; wheat generally
is looking well, though on light lands there has been too much rain for it, and the fly,

joint worm, &c., have done considerable damade to some fields The State

exhibition will be held at Frederick, commencing on the 2.")th of October, on a fine area
of twenty acres, with every convenience. Among other valuable animals which will
then be on e.xhibition, there will be two Navijo rams — one black, the other white- — pre-
sented to the Agricultural college by Col. Miles and other Maryland officers now serving

in tlfe army in New Mexico The Professors of the State Agricultural College

will be appointed during the present month, and it is expected that the institution Vv-ill
be opened early in September. The cost of board and tiiition, covering all charges in
all the departments, has been fixed at two hundred and fifty dollars per annum.

Massachusetts. — The "late frost'' did much damage, but the loss was greater in labor

than in the yield of any staple crop, as it was necessary to replant gardens, k<-

The hay crop will be a light one, as the grass was "winter-killed" in many loc: lities

An apple-tree on the land of Moses Pickard, of Rouley, recently blown down in a gale
of wind, measured over sixteen feet around its trunk some three feet from the ground^

and was sixty feet from one extreme of its branches to the other .Market

days have been successfully established by the Essex County Society Charles

L. Flint, the able Secretary of the Board of Agriculture, has been authorized by the
Legislature to prepare a new edition of the report by the late Dr. Harris, on the insects
of New England injurious to vegetation. $8,000 was appropriated, and Mr. Flint has
engaged the assistance of competent entomologists, who are prosecuting the necessary

investigations The Massachusetts Horticultural Society propose to publish a

Monthly Journal, to be furnished to members free of charge.

Michigan. — With the exception of the injuries occasioned by the "late frost," and an
occasional fiiilure of winter wheat, crops look well; some of the large peach orchards
around St. Joseph's are uninjured, and apple-orchards .will generally bear an average

yield The farmers in the northwest section, discouraged by the repored failure

of the wheat crop, have turned their attention to the breeding of sheep, and there has,
for the past three years, been a continually increasing clip of wool sent forward to market
from the interior of Michigan, in the aggregate amounting to some millions of pounds.
The prices so far, have been higher, more uniform, and better sustained than those of

188 The Secretary 8 Table,

any other product of the farm Hon. J. R. Williams has resigned his position

as President of the State Agricultural College, leaving eighty-one students there.

Minnesota. — Winter wheat looks well, and the large crops of spring-wheat and oats

planted promise a remunerative harvest Large quantities of Ginseng root,

(as species of Panax,) have been dug in the extensive belt of timber known as the "big
woods," and it finds a ready sale at New York for export to China. It is a jointed, fleshy,
taper root, as large as a man's finger, which, when dry, is of a yellowish white color,
with a mucilaginous sweetness in the taste, somewhat resembling that of licorice, accom-
panied b}' a slight bitterness. The Celestials chew it as Americans do tobacco. The
price of ginseng at the " diggings" in Minnesota is from six to ten cents per pound when
green, and from twenty-five to thirty when dry; and it is estimated that five hundred
tons will be dug and cured during the present season.

Mississippi. — Twenty-five bushels of wheat, harvested in De Soto county, May 23d,
was sold in St. Louis on the 28th for five dollars a bushel. The wheat crop was not re-
markably good, but there are fine stands of cotton, corn, rj'e and oats The

thirteen year locust have again emerged from the earth, filling the air with their monoto-
nous song The planters in the Mississippi valley are to meet in convention, at

Vicksburg, on the 11th of July, to discuss the best method of constructing levees.

MissouKi. — Crops look finelj' In St. Louis on the 9th at a sale of premium

tobacco at the Planters' Warehouse, the first premium ($75) for manufacturing leaf, was
awarded to Addison Tinsley, of Pike county. This tobacco was purchased by B. W.
Lewis & Bros., of Glasgow, for $125 per 100 pounds. This is the highest price on record.
Experiments and observations show that Missouri is destined to become the vine-grow-
ing region of North America. It is estimated that the vinyards have yielded an average
yearly profit of three hr.ndred dollars an acre since 1849, while some, for instance, Mr.
Poeschel, of Herman, has made an annual profit of more than five hundred dollars for

each acre The fourth Exhibition of the St. Louis Agricultural and Mechanical

Association, which is to commence on the 26th of September, bids fair even to eclipse
its predecessors. Large premiums have been offered, and several who have entered
stock for the National Exhibition at Chicago, intended to take it afterwards to St.
Louis. A horse railroad has been built from the city to the fair grounds.

Nebraska. — The quantity of land planted in corn has been greatlj' enlarged, and

numerous orchards have been set out James Smith, of Douglas county, has

purchased and brought home the Devon bull Hercules, and other fine stock has been
brought into the Territory.

New Hampshire. — The "late frost" did great damage, and it is said by the weather-
wise that it was the heaviest frost which has occurred in southern New Hampshire in

the month of June, since the 17th of June, 181G, a period of forty-three years

In man}^ places apple and pear trees have been entirely killed by the usual alternauons
of the weather, and even the Baldwin apple and Bartlctt pear have come in for their full

share of damage Gov. Gardner, in his annual message, delivered on the 2d

of June, complimented the Agricultural Societies, and said: "I am much gratified to
know that a plan is now in progress to connect with Dartmouth College an agricultural
department, where our young men preparing to be farmers, can get a scientific education,

fitting them not only to be accomplished agriculturists, but wise legislators

Charles H. Dana, of West Lebanon, has placed at the disposal of the State Agricultural
Society one hundred dollars, to be given as a premium on the best kind of grape for
culture in that climate. He proposes to conduct the experiment himself, planting all
the vines received in the same location, and giving them the same cultivation.

New Jersey. — Corn and other crops are somewhat backward. There will be a plen-
tiful supply of apples, and some white peaches, but the yellow peach crop will be very

small There will be a fair yield of cranberries, also cf whortleberries, which in

some counties form a fruitful source of revenue. When they are ripe, thousands of
dollars worth are gathered by women and children, and sold to hucksters who have
teams going in every direction through the forests in pursuit of berries, and carrying
them to the New York market. These hucksters pay from two to two and a half dollars

per bushel, and still realize a good profit for tlieir labor Within the past year,

J. C. Taylor, Esq., of Holmdel, imported a Southdown buck, from the celebrated flock
of Jonas Webb, which took the first prize at the Paris show, for which he paid the
trifling sum of Uvo thousand dollars! His stock is giving much satisfaction to his owner.

New York. — It appears that the damage done to the crops bj^ the " late frost" is less
than was at first apprehended, and that, (generally speaking,) nothing has been very

seriously injured except vines and fruit The corn touched by it will grow again ;

and even if destroyed, it was not too late to replant both corn and potatoes. The weevil

U. S. Agricultural Society, 189

and the grasshoppers have undoubtedly suffered more than the grain The

hog-cholera" has broken out in droves at several distilleries, and proves very fatal

Hon. A. B. Conger purchased some of the stock at the sale of Air. Alexander, in

Kentucky, for his stock farm, near Ilaverstraw Nine "wild horses" from the

La Plata have been brought to New York city by Capt. Thomas The exhibi-
tion of the State Societj', at Albany, will doubtless be graced by the fine horses and
cattle of the Empire State, and of New England.

North Carolina. — The crops of wheat were injured both b}' the rust and by the joint

worm Professor Buckley, who has recently explored the mountainous region,

says that in no part of the United States has he seen finer apples than in the valley there.
He endorses the assertion that there is a line or belt on the mountain sides, about three
hundred feet above the adjoining valleys, where fruit trees always bear, because there is
never any frost.

Ohio. — It was at first reported that the frost had swept away the hopes and labors of
the husbandmen, but Mr. J. H. Klippart, the efficient Secretary of the Board of Agricul-
ture, has examined the fields in the wheat-regions personally, and concludes that there
will be three-founhs of what there would have been harvested under any circumstances.
He says : "There have been many capital blunders made b}' those who do not under-
stand the process of wheat-growing, and many fields have been pronounced ruined that
were not so. The Monday after the frost was a day of clouds and sunshine alternately.
Tuesday was a bright, clear day. On that day, much wheat presented the appearance of
being shrunken, but has since recuperated, and filled up from the base or bottom of the
berry. Wheat does not form a perfect kernel on the start, as does the fruit of the apple,
cherry, peach, &c., and then swell out and enlarge ; but the berry of the wheat, begin-
ning at its base, builds up — if we may use the expression — from the foundation to the
top. In very many fields, the frost affected the partially-formed berry, and gave it a
shrunken, collapsed appearance, so that casual observers pronounced it ruined. Yet so
long as the base of the kernel presented a minute green spot in which is stored — as the
fountain head — the juices of the wheat, the grain was safe ; and a few days demon-
strated the fact that this green spot at the base furnished a recuperative force, that, be-
ginning at the fountain head, infused new life into the grain, inflating the kernel — if you
please — as you would a balloon, only distending the base, instead of the apex, first.
AVhere the bearded and smooth wheat have been sown promiscuously, the killed of the
two kinds are as seven of the bearded to five of the smooth — the bearded thus being
proved to be the most tender."

Pennsylvania. — Wheat is advanced and promising; a few of the Hessian fly and
midge have been seen in Lycoming county, and myriads of grasshoppers have made their
appearance in Bucks county, where they were so abundant and so destructive last year...

The State Fair will be held at Powelton, on ground offered by the Pennsylvania

railroad company The Executive Board of the State Society have passed

resolutions honoring the memory of their deceased colleague, Joseph Yeager, of Phil-
adelphia.

Rhode Island. — It is feared that the incessant rains of June have retarded vegetation,
injured growing crops, and caused the decay of early fruit. The June exhibition of the
State Horticultural Society was nevertheless excellent, every product was contributed in
full measure and in a high state of perfection, and the attendance was very large. The
display of flowers was extensive, embracing roses of diflerent varieties in profusion,
sweet Williams, fuschias, geraniums, peonies and honey-suckle. The bouquets were
arranged with rare taste, and the society must feel that their efforts have been encouraged
and sustained, and that renewed interest is being awakened in the subject. Dr. Durfee,
of Fall River, Mass., (a successful exhibitor at several exhibitions of the TJ. S. A. S.,)
carried away the premiums for grapes.

South Carolina. — The excessive rains in March and droughts in May, injured the
growing cotton crop, but it has latterly improved in appearance, and ripe bolls were picked

in the second week in June, at several places The stand of corn, although

also retarded, now looks well Oats suffered from rust Ripe peaches

from the orchard of Mr. James Purvis, near Aiken, were shipped to New Yorlt from
Charleston on the 11th of June, and sold there at an average of $12 50 per box, con-
taining one-and-a-half bushels Dr. J. P. Barrett, near New Market, is able to

treat his friends with a cup of tea of his own growing, he having succeeded in cultivating
the Chinese tea-plant, and the Chinese Olive [Olea fragrans) with which it is scented.

Tennessee. — Corn and all other crops except wheat, are reported generally promising
over the State. Wheat, however, is an important exception, as Tennessee has become a
large wheat-growing State The black-tongue is prevailing among the cattle in

190

The Secretary's Tahle^

the vicinity of Naslnille "From a report recently made by the Hon. Wm. S.

Mundy, Secretary of the Sumner Cashmere Company, to the stockholders, we learn that
near thirty thousand dollars worth of Cashmere Goats have been sold from their flocks
during the past season, without disposing of a single pure blood, although one thousand
dollars a piece has been oflered for them — the sales having been made principally from
grade males, sixteen thousand dollars worth of which have gone to the State of Kentucky,
and such has been the demand for the native Goat for propagation, that common she
Goats have been sold for ten dollars per head.

Texas bids fair to become the leading agricultural State of the Union, as she now has
within her borders upwards of one hundred millions of acres of fertile public land, for

sale at State prices, ranging from 50 cents to §1 per acre The "late frost"'

which was on the 23d and 24th of May, did not do much damage. Winter wheat was
reaped early in May, and it was anticipated that spring wheat would be ready for the
sickle by the middle of June — estimated average crop of each, 20 bushels to the acre.
Corn looked well — estimated average yield 50 busheli to the acre on bottom land, and
30 bushels on the upland.

Utah. — Heavy spring rains will save an immense amount of labor in irrigation, and
as the United States troops and the overlnnd passengers make large purchasers of every

description of produce, an unusually large quantity of ground has been planted

The culture of cotton has been abandoned, owing to the lack of water, and min-
erals in the soil.

Vermont. — It is thought that the principal crops will recover from the visitation of

frost The last maple-sugar season eclipsed even the famous one of 1857, in

the absence of the yield. The town of Hardwick made 320,000 pounds; E. Pitkin, of
Marshfield, made 3,000 pounds from 380 trees, and a farmer in Waldea 6,000 pounds
from 600 trees.

Virginia. — The crops have been somewhat injured by the frost, and in some places the
wheat has been hurt by the fly and joint worm. A large crop of tobacco has been
planted Sheep-raising is becoming profitable and popular in the upper coun-
ties Mr. Ludington, of Greenbrier county, has sold his fine Durhams which

took premiums at the Exhibition of the United States Agricultural Society at Richmond,
to Mr. A. Rogers of the same county ;— D'Jalma, $2,000 ; Chance, $G00 ; Red Rose, $500 ;
and Bertha, §400.

Wisconsin. — The winter wheat was generally a failure, but there is every indication of
a large and abundant yield of spring grain and corn. In those localities where the

orchards have reached any size, there is a prospect of an excellent fruit crop

...Great preparations are being made for the State Fair at Milwaukie, which will doubt-
less be well worth attending.

RURAL LIFE.

An Ode of Horace, ti-anslated hy Ben Jonson.

Beatus illo qui procul negofiis,

Ut Ilri^:ca gens mortalinni,
Paterna nira liobus exercet suis

Solutus onii)i fenore.
Neque excitatur classico miles triici,

Neque liureet iratum mare,
FornnKine vital et superba civium

Potentioruni limina.
Ergo aut adulta vitiura propagiuo

Alias niarilat populos,
Aul in reducla valle niugientium

Proppectat errantes greges,
Inutilesve falce ramus ampulans

Felicires inherit.
Aut i)ri'ssa puris mella condit amphoris,

Aut toiidet inlinnas ores ;
Vel cum (ieconini uiitibus promis caput

Auctiimnns agris extulit,
Ut gHudel insitiva deceipens pyra,

Certantem et iivan purpurje,
Qua muueretur le, Priape, et le, pater

Silvane. tutor fiuium,
Libel jacere raodo sub antiqua ilice

Modo iu teiiaci gramine.
Labuntur altis interim ripis aqa;

Queruiitur in silvisaves,
Fontesque lymphis obstrepuut mauantibus

Somnos quod invitet levea.

Happy is he that from all business clear,

As the old race of mankind were,
With his own oxen tills his sire"s left lands

And is not in the usurers bands :
Nor soldier-like started witk rough alarms,

Nor dreads the sea's enraged harms :
But ilies the bar and courts with the proud boards,

And waiting-chambers of great lonls.
The poplar tall he then doth marrying twine,

AVith the grown issue of the vine;
Or in the bending vale beholds afar

The living herds there grazing are;
And with bis hook lops off the fruitless race,

And sets more happy in their place :
Or the pressed honey in pure pots doth keep

Of earth, and .shears the tender slieep.
Or when that autumn through the fields lifts round

His head, with mellow apples crowned.
How, plucking i)ears his own hand grafted had.

And purple-matching grapes, he's glad !
With which, Priapus, he may thank thy hands,

And, Sylvan, thine, that kep'st his lands!
Then now beneath some ancient oak he may

Now in the rooted grass him lay, *

Whilst from the higher banks do slide the floods,

The soft birds quarrel iu the woods,
The fountains murmur as the streams do creep,

And all invito to easy sleep.

Foreign Agricultural Information. 191

England. — The officers of the Royal Agricultural Society have made extensive prepa-
rations for the "Warwick Meeting,'' as they style their annual cxhihition for lliis year,
which is to be held at Warwich. Due notice was given that entries for Implements,
Cheese, Wool, Farm-G^tes, and Draining Pipes must be made before the first of May,
and that entries fur Live Stock must be made before tiie lirst of June — all entries re-
ceived in each case after tliose respective dates, were, "without any exception, disquali-
fied, and returned to the senders." Mr. Hudson, the Secretary of the Royal Society, has
been "suspended," and Mr. Braudreth Gibbs has been asked to act in his place.

Ireland. — The report of the Spring Cattle Show held at Dublin, b}' the Irish Improve-
ment Society, shows that the Durham or Shorthorn cattle, are gradually taking tlie place
of the native breeds. Mr. Smith, one of the Judges, stated in some remarks as "an ex-
traordinary thing, that while in England the breed of Shorthorns was almost restricted
to certain districts— at any rate ^vas not spread over the country as it appeared to be in
Ireland — he thought he was justified in saying that Ireland appeared to be a nursery of
Shorthorns; for whether he was in the beautiful and romantic Keny, or in the moun-
tains of Wicklow, or the jilains of Meath, Shorthorns appeared to thrive and flourish
everywhere. He jjresumed that it was because this was really and truly the 'Green
Isle,' and it seemed that where a Shorthorn got good grass, there it would thrive well."

Fkance. — The grand annual cattle show, at Poissy, near Paris, w-as held in April. It
consists of 245 oxen, 310 sheep, 23 calves, and 89 pigs, a greater number of animals
than at anj- previous show. There was ample evidence, says a correspondent, "that the
French, by their imitations of English systems, and by crossings with English breeds,
have greatly improved their oxen and sheep; and that even the breeds of native oxen,
which have not been crossed, the Limousine, Garonneise, Choletaise, Charolaise, and
Bretonne, have made marked progress. In a speech which Monsieur Rouher, the Jlinis-
ter of Agriculture and Commerce, delivered on distributing prizes to the most meritori-
ous exhibitors, he referred to the anticipated modification of the sliding-scale of duties
on grain, and assured the agriculturists that government would take due care of their
interests. The Imperial Society of Agriculture, which met soon afterwards, decided,
after a long discussion, that the slidiug scale ought to be abolished, and that moderate
fixed duties on the import and export of wheat onght to be substituted for it.

Mr. Tucker, in an interesting letter to the Couniry Gentleman, describing iv "regional
exhibition at Nantes, in May, mentions two items which he recommends for adoption at
our shows :" First, to every animal and ever}- machine there was attached a medal with
a number, and there was a printed catalogue which contained a complete list of all, num-
bered to correspond. This catalogue was sold for 5 cents a copy, and in itself was worth
double the price of admission to one who really wished to know what there was to see.
Second, there was offered for sale at the same price Saturday morning, a complete list
of the prizes awarded. This, although a matter of no little convenience, was practically
less important, because notices giving the class, catalogue number, prize awarded, &c.,
has also been affixed to everything which had received either a premium oran honorable
mention. When the visitor has thus the means of knowing clearly what it is he is look-
ing at, such an exhibition becomes doubly instructive, especially when he can also de-
termine the comparative merits of all and each, with light afforded by the judgment of
those selected to decide officially upon them." ^

Chemical Discovery. — Mr. Hoffman, a well known chemist, has invented an improved
method of converting starch, corn, or other grain, into dextrine gum or grape sugar. He
uses steam, diluted acid and water, at a much higher temperature than the boiling poin^
of water, in an enclosed and steam-tight mash tub. To every bushel of grain about
twelve gallons of boiling water are used, and an additional cjuanty in proportion to the
pressure of the steam; one or two per cent, of the weight of corn, of weak and sulphuric
acid is also employed. These are gradually added together, and mashed under steam
pressure for two or three hours, the starch of the corn is converted into dextrine, and by
the addition of chalk or marble dust to neutralize the acid while at the atmospheric pres-
sure, and when all the acid has been neutralized, and the whole has stood for an hour or
so, the starch gum can be obtained by evaporation ; and grape sugar is obtained.

Vegetable Wax. — A cargo of vegetable wax has been received from Japan, in an
American vessel, at London, and our consul there has sent to the State Department spe-
cimens of the wax and berry. The latter, he states, grows in clusters similar to grape
clusters, on trees varying from fifteen to twenty-five f'eet in height. The cost of the wax
delivered in London is about eight dollars per hundred weight. The tree might be suc-
cessfully raised and the wax manufactured in the southern States.

192 Executive Committee. — New Members.

UNITED STATES AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

A special meeting of the Executive Committee was held at the Rooms of the Society,
Washington, D. C, on the 14th and 15th of June, President Tilghman in the chair.
Letters were read from Messrs. Marshall P. Wilder, Fred'k Smyth, J. W. Ware, and
Henry Wager, giving reasons for non-attendance, and approving of the action of the
Sub-committee, of which they had been advised by letter.

President Tilghman, chairman of the special committee on the Annual Exhibition,
with full powers. Reported^ That on the 30th of May, he visited the State of Illinois in
company with J. McGowan, Esq., and Col. Horace Capron of the Executive Committee,
for the purpose of examining the locations for the next Annual Exhibition, which had
been tendered by the citizens of Chicago and Peoria, and receiving any further proposals
which might be made. After a personal inspection of the grounds, at each of these
places, and a careful investigation of the proposals, the Sub-Committee decided unani-
mously to locate the Seventh National Exhibition, at the city of Chicago, and selected
the 12th of September as the time for its commencement. A contract for this purpose
was prepared and executed between the President of the Society and sundry citizens of
Chicago, by which they have engaged to furnish ample grounds, fixtures, &c., &c., and
have given a responsible guarantee that the receipts of the Exhibition shall not be less
than $17,000. The contract itself accompanies the report, and will be found to secure
the interests of the Society, whilst it cannot fail to confer important benefits on the
city and those of its citizens whose public spirit and enterprise have led them to engage
in it. The report was also accompanied by the following preamble and resolutions,
passed at a meeting of the Cook County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, on the
9th of June, President Kennicott in the chair:

" TP/jereas, It is miderstood that tbe Executive Board of the United States Agricultural Society have decided
to hold their animal exhibition in this city this coming fall, therefore

'■• lles.nlve.ds That we (the Cook County Agricultural and Horticultural Society) do not hold a fair at the
usual time of holding our annual fair this season.

" Jiesolvcd, That we recommend that the Cook County Agricultural and Horticultural Society exhibit
with and compete for the premiums offered by tiie United States Society."

After an examination of the contract, it was, on motion of Mr. Merryman —

Resolved, That the Executive Committee ratify and approve the action of the Sub-
Committee, and that the President be further authorized to invite an Orator; confer with
the President of the Cook County Agricultural and Horticultural Society; and take such
further action as he may deem necessary to secure the success of the Exhibition.

The President nominated Col. Horace Capron, of Alden, Illinois, as Superintendent of
the Exhibition, which nomination was — on motion of Mr. McGowan, confirmed.

The Premium List was then taken up, and after a prolonged examination and revision,
a draft was adopted, and ordered to be published in the July number of the Journal of
Agriculture, with the understanding that it is to be increased by the addition of a large
number of " Volunteer Premiums " from citizens of Chicago, which will appear in a
second edition, to be published in August.

Rolls of Judges and of Invited Guests were then made up, and business matters were
disposed of. After which, the Committee adjourned, to meet again at Chicago, on the
8th of September, unless sooner called together by the President.

New Members. — The following names have been enrolled since the publication of the
last Journal, and sevwal members are now actively engaged in enlarging the list in the
different States in which they reside.

Life Members. — A. B. Conger, Waldberg, near Haverstraio, N. Y. ; Solomon Foot, Riit-
land, Vermotit; A. G. Fuller, Sioux City, Dacota; Geo. Merrick, Northumberland, Pa.;
Geo. H. Penfield, New York city; M. M. Patton, Secretarj^, &c., Hendersonville, N. C;
Marcellus Ross, Pittsfield, Illinois; William Sutton, Salem, Mass.; J. W. White, Madison,
Wisconsin; Henry Wager, /^o??ie, N. Y.; Sylvester Mowry, Tucson, Arizona; and A. P.
Cummings, New York city.

Annual Members. — John A. Kennicott, West Northfield 111. ; Thomas C.Connolly, Wash-
ington, D. C; E. P. Walton, Montpelier, Vermont; William Lawton, New Rochclle, N. Y.;
Charles Ballancc, Peoria, Illinois; F. G. Carey, College Hill, Ohio; Ezekiel Holmes, Win-
throp, Maine; Eliphalet Case, Patriot, Indiana; S. S.Bradford, Culpepper C. II., Virginia;
D. S. Curtis, Madison, Wisconsin; S. P. Smith, M. D., Cumberland, Md.; J. W. Barrett,
St. Louis, Missouri; Edward Lloyd, jr., Baston, Md.; F. M. Haw, Queen Ann, Md.; Le
Grand Byington, Io2va City, Iowa; D. P. Holloway, Richmond, Indiana; Wm. Young
Brown, Omaha City, Nebraska; Daniel McCook, Pekin, Illinois; Arthur M. Eastman,
Manchester, N. II.; B. M. Rhodes, Baltimore, Md.; William A. Spence, JI. D., Montross,
Virginia; Charles J. Gilman, Brunsivick, Maine ; Joseph C. Lewis, Washington county, D.
C; iixmts.D-Ji\y, Niagara Falls, N. Y.; and Victor B. Bell, Chicago, Illinois.