Full text of "Pennsylvania farm journal"

See other formats

Digitized by tlie Internet Arcliive

in 2009 witli funding from

Lyrasis IVIembers and Sloan Foundation

http://www.archive.org/details/pennsylvaniafarm118511852darl

PEMSYLYANIA

FARM JOURNAL,

DEVOTED TO

Agriculture^ Horticulture & Rural Economy.

S. S. HALDEMAN, EDITOR.

VOLUME I.

LANCASTER, PA.

A. M. SPANGLER, Publisher

W. B. WILEY, PniNTKtt.

1852.

INDEX TO VOL. I.

Acknowledgments, 91, 121, 217
Address, Editor's, 1

" Hon. A. Stevenson's, 256
Agricultural education, 43, 69, 202, 293, 325, 332
" chemist of Maryland, 42

Chemistry, 164, 195, 225, 267, 300, 329,

360
Fairs, 102, 153, 182, 239, 217, 241, 317
" College, Russell's project, 107
" Journals, 3

Societies, 24, 45, 86. 103, 152, 169, 181,

241, 315,-349
Society of Pa. 8, 55, 217, 258, 285, 315,
334
" Schools in Europe, 11, 38

" Writers, hints to, 8

Warehouse, 123
'• Address, notes of, 132

" Experience, 135

Nuisances, 172, 200, 237, 273, 310, 328,
359
Agriculture and Geology, 9, 58, 193

" in Pennsylvania, 163, 231

A habit of observation essential in farming, 235
Articles exhibited at State Fair, 258, 281, 313
Absence of the editor, 285
Apple pumice, &c. 302
Asparagus, 347
Ashes of anthracite coal, 75
Att«ntion to young cattle, 123
Arboretum, the, 238
Alderneys, 240
Agents at State Fair, 217
American Association, 225
Animal heat, &c., 168
A word to •ur friends, 348
An offer to County Societies, 373
Advance of Practical and Scientific Agr, in Pa., 374

Bee, organization of 72

" moth, 171

" hiving, 177
Birds, destruction of, 82

Book notices, 59-61, 87, 154, 219, 252, 285, 318, 350,
Brevity, 122
Building material, 99
Burns, remedy for, 45
Blue rose, 152
Bots in horses, 175

Banquet, the, 246, 278
Brown's fumigator,286
Birds and insects, 272
Bones Dissolved, 358

Corn planting, 35

" sowed for fodder, 43
Currants — Raspberries, 48
Charcoal for cisterns, 48
Crows and pigeons defeated, 75
Crioceris Trilineata, _
Crops in Pennsylvania, 122
Circular, 123

Cicada septendecim, 89, 90, 108, 131
Correspondents, to 99, 131, 193, 247, 348
Cucumber bug, 106, 135, 365
Cure for murrain, 136
Cultivation of flowers, 139
Cows failing in milk, 147
Constitution Pennsylvania Ag. Society, 150
Corn crop, 183
Club subscribers, 186
Correction, 203
Cauliflowers, 208
Cows, 233

" advantage of keeping good ones, 237
Central Rail Road Company, 243
Calomel for Chickens, 277
Change of seed, 295
Corn vs. Wheat, 298
Com fodder, how to cure, 307
Cranberry, culture of, 344, 349
Corn planting, an old farmer's method, 228
Churn, premium, 247
Cutlery, American, 246
Caterpillars and Black Knots, 371
Club Lists, 374
Complimentary Resolution, 376

Dairy management, 48

Diversity of crops, &c. 134

Devon ox, 46

Deterioration of soils, 202

Dorking fowls, 53

Delay, 56

Deep plowing, 68, 229

Domestic Economy, 81, 155

DriUs, 92, 152

Dwarf Pear Trees, 114, 140, 178

INDEX.

Delaware county, 123
Drought, 212
Draining, 326

Entomology, 33, 65, 97, 129, 105, 348

Dr. Brinckle's essay on, 338, 366
Enclosing receipts, 56
Experimental farming, 41
Evergreen trees and shrubs, 141, 206, 314
Encouragement, 35
Enamelled milk pans, 182
Education of farmer's daughters, 102, 199
Enquiries and answers, 218
Eastern Virginia,226
Evening walk in June, 115
Enterprise of English & American farmers, 121
Experiments, 345

Effect of Frost on Peach Trees, 371
Evergreens of our Capitol, 372

Farmers! write for the Journal, 56

Farmers' Clubs, 67, 105

Farmer's sons and the learned professions, 74

Farming in California, 85

Female industry, 85

Fruits of Lancaster county, 113

Fine wool, 149

Franklin Marshall College, 162

Fruit stealing, 184, 205

Food for the raspberry, 209

Fruit and ornamental trees, 217

Farmers who have nothing to do, 244

Fattening calves, 303

Fowls, management of 341

Fruits, the circle of, 340

Fencing, cost of, &c. 304

Flax plant, 344

Fowls, improved 282, 312, 313

Fanning Mills, 349

Fowls, the Guinea, 365

Fruit and Fruit Trees, protection by law, 375

Good and bad vinegar, 136
Guano, 122, 143, 163, 216, 326
Good farming implements, 151
Gen. Hand plums, 179
Grain market, 216
Georgia white wheat, 219
Germination of clover seed, 276
Geese, China 79

" Bremen, 79
Galloway ox, 112
Guano vs. lime, 310
Gooseberry, 346
Generous offer, 149
Guano, Kentish's artificial 153

Horticultural Societies,

52, 83, 113, 115, 144, ISO,
211, 218, 250, 277, 347, 372

Hoof-all in cattle, 44

Hedges, planting 71, 74

Horse-shoeing, 48

Hawthorn vs. Osage orange, 74

Horse, the structure of, &c. 77, 110, 146, 176

Hints on Domestic Economy, 85

Hovr the postage law affects us, 120

How to double the circulation of Farm Journal, 149

Harvest, the 153

Homoepathy, 166

How should young farmers spend their evenings, 232

Horticultural implements,185, 213

Incorporation Penna. Ag. Society, 35

Important facts, 167

Imposition, 218

Importance of communicating facte, 299

Ink for tree labels, 309

Insects, Rose 143

Increase of County Societies, 376

January number, 315

Kitchen and flower garden, 50

Kitchen garden, 83

Keep your cattle comfortable, 303

Liquid fertilizer, 136

Lime, 39, 162, 173, 229, 302, 305

LarvaB of the locust, 112

Lecture on hair, wool, &c. 137

Lotteries, 161

Lightning rods, 183

Late seeding, 230

Longworth's sparkling Catawba, 280

Labor, dignity of 344

Medal Penna. Horticultural Society, 35

Melon bug bane, 155

Murrain, 173, 174

Mortality among poultry, 175

Manures, &o. 194

Manuring, a word on 204

Milk and its management, 226

Mice in barns, "

Make home beautiful, 279 "

Moon, influence of 308, 327, 359

Notices of the press, 57, 280, 373

Notes by the wayside, 118

Notes for September, 179

Newland's Strawberry humbug, 182

Necessity of increasing the fertility of our soils, 270

National Agricultural Bureau, 375

Organ of the State Society, 55
Obituary, 06

Pomological remarks, 49
Pear on the quince stock, 51
Potato rot, 57, 167, 200
Potato, the 103
Potatoes for seed, 309

" small vs. large, 296, 363
Patridges and weeds, 309
Paine's Oxygen Light, 66
Plowing Matches, 90, 166, 245

at the State Fair, 216
Plows, American, " " 218

INDEX.

Plow, Hope's improved, 184

" Roger's improved subsoil, 245
Peyson'a Deodorizer, 91
Pruning Ladder, 119
Premiums, 130
Pennsylvania barns, 145
Plums and the curoulio, 162
Progress in farming, 174
Peach culture, 183
Pears, American seedling 273
Poultry, 311

Protection for fruit trees against mice, 332
Pruning trees, 333

Plaster and stable manure, mixing of 334
Postage on Farm Journal, 285
Poudrette, application to corn fields, &c. 358
Pedigree of Rockland, 374
Philadelphia subscribers, 376

Quack medicines, 35
Quackery, medical, 98

Rural taste, 40

Raspberry, how to propagate, 81, 139

Raspberry, Red Antwerp 239

Reply of Mr. Bumstoad, 247

Renovating outcasts, 276

Remedy for a cow that sucks herself, 102

Silk, to iron 45

Sheep, 47, 66, 88, 148, 170

Shade as a fertilizer, 74

Swede turnips, 75

Strawberry, Newland's Alpine 90

Scientific farming, 131

Should manure be immediately plowed under? 162

Strawberry plants, 185

Seedless apples, 205

Shrubs for hedges, 207, 370

'Shall we grow wheat or tobacco, 215
Stir the soil, 307
Seedling vs. budded peaches, 280
Select good seed, 298

Thanks, 56

Tobacco, management of 76, 153, 213

" Pennsylvania, 182
Transplanting pear trees, 82
fruit trees, 142
To our lady readers, 181

To young men who read the Farm Journal, 181
Terms of the Farm Journal, 186
To measure an acre of ground, 233
Temper in the family, 238
To bone a fowl, 240
Thorough tillage, 304
Turkeys, Domestic, 364

Venango county, letter from, 306
Villa farm house, 55
Voice from the west, 120
Visit to West Chester, 123
Vine, propagation of the 209, 234
Victoria Regia, the 210

What a little effort will accomplish, 57
What we have done, &c. 153
Who's to blame ? 185
Wire Fence, improved 117
AVheat, spring 199
" new varietv, 233

culture, 297

Coad, 123
Wayne county, 203
Worthy of imitation, 247

What will Pa. farmers do for the Farm Journal, 285
" " " " without the Journal, 308

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FKONTISPIECE— PORTRAIT OF MR. JAS.

Agricultural Chemistry, 15 illustrations, 195, 196,
197, 198, 268, 269, 300, 329
Aldemey Bull, 250
Devon Ox, 45
Domestic Turkeys, 364
Fowls, Cochin China, 18, 248, 283

" Guilderland, 18

" White Shanghaes, 19

" Dorkings, 53

" Shanghae, 281

" Chittagong, 313
Malay, 312

" Hamburg, 343

" Sebright Bantams, 342

" Gray Game, 341
Gen. Hand Plum, 22
Geese, Hong Kong, 79

GOWEN'S PREMIUM BULL, "ROCKLAND."

Geese, Cbina, 79

Guinea Fowl, 365

Galloway Ox, 113

Horse, the 77

Hackney, the 176

Hope's Improved Plow, 184

Horticultural Implements, 14 illustrations, 185, 213

Insects, 38, 34, 65, 66, 98, 99, 100, 130, 131, 101

Pennsylvania Bam, 145, 146

Roger's Subsoil Plow, 245

Scaling or Pruning Ladder, 119

Sheep, Cheviot, 47

" Black-faced 47, 48

" Merino, 88

" Cotswold, 148
Villa Farm House, 54
Yorkshire Cow, 21

VOL. 1.

LANCASTER, APRIL, 1851

THE FARM JOURNAL.

S. S. HAIDEMAX, Editor.

" It is a great fallacy to suppose that Tfhen an indmd-
ual becomes the editor of an Agricultui'al paper, he ne-
cessarily constitutes himself a dictator of opinion and
practice to his readers." — Tennessee Farmer.

No apology is necessary in offering a new periodi-
cal devoted to the subject of Agriculture and the
collateral Arts and Sciences, to the farmers of Penn-
sylvania and the neighboring States, as ■well as to
others who desire to know the condition, and become
acquainted with the prospects of the most useful and
extensive branch of American employment.

The formation of societies and the publication of
journals devoted to Agriculture tend to impress the
farmer with the dignity and importance of his pro-
fession, and places its claims to respect prominently
before the world at large. But whilst there are pe-
riodicals devoted to the interests of the merchant, the
mechanic, the politician, and in fact to the chief pur-
suits and tastes of civilized society, the cultivators of
the soil have generally been among the last to be
supplied with this kind of mental food ; and were it
not that they have shown themselves ready to adopt
improvements as they become acquainted with them
(the early introduction of thrashing machines, im-
proved plows, and other implements being proof of
the fact) the condition of American agriculture would
not have occupied its present favorable position in
comparison with other branches of industry.

From their generally isolated position, farmers have
but few opportunities of consulting together, and mak-
ing themselves acquainted with the various modes of
culture employed in distant regions, whilst the results
of individual experience are confined to limited dis-
tricts. One farmer may think of adopting a rotation
of crops differing from that to which he has been accus-
tomed, but fears that the result may be unfavorable,
although the experiment may have been successful, or
may have failed, in a different part of the country.

Under these circumstances, an Agricultural Jour-
nal takes it stand between the person who wishes
information, and the one who is capable of supplying
it; and it becomes a bond of' union and sympathy,
forming a partial recompense for the want of the ac-
tive intercourse which exists among those engaged in
mechanical pursuits. This end is accomplished to a
great extent by the formation of Agricultural Socie-
ties, but it frequently happens that the farmer cannot
leave his home at the periods when these meet, whilst
the Journal makes its regular visits to his own door.

"We expect to devote considerable space to Corres-
pondence, and we invite communications upon field,
garden, and orchard culture, and their coUateval
branches.

As soon as the necessary arrangements can ba
made, we intend to import the best German, French
and English Periodicals devoted to farming, that oiir
readers may become acquainted with the latest agri-
rieultural improvements abroad. Particular atten-
tion will be paid to the Revicic of new Books which
have a bearing upon the subjects to which the Farm
Journal is devoted.

There existed formerly certain prejudices against
"book" farming, but as modern agricultural litera-
ture embodies the observations and practical experi-
ence of the best farmers, such objections are now
untenable. Judge J. Buel, (who was lost to his coun-
try in 1839,) did much to advance agriculture by
making it a matter of the head, aa well as of the
hand; and his success was such, that besides giving
an impulse to farming which was felt throughout the
Union, he increased the value of his own light and
sandy farm, "which cost in an uncultivated state,
thirty dollars an acre," so as to be worth " two hun-
dred dollars an acre for farming purjioses."

In addition to the practical results, the employ-
ment of the reasoning powers in agriculture elevates
it to the dignity of a science. It refines the mind of
the cultivator, perfects his education, places him on
an equal footing with the professional man, and pre-
sents to his offspring a wide range in the field a of go

FARM JOURNAL.

April

ology, botany, chemistry, and the collateral sciences ;
so that a practical homo education may to a certain
extent supersede one acquired abroad, and afford his
sons a sufficient scope for the employment of the in-
tellect, without forcing them into the uncertain fields
of professional or commercial life.

To Correspondents.

Verbal alterations and corrections will be made in
printing communications, unless their authors desire
them to appear as written, and they will be occasion-
ally condensed when it can be done without altering
the sense.

One of our correspondents will observe that we have
omitted an article in which he enters upon the ques-
tions discussed by our friends Skinner and Carey. —
We have done so because we do not wisli to encroach
upon the special ground of " The Plough, the Loom
and the Anvil," and l^eoause we are not disposed to
admit theoretical articles upon political questions
which are ably discussed upon both sides by the
Whig and Democratic papers. The Farm Journal is
intended for readers of all political parties, without
being an advocate of the peculiar views of any.

As a general rule we prefer that contributors would
allow their name and place of residence to accompany
their articles. When modes of culture are detailed,
the nature of the soil should be stated.

H. M. Faille's I-ight.

This "light" seems to have been named In accord-
ance with an etymology formerly given, which derived
the latin word lucus a i/roi'c from luceo to gire litjlit,
because groves are usually dark. AH who have pre-
tended to explain the new light have left some point
in darkness, so that tlio public know as little about
the matter as they did before the fourth of July .1850,
when the whole world was to have an ocular demon-
stration of the discovery.

According to the Paine assertion, water is not com-
posed of oxygen and hydrogen, but is a simple ele-
ment which he can convert into the condition of oxy-
gen or hydrogen at pleasure.

A person named G. Q. Colton, who claims eight
years of chemical experience, gives an explanation
and figure of the apparatus used, under date of Janu-
ary 2d, 1851. Among other things he tasted the wa-
ter in the jai', to satisfy himself " that it was water."
But a chemist of eight years standing should have
tasted the water in the 'bell-glass,' and above all, that
in the ' tumbler,' as the former may have been acidu-
lated, and the latter may have contained some sub-
stance intended to take up the oxygen through the
' positive' wire, which mayliavebeenhollow, although
stated to be flat. A chemist would not have allowed the
" electrode box" to pass without examination, and ho
might have examined it when he tasted the loatcr in the

Jar. He does not inform us why the jar did not burst
with the pressure of the gas before the stopper was
removed to let out the atmospheric air ; nor why the
mouth of the outer jar must be closed ; and being
closed, how he procured the water which he drank.

The great power of the machine is said to depend
upon the wire of the coils being tubular, and contain-
ing half a pint of water, which increases the power
10,000 times. The following assertion is cautiously
made with regard to Faraday: — " I tJiink, he says,
that a single drop of water will contain as much elec-
tricity as a thunder cloud — sufficient to burst off the
gable end of a house." Some of the newspapers in
commenting upon this article have fallen into the
trap, and take it for granted that Faraday did make
such an assertion. lie may have asserted that it re-
quires a great power to separate water into its consti-
tuents, which does not help Mr. Paiue's theory ; and
were the machine made as stated, the water would
actually diminish the effect rather than increase it.

If one drop of the water in the wire has power to
burst out one wall of a house, four drops would de-
stroy the house, and four thousand would destroy a
town of a thousand houses, so that forts, armies and
ships could be destroyed, rocks blasted, and moun-
tains leveled. Evil disposed people would have little
engines made of three or four drop power to destroy
property, and burglars would have smaller ones, of
one-twentieth of a drop power, and as large as a tooth-
pick, but strong enough to force doors and iron safes.
These shonld not be encumbered with the jars and
water, because the latter are really not essential to
the production of power and light by the electro-mag-
netic machine.

The Paine light wa.s flickering upon a sickly repu-
tation, when a new act of the plot appeared in the
shape of a letter (in the Boston Transcript of Jan'y
30) from one Geo. P. Paine, detaiUng some difficulties
in the management of this half a pint of condensed
thunder, owing to the occurrence of " nine severe ex-
plosions in as many months," none of which however,
" burst out the gable end" of the house, although in
one case the hydrogen in the decomposing jar is sta-
ted to have exploded with a report like that of a six
pounder. The final explosion will probably be so
gradual that no one will be disturbed by it except the
stockholders.

Obituary.

We regret that we have to announce the deatli of
the distinguished and energetic editor, Joun S. Skin-
N'ER, who has been identified during a great part of a
long and useful life, with the agricultural improve-
ment of the country, first in connexion with the Ainer-
i):an Farmer, and at the time of his death with The
Plough, the Loom and the Anvil. He was at one time
Postmaster of Baltimore ; and previous to commeno*

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

ing his last periodical he occupied a prominent place
in the General Post-office at Washington. lie lost
his life on the 21st March, by falling through a cellar
door at the Baltimore Post-office, striking his head
against a marble sill, -n-hich deprived him of speech
until ho expired.

The Hon. Isaac Hill, formerly Governor of New
Hampshire, United States Senator, and for many
years an editor, died recently at Washington. At
one period he edited an agricultural periodical.

The Rev. Samuel Farmer Jakvis, D. D., aclergyman
of the Episcopal Church, died recently at JliJJletown,
Ct. He was a member of various learned societies, and
President of the Natiu-al History Society of Hartford,
in whose transactions for ISoO, a valuable address of his
on natui'al history may be found.

Virginia.

This State lias recently taken a step far in advance
of its neighbors, by providing for an agricultural
chemist.

(Eomntutiicatlons.

Hiiits to Agricultural Writers.

In the establishment of an Agricultural Journal,
you have entered upon a field •where your labour may
be turned to a most profitable account. We do not
derogate from the character of the farmer, when we
assert that they have much to learn of the business in
which they are engaged. Agriculture as a Science,
to understand it thoroughly, calls into requisition a
most extended circle of knowledge, and deniamls an
expanded degree of thought and study, which is- in-
compatible with the every-day avocations of a farmer.
His opportunities and mode of life, forbid tlie appli-
cation of his time to such pursuits : ho must deal with
practical results attained by others, whoso better o\>-
portunities have enaljled them to prosecute the study
of scientific knowledge, and i-educe its elements to
practical conclusions. This view of the subject seems
to point out to you the plan upon which an Agricul-
tural Journal should be conducted. To render it
valuable it should treat of subjects, and be couched
in such language as will be easily understood by that
class of readers whom you hope to benefit by your
labours. AVhcn we reflect that «very operation on
tlie farm is based upon some substantial reason ; that
every implement used is formed upon certain fixed
mechanical principles, and how little either enters in-
to the consideration of the operator, how delightful a
task it is to treat of such subjects, and communicate
to the farmer in a plain and iutelligiljle phrase-
ology the reasons for the work in which ho is en-
gaged, or the principles upon which his implements
should be constructed. lie knows from experience
that certain causes produce certivin results, but how
few know why such results are produced, although
the reason for each may be a plain simple trutli,' a
result of scientific knowledge, easily communicated
and as easily understood. Wo can not better illus-
trate our views than by referring to certain examples.
The experience of every farmer has taught him that to
plough land when wet is exceedingly injurious to it:
but has the circumstance itself caused him to inquire
why it is so 1 Is it too simple a truth to teach that
the cultivatei earth has a capacity to feed upon

that nourishment with whicli it is constantly supplied
by the natural elements : — that light and heat are as
essential to its capacity for yiroduction as they are to
the vitality of the animal body : and that the ofiect of
ploughing land when it is wet, is to shut up those
mouths and lungs, and make it impervious to ligiit
heat and nourishment, and for the want of them it
dies ? This idea would give to many farmers a sub-
ject for thought, and induce them to carry their re-
flections into the whole suljject of ploughing, and wliilo
actually engaged in the work, the naturally vigorous
mind would expand into the inquiry how it may al-
ways be done well. Knowing then, that the object
of ploughing is to put the gi'ound in that loose pliable
condition, in which it will the )nore readily receive
all these advantages which it naturally requires, he
will take another step, and inquire into the charac-
ter of the plough he uses. Does it make that miscall-
ed beaulij'td work, where the ploughed ground is
turned over as hard as a pressed brick, over which,
you may walk without making a foot print, or does it
leave it in the condition which we liave before de-
scribed, ready to receive tlie nourishment which so
increases its capacity for production.

This is but one of the thousand plain suggestions
which may be ofiered to the intelligent mind of the
farmer, calculated to produce thought, excite an in-
terest in the business in which he is engaged, and
ultimately produce new and practical results.

Whilst we would not exclude entirely from the
columns of your journal, the description of learned
theories which pertain to agriculture as a Science,
yet its editor should never be unmindful how com-
paratively few of his patrons will either read or un-
derstand that which is expressed in a phraseology as
unintelligible as if it were Greek.

It will be your province, too, to instill into the
minds of farmers a high toned feeling of self respect :
that their occupation may not fall below the rest of
mankind, in taking rank in that laudably ambitious
context, which, in this age, seems to urge the world
forward in the race of improvement. Their condition
is an isolated one, and they hare a corresponding
difFerenee, which restrains them in their intercou/se
■with their fellow men, whilst there is in their occu-
pation a subject of thouglit ; an intermingling of the
order and beauties of nature, and an indispensable
importance in its olijcet design and results, which
claim for it that high degree of respect which is al-
ways awarded to a well instructed mind.

Upon the character of your Journal will depend ita
usefulness, and its success will be measured by the
impression it will make in this particular.

Carlisle Pa. Frederick watts.

On -Agricultural Journals.

Notwithstanding the great press of private engage-
ments, which at the present claim my utmost excr-,
tions, and which, like my daily bread, can neither be
postponed nor remitted ; yet such are my sympa-
thies, that I cannot refuse lending you a helping hand,
though the extra job should prove never so hai-d or
jading.

You tell me you are about publishing an Agricul-
tural -lournal, and are pleased to think that a few
lines from under my hand, might prove serviceable to
the undertaking. — Thanking you for the compliment,
it becomes me to say however, that my compliance
with your request is superinduced by a better feeling
than that which moved the crow in the fable, who, on
being praised for a fine voice, rendered herself ridicu-
lous by attempting to sing — a feeling, that never
fails to move me, however indifferently gifted, and

FARM JOURNAL.

Aprit,"^

tliatis, a desire so pervading, or so inhei-ont, if you will,
that I am ever ready to contribute my mite towards
promoting agriculture in any ({uarter, but more par-
ticularly m Pennsylvania. Well, then, to begin: I
shall say a few words on the expediency of farmers
encouraging Agricultural Papers for their own sakes
at least, to say nothing of the propriety of patronising
such works for the credit of their good old Common-
wealth, which should never bo permitted to lag be-
hind any other state, in any thing commendable.

It will be admitted that no man claiming to belong
to a party, or fraternity, can maintain its principles,
■ understand its policy, know its strength or condition
fully, without commingling with his fellow-members,
participating in their meetings, or lieing periodically
K'lvised of their practice and progress. If this be so
in the general, with what force must the necessity of
a compliance with one of those means of enlighten-
ment and intercommunication, particularly appeal to
the common sense of every farmer, who from his iso-
late position is debarred in a great measure from mix-
ing with the world, and of the chance of being carried
along with it in its improving progress. A Paper
then is, of all things, the most available channel,
through which he can learn what is going on in the
way of improvements, in the line of farming. How
indispen.^able to him, who is toiling week after week,
apart from the stirring world, except when he is at
the Mill, the Blacksmith's Shop or the AVheel-
vrright's, to receive a monthly Journal, devoted to the
advancement of the very art, by which he earns a
livelihood. An Agricultural Paper which enables
him to know the condition of the seeding, and harvestr
ing and cropping at distant places, thereby affording
a glimpse at the prices that will rule in grain, corn,
&o., in advance — that will tell him of experiments
and results in the matter of Rust, Potato-rot, Smut
and variou.s other thiug.s, as disease in cattle and other
stock ; pests in various shapes, which he fain would
know, and should know — of improved tillage, cheap
drainage, profitable breeds of cattle, sheep and hogs,
and economical feeding of them that will inform
him of the proceedings of Agricultural Societies,
the display and addresses at Agricultural Exhibi-
tions ; in short, such information touching the whole
routine, practice and theory of tillage and husban-
dry— the weal and wo of that class of society, in
whose character and career, the destiny of himself
and family is uncpiestionaldy involved. Where is
the farmer, who will allow himself to think upon the
subject, would be without such a paper, when it
costs but the pitiful sum of, one doll.ir per year !
The expediency, nay the necessity, of an Agricultur-
al Journal being read at every farmer's fireside is so
apparent, tliat it would seem a waste of time to demon-
strate a proposition, which all must admit, and none
could, if they would, deny or contravert. Well, then,
what must we tliink of the fatuity, the insensibility,
that prevails among the farmers of Pennsylvania,
■when it may be safely stated, that seven-eighths of
them do not subscribe for, or read an Agricultural
Paper. How mortifying to think of such a condition
of things; and to point to the fate of the " Farmer's
Cabinet," an Agricultural Paper, published for sev-
eral years in Philadelphia, and which, after a hard
struggle for existence, perished for lack of patronage.
Its remains were sold to a Publisher in New York, a
State, which supports three or four Agricultural
Journals creditably. If this is not sufficient to lower
the brow of every intelligent, right minded farmer, in
what is called, "the Key stone State," I should be at
a loss to know what could cause Ms eye to flash or his
brow to droop.

Permit mo to ask, my brother farmers, if houses are
built as some fifty years ago they were ? Is their
erection such an interminable job now as it former-
ly was ? Do carpenters work with the same clumsy
tools as then ? Are brick made and burned as iix
days of yore ? Is tanning bo slow a process as it
used to be ? Is the smelting and forging of Iron bet-
ter understood ; and how is it with the whole range
of manufactures and machinery ? All changed, and
for the better. Well, how is it with farming?" Pretty
much as it was in the days of our great-grand-fathers,
a century ago. Wherein is the cause of this differ-
once? Why, while the farmer reads nothing to en-
lighten him on the practice of his calling, nor joins a
society for the improvement of himself and others of
the same profession, believing that his art is not sus-
ceptible of improvement ; the Mechanic, Manufoctur-
er and Maehinest devour every thing that emanates
from their Institutes, attach themselves to Societies
peculiar to their craft, hold exhibitions, try to out-
rival each other in experiment and skill, and hence
the rapid and astonishing improvement to be seen in
the practice of every industrial pursuit but farming,
and that is at so dead a halt that neither drum, fife
nor trumpet can throw it into a " forward, march !" —
Every thing is going ahead Ijut farming. Such is the
spirit of progress, that it is no uncommon thing now-
a-days, to find some son of the thimble starring it
among his brethren of the shears, clipping a little of
their superfluous cabbage, in the shape of admission
to a lecture on the philosophy of coat-cutting, accord-
ing to the science of anatomy. All trades and pro-
fessions are under whip and spur on the road of pro-
gress, except farming, and that is so immoveable, that
it can scarcely lift its head to look over the fence, to
see the race.

To what cause can this indifference, this " mildew
of the mind" be traced ? Some say the cold neglect
of the Legislature, who has never directed an encour-
aging glance, nor bestowed a gracious smile upon the
toiling tillers of the soil. Others will have it, that it
is in the nature of farming to make dull and apathetic,
and that nothing can be done for those who will do
nothing for themselves — and so we might have as
many opinions vipon this matter, as persons could be
found to put the question to ; and differing as widely
too, as would the doctors, should the cause of love or
madness be submitted to them ; and therefore it is
unprofitable to seek for the cause any farther. It
will be much wiser to direct our attention to the
moans best calculated to infuse life and energy into
the torpid limbs of this unwieldy body, and set it
agoing ; and I know of no one agent fitter for the oc-
casion than a spirited, well conducted Agricultural
.Journal, such as you mean to publish, which, if taken
by any considerable portion of the farmers of Penn-
sylvania, it will be among them as the leaven, that
leavcneth the whole lump.

A close observation for many years satisfies me
that an Agricultural paper is essential to the wanta
and requirements of the well disposed farmer. I hare
yet to meet the subscriber to any one of them, who
did not acknowledge his indebtedness in some shape
or other to its instructive pages. Show me the Agri-
culturist who is a constant reader of these periodicals,
and I will show you a Husbandman that is far in
advance of him who never reads any, unless his judg-
ment is iniquitously perverted, or his mind radically
defective. I know the favorable influence they exer-
cised on my farming operations. Experience has long
since convinced me of their utility, and I feel warrant-
ed in commending them strongly to others. For
years I haye taken some four or five of those leading;

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

Journals regularly, and am free to confess that though ;
this subscription might be deemed liberal on my part,
that even in the matter of dollars and cents, reckon- }
ing what paid, and what saved and made through ,
them, I am largely their debtor. But this was not '
all the pecuniary "value was of little moment to mo, j
compared with the gratification in times past, from an
occasional interchange of thought and sentiment with j
such editors as the Tuckers, the Aliens, the Pedders, j
the Tatems, the Sands the Batemans &c — the glow-
ing remembrance of that glorious past, serves now I
but to throw a deeper shade over the position in '■
which one unguarded step, though well intended, j
placed my beautiful farm, splendid cattle, with
every thing connected with a scene and system of,
farniing, that were the theme of every observer — a
change so mortifying and so discouraging as that I
was made to feel, could not fail to damp my zeal and
drive me from the field where I had long so bravely |
struggled with others, besides those already mention-
ed, to establish a lofty and commanding character for
the agriculture of the country. This digression may
casilv be overlooked, for it is natural for one who
findshimself upon a path ho had not trodden for a,\
long time, though once his accustomed walk, to stop
or turn aside to recognise some tree, or plant, or flow-
er that formerly had been familiar to hmi. So with
me after so long an interval of silence, finding myself
engaged in penning these hasty lines for the Agricul-
tural press, I could not refrain from indulging a
reminiscence forced upon me by the occasion.

It has been stated that I was the gainer by sub-
scribing to agricultural papers. In proof of this I
shall instance one item in the shape of a remedy for
Hove in cattle, which I learned from one of these
Journals, and which saved me the lives of two or more
valualjle cattle worth some hundreds of dollars.
Jiove is produced by rapid or ravenous eating of
rank young clover, green corn &c, — and occasions the
death of numerous cattle yearly. The usual reme-
dies are the barbarous practice of stabbing, and
drenching with deleterious drugs ; both of which are
nearly as dangerous as the disorder. The simple
and most efiicient remedy is this, so soon as the
animal is discovered to be unusually distended or
hoven, let a twisted straw or hay rope as thick as a
man's wrist be immediately placed in its mouth,
bridle fashion, drawing it up tight, and tying it
securely on the back of the head behind the roots of
the horns. The animal's jaws will then stand open as
if gagged ; the efi'ort it makes to disengage itself of
the rope with its tongue, produces an action in the
muscles that relaxes the valves, as it were, and liber-
ates the gas. The cure is thus accomplished instan-
tor, and without injury to the animal. As time is
every thing in this matter, farmers should have the
rope always ready made, hanging in the stable, and
if the middle of it, (the part to be in the mouth of the
animal ) be besmeared with tar it would be more effica-
cious, but tar or no tar, the cure is certain, if tlie rope
is applied while there is yet any energy remaining in
the hoven beast. Now is not this worth a year's
subscription of your paper to every farmer who has
never heard of the remedy before.

If I am not mistaken in the signs, I think the pre-
sent time is favorable for commencing an Agricultur-
al Journal. Many of late have inquired of me wheth-
er there was any likelihood of one being started soon,
and suggesting various plans and places appropriate
to its issue ; add to this the feeling manifested at the
Farmers' convention latelj' held at Ilarrisburg, which
if not permitted to subside, may work wonders for
rcnnsylvania. I trust the officers and members of

the State Society will consider it not only their duty
to subscribe for your paper themselves, but to elicit
subscriptions for you in their respective neighbor-
hoods. In no way else can they, at this juncture,
subserve the cause so well, as in promoting the circu-
lation of a good Agricultural Paper, and the organiza-
tion of County Societies. The county societies al-
ready formed will no doubt patronize you liberally.
Finally, I would invoke the sons of farmers growiiic
into manhood, to set apart one dollar for your paper
every year, how hard so ever they may work to earn
it. If they do, I promise them that it will lighten their
work in the end, and jirove the best laid out dollar they
ever parted with. What more can I say ? Much,
but tiuie will not permit me to say more at present.
Wishing you much success for your own sake, and the
sake of Agricultiue, lam, (See,

JAMES GOWEN'.

Mount Airy 19th March 1851.

On Permanent Pasture, and the breaking up of old
Grass I^and.

It is a question among the farmers of England and
Scotland, as to how long land should lie unbroken by
the plough, and which is the most profit.able mode of
farming; to keep land permanently in pasture, or oc-
casionally to break up old sod ? As in all other de-
partments of agriculture, this must be decided by
circumstances, but of course the proper selection of
these circumstances, which are to produce a decision
of whether a thing is to be done or not to be done,
will depend on the observation, the clear judgment,
and the intelligence of the farmer. The question is
one of great importance to all graziers, to the farmers
of Chester, Delaware, parts of Lancaster in this State,
to considerable portions of Virginia, and much of the
Western countrj-, certainly howerever of more inter-
est to those portions of Pennsylvania, where grazing
for the market forms the chief if not sole chance of
profit, than to those more distant parts of the country,
where land is much cheaper, held in much smaller
quantities, and by no means as laboriously, as expen-
sively, or as well fenced, as in those celebrated Agri-
cultural Counties. The first question to be asked in
discussing tlie matter, is, what is your soil ? In Scot-
land where the farmers are strongly in favor of con-
verting grass into arable land, and where they bring
the best possible evidence, to support the practice by
so reducing the large crops, their opinion is supposed
to be a decision of necessity, from a deficency of chalk
in view, soil which is or is, supposed to be, calculated
for the support of the natural grasses. In Ireland,
where much land has been from time immemorial in
pasture, the surface rests on a limestone bottom. In
the best grazing parts of this state, there is neither
limo nor chalk. But it must not be supposed that by
the term " best" we mean that no part of the coun-
ties mentioned just now, that contain lime, are not
fit for the fattening of a bullock. We moan nothing
more than that those lime-stone regions are less fitted
for permanent pasture, than those which contain no
lime-stone. In the valleys of Chester, and Lancaster,
the land will not hold grass but a few years, though
they can no doubt fatten cattle, while a little farther
South, in the same counties, or at least in the county
of Chester, the land may stay in permanent pasture
any length of time, though we know of none that have
been so left, for more than fifty years. But we must
not take the example of England, Scotland, or Ireland,
for our model, even if there were great similarity in
the soil ; the difi'ercnce of climate would compel the
American farmer to an opposite mode of farming
The sun in those countries is only an occasional guest,

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

■while here he is a constant companion ; there they
liave incessant humiility, while here our rain, though
more abundant, is less frequent, and rapidly removed.
These create great differences in modes of culture,
though we have seen but three obstacles to keeping
our best grazing grounds in permanent jiasture ; the
one is liable to drought; another liability, thesmallsize
of the farms; the third, the neglectof manuring. For
the first there is no remedy luit the plough, as a long
cijutinued drought, such as we had in 1838, repeated
in 1844, does so much mischief, that weeds supplant
the grasses, and oblige us to farm the ground. A small
farm, such as are most of those within thirty miles
of the city, also forces the farmer to the plough, or
else to a frequent turning up of the same fields, which
will inevitaljly do him a great injury, unless he go to
the expense of heavy manuring. The third obstacle
we have enumerated ; a neglect of manuring is one
that has its remedy if the farmer has means, or thinks
it will be profitable to employ them in keeping up his
grass land. It is no doubt true, that pasture manures
itself, that is, the constant decay of vegetable matter,
and the droppings of the cattle, form a somewhat
slow but still a gradual enrichment of the soil, yet if
small portions of lime are occasionally applied, now
and then a top dressing of some kind, a really strong
ground will put at defiance any punishment from
drought, and only give way to the over stocking of
some cruel and avaricious master. Any farmer who
has a certain number of aci'es well set with natural
grasses, cannot be wise in ploughing them. If he
grazes, he is sure every year of an investment that
will yield him some return without regard to season,
he is rid of all anxiety as to crops, and their precari-
ousness; and if he be a good judge of stock, and is
wary as to his time of selling the crop he has to offer
of rich sweet meat, is sure to bring him a good return.
There are but two ways iu those portions of this
state near the city (where land is dear,) of making
it give a good interest for the outlay, or in the
value of the farm the dairy and grazing. In either
of these, permanent pasture is important, as on such
land the milk is considered richer, and the animal
fattens far quicker. This we believe is the opinion of
all experienced men. To both of these, tillage is dia-
metrically opposed, and belongs to another department
of agriculture. If carefully managed, the longer land
is in grass the more it improves by the formation of
vegetable mould. This cultivation and the growing of
grain exhausts, so tliat pasture land once put under
the plough, may be years in being restored to its
original fertility. A. L. Elivyn.

Philadelpliia, April 1841.

Corn Planting.

Lancaster, March 15, 1851.
Mr. JJdttor: — In regard to the communication
wliich you have understood was made to our Agri-
cultural Society, I beg leave to explain, that it was
read, rather for the purpose of illustrating a plan, or
proceeding which had been recommended, than for
the value the facts were supposed to po.ssess. An im-
portant object of the County Societies, is to bring
together and preserve the scattered information ex-
isting in the many separate neighborhoods of the dis-
tricts in which the societies are formed. Experiments
arc often successfully made and useful results obtain-
ed, which, for want of means or opportunities of pub-
lishing the facts, benefit no one but the experimenter.
Varieties of seed, and their preparation, modes of
cultivation, manures and fertilizers, choice breeds of
cattle and stock, implements of husbandry, fruit trees

and fruits, are often introduced and approvcil in ono
township, of which the ni^xt township knows nothing.
But where an agricultural society is in operation, this
state of things cannot continue. Each member will
bring the contributions of his knowledge and experi-
ence to the general fund, which rapidly accumulates
for the advantage of all. To promote that object, the
members of our Association had been, by a resolu-
tion of a former meeting, requested to present at the
subsequent meetings, subjects and ciuestions that
might occur to them, and which, leading to investi-
gation and discussion, might elicit useful facts and
very desirable information. As an example of what
may be done in this way, the brief paper you referred
to, was read to our Society at its last meeting. It
related to a method of preparing seed corn for plant-
ing, wliich had been communicated to me a short
time before, and of which I made a memorandum.

One of the most discouraging incidents, in the cul-
ture of that invaluable ci-oji — Indian Corn, — is the
frequentnecessity of extensive re-planting, occasioned
by insects preying upon the roots, or birds plucking
up and devouring the young plant.

Mr. M. Zahm informs me, that many years ago,
when he tilled some lots in the N. W. section of this
city, Mr. R., who owned adjoining fields of similar
soil, used to say to him — " IIow is it, that your corn
looks so much greener than any other in the neigh-
bohood ?" Mr. Z. states that this was a very obvious
fact, and he accounts for it in the following manner :
When he was about to pilant, he put his seed corn into
a vessel, and having dissolved a small quantity of
saltpetre in water, poured the solution over the corn
until it was covered. lie suffered the grain to con-
tinue covered with the water, until it swelled almost
to bursting, when it was taken out and planted. lie
mentions the following as the effects: — 1. The corn
has a deeper and richer green during its growth ; 2.
It springs or comes up with more certainty, and
grows more vigorously ; 3. Worms, ants, and other
insects will not touch it ; 4. Birds avoid it ; 5. It re-
(luircs no re-planting ; and G, It ripens two weeks
earlier.

When I asked him particularly about the quantity
of saltpetre he used, he said there were two cents
worth — just enough to make the water taste of it. —
lie also mentioned, that when the corn had come
through the ground, he sometimes uncovered the
plant and observed numerous minute drops or parti-
cles collected upon the roots or small fil^res. He had
seen the birds occasionally pull up a plant and im-
mediately drop it, without eating any portion of it ;
from which he inferred that the saltpetre had impart-
ed something that was distasteful to them. To the
same cause he ascribes the fact, that the cut-worm
which annoyed liis neighbors, never molested his
crop.

He moreover confirms the results of his experience
by that of a friend, who adopted his plan of treating
his seed corn, and was successful beyond his expecta-
tions.

From the remarks wliich were occasioned by the
reading of the foregoing communication, it would ap-
pear that this method of preparing corn for planting,
although of excellent use in a warm spring, might be
prejudicial in a wet and cold one. A gentleman pre-
sent, said he had tried it two years, iu one of which
it answered well, being followed liy most of the good
effects above described, particularly that of repelling
birds and insects ; but, in the second year which was
Cold and wet, much of the corn rotted in the hills
where it was dropped.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

The steeping of grain in a solution of saltpetre, in
order to prepare it fur germination is not a recent or
even a modern improvement. It was used in Italy at
the commencement of the Christian era, or in the
days of Augustus, as appears from the Ueorgics of
Virgil :—

" Some steep their seed, and some in caldi-ons boil,
With vigorous nitre and with lees of oil,
O'er gentle tires the exub'rant juice to drain.
And swell the flatt'ring husks with fruitful grain."

Dryuen's Translation.

The utility of saltpetre as a fertilizer has Ijcen
known and appreciated for centuries in England and
on the Continent of Europe, but the nitre of com-
merce was not to be obtained in sufficient quantities
or at a rate cheap enough to admit of its being exten-
sively employed by farmers, until modern times. —
Before the introduction of the Peruvian guano, per-
haps no substance was deemed of so great import-
ance to the growth of crops. Evelyn was of opinion,
tliat if his countrymen could procure an abundance
of saltpetre, they would need but little else "to me-
liorate their ground ;" and .Jethro Tull, placed nitre
at the head of the list of those substances which he
considered to be the essential food of plants.

The deep green color of the corn mentioned in the
above statement, has often been observed as an effect
of all fertilizers containing nitrogen, such as oils,
blood, fish, soot, wine, &c., upon plants to which they
were applied. Experiments on Indian corn, with
salpetre or nitre, may be recommended as of great
importance, since that grain deserves to be ranked as
the grand agricultural staple of our country.

A. L. n.VYES.

Peiuisylvaiila Farmers,

Mr. Editor: — You may think I have chosen a trite
and worn out subject to lay before you readers. That
it has been descanted on a good deal I am aware, but
we need not fear exhausting a subject of so much
importance and interest to our fellow citizens; and
should I speak plainly to the farmer, I shall without
much apology expect th.m to bear with me, as I claim
to be one of them, having from my early youth either
been with them in delving the soil, or fraatemizing i)i
their associations.

To be a " Pennsylvania Farmer" is, in other
parts of the Union, almost as good as a certificate of
excellence in the profession, and in a general sense I
am willing to admit that the distinction is a just one.

I have rambled over a good deal of the Union — the
Eastern and Northern, the Southern and some of the
Western portions ; and in no section of any consider-
able extent have I seen the same e\idencc of high
cultivation and good farming as in many districts of
our own state. A little of this favorable opinion may
be attributed to partiality for my native state, but I
have nevertheless been able to discover many glaring
deficiencies.

In this communication I shall confine my remarks
to barns and barn yards. The barns of Pennsylvania
are world renowned ; the external appearance of
most of them is imposing at least beyond those to
be found elsewhere. They are mostly built of stone,
liave bays, over-shoots, wings for carts «fcc., that in
the aggregate afford a great deal of room. The in-
ternal arrangement t<30, of most of our Ijarns, is ap-
propriate and good, but to look at the other side of
the picture, how few of them are kept in the neat,
comfortable, and at least decent condition that is due
to and consistent with the fine farms that surlouud
tbcm, A close inspection will betray broken spouts

that permit the water to run in floods through the ma-
nure, or to penetrate the foundation of the building ;
the door hinges are broken, the latches loose; the
paint worn off, window shutters wanting &c. In the
interior, cob-webs loaded witli dust, hay seed,
straw, old harness, agricultural implements, litter,
&.C., mixed up in dirty confusion, and all from the
want of a little, a very little system and care.

This culpable deficiency in the order and care of their
noble barns, strange to saj% will often be found with
men whose farms are patterns of neatness ; their fields
free from weeds ; their fences clean and well kept, a
careful and systematic rule of cropping, and depas-
turing observed ; all showing good management and
good rules except in the barn and cattle yard. This
deficiency is gross beyond endurance, and our worthy
farmers must set to work and " mend tlieir ways." I
know that to tell men of their faults will often make
them angry, but yet, they will nine times out of ten
profit by the unpalatable admonition.

IIow few Ijarn or cattle yards are planned with a
view to economy in making and saving manure, and
how little effort or ingenuity is exercised to increase
i\ns fjold tnine oi ih<i farmer. With every rain the
svater passes in from all quarters, except one, where
it is discharged into the high-way, or an adjacent
stream or a ditch, carrying with it and wasting
the vei-y essence of the manure ; the soluble portions.
After this drenching, the sun and wind play their part
without intermission and tliat not only full scope,
but full time also may be given to the elements, the
gatherings of the stables and cattle yards are expos-
ed to this destructive process from early winter, to
mid-summer or autumn.

I know, Mr. Editor, it is easier to carp and complain,
than to point out remedies, or to lay down rules that
are efficient and practicable ; this I shall endeavour to
do in a future number, unles.s you find I have already
said too much.

Allow me at all events to remark that there are
many admirable exceptions to these charges. I know
of several farmers within the circle of my acquain-
tance whose barn, cattle-yard, and stock arrange-
ments, are patterns of neatness, system, and good or-
der. To such the result is not only a source of pleas-
ure but of large profit. Yours truly,

A. S. Roberts.

Philadelphia, JIarch 6th 1851.

Education of Farmers.

The subject of Education appears not to be proper-
ly understood or appreciated by farmers generally. I
do not mean that every farmer's son and daughter
should receive a regular course of Collegiate Educa-
tion— be proficient in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, &c ;
but, I do believe and contend that farmers should re-
ceive sound practical instruction in various branches
of science, to enable them to cultivate their soils to
the best advantage, and to cast their votes under-
standingly.

From a knowledge of chemistry they could analyze
their soils — and at once become aware of its consti-
tuents ; then they would know without fear of going
wrong, what manure to use, and in what quantity
to apply it, to ensure tlie most productive soil for
any specified crops.

Under the present management, farmers grope in
tlie dark— stable manure and lime are applied to all
soils, no matter whether it is clay, loam or sand, —
and in some instances, to my personal knowledge,
with manifest detriment to the crops. Entomology
is another branch of science with which formers

FARM JOURNAL.

April'

should be familiar, to enable them to discriminate
between those insects " that are their friends, and
those that arc their worst enemies." Geology, Min-
erology. Botany, — who will pretend that a knowledge
of these and various other branches, are of no use to
the tiller of the soil ? But the reader may ask, how
are farmer's sons and daughters to acquire so much
learning ? These things are not taught in our com-
mon schools! True, most true, — and never will be,
nntil farmers themselves take the matter in hand, and
refuse to employ the many ignorant pretenders, and
inexperienced boys, who are too lazy to work, and who
turn pedagogue as naturally as a tad-polo turns into a
frog, because, it is so much more pleasant and con-
genial to their natures to set in a -warm room, than it
■would be to go out in the snow and storm to chop
wood — besides, many teach school for a few years at
the expense of the tax payers merely to qualify them-
Bolves for higher branches, careless of their charge, and
the consequence is, children go to school year after
year, and are none the wiser in the end.

If farmers would only combine, concentrate their
efforts in the right direction, (there is now a fair chance
of doing so through the State and County Agricultu-
ral Societies,) they would soon find that their influence
has more weight than they ever imagined — that they
are of some consequence in the body politic, and not
as now the mere pack horses, to be used by politi-
cians to ride into office. Again, farmers are remiss
in not asserting their rights in another direction. —
Millions of money are yearly expended by the Na-
tional and State Governments for purposes of no util-
ity to the farming community, while literally nothing
has ever been appropriated towards encouraging ag-
riculture, yet the cultivators of the soil are the main
stay of all governments.

Then combine your own efforts for present advance-
ment, and educate your children for future usefulness.

I will add an extract from another publication, for
the purpose of showing at a glance, the numerical
forces engaged in the various professions, and the in-
fluence supposed to be exerted by some of those
classea.

EDfCATION OF THE F.\RMER.

"It is calculated that the divisions of the occupations
of men of the United States, is nearly in the following
proportion : —

Number engaged in Internal Navigation, - 33,076
Ocean, " - 56,021

" " Learned Professions, - 05,255

" " Commerce, - - 119,607

" " Manufactures, - - 791,749

" " Agriculture, - - 3,719,951

Thus it will be seen that those who are engaged in
agriculture, are three and a half times greater in
number than those in the other divisions. The agri-
culturists consequently have the physical and numer-
ical power, and can at any time control every govern-
ment in the United States, and give tone to public
opinion. But do they? No indeed ; for howeverpow-
erful they may be in numbers, they are weak in influ-
ence, and this arises from the want of a proper edu-
cation.

The sixty-five thousand two hundred and fifty-five
eno-afed in the learned professions are intellectually
stronger than the three millions seven hundred ninety
one thousand nine hundred and fifty-one, engaged in
agriculture, and therefore rule them. If it were not
BO, seven-eighths of the offices in the country would not
be' held by lawyers and doctors ; nor would all the
colleges and high schools bo endowed principally for
the benefit of the learned professions.

Farmers, when will you arouse yourselves to the
dignity and importance of your calling, and educate
yourselves to the height of intelligence which will
make you the rulers instead of the ruled of the other
profession ? There is surely nothing to prevent this
if you will only be true to 3'ourselves."

Mountville, Lan. Co., Pa. jacob b. career.

^gvlfultural Societies.

Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.

In pursuance to the Constitution of the Pennsylva-
nia State Agricultural Society, the Executive Com-
mittee of said society, met in Ilarrisburg on Thursday
the 27th day of February, 1851.

Members Present : — Frederick Watts, Joseph R. In-
gersoll, Algernon S. Roberts, P. B. Savery, Al^-aham
M'llvaine, Col. Henry Shubert, A. 0. Ileister, Dr.
Alfred L. Elwin, John Evans, Dr. John Irwin, David
Mumma,jr., lion. Wm. Jessup, Finlaw M'Cown, J.
S. Ilaldeman, Isaac G. M'Kinley.

On motion, the Hon. WM. JE'SSUP was called to
the chair.

On motion, a committee, consisting of Col. IIenrt
SnuBERT, Jon.v Evans, and Fivlaw M'Cown, was
appointed to report at a future day, on the subject of
a model farm.

On motion, it was

Kesolvcd, That Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,
the 22d, 23d and 24th days of October "next, be fixed
as the time for the first Annual Exhibition of the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society; the first
day to be appropriated to the judges for the examina-
tion of all animals and products presented for compe-
tition, the second day to the public exhibition, and
the third to a ploughing match, and judgment there-
upon.

On motion, the committee on the first Annual Ex-
hibition had leave to report at a future day on the
adoption of rules and regulations by which the public
exhibitions shall be governed, and as to the place
where it shall be held.

On motion, it was

Besolved, That the President of the several County
Agricultural Societies in this State be requested to
furnish Dr. Alfred L. Elwin, of Philadelphia, Corres-
ponding Secretary of the State Society, with informa-
tion as to the existence of their respective societies.

On motion, it was

Resolved, That each of the members of the Execu-
tive Committee of this Society be and he is hereby
authorized to receive from such individuals who de-
sire to become members, the sum of one dollar, and
forward the same to the "Treasurer of the Society, with
the name and address of such persons, who shall
thereupon be members of the Society, subject to the
payment of one dollar annually, or upon the payment
of "twenty dollars, member for life.

On motion, it was

Resolved, That in pursuance of the constitution of
the Society, the last Tuesday of each month bo the
time fixed for the meeting of the Executive Commit-
tee, at the house of Mr. Ilerr, in Ilarrisburg, until
otherwise ordered.

On motion, it was

Resolved, That the thanks of the Executive Com-
mittee be tendered to Professor H. D. Rogers, for his
presentation to the Society, of Professor Johnson's
Agricultural Report on the" Province of New Bruns-
wick.

On motion, it was

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting bo

1851.

FARM JOURKAL.

published, under the direction of the Recording Se-
cretary, in all the papers of this State favorable to
the promotion of agriculture.

The committee, consisting of Frederick Watts and
J. R. Ingorsoll, appointed to prepare an Address to
the People of Pennsylvania, reported the foUovring,
which was unanimously adopted by the Executive
Committee :

TO THE PEOPLE OF PENNSYLVANIA.
That business of life which directly occupies the
attention of three-fourths of mankind, and intimately
concerns all, demands the active influence of every
conscientious man. There is no art or science in the
whole circle of human knowledge, which presents fjr
exploration, so expansive and mtorestiug a field as
that of practical agriculture ; nor one whose discov-
eries already made have been so little infused into
the ordinary stock of knowledge of those who are ac-
tually engaged in its daily and universal operation.
The farmer knows the necessity for ploughing his
land, but he does not think and sufSciently understand
why he ploughs it; and the latter is quite as impor-
tant as the f jrmer, sothat he may know how to plough
leell. That manure will enrich the soil is a fact: but
to know what it is, how and when to use it, and how
it contributes to the growth of plants, is that kind of
knowledge which is only second to the fact itself. The
farmer has a certain amount of knowledge of seed
time and sowing ; but if nature's operations in tlio
germination of seed and the growth of plants were to
some extent infused into his daily observations and
reflections, his vigorous and ever active mind would
strike out some new path in his own pursuit, leading
td that profitable result which can only be attained
and relied upon when it can be traced to the blended
source of theoretical reason and practical experience.

The appeal which we now make to those who are
engaged in the business of agriculture, and to all who
appreciate its importance, is not that you shall for a
moment relax those every day occupations of active
life to which you are accustomed, and which, prover-
bially, you pursue with so much industry; nor do wo
ask of you to delve, through the medium of books,
and laboratories, into the mysteries of Agricultural
Science ; but we do earnestly solicit you to unite with
us, in the efi'ort now being made, to establish and
cherish that which may be justly deemed the only
means by which the farmer may be made to keep
pace with the rest of mankind, in that march of im-
provement of which this age has been so prolific.

Agricultural Societies, because of the influence
they have exercised, and commensurate benefits they
have bestowed upon every community where they
exist, commend themselves to universal approbation ;
the light which they have shed, and their capacity
for disseminating it, seem to point them out as the
only active agency by which the business of the farm-
er shall bo so cared for, that he may derive all the ad-
vantages which shall be developed by time and ex-
perience. Let no man wrap himself up in the selfish
security of his own knowledge, or console himself
witli the reflection, that his influence would not be
felt, but rather let him manfully step forth, with the
determined purpose, zealously, to aid in the prosecu-
tion of a work which promises so much practical use-
fulness.

The late convention which assembled at Harris-
burg, has taken the initiatory measures for the esta-
blishment of the "Pennsylvania State Agricultural
Society ;" its constitution has been adopted, and its
officers elected. Upon those oflicers as an Executive
Committee, the duty is devolved to "keep such gen-

eral charge of the aS'airs of the society as may best
promote its interests." It is in this capacity that wo
now call your attention to the subject, and ask you
to unite and co-operate with us in the measures which
have been adopted to insure a successful issue.
fred'k watts,
jos. r. ingersoll.
By order of the Executive Committee.

ROiiERT G. WALKER, Secretary.

Agricultural ©colog]).

Agriculture and Geology.

Tlic subject of Agricultural Geology is new, but the
age has passed away, in this country, when old errors
were preferred to new truths. I should, first, express iry
sincere desire that the Farm Journal may prove useful
in agricultural Science (for agriculture is entitled to a
place, and name, among the fixed Science's) the most
useful, and honorable, of all scientific pursuits, viewed
theoretically or practically. The word Geology is de-
rived from two Greek words, the one meaning the earth,
the other a description or history, so that Geology is a
description of the earth ; although it has special refer-
ence to changes and the laws governing the changes of
the earth's surface.

None will deny the importance of a knowledge of the
earth, its soil, minerals, and rocks either to the practi-
cal or scientific farmer. The man who has the most
thorough acquaintance with ploughs, or anvils, other,
things being equal, will make the best use of them. So
it must follow that he who has the most thorough know-
ledge of the earth, its laws, and ingredients, other things
being equal, will be best qualified to cultivate its soil.
In agriculture, as in all things else, it is not knowledge,
hut, in too many oases, the want of i-, which prevents
persons from effecting their desired ends and objects.
Agricultural chemistry, for the last few years, has en-
grossed, and very justly too, a large share of public at-
tention and agricultural geology will not fail to be equal
ly useful.

In this essay, (somewhat of a general or introductory
nature,) I would call attention to the relation of animal
and vegetable life in different forms, to the globe on
which we live. It is a singular fact that a connection has
been observed between different varieties of aniinal and
vegetable life, and the two important motions of the
earth, the one annual around the sun, the otherdiurnil
on its own axis. Mariners who have explored regions
near the North pole, where the day and night are weeks
or months in length, have found it necessiiry to sleep so
many hours, and at a period corresponding to the rota-
tion of the earth on its axis; and those who sleep in the
day and not in the night feel the ill effects of it. The
whole class of periodical diseases can only be explained
on the principle of the relation of man's life to the earth's
motions. The gravitating force of the earth, and the
projectile force of the earth resulting from its rotation
on its axis, have an important connection with the cir-
culation of the blood, in the human system. The growth
and falling off of the hair of many animals, will in most
cases, be found to be periodical, and these periods will
be seen to have reference to the annual motion of the
planet on which we live.

Vegetable life, will be found to have a more decidedly
marked relation to the motions of the earth than that of
animals. Every one doubtless has observed that one
flower will bloom in the evening ; another in morning ;
a third at noon ; and a fourth at midnight. These flow-
ers will observe the time of their blooming as punctually
as a clock. Linnaeus, the celebrated botanist, construct-
ed a floral clock by bringing a variety of flowers togeth-
er, blooming at different hours of the day, and in this
manner the opening and closing of flowers would indi-
cate the hour. Here, a connection between the life and
existence of the plant liearing the flowers, and the daily
motion of the earth on its axis, is clearly indicated. To
show the relation between vegetable life and the annual
motion of the earth ; I will produce an example of this

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

familiar to all. Some forms of vegetable life increase
their size by a series of deposits on the interior. The
cane is an example of this. Others by a succession of
layers on the out side. The oak is an example of this.
The concentric rings of the oak making these successive
annual layers or deposites, counted, will tell the age of
the oak, so that there is a connection between the for-
mation of such a ring, and the annual motion of the earth
around the sun. The relation of vegetable life to differ-
ent kinds of soil, is manifest to all. One plant inits na-
ture is adapted to a sandy soil ; another to a wet marshy
location ; one to a mountain region; another to a low-
land country. One requires an excess of sand in the
soil ; another an excess of lime.

Vegetable life has an equally important relation to
geographical localities ; one requiring greater warmth,
another more cold. In passing from the Equator to the
poles, every stage of vegetable life is seen ; and this cor-
responding to the altered conditions of climate. Near
the Equator the tropical forests, and tropical vegetation
are seen ; passing North, the region of the sugar cane,
the orange, the cotton, the peach, the apple, the wheat,
and the pasture lands, successively appear, and fiir to-
■ward the South, the region of moss shows itself In
passing from a flat country in tropical regions, to the
top of a high mountain, every stage of vegetation, from
tropical plants, to the mosses of northern regions, will
appear. To understand this relationship between vege-
table and animal life, and the globe, two things are
necessary ; first a knowledge of the laws governing ani-
mal and vegetable life ; the second, the laws governing
the changes of the earth's surface. It should be the
province of Agricultural Geology, to investigate these
relationships in their several branches, especially the
connection between vegetable life and the earth.

April 1, 1851. H. S. Portbk.

Importance of Ventilation, Cleanliness and Drain-
ing, for the i«-eservatiou of the Health of Domestic
Animals. /

Brute animals, like the "human race, are subjeet to
sickness, and this often to such a fatal extent as to cause
great loss to individuals. This difference, however, ex-
ists— that human subjects generally recognize their ail-
ments on the slightest premonitions, and are thus often
led to a timely withdrawal from the sources of mischief,
or the adoption of means for arresting its further pro-
gress, whilst dumb animals when they once show their
sickness, are generally in very desperate conditions.
Hence the very large proportions of those attacked with
sickness that die, and the great necessity of removing
the causes and preventing the occurrence of disease.

Districts of country which prove unhealthy to man,
are equally so to the inferior animals, until these have
become acclimated. The symptoms will of course be
modified by the differences of organization, and they will
therefore vary greatly from those developed in the human
family from the action of similar agencies. Thus we
often hear of horses having the " Blind Staggers," or
the " Yellow Water," or of the prevalence of the " Hol-
low-Horn" among neat cattle, the first named affection
being a brain fever or malignant typhus, whilst the two
last are forms of bilious fever.

Whenever we find epidemic diseases prevailing amongst
the human family, it denotes a condition of the atmos-
phere which will exert a malign influence equally upon
animals, especially among that most delicate and valua-
ble one, the Horse. Greater care than usual should at
such times be taken, to avoid the night aii-, and all ex-
posm-e to cold and wet, just as we would act for the pre-
servation of health within our noble selves. But in
housing animals for protection against the inclemencies
of the weather, they are often exposed to great dangers
from the arrangements of the stables and other buikliugs.

Dr. T. Southwood Smith, has devoted great attention
to the exploration of the causes of sickness, and the
means of determining these in England, and from the
minute reports made through their complete system of
E^gistration, 'wliieh has enabled him to identify sickly

and healthy localities, with great precision. "When-
ever" says he " fever is frequent, there is uniformly a bad
drainage, bad sewerage, a bad supply of scavengers, and
a consequent accumulation of filth." If a map be drawn
or coloured so as to designate the places where fevers pre-
vailor have prevailed to a great extent, and showing
also the localities where di-ainage has been effected by
the Health Commissioners, appointed to attend to this
public dutj', it -nill be found that where the commission-
ers of sewers have not been, there fevers are still pre-
valent ; but wherever they luxve been, there, fevers are
comparatively absent.

Filth and moisture conjoined with heat are the greatest
enemies of health. The foul products resulting from the
combination of these elements and agents are detrimental
to the health of all that breathe the air with which they
become blended.

The addition of lime and plaster to compost heaps,
tends to arrest the too sudden decomposition of vegeta-
ble and animal matter, that would otherwise, by sur-
charging the air, operate injuriously upon the health of
animals confined in stables or cattle yards. Hog Pens
are perhaps the most frequent generators of foul and pes-
tilential air, since they are the common receptacles of
every kind of vegetable and animal refuse, with abund-
ance of moisture to cause their rapid decomposition. —
We very often hear of hogs suddenly dying, in apparent-
ly high health, and whilst rolling in fatness. Their loss
is generally ascribed to something eaten, of a noxious
quality. But the noxious influence which operates in
nine out of ten such cases, is the foul air emanating from
the reeking collections of filth which are but too often
found in and about pig-styes. The losses from this soui'ce
if they could be ascertained and estimated, would make
an aggregate that would much sm-prisc many who have
overlooked this matter. And we may say the same in
regard to the pecuniary losses to individuals, — and of
course to the coimtry at large, — from diseases and mor-
tality among other domestic animals, attributable to
causes generally overlooked, and in most instances read-
ily removable, through the adoption of proper means to
secure ventilation, di'ainage and cleanliness, topics upon
which I may again have occasion to trouble you in an-
other number of your useful work.

As one actual occurrence will go farther than fifty un-
backed assertions to establish any important fact. AVe will
refer to a case which we find in the last edition (1851)
of the " Farmer's and Planter's Encyclopoedia." It is
there stated under the head of Ventilation — a long and
deeply interesting article,— that a farmer had a large
number of sheep housed to feed on Mangel Wurtzell, a
great number of them sickened and died, killed as he
supposed by the food supplied to them. A Veterinary
Surgeon who was consulted, and who happend to be
well informed upon the subject of the benefits of ventila-
tion, pointed out the remedy — a better circulation of
fresh air among the over-crowded sheep-fold, after the
adoption of which there were no more deaths, and tho
sheep throve well.

One of the greatest safeguards against the generation
of noxious airs from putrefaction, is dryness. For, with-
out the presence of a certain degree of moisture no de-
composition can take place. Sufficient dryness can gen-
erally be secured by additions of straw and litter from
time to time. Dryness about the manure heaps may by
some, be thought to prevent that proper stage of decom-
position necessary to bring it into the best state to exert
its fertilizing action. This, however, is a topic which
may perhaps be taken up separately on some other oc-
casion. Meanwhile, we recommend as an essential point
for the preservation of health, especially in the latter
part of summer and in autumn, the most perfect removal
of all stagnant ponds of water from the vicinity of places
where horses or any kind of farm stock are accustomed
to be kept. £•

Philadelphia, April, 1851

1851.

TARM JOURNAL.

^gruultuval Cburation.

Agricultural Schools iu Europe.

Last year Mr. Hitchcock, President of Amherst
College, Mass., -went to Europe, probably on some
mission of science, but without any Agricultural do-
sign. Soon after his arrival in England, he was in-
formed that he was appointed a Commissioner on the
subject of Agricultural Schools, and was requested to
examine all such institutions in the ditferent nations
of Europe, and report thereon to the Legislature of
Massachusetts. I have this report before me, and
propose the giving to your readers such an abstract
of it, as will tell them, how much has been done, by
what we call Despotic Europe, and will at the same
time, disclose to them how much has to be done, by
Republican America. It seems, that in those coun-
tries, where our people are taught to believe that the
Governors arc all tyrants, and their subjects all
brutes ; there are three hundred and fifty-two Schools
pf Agriculture, and that the nation most benighted,
as wo suppose, has the most, excepting France.

" Within a few years past, the government of Rus-
sia has been much awake to the subject of Agricultu-
ral Schools. No less than sixty-eight of these have
been established."

" Since 1845, not less than fifty inferior schools
have been established in connection with model farms.
Some of them have a four year's course, on farms va-
rying from 1,375 to 2,220 acres, with from 100 to 200
pupils. They are really of a higher grade than the
farm schools of other countries."

This is the spirit of savage Liberia. The country
next to Russia, in the number of its schools, is the
one with which this country has more sympathy than
with any other, and which we are daily told, is dull
and degraded Ireland. She has sixty-three Agricultu-
ral Schools. France, has the credit of having been
the first country in which an Agricultural School was
established, and though now she has 75, yet all, or
nearly all, were founded under her Kings. After the
guillotine had destroyed a host of her citizens, the
sword came into action, while the plough was thrown
iuto contemptuous neglect. The chief duty of farm-
ers, from the opening of the revolution, during the
republic, and under the Empire, was to rear sons
f jr the field of battle. A long peace, or rather a par-
tial peace, has opened upon the Governors of nations,
the absolute necessity of employing and educating,
the natural if not intense activity of mind, among
those they govern, and the plough is gradually, but
surely, making its way, even in despotisms, to a po-
sition, a million fold more useful, and quite as exalt-
ed as the sword.

Of all the schools that Mr. Hitchcock visited, or
heard of, those of Ireland, appear to have been the
most efficient, and the most useful. There are two
grades, " Model Agricultural Schools" and " Ordin-
ary Agricultui-al Schools." The pupils in the latter,
usually quite young, if distinguished, pass into the
former, and are fitted to become teachers. In all
these schools, of every grade, literary instruction is
combined with agricultural ; and indeed, the ordinary
schools, are only elementary schools, in which agri-
culture is taught." An impression exists, among the
people of this state, that every thing like agricultural
education, is a mere inculcation of theories. From
this, it may be supposed, that it is meant, that a fai'-
mer is not to be educated at all, that as the larger
part of his work is done by his hands, he has no use
for his head, that all science connected with his oc-
cupation is worthless, and that a knowledge of the

principles of the art by which he lives, is a kind of
fanciful refinement, beneath his notice. This report
shows us how such ideas have been broken up in
Europe.

" It is a most important fact to be noticed respect-
ing all the agricultural schools of Ireland, and indeed
of all Europe, that are sustained by the government
(excepting perhaps in a few colleges) that a farm
larger or smaller, is always connected with the school,
so diat the theories taught are there tested and ex-
hibited in practice. Indeed on the continent in some
places, unless the attached farm can lie made to ex-
hibit a state of cultivation fully equal to any around
it, the government withdraws its support. In these
facts we see that the objection so often urged in all
countries against agricultural schools, that they teach
mere theory, is done away with ; for here, unless the
instructors can show the truth of their tlieories in
practice, they lose all patronage."

Institutions like these might be established in this
country, with the same results, that we are informed
have been brought about in Europe, and they will be,
when the people are more fully awakened to their im-
portance. A. L. ELWYN.

[We shall be pleased if our correspondent will fa-
vor us with additional articles, on the importance of
Agricultural Schools. The subject is attracting much
attention iu New York and Massachusetts, and should
also in Pennsylvania. — Ed.]

Michigan Double Plough.

Mr. Spongier : — Permit us to call the attention of
Farmer's to tbe Michigan Double Plough. We gave it
a thorough trial, with three of the best patterns of
ploughs in our neighborhood, having spent a full day in
testing its qualities in loam, heavy clay and strong soil,
and have no hesitation in saying that in any soil the
work is more thoroughly and better done, than by any
plough we have seen in use. The surface has more the
appearance of being spaded than ploughed, and the fur-
rows are scarcely distinguishable.

For the satisfaction of those who have not seen the
plough or a draft of it, we give the description of the
Patentee. " The plough consists of two ploughs, plac-
ed one before the other, on the same beam. The for- •
ward one takes a furrow from 3 to 6 inches deep, separ-
ating the roots of the grass or vegetable matter, and
lays its slice surface down in the bottom of the previous
furrow : and the hind one furrows from 5 to 6 inches
deeper, and raises and deposits its slice on the top of the
former one."

We thought before trying it, there might be a difficul-
ty iu the hinder mould-board raising the ground suffic-
iently to mellow, and at the same time to clear the first
furrow slice, and leave a clean furrow for the next
round. We were agreeably disappointed. The second
furrow in the subsoil, by the construction of the mould-
board is raised sharply, and broken and mellowed, and
spread loosely and evenly over the first furrow ; then
leaving a fine and clean soil on which to plant or drill ;
and burying grass, sorrel or weeds at a depth we think
sufficient to destroy vegetation.

Although we had not the Dynamometer in the field, it
was the opinion of all, that the draft was no greater than
the lightest running plough tried in competition The
one we tried was right-handed, while ourselves, our men
and horses were accustomed to left hand, a disadvantage
to the Double Plough in a trial of quality, that will be
realized by every farmer.

Left hand ploughs on the same principle are now be-
ing manufactured by Mr. Henry Gilbert of Harri^burg,
and if got up as true as the one we tried, they must,
both as a sod and stubble plough, supersede the best in
use in our neighborhood. A. 0. Hikstkr,

Harris's, April 1. Charles E. Hiester.

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

The Potato.

The season for planting this valuable Vegetable Xuber,
18 approaching, and although much information in re-
gard to it has been published in Tarious works, it is to
lie regretted that more attention has not been bestowed
upon it,cspecially with respect to the selection of good seed

Instead of raising fine white mealy Potatoes, which al-
ways bring a good price in market, many persons con-
tent themselves with raising mongrel varieties of the
most indifferent kinds, which are hard to boil, and pasty,
although it is as easy to raise superior vegetables as
inferior ones, each requiring the same amount of time,
labor, and attention. The seedling should always be of
the largest, free from all blemishes, of only one variety,
and having the wounds caused by cutting, well dried be-
fore planting.

The Potato may be divided into three distinct parts:
the crown, the body or middle part, and the base. Each
of these if planted separately, will produce at different
periods and of various sizes and qualities, — facts which
have fallen under my own observation. The crown or
small end is full of eyes and produces potatoes from 8 to
10 da3's earlier than any of the other parts, and of a su-
perior quality, so that this part should invariably be
planted alone. The body or middle of the potato, (which
may be divided in two or three pieces according to the
size of the tuber) produces fine large potatoes of the
Bame quality as tlie parent ; whilst the produce of the
base is but small and of an indifferent quality, and should
therefore always be rejected, and fed in a boiled state
to the animals of the farm.

The good or bad quality of the Potato, frequently de-
pends upon the seasons and soil, which may not be fa-
vorable to its full growth and maturity — either too wet,
or too dry, — or the soil not properly emiched with veg-
etable compost; but still more depends upon the proper
selection of the seed. Good mealy potatoes will repro-
duce their kind, but no good tubers can be expected
from such as have a yellow pulp or boil tough and pasty,
■whatever care may be bestowed upon their cultiva-
tion. Like produces like, and it is therefore indispensably
necessary in order to raise a good and palatable variety
of potatoes, to cultivate none but the best.

Lancaster, April, 1851. J. F. n.

[For producing early potatoes, Mr. K. Knight recom-
mends but one or two eyes to be left in the set or cut
•seed potato, and he states that if the principal eye be
placed uppermost, the shoots will be few and early, as
well as sti'ong, but if placed differently, they will be late
and weak. Mr. Appleby (quoted iu the Farmer's Cabi-
net, vol. 8 pp. 211 ; see also pp. 155) states that mealiness
in potatoes arises from over ripeness, the tubers not being
taken up until the tops are quite dead ; but whilst this
adapts them for the table, it injures those intended to be
planted the succeeding year, so that the latter should be
taken up whilst the tops are still green. The tops of up-
land potatoes and those of cold districts, being killed by
the frost before the germinating principle is affected by
over-ripeness, it is generally believetf that the occasion-
al superiority of these for propagation arises from intrin-
Bic differences.— Ed.]

Grafting Grape- Vines. — A. M., (Detroit.) Bury
your grafts in a cool, shady place, covering two-thirds
of the lower part, till the stocks that you wish to graft
have begun to grow, and their leaves are as large as
a shilling. Then graft, and you will be successful.
The great flow of sap, almost destitute of organizable
matter, in the grapo-vino, often prevents the graft
from uniting with the stock, when set at the usual
time. — Horticulturist.

i\'otic£3 of j^Tcm IJablications.

Fowtli Animal Report of tlie Board of Agrirullure of
the State of Ohio. Columbus, 1850. pp. 304.

This stout volume is an evidence of the vigor with
which agricultural improvement is prosecuted in Ohio.
It has been prepared under the general " Act for the
encouragement of Agriculture," by tho " Ohio State
Board of Agriculture," and opens with a general ac-
count of the subject by M. L. Sullivant, President of
the hoard, including a number of valuable sugges-
tions. The first section of tho " Act" provides that
when a County Society has secured a sum of from
$50 to $200 (under certain restrictions,) a similar
stun may be drawn from the county treasury, the
money to he applied to awarding premiums " for the
improvement of soils, tillage, crops, manures, imple-
ments, stock, articles of domestic industry &c." The
County Societies are governed by a uniform set of
rules, and thoy prepare accounts of the condition of
Agriculture, which are sent to tho central board to
be used in preparing the annual reports to the Legis-
lature.

The Board reported a premium list oitTiree thousand
dollars, to be competed for at the State Fair held at
Cincinnati, on the 11th 12th and 13th September 1850.
The nature of tho premiums may bo judged from the
following examples : — for the best hull $20 ; best cow
$15 ; best yoke of oxen $15 ; best sheep $10 ; &o., for
various grades ; best pair of matched horses $20 ;
second $10 ; best lot (or pair) of various fowls $3
each lot ; best plow of 7 different kind $7 each. The
premiums extend to a great variety of implements,
down to hay forks, wash-hoards and axes ; and to
maple sugar, salt, linen, carpets, mittens, quilts,
needle work, bonnets, &c., so that skill in a great
many departments may meet with an acknowledg-
ment. Many of the premiums go to the Horticultural
and to the Mechanical Departments.

Most of the volume is devoted to replies of the
County Societies (or of individuals) to a list of queries
under nineteen heads, and these show the condition
of agriculture in most of the counties of the state, in
alphabetical order. The replies occupy from half a
page to five pages, and in some cases all the queries
are not answered. As useful examples of the mode
of preparing the replies, we abstract those of two
counties, one on account of its meagreness, and the
other for its fulness.

Lucas Countt.

1. Principal Crops.— Wheat, Corn, Oats, Buckwheat
and Hay.

2. Wkcat. — Average yield of this year, 15 bushels per
acre, somewhat injured by rust. Aggregate amount,
250,000 bushels.

3. Corn. — Average yield this year 40 bushels per acre ;
aggregate amount 600,000 bushels.

4. Oais. — Average j'ield, 50 bushels per acre ; aggre-
gate amount 150,000 bushels.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

5. Grass and //ay.— Average yield of Ilay, U tons per
ftcre.

7. Root Crops. — rotatocs somewliat affected irith the
rot — not so much as last year.

10. Other Cra;7s.— Buckwheat yields 20 bushels per
acre.

13. Porh. — Aggregate amount 10,000 barrels exported
to some extent.

19. Mills, iS-c. — Ten Flouring mills, two of which are
for cus-om work only — one oil mill — one woolen factory

thii-ty saw mills, ten of which are propelled by steam.

AsuL.vxD Couxir. — (Br Henry Millek.)

1. Principal Crops. — ^IMieat, corn, pork, oats, clover-
eeed, barley, rye, timothy seed, hay, potatoes, butter and
cheese.

2. Wheal. — The usual average product per acre is 1.3
bushels. The varieties most approved are AVhite, Blue-
etem, Asbridge, Jlediterranean and Valley wheat. The
gi-eatest difference in the weight of wheat, in the aggre-
gate, is 23 lbs — the poorest weighing 45, the best 68 lbs.
The two first named varieties have precedence to all
others with which I am acquainted, either from experi-
ence or from inquiry — exhibiting, generally, a plump
white grain ; their bran and bald head, which render
them far more pleasant to handle than bearded varieties,
and under favorable culture, and suffering no casuaUties,
will yield 30 bushels to the acre. The Mediterranean is
sown extensively on account of enduring the winter, and
being fly proof, thus measurably escaping two great in-
jm-ies. ' The objections to it, by some farmers, are, first
— its reddish, brown, color ; second — yielding less than
many other kinds ; third — is liable to be prostrated by
sliglit winds. This variety is a bearded red chaff. There
are many other kinds — stubble, pea, river, white flint,
club, &c., all of which possess some one, two or three
peculiar characteristics, which render them cither favor-
able or objectionable to the farmer. The last named has
two high commendations : first, that of enduring a storm
that would prostrate aU other varieties ; second, growing
erect and yielding well on rich bottom land. The white
wheat, astjridge, white, bluestem, white flint, are the
varieties from which superfine flour is generally made.
There is but little difference in time of ripening, winter
kill, rust and and fly, between the last mentioned, (ex-
cept the Asbridge, which ripens a few days earlier) than
any other kind. Any variety will ripen from two to five
days earlier on the north side of land bounded there by
wood land, or about the same diffei-enoe occiu's with a
field having a southern inclination.

During the harvest of 1848, there occuiTed frequent
rains and and cloudy days, which caused much wheat to
sprout just before cutting, so that in the markets it was
named forked wheat ; but the .\sbridge was water proof
in that respect, haviDg a bright smooth chaff, entirely
enclosing the berry.

The laud best adapted for wheat has a gravelly loam,
with ckay sub soil, and is sufficiently undulating to con-
duct off all superabundant water. Barn yard manure,
well rotted, measurably answers the necessity for lime,
as it is a fact noticed by every observing farmer, that
our wheat, under a favorable growing season, and suffer-
ing no casuaUties, is plump, and yields from 25 to 30
bushels to the acre. Lime would be best adapted for
rich bottom land, to give solidity to the straw, while
barn yard manure would be worse than nothing. The
best system of culture is to plow, deep in lauds, 16 feet
wide, sowing as near the 20th of September as possible,
and harrowing twice the same way. Some fields have
been put in with the cultivator and look well. The
wheat drill would be the greatest implement of husban-
dry that could be introduced into this county. The kind
of injuries to which our wheat is most liable, according
to their relative extent, is first, fly, drouth, winter kill,
rust, &c. The rust was the most extensive injury with
us last harvest, extending all over the county. We can-
not prevent its ravages, but measurably escape them, by

sowing on the first of September to ripen early; but in
that very attempt we may give license to the fly. The
aggregate amount produced this year, is about 45,000
bushels. The usu.al yearly average is about 600,000,
and from 3 to 400,000 bushels are annually exported.

3. Corn. — The usual average yield per acre is 50
bushels ; this year 65. The varieties are numerous —
some of which are the large yellow, white flint, small
yellow, and an indiscriminate mixture of various kinds.
The large yellow grows very tall, has long large ears,
and ripens tolerably early, and is much esteemed by
some fanners. The white flint (so called bccaused it is
a very hard solid white grain) has a short thick ear, ia
hard to husk, and hard to thresh. It moulds easily in a
wet husking time, but when well dried weighs CO pounds,
and makes excellent fine white meal. The small yellow
grows short, has a small red cob, ripens earlier than any
other kind, is less Uable to damage by wet weather than
any other kind — may be planted early, or as late as the
first of June, with great success — producing roasting ears
in six weeks. This variety has been grown iunured to
in this climate for twenty years, is remarkably easy to
husk or sheU, and j'ields more good corn with less labor
than any other variety. Of this variety I raised in the
year 1847, 133J bushels to the acre, without hoeing. It
was checkered and planted two feet ten inches apart,
three grains in a hill. The whole crop averaged 110
bushels per acre, including a portion of land rather wet.
In the year 1848, I introduced a Kentucky variety which
averaged 159 bushels per acre, and the best square rod
measuring mid way between the rows yielded at the rate
of 180 bushels, 1 peck, 0 quarts. It bears some resem-
blance to the gourd seed, but it is more soUd.

4. Oats. — The usual average yield is 30 bushels per
acre. The past season 25. The varieties grown are the
Native, the English, and Side oats. The native oats is
more extensively grown. It yields more in bulk to the
acre than the English, but probably not in weight. The
former weighing 32, the latter 38 pounds per bushel.
The Side oats yields from 5 to 10 bushels more per acre
than either of the others, but ripens 8 or 10 days later.
The English is the earliest.

5. Rt/c Sf Barhy. — The usual product per acre is 20
bushels. The supposed amount annually raised is, bar-
ley 15,000; rye 10,000 bushels. Of the latter, a short
variety has been introduced, but as to its character, I
know but little ; also spinless barley, which yields weU
on rich land. The usual prices are from 40 to 45 cents
per bushel.

0. Grass 4- Hay. — The most approved variety for
meadow is timothy, making incomparably more whole-
some h.ay than clover, for horses. Clover pasture is ex-
cellent for horses and cattle, but in hay it is quite objec-
tionable for its great tendency to produce heaves in
horses. Its product per acre is one ton — timothy one
and a h,alf ton.

7. Root Crops. — The usual average j'ield of potatoes is
40 bushels. This year's growth has been less liable to
the rot than usual, though the yield seemed more defici-
ent from the quantity planted, owing probably to the
drjTiess of the season. The varieties most approved for
yield and stock are the large red cudgels, quality for
table, the Neshanoch, and pinkeyes. The Neshanock has
been the most liable to disease. The best mode of cul-
ture is to plant on a loose porous gravellj' loam, plowed
8 inches deep, checkered for hills 2 feet 10 inches asun-
der, and 3 inches deep. This would leave a loose sub-
stratum of 5 inches below the tuber, which is so highly
necessary, through which all unnecessary water can
reailily filtrate. Lime alone, for manure, is found better
than any other one species for potatoes. Lime and
ashes have been used to prevent rot, but without benefit.

Turnips are raised abundantly for table use, but little
or no root crops are raised for sale.

8. Fruit. — The character of our gi-afted fruit is excel-
lent, having nearly or quite all the varieties of good

FARM JOURNAL.

Apkil,

grafted fruit, except peaches, wliich are nearly all seed-
ling, and many of them worthless. More than -1-5 of our
apples are seedlings, and our grafted fruit is obtained
mostly from grafts put on seedlings about 10 years ago,
and it is a wonder to every enterprising farmer that
thousands of worthless trees are yet standing unrenovat-
ed, occupying room where grafted fruit might grow.
Fruit is but little exported, either green or dried state,
being mostly used for home consumption.

9. Seeds — The quantity of cloverseed annually pro-
duced, is 7000 bushels ; timothy, 4000 ; flaxseed, 1.5,000.
The usual average yield per acre is, flaxseed, 10 bushels,
worth 80 cts.; cloverseed, 2 J worth $3; timothy, 8
bushels, worth $1 37} per bushel.

10. Other Crops — Flax, but not hemp, is raised to a
considerable extent for the fibre ; one acre will yield 1.50
ordinary bundles, worth 6J cents, each, when thi-ashed ;
when scutched, each bundle yields 5 lbs., worth 8 cts
per lb , equal to 52 dollars per acre. Now any man
can calculate the expense of harvesting, thrashing,
spreading for rotting, turning 3 times, gathering up,
drying, breaking, top dressing and scutching, for the
amount of the expenses depends much upon the extent of,
and convenience of the preparations for getting it out.
Tobacco is raised "only for home consumption to a very
limited extent. — Field beans, hops, mustard seed, mad-
der and mint-oil, command little or no attention.

11. Dairy Product . — The probable amount of butter
manufactured for export is 700,000 lbs. worth 9 cts. per
lb. Cheese, 000,000 lbs., worth 5 cts.; the greater part
of which is made in the northern part of this county,
where the soil is better adapted for the dairy than for the
crops. There has been some marked improvement in
the quality of cheese and butter, and there are thous-
ands of lbs. made here equal to some of the best that was
ever offered to an agricultural society. So far as I can
ascertain, our native breeds of cows are preferred for
dairies, as many of them are extraordinary milkers ; one
which I saw, yielded, when at her best, a bushel of milk
a day.

The average yield of butter per cow, is three pounds
per week ; cheese seven pounds. Some neat Dui-hams
have been introduced by Mr. Stude, of Sullivan, and
others. They are represented as more valuable for beef
than our native cattle. I am not prepared to state their
relative merits for the dairy with our native breeds.

12. Skcep and Wool. — The aggregate amount of wool
is about 200,000 pounds a year. I am informed by an
extensive wool merchant and manufacturer, that the
quality ranks equal, if not superior to any county in this
State. Clearcreek township alone yields 20,000 lbs. fine
wool ; 15,000 of which sold for from thirty to thirty seven
ajid a half cents, the average is twenty-five cents per
pound.

There is a great increase in the number of sheep, and
a great improvement in the character of the flocks. The
Dickinson sheep are preferred for their lengthy and fine
staple, heavy fleeces and robust constitution. The Saxon-
merinoes for the extreme fineness of fibre, and therefore,
selling at the highest prices. The South Downs are be-
coming numerous on account of their large size, heavy
fleeces, fatting ea sily , and are therefore of ready sale to
the butchers. So each variety has its own important
peculiarity, which renders it diflicult to decide what kind
is most preferred.

13. Pork^ — The supposed aggregate products of pork
in the county is 15,000 barrels. Its value here will av-
erage $2,75 per hundred. — The hog stock has retrograd-
ed for the last eight years, owing to the indifl'erence of
farmers in that department. Fourteen years ago, a num-
ber of Bcrkshires and Chinas were introduced, and a
cross of these were the neatest and most profitable ever
raised. There are a few left, and farmers are improving
upon them. There are some grass breeds here which
grow large, and appear well when fat, but they are hard
to keep or fattea. Upon the whole, a perfect cross of

the Berkshire and China is preferred as the most profit-
able, as they fatten very easily at any age. If pigged
in March, they may be butchered in November, weigh-
ing 200 lbs. They are much noted for their harmless
and docile disposition ; and we consider that kind of a
hog is the best which will produce the most pork in the
shortest time with the least possible expense.

14. Beef. — The number of cattle annually raised in the
county, is 7000, of these, 3000 are used for home con-
sumption, and the rest exported. The average value of
each, at 3 years old, is 15 dollars.

15. Horses and Myites — The number of horses annually
exported, is about 2,500. This county has always been
noted for its great number of good horses, and great ex-
ertions are made by our farmers to raise good draught
horses. They generally range from a medium to a large
size, and frequently sell at 125 dollars a head. The av-
erage value at 3 years old, is 75 dollars. The number of
mules is very small, and farmers have no inclination to
raise them ; probably on the ground of their ill appear-
ance, without considering their relative merits.

16. Implemcnls. — The only implements or machinery
introduced, are threshing machines, and clover hidlers of
the best kind, a few rollers and some good plows. A
wheat di'ill from New York, and a drain plow from Indi-
ana, were exhibited here, but no sales were effected.

17. Other Improvements. — There have been no experi-
ments in the renovation of the soil worth naming, except
with barn yard manure. Lime is obtained from a dis-
tance, at too great an expense to apply it profitably to
our soil. Our creek bottoms are almost inexhaustably
fertile. I htive a piece now iu corn which has been un-
der cultivation for 13 years in succession, with but one
manuring and 2 years in clover, and yet the tenth crop
yielded 133 J bushels of shelled corn to the acre without
hoeing. This year it yielded 70, with the same cultm-e,
thoiigh planted June 4th, (rather late. )

Drainage is eS'ected to some extent with plow and
spade, and to great advantage. There is nothing at
present in the whole process of agriculture, from which
farmers would derive greater profits from a small amount
of labor or capital, than by draining the thousands of
fertile acres iu different parts of this county, grown over
with wild grass, and covered several months of the year
with water. To render such land most profitable with
the least expense, is to cut drains in a dry time, mow off
the wild grass, and sow timothy, either in July or August,
or early in the spring ; and in a few years the timothy
will entirely usurp the growth of wild grass, and yield
2} tons per acre, or 10 or 15 bushels of seed.

18. Minerals. — There have been no discoveries of min-
erals worth naming. There is considerable of what we
call bog ore, some of which bears a close resemblance to
iron ore, and it is said, would yield 75 per cent, proba-
bly of good iron ; a sample of which 1 will deliver in
Ashland for investigation.

19. Mills, 4-c. — There are 36 grist mills, 57 saw mills,
10 carding machines, 5 foundries, and 1 woollen factoi-y.
This factory is situated in the heart of Ashland, and the
whole superstructui-e, including engine tpd internal ma-
chinery, is entirely new and fitted up in the most skil-
ful style; is now in complete operation; is capable of
manufacturing 40,000 lbs. of wool a year ; and is not to
be surpassed in all Northern Ohio for the execution of
neat work. And here I must add, that the proprietors,
Messrs. Northrop, Reznor & Co., are entitled to much
respect and patronage by the farmers of Ashland coimty,
for this exhibition of enterprize and skill. Immediately
adjoining is a splendid mill, now being erected by the
same company. It wiU also be driven by steam ; will
have three run of stone, and the internal aiTangements
are also intended to be fitted up in complete style, and
when completed in connection with the factory, will have
cost $20,000.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

Report of the Joint Committe of the Senate and House
of Representatives of Pcnnsylcania, on the piiblica-
iion of the Geological Surveys. Uarrisburg, Maxell
1851, pp. 16.

The delay in puWishing the Geological surveys of
Pennsylvania has been a matter of regret among the
friends of science, and those having mining and agri-
cultural interests throughout the state. The survey
■was well conducted through a series of years, and
Trhen nearly ready for publication it was stopped,
■whilst other states, with fewer resources, and com-
mencing similar undertakings about the same period
(or even subsequently) have given their results to the
■world. Thus in a geological map of the United States,
Pennsylvania, with its well known wealth in coal and
ores, and possessing some of the most interesting fea-
tures in the geology of the country, remains a blank.
We have reason to believe, from the language used
by Mr. Bigham in this well 'va-itten Report, that these
valuable materials will be no longer kept from the
citizens of the state ; and when given, we hope the
necessary maps, drawings, and other illustrations,
will be published in fuU.

The following estjacts from the Report, place the
connexion between geology and agriculture in a clear
light.

To that groat leading interest agriculture, a geological
survey is both directly and indirectly beneficial, to an
extent -which -well deserves the careful consideration, not
only of every farmer, but of the Legislature. It con-
duces directly to this interest by pointing out the sources
from whence the various soils of the region are derived,
and the belts of country where the same soils prevail,
so that the agricultm-al experience of separate localities
upon identical soils may be compared together. It
analyses the strata, and sho^ws which layers are fertiliz-
ing and which not, and ti'aces on the geological map
SQch as are natural manures, discriminates between the
pvire limestones and the maguesian ones, between those
which possess the all-powerful element of phosphorus
and such as do not, and indicates what shales and other
constantly decomposing strata are already naturally
calcareous or gypseous, and are competent of themselves,
by proper mechanical treatment, to replenish the soil
eufl&cieutly with lime and plaster, and what others are
destitute of these essential elements, and yield soils
which reqmre their artificial introduction. It calls at-
tention furthermore to, and furnishes in fact much
knowledge indispensible to any right system of drainage.

An improved and truly economical culture of the soil
must be found upon an exact knowledge of the materials
of which the soil is composed, and this indispensable
knowledge can only be procured through a careful study
of the rocks or strata out of which the soils are derived.
Jlence it is, that Geology is now universally regarded by
the professional teachers, scientific writers, and the most
Bkilful men of practice in agriculture, as eijually funda-
mental with chemistry, in its relations to sound methods
of cultivation. Of this no better proof need be asked
than the titles and scope of all the treatises, both com-
prehensive and abridged, of one who is perhaps the ablest
expounder of the principles of this great art now living,
Trofessor James F. W. Johnston, of England, who has
devoted the labors of a lifetime to the production of
works expressly on " Agricultural chemistry and Geolo-
gy." In a recent "Report on the .agricultural capabili-
ty of the Province of New Erunsis'ick," he illustrates in
various ways, how "the possession of a good geological

map is of much importance to a State, as an aid in de-
termining the cultural value of its surface, of what it is
capable, and how its capabilities are to be developed."

A little consideration of a few fundamental facts in
agricultui-e and geology, will render obvious the advan-
tages which the intelligent farmer may derive from a
knowledge of the strata of the district where he dwells.

The first practical problem which the agricultm-ist in
any region must study, is the adaptation of the crop to
the soil, the climate, and the market. But to know its
adaptability to the soil, he should have a clear conception
of the nature and composition of the sti-ata around them ;
for without this knowledge he can get no ti-ue insight
into the chemical and mechanical properties of the soil,
which is nothing else than the substance, in whole or
part, of those rocks in a decomposed or decayed condi-
tion.

The whole art of preserving or improving the fertility
of a soil, consists in replenishing it with those elements
which the crops are ascertained to abstract, and in the
proportions suitable to repair the waste, and to meet the
indispensable demands of vegetation. But how can these
proportions be known, unless we previously ascertain
what the decomposing rocks themselves supply, and
what they fail to furnish. When it is understood that a
soil to be truly fertile, must consist of at least the fol-
lowing substances, some of them in large and some in
minute quantities, and that they are all equally necessa-
ry to its productiveness, the importance of a con-ect
geological knowledge, indicating their presence or ab-
sence in a particular locality, will be plainly perceived
— silica, alumina, lime, magnesia, oxide of iron, potash, com-
mon salt, and pkospltm ic acid — and this will be stUl more
distinctly seen wlien the inorganic elements in any of the
ordinary crops are shown in comparison. In the case of
red clover hay, as an example, there are silica, lime, mag-
nesia, oxidof iron, sulphuric acid, pliosplwric acid, potash, soda,
and chlorine, in all one hundred and twenty-nine and a-
half pounds in a ton of hay. As the abstraction from
the soil of either of these ingredients wUl greatly impair
its suitableness for this particular crop, it is manifest
that it behooves the farmer, as a fii-st step to the skilful
culture of his land, to learn from the composition and
geological origin of the rocks which have produced and
are stiU producing his soil, whether these various con-
stituents, indispensable to his purpose, are naturally
there and Ukely to be renewed, and which of them he
must himself suppl}'.

The animal which cannot thrive without a due propor-
tion of lime and phosphorus in its bones, can by ranging
widely for its food be almost sui-e of those ingredients ;
but the plant is rooted to one spot, and if these and the
other earthly elements, not less indispenstible to its nu-
trition, are not immediately within its reach in the soil,
the farmer must iutroduce them. But how can he possi-
bly know what it is thiit is deficient, until the chemical
geologist makes it clear to him, from a previous study of
the composition of the rocks and of the soUs into which
these rocks decay.

It may be stated as an undeniable truth, that without
an acquaintance with the local geology of his vicinity,
the agriculturist can never avail himself of the whole of
his natui-al resources, or make due and gi-ateful acknowl-
edgements in his industrial practice of the bountiful
sources of wealth which the beneficent Creator, with
lavish kindness, has spread beneath his feet. To till the
earth and call forth her fruits, is the happy destiny as-
signed to the great mass of mankind, but through it
there would seem to be in reserve a destiny still nobler,
the cultivation of his own faculties and powers, result-
ing from his eagerness to convert to human uses, by in-
crease of knowledge, the quaUties of common things. In
studying the very commonest of these, if they be but the
crumbUng clods of stone that strew his fields, he sees
everywhere that the physical laws are divine appoint-
ments.

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

Of the indirect benefits to the agricultural class from
Buch an exploration, little need be said, they are such as
Trill be shared in to a greater or less extent by every
citizen, and must be acknowledged as soon as hinted at.
One of the most obvious of these is the operation of such
a survey to render coal abundant and cheap, for the
various important uses for which the farmer must have
fuel, such as the burning of lime, the making of bricks,
or the furnishing his neighborhood with steam, saw,
and grist mills, in the absence of water power. To these
advantages let us add the preservation of his wood for
fencing, building, and other uses than burning, and the
liberty it gives him to appropriate a large share of his
land to growing crops, while a less share is given to grow-
ing timber.

13ut probably the most important indirect boon con-
ferred on the agriculture of a country by geological
developments, is the influence these have, by stimulating
its mining activity, to attract population inland, and to
create thereby home markets for the produce of the soil.
Not to wander to England and Belgium for proofs, in
the extraordinary pictures there presented of this quick-
ening influence on agriculture, it is only necessary for
us to look at home, to the prosperity which already
smiles in the lied Shale and other vallies which begirt
our anthracite coal fields, to witness the happy results of
the ties which bind the welfare of the great class who
till the surface, to that of the population who delve for
other riches beneath it.

It is too obvious for argument that a map and descrip-
tion which display in their true position all the varieties
of strata, and consequently their soils within our bor-
ders, must be a most valuable aid in exhibiting our agri-
cultural means of wealth, and for inviting hither the
best class of settlers. We have lost much desirable
population by the undue prominence given to western
lands, which do not compare so favorably with our own
as to compensate for the peculiar disadvantages to which
they expose emigrants from New England and from
Europe. We might refer to many examples of a sudden
impulse given to agriculture, by the publication of the
results of geological surveys. Several striking instances
are presented to our thoughts. One relates to the marl
region of New Jersey, where the farms have been enrich-
ed, and their produce multiplied by the disclosures of
the true character and extent of beds of green sand or
marl, by Professor H. D. Rogers; and the other has re-
ference to the old farms of Eastern Virginia, which
have been revived since Professor William B. Rogers
made known the abundant deposits of calcareous marl of
that portion of the State. Indeed the emigration to that
worn-out region from the northern and eastern states,
has been excited mainly, by the prospect of benefits de-
pendent upon the marl manures. Vie may also mention,
that methods employed in the Netherlands, converted
the most barren sands into fruitful fields. And even
the white drifted sands of Cape Cod are now changing to
bright green fields, and much of the credit is due to a
geological report made by Professor Hitchcock, of Mass ,
who was ambitious to point out means to make two
blades of grass, or two ears of corn grow, where but one
grew before.

First biennial Iteport on the Oeoiogy of Alabama.
By M. Tuomey, Geologist to the State ; Professor of
Geology, Mineralogy, and Agricultural Chemistry
in the University of Alabama. Tuskaloosa, 1850,
p. 176.

We are indebted to his excellency Henry W. Col-
lier, Governor of Alabama, for a copy of this Report,
■which is very creditable both to the State, and to the
geologist to ■whom this important trust has been con-
fided. Mr. Tuomey, was previously identified with
the science of the country by his Report on the Geology
of South Carolina, published under the authority of
that state in 1848.

The survey of Alabama ■was placed under the charge
of the professor of Geology &e., in the State Universi-
ty, and it ■was made one of the duties of the professor
to spend four months in each year in exploring the
state — a plan ■which has been recently adopted by the
state of Mississippi, and ■which may be employed ■with
advantage in ■working up the final details of the geology
of the northern states, ■when they become sufficiently
enlightened to have professors of geology and agri-
cultural chemistry in their colleges. The expenses of
the Alabama survey have been thus far paid by the
university.

Eleven authors had devoted themselves to an eluci-
dation of the geology of various parts of Alabama,
previous to the regular labors of Mr. Tuomey, and
one of these, Mr. T. A. Conrad, published a small
map in which the gi-eat features ■were roughly repre-
sented. The present Keport contains a good map
giving a large amount of details, and showing great
industrj' in the field work, if we take the limited time
employed into consideration. The principal forma-
tions are clearly traced to the borders of Mississippi,
so that with the labors of Lyell, Coni-ad, and de Ver-
nouil, the investigation of the latter state will be much
simplified.

Unfortunately, the Legislature of South Carolina
did not sanction the publication of figures of the or-
ganic remains, although catalogues are given, as well
as of the living animals of the state. But aware of
the importance of a knowledge of recent species in
the investigation of those fossils most nearly allied to
them, Mr. Tuomey gave a list of the shells now ex-
isting upon the Carolina coast, and it is to be hoped
that between the states of Alabama and Mississippi,
such arrangements will be made, that the public will
get a full scientific ■\-iew of the relations existing be-
tween the living productions of the gulf of Mexico,
and their fossil analogues in the tertiary formations
somewhat like those developed by Mr. Forbes ; from
his dredgings in the Aegean sea. The facts develop-
ed l.iy such means would be of the greatest sciontifio
value, whether viewed according to the theory of
Lyell, or that of Agassiz, which is diametrically op-
posed to it. It is hardly necessary to say that we
must look to the Southern states for an investigation
of these questions, because the tertiary formations
have received their full development there.

Alabama is well supplied ■with bituminous coal,
which can be delivered at Mobile by river navigation
at a small expense, so that it must in time become a
great source of profit, besides favoring various indus-
trial pursuits. It is also rich in other valuable min-
erals.

The geological map was lithographed in New York,
which is somewhat singular, as excellent work of the
same kind can be executed nearer home, in the
establishment of Weber in Baltimore.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

Praclical Mineralogy, assaying and mining t^-c. by Fred-
erick Overman, Mining Engineer. Pliiladelphia,
Lindsay and Blalsiston 1851. pp. 230.
This is a useful work, tlie scope of wliich is thus ex-
plained. " It has always teen the desire of the author,
to place before the public the characteristics and uses of
minerals in a popular style, and clothed with a popular
language. For this reason he has endeavored to avoid,
as far as possible, the use of any scientific and technical
terms, as having a tendency to embarrass, rather than
to enlighten the reader."

It is not by any means " generally agreed that granite

is the oldest of the rocks." p. 14. The statement as to

its " everlasting durability" must be acted upon with

caution, as some apparently good granites decompose.

Granite is composed of quartz, felspar, and mica, so that

it is not correct to say that mica " is sometimes found to

be one of its elements." When hornblend replaces the

mica, the rock is syenite, and when the rock is composed

of quartz and felspar alone, it is named granilite.

Jilanures, their composition, preparation and action

upon soils ; beinif a fieid companion ftr the farmer.

By Campbell Morfit. Lindsay and Blakiston. p. 100.

A useful manual adapted from the French by a well

. known chemist.

The Practical Receipt Book for the manufacturer,

tradesman, agriculturist, or housekeeper. Lindsay

and Blakiston. pp. 3G0.

A large unclassified collection with many useful things,

containing portions which encourage quackery and the

manufacture of adulterated articles. A few medical

directions for emergencies are proper, but domestic

meddling with arsenic and other active medicines, and

with serious diseases,is not to be recommended. Of course

many of these nostrums will do as little harm as good.

The Farmer's and Planter's Encyclopedia of rural

affairs ; embracing all the most recent discoveries in

Agricultural chemistry, etc. by Cuthbert W. Johnson,

Esq., F. R. S. adapted to the United States by Gouv-

erneur EmersMi, Philadelphia. Lippincot, Grambo,

& Co. 1851. pp. 1179.

This is a new edition of a large and valuable work
which every farmer should have at hand as a book of
constant reference, for which its alphabetical arrange-
ment well adapts it. It is illustrated with numerous
plates of domestic animals, implements, grain, weeds,
noxious insects, &c.

The present edition contains a new article on soil, an
extended one on ventilation, especially as regards the
health and food of animals, various tables are given of
the constituents of food and its money value and bearing
upon the fattening of animals ; and the influence of heat
and cold in connexion with food is satisfactorily ex-
plained.

Another important addition entitled American Wine
making, particularly as it is made at Cincinnati, where
Mr. Longworth manufactures it so successfully that it
can be brought into competition with the best foreign
wines, bis champagne being worth from twelve to fourteen
dollars a dozen. This wine is called ' Sparkling Catawba,'
YOL. I. — E,

being made of the native Catawba grape, wliich Messrs.
Longworth and Buchanan have found to be the best
adapted for wine making in this country. To arrive at
this result many years were spent in experiments upon
a large scale, and many thousand plants were imported
from the best wine bearing regions of Europe, carefully
cultivated, and finally rejected as not adapted to our
climate. The cultivation of the grape and the process of
wine making arc detailed in this Encyclopedia.

A Treaties on the Ilistory and manarjement of ornamen-
tal and domestic Poultry. By Her. Edmund Saul
Dixon, A. M. With large additions by J. 3. Kerr
M. D. Illu,strated with niany original portraits,
engraved expressly for this work. Philadelphia,
E. U. Butler & Co. 1851. pp. 480.

This work enjoys a higli reputation in England,
and the American edition has much new matter
adapting it to the present state of knowledge upoa
the subject in the United States. It is from the se-
cond English edition, which bears the date of Feb-
ruary 1851, so that the author's latest additions are
included.

The volume is full and practical upon rearing, man-
agement, eggs, coops, and varieties and qualities of
the various breeds of chickens, and it includes ac-
counts of the pea-fowl, pheasant, turkey, guinea-fowl,
swan, geese, and ducks. The engravings are accu-
rate, and well executed, many of them from original
figures drawn by Croome from fine living Americau
examples.

The American editor has done well to introduce
figures of the wild breeds from which the domestic
races of chickens have been derived; and to guarantee
the authorit}- of the originals ho had drawings made
from specimens in the magnificent ornithological col-
lection of the Academy of Natural sciences of Phila-
delphia. He has inserted various letters from his cor-
respondents, among whom David Taggart of Nor-
thumberland, Pa., E. R. Cope of Philadelphia, and
Geo. P. Burnham of Melrose, Massachusetts, may be
mentioned.

Mr. Dixon has ventured to discuss various quea
tions relating to the origin of domestic races, and ha
solves one in a very summary manner by the theory
that those domestic animals (and few would be ex-
cluded from this grasping generalisation) which can-
not be readily referred to wild forms, are the descend-
ants of species now extinct ; whilst certain varieties
are believed to have been at all times as distinct as
they now are ; but we are not aware that the author
possesses a sufiicient knowledge of technical zoology
to make him a competent judge in these questions,
which are now under investigation by Dr. Samuel
George Morton, and the Pvev. John Bachman. He
does not think it necessary to give scientific names,
and when he does, the adjective or trival part of the
name is improperly written with a capital letter.

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

COCHIN CHINA. Imported by Geo. Burnham. Melrose.

Most ornithologists refer tlie greater part of domestic fowls to the wild Javanese Oalixs bankiva, which
is considered the original of Brisson's G. domestica, of which the hlacli-footed is preferred to the yellow-
footed kind ; G. cristatus ; G. pusillus ; G. banticus, the bantam or haniy; and G. pumilio, probably the creejiij.

Gallus soneratii, a wild East Indian species was supposed to be the original of the domestic races un-
til Temminck investigated the subject. This species has the habits of tlio domestic kinds.

Gallus cicantecs (the hulm ovjayo) is supposed to be the original of what are named Polish fowls in
English, and in French coq russe (although this is not a Russian variety) coq de Caux, coq de Padoue {Pa,-
dua,) coq de Ehodes, and coq de Perse (Persia). We quote these names, (which are not given by Dixon,
Browne, &c.) to enable such of our readers as arc interested, to consult French works upon the subject. In
fact, it frequently happens that difficulties arise in tracing domestic animals, varieties of fruit, «S;o., from one
country to another, because sufficient attention is not always paid to get the names under which corres-
ponding varieties are known.

GUELDERLANDS. Bred by II. L. Devereus. Dedham,
GALLrs jiOEio is an East India black cock once supposed to be from Mozambique. It is common in Gei>

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

WHITE SHANG^S. Eden Wkight, Dedham, Mass., from Stock Imported 1850.

many, and is by some referred to the ordinaiy domes-
tic species. G. japonicus (or G. lanatus) is found
in China, Japan, and New Guinea ; G. deneus is
from Sumatra ; G. crispus lias frizzled feathers, and
being from the warm parts of Asia, does not well en-
dure a cold climate ; G. fcrcatus is from Java and
Sumatra ; and the rumpless G. ecaudatus or bunty,
inhabits the forests and plains of Ceylon.

Among the various breeds of chickens the Shang-
hae (the last syllable of this word is pronounced high)
is considered the best on many accounts, being pro-
lific in eggs, of a large size, with tender flesh. The
Rev. Mr. Bumstead, of Eoxborough, one of Dr.
Kerr's correspondents, says:— "I hazard nothing in
saying that if the farmers of Pennsylvania knew the
worth of these fowls, no efibrt would be spared to ob-
tain them." He states further, that one Shanghas
cock and two hens will produce " more eggs in three
months time, of a greater size and richer quality,
than five times that number of ordinary hens will do
in one year."

Most ornithologists refer the domestic goose to the
wild Anser palustris, which breeds in Europe, and
is known in England as the grey lag, a name adopt-
ed by Pennant and Montagu, and although these au-
thors state that the legs are flesh colored, Mr. Dixon
adopts the name of " grey-legged goose."

This book may be safely recommended to those
who are interested in poultry, whilst its fine illustra-
tions, mechanical esecution, and useful information,

will render it an attractive volume to the general
reader.

AVe are enabled, through the politeness of the pub-
lishers, to present our readers witli several copies of
the figures which illustrate the volume, but as the
originals are printed as separate plates, they present
a finer appearance than our impressions.

Chickens and the CurcuUo.

A. G. Sumner of Ravenscroft, South Carolina, in
an interesting communication, gives the following aa
his method of guarding his fine fruit trees against the
attack of the Cureulio. The remedy is so simple, so
effectual, and may be made so profitable that it
should be universally adopted.

" For plums, apricots and nectarines, so liable to
the attacks of the curonlio, there is no remedy but
poultry. Plant these where your poultry have a
daily run amongst them. I have adopted this plan,
and have not found a single tree attacked by the root-
worm in my grounds. It takes more than a dozen
hens and a gouty old cock to keep a few acres of
these delicate trees clear of their enemies. A flock of
a hundred is not too many : I find them a valuable
auxiliary in manuring, as I consider domestic hai
guano, properly tempered down, a good manure for
trees the second year of their growth in the orchard.
I have now twenty barrels gathered from about one
hundred and fifty fowls since September last. My
mode is to have "the hen-house carefully scraped up
once a week and packed with the underlying earth in
old lime barrels, covered with a top layer of gypsum.
It is practicable to save this powerful manure in the
winter ; but as I make my fowls resort to nature's
hen-houses —the trees — in^summer, the greater por-
tiou is wasted or washed away by the rains. "^

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

Scrap0 for tl)c C)Ouscl)olb illatvon.

Egg Poke. — Tliree eggs, a quart of corn flour, a
largo tablcspoonful of fresh butter, a small tea-spoon-
ful'of salt, a half pint (or more) of milk. Beat the
eggs very light, and mix them with the milk. Then
stir in, gradually, the corn flour ; adding the salt and
butter. It must not be a batter, but a soft dough,
just thick enough to bo stirred well with a spoon. If
too thin, add more corn flour ; if too stiff, thin it with
a little more milk. Beat or stir it long and hard.
Butter a tin or iron pan. Put the mixture into it :
and set the pan immediately into an oven, which
must be moderately hotat first, and the heat increas-
ed afterward. A Dutcli oven is best for this purpose.
It should take an hour and a half or two hours, in
proportion to its thickness. Send it to table hot, and
cut into slices. Eat it with butter or molasses.

Poisonous Vessels. — Vessels of copper often give
ri.se to poisoning. Though the metal undergoes but
little change in a dry atmosphere, it is rusted if mois-
ture be present, and its surface becomes covered with
a green substance — carbonate or the protoxide of cop-
per, a poisonous compound. It has sometimes hap-
pened, that a mother has, for want of knowledge,
poisoned her family. Si>urkrout, when permitted to
stand some time in a copper vessel, has produced
death in a few hours. Cooks sometimes permit pickles
to remain in copper vessels, that they may acquire a
rich green color, which they do by absorbing poison.
Families have often been thrown into disease by eat-
ing such dainties, and may have died in some instan-
ces, without suspecting the cause. De. Thompson.

IIow TO Cure a Cold. — Of all other means of cur-
ing colds, fasting is the most effectual. Let whoever
has a cold eat nothing whatever for two days, and his
cold will be gone, provided he is not confined in his
bed — because by taking no carbon into the system by
food, but consuming that surplus which caused his
disease by breath, he soon carries off his disease by
removing the cause. This will be found more eficc-
tual if he adds copious water drinking to protracted
fasting. By the time a person has fasted one day and
night, he will experience a freedom from pain and a
clearness of mind, in delightful contrast with that
mental stupor and physical pain caused by colds.
And how infinitely better is this method of breaking
tip colds, than medicines, especially, than nolent
poisons.

Barley Soup. — 3 oz. of barley ; IJ oz. of stale
Ijread crumbs ; salt, and parsley. Wash and steep
the barley for 12 hours, in J pint of water to which a
piece of carbonate of soda (the size of a pea) has been
added ; then pour off the water not absorbed, and add
the crumbs of stale bread, 3 quarts of boiling water,
and the salt. Digest these in a salt-glazed covered
jar, in the oven or (boil them slowly in a well-tinned
covered pan,) for from 2 to 4 hours, adding the chop-
ped parsley and a little pepper, 30 minutes before the
expiration of the time for boiling.

Cheap Oil for Kitchen Lamps. — Let all scraps of
fat bits left on the dinner plates, and all drippings be
set in a cold place. Put the fat in an iron pot, filling
it half-way up with fat ; and pour in sufficient cold
water to reach the top. Set it over the fire, and boil
and skim it till the impurities are removed. Next
pour the melted fat into a large broad pan of cold
water, and set it away to cool. It will harden into a
cake. — Then take out the cake and put it away into
a cool place. When wanted for use, cut ofi' a suffic-
ient quantity, melt by the fire till it becomes liciuid,
and then fill the lamp with it, as with lard. It will
give a clear, bright light, quite equal to that of lard,
and better than whale oil ; and it costs nothing but
the trouble of preparing the fat.

Barleu Water. — 1 oz. of pearl barley and 2 pints
of water. Boil the barley in the water till it is re-
duced to 1 pint; then strain, and sweeten, flavoring
■with the essence of lemon, rind of lemon, raisins, or
current jelly. Although the additions to the barley
water render it more agreeable, they, however, lessen
its diluent properties. — Vegetarian Messenger.

White-wash. — Take two quarts of skimmed milk ;
two ounces of fresh-slacked lime ; two pounds whit-
ing ; or the same proportions for any large quantity.
Put the lime into a stone vessel, and pour upon it a
sufficient quantity of milk to make a mixture reseml)!-
ing cream ; then add the remainder of the material.
When this is done, crumble and spread the whiting
on the surface of the fluid, in which it will gradually
sink. It must then be well stirred, or ground, as
any other paint. By the addition of any coloring
matter, you may make it suit your fancy. It must
be put on with a paint brush, and when dry, a second
coat should be given. The quantity named, is sufli-
cient for twenty-five square yards.

Moulded Barley: — 6 oz. of pearl barley, 3 J pints
of water, and sugar. Steep the barley for an hour ;
drain it, and pour the water boiling upon it, let it
stew quickly in the oven in an earthenware jar, cov-
ered, until perfectly soft, and all the water is absorb-
ed. When about half enough, add the sugar, and
essence of lemon, to the taste. Pour it into a mould,
previously dipped in cold water, and let it stand to
set. When boiled quickly, the above quantity re-
quires 2 J hours, and is a much better color than when
it is longer in preparation. When the barley flour is
used, no steeping is required.

Beef Tea. — Cut a pound of lean beef into thin
slices, put it into three pints of cold water, set it over
a gentle fire where it may become gradually warm,
let it be well skimed, cover the saucepan close, and
boil gently for two hours ; strain it and let it stand to
settle, and then pour it off clean. One onion, a few
peppercorns, and a little salt, may be added if re-
quired.

Mutton Broth. — Put into a two-quart saucepan
one pound of mutton chops, cleared from fat, one
onion, a few corns of black pepper, and three pints of
cold water ; let it warm gradually ; when it boils,
.skim it, cover the pan close and set it over a gentle
fire till the chops are cooked, which will be (if the
meat is not too fresh,) in three-quarters of an hour.

To MAKE Liquid Glue. — One quarter of a pound
avoirdupois of shellac, dissolved in three ounces apothe-
caries' measure of naptha ; put the shellac into a
wide-mouthed bottle, and pour the naptha upon it ;
cork it up, and stir it with a piece of wire two or three
times during the first 36 hours. It can be made with-
out any measurement, by adding shellac to naptha
until it becomes of the consistency of cream. When
the shellac is thoroughly dissolved in naptha, it forms
a liquid glue always ready for use.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

i?iiiprot)cb Brccb of (gattlc.

Short-Horned Cattle.

From the earliest periods the counties of Durham
and York have been celebrated for their Short-horns,
but principally, in tlie first instance on account of
their reputation as extraordinai-y milkers. In this
particular, it may be asserted, that as a breed, they
Lave never been equalled. But, while excellent
milkers, they were found to be slow feeders, and con-
sequently slow fatteners, producing an inferior meat,
nut marbled or mixed with fat and loan, and income
cases the lean was found of a particularly dark hue.
To retain tlieir extraordinary milking properties, and
at the same time make good fatteners of them was
an object long sought, and at length found.

The Yorkshire cow, which now almost exclusively
occupies the London dairies, is an unanswerable proof
of the possibility of uniting the two qualities to a
great degree of perfection, but not at the same time : —
they succeed to each other, and at the periods when
it suits the convenience of the dairyman that they
should. Years ago the Yorkshire cow was, compar-
ed with other breeds, as great a favorite in the Lon-
don market as at present. She yielded more milk, in
proportion to the quantity of food consumed, than

could be obtained from any other breed ; but when
the dairyman had liad her four or five years, she be-
gan to fall ofi", and he dried her and sold her. It
took a long time to get much flesh upon her ; and
when he calculated the expense of bringing her into
condition, he found that his cheapest way was to sell
her for what she would fetch, and that seldom ex-
ceeded bl.

By degrees, however, the more intelligent of the
lireeders began to find that, by cautiously adopting
the principle of selection — by finding out a short-horn
bull whose progeny were generally milkers, and
crossing some of the old Y'oi'kshires with him, — but
still regarding the milking properties of the dam, and
the usual tendency to possess these qualities in the
offspring of the sire, — they could at length obtain a
breed that had much of the grazing properties of the
short-horn in the new breed, and retained, almost un-
diminished the excellences of the old breed for the
pail. Thence it has happened that many of the cows
in the Loudon dairies are as fine specimens of the im-
proved short-horns as can possibly be produced. They
do not, perhaps, yield quite so much milk as the old
ones, but what they do yield is of better quality ; and
whether the dairyman keeps them a twolvemontli or
longer — and this is getting more and more the hal)it
of tliese people — or whether he milks them for three
or four years — as soon as he dries them, they fatten
as rapidly as the most celebrated of the high bred
short-horns.

V 1

THE YORKSHIKE COW.

We give a fair specimen of one of these cows : the
character of the Ilolderness and the short-horn beau-
tifully mingling. A milch cow good for the pail as
long as wanted, and then quickly got into marketable
condition, should have a long and rather small head ;
a Large-headed cow will seldom fatten or yield much
milk. The eye should be bright, yet peculiarly placid
and quiet in expression ; the chaps thin, and the horns
small. Tlie neck should not be so thin as common
opinion has given to the milch cow. It may be thin
towards the head ; but it must soon begin to thicken,
and especially when it approaches the shoulder. The
dewlap should be small ; the breast, if not so wide as

in some that have an unusual disposition to fatten,
vet very far from being narrow, and it should project
before the legs ; the chine, to a certain degree fleshy,
and even inclining to fullness ; the girth behind the
shoulder should be deeper than it is usually found in
the short-horn ; the ribs should spread out wide, so
as to give as round a form as possible to the carcass,
and each should project farther than the preceding
one to the very loins, giving, if after all the milch
cow must be a little wider below than al)Ove, yet as
much breadth as can possibly be afforded to the more
valuable parts. She should be well formed across the
hips and on the rump, and with greater length there

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

tlian the milker generally possesses, or if a little too
short, not heavy. If she stands a little long on the
logs, it must not be too long. The thighs somewhat
thin, with a slight tendency to crookedness^ in tho
hock, or being sickle-hammed behind : the tail thick
at the upper part, but tapering below ; and she should
iiave a mellow hide, and little coarse hair. Com-
mon opinion has given to her large milk-veins ; and
although the milk-vein has nothing to do with the
udder, but conveys the blood from the fore part of
the chest and sides to the inguinal vein, yet a large
milk-vein certainly indicates a strongly developed
vascular system — one favorable to secretion general-
ly, and to that of the milk among the rest.

The last essential in a milch cow is the udder,
rather large in proportion to tho size of the animal,
but not too large. It must be sufficiently capacious
to contain the proper quantity of milk, but not too
Inilky, lest it should thicken and become loaded with
fat. " The skin of the udder should be thin, and free
from lumps in every part of it. The teats should be
of moderate size ; at equal distances from each other
every w.ay ; and of equal size from the udder to near-
ly the end, where they should run to a kind of point.
When they are too large near the udder, they permit
the milk to flow down too freely from the bag, and
lodge in them ; and when they are too broad at the
extremity, the orifice is often so large that the cow
cannot retain her milk after the bag begins to be full
and heavy. The udder should be of nearly equal size
liefore and behind, or, if there be any difference, it
should be broader and fuller before than behind.

The quantity of milk given by some of these cows
is very great. It is by no means uncommon for them,
in the beginning of the summer, to yield 30 quarts a
day ; there are rare instances of their having given
36 quarts ; but the average may be estimated at 22
or 24 quarts. It is said that this milk does not yield
a proportionate quantity of butter. That their milk
does not contain the same proportionate quantity of
butter as that from the long-horns, the Scutch cattle
of the Devons, is probably true ; but we have reason
to believe that the difference has been much exagger-
ated, and is more than compensated by the additional
quantity of milk. The prejudice against them on
this account was very great, and certain experiments
were made, by the result of which it was made to ap-
pear that the milk of the Kyloe cow yielded double
the quantity of butter that could be produced from
that of the short-horn. .Two ounces were obtained
from tho milk of the Kyloe, and one from that of tho
short-horn.

Tobacco Dust. — As a protection against Insects. —
We last year procured from a snuff mill a barrel of
dry, but damaged snuff flour, and prepared drudging
boxes, covered with a fine bolting cloth, with wliich
wc sifted it over the surfaces of any plants attacked
by insects, and with most signal success. The suuff
should be applied, if practicable, while the plant is
wet with dew, and repeated after every shower. If
tho boxes are properly made, (like a common flour
drudge,) and the snuff is perfectly fine and dry, liut
little time is necessary to go over an acre of plants.
Even the rose bug, cabbage louse, thrips on grape
vines, &c., all yield to the influence of suuff, and the
most delicate plant of the hot-house is not injured by
its application. For field vcgctaljls, caustic lime,
made into a fine powder, while dry, and applied be-
fore slaking by contact with the air, will produce
einiilar results. — Frof. Mapes,

l^ortuultural.

The General Hand Plum.

Mi: Editor :■ — I saw in the last number of the Gen-
essee Farmer, a brief account of the General Hand
Plum, from which it appears that there is still some
doubt or obscurity about the origin and history of
that beautiful fruit.

In consequence of an intimation from- my friend
Dr. J. K. Eshelman, of Downingstown, Chester coun-
ty. Pa., that doubts as to the color of the Gen. Hand
Plum, existed in the minds of some of the Pomologists
of the East ; some contending that it was blue, and
oth^s that it was a white fruit ; I sent a few plums,
taken from the tree in my yard in the early part of
September, 1848, to Mr. J. A. Downing, editor of the
Horticulturist, a very valuable periodical published
in Albany, N. Y., in which may be found the follow-
ing description, p. 191, vol. 3 : — " It is a magnificent
fruit, averaging larger, we should judge, than tho
Washington, and quite distinct from all other sorts.
It is a roundish oval fruit, measuring from six to sev-
en inches in circumference* ; of a deep golden yellow
color, with a much longer stalk than the Washington.
The flavor is, we think, not equal to that of the lat-
ter fruit ; but as we learn that it is a much greater
bearer, its size and beauty will, no doubt, make it a
popular variety."

GENERAL HAND PLUBI.

[We have procured a cut of this extraordinary

Plum, a copy of which we found in the Gennessee

Farmer for April. — Ed.]

As my object in this communication is to endeav-
or to establish beyond a doubt, that the plum called
the Gen. Hand Plum, first received th.at name in the
county of Lancaster, and not in Maryland ; I called
on Mrs. Brien of our city, a daughter of the late Gen.
Edward Hand, from wliom I learned that he took
great pains in collecting and cultivating choice fruit
trees. She remembers his planting a number of
small plum trees, but she cannot tell where he got
them. Plums were very rare in this vicinity at that
time. She also suggested that I might learn some-
thing further relative to the matter, by calling on Jlr.
Benedict, an aged and respectable citizen of our

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

place, who informed me yesterday, that in the au-
tumn of 1791, he assisted in plastering the mansion
house of the late Gen. Hand, on the Conestoga, alwut
one mile S. E. of Lancaster ; and he remembers that
the plum trees wore planted before that time ; but
that they were still quite small, and had not borne
any fruit. He said that George Wein, procured some
grafts from the tree on Gen. Hand's place, and gave
Sir. George Miller, the present clerk of the Lancaster
market, some of them.

I called on Mr. Miller this afternoon, and he told
me that in 1810 or 1811, Mr. George Weiu procured
about a dozen grafts from Geo. Hand, (who was al-
ways very liberal to his neighbors in such matters,)
and gave him two of them at his request — one a young
shoot, the other a year old piece, with one lateral bud
on it, and that one grew, but threw out no latteral
branches that season. Mr. "Weiu was not so fortu-
nate. None of his grew ; and the following spring
he applied to Mr. Jliller for grafts, but declined ; giv-
ing as a reason the fact that he could not cut off any
grafts without spoiling his tree. During the second
Bummer there had been some latteral branches
thrown out, and Mr. Miller furnished Mr. Wein with
a few of them ; but he was equally unfortunate in
his second attempt to propogate them. That summer
the parent tree died to the ground, so that in 1812 or
1813, we find all that beautiful variety of fruit con-
centrated in one little stalk, grown from the lateral
hud on one of the grafts given to Mr. Geo. Miller by
Mr. Wein. From that circumstance, they were for
a a time, called the " Miller Plum," until Mr. Miller
objected to that name, and said that it was " Gen,
Hand's plum." From that time to the present they
have Ijeen so called.

Some years afterwards, Mr. Emanuel W. Carpen-
ter, procured some cuttings from Mr. Miller, and suc-
ceeded in propagating them, and as he told me, sent
them to his brother in Ohio, Mr. Sinclair, in Balti-
more, and others. Thus it appears to me, that some
pomologists have improperly given Baltimore the
credit of the nativity of this superb plum, which
properly belongs to Lancaster county. Pa. In 1834
or 1835, I procured one " Gen. Hand plum tree" and
a White Pi-une tree from Mr. Carpenter, and plant-
ed them in my yard, and which I afterwards paved.
They both grew well and bore fruit plentifully, and I
have distributed many cuttings from both varieties,
as I consider them very valuable fruit. The White
Pruen tree died a few years since, and as yet I have
been unable to supply its place witli one of the same
variety. The " Gen. Hand j)lum" tree is still quite
thrifty, and has always yielded a full crop of fruit. —
When fully ripe,, the fruit is very mellow and juicy,
from which circumstance, they do not bear the sting
of insects well. I have seen large plums decay ra-
pidly after being wounded. So rapid, indeed, was
the progress of decay that by the end of the second
day, after I discovered the wound, the plum would
be half decayed. I think that fewer rotted last
summer than usual ; and more fruit ripened perfect-
ly ; which may, perhaps, be owing to our having
gathered the specked fruit every day and destroying
them, thereby preventing the maturity of the ovum
deposited in tliem. Eli PiRBr.

Lancaster, April, 1851.

Snapping Wood. — Wood which proves trouble-
some by snapping on the fire, may be rendered harm-
less by turning the stick with the lieart inward, when
aU the snapping will be tovrard the back of the fire.

[From the Horticulturist.]
New Mode of Battling the Peach Worm.

A. 3. DowNixG, Esq. — I noticed some time ago, in
your book on Fruits and Fruit Trees of America, an
article on the subject of planting fruit trees, in whicli
you advise that the trees should be so set in the ground
as to bring the upper roots on a line with the sur-
face of the earth. I liked the suggestion much,
and in settingout anumborof young plums and peach
trees, I adopted it. I have, however, suflered great-
ly from the destructive little grub which attacks the
collar or root of peach and plum trees, and had tried
various means which had occurred to me as remedies
such as unslacked or powdered lime, ashes, tobacco,
hot lye, and pot-ash — all I found to be inefficient. —
Last May I gave my trees a thorough over-hauling,
or examination, and found an incalculable number of
these grubs at their work of destruction and death
about the collar and roots. I then tried another ex-
periment, which I found to answer the purpose ad-
mirably, so far. It is as follows :

I commenced by removing the earth from around
the roots, so as to form a circle round the tree, and
make a basin of a foot in width and four inches deep
I then procured a quantity of rock lime, and slacked
it, reducing it to the consistency of very thick wliito
wash, and after letting it stand in this state for a day
I poured it into this basin, completely filling up the
interstices about the roots. In a short time this lime
was formed into a hard crust, which served not only
as an efi'ectual bar to the entrance of the grub during
the whole season, but what is almost equally impor-
tant, I found last fall upon removing this lime from
its bod, that the wounds, (and some of them were
quite serious ones,) which I had inflicted on the base
of the tree in removing the grubs, were healed up,
and in as good and healthy condition as any part of
the tree ; and now my trees are in a more healthful
and promising condition than they ever have been.
This process of liming, however, should be renewed
every spring.

I do not know whether this expei-iment of mine is
original, but can confidently say that I never saw or
heard of its having Ijeen tried before. But be this as
it may, the information is before you, and if you think
it will in any degree promote the interest of horticul-
ture, it is at your service.

Very respectfully your ob't serv't
J. C. Weight.

Scottville, Albemarle Co., Va., 1850.

A very good hint, and one which may be amplified
and improved on. — Ed. Hok.

[From the Horticulturist.]
Baisiug Early Peas.

The course prescribed by your correspondent in
the March number, for starting peas early, is certain-
ly a good one, and worthy of the adoption of every
lover of so rich and healthful a vegetable. We have
have tried another plan to effect the same results,
which, althought it may be no better, we have no hes-
itancy in commending to at least a trial. In the first
place we dig a trench where we design to plant our
peas, to a depth of, say six inches. This we fill two-
thirds full of recent horse manure, and make it as
compact as possible, wliich will leave a space of three
or four inches between it and the surfiice. Over the
the manure, put an inch and a half of tlie garden
earth, and sow the peas. We then take two straight
edged boards and nail them together in the form of a
Y. Itis is laid, inverted, over the peas, when it is

FARM JOURNAL.

Apkil,'

cold enough to freeze the ground, and taken off in
mild pleasant weather. They may be protected in
this way until they are high enough to bush, and en-
joy all the advantages of rain and sunshine where
they are to grow. If the storm is heavy, they may
also be protected from it, by replacing their covering.
As the spring advances, the hot and dry nature of
the manure might, under ordinary circumstances, be
injuriously to the plants : but this we provide against.
When our peas come up, they are an inch perhaps
below the surface, and the earth taken from the trench
is some of it yet remaining to supply the deficiency.
So when the peas are high enough, and the weather
growing milder, we replace the earth until the trench
fs level'with or higher than the adjoining surface. —
This gives strength and firmness to the plants, utter-
ly destroys all weeds which may be starting from the
manure, and prevents the heat and dryness of the
soil which is incident to placing hot and fermenting
manures near the surface. We speak of this method
which we have found in our case to be a very good
one, and leave for others to adopt or reject as they
choose. Yours truly, AVm. Bacon.

[From the Horticulturist.]
Planting Strawberry Beds.

If you wish the largest and finest fruit, you must
make the soil deq) and rich. The best manure for
the strawberry, is either Poudrette, {we can recom-
mend that of the Lodi Manufacturing Co., New
York,) or decomposed stable manure. If you have
these, trench the soil two feeet deep, mixing in ve-
ry liberal dressings of either of these manures,
throughout the whole depth. Supposing, as is too
often the case with beginners, that you have nothing
but frest stable manure, then, when you are treneh-
ino-, bury this stable manure in the lower spit, ( i. e.,
the'lowcr of the two feet trenched.) To give it a good
manuring, you should trench in as much stable ma-
nure as will be equal in bulk to one-third of this
lower foot of earth. The reason for trenching it
among the lower spit is, that it may be decomposed
before the roots of the strawberries reach it. If mix-
ed with the top spit, it would do more harm than
good.
Having thus trenched and manured the sou, form it
into beds three and a half feet wide. Draw three
lines lengthwise through the beds, and set the young
plants along these lines, about 4 inches apart. Dur-
ing the summer, the beds must be kept stirred with
the hoe, and all runners should be cut off, that ex-
tend more than a couple of inches beyond the lines,
Y'^ou will thus have three roios of strawberries about
ten inches apart — between which, the next season,
you can lay straw or tan-bark, which will both keep
down the weeds, and keep the fruit clean. This straw
or tan may thereafter keep its place — the runners
must be kept clipped, and a little additional straw
or tan laid over the plants at the approach of winter,
and removed again in the spring.

In this way — digging in a top-dressing of sj^ent
manure or poudrette between the rows every spring,
your strawberry beds may be kept in good condition
for four years — at the end of which time they must
be abandoned, and new ones planted to take their
place.

If, however, you do not wish the trouble of culti-
vating the plants so carefully, then plant them in the
same way, and allow the runners to cover and occu-
py the whole bed. This they will do the same sea-
son, and the next year wil, give you an abundant
crop — the fruit not so large as in the first case, but

perhaps rather more in quantity. But the bed will
only last one year, and you must make a now one
every spring, to supply the place of the old one.

As to sorts, if you are to plant but three, let them
be Large Early "Scarlet, Burr's New Pine, and IIo-
vey's Seedling. If four, add Kival Hudson ; if five,
Svvainstone Seedling. There are many other good
sorts, but this selection will probably prove most val-
uable to you. The Whiie-wood is a nice, delicate,
small fruit, and bears a long time, and is a pretty
contrast in a dish of red strawberries.

Agricultural ilTcctiiig.

Lancaster County Agricultural Society.

We present the following synopsis of the proceed-
ings of this Society, at its last meeting at the Me-
chanics' Institute, in Lancaster city, on the 10th of
March, 1851.

Hon. A. L. Hayes, Chairman of the Delegation
from the Society to the State Convention, read a re-
port relative to the State Agricultural Society. A
committee consisting of A. L. Hayes, John Miller and
Dr. Eli Parry, was appointed to take into considera-
tion the propriety of procuring an analysis of the
soils of Lancaster county.

It was deemed inexpedient by the Society to hold
an exhibition the present year, and a resolution to
that effect was offered by IMr. Eshelman and adopted.

Mr. Baughman, moved the appointment of a com-
mittee to ascertain what inducements held out by the
citizens of Lancaster, were requisite to procure the
holding of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Ex-
hibition at Lancaster city, in October next. John
Baughman, J. B. Garber, and J. H. Horshey, com-
pose the committee, with powers to act in tlie premi-
ses as they may deem expedient.

An informal discussionwas then had by the mem-
bers, on the subject of Guano, as a fertilizer, and the
mode of its application, during which some interest-
ing facts were elicited.

Tlie following preamble and resolutions were of-
fered, and unanimously adopted :

Whereas, It has been represented to this Society,
that our fellow citizen, A. M. Spangler, contemplates
issuing a Monthly Agricultural Jovirnal at Lancaster,
to be called the "Pennsylvania Farm Journal."

And Whereas, It is the opinion of this Society that
a Journal of this character, issued from the Agricul-
tural County of Lancaster, would excite increased in-
quiry, and attract in a greater degree public atten-
tion to the cause of Agriculture in our own county
ajid elsewhere ; and as no exclusively Agricultural
paper or Journal is now published in Pennsylvania.
Therefore,

liesalrcd, That this Society hereby urge upon Mr.
Spangler, the execution of his contemplated enter-
prise, as one in our opinion much needed in Pennsyl-
vania, and believing that it will advance the cause of
Agriculture here and throughout the entire State,
hereby cordially recommend the proposed " Farm
Journal" to the support of the members of this Soci-
ety, and citizens generally of the county.

Some fine specimen of American and English pip-
pin apples were then presented by J. H. Ilershey, of
West Hempfield township, for which he received the
thanks of the Society.

JACOB FRANTZ, President.

D. W. Patterson, Secretary.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

THE FARM JOURN^AL.

0ub-(gbitor's department.

OUR TERMS—READ THEM !

In order that the Farm Journal may be placed
within the reach of every one who feels interested iu
the progress of Agriculture, vre ask attention to the
following terms : —

Single Copies, - $1 00 Per Aiiiuim.

Five " - - 4 0(> " "

Ten " - 7 50 '• "

Twenty « - - 15 OO " "

It is not required that all papers in a club should
be sent to one office. We will mail them (in wrap-
pers,) to as many different offices as may bo necessa-
ry. We make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neigborhooda may unite, and
form large clubs, and thus secure the " Journal" at
the very lowest club rates.

Sj)ccimen copies of the Journal will be sent on ap-
plication, Post-paid, to the publisher.

Post Masters, are by law, authorized to remit sub-
scription money to the publisher, free of postayc. —
Particular attention is asked to this fact, as it will
save expense both to subscribers and publisher.

Our Terms are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at which the Journal is furnished renders
this imperative. Subscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subscribers reside, will
be taken. Where the sum to be sent is large we pre-
fer that a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscribers and Post Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will always be sent with the first
number of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, post ptaid, to the pub-
lisher. A. M. SPANGLE K,

Lancaster, Pa.

Specimen Numbers.

We shall send copies of the first number of The
Farm Journal, to such persons as we are led to be-
lieve feel desirous of subscribing themselves, or of
prevailing upon their friends and neighbors to do so.
A very little effort on their part, will secure a great
many subscribers ; and we earnestly request that they
will aid us in extending our circulation to every por-
tion of the State. The terms are so favorable, that
an hour's effort, rightly put forth, will secure a hand-
some club list, and at the same time a fair remunera-
tion to the person getting it up.

Postage.
Letters enclosing original Communications may be
sent at our expense. All other Letters must be post
PAID. We are compelled to require this, as our Post-
age Bill has already become onerous.
Yoii. I. — C.

A Few Facts for the People.

The complete failure of every previous attempt to
establish in Pennsylvania, a successful Agricultural
paper led us to ponder long and well before engaging
in the publication of The Farm Journal. AVe care-
fully investigated the causes which led to the failure
of every similar attempt — we strove to ascertain the
correct sentiments of the friends of Agriculture on
the subject — we took counsel with kind friends whoso
opinions we valued, and after patient and persevering
inquiry were led to believe tluit the day had arrived
lelien Pennsylvania would support an Ayricultural
Journal of lur men.

Under this impression, we issued our Prospectus,
and through the kindness of the members of both
branches of the Legislature, were enabled to circulate
it extensively in every portion of the State. The re-
sult was all we could have desired, and more than wo
anticipated. Kind friends sprung up in every quar-
ter— encouraging letters flowed in upon us — club lists
were formed and forwarded to us, and many of the
most intelligent, influential and devoted friends of
Agriculture in the State tendered their influence ia
behalf of our contemplated enterprise.

With such encouragement we could no longer hes-
itate. The difficulties in the way have been removed,
and with a confident spirit we offer the first number of
THE FARM JODKNAL

to the People of Pennsylvania, and ask for it a gener-
ous support. We appeal to Pennsylvania State Pride
for encouragement. We ask that the apathy hitherto
manifested in regard to our own Journals, may be
removed, and that our farmers and friends of Agri-
culture generally, will come to the rescue and aid us
in building up a publication, which, with proper en-
couragement, can, we feel confident, be made fully
equal to any other in the Union. AVe ask that our
thousands of able Agricultural writers, will give us
their support, and that the contributions which hitli-
erto, (for want of a Pennsylvania Journal) have en-
riched the columns of the Agricultural papers of oth-
er States, may now be given to the world through the
medium of The Farm Journal.

This is asked in no spirit of selfishness, but because
it is clearly apparent, that upon a compliance with
this request, depends entirely, the success of our pa-
per. If our writers will assist us, nothing shall bo
left undone on our part, to render the Journal worthy
the confidence of the People of the Commonwealth,
whose great leading interests it is intended faithfully
to represent. In confirmation of this, we refer with
pride to the appearance of our first number. The
arrangement of the articles, it is true, is not such aa
was intended ; the late hour at which several commu-
nications were received, having interfered with our
t plans. In subsequent numbers this difficulty will be

FARM JOURNAL.

April,

obviated, and every article ■will be found under its
appropriate head.

In the various departments of Horticulture, Agri-
cultural Chemistry, Geology, Botany, &e., some of
our most distinguished men have kindly tendered
their services, so that all these important branches
Tvill be conducted with ability.

In vievr of these facts, shall The Farm Journal be
sustained, or shall its fate be that of every other Ag-
ricultural Journal attempted to be established in
Pennsylvania ? For the honor of our noble Common-
wealth, and for the sake of Agriculture, we ask that
it may be supported and that oue and all will lend a
helping hand.

To Contributors.

Our contributors will confer a special favor by send-
ing in their communications as early in the month
as possible. This is absolutely necessary, to enable
us to place the different articles under their appro-
priate heads.

Acknowledgements.

Our Agricultural cotemporaries have our thanks
for the readiness with which they have complied with
our request to exchange, in advance of the publica-
tion of our first number. Nearly all of them have
furnished the whole of the back numbers of the pre-
sent volumes, which greatly increases our obligations.

Our brethren of the Press generally, throughout
the State, will accept our thanks for the flattering
manner in which they have noticed our contemplated
enterprise. We will cheerfully reciprocate whenever
an occasion offers.

We are indebted to C. M. Saxtox, Agricultural
Book Publisher, No. 123 Fulton street. Now York, for
a number of fine volumes, and other favors. The
books will be noticed in our next.

The Beauty of the Title Pajs^c of the Coyer of the
Farm Journal.

As some of our contributors may feel desirous of
knowing where they can have fine wood cuts execu-
ted on moderate terms, we take pleasure in referring
tliem to Messrs. Scatteroood & Howell, Inquirer
Buildings, South .3d street, Philadelphia. The beau-
tiful Engravings on the Cover of the Journal, as well
as the Heading of our first page, were both designed
and executed by these gentlemen.

Proceedings of County Societies.

The Corresponding Secretaries of the different
County Agricultural Societies in the State, will con-
fer a favor by furnishing us with any matters of in-
terest and importance, that may be transmitted from
time to time. We feel desirous of rendering the
•Journal a faithful transcript of what is doing amongst
the farmers in every section of the State.

To Correspondents.

S. G. of Columbia, will find his inquiries about the
Paine light answered. Tlie value of the opinion in
its favor, by another eye-witness, Mr. Elizur Wright,
an editor of Boston, must depend upon the value of
his opinions upon other subjects ; and it may possi-
bly be found that he is as familiar with galvanism as,
■with any other subject of study.

A variety of illustrations intended for this num-
ber ■were received too late for insertion, but they will
appear next month. Among them are some figures of
noxious insects, and a vie-w and details of a Villa Farm
house.

DEUTScnER Kataloo der Garten-Samereiek, v. S.
w. — Piivid Landreth's garden seeds, with German
and English catalogues, are to be had at No. C5 Ches-
nut street, Philadelphia.

Manuring.

All applications of manure, which do not look to
the permanent improvement of the soil, but merely
to the growth of a single crop, are wasteful. It should
be the policy of all agriculturists, in applying manure,
to so concentrate their efforts, as that each field should
receive such a dressing, with the aid of lime, marl,
or ashes, when cjilcareous m.atter may be needed, as
would not only carry it through a course of rotation,
but leave the land at the end of such rotation in an
improving condition. This may involve a necessity
for decreasing the area of cultivation, but that should
not interrupt the system which we commend, as less
than one-half the land, if well manured, would in-
crease the quantity of product, at a great reduction
of labor, and improve the ability of proprietors to
carry on and extend their efforts at melioration, until
the whole of their arable lands were permanently im-
proved. All fields improved on this plan, must neces-
sarily, be got into clover, or grass, at the earliest pos-
sible period after the application of the manure, in
order that, at the end of the rotation, a body of vege-
table matter may be upon the soil, ready to be turned
in at the commencement of the succeeding line, to
supply the place of the abstracted portion of the nu-
trient principles afforded by the manure applied pre-
viouslj'. And it may be well here to impress these
fiicts upon our readers : — Lime, marl, or ashes, must
lie at the foundation of every improvement of the
soil looking to permanency ; — Every soil requires
mould to make it productive, as without the presence
of mould, or the materials for its formation, the ef-
fects of lime, marl, and ashes, must be circumscribed
as neither contains the principles of nutritive ma-
nure, which we maintain arc essential to the perfec-
tion of every plant grown by man : — The food of
plants must consist of organic, as well as inorgania
substances, or a liigh state of productiveness cannot
be expected. If we reflect, that wJuit is termed the
organic part of a plant, comprises about 97 parts of
the 100 which forms its whole, and that these parts
are not to be found in mineral bodies, but partly in
the atmosphere, and more in putrescent manures, the
necessity for keeping up a full supply of mould in
the soil, will appear obvious to all reflecting, ■well
'judging minds.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

ilUsicUancoua.

Action and method of using Guano.

In answer to the inquiries of our friend of " Notley
Hall," Va., in regard to the action of Guano ou "poor
vrorn-out land," we have to reply ; that, on such lands
its action should be most manifest — most beneficial
■ — containing as it does, in a state to be availed of,
those substances which plants need, which such land
is mostly deficient in, and without a supply of which,
tlioy cannot grow in luxuriance and perfection. The
non-action of the guano upon all the kinds of veget-
ables, with the exception of one to which he applied
it, arose no doubt from the cause assigned by our
observant friend, viz: the drought of the summer.
Guano, like all other kindred manures, requires moi.s-
ture to bring out its virtues ; nor can the plants avail
themselves of any food which may be in the ground,
no matter how good and congenial it may be, until
that food, through the agency of water, be reduced to
a liquid, or gaseous form, as it is one or the other of
these forms which imparts to the rootlets of plants
the power of feeding.

With regard to the mode of using guano, we give
it as our opinion, which wo advanced from the be-
ginning, and have never seen any cause to change it,
that Guano never should be applied without being
mixed with Plaster, to /ix and prevent the escape and
waste of its ammoniacal constituents. Before being
used, 25 lbs. of Plaster should be mixed with every
100 lbs. of Guano. "This mixture should be broad-
easted over the ground and ploughed, or spaded in.
We believe that any manure of the concentrated
nature of guano, abounding as it does in the elements
of ammonia in almost every state, can but rarely be
used safely, except as a broadcast dressing, and that
it cannot advantageously be used in the hill or drill,
except when mixed with a large proportion, say
twenty U) one, of mould or some other substance of
similar nature, and even then, that such compost
sliould be placed so deep as that the seed, setts, or
plants should not come in immediate contact with it.

If we were going to apply it to potatoes in the hill,
if we did not use it composted with a large body of
mould as above, we would use it thus — after mixing
the guano with plaster, we would strew the mixture
on the bottom of the furrow or drill, and then cover
that with an inch or so of wood's-mould, or other
kindred substance, and upon this plant the potato
setts, and cover the whole over.

In using it on watermelon hills, we would act thus ;
at the point for forming the hill, we would make a
hole with the hoe, there deposit the mixture of guano
and plaster, mix it in with the earth, and raise the
hill upon it from the surrounding mould, or we would
mix 200 lbs. of Guano with 50 lbs. of plaster, and
then compost it with 3 loads of wood's-mould, marsh
mud, or like substance, place a shovelfull at the bot-
tom of every hill we might raise. By either of these
modes the vines would drive all the benefit from the
virtues of the guano, without any injury. The vola-
tile portions would ascend and feed the rootlets of the
melon plants, while the roots would descend and feast
upon those of the constituent elements of guano tliat
are not volatile.

A solution of guano might be made in the propor-
tion of 1 lb. of Guano, and 10 gallons of water, with
which the melon plants might be very advantageously
watered in times of drought Such a solution would

Erove doubly useful, first, in protecting the vines
om the effects of drought, and secondly, by afford-

ing to them direct food — food of a nature adapted to
their wants, as the water would decompose the am-
monia of the guano, deprive it of the power of harm,
and prepare it to be taken up as pabulum.

We will add another remark, in order to answer a
question from another quarter. We believe the best
way to apply guano to tobacco, is to sow it broadcast
over the ground and plough it in — and that, if applied
to the hill, it should be mixed with one-fourth its
weight of plaster, and for every 100 lbs. composted
with it. In Peru, guano is applied to the crops at
each time of working ; but all such applications are
followed by immediate irrigation ; the water of which,
by decomposing the ammonia of the manure, pre-
vents all resulting injury, and ensures benefit to the
growing plants.

Where a wheat crop is to follow the tobacco, we
would, by aU means broadcast and plough the guano
in. If treated to plaster and ploughed in, we have
no question but that the good effects of the guano
would be visible during the ordinary period of a rota-
tion.— American Fanner.

Butter. — By the census returns of five counties
adjoining Philadelphia, it appears that they produced,
in 1850, 11,383,182 pounds of butter. The average
price of butter in the Philadelphia market, on which
these counties supply, is about 20 cents per pound.
The money value thejefore of this single product is
over two millions and a quarter of dollars, ($2,276,-
030.) A good dairy, well and economically manag-
ed, cannot but be profitable in the neighborhood of
the city, at the prices which butter, cheese and milk
always command in our markets.

Prfming Stone Fruit Tbees. — It has been but a
few years since the cultivators of fruit have been ia
habit of pruning peach trees at the extremities of the
branches, instead of cutting off limbs at the trunk.
This system of shortening-in, as it is called, is gain-
ing ground, and it is a great improvement. The rea-
sons for this mode of pruning are evident on examin-
ation. Most kinds of stone fruit grow rapidly, and
bear the greater part of their ou new wood, which is,
of course, near the ends of the limbs. In this way a
tree spreads over much land, and naked branches
near the trunk ; and pruning at the trunk causes the
gum to ooze out, which sometimes endangers the
health of the tree.

On the contrary, by pruning at the ends of the
branches, the tree is confined to a small space, the
wounds have no unfavorable effect, or only affect the
twigs, and not the trunk, and much now wood is pro-
duced for the production of fruit.

To Bake a Ham. — Unless when too salt, from not
being suificietly soaked, a ham (particularly a young
and fresh one) eats much better baked than boiled,
and remains longer good. The safer plan is to lay
it into plenty of cold water over night. The follow-
ing day soak it for au hour or more in warm water,
wash it delicately clean, trim smoothly off all rusty
parts, and lay it with the rind downwards into a
coarse paste rolled to about an inch thick ; moisten
the edges, pinch them tiigether, and fold them over
ou the upper side of the ham, taking care to close
them so that no gravy can escape. Send it to a well-
heated, but not a fierce oven. A very small ham will
require quite three hours baking, and a large one five.
The crust and the skin must be removed while it is
hot. When part only of a ham is dressed, this mode
is better than boiling.

FARM JOURNAL.

April'

CuLTCRE OF Celery. — For early use it should bo
started in hot-beds ; but for later use, it may be sown
out in April. When the plants are of suitable size,
transplant into a rich deep soil. Set in trenches 2J
feet apart, and 15 inches deep. Put a few inches of
mellow manure into the bottom of the trench, and as
much good loam, and mix intimately together. Set
the plants six inches apart. If convenient take up a
ball of earth with each, and transplant in the even-
ing, or in damp weather. Stir the soil frequently,
and as the plants grow, earth up gradually, until the
trench is nearly filled, leaving only a small depress-
ion to catch the water.

Agents.

Tub Farm Journal may be had at the following
places:^—

W. B. ZlEBER,

J. B. Petersoit,
H. A. Dreer,
David Landretii,
Proutt & Barret,
W. 11. Spangler,
B. F. Spangler,
Geo. Bergner,
H. Miner,
J. E. Surtock,
H. M. Rawlins,
A. L. Warfield,

Philadelphia, South 3d St.
Philadelphia, Chesnut St.
Seedsman, Chesnut St.
Seedsman, Chesnut St.
194J Market St.
Lancaster Pa.
Columbia Pa.
Harrisburg Pa.
Pittsburg Pa.
Chambersburg Pa.
Carlisle Pa.
York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

Contents of the April

No.

Editor's Address,

- 1

To Correspondents,

H. M. Taine's light,

- 2

Obituary, -

Virginia,

- 3

Hints to Agricultural Writers, -

On Agricultural Journals, -

- 3

On Permanent Pastures and breaking up of old

Grass Lands, -

- 5

Corn Planting,

Pennsylvania Farmers,

Education,

- 7

Penn'a State Agricultural Society,

Agriculture and Geology, -

- 9

Importance of Ventilation, &c., -

Agricultural Schools in Eui'ope,

- 11

Michigan Double Plough,

Notices of New Pubhcations,

- 12

Chickens and the Curculio,

Scraps for the Household Matron,

- 21

Tobacco Dust,

The General Hand Plum, -

- 22

New mode of Battling the Peach Worm,

Raising Early Potatoes,

- 23

Planting StrawbeiTy Beds,

Lancaster County Agricultural Society,

- 24

Our Terms,

Specimen Numbers,

- 25

Postage, - . -

A few facts for the People,

- 25

To Contributors,

Acknowledgment,

- 26

The Title Page, &o., -

To Correspondents,

- 26

Proceedings of County Societies,

Manuring,

- 26

How to use Guano,

Butter,

- 27

Pruning Fruit Trees, -

To Bake a Ham, -

- 27

Culture of Celery,

Large Sales of a Large Work. — " Dr. Webster's
Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language,
published by Messrs. Merriam, of Springfield, is sell-
ing at a rate unprecedented, we believe, for so large
a work. Almost 3000 copies have been distributed
among the school Districts in Massachusetts, during
the past year, in conformity with an act of the Legis-
lature of the State. The demand from other sources
has also increased to the amount of several thousand
copies be3'ond that of the preceding year. Many
copies are now sent to distant parts of the world where
the people speak, or are learning the English Lan-
guage, for Missionary, Commercial and other pur-
poses. The Dictionary would bo an inestimable trea-
sure not only in every School District, but in the
family. Young children may be taught to resort to
Webster, as the arbiter of disputes, as a safe and satis-
factory guide, and as a storehouse of invaluable in-
formation. In this respect as well as others. Dr.
Webster and his Editor, Prof. Goodrich, are benefac-
tors to the country." — Biblioiheca Sacra, Jan. 1851.

"A Dictionary is the last book which a scholar
ever wants to have abridged, the process being sure
to cut off the very matter which he most values." —
Chronotype. For sale by AV. H. SPANGLER,
Bookseller Lancaster, Pa.

At a meeting of the Teacher's Association, of Vei'mont,
held at Moiiipdier, Oct. 16, 1850, the following reso-
lution was adapted : —

" Resolved, That in the opinion this Association,
the placing a copy of Webster's Quarto Dictionary in
each of our District Schools and higher literary Insti-
tutions, as a book of reference, both for teachers and
pupils, would be of incalculable benefit to the cause
of education by the influence it would exert in creat-
ing habits of investigation and accuracy as to the use
of language, as well as by placing before our youth
an amount of information which can be found in no
other uninspired volume.

' ' A good Dictionary is an article of school apparatus
that ought to be regarded as indispensable. It is not
enough that the teacher should be skilled in English
lexicography ; the book should be at hand so that he
can refer to it for authorities, and illustrations of nice
shades of meaning. It should lie on the desk, so that
the scholars can themselves consult it." — Vt. Chron.

A Dictionary is the last work which a scholar ever
wants to have abridged, the process being sure to cut
off the very matter which he most values. — Boston
Chronoiype.

" In revising and publishing an enlarged edition of
this invaluable work at so cheap a rate as to bring it
within the reach of almost every family, you have
rendered an essential service to mankind."

MILLARD FILLMORE.

For sale by W. H. SPANGLER, Lancaster, Pa.

" Get the Best."

ALL young persons should have a standard DICTIONARY at
their elbows. And while you are about it get the best; that
Dictionary is NOAH "WEBSTER'S, the great work abtHdged. If
you are too poor, gave the amount from off your back, to put it
into your head. — Phrenolog. Journal.

Dr. Websttr's great work is the best Dictionary of the English
language. — London Mo7-ning Chronicle.

This volume must find its way into all our public and good pri-
vate libraries, for it provides the Englieb student with a mass of
the most valuable information, which he in vain seeks tor else-
where.— London Literary Gazette.

The very large and increasing demand for thia work, affords
the best possible evidence to the publishers that it ia highly
'' acceptable to the great body ol the American people."

Containing three times the amount of matter of any other Kn-
gliph Dictionary compiled in this country, or any Abridgment of
this work

Published iy G. & C. MERRIAM, SpriDgflclcl. Masa., and for
solo by W. H. SrANQLEB, Lancastur, Pa. April,

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

Gilniorc's Bee-IIivc, &c.

THE attention of Bee culturists id invited to this improved !
plan.
Mr. Gilmore is a gentleman of great experience and succeaa m
the culture of Bees: his improvtment is the result of many years
trial; his result has no parallel in the history of the past.

The Agent of the '• PenusyWauia Farm Journal" is the Agent
of Oilmore's System of Hiving and Feeding the Bee in this!St.ite.

The price of a Hive and Fixtures, ^o?,^

" " '• " t'amily Ilight, iiitH)

Township Rights from $10 to $.-0.
County ^* '• $30 " $200.

''A Talk about the Honey Bee," a defence of Gilmore's sys-
tem, contains, also, testimonials, awards of Premiums to Gilmore,
from the leading Fairs and Institutes in this Country ; 12 cents
single; $1.00 per dozen — gratis to patrons.

Circulars sent to any applicant. Address, post paid,

J. B. MAYNARD,
April— tf Lancaster. Pa.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS
And Thresbin^ Machine MaUers.

THE subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the public
that he has lately perfc-ctoda new Threshing Machine and Horse
Power, which in point of strength, durability, lightness of draught
and convenience in moving is not surpassed or equalled by any
Machine in the United States; he also confidently affirms that no
Machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as low —
The invention of this Machine hag been the result of several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy — but we do claim to have
discovered a plan by which old philosophical principles are more
correctly and advantageously applied than on any other Machine.
This invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at L^racl W. Groff's Machine Shop
and at Prime Sc Colestock's Sash Factory in North Duke street,
Lancaster city, at retail or by wholesale on the most reaaonablo
terms.

The Power weighs 600 pounds. It is made entirely of Iron with
Steel Journals, and is warranted to huld 8 Horses should it any
time be necessary to use so many. From 2 to 4 Horses are a suffic-
ient number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for Shop purposes that will be the cheapest and
jii'jst convenient thing in use; it might also be used with 2 or 3
Horses for threshing; the Powers and Cylinders and Concave can
be had by the Machine makers throughout the country oa the
most reasonable terms.

<J^« All orders directed to the subscriber at Lancaster city will
be thankfully received and promptly attended to.

Lanc'r, April SAMUEL PELTON, Jr.

may apply it in various diseases, even those not cnraoie by iiny
other means There is no system so simple, harmless and nnivor-
sally applicable, as the Water-Cure. Its effects are alraoj^t mirac-
ulous, and it has already been the means of saving the lives of
thousands who were entirely beyond the reach of all ;other
known remedies.

The Philosophy of Health, will be fully discussed, including
Food. Drinks. Clothing. Air. and Exercise, showing their efli cts oa
both body and mind.

Terms in ^idcanct : Single copy, one year, $1 00 ; Ten copies,
one year. $70.

N. B. — Please address all letters, post paid, to

FOWLERS & "VTELLS.

April — 3m No. 131 Nassau street, New York.

JOHN H. SMITH'S

BENOVATIJiC OINTMENT & HORSE BEKOTA'G FOWLERS.

riiHE author of our existence has caused to grow up spontane-
X. ously, throughout the world, such vegetable properties as will
at once cure, when properly applied, all curable diseases. The
proprietor of these truly valuable Medicines might fill a volume,
with Certificates and Testimonials in favor of bis articles ; but
considering such puffs wholly useless, since they are so readily
manufactured, and m i de use of to such an extent to palm off some
Tiseless trash upon the public, 1 s^hall, therefore, state at once, the
various diseases that can be ppeedily cured by these Invaluable
Horse Renovating Powder?, viz : — Glanders, Hidebound. and Horse,
Distemper. It also carries off all gross humors, and purifies the
blood. It is also a safe and certain cure for the Heaves; it will
also cleanse, at once, the stomach and maw from bots, worms, &c.
and again restore the stomach and bowels to healthy action.

SaiiTH's Rknotatisg Oimmkxt is an invaluable remedy for hor-
ses, in the cure of the following diseases : Fresh Wounds, Galls of
all kinds, Spraius, Bruises, Ringbones, Poll Evil, Wind Gallsi
Spavins, Sweeny, Fistula, Strains, Lameness, Foundered Foet,
Cracks, and Scratches.

The above articles are to bo had in most of the Cities and prin-
cipal Villages throughout the United States, and the Canadas.

For sale, wholesale and retail, at John H. Smith's Depot, No. 123
Tulton street. {2d floor.) New York.

Price, 25 cents per box for the Oiutmcnt; 50 cents for the Horse
Renovating Powders. For sale by DR. ELY PARRY.

April— 6m] East King street, Lancaster. Pa.

Tlie Water-Cure Journal for 1851:

DEVOTED TO
Physiology, Hydropathy ayid the Laws of Life.

THE WATER-CURE JOURNAL is publi.-;hed monthly, illustra-
ted with engravings, exhibiting the Structure. Anatomy, and
Fhyaiology of the Human Body, with familiar instructions to
learners. It is emphatically a JounNAL of Health, adapted to
all classes, and is designed to be a complete FAMILY GUIDE in
all cases and in all diseases.
HfCBOPATUAv will be fully unfolded, and aq explained that aU

HATE been distributed throughout the Union. The concern
has been in successful operation fur upwards oi Sixty I'eajs,
and may be said to have grown up with the Uity of Philadelphia,
where it was at first located. It has been gradually cnlnrgert to
meet the growing wants of the public, and is now. as it ever has
been, the most extensive of its kind in this country. The grounds
in cultivation being ten-fold greater than those oi any similar
concern in the United States.

As the Seeds sold by the proprietor are (with slight exception)
of his own raising, he is. consequently, enabled to JU^ Warrant
them, a matter of importance to the purchaser of an article, the
quality of which cannot be determined by the eye. Descriptive
Catalogues in English and German gratia

Also, for Bale, Implements for Farm and Garden in large variety.
LANDKETH'S Agricultural Ware House,

April Sign of the Plough, 65 Chesnut St., Philadelphia.

The Phrenological Journal for 1§51:

DEVOTED TO
Science, Literature and General Intelhgence,

TO know ourselves is a matter of the first importance, and there
is no means of obtaining such knowledge so well as by the
aid of PHRENOLOGY, which forms the leading feature of the
Journal. Phvsiologt and Home Education will make it invalua-
ble as a guide to mothers in the training of children.

YoiNo Men anxious to pursue a virtuous and successful course
will find this Journal a friend and foster father.

Magnetism and Psychology, with their interesting phenomena,
will be fully set forth.

The Natural Sciences. Art, Literature, Mechanism. Agricul-
ture, and General Intelligence, have each a splendid department
in the present volume

The Mechanic, the Farmer, the Professional Man, the Student,
the Teacher, and the Mother, will find each number of the Jour-
nal an instructive and valuable companion.

TERMS IN ADVANCE: Single copy, one year, $100; tea
copies, one year. $7 00.

N. B.— Please address all letters, post paid, to

FOWLEKS & WELLS,

April — 3m No. 131 Nassau street. New York.

The BEST and MO. ^T VALUABLE

Agrrlcultural Implements & ]>lachlnery

Eihibited at the State Fair in 1S50. will he seen by the award of

Premiums below :

AWARDED TO E. WHITMAN, JR.,

55 Light Street, Baltimore, by the Maryland State

Jlgricultural Society^

At their 3rd Annual Fair, held in Baltimore 23d. 24th and 25th

October, ISJO.
For the best Plow in the Plowing Match, the Frouty &

Meara No 5) $40 00

For the best Plowing with Ox Team, same plow, (Special

Premium) 2 00

For the best Plow on Exhibition, Ruggles, Nourse. Mason

& Go's No. 3. 1st Premium, 8 00

For the best Railway Horse-power, Whitman's Improved,

1st Premium, 15 00

For the best Hay Press, Ist Premium, - - - - 25 CO

For the best Cornsheller, 1st Premium. - - - - 4 00

For the best Field Roller. 1st Premium, - - - - 8 00

Forthebe.atCorn-StalkCuttersandGrinderSjIst Premium, 5 hq

For the best Churns, 1st Premium, 4 00

For th«* best Hay and Manure Fork. 1st Premium, - - 2 00

For the best Hay Rakes, 1st Premium, . - - - 2

Fcr the beat Cultivator, 1st Premium, • - - - 4 00

AprU-lt Oq

FARM JOURNAL.

Aprilj

CM. SAXTON. AGRICULTURAL BOOK FIBLISHKR. 123
c Fulton Btreet, New York, publishes the following valuable
T\'orks, viz :

Books for Farmers.

1. The Com^ilete FurmtT antl Rural Economist and New Amer-
ican Gardi'ucr. By T. G. P'essenden. In 1 volume, about TOO
pages, cloth gilt. Jl 25. Mail Edition. 1-00.

2. Agricultural Chemistry. A new edition. By .T F.W. John-
ston. In 1 volume, 12 mo., cloth gilt. 125. Mail edition, 1 00.

3. Johnston's Eli-ments of Agricultural Chemistry. 50 cts.

4. Johnston's Practical Agriculture. 1 vulumc. cloth, 75 cts.

5. Buist'B Family Kitchen Gardener. Cloth, 75 cts. Mail edi-
tion. 50.

0. Hoale's Treatise on the Cultivation cf the Grape Vine on
Open Walls. 50 cts.

7. Sheep Husbandry. By HS, Randall. 1.25. Mail edition, 1.00.

8. Stephens' Rook of the Farm— Complete. 4.00.

9. Browne's American Poultry Yard, luth edition, 1,00. Mail
edition 75 cts-

10. Allen's American Farm-Book. 1 vol 1.00. Mail edition,
75 cts.

11. Allen's Diseases of Domestic Animals. 1 volume, 75 cts, —
Mail edition. 50 ct.s.

12. t hemistry made easy for Farmers. Paper, 25 cts.

13 Southern Agriculture; or. Essays on the Cultivation of Corn,
Hemp, Tobacco, Wheat. &c. 1.00.

14 Dana'.-^ prize Essay on Manures. 25 cts.

15. Miner's American Bee Keeper's Manual. 1.00. Mail edi-
tion. 75 eta.

10. Brjwne's American Bird Fancier. 50 cts. Mail edition,
25 cts.

17. Canfield on the Breeds. Management. Structure and Diseases
cf Sheep. 1.00.

18. The American Architect. The cheapest and best work of
the kind published in the world, complete in 24 numbers, at 25
cents each, or 5,00 for the work complete; 6,00, bound in two vol-
umes.

19. Allen, on the Grapo Vine. Cloth, 1.12; paper. 1.00.

20. Gunu's Domes-tic Medicine; or. Poor Man's Friend in Afflic-
tion, Fain and Sickness. S.UO.

C. M. SAXTON, 123 Fulton .street,
up-stairs.

Yoiiatt & Martiu's Great Work ou Cat-
tle*

(With one htmdred lUuptrations 1 1)
Being a treatise <^in their Breeds, Management and Diseases.—
Comprising a full history of the various Races; their Origin,
Bleeding and Merits; their capacity for Beef and Milk; the nature
and treatment of their diseases. The whole forming a complete
(Juide for the Farmer, the Amateur, and the Veterenary Surgeon.
Edited by AMBROSE STEVENS. Esq. Price 1,50.

ijtg- lOUO Agents wanted to circulate the above work. Those
persons desiring an agency must have a cash capital of $25 to $100,
as we lurnish only fur co«/i, and offer great i/iducf7/]fn/s; and to
energetic young men, this is a rare chauce to make mouey.
Address, post paid, C. M. SAXTO.V,

April — It] 123 Fulton street, np-stairs. New York.

Seed and Agricultural Wareliouse,

194i^ Market Street, Philadelphia.

WE offer to our friends and customers, the largest assortment
of Agricultural implement.?, dardcn tools, and Seeds, ever
olfered in this Market, consisting in part of the following, viz : —
Prouty and Mears' Patent highest premium self-Fharpening
Ploughs, right and left handed side hill Subsoil, of various sizes,
of superior materials and workmanship, warranted to give satis-
faction, or the mouey returned — Four highest premiums awarded
to these Ploughs at the New York Fair, 1S50. Also, Beach and
Car Share Ploughs; Spain's improved Barrel Churn, constructed
in such a manner that the dasher may be removed from the in-
Ride of the Churn by simply unscrewing the handle from the
dasher. Uay, Straw and Corn-stack cutters, in great variety,
among which may be found Hovey's superior premium straw-cut-
ter, of every size.

Also, Horse-power Threshing Machines, Fan Mills, Corn Shel-
lers. Cheese Presses, Seed Planters, Dirt Scrapers, Sugar Mills, Ox
Yokes and Bows. Turnip Drill=. Hor.^e Rakes. Swathe Scythes,
Concaved Hoes, Spring Tempered Cast Steel. Oval, and Square
Manure and Hay Forks, Pruuing Shears and Chisels, Beach and
Bar Share, repairing pieces and castings, Peruvian, Patagonia
and prepared Guano, together with a complete assortment of
grass, garden and field seeds, all of which will be sold at the low-
est possible prices, at 191^ Market street, Philadelphia.

April 9-tf PROUTY & BARRETT.

IVevr and Popular Scliool Book.

THE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF UNIVERSAL HIS-
TORY, with a Ijiography of distinguished persons from the
earliest period to tlie jiresent time; to which is appended an epi-
tome of Heathen Mythology, Natural I'hilosophy. General Astron-
omy and Physiology, on the basis of " Historical and Miscellane-
ous (Questions,'' liy Ricbmal Mangnal. Adopted to the use of
American schools.

Published and for sale by E. S. JONES & CO.,

S. W. corner of Fourth and Racest.. Philadelphia
N. B — Teachers and School Commi*,teefi furniehcd with copies
Xor.exami nation. Ad<.lre8s, post paid. April— tf

HjgrUland JVurseries, IVewbur^li X. Y.

A SAUL & CO. bog leave to call the attention of Dcalvn
• and Planters of Trees, and the public in general, to their ve-
ry large and complete stock of FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL
TREES, which they offer for sale the coming spring. The trees
of these Nurseries are all grown on the premises, and propagated
under the immediate supervision of Mr. Saul, whose long connec-
tion with this establishment, is some guarantee tor the accuracy
of the stock now offered for sale. It consists in part of over

20,000 Pear Trees, 5 to 8 feet high, and embracing all the lead-
ing Standard Varieties, as well as those recently introduced, of
merit, either of American or Foreign origin.

20,000 Apple Tree.q, of Extra size. 8 to 10 and 12 feet high, in-
cluding every variety worthy of cultivation.

lOOoO Plum Trees, 5 to 8 feet, of every known kind of reputa-
tion, as well as all the novelties of recent introduction.

10.000 Cherry Trees, 6 to 8 teet and over, among which will bo
found all the desirable and choice varieties.

A large stock of handsome, well grown trees, of Peach, Apricot,
Nectarine and Quince, in every variety. Also,

Grapevines, Native and Foreign; Raspberries, Gooseberries and
Currants. Strawberry Plants and Esculent Roots, such as Aspar-
agus, Rhubarb. Seakale, &c.. of the most approved kinds.

Pear and Quince. Cherry on Mahaleb. and Apple on Paradise
stocks— for Pyramids or Dwarfs lor garden culture, and embracefl
all the kinds that succeed on those stocks.

Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees and
Shrubs.

100.000 PeciduouB and Evergreen Ornamental Trees, embracing
all the well known kind.« suitable for street planting of extra size;
such as Sugar and Silver Maple, Chinese Ailautus. Horse Chesnut,
Catalpa, European and American Ash, Three Thorned Acacia.
Kentucky Coffee Tree. Silver Abele Tree, American and Europe-
an Basswood or Linden. American and European Elm, in several
varieties, &c. Also all the more rare and select; as well as well
known kinds suitable for Arboretums. Lawns and door-yard plant-
ing, &c.; such as Doedar and Lebanon Cedars; Araucaria or Chil-
ian Pine; Cryptomeria japouiea; the different varieties of Pines,
Firs. Spruces, Yews, Arborvietas. &c.

WEEPING TREKS.— New Weeping Ash, (Fraxinus lentisci-
folia pendula) the Old Weeping Ash. Weeping Japanese Sophora,
Weeping Elms, (of norts) Umbrella Headed Locust, Weeping
Mountain Ash. Weeping Beech, &c., &c. ; together with every
variety of rare Maple, Native and Foreign; Flowering Peach, Al-
mond and Cherry; t hesnuts, Spanish and American; Tom and
Copper Beech; Judas Tree. Larch, Gum Tree, Tulip Tree, Osage
Orange. Paulownia, Mountain Ash. (American and European)
Magnolias of sorts, with many other things—including some 200
varieties of Shrubs, Vines, k.c.. fur which see Catalogue, a new ed-
ition of which is just issued, and will be forwarded to all post paid
applicants.

A large quantity of Arborvita; for Screens, and Buckthorn and
Osage for Hedge plants.

The above will be sold on as liberal terms as similar stock can
be purchased elsewhere. For further piirticulars we would agaiQ
refer to priced Catalogue. A liberal discount will be made to
persons who buy, to sell again, and extensive planters, on their
owuacouunt. April

Uelnitsb'H Crcrman Cattle Po^vder,

THIS Powder is celebrated for the
cure and prevention of all diseases
to which Cattle, Milch Cows, Sheep and
Pigs are subject, and is the only prep-
aration upon which full confidence
can be placed. For .Milch Cows it is
of the greatest importance, wonder-
fully increasing the quantily and
quality of their milk, and will effectually prevent and cure Hoi
low Horn, Murrain. &c.

VEGETABLE HORSE POWDER.

Which will cure Distemper, Hidebound, Loss of
Aj)petite, Fouudt^r. Yellow Water, Lowness of
Spirits, Inward Sprains. Inflamation and Heat in
the System, and all other diseases to which Horses
are subject.

HORSE EMBROCATION.— For the euro of
external injuries, ad Wounds. Bruises, Cuts. Rubj
bing of the Saddle. Collar or Harness, Stiffness in the Joints
Swellings, Sweeny, Alc. Prepared and sold at

CHARLES A. HEINITSH'S,
Medicinalj Drug and Chemical Store, No. lU East King st.,
April— tf Lancaster.

1851.

FARM JOURNAL.

Tbe Crreat Mlcbi^an Sod and Sub-Soil
PLOW.

THIS Plow, in the language of the Roport of Committee on the
preat trial of Plows in June last, appoinled by the New Vork
State Agricultural Society, (by whom it was awai-Jed a spkcial
pcetmium); •' We regard tbi.-: implement as a most useful present
from the mechanic to the farmer, and in our opiniou will effect a
great improvement in the tillage of land. It pulverizes f/i^ soil in
an esceUent manner, which, to be fully appreciated, must be seen;
and it accomplishes this pulverization with an amount of power
which, in reference to the work performed, is certainly not large.
It buries the sod completely, and covers it with a coating of loose
earth which makes a seed bed almost &s perfectly as a spade."'

At Boston, last season, this Plow was awarded a Gold Medal.
and at every County Fair in the State of New York, at which it
was exhibited, the Proprietor received a Premiiun.

Manufactui-ed and for sale by HtLNRY GILBERT,

Harrisburg, pa.

All orders from a distance promptly attended to. [April-It

NEW YORK
Agricultural ^^arelaouse & Seed Store,

189 and 191 JVaier Street.

THIS is by far the most extensive establishment in New York.
It occupies nearly the whole of three large five-story stores,
and contains a varied and complete assortment of every descrip-
tion of Agricultural and Horticultural Implements, and Field and
Garden Seeds required in the United States. We have upward of
One Hundred of the latest improved kinds of Plows, mostly man-
ufactured by us. expressly for the different States of the Union,
California and Oregon, the British Provinces, the West India
Islands. Mexico, and South America. Also Harrows. Rollers. Seed
Sowers. Cultivators, Horse Powers, Threshers. Corn Shelters, Reap-
ing and Mowing Machines. Hay, Cotton, Tobacco. Oil. and Dry
Good Presses. Crick Machines, Shovels, Spades, Hoae, Manure and
Hay PVrks. A:c..&c.

Garden Implements. — These are imported by us direct from the
English manufacturers, or made here to our order. They consist
of a great variety of the choicest kinds such as Trenching and
Weeding Forks, Pruning and Hedge Shears. Flower and Twig
Cutters, kc. The assortment for ladies is particularly choiceand
W^U selected.

Field and Garden Scer^s.— These are grown expressly for ubj
both in Europe and this country. They are of the choicest kinds,
and of great variety. We also obtain, as soon as sufficiently tried
and well approved, every new kind of seed suitable to be cultivated
in the United States.

Fertilizers. — Peruvian and Patagonian Guano, Bonedust, Poud-
rette, Plaster of Paris. 4*c.

Manufactory of Ai^ricultural Implements. — We have a large
manufacturing establishment in this city, where we will promptly
make to order any new article or implement required by the Far
mer or Planter.

Excelsior Sand Paper.— K new and very superior kind, of the
different numbers in use by Machinists, Cabinet Makers. & c.

The ^Imerican pisciculturist a monthly publication of 32 pages.
Price one dollar a year. A. B. ALLKN & CO ,

April 1S9 and 191 Water-street. New York.

IMPORTANT TO
Farmers & Threshing Machine Makers

THE subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the public
that he has lately perfected a new Threshing Machine and
Horse Fowkr, which in point of strength, durability, lightness of
draft and convenience in moving, is not surpassed or equalled by
any machine in the United States. He also confidently aflSrms
that no machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as
low. The invention of this machine has been the result of several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy, but we d>"i claim to have
discovered a plan by which old philosophical principles are more
correctly and advantageou.sly applied than on any other machine.
The invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at Israel W. Groff's Machine
Shop, at retail or by wholesale, on the most reasonable terms.

The Power weights 600 pounds. It is made entirely of Iron
with steel journals, aud is warranted to hold 8 horses, should it at
any time be necessary to use so many From 2 to 4 are a suffl-
eiont number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for shop, purposes, that will be the cheapest and
inn.st convenient thing in use; it might also be used with two or
three horsesfor threshing. The Powers andcylinderand concave,
can be had by the Machine makers throughout the country, on
the most reasonable terms.

All orders directed to the subscriber, at Lancaster city, will bo
thankfally rccoived and promptlT attended to.

SAMUEL PELTON. Jr.

Aprilj 1851. U-

$500 to $2,000 a Year.
1 O O O AGE i\TS TT A W T E D .

IX all the States of the Union, to canvass for the following Im-
portant and Valuable Works, which are sold by subscription.
We have now about two hundred Agents in the field, many of
them clearing from two to eight dollars per pay. It will be teen
that they are all of a very popular and desirable kind, and calcu-
lated to please almost every tatte. i'or furtlier particulars apply
(postpaid) to the publishers. DERBY & MILLER.

Auburn. N. Y.

'•HOW A FARMER MAY BECOME RUm."

BLAKE'S FARMERS EVERY DAY BOOK,

Or. how a Farmer can become Rich — being sketches of Life in the
Country; with the Popular Elements of practical and theoretiodl
Agriculture, and twelve hundred Laconics and Apathegms rela-
ting to Morals. Regime and general Literature; also 5U0 Rceuipta
on Health. Cookery aud Domestic Economy; with 10 fine illustra-
tions respecting the various scenes attendant upon farming, etc.
Ey John L. Blake. D. D.. author of '"Biographical Dictionary,'*
'■ Family Encyclopedia,"' i^-c.

The publishers respectfully announce, that they have under-
taken the publication of this large and beautiful work, with a
view to supply a desideratum that has long been felt— a book for
every Farsier's Library; believing that the venerable author haa
produced a work that will be worth its weight in gold to every
farmer's family that thoroughly peruse it. Jt is proper to state
that Dr. Blake is a practical farsier. and has reclaimed a sterile
and worn out piece of land into a valuable and productive farm —
which experience, with hiswell knownqualifications as an author,
peculiarly fit liim to prepare a book for farmers.

The work contains ti54 pages, large octavo, with a motto sur-
rounding each page — is printed on fine paper, and bound in sub-
stantial imitation Turkey Morocco, gilt back. Invariable retail
price. JS.OO.

Agents wanted to canvass for the above.

FROST'S PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.

The History of the State of California, from the earliest period
of her conquest by the Spaniards, to her acquisition by the United
States; with an account of the discovery of the immen-e Gold
Mines, and the quantity r^f Gold already obtained; the enormous
increase of population; a description of the mineral and agricul-
tural resources of the country ; with adventures and trtvels among
the Mines. Also, advice to Emigrants, as to the most desirable
routes thither. To which is added the Constitution of the State
of California; with numerous illustrations, and a map of California
and the Gold Mines; in one octavo volume. 5C0 pages; bound in
same style as Mexican War. Retail price, %'Z 50.

*' I am prepared— I have end^'avored to do my duty."

THE LIFE OF ZACHARY TAYLOR,

Late President of the United States, including the closing scenes
of his life and death. By H. Mouigomery. Embellished with a
steel portrait and 15 illustrations; in one elegant octavo volume,
463 pages, well printed on fine paper, and bound in substantiai
morocco, gilt back.

The lightnings may flash, the thunders may rattle,
He hears not, he heeds not. he's free from all pain,
He sleeps his last pleep. he has fought his last battle,
No sound can awake him to glory again.
More than 20,000 copies of the above work have been sold by us,
and the demand is unabated. It is allowed by critics to be the
most complete and authentic copy of any ot the works purporting
to be a Lite of the Great Man of the Age. Retail price, $2 UO.

A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE WAR BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO,

From the commencement of the battles, to the ratificntion of the
Treaty of Peace; containing a concise account of the splendid
military achievements and glorious victories of the American
Army under Generals Taylor and Scott, and their gallant com-
patriots in arms. .Also, a concise account of the new El Dorado,
the Golden Land of California, which was anncxrd to the United
States by the treaty of peace. Illustrated with 24 portraits and
battle scenes, and a steel likeness of General Taylor. By John S.
Jenkins, author of '■ The Life of Silas Wright." - Lives of Ameri-
can Generals." etc.. etc. The work is bound in elegant a« d sub-
stantial morocco, gilt back, and contains 520 pages. A fine Map
of Mexico and California accompanies each book.

•,* 12 000 copies of the above work have been sold by us, chiefly
in N. Y. State. It is pronounced by cricticsas the only complete
and impartial history of the war extant. Subscription price $2 50.

April ^

SCATTERGOOD & HOWELL,

DESIGNING, DRAWING

And Wood Eng^ravin^ EstabBisIinicnt,

Inquirer Buildivs^ Third Street^helow Chesnul st.j

PHILADELPHIA.

"Water Color Drawing, Portraits. Buildikos. MACHmrRr, N'ews

TAPER Heads. Labeli, Seals, ^c. Drawn and Engraved

in the Best manner and on the moat

reasonable Ttiin*.

AprU-tf

FARM JOURNAL.

April.

Ne'jv YorJi State Agricultural ^TorUs.

Agricultural Machines and Implements.

WHEELER, MELICK & CO.,

CONTINUE their manufactory at the corner of Liberty and
Hamilton streets. ALBANY, where they are prepared to fill
ail orders with despatch.

•e^^^^'imfa

.Salts against

ORDERS FOR

jneeJers Patent Railway^ Chain Horse Powers^ and
Overshot Threshers and Separators^ will re-
ceive their prompt attention.

©5" The large and increasing demand for these Machine? has
induced the Proi>ric'tor3 to erect a New and Spacious Manufacto-
ry, and otherwise extend their means of promptly filling orders,—
Tlieir Powers and Threshers have been sold in nearly every State
in the Union, during the past year, and their superiority has been
acknowledged by numerous testimonials, not only from Agrical-
tural Societies but from persons who have used them. They
have been awarded the First Premiums at all the principal Fairs
where they have been exhibited in operation, including the Penn-
Fylvania State Fair, the Provincial Fair of Upper Canada, and the
Michigan and Ohio State Fair?, together with numerous County
Exhibitions in the different States.

Thu TWO HORSE iMACHINF,. with from three to five hands,
will thresh from 1*25 to 200 bushels of Wheat per day, or twice that
quantity of Oats.

The One Horse Machine will thresh rather more than half that
quantity.

PRICE AT ALBANY:

For Two Horse Machines $145 00

For One Horse do $120 00

Machines will be shipped to order to any part of the United
Ptates or the Oanadas, S!^ and wai-ranted to give satisfaction to
the purchaser, or they may be returned within sixty days.

The subscribers also manufacture and will furnish to order the
most approved kinds of
J>\ed Cutters, Clover Hullers^ Circular Saw Mills, ^c.

They will also furnish Horse Powers properly Geered for driving
Churns, Elevating Grain, or other purpopes to which Horse Power
can be applied. WHEELER, MELICK & CO..

April— ^l Corner of Hamilton and Liberty sts., Albany, N. Y.

K.ettleweU & Davison's
Guano.

A CHALLENGE!!!

THE deep interest now taken by Agriculturists in all descrip-
tions of manure, would seem to justify any expedient, by
which fair and unprejudiced experiments may be made of the va-
rious descriptions of manure at this time attracting the attention
of the public. In view of this, and the undTpifrned honestly be-
lieving that the Chemical Compound, manufactured by tbem.is
the best manure of which any knowledge is had for a Corn Ciop;
challenges Guano to the test upon the following condition:— He
will forfeit One Hundred Dollars, to be presented to the Maryland
Agricultural Society, if any advocate of Guano will do the same,
that the Renovator compounded by Kettlewell &, Davison, will
produce upon any soil, the largest crop of weighed corn, without
regard to the size of the stalk, provided the President of the State
Agricultural Society will select some person, in his judgment
qualified, to superintend the experiment. The nature of tbe soil
to be de.=icribed, so that each party can direct the mode of appil-
cation; two barrels of the Salts to be used per acre, costing ?6,
and 30.0 lbs. of the Guano, costing $7 20, the party making the
experiment to receive the manure free of cost. And the same
amount against any manure as a top dressing upon timothy or
clover. John Kettlewell.

Kettlevjell ^ Davison again call the attention of Agriculturists
to their various Chemical Manures — and in so doing, they would
be insen.«ible to common gratitude, if they failed to express their
profound acknowledgments for the constant and increa.sing de-
mand, which flows in upon them for their simple and compound
manures. Each season has greatly increased their sales, extend-
ing as far south as South Carolina.

They can give no stronger evidence of their faith in the vir-
tues of their manure, as the best known for a corn crop, than tho
tenders they make above ; and the certificates ■nhich they here-
with present. In the offer of a test, it is not the amount involv-
ed, but the willingness to challenge result, that speaks their in-
tegrity and confidence. We could add any amount to tbe testi-
mony we publish; but if the names we refer to, do net command
confidence, no additional number could. We have never boasted
of the quality of our article, we have been content to leave a de-
cision to time, demand and experiment, that has been in our fa«
vor— hoping, if we have less of •■ Bi-phosphates," the public would
discover it. as they would if it was found we had more of" sand "
than any thing else. Kettlewell & Dailson.

Office at Obey ^- McConkey''s, corner of Lombard and HaJiover
Streets. Factory, Federal Hill.

BI-PHOSPHATES.
Wo keep constantly on hand this valuable manure. Bonea,
with a proper portion of the Sulphate of Ammonia, dissolved in
Sulphuric Acid. The Chemists of this country and Europe have
been pressing this mode of u.=ing bone-dust upon the atten-
tion of farmers, with groat zeal and ability of recent years. Ev-
ery experiment has confirmed the truthfulness of their theory;
and we hazard but little in saying that in a very brief time it
will be used in no other way. It is prepared so as to be sown sim-
ilar to the salts, at the rate of one or two barrels to the acre —
The price of this article is $4 per barrel. Let the farmer who
doubtSj try it at a less expense than tbe old mode of using bone-
dust.

TOBACCO GENERATOR.

This is a chemical compound, made expressly for the growth of
the Tobacco plant. We will call more special attention to it at
the proper season.

CHEMICAL RESIDIUMS.

We have constantly on hand Chemical Residiums of every
description. Full information of which can be had by applica-
tion to us.

COMBINATION OF GROUND PLASTER AND
POTASH.

This is a preparation made for soil deficient in Potash, of which
deficiency there is. unfortunately, too many instances in much of
our Maryland land. For this compound we are indebted to tho
suggestion of an accomplished Agriculturist of Prince George's
county, who may at some future day present the result of his ex-
periment. The price of this ia $2 50 per barrel.

DIRECTIONS.

The mode of using the Renovator is simple, inexpensive, and
requiring but little labor. The farmer must bear in mind, that
in the preparation of his soil he shares an equal responsibility in
testing the merits of any manure. Land negligently or badly
cultivated gives no manure a fair chance. How to put land in or-
der he ought to know better than we can teach him; and if he
don't know, should learn as speedily as possible. The land, then,
in order— if one barrel to the acre is used — and this quantity de-
pends upon the quality of the land — it should, for grain bo sown
broad cast, and slightly harrowed in.

If two barrels are used, one as stated above, and the other a-s a
top-dressing upon the wheat or rye. early in the spring at the
commencement of the first thaw. Upon grass it should be sown
broad-cast upon the timothy or clover. On corn, either broad-
cast or in the hill. Where two barrels are used, one each way

tt?^ PRICE of the RENOVATOR, $20 PER TON, or $3 PER
BARREL. April-tf

Printed on the Ukiok & Teibume Steam Power Press.

VOL. 1.

LANCASTEB, MAY, 1851.

XO. 2.

THE FAEM JOUKNAL,

S. S. HAtDEMA:^, Editor.

Eatomologj', rJo. 1.

BY THE EDITOR.

Entomology, or the study of insects, is interesting
on account of the vast number of species and indivi-
duals, and the great variations exhibited in their
structure and habits. Some are predacious, living
upon other insects ; some feeding upon decaying ani-
mal matter, and others upon decaying vegetables,
these acting as scavengers to remove offensive matter.
But the greater part live at the expense of vegeta-
bles, various species attacking every part, from the
root to the seed.

It is chiefly Tvith the last that the farmer, gardener,
and forester are concerned, and in Europe the subject
has been deemed of sufficient importance to call for
national aid in making investigations and publishing
histories of insects in their relations to man.

It is sometimes difficult to tell what insects are
hurtful and what beneficial, and in some cases a spe-
cies which was the destroyer of the real enemy has
been mistaken for the cause of the mischief Even
when a destructive larva is seen, the perfect insect
which comes from it may not be the species which
the larva should have produced, because the natural
enemies of some insert their eggs in the flesh of the
latter, upon which their young feed. The attacked
larva, before it dies, is often able to form a cocoon,
and from this the parasite makes its appearance. —
For these and similar reasons it is necessary to have
some knowledge of entomology to enable us to guard
against the insects likely to injure us.

Wo intend to give an account of various insects in
a series of articles of which this is the first, and altho
the history of some of them may seem to have no
practical application, it must be remembered that a
knowledge of any species may throw light upon others,
and afford hints for their proper investigation. Most
general works on natural science published in this
country are devoted to foreign species which tho

reader may never bo able to see, whilst the commoi>-
est American kinds are unrepresented. To remedy
this defect, we have determined to give figures illus-
trative of American species and habits, taken from
the specimens themselves.

Elaphidion putator. — This is 'a small coleopter
(an insect with tlie true wings generally pi-otceted by
hard wing covers or elytra) of a brown color, with pale
scattered spots. The an-
tenna) are as long as tho
body in the female, a?id
longer in the male. The
larva lives in tho small
branches (generally in tho
centre,) of oak, hickory
and chosnut, forming a
flattened perforation some
Fig. 1. inches in length. The lar-

va is a soft whitish grub, v>-ith stout black jaws, and
when it has attained its full
size (about the end of sum-
mer) it cuts the branch from
the tree by a tranverse cut,
leaving the bark entire. Th
storms of the fall and the
winter cause the branch to
fall with its tenant, but pre-
viously to tliis, it has nicely
closed tho end of its perfora-
tion with a plug made of
shreds of wood and suffieientr
ly close to exclude water.

The annexed figure (2) re-
presents a fragment of a
branch of shellbark hickory
which was probably cut off
by a different species, at both
ends, with a plug (In) in each.
It is cut open to exhibit the
larva, which is represented
at [a). It has the anterior
end large, somewhat as in
the larva of buprestis. This

EDITORIAL.

[May,

Fig. 3.

enlargement disappeara just before it cbangos to the
pupa state, and most of the specimens are found in
this condition about the middle of April in Pennsyl-
vauia. The larva has three pair of minute feet which
assists it in moving along its Ijurrow.

The fragments of wood which it inhabits arc from
two to four inches long and the part to whicli it con-
fines itself when it closes the ends, is usually two or
tliree inclies in length. The plues are usually insortr
ed at the ends, altho' they are sometimes half an inch
from them. The fragments cut oif vary in tliicknoss
from the fourth of an inch to
an inch, and figure 3 es-
hiljits an end view of a
thick one. The mandibles' of
the imago or perfect insect
are sufficiently strong to en-
able it to eat its way out of
the prison it had constructed
for itself
Oncideres cingulatus. This insect was first de-
scribed by Say in the Journal of the Academy of
Natural Sciences, vol. 5 p. 272, 1825, and its habits
were discovered by us and published in our " Mate-
rials towards a History of the Coleoptera longicornia
of the United States;" Am. Phil. Trans, vol. 10, p.
52, 1837.
"in our walks through the forest our attention was fre-
quently drawn to the branch-
es and main shoot of young
hickory trees (carta alba)
which were girdled with a
deep notch in such a manner
as to induce an observer to
believe that the object in view
was to kill the branch beyond
the notch ; and extraordinary
as it may appear, this is ac-
tually the fact, and the opera-
tor is an insect whose instinct
was implanted by the Al-
mighty power which created
it, and under such circum-
stances that it could never
have been acquired as a ha-
bit. Tho knowledge of gird-
ling is unknown to the insect, whose life is too short
to perceive its cfieots and to foresee the necessities of
ite progeny during the succeeding season.

This insect may be seen in Pennsylvania during
the two last weeks in August and the first week
in September feeding upon the bark of the tender
branches of the young hickories. Both sexes are
rather rare, particularly the male, which is rather
smaller than the female, but with longer antennas.

The female makes perforations in the branches of
tlio tree upon which she lives, which are from Iialf
an inch to less than a quarter of an inch thick, in
which she depositee her eggs; she then proceeds to

gnaw a groove of about a tenth of an inch wide and
deep, around the branch, and below the place whera
the eggs are deposited, so that the exterior portion
dies and the larva feed upon the dead wood, a food
which is essential to many insects altho' but few have
the means of providing it for themselves or their pro-
geny by an instinct so remarkable.

Were this insect abundant, it would cause much
damage to young forests of hoop-poles by the destruc-
tion of the principal shoot. We have known insects
which from their rarity, could hardly be regarded
as "noxious," increase to such an extent as to be
very destructive, and the locust trees (Robinia pseu-
dacacia) have had their foUage withered during the
few last summers from such a cause. Should the
insect in question increase so as to become trouble-
some, the infected branches should be cut off in July
and burnt.

Fig. 5
is a slightly modified representation of the top of a
hickory tree, from a specimen now Ijcfore us, which pre-
sents the unusual numljer of sis girdlings, which were
probably made in as many successive years. First
the principal shoot at a was cut, and before the young
shoot below it had acquired suflicient size to tempt an
attack, the second cut h was made; then c probably
followed, and a downward shoot was the result ; and
this being cut, e and f may have followed. As th«
decaying portion which is not eaten by tlie larva is
apt from its tender attachment and the rapidity of

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

decay to drop off, truncated branches like e, d, are
frequently to bo met with.

This insect is more than half an inch long, and of a
brown color, spotted with yellowish, and varied with
ashy, a band of the latter crossing the middle of the
elytra, the base and end of which are reddish brown.

Guilding figures oncideres amputator in the Lln-
ncan Transactions, toI. 13, pi. 30, in the act of gird-
ling a branch, but he did not discover tho object of
the proceeding. His figure is copied in Insect Archi-
tecture, page 240.

her with a basket of fruits, and tho earth is represen-
ted covered with flowers. The reverse is encircled by
a wreath of fruits, flowers and foliage, with a central
blank space for the inscription, wliich must of course
vary according to the occasion, and the person to
whom it is awarded.

Corn Planting.

[The following remarks were prepared as an ap-
pendix to Judge Hayes' article on page 0 of tho last
number, but ommitted by the printer.]

In soaking seed grain, care should bo taken not to
steep it too long, as it will bo likely to rot in the
ground, if there happens to be a spell of wet weather.
Judge Buel soaked his seed corn from twelve to
twenty hours in hot water, with a few ounces of salt-
petre dissolved in it ; and to eight quarts of seed he
afterwards added half pint of tar diluted in a quart
of warm water. After being stirred in the tar mix-
ture, the corn was taken out and mixed with as much
plaster as would stick to it. This preserved the seed
from birds &c., and caused it to germinate readily. —
The Genesee Farmer recommends a coating of soft
soap and plaster.

Q,uack Medicines.

Wq were annoyed at finding an advertisement of
u "cherry pectoral" on the cover of the first num-
ber, which was inserted whilst tho publisher was
at Ilarrisburg. The means to which the maker of
this nostrum resorts, may be judged from the follow-
ing caution from the cover of tho American Journal
of Science, the editor of which is represented with all
Ills titles of Professor, M. D., LL. D., &c., as the au-
thor of one of the recommendations given.

As Professor Silliman is a doctor of Medicine, and
as some physicians occupy the very questionable
position of druggists, we are bound to state that it la
unprofessional to vend or advertise a nostrum tlie
maker of which uses the name of a member of tho
profession to deceive the public.

TO THE PUBLIC.

The recommendation of the Cherry Pecioral (so
ealled) signed by my name is a. forgery.

B. Silliman, Senior.
New Haven, January 1, 1851.

Encouragement.

Almost every mail brings us encouraging commu-
nications from friends throughout the State; ah extract
from one of which we give below. With such friends
to sustain us we go on trustingly; feeling confident
that the effort we are making to build up a journal
worthy the support of the farmers of Pennsylvania,
will certainly prove successful:

Greessburqu, Api-il 17, 1851.

Sir: — I am greatly gratified by the appearance
and contents of the first number of the " Farm Jour-
nal," and sincerely hope that, with such excellent in-
ducement, the farmers of Pennsylvania may at length
prove that they are sensible of the advantages of
having a periodical of their own. I liave had pain-
ful and costly experience of the feet that many of the
suggestions of Agricultural papers puldished else-
where are so unsuited to our siiil and climate that
they are injurious rather than advantageous. This
is of itself, to say nothing of what of a decent self re-
spect seems to demand, a sufScient reason for giving
your journal that liberal support which is necessary
to make it worthy of the cause which it advocates and
the State in which it is published.

Feeling a deep interest in the success of your pe-
riodical as connected with the agriculture of our
State, it will give me pleasure to contribute, by any
means within my power, to aid in securing that suc-
cess.

Horticuitural Society's Medal.
The new medal of the Pennsylvania Horticultural
Society is a beautiful specimen of art, which must be
highly valued by those to whom it is a^varded as a
prize. It is two inches in diameter and contains a
seated figure of Pomona, her left hand resting upon
the shield of the arms of Pennsylvania, and her right
holding a pruning knife. In front a boy presenti

Incorporation of the Pennsylvania State Agricultu-
ral Society.

As the provisions of the act incorporating this So-
ciety do not appear to be generally understood, we
herewith present those most important to be knovTn.
The following is the principal section:

"Resolved, That the sum of two thousand dollars is
hereby appropriated to said Society, and annually
thereafter a sum equal in amount to that paid by the
members thereof into its treasury; an affidavit of
which fact, and the amount so raised by the Treasu-
rer of the Society being first filed with the Stat«
Treasurer: Provided that such sum shall not exceed
two thousand dollars in any one year."

It will be seen, that after the first year tho amount
of the appropriation is made to depend upon the
amount paid into the Treasury by the members. —
This fact should arouse the friends of the Society,
and induce them to spare no efforts to secure addi-
tional names.

The same provision is made to apply to County
Agricultural and Horticultural Societies, except that
the appropriation is to be paid from the County
Treasuries, and is limited to one hundred dollars pe
annum. Where two Societies are fiirmed in the same
county, but one is entitled to receive such appropria-
tion in any one year under this act.

These appropriations though small, will neverthe-
less have the effect of stimulating tlie efforts of those
who pioneered tlic way to the formation and incorpo-
ration of the present Society. ■" "" ° °'"' '^"-

ergy will do tlie rest.

Perseverance and en-

COMMUNICATIONS.

[May.

(goimnuukotious.

Accurate Experiments.

The uiilify of accurate experiments, and the advantages

of an early harvest of the wheat crop shown.
Mr. Editor:

In the practice of Agriculture witli a view to its
improvement, tliere is no matter of greater moment,
than tlio right method of conducting experiments. —
Without entire accuracy and the utmost care in such
proceedings, tliore can neither be satisfaction in the
conclusion which one would attain, nor any certainty
in the evidence he would desire to afford of the re-
sults of his operations. In order that an experiment
may constitute a basis for safe practice or correct
reasoning, every circumstance and condition of time,
locality, space, quantity, quality, climate, and tem-
perature, should be duly observed and considered ;
nothing that can be weighed or measured should be
guessed at; and all the processes, as well as the re-
sult, should bo faithfully recorded. Unless this be
done, it is impossible that the experimenter himself,
much less others, should be able to repeat the expe-
riment, so as to determine whether the result bo true
or not. But the result is the essential fruit, and an
experiment is barren, when it cannot be verified by
repitic>n. It is obvious, therefore, that its chief value,
must depend upon the minute accuracy of its details
and the clearness and veracity of the report. The
reflection is often, indeed, forced upon us, that much
of the influence of useful knowledge is lost by vague
and imperfect description; which, obscuring the truth,
fails to excite attention or inspire confidence. Hence
important discoveries are allowed to sleep for years ;
and many improvements, after being laid aside, are
in a subsequent age, brought again, as if by accident,
into use, and regarded as inestimable. Hence inven-
tions employed and prized in one country, are often
either unknown or without just appreciation in a
neighboring State.

In this connection may be mentioned the want of
suitable means and appliances among our farmers to
pursue their inquiries or record, their experience with
due correctness. There is not one farm in a hundred,
vchose fields have been surveyed, so as to defino their
precise arable contents. How few farmers keep a set
cf weights and measures, and the proper instruments
for making accurate investigations relative to their
farms or their produce! Still fewer use such means
as thoy have, and write down their observations for
the benefit of others. The difiiculty may have oc-
curred to many, as it has to myself, of obtaining a
satisfactory statement of the greatest quantity of
wheat grown, per acre, on any farm or field in any
one year. You m.ay not, indeed, fail to receive prompt
answers giving specific quantities ; but upon a close
examination, you find the quantities depend upon con-
jectural estimates ;— either the number of acres was
not ascertained, — the whole product was not mea-

sured,— or the amount was derived from the sales,
with an estimated addition for what was used in the
family and retained for seed.

On recurring to the discussions of many subjects,
(that of lime among the number,) which are spread
over the pages of our agricultural journals, we sec
how contradictory, rambling, unsatisfactory, and in-
conclusive they are, chiefly for want of correct pro-
cesses of investigation, proper experiments, and dili-
gent investigation.

As a model of accuracy, and at the same time as
furnishing important information on a point of great
practical utility, the experiments of Mr. Ilannam, of
Yorkshire, England, made in 18-iO, to ascertain the
best time for cutting wheat, are worthy of the careful
attention and study of all farmers. I am persuaded
that the commencement of our wheat harvest is gen-
erally too late, and that there would be an improve-
ment in the quality as well as a prevention of waste,
by beginning a week earlier than usual to reap or
.cradle our wheat. The superior brightness and
strength of our summer sun, ripen the grain more
rapidly than it is matured under the cooler and more
cloudy sky of England, and proportionally diminish
the intervals noticed in Mr. Hannam's experiments.
Mr. James Porter, who was an excellent farmer of
Lancaster County, mentioned an instance in his own
experience, which fortifies the opinion just advanced,
in favor of an early harvest. He was induced in or-
der to accommodate a purchaser, who wanted the
immediate use of the field, to cut his wheat whilst it
still was apparently so green, that ho had much mis-
giving as to the result, and his neighbors freely ex-
pressed their belief that he would lose the crop. —
Not only, however, was the yield good, but the qual-
ity of the flour manufactured out of this wheat, was
unsurpassed by any that he had ever produced. —
Other instances of the same sort are doubtless within
the recollection of many; — and in relation to the
waste, every one must remember occasionally to have
observed, immediately after harvest, enough of the
grain shelled out and lying among the stuTiblo, to
furnish seed for another crop: — but, to the experi-
ments.

Mr. Ilannam selected for them a field of red icheat;
and on the 4th of August, 1840, he cut a sheaf. "At
this time it was quite green, i. c. both straw and ears
were in full vigor and full of sap. Though the grain
appeared perfectly formed the chaff still adhered so
firmly to it, that it was scarcely possible to separate
them by friction in the hands. When separated it
was large and pliunp, but so full of milk that the
slightest pressure reduced the whole of it to a juicy
consistency or pulp." •

This sheaf stood in the field for a fortnight, whon
it was housed. On the same d.ay, the eighteenth of
August, he cut another. The wheat was yet green,
being what farmers in England commonly term rair;
"that is, the straw, though appearing at a distance

1S51.1

COMMUNICATIONS.

green, when examined closely, wixs of a hue fast ap-
proximating to yeUow; while for about afoot upwards
from the ground, it was quite yellow. The ears too
were more open, the chafi' tinged with various shades
of yellow and green, the grain itself when separated,
Boft and pulpy, but not near so full of fluid as before."
At the end of another fortnight (September 1,) he
housed the sheaf cut August 18, which had remained
exposed to the weather in the interval. This was
ripe — not meaning thereby, says Mr. Hannam, " that
degree of ripeness when the straw breaks, the ear
curls, and the grain shakes out, but the condition in
which it is customary to commence reaping it — when
the straw from the roots to the ear, is uniformly yel-
low and has lost all symptoms of vivid health."

On the 14th of September, the third sheaf was taken
from the field and carefully preserved along with the
other two till the first of November, when out of each
ho selected 100 ears or heads, and put each parcel
into a separate bag. The straw from each of these
parcels was carefully preserved.

The ears in bag No. 1, (or that cut very grcon)
were now threshed, the chaff carefully separated, and
the gross weight of the wheat yielded, ascertained by
nn extremely accurate balance. The weights of a
fixed measure, of a certain number of grains were
next found. To avoid error, this was repjeated several
times.

No. 2, (cut raw) and No. 3, (ripe) underwent the
■game process; and the results are exhibited in the
following table: —

Time of reaping & condition.

No. 1. Aug. 4, V. green.
No. 2. Aug. 18, raw,
No.3. Sept. 1, ripe.

Gr. produce

576
736
650

Erj'l measure

568
580
570

Equal num-
ber of gr'ins

194
231
22J

As this table is merely comparative, (Mr. Ilan-
nom remarks,) the weights used being in parts and
decimal parts of the same, for the convenience of
minute experiments, he furnishes another table of
the absolute weight of each sample, in ounces,
drachms, scruples, and grains, Troy, as follows:

I Gro59 produce. | Equal mea^orea. IGroRS no of ffrains.

oz. dr. so. gr.

oz. dr. sc. gr.

No. 1.

4 ■' 0 " 0 " 0

3 " 7 " 1 " 13j

0-' 1 "0" 5i

No. 2.

5 " 0 " 2 " 13

4" 0"0"13

0 " 1 "0"17i

No. 3.

4" 4"0" G

3 " 7 "2" 00 " 1 "0 "15|

Comparative weight of 100 straws of an equal
length, belonging to the samples, Nos. 1, 2, 3.

No. 1. (green) =550

No. 2. (raw) =475

No. 3. (ripe) =450
lie next proceeded to ascertain the comparative
worth of each description, consulting an extensive
grain grower as to the values of the respective sam-
ples according to the prices of the day, and an exten-
sive grain factor and miller as lo his opinion of their

value, and what he would give for tlie same. Takint*
the mean of their estimates, he found that
No. 1 was worth Gls per quarter, or 7.". 7 J d. ner bu
No. 2 " " 63s 6d. " " " 7g IIM " ""
No.3 " " GlsOd. " " "-Js. sW. " "

He deduced fi-om these tables the conclusion, that
the wheat reaped a fortnight before it was ripe had
the advantage of the ripe in every point:

1. In weight of gross produce 13 J per cent.

2. In weight of equal measures i per cent, nearly.

3. In weight of equal number of grains 2| per cent,
nearlv.

4. In quality and value above 3 J per cent.
. 5. In weight of straw above 5 per cent.

The sample No. 3, (ripe) he observes was very bold
but rather coarse, feeling rough in the hand; while
No. 2, (raw) was quite as bold but very fine and thin
in the skin. No. 3, (green) was also a good and clear
sample, hut much smaller than either of the others.

He next supposes three acres of wheat of uniform
quality, one of which reaped when ripe, yields thirty
bushels of grain and one ton of straw — the value of
this produce he fixes as follows, viz:

£ d. s.
30 bushels of wheat at 61s 6(f per quarter, 11 10 7}
1 ton of straw, - - - - -168

12 17 3J
And according to the data fiirnished by the forego-
ing experiments, he finds the produce of the other
two acres — and its value as follows: the acre reaped
a month before ripe, yields £ 5. d.

26-1356 bushels at 61s. per quarter, - 9 19 3|
195,5-9 stones of straw, - - - 1 12 7

11 11 lOi
And the acre reaped a fortnight before the ripe,

£ s. d.

Yields 30.1307 bus. at 636\ 6i7. per quarter, 11 19 IJ

168 stones of straw, - - - 1 8 IJ

13 7 3}

Showing a loss of about 10 per cent, by cutting
very green, and a gain of ten shillings per acre, on
nearly 4 per cent, by reaping in a raw state, or a fort
night before it was ripe. He concludes that it is the
farmer's interest, to cut his wheat before it becom-es
thorouc/hly ripe; and though others should distrust
his deductions on account of their importance and
the limited character of the experiments, yet having
retraced step by step his investigations without any
variation, he could no longer refuse to believe it true.
There are some other advantages which he points out,
independently of the 4 per cent, gain, by reaping
wheat a fortnight before it is ripe : 1st. Straw of a
better quality; 2d. A better chance of securing the
crop, and 3d. A saving in securing it.

In a communication to the Quarterly Journal of
Ai/ricuUure, March, 1842, Mr. Hannam remarks in
relation to these experiments, "At the time I ■nTote
you last, I stated that the bulk of the wheat reaped
by me during the present harvest was unthreshed. —

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Mat,

I could, therefore, only give you an idea of the raw
and the ripe, hy opinion, from a sample sheaf. Since
then the various cuttings (for I made several) have
been threshed and ground: the result of which was,
3J bushels of the ripe gave 10 stone 111b of good flour,
1 St. 91b of seconds, (technically termed "sharps")
and 2 st. 51b of bran: 3i bushels of raw, gave 12 st.
Gft) of flour, 12ib of sharps, and 2 st. lib of bran. —
From which it appears, that the raw cut wheat gave
sis and four-seventh pounds of flour to the bushel,
more than the ripe gave, while the latter gave three
and one-seventh pounds more sharps and one and
one-eighth pounds more bran, than the former, per
bushel."

The editor of the Cultivator (of Albany,) noticing
the above facts, adds — "A farmer friend of ours,
found last season that one of his fields of wheat, then
in a very raw state, was badly struck with rust, lie
determined to cut it at once and did so, amid the laugh
and pity of his neighbors, who thought him little bet-
ter than crazy. The adjoining fields sufiered little
from rust, and stood till fully ripe ; yet at threshing,
the wheat first cut, gave the finest flour and the best
yield." A. L. Hayes.

Lancaster, April 8, 1851.

Agricultural Schools, No. 2.

In your last paper I gave a short account of
the number of Agricultural Schools in Europe —
of the extreme interest that those governments
show, in spreading a knowledge of Agriculture,
among their people, which we supposed to be
mere crushing despotisms, and without the slightest
sympathy, with the great mass over whom they rule.
I also ventured an opinion, of the truth of which I
have been for some years convinced, that this country,
sooner or later, must feel itself compelled to adopt
some system — some general and popular plan, by
which that large body of yeomen, who cultivate their
own farms, and who form the great moral and politi-
eal centre of our institutions, shall be able to re-
ceive instructions in the art, by which they are to live,
As yet, nothing has been done, except by a few indi-
viduals, whose success, though perhaps but moderate,
has shown the more than possibility of more extend-
ed usefulness, and a wider influence, if patronage
and support were generally given to them. But the
exertions of individuals, however energetic, cannot
do all that is necessary for the instruction of the im-
mense body of our farming population. There must
be a system, established tliroughout the whole State,
by which every fiirmer's son can be taught the prin-
ciples of agriculture, its theory and its practice, and
the elementary parts of all those sciences, which
form the basis of the art. There are persons, who
belong to the stagnant school of indiiFerence, who
will say that Pennsylvania is not prepared for such a
plan — that her legislature is not wise enough to frame
or support one, and that her people are not yet suf-

ficiently advanced to receive the idea or to act upon
it. Although this is a very common remark, we be- ^
lieve that it wrongs, and does injustice to the people
of the State. The fault, or deficiency, if there be
any, is not with the people, but with those who lead
the people. Let these men, turn from being poli-
ticians, to the being patriots, give up the slang and
cant of party, devote their minds to higher purposes,
and more generous duties, endeavor to distributo
useful knowledge with as much zeal, as they now
take to advance themselves ; open wide the portals of
science, take the pieople by the hand, and lead them
towards them, and wo have no doubt whatever, they
will find an intelligent, a willing, and a numerous
audience. Over the whole of this broad Common-
wealth, in every county and in every school in every
county, where the elements of each science allied to
agriculture, jwhich form, indeed its essential parts,
should be taught.

Those are not mysteries, to bo acquired only
by the few — Chemistry and Botany, are not more
more difficult than Mathematics. Carbonates, Ace-
tates, and Sulphates, that now seem to alarm, as if
they were sheeted ghosts, are not less readily under-
stood, than Triangles, Parallelograms, or than even
the simple rules of arithmetic. All that is necessary
for a lad to know of those two sciences, should be
taught, as an amusement, and not as an intellectual
exercise or task. A very short instruction would give
an intelligent boy enough, to make him master of
many of those things that now seem to him, deep,
inscrutable and inaccessible mysteries. Why, then,
is it not possible, to attach to every school, a small
Laboratory, a small cabinet of minerals, illustrations
of the geological character of the neighborhood, and
the State ; models of agricultural implements, with a
collection of books on agriculture, mechanics, itc. —
The expense would be very little, the utility infinite,
for, of all the objects that one who has at heart the in-
terests of the great body of farmers should work hard
to secure, there is not one of more importance than
that of making them students of their art, and with
it, students of nature. Now, the larger part of a farm-
er's life is passed in dull and unintelligent drudgery:
his toil, severe as it is, is not enlightened toil, it has
no pleasures, unless in the hope of gain, neither his
heart nor his brain are interested ; his daily round of
occupations, is regarded as a matter of mere duty, or
of necessity, while God's works about him bring
neither admiration or enjoyment. All this would be
changed, by enlarging his knowledge of his art, by his
understanding the phenomena that are ever passing
before him, by his being able to think and reason in-
telligently upon all those splendid exhibitions of pow-
er which it is his particular privilege to see daily and
be ever among. The plan laid before the people of
the State by the Secretary of tho Commonwealth, able
and excellent as it was, is, we fear, too much abovo
tho general tone of thought of the mass of our citi-

1831.

COMMTTNIC A.TIONS.

zens. It would be an Agricultural University, and
not a primary school, and the expense of its educa-
tion would make it impossible for much the larger
portion of our farmers to use the advantages that it
would offer. Such an institution would unquestion-
ably place Pennsylvania in advance of her sister
States, and give her a lofty position. It would, in-
deed, place her beyond all other countries, as not one
has sketched or adopted a plan so comprehensive.

But the elementary kind of education to which we
have alluded in these remarks, might be carried out
by the State, at a very small expense. The chief
obstacle, and it is one that will not be easily over-
come for some time yet, is, the difficulty of finding
competent instructors. Young men in this country,
of good education and respectable talents, would not
accept the office and undertake the arduous duties
of a teacher, upon a salary very little more than is
demanded and paid to a day laliorer. Our people do
not yet seem aware that the brain is a very different
machine from the body — that mental toil is ten-fold
more exhausting than physical — that teaching is one
of the most anxious, laborious, life-wearing occupa-
tions, in wliich men can engage, and that, if they
■wish to secure the services of well instructed men,
and induce such persons, to enter upon and con-
tinue the career of teacher, they must tempt by suffi-
cient compensation. To do away, as far as is possi-
ble with this difficulty, which is certainly one of no
small magnitude, the County Agricultural Societies
might employ lecturers, and make the collection of
a library, a cabinet of minerals, of implements, &c.,
a part of the special object of their foundation.

The State Agricultural Society has the education of
farmers, as a portion of its constitution. If this asso-
ciation succeeds in all its designs, and is well support-
ed by the people of the State, there is very little doubt
that in five years from this time, every farmer in the
Commonwealth will be fully alive to the importance of
instruction, in his art, scientific as well as practical,
will also duly appreciate his own position, and then
go forward in a body, and demand that all those aids
shall be placed within his reach, by which he pro-
poses to elevate himself and his occupation to a real
and not nominal dignity and distinction. Thorough-
ly to effect this, Uberal minded men must devote them-
selves laboriously to the interests of their fellow-citi-
rens, make, if necessary, even severe sacrifices, of
time and toil and labor too, without reward or the
hope of it. Their enthusiasm must he fed from their
own hearts, they must feel the impulse of a high pur-
pose— find their support in a generous love of their
country, and, never for a moment, be checked or dis-
couraged, by doubt or indifference, both of which
will clog their path, and impede every movement.

A. L. Elwyx.

"The turnip is. by scientific farmers, denomi-
nated a cruciferons plant; belonging to the same
genus with cabbage.

E.ime.

The use of lime as a fertilizing substance for land,
has long been known, and in many parts of the coun-
try has been brought to groat perfection. There is,
however, great difficulty in the practical use of this
valuable manure, as no universal rule can be adopted
for its application. For instance, the quantity must
be graduated, according to the character of the soil,
and the neglect of this fact alone has produced the
great difficulty. Deep soil, filled with vegetable
matter, wiU take three times more lime, than
should be applied to thin soil, containing a much
more limited quantity. Then again, wet land will
bear a much larger proportion than dry. The only
safe rule to adopt is, for every man to experiment for
himself, and after understanding fully the nature of
lime and the character of his soil, he cannot go astray.
It is very common to hear fiirmers, who have been
induced to use limo, say that their land has received
no benefit from it. The problem is easily solved —
they^did not know how to use it.

I have tried upon my land, for several years, Ta-
rious experiments, and have constantly become wiser
in the mode of using it. I have never failed to find
that my land was most materially benefitted by it,
and I feel great confidence in recommending it to
others. I shall proceed, very briefly, to give my
views of the character and efficacy of lime, as a ma-
nure. I wiU state in the first place, that the use of
this manure is so imperfectly understood, as well as
the office which it performs, that, it is proper to place
it, in a practical form.

Lime forms a constituent part of some grains such
as wheat and rye, as is ascertained by chemical
analysis ; and where no lime exists in the soil, the
crop becomes sickly and imperfect. But in most
vegetables it is a mere decomposer of the vegetable
matter in the soil, furnishing by this means a con-
stant nutriment to the plant. This at once ex-
plains the reason, why light soil, containing but
little vegetable matter requires less lime, than that
which is more strongly impregnated. I have tested
this in various ways, and on a variety of soils, and
every experiment confirms its truth. If I were to put
one hundred bushels of limo upon an acre of poor
soil, I am certain I should raise no crop for two or
three years, for the simple reason that there would
not be sufficient vegetable matter for the lime to act
upon, and to use a common expression it would hum
the land. Before it could bo available, it would be
necessary for the lime to become neutralized in the
soil, and the additional aid of successive vegetation,
such as might grow, to remedy the difficulty. After
this process shall have taken place, it will produce in
abundance. Twenty or thirty bushels to the acre,
for the first dressing, is sufficient. It plainly follows
from what has been said, that a different soil, deeply
impregnated with vegetable mould, will bear a much
larger quantity of lime. For such land, one hundred

COMMUNICATIONS.

[May^

bus'.iels to the aero is not a largo quantity. I would
not exceed that quantity upon any land, )jut for the
first di-ossing would graduate it from twenty to one
hundred, according to the nature of the soil.

Now as to the mode of its application. Generally,
it is put upon a ploughed field in heaps, and spread,
and afterwards ploughed under. I regard this as a
most pernicious mode of liming. In the first place,
the spots where the heaps are, receive too large a
quantity, and in the nest place by ploughing it under,
the lime gets too deep to act successfully upon the
Tcgotable matter in the soil— consequently its benefi-
cial effect is lost. Lime is heavy, and its tondonoy is
to sink. The great object is to keep it as near the
surface as possible. For several years I have adopted
the method of spreading it upon the sod, and this
furnishes the most successful mode of renovating an
old meadow. It is spread from the wagon, and it
requires but little experience to graduate the quan-
tity according to your wish. In a short time the
lime sinks into the spungy sod, and decomposes all
dead vegetable matters, which at the same time nour-
ishes the roots of the grass and causes the blades to
spring up with extraordinary vigor. I have had old
meadows double their usual quantity of hay the first
year after this process.

Then again, when you desire to plough the same
meadow, the lime having sunk into the sod is still
upon the surface, and ready to act as a decomposer of
the sod, and manure in case the land should require
it. If the ground should be left in meadow, it will
found that successive crops of grass will be greatly
increased.

I might extend this communication to a much
greater length, but as you will often hear from me, I

am desirous of consulting brevity.

LuTHEB Kidder.
WUhes'barre, AprilV), 1851.

Kural Taste.

Mr. Editor : I have just received and read with
great satisfaction, the first number of the Pennsylva-
nia Farm Journal.

Pennsylvania Farmers are -wisely careful in ven-
turing the support of new enterprises ; but no one ac-
(piaintcd with the qualifications of Professor Ilalde-
man, or with tlie character of his accomplished
correspondents, can ask a more rclialde guarantee for
the character and worth of the paper, or hesitate for
a moment to give himself the benefit of its society,
whatever personal preferences ho may intcrtain for
other papers or editors.

The most intelligent agricuturist can never say

"I have learned all." Old farmers know this; only

the merest beginners, or those who, like the poet's

ploughman, " go whistling along for want of

thought," suppose that they know everything. One

must learn much before learning what is to be

learned.
As to the farmer, no occupation or profession what-

ever, emljraces so wide and deep a range of knowledge
as his. Indeed it seems impossible for any one man
ever to become accomplished in the whole range of
agi'icultural suljjects ; fon men who have given undi-
vided attention to a single branch — as, for example,
the rearing of cattle, the arrangement of crops, tho
art of improving lands, whose heads are grey and
some skill eminent, all freely own that they find
theirthing to learn continually.

But as the farmer must know something of every
branch of his business, his knowledge of each ia
necessarily supeifieial, and as he cannot see or con-
sult with Doctors of agricidture face to face, how can
he do better than to communicate with them through
the medium of a paper, wliich is the common chan-
nel of the whole agricultural intelligence of the com-
munity, and which, if it contains some that may not
bo applicalde to his peculiar situation, yet affords
seasonable hints, and timely lessons of instruction.

It was a fine saying that " God made the country,
and man made the town." But in making the coun-
try the Almighty has left it to the exercise of man's
ingenuity to use the exurberance of materials every-
where _ready to his hand. Man must clothe and
shelter himself, and he can do this either neatly and
comfortably, or wretchedly and as a sloven.

In nothing are country dwellings more generally
deficient than in the arrangement of the gardens
and fruit yards immediately around them. In a new
country, a whole generation is fully engaged in clear-
ing the wilds, and growing bread ; and the art of
producing a supply of various and delicious fruits,
and of making home to smile in Nature's best adorn-
ments, becomes almost lost and forgotten. But a
taste for such serene enjoyments is natural to every
desoendent of gardner Adam, and no information
that your columns can render, I venture to say, wiU
be more gladly received through the villages and
country homes of Pennsylvania than some first les-
sons in Horticulture.

The magnificent Ijarns of the Pennsylvania farmers
are objects of general admiration, and it is by no
means for want of will that the owners of these
structures do not render their own dwellings as cosy
and as snugly sheltered as comfort and fuU enjoy-
ment seem to require. AVe see, quite too often, the
rickety skeletons of dead shrubbery and shade trees,
(and very often, too, tho living skeletons) to procure
and plant which a sufficient amount of trouble was
incurred, all resulting in dead and discouraging fail-
ure tlirough want of a little knowledge of the art
(simple when understood) of selecting, planting, train-
ing, ami arranging tho leafy decorations of the earth.
A general diffusion of correct information on this
suliject of screening, shading, carpeting, and garland-
ing'the farmers fruitful and happy homo, would I
doulit not, enliven thousands of our rural homesteads;
and add immensely to the enjoyment of their occu-
pants. W. G. Waring.
Boahhurg, Fa., A^vil 24, 1851.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

Experimental Farming.

Mr. Editob,— Iu furwai-ding you my name as a
subscriber to your valuable journal, I have thougbt it
might uot be uninteresting to offer a few remarks in
reference to some experiments -wbich I have made in
forming. I profess to be but a plain farmer, and
vrhat I communicate -trill be probaljly only interest
those of the same class, if indeed it should impart in-
terest to any one. More than twenty years of my life
have been spent in Philadelphia, and my removal to
the country was on account of my health, which had
been impaired by close application to business. There
is a prejuLlice too in the country against what are
termed "citizen farmers;" though I doubt whether
many, who have been reared j^rac^'ra/J^j-iVifZ/jo'/sfc,
have performed more real hard labor in farming for
the last ten years than myself.

I have resided upon my foi-m eleven years. When
I moved on to it, I found it in a very poor state of
cultivation, although it had the reputation of being
one of the best farms in the country. It had been
rented for more than ton years, and of course culti-
vated, as most rental farms are, to got all that is
possible to gain for the present, without much being
done for permanent improvement in the future. The
soil is mostly limestone, and the farm at present con-
tains 285 acres, two hundred and forty of which arc
in grass and under cultivation, and the remainder
woodland and lime quarries.

One of the first attempts I made at improvement
was to remove the old fencing, and alter the size of
nearly all the fields, so as to be able to destroy all the
noxious weeds and other trash that had accumulated,
and were scattering their seed broadcast over the land.
I have brought into profitable cultivation more than
twenty acres of valuable meadow land by ditching,
that were of very little value before. More than
thirty thousand bushels of lime have been spread upon
the land in the eleven years it has been under my
direction. In addition to this I have expended large
sums for manure. But this latter plan of buying
manure I have found expensive, and I have been
trying for two years past to find a substitute in part
for this item. My plan now is, to manure all my
corn ground ; sow clover in my corn or oats field, and
the following year make open fallow of them for
wheat. In June, 1849, I ploughed down a light crop
of clover in a field of eighteen acres, and then sowed
the ground with corn, at the rate of two bushels to
the acre. This I left grow until it was from six to
ten feet high, when it was all plou(jhe(l tinder about
en inches deep with a heavy t;am. After letting the
ground lay until near seeding time, I had it well har-
rowed, and then drilled in the wheat, one and a half
bushels to the acre. I never saw larger wheat grow
on any ground, and there were hauled at harvest
sevent y-tico horse rack-wagon loads oj" straw and icheai
from the field. The wheat sowed was Jleditcrranean,
excepting sis acres, which was white wheat, and

which was injured very much from the attack of an
orange colored worm about the size of a grain of
Timothy seed.* The season too was rather wet, and
the fields did not average quite twenty-five Ijushels to
the acre. Adjoining this, I had a field of twenty-six
acres (all Mediterranean) which was oat stubble,
thoroughly manured, the yield of which was twenty-
sis bushels to the acre. The field in which the corn
was plouglied' under had but about sis loads of ma-
nure on some dry ridges. On the two fields, forty-
four acres in all, I sowed Timothy in the fall and
clover in the spring following, and now (April 19)
the grass in the field where the corn was turned under
is decidedly the best.

In order to test again the advantage of plougMng
down green corn, I pursued the same course last sum-
mer with ten acres, in a field of forty-one acres, for
wheat. The corn was not sown until about the
first of July, and then did not grow well ; was only
about four feet high and not as thick on the ground
as I wished to have it when ploughed under. On this
ten acres there was not put a fork-full of manui-e, and
the clover had been pastured down pretty close pre-
viously to ploughing for the corn. The remainder of
the field was well manured. The ten acres of coi-n
ground were not seeded until a week after the other
part of the field, and now (April 19) I would rather
take my chance with this part for a crop of wheat
than the rest of the field. It is true the part manured
is larger in growth, but it was seeded a week eailier
and much of it is now too rank.

There was much speculation among farmers about
the field of corn ploughed under in 1849, many assert-
ing that the heavy growth of fodder could never be
got under, others that it would make the ground sour
and the whole would prove a failure. But all was
neatly accomplished, even beyond my most sanguine
expectations. I may here remark too, that a portion
of the corn nearest my dwelling (which was the last
turned under) was so luxuriant that I gathered more
than a dozen ears suitable for boiling.

I fear I liave wearied the patience of your readers
and I must now close these hasty remarks. I may
drop you a line upon the same subject after harvest
if life is prolonged. EespoctfuUy, iSrc.

William Stavelt.

Partridge Hall Farm-,

Bucks County, April 19, 1851.

*This must be the cecidomyia triiiei, (an insect
much like the hessian fly) wliich infests the heads of
wheat. — Ed.

B@°'Salt your cattle often after turning them to
grass. The change from dry feed to green, succu-
lent matter, demands this. Ashes mixed with salt

should be given to sheep charcoal and salt to

swine. — Sussex Home Journal.

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Mat,

Agricultural Chemist of Maryland and his Report.

Mr. Editor : There is a slight error in your first
number, -wherein you say, that the State of Virginia
lias recently taken a step far in advance of her neigh-
bors, by providing for an Agricultural Chemist.*
Maryland, by an Act of her General Assembly at
tlie Session of 1847, '48, created the office of Agri-
cultural Chemist, with a salary of ?1500 per annum,
. and an allowance of ?200 for the first year, and not
exceeding §50 for each succeeding one, for the pur-
chase of chemical instruments and materials. " Honor
to whom honor is due." Virginia deserves commen-
dation for her liberal and wise policy in this respect ;
but our noble sister, still nearer to us, has taken the
lead. Under the Act above mentioned, Dr. James
Higgins, was appointed Agricultural Chemist for
Maryland, and as soon as ho could procure the ne-
cessary apparatus, tests, and re-agents, entered upon
his duties. He was required to make an annual re-
port to the House of Delegates, of his proceedings ;
and ho accordingly at the ensuing Session, submitted
his first report, 10,000, copies of which have been
printed by order of the General Assembly. It occu-
pies 92 pages octavo, and is replete with tie most
valuable and interesting matter.

The State of Maryland, is. divided into throe
" Gubernatorial Districts ;" and the State Chemist is
required to spend one year in each of these, analyz-
iu"- the soils, marls, and other vegetable and mineral
deposits, and delivering public lectures in the several
counties. His report is chiefly devoted to the first
of those duties, and details the results of his nume-
rous examinations of the soils of a portion of the
Eastern Shore of Maryland — the part of the State
which lies East of the Chesapeake Bay, and of the
remarkable deposits which are diffused through that
district, and destined to renovate and enrich it be-
yond calculation.

As practical utility was the prescribed aim of his
instructions, it is interesting to observe the manner
in which he viewed this business of Analysis, and
what he deemed to be its appropriate objects and
uses. He considers his duty to be, to analyze the
varieties of soil in order to determine the presence or
absence of the necessary constituents of crops —
whether those existed in sufficient quafitities — and
what particular substances would most economically
supply deficienccs, so as to render barren soils fertile,
and retain the fertility of those which are already
productive. The necessary constituents of crops are

. * The passage in question should have read, " a
step far in advance of some of its neighbors." —
The State geologist of Alabama includes agricultu-
ral chemistry in his course of instruction at the uni-
versity. The importance of the subject was insisted
upon at tlie organization of our own geological sur-
Tey, to which a chemist was attached ; and when
connected with the survey we collected specimens of
soils for analysis. — Ed.

the substances, which are always present in plants,
in all climes and under all circumstances, and which
those that administer to the sustenance of the hu-
man body, must contain, to furnish the proper ele-
ments of its nutriment and growth. Having attained
a knowledge of what plants require, we thereby ar-
rive at the necessary constituents of soils. For the
food of plants, is derived from the soil and the air
which surround them. A certain portion of the ele-
ments of plants, from their natui-e, cannot exist in
the atmosphere, and, if not present in the soil, vege-
tation cannot be produced. As it can be perfectly
ascertained, what substances are necessary for plants
that are used for food, from our knowledge of the
matter in the human body, which is supplied with
that food, so we can perfectly ascertain what are the
necessary constituents of soils from a knowledge of
the material which these plants require for their com-
plete devclopement. The best proportions necessary
to constitute a fertile soil, can only be determined by
chemical analysis of a large number of fertile soils.
With each examination, one certain step is gained in
the solution of this great question. When examina-
tions become more numerous, the minimum quantity
that will produce the largest yield, will be discovered ;
and then tlie perfection of Agriculture will he attained.
All necessary substances, to constitute a fertile soil,
must be present, for the excess of any one cannot
compensate for the absence or deficiency of another.
Those substances are lime, humus, magnesia, potash,
soda, phosphoric acid, animal and vegetable, or or-
ganic matter, chlorine, sulphuric acid, alumina or
pure clay, silica or sand, iron, as per-oxide. But
soils very productive, particularly for wheat, may
contain small proportions of any one of the necessary
constituents, the rest being present in proper propor-
tions.

To retain the fertility of a soil already productive,
it is necessary to add to it a quantity of fertilizing
matter, equal to that which is taken off liy the crop,
allowance being made for what may be lost by per-
colation through the soil. By doing this, we can al-
ways maintain soils at whatever point of production
they may have, and even increase their productive-
ness. A soil which, from its texture, is particularly
good for wheat, may thus be kept in a condition to
produce a crop every year, without any rotalian. —
The same is true, with regard to corn or any other
crop.

The following remarks on the suliject of lime, ex-
plain its action as a fertilizer. Lime exists in the
soil most generally as a silicate, that is, chemically
united to silicic acid or sand. In the human body,
in union with phosphoric acid, it forms a very large
part of the bones. It exists in combination with dif-
ferent acids in the root, stalk, blade and grain of all
plants.

" Besides the necessity of its presence to form the
structure of plants, it performs many otlier impor-

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

tant functions in a soil. It promotes the decomposi-
tion of vegetable matter, and thus causes it to yield
the different mineral substances which it contains,
03 means for the production of another gro-svth. It
improves the mechanical texture of land ; this is but
one of its smallest uses. It poivcrfully aids the dis-
integration of the minerals (grains of sand) in a
soil, which contains many of the necessary ele-
ments of plants, and ivhich -prithout the fluxing or
fusing power of lime, would still retain them. This
is one of its greatest and most important uses ; and
wo cannot yet say, whether or not lime, when applied
to a soil, does not act more beneficially in this way
tlian in any other. More investigations by chemical
analysis, assisted by practical expei-imcnts, must be
made than have yet been, to settle this question, and
to determine in what manner, under what circum-
stances, and in what quantities, lime acts best. In
none of the soils which I have examined, has it been
found in sufficient quantities, except where at some
time or other, it has been applied artificially."

The particular combination or proportion of each
(if the necessary constituents of soils, that will give
the greatest yield, has not yet been determined. It
can only be ascertained by many careful analyses of
fertile soils, in order to see what quantities are pres-
Kent in them ; and, by the analyses of soils which are
unproductive ; then, to find by the application of the
necessary manure, the smallest quantity that will
prcxluoe the greatest benefit. " The experiments
hitherto made determine nothing but the mere fact,
that some particular manure has acted well on- some
particular soil. As long as we remain in ignorance
of the composition of the soil, so long wo can learn
almost nothing." To obtain a knowledge of the best
manure by its mere application to a soil, without ref-
erence to the compositions of the soil itself, ho pro-
nounces empirical. The science of Agriculture, like
all others, has fixed laws, and must be studied in a
rational manner. Each known fact in Agriculture,
to bo useful, must be developed with all of the causes
which led to it. A successful or unsuccessful appli-
cation of manure, is a fact of little value, unless the
composition of the soil upon which it was used be
determined. " Then all the causes influencing its
nction will be manifest, and each experiment made,
will lead us onward to a perfect system ; every trial
of a manure will teach us how it should bo used, and
when rejected." A. L. H.

Lancaster, April 11, 1851.

Corn Sowed for Fodder. — ^^^ho has tried sweet
corn for this purpose? Our own experiments have
been limited; but for milch cows we believe it is
preferable to other kinds of fodder, as it may be sown
thickly by using a full dose of special manure, and
as too thickly sown to form ears, the stalks will con-
tain a large quantity of sacharine matter, and may
be sown frequently so as to keep a continuous supply
during the whole summer and fall months. — Frof.
Mapes.

Agricultural Education.

Mr. Editor : In a previous communication, I at-
tempted to show the importance of an agricultural
Journal to the practical farmer, and in a spirit of un-
affected earnestness, urged upon the friends of agri-
culture the expediency of ginng their countenance and
support to your undertaking. It appeared to me that
a State so essentially agricultural as ours is, should
at least bo able to sustain one periodical exclusively
devoted to the interests of farming. If every work-
ing farmer or his son, and every amateur farmer,
with every Storekeeper and Miller, would subscribe
to the " Farm -Journal," it would do away at once with
the reproach that Pennsylvania with her broad acres
of tillable land, cannot afford sufficient encourage-
ment to a paper, published with the view of benefit-
ting those who live by the soil.

It should not surprise that storekeepers and mil-
lers are included in the category of patrons to such
a publication. Who will deny the relevancy in this
connection. Where is the storekeeper who is not
deeply interested in the success of farming ? Not
one. They all must admit, that when harvests are
most abundant, their sales are proportionably largo
and profitable. A dollar in the year is but a trifle
to every inland storekeeper in the State, compared to
even the nominal benefit received in the general pros-
perity, independent of the intrinsic value of twelve
numbers of a journal, every one of which will prove
to the subscriber an interesting monthly visiter,
which at the end of the year, when stitched or bound
together, will become an engaging family companion.
Then as to the miller, he is emphatically the most
interested in the matter. Is sound, heavy flouring
grain nothing to him ? Do not smut, rust, garlic,
cockle and cheat, annnoy him whenever they pre-
sent themselves ; and can he hesitate to spend a
a dollar a year upon a work that will show the grain
growers how to get rid of those pests, or at least"
to avoid them ? If ho does, no one should sympa-
thise with him if his millstones smell of garlic for a
month, or if he should be doomed to grind bad wheat
for a whole season as light as fifty pounds to the
bushel.

But I must not forget that I set out to say a few
words on the subject of agricultural education, the
expediency of training our j'outh intellectually, mor-
ally and physically, so that they may be able when
men, to acquit themselves well, and cleverly, in every
position in which as intelligent citizens they may
claim to be placed, either to subserve their own inte-
rests or those of the public, while they can boast a
proficiency in agricultural and horticultural skill, —
a Pennsylvania farmer, possessing largely the es-
sentials of a sound, practical education, a man suited
for public, as well as private ends.

Ilad the endowment of an Agricultural college been
asked of any Senate or Ilouse of Kepresentatives, in

COMMUNICATIONS.

[May,

Assembly mot, within our recollection, whilo thou-
sands upon thousands of dollars v^ero being appro-
priated to literary institutions and other systems,
what kind of reception would such a proposition have
had? Why, in all likelihood, the mover of the meas-
ure, would liave been considered as little loss than
demented, the motion thrown on or imder the table,
or, at least, the want of means would be sure to have
suggested the impossibility of granting the gratuity.
This want of means will always, in the very nature
of things, bo a standing, convenient excuse for
refusing to grant whenever it would appear to be
popular to withhold, however right and proper the
granting might be. So long as the Legislative body
is merely a representation of political parties, it will
eshiliit all the elements that governed in the election
of its members, and the Treasury will be made to feel
the influences of functions devoted exclusively to par-
ty— the funetionai-y looking to no other constituency.
The industrial classes have no representation re-
spectively. The farmers being the largest class, suffer
most for the want of Representatives intimately ac-
quainted with their wants, and sedulously disposed
to their interests. Is it not time we should have less
partizanisra, and more of farmingism, mechanicism,
and the like. jNIust not every reflecting mind con-
cede, that such a change would prove highly salutary
in lessening the waste of public time and money, in
abating the bickerings and heart-burnings of partizan
strife, and in recalling our erring affections, to be
united in a pure and primitive devotion to "Virtue,
Lilierty and Independence!"

If the feeble light I have attempted to throw upon
the condition of the farming community, will afford,
to the considerate and well disposed among them, but
a glimpse at the circumstances of the case, the cause
and effect, they will, I trust, be induced to look far-
ther into the fatuity that dooms so large a portion of
farmers to unproductive drudgery and toil, that keeps
them insensible to their claims to a better destiny;
and if they will rally upon some plan, by which Ag-
riculture, with those engaged in its pursuits, may be
made to rise to the dignity that sometimes poetically
is claimed for it, they will not only do a ser^•ico to
themselves, but to the State likewise. '

It is no easy matter to eradicate a disease that is
chronic, nor to subdue habits and prejudices of long
standing; therefore, with the old and confirmed in
apathy, little or nothing can be done in the way of
improvement or change ; but there are those with
whom, and for whom, much can and should be done.
I allude to the rising generation. Here is ground
suited to seeding, this is the field for operation, to
which I invite every friend of Agriculture to labor
with a zeal commensurate with the groat objects and
interests to be achieved. Let no farmer who respects
his calling, or loves Pennsylvania, be backward to

enter this field, and having entered, let him never
think of quitting it till the work is finished, till the
goal is reached, and the prize awarded — the prize. Ax
Agricultural College or Colleges, instituted by
the State, wherein every farmer's son may receive a
literary and professional education compatible with
the dignity of Agriculture, and the pre-eminence
which Pennsylvania, in wise and liberal institutions,
should assume.

To Jlr. Pvussell, the present Superintendent of the
Common Schools, are we indebted for the first effort,
I believe in this behalf, by any public functionary of
Pennsylvania, — an effort, under tho circumstances,
as bold, and manly, as its motives, no doubt, were
pure and patriotic, and which should bo held in
grateful remembrance, by every liberal minded farm-
er throughout the land. Did ho but know, or could
I express the sense of obligation I felt to him, on
reading the project of an Agricultural College in hia
late ofiicial report, it would in ■some measure compen-
sate for the disinterested service ho has rendered to
the cause, should there not be found another indivi-
dual so inclined, but there is no danger that I shall
be alone in the expression of thanks, so justly his
due.

The Report referred to, suggests one college for
the instruction of five hundred pupils and a farm of
not less than one thousand acres. With all duo de-
ference it strikes mo, that the size of tho farm and
the number of pupils under instruction, in one insti-
tution at a time, are on a scale too large for profit and
efiicionoy. The same outlay contemplated for one
college, if apportioned to four colleges, having two
hundred and fifty acres each, at appropriate looali-
ities, with buildings for the ■ accommodation of not
more than one, to one hundred and fifty pupils, would
prove more beneficial.

The expediency of an Agricultural College is not
a new idea with me, but one upon which I have long
meditated, as is well known to most of the intelligent
agriculturists throughout the whole country. But as
this article has already outgrown perhaps the space you
can allot to it, and the want of time not permitting to
go farther into detail at present, 1 must reserve further
remarks on this interesting subject until another oc-
casion. In the meantime, I submit the few hints al-
ready thrown out, to the candid consideration of
your readers. Kespectfully yfiurs,

Mount Airy, 2Zd April, 1851.

James Gowek.

Hoof-ail in cattle. — To cure this complaint,
wash the hoof dean with warm soap suds, very par-
ticularly between the claws ; then apply linseed oil
and sulphur, mixed in about equal parts. The ani-
mal should bo kept in the stable with a plenty of dry,
clean litter. By applying the mixture once in two
days, (the foot always being well washed previously)
the animal will generally be well in one week — ^^and
I have known quite bad cases cured within forty-eight
hours, with only one application. — Rural New Yorker.

1851.]

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

^igricultiTral Societies.

Meeting of Executive Committee.

IIarrisburg, Tuesday, April 29, 1851.

Pursuant to the requirements of tlie Constitution,
the Executive Committee of the State Agricultural
Societv met at Harrisburg. Present: lion. Frederick
AVatts", Dr. A. L. Elwyn, George H. Bucher, Dr. L.
Keilly, A. O. Hiester, C. B. Trego, James Gowen,
Liavid JIumma, jr. and Isaac G. McKinlcy.

On motion of Judge AVatts, James Gotten', ivas
called to the chair, and Isaac G. McKinley appointed
to act as Secretary, the Recording Secretary not being
in attendance.

A. 0. Iliester, submitted the following resolutions,
which were unanimously adopted :

Eesolved, That we deem the establishment and suc-
cess of au Agricultural Journal published in Penn-
sylvania as essential to the proper esposltlon of tlic
principles of agriculture as practised in our State.

Resolved, That we approve of the plan of the
" Pennsylvania Farm Journal," publislicd at the city
of Lancaster, by A. 31. Spangler and edited l)y Prof.
S. S. Ilaldeman : that for the present it be adopted as
the organ of the State Society: and that farmers and
all others interested in the subject of agriculture be
advised to patronise it and contribute information to
its columns.

Dr. A. L. Elwyn submitted the following resolution
which was unanimously adopted :

Resolved, That the proceedings of the meetings of
this Society be published in the " American Farmer,"
an agricultural journal, published in the German lan-
guage at Harrisburg, by J. B. Beck, and that this
periodical be recommended to the patronage of the
German Farmers of Pennsylvania.

The Committee then adjourned until 7J o'clock this
evening.

EVEXIXG SESSION.

The Committee met pursuant to adjournment. Dr.
Elwvx submitted the foUowiug resolutions which
were adopted:

Resolved, That inasmuch as the citizens of the vi-
cinity of Harrisburg have pledged themselves to con-
tril)ute the sum of fifteen hundred dollars towards
defraying the expenses of the first annual exhibition
of the State Agricultural Society, it is hereby deter-
mined that the same bo held near to Harrisburg:
provided that grounds sitfflcient for the exhibition and
plowing match be also furnished.

Resolved, That A. O. Heister, Geo. H. Bnohor, Dr.
L. Keilly, David Mumma and Isaac G. McKinloy, be
(I Cum.mittee of arrangement, whose duty it shall be
definitively to act upon all subjects p'^rtaining to the
first annual exhibition, and that they shall have pow-
er to employ such aid and assistance aa necessity
shall require.

On motion of Mr. Heister It was

Resolved, That Frederick Watts, James Gowen and
A. L. Elwyn, be appointed a Committee to select a
suitable gentleman to deliver the annual address at
the Agi-icultural Exhibition.

On motion of Mr. Watts it was

Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be
published in all the papers of Pennsylvania favorable
to the cause of Agriculture. Adjourned.

James Gowen, President.
Isaac G. McKixlet, Secretary, pro tempore.

DauiJhin County Agricultural .Society.

In pursuance of a call for a public meeting in the '
Court House, in the borough of Harrisburg. uu the
evening of the 2Sth ult., the i\irmcrs and others inter-
ested in promoting the objects of Agriculture, and for
the purpose of organizing a County Agricultural So-
ciety, met ; and on motion of Hon. A. 0. Hiester, the
following ofiicers were appointed:

rresiiknt—l>X\\V> M C JIM A.

Vice Presidents — Chkistiax Ennsi ax, IIexry IIoff-
MAX, Jonx Weitzel, John Paul, Isaac Allemax,
John Gixekich, Joseph Hershey, Daxiel Puffen-

BERGER.

Secretaries — E. E. Kinzer, Isaac Iloffer, J. M. Beck.

After the organization of the meeting, the Chair-
man stated the object of the organization of the Ciuin-
ty Agricultural Society, in a very plain jiraetioal ad-
dress, and was followed by Hon. A. 0. Hiester, who
illustrated the objects of the call with many useful
examples of the result of his experience in' raising
grain, &c., and then suljmitted a constitution which
was read ; when J. H. Bcrryhill, Esq., being called
upon, made a very interesting address and was fol-
lowed by Mr. Lamberton in a happy speech.

On motion, the constitution was adopted, and H.
Gilbert appointed to Treasurer to receive subscrii)-
tions to the Society. Adjourned.

Jimiata County Agricultural Society.

The Juniata County Agricultural Society met on
the first of Jlarch, ami after adopting a Constitution,
selected the following officers :

President — John Beat.e.

Vice Presidents — David Beshoer, John Adams, ,S.
Shanon, W. G. Thompson, William Cox, Jr., 'William
Sterrett, John Brubaker, S. E. Smith, James Lathers,
Ncal McCoy.

Trevsurer and Recording Secretary — Alexander K.
MeClure.

Corresponding Secretary — E. S. Doty.

Librarian — Lewis Burchfield.

Board of Managers — Gen. William Bell, J. P. Shitz,
Hugh Hamilton, John Watson, Edward'Jamison, J.
Jacobs and Hugh T. McAlister.

Remedy for Burns. — ^Dr. Reese, physician of Bel-
ivue Hospital, New York, has been making experi-
ments concerning the best mode of healing burns and
scalds and checking acute sufl'ering. He has found
that flour, thrown on with a common dredging box,
is one of the best and most efilcient remedies yet dis-
covered. The external air is one cause of suiSering,
and the flour thus applied, both heals and closes the
wounds to the atmosphere. The edges of the wounds
which remained open he dressed with lime and oU,
applied by a feather. Dr. Reese says the above ap-
plication made to wounds by fire, hot water, gunpow-
der, &c., has been most happy in tho practice at the
Hospitals.

To Iron Silk. — Silk cannot be ironed smoothly
so as to press out all the creases, without first sprink-
ling it with water, and rolling it up tightly in a tow-
el— letting it rest for an hour or two. If the iron is
the least too hot, it will injure the color, and it should
first be tried on an old piece of the same silk. Bright-
colored silks or ribbons, such as pink, yellow, green,
&c., always change color on the application of an
iron. Black, brown, olive, grey, &c., generally look
very well after ironing. Silks should always be iron-
ed on the wrong side.

IMPROVED CATTLE.

[May,

i?mproBcir Ijrccb of (Sattle.

TTie Devons.

The lioail of the Devon ox is small, very singularly
go relatively to his hulk ; yet it has a striking
breadth of forehead. It is clean and free from flesh
about the jaws. The eye is very prominent, and the
animal has a pleasing vivacity of countenance, dis-
tini'uisliing it from the heavy aspect of many other
bre'eds. Its neck is long and thin, admirably adapt-
in" it for the collar, or the more common and ruder

yoke.

It is accounted one of the characters of good cat-
tle that the line of the neck from the horns to the
■withers should scarcely deviate from that of the back.
In the Devon ox, however, there is a pecular rising of
the forehead, reminding us of the blood-horse, and
essentially connected with the free and quick action
by which this breed has ever been distiugnishcd. It

has little or no dewlap depending from its throat.

The horns are longer than those of the bull, smaller,
and fine even to tlie base, and of a lighter color and
tipped with yellow. Tlie animal is light in the with-
ers ; the shoulders a little oljlique ; the breast deep
and the bosom open and wide, particularly as con-
trasted with the fineness of the withers. The fore-
legs are wide apart, looking like pillars that have to
support a great weight. The point of the shoulder is
rarely or never seen. There is no projection of the
bone, but there is a kind of level line running on to
the neck.

These arc characteristic and important points.

Angular bony projections are never found in a Ijeast
that carries much flesh and fat. The fineness of the
slanting direction of the shoulder, and the broad and
open breast, imply strength, speed, and aptitude to
fiitten. A narrow-chested animal can never be use-
ful either for working or grazing.

With all the lightness of the Devon ox, there is a

THE DEVON OX

'Vk^'if^^f.*

point about him, disliked in the blood or riding-horse,
and not aj )prcivod in the horse of light draught — the legs
are farunder thochest.or rather the breast projects far
and wide Ijefore the legs. We see the advantage of this
in the beast of slow draught, who rarely breaks into
a trot except when he is goaded on in catrhinj times,
and the division of whose foot secures him from stum-
bling. The lightness of the other parts of his form,
however, counterbalances heaviness here.

The legs are straight, at least in the best herds. If
tliey are in-kneed or crooked in the fore-legs, it argues
a deficiency in blood, and comparative incapacity for
work ; and for grazing, too, for they will be hollow
behind the witliers, a point for which nothing can
compensate, because it takes away so much from the
place where good flesh and fot should be thickly laid
on, and diminishes the capacity of the chest and the
power of creating arterial and nutritious blood.

The fore-arm is particularly large and powerful.
It swells out suddenly above the knee, but is soon
lost in the substance of the shoulder. IJelow the
knee, the bone is small to a very extraordinary de-
gree, indicating a seeming want of strength ; but
tliis impression immediately ceases, for the smallness
is only in front — it is only in the bone ; the leg is
deep, and the sinews arc far removed from the bone,
promising both strength and speed. It naiy perhaps

be objected that the leg is a little to long. It would
be 60 in an animal destined only to graze ; but this
is a working animal, and some length of leg is ne-
cessary to get him actively over the ground.

There is a very trifling fall behind the withers, but
no lioUmcness, and the line of the back is straight
from them to the setting out of the tail. If there in
any seeming fault in the beast, it is that the sides are
a little too flat. It will appear, however, that thi^
does not interfere with feeding, while a deep, al-
though somewhat flat chest is best adapted for speed.

The two last ribs are particularly bold and prom-
inent, leaving r<jom for the stomachs and other parts
concerned in digestion to lie fully developed. The
hips, or buckles, are high up, and on a level with the
back, whether the beast is fat or lean. The hind quar-
ters, or the space from the hip to the point of the
rump, are particularly long, and well filled up — a
point of importance b(jth for grazing and working. —
It leaves room for flesh in the most valuable part,
and indicates much power behind, equally connected
with strength and speed. This is an improvement
quite of modern date. The fullness here ami the
swcUinij out of the thigh below, are of much tnore cot-
sequence than the prominence of fat which is so 7nuth
admired on the rump of many prize cattle.

The setting on of the tail is high ; on a level with

1851.]

SHEEP.

the back ; i-avcly much elevated or depressed. This
is another great point, as connected with the perfec-
tion of the hind quarters. The tail itself is long and
small, and taper, with a round bunch of hair at the
bottom.

The skin of the Devon, with his curly hair, is ex-
ceedingly mellow and elastic. Graziers know that
there is not a more important point than this. Wlicn
the shin can be easily raised from the hips, it shows
that there is room to set on fat below.

The skin is thin rather than thick. Its appearance
of thickness arises from the curly hair with which it
is covered, and curly in proportion to the condition
and health of the animal. These curls run like lit^
tie ripples on water. Some of these cattle have the
hair smooth, but then it should be fine and soft. —
Those with curled hair arc more hardy, and fatten
more kindly. The favorite color is a blood red. This
is supposed to indicate purity of breed ; but there
are many good cattle approaching almost to a bay
dark. If tho eye is clear and good, and the skin
mellow, the paler colors will bear hard work, and
fatten as well as others : but a beast with pale hair,
and hard under the hand, and the eye dark and dead,
■will be a sluggish worker, and an unprofitable feeder.
Those of a yellow color are said to be subject to di-
arrhoea, or scouring.

These are the principal points of a good Devon os:
but he used to be, perhaps is yet, a little too fiat-
gided, and the rump narrowed too rapidly behind the
hip bones ; there was too much space between the
hip bones and the last rib; and ho was too light for
tenacious and strong soils.

A selection from the most perfect animals of true
breed — the bone still small and the neck fine, but the
brisket deep and wide, and down to the knees, and

' not an atom of flatness all over the side — these have
improved the strength and bulk of the Devon ox,
without impairing, in the slightest degree, his activi-

• ty, his beauty, or his propensity to fatten.

tainous ranges of our country from Alloglisiny to Ala-
bama—a high, moist, and verdant, but healthy and de-
lightful region, that needs only classical associations to
elevate it in the public regard, even above the far-famed

Varieties of Sheep.

No part of the frame-work of animals, whether races
of men or beasts, serves so well as the head to indicate
the family to which they belong even if it does not show
the particular temper and character of the individual.
Thus people accustomed to notice the marks that dis-
tinguish from each other the various breeds of horses
and cattle at once, on a view of the head alone — the fine
muzzle, full eye, thin skin, silken coat, well-defined
veins, and hard flinty bone of the high-bred southern
courser, will at once distinguish him from the soft-boned,
coarse-haired, cold-blooded, flabby and phlegmefic Con-
estoga ; aud in like manner, on a view even of a lierd of
beef cattle, will be prepared with confidence to say, as
it passes — This is touched with the blood of the Alder-
ney, or Channel Islands breed, as seen in the ewe neck
and deer-like head; thatshows the neat head and square
frame of the short horn; this again betrays the Wood of
the Hereford, and that of the Devon, while that beyond
sports tho long drooping horn of the BakewcU, carrying
all his fat veneered on the outside of his frame.

Here we give the Acatis only of two well known breeds
of sheep. The first is that of a Cheviot tup.

The only importation of this race, of which we are
aware, was by tlie Farmer of Marshfield, who probably
designed them for his native granite hills of New Hamp-
shire, so well typified by the compact, close-grained,
solid nature of his own mind, and mode of reasoning.

The name of this family of the svine race, implies
their origin in the Cheviot Hills of Northumberland. —
They occupy, in fact, n,early all the pastoral hills in the
south of Scotland, and the best part of the Grampian
mountains, and may be regarded as a hardy race, and
ought, one would think, to be well suited to the moun-

climate of Italy. Yes! there is prob.ibly no spot on th«
globe superior in delightfulness in climate to the moun-
tain lands of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, the
Carolinas, Georgia, and Eastern Kentucky, and Tennes-
see.

The wool of the Cheviot is short, thick set, and of
rather fine quality, fit for the manufacture of inferior
broadcloths. In this breed, the fore-quarters are light-
er, in proportion to the whole carcass, than in the Bake-
well. The flesh is said to be " fine grained, often well
intermixed with fat, and is generally esteemed for the
table;" but like our frontier settlers, they have rather
a disposition to rove and stray off, and do not come to
maturity at so early an ago as the Dishley or Bakewell,
with the blood of which the Cheviot would probably
mingle kindly, giving to the former (a more artificial
breed) more hardiness of constitution.

The portrait which illustrates this sketch represents
the head of a Cheviot tup, which gained the first prize
of his class at the Highland Agricultural Society's
Show at Aberdeen in 1840. It will be observed that
its face is longer than that of the Leicester, muzzle not
so fine, eye not so full, ears not set so high and hand-
somely on the top of the head, while it resembles the
Leicester in the white fiice and want of horns.

The next are portraits of quite a different character,
being those of a " black-faced" ram and ewe.

The first is that of a ram exhibited at the Highland

Agricultural Society's Show at Berwick-upon-Tweed,
in 1841, where he took the first prize of his chiss.

As indicative of the long time and care with which
this breed has been kept distinct and cultivatedj notice

SHEEP— DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

[May,

the tapering face, small muzzle, anrl full eye! The
arched nose always possessed by the black faced ram, is
Baid to denote boldness and courage. The legs, like the
face, are coTcred with mottled or black hair ; the horns
are highly picturesque, and will bring to the remem-
brance of many of his old guests, one that was kept filled
Tvith snutf of the most exquisite perfume, always lying
on the counter of the bar of the City Hotel, Baltimore,
in the life-time of " King David," who boldly led the
way in teaciiing the proper structure and philosophy of
hotel keeping.

The wool of the black-faced sheep is long and coarse,
which renders it of little value in manufacturing. The
carcass, however, is well formed, carrying its depth
forward to the brisket, better than the Cheviot ; yet the
entire body being narrow, owing to the flatness of the
ribs, gives too much lightness, or want of what is called
substance, to the whole carcass.

The flesh is said to be fine-grained, high-flavored, and
highly esteemed. This breed too, is very hardy, fro-
quetsting the highest parts of the heath-clad mountains
of Scotland, and requires little care from the shepherd.
■yVe wish we had a pair to send to our esteemed friend
and most accomplished " gentleman of the old school,"
Dr. B , proprietor of the Warm Springs, Bath Coun-
ty, Virginia.

The reader may observe that in these cases one is
called a tup, and the other a ram. These names are
synonymous ; but there are technical names employed
in all English agricultural writings, according to the
age and sex of sheep, with which every liberal-minded
reader who is not, would like, once for all, to be made
acquainted. At some more convenient moment that
shall be done. At present we have not an atom of time
or space to spare. Yet in all times and circumstances,
■we have no ambition, in constancy and force, like that
which would lead us to add even one item of useful in-
formation to the stock of those who are to look for their
bread to the cultivation of the soil. — Flough, Loom
and Anvil,

Currants — Raspberries. — Set these liushes in good
Boil, and manure them liborp.lly with a good compost
of forest leaves, rotten wood, ashes, salt, lime, hone
dust and muck. 'No fermentable manure should bo
applied. Let the soil be kept open and frco from
weeds, and the surfiioo covered with straw, and fruit
will be produced in almost any quantity desired. —
Germantown Telegraph.

CnARCOAL IN Cisterns. — A writer in the Horticul-
turist says, that six quarts of charcoal, nicely pulver-
ised, and put into a cistern of the capacity of fifteen
hogsheads, will make the water perfectly sweet at any
time. Well worth its trial.

Domestic (JEfonoiiii).

DAIRY 5IANAGEMENT.

We could never admit any excuse as sufficient to jus-
tify any man who keeps even one cow in not having an
abundance o? milk at least, if not of butter, for a family
of moderate size. Every Farmer should provide, if only
for a few of his best cows, a good u-nrni shelter, abun-
diiuce of litter for a clean dry bed, and of suitable food.
The cow that won't pay, with such shelter and keep, for
a quart of corn-meal a day, and a few turnips, or cab-
bages, or carrots, or beets, made into a good warm mess,
to be given twice a day, with an abundance of cut
straw — such a cow is not worth keeping; and he who
has such an one, or two or three or more, and will not
so provide for them, is not worthy to be called a Farmer,
and deserves to have his table served without milk or
butter, and, what is still worse, with a dirty table cloth
and a dull carver.

As I believe the management of milch cows to be su-
perior here to that in any part of England, it may be
interesting to tell you how I manage mine, and the
quantify of produce I obtain weekly. I liave a boiler
containing about 40 gallons, and into it I put about .50
lbs. of turnips, a considerable quantity of water, and
about 12 lbs of straw cut into chaff, and this is boiled
for about two hours, when it becomes a dark nasty
looking mess ; one half of this is taken out into two
tubs, and whilst warm 1^ lbs. of bean or pea-meal is
stirred into each, and then given to each cow at about
110 deg, of heat. That which is left in the boiler re-
mains till morning, and if well covered up is still warm
enough for use; it is then mixed with the pea or bean-
meal, as before, and given to the cows at break of day.
This, with hay quantum s7/^., constitutes their daily
diet; and I get about BJlbs. of butter from each cow. —
I omitted to say I have only two cows. The butter pro-
duced in this way has no taste of turnips, and the avidi-»
ty with which the cows eat this boiled mess is a good
criterion of its value. "When given to the cows, it should
be thin and sloppy. — Mark Lane Express.

Horse Shoeing. — The following remarks are from
the jien of Mr. Miles, Veterinary Surgeon to the
Queen of England's Life Guards and author of serer-
al valuable veterinary works.

The shoos of the horse should be of equal thickness
throughout, with a flat ground surface, as those with
high heels, which asinine smiths make in imitation
of their own, are dangerously absurd. The toe which
ought to bo raised is thus lowered, and nature's plan
reversed, which elevates the point in order to avoid
obstructions. The web should be wide, and of the
same width throughout, instead of being pinched in,
because the Vulcan operator likes to sec the shoo well
sot ofi" at the heels. This is both unphilosophioal
and detrimental ; it deceives the oyo of man, and in-
jures the foot of the horse. Tho outer edge of the
foot rests on the inner edge of tho shoe, and the re-
maining width of tho web projects beyond tho hoof;
so that tho master who thinks his horse has a good
open foot, only has to be proud of a bad open shoe,
wliieh both conceals deformities underneath, and in-
vites with open arms a bad road to come and do its
worst. The heels are made bare just where the
navicular joint is mo.st exposed; and if that be in-
flamed, what must the agony be when the unprotect-
ed foot treads on a sharp flint? The horse foils sud-
denly lame, or drops as if ho had been sliot — phrases
in much too common use to require explanation; and
small is the pity which the suffering animal meets
with from man, who, having iirst destroyed the use
of his victim's feet, abuses him because ho cannot go,
and imputes "grogginess" to him as a crime, as if he
wore in liquor Uko a groom, and not in agony.

1851.]

HORTICULTURAL.

j^oifuultttral Pc^javtmcnt.

Pomological Remarks.

Early in the present century several French gen-
tlemen in Philadelphia imported from the land of
their nativity a number of Pear Trees of varieties
■which, at that period, enjoyed the highest reputation.
Among these liinds were the Brovrn Beurre, Chau-
montelle, Colmar, Doyenne Gris, St. Germain, and
many others ■with which the markets of Paris were
then abundantly supplied. The trees •were planted
at their country seats, in the vicinity of the city. —
After the lapse of some years they came into bearing.
But great was their disappointment, on finding the
quality of the fruit altogether inferior to that ■which
the same varieties possessed in their ©■wn country. —
This inferiority in quality ■was attributed, by them,
to our soil and climate. Others, among whom were
the leading nurserymen of Philadelphia, very natu-
rally imbibed the notion that these varieties had been
over-rated, and that they really did not possess the
intrinsic merit that had been ascribed to them. In
consequence of this opinion, they viewed, ■with distrust
and suspicion, all fi'uits, however highly extolled, ■with
■which they ■were not familiar. Instead, therefore, of
testing the value of the new kinds, ■which shortly
afterwards made their appearance, from Belgium,
France, and England, they at once determined to
have nothing to do ■with them. On this account,
Pennsylvania did not keep pace ■with the improve-
ments in Pomology; she fell behind" the times. —
Within a few years, however, a view, more in accord-
ance ■with the American character, has rapidly been
gaining an ascendancy. And no^w, there is a grow-
ing disposition to become acquainted ■n-ith all of the
now varieties of alleged merit, by subjecting them to
a rigid scrutiny, and recommending such as, on
impartial trial, are found to possess qualities deserv-
ing commendation. This change of sentiment has
resulted in the introduction into Pennsylvania of a
number of no^w fruits fully equal, nay superior to the
old kinds even in their palmiest days. Such are the
Bartlett or Williams' Bon Crcticn, Beurre Bosc,
Beurre d'Anjou, Beurre d'Aremberg, Doyenne Bous-
Bock, Duchess d'Angouleme, Duchess d'Orlcans, Flem-
ish Beauty, Fondante d'Automno, Glout Morceau,
Golden Beurre of Bilboa, Louise Bonne de Jersey,
Paradise d' Automne, Rostiezer, St. Andre, Urbaniste,
and many other foreign varieties. Still the oxcater

VOL. I. — C.

number of those introduced from abroad do not sus-
tain the high character heralded on their advent, and
which many of them still sustain in their native land.
This circumstance has induced American Pomologista
to direct their attention vrith more favor to the fruits
that originate in our O'wn country.

Already the United States has produced a number
of kinds of great exccllenoo. Some of these have
found their vray to foreign countries where their me-
rit is unhesitatingly acknowledged. It is not my
purpose, at this time, to enter into a detailed account
of our native Fruits. On the present occasion I shall
merely designate the names of a few of them, and the
States to which they owe their origin.

To New York are we indebted for the Bloodgood,
Canandaigua, Columbia, Frcderika Bremer, La^w-
rence, Muscadine, Onondaga, Osband's Summer, Os-
wego Buorre, Sheldon and Stevens' Genessee pears, —
the Early Joe, Esopus Spitzenberg, Hawley, Jona-
than, Ladies Sweeting, Melon, Northern Spy, New-
to^wn Pippin, Swaar, and Wagener apples, — the Co-
lumbia, Jefferson, La^wrence's Favorite, and Wash-
ington plums.

Massachusetts is the birth-place of the Andrews,
Cabot, Cross, Gushing, Dearborn's Seedling, Dix,
Harvard, Heathcot, and Johonnot pears, — the Bald-
win, Benoni, Hubbardston Nonesuch, Lysoom, Porter,
and Roxbury Russet apples.

Rhode Island presents us with the Abbot, Capsheaf-
Knight's (R. I.) Seedling, Pratt, Westcott, and Wilk-
inson pears — Peck's Pleasant, and Rhode Island
Greening apples.

Connecticut has given us the Ilowell, and the late
Gov. Edward's, Calhoun, Citron, Dallas, Elizabeth and
Henrietta pears, — and the Chandler apple.

Most of the other States have likewise originated
fruits of excellent quality.

As might have been expected, Pennsylvania has
not withheld her quota of fine Native Fruits. Her
Seckel is universally acknowledged to be the Prince
of Pears. The parent tree is still in existence, stand-
ing on the Girard Estate, now the property of the City
of Philadelphia, within two or three miles of the town;
and continues to yield its annual crop of luscious
fruit. Scarcely inferior to the Seckel, is one of her
offspring, the Ott, raised by Mr. Samuel Ott, of Mont-
gomery County. Possessing the same high and po"
culiar ilavor as its parent, its period of maturity is at
a different season of the year. Instead of being an
autumn, it is a summer variety, and proudly chal-
lenges competition with any known summer pear. —
The Jloyamensing is another Pennsylvania summer
pear of excellent quality. Besides the three no^w
mentioned, Pennsylvania has given origin to the
Brandywine, Chapman, Chancellor, Eshleman, Feas-
ter, Kerper, Kingsessing, Lodge, Pennsylvania, Po-
tro, and Tyson, — and several other pears of a quality
at least equal to nine-tenths of those we receive from
abroad. Of the Plums which have originated in our

HORTICULTURAL.

[May

State, \7e -ivill only mention, at this time, Uullng's
Superb, a cling of fine flavor and large size, — the
Gen. Hand, one of the largest of all pluma, — and the
Cloavinger, a Ijluo, free, oval plum, of fair flavor, and
some six inches in circumference. A single Penn-
sylvania peach, only, will lie named, the Susquehan-
na, a native of Ilarrisburg; it is a free, yellow, Sep-
tember fruit of good flavor, and sometimes measuring
a foot in circumference. Specimens of this noble
peach, preserved in spirits, are in the possession of
Mr. Cloavinger, Superintendent of the Public School,
at the N. E. corner of 12th and Locust sts., where
they may bo seen. Pennsylvania has also produced
a number of apples, some of vfhioh are of much ex-
cellence. In the list are included the Brenneman,
Crawford, Fallenwalder, Jefferies,Klaproth,Laequier,
Miller, Republican Pippin, Smokehouse, Summer
Sweot Paradise, Townsend, Winter Sweet Paradise,
&c.

From investigations recently made in the vicinity
of Pliiladelphia by the Fruit Committee of our Horti-
cultural Society, it is believed there are many valua-
ble fruits in this State, entirely unknown beyond their
original locality. These, it is to be hoped, the Farm
JooRi^fAL will be the means of bringing into notice.
To aid in accomplishing the same object, the Penn-
sylvania Horticultural Society would also be happy,
at all times, to receive, by the most expeditious con-
veyance, scions and specimens of any valuable native
fruits from the different sections of the State.

Scions of sis new Pennsylvania apples and two
new pears hrve just been sent from Berks county,
through Jlr. Robert Kilaington, of this city. The
fruit I have not yet seen; specimens, however, will
probably bo forwarded during the present season.
W. D. Brinckle, M. D.

Philadelphia, April, 1851.

The Kitchen and Flower Garden.

Mr. Si'angler: — We hail with ecstacios and de-
light the very handsome aspect of the Penn'a Farm
Journal. There is not a State in the Union so cele-
brated for the intellectual capacity of its Farmers, as
tlie Keystone '.State, and we doubt not that your
field of contributors will yield to your readers a
golden harvest. As there may be some of your read-
ers that would relish a well supplied table of articles
differing from beef, broad, potatoes and shangb.aes,
we venture to throw out a few hints for the improve-
ment of the Garden. The name itself associates with
it pleasing anticipation, and from its culture properly
attended you will realize a tenfold return.

Those who have been actively engaged in the gar-
den have now all their early crops above ground, and
BTO preparing ground for Lima beans, that should
be planted in rich, light, mellow soil in hills 4 feet
apart. Plant the bean on its edge, with the eye
towards the ground; cover lightly, choose dry warm
weather for the planting, give them poles from 8 to

10 feet high. For market purposes they are a very
profitable crop.

Plant Snop short, or bush beans early in May, and
every two weeks thereafter, till the middle of July.
Sow a fuU crop of beets for the table and a full crop
of mangold wurtzcl for the winter stock. The best
garden beets for winter use, are the long blood and
the raddish beet. The latter has obtained the first
premium at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
the past three years in succession. Plant in drills
18 inches apart and the seeds dropped every 4 to 6
inches in the row. When they are up, thin them out
to 6 inches apart — mangold wurtzel to 9 inches
apart.

Sow a full crop of carrots. We prefer keeping tho
seed in moist sand two days before sowing; it thereby
vegetates at once for family use. The Horn carrot
is the richest. For field culture the Long orange for
light soil, and the Altringham for heavy soils are to
be preferred.

Parsnips are an indispensable vegetable, being in
perfection during the early spring months, when
other vegetables are scarce. They produce a very
heavy crop and are readily eaten by cows and pigs.
Our stock of that description, now have them daily,
and some to spare to our neighbors. Every gardener
should sow half an ounce at least, of Salsify or vege-
table oyster. Sow in shallow drills 9 inches apart,
and thin out the plants to 3 inches in tho row.

JEarly corn is a very important auxilliary to tha
Table. Plant at once, Adams extra early for a first
crop, and the early sugar, eight rowed for the second
and succeeding crops. Sow Bi-ocoli of tb.e early pur-
ple and early white sorts. Transplant them about
the end of June or first week of July for heading.
Cut in the fall and early in tho winter.

Melons are a very agreeable luxury. Sow a patch
of the netted citron; and of the water melon, sow
the mountain sprout, a very superior variety. Pro-
pare rich ground for egg plant and tomatoes which
may be planted safely about the middle of May. —
Many fail in growing their egg plant seed and tha
failure is attributed to bad seed. That may occasion-
ally be so, but not always. The greatest error is in
sowing deep. I have seen two men sow seed out of
the same bag, on the same day, and in the same hot-
bod. The one vegetated finely, and the other did not
produce one plant for twenty seeds sown. Nature does
not dig a hole and deposit her seeds, they arc all sur-
face sown — merely covered and pressed down with
rain or the snow of winter. The great secret of suc-
cessful planting consists in plunging the roots into a
puddle of clay or mud made to the consistency of
thin mush, and in this state plant them. With such
treatment if the plant is alive and has root it will be
sure to grow.

Flowers. — There is no embellishment that so much
adorns a residence as these emblems of purity and
innocence. The columns of the portico and piazza

1851.J

HORTICULTURAL.

appear more rural when clothed with verdure. The
jasmine, the monthly clematis and climbing monthly
roses are all very appropriate. Of Roses the follow-
ing six are fine monthly climbing sorts:

White Microphylla, Phillipart, pink; Fellenberg,
red; Janne de prey, buflf; Infant dc Ajaeio, crimson;
and Glory of Rosamond, scarlet. For monthly bush
roses select Ilermosa, pink; Souvenir, blush; Cels,
blush & pink ; Luxemborg, buff; Louis Phillippe, crim-
son; Queen of Lombardy, deep rose; Lyomais, rose;
Saffrana, yellow buff; Devoniensis, creamy white;
and Isabel, pure white. These vn\l furnish a suc-
cession of bloom from May tiU December, and can be
procured from any respectable Florist for a trifling
amount. Add to the above a dollars worth of choice
Flower seeds, including Mignonette, German Asters,
Russian ton week stocks. Phlox Drummondii, Blue
Grove, Love Sweet Alyssum, &c. Plant the roses in
fresh grotmd, well manured. Sow the seeds very
thinly in light rich soil made very fine. Sow the
seeds on the surface, rake them evenly, press the soil
with the back of the spade. Keep clean of weeds
and your labors will be crowned with success.
Rosedale, April, 1851. R. BciST.

The C;iItivatiou of (he Pear on the Q,ui]:ce Stock.
Mr. Editor : — The cultivation of the Pcaf on the
Quince stock, is now attracting more attention than
at any former period, and large importations are an-
nually made from Europe. Our own nursery men
are preparing to supply the demand, and give us the
advantage of growing our native varieties, whicli are
unequalled in point of hardihood, flavour and pro-
ductiveness.

Presuming that many of your readers are inter-
ested in the growing of choice fruits, I wish to call
their attention to the advantages possessed by
this stock under proper management. It has been
asserted that the pear on the quince, is short-lived.
Fortunately this is mere assertion, not sustained by
facts. The prominent objection to the quince stock
is, that it is liable to be attacked by the "borer" in
common with apples. It is well* known, that the
quince propagates by cuttings with the greatest
facility, producing from the part inserted, numerous
fibres, and the older the wood, the more readily it
roots. Advantage has been taken of this, to plant
the stock some five or six inches below the surfiice of
the earth. Thus planted, it is exempt from attack,
and the quince roots to the junction with the pear,
giving additional thrift and support to tlie tree.

The quince grows well in almost any soil, but thrives
best in a damp situation; and to be successfully
grown, requires an annual application of well-rotted
manure two or three inches in depth, and in quantity
proportionate to the size of the tree. It may be ap-
plied in the month of November, on the surface of
the earth, and by spring, what remains can be turned
under with the spade. The application of manxire

directly to the roots of trees, especially to those just
planted, is a most pernicious practice, and very often
fatal to the tree.

The merits of this stock arc — First, It comes very •
early into bearing, producing a fair crop of fruit the
third year from the bud.

Second, It adds greatly to the size and flavour of
the fruit. Indeed the contrast between the fruit
grown on the pear stock, and tliat grown on the
quince, is almost innedible, as regards both size and
flavour, and many of your readers if shown a Seckcl
pear, a Bartlett or a Beurre du roi (the deteriorated
Virgalieu) grown on this stock, would scarcely recog-
nise them.

Third, The limited space required to grow the
trees ; which seldom attain an altitude beyond twenty
feet, thereby giving facility for collecting the fruit
without injury.

Fourth, It transplants with certainty, without
checking the fruiting qualities of the tree. As an
instance, in March I transplanted a Buerre Did
pear tree on the quince stock; it was then showing
flower-buds — the following September I sent the fruit
to the Horticultural Society's Exhibition, where it
received a premium. The trees were about six feet
high nearly en quenouille or cone shaped.

It has also been asserted that the pear or quince is
not adapted to orchard purposes. I think time and
experience will prove the assertion an error. It is
certain, the French and Belgians have used it, and
are now using it most extensively for orchards, and
find their profit in it. We do not claim for this stock
that it will produce the quantity of fruit that the
pear stock will, but we do claim, that from a given
number of square yards under cultivation, it wiU pro-
duce a greater weight of fruit and of better quality.
The French ft-uit growers have almost invariably
adopted the conical or quenouille style of training,
and plant the trees in rows eight or ten feet apart.

Fortunes have been realized from the cultivation of
the peach ; at best but a very uncertain crop, and un-
der the most favorable circumstances, a fruit which
decays within a week after ripening. The tree itself is
of short duration, not existing beyond a period of ten
years under the best management, and thousands of
peach trees in the orchards of New Jersey are ex-
hausted in half that time; whereas, we can point to
pears on the quince stock twenty years of age, pro-
ducing regularly, heavy crops of fruit, and yet they
do not exhibit the first symptoms of decay. Added
to which, the superior keeping qualities, and the im-
mense variety of this delicious fruit, succeeding each
other from July to April, renders it worthy the atten-
tion of every cultivator of the soil.

Our climate is every way adapted to the culture of
the pear on this stock, and we hope to see tlie day
when orchards not "few and far between" wUl am-
ply repay in a pecuniary point of view, the enter-
prising husbandman. J.111KS D. FuLios.
Philadelphia, April, 1851,

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[May,

Cjoilicultuval Sodctica.

Proceedings of the Pennsylvania Horticultural So-
ciety.

The stated monthly meeting of this Society oc-
curred on Tuesday evening, April 15th, 1851, and\Yas
held in the Chinese Soloon, Philadelphia.

The President in the chair. These periodical oc-
casions arc of such a character, that individuals of all
dispositions, — the aged or youthful, the sedate or gay,
the more plain and fashionable can meet and admire
the beauties of nature in her most attractive attire;
and generally speaking, the Hall is crowded Tvith tlie
elite of the city; but owing to the unfavorable state of
the weather, at this time it was less so. Yet those in
attendance expressed themselves highly pleased with
the beauty of the exhibition, indeed it would be sur-
prising if they failed to be so, when the choicest flow-
ering plants of six green houses and the culinary
productions of many hot beds, contributed to their
gvatiflcation.

A few only of the most interesting plants from each
collection will be noticed. Among those from the
collection of Frederick Linnig were the Gardenia
StanUijana of recent introduction — a plant of pros-
trate habit and symmetrical form, throwing up slender
flowers from iive to six inches long, of a dark red
color, expanding into a trumpet shaped limb of a
light pink hue, delicately striped with dark red. — ■
Iranciscea hi/dranr/ecp formis a species bearing ftue
clusters of blue flowers in the axils of the branches ;
and Columnca Scheidiand, presenting many stems,
with numerous speckled fuscous personate flowers,
arranged singly at the axils of the leaves. Of those
from the green house of Peter Mackenzie — were
Silenc rosea gracea and Crepis Drummondn, new and
shown for the first time, plants of a delicate habit and
interesting; beautiful Pansies and a fine display of
Camelias. Of the latter — a flower of his seedling of
this year, called "Jenny Lind," a gem of pure white
distinctly striped with rich pink, petals round and
entire full to the centre, was deservedly admired. Of
those from Robt. Buist's green house were — a fine
specimen of a new and undescribed plant in full
bloom, from California, allied to Arbutus Pimelia
spectabilis, a pretty plant; fragrant and rich Hya-
cinths and beautiful Pelargonia. In the contribution
from Jliss Gratz were a fine specimen of Campanula
nobilis bearing large blue bell flowers along its
branches — a handsome plant; Showy* [Azaleas, a
flowering Bryophyllum calycimim, Pelargonice and
Fuchsia;. Among those in A. ISI. Eastwick's collee-
lection — wore a new species allied to Justicoa, five
Azaleas and Hyacinths. James Ritchie's embraced a
selection of the choicest Roses. James Gowen's
gardener presented cut flowers of beautiful Ranuncu-
lus.

Apples constituted the only fruit shown yet pos-
sessing interest — James Jackson, of Quakertown,
Bucks CO. — a seedling of much merit. Dr. Brinckle'
Bpecimens which he received from Charles Carpenter,
Potty's Island, Lake Erie, called " Carpenter's No. 2,"
from A. Fahnestock, Syracuse, N". Y. the " Northern
Spy," and John Perkins exhibited the Monmouth
Pippin and Tewkesbury Winter Blush.

t Of vegetables — among those of a large contribution
from Joseph Ripka, Manayunk wore — Mushrooms,
Cauliflowers,Asparagas, Rhubarb, Celeria, and Leeks.
On Miss Gratz's table — Cauliflowers, Cucumbers,
Endive, Radishes, etc. From the garden of the In-
Bivne Hospital wore remarkably fine head Lettuce and
Radishee. Samuel C. Ford's gardener, fine large cu-

cumbers and Isaac B. Baxter — Rhubarb and fine
Asparagus.

The following premiums were awarded, viz : — For
the best Everblooming Roses, to James Ritchie ; for
the best Pansies, to Peter Mackenzie ; for the second
best Pansies, to James Ritchie ; for the best and most
interesting collection of plants in pots, to Thomas
Meehan, gardener, to A. M. Eastwick; for the second
best, to Robert Scott, foreman to Robert Buist; for
the third best, to John Gallagher, gardener to Miss
Gratz, and a special premium of three dollars, to John
Polluck, gardener, for three fine plants.

For the best four specimens of Cucumbers, to P.
Devine gardener to S. C. Ford; for the best Cauli-
flower, three heads to Thos. Meghran, gardener to
Joseph Ripka; for the best Rhubarb to the same; for
the second best, to Isaac B. Baxter : for the best dis-
play of vegetables, by an amateur gardener to Thos.
Meghran; for the second best, to John Gallagher,
gardener to Miss Gratz ; and a speciail premium of
two dollars to John Riley, gardener to Insane IIos-
pital,]for a fine display.

A vote of thanks was accorded to Dr. John T.
Sharpless for the present of a package of culinary
vegetable seeds, obtained by him in Cairo, Egypt.

Members Elected: Samuel S. Ilaldeman to honorary
and corresponding membership. And to resident
membership, Joshua Jeanes, Edw. L. Parker, Robt.
Newlin, Joseph Mcllhenny, John Miller, P. Wychoff
and A. B. Cummings.

On motion, adjorned. Tho. P. James,

, Recording Secretary.

We are indebted to Thomas P. James, Esq., Secre-
tary of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, for
the above detailed report of the proceedings of that
association. They will be found to possess much
interest to every lover of Horticulture, and as the re-
ports for our Journal, will be more full and complete
than those formerly given, our readers will be kept
fully advised of the transactions of the Society.

We shall also publish the monthly schedule of
Premiums oifered by the Pennsylvania Horticultural
Society, with the day and hour of meeting. We are
requested to state that the premiums are open for
competition to all persons, whether members of the
Society or otherwise. For the benefit of those who
may not have not an opportunity of obtaining a copy
of the regulatione of tho Society in regard to the dis-
tribution of Premiums, we will in our next number
give them entire; so that persons desirous of com-
peting for prizes, will be enabled to understand the
necessary preliminaries.

SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS
Offered by the Pernio ylvania Ilorticultvral Society,

Philadelphia, for the month of May.
At the stated meeting on the 20th, at 8 o'clock, P. M.
Cameli,i.\. — For the best American Seedling, ex-
bited to the appropriate Committee from De-
cember to May, inclusive. Silver Medal.
Pelargoniums. — For the best, six named varie-
ties, in pots, 2 00
For the 2d best do. do. 1 00
Roses, Perpetual. — For the best, six named va-
rieties, in pots, 2 00
For the second best, '^' do. do 100
Rose. — For the best American Seedlinn;, ever-
blooming, in a pot, Bronze Modal.

1851.J

DORKING CHICKENS.

Tulips. — For the best single, eight named var. 2 00

For the 2d best do. do. 1 00

Pears. — For the best six named specimens, 2 00
Apples. — For the best, three named varieties,

four specimens of each, 2 00

Cucumbers. — For the best, six specimens, 2 00

KnuE.iRE. — For the best, twelve stalks, • 2 00

For the 2d best do. 1 00

Asparagus. — For the best twenty-four stalks, 2 00

For the 2d best do. do. 1 00

Peas. — For the best, half a peck,

For the 2d best do.

Potatoes. — For the best, ten pounds,

For the 2d best do.

2 00

1 00

2 00
1 00

Cemen-t for Household Use. — Take new milk'
half a pint, and curdle with sharp vinegar; separate
the whey and mix with the curd, the whites of five
eggs, beat well; add fine quick lime, and mix till you
have a ductile paste or putty. It will stop cracks,
and is fire and water proof.

THE DORKING FOWL.

For those who wish to stock their poultry yards
with fowls of most desirable shape and size, clothed
in rich and variegated plumage, and, not expecting
perfection, are willing to overlook one or two other
points, the Dorkings are the breed, above all others
to be selected. They are larger-bodied, and of better
proportions, according to their size, than any other
variety I have yet seen, their bodies being rather
long, plump, and well-fleshed ; and the breeder, as
well as the housewife, generally beholds with delight
their short legs, full, broad lireasts, little waste in
offal, and the large quantity of good profitable flesh,
the flavor and appearance of which is inferior to
none.

The cocks are magnificent. The most gorgeous
hues are frequently lavished upon them, which their
large size and peculiarly square-built form display to
great advantage. The original Dorkings are said to
have been white, but such are now seldom to be seen.
During all my rambles, in various parts of the coun-
try, only on one or two occasions did I meet with
Eure-white birds. In all, however, as far as my
nowledge extended, when pure-blooded, more or less
white prevailed; but the cloudings, and markings of
the plumage were unlimited. Many were marked
■with bands, or bars, of ashy-grey, running into each
other at their paler margins. Some had the hackles
of the neck white, with a tinge of yellow, and the
body of a darker or brownish-red, intermixed irregu-
larly with white; while others were be.autifully vari-
egated with white, black, green, and brown, or were
nearly uniform in their shades from a light-cream
color to almost black.

Both the cocks and hens are usually short-legged'
thickly-feathered, having fine, delicate heads, with
single, double, or large, flat rose4ike combs, which,
when they are in high health, add very much
to their appearance, particularly if seen in the bright
rays of the sun. Their legs are invariably white, or
flesh-colored, each often armed with one or more toe-
like claws ; and, instead of four toes to each foot, a
fifth one protrudes from the same root as the heel toe
in the common varieties, which is generally regarded
as a distinguishing mark of the breed.

The weight of the Dorkings, at maturity, variea
from five to eight pounds, and full-grown capons have
been known to weigh ten or twelve. Their eggs are
usually of a clear white, but sometimes of an ashy-
grey color, rather large in size, very much rounded
at both ends, and of an excellent flavor. The hens
are not '-everlasting layers," although they produce
eggs in reasonable abundance, but at due or conve-
nient intervals they manifest a desire to sit, in which
they often most strenuously persevere. In this re-
spect, they are steady and good mothers when the
little ones appear. They are better adapted than any
other fowl, except the great Malay, to hatch supera-
bundant turkey's eggs. Their size and bulk enable
them to afi'ord warmth and shelter to the turkey
poults for a long time. For the same reason, spare
goose eggs may safely be entrusted to their motherly
care. Their young, in this country, have thus far
proved very hardy and easy to rear. The chicks
are generally brownish. yellow, with a broad, brown
stripe down the middle" of the back, and a narrow
one on each side.

VILLA FARM HOUSE.

[May,

VILLA FAKM HOUSE,

■Hgptl^i^

I The above plate of a Villa Farm Hoiise has been obligingly furnished us by the publishers oi Dawning' s
Architecture of Country Eotises. It forms one of the numerous illustrations of this popular work.

FKINCIPAL FLOOI!.

This dwelling is intended for the country house of
a farmer of wealth, who wishes to give his dwelling a
dignified and superior character, without indulging
io too much ornament.

The exterior, as shown in the elevation, is varied
and picturesque, expressive of solidity, convenience,
comfort, and a considerable degree of elegance. The
bay-window and veranda, taken in connection with
the construction, bestow a villa-liko character on the
design, while the large kitchen chimney and the ab-
sence of all tracery to the gables, indicate a country
house of less pretension than the highly ornamental
cottage or villa.

Accommodation. The plan of the first floor shows
an entrance hall, 10 feet wide. On eitlicr side of
these are the two principal apartments — the living-
room and the parlor. IJy connecting these rooms
and the hall with large sliding doors, the wliole can
l>e thrown into one handsome suite on any occasion,
and the arrangement will always add to the coolness
and airiness of the rooms in summer.

At the end of the entrance hall is a staircase pas-
•sage 6J foot wide, loading to the kitchen, dairy or
milk-room, wood-liouse, etc.

The kitchen has a large pantry, and the living-room
a small one, both lighted by one of tho front windows.

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

THE FARM JOURNAL.

Sub-CCiiitcir's Department.

OUU TJERJIS— READ THEM.

In or.ler that the Farm Journal may be placed
within the reach of every one who feels iuterestod in
the progress of Agriculture, txo ask attention to the
following terms : —

Single Copies, - §1 00 Per Annum.

Five " - - 4 00 "

Ten " - 7 50 "

Twenty " - - 15 00 " "

It is not required that all papers in a club should
be sent to one office. We will mail them (in wrap-
pers,) to as many different offices as may be necessa-
ry. AVe make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neighborhoods may unite, and
form large club.s, and thus secure the " JonRNAL" at
the very lowest club rates.

Specimen copies of the Journal wiUbo sent on ap-
plication, Ponf-paid, to the publisher.

Post Masfcis, are by law, authorised to remit sub-
scription money to the pulilLslier, /rcc of postage. —
Particular attention is asked to this fact, as it will
save expense both to subscribers and publisher.

Our lerms are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at which the Journal is furnished renders
this imperative. Subscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subsscribers reside, will
be taken. Where the sum to be sent is large we pre-
fer that a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscribers and Post Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will alwaj-s be sent with the first
number of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, post paid, to the pub-
Usher. A. M. SPANGLER,

Lancaster, Pa.

Organ of the State Society.

It will be seen by the annexed resolutions which we
copy from the proceedings of the Executive Committee
of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.at their
meeting at Ilarrisburg on Tuesday, April 29, that our
Journal has heeminanimousli/ adojited b.s iho Orrtanot
the Society. An endorsement from so high a source,
is certainly most complimentary and gratifying to us,
and in i-oturn for it, we can only promise that no ef-
fort of ours will be spared to render the "Farm Jour-
nal " worthy this generous expression of favor.

If our friends will now give us their promised as-
sistance, we shall be enabled to redeem our promise.

Reso.'red, That we deem the csfahUshment and stic-
cess of an Arfricultural Journal pnhlishcd in Pennsyl-
vania as essential to the proper exposition of the prin-
ciples of ar/ricullure as practised in our State.

Resolved, That loe apjirove of the plan of the " Penn-
sylvania Farm Journal," published in the city of Lan-
eastcr, by A. M. Spangler and edited by Prof S. S.
Haldeman : that J'or the present it be adopted as the
organ of tlie State Soeteiy : and that farmers and all
others interested in the subject of agritidture be ad-
vised to patronize it and contribute information to its
columns.

J^g^-As WG are desirous of having the Journal
ready for delivery to subscribers on the first of the
month, we hope our correspondents will send in their
articles in time.

State Agricultural Exhibition.

The Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania
Agricultural Society, at their meeting on Tuesday
the 29th ult., appointed the first exhiljition of the
State Society to be held at Ilarrisburg, in the ensu-
ing October, as will be seen by reference to their pro-
ceedings published in this number. Our agricultural
friends at Harrisburg and the citizens of Dauphin,
appear to have been fully awake upon this subject,
having pledged themselves to provide all tlie suitable
conveniences of lands and buildings, with fifteen
hundred dollars, certainly, and five hundred dollar*
more, if necessary, to defray expenses. While ws
may regret that our City and County did not offer
stronger inducements to secure the important advan-
tage of having the exhibition in our midst, we can-
not but concede to the men of Dauphin the proper
reward of their enterprize and spirit. Let us try to
do better in future.

In the mean time, Lancaster County must bestir
herself to prepare for the exhibition. Her farmers
know they have a character abroad ; that the fame
of their agriculture is widely diffused, and that, for
fertility, prosperity, and practical skill, Lancaster
County stands second to no other district or section
in the Commonwealth. It is right and proper, that
their share, in the coming exhibition, should not fall
short of their position and character. We do not en-
tertain a doubt, that this county can make, with
moderate efforts, a splendid contribution to the State
Agricultural Fair. We have seen a drove of 50 fat
bullocks pass through our streets eastward, within
ten days, which were fattened by Christian Herr,
of Manor township, and which would have graced
any agricultural show in the United States. There are
in the County many fine cattle of improved English
breeds — some of which have been further improved
by crossings with our native stock. Horses we are
sure can be furnished from this County, equal to any
in beauty and blood, to be seen elsewhere, not to
speak of the majestic Conestoga draft-horse, which ia
so widely celebrated. Our farmers, too, have liberal-
ly patronized the various agricultural machines and
implements which have been invented of late years
for facilitating and saving labor. Many of these
have been introduced and approved among them,and
may form very interesting objects at the exhibition.

As to the products of her soil, th'^y are as various as
the soil itself. There can be no want of fine speci-
mens in this department; and nothing can bo a
legitimate subject of exhibition, than those fruits of
the earth, which are the principal care of the agri-
culturist. We are also of opinion, that Lancaster
County, in the article of arboreal fruits — of apples
and pears especially, can make an admirable display.
We happen to know, that an English farmer who ar-
rived in this country about three years ago, was

EDITORIAL.

[May,

struck with amazement, when he first saw the variety,
abundance and beauty of the apples, which were
brought to our market. In addition to these matters,
specimens of our native timber, planed to show the
grain, indigenous plants and herbs, remarkable for
medicinal qualities, or their elegance — the products
of household industry and magnificence, may be cu-
rious and interesting objects at the exhibition.

But we would extend this appeal to other counties.
Our State Society, in this material and important
measure, must be sustained — not awkwardly, but
zealously and with correspondent spirit. The whole
agricultural interest of the State, is deeply involved
in it. The first State Agricultural Exhibition in
Pennsylvania, will constitute an epoch. Neighboring
States will send their delegates, in no small numl)er,
to visit our Agricultural Fair. Think how mortify-
ing to every Pennsylvanian, would be their disap-
pointment on finding a deficient and meagre exhi-
bition ! Again ; consider what a chilling effect, it
would have upon the ardour of the friends of agri-
culture throughout the State. Fi-om the assembling
of the State Convention to the present time, the cause
has advanced with a full and flowing sail. If the
step just taken by the executive committee be met as
it should, throughout the Commonwealth, then the
cause is safe ; but if every thing be left to the efforts
of one, two, or three counties, and the exhibition turn
out a failure, who would answer for the result ? It
pains us to think of the possibility. The friends of
the cause, must be up and doing. Wo are assured,
that nothing will be omitted at Ilarrisburg, to make
the arrangements for the exhibition complete, by the
selection of the most suitable grounds, the construc-
tion of the proper enclosures and shelters, and the
adoption of useful regulations for the convenience
and comfort of all who may attend as visitors or con-
tributors. It remains for the farmers and those who
feel an interest in the improvement of agriculture, in
every part of our State, to begin and continue their
preparations for this grand exhibition. AVith an ear-
nest effort on their part, we feel safe iu predicting
that the fair will redound to the credit of our good
Commonwealth, and give a wonderful impetus to the
cause of Agriculture within her borders.

Enclosing Receipts.
We designed enclosing a receipt in each number
of the Journal sent to subscribers, but have since
been informed that this cannot be done without sub-
jecting the person receiving it to heavy postage. In
order to obviate the difficulty in part, we shall always
forward receipts to the persons sending club lists, &o.

The April Number.

In anticipation of an extensive circulation, a very
largo edition of our first number was printed. New
subscribers may therefore confidently rely upon being
supplied with it.

Farmers! Write for the Journal.

We herewith extend a cordial and hearty invitation
to practical farmers to favor xis with communica-
tions upon all subjects pertaining to Agriculture,
Horticulture, &a. One fact is worth a dozen theo-
ries ; and if the Farm Journal is destined to prosper,
it can only do so through the assistance of those who
are able to communicate the results of their own ob-
servation and experience. The fact that an important
truth is presented in plain language, does not in the
slightest degree detract from its value, and no reader of
sense will reject it because of the simplicity of style with
which it is written. So far from being an objection,
an easy, familiar style is most to be desired, and for
this reason it has been a special object with us to
avoid learned technicalities as far as possible.

For these and other reasons which might be given,
we earnestly request our practical farmers to write
for the Journal. Through them, alone, can we hopo
to render it the true exponent of Pennsylvania farm-
ing, an object of primary importance ; and the lead-
ing one with us.

Thanks.

We are indebted to the following gentlemen for
handsome Chib lists. Hon. G. R. McFarland, Ilolli-
daysburg, Blair co. ; C. Titzel, Meehanicsbui-g, Cum-
berland CO.; J. S. Keller, Owigsburg, Schuylkill CO.;
B. S. Russel, Towanda, Bradford CO.; Hon. Geo. W.
AVoodward, Wilkesbarro, Luzerne co.; Hon. Luther
Kidder, do' ; James Gowcn, Esq., Philadelphia co. ;
David Taggart, Northumberland ; Isaac Markley,
Esq., Norristown ; L. Burchfield, Sliffliutowu ; Dr.
E. D. Crawford, Thompsontown, Juniata oo.; J. M.
Cogley, Lewistown, Mifflin co. ; David Coble, Shep-
herdstown, Cumberland co. and to many other kind
friends whoso influence has been exerted in behalf of
the Journal. AVill not others who desire the success
of our enterprise, follow their example. A very
trifling amount of effort will secure like results wher-
ever put forth. AVith the honest consciousness that
we are laboring for the general good, we respectfully
solicit the aid and influence of every friend of agri-
culture in the State.

Delay.

In consequence of disappointment by our paper
maker, the publication of our present number has
been delayed several days later than we intended. —
Our arrangements arc now such, that we hope to bo
able to have the subsequent numbers ready by the
first of the month; a fact to whicli we ask thes2>ecial
attention of our correspondents.

Advert isemeuts.

To accommodate our advertising friends without
encroaching upon the space devoted to reading mat-
ter, wo have added two extra pages, to the advertise-
ments to which we ask the attention of our readers.

1S51.J

EDITORIAL.

What a little effort can accomplish.

It has probably never occurred to the friends of the
Farm Journal, how small an amount of individual
effort is necessary to place it beyond the possibility
of failure. There are, we believe, sixty-four counties
in Pennsylvania. Now, if each county will furnish
one Tiundred subscribers, we shall be enabled to pre-
sent them with a journal, which will truly and faith-
fully represent the agricultural interests of the State,
and prove a welcome and valued visitor to every
household.

Will not our friends in each county lend a helping
hand to this good cause ? We have secured the good
will and services of a number of Pennsylvania's
ablest contributors, and every mail adds to this num-
ber. Unless our assurances are deceptive, every de-
partment of our Journal will Ije ably filled. We shall
spare no expense to render its illustrations and typo-
graphical appearance fully equal to any of our eon-
temporaries elsewhere, whilst the exceedingly low
rates at wjiicli we furnish it, places it within the reach
of every farmer's moans, however limited they may
be.

Shall we have one hundred subscribers from each
county in the State ? Shall we have the means for
making our Journal all that the Pennsylvania Farm-
ers could desire, or shall we, after having expended
our capital, sit down -u-ith the mortifying conscious-
ness that our efforts have proven unavailing?

The encouragement wliieh we have already received
forbids us to anticipate anything but complete success,
and relying, therefore, upon the assistance of our
friends we shall persevere in our efforts to render
the Journal worthy the p ttronage of all who feel in-
terested in the prosperity 01 Pennsylvania agriculture.

t^^Hussey's Reaping, Mowing and Hemp Cutting
Machine is attracting much attention now, and should
command more. So far as our knowledge goes, it is
decidedly the best in use, although several others
claim for theirs, advantages which it does not pos-
sess. A more general introduction of this Machine
into the principal Agricultural Districts of Pennsyl-
vania, would doubtless remove the prejudices which
many iarmers now entertain in regard to improved
Farming Implements. Lancaster County fiirnishes a
fine field for testing its good qualities, and Mr. Hus-
se.y will do himself and the public a favor by placing
one or more of them in such places as v>"ill afford the
grain growers of this section an opportunity of as-
certaining thoroughly the principles upon which it is
operated. See advertisement.

- On the second page of the cover will be found
a description of Croasdah's Patent Seed Drill and
Broad Cast Sower, a new implement of which from
tlie favorable representations received, we are induced
to think well. Wherever used, it has been found to
answer a most admirable purpose.

Our New Dress,

It will be seen that the present number of the
Joui-nal appears in an entire new dress. The gen-
erous encouragement extended to our first number
dissipated every doubt of success, and in order to
merit this hearty approval, we concluded to clothe it
in such a dress as would render it worthy of preser-
vation and fit for binding. The new type, which are
really beautiful, are from the well known foundry of
L. Johnson & Co., No. 6. Sansom St., Philadelphia.

Notices of the Press.

The exceedingly kind manner in which the News-
paper Press of our o^vn and other States has noticed
the first number of the Farm .Journal, places us under
deep obligations. The best return that we can make,
will be to endeavor to deserve the commendations
they have so freely bestowed.

The Potato Rot.

We copy from the Germantown Telegraph cxtracta
from several articles on the suliject of the '" Potato
Rot," by Tracy E. Waller, who it will be seen, confi-
dently asserts, that he has a remedy for the disease.
Our experience has not enabled us to say whether
the plan pursued and recommended by Mr. W. is
likely to prove effectual; but from the fact that he
has so much confidence in it himself, we shall be
glad to see a fair trial given it, and the results made
known. Since the ofier of a reward by the State of
Massachusetts of ten thousand dollars to the person
who discovers an effectual remedy for this disease of
the Potato, a host of claimants have entered the lists
as competitors for the prize. Of course many of the
suggestions are worthless, yet we may hope, that
some plan will eventually be discovered, which will
prove entirely sticcessful.

" Now I undertake to say, and will hereafter 2)rot>e,
to the satisfaction of every farmer in the Union, if he
will apply the test which I am about to propose, that
the disease originates in the defficienoy of certain in-
gredients in the soil. The fact that millions of bush-
els (notwithstanding the loss of one-third or more of
the crop by the rot,) of as good potatoes are grown
every year in the United States as were ever raised
before the appearance of the disease, attbrds to my
mind, without more positive proof, sufficient reason
to disbelieve the statement recently made, that the
plant dies like an animal, in consequence of " the
feebleness of old age." I shall not ask the Legislature
of our State to give me 810,000 for my discovery. I
shall be amply rewarded if, on a fair and efiicieut
trial, it will settle the question. I shall not be alone
if it be proved that I am mistaken ; and as my rem-
edy will add to the fertility of the soil in proportion
to the extent it may be applied, no one can lose any-
thing by the trial of it.

I therefore assert, as my firm belief, that Charcoal,
properly ap>p)lied, will always, and everywhere, prevent
the disease knoion as the " Potato Hot."

The use ef charcoal as a fertilizer is not a new
thing, though it is only within the few last years that
agriculturists have taken much notice of it. let it is
apparent that but few farmers in this country under-

EDITORIAL.

[May,

stand its value— its necessity to tlie soil. Prof. J. 1 .
Mapes, the able editor of the Working Farmer, has
advocated its use more, I think, than any other man
in our country. But even he has not spoken of it to
my knowledge, as a means of preventing the potato
rot. Nor can I learn that any other person has. A
writer in the American Agriculturist, January, 1851,
in speaking of the injury to the crops in some sec-
tions of New York and New Jersey, last year, says
of his own crop, " I mixed charcoal with the compost
of a small portion of the ground planted: where this
was done there was no rot."

This is the second year that I have entertained the
views I am now advancing: and so far as I have had
opportunity to test them, I have reason to believe
that my labor will not be in vain. I would therefore
recommend farmers this season (it being now so near
planting time) to try it on a small scale, and proceed
in the following manner : Take one-eighth of an acre
in a field to be'planted, either in rows through the
field or on one side of it — ground that was plowed
last fall or early this spring will be the best; spread
the compost (as directed to be prepared in my article
last week,) evenly over it, and plow it in. Strike
out the rows in the ordinary manner — take good
sound potatoes, middling size, cut them in half length-
wise, so that each part will have an equal portion of
the eye or seed end, and place them in the furrows
cut side down, one foot apart. The rows should be
at least three feet apart. Then tlirow a handful of
charcoal dust over each piece, and cover with a hoe.
Cultivate during the season as you do the rest of the
field, and immediately after they have blossomed, go
through the rows with a Tiag or basket of charcoal
dust, and sprinkle a handful on each hill at the root
of the vines. Kopeat this again about three weeks
before the tubrcs have attained their ordinary growth.

The alkalies in the compost are necessary as food
for the plant, but they will not prevent the rot; that
is the office of the charcoal. The chemical and phi-
siological action will be explained in the treatise I
. conteiiiplate puljlishing nest fall or winter. The
quantity of charcoal, (and perhaps in some respect
the moilc of ajiplying it,) as I before mentioned, may
have to be varied.

On account of the lateness of the season, I would
suggest that farmers who may be induced to try the
remedy I have proposed, prepare at once a compost
for one-eighth of an acre (which will be sufficient for

a trial this year,) as follows:

Pulverised charcoal 250 pounds.

Bone dust, or best guano, ... 25 "
Salt, 15

One large wagon load of wet and

well-rotted barnyard manure.
Mix well together and let it lay until time to plant,
say two or three weeks.

Next fiill I shall be happy to hear by letter or oth-
erwise from all who make a trial of the remedy. —
The labor and expense attending it will be light and
easy. The compost which I would recommend when
an acre or more is to be planted, will differ somewliat
from that advised in last week's paper ; and I hope
to be able to give some desirable information on this
interesting subject for the use of farmers next year.
I shall lie satisfied for the present if am instrumen-
tal by these articles in eliciting a more thorough in-
vestigation into the nature of the potato disease.

Tracy E. Waller.

liisiiiff Sun, Philadelphia co. Pa.

Agriculture and Geology.

The passage of the act appropriating eight thou-
sand annually, to the publication of the final report
on the geology of our noble State, will be hailed with
satisfaction, by every friend of Scientific Agriculture.
This sum is to be appropriated annually for four
years, in order that the most/ careful scrutiny may be
given the work as it goes through the press ; and
also to ensure the completion of it within the stipu-
lated time, in the style required by the nature of the
publication, and with a proper regard to the reputa-
tion of the State. When completed, it will con-
tain several hundred maps, sections, views, &o., to-
gether of important revisions with valuable locar
tions in which mining operations have opened nume-
rous avenues to knowledge, not accessible at the time
when the original survey was made.

From an ai'ticle prepared for the first number of
the Farm Journal, but which was not received in
time for pulilication, we make the following extracts,
showing the important relations existing between the
publication of the Geological Report and the interest*
of Agi'iculture. — [-Ed.]

" Of the contributions which such a report must
make to the benefit of our mineral interests, it would
bo easy to multiply examples ; but we confine our-
selves to its influence upon the aijricvlture of Penn-
sylvania ; a subject more directly connected with the
plan of this Journal. It is now well understood by
all intelligent men, that the theory and practice of
farming rests upon a knowledge of the soils to be
farmed ; and it is the business of the geologist to as-
certain the locallity, extent, and peculiar general
characteristics of each principal variety of soil. How
thoroughly this may be done will appear upon an in-
spection of any good geological map. The science of
chemistry, going hand in hand with practice in the
field, has been discovering and explaining the man-
ner in which the difiereut crops receive their nour-
ishment— what kinds of food they require — what
proportion of such food each soil contains — when ar-
tificial supplies are needed, and what kind of aid is
to be given, whether by carrying other soils, lime,
stable manure or other materials, or by turning up
sub-soils, &e. : and with the help of geology the
methods of drawing and watering have been devel-
oped and reduced to rule. With a good geological
map before us there would be little ditiiculty in pre-
paring such directions for the farming population of
each locality, as would advance our agriculture to a
den-ree not dreamed of by a majority of our citizens.
If ^e are to have (as we ought) a State School in
which the sons of farmers may obtain an acquant-
anco with the results of experiments and observation
in this department, and where they may enjoy facili-
ties equal to those now open to persons of other pro-
fessions, it will be essential to have a good represen-
tation of our various soils, the boundaries of which
are vory intricate. This must be the basis of our
elementary education. Some time will be needed
after the publication of the report, to prepare suita-
ble abstracts for the young farmers ; and this con-
sideration should hasten the conclusion of the work"
With respect to a general estimate of our agricul-
tural wealth, and the natural routes to the great
markets, no man who has not personally examined
every county of the State can be well informed
without the aid of a geological map and particular
description."

1851.]

BOOK NOTICES.

Book ^otic£0.

Seventeenth Animal Report of the 'Superintendent of
Common Sfhools. By A. 'L. Russell, Superinten-
dent: Ilarrisburg, 1851. pp. 75.

The Governor of Pennsylvania, with a just appre-
ciation of the wants of the State, reeommendcd the
formation of a State Agricultural Department in his
annual message, and the Secretary of State takes an-
other step in the same direction in recommending the
formation of a State Agricultural Institution upon a
plan which he sketches at some length, but which vro
will not follow in its details. According to this plan,
there is to be accommodation for five hundred pupils,
of which three hundred are to be selected from the
public schools, and educated at the expense of the
State, during a period of six years from the age of
twelve.

One thousand acres of land are proposed for the
institution, affording "a sufficient area for the practice
of tillage, after deducting space for woodlands, orch-
ards, pleasure grounds, yards and buildings. Its
surfiico should be diversified by hill and meadow,
adapted, in its several points, to the best culture, not
only of grain, but of vegetables and fruits, and to the
raising of aU kinds of stock." A library, and cabinets
in the various departments of science are included in
the plan.

Eight professors are proposed for the following sub-
jects :

1. English Literature and Mental Philosophy, ex-
officio President of the Faculty, with two assistants.

2. General Uistory and PoUtical Economy, with
one assistant.

3. Blathematics, with two assistants.

4. Practical Farming and Rural Architecture, with
sis assistants.

5. Agricultural alid general Chemistry, Geology,
and Botany, with two assistants.

6. Natural Philosophy, Mechanics, and Engineer-
ing, with two assistants.

7. Comparative Anatomy, and Physician.

8. German Language, with one assistant.

The assistants amount to sixteen, sis of wliich
"should be females."

In the second grade of French schools, according
to Prof. Hitchcock's Report, there are six professors
as follows: — 1, Rural Economy. 2, Agriculture. 3,
Zootechny, or economy of animals. 4, Sylviculture
(forest trees) and botany. 5, Chemistry, Physics,
and agricultural Geology. 0, Rural Engineering.

In the French Agronomic Institution, there are
nuic professors, of the following subjects: 1, Rural
economy and legislation. 2, Agriculture. 3, Zoo-
techny. 4, Sylviculture. 5, Rural engineering, lev-
eling, roads, architecture, and mechanics applied to
implements. 6, Terrestrial physics, (geology, &c.,)
and meteorology. 7, Agricultural Chemistry. 8,
Botany and vegetable physiology. 9, Applied Zoo-
logy. There are in addition, a Prefect of studies; a

curator of the collections ; a librarian ; and an over"
seer of studios.

Of the German schools, one at Brunswick has
lliirteen professors as follows: — 1, Physics and "-eno-
ral chemistry. 2, Pure mathematics, geometry and
linear drawing. 3, Mineralogy and zoology (geo-
logy?) 4. Architecture. 5, Transcendental mathe-
matics. 6, Rural economy. 7, Applied chemistry.
8, Mechanical technology. 9, Natural history. 10,
Raising horses, diseases, &c., of domestic animals.
11, Veterinary medicine. 12, Forest science. 13,
Architecture. (There are two professors in this
branch.) There are extensive cabinets, laboratories,
a museum, botanic garden, &e.

The plan proposed by President Ilitchcock for the
State of Massachusetts, is worthy of attention, as it
is based upon an extensive examination of European
models. For a farm of moderate size he recommends
from 100 to 200 acres, with six professors of the fol-
lowing subjects: — 1, Horticulture, sylviculture and
rural legislation, who should be chairman or presi-
dent. 2, Agriculture. 3, Elementary and agricul-
tural chemistry. 4, Natural history, geology, and
curator of the collections. 5, Anatomy, phy.siology,
and veterinary medicine and surgery. 6, Mathema-
tics of agriculture, such as farm accounts, irrigation,
draining, surveying, leveling, roads, bridges, <S;c. —
" This appears to me to be the smallest number of
professors with which an institution can be respecta-
ble and useful, even at its commencement. Two
years is named as the duration of this course.

The least learned and most inefficient member
of a college is often made its president, a rule which
should ba departed from in an agricultural iustitu-
tion, because there is no reason why this officer should
instruct in one branch rather than in another ; and it
might happen that the professor of Agriculture or
Chemistry would have better administrative talents
th<iu the professor of Literature or Rural economy.

Mr. Russell omits zoology and the veterinary art,
and he assigns comparative anatomy to the physician,
insteading of dividing it (with physiology) between
the two former branches; because the general sub-
ject of these sciences is connected with zoology, whilst
their special application belongs to the economy, hy-
giene, and diseases of domestic animals.

If a modification of Mr. Russell's plan were adopt
ed, the best pupils of the common schools would be
admitted, so that the lower grades of instruction
would not be included ; and if German and French
were well taught in the literary course, and a diplo-
ma granted to the graduates, a large number of col-
lege students would prefer it. German and French
are more useful than Greek and Latin, and as much
knowledge ai the latter might be acquired in a
course extending through six months, as would be
useful for etymological purposes.

It is a humiliating fact, that in nine-tenths of the
American Colleges, notwithstanding their pretensions

BOOK NOTICES.

[May,

even tliis amount of Greek and Latin is not taught,
it being extremely rare to find a graduate who can
deduce anything beyond the most obvious words.

As an agricultural course of education in its vari-
ous ramincations would be adapted to the wants of
the population ; and as it would include studies which
are not appreciated in the literary colleges ; it would
exercise a wholesome influence upon the latter, and
compel them to teach modern science; whilst the
medical colleges would be under the necessity of in-
cluding studies which are deemed essential to the pro-
fession of medicine in Europe.

The American Beeheepers' Manuel ; being a practical
treatise on the history and domestic economy oj^ the
Jioney bee, embracing a full illustration of the
s^lhjccf, loitli the most approved methods of manag-
ing this insect through every branch of its culture.
By T. B. Miner. Embellishell by 35 fine engravings,
New York: C. M. Saston, 1851, pp. 350.

This is the fourth edition of one of Mr. Sastou's
useful publications, and the more worthy of attention,
because it is the most extensive American work on
the subject, founded upon practical observation. It is
rather strange that there should be so few observers
of the habits of bees in this country, the subject be-
ing an interesting one wliioh has attracted much atr
tention in Europe. This is evident from the fact that
at the death of the distinguished entomologist. Pro-
fessor Audouin, his libr.ary was found to contain 74
different treatises on the honey-bee, and at least 150
on the silk-worm and silk culture.

We have no practical knowledge of bees, having
been prevented from getting thera on account of kial-
mia (commonly called laurel) growing in our vicinity,
a plant which produces poisonous honey. Wo can-
not therefore vouch for the practical part of Mr.
Miner's book, although he writes like one who under-
stands his subject. Some of his information will
not be appreciated, as when he announces his ability
to " look as far into a millstone as any man," — p.
143 ; and asserts that the antennae of bees are " the
organs of smell ;" — p. 339 ; and that "the eyes are
situated upon the upper surface of the head," — these
organs being upon the sides of the head, the three
stemmata being above. The notion that the black
bees sometimes seen owe their color to age, is not
Bupportcd by the general facts furnished by the in-
sect world. Insects require light to give them their
natural color, but old individuals are very apt to
fade.

Mr. Miner states that there is " not the slightest"
organic diSference between the various kind of work-
ers, wliilst Ilubcr asserts that the wax-workers have
the abdomen more dilated. The labors of the fath-
ers of apiculture should not bo rashly condemned
as our author is inclined to do on p. 56. Among the
authors there mentioned are Hunter, one of the dis-
coverers of the origin of wax ; and Schirach, the dis-

coverer of the mode of forming a queen out of the
larva of a worker.

Discrepancies are to be found in the accounts of
various authors, some of which are to be accounted
for by differencs of country temperature, or location.
Mr. ]Miuer agrees with those who assert that the bee
moth enters the hive, whilst one of the Patent Ofiice
Eeports states that the eggs are laid in external crevi-
ces, and that the larva enters the hive after being
hatched. Both parties may bo correct under certain
circumstances.

In works of this kind a list of the best authorities
should be given, with the title and dates of the books
published, and the names of the principal discover-
ers should be stated. It is especially desirable to
have American publications and reprints mentioned,
including articles in the periodicals.

The American Poultry Yard ; comprising the origin,
history aiul description of the breeds of Domestic
Poultry; loitJi complete directions for their breeding,
crossing, rearing, fattening, dr., by D. J. Browne,
author of the Svlva Americana. New York: C.
]M. Saxton, pp. 324.

If our author's reputation were to rest upon his
botanical compilation (Svlva america^a) under a
borrowed title, or upon the value of his pages devoted
to scientific disquisition, we might recommend that
his book should be placed with those of authors am-
bitious of enlightening the public upon subjects the
principles of which they do not understand. The
publisher states that from Mr. Browne's "intimate
knowledge of the history and habits of our domestic
animals, having devoted, probably, more attention to
the subject, as a whole, by reading and observation,
than any other individual in the country, the task of
preparing this work was assigned to him." From
this amount of knowledge we might have expected an
original work, but this is not so much a compilation
of materials as a wholesale adoption of the labor and
composition of others, particularly the work of the
Rev. E. S. Dixon, whoso name should have stood upon
the title-page. The aSected candor in mentioning in
his Preface the names of the authors of whom he has
made "free use" will hardly excuse him with those
who know the extent to which he has transcribed
many pages of history, observations, facts, and even
theoretical views without credit. He asserts that he
possesses the rare book "Ortus sanitahs" in the
very words used by Dixon in stating that 7te has it.

The volume is illustrated with figures of the va^
rious fowls described, and as many readers will not
caro about knowing who the authors of the va-
rious incorporated parts may be, it will answer their
purpose, as the selections are carfuUy made. Sev-
eral representations of the chick in the egg are given,
and the author states that this "has been so fully
described by many writers, from Aristotle down to
Reaumur, that I need merely refer the reader to

1851.]

BOOK NOTICES— CONTENTS.

thorn." Yet this subject was in its infancy until a
recent period.

Samuel Allen adds an Appendix, in which he treats
of the comparative merits of different breeds of fowls;
profits of poultry raising ; the egg trade and poultry
statistics.

Apart from the defects we have pointed out, tliis is
a useful volume, which may be much improved in an
anotlier edition.

Came. Bi/ W. Youatt and W. C. L. Martin;
being a treatise on their breeds, Management and
Diseases, comprising a- full history of the i-a7-ious ra-
ces, their origin, breeding, and inerits ; their eajiaci-
iy for beef and milk ; the nature and treatment of
their diseases, &c., d-c., with 100 illustrations. —
Edited by A. Stevens, New York : C. M. Saxton,
1851, 1);). 470.

The names of Youatt and Martin are a sufficient
guarantee of the value of their writings, the former
having been eminently practical as well as possessing
a sound judgment upon farm animals, whilst Mr.
Martin stands high as a naturalist.

The American editor has added the homeopathic
treatment as adopted by Gunther ; and although this
does not detract from the intrinsic merits of the book,
it will be douljtless hard to find a calf suiSciently
imaginative to be benefitted by it.

We are favored by Mr. Saxton with a number of
the illustrations of this work, one of which, with the
article it illustrates, was given upon p. 21, although
the credit due in such cases was inadvertantly omitted.

Contents of May No.

Entomology, No. 1, - -

Corn Planting,

Quack Medicine,

Horticultural Society's Medal,

Encouragement,

Incorporation Penna. Ag. Soo.

Acurate Experiments,

Agricultural Schools, No. 2,

Lime,

Rural Taste,

Experimental Farming, -

Ag. Chemist of Maryland and

Ag. Education,

Hoof-ail in Cattle,

Ag., Societies, — Meetings, &c.

Improved Breed of Cattle,

Sheep,

Domestic Economy,

Pomological Kemarks,

Kitchen and Flower Garden,

Cultivation of the Pear on the

Penna. Horticultural Society,

Dorking Fowls,

Villa Farm House,

Organ of the State Society,

State Ag. Exhibition,

Editorial Remarks,

Book Notices,

ILLUSTRATIONS.
Five Entomological Cuts, -
Devon Ox,
Heads of Sheep,
Villa Farm House,
Grand Plot,
Dorking Fowls,

33
35
35
35
35
35
30
38
39
40
41

his Report, 42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Quince Stock, 51
52
53
54
55
56

- 57-58

- 59-60

33-34
40

47-48
54
54
54

The Phrenological Journal for IS5{:

DEVOTF.D TO
Science, Literature and General Intelligence.

TO know oursilYPs is .i matter of the first impoit.ince. .infl there
is BO means of obtaining such linowledge so well as by the
aid of PHRENOLOGY, which forms the leading feature of the
Journal. Phtsiolocy and Home EcrciTioy will make it invalua-
ble as a guide to mothers in the training of children.

The Mechanic, the Farmer, the Professional M.an. the Student,
the Toaclier, and the Mother, will Gud each number of the Jour-
nal an instructive and valuable companion

TERMS IN ADVANCE : Single copy, one year, $1 00; ten
copies, one year, $7 00.
N. B. — Please address all letters, post paid, to

FOWLERS & WELLS,
April— 3m No. 131 N.assau street. New Vork.

The BEST and MOST VALUABLE

Agricultural Iniplenient!^ & Macliiucry

Exhibited at the State Fair in 1850, will be seen by the award of

Premiums below :

AW.\RPF.D TO E. WHITMAN. JR .

55 Light Street, Baltimore, by the Mary/and Slate

Agricultural Society,
At their 3rd Annual Fair, held in Baltimore 23d, 24th and 25tU

October, 1850,
For the best Plow in the Plowing Match, the Prouty &

Mears No 5V ........ jf^o 00

For the best Plowing with Ox Team; same plow, (Special

Premium) ---------2 00

For the best Plow on Exhibition, Ruggles, Nourse, Mason

& Co"s No. 3. 1st Premium, -- - -'- - 8 00
For the best Railway Horse-power, Whitman's Improved,

1st Premium, - - - . . - - -15 00

For the best Hay Press, 1st Premium, - - - - 2-5 00
For the best Cornsheller, 1st Premium. - - - - 4 00
For the best Field Roller, 1st Premium, - - - - 8 00
For the best Corn-Staik Cut tors and Grinders, 1st Premium, 5 00
For the best Churns, 1st Premium, - - - - - 4 00
For the best Hay and Manure Fork. 1st Premium, - - 2 00
For the best Hay Rakes, 1st Premium, - - - - 2 00
For the best Cultivator, 1st Premium. ■ - - - 4 00

Tlie Great Michigan PLOW.

FOR SOD AND SUB-SOIL.

THIS Plow, in the language of the Report of Committee on the
great trial of Plows in June last, appoin'.ed by the New York
State Agricultural Society, (by whom it was awarded a speciai,
pnEM.UM): ■• We regard this implement as a Most inr/a; m-esent
from the mechanic to the farmer, and in our opinion will effect a
greaL improvement in the tillage of land. Itjmh-erixes the soil in
an excellent manner, which, to be fully appreciated, must be seen-
and it accompUshes this pulveriz.ation with an amount of power
which, in reference to the work performed, is certainly not large
It tunes the sod completely, and covers it with a coating of loose
6,-u-th which makes a seed bed almost as perfectly as a spade "

At Boston. Last season, this Plow was awarded a Oold Medal
and at every County Fair in the State of New York, at which it
was exhibited, the Proprietor received a Prenjium

Manufactured and for sale by HENRY GILBERT

.„ . , ,. , Harrisburg, Pa.

All orders from a distance promptly attended to. [.4pril-lt

IMPORTANT TO
Farmers &. Threshing Machine Makers

riiHE subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the public
J. that he has lately perfected a new Threshing Machine and
Horse P.wer. which in point of strength, durability, lightness of
draft and convenience in moving, is not surpa.sscd or equalled by
any machine in the United States. He also confidently affirms
that no machine of its strength and durability can be afforded aa
low. The invention of this machine has been the result of .several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
eovercd any new principle in philosopbv. but we do claim to have
discovered a plan by which old philo.sophical principles are more
correctly and advant.agcously applied than on any other machine.
The invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at Israel W, Grofi's Machine
Shop, at retail or by wholesale, on the most reasonable terms.

The Power weights 000 pounds. It is made entirely of Iron
with steel journals, and is wtirranted to hold 8 horses, should it at
any time be necessary to use so many From 2 to 4 are a sufS-
cient number for common threshing.' We are about getting up
one much lighter for shop, purposes, that will be the cheapest and
most convenient thing in use; it might also be used with two or
three horses for threshing. The Powers andcylinderatid rnncavo
can be had by the Machine makers throughout the country, on
the most reasonable terms.

All orders directed to the subscriber, at Lancaster city, will b«
thankfully received and promptly attended to.

SAMUEL PELTON, Jr.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[May,

KigMand Nurseries, Newbargli N. Y.

™ SVUL & CO. bcs leave to call the attention of Dealers
A. find Planters of Trees, and the public in goncral. to their ve-
ry l*rtre and complete stock of FRUIT AND ORNAMb:NTAL
TRELS which they offer for sale the coming spring. The trees
of the-e Nurseries are all grown on the premises, and propagated
uudcr the immediate supervision of Mr. Saul, whose long connec-
tion with this ostablishmentj is some guarantee tor the accuracy
of the ?tnck now offered for sale. It consists in part of over

20 IIUO ['ear Trees, 5 to 8 feet high, and embracing all the lead-
ing Standard Varieties, as well as those recently introduced, of
merit, cither of American or i^'oreign origin.

20 OUO Apple Trees, of Extra size. 8 to 10 and 12 feet high, in-
cluding every variety worthy of cultivation.

10 000 Plum Trees, 5 to 8 feet, of every known kind of reputa-
tion! as wfll as all the novelties of recent introduction.

10 000 Cherry Trees, 6 to S ieet and over, among which will be
found all the desirable and choice varieties.

A large stock of handsome, well grown trees, of Peach, Apricot,
Nectarine and Quince, in every variety. Also,

Grapevints. Native and Koreign; Raspberries, Gooseberries and
Currants. Strawberry Plants and Esculent Roots, nich as Aspar-
agus. Rhubarb. Seakale, &c., of the most approved kind?.

Pear and Quince, Cherry on Mahaleb, and Apple on Paradise
rtoclis— for Pyramids or Dwarfs for garden culture, and embraces
all the kinds that succeed on those stocks.
Deciduous and Evergreen Ornartienial Trees and
Shrtibs.
100,000 Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees, embracing
all the well known kinds suitable for street planting of extra size;
euch as Sugar and Silver Maple. Chinese Ailantus. Horse Chesnut.
Catalpa. European and American Ash, Three Thorncd Acacia.
Kentucky Coffee Tree. Silver Abele Tree. American and Europe-
an Easswood or Linden, American and European Elm, in several
varieties, &c. Also all the more rare and select, as well as well
known kinilt! suitable for Arboretums, Lawns aud door-yard plant-
iu", &c.; such as Doedar and Lebanon Cedars; Araucaria or Chil-
ian Pine; Cryptomeriajaponica; the different varieties of Pines,
Firs. Spruces" Yews, Arborvietas, 8:c.

AVEEPlXCr TREES— Now Weeping Ash, (Fraxinus lentisci-
folia peudula) the Old Weeping Ash. Weeping Japanese Sophora,
Weeping Elms, (of sorts) Umbrella Headed Locust, AVeeping
MouutaTn A^h' Weeping Beech, &c., &c. ; together with every
variety of r.^re Maple, Native and Foreign; Howerin g Iia
mond and Cherry; Chesnuts. Spanish and American; Tom and
Copper Beech; Judas Tree. Larch, Gum Tree, Tulip Tree, Osage
Orange. Paulownia. Mountain Ash, (Americau and European)
Magnolias of sorts, with many other things— including some 200
varieties of Shrubs, Vines, &c., for which see Catalogue, anew ed-
ition of which is just issued, and will be forwarded to all post paid
applicants.

A large quantity of Arborvitas for Screens, aud Buckthorn and
Oeage fur Hedge plants.

The above will be sold on as liberal terms as similar stock can
be purchased elsewhere. For further particulars we would again
refer to priced Catalogue. A liberal discount will be made to
persons who buy, to sell agaiUj and extensive planters, on their
own acouunt. April

Seed and Agricultural Warehouse^

194^ Market Street, Philadelphia.

WE offer to our friends and customers, the largest assortment
of Agricultural implements. Garden tools, and Seeds, ever
offered in thi.^ Market, consisting in part of the following, viz : —
Prouty and Mears' Patent highest premium self-sharpening
Ploughs, right aud left handed side hill Subsoil, of various sizes,
of superior materials aud workmanship, warranted to give satis-
faction, or the money returned — Four highc?t premiums awarded
to these Ploughs at the New York Fair, 1S50. Also, Beach and
Car Share Ploughs; Spain's improved Barrel Churn, constructed
in euch a manner that the dasher may be removed from the in-
side of the Churn by simply unscrewing the handle from the
dasher. Hay, Straw and Corn-stack cutters, in great variety,
among which may be found Hovey's superior premium straw-cut-
ter, of every size.

Also, Horse-power Threshing Machines, Fan Mills, Corn Shel-
lera. Cheese Pre.=ses, Seed Planters. Dirt Scrapers, Sugar Mills. Ox
Yokes and Bows. Turnip Drills, Horse Rakes, Swathe Scythes,
Concaved Hoe?, Spring Tempered Cast Steel, Oval, and Square
Manure and Hay Forks, Pruning Shears and Chisels, Beach and
Bar Share, repairing pieces and castings, Peruvian, Patagonia
and prepared Uuano, together with a complete assortment of
grass, garden and Held seeds, all of which will be sold at the low-
I'flt possible prices, at lOlj Maiket street, Philadelphia.

April 9-tf ' PROLTY & BARRETT.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS
And Thresliin^ Macliiuc Makers.

THE subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the publio
that he has lately perfected a new Threshing Machine and Horse
Powt-r, which in point of strength, durability, lightness of draught
and convenience in moving is not surpass(;d or cqualh'd by any
Machine in the United States; he also confidently affirms that no
Machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as low. —
The invention of this Machine has been the result of several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy— but we do claim to have
dLscovered a plan by which old philosophical principles are more
correctly and advantageously applied than on any other Machine.
This invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines caube had at Israel W. Groff's Rlachine Shop
and at Prime & Colestock's Sash F'actory in North Duke street.
Lancaster city, at retail or by wholesale on the most reasonable
terms.

The Power weighs 600 pounds. It is made entirely of Iron with
Steel Journals, and is warranted to hold 8 Horses should it any
time be necessary to use so many. From 2 to 4 Horses are a suffic-
ient number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for Shop purposes that will he the cheapest and
most convenient thing in use; it might also be used with 2 or 3
Horses for threshing; the Powers and Cylinders and Coucuve can
be had by the Machine makers throughout the country on the
most reasonable terms.

t)jS=, All order.=: directed to the subscriber at Lancaster city will
be thankfully received and promptly attended to.

Lanc'r, April SAMUEL PELTON, Jr.

Gfilsaiore's SSec-Ifilve, &.c*

THE attention of Bee culturists is invited to this improved
plan.
Mr. Gilmoreis a gentleman of great experience and success in
the culture of Bees; his improvement is the result of many years
trial; his result has no parallel in the history of the past.

The Agent of the '■ Pennsylvania Farm Journal" is the Agent
of Gilraore's System of Hiving and Feeding the Bee in this State.

The price of a Hive and Fixtures, $3,00

'' " " '' Family Right, 3,00

Township Rights from $10 to $20.
County " '' $30 ''• $200.

'•A Talk about the Honey Bee,'' a defence of Gilmore's sys-
tem, contains, also, testimonials, awards of Premiums toGilmorc,
from the b-ading Fairs and Institutes in this Country ; 12 cents
siinplc; $1.00 per dozen — gratis to patrons.
Circularssent to any applicant. Address, post paid,

J. B. IMAYNARD,
April — tf Lancaster, Pa.

HAVE been ditvtributcd throughout the Union. The concern
has been in successful operation for upwards of Sixty Years,
and may be said to have grown up with the City of Philadelphia,
where it was at first located. It has been gradually euP.rged to
meet the growing wants of the public, and is now, as it ever has
been, the most extensive of its kind in this country. The grounds
in cultivation being ten-fold greater than those of any similax
concern in the United States.

As the Seeds sold by the proprietor are (with slight exception)
of his own raising, he is. consequently, enabled to ^^J^ Warrant
thtm, a matter of importance to the purchaser of an article, tho
quality of which cannot be determined by the eye. Descriptive
Catalogues in English aud German gratis

Also for sale, Implements for Farm and Garden in large variety.
LANDRICTH'S Agricultural Ware House,

April Sign of the Plough, 65 Chesnut st., Philadelphia.

TSie Water-Cure Jouriaal for 1S51:

DEVOTED TO
Physiology^ Hydropnthy and the Laics of Life.

THE WATER-CURE JOURNAL is publi.-hod monthly, illustra-
ted with engravings, exhibiting the Structure. Anatomy, and
Physiology of the Human Bji.ly,with familiar instructions to
learners. It is emphatically a Journal ok Health, adapted to
all clasf e'', and is designed to be a complete FAMILY GUIDE in
all cases and in all diseases.

The PiiiLosopriY of Health, will be fully discussed, including
Food, DriulcB, Clothing, Air, and Exercise, showing their effects on
both body and mind.

Temis J7I Advance : Single copy, one year, $1 00 ; Ten copiee,
one year, $70.
N. B — ricase address all letters, post paid, to

FOWLERS & WELLS,
Ap'il— 3m No. 131 Nassau Btrcet, New York.

1851.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

"Get «lie Best."

ALT. young persons should bavL- a stimtiard DICTIONAJIY at
their elbows. And while you are about it §^c( the best; that
Dictionary is NOAH WEBSTER'S, the great work abi-idged. If
you aro too poor, save the amount from off your back, to put it
into your head.— P/(ce7io/o^. Journal.

Dr. Wfbdtcr'3 great ^vorl; is the best Dictionary of the Engli:fh
languiige. — London Moriting Chronicle.

This volume must find its way into all our public and good pri-
Tate libraries, for it provides the English student with a mass of
the most valuable information, which he in vain seeks lor else-
where.—Loii (/on Liferarij Gaziite.

The very large and incieasing demand for this work, affords
the btst possible evidence to the publishers that it is highly
'^acceptable to the great bcdy oi the American people."

Containing three times the amount of matter of any other En-
glish Dictionary compiled in this country, or any Abridgment of
this work. »

Published by G. & C. MERRIAM. Springfield. Mass., and for
Bale by W. U. SPANGLER, Lancaster, Pa. April,

NEW YORK

Agf5cKllt3sral ^yarehosrse & Seed Store,

180 and 191 Water Street.

THIS is by far the most extensive c.'^tablii^hmeut in New York.
It occupies nearly the whole of three large fivo-story stoie>;.
and contains a varied and complete assortment of every descrip-
tion of Agricultural and Horticultural Implements, and Field and
Garden Seeds required in the United States. We have upward of
One Hundred of the latest improved kinds of Plows, mostly man-
ufactured by us. expressly for the different States of the Union,
California and Oregon, the British Provinces, the West India
Islands, Mexico, and South America. Also Harrows. Rollers. Seed
Sowers. Cultivators. Horse Powers, Threshers, Corn Shelters, Reap-
ing and Mowing Machines, Uay, Cotton, Tobacco, Oil, and Dry
Good Presses. Brick Machines, Shovels, Spades, Hose, Manure and
Hay Kork.fl. i:c.,&:c.

Garden Imptements. — These are imported by us direct from the
Bnglish manufacturers, or made here to our order. They consist
of a great variety of the choicest kinds such as Trenching and
"Weeding Forks. Pruning and Hedge Shears. Flower and Twig
Cutters. &c. The assortment for ladies is particularly choice and
well selected.

Field and Garden Seeds. — These are grown expressly for us
both in Europe and this country. They areof thechoice.'^t kind,
and of great variety. We also obtain, as soon as sufficiently tried
and well approved, every new kind of seed suitable to be culiivated
in the United States.

Fertili Zirs.—Turuv'mn and Fatagouian Guano, Bonedust, Poud-
rette, Pla:*ter of Paris, ^c.

Manufactory of ^Agricultural Implement^.— Wq have a large
manufacturing establishment in this city, wiiere we will promptly
make to order any new article or implement required by the Far
mer or Planter.

Excelsior Siind Paper. — A new and very superior kind, of the
different numburs in use by Machinist.^, Cabinet Makers, &c.

The Jlmerican Agriculturist. T>.iaonXh\y publicution of 32 pagi
Price one dollar a year. A. C. ALLKN & 00 ,

April ISO and 191 Water-street. New York.

$500 to $2,000 a Year.

lOOO A €i E W T S WAWTEO.

IN all the States of the Union, to canvass for the following Im-
portant aud Valuable Work.':, which are sold by subscription.
We have now about two hundred Agents in the field, many of
them clearing from two to eight dollars pf.b day. It will be seen
that they are all of a very popular and desirable kind, and calcu-
lated to please almost every taste. For further particulars apply
(postpaid) to the publishers). DJillBY fc MILLER.

Auburn. N. Y.

"HOW A FARMRU MAY BErOMF, RICH."

BLAKE'S FARMER'S EVERY DAY BOOK,

Or, how a Farmer can become Rich— being .'-ketches cjf Life in the
Country; with the Popular Elements of practical aud theoretical
Agriculture, aud twelve hundred Laconics and A patlH-gms rela-
ting to Morals, Regime and general Literature; also 500 Receipts
on Health. Cookery and Domestic Kconomy; with 10 fine illustra-
tions respecting the various scenes attendant upon farming, etc.
By John L. Blake, D. D., author of '■'Biographical Dictionary,"
'■ Family Encyclopedia," ^c.

The publishers respectfully announce, that they havo under-
taken the publication of this large aud beautiful work, with a
view to supply a de&idi?ratum that has long been ft It— a book for
EVERY Farmer's Lierarv; believing that the venerable author has
produced a work that will be worth its weight in gold to every
farmer's family that thoroughly peruse it. It is proper to stata
that Dr. Blake is a practical farmer, and has reclaimed a sterile
and worn out piece of land into a valuable and productive farm —
which, experience, with his well known qualifications as an author,
peculiarly fit him to prepare a book for farmers.

The work contains 654 pages, large octavo, with a motto sur-
rounding each pngc— is prinLt-d on fine paper, and bound in sub-
stantial imitation, Turkey Morocco, gilt back. Invariable retail
price, $3.00. ♦

Agents wanted to canvass for the above.

FROST'S PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.

The History of the State of Californii, from the oavli'st period
of her conquest by the Spaniards, to her acquisition by the United
States; with an account of the discovery of the immene Gold
Mines, and the quantity of Gold already obtained; the enormous
increase of population; a description of the mineral aud agricul-
tural resources of the country; with ad.ventures and tnv els among
the Mines. Also, advice to Emigrants, as to the mot-t desirablo
routes thither. To which is added the Constitution of the State
of California; with numerous illustrations, and a map of t;aHfornia
and the Gold Alines; in one octavo volume, oLO pages; bound in
same style as Mexican War. Retail price, $3 50.

?m^

Ileinitsli's Geriaiau CaUIe Fo^vdei*,

THIS Powder is celebrated for the
cure and prevention of all diseases
to whicb Cattle. Milch Cows, Sheep and
Pigs are subject, and is the only prep-
aration upon which full confidence
can bo placed. For Milch Cows it is
of the greatest importance, wonder-
fully increasing the quantity and
quality of their milk, and will effectually prevent and cure Hoi
low Horn, Murrain. &c.

VEGETABLE HORSE-POWDER.

Which will cure Distemper, Hidebound, Loss of
Appetite, Found' r. Yellow Water, Lowncss of
Spirits, Inward Sprains. Infiaraation and Heat in
the System, and all other diseases to which Horses
I are subject.

HORSE EHrBROCATION.^For the cure of
external injuries, as Wounds. Bruises, Cute. Rub
bing of the Saddle. Collar or Harness, Stiffness in the Joints
Swellings, Sweeny, &c. Prepared and sold at

CHARLFS A. HEINITSIl'S,
Medicinal, Drug and Chemical Store, No. 13 Fast King st.,
April — tf Lancaster.

]Veiv and Popular Scliool ISooU.

THE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF UNIVERSAL HIS-
TORY, with a biography of di.«tinguished persons from the
earliest period to the yjrescnt time; to which is appended an epi-
tome of Heathen Mythology. Natural Philosophy. General Astron-
omy and rhysiolntry. on the basis of -'Historical and Miscellane-
ous Questions." hy Richmal llangnal. Adopted to the uee of
American schofil?.

Published and for sale by E. S. JONES & CO.,

S. W. corner of Fourth and P»,acc fit., Philadelphi.a
N. B — Teachers and School Commi'.tecs furniahed with copies
for examination. Address, post paid. April— If

" I am prepared— I have endeavored to do my duty."

THE LIFE OF ZACHARY TAYLOR,

Late President of the United States, includiog the closing scenes
of his life and death. By H. Monlgomory. EmbcUishetl with a
steel portrait and 15 illustrations; in one elegant octavo volume
463 pages, well printed on fine paper, and bound in substantial
morocco, gilt back.

The lightnings may flash, the thunders may rattle,
He hears not. he heeds not, he's free from all pain,
He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle,
No soiind can awake him to glory again.
More than 2U.000 copies of the above work have been sold by uji,
and the demand is unabated. It is allowed by critics to be tha
most complete and authentic copy of any of the works purporting
to be a Life of the Great Man of the Age. Retail price, :^2 00.

A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE WAR BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO,

From the comm*?ncemcnt of the battles, to the ratification of tho
Treaty of Peace; containing a concise account of the splendid
military achievements and glorious victories of the American
Army under Generals Taylor and Scott, and their gallant com-
patriots in arms. Also, a concise account of the new Kl Dorado,
the Golden Land of California, which was annexed to the United
States by the treaty of peace. Illustrated with 2-1 portraits and
battle scenes, and a steel likeness of General Taylor. By John S.
Jenkins, author of "■The Life of Silas Wright." - Lives of Ameri-
can Generals," etc.. etc. The work is bound in elegant and sub-
stantial morocco, gilt back, and contains -^iSG pages. A fine Mop
of Mexico and California accompanies each book.

•,t* 12 000 copies of the above work have been sold by us. chiefly
in N. Y. State. It is pronounced by crictiesas the only complete
and impartialhistory of the war extant. Subscription price !p2,50.

April

SCATTERGOOD & HOWELL,

DESIGNING, DRAWING

And lyood Eugraviug; EsiabSisSinicnt,

Inquirer B nil divs-, Third Street Jielozu Ckes?ivi St.,
PillLADELPHIA.

Water Color Dr.\wing, Portraits. Butldixcs, Machi:<kRT, News

tAPER Heads. Labels, Seals, ^e. Drawn and Fngravod

inthe Best manni'r and on the most

reasonable Terms.

AprU,-tf

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[May,

Salts ag'aisfist

Kettle^vell & Oavison's
Guano.

A CHALLENGE! !!

THE deep interest now taken by j^griculturi^ts in all descrip-
tions of manure, would seem to justify any expedient, by
•which fair and unprejudiced experiments may be made of the Ta-
rious descriptions uf manure at this time attracting the attention
of the public. In view of this, and the undersigned honestly be-
lieving that the Chemical Compound, manufactured by them, is
the bL-st manure of which any knowledge is had for a Corn CiOp;
challenges Guano to the test upon the following condition: — lie
will forltit One Hundred Dollars, to be presented to the Maryland
Agricultural Society, if any advocate of Guano will do the same,
that the Renovator compounded by Kettlcwell & Davison, will
produce upon any soil, the largest crop of weighed corn, without
regard to the .size of the stalk, provided the Trcsident of the State
Agricultural Society will select some person, in his judgment
qualified, to superintend the experiment. The nature of the soil
to be described, so that each party can direct the mode ot appli-
cation; two barruls of the Salts to be used per acre, costing $6
and 300 lbs. ot the Guano, costing $7 £0, the party making the
experiment to receive the manure free of cost. And the same
amount agaiust any manure as a top di'cssing upon timothy or
clover. John Kettlf.well.

Kttllewell ,J- Davison again call the attention of Agriculturists
to their various Chemical Manures — and in so doing, tbcy would
be insensible to common gratitude, if they failed to express their
profound acknowledgments for the constant and increasing de-
mand, which flows in upon them for their simple and compound
manures. Each season has greatly increased their sales, extend-
ing as far south as South Carolina.

They can give no stronger evidence of their faith in the vir-
tues of their manure, as the best known for a corn crop, than the
tenders they make above ; and the certificates which Ihcy here-
with present. In the offer of a test, it is not the amount involv-
ed, but the willingness to challenge result, that speaks their in-
tegrity and coulidence. We could add any amount to the testi-
mony we publi.^h; but if the names we refer to. do not command
confidence, no additional number could. We have never boasted
of the quality of our ai-ticle. we have been content to leave a de-
cision to time, demand and experiment, that has been in our fa-
vor—hoping, if we have less ot " Bi-phosphates," the public would
discover it. as they would if it was found we had more of ■' sand "
than any thing else. Kettlewell & Davison.

Office at Ober 4* McConkey^s, corner of Lombard and Hano tier
Streets. Factory. Federal Hill.

Bl-PHOSPHATES.

"We keep constantly on hand this valuable manure. Bones,
■with a proper portion of the Sulphate of Ammonia, dissolved in
Sulphuric Acid. The Chemists of this country and Europe have
been pressing this mode of using bone-dust upon the atten-
tion of farmers, with great zeal and ability of recent years. Ev-
ery experiment has confirmed the truthfulness of their theory;
and we hazard but little in saying that in a very brief time it
■will be used in no other way. It is prepared so as to be sown sim
JIar to the salts, at the rate of one or two barrels to the acre. —
The price of this article is $4 per barrel. Let the tarmer who
doubtSj try it at a less expense than the old mode of using bono-
dust. _

TOBACCO GENERATOR.

This is a chemical compound, made expressly for the growth ot
the Tobacco plant. We will call more special attention to it at
the proper season.

CHEMICAL RESIDIUMS.

We have constantly on lianil Chemical ResiJhims of every
description. Full information of which can be had by applica-
tion to us.

COMBINATION OF GROUND PLASTER AND
POTASH.

This is a preparation made for soil deficient in Potash, of which
deficiency there is. unfortunately, too many instances in much of
our Maryland land. For this ctmipound we are indebted to the
suggestion of an accomplished Agriculturist of Prince George's
county, who may at some future day present the result of his ei-
pcriment. The price of this is i.2 OO per barrcL

DIRECTIONS.

The mode of using the Eenovntor is simple, inexpensive, and
reauirin" but little labor. The farmer must bear in mind, that
in the preparation of his soil ho shares an c(iual responsibility in
testing the merits of any manure. Laud negligently or badly
cultivated gives no manure a fair chance. How to put land in or-
der he ou'Tht to know better than Kc can teach him ; and if he
don't know, should learn a« speedily os possible. The land, then,
in order-if one barrel to the acre is used— and this quantity de-
pends upon the quality of the laud— it should, lor gram be sown
Iroad cast, and slightly harrowed in. . ,^ .,.

If two barrels are used, one as stated above, and the other as a
ton-dressing upon the wheat or rye, early in the spring at the
OTmmencement of the first thaw. Upon grass it should be sown
broad-cast upon the timothy or clover. On corn, cither broad-
est or in the hill. Where two barrels are used, one each way
^ PRICE of the RENOVATOE, ^20 PER TON, or $3 PER

US.
BARREL.

April-tf

Wm. B. Wilkt, Job Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

JVew York State Agricnltural VKorU.s

-T5^^S?E=i ?^S»

,,_,., WPtEM-,, . ... , ^ I, ,_

a»5s^>^£^?j-j,g

Agricultural Machines and Implements.

WHEELER, MELICK & CO.,

CONTINUE their manufactory at the corner of Liberly and
Hamilton streets. ALB.'VNy, where they are prepared to fill
all orders with despatch.

ORDERS FOR

Wheelers Falent Bnihoay, Chain Horse Powers, and
Overshot Threshers and Separators, will re-
ceive their prompt attentioi.

t^S' The large and increasing demand for these Mnchines has
induced the Proprietors to erect a New and Spacious iManufacto-
ry, and otherwise extend their means of promotly filling orders. —
Their Powers and Threshers have been sold in ne.-irly every State
in the Union, during the past year, and their superiority has been
acknowledged by numerous testimonials, not only from Agricul-
tural Societies but from persons who have used them. They
have been awarded the First Premiums at all the principal Fairs
where they have been exhibited in operation, including the Penn-
sylvania State Fair, the Provincial Fair of Upper Canadi. and the
iVlichigan and Ohio State Fairs, together with numerous County
Exhibitions in the different States.

The TWO HORSE M.\CHINE. with from three to five hand.?,
will thresh from 120 to 200 bushels of Wheat per day. or twice that
quantity of Oats. ,,,. .

The One Ilorso Machine will thresh rather more than half that
quantity.

PRICE AT ALBANY:

For Two Horse Machines $145 00

For One Morse do $120 00

Machines will be shipped to order to any part of the United
States or the Canadas. f^- ani wairanltd to give salis/action In
the jmrchaser, or tkey may he returned within sixty days.

The subscribers also manufacture and will furnish to order the
most approved kinds of
Feed Cutters, Clover Httllers, Circular Saw Mills,6(C.

They will al.so furnish Horse Powers properly Geered for driving
Churns, Elevating Grain, or other purposes to which Ibosc Power
canbe;ppUed. WHEELER, MELICrv& CO.

AprU— 2t Corner of Hamilton and Liberty sts., .■Albany, N.T

VOL. 1.

LA^TASTEE, PA., JUNE, 1851.

m. 3.

THE FARM JOURNAL.

S. S. HAtDEMAN, Editor.

■ !*

Eutomologj', No. !J.

BY THE EDITOR.

Clttcs robini.e. — In Pennsylvania in the month
of June, this handsome insect may be met with upon
locust trees (Robinia pseudacacia), in the branches
of which they lived as a
larva. Its length (fig. 1)
varies from half an inch to
nearly nine-tenths of an
inch. The color is black,
with transverse yellow
bands, those upon the ely-
tra being somewhat irregu-
lar. The under parts are
varied with yellow, the
legs are reddish, and the
antennae reddish brown.
The female deposit* her eggs in the irregularities
of the bark, and the young when hatched, penetrates
into the interior to feed upon the wood.
The smaller branches are generally at-
tacked, and presence of the larva may be
known by the wood-dust about the aper-
ture where it entered, the cuttings being
for some time' ejected here. But the most
prominent is the swelling of the branch
at the [point of attack, which becomes
weakened, and is often broken off by
storms ; or dies, so that new shoots must
be thrown out below. From those causes
the tree becomes disfigured and material-
ly injured. The annexed figure (2) re-
presents a fragment of a locust branch
attacked by this insect.

The same insect attacki hickory, and

Fig. 2. as the larva continues its depredations

after the wood has been cut, it frequently does much

damage ; and we have known a large lot of hoop-poles

VOL. I. — D,

to be destroyed by them. The figure (3) representa
a piece of one of these poles split to exhibit the

Fig. 3.
burrows of the larvoe, and their place of exit through
the bark. A plug of woody fibres is observable in one
of the burrows, similar to those made by the Elaphi.
Dioy.

Dr. T. W. Harris, in his "Insects injurious to Ve-
getation," states on the authority of Gen. Dearborn,
that the grubs of this species are full grown by the
20th of July, and the perfect insects leave the tree
early in September, in Massachusetts. From this it
is evident, that as they appear at different times in
various parts of the country, the proper season for
cutting wood infested by them must vary. Hoop-
poles should be cut before the eggs are laid, or they
should be soaked some time in water. This would
kill the larvse, not only of Clytus, but of another and
much smaller insect, which burrows beneath, and
loosens the bark, and penetrates and destroys the
wood of hoops, long after the barrel has been finished
and applied to its proper use.

Dr. Harris recommends whitewashing the trunks
of trees to prevent the insects from affixing their eggs;
he also recommends catching the adults and drowa-

EDITORIAL.

[June,

ing them in bottles of ■water by cbildren — to be re-
peated year after year during the period of their ap-
pearance; but it is very evident that this cannot be
extensively practised.

Clytus campestris of Olivier, (or C. tehminans
Fabeicius) figure 4, is about Ihree-flfths
of an incli long, of a darli brown color,
the elytra varied vrith ashy do\^-n, and
having two yellow quadrants near the
base. The thorax is rough above, with
four yellow spots in the corners, arranged
in a square. The thighs are thickened
towards the end. The perfect insect ap-
pears in Pennsylvania in May and June, and occurs
from Massachusetts to Carolina and Mississippi.

The larva does considerable damage to fallen ches-
nut timber, particularly that which is cut for fencing
rails. The younger larvae burrow between the bark
and wood, but the older ones penetrate into the wood,
forming holes which the rain can enter.

Painc's Oxygeu liight.

Mr. Paine has promised the editor of the Worces-
cester (Mass.) Spy, that in the course of a week he
will illuminate the editor's ofiice by his new mode of
producing light. The oxygen light is a new discov-
ery of Mr. Paine, wliich the Spy says is a process of
catalising the oxygen of the atmosphere, andrender-
ing it highly luminiferous, at a mere nominal ex-
pense, without the cost of machinery, or any other
apparatus than an air receiver, capable of holding
common air.

In this new discovery of Mr. Paine oxygen is to be
catalised (that is, united with the vapor of turpen-
tine) to form light. One mode of doing this is as
follows: The turpentme is to be mixed with other
ingredients (then called hurniiu/ fadd, &c.) and put
into an apparatus technically called a lamp, which ter-
minates above with a vertical longitudinally perfo-
rated metallic cylinder, through which one extremity
of a loosely spun piece of cotton (technically called a
wick) is passed into the catalising fluid, the other ex-
tremity being left exposed at the top of the apparatus
or lamp, where it soon becomes saturated by capil-
lary attraction, and is ready for action. If flame be
now applied to the exposed wick, a complete catalisa-
Hon of the oxygen of the air ^vill take place, and a
fine light win be the result. The cost of the appara-
tus is "nominal," and of the oxygen nothing, so that
the expense of the hurning fluid alone need be taken
into account.

A second mode of using the air for lighting pur-
poses, is to pass the rays of the sun through it; but
as this is only adapted for daylight, the old mode of
extracting " sunbeams from cucumbers" will have to
be resorted to for night use, unless a squash is found
to be more luminous, — and in our early d.ays we ac-
tually saw a luminous pumpkin. This, like Paine's
late ingenious contrivance, had been formed "into an
ail receiver capable of holding common air," and was

carved so as to reseml)le a skull, the mouth being
armed with a foi-midable set of teeth like those of a
cross-cut saw. The light came from the eyes and
mouth, and was probably due to a union of oxygen
and ialloic. This light is quite safe, unlike Mr.
Paine's hat full of hydrogen, which exploded "like a
six-pounder."

Obituary.

Samuel George Morton, JI. D. a distinguished
uaturahst and physician of Philadelphia, died on the
15th of Blay, aged 53. Besides various medical and
scientific works, he was the author of Crania Ameri-
cana and Crania Mgyjitiaca, in which these portions
of the human race are characterised from the skulls.

Dr. Morton was a person of many virtues, of mild
manners, a lover of peace and concord, a liboi-al sup-
porter of science, a sincere friend, and the ready ad-
viser of the uninitiated upon their entrance into the
domain of science, when a little assistance and en-
couragement is of so much value. All lovers or cul-
tivators of science, in whatever sphere of life they
moved, were welcomed with equal hospitality, so that
it was unusual to spend an evening at his house witii-
out meeting one or more cultivators of science from
various parts of the United States or Europe.

At the period of his death. Dr. Morton was presi-
dent of the Academy of Natural Science, Philadel-
phia, to the interests of which he devoted much of
his time, and where (next to his bereaved family) his
loss will be most deeply felt.

Fine Sheep.

Mr. Benjamin Hood, of Williston, Chester county,
informs us that last winter he disposed of three sheep
to Mr. Paul, of Philadelphia, whose age and weight
wore as foUows:

One, three years and ten mouths old, weighed alive,
322 pounds; neatly dressed, 234 pounds. Twins, a
year younger, live weight, 286 and 285 pounds;
dead and dressed, 202 and 192 pounds.

Mr. Hood also states that he sheared twelve sheep,
the average weight of the fleeces being something
more than eleven pounds. The heaviest was 14J
pounds. His stock is comprised mainly of the Cots-
wold and Leicester breeds.

With such evidences of highly successful sheep
raising in Pennsylvania, why should it not claim
more attention than has heretofore been given it.

Wonderful! — ^^Ve learn from an advertisement in
the Ledger of May 24, that a person with eye^ like
balls of fire, who had lost the use of his had; and
whose head was laid on his shoulder, obtained a bot-
tle o{ Panacea, "and before he had used it he could
hold his head erect!"

The quantity of ashes lefl by a ton of wheat straw
is sometimes as much as three hundred and sixty
pounds.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

Coinmunifatioua.

Farmers' Clubs.

Mr. Editor: — It is impossible to overrate the value
of education to the farmer, or, indeed, to any citizen
of our free country, -n-hatever may bo his profession
or calling. I have read ^vith pleasure the essays of
your correspondents, on this subject. There is much
in their tone that I like, though I may not be able to
concur in all their views. The interest which they
are adapted to excite in the cause of agricultural
improvement, if it should not lead to the foundation
of a university or colleges for the exclusive instruc-
tion of farmers, m.ay, at least, induce our legislators
to devise some plan for adding, to our existing insti-
tutions of learning, professorships charged with the
duty, and endowed with the means of imparting ef-
fective instruction in the branches particularly related
to the cultivation and improvement of the soil. Any
such plan must, of course, be materially different from
the schemes of manual labor, which have occasionally
been attempted and always failed.

With respect to education, there are some conside-
rations, that ought not to be overlooked. In the first
place, most of the tuition bestowed upon the youthfiil
mind, must alwaj's, without regard to the destination
of the pupil, have for its special object the formation
of sound mental habits and the right development of
the aftcctions. Again, although we sometimes speak
of the science of agriculture, yet there is no peculiar
Bcience of that sort. It is true, there are many sciences
which may and should be made subsidiary to the prac-
tice of agriculture ; — such as chemistry, geology, bo-
tany, entomology, &c., and the application of these
sciences to the analysis of soils and vegetable produc-
tions, and the protection of plants and fruits, has con-
ti'ibuted more than any thing else of late years, to its
improvement. Moreover, in speaking of progress, —
it should not be forgotten, that there is a progress
downward as well as upward; and that the former is
not less' to be avoided, than the latter is to be sought.

Let us not cast away anything that is good in our
present institutions, but rather improve upon the
foundations we have. What we want, is more in-
struction and better. Let us persuade our agricultu-
ral friends to avail themselves of the numerous semi-
naries and schools within their reach, to give their
eons the superior education which these institutions
will supply. Lot us persuade those who have the
power and direction, to infuse into the instruction
more of a scientific character, more that has relation
to the business of life, and especially the business of
agriculture.

But something may be done immediately, and with-
out waiting for another generation. There is mani-
festly a spirit abroad propitious to agricultural im-
provement. Let us try to make it available. Our
communities are conveniently divided, territorially,

into townships. Are there not, in every township, a
sufficient number of persons interested in farming, to
form a club — a fixrmers' club — who will meet every
month, or two months, at some central place, for mu-
tual instruction, — Toho will make up a small fund to
purchase agricultural works for the use of the mera^
bers — hv'mg with them specimens, vegetable or mine-
ral, of whatever may be rare or remarkable, which
they may have found in tlieir neighborhood, — relate
their experience and observations and trials of various
methods of farming, with the results, and have a brief
record made and kept of all that may be deemed use-
ful and worthy of preservation?

By this means, township lycenms might be estab-
lished all over the country, to the great advantage of
the present, as well as of the rising generation, and
would constitute the best medium for the diffusion of
knowledge in agriculture from the great centres — the
universities, colleges, and State Agricultural Society
— through all the ramifications of coimty and district
associations, acting reciprocally, too, by returning to
those central reservoirs, notices of the various experi-
ments and observations, made from time to time, in
the several townships, of which records should be
kept by the clubs.

In commencing a farmers' club, it is of consequence
to avoid attempting too much. Let there be no over-
strained effort. Many useful purposes may be ac-
complished without requiring much time or pecuniary
outlay.

1. With respect to a library, a good beginning
would be a subscription, for the use of the club, to
the nearest agricultural periodical works. These are
so cheap that the contribution — where there were but
a few members — would be a mere trifle. To this
might be added the volumes containing the former
numbers ; then other agricultural works ; such as,
the Farmers and Planters Encyclopedia, Colman'a
Practical Agriculture, Liebig's Organic Chemistry of
Agriculture and Physiology, &c., &c.

2. The proceedings of the club, after appointing a
chairman and secretary, might consist , among other
things of the statements by members of such fact* as
the following, viz:

a. The average quantity in acres of the farms in
their respective neighborhoods.

6. The number of hands cmploj-ed in tilling them.

c. The number of horses, oxen, mules, cattle, sheep,
and swine.

d. The number of fields of particular farms and
the rotation of crops.

e. The relative quantity of woodland, arable, and
meadow ; and the species of timber.

f. The nature of the soil — whether limestone, gra-
vel, or slate, &c.

g. The manures employed, how made or obtained,
how used, and with what cfiect.

h. The quantity of seed sowed or planted to the
acre, the mode and time of sowing, ifec. and the yield. ,

i. The time of harvesting or securing tho crop, and
the meihod of doing it.

COMMUNICATIONS.

[June,

k. The various crops or products raised in the re-
spective neighborhoods ancl their sale.

I. The prices of sales of land, and the wages of
labor; and the terms and usages of renting.

These statements might be made orally or in wri-
ting. If in writing, they should be numbered and
filed ; if orally, reduced to writing by the secretary
or any member, and the writing numbered and filed.

Besides this, the club might attend, (when time
permitted,) to the reading of useful and interesting
articles on agriculture from the books of the club, or
others, and to the hearing of occasional lectures on
agricultural sulijects.

3. The chairman or secretary, acting as treasurer,
might also take care of the books, papers, and other
things belonging to the club.

Such primary associations would thus be easily
formed and managed, and could not fail to be pro-
ductive of benefit to themselves and others. "I have
witnessed," says Dr. Iliggins in his valuable Report,
" the great good done by associations of practical
farmers, with frequent meetings for the discussion of
agricultural subjects, and as great aids to improve-
ment, would recommend their formation in every
neighborhood of our State." A. L. Hayes.

Lancaster, May 14, 1851.

On Deep Ploughing.

Mr. Editor: — The business of farming difiers ma-
terially from other pursuits in that it confines one
more to his home, and his own broad acres, and al-
lows less leisure to travel and collect from the prac-
tice of others hints for his own management, than the
merchant, manufacturer, or even mechanic. This
disadvantage can only be remedied in one way, by
tlio circulation of agricultural periodicals like the
" Farm Journal," which, in fact, are nothing more
than the practice and science of good farming record-
ed in a book, certainly not the less valuable .on tliat
account ; and thus reaching many a corner of the
land otherwise inaccessible. The fatal prejudice
against book farming, which is only observations on
culture printed instead of spoken, has, in a great
measure, passed away, and our practical farmers now
find their true interests to consist not only in reading
agricultural journals, but in writing for them.

Among other innovations on old systems brought
about in this way, the heading of this article is one.
I have somowhero seen the observation that there is
some excuse for the yearly renter of a farm to plough
shallow, but none for the owner of the soil. The one
•wants to get all he can, even at the expense of the
and, the latter permanently to improve, while crop-
ping it. I doubt whether it is to the advantage of
either renter or owner to plough shallow.

In the spring of 1844, I broke up a stiff sod for
corn, with a heavy plough, (Prouty's 5^') drawn by
two yoke of oxen, to the depth of nearly eight inches.
I then followed immediately behind with a subsoil
plough, which stirred up the subsoil to the depth of

six or seven inches more. After the ploughing and
harrowing were finished, a stick could be pushed
down in nearly every part of it, to the depth of four-
teen or fifteen inches of loose earth. It was well
ploughed and the experiment was a fair one. We
may remember that that summer was a very dry one.
Not only wore our pasture fields burnt up and bare,
but the summer crops suffered greatly. Cattle were
foddered for some time. I went to England in the
spring of that year, and did not return till the crop
was harvested in the fall. It proved a full average,
and I was told it had been a common remark of the
neighbors and passprs-by, how green and luxuriant
it continued through the season, compared with others
around it. This was an instance of the benefit of
deep ploughing in a dry season, and I hold it would
have been equally perceptible in a very wet one. —
Tho depth of soil, would have allowed the superabun-
dant moisture to pass off, and thus relieve the roots
of growing crops. In wet or dry seasons, in rich or
poor land, I contend for deep ploughing. To be sure,
in an exhausted soil, or in a naturally deficient one,
very deep ploughing is not to be at once adopted, but
the system is correct, each year to go a little deeper.
It is surprising to see the practice of many farmers,
working for years, ploughing, manuring, and plant-
ing but four or five inches deep, fearful of touching
the hard yellow substratum. Ask the question, and it
will l>e admitted, that if there was twelve inches of
depth as rich as four inches, it would l)e a fine thing;
but how to accomplish this, unless by ploughing and
turning it up to the influence of tho atmosphere, would
be difficult to answer. The larger the source from
whence growing crops derive their nutriment, of
course the larger the crop. A given amount of sur-
face, representing ten inches deep of good soil, of
course supplies more food to plants, than the same
amount of surface only four inches deep. A fear is
often expressed of burying out of reach by deep
ploughing, the shallow surface soil, but tho advantage
of turning up the hard substratum to the influence of
the sun and air and atmospheric gases, and its con-
sequent speedy melioration, is lost sight of. Deep and
thorough ploughing, thorough pulverisation of the
particles of soil, allowing of the free admission of air
between them, coupled with the use of plaster and
lime on the surface, and repeated harrowings or stir-
rings, will soon render productive and profitable a
subsoil hitherto valueloss.'and thus greatly augment
the supplies and sources of food for plant.?.

Paschall Morris.
West Chester, Pa., 5<A mo. 6, 1851.

Ammonia is regarded by Dr. Hayes as being a poi-
son to plants, though he attaches great value to it as
a neutralizing agent to the acids of soils, and as serv-
ing to convoy other ingredients, such as carbonic acid
and tho organic acids of soils, into the circulation of
plants.

18.51.J

COMMUNICATIONS.

- Agricultural Education.
Mr. Editor : — I shall again try my hand at turn-
ing another furrow of the old, stiff sod we have been
attempting lately to break up, and shall begin by
iterating the appeal I made in my last, to the friends
of agriculture, in behalf of providing a suitable edu-
cation for the rising generation — the youth of the
Rural Districts, who are to occupy the same places
we now fill, to till the same fields in which we have
tolled, and on whose capaljilities will mainly depend
the position Pennsylvania is to hold among her sis-
ter States of the Union. Would that I could impress
upon all, even but a portion of the concern that for
years has weighed upon me in regard to the imports
ance of a measure fraught with^influences so pervad-
ing as to effect every individual in the community, no
matter to what class he belongs. Let any one try to
reason himself into a belief that he is independent of
the consequences, whatever be the condition of the
yeomanry, whether enlightened or unenlightened, and
if he does not find, on the issue being fairly made,
that it is in vain to escape being directly or indirect-
ly within their influences, he is one in a thousand, or
rather should say, ho is without the pale of well-re-
gulated society. It cannot be denied, however, that
the farmers themselves have the most direct interest
in the education of their sons, and should be held re-
sponsible for the measure, yet it is the duty of all, as
well as the interest of all, to see that the means be
provided and the end attained — to see in full, that
the landed interest is cherished and promoted, not
incidentally, but specially and primarily, as the first,
great leading and permanent interest of the common-
wealth.

If agricultural education be left to the farmers
alone, it will, I fear, be retarded, if at all promoted ;
this is certainly to be regretted, but the apprehonsion
is no less plain than painful to my mind. Their un-
obtrusive habits, their constant labor and isolated po-
sition, stand in the way of even making the discovery
that any improvement is needed in farming, as well
as unfit them for pushing on a reform, if they per-
ceived the necessity of a change. They, in general,
are content to leave things as they are ; they follow
the same practice in tillage and husbandry that their
fathers pursued, and think it good enough for the
observance of their sons. Tliis apathy, or content,
if you will, is the perpetual bond or chain that binds
them to a hard and monotonous servitude at mere la-
bor from boyhood to old age — a condition, did they
permit themselves to think rightly about, they would
try to avert, in view of the comfort and prosperity of
their offspring.

Who among us but must regret the want of science
and skill in the varied operations of farming ? Have
we not toiled with but indifferent success for the want
of an agricultural education, and has not the little we
have achieved been won by dint of unceasing toilj

tlirough many a long and weary day of plodding
drudgery, that depressed the spirit while it bowed
the body ? AVhat father, though by his practice he
may have added to the acres ho inherited, or at first
began upon, would not desire that with the land, his
sun should inherit also an education, which, if it did not
abridge his laljors, (as I aver it would,) would throw
around it intellectual rays to brighten his path thro'
every scene and season — a mind so cultivated that not
only the dews and rains of spring, the fervid heats of
summer, but the frosts and snows of winter, would
furnish subjects for interesting research and investi-
gation ; while his manures, soils, seeds, crops and
stock would serve as material for analysis and expe-
riment in his vast laboratory, the farm. Let no one
tell me that a farmer so constituted could not raise
better crops at less expense, fill his barn and stables
from less land, and increase his wealth easier and
faster than he who depends solely upon the force of,
persevering toil, in a system that discards science,
provided both were alike honest and faithful. Should
not every patriotic citizen, as well as the farmer, aid
in providing the means and devising a plan for pro-
motJng agricultural education in Pennsylvania ?

Having, on a former occasion, suggested farm col-
leges at appropriate localities, with buildings and
farms suitable for the accommodation and training
of one hundred to one hundred fifty students to each,
I deem it more necessary now, to show the necessity
for such institutions, than to discuss the merits of
arrangement. The expediency of the measure claims
precedence, when that shall be conceded, it will then,
be in place to treat of suitable sites, buildings, teach-
ers and systems of instruction.

Of the necessity of instituting agricultural schools
or colleges, wherein shall be taught the theory and
practice of tillage and husbandry, upon rational and
deducible principles, to supersede the wasteful, un-
productive system that so universally prevails, a few
observations on the abstract operations of farming
must for the present suffice. To attempt showing in.
detail all the errors, mistakes, misapplications and
hap-hazards of farming, as it is, would require much
time and more space than can be allotted to an article
for a monthly. It would fill a volume to treat even
cursorilj', of the manure heap, stables and stock, of
breeding and feeding, hay, mow and granary, crop-
ping and seeding, garden and orchard, dairy, pasture
and soiling, breaking up and laying down with graia
and grass.

The neglect to husband manure properly, is almost
universal. There are but few, comparatively, who
give sufficient attention to the matter, or who under-
stand this important point in husbandry. Suppose
the stock on a farm be judiciously fed and attended —
the horses and cattle as workers, the cattle, sheep
and swine, in view of dairy, breeding, slaughtering,
&c. — how much would the whole cost of feeding be

COMMUNICATIONS.

[June,

Teducod under the management of a skilful husband-
man, through his attention to the special matter of
manure, with a given stock, on a medium sized farm,
than if the careless and -wasteful practice prevailed as
regards manure, though the same quantity of feed
should be consumed ? Not less than twenty-five per
cent. To arrive at this conclusion, it will be only
necessary to observe how the stables and pens are
littered and cleaned, whore and in what manner the
manure heap is kept, to look at the quality as well as
the quantity when applied to the land, then to follow
up the results on the forthcoming crops, and particu-
larly the condition in which the land is left when the
crops are removed; and no intelligent farmer can be
at a loss to decide with me, that the estimate I have
made in favor of good management, in this single
Tbranch of husbandry, is not overrated, If a thorough
investigation was made as to the unproductiveness of
the land through the want of manure, and the sink-
ing of the value of the land through severe and ill-
judged cropping, incapacitating it to maintain a due
proportion of stock, with the consequent loss in dairy
products, beef, mutton, pork, lard, wool, &c., it would
fall but little short of one million of dollars annually
in Pennsylvania. Take for instance, the average
yiold of wheat, which has been stated by some to be
no greater than twelve bushels to the acre, and sup-
pose this average can be increased three bushels,
which would raise it to fifteen, here then, we have the
million of dcllars in one product, wheat; but I go
farther, and say, that with a prudent management in
manure, and a proper application of it to the soil, the
average can easily be raised to eighteen bushels to the
acre. If the torturing and impoverishing system of
breaking up such breadth of land 3'early to seed,
without affording it sufficient manure to sustain it
against exhaustion, is not timely arrested, much of
our light soils will, ore long, be doomed to utter ster-
ility..

Another evil worthy of noting, is injudicious crop-
ping, I do not use not use the word in the sense of
seeding. I mean by cropping, the proper adaptation
of the crop to the quality and character of the soil.
The want of knowledge in this particular is attended
with serious disappointment to the unskilful farmer,
and untold loss to the public. For, be it remember-
ed, the public is made to suffer through every failure
in crops, and whether tho failure be owing to blight,
or to malpractice, it is a calamity equally to be de-
plored.

There is, perhaps, no one operation on the farm
■where want ol judgment is more palpable than in a
misapplication of crops. Almost every common hand
upon the farm can plow, plant and sow ; reap, gear,
haul and spread manure, but how few of those could
bo found capable of adapting a crop to the soil, or of
conducting a judicious rotation? Vei-y few indeed.
Not to be irreverent, "Do men gather grapes of thorns

or figs of thistles ?" Skilful farmers look to the cha-
racter as well as the condition of the soil before they
seed it, and speculate not only upon the remunerating
crop, but upon the effect it will have exerted upon the
land after it shall have been taken off. It is incalcu-
lable, the loss sustained yearly in the waste of land,
seed and labor on crops not worth gathering, by rea-
son of their being raised on a soil uncongenial to their
growth or production. To inustra,te this: I have seen
wheat and timothy sown on a light dry soil, high ex-
posure, while a cold, wet, clayey field on same farm
was being seeded to rye and clover — clover alone for
moioing and paMuring. I have seen barley sown on a
piece of wet, low land, having a subsoil better adapt-
ed to raising bricks than barley, while the high gra-
velly part of same land was actually being sown to
oats. The result of these croppings was, as might be
expected, a failure. The wheat and timothy should
have been put to the field in which the rye and clo-
ver were put; and the rye and clover in the field
sown to wheat and timothy. The barley, if there ex-
isted a necessity for sowing it, should have had the
place of the oats, and the oats the place of the barley.
The rye lodged, not on account of its weight, for there
was scarcely a well filled head in tho whole field. —
The barley lay an iinsightly green mass at the time
barley generally was being harvested, without one
well filled ear. The fact was, the soil was not calcu-
lated to afford the properties required to give strength
to the stem or straw, much less to fill the head with
seed — tho same remark applies to the rye, while the
clover suffered as much as either from being out of
place. What there was of it, was of bad quality, while
the quantity was not one-third of a crop, for the cold,
wet ground it stood in, affected so injuriously as it
was with tho frosts in vi'inter, which made the whole
field one continuous board of frozen mud, on be-
ing thawed in the spring, left the roots of the clo-
ver to be spewed out, high and dry upon the surface.
Here there was some twenty acres of fine land put to
a worse use than had it been thrown out as a common
for stray cattle to range in. Now, if much of tho land
in Pennsylvania is so managed, who can count the
loss, and who will not be ready to conclude that it is
high time the school master should be abroad — I
mean the Agricultural School Master ?

Time will not permit me going farther into this
subject at present, else I would show how much we
lose in dairy products, and root crops, through neg-
lect and bad management. The census of 1840 shows,
I think, that we fall short of Now York in the pro-
ducts of the dairy, some seven millions of dollars an-
nually, and in jjotatoes twentj' millions of bushels. —
Is not this a reproach to Pennsylvania ?

Let any reflecting man look at this matter through
all its bearings, and he cannot but perceive the vast
accession of wealth that is within our reach, through
a well-ordered and judicious system of Eural Econo

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

my; and then ask himself, -would the endo-wraent of
agricultural seminaries or colleges be expedient? I
take leave to answer for him, tliat as a mere financial
scheme, a better has never been devised at the Capi-
tol in Harrisburg. The outlay upon agricultural
colleges ■would, in a few years, be returned to the
State in the increase of products ten-fold, increasing
and increased fifty, aye one hundred fold ! But, be
it noted, this is only the forming item — the cash ac-
count. The influences which such institutions would
exert upon the intelligence of the community, is of
vastly more moment, and rises superior to every other
consideration. Respectfully,

James Gowen.
Mount Airy, 2Wi May, 1851.

Plautuig Hedges—Hawtlioru vs. Osage Orange.

Mr. Editor : — The enclosing of plantations by
hedges, or live-fences, is a desideratum which has at-
tracted the attention of most of the intelligent agri-
culturists of the country, during the past twenty
years, induced by the growing scarcity, and conse-
quent high price of fencing materials.

Tourists have spoken ^vith rapture of the " neat
clipped hedges of Old England," and certainly the
live-fence has been nearly perfected in that country.
The hawthorn is tlie plant best adapted for defensive
hedges ; in the British Isles, where its use is almost
uuivcrsal,and properly trimmed it is truly formidable.

Frequent attempts to cultivate the Hawthorn in
hodgeforms have been made in this country, but the
result has been invarlaljly a failure, as regards both
the native and foreign varieties. The cause of fail-
ure is owing mainly, to the depredation of the grub
(Saperda bivittata.) The attack commences, as in all
the Pyrus family at the surface of the ground, the
worm perforating the diameter of the tree in all di-
rections, eventually destroying it, and no efficient
remedy has yet been discovered, although nostrums
in abundance have been proposed. Another frequent
cause of failure, is a want of judicious cultivation,
indeed a want of cultivation at all — for it appears to
be generally understood, even among men claiming
to be intelligent, that it is simply required to plant
the tree and tliat in the shortest possible period of
time, without regard to Its wants and eapabllitles —
thenceforth it is expected to cultivate itself. Certainly
this is the only inference that can be drawn, from the
manner in which hedge plants are too frequently
treated.

These causes have induced the inquiry : What is
the best defensive hedge plant, adapted to our cli-
mate, and free from depredation ?

The Osage Orange (Madura aurantiaca) or Bois
D'Arc of the Southwest, is found indigenous in Ar-
kansas and Texas, and during the past five years an
immense quantity of the seed has been collected in
those countries and distributed over the eastern sea-
board, the facility with which it germinates, its easy

culture, great hardihood, and the rapid growth com-
mending it to the planter, besides it is '' fully armed
for batttle " being provided with numerous, short
rigid thorns, that man or boast declines coming in
contact with. The whole plant is embued with a
lacteous fluid, slightly acrid, and adhesive, which
prevents cattle browsing on it. It also retains its fo-
liage, which is a beautiful light green, until sever-
frosts. It has no enemy of any account — in some
situations where the ground mice abound, the young
plants are liable to be injured.

Experience points to this plant as the best adapted
for defensive hedges, in this country ; it is also high-
ly ornamental.

The Madura is dioecious : that is, the male and
female flowers are produced on separate trees. A
wonderful display of the power of the pollen or im-
pregnating virus was manifested the past season on
the grounds of the Old Landreth nursery. A fe-
male JIaclura tree produced an abundance of flowers.
I procured male flowers -from a point foiu- miles dis-
tant and scattered them freely over the female tree,
the result was the enornloxis return of forty bushels
of fruit, containing sixty-two quarts of sound seed,
worth in the Philadelpliia market the past -winter,
four dollars per quart, or §250. In connection with
the above, I should have remarked that the particles
of the pollen are so minute, that the naked eye cannot
detect them.

To cultivate the Madura successfully in hedgeform
it is not requisite to highly manure the ground in-
tended to be planted— average wheat land is sufficient.
The plants should be removed from the nursery with
care, (the roots where mutilated with the spade, cut
clean with the knife,) and planted ten to twelve inch
es apart, the ground having been pre-viously dug deep
and some two feet in breadth. Immediately after-
planting, the top of each plant must be cut off to
within six inches of the ground, which forces the plant
to throw out numerous branches. When the brandies
have attained the height of six or eight inches, cut
off all the tops of said branches, which forces out an-
other set of branches which must be treated precise-
ly in the same manner, using strong hedge shears. —
In case a dry season follows the transplantation, an
application of manure or litter to the surfoce sur-
rounding the plant will greatly benefit and prevent
evaporation. Tlie Madura to form a perfect hedge
requires clipping twice during tlte summer, never
adding to its height at any one clipping more than
six inches. It also requires a close clipping in Slarch,
or earlier, of the wood grown after the last summer
clip— the object of all this clipping is to render the
hedge compact by checking its rapid growth.

James D. Fulton-.
Pliiladelphia, May 20, 1851.

B^" Man is born, not to solve the problems of the
Universe, but to find out where the problem begins.

COMMUNICATIONS.

[June,

Organization of the Honey Bee, &c.

Mr. Editor : — Though doubtless as little disposed
as yourself to regard the "Atnerican Beekeeper's
Manual " with special admiration, permit me to say
that IMiner is correct in the statement that there is
"not the slightest difference in the organic structure
of the worker bees ;" nor are specific duties assigned
permanently to different classes of workers. Recent
observations and experiments, carefully made, have
shown that all woi'kers are, by nature, equally quali-
fied for every branch or subdivision of labor required,
and in tiirn perform it as occasions arise. There is
certainly a division of labor during the working sea-
son ; but there are no gangs of laborers, peculiarly
organized for particular branches or departments, to
•whom the appropriate work of each branch is as-
signed, as a distinct business or duty for life, or even
for the season. Even the famous hlach-hees, which
have attracted so much notice, and were often de-
scribed as possessing peculiar characteristics, prove
in the end to be organized in no respect differently
from their congeners, the common workers. Dr.
Alefeld, a distinguished German apiarian and ente-
mologist, lately subjected these bees to minute micro-
scopic examination, and the result was a clear con-
viction that, in bodily organization, tbeyare precisely
similar, in all respects, to the ordinary workers —
difference in color constituting the sole distinction.

You are under an erroneous impression, also, when
you mention Schirach, as "the discoverer of the
mode of forming a queen out of the larva of a work-
er." Schirach never professed to have made the dis-
covery ; nor is it known by whom it was made. In
Lis treatise on the subject, published in the year 1770,
lie states that the process has been known for more
than twenty years, in Upper Lusatia, but having
been kept a secret, it was practiced only by a small
number of apiarians. All the merit he claimed was
that of having promulgated the discovery, after veri-
fying it by experiment, and simplifying the process.
Swammerdam, in his ^^ Bible of Kature," published
in 1752, at Leipzig, says that a then living and very
intelligent apiarian possessed and had communicated
to him, the art of producing queen bees from worker
eggs or larva. Ho also describes the process very
minutely and states most of the conditions requisite
for its success. Though by some German writers it
has been alleged, that the art was known and prac-
ticed as early as the year 1735, yet Swammerdam's
account appears to be the earliest published notice of
it, and corroborates Schirach's statement that it had
been known for more than twenty years before the
time at which he wrote. Schirach himself regarded
the discovery as accidental, and as having been made,
almost simvdtaneousl}', in different districts.

The discovery itself is undoubtedly one of much
interest and importance ; but as the principles on
which success depends were not fully understood un-
til within the last twelve or fifteen years, the process

has not, till quite recently, been availed of in prac-
tice, on an extensive scale, with beneficial results. —
But since the publication of Dzierzon's " Theory ami
Practice," by 'which most of the mysteries which
so long shrouded the natural history of this insect
are elucidated and removed, the process has become
an essential part of modern improved practical bee-
culture, as regulated by scientific principles.

Permit me to say, also, that Miner is not far wrong,
in stating that the eyes of the bees " are situated on
the upper surface of the head." Those organs on the
sides of the head which have usually been called
eyes, are undoubtedly such; but they are not the only
organs of vision. The recent microscopical investi-
gations of Professor Barthe, of EiohstUdt, one of
the editors of the "Bienenzeiiung"' demonstrate that
what are commonly called siemmata, and which are
differently placed on the heads of the worker, drone
and queen respectively — are in reality eyes, designed
and used for specific purposes of vision, in accord-
ance with the peculiar habits and wants of the insect.
In the "Bienenzeitung" for January 1, 1851, this
question is finally disposed of.

The organs of smell, however, which Bliner, singu-
larly enough, supposes may be found in the antennre,
are situated in the face of the bee, below these latter
members. The two foramina serving for nostrils,
pass through the outer corneous skin ; immediat-ely
behind which there is spread out a faushaped corru-
gated expansion of the true skin, reticulated by nu-
merous nervures — an arrangement or contrivance
evidently constituting the insect's organs of smell.

Without entering on a critical examination of Mi-
ner's book, as a work " worthy of being called a full
practical treatise " on bee-culture, I may advert to
a few particulars wherein I conceive his statement to
be deceptive or erroneous.

It remains to be proved, for instance, that the
queen bee ever deposits the egg in a royal ex-queen
cell ; or that the larva in such colls are supplied v.'ith
food other or more pungent than that furnished to the
worker brood. According to the more recent obser-
vations, the probabilities are against these positions
or assumptions. There is reason to believe that the
size and perhaps the position of those cells, together
with their peculiar construction, allowing entire free-
dom and perfection of developement, are the sole
cause why the larva bred and matured therein,
emerge as queens, which would have come forth
workers if bred in the narrower horizontal colls.

Again, — Mr. Miner alleges that "the two kinds of
eggs — for worker and drone bees, namely — are ger-
minated in perfectly distinct and separate bodies,
no organic separation exists in the formation of the
ovary, as has ever yet lioen discovered." This is in
direct variance with the results of the latest physio-
logical examinations of 'the insect. From these it
seems to be pretty well settleii that the eggs of the
queen, as developed in her ovaries, arc all originally

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

of the same kiud or charoxter; and that every un fe-
cundated queen, if productive, 'will lay eggs producing
drones only. The eggs of a fecundated queen, on the
other hand, may — as, indeed, far the greater number
of them do — in their progress through the oviduct,
become impregnated by the seminal fluid, as they
pass the orifice of the sac or gland containing it,
•which opens into the oviduct. If they be so impreg-
nated, and be then deposited, as they naturally —
perhaps nfcc3sarily — ^vrill be, in -worker cells remain-
ing such, or into worker cells which are subsequent-
ly ti-ansformed into royal cells, they are capable of
becoming developed into either workers or queens,
according to the kind of cell in which they are bred
and matured. But, if, in their passage through the
oviduct the eggs be not thus impregnated, each will
produce a drone — smaller or larger — as it may hap-
pen to be deposited in a drone or worker cell. A
fecundated queen, vigorous and healthy, wiU not —
probably cannot — deposits a drone-producing egg in
a worker cell; and it yet remains to be ascertained
whether the drones produced from the eggs of an un-
fecundated, or of a superannuated and enfeebled
queen, possess virility, or are in fact true drones. —
In the present state of our knowledge of this matter,
it seems probable that the size or diameter of the cell
determines whether the egg deposited therein by a
healthy fecundated queen, shall produce a worker or
a drone — a narrow or worker cell causing such a
compressing of the abdomen of the queen, when in
the act of laying, as results in an emission or effusion
of seminal fluid from the sac or gland containing it,
into the oviduct, as the egg passes its orifice or mouth :
and a wider or drone cell permitting the egg to be
deposited without such compression of the abdomen
and consequent emission of fluid. It would follow
of course, also, that the queen never deposites an egg
in a royal cell ; but that every such cell is construct-
ed after the egg has been deposited in a worker cell
— by removal of material, remodelling it, and totally
changing the arrangement and position. Ilowever
this may be, the fact appears to have been demon-
strated that every healthy fecundated queen deposites
worker and drone eggs, respectively, in their appro-
priate cells; and that every unfecundated queen, if
fertile, deposites drone eggs alone, in either class of
cells indiscriminately. Generally, however, such
queens are sterile.

It is to bo regretted that Mr. Miner indulges so
frequently in sneers at the blindness and imputed ig-
norance of Iluber. Blindness was Huber's misfor-
tune, entitling him to our sympathy; while his valu-
able contributions to natujral science, made under such
unfavorable circumstances, challenge our admiration
and deserve our praise. That he was ignorant of
many things pertaining to his favorite branch of
study, which are now well known, is not surprising
and reflects no discredit on him: — the same is true
of Sir Isaac Newton. Yet, I will venture to say that

Iluber was more fully posted up in all things relating
to the science and practice of apiculture, as it existed
in his day, than Mr. Jliner is, in reference to the
same topics, as they now exist. Nay, that he was,
on some important points, far in advance of his age
— which Mr. Miner cannot claim to be, on any.
York, Pa. W.

[We are much obliged to our correspondent for his
remarks upon this subject, and hope he will occasion-
ally favor us with articles upon this or any other
subject suitable to the -Journal.

As we remarked in our review of Miner's Manual,
we have no acquaintance with the subject of bees,
having never had them on account of the kalmia or
"laurel" being abundant in our vicinity. The few
remarks we made therefore, were general, and found-
ed upon the observations of others, and Schirach was
credited on the authority of others. The discrepancy
between Miner and Huber was mentioned to call at-
tention to the subject.

Ancient observers are not the only ones likely to
be in error — for example, a correspondent in the
Boston Cultivator denies the whole theory, or rather
fact — of ruminating animals chewing their food after
it has been once swallowed. This should lead us to
extreme caution in a subject as difficult as that of
bees. AVe have known a person somewhat versed in
insects who could not discover the difierence between
a male and female insect placed before liim, although
really not difficult to perceive, and many parallel
cases will probably be detected in the histories of
bees.

It must be remembered that various species of bee
are cultivated for the honey, in different parts of the
world, and consequently, it is unsafe to deny the
statement of one observer, until we learn whether the
species observed by him is identical with such as fur-
nish different results.

The subject of bees has been treated by so many
observers that writers who do not make themselves
acquainted with the observations of their predeces-
sors run the risk of announcing old discoveries as
now ones. Thus, during the appearance of the 17-
years Cicada in 1834, a description of its singing
organs was given before a learned society, although
this had been done and a figure given in a work pub-
lished at Ferrara in the year 1600. Who knows
therefore what may not be said in the volumes of
Aalliorg, published at, for example, Copenhagen in
1G39 and 1042.

The assertion as to the antennre being organs of
smell is as fiir from being proved as the counter as-
sertion that they are ears — and one German and one
English author go as far as to call them cars.

jNIiner's assertion about the eyes being upon the
top of the head is about equivalent to saying that the
hair of a bear is upon the top of the head, the head
of some insects being nearly all eye, although the
stammata occupy but a small space. That the late-
ral eyes are the normal organs of vision in insects,
there can be no doul^it. — Ed.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

[June,

Farmers Sons and the teamed Professions.

It has long been a general complaint that while
Agriculture is one of the oldest, and certainly most
commendable pursuits of life, it has never occupied
the prominent position it should have done, but has
ever been one of the most neglected and backward
of all sciences. This is certainly to be deplored at a
time like the present, where so much valuable infor-
mation upon every department of the subject may be
had at so comparatively trifling an expenditure of
time and money. Tliis state of things is attributable
to several causes, only one of wliich I shall refer to
in my present communication.

Among the sons of our farmers, are found as fre-
quently as amongst any other classes of the commu-
nity, young men of rare natural endowments. No
sooner are their abilities discovered, than an itching
to see them lawyers, doctors, or preachers, takes pos-
session of the parents, or some ambitious friend or
relative. Thus, in nine cases out of ten, an excellent
farmer is spoiled ; and the learned professions as
they are termed, crowded with hungry applicants for
fame and fortune. By this, I do not desire to be un-
derstood as speaking disrespectfully of professional
men. Far from it. I merely wish to show that pa-
rents and young men are often misled by the inju-
dicious kindness and flattering of friends, who assume
the task of advising them in regard to their future
course in life.

To do away the impression that farming is not a
disreputable pursuit should be the oliject of every
parent who really desires the happiness of his chil-
dren, although it is a humiliating thought that any
young man possessed of good common sense should
require any such teaching. There is certainly no
calling in life more dignified and truly independent
than that of the flirmer ; while it cannot be denied
that it is certainly one of the most pleasant and en-
nobling. If, instead of the silly desire of some pa-
rents to make professional men of their sons, they
would teach them to love and respect farming as a
science, and would endeavor to lead them to imbibe
a love for Scientific Agriculture, we should soon find
that instead of being regarded by many as a pursuit
fit only for the unlearned and rude, it would be ele-
vated to its proper dignity.

It is with pleasure I behold evidences of a dispo-
sition to commence the good work. The young men
tliemselvos are taking hold of it in good earnest. —
Agricultural Societies are springing up in almost
every County in Pennsylvania ; and foremost in this
laudable reform, we find the young men. It is to be
hoped that their own self-respect will induce to press
forward the work with all their vigor, and to persevere
until they have accomplished all that is necessary to
place farming where it properly belongs — in the
front rank of the Sciences.

J. S. Keller.
Owiy^burff, May, 1851.

Hedging.

Mk. Editor: —

From the numerous advertisements in our leading
horticultural and agricultural journals, it appears
there are an abundance of seeds and plants of the
Osage Orange (5Iaclura aurantiaca) for sale : and if
the demand equals the supply, many of your readers
are among the purchasers, looking forward to the end
of three years to behold what? Their verdant fields
surrounded by an impenetrable living fence? No!
But to sad breaches in the continuity of their rows
and their consequent failure and mortification. Al-
low me through your Journal to give my short ex-
perience.

Three years since some good seed was procured,
soaked and planted. It grew finely. The ends ol
the young plants suflered but little by the frosts of
the following winter, and in the spring were trans-
planted in double rows according to the method de-
tailed in the Ilorticulturist, vol. 1, p. 3-33. Their
vigorous growth and beautiful appearance during that
season was all that the most ardent could desire. —
The following spring when heading in (cutting them
oif six inches from the ground) you may judge of my
mortification to find that whole yards of hedge were
completely destroyed by mice ; the plants cut off se-
veral inches below the surface, and the roots eaten. —
These breaches were repaired only to be renewed
during the past winter. Lot it be distinctly under-
stood that these hedge-rows were cultivated on both
sides, the grass and weeds kept down. Indeed, in
many places where the ground was cultivated in corn .
and potatoes, kept entirely clean during summer and
autumn, it was in winter filled with tliis species of
mouse (Arvicola santhognatus). Some have sup-
posed that plants aro destroyed by moles (Scalops
canadensis) but I have frequently traced their ridges
in the immediate proximity of the roots, without a
fibre being eaten.

Where those little destructive creatures are no
found so plentifully, or kept in check by cats, dogs or
hawks, and the hedges' are clipped thrice in the pro •
per season, a good barrier may be grown.

In the first number of the Western Horticultural
Review, Dr. Warder, who has a splendid hedge of
this plant, gives his method of management — thi
best that I have yet seen. J. K. Eshleman.

Chester co., Pa.

Rice is being cultivated as an experiment in Cali-
fornia, on the San Joaquin. With rice along the river
banks, and wheat and barley growing in the back
country, California will yet be able to establish her-
self as a land of agricultural wealth.

The consumption of beer in Munich for thj year
1850 was 39,000,000 of quarts. The city lays a tax
of i krcuzer on a quart; this tax nearly pays thj
whole municipal expenses.

ISjI.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

Shade as a Fertilizer,

JIb. Editor : — In conversation ■with you a fotv
davs since, I incidentally mentioned, that I had made
the experiment of covering a grass field ■svith straw.
I at the time considered such matter as entirely too
insignificant to fill up the pages of your valuable
Jom-nal. You, however, appeared to think other-
yrisc — said you -wanted facts and desired that I would
give an abstract of the plan for your paper. I will
therefore comply with your request.

Having a large quantity of wheat straw for which
I had neither use, nor room for storeage, I, in last
January concluded to draw it on a field that had
been laid down to grass, timothy and clover, two
years previously. The field contained about ten acres,
and we spread over the ground as evenly as we could,
some 12 or 15 two-horse loads. It was regarded at the
time by many persons, as a novel mode of disposing
of the surplus straw, yet generally believed to be ad-
vantageous. This spring it could plainly be seen to
have the effect of starting the grass earlier than in fields
adjacent, and causing it to grow with greater vigor. I
am fully convinced, that straw spread over the ground
at the commencement of winter, would in a great
measure prevent the frost from heaving, or lifting the
soil, which from the alternate freezing and thawing,
frequently occasions the destruction of wheat, clover
&c., the frost drawing the plants out of the ground,
and leaving them exposed on the surface. A light
covering of straw would in a great measure prevent
this.

The practical fanner will eay, there is nothing
new in this, and it is not worth the room it occupies
in your Journal — and we partly agree with them. —
However, when this simple experiment is, taken into
consideration in connection ■n-ith, or rather in confir-
mation of 5Ir. Baldwin's theory, — that shade alone
will fertilize the most barren soils — or considered in
the light of mulcldng, it becomes a question of great
importance to the farmer and gardener, and in this
light may possibly be interesting to some of your
readers.

The shadin* or covering the ground from the in-
fluence of GUI- burning sun, and drying winds — ^with
any decomposable substance, such as straw, leaves,
coarse litter, tan bark, and other materials, is well
known to be of great and manifest advantage to new-
ly planted trees — to beds of Raspberries, Strawber-
ries, Vine borders, and in fact it is believed that all
plants grow more vigorously by having a covering
over their roots. "We might refer to the forest for a
confirmation of these facts. The trees grow much
more rapidly and larger in those localities, where an
anual layer of leaves is left to shade the ground.

By covering the soil with any refuse matter, it re-
mains in a more equable state, both as regards
temperature and moisture, the roots of trees and
plants find a more congenial medium to extract nour-
ishment from a cool and moist soil, and grow with

far greater vigoi- — remain in a more healthy and
flourishing condition and consequently boar larger
and better crops.

If you think the above worthy of a place in the
Journal, give it an insertion ; if not, consign it to tho
fire. Respectfully,

J. B. Garber.

Floral Retreaf, Lan. Co., May 21, 1851.

The Crows and Pigeons defeated— Swede Turnips.

JIb. Editor — Last year the crows and my neigh-
bor's chickens and pigeons luxuriated on my newly
planted corn crops. I was determined to defeat them
this season, and h:ive succeeded admirably. I have
dipped the whole of my seed corn in gas tar and then
dried it with plaster. The early corn, and the first
planting of late is now up and not a hill has been
disturbed.

Swede Turnips. — ^We obtained last year a very
heavy crop after hay, using about two cords of street
manure and 35 cwt. of guano to the acre, well incor-
porated together and carefully put into the • drills,
covered iip and instantly sowed the seed. Another
olservition is worthy of note, that new American
seed comes away quicker than the impoi'tod and out-
grows the attacks of the fly. K. Buisx.

Roseclale Nurseries <& Seed Farm.

The Ashes of Anthracite Coal.

BY JONATHAN B. BUNCE, OF TAI.E COLLEGE LABORATORT.

Coal, now so common an article of fuel in all bur
cities, leaves but a small quantity of ashes, yet when
we take into account the number of tons consumed
in a single year this amount becomes very considera-
ble; hence, it becomes a matter of interest to know
whether it can be considered of economical value. —
With this purpose in view, two samples of coal were
selected, the white and red ash varieties, and the
quantities soluble both in water and acid determined
with the foUovring results, viz:
White ash in water 3.74 I Red ash in water 3.35
White ash in acid 17.07 | Red ash in acid 18.65

The following analysis is the mean of two determi-
nations of the portion soluble in acid.

W. a. var. R.a.va.
Soluble silica 790 8.621
Alumina 35.201 29.575
Iron 29.643 40.614

Lime 18.055 1.108

Magnesia 1.730 13.992

Total, 99,448 100.091
The results obtained in these two analyses seem to
justify the extensive use of coal ashes for agricultural
purposes; they are very valuable on account of the
sulphates of lime and magnesia which they contain,
and also from the phosphoric acid and alkalies. —
Hundreds of tons which are now wasted might thus
bo brought iuto use. — Proceed. Am. Assoc. 1851.

W. a. var.

R.a.va.

Soda 1.933

1.146

Potash 1.433

.732

Phos. acid 1.796

1.880

Sul. acid 8.164

3.010

Chlorine .087

.018

CnoLERA IN Animals. — Eridence was produced to
the French Academy, showing that during the pre-
valence of the cholera in France, horses were observ-
ed to be affected with the disease in a like maimer
with men.

CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO.

[June,

JES^ Wo have, on seTcral occasions, been asked for
the best work on the cultivation of tobacco. AVe
knovr of no American book on the subject, and tliere-
fore present our inquiring friends -svith the following
essay written by Peter Miner, of Virginia. We copy
the article from the Plough, Loom and Anvil, where
it received a hearty recommendation from Mr. Skin-
ner. As tobacco growing is attracting much atten-
tion in parts of Pennsylvania, and especially in Lan-
caster county, the essay will be of importance to new
beginners in the business. We shall complete it in
our subsequent numbers.

Notes on the cultivation & mauagement of ToTiacco,

From ilie plant bed to the prize — according io the most

approved practices in Albermarle and the adjacent

counties in Virginia.

1st. of the choice of lands for the plant-beds, and

mode op pkeparing it.

A rich virgin loam with a slight mixture of sand is
ascertained to be the best soil for raising tobacco
plants. Such spots are indicated by the growth of
alder and hazle bushes in bottoms and on the margin
of small streams, and if the situation has the com-
mand of water for irrigation it is on that account to
be preferred — the spot being selected, the first opera-
tion is to burn it with a strong fire. For this purpose
the growth of every kind is cut off, (not grubbed up)
and the whole surfixce raked very clean. The burn-
ing should be done before Christmas, or as soon after
as the weather will jiermit — and if done thus early it
cannot be well too heavy, even bringing the soil to a
hard cake. The wonderful fertility imparted to soil
by fire, has of late years been clearly proved and de-
veloped by various experiments in this and other
countries, but judging from long established practice,
■we suppose it is a fact that has been long known to
tobacco planters; that this fertility is imparted by fire,
and no ways dependent upon the ashes left by the
process is clearly proved from the fact, that the same
results will ensue if the ashes are swept off entirely
clean. Or take another piece of ground of equal qua-
lity, cover it with as much or more ashes, and pre-
pare it in every respect similar except ))uruing, and
plants cannot be raised in it. Hence the necessity
and propriety of regular and uniform burning, the
want of which is always manifested by a diminutive
yellow and sickly growth of plants in those spots not
Bufficiently acted on liy the fire.

After the ground becomes cool from burning, the
■whole surface should be swept with a coarse twig
broom to take out the coals. In this operation some
of the ashes will be removed, but that is of no conse-
quence ; it should thou be broken up about two inches
deep with grubbing hoes, in which ojieration and in
repeated choppings afterwards with hilling hoes, all
roots will be cut and finally got out with a fine iron
tooth rake which will leave ground in proper order
to receive the seed.

The most approved time for sowing is about the
first of Feljruary, the beds previously prepared being
suffered to lie and mellow by the frost and snows to
that time. But it will do very well to liurn and sow
after that time, as late as the first of March, taking
care not to have the heat so great. The quantity of
seed is as much as can bo taken up in a common ta-

ble spoon"* for 100 square yards, and that in propor-
tion. This quantity of seed should be mixed Avith
about one gallon of clean ashes, and half that quanti-
ty of plaster of Paris, and the whole well incorporat-
ed, and then strewed uniformly over the bed at two
operations, crossing at right angles to ensure regular-
ity. Cabbage seed for early planting, tomato, cele-
ry, and lettuce seed may be sowed in small quanti-
ties ^with the tobacco seed, without material injury
to the growth of the plants. After sowing the seed
the ground is immediately trodden over closely with
the feet, and covered thick with naked brush. If the
frost is severe from this time it is common to take off
the brush sometime in the month of Jlarch, before
the plants appear, and tread the bed again, and at the
same time give the ground a slight dressing of ma-
nure. The dung of fowls of all sorts, is sought after
for this purpose, which being beaten, is sifted over
the bed through a coarse basket or riddle. The brush
is then restored, and not finally removed until the
leaves of the plants are half an inch in diameter ;
when the dressing of manure is again applied, taking
care to wait the approach of rain for that purpose. —
Any grass or weeds that may have sprung up in the
meantime are carefully picked out. In diy seasons,
if the situation admits of it, the bed must be irrigated,
by training a small stream of water around the edge
of it. If not it should be watered every evening with
a common watering pot, or pine bushes dipped in
water and shook over the bed until sufficient moisture
is obtained.

Under a careful observance of this management,
the plants according as the seasons have been favor-
able or not, will be fit to transplant from the 15th of
May to the 10th of June. A planter thinks himself
lucky, if he can get his crop pitched by the 10th of
June. After th.at, the seasons are uncertain from
the heat of the weather, and the chances of success
for a crop precarious ; though it has been known to
succeed when planted in the middle of July.

* This quantity of plant bed is generally consider-
ed under good circumstances as sufficient to set t«n
thousand hillis in good time. But the prudent plan-
ter taking into consideration the casualties of fly,
drought, &c., will do well to make a larger allowance.
We know of no certain remedy or antidote against
the fly which destroys the early plants.

The Directors of the public schools of the several
wards have been improving and ornamenting the
grounds of the Reading Academy, in Fourth street,
by planting shrubbery, roses, &c., and adding trees
here and there where they are needed. Buildings
of this character should be rendered as attractive as
possible. It indicates taste and refinement on the
part of those having them in charge, and reflects cre-
dit on the whole community in which they are located.
— Heading Journal.

A Prolific People. — The census marshal of New
Mexico cites, as an evidence that the people of that
region are prolific, that Ojo Callento Jose Antonio
Prugillo lias twenty-five children living — thirteen
sons and twelve daughters — by one wife. Jose and
liis wife were living, in good health, at the venerable
ages, respectively, of 90 and 86.

TnE proposition of Mr. Russell to establish an
Agricultural School, has met with general favor. —
I'hilada. Inquirer, 22d May.

1851.]

PRIZE ESSAY ON THE HORSE.

THE HORSE:

(Prize Essay, -wliioh obtained, in England, the reward of Five Pounds.)

TEEMS COJlMOJfLT MADE USE Of TO DKXOTE TDE EXTERNAL PAKTS OF THE HORSE.

1. Muzzle.

11. Docli.

21.

Coronet.

2. Race.

12. Quarter.

Ham, or Hock

3. Forehead.

13. Thigh, or Gaskin.

23.

Stifles.

4. Poll.

14. Ilam-string.

24.

Sheath.

5. Crest.

15. Point of the Hock.

25.

Flank.

6. Withers.

16. Cannon.

26.

Girth.

7. Back.

17. Fetlock.

27.

Elbow.

8. Loins.

18. Large Pastern.

28.

Heel.

9. Hip.

19. Small Pa-stern.

29.

Hoof.

LO. Croup.

20. Hoof.

30.

Small Pastern

31. Largo Pastern.

32. Fetlock.

33. Cannon.

34. Knee.

35. Arm.

36. Breast, or Bosom.

37. Point of the Shoulder.

38. Windpipe.

39. Gullet.

40. Jowl.

AN ESSAY ON THE EXTERNAL FORMATION Oil STRUCTURE OF THE DORSE, AND ON THE DISOBDEBS

ORIGINATING THEREIN.

Plerique omnes faciunt adoles-centuli
Utanimum ad aliquod studium adjungant, aut ad equos
Alere, aut canes ad venandum, aut ad philosophos.

Terence.

I purpose, in the following pages, first, to give a|
succmct, but, I trust, useful and esplicit description
of the exterior confirmation — the make and shape of
that valuable animal the horse ; discriminating the
originally well formed tit from the cross-shaped, and
likely-to-become-diseased brute, and the nag that can
go with safety and pleasantly on the road, or carry
sixteen stone across a heavy country, from the imbe-
cile and weakly-constitutioned spider ; and lastly, to
show by what ready and certain modes we may de-
tect unsoundness in the purchase of a prad, and when
■we are to pronounce that he is perfectly sound.

The horse, in the estimation of a sportsman, stands
preeminent above other quadrupeds, as man does
above every other animal: not only do matchless

cd speed, distinguish him, but the extensive utility
he is of to us, and the share he takes in our diver-
sions and perilous enterprises, sen-e to inspire us
with even a degree of affection for him. Every horse
is adapted to some particular purpose : for horses not
only differ in kind, but like men, in utility, in tem-
per, in stamina, &c., and the selection of them, in re-
gard to these particulars, constitutes one of the most
arduous and nicest duties of the connoisseur ; he
must readily acknowledge good or bad conformation
— trace genealogy in the outline, and discover a,je ne
sais quoi in the tout ensemble that denotes a good or
bad instinctive and unalterable qualities.

In describing the good and bad qualities of a horse,
it will be necessary to make use of many terms, de-

beauty and strength of form, combined Tvith unrJTal- 1 noting different external parts, which, to all horse^

THE HORSI

[Juke,

men ■will not require any explanation; lest, however,
the reader bo unacquainted with some of those terms,
a plate is annexed, having references to the parts
themselves in the figure of a horse. It requires some
experience, but more attentive observation, to 1)e what,
in modern horse-phraseolor/;i, is called a good judge;
i. e. (if we are asked to define a good judge,) to know,
at once, by a cast of the eye, whether the nag, as soon
as ho is pulled out, is likely to suit; is he cut out for
a Jiaekiiey, or is he calculated for harness? Does he
look like a Jmnter^ or has he any good looks about him?
Does he show any blood, or is he cdl over a mongrel?
In fine, is he the sort of thing you want, or won't he
do until he meets with a greenhorn? These, and va-
rious other important considerations we hope to un-
ravel the nature of in the course of this inquiry, offer-
ing such remarks, from time to time, as may prove
of practical service to the young and inexperienced
horseman. At first sight of a horse, a judge takes a
general survey of him, and if he observe any appa-
rent disproportion or deformity, his attention is at
once fixed to tliat particular point. Every horse, for
example, that is tolerably well formed, should exhibit
due proportions of limb and carcass ; in fact, nine out
of ten have as much carcass as is equal to the area of
the space occupied by the legs in ordinary standing;
but should his legs be extraordinarily long, or his
carcass disproportionately small, he is said to have
too much daylight under him, and that is certainly
no mean objection. Should his head be very large,
his neck of disproportionate length, his fore legs stand
under him, or his quarters be ragged and ugly, such
glaring imperfections cannot fiiil to attract our notice
as soon as, or even before the groom has sot him on
liis leo-s. But we shall have occasion to particularize
these things in a detail of the perfections and imper-
feotionrof the diflorent parts entering into the compo-
sition of the animal.

The exterior of the horse may be divided, for the
convenience of thus describing his several parts, into
head, neck, body and legs. First, we shall delineate
a good head. The nob should be small. A large
head is not only a plain head, but a bad point, inas-
much as it really, under certain circumstances, de-
tracts from the powers of the horse: ho has, in fact,
more to carry — it is a burden to him, and the only
way in which he can possibly carry it to advantage,
is at the extremity of a short and U)iright neck. —
Like the weight of a pair of steelyards, if it is sup-
ported by a long and horizontal neck, its burden be-
comes enormously augmented, so that the weight
transmitted to the fore extremities (for those parts
support the head and neck as well as half the car-
case) is much increased, and, from the natural pre-
ponderance of it before, is very likely to prove the
cause of the horse's falling down, more especially if
the rider is heavy, every trip or mis-stop he may
chance to make. In addition to all this, a lawyer (or
big-headed horse) is apt to have a hard mouth, or
rather, we say, no mouth, so that we are always ap-
prehensive of his being heavy in hand, and unplea-
sant tJ ride. It ia proper, however, to state, before
wo proceed farther, lost we incur censure for these
remarks, that the formation of the neck, and the
mode in which the head is set on, and how ho carries
it, will have much to do with the head being olijec-
tionablc from its size, and with his being light or
heavy in hand ; for we have known many big-headed
horses ride well, and be as safe as any others. Next
to size, its shape becomes a consideration. Every
feature should give animation to the countenance; let
the forehead be broad and flat; the eye staring and
full of fire; the cars thin, fine, and often erect; the

nostrils circular, dilated, and reddened within; the
lips soft, thin, and hairless; the jowls extended and
the cheeks well marked.

"Fire from his eyes, clouds from his nostrils, flow.''

This, at least, is what we would have it in the tho-
rough-bred, and as a general rule, the nearer that of
any other description of horse approaches to it, the
better the family he springs from, and the more san-
guine we may be in our prognostic of his al^ilities. —
That such a horse looks like a sticker, or is a perfect
gentleman about his nob, are no uncommon nor very
unmeaning expressions in the mouths of sportsmen
and capers. But his head may be very long, or it
may be very short, though we do not know that either
is particularly objectionable, except as an eye-sore,
if the countenance is something like what we have
just described ; imless he be a Yorkshircman, and
then, certainly, we should not fall in love with such
a big canister. The race ought to be perfectly straight,
(see plati>,) and the muzzle, in the blood horse, square,
and such as will go into a pint pot; a Roman nose
(one in which the race is curved) is by no means de-
sirable, though his napper be but of ordinary dimen-
sions; it is seen more couunonly, however, in a big
head, which it, in a side view, makes appear not only
much larger, but excecdingly'ugly ; tliis may be said to
constitute a plain Yorkshire head. Withal, the head,
to render it handsome, should be well set on ; its
junction with the neck should form a sort of curve,
so as to leave ample space in the throat for a large
and prominent gullet, by which we may judge him to
be a good-winded horse.

The neck now demands our attention; if good, the
crest will form an arch of agreeable curve from the
poll to the withers,

"With neck like a rainbow, erecting his crest."

It will be of proportionate length, and progressive
increase in breadth, as it approaches the chest. A
long neck, if it be straight, or but little curved, is ob-
jectionable for the reasons we stated when speaking
of a large head; a short one, however excellent it
may be on the principle of the steelyards, is never
handsome and seldom exists without rcndciing even
a good hackney piggish. That short-necked horses
are betler winded than others, because the air has
less distance to and from the lungs, is an opinion to
which we cannot subscribe. The neck should also
be thin, not thick and heavy, and rounded and straight
along its lower margin; should the canal of the jug-
ular vein be deep, and the windpipe full and promi-
nent below it, we may regard it as a sign of good
wind. When the arch of it is reversed, i. e. below
instead of above, and the crest, or what ought to be
the crest, near the withers, is hollow and sunken, the
horse is said to have an ewe-neck, one of the greatest
natural deformities common to these parts. Under
these circumstances it is usual for a dealer to say that
the neck is put on the wrong side upward; but, in
reality it appears to arise from the j unction of it with
the chest being too low do'v^Ti.

[The above valuable essay on the horse we copy
from the Plough, Loom and Anvil, to the publishers
of which journal we are indebted for the engr.aving
which accompanies it. The length of the article pre-
cludes the possibility of publishing it entire in a sin-
gle number. We shall therefore give the remainder
in our subsequent numbers. — Ed.]

1851.]

THE CHINA GOOSE.

The China Goose. — Of this vai-iety, three heautiful
sijecimens were exhibited at the hvte Agricultural
ShoTV held in the county of Philadelphia. Tliey were
owned by a gentleman, whose name I forget, living
in the vicinity of Tacony, near this city. In intro-
ducing this variety to the reader, Jlr. Dixon says: —

There is something in the aspect of this creature,
the dark brown stripe down its neck, its small bright
eye, its harsh voice, its ceremonious strut, and its af-
fectation of seldom being in a hurry, which seems to
say that it came from China. It would perfeotl}' har-
monize in a picture of Chinese still life ; or in a Chi-
nese garden, with artificially arranged rooks, dwarf
trees, crooked trellises, and zigzag pathways ; or, in
a more extended landscape, it would group well on a
broad river, beside a boat filled with shaven fisher-
men, with their trained cormorants and pig-tailed

children. If it docs come from China, it has no doubt
been domesticated for many hundred year.«i, perhaps
as long as the peacock or common fowl. They may
be made to lay a large number of eggs by an in-
creased supply of nourishing food. This is very dif-
ferent from the disposition to "lay everlastingly,'' as
seen in the Guinea fowl, and some varieties of the
domestic hen — the Black Spanish for instance; be-
cause the China goose does in the end feel a strong
desire to incubate as soon as her protracted laying is
done, whereas entire exemption from the hatching
fever is the great merit of the " everlasting layers."
If liberally furnished with oats, boiled rice, &e., the
China goose will in the spring lay from twenty to
thirty eggs before she begins to sit, and again in the
autumn, after her moult, from ten to fifteen more. I
have never observed any disposition to sit after the
autumnal laying. It is not, as in the Guinea fowl,
a spontaneous flow of eggs, for which the ordinary

THE IIOSG GONG, OB
CHINA GOOSE.

COL. JACftCES' BKE3IEK
GEESE.

diet of the cre^re is suflicicnt, but is as much de-
pendent on feecliiig as the fatness to which a bullock
19 brought. A goose that I supplied with as much
oats as she could eat, besides grass, potatoes, and
cabbages, laid eggs larger than ordinary ; one of them
(with a double yolk) weighed seven and a lialf ounces,
nearly half a pound. I need hardly say that double-
yolked eggs arc very rare, except among birds that
arc highly fed.

The prevailing color of the plumage of the China
goose 18 a brown, which has been aptly compared to
the color of wheat. The different shades are harmo-
niously blended, and are well relieved by the black
tuberculated bill, and the pure white of the abdomen.
Their movements on the water arc graceful and swan-
liks. It is delightful to see them, on a fine day in
spring, lashing the water, diving, rolling over through
mere fun, and playing aU sorts of antics. Slight va-
liatious cccur in the color of the feet and legs, some

having them of a dull orange, others black: a deli-
cate fringe of minute white feathers is occasionally
seen at the base of the bill. These peculiarities are
hereditarily transmitted. But the white China goose,
if it be not speoificially distinct, is a variety so deci-
dedly marked as to demand a separate notice.

The eggs of the China goose are somewhat less
than those of the domestic kind, of a short oval, with
a smooth thick shell, white, but slightly tinged with
yellow at the smaller end. The goslings, when fii-st
hatched, are usually very strong. They are of a dirty
green, like the color produced by the mixing of In-
dian ink and yellow ochre, with darker patches here
and there. The legs and feet are load-color, but af-
terwards change to a dull red. If there is any thing
like good pasturage for them, they require no i'urther
attention than what their parents will afford them. —
After a time a little grain will strengthen and for-
ward them. If well fed, they come to maturity very

THE BREMEN GOOSE— DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

[Jlne,

rapidly. In between three and four months from tlio
time of leaving the shell, they will be full-grown and
ready for the spit. They do not bear to be shut up
to fatten so well as common goe.se, and therefore
those destined for the table are the better for profuse
hand-feeding. Their flesh is well-flavored, short, and
tender: their eggs are good for cooking purposes.

The Bremen Goose. — As quality of flesh, combined
with weight, is a main consideration, I wish to men-
tion, regarding the former, that the flesh of the Bre-
men goose is very diflerent from that of any of our
best domestic varieties. It does not partake of that
dry character which belongs to other and more com-
mon kinds, but is as tender and juicy as the flesh of a
■wild fowl : besides it shrinks less in the process of
cooking, than that of any other fowl. Some of the
keenest epicures have declared that the flesh of the
Bremen goose is equal, if not superior, to that of the
celebrated canvas-back duck. There is assuredly
some comfort, not uncombined with ease, in carving
a bird that weighs seventeen pounds, and taking a
slice from the breast, so long as to be obliged to cut
it in two, that one-half may cover no more than the
■width of a common dinner plate.

The Bremen goose inclines to commence laying at
an earlier period thanHhis northern latitude "favors,
■which is in the latter part of February. To give the
young fair play, it is not advisable that hatching
should be finished before the first of June. The
mode of prevention used by my father is as follows:

The whole of the breeding stock, male and female,
are put into a dark room — say about the twentieth
of February — and kept there until about the tenth day
of April. When in durance they are well fed once a
day •with corn, and allo"n'ed sufficient ■n'ater all along
to drink. Once a week they are allowed to get out
for one hour, to wash and plume themselves, and arc
then shut up again. While thus confined, they lose
the inclination to breed, and do not assume it while
they are kept shut up ; but in eight or ten days after
they are set at liberty, the disposition returns, and
they commence laying.

When first hatched, the goslings arc of a very deli-
cate and tender constitution. My father's general
practice, is to let them remain in the bos in which
they were hatched for twenty-four hours after they
leave the shell ; but he regulates this liy the weather,
■which, if fair and warm, may tolerate the letting the
goslings out an hour or two in the middle of the day,
■when they may wet their little bills and nibble at the
grass. They ought not to be out in rain at any time
during the first jnonth. A very shallow pool, dug in
tiie yard, with "bucket or two of water thro'wn into
it, to suit the temporary purpose of bathing, is sufli-
ciont during the period named.

The practice of feeding my fother follows is, not to
give the goslings any grain whatever, after they are
four days old, until snow falls, when they require to
be fed on corn for a time. He thinks, however, that
if well fed on grain from the time they were hatched,
they might weigh from 4 lljs. to 7 lbs. more than by
leaving them to grass-feeding alone.

By feeding his geese until they are four days old,
and then literally "sending them to grass," the weight
of my father's geese, at seven to eight months old,
has averaged from 17 to 18 lbs. each, after the feath-
ers had been cleanly picked ofi'. lie has no doubt
tliat 25 lbs. could be easily attained by a little atten-
tion to feeding ■nith grain.

The breeding-boxes mentioned above are made in
the fashion something like a dog-kennel, with a roof

pitched botli ways. They are 30 inches long, by 24
inches, and are 24 inches in height. The door is in
the end, and is covered by a sliding panel, which
moves upwards, when egress or ingress is sought, and
may bo shut down at pleasure. For the first month,
the geese and goslings are all shut up in the boxes
at night, in order to protect them against rain and
vermm. — Dixon and Kerr's Ornamental Poultry.

Jilomcstic €ronoiny.

Advantages of Systematic Arrangement. — It is
well known that in domestic economy, good house-
keepers do actually derive this incidental advantage
from a day of rest through the week: — One day is
devoted to washing; one to ironing; one to cleaning
liouse; one to mending; one to baking; so that by
Saturday night everything is brought to a comely
state. None of those things are left for the approach-
ing week. Everything is arranged and in order, e .
if she did not expect to live another week. Men
should do the same on their farms. If they did they
would thrive and prosper. — Blake's Fanner's Every
Day Dook.

To Make Green Salve. — Take freshly-gathered
white lily flowers, broad-leaved, common plantain,
ohiokweed, each, as much as can be grasped in a
man's hand; one pound of newly-churned butter
without salt; one pound of mutton suet, melted and
strained; one pound of bees-wax; and one pound of
rosin. Melt the suet and butter together, and boil in
them the herbs, xjntil thojuice is all extracted ; then
strain through a cloth, and add the rosin and wax. —
When melted and well mixed, strain again into a
queensware or earthen pan, and stir till cold, to pre-
vent separation. An excellent cooling and healing
salve for wounds and burns.

To Kill Cockroaches. — Mix equal quantities of
red lead and Indian meal with molasses, making it
about the consistency of paste. It is known to be a
certain exterminator of roaches. A friend who was
trouliled with thousands upon thousands of them, rid
his house of them liy this mixture in a very few nights.
Put it upon pilates and set it where the vermin are
thickest, and they will soon help themselves. Be care-
ful not to have any articles of food near by where
you set the mixture.

Bei>bugs. — There is a long article in the Yallcy
Far7}ier, by which it is cstaljlished beyond question
that sweet oil occasionally rubbed over bedsteads,
chair boards, &c., will eff'ectually prevent the appear-
ance of bed-bugs. We think it unnecessary to pub-
lish the evidence of the cfilcieucy of this cheap and
agreeable preventive of the nuisance in question. —
The reader wiU take our word that it is conclusive.

To Clean Rusted Iron Work. — Cover over tho
work with oil and let it stand for five or six hours. —
Then wash it off with strong soap-suds and a goo 1
brush. The brush must bo long in the bristles. Iron
work should never be left wet any length of time.

Cure roR Corns. — Pare off the hard part of the
corn with a sharp knife, not so as to cause it to bleed;
apply the inner part of an onion, mashed fine; keep
it on during the night, and a very few applications
will effect a cure.

1851.J

HORTICULTURAL.

tjorticulturol Department.

POMOrOGICAt REMARKS.

BV DR. W. D. BRINCKLE.

The Raspberry. *

Our indigenous Raspberries, it is generally con-
ceded, are inferior in quality to those of European
origin. Over the latter, however, they possess one
advantage — that of hardiness. The foreign kinds, not
l>oing able to withstand the sudden vicissitudes of our
variable climate, are generally killed nearly or quite
to the ground, unless recourse is had to artificial
means of protection. All attempts to acclimate them,
however perseveringly continued, have failed. It is
therefore desirable that some other effort should be
made to obtain varieties, equalling them in size and
flavor, and possessing a more hardy constitution.

It is a well known fact that all plants usually suc-
ceed best in their native land. To accomplish then
the improvement of the Raspberry, and indeed all
other kinds of fruit, we should raise seedling varie-
ties. In doing this, two modes present themselves
for our cousidera^on. In the one case, seed, artifi-
cially fertilized, is used; — in the other, that which
has been fertilized naturally, or without the interven-
tion of man.

The first, commonly termed "cross impregnations"
is the most certain way of forming valuable varieties
and is conducted on precisely the same principle as
that pursued by our agriculturists in improving their
breed of cattle. A fine specimen of each sex, posses-
sing certain good qualities not common to both, is
usually selected, and a combination of their good
qualities may be expected in the offspring.

The manner of performing the operation of cross
impregnation will not be described at present; but on
a future occasion it will probably be made the sub-
ject of some remarks.

The other mode of producing new and valuable va-
rieties of raspberries suited to the peculiarities and
necessities of our climate, n.amely: by planting seed
which has' not been subjected to artificial fertilization,
also promises favorable results. The seed selected
should bo of the finest sorts, such as the True Red
Antwerp, Yellow Antwerp, Franconia, Fastolf, and
Kneaett's Giant, which are all of foreign origin, and
emanate from a species that has been under cultiva-
tion, in Europe, for many centuries. Seedlings from
theac varieties, like the progeny of many animals and

VOL. I E.

vegetables which, for a series of generations, have
been placed under the meliorating influences of arti
fioial culture, will be found to vary, in several re-
spects, from the parent. It is important tliat no pro-
tection should be given to the plants raised from seed;
they should bo subjected to severe exposure, in order
that all the tender ones may be killed off. We require
hardy varieties.

The seed of the rospberry, even when planted im-
mediately after the fruit is ripe, will scarcely ever
vegetate till the following spring; differing in tliis
respect from the strawberry seed, which generally
germinate the same season they are planted, and fre-
quently fruit the following season. It is perhaps not
generally known, that raspberry plants, raised from
seed sown in the spring, will occasionally bear fruit
in the summer of the following year. This will more
certainly be the case, if the seed be planted in a pot
or box and placed in a warm room with a southerji
exposure, in February or March.

Seedlings raised from foreign varieties will often
be found to sport considerably in foliage, and in the
form and color of the berry. From the seed of the
Fastolf, a crimson variety, I have raised plants, some
of which bear light cream-colored, some straw-colored
and some crimson fruit. From a seed of Dyack's
seedling, another crimson variety, originated the
orange raspberry, the fruit of which is neither red
nor yellow, but of a bright orange color. From seed
of the Col. Wilder, a cream-colored variety, and a
seedling of the Fastolf, I have raised a number of.
plants, the fruit of some of which is red, and of others
yellow of different shades. Having artificially fertil-
ized a blossom of the Fastolf with pollen from the
Yellow Antwerp, all of the seed contained in the
berry formed by this operation were planted. Many
of them vegetated ; but so tender were most of the
plants, that all save one perished. Tlie survivor,
(named the French as a compliment to my highly
valued friend the Hon. B. X. French, of Massachu-
setts,) bears a crimson fruit and seems to possess
more constitutional hardiness than either of its pa-
rents. One object in making the preceding cross
between a red and a yellow fruited variety was to as-
certain whether the fruit of the offspring would pre-
serve the separate color of one or the other parent, or
consist of a blending of the two.
Pliiladdplda, May 26, 1851.

Comparative cost of swords a.vd ploughsjiare?. —
It is estimated that the agricultural labor done in
England, in 1847, cost £18,200,000, and oflScial re-
turns show that the cost of her naval and military
establishments for the same year was £18,500,000,
that is £300,000 more than for all her golden har-
vests.

TnE prospect of a bountiful harvest was never
more flattering than now. From every section of the
State we have the mo»t cheering accounts.

HORTICULTURAL.

[June,

Transplanting Pear Trees.

Mr. Editor : — As you have expressed a desire that
farmers should communicate facts for your Journal,
I herewith offer one, -which though familiar to some
of your readers, may be new and valuable to others.
I have frequently heard persons complain of their
repeated failures in transplanting fruit and other
trees, but especially the pear tree. Having at various
times had occasion to transplant)- several fine young
pear trees, and knowing how repeatedly others had
met with ill luck, I was induced before attempting
the first one, to take counsel from a friend (whose
success was almost certain,) as to the plan to be pur-
sued. His advice was, first, to prepare the hole des-
tined to receive the tree, of a size not less than from
three to four feet in diameter, and from eighteen inch-
es to two feet in depth ; the depth and diameter de-
pending upon the size of the tree. The earth in the
bottom of the hole was well loosened to the depth of
four or five inches ; while that taken from it was
thoroughly pulverized, and when occasion required it,
enriched with manure.

The nest thing to be done was to take up the tree,
about which too nuich care could not be exercised. —
The delicate fibres of the roots through which the
tree receives its food, were carefully protected from
injuries ; and no pains spared to preserve them as
entire as possible. To accomplish this more effectu-
ally, the digging was commenced at a suflicient dis-
tance from the body of the tree to enable the trans-
planter to ascertain how far the roots had extended
themselves, so that having ascertained this, he could
■work to better advantage. After having loosened
the roots, and before removing the tree, a mark was
made upon the bark, in order that it might lie placed
in its ne-w homo, in precisely the same position in rela-
tion to the points of the conqMss, it formerly had. A
iufficient quantity of the enriched and well pulve-
rized earth was next filled into the hole to cause the
tree to stand at exactly the same depth as before. —
The roots were then nicely adjusted, so that every
fibre was brought in contact with the soil, in order
to effect which the hand was used, instead of the
spade. Some of our most distinguished horticultu-
rists recommend the plunging of the roots into a pud-
dle of thin clay or mud, but my experience as well as
judgment, advise a different course. One of the es-
eontial requisites to success in transplanting is, that
the delicate fibres of the roots be so arranged as to
take up nourishment from as large an amount of
•oil as possible. This can be done only, by separat-
ing them. Plunging them into a puddle of clay or
mud has the effect of causing them to cling closely to-
gether, and thus defeats the very object it is intended
to promote. If a bucket of water is poured in after
the roots are covered with soil, the same end to be
accomplished by puddling will be secured, with this
difference in favor of the former plan, that the fibres

of the roots will be separated instead of adhcriiig to
each other in masses.

After filling the hole, the soil should not be
pressed in too tightly, but a few days given it to set-
tle, and if occasion requires it, more soil may bo
added from time to time so as to keep the surface
even with the ground around it.

By pursuing this simple plan, and talcing special
care to have the trees placed in their new p)Osition with
particular reference to the marlis on the bark, I have
been uniformly successful in transplanting. Several
of my friends have tried it with the .same success ;
and I am firmly impressed with the belief that if
this system .were generally adopted, there would be
fewer failures in this important department of Hor-
ticulture.

I will merely add that I have always selected the
middle of April as the time for transplanting, though
Autumn would perhaps prove equally propitious. I
have also been careful in selecting, when practicable,
a dry situation, with a good loam soil, finding it best
adapted to the pear tree.

ACRICOLA.

Xew Holland, Pa., May 24, 1851.

Destruction of Birds & Increase of Noxious Insects.
Mr. Editor : — It is a well known fact that thirty
years ago, our apples were, as a general thing, more
sound and perfect than now — our peach trees suffered
less from destructive insects — the ravages of the cur-
culio were scarcely worth mentioning, while many of
the injuries now inflicted upon our fruit and forest
trees were almost unknown to the Tarmer. It is an
equally well established fact that thirty years ago,
thousands of insectivorous birds were to be found on
our farms, where scarcely a single one is now to be
seen. Every tree and bush was alive with their
presence and the whole country made vocal with
their delightful warblings. Now, compare these tw©
facts, and what is the legitimate inference to be
drawn from them. Why, that the increase of noxious
insects has been in an exact ratio with the decrease
of the birds. Is not this subject worthy the atten-
tion of the farmers, and should they not combine
their efforts for the purpose of preventing the de-
struction of these useful and harmless little birds,
by lazy gunners ?

In a former number of the Farm Journal, I ob-
served an article in which the use of chickens wai
highly commended as preventive of the increase of
the eurculio. Believing the suggestion an excellent
one, I have arranged my yard so as to enable me t«
keep a number of chickens in the vicinity of mj
plum trees. If chickens are the enemies of the eur-
culio, and can be made useful in preventing their in-
crease, why should the farmers permit the little bird*
to be destroyed, when it is well known that they are
the most effectual means of preserving his fruits and

ISSl.]

HORTICULTURAL.

trees from the hosts of noxious insects which now in-
fest them, and the yearly increase of which is truly
formidable and alarming.

If I remember rightly, by an Act of General As-
sembly, the destruction of insectivorous birds in
Lancaster County, at any time between the first of
April and the first of October, is made a penal of-
fence. Why is not this law enforced against the lazy
men and boys who may be seen daily in pursuit of
the birds? I never meet one of these straggling
louts without feeling strongly inclined to give him a
good drubbing. What a triumph it must be to them
to kill a harmless little wood-robin or field-lark ! No
man possessed of a single spark of humanity would
be guilty of doing it, while no one can plead neces-
sity as an excuse for his barbarous conduct. One
half the time and effort, (to say nothing of the ex-
pense of powder, shot, and wear and tear of clothing,)
if expended in almost any honest work would pay far
better. If, therefore, it cannot be a matter of profit,
it must be one of sport, and the man's mind must
be an empty one, and his heart a cold one, who can
find either amusement or sport in such an unmanly
pursuit.

I appeal to the farmers and friends of the little
birds in our o^vn county as well as in every section of
the State, to assist in preventing this exterminating
warfare against harmless and useful birds.

An Old Farmeh.

Lancaster Co., May 26, 1851.

i^ovtuultural Socictiea.

Kitchen Garden.
JIr. Editor : — Though gardening was the first
profession of which history gives an account, yet it
appears strange to us at the present day to see it so
feebly practised. At this period of the season, the
gardener must have a head and an eye to his second
crops, or in other words, to plan out his succession,
»o as to keep the gi-ound covered and properly culti-
vated. A succession of bush or snop-short beans is
indispens.able; plant a few every ten days till Au-
gust. Turnip rooted and long blood beet will pro-
duce a good crop sown as late as the 4th of July; soak
the seed in water a few hours before sowing, and if
the weather is dry, water the drills. Never sow tur-
nips on ground from which a crop of cabbage has
been just taken or' even one year previous. Plant
out celery for early use — manure and moisture is in-
dispensable to its growth. The soil should be dry or
ploughed deep and well pulverized. Soap suds once
a week is very conducive to its luxuriance.

R. BciST.
RosedaU Nurseries and Seed Farm.

To Destrot the Caterpillar. — In answer to many
inquiries for the best mode of destroying caterpillars
on trees, which have caused such havoc of our hopes
the present year, I would say that three drops of
lamp oil poured into their nest will effeciually de-
stroy them. — Albany Cultivator.

Proceeduigs of the Pennsylvania Horticultural So-
ciety.

The stated meeting was held in th.e Chinese Saloon,
Philadelphia. May 20th, 1851. The President in the
Chair. The JLiy meetings of the Society are usually
among the most attractive occuring at a season so far
advanced as to preclude all danger by sudden atmos-
pheric changes to green house plants. Proprietors
therefore permit their choicest specimens to bo sent
for the gratification of members and visiters, who
throng the Hall and enjoy the scene with unmingled
delight. On this occasion many embraced the oppor-
tunity who assuredly must have been pleased, hav-
ing spread before them extensive tables covered with
a great variety of beautiful flowering plants, and cul-
inary vegetables in profusion. Of the former, Peter
Mackenzie exhibited a handsome collection of Calce-
olarias, Fuchsias, Cinerarias, and a large specimen of
Azalea variegata, completely enveloped with its re-
splendent flowers, an object of much attraction. Rob-
ert Buist, a collection of Pelargonia, many of which
were the new fonoy varieties and shown for the first
time, and all were of the choicest kinds, fine Azale-
as, new Calceolarias, and a number of plants of re-
cent introduction and now for the fii'st time brought
into notice — Tetratheca vertieillata, a pretty delicate
upright plant with very narrow leaves in whorls and
cerulean flowers — Ceutranthus microsiphon, another
of delicate habit bearing numerous slender flowers
in umble form of a pink hue — Henfreya Scandens, a

climbing plant bearing clusters of white flowers a

seedling Mirnutus of marked colors and beauty,
named "Jupiter," and Azalea coronata. We would
remark hero that both of the above collections were
not ofiered in competition, but in a liberal manner
furnished for the gratification of visitors. John
Lambert's gardener, a collection containing fine Pe-
largonia, Cinerarife, two specimens of Rhodcndron
ponticum in full bloom, etc. Benjamin Gulliss and
William Hall each choice Roses. A very large and
beautiful basket of cut flowers was shown by the
President's gardener.

Of Fruits — there were ripened Grapes of the whit«
Constantia and Chasselas of Fontenbleau, varieties
from the President's houses — Strawberries of open
culture from J. M. Tage, Burlington, N. J. The Lo-
quat grown and exhibited by Mrs. Jno. R. Latimer of
Wilmington. Two Seedling Apples of merit by
Wm. Haines, Pricetown, Berks Co.

Vegetables — John Riley, gardener at the Asylum
for the Insane, exhibited Cauliflowers which for great
size and luxuriance far surpassed any former occa-
sion. Cucumbers of large size were shown from the
houses of Geo. W. Carpenter, Germantown; Samuel
C. Ford, Cedargrove ; Isaac Newton, Delaware Co.,
and Harry Ingersoll. _ Rhubarb of gigantic propor-
tion, some stalks of which measured from three to four
feet in length, and it was thought that half a dozen
stalks would weigh full twenty pounds, by Samuel
Cooper, Henry Cooper, John Riley, William Hobson
and Willi.am Hall. Asparagus of great weight by
James M. Tage, Burlington. Forced Potatoes of
the ash leaved kidney variety, by C. Cope's gardener,
and very full displays by Anthony Felton, jr.; by Miss
Gratz's gardener ; by John Lambert's gardener, and
a few specimens by Wm. Johns.

Premiums awarded on this occasion — viz :
By the committee on plants and flowers. For the
best and for the second best Pelargoniums, to Robert
Buist. For the best Perpetual Roses, to Benj, Gul

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

[JCNE,

liss ; for the second bestjo William Ilall. For the
best and most interesting collection of Plants in pots,
to Maurice Finn, gardener to John Lambert ; for the
second best design of cut flowers, to John Gallagher
gardener to Miss Gratz. For the best hand Boquet,
to Robert Kilvington. For the best basket of cut
flowers to Thomas Ryan, gardener to to C. Cope ; for
the second best William Hall. And for the best
American Seedling Camellia shown this year, to Jas.
Ritchie, which he has named " Caleb Cope," the sil-
ver medal of the society.

By the Committee on Vegetables — Cucumbers for
the best, to Thomas Riley, gardener to Geo. W. Car-
penter, Germantown. Rhubarb, for the boit twelve
stalks, to Samuel Cooper; for the secind best, to
Henry Cooper. Asparagus, for the best twenty-four
stalks, to James M. Tage. Potatoes, for the best ten
pounds, to Thomas Ryan, gardener to Caleb Cope. —
For the best and most interesting display of vegeta-
bles by a market gardener, to Anthony Felton, Jr.
For the best and most interesting display by an am-
ateur gardener, to John Gallagher, gardener to IMiss
Gratz. The Committee also noticed a veiy fine dis-
play of Cauliflowers, by Jno. Riley, gardener at the
Asylum for the Insane, for which they awarded a
special premium of two dollars.*

The Secretary reported that the seeds from the
Botanic garden commission. Cape of Good Hope, S.
Africa, had been received and would be distributed
by tlie appropriate Committee.

A vote of thanks was accorded to Prof. S. S. Hal-
deman for the gift to the Society of a copy of his
■woi'k on Latin Pronunciation for the use of Students
of Botany, Zoology, &c.

The circular reported by the committee of finance
by resolution of the society "expressive concisely of
the objects, advantages and claim of the society "
was submitted in printed form for circulation.

The eight gentlemen nominated at last stated
meeting, for membership, wore duly elected.

On motion, adjourned. Tho. P. James,

Recording Secrdary.

* Mr. Riley kindly presented us with several of
those fine cauliflowers, which were served up in rare
style the nest day by our friend McKibben, of the
^Ierchant's Hotel, 4th street, Philadelphia, where, in
company with several friends, we partook of them
with much satisfaction. Some idea of their quality
and size may be formed from the fact that tliey sold
readily in market at 75 cents each. — Ed.

SCHEDULE OF PREMIUMS

Offered hy the Pennsylvania HoriiciiUural Society,
Philadeljyhia, for the month of June.

At the stated meeting on the 17th, at 8 o'clock, P. M.

Pinks. — For the best, sis named varieties, 2 00

For the 2d best, do. 1 00

Pink. — For the best American Seedling, 2 00

Geapks. — For the best, 3 bunches, of a black var. 3 00
For the best, do. of a white var. 3 00
Steawberries. — For the best, two quarts of a

named variety, 3 00

For the 2d best, do. do. do. 2 00

Chbrkies. — For the best, three pounds of a

named variety, 3 00

For the 2d best, do. do. do. 2 00

The meetings of the society are held on Tuesday
evening, by which arrangement persons who attend
market in Philadelphia haye an opportunity of com-

peting for premiums, as well as of visiting the rooms
of the society. We are authorized to state that the
members of the society will be much gratified to have
them present on such occasions, either as competitors
or spectators.

Chester County Horticultural Society.

The stated meeting for May was held in the Hall
of the Society, in West Chester, on tho 17th instant.
T. C. Baldwin, President, in the chair. Premiums
were awarded as follows:

For the best 10 varieties of Pelargoniums $1, to Pas-
chall Morris & Co.
" the best ten varieties of Roses in pots $1, to Pas-

chall Morris & Co.
" the best display of Apples, 3 varieties $1, to Ziba

Darlington.
" the best Lettuce §1, to Paschall Morris & Co.
" " " Asparagus ?!, to J. G. Darlington.
" " _ " Rhubarl) $1, to Paschall Morris & Co.
The display of specimens for the month was very
good. P. Morris & Co. exhibited near one hundred
specimens of green house plants, roses, evergreens,
shrubs, &c. Among their evergreens wore some of
the most rare and beautiful varieties. The display of
apples by Mr. Darlington consisted of the pennock,
romanito, greyhouse and lady finger, well preserved.
A. Marshall & Co. exhibited some strawberries, of
the monthly variety, ripened in the open air. Joshua
Hoopes, cactus in full bloom. W. T. Painter, tulips.
Dr. W. D. Ilartman, chairman of the Committee on
Insects, read a very interesting report on the seven-
teen years' Locust, which was ordered to be publish-
ed in the papers of the county, and the Pennsylvania
Farm Journal.

The proceedings of the Society's meetings were di-
rected to be hereafter published in the county papers
and the Pennsylvania Farm Journal.

The Society directed that their next Horticiilhtral

a?id Industrial Exhibition be held in the large saloon

of the Society's Ilall, in W^est Chester, on the 12th,

13 th, and 14th days of June next.

T. M. Meredith, Esq., was duly elected a member.

J. D. Pyle, Sec'y.
W. Chester, May 20, 1851.

Farming in California. — The country north of
San Francisco Bay is one of the finest farming dis-
tricts of California. A correspondent of the Alta
Californian writes:

Annally, my farm, has under cultivation 150 acres
potatoes, 30 do. onions, 30 do. wheat, 10 do. barley,
10 do. turnips, 25 do. beets, cabbage and maize 250
acres. For tenants — potatoes arid other vegetables
120 acres. Independent of this, there will be within
a radius of fifteen miles from Port Podega no .less
than 700 acres of potatoes planted this season, be-
sides 200 acres of barley and wheat, and about 54
acres of vegetables. The whole quantity of potatoes
planted in this section of country will amount to 950
acres; which, allowing a yield equal to that of last
year's crop in Annally, (being ten tons per acre,) we
will have an aggregate quantity of 9500 tons, which
of itself will go far toward supplying San Francisco
market. In Sonoma, Napa, Suisun, Suscol and Pata-
I loma, there will bo large crops planted.

1851.]

FEMALE INDUSTRY, kc.

Pomcstic Department.

Female Industry, Accomplishment and Duty.

Mr. Editor : — In contemplating woman, skilled in
the various arts of life, thoroughly accomplished and
complete in character, so constituted by her own ef-
forts and acquirements, we feel there is something to
admire — something real and true and abiding — some-
thing that will live, and last, when the tine complex-
ion has lost its rose-tint, the eye its glow, and the hair
its lustre.

Females of this ago have not the same duties nor
the same urgent necessities for untiring and unceas-
ing toil, as those of an earlier period. Everything is
changed, both in the facilities, and requisitions of la-
bor. Yet woman need not, should not be useless, or
feel herself exonerated from all responsibility, be-
cause her burden is a liglder one to bear. Neither
should she feel the necessity of departing from her
appropriale sphere for employment and occupation.

There is enough in her own allotted station to de-
velope and engross her highest powers both of body,
mind, and character, and if occupied as she should
be, will never feci that her sphere is narrow and un-
important.

A thorough and right education, would open her
eyes to the magnitude of her duties, and tlie strength
of intellect requisite, to meet the demands of life,
upon her highest capabilities.

There are a great variety of methods, in which fe-
male talent and industry may find ample scope. —
The past furnishes many brilliant illustrations, and
we may point to many in the present who are build-
ing monuments of lasting renown to female industry
and effort.

But it is only by dint of application and persever-
ence that great results are over accomplished. Un-
less there is some hahit formed, something undertaken,
life will pass away with but the trifles of the hour,
and no trace will be left that an active human being
bad ever lived !

How full of blessing we may make every day of
this short life, by our ceaseless industry. Every gift
which God has in his wisdom bestowed, should be
cultivated to its highest capacity, that "He may re-
ceive Ilis own with usury." The mind — has not our
Heavenly Father bestowed thinking, reasoning, intel-
ligent faculties, that should not lie idle?

AVhatever be the bestowment, use it as a priceless
gift. There is time enough, means enough, employ
them. Genius was formerly needed to aid forward
the great car of necessity and labor, now there is am-
ple room, and scope, for all that the human mind has
power to accomplish.

If the time given to idleness, folly and extrava-
gance, were appropriated to literature, science, art,
and the various departments of usefulness in domestic
life and society, what a wreath of beauty would blos-

som, where hang now but the dark withered leaves
of the industry of a former age.

"Wealth should not exonerate, but give the more
liesure for real, lofty achievement, and successful ef-
fort, and a deeper and wide-spread influence through
the great channels of benevolence and education. —
Whose heart will not glow and beat with a warmer
emotion when the female talent of America, inspired
by active industry and real goodness has deserved the
applause of an approving world and the calm bright
smile of Heaven. L. 6. A.

Chi(ienan(jo, K. Y.

JIr. Editor. — As you have done me the honor to
forward to my address the April No. of your Penn-
sylvania Farm Journal, you will perhaps allow me,
while making my acknowledgments, to add a remark,
and offer a suggestion.

Your Journal will no doubt be eminently useftil,
and I trust also eminently successful. Such a publi-
cation, widely circulated, will give the hard-working,
industrious farmcr,all the benefits of such experiments
and improvements, as agriculturists of means and
leisure, may make and adopt. The great majority of
the tillers of the ground are necessarily short of school
learning. For instance, a va.z.n goes into a new sec-
tion of country and commences farming, His means
are small, and there is a vast amount of work to be
done; much of which, such as weeding, making hay,
and picking stones, can be done by small childi'cn. —
He has children, he is unable to hire men, the work
must be done, ergo, the children must stay out of
school, and do it. They are not, however, necessarily
igtwrant; they have books, newspapers, and the great
book of nature ; but they have small opportunities for
scientific research, and generally do as their fathers
did before them. Such a publication as your Jour-
nal wiU be especially useful to this large class of
men, as I before observed, and I trust that it will be
widely patronized by the farming community.

But — while there are so many efforts made for the
benefit of farmers ; so many experiments tried, and
the results noted; so many useful inventions made,
for the speedier and easier performance of his labor;
so much said and printed for his especial benefit;
why is it that so little is said and done for the benefit
of the farmer's wife, and the indoor economy and
comfort of his establishment? I am certain that- no
class of women, on the face of the earth, work so hard
and incessantly, and under such inconveniencies as
the wives and daughters of our pioneer agriculturists.
I know very many women who, with several smajl
children to take care of, perform all the work of their
house, make butter and cheese, spin wool and flax,
sew, knit, perhaps weave, and all this with no assis-
tance whatever and no allowance for indisposition ;
for whatever they are unable to do this week, must
lie over and be added to next week's task. Shoulii

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

[June,

not something Ijo done for the alleviation of their la-
bors, and their improvement in their methods, and
habits of household economy ?

A simple suggestion, or statement of a fact, might
save a large amount of labor, beside enabling the
housewife to produce a better article, with a consid-
erable saving of material. There are many, very
many vromen, (ladies if you please.) in Pennsylvania
■who are capable of giving such instruction ; many
vrho, in passing through the trials of pioneer life,
lighted upon improvements, and made little inven-
tions, which not only tended to lighten their burden
then, but have conduced largely to their present pros-
perous and comfortable condition. These ladies are
capable, and probably willing to give their younger
or l«ss fortunate sisters, the Ijenefit of their discover-
ies, if they had a medium through which to commu-
nicate.

Now, Mr. Editor, suppose you gentlemen, just for
once, forego your jealously guarded prerogative of
doing all the talking, and all the writing, and give up
a page or so of the Farm Journal to our use, as a
Domestic Department, and invite the "wise women"
to contriljute of their intellectual wealth ? All the
benefits, you know, would ultimately accrue to your-
selves, in the increase of your wealth and home com-
forts. And then you might allow us to aid each other
in the management and education of our children,
and also to enlighten each other on improved modes
of floriculture ; and to give useful recipes and speci-
fics for such ills as afflict children, chickens, &c.

By the way, I have made a discovery in the floral
kingdom wliich is worth disseminating. It was acci-
dental like all important discoveries. I gave a sick
cliild some hyacinths to amuse himself with, merely
the flower stalks carelessly broken off, and the next
morning, as they lay withering on my table, I pitied
them, as I do all drooping things, and taking tliem
up, thrust, with my pen-holder, holes in the earth of a
pot in which plants were growing, and fixed the
stalks in the damp earth. After a few hours they
revived, but a few days subsequent, after the blos-
soms were withered, I drew them out to throw them
away, and was surprised to find that they had formed
bulbs at the bottom of the stems. Since then I have
repeated the experiment, always with success. They
invariably wilt at first, and sometimes do not straight-
en themselves up, until the seventh or eighth day. I
have not tried any other flower, but intend this sum-
mer to make the experiment with tulips. Any lady
may, in this manner, rear hyacinths from a withered
boquet. L\'dia Jane Pieeson.

Liberty, Pa., May 15, 1851.

One cow well fed will be of more profit than two
kept on the same fodder. This will also apply to
other stock.

One ton of hay cut when the grass begins to blos-
som will produce as much milk as two tons cut when
the seed is ripe.

;:PliQincultural 0ockics.

JTorthumberlaud Agricultural Society.

Our friends in Northumberland are moving ener-
getically, as will be seen by the following extract
from a letter of a correspondent at that place :

" We have just organized an Agricultural Societyl
Our success very far exceeded our best hopes. Men
from all parts of the county were present to partici-
pate— men of energy and character — and we have
started under circumstances that lai'ger couutiea
might well envy.

President — Samuel Hunter.

Vice Preside7ifs — Jos. R. Priestly, James Cameron,
George C. Welker, Wm. B. Kipp, Jacob Seesbolts,
Samuel John, John INIontgomery.

liecording Secretary — Wm. J. Greonough.

Corresponding Secretary — David Taggart.

Treasurer — Wm. L. Dewart.

Librarian — Wm. McCarty.

Managers— 3 sixacs Pollock, Amos E. Kapp, Jesse
C. Horton, Alexander Jordan, John B. Heller, Saml.
Shannon, Henry Reader, Daniel Lenker, Elisha Kline,
Charles Riddle, William Deppen, and five others,
whose names I have forgotten.

We will try to make Northumberland furnish her
one hundred subscriljers to the Farm Journal."

Lancaster County Agricultural Society.

Mr. Editor : — I attended a special meeting of the
Lancaster County Society on the 19th of May,
and was much pleased with the spirit which charac-
terized the proceedings, although I could not but
regret that the attendance was so very slim. Scarcely
a quorum was present, although business of impor-
tance claimed attention. This should not be, and
our farmers and friends of the Society should now
put forth a special effort to secure not only a full at-
tendance at the meetings, but to render these meet-
ings profitable and influential. Almost every county
in the State is forming a Society. The Susquehan-
na, Montgomery, Bucks, and other County Socie-
ties are making preparations for holding their Annu-
al Exhibitions. The Chester County Horticultural
Society holds its Semi-Annual Exhiljition during the
coming month, and on every side we behold eviden-
ces of progress on the part of the farming communi-
ty. Where is Lancaster, the "Garden Spot" of
Pennsylvania — the agricultural centre of the State —
the district which for a century, almost, has hold the
first place in agricultural importance ? What is she
doing to help the great reform that is going on
throughout the State 1 I am sorry to say, literally
nothing. A few noble, persevering men, arc strain-
ing every point to wake up her farmers to a just
sense of the importance of moving energetically and
in a body : but so lukewarmly are they supported,
that hope has almost abandoned them. The pros-
pect ahead, (if the past be taken as a criterion) is
any thing but cheering, yet those who have perse-
vered thus far should not despair. There is a better
day coming, although discouragement has marked
every step for months past. Let us hope that the
day will come and speedily, when this apathetic
spirit will give way to energetic action — when our
farmers will feel the importance of the position tliey
occupy, and with a hearty good will, engage in plac-
ing our noble county in her true position.

A Member.
May 25, 1851.

ISSl.J

BOOK NOTICES.

3ao\i ^'oticcs.

Elements of Latin Pronunciation, for the use of stu-
dents in Lanijuarie, Law, Medicine, Zoolorjy, Botany,
and the sciences (jeneraUy in which Latin words are
used, by S. S. Ilaldeman, A. M., Professor of Na-
tural History in tlio University of Pa. Pliilad.
Lippineott, Grambo & Co. 1851. 8vo. pp. 76.
It is somcwliat singular that among the numerous
works devoted to Latin instruction vrhich are publish-
ed every year, the important subject oi pronunciation
should have been neglected to such an extent that
this is the first American book upon the suliject.

The assertion of John "Walker, that the pronuncia-
tion of Latin cannot be ascertained, is still believed
by many, although the suljject has been fully dis-
cussed _ by the ancient grammarians; and upwards
of fifty ancient author.s have thrown light upon va-
rious poiu'a. For example, the ancients assert that
C and K have the same power, and that A E have a
double sound, so that the first syllables of the Gorman
Kaiser and leid, and their originals, the Latin Cresar
and Lajdo, are identical. The Portuguese retain the
original sound of se, and as they were the first to
write many names of maritime cities, &c., we are
thereby made acquainted with the mode of pronoun-
cing words like ShanJjhae (shang-high.)

We observe a few typographical errors, such as a
diaeresis mark in the middle of a word in P29. The
name vilcsia on page 76 should have been viLxii;
and if the 6tli line from the bottom on p. 61, is in-
tended as an imitation of Virgil's first line, the third
and fourth words should have been tjelow and sad.

Some new principles of etymology are laid down,
and the origin of several words pointed out which
were previously doubtful. According to these, it
would seem preferrable to refer the name vaccinum
(now applied to the hucldeherry) to bacca a tjerry,
rather than to ny.ACiNTHCs, to which the dictionaries
refer it.

Parents interested in the question will of course
have to determine whether their children shall be
taught Latin, or some jargon which goes under the
name; whilst those who are entrusted with this
branch of education should study the subject more
fully than the ordinary grammars enable them to do.

Rural Economy in its relation with Chemistry, Phy-
sics, and Meteorology; or. Chemistry applied to
Agriculture. By J. B. Boussingault. New York.
D. Appleton & Co. 18.50. 12mo. pp. 507.
The author of this volume is a member of the
French Institute, and well known as a ma,n of great
scientific research. The work is extensive, and is
devoted to those branches of rural economy which
can bo illustrated with the aid of the physical sciences.
It consequently treats of the composition of vegetables
and soils, the nature and applicability of the various
kinds of mineral and organic manures, the theory of
the rotation of crops, the maintenance of live stock,
and the bearings of meteorology, or the general effects
of temperature and atmospheric agents. The valua-
ble researches of Mr. Boucherie on the preservation
of timber are detailed in it.

We have been favored with a copy of the above
works by Messrs. Jones & Co., Booksellers, 4th and
llace streets, Philadelphia.

T7ie Compute Farmer and Gardener. By Thomas
G. Fessenden, New York: C. M. Saxton. 1851.
pp. G50.

This thick volume of sixiiuudred and fifty pages,
is made up of two works bound together, the one
devoted to fiirming, and the other to gardening. This
is the tenth edition improved and enlarged, of the
former ; and the thirtieth edition of the latter, which
had nine years start of the other. Such an extensive
demand proves both the high estimation in which
these books are held, and the extent to which a de-
sire for information from reliable sources, has spread
among the community of cultivators. The latter fact
is also proved by the great nvimljer of works from
small manuals to large Encyclopaedias, issued for the
benefit of the same class of readers.

Mr. Fessenden's position as editor of the Keic Eng-
land Farmer, gave him fooilities for preparing these
works, and he has made a judicious use of his ma-
terials.

The Agriculture and Rural Economy of France, Bel-
gium and Switzerland ; from personal ohsercation.
By Henry Colman. Boston, 18-18. Arthur D.Phelps.
8vo. pp. 304.

" In regard to any agricultural operation, or crop,
or improvement, the most full, explicit, and practical
directions are given, and every peculiar feature
brought prominently forward. Many things are
omitted because they are of doubtful utility, or of
uncertain authority. His great object has been, not
to publish theories, but to state facts ; and the deter-
mined results of enlightened, exact, and conclusive
experiments." — Author's preface.

Bulletin of the American Art-Union, Keio York. Se-
ries for 1851. April, No. 1.

The American Art-Union publishes for its mem-
bers alone. The Bulletin of the American Art Union,
a monthly Journal of Art. The first number for
1851, has been received. We perceive that it con-
tains the affairs and plan of the institution, with in-
teresting varieties of art-literature, including essays,
descriptions, anecdotes, criticisms, and foreign and
domestic correspondence, — also of a dictionary of
art, embracing biographical notices of artists, ancient
and modern, American and foreign, living and dead,
technical terms of art and science, &.c. Each Bulle-
tin is also to be illustrated by several original en-
gravings, outlines, and prints of an interesting char-
acter. The whole will form, annually, a beautiful
and useful quarto volume, for amusement, instruction
and reference.

88^

MERINO SEEEP.

[JuSE,

illtiino Sl)ccp.

Spanish Merino.—" The history of this celebra-
ted race of sheep, so far as it is known, has so oft-
en been brought before the public that it is deemed
unnecessary liere to recapitulate it. Tlie first impor-
tation r«f them into the United States took place in
1801. Four were shipped by Mv. Delessert, a bank-
er of Paris, three of which perished on the passage.
Tlie fourth arrived in safety at llosondale, a form
owned by that gentleman near Kingston, in this
State. The same year Mr. Seth Adams, of Massa-
cliusetts, imported a pair from France. In 1802,
two pairs were sent from France by Mr. Livingston,
the American Minister, to his estate on the Hudson ;
and later the same year, Jlr. llumphrys, our Span-
ish Minister, shipped two hundred, on his departure
from that country, for the United States." Hon.
William Jarvis, of Weathersfield, Vermont, then

American Consul at Lisbon, sent home large and
valuable flocks in 1809, 1810, and 1811. The par-
ticularly favorable circumstances for obtaining the
choicest sheep of Spain, under which these were
procured, j'ou will hud detailed in a letter to me
from Mr. Jarvis, dated December, 1841, published in
the Transactions of the New-York State Agricultu-
ral Society of that year. Various subsequent impor-
tations took place, which it is not important to par-
ticularize.

The Merinos " attracted little notice, until our dif-
ficulties with England led to a cessation of commer-
cial intercourse with that power, in 1808 and 1809.
The attention of the country being then directed
toward manufacturing and wool-growing, the Merino
rose into importance. So great, indeed, was the in-
terest excited, that from a thousand to fourteen hun-
dred dollars a head was paid for them." Unfortu-
nately some of the latter importations "arrived in

MERINO RAM.

[Defiance, 17 months old, bred by and property of Henry S. Randall.]

the worst condition, bringing with them those scour-
ges of the ovine race, the scab and foot-rot. These
evils and tlie increased supply, soon lirought them
down to less than a twentieth part of their former
price ; they could now be bought for $20 a head. —
^Vhen, boAvevcr, it was established, by actual experi-
ment, that their wool did not deteriorate, as had
,been feared by many, in tliis country, and that they
l5ecame readily acclimated, they again rose into fa-
vor. But the prostration of our manufactories, which
soon after ensued, rendered the Merino comparative-
ly of little value, and brought ruin to numliers who
had purchased them at their previous high prices. —
The rise which has since taken place in the value of
fine wool, as well as the causes which led to it, are
too recent and well understood to require particu-
lar notice. With fJie rise of wool, the value of the
sheep which Ijcars it has of course kept pace.

" The Merino has been variously described. This
arises from the fact that it is but the general appella-
tion of a breed, comprising several varieties, present-
ing essential point of difference in size, form, quality
and quantity of wool." And writers of high author-

ity differ even in their descriptions of these families
or varieties. M. Lasteyrie, so celebrated as a writer
on sheep, and particularly on the Merino, and Mr.
Jcr\ns directly contradict each other on several
points. It is scarcely necessary now to quote their
conflicting statements, or inquire which is riglit — as
the questions involved possess no practical imjior-
tance. The families have, generally, been merged,
by interbreeding, in the United States and other
countries wliich have received the race from Spain.
Purity of Merino blood, and actual excellence in tlie
individual and its ancestors, has long since been the
only standard which has guided sensible men in se-
lecting sheep of this breed. Families have indeed
sprung up, in this country, exhibiting wider points
of difference than did those of Spain. In some cases
they doubtless owe it to particular courses of breed-
ing— but more often, proljably, to concealed or for-
gotten infusions of other blood. '

The American Merino has, as is already intimated,
diverged into families or varieties presenting wide
points of difference. The minor distinctions are nu-
merous, but they may all, perhaps, bo classed under

1851.1

EDITORIAL.

three general heads. The Jirsf, is a large, short-
legged, strong, exceedingly hardy sheep, carrying a
heavy fleece, ranging from medium to fine — free
from hair in properly bred flocks — somewhat in-
clin«d to ihruatiness, but not so much so as the l-lam-
bouillets — In-ed to exhibit external concrete gum in
Bome flocks, but not commonly so — their wool long-
ish on both Ijack and belly, and exceedingly dense —
wool whiter within than the Rambouillets — -skin the
same rich rose-color. The ram is a good specimen of
this variety, though his age is not sufficient to give
liim the substance and compactness of an older ani-
mal, and the apparent want in these particulars is
Lightened by recent shearing. His first fleece of
well-washed wool, at thirteen months old, was 8 lbs.;
was of beautiful quality, and entirely destitute of
hair. At throe years old he would have sheared
from 10 to 12 lbs. of well-washed wool. — Bandall's
Sheep Husbandry.

OUR TERMS— READ THEM.

In order that the Farm Journal may be placed
within the reach of every one who feels interested in
tlie progress of Agriculture, we ask attention to the
following terms : —

Single Copies, - §1 00 Per Annum.

Five " - - 4 00 "

Ten

TWEXTY

7 50
15 00

It is not required that all papers in a club should
be sent to one oiiioe. "We will mail them (in wrap-
pers,) to as many difi"erent offices as may be necessa-
ry. We make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neighljorhoods may unite, and
form large clubs, and thus secure the " Journal" at
tlie very lowest club rates.

Specimen copies of the Journal will be sent on ap-
plication, Po.'it-paid, to the publisher.

Fijst Mas'':i-s, are by law, authorised to remit sub-
scription money to the publisher, free of postage. —
Particular attention is asked to this fact, as it will
Bavo expense both to subscribers' and publisher.

Our Terms are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at which the Journal is furnished renders
tliis imperative. Subscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subsscribers reside, will
be taken. Where the sum to be sent is largo we pre-
fer that a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscribers and Post Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will always be sent with the first
numljer of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, post paid, to the pub-
lisher. A. M. SP ANGLER,

Lancaster, Pa.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BT THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF
THE STATE AGRICULTtlRAL SOCIETT.

Reso.'md, Thai we deem the estahlishment and suc-
cess of an Ayricultnral Journal pnhUshed in Pennsyl-
v<inia as essential to the proper exposition of the prin-
ciples of agriculture as practised in our State.

Resolved, That we approve of the plan of the " Penn-
sylvania Farm Journal," published in the citij of Imr-
casier, by A. M. Spanglcr and edited by Prof. S. S.
JIaldeman : tluit for the present it be adopted as tKe
organ of the State Society : and that farmers and all
others interested in the sutiject of agricidlttre be ad-
vised to piatronize it and contribute information to its
columns.

THE FARM JOURNAL.

Sub-<JR)itoi-'0 Department.

Agents.

The Farm Journal may be had at the following
places : —

W. B. ZiEBER, South 3d St., principal agent for
Philadelphia.

W. n. Spangler, Lancaster, Pa.

B. F. Spangler, Columbia, Pa.

Geo. Bergner, Ilarrisburg, Pa.

H. Miner, Pittsburg, Pa.

J. R. Shrvock, Chambersburg, Pa.

H. M. Rawlins, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

Cicadi septeudecim.

The seventeen-year cicada (or locust) is now (May
20,) appearing in Eastern Pennsylvania, and as it
appears in different years in various parts of the
country (sometimes twice in seventeen years, by two
regions bordering and overlapping) it is important
that the regions over which it extends should be
noted, that they may be marked upon a map, and
thus presented at a single view. We therefore re-
quest all editors to aid in collecting information upon
the subject.

Maps should be constructed for each year in which
these insects appear, because as they are likely to
emigrate, or to be driven by storms beyond their for-
mer limits each time that they appear, they must
finally cover the whole country like the other species,
which, though they appear every year, are in aU pro-
bability seventeen years in coming to maturity.

Miss M. A. Morris has discovered that the larva
of the insect in question does not penetrate the soil
to a great depth, but attaches itself permanently to
the roots of trees, enclosed in a kind of cocoon made
of clay. She made the discovery by examining the
roots of some peach trees which were in an unhealthy
condition, when she found the larvas as described,
with the rostrum piercing the bark of the tree, and
thus withdrawing its juices.

We regret that in our last number, it was uninten-
tionally forgotten to credit the articles on the Dork-
ing Fowls, as well as the Devon Ox, to their
proper sources. The first was from " Brown's Ame-
rican Poultry Yard," and the latter from Youatt &
Martin's celebrated work on Cattle. Both of these
books are published by Mr. C. M. Saxton, 123 Fulton
street, Xew Y'ork, to whom we arc indebted for the
cuts and other favors.

In our notice of the new medal of the Pennsylva-
nia Horticultural Society, in our last number, it was
forgotten to state, that it was a gift to the Society,
by the President, Caleb Cope, Esq., and that the cost
of preparing it was several hundred dollars.

EDITORIAL.

[June,

Ackuowledgmeuts.

To the following gentlemen we are indebted for
handsome club lists. B. S. Russell, Towanda, Brad-
ford CO., three fine lists ; Daniel Yodor, Manatauney,
Berks co.; James Gowon, Mt. Airy, Philadelphia co.;
Dr. J. K. Eshloman, Downingtown, Chester co.; Sol-
omon Laudis, Harrisburg ; Hon. L. Kidder, Wilkes-
barre; Henry Reigart, AVilliamsburg, Blair co.; Dr.
John P. Taggart, Bloomsburg, Columbia co.; Benja-
min Hood, Willistown, Chester CO.; Geo. H. Bucher,
Ilogcstown, Cumberland co., two lists ; Alfred Tay-
lor, on behalf of the Horticultural Society of West
Philadelphia ; Paschall Morris & Co., West Chester,
Chester co.; John King, Ceres, Allegheny co., N. Y.;
John Renshaw, Littlestown, Adams co.; Thomas
Vanderslice, Valley Forge, Chester co.; N. P. Browcr,
Philadelphia ; Joseph Kolley, Spruce Hill, Juniata
CO.; Isaac Markley, Norristown ; David Taggart,
Northumberland, two lists ; Hon. Geo. Chambers,
Chambersburg ; P. B. Mingle, Philadelphia ; John
E. Shaffer, Elizabeth, Allegheny co.; J. Coovcr,
Shepherdstown, Cumberland co.; Samuel Shearer,
Reading Furnace, Berks co.; R. Buist, Philadelphia;
Isaac Leech, Philadelphia CO.; Thomas F. Croft,
Philadelphia, three lists ; H. L. Tripler, Philadel-
phia ; John Kerves, Old Fort, Centre co.

The al)Ove lists are all independent of single sub-

confer a favor by giving the proceedings an insertion,
and calling attention to them.

PROCEEDINGS.

Agreeably to a series of resolutions passed recently
by the Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agricul-
ture, proposing a ploughing match between this and
several neighboring counties of the State, a meeting
was lield yesterday morning, at the room of the Phi-
ladelphia Society, to make preparations for tlie ob-
ject in view. The following gentlemen were present
as delegates, to wit: Thomas Warner and AVilliara
Stavcly, of Bucks county; Hon. A. L. Hayes, -Jacob
T. Ilerr, and Andrew M. Spangler, of Lancaster co.;
Hon. Wm. Henry, William Hammill, Edwin Moore,
Samuel Roberts, and Thomas Knox, of Montgomery
en.; Dr. A. L. Elwyn, P. 11. Freas, James S. lluber,
Peters Hulmo, A. T. Newbold, George Blight, Saml.
Williams, John Lardner, and Owen Sheridan, of
Philadelphia county.

The meeting was organized by the election of the
lion. A. Hayes as chairman.

It was resolved that each county participating in
the proposed contest, shall be at liberty to select such
plough or ploughs as it may prefer, and that a gene-
ral invitation be extended to the manufacturers of
ploughs, every where, to send their respective ploughs
for trial on the occasion,

It was further resolved that the ploughmen who
are engaged in the contemplated contest shall come
from, or belong to, one of the several counties be-
tween which the match is made.

Norristown, in Montgomery county, was designated

... • 1 J i-r • -J „ „r as the locality at which the match shall take place,

seriptions received, and are gratifying evidences ot j »i £ ^ V j r r\ ^ \ V i '

i^ ' » J o L and the first Tuesday of October was fixed upon aa

the general interest felt throughout the State in be-
half of the Journal. But from some of our finest ag-
ricultural districts, we have not had much encour-
agement. Will not some friends in Washington,
Westmoreland, Fayette, Bucks, Susquehanna, York,
&c., send us on clubs. Will not Lancaster give us a
stronger evidence of her regard. We look for much
from Lancaster County, and hope before the issue of
our next number to be able to state that she too has
come up to the good work, with the spirit that will
convince her sister counties, that the "garden spot"
is thoroughly awake on the subject.

Grand Ploughing Match.

By a reference to the proceedings of the convention
given below, it will be seen that the ploughmen of
Bucks, Lancaster, Montgomery and Philadelphia
counties are to have a fine opportunity of testing their
skill with the plough. Such trials cannot but have a
most salutary effect, and we trust that each one of
these great counties will be well represented in the
contest.

For the information of manufacturers of ploughs
not residing in any of the above named counties, we
will state, that if they desire to compete for the pre-
miums, they can do so only by having their ploughs
entered by ploughmen residing in the above counties.
This is important to be understood, as it is a matter
of great moment to have a plough introduced into
the contest by a person well skilled in the use of it.

Newspapers friendly to this laudable contest will

the time.

It was also resolved that the contest shall be con-
fined to the ordinary plough, excluding the bill-side
and subsoil ploughs.

Throe grades of premiums were provided for
ploughs, and three for ploughmen, as follows:

FOR PLOUGHS.

FOR PLOUGHMEN

1. Premium, - -

?50

Premium,- - - §2.5

2. "

■ 30

- - 15

3. "

- - 10

The judges for the occasion are to be appointed by
each county for the agricultural society thereof, and
it was resolved to recommend to each county or
county society concerned in the match, to raise re-
spectively a proportionate share of tie money to be
distributed in jjremiums.

The judges of the contest are to be empowered to
make the rules and regulations for its decision, and
arc to publish the same at a suitable time, antecedent
to that at which the match is to take place.

The committee of arrangemnts for the occasion is
to be appointed by the Montgomery Agricultural So-
ciety.

As soon as the judges are appointed in each coun-
ty, the fact is to be communicated to the Pliiladelpfc'a
Society, which is authorized to call a meeting of the
judges at such time and place as maybe deemed ex-
pedient. After settling some other less important
preliminaries, the meeting adjourned. — North Ame-
rican (if May 20.

To Correspondents.

Having determined upon issuing the Journal for

the future regularly on the first of the montli, wo

have been compelled to defer several communications

received too late for insertion in the present number.

18.31.]

EDITORIAL.

Peysson's Deodorizer.
A. S. Roberts, Esq. will please accept our thanks

for a copy of the report of " the Committee appointed
by the Pliiladelphia Society for Promoting Agricul-
ture to examine the method and propositions of Jlr.
Peysson for the disinfecting and cleansing of cess-
pools, and the manufacturing of chemical manure."

We regret that we have not room for the entire re-
port, as it is an able document, and the subject one
of the highest importance. AVe give the most impor-
tant parts of it.

" The disinfection of cess-pools and the purification
of the atmosphere affected thereby, have long engaged
tlio attention of the scientific ; while the economical
application of the fecal and, other matters of large
cities is of primary importance, especially to a com-
munity like ours, surrounded by an agricultural
country, the soil of which requires constant replen-
ishing to sustain its productive powers.

In the city of Paris more successful modes have
been adopted than elsewhere ; and the result is high-
ly promotive of cleanliness and health, while the
profit is represented as being very large. This may
readily be admitted, when, according to Liebig,
Dompsey, and others, the nitrogen resulting from
any amount of population is equal to the supply re-
quired for two pounds of bread per diem for every
one of its memljcrs; and the total manuring matter,
solid and liquid, produced in a town are, as compu-
ted by G. D. Dempsey, C. E., equal in weight to one
ton annually for each inhabitant.

In London, the subject of sewerage, drainage and
cleaning of cess-pools is engaging increased attention,
and various means have been proposed to the Metro-
politan Commission of Sussex for collecting and ap-
plying to the improvement of the soil and the vast
amount of animal and vegetable substances that is
constantly drained into the river Thames.

The jealousy and care with which night soil is hus-
banded throughout almost the whole of Europe, is
one of the best evidences of the high value placed
upon it. The Chinese preserve it with the greatest
care, and after mixing it with a rich marl and form-
ing it into cakes it becomes a regular article of traf-
fic. The committee proceed to say:

There are, however, iu our large city, immense
quantities of animal and vegetable matter suffered to
go to waste, and the collection and useful conversion
of which are embraced in the plan of Prof. Peysson,
in addition to an entire change of the present rude
and offensive cess-pool constructions, which it is
hoped "may soon be reckoned amongthe obsolete mis-
takes of our forefathers." Such is the care bestowed
on the Collection of fertilizing substances in Paris,
that nothing capable, through the agency of the
chemist, of being converted into manure, is suffered
to waste. The abattoirs, or public slaughter houses
of that city, contribute largely to the preservation of
health, economy and comfort of the inhabitants ; our
public authorities would do well to estalilish similar
regulations in the city and county of Philadelphia.

The same remarks will apply to every town and
village in the State and elsewhere, for in addition to
its value as a manure, in a sanitory point of view it
becomes highly important.

Sir. Peysson's method of disinfecting and convert-
ing fecal matter into manure, more particularly en-

gaged our attention as the proper inquiry for an
Agricultural society.

Ilis process, or the materials used, we were appre-
hensive might effect destructive decompositiiin, and
deteriorate the fertilizing properties of the substances
acted on.

A close and careful examination, however, satisfied
Prof. Boyo that the fertilizing principles of his chem-
ical manure are not impaired, and that he can, by
the proper application of the materials used, disinfect
or deodorise fecal and offensive substances.

We understand from Mr. R., one of the committee,
that since the publication of the report, experiments
have been made on the farm of James Gowcn, Esq.,
at jVt. Airy, to de-oderize in the presence of one of
the committee the contents of an old cess-pool, and
that the result was highly satisfactory. It remains
now to be seen whether its value as a fertilizer will
be lessened. The use of quick lime will destroy the
offensivencss of night soil,'but has the effect to drive off
the ammonia, and hence impairs its value for manur-
ing purposes. Whether by Mr. Peysson's method,
this difiiculty will be obviated, we shall learn at some
subsequent period, from Mr. Gowen, who has prom-
ised us the result as soon as ascertained.

Mr. Roberts, appropriately remarks, that the quan-
tity of valuable manure that is annually "cast into
the sea" is immense, and if but a tithe of it were
saved, we might well dispense with the importation
of Guano — that a concentrated manure more appli-
cable to general purposes than Guano might be pre-
pared, and cheaply too, wherever a dense population
exists, I have not the remotest doubt, and hope a
practical .demonstration will soon be made.

Newland's Mammoth Alpine Strawberry.

We are indebted to Mr. Newland's agent in Phila-
delphia, Mr. T. B. Phelps, N. E. corner of Third and
Chesnut streets, for one hundred of these fine plants.
They come highly recommended and we cannot but
think them a very superior variety. Mr. Newland
says:

"These strawberries differ from many other varie-
ties, viz: flavor, bearing and cultivation. The flavor
is much sweeter, though rich and delicious. The
bearing continues about two months, (most others
only two or three weeks,) an«l begin to ripen about
the first of June. The cultivation is easy, the plants
being hardy, and producing perfect fruit set alone, or
fertilised liy other varieties. With proper cultivation
(for which printed directions will be given) the plants
will Ijecome large hills in one season, and continue
bearing three or four years without being re-set. —
The season of 1849 in the city of Providence, one
plant, one year old, produced 2G8 ripe berries by
the 16th of July, and measured 28'r "inches across,
and one plant tliree months old produced 205 Ijcrries.
Some of the fruit has measured three inches in cir-
cumference."

We have placed the plants in good hands and ex-
pect to be able to present our readers with a good
account of them at some future day. As many per-
sons think the season too far advanced to set out the
plants, we will state that they have been purposely
retarded for lute settiny, and that they have been set
out with great success even in tlie month of June.

We shall take pleasure in forwarding any orders
to the agent for these plants.

EDITORIAL.

[June,

Croasdale's Seed Deill and Broadcast Sower. —
Since our last,\ve have had an opportunity of examin-
ing this useful implement, and cheerfully commend
it to the attention of the farming community. Sim-
ple in construction, yet accurate in its work, and at
the same time furnished at a price which places it
■within the reach of every farmer, we cannot but
think that it will become the favorite drill for farmers.

For the benefit of our Lancaster County readers,
we state that one of these drills may be seen for a
short time at Hubley's Swan Hotel, Lancaster City,
•where Mr. Carr is in attendance to give all necessary
information in regard to it.

The annexed certificate from a practical farmer in
our immediate vicinity, will be read with interest in
connection with the advertisement to be found on the
second page of the cover of this number, to which
■we call attention.

I certify that I used Croasdale's Patent Seed Drill
and broadcast Sower in putting in part of my wheat
crop last fall.

It was put two drills in each furrow on a corn
stubble and the whole work was done at one opera-
tion, (seeding and plowing at the same time) in the
most satisfactory manner.

AVlicre known it must come into general use — in
my judgment it surpasses all other drills, because it
can be attached to anv plow and used wherever a
plow will work; it puts the seed in one drill of any
width you choose to plow or two drills in each fur-
row, or it will spread the grain over the furrow any
width preferred. It is the simplest, )jest and cheap-
est machine that I have seen.

From the aljove it will be seen to be more rcqjid
than the largo drills. Daniel Potts.

Millport Jlills, East Lampeter township, Lancas-
ter CO., May 28, 1851.

Couteuts of June No.

Entomology, No. 2,

Paine's Oxygen Light, - - - -

Obituary, -------

Fine Sheep, ------

Farmer's Clubs, ------

Deep Ploughing, -----

Agricultural Education, - - - -

Planting Hedges, Hawthorn vs. Osage Orange,
Organization of the Honey Bee,
Farmer's Sons and Learned Professions,

Hedging, - •-

Shade as a Fertilizer, - - - -

The Crows and Pigeons defeated, Swede Turnips,
Ashes of Anthracite Coal, - - -

Notes on the Cultivation and management of

Tobacco, ------

Prize Essay on the Horse, - - - -

China and Bremen Geese, - - - -

Domestic Economy. -----

Pomological Remarks, The Raspberry,
Transplanting Pear Trees, - -
Destruction of Birds and Increase of Noxious

Insects, ------

Kitchen Garden, - - - - -

Horticultural Societies, - - - - 83

Female Industry, - . - - -

Mrs. Pierson's Letter,

Agricultural Societies, . - . .

65
66
66
66
67
68
69
71
72
74
74
75
75
75

76
77
79
80
81
82

82
83
-84

85
85
86

Book Notices, ------ 87

Merino Sheep, ------ 88

Cicada Septendecim, ----- 89

Acknowledgments, ----- 90

Grand Ploughing Match, - - - - 90

Peysson's Deodorizer, — Newland's Alpine Mam-
moth Strawberry, - - - - 91

Croasdale's Seed Drill, - - - - 92

Contents, 92

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Entomology, four Cuts, - - - - 65-66

Structure of the Horse, - - - - 77

China and Bremen Geese, - - - - 79

Merino Sheep, ------ }j8

R. BUIST,

NURSERYMAN & SEED GROWER,

HAS always on hand at his seed Store 97, Chesnut
street, Philadelphia, a large stock of Seeds of his own
growth, a very important item to purchafers^as he is a practical grow-
er,aiid has been engaged in his profession over 30 years. His nurse-
ry ground is amply stocked with Fruit,Shade and Ornamental Tree?,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every article Bold at
the lowest rates, and warranted to be as represented.

Seed Store, 97 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia. Nurseries and Seed
Karra, Darby Road, two miles below Gray's Ferry.

June 1, 1831. R. BUIST.

FARMEUS.

IF VOU have Horses that have been injured by
sprains, Ringbone, spavins or A'ounds of any kind, you can
cure them up and make tliem as valuable as they ever were. —
Send one dollar fiee of Postage to the subscribers and they will
send you four valnable receipts.

You may depend upon it, that the articles thus manufactured and
will cure — and that anyone of the receipts is worth more than
you will have to pay for all of them. Address (Postage paid,)
June 1,1851) HILLS & CLARK, Elmira, Chemung co.,N. Y.

TSiePbrenolo^lcal Journal for 1S51:

DEVOTED TO
Science, Literature and General Intelligence.

TO know ourselves is a matter of the first importance, and there
is no means of obtaining such knowledge so wcU as by the
aid of PHRENOLOGY, which forms the leading feature of the
Journal. Phtsioi-ogy aud Ho:he Education will make it invalua-
ble as a guide to mothers in the training of children.

The Mechanic, the Farmer, the Professional Man, the Student,
the Teacher, and the Mother, will find each number of the Jour-
nal an instructive and valuable companion.

TER.VIS IN ADVANCE: Single copy, one year, $100; ten
copies, one year, $7 00.
N. B.— Please address all letters, post paid, to

FOWLERS & WELLS,
April— Sm No, 131 Nassau street. New York,

Tlie Great Micliigan Pl.O'SV.

FOR SOD AND SUB-SOIL.

THIS Plow, in the language of the Report of Committee on the
great trial of Plows in June last, appointed by the New York
State Agricultural Society, (by whom it was awarded a special
premium): " We regard this implement as a moat useful present
from the mechanic to the farmer, and in our opinion will effect a
great improvement in the tillage of land, ]i pulverizts the soil in
an excellent manner, which, to be fully appreciated, must be seen;
and it accomplishes this pulverization with an amount of power
which, in reference to the work performed, is certainly not large.
It buries the sod completely, aud covers it with ,a coating of loose
earth which makes a seed bed almost as perfectly a,s a spade."

At Boston, last season, this Plow was awarded a ({old Medai.-,
and at every County Fair in the State of New York, at which it
was exhibited, the Proprietor received a Premium.

Manufactured and for sale by HENRV GILBKRT,

Hakkjsburo, Pa,

j^Xl orders from a distance promptly attended to, Apri

1851.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Chester Countv Agricultural
WAREHOUSE & SEED STORE,

High Street, near the Horticultural Ilall,
WESTCHESTER, PA.

THE subscribers in connection with their extensive
.; Nursery Garden, and Green House establishments, have
erected a large Warehouse, and will keep constantly on hnnd and
for sale, a complete assortment oC As^icultural and Horticultural
Implemertts, consiting, in part of Horse Powers and Threshers,
Plows of different sizes and patterns, among which are the cele-
brated "Eagle Sell'-sharpening," Prouty A. Mears' Centre Draft,
Subsoil, Sulehill, &c., &c., Harrows, Cultivators, Wheat Drills,
Seed Sowers, Corn planters, Fanning Wills, Corn shellers. Straw
and Hay Cutters, Chums of various sizes and patterns, Harvesting
t>ol3 of everydescription ; in a -word, eveiy implement necessary
to the Farmer and Gardener, and of the most approved kinds and
patterns can be had at our Warehouse. Also, field, grass, and
garden seeds of every variety.

At our Nursery will be found nur usual large assortment of
Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubbery, Grapevines, Green [louse
Plants, &c., (c. PASCHALL MORRIS & CO.

Westchester, Pa., June 1, 1S51.

DIXON & KERR'S

POULTRY BOOK.

JUST PUBLISHED,

A TREATISE ON THE HISTORY AND MAN-
AGEMENT OF ORNAMENTAL AND DO-
MESTIC POULTRY. By Rev. Edmund Saul Di.xon,
A. M., with large additions, by J. J. Kerr, M. D. Illus-
trated with SIXTY-FIVE portraits, from nature, engraved
expressly for this work.

CONTENTS.
The Domestic Fowl.
The Rearing and Management of Fowls.
Eggs — Their Color, Form and Sex.
Eggs — Their Preservatior. for Culinary Purposes.
Eggs — Their Preservation for Incubation.
Varieties ot the Shanghae Fowl.
The Cochin China Fowl.

Biirnham's Importation of Cochin China Fowls.
The Malay Fowls, sometimes (though erronously)

called Chitlagong.
The Pheasant — Malay Fowl.
The Guelderland Fowl.
The Dorking Fowl — Colored Dorkings.
The Spanish Fowl.
The Game Fowl — The Mexican Hen Cock Game

Fowl.
The Chittagongs, The Java, The Shakebag, and the

Jersey Blue Fowls.
The Poland or Polish Fowl.
The Spangled Hamburgs — Tho Bolton Greys or

Creole Fowls.
The Rumpless Fowl, the Silky and Negro Fowls,
the Frizzled or Friesland Fowl, the Cuckoo
Fowl, the Blue Dun Fowl, and the Lark-crested
Fowl.
The Smooth-legged Bantam.

The Dung-hill Fowl, the Dominique Fowl, Colonel
Jacques' Chicken Coop, Devereu.x's Method of
Rearing Chickens without a Mother, and Cope's
Letter on Early Chickens.
Caponizing Fowls.
The Pea Fowl.
The Ring-necked Pheasant.
The Turkey.
The Guinea Fowl.
The Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor).
The Wild or Canada Goose.
The Domestic Goose.
The Hong Kong or China Goose,
The Bremen Goose.
The White-fronted or Laughing Goose.
The White China Goose.
The Bernicle Goose — The Brent Goose.
The Tame Duck.
This work is well bouud in muslin, and is printed on the
finest paper. The illustratiora are engraved in the most
elegant manner, from original and accurate drawings, and
the whole is one volume cf 480 pages duodecimo, price 81.
A few copies have been colored after nature. Price for
the colored copies, $2,50. For sile by all Booksellers,
and by the Publisljers. E. H. BUTLER & CO.,

June l-3( 23 Minoe Street, Philada.

PHILADELPHIA & LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS-To sail from Philadelphia on the 15ih,
and from Liverpool on the 1st of each month.

From Phila. From Liverpool.

Ship SHENANDOAH ' "

Capt. W. P. Gardiner.

New ship Westmokeland
Capt. P. A. Decan,

New ship Shackmaxon,
Capt. W. H West.

Ship MARY PLEASANTS, (-July l.^tli Sc'^p". 1st
Capt. R. R. Decan, .J Nov. I5ih Jan. let

May iBt
The above first class ships are built of the best materi-
als, and commanded by experienced navigators. Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed with com-
fort for passengers. They will sail punctually on the days
advertised, taking advantage of the steam tow boats on
the Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, can

obtain certificates, which will be good for twelve months.

Passage to Liverpool in the cabin, g80

" " Forward cabin, 20

" " Steerage, 12

Passage from Liverpool in the cabin, 100

" " Forward cabin, 25

" " Steerage, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 sterling and upwards, atsioht, without

discount. Apply to GEO. McHEN RY & CO.

June 1, 1851. 37 Walnut street.

JOHN H. SMITH'S
RENOVATING OINTMENT & HORSE RENOVA'G POWDERS.

T'^HE author of our existence has cau-sed to grow up ppontane-
X ously. throughout the world, such TogetabU' properties as will
at once euro, wlien properly applied, all curable di.'^eases. The
proprietor of these truly valuable Medicines might fill a volume,
with Certificates and Testimonials in favor of his articles ; but
considering such pufTs wholly useless, since they are so readily
manufactured, and m ido use of to such an extent to palm off some
useless trash upon the public, I shall, therefore, state at once, the
various diseases that can be speedily cured by these Invaluable
Horse Kenovating PowiJer.c, viz :— Glanders, Hidebound, and Horee,
Distemper. It also carries off all gross humors, and purifies the
blood. It is also a safe and certain cure for the Heaves; it will
also cleanse, at once, the stomach and maw from hots, worms. &c.
and again restore the stomach and bowels to healthy action.

S-mith's Renovating Oi^tmknt is an invaluable remedy for hor-
ses, in the cure ol the following diseases : Fresh Wound.*. Galli? cf
all kinds. Sprains. Bruises, Kingbones, Poll Evil, Wind Galls.
Spavins, Sweeny, Fistula, Strains, Lameness, Foundered Feet,
Cracks, and Scratches.

The above articles are to be had in most of the Cities and prin-
cipal Villages throughout the United State.'', and theCanadas.

For sale, wholesale and retail, at John H. Smith's Depot, No. 133
Fulton street. (2d floor.) New York.

Price. 25 cents per box for the Ointment; 50 cents for the Horse
Renovating Powders. For sale by DR. ELY PARRY,

April— 6m] East King street, Lanca.=ter, Pa.

The BEST and MOST V'ALU^UJLE

Agricultural Implements & Macliinery

Exhibited at the State Fair in 1850, will bo seen by the award of

Premiums below :

AWARDED TO E. WHITMAN, JR.,

55 Light SOeet, Baltimore, hy the Maryland State

Ji^rieultiiral Society,
At their Srd Annual Fair, held in Baltimore 23d, 24th and 25lli

October, 1S50.
For the best Plow in the Plowing Match, the Prouty &

Mears No 6J $40 Oe

For the best Plowing with Ox Team, samo plow, (Special

Premium) -..-_., --200
For the best Plow on Exhibition, Rugglcs, Noursc, Mason

& Co-8 No. 3. 1st Premium, 8 00

For the best Railway Horsc-powor, "Whitman's Improved,

1st Premium, - - - - - . - -15 00

For the best Hay Press, Ist Premium, - - - - 25 00
For the best Cornsheller, 1 st Premium. - - - - 4 00
For the best Field Roller. 1st Premium, - - - - S 00
PorthebestCorn-Stalk Cutters and Grinders, 1st Premium, 5 06
For the best Churns. 1st Premium, - - - - - 4 00
For th« best Hay .and Manure Fork, 1st Premium, - - 2 00
For the bept Hay Rakes. 1st Premium, - - - - 2 HO
Fox the best Cultiratorj 1st Premium, .. - - - 4 00

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[June,

UigUiand Wurserics, IVewburgU IV, Y.

ASA^UL & CO. beg leave to call the attention of Dealers
• and Planters of Trees, and the public in general, to their ve-
ry large and complete stock of FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL
TRb-tS, which they offer for ?ale the coming spring. The trees
of these Nurseries arc all grown on the premises, and propagated
under the immediate supervision of Mr. Saul, whoso long connec-
tion with this establishment, is some guarantee tor the accuracy
of the stock now oSered for sale. It consists in part of over

20 UOU Pear Trees. 5 to 8 feet high, and embracing all the lead-
ing Standard Varieties, as well as those recently introduced; of
merit, cither of American or Foreign origin.

20 000 Apple Trees, of Extra size. 8 to 10 and 12 feet high, in-
cluding every variety worthy of cultivation.

10 OUO Plum Trees, 5 to 8 feet, of every known kind of reputa^
tion.' as well as all the novelties of recent introduction.

10.000 Cherry Trees, 6 to S leet and over, among which will be
found all the desirable and choice varieties.

A large stock of handsome, well grown trees, of Peach, Apricot,
Nectarine and Quince, in every variety. Also,

Grapevines, Native and Foreign; Riispberrios, Gooseberries and
Currants. Strawberry Plants and Esculent Roots, mch as Aspar-
agus Rhubarb. Seakalc. &c.. of the most approved kinds.

Pear and Quince, Cherry on Mahaleb, and Apple on Paradise
rtock.s— for Pyramids or Dwarfs for garden culture, and embraces
all the kinds that succeed on those stocks.
Deciduous and Eoergreen Ornamental Trees and
Shrubs.

100,000 Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees, embracing
all the well known kinds suitable for street planting of extra size;
such as Sugar and Silver Maple. Chinese Ailantus. Horse Chesunt,
Catalpa European and American Ash, Three Thorned Acacia.
Kentucky Cotfcc Tree. Silver Abele Tree, American and Europe-
an Basswuod or Linden. American and European Elm. in several
varieties &c Also all the more rare and select, as well as well
known kinds suitable for Arboretums. Lawns and door-yard plant-
ing &c.' such as Doedar and Lebanon Cedars; Araucaria or Chil-
ian Pine; Cryptomeriajaponica; the different varieties uf Pines,
Firs. Spruc<'s, Yews. Arborvietas. &c.

"WEEPING TREKS— New Weeping Ash, (Fraxinits lentisci-
folia pendula) the Old Weeping Ash, Weeping Japanese Sophora,
Weeping Elms, (of sorts) Umbrella Headed Locust, Weeping
ftlountatn Ath. Weeping Beech, fcc. fee; together with every
variety of rare Majilc, Native and Foreign; ^ kwerii g Pea and
mond and Cherry; Chetuuts. Spauith and American; Tom sage
Copper Eeech; Judas Tree. Larch. Gum Tree, Tulip Tree, O -luj
Orange. Paulownia, Mountain Ash, (American and Europe^(ju
Magnolias of sorts, with many other things— including some
Tarieties of Shrubs. Vines, &;c.. fur which see Catalogue, a uew e_
ition of wliich is ju&t issued, and will be forwarded to all post pa^'^
applicants.

A large quantity of Arborvita; for Screens, and Buckthorn and
Ofiage fur Hedge plants.

The above will be sold on as liberal terms as similar stock can
be purchased elsewhere. For further particulars we would again
refer to priced Catalogue. A liberal discount will be made to
persons who buy, to sell again, and extensiyo planters, on their
ownacouuut. April

Seed and Agricultural ^VareUouse^

194^ Market Streety Philadelphia.

WE offer to our friends and customers, the largest assortment
of Agricultural implements, Oardcu tools, and Seeds, ever
offered in this Market, consisting in part of the following, viz :—
Prouty and Mears' Patent highest premium self-sharpening
Ploughs, right and left handed side hill Subsoil, of various sizes,
cf superior materials and workmanship, warranted to give satis-
faction, or the money returned — Four highest premiums awarded
to these Ploughs at the New York Fair, 1850. Also, Beach and
Car Share Ploughs; Spain's improved Barrel Churn, constructed
in such a manner that the dasher may be removed from the in-
side of the Churn by simply unscrewing the handle from the
daaher. Hay, Straw and Corn-stack cutters, in great variety,
among which may be found Hovey'a superior premium straw-cut-
ter, of every size.

Also. Horse-power Threshing Machines. Fan Mills, Corn Shel-
lors. Cheese Presses, Seed Plunters, Dirt ScraperiJ, Sugar AJills. Ox
Yokes and Bows. Turnip Drills, Horse llakcs. Swathe Seythes,
Concaved Hoe.=, Spring Tempered Ca^t Steel. Oval, and Square
Manure and Hay Forks, Pruning She:tr.-< and Chisels, Beach and
Bar Share, repairing pieces and casting.'^, Peruvian, Patagonia
and prepared Guano, together with a complete assortment of
grass, garden and field seeds, all of which will be sold at the low-
96t possible prices, at lOli Market street, Philadelphia.

Apvil 9-tf PROUTY Si BARRETT.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS
And Thresliin^ i^Iachiaie Makers.

THE subscriber ree^pectfuUy begs leave to inform the public
tbat he ha.^^ lately perfected a new Thre.«hing Machine and Horae
Power, which in point of strength, durability, lightness of draught
and convenience in moving is not surpassed or equalled by any
Machine in the United States; he also confidently affirms that no
Machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as low —
The invention of this Machine has been the result of several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy — but we do claim to have
discovered a plan by which old philosophical principles are mora
correctly and advantageously applied than on any other fllachinc.
This invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at Israel W. GrofTs Machine Shop
and at Prime & Colostock'a Sash Factory in North Duke street.
Lancaster city, at retail or by wholesale on the most reasonable
terms.

TJie Power weighs 600 pounds. It is Hjade entirely of Iron with
Steel Journals, and is warranted to hold 8 Horses should it any
time be necessary to use so many. From 2 to 4 Horses are a suffic-
ient number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for Shop purposes that will be the cheapest and
most convenient thing in use; it miglit al.«o be used with 2 or 3
Horses for threshing; the Powers and Cylinders and Concave can
be had by the Machine makers throughout the country on the
most reasonable terms.

tfB=> All orders directed to the subscriber at Lancaster city will
be thankfully received and promptly attended to.

Lanc'r, April SAMUEL PELTON, Jr.

{^Elmore's Bee-Oive, &c.

THE attention of Bee culturists is invited to this improved
plan.
Mr. Gilmore is a gentleman of great experience and success in
the culture of Bees; his improvement is the result of many years
trial; bis result has no parallel in the history of the past.

The Agent of the '• Pennsylvania P'arm Journal" is the Agent
of Gilmore's Sy.stem of Hiving and Feeding the Bee in this State.

The price of a Hive and Fixtures 53.00

" '' " *' Family Right, 3,00

Township Rights from $10 to $20.
County " " $30 " $200.

'" A Talk about the Honey Bee," a defence of Gilmore's sys-
tem, contains, also, testimonials, awards of Premiums to_Gilmore,
from the leading Fairs and In.stitutos in this Country ; 12 cents
single; $1.00 per dozen — gratis to patrons.

Circulars sent to any applicant. Address, post paid,

J. B. MAVNARD,
April- tf Lancaster, Pa.

'Sty

HAVE been distributed throughout the TTnion. The concern
h:is been in successful operation for upwards of Sixty Years,
and may be said to have grown up with the City of Philadelphia,
where it was at first located. It has been gradually enbtrged t©
meet the growing wants of the public, and is now, as it ever has
been, the most extensive of its Idnd in this country. The ground*
in cultivation being ten-fold greater than those ot any i-imilar
concern in the United States,

As the Seeds sold by the proprietor are (with slight exception)
of his own raising, he is. consequently, enabled to i^J^ Warrant
Ihem. a matter of importance to the purchaser of an article, the
quality of which cannot be determined by the eye. DescriptiTe
Catalogues in Knglish and German gratis

Also for sale. Implements for Farm and Garden in large variety.
LANDRh:TirS Agricultural Ware House,

April Sign of the Plough, 65 Chesnut St., Philadelphia.

The ^Vatcr-Cure Journal for 1851:

DiCVOTED TO

Physiology^ Hydropathy and the Laws of Life.
qiHE WATER-CURE JOURNAL is published monthly, illustPft-
X ted with engravings, exhibiting the Structure, Anatomy, and
Physiology of the Human Body, with familiar instructions t«
learners. It is emphatically a JooRN.ii. ok Health, adapted te
all classes, andis designed to be a complete FAMILY GUIDE is
all cases and in all diseases.

Thk Philosofiiv of Hkai.th, will be fully discussed, including
Food, Drinks, Clothing, Air, and Exercise, showiog their effects ob
both body and mind.

Terms in .Advance : Single copy, one year, $1 00 ; Ten copiet,
one year, $70.

N. B. — Pleaso address all letters, post paid, to

FOWLERS & WELLS,

April— 3m No. 131 Nueeau Btrect, New York.

1851.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

"Get tUe Best."

A LL young persons sliould have a standard DICTIONARY at
-Li. thuir elbow.?. And ^vhile you are about it get the best; Ibnt
Dictionary U NOAH WEIiSTER'S. the great work abridged. If
you are too poor, save the amount from off your back, to put It
into your head. — Phrenolog. Journal.

Dr. Webster's great work is the ben Dictionary of the English
language, — London Mor7iing Chronicle.

Tins volume must find its way into all our public and good pri-
T.ate libraries, for it provides the English student with a mass ol
the most valuable information, which he in vain seeks tor else-
where,— Lond&h Literary Gazette.

The very large and increasing demand for this work, affords
the best passible evidence to the publishers that it is highly
"acceptable to the great body ot the American people."

Containing three times the amount of matter of any other En-
glish Dictionary compiled in this country, or any Abridgment of
thi.4 work.

Published by G. & C. MERRIAM, Springfield. Mass., and for
sale by AV. H. SPANGLER, Lancaster, Pa. April,

NEW YORK
Agricultural IVareliouse & Seed Store,

189 and 191 IVater Street.

THIS is by far the most extensive e.=tabli?hment in New York.
It occuiiies nearly the whole of three large fiTe-,story stores,
and contains a varied and complete assortment of every descrip-
tion of Agricultural and Horticultural Implements, and Field and
Gordeu Seeds required in the Uniteil States. We have upward of
One Hundred of the latest improved kinds of Plows, mo.^tly man-
ufactured by us. expressly for the diflerent States of the Union,
California and Oregon, the British Provinces, the West India
Islands. Mexico, and South America. Also Harrows, Rollers, Seed
Sowers. Cultivators, Horse Powers, Threshers. CornShellers. Reap-
ing and Mowing iSlaehines. Il:iy, Cotton, Tobacco, Oil. and Dry
Good Presses. Brick- Machines, Shovels, Spades, Hose, Manure and
Hay Forks. Aic.&c,

Giirdi^n Implements. — These arc imported by us direct from the
EngUsh manufacturers, ormade here to our order. They consist
of a great variety of the choicest kinds such as Trenching and
Weeding Forks. Pruning and Hedge Shears. Flower and Twig
Cutters. &c. The assortment for ladies is particularly choice and
veil selected.

Field and Garden Seeds. — These are grown expressly for us
both in Europe and this country. They are of the choicest kinds,
and of great variety. We also obtain, as soon as sufficiently tried
and Weil approved, every new kind of seed suitable to be cultivated
iu the United States.

Fertilizers. — Peruvian and Patagonian Guano, Bonedust, Poud-
rette, Plaster of Paris. i!S*c.

Manufactory of ^Agricultural Implements.— VTe have a large
manufacturing establishment iu this city, where we will promptly
make to order any new article or implement required by the Far
mcr or Planter.

Excelsior Sand Paper. — A new and very superior kind, of the
different numbers in use by Machinists, Cabinet Makers. Ac.

The ^imerican Agriculturist^ a monthly publication of 32 pages.
Price one dollar a year. A. B- ALLEN & CO ,

April 189 and 191 Water-street, New York.

$500 to $2,000 aa Yar.
lOOO A G E W T S "WAWTE©.

IN all the States of the Union, to canvass for the follo%ving Im-
portant and Valuable Works, which are sold by subscription.
We have now about two hundred Agents in the field, many of
them clearing from two to eight dollahs pkr day. It will be seen
that they are all of a very popular and desirable kind, and calcu-
lated to please almost every taste. Tor further particulars apply
(post paid) to the publishers. DERBY & MILLER.

Auburn. N. Y.

"HOW A FARMER MAY BECOME RICH."

BLAKE'S FARMER'S EVERY DAY BOOK,

Or. how a Farmer can become Rich — being sketches of Life in the
Country; with the Popular Elements of practical and theoretical
Agriculture, and twelve hundred Laconics and A pathegms rela-
ting to Morals. Regime and general Literature; also 500 Receipts
on Health. Cookery and Domestic Economy; with 10 fine illustra-
tions respecting the various scenes atteudant upon fiirming. etc.
By John L. Blake, D. D.. author of ''Biographical Dictionary,"
■■ Family Encyclopedia," i^c.

The publishers respectfully announce, that thoy have under-
taken the publication of this large and beautiful work, with a
view to supply a desideratum that has long been felt—a book for
EVERY Farmkr's Libr.iry; believing that the venerable author has
produced a work that will be worth its weight in gold to every
farmer's family that thoroughly peruse it. It is proper to stat*
that Dr. Blake is a practical farmer, and has reclaimed a sterile
and worn out piece of land into a valual)Ie and productive farm —
which experience, with his well knowuqualifications as an author,
peculiarly fit him to prepare a book for farmers.

The work eoutaius 65-1 pages, large octavo, with a motto sur-
rounding each page— is printed on fine paper, and bound in sub-
stantial imitation Turkey Morocco, gilt back. Invariable retail
price. $3,00.

Agents wanted to canvass for the above,

FROST'S PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.

The History of the State of Californi-i, from the earliest period
of her conquest by the Spaniards, to her acquisition by the United
States; with an account of the discovery of the immense Gold
Mines, and the quantity of Gold already obtained; the enormous
increase of population; a description of the mineral and agricul-
tural resources of the country; with adventures and travels among
the Mines. Also, advice to Emigrants, as to the most desirable
routes thither. To which is added the Constitution of the State
of California; with uumerous illustrations, andamap of California
and the Gold Mines; in one octavo volume, 5C0 pa^cs; bound in
same style as Mexican War. Retail price, $2 50.

Heinitslfi's German Cattle PoiTder.

THIS Powder is celebrated for tlie
cure and prevention of all diseases
to which Cattle. Milch Cows, Sbeepand
Pigs are subject, and is the only prep-
aration upon which full confidence
can be placed. For Mileh Cows it is
of the greatest importance, wonder-
fully increasing the quantity and
quality of their milk, and will effectually prevent and cure Hoi
low Horn. Murrain. &c,

VEGETABLE HORSE POWDER.

Which will cure Distemper, Hidebound, Loss of
Appetite, FouadtT. Yellow Water, Lowness of
Spirits. Inward Sprains, Inflamation and Heat in
the System, and all other diseases to which Horses
I are subject,

HOR^E EMBROCATION,— For the cure of
xternal injuries, as Wounds. Bruises, Cuts. Rub
bin g of the Saddle, Collar or Harness, Stiffness in the joints
Swellings, Sweeny, &c. Prepared and sold at

CHARLES A. nEINITSH'5,
Medicinal, Drug and Chemical Store, No. 13 East King st.,
April — tf Lancaster.

JVevp and Popular Scbool BooU.

THE COMPREHEXSITE SUMM.'VRY OF UNIVERSAL HIS-
TORY, with a biography of distinguished persons from the
earliest period to the present time; to which is appended an epi-
tome of Heathen Mythology. Natural Philosophy, General Astron-
omy and Physiology, on the basis of "'Historical and Miscellane-
cua Questions," by Richmal Mangual. Adopted to the use of
American schools.

Published and for sale by E. S. JONES & CO.,

S. W. corner of Fourth and Race at.. Philadelphi.a
K. B — Teachers and School Committees furnished with copies
for examination. Address, post paid. April— tf

" I am prepared— I have endeavored to do my duty."
THE LIFE OF ZACHARY TAYLOR,
Late President of the United States, iueluding the closing scenci
of his life and death. By H. Montgomery. Embellished with a
steel portrait and 15 illustrations; in one elegant octavo volume,
463 pages, well printed on fine paper, and bound in substantial
morocco, gilt back.

The lightnings may flash, the thunders may rattle,
He hears not, he heeds not, he's free from all pain,
Ue sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle,
No sound can awake him to glory again.
More than 20 OOu copies of the above work have been sold by us
and the demand is unabated. It is allowed by critics to be the
most complete and authentic copy of any ol the works purporting
to be a Life of the Great Man of the Age. Retail price, $2 00.

A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE WAR BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO,

From the commencement of the battles, to the ratification of th«
Treaty of Peace; containing a concise account of the splendid
military achievements and glorious victories of the American
Army under Generals Taylor and Scott, and their gallant com-
patriots in arms. Also, a concise account of the new El Dorado,
the Golden Land of California, which was annexed to the United
States by the treaty of peace. Illustrated with 24 portraits and
battle scenes, and a steel likeness of General Taylor. By John S.
Jenkins, author of ■■ The Life of Silas Wright," "' Lives of Ameri-
can Generals," etc.. etc. The work is bound iu elegant and sub-
stantial morocco, gilt back, and contains 526 pages. A fine Map
of Mexico and California accompanies each book.

*** 12.000 copies of the above work have been sold by us. chi*Cy
in N. Y. State. It is pronounced by cricticsasthe only complet*
and impartial history of the war extant. Subscription price $i2,M(.

April

SCATTERGOOD & HOWE1.I.,

DESIGNJNG, DRAWING

And IVood EIngraTin? Establisliment,

Inquirer Buildhig, Third Street ^ below Chesuut St.,
FHILADELPHIA,

WaterColor Drawing, Portraits. Buildimgs, MACHtWERv, Nxws

rAPKR Heads, Labels, Seai.b, ^c. Drawn and Engraved

in the Bkst manner and on the moat

rtt&aouable Ter&u.

April,-tf

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[June,

Kettlewell & Davison's
Guano.

.Salts ag'ainst

A CHALLENGE ! ! !

THE dppp interest now taken by AgricuUuripta in all descrip-
tions of manure, would seem to justify any expedient, by
which fair and unprejudiced experiments may be made of tile th-
rious descriptions of manure at this time attracting the attention
of the public, in view of this, and the undersigned honestly be-
liering that the Chemical Compound, manufactured by them, is
the best manure of which any knowledge is had for a Corn CrOji;
challenges Guano to the test upon the following condition;— He
will forfeit One Hundred Dollars, to be presented to the Maryland
Agricultural Society, if any advocate of Guano will do the same,
that the Renovator compounded by KettlewcU Si Davison, will
produce upon any soil, the largest crop of weislied corn, without
regard to the size of the stalk, provided the President of the State
Agricultural Society will select some pcr.son, in his judgment
qualified, to superintend the experiment. The nature of the soil
to be described, so that each party can direct the mode of appli-
cation; two liarrels of the Salts to be used per acre, costing f6.
and 3U0 lbs. of the Guano, costing $7 20, the party making the
experiment to receive the manure free of cost. And the same
amount against any manure as a top dressing upon timothy or
clover. JoH.^ Ketti^ewell.

Ketthwell ^- Dnvi^on again call the attention of Agriculturists
to their various Chemical Manures— and in so doing, they would
be insensible to common gratitude, if they failed to express their
profound acknowledgments for the constant and increasing de-
mand, which flows in upon them for their .simple and compound
manures. Each season has greatly increased their sales, extend-
ing as far south as South Carolina.

They can give no stronger evidence of their faith in the vir-
tues of their manure, as the best known for a corn crop, than the
tenders they make above ; and the certificates which they here-
with present. In the offer of a test, it ia not the amount involv-
ed, but the willingness to challenge result, that speaks their in-
tegrity and confidence. We could add any amount to the testi-
mony we publish; but if the names we refer to, do not command
confidence, no additional number could. \Ve have never boasted
of the quahty of our article, wo have been content to leave a de-
cision to time, demand and experiment, that has been in our fa-
vor—hoping, if wo h■^ve less of •' Bi-phosphates," the public would
discover it, as they would if it was found we had more of" sand "
than any thing else, Kettleweli, & Datisos,

Office at Ober ^ McConkey's, corner of Lombard and Hanoocr
Streets. Factory, Federal Hill.

BI-PHOSPHATES.

M''e keep constantly on hand this valuable manure. Bones,
■with a proper portion of the Sulphate of Ammonia, dissolved in
Sulphuric Acid. The Chemists of this country and Europe have
been pressing this mode of using bone-dust upon the atten-
tion of farmers, with great zeal and ability of recent years. Ev-
ery experiment has confirmed the truthfulness of their theory;
and we hazard but little in saying that in a very brief time it
will be used in no other way. It is prepared so as to be sown sun
liar to the salts, at the rate of one or two barrels to the acre —
The price of this article is $4 per barrel. Let the farmer who
doubts, try it at a less expense than the old mode of using bonc-
- dust.

TOBACCO GENERATOR.

This is a chemical compound, made expressly for the growth ot
the Tobacco plant. We will call more special attention to it at
the proper season.

CHEMICAL RESIDIUMS.

We have constantly on hand Chemical Residinms of every
description. Full informaiion of which can be had by applica-
tion to us,

COMBLNATION OF GROUND PLASTER AND
POTASH.

This is a preparation made for soil deficient in Potash, of which
deficiency there is. unfortunately, too many instances in much of
our Maryland land. For this compound we arc indebted to the
suggestion of an accomplished Agriculturist of Prince Gcorge'.s
county, who may at some future day present the result ot his ox-
periment. The price of this is $3 50 per barrel.

DIRECTIONS.

The mode of using the Renovator is simple, inexpensive, and
rcjuiring but little labor. The farmer must hear in mind, that
in the preparation of his soil he shares an equal responsibility in
testing the merits of any manure. Land neghgently or badly
cultivated gives no manure a fair chance. How to put land in or-
der he ought to know better than we can teach him; and if he
don't know, should learn as speedily as possible. The land, then,
in order— if one barrel to the acre is used— and this quantity de-
pends upon the quality of the land— it should, for grain be sown
broad cast, and slightly harrowed in.

If two barrels arc used, one as stated above, and the other aa a
top-dres.sing upon the wheat or rye, early in the spring at the
commencement of the first thaw. Upon grass it should be sown
brnad-cast upon the timothy or clover. On corn, either broad-
cast or in the hill. Where two barreLs are used, one each way

«f3, PRICE of the RENOVATOR, $20 PER TON, or $3 PER
BARREL. April-tf

JVew YorR State Agricultural IVorlts

S^RSE rCWEP5 ANOTHRESHERS_

Agricultural Machines and Implements.

WHEELER, MELICK & CO.,

CONTINUE their manufactory at the corner of Liberty and
Hamilton streets. ALB.ANV, where they are prepared to fill
all orders with despatch.

ORDERS FOR

Wheeler's Patent Railway, Chain Horse Foifers, and
Overshot Threshers and Separators, will re-
ceive their prompt attention.

,Qf5" The large and increasing demand for these Machines haa
induced the Proprietors to erect a New and Spacious Manufacto-
ry, and otherwise extend their means of promptly filling orders.—
Their Powers and Threshers have been sold in nearly every State
in the Union, during the past year, and their superiority has been
acknowledged by numerous testimonials, not only from Agricul-
tural Societies but from persons who have used them. They
have been awarded the First Premiums at all the principal Fairs
where they have been exhibited in operation, including the Penn-
sylvania State F.iir. the Provincial Fair of Upper Canada, and the
.Michigan aud Ohio State Fair.s. together with numerous County
Exhibitions in the different States.

The TWO HORSE MACHINE, with from three to five hands,
will thresh from 125 to 200 bushels of Wheat per day, or twice that
quantity of Oats,

The One Horse Machine will thresh rather more than half that
quantity.

TRICE AT ALB.iNY :

Wm. B. WiLET, Job Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

For Two Horse Machines $145 00

For One Horse do $120 00

Machines will be shipped to order to any part of the United
States or the Canada,s, &^ and warranted to give satii/action to
the purchaser, or they may he returned within sixty days.

The subscribers also manufacture and will furnish to order tha
most approved kinds of
feed Cutters, Clover Httllers, Circular Saw Mills,f(e.

They will also furnish Horse Powers properly Geered for driving
Chums, Elevating Grain, or other purposes to which Horse Power
can he applied. WHEELKR, .MELICK & CO ,

AjirU- at Corner of Homilton and Liberty sts., -Wbany.N.

VOL. 1.

LAJs^CASTER, PA., JULY, 185L

m. 4.

THE FARM JOURNAL

S. S. HAIDEMAX, Editor.

Eutomolog}-, No. 3.

BY THE EDITOR.

The annexed figure represents a species of the
genus Carahus, Tvhich is there presentative of an ex-
tensive family [carahiJcu) of
voracious insects ■which de-
stroy vast numbers of the
larvre that feed upon plants.
The insects of this family
are therefore useful to the
/^' f'^^^M ^ "X former and gardener, and
^ 1 ^'S^ j Q^p figure will enable them

to be recognized without
much difficulty. They gen-
erally hide themselves dur-
ing the day under stones and rubbish, coming forth
at night to seek their prey, when they frequently en-
ter houses attracted by the light. They run with
agility, their feet are slender and their jaws strong,
when caught they generally emit a dark liquid from
the mouth, and many of them have a disagreeable
od«r. Their size varies from that of the figure (or
considerably larger) to an eighth of an inch or less.
Calosoma scrutator is larger than the figure, of a vio-
let color, with the elytra of a beautiful green. We
translate the following valuable remarks of a French
observer, who has made use of the natural enemies
of noxious insects to destroy them.

" A multitude of noxious insects, after having, for
several years committed ravages upon our property,
disappeared suddenly, without our being made ac-
quainted with the cause. In looking more closely
into these matters, one might be assured, in most
eases, an enemy of the insect which has disappeared,
has produced the happy result. I can furnish some
proofs in support of this opinion.
" The thick foliage of a fine avenue of poplars, was

TOt. I — F.

all at once attacked by an immense quantity of tha
caterpillars of Bombyx dispar. I thouglit of giving
them the Calosoma sycophanta for company: as liko
them, it passes its life upon the trees, feeding upon
the caterpillars which it meets, and even deposits its
eggs in their nests, that its voracious progeny can
procure nojjrishmcnt more easily, and in greater
abundance. This insect multiplied itself with a ra-
pidity truly astouisliing, and the caterpillars disap-
peared without those who were witnesses to the de-
struction, having the least idea of the causes whicli
produced it." The author then gives it as his opinion,
that the neighborhood of the city of Toulouse is not
ravaged by the Melolontha vulgaris which is so de-
structive in other parts of France, because the Cara-
bus auratus is very common in the fields, meadows,
and gardens. It is known, he remarks, that the Ca-
rabus auratus seizes and devours the Melolontha pre-
vious to the deposition of its eggs ; and that it is more
fond of these, than of any part of the insect.

"One would be much deceived in believing that it
is always easy to make an advantageous use of this
means of destruction, a profound study of the man-
ners of insects, being often indispensable to arrive at
the end proposed. The most robust of our Carabi,
the Procrustes corlaceus Lin. had served me admira-
bly in the centre of France, to destroy the little insects
which attack the plants in gardens. Here (in the
south) this insect does not destroy the same specus;
and although very common, it is unknoivn, or hardly
ever met with. The reason is, that in the centre, the
west, and probably the north of France, this Procrus-
tes is diurnal, requiring only cool and shady places.
With us (in the south, under a warmer climate) it in,
on the contrary, essentially noctnrnal, and therefore
destroys such insects as are, like itself, nocturnal; or
which remain within its reach, during the obscuritjr
of night.

" In transporting into my garden twenty of th«
Carabus auratus, I had thought to destroy the coUeo-
tions of Forficula which had chosen it for the theatre
of their ravages." To his great astonishment, th«

EDITORIAL.

fJuLT,

Carabi, which will actually destroy the Forficula,
were either found starved to death, or left the place:
and the latter continued their devastations! The rea-
son o-iven is, that the Forficula are essentially noctur-
nal ; and during the day keep themselves hidden in
crevices, into which the Carabi cannot follow them.
These latter, too, are only active during the middle
of the day, and in the heat of the sun. But the re-
sources of this persevering entomologist wore not yet
exhausted; his next expedient being to introduce a
smaller carnivorous insect common in France, the
Staphyliuus olens, which, he remarks, "filled all the
necessary conditions for the destruction of the Forfi-
cula."

" You see, then, gentlemen," says M. Boisgiraud,
in conclusion, " that it is indispensable to study the
manners and habits of destructive insects, that their
instinct and address may be successfully employed
for the destruction of the species able to do us injury.
Then in place of barbarously crushing the useful spe-
cies which have the misiortune to be not always or-
namented with the rich colors of the butterfly or the
Buprestis, wo will endeavor to protect tlfcm and pro-
pagate their race. We will find auxiliaries in them
the more valuable, as they increase with our adver-
saries; and as they alone are able to rival the cun-
ning of these ingenious enemies."

Medical (Quackery.

A child has recently been killed in Philadelphia
by the ignorance of an incompetent practitioner of
medicine, who in giving a prescription for castor oil
(oUum ricini) did not know how to spell the medical
name, and wrote it ol. resini. From the indistinct-
ness of ordinary writing, c may be taken for an o, and
in for m, so that the boy who gave the medicine na-
turally read ol. rosm. as an abbrevation of oleum ros-
inarini {oil of rosemary,) there being no drug known
as ol. resini (or resince) the oil (or spirits) of turpen-
tine being known under the name of ol. terehinthina:.
Nevertheless, as the doctor's ignorance was sufficient
to induce him to write ol. resini had he wanted oil
of turpentine, the druggist had to choose between the
two medicines to which the prescription came nearest,
but neither of which was intended, and the result has
been that the boy who prepared the mixture was im-
properly discharged for following a proscription, in-
stead of the doctor being indicted for homicide or
manslaughter, his practice under the circumstances
being unlaivful.

The doctor in his testimony made use of a supposed
word comatious, probably meaning the common medi-
cal term comatose, which is another example of the
kind of medical education he has received, if he ever
received any — and if he has, it is due to the reputa-
tion of the respectable medical schools, that they clear
themselves of the stigma of having graduated him.
The doctor states that ho has spelt "resini" for thirty
years, and we are curious to know what he supposed

was in the bottle marked OL. RICINI in the drug
stores; and in that marked ol. chenopodii (worm-seed
oil,) as he wrote the latter in English.

We caution our readers not to employ irregular
practitioners, nor such as have graduated in schools
of questionable standing, nor to purchase advertised
pills, tonics, syrups, sarsaparilla, cherry pectorals
(like that of Ayer, which is backed by a, forged certi-
fcate of Professor Silliman) and mixtures made to
practice chiefly upon the supposed credulity of the
country population. Let them avoid in particular,
any secret medicine with accounts of wonderful cures,
especially when certified by venal clergymen, who
not only prostitute their sacred calling, but have the
audacity to name the church where they officiate, in
defiance of the decent portion of their congregations.
Clergymen who place D.D. after their name, are es-
pecial favorites with the compounders of secret medi-
cines, and are probably worth fifty dollars a pieco
more than the ordinary kind, in the certificate mar-
ket.

Clerical certifiers have seen their best days, and
some quacks as the cure-lying Koback, will not con-
descend to use them, his best friend probably being
the mayor, who may find him a useful medium be-
tween thieves and the police, in the recovery of stolon
goods.

Some suppose that medical names should be writ-
ten in English, which is an absurdity, not one-tenth
of them liaving English terms, as in natural history,
where half a dozen wevils may have them, among
ciglit thousand without them. English names in eith-
er case would add to the confusion, and it would be
wrong to ask thein struotcd physician and pharmace-
utist to lower themselves to the level of quacks and
homicides, and helow that of school boys and girls,
who, in studying botany, are not satisfied unless they
know the botanical name of a plant, which is always
in Latin. Such dictation would compel physicians
to compound their own medicines, as they are com-
pelled to do in country practice.

The advocates of " English names to let people
know what they are taking," are inconsistent in be-
ing satisfied that any amount of advertised medicines
should be swallowed, the composition of which is
neither known nor ascertainable — and wliich may
vary from month to month.

Three-cent pieces. — As the word five is the basis
of one of the names of a small coin, fip, three may
suggest that of thrip.

At Genoa, it is said', every attorney takes an oath
to undertake no cause which he does not consider
just; and at Rome there is a society which afibrd«
legal aid to the poor, free of cost.

The most degraded Celt is infinitely less of the
brute than his Saxon cotemporary.

Root out eourdocks before the seed ripens.

1S51.]

EDITORIAL.

Cicada septeudecim.

For the purpose of ascertaining the length of time
that this insect lives after the period of depositing its
eggs, Tce took four pair on the 11th of June, which
•were attached together. These we kept in a vessel in
the house without food except a bit of the branch of
an apple tree, which soon withered. On the 13tli, one
pair being nearly dead, was rejected, and one pair
was placed upon a small birch tree, and the other
two pair upon a low branch of an apple tree. In
each case a glass jar covered with gauze was sus-
pended over the insects and branch, so that they
could be kept safe and readily observed.

Of the pair upon birch, the male soon commenced
inserting its haustdlum or snout into the bark for the
purpose of sucking the sap. The female did not com-
mence making perforations and depositing her eggs
until the afternoon of the loth, and she seems to have
oviposited but once. She and her mate are still liv-
ing on the 18th.

Of the three pair placed on the apple branch on
the morning of the 13th, one female oviated on the
afternoon of the same day.

14th. Morning — Two males and one female have
died. More eggs deposited in the afternoon by both
of the two surviving females.

15th. Morning — One of the two females is ovipo-
siting.

16th. Both females are ovipositing forenoon and
afternoon.

17th. One of these dies in the afternoon, and upon
being opened, is found to contain a number of unde-
positod eggs.

18th. The remaining female is still living.

In forming a perforation for her eggs, the female
stands lengthways upon the branch (her head being
cither towards or from the tree) when she raises her
body and brings her ovipositor or boring organ ver-
tically upon the branch, and although it sometimes
slips aside, she finally fixes it by pressing the point
of the middle or gouge-shaped portion on the bark,
where she moves it up and down about twice in a
second, supported by the two side pieces, which are
kept quiet upon the surface and follow it afterwards
as rapidly as the size of the hole admits. In two
minutes the point has entered, when she lowers her
body, which gives the instrument a slanting direction
backwards and downwards, and permits her to use it
as a lever to raise the fibres. She proceeds along the
branch boring and depositing at the rate of about an
inch an hour. It requires about fifteen minues from
the time of commencing a perforation until the ovi-
positor is inserted at its base in the wood. The eggs
are pearly white, tapering towards both ends, and
about a twelfth of an inch long and one-seventieth
in diameter. According to Dr. N. Potter, of Balti-
more, the eggs hatch in Jtfty-itco days.

A few individuals of this insect appear every year.

and it is probable that the time must arrive whelk
they ^vill be annual like the ordinary species. Some
have supposed that they may occasionally retard of
anticipate their usual period by a year or two, but
there is no evidence of such being the case, early and
late individuals being probably descended from oth-
ers which were equally out of the range of the regu-
lar appearance.

The sting of this insect seems to be dangerous, but
there is no account of the organ with which the punc-
ture is made. This is probably the ovipositor of the
female, as the haustel'um (which inflicts a poisonous
wound in some insecis belonging to the same order)
is hardly strong en«ugh to the pierce the skin.

Suildiug Material.

An effort is making in "Washington to have tbt
public buildinjs hereafter constructed of the inferior
sandstone usei in the Capitol and Patent office, rath-
er than of thj more durable and ornamental marble,
but it is to le hoped that there is sufficient science in
Washingtoi to prevent such a result. Some sand-
stones are good and durable, and that used for the
Smithsonian building seems to be of an exeelleni
quality, although rather dark in color.

Cast iron is coming into use as a building material,
but some imagine that it is necessary to paint it hlaclt
to resemble the natural shade of iron, but iron is not
black, but grey when freshly broken, and some shade
of brown or oolire extern^ly, so that black is not
suggestive of the material. Moreover, as it is lot
customary to paint wooden coliunns so as to indicste
whether they are of pine or oak, there is no necessilj
of making this indication with iron. Much black la
too conspicuous among light colors to make a plea-
sant impression, and on this account it should be
avoided.

To Correspondents.
J. S. BLeller. — Two insects which resemble each
other pretty closely, destroy garden vegetables. Of
one of these we have a cut, which we
give here, and the other ( Galeruca viL
tata) will be^figured hereafter. In the
mean time, a single figure, with some
explanations, will serve for the identifi-
cation of both.
CRiocERis The crioceria is about half the size
TRiLiNEATA. of the figure, or a fourth of an inch
long, of a brownish yellow, with two black dots up<»
the prothorax or part following the head, and three
black lines along the elytra as represented in the cut
This species is common upon potato vines, and Dr.
Harris (Injurious Insects, p. 96,) recommends them
to be brushed into shallow vessels of salt and water,
or vinegar.

The insects sent by our correspondent came crush-
ed. They are the Gideruca vittaia, which is one-fifth
of an inch long, pale yellow above, with the bead aod

100

EDITORIAL.

[July*

three stripes along the elytra black, the under parts
heing mostly black. Dr. Harris (p. 101) has brought
together various remedies, as charcoal dust or scotch
snuif sprinkled when the plants are wet vith dew, an
infusion of tobacco or red popper mixed, of elder or
■walnut leaves, hops — a solution of an ounce of Glau-
ber salts in a quart of water. " As these insects fly
by night as well as by day, and are attracted by
lights, lighted splinters of pine knots, or of staves of
tar-barrels, stuck in the ground during the night,
around the plants, have been found useful in destroy-
ing these beetles. The most effectual prcsorvative
against these insects, and the equally destructive
black flea-bootlcs which infest the vines in the spring,
consists in covering the yoiinij v't^ies u'itJi milUnd
stretched over small wooden frames.''

The flea-beetles here sjluded to are
minute Cohoptera of the g?nus Haliica,
of various species. They aie often term-
ed cucumber fleas on account of their
small size and leaping powers, We give
an enlarged figure of one species as an
example.
Mr. Levi Bartlett describes his milliuet frames as
flows in the N. England Farmer, vol. 2, p. 305, co-
ed in Fessenden's American Farmer, p. 91. "Take
strip of pine board (about three-fourths of an inch
j thickness is most suitable) eight or ten feet in
/Dgth, and four or five inches in width— plow one
'me edge of it with a carpenter's plotr or match plain
i — tlen work off an equal number of side and end
j pie'CS ; before sawing the side pieces run a brad-awl
' tlvough where you want to drive your nails, as it is
Hot so likely to split as after it is sawed. The side
pieces eleven inches long — the end pieces eight inches
long. They must be of this particular size, because
one yard of millinet will just cover nine boxes ; or a
third of a yard will make three covers. After having
nailed your boxes and divided your millinet, have
some strips or tongues, as the carpenters call them.
Press these with the edges of the covers into the
grooves, which fastens them much cheaper and more
lespeditiously than small nails. I made about twenty
hast season, and they effectually secured them from
Uie yellow bug, and (by sinking the edges of them in
the earth a little) from worms. But if they were of
/bo use but •to guard against insects, they would be
/ ■worth having, as they keep off the cold winds, and
/ greatly promote the growth of the vines in the early
/ part of the season."

Lard Candlm. — A correspondent of the Michigan
Farmer, gives the following method of making can-
dles of hog's lard, which he says prove of the best
quality. Put all the lard, say enough for 5 lbs. of
candles, in the smelter; after it attains a heat of
about 200 Fahr. throw in 3 or 4 ounces of lime, and
about an ounce of aquafortis, and then mould them.
The lime purifies the grease and the acquafortis
hardens it.

State Agricultural Fair.

The following circular addressed to the people of
Pennsylvania, by Hon. Frederick Watts, President
of the State Agricultural Society, is a forcible appeal,
and one to which we ask the careful attention of our
readers. It should be remembered by every far-
mer in Pennsylvania, that this, the first exhibition
ever held under the auspices of the State, is looked
forward to with groat interest by the friends of agri-
culture elsewhere. Active preparations arc going on
in other States to provide articles for exhibition. —
Will our own people stand back and be mere specta-
tors, or will they, with true State pride, put forth a
strong and vigorous effort in behalf of the cxhibitiou?
We hope and believe they will, and we confidently
look forward to such a display as will reflect credit
upon the State.

To THE People ov Pennsylvania:

It will not be forgotten that the State Agricultural
Society of Pennsylvania has fixed Harrisburg as the
place, and the 23d, 24th and 25th of October next as
the time for their Annual Exhibition. There is no
State in the Union whose climate, soil and the habits
of whose people afford more ample resources than our
o^mi for a creditable exhibition of their skill and in-
dustry. There is nothing raised, grown or manufac-
tured upon the face of the earth, which is not more
or less interesting in the study and science of Agri-
culture. The farmer, the horticulturist, the inventor,
the mechanic, are all cordially and earnestly invited
to contribute and partake in the interest which will
be excited l.iy the occasion ; and especially do we in-
vite the aid, countenance and presence of our moth-
ers and daughters, upon whose handy-work and good
example we are so dependent for all the domestic
comforts of li^e.

Arrangements are now being made for enclosing
the grounds, and providing separate and safe places
for all articles which shall be presented for exhibition.
All the canals and railways of the State will be open
free of charge for their transportation to Harrisburg,
and visitors wiU come and go on them at one half the
usual rates.

The young men of the State are reminded that the
Ploughing Match will afford them an opportunity
for the display of their skill, the training of their
teams and the fitness of their instruments.

While we address this communication to the peo-
ple of our State, it will not bo understood that it is
designed to exclude the citizens of other States ; much
less to avoid the honorable competition which their
contributions may afford. Now is the time to pro-
pare. By dii'oction of the Executive Committee.
FREDERICK WATTS,
President of the State Ar/ricidtural Society.

Carlisle, May 28, 1851.

TuE disease which has so seriously affected the
orange groves of Florida, for several years past, is
passing away, and orange growers are again turning
their attention to this profitable cultivation.

There are about one hundred and seventy mills in
Lancaster county, and wheat enough raised to keep
them all busy.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

108

(Honununicationa.

The Potato.

Mr. Editor : — This plant is a native of Chili,
South America, and was first described by Clausius,
a German botanist, of which there is a plate among
his rare plants. Sir Walter Raleigh found the In-
dians cultivating it in Virginia, and he carried some
of the tubers home to England on his return from
America in 1586. How it got from South America
to Virginia is not satisfactorily known. It is still
found growing wild in its native localities, but the
tubers are said to be small, and to possess an insipid
taste. The Indians called tljem iaraloiijiis, in Virgi-
nia they were called openawk. The Spaniards called
them Battatas. The Spanish name now is Batatina;
the German DicKautoffd; and French Pomme de ierre.

It belongs to i\\e fifth class and first order in the
artificial system of Linnoeus, and to order Solanacea:
in the Natural System of Adamson. It was described
under four diflferent names. Solanum tuberosum, by
Linnajus ; Solanum csculentu7n,hj 'HackcT; Solamt?ii
parmenterii, by Molina; and Lycojpersicuni tuberosum
by P. Miller. The meaning of Solanum is uncertain,
but it is an ancient name and there are about five
hundred well defined species of this genera described.
The potato is evidently a Solanum, as well as the
white and purple egg plants, the former of which is
called Solanum melongena, and the latter Solanum
esculentum. The specific name of Linnjeus is univer-
sally adopted, and means tuberous Solanum. The
varieties of this species are very numerous, above
two hundred have been described, and new ones are
constantly being introduced, which is done by plant-
ing seeds chosen from the ripe potato apples. The
surest and best way to proceed is to squeeze out the
seeds and preserve them until the following spring in
dry sand. In March plant the seeds iu a hot bed or
in a bos in the house, and after the frosts are over
the seedling plants should be raised with as much
dirt around them as possible, and planted out in rich
and well pulverized ground, in rows about eighteen
inches apart, and the plants sot about sis inches
asunder. The ground should then be kept loose
around them and free from weeds: when ripe, the
roots should be cautiously kept from the frost. The
next season the roots should be planted out in the
common soil of the farm, and if properly attended to
they will arrive at their full size and perfection.

The potato has many enemies, and from time to
time has been violently assailed with disease and
threatened with estermination.

In 177(5, in the prineipality of Geottingen, a disease
called the curl made its appearance on the stem and
leaves of this plant; in 1779 it appeared in Hanover;
in 1780 in the British Isles; in 1792 it threatened to
exterminate potatoes in England; and in 1800 it pre-
sented the same disposition in Prussia. Some as-

signed the cause to an insect called Phytocoris, bu
others attributed it to over ripe tubers. The remedy
was found to be, to change the seed for that from
higher latitudes.

In 1780, a disease called the rust, attacked the po-
tato, similar to the rust in wheat. It raged in Ger
many with groat severity; and at difi"erent times and
places the rusts, mildews, &c., have frequently de-
sti-oyed the crops of this vegetable. They are attri.
buted to the attacks of several species of fungus
among which are several species of Botrytis, Uredo
tuberosum, Fusiporium solanii and Fusiporium spo-
rotrichoides. The Protomyces solanii often attacks
the potato in cellars, and badly ventilated places. —
Plaster, lime, sulphur, salt and ashes, are beneficial
applications in these diseases: fermenting and slowly
decomposing vegetable matters appear to be the prin-
cipal cause of these diseases.

In 1782, a disease called the scab made its appear-
ance in Europe and prevailed to a considerable ex-
tent. A dry sandy soil, and high cultivation, seemed
to be the best preventative.

In 1769, a disease called the rot, and nearly allied
to the disease now prevailing, made its appearance in
Germany; in 1783 in Prussia; in 1830 in France ; in
1834 iu Great Britain, where it threatened the total
destruction of the potato crop ; in 1839 in Kussia ;
and in 1840 in Bohemia. Some assigned the cause
of this disease to the habit of cutting the seed into
thin slices, others however assign it to the attacks of
a fxingi or peculiar species of mushroom. A healthy
condition of the soil, and strong sound plants were
the best preventatives.

In 1829, a disease called the blue rot or blue tumor,
made its appearance in Germany, and spread through
Saxony and the Upper Hartz. "Blue spots and ris-
ings are first observed on the skin of the tubers, af-
terwards a dark colored texture similar to a rhizomc-
pha appears, which surrounds the tuber, penetrating
even its interior, followed by blue spots and streaks
in the heart of its substance." A mixture of saw
dust with dung, it is said, was the cause of it.

In 1840, an insect called the Phytocoris lincolarig
attacked the potato in some of the New England
States, ahd about the same time tJie Aphis vastaior
in Europe, but they did not produce much mischief.

In 1843, the existing murrain or potato rot made
its appearance in Prussia and in the United States ;
in 1844 in the south of Europe ; and in 1845 it spread
over nearly all the middle and north of Europe, to-
tally destroying the whole crop in many places, and
leaving famine behind it. It has spread more gener-
ally and been more destructive than any other dis-
ease that has assailed this important vegetable. Nor
does it seem to be confined to the potato alone ; in
some districts tulips, hyacinths, carrots, onions, to-
matoes, and in Jamaica, the yams and cocoa have
suffered from the same or a similar disease.

The cause is yet a mystery. It appears like a veg-

102

COMMUNICATIONS.

[JULV,

etable cholera, and moves with singular rapidity and
precision. This vegetable cholera is, no doubt, the
result of a vegetable parasite, similar to the entophoza
that attacks the mucous membrane of animals. It
appears that dry gravelly soils are the best suited to
avoid the attacks of the disease. Putrescent manures
should be avoided, and a free use of charcoal, salt
and lime, are among the best preventatives. Plant
early and dig the potatoes before the ground gets
wot and cold in the fall ; then pack them away in
charcoal, and you will probably escape the rot. I
^aw a large amount of potatoes opened this spring
that had been packed away in "coal hreys," at one
of our furnaces, and they were generally sound, while
some that, had been stowed away in the visual
■manner entirely perished. I would suggest this plan :
lay down a layer of potatoes, slightly cover with fine
charcoal, then another layer of potatoes and charcoal,
and thus form a heap, which cover in the usual loay.

We have reason to believe that in a few years the
disease will disappear, and we will be again permit-
ted to enjoy the use of this favorite esculent.

J. M. McMiN.v.

JJnionville, Centre co., Pa., June, 1851.

Remedy for a Cow who sucks herself.

Mr. Editor : — Hearing recently an effectual cure
for this inveterate habit, and at the same time a very
simple one, which has been tried in this vicinity and
found to answer completely, I send it for insertion in
the Farm Journal.

Draw the cow up by a halter to a fence corner, or
stall in the stable, and insert in the same manner as
a ring is put into a bull's nose, a round stick through
the cartilage which divides the nostril, (and which
is quickly done by a single blow with a mallet,) say
about six inches long, and let it remain. It will oc-
casion no inconvenience to the cow, and whenever
ehe attempts to suck herself, it will cause such a
strain on the nose as to make her desist instantly. —
The proper length for the stick to extend each side
of the nose, can better be told upon trial, as it may
be lengthened or shortened, as may be found neces-
ary. To make it still more effectual it might be
pointed at each end.

The habit of sucking herself in the cow, is one al-
Jnost impossible to break by any contrivance of yokes
Or muzzles, and it is not dissimilar to intemperance
In the human subject. Total abstinence being the
only safety, a taste being once had, self-control is
gone. I once had a valuable heifer, (I raised from
the celebrated McElroy cow,) who made 16 lbs. of
butter in a week, and which I was obliged almost to
give away on account of this habit. She promised to
bo equal to her dam in butter qualities, and many
expedients were tried to break her, but ineffectually.
A stiff muzzle was put on her, well supplied with
sharp spikes. Her udder, so violent was her fond-

ness for her ovm milk, would often be scored with
deep cuts, and drops of blood, but she would still get
it. A stiff yoke on the neck was also tried, which
looked as if it would entirely prevent her turnihg her
head round. This also hurt her heep and was inef-
fectual.

Had this cow been cured of this habit, she would
now have been worth $100. Her mother was a most
remarkable animal for deep milking, and her former
owner, before I purchased her, was said to have sent
to market from her, 17 lbs. of butter per week. She
made with me nearly 15 lbs. of butter a week, on grass
alone. Edge Cope, residing about two miles from
this place, and whose statement can be entirely re-
lied upon, now owns a heifer from her, who made
last season, when she was on trial and milked three
times a day, 17 lbs. of butter in a week. The milk
was weighed each time, instead of being measured,
and reached about 75 lbs. per day. He weighed it
himself to avoid mistakes.

The simple recipe here given, and also one by
James Gowen in the first number of the Farm Jour-
nal, of the hay rope in cases of hoven, (and which I
also tried and thereby saved the life of a durham
bull which cost me S550,) are strong illustrations of
the value of agricultural journals, and are worth the
price of many years' subscription.

Paschall Morris.
West Chester, June 20, 1851.

The Education of Farmers' Daughters.

Mb. Editor: — As I cannot think the Farm Jour-
nal designed to lay before its readers such matters
only as relate to plowing, planting, mowing, reaping,
&c., and the education of farmers' sons, I ask a place
in your columns for a few remarks on a subject in-
teresting alike to all — the education of farmers' daugh-
ters.

Much has been said and written on the subject of
education. The merits of colleges, academies and
agricultural schools have been thoroughly discussed.
But those all refer to the boys, while the girls arc
wholly uncared for, as though the cultivation of their
intellects was a matter of trifling importance. The
general impression appears to be, that they would
make just as good wives and daughters with no more
education than enabled them to read their Biblo
and almanac, as if their intellectual training were
such as every fanner's daughter should be. Does not
the mother exert a controlling influence over her
child ; and do not her teachings and example, in nine
cases out of ten, mould its future character? Many
of the greatest and best men who have ever lived, at-
tribute their virtues and greatness to the tender coun-
sels of their mothers. Who among us, does not owe
much that is commendable in our characters to the
same source ? How frequently do we hear the folly

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

103

and wickedness of individuals attributed to the igno-
rance of their mothers ?

If, then, so much depends upon the kind of teach-
ings a mother is capable of imparting to her children,
how important does the education of the ftirmcrs'
daughters become, and with what solicitude sliould
parents endeavor to prepare them for the highly re-
sponsible stations of wife and mother, which they
may be caUed to fill ?

Although my remarks will apply with equal force
to all classes of society, my olvject is, to draw the
special attention of the farmers to this subject, be-
cause 1 think it has been less seriously considered
by them than it deserves to be. Now-a-days, almost
every farmer possessed of the means, appears desirous
of giving his sons a liberal education. This is highly
commendable; but at the same time it should not be
forgotten that his daughters liave an equal claim upon
his regard. It is, with me, a question, which of the
two — the education of the son or the daughter — is the
most important. But leaving this question for the
present, it is enough for us to know, that the pros-
perity and happiness of the individual, the family
and the nation, demand that where it is practicable,
the blessings of education should be extended to all.

Almost every farmer who has given his sons a li-
beral education is convinced of its utility. If eduea-
cation is beneficial to the son, why not to the daugh-
ter? Are her duties any less important than his? —
Has she not the moulding of the character of future
generations? Should not the mother be competent
to instruct her offspring in many of those branches
of education in which her gentle care and afiection
make her the most fitting instructor? None but
those who have never known the inestimable value
of a kind mother's teachings will dissent from this.

But my remarks are growing too lengthy ; I shall
therefore conclude them for the present, promising to
renew the subject in future numbers of your valuable
Journal, should you deem them of sufficient import-
ance to present to your readers. Yours,

June 20, 1851. Plow Bot.

New Water Cdment. — It is said that a very strong
and valuable water cement has been made by Gen.
Pasley, of the British anny, consisting merely of four
parts by weight of chalk and five of blue clay. Ac-
cording to the experiments made to prove its strength,
it must possess extraordinary tenacity.

To KEEP preserves, apply the white of an egg with
a suitable brush to a single thickness of white tissue
paper, with which cover over the jars, overlapping
the edges an inch or two. No tying is required. —
The whole will become, when dry, as tight as a drum.

Good Advice. Do not begin farming by build-
ing an expensive house, nor erecting a spacious barn,
till you have something to store in it.

The Berkshire Agricultural Society.

Mr. Editor: — Whoever had occasion to travel north
fiom Lenox, forty-fire years ago, found himself on a
highway, twice the width <if ours, pursuing a straight
line without regard to hills, and upon attaining an
unusual elevation within a few miles of Pittsfield, the
village in full sight, he might observe below him, at
the right, a mansion-house of some pretension, in
good architectural taste, in the midst of pleasant
grounds. Outspreading around it were well cultiva-
ted fields, and a little distance in the rear, one of
those beautifid sheets of water, three to six miles in
circumference, which abound in that region, and
from which the Ilousatonic takes its rise. It was a
choice spot which had been early selected by one of
the wealthy adjoining Knickerbockers; still retain-
ing the name of the Van Schack place, and if we mis-
take not, then oecupiod by one of that family.

It soon after passed into the hands of Elkanah
Watson, who may be justly styled the father of agri-
cultural societies among our farmers. Pittsfield,
where the society was formed, which has since been
honored by the title of "Parent Society," was the re-
sidence of men distinguished in their day and gener-
ation. Among these were " Parson Allen," familiar-
ly so called, of Bennington battle memories ; a cJiap-
lain, fiimous alike in the desk and in the Jield — Dr.
Timothy Childs, eminent as a physican and politi-
cian, and the father of some who have since attained
to like eminence in the varied walks of life — Col.
Simon Lane, high sheriff of the county for many a
long year, the same who afterwards commanded the
"bloody ninth," so greatly distinguished at Lundy's
Lane, and whose son it was that every one admired
as a pulpit orator — Col. Joshua Danforth, postmaster
of Pittsfield, the father of an eminent preacher, known
to us all — Chandler Williams, Thomas Gold and John
W. Hulbert, men of marked character and great dis-
tinction at the bar, and as citizens. Mr. Williams,
a man of wealth and refined tastes, cultivated his
gardens and grounds to the delight of every beholder
— John W. Hulbert was an orator and a wit — prompt
at reply, ready in debate, and of never-failing moral
courage, he attained to celebrity in Congress among
the greatest men of the day — Thomas Gold occupied
the most beautiful situation in the most beautiful
town of the valley of the Ilousatonic, and amidst the
cares of his profession, gave great attention to agri-
culture and the adornment of his grounds. His sur-
rounding fields present themselves at this moment, to
our early memories, as the perfection of landscape
"•ardening. We may add, that it was there that one
of the doers of good in our own day, Nathan Apple-
ton of Boston, found an accomplished wife, and ad-
vert to Mr. Gold more emphaticallj-, because, when
thirty years ago, the writer found himself in Chester
County, surrounded by intelligent farmers, and en
joying a portion of their confidence, the first idea of

104

COMMUNICATIONS.

[JuLY>

a practical Agricultural Society among the tillers of
the soil, ill this State, was started. Dr. Darlington
and Charles Miner took a leading, active part, in
promoting its establishment, and Thomas Gold being
the President of the Berkshire Associaiion for the
same object, he wrote to him to send us an account
of their doings, with such hints as might occur to
him. Enclosed is a copy of his reply, which as it
contains a little history of "the first Society in the
world, icliich adopted a practical course, &c," you may
think it worth presenting to your readers now.

A Friend to Agriculture.

Mr. Miner : In answer to a request made at your
instance, on Ijehalf of the proposed Agricultural So-
ciety in this county, the enclosed communications
have been received from Thomas Gold, Esq., of Pitts-
field, Mass., one of the original promoters and some-
time President of the Berkshire Society. You will
no douljt think those passages of the letter which
have been marked, well worthy of publication, and
calculated to promote the object of a similar associa-
tion in this county. The writer is certainly entitled
to our best thanks, for the interest he has expressed
in our success, and for the pains which he has taken
to communicate his views.

The Ode breathes the pure spirit of poetry, and
■will no doubt grace a corner of your next Parterre.

Lot the other papers, consisting of the By-Laws
of the Berkshire Society, Mr. Gold's Addresses in
1817, and ISIS, projiosals of premiums, &c., remain
in your office for the perusal of those who are inte-
rested in the establishment of such a Society here.

Is it not possible to raise twice the quantity of pro-
duce annually in Chester county, to what is now
raised, and will not an Agricultural Society tend to
effect this object ? Who that compares our present
products with what they were twenty years ago, and
recollects that they are still one hundred per cent,
less than what is produced in many parts of Great
Britain, will despair of improvement ? " The man
who causes two blades of grass to grow where there
was but one before, renders more service to mankind
than all the statesmen and warriors that arise in a
century." Civis.

" I avail myself of the first leisure to comply with
your request, viz : to forward a copy of the Constitu-
tion of the Berkshire Association, with such informa-
tion as I may deem useful. I now enclose you a copy
of our by-laws, which [is^the foundation of our pro-
ceedings. The Society was incorported in 1811. The
act contains only a general grant of all powers requi-
site to estaljlish and carry on the Society. The by-
laws contain the rules by which the powers granted
are to bo executed. These laws are subject to annu-
al improvement, as experience and circumstances may
require — accordingly we have made some small amend-
ments."

_ "Your Society, no doubt, will conform its regula-
tions to its circumstances. It mil be well, however,
to avoid multiplicity of regulations, and to render
them plain, explicit, and easy of execution.

"It will always be important to success, that you
appoint men of good standing, of considerable means,
of competent learning, much given to enquiry, read-
ing and experiments. This will bo all important at
the out set — and they should bo ready and alert in
the discharge of every duty. Much must bo written

and dispersed among the members. There must be
used, means of extensive excitement. The business
must be impressed, as primary the foundation of all
other pursuits, agriculturists must be taught to re-
spect themselves and their eraploj'inents. They are
the real*uobility of our rcpuljlican country. At your
meetings, and especially the anniversary, much must
be done to explain and enforce the olijects of the
society — to prescribe the means and the measures,
and to convince them of the utility of the results —
in fact it should be a great occasion of excitement —
we occupy two days industriously.

"Tlie most important means of prosperity in these
associations are adequate funds. In the early stages
of our society, we relied on subscriptions and private
contributions-^these were precarious. Three years
ago our legislature voted us $200 a year for three
years ; and a few months ago, they adopted a perma-
nent system for the encouragement and support of
such societies, by which each society may receive
1600 yearly : provided the society or others, will
place out on a permanent footing, a sum that will
also produce $000 a year, or any less sum. The plan
was for the state to furnish a moiety of the funds,
and the society the other moiety. We have executed
the act by obtaining good notes of say §51' each,
from respimsiblo men, bearing an interest of six per
cent, payable yearly, which constitutes our perma-
nent fund ; and so much as this produces, the state
allows an equal sum. This arrangement has placed
us on a foundation that will enable us to adopt
some additional measures, promotive of our useful-
ness.

"This society, as you remark, has attained too
much distinction in our country. It was the first so-
ciety in the world, which adopted a practical course
for exciting and bringing into action the physical
means and energies of the country and population.
The plan was original, novel ; and at first was doubt-
ed. Time has removed all doubt, and the good sense
of our country has sanctioned the great experiment.
The success and extensive usefulness of this Institu-
tion is acknowledged througliout our country, and
we have many who regard us with cordial good will.
The Massachusetts society, though general and of
long standing, never were able to extend themselves
beyond theories ; they therefore honored us with the
appellation of " Parent Society." During the period
I was at the head of the society, we furnished plans
and instructions for numerous associations not only
in iS^ew England, but New York, Connecticut, North
and South Carolina and Virginia. We presume,
however, that the good sense of these sections of
country have made many, and valuable improve-
ments ; the only merit we have is that our plan is
practical and has succeeded beyond human expecta-
tion. Wo infer from these incidents that it is wisely
suited to the present condition of the communivy ;
the events that time oontinu.ally gives birth to, con-
firm our impression of the utility, and the necessity
of the associations. The peculiar situation of the
civilized world, teaches us that we must rely on our-
selves ; our resources are equal to every purpose. If
our government will do their duty effectually we shall
not long remain emliarrassed. The efforts made to
influence Congress are great ; they deserve all possi-
ble success ; they must succeed in a considerable
degree."

An evidence of the progress of Agriculture, as a
profession, is the fact that in almost everj- county in
this State there is an Agricultural Society.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

105

Farmers' Clubs.

Mr. Editor : — Supposing the idea of establishing
Farmers' Clubs in the townships to be approved,
some difficulty may occasionally bo felt, at the outset,
from inexperience in organizing associations. It may
be said, "Yes; this might do, if we only had a fair
start; but how are we to begin?" Allow me, if no
better plan bo devised, to suggest the following, viz :
There being two or three farmers together, and talking
over this matter, let them agree to meet on the next
Saturday, at 2 o'clock, at some appointed place, and
each, in the mean time, invite as many of his
neighboring farmers as he may see to join them at
the meeting, ia order to form a club. Such a meet>
ing, at the time and place, being assembled, some one
may be chosen as chairman who shall call the meetr
ing to order; then a secretary, and next a committee
may be appointed, the latter to report rules for form-
ing and regulating a farmers' club.

To assist in that operation, I would further suggest
the following form, that is to say:

ARTICLES OP THE FARMERS CLUB OF ■

■ TOWNSHIP.

1. The Xame of this association, shall be, "The

Farmers' Club of ," and its object, the mutual

improvement i,f its members in the business of Agri-
culture.

2. The officers shall be a President, Secretary, and
Treasurer.

The President shall preside at the meetings of the
Club, regulate discussions and debates, put the ques-
tions to vote, and announce the decisions.

The Secretary shall keep memorandums of the
proceedings, file and keep all papers intended to be
preserved, and take care of all books and other things
belonging to the club.

The Treasurer shall receive the contributions of
the members, pay out, on the order of the President,
and keep an account of the receipts and disburse-
ments for the inspection of the club.

The same person may be elected Secretary and
Treasurer.

There shaU be an annual election of the officers.

3. As soon as these articles are adopted, the Club
shall proceed to elect by a majority of votes, a Presi-
dent, Secretary, and Treasurer, to serve one year and
until their successors are chosen.

4. These officers shall prepare and report at the
next meeting Bj--Laws, which when approved by the
Club, shall govern the same until altered or repealed.

5. The By-Laws shall prescribe the time and place
of meeting, the terms of admission of new members,
the time and mode of electing the officers, rogidations
for conducting the proceedings of the club, and other
matters conducive to its prosperity.

They may bo amended or changed on such condi-
tions, as the Club may determine.

With respect to the advantages of such associations,
1 wiU add, that they would diffuse a knowledge of
the best and most successful modes of farming, re-
form slovenly and wasteful practice, and increase the
profits of agricultural industr}-. "We imitate what
we see others do in our line, if wo fiml that it is bet-
ter and more profitable, than we have been accus-
tomed to do ourselves ; for all men seek their own
advantage, by the law which obliges all to pursue
their happiness. It is want of true knowledge alone,
that causes so much error in this pursuit. But no
means of knowledge are more positive and sure, than
an interchange uf useful ideas, and the communica-
tion of authentic facts in the actual business of life.
This advantage would necessarily result from the
meetings of the club. The best farmer in the neigh-
borhood would be a pattern for aU the rest, who
would gradually and speedily rise towards his level.
For whatever variety of grain he uses, or improved
farming implements, manures, or methods of cultiva-
tion, his superior success would recommend to their
ready adoption. It would only be necessary, that
they should bo known and explained. Tliis is the
natural and rational effect of example: no theoreti-
cal argument is so influential.

But the benefit would not be confined to- the mere
following of a good example. The' statemsnt of the
facts, would lead to conjectures, reasonings, discus-
sions, and the formation of judgments. A farmer
speaking of the work of an improved plow, or drill
machine, or any new method of planting, or applica-
tion of a manure to his soil, would naturally state
how, in his opinion, the effects were produced, tracing
them to their particular causes; others, upon the
same facts, might suppose the result could be differ-
ently accounted for, and in the comparison of ideas,
it would soon be discovered how much the progress
and improvement of agriculture depend upon the
activity of the intellect and mental training. As the
desire of knowledge is increased by its acquisition,
the meetings of the clubs would greatly promote both.
They would bring to the notice and consideration of
the members a large amount of useful practical facts,
and habituating them to reason upon those facts as
well as apply them to their business, would lead them
to make new applications and improvements, and thus
assist in the progress and onward march of agricul-
ture.

Nor is it to be supposed, that when a club should
become possessed of all the positive knowledge of the
township in regard to the business of farming, it
would remain satisfied with that advantage. Nothing
would be more natural, than the disposition to look
further, and inquire after the improvements of neigh-
boring to-n-usbips; and as opportunities are, every
year, in our free and active communities, afforded to
all persons, of frequently meeting their fellow citizens
of different sections of the county, such inquiries
would be extended to all its borders. The love of

106

COMMUNICATIONS.

[July,

knowledge "growing by what it feeds on," would
thus impel our clubs to a species of self-education by
inducing the members to observe, inquire, and think;
and the inestimable aid of agricultural journals and
treatises, would be eagerly sought and employed.

They would begin to sec how much they had lost
by neglecting hitherto the means of improvement now
laid before them in the pages of those works ; and
their regret would not be fruitless. The long winter
evenings at home, would be most profitably spent in
examining and studying their contents; and the con-
clusion would be readily attained, that it is now their
duty to do that for their sons, which they cannot but
Tvish had been done for themselves. Reflecting how
much they might be now advanced, by having been
well educated at their start in life, they will clearly
perceive that it would bo better to give those who are
to succeed them, a good education even with some-
thing less of property, to begin with, than leave them
to struggle with the world, purblind and destitute of
the labor-saving helps of science.

One of the most cheering results of the proposed
clubs, would therefore be, to make our agriculturists
efficient patrons of liberal education. The time is
coming when the highest course of instruction will
not be considered as useful and proper, exclusively,
to what has hitherto been termed the learned profes-
sions, but will 1)0 as manifestly advantageous to other
callings, and especially to the honorable vocation of
a cultivator of the soil. Our young men will then,
upon the completion of their academical or collegiate
course, return to their homes with the intention of
engaging in whatever pursuit may appear to afford
them the best prospect of success in life, conscious
that they have qualified themselves to reach its lofti-
est attainments, and that real honor consists not so
much in the fact of a man's being of this or that pro-
fession, as in the superior excellence which he can
achieve in the business or calling he may have
adopted.

But what avocation can be more intrinsically hon-
orable, than tliat which is concerned in subduing the
oartli to the uses of men, in reclaiming the wilder-
ness, and substituting the life-sustaining harvests and
golden fruits of fields and orchards for our primeval
forests and wide extended prairies, and in renovating
the worn out soils of our earlier settlements? When
the pen of history shall be guided by the hand of truth,
more real glory will be ascribed to this country for her
generous sympathy in supplying abundantly, as she
did in 1847 from the exuberant pi-oducts of her agri-
culture, food to the famishing millions of Europe,
than for all the splendid triumphs of her arms on the
plains of Mexico and the acquisition of the " golden
sands" of California. The time is at hand, when the
opinion of the English sage will no longer be deemed
extravagant, " That whoever could make two oars of
corn or two blades of grass grow upon a spot of
ground, where only one grew before, would deserve

better of mankind and do more essential service to
his country, than the whole race of politicians put
together." A. L. H.

Lancaster, June 9, 1851.

On the Cucumber Bug;

in a letter addressed to the Editor, by J. S. Keller, of
OriDigshurg, Pa.
Enclosed I send you two bugs, a male and female,
with provision to keep them alive till they arrive in
your office. This insect is of vast injury to the farm-
ers, especially to those who are engaged in raising
watermelons and cucumbers. It attacks the tender
plants as soon as they are out of the ground, and
continues on for several weeks. When approached
in a warm day, it flies away, if not taken and killed
immediately. In cool weather it drops off when the
plant is touched, and remains motionless for a short
time, or hides among the little clods. I had almost
all my watermelons and early cucumbers eaten by
this hungry insect. I tried lime dust, ashes, black
pepper, plaster, flour of sulphur, and chicken dung,
(the latter having heretofore been considered a good
remedy,) and all availed nothing. I killed thousands
with my hand, and that is the only remedy I found
to stop their ravages. Where this bug deposits its
eggs I am not able to say.

Any person discovering a remedy either to destroy
or prevent this insect from eating the plants, ia de-
serving of a premium of no ordinary nature, and Mr.
Ilarlachef, (vegetable farmer at Hamburg, Berks co.)
offers a promium of fifty dollars to any person dis-
covering an effective remedy against them.

The Schuylkill County Agricultural Society will
meet on the 28th of June to organise finally, and
adopt By-Laws.

June Olh, 1851.

The way to be uappy. — Some think it a hardship
to work for their bread, although for our good it was
meant ; but those who don't work have no right to be
fed, and the idle are never content. An honest em-
ployment brings pleasure and gain, and makes us our
troubles forget ; for those who work hard have no time
to complain, and 'tis better to labor than fret. And
if we had riches, they could not procure, a happy
and peaceful mind; rich people have trouble as wcU
as the poor, although of a different kind. It signi-
fies not what our stations Iiave been, nor whether
we're little or great; for happiness lies in the temper
within, and not in the outward estate. AVe only need
labor as well as we can for all that our bodies may
need, still doing our duty to God and to man, and we
shall be happy indeed. — Selected.

True. — A Western writer thinks that if the proper
way to spell tho is " though," ate " eight," and bo
" beau," tho proper way to spell " potatoes" \npough-
ieighteaux.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

107

Mr. Russel's Prqject of an Agricultural College.

Mr. Editor : I haye reail with pleasure the articles
ill tiiO Journal, upon the subject of Agricultural
Schools and Education, written by Dr. Elwyn, Mr.
Gowcn, and Mr. Garber.

The able report of the Superintendent of Conimou
Schools, has awakened an interest to the subject
throughout the Commonwealth, which though it may
have been felt by individuals, did not before reach
the public eye, the public ear, the public heart.

I have not failed myself, on every suitable occasion,
to express the deep obligations of the Agricultural
community to Mr. Russcl, for the noble and disinte-
rested service he has rendered them. His project ev-
idences talent, extensive research, and close thought
— it does credit to his head and his heart. It furnish-
es to all disposed to invito or declaim upon the
subject a text, that will b^ used until Pennsylva-
nia shall boast of its University, and by the ex-
tent of that University, to excel " Ireland with
her sixty-three, Russia with her sixty-eight, or
France with her seventy-five Agricultural Schools."

It is but a few years since legislation was first had
upon the subject of Common Schools in Pennsylva-
nia. The system entailed taxation — taxation in town
and township — it met with opposition — its principles
were discussed — the public mind was enlightened —
opposition ceased, and we now exceed in provision
for common school instruction, every country iu Eu-
rope, except it be Prussia. So I trust that it will
be with our agricultural schools — that a general sys-
tem will be established, and that it will be the pride
of every farmer to have his sons taught the " princi-
ples of agriculture, its thoorj- and its practice" — and
that it shall not be said of the next generation, that
the business of farming is left to those who "only talk
of oxen."

Much complaint is made of the incompetency of
teachers, and I find friend Garber is loud in his de-
nunciations of those, " who teach school at the ex-
pense of the tax payers, merely to qualify themselves
for higher branches, careless of their charge, and the
consequence is the children go to school j'ear after
year, and are none the wiser in the end." There must
necessarily be difficulties in all great reforms, and
certainly the system of public school instruction, is
such. There is a wide demand for teachers, not only
in our own, but several of the neighboring States,
and the evil of incompetent teachers is being rapidly
corrected. I have been a director myself, with the
exception of a short period, for the last twelve years,
and I am proud of the great improvement in disci-
pline, in the deportment of the children, and in the
enlargement of the branches taught. In schools,
where but a few years ago, the very first rudiments —
the ABC were taught, I had the gratification on my
last visit, of hearing large classes declaim with credit

to themselves and to their teachers — and other classes
reciting from the last pages of their works on phi-
losophy and surveying. I am thankful for what has
been done, and not disposed to repine over what has
not yet been accomplished. But I am digressing.

I propose to each member of the State Society, that
— e carry out the spirit of the resolution unanimously
adopted by iho convention recommending agricultu-
ral education, by taking w'il.'i us to the State exhibi-
tion in October, a, short memorial to the Legislature,
prepared for signature, and then have our friends sign,
asking for a college to be endowed by the State, as
recommended by Mr. Russel. Such an array of
names, and such an influence will not be disregarded
by the Legislature.

I propose further to each member of the County
Societies throughout the commonwealth, that we call
meetings — discuss the subject of agricultural educa-
tion, and in a body memorialize, each our own repre-
sentatives and senators, to exert their influence in fa-
vor of an agricultural college.

The college, must precede common school educa-
tion. Teachers will there be prepared for imparting
knowledge in this branch of science in common
schools, as they are now prepared in high schools
and colleges and sent forth by the hundred to give
instruction in the ordinary studies of English and
classical education.

The Legislature promptly and liberally responded
to the call for aid by the State Society, made at a
late day of the session. For the promptness with
which our memorial was answered we are much in-
debted to the worthy and active chairman of the com-
mittee on agriculture, Mr. Ilaldcman, and I take
pleasure iu acknowledging thus publicly our indebt-
edness. With equal promptness the Legislature re-
sponded to the call of the State Society for the publi-
cation of Prof. Rogers' geological survey.

The agriculturists compose two-thirds of the popu-
lation of our State. By concert of action through our
State and county societies we can bring such an ar-
ray of influence as will be irresistible. Much has
been done, and very properly and profitably for the
endowment of colleges for the benefit of the learned
professions — let there now be a very liberal appro-
priation toward carrying out Mr. Russel's project of
an agricultural college. Let us ask for something
definite, and if in the wisdom of the members of the
legislature, they can devise a measure better suited
to the wants of the farmer, to them be the praise.

A. 0. IIlESTER.

Estherton, June, 1851.

The wash of the drain from a farm house when
well mixed with loam, is excellent manure. Loam
will soon neutralise all the foul effluvia arising from
the putrid waters.

108

COMMUNICATIONS.

[July,

Sketch of the history of Cicada septendecim,

BY D. W. HARTMAN, M. D., OF WEST CIIESTEB, PA.

[Read before the CliesUr Co. SortkuUural Society.]

The usual period having arrived for the visitation
of the Cicada septendecim, commonly called the sev-
enteen year locust, I deem a few remarks relative to
their economy appropriate on the preseut occasion.

The common name of locust was given to this in-
Eect from the circumstance of their appearing in large
Bwarms periodically, like the locusts of eastern coun-
tries. This name, however, is an error. The locust
of eastern countries being what we term here a grass-
hopper. That the locusts spoken of in scripture,
(which to this day are the curse of eastern countries,)
were not like the insect under consideration, is read-
ily proven from the account given of them. They
are represented as " devouring every green thing,"
and to be able to accomplish this they must be pro-
vided with jaws as the true locusts or grasshoppers
are, while our insect possesses a hausiellum or sucker,
and takes its nourishment principally while in the
larva state under ground. The vulgar name of har-
vest fly is more appropriate to this insect from the
fact that most of the species in the United States be-
longing to the genus Cicada appear about the time
of harvest. The Locusta proper, or grasshopper, be-
longs to a diiferent order, and has quite a diiferent
sti'ucture. We have several other indigenous spe-
cies, only two of whieb, however, are common to this
vicinity, C. canicularis, and C. pruinosa, both of
which appear later in the season than the septende-
cim.

The insects of the order Hcmiptera (to which Cica-
da belongs) live by suction only, and for this end
they are provided with a haustellum or sucker tlii-o'
which they imbibe the juices of animals and plants.
The bed-bug, squash-bug, plant lice or Aphides and
the Coccides or bark lice are ftimiliar examples of
this order.

The ti'ivial name septendecim appropriately refers
to the periods of their visit, which is once every sev-
enteen years, and although this is the regular period
for tlieir return, circumstances may retard or accele-
rate their progress to maturity. I noticed the song
of one or two individuals last year, that from some
cause or other anticipated the usual time, and others
have occasionally observed a few individuals the year
following the regular period.

Though they appear but once in seventeen years
within certain circumscribed limits, yet from the pub-
lished accounts of those who have written on the
subject, tliey are found witliin some parts of the
United States every year, observing, however, (with
the exceptions before mentioned) their regular law
of periodicity. In some districts of country neigh-
boring swarms overlap, and in such places they ap-
pear once every eight or nine years respectively. —

At the present time if you dig a few inches beneath
the surface of the soil, particularly beneath large
trees, you will come upon their chambers, which are
from six to twelve inches long, and five-eighths of an
inch in diameter. Tlie sides and tops of these cham-
bers are covered with a varnish by the insect, which
renders it water proof. During warm, pleasant
weather they ascend to the top of the chamber, but
retire to the bottom on the least appearance of cold
or rain, and as the period for their final transforma-
tion arrives, they ascend nearer the sui-face, where
they can enjoy the benefit of light and air.

The time having arrived in which they are to as-
sume the winged state, they leave the ground, and
crawling up the trunks of trees and other objects
which may happen in their way, they cast ofT the
shell enclosing the chrysalis, which is often left stick-
ing by the claws to the place where the change oc-
curred. The process of casting the skin of the chry-
salis is usually accomplished towards day or early in
the morning. Their bodies and wiugs after this are
for a time moist and soft. If performed late in the
day, the wings would become dry before they could
have time to expand, and thus render them unfit for
flight. The same circumstances influence the period
of metamorphosis of many other insects, particularly
those kinds possessing wings of a delicate texture, as
Neuroptera (dragon-flies), Diptera (flies) and Lcpi-
doptera (butterflies). The usual time of their ap-
pearance when in the winged state is about the 20th
of May, bnt it depends in a great measure upon the
season, being a few days earlier if the spring is for-
ward and tlie weather warm, and later if cold and
wet. In the south they appear as early as February
and March, while in the eastern States they do not
appear until June. North of forty-four degrees lati-
tude the Cicada septendecim have not been found.

In about two weeks from the time they first make
their appearance, they will all have assumed the
winged state; and from this time until the latter end
of June or begining of July they are engaged iu pro-
viding for a continuance of their species.

Should any of our horticultural friends possess any
favorite tiees or shrubs, this will be the period to see
that they are protected from the attacks of the female
Cicada, who, in her instinctive desire to continue her
species, deposits her eggs alike on all trees or shrubs,
except pines or other trees containing turpentine. —
For small trees and shrubs a covering of millinet is
recommended ; would not a coating of thick white-
wash, applied with a small brush, to the upper sur-
face of the smaller limljs and shoots answer equally
as well, or what perhaps would prove more offensive
to the insect, a coating of coal tar or whale oil soap ?
The smaller limbs and young shoots are preferred by
the parent insect, as some suppose, on account of her
grasping these more readily by her legs, which ena-
bles her to make great pressure upon the point of

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

10&

the ovipositor and thus facilitate the operation of pe-
netrating the bark or sap -n-ood. A more plausible
reason for their choosing the smaller branches and
Toung shoots, is to be found in the fact that they are
more tender and afford less resistance to the oviposi-
tor of the insect. ^Tho incisions in which the eggs are
deposited are always made in the direction of the
fibres of the wood and generally penetrate some depth
into the sap wood, thereby injuring, if not killing the
branches by cutting oif the supply of sap. The fluid
eliminated at the time of depositing the egg, may
possess poisonous properties tending to the same re-
sult.

The grooves are made by a curious instrument
consisting of three pieces, tlie centre one of which is
fixed in the bark and remains stationary, while the
side pieces, which partake of the nature of the rasp
and saw, are alternately thrust up and down into the
wood in an' oblique direction, detaching small fibres
which afford a kind of pi-otection or covering to the
eggs when deposited. The eggs are deposited in
these grooves in pairs, obliquely, and from ton to
twenty eggs may usually be found in a groove. This
operation is repeated in the adjoining limbs until
four or five hundred eggs are deposited by the parent,
after which they soon languish and die.

Three or four weeks after the eggs are deposited in
the branches, they will bo ready to hatch, and they
are so transparent that by means of a good glass the
form of the included insect can be readily seen. The
young insect as soon as it escapes from the egg, is
very lively, being about the size and possessing the
rapidity of motion of the smallest ant. Their instinct
soon prompts them to reach the ground, and running
to the side of the limli, they deliljerately loosen their
hold and let themselves fall to the ground, which,
owing to their inferior specific gravity, they general-
ly reach in safety. They at once begin to bury them-
selves in the earth, and in a brief space of time they
will be found attached to the roots of plants or trees
in the act of imbibing the sap, their appropriate food,
as discovered by Miss Margaretta II. Morris, of Ger-
mantown, a lady whose knowledge of entomology is
only equalled by her ardor in its pursuit.

The failure of many of our fruit trees over twenty
years old to produce fruit, was attributed by Miss
Morris, to the constant drain of sap to nourish so
many grubs. Acting under this theory she caused
the earth to be removed from a pear tree that was
declining for many years, and the result was, to use
her own language, " the discovery of countless num-
bers adhering by their beaks to the roots, twenty-
three were found on one root a yard long and one inch
in diameter. They were found on aU the roots that
grew deeper than six inches below the surface. The
root.s were unhealthy and bore the appearance of ex-
ternal injury from small punctures. On removing
t-he outer bark this appearance increased, leaving no-

doubt as to the cause of the disease. Tlie larvie were
enclosed in a compact cell of earth, with no outlet
except that in immediate contact with the root, and
as there were no galleries or holes leading from these
cells, I infer that the grubs never leave the roots they
first fasten on, which may account for the great dif-
ference of size, the small ones being starved speci-
mens of the same brood."

On a subsequent occasion, the same lady presented
the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
with specimens of the Cicada septendeeim that were
taken along with several hundred others from the
roots of another pear tree that was examined, leaving
room for the inference that many failures of a fruit
tree to produce a crop may justly be attrHjutod to the
presence of the larva of this insect. Possibly the
failure every other year of the crops of shellbarks and
chesnuts may be the result of a similar cause. These
insects are subject to many accidents, and have many
enemies, all of which tend to diminish their numbers
and thereby keep them in check. Hogs are very
fond of them, and you may see them daily turning
up the ground in the search for the clirysalis. Bird*
and poultry of all kinds destroy vast numbers of them
in all stages, from the egg to the perfect insect. The
various insectivorous animals as the skunk, possum,
shrews, and moles, also feed upon them. Miss Mor-
ris found numerous burrows made by the last men-
tioned animals to and from the roots of a tree con-
taining larv« of the Cicada, most of which had dis-
appeared, while the roots of neighboring trees were
filled with the insects that the moles had not yet dis-
covered. The various rapacious insects also contri-
bute their share in the destruction of the eggs and
larva; soon after they are hatched. The Indiana are
very fond of the larvos when fried; and when the
disgTist which they at first excite is overcome, they
are esteemed quite a luxury by those who have had
experience in the matter.

The males only of all the species of Cicada possess
the power of emitting sound. The instruments by
which it is produced consists of a pair of organs
which may be said to resemble kettle drums, one of
which is placed on each side of the body. These
drums are formed of thin convex membranes covered
Ijv numerous fine ribs, and are acted upon by muscles
fastened inside of these drums. When these muscles
contract or relax (which they do with great rapidity)
the drum heads are tightened, and loosened recover-
ing their natural convexity by their own elasticity.
The effect of this is to produce a rattling sound re-
sembling that caused bj' a succession of quick pres-
sures upon a slightly convex and elastic piece of tin.
The large convex valves beneath the abdomen tend to
increase the sound by rendering it louder.

S.\L volatile or hartshorn will restore color taken
out by acids. It may be dropped on the silk without
doing any injury.

110

THE HORSE.

[July,

THE HORSE.

AN ESSAY ON THE EXTERNAL FORMATION Oil

STRUCTURE OF THE HORSE, AND ON THE

DISORDERS ORIGINATING THEREIN.

[Continued from page 78.]

Of all points of a horse, the shoulder, for a hack-
ney, or a hunter, is of the utmost consequence ; ■n-ith-
out a good shoulder, no horse can ride well ; ho may
be a good harness horse, or he may race well ; but it
is physically impossible for him to carry his rider
■with ease and pleasure on the road. These arc no
speculative opinions, but facts, grounded on the ex-
perience of all men who know a horse when they see
one, and the result of our own overy-day observations
— so much does the action of the fore extremities de-
pend on the structure of this part. And now, what
is it that constitutes a good shoulder, and how are wo
to know a good from a bad one? In order to render
our answers to these questions intelligible, it will be
necessary for us to deviate a little, and say something
on the internal mechanism of the part. The scapulro,
or shoulder blades, are attached to the ribs by many
powerful muscles, which move them, during the ac-
tion of the animal, round their own axis, or, at least,
in a very similar way ; and though they can only re-
volve through the small segment of a circle, that seg-
ment is greater in proportion as they are more ob-
liquely jilaccd against the sides of the chest; hence it
will be seen, that what is called an oblique shoulder
is most advantageous. for motion. Again, the best
shouldered horses have, generally, thin withers; but
this is not indispensably necessary to the formation
of a good shoulder, for we know some, and good
judges, who are of a contrary opinion. We must
confess, however, for our own part, that we prefer
fine withers. The thickness of the withers will de-
pend on the conformation of the chest and obliquity
of the scapulaj, and not so much as some persons,
high in veterinary repute, have supposed, on the
length of the dorsal spines.* Now, if, in viewing the
fore parts of a horse, we find he rises upon the with-
ers, (and we must take <'are that this be no illusion,
produced by placing his fore legs upon rising ground,)
and that no traces of his blade-bone can be scon un-
der the skin, but all appears smooth and level, we
may conclude that the shoulder is oblique; though a

■* Bones of the withers. It is contended, on an-
other side, that the situation of the scapuL-E has no-
thing to do with the thickness of the shoulder, but
that it is wholly owing to the length of the spinous
processes of the dorsal vertebroe. To establish this
opinion must be proved two data, viz: 1st, that these
spines are short, or comparatively so, in all thick-
shouldered horses, and long in thin-shouldered ones ;
and, 2dly, that the converse of this never happens. —
To one who has dissected shoulders, these are cer-
tainly home-thrusts; such, at least, as we could not
parry; though we know that these bones may and do,
like those of most others, vary in difi'erent horses. —
But they also vary in their degrees of inclination ;
and may not this circumstance alone, in some mea-
sure, efl'ect the construction of it? At all events, we
know these facts, dray or cart horses have wide chests
and thick shoulders; others with wide chests have
thick shoulders, but with narrow chests thin, unless
the scapuloe be upright. Now, if they who diifer with
us, mean to assert that all this arises solely from the
length of the dorsal spines, we can only say, credat
jtcdmus appella.

more direct proof is furnished us by carrying the eye
from the summit of the withers to the extremity of
the point of the shoulders. If it is upright, or nearly
so, unloss.it be in a thorough-bred horse, (such a
shoulder is only fit for the collar,) we shall perceive
an irregularity under the skin, just below the with-
ers, by passing our hand over the part, and find, on
grasping the part, that if is thick and clumsy, be-
cause we are actually at the time grasping the blade-
bone as well as wither-bone; though (as before ob-
served) these may be thick from the construction of
the chest.

A lean shoulder is one having thin withers, cover-
ed with fine and genuine muscle; a loaded, or over-
loaded, one with thick withers, clothed with coarse
and flabby muscles ; and the thickness of the wither,
as we said before, depends on the obliquity of the
shoulder-blades, and the proximity of their superior
borders to the dorsal spines. That horses have been
fast runners on the turf with bad shoulders, is no
proof that they would not have galloped bettor and
quicker with good ones; and we must recollect that
in a racer the hind quarters are of primary import-
ance, the fore quarters only of secondary considera-
tion ; but, on the road, we know that bad-shouldered
horses are never pleasant nor safe hackneys; they
step short, are puddling walkers, roll about in their
trot, and are exceedingly likely to go to prayers.

The fore-leg should descend in a straight line from
the bottom of their shoulder, i. e. in a lateral view;
but when seen in front, it ought to incline gently in-
ward. If the elbow projects gently backward, and
the toe points with precision forw.ard, we may rest
satisfied that the horse is not twisted in his fore legs.
Turning the toe in or out in standing is apt to be
accompanied with distortion, or deformity of the limb.
This circumstance, therefore, is seldom seen without
materially lessening the value of an animal. Of the
two faults, turning them out is the greater, for the
pointing inward is seldom carried to the extreme. — -
A good arm is broad and thick, long, when compared
to the leg, and marked exteriorly by muscular pro-
minences. The elbow cannot project too far back,
and the plumper the muscle is immediately above it,
the greater we may conclude to be the animal's pow-
ers.

The knees ought to be large, broad in front, and
distinctly marked with several bony knobs; lateral
thickness is, also, of much importance. When the
radius, (the bone of the arm,) instead of descending
in a straight line, is directed backward, so that the
knee appears to recede from it, the horse is said to
be calf-kneed, a term that well conveys the idea we
have of this formation: it is always olijectionable for
the saddle, but not for the collar. The leg should fall
in exactly perpendicular from the carcass, and be
short when compared with the arm, the converse of
this being indicative of weakness; and of sufiicicnt
breadth to enable a purchaser, even at a distance, to
distinguish the tendons and bone, with perfect clear-
ness, in their relative situations ; for, if he cannot do
this, there is reason for suspecting that he is gummy,
the effect of hard work or premature use, and never
a natural defect. Should the legs bo round and
straight below, they are called stilty, and are never
firm and good. But the best and only correct way
to judge of legs, is to pass the hand down them; if
they measure much round, and the sinews feel firm,
hard, and distinct, like well-braced cords, and if the
intervening spaces between bone and sinew be clean
— free from gum — we may pronounce that they are
good.
The fetlock, aa a joint, should be of largo dimen-

1851.1

THE HORSE.

Ill

Bions, proportiouate -with other parts; no joint, in
fact, is too large, providing the bony prominences
be distinctly seen with the naked eye, and its liga-
ments perceptible under our fingers. I need not,
therefore, farther enforce this truth in speaking of
these organs. Knuckling over in the fetlocks is a
sign of original malformation, such as uprightness in
the pasterns, or else is the result of hard work; and
the tottering atfection of the limb, accompanying this
state, is caused by local debility and excessive irrita-
bility in the nervous system. The pasterns always
deserve much of our attention ; wlien good, their
length is proportionate with that of other parts, and
they incline, with much obliquity, downward and
forward to the foot, should thoy approach the perpen-
dicular, they are almost always short, and are said to
be straight or upright ; but when they approximate
to the horizontal, they are long, and called, though
erroneously, oblique ; for they are not so obliquely
placed, under these circumstances, with regard to the
leg, as they are when properly constructed. Perhaps
no part of thcvhorse exhibits the wisdom of nature
more, in regard to the adaptation of it, in point of
structure, to the purpose for which the animal was
designed, than this: in the racer, for example, the
pasterns are lengthy, and incline to right angles with
the legs, whereby more weight is imposed upon the
hinder parts of the fetlock and hoof, in which situa-
tions are placed pieces of mechanism which by their
elasticity serve as so many springs in diminishing
the eSects of concussion so requisite in this animal,
which was intended to perform swift and sudden
movements; but in the cart-horse, whoso action is
slow and powerful, the pasterns are short and nearlj'
upright, so that most of the weight is thrown upon
the main bones of the foot, and thereby his springs,
which have less play than the Arabian or thorough-
bred, are not so much acted upon ; consequently less
provision is made against concussion, for strength,
and not elasticity, is sought for in the construction
of this powerful animal. Horses with very oblique
pasterns are more likely to break down, and for this
reason they ought never to be shod with thin-healed
shoes : on the other hand, if they are very short and
upright in these joints;, they are seldom or never sure-
footed, and will soon become stilty and groggy from
work.

The hoof next engages our notice, and this is a
part of which we should be more than commonly
scrupulous and nice in our inspection: " Xo foot, no
horse," is a trite but very true adage, and one that is
not kept sufficiently in view by the purchasers of
horses, or they would not have so frequently to la-
ment their hard fate in having gone to market for a
screw. First, we .should look to the size of the hoof:
a small foot is not only objectionable in itself, even
though it be a natural formation, but is often a cha-
racteristic of disease; but a small and upright foot is
a morbid structure, and is scarcely over seen in any
one but a dancing-master, or light-timbered tit. —
White hoofs are to be eyed with suspicion ; they are
really weaker, and more liable to disease than dark
or black ones, and if a horse has one white and the
other dark-colored, and ho is lame, in nine cases out
of ten it is the white foot that is affected. So much
with regard to the foot before it is taken up. Other
considerations now engross our attention. Is it
contracted? i. e. is its circularity destroyed by nar-
rowness at the heels ? A good hoof is circular in the
tread, or nearly eo, measuring as much from side to
side as from toe to heel; but we frequently find those
tliat are morbid measuring as much from toe to heel
as twice the lateral diameter. On the other hand, the

wall of the hoof which should, at all times, be per-
fectly smooth and free from ridges, (the contrary in-
dicating disease,) may bo very oblique, in which case
it is not only circular, but spreads out, even to a
morbid degree, in the tread. Large, heavy horses,
such as are bred in low, marshy situations, are most
subject to have this kind of foot, in which parts of
the country it is preferred by many people, who con-
tend that their hunters derive advantage from it. As
the strong and upright foot is likely to become con-
tracted, so is this subject to a disease called fleshy
soles ; indeed, in the former, the sole is concave ; but
in the latter it is fiat, on which account the two re-
quire different modes of shoeing.

The body, or carcass, may bo subdivided into the
chest, belly, and loins. So far as reganls the consti-
tution of the horse, his stamina, or his bottom, no
part is of more consequence than the chest; but, like
that of many other parts, no particular construction
of it is the best for all kinds of horses. That of tho
cart-horse should be circular, broad in the bosom, and
large in the girth ; that of tho thorough-bred more
circumscribed, but not flat-sided, very deep, and also
extensive in tho girth; so that the two differ more
in width than in depth. Had the racer possessed a
broad, circular chest, his shoulders must have been
thick, and his fore legs far apart; and no horse so
made can gallop well or fast, though many such are
ridden as hackneys; they are apt to have a rolling
gait, and an awkward mode of going altogether, per-
ceptible at all times to the connaisseur in horse-flesh ;
but we must be careful, even in choosing racers, not
to run into the other extreme ; for, if both legs come
out of one hole, or he be flat-sided, he cannot endure
much fatigue, is very probably a bad feeder, and cer-
tainly predisposed to disease of the chest. A full
and prominent bosom is a fine point; and the ribs
should stand out with sufficient curve to aflbrd space
enough within ; for which reason, some, as we before
remarked, prefer a thickish shoulder, if it be an obli-
que one; and another advantage accompanying such
conformation is, that we have something between our
legs when mounted, a property, certainly, that every
horse ought to possess. As to the belly, its shape
will depend much upon that of the chest and loins.
A narrow-carcassed horse can never do much work,
readily loses his condition, and with difficulty recov-
ers it, being very commonly, but a queer feeder. We
should have something to kick against, and unless ho
carries his dinner with him, his bread-basket cannot
be said to be of the best description.

The back should be perfectly straight; a hollow
back is a sign-of want of strength ; but it is often ex-
tremely pleasant to the rider. A roach-back, the re-
verse of a hollow back, is by no moans handsome,
though some argue that horses having such are
stronger; one objection to it is that it is apt to chafo
from the saddle. The loins are a point that we should
always be nice about. A hollow back and a narrow
loin are generally indicative of natural weakness; but
the latter is far more exceptionable than the former :
a horse so formed can seldom carry much weight,
soon knocks up, and often proves a bad feeder; his
constant hollowness in the flank, and his lank appear-
ance altogether, after a day's hunting, demonstrate
how incapable ho is of bearing the exertions required
of him.

[to bk contixued.]

IIoRSB collars filled with air instead of hay have
been invented by T. M. Coleman, of Penn.sylvania.
They will not chafe the horse like those now in use.

112

THE GALLOWAY OX.

[JULT,

JmpvODciJ dattlc.

Galloway Ox in good condition.

The breeding of cattle has been, from time almost
immemorial, the principal ohjeet of pursuit Tvith the
GalloTvay farmer. The soil and face of tlio country
are admirably adapted for this. The soil, altliough
rich is dry and healthy. There are many large tracts
of old grass land, that have not been plowed during
any one's recollection, and which still maintain their
.superior fertility; ■vvliilethe finer pastures ai'e tliickly
covered with natural white clover, and other valuable
grasses. The surface of the ground is irregular,
sometimes rising into small globular hills, and at
other times into abrupt banks, and thus forming
small fertile glens, and producing shelter for the cat-
tle in tl'.e winter and early vegetation in the spring.
In the low districts there is little frost and snow, but

the climate is mild and rather moist; and thus a lan-
guid vegetation is supported during the winter, and
pastures constantly retain their verdure.

The young cattle are chiefly bred and reared to a
certain age upon the higher districts, or upon the in-
ferior lands in the lower grounds. A few oowa are
kept in the richer soils to produce milk, butter, and
cheese for the families; but it is found the more pro-
fitable to breed and rear the cattle upon the inferior
lands, and afterwards to feed them upon the finer
ground and the rich old pastures. There would be
no objection to this if the Galloway farmers would
afford their young stock a little shelter from the driv-
ing blasts of winter.

The regular Galloway lireeders rarely sell any of
their calves for veal ; which is obtained only from
those who keep cows for supplying the villagers with
milk, and from the few dairy forms where cows are
kept for making cheese. — Youatt d- Martin on Cattle.

GAILOWAV OX IN GOOD CONDITION.

Larv.b of the locust and fruit tubes. — A gentle-
man who had several fruit trees in a declining condi-
tion at the time of Miss Morris' announcement of the
discovery of the fact that the larvae of the locust at-
tach themselves permanently to the roots of trees,
informs us, that ho waited upon that lady, believing
the sickly condition of his trees to proceed from these
insects. A conversation with Miss M. satisfied him
of the correctness of his impression. Instead of dig-
ging around the roots and detaching the larvEe, he, in
in the fall of the year, bored a half inch auger hole
in the body of each tree to a depth of two or three
inches, which he filled with the flour of sulphur and
plugged shut. The highly flourishing condition of
his trees the following spring, convinced him that he
had effectually removed the cause of their former un-
heal thincss.

A GOOD master is kind to his beast.

Fleas. — A correspondent who has been sorely an-
noyed by these pests, informs us that he has succeed-
ed in ridding his house of their presence and himself
and family of their bites, by spreading the floors
morning and evening, for a few days with a decoction
of sassafras. The remedy is simple and easily tried.

Glazed Pots are the most suitable for plants kept
in balconies, where they are much exposed to the air,
as they do not admit of transpiration from the side»,
and consequently the earth contained in them doe»
not so soon become drv.

Tue entire imports for Canada for 1849 was £3,002,-
599, in 1850 £4,245,517 ; about one-third of the whole
import was from tlie United States. The trade of
Canada with this country is yearly increasing, and
becoming of importance and consequence.

1851.]

HORTICULTURAL.

113

i^^^

fjortkultural Department.

taucaster County Fruit.

AVe have for years coutondetl, that the fruits grown
in Lancaster city and county would compare favora-
bly with those of any other section of the State. In
this opinion we were supported by a few, but the ma-
jority was against us. To satisfy others, wo called
upon several of our citizens — Dr. Parry, M. Ehrman,
and Emanuel W. Carpenter — and procured from each
specimens of the different varieties of cherries grown
by them. These were carefully boxed up and sent
to Dr. William Brincklc, chairman of the fruit com-
mittee of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. —
We give below the Dr.'s acknowledgment of the re-
ceipt of the cherries, and s'omo observations upon
them, to which we invite the attention of those who
were skeptical in regard to the high character of the
fruits grown in the vicinity of Lancaster. Such com-
mendation, from so high a source, is certainly gratifv.
ing and wo trust that others who cultivate fine fruits
will give us an opportunity of placing them before
the committee over which Dr. B. presides, in order
that our Lancaster horticulturists may assume their
proper position amongst their brethren elsewhere.
Our candid impression is, that the fruits of almost
every kind grown in this neighborhood are equal in
every particular and superior in many, to any others
grown in the State. For proof of this, we invite all
to attend the exhibition which is to be held some time
during the coming fall.

PuiLADELPHiA, June 10, 1851.

Ml/ Dear Sir — Your esteemed favor without date,
accompanying a bos of most magnificent cherries was
received this afternoon. Please to accept my warm
acknowledgements for your kind attention.

Your cherries are something to boast of and evince
the fine progress you are making in Horticulture in
Lancaster. One of the cherries, " the Cumberland
seedling," is quite new to nie. I presume it is the
same that is called the " triumph of Cumberland," at
Carlisle, of which Mr. David Miller sent me buds last
summer, with a description of the fruit.

The " yellow Gr.aflon" is the Bigarreauor Graffion
^the Amber of Coxe; under the last name it is
usually known here, and took the first premium at
our Horticultural meeting on Tuesday evening last.

The Napoleon Bigarreau is correctly named, and
the specimens truly splendid.

The " Doubtful " looks very much like the Black
Tartarian, and cannot, from its external appearance,
be distinguished from the Cumberland. But Mr.

Miller informs mo that the trees of the Triumph of
Cumberland and the Black Tartarean are essentially
different in their growth.

The f)ur remaining varieties I think are all the
same variety— the English morello, and the finest spe-
cimens I have ever seen. lias there not been a mis-
take in the May Duke? The Kentish is a small
cherry, and is known here as the Early Richmond.

I have not yet tasted any of the cherries, as I wish
our fruit committee to see them.

Nine or ten varieties of my now raspberries are
now ripe— they are very large and fine, could not
you, Jlr. Carpenter, Dr. Parry, and Jlr. Ehrman,
make a flying visit to Philadelphia to sec them ?
Very truly youi's,

"W. D. Brin-ckle.

Chester Co. Horticultural & Industrial ExhibitioD,

Held at West Chester on the Vlih, Vith and 14th insi.

Mr. Editor: — This exhibition came off, on the
above days, and, to an observer visiting the borough,
evinced a rather extraordinary amount of go-ahead-
itiveness on the part of the citizens of West Chester,
and the county, and was encouraging to adjoining
counties to go and do likewise. Here was a Horti-
cultural Society, established but a few years since,
which had built for itself a capacious hall, (said to
be the second one only in the country built especially
for horticultural purposes,) and holding besides re-
gular monthly meetings, two semi-annual exhibitions
attended by some thousands of people.

It was calculated that the number of visitors on
the last day of the exhibition was from two to three
thousand.

The printed schedule of premiums for this season
of the year, is not confined to horticultural objects,
but embraces all kinds of manufactures made in the
countj', such as .agricultural implements, coach and
harness work, dentistry, cabinet work, every variety
of mechanical ingenuit)', and articles for domestic
use, needle work and embroidery, &c. All classes of
the community are thus interested, which accounts
for the very large attendance and interest manifested.

The numerous boquets and floral embellishments,
and the large display of green house plants, roses,
verbenas, &c., from the two nurseries of the borough,
occupied considerable space in the hall and attracted
much attention. One of the nursery firms, that of
Pasohall Morris & Co. have connected with their es-
tablishment a large agricultural and horticultural
warehouse, and displayed on this occasion a large
assortment of implements for the farmer and garden-
er, including the new improved patterns of ploughs,
harrows, wheat and other drills, horse rakes, com
shellers, &c. This establishment promises to be of
great use to the farmers of Chester and adjoining
counties. Obseryek.

Don't delay the cutting of your grain until it is
dead ripe. As soon as the strjiw immediately be-
neath the head becomes yellow, then commence your
harvest.

114

HORTICULTURAL.

[July,

Dwarf Pear Trees.

Mr. Editor: — So much has i-eoently been fuhlish-
ed about the advantage, economy, and beauty of
dwarf trees, pear, apple, and cherry, that one might
fancy every six feet square, in certain regions, teem-
ing with golden Bourre's, golden Rinett's and sweet
Montmorcncies.

You, Mr. Editor, have ever been ready to expose
Immbug in other departments ; and I hope, as head
iif our Farm .Journal you will assist us in arriving at
agricultural and horticultural truth.

Is it not unfortunate, that unsuccessful experiments
are not more frequently recorded ?

If want of success in the following experiment, be
owing to the bungling manner of its performance, the
deception of others, or inherent, let us try to get at
the truth.

Five years since a number of pear buds were in-
serted on common orange quince stalks. The nest
season they grew from three to five feet. The follow-
ing spring transplanted and headed back. They have
all died since without producing fruit. Aljout that
time much discussion arose as to the variety of quince
best adapted for stalks. A majority seemed to decide
the Portugal. One thousand of these were ordered
by the worthy President of your society, {Mr. Frantz,)
from Elhvangor & Barry, of which, as a novice, I
procured one hundred. (They proved not to be Por-
tugal.) These were planted in the autumn of 1848,
grew finely the next season, and were budd )d. Last
season they grew from two to four feet well branched.
This season, without removal they were mostly head-
ed in. Their leaves expanded and soon they com-
menced to bloom ? No ! But die. Now two-thirds

are entirely dead, and still they die. So much for
my experiment. Let me add something from obsei--
vation and the experience of others. By the way, I
most sincerely hope the gentleman before alluded to,
will let us have the benefit of his extensive experi-
ment, with his hundreds: and the ricli crops obtained
from the Jargc trees purchased at a dollar per piece
from Prince & Co.

A short time since, I had the pleasure of a walk in
(lie gardens of one of our most enthusiastic practical
amateurs, whose vegetable, fruit, and floral depart-
ments, arc mi fait. Ilis dwarf pear trees were eight
to ten feet high, well branched, and cultivated with
the greatest care. My inquiry for fruit of the pro-
prietor. Dr. Thomas, was answered — " Humbug !
They have been nursed for half a dozen years and
Hcaroely produced as many good pears!"

That pear trees on quince roots do in some in-
stances and situations, or on some varieties of quince,
succeed well, and are very productive, we have abun-
dant evidence of the highest character.

Such men as Perkins and Wilder who speak of
gathering barrels of the finest pears from dwarf trees,
are beyond suspicion. That we, in this section of

the State will be equally successful is considered very
doubtful by others than your bungling experimenter.

J. K. ESHLEMAN.

CJiesler Connijj, Pa.

[Will our friend Frantz comply with the request
of our correspondent, aud favor us with the result of
his experiment? We hope he will, and at the same
time we shall be glad to hear from others who have
attempte 1 to cultivate the pear tree on the quince
stalk, whether successful or otherwise. — Ed.]

An Eveuiug Walk in June.

THE FRUITS OF THE SEASON.

Louisa. — Oh, come and see my strawberries first,
uncle. They are not so fine as Edwin's, and I want
you to tell me why.

Uncle Pliilip. — Edwin's plants are, certainly, the
most luxuriant and the most productive.

Louisa. — Yet they are the same varieties, planted,
too, on the same day, in the same garden. Edwin
divided with me those fine plants of new sorts which
you sent us last August, and we each took a share
of the staminates, necessary, you said, to secure pro-
ductiveness.

Uncle. — Was the soil of the beds In like condition?

Ednnn.—^ma was. an onion bed from which we
had just taken the crop. It was very mellow; it had
been covered with very rotten chipdirt in the spring.
I merely dug the ground and sot out the plants in the
manner you directed. John dug her bed well, and
put in plenty of manure from the horse-stable.

Uncle. — Here lies a difference. Plants do not like
rail) food, it must bo decomposed. Edwin's was well
cooked or composted, while yours, Louisa, was too
rank. Did your plants become yellow ?

Louisa. — Yes, they did, while Edwin's were beau-
tifully green and flourishing. But ho manured his
in October or November.

Edwin. — Yes, I heard uncle speak of that last year,
and I wrote a mcmor.andum of it in my pocket book.
See, here it is : in "October. Now strawberry bed^
should manured and dressed."

Louisa. — ^But why did not that manure injure Ed-
win's?

Uncle. — At that time growth had nearly ceased,
and the small amount taken up by the roots during
winter was invigorating, while tlie straw served to
protect the tops.

Louisa. — So, I see that in order to excel in grow-
ing strawberries I must not wait till spring to make
preparations.

Edioin. — Father explained to me this morning
what is meant by " fallowing ^" the principle seems
in part the same. Our teams are now busy preparing
land for seeding nest fall, consequently for next
year's growth of grain.

Louisa. — Edwin's note-book, too, lias proved of
service. I must record what I have learned now,
and next year at the proper season it will occur to

1851.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

115

me, and I shall avoid so much of error. When cou-
sins came the other day to see us, I could scarcely
give them a berry, -while Edwin supplied them with
as many as they could cat from one or two hills, and
such splendid fruit, too. I was ready to blame Pro-
vidence for partiality, for I did not think that I had
injured my plants myself by injudicious kindness. —
Now I see tliat error too. As I become a better gar-
dener I .shall become a better girl. I see the force
of the saying, that the tiller of the soil is a co-worker
■with the Almighty.

Uncle. — Courage and faith, Louisa, are noble attri-
butes which you seem to possess. Come and eat
some pears from my trees until these become strong
enough to bear perfect fruit.

J^ Louisa. — Thank you, uncle, yet I shall look for-
ward with desire for the fruit from the trees I have
tended. One eats it with such relish, to say nothing
of the pleasure of sharing it with friends. It occurs
to me now that I have seen directions to pinch off
buds of roses, alpine strawberries and raspberries in
spring when it is desired to liave a crop in autumn.

Ediciii. — Is your plum-garden still safe ? Cousin
Henry complains that the cureulio has stung his
plums in spite of pigs and poultry. He has hi.s plum-
yard enclosed and has kept a number of pickers and
grazers constantly engaged in it since early spring.

Un^. — He will not see the full result of this sim-
ple d||t excellent plan until after one season.

Louisa. — There is a fine shower coming; it will
swell up your Hoveys and Hudsons to their full size.
If you will pick some, Edwin, I will gather some of
these nice White Hearts and Eltons ; their fair com-
plexions will contrast finely with your red strawber-
ries. There seems no bound to the enjoyments we
derive from horticulture, and they are so varied that
it is impossible to tire of one object before another
attracts attention. We have become acquainted with
many curious insects and birds, even every change
of the weather is a source of interest. Do not these
shi'ubs and flowers show well on that .smooth close
grass. Edwin mowed it three times for me this
spring, and see how neatly he has trimmed the hedge.
I suppose he wished to console me for the loss of my
strawberry crop.

Uncle. — Your bed may be the strongest nest sea-
son, as it is not exhausted by fruiting. W.

Boahhurg, Pa., May 20, 1851.

[The above communication was intended for our
June number, but received too late for insertion. It
contains many usefiil hints. — ^Ed.]

l)orficultui-al Socictica.

To COOK THE PIE' PLANT. — Much of the usefulness
of this pleasant vegetable is frequently lost from the
waste of time in cooking it. Many people suppose
every stalk is to be skinned or peeled before it is fit
to be used. This is all thrown away labor. The
stalks are not a whit better after being peeled than
before. All that is necessary is to cut them in slices
and proceed as usual.

Proceedings of tlic Penusylvauia Horticultural So-
ciety.

The stated meeting of this association was held as
usual in the Chinese Saloon, on Tuesday evening,
June ITth. The President in the Chair. The dis-
play was very fair for a summer month, when green
house plants generally are out of lilocim and but lit-
tle fruit matured. The Hall was crowded with
visitors.

Of the object.s shovrn, those only of interest will
be noticed. In Eobert Buist'.s collection of plants
were Ja.^miimin tenuifolium of recent introduction,
and shiiwn fur the first time, a beautiful delicate spe-
cies of that favorite genus — two Seedling Gloxinias,
superlj — No. 1, flowers of a delicate blush with ,t,
white throat. — No. 2, Scarlet, throat white edged with
crimson — MaynoUa JSxmoziihie,a dwarf plant bearing
very large flowers — ten choice Pdaroonia, as many
select Gloxinias and a variety of other plants. Jas?.
Dundas' gardener exhilated three plants of Ccrcus
(irandiftorus or night blooming Cereus, each bearing
expanded flowers — Lilies, Gloxinias, etc. Thomas
Meohan, gardener to A. M. Eastwick (Bartram's
garden) sent fine seedling Calcolurias, beautiful
Gloxinias, Fuchsias and other plants with three spe-
cimens of Chrysanthemums in flower, which he by
management has bloomed in the summer season, —
the mode of culture by which he effected this result,
he detailed to the Society in an interesting commimi-
cation.

On the fruit tables were six pots of Grape vines,
grown from single eyes, one year old, in full bearing,
from the houses of C. Cope (president), of the Black
Hamburg, white and Grizzly Frontignac, white Con-
stantia, white Sweet Water and Lashmere's seedling
varieties, forming an attractive spectacle : from the
same source was a very large specimen of La Mer-
cier Cherry. Dr. Brinckl6 cxhiljited fine specimens
of nine varieties of his new Raspberries, several
of which were of great merit. Isaac B. Baxter— the
Col. Wilder (Brinckle's) Raspberries ; large Goose-
berries, and Cherries of Guigne noir, June duke and
Portugal varieties. John R. Brinckle presented a
beautiful display of Cherries of the following kinds
— Amber, Bigarreau gros Coeuret, Black Tartarian,
Barr's Seedling, Downton, Napoleon Bigarreau, Rcinc
Hortense and a Seedling. By Geo. W. Earl, fine
Amber Cherries ; Black Eagle and Tartarian, by
Thos. Meehan ; and a number of varieties, by John
Perkins. Anthony Felton, Jr., exhibited a fine spe-
cimen of Ilovey's Seedling Strawberry ; and James
Powell presented five Seedling varieties of Raspber-
ries. There were four extensive tables well spread
with fine vegetables.

The following premiums were awarded :

For the best American Seedling Pink, to J. Mev-
ins ; for the best and most interesting collection of
plants in pots, to Jas. Roby, foreman to Robert Buiet ;
for the second best, to James Bisset, gardener to Jas.
Dundas ; for the third best, to Thomas Meehan, gar-
dener to A. M. Eastwick; for the best Boquet for the
liand to John Gallagher, gardener to Miss Gratz ; for
the best Basket of cut flowers to Robert Kilvington,
and for the second best, to Thomas Ryan, gardener
to Caleb Cope.

For the best Grapes of a Black variety, to Thos.
Ryan, gardener to Caleb Cope ; for the best of a
White variety, to the same.

For the best Strawberries, Hovey's Seedling, to

116

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

[JuLr,

Anthony Felton, Jr. For the best Cherries, Amber,
to Geo. "W. Earl ; for the second best, Black Eagle,
to Thos. Moehan ; for a fine specimen of Napoleon
Bigarreau Cherry, a special premium of one dollar
to John Perkins : and for a fine variety of Raspberry
called Dr. Brinckl6's Col. AVilder, a special premium
of throe dollars to Isaac B. Baxter.

For the best display of vegetables by a market
gardener, to Anthony Felton, Jr ; for the second best,
to the same : for the best display by an amateur, to
Wm. Felton, gardener to T. Wrig^ins, Frankford
Road ; and for the second best, to John Gallagher,
gardener to Miss Gratz.

The following communication directed to the Pres-
ident of the Society from Thomas Meehan, gardener
to A. M. Eastwick, proprietor of Bartram's Garden,
was read :

Observations on ilie Culture of Chri/sant7icnninis,
with the object of obtaining bloom from them in the
Summer months :

Sir: In the regulations of the Society, it is sug-
gested that where the mode of cultivating any fruit
or flower exhibited before the Society is peculiar, a
few short observations accompanying it would be de-
sirable. In the collection of flowering plants which
I have exhibited this evening are some Chrysanthe-
mums in bloom. As I have never succeeded before
in any experiment to induce this plant to flower out
of its usual season, and as within my knowledge no
such experiment has ever succeeded before, I beg to
lay before you the details of the treatment which has
effected this result. When I first took charge of this
establishment, last 3'ear, and after I had attended to
matters of more immediate importance, it was too
late in the season to raise a stock of Chrysanthe-
mums by the usual means of slips or cuttings. I had
one strong plant of the variety triumphans in the
open border, and had its flower stems laid down into
10 inch pots, when well rotted these layers were ta-
ken off, and the treatment given to them which
Chrysanthemums usually get. They bloomed better
than plants which I had on other occasions raised
from cuttings in the usual way. This produc-
tiveness of bloom in the layered plant, suggested its
fitness for an experiment on flowering them again ac-
cordingly as soon as the flowers were fairly faded. I
cut down six plants, reduced the balls, and replaced
them in fresh earth in smaller pots. Thoy were then
placed in a cool part of a green-house and their
shoots suffered to grow up without any pinching
back. In May they began to show their second crop
of buds, when they were again repotted and soon af-
ter flowered.

It will be observed that the flowers on each plant
are not so numerous as we generally see them in the
fall. Had the success of the experiment been antici-
pated, and consequently more attention been paid to
reporting and high cultivation this defect would not
exist.

As it is said that in " a multitude of counsellors
there is wisdom " so in practical gardening a multi-
tude of experiments reveal new truths, and this com-
munication is made in the hope that others may be
induced by the partial success of this almost random
experiment to try what improvements can be made
upon it. I am, sir, yours most respectfully,

Thomas Meehan.

A letter of acknowledgment from Prof. S. S. Hal-
deman in reply to a notification from the correspond-
ing secretary of his election to honorary membershiji
was read. On motion, adjourned.

Tho. p. James, Bee. Secretary.

Premiums Awarded

By the Chester Caunty Horticultural Society.

The Horticultural E.vniBiTiON for June, closed
on Saturday evening. The display as a whole, was
very creditable, was well attended by visitors, and
gave general satisfaction.

Premiums were awarded as follows :

For the best display of Green House plants, to
Paschall Morris &, Co. §3 ; Second best do. to A. Mar-
shall & Co. 82. For the best display of Roses in pots,
\>y nurserymen, to A. Marshall & Co. §2. For this
premium there was no other competition. For the
2d best design of cut flowers to Miss Phebe Ann
Sharpless S3 : for 3d best do. to Tevis Iloopes §2. —
For the best display of flowers in a basket covered
with moses or lichens to Alice Jackson §2; for the 2d
best do. to Elizabeth Haines 81; for the 3d best do. to
J. & M. Bennet, Cultivator for 1851. For the best
boquet suitable for the centre table to Mrs. Elizal)eth
G. Townsend §1 ; for the 2d best do. to Thomas Har-
vey, cultivator for 1851; for the 3d best do. to John
V. Painter, Garden trowel. For the best pair of
boquots suitable for the mantel to INI. B. Thomas
SI, 50; for the 2d best do. to Misses Sarah Morris,
Susan Emlen and Mary Parker, Agriculturist; for
the 3d best do. to Mrs. E. C. Jefferis, Garden Trowel.
For the best pair of hand boquets to Miss SibVjilla
Embree §1 ; for the 2d best do. to Miss Elizabeth
Clemson, Cultivator for 1851 ; for the 3d best do. to
Frank Parker certificate. For the best 10 varieties
of Verbenas to A. Marshall & Co. SI ; for the 2d best
do. to P. Blorris & Co., Agriculturist. Urn and three
baskets covered with moss by Miss Jane Jacobs, Cer-
tificate of honorable mentinn.

In addition to the above, the following hasty sketch
embraces most of the otlier contributions to this de-
partment, though it may contain some errors and
many omissions:

Basket covered with moss and cut flowers by
Joseph FarreU ; basket covered with moss and filled
with dried grasses by Miss Clara Williamson; Pyra-
mid covered with moss and cut flowers by Miss Car-
rie D. Thomas ; Basket covered with moss and cut
flowers by Lydia Ann Iloopes ; Vase of cut flowers
embracing a sea-shell by Miss Hannah Embi ee: pair
of Mantel lioquets by Miss Martha Clemson ; Hand
boquet liy Kady Barton ; Vase containing 43 varie-
ties of Roses by J. Preston Thomas, of West White-
land ; Basket covered with moss and ornamented
with shells by Mrs. E. C. Jefferis; Basketof PeonieJ
and other cut flowers by P. Morris & Co.; a Vase
beautifully wreathed and filled with cut flowers by
Mrs. John Hickman ; A very tasteful design covered
with moss and cut flowers by Masters Darlington and
Crowell ; Basket covered with moss and cut flowers
fi'om the garden of David Townsend, Esq.; Boquet
for centre table by Elm Sharpless ; Boquet for centre
table by Mrs. Alexander Marshall ; 2 Baskets of moss
and cut flowers by Miss Caroline Baldwin ; Vase of
moss and grasses by do.; Design by John V. & Uriah
II. Painter ; Pair of mantel boquets by Miss Eliza-
beth S. Marshall ; Basket of moss and cut flowers by
John V. Painter; Grotto of the Nereides, beautifully
decorated with shells by Mrs. Thos. II. Fergus; ease
of Shells .and Insects by Dr. Hartman ; Case embrac-
ing 83 varieties of birds eggs by John V. Painter;
Miniature farm by Master Thomas Sweney ; Basket
of cut Roses by P. Morris & Co.; Boquet for centre
table by Mrs. John Monaghan ; Case of sea-shells,
large specimen of East Indies Coral and a beautiful
central table, by Mrs. John P. Baily.

1851.]

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

117

FLORAL.

Cactus, by .Jane Lee Evans ; do. by Sarah 11.
James.

Pair of high heeled shoes, of the olden times, by
Phebe Ann iSharpIess ; Pin cushion, of the olden
times, worked by Lydia Paniter, exhibited by Han-
nah M. Darlington.

VEGETABLES.

Peas, for the best half peck to P. Morris & Co. SI ;
Beets, for the best display to Mrs. Rachel Taylor SI ;
Cabbage, for the best six heads to Mrs. Rachel Tay-
lor SI ; Potatoes, for the best quarter peck, growth of
1851, to P. Morris it Co. SI ; for the best display of
vegetables by market gardeners to P. Morris & Co.,
$2 ; for the 2d best do. to Lewis P. Iloopes SI ; for
the best display of vegetables by amateur gardeners
to Dr. Gecirge Thomas §2.

The other contributions and contributors to this
branch of the Exhibition were : — Peas l)y Mrs. Sally
Ann Ingram ; Onions and Beets by Samuel Harry ;
Rhuljarb by Samuel Sharpless ; Potatoes and Beets
by Wm. Ebbs ; Long necked Sf|uashes of last years
growth ; Peas and Beets by J. & M. Bennett ; Peas
and Radishes by Josiah Hoopes: Potatoes and Peas
by Thackary Smith ; and Peas by Mrs. Rachel Tay-
lor.

RIPE FRUITS.

Cherries, for the best one quart to Amos H. Dar-
lington SI ; do. 2d best do. to J. Lacey Darlington,
Pruning Knife ; Strawberries, for the best quart to
P. Morris & Co. SI ; do. 2d best to Dr. George Thom-
as, Rose shears ; for the best display (sixteen varie-
ties named) to P. Morris & Co. SI.

In addition to the above, were specimens of Cher-
ries bv Sarah D. Grey, Jonathan C. Baldwin, A.
Marshall & Co., and Lewis P. Hoopes. Apples by
Jonathan C. Baldwin — Grindstone, Esopus Spitzon-
burg. Cart house. Grey house and Pennock. Apples
by Ziba Darlington — Pennock and Cart house. —
Strawberries by Samuel Sharpless.
Premiums moarded for Needle Work, embroidei-)/,

and the Fine Arts.

For the best display of Zephyr work to Caroline E.
Krauser, S3 ; 2d best do. to Miss Winterbottom, S2 ;
3d best do. to Anna Slary Eachus, SI ; 4th best do.
to Mrs. A. E. Moore, Certificate. For the best dis-
play of Crotchet work to Miss Sarah P. Hoopes, S2 ;
next best do. to Hannah Passmore, §1. For the best
display of Knitting to Miss Sarah P. Hoopes, SI ;
next best do. to Rebecca C. Griffith, Certificate. For
the best display of Quilted work to J. & M. Bennett,
$2 ; 2d best do. to Elizabeth M. D. Cooper, $1 ; 3d
best do. to Jliss Lamborno, Certificate, Special pre-
mium for wreath worked bed spread to Elizabeth
Phillips, Si ; special premium for wreath worked bed
spread to Hannah M. Pussey, SI ; Certificates of
honorable mention were also awarded to Miss Win-
terbottom, Susan P. Wollerton, Mrs. Samuel Sharp-
less and Jane Sweney for superior needle work. For
the best display of Slillinery to Mrs. Mary Hoopes,
S3 ; next best do. do. to Mrs". Hannah Still,' S2. For
the best display of Needle work, other than the above
mentioned —

Best design in Shell work to Mrs. Thos. H. Fergus,
S2 ; best Crayon Drawing, W. Townsend, Esq.,
$1,50 ; best Painting in Water Colors, Dr. Car-
penter, S2 ; best display of Artificial flowers, in wax,
Mrs. M. B. Thomas, §2 ; best do. do., in paper, Sl,50 ;
best specimen of Sculpture, in clay, to W. M. Swayne,
$2.

In addition to the above, there were many beauti-

ful specimens of needle work distributed in such po-
sitions that we could not read the names of the con-
tributors, and must therefore be excused from noticing
them more particularly.

INDUSTRIAL DEPARTMENT.

This branch of the Exhibition received a large
share of the visitors' attention, and embraced the fol-
kwing, among other contributions :

Sewing Machine by Milton Early, and II. B. Odi-
orne ; Riding Carriage by Abraham Still ; Corn Husk
Mattress by Imla J. Bennett ; Bathing Tub by .Jos.
Fraily ; Hydraulic Rams by -J. C. Strode ; several
specimens of Galena, yielding 30 ounces of Silver to
the ton, by C. M. AVheatly, from the farm of John
Williams, in Charlestown township, Chester county;
large Candy Cake, surmounted by a pyramid, by B.
H. Sweney ; stand of Gentlcmens' Hats, by Augee &
Cowan ; case of do., by Wilson & Heed ; case of
Cutlery, by Broomhall & Worthington ; do., by John
Marshall ; Morse's Telegraph, by Lewis Levis ; case
of fruits executed in wax, by Jlrs. M. B. Thomas ;
Boquet of cut flowers executed in paper, by the same;
Dressing Bureau, by William Holfman ; Cushioned
Chair, by Mr. .J. L.'Galliner ; Extra Family Flour,
put up in small sacks, by H. James ; a large display
of Agricultural Implements, from the Warehouse of
Paschall Morris & Co., embracing, among other things,
Seeding Drills, Revolving Horse Rakes, Self-Sharpen-
ing Plows, Double Mould Broad, do.. Subsoil, do.,
improved hand Rakes, Hay and Vegetable Cutters,
elastic steel Hay Forks, and many other valuable im-
proved articles.

A Miniature Court House, surmounted with a stee-
ple, and covered with moss, by -Josiah Hoopes. Ce-
ment Pipe, for conveying water, (a new article,) by
Gideon Miles. Shoes and Shoemaker, by E. 11. Cross-
m.an.

Manufacturers not before enumerated :

For the best display of Dentists' work, to E. P.
Worrall, S2 ; for the best Hats of fur, silk or wool, to
Wilson & Heed, S2 ; for the best Cabinet work, to
William Hoffman, S3.

The above is but a meager report, sketched during
the bustle of the Exhibition, and we hope that those
whose contributions are not noticed, will excuse us.— -
We expect an official report will be published em-
bracing all the contributions exhibited.

[ Since the above was put in type we have received
the official report, but too late to be inserted.]

(ilommumcationa.

Improved Wire Fence,

Mr. Editou : — JIany different views and opinions
have been given lately, both for and against the prao •
ticability of making wire fence for general farm pur-
poses. In Lancaster county they have been generally
condemned ; sometimes from experience, but princi-
pally from the prevalent prejudice against all 7iew
fangled notions. Now, I have built several fences,
lating good, bad and indifferent, but by perseverance
I think I have at last got the mode of making wire
fencing fully equal if not superior to post and rail,
at but little more than half the cost. This I will en-
deavor to explain as clearly as possible, or at least
give the general features of it.

I find the main cause of fivilure is.wire being too light
and not strained up to sufScient tension, so that hogs

118

COMMUNICATIONS.

[July,

find no difficulty in pushing through butweou the
wires, although cattle may bo held. This was the
case with my first fence made of No. 10 wire, posts
16 feet apart, at a cost of about 60 cents a pannel
(16 feet.) The best fence I have put up is along a
public road infested by village cattle and hogs which
are generally considered a pretty fair test, and I find
it proof against any kind of farm stock whatever. —
The fence has been in use for more than a year and
is now as perfect as over. My mode of construction is
either to start from a good tree, or sink a very heavy
post, well framed and braced, into a good sill 20 or
30 inches below the surface of the ground and secured
so as to hold firmly against the strain of the wires
without settling up. This is all important, as the
strength of the fence depends greatly upon the ends.
The posts are then planted 20 or 30 feet apart and
the wires drawn along through half inch holes pre-
viously bored in the posts. I also string on every five
feet a pine lath or picket' for the purpose of stiffening
the fence and preventing the wires being forced apart.
After getting one or two wires through the whole
length, I apply a sma I frame containing a crank and
a pair of cog wheels to the end of the wire and strain
it up to sufiicient tension, say 6 to 800 lbs. to each. — ■
While in this position we drive a pin or plug into the
holes at every post. This in a measure prevents a
recoil while securing the ends which is simply to coil
it once around the post and wrap it several times
very tightly around the main wire. This is the course
pursued with every wire and the fence is completed.

One difficulty will generally bo found in making
joints of the several strands in a long line of a fence,
if not very well made, they cannot bear the tension. —
la fact, in all cases I find them the weak place of the
fence, as I never yet could break a wire at any other
place. The best joints I can make is to heat the ends
red hot in a portable furnace so as to thoroughly an-
neal them, lay the ends together, parallel, and lap-
ping 8 or 10 inches ; screw on a couple of light hand
vices with their jaws facing each other about 3 inches
apart. The space between them is then turned into
a close twist. Eemove one vice and with a pair of
stout pliers wrap the end very close and tightly
around the main strand, the other vice is then re-
moved and set further back {on tTie Joint) and the
other end served in the same manner coiling it in the
opposite direction and of course around the other
main wire. If the ends are not drawn around very
closely they will slip or draw together, which at once
breaks the joint, as one wire invariably twists off the
other if they slip or give in the least ; so that it is
very important that the wires lock at once in fitting
them together, and this cannot possibly be done with-
out being thoroughly annealed.

A fence well put up in this manner will defy stock of
any kind, and should cattle or horses accidentally run
against it, the elasticity of the wire is sufficient to

throw them upon their haunches without the least in-
jury to the animal or fence. Upon this account, the
wire is better unannealed, as under a great force the
pores of the iron will give in a measure, and the wire
becomes slack, if softened. In fact, the bright wire
works better in many ways, and is far preferable to
put up. Number 8, I think as light as should be
used for a good fence. Bline cost about one dollar
and ten cents a panel of 20 feet, 4 feet high, or 9
strands, commencing 3 inches from the ground then
4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, and 8 inches apart.

The advantages in plugging up the holes in the
posts are, that it throws any unusual strain upon sev-
eral posts at the same time, and in case a joint be
broken the ends will not recoil for more than a few
pannels, and can easily be repaired.

In giving the cost of this fence at §1,10 for 20 feet,
about the cost of good post and rail of 10 or 11 feet,
you will of course understand the posts used are cul-
lings and such as are too light to mortice, and con-
sequently of not half the value of good sized posts.

Locust Grove Mills. C. S. H.

Notes by the Way Side,

Across part of Mart/land and a portion of the Valley
of Virginia.

May 5, 1851.

Leaving Lancaster for Baltimore about 12 o'clock,
we reached Columbia where a snow storm welcomed
us. Like ourselves it tarried but a little while, al-
though on reaching York county, we found it to be
two inches deep. Before we reached Baltimore, how-
ever, it had all disappeared.

In looking at the fine yards and gardens in the
vicinity, we could not but be struck with the advixnce
vegetation had made, and how mnch more forward it
was than with us. We soon left for Washington,
and on our journey thither, were surprised to find
that little or no change had taken place in the agri-
cultural character of the country between the two
cities. Ten years ago, this was almost a barren
waste, supporting a very thin coat of mere grass. —
It is so still on the left side of the road, although, on
the right hand were fin; Wheat, Oats, Clover and
Timothy. We arrived at Washington in good season;
and as the dinner hour at the fashionable hotel at
which we stopped, approached the supper hour of
a Pennsylvania farmer, we found that we had since
time to spare, which we devoted to a visit to the
Patent Office. Free admission is given to all visitors.
We could not but think, that the manner in which
the thousands of beautiful models of invention were
packed in the large cases, was not very well calcu-
lated to give the visitor a proper idea of their char-
acter. This difficulty will be obviated so soon as the
new wings now being erected, are completed. The
National Gallery in the same building is well worth
a visit, and months might be pleasantly spent in au
examination, of the varied contents.

1851.1

COMMUNICATIONS.

119

On Wednesday, May 7, we took passage on board
the fine steamer Mount Vernon, for Riclimond. AVe
steamed it rapidly down the broad Potomac, and
when some distance below "Washington, the view of
AVashington, Georgetown and the vicinity was beau-
tiful in the extreme. We arrived at Alexandria
where the steamer tarried but a few minutes, brief
33 was our stay, we could see that the glory of this
city had departed. The large empty warehouses
aud the few small vessels lying at the wharf, all gave
evidence of a meagre trade.

A few miles below, the mansion of the Father of
his country, was pointed out to us. As the boat
neared it, the bell of the Steamer, as was the custom,
was tolled, the tilling being continued until we had
passed the sacred spot. Here the river widens, and
except a few lonely dwellings on the high banks and
the fishermens huts below, nothing of peculiar inter-
est presented itself. On arriving at the Rail Road

Depot at we saw a few knolls that gave signs

of vegetation. Some luxuriant looking half grown
peas and potatoes fiUed the garden, the soil of which
was almost entirely sand.

We entered the cars, and proceeded through a peb-
bly country, skirted by abrupt hills on the one side
and swamps on the other. In many places the origi-
nal timber was still standing, but it was slim and
scrubby. The finest lands had been cleared, and as
is usual in Virginia, its fertility exhausted, and now
abandoned and growing up with pines, sassafras,
broom grass and blackberries.

On reaching Fredericksburg, the rusty looking
brick mills and the woodwork without paint, satisfied
us that here too the spirit of progress had departed.
The farms in the vicinity are very large, generally
from 3 or 400 acres to a thousand, and most miser-
ably cultivated. There is little variation in the soil
between Fredericksburg and Richmond, and except
a few fine bottoms which are in a good state of culti-
vation. The soil is a sandy loam, without stones.—
A large portion of the land was ploughed for oats and
corn, although it had all been exhausted by the pre-
vious tobacco crops.

A farm of a thousand acres has no more stabling
and storage for fodder, than a farm of 40 acres would
have here ; hay I have seen none, except from meadow
and that stacked where it grew. Cornfodder is
stacked in the same way. The ordinary houses are
generally Ijuilt of log, with wooden chimneys attached
to the outside. Lime there is none in this section
but what Is brought from a distance of 40 to 60 miles;
nature has supplied a strong red clay from 2 to 6
feet below the snrface, which answers for ordinary
plastering. At 5 J o'clock W3 rrrived in Broad street
in the city of Richmond, and in my next I wiU give
a fuU description of it and its vicinity.

Lancaster, 1851. D.

West Chester, June 14, 1851.
Friend Sp angler: — Agreeably to your request and
my promise, I send you the account of a Scaling
Ladder, verbatim et literatim, published in the Gen-
tlemen's Magazine, (London) for April, 1747.

I remain yours, &c. AV. SJ

Scaliiiar or Pruning I.adder.

t!7^1^WTr^

lhW\

LlJ^

Fig. 1 and 2 represents a model of a sealing lad-
der, which may be useful on many occasions. Its
rounds or steps A B are fastened at a proper dis-
tance from each with the cords C. These rouads
are thicker at one end than at the other. The lig-
ger end is made hollow like a fosset, and the small
end is make to fit into it like a spiggot so th it by
putting the small ends into the large they form the
long pole D at the upper end of which is a great iron
hook or holdfast E.

This pole being long enough to reach to the top of
the wall, or place which Is to be mounted, it is easy
to fasten it by its hook E and there is nothing more
to be done than to pull the lower end, that is the first
round and all the rest will be drawn out the one from
the other and your pole wiU be turned into a ladder.

These ladders are very convenient .and are the
more proper for secret expeditious, as they are very
light, and may be put into a sack and removed from
place to place without giving any suspicion that you
carrying a ladder. It may be erected in the street or
put out of a window to assist people to escape .i,t fires;
and probably may be improved by master Ephraim
Hadon who advertises his skill in rope ladders.

120

EDITORIAL.

[July,

THE FARM JOURNAL,

l5nb-(i5i)itov'3 Slcpavtincnt.

Ageuts.

The Farm Journal may be had at the following
places : —

W. B. ZiEBEK, South 3d St., principal agent for
Philiidolphia.

W. II. Spangler, Lancaster, Pa.

B. F. Spangler, Columbia, Pa.

Geo. Bergner, Harrisburg, Pa.

II. Miner, Pittsburg, Pa.

J. R. SiiRyoCK, Chambersburg, Pa.

II. M. Rawlins, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, Yorli Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

OUK TERMS— READ THEM.

In order that the Farm -Journal may be placed
■within the reach of every one who feels interested in
the progress of Agriculture, we ask attention to the
following terms : —
Single Copies, - $1 00 Per Annum.

Five " - - 4 00 "

Ten " - 7 50 "

Twenty " - - 15 00 "

It is not required that all papers in a club should
be scut to one ofBce. We will mail tliem (in wrap-
pers,) to as many different offices as may be necessa-
ry. We make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neigliborhoods may unite, and
form large clubs, and thus secure the "Journal" at
the very lowest club rates.

Specimen copies of the Journal will be sent on ap-
plication, Fost-pakl, to the publisher.

Post Masters, are by law, authorised to remit sub-
.soription money to the publisher, free of posta(jc. —
Particular attention is asked to this fact, as it will
save expevise both to subscribers and publisher.

Our Terms are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at which tlie Journal is furnished renders
this imperative. Suljscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subsscribers reside, will
be tak<'n. Where tlie sum to be sent is large we pre-
fer tliat a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscriliers and Post Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will always be sent with the first
number of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, jyoit paid, to the pub-
lisher. A. M. SPANGLER,

Lancaster, Pa.

Correction. — In our last number our proof reader
was not as careful as he should have been. Several
errors crept in, amongst whicli were three or four in
the article on agricultural education, by Mr. Gowen,
which the reader will attribute to an oversight of the
proof reader.

Tall Rve. — We were shown, a few days since, a
number of stalks of rye from the farm of Mr. Konig-
macher, near Ephrata, in Lancaster county, which
measured eight feci and six inches!

Premiums I Premiums ! !

We observe by the Genesse Farmer, that our friend
Jacob Frantz, of Paradise township, has been award-
ed the sum of twenty dollars, as a premium for the
largest number of subscribers obtained liy an individ-
ual. The number procured liy ]\Ir. Frantz, was 414,
and it is due him to say, that this large list was pro-
cured before he was aware of the fact that the publi-
cation of the Farm Journal was contemplated. We
are pleased to observe such liberal subscription on
the part of our farming community, and would be
glad to have them extend it in the direction of the
Farm -Journal. In order to induce them to do this,
we offer the following terms to the Lancaster county
Ag. Society, or any other county society in the State:

For 500 subscribers at our Club rates, at 75 cents-
each, we will pay a premium of Fifty dollars worth
of Agricultural,Books, for the Society's Library. The
books shall be furnished at the publishers' lowest
prices.

For any number of subscribers less than five hun-
dred, but more than one hundred, we will pay a pre-
mium of ten dollars worth of Agricultural or other
books, for each hundred.

For one hundred subscribers, whether furnished by
an individual or a Society, a copy of Colman's Euro-
pean Agriculture, The American Farmer and Plant-
ers Encyclopedia, (new edition) and a copy of Dixon
& Kerr's Domestic Poultry.

For Seventy-five subscribers, either Colman's Agri-
culture or the Farmer's Encyclopedia, and Dixon &
Kerr's Poultry Book.

For Fifty subscribers, Colman's European Agri-
culture or the Farmer's and Planter's Encyclopedia.

For Thirty subscribers, Dixon & Kerr's Domestic
Poultry and Youatt & Martin's celebrated work on
Cattle.

For Twenty subscribers, either of the last named
works.

The whole number of any of the above Clul)S must
be forwarded at the same time, with the Cash, the
subscription to commence with the first of the vol-
ume. It is not necessary that the Club packages
should be sent to any particular office. We will mail
them to as many different points as desired.

As the above list of premiums is a far more liberal
one than has ever been offered, we hope our friends
will endeavor to secure them, and thus aid in extend-
ing our circulation.

How the New Postage liaw affects us.

Although the Farm Journal cannot be sent free of
postage through Lancaster county, the rates of post-
age will be so very low that no one will oljjeot to
them. The postage for the whole year will be only
two and a half cents, and to any portion of the State
the whole year's postage will anjount to only five
cents.

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

12V

Ackuowledgmeuts.

We acknowledge the receipt of handsome lists
from the following gentlemen: Col. I. E. McCabe,
HarriotsviUe, Allegheny co.; Benjamin Hood, AVillis-
town, Chester co. ; R. Wood, Clarksville, Greene co. ;
Joseph Kelly, Spruce Hill, Juniata co.; Jonathan
Ely, Esq., New Hope, Bucks co. ; Dr. J. K. Eshle-
man, Downingtown; Israel W. Morris, Philadelphia;
James Gowen, do.; E. E. Kinzer, West Hanover,
Dauphin co. ; A. McAlister, Springfield Furnace,
Huntingdon co.; E. Schley, Esq., Frederick, Md. ;
George W. Patton, Union Furnace, Huntingdon co. ;
L. Burehfield, MifBintowu ; Jacob Heyser, Chambers-
burg; Christian H. Lefever, Strasburg, Lancaster co.;
Benj. B. Herr, do.; Hon. Luther Kidder, Wilkes-
barrc ; Charles Belding, do., three clubs ; Thomas F.
Croft, Philadelphia; James Thornton, Byberry, Phi-
ladelphia CO. ; J. R. McMillen, Somerset co. ; John E.
Shaffer, Elizabeth, Allegheny co. ; Hon. Geo. Taylor,
Huntingdon; N. Amory, Nagadoches, Texas; Jacob
Mast, do., do. ; Joseph Wickersham, Lewisburg, York
CO.; Col. J. H. Murphy, Mercersburg; Isaac Markley,
Norristown; J. M. McMinn, Unionville, Centre co.,
a very handsome list; J. B. Garber, Mountville, Lan-
caster CO.; George Morrison, Chestnut Level, Lan-
easter county.

Enterprise of English and American Farmers.

The New -Jersey Medical Reporter refers to the dis-
covery at Hurdstown, Morris county, by Dr. Jackson
of Boston, of a rich bed containing 92 4-10 per cent.
of pure phosphate of lime, yielding 46} per cent, of
ph jsphorio acid and 20 per cent, of phosphorous.

In connection with the above we learned a few
days ago that not an ounce of this valuable fertilizer
has been applied to American soil ; but that ship load
after ship load has been sent to England to enrich
her lands. Is not this a fact that should arouse our
farmers to a true sense of the value of -these phos-
phates? The English agi'iculturists understand and
fully appreciate them, as is evidenced by the fact
above mentioned.

From the same source we learned that almost eve-
ry bone gatherer in our large cities, is an agent of
some English company, and it is next to an impossi-
bility to procure a ton of bones for any consideration,
this side of the Atlantic. Bones for the English
market have been gathered from the very interior of
our State and sent to Philadelphia by canal. And
now a ((ucstion of deep importance suggests itself. —
If the phosphates of New Jersey and the bones gath-
ered in various parts of the United States, can be
shipped to England, a distance of three thousand
miles, and yet be considered highly profitable fertil-
izers, should not American formers avail themselves
of the opportunity aiforded them of enriching their
lands, when the material in abundance is at their
very doors ? We pause for a reply.

A voice from the West.

Although not written for publication, we take the
liberty of making a few extracts from a letter vrritton
to the Editor by Dr. John C. Kennicott, of The
Grove, Northfield, Illinois. It will be remembered
that Dr. K. is one of the ablest friends of agriculture
in the West, and commendation from such a source
is certainly flattering:

Editor of the Farm Journal — Dear Sir — I thank
you for the three numlfcrs of your new Pennsylvania
paper, and assure you, that I feel the compliment
contained in your request. But sir, I am an unlet-
tered farmer — born in a log house, and sooth to say,
occupy one yet, notwithstanding the M. D. attached
to my name. That title came by chance, and neces-
sity, rather than choice, — and yet I am not a little
proud of it; for medical men are taking an honorable
lead in the art and science of modern agriculture,
and especially horticulture. This is the natural con-
sequence of their love of all the works of nature, and
their especial studj- — the laws of vitality.

Up to the present day, if a poor young farmer felt a
desire to enquire into the operations of nature, and to
gather some available notions of science, (which
ought to be as familiar to all who own farms, as the
history and principles of our religion to those en-
gaged in its ministry, ) there was no source, so acces-
sible to his means as medical colleges. ■ Success to
"the schools of medicine;" and may many of the
principles taught therein, soon find their way to the
"public schools" of the country.

To say that I am pleased with these specimens of
your new enterprise, in an old field, would be saying
too little — I am more than pleased — I am gratified
and encouraged — I like the tone and character of
your journal. It may be only that it is fresher, and
therefore makes a newer impression ; but to my mind,
there certainly appears to be a straight-forward bold-
ness— full of truth and meaning — on subjects con-
necting the progress of agriculture with the stand-still
policy of legislation — a very little ahead of some of
the old agricultural papers — and among your corres-
pondents I recognise some of the most reliable pens
in the country. God speed you.

The Keystone State has been rather tardy in es-
taljlishing a permanent agricultural journal ; but you
seem determined to make ample amends for the de-
lay, by going strait to the root of the matter at once,
and advocating the only true, liberal and legitimate
plan, promising certain, permanent and universal
results, commensurate to cur necessities and our d3-
sires.

General and particular agricultural organization,
and specific and universal agricultural education, are
the true points on which hinge the perfection of agri-
culture as a science, and the intellectual elevation,
general prosperity and happiness, conventional stand-
ing and political influence of over " three-fourths of
the people" of this great nation.

122

EDITORIAL.

[July,

A Visit to West Chester.

To the exclusion of much other matter, vre publish
the proceedings of the Horticultural and Industrial
Exhibition at West Chester. Having frequently
heard of the interesting and instructive character of
these Exliibitions, we visited West Chester on the 12th
and 13 th of June, for the purpose of ascertaining
whether the glowing accounts we had heard were
not somewhat exaggerated. To our surprise and ex-
treme gratification, we found them all they had been
represented.

The Exhiliition was held in the Horticultural
Hall, a splendid building erected expressly for the
purpose, and evincing in its structure both liberality
and taste. The arrangement of the Hall is such as
to display every thing to the best advantage, and we
could not but admire the elegant taste evinced by
the enterprising managers in the arrangement of the
« articles for Exhibition. Every thing was in perfect
and harmonious order and the effect produced re-
markably pleasing.

The interest manifested by the citizens of Chester
and the adjoining counties, was highly encouraging
to the Society. The large Hall was crowded with
delighted visitors from an early hour in the day, un-
til late at night, and thus for three successive days.

Combining, as these Exhibitions do, the Industrial
■with the Agricultural, all classes of the community
are interested in their success. The consequences
are, — they arc largely attended — the display of skill,
ingenuity and taste is extensive and varied, and the
effect produced upon the mind of the visitor far more
pleasing and instructive, than where the products of
only a single class are exhibited. Why should not
.every county in the State boast similar enterprise ?
Why should not Lancaster with her hundred thousand
inhabitants, and Berks and York, Dauphin and Cum-
berland, and many others ? There is no good reason
why the laudable energy and taste of the people of
Chester County should not be followed in three-
fourths of the counties of Pennsvlvania.

We cannot close this article without thanking the
Managers of the Exhibition for the gentlemanly
courtesy extended to us. Our visit to West Chester
was one of pleasure and profit, and as such will long
be remembered.

Extensive Agricultural Warehouse.

Paschall Morris & Co., of West Chester, have re-
cently erected a large and elegant warehouse, where
may be had all the improved agricultural implements
of the day. In connection with the warehouse is one
of the best nurseries in the State, under the superin-
tendance of Mr. Morris, whose practical and scientific
skill as an agriculturist is conceded by all who know
him. Any of our readers desu-ing fine plants, fruit,
shade and ornamental trees will be able to procure
them at this establishment either by personal selec-
tion or written order.

Guauo.

We are pleased to find our farmers giving attention
to guano as a manure, and earnestly hope there may
be a more general use of it in Pennsylvania. In some
of our eastern and southern counties a considerable
number of enterprising farmers are using it upon a
large scale with marked success, and many others
are experimenting with smaller quantities. In York
county, we understand, the judicious application of
it has resulted in bringing many of the thin lauds in
the southern part of that county into fine condition ;
the harvest promising as richly there, as in the most
fertile limestone regions. This is certainly very en-
couraging, and will, we hope, open the way for its
more general introduction. To aid in bringing about
so desirable a result, we earnestly request those gen-
tlemen who have used guano, to give us the benefit
of their experience, in order that we may present
the subject in its true light to our readers.

Many of the failures in the use of guano, are at-
tributable to the impositions practised upon purcha-
sers by the dealers. An adulturated article is sold
for the genuine, and few but skilful chemists will de-
tect the imposition. The best plan is, therefore, to
deal with persons whoso integrity can be relied upon.
The advertisements of three such will be found in this
number, and we take pleasure in commending them
to the attention of our readers.

The Crops in Pennsylvania.

As a general thing the crops of Pennsylvania never
promised finer. At pi-esent writing, June 20, the
weather for hay making is, and has for several days
past been very propitious. The grass is very heavy
and the hay well cured. The grain could not be
better. In some counties violent storms have beaten
it down, but this is not generally the case. The cool-
ness of the early part of the season has retarded
the corn, though the genial showers of the past few
days, with the fine summer weather we now have,
will bring it on rapidly. We hear that harvest hands
are scarce, in many sections, and that the grain and
grass reaping machines will be more extensively used
this harvest than ever before.

Brevity.

As the number of our correspondents is rapidly
increasing and we are very desirous to give our read-
ers as great a variety as possible, we have to request
that correspondents will be kind enough to make
their communications as brief as they can, consistent-
ly with the character of their subjects. AVe make
this request for another reason. The great object
contemplated by the Farm Journal being the dissemi-
nation of valuable agricultural information, it be-
comes important that the articles be of moderate
length, in order that our weekly newspapers may
copy them without inconvenience. Short articles
are more generally read than long ones, and conse-
quently more generally useful.

1851.]

EDITOKIAL.

123

Atteutiou to Young Cattle.

The essential requisite to perfection- in an animal
is generous and careful feeding from its birth. Many
farmers neglect their }"Oung cattle and expect to re-
pair the neglect by over feeding when fattening for
market. This is a gross error. The constitution of
young animals suffer severely from hard fare, and
the farmer vrho neglects his yearlings, -will never suc-
ceed in rearing as fine cows and oxen, as he that
from the hour of their birth gives his stock his care-
ful attention and provides good feed in suitable quan-
tities, and comfortable shelter from the inclemencies
of the weather. By careful attention we do not mean
unnatural forcing, as this is frequently as prejudicial
as neglect, but a kind, generous, judicious treatment
which keeps the animal continually thriving.

Lancaster, June 23, 1851.

Mr. Spangler — I send you herewith a stalk of
Coad wheat, which was raised in St. Mary's county,
Md., from a specimen obtained from the Patent of-
fice. It was presented to me on the 19th inst., by
Mr. Sands, editor of the American Farmer, Baltimore.

Mr. S. informed me that he travelled nearly one
hundred miles to see a field of one hundred acres in
which it grew. It is judged the whole field will
average forty bushels per acre.

The valuable qualities of this wheat are: its re-
markably well filled head, together with a stalk of
uncommon thickness, amply able to sustain it. It
has a strong resemblance to a kind called Sool's
wheat, which was introduced in the Genuesse coun-
try in 1845, although somewhat different in appear-
ance ; the Sool's wheat had no beard and was lighter
in the straw. On good land it would yield thirty or
more bushels to the acre, while it seldom lodged, the
straw being very strong in proportion to its height.

Our farmers while harvesting their prostrate wheat
this season, will probably see the necessity of intro-
ducing something of this kind.

Respectfully yours, vSamuel Peltox, -Jr.

[The sample above referred to, may be seen at W.
H. Spangler's Book Store, North Queen street, Lan-
caster.— Ed.]

Circular.

We have received "a Circular expressive con
cisely of the objects, advantages and claims of the
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society." After enume-
rating the (jcncral benefits which have resulted to the
community in the great improvement of vegetables,
fruits, flowers, &c., the new varieties introduced, the
improved intelligence of gardeners and nurserymen,
&c., the circular concludes with the following claim :

The only claim that will at present be set up in
behalf of the Society is, that all who approve of and
would perpetuate and extend the objects and advan-
tages herein represented and allnded to, should, with-

out delay, be numbered among its contributing mem-
bers— which may be done by application one month
prior to admission, at an expense of three dollars an-
nually, or twenty-five dollar for life. A further in-
ducement to admit and discharge this claim, by an
early application for admission to membership is, that
in addition to the ordinary privileges granted, the
members are allowed, both at the hall and at home,
the free use of the library (embracing the best works
on almost every scientific and useful subject,) and that
each member is allowed free tickets of admission for
two ladies and himself, to the annual and all the
monthly exhibitions and business meetings of the So-
ciety, which, independently of all other considera-
tions, should be deemed more than equivalent to the
small contribution required.

Delaware Couutj'.

We are glad to learn that an enterprise well cal-
culated to advance the agricultural and manufactur-
ing prosperity of Delaware and Chester counties, is
undertaking by their citizens. It is proposed to make
a Rail Road from West Chester to Philadelphia, pass-
ing through the heart of Delaware county. The want
of a more direct communication with Philadelphia,
has long been felt, and by the want of Delaware
county. The superior dairying advantages possessed
by Delawarejcounty, should induce the Philadclphians
to lend vigorous aid to the undertaking.

Contents of July Jfo.

Entomology, Xo. 3, ...

Medical Quackery, ...

Locusts, (Cicada septendecim,)
Building Material, ...

To Correspondents, ...

State Fair, ....

The Potato, . . - -

Remedy for a cow who sucks herself.
Education of Farmers' Daughters,
Berkshire Agricultural Society,
Farmers' Clubs, . - - -

Cucumber Bug, . - - -

Agricultural Colleges, - - -

Sketch of the history of the Locust,
The Horse, (continued,) - - -

Improved Cattle, - - - .

Locust and the pear trees,
Fleas, " " " " "

Lancaster county Fruit, - - _ -

Chester county Horticultural Exhibition, -
Dwarf Pear Trees — An evening walk in June,
Horticultural vSocieties, - - -

Premiums of Chester co. Horticultural Soc'y.
Improved Wire Fence, - - -

Notes by the Way,

Premiums — How the newpostage law affects us,
Enterprise of American and English Farmers,
Acknowledgments — A voice from the west,
A visit to W. Chester— Agricul. warehouse.
Guana — Crops iu Pa. — Brevity,
Attention to young cattle — Coad wheat, -
Circular — Contents, - - -

ILLDSTRATIONS-
Insects, (curabus,) - - - "

Cucumber Bug, - - - ■

Flea-Beetle, - - - "

Galloway Ox, - - ■ "

Scaling or Pruning Ladder,
Delaware county, - - "

98
99
99
99
100
101
102
102
103
105
106
107
108
110
112
112
112
113
113
114
115
116
117
118
120
121
121
122
122
123
123

97
99
100
112
119
123

124

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[July,

GUANO VVAISE IIOUSIO,

No 54, South IVha res, Below Walnut Street.

JKRrvl A\ :iiid Pat:igoiiia Gufuio, for sale in Inrje or smalt
quantities, in bairels and hags, on rt-asonalile terms

JOSEPH I. JONES,
No. 54. Snutii Wharves, i'Jiiladelphia.
Analysis Pliosphate of .vlajfiiesiu 4.5,4
Carlmiinte of Magnesia 1.7
Alkaline Salts II G

OiKanie Matter 20,6

Amtnoilia 2.8

Water 1(>.4

S.jld &c. e.2

"The 45.4 parts iif Phosphate of Magnesia contains 28,75 parts
of PiMsphiine Aeid. The guano is iif excellent quulitv, contain-
iriL- nrjirle one half of matter of the llighrst value in Ajiricutture,
besides one fourth of organic matter in ugnod state for application
toihe soil."

Resnit ,it an analysis of a lot of Patagonia Gmno in Store, and
for sale l>y JOP. I, JON'KS.

July 1.) No. .'51, South Wharves, Phila.

GITANO,

PERITVIANand Patagonia Guano for sale in lots to suit pur*
cliasers, l.y J CAPSEDY & SON.

N'>. t'2l, South Water St., a few doors ahovc Duck st , i'hiia.
July I 4-ly.

T>ERK<H1RE PIGS and South Down Sheep of Pore Blood, for
•" ''ale liv JaS THORNTON, Jr.,

July ICm Byherry, Plwladelpllia Co.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

rjIIE suliscriliers offer for sale at the lowest market rates,
J- 11)110 Ti.iis Dry Patagonia Guoio.

500 •' Giivernnieiit Peruvian Guano.
."00 lil)ls. Ilr.'und Pla.5ter.
The (piahty of the above is unsurpassed, and can he recommend-
ed with eonhilrnce to farmers and others in want of the ariicles.
A liberal deduelion made to Country Merchants.

AI.LEN h NEEDLES.
No. 22 !c 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Ches. St., Phila
July 1- 4.7m.

TO FARI>1EKSJ

r^ANPHIER & GORRECHT
ESPECTKULLY mv.ip ih- aii^mion of F^rmsrs
and others to their Establishment for the manufacture of
Farming Implements and especially to their ee'ebrated

IMPROVED GRAIN FANS,
which they coafiJently assert will do more work in a shorter space
of time, and with less labor, than any other Fannowin use. Tlies»
Fans wherever introduced, have given complete satisfaetion.and
a large number of testimonials coulJ be procured, testifying to
their superior merits.

They also manufacture, to order. Agricultural Implementsof va-
ri lus kinds : such as Straw Cutlers, Cuilieators, Ploughs, Harrows,
S(c.

Having had many years' experience in the best shops in the
country, they are prepared to do work of a superior quality n little
cheaiier than any other estbalishment in the .State. Tliey will war.
rantall their work to be what it is represented. A warrant given
with ivery Gr.iin Fan. giving the purchaser the privilege of re-
turning it, shou d it not do good and quick work.

Thei will deliver them, free of expense, any distance within
fifty miles of the manufactory. Their Shop is at the .junction of
the iNLirietta and Columbia Turnpike, Lancaster, Pa., where they
Will be happy to have Farmers call and examine for themselves
Price of Fans, No. 1, large size, . . . S2i no

*' " " 2. small size, - - . 22 00

Several good and responsible Agents wanted in the Western
and .Midille pait of Pennsylvania, to whom a fair percentage will
he allowed. All orders addressed to I.anphier and Gorrecht, Lan-
caster Pa., will meet with prompt attention. June 1-tf

IlaiTlisburg; Agricultural Macliiiie sliop.

FARMEISS.

IF VOU havp Hnrpp.s ihai hnvp bppn injurPtl by
sprains. Ringbone, spavins or A'ounds of any kind, you can
cure them up and make them as valuable as they ever were —
Send one dollar flee of Postage to the subscribers and they will
send you four valuable recei!>lB.

You mayilepend upon it. that the articles thus manufactured and
will cur.— and that any one of the receipts is worth more than
yon will have to pay f.,rallof them. Address (Postage paid.)
June 1, 18j1) HILLS ft CLARK, Elmira, Chemung co , N Y

HENKY I .I'HiPl.KK,

(Successes to Joseph P. H Coates.)
Dealer in Grass and Garden Seeds.

No. 49, Market Street, Philadelphia.

M STEEVER&CO.

AVE recently estnblish d a Shop, for the manuOtoture of
IVAee/er'.^ Patent Horu Pntofrs and Thrbshe.rs, with Sepntntnri ;
also. Clover Iluller s, Feed Cutlers, Cum Shellers,Gruiii Dril'a,
Circular Saw Mills. &c

These Horse Powers and Tlireshers are favornh)) known where-
ever they Jiave been used or exhibited They have taken premi-
iuma at many difTerent St:ite and Ctmnty Agricultural Fairs, in
different States ill the Union, and also in Carolina, never hayinj
competed for a prize uiisuecfssfully.

The accnmpan\iiig i'ut gives a side view of a Two-IIorse Ma-
chine at work, with the hands nece6s:irv to attend it. and ket- p it
in full operation, and will thresh from 100 to 200 bushels i>f Wheat,
or thrice that (juantitv of 0;its Buckwheat or Barley, per day. —
The One-Horse or Single Marjhiue will thresh half as fast as the
donn'e ones

The Overshot Thresher takes the erain from a level feeding"
table (of a proper height to allow the feeder to stand erect an3
feed u'ithout annoyance from dust.) by means of the PeprtTa'ion.
Tlie Straw, as it comes from the machine, is tlmruughly separated
from the grain,

PRICES AT HARRISBURG.
For Two-Hnrse Machine, - - . - S140 00

" Oiie-Horse Maclnne, . - - . SI 16. (JO

Every Machine made and sold by them nr their Apents are war-
ranted to give entire satisfaction to the pnrcliaser. or it may he re-
turned to them after fair tri:il. and the purchase m'inc\ (if p:iiij)
will be le'iinted. These Machines will also be m iniifactured at
the Borough of [.ebaiion on and aft**r the tstof July. Five per
cent, will he discounTed on the above prices if paid within ten
days. Orders respectfully sollicited.

M H STERVER & CO ,
Meadow Lane, between 2d and Od st , Uarrisburg. Pa.

May, 1851. l-tf.

R. BUIST,

NURSERYMAN &. SEED G ROWE R,

HAS alwavs nn hand at his s^-piI S f»rp 97 Chpsnut
Street, Philadelphia, a large stock of Seeds of his own
growth, a very important itf^r/i to piircha.'<€rs,ns he is a practical grow-
er.and lias been engaged in Ins profession over 30 \ears. His nurse-
ry ground isamph stocked with Fruit. Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately n;init-d and property cultivated. Every article sold at
llie lowest rates and warranted to be as repreacnted.

Seed Store. 97 Cliesnut Street, Philadelpliia Nurseries and Seed
Farm, Darby Road, two mi'es below Gray's Ferry.

June 1, 18U. R. BUIST,

1-ife ru«^iirniire for Horses, &r-

THE American T^ive Stock Insurance Company. (Stockholders in-
dividually laable) for the In-^urHiice o( Hor.-^es, IMvl'S, Prizt
Biilh, Sheep, Cattle^ ^c , aga nst Fire, Water, Acciclents and Dis-
ense. Alsj, upon Stock driven to Eastern markets, or transported
South.

JOHN H. FRICK.
General Agent for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

BEFfcRE.\CES :

Wood, Abbott & Co , _

iladelphia.

^Vood, Abbott &. Co., }
Truitt. Brother^ Co.. \ Phil
Coates k Brown, )

Agents:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, T.ancaster Pa.
CHARLES F. FRICK. Reading, Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR. M^uch Chunk, Pa.

Dr. John G. Scovern, Veterinary Surgeon,
May, 1851.) Examiner for Lancaster Couuty.

IS/Jl.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

125

t.li<-s(ei- Ciiiiutv A^i-icmlural
WAREHOUSE & SEED STORE,

//(g/i Street near the Ilortiiultural Hall,

WESTCHESIER, PA.

ri'^HE siih-rnhfis HI c miihimh"! uiih 'h»Tr p.vtf-riiiivp

I iViirsfry G:ir(]e(i, and Green House estalilisiiments, linve
erected a kirfje. Warehouse, and will keep const. iiitly on Innd ainl
for aile. u uiini[)lete assortment <if Asricttitural an'l Horttcultitial
ImpUineiits, coiisiting. in part of Elorse Powers and '(lireshers,
Plows of different sizes and patterns ainoiiu; wlileli are the cete-
braled -'Kaifle Self-sharpening." Prouly & Meais' Centre Draft.
Subsoil. Sidehlll. &c.. &c;.. Harrows, Cultivators, Wheat Drills,
Seed Sowers. Corn planters, Fanning iMills. Corn sheliers. Straw
and Hay Cutters. Churns of various siz- s and patterns Harv* sling
toolsof every descriptiini ; in a word eveiy implement necessary
to the Fanner and Gardener, and of the most approved kinds and
patterns can he had at our Warehouse. Also, field, grass, and
garden seedrs of every variety.

At our \iiiser\ will he found our usual large assortment of
Fruit and Oinainental Trees, Siirulilif-rv, Grapevines. Green iionse
Plants. 4c , ,t. PASCHALL MORRIS* CO.

Westchester, Pa., June 1, 1851.

DIXON & KEISK'S

POULTRY BOOK.

JU.ST PUBLISHED,

A TREATISE ON THE HISTORY AND AIAN-
AGE.MEN'T OK ORNA.MENTAL AND DO-
MESTIC POULTRY. By Rev EHmund Suil Di.\on,
A. M.. will large additions, by J J Kerr, M D. I'lus
trated wiih jixtv five portraiis, from nature, engraved
expressly for ihis work.

CONTENTS.
The Domestic Fowl.
Tlie Rearing and .Management o'' Fowls.
E:;gs — Their Color, Form and Se.\,
E^gs — Their Pr'^servaiioi. for Culinary Purposes.
Eggs — Their Preservation for Incubation,
V.irieties ot ihe Shangliae Fowl.
The Cochin China Fowl.

Burnham's Impor'ation of Cochin Chin-H Fowls,
The Malay Fowls, sometimes (though erronously)

called Chitiagong.
The Pheasant — Malay Fowl,
The Guelderland P'owl,
The Dorking Fowl — Colored Dorkings.
The Spanish F"owl,
The Game Fowl — The Mexican Hen Cock Game

Fowl.
The Chitiagongs, The lava, The Shakebag, and the

Jersey B.ue Fowls
The Poland or Polish Fowl.
The Spangled Haniburgs — Tho Bolion Greys or

Creole Fowls,
The Ruiiipless Fowl, the Silky and Negro Fowls,
the Frizzled or Friesland Fowl, the Cuckoo
Fowl, the Blue Dun Fowl, and the Lark-crested
Fowl.
The Smooth legged Bantam.

The Dung-hill Fowl, the Dominique Fowl, Colonel
Jacqnes' Chicken Coop, Devereux's ftlelhod of
Rearing Chickens without a Mother, and Cope's
Letter on Early Chickens,
Caponizing Fowls.
The Pea Fowl,
The IJing-necked Pheasant.
The 'Turkey.
The Guinea Fowl.
The .Mute Swan (Cvgnns Olor).
The AVildor Canada Goose,
The Domestic Goose.
The Hong Kong or China Goose.
The Bremen Goose,
The White-fronted or Laughing Goose.
The While China Goose.
The Bernicle Goose — The Brent Goose.
The Tame Duck,
This work is well bound in muslin, and is printed on the
finest paper. The illustratiois a;e engraved in the most
slegant manner, from original and ao-urate drawings, and
the whole is cue volume of 480 pagfs duodecimo, price SI.
A few copies have been colored Itjr naiure. Price for
the colored copies, S2, 50, For s le by all Bo'ksellers,
Md by the Publishers, E, H, BCTLtR &. CO.,

June l-3t 23 MixoB Street, Philada.

PHILADELPHIA & LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKE T.S- To sail from Pliiladeluhia on llie 15ih
and from Liverpool on the Isi of each month. '

From Phila. From Liverpool.

Ship SHENANDO.AH
Capt. W. P, Gardiner,

Newship WEsTMOEri.A.XD (

Capt. P. A. Decan, 3

New sh'p SuACKSuxo-N', (

Capt. W. H West.

Ship MARY PLEASANTS,'
Capt. R. R. Decan,

April

I5ih

■Aug,

I5ih

Dec,

l.'iili

.May,

15ih

Sept,

nih

Jan.

Kiih

June

loih

Oct.

l.'iih

Feb.

l.iih

July

l-dh

Nov.

15ih

Marc

hl5 h

Joi.u 1st

0,1, 1st

Feb. 1st

July 1st

Nov. 1st

Mar. 1st

Aog. 1st

L'cc. lat

April 1st

Sept. 1st

Jill 1st

ri'l , n . , ■ • ., - ''^l»y Ist

1 he above nrst class ships are built ol the Test ninieri-
als, and commanded by experienced navigators Due re-
gard has been paid lo select models for spe. d wi . com-
lort for passergeis. They will sail punctually on ihc days
advertised, taking advantage of the bleam tow boats on
the Delaware,

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, ran

obtain ceriiiicaies, which will be good fer twelve months.

Passage lo Liverpool in the cabin, Jigo

'■ " Forward cabin, 20

" " Steerage, i-2

Passage from Liverpool in ihe cabin, loo

" " Forward cabin, 23

" " Steerage, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 sterling and ppwards, at siohi, wiihout

disco.ini. Apply to GEO. McHEN R y"& CO.

June 1. 1S51. 37 WaliuUsiieet,

JOHN H, SMITH'S

RESOVATPi'G 01.\T31EXT & HORSE REiNOV.l'G POWIERS,

n ■'HE author of our exi.=tenceh,iii caused to crow up .»pontane-
X ously, tbrougbout tLc ivurld. such vegetable properties a.< will
at once euro, when prop.'ily applied, all curable diseases. Tho
proprietor of these truly valuable Medicines might fill a volume,
with Certificates and Tesliniouial.'; in favor of bis articles- but
considering such puffs wholly u.'ielcss, since they are so readily
manufactured, and m de use of to such an extent to palm off .^imo
useless trash upon the public. I shall, therefore, state at once, tho
variou.'i diseases that can be speedily cured by these Inv.-ihr.ble
Horse Renovating Powder.--, viz :—Glanders.Hidebound. and Hor-f.
Uistempcr. It also canies off all gross humors, and purifies the
blood. It is also a safe and certain cure for the Heaves; it will
also cleanse, at once, the stomach and maw from bots. worms. Sic
and again restore the stomach and bowels to healthy acti>,n '

S-MiTirs Renovating Oistmknt is an invaluable remedy for hor-
ses, in the cure ol the following diseases: Fresh Wounds. Gall.-* of
all kinds, Sprains, Bruises. Ringbones, Poll Evil, Wind Galls
Spavins, Sweeny, Fistula, Strains, Lameness, Foundered Feet,'
Craclvs, and Scratches.

The ,above articles are to be had in most of the Cities and prin-
cipal Villages throughout the United States, and the Canada.-!

For sale, wholesale and retail, at John H. Smith's Depot. .So 123
Fulton street, (2d floor.) New York.

Price. 25 cents per box for the Ointment; 50 cents for the Horse
Renovating Powders. For sale by DR. ELY PARRV,

April— 6mJ East King street. Lancastir. Pa.

The BEST and MO<T VALUABLE

Agricultural Implements & Marhincrj

Exhibited at the State Fair in 18o0. will be seen by the award of

Premiums below ;

AWARDED TO E. WHIT.MAN, JR.,

55 Light Street, Baltimore, by the Maryland State

^Agricultural Society,
■At their 3rd Annual Fair, held in Baltimore 23d. 2-lth and '""^th

October. 1830.
For the best Plow in the Plowing .Match, the Prouty &

Wears No 5J $40 09

For the best Plowing with Ox Team, same plow, (Special

Premium) -.-... --2 00

For the beet Plow on Exhibition, Ruggles, Nourse. Mason

S: Co's No. 3. 1st Premium. - - . .'_ _ goo
For the beet Railway Horse-power, Whitman's Improved,

1st Premium, - . - - . . . -15 00

For the best Hay Press. 1st Premium, - - - - 25 tiO
For the best Cornsheller, 1st Premium, - - - . 4 00
For the best Field Roller, 1st Premium, - - - . 8 llO
Forthebest Corn-Stalk tuttersandGriuders,l6t Premium, 6 DO
For the best Churns, 1st Preiuium. - - - - - 4 uo
For th" best llay and Manure Fork. 1st Premium, - - 2 00
For the best Hay Rakes, 1st Premium, - - - - 2i4
b'cx thu best CulUvator, 1st Premium, - . - 4 u9

126

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[July,

IligliSaud IVuiseries, JVe^vburgli K. Y.

AS\UIj & CO. beg leave to call the attention of Dealers
- and Planters of Trees, and the public in general, to their ve-
ry Urge and complete stock of FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL
TREb^S. which they offer for sale the coming spring. The trees
(rf theso Nurseries are all grown on the premises, and propagated
under the immediate supervision of Mr. Saul, whose long connec-
tion with this e.«tabli.^hnient, is some guarantee lor the accuracy
of the Btock now offered for sale. It consists in part of over

20,1)U0 Tear Trees, 5 to 8 feet high, and embracing all the load-
ing Standard Varieties, as well as those recently introduced, of
merit, cither of American or Foreign origin.

20.000 Apple Trees, of Extra size. 8 to 10 and 12 feet high, in-
cluding every variety worthy of cultivation.

10 000 rium Trees, 5 to 8 feet, of every known kind of rcputa-
tltm. as well as all the novelties of recent introduction.

10.000 Clierry Tre^s, 6 to 8 teet and over, among which will be
found all the d«irable and choice varieties.

A large stock of handsome, well grown trees, of Peach. Apricot,
Nectarine and Quince, in every variety. Also,

Grapfvines. N;itive and Foreign; Ilaspberrieg, Gooseberries and
Currants. Strawberry Plants and Ksculeot Roots, i^ucb as Aspar-
agus. Rhubarb. Scakale, &c.. of the most approved kinds.

Pear and Quince. Cherry on Mahaleb. and Apple on Paradise
stocks— for Pyramids or Dwarfs for garden culture, and embraces
all the kinds that succeed on those stocks.

Deciduous and Eocrgrcen Ornamental Trees and
Shrubs.

lOO-OOt Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees. en>bracing
all the well koowu kinds suitable for street planting of extra si=e;
guch as Sugar and ^>ilver Maple. Chinese Ailantus, lloi-se Chesnut,
Catalpa. European and American A.sh. Three Tborned Acacia.
Kentucky Coffee Tree. Silver Abele Tree, American and Europe-
an Basswood or Linden, American aud European Elm, in several
varieties. &c. Also all tht* more rare and select, as well as well
known kinds suitable for Arboretums, Lawns and door-yard plant-
ing. &.C.; such as Doedar and Lebanon Cedars; Araucaria or Cbil-
ianPinc; Cryptomeria japonira; the different varieties of Pines,
Firs. Spruces, Vews. Arborvietas. &c.

WEEPING TREKS— New Weeping Ash. (Fraxious lentiscl-
folia pcudula) the Old Weeping A?h. Weeping Japanese Sophora,
Weeping Elms, (of sorts) Umbrella Headed Locust. Weeping
Mountain Ash. Weeping Beech, &c.. &c. ; together with cv-.-ry
variety of rare M:iple, Native and Foreign; 1- er iiijjpeaauU
mond aud Cherry; Chesnuts. Spanish and American; Tom sage
Copper Beech; Judas Tree, Larch. Cum Tree, Tulip Tree, O auj
Oi-ange. Paulownia. Mountain A:?h, (American and Eurupe:ii,(j
Magnolias of sorts, with many other things— including some uU-
varieties of Shrubs, Vines, &c.. for which sec Catalogue, anew aid
ition of which is just issued, and will be forwarded to all post p
applicants.

A large quantity of Arborvitre for Screens, and Buckthorn and
Osage for Hedge plants.

The above will be sold on as liberal terms as similar stock can
be purchased elsewhere. For further particulars we would again
refer to priced Catalogue. A liberal discount will be made to
persons who buy, to sell again, aud extensive planters, on their
own acouunt. April

Seed and Agricultural Warehouse,

104^ Market Street, Philadelphia.

WE offer to our friend.s and custumers. the largest assortment
of Agricultural implements, Garden tools, and ^ceds, ever
frffered in tbis iMarket, consisting in part of the following, viz : —
Prouty and Mears' Patent highest premium self-sharpening
Ploughs, right and left handed side bill Subsoil, of various sizes,
ef Fupi'iior materials and workman.ship. warranted to give satis-
faction, or the money returned — Four highest premiums awardfed
to these Ploughs at the New York Fair, 1850. Also, Beach and
Car Share Ploughs; Spain's improved Barrel Churn, constructed
in such a manner that the dasher may be removed from the in-
pide of the Churn by simply unscrewing the handle from the
dasher. Hay. Straw and (orn-stajk cutters, in great variety,
among which may be found Hovcy's superior premium straw-cut-
ter, of every size.

Also. Horse-power Tbrc-^hing Machines. Fan Mills. Corn Shel-
lers. Cheese Presses. Seed Planters, Dirt Scrapers, Sugar Mills. Ox
Yokes and Bows. Turnip Drills, Horse Rakes, Swathe Scythes,
Concaved Hoe.c, Spring Tempered Cast Steel. Oval, and Square
Manure and Hay Forks, Pruning Shears and (.'hisels. Beach and
Bar Share, repairing pieces and casting?!. Peruvian, Patagonia
and prepared Guano, together with a complete assortment of
Etiase. garden and field seeds, all of which will be sold at the low-
est poftiible prices, at 191^ Market street, Philadelphia.

Apyil 9-tr PROUTY & BARItE-TT.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS
And Tliresliln^ JUacbiue Makers.

THE subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the public
that he has lately perfected a new Threshing Machine and Horse
Power, which in point of strength, durability, lightness of draught
and convenience in mopiug is not surpassed or equalled by any
Machine in the United States; he also confidently affirms that no
Machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as low. —
The invention of this Machine has been the result of several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy — but we doclaim to have
discovered a plan by which old philosophical princijdes are more
correctly and advantageously applied than on any other Machine.
This invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at Lsrael W. Groff's Machine Shop
and at Prime &. Colestock's Sash Factory in North Duke street.
Lancaster city, at retail or by wholesale on the most reasonable
terms.

The Power weighs 600 pound?. It is made entirely of Iron with
Steel Journals, and is warranted to hold 8 Horses should it any
time be necessary to use so many. From 2 to 4 Hort^es are a suffic-
ient number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for Shop purposes that will be the cheapest and
most couveuit'ut thing in use; it might also be used with 2 or 3
Horses for threshing; the Powers and Cylinders and Concave' can
be had by tlie Machine makers throughout the country on the
most reasonable terms.

•^^ All orders directed to the subscriber at Lancaster city will
be thankfully received and promptly attended to.

Lanc'r, April SAMUEL PELTON, Jr.

Oilmore's Bee-Hive, &c.

THE attention of Bee culturists is invited to this improved
plan.
Mr. Gilmore is a gentleman of great experience and success in
the culture of Bees; his improvement is the result of many years
trial; his result has no parallel in the history of the past.

The Agent of the '• Pennsylvania Farm Journal '' is the Agent
of Gilmore's System of Hiving and Feeding the Bee in this State.

The price of a Hive and Fixtures $3,00

" " " FamilyRight, 3,00

Township Rights from $10 to $20.
County •• '^ $30 ■' $200.

"A Talk about the Honey Bee," a defence of Gilmore's sys-
tem, contains, also, testimonials, awards of Premiums to^Gilmore.
from the leading Fairs and Institutes in this Country ; 12 cents
single; $1,00 per dozen — gratis to patrons.

Circulars sent to any applicant. Address, post paid,

J. B. MAYNARD.
April— tf Lancaster. Pa.

HAVE been distributed throughout the Union, The concern
has been in successful operation for upwards of Sfxiy Vears^
and may be said to have grown up with the City of I'hiladelphia,
where it was at first located. It has been gradually enl-irged to
meet the gi'owing wants of the public, and is now, as it ever has
been, the moetextensive of its kind in this country. Thegrounde
iu cultivation being ten-fold greater than those oi any similar
concern in the United States.

As the Seeds sold by the proprietor are (with slight exception)
of his own raising he is. consequently, enabled to [p^ JVarravl
them , a matter of importance to the purchaser of an article, the
quality of which cannot be determined by the eye. Descriptive
Catalogues iu English and German gratis

Also for sale, Implements for Farm and Garden in large variety.
LANDIIKTH'S Agricultural Ware House,

April Sign of the Plough, 65 Chesnut st,, Philadelphia.

Seed and Agricultural YVareliouse.

No. 29, Market Street, Phila.

HERE the subscriber has ooened an extensive assortment oi
GRASS AND GARDEN SEEDS, of his own raising, Of recent impor-
tationjand warranted to be as represeuted.

He 18, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultural
Implements, among vi'hich he would call the attention oi P'armeri
to a new article, of Plow, of his own iuventiun, called Cast-Steel,
Exteiuling Point, Self-Sharpening, Surface and Snhsoil Plows,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequallecl.

The great advantages these Plows poBsess over all othere, are
their peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Steel in the
place of Cast-iron, which only wants to be seen to be appreciated ;
all of which will be sold on the most reasonable prices by

May. 1851. C. B. ROGERS.

1851.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

127

"Get the Best."

\ LL young persons should have a standard DICTIONARY at
jTjl their elhows. And while you are about it, get the best; that
Dictionary is NOAH WEBSTER'S, the great work abridged. If
you are too poor, save the amount from off your baclt, to put it
into your head. — Phrenolog. Journal.

Dr. Webster's great work is the best Dictionary of the English
language. — London Morning Chronicle.

This volume must find its way into all our public and good pri-
vate libraries, for it provides the Knglish student with a mass ot
the most valuable information, which he in vain seeks lor else-
wliere. — London Literary Gazette.

The very large and increasing demand for this work, affords
the bi-st possible evidcTice to the publishers that it is highly
"acceptable to the great body ot the American people."

Containing three times the amount of matter of any other En-
glish Dictionary compiltd in this country, or any Abridgment of
this work.

Published by G, & C. MF.RRI.^M. Springfield. Mass., and for
sale by W. n. SPANGLER, Lancaster, Pa. April,

NEW YORK
Agricultural IVareliouse &, Seed Store,

189 and 191 IVater Street.

THIS is by far the most extensive establishment in New York.
It occupies nearly the whole of three large five-story stores.
and contains a varied and complete assortment of every descrip-
tion of Agricultural and Horticultural Implements, and Field and
tiarden Seeds required in the United States. We have upward of
One Hundred of the latest improved kinds of Plows, mostly man-
ufactured by us. expressly for the different States of the Union.
Golifornia and Oregon, the British Provinces, the West India
Islands. Mexico, and South America. Also Harrows. Rollers. Seed
Sowers. Cultivators, Horse Powers.Threshers. CornShcUers. Reap-
ing and Mowing Machines, Hay, Cotton, Tobacco, Oil. and Dry
Oood Presses, Brick Machines, Shovels, Spades. Hose. Manure and
Hay Forks. &c.,&e.

Garden Imjilvmcnts. — These are imported by us direct from the
English manufacturers, or made here to our order. They consist
of a great variety of the choicest kinds such as Trenching and
Weeding Forks, Pruning and Hedge Shears, Flower and Twig
Cutters, A:c. The assortment for ladies is particularly choice and
well selected.

Field and Garden Seeds. — Those are grown expressly for us
both in Europe and this country. They aroof theehoic"--st kinds.
and of great variety. We also obtain, as soon as sufBciently tried
Bud well approved, every new kind of seed suitable to be cultivated
in the United States.

Fertilizers. — Peruvian and Patagonian Guano, Bouedust, Poud-
r«tte, Plaster of Paris, i^-c.

Manufactory of .Agricultural Implevients.—We have a large
manufacturing (.■.-■tablishment in this city, where we will promptly
make to order any new article or implement required by the Far-
mer or Planter.

Excelsior Sand Paper. — A new and very superior kind of the
different numbers in use by Machinists, Cabinet Makers. &c.

The ^American ^Agriculturist, a monthlv publication of 32 pages.
Price one dollar a year. A. B. ALLEN & CO ,

April 189 and 191 Water-street. New York.

Heiuitsti's German Cattle Poitvder*

THIS Powder is celebrated for the
cure and prevention of all diseases
to which Cattle. Milch Cows, Sheepand
Pigs are subject, and is the only prep-
aration upon which full contidence
can be placed. For Milch Cows it is
of the greatest importance, wonder-
fally increasing the quantity and
quality of their milk, and will effectually prevent and cure IIol
low Horn, Murrain. &c.

VEGETABLE HORSE-POWDER.

Whi.'h will cure Distemper, Hidebound. Loss of
Appetite, Founder, Yellow Water, Lowness of
Spirits. Inward Sprains, Infiamation and Heat in
the System, and all other diseases to which Horses
I are subject,

HORSE EMBROCATION.— For the cure of
external injuries, as Wounds. Bruises, Cuts. Rub
Wng of the Saddle. Collar or Harness, Stiffness in the Joints
Swellings. Sweeny, &c. Prepared and sold at

CHARLES A. IIEINITSH'S,
Medicinal, Drug and Chemical Store, No. 13 East King st.,
April — tf Lancaster.

New and Popular Scbool Book.

THE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF UNIVERSAL HIS-
TORY, with a biography of distinguished persons from the
earliest perijid to the present time; to which is appended an epi-
ttHne of Heathen Mythology, Natural Philosophy. General Astron-
omy and Physiology, on the basis of -'Historical aud Miscellane-
OU3 Questions,'' l)y Richmal Mangnal. Adopted to the use of
American schools.
Published and for sale by E. B. JONES fo CO..

S. W. corner of Fourth and Race Rt., Philadelphi.a
N. B — Teachers and School CommiUees furnished with copies
f<T examination. AddresB, poet paid. April— tf

$500 to $2,000 39 Yar.

lOOO AGEIVTS IVAIVTED.

IN all the States of the Union, to canvass for the following Im-
portant and Valuable Works, which are sold by subscription.
We have now about two hundred Agents in the field, many of
them clearing from two to kigiit dollars pkr day. It will be seen
that they are all of a very popular and desirable kind, and calcu-
lated to please almost every taste. For further particulars apply
(post paid) to the publishers. DERBY & MILLER.

Auburn. N. Y.

"HOW A FARMER MAY BECOME RICH."

BLAKE'S FARMER'S EVERY DAY BOOK,

Or. how a Farmer can become Rich— bting sketches of Life in the
Country; with the Popular Elements of practical and theoretical
Agriculture, and twelve hundred Laconics and Apathcgms rela-
ting to Morals. Regime aud general Literature; also .500 Receipts
on Health. Cookery aud Domestic Economy; with 10 fine illustra-
tions respecting the various scenes attendant upon farming, etc.
By John L. Blake. D. D.. author of "Biographical Dictionary,"
•■ l-'amily Encyclopedia,'' i^-c.

The publishers respectfully announce, that they have under-
taken the publication of this large and beautiful work, with a
view to supply a de>ideratum that has long been ftlt— a book for
EVERY FAR.MER'a LiBnARv; belicving that tlic vencrablc autlior has
produced a work th.at will be worth its weight in gold to every
farmer's family that thoroughly peruse it. It is proper to stat«
that Dr. Blake is a practical faumer, and has reclaimed a sterile
and worn out piece of land into a valuable and productive farm —
which experience, with his well known qualifications as au author,
peculiarly fit liim to prepare a book for farmers.

The work contains G54 pages, large octavo, with a motto sur-
rounding each page— is printed on fine paper, and bound in sub-
stantial imitation Turkey Morocco, gilt back. Invariable retail
price, !^3.00.

Ageuts wanted to canvass for the above.

FROST'S PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.

The History of the State of Califurnii. from the earJitst period
of her conquest by the Spaniards, to her acquisition l)y the United
States; with an account of the discovery of the imnftn-e Gold
Mines, and the quantity of Gold already obtained; the enormous
increase of population; a description of the mineral and agricul-
tural resources of the country; with adventures and tr'ivels among
the Mines. Also, advice to Emigrants, as to the most desirable
routes thither. To which i.^^ added the Constitution of the State
of California; with numerous illustrations. and amap of California
and the Gold Mines; in one octavo volume. 510 pages; bound in
same style as Mexican War. Retail price, ^2 50.

" I am prepared— I have endeavored to do my duty."

THE LIFE OF ZACHARY TAYLOR,

Late President of the United States, including the closing scenes
of his life and death. By H. Monigomcry. Embelli.'ihed with a
steel portrait and 15 illustrations; in one elegant octavo volume.
463 pages, well printed on fine paper^ and bound in substantial
morocco.gilt back.

The lightnings may flash, the thunders may rattle,
He hears not. be heeds not. he's free from all pain,
He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle,
No sound can awake him to glory again.
More than 20 000 copies of the above work have been sold by us
and the demand is unabated. It is allowed by critics to be the
most compltte and authentic copy of any ot the works purporting
to be a Lite of the Great Man of the Age, Retail price, ^2 00.

A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE WAR BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO,

From the commencement of the battles, to the ratification of the
Treaty of Peace; containing a concise account of the splendid
military achievements and glorious victories of the American
Army under Generals Taylor and Scott, and their gallant com-
patriots in arms. Also, a concise accouut of the new El Dorado,
the Golden Land of California, which was annexed to the United
States by the treaty of peace. Illu.strated with 24 portraits and
battle scenes, and a steel likeness of General Taylor. By John S
Jenkins, author of '-The Life of Silas Wright," ■■ Lives of Ameri-
can Generals," etc.. etc. The work is bound in elegant and sub-
stantial morocco, gilt back, and contains 52G pages. A fine Map
of Mexico and California accompanies each book.

**' 12 000 copies of the above work have been sold by us, chiefly
in N. Y. State. It is pronounced by crictics as the only corapiei«
and impartial history of the war extant. Subscription price ^2.50,

April

SCATTERGOOD & HOWELL,

DESIGNING, DRAWING

And Wood Sng^raving* Sstablisliitienf,

Inquirer Buildi77s^^ Third Street, belotv Chesnut st,^

PHILADELPHIA,

■WATKaCoLOE Drawing, Portraits. BurLOixas, Maohi" KRr, News

i-APBR Hk.id3. Labels, Seals, S^c Drawn and Engraved

A pril,-tf

in the Be8T manner and on the most
reaeonable Terms.

12S

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[July,

lleUleweAl &. Uavi^jon':^ 8aitS ag'aiusa
Guaiao.

A CHALLENGE! !!

THK dcpp intcrpst now tukon by Agriculturists in all tlcpcrip-
tiotis of uKinure. would (ft-cm to justily any fxpL-iUt-nt. by
which fair ami unprrjuUicfd expL-rinnnts may hu m;ulc df Ihn va-
rious descri|itions of manure at tbis tiuic attraciii)/;^ liie atti-ntlon
of tilt-' public. In view ul' lliis. and tlie undyrsignt-d hrtoi'slly hv-
Iit3viiij5 that the ('ht'niical Compound manufactured by thi-m. is
the bc-t manure of wbich any kuowlcdgi* is bad tor a C«?'(i CiOji;
challenges Ciuano to the test upon tlie follovviuic condition: — Hi-
will forlViL Otii: Hundied Dollars, tn bf presented to the Maryland
Agricultural Society, if any advocate uf Guano will do the .^ame.
th.it the llenovntor compounded liy Kettlewell ii Davison, will
produce upon, any soil, the lar^^est crop ot wtl^ked corn, wilhout
regard to the size of the stalk, provided the President of the State
Agricultural Society will select some person, in his judgment
qualified, to superintend the experimtlit. The nature of the .«oil
to be described, so that each parly can direct the mode of appil-
catiou; two liarrels of the Salts to be used per acre, cofting ^6
a^id 31j0 lbs. of the Guano, costing $7 -U. the party making the
experiment to receive the manure free of cost. And the same
amount against any manure as a top dressing upon timothy or

clover. JOH.V JiElTLEWELL.

Ktltlewell 4" Davison af^ain c.iU the attention of Agriculturists
to their various Chemical Manures — and in so doing, they would
be insensible to common gratitude, if they failed to express their
prolound acknowledgments tor the constant and increasing de-
mand, which flows in upon them fnr their simple and compound
manures. Each season has greatly increased their sales, exteud-
ing as far south as South Caroliua,

i hey can give no stronge. evidence of their faith in the vir-
iui 8 of their manure, as the be?t known for a- corn crop than the
tirdirsthey make aljove ; and the certiticatcs nhieh they hi^rc-
with present. In the offer of a test, it is not the amount involv-
ed, but the willingness to challenge result, that speaks their in-
tegrity and contideuce. W'e could add any amount to the testi-
mony we publish; but if the names we refer to. do not commaud
confidence no additional uumber could. V^e have never boasted
of the quality of our article, we have been content to leave a de-
cision to time. deni:ind and experiment, that has been in our fa-
vor—hoping, if we have less of ■■ Bi-phosphates.*' the public would
discover it. as they would if it was found we had more of- sand"
than any thing else. Kettlewell & Davisow.

Office at Ober 4' McConkey's. corner of Loiuhard and llano cer
Strttts. Factory, Fcdtral ll'tll.

Bl-l'ilOSPHATKS.

"Wc keep constantly on hand this valuable manure. Bones,
with a proper portion ot the l?ulphate of Ammoni.a, dis.'^olved in
Sulphuric Acid. The Chemists nf this country and Europe have
been pressing this mode of using hone-dust upon the atten-
tion of farmers, with great zeal and abilify of recent years. Ev-
ery experiment lias confirmed the truthfulness of their theory;
end we hazard liut little in saying that in a very brief time it
will be used in no other way. It is prepared so as to be sown sim
ilar to the salts, at the rate of one or two barrels to the acre —
The price of this article is $4 per barrel. Let the farmer who
doubts, try it at a less expense than the old mode of using bone-
dust.

TOBACCO GENERATOR.

This is a chemical compound, made expressly for the growth of
the Tobacco plant. "We will call more special attention to it at
the proper season.

■ CHEMICAL RESIDIUMS.

We have constantly on bund <_ hemical Residiums of every
description. Full information of which can be had by applica-
tion to us.

COMBINATION OF GROUND PLASTER AND
POTASH.

This is a preparation made for soil deficient in Potash, of which
deficiency there is. unfortunately, too many instances in much of
our Maryland laud. For this compound we are indebted to the
Buggestion of an accomplished Agriculturist of Prince George's
county, who may at some future day present the result of hia ex-
periment. The price of this is !f 2 60 per barret.

DIRECTIONS.

The mode of using the Kenovatnr is simple, inexpen-oive, and
requiring but little labor. The farmer must bear in mind, that
in the preparation of his soil he shares an equal responsibility in
testing the merits of any manure. Lnud negligently or badly
euUivated gives no manure a fair chance. How to put laud in or-
der he ought to know better than we can teach liim; and if he
don't know, should Uarn as speedily as possilde. The land, then,
in order— if one barrel to the acre is used— and this quantity de-
pends upon the quality of the land— it should, for grain bo sown
broad cast, and slightly harrowed in.

If two barrels are used, one as stated above, and the other afl a
top-dressiDg upon the wheat or rye, enrly in the spring at the
commencomont of the first thaw. Upon grass it should be sown
broad-cast upon the timothy or clover. Un corn, either broad-
east or in the hill. Where two barrels are used, one each way

ttS- I'KICE of the RENOVATOll. ^20 PER TON, or i3 PER
BARREL. Apift-tf

Wm. B. Wii-eYj Jub Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

i\ew lorK State Agriculturafl ^'orKs

Agricultural Machines and Implements,
WHEELER, .MELICK & CO.,

CONTINUE their manufactory nt the corner of Liberty
IlMniilton streets. ALBANY, where they are prepared ti
all orders with despatch.

and

to fill

ORDERS FOR

TVheehr^s Patent liai/way. Chain Horse Potvers, and

Overshot Threshers and Separators, tvill re-

ceive their prompt attention.

>8fS^ The large and increasing demand for these Machines has
induced the Proprietors to erect a New and ?*pacious Manufacto-
ry, and otherwise extend their means of promptly filling orders, —
Tlieir Powers and Threshers have been sold in nearly every State
in the Union, during the past year, and their superiority has been
acknowledged by numerous testimonials, not only from Agricul-
tural Societies but from persons who have used them. They
have been awarded the First Premiums at all the principal Fair*
where they have been exhibited in operation, including the Penn-
eylvania State Fair, the Provincial Fair of Upper Canada.and the
Michigan and Ohio State Fairs, together with numerous County
Exhibitiuns in the different States.

The TWO HOHSK MACHINE, with from three to five hands,
will thresh from 125 to 200 bushels of Wheat per day, or twice that
quantity of Oats.

The One Horse Machine will thresh rather more than half that
quantity.

PRICE AT ALBANY:

For Two Home Machines $145 00

For One Horse do $120 00

Machines will be shipped to order tn any part of the United
&ta.tcfi or the CAnadas. JS^ arid watranttd to gii^e sat Ufac lion t9
the purchaser, or tkey viay he returiied within sixty days.

The subscribers also manufacture and will furnish to order the
most approved kinds of
Feed Cutters, Clover Mutters, Circular Saw Jlfi/I.9,S(^e.

They will also furnish Horse Powers properly Geeredfcr driving
Churns, EltTaiing Grain, or other purposes to which Hurse Power
can be appU«a, WHEELER, MELlCK & CO ,

AprU— 2t ConiMr of Hamilton and Liberty sts., Albany, lV,

VOL. 1.

LANCASTER, PA., AUGUST, 1851.

NO. 5.

T II E F A R M J 0 U R N A L

S. S. HAtDEMAN, Editor.

Entomology, No. 4.

BV THE EDITOR.

Eriosoma lanigera — (by some named Friosoma
malt.) — This destructive enemy of apple trees is
known as the American hUijlit in England, where it
is believed to be of American origin — erroneouslv in
the opinion of Dr. Harris (Noxious Insects, p. 193).
From its numbers, and the extent to which it is
spread, in Europe, that seems more likely to be its
native country. Here it is still comparatively rare,
and Dr. Harris having seldom seen it in Massachu-
setts.

The generic name Erisomu raaa-az xooolh/ body, and
the trivial name lanigera means tcool-beariiig, the in-
sect having been considered an Aphis by Hausman,
a German observer, who named it Aphis lanigera in
1801. Plot, a French observer, gave it, in 1830, the
French name of Mi/zoxyle du pommier,
the first name moaning wood sucker, and
the last of the apple tree, and some au-
thors have attempted to give a latinised
form of this priority over the regular
scientific name of Eriosoma.

Apple trees may be entirely destroyed
by this insect, and its progress is so gra-
dual and its presence so likely to be un-
observed, that it may be .pretty widely
spread before the cultivator is aware of
its presence.

The small and more tender branches
of the tree are chiefly attacked, present-
ing unsightly wounds, as if the bark had
been cut off in spots or strips, and grown
over and partly or entirely healed, whilst
twigs will be bent and distorted. An
examination will disclose little white
masses apparently of wool, cotton, or
Fig.l. cobweb, as in Pig. 1, which represents

TOL. I — G.

an infected branch from one of our own trees. If
the woolly mass is examined, it wiU be found to arise
from the body of a colony of small oval wingless in-
sects less than the tenth of an
inch long, with younger indivi.
duals down to one-fiftieth of an
inch in length. Fi.f/. 2, is a
magnified view of the insect,
with an antenna and the ros-
trum on the right. The natural
P,„. color of the insect is reddish,

with the segments distinct, the antenniB are short and
generally inclined outwards and backwards, the feet
weak and slender, and the rostrum more than half
the length of the body, apparently three jointed, and
adapted for piercing the bark. i

The young individuals have but little wool, but it
grows with its growth, especially upon the posterior
part of the body, so that they are finally entirely
covered with it, a colony presenting nothing but a
mass of wool, which is often half an inch thick. —
They are sjuggish in their motions, young and old
generally remaining quietly attached to the place
upon which they are located, with their rostrum
stvick in the bark.

These insects are easily wafted upon their downy
covering from tree to tree by the wind. Some ob-
servers say that they never acquire wings, whilst
Plot, already alluded to, says that the males have
them. These are found in autumn, and are smaller
than the females.

When the Eriosoma gets old, it loses most of its
down and gets a more sombre color. Dead ones of a
black color are frequently found fastened to the
branches, and in many cases a small perforation may
be seen upon the upper surface of the posterior ex-
tremity, which has given exit to a small parasitic
enemy which destroys a great many of them. Not
having met with a description of this parasite, we
propose to name it EriopMhts malt. The Eriosoma
is also devoured by the larva of a species of fly of the
genus Syrphus, which also attacks aphides.

130

EDITORIAL.

[August,

In Europe apple trees are sometimes so full of this
insect as to present the appearance of being covered
with cotton, anil in such a case nothing can 1)0 clone
to save them, so tliat they had better be cut down
and burnt, and if a whole orchard is thus affected, it
ghould be sacrificed, and a new one planted at a dif-
ferent place, ill a dry and airy location, care being
taken to examine the young trees from time to time,
to detect the first appearance of the insect, when they
may be crushed with the hand, which is our own
practice.

When the number of affected places is considera-
ble, they may be rubbed with a hard brush, or wash
ed with oil, white-wash, soft soap, tobacco water, oil
of turpentine, lye, or potash water, the old bark being
first removed, as well as suckers and small branches
which have been attacked. As the insect descends
to the roots, the treatment adopted must extend to
these, the earth around the base of the trunk being
removed for the purpose, and the cavity afterwards
filled with sand.

M. Plot recommends grafting upon stocks of harsh
and bitter kinds of apple, as the insect is apt to avoid
these for the trunks of the sweeter kinds — to give the
trees as little shelter as possible — to allow considera-
ble space between them — to keep the branches thinned
by pruning — and to allow neither grass nor suckers
about the trunk.

Trogus fulvus. — This hymenopterous insect is the
size of the figure, of a fulvous or fox color, except the

antennae and wings,
which are black. It
appears in Pennsylva-
nia in May and .June,
and belongs to the fa-
mily of Ichneumonidaa
being closely allied to
Ichneumon. All the
members of this fami"
ly are parasitic, parti-
cularly in caterpillars,
of which they destroy vast numbers. The Ichneu-
mon pierces the skin of the catterpillar or other larva
and inserts its egg or eggs. AVhen there is not much
difference in the size of the Ichneumon and the cater-
pillar, but one egg is inserted, but when a small Ich-
neumon attacks a large caterpillar, forty or fifty eggs
may be inserted.

A curious fact in the economy of the larva; of the
Ichneumon is, that whilst they feed within the body
of the caterpillar, and upon its internal parts ; the
organs upon which the life of the latter depends are
left untouched, as the premature death of the cater-
pillar would cause that of the parasites. When near-
ly ready to enter the pupa state, these parasites some-
times devour the entrails of the caterpillar, and in
many cases this is able to form a cocoon and enter
the pupa state, so that the cocoon of a butterfly may

have the appearance of giving tiirth to an Ichneu-
mon. In some cases the parasitic larvre perforate the
skin of the caterpillar and form their cocoons upon
the outside; but in general they come forth in their
perfect state.

The Ichneumons are very active on the wing and
on foot, and their antennas are kept in a constant
tremor. Some members of the family have a slender
thread-like ovipositor several inches long, with which
they pierce and convoy their eggs into larvic buried
in their burrows in wood, and it is difficult to account
for the ability to accomplish this, as the insect must
operate from the outside, both in discovering the
presence of the larva, and in depositing its eggs.

E. Blanchard, a French author, states a fact which
shows the extent to whic'.i caterpillars are destroyed
by ichneumons; namely, out of Itco Inindred cater-
pillars which destroy cabbage, and which were taken
to ascertain the number of them which would become
butterflies, but three produced them, the remaining
one hundred and ninety-seven being destroyed by a
small parasite of the genus Microgaster.

Some parasitic Hymcnoptera are so small that ther«
is room in the egg of a butterfly for several of them,
and they are deposited here, instead of in the cater-
pillar. The Ichneumon family is not tho only one
which is parasitic, other families of Hymcnoptera
having the same general habits.

Eriophilus MALI. — The new generic name (mean-
ing tvool-loving) is given in allusion to Eriosoma, upon
which this insect is parasitic ; and the trivial name
mati has reference to the apple tree, upon which it i«
found. Observing the dead and black specimens of
Eriosoma with the body plunp, but hollow, and a
small perforation posteriorly, we examined other in-
dividuals without the perforation, and found them to
contain the naked pupa of a minute hymenopteroui
insect, which, before it left the larva state must ha\'«
bored through the belly of the Eriosoma and affixed
it to the branch.

This insect belongs to the family of Chalcididcr,
and has the following generic characters. Head free,
transverse, eyes large and set with short stifle hairs ;

antennae ( see the

additional figure, )
with short pile el-
bowed, with six ar-
ticulations, the first
long (in the male),
the 2d obconical, th«
3d and 4th short and
equal, the 5th sub-
cylindrical, and th«
Eriophilus mali. 6th fusiform; in th«

female the flagellum is fusiform, (see the left hand
figure) the 2d and 5th joints short, and the wingi
ample, the anterior one with the subcostal vein straight,
the stigmal branch very short, and difficult to distin-

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

131

guish ; basal portion of the disk without pile, anterior
and exterior margin short ciliate; posterior wing ci-
liate witli long hairs. Feet slender, pentamerous,
adapted for leaping; medial tibial spine long, ante-
rior one curved. Abdomen sessile, and rather long,
having a sharp slender essertile sting or ovipositor in
the female ; Pupa without a follicle.

Specijic cliaracter. Length one twenty-fifth of an
inch, expanse of the wings about twice this amount.
Body shining black, with a few hairs; front vertical-
ly impressed upon each side of the middle for the
antennM ; eyes violet, scabrous, short pilose ; anteniuu
(except the first and base of the second joint) white.
Wings with two straight linos of pile running at an
acute angle from the end of the subcostal vein across
the disk, which is densely pilose exterior to them. —
Base of the abdomen yellow, followed above by seve-
ral indistinct brownish transverse bands. Anterior
feet lohife, the femora (except the apex) black; medial
femora black, base and apex ivhite, tibise black with
the apex and the tarsi, wJtitc. Posterior femora, and
tarsi (except the base) white. Leaps with agility.- —
The genus seems to have some affinity with Agonion-
curus.

For the purpose of condensing the figure the wings
of the left, and the feet of the right side have alone
been represented — a mode frequently resorted to in
entomological works.

The assertion that the young pierce the bark of
pine trees and cause a frothy secretion, is incorrect,
as these leave the tree :is soon as they are hatched.
The insect which causes the secretion in question,
belongs to the genus Aphrophora, which bears some
resemblance to the cicada, but is much smaller.

Cicada septendecim.

In our la.st number (p. 99) we detailed some expe-
riments upon the seventeen year cicada, which we
now continue. The male and female stated to have
been alive upon the birch branch on the 18th of
June, died, the male on the 20th, and the female on
the 21st.

Of the single female and male living on the apple
branch on the 17th, the male died on the 19th, and
the female upon the 22d.

A discrepancy will appear in the number of insects
used in the experiment, which amounted to four
pair, three of which were upon the apple branch.

This experiment shows that the male may live ten
and the female eleven days, after the period of im-
pregnation. The period through which the brood
h.as extended in L.incaster county has been about a
month and a half, say from the 20th of May to the
4th of July.

Mr. Peter A. Browne informs us that he pierced
his skin with the ovipositor so as to bring blood, with-
out experiencing any evil effect, and we found the
hausiellum or snout too weak to pierce the skin.

One newspaper account which represented a boy
as having been stung, probably referred to a hornet,
as the insect was not stated to have been examined ;
and the statement about the poison turning the ap-
plied flesh of several fowls black, is iv mere stretch
of the imagination.

To Correspondeuts.

Ti/pographical errors have been much too frequent
in the pages of the Journal, and unfortunately they
are not confined to technical or unusual words, Jteep
in one place standing for head. In the Horticultural
department we find errors like calcolularia instead of
calceolaria, which renders a refference to names of
plants nearly worthless. Technical words and proper
names should be written with the greatest care, the
safest way being not to join the letters, and to make
n and u conform to print, or they cannot be distin-
guished with certainty in a strange word.

The editor lives in the country at a distance from
the office, so that he seldom has an opportunity to
correct the proofs, but endeavors will be made to give
less occasion for complaint in future.

No one in particular is responsible for the scraps of
a few lines in length which are selected from news
papers to fill space at the bottom of short columns
had we seen that on lard candles on page 100, we
would have ommitted the last sentence.

The potato was not a native of Virginia at the pe-
riod of its discovery, nor did Raleigh introduce it
from there into England, as most books on the sub-
ject assert. It is a native of South America, where
it is still found wild, with numerous other plants be-
longing to the same natural order.

Farming, without science, is like quackery in the
practice of medicine and surgery — a little experience
goes a great ways, and quacks sometimes hit right,
and so do uneducated farmers, and nature does the
rest. A good constitution and a slight aflectiou may
do well in the hands of a medical quack, and a rich
soil, until exhausted, yield fair crops to hereditary or
traditional tillage.

There may be some excuse for medical quackery,
or good reasons why more than the ignorant tolerate
it. The science of medicine, though one of the old-
est, is not perfect, and its great truths have heretofore
been locked up in the Schools— a sealed book to the
million — and those who have just dipped into the
surface of a science have more faith therein than he
who has searched to the bottom. Man loves mystery
and delights in the marvellous , and in sickness meii
have little reason and much credulity.

But there is no excuse for quackery in the cultiva-
tion of the earth. The eternal truths of this science
are as palpable as the rocks from which our soils
are derived, or the nature of the plants which they
sustain. We should not tolerate quackery, and yet
nine-tenths of our practice is empirical. Our sons
are born farmers much as " the seventh son " is sup-
posed to be " a doctor." — Dr. J. A. KamicoU.

132

COMMUNICATIONS.

[August,

dommunications.

Sugar, starch and tannin, are composed of the same
material as gum, only in different proportions.

"Resolved, That J. M. McMinn he requested to
furnish a copy of his address, delivered this evening,
for publication in the Farm Journal."

Geo. L. Peteks, President.
N. W. McKean, Secretary.

Gentlemen of the Union toionsliip Agricultural Club:
Your flattering resolution places too high an esti-
mate on the remarks I liave just made. So long an
article would be a great imposition to the pages of
the Farm Journal. But, if notes of the most impor-
tant part of my address -will be of any use to you,
you are welcome to them, to be disposed of in any
■way you deem proper. Truly yours,

J. M. McMiNN.

Notes of an Address
Delivered before the Union township Agricultural Club,
on Saturdai/ evening, June 28ih, 1851.
The uses of manures are obvious, and their appli-
cation, if directed with scientific skill, always pay
well. Different kinds of soil require different kinds
of manure. It is obvious then that a careful com-
parison of the composition of your soils, and an ana-
lysis of the different plants that you wish to grow on
them are necessary. Our soils are extremely various
and every farm has some peculiarities. Our books
tell us, that plants are principally composed of gum,
sugar, starch, gluten, extractive, lignin, tannin, color-
ing matter, and wax. Gum is composed of three sim-
ples, known by the name of carbon, oxygen and hy-
drogen. Carbon in a pure state constitutes diamonds,
and charcoal is almost pure carbon. It is also dif-
fused in great abundance throughout the world — it
constitutes about one part in the hundred of the air
of the atmosphere — united with oxygen it forms a
gas called carbonic acid gas: this gas is also called
"fixed air," "choke damp,'' and by a variety of other
names. This gas in quantity, is destructive to both
animal and vegetable life. It often destroys life in
mines and in wells, and sometimes in a tight room,
ty being produced by burning charcoal in an open
furnace. Oxygen is an Eeriform fluid, like common
air, and has neither taste nor smell. It constitutes
twenty-one parts in the hundred of the atmosphere
and like carbon it is widely diffused throughout the
world, but urdike carlion, it is respirable even in its
pure state, and is eminently conducive to the support
of animal and vegetable life; indeed, without its
presence, all organic life would cease to exist.

Hydrogen is also an iEriform fluid. It has no color,
but a very disagreeable smell, and is the lightest of
all ponderable bodies, being sixteen times lighter
than oxygen. It is one of the elements of water ;
that body being composed of two parts of hydrogen
and one part of oxygon by volume or bulk. It is in-
jurious when breathed. This is the gas used in
filling balloons.

Oxygen. Hydrogen.

50.84 6.93

64.7 7.8

49.68 6.77

4.2 44.24

Carbo7i.

In gum we have 42.23

" sugar " 27.5

" starch " 43.55

" tannin " 51.56

Since the atmosphere contains carbon and oxygen,
they are always at hand for the use of the plant, and
all plants are constructed to decompose these gases,
and prepare them for their use. Hydrogen comes
from the decomposition of water.

Gluten is composed of three substances, called by
chemists gliadine, mucine, and zimome, this last is
the principal of leaven or yeast. The insoluble part
is called gliadine, or vegetable albumen.

Extractive, is a mixture of various vegetable ingre-
dients and includes the whole of the soluble matter
obtained from vegetables, reduced by careful evapo-
ration to either a pasty or solid consistence. It dif-
fers much in different plants, and is not a single
principle.

Lignin. If a piece of the stem of an herb, shrub,
or tree is taken and well dried, and afterwards di-
gested, first in water, and then in alcohol, or such
other solvents as shall produce no violent effects upon
the solid parts, and if the digestion is continued till
the liquor is no longer colored, and dissolves no more
of the substance of the plant, there vrill remain be-
hind a sort of skeleton, which constitutes the basis
of the vegetable structure and amounts to about
ninety-six or ninety-eight per cent, of the different
kinds of wood, and this i3_called lignin, ligneaux, or
woody fibre, which is composed of carbon 52, oxygen
42.4, and hydrogen 5.6.

Coloring matter. All varieties of color in flowers,
or their parts, are owing to the different degrees of
the oxidation of their pulp, called chromule. It is
entirely the result of the action of the sun on the con-
tained juices.

Wax is composed of from seventy to eighty per
cent, of a substance called cerine, and from twenty
to thirty per cent, of a substance called myricino. —
The cerine is white and resembles wax. The two
substances differ merely in their degree of fusibility
and solubility in alcohol. Wax may be regarded as
nothing more than a fixed oil rendered solid by the
atjsorption of oxygen in the process of vegetation:
hence it may be expected to occur in a great variety
of states, according to its degree of oxigenation.

A very small proportion of vegetable matter is de-
rived from the soil ; at least ninety-nine parts out of
(Mcry hundred are obtained from the air and water.
This is manifest, when it is considered that when ve-
getable matter is submitted to the action of fire, but
a very small part remains. Still this minute quanti-
ty is Indispensable to the growth of the plant, and if
ithe soil does not contain them, they must be supplied,
[and this is the true secret of manuring. To supply

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

these things, and render them soluble, should be the
study of the farmer, for every thing must be dis-
solved to enter into a plant, and it takes many un-
seen chemical processes to reduce all these manures
to a fit condition to bo absorbed by the roots.

Car. acid, -

era lO Ci

Sul. acid, -

CC r-H
■^ t-; CD CCCOOO

io r~^ c-i-r o *t o

Silica, - -

4- t- Ci lO O

C. of sodium

CI CO -^ (N !>; O

ci ci ' CC CO '

Phos. acid, -

o CO r- "^ o4

OC O Cl -rt; O O »C CN O O CJ ro
rH Tt ^ Ci O O O --^ -i- CC Ci Ci

Magnesia, -

•— t ^D 00 ■— < CO -t
OOOC0CCC0^'^^'*_C^_ip»O

■ cob-^-i-icioc-i^ot-^cocri

^ --H «0 ^

Lime, - -

>— t LO 'f O CO <— < O CO

r-H o CO CO ci o * ic »r? r-^ CO rH

Soda, - -

CO CO COOO CC -i-io

c-1 CO o o CO '—' o I— ' cr- CO o 1-^
ci o <o' r-I -rf ,_; oi o co' c-i I- o

CO C^ C3 .— ^

Potash, - -

CO O *^ 05 ^T t^

'^"^coTi-i---jt~,c:it^iocsooco
^cccoo^odcor-^oic-iccrH

CO-+.— IfMCO (N CO CO(N

□ .

■° s

t) o

§ '-

5 >^

S-2 c

S cS

t/ m c^ o

The stalks and the seed generally contain different
amounts of these ultimate constituents ; it is, there-
fore, frequently necessary to apply a manure that u-il'
proinote tfie growth of the seed, and retard the growth
of 1}i£ stalk.

How shall these constituents be applied ? Potash
is obtained from vrood ashes. Oak yields about 1-5
parts potash to the 100. Ashes are therefore a cheap
and convenient manure — ashes also neutralize acids,
and render sandy soils more tenacious.

Soda exists in common salt, and in glauher salt, and
is a useful application to some soils, although most
slate rocks contain salt in some form.

Lime is an abundant and useful manure. It acts
differently on different soils. This is principally ow-
ing to the amount of animal and vegetable matter
contained in the soil. Heavy clay soils contain less
vegetable and animal matter than sandy or slaty soils,
and consequently, lime exhibits more beneficial effects
on the latt(a- than on the former kind of soils. It
quickly decomposes all vegetable and animal matters,
and renders them soluble. Wet soils ploughed deep-
ly and well limed are rendered dryer and better adap-
ted to vegetation.

Magnesia occurs in nearly all our limestones. Ep-
som salt is a sulphate of magnesia. Magnesia must
be used sparingly, for notwithstanding it enters into
the composition of many plants, large quantities have
an injurious effect ; however, after two years its

hurtful influence seems to become exhausted when
over applied iu lime.

Phosphorus is seldom found pure in nature. It ex-
ists in large quantities in bones, and the use of bone
dust has been found to be of great value in Europe,
whore bones are imported in prodigious quantities
for manure. Every farmer should use it on his land.
Phosphate of lime occurs in large deposits in Morris
county, N. J. It is chiefly exported to Europe. It is
found sparingly in Nittany valley, and is of far more
value as a manure than plaster of parig.

Chloride of Sodium is rock salt, and has been
found highly beneficial as a manure. I have a work
addressed to the farmers and graziers of G. B., on the
use of salt, but science is transcended as usual, and
ths matter is over dons, and consequently, salt is con
damned as an " impoverisher." Barnyard manure
will in some measure supply the plant with this in-
gredient, but many vegetables require a considerable
quantity, and will not thrive luxuriantly without it
is supplied from some other source.

Sulphuric Acid is applied in the form of plaster of
paris, this mineral being a sulphate of lime. Its ef-
fects are known, though generally overrated and
wastefully applied.

Silica, is the principal portion of the hard stones
which compose the crust of the globe, such as rich crys-
tal, agate, quartz, Jlint, &c., and always exists iu this
neighborhood in sufScient quantity in the soil, for the
nutriment of the plants. In heavy clayey soils it is
often necessary to apply it in the form of sand.

Carbonic Acid exists in the air, and in charcoal, as
I have before intimated, and it is probable that plants
do not often languish for the want of this acid.

Some plants require other principles to supply them
with food, but I will not now attempt to follow them
further.

Air and water are the great machinery by which
all the substances of which plants are composed, are
acted upon and prepared. They reduce to gases or
liquids all the various ingredients that enter into the
structure of vegetables. It is the bussiness of the
agriculturists, to not only supply the soil with all de-
ficiencies that exisits iu it, but also to assist in de-
composing and assimilating the same.

Stable manure contains the principal part of the
mineral elements for the nurture or food of plants. —
AlkaVme phosphates are, however, wanting in this
manure, and several of the salts exist only in small
quantities. Next to stable manure is Guano ; it is,
however, placed at the head of manures, but I cannot
see why it should be so. It contains 45.4 Phosphate
of magnesia; 1.7 Carbonate of magnesia ; 0.6 Alka.-
lin salts; 26,0 Organic matter; 2.8 Ammonia: 16.4
water, 6.2 sand, (fee. It appears from some analysis
that guano yields seventeen per cent, of ammonia, but
it is probable that the principal part of the efficacy of
guano is owing to the large proportion of phosphate

134

COMMUNICATIONS.

[August,

it contains. The solid excrement of Swine, ho-wevei-)
yields move phosphate of lime than guano. It also
anpears that guano is defective in alkalin and on a
soil defective in alkaline it would not produce very
great effects, unless the defect ^yas supplied.

Next on the list is charcoal. It is the most power-
ful alisorbcnt known. It takes from the air, oxygen,
hydrogen, ammonia, &o., and holds them for the supply
of the plant -while the weather is dry. During rain
it absorbs eighty per cent of water and releases the
gases to act upon the earth, and when the weather
becomes dry,it parts with the water, and absorbs from
the air the gases again, and thus it goes on acting as
a great vegetable laboratory.

Lime is a valuable manure, but it is often wildly
■used. Many farmers expect lime to do every thing,
as indeed, every different kind of manure has its ad-
vocate. Some select plaster, some salt, others guano,
and others lime, and they use their favorite fertil-
izer, until the soil is exhausted of every thing else,
when they abandon that as an "improvisher," and
their land suffers almost irreparably, because of their
ignorance. Lime decomposes dead animal matter and
putrescent manures, and is of great service in this
way ; it reduces vegetable matter and makes it solu-
ble, thus preventing it from laying in the soil in a
dry and useless condition — it absorbs a small quanti-
ty of moisture from the air, and enters itself into the
composition of plants; but it is very caustic, and if
there is a want of decomposable matter in the soil, it
often burns as it were, every thing up. Most of our
Centre County limestone contains a good deal of
Magnesia, which is, in large quantities, destructive to
most vegetaliles, therefore different kinds of limestone
produce different effects.

A rational use of stable manure, guano, lime, plas-
ter, common salt, rock salt, bone dust, phosphate of
lime, charcoal, composts, ashes, and barn yard ma-
pure, used as the soil may demand, will never fall to
make a fertile and productive field, and any one of
them save stable or barn yard manure, or charcoal,
used excessively, will diminish the fertility of most
soils, and if conlinuod, will ultimately impoverish
them.

Diversity ot Crops~Cotton~Coffee and Tea~Flax.

The interests of Agriculture are directly promoted
by diversifying its productions, so that the prosperity
of any district will generally be in proportion to the
variety of profitable crops, which are cultivated by
its farmers. This is shown by the flourishing con-
dition of agriculture in the vicinity of our large cities,
where the markets invite the cultivation of many
vegetable productions, which are not grown at a dis-
tance from such localities.

There are very many agricultural plants, for thg
produce of which we pay large sums, importing
from abroad, what may just us well be reared in our

country. Neither the sugar cane, rice, tobacco, nor
cotton plant is indigenous ; and yet these are all
grown with unequalled success in the United States,
and constitute by far the greatest amount and value
of our exports.

The quantities of coffee and tea consumed in this
country, are prodigious. It has been ascertained that
we imported, in one year, 46,070 tons of coffee, when
the quantity imported into rrance,was but 20,050 tons,
and that imported into the United Kingdoms of Eng-
land, Scotland, and Ireland, but 16,250 tons. We are
assuredly the greatest coffee drinkers in the world. —
On the other hand, the English consume more tea than
we do. It is with them a universal beverage. Still
the use of this article in the United States, is very
great and is increasing. Now both the tea and coffee
plants may be cultivated to any extent in our coun
try — the coffee tree in Florida and Texas, and the
tea plant much further north. The green teas are
raised in the Northern provinces of China, where the
snow is said to be on the ground and upon those
shrubs for days together. They might doubtless be
grown in our middle and "Western States. It is for-
tunate for our Southern friends, that their soil and
climate are so well suited to those valuable plants !
for as to their great staple, cotton, the days of their
monopoly are numbered. England cannot much
longer submit to the danger of having but one ade-
quate source of supply, and that an independent one.
Already the production in Asia and Africa, — not to
speak of the magnificent regions of Brazil — has in-
creased to such an extent as to show, that she will
very soon derive a greatly augmented supply from
those quarters. Besides the experiments on flax, de-
monstrate that an important competition with cotton
is likely to spring up from the improved manufactui'o
of that material : of which the northern, middle and
western states, will be able to grow enough, to supply
the world.

With respect to coffee and tea, there is a certainty
of their continuing to be articles of diet, without any
chance or change from the caprice of fashion. Fash,
ion did not introduce them, nor can it lay them aside,
any more than dispense with the use of sugar. It is
very remarkable that these two productions, orig-
inating in far distant countries, should have come in-
to such general use and acquired so permanent a
hold upon the taste of mankind. Recent chemical
analysis satisfactorily explains it, by developing the
surprising fact, that the essential principle of coffee
is identical with that of tea. Cafeine and iheine, the
names applied to these substances respectively, pos-
sessing exactly the same chemical constituents. It
is also proved that the beverages made from these
plants, so far from being a slow poison, (as was
once supposed.) are as wholesome as they are palp-
table. A. L. Hayes.
Lancaster, July 15, 1851.

1S51.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

135

Mr. Editor : — Having made a call on the practical
farmers to contribute to your Journal tlic experience
they may have in agriculture, I comply with your
request. Having to write in a language which is
not my own, (I had to study the English at the age
of thirty years,) I hope all due allowance will be
made. I will have to enter into a short biogra"
phical sketch to define my position.

Thirty-six years ago, when the fall of Napoleon
carried me, together with thousands of others, an ex-
ile to this country, I entered into the mercantile bu-
siness, but soon found that the sedentary habits and
anxiety of mind which follow it, were injurious to
that physical energy, (so necessary in this country,)
to which a military life had accustomed me. I mar-
ried what a city miss calls a " country girl." Though
I had to renounce the enjoyment of that refined in-
tellect, the fruit of a careful education, I was fully
compensated by enjoying that comfortable home —
that fireside bliss, so well understood in this country.
Being scant of funds (exiles seldom bring money
along) I could only buy a cheap property. An op-
portunity presented itself — a worn out farm situated in
Lykens Valley, Dauphin county, whereon a mill was
erected which had been condemned by millers and
millwrights as unfit to do good work. Mill and farm
rented for $125 a year; I bought it for §4400. Drilled
at a military school, I still retained some knowledge
of hydraulics, and though not a miller, I discovered
that the mill could be made good. After having
made the alterations, I found myself indebted S-200,
the interest of which was higher than what the pro-
perty had rented for. The mill could do more than
double the work it did before. This was a little help,
yet I had to work hard and go through all the handi-
work of a farmer to discharge my debt.

While my children were growing up, a difiiculty
arose for which I was not prepared. Living in a
German settlement I was compelled to leave my farm
and remove to Pottsville in order to have them edu-
cated under my own eyes. After residing there for
some years, I was glad to see that my sons had not
lost their taste for rural life. I sold the property in
Lyken's valley for $10,000, and bought the one on
which I now reside for §5000. It was in the same
jJoor condition I found the first property. The land,
one hundred and six acres, was considered worthless.
There was attached to it thirty-six acres of good
woodland, and a mill entirely out of order. The pro-
perty is now in thorough repair and would command
a rent of ?700. I have retired from business and
given it into the hands of my sons, the one being a
practical farmer and the other a practical miller.

A difficulty which appears to be overlooked, is the
peculiar position of Pennsylvania. Nearly one half
of its farming population is of the Teutonic race —
only one in ten can read an English agricultural

journal, so that nine-tenths do not participate in its
benefits.* Is it not absolutely necessary, if a really
patriotic zeal animates the community, to preparo
those nine-tentlis to take a proper interest to promote
an art that is the fundamental wealth of the nation?
It may be asked, why don't the Germans take ad-
vantage of the school law and educate their children ?
Ay, there's the rub. If, Mr. Editor, you will open
your columns on that subject, I will give my opinion
as to the cause and its remedy.

The German Pennsylvania farmer stands pre-emi-
nent as an agriculturist, and it is of the highest im-
portance to induce him to take an interest in the efibrt
which is now making to promote agriculture — to
make him understand the great discoveries in
geology and agricultural chemistry.

Having been appointed a member of the executiva
committee of the State Agricultural Society, for thu
congressional district in which I reside, I thought it
my duty to attend its meeting, when I stated mj

opinion on the subject of agricultural education. —
According to request I have prepared a plan for agri-
cultural schools and experimental farms, which I sent
some weeks ago, to the gentlemen composing tho
committee. When it is presented to the executive
committee for consideration, I shall state my opinion
at large.

Excuse the long preamble I have made, and my
digression from agricultural subjects, but they may
serve to illustrate future communications.

H. SnUBART.

Bethel, Berks co., July 9, 1851.

* Facts will not sustain this assertion of our cor-
respondent. Although there are many German farm-
ers in Pennsylvania, the proportioh is not near so
great as he makes it. We venture to assert that two-
thirds of the Pennsylvania farmers understand and
read the English. This, however, may not be the
case where our correspondent resides, his district
containing more German farmers than, perhaps, any
other section of the State. — Ed.]

The Cucumber Bug.

Observing an article on this troublesome bug by
.J. S. Keller, in the last number of the Journal, I send
him below, a receipt which he will find more effectual
than eithfir "lime dust, ashes, black pepper, plaster,
flour of sul]ihur, &c." As it is not original with me,
I shall also make over to him, without cliarge, all my
claim to the §50 premium, for " the pers<jn who dis-
covers an effective remedy.

Apply, through the rose of a watering pot, the
holes of which will have to be made larger than com-
mon, whitewash of such a consistence as to adhere to
the leaves, and leave a thin coating. This will not
prevent their growing, and will be found an effectual
antidote to the bug, who does not fancy the trouble
of going through the lime to get at its food. Thu
a;ii lication may be repeated if necessary.

' West Chester. Paschall Morris.

136

COMMUNICATIONS.

[ArcrsT,

Cure for Murrain.

Friend Spangler : — The idea has long been enter-
tained by drovers, that cattle driven from the AVcstr
em Reserve and from Erie county, would escape that
disease so fatal to them, called Jlurrain. Experience,
however, proves this not to be the fact. Last spring
I lost two pair of fine oxen and one cow, by murrain.
One pair of the oxen was from the Western Reserve,
the other from Erie. The cow was of my own rais-
ing. Every remedy of which I had ever heard was
tried with them, but without success. One after an-
other died, the disease seeming to set all medicine at
defiance.

A short time since, one of my best feeders took the
disease. I did not discover it until he appeared to
be beyond hope of recovery. His eyes were sunk in
his head, and his urine was apparently nothing but
blood. In moving from one spot to another he stag-
gered rather than walked, and his general appear-
ance was such, that I did not expect that he would
live five hours. The discouraging results of my
former efforts to check the disease, had so disheart-
ened me, that I concluded to let the poor fellow die,
without an effort to save him. A worthy member of
ray family, more hopeful than myself, resolved to try
her skill. She accordingly procured a lump of cop-
peras, of the size of a hulled w.alnut, and pulverized
it, after which she dissolved it in a pint of water. —
This was in the morning. Some poke-root was then
procured and a tea-cup-full grated, which was after,
wards boiled in a pint of milk. A tca-cup-full of
molasses was added to the poke-root and milk, and
the bullock drenched with it while it was lukewarm.
This last drench was given in the evening. For three
successive days the same course of treatment was
pursued. On the fourth morning, half a pound of
Glauber Salts dissolved in water was given him, and
on the fifth morning I discovered that his urine had
assumed a healthy appearance. He began to eat
freely, and contrary to mine, and the expectation of
all who saw him, he is now as healthy as any of the
other of my feeders.

I had almost forgotten to say that during the time
the medicines were being used no water was given
the animal, and this should be the treatment always.

I have great faith in the remedy, and believe it
infallible if .strictly adhered to, as above described.

Fruit Hill, m month, 1851. J. S. B.

liiquid Fertilizer,

1 lb. Nitrate of Potash, 4 lb. Sulphate of Soda, 4
oz. Oarbon.ate of Ammonia, 1 lb. Muriate of Soda, 1
ib. Carbonate of Lime, 1 peck sifted wood ashes. —
mix these ingredients with 2 gallons of water in a
tub, let them stand at rest for 8 or 10 hours, then
add them to about SO gallons of water, stir well, and
jt will be tit for immediate use.

Mr. Editor : Above I send you a recipe for pre-
paring an excellent Liquid Fertilizer, containing

most of the active constituents of Guano, in a Chem-
ical state of combination, and which I have for year*
past made use of very successfully in the cultivation
of various kinds of vegetables, particularly cabbages,
cauliflowers, beans, cucumbers, melons, celery — giv
ing each aI)out 1 gill of the Fertilizer, several times
a week. To celery plants in trenches, I give a water-
ing-can full to every 150 plants twice a week.

On account of its highly stimul.ating and nourish-
ing qualities it causes a very vigorous and rapid
growth in all plants and greatly increases the size of
vegetables.

In transplanting, as a general rule, I pour about
half a pint into e.ach hole intended to receive the
plant, and when it has sunk into the soil, the planta
are set therein. I have found by experience,that they
droop less, than when set out without its beneficial
influence.

If, after seeds are sown and raked in the soil, a
good sprinkling be given from the rose of a watering-
can, it will cause a more rapid and speedy germina-
tion of the seed, and in a great measure prevent the
depredation of worms and insects which often prey
on the vegetating seeds.

It will be found well adapted for Flowers, Pot-
plants and Shrubbery.

The above ingredients may be made into an arti-
ficial Guano, for using broadcast, or for on Corn, Po-
tatoes, &c., by incorporating them when dissolved in
two gallons of water, as above directed, with half
bushel of ground plaster, and the same quantity of
good earth, without stones, preserving in good tight
barrels. J. F. IIeinitsh.

Lancaster, July 9, 1851.

Good .\nd b.\d vinegar. — If a mixture of sulphuric
acid and water, (known to be such,) were offered for
sale as a substitute for cider vinegar, few persons
could be induced to taste, much less to purchase it
for general family purposes. And yet a very largo
proportion of the liquid called white wine vinegar is
made in this way. Sometimes it is colored to give it
the appearance of the ordinary cider vinegar. Sul-
phuric acid is a poison and its effects upon the ,sy.s-
tem, when used in the form above mentioned, are mQst
deleterious. It possesses corrosive qualities and dif-
fers greatly from acetic acid, which, when properly
diluted, as in vinegar, promotes the digestion of crude
vegetables, such as salads, &c. Too much care can-
not be taken to avoid these impositions in the pur
chase of vinegar. Many families use it at every meal,
and if composed mainly of sulphuric acid, it w illde.
stroy the teeth and lay the foundation for cancer in
the stomach. The presence of sulphuric acid may
be detected in vinegar, by adding a small quantity
of chloride of barium, which will cause a white pre
cipate to be thrown down.

1851.

SHEEP BREEDING.

137

The following ode, upon tho anniversary of the
Berkshire (Mass.) Ayriadiural Society of 181S, was
published in Penn.sj'lvania ( anonymously ) thirty
years ago, and much admired. It is from the pen
of Will. C. Bryant, a name not then known to the
public — now at the head of our poets. w. h. d.

Since last our Tales these rites admir'd,
Another year has come and flown,

But where her rosy steps retir'd,
lias left her gifts profusely strown.

No killing frost on germ and flower.
To blast the hopes of spring, was nigh,

No wrath condensed the ceaseless shower,
Or sealed tho fountains of the sky.

But kindly suns and gentle rains.
And libera! dews and air of health,

Rear'd the large harvests of tho plains

And nursed the meadow's fragrant wealth.

As if the indulgent Power, who laid,
On man the great command to toil,

Well pleased to see that law obey'd,
llad touched in love the teeming soil.

And here, while autumn wanders pale

Beneath the fading forest shade,
Gathered from many a height and vale

The beauties of the year are laid.

Here toil, whom oft the setting sun.

Has soon at his protracted task,
Demands the palm his patience won,

And art is come his wreaths to ask.

AVell may the hymn of victory flow,
And mingle with the voice of mirth,

AV'hile hi-re are spread the spoils that show
Our triumphs o'er reluctant earth.

[ We make the following extracts from a " Lecture
on Hair, Wool, and Sheep breeding," delivered by
Peter. \. Browne, L. L. D., before the Central
Southern rights Association of Virginia, and pub-
lished in the Southern Planter at Richmond.]

Cotton was grown in Georgia as early as 1787, but
was not seriously thought of as a great American
staple until about 1790. From Oct. 1st, 1790, to
Sept. 30th, 1791, tho United States exported 189,216
lbs. of cotton. In 18.35, the lands used in the United
States lor the cultivation of cotton were estimated at
three hundred and twelve millions of dollars. Sheep
breeding, for fine wool, dates as late as 1800. and yet
it would not be hazarding too much to say that, even
not, the raising of sheep and the wool interest, are as
important in the United States as was tho cotton in-
terest in 1835, and 1 venture to predict, (let who will
sneer at it,) that in thirty years from this time, wool
will become as [/real an American staple as cotton.

Until the census is published, we have no very ac-
curate means of ascertaining what is the number of
sheep in the United States; but we suppose it may
safely be put down at thirty-tive or forty millions. —
Now if we value these at two dollars a piece, which
considering that individuals of good breed are often
sold for several hundred dollars, is moderate enough,
we have seventy or eighty millions ; then if we add
three shillings per head for the land and buildings
necessary for their shelter and support, we have one
hundred and five to one hundred and twenty millions.
But there are many persons who hear me, who re-

collecting with what avidity everything was received
in 1835, that was calculated to improve tho growth of
cotton, will be at a loss to discover why what is ad-
vanced by trlchology, in regard to breeding and rais-
ing sheep and Improving the quantity and quality of
wool. Is now heard with such app.oi'ent Indiflerence.
Is the examination of a subject which regards thirty-
five or forty millions of domestic animals and one
hundred mlilions of real estate so insignificant?

The General Government through the Patent Oflico,
a few years since, sent a special agent to Europe to
collect specimens of all the fine wools. Ho brought
back with him samples from Russia, Hungary, Sile-
sia, Prussia and Saxony. They were divided into
parcels and sent to the" Governors of the difierent
States. The one sent to Pennsylvania lately came to
my hands. 1 measured the wools and compared
them with the growth of our own country, and had
the pleasure of announcing what had never before
been known, or even suspected, viz :

That we cax raise as fine wool in the United
States as any country in the world, and finer

THAN ANY EXCEPT SaXONY.

This important information, showing that the Uni-
ted States has It In her power to create another great
staple, equal in Importance to her cotton, was pub-
lished in " The Plough, the Loom and the Anvil,"—
was read, — has never been Contradicted — and is now
almost forgotten ! • _

Lot us now examine this subject in another point
of view. Let us assume that the number of sheep in
the United States Is thirty-five millions. In Germany
the average annual produce of fleece Is put down at a
trifle over two pounds. In England, where the wool
is coarser and less valuable, tlie average is four
pounds. Our average Is put at from two and a half
to two and three quarters, but I am persuaded that It
Is underrated, for I have in my cabinet specimens of
fine wool, grown In the United States, from three and
a half to four and even as high as five pounds. But
suppose we say three pounds ; this will glye_ us an
annual produce of one hundred and five millions of
pounds: which, at forty cents a pound, will make
forty-two millions of dollars. And observe, that in
this calculation nothing Is said about the Increase of
lambs. The annual production of all the gold and
silver mines of North and South America was esti-
mated by Baron Humboldt at nine millions of pounds
sterling — at present, (except the recent discoveries in
California,) it Is less than five millions of pounds or
twenty-five millions of dollars.

Mr. Hughes, a London wool broker, ujion his ex-
amination before the House of Lords In England, In
1828, on the subject of wool and woolen manufac-
tures, thus delivered himself:

" Other countries are making rapid strides to cam-
pete with us, [England,] particularly North America.
Within the last twelve months there have been up-
wards of five thousand bags of foreign wool, shipped
from the port of London alone, for that country, for
the purpose of being manufactured. They [tho peo-
ple of the United States] are now making very rapid
strides and I have no hesitation In believing that, In
a few years they will be independent of us for coats,
as they now are for hats."

I did every thing within my power to have our fine
wools exhibited at the AVorld's Fair ; had I succeeded,
the House of Lords might have learned that Mr.
Hughes was a prophet; and that the time has arrived
when the American people can not only bo indepen-
dent of Great Britain for their own coats, : but that
they can furnish wool, of the growth of the United
States, fine enough for the most fastidious of Europe.

138

SHEEP BREEDING.

[August,

England cannot raise the fine wool required for
manul'acturinjz broadcloths. Lest we might bo sus-
pected of prejudice, hear what is written by one of
her own sulijccts.

In "the industrial I'osources of Ireland." by Robert
Kane, M. D. Honorary member of the Koyal Dublin
Society, &c., we find the following: " The woollen
manufacture has been, at all periods, considered as
of high importance in this country, [Ireland;] so that
at certain times, it was deemed necessary [by Eng-
land] to take measures to moderate its prosperity [!]*
A very large quantity of wool is grown in Ireland. —
The total number of sheep being 2,091,199. A great
deal ot this sent to France, where it is manufactured
into 'mousseline de laine.' ". After noticing the dif-
ference between wool that will felt and full, and fleece
[hair] Avhich will not, he proceeds thus: '"In moist,
cold climates, such as the British Islands, the natural
wool is, universally, long staple and unjit for feedinrj;
whilst in dry climates, with hot summers, the wool is
short stapled and felts strongly. The wool is pro-
duced not merely in Ireland, but in England, also, is
thus cxeliislrely adapted to the worsted trade. For
woollen cloths and similar goods the wool is imported
from the Continent. It has often been an object with
the English wool growers and landed proprietors to
jirodiiee this fellini/ wool, in Unr/land, and thus got
rid of the necessity of purchasing abroad ; but it h.\s

BEEN FOUND I.MPOSSIBl.E, AFTER THE MOST E.XPENSIVE

EXPERIMENTS, in iniportinij sheep of partieular foeks.
It has been found that in two or three generations, of
even the pure breed, the influence of the climate and food
totally ehani/ed the ehararter of the wool, and brought
it to the same quality as that of the native animals."
AVo repeat, then, without fear of contradiction,
" England cannot produce the fine wools required for
manufacturing broadcloths," liut she will continue to
manufacture these cloths as long as she can find sale
for them ; consequently she must import fine wool
from some other country. Why should not this coun-
try be the United States? AV'hy not Virginia? Can
any one give a reason? If we can produce as fine
wool as any other country, why may she not import
our wool as she does our cotton^ How will it be if
we can produce j^rtc/' wool than any other country?
And we can produce finer wool than any except
Saxony.

One portion of the art of sheep breeding consists in
selecting the ])roper breed of sheep for the partieular
location of the farmer. "VVe have already seen th.at
neither England nor Ireland can raise the fine woolled-
sheep. Doctor Kane says that it has been found to be
impossible, after the most expensive experiments. —
He attributes the failure to climate and food. The
natural food dcponils upim the soil and climate; so
that ho might have said "soil and climate." If it de-
pends up(jn eliinatc it is fortunate for us, that in this
widely extended continent we have almost every
Tariety of it; but still, it is a most important point
for the farmer to know which breed of sheep will
thrive best and produce tlie finest wool, in the par-
ticular district where Providence has cast his lot. —
And we confess that upon turning over the leaves of
the volume of the Cabinet of American Wools, we
were forcibly struck with the correctness of the re-
mark first made at the late Pennsylvania Agricultur.al
Convention, that two parallel lines might be drawn
over the map of the United States, including within
them the geographical (and perhaps the geological)

* This puts us in mind of British writers talking of
the arrofjance of New England in attempting to
manufacture.

district best calculated for rearing the fine-icoolled
sheep. We also remarked that there was another ex-
tensive district of our country, easily pointed out,
which is admirably calculated for raising the fleece,
which, in England, is called "long wool," but which
is properlj' 'hair." If this information turns out to
be correct, (if it is so, only to a limited extent,) then
my collection of wools, made for a different purpose,
will have shed more light upon the connexion of
climate and soil with wool growing, than all the
learned disquisitions and opinions that have ever made
their appearance before the public. Two things, we
think, are certain; 1st. That the wool staplers and
manufacturers will find it their interest to consult this
record, for the best information, where they may find
the finest fleece; and 2d. The new beginner in .sheep
breeding may also there learn where to apply for the
best breeds.

But, perhaps, after all that has been said, some
persons may believe, that while this inlbrmation may
be well enough for the sheep breeder and wool mami-
facturer that to the public, in general, it is compara-
tively useless. But the true patriot, particularly if
he be a politician, (in the proper sense of that word,)
is deeply interested in knowing what are all the great
and leading interests of his country.

The author of the " Industrial Record," speaking
of Thoiupsonville, in Connecticut, says that they
manufacture carpets, annually, to the amount of
480,000 yards. Te enable them to do this, they use
1,(.)00,000 and upwards of pounds of wool, all of which
is, he says, imported from either the Mediterranean
or South America. But I contend, (and you agree
with me in this opinion,) that every pound of tuis

WOOL OUGHT TO BE RAISED IN OUR SOUTHERN StATBS.

The shecq) that produces that fleece thrives iJiere, and
its lireeding and raising, from Delaware to Georgia,
would be a source of immense profit. But here we
feel called upon to notice an error into which the
editor of the work above quoted has, inadvertently,
fiillcn. He asserts that the importation of the Medi-
terranean and South American wool, at seven centa
a pound; does not interfere, in the slightest degree,
with the domestic wool grower, who, (he says,) can-
not afford to raise wool at so low a price, when, with
the same food and expense, he can raise fleeces worth
on an average, thirty cents a pound. But he seem?
to have been entirely unaware of the fact, that the
places where these hairy fleeces can be grown, are
unfit for the breeding and raising of the fme wooled
sheep. He seems also to have lost sight of the fact,
that the sheep, whose wool is worth (as he says,)
thirty cents a pound, produces, on an average, only
three pounds of fleece; whereas of the hairy fleeces,
bred in the United States, I have in my cabinet speci
mens that produced ITJ lbs. Now a schoolboy can
cypher this out, to show that this latter wool is th«
most profitalde.

5 lbs. of fine fleece at 30 cents, $0 90

17^ lbs. of hairy fleece at 7 cents, 1 22.'.

Balance in favor of the hairy fleece, |0 32V

To raise one million of pounds of fleece at 3 lbs. a
sheep would require 333,333 sheep.

But to raise one million of pounds of hairy fleece,
at 17i lbs. per sheep, would require only 57,140 sheep.

Difference 7(i,193 sheep, the feeding and taking
care of which, would cost $171,420.

Our brethern of the Eastern parts, of the Southern
States, should, therefore, turn their attention to
breeding and raising the hairy sheep; and Congress
should encourage them to do so, by laying a duty on
foreign wool, though woi'th only seven cents a pound.

1851.]

HORTICULTURAL.

139

f)orttcultttral PEpavtmcnt.

Cultivation of Flowers.

One of the best evidences which can be given of a
refined taste and gentle nature, is a fondness for
flowers. Tl^ere is something in the appearance of a
window well filled with fine plants that at once pre-
possesses us in favor of the lady who cultivates them.
It may also be set down as a fixed fact, that a want
of fondness for flowers, is a pretty sure indication of
a morose and seloish disposition. Presuming, how-
ever, that there are few of our lady reader-s who be-
long to the latter class, we present an abstract of
valuable hints, for window gardening, which we com-
mend to their especial attention.

Plants grown in pots require more attention than
those grown in almost any other way. They are
generally kept in the house, and most frequently in
those apartments which the family regularly occupy.
The disadvantages attending their position are such
as to require the utmost attention to counteract them.
The air of the family room is generally dry, and as
a plant derives its nourishment from the leaves as
well as the roots, this kind of an atmosphere is pecu-
liarly unfavorable to them. Tlic pores of the leaves
become filled with dust, and hence fail to act with
their natural energj-. It should therefore be a fixed
rule to give the plants the benefits of fresh air when-
ever practicable. The leaves, which have sufiered
from the dust and dryness cf the sitting room, should
be well syringed, so as to clean them thoroughly of
the particles of dust, and restore the pores to their
naturally healthy condition.

Water should never be permitted to stand in the
saucers for any length of time, as the effect of the
stagnant water in the winter season, is to chill the
roots and thus injure the healthiness of the plant,
besides, the water will cause the Spongioles of the
roots to become rotten.

Pluck off and throw away all the decayed and de-
caying leaves, aa both the family and the plants will
be benefitted by their removal. The decaying vege-
table matter destroys the beauty of the plant, as well
as the fragrance of the flower.

Give the' plants the benefit of light and air, both
heing essential to their growth and health. Do not
keep them too warm. We see the importance of this
when plants cultivated in a green house are suddenly

brought into a warm room. The leaves shrivel up —
flower buds fall off without expanding — and the plant
becomes sickly, and either loses its leaves or dies.

By attention to the hints thus briefly thrown to-
gether, every lady may cultivate as many handsome
plants as will fill her windows. In conclusion, we
would say, that if many young ladies would devote
one half the time tb the cultivation of flowers, they
give to novel reading, they would not only be more
admired, but they would render themselves much
wiser, healthier and happier. In these days when
green houses abound in almost every little village, a
beautiful rose bush, or some other handsome plant,
may be had for the price of a trashy novel. What
lady of taste would not prefer the plant to the novel?

How to Propagate tlie Raspberry.

Philadelphia, July 7, 1851.

My Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 4th inst. was re-
ceived on Saturday. I shall be pleased to see you
when you come to the city; will you do me the favor
to bring with you a few buds of the General Hand
plum.

In the Ja\y number of the Farm Journal, you have
given me a position in the Pennsylvania Horticultu-
ral Society, to which I am not entitled. Though a
member of the fruit committee, I am not the chair-
man. This honor was conferred on E. W. Keyser,
Esq., in 1840, three years before I became connected
with the society; and so highly have his services
ever been appreciated, that he has continued to re-
ceive this mark of approbation and confidence every
successive year since his first appointment. On re-
vising the constitution and bj'-laws, in 1844, among
the amendments adopted was one creating a " com-
mittee for establishing the names of fruits." My
name being placed first on that committee has pro-
bably ocassioned the erroneous impression referred to
above, and which has several times appeared in print.
Having been instrumental in disseminating this error,
I trust j-ou will do me the favor publicly to correct it.

I now proceed to make a few more remarks on tho
raspberry.

The usual mode of propagating the raspberry is by
suckers. As however but few of these are sent up
annually to supply the place of the old canes which
always perish after having matured the fruit, it must
necessarily take a considerable time to multiply tha
variety to any extent.

It may also be readily propagated by layering. —
Cuttings strike with much difficulty.

But the best and most expeditious mode of multi-
plying the raspberry is by division of the roots. In
this way it may be propagated with as much facility
as the Morus multicaulis, or PauUinia imperialis. —
By pursuing this plan, I have, in one year, from a
small plant, raised forty or fifty; and if I mi take
not Mr. Robert Buist and 5Ir. James D. Fulton ha„„

140

HORTICULTURAL.

[AlTGDST,

been still more successful. Admitting however that
only twenty plants can be raised in this way in a
season ; then in the same ratio in two years the pro-
duce from a single plant will bo 400 — in three years
SOOO — in four years 160,000 — and in five years
3,200,000.

The root of the raspberry is replete with eyes, visi-
ble or dormant. It may bo divided therefore into
very small portions. The best time to make the di-
vision is at the commencement of the winter or early
in the spring. The pieces should be planted in small
pots and placed in a cold frame — in a green house at
a low temperature — or in a room in the house with-
out fire, but with a southern exposure. During the
past winter, I have raised several hundred plants
from root cuttings in rooms with a northern aspect,
without fire, and where the thermometer sometimes
was as low as 32° Fahrenheit. This plan, however,
of propagating the raspberry, in a room where the
sun never enters, cannot be recommended, as the
solar rays are essential to a healthy and vigorous
growth.

Having occupied enough ot your space for the pre-
sent, I must defer to a future occasion some other
remarks I purposed making on this subject, and es-
pecially in relation to a kind of food to which the
raspberry is particularly partial.

Very truly j'ours,

W. D. Brinckle.

Dwarf Pear Trees.

Mr. Editor: — My experience in the cultivation of
pear trees on quince stocks, is similar to that of ^Ir
Eshleman, as recorded in the " Farm Journal " for
July. Nine years ago, I grafted some seedling quince
trees with scions of choice descriptions of pears. —
They all took and grew well during the first season.
Several of them attained the height of four feet, and
upwards. In the following year, however, most of
them ceased growing, and their discolored leaves
gave signs of disease and decay. Various suggested
remedies were tried — tlie application of sulphate and
oxide of iron, charcoal, &c. — without beneficial re-
sults. Stirring the soil, and the use of fertilizers and
stimulants, were equally unavailing. In the ensuing
spring several were found to be dead, and the re-
mainder made no progress in growth subsequently,
though the cifect of careful transplanting was tried.
Last fall I had only two remaining. Both of these
put forth leaves this spring; though one of them died
within six weeks thereafter. The other blossomed ;
tlie corymbs opened finely, but set no fruit; and no
new wood has been made. Latterly, it shows, un-
mistakeably, symptoms of " the sere and yellow leaf;"
and will scarcely survive the winter.

These experiments were made on seedlings of the
common quince. I have two dwarf pear trees, pro-
cured from New York, which are said to be on stocks

of Portuguese quince. These have grown finely, make
new wood freely every season, are good bearers, and
are now in a very thriving state. From the roots of
them, several suckers came up, on three of which I
have grafted pear tree scions. These are now grow-
ing, and will be set out separately next spring. —
Should they live and do well, I shall have to conclude
that success depends on the hind of quince which
constitutes the stock.

I have several seedling pear trees, on which I de-
sign making an experiment at dwarfing. I shall graft
them next spring with scions of improved fruit, as
close to the collet or base of the stem as practicable,
and allow them to grow one year. In the ensuing
spring I shall regraft them one inch higher up, with
scions of a diiferent variety, though still of select fruit;
and will repeat this operation for two more consecu-
tive seasons. The effect will probably be, to dwarf
the tree, and possibly may improve the quality of
the fruit. The process is certainly a slow one; but
it can scarcely be more protracted and less success-
ful, than the attempt to produce dwarf trees on stocks
of the common quince.

Cats have a strange penchant for whetting their
claws on the stems of dwarf trees, and thus deeply
lacerating the bark. A piece of twine, looped to one
of the lower limbs, and wound spirally but loosely
around the stem, down to the ground and there fas-
tened, will prevent injury from this source. Five or
six turns to the foot, are suflieient.

I heard lately of a sapient operator, who grafted a
Bonne Louise scion, this spring, on the topmost shoot
of an old quince tree, duly trimmed up. He may,
perhaps, be more successful in raising dwarfs, than
either Mr. Eshleman or myself! W.

[The partiality of the liorer and other destructive
insects for the quince stock is well known, and unless
proper precautions are taken to guard against their
attacks, they almost invariably destroy them. We
have, at this time, quite a number of dwarf pear
trees under our care. Most of them were imported
from France a few years since, and all of them are
grafted on the quince. When first planted, every
attention was given them; but, as in the case of those
referred to by our correspondents W. and Dr. Eshle-
man, they gave unmistakeable evidence of a dying
condition. Unwilling to lose them, the gentleman
who then had the trees in charge, determined to make
a last effort to save them. lie dug a trench around
them, which ho filled with suitable manure, and then
heaped the earth around the tree until the quince
stock was completely underground. The good effects
of tills treatment was soon apparent. The trees re-
covered their healthy appearance — new wood was
rapidly formed, and at present writing nearly all of
them are filled with fine fruit. Whether their recov-
ery is attributable to the trenching and manuring, or
to the covering of the quince stock with earth so as
to secure it from the borer, we leave it for others to
determine, though we cannot but think the protection
afforded the quince stock was the cause of their re-
covery. We shall be glad to hear more on this sub-
ject.— Ed.]

1851.

ARBORICULTURAL.

141

Evergreen Trees aud Shrubs.

The demand for evergreen trees has increased so
rapidly within the last two years, (having been the
present season, perhaps, unprecedented,) that I pro-
pose to notice some of the ■n-oU known, as well as
more rare varieties, as a matter of interest to many
of the readers of the Farm Journal ; including those
of more recent introduction from abroad, and giving
promise of being valuable additions to our pleasure
grounds and arboretums.

Of the beauty and value of ornamental trees and
shrubs as appendages to a dwelling — of their intria-
sic worth in enhancing the value of property to those
who regard only dollars and cents — but little need bo
said. The time has gone by when shade trees around
a dwelling to shield it from the sun, and to increase
its attractions, were considered as superfluous addi-
tions which might be attended to or not at pleasure.
Without these, a place can now rarely be sold ; with
them, and where the space allotted is large, and the
selection and arrangement judicious, the value is
greatly increa^-ed.

The persistent foliage of evergreens at a season
when aU else is bare, their variety of growth, and
shades of color; from the stiff and sombre yew, to the
lively tints and graceful habit of the hemlock or
cedar* make them especial favorites: and first, a
few words with respect to transplanting them. That
there are more failures with these, than with other
trees, is most certain; and it perhaps is equally true
that there need not be. With the exception of three
or four months, we hear occasionally of evergreens
being moved at all seasons of the year with success.
But while one swallow does not make a summer, so
neither does the fact of moving them in the fall or
winter, prove this to be the best time. Much in these
cases may depend on the severity or otherwise of the
winter. My experience is, that rather late in the
spring, or just as the roots are commencing to throw
out new fibres, and starting in their new growth —
evergreens may be transplanted with about as much
certainty as other trees. It is, however, all import-
ant, that after being taken cut of the ground, the
roots should not be allowed to become dry. Their
newly formed extremities or spongelets are easilj-
closed up from this cause, and they differ from decidu-
ous trees in not readily again opening to absorb their
food. They have not the same elasticity, and death
ensues to the tree from the cutting ofT of the supplies.
Where it is an object to remove them of a large size,
it can safely be done in winter, by digging a trench
a few feet from the body of the tree at any open spell
of weather, and allowing the mass of earth within to

[* We obiect to 7'cd cedar or any other evergreen
that is brown, as such trees convey the idea of being
burnt out by the summer's heat, an appearance which
has a liad etfect up()n the landscape in the vicinity
of Philadelphia.— Ed.]

become frozen, when the whole can be got under and
moved off on a low truck or sled, the hole being pre-
viously prepared to receive it. Trees of twenty or
more feet in height can be moved in this way, with
but little perceptible cessation of growth. In addi
tion, observe the same general rules in planting as
with other trees, to place them at about the same
depth as before, to dig large holes, so as to leave at
least one foot, and the more the better, between the
extremities of the roots and the solid ground, mulch
them the first season and water in dry weather, and
failures will rarely occur.

I shall now give a list of some of the best foreign
varieties of evergreen trees and shrubs which have
been found well adapted to our county, naming them
as they occur, without any botanical arrangement,
and intending, in the description, more for the gene-
ral planter al)uut to ornament his grounds, than for
the botanist or nurseryman, who are, of course, fa-
miliar with them.

First and foremost, on account of its intrinsic worth
and the great demand for it, is the Abies cxcelsa or
Noncatjfr. This tree is a native of northern Europe,
and from its entire hardiness and great beauty, is a
universal favorite. It will grow either in the shade
or in an exposed position; is easily transplanted;
improves with age, becoming more dense and com-
pact, which makes it valuable on the exposed side of
a house; and is a rapid grower, its leading shoot
often making three feet in one season. The branches
have a pendent or drooping habit, giving it a stately
as well as exceedingly graceful appearance. Trees
with this tendency, which is a mere accidental pro-
perty, are much enquired for.

The Nonvay spnice [or Jir) has been tried in some
parts of Europe for hedging, and where a heavy and
impenetrable screen is wanted, would answer well ; but
its comparative scarcity, and the great demand for it
as an ornamental tree, is a difficulty at present. In
its own country, it reaches one hundred and fifty feet
in height and grows freely in all soils and situations.
Our common black spruce, Abies nigra, is often sold
for the Norway, and is even found occasionally among
it in importations by nursorymon. It is an inferior
tree in every respect, and not always easy to detect
when small, but it soon shows its inferiority. Its leaves
are considerably shorter, and lie closer than the other,
and it is also a slow grower.

Ihe Abies picea, or European silver fir is, in our opin-
ion, very little, if any, inferior to the preceding, and
it is surprising that it is not more generally planted.
It is a majestic tree when large, and although rather
slow in creeping up, yet after reaching six or more
feet it grows strong and vigorously and retains its sym-
metry as it advances ; in this particular differing from
our own balsam fir, which very frequently loses part
of its foliage and displays bare and unsightly branch-
es. It has also a more horizontal growth, covering a

142

HORTICULTURAL.

[August,

much -wider surface, is of a much deeper green, and
more glossy, and we think on all accounts much more
desirable than the Auierican balm. The under sur-
face of the leaves has two white linos running length-
wise, giving it a silvery appearance, whence its name.
This tree is very apt to make more than one leading
shoot, which of course should be shortened in and
kept back so as not to interfere with the main one.
In Europe they consider this the true balsam fir, and
our balm of gilead the spurious one. It will reach,
here, the height of sixty feet. I will resume this list
in the next number. PAScn.tLi, Morris.

Trausplautiug Fruit Trees.

[Translated for the Farm Journal from the Juterbog
Woohenblatt.]

The circumference of the hole in which the tree is
to be planted, should not be barely sutficient to re-
ceive the roots, but considerably larger, so that in
extending themselves, the roots may find a more loose
and porus soil wherein to spread.

In digging the hole, the surface soil, or mouldy
should bo thrown out to the right hand, and the sub-
soil to the left; and when planting the tree, the sur-
face soil, being richer, should bo thrown iu first, or
returned directly on and around the roots, and the
poorer subsoil placed thereon, to be subsequently
improved by the action of the atmosphere and the
application of manure. If any well rotted manure
is used at the time, it must be put in only after
the roots have been covered with the surfiicc soil and
a layer of the subsoil has been placed thereon ; and it
should be at once thoroughly mixed or incorporated
with this reserved subsoil.

After the hole has been dug and the tree is planted
therein, the roots must be carefully spread out, so
that none are doubled in or bent, and thus forced to
take a wrong direction. If their natural growtli has
been such as to leave considerable vacancies about
the stem, the roots may be drawn towards each other
at those points, and pinned down with wooden pegs,
80 as to distribute them with as much regularity as
possible.

Tlie ground which is placed immediately on the
roots should he free from stones and thoroughly
broken up, that it may surround and cover them well
without leaving hollows or vacant spaces; and, before
treading the ground down, the tree should be slightly
lifted once or twice, and gently shaken, to settle the
fine earth among the fibrous roots. "When all the
roots have been thus covered, the ground thould be
lightly pressed down by treading. The subsoil, re-
tained for this purpose as before directed, is now to
be thrown in and pressed down. The damper the
ground is at the time, the slighter must be the pres-
sure used, or the growth ef the tree will be retarded,
if not wholly prevented.

Where a stake is to be applied, it must be placed
in its proper position before any ground is deposited
on the roots. If driven in after the planting is fin-
ished, as is the usual practice, some of the roots and
fibres will be cut or bruised, and the tree injured. —

The stake should be long enough to extend to the
head or crown of the tree, and should have an inch
auger hole bored through it five or six inches above
its lower end, in which a pin of locust wood, a foot
long, should be inserted, so as to project an equal
distance on either side. This will add to the steadi-
ness of the stake, and prevent it from being drawn
out after the ground has become settled.

The tree should not be set deeper than it stood be-
fore its removal ; at least not more than an inch or two
deeper, especially if the soil be heavy — lighter soil
will settle more. It can easily be seen how deep the
tree stood previously. The upper roots, however,
should be covered about six inches with earth, let the
lower ones extend to whatever depth they maj'.

When a J'oung tree, just taken from a nursery, is
to be planted, it is not necessary to be particular
about giving its branches the same exposure they had
before. But in transplanting an older or bearing
tree, it is of great importance that those branches
which had a northern exposure, should be so placed
again ; and the northern side should therefore be
marked, in such cases, before the tree is taken up. —
In planting a young tree, however, it will be of ad-
vantage to give a southern exposure to those branches
which appear to be the weaker, or to that side of the
tree which has the fewer branches. The genial in-
fluence of light and heat will then conduce to modify
and improve tho shape and appearance of the tree
in its subsequent growth.

It is never advsiable to plant a fruit tree on a lawn
or a grass plot. But if, for any reason, it be done,
the hole should be dug two or three feet deep, and at
least six feet in diameter, that the ground may thug
be thoroughly loosened over a large space and the air
have ready access to the roots. This area should also
be kept free from grass and weeds, be mulched with
saw-dust or pine loaves or covered with clean gravel,
or be occasionally well hoed up. On beginning to
dig the hole, the sod must first be carefully pared ofl'
and laid aside, to be inverted and placed in the bot-
tom of the hole before inserting the tree. When so
placed, it should be covered with some fine surface
soil or mould to the depth of several inches, and the
planting be then proceeded with as before directed.

In planting an orchard, the direction of the rows
and the distribution of the various kinds of trees, is
of great importance. The rows should so run as to
permit the rays of the sun at noon to reach all the
trees equally ; and they should be so far apart as to
allow the trees to develope themselves fully, accord-
ing to their natural habits of growth. The trees
themselves should be set in alternate ranges, or in
quincunx order, thus —

Trees of lower growth, such as peaches, apricot*,
nectarines, plums, quinces, should be set in the rowi
on the eastern side of the lot. In the next succeed-

1851. J

HORTICULTURAL.

143

ing rows, westerly, should be placed the apple trees,
May duke and other cherry trees of low growth. —
Then should follow pear trees, and cherry trees of
taller growth ; and if any nut trees are set out, they
should be placed in the westernmost row, ncaiest the
fence or hedge, where their shadows will be least in
jurious. There will thus be a regular gradation in
tlie size of the trees ia the several rows; and they
will all, as far as possible, equally enjoy the benefit
of the morning sun.

When transplanting a tree, the pruning knife must
be freely used, if a handsome head ia to be produced.
The branches must all be shortened down to from
two to five buds each, according to the number and
condition of the roots. If a young tree have many
branches, all the smaller ones, and such as are not
desiralily placed, must be cut off' close and smooth ;
suffering only three or four of the finest and best
placed limbs to remain, and shortening these down
to from three to five buds. It must be borne in mind
that each bud allowed to remain, is intended to pro-
duce a limb ; and that the beauty of the future head
or crown will depend entirely on the arrangement
and distribution now adopted. The sap naturally
pushes with most force towards the upper buds, not
unfrequently passing the lower by, and allowing them
to remain dormant or inert. If many buds are suf-
fered to remain, the result of an inadequate supply,
or too great diff"u9ion of the sap, will be the produc-
tion of feeble and sickly branches, which set fruit
prematurely, and retard the growth or prevent the
developement of the tree. Apple trees, moreover,
should be so pruned as to produce a hollow or open
crown.

The necessity of pruning trees freely when trans-
planting them arises, furthermore, from the fact that
during the subsequent year their roots are to be re-
newed or reinvogorated. Delicate roots, the spongi-
oles of which are yet to push their way in the ground,
and then form and spread lateral fibres for the collec-
tion of nutriment, cannot of course send up such
abundant supplies of sap, as the limbs and branches
received before removal. Ojnsequently, if the same
number of these be permitted to remain, without due
pruning or straitening, the roots may indeed supply
sap sufficient to maintain life, but will themselves
sustain injury from the eSiirt; and the tree will long
languish, and perhaps ultimately perish, from thus
overtasking the roots. A grown tree, which has al-
ready borne fruit, is almost certain to be destroyed,
if thus transplanted; and this fact alone shows the
expediency of using the knife freely, even in the case
of young trees. The larger the tree, the greater
should be the quantity of wood taken off' — particular-
ly, if the roots be few in number and small in extent,
or have unavoidably suffered much in the removal.
Larger roots, which have been cut or broken off',
should have the lacerated parts trimmed smooth; and

smaller roots that have been lacerated or crushed,
should be carefully cut oflT.

When young trees are transplanted in the fall, it
is not advisable to ])rune off" at once all the branches
which are designeil to be removed, or oven to shorten
fully those which are intended to remain. It is bet-
ter to delay the operation till March, when there is
no longer danger that severe frost will penetrate the
cut ends of branches and destroy the upper buds.

Orchards may be regularly manured, if it be done
at the right season and in the proper manner; but
nurseries should not be manured — or very slightly,
if at all. Trees in the latter ought to be so treated
as to secure their hardiness and durability in any
soil or situation in which they may subsequently l)e
placed. Those in an orchard, on the contrary, will
occasionally need some fertilizer, to promote their
due growth and developement and insure the produc-
tion of liberal crops of fruit.

A piece of soft flannel or piece of old woolen sock
dipped in water, may with great advantage be wrapped
around the main root of a tree, which proves to be
very deficient in smaller roots, when taken up for
transplanting. It will long retain moisture, and pro-
mote the speedy exsertion of fibrous roots. Trees
which would otherwise almost certainly fail to grow,
may be preserved by this simple application.

GcAXO. — We again request that some of our cor-
respondents who have tested its value, will favor us
with their observations and experience with Guano.
We could readily transfer to our columns able arti-
cles on the subject, from writers in other sections, but
we are very desirous of presenting the experience of
some of our own farmers, f.nd therefore repeat the
request made in our last number. AV'e hope some of
correspondents will take up the subject.

Work for August. — Dig under old rows of straw-
berry plants, or make new beds. Raspberry canes
may bo cut away when the fruit is gathered frer-i
them. Summer prune vines and trees. Hoot prune
too luxuriant dwarfs. Bud all sorts of fruit trees.—
Preserves, wines. Sec, may be made, but require care
in kceeping. Dry spare fruits that are liable to de-
cay.— Warinr/'s Hand book.

Rose Insects. — If our lady readers are desirous of
keeping their rose bushes free from the small green
vermin that so frequently infest them, the following
remedy will be found a most effectual one : To 3 gal-
lons of water add one peck of soot and one quart of
unslacked lime. Stir it well — let it stand for twenty-
four hours, and when the soot rises to the surface,
skim it off. Use a syringe for applying it.

Winter IIerhs. — The best time for gathering herb*
for winter use is when they are in blossom. If left
till they are in seed, the strength goes to the seed. —
They are best picked from the stalks, dried quickly

I (but not burnt) before the fire, and rubbed into pow-

jder, then buttled.

144.

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

[August

(^ortuultural Societies.

Proceedings of the Peiiusylvauia Horticultural So-
ciety.

The Btatcd meeting of this association for the month
of July, was held in the Chinese Saloon, on the
15th. The President in the Chair. The display on
the occasion was excellent, especially so in the fruit
department, which presented the greatest attractions,
and consisted mainly of tempting Grapes from the
President's houses comprised of seven dishes of
choice kinds, the finest were the Muscat of Alexan-
dria. White Sweet Water and Black St. Peters ; de-
licious Apricots, some ten or more dishes ; the Royal,
Moorpark and Pcche varieties from Mrs. John B.
Smith's ; the Moorpark irom Wm. V. Pottit's, James
Dundas, Robert Johnson's and Isaac B. Baxter's
gardens : the latter tlso exhibited seedlings of his
own. Plums of the Mirabelle variety, by Wm. Fos-
ter and Alex. Parker. Two varieties of Nectarines
from John Lambert's. Pears, the Jargonelle and
Muscat, from A. M. Eastwick's (Bartram's garden)
From Mrs. Oratz the early Catharine and Muscat
petit. A]iplos, the red Juneating from Bartram's
garden. Ten varieties of Seedling Raspberries, by
our indefatigable niMnbei, l)r. Wm. D. Brinkle. —
Very fine Goosberries wore exhiljited by Isaac B.
Baxter, Mrs. John B. Smith and Wm. S. Cleavinger.
Currants, fine red and white from Miss Gratz : red
from Mrs. N. W. Rose, and black from John Lam-
berts. A specimen of the Coloug Cherry from J. R.
Brinckle, an interesting dwarf species indigenous to
the Rocky Mountains.

In the collection of flowering plants were many
specimens of interest and beauty. Robert Buist's
contained a handsome plant of Lilium punctatum,
Columnea Scheidiana, Veronica Lindleyana, Magno-
lia pumila, etc. Among John Lambert's were tine
Amaryllis, Pentas carnia, 10 varieties of Fuchsia
with a number of others. John Sherwood's had
Stin-maphyllum ciliatnm. Gardenia radicans, .Justicia
carnea, etc. Also a table of that graceful genus the
Fuchsia containing some dozen of well grown plants.
From A. M. Eastwick's (Birtrams garden) handsome
plants of Hydrangea hortensis, Begonias,Calceolarias
and others. Edward Delevan brought a fine collection
of Achiraenes several of which were new and seen
lor the first time on our tables, a beautiful display. —
The seedling Carnations liy Mathi'w Mills and .Joseph
Mevius were good. The Bouquets and Baskets were
pretty ; a basket and hand Boquet of Native flowers
from'Robcrt Kilvington was much admired.

The three displays of culinary vegetables did great
credit to Thomas Wriggin's gardener ; to MissGratz's
and John Lambert's.

The foUiiwing was the reports of awards :
By the Cimimittee on Plants and Flowers — Carna-
tion', for the best American Seedling to Mathew Mills;
Plants in jiolt,; for the most interesting collection, to
James Roby, foreman to Robert Buist ; for the second
best, to Maurice Finn, gardener to John Lambert ;
for third best to Isaac Warr, gardener to John Sher-
wood. Bouquet for the hand, for the best, to Robert
Kilvington; for the best formed of indigenous flow-
ers, to the same ; for the best Basket of cut flowers,
to Ilenry A. Dreer ; for the best indigenous flowers,
to Robert Kilvington.

By the Committee on Fruit — Grapes for the best of
white variety the jnuscatof Alexandria ; — for the sec-
ond best, the white sweet water and for the best of
a black variety, the St. Peter, to John Ellis, gardener
to Caleb Cope — Apricots, for the best, the Royal, to

Mrs. Jno. B. Smith ; for the second best, the Moor-
park to Wm. V. Petit. Plums, for the best the Mirar
belle, to Abin. Parker; for the second best, the same
variety, te Wm. Foster Burlington. P'(/s, for the
best, to Wm. Johns. Currants, for the best red and
for the best white, to John Gallacher, gardener to
Miss Gratz, for the best black, to Maurice Finn, gar-
dener to Jno. Lamljert. Gooseberries, for the best to
Isaac B. Baxter, for the second best to Mrs. Jno. B.
Smith. The committee remarked with much satisfac-
tion, ten varieties of seedling Raspberries by Dr.
Brinckle, of fair flavor and remarkable size. Also a
specimen consisting of a branch with the fruit of Co-
long Cherry, introduced front the Rocky Mountains,
from the garden of John R. Brinckle, and a beautiful
model of the Luchesse d' Angouleme Pear, prepared
by Townsend Glover of Byrnsville, Dutchess Co., New
York.

By the Committee on Vegetables — For the best half
peck of Tomatoes, to John Gallacher, for the second
best to Thomas Median, gardener to A. M. Eastwick
For the best and most interesting display of Vegeta-
bles by an amateur gardener, to Wm. Felton garden-
er to Thomas Wriggins; for the second best to John
Gallacher gardener to Miss Gratz.

The Committee on Fruits reported that intermedi-
ately the following objects had been submitted to
their inspection, viz;

On the l',)th ultimo a beautiful collection of Cher-
ries by A. M. Spangler, grown by Messrs. E. W.
Carpenter, M. Ehrman and Dr. Parry of Lancaster,
labelled Napoleon Bigarre;iu, AVliite Grafton, Doubt-
ful, Cumberland Seedling, May Duke, Morello, Eng-
lish Morello, and Kentish.

On the 25th ult., by Robert Buist, specimens of the
Cherry Currant and a native yellow Raspberry. —
The Cherry Currant was exceedingly fine and larger
than heretofore seen by the Committee. The Rasp-
berry had been received by him from the interior of
the State as the white Blacklierrv.

On the 2Sth ult., by Mrs. A. M'. Roe, superior Mor-
rella Cherries.

On the 2d inst., from J. B. Eaton. Buffalo. N. Y.,
specimens of a Cherry very large red foreign variety,
supposed to be Bigarreau of Lyons. A tine large
Cherry from Jonathan C. Baldwin, Chester Co., sup-
posed to be a seedling variety but subsequently traced
to Baltimore.

The Committee of Finance reported that they had
examined the Treasurer's statement and compared
vouchers and found the statement correct.

A series of amendments to the By-Laws were pro-
posed which lie over for consideration.

On motion ordered tl;at a silver medal lie awarded
to Dr. W. D. Brinckle for having originated many
Raspberries of great niirit.

Ordered that the thnaks of the society bo tendered
to Isaac B. Baxter for the relinquishment of the spe-
cial premium of throe dollars for the Col. Wilder
Raspberry, awarded at the last stated meeting.

On motion adjourned.

Thos. P. J.\MES,
Recording Secretary.

The man who first introduced the fanning mill
into Scotland was denounced as an atheist — he was
getting up gales of wind when Providenco willed a
calm.

Ration.\l evidence is stronger than any miracle,
whenever it convinces the understanding, which mi-
racles do not.

1851.J

PENNSYLVANIA BARNS.

145

A PENNSYLVANIA BARN, BUILT ON THE SWITZER PLAJt.

[We are indebted for the cuts and following de-
scription to the politeness of Theo. Fenn, Esq., of
the Pennsylvania Telegraph, for whose paper it was
prepared.]

Pennsylvania Barns>

However much before us in agricultural improve-
ments generally, the Farmers of the States North and
East of us may perhaps be, we claim for Pennsylva-
nia the distinction of being the only State in the
union in which the building of good, substantial, con-
venient and spacious barns is understood and prac-
ticed. Properly speaking, in other States, they have
no barns — they don't know what a real gdod barn is
— a stable or collection of stables, sheds and out-
houses being their make-shift substitutes for them. —
This is a little singular, but is nevertheless true. A
journey through New York and New England, will
confirm our remarks. There is hardly a real barn to
be seen. Evidences of plenty there are, and of ex-
cellent farming. You see good houses, beautiful
shrubbery, admirable fences, clean and smooth
fields, splendid cattle, plenty of hay and grain stacks
— and lots of sheds and staljles ; but no barns. They
will have to come into Pennsylvania, and take a pat-
tern from some of our mighty bank-barns, looming
out in the horizon like doubled-dccked men-of-war be-
side sloops, or like churches beside log huts. As in
our war vessels, so in our barns also, we have botli
single and double-deckers, the latter being tremendous
affairs, that would make our eastern bretheru open
their eyes in astonishment. Above we present an en-
graving of one of the single-deckers — a most supurb
new Bank Barn, called a " Switzer" Barn, which was
recently erected upon the farm of the lion. A. 0.
llErsTER, on the Susquehanna, about three miles above
Ilarrisburg.

This barn is one of the best and most convenient
on the Switzer plan, in this vicinity. It is about one
hundred feet in length, by about sixty feet in width,
and pioportionably high. It is built on a small hill
side, so that the front or barn floor is on a level with
the ground ; while the hill is dug away and the sta-
bles placed beneath. The rear of this stabling is
likewise on a level with the ground, though some ten
feet below the front level. The cut represents this
rear view only. As will be perceived, the barn has
an overshoot of seven feet, the stone-wall being
brought out flush the entire width, which is an im-
provement. The walls are eighteen inches thick, and

rise ten feet up to the front level. The following is a
plan of the ground or stable floor :

! 1

■^

G i

The stone work is represented in the above plan,
by parallel lines. B is a false breast wall three feet
deep, a foot or two before I, the real front wall. F is
the feeding cellar, 10 feet by 20, where the feed for
the horses is mixed and prepared. P is the potatoe
cellar, 10 feet by 20, on the left hand. II. is the sta-
ble for the Farm Horses only, and A is a double
stalled division of the same, shut off from the rest of
the stable by a lattice door, intended as an hospital
or lying-in room for mares, the whole being about
15 J by 42 J : a and a are the feeding aisles or passag-
es.six feet wide. H on the right hand is another
Horse stable, containing six stalls. Here strange
horses are stabled. It is 15J feet by 42^ ; and the ox
and cow stables on the right hand side, marked 0
and C, are of like dimensions. G is a little room 4J
by 15}, where harness is kept. S is the straw room
from which the cows in C can be directly fed. 0 is
the stable for stock cattle, p is the passage to the
turnip cellar. It is 7 feet wide, and separated from

146

THE HORSE.

[August,

the cow stable merely by double-latticed doors, 6 fee
■wide. T is the turnip cellar, 27 feet by 16. This
and that for Potatoes and Feedinj;;, have their floors
■well fjrouted — that is, stones are broken fine, evenly
spread, and liquid lime poured over them, which
makes them rat-proof. The stable floors are treated
in the same way. In each of the aisles marked a,
there is a continuous range of feeding lockers, on
one side, in which oats, corn, or prepared feed may
be kept ready for feeding at any time. In the pass-
age marked p, are steps to ascend to the second floor.
Hay is thrown down here, or through traps in the
floor above the straw room : d is the 0 feet entrance
into the straw room : o, o, is the stone wall projecting
■ 7 feet, and supporting the overshoot.

The following is a plan of the second or front level
floor:

J m

9 A

..n

i J

■D

i J

9i
.J

, M

THE HORSE.

AN ESSAY ON THE EXTERNAL FORMATION OK

STRUCTURE OF THE HORSE, AND ON THE

DISORDERS ORIGINATI.\G THEREIN.

G and 6, are the granaries. D, D and D, are the
barn doors, extending from ground to roof, F, F and
F, are the threshing floors. M and M, are the hay
or grain mows. The partitions dividing the floors
and the mows are 43^ feet long, extending across the
barn to within 7 feet of the rear wall, and commenc-
ing 3.5 feet from the front : s. ■?, represents the stair-
ways into the stables below. The turnip cellar below,
is tilled through the traps in this barn floor. The
Granaries have an area about the same as the Potatoe
and Feeding cellars below. The indentation between
the granaries, up to the barn doors, is about 6 feet. —
The roof overshoots this recess about 3 feet.

The cost of this barn was about $1,500. It is
weather-boarded on the outside — painted white — fur-
nished with ventilators, lightning rods, and every
minor improvement.

[The double wall (B) is necessary to prevent the
great pressure of the bank from causing the inner
wall to give way. The advantage of three thrashing
floors is, that the two lateral ones may at first be filled
with the unthrashed grain, the central one being first
used for its proper purpose in thrashing from the side
floors, which, in their turn, are used for thrashing
the grain stored in the side mows (these being seldom
filled with hay) or in the loft over the floora. — ^Ed.]

[^Continned from page 111.]

The tail, in regard to the manner in which it is
set on, is not to be overlooked: a horse that carries
two good ends, (of which the head forms one, and tail
the other,) always looks grand — is a perfect gentle-
man in his appearance. Above all others, the char-
ger should possess this point in perfection, to coin-
cide with the grandeur of his carriage in the ostenta-
tious parade of a field-day. Ilinc bellator cquus
campo scse arduus infcrt. The tail, in most horses,
should form, when elevated, a straight line, or nearly
so, with the back. A gentle declivity of the croup,
however, from the summit of the rump, denotes tho
blood-like quarter, and adds much grace to this part
in the thorough-bred: should this line decline very
much, the horse is said to be droop-arsed, and the
quarters lose much of their beauty as well as their
natural power. Nothing is so ugly in a full quarter-
ed horse, as to see the tail set on low down, issuing
abruptly from the rump, as if a broomstick had been
stuck in the place. The dealers who indiscriminately
fig all, often spoil tho sale of a horso of this descrip-
tion by curling the tail upward with a dose of ginger.
Some liorses carry a good tail naturally — others, by
means of art, having undergone the operation called
nicking. Gingery or peppery hackneys seldom re-
quire nicking : indeed, hackneys are often called,
from this circumstance, cock-tails, in contradistinc
tion to thorough-breds, who seldom or never carry
any but a drooping-tail, better known by the name
of blood-tail ; a cocked-tail would be incompatible
with a blood-quarter; hence it is that blood horse.s
should never be figged or nicked.

The quarters may be full, small, or fine and blood-
like. Full quarters arc such as are possessed by
cart-horses, large machine-horses, and hackneys able
to carry great weight. These horses are wide in tho
hips, though their hips are but indistinctly marked,
in consequence of being enveloped by large, coarse,
flabby muscles. People are too apt to regard wide
hips as an objectionable point, from their giving to
the horse that appearance called ragged hips, which,
indeed, are not only ugly, but denote bad conforma-
tion, though, of themselves, they denote good make;
for the fact is that ragged hips are produced by a
bad loin, and a lank, flat and weak quarter. Were
these parts well formed, we should pronounce the
hips to be of the best description. The small quarter
is one that is often seen in a horse of this form;
though the general contour of it may be regular and
uniform, it is altogether disproportionately small
when compared with the carcass: if it grows narrow
toward the hinder part, the animal is often said to bo
goose-rumpe<l. But, of all other structures, the blood-
like quarter is the liest adapted for speed: in it tho
tail is set on high up, and the hips are high and pro-
minent, but not ragged ; so that many of our racers
arc higher behind than before, the spaces between
them and the points of the quarters great, as are also
those between the latter parts and the stifles ; the
haunches want the plumpness and roundness of the
full quarter; but, so far from being either lank or
thin, are striped with bold and prominent muscles,
which, being free from adipose and cellular substance
that constitutes the flabbiness of those of the fall

1851.]

THE HORSE.

147

quarter, are so distinet, even through the skin, that
we can distinguish where one ends and another be-
gins. The stifles should project boldly forward, and
have a perceptible irregularity of surface. The thighs
are good, when long, thick and muscular; little hil-
locks, or rotundities, upon them, mark the course of
muscles, and always denote great power; the nearer
tlie angles which they form with the parts above and
below approach to right angles, the more force the
muscles can exert ; ergo, the more powerful the
horse. The hock, of all other parts is in the racer
of the utmost importance ; it should be broad, flat,
and of large dimensions. The propulsion of the ma-
chine is effected chiefly by those muscles that are at-
tached to the point of the hock ; so that the more
projecting this is, the greater the force they can exert,
simply on the principle of the lever: as a man with
a long oar can row with more facility and eft'ect than
he who uses the short one, or scull, so can a horse with
broad, projecting hocks get over the ground with
comparative ease to himself, and pleasure to his rider.
The advantages the half-bred horse with good hocks
possesses as a hunter, are of no less moment than
those a good hock confers upon a racer: his great
propelling powers will enable him to clear his rasp-
ers* with so much grace that the rider will find it a
difficult matter to pound hira,t and empowers him to
make such play in the mud as will soon sew up his
lank-thighed and straight-hocked competitors. The
point of the hock cannot stand out too much ; indeed,
the greater its dimensions, altogether, the better, pro-
vided it be not gummy, or that its various bony pro-
jections and sinewy parts be distinctly seen or felt.
If the hock is narrow, its point round, and not well
defined, it is said to be straight, and from being very
liable to curbs, is often called a curby-hock : should
it« point be directed inward, and the toes turned out-
ward, the horse is cow-hocked or catrhammed. As
this is a part very liable to defect, as well as to origi-
nal malformation, the nicest examination is required
to detect all that may prove disadvantageous or inju-
rious to its function, the proper performance of which
is of so much importance that the propulsion of the
whole machine depends chiefly upon it.

Remarks ox the purchase of a Horse. — Having
selected a horse who.se make pleases us, our next
consideration is his soundness; for though the horse
dealer may declare that he is as sound as a bell, we
are to take the phrase as one having various mean-
ings, and not to be deterred from examining him,
and narrowly, too, on that account. Sight, wind and
limb, must be the uppermost objects of inquiry; for
nine hundred horses out of a thousand are defective
in one of these particulars. First, then examine his
eyes, and do this before he comes out of the stable.
Having placed him so that the light may fall upon
the eyes but in one direction, see that they are
of the same size, and equally full ; that the haws are
not prominent, and that one does not project more
than the other : that the eyes are perfectly clear and
transparent; and that the pupils, or apples of the
eyes, are exactly alike in size as well as color. A
sunken eye, or one over which the lids are partly
closed — a pnjecting haw — an opaque or semi-opaque
frontj — a pupil dilated or a white or clouded one —
are so many omens of disease, for which we should
reject the prad as a cupid,| or, what is often worse, a

blinker, who will shy at all he meets with, and break
your neck at the first poser* you ride him at. Hav-
ing satisfied yourself in regard to his peepers, have
him pulled out, and next pioceed to examine his
pipes. If good and sound, on being nipped in the
gullet, he will utter such a sound as cannot fail to
strike the ear as the emission of a good pair of bel-
lows; but if his lungs are touched, and he is a piper,
(that is, broken-winded, or having no wind at all,) he
will give vent to a dry, husky, shcrt cough. Should
a horse be suspected of bad wind, however, the pur-
chaser cannot do better than direct his attention to
the flanks, which, under such circumstances, will
work either much quicker than ordinarily, or heave
deeply, and with great irregularity; they will be con-
siderably longer in contracting themselves, in order
to squeeze the wind out.f than in falling to let it in,t
which they do, if he is a poser, quite suddenly. But,
though not a piper, he may be a whistler, or what is
worse, a roarer: the first may bo known by the pecu-
liar wheezing he is addicted to when put to sudden
or long-continued exertion ; the latter, by blowing his
horn clamorously under similar circumstances; and
either may be made to display itself, by the purcha-
ser giving him a smart cut, or even feigning to do so
with his bit of ash.

Thirdly, and lastly, as to the limbs. If, in passing
your hand down his legs, we find any unnatural pro-
tuberance or puffiness, or if, in feeling first one leg
and then the other, we find any difference between
them, disease, more or less, is present; he may not
be lame, but he is not clean upon his legs. Splents,
windgalls, and ringbones may be present without oc-
casioning lameness, but they are all unnatural, are
considered blemishes, and are all to be regarded with
a suspicious eye, as cither denoting past hard work,
or betokening future evils. On the same principle, a
horse may have a spavin, and be only stiff from it at
starting, or he may have a curb, or a thorough pin,
and be perfectly sound ; but these are still blemishes,
and as such detract from the intrinsic value of the
animal. In explaining the advantages resulting from
good conformation, we are naturally led to make re-
marks en passant, on the disadvantages from bad; in
pursuance whereof 1 have shown why such a struc-
ture is bad, a question that necessarily entails upon
us the mention of the disorders originating therein ;
i. e. the diseases to which such parts, in consequence
of being malformed, are predisposed. Inofes.

* Rasper, a high and dangerous leap.
■{■ Surrounded by inaccessible raspers.
X Transparent cornea,
j A blind one.

* So called from planting all but the nonpareils,
t Expiration. J Inspiration.

To THE Editor of the Farm Journal — Dear Sir :
I have a fresh Cow that gives her quantum of milk
in the evening, and falls off in the morning, not giv-
ing more than half a pint. I may here state, that
so far as can bo discovered, she has not got it to give
It is not taken from her either by herself or by other
visible means, as measures have been taken to detect
them if any such existed. This state of things has
continued for one week previously to which all was
right. Can you or any of your subscribers account
for it? The Cow apparently is in good health.

Yours, respectfully, A Subscribkr.

[The cow is probably not in perfect health. Let
her be fed when being milked. See Mr. Morris's re-
medy in our laat number. — Ed.]

148

COTSWOLD SHEEP.

[August,

The Cotswold Sheep.

The Cotswolds, until improved by modern crosses,
were a very large, coarse, long-legged, flat-ribbed va-
riety, light in the fore-quarter — shearing a long,
heavy, coarse fleece of wool. They were hardy, pro-
lific breeders, and capital nurses. They were deficient
in early maturity, and did not possess feeding pro-
perties equaling those of the Down or New Leices-
ter. To a cross with the latter variety we owe the
modern or improved Cotswold. Having had no per-
sonal experience with the breed, I prefer quoting the
descriptions.of the later standard Lnglish writers, to
the task of compilation.

" The Cotswold is a large breed of sheep, with a
long and abundant fleece, and the ewes are very pro-
lific and good nurses. Formerly they were bred only
on the hill*, and fatted in the valleys, of the Severn
and the Thames ; but with the inclosure of the Cots-
wold Hills and the improvement of their cultivation.

they have been reared and fatted in the same district.
They have been extensively crossed with the Leices-
ter sheep, by which their size and fleece have been
somewhat diminished, but their carcasses considera-
bly improved, and their maturity rendered earlier. —
The wethers are now sometimes fattened at 14
months old, when they weigh fnmi 15 lbs. to 24 lbs.
per quarter, and at two years old increase to 20 lbs.
or 30 lbs. The wool is strong, mellow, and of good
color, though rather coarse, C to 8 inches in length,
and from 7 lbs. to 8 lbs. per fleece. The superior
hardihood of the improved Cotswold over the Leices-
ter, and their adaptation to common treatment, to-
gether with the prolific nature of the ewes and their
abundance of milk, have rendered them in many
places rivals of the New Leicester, and have obtaineii
for them, of late years, more attention to their selec-
tion and gcner.al treatment, under which manage-
ment still farther improvement appears very probable.

THE COTSWOLD SHEEP.

fhey have ^Iso been used in crossing other breeds,
and, as before noticed, have been mixed with the
Hampshire Downs. It is, indeed the improved Cots-
wold that, under the term new or Improved Oxford-
shire Sheep, are so frequently the successful candi-
dates for prizes offered for the best long-wooled sheep
at some of the principal Agricultural meetings or
shows in the kingdom. The quality of the mutton
is considered superior to that of the Leicester, the
tallow being less abundant, with a larger develop-
ment of muscle or flesh. We may, therefore, regard
this breed as one of established reputation, and exten-
ding itself throughout every district of the kingdom."
" The degree to which the cross may be carried
must depend upon the nature of the stock, and on the
situation and character of the farm. In exposed sit-
uations, and somewhat scanty pasture, the old blood
should decidedly prevail. On a more sheltered
Boil, and on land that will bear closer stocking,
& greater use may be made of the Leicester. —

Another circumstance that will guide the farmer is
the object that he principally has in view. If he ex-
pects to derive his chief profits from the wool, he
will look to the primitive Cotswolds ; if he expects to
gain more as a grazier, he will use the Leicester ram
more freely."

Cotswold sheep of good quality have been imported
into the United States by Messrs. Corning & Sotham,
of Albany, and arc now bred by the latter gentle-
man. I believe there were several earlier importa-
tions— but of their dates or particulars I am not ad-
vised.— Randall's Sheep Husbandry.

[It will be remembered that some of the best sheep
raised in Pennsylvania are of the Cotswold crossed
with the Leicester. Mr. B. Hood, of Chester county,
and other gentlemen in various sections have tried
them and found them, when crossed as above, a most
valuable breed. — Ed.]

1S51.]

EDITORIAL.

149

THE FARMJOUENAL

Sub-Qrbttor's ?I)cpavtmcnt.

Agents.

TnE Farm Journal may bo had at the following
places : —

W. B. ZiEBER, South 3d St., principal agent for
Philadelphia.

W. H. Spangler, Lancaster, Pa.

15. F. Spangler, Columbia, Pa.

Geo. Bergner, Harrisburg, Pa.

11. Miner, Pittsburg, Pa.

J. R. SuRYOCK, Chambersburg, Pa.

H. M. Rawlins, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

How to double the circulation of the Karm Journal.

We once read an article, (where, we do not remem-
ber,) in which the writer laid down certain rules, by
which to get subscribers to an agricultural paper. —
Some of the suggestions struck us so forcibly that the
impressions made upon us have not yet been forgotten,
and we now give them to our readers, with the hope
that they will act upon them in behalf of the Farm
•Journal.

When you meet a neighbor who does not take an
agricultural paper, instead of discussing some of the
unprofitaV)le topics of the day, introduce the subject
of agriculture — the improvements making every day
in farming, and let your neighbor know how much
of this spirit of progress is attributable to "book
farming."

If in reading the Farm Journal, you chance to find
something not exactly adapted to j'our soil and loca-
tion, do not on this account condemn the whole work,
but remember that everything contained in it is not
intended to benefit yourself only. Your neighbors'
interests must be looked to a little. Sit down and
read the whole of it carefully, and our word for it,
you will find something to interest and perhaps ben-
efit you, and if in reading you chance to meet an ar-
ticle that will be of service to your non-subscribing
neighbor, read it to him, or lend him the number that
he may read for himself.

Should you meet with a valuable suggestion (and
every farmer will meet with many such) and put it
into practical use ; when you have seen and tested
the value of it, do not keep it a secret, but let your
non-subscribing neighbor know what it is, and that
you learned it in the Farm Journal.

If you feel desirous of getting up a club for the
Farm Journal in your vicinity, take the subscription
paper in your hand— head the list with your own
name — when you meet a neighbor tell him of the
advantages of agricultural papers — point to the im-
provements those farmers are making who subscribe
for and read them — tell him of the advantage they
will be to his family— if he is a Pennsylvanian, ap-

peal to his State pride — make him aware of the fact
that the Farm Journal is the only strictly agricultu-
ral journal published in the State — that its articles
are written principally by practical men, familiar
with the soil of Pennsylvania and the proper modn
of its culture, and be careful to impress upon his
mind that by making one of your club list, ho will
receive the Journal fur one year at a cost of only
seveniy-five cents, and in a form fit for binding, and
that at the end of the year he will have a volume of
three hundred and eighty-four pages, replete with
valuable and interesting information. By this meaiw
four out of every five will subscribe, and in a little
while your club will be fall.

Perhaps, good reader, jou will ask, "why should
we take so much trouble on ourselves ?" To speak
candidly it would not pay you very well. But, kind
friends, remember, that we should not live wholly for
ourselves. Our neighbors have a claim upon our re-
gards— the great agricultural interests of our noble
State are not yet half developed — Pennsylvania does
does not occupy the position she should, and it is
your duty, as we feel it to be ours, to labor for her
advancement. AVill j'ou not assist us? After the
first j'ear you will have no difficulty, for the day is
coming when scientific agriculture, or "book farm-
ing" as it is called, will so fixr take the precedence
of the old, worn out practice, that few men will hesi-
tate to subscribe.

Fine Wool. — AVe were shown, a few days since, a
sample of wool, which for fineness exceeds any that
we have ever seen. It was taken from the fleece of
an imported German buck, the property of Dr. J.
Trissler, of Vienna, Ontario county. New Y'ork. The
entire fleece weighed ten pounds four ounces. Dr.
T. imported the buck himself, and paid for him |300.
As we understand it is the Dr.'s intention to remove
to Lancaster county, we hope he will make it a point
to bring this valuable animal with him.

A Generous Offer. — Mr. Samuel Pelton, a gentle-
man who feels a deep interest in horticultural pur-
suits, has authorized us to say that during his stay
in the Gennesse valley, where he now is, he will make
arrangements to have forwarded to Lancaster, cut-
tings and scions of the finest fruits of that region of
country; and that they will be furnished to those de-
siring them, at the mere cost of transportation. This
is very liberal on the part of BIr. P. and we hope the
oflfer will be embraced by many of our fruit growers,

A band of emigrants from Sweden, numbering one
hundred and eighteen, passed through Boston lately
on their waj' to the west, where they intend to en-
gage in agricultural pursuits. The procession was
led off by thirteen wagons filled with baggage, wifh
the women and children on the top. The men fol-
lowed, many of them with their guns.

150

EDITORIAL.

[August,

Coustitutlou of the Peiiiisylvauia State Agricultu-
ral Society.

N We publish bolow the Constitution of the State
Society, and the names of its officers. We vrould at
at the same time, press upon those who liave not al-
ready done .so, the importance of becoming members.
If Pennsylvania is ever to assume her rightful posi-
tion in an agricultural point of view, she can do so
only through the medium of such an organization. —
We are not among those who are continually under-
rating the skill of our formers and artisans ; our con-
fident belief being, that Pennsylvania farming will
compare favorably with that of any of her sister
States. It has not been the want of thorough and
practically applied knowledge of farming and its
kindred pursuits, that has given our State a reputa-
tion for being somewhat less advanced in agriculture
than Now York, Massachusetts and others, but it is
the fact that the yeomanry of Pennsylvania have not
toasted so loudly of their proficiency. Were the im-
mense yields of some oi our noble farms as faithfully
recorded, the portraits of our fine stock as frequently
given, and the principle of putting " the best foot
foremost" as generally adopted as by our northern
neighbors, there would be less cry about the back-
wardness of Pennsylvania agriculture.

It is for the purpose of convincing the world that
such is the case, that the Fair or Exhibition to be
held at Harrisburg, under the auspices of the State
Society, has been proposed, and it is the earnest hope
of every friend of agriculture, that our formers and
mechanics will propcr'y appreciate the opportunity
afibrded them of rebuking those who have sneeringly
pointed to Pennsylvania as greatly behind the age.
We predict, that if any thing like a fair representa-
tion of the agricultural and mechanical skill of our
citizens (to say nothing of the taste and ingenuity
of our ladies in all that relates to household economy)
be given, that hereafter there will be fewer fault-
finders. It is with a deep, longing desire, therefore,
to have the farmer.s of the Keystone, placed in their
rightful position before the agricultural world, that
we urge one and all to prepare their contributions
for the coming exhibition. Ample preparatioas have
been made for the accommodation and display of all
that may be brought, and nothing will be left undone
to render the whole affair one that will reflect credit
upon all concerned.

Then let the hands of the State Society be strength-
ened, and its efforts ably and cheerfully seconded. —
Let the yeomanry come to the rescue, and the 23d,
24th and 25th days of October, will be a proud era
in the history of Pennsylvania.

CONSTITUTION.

The name of the society shall be the Pennsylvania
State Agricultural Society. The objects of this soci-
ety are to foster and improve agriculture, horticul-
ture, and the domestic and household arts.

Sect. 1. The society shall consist of all such per-
sons as shall signify to the Executive committee their
wish to become members, and sliall p.iy to the treas-
urer, on signing the Constitution of the society, not
less than one dollar ; and annually thereafter not
less than one dollar ; and also of honorary and cor-
r( epinding members.

Tiie officers of county agricultural societies in this
state, or delegations therefrom, shall be members ex-
offirio of this society.

The payment of twenty dollars shall constitute life
membership, and exempt the members so contribut-
ing from all annual payments.

Sect. 2. The officers of the society shall be a pres-
ident, a vice president from each Congression.al dis-
trict, three-fourths of whom shall be practical agri-
culturists or horticulturists, a treasurer, a correspond-
in secretary, .a recording secretary, a lilirarian, an
agricultural chemist and geologist, and such assist-
ants as the society may find essential to the trans-
action of its business ; an Executive committee
consisting of the above-named officers, and five ad-
ditional members.

Duties of the Officers.
Sec. 3. The President shall have a superintend-
ence of all the affairs of society. In case of the death,
illness, or inability of the president to perform the
duties of his office, the Executive committee shall se-
lect a vice president to act in his stead, who shall
have the same power, and perform the same duties as
the president, until the next annual election.

Vice Presidents.
It shall be their duty to take charge of the .affairs
of the association in their several districts ; to ad-
vance all its objects, to call ujion farmers to report as
to the condition of agriculture in tlioir neighborhood;
to ask for information as to the modes of cultivation
adopted by different farmers, and as far as in their
power to make known the resources of their districts,
the nature of its soil, its good geological character,
and all such matter as may interest farmers in every
part of the State.

Treasurer.
The Treasurer shall keep an account of all moneys
paid into his hands, and shall only p.ay bills when
audited and approved by the Executive committee;
each order for payment must be signed by the presi-
dent or chairman of the Executive committee.

Correspondinr/ Secretarj/.

The duty of this officer shall bo to invite a corres-
pondence with all persons interested in agriculture,
whether in the State of Penn.sylvania, or elsewhere,
but especially with our consuls in foreign countries,
that new seeds, vegetables, or live stock m.av be in-
troduced, and their fitness for cultivatiim and propa-
gation in our climate be tested. At each stated meet-
ing of the society he shall read his correspondence,
which shall, either the whole or such p.arts as may
be selected by the society, form a portion of the
transactions.

lie shall also correspond with the president or
other officer of each State society in the United States,
at least twice in the year, for purposes of combined
and mutual action, and to be informed of the result
and progress of each others efforts; also, to invite
mechanics to forward models or implements for ex-
amination and trial.

Recording Secretary.

The recording secretary shall keep the minutes of

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

151

the society and of the Executive committee ; at the
close of each year he shall prepare for publication
Buch parts of the minutes and transactions of the so-
ciety as may be designated.

Librarian.
The librarian shall take charge of all hooks, pamph-
lets, &c., belonging to the society, and shall act as cu-
rator to preserve seeds, implements, or whatever prop-
erty the society may possess.

Executive Committee.

The Executive committee shall transact the busi-
ness of the society, generally ; shall superintend and
direct the publication of such of the reports and
transactions as they may deem proper, and shall des-
ignate the time and places for annual exhibitions, re-
gulate the expenditures, examine all accounts, and
keep such general charge of the affairs of the society
as may best promote its interests.

They shall select their own chairman, and meet
monthly ; five members shall form a quorum.

They shall call special meetings of the society
when necessary.

Annual Meetings.

Sec. 4. The society shall meet annually, on the
third Tuesday of January, at Ilarrisburg, when all
the officers of the society shall be elected by ballot
for the ensuing year, and until another election. —
They shall also hold a general meeting at the time of
the annual exhibition, and special meetings whenever
convoked by the Executive committee.

Fifteen members shall form a quorum for the
transaction of business, but no member in arrears
shall be entitled to the privileges of the society.

Sec. 5. This Constitution may be altered or amend-
ed, at the annual meetings in January, by a vote of
two-thirds of the members in attendance.

President.
FREDERICK WATTS, Cumberland.

Treasurer — Geo. II. Bucher, Ilogestown, Cum. co.
Librarian — Dr. Luther Reily, Ilarrisburg.
Anali/tical Chemist and Geologist — Chas. B. Trego,
Philadelphia.

An Executive Committee to consist of the above-
named officers and five additional members, to wit :
Algernon S. Roberts, Philadelphia county ; John
Evans, York ; Dr. John Irwin, Juniata ; Isaac G.
M'Kinley, Ilarrisburg ; David Mumma, Jr., Dauphin.

VlCE-

?RESI

DENTS.

Geo. W.

WOODWARD

Honorary Vice-President.

1 Congressional District,

Peleg B. Savery,

Joseph R. Ingersoll,

Caleb Cope,

James Gowen,

John Kennedy,

William Stewart,

Abm. R. M'llwain,

J. B. Garber,

Col. Henry Shubert

10.

«i

Conrad Shimer,

11.

Jacob Drumheller,

12.

lion. Wm. Jessup,

13.

Jacob Gundv,

14.

A. 0. Hiester,

15.

J. S. Ilaldeman,

16.

Finlaw M'Cown,

17.

Jon. M'Williams,

18.

Henry W. Boeson,

19.

Wm. A. Stokes,

20.

Wm. Patterson,

21.

Hiram Hultz,

22.

Morris Leech,

23.

James Miles,

24.

David Ralston.

Corresponding Secretary — Dr. Alfred L. Elwyn,
Philadelphia.

Recording Secretary — Robt. C. Walker, Allegheny.

Good Farming; Implements.

Every farmer should not only provide a complete
set of farming implements ; but that set should be
of the most approved construction, and the best qual-
ity. It is wretched economy to place awkward, un-
wieldy tools in the hands of your laborers, when
light, convenient, and equally durable ones may be
had for the same price. But admitting the price of
the convenient implement to be double that of the
inconvenient one, the prudent farmer will gladly pay
the difference. He thereby, not only spares his work-
men, but in the end secures a greater amount of
work. With what care should the farmer select his
plows. How earnestly endeavour to procure those of
the lightest draught, and easiest management. The
comfort of his horses demands this, and the extra
amount of time and care consumed in the selection,
will be more than repaid, by the good condition of
his horses or oxen, and the superior manner in which
his work is done.

Many farmers are in the habit of purchasing infc,
rior implements for their boys to use. This, again, is
miserable policy, and no prudent farmer will ever be
guilty of it. If men cannot perform good work with
bad implements, how much less inexperienced boys,
Give the boys tools of the best kinds, and where
practicable, let them be adapted in size' to their
strength and capacity for handling them.

Every farmer should provide himself with a com-
plete set,' of Horticultural Implements, and these too,
should be of the most improved kinds. One great
reason why gardens are so wretchedly cultivated, —
why weeds are permitted to outgrow and smother
valuable plants — why fruit trees become barren and
decay, is, the want of a good set of Horticultural
implements, with which to guard against these evils.
How frequently does the farmer in a leisure hour,
observe the wants of a favorite tree — that it needs
prunning — that his hedge needs trimming — that a
favorite fruit should be budded, or a thousand other
things which should be attended to, but are not, be-
cause the suitable tools are not within reach.

Every farm should boast a tool house so arranged,
that every implement should have its proper place
assigned it ; and a fixed principle with the master
should be to see and require every thing to be in
its proper place as soon as the workmen are done
with it. A system itic arrangement of this kind
fully carried out, would in a short time beoeme a

152

EDITORIAL.

[August,

lixed habit, and the advantages of it appreciated
•inly by a comparison between the condition of the
larm where good implements are kept and carefully
preserved, and one where they are never found.

Education and tlie Agricultural Press.

The following truthful remarks on the subject of
agricultural education and the importance of the
agricultural press, we copy from the admirable ad-
dress of Dr. J. A. Kennicott, of Korthfield, 111., de-
livered before the American Pomological Congress, at
'iinclnnati, on the 3d of October, 1850. We regret
that we have not space for the whole of the address,
as it abounds in useful and interesting information.

The first and last thing wanted by the farmer, is
I'dvcation — knowledge. In this we can assist him —
and what we can do we should do in this connection.
Agricultural and horticultural societies, have done
much towards waking up and encouraging all who
labor for bread — the mechanic, as well as the farmer
and pomologist. At the shows of these societies, our
bretfiren see what others have done, and what science
may do. And the people of the " universal Yankee
nation," are very apt to believe, that " what man has
done, man can do again." Thousands are annually
startled from their old routine practice, by what they
see at these exhibitions, and try to imitate or excel
the products of the farm, or the work-shop, which
have thus excited their professional emulation.

Let us therefore lielp to establish county and State
societies throught the land, and let us add one fea-
ture to them, which most of those in existence now
lack — not exactly lectures, but brief observations on
every new or extraordinary subject. This may be
done, by a system of familiar questions put to every
exhibitor, by the proper officers of the society, ancJ
publicly answered.

I have read reports of such public conversations,
in the proceedings of the American^Institute, New
"York city, and some other societies. This mode of
conveying information, though not always as clear
and reliable as written statements, possesses many
adv.antages. Let it be generally adopted, and much
good will result therefrom, and the persons who can-
not or will not read, may possess themselves of a few
tacts on which to base their own experiments. 1 have
heard of the adoption of this plan in small neighbor-
hoods, without shows, and with the happiest and most
encouraging results.

But after all, our principal engine, is the agrimil-
tural press. The press may have been brought into
existence by the societies', though that admits of
doubt. The press is, however, tlie organ, and the
very soul of the associations. Man is a vain animal,
and loves to see himself "in print," and he often
works hard, and effects much good, with that power-
ful, that unacknowledged desire.

The agricultural press must be sustained. Public
opinion is the true sovereign of the Anglosaxon ;
and he will give even money, (which is too often his
(Jod,) to propitiate it. Say what we may about the
press being but the mirror of public opinion, it cer-
tainly creates as well as reflects that mighty power.

Let us sustain then our agricultural journals. If
wo cannot give money, as puliticians do to theirs, we
can give a little time. Many of us have influence
and powers of persuasion. Let us exert those with
our neighbors, and procure legitimate subscriptions
— knowing as we do, that for every dollar we induce

our brethern to disburse, they will receive the value
of ten, in useful knowledge.

The agricultural press is now the most efficient and
legitimate advocate of common school and specific ao--
ricultural education ; and this is a subject of more
general and vital importance, than all the agricultu-
ral bureaus and societies in the world.

The farmer's son must be educated for his profes-
sion— the mechanic for his calling, and the voter
for the perpetuation and extension of our free insti-
tutions, and "the manifest destiny" of the Anglo-
Saxon race.

And better than our sons, should we educate our
DAUonTERS. If " the boy is f;ither to the man," the
MOTHER not only bends the twig, but her infiuenoe for
good or for evil, is often the joint product of both
parents, or the future career of the son, as palpable
as the successful graft of the pippin on the crab, or a
melting pear on a native thorn.

Do not for a moment, suppose that I believe the
mind of man like this paper, on which I can write
what thoughts I please. Men are as different in men-
tal organization as in features. And yet, even id-
iots are susceptible of some education ; and pippins
will sometimes grow when inoculated on crabs, and
pears on thorns, though not on hemlocks or black
jacks.

Scientific education can do much towards redeem-
ing a bare or sterile mind ; and it can do every thing
with that on which God smiled at its inception and
developement. But without education, this child of
the deity will be but as the statue in the block of
marble, or this paper, before it was blotted by my
uneducated speculations, and chance thoughts, which
the very system I advocate, might have converted in-
to gems of beauty and usefulness.

Agricultural education may be thought, (as some
who live by agriculturists have said,) "one of the
humbugs of the ago." Still it is a principle that I
hope to see tested before I die. I would ask no larg-
er hold on fame, than I could rest on the broad re-
sults of such a system as I advocate. But. alas, my
powers in this, as in most things, are far below my
enthusiasm and my appreciation of the great thoughts
of other men. But, thank God, great men and men
in power see this matter in its true light, and have
dared to countenance and sustain it, even against self-
nominated legislators, who neglect our interests, and
self-constituted manufacturers of public opinion, who
underrate or slight them.

A First Rate Drill.
We take pleasure in commending to such of our
readers as may desire a first rate drill, those of
Moore's patent, manufactured by Messrs. Lee, Pierce
& Lee, of Ercildoun, Chester county. They are su-
perior in all that constitutes a good drill, and cost
only a little more than half the price of the drills
heretofore used. Their simplicity will at once re-
commend them, apart from the fact that the work
performed by them is fully equal to that of any other
with which we are acquainted.

Blue Rose. — The horticulturists of Paris, says a
correspondent of the N. Y. Express, have succeeded
by artificial crossings in obtaining a natural rose of
a blue color, which is the fourth color obtained by
artificial means — the yellow, or tea rose, tlie black,
or purple rose, and the striped rose, being all inven-
tions, and the result of skilful scientific gardening.

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

15.3

What we have doue~What we intend doing*

When we commenced the publication of the Farm
Journal, wo promised that no effort should be spared
to render it vrorthy a generous support. Agreeably
to that promise, we have labored with the al)ilitj' we
possessed to lay before our readers such matter as
we conceived best adapted to interest and benefit
them. We have secured the assistance of some of
the most reliable pens in the State, and have good
reasons for believing the Journal a publication which
every farmer in Pennsylvania may read with profit.
This much we have done.

What wc intend doing. To say that we will make
the Farm .Journal better than it has been, would per-
haps be saying too much. But, good reader, "ice
Kill try." The list of our correspondents is rapidly
increasing in numbers and ability. Our scientific
and practical men are giving us the benefits of their
observations and experience. A highly valued and
capable correspondent has offered to translate for us
an article from the German, on Agricultural Chemis-
try, which will occupy portions of several succeeding
numbers of the Journal. This article contains the
latest summary of this all-important suliject, from a
most competent source, and will, in itself, bo worth
five times the price of the Journal to our readers. — •
The various subjects treated of, will be fully illustra-
ted, which will materially increase its value.

In addition to this, the articles on Entomology,
will be continued, with entirely original illustrations,
showing the habits and character of noxious insects,
and in that familiar style which renders them so val-
uable to every reader who cultivates trees or plants.

This and much more that will give a permanent
value to the Journal, we intend doing. ^\'ill our
friends sustain us? We do not complain of the sup-
port we have received. It has been liberal beyond
our most sanguine expectations ; but we must have
more subscribers. Our expenses of publication are
heavy, and, kind reader, our family must live. We
have a plan to propose, a very simple plan — a favor
to ask. We have said what we will do, an<l having
said so, will make good our word. In return for
these renewed efforts and increased expenses, all that
we ask is, that each one of our present subscribers will
send us the name of one other subscriber. How easily
might this be accomplished? How comfortable it
would make us feel. What a vast amount of good
would be accomplished by it, for the farming inter-
ests of Pennsylvania. Only one subscriber each. —
Remember that, only one, and the Farm Journal will
go on prosperously.

The Corn Crop, in Pennsylvania, is as promising
as could be desired, and there is every indication that
it will be as abundant as the wheat and rye.

Strawberries . — Those who purpose planting
Strawberry beds, should do so during the present
month or early in September.

The Harvest.

Surely our farmers have reason to rejoice and be
glad. The harvest is over, and a more bountiful one
they have never been blessed with. The grateful
earth has repaid their toil, by yielding her increase,
and their barns and granaries are now fiilled to over-
flowing. Never within our roenllection has there been
such a harvest. The yield has been must abundant-
while the crops, so far as we have heard, have all
been secured in the finest condition. The weather
during the whole of the harvest, was all that could
have been desired, so that little difficulty was expe-
rienced, and far less expense than usual incurred.

Severe storms occurred in some sections, but did
not do much damage, nor continue sufficiently long
to interfere materially with the progress of the harvest.
Our neighbors of New York, Maryland and Ohio,
are rejoicing over their abundance; the crops in those
States, having been equally good.

ToB.tcco. — The cultivation of tobacco has never
been carried on to as great an extent in Pennsylvania
as this season. The high prices which good Penn-
sylvania tobacco commanded last year, has given this
impetus to its cultivation, and caused many persons
to engage in it who never before attempted it. The
most extravagant rents have been paid for land, to be
used for raising tobacco. In some sections of Lan-
caster county as much as seventy-five dollars per acre
has been asked and freely given. The present indi-
cations are, that the coming crop will not be an ave-
rage one, and consequently, there must be heavy losses
to the growers. With a few exceptions, all the fields
wa have seen give poor promise of a good yield. We
hope, however, that the balance of the season will
prove more propitious, and that the crop will be an
average one at least.

The State Fair. — A letter from one of the Com-
mittee of arrangement, informs us that preparations
of the most ample character will bo made at Ilarris-
risburg, for the accommodation of exhibitors. This
is as it should be. There will doubtless be an im-
mense display, and nothing should be wanting on the
part of the Committee to give every contributor suf-
ficient room for the favorable exhibition of his articles.

AVe have received two barrels of Kentish's Artifi-
cial Guano, the fertilizing qualities of whicli we in-
tend trying. It comes to us recommended by a host
of highly intelligent farmers and gardeners. It was
the high character of the recommendation that in-
duced us to purchase it. We will try it, and give
the honest results. If what is said of its powers as a
manure be correct, it undoubtedly commends itself
to farmers as the cheapest and best fertilizer known.

Several able and interesting communications havo
been crowded out. They shall appear in our next.

154

BOOK NOTICES.

[August,

Book Notices.

The Fi-iiit groxcer's Hand book ; a concise Manual of
direction.^ for the selection and culture of the best
Hard// Fruit in the garden or orchard. By William
G. Waring, Boalsburg, Centre county, Pa., 1851.
16 mo. pp. 134.

We have seldom met with a book to correspond as
■well with its title as this Hand book does. It com-
mences with tables, having various fruits arranged
in the order in which they ripen, so that the orch-
ardist, in making his selections, is enabled to have a
succession of bearing trees during the entire fruit
season. Then follows a descriptive list of various
fruits in alphabetical order, the qualities being indi-
cated by varying the size of the type in such manner
that the eye immediately recognizes the superior
kinds. The book is illustrated with many well exe-
cuted wood cuts which will be of great use in ena-
bling the reader to distinguish the varieties.

The diseases and insects which infest fruit trees
arc noticed, and every necessary information that can
be compressed into a volume of this size. The pro-
nunciation of many of the foreign names is given,
but we notice on page 73 that the German z is given
dz instead of ts.

The second part of the book is entitled " IIow,
when, and where to plant," and is accordingly devo-
ted to cultivation, including an outline of vegetable
physiology.

We recommend this manual to all who arc inte-
rested in the cultivation of fruits, and congratulate
the citizens of the interior counties of Pennsylvania
upon the advanced state of horticulture amongst
them, as indicated by the publication of such a meri-
torious work in their midst.

tables, such as cabbages and roots, amounts to more
than 80 or 85 per cent, of their weight in a fresh state,
The second reduces their volume, augments their
density, making it equal to that of pine wood, and
thus facilitates their preservation and storage. It is
sufficient to soak them in warm water from thirty to
forty-five minutes, when they re-absorb all the water
which they have lost; they are then boiled for an
hour or two according to their nature, and season in
the usual way. A number of experiments made by
the Navy department establish the quality and per-
fect preservation of these products after voyages of
four years.

Journal of the Franklin Institute — devoted to Mechani-
nical and Physical science, civil engineering, the
arts and viamifactures, and the recording cf Ameri-
can and other patented inventions.
This large and valuable monthly journal is edited
by Prof. J. r. Trazer, and published by the Franklin
Institute at $5.00' a year. It is well illustrated by
plates and figures, and cannot well be dispensed with
by those interested in the subjects to which it is do-
voted. We extract the following translation from
the French.

Method of Preserving Vegetable alimentary sub-
stances. By M. Masson, chief gardener to the Central
Horticidtural Society of France. The author has ar-
rived at a simple and very practical method for dry-
ing vegetable substances without altering their con-
stitution, and for reducing them to a very small
volume without losing their flavor or nutritious pro-
perties. The process consists in drying them at a
low temperature in stoves heated to about 95° Fahr.,
and in a very powerful compression by hydraulic
press. The first operation deprives the substances
of the superabundant water, which, for certain vege-

Report of the American Pomological congress held in
the city nf Cincinnati on the 2d, 'id, and Ath of
October, 1850. Published by the Ohio State Board
of Agriculture. Columbus, 1851, pp., 79.

This Congress is made of members from different
parts of the United States and Canada, and the report
of its last meeting contains various matters of interest.
Fruits brought together and compared before such a
Congress will eventually be known by the same name
over the Union, so that a great source of error and
confusion will be avoided. An important feature of
these meetings is the vote for and against certain va-
rieties of fruit, the list having become so enormously
large that it is next to impossible for a purchaser to
select; or a nurseryman to supply the kind likely to
be called for. The Congress has already placed a
consideraljle number of varieties upon their list of
fruits unworthy of being cultivated, but the corres-
ponding list of what constitute the best fruits, advan-
ces very slowly, owing to the great diversity of opinion
among those who have their favorites.

The list of " State Fruit Committees" is full except
with respect to Rhode Island and North Carolina.

The officers of the meeting were Prest. — W. D.
Brincklc, M. D., Penna.; Vice Presfs. — J. A. Kcnni-
cott. III.; Lawrence Young, Ky.; James Dungall,
Canada West ; A. H. Ernst, Ohio; James Sigerson,
Mo.; P. B. Cahoon, Wis.; Lewis F. Allen, K York;
Joseph Orr, 7a.; Ewd. Tatnall, Del.; lit. Rev. Bishop
Elliott, Ga.; J. O. Drayton, S. C; Secretaries. — F.
R. Elliott, Ohio; F. Barry, N. York ; J. A. Warder,
Ohio.

The American Journal of Pharmacy. Edited by Wm.

Proctor, Jr. Philadelphia. Published Quarterly

at §2.50 a year.

This Journal is devoted to Pharmacy, Chemistry,
Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, &c., in their relations
with Materia medica ; and we are glad to find that
advertisements of quack medicines are not admitted.
In a sensible article on the recent homicide case in
Philadelphia, the following remarks are made.

" Much has been written and published in the
newspapers about the necessity of phj'sicians writing
their prescriptions in English as a remedial policy
for these distressing occurrences. Were these re-

1851.]

DOMESTIC ECONOMY— MELON BUG BANE— TERMS.

155

furmers better informed on the subject, they would
withdraw their suggestion as being pregnant with
evils far greater than those they propose to remove.
For instance, take the root of Hydrastis canadensis,
one physician would direct, 'Take of (jolden seal
root,' another, 'Take of yellow root,' a third, 'Take
of oranye root,' and a fourth, 'Take of piiccoon root,'
and they would all mean the same thing. Would
not the license thus given tend to multiply the diffi-
culty already existing? We think so."

JDcimtsttc (Kconomji.

To Fry You.n'g Chickens. — As this is the season
for young chickens, we commend the following recipe
for frying them, to our lady readers. Take your
chickens from the coop, just when you are ready to
clean them. Chop or wring off their heads — instantly
disemljiiwel them — wash them thoroughly with hot,
(not cold) water, and drop them into a pan of boiling
hot, nice sweet lard. Let them fry until nicely
browned, then serve them with rich cream gravy. —
Having once tried this plan, those who glory in fried
chicken will never try any other. It is the ne plus
ultra mode.

To Fry Potatoes. — The usual practice of frying
potatoes until they are brown and crisp, is an abomi-
nable one. Fried potatoes to be of the right sort,
should be boiled, suffered to get cold, cut in
slices, sprinkled with salt and pepper, and thrown in-
to a pan containing an abundance of hot fat. They
should be left in the lard only a sufficient length of
time to heat them thoroughly, then taken out, thrown
into a cullender to drain, and served up as soon as
ready. Try this plan.

To Cure a Good Ham. — Take 12 hams of common
size, 8 lbs of brown Sugar, crystalized Saltpetre half
a pound, and five pounds fine Liverpool Salt. Hub
the hams well with mixture, and lay them in a cask,
with the skin down, where they should remain for a
week. Then make a brine strong enough to bear an
egg, add two or three quarts of ley from hickory
ashes, and refine the whole by boiling and skimming.
Cover your hams with the brine — let them remain
three or^ four weeks, then hang them up in a smoke
house, and smoke well with hickory wood.

To MAKE Lemon Whey. — Pour into boiling milk
as much lemon-juice as will make a small quantity
quite clear ; dilute with hot water to an agreeable
smart aeid, and put in a bit or two of sugar. This
is less heating than if made of wine, and, if only to
excite perspiration, answers as well. — Lady's Book.

How TO DESTROY Flies. — Pour a little simple oxy-
mel (an articlesold by druggists) into a common tum-
bler glass, and place in the glass a piece of cap paper,
made into the shape of the upper part of a funnel,
with a hole at the bottom to admit the flies. At-
tracted by the smell, they readily enter the trap
in swarms, and by the thousands soon collected
prove that they have not the wit or the disposition to
return.

An excellent wash for the mouth is made of half
an ounce of tincture of myrrh and two ounces of Pe-
ruvian bark. Keep in a phial for use. A few drops
in a glass of water are sufficient.

Melon Bug Bane.

Mr. Editor: — I send you the recipe for a mixture
which 1 think Mr. Keller will find efl'ectual for the
destruction of the bugs which annoy him and. his
neighbors so much. I have found it so for many
years, and therefore confidently recommend it. —
Should it answer the purpose, the fifty dollars offered
may be forwarded to you.

1 lb. Black walnut leaves cut small.

1 lb. rasped quassia wood.

J lb. soot from chimney.

1 gallon water.

J pint potash soap, (family soft soap.)

Boil for thirty minutes, then add six gallons of wa-
ter, pour the whole into a keg and after having ma-
cerated for twenty-four hours it will be fit for use,
and may be strained through a muster bag by ex-
pression. To be sprinkled on melon, squash, cucum-
ber vines, and upon all other plants infected with
bugs and insects, by means of a brush or the rose of
a watering can early in the morning or at close of
the dav. J. F. H.

To KEEP Clothes Pure. — Lay between the folds of
garments that have acquired an unpleasant odor from
being laid away for some time, pieces of newly made
charcoal. The charcoal will absorb the odor and
render the clothes sweet and nice.

OUR TERMS— READ THEM.

In order that the Farm Journal may be placed
within the reach of every one who feels interested in
the progress of Agriculture, we ask attention to the
following terms : —

Single Copies, - §1 00 Per Annum.

Five " - - 4 00 "

Ten " - 7 .10 "

Twenty " - - 1-5 00 "

It is not required that all papers in a clul) should
be sent to one office. We will mail them (in wrap-
pers,) to as many different offices as may be necessa-
ry. We make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neighborhoods may unite, and
form large clubs, and thus secure the "Journal" at
the very lowest club rates.

Specimen copies of the Journal will be sent on ap-
plication. Post-paid, to the publisher.

Post Masters, are by law, authorised to remit sub-
scription money to the publisher, free of postayc. —
Particular attention is asked to this fact, as it will
save expense both to subscribers and publisher.

Our Terjns are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at which the Journal is furnished renders
this imperative. Subscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subsscribers reside, will
be taken. AVhere the sum to be sent is large we pre-
fer that a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscribers and Post Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will always be sent with the first
number of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, po?,t paid, to the pub-
lisher. A. M. SPANGLEU,

Lancaster, Pa.

156

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[August,

STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

THE su!)8criher nffers for s:ile 4000 young mid thrifty Strawber-
ry plants nt low prices. This and tite followintr month being
the proper time to form new beds to bear fruit the follnwins year.

J. F.HEINITSH
Aupr. 1. 1851. No. 18, Eaat Kins: st. North side, Lan.

AGENCY

for the purchase and sale of improved breed of
AnimaLs.

STOCK Cattle of all the diflerent breeds, sheep, swine, poultry,
-_ &c., purchiised to order, and carefully shipped to any part of
the United St;ites, for which a moderate coniinissioii will be
charged. The following are now on the list, and for sale, viz:
Thorough bred Short Horns and Grade Cattle,
do do Alderiiey do do

do dn Ayrshire do do

do do Devona do do

do do South Down Sheep,
do do Oxfordshire do
do do Leicester do

Swine and Poultry of different breeds. All letera post paid will
be promptly attended to Address AARON CLEMENT,

August I, ISjl. Cedar st , above 9th. Phila.

JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE,

of the State of Fennsylcania^ for the promotion of the
Mechanic Arts.

THE oldest Mechanical Periodical extant in America, is published
on the first of each m<nith in the City of Philadelphia It has
been regularly issued for upwards of twenty-five years, and is
carefully edited by a committee of scientific gentlemen appointed
for the purpose, by the Franklin Institute.

The deservedly high reputation, both at home and abroad, which
this Journal has acquired and sustained, has given it a circulation
and exchange list of the best character, which enables the Com-
mittee nn I'nhlications to niake the best selections from Foreign
Journals, and to give circulation to original communications on
mechanical and scientific subjects, and ni'tices of new inventions ;
notices of all the Patents issued at the Patent Olhce, Washington
City, are published in the Journal, together witli a large amount of
inform ition on Mechanics, Chemistry, and Civil Engineering, de-
rived from tlie latest and beet authorities.

This Journal is published on the firtt of each month, each num-
ber containing at least seventy-two pages, and forms t vo volumes
annually of alKiut4.3*J pages each, illustrated with engravingson
copper and on wood of those subjects which require them.

The sutjscription price is F.'ve Dollars per annum, payable on
the completion of the sixth number; and it will be forwarded free
of postnge when five dollars are remitted to tlie Actuary (postage
paid) in advance for one year's suliseription.

Communications and letters on business must be directed to "the
Actuary of the Franklin Institute, Pliiladelphia, Pennsylvania,"
the postage pa d. \VM. HAMILTON,

August 1, 1851. Actuary, F. I.

TOIfARMERS, PLANTEliS,

MARj^ET GARDENERS k OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAL

<^UANO~Mannfaciured onhf by KENTISH d' CO.
Drpot No. 40, l\'rk Slip, Xeic York.

THIS manure is so combined, that the Ammonia and other fer-
tilizing gases are absorbed, fixed, and are given out to vege-
tation only as It requires them. No rot, mildew, worm, tly oc
other insect can approach it: an iiiportant consideration tofarmers
generally, but particularly in potato planting It will be admirably
adapted to the renovation, restoration and fertilizing of such lands
as have been worn out.

It m;(y be used broadcast, after the ground is ploughed, and then
harrowed in with the seed. Tt is also valuable as a top dressing.
Six acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

li may be used with the greatest advantage on ('orn, Potatoes,
Wheat, Tobacco, Garden Vegetables, Rye, Oats, Green House
Plants, Flowers, Vines, Wall Frnit, &c ,and more than a thousand
certificates from the most celebrated Farmers and Gardeners, can
be shown, all testifying in the highest terms to its great value as a
ferlilixer. A pamphlet containing these certificates can be had,
by applying to the manufacturers. The pb ice is only one cent
PEB POUND. It is put np in bbls. averaging 235 lbs., or in casks,
from IflOO, to 1400 11)8.

Tt-RMS, Cash, or approved credit on delivery. Persons wish-
ing tobuy the article tosell again will be allowed a liberal com-
mission. Address . KENTISH & CO.

Aug. I, 1851. No. 40» Peck Slip, NewYoik.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

1'HK subscribers offer for sale at the lowest market rates,
10110 Tons Dry Patagonia Guano,
500 '' Government Peruvian Guano.
500 bbls. Ground Plaster.
The quality of the above is unsurpassed, and can be recommend-
ed with confidence to farmers and others in want of the articles.
A liberal deduction made to Country Merchants.

ALLEN A NEEDLES.
No. 22 Jc 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Ches. st., Phila.
July I. 4-7m.

GUANO WARE HOUSE,

No 54, South ^Vkarves, Below Walnut Street.

PERUVIAN and Patagonia Guano, for sale in large or small
quantities, in barrels and bags, on reasonable terms.

JOSEPH L.JONES,
No. 54, South Wharves, Philadelphia.
Analysis Phosphate of Alagnesia 45,4
Carbonate of Magnesia 1.7
Alkaline Salts 0,6

Organic Matter 26,6

Ammonia 2,8

Water 16,4

Sand ftc. . 6,2

" The 45,4 parts of Phosphate of Magnesia contains 28,75 parta
of Phosphoric Acid. The guano is of excellent quality, contain-
ing nearlv one half of matter of the highest value in Agriculture,
besides one fourth of organic matter in a good state for applicatiou
to the soil."

Result of an analysis of a lot of Patagonia Guano in Store, aod
for sale by JOS. L. JONES.

July 1.) No. 51, South Wharves, Phila.

GUANO,

PERUVIAN and Patagonia Guano for sale in lots to suit pur-
chasers, by J. CASSEDY & SON.

No. 121, South Water st., a few doors above Dock st , Phila.
July 1. 4-Iy.

BERKSHIRE PIGS and South Down Sheep of Pure Blood, for
sale by JAS THORNTON, Jr.,

July l-6m. Byberry, Philadelphia Co.

TO FARMERS f

LANPHIER & GORRECHT

EESPECTFULLY invite ihn attention of Farmers
and others to their Establishment for the manufacture of
Farming Implements and especially to their ce'ebrated

IMPROVED GRAIN FANS,
which they confidently assert will do more work in a shorter spacs
of time, and with less labor, than any other Fan now in use. These
Fans, wherever introduced, have given complete satisfaction.and
a large number of testimonials coutJ be procured, testifying to
their superior merits.

They also manufacture, to order. Agricultural Implements of va-
rious kinds : such as Straw Cutters, Cultivators, Ploughs, Harrows,

Having had many years' experience in the best shops in the
country, they are prepared to do work of a superior quality a little
cheaper than any other estbalishment in the State. They will war-
rantall their work to be what it is represented. A warrant given
with every Grain Fan, giving the purchaser the privilege of re-
turning it, should it not do good and quick work.

They will de'iver them, free of expense, any distance within
fifty miles of the manufactory. Their Shop is at the junction of
the Marietta and Columbia Turnpike, Lancastt-r, Pa., where they
will be happy to have Farmers call and examine for themselves.
Price of Fans, No. 1, large size, ... Sf'24.00

" " " 2, small size, - . _ 22,0f>

Several good and responsible Agents wanted in the Western
and Middle part of Pennsylvania, to whom a fair percentage will
be allowed. All orders addressed to Lanphier and Gorrecht. Lan-
caster Pa., will meet with prompt attention. June 1-tf.

THE MODEL SEED STORE.

309 Market street, above Sfh street. Philadelphia.

MODEL SEED STORE.

VEGETABLE SEEDS, everj
known Tariety.

FLOWER SEEDS, 500 varieties.

GRASS and FIELD SEEDS.

Agricultural and Horticultural Implements.

THOMAS F. CROFT, Proprietor.
May] Agent of Penna. Farm Journal.

1S51.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

157

Chester Couutv Agricultural
WAREHOUSE & SEED STORE,

Iltgk Street, near the HorlKiiltural Halt,
WESTCHESTER, PA.

THE subscribers in cnnnection wiih ih^ir exipnsive
Nursery Garden, and Green House establishmenta, have
rrected a large Warehouse, and will keep constantly on h^ind and
for sile. a complete assortment of As^iciiltural awi HoTttcuttujai
ImpUmtnta, consitiiig, in part of Horse Powers and Threshers,
Plows of different sizes and patterns, among which are the cele-
brated "Eagle Self.sharpejung." Prouty& Meats' Centre Draft.
Subsoil. Snlehill, ic. &c., Harrows, Cultivators, Wheat Drills,
Seed Sowers, Corn planters. Fanning Mills, Corn shellers. Straw
and Hay Cutters, Churns of various sizes and patterns. Harvesting
lixils of every description ; in a word, eveiy implement necessary
to the Farmer and Gardener, and of the most approved kinds and
patterns can be had at our Warehouse. Also, field, grass, and
garden seeds of every variety.

At our Nursery will be found our usual large assortment of
Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubbery, Grapevines. Green house
Plants, &c., ,t. PASCHALL MORRIS & CO.

Westchester, Pa., June 1, 1851.

DIXON & KERR'S

POULTRY BOOK.

JUST PUBLISHED,

A TREATISE ON THE HISTORY AND MAN-
AGEMENT OF ORNAMENTAL AND DO-
MESTIC POULTRY. By Rev. Edmund Saul Di.\on,
.V. M.. with large additions, by J. J. Kerr, M. D. Illus-
irated wiih sixtv-five portraiis, from nature, engraved
expressly for this work.

CONTENTS.
The Domestic Fowl.
The Rearing and Management of Fowls.
Eggs — Their Color, Form and Sex.
Eggs — Their Preservaiioi. for Culinary Purposes.
Eggs — Their Preservation for Incubation.
Varieties ol the Shanghae Fowl.
The Cochin China Fowl.

Biirnham's Imporiation of Cochin Chini Fowls.
The Malay Fowls, sometimes (though erronously)

called Chitlagong.
The Pheasant — .Malay Fowl.
The Guelderland Fowl.
The Dorking Fowl — Colored Dorkings.
The Spanish Fowl.
The Game Fowl — The Mexican Hen Cock Game

Fowl.
The Chittagongs, The Java, The Shakebag, and the

Jersey B,ue Fowls.
The Poland or Polish Fowl.
The Spangled Hamburgs — Tho Bolton Greys or

Creole Fowls.
The Rumpless Fowl, the Silky and Negro Fowls,
the Frizzled or Friesland Fowl, the Cuckoo
Fowl, the Blue Dun Fowl, and the Lark-cresicd
Fowl.
The Smooth-legged Bantam.

The Dung-hill t"owl, the Dominique Fowl, Colonel
Jacques' Chicken Coop, Devereux's Method of
Rearing Chickens without a Mother, and Cope's
Letter on Early Chickens.
Caponizing Fowls.
The Pea Fowl.
The Ring-necked Pheasant.
The Turkey.
The Guinea Fowl.
The Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor).
The Wild or Canada Goose.
The Domestic Goose.
The Hong Kong or China Goose.
The Bremen Goose.
The White-fronted or Laughing Goose.
The White China Goose.
The Bernicle Goose — The Brenl GoofiC.
The Tame Duck.
This work is well bouud in muslin, and is printed on the
6nest paper. The illustratiors are engraved in the most
«4egant manner, frotn original and accurate drawings, and
the whole is one volume of 480 pages duodecimo, price $1.
A few copies have been colored jfter nature. Price for
*e colored copies, S2, 50. For sile by all Booksellers,
wiA by the Publishers. E. H. BUTLER & CO.,

June l-3t 23 Mimob Street, Pbilada.

PHILADELPHIA & LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS-To sail from Philadelphia on the 15ih,'
and from Liverpool on the Isi of each month.

From Phila. From Liverpool.
Ship SHENANDOAH (April )5th June 1st

Capt. W. P. Gardiner. ^Aug. ]5th Oct. 1st
( Dec, 15th Feb. 1st
New ship Westmokei.a.nd (.May, 15ih July 1st
Capt. P. A. Decaii, <Sept. 15ih Nov. 1st

(Jan. :5th Mar. 1st
New ship SnACKMAXON, fjune 15ih Aug Ist

Capt. W. H West. .JOct. 15ih Dec. Jst

(Feb. ]5ih April 1st
Ship MARY PLEASANTS, f July LMh Sept. Ist
Capt. R. R. Decan, ^ Nov. I5ih Jan. 1st

(Marchl5ih May Ist
The above first class ships are built of the best materi-
als, and commanded by experienced navigators. Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed with com-
lort for passengeis. They will sail punctually on the days
advertised, taking advantage of the steam tow boats on
the Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, can

obtain ceriificaies, which will be good for twelve months.

Passage to Liverpool in the cabin, $80

" ■■ Forward cabin, 20

" " Steerage, '\2

Passage from Liverpool in the cabin, loo

" " Forward cabin, 25

" " Steerage, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 sterling and upwards, at siuht, without

discount. Apply to GEO. McHEN R V°& CO.

June 1, 1851. 37 Walnutstreet.

JOHN H. SMITH'S

RENOVATING OINTMENT & HORSE RENOVA'G POWDEES.

n^HE author of our exi.stence has c<iu.<ie(l to grow up spoiitane-
X. ou-^ly, throughout the world, such vfgetahlc propL-i ties as will
at once euro, when properly applied, all curable disfases. The
proprietor of these truly valuable Mt-dicines niiphtfill a volume,
with Certificates and Testimonials in favor of his articles ■ but"
considering f^uch puffs wholly useless, fIucp they are so readily
manufactured, and ni de use of to such an extent to palm off some
useless trash upon the public. J shall, therefore, stale at once, the
various disea.ses that can be speedily cured by the.se InvaluHble
Horse Henovatinc: Powder.«, viz :— Glanders. Hidebound, and Hon-*,
Distemper. It also carries off all gros.s humors. ;tud purifit-s the
blood. It is also a safe and certain cure for the Heaves; it will
also cleanse, at once, the Rtomach and maw from bots. worms. &c
and again restore the gtomach and bowf-ls to healthy action

Smith's Rknovating Otntmkvt is an invaluable remedy for hor-
ses, in the cure ol the following diseases: Fresh Wound.-*. Galls of
all kinds. Sprains. Bruises, Itinghones, Poll Lvil, Wind Galls
Spavins, Sweeny, Fistula. Strains. Lamenes.'', Foundered Fuet!
Cracks, and Scratches.

The above articles are to be had iu most of the Cities and prin-
cipal Villages throughout the United .States, and theCanadas

For sale, wholesale and retail, at John H. Smith's Depot. No. 123
FuUon street, {2d floor.) New Vorfc.

Frice, 25 cents per box for the Ointment; 50 cents for the Hors*
Renovating Powders. For sale by DR. KLV PARKV.

April— 6m] East King street. Lancaster. l»a.

The BEST and MO'JT VALUABLE

Agricultural Implements &, IMacliinery

Exhibited at the State Fair in 1850. will be seen by the award of
Premiums below ;

AWARDED TO E. WHITMAN. JR..

55 Light Street^ Baltimore^ by the Maryland State

- Agricultural Society,
At their 3rd Annual Fair, held in Baltimore 23d. 24th and 25th

October. 1850.
For the best Plow in the Plowing Match, the Prouty &

MearsNo 5^ $40 00

For the best Plowing with Oi Team, same plow, (Special

Premium) --200

For the best Plow on j;xhibition, Ruggles, Nourse, Mason

k. Go's No. 3. 1st Premium, go^

For the best Railway Horse-power, Whitman's Improved,

1st Premium, ISOfl

For the best Hay Press, 1st Premium. - - - - 25 00

For the best Cornshelter, Ist Premium. - - . - 4 00

For the best Field Roller. Ist Premium, - - . - 8 00

For the best Corn-Stalk Cutters and Grinders, lat Premium, 5 00

For the best Churns. 1st Premium, 4 00

For tb** beat Hay and Manure Fork, Ist Premium, - - 2 00

For the best Hay Rakes, Ist Premium, - - - . 2 0»

For the best Cultivator, 1st Premium, ' • • ■ 4 06

15S

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[August,

ESiglilasKl Kurscrits, Kewbargli N. Y.

A SAUL & CO- bff; leave to c.iU the attontinn of DeaUrs
and Planters ot Trefs. and the public in rjoncral. to tbeir ve-
ly large and compl.ie stock of FHUIT AND OllNAM tNTAL
TKKtiS, which thuy oflVr fur sale tlic coming spring- The trees
of these Nurseries are all grown on tlie premises, and propagated
under the immediate supervision of Mr. Saul, whose long counet-
tion with this e^taklli^hlnent. is some guarantee tor the accuracy
ot the stock now offered for .'ale. It cunsists in part of over

20 "00 Pear Trees. 5 to 8 feet high, and embracing all the lead-
incr Standard Varieties, as well as tho-e recently introduced, of
merit eitherof American or Koreign origin.

20 o'oo Apple Trees, of Extra si'tt. 6 to 10 and 12 feet high, ID-
duding every variety worthy of cuUivatioli. , . , ,

10 000 rlum Trees, 5 to 8 feet, ol every known kind of reputa-
tion' as well as all the novelties of neent introduction.

10 000 Cherry Trees. 0 to 8 teet and over, among which will be
foundall the desirable and choice varieties.

A large stock of handsome, well grown trees, of Teach, Apricot,
Nectarine and Quince, in every variety. Also,

Grapevini'S. Native and Foreign; linspberries. Gooseberries and
Currants Strawberry Plants and Ksculent iiools. such as Aspar-
agus llhul.arb. Seakale. itc.. of the most .approved kinds.

pear and Quince. Cherry on Mahaleb. and Apple on Paradise
stocks— lor Pyramids or Dwarfs for garden culture, and embraces
all the kinds that succeed on those stocks.
Lcciduuus and Evir^reeu Ornamental Trees and
Shrubs.

100 000 Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees, embracing
all the well known kinds suilable fer ftreet planting ot extra size;
such as Sugar and Silver Maple. Chinese Ailantns. Horse Chesnut,
Cotalna Kuropean and American Ash. Three Thorned Acacia.
Kentucky Colleo Tree.SUver Abele Tree. American and Europe-
an l!a»Bwoud or Linden. American and Furopeau Elm. in several
varieties 8:c. Also oU the more rare and select, as well as well
known kinds suitable for Arboretums. Lawns and door-yard plant-
in" fcc ■ suth as Docdar and Leb.anon Cedars; Araucariaor Chil-
ian Pine; Cryptumeriajaponica; the dilTirent varieties of Pinea,
Firs. Spruces, Vews, Arborvietas. &c.

WKK PlN'lJ TKiiKS— New Weeping Ash. (Fraxinns lentiscl-
frfl'a p.'ndula) the Old Weeping Ash. Weeping Japanese Sophora,
Weeping Llms. (of sorts) Umbrella Headed Locust, Weeping
Mouniaiu Ash. "Weeping Beech, Sic, &c.; together with eveij
Tariety of rare Maple, Native and Foreign; !■ er iiiPeaauu
mond and Cherry; Chesnuts. Spanish and .A-merican; Tom sage
Copper Beech; Judas Tree, Larch. Gum Tree. Tulip Tree, O an)
Orange Paulownia, Mountain Ash. (American and Kuropoi-oo
IWagnohas of sorts, with many other things-including some „u-
varioties of Shrubs, Vines, itc,. for which see Cataluguc, a new ^,a
ition of which is just issued, aud will be forwarded to all post p

*''.\ large quantity of Arborvitie lor Screens, and Buckthorn and
Os.agc for Hedge plants. .

The above will be sold on as liberal terms as similar stock can
be purchased elsewhere. For furth.-r p;irticular» we would again
refer to priced Catalogue. A liberal di.seouut will be made to
persons who buy, to sell ag>aiu, and extensive planters, on their
awn acouunt. April

SceU and A?:ricullural Warehouse,

194^ Market Street, Philadelphia.

WE off(;r to our friond.s and customtTs, the lurgcyt nssortment
of .Agricultural impU-mcnls. OardL-u tools, nnci Seeds, evfr
cyffLTcd iu tbts Market, cousi&ting in part of the following, vii :—
Prouly Jind \1 ears' Tateut hife^hest premium fielf-.-^harpening
Houi^lis ri^ht and left handed nide hill Subsoil, of various sizes,
ftf aupenoi- materials and ^vorkmansliip. warranted to give satis-
fftctiun. or the money returned— Four highest premiums awarded
to these rioughs at the New York Fair, 1850. Al-^o. Beach and
far Share IMuugh.s; Spain's improved Barrel Churn, constructed
In such a manner that the dasher may l-e removed from the in-
Mdc of the Churn by simply unscrewing the handlo from the
dasher. Hay. Straw and ( orn-sta?k cutters, in great variety,
BDiong which may be found Hovey's superior premium straw-cut-
ter, of every size.

Also Ilorsc-powor Threshing Machines, Fan Mills, Corn Shel-
hrs. cheese Tresses, Seed [Mauters. Dirt Scrapers. Sugar .Mills. Ox
Yokes and Bows. Turnip DrillR, Horse Rakes, Swathe Scythes.
Coucaved Hoe?, Spring Tempered Cast Steel. 0?al. and Sr/uare
Manure and Hay Forks. Pruning Shears and Chisels, Beach and
Bar Share, repairing pieces and castings. Teruvian, Patagonia
iMid prepared Guano, together with a complete assortment of
grass, garden and field seeds, all of which will be sold at the low
est pnsHible prices, at lUlA Market itreet. Philadelphia.

April 9-tf PllOUTY k, BARRKTT.

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS
And Tliresbiii^ Iflacliine Makers*

TF1E subscriber respectfully big.s leave to inform the public
that he has lately perfected a new Threshing Machine and Horse
Power, which in point of strength, durability, lightness of draught
and convcuience in moving is not surpassed or equalled by any
Machine in the United States; he also confidently affirms that no
Machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as low —
The invention of this Machine has been the result of several
years experience and hard study We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy — but we declaim to have
discovered a plan by which old jihilosnphical principles are more
correctly and advantageously applied than on any other Machine
This invention is feeured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at Israel \V. GrofTs Machine Shop
and at Prime & Colestock's Sash Factory in North Duke street,
Lancaster city, at retail or by wholesale on the most reasonable
terms.

The Power wigbs 600 pound*. It is made entirely of Iron with
Steel Journals, and is warranted to hold 8 Horses should it any
time be necessary t(j use so many. From 2 to 4 Horses are a suffic-
ient number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for Shop purposes that will be the cheapest and
must convenient thing in ut^e; it might also be used with 2 or 3
Hor.scs for threshing; the Powers and Cylinders .and Concave can
be had by the Machine makers throughout the couutry on tho
most reasonable terms.

tJF5=- -^11 orders directed to the subscrilier at Lancaster city will
be thank fully received aud promptly attended to,

Lanc'r, April SAMUKL PELTON, Jr.

CriBmo^c^*i Bee-Hive, &c.

THE attention of Bee culturists is iuviLed to this improved
p liin.
Mr. Gilmore is a gentleman of great experience and succesa in
the culture of Bec.t; his improvement is the result of mauy years
trial; his result has nopar;illtl in the history of the part.

The Agent of the - Pennsylvania Farm Journal '' i^ the .A.gRnt
of (lihnnre's System nf Hiving and Feeding the Bee in thin State.

The price of & Hive and Fixtures ^liOO

Family Right, 3.00

Townphip Rights from $10 to $20.
County " *• $:J0 " $200.

■- A Talk about the Honey Bee." a defence of Gilmore's syfi-
tem, contains, also. testimnmaU. awards of Premiums to tJilniore,
(rum the leadiuj! Fairs and institutes iu this Country ; 12 ceut«
siokrle; $1 00 per di)zeu — gratis to patrons.

Circulars bent to any applicant. Address, post paid.

J. B. MAY.VARD.
April— tf Lancaster. Pa.

HAVE been distributed throughout the Union. The concern
has been in successful operation for upwards of Sixty Ytars,
aud may be said to have grown up with the I'ity of Philadelphia,
where it was at first located. It has been gradually enl'rged to
meet the growing wants of the imltlic, aud is now, as it ever has
been, the most extensive of its kind in this country. The grounds
in cultivation being ten-fold greater than those ol any similar
concern in the United States.

As the Seeds sold by the proprietor arc (with slight exception)
of his own raising, he is. consequently, enabled to \VJ" M'arrant
them, a matter ot importance to the purchiuter of au article, the
quality of which cannot be determined by the eye. Descriptive
(Catalogues in English and German gratis

Also for Bale, Implements for Farm and Garden in large variety.
LANDKKTH'S Agricultural Ware House.

April Sign of the Plough. 65 Chesnut St., Pliiladelphi».

Seed and Agricultural Warehouse.

No. 29. Market Street^ Pkila,

\\tHERE the subscriber has ooened an extensive assortment of

•' GRASS AKD GARDEN SEEDS, of lllS O Wll taiSlHg, OF teCeUt impor-
tation, and warranted tu be as lepreBeiitetL

He 18, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultural
Implements, among whuli he would call the attention ul Kunuers
to a new article of i'low, of his own invention, called Cast-Steel,
Kxtenditig P'l'iMt, Self-Sharpening, Surface and Subsoil i'Jows,
wtiich for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these Plows pctssess over all others, nro
their peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Steel inthe
place of Cast-iron, which only wants to be seen to be appreciated ;
all of which will -e sold ou the moot reasonable prices by
May, 1851. C.B. ROGERS.

1851.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

159

"Get the Best."

A LL young persons should have a f-tanJard DICTIOXARV at
2\ thL'ir elbows. And while yuu are about it ^tt the best; that
Uicttcnary is NOAH WEBSTER'S, the gjfa/ work abridgtd. If
you are too poor. saTe the .imouot from off your back, to put it
into your head. —PAreno/05 Journal,

Dr. W ebster's great work is the best Dictionary of the English
language. — London Morni-ng Chronicle.

Thi.'; volume must find its way into all our public and good pri-
Tate librai-ic.**. for it provides the Knglish student with a ma^^s ot
the most valuable information, which he iu vain seeks lur else-
where— Lamlon Literary Gazette.

The very large and incieasing demand for this work, affords
the best possible evidtnce to the publi;-her3 ihat it is highly
•acceptable to the great bf dy ot the American pe':iple,"

Containing three times the amount of matter of any other F,n-
g1i>h Dictionary compiled in this country, or any Abridgment of
tfaig work.

Published by G & C. MERRI.\M. Springfield. Mass., and for
•ale by W- H. SPANGLER, Lancaster. Pa. April,

NEW YORK
Agricultural Warclsousc & Seed Store,

I8y and 191 JVutcr Stttct.

THIS i? by far the most extensive e.-^tabli.-hnu'nt in New Vork.
It occupies nearly the whole of three largL five-stury ptoie-.
and contains a varied and complete a^^^lrtmeat of evt-ry def'Crip-
t4un ol" Agricultural and Horticultural Imph men is. and Field and
Gftrden Seeds required in the United States. AVe have upward of
One Hundred of the latef-t improved kinds of Plows, mo.-^ily mau-
ut.ictured by us expres-sly for the diilerent Statt-s of the Union.
California and Oregon, the British Provinces, the West India
Islands. Mexico, and South America. Also Harrows. Rollers. Seed
Sowers. Cultivators. Horse Powers. Threshers. Corn Shelters, Keap-
tng and Mowing Machines. Hiiy. Cotton, Tobacco. Oil. and Dry
Good Presses. Brick Machines. Shovels, Spades, Hose, Manure and
Hay Forks. jKc.&c.

Garden Irnplfinenls.^These are imported by us direct frcm the
Knglish manufacturers, or made here to our order. 'I'h'-y cuni-ist
of a great variety of the choicest kinds such as Trenching and
M'oeding Forks. Pruning and Hedge Shears, f'lower and 'I'wig
Cutters. &c. The assortment fur ladies is particularly choice and
well selected.

Field and Garden Seeds. — These aro grotvn expressly for ua
both in Europe aud this country. They are of the choicest kiniJs
and I'f great variety. We also ubtaiu. as soon as sufliciently tried
and well approved, every new kind of seed suitable to becuiiivated
In the United States.

Fejtilizers. — Peruvian and Patagonian Guano, Boneduat, Poud-
r«tto. Plaster of Paris. 4" a

♦ Mtinu/aciary of ^Igii cultural Implements. — We have a large
manufacturing establishment in this city, where wi- will promptly
make to order any new article or implement required by the Far
mer or Planter.

Kxcelstor Sand Paper. — A new and very superior kind of the
different numbersin use by Machinists, fabinet .Makers. &c.

The ^Imerican Agnculturitt. a monthly publication of 32 pages.
'Price one dollar a year. A. B. ALLEN & CU .

April 189 and 191 Water-street. New Vork.

ent and cure Hoi

Uelnitsh'S German Cattle Po^rder.

THIS Powder is celebrated for the
cure and prevention of all disease3
to which Cattle. Milch Cows. Sheep and
Ftps are sutiject. and is the only prep-
aration upon which full confidence
can be placed. For Milch Cows it is
of the greatest importance, wonder-
fatly increasing the quantity and
quality of their milk, and will effectually pn-v
k)W Horn. Murrain. &,c.

VEGETABLE HORSE-POWDER.

Which will cure Distemper, llidebtmnd. Loss of
Appetite, Foundt-r. Yellow Water. Lnwness of
Spirits. Inward Sprains. Inflamation and Heat in
the System, and all other diseases to which Ilorsee
are subject.

HOH-St: EMBROCATION.— For tho cnre of
external injuries, aa Wounds. Bruises, Cuts. Rub
Mng of the Saddle. Collar or Harness, Stiffness in the Joints
Swellings. Sweeny, &c. Prepared and sold at

CHARLES A. IIEINITSH'S.
Medicinal, Drag and Chemical Store, No. 13 East King st..
April — tf Lancaster

IVe^T and Popular School Book.

THE COMPREHENSIVE SUMMARY OF UNIVERSAL HIS-
TORY, with a biography of distinguished persons from the
earliest period to the present time; to which is appended an epi-
tome of Heathen Mythology. Natural Philosophy. General Astron-
omy and Physiology, on the basis of -Historical afcd Miscellane-
ous yuestions." by Richmal Mangnal. Adopted to the use of
Amorican schools.

Published and for sale by E. S. JONES & CO.,

S. W. corner of Fourth and Race st.. Philadelphia
N. B — T euchors and School CommiUeM furniflhed with copies
for examination. Addreea, post paid. April— if

$500 to $2,000 aa Yar.
1000 AGEMTS WATVTED.

IN all the States of tho Union, to canvass for the full.i.ving Im-
portant and Valu.ible Works, which are sold by >ubscription.
We have now abuut two hundred Agents in the field many of
them clearing from two to eight dollars pfh day. It will be seen
that they are all of a very popular and desirable kind, and calcu-
lated to please almo.'-t every ta^te. Fur further particulars apply
(postpaid) to the publishers. DERBY & MILLER.

Auburn. N. Y.

"HOW A FARMER JIAY BRroMK RICH."
BLAKE'S FARMERS EVERY DAY BOOK,

Or. how a Farmer can become Rich— being sketches of Life m tha
Country; with the Popular Elements of practical and theoretical
Agriculture, and twelve hundred Laconics and Apathrgms reU-
ting to .Morals. Regime and general Literature; also oUO Receipts
on Health. Cookery and Domestic Economy; with 10 fine illustra-
tions respecting the various scenes attendant upon farming, etc.
By John L Btike. D. D.. author of "Biographical Dictionary,"
■■ Family i^ncyclopedia," i^c.

The publishers respectfully announce, that they have under-
taken the publication of tliis large and beautiful work, with a
view to supply a de.-iJcratum that h.is h'Ug beeu filt — a b^juk for
tvERr Farmer's LinRABv; believing that the venerable author has
produced a work that will be worth its Weight in gold to every
farmer's family that thoroughly peruse it. It is proper to state
that Dr. Blake i- a paAciiCAL farmkh. and has reclaimed a sterile
and worn out piece of land into a valuable and productive farm —
which experience, with his well known quallticatiuas as an author,
peculiarly fit liim to prepare a book fur farmers.

The work contains 654 pages, large octavo, with a motto sur-
rounding each page— is printed on fine paper, and bound in sub-
stantial imitation Turkey iMorocco. gilt back. Invariable retail
price. $.3.01).

Agents wanted to canvass for the above.

FROST'S PICTORIAL HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA.

The History of the State ol Californi*. fiom the earlie^t period
of her conquest bv the Spaniards, to her aequi.-^ition by the Uniti-d
States; with an account of the di.-covery of the inimeo-e Gold
Mines, and the quantity of Gold already obtained; the enormous
increase of population; a description of the mineral and agricul-
tural resources of tho country; with adventures and tr iv els among
the Mines. Also, advice to Emigrants, as to the niu.'Jt desirable
r<.ut»-s thither. To which is added the Coustitutiou uf the State
of California; with numerou.s illustrations, and a map of California
and the Gold Mines; in one octavo volume. 6t0 pages; bound iu
same style aa Mexican War. Retail price, j-2 50.

" I am prepared— I hav<' end*'avored to do my duty "
THE LIFE OF ZACHARY TAYLOR,

Late President of the United States, including the closing sceneii
of his life and death. By H. Monlgomery. Embelli«hed with a
steel portrait and 15 illustrations; in one elegant octavo volume,
463 pages, well printed on tine paper, and bound iu substantinl
morocco.gilt back.

The lightnings may flash, the thunders may rattl",
He hears not, he heeds not. h<-'s free from all pain,
He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle,
No sound can awake him to glory again.
More than I'O 000 cL'pies of the above work have been sold by us
and the demand is unab.ated. It is allowed by critics to be tho
most complete and authentic copy of any ol the work* purporting
to be a Lite of the Great Man uf the Age. Retail price. yZ 00.

A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE WAR BETWEEN
THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO,

From the commencement of the battles, to the ratification of the
Treaty of Peace; containing a concise account of the splendid
military achievements and glorious victories of the American
Army under Generals Taylor and Scolt, and their gallant com-
patriots in arms. Also, a conci^e account of the new El Dorado,
the Golden Land of California, which was annexed to the Vnited
States by the treaty of peace. Illustrated with 34 portraits and
battle scenes, and a steel likeness of General Taylor. By John S
Jenkins, author of •■ The Life of Silas Wright." • Lives of Ameri-
can Generals." etc.. etc. The work is bound in elegant a- d sub-
stantia! morocco, gilt back, and contains 520 pages. A fine iiap
of Mexico and California accompanies eaph book,

*.• riOOO copies of the above work have been sold by us. chiefly
in N. Y. estate. It is pronounced by cricticsasthe only complete
and impartial history of the war extant. Subscription price ^J,dO.

April

SCATTERGOOD & HOWELL,

DESIGNING, DRAWING

And ^Vcod En^rarin^ Estalilishittent,

Inquirer Buildins., Third Streetybflow Chesnul st,,
PHILADELPHIA.

WatkrColor Drawing. Portraits. Buildini:;3, MACHiJTERr, News

fArER UKAna. Labkls. Seals, ^c Drawn and Engraved

in the Best manner and on the most

reasonable Terms.

AprU,-tf

160

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[August,

liarrisbur^ Agricultural Machiue Shop.

M.STEEVRR&CO.

AVE recently esUblish-'d a Shop, fnr the mnnufacture of
Wheeler^ s Pfitent Hor!;e Powtrs and T/ircsAcr.s with Sepnrnton ;
Isn. Clover Huller s, Feed Cutters, Corn Shellers, Gram Drills,
Circular Sair Milts, &c.

These Horse Powers and Threshers are favorably Known where-
cver they liave been used or exhibited. They have taken premi-
lums at many different State and County Agricultural Kurs. in
different States in the Union, and also in Curotiiia, never having
competed for a prize unsuccessfully.

The accompanying Cut gives a side view of a Two-Horse Ma-
chine at work, with the hands necessary to attend it, and keep it
in full operation, and will thresh from 100 to 200bushelsof Wheat,
or twice thiit <iuantity of Oats, Buckwheat or Barley, per day.—
The One-Horse or Single Machine will thresh half as last as the
douole fines

Thk Overshot Thresher takes the grain from a level feeding
table (of a proper height to allow the feeder to stand erect and
feed without annoyance from dust,) by means of the Separalion.
The Straw, as it comes from the machnie, is thoroughly separated
from the grain.

PRICKS AT HARRISBURG.
j;pr Two-Horse Machine, .... . S140.00

'• One-Horse Machine, .... SU6,U0

Every Machine made and sold by them or their Agents are war-
ranted to give entire satisfaction to the purchaser, or it may be re-
turned to "them after fair trial, and the purchase money (if paid)
will be refunded. Five per cent, will be discounted on the above
pncca if paid within tea days. Orders respectfully sollicited.
' ^ M.H SrEEVER&CO,

Meadow Lane, between 2d and 3d St., Harrisburg, Pa.

May, 1S51. ^'f-

K. IJUIST,

NURSERYMAN &SEEDGROWER,

HAS alwav.o on hand at his s^ed Store. 97. Che^nui
Street, Philadelphia, a large stock of Seeds of his own
growth, a very important item to purchasers, as he isa practical grow-
er,and has been engaged in his profession over 30 years. His nurse-
ry ground is amply stocked with Fruit,Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every article sold at
Ihe lowest rates, and warranted to be as represented.

Seed Store. 97 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia. Nurseries and Seed
Farm, Darby Road, two miles below Gray's Ferry.

Junel, 18-.1. R- BUIST.

Life lusurauce for Horses, &c.

THE American liive Stock Insurance Company, (Stockholders in-
dividually Liable) for the Insurance of Hnrses, Mules, Prizt
Bulls, Sheep, Cattle, ^c , against Fire, Water, Accidents and Dis-
ease. A1b>i, upon Stock driven to Piastern markets, or transported
South.

JOHN H. FRICK.
General Agent for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

REFERENCES :

Wood, Abliott & Co., )
Truitt, Brother fc Co.. V Philadelphia.
• Coates Sc Brown, j

Agents:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, Lancaster Pa.
CHARLES F. FRICK, Reading. Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR, Mauch Chunk, Pa.

Dr. John G. Scovern, Veterinary Snrgeon,
May, 1851.) Examiner for Lancaster County.

HCNUY r.TRIPI.ER.

{Successor to Joseph P. H. Coates.)
Dealer in Grass aud Garden Seeds*

No. 49, Market Street, Philadelphia.

Kettlevrell & Davison's Salts against
Guauo.

A CHALLENGE ! ! !

THE deep intcrept now taken by Agriculturists in all descrip-
tions of manure, would seem to justify any expedient, by
which fair nud unprejudiced experiments may be made of the va-
rious descriptions of manure at thi.s time attractin(; the attention
of the public. In view of this, and the undersigned honestly be-
lieving that the Chemical Compound, manufactured by them, ie
the bi'et manure of which any knowledge is had for a Corn Crop;
challenges Guano to the test upon the following condition: — He
will forfeit One Hundred Dollars, to be presented to the Maryland
.Agricultural Society, if any advocate of Guauo will do the same,
that the Renovator compounded by Ketth-well & Davison, will
produce upon any soil, the largest crop ot weighed corn, without
regard to the si'/.a of the .«talk. provided the President of the State
Agricultural Society will select some person, in his judgment
qualified, to superintend the experiment The nature of the soil
to be described, so that each party can direct the mode ol appli-
cation; two barrels of the Salts to be used per acre, costing J6,
and 300 lbs. of the Guano, costing $7 20. the psirty making the
experiment to receive the manure tree ot cost. And the same
amuuut against auy manure as a top dressing upon timothy or
clover. John Kettlewell.

Kettleioell .J- Dart ion again call the attention of Agriculturists
to their various Chemical Manures — and in 80 doing, they would
be insensible to common gratitude, if they failed to express their
profound acknowledgments for the constant and increasing de-
mand, which tlows in upon them for their simple and compound
manures. Each season has greatly increased their sales, extend-
ing as far south as South Carolina.

'I'hey can give no strongej evidence of their faith in the vir-
tius ol their manure, as the best known for a corn crop, than the
tenders they make above ; and the certificates which they here-
with i)refent. In the offer of a test, it is not the amount involT-
cd. but the willingness to challenge result, that speaks their in-
tegrity and confidence. We could add any amount to the testi-
mony we publish; but if the names we refer to. do not command
confidence, no additional number could. We have never boasted
of the quality of our article, we have been content to leave a de-
cision to time, demand and experiment, that has been in our fa-
vor—hoping, if we have less ol " Bi-phospbates," the public would
discover it, as they would if it was found we had more of ' sand ■'
than any thing elsi*. Kkttlkwkll, k 1>.\tison.

Office at Ober 4' McConkey'*s. corner of Lombard and Hanover
Sheets. J'^actory, federal Hill.

Bl-PHUSPHATES.

We keep constantly on hand this valuable manure. Bonep,
with a proper portion of the Sulphate of Ammonia, dissolved in
Sulphuric Acid. The Chemists of this country and Europe have
been pre.-^sing this mode of using bone-du.st upon the attcrf-
tion of farmers, with great zeal and ability of recent years. Ev-
ery e.Kperiment has confirmed the truthfulness of their theory;
and we hazard hut little in saying that in a very brief time it
will be used in no other way. It is prepared so as to be sown sim
ilar to the salts, at the rate of one or two barrels to the acre —
The price of this article is $4 per barrel. Let the farmer who
doubts, try it at a less expense than the old mode of using bone-
dust.

TOBACCO GENERATOR.

QThis is a cbcmic.'il compound, made eipres^ly for the growth f f
ttic Tobacco plant. AVe will call more special attention to it at
the proper seabon,

CHEMICAL RESIDIUMS.

We have constantly on hand Chemical Residiums of every
drecription. Full information of which can be had by applica-
tion to us.

COMBINATION OF GROUND PLASTER AND
POTASH.

This is a preparation made for soil deficient in Potash, of which
deficiency there is. unfortunately, too many instances in much of
our Maryland land. For this compound we are indebted to the
suggestion of an accomplished Agriculturist of Prince George^s
county, who may at some future day present the result of his ex-
periment. The price of this is $2 50 per barrel.

DIRECTIONS.

The mode of using the Renovator is simple, inexpensive, and
requiring but little labor. The farmer must bear in mind, that
in the preparation of his soil he shares an equai responsibility in
testing the merits of any manure. Land negligently or badly
cultivated gives no manure a fair chance. How to put land in or-
der he ought to know better than we can teach him; and if he
don't know, should learn as speedily as possible. The land, then,
in order— if one barrel lo the acre is used— and this quantity de-
pends upon the quality of the land — it should, for grain be sown
broad cast, and blightly harrowed in.

If two barrels are used, one as stated above, and the other aj; a
kop-dressing upon the wheat or rye, early in the spring at tb«
commencement of the first thaw. Upon grass it should be sown
brond-caiit upon the timothy or clover. On corn, either broad-
east or in the hill. Where two barrels are need, one each way

t^, PRICE of the RENOVATOR. $20 PER TON, or $3 PER
BARREL. AprU-tf

Wm. B. Wii^T, Job Priater, Lancaater, Pa,

VOL. 1.

LA^XASTER, PA., SEPTEMBER, 1851.

m. 6.

THE FARM JOURNAL.

S. S. HAIyDEMAN, Editor.

Entomology, No. 5.

BV THE EDITOR.

The coleopterous insects termed Lamellicornia have
the end of the antennce thickened, and the joints of
this part formed of three or more fiat plates closing
apiinst each other like the leaves of a book.

Some of these insects are very destructive to vege-
tation, by eating the roots, leaves and flowers. The
roots are eaten by the larvse, which are grubs, and
are well known as thick white worms bent in a semi-
circle, which causes them to lie upon one side. Va"
rious kinds are formed in dung, both in the larva and
perfect state, some are formed in decaying vegetable
matter, and others attack roots when larvae, and leaves
and flowers in their perfect state.

Some of these larvEc are
very destructive to pastures
and growing grain, from the
extent to which they destroy
the roots. This may be
judged from the fact that in
England two men collected
eighty bushels of the perfect
insects during ths short pe-
riod of their appearance.
In this country various
species of Pliyllopliaga are found, most of which are
hurtful. They are generally of a chesnut or brown
color, and may be recognised from the figure. In
digging or plowing in April, they are frequently met
with, ready to make their exit.

It is possible that early spring, or late fall plowing,
by throwing the grubs within reach of the frosts,
when too helpless to bury themselves deeper, would
de.stroy a great many of them. Various birds, as the
crow and blackbird, follow the plowman to feed upon
them ; and it is probable that molea devour them, as
these little animals feed upon food of this kind.

rnvi.LOPHAO.i.

Hand picking, with burning or scalding, is the
best mode yet known to destroy these insects in their
perfect condition. They are generally inactive in the
morning, when they be shaken from the fruit trees
and vines, without inducing them to fly. Being noc-
turnal, this inaction may arise from full feeding, and
a disposition to rest after a night of acti^^ty.

Iiotteries.

Various States of the Union passed laws against
lottery gambling, even before it was ascertained that
these contrivances could be conducted in such a man-
ner as to convert them into swindling engines of the
first class, and make lottery dealers more dangerous
members of society than counterfeiters or professed
gamblers.

Among the means adopted for protecting the po-
pulation, the law of Pennsylvania forbids the adver-
thimj of lotteries, because it was foreseen not to do
this, was merely to change the scene of the plunder
from Pennsylvania Vo a neighboring State.

These remarks are made in consequence of havinf
received through th» mail, two documents, one of
which is a sheet called Semi-monthly Couranf, pub-
lished by nobody and ostensibly at Jersey city. I n-
dcr the garb of a newspaper, it is a trap baited with
lottery advertisements by one Carroll, who has a dtn
in Courtlandt street. New York, whence he annojs
the citizens of Pennsylvania. The other document
comes as a letter and is of a similar character. It
purports to be from one Leary, of Frederick, Mary-
land. Although there is said to be honor among
*******, neither of these favors was prepaid.

We caution our readers against encouraging lot-
teries, even as an experiment. If any one can spare
the amount necessary to buy a ticket, he had better
bestow it in charity. The entire system is criminal ;
the ticket_^seller instead of showing himself openly
like an hopest man doing an honest business, cur-
tains his window, and his deluded victim skulks be-
hind a screen to hide himself from the passers by.

TOL I. — H.

162

EDITORIAL,

[September,

Congress institutes or permits lotteries, and higher-
law virtue never protests; probably because it has
discovered the perfect morality and honesty of the
lottery system ; like the newspapers of Washington
city, in which the drawings are advertised and sent
into the anti-gambling States.

Franklin Marshall College.

We are gratified to inform our readers that the
trustees intend to found an agricultural professorship
in this institution, which should be a strong argument
in favor of the college in Lancaster county, the pro-
posed seat of its new location. We hope therefore
that the citizens of the county at large will feel suf-
ficient interest in this important undertaking to in-
duce them to subscribe liberally towards its accom-
plishment.

In what state should liime be applied {

W. II., of Bedford, wishes to know, " whether lime
should be plowed under in a caustic state, rather
than being exposed to the atmosphere previous to the
plowing down?" The most satisfactory answer wc
can give to this query will be found in Johnson's
Agricultural Chemistry, from which valuable work
we copy the following:

The form and state of combination in which lime
ought to be applied to the land depend upon the na-
ture of the soil, the kind of cropping to which it is
subjected, aud on the special purpose which the lime
is intended to efiect. The soil may be heavy or light,
in arable culture, or laid do-n-n to grass, and each of
these constitutes a difierent mode of procedure in the
application of lime. So the lime itself may be intend-
ed either to act more immediately or to be more per-
manent in its action — or it may be applied for the
purpose of destroying unwholesome herbage, of quick-
ening inert vegetable matter, of generally sweetening
the soil, or simply of adding to the land a substance
which is indispensable to its fertility. The skilful
agriculturist will modify the form and mode of ap-
plication according as it is intended to serve one or
other of these purposes.

Fiom the considerations already presented to you
(' 3) in regard to the changes which quick-lime un-
dergoes in the air, it appears to be expedient,

1°. To slake lime quickly, and to apply it imme-
diately upon clay, boggy, marshy, or peaty lands —
upon such as contain much inert or generally which
aoouud in other forms of vegetable matter.

2°. To bents and heaths which it is desirable to
extirpate, it should be applied in the same caustic
state, or to unwholesome subsoils which contain
much iron (sulphate of iron), as soon as they are
turned up by thi- plow. In both those cases the un-
slaked lime-dust from the kilns might be laid on with
advantage.

3°. Where it is to be spread OTer grass lands with-
out destroying the herbage, it is in most cases safer
to allow the lime to slake spontaneously, rather than
in a covered pit. It is thus obtained in an exceed
ingly fine powder, which can be easily spread, and,
while it is sufficiently mild to leave the tender grasses
unharmed, it contains a sufficient quantity of caustic
lime to produce those chemical changes in the soil
on which the efficacy of quick-lime depends.
4°. Where hme is appUod to the fallow, ia plowed

in, well harrowed, or otherwise mixed with the soil,
it is generally of little consequence in which of the
above states it is laid on. The chief condition is, that
it be in the state of a fine powder, and that it be well
spread and intimately mixed with the soil. Before
these operations are concluded the lime will be very
nearly in the state of combination in which it exist«
in spontaneously slaked lime, whatever may have
been the state of causticity in which it has been ap-
plied.

You will understand that the above remarks apply
only to localities where burned lime is usually or
alone used for agricultural purposes.

Sbould manure be immediately plowed down t

W. II., of Bedford, Pa., asks, whether it is better
to plow down manure immediately after it is taken
from the compost heap or barn yard, than to let it
be exposed to the influences of the air, wet weather,
heat, &c., on small heaps, {as is usually done,) some-
time before plowing under.

Although much has been said and written in favor
of surface manuring, we cannot but think the prac-
tice a bad one. The virtue of bam yard manure, it
is well known, is greatly lessoned by being exposed
to the action of the sun and atmosphere, on small
heaps as is usually the case. When the manure is
spread, and permitted to lie exposed any length of
time on the surface, the effects are still worse. The
rich juices which constitute the chief value of ma-
nures, are exhaled by the sun, or washed away by
rains, leaving a residuum, the fertilizing principles
of which have been greatly lessened, if not almost
wholly destroyed. Slanure should be spread and
plowed under as soon as possible after being taken
from the barn yard.

We shall be glad to have this question thoroughly
discussed, and therefore hope that some of our cor-
respondents will take up the subject.

Plums and the Curculio. — The editor of this pa-
per succeeded last year in having an abundance of
plums where they had year after year previously, all
dropped off. Vials of sweetened water were hung in
the trees, and insects which had stung the fruit were
mostly attracted by the sweetened water. The ^als
were repeatedly emptied of the water and insects,
and re-filled with sweetened water during the time
from the flowering of the trees, till the ripening of
the fruit. The fruit did not all escape, but the trees
were well loaded with sound and well ripened fruit
although much dropped off prematurely. These
trees stand Ln a dark sandy loam soil, on a S. E. ex-
posure, in a peach orchard one hundred and fifty feci
above the valley. — Western Agriculturist.

Some of the articles under the names of chocolate,
cocoa flakes, &c., consist of coarse dirty sugar, ground
with potato starch, rough bran flour, tallow or grease,
and ground musty biscuits, with sometimes an intro-
duction of red brick-dust.

Let it not be forgotten that the best tilled land
is always more moitt, and bears drouth better than
land of the come qusJity when poorly tilled.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

l6i*

(Honunuiucatioua.

Guauo*

We have received the following communications on
Guano, in anavrer to our request for the results of ex-
periments :

PniLADELpniA, Aug. 5, 1851.
Dear Sir : — In your mimbor for this month, you
ask for the results of experiments with guano. I will
give you my experience with that celebrated manure.
I tried it on grass, clover, potatoes and turnips,
in the spring of 1845. As the experiments were
given in detail in the Farmer's Cabinet, Sept. No.^
for that year, I will do no more now than to mention
the results in a general way.

My success, in every experiment, was fully up to
the character of the manure. The next year I tried
it on wheat, at the rate of three hundred pounds to
the acre, but no effect was seen, unless the ruin of the
crop on the portion which received the guano, be
taken as the result of that experiment.

I formed several conclusions from the results of
my experiments, that I will take the liberty of giving
to your reader.s, for their consideration.

It is too delicate and dangerous a manure for gen.
eral use, for where it does no good it does much mis-
chief. You might just as well expect vegetative
action from electricity or gunpowder as from this ar-
ticle. T he three conditions absolutely necessary
be observed, when designing to use it, make it incon^
venient to employ, unless in small quantities. These
conditions are, to put it in during a rain, immediate-
ly after a rain, or just before a rain. If these are
not observed, it will burn all before it.

Then the trouble of pounding it to a powder and
mixing it with mould or plaster, gives additional trou-
ble and labor to the man who has no extra hands, and
who will find no pleasure in an uncertain experiment,
merely for the philosophy or science of the thing,
which stands him in, eight dollars the acre. Then
again if the land is rich and in good order, the appli-
cation is superfluous, as it makes clover grow several
feet in height, but with a stalk so stiff, cattle might
as well chew the rails of the fence. Wheat too, it
will send into the air, vigorously and loftily, but
gives no proportionate amount of grain. On the
whole, I came to the conclusion, that on good soils,
in good condition, it would not pay; but on poor soils,
or worn-out soils, if carefully managed, its value is
inestimable. Delaware and Maryland are evidences
of this truth. In the latter State, a farmer applied it
on t«n acres of corn, and harvested eleven hundred
measured bushels as his crop. Also to gardeners it
is of great value, but the working farmer of small
capital, must look before h« leaps.

Very respectfully yours, A. L. Elwyn*.

Mr. Ebitor: — Your repeated calls in the Farm
Journal, for the results of experiments made io our

county with guano, has induced me to give the re-
sult of mine, which, though very limited, you may
dispose of as you see proper.

In 1846, I bought a barrel (about 300 lbs.) of gna.
no, part of which 1 mixed with an equal quantity of

plaster, and sowed it on grass intended for hay.

Another part I sowed unmixed alongside the mixed.
Some I sowed on wheat at the same time, and to t«st
its effects, 1 varied the quantity, at the rat« of from
one to three bushels per acre. From all this I could
see no beneficial results.

About tlie half of the barrel I kept for the corn,
part of which I put on, mixed as above, and some
pure, and when the corn was up, the result was the
same as on grass and wheat.

But before 1 had planted the corn, a neighbor
handed me a pamphlet on guano, its application, &<;.,
and as I had no prejudice against book farming, I
strictly followed its directions, which were, as near
as I remember, as follows: " When your corn ground
is marked out, spread about half a gill of guano at
the mark for every hill, cover it half an inch with
earth, drop the corn on this, and cover it in the usual
way." A square of twenty hills each way, the aver-
age quality of the field, was planted in this manner,
and the result here was visible as soon as the com
came up. It was of a darker green, and more luxu-
riant growth than any around it, and soon had the
start and maintained it during its growth, being from
six to twelve inches taller than the rest immediately
surrounding it. But the season being very favorable
and the soil (a clayey limestone a little mixed with
sand) in a pretty good condition, the yield was not so
great as it was during its growth. I was not, however,
particular enough to weigh the corn of this, and an
equal number of hills alongside, anfl compare them,
to know what the exact difference in quantity was.

J. Miller.
Oregon, Lancaster co., Aug. 11, 1851.

Mr. Editor:— a writer .in your paper speaks of

the backwardness of Pennsylvania in agriculture.

This is a mistake, the truth is the other way, and I
have no hesitation in asserting, that agriculture as an
art, is no where in this country understood as well
or practised as well as in Lancaster, Chester, Dela-
ware, Montgomery and Bucks. In New York, or
New England, or in some other States, there may be
individuals who cultivate their lands as well or bet-
ter than it is done in these counties, but no where
on this continent is agriculture so well advanced a«
there. We shall see what will be done at Ilarrisbur"
— Cumberland, Franklin and Dauphin are fine coun-
ties, and if not too modest, may make Pennsylvanians
proud of their State. But when the exhibition is
held at Lancaster, Norristown, Newtown, or West
Chester, I am satisfied that the triumph and exulta
tion will be immense. Let Pennsylvania put herself
a little more forward and bristle up a little, and you
will see several other States droop their crests. E.

164

COMMUNICATIONS.

[September,

TRANSLATED FOR THE FARM JOURNAL.

Agricultural Chemistry.

Lobe's Encyclop.bdia of Agriculture, from which
the following article is translated, is a German serial
now in the course of publication at Leipzig. Twen-
ty-six livraisons or parts have been issued, and the
whole is to be comprised in forty, illustrated with
wood cuts. This publication difiers, in its plan and
execution, from others of like name or similar char-
acter, mainly by the arrangement of the subjects
treated of in comprehensive classes and the discus-
sion of each fully and independently. Hence, the
reader is not annoyed and perplexed by vexatious re-
ferences from one article to numerous others, nor
compelled to collect and in a great measure compile
for himself the information he seeks. It possesses,
besides, a decided advantage in being the first publi-
cation of its class issued since agriculture has pro-
perly become elevated to the rank of a science. Its
editor (who is also the publisher of an agricultural
paper, and of the Year Book of agricultural progress,
discovery and statistics.) is aided by numerous com-
petent assistants, among whom are practical farmers,
scientific gentlemen, principals of farm schools, and
professors in agricultural colleges. The article on
agricultural chemistry prepared for this work, has
been selected for translation, under the impression
that the manner in which the subject is treated fits it
peculiarly for the first volume of the Farm Journal —
a periodical circulating extensively among practical
cultivators of the soil, a portion of whom, probably,
have not hitherto had their attention turned in this
direction. To such, a general view of a subject, ac-
knowledged by those conversant with it, to be of
great importance to husbandmen, can scarcely fail
to be interesting at»d instructive ; and will serve to pre.
pare them for the profitable perusal and study of
more elaborate treatises. W.

No. 1.
Aoricultural chemistry is the application of the
principles and processes of chemical science to the
operations of rural economy. The numerous, impor-
tant and various benefits which the natural sciences
in general confer, directly and indirectly, on the cul-
tivation of the soil — aside from the gratification and
mental improvement which the study of them imparts

can scarcely be suiEciently appreciated. Relying

on the ascertained and demonstrated principles and
truths of these sciences, the agriculturist is enabled
to investigate, solve and explain every natural phe-
nomenon or occurrence falling within the province
of his occupation or pursuits, and thereby not unfre-
quently to reJute and explode antiquated or false
views, erroneous practices and pernicious prejudices.
From personal observation and reflection, he will be
able, also, to deduce and develope valuable principles
applicable in the routine of his avocation. On the

basis of independent logical induction, he may devise
and apply new processes and improved methods of
culture; proceed intelligently and with confidence in
the composition and application of artificial stimu-
lants and fertilizers; may quality' himself to estimate
with precision the value of soils, manures and pro-
ducts; and, finally, be able to form a correct opinion
of the worth or worthlessncss of proposed innovations
in practice, and of the ti-utli or falsity of novel theo-
ries in science.

Among the natural sciences, chemistry, though
held in low estimation by many practical farmers,
has undoubtedly a most intimate connection with
agriculture, and yields to it the most important aid.
Thaer, one of the most eminent and successful prac-
tical cultivators, and a highly distinguished agricul-
tural writer, did not fail to pursue the study of this
science with untiring assiduity ; and the celebrated
Humpurev Daw, in the introduction to his course
of lectures on agricultural chemistry, says : —

" Information collected after views of distinct in-
quiry, would necessarily be more accurate, and more
capable of being connected with the general princi-
ples of science; and a fevr histories of the results of
truly philosophical experiments in agricultural che-
mistry, would be of more value in enlightening and
benefitting the farmer, than the greatest possible ac-
cumulation of imperfect trials, conducted merely in
the empirical spirit. It is no unusual occurrence for
persons who agree in favor of practice and experience,
to condemn generally all attempts to improve agri-
culture by philosophical inquiries and chemical me-
thods. That much vague speculation may be found
in the works of those who have lightly taken up agri-
cultural chemistry, it is impossible to deny. It is not
uncommon to find a number of changes rung upon
a string of technical terms, such as oxygen, hydro-
gen, carbon and azote, as if the science depended
on words rather than on things. But this is in
fact an argument for the necessity of the establish-
ment of just principles of chemistry on the subject.
Whoever reasons upon agriculture, is obliged to re-
cur to this science. He feels that it is scarcely pos-
sible to advance a step without it ; and if he is satis-
fied with insufficient views, it is not because he pre-
fers them to accurate knowledge, but generally be-
cause they are more current. If a person journeying
in the night wishes to avoid being led astray by the
ignis fatuus, the most secure method is to carry a
lamp in his own hand. It has been said, and un-
doubtedly with great truth, that a philosophical che-
mist would most probably make a very unprofitable
business of farming; and this certainly would be the
case, if he were a mere philosophical chemist; and
unless he had served his apprenticeship to the prac-
tice of the art, as well as to the theory. But there is
reason to believe that he would be a more successful
agriculturist than a person equally uninitiated in far-
ming, but ignorant of chemistry altogether; his
science, as far as it went, would be successful to him.
It undoubtedly happens in agricultural chemical ex-
periments, conducted after the most refined theoreti-
cal views, that there are many instances of failure
for one of success. This is inevitable from the capri-
cious and uncertain nature of the causes that operate,
and from the impossibility of calculating on all cir-
cumstances that may interfere. But this is far from
proving the inutility of such trials; one happy result,

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

165

■which can generally improve methods of cultivation,
is worth the labor of a whole life; and an unsuccess-
ful experiment well observed, must establish some
truth or tend to remove some prejudice."

In point of fact, also, chemistry has already ren-
dered no small service to agriculture. If we regard,
in the first place, the science of vegetable production,
it will be evident in advance that chemistry must
have a direct bearing on this branch of agriculture,
since the germination, growth, developement, and
maturity of plants are results of chemical processes.
It is very certain that by making the farmer acquaint-
ed with the various inorganic substances requisite for
the due growth of plants, and teaching him to em-
ploy those substances for their nourishment, as also
the best modes for preparing artificial manures, and
the proper composition and mixture of substances
suited for the food of plants, chemistry has already
conferred benefits on agriculture, the importance of
which has been practically demonstrated by opera-
tions founded on theory. On a closer examination
moreover, we find that chemistry has taught that all
nitrogenous combinations intended to be produced bj'
the organism of plants — such as albumen, gluten,
caseine, &o., substances most essential to and most
efScient for the sustenance of animals — must obtain
their nitrogen in the form of ammonia; because no
organic substance can serve as food until it has by
the putrefactive process assumed the form of inor-
ganic elements (ammonia, carbonic acid, and water,
the products of this process) ; and that, consequently,
no organic combination is susceptible of being
brought, by the organism of plants, into the form
requisite to enable these to seize and appropriate the
nitrogen it contains. Furthermore, since chemistry
has demonstrated that it is pre-eminently the liquid
animal manures which contain nitrogen in large
quantity, farmers have been induced to collect and
preserve them very carefully, subjecting them to fer-
mentation and applying the resulting volatile carbon-
ate of ammonia to their land, not in a form in which
it would speedily escape into the air to be again pre-
cipitated by rain, for the benefit of distant soils, but
in combination with such salts as chemistry has
pointed out, as being best adapted to fix the ammo-
nia in a soluble form and thus enable the plants to
appropriate it gradually and without loss.

From the foregoing remarks it is manifest that
chemistry is by no means devoid of practical value in
the cultivation of plants ; and that consequently this
hranch of agriculture may derive immediate and
highly important advantages from the resources of
this science. As regards the phenomena of vegetable
gi-owth, chemistry has certainly furnished the most
satisfactory explications of observed appearances, of
the nature of which agriculturists had previously very
vague and obscure notions. And though all the ex-
planations hitherto submitted, should not be confirm-
ed by further research or future discovery, she will

ever retain the merit of having incited to renewed in-
vestigations, and of having largely contributed to
elevate agriculture to the rank of a science. Tliough
farmers may hitherto have derived no practical ben-
efit from the remarkable elucidations furnished by
chemistry of the nature of assimilation and growth;
of the relation which humus bears to plants ; of the
composition of manures in view of their effects ; of
the nature and elements of rain water; of the effect
of gypsum or leguminous plants ; of the conditions
requisite for the formation of albumen, gluten, &c. ;
and of numerous other subjects and observed pheno-
mena, which is explained in so interesting a manner
by chemistry; still the explanations and elucidation
themselves, will be of the greater interest to every
intelligent farmer, because they have rendered clear
and plain to him many a process and phenomenon
not previously understood. He will now, moreover,
not unfrequently be able, by combination and induc-
tion, to derive from those explanations, the means of
rendering his knowledge practically useful as occa-
sions occur.

But, apart altogether from the practical value of
chemistry, every thinking farmer will bo anxious to
give a scientific aspect to his pursuits, intimately con-
nected as those are with living nature ; for it is sci-
ence alone which confers true enjoyment in the busi-
ness of life, and elevates man above mere dead ma-
chinery.

With respect to the influence and effect of chemis-
try on the management of soils, it must be conceded
that by her aid only did it become practicable to as-
certain their constituents and composition, and to
arrange them in systematic order. So also, with re- ,
spect to the rearing of domestic animals, chemistry
may claim the undoubted merit of having made the
cattle-breeder acquainted with the substances which
contain real nutriment, as well as with their nature
and component elements, and their effects in the ani-
mal economy. Chemistry may also take credit for
having scientifically demonstrated the truth of those
observations as to the comparative value and the '
composition of various kinds of food, which had been
gathered and treasured up from the experiments a.nd
experience of the breeder ; and of having first explain-
ed, and arranged under simple laws, the remarkable
and inseparable connection which exists between the
vegetable and the animal kingdoms.

Though, despite of the obvious importance of che-
mistry, and of her undeniable influence on agricultu-
ral pursuits, the practical farmer has so long and so
generally struggled, and is still struggling, against
devoting to chemical science, the time, space, atten-
tion, and labor requisite for determining with-greater
precision the nature and extent of this importance,
the fact itself, singular as it may appear, need not
create surprise. New ideas and practices have rare-
ly been introduced and obtained currency without

106

COMMUNICATIONS.

[September,

struggle and obstinate resistance — especially when
the adoption of them involved material changes in
existing practices and habits. Moreover, the course
pursued by tlie advocates of science was not always
the most judicious, or the best calculated to make
proselytes. It was inconsiderate and rash, for in-
stance, on the part of Theory, to sot down her sup-
positions and conjectures as undoubted and undenia-
ble truths, without having previously subjected them
to the test of rigid experiment. It was wrong, in
her, to deduce general conclusions from isolated facts;
and it was unwise to spurn and contemn the experi-
ence of practical farmers, instead of using it, wherever
it could be availed of, for the advancement of knowl-
edge. Above all it was arrogant for Theory to as-
sume a pompous bearing as a science, while yet una-
ble to claim a minute acquaintance with existing and
prevalent practice — nay, while haughtily and disdain-
fully professing the most entire independence there-
of and separation therefrom. But, in general, the
practical farmer committed a similar unfortunate
mistake. Thus, it was presumptuous in him to con-
demn without trial, or after a few imperfect trials,
the legitimate inferences and conclusions of science.
It was unjust in him to require from a science yet in
her infancy, the steady and stately stoppings of ma-
ture age and experience; and when, instead of prin-
ciples, he demanded specific facts and proved pre"
soriptions — clear directions and plain precepts, in-
stead of hints, suggestions and considerate advice, he
asked for what he could not reasonably expect to re-
ceive. In short, it was irrational to exact, what it is
not the proper province of science to furnish. But
here, precisely, obstacles oppose themselves to pro-
gross of chemical research, which greatly enhance
the difficiilty of ascertaining the true condition of
tilings, or of discovering and establishing truth by
crucial experiments. The operator is not hero occu-
pied with processes purely chemical, but must first
ascertain, by close and vigilant attention what varia-
tions or deviations are superinduced by the inherent
vital forces of plants and animals. He has not here
' to deal exclusively with constant magnitudes and un-
changing circumstances; but, whilst seeking to de.
monstrate the correctness of his views and conclu-
sions, he is just as dependent on varieties of soil,
diversities of climate, and vicissitudes of weather, as
the practical farmer himself. And, finally, it is not
always in his power to institute, as promptly and as
frequently as he might desire, those crucial experi-
ments which are so satisfactory in their results; but
is ofttimos constrained to wait patiently months or
years, for opportunities which enable him to arrive
at reliable oonclusions. Viewed in this aspect, it is
manifestly unfair to judge of chemistry solely from
her achievements in the comparatively brief period
that has elapsed since she began to turn her attention
seriously to the nature of soils and the processes of
rural art. It would be more just and equitable to

defer pronouncing judgment in her case, till it bo
seen whether the numerous buds and blossoms, which
— especially under the impulse imparted by Liebig
and Boussingault — have sprung forth in the last few
years, wither and fall, or flourish and mature. —
Though many of these may drop abortive, others will
doubtless, in due season, produce valuable fruit.

Chemistry will, however, reach the desired goal
the more speedily and the more surely, the more she
withdraws from the school and the lecture room, to
mingle actively in the practical operations on the
farm and in the field. Then also will the working
farmer more readily and more cordially extend to
her a welcoming hand, and peace and harmony fol-
low transient dissension, distrust and estrangement.
It is gratifying to perceive that the necessity and ad-
vantage of a thorough recouciliatic^n and union arc,
of late, felt more and more by both parties ; and that
the one-sided position hitherto occupied by many
practical men, as well as by theorists, is gradually
being abandoned. Even now, chemistry is availed
of by many farmers, though they are scarcely aware
of the fact, or still reluctant to admit it. When the
farmer proposes to lime his land, he takes counsel
from chemistry. If he buy gypsum or ashes, analy-
sis alone can assure him that the article he obtains
is genuine and pure. If he purchase guano, chemis-
try must be invoked to determine whether it is free
from adulteration and retains the due amount of fer-
tilizing elements: and the same is true in scarcely
less degree, when bone-dust is procured for the ame-
lioration of the soil. If the farmer would manure his
land with muck, he cannot tell until the substance
has been analysed, whether it do not contain som«
deleterious ingredient. If ho would dross a boggy
meadow with earth, or mix this with litter for his
cattle, chemistry again teaches him to select with
certainty that which is best suited to his purpose. —
If he design to subsoil his land, he learns from che-
mistry whetlier the operation would benefit or injure
the particular kind of crop he intends to cultivate. —
In short, it is chemistry always, in her proper sphere,
which saves or succors the farmer from harm, and
comes to his aid with safe and reliable counsels,
whenever, in the course of practical culture, he finds
himself in a dilemma or encounters a difBculty.

IIoMEOPATHV. — Old Matthew Maule was executed
for the ci-ime of witchcraft. He was one of the mar-
tyrs to that terrible delusion which should teach us
among its other morals that the influential classes,
and those who take upon themselves to be teachers
of the people, are fully liable to all the passionate
error that ever characterised the maddest mob. —
Clergymen, judges, statesmen, the wisest, calmest,
holiest persons of their day, stood in this inner circle
round about the gallows, loudest to applaud the work
of blood, latest to confess themselves miserahhj de-
ceived.— Hawihoi-ne.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

16T

The Potato Rot.
Mr. Editor : — I have read various Essays on the
Bubject of the potato rot, and as I dissent entirely
from the conclusions of these ■nriters, I am induced
to put forth my own opinion through the medium of
your valuable paper.

My views are entitled to no other consideration,
than as embodying the result of my own observation
and experience, and while these have satisfied me, I
do not pretend that they ought to satisfy othors. —
Some suppose that this disease originates from the
natural decay of the plant, and that it is necessary to
renovate it, by planting the ball, and by this means
rear a new seed. Others believe that an insect pro-
duces the decay. I repudiate both of these notions,
and assert from my own observation that these causes
do not generate the disease. The first potato rot, as
a general epidemic in this section of the country oc-
curred in 1842. I had a field which looked very pro-
mising for a large crop. In August, after the crop
was nearly matured we had a heavy rain, succeeded
by a hot sun. It was ascertained that the potatoes
immediately commenced rotting, and when they were
dug, a large portion were found unfit for use. The
ground on which this crop grew, was a clay soil, which
retained the water, and prevented its rapid escape.
Under similar circumstances I noticed for several
successive years, a like result : but attributing it to
the popular opinion that the plant had degenerated,
or that an insect had caused the decay, and adopting
the belief that lime would obviate the difBculty, I had
a piece of ground prepared last year according to the
most approved motliod of preventing the rot. The
land was deeply drilled, and heavily manured. In
the drills lime was added, and on this the potato was
planted. The growth of the vine was vigorous, and
gave indications of a large crop, until the heavy rain
the first of September. The ground was level, and
the water remained upon the surface until it either
evaporated or settled below the surface. This rain
was followed by a hot sun, and when my potatoes were
dug it was found that at least one-half were rotted.
Some were slightly touched, but the process of decay
continued, and out of a large crop I had difficulty in
selecting enough for my family use. Having adopted
every precaution suggested by the different writers
upon this subject, I have been forced to fall back
upon my own opinion, and to maintain that the rot
is produced by the peculiar character of the season,
and from no other cause. A heavy rain in August,
succeeded by intense heat, where the ground is fa-
vorable, will inevitably produce the potato rot, and
the reason is obvious. The ground is saturated with
water — an August sun pours its heat upon it, and the
steam process in the ground affects the surface of the
potato, and causes its rapid decay. When this pro-
cess of decomposition once commences, its progress
continues, and communicates the disease to others.

I have observed that the first affected are near the
surface, and I have also noticed that some are struck
hardly skin deep. By exposing such to the atmos-
phere the progress of decay may be arrested. Upon
sandy soil, such as our river bottoms the rot is un-
knovrn, and the reason is, the water settles at one*
below the potato, and consequently the action of the
sun does not affect it.

The only argument against this theory of mine is
that the rot has not universally prevailed until within
the last few years, and it may be urged that the same
cause would have produced the same effect. My only
reply is, that the potato rot is not of recent origin. —
It has always existed under similar circumstances,
and though partial in its operations, like causes have
produced like effects. Then again our seasons for a
few years past have been favorable to the develop-
ment of the disease, which has caused it to becoma
more universal.

I have now to suggest the remedy. By planting
the potato near the surface, upon ground where the
water can easily escape, the rot will be avoided. I
would recommend the process of ridging the land bv
turning two furrows together and planting upon th-'
top of the ridge. The water will then settle away and
prevent the chemical action which produces the rot.
By exercising care in planting and in the selection
of the ground, I am satisfied this scourge which has
so extensively prevailed can be avoided.

While talking upon the subject of potatoes, I am
induced to advert to an experiment which I tried last
fall. I planted a plot about the middle of November,
by making deep drills and depositing about four
inches of horse manure, upon which the potato was
planted and covered sufficiently deep to escape the
frost. The result was that I have had a full supply
of potatoes a month earlier than I ever had them be-
fore. This may not be new to others, but I took the
hint from observing that potatoes left in the ground
after digging sprang up much earlier than those
planted in the spring. I shall try the experimer.t OLi
a larger scale this fall, and I have no doubt of ita
success. L. KiDDEtt.

Willcesharre, Fa.

Three Important Facts. — Never be influenoel by
external appearance in forming your judgment of a
person's worth. This is an important rule, for many
a noble spirit is covered by habiliments of the v, orst
kind. Dean Swift said that nature has given every
man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of
shining in company; and " there are a hundred men
sufficiently qualified for both, who, by a very few
faults, that they may correct in half an hour, are not
so much as tolerable." The world would be more
happy if persons gave up more time to an intercourse
of friendship. But money engrosses all our defer-
ence; and we scarce enjoy a social hour, because we
think it unjustly stolen from the main business of
life. — Selected

168

COMMUNICATIONS.

[September,

Animal Heat, &c.

Mr. Editor: — One of the most interesting develop-
ments made through recent scientific investigation is
the source of animal heat, hitherto regarded as one of
the most inexplicable mysteries of the animal economy.
How such a discovery can be brought to bear upon
practical husbandry may be difficult to comprehend
by some persons, although it can be substantiated by
the money test, one which few will be able to reject
as insufficient.

Dr. Piayfair, who has recently examined this sub-
ject and thrown much light upon it, observes, that
the average temperature of the bodies of our cattle is
about 100° of Fahrenheit, which is some two or three
degrees above that of our own bodies, a temperature
much higher than the mean of our seasons, especially
that of winter. But both summer and winter the
heat of the bodies of most animals with red blood
remains the same. It is evident that more heat must
be taken off during the winter than in summer, and
hence, as the increased quantity demanded must
come from the food, more of this or a change in its
' quality, will be required to meet the exigencies of
the season; just as more fuel must bo put into the
stove in the coldest weather. It is a well known
fact, that the proportion of food consumed is very
much greater among the inhabitants of the polar
circle than in the tropical region.

Dr. Piayfair gives an explanation of the phenome-
na connected with the origin of animal heat which
cannot fail to interest every one who has the least
curiosity to look into causes and effects. " The fuel,"
he says, " consists of those ingredients of food from
which nitrogen is aljsent; they all contain carbon
and the elements of water. We know that oxygen is
continually inhaled in the air we breathe, and that it
18 never again expired — as such. Expired air con-
sists of carbonic acid, a gas composed of carbon and
oxygen. In the body, therefore, the oxygen has uni-
ted with carbon; or it has produced the very gas which
is obtained hy burniur/ a piece of charcoal in the open
air. Now the heat generated by the combination of
the carbon in the body must be exactly equivalent to
that produced by bul-ning the same amount in the
atmosphere."

Experiments have taught us, that the average
quantity of carbon in the food of an adult man
amounts to fourteen ounces daily. By the combus-
tion of this quantity 197,477 degrees of heat are pro-
duced, and this is amply sufficient to account for the
heat of the human body.

The experiments of Boussingault show that a cow
breathes out about seventy ounces of carbon daily,
and from this we calculate that 987,385 degrees of
heat must bo produced in the body of a cow in the
space of twenty-four hours. These calculations will
at once prove that there is little difficulty in ac-
ceuntiug for the heat of the animal body. A benefi-

cent Providence has arranged the products of differ-
ent countries so as to meet the demands of their
various climates. The fruits, and vegetable products
upon which the inhabitants of warm countries love to
feed contain only twelve per cent, of carbon, while
the train oil enjoyed by the inhabitants of arctic re-
gions contains above seventy per cent, of the same
element of animal heat. The animal body is there-
fore aptly compared to a furnace which requires to
be supplied with more or less fuel according to the
temperature of the external air.

Now if we wish to turn these interesting facts to
practical account in the feeding of cattle, the first
point to bo accomplished is to place these under
circumstances favorable to the healthy play of
their vital functions, and during winter this demands
that the heat of their bodies should be kept up to a
point of comfort. Where the bodies are not sufficient-
ly protected from cold more food (fuel) must be fur-
nished to the stock. Thus during winter, warmth is
an equivalent for food, and, to a certain extent, food
an equivalent for shelter. But in hot weather it is,
evidently a great object to provide cattle with shade
or shelter from the heat of the sun as they will other-
wise have so little demand for animal heat as to in-
duce them to take very little food and thus the supply
of fuel being diminished the elements which contri-
bute fat and muscle must both be deficient and the
weight fall off. These interesting deductions have
been practised upon, with results which appear con-
firmatory. The following experiment was tried by
the Earl of Ducie at Whitefield farm.

One hundred sheep were folded by tens in pens,
each of which was 22 feet in length by 10 feet in
breadth, and possessed a covered shed attached to
it of 12 feet in length by 10 in breadth. They were
kept in these from the 10th of October to the 10th of
March. Each sheep consumed on an average twenty
pounds of Sweedish turnips daily. Another hundred
were folded in pens of a similar size, but without
sheds attached. They were kept during the same
time, and their daily consumption of turnips amount-
ed to twenty-five pounds each. Here the circum-
stances were precisely similar with respect to exer-
cise, the only difference being that the first hundred
sheep had sheds into which they might retire, and
thus be partially protected from the cold.

This partial protection was therefore equivalent to
a certain amount of food, and consequently we find
that the sheep enjoying this protection consumed one-
fifth less food than those sheep which were left en-
tirely exposed to the cold. In the last case the con-
sumption of the additional food arose wholly from
the necessity of adding more fuel (food) to the fur-
nace of the body, in order to keep up its natural de-
gree of warmth. This was proved from the circum-
stance that those which enjoyed the protection had
increased three pounds each, more than those left un-

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

169

protected, although the latter had consumed one-fiftli
more food.

The results of similar experiments made by various
farmers have led to a similar conclusion, namely, that
warmth is, to a considerable extent a substitute for
food. The reports of some other experiments seem
somewhat discordant, but there are good reasons for
believing that in making these, the animals were ex-
posed to injurious influences 'which interfered with
the results that might have been obtained under more
favorable conditions.

The following practical observation of Dr. Play-
fair cannot receive too much attention from our far-
mers. " Warmth" he says, " is not only essential to
iheir health and fattening progress, but this must be
a dri/ and a wholesome warmth. To confine sheep,
as is sometimes done, over putrefying masses of fold,
shed, or farm-yard dung, in an atmosphere saturated
with the fumes of ammonia and the gases of putre-
faction, is to substitute one drawback upon the health
and comfort of the animal for another, which pro-
duces a greater evil than cold. The sheep, in a state
of nature, carefully avoids all these things ; it leaves
to the ox the deep rank growing grasses of the damp
lowland pastures. It carefully seeks its food and its
habitation on the highest elevations, amid dry rocks
and heath-producing soils, far away from all great
masses of decomposing organic matter. The domes-
tic sheep of our inclosed lands, by always occupying
the most elevated portions of the field, clearly indi-
cates that its natural instinct in this respect is still
unchanged by all the efibrts of the breeder. Follow,
then, the sheep from his upland pastures, in the clear,
dry, warm climate of Asia, and view him placed in
our cold temperature, in a warm shed it is true, but
with tlie floor of that shed covered to the depth of
many inches with a mass of putrefying dung, and
then let us ask ourselves, ' is this the way fairly to
test the advantages of shelter and of warmth to the
domestic sheep ? Is this the way to fairly try the
economy of raising the temperature of the atmosphere
in which it is placed ?"

The noxious influences to which sheltered stock
are so often subjected and the loss sustained there-
from, have been already referred to in an article fur-
nished by us in the first number of the Farm .Journal,"
on " The importance of Ventilation, Cleanliness and
Draining, for the preserration of the Health of Do-
mestic Animals." Mr. George Debits, the author of
a most valuable prize "essay on fattening cattle,"
published in the Royal Agricultural Society of Eng-
land, remarks, that cleanliness, warmth, and quiet
are the great points to be insisted upon, coupled of
course with good feeding. He makes no mention of
free ventilation or the necessity for an ample supply
of fresh air, which we regard as an important omis-
sion.

As immediately connected with this subject, those
sufficiently interested would do well to consult the

tables very recently furnished, showing the propor-
tions of the elements in different kinds of food which
go to the formation of flesh, and the substance of ani-
mal heat. Those furnished by vegetables destined to
the formation of flesh and perfectly identical with
similar elements found in the completion of animal
structures, and known by the names of gluten or glue,
albumen, of which a pure example is furnished by the
white of an egg, fibrin, or flesh, and casein, curd or
cheesy matter. The elementary portions of vegeta-
bles which are suited for the supply of animal heat
are of a very difierent kind from those just enumera-
ted as entering into the composition of ficsli, and con-
sist of sturch, gum, svgar, &c. Knowing tliese facts
it becomes a money question as to the value of par-
ticular kinds of food for the support of animals, whe-
ther the profit from these is to be derived from the
accumulation of fat and flesh, or from the other de-
velopment of muscle for accomplishing more work.
Along with much interesting information relating
to this subject, several tables are furnished in
the Farmer's and Planter's Enc!/clo}]a:dia, {Articles
Ventilation, <£'c.) showing the quantities of turnips,
potatoes, meat, bread, oatmeal, beans, and various
other kinds of food necessary to produce one pound
of flesh, and the money-cost of its production, as well
as the value of various kinds of food considered as
fuel to sustain animal heat, to furnish flesli and fat.
See Article Ventilation. E.

Philadelphia, August, 1851.

Agricultural Societies.

Mr. Editor: — Since the organization of the Stat«
Society last winter and the liberal action of the Le-
gislature, several county agricultural societies have
been formed in the western part of the State. Brad-
ford and Luzerne are among the number. Susque-
hanna and Wayne had previously organized their
societies and been a few years in operation. Wyo-
ming, Pike and Jlonroe will not be long in following
the example.

The importance of local societies in connection
with the State Society cannot be over-estimated. In
addition to the general impulse given to the cause of
agriculture they are the means of elevating the cha-
racter of the farmers in their own estimation. Among
many of the sons of farmers an erroneous opinion has
prevailed that their vocation was not as honorable as
that of the physician, the lawyer, and the merchant.
In consequence of the prevalence of this pernicious
error, many young men have pressed into the profes-
sions and into mercantile pursuits, who would^have
been much more useful and prosperous in the pur-
suit of agricultural science. One of the blessed ef-
fects of these organizations is to correct this error by
giving the young farmer a just estimate of the honor- |
able character of his profession.

Tliey have also furnished a stimulus to higher ef-
fort. This is an exciting influence in the competition

170

COMMUNICATIONS.

[September,

iatroduced by these institutions, productive of most
salutary effects upon the farming interests.

The science of agriculture has been too much neg-
lected in Pennsylvania. While every other branch
of national industry has been excited by progressive
discovery and improvement many farmers have been
content to trudge on in the old beaten path unmind-
ful of the improvements made and making in their
own department. They have seemed to think and
act upon the supposition that there was to be no alle-
viation of the primeval curse and that " the sweat
of the brow" alone was to produce the bread which
they eat. But a brigliter day is dawning and a spi-
rit of inquiry is afloat for the best means of removing
the severity of toil and labor to which farmers have,
unfortunately, deemed themselves and their posterity
doomed.

The local societies are doing much to aid in this
good work and not only alleviating toil by the intro-
duction of improved modes of working the land, but
furnishing to the minds of the farmer, by means of
books and papers suited to his tastes and adapted to
his profit and pleasure, most suitable themes for re-
flection.

In connection with those organizations I hope for
much good from tlie introduction into every farmer's
family in the country of your Farm Journal. I have
derived great profit from its perusal and should not
consider myself as entitled to rank among the intelU-
gent farmers of the country, if I did not regularly
read its valuable and interesting articles.

I hope to send you a larger subscription list short-
ly. Yours, Wm. Jessup.

Montrose, August, 1851.

Eemarlis on the improvement of Sheep.

To THE Editor op the Farm JouR>fAL. — Since the
days of Bakewell, who was the first great modeller
and improver of the shape and form of animals, much
has been done by other eminent breeders to improve
the character and constitution of cattle, sheep and
e^vine, and to perpetuate the good work.

The long wooled sheep of certain districts in Eng-
land, have obtained great weight of carcass and of
fleece ; weighing from 40 to G5 lbs. per quarter, and
producing from 10 to 18 lbs. of wool each. See
Youatt on Sheep, p. 332.

The South Downs have also been bred to great
weight of carcass and wool, the latter of medium
quality and well suited for general purposes. They
are hardy and thrifty animals. A cross with the bucks
of either of the above breeds on good common or na-
tive ewes, produces valuable stock, worth at least one-
third to one-half more than the native kind, either for
I mutton or wool. Farmers in the interior would find
it greatly to their advantage to use such bucks.

They may be raised vs<ith great profit also on rich
and dry-lands within a reasonable distance of large

cities, on account of the great value of their mutton
and wool, and the constant dem.and^therefor.

Many persons over feed their high bred sheep,
causing them to become too fat, which I consider a
useless waste of food, as such meat can only be eaten
by few persons. The South Downs are thought to pro-
duce the finest mutton that we have in the Philadel-
phia market, having more flesh in proportion to the
fat, and that better mixed than any of the large
breeds of sheep, and had they the mountain range
of pastures, their flesh would perhaps be as delicate
and high flavored as that of any of the small breeds.

I am glad to see that many farmers are turning
their attention to the improvement of their flocks, and
were they not constantly subjected to the risk and
danger of their sheep being destroyed by worth-
less and useless dogs many more flocks would be kept.
This evil should be remedied. The most valuable
animal in the world should not be destroyed by the
most worthless.

Some very large and heavy sheep were exhibited
and slaughtered in this city during the last winter
and spring, amongst wliich were tliree wethers fed by
Mr. Benjamin Hood, of Chester county, one of which
weighed when dressed 234 lbs., the other two 202 lbs.
and 192 lbs. The largest sheep, a four years old,
was of the Cotswold and Leicester blood, bred by Mr.
Pasohall Morris, of Chester county, the other two
were Cotswold and Leicester, with one-fourth south
down, bred by Jlr. Julm Worth, Jr., also of Chester
county, from a pure bred Cotswold buck that I ob-
tained from J. M. Mclntyre, Esq., ol N. York, in 1845,
and sold to him in 1846, with some ewes of the same
breed. The wether bred by Mr. IMorris was also
sired by Mr. Worth's Cotswold buck. The buck and
one of the ewes had taken the highest prizes oflfered
for long wooled sheep at the State Fair held at Al-
bany and also at the American Institute, New York.
Mr. Worth was the only breeder of fine sheep in this
part of the country that could be found willing to pay
a liberal price for those fine animals at that time.

As Mr. Hood purchased those wethers when they
were quite young, he certainly deserves much credit
for his perseverance and good management in feed-
ing them and causing them to arrive at such great
weight — one of them being the heaviest sheep ever
slaughtered in this country.

A buck purchased by mo of Mr. Clayton B. Rey-
bold, of Delaware, two years old tlie last spring, budd
from his imported Oxfordshire stock, produced at
shearing, in May last, 16J lbs. of wool. And three
yearlings bred from one of his bucks averaged about
11 lbs. each. The above is evidence of what good
stock will do with good keeping.

Aaron Clemeni.

Philadelphia, August 4, 1851.

That writer does the most who gives his reader the
most knowledge, and takes from him the least time.

1831.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

171

nee Motli.
Mr. Editou: — In a late number of the Eichstadt
" Bienenzeitiing," Dr. Alefeld states that, in the sum-
mer of 1850, he phvced a number of grubs or larvfe
of the bee-moth ( J^inea cereana) in a glass tumbler,
and supplied them with empty honey-comb, to have
an opportunity to study their habits and ascertain
their periods of development. They devoured the
food grc-odily, and all of them spun cocoons, save one
— the color of which changed to a yellowish brown,
and the insect perished soon after. On opening it,
for examination, he was surprised to find its body
filled with the larvaj, and a few pupfe, of some spe-
cies of ichneumon fly. He was anxious to preserve
these, in order to ascertain the particular species to
which they belonged ; but, being called from home,
he found the whole dried up on his return, though
he had carefully closed up the cut in the body of the
worm and avoided doing it further injury. This was
to him a serious disappointment; for having thus ac-
cidentally discovered, as he believed, that a natural
enemy and destroyer of the bee-moth exists, he was
very desirous of procuring the insect in its perfect
state, that its proper order and class might be deter-
mined. Conceiving that this parasitic insect, if known,
might be made available by apiarians for the purpose
of checking the ravages of the bee-moth, he solicits
the attention of entomologists to the subject — of those
especially, who are apiarians also.

If, as "the books" say, and as is generally believed,
Ike bee-moth in this country is of European origin, it
is possible that, though in its native clime it has a
natural enemy, designed to keep it in check, that
enemy may not have accompanied it across the ocean.
The hive or comb, which introduced the Tinea cere-
ana, may, when it left Europe, have contained only
the undeveloped eggs of the insect — thus presenting
no suitable nidus for the eggs of the parasite, and
precluding its simultaneous introduction here. This
may also be one (or the chief) reason why the bee-
moth is so much more destructive in this country,
than it appears to be on the continent of Europe. —
Apiarians there generally succeed in preserving their
stocks, by mere ordinary care; whereas, in this coun-
try, tliis can be accomplished only by unremitting
attention — particularly ■\^here the common straw
hive is used. In the five volumes of the " Bienenzei-
fung" now published, containing communications
from practical bee-culturists in all parts of Germany,
Belgium, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, &c. there is
not a single article that represents the ravages of the
bee-moth as constituting any special obstacle, or pre-
senting any peculiar difficulty, in bee-culture. In
formal treatises also, on the management of the ho-
ney bee, the matter is indeed introduced; but is
passed over as of comparatively little importance. —
The moth is certainly regarded there as pernicious
and occasionally destructive; but where stocks are

kept populous, and are otherwise in a healthy nor-
mal state, there seems to bo no difficulty, from this
source, in prosecuting bee-culture with success and
profit.

As the moth is on the wing only after dusk or night-
fall, and lies concealed in crevices and nooks during
the day, it is comparatively little exposed to the dan-
gers which other noxious insects have to encounter.
And it has therefore a better chance to multiply and
become destructive here, if nature have not provided
some special means of limiting its increase and thus
restricting its depredations. The fact stated by Dr.
Alefeld renders it probable that such provision was
made and exists, in the native region of the moth;
though it is possible that we have not the benefit of
its services in this western hemisphere. The matter
may therefore be worthy of investigation, and per-
chance some of our entomologists, if thoir attention
be turned thereto, may be able to ascertain, whether
the supposed~ichneumon fly is to be found here; or
whether the antidote has failed to accompany the
bane in its transition to this country.

It has been remarked that very few moths hare
made their appearance this summer. Early in April,
I found one, but have not seen any since ; though I
have frequently observed the workers dragging out
struggling larvEB from an old straw hive. This they
continued to do till after the middle of June. Judging
from the strength and present industry of this stock,
I doubt whether a single larvas eluded their vigilance,
or was allowed to mature.

The scarcity of swarms, this season, is also a sub-
ject of remark and general complaint among bee-
keepers— very few stocks having sent forth colonies.
This is usually the case, when bees, whose hives are
well filled with comb, pass the winter in good condi-
tion, and a spring succeeds remarkable, like the past
one, for abundance of forage, and weather favorable
for its collection. The cells are then stored with
honey, as rapidly as the early brood emerge ; and
unless an eke be given to the hive, in which new
comb may be built, the queen will find but few empty
cells wherein to deposite eggs. Under such circum-
stances the weight of the hive increases rapidly,
whilst, from deficiency of brood, the increase of po-
pulation is little more than sufficient to supply the
daily losses from birds, insects, and accidental causes.
Swarming is then, of course, out of question — how-
ever large the mass of bees hanging out, from want
of room, rather than from excessive heat, within. —
Occasionally, this state of afiairs results in the pro-
duction of swarms in July, when forage has become
less abundant and the consumption of honey affords
room for brooding. Such swarms are worth little ;
and the proper course, if drones still aliound, is, to
search for and destroy their queen immediately, and
let the bees return to the parent hive — which then
supplying itself with a young queen, will bo of in-

172

COMMUNICATIONS.

[September,

creased value as a stock hive, from the large stores
of pollen or bee-bread, ■which vrill be collected in the
brief interval during which it will contain no brood.
It has of late been alleged, as a fact confirmed by
obsei'vation in Eui-ope, that the bee-moth will not pri-
marily attack honey comb which does not contain
pollen. This, if true, is of importance ; and therefore
merits investigation. It is also stated that planting
hemp, in the vicinity of the apiary, will have the ef-
fect of keeping off the moth, as the insect appears to
have an aversion to the odor of that plant — which is
said to be of like efficacy in expelling the mille from
a cabbage garden. Experiments should be made to
ascertain whether these statements are correct.

Agricultural Nuisances, No. 1.

CANADA THISTLE — CURSED THISTLE, OB CRISP THISTLE.

French — Chardon aux anes. German — Die acker
kratzdistel, or Die ackerdistel.

Cirsium arvense, Scopoli. Carduus arvensis, SmitJi.
Carduus serratuloides, Nccker. Carduus hremorrhoi-
dalis, — Sorratula arbonsis, Linncvus. Cnicus arven-
sis, Pursh, (this name is adopted by most old Ameri-
can botanists.) Breea arvensis, Les.iing.

It is evidently not a Cnicus, for the marginal flow-
era are not neutral, the puppus is plumose, and the
seeds are not ribbed ! The name of Scopoli, therefore,
takes precedence, because this plant is a true Cir-
sium ; a genus established by Tournefort about 1G81,
and which now contains one hundred and sixty spe-
cies. Torry and Gray describe nineteen species as
growing in North America ; two of these are exotics,
and four of them are but little known, having been
discovered by Nuttall and Drummond in the region
of the rocky mountains. Seven of them have been
found in Pennsylvania.

Cirsium comes from the Greek word kirsos, signi-
fying a swelled or enlarged vein, for which the thistle
■was a reputed remedy, and arvense signifies growing
in a field. It belongs to the V3ili class [Sijntjene^ia,)
and the \st order (/Equalis,) of the Artificial System
of LinnaBus. To order Compositce, tribe Cardui, in
the Natural System of Adamson, — but tribe Cynaria,
in the Flora of North America. This species is a
native of Europe and Asia, and was introduced into
the New England State in " timothy seed," and is
the most detestable weed that ever invaded the farm.

The stem grows to from one to three feet high,
—<v^, and marked with longitudinal lines, irregularly
wanohed from nearly to the base; branches slen-
der and covered with a sort of loose wool. The
leaves are sometimes a little woolly on the lower side,
they are scalloped and toothed, each tooth terminated
with a spine, they clasp the stem and are slightly
continued down it. The branches are terminated
■with egg-shaped heads from one-fourth to two-thirds
of an inch in diameter, with rose purple flowers, the
filaments of which are smooth. The leaves around
the head (involucre) are oblong ovoid, scarcely termi-

nated with a prickle, smooth on both sides, with a
few hairs on the edges. The seeds are slightly four
cornered, ■with the hairs on the crown branched, or
plumose, so that when they are matured, they float
through the air and disseminate themselves far and
wide.

The roots are extremely creeping, and produce ad-
ventitious buds which throw up stems in all direc-
tions. To convoy an idea of their tenacity of life, I
will copy a short article published by the Bath Agri-
cultural Society:

" April 1st, 1778. I planted in a garden a piece
of the root of this thistle, about the size of a goose
quill and two inches long, with a small head of leaves
cut off from the main root, just as it was springing
out of the ground. By the 2d of November follow-
ing, this small root had thrown out shoots, several
of which had extended themselves to the distance of
eight feet — some had even thrown up leaves five feet
from the original root. Most of the shoots, which
had thus far extended tliemselves, were about six
inches under ground, other.s had penetrated to the
depth of two feet and a lialf; the whole together,
when dug up and washed from the earth, weighed
four pounds. In the spring of 1779, contrary to my
expectations, this thistle made its appearance on and
about the spot where the small piece was originally
planted. There were between fifty and sixty young
heads, which must have sprung from the roots which
eluded the gardener's search, though he was particu-
larly careful in extracting them."

All the other thistles are only biennial, that is, the
first year^they produce only leaves, the second year
perfect their flowers and fruit, and then die. They
are, therefore, easily eradicated, by merely prevent-
ing them from going to seed. But the Canada this-
tle not only propagates itself by its seeds but by its
roots. Although it is generally regarded as perennial,
the slight acquaintance I have had with it, induced
me to regard it as a biennial. The stem and leaves
die down to the ground the second season, but it
seems to provide itself with new roots which produce
new plants, these in turn live only two years. The
only means to destroy it, is to prevent it from pro-
ducing leaves, for as soon as the leaves expand, the
roots must strike off and produce new plants.

Many other plants have been mistaken for the
Canada thistle. I saw an account somewhere of an
ordinance being passed by some city against the
Canada thistle, which prfh'ed to be the Xanthium
spinosum, "thorny clot-bur." Some species of the
Centaurea, Onopordon, Carlina and the different this-
tles have been mistaken for it, particularly the Car-
duus horridulum, or "yellow thistle," but the flow-
ers of this are yellow, and often near two inches in
diameter. This thistle may be distinguished l>y its
small heads, crisped leaves, smooth stem, and the
smooth filaments of the flower.

It is growing in this county at " Centre line," and
tlio indifference ■with v>-hich it is regarded by the far-
mers in that vicinity, has already permitted it to ob-
tain a pre-emption right that ■\vill be extremely diffi-

1851.1

COMMUNICATIONS.

173

cult to extinguish. If it is prevented from extending
itself in the adjoining valleys it must receive decided
attention, and be kept from producing seed. If the
whole of the thistles were deeply covered vrith lime
and suffered to remain for several years it would
effect its destruction. J. M. McMinn.

Uniom'ille, Centre co., Pa., Aug. 9, 1851.

The proper quantity of Lime on an acre.

Mr. Editor: — An idea has prevailed, very gener-
ally, that lime, applied as a fertilizer, should be
spread upon a limestone soil in double the quantity
that wiiuld be sufficient and proper for a sandy or
gravelly soil. Fifty bushels to the acre have been
thought to be the right quantity for the former, and
twenty-live or thirty for the latter.

In the northern and eastern parts of Lancaster
county, there are sandstone ridgos, where lime ope-
rates with magical effect. Twenty or thirty bushels
produce an obvious improvement in whatever crops
it is applied to ; but experiments have shown, that
the benefit increases in proportion to the quantity, to
the extent of more than a hundred bushels to the
acre. A farmer, in order to test the effect, measured
off accurately a square perch, in his field, and spread
over this perch exactly one bushel of lime, which was
at the rate of one hundred and sixty bushels to the
acre. The crop grown upon it, compared with the
rest of the field, satisfied him that no portion of the
lime was useless. The gentleman from whom this
inforiuation is derived, remarked that, from what he
had observed of the effects of lime on such a soil, he
believed two hundred bushels of it upon an acre
would be more efficacious than any smaller quantity;
in other words, that the grass or grain would be in
proportion to the amount of lime applied, at least to
that extent. H.

Lancaster, August, 1851.

Murrain.

Me. Editor. — Having had many a loss from that
most fatal disease, called murrain ; it was with no
small gratification that I observed in the August
number of your valuable paper, that by the skill of a
member of the family of J. B. S., of Fruit Hill, a
cure has been discovered.

The interests of the farming community will be
much enhanced by this sine qua non to the safety of
herds — particularly should it prove, as J. S. B. be-
lieves, an infallible remedy. Believing it well worth
the attention of agricultural societies, I would sug-
gest that awards suitable to the importance of the
occasion should be given for discoveries of value to
the farmer and horticulturist, by our State Society.
and inasmuch as the benefits are likely to be general,
would not this be the proper awarder ?

Mr. Ilarlacher should not be allowed to pay, from
his own pocket, for a remedy against the ravages of
the cucumber bug ; though I am not so sure fifty

dollars should be paid to save pickles merely. This
would make the ^ice of recipes of such a value, that
the product of the skill of a worthy member of the
community would be of too high a price to be propor-
tionate, and too onerous to the donors.

But I think I could go to work upon a case of dis-
ease, (should I be so unfortunate as to have to do so,)
with more confidence in the means were these more
satisfactorily proven to be infallible.

The belief of J. S. B. is either fixed upon a single
trial, as previous to this case, he says, "every remedy
of which I had ever heard, was tried with them, but
without success" — or he must have made his conclu-
sions of infallibility of remedy from the certainty of
effects following causes, and a knowledge of the na-
ture of the affection, as well as the modus opcraiuli
of the medicines.

That this is the cause of his confidence we are led
to believe, partly from tlic prohibition of water, show-
ing investigation of the complaint by unerring science.

We have tried poke-root alone, and have been as-
sured that it has cured, by those whose voracity we
would not question — but the results are only au oc-
casional cure at best — and we would suggest that our
friend J. S. B. be not too sanguine, unless he has
more ground of faith than an isolated cure ought to
beget — seeing no one case is sufficient to establish a
rule.

AV'e hope, however, the discovery, is a good one;
and we think the name of such public benefactor
should be known, so as to be remembered, at least,
with gratitude.

We wish to hear again from J. S. B. desiring a
more full exposition of the nature of this malady call-
ed murrain ; as much ignorance prevails as to its na-
ture or its cause.

" An ounce of preventive is better than a pound
of cure," and if we could have some insight into the
complaint, we might have a preventive that would be
worth more than a cure. C. H. L.

Rose Dale, BcrVs co., Aug. 12, 1851.

P. S. Since, upon conversing with some brother
farmers, one suggests that this is the identical cure
used very effectually in the neighborhood where he
formerly resided. If this be so, it may not still de-
tract from the merit of the worthy memlier, seeing
the remedy has never been heard of there ; and hence
the credit due to investigation and discovery, still be-
longs to our correspondent's family — and infallibility
the more effectually established. C. L. II.

Sorrel is a perennial, and prefers a poor soil. —
Plowing while in blossom will destroy it, and liming
and deep plowing will prevent its growth. The sour
t»st« in the weed is caused by the binoxaiate of pot-
ash.

It requires more courage to think differently from
the multitude than it does to fight them. The first
hero, therefore, was not he who made the first con-
quest, but he who uttered the first doubt.

174

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Srvtf.mbeh,

Farming.

Progress Iii
It is not known to many who have'boen accustom
ed to hear of the fertility of Lancaster county, that
there is a considerable portion of her broad acres,
which is a thin, poor soil. Standing upon one of the
eminences, in or near the city, you will behold, at
the distance of ten or fifteen miles, a girdle of moun-
tainous elevations, which seem to encompass you
whichever way you turn. These are ))ranches of
the South Mountain, and embrace, within our bord.
ers, the Conowago, Chesnut, Turkey, Martic, Octora-
ra, and Mine Hills, the Welsh Mountains and Mount
Hope; and descend with various grades to the lime-
stone valleys and plains, whose extent and fertility
have contributed so much to the fame of Lancaster
county; for being originally productive, they soon
enriched their first proprietors. But the hills and
mountains, with a thin, gravelly surface, and a
grudging soil, poorly rewarded the labor bestowed on
them; and it cost the hardy inhabitants a severe
struggle, to enable them, with the strictest economy,
to rear their families and hold their own. Many of
them, hopeless of bettering their situations in the
neighborhoods in which they were born, emigrated
to the far west. Few are aware of the great drain
of population, which Lancaster county has suffered
from this cause. The last fifteen or twenty years
have, however, produced a gratifying change. It
commenced with plaister of Paris, which was found
to have a marvellous effect upon the grass and grain,
clothing the almost barren fields on these hill sides
with luxuriant vegetation. •

Farmers began to discover, that it was better to
confine their labors to so much land as they could
prepare for their crops by a proper application of
manure, than by a vain effort to increase their profits
by extending the area of their culture to the utmost.
After using plaister for a few years, they perceived
that its efficacy was diminished, and they began to
turn their attention to lime; which was, every way,
fortunate, as this supplied more abundantly what
the soil required to fertilize it, and at a cheaper rate.
Besides, the fertility occasioned by lime is permanent
and the material is obtainable in our county, and in
the vicinity of the lands where it was needed. It is
amazing to see the improvement of this hilly region.
Instead of the sterile fields marked with a sparse
"•rowth of stunted grass and brambles, and the mis.
erable wooden tenements and rickety fences, which
vrere formerly the disagreeable features presented to
view, you now behold comfortable brick or stone man-
sions and good bank barns, in due season well filled,
tl\e fields neatly enclosed and teeming with the rich
products of agriculture, and orchards laden with
fruit. Taking whole neighborhoods together, wo are
informed that the yield of grain has been increased,
by improved cultivation, five fold; and where no
grass was formerly grown, they have now abundant

crops. The selling value of real estate, has advanced
in a similar i-atio; and this is a natural result. This
hill country abounding in springs of the purest wa-
ter, and fanned by healthy breezes, is one of the most
salubrious in the world ; and since it is ascertained,
that they can by proper cultivation raise as good
crops here, as in the neighboring valleys, the motive
and the desire to emigrate have ceased. Tracts are
divided to accommodate the multiplying population,
a process, by the by, which is much extended — so
that the farms of Lancaster county will hardly aver-
age at the present time, one hundred acres each.

Among the mineral resources of our county, there
is one whose value, I think, is not fully appreciated
— I mean the limestone. It is a most important fer-
tilizer. It has already trebled the worth of many a
farm, and will ultimately double the productive ca-
pacity of every cultivable acre within our borders.

A. L. Hayes.

August 16, 1851.

Mr. Editor : — Is not your Fruit Hill correspond-
ent too sanguine in pronouncing a remedy infallible
from its effects in a single case ? Several plants in
different sections of the country are called pokeweed.
Does he mean the Phytolacca decandra of Ijotanists?*
In the work referred to this is said to be actively
emetic. What is intended to be its mode of operating
in J. S. B.'s case? What are the cause and nature
of the disease? Without this knowledge our prescrip-
tions must be entirely empyrical. Is it not analagous
to dysentery in the human system? If so, then all
the 'palhy's and 'ism's from alio to chronothcrmal
have failed to find a remedy infallible however "strict-
ly adhered to."

It is not intended to find fault with your corres-
pondent, but with yourself. Would it not bo well,
for the acknowledged scientific editor, to add a note
of comment upon articles which might mislead ; or
are the readers of the Farm Journal presumed to be
so scientific, as to receive without allowance such ex-
tracts as the following in your first No.? "One
Shanghae cock and two hens will produce more eggs
in three months time than five times that number of
ordinary hens will do in one year." That is, if each
hen lays an egg every day — perhaps the cock lays
two (too) — it would amount to one hundred and eigh-
ty. Now to make this number, the ten would require
to produce eighteen each in the year. If the Rev. S.
A. B. will designate the variety so extraordinary he
will benefit us farmers by enabling us to avoid them.

J. K. E.
Chester county, August 15, 1851.
[As the particular kind of pokeweed used by J.
S. B. was not communicated to us, we, of course,
cannot answer J. K. E.'s inquiry, but hope our Fruit
Hill correspondent will.
In regard to the Shanghae chickens, we assure J
» Fl. C«»tr. p. S83 Agricnltnia Bot. p. 147.

1851. J

ARBORICULTURAL.

175

K. E. that the extravagant statement of the Rev. S.
A. Bumstcad, .surprised us, as much as it did him,
and we gave it a place in the Journal, only because
wc could not with proprietj doubt the veracity of the
reverend gentleman, particularly when endorsed by
another; (the author of the work from which the ex-
tract was made.) Wo have written to Mr. Bumstead,
and hope to receive a reply which will satisfy our
correspondent. — Ed.]

The Arboretum.

Mr. Editor: — In looking over the two last num-
bers of the Farm Journal, I received much pleasure
from reading the appropriate remarks of your lady
correspondents, which I hope will bo continued, and
induce other ladies to communicate with your valua-
able periodical.

The love of the beautiful is a prominent trait in
■woman's character, and is worthy of the most assidu-
ous cultivation, as a means of enjoyment. Aside
from moral and patriotic motives, I know nothing
more likely to develope tliis trait than flowers and
rural scenery. I therefore append a list of hardy
flowering shrubs, chiefly exotic, of early culture and
adapted to the embellishment of " home, sweet home,"
hoping to continue it monthly, and occasionally
planting a few beautiful trees and vines, among the
shrubbery just to fill up the outlines.

Wicgela Rosea. — This truly beautiful shrub is new
to most of your readers. It is of recent introduction
into this country, having been sent to Europe from
the north of China, by Mr. Fortune, during his re-
cent botanical tour through that country. It pro-
duces in profusion, clusters of delicate rose-colored
flowers, of a tubular form ; it is quite hardy in all
the middle States, and is a splendid addition to the
shrubbery.

Spirae prunifolia plena. — This unique shrub was
found in the Japanese gardens, and introduced into
Europe by that indefatigable collector. Dr. Siebold.
It has a most graceful appearance when in flower,
and grows to the height of about eight feet. The
flowers are pure white, not larger than a dollar gold
piece, and perfecibj dotihle. The petals of the flowers
are very numerous and beautifully imbricated. The
flower resembles in miniature a double ranunculus.
It is beyond doubt the handsomest shrub of recent
introduction, and as it is perfectly hardy in the most
exposed situations, is entitled to a niche in everj-
garden.

AzaUa cakndulacea^— Is a native of the mountains
of Georgia and produces in groat profusion corymbs
of flowers, varying in color from light yellow to bright
flame, presenting a beautiful display during the
month of May. It is perfectly hardy and prefers a
damp shaded situation. Pursh says, " it is without
exception the handsomest shrub in North America."

Cedrus deodara. — This splendid evergreen tree is

a native of the Himalayas, and attains a gigantic
size; the habit of the tree is pendant and compact,
and from the glaucous coloring of the leaves present*
a silvery hue, contrasting beautifully with our dark-
leaved evergreens. It is quite hardy. We cannot
perceive that this tree bears any resemblance to the
Cedar of Lebanon, as has been asserted. In conse-
quence of its recent introduction into this country all
the specimens are small. James D. Fulton.

Philadelphia, August, 1851.

Mortality among the Poulfrj-.

Mr. Editor: — For the past few months there has
been a very great mortality amongst the poultry in
this county ; so great as to destrijy more than two-
thirds that have been brought into existence this
summer. Failing in my attempts to discover the
cause of this vast havoc, I have embraced this mode
and opportunity of awaking up some intellio-ent in-
formation upon the subject, and if possible arrest the
disease that is prevailing amongst them. An intelli-
gent and practical farmer within a mile or two of this
place has just informed me that out of one hundred
young chickens he has lost eighty-five by this prevail,
ing though unknown disease. Our poultry when
hatched look exceedingly well, until they are about
four to six weeks old, when they begin to droop and
hang their heads ; refusing all kinds of food and ap-
parently die instantaneously. The only perceptible
change that can be observed with regard to color, is
about the head, which is a very deep purple, and
when that change does take place, I find it utterly
imjroesible for them to recover. When I first discov-
ered that they were dying so rapidly I was compelled
to think the difficulty lay in the kind of food I o-ave
them, but I changed their food several times, and I
find that such is not the case. Can any of vour sub-
scribers account for this singular, though destructive
disease, and a remedy for the same?

Very truly yours, Jno. I'. T.vggart.

Bloomslmrg, Aug. 15, 1851.

Bots lu Horses.

Mr. Editor : — All know, perhaps, that this disease
is caused by worms in the stomach. When thi-
worms begin to eat the stomach, it causes great dis-
tress, and the animal will lie down and roll in agonv,
and if relief is not obtained, the worms eat through
in a short time, and the horse inevitablv dies.

A few days since a fine horae was Ivinf in our
street, the owner exceedingly frightened not knowing
what to do.

One of our neighbors saw the animal, and his dis-
tress, and that of his master, and promptly ordered a
pailful of salt and water and a quantity of dry salt.
tie poured the salt and water upon the" small of his
back, and put the salt in his mouth, and in a few
moments the horse was perfectly restored. As soon
as he swallowed the salt, the worms ceased eating,
and thus the life of a noble animal wa.s saved which
but for this simple remedy, must have died.

176

THE HACKNEY.

[September,

THE HACKNEY.

Under this term are cumprised the following: — the
cover hack, the park hack, the lady's horse, the road-
ster, the i-ob, the galloway, and the poney.

The difficulty of procuring really good hacks is ad-
mitted by all persons who have kept them for the va-
rious purposes of cither business or pleasure and for
the following obvious reasons, — that very few people
try to breed hackneys, therefore, although we require
them to be nearly perfect in shape and action, (and
perfect they should be to be "really good hacks,")
thev may be said to be failures in the breeding stud
after all.

TOE lady's horse.

The lady's horec is, after all, the most difficult to
obtain, because he ought to approach very noar to
perfection. His paces, mouth, and tempur, should
each be proportioned to the power and capability of
his rider; and he ehould be proof against alarm from

either noises or sights which otherwise might cause
him to run away. This description of horse should
likewise be well bred, as in that case his action will
l)e easier, and his appearance and carriage more in
character with the generally elegant appearance of
his rider. His pace should be the canter; the trot
causes an ungraceful movement in the person of a
v.'onian, to rise to it ; and if she do not rise to it, she
is much shaken in b.er scat. Neither is the form of
the side-saddle fitted for the trot; and the canter of a
well-bitted horse is more safe, because his haunches
arc more under him in that pace than they can be in
a trot. A goodTaold walk, however, with the head in
proper place, is essential to a horse that has to carry
a woman ; and his action should be very true, that is,
he should not " dish," or throw his legs outward, as
the term is, in any of his paces, or he will cover the
lower garments of his rider with mud when the roads
are wet and dirty. To provide against the latter in-
convonionce, however, all horses intended for thJs

1851.]

THE HACKNEY.

177

purpose, should not be much under fifteen hands and
a half in height, which size corresponds with the
lengthened drapery of a lady's riding costume. As
a preventive against accidents, ladies' horses, how-
ever well broken and bitted, should not be too highly
fed; and, if at all above themselves, should bo ridden
by a careful servant, with good use of his hands, be-
fore ladies mount them. It is, however, an acknowl-
edged fact, that horses go more quietly under women
than they do under men, which is accounted for by
the lightness of their hand, and the backward posi-
tion of the body, in the saddle. We have, in fact,
known several instances of horses being very hard
pullers with men, standing up in their stirrups, and,
consequently inclining their bodies forward, but going
perfectly temperate and at their ease under women.

The height of a road hackney must be regulated
by the size of the person to ride him ; Ijut, generally
speaking, from fourteen hands to fourteen hands and
a half is the proper height. His strength must also
be thus calculated, for a light man does not ride plea-
santly on a horse equal to double his weight. But a
road hackney should have strength of shoulder, with
a round barrel, but not a large carcass, which only
wears out his legs. His constitution and feeding can
only be proved upon trial ; but there are certain in-
dices, such as deep ribs, brown color, hardy muscle,
&c., wliich very rarely deceive us. As to the neces-
sity of well-placed hinder-legs, it is most clearly
shown by the answer given to the following question:
If a horse make a serious blunder forward, and the
centre of gravity of his body fall beyond the pillars
of support, and is for a moment lost, what restores
the cciuilibrium? Is it merely the chuck under the
chin to an animal of his bulk and weight, and that
" chuck" given perhaps by the weak, powerless wrist
of a feeble old man, or delicate young lady? No: the
main effect of the bit, or curb, in this case is, first,
warning the horse of his danger; and, next, by mo-
mentary raising of his head, he is better able to bring
a hinder-leg instantly to his assistance, by advancing
it under 1h6 body, and thus restoring his equilibrium.
In the walk, in fact, the horse actually begins to
move by advancing the hinder-leg under the body;
before the fore-leg quits the ground; and if he did
not do so, there would be no equal support for the
body, during the suspension of the fore-leg in the air,
nor could the body be moved forwards, until the hind-
er-leg had, by quitting its station, taken a new point
of support. Seeing, then, that in the walk, as in all
other paces, the centre of gravity in the horse is
maintained, as well as the body propelled, by the ac-
tion of the hinder-legs, the greatest attention should
be paid to the position and action of them in the
hackney, as the best safeguard against his falling. —
We should observe, then, when he is exhibited to our
view, that, in his walk, the hinder-foot oversteps the
fore-foot, at least a shoe's length, which a horse with
straight, ill-formed hinder-legs cannot do ; and if such
action be accompanied by generally good hind-quar-
ters, it is a great indication of safety, so far as one-
half of the body of the horse is concerned. But as
the false step is made, not with the hinder, but the
fore-leg, the chief safeguard against falling is to be
found elsewhere, namely, first, in the length of the
shoulder, which throws the centre of gravity further
back than a short one ; and, secondly, proceeding also
fi-om the free use of the shoulder, in the act of setting
the fore-foot down on the ground. It is a general
but very mistaken notion, that the safety of a road-
ster depends upon his lifting his fore-legs high from
the ground, when he is said to "go well above his

ground;" wheioas it all depends on the manner in
which he places them down upon it. Not only are
the highest goers often the most unsafe to ride, for,
when they do fall, they fall with a violence propor-
tioned to the height of their action; but, although
we do not advocate such extremes, there are thou-
sands of instances of horses going very near to the
ground, and never making a trip. It is, however, a
well-established fact, that if the form of a horse's
shoulder, and the consequent position of the fore-leg,
enable him to put his foot to the ground, flat, with
the heel well down, his lifting up his foot high, is not
at all necessary ;,whereas, on the other hand, if, by any
improper position of the leg, issuing out of a short,
upright, ill-formed shoulder, tlie toe touches the
ground first, and, as it were, digs into it; no matter
how high such a horse may lift up his leg in any of
his paces, ho will always be dangerous to ride. —
Plonijh, Loom <£- Anvil.

Hiving Bees.

BY MRS. L. G. ABELL.

Reliable and useful facts, and hints, will make the
Farm Journal the indispensable companion of the
agriculturist, and if not already known to your read-
ers, the following recent incident may be useful.

I threw open my blinds a few days since and raised
a window, to inhale the pure air and take a morning
look at the gay flowers that were in full blossom un
der the windows, when I heard a most unusual hum-
ming of bees; not seeing any on the flowers I looked
into the air, and just over my head they were in agi-
tated commotion preparatory to swarming from the
hive of a near neighbor. On a fine locust, near the
front door, they were soon settled, but before any ef-
fort could be made to hive them, they commenced
flying, and aU returned to the old hive. Next day
they came out again, and a man who knew somethino-
of bees, was sent to hive them. He called for a long
woolen stocking, and drew it on to the end of a pok,
and placed it where the bees seemed thickest near a
tree, as if they had selected it as a place where to
light. He held it a few moments, and the stocking
was very soon covered completely with the whole
swarm.

A table had been spread with a white clotli and a
hive aU ready. He laid his pole or rather stocking
of bees upon the table, and then put the hive over
while he carefully drew out the pole. In an hour or
two the bees were all in the hive, and placed in the
bee house — and in a short time more, they were at
work furnishing their new home. While they were
upon the table they " cleaned house" and dislodged
every particle of dust and old matter adhering to their
new abode.

In two days more another swavm came out from
the old hive, and in the same manner the son and fe-
males of the family secured, in this simple and easy
way, another fine swarm. The ladies told me as I
watched their movements, they could now do it any
time alone.

17^

HORTICULTURAL.

[September,

(5orttroltttral ©tpartment.

Dwarf Pear Trees.

Being disappointed in the hope that some more
able pen would have come to the rescue of the dwarf
pear trees, and in reply to my friend Dr. Eshleman,
in last month's number of the Journal, I venture a
few remarks, in the belief that this mode of propa-
gating the pear, is a valuable acquisition to the fruit
grower, and that it is rapidly coming into general use.
So far as the experience of this immediate vicinity
goes, it has been quite successful ; a large number
that we have sold during the last two years being
now in full bearing, and thrifty and vigorous. I had
the pleasure of demonstrating this fact recently to the
Dr. himself, in showing several varieties of dwarf
trees, standing in the nursery rows, with several spe-
cimens of fair fruit each. They very often bear the
same season they are transplanted, and I have at this
time in my yard, an Easter Beurre with nine perfect
pears on, moved last spring. How then are we to ac-
count for Dr. Thomas's trees which have been refer-
red to, " as eight to ten feet high, well branched and
cultivated with the greatest care," producing no fruit.
The probability is that his exposure is unfavorable.
He informs mo that there have been a profusion of
blossoms, and that the trees are vigorous, and as they
bear abundantly at West Chester, only a few miles
off, but at an elevation of some hundred feet higher
than his residence in the valley, it is most likely that
his failure results from the same cause that other
fruit trees are unproductive in certain situations and
exposure, viz : a liability to be cut off by late frosts.

Another reason why the pear on quince does not
slways succeed is, its being worked on our common
orange quince. It has been fully ascertained that
this stalk will not answer. I have known seve-
ral cases in this neighborhood, where it has been
tried and failed entirely. Even where they unite
readily, it is found they will not grow freely together,
the pear soon becomes stunted, dwindles and dies.
In a conversation at the first convention in New York
two years ago, with P. Barry, the experienced nur-
seryman, at Rochester, he stated this to be his expe-
rience, and that when failures occurred, it might ge-
nerally be traced to this cause. The proper stalk for
grovring the pear on,is the imported Angler's quince,
which is a mere variety of the orange, but is so free

a grower that it is almost exclusively used by nur-
serymen. We imported, last year, seven thousand
stalks of it for this purpose, some of which have pear
shoots on them four to five feet, the growth of this
season. The Portugal quince is also a free grower,
but does not strike readily from cuttings. It is quite
distinct from either the orange shaped, both in the
fruit and growth. Its leaves are broader, larger and
more downy. It has no advantage whatever over the
Anger's variety, as a stalk for the pear, even if its
high price wore not an objection.

Another difBculty sometimes occurs with dwarf
pears in the quince borer. This insect works at the
surface of the ground, and his attacks may easily be
avoided, by planting the tree so deep as to cover the
point of union. This rule should always be observed.
The quince is not injured by deep planting like other
trees, and throws out radicles under such circum-
stances very readily.

It has also been said the dwarf pear tree is short
lived. This is mere assertion. The proof, so far, is
decidedly the-other way. T. Rivers, and there is no
higher authority, says they are growing perfectly
healthy a;id vigorous in the gardens of the Horticul-
tural society, Cheswick, England, twenty-five years
old, ^nd that he has seen them on the continent forty
years old equally healthy. In the gardens of many
of many of the private residences in Philadelphia,
they may be found eight and ten years planted, bear-
ing delicious pears, with no sign of want of vigor,
but quite^the contrary. The pear on quince is less
liable to blight than on its own stock, and the fruit
of many varieties more perfect, and much improved
in flavor. The finest, largest and most perfect butter
pears we have ever seen, were grown on dwarf
trees. The same may be said of the Duchesse d'An-
gonlfeme and Louise Bonne de Jersey, two varieties
at least second rate on pear stocks, but of the highest
flavor on the quince, and standing in the first rank
for beauty, size and quality. They are in fact spe-
cially to be recommended for this mode of culture,
and for our own taste we should be satisfied without
experimenting on the four hundred other varieties
now known, for fear we might bo in the predicament
of the judge, who declined to hear the counsel for the
other side, saying he was entirely satisfied of the
merits of the case and was fearfnl if he heard more
he might be confused. Most persons after tasting
the fine buttery and juicy richness of these two pears,
would be satisfied and ask for nothing better.

Certain kinds do better on quince stock than othr
ers, and are improved as before remarked in size,
flavor and productions, and others only succeed at
all by double working. The list of those which do
well, embraces some twenty-five or thirty, amply large
enough for the great majority of cultivators and in-
cluding such well known fine kinds as White and
Grey Doyenn^, Buerrfe Diel, Glonx Morceaax, Made-

1851.J

HORTICULTURAL.

179

Isine, Caster Beurr6, Bartlett, St. Germain, Napoleon,
Dearborn's Seedling, &c., &c.

To sum up the advantages in faror of dwarf pears,
tiiey are very hardj, come into bearing often after
the first season of being moved, with good rich cul-
ture which they should always have, grow vigorously
and bear plentifully. They may be planted eight to
ten feet apart, thus taking up but little room, answer-
ing well to fill up the intervals in an orchard, and
with the present scarcity of fine pears in the markets
of our Atlantic cities, will probably yield, for the
^ound occupied, a better return than any other kind
of fruit culture. Paschall Morris.

8th mo., mil, 1851.

P. S. It is a very common but erroneous practice
to plant tender fruit, such as apricots, nectarines, &c.
on a warm exposure, such as the south side of a
house. A mild spell of weather in winter, or an ear-
ly spring, brings on a premature development of the
bud, only to be nipped by a succeeding frost. Such
fruit trees, and indeed all others, from the great va-
;-'ableness of our climate and the liability to sudden
changes, should rather be planted on high ground,
■where there is a free circulation of air, and if possi-
ble with northern exposures, so as to retard their
growtli.

Notes for Septcmbsr.

The cultivator who has been absent during previous
months is now the proud spectator of the fine autum-
nal growth of his young trees, and rich in the profu-
gion and variety of autumnal fruits from older ones.

But trees lacking culture, standing in hard soil or
smong strong grass or weeds, make no " second
growth" while yonng, nor can they yield rich fruit
if old.

It is now too late to urge a growth this season —
the late unripened shoots would be caught by frosts
before they would become sufiiciently woody and
hardened. Unseasonable luxuriance of growth is
one of the greatestsourcesof mischief incident to our
irregular climate, and a common precursor of dis-
ease.

Instead, therefore, of stimulating growrti at this
teason, it is exceedingly desirable to bring it gradu-
•iy to a close. Thrifty, well-fed young trees, such
as the dwarf pear trees alluded to in the July No.
of the Journal (p. 114) may be checked with good ef-
fect by lifting or moving them in the ground so as to
dissever one-half or more of the roots, especially the
Tortical roots.

Those who have not set out their Strawberry
PLANTS, may do so now in a bed of good sod. They
■wiU become so well rooted as to be out of danger by
lifting or freezing out during winter and will yield a
partial crop of fruit next spring. In making the bed
it is well to estimate how many rows of plants there

to procure just enough of the very best staminato and
and pistillate sorts to fill even rows of each. Thu?
in a bed 33 feet square there may be 20 rows and
20 plants in each row; and these might be arranged,
for example, in something like the following order.

One row of White Bush Alpine, s.

Four rows Hudson, p.

One row Ross' Phoenix, s.

Four rows Rival Hudson, p.

One row Boston Pino, s.

Four rows Ilovey's Seedling, p.

One row Early Scarlet, s.

Four rows Hovey, p.

One row Red Bush Alpine.

Growing trees may he pruned moderately now, as at
any other season of the year (popular proverbs to ths
contrary notwithstanding). It is well to prune a lit
tie at different seasons, when much is required, as
severe pruning at any time is always prejudicial. —
Occasion for it is avoided by training young trees at
first as they should afterwards grow.

Old Raspberry canes which have fruited may be
cut away. Sometimes tlie young canes start a vigor-
ous tender growth afterwards; they will especially
need protection in November.

Bddding is yet in season. One good rule is to
place the bud promptly and boldly, without any sub-
sequent displacement or adjusting. The tree should
be well set with buds according to the size of the top
so as to avoid necessity for cutting away many
branches larger than the finger.

Instead of taking the first scions at hand, select the
best sort, and such as wiU yield fruit of a kind or
season in which the garden is deficient. A few buds
of a prime sort can be safely be sent in a letter to a
considerable distance. If there is too large a propor-
tion of some varieties of fruit in a garden, or if some

t . O '

recs produce inferior fruit, the sooner they aw
changed the better, provided they are young and
healthy ; if they are old, they will scarcely repay the
trouble of grafting, and the much greater consequent
trouble of dressing. • W

For a further elucidation of the points of culture
adverted to above, see " The Fruit Grower's Hand
Book," pages 108, 99, 91, 120, 118, 87, 120, 7.

will be, and how many plants in each row ; and then esteemed

Gen'. Hand Plums.— Dr. B. Parry, of Lancaster,
has laid on our table several superb plums of the
Gen. Hand variety. On measuring them we found
them to be 71 inches each in circumference and
weighing each one-fourth of a pound, less three
eighths of an ounce. Although of extraordinary size,
these are not as large as several taken from the tre«
last season, one of which measured 8J inehes. Whila
in point of rich melting flavor the Hand plum is infe-
rior to the Washington and several other varieties, it
undoubtedly stands at the head of the list of plums
in point of size, and for preserving purposes is much

180

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

[September,

i^orfuultnral Sodetiea.

Proceedings of the Penusylvauia Horticultural So-
ciety'

The stated meeting of this association for the month
of August, was held in the Chinese Saloon, on the
19th. The President in the Chair. The hall was
immensely crowded. The object which brought to-
gether so much of the beauty and fashion of the city
was the announcement that it was expected a fine
specimen of the Victoria rejia might be seen, as a
bud which had appeared above the surface of the wa-
ter on Monday morning, grew so rapidly and had
become so enlarged, that the proprietor (our worthy
President) felt confident that it would have been ex-
jiauded by the time of the meeting. In this he was
disappointed, and therefore the bud remained uncut.
The immense leaf, however, was brought in, much to
the gratification of the visitors. Its diameter is six
feet four inches, or nineteen feet in circumference,
peltate and of circular form, emarginate at that por-
tion of the leaf which had been the point when it first
appeared, and also notched at the opposite margin
where the lobes have Ijccorae united by a suture. —
The leaf at first is sagittate, and as it grows and ex-
pands, the lobed portions of the margin, forming its
arrow head shape, unite by tlie suture, and the leaf
becomes peltate and circular; and in its prime is sal-
ver-formed, the edge being turned up one and a half
to two inches. Tlie venation is remarkably promi-
nent, and of such symmetry and firmness, that it
first conveyed the idea of great strengtli in its con-
struction to Mr. Paxton, the architect of the great
Crystal Palace, therefore adopted it as a model in the
formation of the frame work of the roof of that extra-
■ ordinary structure. The petiole is large, round, and
rope-like, and of considerable length. It is, as also
the whole of the reticulate veins are, beset with sharp
spines. The entire under surface of the leaf is of a
beautiful purple tinge. A representation of a llower
of the Victoria rcji'a, in wax, obtained by A. Kimber
in Europe, was exhibited. This model was taken
of a specimen sometime after expansion: The flower
is more beautiful when it first opens in its cup-like
appearance than as represented by the model shown.
As the plant is in a flourishing condition and is show-
ing a succession of buds, no doubt flowers will be ex-
hibited at the grand autumnal display commencing
on the I7th of September.

In the fruit department there was numerous dishes
of the various kinds of the season. On the tables were
seen superb bunches of Black Hamburg grapes, from
the institution of the Insane, and fine specimens of
the same variety from the houses of D. B. Taylor and
Mrs. John B. Smith, and handsome bunches of the
White Chasselos from Mrs. II. M. Rowland. Luscious
specimens of the Cochin China variety, from Joseph
b. Lovering's, and a fine collection, consisting of se-
veral varieties, from Joseph Ripka's house. Beauti-
ful Nectarines of the Elruge, Vermash, and new white
varieties, from the President's, Red Roman and Pit-
maston Orange kinds, from D. B. Taylor's and Mr.
Fergusson's, and fine varieties from James Dundas'
house; Plums, very fine, by Capt. Marston, variety
not recognised; Mammoth variety by A.Parker;
Greengage by G. W. Earl; a blue variety by Mrs. N.
A. Roe; the Cleavenger variety, by W. S. Cleaven-
ger, and the Quetch by Mrs. Wolbort. Finely flavor-
ed and beautiful Cayenne pine-apples, grown at the
President's, were exhibited. Dishes of very largo
and delicious poaches, by H. W. Cleaveland, of the
Crawford's early variety; by John Perkins, the heath

free; and a seedling of merit by Isaac B. Baxter. —
Of pears, Mrs. John B. Smith exhibited fine speci-
mens of the Bartlett, C'ailot Rosat, Washington, Bezi
de la Motte, Chaumontelle, Moyamonsing, Andrews,
and All Mon llieu ; Robert Buist, the Andrews and
Duchess de Berri ; Charles Downing, the Dearborn's
seedling: John R. Brinckle, the Esperion, St. Ghis-
lain, and three unnamed varieties Irom France; A.
M. Eastwick, the De Witt, Bartram, Rousselet de
Piheims, Seckel, and a seedling variety; Goo. W.
Earl, the Julienne. Early butter by Mrs. N. A. Roe,
and three varieties from Miss Gratz. Apides by Jno.
Perkins — The Porter, Hagloe, Maiden's Blush, Ilaw-
thorndon, and Pearmain. Mr. Buist presented a
table of intere ting plants, in pots. Johh Ellis exhi-
bited a very large basket of cut flowers from the Pre-
sident's grounds; and a mo.st beautiful one, a fair
bijou, by Henry A. Dreer; and by Robert Kilving-
ton, one of native flowers. Anthony Felton, -Jr., ex-
tensive display of vegetables, and John Gallagher,
gardener to Miss Gratz, a large collection.

The Premiums awarded on the occasion were — For
the most interesting collection of ydants in pots, to
James Roby, foreman to Robert Buist; for the best
hand boquet, and second best design of cut flowers,
to Robert Kilvington ; for the best Ijasket of cut flow-
ers, to John Ellis, gardener to C. Cope ; and the se-
cond best to II. A. Dreer; for the best of indigenous
flowers, to Robert Kilvington.

Orapes. — For the best three bunches of a black
variety, the Black Hamburg, to Jno. Riley, gardener
to the Insane Asylum ; for the second best, the same
variety, to Wm. "llamill, gardener to D. B. Taylor ;
for the best of a white variety, the Chasselas, to Pe-
ter Manning, gardener to Mrs. II. M. Rowland: for
the second best, the Cochin China, to John Miller,
gardener to J. S. Levering.

Nectarines. — For tlie best six specimens to James
Bisset, gardener to James Dundas ; for tlie second
best to Wm. llamill, gardener to D. B. Taylor.

Plums. — For the best, the Mammoth, to Alexander
Parker; for the second best to Capt. JIarston.

Peaches. — For the best, the Crawford's Early, to
II. W. S. Cleveland; for tho second best, the Heath
free, to John Perkins.

Pears. — For the best, the Buiter, to Geo. W. Earl ;
for tho second best, the Washington, to Mrs. J. B
SnMth.

Apples. — For the best, Permain, to John Perkins :
for the second best, the Maiden's Blush, to the same.
And a special premium of three dollars for a splendid
collection of Grapes to Alex. Burnett, gardener to
.Joseph Ripda. And for two Pine Apples, very fine,
a premium of one dollar to John Ellis, gardener toC.
Cope.

For the best display of vegetables by a market gar-
dener, and for the second best, to Anthony Felton, Jr.
For the best display by a private gardener to John
Gallagher, gardener to Miss Gratz. The committee
notices two dishes of fine Egg Plant fruit, by John
Miller, gardener to Jos. S. Levering.

The committee on fruits reported that they had
examined the following fruits ad interim since the
last meeting, viz :

Fine specimens of the Bloodgood, Dearborn's seed-
ling Ananas d'Eto and Benoist pears, from Charles
Downing, Newburg, N. Y. ; the Gratz, Mather and
Ott pears, and Cleavinger plum.

The Bloodgood, Dearborn's seedling. Ananas d'Bt«
and Benoist, were of tho finest quality, the last was
particularly fine. The Gratz was of good quality and
believed to be synonymous with Julienne. The Ma^
ther is a large fair native pear of Delaware county.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS, &c.

181

of great productiveness, but Tvants flavor. The Ott,
as heretofore, sustains its high reputation, excelling
in quality all the other summer pears.

The Cleavenger is a native, purple, free plum of
the largest size and of good flavor.

Deferred business — being the amendment to the
By-Laws reported at the last meeting -was taken up
and adopted by adding a new article with sections as
follows:

Article 17. Sec. 1. Professors of Eniomology, Bo-
tany and Hoiiiciditiral Clteniisiry. — At every annual
meeting of the society, there shall be elected a pro-
fessor of Entomology, a professor of Botany, and a
professor of Horticultural Chemistry. It shall be
tlieir duty to deliver before the society occasional lec-
tures on subjects connected with his professorship.

Sec. 2. Committee on Entomology. — A committee
of five shall be appointed, at the stated meeting in
February, to be called the committee on Entomology-
The professor of Entomology shall be appointed in
this committee and he shall be its chairman. It shall
be the duty of the committee to report on all entomo-
logical subjects that may be referred to them ; and
whenever they deem it expedient to make reports on
the history, habits, &e., of insects injurious to vegeta-
tion, as well as those that are beneficial to the horti-
culturist.

Sec. 3. Committee on Botany. — A committee of
five shall be appointed at the stated meeting in Fe-
bruary, to be called the committee on Botany. The
professor of Botany shall constitute one of this com-
mittee and shall be its chairman. It shall be the
duty of the committee to correct the names of all
plants erroneously labelled, which may be exhibited
at the meetings of the society, and to report on all
botanical subjects that may be referred to them.

Sec. 4. Committee on Horticultural Chemistry. — A
committee of five shall be appointed at the stated
meeting in February, to bo designated the committee
on Horticultural Chemistry. The professor of horti-
cultural chemistry shall be a member of this commit-
tee and shall be its chairman. It ^shall be the duty
of this committee to report to the society the consti-
tuent elements of such soils, fruits, trees and plants
as they may have analysed.

A very interesting communication from John Ellis
gardener to Caleb Cope addressed to the Secretary,
was read describing in minute detail the Victoria re-
ffia, its growth ab origine at Spring Brook farm, giv-
ing its stages, developement as it advanced from the
time the seed was planted, on the 21st day of March
last, to the present time. On motion adjourned.

ThO. p. J.iSIES,

Recording Secretary.

Proceedings

Of the meeling of the Executive Committee of the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.

Harrisbukg, Tuesday, July 29, 1851.

The Coinmittee met. Present, Hon. F. Watts,
Jas. Gowen, Hon. A. 0. Hiester, David Mumma, Dr.
L. Reilly, George H. Bucher and Isaac G. JI'Kinley.

On motion, -James Gowen was appointed chairman
and Isaac G. M'Kinley, Secretary, j)ro tempore.

Mr. Hiester, from the committee to make arrange-
ments for the holding of the Agricultural Exhiljition,
made report that a field had been obtained for the
purpose, within a mile of the borough of Ilarrisburg;
and that Rules and Regulations for the government
of the Exhibition, and a list of premiums to be offer-
ed, were being prepared for circulation throughout
the State.

Mr. Watts from the committee on the Address, re-
ported that they had not yet made a selection of a
gentleman to deliver the address, but he expected
they would be able to report by the next meeting of
the Committee. Adjourned.

To the tady readers of the Farm Journal.

BY MRS. L. C. ABELL.

If it could bo really arranged as some would have
it, that woman should have the right to go to the polls
and contend with man in political faction and strife ;
could she be privileged to become the skilful operator
in surgery, lay bare the lacerated flesh, and see the
severed limb, as dismembered from the body; could
she attend our civil courts, and meet with the vulgar-
ity and roughness, be assailed with the coarse jeer
and profane epithets to which man is daily accus-
tomed, how long would she be characterised by re-
finement and delicacy ?

Woman is naturally impulsive, tender a.nd yielding.
These qualities lovely in her character, and the very
soul of domestic comfort might not answer quite so
well, in the just and stem decision of a criminal case,
where the omnipotence of the law demands the life
of the offender !

To Young Men who read the Farm Journal.

I have been looking on, and listening to the voice
of the world, and the question is — What are we com-
ing to ? what shall we do for young men of worth,
of character, of sobriety?

There is in our land, so much of the spirit of row
dyism, intemperance and their accompanying vices
that some have taken the alarm, and enquire, " what
shall we do ?" Intelligent sons of farmers, and all
others who have strength of mind, and principle
enough to withstand the tide of temptation, and mo-
ral delinquency, your time is coming. Go on in the
ways of virtue and intelligence — lay a sound and
thorough foundation, and a beautiful temple of re-
spectability and character will be reared»thereon !

Despair not of ultimate success, even though now
unknown. The time is coming as sure as days pass
away, when you who pursue the right, will be want-
ed ! What a flood tide of the young dissolute ones
will in a few years more be swept from the earth, or
be mere hangers on to the outskirts of society. Then
you will be needed, in the strength and beauty of a
pure and upright manhood, with an eye clear with
beaming intelligence, and a heart shining out in the
beauty of goodness, to give consistency to action and
integrity to principle. Yes, you will be needed in our
halls of legislation, to be our councillors, our law
makers and protectors.

Spare no labor or expense in education — cultivate
all your faculties^be earnest, true and faithful for
the time is coming.
Chittenango, iV. Y.

182

EDITOKIAL.

[September,

THE FAKM J 0 U E N A^L

Sub-Qrbitor's JDrpartmcnt.

A. M. SPANGLER, Sub-Editor.

Agents.

The Fakm Journal may be had at the following
jilaces : —

W. B. ZiEBER, South 3d St., principal agent for
Philadelphia.

W. II. Spangler,
B. F. Spangler,
Geo. Bergner,
H. Miner,
J. R. SnRrocK,
II. M. Rawlins,
A. L. Warfield,

Lancaster, Pa.
Columbia, Pa.
Harrisburg, Pa.
Pittsburg, Pa.
Chambersburg, Pa.
Carlisle, Pa.
York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

Our Office.

Those having business to transact with us will
please call at the Book Store of W. II. Spangler, in
North Queen street, Lancaster, where we or our re-
presentative will at all times be in attendance.

STewland's Strawberry Humbug.

The editor of the New England Farmer speaking
of Newland's strawberry, which he pronounces a
'■ humbug," says:

We see by a late number of the Pennsylvania Farm
■Tournal, that the editor has received a present of
some vines from Newland's agent, and before waiting
to give them a trial he is commending them to the
public ; thus aiding this imposter in deceiving the
farming community. We think notice should be
given of the imposition throughout the country in or-
der to put a stop to the operations of this impostor.
Editors should check, rather than aid him.

We did speak well of the plants sent us, but cer-
tainly not with the intention of aiding Mr. Newland
in imposing upon the public. We merely gave Mr.
Newland's own statement and referred to the recom-
mendations given them by a number of persons. If
any persons were induced to purchase them on the
strength of what we said, we deeply regret it. We
never have. Knowingly, and never will lend our col-
umns to the cause of imposition. Our object is the
dissemination of valuable truths, and if, as in the
case above referred to, we ourselves are sometimes
deceived, we hope that it will not be regarded as an
evidence of a disposition on our part to deceive oth-
ers.

Correction. — In the third paragraph and fifth line
of Mr. P. Morris' article on " Evergreen Trees and
Shrubs," in our last number, the word " deodar "
should have preceded that of " cedar." The acciden-
tal omission of it in the Copy, drew from us a small
note which places Mr. M. in the awkward position
of calling the common red cedar a tree of "lively tints
and graceful habits." We make t'le correction with
much pleasure.

State Agricultural Exhibition.

We have issued a supplement to the Journal con-
taining a " List of Premiums and Rules & Regula-
tions for the first Cattle Show and Agricultural and
Horticultural Exhibition, to be held by the Pennsyl-
vania State Agricultural Society." To this premium
list we earnestly invite the attention of every friend
of agriculture in our State. The ensuing State Fair
will be an event fraught with the highest importance
to the prosperity of Pennsylvania. Not only are her
farmers deeply interested in rendering it a creditable
affair, but the interests of every mechanic and pro-
fessional man within her borders will be more or le»s
affected by it. Let the Farmer, the Mechanic and the
professional man go hand in hand, and shoulder to
shoulder help on the good work. From every hill,
valley and plain, let the products of honest industry
be brought, until the thousands who assemljle at
Harrisburg will be taught to know that the full Ex-
tent of the resources of the Keystone State have never
been thorougly understood. If, as we anticipate, out
farmers manifest a proper degree of interest, we pre
diet that the display will be one that will cause a
thrill of honest pride in every Pennsylvanian's heart,
and will lay the foundation for future exhibitions that
will be surpassed in excellence by no other in the
Union.

Our exchanges throughout the State will confer a
special favor upon the cause of agriculture by pub-
lishing the premium list at length and calling atten-
tion to it.

Enamelled Iron Milk Pans. — We are indebted to
Messrs. Savery & Co., of Philadelphia, for a nest of
iron milk pans, for which they will please accept our
thanks. These pans are beautifully enamelled on
the inside, and are of a form admirably adapted for
cleanliness and prevention of rust. Although more
costly than the common earthenware, or tin pane,
they are cheaper than the glass and have the advan-
tage over the latter of being less liable to be broken
by a fall or a blow. Their strength was satisfactori-
liy tried in our presence by the manufacturers, who
threw them a distance of several feet on a hard floor,
without breaking. We have not yet had an opporta-
nity of proving their value as milk pans, and can
therefore only speak of their form and material, leav-
ing it for the dairymen to test their true merits.

Pennsylvania Tobacco. — In our last, we spoke of
the unusual quantity of tobacco growing in our State
the present season, and of the unfavorable appearance
it at that time presented. Since then, refreshing
rains have fallen, and although many fields have not
nor are likely to recover fully from the effects of the
drouth, the general appearance of the crop has been
much improved. Many large growers claim a full
crop, and as prices promise to be nearly equal to
those of last year, their profits will be large.

1851.]

EDITOKIAL.

183

Peach Culture.

" Why is not more attention given to the culture
ofthe peach in Pennsylvania?" was inquired of us
by an ardent friend of fruits, a day or two since. —
The query had frequently before presented itself to
our mind, as one of great interest and importance. —
That the soil in very many sections of our State is
peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of nearly all
the stone fruits, is unquestionable. The gratifying
success which has attended every well directed effort
should satisfy the most skeptical, that Pennsylvania
is a region especially favored in this particular. Our
climate, too, is all the peach grower could desire, so
that tlie almost total indifference on the part of her
people alone, prevents our State from becoming as
famous for choice peaches, as she has long been for
fine grain. It makes a New Jersey man's heart ache
to look upon our noble peach trees, from one limh of
which, at least three fuUy matured Jersey trees could
be made. And then the difference in duration. A
Jersey fruit tree generally comes to full maturity in
three years. Four years at farthest is sufficient to
complete its growth and then having thoroughly im-
poverished the soil, it literally dies of starvation. A
Pennsylvania peach tree, on the other hand, bears
equally as much and decidedly richer flavored fruit
at three years, and then continues increasing in size
vigor, producing with each successive year larger and
better crops for fifteen or twenty years successively
Wherever properly attended to, it thrives and bears
•well for at least fifteen years, and without any culti-
Tation at all, the bearing life of our peach trees on
oar mellow loam soils will average ten years.

In the face of all these facts, New Jersey for many
years held the immense profits of the peach crop, sup-
plied to the Philadelphia and New York markets,
almost entirely in her own hands. Recently, little
Delaware has put in a claim for the spoils, and the su-
periority of her peaches has nearly driven our Jersey
friends from the Philadelphia market. Hundreds of
thousands of dollars have thus, for a long period,
been annually paid for fruits which.with comparative-
ly trifling cost and labor, our citizens might have
grown themselves, and that too of a size and flavor
infinitely superior to those brought from New Jersey
and Delaware, and for which they pay most exorbi-
tant prices.

Very few persons are aware of the difference be-
tween the flavor of peaches grown upon our stronger,
heavier soils, and those cultivated in the light sands
of Jersey. This is attributable not to a want of
taste on their part, but to the fact of their rarely
having an opportunity of comparing the merits re-
spectively of the two kinds. While the former is
richly flavored and possessed in perfection of all the
qualities which gives the peach its pre-eminence as a
fruit, the other is generally watery and insipid, or

impregnated with acidity to such a degree as to ren-
der it almost unfit for eating.

We venture the assertion, bold as it may appear,
that in Lancaster county may now be found a larger
variety of superior peaches — superior in size, and
richness of flavor — than can be produced in any three
counties in New Jersey, and that there are now grow-
ing in her soil, trees in full, luxuriant vigor, which
have borne heavy crops of delicious peaches for twelve
successive years, and one of which will produce more
fruit in a single season than two average sized Jer-
sey trees wiU produce during their whole life time.
The same may doubtless be said of peach trees in the
counties of Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware,
Philadelphia, or in fact any of the old counties of the
State.

Looking at the subject, then, in a money point of
view alone, does it not assume an important aspect?
Should not our own people give their attention to the
culture of a fruit than which is none more delicious
or profitable. If a correct estimate could be made
of the amount paid by Pennsylvanians for New Jer-
sey and Delaware peaches, it would doubtless awaken
a deeper feeling of interest.

Protect Yourselves and Y'our Propertt. — The
past season has been full of warning to our farmers.
Never within our recollection has there been in any
one summer so many accidents from lightning. Al-
most every day, accounts of the awful destruction of
lives and property have reached us, and in every in-
stance where these accidents have happened to dwell-
ings or barns, the usual protection of lightning rods
was wanting. Now, when it is remembered that
every farmer lias it in his power fully to guard against
these accidents, does not his neglect to do so render
him highly culpable. We think so. A comparative-
ly small amount expended for lightning rods ensures
the safety of the family and property, and during the
prevalence of storms, relieves the mind from the dread
and anxiety usually felt by those who are without
these important appendages to their buildings. AVe
therefore say to every farmer, put up lightning rods
at once, and while you are about it, put up those of
the most approved kinds. The magnetic lightning
rod, patented and manufactured by Thomas Armi-
tage. Vine street, Philadelphia, is pronounced by
scientific men the best in use, and we commend it to
the attention of our readers.

TuE Corn Crop. — The refreshing rains which
fell in our vicinity during the middle and latter part
of August, in a measure revived the drooping corn,
and assisted materially in filling the ears. It now
looks vigorous and healthy, and a tolerable fair crop
may be anticipated, though not so large as it promis-
ed to be, earlier in the season. We are pleased to
learn that nearly every section of the State enjoyed
the blessings of fine showers about the time we re-
ceived them.

184

EDITOKIAL.

[September,

Fruit stealing.

Will some of our readers, versed in the philosophy
of morals, define for us the difference in criminality
between robbing a man's orchard and robbing his
house. The law, we are aware, mak^s a broad dis-
tinction between the two ; but this is a distinction
without a difference. Why the theft of a man's house-
hold property or money should be considered a more
heinous crime in the eye of the law, than the plun-
dering of his orchard or garden, and the mutilation
of his fruit trees, is beyond our comprehension. Yet
such is the case, and without legislation on the sub-
ject, such it is likely to remain. To such an extent
are these outrages upon the rights of fruit growers
practised, that there is a loud call for protection, and
we urge upon our farmers and fruit growers, the pro-
priety of laying their grievances before the legislature
and demanding redress.

The complaint is general, and what renders it more
aggravating is the fact that many of these fruit
thieves are persons . loudest in their condemnation of
dishonest practices. We know persons who shrink
with holy abhorrence from the most remote imputation
of theft, yet who, without any scruples of conscience,
enter a neighbor's orchard or garden, and clandes-
tinely carry away his choicest fruits. We know pa-
rents who encourage thieving practices in their child-
ren, by receiving the fruit thus taken by them from
others without permission. And yet these same pa-
rents would feel highly indignant were their children
called thieves. They send them to sabbath schools,
punish them for profanity, will not permit them to as-
sociate with bad boys; but indirectly encourage them
to steal a neighbor's fruit. Strange inconsistency,
but no less strange than true. We cannot conceive
how any man or boy possessed of a single spark of
moral honesty, can so far forget the duty he owes his
conscience and society, as to rob a fruit tree. We
consider the man who steals his neighbor's apples or
peaches as much a thief, as he who picks his pocket,
and were we the arbitrers of justice would punish him
as severely. And such should be the estimate placed
upon this mean pilfering by the whole community. —
If the voice of public sentiment were raised against
it, and the fruit thief regarded as he should be — an
equal with the pickpocket and burglar — there would
then be some little encouragement to cultivate choice
fruits ; but so long as he is regarded and treated as
an honest man so long will our farmer's orchards be
be plundered and the product of years of anxious toil
carried away by dishonest men.

the fact that in the vicinity of Lancaster alone, may be
found more than twenty choice varieties of pears, ap-
ples, peaches, plums and cherries, which, although
well known and appreciated by our citizens, have
never been described by Mr. D., or any other author.
Other sections of our State are doubtless equally rich
in fine seedling fruits, and it is our intention, as soon
as practicable, to trace their history and furnish
illustrations and descriptions of them. In further-
ance of this object, we earnestly request that those
who have seedling fruits will be kind enough to fur-
nish us with samples of them, to be placed in the
hands of competent persons who will decide upon
their merits and describe them, and the newspaper
press of our State will confer a special favor by no-
ticing our request. ^ We regret that the lateness of
the season as well as the general defectiveness of fruit
this year prevents us from entering upon this work
at once, with those fruits which are grown in our
immediate vicinity. Next season we shall commence
the good work in time.

Pennsylvania Seedling Fruits. — It is universally
conceded that Downing's Fruits & Fruit Trees of
America is a work of rare merit — the best on the sub-
ject, and indispensable to every horticulturist — yet
it is far from comprehending the whole of our choice
fruits, and in confirmation of this opinion we refer to

Hope's Improved Plow.

The abov(; cut repri.^sents a plow with Hope's new
improvement attached. A great difficulty with plow-
men has always been the clogging of their plows and
the want of adequate means for cleaning away the
weeds, grass, stubble, &c. Many attempts have been
made to remedy this evil, but with only partial suc-
cess, as no improvement with which we are acquaint-
ed has been entirely successful in clearing away the
impediments to the sinkingof the plowinto the ground.
Mr. Hope claims for his, a complete triumph over the
difiiculty. Its merits were severely tested a few days
since on the farm of W. Dunlap, Esq., near Philadel-
phia, and the result was most satisfactory. Wet rye
straw was placed before it to the depth of six or seven
inches, and plowed under without the least difiiculty.
Reports of the trial state, that it was impossible to
choke it with rubbish.

This improvement, as will be seen by a reference
to the engraving, is of the most simple character and
may be added to any of the ordinary plows now in
use, at a trifling expense. It consists of the recurved
point of the mould board, which effectually turns asid'.
and guides backward the choking material. We havi
not seen the plow in use, but hope that it may realize
the inventor's most sanguine expectations, as an ef-
fectual plow cleaner has long been a desideratum
with our farmers.

Seeds should always be kept in bags, in a dry,
airy situation.

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

185

Horticultural Implements.

For tho following cuts of gardening tools and the
accompanying description, vcc are indebted to Robert
Buist, Esq., nurserj'man of Philadelphia. They ap-
peared originally in the "Family Kitchen Gardener,"
a work which should be in the hands of every farm-
er, and of which Mr. B. is the author. We know of
no treatise on gardening, we can more confidently re-
commend. The diS'erent sulijects are treated in a
clear, familiar style, and from the extensive practical
experience of the author, may be confidently relied
upon.

It is not our intention to go into a detail of all the
useful articles connected with the culture of the gar-
den, which would take us beyond our limits. Our
object will be only to point out those most useful and
essential to carry on the cultivation of the soil. The
materials of which they are composed are chiefly of
iron and wood; the best quality of both should be
used, nothing purchased merely for its being cheap.
The cheapest is the best and most durable to accom-
plish the end.

The spade is a very common tool, and should be of
steel, with a hickory or ash handle, having two rivets
through its head. No. 2, of the manufactory, is the
most convenient size. Some American spades are
equal to any of British manufacture.

The Eake (Figure 1.)
should be of the best
■wrought iron, with teeth
about 2J inches long and
Ih apart. The head is
of any size from six to
twenty inches. There
are also rakes of mallea-
ble iron, and wooden
rakes with steel teeth:
the latter sort are very
convenient for rou g h
ground. The handle should be round, made of pine,
or any light wood, and from six to eight feet long.

Beet Make, (Fig. 2.) — This very useful implement
is composed of hard wood, with steel teeth, obtusely
pointed, about two inches
wide, five inches long, and
from nine to twelve inches
apart. It is exceedingly use-
ful in drawing drills in which
to sowBeets, Carrots, Onions,
^ig- 2. and all small seeds or roots.

jIn using it, strain the line, and draw with some
strength; when three drills will be made at once,
saving the labor of moving the line so frequently as
when the work is accomplished by a bore.

Hoes are of many and
varied descriptions and
shapes. Fig. 3 gives an
idea of tho most useful.
They should be of the
very best of steel, with
rather strong, round han-
dles, five feet long. They
are in sizes from three to
ten inches. Those of three, five, seven and nine inches
are generally use"d. '

Pronged Hoes, Fig. 4,
U) are very useful, indeed
'j indispensable, for stir-
Ij ring the soil and destroy-
ing weeds. They are
of steel or malleable iron

Fig. 1.

Fig. 4.

Fig. 5.

the latter is generally used, though tho former is pre-
ferable ; handles four and a half feet long.

ffl«l The Dutch, or Sniffle
Hy Hoe, Fig. 5, is very use-
ful for cleaning walks
and cuttingweeds where
the ground is of a light
nature. It is also called
a Thrust Hoe, (being
used by pushing from
you) in contradistinction
to the Draw Iloe, Fig., which is best adapted for all
heavy work.

The Bed and Line, Fig. 0. The
reel is of wood or iron ; the latter is
preferable. It consists of two parts,
the shank and head. The head
turns round on the shank and winds
up the line or cord, which can be
of any length.

The Trowel, Fig. 7. is very use-
ful for removing plants and lifting
them with balls of earth for trans-
Fi". 6. planting. It should be of the best

iron or steel, with a square socket into the handle.

Fig. 7.
and from five to nine inches long, exclusive of the
handle.

The DibhJer is a short piece of round wood, gener-
ally made from an old spade or shovel handle, about
one and a half feet long, obtusely pointed, frequently
shod with iron on the one end, and conveniently
formed for the hand on the other. It should be well
made, as it is of very general use, and if iron-shod,
will last half a century.

Who's to blame? — What is wrong with the Phila-
delphia post office ? Quite a number of our city sub-
scribers complain that they have failed to receive
their Journals regularly. Now, were it not for th«
fact, that we have been scrupulously careful in mail-
ing the Journal to every subscriber, we would be
wiUing to believe that we were in fault ; but having
on several occasions mailed numbers a second and
even a third time, which failed to reach the persons
for whom they were intended, we charge the delin-
quency on the post master, and hope he will endeavor
to avoid this neglect in future.

Strawberry Plants. — ^^Ve received on the 13th
ult., from Messrs. EUwanger c% Barry, of Rochester,
N. Y., a basket coutaining ten varieties of strawberry
plants, all in good condition. Our ground being rea-
dy, we immediately set them out, and they are now
looking very well. The following are the varieties :
EUwanger & Barry's seedling. No. 1, Bishop's orange,
Large early scarlet. Burr's new pine, Hovey's seed-
lino-, Boston pine, Genessee, Prolific hautbois. Rural,
Hudson. We refer our readers to Messrs. E. &, B's.
advertisement in another part of the Journal.

186

EDITOKIAL.

[September,

Iiancaster County Plowing Match.

A large and highly respectable meeting of those
friendly to a Plowing Match, to be confined to Lan-
caster county plows and plowmen, was held in Lan-
caster on the 30th ult., Hon. A. L. Hayes, chairman,
A. M. Spanglor and Jacob Eshleman, Secretaries. —
A committoc of arrangements composed of five per-
sons was appointed, as follows: Jacob Frantz. Henry
M. Reigart, Jacob Rohrer, Christian B. Herr, and
Jacob Peters. An assistant committee, composed of
one person from each township in the county was
also appointed. We are compelled to omit the names
(rf this committee for want of space. Monday, Sep-
tember 29th, was the day appointed, and the imme-
diate vicinity of Lancaster the place for holding the
match.

Daniel Hamaker, C. B. Herr and John Bachman
were selected as judges. The rules and regulations
will be nearly the same as those governing plowing
matches generally.

We are pleased to see Old Lancaster at length
making an advance in this direction. Every effort to
get up a county fair this fall, failed. Such, however,
will not be the case with the plowing match, as the
premiums are very liberal and already a number of
competitors have announced th:!mselves ready for the
contest. The premiums are as follows :

For the best plowman. $40 00

" " second do. 30 00

" " third do. 20 00

" " fourth do. 10 00

" " fifth do. 5 00

For the best plow, 10 00

" " 2d do. 5 00

The warmest interest is manifested in every part
of the county in regard to this match, and we predict
that it will pave the way to a regular annual plowing
match and fair. At least we hope so.

County Agricultural Fairs.

During the months of September and October the
different county societies in the State hold their an-
nual and semi-annual exhibitions. We regret that
we are unable to give a complete list of these socie-
ties, their location, and time of holding their exhibi-
tions. Will not the Secretaries be kind enough to
keep us advised of these things?

The State Fair will be held at Harrisburg on the
23d, 24th and 25th of October.

Chester co. Ilort. Society, 11th, 12th & 13th of Sept.

Montgomery co. 1st and 2d October.

Bucks CO. 1st of October.

Phila. CO. Agr. Society, 8th and 9th of October.

Grand Plowing Match at Norristown, first Tuesday
of October.

Lancaster co. Plowing Match, September 29.

Several valuable communications have again been
crowded out. They will appear in our next.

Club Sdbsceibers. — Several friends who have
kindly raised club lists for our Journal wish to know
whether we will receive additional subscricers to their
lists already famished, at club prices. Certainly. —
We shall be pleased to send the Journal to any per-
sons who may wish it, at our lowest club prices, if
their names are forwarded by any of our friends who
have already sent in club lists.

The Grand Autumnal Exhibition of the Pennsylva-
nia Horticultural Society will be held in the Museum
Building, on 9th & George sts., Philadelphia, on the
17th, 18th and 19th days of September inst. This
doubtless will be one of the handsomest displays yet
offered to the public, great efforts are being made by
the committee having it in charge to that end.

Book Ji'oticcs.

The American Pomologist: containing finely colored
drawings, accompanied by Ictier-press descriptions
of Fruits of American origin. Edited W. D.
Brinckle, A.M., M.D. Published by A. Hoffy, 193
S. 7th street, Philadelphia. 1851.

Dr. Brinckle is well known to the horticultural
world as an ardent cultivator and successful experi-
menter in the department of fruits, of which he has
originated some important varieties ; whilst his sound
judgment and general knowledge of the subject pe-
culiarly adapt him for the task he has undertaken.

Mr. Hoffy is an excellent artist upon subjects of
this kind, and he not only makes the original paint-
ings from the specimens, but transfers them to stone,
and superintends the coloring, so that every care is
taken to have the illustrations accurate.

The first number is now ready, and is a stout quar-
to with ten beautiful plates, colored by hand in a
careful and chaste style, affording an excellent repre-
sentation of the various subjects. These comprise
four varieties o{ pear, one apple, one peach, one apri-
cot, one cherry, and two 7-aspberrics, the last being
among the doctor's originals. Having recently seen
these growing on the editor's premises, we can vouch,
for them as being superior varieties in point of size
and flavor.

This work is well printed upon the best paper, at
the low price of two dollars a number, and whilst it
interferes with no other work (being devoted exclu-
sively to the varieties which have originated in Ame-
rica) it has peculiar claims upon all who are desirous
of knowing the names and quality of our choice fruits
and the advanced state of their cultivation amongst
us ; whilst its merits as an ornamental volume must
secure for it a place amongst. illustrated works on
flowers and kindred subjects. It will be published
not oftener than once in three months, and four num-
bers will form a volume. It can be received by mail
without injury to the plates, as it is sent in a roll and
not creased by folding.

1851.]

ADVEKTISEMENTS.

167

The Model ArcJtitect, containing original designs for
Cottages, Villas, Suburban Residences, &c., accom-
panied by explanations, specifications, estmiates and
elaborate details, prepared expressly for the use of
projectors and artisans throughout the United States,
by Samuel Sloan, Architect. E. S. Jones & Co., S.
W. corner 4tli and Race streets, Philadelphia.
Nos. 1 and 2 of this valuable work have been kind-
ly laid on our table by the publishers. Time and
spice will not permit us to notice it as it deserves. —
We shall do so in our next. In the meantime we
commend it to those of our readers who desiie a work
of the character indicated by the title.

TERMS OF PENNSYI.VANIA FARM JOURNAt

In order that the Farm Journal may be placed
within the reach of every one who feels interested in
die progress of Agriculture, we ask attention to the
following terms : —

Single Copies,

Five

Ten

Twenty

§1 00 Per Annum.

4 00 "

7 50 " • "
15 00

It is not required that aU papers in a club should
be sent to one ofBce. We will mail them (in wrap-
pers,) to as many different offices as may be necessa-
ry. We make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neighborhoods niav unite, and
form large clubs, and thus secure the "Journal" at
Hie very lowest club rates.

Our Terms are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at wliich the Journal is furnished renders
Uiis imperative. Subscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subsscribers reside, will
be taken. Where the sum to be sent is large we pre-
{ex that a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscribers and Post Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will always be sent with the first
number of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, post paid, to the pub-
liaiier. A. M. SPANGLER,

Lancaster, Pa.

FARMERS PROTECT YOUR HOUSES & BARNS.

So many accideiitshave happened from lightning during the past
Sammer, that every prudent and careful farmer should at once
adopt such means as will be most effectual in preventing them.—
When it is remembered that certain safety may be secured at a
very trifling expense, it becomes the duty of every farmer and
good citizen to avail himself the proffered means. By so doing,
he uot only secures his property from fire by lightning, but pro-
tects also his family and tho le around him. These are important
considerations and should have great weight. Those who desire a
a Lightning Rod, p'onounced by the first Scientific men in our
country, the very best in use, will find it on application to THOS.
ARM1T.\GE, at his Magmlic Lightning Rod Factory, Vine Street,
3 doors above 12th, Philadelphia. These Rods are finished with all
the improvements at nearly the same prices as the old kind. (tl.

PAGE'S CIRCULAR SAW MILLS.

GEORGE PAGE & CO.
Shroeder street, between Baltimore and Fayette sis.,

Baltimore,
Manufacture to order, Page's celebrated Portable Patmt Circular
Sav> Milts, with horse or steam powers, of several sizes. They
a^so maniitacture Sawing and Planing Machines for railroad work,
Thrashing Machines. GRIST MILLS for farm purposes, Corn and
Cob Crushers, Tenoning Machines, SEED AND COR\ PLANT-
ERS, IMPROVED HOR>E POWERS, CORN SHELLERS, Au-
gers for bnnng wells, augers for boring fence posts, water wheels,
forcing pumps, &c.

Tbey respectfully solicit a share of public patronage, and would
be permitted to remark, that their Circular Saw Mills can do m
work— aye. twice as much work as any other mill with the
amount of power, and do it better. (sept-g m

MONTGOMERY'S

UNRIVALLED IMPROVED ROCKAWAY
SCREENER.

This celebrated FAN has been thoroughly tested and found to
excel all others now in use forcleaniiig the different kindaof grain.

This improvement by Montgomery & Brother, consists in a dou-
ble shoe- the larger shoe— A as commonly attached to winnowing
machines, having groove's into which the screens, sieves or sieve
boards are slid and rest.

B. The curved apron npon which the grain falls after passmg
through a hopper above.

C. The door which is made to extend across the curved apron
B and opening back on hinges towards the front end of shoe A,
rests flat up(Mi the front part of the apron B. The grain passes
along the curved apron B and through the aperture of tne door C
and falls npon the screen D underneath. The apron is carried
over the screen D on to the screen uiideriiealh, whilst the screen-
ings puss tiirough the screen D into tne shoe G underneath, and are
carried along the bottom of the shoe G to the cemie, where a spout
H receives the screenings and carries them down behind into a
box below the bottom of the shoe A. The grain is carried back on
to the grain board underneath perfectly screened.

The persons who have already used these GRAIN FANS have
not only spoken in flattering terms of them, but prefer them to all
others they have used— and very many of the best Agriculturists
have given their certificates that the fact of these machines screen-
ing the grain twice by one and the same operation is the very im-
provement they have long desired. Our farmers will now have
the most perfect winnowing machine, which spreads the gram
over the upper screen more perfectly than any others now in use.
This improvement is so valuable as to have induced the inventors
and manufacturers to make application for Letters Patent.

All orders fur the machines will be promptly attended to by the
undersigned. J. MONTGOMERY St BROTHER,

Sept. 1851. Lancaster city. Fa.

THE FRUIT-GROWER'S HAND-BOOK.

Encouraged by the very warm commendations of this work, Te"
ceived alike from experienced Horticulturists and from the wholly
inexperienced, the author ventures with some confidence to sub-
mit it to the public at large.

Notes of all the important questions on fruit culture asked of the
writer during the last ten years, with a thorough research of Po-
mological works, have contributed to render this volume as com-
plete as possible, in convenient compass.

To the lot-holder who wishes to make the most of a few plants
and little room, as well as to the extensive planter who wishes to
arrange and cultivate his gardens in the most economical and pro-
fitable manner, the Hand Book will be found a useful companion
for frequent reference.

ty trice, FIFTY CENTS. Two copies, post free, for St.
Address, WM. G. WARING,

sept. lasi. Boalsburg, Centre co., Pa.

DOUBLE-ACTING, LIFT AND FORCE PUMPS

The subscriber munufactures Double-acting Lift and Force
Pumps, of all sizes, for

Factories, Mines, Railway Water Stations,

Breweries, Steamboats, Steamships,

Tan Works, Ships, Water Boats,

HotLiquids, Family Purposes, &c.

VILLAGE AND FACTORY FIRE ENGINES.
Garden Ensines, Cistern Pumps, Well Pumps, for any depth re-
quired. Hose Couplings, Copper Rivetted Hose of all sizes, Orna-
namentat Cast-iron Fountains, &c.

Purchasers are respectfully invited to call.

Any comu.unications by mail will have immediate attention.
G. B. FARNAM, 34 Cliff St., near Fulton, N. Y.

188

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[September,

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES, &C.

Tin; subscribers sulieit the attention of Nurserymen, Orchardista
and Amateurs, to their piesent large and fine stock of Nursery Ar-
ticles :

Standard Fruit Trees, for Orchards ; thrifty, well grown, and
handsome, of all the best varieties.

Dwarf Trees, for Gardens. The largest stock in the country,
and tlie moat complete.

Dwarf Pear Tkeeb. Our collection consists of well known
leading varieties, and numbers more than 150,000 saleable trees. —
The superiority of these, being grown in the country, over import-
ed trees is well known to every intelligent cultivator. Nothing,
in fact, in this coinitry, can equal our collection of Pear Trees. —
They can be had from one to four years growth, some of which
are now covered with fruit.

Dwarf ArPLE Tkees. We cultivate in large quantities the
best and handsomest varieties of apples on Doucam and Paradise
Btffcks fur Dwarfs and Pyramids, and can furnish them in large
quantities, from one to two years growth.

Dwarf Chekry Trees. All the leading varieties are cultivated
on Mahaleb stocks, extensively. We can furnish by the hundred
and thousand, from one to two years growth.

Cherry Cdrram, the largest variety known. Upwards of 1,000
plants on hand.

Knglish Gooseberries, all the best sorts.

Large Fruited Monthly Raspbrrry, that gives a crop of fine
frtiit in the auturnn.

Strawberries, all the best sorts.

Ornamental Shade Trees, of good size, for streets, parks, &c.,
large and well growji.

Ch<iice Trees and Shrubs, for lawns and pleasure grounds, in-
cluding all the fiuL'st, new and rare articles recently introduced.

Hardy Ev^ergreen Trees. Norway Spruce and Balsam Fir, of
small size, in large quantities; and a moderate supply of large
ones, l>esides nearly fifty new ami rare Evergreens, including Deo-
dar Cedar, Cedar of Lebanon, Chili Pine, Cryptomena or Japan
Cedar, Hiina'ayan Spruce, Ac , &c.

Roses, Peonies, a large and complete collection, including the
finest varieties.

Phloxes. A collection of upwards of sixty varieties, including
thirty new varieties iinported last spring.

Dahlias. Upwards of 100 select varieties, including the finest
English prize flowers of 1849 and 1850.

The following Catalogues, giving full infcrmation as regards
terms, prices, &c.. will be sent gratis to all who apply by postpaid
letters or at the olhce.

1st, a General Descriptive Catalogue.

2J, a Wholesale Catalogue.

3d, a'Catalogue of Select Green House Plants.

4th, a Special Catalogue of Dahlias and Bedding Plants, for 1351.
ELLWANGER & BARRY,
Mount Hope and Garden &, Nurseries,

Sept. 1S51. Rochester, N. Y.

THE MODEL ARCHITECT,

A series of original designs for Cottages^ Villas^ Su-

hurhaii Residences^ Country Churches, School-
ITouses, cC'C, d^c, by Samuel Sloa?!, Arc't.

The above work is designed to meet the wishes not only of those
direotly interested in building, but of all those who desire the ad-
vancement of this noble art in our countrv, and wish to cultivate
their taste and acquaintance with architecture. The handsome
manner in which it is prepared and embellished, renders it a taste-
ful ornament for the drawing room, while itsaccurate delineations
give it the hij^hest jiractical value.

The projector will find in it ev<-ry variety of style and design,
accompanied, as mentioned below, by all minutia necessary to con-
struction. By its aid he may build without danger of makmg those
ludicrous and expensive mistakes which so often occur

The operative artisan of every grade will find the work of ines-
timable value. It is a complete book of reference, and ail plates
are drawn to a scale with the utmost accuracy, so that he has only
to study them with his rule ar.d compass.

The work, in two volumes of twelve numbers each, to be issued
monthly, until complete. Each number contains four Lithograph
Engravings of original designs, varying in cost of erection from
S800 to $U,000. There are also four sheets of details accom-
panying the designs, comprising ground plans, fee, ficc. Besides
this, each number contains eight pages of letter-press, descriptive
of the designs, giving extended accounts of the various styles
adopted, essays on warming, ventilation. Sec, kc, elaborate spe-
cifications, estimates, tables, and in short every thing desirable,
either for construction or for general information, in beautiful type;
the whole being executed on the very finest paper, manufactured
eipressly for the work. Price 50 CENT.S A NUMBER.

Address, post-paid, E. S. JONES & Co., Publishers,

S. W. eor. 4th and Race sts,, Phila., Pa.

Persons forwarding a list of five subscribers accompanied with
the cash, shall receive a sixth copy gratis. sept-ly

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY,

Yale College, New Haven, Connecticut.
JOHN P. NORTON, Professor of Scientific Agricultuhb.

This Laboratory is now fully organised for instruction in all
branches of analyses connected with the examinution of soils,
manures, minerals, ashes, animal and vegetable substances, &c. —
Full courses are given in each of these departments, and also in
general Chemistry, both organic and inorganic.

Students can tlius fit themselves to become instructors in the
various branches of Chemistry, or to apply so much of that and
kindred sciences as may be necessary to the practical pursuit of
agriculture or manufacturing. The demand fur teachers and pro-
fessors in the various branches of chemistry, cBpecially agricultu-
ral, is now great and increasing, so that this is a fair field Tor thoee
w^ho have a taste for such pursuits,

A course of Lectures onScientific Agriculture, by Professor Nor-
ton, commences in January of each year, aad continues for two and
a half months. This course is designed especially for the practical
farmer, and has given great satisfaction to those who have attend-
ed it in previous years. It embraces a plain connected outline of
the leading points in improved agriculture, treating in succession
of the composition of the soil, the plant and the animal ; of their
connections with each other, and of all the improvements in culti-
vation, manuring, feeding, and fattening, which have been adopted
in the best agricultural regions This course is made so plain and
practical, that the farmer who attends it can understand the whole,
and apply it in his own experience. v

More ean be learned by attendance upon such lectures, by read-
ing in connection with them, and by associating with others who
are also desirous of obtaining a better knowledge of their profcB-
sion than in years away from such advantages- The young farmer
learns to think for himself, to see that a practice is not necessarily
right because it is old, to understand the reasons for all that he
does, and with this increase of knowledge is better able to make
farming profitable as well as interesting.

Board and lodging may be procured at from S2 to S3 per week,
and the Ticket for the Lectures is SlO.

In connection with the Lectures is a short Laboratory course, by
means of which those who desire it, are taught to test soils, man-
ures, marls, &c . in a simple \vay, and to make many elementary
examinations of a highly useful character. The charge for this
course is S25.

To those students who go through the full Laboratory course,
the charge is abont S200 per annum, and they can be admitted at
any period of the year at a proportional charge.

For further information apply to Prof. Johs P. Norton, New-
Haven, Conn. (sept-4t

THE MAGNETIC LIGHTNING ROD.

THOS. ARMITAGE'S PATENT MAGNETIC LIGHTNING
ROD. — The p:itentee takes pleasure in informing his friends and
the public in general, that after many years' close investigation
and numerous experiments, he has finally arrived at the true prin-
ciple of manufacturing and putting up Lightning Rods and Points,
and is now ready to serve his friends and the public m general, at
the shortestnotice, at his manufactory, VINIO street, above lath,
Philadelphia, south side, where all persons are respectfully invited
to call and examine for themselves, this being the only place where
they can be purchased. This rod has been examined by the most
scientific gentlemen now living, who have pronounced it to be the
only safe Rod that lias been put up or seen.

N. B. — Patent Rights are now offered for States, counties or dis-
tricts in the United States, Philadelphia and Chester counties ex-
cepted.

Agencies can be formed by calling at the Factory, Vine street,
above Twelfth, south side, Philadelphia.

sept. 1851 THOMAS ARMITAGE.

FINE STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

Strawberry Plants of several varieties and fine quality can be
had by the hundred or thousand at the low price of Si per hundred,
by addressing with amount enclosed,

JAMES O'CONNOR,
Safe Harbor, Lancaster co., Pa
All orders will receive prompt attention. (sept. 1651.

COTTAGE FURNITURE.

WARWICK & Co., are constantly manufacturing new and ap-
propriate designs of enamelled, painted and Cottage Furniture, of
warranted materials and workmanship. Suits of Chamber Furni-
ture consisting of DRESSING BUREAU. BEDSTEAD, W VSH-
STAND, TOILET TABLE, and FOUR CANE SEAT CHAIRS,
as low as S30 per suit, and upward to SlOO, gotten up in the roost
superb style.

Those who are about furnishing hotels, cottages, or city, resi-
dences, should call and see this style of furniture, which for cheap-
ness, durability and elegance is far preferable to the old heavy
kinds of mahogany, &c.

Orders from all parts of the country promptly attended to and
carefully packed. WARWICK & CO.,

Warerooms, No. 4 and 6, South Seventh st., between Chestnut &

Market streets, Philadelphia. sept.-gm

HENRY A. DREER'S

SEED AND IIORTICOLTDRAL WAREHOUSE,

No. 59, Chesnut st., near 3d, Philadelphia.

Constantly on hand a larg;e and well selected assortment of

Garden^ Field, Grass and GanUn Seeds, Fruit Trees, Grape Vims,

Keses, ^c.

Horticultural Implements in great variety.

Catalogues forwarded ou post paid application. (sep.-«

1851.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

189

AGENCY

f<yr the purchase and sale of improved breed of
Animals.

STOCK Cattle of all the different breeds, sheep, swine, poultr>',
&u., purchased to order, and carefully shipped to any part of
the United Slates, for which a moderate cuniinission will be
ofaarged. The following ate now on the list, and for sale, viz :
Tuurough bred Sliurt Horns and Grade Cattle,
do do Alderney do do

do do Ayrshire do do

do do Devous do do

do do South Down Sheep.
do do Oxfordshire do
do do Leicester do

Swine and l^mltiy of different breeds. All leters post paid will
be promptly uttendedto Address AARON CLEMENT,

August I, ISJl. Cedar st , above 9th. Phila.

JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE,

of the State of Pennsylvania, for the promotion of the

Mechanic Arts.
rx^HE oldest JMechanical Periodical extant in America, is published
X on tlie first of each month in the City of Philadelphia. It lias
been regularly issued for upwards of twenty-five years, and is
carefully edited by a committee of scientific gentlemen appointed
for the purpose, by the Franklin Institute.

The deservedly high reputation, both at home and abroad,which
this Journal has acquired and sustanied, has given it a circulation
and exchange list of the best cliaracter, wtiich enables the Com-
mittee on Publications to make the best selections from Foreign
Journals, and to give circulation to original communications on
mechanical and scientific subjects, and notices of new inventions ;
notices of all the Patents issued at the Patent Oihce, Washington
City, are published in the Journal, together with a large amount of
inform itioii on Mechanics, Chemistry, and Civil Engineering, de-
rived from the latest and best authorities.

This Journal is published on the first of ench month, each num-
ber containing at least seventy-two pages, and forms t vo volumes
annually of about 432 pages each, illustrated with engravings on
copper and on wood of those subjects which require them.

The subscription price is F^ve Dollars per annnm, payable on
the completion of the sixth number; and it will be forwarded free
of postage when five dollars are remitted to the Actuary (postage
paid) in advance for one year's subscription.

Communications and letters on business must be directed to "the
Actuary of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsvlvaiiia,"
the postage pa d. WM. HAMILTON,

August 1, 1851. Actuary, F. I.

TO FARMERS, PLANTERS,

MARKET GARDENERS & OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAL

GUANO— Maiivfactured onhj hy KENTISH & CO.
Depot No. 40, Feck Slij), New York,

THIS manure is so combined, that the Ammonia and other fer-
tilizing gases are absorbed, fixed, and are given out to vege-
tation only as it requires them. No rot, mildew, worm, tly or
other insect can approach it: an iaiportant consideration to farmers
generally, but particularly in potato planting It will be admirably
adapted to the renovation, restoration and fertilizing of such lauds
ae have been worn out.

It may be used broadcast, after ttie ground is ploughed, and then
harrowed in with the seed. It is also valuable aa a top dressing,
Sii acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

It may be used with the greatest advantage on Corn, Potatoes,
"Wheat, Tobacco, Garden 'Vegetables, Kye, Oats, Green House
Plants, Flowers, Vines, Wall Fruit, &C, and morethan a thousand
certificates from the most celebrated Farmers and Gardeners, can
be shown, all testifying in the highest terms to its great value as a
fertilizer. A pamphlet containing these certificates can be had,
by applying to the manufacturers. The price is ONf,Y one cent
PKB POUND. It is put up in bbls. averaging *J3o iba., or in casks,
from lUUd, to UOO lbs.

TERMS, i;ash, or approved credit on delivery. Persons wish-
ing to buy the article to sell again will be allowed a liberal com-
mission. Address KENTISH &. i;0.

Aug. I, 18Jl. No. 40, Peck Slip, New Yoik.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

rj'HE subscribers offer for sale at the loweat market rates,
■*■ lODO Tons Dry Patagonia Guano,

500 " Government Peruvian Guano.
500 bbls. Ground Plaster.
The quality of the above is unsurpassed, and can he recommend-
ed with couhdence to farmers and others m want of the articles.
A liberal deduction made to Country Merchants.

ALLEN & NEEDLES.
No. 22 & 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Chea. at., Phila.
Ju'y 1- ■74m-

■nERKSHIRE PIGS and South Down Sheep of Pure Blood, for
^ sale by JAS. THORNTON, Jr.,

July l-6m, Byberry, Philadelphia Co.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

THE subscriber offers for sale 4000 youii j nnd thrifty Strawber-
ry plants at low prices. This and the following month being
the proper time to form new beds to hear fruit the following year.

J. F. HEINl-I-SH.
Aug. 1, 1851. No. 18, East King St., North side, Lan.

GUANO WARE HOUSE,

No 54, SoKth iVIimves, Below Walnut Street.
IjERUVIAN and Patagonia Guano, for sale in large or small
^ quantities, in bairels and bags, on reasonable terms.

JOSEPH 1,. JONES,
No. 54, South Wharves, Philadelphia.
Analysis Phosphate of Alagnesia 45,4
Carbonate of Magnesia 1,7
Alkaline Sails 0,6

Organic Matter 26,0

Ammonia 2^3

Water 1B,4

Sand Sec. 6,3

" The 45,4 parts of Phosphate of Magnesia contains 28,75 parts
of Phosphoric Acid. The guano is of "excellent quality, contain-
ing nearlv one half of matter of the highest value in Agriculture,
besides one fourth of organic matter in a good state for application
to the soil."

Result ol an analysis of a lot of Patagonia Guano in Store, and
for sale by JoS. L. JONES,

July 1.) No. 5t, South Wharves, Phila.

GUANO,

pERUVCANand Patagonia Guano for sale in lots to suit pun-
A chasers, by J. CASSEDY i SON.

No. 121, South Water St., a few doors above Dock St., Phila.
July 1. 4.iy.

- ■ . — — ^

TO FARMERS?

LANPIIEAR & JEFFERIES.

RESPECTFULLY invite thfl attention of Farmers
and otliers to their Establishment for the manufacture of
Farming Implements and especially to their ce'ebrated

IMPROVED GRAIN FANS,
which they confidently assert will do more work in a shorter space
of time, and with less labor, thanany other Fan now in use. Tliese
Fans, wherever introduced, have given complete satisfaction. and
a large number of testimonials could be procured, testifying to
their superior merits.

They also uianulacture, to order, Agricultural Implements of va-
rious kinds : such as Straw Cutters, CuUivators, Ploughs, Harroivf-.
^e.

Having had many years' experience in the best shops in the
country, they are prepared to do work of a superior quality a littl«
cheaper thanany ;ither estbaliBliment in the State. They will war-
rantall their work to be what it is represented. A warrant given
with every Grain Fan. giving the purchaser the privilege of re-
turning it, should it not do good and quick work.

They will de'iver them, free of expense, any distance within
fifty miles of the manufactory. Their 5hop is at the junction of
the Marietta and Columbia Turnpike, Lancaster, Pa., where they
will be happy to have Farmers call and examine for themselves.
Price of Fans, No. I, large size, - . _ $f24.0(l

" '* " 2, small size, ... i>2,00

Several good and responsible Agents wanted in the Western
and Middle pait of Pennsylvania, to whom a fair percentage will
be allowed. All orders addressed to Laiiphier and Jefleriea,. I^n-
caster Pa., will meet with prompt attention. June 1-tf.

Seed and Agricultural ^^areliou.9e,

194^ Market Street, Philadelphia.

WE offer to our friends and customL-rs. the largest a.s?ortn)cnt
of Agricultural implements. Gardeu tools, and S^evds. ever
offered in this Market, consisting in part of the following, viji : —
Prouty and Mears^ Patent highest premium self-sharpening
Ploughs, right and left handed side hill Subsoil, of various siaea.
of superior materials and workmanship, warranted to give satis-
faction, or the money returned— Pour highest premiums awarded
to these Ploughs at the New York Fair. 1850. Also. Beach and
Car Share Ploughs; Spain's improved Barrel Churu. constructed
in such a manner that the dasher may he removed from the in-
pjde of the Churn by simply unscrewing the handle from the
dasher. Hay. Straw and Corn-.=!tacfc cutters, in great variety,
among which may be found Hovey's superior premium straw-cut-
ter, of every size.

Also. Hor.'^e-power Threshing Machines, Fan Mills. Corn Shel-
lers. Cheese I'resscs. Seed Planters. Dirt Scrapers. Sugar Mills. Ox
Yokes and Bows. Turnip Drills, Horse Rakes, Swathe Scythes.
Concaved Hopf, Spring Tempered Cast Steel. Oyal and Square
Manure and Hav Forks, Pruning Shears and Chisels. Beach a^yi
Bar Share, repainng pieces and eastings. Peruvian, Patagonia
and prepared Guano, together with a complete a.=^aortmeDt of
grass, garden and field seeds, all of which will be sold at the low-
est poesible prices, at 101^ Market street, Philad^iiphia.
AprU 9-tf PROUTY Sl BARRETT.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[September^

PENNA. PATENT AGENCY OFFICE.

InventoTB and ot here, having busiiiesB to transact at the United
Stales Piitent office, arc hereby informed, that the undersigned
wiH attend promptly to all business connected with aaid office, and
will complete Perspeclive and Sectional Drawings, and all requi-
aite papers, Caveats bpecificiitions, Disclaimers, Assignments, .Vc.
aiid make the proper applications for the securing of Letters Pa-
tent, accordincr to law. _

MACEllNISTS AND INVENTORS
will aave time, trouble and expense, by first consulting him, and
the strictest secresy will be observed, relative to their inventions
and claims. j ^u

The offlce is at present located in Centre Square, two doors south
of the liancaster Bank, where the list of patents granted since the
year 17S0 to the present day can be examined, together with nu-
merous specihcations. drawings and models, aild every information
obtained relative to the laws and rules of the U. S. Patent office.

All the requisite papers, drawiiiss and models will be promptly

ajid carefully forwarded to Washington city, free of charge by _

J. FRANKLIN REIGART, Lancaster, Pa. '

Life Insurance for Horses, &c-

THE American Live Stock Insurance Company, (Stockholders in-
dividually Liable) for the Insurance of Borsef, Mute.^, Prise
Bulls, Sheer, Cattle, ^e , against Fire, Water, Accidents and Dis-
ease. Also, upon atock driven to Eastern markets, or transported
;^k>ath.

JOHN H.FRICK.
General Agent for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

RBFERBNCSS :

Wood, Abbott iV Co., 1
Truitt, Brother 4 Co.. V Philadelphia.
Coutes & Brown, >
Agents:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, Lancaster Pa. ,
CHARLES F. FRICK, Rending, Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR, Mauch Chunk, Pa.

Dr. JoBN G. 5'covERN, Veterinary Surgeon,
May, 1851.) Examiner for Lancaster CouDiy.

Wm. B. AVilby, Jofe Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

Kettlevrell & Davison's 8altS against
Guauo.

A CHALLENGE!!!

THE deep interest now taken by Agriculturists in all descrtp-
tions of manure, would seem to justify any expedient, by
which fair and unprejudiced experiments may be made of the va-
rious descriptions of manure at this time attracting the attention
of the public, lu view of this, and the undersigned honestly be-
lieving that the (Chemical Compound, manufactured by them, ii
the bLst manure of which any knowledge is had for a Corn Croa;
challnngps Guano to the tost upon the foUowini; cnndition: — H«
will forfeit O'lf Hundred I>o//a?-s, to be presented to the -Vlaryland
Agricultural Society, if any adTocate of Guano will do the same,
that the Renovator compounded by Kettlewell ia. Davij^on, will
produce upon any soil, the largtist crop of wei-^fted corn, withoul
regard to the size of the stalk, provided the President of the State
Agricultural ;*ociety will select some person, in his jiulgment
qualified, to su|)erintend the experiment- The nature of the soil
to be (leHcribed. BO that each party can direct the mode ot appil-
cutittii; two barrels of the Salts to be used per iicrc, costing ^t^t
and 3i;0 lbs. ot the Guano, costing $7 20. the party making tb«
expiTinicut to receive the manure free of co.st. And the same
amituut agaiuKt any manure as a top dressing upon timothy or
olover. John Kettlkwull.

Kettlewvll 4' Darison again call the attention of AgriculturiMw
to their various Chemical Manures — and in so doing, they woulU
be insent^ible to conimou gratitude, if they failed to express their
profound aekoowk-dgmenis for the constant and increasing d«-
maud, which Hows iu upon them for their simple and compound
manures. Each reason has greatly increased iheir sales, extead-
iug as far .south as South Carolina.

'I'hey can give no strongei evidence of their faith in the vir-
tues of their manure, its the bent known for a corn crop, tlian th«
lenders they make above ; and the certificates which they here-
with present. In the offer of a test, it is not the amount involv-
ed, but the willingness to challenge result, that speaks their In-
tegrity and conlidence. We could add any amount to the testi-
mony we publish; but if the names we refer to. do not command
coulidence. no additional number could. We have never boasted
of the quality of our article, wo have been content to leave a de-
cision to time, demand and experiment, that hne been in our ft^
vor— hoping, if we have less ot ■■ Bi-phosphiLtefl," the public would
discover it. as they would if it was found we had more of"' sand"
than any thing else. Kkttlewell St Davison.

Office at Ober 4' McConkey's, corner of Lombard and ilanoa^vr
Stn-etls. Factory, Ftdcral Hill.

BI-PHOSPHATES.

We keep conetantly on hand this valuable manure. Booefl,
with a proper portion of the Sulphate of Ammonia, dissolved in
Sulphuric Acid. The Chemi.sta of this country and Kurope have
been pressing this mode of using bone-dust upon the atten-
tion of farmers, with great zeal and ability of recent years. Ev-
ery experiment has contirmed the truthfulness of their theory-
and we hazard hut little in saying that in a very brief time it
will be used in no other way. It is prepared so as to be sown sun
ilar to the saltB, at the rate of one or two barrels to the acre.—*
The price of this article is $4 per barrel. Let the farmer who
doubts, try it at a less expense than the old mode of using boo«-
dust.

TOBACCO GENERATOR.

^This is a ehomical compound, made expressly for the growth ot
the Tobacco plant. AVe will call more special attention to it at
the proper seabon,

CHEMICAL RESIDIUMS.

We have constantly on band Chemical Residiums of e-ve^
description. Full information of which can be had by applica-
tion to us

COMBINATION OF GROHND PLASTER AND
POTASH.

This is a preparation made for soil deficient in Potash, of which
deficiency there is, unfortunately, too many instances in much of
our Maryland land. For this compound we are indebted to the
suggestion of an accomplished Agriculturist of Prince George's
county, who may at some future day present the result of his e»-
periment. The price of this is $2 50 per barrel.

DIRECTIONS.

The mode of neing the Renovator is simple, inexpensive, nnd
requiring but little labor. The farmer must bear in mind, thai
in the preparation of his soil he shares an equal responsibility in
testing the merits of any manure. Land negligently or badly
cultivated gives no manure a fair chance. How to put land in or-
der he ought to know better than we can teach him; and if be
don't know, ehould learn as speedily as possible. The land, then,
in order— if one barrel to the acre is used— and this quantity de-
pends upon the quality of the land— it should, lor grain be sown
broad cast, and slightly harrowed in.

If two barrelfl are used, one as stated above, and the other aa n
top-drcBsing upon the wheat or rye, early in the spring at the
commencement of the first thaw. Upon grass it should be «o»n
broad-caat upon the timothy or clover. On corn, either broed-
OAfit or in the hill. Where two barrels are used, one each war

S5. PRICE of the RENOVATOR, ^20 PLR TON, or $3 PBA
BARREL. April -tf

UBNRY I..TKIP1>EK,

(Successor to Joseph P. H. Coates.)
Dealer In Grass aud Gaideu Seeds-
No. 49, Market Street, Philadelphia.

1851.f

ADVERTISEMENTS.

191

Chester Couuty Agricultural
WAREHOUSE &, SEED STORE,

High Street, near the Horticultural Hall,
WESTCHESTER, PA.

THE subscribers in cnnneciion with iheir extensive
Nursery Garden, and Green House establishments, have
erected a large Warehouse, and will keep constantly on hand and
for sale, a complete assortment of Agricuitural and Horticulturat
Implements, consiting, in part of Horse Powers and Threshers,
Plows of different sizes and patterns, among which are the cele-
brated "Eagle Self-sharpening," Prouty & Mears' Centre Draft,
Subsoil. Sid'ehiU, &c., &c.. Harrows, Cultivators, Wheat Drills^
Seed Sowers, Corn planters, Fanning Mills. Corn sheliers, Straw
•ltd Hay Cutters, Churns of various sizes and patterns, Harvesting
tools of every description ; in a word, eveiy implement necessary
to the Farmer and Gardener, and of the most approved kinds and
patterns can be had at our Warehouse. Also, field, grass, and
garden seeds of every variety.

At our Nursery will be found our usual large assortment of
Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Shrubbery, Grapevines, Green House
Plants, 4-c.,&. PA9CHALL MORRIS* CO.

Westchester, Pa., June 1, 18S1.

DIXON * KERR'S

POULTRY BOOK.

JUST PUBLISHED,

A TREATISE ON THE HISTORY AND MAN-
AGEMENT OF ORNAMENTAL AND DO-
MESTIC POULTRY. By Rev. Edmund Saul Di.\on,
A. M., with large additions, by J J. Kerr, M. D. Illus-
trnted wiili sixty five portraiis, from nature, engraved
expressly for this work.

CONTENTS.
The Domestic Fowl.
The Rearing and Management of Fowls.
Eggs — Their Color, Form and Sex.
Eggs — Their Preservaiior. for Culinary Purposes.
Eggs — Their Preservation for Incubation.
Varieties ot the Shangliae Fowl.
The Cochin China Fowl.

Burnham's Importation of Cochin Chinti Fowls.
The Malay Fowls, sometimes (though erronously)

called Chitlagong.
The Pheasant — Malay Fowl.
The Guelderland Fowl.
The Dorking Fowl — Colored Dorkings.
The Spanish Fowl.
The Game Fowl — The Mexican Hen Cock Game

Fowl.
The Chittagongs, The Java, The Shakebag, and the

Jersey Blue Fowls.
The Poland or Polish Fowl.
The Spangled Hamburgs — Tho Bolton Greys or

Creole Fowls.
The Rumpless Fowl, the Silky and Negro Fowls,
the Frizzled or Friesland Fowl, the Cuckoo
Fowl, the Blue Dun Fowl, and the Lark-crested
Fowl.
The Smooth-legged Bantam.

The Dung-hill Fowl, the Dominique Fowl, Colonel
Jacques' Chicken Coop, Devereux's Method of
Rearing Chickens without a Mother, and Cope's
Letter on Early Chickens.
Caponizing Fowls.
The Pea Fowl.
The Ring-necked Pheasant.
The Turkey.
The Guinea Fowl.
The Mute Swan cCygnus Olor). ■
The Wilder Canada Goose.
The Domestic Goose.
The Hong Kong or China Goose.
The Bfcmen Goose.
The White-fronted or Laughing Goose.
The White China Goose.
"The Bernicle Goose — The Brent Goose.
The Tame Duck.
This work is well bound in muslin, and Is printed on the
finest paper. The illustratiors are engraved in the most
^egant manner, from original and accurate drawings, and
liie whole iscne volume of 480 pages duodecimo, price 81.
A few copies have been colored after nature. Price for
ikfi colored copies, t2,50. For snle by all Booksellers,
ttid by the Publishers. E. H. BUTLER & CO.,

June l-3t 33 MiiroK Street Philada.

PHILADELPHIA & LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS-To sail from Philadelphia on the 15th,
and from Liverpool on the 1st of each month.

From Phila. From Liverpool.

Ship SHENANDOAH
Capt. W. P. Gardiner.

New ship Westmokeiamd
Capt. P. A. Decan,

New ship Shackmaxon,
Capt. W. H West.

Ship MARY PLEASANTS,
Capt. R. R. Decan,

June
Oct.
Feb.
July
Nov.
Mar.
Aug.
Dec.
April iBt
Sept. 1st
Jan. Ist
May let

1st
Ist
let
1st
1st
1st
Ist
Ist

The above first class ships are built ol the best maleri
als, and commanded by experienced navigators. Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed with com-
lort for passengers. They will sail punctually on ihe days
advertised, taking advantage of the steam tow boats on
the Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, can

obtain certificates, which will be good for twelve months.

Passage to Liverpool in the cabin, $80

" " Forward cabin, 30

" " Steerage, 13

Passage from Liverpool in the cabin, 100

" " Forward cabin, 25

" " Steer.igc, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 sterling and upwards, at sight, without

discount. Apply to GEO. McHEN RY & CO.

June 1, 1851. 37 Walnut street.

JOHN H. SMITH'S

RENOVATING OINTMENT & HORSE RENOVA'G POWDERS.

T'^HE author of our existence has caused to grow up spontan©-
X ously, throughout the world, such Tegetablc properties aa will
at once cure, when properly applied, all curable diseases. Tb«
proprietor of these truly valuable Medicini;a might fill a Tolum*,
with Certificates and Testimonials in fjivur of his articles ; but
considering such puffs wholly usele.«!', since they are so readily
manufactured, and m < de use of to such an extent to palm off some
useless trash upon the public. I thall. therefore, stale at once, the
various diseases that can be speedily cured by these Invaluable
Horse Henovating Powders, viz :— Glanders. Hidebound, and Horw,
Distemper. It also carries off all gross humors, and puriflea the
blood. It is also a safe and certain cure for the Ileaves; it will
also cleanse, at once, the stomach and maw from hots, worms, &e.
and again restore the etomach and bowels to hi-althy action.

Smith's REN0V4TipiG Ointm>:*(t is an invaluable remedy for hor-
se*, in the cure ol the following diseases : Fresh Wounds. Galls of
all kinds, Sprains, Bruises, Ringbones, Poll Evil, Wind Galla,
Spavins, Sweeny, Fistula, Strains. Lameness, Foundered Feet,
(racks, and Scratches.

The above articles are to be had in most of the Cities and prfn-
cipaJ Villages throughout the United States, and the t/anadas.

For sale, wholesale and retail, at John H. Smith's Depot, i\o. 133
Fulton street, (2d floor,) New York.

Price. 25 cents per box for the Ointment; 50 cents for the Horse
Reoovating Powders. For sale by DR. ELY PARRY,

April— 6m] East King street. Lancaster. Pa.

The BEST and MOST VALUABLE

Agricultural Implements & Macbinery

Exhibited at the State Fair in 1850, will be seen by the award of

Premiums below :

AWARDED TO E. WHITMAN, JR.,

55 Light Street, Baltimoret by the Maryland State

Agricultural Society,
At ttoscr 3rd Annual Fair, held in Baltimore 23d, 24th and 36th

October, 1850.
F*rtfc«lieBt Flow in the Plowing Match, the Pronty &

M-etrs No6J $40 00

For ttoe best Plowing with Ox Team, flame plow, (Special

ft-aajam) --200

Fee tbe best Plow on Exhibition, Ruggloa, Nourae, Mason

& Go's No. 3, let Premium, ... - . - g 06
Focthebest Railway Horse-power, Whitman's Improved,

let Premium, - - - - . - . -16 00

For tie beet Hay Press, let Premium, • - - - 25 OV
For the best Cornsheller, let Premium, - - - - 4 M
For the to«et Field Roller, let Premium, - - - - 8 00
PocthebestCom-StalkCuttersana Grinders, Ist Premium, 6 09
For the best Chnrne, 1st Premium, - - - - - 4 09
For th? best Hay and Manure Fork, Ist FremiuBi, - - 2 W>
For the bwt Hay Rakes, let Premium, - ' - . 2 00
For the best Cultivator, let Premium, .... 4^

192

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[September,

" Get tlie Best."

\ LL youDg pcrpon.s should have a standard DICTIONARY at
aX tlK'ir I'lbuws. And while you iire about it, get the best; that
Dtctlouary is NOAU WEBSTKR'S. the great work ahridsed. If
you are too poor, pave the amount from off your back, to put it
into yourhuad. — Pkrtnolos,- Jnurnal.

Dr. Webster'iS great work is the beat Dictionary of the English
limguage. — London Morning Chronicle.

This volume must find its way into all our public and good pri-
vate libraries!, for it provides the Knglish student i\'ith a mass ol
the most valuable informatiou. which he in vain seeks tor else-
where.— London Literary Gazette.

The very large and incrca.sing demand for this work, affords
the best possible evidence to the publishers that it is highly
''acceptable to the great body ot the American people."

Containing three tunes the amount of matter of any other F-n-
gliiih Dictionary compiled in this country, or any Abridgment of
this work.

Published by G, & C. MERRIAM, Springfield. Mass., and for
side by ^V. H. SPANOLKR, Lancaster, Pa. April,

NEW YORK
AgrscHlttBral ^Vareliouse &. Seed Store,

189 and 191 Water Street.
fT*HIS is by far the most extensive e.'^tublishment in New York.
_L It occupies nearly the whole of three largt five-story Ktores,
and contains a varied and complete assortment of every descrip-
tioji of Agricultural and Horticultural Implements, and Field and
Garden Seeds reiiuired in the United States. We have upward of
OtiG Hundred of tlie latest improved kinds of Plows, mostly man-
ufactured by us. expressly for the different States of the Union,
C«liforuia and Oregon, the British Provinces, the West India
Idands. Mexico, and South America. Also Harrows. Roliers. Seed
Sowers. Cultivators. Horse Powers. Threshers, CornShellers, Reap-
ing and Mowing Machines. Hay, Cotton, Tobacco, Oil. and Dry
Good Presses. Brick iMachines, Shovels, Spades, Hose, Manure and
Hay Forks. Ai:c.,&c.

Garden Implements. — These are imported by us direct from the
English manufacturers, or made here to our order. They consist
of a great variety of the choicest kinds, such as Trenching and
Weeding Forks. Pruning and Hedge Shears. Flower and Twig
totters. &c. The assortment for ladies is particularly choice and
well selected.

Field and Garden Seeds.— These are grown expressly for us
both in Europe and this country. They arc of the choicest kinds.
and of great variety. We also obtain, as soon as sufficiently tried
and well approved, every new kind of seed suitable to be cultivated
in the United States.

Fertilizers.— VeTUvmu and Patagonian Guano, Bonedust, Poud-
rette. Plaster of Paris. S^c.

Manufactory of ^Agricultural Implements. — We have a large
nwmufacturing establishment in this city, where we will promptly
make to order any new article or implement required by the Far
mcr or Planter.

Excelsior Sand Paper.— A new and very superior kind of the
different numbers in use by Machinists, Cabinet Makers. &c.

The Jlmerican Agriculturist, amonthly publication of 32 pages.
Price one dollar a year. A. B. ALLEN & CO .

April 189 and 191 Water-street. New York.

Ilciuitsli's German Cattle Po^vder.

THIS Powdt-r is celebrated for the
cure and prevention of all diseases
to which Cattle. Milch Cows. Sheep and
Pigs are subject, and is the only prep-
aration upon which full confidence
can be placed. For Milch Cows it is

of the greatest importance, wonder- ,«fc3t3Baj^^^w;^fljri«<-
fuUy increasing the quantity and ^^KSas^^^^^Ssis^
quality of their milk, and will effectually prevent and cure Hoi
low Horn, Blurrain. &c.

VEGETABLE HORSE-POWDER.

Which will cure Distemper, Hidebound. Lo.'is of
Appetite, Founder, bellow Water, Lowness of
Spirits. Inward Sprains, Inflamation and Heat in
the System, and all other diseases to which Horses
' are subject,

HORSK EMBROCATION.— For the cure of
_. external injuries, as Wounds. Bruises, Cuts, Rub
biDg of the Saddle. Collar or Harness, Stiffness in the Joints
Swellings. Sweeny, &c. Prepared and sold at

CHARLES A. UEINITSH'S.
Medicinal, Drug and Chemical Store, No. 13 East Kipg at.,
April — tf Laooaster,

SCATTERGOOD & HOWELL,

DESIGNING, DRAWING

And Wood Engraving Establisbnient,

Inquirer Buildings Third Street ^helow Chesnuist..
PHILADELPHIA,

-W'iTV.RCoi.OR Drawing, Pobtbaits. Buildinos, MAcnmERT, News

rAPKR Heads, Labels, Seals, i^c. Drawn and Engravod

in the Best manner and on the moat

reasonable Terms.

April,-W

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS
And Threshing >lachine Makers.

THE subscriber respectfully begs leave to inform the public
that he haslately perfecteda new Threshing Machine ond Horse
Power, which in point of strength, durability, lightne.^s of draught
and convenience in moving is not surpassed or equalled by any
Machine in the United States; he also confidently affirms that no
Machine of its strength and durability can be afforded as low. —
The invention of this Machine has been the result of several
years experience and hard study. We do not claim to have dis-
covered any new principle in philosophy — but we do claim to have
discovered a plan by which old philosophical principles are more
correctly and ndvautageously applied than on any other iMachine
This invention is secured by a caveat.

These Machines can be had at Israel W. GrofTs Machine Shop
and , at Prime &. Colestock's Sash Factory in North Duke street.
Lancaster city, at retail or by wholesale on, the most reuaonable
terms.

The Power weighs GOO pound.5. It is made entirely of Iron with
SteelJournals, and is warranted to hold 8 Horses should it any
time be necessary to use so many. From 2 to 4 Hnr^-es are a suffic-
ient number for common threshing. We are about getting up
one much lighter for Shop purposes that will bo the cheapest and
must convenient thing in use; it might also be used with 2 or 3
Horses fur threshing; the Powers and Cylinders and Concave can
be had by the Machine makers throughout the country on the
most reasonable terms.

ttB^ All orders directed to the subscriber at Lancaster city will
be thankfully received and promptly attended to,

Lanc'r, April SAMUEL PELTON, Jr.

Oilmore's Bee-Hive, &c.

THE attention of Bee culturists is invited to this improved-
plan.
Mr. Gilmore is a gentleman of great experience and success in
the culture of Bees; his improvement is the result of many years
trial; his result has noparallef in the history of the past.

The Agent of the '■ Pennsylvania Farm Journal"' is the Agen
of Gilmore's System of Hiving and Feeding the Bee in this State

The price of a Hive and Fixtures $3,00

" " ■' Family Right, 3X0

Township Rights from $10 to $20.
County •• " $30 " $200.

" A Talk about the Honey Bee," a defence of Gilmore's sy."?-
tem. contains, also, testimonials, awards of Premiums to,GiImore,
from the leading P'airs and Institutes in this Country ; 12 cent* '
sinirle; $1,00 per dozen— gratis to patrons.

Circulars seat to any applicant. Address, post p.iid.

J. B. MAYNARD,
April^tf Lancaster. Fa.

X^^

K^t

rs^

x>^

HAVE been distributed throughout the Union. The concern
has been in successful operation for upwards of Sixty Years^
anil may be said to have grown up with the City of Philadelphia,
where it was at first located. It has been gradually enbtrged to
meet the growing wants of the public, and is now, as it ever has
been, the most extensive of its kind in this country. The grounds
in cultivation being ten-fold greater than those ot any similar
concern in the United States.

As the Seeds Sold by the proprietor are (with slight exception)
of his own raising, he is. consequently, enabled to IL/' Warrant
them, a matter of importance to the purchaser of au article, the
quality of which cannot be determined by the eye. Descriptive
Catalogues in English and German gratis

Also for sale, Implep:ients for Farm and Garden in large variety .
LANDRETH'S Agricultural Ware House,

April Sign of the Plough, 65 Chesnut st.. Philadelphia.

Seed and Agricultural Warehouse.

No. 29. Market Street^ Phila.

WHERE the Bubscriber has ooened an extensive assortment rl
GRASS AND GARDEN SEEDS, of hiH owH raisnig,or Tccent impor-
talinii,and warranted to be as represented.

He IS, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultural
Implements, among whicli he would call theattentinn of Farraere
to a new article of Plow, of his own invention, called Cast-StecI,
Extending Point, Self-Sharpening, Surface and Subsoil Plows,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these Plows possess over all others, are

their peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Steel in the

place of CaBt-lrtm, which only wants to be seen to beapprecmted ;

all of which will be sold on the most reasonable prices by

May, 1851. C.B; ROGERS.

-^^-^M"S

VOL 1.

LANCASTER, PA., OCTOBER, 1851.

NO. 7.

THE FARM JOURNAL.

S. S. HAIDEMAN, Editor.

To Correspondents.
AVm. Hartley, Bedford. The specimens sent by
mail include three distinct species. The larva is the
meal-worm which produces an insect named Teyiehrio
■ntolilor, which is often found in mills, and is one of
the species destructive to flour. The smallest brown
specimen among the wevils, about an eighth of an
inch long, is not a wevil, but the Silvanus surinamen-
813, which attacks grain. It is readily distinguished
by a row of six spines on each side of the thorax, as
represented the agricultural part of the Patent office
Report for 1849, pi. 2, fig. 24.

The remaining specimens are true wevils, and
seem to be Sitophihis granarius, which is widely
spread in Europe, and occurs also in Java. It is fig-
ured in the before mentioned volume, pi. 2, fig. 21,
and described in nearly a hundred different works. —
Schoenherr's description is but four lines long, and
not sufficient for the identification of the species, and
we have not time to make further comparisons the
present month. In the mean time we enumerate
some of the modes of counteracting its ravages.

Kiln drying the wheat' destroys the insect, larvae
and eggs. Mr. Wilkinson had a large chamber capa-
ble of holding eight hundred bags of wheat at a time,
which was heated by means of hot water pipes to 135
degrees Fahrenheit, a heat sufficient to kill the in-
sect, without preventing the grain from germinating.
Wevils do not like to be disturbed, and may there-
fore be driven from heaps of wheat by frequent shov-
eling, or passing it through a fan or smut machine.
If at the same time small heaps of wheat are left un-
disturbed for some time, many will be attracted by
them, and destroyed by scalding or other application
of heat.

As the grain is generally attacked a few inches
below the surface of the heap, sprinklings of turpen-
tine, or bottles of it, (uncorked, but covered with

VOL. 1 1.

gauze,) if sunk in the heaps, might cause them to
leave, as this substance is obnoxious to most insects.
The French recommend unscoured wool to be laid
upon infected wheat, as they are said to enter it and
die there.

A. L. II. The insect which destroys the stalk of
the Antwerp raspberry is the Ayrilus rxiJicolUs, of
which we gave an account (accompanied by a figure)
in the Quarterly Journal of Science and Agriculture
in 1846.

The Agricultural Fair.

Extensive preparations are making to render this
an exhibition of much interest, and we learn that
various matters are in preparation of an instructive
and pleasing nature which will well repay a visit,
even from the adjoining States. The New York ex-
hibitions have become so popular that tliey attract a
crowd of 100,000 persons, and there is no reason whv
our own should not be of equal Interest.

We hope that the suggestion of the Hon. A. 0.
Iliester, (see page 107) will be acted upon, and a
strong petition be sent in to the next Legislature in
favor of one or more agricultural colleges, which we
regard as the chief means not only of advancing agri-
culture, but of elevating the general standard of aca-
demical and collegiate education amongst us. Our
own views may be learned to some extent from our
notice of Mr. Russell's plan on page 59, and if we
have admitted articles containing different ideas, it
was that both sides might be heard. We expect to
return to this subject in a future number.

The Potato Blight.— The potato crop in New
York State is suffering from the blight. Accounts of
disease have already been received from nine coun-
ties, viz: Madison, Ontario, Erie, Livingston, Gene-
see, Wyoming, Onondago, Oswego and Courtland. —
In the three latter, the Syracuse Journal says, the
rot is extensive, and the farmers are generally digging
and sending to market.

194

COMMUNICATIONS.

[October,

Manure, &c.

Plowing down green corn as a manure — Grasslioj]-
pers — Drought in Bucks count!/.
Mr. Editor: — ^Yours of the 10th inst., reminding
nie of my promise to communicate something for j^our
Taluable joui-nal after harvest, I received by due
course of mail. What I had reference to in my arti-
cle last spring, was principally the result of the ten
acres of " green corn" I had plowed down for vrheat;
and in fulfilment of that promiye, I now state that the
result is quite as good as that of last year, the yield
l)eing at least thirty bushels to the acre, the same as
the remainder of the fifty acres seeded in the usual
way. I am now satisfied, that where ground is in
good heart and lieavihj limed, two bushels of corn to
the acre, sowed broadcast about the 15th of June, left
o-row until well out in tassel, and then thoroughly
plowed under, will produce the same beneficial result
as the usual amount of manure upon the same ground.
This remark not only applies to the wheat crop, but
to the grass afterwards.

Believing that I have this year manure sufficient
for all purposes, and having no field that I could con-
veniently spare, I did not sow any corn broadcast. —
I am now sorry that I did not do so, for if I had not
used it for plowing under, it would have answered a
valuable purpose for feeding my cattle this dry sea-
son. I shall not willingly let any year again pass
without pursuing my favorite plan.

This has been a very dry season in this portion of
Bucks county, and the result will be light crops of
corn and potatoes. The early part of the spring was
cold and wet, and farmers were backward in getting
in their corn, and in many cases when got in, the
ground was too wet. I have about forty acres in
com, nearly all heavily manured ; but the result will
be little more than one-half of what I anticipated,
though my corn looks quite as well as that of my
neighbors. About twenty-five acres of the above is
meadow land. This portion was plowed late last fiiU
about ten inches deep, and the manure turned under
at the time. In the spring, so wet was the ground,
that notwithstanding all my expense at draining, I
was compelled to open large ditches to convey away
the standing water, before I could enter upon it for
cultivation. When it became sufficiently dry, I plow-
ed the whole again about five inches deep, harrowed
and rolled it, and planted the corn about the middle
of May. The season soon after became dry, the corn
grew badly, and for a while I thought it would come
to nothing. A few genial showers, however, gave it
a start; and I think I may safely say the yield will
be at least fifty bushels to the acre, while the upland
equally well manured and better cultivated, will not
produce half that amount. As I passed through Lan-
caster county the latter part of June, I could not but
contrast the appearance of the corn there growing,
with that of Bucks. While that in your county was

three and four feet high, much of ours was little more
than a foot above the ground. Indeed, in some cases
in this county the corn was not planted until early in
June. The present month, thus far, has been unusu-
ally warm, and we have had several refreshing rains
which will help on the late corn, if not overtaken too
soon with frost.

In addition to the drought of the season we liave
been visited in many sections of our county with my-
riads of Grasshoppers. The destruction caused by
them was almost equal to that of the " Locusts of
Egypt." Where the drought had not destroyed the
pastures entirely, the balance was eaten by the grass-
hoppers, and this to such an extent that many of the
fields looked as if they had been burned. After de-
stroying the pastures, they attacked the fields of buck-
wheat and corn. They eat up, for me, two acres of
buckwheat, and parts of my corn fields look as if a
hail storm had passed through them. After cutting
the tender part of the blade, they likewise eat up the
silk and upper part of tlie ear, and in some cases cut
holes in the husk aud destroy the grain on one side
of the ear. About sunset you might find the fences
and bodies of trees covered with them — their nightly
resort for repose. About ten days since they com-
menced leaving us, many going off in clouds in a
southerly direction. We have now but few remain-
ing. I should like to know whether the grasshopper
of the present year is the same as those we annually
meet with, for the destruction caused by them ap-
pears unprecedented. Probably your intelligent Phi-
ladelphia correspondent, who has given much atten-
tion to insects, would enlighten your readers upon
this subject.

To give you a proper idea of what some farmers
have suffered from the two causes above referred to,
I may here remark, that during the early part of the
season, I hauled out my barn-yard manure and spread
it upon a twenty-five acre field, well set with clover,
intending to make open fallow for wheat. But so
completely have my pastures been ruined, I was com-
pelled to keep this field for my cattle, and to cut off
a patch of corn fodder and feed to them in addition
thereto. The top-dressing of manure kept the ground
moist, and for several weeks this field was my main
dependence for pasture for forty head of cattle. For
some reason there were but few grasshoppers in this
field. The clover in my oat stuble failed, and I am
now plowing it up for wheat without manuring, to
take the place of the field retained for pasture. You
need not, therefore, next year expect to hear of any
large crop of wheat on my farm.

William Stavelt.
Partridge Hall Farm,

Bucks CO., Sept. 15, 1851.

How often do* men mistake the lore of their own
opinions for the love of truth.

18.31.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

195

Commuuiccitious.

TRANSLATED FOR THE FARM JOIRNAI..

Agricultural Chemistry.

No. 2.
Having thus slio^vn the importance and direct in-
fluence of chemistry in agriculture, we sliall proceed
to present a concise view of agricultural chemistry
itself.

Vegetable bodies in general consist of two classes
of substances, of which the one is termed the organic
or combustible, and the other the inorganic or incom-
bustible elements of plants. Of these constituent
parts, the organic are in all vegetables the more
abundant in quantity — composing fiom 90 to 99 per
cent, of their entire weight. The organic portion,
again, comprises yarious elements. By the term
dements, or fundamental substances (sometimes also
called original or simple substances,) wo understand
those bodies which are regarded as simple, because
liitherto, science has not succeeded in decompounding
them — though it seems probable that the decomposi-
tion of many of the substances now called simple,
wiU yet be effected. The present number of such
elements, or simple substances, is fifty-eight. Of
these four are ceriform or gaseous, two are semi-liquid,
fifty-one are solid, and one has not yet been reduced
to its true form. The organic portion of vegetables
consists of the four following elements — oxygen, ni-
trogen, hydrogen and carbon; though all of these are
not present in all plants.

The most important of these elementary substances
is oxygen — sometimes called vital air. This is a pe-
culiar kind of gas, contained in the atmosphere and
in water, and having a tendency .to unite and com-
bine with almost every other substance, whether so-
lid or fluid, and thus assuming a variety of forms. —
From this disposition to combine with other sul>
stances, results its property of conditioning and sup-
porting combustion; because during the process of
combustion, it unites with the component elements
of the burning substance. Oxygen also is that pecu-
liar kind of air, or portion of the atmosphere, which
is taken up by the bodies of animated creatures in
the act of breathing. Oxygen unites with all the
metals, forming various grades of combination, which
are termed osids, protoxids, peroxids, ifco. Oxygen
performs a highly important part in vegetable eco-
nomy, being absorbed by the plants and converted
into food or pabulum. Oxygen constitutes nine parts
in ten of common water; one in five of the atmos-
phere; and about one-third of the crust of the earth.
For the production of oxygen, chlorate of potash
is most usually employed. One-tenth part of pure
oxid of manganese is mixed with a convenient portion
of chlorate of potash, in a small glass flask or tube-
less retort, to which a bent glass tube is fitt«d by a
cork. The tube serves to conduct the gas beneath

tHe water in the pmjumatie trough {fig. 1.) into the

Fig. 1.
invei-ted receiver, which is filled with water. The
flask or retort is then cautiously heated by means of
a spirit lamp [fig. 2.). When the heat has expelled

Fig. 2.
the atmospheric air from the retort, and the oxygen
begins to be developed as the salt becomes decomposed,
the pure gas is freely given off, passes through the bent
tube, and displaces the water in the receiver in which
it is collected for preservation. For the production of
very pure oxygen, oxid of mercury may be employed.
The arrangement of the apparatus, for this purpose,
is shown \)yfig. 3. The oxid of mercury is placed

Fig. 3.

in a small glass retort or flask, which is connected by
a glass tube with a reservoir having two openings,
from which another glass tube conducts the gas to
the inverted receiver in the pneumatic trough. At a
dull red heat the oxid of mercury becomes decompos-
ed into its elements, mercury and oxygen, both of
which pass ofi' in a gaseous state. The mercury con-
denses in the interposed reservoir, while the oxygen
passes on and is received in the air-jar.

Niirogw is a gas difiering very essentially from
oxygen. In pure nitrogen, animal life is iBStan'a-

196

COMMUNICATIONS.

[October,

neously extinguished, aud it will scarcely combine
with any other substance. Atmospheric air consists
principally of nitrogen : it forms four-fifths of the air
■vre breathe, but mixed vs-ith oxygen, ■whereliy its pow-
er and effects are modified. Nitrogen is a principal
constituent of both vegetable and animal bodies ; but
as it cannot be inhaled in its purity, it is introduced
therein by various processes, as will be seen hereaf-
ter. Nitrogen is specifically somewhat lighter than
atmospheric air, from which it may re.adily be ob-
tained, by placing on a piece of cork floating on the
water in the pneumatic trough, a small porcelain cup
containing a little cotton moistened with alcohol (fig.
4.) On setting the cotton a fire and inverting over

Fig. 4.

it and the containing cup, a glass jar or receiver with
its edges immersed in the water, the oxygen of the
air will be consumed and during the combustion, the
volume of air will be diminished whilst the water
will rise in the jar and occupy about one-third of it.
When all the oxygen has thus been consumed, what
remains in the jar is nitrogen. Purer nitrogen, how-
ever is procured by conducting chlorine gas through
a solution of ammonia in water. The apparatus
shown hyfiff. 5, is used for this purpose. Chlorine

gas is evolved in the flask, from a mixture of two
jjarts hydrochloric or muriatic acid and one part
powdered peroxid of manganese, by the application of
heat, and is conducted through a bent glass tube into
a glass jar or reservoir containing the aqueous solu-
tion of ammonia. The resulting nitrogen passes ofl'
through another glass tube provided for it, and is col-
lected in a suitable receiver in the pneumatic trough.
It is a fixed gas which has not hitherto been reduced
to a liquid form by pressure, on the application of
artificial cold. It is specifically lighter than air, and
is not chemically combined with the oxygen of the
atmosphere.

Hijdroyen is a gaseous element, capable of combin-

ing very intimately with oxygen, in which state it is
no longer triform, but constitutes water. Hydrogen
possesses the property of uniting chemically with oxy-
gen. It is much lighter than common air, and rises
up in it. It is readily procured by the decompositio)i
of water (which contains it in the greatest abund-
ance,) by means of the galvanic pyle. This is effect-
ed by acidulating water with a few drops of sulphuric
acid, and introducing it into the funnel of the appa-
ratus,/?(/. G. If now, the two wires lie connected with ,

the two poles of the biittery, the water will be sepa-
rated into its elements — forming two volumes of hy-
drogen and one volume of oxygen. The most simple
apparatus for the production of hydrogen is repre-
sented mflg- ". A quantity of iron or zinc, in small

pieces or fragments, is put into the flask, which i>
then closed tight by a cork through which is inserted
a funnel-topped glass-tube for the introduction of
sulphuric acid, and another straight tube for the es-
cape of the gas evol"ed. The diluted acid is poured
in through the funnel, and the gas is conveyed by
the other tube to the receiver standing in the pneu-
matic trough. Numerous bubbles are immediately
evolved, on the introduction of the acid. After the
process has continued a few minutes, a small quan-
tity of gas is passed into a vial Jto test its quality by
combustion. If it bum steadily, without explosion,
the gas is pure.

Carbon is a solid combustible element, having the
property of uniting readily with oxygen, thus passing
into a gaseous state and forming a substanca of very

ISol.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

197

■rrcat importance in the vegetable economy. In all
I "^s of combustion, or the putrefactive decomposition
of . .als or plants, and in every act of respiration
by li' .ng creatures, carbon and oxygen comliino and
i':JOape into the atmosphere in a gaseous form, as car-
bonic acid. Not the smallest plant can grow and
thrive, unless it imbibe and appropriate a portion of
this acid, decomposing it into carbon and oxj'gen
and using the carbon as its chief clement.

Other elementary substancas likewise are contained
by various plants, and are of essential importance. —
S;ieh are : —

1 ) Chlorine. As a simple substance this is pro-
curable only in the form of gas. For tliis purpose
six parts of muriatic acid are poured on one part of
pulverized peroxid of manganese, in a flask, vidiich i;
to be then heated in a small Ijath. The chlorine gas
ileveloped is ■washed by passing it through a second
jar called tln^ "wash-bottle," C./7,'/. S.) containing vva-

Fig. 8.
tor, and is then collected in vessels containing Itril.
v,-atcr. As chlorine is much heavier than atmosphe-
ric air, it maj' be collected by passing the conducting
tube down nearly to the bottom of the receiving jar
(fij. 9.). Willie the chlorine gas enters liclow, the

;itmospheric air is discharged above. When the jar
!ir buttle is full, which may be known from the green-
ish color of the gas, it should be closed tightly with
a greased stopper. Chlorine is one of the heaviest
of the gases, 100 cubic inches weighing 7Ci grains.
Hydrochloric acid is produced by means of " Woulfe's
apparatus," (Ji;j. 10.). Chlorine never occurs pure
in plants, but always in coniljination with other sub-
st.ances. It readily combines with other bodies, and

supports the combustion of many. It is a constituent
of a large number of plants, and is indispensable to the
"rowth of those in which it is found. It is the most

Fig. 10.

efficient agent for disinfecting apartments or places
containing offensive odors and miasms, and is much
used during the prevalence of contagious or infectious
diseases. From its property of destroying vegetable
colors, it is also very valuable and much used for
bleaching linen and cotton cloth. Seeds which have
lost their vegetating power, regain it if immersed in
water containing a small portion of chlorine, on being
exposed to the rays of the sun — which seems to indi-
cate that the oxygen of the decomposed water is the
active cause. Many marine plants exhale chlorine,
and tliis is probably the reason why the atmosphere
in the vicinity of the sea frequently contains so great
a proportion of hydrochloric acid as to corrode the
leads of houses — the exhaled chlorine uniting with
the aqueous vapors of the .air.

2) Svlplmr. This substance is found in many
plants and in various forms, but always in a state of
minute subdivision, and is essential to their thrifty
growth. • Sulphur combines readily with oxygen,
forming sulphuric acid, wliich acts an important part
in agriculture. Sulphur, as a simple substance, is
never found in soils; though it is met with abundant-
ly in cliemical union with other substances, and will
unite with all the simple bodies, except nitrogen. —
Pulverized sulphurhas been employed as afertilizer or
stimulant in the cultivation of clover, and produced
nearly the same effects as gypsum. Tlie efficacy of
this substance being thus ascertained, it follows that
it would be injudicious to calcine gypsum by fire
previous to its application to the crops or soil, be-
cause the sulphur it contains would tliereliy be vo-
latilized and dissipated in the air. The application
of dilute sulphuric acid to growing crops has never
been found beneficial, but when applied directly to
soils containing much carbonate of lime (common
limestone) its action is favorable, resulting in the
production of gypsum, which can be slowly taken up
by the succeeding crops.

3) rhosphonis. This substance is somewhat simi-
lar to sulphur, but much more inflammable, having a
strong affinity for oxygen — which it is constantly

19S

COMMUNICATIONS.

[OCTOBEE,

taking up from the atmosphere, even when not burn-
ing,— and it is luminous in the dark. Phosphorus
is prepared in largo quantities from burnt bones,
which contain it in the phosphate of lirao. The
bones are first boiled to remove the gelatine, and arc
then calcined until they become quite white. After
being pulverized, they are digested in dilute sulphu-
ric acid. After standing a day or two, the clear li-
quid is decanted from the sediment, or passed through
a filter to free it from the insoluble sulphate of lime,
resulting from the action of the oil of vitriol on the
bones. It is next evaporated to the consistence of
syrup, mixed with pulverized charcoal, and dried. —
The dry mass is then introduced into a stoneware
retort, the neck of which is connected with a wide
cojlper tube {f(j. 11.). This tube passes through a

Fig. u.

cork into a glass receiver containing water enough to
cover the open end of the tube. A smaller tube, also
passed through the cork, conducts off the useless
gases evolved. The retort being placed in a furnace
is very gradually In-ought to a red heat. Gas alone
is evolved at first, but is soon succeeded by vapor
■which becomes condensed in the wide tube down
which it flows into the receiver as phosphorus. The
operation requires great care, as there is always dan-
ger of failure from the breaking of the retort. Phos-
phorus is never found free in nature, though it is a
substance of the utmost importance in the cultivation
of cereal crops, as without its presence the grains
cannot be perfectly formed. It exists ki some com-
bination in almost all plants ; and is found, as phos-
phate of lime, in the bones of animals. It is insolu-
ble in pure water, but readily soluble in alcohol or
oil; and its solutions have the smell and taste of
garlic.

4) Silicon. This is a substance as yet very imper-
fectly known, though of great importance to the far-
mer, being the chief constituent of silicious earth and
of pure sand. As it does not occur pure in nature,
it is rarely seen even by chemists ; and the prepara-
tion of it is a difficult process. In nature, it is found
only in combination with oxygen, or silica, and is one
of the most abundant as well as most important sub-
stances known, constituting probably one-sixth part

of the entire crust of the globe. To obtain silicon in
its pure state, the double fluorid of silicon and potas-
sium is mixed with the metal potassium cut into small
pieces, and the mixture is heated over a spirit lamp
in a glass test tube. As soon as the bottom is heated
to redness a lively ignition ensues and pervades the
entire mass. When cooled, after the ignition has
subsided, the residuum is treated with water, which
dissolves the fluorid of potassium, and the pure sili-
con remains. The silicon thus obtained is a dark
brown powder, without metallic lustre, and is a fee-
ble conductor of electricity.

In combination with oxygen, as silicious eartli, it
constitutes the principal part of most minerals and
soils, and is found among the incombustilile elements
of plants, some of which — the reeds and grasses —
have a thick crust of it deposited in their bark or
outer coat. It occurs also, though in remarkably
small quantity, in the bodies of animals, particularly
in the bones; and it is found in almost all spring
water. In combination with alumina and oxid of
iron, it forms clay; but does not become plastic by an
admixture of water alone.

The grasses and cultivated grains require large
supplies of silicious earth, and it is therefore essential
not only that that the soil contain it, but that it be
found there in a state readily soluble in water, cfr as
a hydrate. Many soils, however, contain it in such
superabundance, in this state of solubility, as to be
sterile mainly from this cause — the plants receiving
greatly more silicious earth than they can assimilate.
But some soils, also, contain less silicious than is re-
quired by them, to be productive ; as is shown by the
chalk lands of England, vfhich are speedily improved
and Ijecome fertile on receiving a dressing of sand —
the cultivated plants, particularly the cereal grains,
being thus enabled to supply themselves with the re-
quisite proportion of silicious earth. ■ Elm, pine, and
birch trees thrive in sandy soils, because they require
much silicious earth for their growth.

Potato Rot.— While our neighbors of Now York,
Massachusetts, and other States are complaining of
the extensive prevalence of the potato rot, thus far,
we have heard no complaint from any portion of our
own State. In our own immediate vicinity, the early
potatoes were never finer. How the later ones will
turn out, remains to be seen, though from present
appearances, we do not anticipate the prevalence of
the rot to any serious extent.

Nothing sits so gracefiilly upon children and
makes them so lovely, as habitual respect and dutiful
deportment towards their parents and their superiors.

The influence which woman exerts is silent and
still, felt rather than seen, not chaining the hands,
but restraining our actions by gliding into the heart.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

199

Spring Wheat.

This grain is already very important to large farm-
ing districts in Pennsylvania and may most profitably
be cultivated in many parts of the State where winter
wheat in a great measure fails. The objections urged
against it generally, are three. 1. That it is inferior
in quality. 2. That it is liable to smut; and 3. That
it is an uncertain crop owing to its being so frequent-
ly blighted and shrunk by mildew. But from an ex-
perience and examinations of seven years I am con-
vinced that these objections are not well grounded.
As in all crops, the quality depends much upon culti-
vation. With good cultivation the Italian wheat
weighs sixty to sixty-two pounds and yields forty to
forty-three pounds of superfine flour to the bushel. —
The flour, although not quite as white, makes as good
bread as any winter wheat. It has usually a slight
yellowish tinge. If wheat were not too much judged
of by the whiteness of its flour, I doubt not that good
Italian wheat would soon rank as high in the market
as Mediterranean winter wheat.

The second objection is entirely obviated by a pro-
per preparation of the seed. I have had no smut for
many years except where I have sown wheat without
washing and liming. My process is to wash my
wheat thoroughly in strong lime, which raises to the
surface, all oats and other light seeds, which are
skimmed off. While wet it is thrown upon the barn
floor and finely" pulverised quick lime in small
quantities is sifted over it. The whole is so mixed
that every kernel is coated with lime. It may
safely be left in this way for several days before sow-
ing. If sown immediately, the lime is unpleasant to
the hand, and to prevent its injuring the sower a
small quantity of gypsum is scattered over it. No
smut is ever found in spring wheat prepared in this
manner. The salt, lime and gypsum are all admira-
ble manures.

The third objection is obviated by early sowing. —
In large districts in the northern part of the State it
is difficult to plow early. The soil is a heavy clay
and loam and retains the water very long. It is ab-
solute ruin to the crop to plow while wet, and conse-
quently the farmer who relies upon spring plowing
for his wheat will be unable to sow before the last of
April or the first of May — a month too late here. —
The plowing must be done in the fall and the sowing
at the earliest practicaljle day after the frost is out
of the ground. The best spring wheat in quantity
and quality, which I have ever known raised, was
upon a green sward, which had been turned under
late in November and upon which the wheat was sown
without further plowing, the latter days of March. —
A very light dragging lengthwise of the furrow, be-
fore sowing and the wheat lightly was dragged in so
as not to raise the sod. Sown in this way it will be fit
to harvest the latter part of July. Wheat which
ripens in July is seldom affected by mildew. Two
bushels of seed should be sown per acre.

I have tried the Baltic wheat, which is said to be

successfully cultivated in Vermont, but it is greatly

inferior in quality as well as quantity to the Italian.

Wm. .Jessup.
Montrose, Aug. 16, 185 1.

Education of Farmers' Daughters.
No. 2.

Mr. Spangler: — Agreeably to promise, I offer a
few more suggestions in regard to the education of
farmers daughters, believing, as I before asserted,
that the columns of your valuable Journal should not
be entirely monopolised by the " lords of creation."

The very prevalent but erroneous idea, that woman
is mentally inferior to man, has exercised a powerful
influence upon the mind of the farmer in regard to
the education of his daughters. Many parents con-
ceive their daughters fit only to become familiar with
household duties — to spin, sew, knit, understand cu-
linary operations, and attend to household affairs
generally. All these duties should be thoroughly
understood, and the parents who' neglect instructing
them in these important departments, are scarcely
less remiss than those who neglect the cultivation of
their intellects. Fortunately, however, this perni-
cious error is fast dying away. The school house
and newspaper are shedding abroad through the land
their genial influences, and fast dispelling the clouds-
that have hitherto intervened between the minds of
many persons and the education of their children.

Speaking of woman's natural inferiority, recalls-
school-boy associations. How often have we seen
boys made to blush at their own ignorance- in the re-
citation room, as the girls at their side would pp&mpt-
ly answer the questions which had sorely piszzlod
them. And yet, when arrived at a suitable age, the
boys are sent away to academies, boarding sciwols
and colleges, while the girls, according to long estab-
lished custom, have their places assigned them ia the
kitchen, to perform the drudgery there. JUavr is oot
this morally wrong. To say nothing of the partiality
shown the boys, is it not a pernicious error, io endea-
vor to impress upon the minds of the future mothers
and heads of families that their sex is unfit for any
other duties than those which ill advised ecoBiomy has
for centuries assigned them. You, Mr. Edtor, should
give the aid of your pen in behalf of the enaaEcipation
of our farmers' girls from the cruel and unjust servi-
tude to which they are subjected. Bat londerstaQd
me, I do not by this mean that our girls should not
be taught to work, or that they should have a fash-
ionable boarding school education — \» taught to de-
spise honest industry — to prefer croch^ work to the
knitting of good warm hose for thems^es and fath-
ers and brothers — to thump fashionably \ipon a guitar
or piano, and not know how to cook a pot-tto or fry
a beefsteak. I would have them instructed in all use-
ful branches which would fit them, when done with
their household dutie3, to sit iji the parlor and con •

200

COMMUNICATIONS.

[OCTOBEK,

verse intelligently. I would have them familiar with
liistory and geography, and thoroughly versed in
grammar, and where time and opportunity allowed
it, the more elegant branches should be taught them.
This would fit them to lay the foundation for the
education of their own children, independent of the
schoolmaster. Who will pretend to estimate the im-
mense change that would be wrought in the intelli-
gence of coming generations, if the mothers that are
to be, were educated sufficiently well to enable them
to impart the rudiments of all the important branches
of education, before placing them under the care of
teachers, who, unfortunately, are too frequently betr
ter qualified to dig than train youthful intellects. —
How greatly would it enhance the respect which
children entertain for parents, if they found in them
competent instructors, ready and willing to assist
them in their studies and give them the information
they generally are unable to procure from country
schoolmasters. What more enchanting sight than
that of an intelligent mother laying the foundation
of a son or daughter's future intellectual development.
How kind and patient her teachings. Understanding
fully the temperament and abilities of her child she
adapts her system of teaching accordingly and the
consequence is, they pursue their stjidies more cheer-
fully and understandingly.

With your permission I will renew this subject at
some future day. Plow Boy.

jMTicasier, Sept. 10, 1851.

the base, smooth on both sides, with the edges cut
into rounded teeth. The heads of the flowers are
from one to two inches in diameter and but one on a
branch, the rays of the flower are white, and in length
about equal to the yellow central part. The leaves
around the head (involucre) has rusty brown mar-
gins, and the seeds are smooth and of a dark purple
color.

This plant somewhat resembles the " feverfew,"
and the " garden chrysanthemum," but is readily
distinguished by its large flowers, and very white
rays. Its annual roots, and hardy nature, make it
difiioult to eradicate. It produces seeds in great pro-
fusion, and if permitted, soon takes possession of a
farm to the exclusion of important plants. I believe
it is utterly worthless, though I have seen some cows
occasionally crop it. It has been asserted that it im-
proves the quality of butter, but I am assured that
this is a mistake.

It is very abundant in the upper end of Bald Eagle
valley, and is rapidly extending itself Annual
cropping and plowing appears to be the most efiectual
method of destroying it that I am acquainted with,
))ut even by this means the whole community muet
co-operate, and vigilantly destroy every vestige of it,
for it is almost useless for one farmer to contend
against it, if his neighbor's field constantly furnishes
seeds for new plants. J. M. M'Minn.

Unionville, Centre co., Sept. 15, 1851.

Agricultural Nuisances, No. 3<

WHITE DAISY, OX EYE DAISY, WHITE WEED, RICHARD-
SON'S CLOVER.

Frencli, L'oeil do Beuf. German, Die Wucher-
blume.

Leucanthemum vulgare, Lam. Chrysanthemum
Leucanthemum.i iH?irt'»s. Jlatricaria Leucanthi-mum,
Hcopoli. Chrysanthemum montanum, WiUdenou:

It is a true Leucanthemum, a genus established by
Turneforte. The name is derived from the Greek
Leuhos, white, and Anthemon a flower in reference
to its white rays. The genus contains twenty-two
species. But three are found in North America, two
of these are natives of Arctic America, and the third
is the plant under consideration, which is a native
of Europe, but which has become extensively natu-
ralized, and is a vile weed, wherever it is found.

It belongs to the 19th class, Syngenesia, and the
1st order yEqualis, in the Artificial System of Lin-
nseus — to order Compositas and tribe Senecioranidea
<if De Candille and to subtribe Anthemidie in Torrey
and Gray's Flora of North America.

The root lives for many years, and seeds up many
stems every year.

The stem grows from one to two feet high, mostly
simple, but sometimes branched ; it is marked with
lines that are purplish and somewhat hairy. The
leaves are one or two inches long and one-third to
two-thirds of an inch wide, wedge shaped tapering to

The Potato Rot and a Remedj'.

To the farmers of Pennsylvania I would say, the
potato disease is not a worn out subject. It is again
in our midst, and still invites inquiry, and with us it
is likely to remain so long as a certain winged insect
continues to infest the plants. The season being so
for advanced, I will reserve a description of this de-
structive insect for a future communication. Yet if
in the meantime, any of my fellow farmers feel in-
credulous upon the subject, and are desirous of hav-
ing a sight of the pest, they can be gr.atified by call-
ing, within twenty days, at Pleasant Mount, Wayne
county, and visiting, with me, the potato fields of this
region, from eight to ten o'clock in the morning, or
from five to seven o'clock in the evening of any clear
day. I will show them their mode of attacking the
vines — how their poison comes in contact with the atr
mosphere, and in conjunction with it, impregnates the
sap, carrying disease and death with it. Wherever
there is a change of atmosphere, from genial warmth
to cold or chilly weather; with the return of the warm
weather, we have certain evidence that the destroyer
passed in and out during the change.

A certain remedy against the potato rot will, I fully
believe, be found in the foUovring mixture sprinkled
or dusted upon the vines, commencing, for early po-
tatoes, three weeks after they appear upon the ground,
and for later ones, two weeks, or when the stalks are
about sLs inches in height. This dusting is to be

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

201

continued at least twice a week, until the potatoes
are matured, and always on the first clear or moder-
ate dajj after a rain.

My mode of cultivation is this. After having
plowed my ground at least ten inches deep, I plant
the potatoes three inches deep, covering them imme-
diately with thoroughly pulverised earth. I never
manure in the hill unless it is to drop half a gill of
air slacked lime on the potatoes in each hill. If the
soil is a stiff clay, or rests on a hard pan, then it
should always be subsoiled to the depth of fourteen
inches or more, and if turf, the slice should be turn-
ed six inches thick, and the subsoil stirred to the
depth of eight to ten inches more. Harrow well with
a double hinge harrow, planting on the surface or
making a broad shallow hole with the hoe, and be
careful not to cut through the turf.

The mixture to which I have referred above, is as
follows: Two pounds of Scotch snuff or finely ground
tobacco ; two quarts of lake or Nova Scotia plaster,
eight quarts of fine sifted, air slaked lime, mix these
ingredients well. Procure a stone jar that will con-
tain four gallons, into which place a large handful
of green tansey leaves, and on the top of the tansey
place the above mixture. Cover the jar and let it
stand for one or more days. The mixture will then
be ready to be dusted over the vines, which may be
done by procuring a tin vessel with the bottom per-
forated like a flour duster or popper box. Continue
tlie dusting twice a week, until the potatoes are tho-
roughly ripened. Where this plan is pursued, no
]X)tato rot will be found.

B. F. Rogers.
Wayne county, August 9, 1851.
[We give the above a place in our columns, not be-
cause we have much faith in its eificacy as a remedy
for the potato rot, but because wc feel desirous of
liearing all that can be said on the subject, hoping
that finally, we shall arrive at the true cause of the
disease. — Ed.]

Statements of yields.
Mr. Editor: — Permit me to suggest to your con-
sideration, the propriety of devoting a considerable
department of your Journal to statements of common
yields from improved soils — their condition when
first tenanted by their proprietors — by what process
' >f cultivation they have been improved, &c. Articles
i>f this character would have a tendency to stimulate
the readers of your Journal to active exertion, and
prompt them to efforts for increased improvements in
every department of farming. Such statements would
also increase the number of your readers, as well as
the popularity and patronage of your journal.

The almost invariable result of publishing accounts
uf very extraordinary yields and their expensive cost
of attainment, by wealthy farmers, or merchants,
lawyers or other professional men, being entirely be-

yond the reach of the great mass of farmers, are read
— merely read and admired, perhaps spoken of; but
the experiment of attempting similar results by the
same means is rarely undertaken. The desired ef-
fect is thus lost, and the consequence is, a deep-root-
ed prejudice on the part of farmers of moderate
means against all " book farming." My idea of a
Pennsylvania Farm Journal is, that it should be con-
ducted on principles that will have a tendency to
draw out the knowledge of the common farmer, and
furnish him with a medium through which to publish
the same.

The adoption of such a course would render it an
interesting and valuable monthly visitor to every far-
mer's fireside, however humble his means, and would
also naturally increase its popularity. The leading
characteristic of nearly all the agricultural papers
published in the United States is, a disposition to
portray in their most glowing colors, the experiments
of men whose wealth enables them to spend more
for the success ef a single experiment, than the en-
tire amount of many small farmer's yearly income.
They do not sufiiciently consult the interests of the
great mass of farmers, and consequently much of the
good they might effect, is lost. This will account for
the comparative scarcity of agricultural papers. The
great question with the conductor of an agricultural
periodical should be, what course shall we adopt to
induce the mass of farmers to enter the field and give
us the valuable results of their observation and ex-
perience? I would answer this query by saying to
you, adapt your journal to the tastes and capacities
of the great majority of our farmers — those of mod-
erate means — invite them to write for the Journal
and let them know while doing so, that others of
their class are doing the same. By this means,
the vast amount of valuable practical experience and
observation which is now confined to the family cir-
cle, or small neighborhoods, will find its way to every
farm house and prove a source of inestimable benefit
to our agricultural interests.

If the few plain suggestions I have offered, be worth
an insertion in your journal, I shall feel gratified. —
If they are not, throw tliem aside, and I shall not be
displeased. I fervently desire the perpetuation of the
Farm Journal, and do all in my power to sustain it,
and it is only with the hope of aiding in establishing
it beyond the contingency of a doubt, that I write
you this.

I do not wish you to infer from what I have writ-
ten that I object to the publication of the results of
extensive and costly experiments. I do not. My
object is, not to exclude them, but to pave the way
for the publication of such statements as are calcu-
lated to benefit the every day farmer also. Let them
go hand in hand, only give the small farmer a chance
of being heard also.
I purpose communicating to you several statements

COMMUNICATIONS.

[OOTOBER,

of what I shixU term common yields, and shall do it
with the hope of drawing into this broad field of la-
bor a greater number of farmers similar in character
to myself. This will open an acquaintance with
practical formers in every portion of our State, so that
when we meet each other at our State Fairs, we shall
feel that though strangers in fact, we know each oth-
er as comrades in the columns of the Farm Jonrnal.

J. 'VVlCKERSHAM.

Lewisbury, York co., 1851.

[We like the suggestions of our correspondent, and
will endeavor to improve upon them. At the same
time we commend his plain, common sense way of
speaking to every reader of the Journal. From the
start we have striven to enlist the interest of the mass
of farmers and thus far have succeeded, we think, in
presenting a rich and varied store of practical agri-
cultural information. Our purpose has ever been to
give the Journal such a character as will commend
it to every friend of agriculture. We have combined
the practical with the theoretical and scientific, and
with the aid of such good men as our correspondent
above, hope to render it still more valuable and in-
teresting.— Ed.I

Deterioration of Pennsylvania soUs and Agricultu-
ral Education.

Mr. Editor: — So much has the subject of agricul-
tural education been harped upon by the agricultu-
ral press, that farmers generally might be supposed
to be fully awake to the importance of the subject.
That a deeper interest than has ever before mani"
fested itself in regard to this important point, is felt
through the agricultural community generally, is very
apparent : but it is equally apparent that, unless this
interest becomes more deeply seated, but little good
will ever result from it. Unless the fathers of the
rising generation take the matter in hand, and ener-
getically and perseverlngly press it onward, but little
hope exists, that Pennsylvania agriculture, as well
aj5 the agriculture of the United States generally,
will for a century at least be emancipated from
the thraldom that now enslaves it. My honest con-
victions are, that Pennsylvania is the best farmed
State in the Union, but it is an undeniable fact, that
with each successive year the fertility, and conse-
quently, the value of her lands is lessened. The
same " skinning" system pursued so largely in Vir-
ginia, Maryland, New York and elsewhere, is in.
dulged to a hurtful extent here, and unless super-
seded by a better one, we shall find that our soil, like
that of Virginia, will be thorougly impoverished and
our farmers be compelled to seek new homesteads.—
This is truly a startling assertion and one that will
perhaps meet with but few believers ; but it is an
assertion that is sustained by stubborn facts, and a
truth which sooner or later the formers of this com-
monwealth will be called to realize.

What else is to be expected where lands are crop-
ped from year to year, with scarcely an interval of
rest, and what is more, with not enough manure to
restore to them a tithe scarcely of the fei-tilizing con-
stituents which these successive crops take from it. —
Is it a matter of surprise that under such a system
of tillage 'our lands should deteriorate in quality —
that lands which forty years ago yielded thirty bush-
els of wheat to the acre now yield scarcely the half
of it ? Not at all. It is a legitimate consequence
flowing from a system of farming which may answer
very well for a few years on new land, but which will
as certainly exhaust them eventually, as that the sun
shines in the heavens. Take up the census report
of 1850, and select for the experiment the oldest and
best farmed counties in the State — say Lancaster,
Montgomery and Chester— and " figures that will not
lie" will satisfy you that a comparison of the yields
of the same number of acres now, with the number
cultivated forty years ago, will show a diminution in
quantity of nearly one-half. If the evil were arrested
here and an effort made to retrieve the position we
have lost, there would remain a bright hope; but un-
fortunately it is still progressing. And now the
question comes up, shall we, as farmers, continue
this ruinous course, until, through absolute necessity
we shall be compelled to abandon our lands and seek
homes elsewhere. Every thinking farmer will at once
reply, not so long as there exists a remedy. But
where is the remedy and how shall we apply it ?

I answer, the aid of agricultural science must be
invoked. We must comljine more science with our
farming. We must prepare ourselves to analyse our
soils in order that wo may know precisely what ele-
ments of fertility they have lost, and the most effec-
tual and cheapest mode of restoring them. The sci-
ence of economical manuring must be more thorough-
ly understood and practised. Valuable manures
which are now wasted in reckless profusion by the
generality of farmers must be husbanded with that
jealous care which characterises the farming opera-
tions of Europe.

But many of our older farmers will say, we have
no time for such studies — our lands will last anothor
generation, and let those who come after, adopt the
plans recommended. It is not expected that the old
farmers will take hold of scientific studies ; but this
does not prove that they are not deeply interested in
the advancement of agricultural science. It is thj
duty of every farmer who has a son, to give him such
an education, as will enable him to repair the evils
which have resulted from the want of it in his parent.
Every young man destined for agricultural pursuits,
should have such educational facilities as will fit him
to become not only a practical, but a scientific far-
mer.

Do not, brother farmers, let the word scientific
alarm you. There is nothing in it to terrify. Agri-

ISol.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

203

cultural science is only a familiar acquaintance vrith \ sooner the better. If old formers will not devote at-
the constituents of the soil you cultiyate, its wants j tention to scientific pursuits, the young ones must ;
and adaptation to the growth of particular crops. It and if the parents will not educate their sons proper-
is, in fact, uothino- more than a friendly acquaintance I ly, the sons must take hold of the matter themselves,
with nature's operations — a study of the manner in j Excellent books in almost every department of agri-
which she replenishes the earth so as to perpetuate ! culture may now be had for small sums. Ten years

itfi fertility — a practice of the economy she adopts.

Here again, however, another important query is
suggested. How shall our sons be taught without a
teacher? Teachers they must have, and in order to
procure them, it is only necessary for the farmers of
this great commonwealth to knock at the doors of our
legislative halls and demand them. Denial need not
-be feared, for so little has been asked by and granted
to the farmers, that with the consciousness of de-
manding only their rights, they may insist upon the
establishment of agricultural schools and colleges. —
Here, then, is a remedy — will the former apply it ?
Will he put forth an effort to restore to the soil of
Pennsylvania its original fertility, er will he permit
the present ruinous system still to be continued, un-
til that which would now prove an effectual remedy
will fail to be efficacious. Let them take warning by
the examples around them before it is too late.

E. P.
West Chester, September 10, 1851.

[There are many important truths contained in E.
P.'s communication, although we are not prepared to
endorse all he says. His view of the " skinning" pro-
cess now so much in vogue is undoubtedly correct,
and the deplorable results he anticipates, will certain-
ly follow if it is persisted in ; but we do not believe that
Pennsylvania lands have deteriorated to such an ex-
tent as he represents. The census report may show
a falling off in the yield, but E. P. must remember
that within a few years past many of the poor lands
of our State, which for a long period wore considered
unfit for cultivation, have been taken up by enter-
prising farmers, and are fast being brought into fine
condition. Lancaster county furnishes clear proof
of this. (See article in the June No. of the Journal,
page XII. entitled "Progress in Farming.") The
yield of these!lands, although double that of five years
since, is still unequal to that of the better lands. A
few years more will tell a different tale, and then
only can a correct estimate be made.

"We also agree with our correspondent that Penn-
sylvania is the best farmed State in the Union. This
has always been our impression. The editor of the
Horticulturist, (pretty good authority, by tlie way,)
in speaking of the greater increase of the rural po-
pulation in Pennsylvania than in New York, attri-
butes it to the fact that the former State is better
farmed tlian the latter.

And finally, we agree with our correspondent that
it has become the imperative duty of every farmer to
give his sons a good education. A scientific system
of agriculture must sooner or later be adopted ; the

ago, such was not the case. The young farmer, there-
fore, is also without an excuse, if he does not unite
the scientific with the practical. And so far as agri-
cultural schools and colleges are concerned, let that
subject be agitated until the desired object is secured.
It only wants a vigorous, combined effort. Right is
on the side of the farmers, so that they may with a
clean conscience ask for their establishment. — Ed.]

Wayne County.

A correspondent from Wayne county, writes us as
follows : It is gratifying to me to inform you that
away up here in little Wayne, with our high hills
and stony valleys, we have an agricultural society
that has been existence four years and is now in a
flourishing condition. Our farmers are not as far be-
hind those of the more southern counties as our lo-
c ition would indicate. We have a good portion of
reading farmers; but many of them prefer the news
of the day to valuable agricultural information. They
are unwilling to spend a dollar to make themselves
familiar with the experience and experiments of oth-
ers. But a better day is coming and with the aid of
the Farm Journal, I hope soon to see better things.
If our farmers, however, are backward in subscribing
for agricultural papers, it is because Pennsylvania
has, until you started the Farm Journal, had no pa-
per of her own. Now that you have made so good a
start and are furnishing us monthly with so much
valuable and interesting matter, nothing but total in-
difference on your part can prevent it from having a
tremendous circulation. What I can do in our noble
little county shall be done in its behalf, and I hope
to send you a large list of subscribers soon.

Honesdale, Wayne co. C. S.

CoKKECTiox. — Mr. Spangler : — Several errors crept
into my communication on Guano, which was pub-
lished in the September No. of the Journal. In the
third paragraph, the word andhetove the words "when
the corn was up" should have been omitted. I meant
to say, "put on when the corn icas tip." The other is
near the end of the last paragraph. After the word
" condition" should have been inserted, " the differ-
ence in" meaning that the difference in yield was not
so great as the difference in the appearance of the
corn during its growth. Jno. Miller.

Oregon, Lancaster county.

Seed. — Where seed is wished to be saved, the sorts
must be grown apart, as far as practicable, for they
are very susceptible of mixture, if even within fifty
vards of each other.

204

COMMUNICATIONS.

[October,

A word on JVIaii\iriiig.

Mr. Editor : — An inquiry is made by W. 11., of
Bedford, wliethcr it is bettor to plow down manure
immediately after it is taken frum tlie yard, than to
let it be exposed to the influences of the sun some
time before plowing under.

My little e.xperienoe may not be considered as alj-
solutely worthless amidst the boundless stock of
knowledge on the subject.

The great aim of the farmer should bo to make his
supply of manure sufficiently enrich as many acres
as possible : in order to do this, a pound should not
be needlessly wasted. In the saving of these com-
posts, after liaving been completely manufactured, I
consider lies the great economy in manuring. In the
outset, the yard should be so lormed that none of the
juices can escape into the neighboring fields, but be
retained in the straw, woods, loaves, &e. By top
dressing, or surface manuring, I am led to believe
that only in a few instances are we able to retain
more than a small proportion of the fertilizing quali-
ties of the manure in the soil, and those few instances
are, when it is put upon light sandy, or loose gravel
land, just before a long wet period of time — light
showers and hot sun, being as destructive to it as to
well seasoned hay.

The system of manuring which I follow is better
;idapted to my circumstances, than any which I liavc
yet been able to settle upon.

Taking into consideration that it is a leisure season
for the teams on the farm, and the stage of the de-
composition of the straw manure, the month of No-
vember is the time for drawing. If the ground is to
be plowed in the fall, one team is phiwing, while two
t^jams are drawing from the yard at the rate of about
thirty-five loads per day ; and if the land requires it
a day's work covers one aero, evenly spread and turn-
ed under as soon as possible after the arrival at the
field. If the land is not to bo plowed until spring, I
station a man in the field whose special duty it is to
level off the place where each heap is to lie, assist in
unloading, and cover each pile- — which consists of
half the load — with a layer of earth about six inches
in thickness ; which when finished resembiles a small
potato heap covered for the winter. This coating of
earth not only retains all the aciils which are so es-
sentially valuable, but protects it from the rains and
snows of winter, which, if the manure is left exposed,
carries a great portion of the juices into the earth
immediately under it, enriching the spot to a much
higher degree than is desired. Those rains at the
same time taking possession of the compost, render-
ingHit as much the Ic-s valuable as the quantity of
water is increased. These heaps are put in straight
rows across the field, that the plow may follow as
closely after the spreading as possible. Some may
question the economy of incurring this extra labor,
but if they will consider the value of a load of ma-

nure prepared for use in the field, and then feel that
during a few weeks the sun and wind are stealing
away nearly half its virtue, there will be but little
hesitation in protecting it, in part, from the reach of
tliose " thievish elements."

If any of your correspondents have a. more econo-
mical mode in the manp.gemcnt of yard manures, in-
formation concerning it, would be received with gra-
titude no doubt by many, as it is a very important
portion of the work of a farm. W.

Athc7is, Bradford co., Sept. 16, 1851.

Fruit Stealing, «&c.
Mr. Editor or Farm Journal: — In the last No.
of the Journal, you request " some of your readers
versed in the philosophy of morals, to define the dif-
ference in criminality between robbing a man's orch-
chard and robljing his house." You say, " v'ou are
aware the law makes a broad distinction between the
two," but contend that "this is a distinction without
a difference." Verily, if there is any difference the
heinousness of robljing a man of his fiuit, in my es-
timation at least, is far greater than roljbing his hen-
roost, his smoke house, or even his pockets. The lat-
ter crimes are mere matters of dollars and cents, and
which a little economy will repair — ^Ijut the rolibing of
choice fruit and mutilation of trees, money alone will
not replace, it r. quires time: years of labor and toil.
As I do not at this time intend to inflict on you
and your readers a thesis on moral philosophy defin-
ing this position, I will merely state a fact bearing
on the question, and which will show the enoi-mity
of the crime, (I can give it no other name) that c/en-
ilcrnai sometimes thjughtlessly commit.

It is vrell known to all readers of agricultural pub-
lications, that the late Judge Buel, of Albany, N. Y.,
devoted much of his time and eminent talents to the
improvement and elevation of agriculture and horti-
culture. Among other of his pursuits ho euiplo3-od
many of his leisure hours in improving our fruits —
following the theory first promulgated (if I mistake
not) by the late Andros Knight, president of the Lon-
don Horticultural Society — by impregnating the stig-
ma of one flower with the farina from another of a
dllferent variety. This course Mr. Buel pursued with
the hope of originating something superior — by im-
pregnating the stigma or pistil of a ciioico variety of
cherry with the pollen of anotlier fine variety, and
carefully protecting the flower operated upon with
gauze, to prevent the adventitious intermixture of
pollen from another variety, by bees, -(Wnd, &o. —
When the impregnated fruit became ri|ie, the stone,
or pit, was carefully planted — a young tree raised —
and from one year to another carefully nurtured and
watched, and after ten years of ceaseless care the
Judge's long anticipated hopes were aliout to be real-
ized by the tree showing flowers, and a single cherry,
the first fruit of the experiment, was swelling towards

iSol.

COMMUNICATIONS.

205

maturity. You may well suppose this cherry was
watched ami guarded with extra care, and visited
daily, day hourly, by the Judge, as it was about ri-
pening.

One morning while the Judge was engaged in his
libr.ij'y, two gentlemen, intimate friends of his, called
upon him, and as he could not at the moment attend to
them, his friends made free to take a walk round his
grounds, and probably, by mere chance, happened to
pass by .a young cherry tree with a single fniit on
one of the twigs. One of the gentlemen at once reach-
ed up his hand and thoughtlessly plucked the fruit,
which soon vanished from sight, tho gentleman re-
marking, that it was a most excellent cherry I After re-
turning to the house, Sir. Buel had got through with
his business, and at once offered to accompany the
gentlemen over his grounds. lie was particularly
pleased that they had called upon him at this time, is
he wished them to test and examine with him the
merits of a new cherry now fully ripe, and which he
had originated, and for ten years of his life looked
forward to, to see the result of his experiment. The
Judge led his friends towards the identical cherry
tree from which his friend had plucked the fruit but
a few moments before. But on coming to the tree
and finding his favorite cherry gone, his chagrin and
mortification may be more easily imagined than de-
scribed. And what were the feelings of the gentle-
man who so heedlessly destroyed the Judge's long
cherished expectations? I will lot the reader judge.
The gentlemen soon took their leave, and the one
who committed the act afterwards stated, that if mo-
ney could have replaced the fruit on the tree, he
would have considered a thousand dollars a mere tri-
fle towards rectifying the error so inconsiderately
committed, and the distress of mind which he suf-
fered.

Some of your readers no doubt will say this is an
extreme case. So it is: yet the crime is none the
less, when a man, for instance, devotes his land, his
money, and his time, to colbcting and cultivating
ciioiee varieties of fruit, and after ten or fifteen years
of anxious solicitude, w^cn his trees may commence
bearing, and he is about being rewarded for his labor
and his pains with a crop of fruit, to find that gentle-
men with aogs and gnns, take the liberty of free in-
gress and egress to his fruit trees, " taking the best
and destroying the rest." It is a crimo of far "deep-
er dye" and should be so considered in the " eye of
the law."

Hoping that the necessary steps will be taken to

remedy this crying evil, I remain yours,

J. B. Gakber.
Floral Retreat, Sept. 15, 1851.

Lime in Old Gardens. — Old garden soils which
have been very liberally manured, sometimes be-
come sour for want of an alkali, and in such cases the
use of lime, and even of quick lime, is judicious.

Mr. Editor. — I was much pleased at observing an
article in your last .Journal, condemning the practice
of fruit stealing, which has become so prevalent al-
most every where. Your sentiments on that subject
coincide entirely with my own, and there is no doubt
that every honest person in the community will sus-
tain you in the position you have taken, and the es-
timate you have placed upon the character of the
pilferer of his neighbor's fruit.

For years 1 have given considerable attention to the
cultivation of fruits, and have succeeded in raising
some of a very superior character; but when this is
said, all is said, -i have cultivated the fruit, but have
scarcely had even the poor privilege of tasting or see-
ing it ripen, my peculating neighbors having invaria-
bly appropriated it to their own purposes. So dis-
couraging have these frequent thefts been, that I
have almost determined to cut down every fruit tree
upon my premises, unless the future promises some
hope of protection through legislative aid.

Why should the farmer and fruit grower not be
protected in their rights. No other class of the com-
munity suffer more from dishonest persons, while
none are so poorly protected. Every thing belonging
to the merchant is carefully guarded by the law, while
the farmer is left to the mercy of plunderers on all
sides, and in many cases without any redress. Not
only is our fruit stolen, but our farms are invaded at
every point. Fences are torn down, our growing
crops trodden down by idb hunters, and very oft«n
our corn fields are pillaged. If a word of remon-
strance is offered, a volley of insolent abuse from
these marauders is all the return wo get. Several
of my neighbors have, in addition to their fruits, lost
large numbers of chickens, young turkeys, &(;., and
they inform me that it is as much as a chicken's life
is worth to stray one hundred yards from the dwell-
ings. Is not this a most deplorable state of affairs,
and does it not demand redress ? I think so.

Provision, I am aware, was made by our legisla-
ture last winter, against injury done to fences, and so
far as that law goes it is an excellent one ; but it is
not comprehensive enough to protect the farmer in
all his rights, and it is not only mine, but the earn-
est wish of all with whom I have conversed, that a
vigorous effort will be made during the coming ses-
sion of the egislature to procure the passage of a law
that will effectually remedy these evils.

Somerset co., Pa. K. Evaxs.

Seedless apples. — Mr. E. A. Graham, of Portland,
Conn., writes us that seedless apples are produced in
his neighborhood by raising the trees from layers. A
branch of a young grafted tree is bent down and a
portion of it covered with earth, where it remains till
it has taken root, when it is cut away from the pa-
rent tree and planted out. We do not believe that
the absence of seeds in the fruit is attributable to the
mode of propagation. — Gennesee Farmer.

S06

HORTICULTURAL.

[OCTOBEH,

igovtkultural Clcpartmcnt.

Evergreen Trees and Shrubs.

No. 2.
Cedrus Dcodara, Deodar Cedar.— So named from
its bein"- used by the Hindoos in its native mountains
as incense wood and accounted sacred; is, in our
opinion, the first in gracefulness and beauty of all
foreign coniferous trees, which have been found adap-
ted to our climate. Differing entirely in appearance
from the deep hues and bold and heavy outlines of
some of the more stately pines and firs, its character-
istic features convoy the impression of something
light, airy and graceful. The foliage of the deodar
approaches a silvery color, more than any other ever-
green, its branches are beautifully pendent, and it
has the great merit of being quite a rapid grower.—
To produce its best effect, it should be planted singly
and somewhat apart from other trees. Its native
locality is the Hymal.ayan mountains in Asia, where
it is found of immense size at an elevation of eight to
ten thousand feet. Ifaving been introduced into
England and this country, within comparatively a
few years, it cannot yet be obtained of very large
size. The oldest specimen in England is but twenty-
five to thirty feet in length. In the Queen's gardens,
at Kew, there is a wide avenue, two thousand eight
hundred feet long, lined with deodars.

Arancaria Imbricata, or Chili Pine, offers the most
striking contrast to the preceding, that can well be
imagined. It is stiff, formal and altogether unique,
and has been most aptly compared to a " gigantic
specimen of deep green coral from the depths of the
ocean." It is a native of the Cordilleras in South
America, where it attains a height of one hundred
and fifty feet. Its peculiarity is its pillar-like trunk,
which, as well as the horizontal branches, are cover_
ed with scale-like foliage, closely overlaid or imbri.
eated. The branches spring out from the trunk, in
whorls or circles, and bear at their extremities im-
mense globular cones the size of a man's head, and
containing numerous nutritious and excellent nuts, a
single fruit contains two to three hundred kernels,
which arc used as food by the Indians. They are
eaten either fresh or roasted, and it is said the women
prepare from them a kind of pastry. The fruit of
these trees form the regular harvest of some of the
native tribes of the Andes. From their not being

found north of thirty-sis degreed south latitude, foars--
were at first entertained that it would not prove hardy
in the United States, but the experience of various
partsof the country has settled this question. M't
have had it in our nursery rows, during the wintrr
without protection, and it has stood out, further north
with the mercury several degrees below zero. AV c
have found it to suffer rather more, especially tlie
first season of being moved, from the hot sun, than
extreme cold. With this, as well as many other ex-
otics, when transplanted to a new climate and a new-
soil, it seems only fair, they should receive protection
the first year, both summer and winter. A few ce-
dar branches placed around as a shield from ex-
tremes of weather, till they become acclimated in
their new homes, is a small trouble most amply re-
paid, and which would save many a plant and shrub
from condemnation, as too tender. A portion of
sand should be used in preparing soil for the aranca-
ria, and there should be thorough under drainage U>
prevent the water from settling about the roots.

Cryptomeria Japonica or Japan Cedar, is one of the
valuable discoveries of the agent sent out by the hor-
ticultural society of England. He found whole for-
ests of it on the mountains of Japan, at the height of
one thousand feet, and like most of the other trees
and shrubs from that country, is believed to be per-
fectly hardy here. It was only introduced into Eng-
land about three years since, and is there called tlie
" queen of evergreens," and is considered quite :i
rapid gi-ower. One great recommendation in accord-
ance with the prevailing taste of the day, for any
thing in the shape of a tree that droops, is tliat thii*
tendency is one of its striking peculiarities. With a
very straight stem, which reaches one hundred feet,
beautiful foliage, and very pendent branches, the Ja-
pan cedar is probably, going to be as great a favorite
in the United States as any other yet introduced.^
The wood is said to be very hard and elastic, " and
withstands the most terrific winds or monsoons which
devastate that coimtry." The soil recommended for
this tree is a sandy loam. ,

Cedar oj" Lebanon, everywhere known by its histo-
rical associations, and its frequent use in scripture
imagery as a symbol of grandeur and magnificenei'.
is a tree perfectly hardy in our middle States, and is
of course necessary in every good collection of ever-
greens. In its great longevity, its immense horizoil-
tal growth of branches which is not so observable in
young trees, as when more advanced, and in general
massiveness of appearance it is not equalled by any
other tree. The largest specimen in England is sev-
enty-two feet in height, eight feet in diameter at the
trunk, and the diameter of the branches at the head
one hundred and seventeen feet. A taller specimen,
but not so large, is at the seat of the Duke of Wel-
lington, one hundred and eight feet high. The oldest
specimen in the United States is said to be in West

1851.1

HORTICULTURAL.

20-

Chester county, N. Y., about fifty feet high, and
planted upwards of forty years ago. The cedar of
Lebanon is rather a slow grower, varying from six to
twelve inches a year, and perhaps more, according to
soil and cultivation, neither is it when small, particu-
larly beautiful. It accommodates itself readily to
most soils, and there is no difficulty with it after be-
ing once established. In its native mountains, the
coldest parts of Mount Libanus and Taui-us, travellers
assert it is comparatively scarce, and that there are
fewer trees to be found there at this time than in
England. It is believed that the forests have never
recovered from the operations of Solomon's four score
thousand hewers.

Pinus Piiiester or Cluster Pine, Pinus Sylvesiris
or Scotch Pine, and Pinus Ausiriaca or Austrian
Pine, all resemble each other in habit and gen-
eral appearance, and are all well worthy of cultiva-
tion and perfectly hardy. The iirst is a great favor-
ite in its native country, the south of Europe, and is
distinguished by its very long leaves. We have found
it difficult to transplant, except when quite small, and
find it safer to import in pots, which admits of easy
shifting into open ground. When once well rooted
requires no special care. The Austrian and Scotch
Pipes are more generally known, are of erect and ra-
pid growth, and the latter has short, stiff foliage, of
rather peculiar green hue. Its timber, which is ex-
tensively used, is the deal of the north of Europe.

Paschall Morris.

Shrubs for Hedges.

The subject of live hedges for enclosures is, as I
believe, entitled to more attention in this part of the
country than it is now receiving. The great anxiety
that was felt fifty or more years ago on account of
the prospect of scarcity of wood for fuel or fencing,
has very much subsided, the discovery of coal and its
general use having released us from fears on account
of fuel ; and the great facility and small expense of
transporting fencing timber by canal, river, and rail-
road, furnishes the supply in market, without diffi-
culty or increased price, so that we scarcely give at-
tention to its rapid diminution. But it is evident that
the continued conversion of wooded lands to cultivated
fields, diminishes the supply, and the increase of
fences from diminishing the size and increasing the
number of fields and plantations, increases the quan-
tity required. On the subject of hedges, the first
question generally asked is, " What tree or shrub is
best suited for the purpose?" This can only be an-
swered conditionally, having reference to the purpose
for which the hedge is wanted, whether to restrain
men, horses, cattle, swine or other animals, or only
some of those named — the place where it is to grow,
upon high or low, wet or dry, fertile or sterile lands,
for we see in natural woods that each tree or shrub
appears to have a particular soil and exposure favor-
able to ite growth, and that in some localities it is

not found. These and other considerations which
may be enumerated, will lead us to believe that a great
variety of shrubs and trees may be used for hedging,
varying, as the purpose, soil and exposure varies.

The properties of trees or shrubs requisite fur it
hedge, seems to be these among others, viz:

1. Stiff unyielding stem and branches, the direc-
tion of which can not be easily changed by so much
force as they are likely to be exposed to, and an ad-
ditional advantage would be, in their being armed
with thorns to prevent pressure from being applied
forcibly.

2. Great capacity for life, not only that the dura-
tion may be long, but that it may not suffer under
hedgers discipline, which permits so much life that
the hedge may not die, and so little that it shall grow-
only very slowly.

3. Suitable size, either naturally or by trimmini:
or clipping; so that the soil shall not bo much ex-
hausted by the support of the hedge.

4. Suitability of the species to the soil, exposure
and climate, where the hedge is to be made.

Of the species having thorns, the Crataegus oxycaii-
iJia or English white thorn has been more used in
England than any other, and a few hedges Jiave
been made in this country; but it has not answered
the purpose here so well as our native species, of
which we have so many that Cratayns may be alm()sr
ranked as an American genus. The populifolia or
Washington thorn has been more extensively propa-
gated than any other in eastern Pennsylvania, but
some hedges of the Cms galli or Cockspur thorn giie
reason to suppose that it will have some advantages
over the former. Its very repulsive armature togetii-
er with its spreading habit of growth will supersede
tlie necessity of so close planting as the populifolia
requires, especially if swine are not to be guarded
against. Eaton, in his Manual of Botany, describes
seventeen species of American thorns, nine of which
are common in the northern States, and I would
suggest that as all of them are thorny in a greater
or less degree, it would be worth the attention nf
those who desire hedges, to gather fruit of each of tlu-
species found in their respective neighborhoods and
subject them to direct experiment by forming hedges
of each kind, it being I believe certain, that a hedge
sufficient to turn cattle, may bo made of any of our
native species, some of which, however, are of low
growth, and would require no mutilation to abate
their growth, but only so much side trimming as t(i
keep the hedge from taking too much room. Tht
difficulty of raising the young thorn plants or quicks,
has done much to prevent the introduction of hedges.
The following method has succeeded well : Gather
the fruit when ripe ; crush the berries so as to break
them that the seeds appear, mix the seeds and broken
husks of the berry with an equal portion of very fine
sand, put the whole in a heap and cover with six

ans

HORTICULTURAL.

[October,

inches of fine sand, turn the whole two or three times
the succeeding summer, still covering, when turned,
with fine sand, and in the succeeding spring, sift the
sand from the seed, and having a seed bed in high
tilth and very fertile, spread the seeds evenly over
the l)ed, sift quarter of an inch of sand or loose earth
on them and protect the bed from the sun, except
early morn and near evening, by making a light
scaffold over the bed a foot high and covering the
scaffold with branches of trees or straw. "Weed dur-
ing the summer and give water in very dry seasons.
The quicks may be planted out at one or two years old;
but the ground in which they are to be planted should
have a yea»'s preparation, made perfectly clear of
weeds and grass, very fertile and well plowed or dug
over several times in the season. Some species of
thorns have small berries about the size of a grain
of allspice, the seeds of which will generally come up
the first year, and may be planted the spring after
they were gathered.

The Osage orange or Marhira aurayiUaca, a native
of the southwestern States, has been spoken highly
of as a plant for hedging, and many plants are now
raised for that purpose. Although a southern tree,
it is hardy with us, and is sufficiently stiff and thorny
to prevent horses or cattle from breaking through. —
It produces seed abundantly wlion staminate and
pistillate plants are planted in the neighborhood of
each other, but I fear it will be difficult to restrain it
■within hedging bounds. I have a tree that was
planted about twenty or twenty-five years ago, which
is now one foot in diameter and twenty-five feet high,
and its yellow, mulberry lik'! roots, extend probably
twenty-five feet from the bottom of the tree. Some
care is taken so to trim it, as to render the trunk .ap-
■ proachable, but shoots from the trunk frequently
come out and grow sis to eight feet in a single sea-
son. I have some hope that by a different mode of
tre*tmont in trimming, and 1)y planting wider apart

say thre» feet or thereabout — they may form good

hedges. It will require much experience to deter-
mine the best mode of treatment, and will require the
roots to be cut or a ditch kept on each side to prevent
them from affecting the productiveness of the adjoin-
ing laud. Seed will, ere long, bo abundant, and 1
believe may now be obtained in the winter or spring
at the seed stores. The seeds are large, and may be
sown in the spring. They come up soon.

The iloNEV Locust or Glediischia triacanthns is a
hardy tree, not less thorny than the Osage orange,
and growing to a large size. I have seen some at-
tempt to form a hedge of this tree ; but with appa-
rently much neglect. It made a hedge used
for many years as an enclosure ; but showing
occasionally a gap mended with a fence rail. The
result of the experiment was more favorable than I
should hivve anticipated. The plants are easily raised
and the seed large and abundant.

There is another class of small trees of which I
have some hope that they may be so reduced as to do
service as hedge plants, as the stems and branches
are stiff and unyielding and the terminal buds and
spurs partake somewhat of the form and nature of
thorns. In this class are the Buckthorn or Rham-
nus cathartkus, the buffalo berrj' or SheplienUa argcn-
iea, the sheep berry or Vihurnum prunifoUum, tlic
red plum and sloe or Pi-unus amerkana and Spinosa.
Of the Buckthorn I have seen one hedge at the Bar-
tram farm, planted, as I suppose, by .John Bartram,
the elder, but at the time I saw it, it was permitted
to grow wild, and was not kept as an hedge or fence.
It appeared as though it could be made effective. It
is now very much vaunted as an hedge plant by wri-
ters in the Northern States and in the nursery cata-
logues it is marked ten dollars the thousand. The
Buckthorn and all the others of this class are small
trees and may tlierefore be permitted to grow vigor-
ously without nmtil.ation. Whilst I propose to re-
sume this subject hereafter, I desire that those who
have given attention to the raising of hedges and
h.ave succeeded well, will give us the result of their
experience through the Farm Journal.

Alan W. Corson.
Moniijomery county, Sept. 17, 1851.

Hon' to cultivate fine Cauliflowers.

Mr Spangler: — In compliance with your wish, I
send you a brief account of the cauliflowers, you no-
ticed so favorably in a former number of the Farm
.Journal. The seed (which was of superior quality,
I procured of Thomas F. Croft, seedsman, Philadel-
phia,) was sown about the middle of September, in
an open border. When of the proper size I trans-
planted them into a cold frame, in which they were
kept until the first of -January, at which time they
were transplanted into a hot-bed previously prepared
as follows; Leaves two feet deep, covered with very
rich compost to the depth of sixteen or eighteen inch-
es. They were kept dry during the winter, but when
they began to grow, plenty of water was given tliem,
particularly when about heading. As much light
and air was given them as the weather would permit.

John Rilet,
Gardener to Insane Asylum, PhUa.

[The cauliflowers above referred_to, we noticed in
the proceedings of the Penna. Horticultural Society,
as well as editorially in the June No. of the Journal.
They were certainly the most superb ones we ever
saw, and Mr. Riley will accept our thanks for ena-
bling us to lay before our readers his mode of treat-
ment. It is simple, and within the reach of every
one who desires an early supply of this favorite vege
table.— Ed.]

Early Nonpareil cabbage is one of the best sorts
in cultivation. It heads freely, rnd is of a good size,
and very delicate flavor.

VOL. 1.

LAIXCASTEU, PA., Ts'OVEMBER, 1S51.

m. 8.

THE EAUM JOURNAL,

S. S. IIAI.DEMAX. Editor.

Americau Association for the advaucemeut of
science.

This body held its annual mooting at New York,
in August. The attondanfc of members from various
parts of the United States was large, and the sessions
drew together large and interested audiences of both
sexes.

The citizens of Albany sl-.owed the members every
attention, and they will lonp; remember the hospital-
ity and kindness with which they were greeted in the
Empire State, which has done more for the cause of
science than any other State. In fact, the Natural
History survey has already cost about half a million
of dollars, and is still progressing.

Professor L. Agassiz was president of this year's
meeting and in his opening remarks ho advised the
American cultivators of science to look less to Eu-
rope for credit and support, standing upon their own
merits and the correctness of the views advanced
upon this side of the Atlantic. He recommends the
establishment of local museums of the natural objects
of diiferent parts of the country — an important hint,
but one which cannot be efficiently acted upon until
our educational institutions have a better appreciation
of general science infused into the bodies which con-

also ashes and salt, are proper manures for these
melons. The analysis both of soils and the plants
they are intended to produce cannot bo too much in-
sisted upon, for although the theories founded upon
such analyses may be at tim ;s erroneous, the facts
remain from which more accurate theories and a
more correct practice may be based.

An interesting essay was read by Dr. -J. L. LeConte
of New York, recently returned from California, on
the geographical distribution of animals in that coun-
try.

Professor E. N. Horsford, of Cambridge, (Massa-
chusetts), read a valuable chemical pa]ier on the So-
lidification of the rocks of the Florida reefs.

Professor W. Hackley, of Columbia College, N. Y.
presented his mathematical investigations on the pro-
per Geomettical form of the Mouldboard of the Plow,
one of the results of which is the necessity for a long
share.

Whilst the mere mechanical vanity of this country
received a deserved check at the World's fair; we
find that wherever mind and science were concerned,
America could compete on equal terms with any part
of the world. Another example of this truth was
given at the Albany meeting where the Committee
on microscopes decided that Spencer'.s American in-
struments were not excelled by those of any European
constructor, although the demand which the exten-
sion of microscopic science lias made for instruments
of the very best kind, has called much mathematical

trol them.

There was not much matter of special interest to I and mechanical talent into this branch of manufac-
thc agriculturist brought forward, as this generally ture.
finds its way to the agricultural societies and the pe-
riodicals devoted to this subject. Dr. J. H. Salis-
bury, Chemist to the State Agricultural Society of
New York, presented an analysis of the water melon^
and muskmelon, with full details of the various ele-
ments which enter into their organisation. Both
have marked quantities of phosphoric acid and soda,
with lime, carbonic acid, and chlorine. Other ele-
ments occur in smaller proportions. It results from
these analyses that animal matter, or bones and flesh,

VOL. I J.

Whilst in Albany we visited the rooms of the State
Agricultural Society, where there is a good display
of implements, including materials for a history of
the plow, such as old forms which, if not thus pre-
served will not be known in future generations. —
Some of these are very curious, as the awkward two
wheel plow used in Canada.

People too proud to work are much rarer than those
who are too Iczy.

226

EDITORIAL.

[November,

Milk and its management.

f- Here are some wholesome suggestions in regard to
milliing and the management of milk, in the dairy,
which we condense from an English work on the sub-
ject.

The operation of milking should be performed gen-
tly, not harshly. If harshly performed it becomes
painful to the cow, who not unfrequently brings into
action her faculty of retaining her milk at pleasure.
AVhen gently performed, milking generally gives
pleasure to the cow. Many instances are recorded
where cows which would not let down a single drop
of milk to one dairy maid, would let it flow in abun-
dance whenever another approached them.

Cows that are ticklish or skittish should always be
treated with the utmost gentleness, and when the ud-
der is hard and painful, it should be tenderly foment-
ed with luke-warm water and softly rulibed. Such
treatment will bring the cow into good temper, and
induce her to yield her milk freely.

Whenever a cow's teats becomes scratched or
wounded, so as to produce foul milk, such milk should
on no account be mixed with the sweet milk, but be
given to the pigs without being carried to the milk
house, lest its presence there should taint the atmo-
sphere and prove injurious to the other milk.

It is well to comb and curry cows as it promotes
cleanliness. The fact is, where clean milk is an ob-
ject, the comb and brush, together with the thorough
washing of the udder are indispensable.

Snuff-takers and slovens should never be permitted
to assist about the dairy, nor should the milkers be
permitted to enter it with a dirty apron covered with
hairs from the cow house.

1. Of the milk from any cow at one time, that part
which comes off the first is always thinner, and of a
much worse quality for making butter, than that af-
terwards obtained; and this richness continues to in-
crease progressively to the very last drop that can be
obtained.

2. If milk be put into a dish, and allowed to stand
till "it throws up cream, the portion of cream rising
first to the surface is richer in quality, and greater in
quantity, than that which rises in a second equal
space of time; and the cream which rises in the se-
cond interval of time is greater in quantity, and rich-
er in quality than that which rises in a third equal
space of time; that of the third is greater than that
of the fourth, and so of the rest ; the cream that rises
continuing progressively to decrease in quantity,
and to decline in quantity, so long as any rises to the
surface.

3. Thick milk always throws up a much smaller
proportion of the cream which it actually contains
than milk that is thinner; but the cream is of a rich-
er quality ; and if water be added to that thick milk,
it will afford a considerably greater quantity of cream,
and consequently more butter than it would have
done if allowed to remain pure ; but its quality is, at
the same time, greatly debased.

4. Milk, which is put into a bucket or other proper
vessel, and carried in it to a considerable distance,
80 as to ])e much agitated, and in part cooled before

it is put into the milk-pans to settlefor cream, never
throws up so much, or so rich cream, as if the sani'^'
milk had been put into the milk-pans directly after it
was milked.

From these fundamental facts, the reflecting dairy-
ist will derive many important practical rules. Some
of these we shall enumerate, and leave the rest to be
discovered. Cows should be milked as near the dai-
ry as possible, in order to prevent the necessity of
carrying and cooling the milk before it is put int<5
the creaming dishes. Every cow's milk should be
kept separate till the peculiar properties of each is
so well known as to admit of their being classed,
when those that are most nearly allied may bo mixed
together. When it is intended to make butter of a
very fine quality, reject entirely the milk of all those
cows which yield cream of a bad quality, and also
keep the milk that is first drawn from the cow at
each milking entirely separate from that which is
last obtained, as the quality of the butter must other-
wise be greatly debased without materially aug-
menting its quantity. For the same purpose, take
only the cream that is first separated from the first
drawn milk. Butter of the best quality can only be
economically made in those dairies where cheese is
also made; because in them the best part of each
cow's milk com be set apart for throwing up cream,
the best part of this cream can be taken in order to
be made into butter, and the remainder, or all the
rest of the milk and cream of the dairy, can be turn-
ed into cheese. The spontaneous separat'on ( f cream,
and the production of butter, are never effe txl but
in consequence of the production ot acid in the milk.
Hence it is that where the whole milk is set apart
for the separation of cream, and the whole of the
cream is separated, the milk must necessarily have
turned sour before it is made into cheese ; and no
very excellent cheese can bo made from milk which
has once attained that state.

Eastern Virginia. — Nowhere has the farming in-
terest advanced with more rapidity than it has of late
years in the Tidewater District of Virginia. It was
stated by a gentleman from Lancaster county, the
other day, that there was annually more than double
the quantity of wheat now sown in his district than
was reaped in his district twenty years ago. Anoth-
er large proprietor stated that he had realised up-
wards of fifteen per cent, on his investment in land
cultivated in wheat. This change has been brought
about by the discovery and application of marl, inex-
haustible in that quarter, and the free use of guano,
— one farmer in Westmoreland, we learn, having last
year applied twenty tons of that manure with striking
effect, in the improvements of his lands. — Wincheaier
Virginian.

Agriculture in this country is a highly respectar
ble, and at the same time a most attractive pursuit.
It is not only resorted to as a means of acquiring an
honest independence, but as a dignified and pleasur-
able occupation by men of science and letters, by
statesmen and warriors, merchants and navigators —
in short, by all who have wealth, honor, and distinc-
tion in other pursuits of life. — Senator S. A.Douglass.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

227

(Uommuniratious.

TRANSLATED FOR THE FARM JOURNAL.

Agricultural Chemistry, No. 3.

5) Polassutm. This is the metallic base of common
potash. It (loos not exist pure in nature, but is fre-
quently met with in combination with a salt. In the
form of a chloride, it ia found in small quantity in
eea water, more abundantly in the ashes of most
plants, and frequently in the soil. It is one of the
principal constituents of felspar, by the decomposition
of which soils are supplied with it, whence it is taken
up by growing plants. Soils contain it in the form
of silicates, carljonates, muriates, aitrates and phos-
phates ; and in vegetables it is usually found as a
carbonate, phosphate, sulphate, or nitrate. Potash
is an indispensable element of vegetables. Of the
cultivated plants, potatoes, turnips, rape, maize, clo-
ver, lucerne, esparcette, beans, peas, vetches, and
buckwheat, require liberal supplies of it; and so like-
wise, among forest trees, do the elm, the beech, the
asli, the hornbeam, the linden, and the willow.

G) Sodium. This is never found free, but occurs
plentifully in nature, in various combinations. As
chloride of sodium it exists abundantly in sea water,
from which it is obtained by evaporation as common
sea salt. It is also found in masses or beds, as rock
salt, at considerable depth in the earth, in various
countries. Sodium in combination with oxygen forms
common soda, which has a powerful affinity for acid.
We may properly infer that soda is indispensably re-
quired by plants, and we find it in the ashes of most
of them ; and many will thrive well only in soils con-
taining it in abundance — such as the Salicornia and
Salsola, the Glaus maritima, the Pod maritima, &c. ;
and hence those plants are found only in the vicinity
of salt springs and on the seacoast. Of the inland
plants, those which are very nutritious — such as the
dandelion, the clovers, lucerne, esparcette, and the
cabbages — are found to contain much soda, and doubt-
less owe their great nutriciousness to that circum-
stance. Such plantsare not only devoured greedily by
cattle, but are highly conducive to health and the
production of fat.

7) Calcium. This is a silver-white metal, which
Vjy union with oxygen, forms lime. It is not found
in an uncombined state, but in its various combina-
tions is of the greatest importance in practical agri-
culture. Calcareoue earth combined with carbonic
acid, constitutes common limestone and marble; with
sulphuric acid, it forms gypsum; and in combin.ation
with phosphoric acid, it is found in several minerals
— such as apatite and phosphorite — in marls, in soils,
and in bones of animals. It is also found combined
with silicic acid, not only in minerals, but in the soil
and marls of alluvial districts ; and the ashes of ma-
ny plants contain it in excess, in combination either
with phosphoric, sulphuric, silicic, or carbonic acid. —

It is a well ascertained fact that calcarious earth, is
indispensably necessary for the growth and due de-
velopment of nearly all plants ; but great diversity
of opinion prevails as to the proportior al quantity
which soils should contain to be very fertile. From
three to four per cent, is the usually assumed propor-
tion, through Sprengel states that most of the soils
celebrated for their productiveness, which were anal-
ized by him, contained only one-half of one per cent.
But he fouud the calcareous earth in these invariably
in combination with substances wliich rendered it
readily soluble and thus facilitated its absorption and
assimilation by the plants. But in such cases a ra-
pid diminution of the quantity of lime in the soil fol-
lowed the cultivation of crops ; because, in addition
to what was taken up by the plants, much was leached
out and carried off by rain water. Sulphate of lime
is present in many soils, and is found in the ashes of
many cultivated plants. It is employed, in the state
of powder, as a means of increasing the fertility of
land, and is found to promote the growth of those
plants especially which require both lime and su!-
plmr. Spring water containing it, may be advantaf o-
ously applied for the irrigation of meadows.

8) Aluminum. This is the basis of clay, which is
very abundant in nature and forms a large portion
of the crust of the globe. Though belonging to their
chemical constituents, plants contain only a Terj
small qi»intity of aluniinous earth. Soils which con-
tain a large portion of it are difficult to work ; and
the most fertile soils usually contain comparatively
little of it — not exceeding from two to four per cent.

9) Iron. In its combination with oxygon, this sub-
stance exerts a very important influence on vegetable
life; and in this state it exists abundantly in natarc.
The first, or protoxid is rarely found in soils, except
in combination with an acid. The second, or perox-
id, is much more common, and imparts the reddish
color observable in many soils.

10) Manganese. This is a metal, but is never
found in a pure state, being always in combination
with oxygen or sulphuj. As it is found in almost all
parts, it seems essential to their growth. But it is
not yet ascertained whether it acts on them directly,
per se, or whether it is absorbed, merely in conse-
quence of its intimate connection with iron, of which
it is a faithful associate.

From the foregoing enumeration, it is obvious that
very few of these simple substances occur naturally
in a pure state, but are found in various combina-
tions and forms, in the soil. The chief cause of these
combinations appears to be in the powerful tendency
of oxygen to unite with the several elements, — though
there are some combinations in which oxygen bears
no part. Furthermore, oxygen is present in very dif-
ferent proportions in most of those combinations;
and thus numerous bodies possessing various proper-
ties are produced. When oxygen unit-es with another

228

COMMUNICATIONS.

[November,

liody in any small quantity, the result is called a
pcroxid, being an imperfect oxid, in -wliich the pecu-
liar qualities of substance ■n'hich the oxygen unites
with are still largely predominant. But if the quan-
tity of oxygen be so large that a kind of mutual
saturation takes place, tht resulting combination is
called a protoxhl. In these the peculiar qualities or
properties of both substances are totally changed. —
When the quantity of oxygen absorbed is in excess
the combination is termed a Jiypercxid, which pos-
sesses properties more closely approximating those of
oxygen. But if the oxygen predominate so greatly
that the combinations become acid, and act corrosive-
ly when in a concentrated form, tliey are termed
acids. But all bodies do not aljsorb oxygen in such
f[uantity as to become acid. Of the simple substan-
ces, carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, and silicon alone
do so ; others, such as potassium, sodium, calcium>
magnesium, aluminum, iron and mang.anese, will
take up only so much oxygen as suffices to form oxids.
But these oxids, again, possess the property of uniting
with the oxids of the first mentioned class, and the
resulting combinations are termed salts. Other sub-
stances, however, may also form salts. All the va-
rious acids do not possess the same degree of affinity
for the several elements, uniting more readily with
some than with others, as though more closely rela-
ted to some than to others. This affinity extends so
far, that when acid has taken a particular substance,
and then meets another for which it has a stronger
attraction, it will forsake the former and combine
with the latter. The oxid which, by combination
with an acid, forms a salt, is called the base. Basic
bodies, accordingly, are oxids, whilst their counter-
parts are acids.

An old farmer's method of planting Corn.

Mb. Editor. — Although not the season for corn
planting, I give you herewith an account of the plan
which I always pursue, and after an experience of
nearly forty-eight years, have found ^under all cir-
cumstances to produce the best crops. Many year's
observation, has satisfied me of the fact, that my sys-
tem will answer as well as any other in favorable sea-
sons, and far better during such an one as that just
passed.

I always make it a point, when practicable, to put
corn on sod ground, which may bo plowed in the fall,
and with excellent effect, but which should be, at the
earliest possible period in the spring. I always plow
eight inches in d»pth, then score out my ground very
deep, leaving the distance between the furrows three
feet. The corn is then dropped, single grains, twelve
inches apart. Where the ground is strong, the dis-
tance may be less. My ten-toothed harrow is next
brought into play, be!ng fashioned as follows : four-
teen inches in width in front, and eight inches be-
hind. This is tfarefuUy drawn through the furrow,

thinly covering the corn, and the field permitted to
lie in this condition for sis or seven days, when, with
my twelve-toothed harrow I go over the whole, most
thoroughly, covering the corn. The efiect of this last
harrowing is to retard somewhat the first appearance
of the corn, (which, by the way is not an objection,)
and to keep down the weeds and grass. When about
four inches high, I go through the furrows lengthwise
with a shovel harrow, which is another deathlilow to
the weeds and grass, and when it has reached the
height of twelve inches I give it another and final
dressing with one of Il.arnley's corn plows. This
last dressing effectually destroys the weeds and leaves
the ground in a fine mellow condition.

The advantages I claim for this method are these:

First, the deep plowing gives the roots of the corn
a fine chance to penetrate the soil to a considerable
depth, in search of suitable food. The depth which
they reach, secures them in a great measure against
the effects usually produced by drought. A second
good result of the deep plowing is, that in very wet
seasons, the over-moisture will affect the young corn
less than where the plowing is shallow, because, not
being obstructed at a depth of four or five inclios by
the hard pan beneath, it has a chance to sink several
inches lower.

Secondly. The heavy harrowing, after the corn has
been six or eight days planted, completely exposes to
the sun and air. the seeds of weed and grass which
have commenced germinating, and cither kills them
completely, or so injures them, that their future
growth and vigor is retarded so much as to place
them completely at the mercy of the shovel harrow
and corn plow, with which the after dressings are
given. Again, the last dressing with the corn plow
keeps the mellow earth around the stalk, and in most
cases the result is, a second set of roots which give in-
creased vigor to the growing stalk and ear.

By the plan above detailed I have rarely, if ever,
failed to have an average crop, even in the most un-
favorable seasons, and when the seasons have been
good, I have been led to think the yield to be fully
equal to any of my neighbors.

As before remarked, this article may be somewhat
out of season ; but as the long evenings are approach-
ing, some of your readers, who may think it worth
their while to test my plan, will have an excellent
opportunit}' of reading and reflecting upon the sub-
ject, before plowing time arrives.

Christian Stouffer.

Pine Farm, Manheim tp., Lancaster co.

The modes of sowing barley are either broad-cast
or in rows by the drill or ribbing. The broad-cast
mode is almost universally adopted ; unless in lands
much infested with annual weeds, where drilling and
hand-hoeing, and in particular cases horse-hoeing,
may be employed to advantage.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

229

Mr. Editor. — It is a source of satisfaction to ob-
serve the increased attention paid to lime as a fer-
tilizer. Notwithstanding the persevering efforts of
interested persons to press upon the farmers the ex-
tensive use of guano, and other highly vaunted ma-
nures, it is apparent that the common sense of the
community is fast triumphing over these labored ef-
forts, and our o'svn native fertilizers adopted to a
much greater extent than heretofore.

As a manure, lime undoubtedly deserves to be
classed amongst the best, not only on account of the
permanent fertility it imparts to most soils, but also
from its abundance and cheapness. It is a well es-
tablished fact, that guano, while it rapidly imparts a
high fertility to many soils, loses its virtues in a com-
paratively short period ; thus rendering its frequent
repetition necessary. This involves an expense which
the generality of farmer's receipts will never justify,
hence its universal adoption, at once becomes imprac-
ticable. Lime, on the other hand, is not only cheap-
er, but when once applied in the requisite quantity,
many years elapse before another application is
needed.

Chemical analysis has satisfactorily shown, that
lime exists in combination with an acid, in nearly
all plants, it therefore becomes an almost indispen-
sable ingredient of the food which should be supplied
to them. There are also but few soils of which it
does not form a part, and for this reason its adapta-
bility to the general uses of farming is greater than
that of any other manure — that of the farm yard ex-
cepted. Wherever, I believe, the presence of lime
has not been detected in greater or smaller propor-
tions, there the soil has been found unfit for cultiva-
tion.

However, notwithstanding the almost universal
adaptability of lime to farming purposes, it is appa-
rent that its true value as a fertilizer is but imperfect-
ly understood. Farmers are frequently met with,
whose experience with it has been anything else than
satisfactory. If, however, inquiry is made, it will be
found that where it has failed to accomplish the do-
sired purposes, it has' been the fault of the farmer
and not of the lime. The general and very correct
impression, that it is useful upon nearly every kind
of soil, has led many to err in its application, they
supposing that all soils require it in equal quantities.
Writers upon the subject, pretend to fix the precise
quantity requisite for an acre, and following these
wise prescriptions, many persons apply it in the same
quantities to every variety of soil. Than this, there
could not be a more pernicious evil in farming.

The quantity of lime to be used on an acre of ground
should of course vary with the character of the soil.
As one of its principal virtues consists in its action
upon organic substances ; that soil will of course bear
it in the largest quantities where 'animal and vegeta-

ble remains most largely abound. Again, as lime is
most frequently deemed necessary, by the inexperi-
enced, where there is, to a considerable degree, an
absence of organic matter, the consequence is, that
it is frequently applied in too large quantities, to do
aught else than absolute harm, and the experimenter
tm-ns from it with disappointment and dissatisfaction.

If more pains were taken to inculcate proper ideas
in regard to the use of lime as a fertilizer — if, instead
of \\Titers, lauding its general adaptation to all soils,
and in just such quantities as the farmer's means
will admit of, they would be particularly careful to
point out the character of the soils and the quantity
in which it should be applied to each, we should
soon find it gro^ving into favor, and our farmers reap-
ing the benefits of its virtues.

I have penned the above, Mr. Editor, hoping that
it will be tlie means of drawing abler pens than mine
to this important subject. If your correspondent P.
S. L.'s views in relation to the deterioration of the
soil of Pennsylvania be correct, it is high time to
look around iis, and see what means are within our
reach to arrest the evil. There are doubtless many,
but it appears to me that there is no.one so thorough-
ly available as the judicious use of lime, and as our
coal regions are being intersected at every point by
rail roads, and as limestone exists in inexliaustible
quantities in a large portion of our State, the use of
lime will, in a few years, be brought within the reach
of the generality of farmers. Let us, therefore, un-
derstand its use perfectly, in advance.

Enoch Lewis.

Luzerne couniy, Penna.

A Practical Farmer's testimony in behalf of deep
plowing;.

Mr. Editor : — In travelling through various sec-
tion of Pennsylvania, my attention has been arrested
by the very shallow plowing done by most farmers
This reprehensible practice prevails to as great an
extent in counties where the soil admits of plowing
to the depth of seven or eight inches, as in those
where it is thin and poor; and it appears to me that
it is the result not so much of a desire to evade the
diflference in the amount of labor as of an ignorance
of the immense value of deep plowing.

I am a plain former, pretending to no scientific
knowledge, althougli I have the advantage of some
forty years practical [experience. 1 will not, there-
fore, attempt to give you any scientific reasons for
my strong faith in deep plowing, but will call your
attention to a few facts which spsak more loudly to
the minds of practical men than scientific theories.

In the year 1847, I purchased the farm on which
I now reside. The condition of it at the time of pur-
chase was most wretched. Fences were torn down,
the house was fast going to decay, and the barn and
outbuildings too bad to shelter stock or protect pro-
duce from the weather. The land was in worse con-

230

COMMUNICATIONS.

[November,

dition still. For years it had been rented out, and
as is usually the case ■with tenants, every thing was
taken from the soil which it would yield, and when
at length it was worn out completely, it was turned
out, like an old horse to die.

The land was originally as fine as any in Lancas-
ter county, a fact of which I was fully aware. I had
for years observed the mode of plowing adopted by
the tenants,, and felt satisfied that one of the princi-
pal causes of the wretched condition of the farm was
the " skinning" system pursued by them. My first
step, therefore, was to remedy this evil. My horses
being of the kind familiarly known as the " Conesto-
gos" and my plows, those manufactured in our own
county, (which, for adaptation to heavy soil are
the best I know of ) I commenced the work of renova-
tion. A good motto for every farmer is, " go to the
bottom of things." I determined to foUow it and
went to tlie bottom of the soil on my farm. It was
hard work, and my " Conestogo team" felt it. But I
fed well, and continued the undertaking. Every acre
was plowed to tlie depth of eight inches, and soil was
brought to the light and air which had not seen either
for a quarter of a century. Some of my neighbors
looked in upon me and nearly all predicted that I
would get tired before I was done. This, however,
did not discourage me. 1 persevered until the whole
was completed, applying to the land all the farm yard
manure I could gather, and when that failed, putting
on lime.

What was the result? The result was that the
first crops of wheat and corn were treble the quantity
of those taken from the farm when under lease. I
had nearly thirty bushels of first rate wheat to the
acre, which was as good a yield as that of any of my
neighbors farms. A field from which, all told, six
small two horse loads of hay had been gathered ; two
years after yielded me thirty-nine larger loads. My
corn was good and I was satisfied with the result of
my experiment.

As my means of feeding stock multiplied, I increas-
ed the number, so that my manure heap grew in size
and value. The deep plowing was persisted in, and
with this gratifying fact accompanying it, that where
I with difficulty plowed to a depth of eight inches
before, I could now plow to the same depth with as
much ease as my neighbors could to a depth of five
inches. This was another spoke in my wheel and
my neighbors began to see it. I was pleased to ob-
serve that several of them set their plows a little
deeper, and that the benefits of giving the sub-soil a
chance to speak, were beginning to be appreciated.

During the past season I have had my faith in deep
plowing greatly strengthened. AYhile many farmers
complain of considerably less than an average crop
of corn, mine has never been better. During the
drought, when in other fields the corn looked sickly

and yellow, mine grew strong and vigorous, and
throughout the season retained a rich green color.

Now, Mr. Editor, while I give the lime and ma-
nure, I have applied to my farm, all the credit they
deserve, I attribute its present good condition mainly
io deep ]phu-ing, and in concluding this plain state-
ment of facts, permit me to say to farmers every
where, that the first plowing is the only one that
need be .looked upon with dread. "When once the
soil is loosened thoroughly to the depth of eight
inches, it can be kept loose with very little more la-
bor than where the average depth of plowing is five
inches. And I am fully convinced of the fact that
were the labor double that of shallow plowing, it
will pay better to go to the bottom, every year, than
merely to " skin " tlie surface.

An Old Farmer.

Manor townsltip, Lancaster co.

liate Seeding.

INIr. Editor. — The calamitous effects of blight in
our grain crops some ten or twelve years back, led
subsequently to early seeding, which in general is
the safest practice, although not a specific against
blight ; for I have frequently seen blighted wheat
which had been sown early. There are, and ever
will be cases of blighted grain, arising from causes
other than late seeding, which the want of time will
not permit me to enter upon now, but hope to be able
at some future time to explain. My object at present
is to say a few words on the necessity there will be
to guard against the "wintering out," as it is term-
ed, of the forthcoming crop, and to secure against
blight, as under tlio circumstance of late seeding. —
The prevailing drought pending the present seed
time producing a condition of things tantamount to
late sowing, will require some additional attention
on the part of farmers, in order to secure the young
grain and grass, feeble and exposed as they will Ix',
from the freezing and thawing of the coming winter.

At this date, last season, most of the grain crops
looked so luxuriant and so much in advance of the
season, that fears were entertained by many, that so
premature a growth would injuriously aflfect the crop
by smothering it under the snow, or in promoting the
increase of the fly from the congenial shelter it would
afiijrd for its propagation; and hence some resorted
to depasturing, and not a few to mowmg, to provide
against the apprehended contingencies. The case is
widely different now, as many of the grain field.s
look as if left to fallow unsown. The seed if germi-
nated, has sent forth but feeble plants, having but
little hold in the ground, and should November be
oven'so favorable as common, still the young grain
can make but little progress in root or blade, to fit it
to withstand the severity and changes of the winter.

The question then is, how can the danger be avert-
ed or the evil modi^ed? I answer, through a judicious

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

sai

top-dressing by way of sheltering and protecting the
tender blades and rootlets from the intense frosts and
relaxing thaws of the approaching season, and to
quicken them into action so soon as the earliest breath
of spring breatlies upon them, so as by rapid growth
they make up for their backwardness in the fall, and
mature in season to escape blight. To this end I re-
commend a top dressing of unrotted litter, forked
from the barn yard and stable manure, to be carted
on and spread evenly and lightly over the grain, so
soon after the first frost shall have frozen the ground
sufficiently hard to prevent the wheels from cutting
into it. The first rain or snow afterward will flatten
it do'ivn, close over and around the roots, protecting
them in a great degree from the intensity of succeed-
ing frosts, and affirding to them invigorating warmth
and nourishment for an early start in the spring. —
If the ground has been well manured previous to
seeding, care must be taken to carry out as little of
the ' short dung with the litter as possible; this can
easily bo managed by shaking off extraneous matter
in forking. If sufficient litter is not at hand, at first,
to topdress the whole, whatever accumulates after-
wards should occasionally be spread through the ear-
ly part of the winter, as opportunity may occur, until
all the grain has been dressed. The short straw fre-
quently loft in the barn yard from the threshing ma-
chine, though not saturated by the cattle or horses,
may, if early applied, prove highly advantageous.
Let no one be deterred from applying the litter or
straw upon their grain fields through fear of encour-
aging the fly, or be so solicitous as to the appearance
the litter, when dry, in spring, will present, for the
young wheat and grass plants will soon push through
it, and it will in a short time sink to the surface as
it becomes moistened with the dew and rain, and
■will moreover, exert a beneficial influence on the
wheat, and insure well set grass in the stubble when
the grain is reaped.

Permit me to add, that experience in top dressing
late sown grain, qualify me to bear testimony in fo-
vor of its great utility. I have practised it every
year on grain sown on potato land, which from the
lateness of the seeding, caused by the delay in gath-
ering the potato crop, rendered the practice of top
dressing, in my judgment, indispensable. Through
a series of years I never failed in reaping a first rate
crop of wheat under this practice. In 1842 I gather-
ed over 440 bushels of fine Mercer potatoes to the
acre, field culture, and actually reaped the next har-
vest, from the same land, quite fifty bushels of white
wheat to the acre : the seed of which I had from my
esteemed friend, Capt. John Steele, of Paradise, Lan-
caster county. Last harvest, of wheat so treated, top
dressed, I must from appearance have reaped not
loss than forty bushels to the acre from three to four
acres of land, from which a crop of potatoes had been
gathered the previous season. Many I fear will

think the practice here recommended too trouble-
some. To such I take leave to say, they should not
hesitate to take a little additional pains to secure a
remunerating crop for the labor already bestowed
upon it, which present appearance, without some fur-
ther effort may prove labor lost. A poor crop of
grain at harvest, with badly set grass, are circum-
stances that every farmer must deprecate. What
prudent man but would give a trifle to insure that
which might be deemed at risk or in jeopardy.

Respectfully, James Gowen.

Mount Airy, Oct. 16, 1851.

Agriculture in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Editor : — Much has been said of late about
the agricultural progress and standing of Pennsylva-
nia, and comparisons have been drawn between her
and other members of the Union, rather derogatory
to our own State.

Now, Mr. Editor, I have repeatedly contended that
Pennsylvania is in advance of other States, in agri-
cultural improvement, — at least in the cultivation of
the soil and the condition of farms generally.

In riding along our railroads, turnpikes, and pub-
lic avenues, these facts must be evident to those who
have traversed ours and other States sufficiently to
institute a comparison. They will see in Pennsylva-
nia finer fields, cleaner and more completely tilled ;
fences of better style and in neater condition ; the
system of rotation more closely observed and prac-
tised; the returns of field crops equal to, if not ex-
ceeding, generally, those of other States, while our
farm buildings, at least our barns and stabling, are
greatly superior to those seen elsewhere.

Having said thus much for our fields and our
farms, the superiority of which I think should be
conceded, it may be well to turn for a moment to the
other side of the picture and note the " short comings"
and deficiencies of our good citizens. AVhen our
farmers visit the agricultural .shows and fairs of the
Eastern States (which they do quite too i-nrelv)
surprise is excited at the great display made l.iy dis-
tricts that appear inferior to their own, in the means
of producing, whether of quality or kind, the variety
concentrated in their show grounds. The surprise is
still greater when on visiting the best markets north
and east of us, they are not found to equal our own,
and especially that of Philadelphia.

What, then, is the reason, that they so far excel us
in the annual display of their agricultural products ?

Several causes may be assigned for this, in some
respects real, in others apparant superiority. Not-
withstanding we have more highly cultivated farms,
and finer barns, aifording more abundant food and
better shelter, with a climate unsurpassed for the
rearing of stock, our cattle, horses, sheep and swino
are in the aggregate inferior to tliose of New York
and the New England States. In the breeding of

232

COMMUNICATIONS.

[November.

stock with very few exeeptiona our farmers are ex-
ceedingly deficient; and equally so in orchard fruits
of nearly all descriptions. We should seek for better
kinds, and when we have them should make it known
by bringing them out on public occasions as do our
eastern neighbors.

Even this inferiority of stock is overcome by the
fruitfulness of our soil and the skill of our graziers
as is shown by our unrivalled shambles, while the
butter, the milk, the field vegetables and the finer
products of the garden have given to the markets of
Philadelphia a high reputation the wide world over.

Now, with the advantage of a fine climate and our
superior farms which pour their wealth so profusely
into the pockets of our hardy yeomen, why is it that
we fail in some important particulars? Is it not
mainly owing to the want of that free and social in-
tercourse which distinguishes the citizens of the
northern and eastern States.

Unlike them, our farmers are reserved and recluse
in their manners and habits ; they seldom' mingle to-
getlier in societies or associations, and of course have
not the benefit resulting from frequent interchange
of opinions. Some of the happy results of assembling
together for discussion and social conversation, are
the desire given to. communicate knowledge; the in-
formation imparted or received; gradually acquiring
the means of communicating our ideas and thoughts
to others, and in a word rapidly promoting the habit
of inquiring, reasoning, thinkiiiy— that thinkiny which
gives to the yankee his cuteness, or rather his great
intelligence.

In travelling through a rough and poor district of
Massachusetts where the people might starve if they
depended on the soil alone for sustenance, but where
their houses and homes looked comfortable, I was
asked by a fellow passenger what they lived upon.
The very natural reply suggested itself to my mind
that " they lived upon their wits."

These people owe their wit as we call it, or the
knowledge by which they live and prosper where
others would starve, to attendance in the first place
at their excellent pulilic schools, and then by becom-
ing members of agricultural and other societies, and
by reading books which treat on the business and
■ pursuits of life. It does not take such men long to
understand that a good horse or cow or sheep costs
no more to raise than one of inferior kimi, while it
will when ready for market sell higher, and they
therefore seek for the best. If we can induce our
Pennsylvania farmers to form in every neighborhood
agricultural societies or clubs and especially to sub-
scribe for and read such works as the Pa. Farm Jour-
nal they would not be long in discovering wherein
there is room to improve their condition and pros-
pects.

Our fine fields would never be covered with
"mountain scrubs" when a better race could be

found, and our farm stock like our crops would vie
with the best of any land. Farming implements
would by the same means be improved even beyond
their present high standard and the character of
Pennsylvania as an agricultural State of the first or-
der would be sustained and promoted.

Phila., Oet. 18, 1851. A. S. Roberts.

How should young farmers spend their winter
eieiiiiigs.

Winter is approaching, — the long evenings are at
hand, and the holiday of the farmer is near. Young
man, you, I mean, who purpose devoting your life
to agricultural pursuits, have you determined upon
any plan of spending yuur winter evenings? If you
have not, let me suggest one.

Are you familiar with the great principles upon
which the noble science to which you purpose devot-
ing your life, is based? Perhaps you will answer,
yes ; but before you do so, pause a moment and re-
flect. I do not desire to know whether you can plow,
or reap or mow, or pei'form any or all of the duties
of the farm ; but whether you are conversant witli
those broad principles which lie at the foundation of
agriculture, and without a knowledge of which you
can never become a true farmer ? Or, to make mat-
ters plain, if not familiar with them, are you endea-
voring to become so ? If you are not, you have an
important duty to perform — a duty you owe to your-
self and your profession ; and that is, an immediate
attention to those branches of study, which if pursued
with a proper spirit, will make you a better farmer,
and a wiser and happier man.

The long winter evenings are approaching, and
delightful evenings they will be, if properly improved.
You are probably aware that chemistry is the foun-
dation stone of agriculture. It performs an import-
ant part in almost every process in which you en-
gage, and it enables you to understand the various
uses of the materials you work with, or produce. —
A thorough knowledge of agricultural chemistry, will
assist you in overcoming the host of difficulties that
stand in the way of the mere working farmer. It will
teach you the character and requirements of your
soils— the proper application of manures — the most
economical mode of feeding your stock — the manage-
ment of your dairy — the true value of the crops you
grow ; in fact it is the only thing that can enable you
to know to a positive certainty, whether the system
of farming you are pursuing is the most economical,
as well as the most profitable. I might cite a thou-
sand instances in which chomis^y has removed mis-
apprehensions, and dispelled erroneous theories ; this
however, is not necessary. If you have an earnest
desire to become a thorough farmer, a bare reference
to the advantages to be derived from even a partial
knowledge of it will be sufficient.

Now for my plan. Procure a copy of Liebig's
Agricultural Chemistry, and if you can aflbrd it, get

1851.J

COMMUNICATIONS.

233

Johnson's too. Determine to give two hours at least
of eaoh evening to the study of thorn, and make it an
unalterable rule to fix in your mind at least one
important truth every evening. Persevere a few
weeks, and as one great truth is added to another,
you ■R-ill be surprised at the growing interest that is
awakening witiiin you. Thus continually and stead-
ily advance in your studies, and by the time spring
arrives, and you are prepared to resume your out-door
work, you will have laid up such stores of knowledge
as will not only repay you for the mental labor you
have undergone, but your daily toil, instead of being
drudgery, will become a source of delightful interest
to you. You will work more intelligently and conse-
quently more advantageously. Understanding the
character of the soil you cultivate, the manures you
apply and the crops you grow, you will be enabled to
adapt one to the other and thus produce the most de-
sirable results, with the least possible expense.

In mentioning Johnson and Liebig only, do not
suppose that I wished to convey the idea that their
works should alone engage your attention. There
are many others, on subjects intimately allied to agri-
culture, vliich should also be attentively studied, and
which your own taste and judgment will enable you
to select. But remember this one fact; if you desire
to build up a reputation for being a true ecientific
practical farmer, agricultural chemistry must be the
corner stone of the structure you wish to raise. —
Without it you may farm, and farm successfully, but
your labor will not be intelligent labor. A¥ith it,
your toil will be lessened in fact, while the conscious-
ness that you understand the various processes that
engage your attention, will lend to it a charm that
will beguile many an otherwise tedious hour, and
lead you step by step, deeper into those glorious mys-
teries of nature's workings, that are a "sealed book"
to the uniformed. Young man, how will you spend
the long winter evenings ? Franklin.

Marrishurg, Oct. 9, 1851.

Mr. Editor: — Some time since I purchased a cow,
which, at the time of purchase, was very thin in flesh.
She gave a large quantity of milk, and I was led to
believe that with careful feeding I could soon improve
her appearance. But my hopes have been vain. —
She eats freely and gets as much as she can eat, but
she will not fatten. The amount sf milk has also in-
creased very perceptibly, but not the fiesh. Can you
account for this ? J. S.

Mechayiieshurg, Cumberland county.

[Answer. — Good milkers are rarely ever full flesh-
ed. The curd and butter of milk are formed from
the same material as the fat and muscle of the cow,
consequently, so long as she continues to yield a
large quantity of milk, she will not become fivtter. —
Whenever the cow begins to fatten her milk falls off
i n quantity.

Dear Sir: — Agreeably to promise I send herewitli
a small sample of wheat grown by me this season. —
I procured the seed from the Waljash valley, Ca»s
county, Indiana — and quote the words of a letter
from the friend tp whose kindly office I am indebted
for the seed. "The wheat was raised on the barrens
or oak cpenings, and yields, with western farming,
thirty to thirty-five bushels per acre. The seed wa.^
originally sent in a letter from the Baltic, weighs
sixty-four poimds to the bushel, and is considered the
best in the country — commanding $1 per bushel for
seed."

I sowed the three bushels of seed on an acre and
a half of ground which had been in potatoes, they
having been sowed in tlio sod well manured with
barn yard manure. The yield was fifty-two bushels.

Owing to the delay in forwarding the seed it was
not sowed until the 11th of October and was harvest-
ed on the 8th of July — one day after a field of Medi-
terranean wheat sowed on tho 13th of September. —
It is a white beardless variety — bearing a full head
not so long as the Mediterranean but equal in bulk
upon a remai-kably stiff straw, much tho color of
bright bamboo.

Upon the 30th ultimo I seeded twelve acres witii
this wheat, having manured the oats stubble freely
with barn yard manure, plon ed threo times, sowed
broadcast two bushels to the acre and harrowed in.

It will afford me pleasure to communicate the re-
sult at the proper season.

From the very gratifying success of tho first sow-
ing I am encouraged to hope this may prove what we
so much desire in this region, an early white wheat.

I intend having the ground accurately surveyed
and the return of the miller to whom tlio crop was
sold. Very respectfully.

Your obedient servant,

Jas. A. McCrea, M. D.

WhitemarsJi, Montgomery county, Oct. 9, 1851.

To Measure an Acre op Ground. — In measuring
land, 30i square yards make one square rod, and 40
square rods make on square rood, four of Vv'hich, or
IGO rods, make one acre. It is evident, therefore,
that 40 rods long by 4 rods wide will make an acre.
The same result may be arrived at by measuring 299
feet in length, and 198 feet in width, or by measur-
ing 73 J 'yards in length, by CO yards in breadth. To
lay out an acre square, 209 feet on each side is the
nearest amount that will make an acre, being les.s
than an inch each way over the exact distance ; 43
560 superficial feet, or 208 95—100 feet on eaoh side
constitute an acre of ground.

An Englishman observed a stone roll down a stair-
case. It bumped on every stair till it came to the
bottom ; there, of course, it rested. " That stone,"
said he, " resembles the national debt of my country;
it has bumped on every grade of the community, but
its weight rests on the lowest."

COMMUNICATIONS.

I November,

Propagation of the vine.

(Ciintiuued from page 209.)

Some c\iltivators take single eyes with about half
an inch of the wood above and belq^y, rounding off
both ends somewhat, and place them in a hotbed or
in pots, horizontally, so as to leave the apex of the
bud or eye even with the surface of the soil — cover-
ing the whole slightly with moss, which is to be kept
moderately moist.

In connection with the pi'cceding, Mr. Matlack
gives his system of pruning or dressing, based on the
physiology of the vine ; which being an essential
part of the after culture, deserves to be quoted in his
own language.

" Every joint of a grape vine has its own separate
pith. This most important circumstance commences
at the lowest leaf that has a clasper opposite. A
solid woody substance, passing from the leaf to the
clasper, through the vine, and connecting them to-
gether, cut off entirely the communication between
the pith of the joint below and that of the joint nest
above ; and so on upwards at every joint throughout
the whole length of the vine. In the after stages of
the growth of the vine, this takes ] lace also where
the first branch of grapes stands opposite to a leaf — ■
the bunches never failing to stand below all the clas-
pers, which are indeed barren fruit stems, whose
chief office is to support the vine and the clusters be-
low them. It is important to be known and kept in
mind, that all the eyes below the first clasper are
fiirmed in the bosom of smaller and more feeble
leaves ; and that the base of these eyes does not ex-
tend across the vine so as entirely to cut off the pith
of the joint below from connection with that of the
joint next above it. These eyes are tlierefore imper-
fect, and whenever you trim the vine ought to be
rubbed off.

" It is at the first trimming of a vine grown from a
cutting, that we begin to apply the principle here
laid down ; and it is only on this occasion that there
can be any difficulty in the application of it. This
difficulty can only arise when the growth of the vine
* has been so feeble, as not to have produced a clasper
in any part of it. This seldom occurs, but if it
should happen, the vine must l)e cut off at half an
inch abovd the lowest strong full eye ; otherwise it is
to be cut off at half an inch above the first clasper ;
and in both cases, all the eyes below are to be
carefully cut off.

" The eye thus left will sometimes produce more
than one shoot, in which case all but the strongest
should be rubbed off, and that supported and pro-
tected. This, except the keeping the ground free
from woods, is all the care required this year.

" In tlie following February the vine is to be again
cut off just above the second clasper from below ; that
is leaving on two eyes to grow this season, and rub-
bing off all the eyes below the lowest clasper. Both
these shoots should be permitted to grow to their ut-

most extent — which, if the soil bo favorable, will bo
very considerable ; and there will be reason to hope
for fruit the next season.

" The lower clasper issues higher up on some kinds
of vine than on others. On some it appears at the
third leaf, on some at the fourth, and on some kinds
as high up as at the fifth leaf. But the same rule is
to be applied to all ; and every eye below the lowest
clasper is to be rubbed off.

" In the third February, three eyes may be left on
each shoot ; l>ut not more, however strong the shoots
may appear to be. From this time forward all the
side branches from'the shoots of the year are to be
rubbed off, taking care not to injure the leaf from
which they spring, which is the nurse of the bud at
the liase of the stem.

" At the fourth time of dressing the vine, and from
that time forward, it may be out from about the end
of October to the middle of February. Four eyes
may be left on each shoot at this time ; and five eyes
may be left on each at the fifth dressing. But more
than five eyes should never be left on a shoot even of
the most vigorous growth, at any age of the vine ; for
however pleasing the increase for the year may be,
the injury done thereby to the vine, will be seen and
lamented in the following and probably many suc-
ceeding years."

So much for the readiest modes of raising the vine
from cuttings, and its subsequent treatment. But tlie
propagation of this plant by seed, also deserves atten-
tion and trial, because valuable now varieties are not
unfrequcntly thus obtained, and seedlings generally
prove to be hardier and more productive than the pa-
rent plant, thriving in inferior soils, and being less
susceptible of injury from atmospheric influences. —
For this purpose the most perfect and earliest ma-
tured seeds of approved grapes arc chosen, separated
from the pulp, and dried. About the close of April,
a bed having a western or northern exposure is to be
prepared, by depositing a layer of leaves, or fresh
horse dung about a foot high, and coverin;^ it with
about four inches of rich garden mould. The seed
is then dibblsd in three inches apart in rows six in-
ches distant from each other, and covered about half
an inch. The ground is to bo kept moderately damp,
and about the middle of May the young plants will
make their appearance. During the summer the bed
must be kept clear of weeds, and oceasionallyVatered
if the season be dry. In August the seedlings must be
pruned down to eight or nine inches, and at the end
of October taken up and preserved in moist sand or
earth, over the winter, in a well ventilated cellai.- -
In the following spring, they may be sot out in rows,
or planted where they are to remain permanently,
and the subsequent treatment is to be in accordance
with the directions given by Mr. Mattack.

An excellent liquid manure for tlie vine, may be
prepared as follows : Take one bushel of cow dung,
ten gallons of water, three gallons of bullock's blood,
and two quarts of unslacked lime. Incorporate the
whole wall, stirring it frequently during two weeks,
and water the plants therewith in the spring, shortly
before the buds begin to start W.

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

235

For tlieFarm Journal.
A HaTilt of Obserratioii Essential to Success with
tlie Farmer.

BY FR.INKLIX B. HOUGH, M. D.

Persons accustonipd to follow a reojular routine of
business, whieh admits of but little variation, and re-
quires little beyond a well trained exercise of muscu-
lar action, are liable to fall into a habit of inattention,
and the mind unaccustomed to active exercise be-
comes by disuse enfeebled in its power, and disquali-
fied for active thought. It is emphatically true with
the mental, as with the material part of our natures,
tliat exercise strengthens our power, and enables us
the better to exert them when occasion offers. The
common remarks, that great events call forth great
men, and that the supply in literature and the fine
arts, as well as in the commercial world, always
equals the demand, are founded in the principle of
our natures. In the mechanic arts, there is loss op-
portunity for this mental exercise than in agricultur-
al operations, and practice of the fine arts.

Yet even in the most simple and monotonous em-
ployment, a busy mind will ever find exercise, and
not unfrequently originate an idea which when devel-
oped and applied, is<;apable of working the greatest
changes.

It has been said that on the first introduction of
the steam engine, a boy was employed to open and
close the valves. By watching the motions of the
several parts of the machinery, he contrived to attach
a fixture which performed his task with precision. —
Here was a labor as monotonous as could well be
imagined, and to many, as barren of subjects for
thought as could be selected ; — but a fertile mind was
not to lay idle, and ingenuity was found able to per-
fect a great discovery.

If we may believe tradition, some of the greatest
discoveries in science, have been suggested by events
so common as to pass by daily unheeded by the mass
of mankind. The operations of the animate world
around us, involve the application of principles in
mechanics which contain the germs of the greatest of
human discoveries. The operations of the aeronaut,
the diver and the sailor have their analogies in the
spider, and the nautilus, which practiced their arts
before the Montgolfiers launched into the air the pa-
per_balloons, or the adventurous diver sought to carry
air with him into the watery element, or the rudest
sail was spread to the breeze.

To the husbandman in an especial manner, is the
book of nature opened for perusal, and his attention
is invited to the operation of agencies so wonderful,
that if they could be exhibited for the first time to a
person who had never seen them, would call forth ex-
clamations of surprise at their operations. If a seed,
cast into the 8oil,should germinate, spring up, grow
into a treo, blossom, and bear fruit within an hour,
few persons would look upon such a wonder without
awe and astonishment; yet the operation is not

the less curious, or less worthy of admiration and
study, because the successive changes are insensible,
and require years for their consummation.

The natural habits and requirements of plants, —
the circumstances that favor or retard their growtlj, —
the soil and manures which are best suited to their
wants, — tlie changes which a given soil requires in
"order that it may yield the greatest profits, for tlie
longest time, and at the least expense, — the accidents
and injuries to which plants may be liable, and tlie
methods by which they may bo protected from them ;
the best time and circumstances for seed time and
harvest, — and lastly the best manner of preparing the
soil, of rearing, collecting, and preparing for market
the productions of his farm, all require an exercise of
thought, and admit of improvements in the ways and
means which the farmer has given to habits of obser-
vation, will not fail to notice and employ.

A similar remark might be applied to the rearing
of domestic animals, and to every department of ag-
ricultural operations.

Under equal circumstances and habits of industry,
it will universally be found, that the most observant
farmer is the most successful, and that success is di-
rectly proportioned to the skill and care bestowed
upon the adaptation of wants or requirements in the
varied labors of the farm. Without suitable reflec-
tion, one may build a wall on a soil which heaves witli
the frost, and thus lose in a short time the labor
which might in proper situations have lasted a life-
time,— or persists in cultivating the same crop in a
field, when another would yield him thrice the profits,
or continues in the raising of certain grain, or stock,
while the market should have warned liim to adopt a
more profitable course, — or rejects a new improve-
ment in implements for cultivating the soil, thereby
placing the labor of his own hands, in competition
with the horses of his neighbors,— or allows to run
to waste a hundred sources of fertilizing manures,
which might profitably and cheaply be applied to his
soil, — or penuriously denies himself and family the
opportunity of learning of the new discoveries in the
science of agriculture, by neglecting to supply him-
self with journals and papers devoted to that subject ;
who in short, continues to follow in the steps of his
father and grandfather, regardless of circumstances,
without reflection, for no other reason than because
they did thus and so.

By close observation, a practical knowledge of
the quality of a given soil may be estimated from the
kinds of timber or wild plants which flourish upon it
in the state of nature, and an ordinary acquaintance
with the principles of chemistry, will enalile one to
apply a few tests to determine the quality of soil,
and judge of the kind of crop best suited to the lo-
cality. By closely observing the changes of the
weather, one may by habit acquire the means of
judging with some probability of accuracy, _the au-

236

COMMUNICATIONS.

[November,

spicioug time for sowing or harvesting. Certain lo-
calities have those peculiarities of atmospheric con-
ditions, which afford data for estimating changes in
the weather to a greater extent than others. The
barometer affords the greatest assistance in these
prognostications, and no well ordered farm should be
without one of these useful instruments, well observed^
Such is becoming the progress of knowledge, and
its application to the practical business of life, that a
certain amount of education, and an active and
thoughful habit of life, are indispensable to success.
Every new improvement in agriculture, places its
possessor in a situation above his neighbors, in point
of facilities, which will enable him to excel those who
do not adopt it ; for here, as in manufactures, it is
as idle to attempt with the hand rake, and flail, the
hoe, and the sickle, to compete with the horse rake,
and threshing machine, the cultivator, and the cra.-
dle or harvesting machine, as for the housewife to at^
tempt to outdo with her spinning 'wheel, and hand
loom, the machinery of the woolen factory. It is true
that a multitude of the modern im):Jements offered
for agricultural use are no improvements, — many ac-
tually worse than useless, and hence appears the ne-
cessity of a cultivated habit of discrimination, to en-
able one to select the valuable and avoid the worth-
less.

Having dwelt upon the necessity of a habit of
careful and constant observation in the farmer, in or-
der to enable him to adapt the means to the end, with
the greatest success, it remains to Numerate some
of the measures best calculated to ensure this end.

The reason why men differ in their habits of ob-
servation, is much the same as that which makes two
fields under similar natural circumstances differently
productive. AVe often see a field of grain of great
luxuriance, by the side of an open and naked com-
mon, or a garden teeming with every delicacy of the
season, in the midst of an arid district, overgrown
with thorns and useless weeds.

The great secret of success may be embodied in
one word,^cuUivatioii. Let a person cultivate in
himself a method of noting evcrj- circumstance around
him, of reflecting upon its cause, and of following it
to its consequences, and he will assuredly acquire
this habit so indisponsaljle to success. Let him no-
tice the effects of different manures upon soils, the
Talative productions and profit of the same grain
upon different soils, or different manui-es, and of the
same soil with diffiM-eut grains, or under a different
system of tillage, or in different seasons, or with dif-
ferent preparation.

Let him watch the effects of fertilizers, the influ-
ence of the weather, the habits of insects injurious to
his crops, the relative econonij' of diflerent modes of
culture, and above all, the better to ensure the con-
tinuance of these without interruption, and for future
reference, let him acquire the habit of recording, in a

journal kept for the purpose, a register of his daily
observations.

In no department of daily observation can this be
done with greater benefit than with the weather. —
If it were for no other purpose than to acquire a ha-
bit of observation, this would repay one for the time
required, but these records possess an intrinsic value
to science, as they enable us to study the laws which
govern the origin and progress of atmospheric changes
— of infinite practical importance to the farmer and
the mariner.

Efforts are now being made to collect these obser-
vations from every part of the continent; and every
one who is disposed can have the opportunity of as-
sisting in this great work. Printud forms and blanks
are furnished without expense by the Smithsonian
Institution at Washington, to every one wishing to
observe, and in addition to these, those who report
receive from time to time publications of great inter-
est.

Another method if adopted, would prove of great
service to the farmer, by affording him the data from
which to measure not only the success of different
systems of tillage, but also his own progress in the
science of agriculture, as applied in his labor. This
is in the keeping of a, farm hook, in which is record-
ed the time and kind of plowing, sowing, and har-
vesting his different fields ; — the amount and kind of
fertilizers employed, and how and when applied, the
quantity of seed used, and the amount, value, and
nett profits of the crops.

It might contain memoranda of the products of his
flocks, and dairy, the prices of produce at different
seasons, and the relative profits of the different de-
pai'tments of his labor. To render this at all useful
for ready reference, a regular system of entries shoulil
be employed, every subject should be kept by itself
and easy reference secured by an index at the end of
the volume.

A tabular arrangement would secure the greatest
benefit with the least trouble, and the records of suc-
cessive years standing side by side would afford at a
glance the most satisfactory information in relation
to the past history of his farming opsrations.

Should one desire to acquire a habit of order and
regularity which weuld contribute greatly to success,
two books might be kept. In the first he might en-
ter the several facts worthy of notice, in the order of
their occurrence, in the same manner as accounts arc
entered in a day book. A neatly kept volume pro-
perly ruled in tables, and furnished with an index,
would serve like the ledger to collect in their proper
plac&s for instantaneous referehce, the essential facts
contained in the former volume.

Tho time required for those purposes would be in-
considerable, as the records might be made at odd
moments, while the transcribing into the tabular ar-

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

237

mngement might atforJ business for a lung VTiiiter
I'vcning.

A habit of order and economy would be acquired
by keeping these records, which could not fail to
evince itself in all the details of the farm, and if this
duty be enjoined upon the youth while assisting in
agricultural labors, before leaving the paternal roof,
the additional advantage would be attained of an
I'arly formed and lasting Isabit of observation, which
would ultimately become a second nature and as in-
<lispen8able as existence itself.

AVhen a person attains the merid'an of life, now
'labita are acquired with difficulty, and old ones
nl.iaudoned with gi'eat reluctance. It is therefore to
the youth, and those still forming those habits which
they must carry with them through life, that the sen-
timents of this paper are commended with the earn-
est hope that they will receive mature reflection, and
tlie suggestions therein contained will be adopted as
a rule of life. They enjoin no self-denial, they require
no pecuniary expense, and they will consume no por-
tion of time which should be assigned to other duties.
Every one looses daily in odd moments a hundred
times more time than would be required, without no-
ticing the loss, which if devoted to the acquirement
I'f useful knowledge would serve as a fund for reflec-
tion and pleasure in old age, when man ceases to di>-
rive gratification from the busy world around him,
.and must rely upon the stores of memory, and the
recollection of a well or ill spent life for his pleasant
or miserable associations.

Homerville, Si. Laicrencc co., N. Y.

I one to three inches long, narrow, tuuooth, and thickly

I scattered on the stem.

I The fiowgrs are scattered onlhe stem,— large and
showy, the upper part pale greenish yellow, the low-
er part bright orange yellow. It flowers from June
till September. The pod is of a cylindrical form,
opening by several divisions at the tup, divided into
two cells, containing numerous black, irrcgul.arly
shaped seeds, roundish dotted in the centre.

It is said to have been introduced into Philadel-
phia, by a Mr. Kanstcad, a AVelshman, as a garden
flower. It has now become a great nuisance in many
places, and will require much persevering effort to
extirpate it. Continued culture with the hoe, is
among the best means to destroy it. Although a vile
weed to the farmer, it is not entirely useless. It is
the principal ingredient in Wolph's celebrated oint-
ment for the piles. It is also used for dropsies, jaun-
dice, and cutaneous eruptions, and LinniBus savs, it
is used as a poison for flies.

The plant has a bitterish and saline taste, and
when rubbed emits a smell resembling that of elder.
Nothing will eat it, and every vestige of it should be
destroyed by the farmer as soim as it makes its ap-
pearance on the farm. J. M. M'-Mixx.
Viuoiiville, Cenireco., Fa., Ocf., 1851.

Agricultural Nuisances, No. 3.

TOAD FLAX, SNAP DRAGON', RAXSTEAD SEED, DEVIl's FLAX,
DUTTER 4 EGGS.

i^re;ic7i, Mufflierlinaire. German, Dae Flachskraut-
Antirrhinum Linaria, Lin. Antirrhinum com-
mune, Lam. Linaria vulgaris. Tour.

It is a Linaria, a genus established by Tourneforte.
The name is derived from the Celtic Llin, the name
for flax, because the leaves resemble those of that
plant. It belongs to the 14th class, Dldynamia, and
the 2d order, Arigiospermia, in the artificial system
of Linnreus, — to order Scrophulariacae, of Sprongel.
and tribe Antirrhinidoa in Gray's Botany of the
Northern and Middle States.

The genus contains 13G species. Two of them are
natives of the United States, and two more are natu-
ralized. The one under consideration is a native of
Europe, but is found estensively in this country, and
is becoming a very pernicious weed. It does not
seem to have spread itself alarmingly until recently,
now it takes almost exclusive possession of the soil
in some vicinities.

The root lives for many years and is almost as te-
nacious of life as the Canada thistle. The stem grows
from one to two feet high, not branched except near
the summit, smooth and leafy. The leaves are fcom

The advantage of keeping good cows.

Mr. Editor: — There is one subject which I think
should claim the special attention of the farmers of
Pennsylvania, but which for some unaccountable

reason appears to hare been strangely neglected I

mean the raising of the most improved breeds of cat-
tle. For several years I kept only the common stock,
that is. only such stock as is generally brought into
our neighborhood by drovers from the western coun-
ties. Stock of this character, although apparently
very cheap, prove in the end much the dearest. Af-
ter a fair trial, I found this to he the case ; many of
the cows I kept, scarcely paying the expense of keep-
ing, and having satisfied myself of this fact, I sold
off my entire stock and purchased instead, some of
the best devon heifers I could procure. To the im-
provement of these I have devoted much time and atr
tention, and find myself well repaid for both.

I will give you a few facte in relation to one of my
cows, which took the first premium at our county ex-
hibition on the 1st and 2d of October. We com-
menced milking her on the 14th of December last,
and on the first week made 13 J lbs. of butter, and the
average yield of butter for eleven successive weeks
was 10 lbs. or 110 Ibf. in all. On the 23d of May,
the yield of butter from this cow was 8J lbs. per
week, and when within six weeks of calving, 4i lljs.
per week. The yield of butter during the year was
400 lbs. the whole of which was printed and sent to
market, where it commanded an average price of
twenty cents, thus making ^sO worth of bulter. —

238

COMMUNICATIONS.

[November,

Now, taking a'l those facts into consideration, is it
not tlic part of the wise farmer or dairyman, to keep
only improved stock. They may cost a- little more
in the beginning, but in the end they -vvlll prove the
cheapest. The same amount of feed is required for
the common cow, tlie same attention is also necessary,
while the return she makes, is not half as much as
that of one of the improved breeds. If I had the
choice, I would rather pay a handsome price for a
good Devon, than take a common cow as a gift.

The cow aljovc referred to is a deep red, and weighs
12G9 lbs. As I intend keeping a regular account of
the butter we make from her the coming season, and
as I hope to increase the amount somewhat, I will
give you a full and fair account hereafter.

W. W. T.iYLOR.

U2>pcr Procidence, Moiifr/omcri/ co., Pa.

The Arboretum.

Maijnolia coiiync-ita — Is a native of the district of
Yulam, China. It is perfectly hardy in all the mid-
dle States. Tlie tree is of a beautiful conical form
and rapid gi-owth ; it attains an altitude of about for-
ty feet; when covered with its tulip-like white flowers
it is a very attractive object, and as it blooms previous
to the expansion of the leaves is one of the earliest
harbln;i-ers of spring. It is entirely free from attack
by insects, and is unsurpassed as a lawn tree.

Madura auniiiiiaca, Osage oranije. — This magnifi-
cent deciduous tree is found in abundance in Texas
and all tlic soutlnvestern States. It is not suffioicnt-
ly appreciated as an ornamental shade tree ; very ap-
propriate to the park and lawn. Tha tree is of very
rapid growth, very graceful in its outline, and has
tlie excellent quality of retaining its rich glossy green
leaves until extreme frost. It is entirely free from
attack by insects. As a hedge plant its merits arc
fully appreciated, and in that form is being rapidly
difl'used over our country.

Acacia jxdibrissim. — The "silk tree," of the south,
is hardy in liglit soils south of New York. It is a
mo::t beautiful slu-ub, producing in clusters numerous
tufts of straw colored flowers. The leaves are beau-
tifully compounded, very graceful, and of a light sea-
green color; the contrast of the flowers and foliage is
ry striking.

IMesia tdraptcra. — The "silver boll" or snow
drop of South Carolina, is a beautiful tree, quite
hardy in all the middle States and growing to the
height of forty feet. The form of the tree is compact
and when covered with its innumerable bell-shaped
silvery flowers, produces a fine effect. If permitted
to branch low, it is quite unique in the landscape.

Rims cotinus — Vcnitian shumace, smoke tree, mist
tree, and brown fringe tree, for by all these names
it is known, is a first class shrub, very singular in
appearance when in bloom; when in clumps with
other shrubs of same size and different foliage it hat

a fine cfiect and ought to be more extensively culti-
vated. James D. Fllton.
Philadclpltia, Oct., 1851.

Temper iii the family.

BY MRS. L. G. ABELL.

None, perhaps, have so many provocations to ?
hasty temper as these families where business hur
ries and drives from morning till night, and where
so much depends on each one performing tlieir part
in the right way and right time and place.

But a little consideration, and care, and watchful-
ness over the feelings and words, will do wonders,
and tlie sunshine of happiness, and flowers of kind-
ness and afl'ection, shall reward with their light and
sweetness all efforts to cultivate them, in the heart
and liome.

A bad temper, long indulged, gets at length the
entire mastery of the mind, and roots out all the bet-
ter propensities, destroys the pleasures of domestic
and social life, and is often a source of deeper an-
guish than the heart can conceive or pen describe.

The moral in man should overtake the precedence
in all things ; let his business be what it ni.ay he
should not forget that he has a capacity for enjoy-
ments above those of sense.

Retioction for one moment, will often cool the
risings of a hasty temper. Remember that your
own inadvertence and unintentional offences have
been mistaken for malice, and you will soon learn to
be as lenient to others as you would have them to
you. Think of friendships destroyed, wounds made,
distress occasioned, alienations produced, by one
paroxysm of arger and you will soon become master
of so dangerous an enemy.

If you even receive an injury, or an insult, lot that
person know that you are governed by higher motives
than to repay him in the same, or to allow the base
conduct of another to disturb your own happiness
and equanimity. " Overcome evil with good " and it
will bring comfort to the injured breast and bo there
as afuuniain of perpetual jjeace.
Chi/lenanf/o, A'. Y,

Mr. Editor: — There may be some of your readers
who are so unfortunate as to have their potato crop
affected with rot in the cellar, which was my misfor-
tune in 1850, in one portion of the crop to a great
extent. AVhen discovered, I at once turned them
over, removing all that were affected ; but that did
not arrest its progress. We again turned them and
took at the rate of one bushel air slacked lime and
two bushels charcoal dust to the hundred bushels of
potatoes, and liberally sprinkled them when turning.
Us effects were magical; the whole atmosphere of the
cellar was purified, the disease arrested and even the
partially decayed parts dried up. We feel assured
that any who try it will arrive at the same happy re-
sults. Yours truly, R. BuisT.

Rosedak Nursery dc Seed Farm, Oct., 1851.

1S51.]

COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

239

(Jloiintg ^grUultuval €.ii)ibUioii5.

Montgomery County Exhibition.

The annual exhibition of the Montgomery county
society was held at Springtown, two and a half miles
from Norristown, on the first and second of October.
We embraced the occasion to spend a few pleasant
days with our agricultural friends in Montgomery,
and arc free to state that a more agreeable visit we
have never paid. Wo reached the grounds at an
early hour on the morning of the first, l)ut found that
there were " earlier birds" than ourselves; as the en-
closure was rapidly filling with visitors, and quite a
number of fine cattle, and a large variety of agricul-
tural implements, produce, &c., were in their appro-
priate places. As the day promised to be an exces-
sively hot one, we availed ourselves of the coolness
of the morning to examine the handsome arrange-
ments of the society, which we think far superior to
those of any other society whose grounds we have
visited.

The grounds contain five acres, surrounded with a
most substantial board fence, six feet high. The
whole of one side is occupied by sheds and stalls for
cattle. A large portion of another side is devoted to
pens for sheep, hogs, &c., and about two-fifths of the
whole enclosure is appropriated to the showing of
horses. Suitable places are assigned to the display
of agricultural implements, machinery, &c.

In the centre of the enclosure is a very handsome
building, 85 by 35 feet. The whole of the lower part
of the building is in one room, which was well filled
with agricultural produce, specimens of mechanical
skill, &o. The centre room up stairs is 50 by 35
feet and is occupied by the ladies, who, on this occa-
sion, made a most creditable display of their handi-
work. At each end of the building, up stairs, is a
room used for committee purposes. The buildings,
eheds, stalls, fence, &c., are handsomely whitewash-
ed, giving the whole a neat and cleanly appearance.

The use of the grounds is given to the society free
of charge for twelve years, by the owner of the pub-
lic house directly opposite. If, at the end of that
time the society desire to remove to any other place,
they have the privilege of removing the buildings,
but not the fence around the enclosure. The fact
deserves to be mentioned that the proprietor of the
grounds also contributed the handsome sum of §400
towards the erection of the fence.

All these improvements have been made within a
few years. Ttie society is free from liabilities, and
in a highly prosperous condition. And now a word
in regard to the exhibition.

The display of cattle, all things considered, was
very good. There were not many varieties, but those
exhibited, were generally in good condition and evin-
ced careful treatment. Our limits will not permit us
to particularize.

A number of horses were exhibited, amongst which

wo observed several fine stallions, and quite a goodly
number of mares, colts, young horses, &o.

The display of agricultural implements, was, we
understood, not so large as that of last year, it being
confined mainly to those kinds manufiictun^d in the
adjoining counties, yet it was creditaljle and attract-
ed much attention.

Samples of excellent corn, wheat, and other pro-
duce were exhibited in the lower saloon of the main?
building. There were but few vegetables, the exces-
sive drought having injured them greatly. We ol>
served s<ime superior potatoes as well as cabbages,
beats, &c. Quite a number of household articles
were also exhibited in this apartment.

In the upper saloon, the ladies had it all to them-
selves, and as usual, by their good taste and skill
succeeded in keeping their apartment crowded with
visitors during the whole time of the exhibition.

On the afternoon of the same day, the annual ad-
dress was delivered to a largo and attentive audience
by the Hon. Wm. D. Kelley, of Philadelphia, and
did infinite credit to that gentleman's head and heart.
As we hope to be able to present it to our readers at
some future day, we defer further notice.

The number of visitors was very larn-e, and all
seemed delighted with the exhibition. In concluding
this hasty sketch. We cannot but tender our most
sincere thanks for the many gentlemanly courtesies
extended us by the officers of the society as well as
many other gentlemen. The yeomanry of Jlontgo-
mery, gave us in addition, a most tubstantial evi-
dence of their appreciation of our efl^Virts to aid the
cause of agriculture, by adding several hundred
names to our subscription list.

Worth Knowing.— A young lady of this city, says
the Philadelphia Evening Post, wliile in tlie country,
some years ago, stepped on a rustv nail, which ran
through her shoe and foot. The "inflMininuUiou and
pain was of course very great, and lock-ja^v appre-
hended. A friend of the family, however, recom-
mended the application of a beet, taken fresh from
the garden, and pounded fine, to the wound. It was
done, and the effect was very beneficial. Soon the
inflammation began to subside, and by keepino- on
the crushed beet, changing it for a frcsii one as its
virture seemed to become impaired, a speedy cure
was effected. Simple but effectual remedies like this
should be known to every one.

Red Antwerp Raspberry. — The American Agri-
ctil/urisf says, we hear of magnificent ri-turns of la-
bor, land, and capital devoted to this splendid fruit.
Oni? horticulturist, in Connecticut, realised SSOO for
his last year's crop, on half an acre, wliile tlie huck-
ster to whom he sold them gained nearly as much
more.

,_ AU roots should be excluded from the light
during the winter, and kept in as low a temperature
as can be made convenient without danger of freez-
ing.

240

THE ALDERNEYS.

[November,

The Alderneys.

The Normandy cattle are from the French conti-
nent, and are larger and have a superior tendency to
fatten ; others are from the islands of the French
coast; but all of them, whether from the continent or
the islands, pass under the common name of Alder-
neys.

They are found mainly in gentlemen's parks and
pleasure-grounds, and they maintain their occupancy
there partly on account of the richness of their milk,
and the great quantity of Ijutter which it yii^lds, but
more from the dimunitivc size of the animals. Their
real ugliness is passed over on these accounts ; and
it is thought fashionable that the view from the l)rcak-
fast or drawing-room of the house should present an
Alderney cow or two grazing at a little distance.

They are light red, yellow, dun or fawu-rolored ;
short, wild-horned, deer-necked, thin, and small
boned ; irregularis', but often very awkwardly shaped.

Mr. Parkinson, who seems to have a determined
prejudice against them, says that "their size is small,
and they are of as bad a form as can possiljly be de-
scribed ; the bellies of many of them are fourfifths of
their weight; the neck is very thin and hollow ; the
shoulder stands up, and is the highest part; they are
hollow and narrow behind the shoulders ; t!ie chin is
nearly without flesh; the bucks are narrow and sharp
at the ends; the rump is short, and they are narrow

and light in the brisket." This is about as bad a
form as can possibly be described, and the picture is
very little exaggerated, when the animal is analyzed
point by point; yet all these defects are so put togeth-
er, as to make a not unpleasing whole.

The Alderney, considorino; its voracious appetite —
for it devours almost as mum as a short-horn — yields
very little milk. That milk, however, is of an extra-
ordinary excellent quality, and gives more butter per
quart than can be obtained from the milk of any oth-
er cow. Some writers on agricultural subjects have,
however, denied this. The milk of the Alderney
cow fits her for the situation in which she is usually
placed, and where the excellence of the article is re-
garded, and not the expense; but it is not rich
enough, yielding the small quantity that she does, to
pay for wliat she costs. On the south coast of Eng-
land, there is great facility in obtaining the Alder-
ney cattle, and they are great ftivorites there.

One excellence it must be acknowledged that the
Alderneys possess ; when they are dried, they fatten
with a rapidity that would be scarcely thought posi-
ble from their gaunt appearance, and their wants of
almost every grazing point, while living.

Some have assigned to the Norman or Aldqrney
cattle a share in the improvement of the old short-
horns ; but the fact does not rest on any good autho-
rity.— Ybttatt <£' Martin on cattle.

THE ALDERNEY BULL.

Mice in Barns. — A writer in the Rural Keiv-York-
rr. who has suffered greatly by these pc^ls to the
fai-mer, states that he has found that hay-mows having
sp:\irmint in them, were free from rats and mice,
while others, in the same barn, having none of this
herb scattered about, were nearly destroyed^ by thorn.
Other experienced farmers concur in the opinion that
spearmint is a complete antidote against their opera-
tions. This is an easily tried remedy, and our farm-
cr.^, suffering from the same cause, are recommended
to apply it.

To Bone a Fowl. — Clean the fowl as usual. With
a sharp and pointed knife begin at the extremity of
the wing, and pass the knife down close tn tlie bone,
cutting all the flesh from the bone, and preserv-
ing the skin whole ; run the knife down each side
of the breast-bone am! up the legs, keeping close
to the bone ; then split the back half way up, and
draw out the bones ; fill the places whence the bones
were taken with a stuffing, restoring the fowl to
its natural form, and sow up all the iucisions made
in the skin.

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

2.31

THE FARM JOURNAL.

Assistant (Eiiitor's pcpavtmnit.

A. M. SPANGLER, Assistant Editor.

Agents.

TuE Fakm Jovkxal may be had at the following
pl;i(«s: —

W. B. ZiEBER, South 3d St., principal agent for
niiladelphia.

W. H. Spaxgler, Lancaster, Pa.

B. F. Spangler, Columliia. Pa.

(jeo. Bergxer, llarricburg. Pa.

II. JIixER, Pittsl)urg, Pa.

J. R. SnRVOCK, Chambersburg, Pa.

II. M. Rawlix-s, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

Our Office.

Those having business to transact with us will
please call at the Book Store of W. H. Spangler, in
North Queen street, Lancaster, where we or our re-
presentative will at all times be in attendance.

Credit. — The article on Tobacco, which appeared
in our last Xo., should properly h.*ivc been credited
to the Southern Planter, from which excellent Jour-
nal it was copied.

"Our absence at the State Fair, and the unu-
sual pressure of business which preceded it, must be
our appology for the want of proper arrangement of
articles in our present number.

State Ag' icultural Exhibition.

The first Exhibition of the Pennsylvania State
Agricultural Society was held at Ilarrisburg on Wed-
nesday, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 20, .30 and 31. —
It was an event looked forward to with the deepest
anxiety by the friends of agriculture throughout the
State, as upon its success or failure depended greatly,
the position Pennsylvania would in future assume in
regard to her great leading interest. Many conjec-
tures were hazarded as to the result of the enterprizc,
and not a few of those who most sincerely desired its
complete success, were fearful that it would prove a
failure. For our own part, we never for an instant,
indulged a doubt. We have ever contended that the
agricultural resources of our own State are superior
Ut those of any other in the Union, and while some
have endeavored to create the impression that our
farmers were wanting in intelligence and enterprise,
we have ever taken the opposite ground. We are
now rejoiced to see that the honest yeomanry of
Pennsylvania have taken the matter into their own
hands, and nobly have they vindicated their charac-
ter. It was not the amount of stock, the quantity of
agricuUnral productions or the number of implements
exhibited that are to be regarded as an attempt on
the part of the farmers to place themselves in a right

position before their agricultural brethren elsewhere ;
but it was the immense outpouring of the multitude,
and the hopeful spirit that pervaded all. There was
no spirit of bravado manifested, but an honest con-
viction that Pennsylvania could do better, and a spi-
rited determination to establish that fact beyond per-
adventure at the next annual exhibition. Our farm-
ers are proverbially modest and unassuming in their
character, and it required such an exhibition as that
held at Ilarrisburg to convince them of the fact that
they are possessed of all the material necessary to get
up a display inferior to that of no other State. We
are neither a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but
we venture the prediction that the next Fair of the
Society will equal in every particular those of N. York
and far exceed those of Maryland or Ohio. The spi-
rit that has so long quietly slumbered in Pennsylva-
nia has at length been thorouglily aroused — a proper
feeling of State pride has been awakened, and we
look forward with a deep and abiding confidence to
the day when the people sliall again be invited to bring
forward for exhibition the rich agricultural resources
of our noble State.

And now a word in regard to the arrangements. —
Our limits will not permit us to say as much as wi;
could desire, nor will it be in our power to particu-
larize; we must reserve our notices of stock, imple-
ments, &c., for a future number.

The grounds were beautifully located on the east-
ern bank of the Susquehanna, about one mile north
of Ilarrisburg, and finely adapted to the purpose. —
Notwithstanding the rain which fell before and dur-
ing the exhibition, no inconvenience was suffered
from mud or moisture, every paxt of the enclosure
being in a condition fit for a lady's promenade, i

The fencing, sheds, &c., were erected under'the
superintendence of Daniel Wilt, Esq., of Ilarrisbur".
The reception and disposition of articles and stock
was also entrusted to him, and it is but justice to say,
that his multifarious duties were discharged in the
most satisfactory manner.

The tents were furnished by Mr. C. Williams, of
Rochester, N. Y., who with his assistants, were on
the ground during the whole time. Mr. W. also fur-
nished the tents for the N. Y. State Fair. Ilis ar-
rangements were most excellent and we are indebt<Ki
to him for many courtesies.

The President, Hon. F. Watts, arrived at Harri.«-
burg on Monday, and continued there during the
whole week. A world of praise is due Judge Watts
for the dignified yet energetic manner in which he
discharged his arduous and responsible duties.

Various members of the Executive Committee were
also present rendering good service, and assisting
materially in completing the arrangements.

The Committee of arrangements were untiring in
their efforts to provide every thing that could con-
duce to the comfort of the animals and convenieDce

242

EDITORIAL.

[November,

of the exliibitors. Nothing was left undone that was
required, or of whicli they had notice in time, and
we are gratified in being alile to state that their ef-
forts to please were fully appreciated by the immense
crowd.

The Marshals under the command of John C.
McCallister, Esq., of Ilarrisburg, Chief Marshal, dis-
charged their duties admirably, as the remarkable
order and decorum maintained during the whole ex-
hibition fully proved.

R. C. Walker, Esq., of Elizabeth, Allegheny county.
Secretary of the Society, and G. H. Bucher, of
lloguestown, 'were at their posts at all hours and
with their efiicient clerks, succeeded in supplying the
heavy demand for certificates of membership and
tickets of admission. They as well as the President
and A'^ice Presidents are the persons to whom appli-
cation for membership may be made.

The manner in whicli the duties of the various
committees wore discharged, and the general satisfac-
tion their awards of premiums and diplomas gave,
entitle them to honorable mention. Several of the
' committees, but especially, the one on Agricultural
implements, were entirely too small. This was the
result, not of any desire to withhold a fair examination
of all the implements, but from the fact that »he dis-
play in this department was so much greater than
had been anticipated. This will be corrected in fu-
ture exhibitions.

The display of stock was not extraordinary, al-
though it was fully equal to public anticipations. —
Had it not been for the wretched arrangements of the
Central Rail Road Company it would have been much
better, as a large number of fine cattle from the east-
ern counties, and New Jersey, intended for the ex-
hibition did not reacli the grounds for want of
suitable conveyances. This is a matter to be deeply
deplored. None could have been more deeply inter-
ested in the success of the exhibition than the com-
pany, both for the present and the future, and yet,
their arrangements wore faulty both in regard to the
conveyance of stock and passengers. We shall at-
tend to this department more fully, hereafter, as there
were many animals on exhibition of the best breeds
well deserving of notice.

The display of horses was good in some respects,
and defective in others. We should have been proud
to see a larger number of our Pennsylvania draught
horses. Quite a number of superior blooded and
other stallions were exhibited, as well as promising
brood mares, colts, Ac.

The display of articles of domestic manufacture was
highly creditable. Hero the ladies had the sway,
and we most cheerfully accord to them the high
praise they deserve. We would suggest to the Ex-
ecutive committee, the appointment of a committee of
ladies to this department.
1^ The agricultural produce department wa6 tolerably

well represented, as was also the mechanical. The
contributions in Floral Hall were good, though not
large in number.

The Ploughing match attracted much attention. — -
We considered it one of the most important features
of the exhibition, and were glad to perceive that
the large majority agreed with us. There is yet
room for important improvements in ploughs and the
more attention given to their construction and work,
the sooner their improvement will be effected. Some
of the ploughing was excellent, and deserves special
mention hereafter, while others were deficient in all
tluit constitutes good work.

Wo were highly gratified to observe that with a
few exceptions, the plows were all manufivctured in
our own State, and gave evidence of superior me-
chanical skill, both in their construction and finish.

The contributions of fowls were excellent, and at-
trac^ted as much attention as any other part of the
exhibition. The lien fever seized the people, and
every chicken on the ground from the tiny Bantam
to the tall Shanghae, that could be bought, was pur-
chased at high prices and sent in various directions
through tJie State.

Refreshments of excellent quality v\ere served up
in abundance by Mr. llinkle of Columbia. His ar-
rangements, though extensive, were not as ample as
they should have been. Tliis h ^wever was the result
not of any want of disposition to accommodate, but of
a mistaken notion in regard to the number of persons
who would be in attendance at the fair. Mr. II. will
know better next tijae.

The only objectionable feature we observed, was the
permission granted a number of itinerant venders of
worthless articles, to display their wares, and by non-
sensical declamation, divert the attention of the crowd
from the careful examination of the implements, stock,
&c., thus defeating one of the great objects of the
exhibition.

It may be confidently asserted and we refer to the
fact with pleasure, that never, on any occasion did so
large a crowd assemble, and continue in close prox-
imity for so long a period with as little disturl)anoe.
All were agreeably surprised at the extent of the dis-
play and the magnitude of the crowd, and it was
heart cheering to us, who have never for a single in-
stant wavered in our faith in the ability of Pennsyl-
vania to stand with the foremost in an agricultural
point of view, to hear from thousands of lips, " thia
is well, but next year we will do better." Not a
drunken man was seen on the gnmnds nor did any
thing occur to mar in the slightest degree the harmo-
ny and good feeling that prevailed. It was a proud
event for the Keystone State, and one that will tell
powerfully upon her future grcitnoss. The number
of persons in attendance was variously estimated at
from 35,000 to 45,000.

In concluding this very hasty and imperfect sketch

EDITORIAL.

243

of the fiir, vcc beg leave to tender to the committee of
arraHgemonts, as well as all the officers our unfeigned
thanks for the many courtesies extended us. A tent
was provided in which we opened our office, and in-
vited our friends to call. They did call, by scores
and hundreds, and the greetings we exchanged with
them were of the most pleasant and friendly charac-
ter. It may not be out of place to remark, that our
subscription list was largely increased.

The Central Rail Road Company.

AVe regret the necessity that compels us to speak of
the conduct of the Central Kail R(jad Company in re-
gard to the transportation of passengers an 1 stock to
tlio State Fair. Instead of throwing open all their
trains at half price and permitting visitors to the
State fair to take passage in any one of them, two
trains only were set apart for this purpose, and these
wholly insufficient to accommorlate the vast crowd
desirous of visiting the fair. AVe may safely assert
that thousands of persons from Lancaster city and
county were prevented from going by the slimness of
the company's accommodations and the unreasonable
hours at which the trains reached llarrisburg. We
will not advert to the character of the cars, nor the
insolence of some of the conductors. We have re-
ceived several letters from gentlemen of the highest
respectability in which the conduct of some of the
c-onductors is spoken of, and we think it becomes the
duty of the President and Managers to enquire into
this matter. Amongst those who strove to aecommo-
d.ate passengers we are pleased to mention, Mr. Paul
Hamilton, who left nothing undone that would in any
way conduce to their comfort.

The arrangements for the transportation of stock
were equally deficient, and had the effect of render-
ing this department of the exhibition far less credita-
ble than it would otherwise have been.

It is incomprehensible to us, why the most ample
accommodations were not afforded. It certainly was
a profitable afiiiir for the company and would have
been more so, had they manifested a little^ more li-
berality. We know that the entire motive power of
the Columbia Rail Road was placed at the disposal of
the Central Rail Road Company, by the Canal Com-
missioners for the conveyance of passengers and stock
if necessary. Where then is their apology ? We can
and do assure them, that a feeling of deep indigna-
tion pervades the community and wo tliink, very pre -
perly.

Fruit jlkd Orxajientai. Trees. — We have made
arrangements to supply orders to any extent for fruit
ami ornamental trees of every description at nursery
prices. Persons ordering from us may rest assured
that the trees furnished will be all they .are repre-
sented, and that no pains will be spared to guard
them against imposition. Catalogues may be had at
our office.

PliUadelphia Society tor the Promotion of .Agricul-
ture.

The annual exhibition of this vencraVde society
was held at the Rising Sun village en the 8th and
9th of October. Having a leisure day or two, we de-
termined to spend it with_ our Phihidelphia friends,
knowing that we could not pass the time more agree-
ably or profitably.

The first thing which struck our attention on en-
tering the grounds was the superb display of poultry,
embracing fine specimens of the most select breeds.
We examined this department with feelings of deep
interest, and think we are safe in asserting that the
display has never been equalled at any county exhi-
bition elsewhere. Amongst the contributors were
Messrs. Hague, Wistar, Ditmar, McGowen, Bunk,
Hendricks, Leonard and Bumstead. An object of
special interest was a Shanghae hen, the first ever
imported to the United .States. She is seven years
old, looks well, and we were informed lays well. A
brood of her chickens were on exhibition and bore
unmistakeable evidence of purity. She was import-
ed by express order, liy A. T. Xewbold, Esq., of Phi-
ladelphia, who has given great attention to fowls,
and has been highl3- successful in breeding them. —
We regret that our limits forbid a more extended no-
tice of this interesting department of the exhibition.
There was a fine display of njat cattle, including
the Durham, Aldcrney, Devon, Ayrshire and other
choice breeds. The animals looked well and wero
generally admired. The princip.al contributors to
this department were Gen. Cadwallader, Owen Slie-
ridan. James Gowen, Samuel Williams, Dr. Barton,
George Blight and others. If our Philadelphia coun-
ty friends could infuse a little more of their spirit
into other portions of the .State, Pennsylvania would
soon be without a rival in this department.

AV'e did not consider the display of horses good. —
A few were exhibited possessing fine points, but as a
general thing the display was poor.

A large number of swine were exhibited of the
Berkshire, black and white, Chester county and
Duchess, together with some fine crosses of the Berk-
shire and Chester county breeds. This department
was creditably filled, all the animals bearing evi-
dence of superiority of kind.

Of Sheep, the display was limited but highly select.
One of the principal attractions in this department
was a superb New Oxfordshire Buck, exhibited by
Aaron Clements, Esq., of Philadelphia. Mr. Hood,
of Chester county, exhibited a number of chuice Cots-
wolds, South Downs and Bakewells. Mr. Johnson
was also a contributor to tliis department.

The display of impl.'ments was large, and inter-
fasting. Many implements of tlie nidst api>roved con-
struction were shown by Messrs. Prouty and Barrett.
C. B. Rogers, Mr. Wilkinson of Mount Airy, and
others.

244

EDITORIAL.

[November,

The contributions of agricultural productions -were
excellent in quantity and quality, notwithstanding
the unprecedented draught which prevailed.

The annual Address wiwi delivered by our friend
John S. Bowen, Esq., of Chester county, than ■whom
a better could not have been selected. It was
li.stened to with marked attention by the larp;p crowd,
and abounded in mucli tluit was valualjle and inte-
resting.

According to custom, the Society with the Com-
mittees and invited guests, sat down to a most boun-
tiful repast provided by that caterer of good tilings 11.
B. Jones, of the Excluuige Hotel, Philadelphia. —
Amongst the guests present were Jlr. Howard of the
Albany Cultivator, Dr. J. Davis President of the
Montgomery county Society, Jacob Frantz, Esqr.,
President of the Lancaster County Society, llov. Dr.
Choles of Rhode Island, Gen. llichardson of Rich-
mond Va., and other distinguithed gentlemen. The
President of the Society, -James Gowen, Esq., presided
at the table, with dignity and ease. After the
cloth was removed, speeches were made by Mr. How-
ard, Gen. Richardson, Gen. Cadwalader, A. S. Rob-
erts, Dr. Choles, J. Price Wetherill and others, all of
which breathed a warm devotion to the cause of Ag-
riculture. Everything passed of pleasantly and
agreeably.

In concluding this hasty sketch, we cannot forbear
alluding to the narrow limits of the grounds occupied
by the Society for their exhibitions. It appeared to
us, that the pioneer Society of agriculture in the U.
States, the influence of whose example has been felt
and acknowledged in every section of our country,
should have ample room for their operations. Their
existence as a Society is no longer a problem. For
sixty-six years they have flourished, and with each
succeeding year arc growing more spirited and
stronn-er, and we hope to see the day when this vene-
rable association shall have grounds of their own,
worthy the character of the Society and the good
cause for which they have so long and nobly battled.

TuE PniLADELrnn Po.st Office. — Will the Post
Master at Philadelphia be kind enough to inform us
why so many and such frequent complaints of failures
of the Farm Journal to reach its proper place of des-
tination in the city and county are made to us. So ^
frequent have been these complaints, that wo are al-
most afraid to meet a subscriber from that section,
lest his first inquiry should be, "why have I not re-
ceived my Journal." Now it is very evident that there
is something wrong aliout this ofiice. If we were not
particularly careful in mailing our Journal, we would
willingly take a part of the blame upon our own
shoulders; but knowing as we do, that the fault is
■ot with us, we know not where to place it but at the
door of the Philadelphia Post Office. We therefore
ask more attention to this matter on the ] rt of Uie
Post Ma;t;r.

The farmer who had nothing to learn.
There are in every community, farmers, who con-
ceive it impossible to add anything to their already
acquired stock of knowledge. We met one ef this
class a few days since, who in answer to our inquiry
whether he was a subscriber to an agricultural pa-
per, indignantly replied that " book farming was a
humbug, and that he knew more of farming than any
body could tell him." AVe did not argue the point
with him, conceiving it to be worse than useless ; but
as we left him, we took a few notes of the condition
ot this model farmer's premises, which we present to
the readers of the Journal, with the hope that they
will prove of service.

The paling fence enclosing the house yard, was
broken down in several places ; one of the hinges
was torn off the gate, and directly in front of the
kitchen door several lank looking swine were wallow-
ing in the mud hole.where, for dear knows how long.
the slops of the kitchen had been carelessly thrown.
Wo thought, that were he really as wise as he con-
ceived himself to be, that fence would have been re-
paired, that gate hinge fastened, — a good breed of
swine would have replaced those hungry lookinf^
ones, and the rich slops of the kitchen would have
been applied to a bettor use, than to create an un-
wholesome and unpleasant wallowing place for swine.

The barn stood on an eminence, and directly in
front of it, a small stream flowed. From the manure
heap to this stream; the rich manure water was flow-
ing, in a silent but steady stream, and beneath some
cherry trees that skirted the lawn, I observed larj^i
quantities of the excrements of the fowls, exposed to
the action of the weather, and aiding materially the
growth and vigor of the wilderness of weeds around.
Had he been so very wise, he would have checke<l
the waste of that precious manure, and instead of
permitting his fowls to roost upon the cherry trees,
(and thus not only expose them to the inclemencicR
of the weather, but lose in addition their very valua-
ble manure,) he would have given them a place of
shelter and by that means secured their comfort and
productiveness, as well as their excrement.

An orchard of young apple trees was almost en-
tirely destroyed by the borei — the fences that en-
closed his meadows were in a ruinous condition. —
Several hogs were actively engaged in turning up the
sod, and as we attempted to close the gate that led
from the main road to the house, we found it wholly
impracticable, one hinge being completely torn ofl',
the other so twisted as to render the effort vain. —
Want of time prevented further observation, but we
had seen enough to satisfj' us, that the careful pern-
sal of any good agricultural journal, and a practical
application of some of the hints contained in it,
would have been hundreds of dollars value to
over-wlsc farmer.

1S;51.|

EDITORIAL.

245

Rogers' improTed Subsoil Plow.

The advantages arising from subsoiling have been
so clearly proven, that the attention of farmers is be-
ing drawn to it novr in a greater than at any former
period. AVe occasionally, it is true, hear a dissenting
voice, but this appears to be the result not of any
want of faith in the use of the subsoil plow, but of a
desire to di-aw out writers upon the subject. Not"
withstanding all that has been said in regard to sub
soiling, there are still many farmers who do not un-
derstand its advantages. It is a well known fact that
whore land has been plowed to a certain doptia for
Kiany years, the bottom or pan becomes so hard and
solid as to prevent the water from penetrating to a
greater depth than the pulverized soil, say five or sis
inches. In some soils the water may sink to a great-
er depth, but it requires a longer time tlian it should.
jVs a consequence of this hard pan, the roots and
fibres of growing plants are also checked in their
search for food. Instead of penetrating to their pro-
per depth, it will be found upon examination that
their roots curl round, just as though a stone wall
liad been encountered by them. This, of course,
leaves them in an unhealthy, because an unnatural
condition, and the farmer is often led to wonder what
can be the cause of the sickly appearance of his crops.
Now, whore the subsoil plow is u.sed, this pan is well
loosened to a depth of from six to twelve inches. The
water which hitherto has been confinoJ to a depth of
five or sis inches, now penetrates twice that distance;
the roots follow, and the delighted farmer beholds a
fine crop, where formerly, the yield had been next
thing to failure.

Science has proven tliat subsoiling is one of the
great sources of phosphate of lime. For thousands
of years this valuable fertiliser has been accumulating
in the hard soil beneath the plowed ground, and
there it will remain forever, unless the subsoil plow
is brought into use, to dcvelope this rich mine for the
farmer. The atmosphere is another great fertilizer,
and the land upon which the subsoil plow has been
properly used, receives with open mouth the rain and
dews, and retains them for use in dry seasons. No
one will deny that a deep tilled soil will resist drought
much better than one that is shallow tilled, and there-
fore, the farmer who after having plowed to the depth
of six or seven inches, follows that plowing with the
subsoil to the depth of eight or ten more, has a deci-
ded advantage over his neighbor who rejects the use
of it altogether. In wet seasons, subsoiling acts as
a drainer, and in dry seasons it absorbs moisture
largely from the atmosphere, and retains it for a
much longer period, than where the land is plowed
as it is ordinarily done.

The above cut represents a new cast steel extend-
ing point subsoil plow, the invention of C. B. Rogers,
of Philadelphia. It will be observed that this imple-
ment differs from any other in use, in having but a
single handle. This, we are informed by several gen-
tlemen who have tried them, is a decided improve-
ment, enabling the plowman to work with much
greater ease than by the old plan. We saw the plow
in operation at Norristown, and could not butadmiie
the effectual manner in which it loosened the hard
subsoil to a depth of ten or twelve inches, leaving it
in a finely pulverized condition. Those farmers who
cannot afford to purchase guano or other expensive
fertilizers, can certainly afford to purchase one of
these, or some other good subsoil plow, and for sur
part w:? should greatlj' prefer the use of the subsoil
plow to tiic guano even at the same price.

Lancaster County Ploughing Match.

The first Ploughing Match ever held in Lancaster
Countj', came off on Monday September 29th, on the
farm of Mathew Paulding, Esq., in the South West-
ern limits of Lancaster city. There were nine com-
petitors, evei-y one of whom proved himself a master
ploughman. The very unfavorable condition of thi^
ground, led us to believe that it would be impossible
for them to do themselves justice ; but with the aid
of their splendid teams, excellent plows and superior
skill in their management, they succeeded most ad-
mirably. The furrows were plowed to the depth of
full seven inches, and the ground, all things consid-
ered, well pulverized. We doubt whether better
plowing could have been done under the circumstan-
ces.

The attendance of spectators was large, amongst
whom were a great number of the best and most in-
fluential farmers of Lancaster county, all of whom

246

EDITORIAL.

[November,

expressed themselves highly pleased with the contest.
We regard this match as one of the utmost import-
ance, upon which may l:e built a prouder reputation
for Lancaster co. than she even now possesses. Its
complete success, and tlie deep interest felt in regard
to it throughout the entire county, has served to dis-
pel the erroneous impression, that there was not a
spirit amongst her farmers, to encourage such a con-
test. We kiew better, and we now predict that next
September one of tlie finest Agricultural County Ex-
hibitions in Pennsylvania, will be held at Lancaster.
It is already 'a fixed fact. The farmers have taken
hold of the matter themselves,and are determined to
permit no County in the Commonwealth to outstrip
the "Garden Spot" in spirited enterprise.

The following were the successful competitors :
D. S. Herr, S40.— .James Boon, ?30.— Reuben
Weidler, §20.— Isaac Lantz, $10. — David Goeha-
neur, ijj.

It is but justice to all the plowman to state, that
tlie judges had no little difficulty in deciding upon
their respective merits, and that their decision was
made in strict accordance with the publislied regula-
tions.

We are indebted to a frienl for the following
spirited account of the supper of the Agricultural So-
ciety at Ilarrisburg. We wore present during the
early part of the oyoning, but felt too much fatigued
to remain during the wliole time.
The Baniiuet.
Tlie officers of the Society gave a closing banquet
on Friday evening to Hon. Andrew Stevenson, the
orator of the day, and other distinguished strangers
and invited gue.sts. The supper was furnished liy
Mr. Ilerr in his usual good taste. Owing to the lat -
ness of the hour fixed for the occasion, in the evening
of the last day of the exhibition, the company was
not as numerous as could have been wished. Many
had left for their homes, among th;m, we had to re-
gret the absence of E. P. Prentice, Esq., of Mount
Hope, B. P. Johnson, Esq., of Albany, who witli L.
G. Morris, Esq., of Mount Fordhani, composed the
deputation from the New York State Agricultural So-
ciety. Notwithstanding, a goodly number sat down
to table to discuss the provoking subjects laid before
them by their provident host, in the shape of roast
turkey, duck, partridge and other viands, with spark-
ling champagne and other eshilirating wines — to all
of which, in order and detail, the companj- addressed
themselves with a determination, that promised a
zealous and patriotic investigation, which throughout
the whole sitting never seemed to abate or flag, until
the whole bill of fare had been gone through. The
greatest order and good feeling prevailed, though now
and then there occurred some occasional cross firing,
and the popping up of some cork before it had leave
to speak, which brought out other corks calling the
delinquent to order, creating for a tim? a hubbub,

which could only be allayed by letting thorn all pour
out, ad libitum, whatever they had to offer. These
little episodes were not only evanescent and amusing,
but seemed to produce more harmony and good hu-
mor, imparting a freshness and vigor, by way of
change and recreation, to the officers and managers,
who had toiled through a three days exhibition witli
all its attendant cares and anxieiies.

The Hon. Frederick Watts, of Carlisle, President
of the Society presided, .supported by Vice President
James Gowen, of Mount Airy, Philadelphia county ;
Ex-Governor Porter was on the right of the President,
Governor Johnson being unavoidably detained at
home in business, the Hon. A. Stevenson of Virginia
on the left. The Board of Canal Commissioners,
with other invited guests were in charge of the Vice
Presidents. The following were among the regular
toasts, announced from the chair.

" The President and constituted authorities of the
United States."

" The Governor and constituted authorities of the
commonwealth of Pennsylvania."

" Agriculture, Commerce, and Manufactures —
speed the plow that turns the furrow — the ship that
plows the wave — the shnttle that threads the woof."

" The New York, Ohio aud Maryland State agri-
cultural societies, and other kindred associations
throughout the United States — May the only rivalry
found among them be, which can best promote tlie
great cause of agriculture,"

" The Coal and Iron fields of Pennsylvania — May
they soon be made to yield abundant and remuner-
ating harvests."

TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT NnMnEIt.

Americ.vn Cutlery. — It is truly gratifying to olj-
serve the progress, we, as a people, are making in
the various departments of arts and science. The
recent triumphs achieved by our countrymen at the
World's Fair, will doubtless be followed by beneficial
lesults, and will lead the way to still more creditable
productions. Amongst the many commendable spe-
cimens of skill and ingenuity which have recently
fallen under our notice, we know of none more de-
serving of notice, or in which the abilities of Ameri-
can workmen are more strikingly manifest, than in
the superior cutlery from the establishment of the
Watcrvillc JIanufacturing Companj'. Until within
a few years, the idea of competing with the English
cutlers was not to be thought of. Their superiority
was universally acknowledged, and felt and it is but
justice to them to say that the cutlery of England
well deserved the praise it received. Now, however,
l^ankee ingenuity arrays itself in opposition to Eng-
lish skill and a most formidable rival it is. We saw
a few days since a case of cutlery — fine knives prin-
cipally, designed for exhibition at our State Fair,
which for beauty of finish, elegance of design, and

1851.]

EDITORIAL.

247

goodness of quality, equals, we think, any English
cutlery wo have over seen. For several years past
we have used the pocket knives made by this enter-
prising company, and cheerfully testify to their fine
quality. We want no better for any purpose. Their
pruning knives are superior, and farmers will do well
to examine them when about making a purchase.

To Contributors.

As the present number of our Journal has been
somewhat delayed by the State Fair, we hope our
contributors will bear the fact in mind, and forward
at as early a day as practicable the articles intended
for the December number. At the same time we
take occasion to repeat our requast to our friends to
favor us with articles for our columns. AVe want
facts^the experience and observations of our practi-
cal formers. Do not let the fact that you are not in
the habit of writing for publication deter you from
attempting it. Give us the outlines and we will put
them in shape. If men of observation and experi-
ence but know how much they could aid us in our
efforts to spread broadcast throughout our StatS val-
uable agricultural information, they would certainly
lend a helping hand. A fact worth five dollars to one
farmer, is equally valuable to another, and may be to
ten thousand. We therefore repeat it, send along
the documents and we will circulate them.

Tillingh.vst's Premium CnuRN. — One of these ex-
cellent churns has been left at our oiBee by the pa-
tentee. During the State Fair we had an opportunity
of witnessing its operations. Excellent butter was
churned with it in seven and a half minntes, in the
presence of the Committee on Agricultural Imple-
ments, and we are assured by the proprietor, that this
can be done at any time. The body of the churn is
of the Ohio Iron Stone ware, most beautifully finish-
ed, and admirably adapted to that great essential in
butter making — cleanliness. We shall be glad to
show the churn to thoso who desire it, leaving them
to test more fully its merits.

Worthy of ImUation.

Wg are pleased to learn that the Bucks county Ag-
ricultural Society, at their last exhibition, sulistituted
the Farm Journal on their list, for the dollar usually
given as a premium for certain articles. If the same
plan were pursued by every other Agricultural society
in Pennsylvania, our list would be largely increased.
Our Bucks county friends h.ave our warmest thanks
for their kindness. We will endeavor to deserve it.

Superior Flour. — We are indebted to Sir. Benj.
Snavely of Lancaster county, for a barrel of superb
White Wheat Family Flour, manufoctured at Stoll's
Steam Mills, Lancaster City. We have tried it in
various ways, and think it superior to any flour we
have ever used in our family. If Mr. S. supplies all

his customers with an article of such quality, we im-
agine there are few complaints. StoU's Mills were
put in operation last spring, and now supply an ex-
cellent article of Farina, as well as all the products
of grist mills generally, and we are pleased to leam
are well patronized.

Reply of Mt. Bumstead.

RoxDOROUGU, Oct. 7, 1851.

Mr. Editor: — In the last number of the Farm
Journal, jou call for an explanation of the " extrava-
gant statement " in my letter, in my ktt3r as pub-
lished in Dr. Kerr's recent work on Poultry.

If you will examine the letter as there given, j'ou
will find, that what constitutes the pith of the para-
graph has been (unintentionally no doubt,) left out
in the extract. The sentence from which the extract
is made, is as follows: " Tell our Pennsylvania farm-
ers that one Rooster and two hens of the Shanghai
breed, will give them more eggs in three months time,
of a greater size and richer qualif;/, than five times
that number of ordinary hens will do in one year
and will hatch out a finer brood, with less trouble
and more certainty, than any fowls they have hereto-
fore possessed."

The meaning of the paragrapli is, that two AVhitc
ShanghM hens, with the attendance of a good cock ,
of the same breed, will lay more eggs of a larger size
and riclier qiialili/, than five times the number of or-
dinary hens will do in one year; or, that so many
hens of the ordinary breed will not lay as many egga
of the same size and qualifi/. "

That the sentence may admit of a different con-
struction and such as might mislead those unacquain-
ted with the habits of fowls, the writer willingly con-
cedes. For this inadvertence he has no apology to
offer. If, unfortunately, it has fallen into such hand?,
he has only to practise the duty he has taught to
others, to confess their foults and make such expla-
nation as the facts require.

Ho thinks, however, that there is some palliation
for the supposed error, arising from the fact, that the
letter was not designed for publication entire ; but
was furnished as a reference for the author of the
book to glean some facts from, in relation to the
Sh.anghaj breed of fowls, lie feels indebted to the
editor of that work, for his kindness in inserting his
letter entire, which was not expected, or he should
have wi'itten the whole with a more careful construc-
tion.

So far as it regards the present extract, the writer
embraces the only and the earliest opportunity which
he has had, or could have, to correct the supposed
error. Trusting that it may be received as a satis"
factory explanation, by you and the readers of your
Journal, I am with due respect,
Yours, &c.,

Saml. a. Bumstead.

258

STATE FAIR.

[November,

I^ist of Articles

Exhibited at (he Slate AgricuUural Fair at Harris-
hnrg, together with the names of exhibitors and place
of residence.

We have been at consideraHe pains and expense
to procure a full and complete list of all the articles
esliiljited at the State Fair, with the names of the
contributors.

It will be more interesting, years hence, than at the
present time, as it will servo to show the advance
Pennsylvania makes in her Agricultural exhibitions.
Our limits for the present month are too narrow to
give the list complete ; we shall conclude it in our
next.

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

No. L Two-horsepowor,Emory & Co., Albany,N.Y.

2. Threshing machine, do. do. do.

3. Circular for wood, do. do. do.

4. No. 2, patent iron centre plow, Hall &, Speor,
A. Speer, Pittsburg, Pa.

5. No. 4, iron center plow, A. Speer, Pittsburg.

6. No. 5, do. do. do. do. do.

7. No. 7, do. do. do. do. do.

8. No. 10, do. do. do. do. do.

0. Drill and broadcaster, grain and grass seed,
Lewis Moore, Lancaster co.

10. Cultivator teeth, D. B. Rodgers & Co., A. Speer,
Pittsburg, Pa.

11. Separator and horse power, Jeffrey Smedley,
Columbia, Pa.

12. Grain fan, .J. Montgomery & Bro. ; J. Montgo-
mery, Lancaster, Pa.

13. Grain fan, Lanphier & -Jeffries, Lancaster.

14. Clover huUsr dnd cleaner, Jonathan Hibbs,
Bristol, Bucks co.

15. Agricultural implements, Prouty &, Barrett,
Philadelphia.

10. Grain drill, Loe, Pierce «t Lee; George W. Lee,
Chester co.

17. Submerged water wheel, Myers & Seibert,
Chambersburg, Pa.

18. Water wheel, do. do.
•19. Fanning mill, -J. Bamborough, Lancaster.

20. Do. do. do. do.

21. Model fanning mill, do. do.

22. Fanning mills, do. do.

23. do. do. do. do.

24. do. do. do. do.

2.3. Clow's fanning mill, Lorenzo Teed, maker;

J. N. Lacy, exhibitor, Wyoming co.

20. Carriage for plow, E. P. Oavcrt, Philadelphia.

27. Corn planters, do. do.

28. Seed sower, do. do.

29. Grass cutter, do. do.

30. Harvester, do. do.

31. Grass cutter, do. do.

32. Grain rake, Perry Reber, Berks county.

33. Threshing machine, M. II. Steevcr, Ilarrisburg.

34. Corn sheller, Hanna it Carpenter ; do. do.

35. Corn sheller, Ilanna & Carpenter, N. Y., do.
35. Hay, straw and corn stalk cutter, George New-
comer, Carlisle, Pa.

37. Self-sharpening cultivator, do. do.

38. Apple-paring machine, do. do.

39. Hay and straw cutter, -John K. Landis, Lan-
caster county.

40. Willoughby's seed planter, J. Fulwiler, Cum-
berland county.

41. Huzzy's mowing and reaping machine. Garret
& Co., makers. Mverstown, Leljanon county.

42. Plows, R. Hall, Pittsburg.

43. Hay, straw and corn stalk cutter, J. Rehr, ex-
hibited by L. Clark, Ilarrisburg.

44. Three plows, .1. Bauman, Cumberland co.

45. Grain fan, Charles Shreiner, do.

40. Corn and seeding plow, W. Morrison, Carlisle.

47. Smut mill, G. Ileberlin, Quincy, 111.

48. Wheat drill, J. Mumma, Lancaster co.

49. Corn sheller, .J. jMumma, Greencastle, Pa.

50. Cultivator, L. Lamborn, Ken't Square, Ches.co.

51. Grain drill, E. Steacy, Lancaster co.

52. Do. do. Jas. W. Fawke, do.

53. Do. do. E. Wicks, do.

54. Corn plow, D. Wolf, Lebanon county.

55. Corn and seed planter, I). & II. Wolf, do.

56. Coulter plow, &. Plank, Cumberland county.

57. Cutter plow, do. do. do.
5S. Centre draught plow, do. do.

59. Grain cradle, do. do. do.

60. Bridge spring saddle tree, Smith & Ilood, Cum-
berland CO.

61. Plow. R. & S. M. Seilar, Franklin county.

02. Gap ploM', do. do.

03. Collar, S. W. Hays, Harrisburg.

04. Doulile plow, J. B. Moore ; II. Gilbert, do.

05. do. do. H. Brown's; do. do.
66. Four hand panel screws, do. do.

07. Hay and manure fork, J. Schebel; J. Fisher, do.

08. Plow, do. do.

09. Threshing machine, AVheeler's patent, made
and exhibited by .Joseph Fout, Reading, Pa.

70. Saw sot and filing machine, Charles Lafferty,
Adams co.

71. Wheel plow, J. II. Cressler, Shipponsburg, Pa.

72. Butter, Mrs. Cressler: do. do.

73. Two horse plow, J. B. Stoner, do.

74. Grain cradle ami rake. Christian Gingrich, Le-
banon county; J. M. Beck, Harrisburg.

75. Patent crotch & lever stump machine, W. W.
Willis, maker; W. H. Carr, Philadelphia, exhibitor.

76. Gr.ain drill, Jenkins & Lamb; Samuel Jenkins,
Dauphin co.

87. Separator and straw carrier, W. Pierpont; AV.
H. Carr, Philadelphia.

78. Drill and broadcaster, W. H. Carr. Phila.

79. Clover huller, W. 0. Ilickok ; Lawrence &
Sheetz.

80. Grain planter, S. M. Pennock, Chester county.

81. Smut machine, T.H.Wilson &Co. Ilarrisburg.

82. Threshing machine, S. B. Haines, Lancaster.

83. do. do. do.

84. Shelf-sharpener Plow. do. do.

87. Corn planter, R. .J. Colvin, do.

88. Child's grain separator, A. B. Child's ; Charles
Rumberg, Rochester, N. Y.

89. Chopping miU for grain, .J. D. Owens, Mifflin co.

91. Clover huller, J. Howell, -Juniata co.

92. Premium churn, J. B. Tillinghast, Ohio.

93. Churn, do. do.

94. Clover machine, George Gardner, Adams co.

95. German wagon, II. Lencker, Lancaster co.

96. do. plow, do. do.

97. U. S. grain fan, J. Roberts, Montgomery co.

98. Corn planter, Samuel Witherson, Gettysburg.

99. Clover huller, F. & A. S. Gilbert, Montgomery
county.

100. Feed cutter, do. do.

101. Cultivator, J. Smedley ; S. Polton, Lancaster.

102. Thesher and shaker, do.; do. do.

103. Patent brick press, do. do.

104. Fanning mill, Jacob Behel, Juniata co.

1851.]

STATE FAIR.

105. Plow, B. W. Carpenter, Lancaster.

100. Plow, J. Pawling & Co., Montgomery co.

107. do. do. do.

108. Clover harvester, Mahlondarretson, Adams CO.

109. Screen for grain seeds, Oliver Etmire, Hun-
tingdon CO.

110. Grain seeder, II. W. Smith, Lancaster co.

111. Clover hulling and cleaning machine. W. B.
GiUson and Wm. Braekbill, Juniata co.

112. Seven furrow plow, W. Sterrett, Juniata co.
11.3. Straw cutter, A. Thompson.

114. Grain drill, do.

115. Hoisting machine, T. II. AVillson & Co.

IIG. Cut stave barrel, J. Green, maker; Abrm. R.
Hursh, Cumberland co.

117. Hay and straw cutter, Ira Smith, Chambers-
burg, Pa.

118. Wheat fan, E. Watkins, AVashington co.

119. Excavator, Sweet's patent, H. Gilbert, Ilar-
risburg.

120. Improved plow, F. Zarraclier, Laiicaster co.

121. Ta^'lor's patent hames, Thompson So Taylor,
Baltimore.

122. Do. do. do.

123. Do. do. do.

124. Horse power corn stalk cutter and crusher,
E. Potts. Chester county.

125. Mill for grinding corn, S. W. Powell, Carlisle.

126. Grain drill, Elias L.andis, Mitflin co.

127. Clover huUer and separator, A. B. Crawford,
Wooster, Ohio.

128. Clover seed cutter, made by Sevayer ; John
Winebrenner, Ilarrisburg.

129. Hope plow, J. D. Hope, Philadelphia.

1.30. Horticultural implements, K. Buist, Philada.
131. Hay cutter, C. B. Rogers, do.

123. Vegetable cutter, do. do.

NoTK. — The implements exhibited by Prnuty fc Barrett, Lan-
dretli, uiid Whitman will be given in our next.

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIONS.
No. 1. Oregon seed corn, entered by A. 0. Hiester,
Susquehanna, Pa.

2. Sample of field tobacco, Jno. II. Smith, Lancas-
ter CO., Pa.

3. Sample of field tobacco, Jno. II. Smith, do.

4. Quinces, C. S. Ilaldeman, Lancaster, co., Pa.

5. Carrots, do. do. do.
G. Turnip beets, do. do. do.
7. St. Domingo tobacco, 8 or 10 years old, Jacob

Gundy, Union co.. Pa.
• 8. Sample red beet, A. 0. Iliester, Dauphin co.. Pa.
9. Tuscarora corn, do. do. do.

10. Dutch flat turnip, do. do. do.

11. Mercer potatoes, do. do. do.

12. One bushel Australia wheat, Richard Pim,
Chester co.

13. Sample pink eye potatoes, H. W. Hoffman,
Dauphin co.

14. Sample sweet potatoes, do. do.

15. 3 Aoz. bell pepjiers, do. do.

16. Butter, C. P. Steinmotz, Annville, Lebanon co.

17. Sample beens, do. do. do.

18. Peas, do. do. do.

19. Butter, Samuel Shelly, Adams co.

20. Tobacco, do. do.

21. Yellow corn, do. do.

22. Cabbage, do. do.

23. 2 Red beets, 9f audlf lbs. weight, Wm. Schein-
hart, producer, Wm. Shellv. exhibitor, Adams, co.

24. Tobacco, Geo. Crist, "Middletown, Pa.

25. Lot of vegetables, J. Hause, Dauphin co.
2S. Horseradish, Henry Cassel, Dauphin co.

27. Lot of vegetables, H. Jacks, Bedford co.

28. Cotton pl.aut, Daniel Ncedheimer, Cumberland

CO.

29. Barrel of flour, .Jno. R. Heck, Cumlierland co.

30. Celery, Geo. Olewine, Dauphin co.

31. Wheat, 2 varieties, Dr. J. A. McCrea, Montgo-
mery eo.

32. Tobacco, Geo. S. Wolf, York co.

33. Cabbage, Samuel Grove, Dauphin co.

34. Turnips, do. do.

35. Ground seed corn, A. Noble, Carlisle. Pa.

30. Flour of bluestem wheat, llagey &, Henniger,
Cumberland co.

37. Orange flour, do. do.

38. Turban squash, Benjamin Kuhns, Delaware
city, Delaware.

39. Manna corn, J. Frantz, Lancaster co.

40. Flat turnips. Geo. Reel, Dauphin co.

41. Turnips, J. Reel, Dauphin co.

42. fiercer potatoes, Mr. .John, Ilarrisburg.

43. Whiteflint corn, J. H. Smith, Burlington, N. J.

44. Lot of vegetables, -Jno. Hause, Ilarrisburg.

45. 1 bbl. Flour, extra,Juo. A. Ahl, Cumberland co.
40. 1 bbl Family flour, do. do.

47. Ground corn, seed red cob, Jno. A. Reiley, Har-
risburg.

48. Basket of ruta baga, P. Stimmel, Ilarrisburg.

49. Mangel beets, W. K. Verbeke, Harrisbuig.

50. White silesian beet, do. do.

51. Cauliflower, do. do.

52. Barrel of flour, StoUs Steam Mills, A. M. Span-
gler, Lancaster.

53. 3 heads of cabbage, A. K. Falmestock, Ilarris-
burg.

54. Sample of pink eyes, Geo. Mayer, Dauphin co.

55. Lot of caiTots, Benj. Hood, Chester co.

50. 1 bushel white flint corn, E. E..Boudiuot, Phila-
delphia CO.

57. 1 bushel acclimated Oregon corn, do. do.

58. 1 bbl. flour, Geo. L. Eckhart, Lancaster co.

59. Tobacco, B. Hershey, Lancaster co.
GO. Radish, -J. G., Lebanon co.

61. Blue stem red wheat, J. Crawford, Franklin co.

02. 1 bushel white rice wheat, Richard 11, Peters,
Atlanta, Georgia.

G3. Double ended corn, Francis Wilson, Lowistown,
Union co.

04. Lot of fruit trees, J. Conklin, York co.

05. Red beet, J. Palmer, jMoohauicsburg, Cumber-
land CO.

CATTLE OYER TWO YEARS OLD.
No. 1. Duke Devon, A. Loomis, (for sale,) Wayne
CO., Pa.

2. One grade bull, Red Rover, 2 years old, A. 0.
Hiester, Susquehanna, Pa.

3. Cow & calf, cherry, over 2 years, A. 0. Hiester,
Susquehanna, Pa.

4. Durham bull, 4 years, entered by Richard Par-
ker, Cumberland co., Pa.

5. Grada, 5 years. -John Fox, Ilarrisburg.

6. Y'ork breed, six years old, John Echternacht,
Lancaster co.. Pa.

7. Buck Illinois, 4 years old, .John Fishburn, Cum-
berland CO., Pa.

8. Devonshire, (mixed,) 3 years old, C. P. Steln-
metz, Lebanon eo.. Pa.

9. Duchess Ilolstein, (pure,) Zenus Barnum, Bal-
timore.

10. Regina, Ilolstein, (pure) do. do.

11. Lady -Jane, mixed breed, 2 years and 2 mouths,
J. Young, exhibitor, Ilarrisburg, P.

250

STATE FAIK.

[November,

12. John Tarn, Devonshire, 5 years, Jacob Gross-
man, Lancaster co.. Pa.

13. Devonshire Ox, G years old, Frederick Keller,
Lancaster co., Pa.

14. Devonshire bull, 2J years old, do. do.

15. Durham heifer and calf 2 years old, IL Cle-
ment, Philadelphia.

hi. (ireat Durham cow, 4 years, do. do.

IT. Durham heifer and calf, 3 years, do. do.

18. Durham cow, 5 years, do. do.

19. Durham heifer, 2 years old do. do.

20. Durham cow and bull calf, 8 years, do. do.

21. 1 yoke of Devons, G years, do. do.

22. J durham, heifer calf, do. do.

23. 1 Durham heifer, 3 years. do. do.

24. Dost Mahomed, 2, years, 3 mo., Gen. Harlan,
Chester, co.. Pa.

25. Yoke of i Devon, 5 years old, entered by E. P.
Ilorne, Baltimore, Md.

2G. English working cow, age 5 years, Henry
Loncker, exhibitor, Lancaster co.. Pa.

27. IJufl'alo working cow, 3 years old, do. do.

28. Victoria alderny, 6 years, Wm. Ti. Griffith,
Ilarrlsburg.

29. Perry, short horned durham, 3 years, Wm. M.
Henderson, Carlisle, Pa.

30. Jesse, devou and durham, 7 years, entered by
J. Evans, York.

31. Cherry, durham, 5 years, do. do.

32. Rosa, durham, 3.1 years, do. do.

33. Sally, durham, 3 years, do. do.

34. Bradfjrd, Jr., durham, 5 years, do. do.

35. Bradford, od, durham, 2 y., 4 m., do. do.
3G. Silk stocking durham, 8 years do. do.

37. Durham, 5 years old. do. do.

38. Durham, 4 years old, do. do.

39. >] Devonshire, 7 years old, calf 4 weeks, entered
by Piiilip Douglierty, Ilarrisburg.

40. Jenny Devonshire. 2 years, 5, months, S. W.
Sharp, Cumberland co., Pa.

41. Yoke of oxen, Devon, 4 years, James Gowen,
Ptiladrlphia CO., Pa. ,

42. Rockland, durham, 3 years, do. do.

43. Montezuma, durham, G years, Paschal Worth,
Chester co.. Pa.

44. Duchess, durham, 3 years. Paschal Worth,
Westchester, Pa.

45. Durham bull, 2 years, 10 months, Oliver Rice,
oxjubitor, Perry co., Pa.

40. Cow and calf, common breed, 10 years, Oliver
Rice, Perry co.. Pa.

47. Cow and calf, common breed, 5 years, Oliver
Rice, Perry co.. Pa.

48. Cow and calf, durham breed, 2 years, Frederick
Barnett, Bloomfield, Pa.

49. Durham bull, 3 years, do. do.

SWINE.
No. 1. Sow six mos. old, L. P. Hoopes, Chester co.

2. 5 shoats, three mos. do. do.

3. 7 shoats, seven weeks, do. do.

4. Chester co. IG weeks, J. .J. Hickman, do.

5. 8 shoats, Wm. Ashljridge, do.

6. Jim llyer, Spanish breed, 14 mos., S. W.Sharp,
Cumberland co.

7. Chester white, 4 mos. and 18 days, R. II. Pow-
ell, Huntingdon county.

2. 10 Ewes and 1 lamli, 7 mos. A. L. Bingham,
Vermont, (for sale) 1 yearling imported.

3. 4 Cotswold buck lambs, A. Clement, Philada.

4. 3 Cotswold ewes, do. do.

5. Oxfordshire ram, do. do.

G. 3y'g wethers. South down, J. Cope, W.Chester.

7. 3 ewes, do. do. do.

8. 4 ewe lambs, do. do. do.

9. 1 buck and pen of ewes, do. do.

10. South down yearling, A. Clement, Philada.

11. 3 Cotswold sheep, 11 to 3 years, Benj. Hood,
Chester co.

12. 3 wethers. IJ to 2.1 years. do. do.

13. 2 bucks, (Jotswold and Leicester, do.

14. 1 buck, Cotswold, do.

15. 3 ewes, Cotswold and Leicester, do.
10. 3 ewes, Cotswold yearlings, do.
17. lambs, Cotswold and Leicester, do.
IS. South downs, 18 mos. full bred, R. Hare Pow-
ell, Huntingdon co.

19. Leicester, 18 mos. do. do. do.

20. South downs, 0 mos. do. do. do.

21. Duke, South down, 6 mos. do. do.

22. Leicester crossed with South down, 3yrs. do.

23. Defiance, South down, 3 yrs. do.

i5ortlcultural Sotictics

SHEEP.

No. 1. South down, 2 years, Hon. Geo. W. Wood-
ward, Luzerne county.

Proceedings of the Peiiusylvauia Horticultural So-
ciety.

The stated meeting of this Society was held in the
Lecture Room of the Museum building, on Tue,sday
evening, October 21, 1851, Dr. W. D. Brinckle in the
chair. The displays of fruit ami vegetables was
rich. Of plants there was one collection of interest-
ing green-house specimen from Robert Buist's houses
— but the most admired object was a cut of the Vie-
toria rcijia — this specimen was the most beautiful
shown before the Society. A number of handsome
baskets of cut flowers and very superior cut seedling
Dahlias from Gerhard Schmitz and Mrs. Smith, and
Boquets were exhibited. Of Fruits, there were
Grape.s — very large bunches of the white Syrian
from A. B. Fiden, Tacony ; Black Hamluirg from II.
W. S. Cleveland, Burlington, N. J. : Black Morocco
from the President, and Dceandolle from Miss Gratz.
Of Pears there was a fine show, many of them lus-
cious ; by Isaac B. Baxter, very large and perfect
Duchesse d'Angoulerae : by Mrs. Jno. B. Smith,
Passe Colmar, Sioulle, Ducjiesse d'Angoul^me, Beurre
d'Aremljerg, and Holland green. By the President,
the Beurre Did SieuUe and Blocker's Meadow ; and
unknown varieties by A. M. Eastwick and A. Felton,
Jr., by Edmund Jones, the Jones' and from other
sources ; from C. B. Lines, New Haven, the Calhoun,
Jones' Winter, Jones' December and January ; from
J. C. Hastings, Clinton, Onieda co.. N. Y., Fredricka
Bremer ; from Mathew Mackie, Clyde, Wayne CO.,
N. Y., the Sheldon ; from J. P. Gushing, Boston, Doy-
enne Gris ; from Jno. P. Wilder, Boston, six native
and nineteen foreign varieties. Of Apples, Mr.
M. Snyder brought the Bellflower, Hayes, Pennock,
Catharine and Smoke-house : John Perkins — Ridge
Pippin and Pennock: B. F. Hedges — a seedling from
the Bellflower, and from J. W. Bailey, Plattsburg,
N. Y., the Bailey's Spice and Sailloy Autumn ; from
J. C. Hastings, an unknown kind; from Matthew

Mackie, Clyde beauty, and from , N. Y.,

Bailey's Spice, Fall" Harvey, Jack, Jewett's Red,
Late Strawberry, Melon, Atini.ster, Northern Spy,
President, Sponge and Sweet Baldwin. Of vegefc*-
bles there were five Esculents. The following pre-

1 851. J

HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

251

miums were awarded by the Committee on Plants
and Flowers : For tlie "best hand Boquet, to Robert
Kilvington ; for the best basket of cut Flowers, to
James Berset ; for the second best basket, to Kobert
Scott : and a special Premium to John Ellis, garden-
er to Caleb Cope, for a basket of choice cut flowers
among them, the Victoria r?gia, a truly beautiful
flower ; al^o a special Premium to Robert Buist for
a display of Plants in pots. The Committee noticed
a specimen ol Yucca gloriosa from the garden of
Judge Kane, and a fine cut seedling"Dahlia. by Ger-
hard Schmitz and Mrs. .John B. Smith. By the Com-
mittee on Fruits — for the best twelve named Pears, to
Isaac B. Baxter; for the second best, to Mrs. .Ino. B.
Smith ; for the best twelve Apples, to M. Snyder ;
for the second best, to J. W. Bailey, and special Pre-
miums for fine drapes to -John Ellis, II. W. S. Cleve-
land, John Galligher and Wm. Warnock.

By the Committee on \'egetables special premi-
um>< ; for the best and for the second best display by
a market gardener to Anthony Felton, .Jr.; for the
best by a private gardener to Maurice Finn ; for the
second best, to Thomas Mahan, gardner to A. M.
Eastwick, and for the third best to John Gallagher,
gardner to Jliss Gratz.

Special lleport : The Committee on Plants and
Flowers report, that on the 28th August last, they
yisited Spring Brook farm, the Country seat of Caleb
Cope, and exaniinsd the wonder of the vegetalile
kingdom, the far famed Victoria regia. Without en-
tering into an elaborate description, your Committee
lieg leave to say, that they found the plant growing
in a circular tank, some 24 feet in diameter, in a
beautiful and costly house, constructed expressly for
its growth and display. At the time of our visit, the
plant exhibited five mature leaves and one embryo
leaf, all floating on the surface ; the mature leaves
measured 0 feet and 5 inches in diameter, they are
perfectly round, some of them have the margin turn-
ed up, presenting a most singular appearance. In col-
our they are a beautiful light green, the underside of
the leaves with their immense rope-like foot stalks is
of a dark purple hue, and literally covered with
strong spines, inclming, to the centre of the leaf. —
The embryo leaf with its array of dark spines pre-
sents a formidable aspect and from the singular
manner in which it is folded up, is not the least cxi-
rious part of this superb Water Lily. The flower is
immense, rising a few inches above the surface to
display its many pure white petals, it is beautiful. As
the expansion proceeds, it assumes in the inner pe-
tals, a fine rose color, it is then magnificent. The
flower when expanded, measured seventeen inches in
diameter.

From the germination of the seed on the 10th of
.Vpril, until the first inflorescence of the pdant on the
21st August was but a period of a little over four
months. When we consider that the plant was entire-
ly unkno-wn in this country, its habits but partially
understood, and its cultivation a mystery, we are sur-
prised at the success of the experiment.

Your Committee are proud that the first flowering
i>f this Queen of Aquatics in the United States was
produced by the liberality and munificence of a mem-
ber of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society :
a.side from which, the influence to be expected from so
raunifieent'an expenditure in the field of Horticul-
ture, will give a new impulse to persons of wealth —
the example set will create a desire to do likemse.

Y'our Committee recommend that the Society's
Gold Medal be awarded to Caleb Cope, for his libe-
rality in having brought to mature growth the Victo-
ria regia, to which the Society unanimously assented.

The reports of the Committees of Superintendence
and tlio Committees appointed to award premiums at
the twenty-third Exhibition were read, and the spe-
cial awards approved of. The Committee on flowers
and designs recommended a special premium of
twenty-flve dollars to -John Ellis, gardener to Caleb
Cope, for skill shown in'cultivating the Victoria regia.

TUOS. P. J.\JIES,

Recording Secretary.

West PniLAOELPniA, Sept. 25. 1851.
The recond annual exhibition of the Hamilton
Horticultural exhibitiou which has just closed, ex-
ceeded in every respect the expectations of its most
sanguine friends. The drought which has prevailed
in tlie surrounding country during the past summer,
so dried up all vegetation, that it was judged by
many inadvisable to hold an exhibition, notwithstand-
ing which, the society determined to do the best they
could towards having one, and they succeeded hand-
somely, and very creditably to themselves and their
numerous contributors.

There not being in all Wes' Philadelphia a public
hall largo enough to accommodate such an exhibi-
tion, the Society accepted Mr. N. B. Browne's kind
oSer of his house and grounds, which are admirably
adapted for the purpose. The eyes of the numerous
visitors were feasted with a profusion of the products
of the earth in endless variety — from tho mastodon
pumpkin to the potato of half an inch in diameter —
from Mr. Cope's gigantic leaf of Victoria Regia to
the humblest specimen of pot plant, all arranged
with the greatest possible taste and iieauty. Boquets
in great abundance and every conceivable shape and
size, and several very large and handsome designs
of cut flowers, betokened that the society was under
groat obligations to the fair sex. So tempting was
the display of fruits as to cause innumerable breaches
of the tenth commandment, and not a few of the
eighth, as was evident from tho diminished state of
some of the baskets after the exhibition. So far as
we could learn, every one of tlie visitors went away
gratified, and every thing passed off with tho greatest
order and harmony.

The previous exhibition of this infant society was
held in September, 1850, at the house of Wm. W.
Keen, Esq., its Vice President, and though a very
handsome display, was surpassed by this one.

It is expected that tho Odd Follows Hall which
has just been commenced, will be finished in time for
tho next autumnal exhibition, so that the society will
not again be compelled to trespass on private gener-
osity. T.

We are indebted to the Hon. Thomas Ewbank,
Commissioner of Patents, for a copy of the Patent
Office Report for 1850-51, and to the Hon. Thaddeus
Stevens for a similar favor. We have also received
several parcels of wheat from the Patent Office which
we have placed in the hands of excellent farmers.

BOOK NOTICES.

[November,

Soolx 3»3'otUC3.

A Practical Trealine on Manures. From tlic rcccn''
publication of tlio British Society for the diffusion
of Useful Knowledge ; with Additional notes by
the American Editor. Philad. E. S. Jones & Co.
pp. 204.

A.S manures must be derived from mineral, vegeta-
ble, or animal substances, a treatise vrhich is devoted
U> the subject in its three dep.artments can be used in
every country, no matter where it was originally
printed, — thus difForing from those books on agricul-
tural subjects which must be adapted to the circum-
stances of each locality. This book therefore, al-
though prepared ander the auspices of a celebrated
English society, goes so fully into the various branch-
es of the suliject, American farmers will find much in
it exactly to their purpose — and they do not require
to bo told how much depends upon judicious manur-
ing.

The book is valuable, because besides giving an
account of an infinity of manures adapted to various
localities, it gives directions for employing them to
tlic best advantage.

The subject is divided into eighteen chapters the
contents of which are stated in such a manner as to
wiable the reader to find what he wants, without
reading large portions of the whole.

The mechanical execution is creditable, and the
book will bo a valuable addition to the library of the
farmer.

GraJiam's Mar;azine, for November, is on our table,
and as usual filled with excellent contributions and
beautiful platoa. The efforts of the publishers to
please the various tastes of their thousands of readers
are unceasing and wo have reason to think fully ap-
preciated.

Godei/'s Lady's Boole, for Koivmher, has been re-
ceived. The illustrations are of a superior character
l«jth in design and execution, while the contents are
a luiirably adapted tj their lady readers. Those of our
readers who desire a publication devoted to polite
literature, will not be disappointed in subscribing for
(lodey's Lady's Book.

REPORT OF CO.MMITTISE ON IRON SAFE.

State Fair Ground, Oct. 30, 1S51.
TRE imderEigiiid Rppointod n committee for the purp'iSe, by the
nliicersof the Stite Fuir, were present this afterninin' when Messrs.
Ktoiis ,t Watson tested .nie nf their sinull sized Salamander Fire
Troiif Chesis, at wliich time tliev cnnsumed three cords of wood
on it, ci>mnie:ieiii; at 1 o'clock, P. M., and having exposed it to a
white heat for two lioiirs, snlfieient to destroy the east iron feet.

On openinir tlie cliest Hie papers depr,8ited in our presniice were
t iken out. not (ni[y haviiii; been preserved, but not having ev3n
tlip appearance of n scorcn upon tliem.

Tlie safe was exposed to llie disadvantage of being cooled, by
having a stream of Cold water played upon it.

JOSEPH RITNER,
A O. HIESrER,
A T NEWBOLD,
.TOIIN 1! COX,
CriARI.ES E HIESTER.
E E. BOUDINOT,

Committet.

Mr. .Steveusou's Address.
At the moment of going to press we received a
copy of the address delivered before the State Agri-
cultural Society at Ilarrisburg. We regret that we
have neither time to speak of its merits, nor space for
it in our columns. Better judges than ourselves
speak highly of it, and we have no doubt that it is a
document that will be read with interest and profit
by every farmer in Pennsylvania.

TO INVENTORS AND PATENTEES.

J. DENNIS, Jr , Practical Machinist, Manufacturer, and
Drauglitsman, having had twenty years' experience in building
and operating machinery for mauuiacturing Cotton, Silk, Wool,
Steam Eiiginea, Printing Calico, »flcc., with several year's experi-
ence in procuring patents, tenders his services to inventtirs to
make exammatnns of their inventimia from a rough sketch or
drawing and limited descriptinn, (which may te forwarded by
mail.) and compare them with the inventions in the Patent Ortice
and give an opinimi, whether tlie invention is patentable or not,
for a fee of Sf-5 ; and save the inventor the expense of applying for
a patent, which usually costs S30, exclusivt; of the cost of model,
as only about two-fifths of the patents applied for are granted. —
His experience in making drawings of, and building and operating
machinery, enables him to understand an invention from a rough
drawing and limited dpncnption, and to comprehend the points iii
which the invention differs from those already patented, with the
greatest facility. i!e alsn preparesdrawings, Epecifications, cave-
ats and assignments, or procures copies from, or attends to any
business connected with the Patent Olfice. CounsellDrs in Patent
cases can have an opinion by stating the points in their case, and
arguments prepared with the proper authorities cited, to sustain
tlie same, with despositiona if necessary. He will also attend as
CiHinsellor or Advocate in Patent causes in any Court.

Notice to 2,447 inventors whose applications were rejected in
1849 and TjO, that he will examine their cases for ©5, to ascertam
if the references will prevent ohtaining a patent, if a i)roper claim
IS presented, and advise the applicant whether he had best with-
draw or amend his papers, and get a reconsideration, or Appeal,^ or
File a Bill in Equity. As he is the onlv attorney in this city,
( Wasliingtun, D. C.,> who has succeeded in reveising the Com-
missioner's decision by an appral to the Chief Justice.

C^Omce near the Patent Office, VVashingtmi, D C. Letters,
Sketclies, and Drawings, sent by niailj (postage paid) containing
fee, will be promptly attended to.

TERM:^ OFPEN7fSYI.VANIAFARM JOURNAI.

In onlor that the Farm Jol'RN'al may be placed
within the reach of every one who feels interested in
tlie progress of Agriculture, we ask attention to thd
following terms : —

Single Copies, - ?1 00 Per Annum.

Five '* - - 4 00 ^'

Ten " - 7 50 '*

TWEN-TT " - - 15 00 ** "

It is not refiuired that all papers in a club should
be sent to one office. We will mail them (in wrap-
pers,) to as many different offices as may be necessa-
vj. AVe make this arrangement in order that persons
residing in different neighborhoods may unite, and
form large clubs, and thus secure the "Journal" at
tiie very lowest club rates.

Our Terms are cash in advance. The exceedingly
low rate at which the Journal is furnished renders
this imperative. Subscriptions may be sent at our
risk, and money at par where subsscribers reside, will
):>e taken. AVhero the sum to be sent is large wc pre-
fer that a draft should be procured, if possible.

Subscribers and P(»st Masters are invited to act as
Agents. A receipt will always be sent with the first
number of the copy subscribed for.

All letters must be addressed, ^jost paid, to thii pub-
Usher. A. M. SPANGLER,

Lancastei', Pa.

GUANO,

PERUVIAN and Patagonia Guano for sale in bits to suit puit
chasers, by J. CASSFIDY & SON.

No. 121, South Water at., a few doors above Dock at , Phila.

ISoL]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

2o3

CLOVER HILL FARM FOR SALE.

Situated in Carrul ccuiity, Md., four inili-s west of ReisteTstnwn.
atid eight miles east of W'estiiniister, on the W estniiiiater luriipikr,
and adjoining the village of FiiicksUurg. will be oirt-rcil hy liie uii-
deraignud at puMic auction ut the preinisfs, on SATUKDAV, the
•^jth day of OCTOaKR, ]»jljlhe day alter the Kulimiure Agiicul-
lural Fair.

This well known and celeltratcd firm is only twenty miles from
the city of Baltimore, and runs to wilhlii a few huudied yards <it
one of the best turnpike funds hi tlie state of Alaryland. it coii-
tauis upwards ol" FIVE HUNDRED ACRKri, and if not Sjld en-
tire, will upon tile dav of sule he otTered in three tracts.

No. 1, Contains ahout'iUU Acres, an equal proportion of Wood
and Meadow Land, and upon wliicli al.out 7U Ions of Lay was cut
lu the past season. 'J'he liuiidnigsart- very HUperior. A twu-i.t..ry
MANSION, 5U by 41) feet, with basement undt-r tiie whole htuise
A substantial stone IVnaiit Honse; a large stone Barn, with siieii-
ding and corn crib, wagon htuise. .Vc; with a large (>KCHAhL»,
c<ait;uning several hunUred Fruit Trees, of eveiy variety oi the
most careiully selected kinds. Water of the best quality iii the
burn yard yard— in the duiry— in ihe kitchen—in the garden, iuid
ill the tie id on the place; and can by pipes be carried into the gar-
ret. In a word, the buudiugs are of the hrst order, ami the Land
in the h ghest state of cuitivati >ii, having produced this year a
crop of grass and corn equal to the best Pennsylvania laiul. A
clay subsoil retains every deEcrii)tion of manure, and a kinder SLiil,
or uiie more durable cannot be found.

No. 2, CoMiains not quite 'jm.i Acres of the same higli quality of
Boil, with a full proponum of VVood and Meadow, and a never
tailing spring of the best water in every field. A portion oi this
like the furiner. has withm two years been heavily dressed wiili
1ime.fnd chemical salts. The land has im it a Lime Kiln, and ad-
jpius the flourishing village of Fincksliurg, and within a slu-rl dis-
tance of llie best copper rniiie in the State.

No. 3, Contains about 130 Acres, with numerous and never fail-
ing springs of water, an abundance of wood and similar sttil.

Beaver Run, a beautiful stream, with a valuable wuter power,
ruiiB directly through the place. The land is ma highly prmluctive
state — the fine natural quality of the soil is known, and will be at-
tested to by the whole neighborhofid ; and those wanting land
would help themselves by giving these farms an examtnaiion. —
Any farmer of experience who once sees will appreciate ihem.

Any information wanted will be promptly afforded by writing
to John Keltlewell, Baltimore, or E. Uover Cox, Fmeksbuig, Cur-
roll county, Md.

Terms will be liberal and made known upon the day of sale, and
tile property will be sold if an offer is made within any thins near
its valuation. KETTLEWKH* & COX.

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES & SHRUB-
BERY.

The subscribers offer l"or sale at the Nursery and Garden a large
and fine assortment of Fru-l and Ornanuntnt Tices and S/imbl/efj/,
embracing many new and valuable varieties in each de[)artment,
"■which they can supply iii larye or small quantities, viz: — Apples,
Pears, Peaches, Plums. Ciierries. Apricots, Nectarines, Figs, Fil-
berts, French and Spanisti Chesnuts, "English and other Gooseber-
ries, Currants, Raspberries and Strawberries in variety; English
VVulnuis. Quinces, Asparagus roots. Osage Orange for hedging.
Cranberries, ic, also Evergreen and Deciduous Trees &. Shrubs,
of native and foreign gmwth, many of them of recent introducnon
from abroad, such us Deodar ct.-dars, Cedar of Lebanon, New Japan i
Cedar, Himalayan Spruce, Chili Pine, New Junipers, several va- !
rieties of ^'ew, ^c . &c. Honejsuckle Vinesaud other creepers, '
Dwaif Pearson Quince, of fine size and quality, for immediate
bearing, Cherries oii I^Iahaleb, also Hardy Perpetual Roxes, a large |
assort tent; Verbenas, Dahlias, Phln.res, ChTysQntlu7nHms. Bui- i
bons roots, assorted, Tulips. Hyarhithf, double and single Grapt \
Vin-.s, Box EJging and Green House Plants. I

Trees and Plants delivered in Philadelphia, carefully packed'
free oi charge, and despatched thence by public conveyance to any !
part of the Uni-tu. Orders by mail carefully attended to; cata- !
logues furnished grntis, ormay be obtained of A. M,SpangIer, pub- i
liaher of Farm Jonrnai, in Lancaster, who will receive orders.

At our Agricultural and Horticultural Warehouse, we can also !
supply all kinds of improved Agricultural and Horticultural imple- |
ment8,also Field, Garden and Flower steeds, fresh and genuine —
Country Storekeepers supplied at reduced prices wth seeds, neatly
put up in papers for retail sales

PASCHALL MORRIS, & CO.

West Chester, Pa.

FRUIT AND ORNAiMENTAL TREKS FOR
SALE

At the Farr-Vit-M- Xiirseries !\If)iiTeato\vii, Bnrliiijrton Co.. N- J.
— SU.dOO Apple Trees. IrcMll a In 10 and la feel hisih. emhnu-lUR
iibdut 150 t^eiec-t Varieties, ripening in snceessli'ii tri'lil tlie enrliest
til the latest. Also, 11 Inrite qu.uitlty of Peaeh. Cheiry. Pear. PInni.
Aprietit. Neetarine, .\lniiilnis. Ciuinee, Grape Vines, eie. "Xiitt
Fruit Trees have iTineipnily been w.irkeil irnin standard trees.

whiidl leaves liut little r ii ti» dnulit as t'l the enrrectiiess ot' ttl*

Fruit, whieh has taken the prelniuin at the Peiilis) Ivania Hurtieul-
tural Sneiety and uthert, fur the last ten years.

511,000 Deciduiius niid Kverpreeii Ornamental Trees ami Phiuhs,
sueh as i^ugar and :>ilver AI:i|)le9, Anieriean and Eurnpenii Mnltn-
taiii Ash, Lindens, Hnrae-Chrsniits, Amerieaii Lareh, of a large
size, suitalde lor road and sireet plantlil^; Balm Gileads, Norwav
Furs, ^rhorvitas. Pines nt' dil'l'crent varieties, .lunipers, Kiigiisii
and Irish V.-w. Cedars of Lehannn. Doiihle and Single Spueia.
suitahle fur Cemeteries, Lawns and Private Yards ; littrders, etc.

A liberal Discount will he allowed to persons wuo buy to sell
QErain. Descriptive Catalogues furnished graiis to post-paid appli-
cants.

JOHN PERKINS, Proprietor.

THE MODEL SEED STORE.

300 Market drcrt. chore Mi streef, Philadelphia.

\ MODEL SEED STORE.

^/7 VE(^.ETABLE SEEDS, tvnj

iWia kuowu variety.

'4^ FLOWER SEEDS, .500 varieties.

GRASS and FIELD SEEDS.

Seed and Agricultural Wareliouse.

No. 29. Market Street, Pliila.
WHERE the subscriber has oneiied an extensive aBsnrtment of
'' GE,\ss AND GARDEN SEEDS, of liis ovvii raisiiigjOF recoiil impor-
tation, and warranted to be as represented.

He IS, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultural
Implements, among whirh he would call the attention of Farmers
to u new article of Plow, of his own invention, called Cnst-?teel,
EKtendlng Point, Self-Sharpening, Siirl'aee and Snhsoil Plows,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these Plows possess over all others, are
tneir peculiar construction and the sulistitutionof Cast-Steel nithe
phice of Cast-iron, which only wants to be seen to heappreciatoj:
a\i of which will ;e sold v» the mist reoBouable prices hv

Way, 1851. C. B. ROGERS.

Agricultural and Hurtitultural Imjilcinents.

THOMAS F. CROFT, Prnprietf.r.

Agent of Pcnna. Farm Journal.

TO VAKiMERS »

LAXPIIEAR & .JEFFERIES.
T> ESPECTFULLY inviip ihf aitMniinn of FHtriiPr"!

1 4- and others to their Establishment for tlie manufacture «)f
Farnniig Imptenientaand especially to their ce'chrated

IMPROVED GRAIN FANS,
which they confidently assert will do more work in a shorter spare
of time, and with less lahor. thiinany otiier F.in now in use. Tlit'te
Fans, wherever introduced, have given cniplfte satipfnction.aml
a hirge numt)er of testimonials coulJ be procured, testifjing V»
their superior merits.

They also manufacture, to order, Agricultural Implements of va-
rious kinds : such as ::triiio CutUrs^ Cuitivutort., Plough^-, Harrows.

Having liad many years' experience in Ihe best shops in The
couiilry, ihey are prepared to do work of a sni>erior qnalitv a littH;
cheaper than any otln-r cBthalishment in the .Slate. Tliey will Av:ir-
rantail their work to be wluit it is represented. A warrunt jriven
with every Grain Fan, giving tlie purch«st-r the privilege of rr-
tuniing it. should it no^do good and quick work.

They will de'iver tliem, free nf expense, niiy distance -witl-.in
fifty miles of the manufactory. Their Shop is at (he junction of
the Marietta and Columbia Turnpike, L.aiicoster, Fa., where they
will be happy to have Farmers call and examine for tliemsKlvts.
Price of Fans, No. 1, large size, . . _ g-jl 1)0

" " " 2. small size, . . _ iM.{JO

Several good and responsible Agents wonted in the Wesiern
and Middle pait of Pennsylvania, to wliom a fair percentage wiM
be allowed. All orders addressed to Lanphier and JrflVrles,. 1,^-iit-
caster I'a., will meet with prompt attention. June 1-tf.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

THE subscriber offers for sate 4000 young nnd thrifty Strawber-
ry plants at low prices. This and ttie folUtwins :nonth heii:g
the ■ropwr time to form new beds to bear frnittl*e (oltowinj wat

J. F.HKlNlTjiH'
Aug 1,1651. No. IB, EftSt King tt.jNirlh 6(0e, Lua,

254

ADVERTISEMENTS.

VEMnr.R,

MONTGOMERY'S

UNRIVALLKD IMPKOVKD ROCKAWAY
SCKKKNKK.

Thiscelehriited FAN h.is l.ceii tlM.r.mgliy tested and round to
exi-el iUI utilcrs now in use lor c-le.oilns liic .llli.Ttnt lilinlaol srnlll.

Tiua nniiruveinbiit li) Montjj.nnery & tltolliei. i-onsi3ta in a dou-
ble slioc— llie larger shoe— A us coinnioiil) utiaened to wiiniowing
in ti-liines, liavtni^ crooves into Wlucll the screens, sieves ur sieve
lioards are slid and rest. , ,, ,.

li. I'iie inrved apron npou which tlie gram falls after passing
Mirough a ho|i|ier aliove.

C. The door wliicli is made to extend across the curved apron
B and oneiiiua liaek on hinges towards the front end ol shoe A,
rests lint upon the front part of the apron U. The gram |msses
aloii"- the carved apron li and tlirough the nperlnre ol me door (J
mid falls upon the screen D uiuleriiealh. Tile apron is carried
over the sereen U on to tlie screen undernealli, wlmst the screi-n-
i„"S pass tlirough the screen U into tiie shoe G undeincatn, and are
canned aloio' the bottom ol the shoe li to the celiiie, vvherea spout
II receives tlie screenings and carries them down Liehiiid into a
Ixix below the bottom of the slioe A. The grain la earned bact on
f , the gram board underneath perlcetly scleened.

Tne iiersons who have already used these bllAIN FA>b hive
not only spoken in flattering terms of them, but prefer them to all
others they have used— and very many oi the best Agricullurials
iiave .nveil tlleir certificates thai Ihelaetol these machines screeii-
ni'j liregrain twice bv one and ihe same operation is llie very ira-
provement thev have long desired. Our lalliiera will now liave
tne m.ist perfect winnowing machine, which spreads the gram
over the upper acreen more perfectly llian any others now in use.
This iinprovenieiit is so valu.ible as to liave induced the inventors
a.nd inanufaiturers to make application for Letteis I'ateiit

' ^ lifted ^^Mw^^'> !'■' '-":l':'i

id inanufaiturers to make a|ipllcati..ii lor Letteis 1 ateiit.
All orders fur the nlaclimes will he promptly attended to by the
J.MO.NTUO.MEKY i liRO I'lIER,

Lancaster city, l*a.

nn.lersigned
Sept IS5L

THE FRUIT-GROWER'S HAND-BOOK.

Eii(.Miurii'>-eil by the very wiinii coinineiulutiona of this work, rt-
ceiv«il Hllke iruia experienced HitrLieiilliiriMts uial f nun the wlinlly
iiiexperieiieed, the author ventures with suiiie cunt tdKlice to sub-
mit It to the public iit lar^e.

i\«ites 4ii all llie important qaeatiniis on fruit ruttiirc asked of the
writer iluriiii; the last ten yeurd. with a thoroiif^h research ol' l*o-
inolo'Mcal works, have contrilmteil to rt^iuler this vulume as coiii-
p)ete\jJ possible, III convenient coiiipiiss.

To tlie lot-holder wlui wifihfs to niake the most of a few phinlB
mitl little loom, at; well us to tlie extensive planter who wishes to
arruime ami cultivate Ins gariU-us in the most eeonomieal and prtn
f It ible inaiiuer. llie Hand Book Will be fiHiiid a useful .coiupamon
fof frequent refereiice.

Lo^ 1 nee, i-'lF PY Ct:XTS. Two copies, post free, fnr SI.
AddreBR, WW. a, WARi.NG,

sept. ISjI. Bo«lsbur,£[, Centre co., Pa.

l>OUBLE-ACThVO<, LIFT AND FORCK PUMPS

The sults'-riber nniiiufactures Double-acting Lift and Force
Pumps, of all sizes, for

Factories, Mines, Railway Water Stations,

Breweries, Steainbonts, Pteainahips,

Tin Woriis, Ships, Water UoatJ,

H.>t Liquids, Family Purpoaes. 4c.

VlLLAfiF, ANDFACTOItY FIRE ENGINES.
Garden Engines, Cistern Pumps, Well Pninps, for any depth re-
quired. Hose Couplings, Copper Rivetted Hose of all sizes, Orua-
nimeiital Cast-iron Fountains, Ac.

Purchasers are respectlully invited to call.

Any coailoUiiications by mail \vill l^l^-e inunediate attention.
U. 13. FARN A.M, 31 Cliff St., neat Fulton, N, V.

PENNA. PATENT AGENCY OFFICE.

Invenrore and oiheis. having In siaees In transact at the United
Stales Patent ulVivv, arc lierehy infurnied, that the undersigned
will attend promptly to all bueiiiesa cinniectud with said office, and
will coniptete Perspective and yeclJoiial Drawings, and all requi-
site papers. Caveats Specilicalions. ilis(;lamiers, Assij^nni'-nts, «Vc.
and make the proper applications fur the securing of Letters Pa-
tent, accordni-; to law.

MACHINISTS AND INVKNTORS
will save timp. trouble and expense, hy fust consulting liim. and
tlie strictest sccres) will be observed, relative to their invenlioiis
and claims.

The ntilce is at pn^eent Incatfi? in Centre Square, two dnors south
of the I/iiicaster Bank, where the list of putMnta granted since the
year !7i)0tothe present ilay can be examined, t.getlier with nu-
merous speciheatioiiB,drawm*;s and modt'lB, and every infiirmalion
obtained relative to the laws and rules of the TI. S Patent i ffice.

All the requisite papers, drawings and models will be promptly
aiid carefully lor warded to Washington oitv, free of charge bv

J. FRANKLIN REIG'aR T, Lancaster, Pa.^

Lite Insurance for Horses, &c.

'THE Amer.icaii Live Stock Insurance Compnny, (Stockholders in-
dividually Liable) for the Insurance of l^oTses, J\lulcs, Prt3t
Slie'p, Cottle.^ ^c . aganist Fire. Water, Accidents and Dis-
Alsoj upon Stack driven to Eastern markets, or transported

JOHN H. FRTCK.
General Agent frir Pennsylvaniii, Philadelphia.

RKFKRENCKS :

Wood, Abbott Jt Co., )
Truitt.IJrother-V Co.. [. Philadelphia.
Coatea &; Brown, j

Agents:
JOHN '/IMrTERMAfV,^Ijincaster Pa.
CHARI-E5 F. FRICK. Reading, Pa.
SAMTEL H. TAYLOR, Mauch Chunk, Pa.

Dt. JoHK G. .ScnvKRN, Veterinary .^OTjjeon,
Mar, 1851 ) Examiner for Lancaster Cntmty.

Wit. B. Wiley, Job Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

BuU.
ease.
•Sou til

isr)i.]

AD VE RTISE ME NTS.

255

FARMERS PROTECT YOUR HOUSES & BARNS.

Ski many accidents have h;ippfin?tt from lightning during the prist
Summer, thut every prmleiit and careful farmer slmnld at imce
adopi. such melius as will t)t; must erfcctual in preventing ihem —
When it is reMi'-mi>ereil that cr-rtani sufety may he secured at a
very tritiiiij; expense, it liecomes the duty i>f every furnie-r and
gnod citizen ta avail himself the prcffert-d uicans. By so dning,
he not only secures his propeity from fire by lightning, bui pro-
tects also Ins family and tho ;e iiround hiin. These are inipnrtant
considt rati(Mis und should have great weight. Those who iiesire a
a Lightning Rod, p'onouiiced by the first Scientific men in our
country, the very best in use, will finri it on application to THOS.
ARMITAGE, »t his Mn^tiftic Light -tiig Rod Factory. Vine Street,
3 doors above I'Jth, Philadelphia, These Rods are finished wiih al]
lite improvements at nearly the same pi ices as the old kind. (tl.

PAGE'S CIRCULAR SAW MILLS.

GEORUK PAGK & CO.

Shrocder street, lieUvoen IJaltlmore and Fayette sts.,

Biltimore,
Manufacture tn order, Pa^c'.< cetebn-tcd Portable Potent Cirevla
Saw Mills, with hiTse or btenm pnwt-ra. of several sizes. They
also maiinfactLire JSawiug a.;d Flanmg Alachiiies for railroad work,
Tlirasliing Machines, GRIST MIKL^ for farm purposes. Corn and
Cob Crushtfrs. Tenoning Machines. SKKD AND CORN PLANT-
ER.-^, IMPROVED HOR-E POWERS. CORN SHELl.ERS,:Au.
gers for boring wells, augers furboiing fence posts, water wheels,
fiifeing put^^is, &.C.

They respectfully solicit a share of public pntronnge. and would
be permitted to lem.irk. that their Circular Saw Mill can do jmore
w^ork— aye, twiceaa much work as any other mill with the same
amount of power, and do it better. (8ept-9

PHILADELPHIA .\: LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS- To sail from J'hiladelphia on the loih,
and from Liverpuul on the Lsi of each monih.

From Pliila. From Liverpool

Ship SHENANDOAH ^ April I5ih June 1st

Capt. W. 1*. Gardiner. <Aug. ]5th Ont. Jst

( Dec, 15lli Feb. 1st

New ship Westmokflaxd f May, 15ih July Isr

Capt. P. A. Decaii, -^-Sepi. l^ih Nov. 1st

(Jan. 15ih Mar. lat

New eh'p J^hackmaxov, (June 13ih Aug. Isi

Capt. W. H West. ^ Oct. l.''nh Dec. Ut

I Feb. lD(h April Ist

Ship MARY PLEASANTS, (July l->tii Sypi. isi

Capt. R. R. Decan, ^ Nov. 15ih Jan. Isl

( Marchlorh May l&i

The above first class ships are huili ol the best niaieri-

als, and conim;inded by experienced navigaiors. Due re-

giird has been paid to select ni.nleU lor speed with com-

lort for passeiigeis. They will sail punctually on the days

advertised, taking advantage ot the steam tow boats on

the Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, can

obtain ceriilicaies, whicli will be guoijl fur twelve niunlhs.

Passage to Liverpool in llie cabin, $80

*' " Forward cabin, 20

" " Steerage, Vi

Passage from Liverpool in the caoin, 100

'* " Forward cabin, 25

'* " Steerage, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be acrommodaied

with dratis for i'l sterliiij; and upwards, at sight, wiihom

discojnt. Apply to GEO. McHEN RY &, CO.

June 1. 1851. 37 Walnut street.

K. BUIST,

NURSERYMAN &SEEDGROWER,

HAS always nij hand at his seed S'ore. 97, Chesnul
t^treet, Phihirielphi.T, :i larse stock of Seeds of his own
growth, a itry important it-^tn to ;>«rcAa5er.t,as lie isa practical f^row-
er,iind has lie«n engaged iii his profession over 30 years. His nurse-
ry ground is amply stipcked with Fruit.Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every article sold al
ih elowest rates, and warranted to be aa represented.

SeedSt'ire, 97 Cliesnut Street, Phihidelphin. Nurseries and Seed
Farm,?Darby Ruad, two mi'es below Gray's Ferry.

June 1, ISol. R. BUIST.

HENKY r.TRlPI.ER.

{Successor to Joseph P. H. Coates.)
Dealer iti GrasH aud GardenSeeds*

No. 49, iMarkci Street, Philadelphia.

JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITLTE,
of the State of Pennsylvania, for the promotion of the

Mechanic Arts.

THE oldest Mechanical Periodical extant in America.ispub'islied
oil the hrst tl! each muiiih In the City of Philadelphia It has
been rej^ularly issued for upwards of iweiity-hve years, and is
carefully edited by a committee oi Ecieiitific gentlemen appointed
i'or the piiriH)se. by the Franklin Instiinte.

The deservedly high teputatioii, b.lli al home and abroad. which
tins Journal has acquired and sustained, lias given it a circulation
uiid exchange list of the ht-sl character, winch enables the Cnin-
luittee nn Pubhcatioiis to make ihe best sclertions from Foreiiru
Journals, and to j;ive circulation to original comniuiiicaljoiis on
tiiechanical and scientific siilijects. and lu.ticeS of new inveniK.iis ;
liolices of all the I*^iteiils issued at the 1 :.teitl Office, Washiiictitu
City, are published in the Jourii;il. t-getln-r with a lari;eaniouiit of
inform itioii on Mechanics, Chemistry, aud Civil Engiiiecring, de-
rived iVurn the latest and best authorities.

This Journal is piibiished ou the tir- 1 of each montli, ench num-
ber containing at least seventy-two pages, and ftirnns t vo volumes
annually of aiiuut4:J*2 pages each, illustrated with erif^ravings on
copper and on wood of those subjects which require them.

The subscription price )S K.-ve Dollars per aininin, pjtyable on
tile completinu of tlie Sixth number; and it will be forwardt^d free
of postMge when five di)llar8 are remitted to the Actuary (postage
piiid) in advance for one year's suhscripiinn.

Cinntnunicatioiis and letters on business must be directed tn "ilie
Actuary of the Fiankliu Institute, Philaiiciplii;i. Penn8\ ivaiiia,"
Uie postage pa d. WiU. HAMIL'J'ON.

August 1, ISJI. Actuary, \-.\.

TO FARMERS, PLANTERS7

MARKET GARDENERS & OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAL

GUAXO—Manvfactmrd onhf by KENTISH iii' CO.
Depot So. 4(1, Feck Istip, Xew York.

rT^HI>* manure is so combined, that the Ammonia aud ()ther fer-
X tilizmg gasi-s are absnrbed. fixed, and are given <iut t<> vege-
ttitioii <in!> as il requires tliein, \o rot, mildew. Worm, fly or
other iiifieet can approach iti an i-iipnitHut coiisider;ition tofanntrs
generally, but particularly m potato planting It will be ailiinral>ly
adapted to the reui>vation, restoration and Icitilizing of such land's
as have been worn out.

it may he used broadcast, after the ground is ploughed, and then
harrowed in with the seed. It is aUo valii.ible as a top dressing.
rSix acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

It may be used with the greatest advantage ou t nrn, J otatO'-a,
Wheat, Tobacco, Garden Vegetahles. K>e, Oals, Ureeii House
Plants, Flowers, Vines, Wall Fruit. Ac ,and iii.Tethrui a thnussuid
ceitificates from the most celebrated Karmers and Gardeners, can
1)6 shown, all testifying in the hlglieht terni.s to its great value as u
feitilizer. A pamphlet containing these certificates chu be had.
by applying to the manufacturers. The prick is oxly o^K crnt
PSB pou.N'D. It is put up 111 bbla. averaging 235 ibs., ur in cusks,
from H)Ub, to UOU U.S.

TBR.MS, ('ash, or approved credit on delivery. Persons wish-
ijig tti buy the article to Sell again will be allowed a liberal coni-
mif^ston. Address KKNTl**' A: t <).

Aug. I, 1S3I. No. 40. Peck .-lip, New Vo.k.

AGENCY

for the purchase and sale of improved breed of
Ani}n(ds.

STOCK Cattle of all the dillerent breeds, sheep, swine, poultry,
&e., purchased to nnler, and carefully shipped to anj psirt i»f
Uie United Sftates, for which a moderate citmiiiission will be
ohMrgefl. The follownig are now on the list, and I'or sale, viz:
Tiiorniigh bred Shnrt Horns and Grade Cattle.
Aldeniey do do

Ayrshire do Ao

Devoiia tlo do

Stuth Down Sheep.
Oxfordshire do
Leicester do
Swine and Poultry of dilTerent breeda. All l-^ters post paid will
be promptly attended to Address AARON CLE.MENT,

August I. ISal. Cedar st , aliove 9th. Phita.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

T-HE subscribers offer for sale at the lowest market rates,
lOIKi Tons i>ry Patagonia Guano,
500 " Government Peruvian Guano.
500 bbls. Ground Plabter.
The quality of the above is unsurpassed, and can be recommrml-
ed with cnnfideiiCH to farmers and others tn want of the articles.
A liberal deduction made to Country Merchants.

AIl^N .V NEKDLES.
No. 2-2 .V 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Ches. bt., Phila.
July 1^^ .lAm'

('0

BERKSHIRE PIGS and Sourh Dowi Sheep of Pure Blond, for
tale by JAS THOHNTON.Jr..

July l-6ra. Byberry, Ptul:a1cli)hia Co.

25G

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[November,

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES, &C.

TliH siit)s( riht^rs solit-itthe iittentinii of Nurserymen. Orchardists I
nt\^i Airiuteurs, ti» liielr pieseut large mill hue stouk of Nursery Ar- [
licl^s: :

:jTa:^PARD Fiti-iT Tref.s frir OrrliarJs; thrifty, well grown, and
tiuMtlsun"', I't !ill tilt; lifst vai ictiea,

Li%VARF I'kke-, f'T Gardens. Tlie largest stock in the country,
mid ilie ni-'St L-.-niplete.

J_)\v\BF t'b-AK ThKKA. Our colleclicMi consists of well known
le;iduig vuru-tit-s, um\ nunihers nmre limn I5U.U0I) saleahle trees —
The supcricriiy ni tlicse, being grown in the cnuntry, over iinpurt- j
ert trees i.s well known to every niLelltgent rnltivatnr. Ni)tliing, j
in fact, in tins country, can equal our (..olleftnin of Pcur Trees —
Tiiry can he liad truin one lo luur ycura gruwtli, S(nn(: of which I
am I'low covered uMtli fruit.

UwAUb- APPLE Tkkks. We cultivate in large quantitiei the
best and handsomest varieties of apjdea on Doueain and I'aradise
st'-eks lor Uwaris and Pyramids, and can furnish them in large
qiiantilieR. from one lu two yeais growth.

UwAKFCiitiRKV Tree:?. All tlie leading varieties are cultivated
(Ml Mahaieli stacks, extensively. We can furnisti by the hundred
aud tlionsaiid- fnnn one to tw<i years lirowtli.

Chkbry Currant, the largest variety known. Upwards of 1.000
plants on hand.

KxfiLisH ljoo?EDERRiE«. all the hest snrts.

l,ARGE KRUITED MONTHLY RASfBRRRY, that glVCSa CTOp of fuiC
frnit Ml the anitimn.

Straweekuiea, all tlie best sorts.

Oniameiiial Shade Trees, of good size, for streets, parks, kc,
Uiigeand well grown.

Choice Trees and Shrubs, Hir lawns and pleasure grounds, ni-
cludnm all the finest, new and rare ariicies recently intrctiueed

Hakby KvERur.EES Trees. Norway Spruce and lialsmn Fir. of
small size, in lar^e quantities; and a moderate supply of large
ones, besides nearly hfty new and rare Kver^-rcens. including Deo-
d.ir Cedar, CedJir of Lebanon, Cli ill Pine, Crj pt.meria or Japan
Cellar, llima a\an Spruce, Ac . ^c. . , ■

Roses Peoiues, a large and complete collection, including the
finest varieties. , ^ . ... , ,■

Phi^oxes a collection of upwards of sixty varieties, including
thirty new ViirietiesiM, ported last spring-

Dahlias. Upwards of HH) select varieties, incluaing the finest
En-liBh prize flowers of 1S19 and 1850.

The following Catalogues, giviin? full inf. rmation as regards
tpnns. prices. &.<■■■ will be sent gratis to all who apply by postpaid
Iclt.rsfn at the oiTu-e.

Isi, a General Descriptive Catalogue.

2 1,'a Wholesale Cntalogue,

3d a Catalogue of Select (ireen House Planfs.

4th.aSnecial Catalogue of Dahlias and Bedding Plants, for 1851.
' ^ KLLWANGKR.V BARKV,

Mount Hope and Garden & Nurseries.

p^pt. iR.^l. Rochester, N. Y.

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY,

Vale Colfef/e, New Haven, Conneetivut.
JOHN P. Norton, professor of scientific Agkicttltvbik.
This Laboratory is \\\j\v fully organised for instruction in hH
brani-he-i of uiiajses connected witli the exanHinitmn of soils,
m mures. miner;tls. ashes, aniinal ami vegetable substances. At:. —
Full courses are given in each of these departments, and alS(» in
general Chcinislry, boih organic and inorganic.

Sliideiits can IJuis fit themselves to become inslrnctor« in the
various brani-hes of Chemistry, »tr to apply so much of that and
kindred aeiences as may lie necessary to the praetn-;il pursuit oi
agriculture or irianuluclnnng. The demand for teachers and prn-
fessors III the various brandies of cheuiistry, espeeialU agricultu-
ral, is MOW great and increasing, so that this is a fair fietdVur those
who liave a taste f<pr such pursuits.

A ctmrseof LeciuresonScieiitific Agriculture, by Professor Nor-
ton, commences in Janiiiry of each year, aaU continues for two and
a half months. This course is designed especially uir the practical
fanner, and has given great satisfaction to tliose who have altenrt-
ed it in previous years. It embraces a plain c<nineeted outline of
tlie leading pmnts in unproved agriculture, treating in succession
of the cinnpiisition (tf the sml, the plant am! tue uiiiinal ; of their
connections witii each other, and of all the improvements in culti-
vation, manuring, feeding, and fattening, which have been adopted
in the bett asricultiirat regions This ctiurse is made so plain and
practical, that the farmer who attends itcan understand the whole,
and apply it la his own experience.

More can be learned by attendance upon such lectures, by read-
ing in connection with them, and liy associating with others whi*
are also desinuis of ohtiiining a better knowledge of their profts-
sion thiin in years awayfromsuch advantages Tlieyouiig farmer
learns to think for himself, lo see that n practice is not necessnrilv
riglit because it is old, to uiulerst.and tlie reasons for all that tie
does, and with tins increase of knowledge is better able to make
farming profitable as well as interesting.

Board and lodging may he procured at from S'^ to S3 per week.
and the Ticket for the Lectures is SIO.

In coMiieetioii w th the Lectures is a short Laboratory course, by
means <)f wliich those who desire it. are taught to test soils, man-
ures, marls, Ac . in . a simple way. and to make many eleineniarv
examinations of a highly useful character. The charge ivt this
cemrse is S'25.

To those slcdents who go through the full Lnlioratory course,
the chargr isabo.-.t S'iOO |)er ammm. and they can be auillltted at
aay perir)d of the year at a proportional charge.

For further uifurmation apply to Prof. John P. Norton, New-
Haven, Conn. (8ept-4l

THE MODKL AIU'IIITKCT,

A serU'S of orir/inal designs fur Cottages, Villns,

Su-

i-tiirf. Tiif h
elliyliL'il. reinlt-rs il
I wlille itsuccunite eicli

iiitsoilie
:i tastr-
leutluiie

hurhan lieKideiices, Country C/mrrhcs, Si-hool-
Hdiincn, &c., &c., b;/ Suiauel Sloan, Arc'f.

The ab'ive work is dfSitrn''tl to meet the wislies ii"t iiiily (if those
direu: ly iiilereslc'l ni Imililins, Imt "t nil those who ilesire the :iil-
v.iiieemeiit of this iiolile ;irl in our cnuiitry. iiml wish M cultivutc
tlieit taste ami acTiaiiit Mice with iircl
miiiiier iii wliii:li it is prepire.l ami einli
fal oruaiiieiit f'lr the Jrawiiis;
give It the hi-hest |.ra,tital value.

'Che nrniecMr will fiiul in it ev ry variety of style and design.
aceoiriiiaiilecl,as ineiitloiiecl lielow, hy nil niiniitia necessary toe.m-
Btiuetl.ni. By its aid he may Imild without danger of in,il,iiig those
luill.Tius and e.ipelisive mistakes whieh so often occur

The operative artisan of every grade will find the work of ines-
timable Value. It isa coinplete hook of reference, and a'l plates
nre drawn to a scale with the utmost accuracy, so that he has only
to study them with his rule ai.d compass.

The work, in two volumes of twelve numbers each. ti> be issued
monthly until complete. Kach number contains four Lltliofrraph
KuTaviin's of original designs, varuii^ in cost of erection from
C'Mlto SU.OIIO There are also fmir sheets of details accom-
panying the designs. compriBiiig ground plans, ,tc., .tc- Besides
this each number contains eight pages of letterpress, descriptive
(if the designs, giving extended accounts of the various styles
adopted, ess!ivs on warming, ventilation, &c., A;c., elaborate spe-
cifications, estimates, tables, and la short every thing desirable,
either for construction or for general information, in beautiful type;
the whole being execnti-d on the very finest paper, manufactured
expressly for the work. I'nicK 5(1 CENTS A NUMBER.

Address, post-paid. E S JONES & Co , Publishers,

'I ' S, w.cor 4th and rjiice sts , Phila., Pa.

Persons forwarding a list nf five siibscrihers accompanied with
the cash, shall receive a sixth copy gratis^ sept-ly

THE MAGNETIC LIGHTNING ROD.

TIJOS ARMITACE'S PATENT M \G\KriC LinHTNMNG
ROD. — The pitentee takes pleasure in mformmg Ins fritiida and
the public III general, that after many years' close invest igatnm
and numerous experiments, he has finally arrived ;(t tlie true prin-
ciple of mannfactur'.ng and putting up Lisiitning R"ds and I'<nnls.
and is now ready to serve ins friends and the puhlic in general, at
the shortest notice, at his manufaetory. VINI-". street, above 12tli,
Philadelphia, south side, where all persons are respectfully invilcil
to cab and examine for themselves, this being the on' y place wlierr
they can be purchased. This lod has been examined tty the most
scientific geiitternpii now living, who have pronounced it to be Hwt
only safe Rod that has been put up nr seen.

N- U — I'.iti-nt Rights are now otTf-red for States, counties or dij*-
trii ts in the L'niteil States, Philadelphia and Chester eountles ei-
cepfed.

Agencies can he formed by calling at the Factory, Viae 8t»ect.
above Twelfth, south side, Philadelphia

sept 1831 THOMAS ARMITAGK.

FINK STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

Ptriwbrrry Pl-oits of sever.-tl varieties and fin»» quality can be
had bv the hundred or thousand »t the Unv price of SI per hundred,
L> aadrcBsi.., with amount eiicU«ed, ^^^^^^^ o'CtNNSR,

Safe Harbor, Lancaster oo , ^""a
AU'orJorB will recoiv prompt attention. (sept 1S51.

COTTAGK FURNITURE.

WARWICK & Co., are c(matantly manufacfuring new aiirl ap-
propriate designs of enamelled, painted and Cfittage Furniture, <'f
warranted matrrialsand workmanship Suits of Chamber Farn'-
tnre consisting of URKSSING HURKAU, bKDSTEAU, \V\SH-
STAND.TOILKT TABLE, and FOUR CANK SEaT CHAIRS.
as low as S30 per suit, and upward tu SlUO, gotten up in the iiu>et
superb style.

Those who are abont funiishiuEr hotels, cottages, or eitv» rem-
dences. should call and see this style of furniture, which for cheap-
ness, durability and elegance is far preferable to the old heavy
kinds of mahogany, ^c.

Orders from all parts <if the country pinmptlv attended to and
cnrefnllv packed. WARWICK & CO.,

Wareroome. No. 4 and G, South Seventh St., between Chestnut &

Market streets, Philadelphia. sept.-gm

HENRY A. DREER'S

SEED AND UORTICULTURAL WAREHOUSE,
No. 50, Chesnut st., near 3(1, Philadolpbia.

Constantly on hand a large and well seleeted nssorfmeiitof
Curiitfii^ Fuld^0ra.'-i and Uai'hn Sf&ds, Fruit Tresi-y Giape Vitms,

HorticuUunl Implements in great variety.

Catftloguctjfor warded on post pnid Mpplicalion. (ecp.-lt

VOL,

LANCASTER, PA., DECEMBER, 1851.

m. 9.

THE FARM JOURTs AL

S. S. HAtDEMAN, Editor.

Address deliverPd before the Pennsylvania State
Agricultural Society.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Harkisbubg, Oct. 31, 1851.
To THE Hon. Anerkw Sievensox :

Dear Sir:— The edifying
and instructive address which you kindly made beAire our Society,
we desire should l)e widely disseminated amongst the people of
Pennsylvania. Will you add to the great favor done us, your per-
mission that it be published

1 have the honor to be,

Most respectfully,

Vour obedient servant,
FREDERICK WATTS,
President of the Penn'a State Agricultural Society.

HAREtSBDRO, Oct. 31, 1851.
Dear Sir :— I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of to-day, asking permission to have the aitdress 1 de-
livered yesterday before your Society printed for circulation
throughout Pennsylvanii. I hasten to place a copy of the address
ill your possession, to be used as you may deem best. 1 beg you
to believe that I feel the honor you do me by this application, and
can only express a hope that its circulation in the manner pro-
posed, may contribute to advance the viewe of the Sjciety and the
several interests of agriculture in your noble state.
1 have the honor to be.

Very truly, dear sir.

Your obedient servant,

ANDREW STEVE.NSON.
To Fkederick Watts, Esq.,

President of the State Penn'a Agricultural Society.

FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS.
Mr. PresidcHi and Gentlemen of the AgricuUural So-
ciety:

"Whilst I am gratefully .sen.sible of the distinguish-
ed honor ^vhich you have conferred in selecting me
as your organ upon this occasion, I have not the va-
nity to suppose that I am indebted for it, by any
means, so much to any personal merits of my ovra,
as to the accidental circumstance of having been
placed, a short time ago, at the head of the Agricul-
tural Society of my otto State — an appointment cer-
tainly of distinction and honor, but one which, on my
part, was as unsought and unexpected, as I feel it to
have been unmerited. In accepting tlie invitation,
therefore, to deliver tlie Annual Address of your So-
ciety, I beg you to do rae the justice to believe, that
I was influenced much more by a desire to gratify
the -wishes of my agricultural friends and visit this
portion of your noble State, than from any impression
of peculiar fitness to discharge the duty which your

VOL. I — J.

kindness has imposed upon me; and while I am fro*'
to admit that this duty is one in harmony with all
my feelings and opinions, I must yet say, that I should
have been more gratified if it could have fallen upon
some other individual more competent and worthy
than I am to do justice to the great cause in which
we are engaged, and fulfil the just expectations of
your Society. But having yielded my assent, and
put my hand to the plow, I cannot recede, and I am
here to redeem my pledge, in the manner I deem best
and most acceptable to you. Allow me, however, in
advance to say, that my situation is one of a .some-
what novel and embarrassing character. Personallv
unknown, with a few excejitions, to the vast croAvIl
that surrounds me, might I not say that I stand here
to day in the midst of an entire stranger? but I will
not, because lought not to say it — for when v,-as it
that a Virginian in Pennsylvania, or a Pennsylva-
nian in Virginia, was ever regarded as a stranger in
a strange land? For more than three quarter.? of a
century the States of Pennsylvania and Virginia.
amongst the oldest and most distinguished of"" tl:e
good old thirteen," have stood by each other, and
been united not only in law, but iri hearts and affec-
tions— united by conmion benefits, supported by the
accomplishment of e((ual and mutual rights — the
only union that can best secure liberty and happi-
ness. In peace as well as in war — in'every thinp:
connected with the interests, prosperity and ha]^
pinessof a common country, Pennsylvania and
Virginia have been one and indivisible. And who is
there who would wish to see this sacred bond of sym-
pathy and afiection broken — dissolved — destroyed?
If there be one, let the spirits of the mighty dead, by
whose blood and treasure this Union was cemented,
rise up and rebuke him! I feel then, Mr. President!
that in coming here to mingle in your councils, to
interchange opinions and sentiments with your dis-
tinguished and enlightened agriculturists — to aid, if
I can, in the glorious cause which has brought you
together, and to pay the tribute of my afi"ectionato
homage, as a Virginian, to old .and patriotic Pennsyl-
vania, I am, in truth, no stranger in her land ; but
feel that I am entitled to all the kindred rights of
brotherhood and hospitality — and liberally they have
been showered upon me ! Indeed, since I entered
the limits of your St.ate, my reception has been one
of continued kindness and hospitality, the memory-
of which I shall carry back with me to my home, and
cherish to the latest moment of my life.

A celebrated moralist has said, that the human
heart was not largo enough to cherish at the same

258

AGKTCULTUKAL ADDRESS.

[December

time, two sentiments of a lively nature ! lie probably
spoke tlie truth ; for, purrounded by scenes for the
last three days, which might well have justified vari-
ous emotions of the most animated and delightful na-
ture, one alone seems to have occupied my mind and
h'^art: namely, that of deep and heartfelt gratitude!
And here let me congratulate the Society and every
friend of agriculture, upon the character of their
great exhibition; and the auspicious circumstances
i;nder which it has taken place ; and whilst it may
be true that you have not for the first time, Mr. Pre-
sident, made a display equal to the many imposing
and praiseworthy spectacles of a similar character
which for some years past have distinguished many
cf your sister States of the north and east, and Mary-
land in the south, (and few, if any, are before her,)
you have had enough to aiford great encouragement
and promise of better things hereafter. Your exhi-
bition, as a first effort, has been remarkable; and
does great honor to your Society and the State at
largo. Indeed, to have witnessed such an assemblage
of enlightened and patriotic men, brought together
from all parts of your own State, as well as from
those adjoining, for purposes so lofty and patriotic ;
acting spontancoutly and harmoniously togetlier,
with no collision of antagonist interests, and apart
from all political and party considerations, was de-
lightful and refreshing, as well to the feelings as the
intellect. Mr. President, in times like these, after
such scenes of excitement into which Pennsylvania
lias lately been thrown, and especially on such occa-
sions as this, it ie good to inhale an atmosphere neith-
er agit.ated by the din of controversy, nor tainted
with party polemics — and when, moreover, wo consi-
der the objects which brought together such an as-
sembly— the place of meeting, (the metropolis of this
old and renowned Commonwealth,) a State not less
famed for its love of lil)ertT and order, than for its
general intelligence; for its devotion to literature and
science, and above all, for that sober, calm, reflecting
pense which, without abating the energies of popular
feeling, directs it in its legitimate course, by peacea-
ble and patriotic means, to the attainment of safe and
legitimate ends ; it cannot fail to make a deep and
lasting impression upon the hearts of all present, and
8nd give token of the successful advancement of the
great objects for which your Society has been fiamied.
AVhat American could witness the scenes which have
transpired here within the last three days, and not
feel deeply impressed and elevated? Whose bosom
did not throb witli exultation ? What Pennsylvanian
did not feel proud in being the citizen of such a State?
1 wish most sincerely, that not only the good people
of your own State, Jlr. President, but every farmer
and planter of America, could have been here, and
witnessed your proceedings — hallowed by such large
and liberal and patriotic views as those that animated
the bosoms of the thousands tiiat were present, and
participated in your fostivities I

Then would there come from every hill-top and
valley of this vast confederacy, a response not unlike
the Macedonian cry of old, inspiHog the timid with
courage, and stirring up the spirits of the boldest
friends of agriculture !

It is not my purpose, Mr. President, upon this oc-
casion, to enter at all into the minute details of prac-
tical tarming, or the manner of cultivating the vari-
ous and diversified soils of a State like Pennsylvania.
This would be a field of endless extent, and as un-
suitable to an addre.ss of the character I am about to
deliver, as to the objects of your society. Into such
a field I shall not enter. If, therefore, the value of
an Agricultural address is to be tested alone in pro-

portion as it may convey information, apjilicable tr>
mere details of every day farming, I shall fail in ih?
efiijrt I am about to make on tliis occasion. Indeed,
without personal knowledge w acfiuaintance with the
various soils and lands of a State like vours, or ot
the prevailing modes of cultivation, of which I r.m
ignorant; how could it be expected, or desired, th.it I
should occupy the attention of such an audience, com-
posed of so many enlightened and practical farmers,
by entering into the details and routine of ordinary
farming operations ? These more properly belong tc>
the various auxiliary societies of your State, to whcmi
they can more safely bo contiijed. My purpose will
be one wholly different, and of a more enlarn-ed and
general character. I shall, in the first place, make a
brief examination of agriculture, in connection with
with the other great branches of national industry,
and maintain its importance and pre-eminence in a
national point of view. Secondly — I shall attempt
to show that the prosperity and existence of the old
Atlantic States, and especially Pennsylvania, Dela-
ware, Maryland and Virginia, must hereafter mainly
depend upon restoring and increasing the fertility of
their lands, and the amount of their productions ; or
they must consent to abandon them. And thirdly —
That the only means of accomplishing this, will be
by a system of improved and scientific cultivation ;
by placing the agriculture of the country upon its
true basis, and raising the agricultural classes to a
higher and more elevated standard ! If I can suc-
ceed in doing this, I shall have obtained all I desired,
in this address, and all that the society could reason-
ably expect.

Of the importance and value of agriculture, few, I
presume, are now disposed to doubt, whatever their
opinions may be as to their relative merits compared
with commerce and manuf;icturos ! That, whether
we consider agriculture as an art, or in its effects
upon the moral, social, or political character of our
government and people, in America, at least, it must
be regarded as forming the foundation upon which
our prosperity and free institutions must ever repose I
To maintain this, it may be necessary to contrast
agriculture with the other branches of national in-
dustry, here and elsewhere, as sources of national
wealth and greatnes.s; and follow it up with a sum-
mary review of the agricultural condition and capa-
city of most of the Atlantic States, and the means
they possess for high and improveil farming. This,
however, I am aware, is a subject upon which there
may be, and are, various opinions. Political writers,
in aU ages, have differed more or less with respect to
the true sources of the wealth of nations — some as-
cribing it to agriculture; some to commerce and man-
ufactures ; and others to labor and capital employed
in all these. But yet all admit, that whilst manu-
factures improve, commerce gives value, and labor
and capital stimulate, it is agriculture alone that ori-
ginates ! Conflicting, however, as these opinions may
have been, and still are, with respect to these hypo-
theses, all political economists concur in opinion that
whatever may be the value imparted by the labor and
ingenuity of man, the earth is the parent and foun-
tain of them all. That agriculture is the art by which
these productions are multiplied, so as to meet the
wants of civilized man, and which are common to all
— to the agriculturist, to the manufacturer and sea-
man, as well as to the artist, the statesman, and man
of letters — and as all equally derive their origin from
the cultivation of the earth, all must be equally de-
pendent upon it for sustenance. Regarding it then
as the basis of all other arts, it justly claims pre-emi-
nence over all others ; and such is its connection with

1851.]

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

250

all the comforts of the luimaii race, that it mayjustly
l>e eakl, in a political jidiiit of view, that agriculture
ia the only firm and stable foundation of national
greatness !

But, Mr. President, Tve all know that nations, as
well as individuals, are too often governed by exter-
nal appearances and first impressions, until philoso-
phy and science, by teaching men to think, enable
them to trace effects to their true causes, and assign
to them their relative importance; and henoe it is,
that Commerce, from the display it makes before tlie
world, has oft-en been considered the first and great-
est agent in the production of national wealth ; and
manufactures next; whilst modest and peaceful agri-
culture, hidden in the privacy of the cuuntry, is neg-
lected or forgotten ; or remembered only to be under-
rated, and, might I not say, too often despised! And
what though it does perform its labors in retirement,
and out of view of the busy multitude ? What though
the arts throng the cities and the public haunts of
men ? What though commerce hoists its gaudy flag,
spreads its swelling sails, and traverses the globe?
These belong not to the peaceful calling of the hus-
bandman; and for one I rejoice that they do not. —
And yet, in saying this, I do not mean to speak dis-
paragingly of commerce ! Far, very far from it. I
tnow that civilization and liberty have ever been iden-
tified with the history of commerce. It is not only
the patron of art and science, but every where the
friend of liberty and religious toleration. No man
admires more the enterprise and couunercial spirit of
our country than I do, or can Ijc more willing to do
it honor. Its spirit, moreover, is peaceful, and that
gives it additional claims to favor. It is true, that
when we cast our eyes back a century ago, when
agriculture had fallen from its high estate, we find
the cultivation of the soil formed the occupatiou, al-
most exclusively, of the humbler orders of the peo-
ple, without knowledge or capital to enable them to
improve it. Nor was it until political economy as-
sumed the form of a sck'nce, and caused rulers and
statesmen to be more sensible of the value and im-
portance of an improved state of agriculture, that it
attracted more attention from the better informed
and wealthier classes of society, and exciting the
energies of the learned and scientific attracted that
consideration which its importance so justly merited.
This great work first commenced in Europe, and
more particularly in England and Scotland, and no-
thing had such a powerful effect in attracting to it
public patronage and support, as practical science
and the establishment of Agricultural societies and
associations. These were the levers that first put
the ball in motion, and placed agriculture, as an art,
upon its true and ancient basis.

Then it was that patriotic men of rank, fortune
and talents, gave to it their attention and by personal
OKamplo, drew to themselves the regard and support
of that class of people who had the means of conduct-
ing improvements upon the most enlarged and liberal
scale, and the Board of British Agriculture was es-
tablished. This was principally brought about by
the labors of a few distinguished individuals, at
whose head was Sir -John Sinclair, an able and en-
lightened projector, and a friend of Washington. —
And then commenced a new era in agriculture, not
only in England and Scotland, but throughout a part
of Europe. This Board, whilst it served as a centre
of information to agriculturists, performed the same
office to the British Government, and pointed out the
means of prosperity and safety to the nation. And
here allow me to say that it was under the combined
influence of this Board, and the numerous societies

which were afterwards established throughout Eng-
land and Scotland, that agriculture became inspired
with a new spirit and activity. Men of science, and
political philosophers, began to examine and analynji
with deeper scrutiny the sources of Britain's power,
and then it was ascertained that wide-spread as hot-
commerce, and extended as her manufactures were,
it was to her skilful agriculture, more than to both
the other great interests, that England was indebted
for the support of her colossal system of public cre-
dit— a system that enabled her to breast the flood of
Europc^'s rage; and roll back its waves upon the tv'-
rant, who had disturbed the peace, and at one tiiil j
threatened the liberties of the world !

For this we h&fc. Jirf.t the statistical results of th's
taxes levied by Great Britain during her war with
France; and, secondhj, the authority of Napokon
himself, and Sir John Sinclair. Upon referring to
the statistics of England, we find that the proceed.s
of the tax alone imposed upon the proprietors and
occupiers of land, amounted to six and a half mil-
lions of pounds: whilst the whole product from all
other classes, (including merchants, manufacturers,
office holders and professional men, &c.,) was only
between three and four millions; less than one hall
the .amount received from the agricultural classes,
whilst the number of proprietors and oi-i-upicrs ol
land, who came within the operation of the inconio
tax, was three times as large as that fjf all other
classes. And here I will ask you to refer to the er-
rors into which some of the public writers of Europe,
and more particularly France, seem to have fallen w*
to the true sources of U. Britain's wealth. They seem
to take it for granted that the principal part of her
industry is devoted to the manufacturing of goods for
foreign markets. Tliis is not so.

From the late official returns of her Board of Trade,
it appears that the total value of exports of principal
articles of British and Irish manufactures, for the
year 1849, was only fifty- eight millions of pounds,
including the value of the raw material, which, in re-
lation *o many important articles of British export,
was of foreign production. Now, this sum is litth;
less than one eighth of the whole productive wealth
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
of which three hundred millions according to one of
her ablest st.atists, is annually created from the culti-
vation of the soil. Here then is the startling fact,
that nearly fifteen hundred millions of dollars arc
wrung from a soil possessing inferior advantages fo
those of your own State, Mr. President, and especially
those of New York and Ohio, and I might add, Vir-
ginia. Well then might it be said, that in England's
darkest hour, when invasion threatened her coasts
and her shock-gathering perils appalled the merch-
ants and fund holders of the kingdom; where, but
among the yeomanry of the land were found the stojjt
hearts and sb'ong arms that presented an impassaU^t
barrier to her foes ?

On this subject. Sir -John Sinclair, in one of hi.*
addresses to the conveners of Scotland, which I hold
in ray hand, [as late as 1820] says: " I have lorkg
been endeavoring, in concurrence with a number ot
respectable friends to promote the interests and pros-
perity of agriculture. But unless some great exer-
tions are made, all our past efforts will have been in
vain ; I augur, however, better things for the fiiture.
It has proved during the late war with France that
national prosperity founded ou the liasis of agricul-
ture, was solid and efficient. The cause of agricul-
ture saved England from the yoke of Napoleon.'' —
And let us hear what he thought of this matter. £
have seen it stated in some of the memoirs of his lii^

: CO

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

[December-,

i!i:it he was in the habit of reading the reports of the
British Boarils of Agriculture with great attention,
and particuhivly those of Scotland, in relation to
wiiieh, he is rejwrtcd on one occasion to have said :
That the Scotch •griciilturists had made their coun-
try, which was one of the most sterile, one of the
most fertile in all Europe, and that they were the
rin-ht arm of the Britisli government, and but for their
exertiens he should have been enabled to have over-
thrown England.' "

And yet, Creat Britain did little or nothing for her
agriculture and rural economy until within the last
century; and in fact never bronght this great branch
of national industry and wealth to any perfection un-
t after the establishment of her British Board of
jVn-riculture, and those numerous associations scat-
tered throughout the whole kingdom. And here I
cannot do better than to refer to the opinion of Gen.
"Washington, as to the importance and value of this
board and of agricultural education. When the first
lioard of agriculture was established. Sir John Sin-
clair forwarded to General Wasliiiigton the proceed-
ings of the board, with a diplor.ia constituting him
an"honorary member. In a letter of thanks of the
10th July, IT'Jo, he says: — "From the first intima-
tion which you were pleased to give mo of this insti-
tution, I conceived the raost favorable ideas O'f its
utility, and the more I reflected on the plan since,
the more convinced I am of its import.ince in a na-
tional point of view, not o-uly 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 conn-
tries which are just ln'ginning to form systems for the
improvement of their husbandry."

"In another letter he says: "I have read with
pleasure and approbation the work you paitronise ;
6>o much to your own honor and the utility of the
public; such a general view of the agriculture of
lireat Britain cansiot fail to 1* beneficial to the agri-
cultHr:\l interests of your country and tr> those of
every other where they are read, and must er>title
vou to their warmest thanks for having set such a
plan on foot. I am much pleased with it myself and
pray you to have the goodness to direct your book-
sellers to continue to forward them to me. I know
of no pursuit in which more yeal and important ser-
vice can be );endered to any eouuti-y than by improv-
ing its agriculture, its breed of useful aniaials and
other liranches of husbandry — nor can I conceive any
plan more conducive to this end than the one you
have introduced, bringing to view the actual state
of those in all parts of the kingdom, by which good
ssnd bad habits are exhibited in a manner too plain
t« be misconceived, for the accounts given to the
board of agriculture appear in general to be drawn
in a masterly manner, so as to answer the expecta-
tions formed in the plan which produced them, af-
fording a fund of information useful in political eco-
nomy-^serviceable in all countries;" and again: "it
will be some time I fear, before an Agricultural So-
ciety will be established in thi.s country. We must
walk as other countries have done, before we run.
Smaller societies must prepare the way for greater,
Ijut with the lights befo'-e us, I hope we shall not be
so slow in maturation as other nations have been. —
An attempt as you will perceive liy the enclosed out-
lines of a plan is making to establish a State Society
in Pennsylvania for agricultural improvements. If
it succeeds it will be a step in the ladder; — at present
it is too much in embryo to decide on the result."

Well, Mr. President, your State has at last suc-
ceeded in being able to run, after walking half a
century. It was just fifty-seven years since this let-

ter was written, announcing the attempt to form a
State Agricultural Society, before it was accom-
plished.

Kather a longer walk I dare to say, than General
Washington had imagined. But it has come at last,
and I hope with healing on its wings, to the honor of
your State, and her patriotic sons.

N"ow he-re is authority, that even the most iDvete^
rate of cor unscientific friemls wilt be disposed to
respect. Allow me in connexion 'vvith those letters
of General Wiishiagton, to express a singlo thought.

What a singuJar and ren>arksble occnrronee, that
a man in such rm CKalted sitnation. (and that man
Washington) with all tho cares and responsibilities
of the chief magistracy of such a nation npan hiitt.
should have hied the tinjo and iRclinartioD to writ,?
with his own hand, so nvany arN] such long letters,t.'>
a total stranger,, in a foreign land, upxm- th^e valucv
and iraportainee, and deMghts of Kural Agi-i^-utture.

And then, again, how oinch more wonderfid is it
that a men like Najwleon Bonarpate, at the moment
he was planning his l)attles and marshalling his for-
ces to trample down the liberties of the world — in-
deed, amid the din of battle and the shonts of victo-
rious armies — should hare had Jeisure to be pouring
©■ver the statistiral and agricwltoral i-eports of his.
enemy. Whait a proud tribute to the agricultural
advancement, both of Englan<l and America !

And now coming back to the subjec-t of these ear-
ly efforts to revive agricttltare, may it iK)t v\-ith truth
be said that it was to these associutioRS, acd to an
increasing taste for scientific farming tlia* the agri-
cultnre of all Europe was indel.>tod for its vast im-
provements and success. One of these associations,
I allude to the Royal sgrieultural Society of Eng-
land, formed only tt-m oi- tweJve years a:go, contains
nc-w move then ten thousand members, embracing
ever}' class, from the throne to the cottage, with am-
ple fauds to carry out all it.-* schemes for improve-
ment. And it i.* these associations and societies that
have contributed so largely to make England, so far
as agriculture is concerned, the garden of Europe ;
and I venture to say that there now exists withia
the British dominions » greatei- fund of solid ability
and scientific infornmtion, and :j large? variety of
active and efticient capital, thaa in aay ether country
upon earth of the same exteat and popAilatioa^

And to what Mr. President, are we to ascribe aH
this ; uot to so^il and elimarte certainly, because there
are few countries wHh a less propitions climate, less
genial sun, or natural richness of soil than- the Eng-
lish can boast. No I mo ! — it is to be foimd in thaA
fact that she surpassoss all other countries in the
universe ia the- art of cultivating land, ia judicious
cropping, in her systems of enekising, draining, ma^-
uuriug, and in the breeding of d^menticsnimalsjand
especially sheep and cattle. And such are the re-
sources growing oat of British industry, that with a
population one-third less than that of France, she ex-
ceeds her from eight hundred to a thousand millions
sterling capital employed in husbandry. Is it not
idle then, to suppose that any thing else can raainly
have contpibntcd to this, but agrietiltural knowledge
and education, practical science with all its discove.
lies, and the establishment of sscieties throughout
the whole kisgdom, and the efforts raada-to rouse up
the nation to regard agriculture ia ii» proper and
triae light !

It was because husbandry becaave the road to
wealth,, and power, and respectability. Hear what
has Ijeen recently said on this subject st one of the
annual meetings of the Royal Agricultural Society ".

" The Society have the satisfaction at the close of

asoi.

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

2ei

the year, of congratulating its members on the steady
advance of, the Society in the accomplishment of its
prospects aivd resources, amongst which it cannot fail
to allnde to the establishment of the nun)er(3us local
societies for the discussion of agricultural subjects
which have mainly originated from the attention
which the exertions «f this iSociety have attracted to
*he iiKprovements of Agri'cnltare, and which have
led to such great and boEeficial results, raid they
recommend that a chemical analysis of tlie plants
grown in different localities and soils throughout
the Kingdom shall be made at the expenses ci the
society, and funds were voted for that purpose.

And what, Mr. President, would be the ?.ns\ver of
•our friends, the " uBscientifics and good enoughs,"
ito this array of evidence in favor of agricultural edu-
<;ation and sciisice. That I suppose which Cincinna-
4us is reported to have given centuries ago — " We
jirefer the good old way."

And if such \\e the relative importance of agricul-
ture m <.!reat i?ritain, whose commerce and manufac-
tures ai ■• <o extended, liow inKnitely more important
must it be to the agricultural classes in such a coun-
try as ours, whose territory extends now from the
Atlantic to the Pacific ! f mlccd, without running
into the errors of the economisr^ or adopting their
theos'ies, where on earth can the paramovint import-
since of this pursuit be so safely asserted as in the
iJnited States 1' Here the cultivation of the soil has
advantages over every othor portion of the globe, be-
cause so intimately connected with our national i'h;>
racter ajid our free institutions ; acting so powerfully
upon tlM" constitutions of our people! And if it be
true, as it has been supposed, that in regiuns like
Switzerland and America, whose mountains lift them-
selves to such vast elevations aljove the sea, the torch
of liberty burns with a purer and brighter lustre, and
the hardy spirit of freedom and independence of
thought and actioJi, more peculiarly Ijelong, then have
we advantages which no other nation on earth can
boast. And then if we look to your own State, and
snore especially to Xew York and 3Iarylaud, and to
the wh lie of New England, we shall the effects of
agricultural knowleilge and practical science, strong-
ly exemplified, though, as I shall in another part of
this attempt to show, that high as their impro\ements
may Ije, they are f;ir, very far below the standard it
ought to have reached, with the means and foeilities
they have had at their command. What, theti, shall
the conjectural scruples of the prophetic calculators
Jn our OWE country avail against this mass of practi-
cal evidence whicli three-fourths of a century have
accumulated ? Why, if the only effect of these socie-
ties and associations was to bring together the culti-
vators of the soil in the various portions of the Union :
awakening their attention to what had been done,
and what was doing elsewhere; leading them to an
interchange of views and feelings, and animating
them to enterprise and emulation, who is there (hat
doubts but that these societies rested upon an un-
questionable basis of utility? And why do these in-
dividuals who set themselves up against all scientific
and book-farming, as they call it, imagine that no-
tliing new is to be learned in the arts of life, and es-
jiecially in relation to the cultivation of the soil —
that agriculture has reached its goal? l>o thcyknow
that there is no obstacle to the march of mind and
improvement, so insurmountable as the conceit that
we are either wise or good enough: and that it is
t'lis .self-gratulation that so long closed the eyes of
enf(uirers and shut out the lights of knowledge as to
the cultivation of the earth ? Do they know, or have
t!iey forgotten that it was many thousand years after

the world began, before it w.as known how to make a
plow? That Cincinnatus (n'ho is held up as their
great pattern for husbandry,) and who was satisfied
with the "good old way," turned up his land ■with
the limb of a tree for his plow, and a knot to it for a
coulter and share: and when the patriarchs were
grinding their corn with pe^t^ls and stones? — and
bye the Isye, it rany be within the recollection of some
who are now present, wlien this species of grinding
was resorted to in portions of the western country —
possibly in jiarts of Pennsylvania, which are now
filled with steam mills, and machinery of the most
costly kind? Why, how long has it been since the
use of the potato was found out and used? Need I
remind you, Mr, President, or this assembly, that it
w.as the ferocious soldier and liigottcd fanatic of Spain
who gave to the world this treasure, by transferring
the wild potatoes from the waters of La Platte, anil
the mountains of Chili to Europe : and in doing so
saved a larjje portion of the Old AVorld from the de-
solations of famine ? And how strong is the good-
ness of Cod, manifested every way? Yes — these
same hands which destroyed human life without
measure or mercy, gave to countless millions the
means of living: and moreipver, by the introduction
of the bark of Peru into medicine, removed from the
earth a desolating scourge which destroyed more
nations than the plagues of Egypt ! It has been well
said, that this is a period in which the fields of sci-
ence and useful knowledge are largely and success-
fully employed in a country where the means of cor-
rect information are as free as the air we breathe. —
A spirit of enquiry has gone abroad in every depart-
ment of science, an<l what may perhaps be justly
claimed as distinguishing the present age above for-
mer times, is the fact, that the lights of science have
been pressed into the aid of all the useful arts, and
no longer waste their strength in looking through
metaphysical disquisitions, for the discoverj- of truths
that have no practical use. Learning, thank God, is
no bmger subject to nnmopoly, but is actively en-
gaged in the service of the arts ; and what has hith-
erto been deemed the province of the schools, is now
the property of «// for the benefit of all ! And agri-
culture, that gloricius art, which was so long dogradcii
from its rightful place in the scale of human occupa-
tion, is now assuming its just rank; and the namo
ef farmer has ceased to carry to the mind the idea
of inferiority or dependence. It is no longer a plod-
ding art, but has bwome a science; in which all the
powers of the human mind have been called into ac-
tion, and the sources of mechanical power put in
ref|uisition to aid its progress and improvement.

Chemistry, Botany, < rcology, Mineralogy, and the
principles of mechanical power, are no longer the
source of usidess experiment to the philosopher and
scholar, but have been jiressed into the service of
agriculture and manufactures, and every branch of
pnictical science, rendered subservient to satisfy our
wants and Uie gratification of a refined taste. We
live indeed in an eventful period ! An age of agita-
tion and progress — of b(rld ajid lofty intellect! The
who'e world seems to be undergoing change ! Events
pregnant with instruction and warning, and of a
.startling character, sut-cecd each other with a rapid-
ity that excites our special wonder ! There has been
no period since the commencement of the world, in
whii-h so many importsnt discoveries have been made
as within the last half century. I will take a few of
the most striking instances, for which I am indebted
to one of your own distingtiished journalists. Fifty
years ago, there was not a steamboat in'esistence,
and its application to machinery unknown; the first

?G2

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

[December,

steamboat was launched in 1807 or 8 — and now how
many thousands are traversing; the waters of Ameri-
ca"

? In 1808, tliere was not a single railroad in the
world ! The fire horse will travel in as many hours
now, a distance which some years ago, it took as
many days and weeks to accomplish. A few years
:igo, it took weeks to communicate between the At-
lantic cities and New Orleans, which is now accom-
plished in a few minutes by the electric telegraph.

Eleetrotyping was but lately discovered, and a
press, capable of pirinting 10,000 cojjies (I believe it
has gone up to 20,000) in an hour.

Gas light was unknown fifty years ago, and now
every city and town is lighted with it, and we hear
of a still greater discovery, Ijy which light, heat, and
motive power can bo produced from water, with little
cist. Daguerreotype and Phototype and a hundred
i>th(?r types with all their beautiful inventions are the
work of the last ten years ; and Gun Cotton and Chlo-
roform are of .still more recent discovery. And As-
ta-onomy, has come in and added a number of new
Planets to the Solar System.

And yet, Mr. President, depend upon it, that with
:t.U our knowledge and improvements of the age, both
scientific and practical, there are even Ijetter ways
than those now in use, in relation to our field indus-
try, and the operation of mechanics. AVho imagines
tliat in this immense repository in which we live, the
whole of its contents have been exhausted, or a ma-
jor part of them ? Why the very discoveries in art
and science show that even now in this age of fan-
cied maturity, knowledge and science are yet in their
infancy. The land that now teems with such splen-
did designs and enterprises for the benefit of man,
has scarcely yet seen the dawn of that improvement
in art and science which awaits it. Who will pre-
scribe to knowledge boun-daries, or restrain tha insa-
tiable curiosity of man ? AV'ho attempt to set limits
to the march of human improvement?

lias tlie spirit of Philosophical enterprise yet ex-
hausted its discoveries in common, or atmospheric
elexitricity ; in explosive or physical forces — in atmo-
spheric pressure, or electrometers, with all their sul>
tlety and power, their excitability, rapidity, and in-
tensity of action !

Does any one im.agine that the secrets of the ele-
ments are "yet exhausted? Tliat the bowels of the
earth may not yet teem with unknown treasures ? —
That fire and water are not yet to be applied to pur-
- poses not less wonderful than that of making the
very billows of the ocean conquer themselves ?

Is it not wonderful to suppose that plants which
are now trodden heedlessly under foot may not be-
CAjme important objects of commerce, and form new
sources of national wealth ? That undiscovered pla-
nets may not now be tracing their silent and eternal
course in the heavens, whos<i rays ere long may burst
upon our sight and renew the vigils of tha astrono-
mer?

Let the bold and rapid course of knowledge and
improvement within tlie last half century answer
these interrogatives.

And now, Mr. President, for the application of
what has been said to your own State, whicli I ven-
ture to say would derive greater benefits from the
lights of practical science, the establishment of Agri-
cultural Societies, and the diffusion of correct infor-
mation as to the best mode of cultivating the earth,
than any other State in the confederacy, every thing
considered. Mark that ! For who is there that now
expects, vrith all the energy and industry of man,
that the agriculture of any of the old States, and es-

reach a high state of improvement, without the aid
of agricultural knowledge, and the benefits of modern
science, to say nothing of political influence and pow-
er? Why sir, as well may we expect to reap without
sowing, or the plants that are reared for human sus-
tenance, would yield their fruits without human la-
bor, as that the theory or proctice of agriculture can
be brought to any perfection, or be made to approxi-
mate towards it in any very profitable degree, unless
those engaged in it can be induced to act more in a
body and more in concert, in regard to their great
and best interests. And here suffer mo to glance for
a moment to the condition of Pennsylvania, and the
means she possesses for the highest state of improve-
ment, as well in relation to her agriculture, as to
other sources of national wealth ; and to see to what
extent she is obnoxious to the charge of unscientific
and unproductive husliandry. What she ha.s done
for agriculture, and wliat she has fi^iled to do. And
with all her improvements, and they certainly have
been far superior to most of her sister States, and do
her honor, who can look through her wide domain
and her vast resources, and not be struck with the
fact that her agricultural condition is still far, very
far below that point of elevation that slie ought to hold
in the scale of high farming — -and whilst it will lie
readily admitted that in many parti of the State an
improving and flourishing system of cultivation pre-
vails, tliat has restored in a high degree the produc-
tiveness of large portions of her land — yet is it not
equally true that these hold but a small proportion
of the State? and what is still more surprising is,
that where deterioration prevails it is in those parts of
the State where the choicest adv-intages for success-
ful improvement have been most bountifully shower-
ed by a beneficent Providence. I shall not particu-
larize lest it might bo thought invidious, and compa^
risons are always odious ! But may I not ask, and
I do it in a spirit of perfect kindness, whether there
is one land holder or farmer in your State, who is not
satisfied that by a different and more improved sys-
tem of cultivation than that which now exists, his
land would not only be more productive, and his la-
bors more successful, but that the value of his pro-
perty would be enhanced in a much higher degree.
Nor would it, I hope, be considered any disparage-
ment of the fixrraers of Pennsylvania, if I were to
hazard the conjecture, there is now about nearly eve-
ry farming establishment throughout the State, oven
the best and most improved, some defect, some mis-
management, for the want of skill and attention, over
which the eye of the owner has wandered a thousand
times without discovering, or, if discovered, without
either amendment or ch.ange — -and if we extend the
examination to the tillage, draining, enclosures, farm
houses, meadows, and various kinds of stocks, I dars
vouch enough would be found to occupy the powers,
be they what they m.ay, of the most industrious and
skilful agriculturists in the State.

Why, sir, have you not amongst you still a goodly
number of that class of cultivators who may be de-
nominated the unscientiflcs. and belonging to Miss
Edgeworth's celebrated family of tho^'good enoughs,"
who are so infuriated as to sit down with folded arnii
and contented minds, without ever spending a thought
or moving a finger towards the modern improvement
of the first and best of human occupations, except,
indeed, in what they regard as the " good old way."
Indeed, h.ave you not men of intelligence and respec-
tability, engaged in agriculture professionally, who
still imagine that agriculture is all sufficient to takf
care of itself, single handed and without concert or

pociaJly Penr.sylvania and Virginia, can over again co-operation amongst its followers, and that the sin-

lS5i.]

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

263

gle and unaided powers of each individual who cul-
tivates the soil can bring to it at least a reasonable
state of perfection. And then, again, we have an-
other class of persons, quite numerous, wlio, I re-
gret to say, unite in this war against agriculture.

AVhy, Sir. President, every day presents the ex-
amplcof men of the highest mental endowment ; men
whoso talents and knowledge would render them ca-
pable of enlightening by their writings, and oharm-
mg by their eloquence^ who not only do nothing in
aid of this great constitutional bulwark of defence,
l)ut who ridicule and reproach those who are attemjit-
ing to rouse up the nation and the friends of agricul-
ture, to the dangers that threaten them. And yet,
how many of these men do we see devoting every
• faculty of their minds, and every hour of their lives,
to the allurements of what they regard as the digni-
ties and honors of life ? sacrificing the good of our
country, and their own substantial happiness, in
pursuit of shadows, or what may be regarded as
worthy enjoyments. And this, I feel no hesitation
in saying, is another and not the least of tlie evils to
which improved agriculture is doomed in our coun-
try, and where one is sometimes almost disposed to
think that if anew commandment had Ijeen given by
God. to hate the earth, it could not have been better
fulfilled than in some of these old States of our Union.
And then comes the danger of these obstacles becom-
ing more insuperable as we live on, and our passions
take a wider reach. And although we know from
experience that the deeper the bed of the torrent the
more impossible and difficult to change its current,
yet we must not despair or relax our eiforts in the
good cause : however agriculture may have been
(sorely punished it is to be hoped that it is not do-
voted.

My confidence is iu the spirit of this agt of mope-
meiit, and when we see States and Empires, arts and
sciences, customs and manners, and laws and gov-
ernments feeling and acknowledging this inevitable
vicissitude and change, it is to be hoped that agricul-
ture alone is not to remain unchanged or unchange-
able.

Nor will the change be confined to Agriculture. —
All the Alechanic Arts are asserting their rightful
<;laims under the influence of that public opinion
which is destined to govern the whole world — and
every profession and calling will soon be doomed to
acknowledgede the influence of practical science and
mechanical power. Mr. President, it has been said
that the man who ciiuld make two blades of grass
grow where only one grew before, was one of the
greatest benefactors of his species? And shall not
those who can introduce a new plant ; or eradicate a
destructive weed; who can teach us to improve our
djmestic animals or guard us against the ravages of
dc structivc insects, who has invented a new plow or
instrument of husbandry, or determined even an im-
proved angle to the mould board, be equally regarded
as benefactors of their country, and entitled to its
g-atitude? Why, sir, the memories of such men will
1)3 cherished and go down to posterity, when the
names of wariors and heroes, and statesmen and poli-
trcians, will be buried in eternal oblivion ?

In this great battle of public opinion. Agriculture,
I trust, will be found in its proper place ; floating its
flag the highest .and its crew the boldest, to grajjple
■with those events which seem to be hurrying us on
with an accelerated progress, that no human sagaci-
ty can forsee.

And then again I would inquire, has Pennsylvania
no forests yet remaining to subdue ; no swamps to
drain; no tracts of waste and uuproduotiv*; lands ca-

pable of improvemetit, and wanting notliing but the
plow, the hoe and the hod, to make them productive
and fruitful fields, •

lias she no lands not under culture, but abandon-
ed as barren and desolate, and rarely* now troddea
by the foot of man or wild boasts, that might not
again be brought into successful cultivation?

Are there no deserted habitations, falling into ruin,
no depopulation, no separation from friends and con-
nections, and erratic emigrants in search of new
homes, now places for their herds, now fields to skin
and exhaust as fast as ruinous cultivation can ac-
cumplish the work ?

Has she no railroads, turnpikes or Viridges to erect
for facilitating further the internal and external com-
merce of such a State!

If, sir, you feel any delicacy upon this subject, let
me appeal to every intelligent and candid yeoman of
your State to answer these enquiries, and say whetli-
er the agricultural condition of Pennsylvania is what
it ought to be!

And if it be so, as I fear it may be, do the people
of this time-hvinored Commonwealth require to be CO!?-
vinced that means exist, and in abundance by whicii
these evils nRiy be arrested, their population and
power retained, their lauds restored, and rendered
more productive, and the comforts of life increased;
and that these means are within the reach of the great
body of the cultivators of her soil ?

And here allow me, before I jjass from this branch
of the subject, to make one or two suggestions upon
the subject of Emigration to which I have just alluded,
and which ought to be regarded as one of vital im-
portance to the old States, and to none more so than
Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Every hour of every day, we witness portions of
our population abandoning their homes, and friends,
for the terrestrial Paradise of the Emigrant — the
far West, This is au evil of a fearful character, and
should be arrested, .and all must see that this can
only be done by restoring the lands of the Atlantio
States to a high state of fertility, and liy improved
and scientific cultivation.

Of the prospects and progress of our western breth-
ren I need say nothing here. Their destiny is fixefi,
and they are marching on to fulfil it with rapid strides
and richly do they deserve success. Indeed, every
path of human enterprise and improvement has been
explored by these wonderful people, with an energy,
foresight and industry worthy of the epoch, and of
admiration of the whole world, and no one rejoices
at it more than I do. But, Mr. President, we must
not consent to sacrifice ourselves, and these mothers
of States, to add to the strength and power of tliis
new country, covered with flourishing cities and towns
and filled with millions of the most industrious and
thriving population.

If we have not the fertility of their lands, the'r
boundless plains, their trackless forests, and their
magnificent verdure, have we not our own advantages?

Have we not bold and noble rivers, delightful cl'-
mates, and the more valuable productions of southern
suns? And then are there not other and stronger
considerations than those which operate on the em-
grant to bind us to our native land ? Are there not.
ties dearer to the heart than even gold or rich lands?

Is it not the land of our birth; the homes of our
childhood? The habitations of our fathers for past
generations? Arc we not in tlio midst of the monu-
ments and graves of our Revolutionary Sages and Pa-
triots?

Why, Mr. President, is this sacred relic of our pas
history, [hero Sir, Stevenson turned and put his hand

264

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

[Decembeh,

upon the Spcakor's chair,] this chair, so long pre-
served with s>ioh jealous vigilance, which was occu-
pied by John Hancock when he' signed the Declara-
tion of Independence and removed from the old im-
mortal State House in Philadelphia to this splendid
liall, so dear to the hearts of I'ennsylvanians, and
may I not adil of every American ? The answer is
to be found in that principle of association, which
i-ompols us to look with interest upon the relics and
memories connected with great events or names of
renown, and which having come down to us from our
fathers will descend to future generations, increasing
in interest as they increase in years I And are these
monuments and memorials of past times, which ap-
peal to the best emotions of the human heart to avail
nothing? Are these hallowed sympathies of tender-
ness and veneration for our homes and country to bo
so easily broken, and when broken, forever? The
remedy is in our own hands, and we shall be false
to ourselves and our children if we fail to avail our-
selves of it — that rcmedj', I must again repeat, is in
restoring our lands to fertility, and in elevating the
agricultural classes — in scientific and high farming.
And here, Mr. President, let me say that Penn.sylva-
nia has other and most important interests, besides
lier agriculture, to urge her on in the course of im-
provement and enterprise, and these are to be found
in her vast mineral resources, and especially in her
mines of coal and iron. Indeed the possession of such
immense fields of coal within a reasonable distance
of the seaboard, may be regarded as a boon of ines-
timable value, and the main source to which she
nmst now look to elevate her to superiority as a com-
niorcial and manufacturing State.

As late as 1840, one of her representatives in Con-
gress is reported to have said, that only fifty years
before, coal was unknown in the conntrj'; and that
it then gave employment to four millions of days
wcn'k annually. That it kept in movement a thou-
^■and ships of one hundred tons each ; and afibrdcd a
nursery for the training of sis thousand seamen, who
'■arned three millions of dollars yearly! That it g.ave
circulation to a capital of fifty millions of dollars ! —
Kept in activity fifty thousand souls, who annually
consumed upwards of two millions worth of agricul-
tural products, and more than three and a half mil-
lions of dollars worth of merchandize ! What has
been the increase since '46, we can now only conjec-
ture ! What a field is opened here, Mr. President,
for enterprise, in such a State as Pennsylvania, in
all the branches of national industry and wealth I —
Why these hlaclc diamonds of her's alone, will prove
iif far more value than all the gold of California, or
the mines of Mexico. Is it not calculated to baffle
all speculation as to the point it is yet to elevate her!
And yet, would it not be passing strange that at
such a time at this, when skill, and zeal and industry
are pushing on all the other arts of civilized life to
their utmcjst perfection, that art which fill's the purse
and sustains the sword of the nations: the art by
which under God we live and move and have our be-
ing, should be the only neglected and despised in a
country like ours? Most sincerely do I wish that I
had the power of that victorious language, which
could carry deep and solid conviction upon tliis sub-
ject to the minds and hearts of every cultivator of
the soil, not only in your noble and patriotic State,
))ut into every hole and corner of this vast confeder-

acy!

Having in the earlier part of this address, referred
to the st^ite of English and Scotch agriculture, and
given estimates to show their increased productive-
ness from improved and scientific cultivation alone ;

let me now, Mr. President, add one or two examples
from some of the smaller States of the Old World,
as to the wonderful results that have been wrought
by improving and fertilizing poor soils, and I select
from States whose agriculture has probably not re-
ceived the attention and consideration it merits. I
allude to Ireland and Belgium! And first as to Ire-
land! She, with a territory not mjre than half as
large as that of Pennsylvania or Virginia, certainly
not of \ew York, supports not only a population of
more than nine millions, but exports more than fifty
millions worth of products ! And when wo pass over
to Belgium, a comparatively small principality, we
find her sustaining an agricultural population of more
than three hundred and thirty to the square mile. —
Now Pennsylvania and Virginia, with a population
equally dense, could each sustain a population of
more tlum twenty millions, just by the same system
of farming and improved cultivation!

M'CuUoch, in his great statistical work, in alluding
to the agriculture of Belgium, remarks: "That her
soil, artilirially enriched, produces more than double
the quiiiitity of wheat required for the consumption
of its i;iliabitants, amounting annually to more than
sixteen millions of bushels."

No-s\' these statements, striking and marvellous as
they appear, are no doubt true, and then the inquiry
follows: — IIow is it all produced? The'answer is, by
improved and scientific cultivation, but especially in
the making and keeping of manures, and in the wise
and judicious application of them! Well may these
bo regarded as startling results and calculated to
carry conviction and confidence to every candid and
unprejudiced mind. And if such are the residts and
rewards of highly improved modern husbandry in the
Old World, let us see what are the losses sustained in
this new one of ours, from a totally different system
of farming and cultivating our lands, and no where
will the contrast be more apjdicable, than to our
own States of Peun.sylvania and Virginia, and a few
others which I need not name. In doing this, how-
ever, I shall need official and statistical data, and in
the absence of legal provisions in Pennsylvania for
procuring such statistical information, I must resort
to some other States that can furnish it. For this
purpose I shall select New York as an example, to
show the probaljle and estimated loss that is annual-
ly sustained from the impoverishment of soils and
the want of more improved cultivation. And her
case will be entirely applicable as well to Pennsylva-
nia as to most of the other old States. The census
of 1840 will be the basis of the calculation I am about
to submit, and for it I am indebted to one of the of-
ficial report.s of the Patent Office, a publication, by
the by, of great value, and containing a fund of the
most interesting information upon all branches of
national industry.

Now, according to this statement, it appears that
New Y'orkhas twelve millions of acres of imtroved
LAND, cultivated by five hundred thousand laborers,
being an average of 24 or 25 acres to each laborer. —
Of these twelve millions one million is so calculated
as to become richer each succeeding year. It is in
the hands of some forty thimsand skilful farmers, who
take and read agricultural journals and papers, and
not only sustain, not only e great State Society, but
the numerous auxiliary societies scattered tlu-ough
that great Commonwealth — Empire, rather, let me
call it !

Three millions more of the twelve are so managed
as barely to hold their own in point of fertility 1 —
They belong to a class of farmers who, we are told,
do as well as tliey can from personal observation, and

1851.

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

260

geeing how the reading and more skilful eutiviitors ■ that spirit of progress a-id improvemeut that marks
of the one million class improve their estates and the age !

domestic animals. We see this exemplified in her improving agricul-

The remaining eight millions of acres of the twelve, [ ture ; in the increasing numher of her railroads, ca-
arc in the hands of about three hundred thousand | naif, turnpikes and bridges, and the increasing facil-

porsons, who still adhere to the " good old way " of
their fathers, in farming or rather in sinking the land
and extracting from the virgin soil all it will yield,
and returning to it little or nothing in aid of the pro-
ductive powers of the land.

Kow what proportion and in what degree of these
three classes Pennsylvania and Virginia can claim,
neither you, sir, nor I, will venture an opinion, but
f it was put to ajury of enlightened and good farm-
ei's to decide, I fear there would be a great predomi
nance found in favor of the third class, whom I need
not say, belong to the " unscientifics," and that afore-
said family the " good enoughs."

And, in what ratio, Mr. President, do you suppose
these farms in ?Cew York have deteriorated in half a

ities for internal and exlernal communication. The
value of her lands, according to the report of her
chief magistrate, has increased nearly 30 per cent,
in her entire landed property, and many portions of
the State, which 20 years ago were barely inhabited,
are now filling up with an industrious population,
and well cultivated. The Fire Ilorse is busily at
work in ^'irginia, traversing every part of her do-
minion and his whistle, it is to be hoped, will not on-
ly rouse up the " Deer and Eagle of her Mountains,"
but her hardy and gallant sons from that lethargy
and " glorious inactivity " which has so long kept
this old commonwealth in the back ground of im-
pruvcment,and paralized those energies and resoureoR
which were more than sufficient hmg since to have

century ? AVhy the fact is hardly to be credited, that I placed her in the front rank of national improvement
less than seventy years ago they yielded in wheat 1 and greatness ! But her destiny is onward, and God

from twenty to thirty bushels, aud now only from five
to eight!

From a treatise on "American Husbandry," pub-
lished at the close of the revolution, the following
statement is made: — " That many parts of New York
yield a larger produce in wheat than is common to
England. Upon good lands about Alliany where the
climate is the coldest in the countrj-, thej' sow two
bushels and better to an acre, and reap twenty to
forty; the latter quantity is not often had, but twenty
to thirty are common, and that with such bad indus-
try as would not yield the like in England, aud much
loss in Scotland. This is owing to the richness and
fertility of the lands."

And now let us see what is the present yield of the
same lands, according to the State census of New
York, of 1845. From this it appears that the county
of Albany produces 7h bushels to the acre, although
the farms are on tide-water and near the capitol of
the State, with a good home market and every facil-
ity for producing th e most valuable fertilizers. —
Duchess county, also on the Hudson, yields an aver-
age of only 5 bushels; Columbia, G bushels; llensel-
laor, 8; and West Chester, 7.

To renovate these eight millions of acres would
cost a hundred millions of dollars, aud the aggregate
loss to New York and the world is estimated at up-
wards of seven millions of dollars annually!

And this state of things, ceteris ])aiihu!<, is as ap-
plicable to Pennsyl'. aiiaand Virginia,aud the South,
as to New York.

And then comes the question, wluit escape is there
from all this, but to improve aud enrich the lauds by
high cultivation, or abandon them and emigrate ? To
educate and elevate the agricultural classes !

And yet New York, vrith all her wealth and en-
terprise, and all her eflbrts to render her agriculture
profitable, has done nothing towards a system of
ijeneral A;/rii-iilhiral education !

With her numerous societies aud associations, she
is yet without an Ayrictd/itral School on a scale wor-
tliy of her wealth and enterprise. Nor is there one,
it is believed, in the United States !

How long will it be before this reproach will be
wiped out, it must be for New York or Pennsylvania
to answer !

We, of the Old Dominion, Mr. President, can no
longer, I fear, hope to le.td, but must be content to
learn, and follow, at least, a while longer. I rejoice,
however, in believing that she too is fast yielding to

speed her success.

And then again we have another stumbling Idock
to all agricultural improvement, which is probably t'l
be mot with in Pennsylvania, to an extent quite as
great as in some others of her older sisters, and that:
is in deep rooted attachment to the old modes of cul-
tivation, and in old habits and prejudices descending
from father to son, always the most powerful enemy
of all new systems of imjirovemonts, and in a great
measure, I regret to say, confined to cultivators of
the soil. I need not tell von, Mr. President, nor en-
lighten this enlightened luidience. how slowly and
reluctantly they are yielded by even the most intelli-
gent and candid. Ilmice it is that from generation
to generation men pass in the track of their prede-
cessors, and to conquer this propensity, and the evils
which flow from it, is the eftbrt of and one of the
best results of modern science connected v>'ith agri-
cultural improvement. In vain may tlie tongue or
press be emploj'cd to satisfy the practical and unsci-
entific farmer of errors and habits which a life of l.i-
bor and toil may have confirmed I Hois either deaf
or blind to such appeals ? He laughs at all book
learning, and sticks to the good old ways which havt?
come down from some of his great grand-fiithers ! —
There is but one remedy, and that is to make the ex-
periment, explain the method, and exhibit the suc-
cessful result, and then ho may yield and follow in
the foot steps of successful experiment. But even
then, as I have before said, most rchu'tantly. [Mr.
Stevenson related one or two very striking and amus-
ing anecdotes both in relation to England and Amer-
ica, to show the force and folly of this inveteracy of
habit among farmers, and the prejudices which some-
times exist between the two countries as to their
modes of farming, living, &c.]

Nor is this all that the agriculturists have to bear,
as a class they are often not only underrated, but sup-
posed not to stand upon the s;uue platform in public es-
timation, with the learned and liberal professions.

Now, Mr. President, this is a matter which I re-
gard as vastly more important than is generally sui>-
posed, and another of the evils to an improved stat«
of agriculture. Will you pardon mo for a moment
while I say a few words upon the agricultural classes
in a country like this, and the nature of their calling.
And if it Ijc true, that laljor, occupation, difficulties
to absolve, obstructions to overcome, and the lialanc-
ing between hopes and fears, constitute the true ele-
ments of man's nature, where so much, as in the
cultivalion of tlie earth, is to be found the foodful

3G6

AGRICULTURAL ADDRESS.

[DECEMnEH,

nurse of oartlily happiness ? Whore can man indulge
his love for nature, or render greater benefits to his
fellow men, undisturbed by envy or prejudice, or the
vanities of the world, than in the retirement of the
country, and seeking the bread of industry by the
sweat lit his brow iu cultivating the soil?

And is it true that agriculture has fallen from its
high estiitt', to one of a low and grovelling character?
Neviir had it a right to stand higher, even in the
palmiest days of Roman greatness ! And do they,
Mr. President, who now attempt to disparage it, re-
member what it then was? If they look into the
civil institutions of Home, when she was mistress of
tlie w.irhl, they will see how deeply it entered into
her policy, not only to promote, but to dignify agricul-
ture and its professors. Why, Pliny tells us, ''that
then the earth took pleasure in being cultivated by
the hands of men crowned with laurels and decorated
with the higliest honors." And Cicero deolaroa "that
nothing in the world was more useful, more agreea-
ble, or more v.urthy of freemen, than agriculture,''
and in saying «ii, he pronounced not his own opinion
only, but t!ie public judgment of his ag! and coun-
try. If troiips were to be raised for the defence of
the Itepublic, whore, but in the in'Ims rusticus, were
the nurserl^'.-i of the Legions? Did the emergencies
of the slate require a General or Dictator ? where was
ho sought — in the schools or in the forum? No, sir.
No, he was taken from the plough. Were their ser-
vices to be rewarded, and if so, with gold, or medals,
or high office ? Not at all. It was done by dona-
tions of land; and the quantity just so much as a
man could plow himself in one day. A compensa-
tion, which by the bye, I fear, in our days of pros-
pe,rity and greatness, Mr. President, would not be
esteemed, by our warriors, a very liberal compensa-
tion.

Agriculture a degraded occupation? Why I blush
whilst I repeat it ! What is there, let me ask, in
human duties, wliat in science or in arts, what in
m<jrals, philo.sophy or religion, that may not to be
found amiingst the cultivators of the soil in as great
a degree a.s in any other calling on earth ? What
occupation more full of dignity ; duties more full of
joy, tlian those of the husbandman, in all that invcists
man with simplicity, practical sense and enlightened
benevolence, and with all that is lovely, valuable or dis-
interested in wiiman ? AV'hen was it that man ever
rose from a state of servitude and dependence to own-
ership of laud, tliat ho did not learu self-respect and
hecomo mcn-e elevated in his own esteem. This it is
that breathing no low or abject spirit, he reaps from
the soil the harvest of virtue : the sobriety of the fa-
ther, the eoontjmy of the mother, the devoted labor of
the S(ui, the chastity of the daughter. These, those.
Mr. President, are the fruits of glorious agriculture,
and this is tlu^ answer to all who decry it! To the
little minds in other countries who regard the pur-
suits of the husbandman as ignoble, (and there are
such,) we have abundant vengeance for our contempt,
when we recollect the homage paid to it in every slage
of the world by the oollossal abilities of tlieir day ! —
When it is assailed in America we have but one an-
«wcr to give, and that is, that the plow can never be
regarded as an ignoble instrument — which was guided
by Washington ! Tlie one — the first — the last — the
best ! And now I come lastly, to the enquiry, .shall
this state of things which now exists be suftijred longer
to do 80 ? Shall the spirit of improvement that has
totiilly changed the agriculture and the conditiou ol
the greatest portion of the old wcn-ld, and so much of
the new, be banished from the good old states of the
Uuion ? If not, what is the remedy to bo applied ?

I answer fearlessly — an improved and enlightened
.system of cultiv.ation, agricultural education and leg-
islative aid ! These are necessary and must be had.
Soils must be analysed ; and for this agriculturjiJ
chemists are needi'd. Agricultur.al implem.<nts mu'^f
be improved ; and for these agricultural soi^ieties lib-
erally endowed will be able t'> furnish models of im-
provemimts and machinery. The plow must be
driven deeper into the soil. Lime and plaster and
fertilising manure must be made to stimulate the
sleeping energies of soils newly turned up to the fer-
tilising dews of heaven ! Clover and other improving
crops must restcre to exhausted soils the vegetable
matter so indispensable to fertility I Farmers must
be invoked to push their enquiries to the extent of
their capacity, and their experiments as prudent
economy will permit it. and to make no otiier use of
the good old w.ay than to adhen^ to it mitil a better
is pointed out ! Every State should have a State So-
ciety, such as yours, with am|de means of carrying
out its meritorious objects ! This must be the foimda-
tion stone of all agricultural improvements upon a
large and liberal scale ! Nothing can bo done with-
out it!

And here I will say that one great advantage, if
none other, which v.ould grow out of the meetings of
such associations properly organized, and endorsed by
the state, would be bringing together in one great
social body, most of the leading and efficient friends
of agriculture from all parts of the State at some cen-
tral point. Their views vrouhl be similar, their o1>
jects would accord, and theirmeeting would be friend-
ly and social. They would come together as yoij
have done, animated by a kindred spirit, and de-
voted to kindred pursuits, act iu concert and part
with the kindest feelings.

Could anything but unmixed good come out of such
associations ? Politi(/al and party spirit would he
bauislicd, and no interest would claim attention but
such as gentlemen and Christians would conscienti-
ously support. Sucli meetings would serve to bind
together the people in the different portions of such
States as Pennsylviuiia and Virginia, and would be
useful if they did not even give such an impulse to
agriculture as I have attempted to prove and most
strongly believe.

AV'^iiat scene more dignified and delightful than to
see, as we have done here, hundreds and thousande
of Iiappy, intelligent and independent farmers, col-
lei;ted from all parts of yuur State, not to engage in
political and party strife" but meet together for their
country's good, consulting how best to promote the
great interests of agriculture, with no jarring ele-
ments, no hoart^ljurnings of any sort, but peace and
good will, and benevolence animating every bosom !
And then the various county and auxiliary^ socie-
ties would send their delegates' and combine in one
body upon every anni\'ersary of the State Society, an
immense mass of intelligence collected from all parts
of each State, bringing into social and prolitable in-
tercourse those who would otherwise remain strangers
to eacli other, and would thus collect a mass of infor-
mation not only upon farming, but other great inter-
ests of the State.

And as the occupation of the plough is of no party,
as tlie times are those of temperance (and I omitted
to put tliis along with the other improvements of the
age), as farmers are characterized by the love of or-
der, and their calling the foundation upon which rests
the welfare and happiness of all, there can be co
danger of any sort apprehended from these gather-
ings, but they will come and pass off as the jubi-
lees of farmers always do, iu the greatest order aod

1851.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

2GT

decorum, .and in a friendly and bcmovolont spirit. —
Would not such scenes be well calculated, Mr. Pres-
ident, to gladden the heart of every wise and good
man ? If there be one who doubts it, I only wish he
could have been present at the exhibition in Balti-
more, during last week, or been for the last three
days here.

Nor will the benefits of agriculture be the only of-
fect of all I have been endeavoring to impress upon
our agricultural friends. When regarded in a polit-
ical point of view and tho prespority and permanen-
cy of our free institutions, what strong inducements
we have, not only to uphold, and maintain the rights
and power of these glorious old states to whom we
are indebted not only for the blessings of our liberty,
constitution and Union, but to whom we are too look
in tlie hour of peril, for their preservation and perpe-
tuity. For let no uian deceive himself in the belief
that they can ever be preserved in any other man-
ner than in that spirit of compromise and mutual
affection in which they were founded by our fathers.
To the federal government must be yieldeil the ex-
clusive and energetic exercise of all external and na-
tional powers secured to it by the constitution. To
tlie state governments must be secured the mass of
powers which relate to the external and domestic af
fairs of the confederacy.

The rights secured to tho states and the people
nrust be preserved inviolable upon the basis of the
constitution, then will our glorious Union in the lan-
guage of tho Father of his country, "become the
main pillar in the edifice of our real independence;
of tranquility at home and peace abroad ; of our safe-
ty, and prosperity, and of that liberty which we prize
so much." Then, and then only, Mr. President, will
our Union become immortal.

These are some of the views which I have felt it
my duty to present on this occasion, and which I
only regret are not more worthy of the cause, and
the consideration and favor with which they have
been received by you and the distinguished assembly.
One more word, and I shall have done. If, Mr. Pres-
ident, we arc to succeed in the scheme in which we
are engaged, of restoring and improving the lands
and agriculture of our respective states, we must be
not onlj" zealous and untiring, but united as a class.
Vre must tr\ist in the integrity of our cause, and in
the intelligence and enterprise of our people !

And if it be true that the price of liberty is eternal
Tigilance, not less so is it as to successful agriculture.
You, sir, and those who are in high places, must be-
come the Warners upon the wall to rouse up and
warn farmers of tlie true state and condition of
tilings, and of the dangers that beset them, and point
ou the means of escape from the breakers upon
wlu .'h our agricultural ship has been of late years
t03 lapidly driving : and then if they heed not the
•warning, Ijut are determined to perish, their blood
Will not be requited of the watchmen ! For one,
hav. ever, I have no fears of the result, if we are true
to ourselves. And why shall we not succeed ? AVhy
sit clown in despair ? Our cause is not tho cause of
tin great and wealthy of any particular system of
pii'.tics, or any party, but the cause of the country!
Let us then persevere, and should wo triumph, as I
feel confident we shall, then will a new era open
upon these old, and venerated, and beloved common-
wealths, which, in spite of every difficulty, will carry
them through a long course of liberty and honor to
the farthest goals of wealth, prosperity and hoppi-
ncss.

Commuuicatious.

TRANSLATED FOR THE FARM JOURXAL.
Agricultural Chemistry, No. 1.

We come now to consider the compound substances.

Atmospheric air is formed by a mixture of one-fifth
oxygen with four-fifths nitrogen. As no living crea-
ture can exist without atmospheric air, so it is indis-
pensable to the growth of plants, and they are fur-
nished with peculiar vcs.scls for absorbing it. Bui
the soil likewise requires atmospheric air; and hence
the groat benefits wliich result from loosening and
stirring the ground; as well as tho injury sustained
when the land becomes bound and comjiact, or is cov-
ered with a crust, so as to be nearly impervious to
the air. Atmospheric air is not merely the medium
or vehicle by which oxygen is conveyed or .supplied
to plants, but it contains al.so other feriform sub-
stances, though in minute proportions, which are ab-
sorbed in part by the .•^oil and in part by the growing
crop or natural vegetation. Impalpable particles of
substances not really volatile are also contained in it,
which serve as nutriment for plants. Thus during a
protracted droiight a large quantity of substances not
properly belonging to the atmosphere is taken up and
becomes mixed with it, and are then again precipita-
ted by rain. The consequence is a more striking and
more rapid growth of vegetation, than is observed
when rains arc frequent and of long continuance, and
the atmosphere is not allowed time to become stored
with such fertilizing particles. A further valuable
property of atmospheric air, is its capacity to receive
and retain the vapor of water, as it rises from the
earth. The warmer tlie air is, the greater is the quan-
tity of water it will take up; but wheu its tempera-
ture is reduced, as during cold nights, i'. part.s again
with a portion of the moisture it contains, which is
then precipitated in the form of dcAc. The fertilizing
effects of dew flow not ahmo from the moisture it
supplies, but also from tho gaseous and other minute-
ly divided substances deposited with it. Hence the
benefits which result from stirring tho .soil during the
prevalence of drought, as will bo hereafter noticed.

Oxygen and nitrogen serve to form other combina-
tions also, among which nitric acid is of importance
to the farmer. In its pure si:ate this acid acts corro-
sively on vegetation; but when converted into a salt
Viy means of an oxyd, it acts as a fertilizer in conse-
quence of the nitrogen it contains. Hydrogen in
combination with nitrogi^n forms -icatcr, without which
no living body can grow or thrive. Water operates
in a two-fold manner, mechanically and chemically.
Its mechanical operation consists in conditioning and
promoting action and reaction among bodies. In a
dry state different substances may lie side by side fer
years without perceptibly affecting one another. But
no sooner do they become moistened by water than a
reciprocal action commences between them. If tlic

238

COMMUNICATIONS.

[December,

«oil become thoroughly dry, the action of the air on
it ceases in a great degree or becomes suspended, )jc-
cause the oxygen itself of the atmosphere requires a
certain degree of humidity to enable it to combine
witii other substances. Water, moreover, serves as
a vehicle fur many substances, which arc found only
n combination with a certain portion of moisture, or
n a liquid state. This combination is meant when
wo say hat water dissolves such substances, or holds
them in solution ; and in such a state of solutiim al-
most all substances must be, if they are to serve a.s
ood for plants. On the other hand, there are many
substaRces which are insoluble in water. If these
consist of or contain ingredients which, under differ-
cjit circumstances, would serve as food for plants,
they must still be regiuded as though not present i
and of no effect or value, so long as they are not ren- i
dered soluble. Happily however, tlicre are many 1
substances which can be used to render soluble those 1
whicli are not directly soluble in water. For osample, '
iron, exposed to dampness or moisture, comlnnes 1
with oxygen, forming protoxyd of iron. This, com- i
bined with carbonic acid becomes soluble; and when
in excess, proves injurious to plants. As water has
the property of taking up or dissolving other sub-
stances, it never occurs pure in nature, but always
contains more or less foreign matter. Even rain wa-
t«r is never entirely pure. The fjreign matter con-
tained in water, is almost always fertilizhig.

The chemical operation of water consists rather in
tills, that, by the influence of other substance?, it be-
comes decomposed into its elements, oxygen and hy-
drogen ; and in this way large quantities of water

are used or appropriated in the growth of plants.

Water appears under UifiFerent forms, according to
the degree of lieat it contains. At low temperatures
it appears solid, as ice, at ordinary temperatures as a
Uciuid, an.l at very liigh temperatures as vapor. Of
the latter the atraospliere can receive and absorb a
vci'y large quantity, which it does not again yield up
or part from, until it is reduced to a lower tempera-
ture. If this occur in the higher regions of the air,
douds are formed; and, by further atmospheric
changes, these become condensed and are precipita-
te<l, in whole or in part, as rain. But the atmosphere
also, when reduced to a lower temperature, though
no clouds be formed, parts with a portion of its mois-
ture in the form o{ dew.

Next to air and water, the most important and most
Widely diifuscd compound substance is carhonic acid,
■which is a i ombination of oxygen and carbon. Car-
bonic acid is produced by the combustion of carbona-
ceous matters in .atmosplieric air; also during the
processes of petrcfaetion and fermentation. It is
likewise a product of tlie act of breathing. It is
commonly procured fnirn limestone or marble, pieces
of which are placed in a suitable apparatus (fig. 12),
and muriatic acid diluted with water being then

ourcd en them, the rapidly developed gas is received,
n a vessel, under water in the pneumatic trough. —

Fig. 12.
But if the gas be required dry, it is to be passed over
d y chloride of calcium in a horizontal tube, whereby
every trace of moisture is removed from it. Carbonic
acid is aboxit one and a half times as heavy as com-
mon air. At the common temperature it is a color-
less, transparent gas. It combines readily with wa-
tor, and is attracted and absorbed by it, and hence
moist earth takes it up freely. It is wholly unfitted
for respiration, and does not support combustion. —
As largo quantities of carbunic acid are developed by
decaying vegetables, much of which is taken up and
retained by water, it is probable that it is thus intre-
ducod into plants by the absorption of such water,
and is then decomposed to appropriate the carbon. —
But plants .also absorb it from the atmosphere ; and
this appears to be the principal mode by which they
supply themselves with carbon. Another property
of carbonic acid, is, that it can be taken up in excess
by many substances, as by water for example. Many
substances which are insoluble in water containing
only a small portion of carbonic acid, become readily
soluble when a larger proportion is introduced. —
This is the reason why water containing it in excess
will decompose substances on which it would other-
wise have little or'no effect. Carbonic acid is evolved
in large quantities, fr?m natural sources, in volcanic
districts. It is frequently contained in wells and
caverns, and is produced abundantly by the explo-
siims which occaeiimally occur in coal mines. It is
always pi-escnt in the air, being given off by the res-
piration of animals, and by uniting with alkaline
bases, it forms an important class of salts, the car-
bonates; all of which are decomposable' by muriatic
acid, evolving carbonic acid gas in the process.

Another very important compound substance is,
sulphuric acid — a combination of oxygen and sulphur.
For the production of this article, the sulphurous
acid resulting from the combustion of sulphur, and
which is its lowest compound with oxygen, is con-
ducted (fig. 13.) into a chamber A lined throughout
with sheet lead, and thence into chamber B, contain-
ing broad shallow vessels filled with concentrated ni-
tric acid. The actual formation of the sulphuric acid
takes place in chamber C, the floor of which is cov-

ISJl.]

COMM UNIC ATIOXS.

26!)

crod -svith diluted sulpluirous acid to prevent the ni-
tric acid from acting on the sheet lead. After pass-

Fig. 13.

iiig through the chambers A, B, C, and D, the sul-
phuric acid formed, collects in the large cistern or
reservoir E. A free current of air must be provided
for, so that there may never be a deficiency of that
essential requisite, atmospheric air. Tlie necessary
supply of water is obtained from the steam evolved
iu the boiler F, and is conducted into the lead cham-
bers by the tubes G, G. The sulpliuric acid thus ob-
tained is freed from vratcr l.iy evaporation by leaden
vessels, till it attains a specific gravity of 4,848. It
is one of the most important compounds known ; and
very extensive use is made of it in the arts, for the
manufacture of nitric and muriatic acid, sulphate of
copper, and alum, as also in dyeing establishments.
Sulphur is an essential constituent of many plants,
though in its pure state it is wholly insoluble in wa-
ter; but in combination with oxygen, or in the form
of sulphuric acid which unites with oxygen to form a
salt, it becomes more readily accessible to plants. —
{sulphuric acid is also decomposed by certain sub-
stances, and the liberated sulphur then unites with
certain other substances, as hydrogen for example,
and is absorbed by them. As sulphuric acid is of a
very corrosive nature, it can be applied only in a very
diluted state. It renders excellent service if occa-
sionally, forced, in small quantity, into the tank con-

taining urine or liquid manure, and the liquid thus
acidulated be used for wetting manure heaps or com-
post. During the fermentation of animal manures,
certain valuable fertilizing substances or elements
are liberated, escape into the air, and are lost. But
by the use of sulphuric acid their escape is prevent-
ed, the sulphuric acid combining with them and
forming noa-volatile salts — thus retaining and ren-
dering them available as fertilizers, as they subse-
quently became decomposed again, and furnish nu-
triment for growing plants or crops.

Phosphoric acid, a combination of oxygen and
phosphorus, is likewise a substance of great import-
ance to the farmer. This acid greatly promotes the
growth of plants, even when watered with ouly a weak
solution of it in water. Such manuring, however,
would be very expensive. But the far mer introduces
phosphoric ac'd info the soil, generally without Ijeing
aware of the fact, since almost every description of
manure embr ices more or less substances contajining
combinations of phosphoric acid; besides which,
such combina^ons, in greater or smaller quanti'.y,
are fovind in a'most every soil.

The phosphoric acid taken up by plants contri-
butes mainly 1 1 the formation of the grain or seed,
especially of the cereals. When this substance has
been exhausted from the soil, by several successive
crops of grain, it can be supplied again by means of
bonodust, which, before its application to the soil,
should be well moistened with dilute sulphuric acid,
and permitted to remain sometime in the heap. —
Bones consist chiefly of phosphate of lime : but the
greater affinity of the sulphuric acid for the lime,
causes these to combine — leaving the phosphoric acid
in an insoluble state. Whilst phospheric acid gene-
rally exists in a nearly insoluble condition, we also
find it regularly undergoing mutation and circulation.
Thus it is absorbed from decaying oi-ganic matter by
li^-ing plants; and these, in turn, or their products,
are consumed by men and animals. The pho.sphoric
acid they contain is thus reaccumulated, and what is
not appropriated for the production of bono and flesh,
is at once returned to the soil in the form of excre-
ment.

Silicic acid — a substance of great importance in
ao-riculture — is a combination of oxygenated silicon.
Silicic acid is cfmimonly termed silicious earth, which
is a principal constituent of soils, but predominates
too much in those which are termed sandy. It is
also found intimately combined with other earths,
and then forms calcareous, aluminous and other soils,
in which silicious earth, though not preponderating,
still acts a principal part.

Silicious earth possesses the following important

properties. First, it absorbs very little water and

readily parts with it again — hence sandy soils speed-

j ily become dry. Secondly, it appears to bo insoluble

■ in water ; though this is true only to a certain extent.

270

COMMUNICATIONS.

[December,

In peculiar circumstances, it is decorapogod and
taken up as food by plants, which require large quan-
tities of it for the formation of their solid parts — as,
for instance, the stalks, grasses, reeds, &c.

Silicious earth is seldom found pure in sand, but
^r'ncrally in combination with other substances, as
|)>tash, soda, lime, iron, &c., forming silicates with
them. But carbonic acid has a much greater affinity
l(.r these substances than they have for silicious acid;
and one consequence thereof is, that, when in combi-
nation with water it conies in contact with them, the
union between them and the silicious acid is dissolved
and the formation of earhonafes is the result — the
silicious acid meanwhile remaining uncomhined, is
taken up in its soluble state by the water and thus
made available as food for plants.

Oxygen in combination with potassium forms an
ctyd which is called jfo/a.v/f. 'When pure or uncom-
combiued with an acid, it is caustic and corrosive;
but it never occurs in soils in this condition, for the
potash unites w-ith carbonic acid and forms a salt—
the carbonate of potash — which is a very soluble sub-
stance and a principal constituent of most plants. —
I'otash is also found in combination with sulphuric
acid, and then possesses great fertilizing properties.
With nitric acid it forms saltpetre; and as a silicate
of potash it constitutes a salt, which is not readily
soluble, but may be decomposed by carbonic acid.

As potash is a principal ingredient of many plants,
the farmer should be careful that it occurs in a solu-
ble condition in those of his fields in which crops re-
quiring large supplies of this substance are intended
to bo grown. This may be effected in various ways.
If the soil contain much clay, it also contains potash,
and it is only necessary to remler the latter soluble,
which is accomplished by the frequent use of the
plow, thereby loosening the soil and enabling it to
absorb greater quantities of carbonic acid. It thus
becomes disintegrated, and the potash is rendered
soluble. Again, the potash may be incorporated with
the manure, and thus be caused to pass through a
process of circulation similar to that of the phospho-
ric acid. Straw also contains much potash, which
is returned to the soil in the manure. The soil may
also bs supplied with potash by moans of unleached
ashes, and by the cultivation of tap-rooted plants, to
be plowed h.\, in a green state — Ijccauso the salts of
potash, being highly soluble, are readily carried into
tho subsoil by rain water, and may be advantageous-
ly restored to the surface by means of tap-rooted
plants, grown and plowed in green.

Chlorioe of Sodium.— Common Salt. The expe-
rience of almost every farmer will now confirm the
benefit derived from the mixture of salt with tho food
of cattle. It appears to be the natural and universal
stimulus tei the digestive organs of animated beings.
In this place, however, its medicinal power alone%
the subject of consideration. It is a purgative second
to the epsom salts.

Tlie necessity of increasing the fertility of our soil
--Deep plowiMg__Ecouoml2ing manures.

Mr. Editor:— In the able addre.33 delivered at the
State Agricultural Exhibition, we have a striking
picture of the ruinous effects of exhausting tillage, a*
exemplified in some of the finest portions of our coun-
try. Nothing can present a louder call on the atten-
tion of the pah-iot, or appeal more directly to the
pride and interest of the agriculturist. A general
survey of our oldest States in regard to their present
productiveness would doubtless result in the conclu-
sion that wherever the land has been under cultiva-
tion for half a century or more, its fertility is much
diminished. Who has not seen fields which will
hardly yield ten bushels of wheat to the acre, bat
which when newly cleared, produced forty bushels'?
The fact is, that from the first settlement of the coun-
try, the spendthrift process of cultivation, which takes
all from the soil and returns nothing, has been adopt-
ed; and the quality of the land unrler tillage in the
Atlantic States has consequently been impaired to an
extent, which it is painful to think of. In many
parts of the country the price of lands has been great-
ly depressed by this cause, whilst in others, the same
result ha« only been prevented by improvement,s,
public or private, which have communicated an ex-
traneous value.

Whether under any circumstances, it is right to
take successive crops from the soil without restoring
any thing to it, may be left to tho casuists to consider;
but stern necessity will teach tho Pennsylvaniao,
that such a course of tillage can no longer be pur-
sued. The numerous canals and railroads hav«
opened the fertile regions of the great A7est to our
Atlantic markets, and at the same time have opened
to us such a prospect of competition, as makes it evi-
dent that nothing but the most skilful cultivation,
will enable us to profit by our position. We have
the advantage of proximity to tin' market and a small
freight ; but this is counteracted by the higher price
of our land and its inferior fertility. Our next west-
ern neighbor and young sister, Ohio, produces seve-
ral millions of bushels more wheat than we do every
year, and twice thi> quantity of Indian corn. Indi-
ana, Michigan and lUiuois, and Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, are ijnmense producers of breadstuffs; awl
they all can, and all do forward their produce to the
seaboard, east or south. The effect, is to reduce the
prices. Now— our farmers, if they can succeed in
doubling their crops, may do as m'oII, or better than
they have heretofore done by raising half the quanti-
ty and selling it for d.Hible the price. It is believed,
that Uiey may accomplish this result, by an improved
system of culture.

It is fortunate, that the effect of the cultivation,
upon which we have animadverted, though perni-
cious, was superficial. The injury done, is, in general,
by impoverishing the soil to the depth of six or eight
' inches : below which, in most cases, the earth wil

18a

COMMUNICATIONS.

327

bo fountl to contain many of the constituents of fer-
tility that having been consumed by the exhausting
tiUage of the surface, no longer, of course, exist there.
Here, then, is a great resource. In many instances,
deep plowing .and the subsoil plow especially, will
enable the farmer almost to realino at once, the ori-
ginal fertility of his laud. Reason will show, that
the fertilizing materials applied to the surfoco will
sink into the ground by the natural process of infil-
tration occasioned by the melting of snows and the
absorption of rains and dews. Rains have been
known to penetrate the earth for several hundred feet
below the surface, and the great variety of particles
which administer to the growth of plants and which
aro applied to the surface will bo carried to various
depths. It is known that the eartli is replete with
the seeds of an infinite variety of plants, some of
which have sprung up spontaneously out of the
ground raised from great depths and exposed to the
air and sun. More frequently still, it has been ob-
served that the gromid raised from the bottom of
canals several foot, and other excavations and .'-pread
oat, has proved to be more fertile and productive than
the adjoining soil, which had been cultivated for
many years. No one can suppose that all the mine-
ral, vegetable, and animal matter, which has been
deposited in whatever way upon the earth, has re-
maiued_^within six inches of the surface. The very
tendency of vegetation to push its roots downwards
in search of food instructs us better. Deep plowing,
therefore, is suggested by the simple information of
common sense.

But that alone is not sufficient. Nothing can fully
restore and maintain the worn out .soil, but the actual
addition of fertilizing materials to the surface from
without ; thus returning tci it what the course of for-
mer tillage had abstracted. All vegetation depends
for its growth upon the supply of the elements which
constitute its various parts, and enable the organs
of the vegetable to elaborate its structure. Manures
are those matt^rials which supply plants, directly or
indirectly, with these constituent elements. The
highest agricultural skill implies much more, than
neatness and perfection of the mechanical processes
of cultivation. It implies a knowledge of these con-
stituents of vegetables and of the chemical composi-
tion of the soil. Such knowledge enables the agri-
culturist to determine with certainty what tho soil
requires, to produce any particular class of plants,
and to apply his manures with the greatest possible
efficacy and economy-. It also enables him to accu-
mulate and preserve the essential food of plants,
which is suffered, to an extent quite incredible, to go
to waste, in tho form of drainage from barn-yards,
cattle sheds, manure heaps, and kitchens; of animal
and vegetable refuse and offals, and also in the form
of gaseous exhalations from these sources. Liebig
•ays — " that with every pound of ammonia which

evaporates, a loss of sixty pounds of wheat is sus^
tained, and that with every pound of urine, a pound
of wheat might be produced," and he truly adds,
" that the inditfcrcnce with which these liquid excre-
ments are regarded, is incomprehensible." The skil-
ful farmer will so manage as to save if possible every
drop of this liquid manure.

The drainage of the cattle sheds contains, it has
been saiil, the essential elements of vegetables in %
state of solution; yielding aumnmia, potash, soda,
lime, magnesia and silica, with albumeu, mucus,
chlorine and several acids. So of the drainage from
manure heaps and barnyards, consisting of urine and
the richest matter of dung and compost. The wash-
ings, scourings, and drainage of kitchens and houses,
contain animal and vegetable refuse, &c., prolific in
ammonia, fatty matters rich in carbonic acid, and
soap, a compound of fat and soda. The highest evi-
dence has been given of the importance of these in-
gredients. These liquids applied directly to the grow-
ing crops, or, to all sorts of vegetable refuse, weeds,
stickheaps, &c., to convert them into manure, will
amply repay the care bestowed.

The gaseous exhalation carries oflf the carbonia
acid and the vegetable and animal substances in the
manure heap during the process of fermentation, —
They escape in the form of ammonia and carbon ;
thus losing the best part of the manure which evapo-
rates first. The maxim is, that " nothing be allowed
to run away in the form of a fluid, or fly away in the
disguise of a smell."

With respect to the refuse vegetable and animal
matters of the farm, it may be stated, that whatever
has had life or contains tho materials of which the
living structure is ccmiposed, ought to be preserved
for manure. Hence tho various weeds, stubble,
gi'ass, leaves, ditch-scourings, saw dust, bones and
other animal matters should be collected, as useful
in furnishing directly the proper constituents of fu-
ture vegetation, or for admixture with other highly
azotized substances. Many of tho vegetables whicli
may be collected about a fiirm contain much more
nitrogen than the straw of grain ; and are also verv
rich iu the inorganic elements, especially tho saline,
giving the farmer the means of greatly increasing his
compost heap. For this purpose the animal mat^s
which may be gathered, are still more valuable, as
they may be mixed with any oarthy substance; and
flesh, bones, hair, wool, &c., are extremely useful to
vegetation, giving off during decomposition much c-a]>
bonic acid and ammonia. It has been found by ae-
tual analysis, that 154 lbs. of flesh, bones, blood and
hair, contain as much nitrogen as 1000 lbs. of farm
manure, and a carcass of a dead liorse is believed to
be worth more than a ton of the best quality of such
manure.

The above remarks indicate tlie necessity of much
gi-eat-er attention to the collection and prcservatiou

272

COMMUx\ICATIONS.

SCEMEER,

of manures than has heretofore been };iven to the sub-
ject. Combined 'nith proper depth of plowing, and
a suitable application of fertiliKing constituents to the
crops according to their nature, it is confidently be-
licvel, that the care and slcill of the farmer thus em-
ployed, ^Tould be immediately rewardeil by the great-
est yield, at the smallest cost: wbich nuist ever be
the aim of the highest cultivation.
■ Should it be thought desirable to pursue the sub-
ject, it may hereafter be inquired what is the best
plan for economizing the manures which may be
made upon the farm — with reference to quantity,
quality and expense. A. L. II.

Lancaster, Kov. 17, 1851.

Agricultural Nuisances, No. 4.

rlGEON WEEP, STONE WEED, STON'E SEED, FALSE GROJI-
WELL, WUEAT THIEF, STEEX CROUT.

Frencii, Gremil des champs. German, Acker steiu-
same. Lithospermum arvense, Linnaus.

The genus was established by Tourneforte ; it now
contains about sixty species, six of which are natives
of the United States, and two or three foreign ones
have been introduced. The name is derived from the
Greek LHhos, a stone, and sperma, a seed, from the
atony hard appearance of the seeds.

The one under consideration is a native of Europe,
but is extensively naturalised, and in this county it
is a very serious nuisance. It Ijclongs to the 5tli
class Pentandria, and 1st order Monogynia, in the
Artificial system of Linn;eus, — to order Ileliotropea^
of Endlicher, and Boragiuaeere in Gray's Botany of
tixe Northern United States.

The stem grows from six to eighteen inches high,
usually much branched, and covered with bristle-like
haii's. The leaves are from one to one and a half
inches long and from one-third to half an inch wide,
the widest part above the middle tapering gradually
to the stem, both si les covered with hairs. The flow-
ers are small, of a funnel form, in the axles of the
leaves generally near the top of the stem, yellowish,
or white. The seeds are four naked, rough, long nut-
let 1, at first milk white but brownish when mature.

This plant often almost covers the wheat fields in
May, and seems to be peculiarly desti'uctive to wheat,
and when it once gets into the ground it is quite diffi-
cult to exterminate. It is never very bad, if it does
not get a start in the fall, but early sowed wheat of-
ten suffers seriously.

Once ploughing, and that quite late, has been tried
with success. But rotation of crops and constant cul-
ture will bring the seeds near the surface when they
quickly germinate, and thus, in a few years, the seed

may be exhausted, provided the plant is kept from
producing a fresh supply. In harvesting the wheat,
it should be cut above the top of this weed, if not, it j then the last hope is in legislative aid.

Birds and Insects.

Mr. Editob: — In a former number of your .Jour-
nal, I observed a communication, calling the atten-
tion of readers to the importance of formers prevent-
ing, as far as possible, the wanton destruction of in-
sectivorous birds. At the time the article appeared,
I was deeply impressed with the importance of the
subject, and subsequent reflection has strengthened
my impressions.

Why birds should be made the sulyect of such an
extermiuating warfare as is now waged against them,
and why formers will permit this work of destruction
to be carried on, upon their farms, is to me a matter
of great astonishment. Surely, no farmer, who values
sound fruits, fine vegetables, or even good timber will
permitthcse inroads of gunners upon his premises.

I am very well aware that many formers consider
the, destruction of birds a small evil, while others, al-
though convinced of the importance of the matter,
good naturedly permit it, rather than drive from their
farms the lazy fellows who invade it for this purpose.

To those who consider the evil one of small magni-
tude, I would say, that the reading of the able arti-
cles on Entomology which have recently appeared
in your -Journal, ought to satisfy them that nosbus
insects are alarmingly on the increase, and that un-
less a cheek be put upon the destruction of birds, we
shall soon be overrun by insects to such an extent as
will set all our efforts to get rid of them at defiance.
Already we have complaints from every quarter. —
The ravages of the corcullo are ssen every where,
and experiments are making in evejfy direction for
the purpose of ascertaining some method by which to
get rid of them. Twenty years ago, it was not known
as a dangerous enemy to fruit growers, and even
now, comparatively few persons know what insect it
is that stings their choice fruit and causes it prema-
turely to decay and fall to the ground. More atten-
tion to this spbject is imperatively demanded by the
exigencies of the case.

To the farmer who is too good natnred to drive
from his premises the lazy fellows who prowl around
them, destro3'ing the little birds, breaking down the
fencing, and very frequently carrying away every
thing they can lay hold of, I would saj', cease to be
good natured in this particular. By permitting such
work to go on, you are inflicting a serious evil upon
yourselves and upon the community. You are en-
couraging idleness and wanton cruelty. Let public
warning notices be given. This can be done at -a
comparatively trifling cost, where eight or ten farm-
ers club together, and if tliis will not prove effectual.

We must

will be necessary to destroy the straw, for if the j have a law to protect the birds, or wo shall shortly
seeds are carried into the barn yard, there is but a I
poor prospect of getting rid of the plant on the farm.

J. M. McMIxN.

Unionville, Aoc. 15, 1851.

be compelled to do without fruits.
Nor. 15, 1851.

T. S. Curtis.

1851.]

HORTICULTURAL.

i^ortitttltnral Scpartmcnt.

American Seedling Pears.

Mr. Editor:— Of coun^e you and I arc unacquaint-
ed, except throush the columns of the IlortkuUurisf,
where I frequently see yfiur name. I observe that
^ou pay considerable attention to pears and especial-
ly American seedling pears. For some time I con-
ducted an Ohio nursery, but I am now located on a
large tract of thin chcsnut land, or rather land with
s great mixture of timlier including several varieties
of oak, hickory, pr.plar, dogwood, &c. The laud is
broken into ridges which rise over two hundred feet
ftbore the valley of the Walhoundiiig, in which is the
canal of that name. On the summits of these ridges
fruits seldom fail, and my young orchard had a mo-
derate crop this year, one of gieat failure in the west.
I have been thus full in order to show you that so
fer as land is concerned, I am admirably situated for
planting largo orchards, and my old profession of
nurseryman enables me to hope I am nut wholly in-
e-ompetont to the task. Situated as we are on the
canal which connects with all the railroads of the
State, I am much in hopes the planting may be pro-
fitable, and I am certaiu it affords me iucfetimablc de-
light.

Being so favorably situated, with so much cheap
laud, Mr. Ilumeriehhouse. of Coshocton, a western
smateur planter, the other day asked me tfl accept ! ^yjjije
•)f him a numb::r of trees to set out on trial, for which
he had not room. This has suggested to me that
many persons about cities and town may be similarly
sitnated and that they plight take pleasure in origi-
nating seedling pears and presenting the most pro-
mising to a person who, like myself, had plenty of
room and who would take the trouble to mark them
and inform them of the result. Or to furnish small
packages of seeds from the choicest varieties, but es-
pecially from the very best American seedlings, on
condition that I should grow the seeds in each pack-
age sepaxatelj', marked with the name of the contri-
butor, and if any one or more of them should prove
fine, call it after him or members of his family.

When it is recollected the time and culture neces-
sary to produce a bearing state, it seems to me I offer
to make the honor of originating fine fruits to city
amateurs very cheap. 1 have as yet only about thirty
acres in orchard, but I have room for more than fivt'

// undrcd acres of the host fruit ridges I have seen be-
tween the great lakes and the Mississippi, and I in-
tend to plant three hundred acres as soon as nir
means will permit, and I expect after this year to sJ
about thirty acres per annum.

The seedling pear trees which I shall continue to^
grow for myself, and which I may receive from oth-
ers, 1 shall set out when of proper size without bull-
ing and leave all that promise well to grow and bear
until fully proved: budding them just as fiist as they
demonstrate themselves unv.-orthy. Those seedlin"T=
which give only moderate promise, I shall bud at
high standard height and leave a single limb to prow
the seedling.

Bi-lieving it possible that you or some of your hor-
ticultural friends might take interest in this matter
and send me small trees or seeds, I have addressed
you this note. The trees should be only one year".<
growth, and of these only the highly promising. 1
wish pears only, as I have very numerous varictie.'
of peaches and apples bearing, from which I am col-
lecting and planting seeds. I have many pears ais.i
from seeds.

I will state to you a few <jf my speculations and
practices, forgetting perhaps, the many opportunities
you have of many interesting conversations, while I ,
am so circumstanced that on the subject of fruit cul
tivation my converse is chiefly with trees as thev
grow in the nursery, or as tiiey are to be removed
from the primeval forest — giants to be made to give
way to the pigmies I have reared. A great whirl
wind, however, twenty-three years ago, did most of
the giant work for me, and I have to contend chicay
with a dense young growth which sprung up after
the storm, which left not a tree in the main lino of
its course. It threw the tops from either side inward,
and twisted numerous hickories of considerable size,
say from twelve to twenty inches, as a man would a
Xow for the practices and speculations.
1. I decidedly prefer to grow all the hardier varie-
ties of the apple, pear aud peach on their own roots.
I believe the trees are longer-lived and the fruit more
perfect, and beside, in the event of any injury a sprout
even from the root may rapidly and conveniently re-
place the tree. For a congenial soil, no root is so
perfect for any tree as its own. I am not prepared
to say trees sometimes may not flourish bettor where
the soil or climate are very uncongenial, on a stock
better suited to such climate or soil ; hut, in ray opin-
ion, the cases are very few, and rarely if at all with
the attention of the market orchardist. Ajiplcs, root
grafted so as the graft may take root, do perfectly
well, or raised fiom layers do equally well. Pears
would do equally well, but the graft in seven oasea
out of ten rots, and very frequently the stock dies. —
To meet this difficulty, I bud the stock and then lay-
er the bud when about a foot long, the first summer.
If the stock is strong. I insert several buds and whou

>:6

HORTICULTURAL.

[December,

lU'- Imds aro about foot long bring tho whole under
;;:imnd bj' cuttinj: the stork about two-thirds off and
>i:a.ving it off to the root so as to bend over easily and
vTithout breaking. But when I liavc once attained
a variety on its roots, I can multiply it both by lay-
era and by divisions of the roots. I must confess,
however, they are sometimes tardy ingrowing. The
most successful mode I have tried, is to shave down
tii3 stalk about six inches above the ground so as to
bend handsomely, then at a point which will allow
the layer to go the proper depth into the ground, cut
it halfoff as if tongueing it and shave tho layer side
of the upper divi.sion so as it will beud snugly, and
then insert it in the ground in an upright position —
.sometimes first tying a leather string right in the up-
per part of the open split, so as to check and finally
cut off tho circulation between the layer and root, and
tSiereby force it to form its own roots. '^Vith peaches
and apples this is almost certain to be successful the
first year, but pears are often refractory.

2. Next (for my sheet is almost full) I have ob-
served that chance trees grow finely when they spring
lip in places where there is considerable decaying
brush bones, &o. Following tliis idea up I have tried
throwing brush around young trees so thick as to
keep the weeds and grass dowu — in other words, to
mulch with brush with the leaves on. It answers
well. Pursuing the same idea still further, I am
having holes dug four feet in diameter right through
a portion of the brushwood or fallen ti)n))er, of which
I spoke, in which I intend planting peaches, apples
and pears, and when the leaves are fully developed
in June, I shall cut the brush down, trim it and pile
around tho trees which •n'ill give each tree quite a
handsome quantity, so as to keep the roots moist and
cool for a considerable distance, and the decay of tho
h/avos and brush, I hope, will act as a manure and
keep the ground so loose as to render plowing and hoe-
ing unnecessary. I will try only a few acres this
year. Will it do ? May it not prevent blight and
make trees longer lived, from tlie absence of wounds
f'.'ora plowing and digging. Straw and manure, lime
and ashes can be superadded. Nature manures .alto-
gether on top. Yours, E. Nichols.

Walltounding, Cosliocton co., Ohio, Sept. 1851.

[The above communication, not originally intend-
ed by the writer fer publication, was handed to us
by a friend to whom it was addressed. AVe most
cheerfully give it a place, and at the .same time, ask
for it tlie attention of thsse who feel an interest in the
propagation of seedling fruits. The offer on the part
of Mr. Nichols, is certainly a liberal one, and if em-
braced to any extent, might result most advantage-
ously to the fruit growing interest of the country at
large. — Ed.]

Renovating Outcasts.

Mr. Editor: — In a cotemporary work is a Ion:;
article with extended remarks bj' the editor recom-
mending confidently a method of " renov.iting out-
casts,"* closely followed in the following experiment
which — though unsuccessful — is at your disposal.

In the autumn of , forty-nine trenches, thre<>

feet wide and two feet deep, were dug around two
pear trees, — butter pear of your county (Doyenni
blanc). The earth, except a few inches of the top
was carted away. All roots encountered smoothly
cut off. Tho trenches were filled vrith this top earth
and swamp muck which had been exposed to frost
and sun ; carefully mixed with charcoal and ashos
one-tenth, potash, sulphate and oxide of iron, and pul-
verized ))oncs of each about one pound.J The follow-
ing spring the trees were severely headed in, at the
same time inserting, in some branches, grafts of thi.v
Bartlett. These scions as well as the original stock
grew vigorously but the pears produced, on the lat-
ter, were cracked and worthless. Looking with in-
terest for a crop last autumn you may judge of my
disappointment to find them worthless as before. —
But what is strange yet not new, the Bartlett pcar»
grown on the engrafted limbs were perfect. Now
until it is demonstrated by chemical analysis, that;
Doyenn6s contain elementary constituents which Bart-
lett's do not, we must be allowed to dissent from th»
entire chemical theory, as well as this system of re-
novation. J. K. EsnLEMAX.

Cke.itei- CO., Nov. 22, 1851.

. 15,000 bushels of apples have been sent to the
Eastern market from the Oennesee Valley this season.

* Horticulturist, vol. 1, p. 29>.

J L.lme was nut added, tiet-iiuse in niakint; tlie trendies an o!(>
foundation wall was encountered the mortar of which ruruislied uj>
abundance.

Germinatiou of Clover Seed.

Mr. Editor : Conceiving that it might be of prac-
tical benefit to perhaps a few of the readers of the-
Farm Journal, I will state a plan of securing the-
germination (or as some term it) the taking of Clo-
ver Seed. It is a well known fact that with old land*
which have undergone a continued cour.se of cultiva-
tion for a number of years, grass seed, especially- clo-
ver, is not apt to take well. To remedy this, I con-
cluded in the spripg of 1850, to try a plan which I
had heard several times recommended as being of
great utility in securing the germination of Clover.
It is simply this. Take a very light one-horse iron-
toothed harrow with the teeth protruding about .>
inches below the under side of the frame or bars ; let
this follow directly after the sower. The frame should
be made as light as possible with the teeth a little
closer than the ordinary large harrow. It should be
hinged in order to avoid scraping or rubbing out th»
wheat on the ridges and also to lap in the furrows. —
There need be no fear of injuring the wheat but on
the contrary it would be of benefit to it. I have pur-
sued the above plan and it has overreached my most
sanguine expectation. Charles Mtkrs.

Wyoming VaUey, Pa., 18-51.

18.31.

HOKTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

27:

ti)Ovtuultural Societies.

proceedings of the PcHiisylvania Horticultural So-
cietj".

The stated meeting of this Society was held in the
Chinese Saloon, Philadelphia, on Tuesday evening,
November l^, 1851. The President in the ohair. —
This being the show night for Chryaanthemums, there
■were eight collections presented ; in which were ma-
ny of the choicest kinds : the contributors were
Robert Buist, James Bisset, gardener to Jas. Dun-
das; (jeo. North, Maurice Finn, .John Lambert's gar-
dener; Alexander Parker aud Jno. Ellis, gardener
to Caleb Cope. The collection by the latter consisted
of those new and beautiful varieties called the Lili-
jrutiati which has but recently been imported, and
for the first time shown ; and are decidedly the pret-
tiest of this tribe of plants. A collection of plants
in pot.s by Maurice Finn, gardener to .Jno. Lambert
was interesting. The President's gardener exhibited
another of those exquisitely beautiful baskets of cut
flowers which has graced the tables on former occa-
sions, containing the choicest llowers of his houses.
of which many were from air plants : but as hereto-
fore the crowning flower was the Vicloria rcgia, the
24th production of the plant, although of smaller
proportions than those borne by the plant when in
lull vigour, still it was a perfect gem, and much ad-
mired. Among the fruits were three tempting bunch-
es of Black ILamburg Grapes from IL VV. S. Cleve-
land, Burlington, and beautiful specimens of Pears,
some luscious in taste, which came from H. W. S.
Cleveland, Isaac B. Baxter, N. W. Roe of Woodbury,
A. M. Eastwick, J. P. Cushing, Mass., the Dix ; and
a specimen of the pound Pear which weighed -'1
ounces, from the late State Fair at llarrisburg. Se-
veral dishes of apples were also shown, and from
David Miller, -Jr., Carlisle, the Fallon walder, I^itts-
burg pippin, Bettcr-than-good and Jlerman'.s favorite;
from Jas. ]L Watts, of Rochester, the Northern Spy ;
Chas. Lee, Pcnn Yan, N. Y., the Wagener ; Mathew
Makie, the Clyde beauty. Of Vegetables, Anthony
Fulton, Jr., exhibited extensive tables ; and Maurice
Finn, gardener to John Lambert, John Gallagher,
gardener to Miss Gratz, and Thos. Meehan, ganiener
to A. M. Eastwick, verj' creditable displays, indeed.
A radish of immense proportions was noticed from
tiie farm of Michael Magee, of Lower Merion.

The following premiums were awarded by the
Committee on plants and Flowers : C/irysantheniumii,
for the l)est 12 specimens to Robt. Buist; for the sec-
ond best, to James Bissct, gardener to James Dun-
das ; P/ants in pots, for the 2nd best and most inte-
resting collection to Maurice Finn, gardener to John
Lambert ; for the third best to John Ellis, gardener
to Caleb Cope ; Boiupiel, for the second best to Robt.
Scott ; for the best hand bouquet, to Robert Kilving-
tou and for tlie best basket of cut flowers to John
Ellis.

By the Committee on Fruits ; Piais. for the best
twelve specimens to H. W. S. Cleveland : for the see
oud best, to Isaac B. Baxter ; Apples, for the best
twelve specimens to James H. AVatts, Rochester, N.
Y.; for the second best to Charles Lee, Penn Yan,
N. Y. And a special premium of two dollars for
three bunches of black Hamburg Grapes to H. W. S.
Cleveland. The Committee noticed for the second
time this autumn, a branch of the Gushing Raspber-
ry, bearing ripe fruit, shown by Dr. Brinokl6.

By the Committee on Vegetables ; Celeri/, for the
best six plants bhmchcd to Alfred Felton; for the
«e<x)nd b»st, to Thomas Mcehaa ; Broccoli, for the

best five heads to Anthony Felton, Jr., Bmssth
Sproith; for the best si.x stalks to John Gallagher,
gardener to Miss Gratz ; for the second best to Slau-
rice Finn ; Vcyclahlcs, for the best ami must interest-
ing display by a market gardener, to Anthony Felton.
Jr.. for the best by an amateur gardener to Maurici,'
Finn ; for the second best to John Gallagher. And
a special pruuiuui of two dollars to John Meehan,
for a fine and interesting display of vegetables.

Intermediate report of the Fruit Committee : The
first Committee respectfully report that since the last
meeting of the Society the following fruits have been
received :

From David Miller, .Jr., of Carlise ; Anj>h.i, Her-
man's favorite, Pittsburg Pippin, Bctter-than-good,
Jonathan, Fallen Walder, \'andeveer, Ilettlericli
seedling. Red favorite. Fall sweeting. From -J. P.
Cushinu; ; Fcarn, the Dix in great [jerfeetion, very
fine. Fi'om .James II. Watts, Rochester ; Apples.
the Northern Spy, splendid specimens. From Chas.
Lee, Penn Yan, N. Y.: Applr.i, the Wagener.

The President took occasion to make some i-cmarl a
tendering his acknowledgmeuti) for the unexpected
compliment by the Society of the handsome award of
the gold medal for his having successfully cultivated
the Vieioria regia, and to announce that he had just
recived a v(!ry interesting letter from Sir Wm. J.
Hooker, of the Royal Gardens at Kow, (whence cara«
the seeds of this Victoria) which was read, in which
he st.atpd that he was m ich gratified with the suc-
cess which crowned Mr. Cope's exertions in the cul-
tivation of the Victoria. He also remarked that he
had sent seeds of the plant to Calcutta and the West
Indies, and that plants had grown in (he open water*
and ripened seeds abundantly. Mr. Cope stated that
the plant which he had growing the garden tank,
had, when it was taken up a few da3's ago tv.-o flowcj
buds thereon.

A communication from A. H. Ernsts President of
the Cincinnatti Horticultural Society, expressing a
desire to have such an arrangement of the great Jlx-
hibitions of the prominent Horticultural Societies, that
the members of each could attend those" of the oth-
ers and thus be mutually benefitted, which was read
and referred to the appropriate Committee.

The Committee on establishing premiums report a
Schedule for 1852.

Thirteen members elected.

Tho\i.\s P. .Ja-ME."!,
Recordiu" Soe'v.

(Communitations.

Calomel for Chickeus.

Mr. Editor: — As some of your readers may have
chickens suffering with a disease .similar to that which
I am about to describe, tlie moans by which I suc-
ceeded in relieving ihine, may not prove uninterest-
ing to them.

A few weeks since a favorite hen of six months old,
began to droop, and soon after I observed her gas}i-
iug in such a manner as led me to believe that she
was troubled with the fasciolae, the small parasite
worm, which sometimes adheres to the inner mem-
brane of young chickens' windpipe. I'nder this im-
pression I administered turpentine, !>ut with no other
perceptible effect, than to increase the hen's illness.
A slender wire, and subsequently a small feather di-
vested of its web, except at the farther ou J, were used

278

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Decbmbkr,

to dislodge the -vvorms, but without success. A mix-
ture of lilack pepper and fresh butter was nest given
her, and this, like the other two remedies, proved in-
ctual. At this time the condition of the hen was
truly pitiable. The disease had so weakened her,
that she could scarcelj walk, and I began to think
her a " gone case." A white foam completely cover-
ed both her eyes, so that it was impossible for her to
see. She refused food and drink entirely and gave
every indication of being upon her last legs. Unwil-
ling to lose her without another efibrt, I procured
two calomel pills containing one grain each, and gave
them to her. It was with but faint hopes of seeing
her alive the nest morning that I placed her in a
comfortable coop. Much to my surprise, in the morn-
ing, when I opened the coop, there stood my hen, her
eyes perfectly clean of foam, and the gasping nearly
gone. I offered some food, which she devoured with
much apparent relish. She also drank water freely
and from that day she has continued improving. —
Whether the cure is to be attributed to the calomel
or to some other of the other remedies, I will not pre-
tend to say, leaving that point to b« decided by those
tetter versed in the art of chicken-doctoring.

These are the facts, and I submit them for what
they arc worth. S.

Lancaster, Nov. 18, 1851.

[The disease referred to by our correspondent is
evidently the roup, an affection of the head, which
generally proves fatal, or permanently weakens the
fowl attacked vrih it. Calomel is not a new remedy,
it being recommended by English fowl breeders. It
is asserted by some that the roiq> is contagious, and
thatthe bestmeausof preventingits spreadingthrough
the entire flock, is to chop off the heads of those first
affected. There may bo truth in this, although we
cannot sul>scribe to it in full. Fowls are rarely at-
tacked with it until they are six months old, at which
tmie, they are not in full plumage. Exposure to the
chilling rains and cold winds of autumn and winter,
during which seasons it most generally prevails, acts
powerfully upon their scantily protected bodies, and
the result is cold, which settles in the head and throat,
causingjthe discharge from the nostrils and frequently
the eyes — great difficulty in respiration, and such in-
flammation of the throat as makes swallowing pain-
ful. We have never known a case of roup, where
the fowls have not suffered from exposure, although
it is proper to say that our opportunities for observa-
tion have not been very extensive. Our friend Tag-
gart, of Northumberland, or some other of our
correspondents will do us a favor by furnishing more
satisfactory information upon this subject. — Ed.]

It is said that there is a plant, growing in the hot
springs in Iceland, which not only flowers, but bears
seeds, in water hot enough to boil an egg.

We don't believe it.

The Banquet.

[cOXCLrOED.]

We siilijoin a few of the volunteer toasts, with a
brief synopsis of the remarks made by the gentlemen
(^specially complimented.

Mr. Williamson, of Huntingdon, proposed the
health of the lion. Frederick Watts, President of the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.

To which Judge Watts responded. He said that
when elected President of the Society he was absent
on professional duties, which prevented his attending
the farmer's convention last January, when the So-
ciety v\-!ts organize L He spoke of the tinijiistakable
evidence ol Providence having, in a peculi;ir n>annor,.
favored the efforts of^the society so far, and of his en-
tire confidence in its approving smiles and abiding
protection. His remarks were listened to with pro-
found attention, and inspired all present with ths
same cfmfidcnce, in a long and useful career of use-
fulness, in the good work, so well begun, and carried
on, since the society had been instituted.

Col. Frazer, of Lancaster, made a few pertinent re-
marks on the patriotism and friendship that so hmg
had united, in sentiment, the Old Dominion and
Pennsylvania, and gave —

Hon. Andrew StevensoD, of Virginia: — The orator
of the day.

Mr. Stevenson having previously retired, Benjamii*
B. Hush, Esq., of Philadelphia, rose and begged tlir-
company not to think him presumptuous in under-
taking to speak the thanks of Mr. Stevenson ; who,
were he present, could so much better discharge the
duty himself. But inasmuch as he had the honor
of acting under the distinguished st.'itesman of Vir-
ginia, while representing the Unite«l States at the-
Court of St. James, he was'constrained to improve-
the moment by thanking the company for the honor
they had done his friend in drinking his health.

The President then gave — The pioneer of the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society. And af-
terwards enjoined, he alluded to Mr. Gowen.

Mr. 0. being called upon said, that when the toast
was proposed, he did not think it referred to ^im. —
He felt somewhat embarrassed, if not overwhelmed,
bv the flattering position in which it placed him. —
The Philadelphia Society for promoting agriculture
of which he was for years a zealous member, and
now its President, was the pioneer of the Pennsylva-
nia, and all other agricultural societies in the United
States. Ho stated that as far back as some fifty or
sixty years, a committee of the Philadelphia Society,
consisting of Judge Peters, George Clymcr, Timothy
Pickering and John B. Bordley, made report to that
society on the expediency of a State institution, which
report suggested the principles and provisions embo-
died in every State agricultural society's constitution
ho had road ; therefore, he said, these patriotic wor-
thies, or the Philadelphia society, was the pioneer in

5801.

COMMUNICATIONS.

279

this connexion. But, Mr. G. said, ho could not but
-claim some credit, as an individual, in bringing about
the nevei'-to-be-forgottcn farmor's convention at Ilar-
risburg, which happily resolved itself into the Pcnn-
«ylv.ania State Agricultural Society. lie then made
some remarks as to tlie gratification it atForded him
<m witnessing such a noble assemblage of farmers as
tnot in convention at Ilarrisburg, in January last,
and at the agricultural exhibition just closed. He
had a few }"ears back participated in several of the
New York Agricultural Exhiljitious, and ever im-
pressed with a high sense of the wealth, spirit and
intelHgcnce of the agriculturists of New York — espe-
cially of Western New York — but not even they, nor
any body of farmers he had ever seen elsewhere,
could suqiass in those attributes collectivelj', the
farmers of Pennsylvania. These had met in conven-
tion— had met at their firet State Eshiljition — luid
conjointly put th«ir " hand to the plow," and wlio
could believe that such men would ever '■ look back?"
He congratulated the society on the success of the
<txhibition thoy had just made, and the prospect it
shadowed forth, for farming in Pennsylvania in the
fature. Ifis remarks were applauded.

Mr. Gowen again rose to say that when last up he
had intended to propose tlie health of a gentleman
from Lancaster on his right, and begged leave to re-
pair the omission. Lancaster, he said, was the place
tie had ever contemplated, while meditating a State
Society, for holding its first exhibition, but Ilarris-
burg had nobly carried off that honor, lie then gave
The health of Col. Reah Frazer, of Lancaster.
To which Col. F. responded in his usual happy
style.

The health of Gen. Cameron was proposed to wliich
tiiat gentleman responded.

A. S. Roberts, Esq., of Philadelphia, proposed the
health of tlie Board of Canal Coraniissiotiers.

CoL Painter, President of the Board, returned
thanks for himself and colleagues, lie took occasion
to say, that he was sorry to find that complaints had
been made of the want of facilities on tlie State road
for the forwarding of passengers and stock to the ex-
hibition, which if well founded, he greatly regretted.
That if suitable means had not been provided, the
Board of Canal Commissioners was not responsible
for the omission, having control only of the motive
power on the road, which had been ordered, in due
time, to bo ready to any extent retjuired. If the in-
etructions of the Board had not been fully complied
with, in that particular, it would be matter of deep
concern to himself and coUeaguos. He said he was
a farmer, and whether as a public functionary or pri-
vate individual, he would be found ever ready to pro-
mote, as far as in his power, the objects of the Socie-
ty. He concluded by saying, that the progress mak-
ing in the public works, would soon overcome the
barrier that separates western from eastern Pennsyl-

vania, which, when fully accomplished, would enable
the farmers of both sections of the State to co-oporat«
more efficiently in promoting the cause of agi-icul-
ture.

£aliic5 Ocpartmcnt.

Make Uome Beautiful.

BY MRS. L. G. ABELL.

Those who live in cities and compact villages can
do little to make a residence attractive, otherwise
than a fine display of architecture, but those who
live in the country can make the lowliest dwelling a
place of enchantment and beauty.

The neat white cottage or even log cabin with its
green vines hanging about the eaves, and trained
around the windows, with its simple beds of flowers
adorning the walks, and filling the air with fragrance
is a refreshing sight even to the eye of the traveller,
to whose mind is presented an idea of happiness and
beauty sweetly blended together.

The landscape scenery of our country might be
greatly improved if the various owners of each farm
made his o-\vn place and home attractive with neat
fences and ornamental trees, walks and flowers. It
would not only enhance the value of individual pos-
sessions, and increase the actual worth and price of
a farm, but as " a thitiff of beauty, is a joy forever!''
Who can estimate the comfort and delight of a taste-
ful home! Every tree, and shrub, and flower, has a
blessing for the heart which soothes and refreshes
the weariest hours.

There is no mind so dull and insensible, but will
secretly admire the cultivated grounds, and pleasant
domains of a man of taste, and even wish his means
were sufBcieutly ample to own such a home! Does
not every farmer in our land possess means amply
sufficient to make his own home beautiful and valua-
ble and something to be desired? There are many
spare hours, and if applied to laying out a neat yard,
setting out trees which shall answer the treble pur-
pose of fruit, shade and ornament, bordering a walk,
and making and enriching a bed for flowers, he is
not idling or wasting his time, but doing that which
shall Ije to his own heart and that of his wife and
children a continual feast of is;^oyment while he lives,
and adds dollars and cents to its real value, besides
being a public blessing and improvement. Who likes
to travel through regions that are merely inhabited,
without being enlivened with one spot of beauty or
of taste to cheer the lonely and weary heart. The
English tourist pictures to our minds the green
hedges and smooth verdant lawns, and vine clad cot-
tages, and all the common landscape scenery as
charming to the eye as a cultivated garden. Why
may not American farmers have some reference to
beauty as well as use ? If all should do so, how soon
would the scene be changed, and the neglected spot
" bud and blossom as the rose."

280

COMMUNICATIONS.

[December-,

Late in tho fall any tree or shrub can be trans-
plaiitoil, as long as tho ground remains unfi-ozen. —
The suckers that come up from the roots, will make
nice trees, and flowering shrubs when set out well in
the fall, will put out leaves in the spring, and soon
gain an independence of growth that will be quite sur-
prising. From these, one can cover up unsightly
places, and provide themselves as much fruit and
shade and ornament as they choose with little trou-
ble and time. Let nothing bo lost of this kind, but
give it a place, and it will more than repay all your
trouble. The females of a family can aid in these
matters, and their taste will often bo found a valua-
ble regulator and safe guide — they love tho flowers,
neatness and order, and some homes would possess
little of charm or of beauty were it not for their skill
and effort.

The contrast we hare all seen. Tho great house,
large farms, rough fence, weedy yard, and treeless
premises, and not even a rose-bush under the window
or by the door — or what is still worse, the old neg-
lected abode, loaning fences, promiscuous growth of
2,11 sorts of things that choose to grow, making for
all tho inmates a cheerless, desolate home, witliout
external beauty, or any thing to cheer the heart
within.

Cliitienango, N. T.

tongworth's Sparkling Catawba.

Our esteemed friend Dr. Brinckle has laid us un-
der obligaticms for a bottle of this truly delicious
wine. DiKtrusting our own judgment in the matter,
we called in a few friends who had a reputation that
way, to assist us m pronouncing upon its merits. —
The first sip, however, satisfied us that our precau-
tions were unnecessary, for although not a habitual
wine drinker, we had no hesitation in pronouncing
it decidedly the finest champagne wo had ever tasted.
Our friends agreed with us unanimously, and we con-
gratulated Sir. Longworth upon tho happy success
which has attended his efforts to introduce its manu-
facture into tho L'^nitcd States, and that too, from our
native grape. In a recent article in the Western Hor-
ticitUural Review, Mr. Longworth saya :

" We are soon destined, not only to supply the
United States with wine, but to export it largely. —
Most persons say, that they would not be willing to
run over their earthly couree. I would willingly do
it again, even if I had but one change. The fore-
thought, earlier in life, to commence the raising of
seedling grapes, from our best native varieties, and
ft mixture between them and the best foreign. I,
this season raised a few thousand of the former cha-
racter, and of one superior variety, have 800 plants
of extra growth, and shall be disappointed if i have
not grapes of black, white and red color among them,
equal in the size of the grape and the bunch, to the
Black Hamburg, and its rival in quality. Two or
three years will test the question. I add this to in-
duce otliers to follow the example."

The following paragraph, which we copy from one

of our exchanges, shows to what extent wine growing-
is already carried on by JMr. Longworth and others
in the vicinity of Cincinnati :

"In Cincinnati and neighborhood not loss than one
thousand acres of land are devoted to the culture of
the grape for making wine. A writer in the news-
papers says that on a visit to Mr. Limgworth he saw
75,000 bottles of sparkling Catawba, and almut 40,000
gallons of wine in casks, varying from 40 to 'lO gal-
lons in each. This cellar is 120 feet long, 40 feet
wide, and 40 feet deep; and it is th(^ intention of the
owner to increase it to double this size during tlie
coming spring. Besides Mr. Longworth, tlu^re are
many other persons in Cincinnati, and the neighbor-
hood, engaged in the cultivation of the grape."

Seedling vs. Budded Peaches.

Beasons ishy budded peaches are tenderer than seed-
lings.

Ist. About nine out of ten of our finest budded
sorts are foreigners, many of which are not well
adapited to our soil and climate, whereas our seed-
lings arc mostly natives.

2nd. Our fine sorts, gencrall}', say nine-tenths of
them have small flowers. About the same proportion
of the seedlings have large flowers.which protect them
very much against late frosts.

3d. The wood of almost every first rate sort of
peaches, as well as apples, pears, pilums. cherries
and grapes, is more plethoric and consequently more
tender than ordinary seedlings. This is not caused
by budding, but a common or natural defect in a
great majority of our very finest fruits. The sama
rule will hold good when applied to animals, vegeta-
bles, flowers, or grasses and grains.

4th. A large majority of our finest sorts of peaohe5,
whether seedling or grafted, have large fruit buds,
much more prominent than ordinary seedlings, which
render thi^m moie liable to be killed by severe coW
weather than tho inferior sorts.

5th. Bnddcd or grafted trees are generally better
cared for than ordinary seedlings, which has a ten-
dency to produce a forced growth, and conse(iuentJy
renders the wood more spongy and loss hardy.

6th. The budded or grafted trees forms fruit bud»
when much younger than seeillings. All know that
the fruit on very young trees is much more easily
killed than on old ones. — Western Horticultural Rt-
view.

[Last season it will be remembered that there wew
scarcely any peaches in Lancaster city or the im-
mediate vicinity, (the severe late frosts having dc^
stroyed them) while at the distance of a few miles in
every direction, there was an abundance of them. —
This at first seemed strange, but a little reflection
solved the difiiculty. Nearly all of the peach troeg
in the city and vicinity are budded or foreigners,
whilst those a few miles from the city are, generally
speaking, seedlings. Of course there were excei)tions;
a few budded trees, being well filled with fruit; bnt
as a general thing, the budded crop was a failaie,
while the seedlings were laden with fruit. We could
not but regard it as a strong argument in favor of
the superior hardiness of tJie seedling or native var
rieties. — Ed.]

ISSl.

STATE FAIR.

281

I>ist of Articles
Exhlhtled at the !<late Agricultural Fair at Ilarris-
hurij, toyetlier tcith the names of exhibitors and £ilace
o/' residence.

[continued.]
ROADSTERS & DRAUGHT HORSES.

1. Draught liors(!, 7 yrs, W. II. Wilcr, Cumb'd co.

2. Drauj;ht niarp, Sally, 7 yrs, Richard Parker, do.
.■]. l>rau;;ht stallioti. Badger, G yrs, Jacob Hoover,

York CO.

4. Drauglit mare, Columbus, 8 yrs, AVm. Ross, do.

5. Marc -July, breed SiadJock, 0 yrs, C. P. Stein-
nietz, Lebanon co.

li. Brood mare, 7 yrs, John Young, Ilarrisburg.

7. Draught horse, Charley, 0 yrs, A. 0. Iliestcr,
Dauphin co.

8. Grey Bill, breed unknown, C. Patterson, Hun-
tingdon CO.

y. Cobham, Cobham breed, 2 y. 5 mo, Jacob Roh-
rcr, Lancaster co.

10. .Jenny, cross-breed Kcmble and Knglish blood,
€ yrs, AVm. Taylor, Womelsdorf, Berks co.

11. Nell, lu'eed unknown, 7 yrs, George Hull, Cum-
)>crland co.

12. liight draught colt, 2 yrs, J. Stcnthebaker,
York 00.

lo. Billy, light draught horse, out of Stranger, 3
yrs, .J. 1). Owens, Mifflin co.

14. Mare, breed Cumberland, 19 yrs, A. Hcttrich,
Cumberland co.

l.T. Mare, Cumberland, Lion breed, 8 yrs, do. do.

16. Stud colt, do. 29 mo, do. do.

17. Bill, 8 yrs. S. W. Sharp, Cumberhuid co.

18. Peacock, .''. yrs, Frederick Barrett, Bloomtield.

19. Horse, 2 yrs, -John Reel, Dauphin co.

20. Roiulster,"5 yrs, L. C. Smith, Clinton co,

21. Carriage horse, 10 yrs, J. Updegrove, Dauphin
county.

22. Lion. Chester Lion, Jeremiah Reef, Cumb'dco.
il. Rob Roy, 4 yrs. Gciirge Kinter.

24. Bay horse, 9 yrs, Mr. Runk, Lebanon co.

POULTRY.

1. Pair of Slianghtu fowls, A. J. Jones, Ilarrisburg.

2. Cage of fancy pigeons, do. do.

3. Two Muscovy ducks, 1 yr, David Mumma, jr.,
Dauphin co.

4. Common improved chickens, 1 yr, do. do.

5. Poland chickens, 1 yr, do. do.

6. Pair of turkeys. 1 yr, do. do.

7. Pair mixed breed ducks, do. do.

8. Pair improved common ducks, do. do.

9. Pair common improved ducks, .John C. Hicster,
Estherton, Dauphin co.

10. Mongrel China and Bantam, age unknown, C.
S. Haldeman, Lancaster co.

11. Cross of white Dorking it Creole, 0 mos., do.

12. English white Dorking, of this season, do.

13. Three pure games, oJ and 5 mo, David Tag-
gert, \(]rtlinmberland co.

14. Twii Shanglues, •') mo, 13 days, do.

15. White t.'hittagongs, .5^ to AX mo. do.
It). (!rey " •• " do.
17. Brown " " " do.

IS. Chittagong and Bantam, March 10 and March
29, 2 yrs, do.

19. "Two white turkeys, E. L. Orth, M. D., Harris-
burg.

20. Thirteen Creoles. L. P. IIoopos, Chostjr co.

21. Nlnjtoin Jorsiy Bluos, do.

22. Three pair Shanghae, 4 mo, W. Leonard, Phila.

23. Five •• '• 3 '• do.

24. Five " .5 "la yr old, do.

25. Pair white Poland chickens, 6 mo, do.

26. Black Poland, 18 mo, do.

27. V\niite English cluck, 8 mo, do.

28. Pheasant Bantams, 18 mo, do.

29. English Pheasants, " " do.

30. Java Muscovy, 4 rao, do.

31. (^hinese duck, 7 " do.

32. Walk-upducks,.'i " do.

33. Poland ducks, 3 " do.

34. Black Dominies. 0^ mo, Samuel Brcnizer, Har-
rislmrg.

3-'). Game cock, 20 mo, Henry Loyer, Ilarrisburg.

36. vSh.anghre hen, 7 mo, do.

37. Liinis Natura, 8 " do.

38. Swan geese, 2 yrs Cmo, S. Manly, Dauphin c<>.

39. Pair China. 18 mo, J. M. Kelker, Ilarrisburg.

40. Fiiur pair China, 4 mo, do.

41. Hybrid ducks, -T. K. Eshleman, Chester co.

42. Pair Capons, mixed 5 mo, A. T. Newbold, Phi-
ladelphia.

43. Pair grey Capcms. Ijreod Grey Eagle, 8 mo. <^^.

44. Dorking and Jersey Blues, Joseph Cope, West
Chester.

45. Fancy Pigeons, Brua Cameron, Dauphin co.

46. Russian ducks, 6 mo, Martin Newcomer,Frank-
lin eo.

47. Bremen geese, do.

48. Muscovy duck, 8 mo, Brua Cameron, Dauphin
county.

49. Swan gceso, 1 yr, do. .

50. Creoles, 1 "" do.

51. Polish, 1 " do.

52. Chittagongs. 2 rao, do.

53. Pair pure Shangha;, 5 mo, imported by Dr.
Kerr.

54. Shaiighne chickens, 5 J mo, Benjamin Ilfiod,
Chester co.

55. Jersey blue chickens, 5 mo to 1 yr, do.
50. Game Capons, 1 yr, B. Cameron, Dauphin d.

57. Fancy ralibits, A. J. -Jones. Ilarrisburg.

58. Golden Pheasants, 3 yrs, W. Leonard, Phila.

59. East India breed, do.

60. Seabright Bantams, do.

01. Two Guinea pigs, Barnumand .Jenny Lind, 11
mo, 5 young.

02. JIalagascar rabbits, 10 mo. Paschal Morris,
West Chester.

63. Pure Slianghre cock, 12 mo, pullets 5 mo, A.
M. Spangler, Lancaster.

04. Raccoon, 9 yrs, -John Young, Ilarrisburg.

PLOWS, &s., ENTERED FOR THE PLOWING
, MATCH.

1. Two plows by Piobert Hall, Pittsburg.

2. Plow by Jacob Bauman, Mechanicsburg, Cum-
berland CO.

3. John H. Cressler one plow, Michael Crcssler,
.Shippensburg, Cumberland oo.

A Sp(!elman's plow.

4. Plow by Samuel Plank.

5. Plow by .J. B. Stoner.

0. Plow by Elisha P. Home, Hall <fe Speer, makers.
No. 5, of Baltimore co. (ox team.)

7. W. L. Craighead one Craighead fallow plow,
No. 4.

8. E. 0. Grey a,n iron plow.

9. So<l plow .Jonathan F. Garrard.

10. Pa"r of osen by John Echternaoh.

282

SHANGHAE FOWLS.

[Deckmber,

Improved Fowls.

We are iiKlebted to Messrs. E. II. Butlor & Co.,
the onterprieing publishers of Dixon & Kerr's popu-
lar work on Ornamental and Domestic Poultry, as
well as many other elegant and valuable books, for
tlie beautiful illustrations we give below. They arc
the same as those given in Dixon & Korr, and are,
we think, the iinest and most beautiful ever offered
to the American puljlic. As wo have received the
outiro set of cuts, we shall present them from time to
time to our readers, through the Journal, in regular
order, accompanying each with a description suffi-
ciently full to enable them to judge of the merits of
I he various kinds of fowls now claiming pulilic utton-
tion. As will be perceived, nearly all of the illustra-
tion are portraits taken from life, and heuce may Ije

relied upon as faithful representations of the various
breeds.

The following is a sufficiently minute and accurate
description of tliis variety. The Cock, when full-
grown, stands about twenty-eight inches high, that
is. if he bo a good specimen — the female about twen-
ty-two or twenty-three inches. I have never seen a
large comb or heavy wattles on tl;e hen, at any age;
whereas, the comb of the male is high, deeply indent-
ed, and his wattles double and large. I regard, how-
ever, as the chief characteristic of this variiHy, not
the comb and wattles, nor even the reddish-yello>v
feathered leg, but the abundant, soft, and downy c: v-
ering of the thighs, hips and region of the vent, to-
gether with the remarkably sliort tail and large
mound of feathers, piled ov(;r the upper part (jf it-i
root, giving rise to a considerable elevaticm on that
part of the rump. It should be remarked, also, that

MR. E. R. COPE'S SIIANGIIAES.

the wings are quite short and small in proportion to
the size of the fowl, and carried verv high up the
body, thus exposing the whole of th*e thigh, and a
considerable portion of the side. I'hese characteris-
tics are not found in the same degree in any other
lowl of which I have any knowledge. Tliis peculiar
ai-rangement of feathers gives the Shanghae fowl in
.■ippearanoe, what it has in reality, a greater depth
of cpiarter, in proportion to the depth of brisket, than
■Any other fowl. As to the legs, they are not very pe-
,.uliar. The color is usually reddis'h-white or flesh-
(•olor, or reddish-yellow, mostly covered down the
utside-, even" to thi; end of the toes, with feathers. —
This last is not always the case. The Stai'-, in the
preceding illustration, lias no feathers on his legs,
while the Pullets, his sisters, are rather heavily fea-
thered, lie is, however, an exception to the rule, so
ar, at least, as his particular family is concerned. —
Jiut other families of Shanghaes, equally pure, are

but very lightly feathered. A gentleman of my ac-
quaintance, Mr. A. Ncwbold, of Pliiladelphia, re-
ceived, in the .spring of 1847. from Captain Lock-
wood, direct frdm the city of Shanghae, a cock and
hen, as pure as any Shanghaes I have seen, differing
from other importations only in being nearly smooth-
legged, and not attaining to the weight of other spe-
cimens. In the second or third generatitm there was
scarcely a feather-legged Shanghae on the ]n'emises.

The plumage of the thonmgh-bred Shanhae is re-
markably soft and silky, or rather downy, and is, in
my opinion, equally as gooil for domestic jiurjioses
as tliose of the Goose. They are certainly quite as
tine and .soft, if not as abundant.

The fertile qualities of this breed may be inferred
from what has been attested concerning it. The
gentleman from whom I procured the stock jirevious-
ly herein portrayed, wrote to me concerning the im-
ported pair, that, although tliey had been for sevoraj

1S31J

SHANGHAE FOWLS.

2S2

months from the grounJ, ami, when they arrived,
poor and verminous, yet, on turning them out about
the hitter end oi' May, troni that time to the first of
l\v ensuing Oe,tober, tlie hen laid forty-eight eggs
:ind liatrhed out two broods. The last brood ineludod
twelve chicks, ton of which he raised through the
winter, thus proving themselves able to endure our
<,'ver-(;hanging climate. 1 myself have ibund the
|iure vShanghao to equal, if nut to excel, any other
fowl in laying (jualtie.s — pei-haps, the Black Poland
Fowl or the Creole may lay a few more eggs in a
year, in e<msoquence of not Iteing so frequently
liroody, but their eggs are not so rich and nutritious.
J\cad the testimony of Mr. T. Ames, of Marshtield,
Mass. lie says, "that one of his neighbors, Mr.
Phillips, has a pullet of tliis brood, which laid one
Imndred and twenty eggs in one hundred and twcnty-
f.ve day.s, then stopped six days, then laid sixteen
<!ggs more, ancl stopped four days, and ami is now
laying; and that he (Mr. Ames) has one tliat has
done equally well." The eggs are generally of a
y>ali! yellow or nankeen color, not remarkably largi?
compared with the &\i(i of the fowl, and generally

blunt at the ends. I have known but one thorough-
bred hen that iaid a long egg, and have never yet
known one to lay what arc cailed double eggs. The
comb is generally single, though I bave, in some spe-
cimens, seen a slight tendency to rose. 1 have never
seen one v; ith a top-knot.

j The flesh of this fowl is tender and juicy, uncxccp-

! tionablo in every respect — in fei't, a dish tit lor an

I liUiporor. In view, then, of the goodly size of the

.'^lianghac, weighing, as the males do at maturity,

from ten to twelve pounds, and the female from seven

and a half to eight and a half pounds, and stags aiid

pullets of C months respectively Sand G ll;s. — in view

; also of the economical uses to which its soft downy

feathers m.iy be applied, also its produe:i'i eness, har-

j diness, and, lastly, its quiet and docile ttimper, — in

view of these tilings, I am well jdeased with pun-

Shanghaes. I know not a bettor fowl. In truth, I

might say of it, as the pimis Isaac Walton was wont

to say of the trout, his favorite fish — " (J.id migist

have made a better fish, but he did not:"' so of I'.n-

pure unadulterated Sbangliae. — Dixon ct' Kerr's Ll^i-

/itcslic and Oniamciilal Ivuliry.

.A^f'h^^^^k

MR. R. COPE'S COCHIN CHINA.

(Imported.)

COCHIN CHINA FOWLS.

Very little is known of the origin of the Cochin
China Fowl, further than that some gentleman, three
or four years ago, presented a lew to tlie Queen of
Englaml. who subsequently had them bred at Wind-
sor Park. In order to promote their propagation, her
Majesty niad(! presents of them occasionally to such
persons as she supposed likely to appreciate them. —
They differ very little in their qualities, habits, and
general appearance from our Shanghaes, to which
they are undoubtedly nearly related. The lOgg is
nearly the same size, shape, and color ; both have an
equal developcmcnt of comb and wattles, the Coeh-
ns slightly differing from the Shanghaes, chiefly in

being somewhat deeper .and fuller in the breast, not
quite so deep in the quarter, and being usually
smooth-legged, while the Shanghaes, generally, arc
more or less heavily feathered. The plumage is mucli
the same in both cases, nor have I discovered any
dill'erence in the Crow, it being in both equally sono-
rous and prolonged, diff'ering considerably from that
of the great Malay. Mr. Nolan says, ••thatful*
grown Cocks, from one and a half to'tvro years old,
average a weight of from ten to twelve jiounds, \hv
Hens from eight to nine pounds. Tae male bird
stands about two feet high; the female about twenty-
two inchs The Cock's comb is usually single,

serrated, and erect, oi a brilliant .vcarlet, but not\l-

SS4

COCHIN CITIXA FOWLS.

fDECRMnnn,

MR. G. P. BURNIIAMS COCHIN CHINA.
(Six and a half months old.)

ways singlo ; I have had both sijcnlo and double
combs in the samo clutch; the wattles aro lara;R ;
tJicy arc quite free from top-knots : the haekles on the
neck (ui'l liiji,^, yelhAvivh-brown; the tail blaok, with
nietixlhe lustre, .and, when fully furnished, presents
the usual cook's plums ; the hi'^s vary from a flesh-
ojjlour t,> an ovansft-yellow, and are not so long as in
the JIalay t\\c Eggs are generally bu(f-oolored, of
large si/.e and blunt at the ends ; the Chickens pro-
gress rapidly in size, but further slowly."

K. R. Cope, l''s((.. of tills city, and myself imported
a few Fowls from London last summer ; the three
Oochln Chinas whose portraits precede tliis chapter,
wore of the number, anil were procured of the; Mi ssrs.
Baker of Chelsea, and are now in tiie possession of
Mr. Cope, who has had a good opportunity for be-
coming acquainted with their habits and qualities. —
His estimate of them is expressed in the preceeding
cJiapter, in the connection with the Shanghaes.

I3ook ^^oticcs.

Wcfiern Hoytu-uUiiral Review. — We have foi" some
time past been in receipt of this excellent monthly,
and always welcome it to our table with sincere plea-
sure. Its pages arc fdled with valuable contributions
from able pens and we are glad to learn that the un-
tiring eftbrts of its indefatigable editor. Dr. Warder,
meet with the encouragement they so richly deserve.
The Review is published monthly at Cincinnati, at
three dollars per annum, and is, we think, well worth
the m.oney. Should any of our friends desire a sigtrt
of it, the can be gratified by calling at our office.

SI.'.xrRrxG Fruit Trees. — This is the season for
the amateur to look over his fruit trees — especially
tlioso which have failed to produce good crops for
want of nourishment in the soil. Carefullj- open a
trench at the very ends of the roots — throw out a
Uiird of the poorest of tlie soil, and replace it witb a
mixture of manure and ashes. I use a cart-load of
barn-yard manure — no matter if it is fresh — to a
bushel of asiies, and I find it never to fail in bringing
tip the tree. If I wait till spring before I apply this
• stimulus — I find it to do just half as much good as
if I put it on the soil in October and November. It
is quite surprising how old fruit trees can be brought
to by this simple dressing — barn-yard manure and
iwihes, applied in the fall of the jiia.T.—Doiciuni/'s
Ilo^iictdtiirisi.

Hydropathic Encyclopedia. — No. •), of tlii-; han(?-
some work, published by Fowlers & Wolls, of New
York, is on our table. Its design is to present in a
condensed and pr.ictical form all the important facts
and principles in medicine and the collateral science*
pertaining to the water cure treatment. To those
who desire a familiarity with this .system, the work
will be valuable. The typography is beautiful, and
each number abounds with well executed illustrations-.
Eight numbers of one hundred pages each will com-
plete it. Price 25 cents a number.

To F.\TTEN Poultry. — Shut them up in the dark
— give them a little light two or three times a day,
long enough to fill themselves with food, and thoa
shut them up quite dark, and keep them there ton or
twelve days at farthest.

1S51.]

EDITORIAL.

285

T H E FA R M JOURNAL.

Glssistant Crbitor's Dejjartmtnt

A. M. SPANGLER, Assistant Editor.

The Farm JornxAi. may bo had at thr> fullowin;;
pliices: —

W. B. ZiEBEK, South 3d St., prmoipal agont for
Philadelphia.

" ' Lanca-stor, Pa.

Cnluiiiliia, I'a.
Hairi.sburg. I'a,
PitLsbur^, Pa.
Chamhor.sburj;
Carlislp, Pa.
York Pa.

W. II. Sl-ANC.LER,

b. f. spa.ngler,
Geo. Bergner,
n. Miner,

•J. R. SlIRVOCK,

H. M. lUni.iNs,
A. L. Warfield,

Pa.

Ofi-ice of tue Pa. State Agricui.tukai, Society, )

Nov. 22, 1851. )

In accordance with the Sth .section of the act in-
corporating tlie Pennsylvania State Agricultural S<i-
ointy, approved the 20t.!i of March, A. D. 1851, th«
Presidents of the several County Agricultural Socie-
ties of Ponnsj'lvania are rci(uired to tran.sinit annual-
ly in the month (jf December to the Executive Com-
mittee of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society
all such reports or returns as they aro required to
demand and receive from applicants for premiums,
together -with an abstract of their proceedings during
the year. FKEDEPJCK WATTS,

I'r^.iiiJcnt.

and of Booksellers generally.

Our Office.

Those having business to transact vrith us will
phjase call at the Book Store of W. H. Spanglcr, in
Xorth Queen street, Lancaster, where we or our re-
presentative will at all times be in attendance.

Absence of the Editor. — Tho unavoid.iMe ab-
srtrice of Prof, IIai.demax for several weeks past, is
tho apology we offer for the want of our usual amount
of editorial matter.

For tlie above reason it will also be out of our
power to answer as satisfactorily as might be do-
sired, the query of our friend of the Daniwr i>/ IM
Union. We will, however, take the ros])onsil)ii;ty of
Mjing, that the sentence reffirred to, was certaiidy
not designed to convoy the idea that we, as a people,
«ii0uld not justly be proud of the mechanical skill of
<iaf countrymen, or that our progress in almost every
branch of tho mechanic arts, was not fully equal to
that of any of the nations of Europe. We mo.'t cor-
dially endorse the sentiments of tho editor of the
lianiier of the I'likm in regard to this honorable and
most useful class of the community, and assure him
Bhat our respect for them is only equalled by our
lieartfelt desire to see them advanchig .still more r.a-
pidly than they are now doing, towards the highest
position it is possible to attain. In .saying this, we
f«.K)l perfectly satisfieil that we aro but uttering the
»ontimentB of Prof. Ilaldcman.

Mr. Stevenson's Address.— We ask the »tt<^ntion
«<" our readers to Air, Stevenson's able address, which
we give entire in the present number. It abounds in
home truths, and will well repay a perusal. Owing
to its length we have been cumpcllcd to oralt the con-
tinuation of our article on tho State Fair. Wc will
give it in our next.

What is the Postage on the Farm Jodexal?—
This question is frequently asked us. We reply, the
postage, )/ prepaid, ii one cmt per month, or Ihrcf
'•■enis per quartei: All will see the adtonta^-c of pre-
psjTnent, as it s.avcs one-half.

What will Penusylvauia Farmers do for the
Journal !

It will no doubt afford tho sincere friends of Agri-
culture in Pennsylvania, some gratification to kuow,
that our subscription list has gouo on steadily incrcii-
sing, until our circulation is sufficiently largo to justify
us in asserting that the Farm Journal is now placc<I
upon a basis which certainly .secures its continuance.
For this wished for result, wc are indebted mainly, to
the kind friends who have given their time and t.al-
ents to the good work, and to them our warmest tliaJil.H
.ore due.

But while we thus individually express our gratifi-
cation and tender our thanks, we would not have the
Farm Journal regardeil as an individual enterprise.
.'Vny losses, it is true, which might be sustained l»y it,
would fall upon us, wbilo a; t'n .same time wc should
receive the profits, if any : Imt wc arc desirous of
awakening a more general feeling of interest in it«
favor. AVith an honest, heartfelt desire to give oiii-
farmers a chance to be hoard through a Journal of
their own — a Journal reprosontiug truly, tho charac-
ter of Pennsylvania Agriculture, and sustaining it.s
interests — we commenced its publication, relying up-
on those whose reputation wc desired to maintain and
whose interests we had resolved to support, for the
assistance necessary to sustain our enterprise;. Many
liredicted failure — we never thought of it. A few en-
couraged us, .and we went on with a contidint spirit.
We felt satisfied that the claims of the Farm Journal
^vould one day be acknowl dgod, and that State pride
would not permit it to die fur want of support. Nor
were we deceived in our o])iiiion. A liberal su])port
has already been extended it, and tho reproach that
Pennsylvania would not encourage an Agricultural
.Journal of her own has been wiped away.

We have s.aid, that our circulation is sufficiently
hirgo to secure the permanency of the Journal ; but
it is not large enough to enable us to render it whiit
it should be. Our esteemed neighbor of tho Ohio
Cultivator asks, and asks confidently too, for to* Ihou-
sand subscribers, and our impression is, that he will
get tliom. The circulation of the Albany Cultivator
is now Jificen ikousond, and that of the Ucnasece

2S6

EDITORIAL.

[December,

Faimer, is, wo presume, still greater. Kemember !
these are not the only Agricultural papers publishoil
in Oliio and New York. There are more than a doz-
I'.n nthei-s of excellent character, nearly all of which
are in a flourishing conditien.

The Farm -Journal, is the only strictly Agricultu-
ral Periodical published in our State, and may we
not ask that Pennsylvania will extend to it, a sup-
port as liberal as that extended to the Ohio or Al-
bany Cultivator? IIow easily this might be accom-
plislicd. A few hours effort on the part of our jjres-
ent subscribers would do it, and with such a patron-
age, what a noble and useful work we could offer. — ■
Friends of Agriculture is it not worth the effort? —
Is it not worth an hour or two's labor, to be able to
say, that Pennsylvania sustains her Agricultural
Journal as liberally as New York or Oliio, sustain
theirs ? And why should she not ? As a State she
ranks first in Agricultural and Mineral wealth — her
farmers arc acknowledged superior to those of other
States, while her population is second to New Y'ork
only. "With such r:;sour!es, such a character, and
such a population, wliy should we not have ten or
liftcen thousand subscribers ? Sh.all wo have them ?
Shall wo enter upon the year 1852 with tjje pleasing
consciousness that our sphere of usefulness is largely
increased — that our Journal is diffusing more widcl}',
its valualtle Agricultural truths, and that it is awaken-
ing the farmers of our good old Commonwealth to
the advantages which science oflers.

Friends — those who have stood by us so faithfully,
we ask another efibrt. It will not cost nmch, and if
you succeed in doubling our present list, with what
more [ileasing thoughts would you desire to begin the
New Year, than that you have aided in building up
the agricultural reputaticn and interests of Pennsyl-
vania. January is the month in which subscriptions
to monthly periodicals are generally commenced, so
that now is the time for successful action.

Notices of the Newsi'apeb Prkss. — AVc would bo
doing violence to our own feelings, as well as gross
injustice to our cotemporaries of the newspaper press
throughout tlie State, did we not acknowledge our
heavy indebtedness to them for tlie many kind no-
tices given t!ie Farm Journal. Although our limits
will not enable us to rc-ciprocate these valuable fa-
rors, it may be a source of satisfoction to our edito-
rial brethren to know, that they have been largely
instrumental in bringing our Journal before the pub-
lic, and in doing this, have, we trust, aided in awa-
kening a deeper interest in the cause of agriculture.
Our earnest and lieartfclt thanks must therefore be
received as pay, having nothing better to offer.

8@" The attention of the Presidents of the different
County Societies is asked to tho notice of the Hon.
Frederick A\''atts, President of the State Agricultural
Society.

Wo give above, an accurate represontaticm of a
highly valuable portable instrument, designed for
fumigating Green Houses, Frani'es, Dwellings, Ships,
Closets and "Wardrobes ; also Shrubs, Kusos and out-
door plants, in the open air without tho slightest
injury to those of the most delicate character. Its
use and value will be undi-rstond from the follow-
ing :

" The instrument is availalile for fumigating Api-
aries, or houses and ships during the prevaleuce of
Cholera, or otlier epidemic Diseases, or when infested
by insects ; with it, also, Rooms and Closets may be
scented by burning Lavender or otheraromatic Herbs.
The Instrument is of most easy application, the sub-
stance to be used for fumigation being placed in the
magazine at top and ignited with a match or paper,
in precisely the same manner as an ordinary smoking
pijie ; it is so light that it can be carried about and
used by a Lady without inconvenience. All that is
necessarj" is to introduce the nozzle into an aperture
in the door or glass of a Groen-house, and by turning
tho handle it will soon be filled with smoke ; nor is
the Machine less offcctivein the open air,for thosmokc
being concentrated to a point, and made to issue in
any requireci direction, the whole force of the Instru-
ment can be brought to bear on any particular affect-
ed part. A great deal of Tobacco may be saved by
placing the Plant under a paper tent shoot, or some
other temporary covering, during the operation." —
It is mauufacturod and sold by 11. Buist, Seedsman
of Philadelphia.

To KNOW "Wild Ducks. — The claws in the wild
species of Duck are black.

HOVER'S INK MANUFACTORY

Removed to No. Ill RACE STIU'.ET lietweeii Fourth and Firtll,
niid oppnsitt! Orou-ji st , Hl-III,AUEt_,l'Ht A, wlu-re llie propriftor
18 eiKiiiled. I)y liHTeaseil facilities, to supply ttie growing demand
fur HOVER'S 1M\. wliicli its wide-8prt;ad reputation lias created.

Tills lnl( IS so well established in tlie gcjod opinion qnd eolifideiite
of the American jiulilic, that it is scareftly necessary to say anv-
tliiiii;iii Its favor, and the manufacturer talies tins opportunity to
say that the rontiilence thus secured, shall not be abused.

In addition to tlie various kinds of Writing Ink, he also mann-
faetures ADAM.^NTIM'. CK.MEN'T, for mending Glass ami Chi-
na, as well as a superior HAIR DYK; a trial only is liecssary t<i
insure its future use, atitl a sealiili; wax Well adapted fur DrugglstB
and Bottlers, at a very low price, in lar^e or small quantities.

Orders addressed to JOSEl'H K. HOVER, Mainlfaeturer. No.
Hi Race strict, between llh and 0th, opposite Crown ot., I liila.

•J

ADVERTISEMENTS.

2S7

DIPOilTA.^T TO FARMERS.

JESSE ROBERT'S RATENT UNITED STATES

GRAIX AND SEED FAX.

TO wnirn was a'O'aiided the

FIRST PREMIUM

At the Pennsylvania Asncultaral Fa;r. after a trial tlie fairness nf
which CduUI iif)t he dip|>ute(l. These Fans, the inventor ciintnieiiE-
)y asserts, art* the only ones nr)W in use entirely adecjnate lo the
wants of the farmer. The nhjet-t df the inveiitur was not J i reeled
alone, to the purpose nf eleunin^ grain, hut (if cleanin;; it ant)
saving at tlie same time the fanner the truulde of gailiering it
from the H'lnr, thus not only avoiding lahor. tint keeping the grain
from the diit on the floor. In addition tothis, these Fans, possess
jtreatT advantages than those constructeil upon the old plan. —
These advantages are sis folhiws :

First- The arrangement is such that a quick shake can he ob-
tained hv turning slowly, thua suturing when desired, a leas quan-
tity of for small eeeds.

Second. When necessary a s'ow shake can he secured, by rapid
turiiMig. This is of immense advantage, as it adapts the fun, to
tUe cleaning of all kindsof seeds.

Third. A new method of adjusiing the riddles and screws. This
gives the operator the advantage of placing them in any position
bes!. adapted to accomplish the purpnses of a grain Fun. Every
riddle and screen has a separate adjusfnien":. so that each one can
be fixed at any angle withoQl the necessity of taking them out

Fourth, The grain, instead of falling on the Jloor, as is Ufcually
the case, is discharged, hy means of a small trough, into the half
bushel, or other measure that may he placed under it. By tliis ar-
rangement the grain is all measured, hy the time it is cleaned,
thus saving not only labor, but time, and consequently expense, as
well as keepinir the grain from eonticl with the dust and dirt on
floor. For this reason; tlie fan, can he pui in op'ra^ion anywhere,
with as little trouble as the common fans can be used in a ham
floor.

Fiftft, The simplicity of their constructions renders them less
liable to get nut of repair than other mills.

For the above reasons, we confidently rccnmmend our F.nis to
public patronage. Privileges to manufacture will he granted on
reasonable terms Satisfactory informatnm can he promptly had
by addressing post paid^ the subscriber at Norristowii, Montgome-
ry CO., Pa. JESSE ROBERTS.

Norristown, December, 1, 1S.51. 9-tf.

. " KEW HARDY CLIMBER. '

CAf.YSTEGiA PUBESCENS.

This new and heautif jl dnnher, recently introdnccd from China
by Mr. Fortune, proves perfectly hardy in New Knglaiid, having
stood in the grounds here two winters without protection. Train-
ed toa single pillar, say.ten leet in height, it is very striking and
heaulil'ul object from Jane till cold weather, during which time it
is covered with a profusion nf its large double flowers of a delicate
rose color. It is very ornamental planted in patches like Verbe-
uas; makes an admirable screen; and is very eirective in >oung
plantations, belts or shrid>tteries, trailing prettily on the surface,
and running among the lower branches nf tlie trees in a very pic-
turesque manner. Its culture is very simple, and it will thrive in
common garden soil. If requireiL in considerable tiuantitiea the
tubers may be divided into single eyes, planting each in a four inch
pot of good light compoit. in February, under glass, or in hot beds
in the spring ; or larger pieces contaniing several eyes may be
planted in the open ground iu May. Plants P3 per dozen. Tubcr.s
for 100 plants S3, which may he sent by mail or express, to order.

Also, everv description of Fruit and Ornamental TREKS and
SHRUBS,! Strawberries, Dahlias. Roses, Verbenas, P'archias.
Chrysanthemums, fee, including every new variety of the present
season.

Stocks for Nurserymen and amateurs. both fruit and ornamental
of evcrv description. Pear Seed of first rate quality.

Address B. M. WATSON, Plymouth, Mass.

Carriage paid to Boston.

Catalogues sent post-paid on application.

TO INVENTORS AND PATENTEES.

J. DENNIS, Jr , Practical Machinist, Manufacturer, and
Draughtsman, having had twenty years' ejcperience in budding
and operating machinery for mainiiacturmg Cotton, Silk, Wool.
Steam Engines. Printing Calico, &c,, with several year's experi-
ence in procuring patents, tend«rs his services to inveutt-ra lo
make exammati. US of their inveiitiniis Irom a rough sketch or
drawing and limited description, (which may le forwarded by
mail,) and compare them with the inventions in the Patent OfTicr.
and give an opinion, whether the inveiitnui is patentable r)r not,
for a fee of S5 ; and save the inventor the expense of applying f(»r
a patent, which usually costs S50, exclusive of the cost of nmdel,
as only about two-tiflhs of the patents applied for are granted.—
His experience in making drawings of. and building and operating
machinery, enables him to understand an invention fmm a roo'»n
drawing and limited dt-sciiption, and to comprtliend the points in
which the invention differs from thi'se already patented, with the
greatest fncility. . e alsti preparesdrawings specifications, cave-
ats ami as-ignments, nr procures copies Irom, or attt-nds to nnv
business connected with the J^atent Olfice. Counsellors in I'atent
cases can have an opinion by stating the pmnis in their case, and
arguments prepared with the propt-r authorities cited, to sustain
the same, with despositions if nectfsary. ilc will also attend as
Counsellor or Advocate in Patn.t causes in nny Cnurt.

Notice to 2-447 inventors whose applications v/t-re rejected in
I?49 and '.JO, that he will examine their cases for Sj, to ascertain
if the references will prevent obtaining a patent, if a proper claim
IS presented, and advise the applicant whether he had best with-
draw or amend his papers, and get a reconsideration, nr App^nl, or
File, a Bill in Equity. As he is the oiilv attorney in this city,
(Washington, D. C.,^ who has succeeded in reveisivg the Com-
missioner's decision bv an appeal to the Chief Justice.

t^ Othce near the Patent OiTiee, Washington, D C. Letter?,
Sketches, and Drawings, sent by mail, (postage paid) containing
fee, will be promptly attended to.

FRUIT ANl) ORNAMENTAL TREES FOR
SALE

At the Fair-View Nurseries Moorestown, Burlington Co., N". J.
— 50,000 Apple Trees, from 6 to 10 and I'J feet high, eml»racing
about IjO Select Varieties, ripening in succession from the earliest
to the latest. Also, a large quantity of Peach, Cherry, Pear, Plum,
Apricot, Nectarine, Almonds, Quince, Grape Vines, etc. The
Fruit Trees have principally been worked I'rom standard trees,
which leaves but little room to doubt as to the correctness of tb«
Fruit, which has taken the premium at the Pennsylvania Horticul-
tural Society and others for the last ten years.

50,000 Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees and Shrubs,
such as Sugar and Silver Maples. American and Enrnpean Moun-
tain Ash, Lindens, Horse-Cliesnuta, American I^rch, of a large
size, suitable for road and street planting; Balm Giteads, Norway
Furs, Arborvitas, Pines of different varieties, Junipers, English
and Irish Yew, Cedars of Lebanon, Double and .Single Spucia,
sultshle for Cemeteries, Lawns nnd Private Yards; B<irders, etc.

A liberal Discount will be allowed to persons wiio buy to sell
a^ain. Descriptive Catalogues furnished grads to post-paid appli-
cants. JOHN i'ERKINS, Proprietor.

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES & SHRUB-
BERY.

The subscriheT."! offer for sale at the Nursery and Garden a 'nrffe
and fine assortment of F ru-'t and OrnawrUfH Trees nnd S/iruhbert/,
embracing many new and valuable varieties in each department,
which they can su|)ply in large or .small quantities, viz: — Apples,
Pears, Peaches, Plums. Cliernes, Apricots, Nectarines, Figs, Fil-
berts, Freneli and Spanish Chesnuts, Kn^lisli and other Gooseber-
ries, Currants, Raspberries and Strawberries in variety; English
Walnuts, Quinces, Asparagus roots. Osage Orange for hedging,
Cranberries, Ac, also Everi;reen and Deciduous 'I'rees & Shrubs,
of native and f<ireign growth, many of tliein of recent introdncn.ni
from abroad, such as Deodar cedars.Ceilar of Lebanon, New Japan
Cedar, Himalayan Spruce, Chili Pine, New Junipers, several va-
rieties of Yew, &-C.. 4c. Honeysuckle Vines and other creepers,
Pwuif Pearson Quince, of line size and quality, for immediate
bearing, Cherries on Mahaleb, also hlnrdy Pf.rpetunl Rosfs. a large
assortiient; Verhenas, D^hUns, PItlnxes, Chrysanthemums. Bul-
bous roots, assorted, Tulip.Sj Hyacinths, double and single Grapn
Vines, Box Edging and Green House Plants.

Trees and Plants delivered in Philadelphia, carefully packrd
free of cliarge, and despatched thence by public convey ance to anv
part of the I'nion. Orders by mail carefully attended to; cata-
logues furnished gratis, or may be obtained of A. ftLSpangler. pub-
liaher of Farm Jonrna[, in Lancaster, who will receive orders

At our -Agricultural and Horticultural Warehouse, we cnn also
supply all kinds of improved Agricultural and Horticultural imple-
ments, also Field, Garden and Flower seeds, fresh »nd genuine —
Country Storekeepers supplied at reduced prices wtli seeds, neally
put up in papers for retail sales

PASCHALL MORRIS. A CO.

West Chester, Pa.

Seed and A«;rlcultural Warehouse.

No. 29. Market Street, Phila,

JHERE the subscriber has onened an extensive assortment of
GRA33 AND gahdex SEEDS, of his ownraisHigjor recent impwF-
talicui, and warranted to be as represented.

ile 18, also, nianulactnring all the most approved Agricnltmal
Implements, among which he would call the ultcntion of Farmers
t*! a new article of Plow, of his own invention, called Cast Sleel,
F^stending Point, Self-Sharpening, Surl'acc and SnhBoil Plow*.,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these Plows possess over all others, nre
cneir peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Sleet mth«
place of Cast- Iron, \<'hich onlv wants to be seen to beappreciuled;
all of which will oe sold on the most reasonable prices hy

May, 18J1. C B ROGERS.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

THE snbscrilier offers for BJiIe 4000 young and thrifty Strawber-
ry plants at low prices. This anti the foliowiiip mouth heina;
the proper time to form new beds to bear I'rnit the lollowing yeas-

J.F.HE[NITSH
Aug. 1, 1851. No. 18, East King St., North Bide, Lan. '

GUANO,

PEKUVIA?* and Patagonia Guano for sale in lots to suit pur-
chasers, hy J. CAPSKDY ft SON.
No. VZ\, South Wuter £t . a few- Joors nboTtr Docis !( , rhi!a.

2S8

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[DkCEMI!ER,

AIONTGOMERY'S

UNRIVALLED IMPUOMU) llOCKAWAY
SCREKNl'.U.

This celebrated FAN has l.eni tii..r..uo;l.'y tested nnd l.rand to

!;!';ct:.e7lmvIn«\'r.'!v",lwmol. the screens, s.ev.s or s.eve
: ''B'''TrcC'i'.''u,"m „p«uwUicUthegra,n falls after passing

ahMigtietiirveci.qr umitrueatli. Tlie apron is curried

,„.dlals m-iM t e^'J<=" ' ^ ™ auderneatl,. whilst thcsneen-
'::SXs^:^o"ZX^'i''ol.u. tne Shoe U underneatn, and are
u,,;s pass I rou 1 ^. ^^^ ^1^^ ^^,,,, „|,„rea S|.out

m' ,^1» ti' se ee 1 isa d carries then, down hehl.id into a

f'.^heZv the ho-t^inof t," shoe A. The gran, is earned haeL o>.

'-^^::::::T:^:t:^^X^ 's:r^^^^ fan. hnve

int, persons w ' „|- ,|,^„,, but preler ihem to all

,■:;; ers^e';;- ea e -Sve'ry many oi the l,..t Agru al.unsls

IvpeK^ei S.ertlf leatestlialtUelaet.if these niaeliines screel,-

"tlil'? 1 tw. -e 1 y one and Ihe same ope-alioi, is the very .in-

iiigtlie^rainivyie , .i^aTj,!. Our laniicrs will now have

Ke^::rt'';e:^•c^l;;:l;:^m;-^l--^v;-i-;-;;s-=,^^

WHderbigiiLii. Uiiicaster city, Pa.
Bept Ibjl. __^^— —

thiTfruit-grower's hand-book .

Kncoura.-ed by the verv warm eomraeiid.itions of this work re-
■•■•rved slit'e iron, experiein-ed HonRHlmnslsaiid Ironi the wholly
iilexperieneed, the author ventures with aouie coufldeuee tu sub-
mit it to the pnblie at large. , 1 .1 r4i

Notes of all the important questions on fruit culture asked of the
w Iter duri.imhe last ten years, with a thorough reseiireh ol I.,-
raolo/ieal works, have co.ili ibuted to reader this volume as com-
nlete'asnobBible, lueonveiiieut compass. . , , , .

' To the'^lot-holder who wishes to make the most of a few plants
aod little room, as well as to the extensive planter who wishes to
arra«-e and cultivate his gardens m the most economical a.id pro-
fitable manner, the Hand ilot.fc will be found a useful compaiuou
Cur frenneiit reference. r a»,

rai- I ,1,., Kivrv TENTS. Two copies, post free, Irr 81.

WM.G. WARING,
Boalshurg, Centre uo., Ha.

«cpt. 1851.

Addreifi,

DOUBLE-ACTING, LIFT AND FORCE PUMPS

The subscriber munufaclares Double-acting Lift and Force

FaZie'' "" ""'' ""Mmcs, Railway Water Stafons,

Breweries Steamboat., Steamslupa,

Tim Works, Ships, Water Boats,

Hot Linuidi'', Family Par|X>scs. 4c.

"°*^"'vllll.AtlT; AND FACTORY FlUE ENGINES.
Garden Engine!, Cistern Pomps. Well Pumps, for any depth re-
quired. Hose Couplings, Copper Rivetted Hose ol' all sizes, Orua-
namental Cast-iron Fouutauis, *,e.

PurchaierB are respectfully invited to call.

Auv i;oiiii..unicalionB by mail will luivo itumediate attention.
U B.FARNAM.Si Cliir at ,no«r Fulton, N.Y.

I'ENNA. TATENT AGENCY OFFICE.

Iiivt'iitors am) "theiB. having business to transact iit the Vnilfi
Ptnies Patent utikf. are hereby infcirmed. th:it the iindcreignf'J
will littend promptly to all tiusiness coimecled with snid office, nrvd
will I'.iini'Ictf Perspective and Sectinniil Drnwinss, and nil requi-
site piipera. CavealB. Spccilications, DisclaimcTH, Assignnn^iits, .V'.-,
and make the proper applitatiuns for the eecuriiig ol Letters Py-
tejit, accurdiiiii to law.

>IACH1NISTS AND INVKXTORS
will snve time, trouble and fxpeiise, by fust cunsnltinf; him. m»l
' the 8tiictef*t st'cresy will be observed, relative to their inveiilUma
1 and cUiiins

The cllUe li. at present located in Centre Square, two donra south
of tlie Liiucaster Bank, wliere the list til' patents granttul since Id'-
year 1790 to the present day can be examined, ti-gelher with nu-
rueriaiH apeeiheations. drawings and models, and every iiiforrnaUim
(jbtaiiied relative to the laws and rufes of the U. S. I'atent nffice.

All the requisite papers, drawings and models will be prornpll-y
and curefully furwiirded to Washington citv, free r)f charjje by

J. FRANKLIN REIGART, Lancaster, Pu.l^

lAVe Insurance for Horses, »S;c-

THE American Live Stock Insurance Company, (Stockholders tn-
dividiia.Iy Liable) for the Insurance o( Hordes, Mulei; Pr%2:<
Biflh, Shf'p. CnWe^ ^'c , aeamst Fiie, Water, Accidents and Pi"-
en8e. Als-', upon Stock dnveu to Eastern markets, or traiiaported
South-

JOHN H. FRICK.

6eBeral Agent fir Pennsjlirania, Philadelphia.

F.EFKREhCES :

Wood, Ahbott & Co., 1
Truitt, Brother & Co.. > Tiiiladelphia.
Coutea & Brown, )

Agents:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, Lancaster Pa.
CHARLES F. FRICK. Rending, Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR. Mauch Cliunk, Pa.

Dr. JoHS G. ScovEaxi, Veteriiiacy Surp«on,
May, 1&51.) Examiner fur liancaater Cowity

Wm. B. Wn^T, Job Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

18ol.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

199

KA RMEH.S PROTECT YOUll HOUSES & BARNS. .JOUUXAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE.

Pomaiiy Jiccliieiitshnve happened frtim lightning fluriii;;; the pnst
Sijinrner, Ih;it evfr>' priuleiit am! oarfTnl faninT slmiild at inice
aiiiipt siith means ub will he most etfrtlual in iirfVL-ntniir ttiem — [
When II IS renifinlierc'd tlint certain salVly may I'e si'i^ured :it n ,
very tnliing expense, it liecnmes the ttuty of every fanner and
giiod citizen to avail himself the proffered means By so dtiiiig,
he not only secures his property' friMii firt; by lit;lit'iiiii;. Imt pi"-
tv-cte also his family and tliu ;e around liiin. 'I'liesL- iire inipdrLinr,
c< nsittcralions and should Jiave fireat wti^ht. Tln'se \v lio ih-airea
a Lightniiiu Rod, p-oiiuunced liy the first Seientitic men in unr
countrv, th"^e verv In st in use, will hiui It on applii.idon t » THUS.
ARMITAOE, at his Mas^'i'^^ Lig/.t'.i)!s Kod Favtury. Vine Street.
3 doors above I'ilh, I'iiiladetpliia. Tliete Hods are hnislicd with ail
tiie improvements at nearly the same piicirs as tlie old liiiid. (tl

PAGE'S CIRCULAR SAW MILLS.

GEORGE PAGK k CO.

ShroeJer street, betweon Baltimore aud Fayette sts,,

Baltimoro.
Manufncture to order. Pair«'-< ecUhrottl Puitahlf. PnUnt Cirr.ula
Saw I\Iiils^ with horse or steiim pfpwers. <•( several aizta. They
ulao mamifartnre Sawin-.! aud Planinji Machines for rnilrrtad wurk.
Thrashing Mathines. GRIST MILLS lor farm inirposrs, Cum sind
Coh Crushers. Tcnnniiiir Mnc-l. MIPS. SKKD A^D CORN t'L.VNT-
KR.S, LMPROVED IIOR-K I'OU'KRS, CORN" SHKLLKKS.rAn-
eers for boring wellsj angers for boring fence pofcts, water wlieels,
forcing pumps, Sec.

They respeetfuUy solicit a shnre of public pntrciiase. and would
be permitted to rem;irk. that their Circular Saw Mill can do ;more
work— aye, twice as much work as any other mill witli the same
nmouiit of power, and do it better. (sept-t)

April

15th

Jiuio

l^i

Aug.

I.'-) Ill

U.:l.

Ir*!

D(!c,

l.ilh

Fell.

1st

Miiv,

15ih

July

1st

Siepl.

IVh

Nov.

1st

Jan

15ih

Mi.r.

Idt

June

15il>

Aug.

Is'

Oci.

inih

I)..,..

K-t

Feb.

ir.ih

April

l.st

July

I^ih

Scpi.

\s\

Nov.

loili

J,.r,.

IStl

Mnrc

Iil5ih

Mny

1st

PHILADELPHIA fc LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS-To sail from IMiiladeluliin on tiie Ijih.
und from Liverpool on the 1st ot each monih

Fro:
Ship SHENANDOAH
Capt. VV. P. Gardiner.

New ship WestmoTvF.la.nd
Capt. P. A. Dfcaii,

New ship PPACKMAXON,

Capi. W. H \Ve;ii.

Ship MARY PLEASANTS,
Capl. R. R. Decan,

The above first class ships are biiih ol the best ninicri-
als, and commanded by experienced navigators Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed with com-
lort forp3Psenge»3. They wiil sail punciuallyon ihe days
advertised, taking advantage ot the steam low boats on
the Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friend?, can

obtain ceriificates, which will be guod for twelve iiiotiihs.

Pafisiig'e to Liverpool in the cabin, ^80

*' " Forward cabin, 20

*' " Steerage, 12

Passage from Liverpool in the cabin, 100

'* " Forward cabin, 25

'* *' Steerage, 20

Those who wish toremif money, can be acconimodfitcd

with drafts for XI sterline and upwards, at si^ht, wirhoiii

discount. Apply to GEO. McHElN RY & CO.

June 1, 1851. 37 Walnut street.

oj' ihe !S!atc of Pennsylvania^ for ihe proiHoiioii of t/i?
Mirhanic Arts.

T^HE oldest Mechanical Periodical extant in Ainerica.iapub'ished
on the hra of each month in the City of Philadelphia Jt ha<
: been reguhirly issued for upwards of iwenty-hve years, and io

cnrefully edited tiy a cimimjttee of seietitlfic gentlemen appuilile*!

for the purp(»se. by the Frankli.i Institute.

The de.**ervedly high reputation, b' th at hi>me and abroad. which
I this .lournul has accjuircd and sustained, has given it a circulatKiti
! and exchange hat of the best character, wtiich enables the Ctim-
; mitlee on Publications to make the best selections from I'oreign

Journals, and to give circulation to original ctitiini'iiiications ou
] mechanical and scientific subjects, and notices of iicw inventions ;
' notices <if all the Patents issued at the Hateiit f>ihce, \\iiBliiii';ton
I < "ity. arc published in the Journal, together with a large amount of
( ii'f'irm.ttion on Mechanics, Chemistry, and Civil Eiiginerrii-'g, da-
', ri\"ed from the latest and best authorities.

i This Journal is published on the firt of ench mrmtli. each nom-
I ber tontainmg at least seventy-two pages, and forms t a'o voiumea

ainiuaMy of about43-i pages eacli, illustrated \vith ejijjraviiigsuJi
I copper and nn wood of those subjects which require them.
j The subscription price is Plve Dollars per aiiiinin. payable on
I the conipleti'iti of the sixth number; and it will be forwarded fre»*
I of postiige when live dollars are remitted to the Actuary (paelag«
' pnid) III ailvaiice for one jear'a subscrijitioii.

i Communicaiions and letters on business must be directed to "iha
j Arluarv of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia. reini8\ Ivaniu,'"

the postage pa d. \VM. ll.\MILTON.

' August 1, 1831. ^^__^ ^ Actuary .J^\r.

j TO FARMERS^PLANTEKS, " '

I MARKET GARDENERS k OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAI,

I G CANO—'.Vaiwfacinrcd only by KJi^NTlSJId- CO.
I Depot i\o. 40, Peck t>lip, Xcw York.

ri''H[S inunure IS so combined, that the Ammonia and other fcr-
Phila. From Liverpool ' J[ tilizmg g;ises are absorbed, fixed, and are given ont i.i

tatioii only as ii requires them. Xo rot, mildeiv. wnrm, fly ff
other instH^t can approach it: an import;mt consideration to farm* rs
generally, Imt particularly in potato planting It will be admirably
adapted l(p the renovution, restoration and fertilizing uf such Uimki
as have been worn out.

it may be used bruadcast, after the ground is ploughtd, aiul iheu
harrowed in with the seed. It is also valuable as a top dressing.
Sis acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

U maj' l>e us'-'d with the greatest advantage on Corn. I'otafO' a.
'.Vheat, Toha(^co. Garden Vegetables. Rye. Oats, (jreeii Ht'us«»
Piaiiis. I"li>wers. Vines, Wall F'ruit. &c ,and mure than a thuuaind
eeitificates from the most celebrated Farmers and (jurdeners, can
be shiiwn,all testii'ying in the highest terms to its great value as a
("ertilizer. A pamphlet containing tliese certificules ran be hud.
by applying to tlie manufactnrera. The teick i.=; oklt ose ckst
PEB rouNU. It is put np in bbls. averaging 235 lbs., or in caskjs.
from 1000, to 1400 lbs.

TLUMS. Cash, or approved credit on delivery. Persniis wi.«li-
ing ttt buy tlie article to Sell again will be allowed a liberal eutn-
I mission. Address ICENTIS" Jt.<0.

i Aug. I. 18jL No. 40, Peck Slip, New York.

R. 15UIST,

NURSERYMAN & S E E D G RO W E R,

HAS alway.« oti hand at his seed Siore. 97, Chesnui
Street, Philadelphia, a large stock of Seeds of his own
growth, a vfTi/ important item to purc/m.^fr.t, as heisa practical grnw-
«r,nnd has been engaged in his professinn over 30 years. His imrse-
n' ground is amply stocked with Kruit.Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every aiticlc sold al
Ik elowest rates. and warranted to be as represented.

S*eed Store. 97 Cliesnut Street, Philadelphia. Nurseries and Seed
Karm,fDarby Road, two rai'cs below Gray's Fcrrv.

Jauc 1, 1851. " R. BUIST.

HENRY r.TRlPf.F.U.

{Successor to Joseph P. H. Coates.)
Dealer in Grass and Gardeni^epdn.

No. 49, Market Sireei, Philadelphia.

AGENCY

for the jmrchase and sale of improved breed of
Animofs.

STOCK Cuttle of all the diflerent breeds, sheep, swine, pnnitry,
._ Repurchased to nrder, and carefully shipped to any part of
the United States, for which a moderate ci'nimi!>sion will U4
charged. The following are now on the list, and fi*r SJile, vii;
Tnorongh bred Short Horna and Grade Cattle.
Alderiiey do do

Ayrshire do do

Devons do du

South Down Sliecp.
Oxfordshire do
Leicester do

ultry «if dilTerent breeds. All letcrs post paid wiU
Address AARON CLEMENT.

Cedar at , above Wh. PhiM.

llO

Swiiie and
be promptly attended to
Aujinst I. 18 jl.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

■T-HK siiliscribers offer for sale at the lowest market rates,
I inilU Tons Dry Patajionia Guano.

jW) •' Government Peruvian Guano.
500 bbls. Ground PlaBter.
The qnnlity of the above is unsurpaBacd.and ran be reeommend-
ed witli eonhdence to farmers and others in want ol* llie ariieies.
\ liberal dcduelion made to Countrv Merchants.

AI.l.EN A NEKDI.ES.
No. 22.V 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Chea. St.. Phiia.
July 1. ■"'''";-

BF.RKiSHlREPlGSind South Down Sheep of Pare Blood, foi
s.ileby JA3 THORNTON. Jr,

Juiy lOoa. Bj-berry, Phi'.aJelp.'jia Co.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[DECF.ar

J'llUI'r & ORNAMENTAL TREES,

&C.

'rln; suliscnlicrs anlicit the atteiitum of Nurserymen, Oreliardista
;iii'l AMiJiteurs, til Llicir i.icseiit large and line stuck (pl" Nursery Ar-

jfiAXDARD Fbi'ItThees. ftir OrclKirds ; tlirifty, well grown, and
U:iVtil'sonie, of all the hest varieties.

Lhvir.F Tkees, for liarilejjs. Tlie largest stock in the country,
■MiA the most complete. . , , ,

D%v.vRt' Pkar TuEEi?. Our collection consists of well known
le*i(iin'' varieties, anil iiunihers inure than I50.U00 saleable trees —
'I'lie superiorltv of these, Ijeing grown in tlie ci>uiitry, over iinport-
eil trees is well known to every intellisent cultivator. Nothing,
111 fact, in this coniiiry, can equal our collection of Pear Trees —
•riiey can he hail from one to lour years growth, some of which
me now covered with fruit. . . .,

UwauF Atpi-eTkees. We cultivate in large quantities the
Ir.-stiuid nai.ilsomest varieties of apples on Douciiln and Paradise
»toeks for Dwaris and Pyramids, and can furnish them iu large
(luaiititi.-s, from one to two yeais growth. ,. ,

liwunF CKEarcv Tuke-i. All the leailing varieties are cultivated
1.1 Mahaleh st.ieks. extensively. We can lurniall by the hundred
,j,d tlionsaud. fiom one to two years growth.

CiiKHKV Cvf KANT, the largest variety known. Upwards of 1,000
plants on liriiKl.

MTOi.wirlioosKr.EKCiEi. all llie hcst sorts.

Large l-'nuirEU :Mo.\riibV Kasi'bkrkv, that gives a crop of hne
iViiit in the auluinii.

5TEAWBEKR1E4. all the hest sorts.

Ornamental Shade Trees, of good size, for streets, parks, cVc,
kirge and weM grown.

Choice Trees an.lShruhs, for lawns and pleasure grounds, iil-
oludlli" all the finest, new and rare articles recently intri.duced_

HMinv KvERcnEEN Trees. Norway Spruce and Balsam I'lr.of
small size, in large quantities; and a moderate supply ol large
iBies hesides nearly liftv new and rare F.vcrgreens. ineludliig Ueo-
dar Cedar, Cedar of Lehanon, Chili Pine, Cryptoiuenu or Japan
Cedar, lliinaasaii Spruce, &e ,^c.

Hoses, Peonies, a large and complete collection, including the
iilt^st varieties. , , .

Phloxes, A cnllectipn of upwards of si.\ty varieties, including
tliirtv new varieties imported last spring . , j. ., «

l)AHi.iA9. Uiiwards of inn select varieties, including the hnest
lii.L'lisli prize flowers of I.^IO and 1351). , . , .

The followiio' Catalogues, giving full infirmalnm as regards
terms, prices, ie,. will he sent gratis to all who apply hy postpaid
letters or at the ofiiee.

let, a General Ucstriptive Catalogue.

■Jil, a Wholesale Catalogue,

3il a Catalogue of Select Oreen House Plants,

4tli aSpeelal Catalogue of Dahlias mid Bedding Plants, for 1831,
' ' KI.LWaNOKK .t HARRY,

Mount Hope and Garden it Nurseries.
Rochester, N. Y.

Pept. 1S51.

THE MODEL ARCHITECT,

A scries oforiijinat dcni/ns for Collages, Villas. Su-
burban Residences, Counlry Churefici, Sclwul-

Humes, (I'f.. <('•(•., by Samuel Sloan, Are't.
The ahove work is desigiied'toineet the wishes not only of those
ilireelly interested in luilhling, hut of all those who desire the ad-
valn-enient of this nolile art in our country, and wish to cultivate
Bieir taste and acquaintance with architecture. The handsome
nmuuer in which it is prepared and embellished, renders it a taste-
lui ornament for the drawing room, while Its accurate delineations
give It the highest practical value. , , .

'liie projector will liiid in it ev, ry variety of style ami design,
•ecompaiiled.as mentioned below, hy all minutia necessary to con-
stiuction. By its aid he may build without danger of nmkingtliose
liidienius and e.ipeiisive mistakes which so often occur

The operative artisan of every grade will lind the work of ines
limable value. It Is a cmnplete hook of reference, and ail plates
•rii lU.iwu to a scale with the utmost accuracy, so tlmt he lias only
1.1 slady them with his rule ai.d compass.

The work, in two volnincs of twelve numbers each, to be issued
inmithly. until complete. Kacli number contains t'our Lithograph
l-aigraviiigs of original designs, var\ iiig in cost of erection from
tHIJOto SU.noO There are also four sheets of details accom-
panying the designs, comprising ground pl.ans. ,Vc., Ice. Besides
this, each numbef contains eight pages of letter-press, descriptive
of the designs, giving extended accounts of the various styles
adopted, essays on w.'inning, ventilatnm, &c., Ac, elaborate spe-
cifications, estimates, tables, and in short every thing desirable,
either for construction or for general information, in beautiful type;
Mio whole being executed on the very finest paper, manufactured
expressly for the work. Prick 50 CENT.S A NUMBl'.R.
Address, post-paid, E S, JONKS it Co,. Publishers,

S. W. cor. 4th ami Race sts,, Pliila., Pa.
Persons forwarding a list of live subscribers accompanied with
Mie cosh, shall receive a sixth copy gratis. 'ept-ly

FINE STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

St.rnwb'Try Plants of severnl varictieB and fine quality can be
Iwii bv the huiuired ortliousanfl at tlie low price of 31 rertiundr<.'d,
by addrtrssin;: wifcli uimiuiit enclwHed,
' • JAMES O'CONNQR,

Safe Harbor, Lancnstor co., l*a
AlPorders will rcc3i7c prompt atteiitioii. (sept I&jI.

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY,

Yale Volhge, Neiv Haven, Connecticut.
JOHN P. NORTON, Pkofessoe of Scientific AGKicnLTURc.

This Laboratory is now fully (irsraiiised for iiistnu-tioii in all
braiicb'isuf uiiulysea cotmected with the examni.itnm of s-nls,
ni.iimres, mintrals, ashes, animal and vegetable substunees, &c. —
Full eourses are given m each of these departnieuts, and alsu in
«;eueral Chemistry, lioth organic and inorfi;uinc.

Stndt-nts can thus fit themselves to bct-ome instructor!* in the
variiiusbraiiciies of Chemistry, tir to apply so mueb of thiit and
kindred seiencLS as may be necessary to the praciical pursuit of
ngrictiiturc or itiunmacturing. The demand for teachers and pro-
fessors 111 the various brunches of chemi^trv, especially a<;ricijlt|i-
ral. is now great and increasing, so iliat this is a fair field for tiKin
wlio have a taste for such pursuits.

A course of Lectures on ??cieiitifie Agrieulhire, by Professor Nor-
ton, conitnenctsin January of each year, aad continues fur two atMl
a tialf mouths. This course isdesi^'in-d especially tor the praetbwl
faimer, and has given great satisfaction to those who have attend-
ed it in previous years. It embraces;! plain connected ontline wf
the leudnig points in improved agnciitiure, trcatm;< in 8ucce8si<>n
of the composition of the soil, the plant and tiic anuiial ; of ihetc-
connections witii each other, and of all the improvcineiits in culti-
vation, manuring, feeding, and fattening, winch have been adoptesJ
in the lj«st agricaltural regions This course is made so plain ajMl
practical, that the farmer who attends it can understand the wh(»k,
and apply it in Ins own experience.

ftlorc eaii be learned by atteiulaiice upon such lectures, by rewV-
iiig iu coniit-ction with them, antl by associating witli others wIk>
are also desirous of obtaining a better knowledge of their proft»-
sioti than in years away fnnnaUch advaniagea The young farmei
learns to think for himself, lo see that a practice is not necessariiy
right because It IS old, to understand the reasons for all that he
does, and with this increase of knowledge is better able to iaa)i«
farming profitable as well as interesting.

Board and lodging may be prociirerl at from S'2 to S3 per week,
and the Ticket for the l<ectures is SSIO.

Ill connection with the Lectures is a short Laboratory course, by
means of which those who desire it. are taught to test soils, man-
ures, marls, &.c . in a simple way, and to make many elementary
examinations of a highly useful character. The charge fur ttua
course is ^'13.

To those eti-.dents who go through the full Laboratory fours*,'
the charge is abont S^'^OO per annum, and they can be admitted at
aiiy period of the year at a proportional charge.

Kor further infonnatiun apply to Prof. John V. Norton, Nev»-
Haven, Conn. (sept-4t

THE MAGNETIC LIGHTNING ROD.

TIIOS ARMITAGE'S PATENT M AGNETtC LIGHTNING
ROD. — The p.itentee takes pleasure in infortning his friends aiwl
the public in general, that after many years' close investigation
and nuiiierons experiments, lie has finally arrived at the true prin-
ciple of manufacturing and putting up Lielitning Kods and Points,
and is now ready to serve his friends and the public iii general, at
the shortest notice, at his manufai-tory, VINI^ street, above ]'2th.
Philadelphia, south side, wliere all pcrs-ins are respectfully invited
to call and examine for themselves, this being the only place wher«
they can be purchased. This rod has been examined by the moat
scientific gentlemen now living, who have pronounced it to be Ibe
only safe Rr»d that has been |mt up or seen.

N. B — Patent Riijhts are now olTered for states, counties or (dis-
tricts ill the United States, Philadelphia and Chester tounties c-i-
copied.

Agencies can be formed by calling nt tlie Factory, Vine stfeeJ,
above TwelfUi, south side, Philadelphia

sept 1851 THOMAS ARMITAGE.

COTTAGE FUKMTURE.

WARWICK & Co., are constantly manufacturing new anrt op-
prnpriate designs of entinielled, painted and Cottage Kuriiiture, ol
warranted materials and wnrkinanship Suils of Clianiber Kurni-
J ture consisting of DRKSSING JUIRKAU, liEDSTIilAD, W \SH-
^ STAND, TOIt-F,T TABLE, and FOUR CANK SEAT CHAIRS*.
as low as Jt^O per suit, and upward to SIOO, gotten up in the mo*t
superb style.

Tliose who are about furnishing hotels, cottages, or city, resi-
dences, should call and see this style of furniture, which for cheap-
ness, duraliilitv and elegance is far preferable to the old lieavy
kinds of mahogany, Ac.

Orders from till parts of the countrv promptly attended to %it&
carefully packed. WARWICK !c CO.,

Warerooms. No, 4 and 6, South Seventh at., between Chestnut A:

Market streets, Philadelphia. sept.-em

HENRY A. DREER'S ^~

SEED AND IIOllTICULTUKAL WAREIIOITSE,

No. 59, Ohesnut st., near 3d, Philadelphia,.

Constantly on hand a large and well seleetcd assortment of
Garden^ Field^Gra^saiui Garden Seeds, Fruit Trees, GTOi>e Vitus,

HorticuUurnl Implements in great variety.
CatahtjuesTorwardcd on pest paid apj>!icatioa. (sep.-lt

VOL. 1.

LA?sCASTER, PA., JANUARY, 1S51

m. 10.

THE FARM JOURNAL,

S. S. HAI.DEMAN, Editor.

For the Farm Journal.
The Importaucc of Agricultural Education.

BY JOHN L. BLAKE, D. D.

What is agricultural education ? The question is
here propounded that a reply may be given . for the
masses of the agricultural community do not seem to
know what it is, although it has been a common topic
of declamation in the annual agricultural addresses
and orations for more than a score of years. Indeed
mure than half a eenturj- since, "Washington incul-
cated the necessity of it. For a long succession of
years, the zealous and talented Mr. Garnett, of Vir-
ginia, labored to promote it. No small part of the
long life of the yctcran Skinner, beginning his labors,
in Maryland and ending them in the Keystone State,
■vrere consecrated to it. The ever to be lamented
Judge Buel, of New York, devoted to it the best pow.
era of his accomplished mind. If we look farther
north and eastward for kindred labors, we shall find
that the venerable Timothy Pickering, the companion
of Washington, was as much distinguished for his
efforts in the cause of agricultural education as he
was in the science of sovernment and the political
history of his country. And the venerable John
Lowell, of Boston, one of the most accomplished
scholars of his time, spread an undying halo around
rural literature and agricultural science. And the
recently deceased I^aac Hill, of New Hampshire —
first, an humble printer, then Senator in Congress ■
afterwards Governor of that State — spent the last ten
years of his life, in advocating agricultural education,
and the great interests of rural life, and yet the mas-
ses of our farmers seem at a loss to know what all
this can m"an ; do not seo-m aware that farmers need
education.

To us, the apathy and the want of apprehension on
this subject, among the masses of our agriculturists
is a paradox. We know not how to account for it. —
VOL. I — K

Both instinct and reason seem opposed to it. Inter-
est too is opposed to this apathy ; and, we might
seemingly with as much success apply to our legisla-
tures, for half a million of dollars to make balloons
to go to the planet Jupiter, as to expend it in organ-
izing our colleges and common schools for the purpo-
ses of agricultural education. Why is this? Is it
because the multitudes of our farmers think it unne-
cessary ; think that the being born on a farm is suf-
ficient for the labors of agriculture ; that with those
being so born, there is as much of an instinct for
these labors, as there is with the newly dropped calf
or colt for finding the natural food yielded by its dam?
So far are they from supposing that books and study
are needful to the successful prosecution of these la-
bors, that they imagine all may be learned in a com-
paratively short period of personal observation during
the season of tillage. Is it not a fact, that we might
suppose they think the merchant may at any moment
forsake his ledger and his bank books, the blacksmith
his anvil and bellows, the physician his saddle bags
and his nostrums, the sailor his quadrant and his log
book, the tailor his press board and shears, and the
shoemaker his bristles and his lap stone, although so
ignorant of tillage and agricultural implements and
their use, as not to know whether a fanning mill i
designed to drive away rausquitoes and flies, or foJ
some other purpose, may forthwith, without the aid
of study or books become first rate agriculturists ? —
Xo disrespect is intended to our agricultural breth-
ren. Surely we feel none. For them we have great
regard. Their unwearied devotion to manual labor
is proverbial. Their habits of economy are worthv
of universal imitation. And in natural intelligence
they are below no class of men ; for it is a well known
truth, that most of our great men at the bar, in the
pulpit, in the healing art, upon the bench, and in the
legislative halls are from the ranks of rural life. Still
in the particular we are discussing they are sadly de-
ficient and blind to their own interests.

What then is agricultural education ? Let us ask
in turn what is medical education ? What 13 legal

294

COMMUNICATIONS.

cdueaticin ? What is theological education ? What
is mercantile education ? What is mechanical edu-
cation ? ]\Iost of our farmers, although in the common
acceptation of language, illiterate, would have a pretty
just apprehension of the answers to be given to these
interrogatories. They might not indeed give written
definitions to them of grammatical purity, but the
substance of such definitions would be well under-
stood by them. They well know, that a medical ed-
ucation embraces a knowledge of the numerous dis-
eases to which we are subject, the gradual develope-
ment and all the diversified types of these diseases ;
and, above all, the antidotes and remedies known to
exist and constituting the mysteries of the healing
art. They well know thit a theological education
embraces a familiar knowledge of ancient languages,
particularly those in which our sacred books were
originally written, with a history of ancient usages
and customs, having relation to them, and with the
well established and authorized interpetation to these
books. They wellknowthatalegal education embraces
a thorough knowledge of the acknowledged principles
of justice in the diversified ramifications of business
and property, as understood by common usage, and as
settled by our courts of jurisprudence. They well
know that a mercantile education embraces a knowl-
edge of trade in all its departments — the various
kinds of merchandize — whence they are obtained —
where they will be wanted — what is their present
or prospective value — together with every fact con-
nected with judicial and monetary operations, wheth-
er of interest or exchange. And they well know that
a mechanical education embraces a knowledge of the
raw materials requisite in the formation of any pre-
scribed object ; of the various tools necessary in pro-
ducing such formation ; and, especially of a familiar
habit and experience in using them.

Are not our farmers familiar with all this ? Do thej'
not generally act with all requisite wisdom and
shrewdness in regard to it ? They surely do. If they
have a son, designed to be a physician, do they sim-
ply furnish him with his saddle bags, his nostrums,
aad his pocey, and send him direct from the plough,
on missions for the curing of fevers, for performances
in obstetrics and for the amputation of limbs ? If
they wish to make him a divine, do they send him
direct from the plough to the pulpit with no prepara-
tion but a suit of black clothes ? If they wish to make
him a lawyer, do they send him immediately from the
manure heap to the bar, with no preparation but a
green bag and a quantum of impudence, the offspring
of ignorance ? Or, if they wish to make him a mer-
chant do they not place him for a due period of time
in a counting house of established reputation ? Or,
if they wish to make him a mechanic do they not
place him as an apprentice for five, six or seven years,
\fith an artist well skilled in his particular vocation?
It is all so. This is as it should bo. This is the way

to make young men respectable in their several pro-
fessions, and to enable them to become cmiueut. —
This is the secret why so many young men from rural
districts become so distinguished in the learned pro-
fessions, in merchandise, and in the mechanic arts.

It would seem that with such an array of facts be-
fore us, there would be no diiSculty in telling the pro-
cess for an agricultural education ; and that farmers
would be prompt in providing it for their sons who
are to succeed their fathers in tilling the ground. —
The soil like every material object is suljject to change;
like an animal form, from use it becomes enervated
and unfit for its legitimate functions. Man from ex-
cessive or protracted labor and from want of due at-
tention to the use of food, becomes feeble and some-
times sickly. What is then done ? Why a physician
is broiight to his aid ; regimen is prescribed for him,
medicine is administered to him ; and, if the case has
not been too long neglected, the invalid is restored and
he again is in a condition to perform the labors of life.
Who does not know that the soil becomes enervated
and sickly from long or injudicious use, much as a
man may become bilious, feverish and consumptive ?
Else why is it that hundreds and tliousands of farms
once verdant, productive and lucrative, in the Atlan-
tic sections of our country, have become sterile and
worthless, and have been abandoned ? And, why is
it that in multitudes of cases, the crops arc now not
what they once were by half? Tliere can but one an-
swer be given. The exigency admits of no evasion.
The siin shines with its enlivening influences upon it,
as it has done from the time when tlie morning stars
sang and shouted that all was perfect. The dews of
heaven descend and refresh itwith the regularity that
they descended upon the ancient hills of Hcrmon and
Zion. The rain, either in gentle showers or in copi-
ous torrents, has not failed any more to satisfy it,
when parched and thirsty, now, in the nineteenth cen-
tury, than when the Puritans were spreading them-
selves over New England, or William Penn and his
followers were applying the plouglishare about the
Delaware, the Schuylkill and the Susquehanna. The
truth is, the soil has become sickly andnceds medicine.
To apply the restorative process to the soil, there
should be an agricultural physician — a chemist. He
will tell at once how it can be done, as well as the
regular practitioner in the healing art, can tell how
to purify and replenish tlie blood, or to remove bile or
fever from the human system. Agricultural educa-
tion teaches the process for restoring a worn out soil;
the best process of tillage ; the best kinds of animals
to remunerate the owner ; the best rotation of crops
to prevent exhaustion of the soil ; the best implements
in rural culture ; and, indeed it teaches whatever is
connected with the amelioration and profits of agri-
cultural labor. Agriculture should as much be taught
in all our schools as arithmetic, or grammar, or geog-
raphy. Till this is done, every farmer must depend

1S52.]

COMMUNICATION;

29i

wholly on agricultural books, agricultural journals,
and on the improved modes of culture among his
brethren and neighbors as made kno-\rn in agricultu-
ral fai)s, or by personal observation.
Essex counly, N. J., Dec. \Qth, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.

Oil change of Seed.

JIr. Editor: — As you live in a county remarkable
ior its good cultivation, and especially for its crops
of wheat, can you, from some of your well-informed
farmers, get any satisfactory- practical information as
to the following points ;

1st. Whether a frequent change of seed, is a cor-
rect and judicious proceeding, and whether, on good
soil and under good cultivation, we may not sow the
same seed on the same farm, so long as those two
conditions continue. I am aware there is a prejudice
in favor of frequent changes of seed, and I am also
certain that I have suffered, from yielding to this
prejudice. My observation, is decidedly against it,
but my experience has not been sufficiently long to
authorize me to be very decided and dogmatic.

About once in two or three years, the farmer, or
some farmers, think it necessary to try the seed from
the farm of some one else. It does not seem to be
of much consequence, whether it comes from a neigh-
boring place, or one at a distance, or from another
State, or from another part of the world, the object
seems to be the excitement and novelty of new seed,
without regard to circumstances.

Is this prejudice and this action upon it, right? or
is not one_ of those ill digested and unreflecting im-
pulses, that act on men, some times nearly as strong-
ly in serious matters, as in frivolous. It is very na-
tural, in an art so precarious as agriculture, that men
should be liable to the forming of hasty conclusions.
A man finds that his crops are bad, that he raises
less, than a neighbor. He does not like to charge
himself, with this ill-fortune — as the result of his
ignorance, or of his negligence — but prefers assum-
ing, that his brother farmer has better luck, with-
out admitting the possibility of better cultivation, or
of more intelligence on the part of his neighbor.

Admitting this to be the state of feeling with many
farmers, how are we to decide, that their action is
proper, and worthy of being followed ?

Let us consider what are the conditions, that make
seed worth the sowing. In the first place, it should
be perfectly ripe or matured, and then carefully pre-
served, so that it may not suffer the slightest deterior-
ation, before being put into the ground to i eproduee.
It is a matter of common observation that imperfect,
badlv matured seed, will germinate, and sometimes
produce healthy plants, but the chances are the other
way, and the disposition, no matter how favorable
the circumstances, is unquestionably to disease. As
a practice, therefore, the sowing of unhealthy or im-

perfect grain, is a bad one and leads inevitably to a
failure of the crop. There are very few seasons in
which for reasons very difficult to get at, the wheat
is not laid. Sometimes it is ascribed to Hessian fly,
sometimes to the ground being too highly manured,
and the stem being weakened by overgrowth ; but
throwing aside the causes which we can only conjec-
ture, we have the important question to solve, wheth-
er grain from plants that have been laid, and which
necessarily is an imperfect seed, is fit to be sown. It
may, as we have said, germinate, but can we assure
ourselves of a good crop or a healthy fruit. We be-
lieve every experienced agriculturist, has decided
this point, and against the sowing of seed that is in
the slightest degree imperfect. But much the larger
portion of farmers reserve this bad grain without a
question, and have we not in this practice an excel-
lent reason for the failure of crops of which there is
every year so much complaint, and does not this
make necessary a change of seed, which under other
eircumstances,would be of little importance — a change
derived directly from the Ijad, slovenly management
of the farmer himself; and is it not from this source
too, that much of the land in the country has be-
come gradually unfitted for the raising of large crops
of wheat, of which at one time the country could
boast ? In this way, we have the f;irmer playing into
the hands of his o\vn ruin.

The rule should be the same in sowing seed, as in
breeding animals, none but the best and most perfect
should be used for the reproduction of its kind, and
we are convinced that if this rule were adhered to,
there would be less necessity for this frequent change
of seed, which is now considered almost essential. —
"We are perfectly aware of the greater nicety, care,
attention and labor required, if we are to bring any
practice in agriculture to much refinement, we know
full well the devotions, the anxiety, as well as toil,
that every farmer must give to his art, if he wishes
to have eminent success in it, or desires to improve
it. But it is the same with every occupation, both
the soul and mind must engage in the work, or the
individual and his pursuit, will be stationary. A
man should do something more than like a chicken,
merely scratch over the earth to collect his morning
worm — he has, or should have, a purpose and a de-
sign higher than to gratify the mere animal wants of
his nature.

On this seemingly insignificant point, of which we
are speaking, depends vastly more than would be
disclosed upon a superficial examination. It has mo-
ral as well as physical results. There is deep disap-
pointment and mortification in a failure : there is
waste of time, labor and land ; there is perhaps an
abandonment of the soil, a change of pursuit, or a
L-hange in the crop, and the mode of farming. All
these may follow on the w?nt of care, the want of ob-
servation, the want of reflection, and too hasty yield-

296

COMMUNICATIONS.

[jANUAUr,

ing to the opinion of others, and to the forming of
prejudice.

But we will .suppose that the farmer has acceded
to the supposed necessity of a change of seed, and
has made his purchase ; what is the evidence that it
is better than his own ? Does it look better, or does
it weigh more, or has he gained any thing, but the
simple change ? Does he know the soil where it
grew, the mode of cultivation by which it was raised?
He cannot answer, perhaps, one of these questions ;
yet he has not hesitated to make a vague and uncer-
tain experiment, under the impulse and influence of
an opinion that has but a feeble foundation, and
vrhich has forced him into the strong tide of a bad
custom, while the truth is, that it is his want of in-
telligence or industry that causes his inferiority as
an agriculturist, and that he who sells him the grain
is superior from greater care, zeal, labor and atten-
tion. It may bo that the nature of the soil differs so
much in the place where the seed is to be sown, from
that whence it was selected, that the experiment can
but be unfortunate. Yet 'this is not considered, nor
is the equally important circumstance of climate, at
all regarded ; two elements, it might be supposed,
of essential importance, in our decision. Two ques-
tions, would naturally come into every cautious farm-
er's mind, when on the point of executing what may
be to him so serious a matter, as a change of seed.
First, is the person from whom I intend to purchase,
a worse or a better farmer than I am, and is his soil
the same or different? Then he would also consider
the climate, if it were at a distance from his own re-
sidence. But we have never known these questions
to be asked, and whether the grain came from New
York, Virginia, Europe or Egypt, seemed to be of
little consequence, it was put in the ground upon hit
or miss principle, and if it succeeded, he flattered
himself that it was the result of judicious farming
operations ; and if it was unsuccessful, he did not
disparage or blame himself, but vented his sensibili-
ties on the seed or the season. Now, we are disposed
to believe, that in no case will a good crop be made,
excepting where the seed is of an inferior character,
and brought from a soil and climate, not as well cal-
culated for its development, as that into which it is
to be transferred. For instance, let the golden drop,
or some other of the celebrated wheats, be brought
from the moist climate and cultivated soil of England,
and sown here, in our hot and dry atmosphere, and
xindcr an inferior cultivation, would it not immediate-
ly deteriorate ? It would be the same with grain
brought from France. But the IMediterranean is an
example of the opposite kind. When first brought
to this country, it was by no means of a promising
appearance, but a milder climate, and a better soil
than that of its original home, has almost metamor-
phosed it into a grain of a fine quality. Is it possible
then, to lay down any fixed rules, in this matter ? —

We cannot venture to do it, and should like the ex-
pression of an opinion from some experienced and
observing farmer. There is another point on which
we should like to hear something. Is it a good or
bad practice to re-sow the grain that you have just
harvested ? It has this objection, you cannot toll
whether you are or are not putting in the ground,
much bad or imperfect grain, whereas that of the
year before has given some evidence of its vitality. —
As these are points of importance, it would bo doing
a great favor to the agricultural community, if an ex-
pression of opinion were freely given.

A. L. Elwtn.
PMlaMpUa, Dec. 10, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Small potatoes vs. large potatoes for seed — The rot.

Mr. Editor : — As the season for the selection of
seed potatoes is past, and the generality of farmers
have already made up their minds in regard to the
kind of potatoes they intend using for seed next sea-
son, it will perhaps be useless for me to offer any
suggestions to your readers in regard to the matter.
However, as there may be a few, who would like to
hear a suggestion, and try a small experiment, I will
offer the one, and give them a chance to try the
other.

Many years ago, I was induced to believe that in
sowing or planting seeds, the best and most perfectly
developed, were the kind to be used. Experience has
satisfied me that my belief was correct. A number
of experiments, with large and small potatoes for seed,
always resulted largely in favor of the former. The
difference in yield has been so great, that I would
rather pay a dollar a bushel for large potatoes for
seed, than take small ones as a gift, and my reasons
are these : There is every ground for presuming that
the largest potatoes are generally the most thorough-
ly ripened — that they have imbibed a larger propor-
tion of the life of the plant, and are, consequently,
better fitted to reproduce tubers of the same quality.
Small potatoes, it is true, may sometimes be equally
well ripened, but it is very evident, that they are
products of the last remaining elements of life in the
plant.

Again : Small potatoes are very frequently of se-
cond growth. It is well known to those who grow
potatoes, that the first growth is a'ways the most vi-
gorous and decidedly the largest, so that the second
or small potato growth, does not seem to possees, in
as great degree, the re-productive properties requisite
to the perfection of the plant as the first.

Again : The first growth of potatoes being the
largest and most perfectly developed, and at the same
time, fully matured, before the small ones can have
an existence, I make it a point always to select my
seed from those hills where no second growth has
taken place. If any of your readers are curious

1802.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

297

enough to make the examination, they will find that
the second growth of potatoes almost invariably af-
fects the first to such a degree as to cause them
(the first) either to rot entirely, or partially. This is
especially the case in wet seasons, and for this rea-
son, I invariably select for seed the large first growth
potatoes, believing that I thereby not only secure
better crops, but insure myself perfectly against
the rot, now the theme of so much learned discus-
sion.

If any of your readers have a better theory, let
them " trot it out." All that I ask is, that they will
offer the result of a few experiments to test its value.
I have tried mine, and found it t > answer as well in
practice as in theory. Elton.

For the Farm Journal.
Wheat Culture.

In the interior of Pennsylvania, from whence we
date, wheat and corn may be said to be our staple
productions. Of the cultivation of the former, being
the more important, we propose to treat at present.
Our soil is limestone, a tenacious red clay, highly im-
pregnated with iron, and in many localities with an
infusion of flint gravel. Wheat is usually put in land
manured after an oats crop has been taken off, or up-
on a clover sod, plowed either before or after harvest.
If the farmer desires to enrich his land by turning
in a coat of clover, the work should always be done
before harvest, and the reason for this is more impor-
tant than obvious ; for if plowed at this early stage
of the season, the grass lias had time to undergo
the necessary fermentation, so that when the sea-
son arrives for stirring, it is in a better condition
for mixing more intimately with the soil and diffusing
its benefit more extensively to the growing grain; but
if the plowing in of the grass be deferred to a later
period, nearly approaching the time for sowing, the
germination of the seed and the fermentation of the
grass are going on at the same time, and these natural
actions of both are wholly uncongenial with each
other. The heat and sourness of fermentation cer-
tainly operates to prevent a healthful germination of
the seed ; and this we think is a most important pe-
riod for the ultimate success of the crop ; for we think
it may be said, in perfect accordance with all expe-
rience, that no good crop ever resulted from an imper-
fect or unhealthy germination of seed. And here, in
connection with this idea, it may be remarked, that
the time for sowing should always be regulated by
the condition of the ground, taking care that it should
be neither too wet or too dry, but just in such a state
of moisture as will ensure the most speedy and ac-
tive germination and growth. Seed sown in ground
too wet and cold has a tardy and sickly growth,
while that put in ground too dry has no growth at
all, until it gets moisture, and by this time, the seed
is so injured by exposure, as rarely, if ever to pro-
duce a remunerating crop. Much discussion has

been had, and great difference of opinion exists with
regard to late and early sowing ; our experience
teaches, that there is no better rule by which to gov-
ern the subject, than this : — Sow at any time before
the first of September, when the ground is in good
order. You thus give the plant an active, healthy
growth, and a constitution which enables it to with-
stand the many vicissitudes of the fall and the ap-
proaching winter.

The mode of plowing the ground, and the imple-
ment with which it is done, is worthy of much more
consideration than is usually given to it. There are
very many erroneous notions extant among farmers
on this subject. A clover sod upon our limestone
land is of a very tough and tenacious cha* acter, and
the plo ,'. s in general use are calculated to make ex-
ceedingly bad work ; for that which is called pretty
plowing, when every land slice exhibits its exact
shape and due proportion, in a mass as or even more
solid than before it was turned up, is a wretched
mode of accomplishing the object. If the work of
plowing be thus done, there is much less difference
which side of the sod be uppermost than is usually
imagined. If we but reflect that the earth is a set of
mouths and lungs that constantly feed upon the pro-
ductions of the natural elements, and that air and
light and heat are as essential to its profitable exis-
tence as they ore to that of the animal : and that the
object of plowing is to open these mouths and lungs
instead of compacting it and making it Impervious to
light and heat and food, we cannot hesitate about the
use of an implement that will attain that object in
the highest degree. If the farmer will but look with
the eye of a mechanic upon his plow, and find the
relative position of its beam and land-side to bs such
that they are tending in different directions, he will
perceive at once how much more power he is using
than would be necessary, if his implement were a good
one. But this is not the greatest objection, for one
which we deem of higher importance, is the great
pressure against the land-slice which is made by such
a plow, giving it a solidity which can be only over-
come by repeated harrowings. The centre-draught
plow, which derives its name from its mechanical
structure, is not obnoxious to these objections ; while
it requires much less power, must necessarily press
more lightly upon the land slice, leaving it to fall in-
to a pulverized state as it separates from the mould-
board. Light is beginning to shine in upon this im-
portant operation, and it is to be hoped that farmers
will study more the policy of doing good, rather than
pretty work.

Wheat, with us, is now almost universally put in
with a drill. It is sufficient to say in commendation
of this mode that all the seed you use is actually
planted and covered just at that depth which the ex-
igencies of your soil and your own judgment dictate.
The implement, if a good one, places this subject en-

298

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Januahy,

tirely -within your own control. But there is an other
advantage, of which our experience enables us to
speak, that of harrowirg wheat in he spring as ear-
ly as the condition of the ground will allow. We
have practised this for several years with decided ad-
vantage, not only because of the benefit which the
growing wheat derives from it, but of the admirable
condition in which it puts the ground for the recep-
tion of t'lC clover-sccd which is usually sowed at this
period. If the ground be harrowed, the clover-seed
be then sowed, and a roller of considerable weight
passed over the whole, it will be an extraordinary and
unfavorable season if your stubble after harvest be
not well set with clover.

But I must not drop the subject, even at the risk of
being tedious, without some remark upon the subject
of the four cornered harrow, which is in common use
and which is a very inefficient implement for this, as
it is for all other purposes. The harrow which we
use, is composed of two parts, being connected in the
middle by hinges, so that it may conform more per-
fectly to the inequalities of the ground, and having
in each part sixteen teeth of the usual length and
seven-eights of an inch square. It will be found that
in the operation of harrowing wheat, the common har-
row will do very little work ; it will be required to
go over the ground more than once to put it in the
condition that a single stroke with a good implement
would do. If a harrow-tooth be properly made, by
hammering inch and a quarter square iron, without
intense heating, down to seven-eighths of an inch
square, you will find the smaller tooth to be stronger,
stiffer, more duraljle, and of course as you may mul-
tiply the number, much more efficient than the large
clumsy one which has had no other work upon it
than that which was necessary to draw it to a point at
a white heat. There need be no fear of disturbing
the roots of the wheat by this operation. We use a
1 eavy, sharp harrow with thirty two teeth, which pro-
duces no other eScct than that which is entirely ben-
eficial. Fred'k. Watts.
Carlisle, 15ih December, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Select Good Seed, &c.
Mr. Editor : — Having duringthe past summer and
fall suffered somewhat in the products of my garden,
by the selection of bad seed, it has occurred to me
that a few hints thrown out to your readers, might
serve to save them fi-om the same unpleasant conse-
quences. It is with seed precisely as it is with cat
tie. As the finest animals will almost invariably-
piroduce the best progeny, so will choice seeds pro
duce the most thrifty plants. The only difiiculty in
the matter is to know where to procure the best. So
many establishments for the raising and sale of gar-
den seeds have been opened in every direction within
the last few years, that there is no want of places
where to purchase, and as a consequence of this ri-

valry in the business, many seeds that are wholly
worthless, are sold to the unsuspecting, It was
through one of these establishments that I received
the seeds to which I referred above, Some would not
vegetate at all, although the most careful attention
was paid them, while others turned out to be any
thing else than the labels on the packages represented
them to be. To blame the person who sold the seed,
for all these defects, might seem a little unfair, and
yet I do not know where the blame should attach if
not to him, unless it would be to my own want of
judgment. Perhaps it was the latter, and therefore
in order to guard against any such mishaps in future
I have determined to purchase no seeds unless I am
perfectly satisfied that the seedsman from whom I
purchase them, is not only honest, but a competent
judge ot the article he is selling.

While on the subject of seeds, I will remark that
too much care cannot be exercised in putting them
into the ground. Some contend for deep covering,
others for shallow. I prefer the latter for several
reasons. Nature never plants but always sows, and
than this good old mother of ours, there is no better
gardener. Adopting therefore natural principles, I
cannot but think that the proper depth for seed is^
such a covering of earth as will enable the tender
stem of the plant to reach the surface, and at the
same^time protect the germ from destruction by heat.
Another important matter in putting in seed, is
the condition of the ground. I well remember how
when I was a boy, we always waited until after a
shower to plant our garden seeds, and I remember
also, tliat although the soil had previously been well
pulverized, by the time we were done, it was nearly
the consistency of mortar, and as soon as the sun
shone upon it, became a hard crust. Of course the
young plant would have great difficulty in making its
way through this crust, if it succeeded at all. My
plan is, to sow my seeds in dry weather or when
practicable, when there is a prospect of a shower. —
By this I do not mean that the best time for sowing
seed is, when the earth is very dry, but when the soil
is in such a condition that it will readily pulverize,
so that it can bo brought in contact with the smallest
seed. If the expected shower comes, so much the
better, as it brings the earth still closer round the
seeds and thus promotes early and vigorous germina-
tion. A little attention to the selection of seed, and
the time and manner of putting them in the ground
is vastly important. E. L. F.

Lancaster, December, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Corn vs. ^Vheat.
jMr. Editor: — Your correspondent A. L. H. in
urging the " necessity of increasing the fertility of
our s lis," mentions as one reason, the fact, that the
completion of the various rail roads and canals, now
in process of construction, will bring us into warm

1852.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

299

competition with the farmers of Ohio, Indiana, and
other Western States. It appeared to me, in reading
A. L. H.'s truthful article, that he did not attach
sufficient importance to that fact, as to me it seems
to he one that should claim earnest and early atten-
tion.

The difference between the price of our best wheat
growing lands, and lands of the same quality in the
West is so great, that our market facilities are al-
most counterbalanced by it. An Indiana farmer as-
sured me the other day, that wheat could be raised
profitably, in that State, at fifty cents a bushel. —
With us, wheat is not worth raising if it will not
command a dollar, and even at that price, but little
money is made. Now, if an Indiana farmer can
raise wheat profitably at fifty cents per bushel less
than the Lancaster county farmer, it leaves him fifty
cents to pay the freight on that bushel of wheat to
the Atlantic seaboard. Will that sum pay the freight?
Now, perhaps, not ; but so soon as the great Central
Railroad is completed to Pittsburg, (which will be,
in less than a twelvemonth,) it certainly will. —
When there is a continuous line of railroad from
Philadelphia to the heart of the State of Indiana,
wheat can be transported to the former place, at less
than fifty or even thirty cents, and how will afliiirs
then stand ? It is very apparent that unless our far-
mers are prepared to grow wheat at less than eighty
cents, they must turn tlijir attention to something
more profitable, unless, adopting A. L. H.'s sugges-
tion, they set to work in good earnest and compensate
for the decrease in price by the increase in yield. —
If they can double their present crop, at the present
outlay of labor and money, well and good, but if they
cannot, wheat growing must be abandoned, at least,
it cannot be continued as the staple crop of the lime-
stone lands.

In reflecting upon this subject, it has occurred to
me that corn, under any circumstances, is a more
profitable crop than wheat. Of course forty bushels
of corn to the acre will not pay as well as twenty-
five or thirty bushels of wheat ; but why should not
our excellent land produce eighty or ninety bushels
of corn as well as forty ? There are farmers in Lan-
caster county whose yields of corn are rarely less in
a favorable season than eighty bushels, and there is
no good reason why every farmer upon the good
lands should not realise as much.

I am not prepared to state the difference between
the cost of cultivating an acre of corn and an acre
of wheat, but I am satisfied, that it would not be as
great as the difference in the value of the two crops.
I have written the above, more with the hope of awa-
kening attention to the subject, than with any desire
to intrude my crude article upon your readers.

West Lampeter, Lancaster co. E. H.

J5^5"See that your implements are in good order.

For the Farm Journal.
The Importance of Commuuicating Facts.

Mr. Editor : Some time since in looking over my
weekly papers, I came across an article which inte-
rested me very much, and in which the triumph of
Science in Agrieulture was so clearly shown, that I
could not but feci how immensely important such
knowledge must be to the practical farmer. I refer
to the restoration, or renovation rather of the farm
of Reverdy Johnson of Baltimore, which, when ho
purchased it was apparently so completely exhausted,
as not to produce more than a single peck of corn to
the acre, but by the application of a single ingredi-
ent ("biphosphateof lime") was made to yield twenty
nine bushels to the acre, the first season after it was
applied. The story at first appeared a little incredi-
ble, but when I observed that it was sustained by the
very best authority, and that unerring science had
proven the want of this particular ingredient only,
to render the soil productive, my own common sense
taught me that there was no mistake about it. Being
a practical man myself, and having for many years
stood opposed to any other than the "good old way,"
of farming.you will not be surprised at my indulging
a doubt in regard to this experiment. I have always
contended against the innovations of theorists and
mere experimenters, honestly believing that they
were doing serious mischief, not only to themselves
but to thousands of others who were induced to
adopt their suggestions. So deep rooted was my
prejudice that I have never permitted an agricultu,
ral journal to come into my house, and there are
thousands of others like me. But after reading that
article I sat down to reflect upon it, and the more I
thought about it, the more fully was I convinced of
the fact that I had been standing in my own light.
I began to have a little faith in "book farming," and
for the first time in my life regretted that I had not
expended a dollar or two each year for one or two
good agricultural papers. If Reverdy Johnson's
farm needed the application of but a single ingredient
to redeem it from utter barreness to a fair degree of
fertility, might not some of my own land be in pretr
ty nearly the same condition and would not the ad-
dition of perhaps a single fertilizing element enable
me to largely increase my crops. I just then remem-
bered that my crops had been lessening in quantity
every year for the last five or six years, notwithstard
ing all my exertions to keep up to the average yield,
This rather alarmed me. It never appeared half so
serious before, and I resolved at once to inquire into
the matter ; but where to begin or how, I was at a
loss to know, I would have paid any price to be en-
abled to tell what the constituents of my soil were,
but that was out of the question, unless I could se-
cure the services of some chemist, who would anal-
yse it for me. And now Mr. Editor, having under-
stood from a neighbor who takes your .Journal, tli»^*

500

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Januaet,

you propose having soils analysed, will you be kind
enough to write to me, and inform me liow I shall
proceed, and at the same time, send me the Farm
Journal, the subscription money for which you will
find enclosed. I am determined henceforth, to know
what science is doing for the farmer, and though I
I cannot hope to become a scientific farmer myself, I
foel that I shall lose nothing by becoming familiar
with what is going on in the agricultural world, while
at the same time, my boys will have a chance of im-
Inbing a taste for valuable agricultural reading.

Very Respectfully, A. II.

Franldin co. Dee. 8, 1851.

[We commend the above common sense letter to
those of our readers who do not think it worth their
while to communicate facts for the Journal. If the
hoarded up experience aud![observation of our practi-
cal men were given to the public, what immense be-
nefits would result. As A. II. remarks, "there are
thousands of others like him!" and all that is neces-
sary to root out their long cherished prejudices, is
some striking fact presented to them in a form calcu-
lated to arrest their attention as in the case of A. II.
himself. — Ed.]

Translated fur Farm Journal.
Agricultural Chemistry, T«o. 5.

Oxygen in combination with sodium forms natron
or soda — which is a resulting product of the conver-
sion of common salt into carbonate of soda. For
this purpose common salt is treated with sulphuric
acid in a rcverboratory furnace, (tis. 14,) the salt be-

t\g. li.
ing first spread evenly in the rear division of the
furnace, and sulphuric acid being thou poured there-
on from above by means of a funnel. When the ev-
olution of gas ceases, the dry mass is freed from its
excess of sulphuric acid by heat, in the interior part
of the furnace, and dry sulphate of soda remains.

Soda is never found in a pure state, but always in
combination witli an acid, for wliicli it possesses great
affinity. In such combinations it serves as a substan-
tial aliment of plants. But animals likewise require
soda, and hence they must regularly and frequently
be supplied with salt, which is a combination of soda
and cldorine. It is in consequence of tlie extensive
consumption of salt Ijy men aud animals that soda is

almost every where found in the soil, and usually in
quantities adequate to the wants of plants and culti-
vated crops. But where a deficiency of this ingredi-
ent of the soil becomes apparent, it can be supplied
by a dressing of common coarse salt, sown broadca it.
Of the various combinations of soda with acids, the
sulphate of soda, or Glauber's salt, is interesting to
the farmer as an excellent fertilizer or stimulant. It
is obtained as a resulting product in the preparation
of Salamoniac, aud in the manufacture of muriatic
acid from common salt. Sprengel says that numer-
ous experiments resulted in demonstrating the value
of sulphate of soda in promoting vegetable growth,
especially when applied to the clovers and legumin-
ous plants in general. Its efiicacy, like that of gyp-
sum, probably results from the sulphuric acid it con-
tains. Owing to its great solubility in water, it can
be applied safely only in small quantity ; and it can
only be ascertained by repeated trials, how much each
particular kind of crop requires, or will bear, on a
given area. The application of it to fruit trees, is al-
so alleged to be highly beneficial in increasing their
productiveness ; though no reliable experiments have
been published. Wherever this article can be pro-
cured at a low price, as in the immediate vicinity of
chemical works, the farmer will find the judicious use
of it advantageous.

Another very important, as well as frequent com-
bination of oxygen, is that with calcium, producing
calcareous earth or liyne. In its pure state calcareous
earth is a very caustic white powder, but it loses its
causticity as soon as it combines with an acid. Cal-
careous earth is most commonly found in combination
with carljouic acid, constituting common limestone, or
with sulphuric acid, forming gypsum, or plaster of
Paris — both of which contain a certain quantity of
water in chemical combination. If this water and
the carbonic acid be driven off from common lime-
stone by means of fire, we obtain burnt lime — which,
if left exposed to atmospheric air, will again absorb
carbonic acid therefrom, after it has become slaked
by imbibing moisture or water. In consequence of
of the action of the carbonic acid of the atmospheric
or calcareous earth, traces of it are found in most
soils, and spring water usually holds it in solution,
whence results the fertilizing property of such water.
This solubility of calcareous earth is a quality of gi-eat
importance in agriculture, as many plants require
large proportions of lime for their due developement
and growth ; and it can readily be ascertained wheth-
er a soil contains much lime by placing a small quan-
tity of it in a vial and pouring some dilute sulpijuric
acid thereon. If effervescence and disengagement of
gas ensue, the presence of lime is certain. To sup-
ply the soil with calcareous eartli, it is dressed with
marl or caustic lime. The latter combines with the
acids in sour soils, rendering those acids harmless by
converting them into a neutral salt.

1852.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

30,

A coniljination of lime and sulphuric acid consti-
tutes sulphate of lime, ot gypsum. This possesses nei-
ther acid nor caustic properties, and does not appear to
be soluble in water; though it is really slowly taken up
by water, when present in suffieientquantity. Gypsum
is decomposed by other substances which the soil con-
tains, and its constituents serve as food for plants. —
Thus the ammonia in the soil has a stronger affinity
for sulphuric acid than the lime, and withdraws it
therefrom, to form with it the highly fertilizing and
very soluble sulphate of ammonia. The lime remains
either uiicombined or united with carbonic acid, and
is thus absorbed in turn. By these and similar pro-
cesses, plants are supplied with sulphur, nitrogen
and lime, substances essentially requisite to their
growth. On many kinds of soil gypsum is altogether
inoperative, either because they already contain a
sufficient supply, or because the substances indispen-
sable to its solution and decomposition are not pres-
ent. But by the application of manures containing
carbon and ammonia, the more rapid decomposition
of sulphate of lime may be effected. If gypsum con-
tain a considerable proportion of common salt, it
will prove the more valuable for agricultural purposes.

Nitrate of lime, also, is an excellent promoter of
vegetation ; but the artificial preparation of it would
render it too expensive for use. It can, however,
sometimes bo obtained cheap, in the shape of lime
rubbish from old buildings — the lime it contains hav-
ing combined with saltpetre — and may then be ben-
eficially applied to the soil. It is occasionally met
with in marl, greatly enhancing the fertilizing qual-
ities of that article. This effect is attributable mainly
to the large proportion of nitrogen it contains ; and
it is transient chiefly because this salt is exceedingly
soluble in water, and therefore easily leached out of
the soil by rain. It has been alleged that after land
has been marled, nitrate of lime is formed in the
soil, and that this is the chief benefit derived from
marling. But admitting that nitrate of lime is thus
formed, the quantity produced cannot still be suffi-
ciently great to justify us in attributing the chief
value of marl thereto. In fact the meliorating qual-
ities cannot be ascribed to any one of its constituents,
to the exclusion of the rest.

Another combination is lime with phosphoric acid,
or phospate of lime. This is very valuable to the
farmer as a means of introducing phosphoric acid to
the soil ; but as phosphate of lime is not readily solu-
ble, the use of sulphuric acid in its application is to
be recommended. This substance constitutes the
principal part of the bones of men and animals. It
is found in a crystalized state in the mineral called
apatite; and uncrystalized m phosphorite and moroj;-
ite. Most kinds of marl contain it ; and it is found
in the ashes of most vegetables, especially of legumi-
nous and cruciforous plants and cereal grains.

From a combination of lime with silicic acid, is

formed silicate of lime, a substance decomposible by
almost any acid, .and found in various minerals. As
it is wholly insoluble in water, the soil may contain
a large proportion of it, without any advantage to the
growing crop derivable therefrom, till it is acted on
by humic or other acid.

Furthermore, from the combination of oxygen with
aluminum, ahimina is produced— a substance by no
means to confounded with clay, which is an intimate
combination of alumina with silicic acid, some calca-
reous earth, potash, soda, &c. Clay is produced by
the gradual disintegration of stones and minerals,
particularly of felspar. As alumina is not soluble
in carbonic acid, it is rarely, and then only in very
limited quantity, absorbed by plants, and is conse-
quently not to be regarded as supplying them with
aliment. On the contrary it possesses the property
of preparing the soil itself for the reception of ali-
mentary matters. Alumina is distinguished by the
following characteristics : — 1. It can imbibe a large
quantity of water and thereby become plastic. "When
dried it hardens, contracts very much, and becomes
fissured. 2. It is soluble neither in water nor in car-
bonic acid, but readily enters into combination with
various other acids, then however acting injuriously
on -vegetation. Clay, on the other hand, not only
imbibes carbonic acid readily, but also the oxygen
of the atmosphere and ammonia — thus establishing
its great importance in agriculture.

The combination of oxygen with magnesium forms
magnesia. This substance frequently occurs combi-
ned with calcareous earth or silica, but more gener-
ally with carbonic acid. Almost all plants require
some magnesia, and to a few it is altogether indis-
pensable. But when magnesia predominates in the
soil, its efi'ects are invariably pernicious, as in all the
cold soils. If a field be dressed with lime containing
a very large proportion of magnesia, the ensuing
crops are very likely to be injured, because the mag-
nesia re-absorbs very slowly, from the atmosphere,
the carbonic acid of which it has been deprived by
heat. It consequently remains long in a condition to
combine with any acid which the soil may contain ;
and the formation of humate of magnesia speedily
ensues ; which requiring but little water for its solu-
tion, supplies the growing plants with much more
magnesia than they are able to assimilate. Pure
magnesia alone could not injure plants so extensively,
as it is soluble only in 5142 parts of water.

The combination of oxygen with iron, forms the
protoxjjd and the peroxyd of iron. The protoxyd of
iron is produced when iron and oxygon combine
while there is not enough of the latter present to pro-
duce entire saturation. The difference between the
protoxyd and the peroxyd of iron consists in this,
that the former is very soluble in water containing
carbonic acid, whilst the latter is not. Hence the
former becomes injurious when the soil contains it in

302

COMMUNICATIONS.

[jANUAnT,

excess, -wlnlst the latter continues inoperative, and
consequently harmless. The injuriousness of the pro-
toxyd of iron manifests itself very obviously there,
for example, where the soil is plowed very deep at
once. If a large quantity of the protoxyd of iron
has been deposited on the bottom of the furrow by
abrasion from the sole of the plow in previous years,
this is now brought up at once and mixed with the
surface soil. It is thus dissolved by the rain water
which has absoi-bed the carbonic acid of the soil, and
the plants are thug injured by an excessive supply of
this substance, furnished by the water which holds it
in solution. Such a soil does not again recover its
former fertility, till the protoxyd has been converted
into a peroxyd, by the gradual absorption of oxygen
from the atmosphere. Hence, when a soil is found
to conta'n too h r ^e a proportion of protoxyd of iron,
the proper course is to plow it very frequently, that
it may as speedily as possible, absorb from the atmos-
phere as much oxygen as is requisite for the conver-
sion of the protoxyd of iron into peroxyd. A dressing
of fi-esh burnt lime also renders excellent seivioe in
such cases, because the lime withdraws the excess of
carbonic acid from the water, and thus diminishes its
powcr'uf solution.

Again, oxyd of iron combines with acids. Thus
protoxyd of iron unites with sulphuric acid, and
forms sulpliaie of iron, which, if it occurs in excess
in the soil, destroys vegetation, though by virtue of
its sulphuric acid, it acts as a fertilizer, if the soil
contain it in minute quantity only. The injury re-
sulting from the presence of iron in excess, may be
removed or modified by the application of calcareous
earth, burnt lime, or ashes to the soil. The ji^^osplia-
ted protoxyd of iron occurs abundantly in swampy or
marshy soils, and in the deposites of old stagnant
ponds. It may be recognised by the bluish color of
the clay, when recently uncovered, which turns brown
or rusty when exposed to the air for a season. This
substance is insoluble in water, and is scarcely solu-
ble in carbonic acid, but is readily taken up by am-
monia ; and in this combination may be advantage-
ously appli ;d to cultivated crops. But where it exists
in excess, in this state, united with various other sub-
stances, which lender it soluble, it may become inju-
rious by its superabundance.

For the Farm Journal.
■ ' Apple PumicC"Compost~Removing Feices.

Mr. Editor: — As you have stated that if the out.
lines are given, you will fill up the rest, I send you
a few facts, which you can use or not, as in your
judgment may seem best.

In the fall of 1848, I undertook the management
of certain portions of my farm, and feeling somewhat
interested in the progress which was making every
where around me, I determined upon experimenting
a little, and here are the results.

After cider-making, I had a largo lot of pumice.

the disposal of which bothered me a little. I might,
it is true, have done as I have seen hundreds of oth-
ers do, haul it into a ditch by the road side, or cart
it into the stream, but believing that it could be ap-
plied to a better purpose, I ordered it to be drawn
on my wheat land. My foreman raised many objec-
tions to this, and my neighbors predicted failure. —
But I went ahead, and the result was the finest crop
of wheat I ever saw. It was decidedly better than
where the lime and manure had been applied alone.
[The quantity of pumice and the extent of surface
to which it was applied should have boon mentioned.
Ed.]

Having a considerable amount of ditching to do, I
had the rich soil from the ditches mixed with an
equal quantity of good short manure, and to this I
added lime at the rate of five bushels to eight cart
loads of the above mixture. In the fall and spring I
had the whole mass worked over by means of spade
and hoe, until it was throroughly mixed. AVith this
compost, I gave my corn a good top-dressing, and the
result was, that wherever it was applied, I had an
increase of at least ten bushels to the acre.

Weeds generally grow more readily along fences,
than in the middle of the field. My plan to eradicate
them, is to remove my fences every six years, and the
advantages I claim for it, are these : First, it eflec-
tually destroys the briars, elder bushes, and other
troublesome plants. In the second place, it enables
me to repair my fences in a proper manner ; and last-
ly, I find that the fine yields on that portion of the
field formerly covered by the old fence, will fully pay

the expense of removing it."*

A. R. Bartolett.

EJinira Fann, Monigomenj co.

[* The plan of removing fences every six years
will of course apply only to worm fence. — Ed.]

For the Farm Journal^
Permanent value of lime as a fertilizer—Composts.

Mr. Editor : — Some ten years since, my father
was engaged in burning lime, for the purpose of lim-
ing some land on another farm. After applying the
requisite quantity, we found that there wore about
sixty bushels remaining in the kiln. From a drain
from the public road we collected about four loads
of rich sandy loam. We mixed the sixty bushels of
lime with the loam, in the fall, by putting alternate
layers of each. In the spring, the mass was as mel-
low as an ash heap. The whole of the heap was
then di a\vn upon an acre and a half of timothy sod,
which had been previously plowed to a depth of eight
inches, and carefully spread and harrowed it in. It
was then put in corn, and although we did not mea-
sure the crop, I am satisfied that the yield of the acre
and a half composted, was at the rate of a hundred
bushels to the acre. The next year it was put in
corn, and the yield was equal to that of the preced-
ing year. We then put in wheat. The average of
the whole field, of which the acre and a half was a

1852.]

COMMUXICATIOX.

303

part, was forty bushels, and from the decided supe-
riority of the part composted, I cannot Ijut think the
yield from it amounted to sis or eight bushels more.
We put it in wheat again the following year, the crop
being fully equal to the last. We then sowed it in
grass, (clover and timothy mixed,) and finer grass I
never saw. The difference between the composted
and non-composted part was plainly apparent. On
the former it was lodged early in the season, and we
had considerable difficulty in mowing it. It lay in
grass for four years, until last spring, when we
again plowed it down and put it in corn. The yield
was so heavy that I had purposed measuring it, and
reporting it to the State Agricultural Fair, but was '
prevented by a particular circumstance. I

I mention these facts for the purpose of showing the j
permanent advantages of lime as a fertilizer.as the ben-
efits derived from composting as above show. It is
proper t.i state that at the time of applying the compost
to the acre and a half, the other part of the field was
heavily manured with barn-yard manure, and al-
though the yield on it was large and fine, it did not
equal that where the lime and loam was applied. I
now consider it in such prime condition that I purpose
putting it in corn next spring, without any additional
fertilizer ; but I shall enrich that part on which the
farm-yard manure had been applied with a dressing
of the same kind, reserving the acre and a half for the
purpose of testing thoroughly the length of time that
will elapse before it will require any additional fer-
tilizer. J. F. H.

Strasburff, Lancaster co., Dec. 14, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Keep your cattle comfortable.

Mk. Editor: — There are many errors in {arming
which are the result, not of a want of disposition to
correct them, but of a want of knowledge of the fac-
that they are errors. One prominent amongst them
is, the poor shelter generally afforded to farm stock
in winter. We often see cattle exposed to the biting
blasts and chilling rains, even whei'e the o vner has
all the conveniences and room for keeping them warm
and comfortable. In this, as in many other particu-
lars, the old system is retained, and cattle presumed
to be capable of bearing any degree of exposure, with-
out injury. Did those who thus inconsiderately treat
their animals so cruelly, but understand as every
farmer should, the advantages of affording to them
not merely shelter, but comfortable shelter, we should
soon hear different accounts of the character of our
farm stock generally. Let them look at the jealous
care of the English farmers in this particular, and
when they have noted the superiority^, generally, of
their stock, let them compare them with the majority
of ours, and the disparity between the two will he so
great as to convince even the most skeptical, that the
expense of warm shelter and generous food will al-
ways be repaid by the increased value of the cattle.

It is asserted by those who have investigated the
subject, and I am satisfied of the truth of it, that the
prevention of the escape of animal heat, is in a de-
gree, a substitute for food ; or in other words, the
quantity of food required to keep up the proper de-
gree of animal heat, where the animal is exposed to
cold and chilling weather, would, if it were kept
warmly sheltered, be converted into fat and muscle.
On the score of economy, then, to say nothing of hu-
manity to the poor cattle, whose only mode of com-
plaint is their shivering and wasting forms, is it-Jiot
well for the farmer to provide comfortable laces for
his stock. I have tried it, and find myself largely
the gainer, not only in the strength and fatness of
my cattle, but in the satisfaction I feel in- knowing
that the creatures under ji y care are properly pro-
vided for. E. Levering.
Chester co., Dec. 10, 1851.

Fur the Farm Journal.
Fattening Calves.

Mr. Editor : — As the majority of calves are given
to the butcher, it becomes a matter of considerable
interest to the farmer to know how to put them in
the best condition before handing thsm over to be
slaughtered. Having tried various plans of feeding
in order to secure this object with the least possible
expense, I have at length found the following to be
the most economical :

It is well known that during the first two weeks of
a calf's life, its growth is mainly in the bouos and
muscles. To promote this growth as much as possi-
ble, is the object first to be attained. Milk being its
natural food, the calf should of course have a portion
of the quantity its dam yields. As all of my cows
yield on an average from four to five gallons a day
while (resh, I found that one third of that quantity
mixed with the meal of beans, was as effectual in
forming bone and muscle, as the whole of its dam's
milk, or the quantity it would suck from her during
the day and night.

As my calves are always sent to the butcher at four
weeks old, at the close of the second week I change
the food and instead of the bean meal, give them lin-
seed meal mixed with milk, of which they readily
partake, and fatten on it so rapidly that at the expi-
ration of four weeks I have them in fine condition for
market, and invariably get a better price, than when
I gave them the unlimited use of their dam's milk
and nothing else. It is proper to state that I never
permit them to have much exercise, as I have found
them much more difficult to fatten than when they
have not a chance to range much.

I was induced to adopt this plan, from having seen
somewhere, an article on feeding cattle, in which the
muscle and fat-forming properties of different kinds
of food were discussed, and the practical value of
scientific knowledge to the farmer clearly shown. —

304

COMMUNICATIONS.

[January,

By this means I have secured a substitute, which en-
ables me to use the milk from my fresh cows several
■weeks earlier, while my calves are, I think, finer than
before, and on calculating the expense, I find a con-
siderable balance in favor of the substitute for the
cow's milk. E. T.

Baujj/iiii county, December 2d, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Thorough Tillage.

Mr. Editor : — One fiict should ever be borne in
mind by the husbandman, and that fact is, that there
is something wanting beside manure, to secure remu-
nerating crops. There are those who conceive it suf-
ficient for all useful purposes, to stir their ground
with the plow, to a depth of four or five inches — -ap-
ply manure in such quantity as to them appears
necessary, and leave the rest to Providence. Some
go even farther than this, and one in particular, sume-
wheres "away down east," urges as an efiectual rem-
edy for the " potato rot" an abiding trust in Provi-
dence. Now this is all very well, and I cheerfully
agree with the " down easter," that our confidence in
Providence .should always be strong — that as He con-
trols the wind and the storm, in Him should our faith
be placed ; but at the same time, while He has prom-
ised that there should always be a seed time and a
harvest, He has also required that the means necessa-
ry to bring al)Out these seasons should be used. The
farmer therefore who does his work but half, and
consequently fails of success, is grossly irreverent in
attributing his failure, not to his own wretched sys-
tem of tillage, but to the seasons and to Providence.
I have said that there is something necessary to suc-
cessful farming, besides manure, and that something
is thorough tillage.

One of the great elements of fertilization in soils, is
the perfect loosening of them, so that the different
ingredients composing them, be thoroughly incorpo-
rated, and brought to the surface, and thus receive
the advantages of exposure to the sun and atmosphere.
None but a simpleton would pretend to doubt the
value of manure, or assert the possibility of growing
good crops for any length of time without it, but he
is scarcely wiser who believes (and manifests his be-
lief in his daily practice,) that his crops will be abun-
dant where his tillage is meagre. Show mo the hus-
bandman whose plowing is shallow — whose breaking
of the clods preparatory to seeding is imperfectly
done — whose fields arc strangers to the roller, and
look very much as though the harrow or cultivator
had never been used upou them, and I will show you
poor yields — yields thatwill scarcely pay for the labor
and expense, much less leave any profit behind.
"Why, is it not the simplest matter in the world to un-
derstand the advantage which a deep and well work-
ed mellow soil possesses over a shallow, hard one ? If
there is any advantage at all to be gained by breaking

up the soil, will not the benefit be greatest, when the
pulverization is most effectually done ?

Why are our gardens more productive than our
fields ? Because we spade them twelve or fourteen
inches deep, and so thoroughly break up the soil that
we would be ashamed to have the beds show a lump
the size of a hazle nut. Do garden seeds require
more thorough tillage than wheat ? Sow wheat in
your garden, and your vegetables in your wheat
fields — give the former the same attention usually
given the latter, and let the result be your answer. —
A more satisfactory argument in favor of thorough
tillage will not be needed. When next you prepare
your grounds for seeding, set apart half an acre, plow
it nine inches instead of five, pulverize it well. In-
stead of permitting it to lie in large clods, use the
harrow and roller till this is accomplished; give it of
course, the same quantity of manure you give the
other parts of the field, and watch the result. It will
surjjrise you. There is no necessity for abating your
confidence in Providence ; but with tlie same trustful
heart, that induced you to believe that He would give
good crops with liad tillage, try the other plan, and
if you are disappointed, it will then be time enough
to condemn thorough tillage. J. Redmond.

York county, December 2d, 1851.

For the Farm Journal,
r Cost of rencuig~Hedges~StaU Pasturing.

Mk. Editor: — There is no heavier burthen resting
upon the shoulders of the farmer than fencing. Hav-
ing had a considerable quantity of fencing to put up
within the last twelve months, my attention has been
drawn more closely to the subject, and reflection has
satisfied me of the fact that it is not only one of the
most expensive items in farming, but that the day is
coming when wo shall be compelled to resort to some
substitute for the present mode of fenc'ng. It re-
quires but a moment's thought to satisfy any person
that our forests are rapidly disappearing, and with
them, the materials for rails.

Frequent attempts to construct a durable fence
with wire have been made, and I have read more than
a dozen different articles giving directions for their
construction. But wherever these directions have
been followed, the result has been next thing to a
failure. We of course should not desjjair of arriving
at such knowledge on the subject as will enable us to
construct a wire fence that will be as effectual as the
present wooden ones, but that day maybe distant and
possibly never arrive.

Hedging has strong claims upon the farmers atten
tion, and might unquestionably be made to answer
the purpose fully. The only objection to the hedge
is, that it requires too much attention to suit the in-
clinations and tastes of the generality of f\irmers. —
Nothing beautifies a landscape more than fine hedg-
es, but at the same time the labor and skill required

1852.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

305

to keep them in order, are greater than would be given
to them, and as a consequence we should soon hare
most unsightly aflfairs. With men of taste and per-
severance they would succeed admirably, but with
the careless farmer they would soon be worse than
the wire fence. In many parts of Europe, we are
told, that fencing has been wholly abandoned. —
Where large flocks or herds are kej^t, herdsmen are
employed to watch them, and it has been found that
this svstem works admirably. Xow if it is less ex-
pensive in Europe than the plan we are following,
why not adopt it here? It may be answered that the
great scarcity and consequent high price of fencing
material, compelled the Europeans to this. Admit
it, and we shall soon find, for the very same reasons,
we shall sooner or later be compelled to follow in their
footsteps. But as it will be wholly impracticable to
induce our farmers to employ herdsmen now, I would
suggest another plan, which my own experience jus-
tifies me in recommending, and which I know can be
profitably adopted.

Instead of turning my cattle into pasture during
the summer, I keep them in my cattle yard, where
sheds have been erected to protect them from the
heat of the sun, and the rain, iScc. Twice a day,
morning and evening, a suificient amount of grass is
cut and carried into a shed, from which it is divided
out to the cattle. The advantages are two fold. —
First, a saving of pasture, as I find that a little more
than one half will answer the purpose, while the cat-
tle are in just as fine condition as when permitted to
run in the fields. Second, the manure is all kept to-
gether in the yard, and as I make it a point to have
it all collected every morning and thrown under a
shed erected for the purpose, I find immense advan-
tage in this particular.

It appears to me that this plan might be adopted,
and by means of it obviate the necessity of at least
one half of the fencing now absolutely required upon
our farms. The expense of cutting, carting and feed-
ing the grass will be repaid by the smaller amount of
pasture required, and the great advantage of having
the manure during the hot months under shed, in-
stead of being exposed to the wasting influences of
8un, rain, &c. Besides this, the saving in the amount
of fencing is a large item. Take for instance, a farm
of one hundred acres, divided into fields of ten acres
each. No other fencing would be needed than the
dividing fence between neighbors. I have made a
rough calculation of the amount saved upon a hun-
dred acre farm divided as above, and find that it
amounts, at SI, 25 per pannel, to the handsome sum
of dei-en hundred and fifty dollars. This supposes
the fencing to be good post and rail. With this view
of the case and fully convinced that it is the best plan
that can be adopted, I have determined never to re-
new the fencing on my farm. So soon as it needs
repairs I will remove it entirely, thereby saving not

only in the particulars already enumerated, but also
in the use of the land occupied by the fences, which
is another item of importance.

If any of your correspondents can suggest a better
plan, it is to be hoped they will do it, as the suliject
is one of much importance. E. L. T.

Foi the Farm Journal.

Me. Editor : — I find in the Constitution of the
State Agricultural Society, a clause making it the du-
ty of the officers to furnish information in regard to
the agricultural condition of their own district. In
compliance with the above, I would say, that so far
as our (the 13th) district is concerned, farming is in
a prosperous condition. Our many large and commo-
dious bank barns, and comfortable dwellings, all in-
dicate comfort and abundance. Some portions of the
district are too hilly and mountainous for farming,
these portions however, are covered with fine timber
and abound in minerals. Water power to any requi-
red extent may be had, so that the want of adapta-
tion of these portions to agricultural purposes, is well
compensated for in these other respects. I presume
there are no better lands in Pennsylvania, than our
river bottoms and valleys. They possess many great
advantages, prominent among which is, the abund-
ance of limestone of excellent quality, and convenient
to almost every farm in the district. Coal is brought
to us at such reasonable rates, that lime can be pur-
chased at six cents per bushel, and much cheaper
where it is burned in stacks on the ground. The lat-
ter plan is much practised here.

Our farmers use lime very liberally on their lands,
the quantity per acre varying from fifty to four hun-
dred bushels. The average quantity is about one hun-
dred bushels.

One case in which 400 bushels were applied to the
acre is deserving of mention. The field was spouty,
and entirely too wet for cultivation. Under-draining
was first resorted to, after which it was plowed as
deep as a very large plow and four horses could do
it. The lime was then put on at the above rate per
acre, and with it ten four horse loads of stable ma-
nure additional. The result was, that this field which
was worthless before, became as productive as any
of our best river bottoms.

The same person applied 300 bushels per acre on
a gravelly soil which previously yielded good crops. —
The result in this case was just the reverse of the
former. Foi six or eight years nothing would grow
upon it. It is however, improving now, and will I
presume ultimately realize the expectations of the
owner. From this, it is very apparent that some soils
will bear more lime than others, a fact with which
every farmer should be familiar, as it enables him to
make a judicious application of it and thus realize
the best returns. Lime, stable manure and clover
are the principal fertilizers in use in the district, al-
though occasionally others are used on a limited scale.

80C

COMMUNICATIONS.

[.Ianuaby,

The rotation of crops generally observed here is to
plow* stiff Slid, plant corn, followed vrith oats, then
uiaaurc and stu);l.ile. Wheat comes next in order,
after ■n-hich it is laid down in clover and permitted to
remain one, two or throe years for hay or pasture
when it is again put in corn or wheat.

Comparatively few county societies have an exist-
once in this district. Twelve years ago we had a
flourishing agricultural soeietj', which for some cause
which I cannot explain, was permitted to languish
and finally die. Since then there appears to exist a
prejudice against such associations. Many of our
farmers, however, having attended the State Fair, and
being well pleased with their visit, I indulge the hope
that the importance of associated effort will be more
generally felt and appreciated. The only complaints
I heard were in relation to the Railroad company's
selling in one instance twice as many tickets as they
could accommodate peiM^ns, and then refusing to re-
fund the money to those who could not get into the
cars. Another complaint was, the estravag.ant pri-
ces charged at Ilarrisburg. Our farmers did not ex-
pect to pay more than one dollar per day, but were
charged much higher prices, and compelled to la}' on
the floor at that. My own impression is, that the So-
ciety should make an arrangement by which only one
dollar a day should be charged. More than this is
too much when wheat commands only 75 cents per
bushel, and if this were the fixed price, and published
by the Society, it would be the means of bringing
many thousands more to the fair. The increased
number in attendance would obviate, I think, the ne-
cessity of requiring money from the citizens of the
place where it is to be held, while at the same time
it would give much more general satisfaction.

Jacob Gr.vDT.
East Buffalo ivp.. Union co.^ Dec. 17, 1851.

[Although we cannot suppo.50 that the clause in
the constitution referred to by our correspondent,
contemplated the publication of the reports in the
Farm Journal, we hope that every officer will follow
Mr. Gund3''s example and enable us to present to our
readers, the agricultural condition of the various sec-
tions of the State.

In relation to the charges of landlords at Ilarris-
burg, our correspondent will bear in mind the fact
that such occasions always require increased accom-
modations, and that provisions, such as poultry, but-
ter, &c., are always higher in price. Wo should be
glad to see such an arrangement made in regard to
prices for boarding as that proposed by Mr. G. but
wc fear it would be impracticable. — Ed.]

JS@=-norse-hoeing is the operation of stirring the
ground between rows of vegetables, by means of im-
plements of the hoe, coulter^ er pronged kind, drawn
by horses.

For the Farm Journal.
A tetter from Venango County.

Mr. Editor: — Our county is comparatively now,
some parts of it quite so, but it is rapidl}' improving.
Where, recently, the forest stood, fields of wheat now
cover the ground. Where, but a few years ago, the
wolf and bear prowled, smiling villages are now
springing up, real estate is rapidly advancing in va^
lue, and the citizens generally are augmenting their
wealth. The only exception to general prosperity
seems to be with those engaged in developing the
mineral resources of the county, and this seems to be
a sad exception. If the iron business were in a pros-
perous state, it would form a very important item in
the business of this section of country. But the most
permanent business in this county is tilling the soil,
and in that are tiie most of its citizens engaged.

Something has seemed to awaken anew the farm-
ers of Pennsylvania to the subjoot of agricultural im-
provements, and the formation of agricultural socie-
ties for their promotion.

An agricultural society has recently been formed
in this county, which is to meet at the Court House
in Franklin, on tlie 24th inst., to choose its officers
and transact such other business as may come before
the meeting. Warren county has a society, which
held its first annual fair in September last, and Penn-
sylvania was destined to hold her first State Agricul-
tural Fair in 1851.

It is much better to awaken to the importance of
this subject at the sixth or even the eleventh hour,
than not to awaken to it at all. But why need we,
of Pennsylvania, be so much in the rear of our fel-
low citizens of our sister States in these matters ?—
New York, Massachusetts and other States have de-
voted a degree of attention to this subject, unknown
in Pennsylvania, and they have been richly rewarded
for it. They have received their reward in many
ways ; in their'Morgan and other fine races ol horses
— in their superior cattle, Short-horns, Devons, Ayr-
shires, &c. — their superior sheep and swine, and
above all, in their improvements in agricultural im-
plements, their reapers, their mowers and their
threshers, by means of which such a vast amount of
luiman labor is saved. A man, a boy, and a pair of
horses with a good mower will cut as much grass in
a day as ten or twelve men with scythes, and the
same of other implements.

It is from tlie labor-saving machines that the great-
est benefit is to be di rived. The doctrine that disaj)-
proves of the use of machines because it throws so
many men out of employment is but " the blind
leading the blind." It was urged at the introduction
of the printing press and the spinning jeunj', but
what revolutions have they not wrouglit in litera-
ture and manufactures ? And revolutions, approxi-
mating to these in some degree have already been
wrought in agricultural labor and progress.

J. C. Starr.
Alhcjlicny, Venango co., Pa., Nov. 19, 1851.

1 852 J

COMMUNICATIONS.

307

For tlie Funu Journal.
Curing of Corn I^'oddcr.

Mr. Editor : Since the old practice of blading and
topping corn fur fodder bas been superseded by the
better one of cutting off the stalk witliin a few inch-
es of the ground, the value of fodder as provender
has claimed more attention. Much, however, remains
to be done to secure corn fodder so as to render it
most palatable to cattle. While the present practice
of cutting off the stalk near the ground is, for several
reasons preferable to the old one, there are yet some
objections to it, which, however, a very little care
■will effectually obviate.

The practice which now generally prevails, is to
cut oil" the stalks, and immediately bind them togeth-
er in close shocks, where they are permitted to re-
main until the corn is ready to be husked from them.
They are then drawn to the vicinity of the barn and
stacked for use during the winter. A writer in the
Maine Farmer, in a brief article condemns tl:e imme-
diate binding and shocking of stalks in the field,
urging as an objection to it, the fact that the free cir-
culation of air, so essential to the sweetness of the
fodder is prevented by it. lie contends that corn
fodder should bo cured by laying it on loose heaps
immediately after cutting, with the butts liighcr than
the tops. This plan causes the rain which may fall
W'hile the fodder is in the field, to run off, instead of
saturating the bladeand stalk, by penetrating between
them, as is the case when the stalks are placed in
shocks. Besides, it gives the air a chance to circu-
late and thus cures the fodder in the best condition.
There is good sense in the suggestion if we only
knew how to arrange the stalks so that the butts
would lay highest. This he proposes to do by laying
the butts " on the corn." If by this we are to un-
derstr.nd that the corn is to be pulled from the stalks
and thrown in heaps on the damp ground, to form a
resting place for the butts of the stalks until dry
enough to be taken to the barn or stack, the damage
the corn would be likely to sustain, would more than
outweigh the advantages to the fodder.

Again, if the stalks are laid at full length upon the
ground, with the butts sufilciently raised to cause the
rain that may fall,to run from them, it brings a large
portion of the blades, whicli are the most valuable
part, indirect contact with the damp ground. This is
another objection to Sir. Burns' method, and a very
serious one.

His plan of putting them when thoroughly cured
on the top of the hay, after it has settled, may do
very well, where the corn crops are small, but would
scarcely answer where the fodder from twenty or
thii-ty acres of corn is to be taken care of. The
question then is, how shall our fodder be secured
when taken from the field, so as to keep it from the
ruinous effects of moisture and consequently, musti-
ness. My plan is, to load the fodder as it is cut,

draw it to the Ijarn floor and sheds, where such quan-
tities are stacked as we can find room for, and permit
it to remain there until the corn is fit for husking —
We cure the remainder by laying rails four or five
wide, on the ground, raising the outside one, by
means of blocks or stones. The butts of the stalks
are placed on the raised rail, which is sufficiently high
to cause any rain that may fall to run off from the fod-
der. Four or five lengths of rails, arranged in this
way will be sufficient for a large quantity of fodder ;
and the advantages of this method over that of Mr.
Burn's are, that the whole of the stalks arc kept
clear of the ground, while the air has a much better
chance to circulate through them.

After the fodder is well cured, and when it is free
from moisture, we stack it convenient to the barn
yard, in the following manner : A strong platform
running North West and South East, is made, two
rail-lengths in width, raised in the middle suf5ciently
high to compensate for the difference in size between
the butt and the top of the stalk. The fodder is then
stacked butt outwards, care being taken to keep the
middle of the stack the highest. This precaution is
necessary if we wish to prevent the rains and melting
snows from running towards the centre of the stack.
We cap the whole with long straw, and always com-
mence using it at the South West end, by this means
pr .tecting the open end from the driving North West
Storms. Snow is never permitted to lay on the stack
and melt. By this means the fodder is cured sweet
and clean, and the cattle eat it as readiij- as hay.and
(with an occasional change,) with as^iiuch apparent
advantage.

R. M.vxsriELD.

Chester Co., Dec. 15, 1851.

For tlic Farm Journal.
Sti»^ the Sou.

Mr. Editor : — Somebody has said,
" The more we hoe.
The more we grow."

A volume of truth in a few words. If cultivators of
the soil appreciated as they should the advantafes
of stirring the soil frequently and well, seasons of
drought would neither be so much dreaded or felt,
as they now are. During the last summer, we suf-
fered more from drought, than for many years pre-
vious. Vegetation suffered greatly, and what was
very unusual, there was a long spell of dry -weather
in almost every section of the United States.

During the month of August, when almost every
green thing was wilted and drying for want of mois-
ture, I was much struck with the fresh appearance
of the vegetables in a small garden, belonging to a
very industrious old lady, a neighbor of mine. So
strong was the contrast between this garden and the
adjoining fields, that I one day stopped, and inquired
the cause, presuming of course that water had been
plentifully supplied to it. What was my surprise, at

308

COMMUNICATIONS.

[January,

learning that not a single drop of water had been
given it, but that the healthy appearance of the ve-
getables -was attributable solely to the regular ivork-
ing "which it reooiN cd. " My garden never needs any
water," remarked the old lady, "although my neigh-
bors gardens do, and the reason is a very simple one.
1 always keep down the weeds by hoeing the ground
as deep as I can without injuring my vegetables. —
This gives the roots a chance to spread themselves in
every direction, and I find where I keep the ground
well loosened, that it never becomes as dry, as when
it is permitted to remain hard and rough. This is
the whole secret. Your garden would be in as good
condition as mine if j'ou would follow the same
plan."

There was truth in every word the old lady spoke.
Her garden showed it, and reason sanctioned it. I
learned an important fact, which I shall endeavor to
improve upon hereafter, that is, to stir the soil deeply
and thorovQlihj." E. Spanoler.

York CO., Bee. 18, 1851.

For the F.irm Jnurnal.
What will Pennsylvania farmers do without their
Journal !

You see, 5Ir. Editor, I have slightly altered the
caption of one of your articles in the December No.
of the Journal, and although I cannot subscribe my-
self a farmer, I am, however, what every Pennsylva-
nia farmer ought to be, a friend of the " Farm Jour-
nal ;" and to prove it, I send you a new subscriber.
This, I will presume to say, may be (with little exer-
tion) in the power of all your patrons.

Allow me to ask one more favor of those who, with
myself are daily trying to bring more out of the mo-
ther earth, and that is to make a note of it, and send
it to the Journal. Your highest estimate does not
half approximate to the amount of benefit you will
confer to the State, by the diifusion of sound practi-
cal intelligence on the cultivation of the soil — the
rearing and feeding of stock — the right sort of imple-
ments to use, and how to use them — the best seed,
the most beneficial manner, (regarding cost) and the
quantity of produce from the acre. IMy good sir, it
is a fact, that ten acres well worked, manured and
cropped will produce as much as thirty (I was going
to say fifty) under the ordinary culture, and cost less
labor in hay time and harvest. No standard short
of three tons of hay — thirty-five bushels of wheat —
eighty bushels of corn — with four to six hundred
bushels of carrots, parsnips and mangold wurtzels —
and six to eight hundred bushels of turnips, per acre,
should satisfy us. Ouly think, $200 per acre for car-
rots and turnips in the Philadelphia market, and a
market at the door. It is many years since I was
favorably impressed with the benefits of subsoil
plowing, but the past season put a climax on all my
former experience. Land that was subsoiled was
more moist, the crops of a better color, and more lux-

uriant, so much so, that I have determined to double
plow ten or more acres of my land every year. Ko
time to be lost with the farmer, horses to feed and la-
bor to pay. R. BniST.
Eosedale Faim and Kmserij, Dec. 16, 1851.

For the Farm Journal,
Influence ot the Moon.

Dear Sir: It has been written that Error is in all
eases, a worse enemy to Science than Ignorance — and
as your Journal justly claims to be an advocate of
Truth and Knowledge, you will indulge me in a few
brief hits, at one of the most obviovs popular delu-
sions of the times. I would scarcely arrogate to my-
self the right to assail any but such as arc too egre-
gious and transparent, to bear di oussion.

It was once almost universally believed, and still
credited by many, that the Moon, not content with
her proper and pre-ordered functions keeps watch up-
on the Earth, for the purpose of regulating the growth
of cabbage and other matter of equal oreven greater
importance. These things, she is supposed to effect
by her changes.

As mere sciolists, standing at the threshold of the
Temple, let us humbly inquire what these changes
are. It is taught by the vast science of astronomy,
that since the first dawn of creation, the Moon has
never changed ; that she has looked down on the tran-
sient and varying fortunes of mankind, with the
same unpitying face "since the morning stars first
sang together for joy." No man ever has seen, and
no man ever shall see, but one half of her surface, —
and that forever the same half. Thus she rolls on, in
her boundless pathway, equidistant, undiminished
and unchangeable.

But she does change, eays the untutored observer
of the Heavens. Sometimes she is full — sometimes
half — sometimes quarter, and sometimes, not at all.
No, Sir ! She is always, and ever shall be, till the
Power that created, shall uncreate. Though the
Moon presents always the same face to the Earth,
she permits the Sun to shine on every side of her, by
turns. And as the Sun can illumine but one half at
a time, it follows that we do not always behold the
" lighted" portion of her, or the whole of it. This
makes the apparent difference in her surface. Yet
she is all there, and forever full, to him who could
choose the point of his observations.

We hear men of sense, and occasionally learned
men, speak of the next change of Moon, and proph-
ecy " a spell of weather " or something else, as a
consequence. When does it change ? (I allude to its
apparent mutations.) Does it jump suddenly from one
quarter to another ? Or does it vary as much one in-
stant as another, gradually, constantly, and eternal-
ly ;' Most undoubtedly the latter. Then how can
its variations affect the weather — the garden-truck —
the fence-rails — the shingles on the roof — the manure
on the grass — the apples in the cellar — the dinner in

1852.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

309

the poi, and multifarious other little things, more
yesterday than to-morrow ? Once upon a time, a cho-
leric old fellow, who had stimulated his organ of
combativeness, by imbibing something sti'ongev than
moon-sliiiic, called the subscriber both a fool and a
rascal for attemp'ingto disprove to him the infallibil-
ty of these signs. As this mofle of argument is cal-
culated to lead to still greater differences of opinion,
it may be properly set down as one of the troubles to be
contended with, in confuting these delusions — partic-
ularly as the disciples of Falsehood are generally
both pertinacious and pugnacious. Another trouble
is, a believer in signs is always satisfied, if they hold
good once in two or three times, whereas, there should
be no variations, if they be, in reality, laws of Nature.
For laws of Nature are imperative and inevitable,
and wiiosoever outrages any one of them shall suffer
the penalty prc-ordered by the Great Creator. Yet
these laws of moonshine are verified or fail, alter-
nately. They could not reasonably be expected to
fail oftener.

But says the man of signs, the MoBn affects the
tides, and therefore it must influence t^^.Sooliing of
my pork and sour-crout. This is the sort of logic,
that establishes the all pervading power of Luna,
over meat-tubs, crout-barrols and cream-pots. Be-
cause Dr. Quack-Donkey's JIagical Pain Extractor
will draw a bile to a head, it docs not necessarily
follow that it can draw a load of wood, equal to a yoke
of oxen — yet the one sequence is about as rational
as the other. By a great natural law, called gravi-
tation, the Moon and Sun attract the waters of the
earth in different a degree, according to their
positions, with a certainty, that wuuld admit perhaps
of mathemetical calculation for millions of ages into
the Future. And with equal certainty and precis-
s;on would every other real influence be felt.

Two years ago I hired a man to gather apples. —
He very gravely assured me, they v.'ould rot in a
short time, if taken then, because it was the wrong
sign. I r3qucste<l him to proceed with his work as
diligently as possible, that the apples might all be
picked, before the sign came right. In spite of my
skeptical audacity,they lasted longer and better than
I ever knew them to last before. What a most
incontrovertible proof of the sign, if somebody else
had gathered their apples at the same time, and lost
them !

If a certain quailer must produce rain or snow, or
clear weather, as an unavoidable result, why does
not one sort of weather pervade the whole eai'th, at
• jtfee same time? For certa'nly at the same instant, a
sign of the Jloon will prevail equally in Terra del
Fuego, and in Kamschatka, in Greenland and in
Borneo. And as these quarters must occur within
seven days of each other, "no spell of weather"
can commence more than three and a half days from

any change. And I know, Sir, believers are willing
to conclude even greater variations.

When we reflect that the Globe we inhabit is but
an atom — a (jrain of dust in the stupendous systems
of which it is a portion, we shall be forced to believe,
that the vast and infinite worlds, that surround us,
have more important functions, than the control of
the humble destinies of Earth and her feeble child-
ren.

I trust, Mr. Editor, this short imper|fect article
will bring out some more practised and skilful pen
to the support of Truth. There is no error too ab-
surd to be combatted, nor too insignificant to be
overthrown. Truly yours,

David Taggart.

Kovthumherland, Bec.S, 1851.

For the Farm Jouruiil.

Indellible Ixk roK markixg labels for trees,
SHRUBS AXD FLOWERS. — Mf. Editor: — I am so much
pleased with an article of ink for writing on zinc,
made by Mr. IIenrt H. Kellet, No. 288, N. 2d st.,
Philadelphia, that I am induced to inform you of it,
that you might publish itfor the benefit of your readers.

It is a black ink, writes beautifully on zinc, and
will bear exposure to the weather for many years.

It can be obtained of Mr. Kelley, at §1,00 per pint.

I know oi no method of labeling trees so econom-
ical as to cut small cards of zinc, mark them with this
ink, and attach them to trees by a loop of copper wire.

John Wilkinsox.
Mount Airy Agricultural Institute,

Gennantown, Pa., Dec. Qth, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Seed Potatoes,

Mr. Editor: — Now is the time to select and look
over ycur seed potatoes. Spread them out thin on
the cellar floor, turn them frequently, do not allow
them to sprout, the frequent turnings prevent it and
reserves the energies of the tuber to make a healthful
growth as soon as it is deposited in its destination in
the soil. Tills is no theory. It is a solid practical
fact for every gardener and f^irmer.

R. BuisT.

Rosedale Farm and N-ursery, Dec. 16, 1851.

Partridges and Weeds.

Mr. Editor: — Do you not think the destruction of
Partridges, one of the most prolific sources of weeds?
It is well known that these birds are granivorous, and
that when their favorite food becomes sc;irci\ they
readily eat the seeds of many of the plants that are
exceedingly troublesome to farmers. How many days
of hard labor are required on farms generally, to de-
stroy the weeds which spring from seeds that would
have been eaten by Partridges, had gunners not been
permitted to destroy them ? Birds of all kinds are
friends of the farmer and deserve his protection, arid
the farmer who permits them to be destrnyeil should
not complain if his fruits are wormy. A\ is.

310

COMMUNICATIONS.

I January,

For the Farm Journal.
Agricultural Nuisances, No. 5.

CnEAT, CHESS.

French, Brome Seigle. German, Roggen Trespe.
Bromus secalinus Lin. Bromus arvensis; and Bromus
vltiosus, of Wcigel, but not B. arvensis, of Lin. Bro-
mus Ehrharte, Roem, B. hordeacens Gort, B. maxi-
mus Gilib, not of Delf. and B. squarrosus, Lam. not
of Linn.

The name of this genus was proposed by Monte
about 1720. It is derived from the Greek Broma
■which signifies food, and its specific names come from
the Celtic, sega, a sickle— to cut -with a sickle, or per-
haps from Rye, meaning rye grass. The genus now
contains about 112 species, 4 are natives of the Uni-
ted States, and 3 or 4 more have been introduced.

It belongs to the 3rd class, Triandria and 2nd, Or-
der Digynia in the Artificial System of LinnKus. —
to Order Graminas and Tribe Fcstucinaj in the Nat-
ural System.

The Natural Order Graminese, or in other words
the " true grasses," is a very large one, and contains
nearly 2500 species, which preserve a remarkable
similarity of character, for whether we examine a mi-
nute Poa, or a mighty bamboo 60 feet in height, wo
are often perplexed with the general resemblance in
the characters and habits of all the members.

Every farmer knows this too common weed, and it
is, therefore, useless to describe its general appear-
ance. But, as a notion prevails, that Clieat is noth-
ing but a degenerate wheat, I vrill try to find out some
of the distinctive characters of the two plants, a task,
difBcult for me to render intelligible, without recourse
to botanical terms. But the two plants are very dis-
tinct and do not belong to the same sub-division in
the Natural system.

CHEAT.

The flowers disposed on
secondary stalks, wliich
are loose and variously and
irregularly sub-divided.

The flowers in cUisters
of from 8 to 10 a little re-
mote at the base, and not
lying over each other, turn-
eddownwards! Theseclus-
ters, loose, 8lender,swelled,
smooth, and generally all
producing fruit.

Outer chaff' boat shaped,
lengthwise, the lower chaff"
shorter than the upper, with
5 ribs tapering to a small
sharp point. The upper
one blunt and 7 ribbed,
tivo cleft.

The seeds are differently shaped and the two plants
are quite distinct throughout.

I hear that a distinguished botanist in Europe has
asserted that it is possible for this transmutation to be
effected, but 15 years of careful examination on all
the varieties of soil in the Middle States, from the
marshy diluvian of the Delaware to the plateau of the

WHEAT.

The flowers in a compact
bead at the top of the stem
presenting 4 sides.

The flowers in clusters
of from 3 to 5 lying over
each other, with scarcely
any footstalk, upright, 3 of
them usually producing
fruit and2of them abortive.

These clusters egg sha-
ped, blunt flatted, rough on
the upper surface, outer
chaff", swelled out in the
middle, crosswise egg sha-
ped, blunt and nearly equal
in length, not ribbed, not
notched.

Allegheny Mountains — from the sands of the New
Jersey beaches to the rocky cliff's of the lakes; has not
furnished me with any positive evidence of this trans-
mutation, and I have had hundreds of farmers, firm
in the belief, engaged to furnish the fact. The seed
from which the cheat springs can, atalmostany season,
be found attached to the root, and in every instance,
when examination has been made, it has been found
to he cheat! and ?ioi wheat ! The plant under con-
sideration is one of great unformity of character, sub-
ject to but few varieties, if indeed any. Its charac-
ters are the same among all kinds of wheat, whether
white or red, bearded or smooth, mediterranean or
blue stem, winter wheat or spring wheat, Polish
wheat or spelt, rye or barley, oats or timothy ; in the
swamp or on dry ground — the serpentine barrens at
West Chester, or the coal shales of Clearfield — from
England, France, Germany, or the valley of the Mis-
sissippi. Again, the " hessian fly" does not attack
it — the " smut" aff"ect it — or the " rust" take hold
of it. It seems to escape the diseases incident to
wheat, and the attacks of the insect, peculiar to that
grain. It has peculiarities of its own. Its seeds
are more hardy, the embryo smaller, the whole plant
more prolific, both in the number of stalks from one
root, and the amount of fruit it produces. It has
its own diseases, and insects peculiar to it are found
on it.

The erroneous ideas respecting its origin has filled
the " earth" with its seed, and untiring zeal and in-
dustry can only remove one of the greatest nuisances
that ever invaded the fa-m. J. M. McMinn.

Unionville, Centre co.. Pa., Xoi\ 15, 1851.

For the Farm Journal.
Guano vs. I,ime.

5Ir. Editor : — In the November number of the
".Journal" an article upon Lime, by Enoch Lewis,
is calculated, I fear, to underrate the importance of
embracing all the means of fertilization that we may
obtain — particularly that highly valuable manure,
guano.

While I wish it understood that Lime is not under-
valued by me, but considered one of the valuables —
operating to change the nature of compounds — -liber-
ating useful material — and rendering soluble that
which is insoluble — still we are inclined to question
the propriety of too much use of this, independent of
other manures. An acre of wheat contains some 1 0
lbs. of lime, by analysis, exhibiting the necessity of
other manures than this, which must be supplied, if
not already on hand. Dr. Dana (Muck Manual, p.
45,) ,«ays:

" All soil contains enough of lime, alkali, and other
inorganic elements for any crop grown on them." —
And this, too, for a great many generations, a repe ti
tion of cropping being pursued. It is also exhibited
by the same writer that the silicates, uretes, &c. being
according to chemical affiaity unavoidable, we are

IS'52.

COMMUNTCATIONS.

311

required to disturb the combinations by creating new;
thus liberating, and rendering soluble the required
stimulus to growth.

A little lime judiciously applied will operate fur
good, \yhile an excess will render inert that which
might have been food.

Just so, " too much of a good thing is worse than
nothing." Super-geates made by lime are useless —
Too much devotion to one idea prevents improvement.

Why not use Guano ? containing as it does accord-
ing to Voelckel,

Urate of ammonia, 9.

Oxalate of ammonia, 10. G

Oxalate of lime, 7.

Phosphate of ammonia, 0.
Phosphate of ammonia and mag., 2.0

Sulphate of potash, 5.-5

Sulphate of soda, 3.8

Muriate of ammonia, 4.2

I'hosphate of lime, 14.3
Clay and sand, 4.7

Here is a rare combination of salts and gein, and
is certainly one of the most powerful manures we
can apply.

It is not necessary to refer to the surprising effects
produced on the waste lands of New Jersey, Mary-
land and Virginia for proof. Every one can see it
must be highly valuable, from its very strong array
of fertilizing materials. E. L. admits that it rapidly
imparts a high fertility to many soils." He continues
" it loses its virtues in a comparatively short period,"
&c. 3Iay I not ask, what is lost by an increased
wheat crop of some eight or ten bushels per acre? —
Are we not paid too by increased manure piles ?

One good crop of clover will be the means of pro-
ducing another. Its long tap roots penetrating the
lower soil will bring to the surface, in the stalk and
leaves to be embodied, (and, if plowed down, and
mixed with the upper mould by turning,) the en-
riching material of the lower earth made available
food for plants.

Thus, may I not say, once begun, we have yearly
benefits dating to our first application of guano, a
hundred fold repaying.

Gypsum in its power of collecting ammonia will
cause a larger growth of clover, and of any grain re-
quiring nitrogen. This is an expensive manure, and
so light as to be, apparently, almost too insignificant
to warrant the cost. Yet is not the impetus given to
our crop, oftentimes the means of enlarged growth
again and again ?

I hope we consent to seize hold the chances of in-
creased fertility by other means than lime alone that
is more an agent than a manure. We will find our
lands grow fatter and our purses larger — our stigma
of being skinners removed and all classes benefitted.

N. J. S.

Dmniinrjlmcn, Chester co.

N. B. I have no guano to sell.

ODav i3oultrii VJarb.

For the Farm Jonnial.
Poultry.
5Ir. Editor: — When modern poultry fanciers as-
sert that to be of pure breed, Shangbre's must be of
a particular color ; Cochin China's of a certain other
color; Polands entirely black, except the crest, which
must be white ; and Jersey Blues entirely blue ; do
they not go too far ? Is it not almost universally ad-
mitted, that domestication changes the color of ani-
mals, as well as birds ? Look, for instance, among
our turkeys, of comparatively recent domestication.
Have we have not the jet black, pure white, bronze,
and every intermediate shade ? Have we not also,
pure white, almost entirely black, and many shades
between, of Guinea fowls? So, too, might be instanced
on the best authority, particular cases of isolated pairs
of Canary birds, and Poland chickens, whose descen-
dants in a few years, materially changed their color.
Who would dare to assert that these are no longer
Turkeys, Guinea's, Polands or Canarys of pure
breeds ?

Why should venders of particular breeds declaim
against the impurity of those sold by others, because
of color? And is it not equally absurd, to sweep in-
discriminately into one class of Mongrels, and en-
deavor thereby to stigmatize, all chickens that breed
of different colors ? Is it not known that these con-
temptible mongrels may, with care, be "bred to a
feather ?" But who desires so to do ? Is not a varie-
ty of coloring desirable, as well for beauty as to dis-
tinguish individuals ? Have we not already white,
red, speckled and buff Shanghae's? Might we not
have had a greater variety, had our importations been
direct from China, instead of London, where, no doubt,
the utmost care is taken to breed of a saleable color.
AVho that is disinterested can for a moment doubt,
that our Bucks county ostrich fowls were originally
derived from the same stock as Cochin Chinas or
ShanghMs, and that the Jersey Bluos are their cross
ed descendants ? Why then pay twenty, ten tr five
dollars for chickens 7iO heile?- than those we have or
caji have for six or eight cents per pound.

As to the productiveness of different varieties let
fanciers tell their own tales.

One asserts, to be the best, the Chittagong; (which
another pronounces a mongrel,) another a Poland; a
third the Black Spanish; a number the Shanghae,
buff and white, and Cochin China: and still a greater
number, the Creole.* Would it not appear from this
that individuals of every kind are prolific ? If a dis-
position existed to add to this excitement, instances
of productiveness could be given of dunghill mongrels
— is that low enough, Mrs. Shanghai — that would as-
tonish every thing but natives.

Then again, these modem prodigies produce eggs

•Sec the different letteis in Dixon & Kerr.

312

OUR POULTRY YARD.

[Januaht,

of a " greater size and richer quality." Ah, indeed !
Is it so remarkable that large hens, housed and nursed
■with care commensurate with price, fed abundantly,
•wit.1 the best of food, even wheat occasionally, should
produce large eggs ? Do not the quality of the flesh
of animals and their secretions, as well as the eggs
and flesh of birds depend upon their food ? Does not
the Vallimeria spiralis, give the desiralile flavor to
the flesh of the cauvassback duck ? "Who has not
early in spring, when other green food is scarce, per-
ceived the flavor of garlic in eggs, as well as the milk
and butter of cows, and indeed beef?

Does not chemistry teach, that no new elements
are formed in the animal? If so, then of course the
quality of the egg will depend upon the food and the

health of the individual properly to elaborate it. —
Depend upon it, quality and quantity of eggs depend
more upon quantity and quality of food than is dream-
ed of in 's philosophy.

The only benefit, therefore, which can result from
this chicken speculation, will be more careful obacr-
servation with regard to productiveness, and desira-
bleness of form, in particular individuals, and their
preservation lor breeding.

By this course we maj', my word for it, have very
good proliflc chickens of different colored mongrels,

J. K. B.

Chester co., Dee. 15, 1851.

IIen Manure. — There is no more valuable manure
than this. Preserve it carefully.

THE MALAY FOWL— SOMETIMES (tuough erroneoos'lt) CALLED CHITTAGONG

THE MALAY FOWL.

This is a majestic bird, and is found on the Penin-
sula from which it derives its name. Its weight, in
general, exceeds that of the Cochin China, the male
weighing, when full grown, from eleven to twelve, or
even tliirteen pounds, and the female from eight to
ten pounds; — height, from twenty-six to twenty-eight
inches. They present no striking uniformity of p u-
mage, being of all shades, from black to white ; the
more common color of the female is a light reddish-
yellow, and I have observed a mere suspicion of dun-
nish-bhie, especially in *he tail. The Cock is frequently
of ft ycllowish-red'color, with black intermingled in
the breast, thighs, and tail. Ua has a small, but thick
comb, as seen in the portrait, generally inclined to one
gide ; he should be snake-headed, and free from the
slightest trace of top-knot ; the wattles should be ex-
tremely small, even in an old bird; the legs are not
feathered, as in the case of the Shanghaes, but, like
tliem and the Cochin Chinas, his tail is small compa-
red with his size. In the female, there is scarcely any
show of comb or wattles. Tlieir legs are long and

stout ; and their flesh is very well flavore ', wlien they
have been properly fattened ; and their Eggs are so
largo and rich, that two of them are equal to three
of those of our ordinary Fowls. The Malay Cock, in
his perfection, is a remarkably courageous and strong
bird. I lis beak is remarkably tliick, and he is a for-
midable antagonist when oifended. His crow is loud,
harsh, not prolonged, as in the case of the Cochin
China, but broken off' abruptly at^ the termination ;
this is quite characteristic of the bird.

CHITTAGONG FOWL.
In and around Philadelphia, we have a large Fowl,
to which the above name has been incorrectly given,
as, on further acquaintance, it has proved to be a mon-
grel, and, like most mongrels, comparatively worth-
less. Until within a short time, it went under various
names, as Ostrich Fowl, the Turkey breed, the Big
breed, tl o Booby, the Bucks County Fowl, and even
the Malay. It is difficult to trace its history. Som«
forty years ago, several large Fowls werelirought hith-
er from different parts of China, the Eait Indies, and

1852.1

OUR POULTRY YARD.

313

MR. D. TAGGART'S CHITTAGONG FOWLS.

the adjacent isles ; subsequently and within a few
years, ethers were added. These all, except in a few
cases, have been mixed, and breed indiscriminately :
and the result is tlie Fowl to which, according to the
people, the above names have been applied. It is of all
colors, from black to white, frecjuently speckled, some-
times red and black, and again dun. When bred, it
will generally produce its like in point of size, but
rarely in point of colour, showing it, unquestionably,
to be a mixture of several original breeds. They are
not very good layers, though their Eggs are very
large and rich. Their legs are sometimes lightly
feathered, not always, and vary in colour from yellow
to a dark or bluish hue. I once had a Ptdld of this
kind which weighed eleven and a quarter pounds; the
uaual weight for full grown males, is from ten pounds
and|a half to twelve pounds ; females, from eight to
ten pounds. They are generally (juite leggy, stand-
ing some twenty six inches high, and the Hens twenty
two inches. A first cross with the Shanghae would
make a ret-y large and valuable bird for the table, not
for breeding from.

Mr. Taggart, of Northumberland, Pa., is disposed
to think favorably of some Chittagongs he received
from me, with a pair of Shanghaes. They are all yet
quite young. He says :

" Of all large breeds, it strikes me the Chittagongs
are most prolific. My Brown Pullet began to lay on
the lOtli of October, when not much over five months
old. In twenty two days she laid eighteen Eggs, (or,
I may say nineteen, for one was double,) and then
began to sit. Iler laying was after this fashion; 3, 3,
4, 3, 5. No doubt 1 could have kept her at it, by
changing her nest from time. Itisextraordinary that
a Pullet of her age should lay so fast at this time of
year. After incubating a week, she grew very sick,
and I was forced to break her Eggs and take her off.
When she began to lay she weighed six and three-
quarter pounds, now only five pounds. But she is
recovering."

[We are indebted to D. Taggart, Esq., of Northum-
berland, for a pair of his Chittagongs. We do not
know their precise age, but from their appearance,
presume they are not more than six months old. —
The cock is a fine looking bird, very large and well
formed. The pullet we think equals in form ' ' any
of our best Shanghaes. In point of size she exceeds
them, and her laying qualities equals theirs, with this
in favor of her eggs, that they are much larger. M'e
propose testing the comparative value of the two
breeds, by giving both the same food and lodging. — •
Mr. T. has our best thanks for the fowls. — Ed.]

tlst of Articles

Exliihitcd at the State Agricultural Fair at Harris-
hurg, hy E. Whitman & Co., Baltimore.

Whitman's Improved Wrought Iron Railway Horse

Power, 2 horse ; do. 1 horse.
Eddy one wheel horse power.
Whitman's Iron Cylinder Thresher and Cleaner; dn.

and Straw Cutter; do. Plain; do. Overshot; do.

Improved Hay Press.
McCormick's Improved Reaping Machine.
Whitman's Iron Corn Sheller; do. Double; do. small

Double; do. Single; do. Vertical Plate ; do. Cylin-

indrical Straw Cutter.
Macomber's Straw Cutter.
Ruggles' Straw Cutter; do. Vegetable do.
Pitt's Corn and Cob Crusher.
Beals' Corn and Cob Crusher.

Whitman's Improved Chain Pump; do. Garden Rol-
ler; do. Futa Roller; do. Thermometer Churns;

do. Cart Harness ; do. Wagon do.
Prouty & Mear's Plow, Nos. 1, 2*, Zl, bl, 6^; light

54, 55.
Ruggle'sPlow, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4; deep till, 54.

314

HORTICULTUKAL.

[January,

Minor & Ilorton's Plow, Nos. 18, 18i, 19, 19 J, 20, 21.
Chcnoweth's Plow, Nos. 7 and 8.
Davis's Plow, Nos. 7 and 8.

Moore & Chamberlain's Plow, No. G, 7.

Beach's Concave do. " 7, 8.

Barshare do. " 2, 8.

Subsoil Plow.

Woodcock's do. " 1, 2, 0.

Whitman's Improved Cultivators ; do. Expanding
Cultivators.

Gieddos Harrow.

No. 2, Ex Bamborough's Wheat Fan ; No. 5,
Grant's do. do.

Gatchels Water Ram, No. 2.

Grant's Improved Grain Cradle.

Grain Scythe and Sneath ; Bramble do. do.

Agricultur.al Cauldron 60 gal. All of the above to-
gether with upwards of 500 different kinds of small
tools.

I"'

tjovticultuval Pfpartnimt.

For the Farm Journal.
Evergreen Trees and Shrubs, No. 4.

Many of the new Evergreens of recent introduc-
tion into the United States are yet of so small a size
as to give but little chance to judge of their habits
and future value in the aboretum. New species are
being rapidly brought into notice, and a disposition
seems to exist among foreign nurserymen, to multiply
mere varieties, founded upon exceedingly slight differ-
ences, and only serving to add to our already burden-
ed catalogues. Excepting where, as a matter of cu-
riosity and reference, the object is to make a complete
collection, many of these varieties may readily be
dispensed with. We shall notice such, as among our
own importations, we have observed to offer sumo stri-
king characteristics and will probably prove decided
acquisitions.

Taxodiwm Sempervirens is one of the new discov-
eries from California, and from accounts of it in its
native wilds, may f;\irly be placed at the head of all
coniferous Trees. It has been found of the almost
incredible heighth of 300 feet, and measuring 55
feet in circumference at G feet from the ground. Even
in dense forests it has been found to average 200 feet.
The bark is represented as exceeding thick, 6 to 12
inches. The timber is of a beautiful rod color, close
grained and light, and is exceedingly valuable — largo
quantities being exported. It is called by the Amer-
ican settlers red wood or bastard cedar. Specimens
of this tree may be obtained at the nurseries,2to 3 ft.
high, but wc do not know that it has yet been tested

through the winter in the open ground. It is greatly
to be hoped it may prove hardy. The f. liage is of a
dark rich green, and its growth and habit quite dis-
tinct.

Abies Morinda or Himalayan Spruce is a very
beautiful tree from the Himalayan Mountains, which
we have tested in open ground, and found to be per-
fectly hardy. It resembles the Norway Spruce in
its foliage and wood, but comes more up to the pros"
ent fashionable standard, in Arooping at all stages
its growth. It will probably attain in our climate a
heighth of GO or more feet.

Picea Pinsapo or Mount Atlas Cedar, is also per-
fectly hardy here, and so far as one can judge from
specimens about 18 inches high, promises to be equal
in beauty to any other. It has attracted considerable
attention in our grounds the past season. The leaves
are very dark and sharp pointed, and grow all around
the branches. The new growth at the extremities
differs in the colour and length of the leaves, and in
general appearance from that of the preceding yeax,
making it altogether unique. Its growth would ap-
pear to be slow, with branches thickly set, and of up-
right habit. In its native place it reaches a height
from 60 to 70 feet. We think this tree will prove a
great favorite with the public.

Abies Douglasii or Douglass' Spruce, from the
north west coast of America, is one of the largest
trees known in the world, growing to the height of
150 to 200 feet. A stump was found at Fort George,
near the mouth of the Oregon, (150 feet without
branches, still remains,) which measured 48 feet in
circumference, 3 feet from the ground. The habit
of this tree is conical and erect, the leaves narrow
and dark green above, silvery beneath. There arc
no specimens yet to be obtained in the United States
but a few inches high.

Cupressus Tondosa or Twisted Cypress, is a spe-
cies from the Himalayan Mountains, perfectly hardy
here, graceful and beautiful. It is found in the Nepal
ranges at an altitude of about 8000 feet, and about
40 feet high, pyramidal in shape, with numerous flex-
ible branches. Its wood is fragrant and burned by
the natives as incense wood. This tree has developed
sufficiently in growth and habits here, to prove it
a decided acquisition. Its foliage is light green.

Juidpei'us Excelsa, Fall Juniper is found in about
the same ranges as the preceding, and is equally
hardy, and also whole forests of it in the Islands of
the Grecian Archipelago. Its height is about 30 feet.
Out of fifteen species of Junipers we have growing,
we consider the Excelsa the most beautiful. Its habit
is strictly erect and pyramidal, very regular in its out-
line, with foliage of light green colour and very glos-
sy. Juniperus is a prolific genus, thirty seven species
being enumerated in our foreign catalogues.

Picea Grandis, and Picea Nohilis, are two of the
invaluable acquisitions from California and Oregon

18.52.]

EDITORIAL.

315

for which we are indebted to the enterprise of Doug-
lass, their first discoverer. Neither of them are yet
to be obtained in the U. S. but a few inches high. —
They are doubtless perfectly hardy here. Picea no-
bilis, was found by hira near the cataracts of the Co-
lumbia in extensive forests, and is described in En-;
thusiastic terms "as combining in itself all that is ma-
jestic in form and stature, beautiful in outline and
majestic in proportion. Attaining in its native
forests the stupendous height of 180 feet, it throws
off at equal intervals its horizontal branches in whorls
of such uniform order and arrangement, that each
gories forms a beautiful dense circular platform of
the deepest verdure, liroader at the base, and gradu-
ally narrowing their radius as they ascend. Neither
is there the least approach to stiffness in this unifor"
mity. On the contrary from the fine incurvature,!
both of the dense foliage and the lateral shoots, impart"
ing a feather like softness to the branches, the entire
tree is invested with a grace to which no description
can do justice."

Picea Grandis was found by him in great luxuri-
ance in the humid valleys of northern California,
attaining there the height of 170 to 200 feet, and is
conspicuous no less for its great stature, than the rich
bright verdure of its foliage." It is not so valuable
as a timber tree. Paschall Morris.

West Chester, 18.51.

Lancaster County Agricultural Societt. — The
regular annual meeting of this society will be held
at the Mechanics' Institute, on Tuesday, January
13th, at 10 o'clock, A. M., at which time various bu"
siness matters of great importance will claim the at'
tention of the members. In the afternoon, the an-
nual address will be delivered by James Gowen, Esq.
of Philadelphia county. The readers of the Journal
are familiar with the high practical character of Mr.
G's. writings, and we trust that he will be welcomed
by a large audience. We are requested distinctly to
state, that all are invited 1o be present, whether
members of the society or not. With the feeling
that at present animates the ftxrmers of this great
county, the meeting above mentioned should not onlv
be a full one, but it should be the occasion on which
the future prosperity of the society should be estab-
lished beyond the contingency of a doubt.

The Model Architect No. 5, has been received. We
are glad to observe that each succeeding number gives
marked evidence of improvement upon the last. The
designs are not only well conceived, but beautifully
executed, and the specifications, &c., accompanying
them are fuU and complete. The present number
contains a representation of a villa in the Norman
style of architecture, giving not only full front, side
and rear view, but also a very large number of litho-
graphs illustrating the details of the building. We
again commenl this valuable work to the attention
of our readers.

THE FA EM JOUKNAL.

Assistant €l)ltor'3 Pcpavtmcnt.

A. M. SP ANGLER, Assistant Editor.

Agents.

The Farm Journal may be had at the following
places : —

W. B. Zieber, South 3d St., principal agent for
Philadelphia.

W. 11. Si'ANGLER, Lancaster, Pal

B. F. Spangler, Columbia, Pa. ^

Geo. Bergn'er, Ilarrisburg, Pa.

H. MuJER, Pittsburg, Pa.

J. R. Shryock, Chambersburg, Pa.

II. M. Rawlins, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally. i

Our Office.

Those having business to transact with us will
please call at the Book Store of W. II. Spangler, in
North Queen street, Lancaster, where we or our re-
presentative will at all times be in attendance.

Annual Meeting of the State Agricultural Society.

It will be remembered that the annual meeting of
State Society will be held at Ilarrisburg, on Tuesday,
January 20. The occasion will be one of great in
terest as well as importance, and we trust the attend-
ance, not only of members but all who feel interested
in the cause of agriculture, will be large.

Our January Number. — We ofier no apology for
calling attention to the character of the present num-
ber of our Journal. In answer to our request to con-
tributors, a number of excellent communications have
been received, the value of which -w ill be understood
by every reader. Why can we not have such num-
bers for all time to come ? We trust an appeal to
those who have been in the habit of corresponding
for agricultural publications, as well as to those who
have not, will receive attention, and induce every friend
of agriculture to put his hand to the work.

Almost every day we meet with farmers who have
had the advantages of many years practical exper!-
encef, and yet, who, in answer to our repeated requests
to communicate a small portion of that experience
for the benefit of our readers reply, "AVe will, so
soon as anything occurs worth publishing." Many
of these requests are made of men, who have been till-
ing the soil for twenty or thirty and even fifty years.
Can it be possible that they have been engaged in
agricultural pursuits for so long a time and not learn-
ed something worth communicating for the benefit of
their fellows. Wo met one of this kind a few days
since, a most excellent practical farmer. The usual
reply, " I know nothing worth writing about," was
given, and yet, before ten minutes had elapsed, he
gave us, in conversation, the results of several highly

316

EDITOKIAL.

[Januaut,

interesting experiments. Sitting at our desk while
he was relating them, we took notes as he went along
and when ho left our office, put the notes in the form
of a communication. He returned shortly afterwards
and was not a little surprised to find that one of his
experiments formed the basis of one of the best prac-
tical articles in our present number, and he left us
far better satisfied than when he entered our office.
He felt that he had done something which might be
valuable to others. The ice was broken, and we have
not a doubt that this little incident will be the means
of calling out other facts equally valuable. Are there
not thousands and tens of thousands such in Pennsyl-
vania ? There are, and they are wanting in duty to
themselves, and those who are to succeed them, if
they permit valuable truths to die with themselves.
" Believe that you can do a thing, and it is half done
already," was a favorite saying with one who was
never known to fail in any thing he undertook. We
say to those who hesitate abeut writing for the Jour-
nal, believe that you can do it, if you don't succeed,
it will then be time enough to say you cannot.

enable him to do fair work with it, and thus impose
upon th^ judgment of the committee. Diiferent
plowmen should hold them in different soils, and to
the plow most easily managed and performing the
best work, should be awarded the first premium.

In speaking thus, we design, no reflections upon
the decisi ns of the Committee at the Sate Fair Plow-
ing Match, for we believe they were made with strict
reference to the merits of the different plows. The
high character of the gentlemen composing that com-
mittee was a sufficient guarantee that their decisions
would be made in accorda ice with the strictest prin-
ciples of justice to the contending parties. We ad-
vert to the suljject, merely for the purpose of calling
attention to it, with the hope that it will be deemed
sufficiently important to call forth at the next State
fair, a new set of regulations in which more time and
better opportunity will be afforded the committee to
make their decisions and a fair chance to the different
manufacturers to exhibit the commendable points of
their implements.

The first premium v\ as awarded to Jesse Pawling
of Montgomery county. At several plowing matcliea
we attended during the fall, we were favorably im-
pressed in regard to the Pawling's Plow. The ease
with which it was operated, the apparent lightness
of drafl, and the character of tlie work performed
by i^ were all in its favor. It is a centre draft, and
constructed upon nearly the same principles as Prout-
ty's. It does not appear to be well adapted to heavy
or stiff soils, but having never seen it tested in such,
it would be unfair to give an opinion concerning it
in this particular.

The second premium was awarded to Geo. Brindle
of Cumberland county. We have no recollection of
a plough having Mr. Brindle's name as maker. Our
impression was, that the second premium was award-
ed to Plank's Cutter Plow, made in the same county.
If we are mistaken, we will cheerfully correct the
error. The first premium in duplicate, was awarded
by the Committee on Implements, before trial, to
Prouty & Mears, No. SJ, and to Plank's Cutter Plow,
No. 57, and we may have gleaned our impressions
from this fact.

Proiity & Mear's No. 5i was awarded the third
premium. This plow has acquired a celebrity which
renders an extended notice by us unnecessary. In
many sections of the country it is considered the
ne 2Ji'us ultra of plows, and for adaptation to light
soils, we think it an admirable implement. Whether
it will compare in lightness of draft with Pawling's
we had no opportunity of ascertaining; but if the
condition of the teams may be regarded as a criteri-
rion, the odds were evidently in favor of Pawling's.

The fourth premium was taken by Jonathan F.
Garrard of Allegheny county, for his Sod plow,No.Il,
Our attention having been drawn to this plow before

The State Fair— The Plowing Match.

We could not but regret that the great variety of
plows entered and the necessarily limited time allowed
for trial, prevented us from examining as minutely
as we desired and intended, the character of the work
performed 1 ly each. There may be those whose supe-
rior judgment, and perfect familiarity with the imple-
ment, enables them to pronounce upon the merits of a
plow at first view. We confess that we are none of
these; and therefore require a sight of the plow when
at work, in order to judge of its merits. Neither is
the turning of half a dozen furrows in soil of the
same character, a conclusive criterion by which to
judge of the value or worthlessness of a plow. Some
plows from their peculiar construction are best adap-
ted to light soils, others, to stiff heavy ones, and
therefore, to decide upon the merits of the two, from
a trial in soil of the same character is manifestly un-
fair to one or the other. Again, however competent
the gentlemen who compose a ploughing committee,
it appears to us utterly impossible for them to de-
cide properly upon the value of four or five out of
twenty ploughs, when the regulations are such as
usually govern ploughing matches, viz ; compelling
all the plowmen to start their teams at the same mo-
ment and complete the amount of work alloted to be
done, within an honr. An hour we should think lit-
tle time enough for the trial of a single plow, much
loss twenty, and as the agricultural community is
looking for an implement best adapted to general
use, it would seem next to impossible, to decide up-
on its character in this respect, when the trial of it
is confined to only one kind of soil. It should be
tried in different kinds of soil, and by different plow-
men. The skill which a man may acquire in the
use of a very inferior implement, may be such as to and during trial, we were not disappointed in the

1852].

EDITORIAL.

317

decision of the Committee respecting it. As a Sod
plow it worked admirably, effecting a complete invei'-
sion of sod and sufficient pulverization to cover entire-
ly every vestigo of grass. This was as effectually done
by the plows already named, though we think they had
somewhat the advantage in the thinness of the sod,
and lightness of the soil.

To Hall and Speer of Pittsburg, the fifth premium

was given for tiieir Iron Plow, l^o. 10. No imple-
ments on the ground attracted more attention than the
plows exhibited by these gentlemen. Finished in the
most beautiful style, and of a construction admirably
adapted to good work, the favorable impression crea-
ted by their appearance was strengthened by trial.

IMany other plows of excellent make were entered
and to quite a number of which diplomas of merit
were awarded, and favorable mention made by the
Committee on implements. Our space will not enable
us to particularize.

Grain Drills — Of these quite a number were exhi-
bited of the most approved construction. It being
impossible to test the merit of these drills by actual
trial, the Committee awarded diplomas to all. Seve-
ral of those exhibited were entirely new to us. The
principles npon which they were constructed ap-
peared to promise good work, but with the drill as
with the plow, we require to see them in actual ope-
ration before we feel willing to pass our opinion upon
them. And here we take the liberty of suggesting to
those who may have the selection of Committees for
the next State Fair, the propriety of appointing a se-
parate Committee, to each particular class of imple-
ments, in order that the true value of those exhibi-
ted may be fully understood. The award of a pre-
mium to any kind of implement, by a Committee of
the State Society, is a matter of no small moment,
and should therefore be made only after the most
careful investigation. First premium implements
generally command the best sale. Purchasers are
biassed in their favor, and more readily admit their
introduction on their farms, from the fact of their
having received the premium from a body Jof competent
judges. Hence the necessity of a greater number of
Committees, and vigilant care in the awards. One
of the pirincipal objects of a State Fair, is the more
general Introduction to public notice, of the very best
and most improved implements. To attain this ob-
ject no pains should be spared, and we think, that if
after the plowing match, a trial of the drills should
be made,it would be the most effective method of as-
certaining their true worth.

Although we can speak only in general terms of the
large majority of Drills exhibited, we can particular-
ize a few, from the fact of having seen them in use,
and witnessed the result i when the grain sown by
them was ready for the harvest. One of these was
Moore's Patent, several of which were exhibited by
different makers. The drill of this patent, manufactu-

red by Messrs. Lee, Pierce & Lee, of Ercildoun, Ches-
ter County, was certainly one of the most beautifully
finished implements on the ground and attracted
much attention, not merely from the elegance of its
finish, but the simplicity of its movements. "Wher-
ever these drils have been tried they have, we believe
given, satisfaction. We know of a number of farm-
ers who use them, aU of whom speak of tliem in the
highest terms.

Custer's Drill, exhibited by Jenkins & Lamb, is
also an excellent implement, and is being extensively
introduced.

Pennock's Drill, has been long and favorably
known, and is one of the first introduced of Ameri-
can invention, possessed of merit. It is a heavier im-
plement than Moore's and more complicated, but does
its work well.

It havixg been rumored abroad that the citizens
of Ilarrisburg designed purchasing thirty acres of
ground, erecting on it permanent fencing, shedding,
&c., and donating it to the State Society upon the
condition that Ilarrisburg be selected as the perma-
nent place for holding the annual exhibitions of the
Society, several correspondents enquire whether
there is any foundation for the rumor, and if so,
whether it would be expedient for the Societj- to ac-
cept the proposition.

In reply to the first inquiry we would state that we
have heard the same rumor, and believe there is truth
in it, although we cannot speak positively.

As to the propriety of permanently locating the
State exhibitions at ani/ one particular plari\ we for
one cannot think it advisable, at least, not in the in-
fancy of the Society. The propriety of holding the
State fair permanently at Columbus, is a topic of dis-
cussion with our brethren of Ohio, and the editor of
the Cultivator speaks our views on this sulijoet so ful-
ly,and so much more clearly than we could, that we
copy his arguments against the proposition, thinking
them as well adapted to the climate of Pennsylvania
as of Ohio. So long as there are other towns in the
State, and there are several such, whose railroad fa-
cilities and accommodations are equal to those of Ilar-
risburg, just so long there will be claimants for the
exhibition. Already, several are in the field, and the
number will doubtless be increased. But hear Mr.
Bateham : —

" The first and principal argument advanced, is
that by having permanent grounds appropriated and
fitted up for the purpose, as might be done here, a
heavy item of the expenses might be saved. Second:
the grounds and buildings, &c., would be more suit-
able and convenient than if designed merely for one
occasion. Third : the officers and their assistants,
clerks, police, &c., would become accustomed to their
work, and their duties would be better performed ;
and lastly, the hotel and boarding house keepers

318

EDITORIAL.

[January,

■would make bntter arrangements for accommodating
the crowd of visitors.

" Admitting, as we do, the importance of these con-
siderations, -we are still not prepared to give them as
much weight as some do ; and when compared with
the arguments on the other side, they have but little
weight on our mind.

" And first, it should be borne in mind that the ob-
ject of the State Board, and the State Fatrs, is to ben-
efit the State at large — not one particular portion. —
Now it is easy to see that a Fair held in any one
place, is very little benefit to the farmers generally,
except those residing within 50 or 60 miles around.
It is true that a few of the more wealthy and enter-
prising will attend from more distant parts, but it is
only the very fen\ while the mass, and those who
most need the stimulus to improvement which such
Fairs afford, are not reached or benefitted, because
they have not the means or disposition to attend.- —
The same is true in regard to mechanics, though not
quite to the same degree. This argument alone is, to
our mind, of suflicient weight to counterbalance all
those on the other side.

" Again, it is not only important that the people of
all parts of the State should be able to witness these
Fairs, but also that they should all have opportunity
to exhibit their most approved stock, implements,
manufactures and productions ; and who that has
attended such exhibitions, does not know that nearly
all the agricultural part of the show comes in from
not over 50 miles around ? Very few farmers are
willing to drive or transport catttle, sheep, swine, &c.,
for such purposes, even though they attend the Fair
themselves. Hence if we desire to see and compare
the fiirm stock and productions of the State at large,
it must be done by holding the Fairs alternately in
diflferent parts of the State.

" Lastly, there is every reason to suppose, that these
Fairs, would in a very few years become " an old
story," lose their interest and fail of success, if held
each year in the same location, where the same grounds
and arrangements would meet the eye, and generally,
the same people, animals, machinery, productions,
&c., or so nearly the same, that all the novelty and
zest of the occasion would be lost, and even the offi-
cers and citizens who now contribute funds, and labor
so cheerfully and efficiently at a Fair without fee or
reward, would soon feel it to be sore drudgery, or a
tax which would only be borne by those who expect-
ed to be directly benefitted in return.

" In view of these considerations and they are the
same that have always been acted upon by the New
York State Society — we believe that once in three to
five years it as often as the State Fair should be held
at any one place ; though, of course, a central local-
ty might very properly be chosen somewhat oftencr
than any other. In this way we believe Fairs would
conduce to the greatest good of the greatest number,

and would continue to do so for the longest time. —
But if any of our readers think otherwise, and will
point out the defects in our arguments, we will cheer-
fully give them space in our columns.

33ook ^'ottKS.

TnE following books have been laid on our table. —
Want of space compels us to delay a more extended
notice of them until our next : The United States, its
power and Progress, Mrs. Bliss' Practical Receipt
Book, from Lippinoott, Grambo & Co., Philadelphia.
Catechism of Familiar Things, Mathias' Legislative
Manual, Agriculture in Schools, and Schcnck's Prac-
tical Gardener, from Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadel-
phia. National Speaker, Greenleaf 's Common School
Arithmetic, Class Book of Prose and Poetry, and
Greenleaf's Primary Arithmetic, from R. S. Davis cic
Co., Boston.

Webster's Dictionary, Unabridged. — Every man
should have a Standard Dictionary of his own lan-
guage, always at hand — a dictionary to which he
can refer with perfect confidence. Every scholar
knows the value of such a work, and every farmer
should know it. Those who have never been the po-
sessors of a work like Webster's, cannot conceive the
many benefits derived from it. To the general read-
er, it is not only of inestimable value, but absolute-
ly essential. There are few so well versed in the
English language, that they do not occasionally meet
with words, the precise meaning of which is strange
to them, and the want of a good dictionarj-, to which
to refer with the certainty of finding a satisfactory
definition, is not only felt at the moment, but its ef-
fects are plainly apparent in the thousands of s\i-
perficial readers met with at almost every point —
readers, who, having no reliable authority to consult,
are content to pass over words and remain in igno-
rance of the meaning. Such authority is Webster's
great Dictionary — a work that has stamped a high
character upon our literature, and which every
American should feel proud to regard with ardent
enthusiasm as one of its noblest monuments. We
have used it for a number of years, and would rath-
part with every volume on our shelves than it. To
those of our readers who have not secured a copy,
we would say, do not hesitate between it and others.
There is no other dictionary so complete and compre-
hensive, and consequently no other so valuable. See
advertisement on last page of cover.

The Snow Flake, a Christmas, New Year and Birth
Day Gift, for 1852. E. H. Butler & Co., Philada.
The reputation the Messrs. Butler have for years
sustained as publishers of elegant annuals, is well
supported in the beautiful book before us. The illus-
trations are, we think, superior to those of former
volumes, while the contents are fully equal in jioint
of merit. The favor the Snow Flake has received

BOOK NOTICES.

3\i)

at the liands of the public, has encouraged the pub-
lishers to put fortli additional efforts to make the
present number more attractive, and they have suc-
ceeded admirably. By a reference to the second page
of our cover it vrill be seen that Messrs. Butler offer
to the public many other books of the most elegant
and expensive character, as well as many excellent
standard School Books.

The Iris, an Illuminated Souvenir for 1851. Edited
by John S. Hart, L. L. D., Philadelphia. Lippin-
cott, Grambo & Co.

This beautiful Annual is unquestionably one of the
most elegant ever issued from the American Press,
and the enterprising publishers have surpassed them-
selves in the number and gorgeousness of the illus-
trations and the neatness of the typography. The
designs -which are entirely original, are printed in
colors in Duvall's best style, and so happily has the
artist succeeded, that they resemlile paintings rather
than prints. The whole of this superb volume is de-
signed to illustrate one of the most interesting depart-
ments of American history — Indian life ; the literary
portion being a collection of legends and traditions
woven into tales and poems by a number of distin-
guished writers, and the illustrations from a series
of original drawings of some of the most striking and
remarkable objects connected with these legends and
traditions, furnished by Captain Eastman. " The
Iris" is American both as to subjects and authorship,
and as such commends itself to those who desire the
progress of literature and the fine arts in our coun-
try. We know of no more chaste or elegant presen-
tation book, as it deservedly ranks amongst the first
of American Annuals.

The Dew Prop, a fribiife of affection. Philadelphia.
Lippinoott, Grambo & Co.

A handsome volume, displaying excellent taste both
in the character of its literary matter and illustration.
The engravings, nine in number, are on steel and
possess much beauty, and the contributions to its pa-
ges are from some of our very best writers, and have
been selected with the design of giving the book a
character suited to its name. The Dew Drop is a
new candidate for public favor, and one wcU calcula-
ted to deserve and merit it.

The Star of Bethlehem, or Stories for Christmas.
Philadelphia. Lindsay & Blakiston.

This is a very elegant little volume, designed as a
Christmas present for the young. Its appearance at
once commends it to favor, and as the contents are in
keeping with its title, it furnishes a most appropriate
present for those whose minds should always be train-
ed to the contemplation of subjects at once calculated
to gratify and benefit. The illustrations, six in num-
ber, are very beautiful, and its general appearance
highly creditable to the publishers.

The Monthlies. — Graham's MagazineioT 3 a,nuaxy
is a gem in all that relates to that particular class of
literature to which it is devoted. The illustrations
are numerous and beautiful, and if the number be-
fore us is to be regarded as a criterion by which those
remaining to complete the volume are to be judged,
it will require active energy on the part of its rivals
to equal them. Terms §3 per annum.

Godey's Lady's Booh for January. — Asuperb num-
ber, abounding in elegant plain and colored illustra-
tions, and filled with interesting contributions from
some of the best pens of our country. The skill man-
fested by Godey in catering to the varied tastes of
his many readers in by-gon3 years, seems not to have
lost any of its power ; and like that of his distin-
guished cotemporary Graham, hie hold upon the good
will of the community at large is a strong one. —
Terms -53 per annum.

Harper's Magazine for December is on our table
We always welcome this delightful monthly with ur-
mingled satisfaction. We have little time to devote
to miscellaneous re ding, but whenever we have, we
know of no more delightful companion than Harper.
Terms S3 per annum.

The International Magazine, for December, the first
we have received in exchange,) is a monthly contain-
ing nearly one hundred and fifty pages of elegant
and closely printed matter, of the most interesting
chai'acter. The International, is conducted mainly up-
on the plan of Harper's Magazine. Its contents are
of high order, both original and selected, and the
whole work gives evidence of taste and judgment in
the enterprising publishers. Terms §3 per annum.

Saiiain's Union Magazine. — The elegant appear-
ance of this monthly — the beauty and finish of the il-
lustration, and the pleasing and instructive character
of the contributions, all betoken a high degree of
enterprise and taste on the part of the publishers, and
a thorough appreciation of its merits by the public.
The January number contains thirty-five original ar-
ticles and twenty-four embellishments, and yet the
publishers assert that it is to be regarded only as an
average specimen of the quality of the succeeding
numbers. Terms S3 per annum.

All of the above monthlies may be had at W. II.
Spangler's Book Store, North Queen street, Lancaster

HOVERS INK MANUFACTORY

Removed to Nn. 144 RACE STREET between Fourth and Fifth,
and opposite Crown St , PHI l^ADELPHIA. where the proprietor
is enabled. Iiy increaseil I":icilities, to supply the growing demand
for HOVER'S LMC. which its wide-spread reputation has created.

This Ink is so well established in the good opinion mdconfidenee
of the American public, that it is scarcely necessary to say any-
thingin its favor, and the manufacturer takes this opportunity to
say that the confidence thus secured, shall not be abused.

In addition to the various kinds of Writing Ink. he also mann-
factures ADAMANTINE CEMENT, for mending Glass and Chi-
na. as well as a superior HAIR DYE; a trial only is necssary to
insure its future use, and a sealing wax well adapted for Druggists
and Bottlers, at a very low price, in larue it small quantities.

Orders addressed to JOSEPH E. HOVER, Manufacturer, No.
144 Race street, between 4th and 5th, opposite Crown St., Fhila.

^20 ADVERTISEMENTS. [January,

PROSPECTUS

THE PUBLISHER would respeotftilly call attention to the following announcement of the most com-
plete and beautiful work on American Trees now pulilished. It is of great value to Libraries, residents in
the country, botanists, and nurserymen, and those who take an interest in the cultivation of trees.

Subscribers will please designate whether they wish the whole work, or Nuttall's Supplement sepa-
rately.

_ 'Subscriptions received by the publisher and by GEO. CLINTON SMITH, Travelling Agent for the
United States and British America.

Arrangements have been made that it cannot be supplied through Booksellers.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE FOREST TREES OF THE UNITED
STATES, CANADA, AND NOVA SCOTIA.

CONSIDERED PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THEIR USE IN THE ARTS, AND THEIR

INTRODUCTION INTO COMMERCE;

With a description of the most useful of the EUROPEAN FOREST TREES, illustrated by 156 finely
colored copperplate engravings, by Redoute, &c. In Three Volumes. Translated from the French of

F. ANDREW MICHAUX, Member of the American Philosophical Society, Etc., Etc.

With Notes by JOHN JAY SMITH, Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, &c.

This work is of the highest standard value, with or without the Supplementary volumes by NUTTALL.

PRICE TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS.

THE ^JORTH AiVIEfliCAiy SYLVA,

Or a DESCRIPTION OF THE FOREST TREES OF THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND NOVA

SCOTIA,

Not described in the work of F. Andrew Michaux, containing all the Forest Trees discovered in the Rocky

Mountains, the Territory of Oregon, down to the shores of the Pacific, and into the confines of

California, as well as in various parts of the United States. Illustrated by 121 finely

colored plates, in three volumes, royal octavo,

BY THOMAS NUTTALL, F. L. S.,
IMember of American Philosophical Society, and of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,'&c.

[The Whole complete in Six Volumes, Royal Octavo, with 277 plates.]

The figures in these three additional volumes comprise one hundred and twenty-one plates, fine color-
ed, mostly of new subjects, or such as have not been before published in the Sylva, executed with the strict-
est fidelity to nature, under the eye of the Author. Additional remarks on the uses and economy of the
Forest Trees of the I nited States will also be given, so as to complete, as far as possible the requisite infor-
mation on this important subject.

It is quite unnecessary to say anything in praise of JIICIIAUX'S magnificent work on the Forest Trees
of ourcountry — the well established reputation of NUTTALL, the autlior of the additional part of the
work, is a sufficient guarantee for its accuracy and the style of its execution. The plates are finely and care-
fully coloured equal to French editions ; and the twcKWorks form the most splendid series ever published
in America.

The persons who possessed the former edition of MICHAUX'S work can procure the three addi-ional
volumes by NUTTALL separately, and thus complete their copies.

CONDITIONS.
The whole work in six volumes. Royal Octavo, in gilt edges, and gold stamped cloth, or in stamped
sheep, will be furnished for forty-five dollars.

Or in extra full turkey gilt, for fifty-five dollars.

ROBERT P. SMITH, Publisher,

15 Minor street, Philadelphia.

1852.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

321

FARMKKS PKOTEGT YOUR IIOUSP]S & BARNS.

So many accideiitshave happened from lightning during the past
Summer, Ihat every prudent and careful farmer should at once
adopt such means as will be most eiTectnal in preventing them —
When it is remembered that certain safety may be secured at a
very trifling expense, it becomes the duty of every farmer and
good citizen to avail himself the proffered means By so doing,
he not only secures his property from fire by lightning, but pro-
tects also his family and tho;e around him. These are important
considerations and should have great weight. Those who desirea
a Lightning Rod, p'onnunced by the first Scientific men in our
country, the very best in use, will find it on application to THOS.
ARMITAGE at his M'tgnttic Light .iug Hod Factory. Vine Street^
3 doors above 12th, J'hiladelphia. These Kods are finished with a!i
the improvements at nearly the same prices as the old kind. (tl_

PAGE'S CIRCULAR SAW JULLS.

GEORGE PAGE & CO.

Shroeder street, between Baltimore and Fayette sts,,

BaltiniDi-e,
Manufacture to order, Page''s celebrated Portable Patent Circula
Saw Mills, with horse or steam powers, of several sizes. Tliey
also maiuUaeture Sawing ar.d Planing Machines for railroad w*>rk,
Thrashing iNIachines, GRIST MILLS for farm purposes, Corn and
Cob Crushers. Tenoning Machines. SKED AND CORN PL-ANT-
ERS, IMPROVED HOR-E POWERS. CORN SIiELLERS,?Au-
gers for boring wells, augers for boring fence pt)sts, water wheels,
forcing pumps, &c.

They respectfully solicit a share of public patronage, and would
be permitted tn remark, that their Circular Saw Mill can do ^more
work— aye, twice as much work as any otiier mill with the same
amount (if power, and do it better. (sept-U

PHILADELPHIA >fe LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS-To sail from Philadelphia on the 15ih,
and from Liverpool on ihe ]$\ of each month.

From Phila. From Liverpool
Ship SHENANDOAH (April J5ih June 1st

Capt. W. P. Gardmer. < Aug. 15ih Oct. 1st
<Dec, 15th Feb. 1st
New ship Westmokf.lakd ( May, I5ih July 1st
Capi. P. A. Decan, ^St-pt. nth Nov. 1st

(Jan. 15th Mar. Ist
Ne%v sh'p Shackmason, (June 15ih Aug, Isi

Capt. W. H West. <Oct. 15!h Dec. L-t

(Feb. 15rh April 1st
Ship MARY PLEASANTS, (July l>th Sept. 1st
Capi. R. R. Decan, .J Nov. 15ih Jan. 1st

( M.Trchl5ih May 1st
The above first class ships are built ot the best maieri-
bIs, and eommnnded by experienced navigators. Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed with com-
iori for passcngeis. They will sail punctually on the days
advertised, taking advantage of the steam tow boats on
Wie Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, can

obtain certificates, which will he guod fur twelve months.

Passage to Liverpool in the cabin, $80

** " Forward cabin, 20

*' '* Steerage, 12

Passage from Liverpool in ihe catdn, 100

'* " Forward cabin, 25

" Sieerage, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 steriine and I'pwards. at sight, wiihoul

discount. Apply to GEO. McHFN R Y &. CO.

June 1, 1851. 37 Walnut street.

R. BUIST,

NURSERYMAN <&, S E E D G RO W E R,

HAS always on hand at his seed S^nre. .97, Chef^nut
Street, Pbiladelphia, a larpe stock of Seeds of his own
growtb, a very impOTtant ittm to purcfiasers^as he is a practical grow-
er.andhas been engaged ui his profession i)VPr:jO years. His nurse-
ry ground is ampl> stocked with Fruit,Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every atticle sold at
ihe lowest rates and w^iirranted to be as repre3eiitt:d.

Seed Store, 07 Chesnut Street. Philadelphia. Nurseries and Seed
Farm-fDurbv Road, two rai'es below Gray's Ferry.

June 1, 1851. R- BUIST.

JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE,
of ihe State of Pennsylvania, for the promotion of the

Mt.'chafiic Arts.

THE oldest Mechanical Periodical extant in America. ia published
on the first of each month in the City of Philadelphia It haa
been regularly issued for upwards of twenty-five years, and is
carefully edited by a committee of scientific gejitiemen appointed
for the purpose, by the Frankliii Institute.

The deservedly hitch reputation, buth at home and abroad, which
this Journal has acquired and sustanied, has given it a circulation
and exchange list of the best character, which enables the Com-
mittee on Publications to make ilie best selections from Forpisin
Journals, and to ^ive circulatifju to original communlcaticnis on
meclianlcal and scientific subjects. Hiid m.ticcs of new inveinioiiB ;
notices of all the Patents issued at the I ateni C>niee, Wasliingioii
City, are published in the JoLirnal. t-igcther with a large amount of
inf(»rm ition on Mechanics, Chemistry, and Civil Engineering, de-
rived from the latest and best authoriiies.

This Journal is published on the hr.t of each month, each num-
ber contaiiiiiig at least seventy-two p-iges. and forms t',vo volumea
annually of about432 pages each, lUnstrated with engraviijgson
copptr and on wood of those subjects whicli reqmre them.

Tlie subscription price is F.'ve Dollars per aiinnm, payable on
the compietnui of the sixth number; and it will be forwarded free
of postage when five dollars are remitted to tiie Actuary (postag*
paid) in advance for one yt-ar's sui>scri|itioii.

Communications and letters on business must be directed to "the
Actuary of the Fraiikllu Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,"
the postage pa d. \VM. HAMILTON,

August 1, 1851. ^Actuary, F. I.

TO FARMERS, PLANTERST^

MARKET GARDENERS k OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAL

GUAXO—^ranufactured onhj htj KENT IS E d- CO,

Depot JSo. 40, Peel- hiip, New Yorh.

THIS manure is so combined, that the Ammonia and other fer-
tilizing gases are absorbed, fixed, and are given out to vege-
tation only as it requires them. Nn rot, mildew, wrm, fiy or
other insect can approach it: an ioiportant consideration to farmers
generally, but particularly in potato planting It will be adnnral'ly
adapted tn the renovation, restoration and fertilizing of such lands
as have been worn out.

It may be used broadcast, after the ground is ploughed, and then
harrowed in with the seed. It is alsi) valuable as a top dressing.
Six acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

It may be used with the greatest advantage on Corn, Potators.
Wheat, Tobacco, Garden Vegetables, Rye. Oats. Green House
Plants, Flowers, Vines, AVall Frmt, <ic ,aiid more than a thousand
certificates from the most celebrated Farmers and Gardeners, can
be shown, all testil'ying in the highest terms to its great value as a
fertilizer. A pamphlet containing these certificates can be had,
by applying t() the manufacturers. The I'Kjce is oki-y one cent
PEB potJ-vD. It is put up in bbls. averaging 235 lbs., or in casks,
from lOUU, to IJOO lbs.

TF.RMS, (ash, or approved credit on delivery. Persons wish-
ing tn buy the article to sell again will be allowed a liberal com-
mission. Address KF:.\TISii & cO.

Aug. I, 1S51. No. 40. Peek ?^!ip, New Yoik.

AGENCY

for the purchase and sale of improved breed tf
Animals.

SiTOCK Cattle of all the different breeds, sheep, swine, poultry.
5 .Sec. purchased to order, and carel'ully shipped to any part i>f
the United t?tates, fur which a moder;ite ciaiiinissiun will i»«
chiirged. The following are in iw on the list, and for sale, viz:
Tliorongh bred Shcrt Hums and (Jrade Cuttle.
do do Alderney do do

do do Ayrshire do do

do do Devoiis do da

do do l^outh Down Sheep,
do do Oxfordshire do
do do Leicester do

Swine and Poultry of different breeds. All leters post paid will
be promptly attended to Address AARON Cl.F.MEXT,

August I, IS^l. Cedar st , above !ith I'hila.

HENRY T. TRIPrER,

[Successor to Joseph P. H. Coates.)
Dealer iu Grass and GardeiiSeeds.

No. 49, Market Street, Philadelphia.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

T'HE subscribers offer for sale at the lowest market rates,
lOnn Tons i:)ry Patagonia Guano.
500 ■' Government Peruvian Guano.
500 bbls. Ground Plaster.
The quality of the above is unsurpassed, and can be recommend-
ed with confidence to farmers and others m want of the arliclts.
A liberal deduction made to Country Merchants.

AM.EN A: NEEDLES.
No. 22 & 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Ches. St., Phila.
July 1. .74m-

3ERKSHIRE PIGS and South Domi Sheep of Pure Blood, for
sale by .IAS. THORNTON. J.,,

July l-6m. HybriT), Philadelphia Co.

323

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[January,

niUIT & ORNAMENTAL TllEES, &C.

The subscribers solicit the attention of Nurserymen. Orchardista
and Amitteurs, to their piesent large aud fine stock of Nursery Ar-
ticles:

Standard Fruit Thees, for Orchards ; thrifty, well grown, and
liaiidsume, of all the best varieties.

Dwarf Trees, for Uardeus. The largest stock in the country,
aud the most complete.

Dwarf Pear Trees. Our collection consists of well known
leudnig varieties, and nnmljers more than 15(),IJUU saleable trees —
The superiority of these, being grown in the ct)untry, over import-
ed trees is well known to every intelligent cultivator. Notliin*',
in fact, in this country, can equal our collection of Pear Trets —
They can be had from one to four years growth, some of which
are now covered with fruit.

DwAKF APPLE Trees. We cultivate in large quantities the
best and hands.Hiiest varieties of apples on Doucain and Paradise
stocks lor Dwarfs and Pyramids, and can furnish them m large
quantities, from one to two years growth.

Dwarf Cherry Trees. All the leading varieties are cultivated
(■Ml Malialeb stocks, extensively. AVe can furnish by the hundred
and thousand, fiom one to two years growth.

Cherry Currant, the largest variety known. Upwards of 1,000
plants on hand.

English Gooseberries, all the best sorts.

Large Fruited Monthly Raspbhrky, that gives a crop of fine
fruit m the autumn.

Strawberries, all the best sorts.

Ornamental Shade Trees, of good size, fi>r streets, parks, Sec,
large and well grown.

Choice Trees and Slirutis, for lawns and pleasure grounds, in-
cluding all the finest, new and rare articles recently introduced.

Hardy Evergreen Trees. Norway Spruce and Balsam Fir, of
small size, in large quantities; and a moderate sujiply of large
rnies, besides nearly hfty new and rare Evergreens, inuluding Deo-
dar Cedar, Cedar of Leiiaiion, Chiti Pine, Cryptomeria or Japan
Cedar, Himaajan Spruce, &c , &c.

Roses, Peonies, a large aud complete collection, including the
finest varieties.

Phloxes. A collection of upwards of sixty varieties, including
thirty new varieties Imported last spring.

Dahlias. Upwards of Hid select varieties, including the finest
Eni;lish prize flowers of 1819 and IS50.

The following Catalogues, giving full infcrmation as regards
terms, prices, Arc. will be sent gratis to all who apply by postpaid
letters or at the oiTice.

1st, a General Descriptive Catalogue.

2d, a Wholesale Catalogue.

3d, a Catalogue of Select Green House Plants.

4th, a Special Catalogue of Dahlias and Bedding Plants, for 1851.
ELLWANGER .t BARRY,
Mount Hope and Garden & Nurseries,

Sept. 1S51. Rochester, N. Y.

THE MODEL ARCHITECT,

A series of original designs for Cottages, Villas, Su-
hurhan Residences, Country Churches, School-
Houses, <f'c., d'C., hi/ Samnd Sloa7i, ArcH.

The above work is designed to meet the wishes not only of those
direolly interested in liuilding, but of all those who desire the ad-
vancement of ihis noble art in our country, and wish to cultivate
their taste and arq-iaintance with arcliitrcture. The handsome
manner in which it is prepared and embellished, reiuiers it a taste-
ful ornament fur the drawing room, while its accurate delineations
give It the hi-;hest practical value.

The projector will find in it ev ry variety of style and design,
iiccompaiiied, as mentioned below, by all minutia necessary to con-
struction. By its aid he may build without danger of making those
ludicrous and expensive mistakes which so often occur

The operative artisan of every grade will find the work of ines-
timable value. It is a complete book of reference, and a(l plates
are drawn to a scale with the utmost accuracy, so that he lias only
to study them with his rule and compass.

The work, in two volumes of twelve immhers each, to be issued
monthly, until complete. Each number contains t'tmr Lithograph
laigravings of original designs, varying in cost of erection from
S^SOI) to $14,000 There are also four sheets of details accom-
pHiiyingthe designs, comprising ground plans, ^:e , &c. Besides
this, each number contains eight pages of letter-press, descriptive
(»f the designs, givmg extended accounts of the various styles
adopted, essays on warming, ventilation, Sec, «Vc.. elaliorate spe-
cifications, estimates, tables, and In short every thing desiralde,
either for construction nr for general infurmation, in beautiful type;
the whole being executed on the verv fiiif st paprr, manufactured
expressly for the work. Price 50 CENTS A NU.MBER.

Address, post-paid, E S.JONES & Co , Publishers,

S. W. cor. 4th and Race sts . Pliita., Pa.

Persons forwarding a list of five subscribers accompanied with
Uie cash, shall receive a sixth copy gratis. sept-ly

FINE STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

Strawberry Plants of several varieties and fine quality can be
had by the hundred or thousand at the low price of SI per hundred,
by addressing with amount enclosed,

JAMES 0'G/iVNN»R,
Safe Harbor, Lancaster eo., I'a
AU'orders will receive prompt atteatiou. (sept, 1S31.

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY,

Yide College, Neio Haren, Coiinecticnt.
JOHN P. NORTON, Professor of Scientific Agriciiltitbi:.

This Labcinitory is now fully orsauiscd for instruction in all
brunches ol analyses coiniectcd witli tlie examlnatlun uf soils
manures, minerals, ashes, animal and vegetalile substances &c— -
Full courses are given m each of these departments, and also'iii
general Chemistry, both organic and inorganic.

Students can thus flt themselves to become instructors in the
various brandies of Chemistry, or to apply so much of that and
kindred sciences as may be necessary to the practical pursuit of
agriculture or niaiiuraeturing. The demand for teachers and pro-
lessors 111 the various blanches of chemistry, especially iigricullu-
ral, IS now great and increasing, so that this is a I"air field lor thoM
who have a taste for such pursuits.

Acourseof Lectures onScieiitific Agriculture, by Professor Nor-
ton, commeiicesin January of each year, aad continues for two and
a half months. This course is designed especially for the practical
faimer, and has given great satisfaction to those who have attend-
ed It 111 previous years. It embraces a plum connected outline of
the leading points 111 improved agriculture, treating in succession
ot the composition of the sou, the plant and ti.e animal ; of their
connections with each other, and of all the improvements in culti-
vation, mnimring, feeding, and fattening, which have been adopted
in the best agricultural regions This course is made so plain and
practical, that the farmer who attends it can understand the whole,
and apply It in his own experience.

Hlore can be learned by attendance upon such lectures, by read-
ing in c.ninection with them, and by assoclMting with others who
are also desirous of obtaining a better knowledge of their profes-
sion than in years away from such advanlages Theyounir farmer
learns to think for himself, lo see that a practice is not necessarily
right because It Isold, to uiideistand the reasons for all that he
does, and with this increase of knowledge is better able to make
farming profitable as well as interesting.

Board and lodging may be procured at from 82 to S3 per week,
and the Ticket for the Lectuies is 5?10.

In coniiection with the Lectures is a short Laboratory course, by
means of which those who desire it, are taught to test "soils, man-
ures, marls, 4c . in a simple way, and to make many elementary
examinations of a highly useful character. The charge for this
course is ©2-5.

To those students who go through the full Laboratory course,
the charge isahoct ,«2(I0 per annum, and they can be admitted at
any period of the year at a proportional charge.

For further information apply to Prof. Jobs P. Nobtos, New-
Haven, Conn. (8ept-4t

THE MAGNETIC LIGHTNING ROD.

THOS ARMITAGES PATENT M ^GNETIC LlflHTNlNS
ROD.— The p itentee takes pleasure in informing his friends and
the public in general, that after many years' close investigati.m
and numerous experiments, he has finally arrived at the true prin-
ciple of manufacturing and putting up Lightning Rods and Points,
and IS now ready to serve his friends and the public in general, at
the shortest notice, at his manufactory, VINI'; street, above 12th,
Philadelphia, south side, where all persons are respectfully invited
to call and examine for themselves, this being the only place where
they can he purchased. This rod has been examined' by the most
scieiitihc gentlemen now living, who have pronounced U to be tbe
only safe Rod that has been put up or seen,

N. B —Patent Rights are now olTered for States, counties or di»-
truts 111 the United States, Philadelphia and Chester counties ex-
cepted.

Agencies can be f.irmed bv calling at the Factory, Vine stjeet,
above Twelfth, south side, Philadelphia

«Pt ISol THOMAS ARMITAGE.

COTTAGE FURNITURE.

WARWICK & Co., are constantly manufacturing new and ap-
propriatedesigiisof enamelled, painted and Cottage Furniture, of
warranted materialsand workmanship Suits of Chamber Farjii-
ture consisting of DRESSING BUREAU, BEDSTEAD, W \SH.
STAND. TOILET TABLE, and FOUR CANE SEAT CHAIRS,
as low as S30 per suit, and upward to SIOO, gotten up in the most
superb style.

Those who are about furnishing hotels, cottages, or city, rwrt-
dences, should call and see this style of furniture, which for cheap-
ness, durability and elegance is far preferable to the old heavy
kinds of mahogany, Ac.

Orders from all paits of the country promptly attmded to and
carefully packed. WARWICK * CO.,

Warerooms, No. 4 and 6, South SeTcnth St., between Chestnut A

Market streets, Philadelphia. sept.-flm

HENRY A. DREER^ ^^

SEED AND HORTICULTURAL WAREHOUSE,

No. 50, Chesnut st.. near 3d, Philadelphia.

Constantly on hand a large and well selected assortment •f

Gardeju, Field, Grasi, and Gdrd'm Seeds, Ftieit Tree6, Grape f *i«5,

Reses, ^c.

Horticultural Implempnte in great variety.

Catalogues'forwarded on poet paid application. (sep.-^t

1851.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

323

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS.

JESSE ROBERT'S PATENT UNITED STATES
GRAIN AND SEED FAN.

TO wniCU WAS AWARDED THE

FIRST PREMIUM

At the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair, after atrial the fairness of
which eoutd not be disputed. These Kans, the iiiventur confident-
ly asserts, arethe only ones now ill use entirely adequate to the
wants of the farmer. The object of the inventor was not directed
alone, to ihe purpose of cleaning grain, but of cleaning it and
saving at the same time the farmer the trouble of gathering it
from the flonr, thus iu)t ouly avoiding labor, but keeping tlie grain
from the dirt on the floor. In addition to this, these Fans, possess
greatiT advantages than those constructed upon the old plan. —
These advantages are as follows :

First. The arrangement is such, that a quick shake can be ob-
tained bv turning slowly, thus securing when desired, a less quan-
tity of for small seeds.

Second. When necessary a slow shake can be secured, by rapid
turning. This is of immense advantage, as it adapts the fan, to
the cleaning of all kinds of seeds.

Third. A new method of adjusting the riddles aud screws. This
gives the operator the advantage of placing them in any pcisiti'in
bes'. adapted to accomplish the purposes of a grain Fan. Kvery
riddle and screen has a separate adjustment, so that each one can
be fixed at any angle without the uecessity of taking them out

Fourth, The grain, instead of falling <ui the floor, as is usually
the case, is discharged, by means of a small trough, into the half
bushel, or other measure that may be placed under it. By this ar-
rangement the grain is all measured, by the time it is cleaned,
thus saving not only labor, but time, and consequently expense, as
well as keepins the grain from contact with the dust and din on
floor. For this reason; the fan, can be put in opt-ratiou anywhere,
with as little trouble as the common fans can be used in a barn
floor.

Fil"tfi, Tlie simplicity of their constructions renders them less
liable to get out of repair than other mills.

For the above reasons, we confidently recommend our Fans to
public p;ilroiiage. Privileges to manufacture will be granted on
reasonable terms. Satisfactory information can be promptly had
by addressing post paid , the subscriber at Norristown, Montgome-
ry CO., Pa. JESSE ROBERTS.

Norristown, December, 1, 1851. 9-tf.

NEW HARDY CLIMBEU. '

CALYSTEGIA PUBESCENS.

This new and beautif al climber, recently introduced from China
by Mr. Fortune, proves perfectly hardy in New England, having
stood in the grounds here two winters without protection. Train-
ed to a single pillar, say^ten feet in height, it is very striking and
beautiful object from June till cold weather, during which time it
is covered with a profusion of its large double flowers of a delicate
rose color. It is very ornamental planted in patches like Verbe-
nas; makes an admirable screen ; and is very eff^ective in young
plantations, belts or shrubberies, trailing prettily on the surface,
and running among the lower branches of the trees in a very pic-
turesque manner. Its culture is very simple, and it will thrive in
common garden soil. If required in considerable quantities the
tubers may be divided into single eyes, planting each in a four inch
pot of good light Cftmpoit, in February, under glass, or in hot beds
111 the spring ; or larger pieces containing several eyes may be
planted in the open ground iu May. Plants &3 per dozen. Tubers
for 100 plants S3, which may he sent by mail or express, to order.

Also, everv description of Fruit and Ornamental TREES and
SHRUBS, j Strawberries, Dahlias, Roses, Verbenas, Farchias,
Chrysanthemums, iVc, including every uew variety of the present
season.

Stocks for Nurserymen and amateurs. both fruit and ornamental
ot every description. Pear Seed of first rate quality.

Address B. M. WATSON, Plymouth, Mass.

Carriage paid to Boston.

Catalogues sent post-paid on application.

FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES FOR

SALE

At the Fair-View Nurseries Moorestown, Burlington Co., N. J.
—50.000 Apple Trees, from 8 to 10 and 12 feet high, embracing
alK>ut 150 Seiect Varieties, ripening in succession from the earliest
to the latest. Also, a large quantity of Peach, Cherry, Pear, Plum,
Apricot, Nectarine, Almonds, Quince, Grape Vines, etc. The
Fruit Trees have principally been worked from standard trees,
which leaves but little room to doubt aa to the correctness of th«
Fruit, which has taken the premiuraat the Pennsylvania Horticul-
tural Society and others for the last ten years.

50,000 Deciduous and Evergreen Ornamental Trees and Shrubs,
guch as Sugar and Silver Maples, American and European Moun-
tain Ash, Lindens, Horse-Chesnuts, American Larch, of a large
size, suitable for road and street planting; Balm Gileads, Norway
Furs. Arborvitas. Pines of different varieties. Jumpers, English
and Irish Yew, Cedars of Lebanon, Double and Single Spucia,
■uitable for Cemeteries. Lawns and Private Yards; Borders, etc.

A liberal Discount will be allowed to persons wno buy to sell
again. Descriptive Catalogues furnished gratis to post-paid appli-
cants. JOHN PERKLNS, Proprietor.

TO INVENTORS AND PATE.\T1:E:>.

J. DENNIS, Jr , Practical Machinist, Manufacturer, and
Draugiiisinaii, having had twenty years' experience in buildnnf
and operating macUintry tur iiitoiuMcLuriiig Colluii, SMiU, Wuoi,
Steam Engines, I'ritiliiig Calico, A:u., with acv«rr^l j cui a exjreri-
eiice m prucuritig paletils, tt-nders Ins services to invtnli,r3Hi
make exuniinaiKiis of their inv<:ntuiiiB irom a ruugli sketch or
drawing and lunlteU Otr&criptlon, (which may ie ioiw<irUed by
mail.) and coiitpare thein vvita llic iiiVeiilion±> in the Puleiit Oiflcd
uiiU give an opinion, whetltcr the mvenliun is pateittLtbiu or iiut,
fur a lee ol &o ; and save the inventi'r ttie txpeiisc of apjilyilig lor
a patent, which usually costs !!5j(J, uAclUBive ul the cost ol model,
as only about two-hUhs of the paltnts applied for are granted. —
His experience lu UiuKing drawings ol, anu builUing aiiu i.>ptrrutlng
niaciiiiicry, enables hini lu uuUt^i&tuiiU an invention iroin u rougu
drawing and liiniteU deiicriplK'H, and to comprdiend tlie points lu
which the invention differs ironi tlKiSe alreuuy patented, with thtt
greatest facility. . e also )Hcpuresdrawin';s sptL*iht;ilii>i>s, cave-
ats and assigiinieiits, or prucuies copies tiuiii, or attt-iids to any
business etainectcd \^'lttl tlie i'atent Olhce. Counseiu^rs in i'uteiit
cases can have an opinion by sUitiiig ttie points lu their case, and
arguments prepared witu tue prtiper authoniies cited, to sustain
the same, with (lesposiliuns if iieci&sary. iie will also utlciid uu
(Juunseiitrr or Advocate in Patent causes in any Court.

Notice to 2,447 inventors whose applications Were rejected in
1840 and '^/O, that he will csamine their cases lor §J, to ascertain
if the reierences will prevent obtaining a patent, if a proper claim
IS presented, and advise tlie applicant whether he iiail best with-
draw ot amend his papers, aud get a reconsiUeraiiuii, or Jppeal, or
Ftte a Bill in hqmly. As lie is the ulily atttirncy in lliiS city,
(Washington, D. C,» who has sueceeded in rtvci^tn^ the Coin-
missioiier's decif'ivn by an appeal to the Chief Justice.

lj?~ UrtiL-t near the Patent Uihce, Washington, D. C. Letters,
Sketches, and Drawings, sent by mail, (postage paid) coutanuiii{
fee, will be promptly attended to.

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES & SHRUB-
BERY.

The subscribers offer lor sale ut ilie Nursery and Garden a large
aild hue as^^urlment of F iwl and Urini?iir.iUal T/cca nnd ismubbtiy^
embracing many new and valuable varieties in each department,
which they can su[)ply in large or small quantities, viz: — Apples,
Pears, Peaches, Plums. Clierries, Apricots, Nectarines, Figs, Fil-
berts, French and ^paiusii Chesnuts, English and other Guoseber-
ries, Cuiranis, Raspberries and Strawberries in variety; English
VValnuLs, (Quinces, Asparagus ruuls, Osage Oiaiige for hedging,
Cranberries, A:c., also Evergreen and Deciduous 'Ireesi, Shrubs,
of native and Joreign growth, many of them of recent introduction
from abroad, such as Deodar ceduis,Cedar of Lebanon, New Japan
Cedar, Himalayan Spruce, Chili Pine, New Junipers, several va-
rieties of ^ ew, i)tc., &c. Honeysuckle V'lnesaiid other creepers,
Dwaif Pearson Quince, of hue size and quality, for ininicJlale
bearing. Cherries on iMahaleb, also Hardy i'Krpttual Ko.\fs, a large
ass-jrt.ieiit ; Vi-riejia:^, JUahUas, Fhloxes, thry^antluinuvis. Bul-
bous roots, ass(.>rted, 2'ulips, Hyacinths, double and single Grapt
Virus, Box EiJgiiig and Green House Planta.

Trees and Plants delivered iii Pliiiadelphia, carefully packed
free oi charge, and despatched thence by public convcjance to any
part of the Uuioii. Orders by mail careiully attended to; cata-
Hfgues furnished gratis, or niii> be obtained of A. ftl, Spangler, pub-
lisher of Farm Jonrnaj. in Lancaster, who will receive ()rders

At our Agricultural and Horticultural W arehousc. we can also
supply all kinds of improved Agncullural and Horticultural iinplts-
nients, also Field, Garden and Flower seeds, fresh and genuine —
Country ttorekeepers supplied at reduced prices wth seeds, neatly
put up in papers for retaii sales.

PASCUALL MORRIS, A; CO.

Weal Chester, Pa.

Seed and Agricullural Warehouse.

No. 29. 3Jarkct Street, Phila,
WHERE the subscriber has ooened an extensive assnrtment of
" GRASS AND GARDEN SEEPS, of his owu raisiiig,or rcceiil impor-
tation, and warranted to be as represented.

He is, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultaral
Implements, among whifh he would call the attention oi Farmers
to a new article of Fiow, of his own invention, called Cast-Steel,
Extending Point, Self-Sharpening, Surface and Subsoil Plows,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these PU>ws possess over all others, afs
tiieir peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Steel in the
place of Cast-Iron, which only wants to be seen to be appreciated j
a41 of which will ue sold on Ihe raest reasonable prices by

May, 1801. C. B. R0GEB6.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

THE subicriber offers for sale 4000youn5 and thrifty Strawber-
ry plants at low prices. This and ttie following month being
the prop»r time to form new beds to bear I'rait the lollowingyean

J.F.HEIMTSIH
Aug. 1, 1851. N o. 18 , Fsfi Kiig St ,Ni nil side, Lan.

GUANO,

PERUVIAN and Patagonia Guauo for sale in lots to suit pint
chasers, by J. CASSEDY & SON.

No. 121, SoDth water st , a few doors above Docli «t., Fhila.

324

ADVERXrSEMENTS.

[January,

MONTGOMERY'S

UNRIVALLED LMPROVLD KOCKxiWAY
SCKt^KNER.

This celebrxterl FAN has betii tlioruugliiy tested and found to
CKCL-I all others iiLiw ill use furcleaiiiiig the iiiirerciil Uiiitisnlgrum.

Tills tiiiprovemeiit by Muiitgoriiery iV liruther, consists iji u duu-
ble sli'ie— tile larger shoe — A as coiiiinonty attached ti> wiiiiimviiig
iiiuehiiies, having groi>ves into which the screens, sieves ur sieve
bourds are slid ;uid rest.

U. The curved apria upon which the grain Tails after passing
through a hoppi^r above.

C. riie door which is made to extend across the curved opron
B, and opening back on hinges towards the front end of shoe A,
ifsts hat uprm the front part of the apnui LJ. The grain passes
along the curved apron B and through tlie apt-rture of ine door C
niid fills upon the screen D underneath. The apron is carried
(tver the screen U on to the screen unilerneath, whilst tlie screen-
ings pass through the screen U into tne shoe G underneath, and are
curried along the bottom of the shoe G to the ceiiiie, wherea spout
H receives the screenings and carries them down behind into a
Do.x hekuv the bottom of the shoe A. The gram is carried hack on
tu the gram hoard underneath perfectly screeiied-

The persons who have already used these GRAIN FANS have
not only spoken in tiattering terms of them, but preler them to all
others rhey have used— anil very many of the be&t Agticulturists
have given their certificates that the lact of these machines screen-
ing the grain twice by one and the same opeTatmn is the very im-
provement they have long desired. Uur faimers will now have
tlie mist perfect wmnowing machine, which spreads the grain
over the upper .s'-reeii more perfectly than any <ilhers now in use.
This iinprovement is so valuable as to have induced the inventors
and maimrac-tur.Ts to maKe application fr.r Letters Patent.

All orders fur tlie machints will he promptly aiteiided to by the
mider^igtied, J. MO.NTGUMEKY 3c liiU>T[JKR,

Sept l8j]. l-ancaster city, Pa.

raiTFKUIT-GKOWER'S HAND-BOOK^

Encouraged by the very warm commendations of tins work, re-
ceived alike from experienced Horticulturists and from the wholly
ini-X|)frricnced, the autiuT ventures witli some confidence to sub-
mit it til the public at large.

Notes oi all the important questions on fruit culture asked of the
writer during the last ten years with a thorough research of I o-
mologicat Works, have contributed to render this volume as com-
plete as possible, in convenient compass.

To the lot-holder who wisliesto make the most of a few plants
and littk^ rorun, as well as to the extensive planter who wishes to
arran:;e and cultivate his gardens in the most economical and pro-
f itibh:- maimer, the Hand 13uok will be found a useful companion
for frequent reference.

C^l nee, FIFTV CENTS. Two copies, post free. f.rSI.
Address, \VM. G. \VAR1^G.

sept. 1S51. Boalsburg, Centre c<»., Pa.

l)OrBLE-AC!TINO. LIKT AND FORCE PUMPS

The subscriber munufaetures Double-acting Lift and Force
" ... of ail sizes, for

'tories, Mines, Railway Water Stations,

/jrewenes, Steamboats, Steamships,

Tan Works, Ships, Water Boats,

IIotLiquids, Fannlv Purpo.^cs. Ac.

VILLAGK AND FACTORY FIRK ENGINES.
Garden Engines, Cistern Pumps, Well Pumjis, for any depth re-
quired. Hous Couplings, Copper Rivetted Hose of all sizes, Orna-
nu'iital aeCast-iroii Fonnlains, &c.

Purcha»er3 are respectfully invited to call.
Any coiniiiunirations l)v mail will have immediate attention
G. B. FARNAM, 34 Cliff st , near Fultou, N. Y.

PENNA. PATENT AGENCY OFFICE.

I,ivei,t..rs ai:d niheis, having busiiieBs to transact at the United
wi'l ,r ir, "'^f,''. »"=„';"'=l'y "ilormed, that the undersigned
wi attend promptly t.. all husiness connected with said ..ffice, and
will c.mplete Perspective and Sectional Drawings, and all requi-
site papers Caveats f<pecificatinns, Disclaimers, Assignments, &e.
and make the proper applications for the securing of Letters Pa-
tent, acetirdliig to law.

'MACHINISTS AND INVENTORS

wll save time, trouble and expense, l.y first consulting him. and

fheslrictcstsecresy will be observed, relative to their inventions
and claims

The offlce is at present located in Centre Square, two doors south
' ,-„,l".''"^" '^""''' "''""^ ">« '""■ "f patents granted since th«

year 1 /UU to tjie present day can be esammed, ti.gellier with nu-
mer.iusspecificationsdrawiiigsand models, and every information
obtained relative to the laws and rules of the U. S, Patent office.

All tlie requisite papers, dtawinss and models will be promptly
and carefully torwarded to Washington city, free of charo-e by
J. FRANKLIN REIG.aRT, Lancaster, Pa

Life Insurance for Horses, &c.
rrllK American Live Stock Insurance Cmpanv. (Stockholders iii-
' diviilua.ly LiaOle) for the li,.iuriMice o( Horses, Mules, Pr^ze
Bulls, Sheep, Caltle, .j-c , against Flie, Water, Accidents and Dis-
ease. Also, upon Slock driven to Eastern markets, or transported
South.

.TOIIN H. FRITK.
Seneral Agent for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

REFERENCES :

Wood, Abbott & Co., )

Truitt, Brother .t Co.. J Philadelphia.

Coates & Brown, ^

JOHN ZIMMERMAN,"Lancaster Pa.
CHARLES F. PRICK. Reading, Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR, Mauch Chunk, Pa.

Dr. John G. Scoverx. Veterinary Surgeon,
May, 1851.) Examiner for I^ancaster County.

Wm. B. Wimt, Job Printer, Lancaster, Pa.

VOL. 1.

LANCASTER, PA., FEBRUAEY, 1851

m. 11.

THE FARM JOURN^AL,

S. S. HAXDEMAN, EiUtor.

Agricultural Educatlou.

Although discussions on agricultural education
have occupied a good deal of space in the Farm
Journal, the subject has not received more attention
than it deserves. Our own views are given to a cer-
tain extent in our notice of Mr. Russell's plan for an
Agricultural College, on page 59, to which we refer
our readers, as well as to the essays of our correspon-
dents upon the same subject.

Agriculture being more important than all other
branches of industry combined, its good or bad con-
dition must aflfect the welfare of the country in a
greater degree than the fluctuations of any other in-
dustrial pursuit. It is therefore important that a
knowledge of its principles should be taught as sys-
tematically and as fully as in Law or Bledicine.

When those who are interested directly or indirect-
ly in the cultivation of the soils are disposed to give
their sons a liberal education they have no resource
but to send them to institutions where more attention
is paid to literature and the studies required by pro-
fessional students, than to science ; and as a result,
the farmer's son soon acquires a distaste for the pur-
suits of his father, and fancies he may have a genius
for becoming a lawyer, doctor, or retailer of merchan-
dise. This accounts for the number of professional
men and retailers which swarm in every town of any
size.

This evil would be lessened if agricultural colleges
were established, in which this and collateral branch-
es of science would be taught. Let agriculture be
cnderstood as a science, and it takes rank as a pro-
fession, with all the dignity which professional pur-
suits acquire, from the extent to which they give
employment to the reasoning faculties.

A college of this kind would be adapted in a great
degree to the higher educational wants ef the coun-

VOL. I — L

try; and as it would be frequented by many students
who wish to have a more practical education than
they can get in esclusivcly literary institutions, tliese
would be compelled to modify or extend their course
of instruction. The result would be a rise in the
general standard of education, so that agricultural
colleges would be the final triumph of our educational
system.

The information disseminated by these institutions
would have a tendency to advance the general stand-
ard of education, and its influence would be very ben-
eficial, even in the case of those students who would
not become practical agriculturists after completing
their course ; as they would be able to discuss and
explain the various subjects which are continually
presenting themselves in an agricultural community.

There are materials enough within reach to enable
a legislative committee to decide upon the extent and
organization of an institution of this kind so that it
need not be discussed here ; but dev9ted as we are
to the great farming interest, we call the attention
of our legislators to this most important subject, with
the hope that it will be acted upon at the earliest pos-
sible period.

The employment of agricultural lecturers to tra-
verse the State, has been proposed ; but this would
not be sufiiciently practical ; and it would be very
difficult to collect audiences among a, population
which is necessarily thinly distributed.

Mice in Barns. — A writer in the Sural New York-
er, who has suffered greatly by these pests to the
farmer, states that he has found that hay-mows hav-
ing speur-mint in them, were free from rats and mice
while others, in the same barn, having none of thii
herb scattered about, were nearly destroyed by them.
Other experienced farmers concur in the opinion that
spearmint is a complete antidote against their opera
tions. This is an easily tried remedy, and our farm-
ers, suffering from the same cause, are recommended
to apply it.

826

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Februar'b,

(Jlommumcatioiis.

For the Farm Journal.
Guaiio.

As this subject has not occupied much space in the
Farm Journal, and indeed some experiments have
been detailed rather discouraging and unfavorable to
its use, it may be vrell to examine the matter a little
and a few remarks are here oifered more vs'ith a vievr
to elk-it than to convey information.

The farmers of this State have, perhaps, made less
use of it than in adjoining States, probably more from
want of appreciation of its value, than that the in-
crease of their crops and the value of their land would
not have been promoted. It is inconceivable that a
manure, which has restored and made productive and
quadrupled in value many of the worn out farms in
Virginia, Maryland and Delaware, and in every oth-
er State where it has been tried, a largely increased
quantity is annually demanded, should not be very
valuable to the farmers of Pennsylvania. In Great
Britain, the amount imported last year was over 160,-
000 tons, being a steady increase, excepting in one
year, since 1841.

In regard to the use of lime, some of our Chester
county farmers when asked as to the best method of
applying it, whether fresh from the kiln, or after ir
has again become a carbonate ; whether in spring or
fall ; on sod or mellow ground ; have replied, that
the main thing is to get it on. Now this getting it
on, does not seem, from all accounts, to be all that is
necessary with respect to guano, for its active prinoi-
ciple, volatile salts, may easily (jd off, and pass away
into the atmosphere and be lost.

What general rules must be observed in the appli-
cation or preparation of guano ?

Under what circumstances of the atmosphere, or
season of the year, is its efficiency most promoted ?

Is there any important difference in the qualities
of guano ?

To what crops is it most serviceable, or is it equal
ly beneficial to all ?

IIow and in what quantities should it bo applied ?

These are questions in which every reader of the
Farm Journal is interested, and it is hoped that
those who have experimented with it, will be willing
to contribute their experience. In the vicinity of
West Chester are about the best farms and farmers
in Pennsylvania. Where over one hundred bushels of
com has been raised to the acre without manure,
forty to fifty of wheat, eighty and ninety of oats, it
might well bo thought guano was not badly needed,
and accordingly very littU has been used, till the
present fall, when we have supplied from our agricul.
tural warehouse a: considerable quantity of the gou-
uiue Peruvian article for the wheat crop, and shall
bo able by another season to speak of its effect as
compared with barn yard manure for wheat, on good
coils.

1st. As regards the general rules for its application.
It is mostly conceded that it ought to be plowed in,
immediately after sowing and neither left on the sur-
face or merely harrowed in, otherwise the highly vo-
latile carbonate of ammonia, the active principle of
good guano is dissipated and in a measure lost. —
There have been instances where it was sown in tha
bottom of a deep furrow, and stirred in afterwards
with the subsoil plow, and the benefit felt for several
croppings. There is probably more danger of it»
being covered too shallow than too deep. A go«d
plan doubtless is, to prepare it some time befow
using, by mixing it with plaster, say one part of plas-
ter to three of guano. The sulphuric acid of the
plaster having a greater afiinity for anmionia than for
lime, unites with it, making a sulphate of ammonia,^
which is not volatile, and is soluble in water, a per-
maaent manure thus being produced. The use of
plaster with guano, would probably reconcile the con-
flicting statements about its durability.

In respect to the season of the year to apply it. I
would recommend the fall by all means, either for
winter or spring crops. Plow it in deep in the fall,
so as to be dissolved and incorporated through the
soil by the rain and snows of winter, and to bo ready
for immediate action on the roots of growing crops.
If that is impossible let it be applied broad-cast im-
mediately before or at the time of rain. It has been
observed that the effect of guano, as of plaster, wta»
not so perceptible in a very dry season.

As to the different kinds of gtiano in the market,
careful analysis has settled the question, that its va-
lue consists in its containing cliifjiij ammoniacal salts,
phosphate of lime, with some animal matter, and the
proportions of these determine the quality. An ana-
lysis of Peruvian, Chilian and African resulted as &lr
lows :

Peruvian.
Ammoniacal salts, 33 to 4U pr. ct.
Animal matter, 5 to 7

Salts of potash i- soda, 8 to 18
Mag. & coin, of lime, 23 to 28
Water, 10 to 13

African.

23 to 28 pr. •!.

Chilian.

12 pr. ct.

3 5 to 9

8 9 to n

53 311 to 37

82 18 to 25

Peruvian guano commands the highest price in th»
market, and is most to be relied on, as is shown by
the above.

The " prepared and improved guanos," so much
extolled by the manufacturers, should be entirely tlis-
carded. There is no doubt about their being "pr«-
piared," but very much about their being " improved."
The preparation may consist of about ninety per ceat.
of soil, with a pinch of bonedu.st, and charcoal for a
coloring matter. Those who are resolved on put-
chasing these nostrums, should insist, where so much
soil is used, that it, at least, should be of a fair qual

ity.

In respect to the kinds of crops, where it may 1)«
used. The experience of the country seems to shoTr,
as its constituent principles would also demonstrate,
that it is applicable to every kind of field and garden
CTops, fruits, flowers and vegetables. Aa eminent

1852

COMMUNICATIONS.

327

chemist, of Massachusetts, says, " it comes nparer to
an universal compost, than any other manure known."
It has one very great advantage over barn yard ma-
nure in containing no detrimental seeds. The es-
I)ense of heavy hauling is also a great saving.

Three hundred pounds to the acre is considered a
good application for ordinary cropping. Seven hundred
pounds has been found injurious. For rich culture,
a proper medium would be five hundred pounds. —
Injury has resulted from its coming in contact with
geeds, when applied to the hills or rows. It should
he first covered witli soil before dropping thei».

It is to be hoped, the result of experiments with
guano, for different crops, under various circumstances
ra.ay soon be i-eported fur the Farm Journal.

Pasohall JIokris.
West Chester, 1 mo. 10. 1852.

For the Farm Journal.
Draining.

Mr. Editor : — In my last communication, I stated
tJiat the greater part of the land I had purchased
was considered worthless, and wholly unfit for win-
ter grain, corn or grass, being springy or what is
generally termed spouty. In reconnoitering the
land before I purchased, I found it stony on the top.
but not so at the depth of a few inches. As it in-
clined to the south, and being generally intersected by
a strata of stiff clay, I felt assured it would be in my
power to convert it into good arable soil. Spouty
hind, it is well known, contains in thojspring, a su-
perabundance of water, the springs approaching near
the surface. The wafer, on inclining ground will
find its way without disturbing the surface, where
the soil is gravelly or porous limestone, but where it
meets a strata of stiff clay, it cannot penetrate it, and
is consequently forced to the surface, and finds egress
at every possible .pening, conveying the impression
tliat the land abounds in springs, when in fact there
irt but one. To ascertain th.e location of the main
.spring, it is only necessary to mark, in wet weather
the different places where the water is forced out. —
When the dry season arrives, and the water sinks
gradually away, that spot where the temperature of
the water is coldest, is the seat of the principal
spring.

I commenced operations, by digging, at the foot of
the declivity, a ditch, three feet in depth and two feet
wide at the bottom, increasing the width to f.ur feet a*
the surface, and three hundred and twenty cubic yards
long. From that ditch I started what is called French
drains, in different directions, to break through the
stiff clay towards the main springs, the whereabouts
of which I had previously .ascertained. The French
grains, were dug two feet wide at the top and bot-
tom, and two feet deep, then filled with stones, to
!eave-an opening ot about two inches wide, that the
watQT might have a free passage to escape. I then

covered the stones with leaves or long straw, and filt
ed the trench again with the excavated ground. Tla
leaves or straw were so laid as to prevent the earth
from falling through the stones and filling up the
passage for the water. In this way I have made
750 yards of dr.ains, all emptying into the ditch at
the foot of the hill, and by this means have effectual-
ly drained nine main springs.

For the benefit of those who are disposed to regard
draining as too formidable an undertaking, I annex
below a statement of expenses.

320 cubic yards of ditch at 12 cts. per yard, .$ 38 40
750 yards, digging, laying the stones and fill-
ing up again, 6 cts. per yard, running mea-
sure, 45 00
The gathering of the stones, hauling them,
to the drain, which was done by my hired
man with a horse and cart, having the
double advantage of clearing the land of
stones and applying them to a good and
profitable use, 16 60

?100 00
By this operation, I have reclaimed thirty-six acres
of land at an expense of one hundred dollars, within
twenty miles of a good market (Pottsvillo), and by
liming and good management, it now produces from
twenty to twenty-five bushels of good wheat, forty to
forty-five bushels of corn, forty to fifty bushels of
oats or one and a half to two tons of clover or timo-
thy hay per acre.

Many of our farmers are selling off their property
.and moving to the west, leaving the homes of their
youth and the graves of their fathers, to begin a now
life in the wilderness, while thousands of acres oi
land in Pennsylvania, can be reclaimed as easily as
mine has been, and with as great market conveni-
ences.

Is not this subject worthy consideration. The a<l-
vautages of draining only require to be understocd to
be adopted, and it has been -p-ith the hope of inducing
others to take hold of their pens in support (if it, that
I trouble j'ou with the above,

n. SnuEEnii.
Bci/id, Berks CO., Pa.

For the Farm Journal.
Influence of the 31oon.
In a spirited and sensiljle article upon this subject,
published in your last number, some good arguments
arc given by Mr. Taggart against the popular belief
in lunar influence, as capable of producing changes
of weather and affecting the durabili y of wood, ge»-
minatiou of seeds, [reservation of fruit, meats, &e.
It is one thing to assert disbelief in the existence of
such an agency, and quite another, to demonstrate
its fallacy. Perhaps one of the strongest demonstra-
tions of the incapacity of the moo i to effect changes
in the weather, is to be found in the rich pages of
the Farmer's Encyclopedia, a work which should be
with'n the reach of every one anxious to be posted

328

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Fkhuuary,

up in the best information relative to rural atTairs,
and all matters connected with practical farming.

The author of the article referred to observes, that
the well known influence exerted by the moon in
causing the tides, has tended to keep the idea of the
extension of her power in the production of other phy-
sical phenomena, including the ordinary changes of
the weather. But the r.gency which gives rise to the
tidal wave, is purely one of gravitation, whilst that
governing the changing conditions of the atmosphere,
connected with wet and dry weather, is mainly tem-
perature. Watery vapor owes its suspension in the
atmosphere entirely to heat, deprived of which through
any means, it becomes condensed, giving rise to
clouds, rain, and other aqueous precipitations. The
(juestion of wet or dry weather, is therefore one of
temperature alone, mih which the moon has nothing
to do, the only agency eserted by hor being limited
to the power of gravitation. It is by thus drawing
the proper distinction lietween two mighty agents
operating in the production of natural phenomena,
namely gravitation and temperature, that we are
enabled to understand, why the moon may influence
the affairs of our planet in one way, and yet liave no
power to control the states of the weather.

After referring to the supposed agencies exerted
by the moon upon animal substances, vegetable
growth, &c., and giving rational and very interesting
explanations of them, the article concludes with the
following statement of principles regarded as demon-
strated :

1st. Wet and dry weather, are matters regulat«d
Bolely by changes of temperature, over whicli the
moon has no control :

2d. The mutual influence exerted between the
earth %mi moon, as shown in the ocean and atmos-
pheric tides, depends upon the play of another and
entirely distinct principle, namely gravitation or at-
traction.

3d. Most, if not all the effects upon animal and ve-
gc'.able substances, popularly ascribed to the action
rf)f the moon, are to be traced to natural agencies, en-
tirely independent of this satellite.

Kotwitstanding our skepticism in regard to the
supposed influence exerted by the moon at certain
of her so-called changes,— for, as Mr. Taggart has
truly remarked, real changes she has none,— still we
«iWinot help thinking, that mauy who have been led
iby iheir credulity to a strict observance of lunar
^hacfes received benefits irom so doing, simply lie-
.oause tlipy were impelled to greater exactness in
itaakiEg those preparations, upon which success gen-
*raUy depends. Fr.^nklin.

IsK BGSi'DEB FOR IMMEDIATE USE. — Reduce to pow-
aor ten ouaces of gal' nuts, three ounces green cop-
peras, two .'xinces each of powdered alum and gum
arable. iVit a little of this mixture into white wir.e
asd it will be fit Sot immediate use.

For the Farm Juurnal.
Agricultural Nuisances, No. 6>

WILD CAUROT. BIUd's NEST.

French Carota. German Die Moohre. Spanisfi
Zanahoria.

Uaucus carota, Linn. D. sylvestris, Mill. D. vul-
garis. Neck. Cauoalis carota, lioth. Pastinaoa syl-
vestris, Gerard.

Daukos is the ancient Greek name of the carrot.

It belongs to the 5th class Pentandria, and 2d or-
der Digijnia in the Artificial System of Linnaeus. It
belongs to the natural order tfmbdlifera, and tribe
Dancinm in the Flora of Nortli America.

Between forty and fifty species of the genua are
known ; one of these found in the Soutliern Statef,
and one which is thought to be only a variety of the
Southern one, is found west of the Rocky JIuuntains.

The one under consideration is a native of the
East, and has long been under cultivation, and in
this situation presents sever.al strongly marked varie-
ties. The wild carrot is the common cultivated one
in a wild condition. It is only when it escapes from
cultivation aud degenerates into a useless weed that
it becomes a nuisance. I have seen whole districts
covered with it, choking out almost every other spe-
cies of vegetRtion, and although only a biennial, when
it thus takes the field, it is extremely difficult to be
defeated, being a great producer of seeds, like the
mullen, rag weel, and cheat, it springs up whenever
the conditions by wliioh it is surrounded prove favor-
able for its gerniiua4ion.

It grows from two to four feet high, erect, round,
furrowed, hairy, and branched ; the leaves below are
lari-o, all cut winged and gnashed ; those on the stalk
gradually smaller toward the top, all cut and hairy.

The flowers are on long footstalks, disposed in the
form of the braces of an umbrella, which when in
flower, form a fiat surface on the top, but when the
fruit begins to ripen, they draw together in the mid-
dle, and often present somewhat the appearance of a
bird's nest, whence one of its common names.

The flowers are white or yellowisli ; the fruit is
en'g shaped and partially covered with bristle-like
hairs, they have a light aromatic smell aad a warm
aci'id taste.

The roots of the wild carrot are frequently given to
children as a vermifuge. The expressed juice is used
in calculus complaints, and for the sore mouths of
infants, and a poultice of the scraped carrot is first
on the list among our domestic remedies, to abate
pain and remove the stench of foul ulojra.

When under proper cultivation it becomes one of
the most important vegetables. They are raised in
Europe in prodigious quantities; the white Belgian
produces sometimes thirty tons to the acre. They
are used extensively mixed witii flour to make bread.
Horses and all kinds of stock are fond of them, and
the butter made from cows fed on them, is of th«
finest quality. One hundred bushels of carrots con-
tain as much nutriment as one ton of hay. They are
said to contain fourteen per cent, of casein and starch.

1852.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

329

The carrot has been found to bo very productive
in this country. In an article in the Farmer's Month-
ly Visitor, dated Concord, Nov. 7th, 1845, it is stated
that 304^ bushels were raised on one-fourth of an
an acre.

In the Genessee Farmer, for January, 1840, it is
stated 410 bushels were raised on one-fourth of an
acre, which would be equal to 1640 bushels on one
acre, equivalent to almost IGJ tons of hay. 1000
bushels are frequently raised on an acre, which from
the fact that it is one of the hardiest of the root crop
and at the same time possessing so many valuable
qualities, must sooner or later recommend its cultiva-
tion more general and extensive.

J. M. M'MiNN.

Unioncille, Jan. 9, 1852.

Translated for Farm Journal.
Agricultural Chemistry, No. 6.

The last combination of oxygen, which we shall
notice, is that with manganese, the protoxijd and the
peroxyd of manganese. These are closely related to
the piotoxyd and peroxyd of iron, and their proper-
ties are nearly the same. Almost all soils, and many
plants, contain a small portion of one or the other of
these oxyds.

Not oxygen only, but nitrogen also, forms combi-
nations with other substances. Among these of spe-
cial importance to the farmer, is the combination of
nitrogen and hydrogen, forming ammonia — which
acts so important a part in vegetable economy. Am-
monia consists of four parts nitrogen and one part
hydrogen. It belongs to the class of basic salts, as
it re-acts with acids in the same manner as potash,
soda, &c. Ammonia never occurs free, but always in
combination with hydrochloric acid, as salammoniac.
It is formed likewise in the process of putrefaction
and decay, and by the dry distillation of nitrogenous
organic substances. It appears also in the exhala-
tions of certain animals and plants, and is produced
in all the processes of oxidation which take place
under the simultaneous influence of air and water. —
To procure ammonia as a gas, salammoniac and fresh
burnt lime are mixed and heated in a retort. The
caustic lime unites with the chlorine forming chloride
of calcium, and the ammonia is given off as a gas,

Fig. 15.

which is collected in a receiver over mercury. For
the production of aqua ammonia " WouliFe's appa-
ratus" (fig. 15,) is employed. Ammonia has a strong
affinity for water. With the acids it forms salts,
which are readily soluble, and when not present in
excess, exert a very favorable influence on vegetation.
Ammonia, whether pure or mixed with water, is ex-
ceedingly volatile, and hence is constantly escaping
from dung heaps and manure pits. But when com-
bined with an acid, it loses its volatility, and unless
again decomposed will remain unchanged and un-
wastcd in the soil. Various other substances, such
as alumina, also possess the power of absorbing and
retaining ammonia. The ammonia in manure may
be fixed by strewing earth or gypsum over it ; or by
adding sulphuric acid to the urine and occasionally
pouring the mixture over the manure heap. As cul-
tivated soils always contain more or less decaying on-
ganic matter, this constantly furnishes opportunity
for the formation of ammonia, and hence scarcely
any soil is found to be wholly destitute of it. Am-
monia is very readily decomposed into its chief ele-
ments, by growing plants ; and as plants require
large quantities of nitrogen and hydrogen for their
sustenance, it is evident how beneficial to them must
be the presence of ammonia in the soil. The excess
of ammonia beyond what can be taken up by the
acid present, frequently causes horse manure, when
recent, to destroy or burn up vegetation if applied in
dry weather on poor sandy soils. Horse manure,
from its very nature, produces an abundance of am-
monia ; and consequently requires, during its decom-
position, a large amount of acid to neutralize or fix
the ammonia. But, on sandy soils and in dry weath-
er, the requisite quantity of acid is not supplied, and
thus the ammonia acts destructively as a caustic. —
A similar result follows the application of other ma-
nures in a fresh or rank state. Fresh urine also acts
thus destructively on vegetation : but this can readily
be prevented by mixing sulphuric acid with such
urine till eflervescence ceases to take place. In ad-
dition to what they receive from the soil, plants like-
wise absorb ammonia from the atmosphere. Ammo-
nia, as has been stated before, readily combines with
all aeids. One such combination is the carbonate oj
ammonia, which plants eagerly take up, and which
is rapidly produced when warm and damp weather
favor and promote the decomposition of organic sub-
stances. The carbonate of ammonia, when abund-
ant in the soil, causes the cereals especially to shoot
up suddenly, with weak spindling stems, having a
tendency to lodge, and producing small, imperfect
grain. In such cases the formation of carbonic acid
and ammonia is predominant, and the decomposition
of the more earthy substances is retarded or prevent-
ed.

The sulphate of ammonia has already been advert-
ed to, when speaking of gypsum. It is a resulting

330

COMMUNICATIONS.

I February,

product in the manufacture of gas from bituminous
ooal, and where it can be procured at a ^ow price,
may be usefully employed by the farmer. If applied
to soils containing much carbonate of lime and mag-
nesia, it vrill speedily be decomposed, producing gyp-
gum, sulphate of magnesia, &c. ■which cannot Ijut
prove beneficial to the soil. The muriate of ammonia
lal ammoniac, as also the nitrate of ammonia, are
^cellent fertilizers ; but as the application of them
■would be too expensive for practical use, ■vre shall
pass them by -svithout further notice. Of much great-
er importance and value, on the other hand, is the
phosphate of ammonia, 'which is introduced into the
»oil by urine, and supplies it •with tvro substances
Tcry essential to vegetation — phosphorus and nitro-
gen. It is therefore the more to be regretted that the
use of the pure salt is attended with too great expense
to be at all admissable in practical farming. The
phosphate of ammonia contained in urine, undergoes
decomposition, as soon as it meets with the carbon-
istes of lime or magnesia in the soil, or with the prot-
oxyds or peroxyds of iron or manganese; — the phos-
phoric acid parting from the ammonia, and uniting
■with one of these bases. And since all soils contain
at least one of these substances, and the phosphates
influence plants mainly by means of the phosphoric
acid tliey contain, it makes very little difference whe-
tiier we employ phosphate of lime or phosphate of
ammonia, as manure; for, though phosphate of lime
bo insoluble in water, it is soluble in humic acid,
■whjch is found in all cultivated soils.

Another combination interesting to the farmer, is
that of hydrogen with chlorine, forming hydrochloric
or muriatic acid. This acid is procured by pouring
dilute sulphuric acid on commBn salt, in a retort
Mid collecting the gas evolved, in the pneumatic
trough over mercury. Muriatic acid in combination
■with soda forms common salt. It has all the proper-
ties of an acid, yet but slightly promotes vegetation,
because plants in general require ver}' little chlorine.
Pure salt acts on plants only by means of the soda
it contains, and must be applied in smill quantity
only, not to bo injurious.

In conclusion we shall notice the substance termed
Immus. Formerly it was thought that plants grew
and became developed only by absorbing, through
their roots, an aqueous solution of humus, and digest-
ing or assimilating it. Subsequently humus was sub-
jected to a more rigid examination, and was found to
oontain several combinations of oxygen. The first
and more common of these was called humic acid,
and was regarded as the proper pabulum or nutri-
ment of plants. The still more recent investigations
of Liebig, however, have shown that this humic acid
is not destined to enter plants in that form. Ac-
oording to Liebig's views, humus and humic acid
have no direct agency in nourishing plants, but hu-
snus is merely intended to be gradually acted on by

the oxygen of the atmosphere, decomposed and con-
verted into carbonic acid ; which is then absorbed, aa
a gas, by the plants, and decomposed into its ele-
ments, carbon and oxygen. The carbon is appropri-
ated and assimilated by the plants, but the oxygen
is, in the main, again returned into tbe atmosphere.
Humus consists of the remains of pre-existing plants
and animals,deoomposed by putrefaction and dec.ay,but
which hlave not yet become combined with the oxygen
of the atmosphere, nor commenced a new career of cii^
culation as carbonic acid. As many accidental causes
may concur to prevent the perfect decomposition of
these remains in the soil, so also the humus itself
may be more or less decomposable. Some kinds hav«
in a greater or less degree assumed the form and cha-
racter of mineral coal or carbonaceous matter, and
from this cause offer more protracted resistance to th«
action of oxygen, and are besides less soluble in tbis
state than other kinds are. This has been denomi-
nated carbonized humus, and constitutes the principal
portion of the black, friable and turfy soils. Anoth-
er species of humus has become combined with an
acid, acetic acid, for instance, and thus resists furth-
er decomposition. This is the acid humus. On the
contrary, that kind of humus which is readily suscep-
tible of decomposition by oxygen, is called mild hu-
mus, whilst humic acid is that form of humus which
already contains a greater proportion of oxygen,
though still not enough to enable it to assume a
gaseous state as carbonic acid.' Wherever much so-
luble humus exists, there much carbonic acid must b«
formed and plants are supplied plentifully with nu-
triment. Now, since humus has originated from the
decomposition of vegetable and animal remains, and
these do not consist of carbonaceous matter exclusiv®-
ly, but also of hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, phosphor-
us, potash, itc, the source of the efficiency of humui
in supporting vegetable life is sufficiently obvious. —
Superadded to this is the fact, that nearly all those
substances are present in a soluble state, and can
theiefore the more readily be absorbed and assimi-
lated by plants. Another favorable effect of humui
is that it serves to keep the soil loose and porous, thui
enaliling the roots of plants to penetrate it with ease
in all directions, and allowing the oxygen of the at-
mosphere to enter and penetrate it — thus facilitating
decomposition and the preparation of aliment for fu-
ture crops. Yet none of these advantages would re-
sult from even an increased abundance of humus, if
that substance did not possess the property of absorb-
ing a very large amount of moisture from the atmos-
phere, and retaining it; so that a soil containing much
humus, will also retain moisture much longer than
any other. During the decomposition of humus several
kinds of acids may be produced, which, if not suffi-
ciently concentrated, will arrest or retard its thorougjh
decomposition or transformation. When this is the
case the humus becomes acid and unfitted to sup-

1852.]

COMMUNICATION;

331

port Tegetation. Marshy or boggy soils generally
contain much acid humus. The excess of acid in
Uiem may he detected by boiling an ounce or two of
the soil in rain vrater, and dipping litmus paper in
the solution. If this turn red, there is an excess of
add in the soil. Soils rendered infertile by acid hu-
mus, may be reclaimed by a dressing of carbonate
of lime or -wood ashes, which will combine with the
acid and form a neutral salt.

It is, however, not sufficient that the farmer pos-
sess a knowledge of the different substances which
have been enumerated. He must also know which
•f them are most requisite or essential to the growth
of plants; which of them are supplied by the soil,
and which of thera are derived from the atmosphere ;
as also, what means are to be used to furnish plants
aX all times with their necessary aliment. This leads
ns, in tlie next place, to the consideration of the nour-
ishment of plants. Plants develope themselves and
grow by receiving their aliment in part from the soil
and in part from the air. From the soil they receive
•arbonic acid combined with oxyds, and ammonia
eombined with acids, in so far as these salts are solu-
ble in water. With water they receive also those in-
•ombustible substances which are not presented to
them in a gaseous form, but which occur only in the
•oil and being dissolved by water are thus furnished
to the plants — such as silicic acid, potash, soda, mag-
nesia, lime, phosphorus, sulphur, iron and manga-
nese. These substances are taken up partly in com-
bination with carbonic acid, and in part they are
converted into salts by the acids generated in conse-
quence of the excess of oxygen or chlorine. From the
air plants derive oxygen, but chiefly carbonic acid
and ammonia, and the extremely minutely divided
particles or atoms of substances originally not vola-
tile. All these are appropriated and assimilated by
plants according to their natural affinities or propen-
sities, so that one receives more of one particular sub-
stance and another of another. Even the several
parts of the same plant require for their proper de-
velopement more of one substance than of another.
Thus, the stem or stalk of a cereal plant contains
much silicic acid, while a greater proportion of phos-
phorus, or sulphur, or nitrogen is found in the seed
W grain. Other plants again contain more carbon,
or lime, or carbonic acid, or nitrogen, or oxygen, &c.
(ki this difference in the requirements and constitu-
ents of plants is based the theory or system of a
rotation of crops. But there is another chief differ-
ence in the constituent elements of plants to which
TTe must pay attention, and which is of the utmost
importance. If a vegetable be burned, or a plant or
animal die and decay, a portion of its component in-
gredients passes off invisibly into the air in a gaseous
form. These aie those elements of plants and ani-
mals, which originally consisted of gaseous substances
aad which now reserve their original form. These

elements are likewise, in the main, supplied to plants
from the atmosphere; and are, as it were, condensed
or solidified in them, subsequently to resume again
their native gaseous form. These subst.mces are
termed volatile or combustible. But after the incin-
eration or decay of plants or animals, there remain
as ashes, certain other substances which were origi-
nally derived from the soil. These are the non-vola-
tile, indestructible or incombustible substances — th«
earths, the metals, phosphorus, and sulphur, &c. —
These remains are usually called ashes. The rela-
tive quantities of combustible and incombustible mat-
ter which plants contain is always in proportion to
the quantity of aliment derived by them from the at-
mosphere or the soil respectively. To the farmer th«
indestructible or incombustible elements of plants
are the more important, because the gaseous elements
can be, and in most instances are supplied by the at-
mosphere. Plants cannot themselves produce those
elements, but must find them already prepared for
their use, if they are to thrive vigorously. Now the
preparation of these necessary alimentary substances
is almost constantly going on in the soil and in ths
air ; and the farmer has for the most part only to taks
measures that the requisite quantities are supplied to
the crops in due season. Ho must also know which
and how much of the several substances they need,
because otherwise he may make a wasteful or inju-
rious application of his materials. Furthermore, ths
difference between the amount of combustible and in-
combustible matters contained by a plant deserves to
be noted. As but a small proportional quantity of
ashes remains after incineration, it is manifest that
plants require for their growth a much larger quan-
tity of gaseous or jeriform, tlian of solid substances.
Nor is the fact unimportant, practically, that plants,
in order to thrive, require that the alimentary Bub-
stances they need should be present or be presented
in certain relative quantities. An excess of one in
proportion to another may frequently arrest growth
and developement altogether. The incombustibl*
elements are more apt to be present in excess than
the other, because a very small quantity of them is
usually needed, and an over-supply may consequent-
ly the more readily occur; and if one of these sub-
stances be much more soluble than the rest, it may
easily cause the destruction of the plants. But it not
unfrequently happens, also, that there is an entire
absence or want of some particular substance; which
must then be supplied, unless, as is sometimes ths
case, the plants have it in their power to substituta
other substances in lieu of it. It is likewise an as-
certained fact that different ;lants possess in very dif-
ferent degrees the power of assimilating nutriment;
and this difference is found to obtain even in different
varieties of the same species of plants. It probably
results from or depends on the greater or smaller ds-
"■ree of vegetative power with which each particular

332

COMMUNICATIONS.

[February,

plant is naturally endowed. The farmer may turn
this fact to account, by cultivating plants possessing
the higher degree of vegetative power, in soils which
do not part with their nutritious matters as readily
aa others ; while his richer soils are allotted to those
plants which possess a more feeble vegetative power.

For the Farm Journal.
Agricultural Education—Change of Seed, &c,
Mr. Editor : — Permit me to congratulate you upon
the indications that the Fai-ni Jovrnal is about to be-
come the " hand-book" of Pennsylvania farmers. To
give the most profitable effect to agricultural essays
they should be made up of thought, observation and
experience gathered in the midst of their readers. —
Foreign facts are always more or less weakened in
their influences, by the suspicion, at least, that they
are surrounded by untold or unexplained circum-
stances. With regard to this peculiar subject, there
is reason, then, why a farmer should read the produc-
tions which emanate from kindred thought and ac-
tion. Zealots in agriculture could not fail to be
pleased with the practical character of your January
number. " The importance of Agricultural Educa-
cation," which graces its first pages, I trust may
make its impression upon many readers. If the
farmer, unlearned himself, would but be convinced,
how much pleasure and happiness he has it in his
power to bestow upon the whole future life of his
children ; — if he would but believe that his heavy
hand is constantly pressing upon the germ of intel-
lect, buried in the mind of his own ofispring, which
only wants an opportunity and his aid to enable it to
spring into liberty, and light, and life ; — if he would,
in his imagination, but follow his untaught boy as
he follows the plow, and through the medium of his
unenlightened countenance enquire the subject of his
thought, and find it to be but a single grade above
that of the animal he drives ; if his heart did not
gink within him it would bo because he had no heart
for grief. But if, on the contrary, he found there a
countenance brightened by it: own thought — a pur-
suit of labor made easy by the intellectual hope that
that his observations and discoveries were adding
something to the stock of knowledge — if when sur-
rounding the evening fire, he had the advantage ef a
mind which constantly recurred to its own resources,
which brought home its own reflections upon its own
observations, that was always adding something new
to the ear of a willing hearer, there would be a plea-
sure in this which may be better imagined than de-
scribed. And this is " the importance of Agricultu-
ral Education."

In my practical' operations on the farm, I have
made it a rule to doubt all dogmas. That theory for
which no reason has been assigned, and none can be
imagined, should be suspected, at least. The article
" on change of Seed" deserves attention, the more so
b cause it is from the pen of one so able to bring the

light of philosophy to the aid of practical experience-
It has become almost a self-evident truth, with farm-
ers, that seed should be changed, but with us the
change is* not only of the seed, but from sandy or
slate land to limestone land ; and vice versa. It is
not to be denied that profitable results have been at-
tained by this change ; the experience of very many
attest the fact. " My observation is decidedly against
it." And in my judgment, the exper'enje of others
on this point is found in the fact, that he who goes
from home after seed, goes after (jeod seed, better
than Ilia own. But if there be any thing true in nature,
it is, " none but the best and most perfect should be
used for the re-production of its kind." How pro-
cure it? To prepare fifty bushels of seed, takeseventy
five, and blow it down to the required quantity, then
wash it in water made slightly salt, partially dry it,
and to make it feed regularly in the drill, mix a little
plaster-paris with it and run it fast through the rol-
ling screen. The product of seed, thuSj prepared will
afford your neighbors additional proof of the advan-
tage of going abroad after good seed. The difierence
will be as great as the effect of fcod upon a well-
groomed horse, and one never touched by a brush or
curry-comb. But it is said " this takes so much
trouble and labor," — so it does, and we rejoin : — -it is
labor most profitably spent.

In reply to a query put by the writer, I reply that
it is never deemed judicious to sow old seed when
you have new wheat of good quality. Old wheat
does not exhibit the evidence of want of vitality. It
may have been heated, and its germinating power
thereby destroyed, and this the eye cannot discover.
But new wheat, prepared as I have suggested, never
wants vitality, and is ready to spring into life as soon
as committed to the soil.

Elton's " Small Potatoes vs. Large Potatoes for
seed," is another illustration of the value of good
seed ; and it would have been just as forcible with-
out the reason that small potatoes are sometimes of
the second growth.

In the article on " Wheat Culture" your composi-
tor has made me to say that wheat may be sowed at
any time " before" the first of September — instead
of after that period. Feed'k. Watts.

Carlisle, 24<^ January, 1852.

For the Farm Journal.
Practical Experience — Protectiou for Trees
against Mice.

Mr. Editor: — Bear Sir — I have received your
•Journal from its commencement. I also receive sev-
eral of the leading Agricultural Publications of the
country, and I think the " Farm .Journal" is behind
none in Practical and Scientific instruction. If eve-
cry cultivator of the soil in the State of Pennsylva-
nia would subscribe for your .Journal, and then read
and follow its teachings as far as they may be appli-
cable to their particular situations, not being afraid

1852]

COMMUNICATIONS.

333

of that hug-hear called Book-farm imj, but willing to
learn from the Practical experience of others, even
if it should be found recorded in a Book — I am con-
fident they could not expend a dollar to better ad-
vantage.

If each of your readers would furnish you a page
of their experience, from time to time, in the man-
agement of their farms, stock, &c., I am sure it
would assist you very much in your efforts to furnish
them a useful and interesting Journal, As making
a beginning, I have a mind to give you my methed
of protecting fruit trees from being girdled by mice,
Some of your readers that may be so fortunate as not
to be troubled with them, may think it a small sub-
ject to write about, but I can assure you that in this
part of the country, they are not to be overlooked. If
they were, in the spring we would discover that the
mice had not overlooked our Apple-trees.

I procure sheet lead, the lining of old tea chests,
cut in strips of from ten to fifteen inches in length,
and of a width to just go around the tree, lapping it
an inch or two, securing it with a bit of twine. I have
found effectual.

Last winter I had my trees banked up as usual,
but a heavy fall of snow occurring, I was fearful the
mice might be at work at my young trees. Three or
four days after, as soon as the weather cleared up I
gent my man to examine the trees in a young orchard
of fifty trees. He found seven quite badly barked.
We then procured some lead and had it put on, which
prevented further loss.

As to the expeuses, twenty-five cents will buy lead

enough for fifty trees, and the trouble cannot be

more than to bank them. Jlr. Editor, it you think

this way will be new to any of your subscribers, you

can tell them of it. There is, undoubtedly other ways

of securing the same object, which may be equally

good ; but in one case I heard of the experiment of

coating the tree with tar, which proved very injurious.

Yours truly, H.

Fort Plain, Kew York.

Pruning Trees.

SELECTED AND ALTERED BY R. BTJIST, JR.

At this leisure season of the year when the farmer
has time to look over his grounds and trees it may
be asked what is pruning ? This is a question which
has been little attended to. There are two opera-
tions on trees, very difierent in their principles and
results, both of which usually pass under that name.
The most common, which may more properly be
termed " lopping," is the rude practice of cutting off
branches large and small indiscriminately, to in-
crease the length of the stem, or as is supposed the
growth of the tree; the other, which is properly "pru-
ning," is the stopping or shortening gradually by
guccessive annual amputations, such branches as are
tending unduly to enlarge themselves, and, by divert-
ing the sap from the proper central leading stem, to

form a spreading and unsightly head. This is an
operation which, if commenced at an early period of
its growth, and completed before the age of ten years,
cannot be injurious to the tree or derange its econo-
my, like that of suddenly depriving it of large
branches in a state of luxuriant growth. Some of
the branches of two inches in diameter and under,
treated in this manner, may be destined to lie even-
tually removed when the flow of sap to them has
been sufficiently deadened, and the stem of the tree
sufficiently enlarged to render the wound relatively
small. But in by far the greater number, probably
nineteen in twenty, the branches, when sufficienily
shortened by a clean diagonal or slanting cut, at a
properly placed leading twig, is left to cicatrise and
remain permanent. This operation is particularly
suited to boundary, avenue or street trees, where ele-
vated heads and clean elongated stem are important;
but may be occasionally useful in park trees, to stop
an ambitious or unruly limb. If pruning be begun,
however, as it ought to be, in the nursery, and the
main growth of the plant directed to the central stem,
the after pruning of trees will be rarely and sparing-
ly required. The best season for pruning, I conceive
to be between September and the end of February,
when the sap having been elaborated in the leaves is
beginning to descend and be distributed for the ma-
terial of next year's growth ; and when the vital econo-
my of the plant will not be deranged by the operation.
The results of pruring performed on this plan wiU
be found very satisfactory, and the most un)iromising
and unsightly heads gradually brought in a few
years in a symmetrical form, without any perceptible
checks to the luxuriant growth of the tree. When
the wound is one inch or more in diameter, a little
hot tar, gum shellac or oil paint laid on with a brush,
will prevent the growth of moss or fungus until
closed. No doubt the new wood formed over the
wound does not unite with it ; but this is of little
consequence when the wound is small, and in avenue
or park trees, cultivated rather for ornament than for
timber; and I think the operation performed on the
above system will not deserve the hard terms in
which "pruning trees" is sometimes spoken of. It is
proper to state that different trees require different
degrees of pruning. The poplar and maple may be
pruned pretty freely witliout injury ; next to these
the linden and the ash, whilst the horse chestnut, the
elm and sycamore, require milder treatment ; the am-
putation of the two or three last annual sliouts of a
branch will sensibly check its growth. The birch
bears pruning least of any, and should rarely be
touched. In fruit trees we deprecate the idea of be-
ing armed with the axe and the handsaw; all the re-
quisite implements is one of Buisfs best pruning
knives, with which the apple and the pear, the peach
and the cherry can be kept in perfet: Hearing order.
The plum and the quince should be , ,iaringly dealt
with, unless to shorten exuberant shi s.

334

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[February.

^Qiicultural Soricttcs.

Pennsylvauia State Agricultural Society.

TuESDAV, January 20, 1852.

In accordance with the fourth section of the Consti-
tution of the Pennsylvania Staie Agricultural Socie-
ty, the said Society met in the Hall of the House of
llepreseutatives, more than fifteen members being
present.

The President being absent, the meeting was or-
ganized by Vice President A. 0. Hiester being called
to the chair.

On motion of David Mumma, Jr., it was

Resolved, That when this meeting adjourns, it ad-
journ to meet in the same place this evening.

Adjourned.

EVENING SESSION.

On motion of A. JI. Spangler, the Hon. A. 0. Hies-
ter was called to the chair.

On taking his seat Judge Hiester remarked — the
meeting was called in obedience to the 4th Section of
the 1st Article of the Constitution, and read from the
Constitution the clause which requires the members
of the Society to meet at Harrisbui-g, on the 3d Tues-
day of J.anuary in each year, to elect officers of the
Society for the ensuing year. He said they did not
meet at this time to make or hear speeches, but to
transact business — and yet he must ask the indul-
gence of tiic Society for a few moments, th.at he might
congratulate them on the favorable auspices under
which they met. But one year ago they had assem.
bled at this place tov the purpose of organizing a
State Society. They have accomplished "the object
most harmoniously — they were fortunate in selecting
officers, competent, and with the requisite zeal to at-
tend to the duties assigned them. The first exhibition
had been held. It exceeded far the most extravagant
expectations of the most enthusiastic friends of the pro-
ject, in the gtnerai interest it excited — the largo attend-
•ace of farmers, the grand grand display of agricultu-
ral products, implements and stock, and they found
themselves now with all the expenses paid, and sev-
eral thousand dollars in the treasury. He closed his
remarks by saying that the Convention a year ago
had been harmonious, and the choice of officers good,
lie trusted they would be equally conciliatory and
•qually fortunate to-night.

On motion of David Mumma, Jr., it was

Resolced, That when this meeting adjoui-ns it ad-
jottrn to meet in this place to morrow afternoon, at
3 o'clock.

On motion, the Treasurer's report was read and
adopted.

TREASUKER S ACCOUNT.

•—To Cash of R. C. Walker, initia-
tory fees, <
— Cash paid by members this mo.,

1851.
Peb'y.

April

May

Sept. '• " " "

Oofc " "

" " for tickets at the fair,

and admission foes of member-
ship during the same,
KoT. 19 — " D. Ralston, (Indiana,)

D. G. McKinley, membership
subscription paid him.

DR.

S 100 00

4 00

11 00

20 00

4593 29
1 00

$4813 29

1851.

April — By bill of J. Clyde, for a 0 quire
blank book for Treasurer, and
postage paid within the year.
By various payments made appertaining to
the exhibition of the Society, for which
see following vouchers :
List, termed T. Elder, Jr., Police, &c.,

Danl. Wilt,
Allowance to T. Elder, Chief of Police,
Paym't to Wilson & Morgan, per T. Elder, jr.
by Daniel Wilt, work, hauling, &c
to Walters & Oaks, Clerk hire,
'■ ISIorris & Sawyer, police & watchmen,
" S. II. Brooks, telegraphic despatches,
" J. P. Rutherford, horses and hands,
" Forster, Funk & Colder, clerk hire,
" McKinley, Bigler & Wilt, hauling,
" David Ilummell, rent of ground,
" Geo. Hummell, straw, hay & hauling.
" A. 0. Hiester, hay, &c. paid by him,
" E. C. Williams, for use of tents,
" F. L. Hutter, Stationery, &c.,
" J. A. Shannon, police,
" C. MeCurdy, printing,
" J. J. Clyde,
" D. T. Wilson, watering stock,

McKinley, Bigler & Wilt, lumber,
fencing, &c.
" W. Colder, Sr., hauling,
" Daniel Wilt, chief of fair ground,

C. S. Funk, clerk,
" J. M. Forster & J. Colder, clerks in

ticket office,
" C. C.MuUin, expenses forpreparing

and cleaning House of Repre's.
" G. Bergner, freight on certificates,
" W. Colder, Jr., livery and hauling,

G. B. Laird, clerk,
" J. Lescure, clerk,

Dr. Reilly,
" Philip Hoak, horses and hands,
" McKinley & Lescure, printing, &o.,
" Lescure & Laird, clerk ng,
" A. J. Jones, postage,
" Premiums awarded at exliibition.

Balance in Treasury,

$4813 29
Appropriation by the State, unpaid for

want of funds, §2000

Guarantee of Messrs. Coverly, Buehler, &c. 1200

Robert C. Walker, Secretary of the Society, sub-
mitted the following report, which was adopted:
To llie members of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural

Society.

Gentlemen — In laying before you a report for tb«
first year's proceedings ef the Pennsylvania Stata
Agricultural Society, I am pleased to say that, in-
stead of only having to record the proceedings of a
few nominal meetings of a few theorists, met for tha
purpose of figuring upon paper what can only be ae-
complished by the practical working of the bona fid*
farmers, I have registered the doings of a society
whose members compose two thousand and ninety of
the farmers, mechanics and artizans of Pennsylvania.
Only a year has elapsed since the organization of thi»
association, and we are now about to enter upon the
second of its operations. What was considered a
problem by many at its commencement, namely,
whether the proper elements existed in our Stata t«

CR.

$ 3 20

221 71 i

GG 05

50 00

13 50

427 52-}

GO 00

, 18 00

1 73

3 00

45 00

27 00

150 00

38 10

71 31

333 00

58 45

5 25

7 (»

7 m

30 00

865 25

SO 00

75 00

20 00

25 00

' 21 00

37 00

30 00

60 00

55 43

8 00

, 279 40

100 00

34 86

9;»3 00

§4277 87

535 42

1852.J

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

335

build up and carry forward, with success, an agricul-
tural society, has been solved, and our institution, al-
though in its infancy, has taken an honorable rank
among the kindred associations of the world. In ac-
oordance with the prayers of the memorialists of a
convention, held in Ilarrisburg, on the 21st and -'Id
days of January last, the Legislature of this State
has, by its act, approved the 29th day of March,
1851, incorporated the Pennsylvania State Agricultu-
ral Society, the provisions of which are herewith pre-
sented.—t^SO, Pamphlet Laics, 1851.

Thus has the Legislature of Pennsylvania, with a,
liberality characteristic of the State, appropriated di
reotly to the ase of said society, two thousand dollars,
with a like amount annually hereafter to that paid
in by its members, provided such sum does not ex-
ceed two thousand in any one year. Not only has
our Legislature rendered ef&cient aid in the great
cause of agriculture by appropriating money to our
State Society, but by the provisions of our act of in-
corporation it authorizes the treasurer of every coun-
ty in the Commonwealth to pay the sum of one hun-
dred dollars to a c unty society, to be disbursed for
the promotion of agricultural knowledge and im-
provement. From the fact that over two thousand
persons have already become members of this associ-
ation, we have reason to believe that our annual ap-
propriation from this time forward will not be dimin-
ished.

There have been twelve meetings of the Executive
Committee and one of the Society, since the adoption
of the Constitution, each of which disposed of a pro-
portionate amount of business required in making
preparations for the Annual Exhibition. At a meet-
ing of the Executive Committee, held in Ilarrisburg,
CQ Thursday, the 27th day of February last, it was
EesoJi-cfl, ' That Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,
the 22d, 2.3d and 24th days of October, 1851, be fixed
as the time for holding the first Annual Exhibition
of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society.

At a special meeting, held in Ilarrisburg, on Sep-
tember Idth, 1851, pursuant to a call of the President,
the following preamble and resolution were unani-
mously adopted ;

Whereas, It has accidentally happened that the
Pafinsylvania State Agricultural Society, and the
Maryland State Agricultural Society have fixed the
game days for their Annual Exhiljitii>n, which may
operate unfavorably to both,and as our Society desires
to reciprocate facilities with, and promote the success
of all other societies that have for their olyect the
improvement of agriculture and the mechanic arts ;
Therefore

Resoh-ed, That the time heretofore fixed for the Ex-
hibition of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Soci-
ety, be and the same is hereby changed and fixed to
be upon the 20th, 30th and .jlst days of Octolier, '51.
It was Uesoh-ed, That A. 0. Iliester, Geo. 11. Buch-
er. Dr. Luther Riley, David Mumma, jr., and Isaac
Cr. M'Kinley. Ije a committee of arrangement, whose
duty it shall be definitely to act upon all subjects per-
taining to the first i\jinual Exhibition ; and that they
•hall have power to employ such aid and assistance
as necessity shall require.

A committee consisting of Frederick Watts, John
C, M'Allister, A. O. Hiester and Isaac Updegrove,
were appointed to visit the annual exhibition of the
New York State Agricultural Society.

A committee consisting of Isaac G. JIcKinley, D.a-

Tid Mumma, Jr., Joseph Lescuro and Geo. II. Buch-

er, was also appointed to attend the annual exhibition

of the Maryland Sta*e Agricultural Society.

A committee was also appointed to invite the offi-

cers of other Agricultural Societies, and distinguished
gentlemen of this and other States, to bo present and
participate in the ceremonies of ourannu-'l exhibition.
The committee appointed to select and invite a
suitable person to deliver the annual address at the
Agricultural Exhibition, selected the Hon. Andrsw
Stevenson, of Virginia, who in accordance with tha
invitation extended, was promptly on thi; ground arul
contributed gvcatly, by his excellent address, to the
edification of afi-^ho had the pleasure of hearing
him, and did lasting service to the cause he so ably
advocated.

The address was published by the Society in pamph-
let form, and one copy sent to each of its members.

It was resolved by the Executive Committee tha.»
we deem the establishment and success of an Agri-
cultural Journal, published in Pennsylvania, as es-
sentia! to the proper exposition of tho principles of
agriculture as practised in this State: and that we
approve of the Pennsylvania Farm Journal, publishr
ed at the city of Lancaster, by A. JI. Spangler, and
edited by S. S. Haldeman.

That for the present it be adopted at the organ of
the State Society, and that farmers and all others in-
terested in the subject of agriculture, be advised to
patronize it and contributeinformation to its columns.
It was also resolved that the proceedings of this
meeting be published in the American Farmer an
Agricultural Journal, pulilished in the German lan-
guage, in Harrisburg, by J. M. Beck, and that this
periodical be recommended to the patronage of th«
German farmers of Pennsylvania. _ .

A resolution was passed asking the different Coun-
ty Agricultural Societies of this State to inform thii
Society of their existence. This resolution was pub-
lished in the newspapers, but as yet no such society
has furnished the desired information.

Suitable books have been procured in which havo
been transcribed the Constitution, and act of incor-
poration of this society; also books in which has
been made an alphabetical arrangement of the name*
of its members with their residence and post office.

Certificates of annual membership have been pro-
cured and issued to nearly every member of tlie so-
ciety ; also certificates of life memljcrship, ncme of
which, however, have been issued, probably in conse-
quence of the fee for life membership being fixed at
too high a price.

A box of minerals and soil has been presented to
the society for analyzation, by II. P. Robinson, of
Berks county.

In consequence of the Maryland State Agricultu-
ral Society having decided to hold its exhiljition on
the 22d, 23d and 24th days of October last, our firs*
annual exhibition was not hold until the three last
days of October, 1851. Although held too late in
the season for the presentation of many fruits and
vegetables, and at a time when good weather could
hardly be expected, the display of articles, animal*
and stock of all kinds was far greater than the most
sanguine anticipators had reason to expect.

During the three days of the exhibition it is thought
that more than twenty thousand persons were in at-
tendance. The ground chosen by the committee of
arrangement, upon which to hold the fair, was pecu-
liar in its adaptation to the purpose, and was located
about a mile above Ilarrisburg, on the eastern sids
of the Susquehanna, embracing nearly fifteen acrea
which was substantially enclosed by a fence ten feet
high.

On the side of the entrance was the office of tha
treasurer, and on the other that of the secretary. —
In the latter, all articles for exhibition were entered

336

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

[Ffiieuary,

in books properly arranged and classified, and a card
given to (he exhibitor, with the number, name and
description of the article, owner ami inventor. All
articles for exhibition were hauled by the society to
and from the railroad depot, without charge to the
exhibitor.

Mori! than a hundred covered sheds were erected
inside the enclosure, for horses and cattle, with many
others put up for sheep, hogs, &c., and for holding
hay anil feed.

Large rings were constructed at a convenient dis-
tance from the stalls used for the exhibition of horses
and cattle.

Long houses were neatly built and partitioned off
for poultry, which were filled witli almost every va-
riety of the feathered domestics.

The " mammoth tents" of Wilson, that were used
at the Ptochester fair, wore pitched here and there
through the ground, in which were exhibited the
lighter articles of usefulness, specimens of the fine
arts, the handiwork of the ladies, the luxuries of the
(arm, the mechanic arts and inventions, and improve-
ments in endless variety.

The agricultural implements and the coarser arti-
cles of household arts were assigned extensive plats
of ground in several parts of the enclosure, and were
exhibitod to great advantage. An adjoining field of
ton acres was used for the plowing match, and twen-
ty-one plows were entered and contested for the pre-
miums.

Juiiges on fourteen committees were appointed,
who aivarded premiums to the amount of one thou-
sand dollars.

On motion of .John P. Rutherford, the Secretary
was ordered to have printed, for the use of the socie-
ty, three thousand copies of the proceedings of this
meeting ; adopted.

On motion of Philip Dougherty, it was

Besolrcd, That the Recording Secretary of this
society bo authorized to procure, for the use of the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society, a room
which will answer for the meetings of the Executive
Committee, and for an office for books, library, &c.;
adopted.

On motion a committee consisting of W. A. Stokes,
James Fiffe, Wm. Bell, Jer. Black and Morris Leech,
was apjiointed Ijy the chair to consider and report on
the exjiodicncy of liolding a fair in the western part
of the State, and that they add to their report .such
suggestions of detail on this subject as they may see
fit, and report to the Executive Committee; which
was adopted.

On motion if .John P. Rutherford, it was

Scxnhrd, That the President and Secretary of this
society be appointed a committee to memorialize Con-
gress, on liohalf of the Pennsylvania State Agricul-
tural Society, for the establishment of an agricultural
Bureau: adopted.

On motion, a committee consisting of Andrew M.
Spangler, Isaac (i. McKinley and Thco. Fenn, was
appointed for the purpose of inquiring into the ex-
pediency of memorializing the Legislature relative
to the appointmenr of a State Agricultural Chemist;
said committee to report to this society on to-morrow
afternoon.

The following preamble and resolutions were offered
by David Mumma, Jr.: which were adopted:

Wiii;i!KAS, The President of the United States hag,
in his last and previous annual messages, recommend-
ed to Congress the establishment of an Agricultural
Bureau : And whereas. This society agreeing fully
with the views expressed by the President, upon this
important subject, inurging its-importance upon Con-

gress, in which he briefly, yet so ably urges the im-
portance of the subject: therefore, in expressing the
views of the society, we adopt his own language : —
" Agriculture may justly be regarded as the groat
interest of our people. Four-fifths of our active pop-
ulation are employed in the cultivation of the soil,
and the rapid expansion of our settlements over new
territory is daily adding to the number of those en-
gaged in that vocation. Justice and sound policy,
therefore, alike require that the Government should
use all the means authorized by the Constitution, to
promote the interests and welfare of that important
class of our fellow citizens. And yet it is a singular
fact that whilst the manufactur ng and commercial
interests have engaged the attention of Congress du-
ring a large portion of every session, and our statutes
abound in provisions for their protection and encour-
agement, little has yet been done directly for the ad-
vancement of agriculture. It is true, that this re-
proach to our legislation should be removed, and I
sincerely hope that the present Congress will not
close their labors without adopting sufBcient means
to supply the omission of those who preceded them.

" An Agricultural Bureau, charged with the duty
of collecting and disseminating correct information
as to the best mode of cultivation, and of the most
eflicient means of prescrnng and restoring the fertil-
ity of the soil, and of procuring and distributing
seeds and plants, and other vegetable productions,
with instructions in regard to the soil, climate and
treatment best adapted to their growth, could not fail
to be, in the language of Washington, in his annual
message to Congress, "a very cheap instrument of im-
mense national benefit," therefore

Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives
in Congress are hereby requested to use their utmost
endeavors to carry out the recommendations of the
President upon this subject. That the Secretary is
hereby instructed to furnish each of our Senators and
Representatives in Congress with a copy of the above
preamble and resolutions.

A preamble and resolutions submitted by D. 3Ium-
ma, .Jr., relative to a National Convention of agricul-
turists from the several States of the Union, was, on
motion, laid on the table until to-morrow.

On motion, it was

Resolred, That this society proceed to the election
of its officers on to-morrow afternoon, at .3 o'clock.

On motion, David Mumma and W. A. Stokes
were appointed to ast as tellers of the election for
officers.

On motion, it was

Resolved. That all the officers to be elected should
be voted for on one ticket.

On motion, the Secretary was ordered to have hand-
bills printed and posted, announcing the meeting to-
morrow at 3 o'clock. Adjourned.

WEnNESDAT, 2 o'clock, p. M.

On motion of A. 0. Illester, W. A. Stokes, Esq.,
was called to the chair.

On motion of David Mumma, Esq., the nomination
for officers was re-opened, and moved the nomination
of J. JI. Beck, of Ilarrisburg, for Recording Secre-
tary, when the nominations wore closed.

The preamble and resolutions offered by D. Mum-
ma, .Jr., rel.ative to the establishment of a National
Agricultural Society, Avere taken up, and, on motion,
were postponed for the present.

On motion of I. G. McKinley, it was

Resolved, That the fiscal year of this society shall
hereafter end on the first Wednesday after the third
Tuesday of January.

isr.2.1

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

337

On motion of David Mumraa, Jr., the Sccrntary
was oriiered to have printed with the proceedings,
the eonstilutiou and aet of incorporation of this so-
ciety.

The committee to inquire into the expediency of
memorializing the present Legishiture in relation to
the appointment of a State Agricultural Chemist, beg
leave to r( port, that, after consultation, they unani-
mously recommend to this society the selection of a
committee, whose duty it shall be to draft a memorial
to the present Legislature, asking the appointment of
a State Agricuhural Chemist. It is not considered
necessary to enter into a labored argument to prove
the necessity of such a step, it being deemed suflicient
merely to advert to the fact that wlierever a State
Chemist has been appointed, the very best results
have followed. [Signed.]

A. M. SPANGLER,
THEO. FEXN,
L 0. MoKINLEY,
JAS. FIFFE,
PHILIP DOUGHERTY.

On motion of Gen. William Ayres, it was

Besolved, That the thanks of the Pennsylvania
State Agricultural Society be tendered to the mem-
ber.s of the House of Representatives for their kind-
ness in giving to this Society the use of their hall.

On motion of A. 0. Hiester, it was

Rcsolrcil, That, as a society, we approve of the
tone, spirit and ability with which our organ, the
Farm Journal, has been conducted during the past
year, and that we cordially recammend every member
of the society not only to subscribe for it himself, but
to use his influence to extend its circulation among
his neighbors.

On motion of David Mumma, Jr., it was

Resolved, Thai the AmericaniscberBauer.printed at
Harrisliurg, in the German language, by J. M. Beck,
is well worthy of the patronage of our German farm-
ers, and that we cordially recommend it to our German
population as a valuable and interesting periodical.

\Vm. A. Stokes who had been appointed one of the
tellers, being in the chair, on motion, F. C. Carson
and James L. Roily were appointed as tellfirs to hold
the election of officers.

The Chairm.an announced that the hour having ar-
rived for opei.ing the election, the members proceeded
to elect their officers, when one hundred and thirty
votes were polled, and the following officers were se-
lected for the ensuing year:

P/-«s((7«n<— FREDERICK AVATTS.
Vice Prnsidenis,

1st Congressional District — Peleg B. Savcry.

2d " Jos. R. Ingcrsoll.

3d " Caleb Cope.

4th " Jas. Gowen.

5th " John Kennedy.

Cth " William tjtavidy.

7th " Ab. R. M'lhaine.

8th " Jacob Frantji.

9th " Henry Shubert.

lOth " Conrad .Shinier.

11th " Jacob Drumheller.

12th " AVilliam Jessup.

13th " Jacob Gundy.

14th " A. (J. Hiester.

15th " J. S. Ilaldeman.

16th " Finlaw M'Cown.

17th " Jno. M'Williams.

18th " Henry Beeson.

19th " Wm."A. Stokes.

20th " TVm. Patterson.

21st Congressional District

22d

23d

24th

-Hiram Hultz.
BIjrris Leech.
James Miles.
David Ralston.

CorresjmnJhir/ Sccrdarij — Alfred L. Elwyn.

Recording Sen-etary — Robert C. Walker.

Treasurer — G. II. IJucher.

Librarian — Luther Reilly.

Chemist — Charles B. Trego.

Executive Committee — I. G. M'Kinley, David Mum-
ma, Jr., Robert M'Allister, Jolm B. Rutherford and
Simon ('ameron.

The following preamble and resolutions were taken
up and adopted :

Whereas, It is now an admitted fact that in no
way can a nation increase in wealth and power so
fast, as by encouraging and securing a rapid improve-
ment in the science of agriculture. All admit, that
whilst manufactures improve, commerce gi\es value,
and labor and capital stimulate, it is agriculture alone
that originates : the earth is the parent of them all —
all equally derive their origin from the cultivation of
the earth, and all must be equally dependent upon it
for subsistance. Regarding it then as the basis of
all other arts, it justly clainjs pre-eminence over all
others ; and such is tiie connection with all the com-
forts of the human race, that it may .justly be said
that agriculture is the only firm and stable foundation
of national greatness. And the various State socie-
ties have already demonstrated the fact that in no
way can this great and valuable science be so sul>
stantially and rapidly improved, as by organized and
concerted action, and it is therefore a seli-evidentfact
that the formation of a National Agricultural Society
is at this time a matter of great moment and impor-
tance; therefore, lor the purpose of forming such so-
ciety, be it

Resolred, That we recommend the calling of a con-
vention of agricult'.irists of the United States, to meet
at the city of Washington at such time as may be
fixed upon, as SOI .is i J is ascertained that a sufficient
numlier of Sta*.l gl this Union have approved of the
plan to warrai e] ■! undertaking.

ReJioh-ed, T.- •?.■ *)iis society will elect one delegate
from each Congressional district of the State, who
shall be a memlier of tliis society, to represent this
society in said proposed national convention.

Resolved, That this society expects and earnestiv
requests the co-operation of every State in tl'.e Union
in this matter.

Resolved. That all State! or State .societies willing
to co-operate v;ith us in this laudable enterprise, are
requested tt> inform the President of this society of
such fiict: and so soon as five States have so signified
their willingness to act in the matter, then the Presi-
dent of this society shall immediately after .ascr^rtain-
ing, (by corresponding with the several State socie-
ties upon the subject.) the most suitable time for
calling such convention, fix on a time for the meeting
of said convention, of which he shall give notice in
as many papers as may be necessary.

Resolved, That the Secretary of this society shall
forward a copy of this preamble and resolutions to
the President or Secretary of every State Agricultu-
ral society in the United States ; and also furnish ,■»
copy to the National Intelligencer and W.ashington
Union, for publication. Adjourned.

EVENING SESSION.
On motion of George II. Bucher, the Constitution
was amended, in the second section, liy a unanimous
vote, BO as to rtad " quarterly" instead of "monthly,"

838

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

[Febrdaky, ,

and at any other time Tvhen convened by the Presi-
dent.

On motion of George 11. Bucher, the Constitution
•was amended in tlie iirst section so as to read "ten"
instead of "twenty."

A motion was made by John Bcale to alter the
second section of tlio Constitution, by striking out the
words " three-fourths of whom sliall he practical agri-
culturists or horticulturists." Lost.

On motion of A. M, Span gl or, a vote of thanks
was given to F. C. Carson and James L. E,eily, for
tlieir services as tellers.

On motion ot W. A. Stokes, it was

liesolveil, That the Executive Committee be recom-
mended, if they deem it expedient, alter hearing the
report of the Coramittoe eliarged to inquire on this
subject, to make arrangements for holding a fair and
exhibition next autumn, in the western part of the
State. Adjourned si/ie die.

R. C. WALKER, Secretary.

IlARRisBrRG, Jan. 24, 1852.
A. M. Spanglek, Esq.

I hand you herewith Dr. Brincklc's "Remarks on
Entomology" for publication in the Farm Journal. —
One word of explanation.

Dr. Brinckle was called on by the Agricultural
Convention last winter to prepare an article on this
subject. In December last the Dr. placed the article
in my hands in Philadelphia, with a request on his
part and a promise on mine that it should be laid be-
fore the Society, I urged the Dr. to come to Harris-
burg and read it himself, but this he peremptorily
declined, and expecting at that time to be present at
the annual meeting, 1 received it from him for the
purpose of submitting it to the Society. But the
snow banks delayed my arrival here till after the So-
ciety had held its meeting and finally adjourned. I
then consulted the officers of tlie Society whom 1
iound here as to the disposition to be made of the es-
say, and 'oy their advice I place it in your hands for
publication and accompany it with this note of ex-
planation, as due, not only to the Sofdety, but to the
Very truly you;)( .'iend,

(•to. '' l". Woodw.vkd.

learned author.

REMARKS ON ENTO.MOtOGY

Chief 1/ ill reference to an Ayruulliiral benefit.

liY Vf. D. BRINCKLE, M. D.

In compliance more with the spirit than with the
letter of a resolution passed liy the Pi-nnsylvania State
A'n-icultural Convention held at llarrisburg, in .Jan-
uai'y, 1851, I present, at this time, for your consider-
ation, some remarks on ENTOMOLoiiV. Had, however,
a copy of the resolution reicrred to, reached me prior
to the adjournment of the Conveiuion, the prolferred
honor would have been respectfully declined, and the
name of a gentleman* suggested, who is infinitely
more competent to the task than myself, and whose
entomological fame has passed lieyond the confines of
our own State and our own country. And sliould an
Entomologist be required to draw up a I'vport on the
voxioiis ('«.s'i i.'/.v of I'tnnsjjlvania, no one more amply
([ualified could be selected.

Ento.moi.ogv is that branchof Zoology which treats
of Insects. The term has its origin in two Greek
•words fr-fojitoii 7.oyos, literally signifying insect — his-
tory. This department of Natural Science exercises
an" important agency in the economy of the physical
world, and is intimately connected with the welfare
and happiness of our race. To enter fully into its

consideration, would require volumes instead of th«
few pages to which we are now restricted. Our lin>-
ited space will, therefore, only allow us to present a
very concise general view of the subject, with a brief
and condensed outline of such of its charaoterifitie
features as have an agricultural bearing.

In regard to the extent of this branch of Zoology,
no little diversity of opinion has prevailed among na-
turalists. By some it has been made to include all,
or nearly all, of the articulate or invertebrate ani-
mals: snch as crabs, lobsters, earth-worms, leeches,
spiders, centipedes, &e. Others confine its limits to
the winged insects (Ptilota) of Aristotle; thus, very
properly, avoiding the unnatural a isociation of groups
possessing such incongruous characters. In accord-
ance with this view, an Lvsect, from the Latin insee-
ta, cut or divided, is an articulate animal with a body
insected or divided into three chief portions — thehead,
the thoiax, .and the abdomen, — and to the thoi-asare
attached six legs, and ordinarily two or four wings.*

This definition, however, of insects is only applica-
ble to tliera in their final or perfect state. But before
they can arrive at this state, and acquire this strue-
ture, they must necessarily pass through various won-
derful changes and transformations called their me-
tamorph(jses.

In their final or perfect insect form, tlio prominent,
and in many instances, the only object of their exis-
tence, is the perpetuation of their kind, bj' reprodue-
tion. Soon after pairing, the female, guided Ijy an
inscrutable instinct, deposites her e^'gsf in some suit-
able place, J where the appropriate Ibod of the young
is at hand. The great purpose of life being now ac-
ccnnplished, both the male and female usually die. —
Occasionally, hov.'eve;-, the provident care of the pa-
rent is necessary to the support a:id sustenance of
their offspring. When this is the case, and in some
instances where no such necessity exists, their life
for a time is prolonged.

After the lapse of daj'S, weeks or months, the egg
hatches, and becomes a caterpillar, grub, or maggot.
This is the insect's first state of existence; and in
this state it is termed a larva. Except in a few Or-
ders in which the metamorphosis is incomplete, the
larva does not possess the slightest resemblance to
the insect in its final or perfect form. No sooner does
it emerge from the egg, than it commences eating vo-
raciously; and in a few days, the epidermis or ext«-
rior tunic becomes stretched to its utmost extent, pro-
venting the further growth of the larva. A new epi-
dermis is now formed beneath the old one, which
then splits open, and the larva by its contortions casts

*Frofeieor S. S, Haldeman.

♦Tiiese three portions of the body are subdivided into joints or
rings termed segmeiilB. The head constitutes the first segment —
the tliurHX contains three, which are called thoracic segments — the
abdominal segments vary in imralier in tlic ditl'erent onlers, and
sometimes It IS not uniform in the sexes of llie same species: lu
tlie butter dies and mollis (Lepidoptera) it is usually nine, in beetles
(Coleaptena) SLX or seven.

■f Insects are oviporous. To this general law there .ire some ap-
parent exceptions ; thus the plant-house, (Aphis) at certain sea-
ions of the year, and the Flesh-Fly (Careopliaga cariiaria) and a
few others, give birth to lavvci ; the young of the Forest-Fly
(HippoboBCa) and congeners are retained within the matrix of the
parent till thev have completed their larval life, where they enter
the world in the pupa state. In these instances, howaver, the lar-
va IS not developed ma uternus and nourished through the medi-
um of a placenta, as is the case with the embryo of vivaparous an-
imals ; but the egg is haUlud in the body of the mother.

JMany of the beetles (coleoptera) bugs (Hemipetara) grasshop-
pers, &c., (Orthoptera) deposit their eggs in the earth— most of the
buiterliies and moths (I.epidoptera) especially those that are hel-
biverous in the larva state, and many of the predacious insects as
the lady bird hemerohius and syrphus, exclude them on the foliage
— some insects lay them in fruits, nuts, aud grain—the 17 years lo-
cust and many others, m fissures made in the wood with their ovi-
positor—the dragon-fly (Lilellnlu) and other insects aquatic in their
larva state, on -water plants — and the parasites, lu the eggs and
larva of other insects.

1852.1

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

339

it off. This moulting process may occupy two oi-
three days; during -which time the larva is languid,
and takes little or no food. Shortly alter it has forced
itself from its old skin, its ravenous appetite returns
with renevred vigor. At intervals of six or eight
days, a second and a third moulting takes place. —
These moultings are always succeeded b_v an increase
of voracity; which in some instances is so great, that
a caterpilL'.r will consume, in twenty-four hours, one
hundred and tifty times its own weight of food.

The larva, at length, attains its full size ; it then
ceases to eat and prepares for its last moulting. It
gelects an appropriate place, where it spins its web,
makes its cocoon, reposes for a few days, ami finally
oasts off its larval skin for the last time ; after which
its form is so essentially different from what it had
previously been, that it would not be recognised as
the same insect, by one not conversant with these
transformations.

It is now in its second state of existence, and is no
longer termed a larva, but is denominated a pupa,
aurelia, or chrysalis. Some caterpillars pass into the
pupa state in their larval skin without moulting ; and
some without weaving a cocoon. In its pupal period
of existence, when the metamorphosis is complete,
the insect is quiescent, and takes no food. In tliis
form, resembling in some measure a mummy swath-
ed in its cerements, it remains for weeks or months,
when it bursts its pupa case or shell, and assumes its
final configuration.

It is now termed an Imago or Perfect Insect, and is
furnished with wings, '■■ and various other organs and
appendages, including the sexual, which were before
either absent or in a state of imperfect development,
and divested of many that it previously possessed. —
And although still the same insect, its form and gen-
eral aspect are so materially altered, that it no long-
er retains a vestige of its former identity. f

Several orders of insects (Orthoptera, Ilemiptera,
and some of the Neuroptera) never pass through the
transformations now described and which apply chief-
ly to the butterflies and moths, (Lepidoptera.) Nev-
ertheless, they also undergo certain changes which
are termed an incomplete metamorphosis. Notwith-
standing they cast their skin several times, their con-
formation continues to bear more or less similitude
to that of the perfect insect. This is the case with
grasshoppers, cockroaches, the cicada;, ttc. The ru-
diments of the wings are perceptible soon after the
first moulting. On the completion of the second, the
insect is called a Nymph, which corresponds with the
Pupa of other orders. The third moulting terminates
the final change, and the Nymph becomes an Imago.
Those insects that undergo this incomplete metamor-
phosis, are, in all their stages, capable of locomotion.

A knowledge of the various transformations, we
have now been considering, will enable you to en-
gage in many curious and interesting entomological
investigations, by which you will obtain much prac-
tical information. For instance, you occasionally
find, on your fruit trees, plants or vegetaliles, clus-
ters of small eggs, and you are probably anxious to
know by what insects they were deposited. This can
readily be ascertained by placing the eggs, with the

4- Tbe females of several species of insects are destitute of
wings, and are on that account are apterous.

[In the order CoUopUra there are a few instances where both
male^nd female are without wings; as in some of the Carabidee,
BtapsideB and other terrestrial darkling beetles, which have no use
for wings, in these the sutures that usually divides the elytra or
^iog-covers of the winged species, is firmly united, forming a solid
•hield.— Sub-Ed.]

fSome insects are two or three years in undergoing their meta-
morphoses; and the seventeen years locust (cicada septendicim)
requires seventeen years to complete its larval ar.d pupal stages
of life.

wood or leaf to which they are attached, in a phial,
and closing the mouth with g.^uze or some suitabto
contrivance that will admit a sufficient supply of at-
mospheric air. Generally, in the course of a few
days or weeks, the eggs hatch, and the insect makes
its appearance in its young larva state. It is perhaps
even now unknown to j'ou ; in which case you must
endeavor to find out its appropriate aliment, Ijy fu»-
nishing it with food of different kinds. ShouUrthese
attempts to discover its proper nourishment prove ud-
suocessful, they will, at least, reveal to you the sub-
stances on which it does not feed, — nn item of no lit-
tle importance. But if the kind of food it requires bo
ascertained, you can then furnish an adequate daily
supply for its requirements till its full grown is at-
tained ; after which it completes its metamorphoses,
and you will have the gratification of seeing the pcF-
fect insf et. Again, you often notice on vegetable pro-
ductions a great variety of larvie differing essentially
in their form, color, and general aspect. Now by con-
fining and feeding these larv;\j in the manner just
mentioned, you will be able to watch their several
transformations. Some, you will find, will be meta-
morphosed into beetles, some into moths or butter-
flies, and .some into insocis belonging to the various
other orders. Many insects, after completing their
larval existence, always burrow in the ground to firt-
ish their transformations. In such cases, it is neces-
sary to place an inch or two of earth in the bottom
of the glass vessel; and if this precaution be not
taken, the larva usually perishes without undergoing
its final metamorphosis. The worms you meet with
in plums is of this description. If, when fully grown,
you confine it in the way and under the conditions
just pointed out, in a few weeks you will have an op-
portunity of seeing a small beetle which you have
often heard of, though probably you have never seen
before — the far-famed and destructive Oorculio or
Plum-weevil (Khynchoenus nenuphar). But theworm,
so commonly met with in the apple and pear, is capsk-
ble of completing its metamorphoses witiiout burrow-
ing in the ground. It is unnecessary, therefore, to
place earth in the bottom of the ]ihial in which it io
confined. The mouth of the vessel, however, in this
case, should be secured with a glass stopper; for if
cork be used for this purpose, the worm will readily
liberate itself from its captivity, by cutting its way
through it. When it finds escape impracticable. It
proceeds to spin a web or cocoon, passess into its
pupa state, and eventually is metamorphosed into the
codling moth (Carpooapsa pomonella) so often seen
sporting and hovering around the light in our man-
sions on summer evenings.

All of you, I trust, vrill embrace every opportunity
of putting into practice the plan now designated,
whenever grubs, caterpillars, and other larva% may
come in your way. You will find it, not only an
amusing and gratilying recreation, but a most fasci-
nating mode of acquiring much interesting and use-
ful knowledge, in regard to the economy and habits
of many of our destructive insects in their different
forms of existence. Care must be taken, however,
not to confound the perfect insect of a larva, with
some of its parasites. For certain Dipterous or Hy-
menopterous insects, as you will presen ly lie inform-
ed, are hatched and live within the egg, larva, and
pupa, of other insects, till their final transformation-
is accomplished; when they escape in the form of a
two-winged fly, or an ichneumon.

To the dry details of the anatomical structuro of
Insects, it is not intended that your attention should
be directed in this place, or at this time. It is ne-
cessary, however, that you should not be altogether

340

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

[FeBKUARY;

unaequaintod with some of their characteristic ana-
tomical and physiological pecularities.

All insects receive their food cithtr by chewing or
by suction. The former are denominated Maudibii-
late insects, the latter llaustellate or Suctorial. The
BtruT-ture and configuration of their oral organs,
taererure, are indicative of the nature and consis-
tonco of the nourishment onwhica they feed. No
insect provided with a suctorial apparatus can sub-
sist on solid food; nor can those with a manducatory
mouth live oti liquids. If, then, you observe a plant,
the leaves of which have boon much eaten, and you
find on it insects with a haustullate mouth, you have,
in thiir oral structure, conclusive evidence that these
insects did not commit the depredation on the foliage.
One of the most remaikable peculiarities of insect-
life is their mode of breathing. In them, the func-
tion of respiration is performed by an organism dif-
fering in its arrangement and position from that of
most other animals. Instead of communicating with
the mouth, the external respiratory organs are found
on the surface of the body, in one of three forms, viz:
spiraeles, air-tubes, or bronchia3.

Spiracles are simple incisions or'circular openings at
the sides of the segments of the body. Air-tubes are
csseulially the same as the preceding, being spirac es
elongated so as to project beyond the surface. They
do not always occupy the same position as the former,
but are usually placed at the first or last abdominal
segment, and are only found in some insects that are,
in their larval state, denizens of the water. Branchias
or Gills are processes of the epidermis or skin ; and
are confined to aquatic larv;B. Their ordinary form
is that of hair or leaves, which are filled with delicate
little air-pipes, thatimljibe, from the water, the air it
contains, and convey it to the main tubes, through
which it is transmitted to every part of the body.

The internal respiratory organs are tubes called
trachea;. The}' commence at the spiracles, air-tubes
or root of the branchia?, and ramify in all directions,
thus lurnishing to the blood the oxygen it requires
for the support of life.

In regard to the Senses, there are strong grounds
for believing that insects possess them all ; though
sight is the only one that can, with eertaint_ir, be re-
ferred to a particular organ. Various considerations,
however, favor the opinion, entertained by many en-
tomologists, that the antenme are the organs of hear-
ing— the palpi of feeling — the tongueof taste — and the
mucous or living membrane of thetracheoe of smelling.
The Eyes of insects dift'er from those of other ani-
mals in their immobility. The- are of two descrip-
tions, simple and composite. The composite eye is
placed on each siile of the head ; and though appa-
rcntlj' a single organ, it is composed of a great num-
ber of very minute hexagonal facets, every one of
which is, in reality, a separate eye. These facets or
lenses are computed to amount, in some insects, to
many thousands. The simple eyes (ocelli or stem-
meta) are generally three in number, of small size,
hemispherical in form, and placed triangularly on
the crown of the head. The eyes of larvw are simple
ocelli arranged in groups. Simple as well as compo-
site eyes are usually met with in insects in their
•winged form. Some insects are entirely blind, at
least in one stage of their e."5istence, having neither
simple nor compound eyes. This is the case with the
maggots of flies, (Uiptera) the larva of the diiferent
gpecies of Syrphus, and of some minute beetles, (Co-
leoptera) and the grubs of the cockchafer (Melolon-
tha) as well as the grubs of the rest of the Petalo-
cerous division of the Lamellicorues.
Until a comparatively recent date, it 'vras generally

believed that insects were destitute of a circulatorj
system. Its existence, however, has been fully es-
tablished by the investigations of Carus, Comparctti,
Bowerbank, Burmiester, and others. A heart, in all
respects analogous to that of the higher orders of ani-
mals, it is true, they do not possess. Nevertheless
this name has been applied to a longitudinal tube
consisting of a congonies of chambers, and extending
the whole length of' the body, b( neath the dorsal in-
teguments. It is readily distinguished by its con-
tractions and dilatations. The fluid contained in
this vessel, differs in color and temperature from the
blood of the vertebrate animals ; being cold, and co-
lorless, j'ellowish, or of a greenish tint. Nor is it
distributed to the various parts of the system, as in
the vertebratiB, by means of arteries and veins. By
the contraction of the heart-chambers, it is propelled
along the dorsal tube to the head, where it is poured
out, and forced, by the viti a tergo, into the crevices
and interstices of every part of the body, penetrating
even the legs, wings, and antennae. After uniting
with the nutritive juices that transude through the
parietes of the intestinal canal, it is again drawn
into the dorsal chambers or reservoirs by their ex-
pansion. The air-tubes extend their multitudinous
ramifications in all directions through this fluid, and
convey to it.as you have already be eninformed.the sup-
ply of oxygen so necessary to theexistenceof the insect.
The digestive system of insects does not present
any characteristic peculiarities requiring special no-
tice. In them its power is commensurate with their
voracity. Many herbaceous substances that are poi-
soinous to other animals, are devoured by some of
the herbivorous insects with impunity. Not only is
every plant subject to their attacks, but each part of
it liecomes the favorite food of one or more tribes. —
While some subsist entirely on the root, the appropri-
ate aliment of others is the blossom, fruit, seed, leaf,
bud, pith, bark, albumen, or even the solid wood itr
self. Of those that obtain their nourishment from
the foliage, soma only extract its juices, as the Plants
Louse, and Hessian Fly ; othera cat the parenchyma
alone, as the mining caterpillar; not a few prefer the
under surface, ae the leaf rollers ; many select the
upper surface, as the slug ; while the caterpillars of
most of the butterflies and moths eat the whole leaf.
Of those that obtain their food from flowers, some
subsist on the petals, others on the pollen, and a still
greater number on the honey in the nectarines. With
their transformations, a eh.ange of food generally
though not invariably becomes necessary. The cat-
erpillar, the maggot, and the grub, require, usually,
a very difierent kind of food from the moth, the fly,
and the beetle. The grub of the cockchafer (Melo-
lontha) lives on roots, the beetle on leaves. Animal
food is the aliment of the larv» of the ichneumons,
while in the imago or perfcet-insect form their sus-
tenance is obtained from the juices of flowers. Some
insects, after the completion of their final metamor-
phosis, take no food whatever; such are the day-flies*
(Hemerobii), the caddice-flies (Phryganese), and the
may-flies (Ephemiraj).

The amount of food consumed by insects is almost
incredible ; consequently the injury done b" them to
vegetation, must at times be exceedingly great.

You are all familiar with the appalling account*
of the devastation committed by the Locusts of the
East. Occurring, as they often do, in cloud-like
swarms so dense as to obscure the light of the sun, it
is not surprising that they should, in so short a period,
destroy every vestige of vegetation where they alight;
and that their course should frequently be foUowe

^Notthecommou houae-fly.

1852.]

OUR POULTEY YARD.

341

by famine and pestilence. Fortunately for us, this
insect-scourge has never visited our western hemi-
sphere. Belonfiing, hovrever, to a closely allied fam-
ily of the same Orthopterous order are the grasshop-
pers, many varieties of which are common to this
country, and at times do no small injury to vegetation.

CONCLUSION IN' NE.XT NUMBER.

For the Farm Journal.
Management of Fowls.

Mr. Editor. — Since everything connected with the
farming interest, rightfully claims a place in the
Journal, permit me to offer a few suggestions in rela-
tion to the management of poultry, beliering it to be
a branch of domestic agriculture entitled to greater
attention than it generally receives.

Many farmers keep a large number of fowls run-
ning at large, paying little or no attention to them,
presuming that food suiEcient for them will be found
about the barn, or in the fields adjoining it. The
result, as a matter of course, is, that they are unpro-
fitable stock. Others again keep comparatively few,
which are kept in a yard, well fed, and cared for,
and during the season when they could damage crops
not permitted to range at large. Facts prove that
the smaller, but better fed stock is the most pro-
fitable.

Now the whole secret of making fowls profitable

lies in a nut shell. Where a large number is kept,
the amount of animal food they find in the barn yard,
ifcc, is wholly insufiiciont to make them good layers.
This is especially the case during the winter months,
and hence the necessity of supplying the deficiency.
This can bo done by giving them a small quantity of
meat. The ofial from the table should always, in-
stead of being thrown into the slop barrel and given
to the pigs, be thrown to the chickens. They will
devour it readily. When the quantity of scraps is not
large, a little fresh meat should be thrown to them
occasionally.

During the moulting season they should be parti-
cularly well fed, and comfortable shelter provided for
them. The food should also be varied somewhat, as
chickens love a change occasionally. If fowls are
neglected through the moulting season, (during which
time they always cease laying) they rarely commence
laying again before the spring months, when eggs are
cheap. The object of the former should be to keep
keep his fowls laying through the winter months'when
eggs command a good price.

By pursuing this plan, chickens will generally lay
during the whole of the winter months, and prove
profitable ; and a small number well fed will be
more valuable, than a larger number badly kept.

J. S. Keller.

Oneigshiirg, Pa., Jan. 8, 1852.

MR. J. WISTAR'S GRAY GAME FOWLS.

THE GAME FOWL.
Of all the varieties of Domestic Fowls, except, per-
haps, the Smooth-legged Bantam, the Game Fowl is
the most symmetrical. It is more slender in the body,
the neck, the bill, and the legs, than other kinds, and
the various hues of the plumage are more brilliant
and showy. Their flesh is white, compact, — like that

of the race-horse as compared with the scrub, — deli-
cate and very nutricious ; but the extreme difiiculty
of rearing the Chickens, owing to their natural pug-
nacity, which shows itself at a very early period, de-
ters most breeders, excepting those who breed for the
cock-pit. "Whole breeds, scarcely feathered, are
sometimes stone-blind from fighting, to the very smal-

342

OUR POULTRY YARD.

[FEBUUAHr,

lest individuals ; the rival couples moping in corners,
and renewing their battles on obtaining the first ray
of light." The game Eggs are rather smaller tlian
common, but finely-shaped and extremely rich and
delicate. The weight of this Fowl is from 3J to SJ
lbs., though I have heard of 8 lbs., and my friend,
Wm. Wistar, Esq., near Germanto\vn, assures me
that ho has a Game Cock, thorough-bred, that novr
wei'^hs 9'- lbs. The practice of fighting Cocks is sup-
supposed to be of Grecian origin. It was adopted by
the Romans about 470 years before the Christian era.
" There are evidently two varieties of the Game
Fowl, if not more. (Assuredly.) The first, occa-
sionally seen in the yard of the farmer, is a bird over
the average size, and rather heavily formed ; rather
too much comb ; breast quite black ; neck, back and
■wings of a very deep red; tail, glossy green. The
Hen plain brown, with a lighter-coloured neck, some-
times a little streaked with ochre ; legs light-coloured
or white.

" The other variety, which I much prefer, and now
possess, is a smaller Fowl, of a peculiarly light and
elegant make ; head very small and flue ; neck, light
orange-red ; breast richly spotted, as are, also, in a
degree, the wings ; back, very rich red ; tail, glossy
greenish black ; legs, dark. liens, brown of various
shades, the feathers being streaked with pale ochro
down the middle, the same as Pheasants ; comb, in
the Cocks very small, and ncit very large in the
Hens.

" These are most spirited birds, and will soon gain

the ascendancy of any yard. The eggs are slightly
tinged with yellow-buff, rather small, and long in
shape. Hens, good layers and sitters. Chicks, when
first hatched, exceedingly pretty, being marked with
a deep brown streak on the head and neck, that con-
tinues down the back. They are hardy littlo things,
and easy to rear. — Dixon tfc Kerr's Ornamental and
Domestic Poultry.

MR. WISTAR'S SEABRIGHT BANTAMS.

THE SMOOTH-LEGGED BANTAM.

The small White, and also the coloured Bantams,
whose legs are heavily feathered, are sufiBciently well
known to render a particular description unnecessary.
Bantam-fanciers generally, with Sir John Sebright
at their head, prefer those which have clean bright
legs, without any vestige of fepthers.

The rule with fanciers is, that a thorough-bred Cock
should have a rose comb ; a well-feathered tail, with-
outthe sickle leathers, however ; full hackles, a proud,
lively carriage, and ought not to exceed a pound in
weight. The nankeen-coloured and the black arethe
general favorites.

They are said to have been imported, by the late
Sir John Sebright, from India. For perfection of
model, and beauty of plumage, nothing can exceed
them. The pair portrayed on the opposite page are
in the possession of Mr. Wistar, of Cfermantown, and
were procured for him by a friend in England. —
They are, as may be seen in the portraits, beautifully
marked ; the ground of the feathers being a rich or-
ange bi own or cream-colour, and each feather pencil-
led round the edge with black, with the greatest uni-
formity. They are sometimes called the " Sebright
Fowl." They are bred in and about London, also in
Tarious parts of England and Ireland, with the most
scrupulous care. In London there are stated times

for the exhibition and sale of these birds ; and Mr.
Nolan tells us that " the regulations of the Society
of London Amateurs, require that each exhibitor shall
offer his birds for sale, after the exhibition, and may
bid himself, and put on a prohibitory amount of pur-
chase-money. It is on record that Sir John bid up
one of his diminutive Hens to £29, and bought her
in at that price. And it is recorded in the Illustra-
ted London News, of 20th February, 1S47, that so late
as that date, two Hens and a Cook, of these beauti-
ful emblems of pride and consequence, sold for £50
and Is., being a shilling more than the amount put
on them by their owner. At the sale of the late la-
mented baronet, the golden grounded birds averaged
£5 a brace, and the silver spangled £8 a brace ; al-
though they are becoming comparatively abundant,
they still keep up a high price in the London market,
if well marked. There has been lately offered here,
some fine specimens, from Sir -John's own stock, at a
very low figure. I do not think any thing could ex-
ceed their perfection of feather. A lady near Shrews-
bury, has procured some fine specimens of both gold
and silver spangled, from this neighborhood ; if she
still retain them, I think she may challenge England;
as far as I can judge, they are quite superior to those
that took the prize in London. Someladiesin Queen's
County, have procured fine specimens from the late

1852.]

OUR POULTRY YARD.

343

baronet's stock ; I have no doubt, but under their fos-
tering care, the breed will be kept up with as much
ardor as during the lifetime of the great poultry-pa-
txon Sir John, and that we will be breeding them, as
in the baronet's lifetime, "to a single feather," and
retain their character of the "prettiest of domestic
birds." The male birds should stand about twelve
inches high : the standard weight being twenty-two
ounces ; the plumage as above described, (the rose-
comb is preferred ;) the wattles are moderately long-
face and throat bare; no top-knot or ruff on neck; as

free as possible from hackle ; tail without the plume,
or what is called hen-tailed ; perfectly cluan-logged."
— Dixon <£• Kerr's Ornamental and Domestic Pouliry.

THE SPANGLED HAMBURG FOWL.

This beautful variety is distinguished from other
members of the same family, liy their large top-knots
being coloured instead of white, and the l:>lack and
conspicuous muffle or ruff on the throat and under
the beak. There are two kinds, the golden and sil-
ver spangled ; the ground of the feathers of the gol-

/// ^

WAITTS^. —

HAMBURG FOWLS.

den spangled being a rich yellow, approaching to an
orange-red, with black spots or spangles. The silver
Bpanglod differs from the preceding, by the ground of
the feathers being silvery white. The comb, as in
other highly crested Fowls, is quite small ; the wat-
tles are also diminutive ; legs generally Ijlue ; skin
and flesh white ; Eggs a moderate size, but abundant ;
Chickens easily reared. In and aljout New York, a
few years since, this Fowl abounded — both the golden
ftnd silver varieties. They may weigh, say, three and
s, half pounds, for the female, and from four and a
half to five and a half for the male. The Cock stands
more than twenty inches high, and the Hen about
eighteen inches. — Dixon & Ken's Ornamental and
Domestic Pouliry.

Comtnttmrattons.

For the Farm Jonrnal.
Mixing Plaster with Stal)le Manure.

Mk. Editor:— In the December number of your
aluable Journal, I find an article over the signature

of A. L. H. on the subject of deep plowing, economis-
ing manures, &c., to all of which I heartily assent,
and have no doubt if the farmers of the State would
adopt the suggestions, they would b(? amply remune-
rated. It is very apparent that if A. L. H's. sugges-
tions were carried into practical effect, that the crops
of Pennsylvania would be increased at least one-third
over the present yield. It becomes a matter of se-
rious duty with our farmers to discard the present in-
different and wasteful manner of farming, and adopt
a system which will not only prove beneficial to our-
selves, but to the interests of agriculture at large. —
The grand requisite for the accomplishment of so de-
sirable an end, is the advancement of intelligence
amongst the farming community. Your Journal frir-
nishes one of the means required, and its general cir-
culation, containing as it does, so much valuable in-
formation relating to the advancement of agriculture
should be encouraged by all.

COMMUNICATIONS.

[Febbuarv,

Having premised thus much, permit me to state
my mode of managing manures. I do not offer my
plan, because it possesses any novelty, hut because
there may be some who will peruse it to their advan-
tage.

For the last two years, I have always kept on hand
a quantity of ground plaster, and whenever my sta-
bles are cleaned and the manure drawn to the heap,
I sprinkle over the fresh manure a portion of the
plaster. My object in doing this is to retain as much
possible of the fertilizing properties of the manure.
We all know that oije great end to be secured, is the
application of manure to the soil in as well rotted
state as may be, without too much waste of ammonia.
Chemists, I believe, agree, that the value of plaster
for agricultural purposes, consists, not in any pecu-
liar fertilizing properties it possesses but in its power
to fix the gases essential to the life of plants, and my
own experience satisfies me that it can be applied for
this purpose in no way more beneficially than as
above stated.

I am led to think that stable manure will rot much
sooner when plaster is mixed with it, and that as it
fixes the ammonia, a load of it is far more valuable
than where it is left exposed to the action of the sun
and rain. J. F. ILerr.

Utrashurg, Lancaster co., Jan. 5, 1852.

For the Farm Journal.
The dignity of labor.

I honsr the man of achievement ! It matters not
whether his employment be that of the hands or of
the head, he of all others has my respect and venera-

Ile who regards Labor as ennobUng and elevating,
is the man who will earn respect and gains it, when
the pride of the weaker and more indolent has been
like a strong chain binding the faculties and powers,
and dragging liim downward into obscurity, or want.
Who tills our fields — rears our cities — builds our
navies ? Who has invented and skilfully manufac-
tured our world of polished machinery, and who
drives it with a power that none can comprehend in
labor for the good of mankind ? From what source
starts into life and being, the magic works of Art,
that ornament our public buildings, and private re-
sidences ? It is patient, persevering Toil and Labor,
that has achieved whatever is great, and good, and
noble ! Then who would not be a, laborer, and hold
in silent scorn the being who in his " low iliougld "
-may consider it servile or degrading to wield a manly
strenn-th in the useful and honorable achievements
and occupations of life.

It has been sAid, and that most truthfully, that
" Aoricultural labor has the sympathies of the uni-
versal conscience of mankind. It is indeed co-oper-
atinf with Nature in the most interesting, because
most useful parts of her work; and who like the
farmer sowing the seed, reaping the harvests, culti-

vating and gathering the fruits, rearing tlie animals
and investigating subjects connected with such em-
ployments, has higher claim to respect, if with it he
connects that degree of intelligence which his suc-
cess and advancement as an intelligent being de-
mand.

A brighter day is dawning on the Agricultural in-
terests of our country. Chemistry is throwing now
and brilliant rays into the secret operations of nature
and is there unfolding the wants of the plant and the
soil so plainly, that he who reads may understand,
and the enriched eartli in consequence is pouring out
her increased treasures into the granaries of the
husbandman.

Practical science has become a need of the farmer
and a part of his business. The improvements and
developments constantly coming to light, and given
to the public, must and will have their effect.

Peace, Plenty and Contentment are in his abode,
even when discordant elements may l^e all around
him. The domestic ties strengthen and the best af-
fections are cultivated away from the noise and tur-
moil of life.

There is time and place also for calm thought, and
intellectual improvement which gives dignity to the
character and will inevitably command tlie highest
respect of mankind. L. G. A.

Chittenango, K. Y., 1852.

For the Farm Journal.

Mr. Editor : — I take the liberty of inquiring,
through the medium of your valuable Journal, the
best mode of cultivating the Flax Plant, also the pro-
cess of rotting and preparing it for use. Can you
inform me on this subject? I can find but fewbooks
written on this subject, it being a comparatively new
one in this country ; having, I believe, never been
carried on to any great extent. If you, or any of
your subscribers, can give me some information on
this subject, you will much oblige your friend,

W. H., a Philadelphia Subscriber.

PJiiladelphia, Jan. 20, 1852.

For the Farm Jouioal.

Mr. Editor : — Can you, or any of your subscri-
bers, inform me how I can obtain the Bush Cranber-
ry, and also the Barberry ? If any one having them,
or either of them, would be so kind as to send me a
few seeds of each kind, properly labelled, or give me
any information by which I might obtain them, I
would be greatly obliged to them for their trouble.
Respectfully yours,

RoHERT Foster.

Lewisberry, York co., Pa., Jan. 20, 1852.

Office of the Pa. State Agricultural Society, \
Harrisburg, January 29, 1852. j
There will be a meeting of the Executive Commit-
tee of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society, at
their ofiice, in Harrisburg, on Thursday, the 26th of
February, 1852. By order of the President,

RoBT. C. Walker, Secretary.

1852

COMMUNICATIONS.

For the Farm Journal.
luterestiiigl Experiments.

Mr. Editor: — I senilyou below a short chapter of
my experience in farming.

Some years ag;o, wishing to hasten the improve-
ment of my laud by extraneous manuring, and not
understanding chemistry, I had to work for answers
by experiments. The first one was in plowing down
about three acres of oats after it was in head, and
about the time it began to change color. The ground
was sown with wheat along with the rest of the field,
all of it having been manured alike from the yard. — ■
There was no perceptible diiference in favor of one
part over the other. I considered the oats a total
loss.

The next experiment was in plowing down buck-
wheat. On six acres of medium quality soil, I ap-
plied 240 bushels of lime, and sixty-six three-horse
cart loads of stable manure. The ground was pre-
pared and the buckwheat sown sometime in June. —
It grew finely, and when in full bio im, and much of
it from four to five feet high, I drew the harrow over
it in the direction that I wished to plow; we followed
with Wiley's iron plow. No. 76, which, by the by, is
admirably calculated for that kind of work. "While
plowing it down, an aged neighbor, whose knowledge
was drawn from observation and experience, assured
me that it would not answer ; that there was no good
in it applied in that way. However, I wished to try
and see for myself. I therefore finished the job and
sowed it at the usual time with wheat. The appear-
ance of the crop was never promising, and resulted
in a decided failure. The wheat was evidently spoil-
ed by the buckwheat.

My next experiment was with saw dust. A neigh-
bor had a large heap of saw dust, which had been
accumulating for several years, made chiefly from
poplar and partly in a state of decay. This I pur-
chased for ?5, and hauled it up in th« winter on part
of a sod field that I intended-for corn. The dust was
spread in the spring, and the whole field limed at the
name time with from fifty to sixty bushels of lime
per aoi-e. I guessed that the lime might neutralize
the acidity contained, and easily detected in the saw
dust. It was all plowed dovm together, and the
ground planted with corn. Shortly after it came up,
that part growing over the saw dust assumed a yel-
low color, compared with the rest, and never grew so
well. The result of this experiment was a loss of at
least one-third of the crop on the dusted portion,
which contained about seven acres.

The next experiment was in hauling out barn yard
manure in the spring of the year— a thing that is
rarely done hereabouts, unless it be a few loads for
potatoes. I had seen it recommended some .vhere on
the authority of a distinguished farmer of New York,
that manure so applied was worth as much to the suc-
ceeding or second crop, as if it had been left lay in

the barn yard during tlie summer. Seventy-five cart
loads were applied to about five acres of sod ground,
which was planted with corn. The corn crop was
about doubled, I presume, in virtue of the manure.
At the proper time the crop of corn was removed and
shocked on a strip of sod ground, along one side of
the field, — the stubs hoed ofi' — the ground plowed and
partly manured again, and the whole sowed with
Jlediterranean wheat. The result was a very heavy
crop where the land had reeoivcd a second applica-
tion of manure, and a very light one where it had not.
I cannot say whether there was a loss or gain in this
trial. But there arc difiiculties in the way of apply-
ing stable manure on a large scale to spring crops
with a view of securing the same ground in the fall,
that cannot well be overcome, and will, I presume,
always prevent it from being received into common
favor. Hauling out and spreading would occur at a
very busy period. The ground is generally too soft
to haul over, and the manure much heavier than it is
in autumn. Besides that, it makes a very heavy job
in the fall, and must necessarily be done in a hurry,
as the wheat should be sown about the tunc that the
corn is fit to remove from the ground. Any consid-
erable delay at that time from wet weather or any
other cause, would generally be fatal to the wheat
crop following.

I have generally town clover with oats and plowed
it down the following year for wheat, applying the
stable manure to the same crop either before or after
plowing down the clover. This appears to be an ad-
vantage to the wheat, but there are sometimes difii-
culties in getting it plowed at the proper time on ac-
count of 'dry weather. I am not sure that the gain
in the wheat will compensate for the additional trou-
ble and partial loss of the land, for it is not best gen-
erally to pasture it the same season after the oats has
been removed. So far as my experience goes, there
seems to be but little use in plowing down anything
as food for crops, except stable manure, and that I
apprehend had better be left on top. If there really
is anything lost by evaporation from exposure, I
have been unable, in a practice of more than twenty
years, to discover it. On the contrary, manure so
applied, has invariably done the best for me. If
we can secure the solid and liquid parts of the ma-
nure, we can, I think, afibrd to let the gasses go for
the benefit of the world at large. A. W. "W.

Cruihrieville, Chester co.

Adulterated Te\ is becoming more common eye-
ry day. There is scarcely a pound of good tea to be
found ; it is adulterated first in China, and then it
undergoes a finishing process when it comes here.

Epitaph on a Ricu Mav.-
ney — and died."

' He lived — made mo-

346

HORTICULTURAL.

[February,

CjortUultnral pcpartincnt.

For the Farm Journal.
The Circle of Fruits.

A few years since, Nursery catalogues were gorg-
ed with hundreds of names of good, bad and indif-
ferent fruits, and the novice in fruit planting was
completely bewildered by the array of hard words
set before him " whence to choose." Public atten-
tion was called to this evil, and so well was it shown
up, that as a consequence, we have now the other ex-
treme : — one thinks half a dozen sorts quite enough,
and another avers that there are not many more first
rate varieties of any fruit (pe.arsfor example) known
to promologists. An old gentleman remarked In my
hearing the other day, that he could not see any use
in planting more than three or four sorts, some for
summer, and some for winter. This man has no idea
of over-indulging himself evidently, his appearance
proves it. Although owner of hundreds of rich acres,
he was out on a " raw and gusty day " without mit-
tens or boots, or even a comfortable coat. Unthank-
ful, grudging, niggardly acceptance of God's boun-
ties is a wilful afirout to Divine Beneficence.

Health demands a free supply of ripe and season-
able fruit. A friend remarked the other day that he
felt a want in the evenings which he could not for
some time account for. He missed his evening dish
of apples, and the loss affecting his digestion, rend-
ered him uncomfortable during the day. One of the
oldest and ablest physicians of our county says that
apples and abstinence have been the only medicines
he has used himself for many years.

It is natural to man to desire change. Variety is
the spice of life. There are hundreds of palatable
flavors of fish, flesh, fowl and vegetable, but there is
not one among them, nor any half dozen to which
we would bo wholly confined. Much more, and more
safely may wo partake of every fruit " pleasant to
the eye, and good for food," their flavors are mingled
by the hand of Nature, and the more acceptable to
the palate, the more wholesome they are. Only un-
ripe, unseasonable fruits, are injurious, in the free
and constantuse of others there is no danger of excess.
But how to hare a constant supply. Summer fruits
arc transient. Many desirable kinds last but a few
days, and we must accept these or go without for a
time, deprived of the relish of their peculiar quali-

ties. Many like to see a variety of colors, forms and
flavors on the same dish, and choose to sip of this,
and then of that, and there is no reason why this taste
may not be indulged. To begin with Spring — who
would not rejoice to have the benefit of a supply of
refreshing, cooling, astringent cherries, during the first
heats of summer, and who would prefer to wait for
the latest, or having enjoyed the earliest would have
none of the latest ? Who would not choose to have
some acid enough to stew, as well as some to eat from
the tree ; and who that has room to grow them would
object to having two or three sorts glowing and
laughing from the tree at one time ? Besides that, in
this case, there is a triple chance for an annual sup-
ply of one sort, if not of all.

As to cherries then ; on account of the transient na-
ture of individual sorts, and of the pleasure and en-
joyment arising from variety and plenty, a cherry-
grove should contain at the least, 12 different sorts,
forming a succession from the last of May till Au-
gust, and, when these are all in bearing, the posses-
sor will rather add to the list other kinds than strike
out. Of apples, pears, plums, which extend

any

over a longer season and have greater diviersity of
flavor and of uses, a still greater variety will be de-
manded.

It requires some skill and care to select a suit of
varietiesjudiciously, each one must consult his own pre-
ferences for certain qualities of the fruits, and choose
trees adapted in hardiness to his location. The
Iland-Book advertised in your Journal gives a Table
of maturity from which a list may be very conveni-
ently fi'amed. It should then be corrected by refe-
rence to the description of each particular sort.

Boalsburg, Dec. 26, 1851. W.

For the Farm Joamal.
Gooseteiry.

Mr. Editor : — Some years since I saw an article
in some publication, how to treat gooseberry bushes
to procure largo and fine fruit. Having tried many
different plans, but always without success, I natu-
rally had verj' little faith in this new recommenda-
tion. Last spring, however, I made trial and the re-
sult, I must confess, disappointed my expectations
most agreeably. I had large and fine fruit, free from
mildew. Though I had been cvdtivating the goose-
berry for more than twenty years, I never succeeded
in procuring the fruit free from the mildew. The
plan simply is, to transplant the lushes every spring.
It ought to be done early, as the gooseberry is one
of the earliest growers, and the ground should be
made rich. In a year or two the roots become mat-
ted together, and the plants can be lifted with a ball
of earth, attached to the roots, the same as if taken
out of a pot. Whether this plaa will continue to
succeed, I am not at present prepared to say, from a
single year's trial, yet it is sufficiently encouraging
to persevere in the same course. If any of your read

1858.]

HORTICULTUEAL SOCIETIES.

847

ers have gooseberry bushes (and no doubt there are
many) the fruit of which is annually destroyed by
mildew, I would suggest that they take a few of them
on trial this spring, and report the result for the
Journal. I will give the result of my experiment
hereafter. J. B. Garber.

Floi-al Rdrcat, Jan. IZth, 1852.

For the Furtn Journal.
Asparagus.

From the kind of stalks served up to Pittsburgh
tables, and called " asparagus," one would naturally
conclude our gardeners never read, and so there is no
use talking to them: but somebody who does read,
and likes this excellent vegetable, might take the
trouble to tell them to salt their beds. Asparagus
beds never require weeding, for there should be just
as much salt put on them as to kill every vegetable
except asparagus. The weeds should all be kiUed
with salt ; and then the soil is in proper order, if rich
enough, to bear asparagus like hoc-handles. We this
spring put half a peek of salt, and three or four
inches deep of well rotted stable manure, on a bed
two feet and a half square. The stalks shoot up
there about as thick as an ordinary candle, — a dozen
of them about every two days. They will not bear
more than ten minutes' boiling : fifteen reduces them
to a pulp. The asparagus is entirely free from that
bitter pungent taste which resembles bad salad; and
has that delicious flavor peculiar to itself.

Me. Spaxgler. — The above is taken from the
Pitlshurg Saturday Visiter, edited by Mrs. Swisshelm
— You will perceive that she is no novice,jeven in the
garden. That she handles the hoe as well as the pen,
you have an instance in the above paragraph.

Now, who is not a lover of asparagus, and who
would not admire it placed on the table " like hoe-
handles," instead of the kind of stalk generally seen,
tough as leather three-fourths of their length? —
The fact is, asparagus is a marine plant, and natural-
ly grows near the sea-shore, where the soil is strongly
impregnated with salt. But who ever before placed
" half a peck of salt, and three or four inches of well
rotted stable manure on a bed tvro and a half feet
square ?" Well, she is generally right, and I intend
to try her plan, and would advise you, Mr. Editor,
as you are going into the gardening line, to experi-
ment on a part of your large bed, and give us the
result through the Journal. J. B. G.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

The stated meeting of this Society was held in the
Chinese Saloon, Philadelphia, on Tuesday evening,
January 20th, 1852. E. W. Keyser, V. P., in the
chair. Notwithstanding the severity of the weather,
a number of objects were shown. .iVnother beauti-
ful flower of the Victoria regia, the thirty-eiglith pro-
duced by Jlr. Cope's plant. The bud was cut and
brought in carefully protected from the intense
cold, and when taken out, it expanded handsomely,
and was a perfect specimen of smaller dimensions
than those shovra at recent meetings. A moss cov-
ered Urn displaying fine flowers and a large basket
of choice varieties among which were a raceme of
fragrant flowers of the Stanhopea mandata a rare

orchid and Cypripedium I'CTjasfaOT from the President's
hot houses. And three boquets from other sources.
Of fruits, there were dishes of Pears, the "Niles" va-
riety from W. V. Pettit; the "caster beurr^" from II.
W. S. Cleveland, and a winter Pear from N. Lott, Rea-
ding, Pa. Of Apples, the "northern spy "from
J. J. Thomas, Macedon, N. Y., and the "Keim" vari-
ety from C.|Kessler, Reading There was a large table
of esculent vegetables from the garden of Miss Gratz .

The Library Committee presented their annual re-
port on the condition of the library and a statement of
its receipts and expenditures; and by which it appears
there are now upwards of nine hundred and fifty
volumes on appropriate subjects.

The special committee on nominations submitted a
ticket of oflicers to be voted for at the annual meeting,
and a report descanting fully onthesubject of thePres
ident's determination to decline a re-election, announ-
ced a year ago, expressing regret thereat, and setting
forth his meritorious services and showing the ad-
vantages he, by his liberality, has rendered to the
cause of Horticulture in this community: likewise al-
luding to the course pursued by the Society on its
profuse expenditure of means in its awards, and an-
ticipating a hope that an association so useful may
yet become the recipients of donations and legacies
to enable it to establish what was originally contem-
plated, a Botanic Garden, ending with a recommen-
dation, that a committee be appointed to devise some
suitable testmionial to Mr. Cope in appreciation of
the good he has eifected.

A communication from R. Robinson Scott was
read, the subject of his remarks was in relation to
the award made to him of premiums at the last
meeting for new plants with observations — he will
pursue the subject on some future occasion.

The following premiums were awarded this eve-
ning by the committee on plants and flowers :

For the best design of cut Flowers, .John Ellis,
gardener to C. Cope; for the best boquet for the hand
to James Bisset, gardener to James Dundas : for tlie
best basket formed of cut flowers, to John Ellis.

The Committee observed with much pleasure a
fine flower of the Victoria regia, from Mr. Cope's
houses.

By the Committee on Fruits :

For the best Pears, the "Niles," to Wm. V. Pettit;
for the best Apples, the "Northern Spy," to J.J.
Thomas.

The Committee noticed a very good specimen of
Pears from Reading, called the Winter Pear, also the
"Keim" Apple, both of good flavor and worthy of
attention. Some specimens of the Easter Beurr6
were exhibited, which were passed prime.
::;;:By the Committee on Vegetables : — For the best
display by an amateur gardener, to John Gallagher,
gardener to Miss Gratz. Thomas P. James,

Recording Secretary.

The annual meeting was organized by calling Mr.
J. J. Vanderkemp to the chair, and appointi^ J. E.
Mitchell, Secretary. James D. Fulton and Dr. G.
Watson, acted as tellers. The election for oflicers re-
sulted as follows :

President — Gen. Robert Patterson.
Vice Presidents — Jas. Dundas, Joshua Longstreth,
E. W. Keyser, Dr. Wm. D. Brinckl6.

Treasurer — .John Thomas.

Correspanding Secretary — Tho. C. Percival.

Recording Secretary — Tho. P. James.

Professor of Entomology — S. S. Haldeman, A. M.

Professor of Botany — W. Darlington, M. D.

Professor of Horiisultural Chcmistnj. — Robert
Hare, M. D.

348

EDITORIAL.

[Februarv,

THE FARM JOURNAL.

2lssi0tant ^iiitor's JDcpartment.

A. M. SP ANGLER, Assistant Editor.

Agents.

The Farm Journal may be had at the following
places : —

W. B. Zieber, South 3(1 St., principal agent for
Philadelphia.

W. II. Spangler, Lancaster, Pa.

B. r. Spangler, Columbia, Pa.

Geo. Bergner, Harrisburg, Pa.

H. Miner, Pittsburg, Pa.

J. R. Shryock, Chambersburg, Pa.

H. M. Rawlins, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

Our Office.

Those having business to transact with us will
please call at the Book Store of W. H. Spangler, in
North Queen street, Lancaster, where we or our re-
presentative will at all times be in attendance.

To old subscribers.

Frequent inquiries have been made of us recently,
whether old subscribers will be permitted to renew
their subscriptions at club prices. As a general re-
ply to these inquiries, we answer, most assuredly. —
Our terms now, are the same as formerly, and we
indulge the belief that not only shall we retain our
old friends, but that our club lists (with large addi-
tions of new names) will bo renewed.

Back Numbers. — We repeat the notice given in
former numbers, that we can supply any or all of
the back numbers of the first volume. If any of our
subscribers have failed to receive them regularly, we
will, if advised of it, cheerfully supply any deficien-

To Correspondents. — ^We have on file a number
of excellent communications, which have boon una-
voidablv crowded out by a press of other interesting
matter. We are led to indulge the hope, that our
readers will avail themselves of this season of leisure
to the farmer, to write out facts for the forthcoming
numbers of the Journal. Every man's experience is
Taluablo, and every farmer in the State is competent
to furnish something to enrich our columns. We
care not how plainly these articles may be written,
as we ask not for polished essays, but for plain facts.
Give us the facts in your own language, and we will
prepare them for publication.

Valuable Farm for sale. — The attention of those
desirous of purchasing Virginia lands, is directed to
the advertisement of Mr. Boiling, of Petersburg, Va.
who offers Sandy Point farm for sale. This is said
to be a most valuable and desirable property.

Dr. Brinckle's Essay on Entomology. — We ask
the earnest attention of every reader of the Journal
to the able and at the same time highly valuable and
interesting essay of Dr. Brinckle on Insects. The
importance of this subject to the farming community
generally, has not heretofore claimed the attention it
should have done. We are led to hope, however,
that the familiar, yet scientific manner in which the
able author has treated it, will induce many who
have hitherto regarded it as of trivial importance, to
study it more closely, and by their observations, aid
in the extermination of what is a rapidly increasing
foe to the farmer. We can only regret that the late
hour at which the essay was received, prevented us
from giving it entire in the present number.

A Word to our friends.

With the next number closes the first volume of
the Farm Journal. In retrospecting the events of
the past year, we cannot repress a feeling of honest
thankfulness for the very cordial and encouraging
support extended to our undertaking. We entered
the field almost alone. All commended the enter-
prise, but few had faith in its ultimate success. All
agreed that Pennsylvania farmers ought to support
an agricultural journal of their own, but few believed
they would. Encouraged by a small number of con-
fident friends, we launched our craft, and trusted to
the generosity of the friends of agriculture through-
out the State, to save it from being wrecked. With
the issue of the first number came new friends. The
skies brightened. Words of good cheer from good
men encouraged our hearts, and with each succeed-
ing effort to win for it an honorable position amongst
the agricultural periodicals of our country, came re-
newed and multiplied expressions of favor, until at
length we felt that we had sufficient support to insure
its permanency.

Another number closes our first volume and we as-
sure our readers that we shall enter upon the second
with a hopeful though trembling heart. A thousand
vague fears besot us. Has the Farm -Journal met
the expectations of those who have kindly aided in
giving it an existence ? Will the efforts of those who
interested themselves in its behalf when in its infancy
and so essential to its future prosperity, be again put
forth, or will they be relaxed, and we compelled to strug-
gle on with the cheerless prospect of a bare existence
before us. Ours has never been a desponding spirit.
We may not have succeeded in making the Journal
what it should be, although we did all we could ; but
we are consoled by the idea that "the world was not
made in a day," nor should it be expected that in a
single year it is possible to give our publication the
high character at which we aim. Believing, and be-
lieving confidently, that those who stood by us in the
beginning will not forsake us now, we appeal to them
again for their generous aid. WiU not those who

1853.]

EDITORIAL.

349

furnished us with club lists, do so again ? AVe do
do not like to promise much, fearing our ability to
fulfil ; but if enlarged experience, increased facilities,
and the assurance of strong support for our columns
from a host of excellent men will be taken as a guar-
antee, wo think we may safely promise that the next
volume of the Farm Journal will approximate a little
more closely to the standard of excellence we desire
it to attain, than that which is about closing. Is this
sufficient? If so, friends of agriculture, commence
the good work. Let us enter upon the new volume
knowing that we shall be sustained. Let us feel
tliat we have your approbation, and though we real-
ize nothing more than the mere expenses of publica-
tion, we shall have the consciousness that our efforts
to build up the character of Pennsylvania agriculture,
if not profitable to ourselves, may have been so to
others.

Culture of the Upland Cranberry,

A correspondent asks, " whether the Cranberry
may not be successfully cultivated on upland." The
practicability of growing the Cranberry on high land
has been satisfactorily shown, by the success which
has attended the effort wherever properly made. In
the New England States, great attention has been
given to the subject, and the result has settled the
question beyond a doubt. INIr. Sullivan Bates of Bel-
lingham, Massachusetts, gathered 400 bushels from
a single acre, and other cultivators have been equal-
ly successful, though we do not believe that this quan-
tity is to be regarded as an average yield, nor indeed
is it necessary that it should be in order to render
the culture of the upland Cranbery a matter of pro-
fit. Cranberries command from §1,50 to S3 per bu-
shel, and as those grown on upland are said to be
much larger than the Swamp berries, and equally
well adapted to culinary purposes, there appears to
be a decided advantage in cultivating the former.

The culture of the Cranberry is simple, and at-
tended with but slight expense. A clay soil mixed
with a sufficient quantity of sand to prevent its ba-
king, seems best adapted to its growth. Any soil that
is suitable for the Strawberry will answer for the
Cranberry, and as it is propagated both by runners
and seed, there is little difficulty in growing them, if
a proper begining is made.

The land intended for Cranberries should be plow-
ed, and if a quantity of swamp muck is applied so
much the better. It should then be thoroughly har-
rowed, and the plants set out in drills from eighteen
to twenty inches apart. vSome hoeing will be neces-
sary the jirst season, after which they require no
cultivation. A very rich soil is not necessarj\ Mr.
Bates contends that the soil should be so poor, that
nothing will grow upon it to obstruct the growth of
the Cranberry, and to accomplish this he recom-
mends the removal of the top soil.

We have frequently seen the Cranberry growing
wild, Ijut never under cultivation, and are compelled
therefore to glean our information in regard to the
proper mode of culture fi'om other sources. We have
however, not the slightest doubt that they will suc-
ceed well on upland, and would be glad to see them
introduced into Pennsylvania, as we regard it as a
valuable and delicious fruit.

Rockland. — Wo are pleased to state that in our
next number we shall present our subscribers with a
handsomely engraved portrait of the first premium
Durham bull " Rockland," the property of James
Gowen, Esq., of Mount Airy, Philadelphia county.
Rockland is perhaps one of the finest animal.? in the
State, and we hope to follow up his portrait with oth-
ers of a similar character.

Fanning Mills. — Among the many excellent Ag-
ricultural implements exhibited at the State Fair, was
a large variety of Fanning Mills, manufactured in
in our own and the adjoining States, embodying all
the recent improvements. The display was large,
and no portion of the implement department attracts
ed so much attention. A fau' and impartial trial was
given each, and resulted in the award of the first
premium to Jesse Roberts, of Norristown, Slontgom-
ery county. Pa. This mill possesses mauy excellent
qualities and attracted great attention, in regard to
the simplicity and completeness of its machinery, as
well the excellence of the work performed by it, —
For a more particular description we refer our rea-
ders to Mr. Robert's advertisement.

Bamborough's celebrated mills were alsa on exhi-
bition, and were awarded a diploma, the committee
considering them of almost eqiial excellence with
Robert's. The same compliment was paid to Grant's
mill, exhibited by Messrs. Prouty & Barrett. A num-
ber of other Mills of high merit were on the ground,
which the committee mentioned as worthy of praise.
These were exhibited by Whitman & Co.. of Balti-
more; Montgomery & Bro., Lancaster; Lanphear
& Jeffries, Lancaster ; S. N. Lacy, Wyoming co. :
C. Schrciner, Cumberland co. ; J. Behel, Juniata,
and E. Watkins, Washington county.

Lancaster County Agricultpral Society. — The
annual meeting of this society was held on Tuesday,
January 13th. The attendance was large and re-
spectable, and a deep interest manifested by all pre-
sent. The annual address was delivered by James
Gowen, Esq., and is said to be a most valuable con-
tribution to the cause of agriculture. It is shortly to
be published in pamphlet form by the society, when
we will be able to speak more fuUy of its merits. —
JIuch to our regret, the blocking up of the .lil roads
by the snow, prevented us from reaching home in
time to hear it delivered.

350

BOOK NOTICES.

[Febkuauy,

Book ^otUea.

Lessons in Modern Farming, or Agriculture for
Schools ; containing scientific exercises for recita-
tion and elegant extracts from rural literature, for
academic or family reading, bi/ Rer. Jno. L. Blalce,
D.D. Mark 11. Newmivn & Co., New York. For
sale by Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia.

The importance of agricultural education has been
so much dwelt upon of late, that it is scarcely neces-
sary for us to point out its claims now. The convic-
tion that the son of the farmer should receive an edu-
cation analogous to that provided for young men de-
signed for the liberal professions, is daily strengthen-
ing. There are those, and perhaps the greatest
number, who advocate the establishment of agricul-
tural colleges. While we heartily second their efforts
and trust that the day will come when such institu-
tions will abound, it is very evident to us that the
day has not yet arrived. There are certain prelimi-
nary steps necessary, whieh have not been taken. —
However fiivorable public opinion may be to the es-
tablishment of such institutions, it is apparent that
to put them into successful practical operation will
require mightier energies than can be brought to bear
upon them now. To the rising generation — the youth-
ful yeomanry of the land — we must look for help,
and in order to interest them sufficiently, it is neces-
sary that the importance of scientific agriculture bo
inculcated into their minds at an early age, and the
means to be used for the accomplishment of so de-
sirable a result, must be placed within the reach of
all. If it be asked how this may be done, we answer,
tlirough the Common Schools of the Commonwealth.
Agriculture must be made a branch of study, so that
every youth in our State who is destined to become a
farmer, may have the great leading principles of his
intended profession instilled into his mind at an early
age. If it be urged, that competent teachers could
not ba procured, we meet the objection by asserting
that so soon as it is ascertained that a general knowl-
edge of the principles of agriculture is a necessary
qualification of a teacher in the pulilic schools, just
80 soon will teachcis make it a study, as they are
compelled to do the diflbrent branches of arithmetic,
grammar, &c. The work before us is eminently cal-
culated to promote this object, and we indulge the
hope that those who have charge of our public schools
will see the importance of giving to this subject the
attention it so richly deserves.

Address of Peter A. Browne, L.L.D., before the Agri-
cultural Society of Bucks county. Pa., Oct. 1, 1851.

This is a well prepared and useful address by an

author well known to agriculturists by his writings

upon wool. It traces the rapid growth of the flour-

hing county of Bucks ; contrasts the condition of

^'\) American farmer with the system of " white sla-

very" practised by the English in Ireland, gives va-
rious statistical and historical facts of much interest
to the citizens of the county, and includes some sug-
gestions for the advancement of agriculture. The
extent to which matters of local interest are treated
is worthy of imitation on similar occasions, when the
local audiences of county societies are addressed.

Woman in her variotis Eclations, containing practical
rules for American females, d'c, by Mrs. L. G.
Abell, author of " Skilful Honseicife," " Gems by
the Wayside," d-c. William Holdredge, Nexo York.

The readers of the Journal will recognise in the
author of this neat volume, one of our most esteemed
contributors. We have examined its pages with feel-
ings of deep interest, containing as they do, a mass
of valuable hints upon subjects with which every wo-
man should be familiar. It is designed to bring be-
fore the women of our country, in their true colors,
the weight and importance of the duties and respon-
sibilities resting upon them, and with such a noble
mission in view, we wish this excellent book God
speed, earnestly hoping that the well directed efforts
of its gifted author may be properly appreciated, and
produce their desired results.

A Catechism of Familiar Things; their history, aiui
the events which led to their discovery. With a short
explanation of some of the principal natural pheno-
mena, &c. Lindsay & Blakiston, Philadelphia.

A most excellent volume containing a mass of
valuable and reliable information upon subjects which
enter into the daily concerns of life. AVe have ex-
amined its contents, and with honest sincerity recom-
mend the volnme to the attention of our readers in
general, and of parents and teachers in particular. —
It is just such a work as every man who desires a
general knowledge of useful things without the fa-
tigue of wading through large volumes to find it, will
need.

The United States, its Power and Progress, by Guil-
laume Tell Poussin, late Minister of the Republic of
France to the Uniled Slates. First American from
the third Paris edition. Translated by E. L. Du
Barry, M. D., Surgeon TJ. S. Navy. Philadelphia.
Lippincott, Grambo & Co.

Every thing relating to the advance of our national
greatness, is a matter of interest to the American
reader. The author, for many years a resident of
the United States, had ample opportunities for obser-
vation and inquiry, the result of which is the volume
before us, embodying much valuable information in
relation to the progress we, as a nation have made in
agriculture, commerce aud manufactures, and the
degree of power we have reached. It abounds in sta-
tistical information of much importnnce to the gene-
ral reader, as well as many interesting observations
on the practical working of our republican institu-
tions.

1852.]

advertisements;

351

The Practical Cool: Book; containinr/ upwards of one
thousand recipes, consistiny of directions for select-
ing, preparing and cooking all kinds of meat, fish,
poultry and game, soups, broths, vegetables and sa-
lads; ahofor making plain and fancy breads, pas-
tries, puddings, cakes, creams, dr., together with
various miscellaneous recipes, and numerous prepa-
rations for invalids, by Jlrs. Bliss, of Boston. —
Philadelphia, Lippincott, Grambo & Co.

This useful volume is presented to the public as
the result of many years practical experience, in the
various departments of -which it treats. While the
country is flooded with books relating to culinary
matters, but few of the many yet published are suffi-
ciently practical in their character for general use.
Mrs. Bliss' work is an exception to this rule, and
from an examination of its contents we cannot but
think that it will prove a most valuable acquisition to
evei'y family library.

LittelVs Living Age. Boston, E. Littell &, Co.

We have for some time past,_been in receipt of this
excellent journal. For spirit and freshness it is un-
doubtedly the leading periodical of the day. Its
readers are furnished weekly with the spice of the
foreign Reviews, &c., embodying a valnable exposi-
tion of the current literature of the English language.
The selections are, generally speaking, of a solid and
substantial character, and as such eminently adapted
to the tastes and wants of the American reader. The
plan of the work is such as to commend it to all, and
we are pleased to loarn that the enterprising publish-
ers are meeting with the encouragement they so rich-
ly deserve.

The Model Architect, Ko. 7. E. S. Jonci & Co., Phi-
ladelphia.

This fine work continues to improve in character
as it progresses. We again commend it to those who
desire an excellent work on rural architeoture.

B. P. Johnson, Esq., of Albany, will please accept
our thanks for five bound volumes of the Transactions
of the New York Agricultural Society, from 1846 to
1850 inclusive. These volumes are noble evidences
of the interest manifested by the people of New York
on the great subject of Agriculture.

Benevolence is daily more and more generally
acknowledged as the true rule of conduct. The max-
im, "Live and let live," will soon be superseded by a
still nobler principle of action, "Live and help live."

ALDERNEY AND IMPROVED SHORT HORN
CATTLE.

THREE tlinrnii^h bred Alderney BL'LI-S, from nine to eleven
months old, raised ;"rom the choicest imporfed slock. Also, two
thorough iTbd youiiij short horn Bulls, ten months old, raised on
the farm of Mr. J. P. Remington, near Philadelphia, and for sale
by AARON CLEMENT, Agent for the purchase and sale of im-
proved stock. Cedar street, above 9th street, Philadelphia.

February 2d, lb52.

HIGHLY IMPROVED ESTATES AND VALUA-
BLE TIMBER LAND,

On Lov-er James River, For Sale.

THE undersigned prevented by engagements, requiring his un-
divided attention elsewhere, from residing on his estate, will seU
publicly, (niiless previously sold privately, of which due notice
will be given,) before the Bollingbrook Hotel, in the city of Pe-
tersburg, Virginia, at 11 o'clock, on Wednesday, the *26th day of
May next, without reserve or regard to weather, that valuable
body of highly improved arable and heavily timbered land, extend-
ing up the north side of James river, from the Chickahomony riv-
er, in the county of Charles City, Virginia, about Smiles, well
known under the general designation of SANDY POINT. This
estate lies 32 miles below Petersburg, 45 miles below Richmond,
and about (i.5 above Norfolk, in what is justly considered the finest
and most extensive grain glowing region of Virginia, and as
healthy as any on tidewater. Spring and well water abundant
and good The whole tract contains 4.4j4 acres of unsurpassed
natural quality, of which 2,1 SO have been thrice limed, and are now
in a high and successful state of cultivation, upon the five field ro-
tation, with more than 500 acres well set in clover The balance
chiefly in wood and timber, embracing a body of some of the best
timbered land in Eastern Virginia, convenient to good navigation.
Marl abounds on the river, and Stone Lime of excellent quality is
6 1-2 cents per bushel.
The sub divisions are as follows —

THE NECK — contains 9St acres, 551 limed, elovered, and in a
high state of cultivation; 16S in wood and timber, and 2^*4 meadow
omiarsh land well meadowed and reclaimable at small expense.
A valuable winter Fishery belongs to this farm. BUILDINGS —
A small new frame dwelling, smoke house, negro houses, stable
and large barn, with stationary horse power and shelter.

LOWER TEDINGTON— contains 834 acres, 550 limed, elover-
ed, &c., 2J2 principally in w^ood and timber, aui 31 in reclairaable
meadow. BL'ILDLVGS— A new frame dwelling with4 roomsand
a passage, negro houses, a largeand well arranged barn, with sta-
tionary horse power and shelter; two large stables for horses, ox-
en, &c., extensive hay house and spacious and well arranged
buildings, for the ^protection of wagons, carts and all farming
utensils. &c.

UPPER TEDINGTON— the Family Residence. Contains 775
acres, 532 limed, elovered, &c.. 2-29 principally in wood and tim-
ber, and 11 in reclaimable meadow. BUILDINGS— a commodious
wooden dwelling, large two storied kitchen and laundry, ice house,
new and spacious carriage house and stable, servants' houses, &c.,
(fcc. Also, a new Barn, part wood und part brick, with 4 floors
80 by 36 t'eet.ind a wing 30 by 50 fee ■ wiih bone, plaster, saw and
gristmills. In the barn there is alMthe necessary machinery for
threshing and w^innowing wheat, sheiling and grinding corn anil
sawing timber, all effectually driven by a 16 horsepower stationa-
ry engine in complete order and coiuiition. A lar^e orcliard stock-
ed with every variety of fruit, in successfu' bearing is attached to
this faim-

UPPER QUARTER— contains 035 acres. 54G limed, elovered.
&c., 290 principally in wood and timber. BUILDINGS— A small
frame dwelling, kitchen, laundry, smoke house, negro houses, bara
wilh stationary horse power and shelter and stable.

Each of the ab(tve four fnrms has a river front, with landings,
at which wharves can be erected cheaply and conveniently if tie-
sired. To "Uppper Tedington," within 100 feet of the barn, be-
longs a new, commodious and substantial wharf, at which tb«
largest size vessels lie, steamers, sea and river, pass twice a day,
frequently oftener, plying between Petersburg, Richmond, Nor-
folk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

In addition to the above described four farms and timber and
wood land thereto attached, are the following valuable timber and
wood lots eligibly situated, convenient to navigation, which will
make farms as desirable and productive as those above described :
No. 1. containing 215 acres ; No. 2, 193 acres ; No. 3, 244 acres ;
No 4, 223 acres ; and No. 5, 147 acres.

Mr. Nicol, residing at Sandy Point, will be prepared to show the
property in my absence, and a particular and thorough examina-
tion is invited at any time previous to the day of sale. Accurate
plats of each sub-division have been prepared and are ready for
inspection. Possesssion of the timbered lands given inmiedialely
after the sale ; of the farms at the end of the year, with the privi-
lege previously, of fallowing and seedinjr wheat.

TERMS :— For the farms, one-tifth cash, the balance in five equal
annual instalments from the 1st January, 1853. For the tinibered
lands, one-third casii, and the balance in three equal annual instal-
ments from day of sale. The credit payments to bear interestand
to be secured by deeds and bonds, or notes with approved securities
or endorsers. ROB'T B. BOLLING.

Petersburg, Virginia, February, 1S52.

WM. PANNILL & SONS, Anct'ra.

FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES FOR SALE.

50.000 Peach Trees of one and two vears growth, from the bud ;
'50.000 Apples; 5.000 Cherries ; 5 llOU Dwarf Pears, each contwin-
iiig all the most e.-teemed varieties, and of large size. Also,
Quinces, Plums, Nectarines, Apricots, Almonds, Grapes. Raspber-
ries, Gooseberries, Currants. Strawberries, kc. Sec. 5U.0(j0 Silver
and Ash-leaved Maple Seedlings of one years growth ; 50,000 Ap-
ple Seedlings. The above will be sold on the most reaaonabla
terms. Persons residing at the south and west should send their
orders early. Catalogues with prices annexed will be sent to all
applicants. ISAAC PULLEN,

February, 1852— 2 mos.) Iligbstown, Mercerf o >i ersey.

352

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[FEBEUARir,

A. an air chamber — B. liody of ram— C. valve chambers — D.
valve — F. coupling Tor delivery pipe— H. coupling for drivnigpipe.
J. B. CHICHESTER,

NO. 23, SOUTH EIGHTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA,
AGENT for Birkinbines Patent improved Hytlraulie Ram,
Force Pumps, Street Stops, Fire Plugs, and Hydraulic Machmery
in general.

Tlie superiority of these Rams over all others is the great
amount oi water thrown to that wasted, the large size they can be
constructed, the durability of them, as well as the small amount
of attention and repairs they require— many running at present for
4 and 5 years, without any repair. At the present time there are
in the United States, Cuba, Mexico and South America, about
2000 in successful operation.

The town of Naples in the State of New York is supplied with
water by one of these Rams, throwing 20,000 gallons a day. Many
more could be mentioned if space would permit.

Persons wishing Rams sent to them by measuring the amount of
water their brook or spring aftbrds, per minute, the head and fall
they can procure, the elevation to be overcome, and distance to be
conveyed, can have the proper Ram and Pipe sent them, with di-
rections for putting up.

The expense, in most cases, is smaller than a well and pump. —
Letters post-paid, will meet with prompt attention. When desired
an experienced person will be sent to put them at a small addition-
al expense. Lead and iron Pipe for sale. These Rams are war-
ranted in every respect. (Jan. 1852.

WHEELER'S PATENT
I'ennsylvaum State AyricuUumI Society's Fiist Pre-
mium Itailwaji Chain Horse Power and Occr-
shot Thresher and Separator.
THESE Machines were awarded the first Premium (of $10,) and
a Diploma at the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Exhibition, in
competition with many others, and they have also received the first
for a monied) Premium at all the County Fairs wheiever they
have been exhinited for Premium in the State of Pennsylvania, and
numerous premiums in other States. To show the public that
these Machines are none of the humbugs of the age,

I WILL PAY ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS

as a 'premium to any person who can produce a superior Horse

Power and Threshing Machine for general purposes and to do more
work with the same amount of labor, in any given time.

For more detailed explanation, see Farm Journal of August,
1851, or address the subscriber, at Harrisburg.

M. H. STEEVER.

Harrisburg, February, 1852. 2moa

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS!

JESSE ROBERT'S PATENT UNITED STATES

GRAIN AND SEED FAN.

TO wnicn iv'AS attarded the

FIRST PREMIUIM

At the Pennsj-lvania Agricultural Fair, after a trial the fairness of
which coukl not be disputed. These Kaiis, the inventor confident-
ly asserts, are the only ones now in use entirely adequate to the
wants of the farmer. The object of the inventor was not directed
aione, to the purpose of cleaning grain, but of cleaning it and
saving at the same time the farmer the trouble of gathering it
from the floor, thus not only avoiding labor, but keepnig the grain
from the dirt on the floor. In addition to this, these Fans, possess
greater advantages than those constructed upon the old plan. —
These advantages are as follows :

First. The arrangement is such, that a quick shake can be ob-
tained bv turning slowly, thus securing when desiredj a less quan-
tity of for small seeds.

Second. When necessary a slow shake can be secured, by rapid
turning. This is of immense advantage, as it adapts the fan, to
the cleaning of all kinds of seeds.

Third. A new method of adjusting the riddles and screws. This
gives the operator the advantage of placing them in any position
bes". adapted to accomplish the purposes of ii grain Fan. Every
riddle and screen has a separate adjustment, bo that each one can
be fixed at any angle \vithout ilie necessity of taknig them out

Fourth, The grain, instead o( falling on the floor, as is usually
the case, is discharged, by means of a small trough, into the half
bushel, or other measure that may be placed under it. By this ar-
rangement the grain is all mensurcd, by the time it is cleaned,
thus saving not only labor, but time, and consequently expense, as
well as keepins^ the grain from contact with the dust and dirt on
floor. For this reasr)n; the fan, can be put in operation anywhere,
with as little trouble as the common fans can be used in a barn
floor.

Fifth, Tlie simplicity of their constructions renders them less
liable to get out of repair than other mills.

For the above reasons, we confidenily recommend our Fans to
public patronage. Privileges to manulacture will be granted on
reasonable terms. Satisfactory information can be promptly had
by addressing postpaid, the subscriber at Norristown, Montgome-
ry CO.. Pa. JESSE ROBERTS.

Norristown, December, 1, 1851. 9-tf

W«

Seed and Ai^ricultural Warehouse.

No. 29. Market Street, Pkila.
HERE the subscriber has onened an extensive assortment of
GRASS AND GARDEN SEEDS, of his owii raisiiig, oT recciit impo»-
tation, and warranted to be as represented.

He is, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultural
Implements, among w^hicli he would call the attention of Farmers
to a new article of Plow, of his own invention, called Cast-Steel,
Extending Puint, Self-Sharpening, Surface and Subsoil Plows,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these Plows possess over all others, are
their peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Steel in the
place of Cast-Iron, which only wants to be seen to beappreciated;
aJI of which will be sold on the most reasonable prices by
May, 1801. C. B. RO&EHfc.

1852.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

353

FARMERS PROTECT YOUR HOUSES & BARNS.

So many accidents )iave happened from lightning during the past
Slimmer, thiit every prudent and careful farmer should at once
adopt such means as will be most eifectual in preventing tliem —
When it is remembered that certain safety may be secured at a
very tritliiig expense, it becomes tlie duty of every farmer and
good citizen to avail himself tlie proffered means By so doing,
he not only secures his property fr<trn fire by lightning, but pro-
tects also his family and tho le around him. These are important
(umsulerations and should have great weiglit. Those who desire a
a Lightning Rod, p'-onounced by the first Scientific men in our
country, the very best in use, will find it on application to THOS.
ARMITAGK, at his Magnetic Lightning Rod Factory, Vine Ptreetl
3 doors above 12th, Philadelphia. Tliese Rods are finished with a!,
the improvements at nearly the same prices as tlie old kind. (tl.

PAGE'S CIRCULAR SAW MILLS.

GEORGE PAGE & CO.
Shroeder street, between Baltimore and Fayette sts.,

Baltimore,
Manufacture to order, Page's celebrated Portable Potent Cirrtiia
£aio Mills, with horse or steam powers, of several sizes. They
also manufacture Sawinsj and Planing iSlachines for railroad work,
Thrashing Machines, GRIST MILLS for farm purposes, Corn and
Cob Crushers, Tenoning Machines, SKED AND CORN PLANT-
ERS, IMPROVED HOR-E POWERS, CORN SIlELLERS,5Au-
gers for boring wells, augers for boring fence posts, water wheels,
forcing pumps, &c.

They respectfully solicit a share of public patronage, and would
be permitted to remark, that their Circular Saw Mill can do pnore
work — aye, twice as much work as any other mill with the same
amouut of power, and do it better. (aept-9

PHIL.ADELPHIA & LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKET.S-TO sail from Philadelphia on the 15ih,
and from Liverpool on the 1st of each month.

From Phila. From Liverpool.
Sbip SHENANDOAH i April ]5ih June 1st

Capt. W. P. Gardiner. < Aug. 15th Oct. 1st
<Dec, 15th Feb. ;ist
New ship Westmoreland fiVIay, 15ih July 1st
Capt. P. A. Decan, ■'Sept. 15lh Nov. 1st

(Jan. 15th Mar. 1st
New ship Shackmaxon, (June 15th Aug. 1st

Capl. W. H West. ^Oct. 15th Dec. 1st

( Feb. loih April 1st
Ship MARY PLEASANTS, (July 15ih Sept. 1st
Capt. R. R. Decan, .^Nov. 15ih Jan. 1st

(Marchl5ih May 1st
The above first class ships are built of the best materi-
als, and commanded by experienced navigators. Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed with com-
lort for passengers. They will sail punctually on ihe days
advertised, taking advantage of the steam tow boats on
the Delaware.

Persons wishing to engage passage for their friends, can

obtain ccriiticaies, which will be good for twelve months.

Passage to Liverpool in the cabin, S80

'• " Forward cabin, 20

" " Steerage, 12

Passage from Liverpool in the cabin, 100

" " Forward cabin, 25

" " Steerage, 20

Those who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 sterling and upwards, at sight, without

discount. Apply to GEO. McHENRY & CO.

June 1, 1851. 37 Walnut street.

R. BUIST,

NURSERYMAN &SEEDGROWER,

HAS always on hand at his seed Store, 97, Chesnut
Street, Pliiladelphia, a large stock of Seeds of his own
growth, a very importantitem to purchasers, ashetsa practical grow-
er,an(ihas been engaged in his profession over 30 years. His nurse-
ry ground is amply stocked with Fruit,Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every article sold at
tfae lowest rates, and warranted to be as represented.

Seed Store, 97 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia. Nurseries and Seed
Farra,1)arby Road, two miles below Gray's Ferry.

June 1, 1851. R. BUIST.

JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE,

of the State of Penn^yh-ania, for the promotion of th^

Mechanic Arts.

THE oldest Mechanical Periodical e-xtant in America, is published
on the first of each month in the City of Philadelphia. It has
been regularly issued for upwards of twenty-five years, and is
carefully edited by a committee of scientific gentlemen appointed
for the purpose, by the Franklin Institute.

The deservedly high reputation, both at home and abroad,which
tins Journal has acquired and sustained, has given it a circulation
and exchange list of the best character, which enables the Com.
mittee on Publications to make the best selections from Forei«nj
I Journals, and to give circul.ation to original communications on
mechanical and scientific subjects, and notices of new iiiveiuioiiB ;
notices of all the Patents issued at the Patent Office, Washington
City, are published in the Journal, together with a large amount of
information on Mechanics, Chemistry, and Civil Engineering, de-
rived from the latest and best authorities.

This Journal is published on the first of each month, each num-
ber containing at least seventy-two pages, and forms t vo volumes
annually of about 43a pages each, illustrated with engravings on
copper and on wood of those subjects which require them.

The subscription price is Five Dollars per annum, payable on
the completion of the sixth number; and it will be forwarded free
of postage when five dollars are remitted to the Actuary (postage
paid) in advance for one year's subscription.

Communications and letters on business must be directed to "the
Actuary of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,"
the postage pa d. VVM. HAMILTON,

August I, 1851. Actuary, F. I.

TO FARMERS, PLANTERS;

MARKET GARDENERS k OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAL

GUANO— Manuf ad ured onhj by KENTISH & CO.
Depot No. 40, Peck Slij), New Yorlc.

THIS manure IS so combined, that the Ammonia and other fer-
tilizing gases are absorbed, fixed, and are given out to vege-
tati(%n onlv as ir rennires tliMm \'n rnt r>iil/l.><i. ....,-... a,. „-

HENKY I,.TR1PL.ER,

(Siiccessox to Joseph P. H. Coaics.)

Dealer iu Grass aud GardenSeeds.

No. 49, Market Street, Philadelphia.

tation only as it requires them. No rot, mildew, worm, fly or
other insect can approach it: an iiiportant consideration tof.irmers
generally, but particularly in potato plantnig It will be adtnirably
adapted to tiie renovation, restoration and fertilizing of such lauds
as have been worn out.

It may be used broadcast, after the ground is ploughed, and then
harrowed in with tlie seed. It is also valuable as a top dressing.
r?is acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

It may be used with the greatest advantage on Corn, lotatOPS,
Wheat, Tobacco, Garden Vegetables, Rye, Oats. Green Honae
Plants, Flowers, Vines, Wall Frnit. &c.,aiKl more than a thousand
certificates from the most celebrated Farmers and Gardeners, can
be shown, all testifying in the highest terms to its great value as a
fertilizer. A pamphlet containuig these certificates can be had,
by applying to the manufacturers. The price is only one cent
PEB POUND. It is put up in bbls. averaging 23o lbs., or in casks,
from 1000, to 1400 lbs.

TERMS, Cash, or approved credit on delivery. Persons wish-
ing to buy the article to sell again will be allowed a liberal com-
mission. Address KENTIS't & ("O.

Aug. 1,1851. No. 40, Peck yiip, New Yoik.

~ AGENCY

for the purchase and sale of imjyroved breed of
Anmial.^\

STOCK Cattle of all the different breeds, sheep, swine, poultry,
&c., purchased to order, and carefully shipped to any part of
the United States, for which a moderate cunnuission will be
charged. The following are now on the list, and for sale, viz:
Thorough bred Short Horns and Grade Cattle,
do do Alderney do do

do do Ayrshire do do

do do Devons do do

do do South Down Sheep,
do do Oxfordshire do
do do Leicester do

Swine and Poultry of different breeds. All leters post paid will
be promptly attended to Address AARON CLEMENT,

August 1, 1851. Cedar St., above 9th. Phila.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

T'HE subscribers off'er for sale at the lowest market rates,
1000 Tons Dry Patagonia Guano,
500 " Government Peruvian Gaano,
500 bbla. Ground Plaster.
The quality of the above is unsurpassed, and can be recommend-
ed with confidence to farmers and others in want of the arlictea.
A liberal deduction made to Country Merchants.

ALLEN fc NEEDLES.
No. 22 & 23, S. Wharves, First Store above Ches. St., Phila.
July 1. .74in-

BERKSHIRE PIGS and South Down Sheep of Pure Blood, far
sale by JAS. THORNTON, Jr ,

July l-6ro. Byberry, Philadelphia Co.

354

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[February,

MONTGOMERY'S

UNRIVALLED IMPROVED ROCKAWAY
SCREENER.

This celebrated FAN has been thoroughly tested and found to
e.,-el all others now m use forcleaning the il.lTerent k.ndsnf gram.

This improvement by Montgomery & Brother, consists m a dou-
hle Ehne-the larger shoe— A as commonly attached to wiiinowing
loaclunes, having grooves into which the screens, sieves or sieve

'T'''Thic'urvi%'r'm upon which the grain falls after passing

"'r-The'doTwhSi^madeto ertend across the curved apron
B and opening baek on hinges towards the front end of shoe A,
re'su flat upon the front part of the apron B. The grain passes
alo iir the c'^irved apron B and through the aperture of tiie door C
a'dlals upon the screen D underneath. The apron is carried
over the screen D on to the screen underneath, whilst the screen-

Lspss through the screen D into tne shoe G underneath, and are
^1? ied alon, the bottom of the shoe G to the cen.ie.wlierea spout
H receives ti.e screenings and carries hem down behind into a
box below the bottom of the shoe A. 1 he grain is carried hack on
to 'the gramboard underneath perfectly ^"««>=,d, , ,„ „ . -,, .^^
The persons who have already used these ORAIN FAISShave
not only spoken in flattering terms of them, but prefer them to all

"her be'y have nsed-anO- very many of the best Agriculturials
have Eiven their certificates that the laet of these machines screen-
iag the grain twice by one and the same operation is the very im-
nrovenwnt Ihev have long desired. Our farmers will now have
Le most perfJc wmnowing machine, which spreads the gram
o/er the upper screen more perfectly than any others now in use^ .
This improvement is so valuable as to liave induced he inventors
and raai ufuctarers to malie application for Letters Patent

ll" orders far the machines will be proinptly attended to by the
imdersit'ned J- M0NTG0M1.R\ & BROTHER,

*Sept.!851. Lancaster city, I'a.

THE FRUIT-GROWER'S HAND-BOOK.

Fncoura"ed by the very warm commendations of this work, re-
ceived alike from experienced Horticulturists and from the wholly
inexperienced, the author ventures with some confidence to sub-
mit it to the public at large. , .. u , A r.v.

Notes of all the important questions on fruit culture asked of the
writer durin» the last ten years, with a thorough research of Fo-
luolo'ical works, have contributed to render this volume as cora-
i.lete°as possible, in convenient compass. . - , , .

To the lot-holder who wishes to make the most of a few plants
and little room, as well as to the extensive planter who wishes to
arrange and cultivate his gardens m the most economical and pro-
fitable manner, the Hand Book will be found a useful companion
lor frequent reference. » /• r «>.

Cff- Price, FIFTY CENTS. Two copies, post free, for SI.

@- i-rice, '■[^^^ ^VM. G. WARING,

sept. 1851. Boalsburg, Centre co., Pa.

DOUBLE-ACTING, LIFT AND FORCE PUMPS

The subscriber munufactnrea Double-acting Lift and Force
PHmps. of all sizes, for

Factories Mines, Railway Water Stations,

Breweries, Steamboats, Steamships,

Tan Work's, Ships, Water Boats,

Unt r ianids Family Purposes, &c.

VILLAGE AND FACTORY FIRE ENGINES.
Garden Engines, Cistern Pumps, Well Pnmps, for any depth re-
mured, Hons Couplings, Copper Rivetted Hose of all sizes. Orna-
mental aeCast-iron Fountains, Ice.

Purchaters are respectfully invited to call.

Anv comluunications by mail will have immediate attention.
G.B.FARNAM, 31 Cliir St., near Fulton, N. Y

PENNA. PATENT AGENCY OFFICE.

Inventors and otheia, having business to transact at the United
Stales Patent office, are hereby infcrmed. that the nmiersi^ned
will attend promptly to all business connected with siiid office.Kand
will complete Perspective and Sectional Drawings, and all requi-
site papers, Cavtats. Specifications, Disclaimers, Assignments,' &.c.
Rjid make the proper applications for the securing of Letters Pa-
tent, according to law.

MACHINISTS AND INVENTORS
will save time, trouble and expense, by first consulting him, and
the strictest secresy will be observed, relative to their inventions
and claims

The office is at present located In Centre Square, two doors south
of the Ljxiicaster Bank, where the list nf patents granted since the
year 17M to the present day can be examined, tngelher with nii-
merousspeci6cations, drawings and models, and every information
obtained relative to the laws and rules of the U. S Patent office.

All the requisite papers, drawings and models will be promptly
and carefully forwarded to Washington citv, free of charge by
J. FRANKLIN REIGART, Lancaster, Pa

Life Insurance for Horses, &c.

THE American Live Stock Insurance Company, (Stockholders iti-
dividuaily Liable) for the Insurance of Jiorses, Mule !■, Prize
Bulh, She^.p] Cattlf,, 4-c , against Fire, Water, Accidents and Dis
ease. Also, upon Stock driven to Eastern markets, or transporled
South.

JOHN H. FRICK.
General Agent for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

REFERENCES :

Wood, Abbott & Co., )
Truitt, Brother & Co.. V Philadelphia.
Coates & Brown, )
Agents:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, Lancaster Pa.
CHARLES F. FRICK. Rea.ling, Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR, Maurh Chunk, Pa.

Dr. JouN G. ScovEKNi Veterinary Surj^eom,
May, 1851.) Examiner for Lancaster Cowmy.

■\Vm. B. Wilet, Job Printer Lancaster, Pa.

1852.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

355

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES, &C.

The subscribers solicit the attention of Nurserymen, Orchardists
Mill Amateurs, to their present large and fine stock of Nursery Ar-
ticles:

Standard Frttit Trees, for Orchards ; thrifty, well grown, and
bondsoine, of all the l)est varieties.

DwAKF Trees, for Gardens. The largest stock iu the country,
(Hid the most complete.

Dwarf Pear Trees. Our collection consists of well known
leading varieties, and numbers more than 150,UUU saleable trees —
The superiority of these, being grown in the country, over import-
ed trees is well known to every intelligent cultivator. Nothing,
in fact, in this country, can equal our collection of Pear Trees,—
They can be had from one to four years growth, some of which
are now coveretl with fruit.

DwAKF Apple Trees. We cultivate in large quantities the
best and handsomest varieties of apples on Doucam and Paradise
sttK-Us for Dwarfs and Pyramids, and can furnish them iu large
quantities, from one to two years growth.

Dwarf Cherry Trees. All the leading varieties are cultivated
cai Mahaleb stocks, extensively. We can furnish by the hundred
and tliousand, from one to two years growth.

Cherry Currant, the largest variety known. Upwards of 1,000
plants on hand,

English Gooseberries, all the best sorts.

Large Fruited Monthly Raspberry, that gives a crop of fine
fruit in the autunni.

Strawberries, all the best sorts.

Ornamental Shade Trees, of good size, for streets, parks, &c.,
targe and well grown.

Choice Trees and Shrubs, for lawns and pleasure grounds, in-
ciudin? all the finest, new and are articles recently introduced.

Hardy E\"ergreen Trees. Norway Spruce and Balsam Fir, of
Buiall size, in lar£;e quantities; and a mndt-rate supply of large
(mes, besides nearly fifty new and "^ are Evergreens, including Deo-
dar Cedar, Cedar of Lebanon, Ch'li Pine, Cryptomeria or Japan
Cedar, Honaiayan Spruce, Sue, &c.

Roses, Peonies, a large and complete collection, including the
iuiest varieties.

Phloxes. A collection of upwards of sixty varieties, including
thirty new v:irieties imported last spring.

Dahlus. Upwards of 100 select varieties, including the finest
Enelish prize flowers of l:r*49 and IS50.

The following Catalogues, giving full infcrmation as regards
terras, prices. Sec... will be sent gratis to all who apply by postpaid
letters or at the office.

1st, a General Descriptive Catalogue.

2d, a Wliolesale Catalogue.

3d, a Catalogue of Select Green House Plants.

4tb, a Special Catalogue of Dahlias and Bedding Plants, for 1851.
ELLWANGER ^ BARRY,
Mount Hope and Garden & Nurseries,

Sept. 1851. Rochester, N. Y.

THE MODEL ARCHITECT,
^1 series of' oriyinal designs for CoUages^ Villas, Su-
burban Residences J Country Churches, School-
nouses^ ct'C (IV,, hij Samuel Sloan, Arc't.

The above work is designed to meet the wishes not only of those
iireotly interested in building, but of all tliose who desire the ad-
vancement of this noble art in our country, and wish to cultivate
their taste and acquaintance with architecture. The handsome
manner in which it is prepared and embellished, renders it a taste-
fol ornament for the drawing room, while its accurate dehneatiuns
give it the highest practical value.

The projector will find in it evrry variety of style and design,
Hccompanied,as mentioned below, by all minutia necessary to con-
struction. By its aid he may build without danger of making those
ludicrous and expensive mistakes which so often occur

The operative artisan of every grade will find the work of ines-
timable value. It is a complete book of reference, and all plates
are drawn to a scale with the utmost accuracy, so that he has only
to study them with his rule and compass.

The work, in two volumes of twelve numbers each, to be issued
monthly, until complete. Each number contains four Lithograph
Engravings of original designs, varjing in cost of erection from
$800 to S14,UU0. There are also four sheets of details accom-
panying the designs, comprising ground plans, kc, &.c. Besides
this, each number contains eight pages of letter-press, descriptive
o£ the designs, giving extended accounts of the various styles
adopted, essays on warming, ventilation, &c., iVc, elaborate spe-
cifications, estimates, tables, and in short every thing desirable,
erther for construction or for general information, in beautiful type;
the whole being executed on the very finest paper, manufactured
expressly for the work. Prick 50 CENTS A NUMBER.

Address, post-paid, E. S. JONES & Co., Publishers,

S. W, cor. 4th and Race sts., Phila., Pa.

Persons forwarding a list of five subscribers accompanied wi^
the cash, shall receive a sixth copy gratis. sept-ly"^

riNE STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

Strawberry Plants of several varieties and fine quality can be
Sad by the hundred or thousand at the low jirice of SI per hundred,
^ addressing witii amount encl«sed,

JAMES O'COIVNOR
Safe Harbor, Lancaster Co., Pa
AVTotimyriU receive prompt attention. (»ept. I85t

ANALYTICAL LABORATORY,

Yale College, Neiv Haven, Connecticut.
JOHN P. NORTON, Pkofessor op Scientific Agricitlturk.

This Laboratory is now fully organised for instruction in all
branches of analyses connected with the examiimtiun of soils
manures, minerals, ashes, animal and vegetable substances &c.—
Full courses are given in each of these departments, and also in
general Chemistry, both organic and inorganic.

Students can thus fit themselves to become instructors in th«
various branches of Chemistry, or to apply so much of that and
kindred sciences as may be necessary to the practical pursuit of
agriculture or manufacturing. The demand for teachers and pro-
fessors in the various branches of chemistry, especially agricultu-
ral, is now great and increasing, so that this is a fair field for those
who have a taste for such pursuits.

A course of Lectures ouScientific Agriculture, by Professor Nor-
ton, commencesin January of each year, aad continues for two and
a half months. This course isdesigned especially for the practical
farmer, and has given great satisfaction to those who have attend-
ed it in previous years. It embraces a plain connected outline of
the leading points in improved agriculture, treating in succession
of the composition of the soil, the plant and tiie animal; of their
connections with each other, and of all the improvements in culti-
vation, manuring, feeding, and fattening, which have been adopted
in the best agricultural regions This course is made so plain and
practical, thatthe farmer who attends itcan understand the whole
and apply it in his own experience. '

More ean be learned by attendance upon such lectures, by read-
ing in connection with them, and by associating with others who
are also desirous of obtaining a better knowledge of their prufea-
sion than in years away from such advantages. The young fanner
learns to think for himself, to see that a practice is not necessarily
right because it is old, to understand the reasons for all that he
does, and with this increase of knowledge is better able to malte
farming profitable as well as interesting.

Board and lodging may be procured at from S2 to S3 per week,
and the Ticket for the Lectures is glU.

In connection with the Lectures is a short Laboratory course, by
means of which those who desire it, are taught to test soils, mai»-
ures, marls, &.C . in a simple way, and to make many elementarj'
examinations of a highly useful character. The charge for thie
course is S'25.

To those students who go through the full Laboratory course,
the charge isaboat S'200 per annum, and they can be admitted at
any period of tlie year at a proportional charge.

For further information apply to Prof, John V Norton, New-
Haven, Conn. (3ept-4t

I-; '

LIGHTNING ROD,

THOS. ARMITAGE'S PATENT MAGNETIC LIGHTN1N9
ROD. — The patentee takes pleasure in informing his friends and
the public in general, that after many years' close investigation
and numerous experiments, he has finally arrived at the true prii>-
ciple of manufacturing and putting up Lightning Rods and Poinla,
and is now ready to serve his frn^nds and the punlic ni general, at
the shortest notice, at his manufactory, VINJO street, above 12tti,
Philadelphia, south side, where all persons ore respectfully invited
to call and examine for themselves, this being the only place where
they can be purcltased. This rod has been examined by the most
scientific gentlemen now living, who have proimunced it to be tl>u
only safe Rod that has been put up or seen.

N. B. — Patent Rights are now offered for Stntes, counties or dis-
tricts in the United States, Philadelphia and Chester counties ex-
cepted.

Agencies can be formed by calling at the Factory, Vine street,
above Twelfth, south side, Philadelphia

sept 1831. THOMAS ARMITAGE.

COTTAGE FURNITURE.

WARWICK & Co., are constantly manufacturing new and ap-
propriate designs of enamelled, painted and Cottage Furniture, a£
warranted materials and workmanship Suits of Chamber Furni-
ture consisting of DRESSING BUREAU, BEDSTEAD, WASH-
STAND. TOILET TABLE, and FOUR CANE SEAT CHAIRS,
as low as &;30 per suit, and upward to glUU, gotten up in the most
superb style.

Orders from all parts of the country promptly attended to and
carefully packed. WARWICK A CO.,

Warerooms, No. 4 and 0, South Seventh st., between Chestnut &

Market streets, Philadelphia. sept.-gm

HENRY A. DREER'S

SEED AND HORTICULTURAL WAREHOUSE,

No. 59, Chesnut st., near 3d, Philadelphia.

Constantly on hand a large and well seleeted assortment Af

Gardm, Field, Grasi and Gardtn Seeds, Fruit Treei, Grapt Tinu,

Reses, fye.

Hortieulturallmpleraentein great variety.

Cotmlo^eo'forwarded on post paid application. («ep.-4t

356 ADVERTISEMENTS. [Februaky,

PM08PECTfJS

TIIE PUBLISHER would respectfully call attention to the followiug announcement of the most com-
plete and beautiful -n-ork on American Trees now pu})Iished. It is of great value to Libraries, residents in
the country, botanists, and nurserymen, and those who talie an interest in the cultivation of trees.

Subscribers will please designate whether they wish the whole work, or Nuttall's Supplement sepa-
rately.

Subscriptions received by the publisher and by GEO. CLINTON SMITH, Travelling Agent for the
United States and British America.

Arrangements liave been made that it cannot be supplied through Booksellers.

''ijiiii ''«:« ''Bl \ii«W yiii ■■ 'yiiiiii Im \jKii iiii Wui ' ■«« \iiii iikii 'jii 'j.ia 'y'liiii W m '^S ^'^\wm'^

A DESCR8PTION OF THE FOREST TREES OF THE UNITED
STATES, CANADA, AND NOVA SCOTJA.

CONSIDERED PARTICULARLY WITH RESPECT TO THEIR USE IN THE ARTS, AND THEIR

INTRODUCTION INTO COMMERCE;

AVith a description of the most useful of the EUROPEAN FOREST TREES, illustrated by 156 finely
colored copperplate engravings, by Redoute, &c. In Three Volumes. Translated from the French of

F. ANDREW MICHAUX, Member of the American Philosophical Society, Etc., Etc.

With Notes by JOHN JAY SMITH, Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences, &c.

This work is of tlic highest standard value, with or without the Supplementary volumes by NUTTALL.

PRICE TWENTY-FOUR DOLLARS.

THE ryORTH AMERICAN SYLVA,

Or a DESCRIPTION OF THE FOREST TREES OF TIIE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND NOVA

SCOTIA,

Not described in the work of F. Andrew Michaux, containing all the Forest Trees discovered in the Rocky

Mountains, the Territory of Oregon, down to the sliores of the Pacific, and into the confines of

California, as well as in various parts of the United States. Illustrated by 121 finely

colored plates, in three volumes, royal octavo,

BY THOMAS NUTTALL, F. L. S.,

Slcmbcr of American Philosophical Society, and of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,^&c.

[The Whole complete in Six Volumes, Royal Octavo, with 277 plates.]

The figures in these three additional volumes comprise one hundred and twenty-one plates, fine color-
ed, mostly of new subjects, or such as have not been before published in the Sylva, executed with the strict^
est fidelity to nature, under the eye of the Author. Additional remarks on the uses and economy of the
Forest Trees of the United States will also be given, so as to complete, as far as possible the requisite infor-
mation on this important subject.

It is quite unnecessary to say anything in praise of MICHAUX'S magnificent work on the Forest Trees
of our country — the well established reputation of NUTTALL, the author of the additional part of the
work, is a sufficient guarantee for its accuracy and the style of its execution. The platesare finely and care-
fully coloured equal to French editions ; and the two works form the most splendid series ever published
in America.

The persons who possessed the former edition of MICHAUX'S work can procure the three addi-ional
volumes by NUTTALL separately, and thus complete their copies.

CONDITIONS.
The whole work in six volumes, Royal Octavo, in gilt edges, and gold stamped cloth, or in stamped
sheep, will be furnished for forty-five dollars.

Or in extra full turkey gilt, for fifty-five dollars.

ROBERT P. SMITH, Publisher,

15 Minor street, Philadelphia.

'-3

^ =."- N*!

nit

1^ 8

< ^^

VOL. 1.

LANCASTER, PA., M.ARCH, 1851

NO. 12.

THE FARM JOURNAL

S. S. HAtDEMAN, Editor.

For the Farm Journal.
Application of Poudrette to Corn Fields — Surface
Manuring.

Mr. Editor: — Believing that your Journal is des-
tined to be the means through which the farmers of
Pennsjlvania will eventually communicate all such
fads and experiments as may be useful to each other,
and feeling much indebted to those who have been
leretofore contributors to other agricultural publica-
cions, I, as a citizen of our good old commonwealth,
intend to make her Farmer's Periodical, the medium
of communicating my experience to the public. And
if you can succeed in inducing farmers to give, in
their own plain and intelligent manner, their success
(and failures also) in the cultivation of crops, with
minute descriptions of quantities, expense, &c., its
usefulness would be greatly enhanced.

To add -example to precept, I propose occasionally
to report to you my operations at " Cream Hill," and
shall at present confine myself to the subject of
" Surface Manuring," or rather to give a detailed
statement of my success in the application of pou-
drette to a crop of corn.

Some sis years since, in making an exchange of
land with a neighbor (to straighten our lines) I came
into possession of about four acres of cold, moist, poor
clay land. It was covered with oxeye daisy and car-
rot roots, with, in the lower parts, an occasional
patch of alder bushes. After I had planted my or-
dinary crop of corn in the beginning of May, I made
several French drains through this piece of land,
thereby effectually drawing off all the water which
had heretofore risen to the surface. The drains are
from two and a half to three feet deep with about fif-
teen inches of small field stone in the bottom, covered
first with shavings from the carpenter shop, which I
deem best for the purpose, and filled up with earth.
Afler preparing the land well, I procured from the
VOL I — L.

manufactory, thirty bushels of poudrette, at thirty
cents per bushel, and commenced planting by putting
first, about a gill, perhaps a little more, of the ma-
nure in a hill, and dropping the corn thereon, cover-
ing from two to three inches deep. After planting
four rows in this manner, I put in four others with-
out manure, then again four with, and four without.
The remainder of the lot was planted, with poudrette
used as above described, except the last twelve rows,
which, from want of time, it being late in the even-
ing, and having the appearance of rain, I was com-
pelled to plant without manure. I should have said
this was on the first day of June. On the next day,
I put on the surface of the hills in the last named
twelve rows, the same quantity of manure as on the
other parts of the lot.

The season was a fair one for the corn crop. The
following was the result. On the four first rows ma-
nured (outside) I had twenty baskets full, of well
matured corn. On the first four without manure,
fourteen baskets of very inferior corn, much of it un-
ripe; on the third four rows manured, nineteen bask-
ets; on the next four without manure, fourteen bask-
ets of like quality as before ; and on the next four
rows manured, nineteen baskets of good corn. I neg-
lected to measure any more of it, although I have
since regretted that I did not measure the four rows
where the manure was placed on the surface at the
same time, as I believe, from its size and appear?nce
that it was little, if any better, than that where there
was no manure.

Afler I had plowed the land and before planting,
I put on fifty bushels of lime per acre, which had
been burned the year before, and contained about
thirty per cent, of magnesia.

The next season the lot was sown with oats, and
during its growth I could distinguish at the distance
of a quarter of a mile, where every corn hill in it had
been manured. The efiect, however, was not as ma-
nifest where it was manured on the surface, as where
the poudrette was buried with the com.

I have since that time used poudrette, guano and

358

COMMUNICATIONS.

[March,

bone-dust ■n'ith various results. So far, however, al-
ways failing to derive any benefit from guano, and
yet so satisfied with the advantages which some of
my neighbors have derived from its application, that
I have again bought a ton of the " best Peruvian "
with which I propose to renovate an old field of six
acres, of stale land, which has been thrown out for
fifty years. I shall plow it in, in connexion with a
like quantity of Plaster of Paris, leaving as I always
Jo, a few rows without any manure to test its value.

If the above should prove acceptable to you and
your readers, I may, at a future period, give you the
result of an experiment with barnyard manure, pou-
drette and guano, upon a field of wheat, grown sub-
sequently to the foregoing detailed experiment with
corn. Kespectfully,

H. Jones Brooke.

Radnor, Del. cq.

For the Farm Jonrnal.
Dissolved Bones.

Mr. Editor ; — Wishing to cultivate a field of five
acres, that had been farmed for some ten or twelve
years without any application of lime or other reno-
vator, until it had become very poor, I determined in
the fall of 1850 to put it in Wheat. It had been in
corn and yielded a very meagre crop, then in oats,
and after the oats in clover, that made a very scanty
covering; the stocks keeping a respectable distance
from one another, and even the clover was pastured
off, so that the promise for a wheat crop was a poor
one. After giving it a dressing of lime at the
rate of 30 bushels to the acre, on the sod, it was plow-
ed in August to the depth of six inches, the soil not
permitting deep plowing. Then, when the ground
was in its rough state, I applied the following prep-
aration, viz : 13 bus. bones, dissolved by 300 lbs. of
sulphuric acid — The bones were very coarsely ground,
and required more acid and time to dissolve them
than if they had been finer. When sufiiciently dis-
solved, I had them mixed with a cart load of saw
dust, and after leaving it for a few days in a pile to
heat, mixed with it 500 lbs. of Guano, sowed it broad
east on the field, at the rate of 2} bushels of bones
and 100 lbs. of guano to the acre.

The wheat grew finely in the fall, looked well
through the summer, and when harvested, yielded a
small fraction over 29 bushels to the acre; fuUy 15 bus.
more to the acre than the land would have produred
without the bone, sawdust and guano. It was seeded
in clover and timothy,which grew so rank in the low
and more wet part of the field,as in a measure to in-
jure the wheat; making a thick mat aU over the
ground, and promising a fineyield the coming season,
which will abundantly compensate for all the outlay
incurred, without the additional amount of wheat.

lalsoapplied thedissolved bones, butvrithoutguano,
on part of a field of cora. The result was equal to
that of the wheat. The part of the field to which it

had been applied, grew ofi' from the first, stronger and
greener; so that many persons that examined the field
were able to point out the very row where the bones
had been applied. There was evidently from 10 to
20 bushels more to the acre on that part of the field.

As ground bones are difBcult to be obtained in
suflicient quantity to be largely appUed in their
ground state, I believe it is much more economical
and profitable to dissolve them in acid. The after
crop of clover which it most benfits, will much more
than pay all the expense of the acid. S. D.

Oxford, Feb. 10, 1852.

[The above communication from one of the best
farmers in Chester county, will, we are sure, be read
with interest, and should be, with profit, by every
subscriber of the Journal, who is desirous of impro-
ving the quality of his soil. The use of bones as a
fertilizer, although extensively practised in England,
and in portions of the United States, is not common
in Pennsylvania. It is a well known fact that ship
load after ship load of bones has been sent from the
port of Philadelphia to England, by English agents
located there expressly for that purpose. Many of
these bones are collected in the interior of our State,
and sent by canal and otherwise to Philadelphia. A
gentleman residing near that city informs us, that a
few years since, desirous of procuring several tons of
bones, he found the bone market so completely mo-
nopolized by English agents, that he eventually suc-
ceeded in getting the quantity he wished, only because
tha vessel designed to carry them to England, was
unable to take them. Facts of such a character are
worthy the most serious consideration of our farmers.
If English farmers can afibrd to keep their agents in
the United States to collect, pay the freight across the
Atlantic, and yet find bones amongst the best and
cheapest of their fertilizers, why should they not be
equally valuable to the Pennsylvania farmer, who
has them at his very door ? If other of our readers
have experimented with bones, we respectfully request
that they will enable us to lay before our subscriers
the results of their experiments. — [Ed.

For the Farm Journal.
Agricultural Wuisances, No. 7.

Horse Nettle. Carolina Nightshade. Adam's Ap-
ple. Solanum Carolinense. Linnceus.
It belongs to the 5th Class and 2d Order in the
Artificial System of LinnjEus, and to Order Solanacea
in the Natural System. The meaning of Solanum is
uncertain. There are about 500 species of the gene-
ra described, about ten of which are natives of North
America. The Potato and Egg plants are species of
this genus. The pilant under consideration is a na-
tive of the Southern States. It grows to the height
of 1 or 2 feet, has a shrubby appearance, but is an-
nual, the stem is hollow, branched, and armed with
sharp spreading prickles, the leaves are 4 or 5 inches
long, and 3 or 4 inches vride, egg shaped but are va-

1852.]

COMMUNICATIONS.

359

riously scalloped, prickly on both sides ; the foot-
stalks, both of the leaves and flowers, half an inch
to one and a half inches long ; the stem of the flow-
ers grows opposite to the leaves, often 5 or 6 inches
long. The flowers ore bluish white ; the fruit is or-
ange yellow in little balls about one third of an inch
in diameter.

This vile weed, not much remote from the Canada
thistle, is found growing in many parts of the State
in cultivation under the name of "Adam's Apple."
"When it gets fairly introduced it is almost impossible
to get rid of it, it is so tenacious of life. In some
parts of the Southern States it is very abundant. It
grows in patches, and its numerous spines deter stock
from feeding among it. It was introduced into Mar-
shall's garden in Chester county, and has now be-
come a pernicious weed in that vicinity.

I can discover some beauty in every plant, but this
is one that has but few characters to recommend it,
and will hardly warrant the risk of seriously injuring
the whole agricultural district for all the beauty it
affords, and should be promptly eradicated wheiever
it is found. J. M. M'Minn.

Unionville, Ian. 9th, 1852

For the Farm Journail.
The influence of the Moon.

Mr. Editor : — I do not quite like the tone of the
article with the above caption, in your January No.
It appeared to me both uncandid and ungenerous.
I would humbly suggest to your correspondent, that
dogmatism is not argument, or ridicule, reason.

This generation is emphatically " wise in its own
conceit." Whatever it does not understand, it re-
jects as foolishness. Even Science, in the pride of
her newly fledged pinions, soars aloft, and imagines
that her vision takes in all, that God has made visi-
ble; and because she does not discern objects or
colors, of which her teachers have spoken, declares
positively that they never existed except in the brains
of superannuated dreamers. Young people are always
ridiculing " old women's whims," — but what do we
learn from the fact, that as fast as they arrive at the
age of matured experience, they invariably adopt
those same " ridiculous whims?" only, that age has
given them wisdom, also. Thus we have a class of
philosophers who, in warring against Superstition,
sometimes attack the invincible array of Truth. —
Thus, because illiterate superstition imputes too much
to the lunar influence, they deny that the moon has
any influence whatever.

But we must proceed with your correspondent's
declaration as we would with a stocking which we
designed to unravel ; we must commence at the toe

If the Creator of all the " systems of vast and in.
finite worlds" — deigns Himself to control the desti-
nies of earth, and her feeble children, is it unreason,
able to spppose that He has so endowed and arranged

the "vast and infinite worlds" that they shall mutu-
ally influence and benefit each other? If, as Astro-
nomy teaches, the moon is a naked ball, without
oceans, or rivers, or even a surrounding atmosphere,
and therefore, is unfitted for the habitation of animal
life, or the growth of any organic production ; for
what purpose was she created ? To light the earth ?
Certainly not, for Wisdom would in that case have so
disposed her, that the illuminated hemisphere should
always have been toward the earth. I am rather
skeptical, however, as to the uninhabitableness of the
m .on. I cannot believe that the God who has so
bountifully diffused " the living creature" through
our earth would have created so vast a waste. Yet
if it be so, then the moon accompanies the earth, for
the especial benefit of herself and her children ; and
since it is not merely to give light, she must be ap-
pointed for other purposes. Your correspondent ad-
mits her agency in producing the tides, overlooking
however the " spring tides" and " neap tides," eon-
sequent upon her "changes."

It is hardly probable that any ignoramus imagines
that the moon "jumps" from one place to another,
or that she changes her form or her substance. We
have always ignorantly supposed that these changes
had reference to the differences of her position with
regard to the sun in the quadrature of her orbit. —
Certainly the earth receives from her, more reflected
sunlight when her whole bright side is toward us,
than when she turns from us the half of her efful-
gence, giving the remainder obliquely ; or when she
turns her back altogether. This difference is demon-
strated by the difference in the tides ; I mean that
the position of the moon with respect to the earth, and
the sun does cause this difference. If, then, the moon
does so attract or influence the waters of the ocean, is it
irrational to suppose,'that her influence acts upon all
aqueous particles, either on the earth or in her sur-
rounding atmosphere ? Does not the fact that the
moon is specially appointed to wait upon the earth
in her revolutions, suggest the beliaf, that she has
some special office with reference to our earth ? This
office is not merely to give light as we have shown ;
and besides, it seems to me evident, that the Creator
intended that we should sleep at night, which we can
do very well without moonlight. It is, therefore, my
humble opinion that the light which the moon re
fleets upon us, is an influence intended for more im-
portant purposes, than to light beasts to their prey,
or robbers and assassins to their desperate work.

If the water is influenced by the Moon, since our
atmosphere is essentially an aqueous body, it must
be subject to this influence. No person will deny
that all vegetation is sustained by the water and
gases of the atmosphere. Every observant gardener
knoios, that some vegetables do grow taster when the
Moon is near the full, than when she gives little or no
reflected light, because the atmosphere, when satura-

360

COMMUNICATIONS.

[March,

tod by this Lunar influence, possesses in larger pro-
portions, the properties on which they subsist. —
Animal life is hardly less dependent upon atmospher-
ic stimulus than are vegetable productions ; conse-
quently -whatever influences the atmosphere, affects
animated as well as vegetable nature. I have known
three of that unfortunate class of '. insane persons,
known as lunatic. In each of the three — the insane
despondency, regularly at every full moon, became
raging madness. I have also known monomaniacs,
whose hallucination,-;, obviously "waxed and waned
with the moon." Some corporeal chronic diseases also
present the same phenomena. I therefore, at the risk
of being classed with the unfortunates referred to
above, assert my earnest faith in the venerable doc-
trine of Lunar influence, not as exerted upon " meat
tubs, crout barrels and cream pots," but upon every
living thing which breathes atmospheric moonshine
either by means of lungs, or green leaves.

My belief is not a theory ; but a conviction founded
upon long observation and repeated experiment. I
am certain of it. It is a generally received fact, and
obvious to all observers, that the full Moon does pow-
erfully dispel the clouds or watery vapours. Even
!Milton sang,

'' And from before the brig]itiie83 of her face,
White break the clouds away."

Jloon gazing is exceedingly injurious to the eyes, or
rather to the nerves, on which depend the power of
vision. May not the other nerves, and through them
the brain, suffer from the same injudicious practice?
Did you ever know an habitual Moon gazer, who did
not betray spots of moonshine in his intellect? —
I would quietly remind your Correspondent that

•' There are more things in Heaven and earth,
Than are dreamed of in your philosophy."

I shall next expect to read some wise man's assertion
that the mineral known as loadstone, does not attract
iron ; and that there exists no influence of attraction,
for the needle, to the pole.

There are few great truths that are not more or
less clouded by superstitions, the murky exhalations
of the human mind. But we should not attempt to
overthrow, or extinguish the Truth, in order to dispel
the superstition — inasmuch as superstition is always
better than infidelity. Although the Almighty Crea-
tor has given to Nature "imperative and inevitable
laws," it does daily appear that the acting and
counteracting of these laws, one upon the other does
produce multifarious, and contradictory effects, upon
ephemeral objects— and as far as my observation ex-
tends, winds and clouds, and consequently weather,
are subject to no special regulation or restriction, still
that they are influenced by the Sun and by the Moon,
no candid student of Nature will deny.

Ltdia Jane Pieesoit. 1
Liberty, Jan. lltk, 1852. 1

Translated for Farm Journal.
Agricultural Chemistry, No. 7.

But the farmer must not content himself with per-
mitting the plants he cultivates to appropriate to
themselves the alimentary matters merely with which
nature has supplied the soil. His efforts must be
constantly directed to provide seasonably, additional
supplies, not only to replace those of which the grow-
ing crops have deprived the soil, but steadily to in-
crease the fertility of his laud. This brings us to
the subject of manures — with which it is primarily
important that the farmer should acquaint himself
and be able to avail himself of the'processes which
nature herself adopts and pursues for enriching
the soil. Thus, in order to furnish the needed
supplies of gaseous nutriment, the farmer should pro-
vide substances readily convertible into carbonic acid
and ammonia ; as he must likewise supply the requi-
site substances for the production of the more solid
and incombustible matters. Now, in order to secure
a constant supply of the incombustible elements, we
find in nature a continual reciprocal action and reac-
tion of substances on and among themselves, result-
ing in their gradual disintegration and solution. —
These processes are facilitated and improved by fal-
lowing, and by repeatedly stirring the soil. But as
nature is constantly varying the kind of plants she
produces on the same soil, so that all the various nu-
tritious matters contained in it may successively be
consumed, she thus plainly intimates to the farmer
the utility of making similar changes with the plants
ho cultivates, or, in other words, to introduce a sys-
tematic rotation of crops.

In manuring land we should have constant refer
ence to the following principles, which have been
well established by experience.

1. Plants in general require nearly all those sim-
ple substances which we have enumerated and de-
scribed in the former part of this treatise.

2. They derive their elementary substances in part
from the air, and in part from the soil.

3. Though all plants contain nearly all the sub-
stances enumerated, still particular plants require a
greater proportion of one of these substances than of
another, and on the presence of this greater quantity
in an available state, depends the full and thrifty de-
velopement of the plant.

In this view, systematic manuring might be conve-
niently arranged under three subdivisions: 1, ma-
nuring for the general improvement of the soil: 2,
manuring to remedy some particular defect of the
soil : 3, manuring to supply merely the special wanta
of particular plants or crops.

Manuring for general improvement is resorted to
for the renovation of exhausted land, so as to re-es-
tablish its fertility and productiveness. For this pur-
pose, stable or barnyard manure is unquestionably
cheaper, more generally available, and superior to
any other. There are various kinds and qualities of

1852.

COMMUNICATIONS.

361

stable manure. As regards the gases generated by
and evolved from them, they may be divided into
two principal classes — the one producing more car-
bonic acid than ammonia; and the other, at least in
its earlier stages, producing more ammonia than car-
bonic acid. To the first class belong the manures
produced by horned cattle ; to the second, that pro-
duced by horses. The custom of applying the two
kinds of manure in combination, or of using that of
cattle in preference on light and warm soils, and of
appropriating that of horses to colder or clayey lauds,
is based on the fact that the latter evolves ammonia
in large quantity, which in the absence of absorbents,
in which light soils are deficient, acts injuriously on
vegetation ; whereas such injury is not caused by it
when used on clayey land. For the same reason,
experienced practical farmers in general avoid apply-
ing fresh manure to light soils, because, in such ma-
nures the formation and evolution of ammonia pro-
ceeds with great and not unfrequently destructive
rapidity, owing to the absence of suitable absorbent
substances. In other respects also, fresh or recent
manure produces comparatively less effect than fol-
lows the application of an equal quantity of well de-
composed dung, for the vegetable remains which it
contains, and from which humus is to be formed, are
yet only partially in a decomposed state and not re-
duced into a homogeneous mass, and its incombusti-
ble elements are likewise too greatly diffused, so that
proportionally a smaller amount is supplied to the
soil. But where it is designed to effect a mere me-
chanical loosening of the soil, it is useful to apply
fresh manure, which should for this purpose be plow-
ed in as thickly as possible. When the increased
formation of carbonic acid is promoted by the use
of fresh manure, the solution of the silicates in the
soil is at the same timehastened, andthe incombustible
elements, in which such manure is deficient, will thus
be supplied, if the manure be applied in large quan-
tity. On the whole, fresh manure acts with greater
efficacy in wet seasons or wet soils than such as is
well rotted; because decomposition does not then
proceed with such rapidity as to cause an injurious
evolution of ammonia, and the straw and coarser sub-
stances mixed with it, which longer resist decompo-
sition, prevent the soil from becoming compacted by
heavy rains.

The principal action of stable manure, as a fertil-
izer, is based on the following facts. Domestic ani-
mals are fed with grain and grasses or hay. By
means of this food they receive all the various ele-
mentary substances which the plants have withdrawn
from the soil during their growth. The animals
themselves require for their sustenance a proportion-
ally small part only of these substances, the remain-
der passing off mainly in the form of excrement. —
The manure they produce must therefore contain and
return to the soil, in the proper proportions, the ele-

mentary substances required by plants or cultivated
crops, and contain them in such state of solution,
sub-division and combination, as is best adapted to
promote vegetable growth.

As regards the quantity of barnyard manure to he
applied, as much as possible should be allotted to the
land to be cultivated, yet not so much as to cause the
cereals to Jodijc and thus prevent the formation of
perfect grain. Still it is always better to manure too
bountifully than too sparingly, because the effect of
excessive manuring may be remedied by thin seed-
ing, drill culture, and by frequently stirring the soil
while the plants are growing, if the crop cultivated
admit of it. Jloreover, plentiful manuring is allow-
able and justifiable where neither straw, hay, nor
grain is sold from the premises; because the quanti-
ty of manure produced on such a farm is constantly
increasing, since plants, by means of the elementary
matters which they derive from the soil and the air,
and by the continual decomposition of the mineral
substances of the soil, are enabled to, and actually
do, supply more than they receive from the manure,
even after allowing for what is carried away in the
form of beef, pork, butter, milk, &c. And it is this
excess which goes to enrich and increase the fertility
or productiveness of the soil.

For litter, straw is undoubtedly the best material
that can be used, because other substar:ces change
and deteriorate the nature and composition of the
manure produced, as well by the different proportions
and mixture of their ingredients, as also by their in-
ferior efficacy in promoting the loosening of the soil
and the decomposition of its mineral ingredients. —
Other materials can be used advantageously for litter
only, when they can be properly mixed with straw.

As to the treatment and preservation of manure, it
should be constantly borne in mind that it consist^
of substances, some of which are volatile and others
incombustible. The former naturally escape almost
as rapidly as they are evolved, and escape the more
easUy, the more the mass becomes heated in the pro-
cess of fermentation. But the escape of these vola-
tile substances is very injurious, and the farmer's ef-
forts should be assiduously directed to prevent such
escape and injury, as much as possible. As moisture
absorbs both carbonic acid and ammonia, these two
substances may be retained by keeping the ma^iure
heap constantly in a moist state, so as to moderate
the heat of fermentation and fix at least in part, the
volatile matters evolved. Or the manure heap may
occasionally be strewed over with fresh dug earth
which will absorb the ammonia, whilst the carbonic
acid will render soluble again the silicates present. —
If, in addition to strewing earth over the manure
heap, it be occasionally sprinkled over with dilute
sulphuric acid, the volatile ammonia evolved will be
retained and converted into sulphate of ammonia — a
salt which is not volatile, but which is readily solu-

3G2

COMMUNICATIONS.

[March,

ble in water and is a powerful fertilizer. If gypsum
1)6 strewed over the manure it will underj^o decompo-
sition. Its sulphuric acid will unite with the ammo-
nia and form sulphate of ammonia, and the lime will
talce up the carbonic acid ; thus the escape of their
volatile substances will be prevented.

As regards the depth to which manure should be
introduced in the soil, much depends on the object
which it is intended to accomplish. In this view we
must distinguish between manures whicli are design-
ed to operate rather by the volatile and soluble sub-
stances they contain, and such as consist chiefly of
incombustible though soluble substances. If the
former — usually recent animal manures — are to be
appliel, they should be covered deep, because the
gases which will be evolved therefrom, naturally as-
cend and m\ist find above the manure, the soil on
which they are to act, and in sufiioient quantity or
depth to be perfectly absorbed. The more rotted or
decomposed manure is when applied, the less atten-
tion do its volatile matters deserve, but the more
careful should we be to preserve the valuable and
liighly soluble salts it contains. These substances
are washed or leached down into the subsoil by rainS'
and are thus placed beyond the reach of many plants.
The greater the amount, therefore, of soluble salts,
which such manures contain, the more shallow should
they bo plowed in.

The crojis also, for which we manure, must be taken
iato consideration. For tap-rooted plants the manure
should be placed deeper in the soil than for those
whose roots do not penetrate deep. As manure which
is plowed in shallow acts more quickly than that
which is covered deep, because the atmospheric air
has more ready access to it, the farmer has it in his
power in a great degree, to regulate the consumption
of the manure in accordance with the wants of the
plants he cultivates. It is also to be observed Uiat
land which has been manured, may, in the ensuing
years be plowed deeper than before, because much
of the more thoroughly decomposed portions of the
manure sink deep in the soil. In the last place, we
may remark also that a principal effect of barnyard
manure, is, that by its decomposition it serves to
condense and store up in the atmospheric air imme-
diately surrounding or in contact with it, large quan-
tities.'of carbonic acid and nitrogen; thus providing
the crop with an abundant supply of those substances,
which plants by means of their leaves, are destined
to absorb as nutriment.

For the Farm Journal.
Mules for general farming purposes.

Mr. Editor: — There is one subject which should
claim the special attention of our farmers in Penn-
sylvania ; but which, for some unaccountable rea-
son, has been strangely neglected. I refer to the in-
troduction into more general use, of that valuable
animal, the mule, for farm purposes.

For some years I have been a practical farmer, and
like most farmers in their noviciate, I purchased such
horses as to me, appeared best adapted to my pur-
poses. Little attention was paid to the quantity of
grain necessary to keep them in decent condition
from year to year. After using horses four or five
years, I came to the conclusion that my farm work
could be done as well and as quickly, and that nearly
one-half of my horse feed might be saved; and I hoped
to accomplish all this by substituting mules for my
horses.

For a year or two previous to the introduction of
the mules on my farm, I urged upon my neighbors
the expediency of using them. I did this on the
ground of their superior activity, strength, hardiness,
cheapness of keeping, longe\-ity, &e. But my neigh-
bors, like the generality of farmers, had adopted the
prevailing opinion that they were hard to manage,
vicious and unruly. This slander upon the mule
seems to have had its origin in the fact that iron
masters, canal boatmenand others, who employ mules
largely, entrust them to merciless hirelings, who in-
humanly abuse the poor animals, by beating, whip-
ping, &c., until fright, &c., producing something like
a feeling of self-defence, drives them to desperation,
and viciousness ensues. If gentle means were used,
and tie mule treated as every useful creature should
be, with a properdegree of humanity, they w„uld be-
come as quiet and tractable as the horse.

To those who would desire to purchase mules, I
say, select and purchase them before they arc broken
to harness, at the age of three years. Place them,
one at a time, in harness beside a gentle horse, and
work for a day or two. Let the most soothing means
be used. If the mule becomes refractory, instead of
beating him into submission, try the power of kind-
ness, and my word for it, in a very short time he
will work well wherever you choose to place him.

For the purpose of illustration I will give you my
own experience in the matter. I have now in niy
possession, a pair of dun mules, three years old, that
ten mouths ago never had bridle or harness on. —
These mules are as perfectly broke to single or dou-
ble harness, as any of the horses that I have worked
for years. This was accomplished by gentle treat-
ment, and I am satisfied that the same course, if gen-
erally pursued, would soon redeem the character of
the mule from the unjust censure so freely heaped
upon him by those who have always treated him
harshly.

The mules above referred to, were awarded a spe-
cial premium at the late State Fair. They are not
only gentle and kind, but I can do more plowing with
them in the same space of time, than with any two
horses I ever had ; with this advantage in favor of
the mules, that they keep sleek and fat on one-half
the feed required for the horses.

Another argument in favor of mules is, the com-

1852,]

COMMUNICATIOxNS.

363

parative ease with which they can be reared. With
such a, soil and climate as Pennsylvania, the cost of
raising a mule need not exceed that of a three year
old steer. The mule at that age, even though an
ordinary one, will command one hundred dollars, and
if a first rate one, from one hundred and twenty to
fifty dollars ; while nine-tenths of our horses at three
years old, are not worth more than eighty dollars,
although the cost of feeding and attention is nearly
twice as great. Samuel Mumma.

Locust Grove Farm, Dauphin co.

For the Farm Journal.
targe Seed Potatoes vs. Small.

Mr. Editor: — The question of large versus small
potatoes for seed, seems at present to engage a large
share of attention in several of our agricultural jour-
nals. Perhaps a statement of an experiment on a
larger scale than usual will be of interest at this time.
In the fall of 1848 I measured oS two acres of ground
and had it deeply plowed. The soil is a warm sandy
loam, with a deep sandy subsoil, and was at the time
of plowing, down to timothy meadow, three years
from the sowing. It was plowed in the fall for the
purpose of exterminating the cut worm,which abound-
ed. The following April we hauled upon it one hun-
dred two horse wagon loads of well rotted barnyard
manure, spread it evenly and plowed nine inches
deep, harrowed well, marked out drills four inches
deep and three feet apart, and planted with fine large
Neshannock potatoes, chosen and preserved carefully
for the purpose. The potatoes were cut and planted
at the rate of twenty bushels to the acre. The large
seed was insufficient to complete the planting and we
were forced to have recourse to the culls, about the
size of walnuts. The whole patch was planted in one
day. The plants came up well, and were well work-
ed with the cultivator. No apparent difference be-
tween the large and small seed. They were dug about
the middle of September, commencing at the rows
planted with the small seed, (about a quarter of an
acre). We were surprised to find the potatoes so large
and the yield so good, it having been a favorite theo-
ry of mine that the largest potatoes alone should be
planted, to make a good return. We measured care-
fully several rows, and made large calculations on
the probable yield of the large seed. Judge then of
our surprise, when measuring several rows of the
latter, to find that they fell a little short of the former,
both in quantity and quality.

Another acre and a half which we planted a few
days later than the first patch, on deep alluvial soil,
in a very careless manner and entirely with the
smallest potatoes, produced as fine a lot of large po-
tatoes as I have ever seen. The yield of the two
acres was 400 bushels, and of the one and a half acres
200.

In 1850 I lost aU of my seed potatoes by storing
too large a quantity together ; and seed being very

scarce in this neighborhood, I was forced to plant
such as could be purchased, red potatoes, large and
small mixed. I planted on newly cleared land at the
rate of nine bushels to the acre, and had a much bet-
ter crop than could have been expected from the
quantity of seed, viz: 800 bushels from three acres.
Vfe sorted out all the small ones, about the size of
walnuts and hen eggs, for seed, and in April, 1851,
planted 7| acres of rich new land in rows three feet
apart, and at the rate of nineteen bushels to the acre,
potatoes whole, or when an unusually large one oc-
curred, cut in two. When dug, they were assorted
on the ground, the large ones sent to market and the
small ones stored for seed. I measured carefully the
product of one acre, and found 320 bushels, of which
one fourth were culls and the other three fourths the
best quality of merchantable potatoes ; and as such
they commanded a high price in market. I will also
mention, that my potatoes have never been infected
with the rot, except in one or two spots where the
water of a spring occasionally flowed over the cround
after heavy rains, although my neighbors for several
years past, until the present season, have lost nearly
their entire crops. I do not pretend to assign any
reason for my exemption from the scourge, except
perhaps, early planting. Yours respectfully,

Paul A. Wat.
SewicMey Valley, Jan. 12, 1852.

Webb's Patent Straw Cutter.

Our attention has been called to this Straw Cutter
by S. Hayden, of Bradford county, who is now intro-
ducing it into this State. He has sold most of the
South Eastern counties to Paschall Morris, of West
Chester, Chester county, of whom Machines may be
obtained.

The improvement consists in adapting two straight
knives to a horizontal shaft, so as to strike obliquely
against a circular plate of iron, giving the knife the
position to cut with greatest ease, with the least force,
and with the most expedition of any jMachine we
have seen.

The knives are attached to the shaft by movable
arms, capable of being set at any angle you choose,
may be sharpened without removal, and used for a
great number of years without renewal. In short,
the Machine is simple in its construction, and efficient
in its execution. It was invented by .Joseph W. Webb,
of Cayuga county. New York, and patented by him
October 8th, 1850.

Mr. Editor : — I notice in one of our Journals an
enquiry. What will prevent Bugs from eating cucum-
bers, etc.? I will tell you what I do with very good
success — I put a box around the hill just large enough
to enclose the plants about eight inches deep — place
it before the plants emerge from the ground. This
process has been very successful with me and such of
my neighbors as have tried it. Yours, &c.,

Broohfield, N. Y. A. L. Sanders.

364

OUR POULTRY YARD.

[Mahch,

CDur Ipoultnj |)arii.

THE TURKEY.

This is one of those Fowls, that, as yet, are found
in the wild, as well as in the domestic state. How
long this may he, is hard to say ; prohably, not long;
for as civilization and improvements advance in
North America, the country to which they belong,
tliey will doubtless share the fate of the Dodo and
Bustard, and be known only in history, or by the
specimens to be seen in the barn-yard.

Among the living tributaries to the luxury of Man,
the Turkey is an example of the results yet to be ex-
pected from the exploring spirit of our day. It is
the most recent, and, except the Hon and the Goose,
the most valuable of our domesticated birds. We
may, indeed, call it quite a new introduction : for
what, after all, is a period of three hundred years

compared with the time during which Man has had
dominion over the earth and its brute inhabitants ?
The obscurity which hangs- over the transmission of
the Turkey from America, and -which there is little
chance of clearing away, except by industrious fer-
reting amongst old family records and memorandum
books, shows that those who brought it to tlie Old
World had no idea of the value of what they were
importing ; but prohably regarded it like any other
remarkable production of nature — a Macaw or a Tor-
toise. The young would be distributed amongfriends
with the same feeling that Golden Pheasants and
such like are with us ; these again would thrive and
increase, and the nation would suddenly find itself
in the possession of a race, not of pleasing pets; but
of a valuable prolific, and hardy stock of Poultry.

When the lien has once selected a spot for her
nest, she will continue to lay there till the time of her
incubation, so that the Eggs may be brought home

DOMESTIC TURKEYS.

from_ day to day, there being no need of a nest Egg,
as with the common Fowl. She will lay from fifteen
to twenty Eggs, more or less. If thereare any dead
leaves or dry grass at hand, she will cover her nest
with these ; but if not, she will take no trouble to
collect tliem from a distance. Her determination to
sit, will be known by her constantly remaining on the
nest, though empty ; and as it is seldom in a position
sufficiently secure against the weather or pilferers, a
nest should be prepared for her, by placing some
straw, with her Eggs, on the floor of a convenient out-
house. She should then be brought home, and gentr
ly and kindly placed upon it. It is a most pleasing
sight to witness the satisfaction with which the bird
takes to her long-nest Eggs, turning them about, pla-
cing them with her bill in the most suitable positions,
packing the straw tightly around and under them,
and finally sinking upon them with the quiet joy of
anticipated maternity.

Some ladies deem it necessary to turn the Eggs

once a day, but the Hen does that herself many time?
a day. If the Eggs are marked, and you notice their
position when she leaves the nest, you will never find
them arranged in the same order. A person who ob-
tained ninety-nine Chicks from an hundred Eggs,
took the great trouble to turn each Egg every day
with her own hand, during the whole time of incuba-
tion. The result appears favorable ; but, in fact, on-
ly amounts to this, that sueh officiousness did no harm
with a good, patient, quiet creature like the sitting
Turkey, but it would probalily have worried and an-
noyed any other bird into addling her whole clutch.
We will at once reject, as utterly absurd and unnat-
ural, all directions to immerse or "try" the Eggs in
a pail of water, hot or cold.

Give them nothing ; do nothing to them ; let' them
be in the nest under the shelter of their mother's
wings, at least eight or ten hours ; if hatched in the
afternoon, till the following morning. Then place
her on the grass, in the sun, under a roomy coop. —

1852.]

OUR POULTRY YARD.

365

If the weather be fine, she may he stationed where
you choose, by a long piece of ilannel-list tied round
one leg, and fastened to a stump or a stone. But the
boarded coop saves her ever-watchful anxiety from
the dread of enemies above and behind — the carion-
crow, the hawk, the rat, the weasel : and also pro-
tects herself — and will protect her young from the
sudden showers of summer. Offer at first a few
crumbs of bread : the little ones, for some hours, will
be in no hurry to eat ; but when they do begin, sup-
ply them constantly and abundantly with chopped
egg, shreds of meat and fat, curd, boiled rice mixed
with cress, lettuce, aud the green of onions. Melted
mutton-suet poured over barley-meal and cut up when
cold : also bullock's liver boiled and minced, are ex-
cellent things. Barley-meal, mixed thick and stiff
with water or milk, nettle-tops, leeks, goose-grass, or
cleavers, and many other things, might be added to
the list ; but it is probable that a few of these may
now and then be refused by gome fanciful little
rogues. I think I have observed that little Turkeys
do not like their food to be minced much smaller than

they can swallow it: indolently preferring to make a
meal at three or four mouthfuls than to trouble
themselves with the incessant pecking and scratching
in which Chickens so much delight. But, any rate,
the quantity consumed costs nothing : the attention
to supply it is every thing. — Dixon & Kerr's Orna-
mental and Domestic Poultry.

THE GUINEA FOWL.

This Bird, in some measure, unites the character-
istics of the Pheasant and the Turkey, it has the del-
icate shape of the one and the bare head of the other.
There are several varieties, as the White, the Spotted,
the Madagascar, and the Crested. This latter is not
so large as the common species : the head and neck
are bare, of a dull blue, shaded with red, and, instead
of a casque, it has an ample crest of hairy-like disu-
nited feathers, of a bluish black, reaching as far for-
ward as the nostrils, but in general turned backwards.
" The whole plumage, except the quills, is of a bluish
black, covered with small grayish spots, sometimes
four, sometimes six on each feather."

THE GUINEA FOWL.

The best way to begin keeping Guinea Fowls is to
procure a sitting of Eggs from some friend or neigh-
bour on whom you ean depend for their freshness,
and also, if possible, from a place ichere only a sin-
gle pair is kepi. The reason of this will be explain-
ed hereafter. A Bantam Hen is the best mother ;
she is lighter, and less likely to injure them by tread-
ing on them than a full sized Fowl. She will cover
nine Eggs and incubation will last a month. The
young are excessively pretty. When first hatched,
they are so strong and active as to appear not to re-
quire the attention really necessary to rear them. —
Almost as soon as they are dry from the moisture of
the Egg, they will peck each other's toes, as if suppo-
sing them to be worms, will scramble with each other
for a crumb of bread, and will domineer over any
little Bantam or Chicken that may perhaps have been
brought off in the same clutch with themselves. No
one, who did not know, would guess, from their ap-

pearance, of what species of bird they were the off-
spring.

Of all known birds, this, perhaps, is the most pro-
lific of Eggs. AVeek after week, and month after
month, sees no, or very rare intermission of the daily
deposit. Even the process of moulting is sometimes
insufficient to draw off the nutriment the creature
takes to make feathers instead of Eggs, and the poor
thing will sometimes go about half naked in the chilly
autumnal months, like a Fowl that had escaped from
the cook to avoid a preparation for the spit; unable
to refrain from its diurnal visit to the nest, and con-
sequently unable to furnish itself with a great coat.
As the body of a good cow is a distillery for convert-
ing all sorts of herbage into milk, and nothing else,
or as little else as possible, so the body ef the Guinea
Hen is a most admirable machine for producing Eggs
out of insects, vegetables, grain, garbage, or what-
ever an omnivorous creature can lay hold of. — Dixon
<& Kerr's Ornamental and Domestic Poultry.

366

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

[March,

REMARKS ON ENTOMOtOGY

Chiefly in reference to an Agriculhiral henejit.

BY W. D. BRINCKLE, M. D.

CONCLUDED.

Other insects of a different Order often commit ex-
tensive ravages on our staple crops.

Wheat, so essential in its diversified forms of man-
ipulation to our comfort and sustenance, and consti-
tuting^ what is emphatically termed the staff of life,
is subject to the depredations of man}' insects. Some
of the most destructive of these are the Hessian Fly,
fCeoidomyia destructor,) the Grange-colored Gnat,
(Cecidomyia tritici,) Miss Morris' wheat midge, {Ce-
cidomyiaculmicola,) the Joint-worm, the Augoumois
moth, and the AVolf, (Tinea grauella). These insects
are pernicious only in their larva state; and each at-
tacks a separate and distinct part of the plant.

The larva or maggot of the Hessian Fly is usually
found between the base of the leaf and the main stalk.
Two_ broods of this insect are produced annually —
one in the spring and one in the autumn. In Oeto-
ber, the female deposites from twenty to thirty eggs,
on the leaves of wheat, soon after the plant appears
above the ground. These eggs are cylindrical in form,
of a pale red color, one-fiftieth of an inch long, and
one-five-hundredth of an inch in their transverse dia-
meter. _ They are hatched in from four to fifteen days.
The diminutive maggot, at first of a reddish color,
crawls down the leaf, insinuating itself between it
and the main stalk, till it reaches a joint, where it re-
mains, with its head downwards. It continues sta-
tionary in this situation, sucking {lie juices of the
2>lant, for four or five weeks, when it becomes fully
grown, measures an eighth of an inch in length, and
ce.ases to cat. The skin now hardens, assumes a
bright chestnut color, and has some resemblance to
a flax-seed. In this flax-seed or pupa state it remains
till April or May, when it becomes transformed into
the perfect or winged insect. Copulation then takes
place, soon after which the eggs for the autumn
brood arc laid.

The larv« of the Orange-colored Gnat are found in
the ears of wheat; where they feed on the pollen, and
the germ destined to form the future grain, till they
complete their growth. Then, after moulting, they
fall to the_ ground, where they burrow to the depth
of half an inch and undergo their final metamorphosis.
The perfect insect does not emerge from its pupa case
in the ground till May or June ; when it makes its ap-
pearance about the time the wheat is in blossom, and
after copulation lays its eggs in the scales of the flo-
rets or in the center of the corolla. In eight or ten
days, these eggs are hatched into, little footless mag-
gots; which, when fully grown, are an eighth of an
inch long. By ^feeding on the pollen, they essential-
ly interfere with the fecundating process, and thus
occasion many of the grains to be abortive. In this
way, a twentieth part of the crop, not unfrequently,
IS destroyed by them.

The larva of Miss Morris' wheatrmidge inhabits the
cavity in the center of the straw. In June, the egg
IS deposited in the grain while in the soft or milky
state, and remains unhatched till the wheat has been
sown and has germinated. The young larva soon
ascends the stalk, which it penetrates above the top
joint, and enters the cavity in the centre of the culm,
■where it feeds, with its head doivnwards, till it ac-
quires its full growth. It then passes down the cen-
ter of the straw, cutting through the joints, till it
reaches the root, when it emerges from the interior

of the culm, ascends the stalk on the outside, attaches
itself firmly to the straw, passes into the flax-seed or
pupa state in its larval skin, and completes its final
change in May or June. Before the larva arrives at ma-
turity, the straw very frequently becomes so hard, that
the worm, when done feeding, is unable to cut through
the joints and make its exit at the root in its usual
way. Under these circumstances, its transformations
are completed within the cavity of the culm, where the
imago must eventually perish, unless liberated from
its confinement by some fortuitous means. Thus it
appears, as Miss Morris has remarked in her commu-
nications to the American Philosophical Society, and
to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,
that this destructive insect may be transported from
place to place, and even from one country to another,
in wheat straw, as well as in the wheat itself The
Cecidomyia culmicola has been confounded with the
true Hessian fly, which it resembles in appearance,
and perhaps equals in its destructive ravages on the
wheat crop. Under the impression that Miss Morris
was describing the Cecidomyia destructor, her facts
were called in question, and a controversy ensued. —
The accuracy, however, of her observations have been
triumphantly established ; and it is now conceded
that the insect described by her is one which had es-
caped the notice of other Entomologists.

The larva of the joint- worm dwells in the paren-
chyma or substance of the sheath, near its junction
with the stalk; and can only be seen by cutting into
the excrescence or blistered spot which constitutes its
abode. Whether or not this insect prevails to any
extent in Pennsylvania I am unable to inform you.
But in some parts ef Virginia, the injury done to the
wheat crop is sometimes very considerable.

The Angoumois moth and the TFoT/'are two insects
of another Order (Lepidoptera) that occasionally in
their larva state attack the growing wheat ; though
their principal depredations are committed on the
grain stored in garners.

Several insects, belonging to the Coleopterous Or-
der, also do incalculable injury to stored up grain. —
The most destructive of these is that which has been
pre-eminently termed " the weevil " (Calandra gran-
aria), one of the Rhyncophora. It is a minute insect,
only one eighth of an inch long. The female depo-
sites a single egg in each grain, the interior of which
is entirely consumed by the larva.

It has often been observed, that when the insects,
justj noticed, as attacking the wheat crop, have in-
creased to an alarming extent, a diminution in their
numbers suddenly and unexpectedly takes place, cau-
sing the wheat fields on the ensuing year to be, in a
great measure, exempt from their depredations.* —
Several causes combine to produce this happy and
unanticipated result. To one of them — insect ene-
mies— your attention will now be directed. These
enemies are the Ichneumons, — a tribe of insects, be-
longing to the Hymenopterous Order, and embracing
many genera and species. They are all parasites ;
and by checking the increase of the herbivorous or
plant-feeding insects, prove the great insect benefac-

*Since the above was written, I have received a copy of the
Transactions of 1850 of the N. Y. State Agricultural Society, 108
pages of which are occupied with an able Report of an Agricultural
Survey of the county of Seneca, taken under the direction of the
State Society, by John Deiafield, Esq. From this report we make
the following extract : *' In the year 1849, the Wheat crops of Ju-
nius, Tyre, Waterloo. Seneca Falls and Fayette, exhibited theef-
fect of the wheat fly's presence, they destroyed nearly one-fifth
of the crops of these towns. In 1950 the evil was abated, and but
little loss experienced ; this immunity was unexpected, and it is
worthy of enquiry by Entomologists, how far the climate, season
and condition of the crops may have presented obstacles to the ea-
sy deposit of the egg, or what other cause so suddenly and effectu-
ally checkjd the increase of the wheat fly."

1852.]

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

367

tors of our race, although many of them arc so mi-
nute as scarcely to be risible to the naked eye. Some
of them puncture, with their ovipositor, the eggs of
the noxious wheat insects above alluded to, and place
in them an egg of their o'\vn which soon hatches, and
the little internal egg-parasite there lives, feeds and
grows, till it has completed its larval and pupal sta-

ges, when it emerges a little winged ichneumon. —
ther species of ichneumon lay their egg within
the larva and pupa of the Hessian Fly and its allied
wheat midges, where it hatches, feeds and passes
through its several transformations. Although these
internal parasites do not kill the larva while feeding
on the adipose tissue contained in their bodies, yet
they eventually either deprive them of the power of
completing their final metamorphosis, or cause them
to pass through it in such an enfeebled condition as to
be incapable of perpetuating their kind. These im-
pediments to the multiplication of the noxious wheat
insects must necessarily prevent their increase in a
ratio equal to that of their iclmeumon foes. Conse-
quently the latter will gain the ascendancy, and then
the sudden disappearance of the former is the natu-
ral and inevitable result.

On seeing these ichneumon parasites in great num-
bers in wheat iields infested with different species of
Oecidomyia, many persons have very naturally at-
tributed to them the destrnction of their crop. This
conviction, they conceived, was corroborated by the
f\ict that these ichneumons have been seen to emerge
from the eggs and pupa of the Ilessian Fly and its
allied wheat midges. But the remarks already made
will give you the true explanation of this adventitious
occurrence.

Immense numbers of butterflies, moths, grass-hop-
pers, borers, plant-lice, and a great variety of other
insects injurious to vegetation, are, in this way de-
stroyed by these parasites.

Besides the ichneumons, certain other insects of
the Hijmenopierous Order are also parasitical.

Nor are the insect parasites confined to the Ilyme-
noptera. Some of the two-winged flies (Diptera)
possess the same habits ; hatching and feeding with-
in the bodies of various kinds of caterpillars until
they are about to complete their final metamorphosis.

The Predaceous Insects constitute another class
that are exceedingly beneficial to the Agriculturist.
Among these are' many of the beetles, the sand-wasps;
the dragon-flies, the Earwig (Forficula Auricularia)
but more especially the Lion of the Aphides, (Chrysopa
perla,) several varieties of the Lady Bird (Coccinella,)
and some of the Syrphiau. The three last-mentioned

Sredaceous insects while in the larva, and the Lady
iird even in its imago state, prey exclusively on the
different species of plant-lice. In conjunction with
one or two minute varieties of ichneumon, they are
the natural enemies of the Aphis; and where they
abound, prove amply sufficient to secure vegetation
against its exhausting ravages, notwithstanding the
extraordinary rapidity with which it multiplies.

The Aphis or plant-louse is probably the most pro-
lific of all insects. A single female, in the fifth gen-
eration, may have a progeny of five thousand million;
and sometimes there are fifteen or twenty generations
in a year. A most remarkable fact in relation to the
propagation of the plant-house, is the sufSciency of
one copulation to cause the female descendants of ev-
ery subsequent brood, for a twelve-month, to continue
the re-production of the species. In the autumn, the
sexes pair, and the female lays her eggs ; after which
the races for the time becomes extinct. In the spring
the eggs are hatched, and the young are all females
and wingless. They very soon arrive at maturity,

and continue to re-produce their kind, not by laying
eggs, but by bringing forth their ofispring alive. —
Generation thus succeeds generation, without the
agency or even existence of a solitary male until au-
tumn ; when a brood is hatched eentaining winged
individuals of both sexes ; and then the anomalous
mode of perpetuating the species, jnst- alluded to,
terminates for the season.

The fecundity of many other insects is also truly
wonderful. The Queen Bee lays forty or fifty thou-
sand eggs in a year ; — the Ant between four and five
thousand ; — the Silk-worm four or five hundred ; —
the Wasp three thousand : — and some species of Moth,
in the third generation, increase to more than a
million.

When we contemplate the immense number of spe-
cies of insects, the countless individuals embraced in
each, and their amazing powers of re-production, we
cannot wonder at their being every where so abund-
ant, and at times so operative in controlling our des-
tiny. The earth, the air, the water, teem with innu-
merable tribes. The food on which we subsist, the
clothes we wear, our mansions, our furniture, our
books, all the productions of the vegetable kingdom,
in fine every form of organic matter however dimi-
nutive or however colossal, are subject to their depre-
dations. And though individually so small and
insignificant, collectively they are capable of accom-
plishing results of vast moment for good and for evil.
Suchindeed is theirwonderfulvoracitj'andprocreative
powers, that, without the intervention of counteract-
ing influences, vegetation would be utterly destroyed.

In the construction of the L^niverse, the Divine
Architect, whose creative conceptions and consummate
arrangements display the perfection of wisdom, form-
ed it a harmonious whole, amply provided with well
regulated checks T;nd balances. So long as these ad-
justing powers were not disturbed by extraneous
forces interposed by human agency, an inordinate
increase of noxious insects was restrained, chiefly by
the physical operation of the elements, and by the
instinct and natural propensities of certain insectiv-
orous animals. Among the latter, may be enumerated
many of the smaller quadriqjeds* reptiles,! insectiv-
orous birds, J bats, our domestic poultry and the par-
asitic and predacious insects to which we have already
alluded. The harmony of creation, however, has
been interrupted by the wanton destruction of birds
and reptiles, and by the intervention of other causes.
In consequence of this derangement in the economy
of nature, the inseot-vegetable-feeders have become
more abundant, and necessarily more destructive.

To counteract the increase of noxious insects, it is
necessary that artificial appliances should be called
into requisition. But to employ them successfully,
the insects that produce such wide-spread devastation
should be known to us, not only in their perfect form,
but in every stage of their being. We should know
on what food they subsist, whether they take it by
suction or mastication — the duration of their larval,
pupal and imago periods — and their habits. We
should know the size, form, color, and usual number
of their eggs — the season of the year when laid, —
their usual locality and arrangement, as well as the
length of time required for hatching. Finally, we
should know their natural enemies, especially those
belonging to the insect class.

How all this information is to be obtained by the
farming community, is a question of no little impor-

•iMice, Moles, Squirrels, the Hed^e-hog, &.C.
tSnakes, Lizards, Frogs and Toads.

(Woodpecker, Martin, Swallow, Night-hawk, WhippoorwiU,
Crow, Blackbird, Robin, Wren, Sec.

368

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

[March,

tance. It cannot for a moment bo presumed that
our practical agriculturists, whose time is so thorough-
ly occupied by the cares and labors of their husbandry
operations, have the leisure or inclination to glean it
from the massive and voluminous tomes on Entomol-
ogy, written as tliey are, for the most part, in lan-
guage unintelligible to them. It is true, several
valuable European publications, of a popular charac-
ter, on insects destructive to vegetation have been is-
sued. Among these are Ratzeburg's " Die Forst*
Insecten ;'' published at Berlin ; and a treatise on
"insects injurious to gardeners, foresters, and farm-
ers" prepared under the auspices of the Austrian
Government, by Vincent Koller, and translated from
tiie German by J. and M. Loudon, with notes by J.
0. Westwood. Most of the insects described in these
works, however, are peculiar to the Old World, or are
less abundant and less destructiTe with us, than some
others that are indigenous to our own country.

Being impressed with the great importance ofh.av-
ing the animal, vegetable and mineral productions
and resources of the State fully developed, Massachu-
setts, so early as 1830, authorized the commencement
of a series of investigations, which resulted in the
publication, at the expense of her Commonwealth,
of several valu.able documents, having an agricultural
bearing. Among these is an able Report by Dr. T.
W. Harris, on the insects of Massachusetts injurious
to vegetation, issued in 1841, more than ten years
ago. The history of this Report was communicated
to me in a letter, from this distingui.shed Entomolo-
gist, in reply to one I had written to him on the .sub-
ject, and is of so interesting a character as to induce
me to lay it before you.* In it you will perceive that
Massachusetts, not satisfied with the entomological
information which she had caused to be widely diffu-
sed, among her agi-icultural population, has already
authorized the publication of another edition of this
useful work. On this second edition, which will no
doubt be much enlarged and greatly improved, the
accomplished author is now engaged.*

Will Pennsylvania do less for the advancement of
her agricultural interests than the Bay State has
done for those of Massachusetts ? We trust not. —
An able Entomological Report, written in familiar
language and adapted to the exigencies of our own
Commonwealth, would impart to her rural population
the entomological knojiledge they so much need and
ought to possess. Then would they be able to recog-
nise the insects that at times produce so much injury
to their crops, as well as those that are of a beneficial
tendency. Then would they bo furnished with the
most approved natural and artificial means of com-
bating their destructive ravages.

Such a report would also accomplish other results
quite as important as those now mentioned. By im-
parting general and correct views of insect life, a
spirit of enquiry and investigation into the economy,
habits and transformations of the many insects with-
in our borders would be engendered. Close, attentive,
and well directed observation on these points, by our
agriculturists, would probably lead to the adoption
of more efficient counteracting remedies against in-
sect depredations than any hitherto employed.

Permit me, tlien, to press upon you th eimportance
of urging our State Government to legislate at once
on this subject. Let a bill be laid before the General
Assembly, during its present session, making the ne-
cessary provision for appointing an Entomologist
to draw up a Report on the Insects of Pennsylvania
injurious to vegetation, as well as those that are ben-
eficial, with outlines or colored illustrations represen-
ting them in every form of their e.xistence. The
triumphant passage of a bill of this kind cannot for
a moment be doulated.*

In connection with this subject, the propriety of
recommending legal enactments for the protection of
Insectivorous birds, is also worthy of your calm and
serious deliberation.

Sooner or later, these and various other measures!
necessary to the elevation of the agricultural p sition
of our Commonwealth, must and will be carried out.
The only question is as to time. Whether their ac-
complishment be remote, or nigh at hand, must in a
great measure, depend on the zeal and energy with
which the State Society urges their consummation. —
The present moment is auspicious ; agriculture is
every where receiving an onward impulse ! — down-
trodden as are the masses in the despotic governments
of Europe, yet are the agricultural communities even
of those countries now receiving from their Rulers,
aid the most important — -the most efiicient.J Shall
similar facilities be withheld from the rural popula-
tion of Pennsylvania? We await the response from
her Capitol.

[APPENDIX.]

DR. HARRIS' LETTER TO DR. BRINCKLE.

Cambridge, Mass., Sept. 10, 1851.

Dear Sir, — The report to which you refer is out of
print, and a new edition of it was authorized by a
Resolve of the General Court of Massachusetts, pas-
sed in May, 1850. I am now at work on this new
edition, the printing of which will probably be begun
in the course of the next winter; but as my time is
necessarily much taken up by my official duties in
the Public Library of Harvard College, the work will
make rather slow progress. The history of my re-
port is this:

On the 5th of June, 1830, in consequence of tie
recommendation of His Excellency, Levi Lincoln,
then Governor of Massachusetts, the General Court
of Massachusetts, "Resolved that His Excellency, the
Governor, by and with the advice of the Council, be
and hereby is authorized to appoint some suitable
person to make a geological examination of the Com-
monwealth, in connection with the general survey,
&c.," which had been previously authorized, March

*See Appendix.

} Althoueh the State of N. York ha» nobly and generouslf incarred
an expenditure of nearly SIOO.UOO in her geological surveys, and
in acquiring and disseminating inf innatioii •oncerning her beasts,
birds, fishes, reptiles and shells, accompanied by beautiful and ex-
pensive engravings, she has liitherto done comparatively little in
the department of Entomology. Nevertheless, the eftbrts she is so
zealously and successfully making to promote her agricultural pros-
perity, warrant the belief, that ere long the Empire State will,
with her usual liberality and aagacitA', bestow on insects the con-
Bideratiou to which their number ant! importance entitle them.

*Such an entomological report, in which the insects noticed are
arranged under their various Orders, with appropriate introductory
remarks to each Order, and accompanied throughout with minute
and comprehensive explanatory notes, would become an able Man-
ual of Entomology that could not fail to be productive of the most
eitensivs usefulness to our agricultural population.

tSuchaa the establishment of a State Agricultural College — the
introduction of books on agricultural and collateral subjects into
the rural public schools, &c

tit appears from the report of the Commissioners recently ap-
pointed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the subject of
an agricultural school, that in Russia there are 68 such institutions
established — in Prussia 32 — Austria 3.3 — Bavaria 35 — the other
Germanic States 2S — Great Britain 70— France 75— Belgium 6—
Italy 2 ; making in aggregate of 352 European AgriculturalSchools
in full and successful operation. While alas, in the United States,
with a republican form of government which recognises, as the
basis of all legislation, the happiness and welfare of the people,
the great body of whom are engaged in rural occupations, not a
solitary Agricultural College or School has been established either
by individual States or by the National Government. Nor has an
Agricultural Bureau yet been organized, though it has been urgent-
ly solicited, and its importance and necessity universally conceded.

1352.]

REMARKS ON ENTOMOLOGY.

369

3d, 1830. The Governor accordinglj commissioned
Prof. Edward Hitchcock, June 26, to make the Geo-
logical Examination and to report thereon. On the
•2d February, 1831, Prof. Hitchcock was directed "to
annex to his report a list of the native Jlinoralogical,
Botanical and Zoological productions of the Common-
wealth." This report was ordered to be printed in
1832, and to be distributed. The result was the first
edition of Prof Hitchcock's " Reports on the Geology
of Massachusetts," printed in one vol. octavo, at Am-
herst, Mass., in 1833. Before the work was finished.
Professor Hitchcock requested me and others to fur-
nish lists of animals and plants to be inserted in the
appendix to the work, which will be found to contain
my first catalogue of the insects of Massachusetts.
In conformity to a Resolve of the Legislature, passed
Feb. 17th, 1834, a new edition of Prof. Hitchcock's
Report was prepared in one vol, 8 vo., at Amherst,
in the year 1835. This contained an enlarged cata-
logue of the insects, which Prof. Hitchcock requested
me to furnish, together with catalogues of the other
animals and plants, prepared by several scientific
gentlemen. On the 12th of April, 1837, agreeably
to a recommendation of His Excellency, Edward Ev-
erett, the Governor, the General Court "Resolved
that the Governor, with the advice and consent of
the Council, is hereby authorized and requested to
appoint some suitable person or persons to make a
further and thorough survey of this Commonwealth,
under his direction, particularly in reference to the
discovery of Coal, Marl, and Ores, and an analysis
of the various soils of the State, relative to au agri-
cultural benefit. And he is hereby authorized to
draw his warrant from time to time, upon the Trea-
surer of this Commonwealth, for any sum not excee-
ding §2,500 for the foregoing purposes.'' The Gov-
ernor, mth the advice of the Council, thought best to
give an enlarged interpretation to this resolve, so as
to include as full an account of the animals and plants
of the Commonwealth as could be obtained consis-
tently with the means providod and with the spirit of
the resolve, which pointed particularly to the agri-
cultural benefits to be derived from the explorations.
For the execution of this resolve. Prof. Hitchcock
was appointed June 10, 1837, to continue the Miner-
alogical and Zoological survey ; and Mr. George B.
Emerson, Professors C. Dewev, E. Emmons, Rev. W.
B. 0. Peabody, and Drs. T. W. Harris, D. H. Storer
and A. A. Gould were commissioned lo take charge
of the Botanical and Zoological surveys. The several
portions of the work were distributed by agreement
among these persons, and the department of insects
devolved upon me. Other resolves, authorizing the
printing of the several reports, and making appropri-
ations for the same were subsequently passed, and
the following works by the Commissioners, have been
prepared, pr nted, and distributed gratuitously.

" Final Report on the Geo'ogy of Massachusetts.
By Edward Hitchcock, 2 vols, 4to., Amherst, 1841."

" Reports on the Ichthyology and Herpetology of
Massachusetts. By D. H. Storer ; and a Report on
t!ie Ornithology of Massachusetts. By W. B. 0.
Peabody, 1 vol. 8 vo. Boston, 1839."

" Report on the Herbaceous Flowering Plants of
Massachusetts. By C. Dewey ; — and Report on the
Quadrupeds of Massachusetts. By E. Emmons, 1
vol., 8 vo. Cambridge, 1840."

" A Report on the Insects of Massachusetts injuri-
ous to vegetation. By T. W. Harris, 1 vol., 8 vo.
Cambridge, 1841."

" Report on the Invertebrata of Massachusetts, com-
prising the MoUusca, Crustacea, Annelida, and Ra-

diata. By A. A. Gould, 1 vol., 8 vo. Cambridge,
1841."

" A Report on the Trees and Shrubs growing nat-
urally in the Forests of Massachusetts. By G. B.
Emerson, 1 vol., 8 vo. Boston, 1846."

The Zoological and Botanical Commissioners re-
ceived, if I mistake not, about $300 apiece for their
services.

Taking into consideration tha letter of instructions,
in which Gov. Everett pointed out, as particularly
desired, the economical and agricultural application
of our remarks, and upon consultation with Mr. Em-
erson, the Chairman of the Commission, I concluded
it best to confine my attention in the report principal-
ly to the insects injurious to vegetation ; but to meet
a general want that had been observed of an introduc-
tory work on our insects, I gave some general account
of the subject, and arranged the insects treated ac-
cording to a scientific classification of them, putting
the whole, however, into such plain and familiar lan-
guage as to be intelligible, I hoped, to uneducated
readers. That the work has, to some extent, served
the purpose for which it was designed, may be gath-
ered from the fact that the whole edition of 1500 cop-
ies (together with an impression of 250 copies extra,
printed at my private expense,) has been exhausted,
and that a new edition has been called for, and or-
dered to be prepared and printed at the public ex-
pense. No provision, however, has been made for
the execution of figures to accompany the work; and,
indeed, our artists are not only unskilled in such kind
of illustrations, but their charges are so extravagant
as to place these illustrations bej'ond the limits of
any reasonable appropriation.

Having now answered your enquiries in full, I beg
to express a hope that the State of Pennsylvania may
do something to promote investigations on the interes-
ting subject of insect history and insect depredations.
There already exists in your State an Entomological
Society, consisting of several active members, and
skillful naturalists, such as Dr. Melsheimer and Prof.
Haldeman, who would be fully competent to under-
take a work on the subject of destructive insects.
With respect, your most obedient,

Thaddeus William Harris.
Dr. W. D. Brintkle.

TJieLondoyi Quarterly Review, for January. Leonard
Scott & Co., 79 Fulton street. New York.
The re-publication of the foreign Quarterly Reviews
by Messrs. Scott & Co. places the productions of
the ablest vn-iters of Europe within the reach of
the American reader, at so cheap a rate that every
one should possess them. Embracing the views of
the three great parties in England, they become al-
most indispensable to a correct understanding of the
nature of the great political events transpiring in
Europe. The London Quarterly is the organ of the
Tory, the Edinburg Review of the Whig and the
Westminster of the Liberal party. For the benefit
of those who wish to subscribe for these valuable re-
prints, we give below the terms upon which they are
offered by the publishers.

For any one of the 4 Reviews and 1 Pre. Vol. ^ 3
For any two do. do. " j ^ u 5

For any three do. do. " 2 " " 7

For all four of the Reviews, " 2 " " 8

For Blackwood's Magazine, " 1 " " 3

For Blackwood and 3 Reviews, " 3 " " 9

For Blackwood and 4 Reviews, " 3 " " 10

370

HORTICULTURAL.

[March,

^s^

1 -'y>^

fjorticultural C'cpavtment.

For the Farm Journal.
Shrubs and Trees for Hedges.

In continuation of my paper on the subject of hedg-
es in the October number of the Farm Journal, I
would add— The Viburnum pnmifolhcm,or Shcepber-
ry tree, I believe might be used with advantage as a
hedging shrub or tree ; not often attaining more than
15 feet in height and six inches in diameter ; very
stiff and unyielding, with the ends of its spurs and
branches performing the office of thorns, having sim-
ilar properties as a hedge plant, with the buckthorn;
and not so entirely occupying the adjoining ground
with its very fine fibrous roots ; and beside, being a
native shrub remarkably adapted to some localities.

The Wild Plum Pnimis Americana of Marshall
will make an excellent hedge in suitable soil. I
planted some stones of the wild plum in my garden
to raise stocks for grafting other fruits on. They were
grafted at probably two years old, but the grafts did
not grow, and each stock sent up several suckers,
which were permitted to grow two years ; (1 believe
with a view to grafting,) At the end of that time the
row was a sufficient hedge of 6 feet or more in height,
very stiff and thorny. To what extent this tree would
bear trimming I do not know ; but when used as a
stock for grafting, even the slow growing varieties of
the common plum upon ; the graft usually overgrows
the stock. It is a long lived tree, grows slowly, but
attains a diameter of a foot or more.

The English Sloe Pnmus Spinosa would probably
be more easily managed as a hedge plant, but would
require more time to make an effective hedge as it
does not grow so vigorously — Thirty years ago,a hedge
of this kind remained on the Bartram Farm near
Philadelphia. It had the appearance of having been
a good hedge, but had tlien been neglected for some
time.

The Sea buckthorn lUppopliae rhamnoides, is a Eu-
ropean shrub or tree, found from Italy to Lapland^
generally near the Sea. It is a hardy, free growing
shrub, attaining a height of 1.5 feet or more, stiff and
armed with short thorns. It grows well on common
soil and I judge, would make a good hedge; but as it
naturally grows in wet situations, it is probably the
best /Aorny plant for hedging in wet or low grounds.
The leaves and young shoots of this (and of the Sliep-

herdia next described) are of a dull white or silver
color ; and therefore, these shrubs may be used with
advantage by the skillful landscape gardener where
hedges are required in pleasure grounds or ornamen-
tal plantations.

ShepJierdia Arcfcniea or Buffalo berry was first in-
troduced by Long's party from the Rocky Mountains,
and is described as being abundant there — Nuttall
in his continuation of Michaux' Sylva, says that the
great use of this plant ■will be for hedges or live fen-
ces ; and describes a standard tree in AVinships Nur-
sery near Boston, as 20 feet high, and as large as an
apple tree. I have seen accounts of hundreds of thou- J
sands of seedlings having been sent to Europe,'_but it '
is little known here. It produces fruit at 10 feet high
in very great abundance. The fruit 'is of the form,
color, and about half the size of a common red cur-
rant. As to growth and armature, this tree may rank
with the Buckthorn and I judge will be found at least
equal for hedging.

Of the Mesp'dus pyracantli a or evergreen thorn, 1 have
seen one hedge, on a bank supported by a low wall,
separating an ornamental plantation from the public
road. As a hedge I believe it would have been suffi-
cient for a farm enclosure without the wall. From
observations, made on this plant, which I have culti-
vated many years as an ornamental shrub, I be-
lieve that with some care in staking and tying upthe
branches for two or three years, (not requiring more
time than is usually required to trim and head down)
s hedge could be made sufficient to turn men, horses
and cattle. It is evergreen, or nearly so ; in mild
winters retaining its leaves till spring. In John
Evans' grounds, in Delaware county, on the 9th of
the present month, I saw a plant of this species about
12 feet high; variegated with a profusion of red ber-
ries, forming, with its brownish green leaves, the
most beautiful object in a large collection of rare and
beautiful plants. As a shrub it is naturally strag-
gling, throwing out long slender branches, nearly
horizontally, but is easily kept trained as an upright
shrub. This straggling habit may increase its value
as a hedge plant, it being armed with short sharp
thorns. Alan W. Corson.

Montgomery co., 1st mo. 22d, 1852.

For the Farm Journal.
Effect of Frost on Peach Trees, &c.

Mk. Editor : — Hereabouts the severe frost — (8°@
10°) — has proved destructive to the peach crop. In
low situations it is difficult to find a fruit bud that is
not black at heart ; a few only, of the smallest, most
compact, and ripest buds are yet uninjured. In wet
ground, where the sapvessels were replete, the trunks
of the trees have in many cases been rent by the in-
tense cold.

Thosh who feel a natural hesitancy about pruning
off branches which promise fruit, may take advan-
tage even of this disaster, by giving their trees a

1852.]

HORTICULTURAL,

371

liearty " shortening in" to induce new and vigorous
shoots. It should be -well remembered that the
peach tree only bears on young -n-ood, and long, na-
ked, sun and wind, and time-dried branches, convey
sap no better than choked and rotten pipes convey
water. Such trees should have the top reduced one
half or more, and if healthy sprouts issue near the
ground, the tree may renew its youth. If sprouts is-
sue from the ground, it becomes difSoult to rid them
of worms. On this account there should be but a
single shoot stem.

Of late years our peach trees lose their first leaves
every spring ; the leaves become curled and blistered
and eventually fall off. Towards midsummer, new
leaves issue, and the functions of growth proceed ;
but this late growth does not ripen fu.ly, and the trees
suffer (in consequence ?) much more from frost than
they formerly did. This disease is universal here,
affecting, it may be said, every tree, and on that ac-
count is perhaps more injurious than even the yellows.

Will some of your correspondents who are expert
in Peach-culture pronounce upon this. All lovers
of good peaches, and all who find themselves bene-
fitted by their use, (which classes every body, I be-
lieve, without exception,) will be advantaged by any
information that will lead to a restoration of fruitful-
ness and vigor to the peach tree.

The inner side of the diseased leaves is often cov-
ered with aphides. Are they a cause or a conse-
quence ? Infusions of tobacco and other applications
usually applied to destroy aphide, do not appear to
remedy or mitigate the evil. W. G. Waring.

Boalsburg, Pa., Feb. Uth, 1852.

For the Farm Journal.
Caterpillars—Black Knot.

Mk. Editor : — Desirous of information on a sub-
ject which interests me much, I know of no way
that I can obtain it better than by making a request
through the columns of your very valuable Journal.
When the great prejudice against " Book Farming"
shall be removed, when we find the Journal in the
hands of every farmer and its teachings followed,
■when " Agricultural Chemistry" shall be studied and
practised, and the "good old way" cast aside, then
our farms will assume a different appearance, and
our farmers be more amply rewarded for their labor.

Every summer my fruit trees are covered with
millions of caterpillars. I have followed the advice
of my neighbors, in endeavoring to destroy them,
but hitherto without any good result.. Before the
young caterpillars move from their nests in the morn-
ing, I have taken the nest and all in my hand, and
crushed it. I have tried tow and turpentine, and I
have tried blowing them off with a gun ; but in a
week after performing these operations, my trees
would be full again. It has been three years that

my trees have thus been affected. The caterpillars
completely divest them of their foliage, and I lose
my fruit.

My plum trees also suffered much from what I
supposed was the drought of last summer. Every
branch is now covered with knots. The only way I
know of removing them, is by paring them off smooth-
ly and even with the branch, for if I attempt to cut
them out altogether, it would be as well for me to cut
the tree down at once. But if these knots extend
entirely through the branch, which I believe they do,
I see no way of preventing that part of the branch
from dying — the sap cannot pass through these "tu-
mors." I seen in some works on farming, that a long
spell of warm weather causes it. I have however,
two trees of the same sort of plum, which stand
within a few feet of the affected one), and they are
perfectly sound. Many of my plums rot on the tree,
before they get ripe, and numbers of them fall — they
are all planted in good earth. Jlost of them are in
my garden, with a fair exposure to the sun, and all
of them are young. Now cannot some of your sub-
scribers tell us of a remedy for Caterpillars and knots
on Plum trees ? Many of them know a remedy, and if
they would only communicate it, perhaps it might be
of service to many whose trees suffer like mine.

Much fruit is lost annually by frost. If persons
would take the trouble to pack snow around the base
and trunk of the tree, they would find it of advantage.
It keeps back the blossom, and the tree does not come
in bloom until we can fairly count upon no more cold
weather. Yours truly, W. D.

Gwynedd, Montgomery co., Feb. 19, 1852.

[The warts or knots referred to above, are very
common to the plum and several varieties of the
cherry, and are generally supposed to be produced by
the punctures of beetles, and are the residence of
their grubs. Dr. Peck says, the seat of the disease is
in the bark. The sap is directed from its regular
course and is entirely absorbed by the bark, which is
very much increased in thickness; the cuticle bursts,
the swelling becomes irregular, and is formed into
black lumps, with a cracked, uneven and granulated
face. One of the best remedies for the black knot,
where the disease has not extended itself too widely,
is to cut off the limb below the tumor and burn it. —
Where this course would involve the destruction of
large branches, another remedy may be tried, which
is, to cut out the warts until every vestige of granu-
lated matter is removed. Then rub the cut part with
common salt. However, the most proper and effectual
plan is to examine the trees carefully every spring,
and so soon as there is any evidence of the black
knot, let the branches on which they are found be
amputated and burnt. We will offer some methods
for the destruction of the caterpillars in our next.—
IEd.]

372

HORTICULTURAL.

[Mracii,

For the Farm Journal.
The Evergreens of our Capitol.

Mr. Editor : — Will you be kind enough to suppress
your smile at the novelty of the subject of my com-
munication, and allow me to say, that it is not to the
evergreens within the capital that I refer, but to the
evergreens that ornament the grounds around it.

The fine commanding elevation of these grounds,
gives them attraction, which has been benefitted by
the ornamental trees that are distributed along their
walks, and within their lawns. ■ The ornamental trees
of these grounds are mostly deciduous, and of course,
have little beauty in winter. But among these trees
are a few species of our native evergreens, which do
much to enliven the winter scene, and render cheer-
ful and attractive, grounds which are occupied at a
season when other trees are stripped of their foliage,
and only have the feathery flowers of frosts and snow.

The evergreens of these grounds are comprised of
but four species; and these are all natives of our
State. The largest of these trees is the White spruce
{Abies alba) and the only one of its species or genus
which ornaments capitol hill. Where are its fellows,
the Black spruce, (A. nigra) with its thick dark
shade, and the Hemlock spruce {A. catiadensis) with
its light and graceful foliage ? These, too, are natives
of our State, and equally ornamental. The hemlock
is the tree of the north, and no winter scene is com-
plete without it. Pennsylvania may be said to be
its southern boundary, and from her high hills to the
frozen north, it characterizes nearly every landscape.

Nearly resembling the spruce, but entirely distinct
from it, is the Balsam Fir, (Abies balsamce). This is
the dark conical evergreen with resinous terminal
buds, that shows to such advantage from the steps of
the capitol. There are perhaps a dozen trees of this
species here. It is a beautiful tree as an ornament,
and is interesting as affording the resin called Cana-
dian balsam.

There is another evergreen with a thick dark head,
composed of fan-like branches. This is the White
cedar [Cupressus thyoides). In its appearance it re-
sembles the Arbor vitoe of the north, and is often mis-
taken for that tree. The white cedar is also a native
of our State, but is not generally distributed. It be-
comes a beautiful tree by cultivation, but is wanting
in those graceful airy forms, which distinguish many
of our native evergreens.

The last tree to be found of our evergreens in these
grounds is the Savin, [Juniperus sabina.) The singu-
larly thick fastigiate branches of this tiee, with its
berries clustered among its prickly leaves and matr
ted branches, will distinguish it from any other
tree on these grounds. It is, however, wanting in
stately form, and holds its place as a connecting link
between the lofty trees and the lowly shrubs. No
other species of the Junipers, or of the Pines, or the
Larch, Yew, the Laurel, or the Rhododendron

are found on these grounds, calling familiar scenes
to the minds of those whose homes have been made
cheerful by their shade. Might not every species of
the evergreens of Pennsylvania bo appropriately
grouped on the enclosure that contains our State
buildings, giving cheerfulness to the winter scene,
and if grouped with the deciduous trees of our native
growth, give a panoramic view of the forests of Penn-
sylvania.

If it is a subject of interest to your readers, I will
give in some future numbers.a catalogue and descrip-
tion of the native forest trees of Northern Pennsylva-
nia. Yours, S. Hatden.

Athens, Bradford co., Pa., Feb. 20, 1852.

Pennsylvania Horticultural Socictj-.

The stated meeting of this Association was held in
the Chinese Saloon, Philadelphia, on Tuesday even-
ing, February 17, 1852.

Gen. Patterson, on assuming the chair, took occa-
sion to indulge in some very appropriate remarks,
tendering his sincere thanks to the Society for having
elected him unsolicited, their presiding officer. Ob-
serving that he could forsee tlie many obstacles that
would be presented by following in the footsteps of
no ordinary man ; that the standard for efficiency in
office was now placed so high, and he, from his long
absence, being in a great measure, a stranger in the
community, hoped that his administration would be
looked upon with a lenient eye — that it should be his
aim to perform the duties to the best of his abilities,
and that until he should become fully acquainted
with his new position, he would claim the indulgence
of the Society towards any errors of commission or
omission that might occur in tho performance of
them.

The display was excellent, for the season, and con-
sisted of a large collection of Plants — fine specimens
of Azaleas Spirseas, Ericas, Cinerarias, Stocks, etc.,
from Joseph Lovering's houses. Six large and very
handsome Camellias, in half-flower, from Frederick
Lennig's collection. A number of select rare plants
— the Illiciumreligiosum,Salviagesneriacflora, (choice
long bloomer) Camellia j. var. CoUetii, Metrosideras
semperflorens, &c., by K. R. Scott, gardener to J. F.
Knerr. A large oblong stand of four elevations, cov-
ered with moss in which grew luxuriantly some fifty
Hyacinths, exhibited by Peter Reabe, was an attrac-
tive object.

The designs of cut flowers and boquets were very
creditable. A tall vase-shaped design formed of the
finest ilowers, was shown by James Bisset, gardener
to James Dundas. A large beautiful cone boquet
crowned with a bud of the Victoria, tho forty-sixth
from the same place, and a handsome basket of cut
flowers, by Thos. Meehan, gardener to Caleb Cope.
A fine basket and hand boquet by Thomas Mcghran,
gardener to E. Cornelius, and another basket and bo-
quet by Alex. Burnett, gardener to Joseph Ripka.

Collections of cut Camellias were exhibited by
John Sherwood, Robert Buist, James Ritchie, John
Pollock, gardener to F. Lennig, and Benj. Gullip.

Fruit — ^Thomas Hancock, Burlington, brought the
" Eschasserie" and "Easter Beurre" Pears, and
Wm. V. Pettit, the "Niles" Pear. Amost beautiful
Apple of good quality, brought from Paris, was pre-
sented by Charles Crugan.

Two large tables of vegetables were shovm by Thos.
Meghran, gardener to K. Cornelius, and John Gal-

1 S52.

EDITORIAL.

373

l;i;;lier, gardener to Miss Gratz ; and line forced Tlliu-
baili and Early Radishes by Ales. Burnett, gardener
to Joseph Ripka.

The follovring premiums were awarded —

By the Committee on Plants and Flowers — Camil-
lias, for the best six plants name 1, to John Pollack,
gardener to F. Lenuig : — For the best six named cut
flowers, to John Sherwood : for the second best do.,
to Robert Buist. Plants in Pots — for the most inter-
esting collection, to John Miller, gardener to Joseph
Levering ; for the best design of cut flowers, to Jas.
Bisset, gardener to -James Dundas ; for the second
best do., to Thomas Meehan, gardener to Caleb Cope;
for the best hand boquot to Joseph Miller. For the
best basket formed of cut flowers, to Thomas Me-
ghran, gardener to R. Cornelius — for the second best
do., to Thmas Meehan. gardener to C. Cope. And a
special premium for a display of Hyacinths, to Peter
Raabe.

By the Committee on Fruits — Pears, for the best
the "Eschasserie" to Thomas Hancock, A dish of
the " Niles" Pear was exhibited of good flavor. Al-
so one ot the " Easter Beurrf" the latter would have
been entitled, from their excellence, to the Premium
but not a sufficient quantity were sho'ivn. The atten-
tion of the Committee was called to a single specimen
of an Apple, directly from Paris, of good quality, and
of a singutorly beautiful appearance, presented by
Charles Crugan.

By the Committee on Vegetables — For the best
and most interesting display by a private gardener,
to Thomas Meghran, gardener to R. Cornelius ; for
the seco|jd best do., to John Gallagher, gardener to
Miss Gtratz. Also a special premium for forced Rhu-
barb and early Radishes, to Alexander Burnet, gar-
dener to Joseph Ripka.

The special committee to whom was referred the
subject of a testimonial to the late President, report-
ed that he be requested to sit for his likeness; which
was agreed to, and ordered to be carried into effect.

A resolution authorizing the committee for estab-
lishing the names of fruits, to procure model fruits,
was adopted.

A package of seeds obtained at the World's Fair
was presented, and the thanks of the Society ordered
to the donor ; and the seeds referred for distribution.

Notice was given by a member that at the next
meeting he would move for the appointment of a
committee to examine and report upon the condition
of the green houses of the city and vicinity.

The President appointed the standing committees
for the ensuing year.

Members elected — John G. Hoffman and W. C.
Fowler.

On motion, adjourned. Tho. P. James,

Recording Secretary.

Effpcts of the severe cold on Peach Trees.

Serious apprehensions are entertained in regard to
the peach crop for the coming season. We are in-
formed from various sources, that nearly all of the
buds are frozen. In some few localities we learn that
such is not the case, but the exceptions to the general
destruction are, we fear, very rare. We have exam-
ined a number of buds, every one of which gave un-
mistakeable evidence of the destruction of the germ.
Any one may satisfy himself of the fact by cutting
open a hud, and if the small germ inside be of a black
or brown color instead of green, there will be no fruit
from that bud, although there may bo a blossom.

THE FARM JOURNAL,

!3l3si3tant QrMtor's Ptpartmcnt.

A. M. SPAXGLER, Assistant Editor.""'"

Agents.

The Farm Jourxal may be had at tho following
places : — •

W. B. ZiEBER, South 3d St., principal agent for
Philadelphia.

W. H. Spangler, Lancaster, Pa.

B. F. Spangler, Columbia, Pa.

Geo. Bergner, Harrisburg, Pa.

11. Miner, Pittsburg, Pa.

J. R. Shrvock, Chambersburg, Pa.

11. M. Rawlins, Carlisle, Pa.

A. L. Warfield, York Pa.

and of Booksellers generally.

Onr Office.

Those having business to transact with us will
please call at the Book Store of W. H. Spangler, in
North Queen street, Lancaster, where we or our re-
presentative will at all times be in attendance.

To OUR Newspaper exchanges. — We have on sev-
eral occasions tendered, through our columns, thanks
to our brethren of the newspaper press for the very
kind and flattering notices given of the Journal. —
They have been of great service to us, and we feel
deeply indebted for them, and can but regret that it
is not in our power to reciprocate the favor. We
trust that we shall not be considered unreasonable,
if in addition to the favors already received, we ask
that they notice the fact, that with the present num-
ber our first volume closes ; and that the liberal en-
couragement extended to the Journal during the past
year, enables us to assure all who may feel disposed
to subscribe, that it is now permanently established,
and during the coming year it shall be our endeavor
to render it still more worthy of general patronage.

To old subscribers.

Frequent inquiries have been made of us recently,
whether old subscribers will be permitted to renew
their subscriptions at club prices. As a general re-
ply to these inquiries, we answer, most assuredly. —
Our terms now, are the same as formerly, and we
indulge the belief that not only shall we retain our
old friends, hut that our club lists ( with large addi-
tions of new names) will be renewed.

To County Societies — An offer.

We will send a copy of the Farm Journal gratis,
to every county or township agricultural or horticul-
tural society in the State, the Secretary of which will
inform us where the headquarters of the society are
and furnish us with a list of the officers. Any in-
formation relative to the condition and prospects of
the Society will also be very acceptable.

374

EDITORIAL.

[Mabch,

[Wo take great pleasure io asking the especial at-
tention of our readers to the subjoined pedigree of
the celebrated durham bull, " Rockland," bred and
raised by James Gowen, Esq., of Mount Airy, Phila-
delphia countj-.

His owner, we understand, would have no objec-
tion to selling him to some spirited breeder or club
of gcntlomiMi, who would use him advantageously,
Mr. O. having but a limited stock at present, and
having two other young Durham bulls in course of
rearing.]

PEDIGREE of the Premium Bull, ROCKIAND,
Whose Fortran forms the Frontispiece.
RocKL.\ND — red and white roan — calved September
19th, 1848, by Bruce, a son of imported Prince of
Wales, by Maggot, bred by the Rev. Henry Barry.
Dam Victoria, a favorite Durham, of great milking
properties, bred by the late Manuel Eyre, Esq., by
Diego, a superior thorough bred Durham; gr. dam.
Queen Bess, by Col. Powel's Frolic; gr. gr. dam,
Leopardess, by Mr. Eyre's celebrated Durham bull
Leopard, &c., &o. Rockland's dam. Lady, a Durham
of superior dairy properties, and of extraordinary fine
constitution, owned for several years by Mr. Gowon,
formerly the property of Mr. Cliorloy — her sire. Tra-
veller, a thorough bred Durham of reputed milking
stock; gr. dam, an imported Durham of the herd of
Jlr. Bancroft, &c., &o. Rockland was bred with the
view of combining in him the properties of g lod milk-
ing with fine constitution, easy feeding, and earl}-
maturing. To this end, his dam. Lady, whose pro-
perties were well known, was chosen on the one side,
and Bruce, son of imported Prince of Wales, on the
other, he having an array of the best Durhanis, in
blood and individual qualities, of any Durham Ijull
availalile.

At the annual Agricultural Exhibition and Cattle
Show of the Philadelphia Agricultural Society, in
October, 1850, Rockland was awarded the first pre-
mium, as the best two year old bull exhibited; and
at the next annual exhibition he was awarded the
first premium as the best Durham bull of three years
old and upwards, in a class where the competition
was both numerous and great. He likewise took the
first premium, last October, at the State Agricultural
Exhibition, held at Ilarrisburg, as being the best
short horn buil exhibited.

Send in the Club Lists. — We respectfully request
those who are getting up club lists for the new vol-
ume, to send them in at as early a day as possiljle,
in order tliat we may know how large an edition to
publish. They will not forgot that we do not require
the whole of the club to bo sent to one office. We will
mail the Journal to as many different post ofiiees as
may be required, and will receive additions to club
Hst.4 at club prices at any time during the year.

Advance of Scientific and Practical Agriculture in
In Pennsylvania.

One of the most gratifying tendencies of the pnb-
lic measures of the present day is their practical cha-
racter. Although speculative theorists are still nu-
merous, and impracticable novelties are daily pressed
upon the attention of the public, it is evident that
they are fast losing ground; while those measures
calculated to advance the interests and promote the
comfort of society, are gaining a firm loothold with
the people generally.

Science, like book-farming, was for a long time re-
garded as adapted to those classes of the community
only, whose ample means gave them time for reading
and investigation, and whose pursuits were calculated
to amuse rather than profit. It was not until the
mechanic arts had enlisted the powers of science in
their behalf and triumphed over the former seeming-
ly insurmountable obstacles that interposed between
them and complete success, that the minds of men
were directed to the importance of a knowledge of
the principles which lie at the foundation of agricul-
ture. The efforts of a few strong-hearted, noble
souled men, to introduce a system of farming which
should be an improvement upon "the good old way,"
were met with derision. But despite the opposition
with which they were called to contend, these brave
spirits persevered in the good work, until eventually,
they triumphed over the prejudices opposed to them,
and now, science and agriculture go hand in hand —
twin sisters, dispensing blessings on every side. — ■
"Book farming" is no longer decried as useless and
unprofitable ; and those who avail themselves of the
practical experience conveyed through the agricultu-
ral publications of the day, are no longer regarded
as mere theorists. This healthful tone of feeling Ls
to be considered as the precursor of a system of farm-
ing in Pennsylvania, which cannot but operate pow-
erfully upon her future prosperity. With the spread
of .scicJitific agricultural intelligence, we may right-
fully expect increased crops, with lessened expenses.
"Knowledge is power," and the farmer whose mind
is most thoroughly trained to familiarity with the
principles of agriculture — who understandingly atr
tends to the duties of his calling, is c ;rtainly more
likely to succeed, than he, who blindly follows the
lead of those who have ever stood opposed to the in-
troduction of modern improvements. By this we do
not desire to be understood as claiming all the merit
for scientific theory. Men may theorize, but prac-
tice alone can realize. Theory can bo valuable only
when reduced to practice ; hence, the man who com-
bines the scientific with the practical, is the man who
will eventually succeed best. Let the friends, there-
fore, of our State and national prosperity, not forget
the duties resting upon them. If applied agricultu-
ral science is calculated to advance the interests of,
the farmer, then the duty of every friend of the

18.'")2.]

EDITORIAL.

375

farmer is, to lend his influence to such means as are
calculated to spread broadcast throughout our State
and the Union, a knowledge of those branches of
science which stand most intimately allied to success-
ful husbandry. These means are various; but none
appear to us so completely within the reach of all, as
agricultural periodicals. Embracing, as all good
publications of this class should, something upon
every department of farming ; and combining in a
small space the practical experiments of hundreds
of excellent farmers ; they become to the observing
husbandman, a source, not Only of deep pleasure, but
of large profit. Not that all the suggestions contain-
ed in them are to be adopted ; or even a majority of,
them ; but we cannot think that any attentive reader
of the Farm Journal during the past year, can have
failed to realize more than ten-fold the amount of
his subscription, unless he was wilfully determined
to disregard the many valuable truths, which have
from time to time been presented through its columns.
And the same may be safely said of other Journals
of a similar character. Honestly believing this, we
ask for it, increased support, and hope that those who
have derived benefit from its perusal, will assist us
in our efforts to spread still wider its good influences.

Protection by law to Fruits and Fruit Trees.

A bill is now pending before the Legislature which
provides for the better protection of fruits and fruit
trees, and we earnestly hope it may become a law.
There is no class of the community so subject to in-
roads and depredations upon their premises as the
farmer and fruit grower. Orchards have come to be
regarded as public property ; and the owner who
undertakes to protect them against depredators is
set down as mean and churli.sh. To our mind it is
perfectly clear, that the trees and fruit in the farm-
er's orchard are as much his property as the goods
and silver of the merchant; and as such, as fully en-
titled to the protection of the law. But, by one of
those strange inconsistencies which sometimes cha-
racterize law-making, a farmer's orchard may be
plundered almost with impunity, while the theft of a
single penny from the till of the merchant, subjects
the ofiender to imprisonment. For the sake of justice
therefore, to a class of the community, who ask but
little from our legislators in behalf of themselves,
we hope this bill may pass.

In the vicinity of many large towns, the cultivation
of fruit has been almost wholly abandoned. Those
who for years attempted it, have given up in despair,
their trees being broken down from year to year, and
the fruit carried away by idle persons. The law
which protects the fruit thief, gives direct encourage-
ment to theft of all kinds. The man who will clan-
destinely rob a neighbor's fruit tree, we should be
very loath to trust within reach of our purse, for we
cannot conceive the theft of money, a crime of any
great«r magnitude than that of fruit.

National Agricultural Bureau.

At the last quarterly meeting of the Maryland
State Agricultural Society, the following resolution
in relation to the establishment of an Agricultural
Bureau at Washington was adopted :

Whereas, the President of the United States in his
last annual message called the attention of Congress
to the establishment of an Agricultural Bureau at the
city of Washington. Be it therefore

JiCfiohvil, That the thanks of this Society be, and
they are hereby tendered to his Excellency, the Pre-
sident, for the interest which he has not only on the
pi-esent, but on other occasions manifested in behalf
of American husbandry. And be it further

Resolved, That this Society, regarding as it does,
the paramount value of such an institution, at the
seat of government, established upon liberal princi-
ples, to the success of an improved system of Agri-
culture in this country, a committee of be now

appointed to proceed to Washington in order to pro-
mote the establishment of said institution by using
such efforts as may seem most appropriate in their
judgments, as well as to press the subject respectful-
ly upon the immediate attention of our Senators and
Representatives in Congress, urging them to use their
best efforts towards bringing up the matter for the
consideration of their respective houses, at as early
a day as practicable.

It will be remembered, that resolutions similar in
substance were passed at the annual meeting of the
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Societj'. The sub-
ject is one of vital importance to the interests of
agriculture in the United States, and demands the
earnest attention of Congress. A Department of
Agriculture exists in France and other nations, and
the most beneficial results have flowed from it. Why
should not the same results follow in our countrj' ?
Agriculture is our leading interest. Three-fifths of our
population are engaged in it, and all are dependent
upon it for the necessaries of life. A National Agri-
cultural Department at Washington, established upon
such principles as would bring to its support the in-
fluence of all the State and County Societies, could
not fail to give an impetus to the farming interest
which would be felt in every section of our great
country, and would do much to promote our national
strength and greatness. We shall take up this sub-
ject again when we have more space and time than
now.

We observe also, that the Maryland Society highly
approves of the plan proposed by the Pennsylvania
Society, for the formation of a National Agricultural
Society. The President has been authorized to ap-
point a delegate from each Congressional district to
represent Maryland in the Convention. We hope
that other State Societies will follow up the good
work and appoint delegates. Such a convention, re-
presenting fully the agricultural interests of the ^ a-
rious States, would exert a vast influence in securing
the passage of a law establishing a Department of
Agriculture at Washington.

The communication of J. F. 11. is crowded out.

376

EDITORIAL.

FMarc

Complimentary Resolution.

IS with feelings of deep gratification that we
give pLace to the following highly complimentary res-
olution, passed by the State Agricultural Society, at
its last annual meeting. To find our humble efforts
to build up a character for the Farm Journal endor-
sed by such high authority, is to us, a powerful in-
centive to future exertion. During the year which
closes with the present number, we have labored "in
season and out of season" to present such matter to
our readers, as we supposed best adapted to their
tastes, and calculated to promote their interest. We
dare not flatter ourselves that we have given univer-
sal satisfac*^ion, but we can with pleasure refer to the
high testimonial of favor at the hands of the State
Society, and might, if we had room, furnish hundreds
of individual testimonials equally flattering If our
efforts to please have thus far been successful, may we
not hope that with the coming year, our claim upon
the favor of our subscribers will be increased. We
think so ; and therefore only ask that those who
think approvingly of what we have done, will aid us
by their contributions of facts and subscriptions to do
still better for the future.

It was resolved by the Executive Committee, that
we deem the estahlishmeiit and success of an Agricultu-
ral Journal published in Pennsijlvania, as essential to
the proper exposition of the principles of agriculture
as practised in this State ; and that we approve of
THE Pennsylvania Farm Journal, published at the
city of Lancaster, by A. M. Spangler, and edited by
S. S. Haldeman.

retaries of the different Societies, in order that we
may bo enabled to report to our readers, the progress
agriculture is making throughout the State generally.

To our Philadelphia subscribers.

At the solicitation of quite a large number of our
city subscribers, we have made arrangements with
W. B. ZiEEER, South Third street, for the regular de-
livery of the Farm Journal for the coming year. By
this arrangement we hope to obviate the difficulties
which have heretofore stood in the way of the regular
receipt of the Journal by our city subscribers. Not-
withstanding every precaution on our part during
the past year, frequent complaints have reached us,
and as we desire to please all, we have arranged as
above. Should any of our subscribers prefer having
them by mail, and will notify us of their desire, we
will continue to send them as heretofore.

State Agricultural Fair. — The nest State
Fair.— At the last meeting of the Executive Commits
tee, on Thursday, Feb. 6th, it was resolved that the
next State Agricultural Exhibition should be held on
the 20th, 21st and 22d of October. A committee
consisting of the Hon. Fred'k Watts, James Gowen
and David Mumma, to receive proposals from the dif-
ferent towns desirous of competing for the fair. All
proposals must be addressed to Hon. F. Watts, Car-
lisle, Pa.

We observe that the New York State Fair will be
held at Dtica, on the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th of Sep-
tember. The list of premiums having already been
published.

Liberal Subscription.— The citizens of Lancaster
city have raised, by subscription, twenty-five hundred
dollars, to secure the holding of the next State Agri-
cultural Fair at that city. This amount can be
largely increased, if necessary.

Increase of County Societies.

The past year has been a proud one to the friends
of agriculture in Pennsylvania. On every side, we
behold the rich fruits of the labors of those who were
instrumental in securing the organization and incor-
poration of the State Society. In almost every coun-
ty of the Commonwealth an auxiliary Society has
been formed, and we are pleased to observe that
amongst those who have taken hold of them, are men

who wers never known to falter in a good cause.

Wo trust the work will not end here. Next fall will
tell the tale. We shall be glad to hear from the Sec-

CUMBERLAND NURSERIES.

THE proprietor of the above establishment, in calling the atten-
tion of the public to his present stock of Fruit and Ornamental
Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Vines, &c., would call especial attention to
his extensive stock of well grown and beautiful Apple Trees, em-
bracing a complete collection, collected from several hundred va-
rieties under culture at these Nurseries, and such only reserved fur
general cultivation, as have proven by actual test to be worthy a
place 111 the prudent man's orchard ; yet for the curious, or those
who wish to test for themselves, he is prepared to supply in mod-
erate quantities, nenrly every variety enumerated in the catalogue.

In addition to the above, he has also a few hundred thousand
eitra large and fine Sweet Apple Trees, eight to twelve inches
high, (for stock feeding,) which he will sell at from 875 to 885 per
thousand, at the Nurseries, and no further charges lor packing,
simply to cover cost. These last are offered so unusually low on
account of his wishing to clear a few acres of his ground this
spring. All the above articles will be disposed of on the most lib-
eral terms.

&"A11 orders, post-paid, enclosing the cash, or a satisfactory
reference, will be punctually attended to, and all trees carefully
labelled, packed, and forwarded to wherever ordered

Address, DAVID MILLER, Jr.

Cumberland Nurseries, Carlisle, Pa.

March, 1852. gm

1,000 AGENTS WANTED.

THE life of Louis Kossuth. Governor of Hungary, with notices
of the distinguished Men and Scenes of the Hungarian Revolution.
To which is added an appendix, containing Kossuth's Address to
the P«ople of the United States ; and the most important of the
addresses, letters and speeches of the great Magyar Chief. By
P. C. lieadley, author of " Life of the Empress Josephine," "Life
of Lafayette," etc., with an introduction by Horace Greeley. In
one elegant 12 mo. volume of 461 pp., with an accurate steel Por-
trait. Price tl,23.

*** The publishers confidently beli»ve that from the abundant
materials in the possession of the author, together with his well
known ability, that his Biography of the Great Hungarian Chief
will not only be complete in itself, but well worthy to be ranked
with the other popular productions of his pen.

N. B.— Agents wanted 'in every county in the United States,
(not already occupied,) to s ell the above popnlar woek It is be-
lived that almost every reai/i'ng family will be glad of the opportu-
nity of possessing the Life and Speeches of the noble Hungarian.
Such is th« present indication from the unparalleled sale of the
work. Address, DERBV & MILLER,

Pubhshers of Popular Books, Auburn, N. Y.

March, 1852.

Wii. B. WiLBT, Jeb Printer Lancaster, Pa.

1S52.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

377

FKUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, &C.

THE subscribers solicit attention to their immense stock of Nur-
sery articles, comprising

Staiidard Eind Dwarf Fruit Trees, fur the Orchard or Garden .strong
healtliy and beautiful trees, of all the best varieties in cultivation.
Hardy Onianieiital Trees and Shrubs, for parks, cemeteries, pleas-
ure grounds, dooryards, ic.
Roses and Dahlias, Phloxes and PcEniea, one of the best collections
in the United Stat-is comprising every novel and fine variety to
be obtained in Europa, selected by us in person.
Green House and Bedding Plants, comprising the newest and best
Fuchsias, Chrysanthemums, Verbenas. Petunias, and other pop-
ular plants for Green Houses, or for the Summer declaration of
ganlens.
New and Rare Evergreens, such as Deodar Cedar, Auracaria (Chi-
li Pine,) Cryptoraeria. Pinus excelsa, &c., Sec. the most com-
plete collection. Besides all the common sorts inlarge quantities.
AH orders executed and forwarded in strict compliance with
directions and packing done in a style so perfect as to secure the
safe transmission of articles to the most distant points.

A general descriptive catalogue will be forwarded gratis to all
who apply post-paid and remit postage 5 cts. under 500 miles, 10 c.
from 500 to 1000 miles.

A new catalogue of Dahlias, Fuchsias, Verbenas. Roses and
Bedding Plants, for Spring of 1832, is ju'^t issued and will also be
forwarded g-ra(i5. ELLWA^GER &. BARRY.

Mount Hope Nurseries, Rochester, New York.
March 1852:

HIGHLY IMPROVED ESTATES AND VALUA-
BLE TIMBER LAND,

On Lower James River, For Sale.

THE undersigned prevented by engagements, requiring his un-
divided attention elsewhere, from residing on his estate, will sell
publicly, (unless previously sold privately, of which due notice
will be given,) before the Bollingbrook Hotel, in the city of Pe-
tersburg, Virginia, at 11 o'clock, on Wednesday, the 26th day of
May nest, witliout reserve or regard to weather, that valuable
body of highly improved arable and heavily timbered land, extend-
ing up the north side of James river, from the Chickahomony riv-
er, in the county of Charles City, Virginia, about 5 miles, well
known under the general designation of SANDY POINT. This
estate lies 32 miles below Petersburg, 45 miles below Richmond,
and about ti5 above Norfolk, in what is justly considered the finest
and most extensive grain gtowing region of Virginia, and as
healthy as any on tidewater. Spring and well water abundant
and good The whole tract contains 4,454 acres of unsurpassed
natural quality, of which 2,180 have been thrice limed, and are now
in a high and successful state of cultivation, upon the five field ro-
tation, with more than 500 acres well set in clover The balance
chiefly in wood and timber, embracing a body of some of the best
timliered land in Eastern Virginia, convenient to good navigation.
Marl abounds on the river, and Stone Lime of excellent quality is
6 1-2 cents per bushel.

The sub divisions are as follows —

THE NECK— contains 93-1 acres, 551 limed, elovered, and in a
high state of cultivation; 16S in wood and timber, and2fi4 meadow
or marsh land well meadowed and reclaimable at small expense.
A valuable winter Fishery belongs to this farm. BUILDINGS —
A small new frame dwelling, smoke house, negro houses, stable
and large barn, with stationary horse power and shelter.

LOU'ER TEDINOTON— contains 831 acres, 550 limed, elover-
ed, &C-, 252 principally in wood and timber, ana 31 in reclaimable
meadow. BUILDLNGS— A new frame dwelling with4 rooms and
a passage, negro houses, a largeand well arranged barn, with sta-
tionary horse power and shelter ; two large stables for horses, ox-
en, &c., extensive hay house and spacious and well arranged
buildings, for the protection of wagons, carts and all farming
utensils, &c.

UPPER TEDINGTON— the Family Residence. Contains 775
acres, 532 limed, elovered, &c., 229 principally in wood and tim-
ber, and 14 in reclaimable meadow. BUILDINGS — a commodious
wooden dwelling, large two storied kitchen and laundry, ice house,
new and spacious carriage house auJ stable, servants' houses, &c.,
&c. Also, a new Barn, part wood and part brick, with 4 floors
80 by 38 feet.^nd a wing 30 by 50 fee. with bone, plaster, saw and
gristmills. In the barn there isalltthe necessary machinery for
threshing and winnowing wheat, shelling and grinding corn and
sawing timber, all effectually driven by a 16 horse power stationa-
ry engine in complete order and condition. A large orchard stock-
ed with every variety of fruit, in successfu' bearing is attached to
this faim.

UPPER QUARTER— contains 835 acres. 546 limed, elovered,
&c.. 290 principally in wood and timber. BUILDINGS— A small
frame dwelling, kitchen, laundry, smoke house, negro houses, barn
with stationary horse power and shelter and stable.

Each of the above four farms has a river front, with landings,
at which wharves can be erected cheaply and conveniently if de-
sired. To " Uppper Tedington," within 100 feet of the barn, be-
longs a new, commodious and substantial wharf, at w^hich the
largest size vessels lie, steamers, sea and river, pass twice a day,
frequently oftener, plying between Petersburg, Richmond, Nor-
folk, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York.

In addition to the above described four farms and timber and
wood land thereto attached, are the following valuible timber and
wood lots eligibly situated, convenient to navigation, which will
make farms as desirable and productive as those above described :

No. 1, containing 215 acres ; No. 2, 193 acres; No. 3, 214 acres ;
No 4, 223 acres ; and No. 5, H7 acres.

Mr. Nicol, resuJiug at Sandy Point, will be prepared to show the
property ill my absence, and a particular and thorough examina-
tion is invited at any time previous to the day of sale. Accuiate
plats of each sut)-divi3ion have been prepared and are ready f(rr
inspection. Possesssinii of the timbered lands given immediately
after the sale ; of the farms at the end of the year, with the privi-
lege previously, of fallowing and seeding wheat.

TERMS :— For the farms, one-fifth cash, the balance in five equal
aunual instalments from the 1st January, 1853. For the timbered
lands, one-third cash, and the balance in three equal annual instal-
ments from day of sale. The credit payments to bear interest and
to be secured by deeds and bonds, or notes with approved securities
or endorsers. ROB'T B. BOLLING.

Petersburg, Virginia, February, 1^52.

WM. PANNILL & SONS, Ancfrs.

ALDERNEY AND IMPROVED SHORT HORN
CATTLE.

THREE thorough bred Alderney BULLS, from nine to eleven
months old, raised from the choicest imported slock. Also, two
thorough bred young short horn Bulls, ten months old, raised on
Uie farm of Mr J. P. Remington, near Philadelphia, and for sale
by AARON CLEMENT, Agent for the purchase and sale of im-
proved stock, Cedar street, above 9th street, Philadelphia.

February 2d, 1652.

FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES FOR SALE.

50,000 Peach Trees of one and two years growth, from the bud i
40,000 Apples; 5,000 Cherries ; 5.0U0 Dwarf Pears, eachcontnin-
ing all the most e.-teemed varieties, and of large size. Also,
Quinces, Plums, Nectarines, Apricots, Almonds, Grapes, Raspber-
ries, GoLtseberries, Currants, Strawberries, kc, &c. 50,000 Silver
and Ash-leaved Maple Seedlings of one years growth ; 50,000 Ap-
ple Seedlings. The above will be sold on the most reasonable
terms. Persons residing at the south and west should send their
orders early. Catalogues with prices annexed will be sent to all
applicants. ISAAC PULLEN,

February, 1852—2 mos.) Ilighstown, Mercerr o N. Jersey.

COTTAGE FURNITURE.

AVARWICK & Co., are constantly manufacturing new and ap-
propriate designs of enamelled, painted and Cottage Furniture, of
warranted materialsand workmanship. Suits of Chamber Furni-
ture consisting of DRESSING BUREAU, BEDSTEAD, AV ASH-
STAND, TOILET TABLE, and FOUR CANE SEAT CHAIRS,
as low as S30 per suit, and upward to SlOO, gotten up in the most
superb style.

Orders from all parts of the country promptly attended to and
carefully packed. WARWICK & CO.,

AA'arerooms, No. 4 and 6. South Seventh St., between Chestnut &

Market streets, Philadelphia. sept.-em

HENRY A. DREER'S

SEED AND HORTICULTURAL WAREHOUSE,

No. 59, Chesnut st., near 3d, Philadelphia.

CoMtantly on hand a large and well selected assortment of

Garden, Field, Oraitand Garden Sleds, Fruit Trees, Grape Vines,

Rases, ^c.

Horticultural Implements m great variety.

CatalogoM forwarded on post paid application. (sep.-4t

Life Insurance for Horses, &c.

THE American Live Stock Insurance Company, (Stockholders i«-
dividually Liable) for the Insurance of Bmses, Mules, Pri3€
Bulls, Sheep, Cattle, ^c , against Fite, Water, Accidents and Dia
ease. Also, upon Slock driven to Eastern markets, or transported
South.

JOHN H. FRICK.

Ceneral Agent for Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

KEFEBE^CES :

Wood, Abbott & Co., )
Truitt,Brother&Co.. > Philadelphia.
Coates & Brown, j
Agents:
JOHN ZIMMERMAN, Lancaster Pa.
CHARLES F. FRICK. Reading, Pa.
SAMUEL H. TAYLOR, Mauch Chunk, Pa.

Dr. JoHM G. ScovEKN-, Veterinary Surgeon,
May, 1851.) Examiner for Lancaster Comity.

STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

THE subscriber offers for sale 4000 young and thrifty Strawie»-
ry plants at low prices. This and the following month bajng
the prop»r time to form new beds to bear fruit tie following yeen

Aug. 1, 1851. No. 13, East King St., North side .

■m

378

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[March,

Power and Threshing Machine for general purpnseB and to do more
work with the same amount of labor, in sny given time.

For more detailed explanation, see Farvi Journal of August,
1851, or address the Bubscriber, at Harrisburg.

M. H. STEEVER.
Harrisburg, February, 1852. 2raoa

A. an air chamber— B. body of ram— C. valve chambers — X>.
Viilve—F. coupling for delivery pipe— H. coupling for driving pipe.
J. B. CHICHESTER,

NO. 23, SOUTH EIGHTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA,
AGENT for Birkiiibines Patent Improved Hydraulic Ram,
Force Pumps, Street Stops, Fire Plugs, and Hydraulic Machinery
in general.

The superiority of these Rams over afl others is the great
amount oi water thrown to that wasted, the large size they can be
constructed, the durability of them, as well as the small amount
of attention and repairs they require— many running at present for
4 and 5 years, without any repair. At the present time there are
in the United States, Cuba, Mexico and South America, about
2000 in successful operation.

The town of Naples in the State of New York is supplied with
water by one of these Rams, throwing 20,00(1 gallons a day. Many
more could be mentioned if space would permit.

Persons wishing Rams sent to them by measuring the amount of
w^ater their brook or spring affords, per minute, the head and fall
they can procure, the elevation to be overcome, and distance to be
conveyed, can have the proper Ram and Pipe sent them, with di-
rections for putting up.

T he expense, in most cases, is smaller than a well and pump, —
Letters post-paid, will meet with prompt attention. When desired
an experienced person will be sent to put them at a small addition-
al expense. Lead and Iron Pipe for sale. These Rams are wa
nted in every respect. (Jan. 1852. t~

AVIIEELER'S PATENT

Pennsijlvauia S!ate A<}ricultural Society's Fhsi Pre-
mium Railway Chain Horse Power and Over-
shot Thresher and Separator.
THESE Machines were awarded the first Premium (of SIO,) and
a Diploma at the Penneylvania State Agricultural Exhibition, in
competition with many others, and they have also received the first
(or a monied) Premium at all the County Fairs ^vheiever they
have been exhibited for Premium in the State of Pennsylvania, and
numerous premiums in other States. To show the public that
these Machines are none of the humbugs of the age,

I WILL PAY ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS
as a premium to any person who can produce a superior Horse

IMPORTANT TO FARMERS!

JESSE ROBERT'S PATENT UNITED STATES
GRAIN AND SEED FAN.

TO WHICH WAS AWARDED THE

FIRST PREMIUM

At the Pennsylvania Agricultural Fair, after a trial the fairness of
which could not be disputed. These Fans, the inventor confident-
ly asserts, are the only ones now in use entirely adequate to the
wants of the farmer. The object of the inventor was not directed
alone, to the purpose of cleanmg grain, but of cleaning it and
saving at the same time the farmer the trouble of gathering it
from the floor, thus not only avoiding labor, but keeping the grain
from the dirt on the floor. In addition to this, these Fans, possess
greater advantages than those constructed upon the old plan. —
These advantages are as follows :

First. The arrangement is such, that a quick shake can be ob-
tained bv turning slowly, thus securing when desired, a less quan-
tity of for small seeds.

Second. When necessary a slow shake can be secured, by rapid
turning. This is of immense advantage, as it adapts the fan, to
the cleaning of ail kinds of seeds.

Third, Anew method of adjusting the riddles and screws. This
gives the operator the advantage of placing them m any position
bes; adapted to accomplish the purposes of a grain Fan. Every
riddle and screen has a separate adjustment, so that each one can
be fixed at any angle ^vithout the necessity of taking them out.

Fourth, The grain, instead of falling on the floor, as is usually
the case, is discharged, by means of a small trough, into the half
bushel, or other measure that may be placed under it. By this ar-
rangement the grain is all measured, by the time it is cleaned,
thus saving not only labor, but time, and consequently expense, as
well as keeping the grain from contact with the dust and diit on
floor. For this reason; the fan, can be put in operation anywhere,
with as little trouble as the common fans can be used in a barn
floor.

Fifth, The simplicity of their constructions renders them less
liable to get out of repair than other mills.

For the above reasons, we confidently recommend our Fans to
public patronage. Privileges to manufacture will be granted on
reasonable terms. Satisfactory inf"rmation can be promptly had
bv addressinff poitpaid, the subscriber at Norristown, Montgome-
ry CO., Pa. JESSE ROBERTS.

Norristown, December, 1, 1851. 9-tf

Seed and Agricultural Warehouse.

No. 29. Market Street, Phila-

WHERE the subscriber has ooened an extensive assortment of
GRASS AND GARDEN SEEDS, of his own raising, OT recent impor-
tation, and warranted to be as represented.

He IS, also, manufacturing all the most approved Agricultural
Implements, among which he would call the attention of Farmers
to a new article of Plow, of his own invention, called Cast-Steel,
Extending Point, Self-Sharpening, Surface and Subsoil Plows,
which for durability and easy of draft is yet unequalled.

The great advantages these Plows possess over all others, are
their peculiar construction and the substitution of Cast-Steel inthe
place of Cast-Iron, which only wants to be seen to be appreciated;
all of which will be sold on the most reasonable prices by

May, 1831. C.B.ROGERS.

1852.]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

379

FRUIT & ORNAMENTAL TREES, &C.

The subscribers solicit the attention of Nurserymen, OrcLard iats
and Amateurs, to their present large ami fine stuck of Nursery Ar-
ticlea :

Standard Fefit Trees, for Orchards; thrifty, well grown, and
handsome, of all the licst varieties.

Dwarf Trees, f.>r Gardens. The largest stock in the country,
and the moat complete.

Dwarf Pear Tkek«. Our collection consists of well known
leading varieties, and immbers more than 150,000 saleable trees —
The superiority of these, being grown in the country, over import-
ed trees is well known to every intelligent cultivator. Nothing,
in fact, in this country, can equal our collection of Pear Trees, —
They can be had frotii one to four years growth, some of which
are now covered with fruit.
^DwARF ArpLE Trees. We cultivate in large quantities the
best and handsomest varieties of apples on Doucam and Paradise
stceks for Dwarfs and Pyramids, and can furnish them in large
quantities, from one to two years growth.

Dwarf Cherry Trees. All the leading varieties are cultivated
on Mahaleb stocks, extensively. We can furnish by the hundred
and thousand, from one to two years growth.

Cherry Ctjrraxt, the largest variety known. Upwards of 1,000
plants on hand.

English Goosebekries. all the best sorts.

Large Fruited Monthly Raspbrrry, that gives a crop of fine
fruit m the autumn.

Strawberries, all the best sorts.

Ornamental Shade Trees, of good size, for streets, parks, &c.,
hirge and well grown.

Choice Trees and Shrubs, for lawns and pleasure grounds, in-
cluding all the finest, ne^v and are articles recently introduced

Hardy E\'ERgreen Trees. Norway Spruce and Balsam Fir, of
small size, in large quantities; and a moderate supply of large
ojiea, besides nearly fifty new and "^are Evergreens, including Deo-
dar Cedar, Cedar of Lebanon, Chili Pine, Cryptumeria or Japan
Cedar, Hima ayan Spruce, &c , &c.

Roses, Peonies, a large and complete collection, including the
finest varieties.

Phloxes. A collection of upwards of sixty varieties, including
thirty new varieties imported last spring.

Dahlias. Upwards of 100 select varieties, including the finest
En-jrlish prize flowers of 1849 and 1850

The following Catalogues, giving full infcrmation as regards
terms, prices, &c-.. will be sent gratis to all who apply by postpaid
letters or at the office.

1st, a General Descriptive Catalogue.
^ 2d, a Wholesale Catalogue.

3d. a Catalogue of Select Green House Plants.

4th, a Special Catalogue of Dahlias and Bedding Plants, for 1351.
ELLWANGER *t BARRY,
Mount Hope and Garden & Nurseries,

Sept. 1851. Rochester, N. Y.

THE MODEL ARCHITECT,
A series of orirfinal designs for Cottages j Villas, Su

burhan Residences, Country Churches, School-
ffouse%, d'p., (fv., hi/ Samuel Shan, Arc't.

The above work is designed to meet the wishes not only of those
directly interested in building, but of all those who desire the ad-
vancement of this noble art in our country, and wish to cultivate
their taste and acquaintance with architecture. The handsome
manner in which it is prepared and embellished, renders it a taste-
ful ornament f'^r the drawing room, while itsaccuratedelineatujiis
give It the highest practical value.

The projector will find in it ev^ry variety of style and design,
accompanied, as mentioned below, by all minutia necessary tocon-
Blruction. By its aid he may build without danger of making those
(udicrous and expensive tnititiikes which so often occur

The work, in two volumes of twelve numbers each, to be issued
monthly, until complete. Each number contains four Lithograph
FlnKravings of original designs, var\ ing in cost oC erection from
©600 to SI4,000. There are also four sheets of details accom-
I>Hnying the designs, comprising ground plans, «Sce., Sec. Besides
this, each number contains eight pages o( letter-press, descrijitive
of the designs, giving extended accounts of the various styles
adopted, essays on warming, ventilation, &c , Ac, elaborate spe-
cifications, estimates, tables, and in sliort every tiling desirable,
either for construction or for general infonnatioii, in beautiful type;
the whole being executed on the very fiin:st paper, mauufactured
expressly for the work. Price 50 CENTS A NU.MBER.

Address, post-paid, E S. JONES & Co,, Publishers,

S. W. cor. 4th and Race sts , Phila., Pa.

Persons forwarding a list of five subscribers accompanied with
the cash, shall receive a sixth copy gratis. sept-ly

" FINE STRAWBERRY PLANTS.

Strawhrrrv Plants of several varit-ties and fine quality can be
had by the hundred or thousand at the low price of SI per hundred,
by addreBsiug with amount enclused,

JAMES O'CONNOR,
Safe Harbur, Loucaster co., Pa
Alt orders will receive prompt attcLtiou. {.^^S^ ^^^-

MONTGOMERY'S

unrivalled improved rockaway
screener.

This celebrated FAN has been tliorougli'y tested and found to
excel all others now in use forcleaning the liiirereiil knidsiifgraln.

This improvement hv Montgomery & Brother. euMsuts in a dou-
ble shoe— the larger shoe— A as commonly attached to winnowing
machines, having grooves into which the screens, sieves or sieve
boards are slid and rest. , • , .. r „ „

B. The curved apron upon which the gram falls after passing
through a hopper above. , . , ., ,

C rhe door which is made to extend across the curved apron
B and opening back on hinges towards the front end of shoe A,
rests flat upon the front part of the apron B. Ihe gram puEses
aloii^ the curved apron B and through the aperture of tne door C
and falls upon the 'screen D underneath. The apr.m is carried
over the screen D on to the screen underneath, whilst the screen-
ings pass through the screen D into tne shoe G underneatn, and are
ea°rried alon" the bottom ot the shoe G to the cenlle, wherea spout
H receives the screenings and carries them down behind into a
bo.x below the Inittoniof the shoe A. The gram is carried bact ou
to the grain board underneath perfectly screened. , ,„ „ , ^,„ ,

The persons who have already used these GRAIN FANS have
not onlv spoken m flattering terras ..1 them, but prefer them to all
others ihev have used— and very many ol the best Agriculturists
have "iven their certificates that the fact of these machines screeli-
in» th^e grain twice by one and the same operation is Ihe very im-
provement they have long desired Our farmers will now have
the most perfect winnowing machine, winch sircads the gram
over the upper screen more perfectly than any "thers now in use.
This improvement is so valuable as to have induced the inventors
and manufacturers to make applicntion f,ir Letters Patent.

All orders for the machines will be promptly attended to by the
undersigned. J- MO.MTGOMERY & BROTHER,

Sept. 1851.

Lancaster city, Pa

THE FRUIT-GROWER'S HAND-BOOK.

Encouraged by the verv warm commendntions of tins work, re-
ceived alike from (zp'rie'nccd Horticulturists and Irom the wholly
inexperienced, the author ventures with some confidence to sub-
mit it to the public at large. , , ,..

Notes of all Ihe important questions on fruit culture asked of the
writer during the last ten years, with a tliorough research of I'lv
inolonical works, have contributed to render this volume as coin-
plete'as possible, in convenient compass.

rs^ Irice FIFTY CENTS. Two copies, post iree. frr $1 .

'^ ' Address. WM.Ci WARING.

sept 1851.

Address,

Boalsburg, Centre co., Pa-

DOUBLE-ACTING, LIFT AND FORCE PUMPS

The Bubseriher munufactures Double-acting Lift and Force
Pumps, of all sizes, for «r . o

Fact'iries Mines. Railway Water StatloilB,

Breweries, Steamboats, Steamships,

Tan Works, i'hips. Water Boats,

fliitliouids Fanillv rnrposes, Ac

"'"''"' VILLAGE AND FACTORY FIRE EXGIN'ES.
Garden En^'ines, Cistern Pumps. Well Pumps, for any depth re-
quired, Hons Couplings, Copper Rivetted Hose of all sizes. Orna-
mental aeCast-iron Fountains, &r.

Purchasers are respectlnly invited to call.

Auv comiuunications by mail «ill have immediate attention.
G B FAENAM,34 Cliir St., uearFulton, N.Y

380

ADVERTISEMENTS.

[March,

FARMERS PROTECT YOUR HOUSES & BARNS.

So many aocidentshave happened from lightning (luring the past
Snmmer, that every prudent and careful farmer should at once
allopt such means as will lie most effectual in preventing them —
When it is reraemhered that certain safety njay be secured at a
very trifling expense, it becomes the duty of every farmer and
giKjd citizen to avail himself the proffered means. By so doing,
he not only secures his property from fire by lightning, but pro-
tects also his family and tho le around him. These are important
(XMisiderations and should have great weight. Those who desire a
a Li^htniii" Rod, pronounced by the first Scientific men in our
coui'try the very best in use, will End it on application to THOb^
ARMITAGE.at his Magntlic Light.nng Rod Factory, Vine Streetl
3 doors above ISth, Philadelphia. These Rods are finished with a ,
the improvements at nearly the same piices as the old kind. (tl.

PAGE'S CIRCULAR SAW MILLS.

GEORGE PAGE & CO.

Shroeder street, between Baltimore and Fayette sts.,

Baltimore,
Manufacture to order. Page's tdArattd Pctable Patent Cimda
Saw Mills, with horse or steam powers, ot several sizes. Ihey
also manufacture Sawing ar.d Planing Machines for railroad work.
Thrashing Machines, GRIST MILLS for farm purposes Corn aud
O.b CrusFiers, Tenoning Machines, SKED AND CORN PLANT-
ERS LMPROVEDHOR-E POWERS, CORN SHELLERS,'Au-
gers for boring wells, augers for boring fence posts, water wheels,
f(*cing pumps, Sec.

They respectfully solicit a share of public patronage, and would
be permitted to remark, that their CircularSaw iMiU can do more
work— aye, twice as much work as any other mill with the same
amount of power, and do it better. (sept-9

PHILADELPHIA & LIVERPOOL LINE OF
PACKETS-'l'o sail from I'luladulplun on the 13ih,
suid from Liverpool on the Isi of each monih.

I'rom Phila. From Liverpool

f April

'Aug.

<Dec,

C May,

<^ept-

I .Ian.

( June

<nct.

(Feb.

(July

^Nov.

15th
15th
15th
15ih
15ih
15th
15th
15th
15lh
l^ith
15ih

MarohlDih

Jun
Oct.
Feb.
July
Nov.
Mar.
Aug
Dec.
April 1st
Sept. Isi
Jan. 1st
May 1st

Ship SHENANDOAH
Capt. W. P. Gardiner.

New ship Westmoreland
Capt. P. A. Decan,

Kew sh'p Shackhaxo.v,
Capt. W. H West.

Ship MARY PLEASANTS,
Capt. R. R. Decan,

The above first class ships are liuilt of the best materi-
als, and commanded by experienced navigators. Due re-
gard has been paid to select models for speed wiih coni-
tort for passengers. They will sail punctually on the days
advertised, taking advantage of the steam tow boats on
the Del.iware. , • r ■ ,

Persons wishing to engage passage torlheir friends, can

obtain certificates, which will be good for twelve months.

Passage to Liverpool in the cabin, $P0

" " Forward cabin, 20

" " Steerage, 12

Passage from Liverpool in the cabin, 100

"■ " Forward cabin, 25

" " Steerage, 20

Tliose who wish to remit money, can be accommodated

with drafts for £1 sterling and upwar'ls, at sight, wiihout

discount. Apply to GEO. McHK.N RY cfe CO.

June 1, 185L 37 Walnut sireet.

NURSERYMAN &, S E E D G RO W E R,

HAS alwav.s on hand at his Rfed Siore. 97, Chesnul
street, Philadelphia, a large stock of Seeds of his own
growth, rt very important item to pKrV/ia^trx, as he is a practical grow-
er.and lias been engaged in his profession over 30 years. His nurse-
ry ground is amply stocked with Frtiit.Shade and Ornamental Trees,
accurately named and properly cultivated. Every article sold at
tlie lowest rates, and warranted to be as represented.

Seed Store, 07 Chesnut Street, Philadelphia. Nurseries and Seed
Karm.'Barby Road, two mi'cs below Gray's Ferry.

June 1, 1851. R- BUIST.

HEMSV l.TKIPI.ER,

(Successor to Joseph P. H. Coatcs.)
Dealer in Grass and C;ardeiiss»ids.

No. 49, Market Street, Philadelphia.

JOURNAL OF THE FRANKLIN INSTITUTE,

of the Slate of Pennsylvania, for the promotion of tin
Mechanic Arts.

THE oldest Mechanical Periodical extant in America, is published
on the first of each month in the City of Philadelphia. It has
been regularly issued for upwards of twenty-five years, and la
carefully edited by a committee of scientific gentlemen appointed
for the purpose, by the Franklin Institute.

The deservedly high reputation, both at home and abroad, which
this Journal has acquired and sustained, has given it a circulatioa
and exchange list tif the best character, which enables the Com-
mittee on Publications to make the best selections from P^ireiga
Journals, and to give circulation to original communications on
mechanical and scientific subjects, and notices of new inventions ;
notices of all the Patents issued at the Patent Office, Washington
City, are published in the Journal, t' getherwith a large amount of
information on Mechanics, Chemistry, and Civil Engineering, de-
rived from the latest and best authorities.

This Journal is published on the first of each month, each num-
ber containing at least seventy-two pages, and forms tvo volumes
annually of about 432 pages each, illustrated with engravings on
copper and on wood of those subjects which require them.

The subscription price is Five Dollars per aiinnm, payable on
the completion of the sixth number; and it will be forwarded free
of postage when five dollars are remitted to the Actuary (postag*
paid) in advance for one year's subscription.

Cominuiilcations and letters on business must be directed to " ih«
Actuary of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,*'
the postage pa d. WM. HAMILTON,

August 1, I3j1. Actuary, F. I.

TO FARMERS, PLANTERS,

MARKET GARDENERS & OTHERS. PREPARED OR ARTIFICIAL

GUANO— Mamifadured onhj hy KENTISH dc CO.

Dqjof No. 40, Pick Slij}, New Yorlc.

THIS manure is so combined, that the Ammonia and other fer-
tilizing gases are absorbed, fixed, and are given out to vege-
tation only as it requires them. No rot, mildew, wnrm, tly or
other insect can approach it: an important consideration to farmers
generally, but paiticularly in potato planting It will be admirably
adapted to the rentivation, restoration and fertilizing of such lands
as have been worn out.

It may be used broadcast, after the ground is ploughed, and then
harrowed in with the seed. It is also valuable as a top dressing,
rrix acres per day can be thus manured in a day by one man.

It may be used with the greatest advantage on Corn, Potatoes,
Wheat, Tobacco, Garden Vegetables, Rye, Oats, Green Housa
Plants, Flowers, Vines, Wall Fruit, &c ,and more than a thousand
certificates from the most celebrated Farmers and Gardeners, can
be shown, all testifying in the highest terms to its great value as a
fertilizer. A pamphlet containing these certificates can be had,
by applying to the manufacturers. The price is okly one cent
PEB POUND. It is put up in bbls. averaging 235 lbs., or in casks,
from 1000. to 1400 Ihs.

TERMS, Cash, or approved credit on delivery. Persons wish-
ing to buy the article to sell again will be allowed a liberal com-
mission. Address KENTISH &,VO.

Aug. I, 1S5I. No. 40, Peck Slip, New York.

AGENCY

for the purchase and sale of improved breed of
Animals.

STOCK Cattle of all the different breeds, sheep, swine, poultry,
&c., purchased to order, and carefully shipped to any part of
the United States, for which a moderate Cdnnnission will b«
charged. The following are now on the list, and for sale, viz:
Thorough bred Short Horns and Grade Cattle,
do do Aiderney do do

do do Ayrshire do do

do do Devoiis do do

do do Smith Down Sheep,
do do Oxfordshire do
do do Leicester do
Swine and Poultry of different breeda. All letera post paid wiM
be promptly attended to Address AARON CLEMENT,

August I, 1851. Cedar st , above 9tli. Phita.

GUANO AND PLASTER.

T'HE subscribers offer for sale at the lowest market rates,
lOno Tons Dry Patagonia Guano,
500 " Government Peruvian Guano.
500 bbls. Ground Plaster.
The quality of the above is unsurpassed, and can be recommend-
ed with confidence to farmers and others in want of the articles.
A liberal deduction made to Country Merchants.

ALLEN fc NEEDLES.
No.a3&23,S. Wharves, First Store above Chee. st., Phiki.
July 1, .74ni-

BERKSHIRE PIGS and South Down Sheep of Pure Blood, Itr
sale by JAS. THORNTON, Jr ,

July l-6ai. Byberry, Philadelphia Co.

■.(trti 4 J0««

s
I

V.I

v^)'

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Pennsylvania farm journal"

See other formats